cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New methodologies for valuing derivatives

High-dimensional integrals are usually solved with Monte Carlo algorithms although theory suggests that low discrepancy algorithms are sometimes superior. We report on numerical testing which compares low discrepancy and Monte Carlo algorithms on the evaluation of financial derivatives. The testing is performed on a Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO) which is formulated as the computation of ten integrals of dimension up to 360. We tested two low discrepancy algorithms (Sobol and Halton) and two randomized algorithms (classical Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo combined with antithetic variables). We conclude that for this CMO the Sobol algorithm is always superior to the other algorithms. We believe that it will be advantageous to use the Sobol algorithm for many other types of financial derivatives. Our conclusion regarding the superiority of the Sobol algorithm also holds when a rather small number of sample points are used, an important case in practice. We have built a software system called FINDER for computing high dimensional integrals. FINDER runs on a heterogeneous network of workstations under PVM 3.2 (Parallel Virtual Machine). Since workstations are ubiquitous, this is a cost-effective way to do large computations fast. Of course, FINDER can also be used to compute high dimensional integrals on a single workstation. A routine for generating Sobol points may be found, for example, in "Numerical Recipes in C", Second Edition, by Press et al. However, we incorporated major improvements in FINDER and we stress that the results reported in this paper were obtained using FINDER. One of the improvements was developing the table of primitive polynomials and initial direction numbers for dimensions up to 360.
Quantitative Profiling of Lysine Acetylation Reveals Dynamic Crosstalk between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Lysine Acetylation

Lysine acetylation has been primarily investigated in the context of transcriptional regulation, but a role for acetylation in mediating other cellular responses has emerged. Multiple studies have described global lysine acetylation profiles for particular biological states, but none to date have investigated the temporal dynamics regulating cellular response to perturbation. Reasoning that lysine acetylation may be altered in response to growth factors, we implemented quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate the temporal dynamics of lysine acetylation in response to growth factor stimulation in cultured carcinoma cell lines. We found that lysine acetylation changed rapidly in response to activation of several different receptor tyrosine kinases by their respective ligands. To uncover the effects of lysine acetylation dynamics on tyrosine phosphorylation signaling networks, cells were treated with an HDAC inhibitor. This short-term pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylase activity modulated signaling networks involving phosphorylated tyrosine and thereby altered the response to receptor tyrosine kinase activation. This result highlights the interconnectivity of lysine acetylation and tyrosine phosphorylation signaling networks and suggests that HDAC inhibition may influence cellular responses by affecting both types of post-translational modifications.
REFINEMENT OF THE ${\rm{Si}}(111) \mbox{-} (\surd{3} \times \surd{3}){\rm{R30}}^\circ - {\rm{Ag}}$ STRUCTURE BY LOW-ENERGY ELECTRON DIFFRACTION

We have reinvestigated the bond geometry of the surface by means of low-energy electron diffraction using a much larger experimental data set than that previously used. The surface consists of a lattice of Ag atoms which replaces the topmost Si atoms, and forces the remaining Si atoms to form trimers. The Ag-Ag bond length turned out to be 3.47±0.12 A. The Ag atoms are laterally displaced from the bulk positions of the Si atoms which they have replaced by 0.53 A resulting in a Ag-Si bond length of 2.36±0.17 A. The missing top Si layer and the formation of Si trimers lead to strong distortions in deeper Si layers, most notably a buckling in the third and fourth Si layer with a magnitude of about 0.35 A and 0.2 A, respectively. Applying the concept of ‘split positions’, the low Debye temperature of Ag has been interpreted as being caused by strong in-plane (either static or dynamic) movements of the Ag atoms perpendicular to the Ag-Si bonding.
Corneal thickness measurements and visual function abnormalities in ocular hypertensive patients

Abstract Purpose It has been suggested that a considerable subset of patients currently classified as having ocular hypertension may have thicker than average corneas that result in an overestimation of the true intraocular pressure (IOP). As a consequence, ocular hypertension patients with greater corneal thickness may be at a lower risk for functional damage, such as that detected by short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of SWAP deficits in ocular hypertension patients and to correlate these findings with corneal thickness measurements in the same patients. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Methods Sixty-eight ocular hypertension patients with normal optic disks and 63 normal subjects were included in the study. All participants underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP), SWAP, and central corneal thickness measurements using ultrasound pachymeter. Central corneal thickness measurements in ocular hypertension patients with abnormal visual field test results were compared with central corneal thickness measurements in ocular hypertension patients with normal visual field results. In addition, central corneal thickness measurements in ocular hypertension patients were compared with central corneal thickness measurements in normal subjects. Results Sixteen of 68 patients with ocular hypertension (24%) demonstrated SWAP abnormalities, whereas four of 68 (6%) showed a deficit on SAP. The mean central corneal thickness in ocular hypertension patients with abnormal SWAP results was significantly lower than the mean central corneal thickness in ocular hypertension patients with normal SWAP results (545 ± 25 μm vs 572 ± 35 μm; P = .006). The mean central corneal thickness in the normal group was 557 ± 33 μm. The mean central corneal thickness in ocular hypertension patients with normal SWAP results was significantly higher than in normal subjects ( P = .02). There was no significant difference between mean central corneal thickness in normal subjects and in ocular hypertension patients with abnormal SWAP results ( P = .19). Conclusions The patients classified as having ocular hypertension but with visual field loss detected by SWAP had significantly lower central corneal thickness measurements than the ocular hypertension patients with normal visual field results. These results suggest that central corneal thickness should be taken into account when assessing risk for the development of glaucomatous damage among ocular hypertension patients.
Minimum rate of entropy production variational formulation and preferred mode of motion in thermal instability

Abstract This paper recasts the complete variational formulation of the linear thermal instability as a particular case of the thermodynamic principle of minimum rate of entropy production. This principle causes the various solutions which correspond to the same Rayleigh Number to become distinguishable, and prefers one of them. The treated examples are the infinite horizontal layer; the finite horizontal layer; the supercritical Rayleigh Number case; the determination of the flow direction. The hypothesis of maximum heat flux is shown to be derivable from this principle. Finally the principle is shown to be representable by the Knops-Wilkes functional, and to result from the Movchan-Liapunov general theorems on stability, i.e. to also have a purely mathematical basis.
The occurrence and significance of Cladocera (Crustacea) in some streams of Central Indiana, U.S.A.

Although Cladocera are collected often in large rivers, their importance in streams has been under-estimated. This paper summarizes the results of a preliminary study of the benthic Cladocera in the streams of three watersheds in South Central Indiana. Seventeen sites were sampled with respect to species of benthic Cladocera present, their relative abundance, population size, and population dynamics. Cladocera were present in all streams and sites in the three watersheds. Nineteen species were collected: 13 species from the family Chydoridae, 3 Daphniidae, 2 Macrothricidae, and 1 Bosminidae. Just four species — Alona circumfimbriata, Chydorus brevilabris, Pleuroxus denticulatus, and Macrothrix laticornis — made up 68–96% of the numbers at all sites. Density of Cladocera ranged from 3–5200 m−2 and they reproduced and maintained populations in the streams sampled. Numbers were generally high in October and early November and decreased to near zero in late December and January. The most important factor appearing to affect population sizes was discharge. Numbers at almost all sites decreased significantly after a rainfall increased discharge. A Principal Components and clustering analysis grouped sites with similar physical parameters in a continuum of low to high order. Sites with low numbers of Cladocera were generally shallow, narrow, and had a loose unconsolidated substrate. Sites with high population numbers were generally deep, wide, and had a stable substrate that accumulated detritus.
The effects of extensive forebrain lesions on visual discriminative performance in turtles (Chrysemys picta picta)

Abstract Though anatomical research has demonstrated major ascending telencephalically directed visual channels in reptiles, little behavioral research has examined reptilian forebrain visual functions. The present study reports the effects of extensive forebrain lesions, involving either severe destruction of dorsal thalamus or disruption of the fibers of the lateral forebrain bundle (by lesions of the basolateral telencephalon), upon visual discriminative performance in the turtle. Such lesions, which extensively damage the ascending visual pathways, rendered turtles incapable of relearning preoperatively acquired visual discriminative problems. The magnitude of the visual impairments observed following such forebrain lesions suggest a major role on the part of the forebrain in visual processing in reptiles.
Pretreatment and heavy metal LD50 values.

Abstract LD50 values, with and without pretreatment with the same ion, have been determined in mice for intraperitoneal injection of salts of the ions Cd2+, Hg2+, Ag+, Tl+, Pd2+, Au+, Pt2+, Cu2+, Sn2+, Pt4+, and Zn2+. In the case of Cd2+ the previously reported increase in LD50 values subsequent to pretreatment was confirmed. A statistically significant increase in LD50 values for Hg2+ Ag+, Au+, Cu2+, and Sn2+ subsequent to pretreatment was also observed.
Bifidus factor. I. A variant of Lactobacillus bifidus requiring a special growth factor

Human milk contains an essential growth factor for a variant of Lactobacillus bifidus. In contrast cow's milk exhibits only very low activity for this variant. The variant has been named L. bifidus var. Penn. The bifidus factor in human milk is not destroyed or altered in its activity by autoclaving. The ash is inactive. A large number of organic compounds, including microbiological growth factors, yeast extract, and vitamins not represented in the original medium, as well as carbohydrates and several vegetable extracts, have been tested for growth-promoting activity and have been found ineffective. Very slight activity was exhibited by liver compounds. Morphologically, L. bifidus var. Penn is identical with regular strains of L. bifidus. Serologically, it differs from the regular strains tested. It tends to mutate and then loses its requirements for human milk. Attempts to adapt a regular strain of L. bifidus to human milk were unsuccessful. L. bifidus var. Penn may become mucoid without loss of its dependence on human milk. For L. bifidus var. Penn maltose cannot replace lactose as source of carbohydrate. Except in its requirement for lactose and for the special growth factor, differences in the metabolic pattern of L. bifidus var. Penn from the regular bifid strains have not been found.
A profile identification system for surface mount printed circuit board assembly

Reflow soldering using InfraRed (IR) and/or convection is a popular method used to attach surface mount components to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The quality of the solder joints produced by reflow soldering is a function of the temperature parameters set for the operation. Identifying the appropriate thermal profile for an IR radiation/convection oven for a specific PCB assembly is a complex problem in which several variables and control parameters need to be considered. The complete understanding of the interrelationships among the various domain parameters is required to obtain high yields for the processes requiring heating (reflow soldering and/or curing) in the PCB assembly process. A knowledge based approach was used to design and implement a profile identification decision support system for the surface mount PCB assembly domain. This system can help a process engineer determine the thermal profile for reflow soldering and/or for the curing of adhesive and/or conformal coats.
The effect of large vacancy concentration on intrinsic and interdiffusion coefficients: A first-principle study of B2-NiAl

Abstract Most treatments of interdiffusion in metallic alloys implicitly or explicitly rely on the assumption of a dilute vacancy concentration. Important intermetallic compounds such as B2-NiAl, however, are characterized by large vacancy concentrations. Here we investigate how large vacancy concentrations affect intrinsic and interdiffusion coefficients. We use B2-NiAl as an example and calculate all parameters that enter into a phenomenological description of interdiffusion from first principles, including thermodynamic factors, the effect of a concentration dependent volume, intrinsic diffusion and interdiffusion coefficients. We find that in Al-rich alloys, characterized by high vacancy concentrations, the thermodynamic factor of Al is larger than that of Ni by several orders of magnitude, while in Ni-rich alloys, where the vacancy concentration is very low, they are identical. Similarly, the effects of changing cell volume on intrinsic diffusion coefficients are very different for Al and Ni for the alloy compositions in which the vacancy concentration is high. Comparison of calculated interdiffusion coefficients with experimentally measured values show acceptable agreement in Ni-rich alloys but poor agreement in Al-rich alloys.
Barriers and Treatment Preferences Reported by Worried Drinkers of Various Sexual Orientations

This web-based study evaluated treatment preferences and perceived barriers to seeking treatment reported by heterosexual and lesbian/gay/bisexual worried drinkers. The sample (N = 218: 71% female, 72% heterosexual) was ethnically diverse. Potential barriers to treatment seeking that were endorsed included problem minimization, lack of motivation, stigma, and having negative thoughts about treatment. Treatment preferences included professional outpatient treatment, self-help group, computer-assisted treatment, and self-help book. The majority did not have a preference for therapist by gender or sexual orientation. Clinical implications of findings are discussed in terms minimizing the impact of barriers to improve service utilization.
The Effects of Perceived Daily Social and Academic Failure Experiences on School‐Age Children's Subsequent Interactions with Parents

The hypothesis that perceived failure experiences at school would increase the likelihood of aversive parent-child interactions after school was supported in a study of 167 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Children completed measures of mood, school events, and parent-child interaction 3 times each day for 2 consecutive days. Reports of social and academic failure experiences at school (e.g., peer problems and difficulty with schoolwork) were associated with increases in child self-reports of demanding and aversive behavior toward parents that evening. There was no evidence of the reverse effect; aversive child behavior did not predict an increase in reports of negative events the next day. When children rated more academic failure events at school, they also described their parents as more disapproving and punishing after school. However, this effect was only partially mediated by increases in the child's aversive behavior. It is argued that the findings cannot be explained solely by a response bias caused by the child's general mood or frame of mind that day. First, school-to-home mood spillover effects were controlled in the analyses. Second, reports of problems at school were not associated with other aspects of parent-child interaction (e.g., the parent's positive behavioral and emotional involvement with the child). In addition to its substantive findings, the study illustrates use of an unbiased method for assessing child responses to daily stressors.
A Multivariate Model for Explaining Gender Differences in Career and Achievement Motivation

This article reviews findings from several studies investigating a model for explaining gender differences in career and achievement motivation. Findings suggest that the strength of this motivation for women is not unlike that for men. However, the pattern and type of factor influencing motivation for men and women differs significantly. The effect of parent and teacher support on motivation is stronger for women than for men.
Applying Sustainable Systems Development Approach to Educational Technology Systems

Information technology (IT) is an essential part of modern education. The roles and contributions of technology to education have been thoroughly documented in academic and professional literature. Despite the benefits, the use of educational technology systems (ETS) also creates a significant impact on the environment, primarily due to energy consumption and generation of solid wastes. In addition, poor environmental awareness and lack of management further worsen the problem. This article applies the sustainable systems development framework to ETS. The framework includes six phases: sustainable planning, sustainable analysis, sustainable design, sustainable implementation, sustainable maintenance, and sustainable disposal. Examples of possible actions in each phase of the framework are proposed and discussed, based on the unique circumstances in educational settings.
Experimental metrics for identifying origins of combustion variability during spark-assisted compression ignition

AbstractSpark-assisted compression ignition, SACI, can be used to control the combustion phasing of compression-ignition gasoline engines. However, implementation of this technique can be confounded by cyclic variability. The purpose of this paper is to define experimental metrics that describe the SACI process and to demonstrate the use of these metrics for identifying the source(s) of cyclic variability during the SACI process.This study focused on a light load condition (7 mg/cycle, 200 kPa i.m.e.p.), where spray-guided direct fuel injection with spark ignition and an exhaust-rebreathing strategy was employed to achieve flame propagation, which led to compression ignition. This study employed a combination of measurements including pressure-based heat-release analysis, spark-discharge voltage/current measurements, and cycle-resolved combustion imaging. Based on these measurements, four distinct combustion periods were identified; namely, the spark discharge, the early kernel growth (EKG), flame propaga...
Minimum two-year outcomes of modular bicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the results of modular unlinked bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BiKA) for medial (or lateral) and patellofemoral arthritis. Twenty-nine modular BiKAs were followed prospectively, for a mean of 31months (range, 24–46months). Outcome measures included Knee Society Knee and Function Scores, KOOS, SF-12, and WOMAC, as well as radiographic assessments and implant survivorship. Two tail paired Student's t test was used to determine statistical differences between preoperative and postoperative scores. Mean range of motion (ROM) improved from 122° to 133° ( P
Sleep apnoea in endocrine diseases

The pertinent literature on the prevalence, clinical manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms of sleep apnoea (SA) in endocrine diseases, namely acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus was reviewed. An increased prevalence is well documented in patients with active and treated acromegaly. While most authors report peripheral obstruction, due to hypertrophy of tongue and pharyngeal tissues, to be the cause of SA in acromegaly, some findings argue for a role of hormone-induced changes of central respiratory control. SA is also more common in hypothyroidism, especially when myxedema is present. The associated edema and myopathy appear to be of pathogenic importance. Thyroxin substitution is frequently effective for the treatment of SA but nCPAP can be necessary initially and in some patients even after remission of clinical signs of hypothyroidism. In Cushing disease and syndrome, parapharyngeal fat accumulation can cause SA, but no epidemiological information is available. In non insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), obesity is the common risk factor for both, nocturnal hypoxia and insulin resistance. In IDDM, the development of autonomic neuropathy may predispose to SA. Where treatment of the underlying endocrine disease is unable cure the associated SA, nCPAP is usually the treatment of first choice. More prospective studies are clearly needed to establish prevalences and resolve the controversies regarding pathogenesis.
Effects of coordinating metal ions on the mediated inhibition of trypsin by bis(benzimidazoles) and related compounds.

The presence of the Zn2+ ion dramatically enhances the inhibition of trypsin and tryptase by amidine-modified benzimidazole inhibitors via coordination to both the catalytically active Ser195 hydroxyl and His57 imidazole residues of the enzyme and the nitrogens of the amidine-modified benzimidazole inhibitor (Janc, J. W.; Clark, J. M.; Warne, R. L.; Elrod, K. C.; Katz, B. A.; Moore, W. R. Biochemistry 2000, 39, 4792−4800). Some new 5-amidino-2-substituted benzimidazoles were synthesized and compared to known related molecules to explore systematically the metal-mediated inhibition of bovine trypsin as a function of coordinating groups and metal ions. These compounds take advantage of the favorable interaction between the amidine group on one side of the inhibitor and the Asp189 carboxylate in the binding pocket of the enzyme. The 5-amidino-2-substituted benzimidazoles all demonstrated similar inhibition constants (Ki) of 20−50 μM in the absence of metal ions. In the presence of Zn2+, inhibition increased ...
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of an occluded distal splenorenal shunt.

— A distal splenorenal (Warren) shunt was performed on a 39-year-old female with bleeding esophageal varices secondary to portal hypertension and cirrhosis. On the twelfth postoperative day, however, she rebled, and angiography revealed that the shunt was occluded. Using a percutaneous approach, successful balloon angioplasty and recanalization was performed. The patient did well and was discharged without further bleeding. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) appears to be effective in dilating occluded splenorenal shunts, obviating a second surgical procedure in high-risk patients.
Glycogen of Mactra.

GLYCOGENS, branched chain polymers of glucose containing α-1,4-glycoside bonds in the main chains and α-1,6-glycoside bonds at the branch points, have been identified in the tissues of all animals thus far examined1. These polymers are made up of a single kind of sub-unit bonded together by a single type of bond and thus only relatively small differences in the glycogens from different species have been found. The most important difference is in the average chain-length of the molecule, which is inversely related to its degree of branching. This measurement describes quite well the main features of the glycogen molecule, and is therefore of interest to the student of comparative biochemistry. The glycogen of Mactra had not been previously characterized; and this communication describes some of the properties of the compound isolated from this pelecypod mollusc.
A substance from Heliothis virescens larvae stimulating larviposition by females of the Tachinid, Archytas marmoratus

Abstract A chemical present in faeces, haemolymph, and whole bodies of larvae of Heliothis virescens stimulates females of the tachinid Archytas marmoratus to deposit maggots in the vicinity of the host. The larvipositional stimulant is soluble in water and in 0·1 N HCl and 0·1 N acetic acid and is insoluble in apolar solvents. Considerable activity is present in 0·1 N HCl extracts of acetone powders of whole H. virescens larvae. Larvipositional activity is destroyed by alkaline solutions. The activity of acidic extracts is greater than that of aqueous extracts when extracts are stored at 2°C for several days; however, extraction of the larvipositional stimulant is not necessarily more efficient with acidic extracts because there is no difference in the activity of the residues remaining after water and acid extraction. Thus, low pH appears to retard the decomposition of the larvipositional stimulant. Gel filtration, chromatography, and membrane filtration demonstrated that the compound has a molecular weight of 30,000 ± 5000. Rapid loss of activity during incubation with a proteinase (pepsin) indicates that the chemical is a protein. Larvipositional activity is present in larvae, pupae, pharate adults, and newly emerged adults of H. virescens . Most species of noctuids tested are highly active, and some activity is present in pyralid larvae. Very little or no activity is present in larvae of the beetle, Anthonomus grandis , or in Apis mellifera .
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer: the role of cytology in pretreatment diagnosis.

Abstract Objective The objective was to determine the role of cytology in the pretreatment evaluation of women with clinical findings consistent with ovarian cancer who are being considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Pretreatment cytology slides were available for review from 60 of 72 consecutive patients treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy who were believed to have ovarian cancer based on clinical findings. Fifty of the 72 patients had evidence of both intraabdominal and extraabdominal tumor spread prior to treatment. Fifty-three of 66 patients had CA125 values >500 U/mL, 34 being >1500 U/mL. Pretreatment cytology was compared to surgical specimens obtained following chemotherapy. Results Cytologic findings were consistent with ovarian cancer in 55 patients, not consistent with ovarian cancer in 4 cases, and insufficient for diagnosis in one case. Forty-seven of the 60 patients underwent surgery. Forty-two of 43 patients with cytology consistent with ovarian cancer had epithelial ovarian cancers at surgery. One had no pathologic evidence of disease. Three of the 4 patients thought not to have cytology consistent with ovarian cancer underwent surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two had ovarian epithelial cancers and one had a mesonephric adenocarcinoma. The one patient with cytology insufficient for diagnosis also had an epithelial ovarian cancer at diagnosis. Conclusions Cytology proved to be extremely helpful in supporting the clinical impression of an apparent advanced ovarian cancer. When the cytologic diagnosis does not match the clinical impression, communication between the cytologist or pathologist and the clinician is essential.
955-55 Reproducibility of Myocardial Opacification Using FS069, a New Intravenously Administered Ultrasound Contrast Agent

In order for myocardial contrast echocardiography to become clinically useful, ultrasound contrast agents must result in reproducible opacification. We therefore studied a new agent capable of producing myocardial opacification when given intravenously. FS069, proteinaceous, gas-filled microspheres (mean size range: 3.6–5.4 micron, concentration: 6.3–9.0 x 108/m1). was administered to 10 closed-chest anesthetized dogs (20–29 kg) in doses of 0.4–0.7 ml at a rate of 0.3 ml/sec into an internal jugular or cephalic vein. Total volumes/dog were 28–54 ml. Transthoracic, parasternal short axis images were acquired using a Hewlett Packard Sonos 1500 and time-intensity curves from gated images were generated from the anterior, septal, and lateral left ventricular walls and cavity with an on-line system. The increase in mean pixel intensity compared to baseline was measured. No changes in heart rate, systemic blood pressure, or arterial blood gases attributable to FS069 were detected. Myocardial opacification in multiple segments was documented in 100% of injections. There was no significant difference in intensity change between injections although there was a difference between myocardial segments within the same injection. Intensity Change (mean ± SD) Anterior Septal Lateral Cavity Injection 1, dB 05 ± 0.6 52 ± 4.6 2.2 ± 15 16.8 ± 66 Injection 2, dB 0.5 ± 0.6 4.9 ± 4.5 2.1 ± 2.4 16.4 ± 7.0 1 vs. 2, r 0.48 0.94 ** 0.86 * 0.99 ** * l 0.01 ** l 0001 Thus, the ultrasound contrast agent FS069 results in measurable, consistent, and reproducible myocardial opacification when administered intravenously.
TRAC: A Platform for Structure-Function Studies of NSS-Proteins Integrates Information from Bioinformatics and Biomedical Literature

To enable rigorous and reliable modeling of functional mechanisms of membrane proteins, the computational modeling and simulation approaches must take advantage, to the fullest extent possible, of the wealth of data obtained experimentally. This type of information makes it possible not only to construct rigorous molecular models and quantitative representations of function, but also to test, verify and refine them continuously. Among the proteins in the cell membrane, the family of Neurotransmitter: Sodium Symporter (NSS) exhibits highly complex mechanisms that involve multiple molecular states in the substrate and ion transport cycle. Due to their high biological and medical importance, experimental data for these systems is abundant, and efficient management of information from the literature and other relevant data sources promises to be very rewarding. We have developed an information management system (IMS) for data concerning the NSS proteins to enable retrieval, structured organization, and query of information available in the literature. The IMS supports the interplay between computational approaches and experimental studies of structure, function and physiological mechanisms of the NSS, and is of special utility in the integration of data of different types and various sources, and of the mechanistic understanding emerging from separate functional studies of individual members of the family.
Endogenous benzodiazepine-like molecules in the human, rat and bovine brains studied with a monoclonal antibody to benzodiazepines

The anti-benzodiazepine monoclonal antibody 21-7F9 has been used for the identification and study of endogenous benzodiazepine-like molecules in the human, rat and bovine brains. A sandwich radioimmunoassay has been designed for the quantification of the membrane-bound endogenous benzodiazepine-like molecules. The localization of these molecules is not restricted to the brain tissue. They are also present in kidney, liver and spleen as well as in the neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 hybrid cell line. Immunoblots show benzodiazepine-like immunoreactivity in the membrane proteins of all of these tissues. The membrane-bound benzodiazepine-like molecules are resistant to limited proteolysis of the membranes. Moreover, this treatment increases the binding of the monoclonal antibody 21-7F9 to the membranes, probably by exposing sites that normally are not accessible to the antibody. Immunocytochemistry experiments show that benzodiazepine-like molecules are also present in samples of human cerebella that have been stored in paraffin since 1940, 15 years before the first chemical synthesis of benzodiazepines. The results indicate that the cerebellar benzodiazepine-like molecules recognized by the antibody are the product of biological (not chemical) synthesis. Benzodiazepine-like immunoreactivity has also been detected in NG108-15 cells that have been cultured for 3 months in serum-free medium. These results suggest that the cells could biosynthesize benzodiazepine-like molecules.
Competitive trapping effects in a set of partially absorbing traps

This note contains a formalism for calculating properties of random walks in the presence of a set of partially absorbing traps. The properties that are considered are the probability of trapping at a specific point and the survival probability as a function of step number. The results are expressed in terms of determinants, but approximations to these can be found.
The torsion group of a field defined by radicals

Abstract Let L F be a finite separable extension, L ∗ = L{0} , and T( L ∗ F ∗ ) the torsion subgroup of L ∗ F ∗ . When L F is an abelian extension T( L ∗ F ∗ ) is explicitly determined. This information is used to study the structure of T( L ∗ F ∗ ) . In particular, T( F(α) ∗ F ∗ ) when a m = a ∈ F is explicitly determined.
Perceiving asynchronous bimodal speech in consonant-vowel and vowel syllables

Abstract Subjects naturally integrate auditory and visual information in bimodal speech perception. To assess the robustness of the integration process, the relative onset time of the audible and visible sources was systematically varied. In the first experiment, bimodal syllables composed of the auditory and visible syllables /ba/ and /da/ were present at five different onset asynchronies. The second experiment replicated the same procedure but with the vowels /i/ and /u/. The results indicated that perceivers integrated the two sources of information at all asynchronies. Cluster responses (for example, /bda/ given visual /ba/ and auditory /da/) occurred primarily for the consonants but not for the vowels. In addition, cluster responses require that both the visual and the auditory information be reasonable compatible with the physical properties of a cluster articulation. For both vowels and consonant-vowel syllables, information from the auditory and visual sources is continuous, independent and combined in a three-stage process of feature evaluation, integration and decision.
SPPs coupling induced interference in metal/dielectric multilayer waveguides and its application for plasmonic lithography

We present the analyses of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) coupling induced interference in metal/dielectric (M/D) multilayer metamaterials and techniques to improve the performance of sub-wavelength plasmonic lithography. Expressions of beam spreading angles and interference patterns are derived from analyses of numerical simulations and the coupled mode theory. The new understandings provide useful guidelines and design criteria for plasmonic lithography. With proper layer structure design, sub-wavelength uniform periodic patterns with feature size of 1/12 of the mask's period can be realized. High pattern contrast of 0.8 and large field depth of 80 nm are also demonstrated numerically by considering the SPPs coupling in the photoresist. Both high contrast and large image depth are crucial for practical application of plasmonic lithography.
Stable operation of multiple power routers

With the ability to improve grid reliability and reduce overall costs, the number of FACTS devices on the transmission grid is growing. With advances in power semiconductor technology, the rate of growth is expected to increase as well. Multiple FACTS controllers installed on the same network, with each trying to control system parameters to achieve their own objectives, can introduce high-frequency interactions. This paper proposes conditions for controller design that can ensure stable operation of multiple controllers. In contrast with a coordinated controller design, the proposed approach is independent of other controllers at the controller design stage. This paper uses power routers (UPFC, SSSC, BTB etc.) and a standard PI controller for analysis, but the results can be extended to any FACTS controller.
Local Frequency As a Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator

As a seismic wave propagates, it loses energy due to spherical divergence, scattering, intrinsic absorption and reflection at interfaces where rock properties change. The amplitude and frequency responses of the reflected seismic wave are influenced by a variety of factors including: geologic structure, layer thickness, lithology, and pore fluid properties. When the seismic wave travels back to the surface, it also bring back the information related to stratigraphic features, rock property changes and hydrocarbon accumulations. Each reservoir has its own characteristic seismic frequency response because of its unique rock and fluid properties discriminating it from the surrounding environment. We utilize a spectral decomposition method to extract the characteristic frequency components from seismic data and identify low frequency anomalies. To understand the underlying physical factors of the low frequency anomaly, we build a set of wave-equation based synthetic forward modeling. The result of our analysis shows that seismic waves travel more slowly through gas zone than the background material is a main reason for seismic time series delay and low frequency anomaly in the thin layer reservoir. Our explanation has been applied in the analysis of frequency anomalies corresponding to gas-bearing sands in the Gulf of Mexico fields.
In vitro repair of the preexisting nicks and gaps in herpes simplex virus DNA.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA sediments as a homogeneous band just behind T4 DNA on neutral sucrose gradients but sediments heterogeneously on alkaline sucrose gradients. If the HSV DNA is pretreated with DNA polymerase and DNA ligase, then at least half the fragmentation seen on an alkaline sucrose gradient is prevented. Thus, it is concluded that there are preexisting nicks and gaps in HSV DNA which are repairable in vitro by enzyme treatment. To determine whether the preexisting gaps are located at unique positions or are randomly located, HSV DNA was repaired in vitro using [α- 32 P]dGTP as one substrate. Restriction enzyme analysis of the repaired HSV DNA suggests that the preexisting gaps are located at random on the genome.
Lifetime Cigarette Smoking and Colorectal Cancer Incidence in the Physicians' Health Study I

1.5 (0.9) 1.5 (0.9) 1.4 (0.9) Mean fruit servings (SD), No. per day 0.9 (0.7) 0.8 (0.7) 0.8 (0.7) Smoking history, pack-years‡
Design of energy harvesting systems for harnessing vibrational motion from human and vehicular motion

In much of the vibration-based energy harvesting literature, devices are modeled, designed, and tested for dissipating energy across a resistive load at a single base excitation frequency. This paper presents several practical scenarios germane to tracking, sensing, and wireless communication on humans and land vehicles. Measured vibrational data from these platforms are used to provide a time-varying, broadband input to the energy harvesting system. Optimal power considerations are given for several circuit topologies, including a passive rectifier circuit and active, switching methods. Under various size and mass constraints, the optimal design is presented for two scenarios: walking and idling a car. The frequency response functions are given alongside time histories of the power harvested using the experimental base accelerations recorded. The issues involved in designing an energy harvester for practical (i.e. timevarying, non-sinusoidal) applications are discussed.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases: characterization of extracellular and intracellular domains.

Abstract Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play an important role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. With over 30 PTPs identified, the specific functions of these enzymes are now being addressed. The identification of extracellular domain receptor-like PTP interactions and the characterization of intracellular PTP ‘targeting’ domains represent recent efforts in this pursuit.
Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets, glucose homeostasis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Purpose of review Obesity-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent, for which weight loss is the generally recommended clinical management. Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have been successful in promoting weight loss, but variations in the range of metabolic responses to these diets indicate that the effects of altering macronutrient content are not completely understood. This review focuses on the most recent findings that reveal the relationship between low-carbohydrate diets and NAFLD in rodent models and humans.
Experimental determination of the frequency response of a linear transfer function for arbitrary transient inputs of finite duration

IN MANY PRACTICAL situations when frequency-domain information about a process is required, the input is not sinusoidal and of a constant-frequency steady-state nature. For example, it may be necessary to obtain the frequency response of the changing linear plant in an adaptive control system at a specified time. A problem arises in that the plant is controlling some quantity and usually cannot be disturbed by measurement devices. Consequently, the measurement must be made using only input and output information of the linear plant, which is not usually sinusoidal in form. The problem then is one of obtaining frequency-domain information about the system from the given input.1
‘Aux citoyennes!’: Women, politics, and the Paris Commune of 1871

(1991). ‘Aux citoyennes!’: Women, politics, and the Paris Commune of 1871. History of European Ideas: Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 711-732.
A high throughput inductive pulse sensor for online oil debris monitoring

Abstract A high throughput inductive pulse sensor based on inductive Coulter counting principle for detecting metallic wear debris in lubrication oil is presented. The device detects the passage of metallic debris by monitoring the inductance change of a two-layer planar coil with a meso-scale fluidic pipe crossing its center, which is designed to attain high throughput without sacrificing the sensitivity. The testing results using iron and copper particles ranging in size from 50 to 150 μm have demonstrated that the device is capable of detecting and distinguishing ferrous and non-ferrous metallic debris in lubrication oil with a high throughput.
Randomized clinical trials: Alternatives to conventional randomization

Abstract The randomized allocation format remains an exceedingly powerful tool for clinical research. Because humans are the subjects in clinical research, this area of scientific study must operate within the limits dictated by such basic principles as individual autonomy, justice, and beneficence. As randomized studies have become more common in clinical research, it has become apparent that there is often need for modification of the basic randomized format or for alternatives. The most widespread modification is the use of sequential analyses to monitor the progress of a trial and ensure early identification of either unanticipated adverse effects or more pronounced differences than expected. Although this modification does not affect the basic randomized allocation format, it does provide a protection that is lacking in the conventional trial and should be utilized whenever feasible. Modifications that do affect the basic structure of the randomized trial include adaptive allocation and pre-randomization. The former is attractive and useful but limited to studies in which results from early enrollees are known before late enrollees are allocated. The greater the linkage between preceding subject results and subsequent assignments, the greater is the protection afforded by such a format. Pre-randomization, more universally applicable than adaptive allocation, suffers from pronounced cross-over potential and has been criticized on ethical grounds, a combination of weaknesses that raises questions of whether pre-randomization truly offers advantages to conventional randomized formats. True alternatives to the randomized format include the self-controlled study and the historical control design. Both possess significant ethical advantages over the simple randomized study. Unfortunately, both are at some methodological disadvantage when the same comparison is made. The self-controlled study is limited to the study of conditions sufficiently stable or recurrent that they permit two or more treatment courses in a single patient. In emergency medicine and critical care, this description fits only a small proportion of the illness spectrum. This design is underutilized in clinical research focused on less severe problems of the type seen in ambulatory and primary-care settings. Such problems can be suitable topics for research by emergency medicine specialists. Historical control studies are eminently applicable in the emergency and critical-care setting. Indeed, in such clinical venues, many of the major weaknesses of the historical control design may be mitigated because the delivery of care is more standardized and there may be less difficulty in determining the comparability of subject populations. The historical control design must be used carefully and interpreted cautiously, but it can validly be applied to the study of emergency medical problems. In all cases, the best strategy for clinical research is a strategy that has been chosen after consideration of the unique requirements and demands of the research situation.
The Effect of Meditation on Self-Reported Measures of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Perfectionism in a College Population

The effects of meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation (TM), on college students' experience of stress, anxiety, depression, and perfectionistic thoughts was investigated using 43 undergraduate students. Self-report measures of the variables were completed prior to the start of the study. Student groups were trained in TM and practiced the technique consistently over a two-semester period. Post-TM measures were administered at the end of the two semesters. The groups showed a significant decline on all variables. Suggestions for the use of meditation as an adjunct to treatment in a college population are discussed.
Optimal Dynamic Coding-Window Selection for Serving Deadline-Constrained Traffic Over Time-Varying Channels

We formulate and solve the problem of optimal channel coding and flow-rate control for serving deadline-constrained traffic with average delivery ratio requirements (typical of multimedia streaming and interactive real-time applications) over time-varying channels. To that end, we first characterize the largest set of arrival processes (rather than rates) whose deadline and delivery ratio requirements can be satisfied. Then, we propose a dynamic (channel) coding algorithm that provably satisfies the requirements of any arrival process in this region. This optimal dynamic algorithm evolves through simple iterations to utilize a combination of pricing and finite-horizon dynamic programming operations. Next, we proposed two low-complexity approximations of the algorithm that has provable performance. We also extend the setup to allow for a flow controller that adjusts the incoming flow rates to satisfy their delivery ratio constraints when the arrival process is unknown but controllable. We propose a joint dynamic coding and a rate control algorithm to solve this problem, and prove its stability under the stochastic system operation. We also apply these general results to an important wireless down-link broadcast scenario with and without random network coding capabilities. Our theoretical work is supported by extensive numerical studies, which also reveal that our dynamic coding strategy outperforms any static coding strategy by opportunistically exploiting the statistical variations in the arrival and channel processes.