cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Financial computations on clusters using web services

The pricing of a portfolio of financial instruments is a common and important computational problem in financial engineering. In addition to pricing, a portfolio or risk manager may be interested in determining an effective hedging strategy, computing the value at risk, or valuing the portfolio under several different scenarios. Because of the size of many practical portfolios and the complexity of modern financial instruments the computing time to solve these problems can be several hours. We demonstrate a powerful and practical method for solving these problems on clusters using web services.
Properties and Microstructure of Alumina–Niobium and Alumina–Neodymium Titanate Nanocomposites Made by Novel Processing Methods

Alumina-niobium and alumina-neodymium titanate nanocomposites have been fabricated using high-energy ball-milling and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The 10 vol% niobium nanocomposite has a fracture toughness of 7 MPam 1/2 and a hardness of 22.5 GPa. This is nearly twice as tough as a pressureless sintered composite of the same composition reported in work by Garcia et al [1]. The 9 vol% neodymium titanate nanocomposite increased toughness to 5.7 MPam 1/2 and was able to retain a hardness value of 19.2 GPa. The increase in toughness in the alumina-niobium can be attributed to ductile-phase toughening, while alumina-neodymium titanate relies on the newly proposed toughening mechanism of piezoelectric-phase strain relief.
Testing a Grammar Customization System with Sahaptin

I briefly describe a system for automatically creating an implemented grammar of a natural language based on answers to a web-based questionnaire, then present a grammar of Sahaptin, a language of the Pacific Northwest with complex argument-marking and agreement patterns, that was developed to test the system. The development of this grammar has proved useful in three ways: (1) verifying the correct functioning of the grammar customization system, (2) motivating the addition of a new pattern of agreement to the system, and (3) making detailed predictions that uncovered gaps in the linguistic descriptions of Sahaptin.
U.S. Steelmakers in Continuing Crisis

How do you revive the steel industry and protect workers as well? The authors present a comprehensive analysis of the evolving industry, new protectionist measures, and better ideas about helping the threatened steelworkers.
Sensory analysis of pet foods.

Pet food palatability depends first and foremost on the pet and is related to the pet food sensory properties such as aroma, texture and flavor. Sensory analysis of pet foods may be conducted by humans via descriptive or hedonic analysis, pets via acceptance or preference tests, and through a number of instrumental analysis methods. Sensory analysis of pet foods provides additional information on reasons behind palatable and unpalatable foods as pets lack linguistic capabilities. Furthermore, sensory analysis may be combined with other types of information such as personality and environment factors to increase understanding of acceptable pet foods. Most pet food flavor research is proprietary and, thus, there are a limited number of publications available. Funding opportunities for pet food studies would increase research and publications and this would help raise public awareness of pet food related issues. This mini-review addresses current pet food sensory analysis literature and discusses future challenges and possibilities. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Forage and Grain Soybean Effects on Soil Water Content and Use Efficiency

Growing legumes in the southern Great Plains (SGP) during fallow periods between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops can protect soil, add N to soil, and supply high-quality summer forage. This study determined the water used, water use effi ciency (WUE), and soil water depletion of forage (n = 3) and grain (n = 1) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars on silt loam soils following winter wheat harvest during the 2003 to 2005 summer growing seasons. Interactions (P 0.10). All cultivars used 2.0 to 2.5 times more water in 2004 and 2005 than 2003 (driest year). Forage production in 2003 (3034 kg ha −1 ) was 55% lower than in 2004 and 2005. Higher WUE (kg ha –1 mm –1 ) was recorded in 2004 (16.0) than 2003 (13.2) or 2005 (10.9). Incorporating soybean into fallow periods following wheat generally limits the amount of soil water available for fall production of wheat forage in the SGP. USDA-ARS, Grazinglands Research Lab., 7207 W. Cheyenne St., El Reno, OK 73036. Mention of trademark, proprietary product, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by USDA and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable. Received 1 Aug. 2007. *Corresponding author (Srinivas.rao@ ars.usda.gov). Abbreviations: DAS, days after seeding; SGP, southern Great Plains; WUE, water use effi ciency.
Effects of convulsants on cortical adenosine triphosphatases.

Since inhibitors of Na-K-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4) often produce epileptogenic foci on local application to cerebral regions, experiments were designed to determine whether systemic convulsants generally inhibit cortical ATPases either directly or indirectly. Injected convulsants (methionine sulphoximine, pentetrazole, picrotoxin, thiosemicarbazide and methyl fluoroacetate) did not alter the Na-K-ATPasc or Mg-ATPase activities as measured in homogenates of specimens taken from the cerebral cortex of the dog. Picrotoxin had measurable inhibitory effects when added to a homogenate in vitro, but at a concentration higher than would probably be attained in the brain in vivo after a convulsant dose. Other systemic convulsants added in vitro were without effects on ATPase activities. Cortical tissue sampled after freezing in situ showed significantly higher ATPase activities than did tissue frozen after excision.
Designing Groups to Meet Evolving Challenges in Health Care Settings

This article provides an overview of the special issue on groups in health care settings and describes how each contribution addresses challenges and opportunities in the health care field for group work. Fundamental criteria for evaluating groups in such settings are applied to each contribution. Finally, trends and opportunities about the future of group work in health care settings are considered.
TiSi 2 thickness limitations for use with shallow junctions and SWAMI or LOCOS isolation

We have examined the impact of TiSi 2 formation on the properties of shallow n+and p+junctions (0.17-0.20 µm) in Si. The deposited Ti thickness varied from 300 to 1000 A. The p+junctions developed high leakage currents after a reaction with Ti of initial thickness greater than 700 A while the n+junctions were not degraded. In these studies LOCOS isolation was used and the TiSi 2 was formed away from the island edges. Additional experiments were performed on n+and p+diodes using SWAMI isolation with the TiSi 2 formed right up to the edges of the isolation. From step-height, spreading resistance, and RBS measurements, it was found that the thickness of TiSi 2 formed on n+Si was less than on p+Si for a given initial Ti thickness. The amount of electrically active dopant remaining in the substrates was seen to decrease with increasing Ti thickness. The result was supported by SIMS measurements, which also showed an accumulation of atomic fluorine at the TiSi 2 interface (on p+diodes only). Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the silicide morphology and interface planarity.
An x-ray line-broadening study of turkey leg tendon.

Abstract Wide variations reported in the literature for the crystal size and perfection of bone and dentine hydroxyapatite, as determined by X-ray line-broadening methods, suggest that an evaluation of these techniques is in order. To this end, the size and strain of the apatite crystals in turkey leg tendon were determined by three multiple peak techniques: Fourier, variance and integral breadth. Data were obtained by step scanning and recording numerically the intensities of the 002 and 004 reflections of longitudinally oriented tendon. Dimensions along the c-axis of 18.9, 24.2 and 41.0 nm were obtained by the Fourier, variance and integral breadth methods respectively. These values are in agreement with the definitions of size implicit in each of the methods. The Fourier and variance crystal sizes are number-average estimates while the integral breadth is a weight average. The difference between these averages is a measure of size distribution. Strains of 3 × 10−3 to 4 × 10−3 were calculated depending upon the method used. Since in the study of synthetic apatites only one reflection, the 002, is available due to the overlapping of adjacent profiles in a powder pattern, single peak analyses were also investigated. The results of this study are comparable to previous analyses once basic definitions and limitations implicit in the methods are clarified.
Subcutaneous temporal browlift under local anesthesia: a useful technique for periorbital rejuvenation.

Background Various techniques have been described for periorbital rejuvenation and correction of the ptotic brow, including the coronal brow lift, the endoscopic brow lift, anterior hairline foreheadplasty in the subgaleal, subperiosteal, or subcutaneous planes, and the subcutaneous temporal brow lift. Objectives The authors present results from a series of 28 patients treated with subcutaneous temporal brow lift over nearly four years. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of 28 patients who were treated with subcutaneous temporal brow lift by the senior author (JDF) between July 2003 and January 2007. All patients underwent the same subcutaneous temporal brow lift procedure under local anesthesia in an office-based setting. No combined procedures were performed on any of the patients in this series. Results Of the 28 patients, 27 were female and one was male; mean age was 54 years. Five patients underwent a unilateral brow lift for asymmetry and 23 patients underwent a bilateral procedure. The mean length of follow-up was 10.8 months. Scarring was minimal and rated as "good" or "excellent" by both patients and surgeon. The effectiveness of the browlift was also rated as "good" or "excellent" by all but one patient. Two patients underwent revision-one for scar revision and the other for a greater degree of lift. There were no incidences of hematoma, infection, numbness, or excessive scarring. Conclusions The subcutaneous temporal brow lift is an effective, reproducible, and inexpensive technique that can be performed safely under local anesthesia.
Differential scaling along ω1 in COSY experiments

Pour pallier a une resolution qui reste souvent insuffisante meme dans les spectres COSY ou NOESY, on montre que les experiences de decouplage ω 1 conduisent a de fortes distorsions et meme a annuler certains pics. Pour remedier a ce probleme on propose une echelle differentielle des deplacements chimiques et des constantes de couplage scalaire le long de l'axe ω 1
Statins and PPARα agonists induce myotoxicity in differentiated rat skeletal muscle cultures but do not exhibit synergy with co-treatment

Statins and fibrates (weak PPARalpha agonists) are prescribed for the treatment of lipid disorders. Both drugs cause myopathy, but with a low incidence, 0.1-0.5%. However, combined statin and fibrate therapy can enhance myopathy risk. We tested the myotoxic potential of PPAR subtype selective agonists alone and in combination with statins in a differentiated rat myotube model. A pharmacologically potent experimental PPARalpha agonist, Compound A, induced myotoxicity as assessed by TUNEL staining at a minimum concentration of 1 nM, while other weaker PPARalpha compounds, for example, WY-14643, Gemfibrozil and Bezafibrate increased the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei at micromolar concentrations. In contrast, the PPARgamma agonist Rosiglitazone caused little or no cell death at up to 10 muM and the PPARdelta ligand GW-501516 exhibited comparatively less myotoxicity than that seen with Compound A. An experimental statin (Compound B) and Atorvastatin also increased the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei and co-treatment with WY-14643, Gemfibrozil or Bezafibrate had less than a full additive effect on statin-induced cell killing. The mechanism of PPARalpha agonist-induced cell death was different from that of statins. Unlike statins, Compound A and WY-14643 did not activate caspase 3/7. In addition, mevalonate and geranylgeraniol reversed the toxicity caused by statins, but did not prevent the cell killing induced by WY-14643. Furthermore, unlike statins, Compound A did not inhibit the isoprenylation of rab4 or rap1a. Interestingly, Compound A and Compound B had differential effects on ATP levels. Taken together, these observations support the hypothesis that in rat myotube cultures, PPARalpha agonism mediates in part the toxicity response to PPARalpha compounds. Furthermore, PPARalpha agonists and statins cause myotoxicity through distinct and independent pathways.
PAR4, but Not PAR1, Signals Human Platelet Aggregation via Ca2+ Mobilization and Synergistic P2Y12 Receptor Activation

Regulation of platelet activation plays a central role in hemostasis and pathophysiological processes such as coronary artery disease. Thrombin is the most potent activator of platelets. Human platelets express two thrombin receptors, PAR1 and PAR4, both of which signal platelet activation. Evidence is lacking on the mechanism by which PAR1 and PAR4 may differentially signal platelet aggregation. Here we show that at the relatively high concentration of agonist most likely found at the site of a local thrombus, dual inhibition of the P2Y12 receptor and calcium mobilization result in a complete inhibition of PAR4-induced aggregation, while having no effect on either thrombin or PAR1-mediated platelet aggregation. Both PAR1- and PAR4mediated aggregation are independent of calcium mobilization. Furthermore, we show that P2Y12 receptor activation is not required for protease-activated receptor-mediated aggregation at higher agonist concentrations and is only partially required for Rap1 as well as GPIIbIIIa activation. P2Y12 receptor inhibitors clinically in use such as clopidogrel are postulated to decrease platelet aggregation through partial inhibition of PAR1 signaling. Our data, however, indicate that at high local concentrations of thrombin, it is the signaling through PAR4 rather than PAR1 that may be regulated through purinergic feedback. Thus, our data identify an intra-platelet mechanism that may function as a future site for therapeutic intervention.
Rate constants for some reactions of inorganic radicals with inorganic ions. Temperature and solvent dependence

Rate constants for several reactions of inorganic radicals with inorganic anions in aqueous and aqueous/acetonitrile solutions have been measured as a function of temperature by laser flash photolysis. The reactions studied were (1) Cl2− + N3−, (2) Br2− + N3−, (3) Cl2− + SCN−, (4) Br2− + SCN−, (5) SO4− + Cl−, (6) SO4− + CO32−, and (7) N3− + I−. The rate constants were corrected for ionic strength and ranged from 106 to 109 L mol−1 s−1. The Arrhenius activation energies varied from 2 to 12 kJ mol−1 for the first 4 reactions, were higher for reaction 6, and negative for reaction 5. The pre-exponential factors also varied considerably with log A ranging from 5 to 14. The values of k298 decreased in most cases by more than an order of magnitude upon increasing the acetonitrile (ACN) fraction from 0 to 70%. For most reactions, this decrease in k298 was due to changes in log A with little regularity in the small changes observed in Ea. For reaction 7, k298 was practically unchanged due to compensating effects of the changes in Ea and log A with ACN mol fraction, giving an isokinetic relationship. An isokinetic relationship was also observed in the case of reaction 6; Ea and log A change in parallel while changing ACN mol fraction. Reaction 3 (Cl2− + SCN−) was also studied in water/t-butanol and water/acetic acid mixtures. Linear correlation was found between log k and the dielectric constant of the medium for water/ACN and water/t-BuOH but the lines for the two solvent mixtures had different slopes, suggesting specific solvation effects in addition to the primary solvent polarity effects. With water/acetic acid, k decreased and then increased upon addition of acetic acid. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The salted artery and angiotensin II signaling: a deadly duo in arterial disease.

The average dietary sodium (NaCI) consumption of many modern humans has increased to at least 5- fold beyond that required for physiological needs [1]. Both an elevated sodium burden and Angiotensin II (Ang II) have signaling that has been linked to age-associated arterial remodeling [2–4], which is the major risk factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and hypertension (Table) [1–7]. In this issue of the Journal of Hypertension, Johansson et al explore the interactions among dietary NaCI, blood pressure and angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling, a major effector of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) [8].
Observations of the carrier state in hamsters infected with Leptospira interrogans serotype Pomona.

A variation betweenLeptospira interrogens serotype pomona strains 3341 and MLS acute to become established in the kidney of the hamster and to produce a temporary shedding state in the urine is described. The 3341 strain readily localized in the proximal tubules of the kidney and all infected hamsters became good shedders. Leptospiruria lasted for approximately 100 post-inoculation days. The observation of few spirochetes in the renal tubules, the low incidence of positive cultures from kidney tissue and urine and the low counts of leptospires in the urine characterized the MLS acute strain as a poor shedding strain.
Guidelines for producing documentation for expert systems

The author presents guidelines for the design and production of expert system user documentation. Expert system documentation shares many characteristics of documentation for any type of software. However, differences between traditional software and expert systems impact documentation efforts. The increased complexity of expert systems demands more attention to human-factor design issues. In addition, the iterative nature of expert system development requires increased flexibility and testing. The guidelines are detailed based on the author's assignment to design and produce user documentation for an expert system.
Characterizations of transversal matroids and their presentations

Abstract An algorithm is presented for determining whether or not a matroid is a transversal matroid. If the matroid is a transversal matroid, the algorithm furnishes an explicit determination of the maximal presentation (which therefore must be unique). From this we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for a matroid to be a transversal matroid and two characterizations of the presentations of a given transversal matroid. We also evaluate the cardinalities of the members of presentations of a transversal matroid in terms of the cardinalities of the members of the maximal presentation and the ranks of the complements of each. Numerous other consequences are derived.
Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis of Tagged Fish Radio Tracking Performance by Swarming Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Fractional Order Potential Fields

Tracking fish using implanted radio transmitters is an important part of studying and preserving native fish species. However, conventional methods for locating the fish after they are tagged can be time consuming and costly. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have been used in general radio localization applications and can possibly be used to locate fish quickly and effectively. However, the methods developed for multi-UAV navigation and transmitter localization are complex and might not work well for practical and routine use. This work focuses on developing simple methods for multi-UAV navigation and transmitter localization. A real-world simulator is created to test these methods; it includes a signal propagation model based on actual data from a UAV. Swarm-like navigation methods (using potential fields) are used for multi-UAV navigation, and an Extended Kalman Filter is used, along with a simplified version of the propagation model, to estimate the location of the transmitter. Multiple navigation methods are introduced and compared using Monte Carlo Analysis. Despite a noisy signal and a simplified measurement model, the different navigation methods are able to estimate the location of the transmitter with one or more UAVs.
From "Bête Noire" to "le Mal de Constantinople": Plagues, Medicine, and the Early Modern Ottoman State

Ottoman perceptions of and responses to epidemic diseases changed dramatically in the sixteenth century. Until that time, plagues were viewed in mostly supernatural-apocalyptic terms. However, with the development of a new body of knowledge and interpretations, plagues came to be seen in a more naturalistic-medical framework. Moreover, this new approach was used for justifying administrative and legal practices implemented for the control of epidemic outbreaks. This article explores the historical context in which this paradigmatic change took place, with a view to establishing the complex relationship between the expanding powers of early modern state governance and the discourses of plagues maintained by the Ottoman society.
Organic reagents for removing heavy metals from a 10-34-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) grade fertilizer solution and wet-process phosphoric acid.

Fertilizer solutions and wet-process phosphoric acid (WPA) contain heavy metal impurities such as cadmium, zinc, lead, copper, manganese, and chromium. Trisodium trithiocyanuric acid (TMT-15), sodium trithiocarbonate (5% Na2CS3), and sodium polythiocarbonate (Thio-Red II) were evaluated as precipitating agents for heavy metals in a 10-34-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) grade fertilizer solution and WPA. A water-insoluble starch xanthate was also evaluated as an adsorbent for the heavy metals in 10-34-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) and WPA. Arsenic (24−99+%), cadmium (36−97+%), copper (98+%), mercury (96+%), lead (83−88+%), and zinc (8−83+%) precipitated from 10-34-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) upon the addition of each organic reagent, while levels of manganese and chromium were unaffected. Mercury (97+%), lead (75+%), cadmium (11−38%), copper (99+%), and chromium (3−35%) precipitated from WPA upon the addition of 5% Na2CS3 and Thio-Red II, while precipitation of manganese and zinc was negligible. The water-insoluble starch xanthate adsorbed mercury (96+%), copper (38−98+%), and lead (24−75%) from 10-34-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) and WPA while adsorption of arsenic, cadmium, manganese, chromium, and zinc was negligible.
Early Steps Toward Animal Rights

Combining a cast of colorful reformers and vivid anecdotes about animals in British life of the 18th and early 19th centuries, Shevelow describes the development of the earliest animal welfare legislation.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety After Delirium

Background Delirium is a common problem in hospitalized patients. Objective The author investigated the relationship between in-hospital delirium and subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms. Method A literature search and review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was performed. Results Eight studies were eligible. Five studies found significant associations between delirium episodes and subsequent symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Conclusion Psychological distress is common after delirium, warranting comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
The H flux peak and the hydrogen abundance in N type carbon stars

For galactic N and late R type irregularly variable carbon stars, a comparison is made of airborne infrared spectrophotometry to spectral flux distributions derived from model atmospheres. Although the agreement is good in several respects, the H(-) emission peak at 1.6 microns, so prominent in the models, is significantly weakened in the stellar spectrophotometry. It seems unlikely that molecular bands in the stars can completely obliterate this peak. A plausible explanation is that hydrogen is deficient in these stars, most probably from an episode of mass loss. The resultant cold shells surrounding these stars should be amenable to observation by IRAS, or other far-infrared observatories.
Intellectual and Educational Characteristics of Court-Identified and School-Identified Violent and Assaultive Youth:

Results from the scores of 20 court-identified and 20 school-identified violent and assaultive youth were compared on the Revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) and the Pea body Individual Achievement Test (PIAT). Uncorrelated t tests indicated that IQs, three of the WISC-R subtests (i.e., Vocabulary, Comprehension, Coding), and the PIA T Reading Comprehension Reading Recognition, and Spelling scores differentiated significantly between the two groups. The possibility that court-identified violent and assaultive youth have more severe cognitive deficits that contribute to their excessively aggressive behavior was discussed. In addition, some of the educational implications of these cognitive deficits were identitified.
Personalized drug therapy; the genome, the chip and the physician

Currently the concept of personalized medicine is receiving much attention [1, 2], and is also a focus topic of drug regulatory authorities such as The Food and Drug Administration [3, 4]. This concept is viewed by some as the epitome of the future of 21st century medicine. But how modern is the concept? Some medical historians would contest that the often cited axiom ‘Primum non nocere’- first do no harm (often attributed to Hippocrates or Galen but possibly originally stated by the English physician Thomas Sydenham) [5] is a long espoused principle of medical practice that clearly relates to personalized drug therapy. Thus the underpinning principle of ‘personalized drug therapy’ though often promoted as modern, may have been a component of the alert physician's therapeutic decision-making algorithms for centuries.
Specifications: figure and finish are not enough

Several examples are given of optics apparently specified only by figure and finish. Although these optics met the specifications they did not produce good images. The presumed reason for the poor performance was the lack of a specification for mid-spatial frequency roughness. We show that a reasonable specification can be applied using the concept of a structure function, a mathematically simple function easily calculated from interferometric phase data at each pixel. An example wavefront is used to show how the specification can be developed from typical figure and finish specifications and include information about roughness in the mid-spatial frequency region.
Dialect interference and difficulties with writing: An investigation in St. Lucian primary schools

Abstract The investigation that we report here concerns the writing performance of 9, 10 and 11 year olds in St. Lucian schools, with particular reference to possible dialect interference in written speech. The study should be of interest to people concerned with; the development of writing abilities in children, questions of dialect interference and in the relationship between teaching methods and educational achievement. We focus here on the overall quality of children's work and on characteristic errors made by children in their writing. We also particularly focus on the possible causes or reasons why children make certain errors, what the significance of these errors is and how they can be remedied.
8Be detection and the 9Be(7Li, 8Li)8Be reaction

Abstract The alpha-alpha coincidence method of 8 Be detection has been used to obtain new data on the 9 Be( 7 Li, 8 Li) 8 Be reaction.
Further Applications of the Padé Approximant Method to the Ising and Heisenberg Models

We use the Pad\'e approximant method to investigate the nature of the singularity in the specific heat for some three-dimensional Ising model lattices and to investigate the nature and location of the singularity in the magnetic susceptibility for some three-dimensional Heisenberg model lattices. We find that the three-dimensional Ising model specific heat becomes singular like $log|T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c}|$ with a different coefficient above and below the singular point. For the Heisenberg model we find that the magnetic susceptibility does not behave like the Curie-Weiss law, but tends to infinity more rapidly than $\frac{1}{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}$.
A likelihood based computer approach to conventional scoring of sleep

We describe a computer algorithm for scoring sleep stages from polysomnographic records. Our algorithm is based on the likelihood of correct detection of features and the relative impact these features have on decisions necessary to implement R&K rules. We compared results of the computerized scoring to that done manually by 2 experienced scorers. Epoch-by-epoch agreement between computer and humans was 83.4% and between humans was 86.7%. Patterns of misscores were similar. The computer was also able to characterize ambiguity by comparing the probabilities of the two most likely stage scores for each epoch.
RISK FACTORS FOR KAPOSI'S SARCOMA IN HOMOSEXUAL MEN

Abstract An investigation of 20 homosexual men with histologically confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma and 40 controls revealed significant associations between Kaposi's sarcoma and use of a number of drugs (amyl nitrite, ethyl chloride, cocaine, phencyclidine, methaqualone, and amphetamine), history of mononucleosis, and sexual activity in the year before onset of the disease. Patients with Kaposi's sarcoma also reported substantially higher rates of sexually transmitted infections than did controls. Multivariate analysis indicated independent significant associations for amyl nitrite and sexual activity and showed use of phencyclidine, methaqualone, and ethyl chloride to be non-significant. Evaluated at the median exposure for patients, the analysis yielded risk-ratio estimates of 12·3 for amyl nitrite (95% confidence limits 4·2, 35·8) and 2·0 for sexual activity (95% confidence limits 1·3, 3·1).
Two Cell-Bound Keratinases of Trichophyton Mentagrophytes

Two cell-bound keratinases, II and III, of Trichophyton mentagrophytes were extracted from mycelium and purified. The purified keratinases, II and III, had a specific keratinolytic activity of 36.4 and 39.4 KU/mg respectively. The molecular weights of keratinases II and III were 440,000 and 20,300 respectively. Immunodiffusion analysis showed that these two cell-bound keratinases, II and III, were not identical to each other nor to extracellular keratinase I of the same species.
Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke: why the majority of patients remain ineligible for treatment.

Abstract Study objectives: Thrombolytic therapy has been advocated as an effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke. In an attempt to promote maximum benefit while reducing the risk of hemorrhagic complications, numerous exclusions to the use of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke have been promulgated. This study was conducted to identify the number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy and to determine the reasons those deemed ineligible were excluded. Methods: This observational study was conducted from September 15, 1996, to May 1, 1997, at an emergency department with an annual census of 70,000. Patients with a chief complaint suggestive of acute ischemic stroke were categorized as "eligible" if thrombolytic therapy was not contraindicated and could be initiated within 3 hours of symptom onset. Patients were deemed "ineligible" if the time to thrombolytic therapy would have exceeded 3 hours, or if other specific contraindications to thrombolytic therapy were present. For all categories, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. Results: Of the 214 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were screened, 6 (2.8%±2.2%) were eligible. Ninety-five patients (44%±7%) were excluded solely on the basis of the time interval from onset of symptoms to eligibility for thrombolytic therapy exceeding 3 hours. Other common reasons for exclusion included resolution of symptoms in 31 patients (14%±4%), intracranial hemorrhage as determined by head computed tomography in 22 (10%±4%), and minor symptoms in 20 (9%±4%). Conclusion: The majority of acute ischemic stroke patients do not meet accepted criteria for thrombolytic therapy. Most are ineligible because of delays in obtaining treatment. Strategies should be devised to reduce the time to treatment if thrombolytic therapy is to achieve widespread use in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. [O'Connor RE, McGraw P, Edelsohn L: Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke: Why the majority of patients remain ineligible for treatment. Ann Emerg Med January 1999;33:9-14.]
A hardware-assisted scalable solution for interactive volume rendering of time-varying data

We present a scalable volume rendering technique that exploits lossy compression and low-cost commodity hardware to permit highly interactive exploration of time-varying scalar volume data. A palette-based decoding technique and an adaptive bit allocation scheme are developed to fully utilize the texturing capability of a commodity 3D graphics card. Using a single PC equipped with a modest amount of memory, a texture-capable graphics card and an inexpensive disk array, we are able to render hundreds of time steps of regularly gridded volume data (up to 42 million voxels each time step) at interactive rates. By clustering multiple PCs together, we demonstrate the data-size scalability of our method. The frame rates achieved make possible the interactive exploration of data in the temporal, spatial and transfer function domains. A comprehensive evaluation of our method based on experimental studies using data sets (up to 134 million voxels per time step) from turbulence flow simulations is also presented.
A property of strictly singular one-to-one operators

We prove that ifT is a strictly singular one-to-one operator defined on an infinite dimensional Banach spaceX, then for every infinite dimensional subspaceY ofX there exists an infinite dimensional subspaceZ ofX such thatZ∩Y is infinite dimensional,Z contains orbits ofT of every finite length and the restriction ofT toZ is a compact operator.
Obesity is associated with functional decline in community-dwelling rural older persons.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation sought to examine potential gender differences in the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and functional decline. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Rural Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Medicare managed-risk program participants (aged ≥65) in the Geisinger Health Plan. Mean age at study baseline was 71. Final analyzable sample was 2,634 participants. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported weight, weight change, living and eating habits, alcohol and medication use, depression, dentition, and functional status were obtained upon enrollment and again between 3 and 4 years later. Measured height and weight were also recorded at enrollment. Functional decline was defined as any increase in reported limitations in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living over the study period. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between BMI, as defined by current National Institutes of Health categories, and risk of functional decline while controlling for age, depression, and polypharmacy. The referent category was BMI 18.5 to 24.9. RESULTS: Women had a higher prevalence of reported functional decline than men at the upper range of BMI categories (31.4% vs 14.3% for BMI ≥40). Women (odds ratio (OR) = 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–4.95) and men (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.29–8.46) exhibited increased risk for any functional decline at BMI of 35 or greater. Weight loss of 10 pounds and weight gain of 20 pounds were also risk factors for any functional decline. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was a risk factor for functional decline in older persons of either gender. Change in body weight did not benefit function for many older persons.
Bimolecular radical scavenging processes for laser isotope separation: NH2D + O2

Abstract Infrared multiphoton photooxidation of NH 2 D in NH 3 mixtures was observed to produce exclusively HDO, suggesting a single step deuterium separation efficiency of [D 2 O]/([D 2 0]+[H 2 O]) ⩾ 50% which is significantly higher than that of the theoretical value, 33%. The results are explained by the large rate differences in the radical scavenging steps, i.e. k (D+O 2 ) = 2.2 × 10 9 M −1 s −1 , k (NH 2 +O 2 ) ⩽ 5 × 10 6 M −1 s −1 and k (NH 2 +NH 2 )=1.6 × 10 10 M −1 s −1 . With Ti solid powder as a catalyst, we observed that the formation yields of HDO are at least three to four times higher than those without a catalyst.
Doxazosin Relaxes Ureteral Smooth Muscle and Inhibits Epinephrine-Induced Ureteral Contractility In Vitro

Objectives Although recent evidence has supported increased ureteral stone passage with selective alpha 1 -adrenergic receptor antagonists, no mechanistic study evaluating ureteral relaxation by alpha 1 antagonism has been reported to date. We evaluated whether the alpha-blocker doxazosin reduces spontaneous, and inhibits alpha 1 -agonist-induced ureteral contractility. Additionally, alpha-receptor subtypes in normal and obstructed human ureter were analyzed. Methods We exposed porcine ureters in organ tissue baths with 0.1, 1.0, or 10 μM doxazosin and recorded the tension for 90 minutes. After the initial treatment, a concentration-response curve of epinephrine or phenylephrine (1 nM to 10 μM) was generated. The experiment was repeated with the proximal, mid-, and distal ureter. The relative expression of the alpha 1A, 1B, and 1D receptor subtypes in normal and obstructed human ureters was analyzed using immunoblotting. Results Doxazosin reduced the spontaneous ureteral contractility rates in a concentration-dependent fashion by 23% to 34%. A more pronounced relaxation effect by doxazosin was evident when epinephrine was introduced to the tissues. In 1 and 10-μM doxazosin-pretreated tissues, epinephrine caused 89% and 100% relaxation, respectively. Phenylephrine-induced contractions were antagonized by doxazosin but not reversed to any relaxant function. No differential expression of alpha 1 -receptor subtypes was identified in the obstructed versus normal ureters. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that alpha 1 -receptor blockade decreases ureteral contractility and inverses the effect of epinephrine, providing even greater relaxation. We hypothesize that alpha receptor blockade might relax the ureter and induce stone passage by way of epinephrine activation of beta receptors. Additional studies should be performed to validate this hypothesis and to compare various alpha 1 -receptor subtype antagonists.
Some evidence on the influence of income uncertainty on aggregate consumption

Abstract Recent theory suggests uncertainty in income influences consumption expenditures. With disposable income modeled as a random walk plus drift, an econometric technique for estimating the moments of a dependent variable is used to test this hypothesis by producing a series of consistent estimates of the variance of disposable income. Using quarterly post-World War II data and a well-known specification of the consumption function, the standard deviation of income has a negative and statistically significant influence on consumption. The influence of the standard deviation of income on consumption is of the same order of magnitude as that of contemporaneous wealth on consumption.
Divalent cation binding specificities and microsphere formation of pyran copolymer and related polycarboxylates

Abstract Pyran copolymer is a polyanionic drug with a broad spectrum of biologic activities. The present study focuses on the physicochemical interactions of pyran with divalent cations. Potentiometric titration curves of pyran are typical of the general polyelectrolyte behavior of high charge density polycarboxylates and show no apparent conformational transitions. The interaction of pyran with divalent cations follows an order of affinity for site binding, Mn 2+ > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ , that is common also to four other polycarboxylates tested. The titration data indicate the formation of a soluble chelate complex, for which pyran, of the five polymers, shows the greatest propensity. Specific conditions in terms of pH and degree of neutralization are found under which complex formation is preceded by the precipitation of microspheres. However, only pyran and polyitaconic acid precipitate under conditions which are closest to physiologic. The experimental results suggest a mechanism for microsphere formation that is consistent with a hypothesized mechanism of pharmacologie action of pyran-divalent cation complexes.
Body composition of elite American athletes

Five hundred twenty-eight male athletes participating in 26 Olympic events and 298 female athletes participating in 15 Olympic events underwent determination of body fat percentage (% fat) and lean body mass (LBM) via hydrostatic weighing and/or anthropometric methods. All groups of athletes were below the average values for % fat of college age men and women of 15% and 25%, respectively. In general, athletes involved in a sport where their body weight is supported, such as canoe and kayak (males, 13.0 +/- 2.5%; females, 22.2 +/- 4.6%) and swimming (males, 12.4 +/- 3.7%; females 19.5 +/- 2.8%), tended to have higher % fat values. Athletes involved in sports where a weight class has to be made to compete, such as boxing (males, 6.9 +/- 1.6%) and wrestling (male, Junior World Freestyle 7.9 +/- 2.7%), events such as the 100, 200, and 400 meters in athletes (male 100 and 200 meters, 6.5 +/- 1.2%; female 100, 200 and 400 meters, 13.7 +/- 3.6%) that are very anaerobic in nature and extremely aerobic events such as the marathon (males, 6.4 +/- 1.3%) demonstrated lower % fat values. Athletes involved in sports where body size is a definite advantage, such as basketball (males, 84.1 +/- 6.2 kg; females, 55.3 +/- 4.9 kg) and volleyball (males, 75.0 +/- 6.6 kg; females, 58.4 +/- 4.5 kg) tended to have a larger LBM.
Unprovability of consistency statements in fragments of bounded arithmetic

Abstract This paper deals with the weak fragments of arithmetic PV and S 2 i and their induction-free fragments PV − and S 2 −1 . We improve the bootstrapping of S 2 1 , which allows us to show that the theory S 2 1 can be axiomatized by the set of axioms BASIC together with any of the following induction schemas: ∑ 1 b -PIND, ∑ 2 b -LIND, Π 1 b -PIND or Π 1 b -LIND. We improve prior results of Pudlak, Buss and Takeuti establishing the unprovability of bounded consistency of S 2 −1 in S 2 by showing that, if S 2 i proves ∀ xϑ ( x ) with ϑ a ∑ 0 b (∑ b i )-formula, then S 2 1 proves that each instance of ϑ( x ) has a S 2 −1 -proof in which only ∑ 0 b (∑ 1 b )-formulas occur. Finally, we show that the consistency of the induction-free fragment PV − of PV is not provable in PV .
Control characteristics of regulatory enzyme systems, I: nonlinearities in regulatory enzyme activities

Abstract The natures and forms of the nonlinearities in regulatory enzyme activities are presented by the control characteristics of a variety of regulatory enzymes that participate in various metabolic reaction systems. Besides the well-established simple feedback inhibition and feedforward activation, the basic reaction patterns of metabolic control considered include: (i) multivalent feedback inhibition; (ii) cooperative end-product inhibition; (iii) cumulative end-product inhibition; and (iv) compensatory feedback control. The characteristic equations describing these controls are derived and evaluated by computer simulation, using continuous system modelling program (CSMP). The results reveal saturation-type nonlinearities, the functional forms of which are mainly specified by two factors: (a) the type of modifier activity (inhibition, activation or both), and (b) the specific values of kinetic parameters, including stoichiometry, affinity constant, and activation constant (denoted by Q ). The question of the possibility and type of metabolite oscillations is treated in terms of the sensitivity or degree of the nonlinearity. Using the oscillatory property of metabolites, the asymmetrical nonlinearities of the control characteristics can be approximated by a quasilinearization method in which a piecewise linear approximation is carried out to represent the given nonlinearity, followed by calculation of the describing function series of its approximation.
Applications of lead and strontium isotopic relationships to the petrogenesis of granitoid rocks, central Sierra Nevada batholith, California

Pb isotope data are given on 80 whole-rock and/or feldspar samples from 51 dated samples covering a traverse across the central Sierra Nevada batholith, largely between latitudes 36° and 37°N. In addition, Sr isotope data were measured on 30 whole-rock samples. No correlation is observed between age and isotope ratios. In agreement with previously published data, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios are low (∼0.704) along the western margin and increase to high values (>0.707) at the eastern margin. 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios increase from ∼18.6 at the western margin to ∼19.5 in the middle of the batholith, then decrease regularly to ∼18.5 toward the eastern margin. 2O8 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios mirror the 206 Pb/ 204 Pb data, but do not exhibit the decrease in values toward the eastern margin. Pb and Sr isotopic data from the western-margin plutons plot within or close to the field of primitive island-arc magmas, indicating predominantly mantle sources. The high 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios in the central batholith suggest assimilation of sediments derived from Precambrian basement rocks. The decrease in 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios in the eastern segment of the batholith without corresponding reduction in 208 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios is attributed to assimilation of lower crustal granulitic/amphibolitic rocks by mafic magmas. Initial Pb ratios for samples with 87 Sr/ 86 Sr > 0.706 from the central and eastern segments of the batholith indicate components from recycled crustal rocks with a mean 207 Pb/ 206 Pb age of ca. 1.8 Ga. Nd and O isotopic data from the literature are consistent with the Pb-Sr model obtained in this study. Very similar isotope patterns to the present model are reported across the Salinian block.
Photoinduced electron transfer involving localized electronic states

Abstract It is assumed that large numbers of localized states which exist within the band gap of thin or highly disordered surface films take part in the photoexcitation process. Model calculations have been performed which describe the photoexcitation of an electron into one such localized state and its subsequent escape from this state to yield a photocurrent. The Poole—Frenkel effect, which describes the lowering of the escape barrier due to a superimposed field, direct tunneling and phonon-assisted tunneling processes are considered. The effects of various parameters, such as the effective mass of the electron and the dielectric constant of the material, on the escape probability are studied. These results are compared to photo-electrochemical studies of ion implanted HfO2 films.
PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS: THEORY VS. PRACTICE

Abstract Laffont and Tirole's [Laffont, J., Tirole, J., 1986. Using cost observation to regulate firms. Journal of Political Economy 94, 614–641.] classic model of procurement under asymmetric information predicts that optimal contracts will always entail some cost sharing and that payments will be a convex function of realized cost. In contrast, pure cost-reimbursement contracts are common in practice, as are contracts in which payments are a concave function of realized cost. We consider a straightforward extension of Laffont and Tirole's model that admits optimal contracts of the forms that prevail in practice. The extension simply allows the supplier to be able to reduce production costs more easily when costs are initially high than when they are initially low.