cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specialists as Risk Managers: The Competition between Intermediated and Non-Intermediated Market

We develop a model that analyzes competition between a non-intermediated market (such as an Electronic Communications Network) and an intermediated market (such as via the market specialist's structure within the NYSE) when both markets are allowed to trade the same securities. Specialists are viewed as providers of a price risk management service, a mechanism for reducing round-trip trading costs, as well as an execution risk management service. The economic value of these three specialist services is determined by five key factors (the difference in spreads between the two financial market types, investors' holding periods, the specialist's quoted spread in relation to the asset's price, the probability of executing an order in the intermediated market, and the short-term risk-free rate). An intermediated market can therefore remain viable in the face of competition from a possibly faster, non-intermediated market as long as the specialist can generate revenue for the above services that covers his/her costs associated with asymmetric information, order processing, and inventory management. Our analysis also suggests an alternative way to compensate a specialist, with a portion of the compensation paid in the form of a fixed fee and the remainder paid as a variable charge that is adjusted dynamically to reflect current market conditions for the underlying security. Numerical illustrations quantify the magnitude of the model's predictions so that investors and policy makers can gain a deeper understanding of how the trading of high- and low-spread securities might gravitate to a particular type of market.
Mode of action of 5,5′-diphenylthiohydantoin—Sites of action of 5,5′-diphenylthiohydantoin in mitochondria in relationship to thyroxine-stimulated responses☆

Abstract The effects of 5,5-diphenylthiohy dantoin (DPTH) on mitochondria were examined in vitro and in vivo on well-delineated sites known to be profoundly affected by thyroid hormones, in order to test the hypothesis that thyroid hormones regulate metabolic responses through mitochondrial and cytosolic processes. The effect of methimidazole, another antithyroid drug, was studied in vitro in parallel systems. Addition of DPTH greatly decreased the capacity of mitochondria to synthesize precursors for gluconeogenesis as a result of the inhibition of pyruvate carboxylation. DPTH was found to inhibit α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, the enzyme involved in the regulation of hydrogen transfer to cytochromes through the cytosolic and mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate cycle. DPTH also inhibited β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. The state 3 respiration with pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate and α-glycerophosphate was inhibited by DPTH. Methimidazole had no effect in blocking the peripheral action of thyroxine and was non-inhibitory in the above systems studied. In vivo , in experiments where DPTH was added to the diets, a large inhibition of liver gluconeogenic enzyme activities, α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and oxygen consumption by rat liver tissue slices was observed.
Familial lipodystrophy associated with neurodegeneration and congenital cataracts

Background: The lipodystrophies are characterized by loss of body fat and metabolic disturbances, but the CNS is seldom affected. Methods: An investigation of a family with partial lipodystrophy and neurologic abnormalities included lipid analysis, dual-energy x-ray absorbtiometry (DEXA) for adiposity, insulin resistance, karyotype and other genetic analyses, peroxisomal function, glycosylation pattern of transferrin and thyroglobulin, and muscle biopsy. Results: The propositus, a 28-year-old woman with congenital partial lipodystrophy and cataracts, presented with a spastic–ataxic gait and lower extremity paresthesiae at age 18. Laboratory investigation revealed a type V hyperlipidemia pattern, insulin resistance, and high α-tocopherol levels. A similar syndrome in other family members suggested an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Discussion: The progressive neurologic degenerative condition associated with this autosomal dominant, partial lipodystrophy may be misdiagnosed as MS or spinocerebellar degeneration. Search for a few relevant candidate genes was unrevealing. A genome-wide search to determine the molecular etiology can be undertaken if other similar cases are identified.
Microlumbar diskectomy using loupesand headlights

Abstract The surgical treatment of herniated lumbar discs using microlumbar diskectomy techniques, loupe magnification,and headlights has a well documented, highly successful, outcome. The indications for surgery include: sciatica unresponsive to nonoperative treatment; profound or progressive motor deficit interfering with function; cauda equina syndrome. A radicular pain pattern, positive tension sign, and a corroborative imaging study which is consistent with the pain complaints are important in determining the patient who may benefit from the procedure. Visualization and hemostasis are important. Positioning with the abdomen free decreases epidural venous engorgement and intraoperative bleeding. The nerve root should be clearly identified before retraction. This includes the use of magnification (eg loupes (3.5 power) and a headlight, or microscopic), adequate soft tissue and bone removal to allow identification of the root edge, and familiarity with techniques to decrease bleeding (bi-polar electrocoagulation and hemostatic agents). At the completion of the procedure, all free fragments of disk should be removed and any current stenosis addressed. The root should be free in tension and compression. It should be possible to freely pass a dural elevator anterior and posterior to the root, out the foramen. With the appropriate indications, timing and surgical technique one can anticipate a 90% to 95% clinical success rate in relieving radicular leg pain related to a herniated lumbar disk.
The performance of new equity offerings in Hungary and Poland

Abstract This paper documents the short- and long-run price performance of 103 initial public offerings (IPOs) in Poland and 33 in Hungary during the 1991–1998 period. The empirical analysis reveals significant first-day underpricing of 15.12% in Hungary and 54.45% in Poland. The long-run performance of the new offerings in these markets is less conclusive. The cross-section regression analysis finds that market momentum is a significant and primary determinant of initial returns in both countries. The evidence suggests that over the study period, the degree of underpricing is determined by the intensity of demand driven by investor interest where offering prices do not fully adjust to the prevailing market conditions.
Correlation-based color mosaic interpolation using a connectionist approach

This paper presents a specialized extension of a general correlation-based interpolation paradigm, for interpolating image sample color values obtained through a color filter mosaic. This extension features a kernel determined from a priori assumed image characteristics in the form of pre- defined (as opposed to learned) local sample neighborhood patterns. The interpolation procedure locally convolves the color-filtered image samples with the kernel to obtain the interpolated color values. The kernel establishes a mapping from the color-filtered input values to the recovered color output values using weighted, ordered, and thresholded sums of sample values from the local sample neighborhood. This mapping attempts to exploit local image sample interdependencies in order to preserve detail, while minimizing artifacts. The procedure is simulated for the Bayer RGB color filter mosaic using a quasi-linear connectionist architecture that is real-time-hardware- implementable. A perceptual comparison of images obtained from this interpolation with images obtained from bilinear interpolation shows a visible reduction in interpolation artifacts.
Temporal variation in rangeland grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) communities in the steppe region of Montana, USA.

A study was conducted to evaluate changes in rangeland grasshopper communities over a 5-year period in the Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. and Smith and Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. provinces of the steppe region of Montana, USA. Results showed that it was possible to categorize years into outbreak, non-outbreak, and transitional based on rangeland grasshopper intensity. Nearly twice as many species were observed in outbreak versus non-outbreak years. Of the 57 total grasshopper species collected over the entire study period, 16 species were found only during outbreak years and only two were found exclusively during non-outbreak years. Of the remaining 39 species collected during outbreak and non-outbreak years, 27 species showed no significant differences in the percentage of the community that they represented and 11 species showed significant increases. The only species that made up proportionately less of the community as densities declined from outbreak to non-outbreak was Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.). Although M. sanguinipes, Ageneotettix deorum (Scudder), and Aulocara elliotti (Thomas) were the three top-ranked species in both outbreak and non-outbreak years, M. sanguinipes contributed most to overall shifts in grasshopper intensity. Results support the hypothesis that grasshopper communities overall are sensitive to temporal changes in resources, even though responses of individual species differed.
Feeding systems of living dipnoi: Anatomy and function

Living lungfishes capture prey by means of suction and then use a simple “hydraulic” transport system to position it for processing between the tooth plates. Three major morphological features–-an autostylic jaw suspension, tooth plates, and a reduced but highly mobile branchial apparatus–-largely determine the special cranial morphology of living dipnoans and are directly related to these feeding functions. Within Dipnoi, however, there are many striking and functionally significant differences between Neoceratodus and the lepidosirenid genera. These include the structure of the tooth plates, lower jaw, jaw articulation, skull roof, tongue, lips, and jaw closing and opening muscles. For example, the rami of the lower jaw of Neoceratodus flex slightly at the symphysis, and the jaw joint is “unrestrictive.” As a result, the upper and lower tooth plates can be ground against each other in a fashion distinct from the precise and restricted occlusion of lepidosirenids. Understanding the anatomy and function of these features will ultimately aid in interpreting the evolution of dipnoan feeding systems.
Transforming growth factor-beta activity is potentiated by heparin via dissociation of the transforming growth factor-beta/alpha 2-macroglobulin inactive complex.

The control of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is determined by the combined actions of mitogens, such as platelet-derived growth factor, and the opposing action of growth inhibitory agents, such as heparin and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The present studies identify an interaction between heparin and TGF-beta in which heparin potentiates the biological action of TGF-beta. Using a neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta, we observed that the short term antiproliferative effect of heparin depended upon the presence of biologically active TGF-beta. This effect was observed in rat and bovine aortic SMC and in CCL64 cells, but not in human saphenous vein SMC. Binding studies demonstrated that the addition of heparin (100 micrograms/ml) to medium containing 10% plasma-derived serum resulted in a 45% increase in the specific binding of 125I-TGF-beta to cells. Likewise, heparin induced a twofold increase in the growth inhibitory action of TGF-beta at concentrations of TGF-beta near its apparent dissociation constant. Using 125I-labeled TGF-beta, we demonstrated that TGF-beta complexes with the plasma component alpha 2-macroglobulin, but not with fibronectin. Heparin increases the electrophoretic mobility of TGF-beta apparently by freeing TGF-beta from its complex with alpha 2-macroglobulin. Dextran sulfate, another highly charged antiproliferative molecule, but not chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate, similarly modified TGF-beta9s mobility. Relatively high, antiproliferative concentrations of heparin (1-100 micrograms/ml) were required to dissociate the TGF-beta/alpha 2-macroglobulin complex. Thus, it appears that the antiproliferative effect of heparin may be partially attributed to its ability to potentiate the biological activity of TGF-beta by dissociating it from alpha 2-macroglobulin, which normally renders it inactive. We suggest that heparin-like agents may be important regulators of TGF-beta9s biological activity.
The "Human" Voices in Hallucinations

Schizophrenic hallucinations can be understood only as a function of the totality of the schizophrenic's personality, that is, only in the context of the person's entire being-in-the-world. For essential reasons, there is a predominance of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, and these typically take the form of human voices. This paper argues that the essential reasons here are human reasons. That is, hallucinations arise primarily on account of a human or personal deficit. We argue that the deficit in question is, most fundamentally, the radical one of a disturbed relation between the subject and the world in general. The schizophrenic slackens the normal "intentional arc" (Merleau-Ponty) that casts the subject out into a world. Our thesis is that this slackening has interpersonal roots and that hallucination can be understood as a desperate attempt to compensate for the impoverishment of being-in-the-world and, specifically, for the deficiency in human relations; hence, the "human" voices.
Regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II genes

The major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) genes are regulated at the level of transcription. Recent studies have shown that chromatin modification is critical for efficient transcription of these genes, and a number of chromatin modifying complexes recruited to MHC-II genes have been described. The MHC-II genes are segregated from each other by a series of chromatin elements, termed MHC-II insulators. Interactions between MHC-insulators and the promoters of MHC-II genes are mediated by the insulator factor CCCTC-binding factor and are critical for efficient expression. This regulatory mechanism provides a novel view of how the entire MHC-II locus is assembled architecturally and can be coordinately controlled.
Release of angiogenesis regulatory proteins from platelet alpha granules: modulation of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis.

An association between platelets, angiogenesis, and cancer has long been recognized, but the mechanisms linking them remains unclear. Platelets regulate new blood vessel growth through numerous stimulators and inhibitors of angiogenesis by several pathways, including differential exocytosis of angiogenesis regulators. Herein, we investigated the differential release of angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors from platelets. Activation of human platelets with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulated the release of VEGF, but not endostatin whereas, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) released endostatin but not VEGF. Platelet releasates generated by activation with ADP promoted migration and formation of capillary structures by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUV-EC-Cs) in in vitro angiogenesis models. Conversely, TXA2-stimulated platelet releasate inhibited migration and formation of capillary structures. Because tumor growth beyond 1-2 mm3 is angiogenesis-dependent, we hypothesized that cancer cells preferentially stimulate platelets to secrete their pro-angiogenic payload. In support of this, the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 stimulated secretion of VEGF and a pro-angiogenic releasate from platelets. Furthermore, the antiplatelet agent aspirin inhibited platelet–mediated angiogenesis after exposure to ADP or MCF-7 cells providing a potential mechanism for how aspirin may impact malignancy. Manipulation of differentially mediated release of angiogenic factors from platelets may provide a new modality for cancer treatment.
Hydrogen sulfide on Io - Evidence from telescopic and laboratory infrared spectra

Evidence is reported for hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on Io's surface. An infrared band at 3.915 (+/- 0.015) micrometers in several ground-based spectra of Io can be accounted for by reflectance from H(2)S frost deposited on or cocondensed with sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) frost. Temporal variation in the occurrence and intensity of the band suggests that condensed H(2)S on Io's surface is transient, implying a similar variation of H(2)S abundance in Io's atmosphere. The band was observed in full-disk measurements of Io at several orbital longitudes, including once at 24 degrees ( approximately 0.5 hour after Io's reappearance after an eclipse)-but not after another reappearance at 22 degrees -and once at 95 degrees (on Io's leading hemisphere). These results suggest that condensed H(2)S is sparse and variable but can be widespread on Io's surface. When present, it would not only produce the infrared band but would brighten Io's typical surface at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths.
Spectra of Jovian millisecond pulses.

SPECTRAL observations of decametric emission from Jupiter have been described recently1,2. In this communication some spectral characteristics of millisecond pulses are given.
Mealtime interactions in families of pre-schoolers with type 1 diabetes.

: Objectives: Parents of pre-schoolers with type 1 diabetes report more behavioral feeding problems and concerns about the management of mealtime behavior than parents of age-matched healthy control children. We compared mealtime interactions of 26 families of pre-schoolers with type 1 diabetes (13 boys; mean age = 4.4 yr) and those of 26 families of age-matched control children by using direct observation of meals. Methods: Families had three meals videotaped in their home. Trained coders independently scored each meal for parent, child, and child eating behaviors by using the Dyadic Interaction Nomenclature for Eating (DINE). Results: The frequency of parent and child behaviors at mealtimes (such as instructions to eat, coaxing, feeding, refusing food, leaving the table, and non-compliance with instructions to eat) was similar for both groups. Children ate less and engaged in more behaviors incompatible with eating during the second half of meals than during the first half. Children, who took over 19 min to eat at meals (average duration for controls) played more and ate less than children, who ate more quickly. Conclusions: Despite increased parental concern, pre-schoolers with type 1 diabetes do not have more challenging mealtime behaviors than age-matched healthy controls. Interventions to inform parents of pre-schoolers with type 1 diabetes about typical child mealtime behaviors and teach effective strategies for managing problematic behaviors are needed to reduce parental concerns and may be critical for improving adherence to diet if a relation between child behavior, adherence, and metabolic control is demonstrated. Further research is required to investigate whether these mealtime interactions adversely impact dietary adherence and blood glucose excursion.
Joiners and non-joiners in smoking treatment: A comparison of psychosocial variables☆

Treatment joiners were differentiated from non-joiners in a smoking cessation clinic. Subjects were 108 smokers who attended an orientation session for a smoking cessation program. The primary variable of interest was perceived self-efficacy. Other variables studied were demographic characteristics, tobacco and drug use, anxiety, and health locus of control. Non-joiners were found to be more anxious, less educated, and had a lower self-efficacy expectation than treatment joiners.
Science Signaling Podcast: 14 May 2013

This Podcast features an interview with Chen Dong, senior author of a Research Article that appears in the 14 May 2013 issue of Science Signaling . A group led by Dong found that the deubiquitinase USP25 modulates inflammatory signaling initiated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Activation of TLR4 by the bacterial cell wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activates two signaling pathways that promote the production of various cytokines that control inflammation. Zhong et al . report that USP25 affected signaling through one of these pathways to prevent excessive inflammation, which can damage tissues. Compared to wild-type controls, mice lacking USP25 exhibited an excessive inflammatory response and were more susceptible to septic shock following LPS treatment. Understanding the mechanisms that ensure balance in the inflammatory response is important for developing strategies to treat diseases that result from excessive inflammation.
Closeness Discrepancies in Romantic Relationships: Implications for Relational Well-Being, Stability, and Mental Health

Experiences of closeness in romantic relationships are associated with heightened levels of relational well-being and mental health. However, individuals differ in the degree of closeness they desire in their relationships. This study used the construct of inclusion of other in self (IOS) to analyze discrepancies between individuals’ actual and ideal levels of closeness in their relationships and the implications of these discrepancies for relational well-being and mental health. A longitudinal survey of partnered individuals demonstrated that optimal levels of relational well-being and mental health existed when individuals had minimal discrepancies between actual and ideal IOS, regardless of their actual levels of IOS. Individuals whose actual levels of IOS moved closer to their ideal levels over a 2-year period reported improved relational well-being and mental health. Individuals with little to no discrepancies between actual and ideal IOS were also less likely to break-up with their partners over time.
THE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ADRENALIN

That adrenalin is ineffective when administered by mouth seems to be an accepted fact. That it is destroyed by the gastric and intestinal juice is the general belief. Systemic effects from oral administration are thus questionable. Menninger (1927) states that only large doses of adrenalin, when given by mouth, have any effects on the blood pressure of experimental animals. He quotes Herter and Wakeman (1902) as attributing no effects, when adrenalin was given in “ordinary” doses. No effects were produced in a well-fed dog weighing 13 kgm. when 10 cc. of 1–1000 was administered. A one per cent glycosuria was produced in a dog, over a short period of time, without other symptoms, when 30 cc. of 1–1000 was given. Falta and Ivacovic (1909) found that even 20 mgm. or more per day did not produce any special manifestations in dogs. Dorlencourt, Trias, and Paychere (1922) obtained only hyperglycemia and never any changes in blood pressure. They administered large doses and concluded from their results that adre...
Structure and superconductivity in the single Cu-O layered (Bi2−xPbx)(Sr2−yLay)CuO6+δsystem

Abstract The structural and superconducting properties of the series, Bi2−xPbxSr2−yLayCuO6+δ (x=0.5, 0⩽y⩽1.0 and 0⩽x⩽1.0, y=0.4), are studied. X-ray diffraction experiments show both series form a solid solution with a non-modulated orthorhombic structure over a wide range. Resistivity data shows metallic behavior and superconductivity with a maximum of Tc=29.5 K at x=0.6, y=0.4. The appearance of superconductivity correlates well with an oxygen content of 6 as measured by iodometric titration. A semiconducting-metallic-semiconducting transition was observed and kinks exist in both T c versus x ( or y) and ϱ ϱ 290 versus x ( or y) curves. The fact that simultaneous substitution of Pb and La for Bi and Sr is necessary to stabilize the 30 K superconducting phase may indicate the importance of preventing structural disorder arising from Bi substitution onto the Sr site.
HIGHWAY-LEVEL VEHICLE CONTROL FOR AHS

Current research on advanced vehicle control systems (AVCS) emphasizes the regulation of individual vehicles from a vehicle-level point of view. To improve the roadway operational efficiency, however, it is necessary to coordinate the operations of the vehicles on the highway. In this paper, a highway-level control algorithm is proposed which optimizes the traffic flow from a system-level viewpoint. The highway is divided into cells. The density and average speed of vehicles in these cells are assumed to be measured in real-time. Desired vehicle acceleration and lane change commands are assumed to be transmitted through communication devices to the vehicles, which optimize the traffic flow over the whole highway section. The system-wide traffic is optimized by using the downstream traffic status as the “preview” information for upstream traffic regulation. Numerical simulations were performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms.
Making sense of candidates: partisanship, ideology, and issues as guides to judgment.

Abstract Citizens employ a range of heuristic devices in reaching judgments and making evaluations regarding political candidates and issues. This paper examines the circumstances that lead to the use of multiple and potentially competing heuristics in making complex decisions. In our analysis, subjects systematically demonstrate evidence of confusion regarding particular combinations of partisan, ideological, and issue-based heuristics—a difficulty in disentangling partisan, ideological, and issue-based criteria in the evaluation of candidates. We argue that the political environment alters both the accessibility of particular heuristic devices, as well as the strength of association in memory among alternative heuristic devices. Hence the ability of citizens to select among heuristics is conditioned on the larger environment of incoming information. As a practical matter, this means that the ability of citizens to employ various judgmental criteria depends on the larger political debate, and accessibility provides the connecting link between environmentally supplied political messages and the terms and criteria of individual political choice.
Influence of gestational age on serum levels of alpha-1 fetoprotein, IgG globulin, and albumin in newborn infants

Alpha-1 fetoprotein, IgG globulin, and albumin concentrations in the serum of 153 newborn infants were correlated with gestational age (length of pregnancy). Neonatal levels of alpha-1 fetoprotein fell, while those of IgG and albumin rose, as gestational age increased. Thus the levels of alpha-1 fetoprotein are inversely proportional to gestational age (r=−0.81, p
Persistence of viruses of kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in tissue cultures of brain cells.

THE viruses of the two spongiform viral encephalopathies of man, kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, have been maintained in vitro in tissue cultures of brain cells for periods of more than 70 days and more than 250 days, respectively. Infectivity of long-maintained explant cultures of small brain fragments (and of trypsinized layers of brain cells) has been demonstrated by the transmission of the respective diseases to chimpanzees using combined intracerebral and peripheral inoculation of the frozen and thawed cultivated cells scraped from the cultivation surface into the culture medium1,2. Kuru was transmitted using an inoculum prepared from pooled brain cells from three chimpanzees with experimental kuru in third passage which were maintained as primary brain explants for 70, 215, and 238 days, respectively. Creutzfeldt-Jakob (C-J) disease was transmitted to two chimpanzees using inocula prepared from, respectively, brain cells grown in vitro for more than 8.5 months from a human patient and brain cells grown in vitro for 1 month from a chimpanzee with second passage of experimental C-J disease. Details of the inoculation and transmission are presented below. The techniques of explant cultivation of brain cells have been described previously3.
Analysis of the return to power scenario following a LBLOCA in a PWR

Abstract The risk of reactivity accidents has been considered an important safety issue since the beginning of the nuclear power industry. In particular, several events leading to such scenarios for PWRs have been recognized and studied to assess the potential risk of fuel damage. The present paper analyzes one such event: the possible return to power during the reflooding phase following a LBLOCA. TRAC-PF1/MOD2 coupled with a three-dimensional neutronic model of the core based on the Nodal Expansion Method (NEM) was used to perform the analysis. The system computer model contains a detailed representation of a complete typical 4-loop PWR. Thus, the simulation can follow complex system interactions during reflooding, which may influence the neutronics feedback in the core. Analyses were made with core models based on cross sections generated by LEOPARD. A standard and a potentially more limiting case, with increased pressurizer and accumulator inventories, were run. In both simulations, the reactor reaches a stable state after the reflooding is completed. The lower core region, filled with cold water, generates enough power to boil part of the incoming liquid, thus preventing the core average liquid fraction from reaching a value high enough to cause a return to power. At the same time, the mass flow rate through the core is adequate to maintain the rod temperature well below the fuel damage limit.
On the existence and uniqueness of maximum likelihood estimates in polytomous response models

Abstract An ordered polytomous response model is defined. A geometric approach is used to derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of maximum likelihood estimates. The conditions are related to the idea of separating hyperplanes.
Limited Multi-path Routing on Extended Generalized Fat-trees

We consider a general form of routing, called limited multi-path routing, on extended generalized fat-trees where the number of paths between each pair of processing nodes is a parameter. Existing single-path routing and multi-path routing for such topologies are special cases of limited multi- path routing. We propose path calculation heuristics, including shift-1, disjoint, and random for limited multi-path routing on extended generalized fat-trees. All of these heuristics are based on existing single-path routing schemes, work for limited multi-path routing with any given number of paths between processing nodes, gracefully increase routing performance as the number increases, and reach optimal when all shortest paths between processing nodes are allowed for carrying traffics. Flow-level and flit-level simulation experiments are carried out to study the performance. The results show that the disjoint heuristic significantly out-performs the other methods.
Astrocyte-induced modulation of synaptic transmission.

The idea that astrocytes simply provide structural and trophic support to neurons has been challenged by recent evidence demonstrating that astrocytes exhibit a form of excitability and communication based on intracellular Ca2+ variations and intercellular Ca2+ waves, which can be initiated by neuronal activity. These astrocyte Ca2+ variations have now been shown to induce glutamate-dependent Ca2+ elevations and slow inward currents in neurons. More recently, it has been demonstrated that synaptic transmission between cultured hippocampal neurons can be directly modulated by astrocytes. We have reported that astrocyte stimulation can increase the frequency of miniature synaptic currents. Furthermore, we also have demonstrated that an elevation in the intracellular Ca2+ in astrocytes induces a reduction in both excitatory and inhibitory evoked synaptic transmission through the activation of selective presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors.Key words: astrocyte-neuron signaling, glutamate receptors, ca...
Chiral anomaly for the Dirac operator in an instanton background via the Atiyah-Patodi-Singer theorem.

We calculate explicitly the eta invariant for the Euclidean Dirac operator in the background field of an instanton on a four-dimensional manifold with a three-sphere boundary. The total chiral anomaly is found by invoking the Atiyah-Patodi-Singer theorem.
Randomized Discontinuation Design: Application to Cytostatic Antineoplastic Agents

PURPOSE: Propose a phase II study design to evaluate the activity of a putative cytostatic agent, acknowledging heterogeneity of tumor growth rates in the population of patients. METHODS: In the setting of renal cell carcinoma, some patients’ tumors will grow slowly naturally. An appropriate design has to distinguish antiproliferative activity attributable to the novel agent from indolent disease. We propose a randomized discontinuation design that initially treats all patients with the study agent (stage 1) and then randomizes in a double-blind fashion to continuing therapy or placebo only those patients whose disease is stable (stage 2). This design allows the investigators to determine if apparent slow tumor growth is attributable to the drug or to selection of patients with naturally slow-growing tumors. RESULTS: By selecting a more homogeneous population, the randomized portion of the study requires fewer patients than would a study randomizing all patients at entry. The design also avoids potential ...
Studies on the solvent extraction of uranyl bis(dibenzoylmethane)

Abstract Studies of unmasked and masked extractions of the uranyl bis(dibenzoylmethane) dibenzoylmethane chelate from aqueous solutions into chloroform containing dibenzoylmethane have been made. Aqueous media containing the following were studied: perchlorate, fluoride, acetate, oxalate, citrate, tartrate, nitrilotriacetate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate. A number of fundamental constants have been determined, these values allowing theoretical interpretations of several of the systems to be made.
Tight-binding total energy study of phase transitions in KNBO3

Abstract We have developed a tight-binding electronic structure framework with total-energy capabilities which includes an explicit treatment of charge transfer effects and non-point-ion interactions. In this framework, the total energy is composed of four parts: i) A sum over the band energies, which includes charge transfer effects in the self energies and an overlap matrix proportional to the Hamiltonian matrix, ii) an electron-electron double counting term, iii) a core-core interaction term, and iv) a term that produces Coulombic interactions, where, for first near neighbors, we include a penetration factor that serves to appropriately decrease screening effects. Electronic self consistency is established by updating the self-energy contributions to the Hamiltonian according to the results of a population analysis. Based upon these calculations, we present a potential-energy surface of potassium niobate with respect to symmetry lowering displacements. These results are consistent with a system that sp...
zFENCE: Data-less Coherence for Efficient Fences

Efficient fences will not only help improve the performance of today's concurrent algorithms, but could also pave the way for the adoption of stronger memory models such as Sequential consistency (SC). However,the cost of fences in commodity processors remains prohibitively expensive. A hardware fence only requires that all memory accesses preceding a fence in the program order are performed before the fence and its following memory accesses are performed. But, it does not require that these operations are completed in that order. In this work we observe that a significant fraction of fence overhead is caused by stores that are waiting for data from memory. We propose the zFENCE architecture that exploits this observation for efficiently implementing a fence by introducing the capability to grant coherence permission for a store much earlier than servicing its data from memory. We show that zFENCE eliminates fence overhead in a majority of scenarios, and helps bridge the performance gap between SC and TSO runtime memory models for a low design cost.
The Schoolwide Enrichment Model Around the World: An Overview of Component Applications in Five Countries*

Although the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) originated and gained widespread use in the United States, a growing number of countries around the world have expressed an interest in this approach for developing the gifts and talents of young people. Conversations with members of the international community of scholars and practitioners indicate that there are three major reasons for the emerging interest in the SEM. First, a growing body of research by international scholars focuses on the broadened conception of giftedness and the mew that giftedness is dependent on high quality developmental experiences as well as innate potential (Gruber & Mandl, 2000; Monks, 1992; Taylor & Kokot, 2000). This research, and the acceptance of newer theories underlying conceptions of giftedness (Gardner, 1985; Gagne, 2000; Renzulli, 1978, 1986a; Sternberg, 1985) have resulted in a reexamination of the strict IQ approach to identifying gifted students in many countries around the world.A second reason for the current inte...
Detectability of [C II] 158 μm emission from high-redshift galaxies : Predictions for alma and Spica

We discuss the detectability of high-redshift galaxies via [C II] 158 μm line emission by coupling an analytic model with cosmological smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations that are based on the concordance Λ cold dark matter (CDM) model. Our analytic model describes a multiphase interstellar medium (ISM) irradiated by the far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation from local star-forming regions, and it calculates thermal and ionization equilibrium between cooling and heating. The model allows us to predict the mass fraction of a cold neutral medium (CNM) embedded in a warm neutral medium (WNM). Our cosmological SPH simulations include a treatment of radiative cooling/heating, star formation, and feedback effects from supernovae and galactic winds. Using our method, we make predictions for the [C II] luminosity from high-redshift galaxies that can be directly compared with upcoming observations by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and the Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA). We find that the number density of high-redshift galaxies detectable by ALMA and SPICA via [C II] emission depends significantly on the amount of neutral gas, which is highly uncertain. Our calculations suggest that, in a CDM universe, most [C II] sources at z = 3 are faint objects with Sν < 0.01 mJy. Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) brighter than RAB = 23.5 mag are expected to have flux densities Sν = 1-3 mJy depending on the strength of galactic wind feedback. The recommended observing strategy for ALMA and SPICA is to aim at very bright LBGs or star-forming DRG/BzK galaxies.
A nonlinear dynamics method for signal identification

When a radio frequency signal is radiated by a transmitter, the properties of the transmitter itself affect the properties of the signal. These transmitter-induced changes are known as unintentional modulation, to differentiate them from intentional modulation used to add information to the signal. The unintentional modulation can be used to identify which transmitter produced a signal. This paper shows how phase space analysis based on nonlinear dynamics ideas can be used to determine which of several amplifiers produced a signal.
Development of an optimized activatable MMP-14 targeted SPECT imaging probe

Matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MT1-MMP or MMP-14) is a membrane-associated protease implicated in a variety of tissue remodeling processes and a molecular hallmark of select metastatic cancers. The ability to detect MMP-14 in vivo would be useful in studying its role in pathologic processes and may potentially serve as a guide for the development of targeted molecular therapies. Four MMP-14 specific probes containing a positively charged cell penetrating peptide (CPP) d-arginine octamer (r(8)) linked with a MMP-14 peptide substrate and attenuating sequences with glutamate (8e, 4e) or glutamate-glycine (4eg and 4egg) repeating units were modeled using an AMBER force field method. The probe with 4egg attenuating sequence exhibited the highest CPP/attenuator interaction, predicting minimized cellular uptake until cleaved. The in vitro MMP-14-mediated cleavage studies using the human recombinant MMP-14 catalytic domain revealed an enhanced cleavage rate that directly correlated with the linearity of the embedded peptide substrate sequence. Successful cleavage and uptake of a technetium-99m labeled version of the optimal probe was demonstrated in MMP-14 transfected human breast cancer cells. Two-fold reduction of cellular uptake was found in the presence of a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor. The combination of computational chemistry, parallel synthesis and biochemical screening, therefore, shows promise as a set of tools for developing new radiolabeled probes that are sensitive to protease activity.
Integrating subset simulation with probabilistic re-analysis to estimate reliability of dynamic systems

It is often expensive to estimate the failure probability of highly reliable systems by Monte Carlo simulation. Subset Simulation breaks the original problem of estimating a small probability into the estimation of a sequence of large conditional probabilities, which is more efficient. The conditional probabilities are estimated by Markov Chain simulation. Uncertainty in the power spectral density of the excitation makes it necessary to re-evaluate the reliability for many power spectral densities that are consistent with the evidence about the system excitation. Subset Simulation is more efficient than Monte Carlo simulation, but still requires a new simulation for each admissible power spectral density. This paper presents an efficient method to re-evaluate the reliability of a dynamic system under stationary Gaussian stochastic excitation for different load spectra. We accomplish that by re-weighting the results of a single Subset Simulation. This method is applicable to both linear and nonlinear systems provided that all of the spectra contain the same amount of energy. The authors are currently working on an extension of the method to nonlinear systems, even when the sampling and true power spectral density functions contain different amounts of energy.
The Ulnar Collateral Ligament Procedure Revisited The Procedure We Use

Context:The ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow (UCL) is frequently injured in throwing athletes, most commonly baseball pitchers. The ligament is reconstructed through bone tunnels using palmar...
U(n) Operator manifolds for electron propagator applications

U(n) operator manifolds necessary for the derivation of correlated propagator decouplings within a unitary group formulation of electron propagator theory are discussed. An explicit representation of 2h – p type operators is constructed and examined. Several types of linear dependencies are identified and eliminated. Finally, it is demonstrated how the correct spin multiplets arising from ionization of doubly occupied orbitals in reference states of arbitrary spin multiplicity are generated.
In vivo DNA cloning with a mini-Mu replicon cosmid and a helper lambda phage

A mini-Mu bacteriophage, containing the cohesive-end packaging site (cos) from a lambda-phi 80 hybrid phage, a high-copy-number plasmid replicon, and a kanamycin-resistance gene for independent selection, was constructed to clone genes in vivo. This mini-Mu element can be derepressed to transpose at a high frequency. DNA segments that become flanked by copies of this mini-Mu element in the same orientation can be packaged by a helper lambda phage. The resulting lambda lysate can be used to infect recipient cells where the injected DNA can circularize by annealing at the cos termini. Drug-resistant transductants obtained carry the mini-Mu-replicon cosmid element with inserts of different nucleotide sequences. These are analogous to recombinant DNA clones generated in vitro with restriction endonuclease cutting and ligase joining reactions replaced by the Mu transposition process. Clones of particular genes were isolated by their ability to complement specific mutations. Both recA+ and recA- recipient cells can be used with equal efficiency. Clones obtained with a helper lambda phage require the presence of the cos site in the mini-Mu replicon. They carry larger inserts than those isolated with the same mini-Mu element and Mu as a helper phage. The mini-Mu replicon-cosmid bacteriophage contains a lac-gene fusing segment for isolating fusions of lac operon DNA to gene control regions in the cloned sequences. Independent clones of a particular gene can be used to prepare a restriction map of the gene and its flanking regions.
Cryptococcal abscess imitating a soft-tissue sarcoma in an immunocompetent host: a case report.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous encapsulated yeast found throughout the world. Although it is only occasionally a pathogen in immunocompetent hosts, it emerged in the 1980s as an important opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Infection typically begins in the lungs and can disseminate, causing central nervous system dysfunction, cutaneous manifestations, and, occasionally, osteomyelitis in up to 10% of cases1,2. Noncutaneous cryptococcal abscesses in an immunocompetent host are exceedingly rare, and, to our knowledge, a soft-tissue cryptococcal abscess in an immunocompetent host has not been previously reported. We present the successful treatment of an isolated cryptococcal abscess, initially thought to be a soft-tissue sarcoma, in an immunocompetent host. The case of our patient adds to the current treatment literature and highlights the importance of having a tissue diagnosis prior to surgical intervention. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he consented. A forty-six-year-old man who was otherwise healthy was seen in the orthopaedic oncology clinic because of a mass in the proximal aspect of the right thigh. This mass was first noticed six weeks prior to his evaluation, when he experienced “pressure” in this area while cycling. Thinking this was likely a musculoskeletal injury, his primary care physician initially treated him conservatively. As the mass slowly enlarged, concern for a primary oncologic process was raised. The patient reported no functional limitation, no pain, and denied having any fevers, chills, puncture wounds, or other trauma to this area. Medically, he reported only a remote history of depression and an uncomplicated appendectomy thirty years previously. He reported that he took no medication and had no drug allergy. He did not smoke or use intravenous drugs, and he denied having previous transfusions. He consumed alcohol socially and reported a …
Thermal modeling of friction stir welding in a moving coordinate system and its validation

A three-dimensional heat transfer model for friction stir welding (FSW) is presented in this paper; a moving coordinate is introduced to reduce the difficulty of modeling the moving tool. Heat input from the tool shoulder and the tool pin are considered in the model. The finite difference method was applied in solving the control equations. A non-uniform grid mesh is generated for the calculation. FSW experiments have been done to validate the calculated results. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The calculation result also shows that preheat to the workpiece is beneficial to FSW.