cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical perspective on euro liquidity

Forex markets and the euro Theoretical prespective I provide theoretical perspective on recent findings of increased transaction costs in the new dollar-euro market relative to the prior dollar-mark market, and assess the welfare significance of this drop in liquidity. In theory, transaction costs arise from information disadvantage costs, inventory management costs, and other market-making costs (e.g., order-processing costs). A review of theoretical reasons for the underlying costs to be rising can allow one to discriminate among hypotheses for the liquidity drop. New data on public trades support a customer liquidity hypothesis, based on the idea that the ultimate providers of liquidity in this market are customers rather than market-makers. However, the hypothesis is not consistent with the totality of the evidence, and I discuss how a combination of various mechanisms can influence transaction costs and the FX market's information efficiency. –Richard K. Lyons
Possibility Function-Based Neural Networks: Case Study of Mathematical Analysis

In this paper, we give a theoretical analysis for a generalized fuzzy neural network created in our previous papers. This analysis includes a mathematical proof of the training formulas used by such a network. the fuzzy neural network can accept a set of possibility functions as input as well as a vector of scalar values. This network consists of three components: a parameter-computing network, a converting layer, and a standard backpropagation-based neural network. The output vector of each layer of the parameter-computing network is a possibility vector, each element of which is a possibility function. The output vector of the converting layer is a fuzzy set, which represents the class membership values. In this paper only the first two components are considered.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gauge equivalence and the inverse spectral problem for the magnetic Schrödinger operator on the torus

We study the inverse spectral problem for the Schrodinger operator H on the two-dimensional torus with even magnetic field B(x) and even electric potential V(x). Guillemin [11] proved that the spectrum of H determines B(x) and V(x). A simple proof of Guillemin’s results was given by the authors in [3]. In the present paper, we consider gauge equivalent classes of magnetic potentials and give conditions which imply that the gauge equivalence class and the spectrum of H determine the magnetic field and the electric potential. We also show that, generically, the spectrum and the magnetic field determine the “extended” gauge equivalence class of the magnetic potential. The proof is a modification of that in [3] with some corrections and clarifications.
Changes in the structure of the baboon hybrid zone in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia

The zone of hybridization between anubis and hamadryas baboons in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia, evidently changed significantly in the early 1970s. When first studied, by Nagel in 1968, the distribution of adult male phenotypes suggested that the hybrid zone was a narrow, static, genetic sink. In contrast, studies during the 1970s found evidence for a broad hybrid zone intergrading with parental populations and probably expanding. A more detailed investigation of data collected in 1973, presented here, shows that between 1968 and 1973 the distribution of phenotypes changed to a more clinal pattern because of the maturation and successful integration of an extensive cohort of hybrid males. We present a provisional model that accounts for the changes in terms of climatic oscillations, with the hybrid zone tending to expand during periods of climatic instability.
Impact behavior of 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels irradiated in HFIR☆

Abstract Charpy impact specimens of 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at 300 and 400°C to displacement-damage levels as high as 42 dpa. For both steels, irradiation caused large increases in the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) and a decrease in the upper-shelf energy (USE). The increase in DBTT and the decrease in USE were greater at 400°C than at 300°C. At 400°C, irradiation to ~ 40 dpa produced shifts in DBTT of 204 and 242°C for the 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels, respectively. These are the largest shifts ever observed for these steels and are attributed to the high helium concentration generated during irradiation in HFIR.
Crashworthiness optimisation of vehicle structures with magnesium alloy parts

This paper explores the effects of replacing the baseline steel with lightweight magnesium alloy parts on crashworthiness characteristics and optimum design of a full-vehicle model. Full frontal, offset frontal and side crash simulations are performed on a validated 1996 Dodge Neon model using explicit nonlinear transient dynamic finite element analyses in LS-DYNA to obtain vehicle responses such as crash pulse, intrusion distance, peak acceleration and internal energy. Twenty-two parts of the vehicle body structure are converted into AZ31 magnesium alloy with adjustable wall thickness while the remaining parts are kept intact. The magnesium alloy material model follows a piecewise linear plasticity law considering separate tension and compression properties and maximum plastic strain failure criterion. Six different metamodelling techniques including optimised ensemble are developed and tuned for predictions of crash-induced responses within the design optimisation process. The crashworthiness optimisati...
Second harmonic generation spectroscopy of p-cresol and carbazole on SiO2 surfaces

Abstract Surface second harmonic generation (SHG) has been developed as a surface specific type of electronic spectroscopy. The surface second-order susceptibility χ (2) is enhanced by the adsorption of molecules, and an electronic spectrum can be generated by scanning the dye laser through the two-photon resonances of the adsorbate. The spectra of p -cresol ionically and covalently bound to SiO 2 and of carbazole covalently bound to SiO 2 have been obtained. Weakly bound molecules such as hydrogen-bonded cresol, phenol and aniline as well as pyridine are rapidly desorbed by the competitive process of two-photon absorption.
Cytochrome P450cam substrate specificity: relationship between structure and catalytic oxidation of alkylbenzenes.

Abstract The oxidation by cytochrome P450cam(CYP101) of ethylbenzene and a series of substrates derived from it by addition of one, two, three, or four carbon atoms has been examined. For each of the 18 substrates, the shift in spin state due to substrate binding, the extent of coupled turnover to give organic products and uncoupled turnover to give H2O2and H2O, and the identities of the organic products have been determined. The same studies have been carried out with the T185L and T185F mutants of P450camin which the active site volume is decreased. The results show that no detectable correlation exists between the observed spin state change and any other parameter studied. For substrates of equal size, coupled and uncoupled turnover vary widely but both are maximized when the phenyl ring bears one large alkyl substituent or a methyl ortho to the largest alkyl substituent. The presence of substituents in addition to these decreases activity. In the absence of other changes, coupled turnover is correlated with the size of the largest substituent, but no such correlation exists for uncoupled turnover. Decreasing the size of the active site cavity by a T185L mutation generally increases coupled turnover without altering the dependence on the alkyl group size. A T185F mutation causes too great an active site perturbation for structure–activity studies. Substrate oxidation occurs preferentially at 2° or 3° C–H bonds of the largest substituent or on the benzylic methyl ortho to it. Aromatic hydroxylation only competes with the oxidation of nonbenzylic 1° C–H bonds. The extent of coupled turnover is a function of substrate shape, substrate size, and cavity size, but still elusive parameters control the extent of uncoupled turnover.
Lessons Learned from Human Dimensions of Chronic Wasting Disease Research

Although the human dimensions (HD) of chronic wasting disease (CWD) research is relatively new, at least 38 journal articles have been published in the last seven years. This article synthesizes seven lessons learned from HD of CWD research (e.g., hunters vary in their behavioral response to CWD and perceived human health risks; agency trust can influence behavior and acceptance of management actions; not all management actions are equally acceptable and/or effective). This body of work directly incorporates concepts found in social psychological, economics, communication and risk theories to better understand the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of multiple stakeholders (e.g., hunters, non-hunters, guide outfitters) across multiple states. The general approach utilized by human dimensions research on CWD can be applied to a variety of wildlife diseases. A systematic program of human dimensions inquiry is necessary to understand and prepare for the next wildlife disease crisis.
Dense and Relativistic Plasmas Produced by Compact High-Intensity Lasers

High-intensity lasers interacting with plasmas are used to study processes in the laboratory that would otherwise only occur in astrophysics. These include relativistic plasmas, electron acceleration in ultrahigh field-gradient wake fields, pressure ionization and continuum lowering in strongly coupled plasmas, and X-ray line emission via Raman scattering.
Commentary. Validity of exam assessment of surgical skills EBSQ/VASC pilot study.

The authors conducted a study to determine the validity of exarvnintions to assess surgical skills. The aspects of validity tested were content (does the test actually assess the content it purports to), construct (is it a valid d scr mnnator betvween surgeons of varying skills), internal consistency (does the candidate give a consistent performance in all aspects of the test), and irterobserver reliability (what is the level of agreement between assessors). Content was determined by dissection and anastomotic technique by using models, and knot yi'ng by using a knot-tying assessor. Consistency was determined by correlating the performance of each participart betVeen the three tests. Irterobserver reliability was tested by .yBee marking and videotape marking techniques. Significant di4ferences were noted between examiners and candidates,when assessed yive compared with video assessment Liye marking offerec high interobserver correlation for the operative procedures than for videotape assessment.
Development of the anti-Ro autoantibody response in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective. To characterize the initial events in anti-Ro production by a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, in whom this autoantibody is developing. Methods. The immune response to the Ro ribonucleoprotein and other autoantigens were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgG and IgM, by isoelectric focusing, and by inhibition studies to determine apparent avidity. Results. The patient's sera showed an oligoclonal response to Ro that increased in complexity and affinity with time. IgM anti-Ro appeared shortly before IgG anti-Ro, and disappeared as IgG anti-Ro increased in titer and affinity. IgG antiribosomal P autoantibodies also appeared during the patient's course, but in contrast to anti-Ro, were not preceded by IgM antiribosomal P. Conclusion. These data are consistent with the Ro autoantigen being presented and processed in a manner similar to heterologous antigen, and with differences in the mechanisms that lead to the production of IgG anti-Ro autoantibodies as opposed to antiribosomal P autoantibodies.
A tool for the deterministic scheduling of real-time programs implemented as periodic Ada tasks

In this paper, we describe an experimental tool for the scheduling and execution of real-time programs on a single processor. This tool accepts a real-time program implemented as a system of periodic tasks written in a subset of Ada. It translates the program into equivalent Ada source code in which the task bodies are executed by a run-time dispatcher according to a deterministic, cyclic schedule.The schedule is represented as a table of scheduling actions describing the execution of the program for a major cycle, which is repeated at intervals of the major period of the least common multiple of all task periods. Each scheduling action covers an interval in the major cycle, and specifies a sequence of statements within a task that is to be executing during that interval. A compile-time scheduler arranges these scheduling actions within the major cycle such that all timing and rendezvous constraints will be satisfied. The periodic Ada tasks all start simultaneously (there is no task phasing), so that the schedule satisfying all constraints in the first major cycle can be repeated indefinitely.A simple example of a translation is presented, and the results of using this tool to schedule and execute some experimental task systems are described.
The course of asthma during pregnancy, post partum, and with successive pregnancies: A prospective analysis

We studied 366 pregnancies in 330 prospectively managed women with asthma to determine the effect of pregnancy on asthma. Asthma activity was assessed by (1) daily symptom and medication diaries and (2) monthly auscultation and spirometry during pregnancy and for 3 months post partum. At 3 months post partum, subjects were asked to assess the overall course of their asthma during pregnancy compared to the usual course for them, and the course of their asthma during the 3 months post partum compared to the asthma during pregnancy. Asthma worsened during pregnancy in 35% of the women, improved in 28%, and was unchanged in 33%. Based on diary-card analysis, asthma was significantly less frequent and less severe during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy than during any other gestational interval. In women whose asthma improved during pregnancy, diary-card analysis revealed a gradual improvement with progressive pregnancy, whereas in women whose asthma worsened during pregnancy, there was an increase in asthma symptoms during 29 to 36 weeks gestation. During labor and delivery, asthma symptoms occurred in 10% of women with approximately equal proportions of these women receiving either no treatment or inhaled bronchodilators; only two subjects required intravenous aminophylline. During the 3 months post partum, asthma reverted toward its prepregnancy course in 73% of women. In 34 subjects prospectively studied for two successive pregnancies, there existed a significant concordance between the asthma course during the first and second pregnancies. The mechanistic and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Koobi Fora hominids

The Fossil Hominids and an Introduction to Their Context, 1968–1974. (Koobi Fora Research Project, Vol. 1). Edited by M. G. Leakey and R. E. Leakey. Pp. 191. (Clarendon/Oxford University Press: Oxford, 1978.) £15.
Regularity near the characteristic set in the non-linear Dirichlet problem and conformal geometry of sub-Laplacians on Carnot groups

This paper constitutes the first part of a project devoted to the study of a class of nonlinear sub-elliptic problems which arise in function theory on CR manifolds. The infinitesimal groups naturally associated with these problems are non-commutative Lie groups whose Lie algebra admits a stratification. The fundamental role of such groups in analysis was envisaged by E. M. Stein [72] in his address at the Nice International Congress of Mathematicians in 1970, see also the recent monograph [73]. There has been since a tremendous development in the analysis of the so-called stratified nilpotent Lie groups, nowadays also known as Carnot groups, and in the study of the sub-elliptic partial differential equations, both linear and non-linear, which arise in this connection. Despite all the progress, our understanding of a large number of basic questions is not to present day as substantial as one may desire. Such situation is due primarily to the complexity of the underlying sub-Riemannian geometry, on the one hand, and to the considerable obstacles which are imposed by non-commutativity and by the presence of characteristic points on the other. To introduce the problems studied in this paper we recall that a Carnot group G is a simply connected nilpotent Lie group such that its Lie algebra g admits a stratification g = r ⊕ j=1 Vj , with [V1, Vj ] = Vj+1 for 1 ≤ j < r , [V1, Vr ] = {0}.
Dependence of mammalian DNA replication on DNA supercoiling II. Effects of novobiocin on DNA synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Abstract Novobiocin, an inhibitor of gyrase-induced DNA supercoiling and DNA replication in prokaryotes, inhibited the incorporation of DNA precursors into DNA in both intact and permeable Chinese hamster ovary cells; much higher concentrations were required for permeable cells, in which no new replicons were initiated. Nucleoids were prepared from cells that were incubated for 60 min with 200 μg/ml novobiocin, made permeable, and incubated with 0–50 μg/ml ethidium bromide. Sedimentation of the nucleoids in neutral sucrose gradients suggested that the number of supercoils in the average nucleoid had been reduced by prior incubation with novobiocin. In intact cells, novobiocin is required inside the cell for continued inhibition of DNA synthesis, suggesting that it does not act directly on the DNA. Alkaline sucrose gradient profiles of DNA synthesized in the presence of novobiocin in intact cells indicated that the drug inhibited replicon initiation while having little if any effect on chain elongation. These data are consistent with the idea that an activity similar to the bacterial gyrase generates supercoils in mammalian DNA and produces the proper conformation for the initiation of DNA replication.
Molecular diagnosis of pancreas carcinoma

Cellular protooncogenes, tumor suppressor genes (antioncogenes), and DNA mismatch repair mutators are generally the key molecular genetic biomarkers undergoing alterations during carcinogenesis, i.e., activation of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressors, and DNA mismatch repair gene defects are essential events in cancer causation. In pancreas cancer, high incidence of oncogene K-ras point mutations at the codon 12th is associated with premalignant and malignant transformation. Mutation in p53 tumor suppressor is also detected in pancreas adenocarcinoma. Concurrent loss of p53 and K-ras function may contribute to the clinical aggressiveness of pancreas cancer. Microsatellite instability and DNA mismatch repair defects may represent new mutator phenotype for pancreas carcinogenesis. Mutation of cell cycle regulators, such as inhibitor of CDK4 or p16 tumor suppressor gene, is a new molecular event in pancreas cancer. Mutation of cyclin-dependent kinases also may be involved in pancreas carcinogenesis. Loss or mutation of a new candidate tumor suppressor, DPC4 (deleted in pancreas carcinoma locus 4), is reported in pancreas cancer. The protein products of these gene mutations are potential tumor antigens, thus genotype expression can be detected by phenotype. Most of these emerging molecular genetic biomarkers are associated with regulation of cell growth and recognition, as well as gene expression, and may offer new insight into the cellular precursors to and genesis of pancreas cancer.
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Carbon Fiber Surfaces. Part XVI: Core-Level and Valence-Band Studies of Pitch-Based Fibers Electrochemically Treated in Ammonium Carbonate Solution

DuPont E-120 high-modulus pitch-based carbon fibers were treated electrochemically in 0.5 M (NH4)2CO3 solution under both potentiostatic and galvanostatic modes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to monitor the chemical changes on the carbon fiber surfaces. Both core-level and valence-band spectra showed that the treatment introduced both oxygen-containing and nitrogen-containing functional groups onto the fiber surfaces, and the mainly oxygen-containing functional groups produced were carbonyl (C=O) type functional groups after longer treatment time. For short treatment time, hydroxide (C-OH) type groups were the dominant functionality, and ether (C-O-C) or epoxide type groups were also formed. The O 2s peaks from oxygen atoms in the hydroxide functionality and the ether or epoxide groups are well separated in the valence-band spectra; the corresponding O 1s peaks, however, are not separated in the O 1s core-region spectra.
A many-body embedded atom potential for describing ejection of atoms from surfaces

Abstract In this paper, we show that many-body interactions are important for describing the energy- and angle-resolved distributions of neutral Rh atoms ejected from keV-ion-bombarded Rh{111}. We compare separate classical-dynamics simulations of the sputtering process assuming either a many-body potential or a pairwise additive potential. The most dramatic difference between the many-body potential and the pair potential is the predicted kinetic energy distributions. The pair-potential kinetic energy distribution peaks at ∼ 2 eV, whereas the many-body potential predicts a broader peak at ∼ 4 eV, giving much better agreement with experiment. This difference between the model potentials is due to the predicted nature of the attractive interaction in the surface region through which all ejecting particles pass.
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western society. The most important risk factors for atherosclerosis include smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and a family history of premature atherosclerosis. Several studies indicate that an increased plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol constitutes a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Many data support a proatherogenic role for oxidized LDL and its in vivo existence. The oxidative susceptibility of LDL is increased with established cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking and dyslipidemia. Supplementation with antioxidants such as ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol can decrease LDL oxidation as well as cardiovascular mortality and thus shows promise in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Journal Retention Decisions Incorporating Use-Statistics as a Measure of Value

The Owen Science and Engineering Library incorporates use statistics for both print and electronic versions of journals into their journal retention decisions. Continuous in-house statistics have been taken over the last seven years for the print versions of the journals. The library has been able to gather electronic use statistics from 39% of the publishers, which account for over 99% of the titles to which they subscribe. This data is manipulated to establish number of uses for each year for each title, and cost-per-use for each title. Using this information as a starting point, decisions on journal retention are made each year.
Infantile Vomiting Due to a Disappearing Hairy Polyp

Infantile vomiting can occur from many causes. A mass in the nasopharynx is an obscure reason for emesis. Maternal detection of an intermittently visible mass secured a diagnosis that had eluded observation, even after the patient had been hospitalized. "Hairy polyp" has received almost no attention in the Pediatrics literature. 1,2 This report is both for information about the unusual tumor and for reaffirmation of the value of parental observation.
Further results on relationship between spectral unmixing and subspace projection

A recent short communication, J. J. Settle (1996), showed that an orthogonal subspace projection (OSP) classifier developed for hyperspectral image classification in J. Harsanyi et al. (1994) was equivalent to a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) resulting from a standard method of linear unmixing. It further concluded that the MLE subsumed the OSP classifier in spite of a constant difference in their magnitudes. Coincidentally, the equivalence of the OSP approach to linear unmixing was also derived in J. Harsanyi (1993) and T. M. Tu et al. (1997) by using the least-squares estimation with the same abundance estimate given by the MLE. In this communication, the author shows, on the contrary, that the MLE can be viewed as an a posteriori version of the OSP classifier and, thus, belongs to a family of OSP-based classifiers. More importantly, the author further shows that the constant produced by the MLE determines abundance estimation and has nothing to do with classification. As a result, it only alters the abundance concentration of the classified pixels, but not classification results.
An initial evaluation of the Convex SPP-1000 for earth and space science applications

The Convex SPP-1000, the most recent SPC, is distinguished by a true global shared memory capability based on the first commercial version of directory based cache coherence mechanisms and SCI protocol. The system was evaluated at NASA/GSFC in the Beta-test environment using three classes of operational experiments targeting earth and space science applications. A multiple program workload tested job-stream level parallelism. Synthetic programs measured overhead costs of barrier, fork-join, and message passing synchronization primitives. An efficient tree-code version of an N-body simulation revealed scaling properties and measured the overall efficiency. This paper presents the results of this study and provides the earliest published evaluation of this new scalable architecture. >
Insulin Therapy and Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the most important and common side effect of insulin therapy. It is also the rate limiting factor in safely achieving excellent glycemic control. A three-fold increased risk of severe hypoglycemia occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes with tight glucose control. This dictates a need to individualize therapy and glycemia goals to minimize this risk. Several ways to reduce hypoglycemia risk are recognized and discussed. They include frequent monitoring of blood sugars with home blood glucose tests and sometimes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in order to identify hypoglycemia particularly in hypoglycemia unawareness. Considerations include prompt measured hypoglycemia treatment, attempts to reduce glycemic variability, balancing basal and meal insulin therapy, a pattern therapy approach and use of a physiological mimicry with insulin analogues in a flexible manner. Methods to achieve adequate control while focusing on minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia are delineated in this article.
Origin and evolution of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein R domain

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator protein (CFTR) is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily. CFTR is distinguished from all other members of this superfamily by its status as an ion channel as well as the presence of its unique regulatory (R) domain. We investigated the origin and subsequent evolution of the R domain along the CFTR evolutionary lineage. The R domain protein coding sequence originated via the loss of a splice donor site at the 3' end of exon 14, leading to the subsequent read-through and capture of formerly intronic sequence as novel coding sequence. Inclusion of the remaining part of the R domain coding sequence in the CFTR transcript involved a lineage-specific gain of exonic sequence with no homology to protein coding sequences outside of CFTR and loss of two exons conserved among ABC family members. These events occurred at the base of the Gnathostome evolutionary lineage ~550-650 million years ago. The apparent origination of the R domain de novo from previously non-coding sequence is consistent with its lack of sequence similarity to other domains as well as its intrinsically disordered structure, which has important implications for its function. In particular, this lack of structure may provide for a dynamic and inducible regulatory activity based on transient physical interactions with more structured domains of the protein. Since its acquisition along the CFTR evolutionary lineage, the R domain has evolved more rapidly than any other CFTR domain; however, there is no evidence for positive (adaptive) selection in the evolution of the domain. The R domain does show a distinct pattern of relative evolutionary rates compared to other CFTR domains, which sheds additional light on the connection between its function and evolution. The regulatory function of the R domain is dependent upon a fairly small number of sites that are subject to phosphorylation, and these sites were fixed very early in R domain evolution and have remained largely invariant since that time. In contrast, the rest of the R domain has been free to drift in sequence space leading to a more star-like phylogeny than seen for the other CFTR domains. The case of the R domain suggests that domain acquisition via the de novo creation of coding sequence, and the novel functional utility that such an event would seemingly entail, can be one route by which neo-functionalization is favored to occur.
Arthropod abundance in tall fescue, Lolium arundinaceum, pastures containing novel ‘safe’ endophytes

Poor livestock performance on tall fescue is linked to infection by a fungal endophyte that enhances grass resistance to stress, including herbivory, while producing ergot alkaloids toxic to vertebrate grazers. Novel ‘safe’ endophyte/grass associations produce no ergot alkaloids yet retain stand persistence, but they could be more susceptible to insect outbreaks. We tested the hypothesis that grass-feeding insects are more abundant in novel endophyte pastures compared with those containing common endophyte. Above- and below-ground herbivores were sampled across two growing seasons in pastures containing common strain endophyte (KY31), novel endophytes (MaxQ or AR584) or endophyte free. We also sampled natural enemies as an indicator of possible tritrophic effects. With a few exceptions, numbers of predatory, chewing (grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars) or sucking insects (leafhoppers, planthoppers) were similar in common and novel endophyte pastures. Contrary to our hypothesis, Aphrodes spp. leafhoppers were more abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2008; their nymphs also were more abundant in KY31 than in MaxQ in 2009. Adults (but not total numbers or nymphs) of another leafhopper, Psammotettix striatus, were less abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2009. Popillia japonica and Cyclocephala spp. grubs did not differ in density, weight or instar among the endophyte-containing associations. In feeding assays, armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) survival was higher on MaxQ and NE9301, and weight gain was higher on NE9301, suggesting armyworm outbreaks could be more severe on such grasses, but that result may not be attributable solely to alkaloids because common strain and endophyte-free grasses did not differ in either parameter. Caterpillar abundance did not differ among pasture types in the field. Our results suggest that re-seeding common strain endophytic pastures with livestock-safe novel endophyte/grass associations to alleviate fescue toxicosis is unlikely to promote markedly higher populations of plant-feeding insects.
Exercise training increases glycogen synthase activity and GLUT4 expression but not insulin signaling in overweight nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects.

Exercise training improves insulin sensitivity in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. The present study was undertaken to determine how improved insulin signaling, GLUT4 expression, and glycogen synthase activity contribute to this improvement. Euglycemic clamps with indirect calorimetry and muscle biopsies were performed before and after 8 weeks of exercise training in 16 insulin-resistant nondiabetic subjects and 6 type 2 diabetic patients. Training increased peak aerobic capacity (Vo2peak) in both nondiabetic (from 34 ± 2 to 39 ± 2 mL O2/kg fat-free mass [FFM]/min, 14% ± 2%, P < .001) and diabetic (from 26 ± 3 to 34 ± 3 mL O2/kg FFM/min, 32% ± 4%) subjects. Training also increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in nondiabetic (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 7.1 ± 0.7 mg/kg FFM/min) and diabetic subjects (from 4.3 ± 0.6 to 5.5 ± 0.6 mg/kg FFM/min). Total glycogen synthase activity was increased by 46% ± 17% and 45% ± 12% in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects, respectively, in response to training (P < .01 v before training). Moreover, after training, glycogen synthase fractional velocity was correlated with insulin-stimulated glucose storage (r = 0.53, P < .05) and the training-induced improvement in glucose disposal was accounted for primarily by increased insulin-stimulated glucose storage. Training also increased GLUT4 protein by 38% ± 8% and 22% ± 10% in nondiabetic and diabetic subjects, respectively (P < .05 v. before training). Akt protein expression, which was decreased by 29% ± 3% (P < .05) in the diabetic subjects before training (compared to the nondiabetics), increased significantly in both groups (P < .001). In contrast, exercise training did not enhance the ability of insulin to stimulate insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)-associated phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI 3)-kinase activity. The present data are consistent with a working model whereby 8 weeks of exercise training increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal primarily by increasing GLUT4 protein expression without enhancing insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase signaling, and that once the glucose enters the myocyte, increased glycogen synthase activity preferentially shunts it into glycogen synthesis.
A methodology for architecture-level reliability risk analysis

The paper presents a methodology for reliability risk assessment at the early stages of the development lifecycle, namely, the architecture level. We describe a heuristic risk assessment methodology that is based on dynamic metrics. The methodology uses dynamic complexity and dynamic coupling metrics to define complexity factors for the architecture elements (components and connectors). Severity analysis is performed using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) as applied to architecture models. We combine severity and complexity factors to develop heuristic risk factors for the architecture components and connectors. Based on analysis scenarios, we develop a risk assessment model that represents components, connectors, component risk factors, connector risk factors, and probabilities of component interactions. We also develop a risk analysis algorithm that aggregates risk factors of components and connectors to the architectural level. Using the risk aggregation and the risk analysis model, we show how to analyze the overall risk factor of the architecture as the function of the risk factors of its constituting components and connectors. A case study of a pacemaker architecture is used to illustrate the application of the methodology. The methodology is used to identify critical components and connectors and to investigate the sensitivity of the architecture risk factor to changes in the heuristic risk factors of the architecture elements.
Fiber designs for high power lasers

This paper reviews different fiber design approaches for high power lasers. First, we discuss the conventional step index profile design and methods for achieving single mode operation in high power lasers such as bending, helical core fibers and Yb dopant profile designs. Then we present new design approaches for reducing the SBS through profile and glass composition designs. Finally, we describe fiber designs to achieve single polarization and at the same time to mitigate the SRS effect.
Finding matrix product state representations of highly-excited eigenstates of many-body localized Hamiltonians

A key property of many-body localized Hamiltonians is the area law entanglement of even highly excited eigenstates. Matrix product states (MPS) can be used to efficiently represent low entanglement (area law) wave functions in one dimension. An important application of MPS is the widely used density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) algorithm for finding ground states of one-dimensional Hamiltonians. Here, we develop two algorithms, the shift-and-invert MPS (SIMPS) and excited state DMRG which find highly excited eigenstates of many-body localized Hamiltonians. Excited state DMRG uses a modified sweeping procedure to identify eigenstates, whereas SIMPS applies the inverse of the shifted Hamiltonian to a MPS multiple times to project out the targeted eigenstate. To demonstrate the power of these methods, we verify the breakdown of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis in the many-body localized phase of the random field Heisenberg model, show the saturation of entanglement in the many-body localized phase, and generate local excitations.
Rare association between cystic fibrosis, Chiari I malformation, and hydrocephalus in a baby: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis, an epithelial cell transport disorder caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, is not generally associated with malformations of the central nervous system. We review eight previously published reports detailing an infrequent association between cystic fibrosis and Chiari I malformation. Case presentation: To the best of our knowledge, our report describes only the ninth case of a baby presenting with a new diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and Chiari I malformation, in this case in a 10-month-old, full-term Caucasian baby boy from the United States of America. Neurosurgical consultation was obtained for associated developmental delay, macrocephaly, bulging anterior fontanel, and papilledema. An MRI scan demonstrated an extensive Chiari I malformation with effacement of the fourth ventricle, obliteration of the outlets of the fourth ventricle and triventricular hydrocephalus without aqueductal stenosis. Our patient was taken to the operating room for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Conclusions: It is possible that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene may play a previously unrecognized role in central nervous system development; alternatively, this central nervous system abnormality may have been acquired due to constant valsalva from recurrent coughing or wheezing or metabolic and electrolyte imbalances that occur characteristically in cystic fibrosis.
FK 506 AMELIORATES THE HEPATIC INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION IN RATS

The effect of FK 506 on regeneration of the liver was studied in rats after a two-thirds partial hepatectomy after 60 min of ischemia of the unresected liver. The animals were divided into three distinct groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 (controls) received 0.5 ml saline solution intravenously 30 min after the induction of ischemia. Groups 2 and 3 were injected with FK 506 (0.3 mg/kg) intravenously 30 min after and 24 min before the induction of hepatic ischemia, respectively. The hepatic content of ATP and serum levels of ALT and lactate dehydrogenase were determined on each animal. In addition, the histological appearance and mitotic activity of the remnant liver was determined at regular 24-hr intervals after hepatic ischemia. All 10 control animals died within 72 hr. Treatment with FK 506 resulted in improved survival in groups 2 and 3 (30% and 80%, respectively). The improved survival seen in the FK 506-treated animals was reflected by a restoration of hepatic ATP content, a reduction in the serum levels of ALT and lactate dehydrogenase, an amelioration of hepatic necrosis and neutrophilic infiltration and an increase in the mitotic activity of the liver. These results suggest that FK 506 ameliorates the hepatic injury associated with ischemia/reperfusion and has a potent stimulatory effect on liver cell regeneration that may make it valuable as a hepatoprotective agent when administered to organ donors before graft harvesting.
Hatching asynchrony, nestling competition, and the cost of interspecific brood parasitism

All parental hosts of heterospecific brood parasites must pay the cost of rearing non-kin. Previous research on nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) concluded that competitive superiority of the typically more intensively begging and larger cowbird chick leads to preferential feeding by foster parents and causes a reduction in the hosts' own brood. The larger size of cowbird nestlings can be the result of at least two causes: (1) cowbirds preferentially parasitize species with smaller nestlings and lower growth rates; and/or (2) cowbirds hatch earlier than hosts. I estimated the cost of cowbird parasitism for each of 29 species by calculating the difference between hosts' published brood sizes in nonparasitized and parasitized nests and using clutch size to standardize values. In this analysis, greater incubation length and lower adult mass, surrogate measures of the hatching asynchrony and size difference between parasite and hosts, were both related to greater costs of cowbird parasitism without bias owing to phylogeny. To establish causality, I manipulated clutch contents of eastern phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) and examined whether earlier hatching by a single cowbird or phoebe egg reduces the size of the rest of the original host brood. As predicted, greater hatching asynchrony increased the proportion of the original phoebe brood that was lost. This measure of the cost of parasitism was partially owing to increased hatching failure of the original eggs in asynchronous broods but was not at all related to the size differences of older and younger conspecific nestmates. However, proportional brood loss owing to an earlier hatching conspecific was consistently smaller than brood loss owing to asynchronous cowbirds in both naturally and experimentally parasitized phoebe nests. These results imply that although hatching asynchrony is an important cause of the reduction of host broods in parasitized clutches, competitive features of cowbird nestlings remain necessary to explain the full extent of hosts' reproductive costs caused by interspecific brood parasitism. Copyright 2003.
Preparation of continuous mesoporous films on porous and dense substrates

High quality, continuous mesoporous films are prepared on both porous and dense substrates. An interfacial reaction mechanism is used to grow mesoporous films within the pores of porous supports using a diffusion cell reactor. The porous support was placed between two compartments containing a silicate solution in one compartment and a surfactant solution in the other. The silicate and surfactant solutions diffused into the support to form a mesoporous film at the liquid-liquid interface. This method produces a transparent film free from large defects. Spin-coating technique is also used to prepare mesoporous films on dense substrates. These films have uniform thickness and show well-defined interference depending on the film thickness.
Suicidal Behavior in Urban American Indian Adolescents: A Comparison with Reservation Youth in a Southwestern State

The majority of American Indians live off of reservations, yet research on suicidal behavior in this population overwhelmingly focuses on reservation Indians. This exploratory study interviewed a stratified random sample of 144 urban and 170 reservation American Indian adolescents to compare rates and correlates of suicidal behavior. One fifth of urban youth and one third of reservation youth reported lifetime suicidal ideation, although similar numbers (14%–18%) reported an attempt. Urban youth had fewer psychosocial problems, and in separate multivariate analyses, the groups shared no common correlate of attempted suicide. Different approaches to prevention and treatment may be warranted for urban Indian youth.
Pursuing “Deep Pockets” Insurance-Related Issues in Judicial Settlement Work

This article considers how the civil litigation and mediation process work in practice and highlights the interactional and discursive practices by which settlement activities are coordinated and managed. The research examines settlement work in a perspicuous large money damage case involving insurance issues and what complications emerge in relation to these issues. The analysis focuses on how the judge-mediator organizes settlement activities in light of the available insurance, by seeking settlement contributions first from insurance sources (“primary pockets” and “deep pockets”) and only as a last resort from the personal assets (“personal pockets”) of the uninsured defendants. The study finds that the settlement work is insurance-infused and details how the pursuit and defense of insurance “deep pockets” are central to the negotiations and the positions of the parties in the case.
Involution and cystic transformation of the thymus in the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus.

The thymus glands of 10 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, collected along the Texas Gulf coast were examined using standard histologic and immunocytochemical methods. The thymus gland of Tursiops persists into adult life, represented by medulla and progressively thinning cortex. A network of epithelial cells, including Hassal bodies, is demonstrable using polyclonal anti-cytokeratin antibody. The network condenses, with loss of lymphoid cells as involution progresses. Cysts arise within the condensed network. These cysts, found in eight of 10 animals, increase in number and size with increasing body size. Body size tends to reflect age. Thymic cysts typically have an irregular shape when small but tend to become spherical as they enlarge. Theey may be lined by squamous epithelium of variable thickness. Eventually, the cysts become macroscopic and filled with a colloidlike material and may largely replace the thymus, which may be identified by noncystic remnants adjacent to the cysts.
Comparison of Two Methods for Analysis of Fluoride in Vegetation Standard Reference Material

Analysis of fluoride (F−) levels in vegetation by Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) is subject to interference from aluminum (Al3+) and iron (Fe3+). Although these interferences can be removed by distilling the sample from perchloric acid, the procedure is lengthy and complex. Dilute perchloric acid extraction is simpler and more rapid, but may not extract all of the fluoride complexed with iron and aluminum. We compared the accuracy and precision of dilute perchloric acid extraction and alkali fusion methods to determine F− in standard vegetation samples containing known amounts of aluminum, iron and fluoride. The perchloric acid extraction recovered only 9.5 to 18.8% of the F− with RSD of 3–4%. The alkali fusion extraction recovered 101 to 121% of the F− with 7.2 to 9.6% RSD. The source of the high bias in the alkali fusion method is unknown. Both methods have a detection limit of 0.06 μg F−. Unless samples are known to be free of interfering ions, a method, which can remove these interferences, should be u...
New therapies and delivery mechanisms for treatment of erectile dysfunction

Despite the successes of Viagra, the quest for new and better therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) continues. In a recent survey of the first 220 patients placed on Viagra at our institution, 101 (46%) quit taking the drug: 76% of those who quit were not satisfied with the results. Patients clearly want an efficacious, safe, convenient medication with rapid onset. To meet these consumer demands, numerous new therapies are being developed. These include new oral medications, new intracavernosal pharmacotherapies, new delivery systems (such as novel intracorporal injectors and transdermal agents) and combination therapies. What is known about these new medications and delivery systems will be presented. Hopefully, from these innovations will come therapies that will improve the overall success and acceptance of treatment for ED. Since it is unlikely that any single agent will ever provide a solution for all men with ED, an expanded armamentarium of treatment options will greatly enhance the chances that any given man will be able to find a therapy that is both acceptable and appropriate to him. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S158-S162.