cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Budgeting and Monitoring Pension Fund Risk

This article describes a set of mean-variance procedures for setting targets for the risk characteristics of components of a pension fund portfolio and for monitoring the portfolio over time to detect significant deviations from those targets. Because of the significant correlations of the returns provided by the managers of a typical defined-benefit pension fund, the risk of the portfolio cannot be characterized as simply the sum of the risks of the individual components. Expected returns, however, can be so characterized. I show that the relationship between marginal risks and implied expected excess returns provides the economic rationale for the risk budgeting and monitoring being implemented by a number of pension funds. I then show how a fund's liabilities can be taken into account to make the analysis consistent with goals assumed in asset/liability studies. I also discuss the use of factor models and aggregation and disaggregation procedures. The article concludes with a short discussion of practical issues that should be addressed when implementing a pension fund risk-budgeting and -monitoring system.
Update on Pharmacological Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) commonly occur in dementia and are a major source of burden and distress for both patients and their caregivers. Nonpharmacological treatments are often of limited benefit, particularly when NPS are severe, and at present no medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat any NPS. This paper reviews the most recent evidence available for nine proposed treatments (eight medications or classes, plus electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)). Guidance will also be provided regarding a suggested algorithm for pharmacological treatment selection. The strongest evidence is for atypical antipsychotics, but they have a high burden of adverse effect in dementia, including increased mortality risk. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are likely safer, but evidence for efficacy is currently less strong. The strongest evidence exists for citalopram, but increased risk for QTc prolongation may limit use. Research suggests that mood stabilizers use may be ineffective and unsafe, although select patients may benefit. Benzodiazepines have had limited study, and due to high adverse effect burden, should be reserved for patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other classes of medication, and used only after careful weighing of risks and benefits. Cannabinoids, prazosin, dextromethorphan/quinidine, and pimavanserin all have some limited but promising data supporting their use. Electroconvulsive therapy may be helpful for severe NPS, but its impracticality likely limits use. NPS in dementia cause marked burden and suffering. In severe cases for which pharmacological treatment is indicated, the strongest evidence exists for atypical antipsychotics, but given their high adverse effect burden, SSRIs should be considered, if deemed appropriate, as first line treatment. Third or lower tier treatments can include anticonvulsants, cannabinoids, prazosin, dextromethorphan/quinidine, and pimavanserin. Benzodiazepines should be reserved for select situations with careful weighing of risks and benefits. ECT may be effective for severe NPS, but is likely of limited practical use.
Portal Venous Gas of Uncertain Etiology with Delayed Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Historically, the presence of portal venous gas (PVG) on plain abdominal films was an indication for exploratory laparotomy and seen as an ominous finding with a mortality of almost 100%. Over the last decades, the introduction of CT scan has facilitated the diagnosis of PVG with a subsequent decrease in the mortality. PVG has been associated with ischemic bowel but also with other more benign conditions. We describe a case of a young patient with PVG of uncertain etiology with delayed portal vein thrombosis, with a discussion on the different conditions associated with PVG and the approach to the patient with PVG.
Vascular Dementia

The purpose of this review is to highlight existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and novel risk factors for vascular dementia. We further examine the evidence linking chronic brain hypoperfusion induced by a variety of cardiovascular diseases to the development of vascular dementia. In the elderly, in whom cerebral perfusion is diminished by the aging process, additional reduction in cerebral blood flow stemming from exposure to potentially modifiable vascular risk factors increases the probability of developing vascular dementia. Finally, we discuss the association between obstructive sleep apnea, an underrecognized risk factor for stroke, and vascular dementia. Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to cerebrovascular disease through many intermediary vascular risk factors and may directly cause cerebrovascular damage through microvacular disease. Insight into how cardiovascular risk factors induce vascular dementia offers an enhanced understanding of the multifactorial pathophysiology by this disorder and ways of preventing and managing the cerebrovascular precursors of vascular dementia. Many vital questions about the relation of obstructive sleep apnea with stroke and vascular dementia are still unanswered and await future well-designed studies.
Cyberstalking, personal privacy, and moralresponsibility

This essay examines some ethical aspects of stalking incidents in cyberspace. Particular attention is focused on the Amy Boyer/Liam Youens case of cyberstalking, which has raised a number of controversial ethical questions. We limit our analysis to three issues involving this particular case. First, we suggest that the privacy of stalking victims is threatened because of the unrestricted access to on-line personal information, including on-line public records, currently available to stalkers. Second, we consider issues involving moral responsibility and legal liability for Internet service providers (ISPs) when stalking crimes occur in their `space' on the Internet. Finally, we examine issues of moral responsibility for ordinary Internet users to determine whether they are obligated to inform persons whom they discover to be the targets of cyberstalkers.
Tris(n-octyl)arsine oxide (TOCASO) as a reagent for liquid-liquid extraction-II: Extraction of iron(III), zinc(II), cadmium(II), hafnium(IV) and zirconium(IV)

Abstract The extraction of the metal ions Fe(III), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hf(IV) and Zr(IV) by tris(n-octyl)arsine oxide (TOCASO), in benzene, has been investigated. The Fe(III), Zn(II) and Cd(II) halides were extracted from the hydrohalic acid solutions while Hf(IV) and Zr(IV) were extracted from citric acid media. The extraction coefficients, Ea0, for zinc and cadmium, were found to increase with increasing pH. Ea0(Zn) reached a limiting of ∼ 1750 in pH range 4·5–6·8 while Ea0(Cd) was found to reach a limiting value of ∼ 63 in pH range 2·7-7·2. Iron(III) was readily extracted at pH values ≧ 0. The extraction coefficient for hafnium(IV) reached a maximum of 200 at pH 2·7 and decreased steeply on either side of this maximum while Ea0[Zr(IV)] reached a maximum value of 140 at pH 4. First power dependence on the reagent concentration was observed for the extraction of Fe(III), Hf(IV), Zr(IV) from aqueous chloride solutions and CdI2 at low TOCASO concentrations. Second power dependence on the reagent concentration was observed for the extraction of the zinc(II) halides and cadmium(II) iodide at higher TOCASO concentrations, while Ea0(CdBr2) showed a third power reagent dependence. Infra-red spectra of the products isolated from the equilibration of the metal salts with TOCASO were measured and the arsenic-oxygen, metal-oxygen and metal-halide stretching frequencies have been observed.
Presidential Control of High Courts in Latin America: A Long-term View (1904-2006)

In many Latin American countries the executive branch manipulates the composition of the Supreme Court, and judicial independence has remained elusive. Because high courts can exercise judicial review and influence lower courts, incoming presidents often force the resignation of adversarial justices or “pack” the courts with friends. One indicator of this problem has been the high turnover among members of the high courts. In this paper we offer systematic evidence to compare this problem across countries and to place this issue in historical perspective. Our analysis covers 11 Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay) between 1904 and 2006. We model the entrance of new justices to the Supreme Court as a function of “natural” (legal and biological) factors, political conditions empowering the president to reshuffle the Court, and institutional incentives promoting executive encroachment on the judiciary.
QUANTUM MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF HYDROGEN PLASMAS

Feynman path-integral simulations of a system consisting of a few protons and distinguishable electrons under periodic boundary conditions at temperatures down to 0.6 eV and densities up to 1 gm/cm 3 are presented. The total energy, the potential energy, the pressure and the radial distribution functions are computed. For a two-proton, two-electron system, for which Fermi statistics can be ignored, the dissociation process of a single H 2 molecule with temperature and pressure into a completely ionized plasma has been observed without any evidence for a first-order phase transition. Results for an 8-electron, 8-proton system where the protons are free to move show that due to the Boltzmann statistics of the electrons a metastable cluster of protons forms at low temperature and high density. If the protons are fixed into an fcc molecular lattice, the properties of molecular hydrogen at high pressure can be compared to shock experiments and the neglect of exchange assessed.
Work, Family, and Community : Exploring Interconnections

Contents: J.N. Cleveland, E.A. Fleishman, Series Foreword. Preface. A Conceptual Model of Work, Family, and Community. Problems With the Worker-Earner Role. Within-Domain Work, Family, and Community Demands. Within-Domain Work, Family, and Community Resources. Boundary-Spanning Work, Family, and Community Demands. Boundary-Spanning Work, Family, and Community Resources. Work-Family Fit and Balance as Linking Mechanisms. Directions for Future Research.
Subvarieties of Abelian Varieties

We discuss various constructions which allow one to embed a principally polarized abelian variety in the jacobian of a curve. Each of these gives representatives of multiples of the minimal cohomology class for curves which in turn produce subvarieties of higher dimension representing multiples of the minimal class. We then discuss the problem of producing curves representing multiples of the minimal class via deformation-theoretic methods.
A process approach to describing mathematics difficulties in girls with Turner syndrome.

Objective . To expand on previous reports of mathematics difficulty in girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Methods . Mathematics performance was examined by evaluating the types of errors made on mathematics achievement subtests by 29 girls with TS, 26 girls with fragile X syndrome (another genetic condition associated with mathematics difficulty), and 41 girls with neither disorder. Correlations between mathematics achievement scores and measures of IQ, attention, and visuospatial skills were also examined. Results. Relatively low mathematics achievement was evident in girls with TS before 10 years of age, and a higher percentage of girls with TS made operation (57%) and alignment (48%) errors on a mathematics calculations test than did girls with fragile X syndrome (19% and 14%, respectively). No group differences were found for procedural or multiplication table errors. Girls with TS attempted more “unfamiliar” problems than did girls with fragile X syndrome or girls in the comparison group. Mathematics achievement scores in girls with TS were positively correlated with Judgment of Line Orientation and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised Third Factor scores; these correlations differed from those in the other groups. Conclusions. The qualitative group differences observed further support the concept of specificity of the TS phenotype and illustrate the importance of a process approach to assessment.
A Case Study of the Product Design Generator

A Product Design Generator is a web-based tool, developed for a specific product platform, for automatically creating all of the design artifacts and supporting information necessary for the design of a particular product. The PDG is modeled as a transformation function where a set of customer requirements is transformed into finished designs that will meet those requirements. Several methods have been presented for configuring and defining a product platform and are not reviewed here. Once the concept and embodiment have been selected, scaling, reconfiguration, artifact creation, and testing must occur to complete the design. Variants of the product platform are achieved by modifying the customer requirements. The development of the transformation function must account for the envelope of variation desired to encompass the range of product family members. The development of the PDG demonstrates how this is accomplished
Genetic deletion of the prostaglandin E2 E prostanoid receptor subtype 3 improves anatomical and functional outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype associated with high mortality and morbidity. Following ICH, excitotoxicity and inflammation significantly contribute to secondary brain injury and poor outcomes. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) levels rise locally with insult to the nervous system, and PGE2 is known to modulate these processes mainly through its E prostanoid (EP) receptors, EP1-4. EP receptor subtype 3 (EP3) is the most abundant EP receptor in the brain and we have previously shown that signaling through the PGE2 -EP3 axis exacerbates excitotoxicity and ischemic stroke outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of this pathway in modulating anatomical outcomes and functional recovery following ICH. Genetic deletion of EP3 resulted in 48.2 ± 7.3% less ICH-induced brain injury (P < 0.005) and improved functional recovery (P < 0.05), as identified by neurological deficit scoring. To start investigating the mechanisms involved in neuroprotection with impaired PGE2 -EP3 signaling, histological staining was performed to evaluate blood and ferric iron accumulation, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and peripheral neutrophil infiltration. After ICH, EP3 knockout mice demonstrated 49.5 ± 8.8% and 42.8 ± 13.1% less blood (P < 0.01) and ferric iron (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, EP3 knockout mice had significantly reduced astrogliosis, microglial activation, blood-brain barrier breakdown, and neutrophil infiltration. Collectively, these results suggest an injurious role for the PGE2 -EP3 signaling axis in modulating brain injury, inflammation, and neurological functional recovery after ICH. Modulation of the PGE2 -EP3 signaling axis may represent a putative therapeutic avenue for the treatment of ICH.
The acoustic emission measurement of cleavage initiation near the ductile brittle transition temperature in steel

By use of the AE technique, the microcleavage fracture process in HSLA steel has been studied near the ductile-brittle transition temperature. Upon loading, several AE events were detected before final instability. Multiple origins of the cleavage were evident ahead of the fatigue crack front. It was concluded that weakest link hypotheses were not applicable near the ductile-brittle transition temperature. Good correlations were found between AE data and cleavage facets as a function of stress intensity factor.
Engaging in Social Action at Work: Demographic Differences in Participation

Many organizations are utilizing corporate social responsibility initiatives that require employee participation. These initiatives, which involve social action at work (SAW), can be a source of reputational gains, benefit the community, and increase employee organizational identification [1]. Although research has been conducted on employee volunteer programs (EVP), one aspect of SAW, those studies have not identified the characteristics of employees who are most likely to participate in EVP nor have they considered the wide range of SAW programs. In the field of Sociology, extensive research has been conducted to identify characteristics of volunteers, but these volunteer programs are outside the context of CSR initiatives. This research addresses this gap by identifying the characteristics of enployees who engage in SAW across a wide range of activities. The results of the study can help hone future research questions and aid practitioners in developing and marketing SAW programs that resonate with employees and maximize participation for the good of the employees, organization, and community as a whole.
Restrictions on the inversion of the fresnel reflectance equations.

The regions for which the Fresnel equations can be inverted to determine the optical constants, n and K, from polarized reflection measurements of a plane electromagnetic wave are presented for different angles of incidence. The surface upon which this wave is incident is assumed to be a large, smooth, planar surface of a conducting medium that is linear, homogeneous, and isotropic. The sensitivity of the inversion procedure to ±1% error in the measured reflectances is presented graphically. Such a small error in reflectances could produce a large error, more than 20%, in the determined optical constants n and K with K being the more erroneous. Angles of incidence in the neighborhood of 10° and 80° produce the largest acceptable regions for inversion.
Separation of seven B6 vitamers by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography

Abstract Quantitative study of vitamin B 6 metabolism is complicated by the multiple forms in which B 6 may occur. The seven most common forms are: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, their 5′-phosphates, and pyridoxic acid. Contractor and Shane (1) have described a column chromatographic procedure for separating all except pyridoxine phosphate. Colombini and McCoy (2) reported an electrophoresis procedure which included all forms except pyridoxic acid. Several workers (3–5) have used thin-layer chromatography to separate various combinations of B 6 vitamers. However, we believe the technique described below is the first report of a simple method for separating all seven of the major B 6 compounds on a single thin-layer plate. It was developed from solvents suggested by Burg (6) and Sallay (personal communication) to follow the metabolism of labeled pyridoxine in tissues.
Tillage and amendment effects on soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization and phosphorus release

Abstract The influence of tillage and nutrient amendment management on nutrient cycling processes in soil have substantial implications for environmentally sound practices regarding their use. The effects of 2 years of tillage and soil amendment regimes on the concentrations of soil organic matter variables (carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) and C and N mineralization and P release were determined for a Dothan fine-sandy loam soil in southeastern Alabama. Tillage systems investigated were strip (or conservation) and conventional tillage with various soil nutrient amendments that included no amendment, mineral fertilizer, and poultry waste (broiler litter). Surface soil (0–10 cm depth increment) organic matter variables were determined for all tillage/amendment combinations. Carbon and N mineralization and P release were determined on surface soils for each field treatment combination in a long-term laboratory incubation. Soil organic P concentration was 60% greater in soils that had been conventionally tilled, as compared with strip-tilled, both prior to and following laboratory incubation. Carbon and N mineralization results reflected the effects of prior tillage amendment regime, where soils maintained under strip-till/broiler litter mineralized the greatest amount of C and N. Determination of relative N mineralization indicated that strip tillage had promoted a more readily mineralizable pool of N (6.1%) than with conventional till (4.2%); broiler litter amendments had a larger labile N fraction (6.7%) than was found in soils receiving either mineral fertilizer (4.1%) or no amendment (4.7%). Tillage also affected P release measured during the incubation study, where approximately 20% more inorganic P was released from strip-tilled soils than from those maintained under conventional tillage. Greater P release was observed for amended soils as compared with soils where no amendment was applied. Results from this study indicate that relatively short-term tillage and amendment management can significantly impact C, N, and P transformations and transfers within soil organic matter of a southeastern US soil.
AN AUGMENTED SCHILLING TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERNICIOUS ANÆMIA

Abstract A patient with otherwise typical addisonian pernicious anaemia and serum anti-intrinsic-factor antibody failed to respond to oral intrinsic factor on repeated testing during three years of therapy with parenteral vitamin B 12 . There was no evidence of generalised malabsorption. To test the hypothesis that binding of intrinsic factor to gut secretory antibody was responsible, an "augmented" Schilling test was devised using eight times the usual dose of intrinsic factor. This increased dose of intrinsic factor resulted in normal absorption of the test dose of vitamin B 12 , confirming the diagnosis. It is suggested that the augmented Schilling test may be useful in the diagnosis of the occasional patient with features of pernicious anaemia who fails to respond to conventional doses of intrinsic factor in the Schilling test.
The Effect of Shock Wave Rate on the Outcome of Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Although experimental evidence suggests that the rate of shock wave delivery can affect the outcome of shock wave lithotripsy, clinical studies produce conflicting results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the effect of shock wave rate on the outcome of shock wave lithotripsy.Materials and Methods: A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed and all randomized controlled trials comparing SWL treatment at 60 shocks per minute to 120 shocks per minute were included in the analysis. Data from 4 trials (589 patients) were pooled. The primary outcome measure was treatment outcome (success, failure), as defined by the authors of the source studies. The difference in the proportion of patients with a successful treatment outcome was compared between the 60 and 120 shocks per minute groups as a risk difference, and risk differences were pooled across the 4 trials with a fixed effects model.Results: Patients treated at a rate of 60 shocks per minute had a significantly greater...
Bilateral simultaneous central serous chorioretinopathy in a teenage girl with systemic arterial hypertension

We present a case of bilateral simultaneous central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in a teenage girl with a history of systemic arterial hypertension. A 19-year-old Caucasian female, with a history of systemic arterial hypertension, presented with gradual decrease in her central vision for 1 month. She was diagnosed with bilateral simultaneous CSCR, based on the findings of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), indocyanine green angiography (ICG), fundus auto-fluorescence, fluorescein angiography and color fundus photographs, which are described. Blood pressure was 134/95 mmHg at presentation. Systemic evaluation failed to reveal a cause for the high blood pressure, and included a panel of blood tests, which were all normal. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 OD and 20/25 OS. Dilated fundus examination showed normal optic discs and retinal vasculature, with no evidence of hypertensive retinopathy. However, shallow retinal fluid associated with pigmentary changes was noted in the center of both maculae. OCT and ICG findings were consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral CSCR. CSCR can manifest in patients with demographics outside the range of those previously reported. This is the first report of CSCR occurring in a teenage girl, with a history of systemic arterial hypertension. It is important to consider this disease in any patient who has a clinically compatible presentation.
On design policies for the optimal use of limited resources

Abstract Dynamic programming is applied to the solution of a multi-decision problem arising in the long-range design planning of chemical processes. If a resource is available in limited amount, there are alternate means of resource processing and design decisions are to be made at fixed intervals of time, there exists an optimal set of process design decisions which maximize the profit obtained by the exploitation of the resource. Dynamic programming provides an orderly way of determining that optimal decision policy.
Ab initio and direct dynamics studies of the reaction of singlet methylene with acetylene and the lifetime of the cyclopropene complex.

The energetics of the 1CH2 + C2H2 → H + C3H3 reaction are accurately calculated using an extrapolated coupled-cluster/complete basis set (CBS) method based on the cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, and cc-pVQZ basis sets. The reaction enthalpy (0 K) is predicted to be −20.33 kcal/mol. This reaction has no classical barrier in either the entrance or exit channel. However, there are several stable intermediatescyclopropene (c-C3H4), allene (CH2CCH2), and propyne (CH3CCH)along the minimum energy path. These intermediates with zero-point energy corrections lie below the reactants by 87.11 (c-C3H4), 109.69 (CH2CCH2), and 110.78 kcal/mol (CH3CCH). The vibrationally adiabatic ground-state (VAG) barrier height for c-C3H4 isomerization to allene is obtained as 45.2 kcal/mol, and to propyne as 37.2 kcal/mol. In addition, the 1CH2 + C2H2 reaction is investigated utilizing the dual-level “scaling all correlation” (SAC) ab initio method of Truhlar et al., i.e., the UCCSD(SAC)/cc-pVDZ theory. Results show that the reaction occurs via l...
Designing and Implementing Interventions to Decrease Challenging Behavior

Communication interventionists often encounter children whose ability to learn new skills and interact with others is jeopardized by challenging behaviors. Challenging behaviors may take many forms...
Influence of leaf area and canopy structure on size-density relations in even-aged lodgepole pine stands

Abstract The hypothesis that size-density relationships result from the distribution of constant amounts of population leaf area among varying numbers of trees per unit area, was modified to include the influence of population density on canopy structure. The modification was made possible with the constant-stress model of stem formation. The modified hypothesis was tested in unmanaged, even-aged stands of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) in northern Utah. Using mean leaf area per tree, mean live-crown length, and mean live-crown ratio, the constant-stress model was used to calculate hypothetical values of mean quadratic diameter ( D q ) for those stands with equilibrium levels of leaf area. Linear regression showed that the hypothetical and measured values of D q were not significantly different ( P =0.29). Consequently, the modified hypothesis duplicated the observed relationship between D q and number of trees per hectare ( N ) for these stands. Using the modified hypothesis, canopy structure is shown to be responsible for the curvilinear relationship between the log of D q and the log of N observed for these stands.
Fatty acid profiles of esterified sterol glucosides from juice vesicles of citrus fruits

Abstract Vesicular lipids of 24 citrus cultivars were extracted and purified, and the esterified sterol glucosides (ESG) separated from other vesicular lipids by chromatography. Fatty acids of the ESG were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography as their methyl esters. Statistical analysis showed that five out of six citrus species or biotypes could be differentiated from each other on the basis of profiles of the five major ESG fatty acids. Differences between midand late-season sweet orange cultivers were detected. Small differences were observed between white- and red-fleshed grapefruit cultivars. Profiles of the minor acids showed higher relative percentages of iso-branched fatty acids in lemons and limes, and higher relative percentages of 12: 0 and 14: 0 fatty acids in mandarin and mandarin hybrids than in other cultivars.
Minimum emittance in storage rings with uniform or nonuniform dipoles

A simple treatment of minimum emittance theory in storage rings is presented, favoring vector and matrix forms for a more concise picture. Both conventional uniform dipoles and nonuniform dipoles with bending radius variation are treated. Simple formulas are given for computing the minimum emittance, optimal lattice parameters, as well as effects of nonoptimal parameters. For nonuniform dipoles, analytical results are obtained for a three-piece sandwich dipole model. Minimization of the effective emittance for light sources is given in detail. Usefulness of gradient and/or nonuniform dipoles for reducing the effective emittance is addressed.
Approximate analysis of exponential tandem queues with blocking

Abstract In this paper, an approximate method for the analysis of open networks of queues in tandem and with blocking is proposed. The network consists of M single server queuing stations with exogenous Poisson arrival processes and exponentially distributed service times. The analysis is based on the method of decomposition where the total network is broken down into queues which are analyzed as M/C2/1/N queues assuming Poisson arrival and departure processes to find the steady-state probabilities of the number of customers at each station. The procudure reduces the problem to a number of elementary operations which can be performed efficiently with the aid of a computer. We also compare different definitions of blocking. Numerical results are given to demonstrate the accuracy of the new method.
Codon Usage Patterns in Cytochrome Oxidase I Across Multiple Insect Orders

Synonymous codon usage bias is determined by a combination of mutational biases, selection at the level of translation, and genetic drift. In a study of mtDNA in insects, we analyzed patterns of codon usage across a phylogeny of 88 insect species spanning 12 orders. We employed a likelihood-based method for estimating levels of codon bias and determining major codon preference that removes the possible effects of genome nucleotide composition bias. Three questions are addressed: (1) How variable are codon bias levels across the phylogeny? (2) How variable are major codon preferences? and (3) Are there phylogenetic constraints on codon bias or preference? There is high variation in the level of codon bias values among the 88 taxa, but few readily apparent phylogenetic patterns. Bias level shifts within the lepidopteran genus Papilio are most likely a result of population size effects. Shifts in major codon preference occur across the tree in all of the amino acids in which there was bias of some level. The vast majority of changes involves double-preference models, however, and shifts between single preferred codons within orders occur only 11 times. These shifts among codons in double-preference models are phylogenetically conservative.
Examination of Time Series through Randomly Broken Windows

The effect of irregular interruption of data collection (the breaking of the window function) on the spectrum determination of a time series is investigated. It is assumed that there is a uniform probability p that each interval of length tau, of the total interval of length T = tau, yields no data. For the linear case (Fourier transform) it is found that the noise to signal ratio has a (one sigma) value less than epsilon if N exceeds p(-1) (1-p) epsilon (-2). For the quadratic case, the same requirement is met by the less restrictive requirement that N exceed p(-1) (1-p) epsilon (-1). It appears that, if four observatories spaced around the Earth were to operate for 25 days, each for six hours a day (N = 100), and if the probability of cloud cover at any site on any day is 20% (p = 0.8), the r.m.s. noise to signal ratio is 0.25% for frequencies displaced from a sharp strong signal by 15 micro Hz. The noise to signal ratio drops off rapidly if the frequency offset exceeds 15 micro Hz.
On the use of polar decomposition in the integration of hypoelastic constitutive laws

Abstract An incrementally objective mid-interval integration algorithm is developed in this paper for the integration of hypoelastic constitutive laws. The evaluation of the rigid body rotation tensor required by the mid-interval integration algorithm is performed by means of a computationally efficient polar decomposition scheme. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified for the pure stretch and simple shear of a hypoelastic material. For the simple shear example, it is shown that the versatility of the algorithm allows the integration of two separate objective stress rates (the Green-Naghdi and the Jaumann stress rate) with only a minor modification to the computational scheme. It is also shown, with the help of closed-form solutions, that the existence of residual stresses at the end of a closed strain path is attributable to the hypoelastic generalization of Hooke's law and is not an artifact of the mid-interval integration algorithm.
Chiral symmetry breaking in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory

It is proved that the contribution of self-dual twisted gauge configurations (torons) to the gluino condensate $〈\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}〉$ in $N=1$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory remains finite in the thermodynamic limit. Using the richer vacuum structure of the theory, defined in a twisted box, the authors explain the constant value of the instanton contribution to the condensate $〈\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}(x)\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\lambda}(y)〉$. The physical picture obtained is consistent with $\mathrm{tr}{(\ensuremath{-}1)}^{F}$ and the effective-Lagrangian approach.
VLA-4 affinity correlates with peripheral blood white cell count and DNA content in patients with precursor B-ALL

VLA-4 affinity correlates with peripheral blood white cell count and DNA content in patients with precursor B-ALL
3D finite-difference modeling of elastic wave propagation in the Laplace-Fourier domain

ABSTRACTWith the recent interest in the Laplace-Fourier domain full waveform inversion, we have developed new heterogeneous 3D fourth- and second-order staggered-grid finite-difference schemes for modeling seismic wave propagation in the Laplace-Fourier domain. Our approach is based on the integro-interpolation technique for the velocity-stress formulation in the Cartesian coordinate system. Five averaging elastic coefficients and three averaging densities are necessary to describe the heterogeneous medium, with harmonic averaging of the bulk and shear moduli, and arithmetic averaging of density. In the fourth-order approximation, we improved the accuracy of the scheme using a combination of integral identities for two elementary volumes — “small” and “large” around spatial gridpoints where the wave variables are defined. Two solution approaches are provided, both of which are solved with iterative Krylov methods. In the first approach, the stress variables are eliminated and a linear system for the veloc...
Podophyllotoxin, steganacin and combretastatin: Natural products that bind at the colchicine site of tubulin

A large number of antimicrotubule agents are known that bind to tubulin in vitro and disrupt microtubule assembly in vitro and in vivo. Many of these agents bind to the same site on the tubulin molecule, as does colchicine. Of these, the natural products podophyllotoxin, steganacin and combretastatin are the subjects of this review. For each of these, the chemistry and biochemistry are described. Particular attention is given to stereochemical considerations. Biosynthetic pathways for podophyllotoxin and congeners are surveyed. The binding to tubulin and the effects on microtubule assembly and disassembly are described and compared. In addition, structural features important to binding are examined using available analogs. Several features significant for tubulin interaction are common to these compounds and to colchicine. These are described and the implications for tubulin structure are discussed. The manifold results of applying these agents to biological systems are reviewed. These actions include effects that are clearly microtubule mediated and others in which the microtubule role is less obvious. Activity of some of these compounds due to inhibition of DNA topoisomerase is discussed. The range of species in which these compounds occur is examined and in the case of podophyllotoxin is found to be quite broad. In addition, the range of species that are sensitive to the effects of these compounds is discussed.
Paleomagnetic results from volcanic rocks of the Shelve Inlier, Wales: evidence for a wide Late Ordovician Iapetus Ocean in Britain

Abstract In order to shed light on the early Paleozoic paleogeography of Iapetus-bordering continents, samples for paleomagnetic study were collected from middle Ordovician (Llanvirn) volcanic rocks of the Shelve Inlier, Welsh Borderland. The folding within the inlier is constrained to late Ordovician (Ashgill) time, thus offering a fold test with tight age brackets. After stepwise thermal demagnetization, a pre-folding characteristic magnetization component was isolated from 95 specimens. The mean of 11 site mean directions for the characteristic magnetization gives D/I=116.4/+ 67.9(k = 89.4; α 95 = 4.9° ), and the paleomagnetic pole lies at 26.6°N, 36.1°E ( δp = 6.9°, δm = 8.2° ). The fold test is positive at the 99% confidence level, indicating that the magnetization was acquired during the middle or late Ordovician. We infer from geological considerations that this magnetization is not a primary thermoremanence, but was acquired during late Ordovician time as a result of a thermochemical disturbance of that age. Our results indicate that southern Britain was near 51° south latitude during the later Ordovician. Since middle to late Ordovician paleolatitudes for Gondwana and Laurentia are well-determined, our result can be used to test various scenarios for the closure of Iapetus. We conclude that: (1) the Iapetus Ocean in Britain still had a latitudinal width of some 30° at this time, thus rendering a postulated Ordovician closure unlikely; (2) southern Britain, Avalon, and Hercynian Europe all occupied high latitudes during the later Ordovician, consistent with a paleoposition near the northern margin of Gondwana; and (3) the Acadian orogeny in Britain and North America could have been the result of the collision of Gondwana and Laurentia during early Devonian time.
Relationship between NMDA receptor expression and MPP+ toxicity in cultured dopaminergic cells

It has been suggested that excitotoxicity could be contributing to dopamine cell loss after methylphenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) exposure, although the literature regarding this is contradictory. Given that in cell culture excitotoxicity has been reported to be dependent on culture age, we postulated that these discrepant results might be explained by a difference in developmental expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. To test this, mesencephalic cells were cultured and the number of dopaminergic neurons (tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells [TH-IR] cells) expressing the NMDA R1 subunit (NR1) was determined using double-label immunofluorescence microscopy. An increase in the percentage of TH-IR cells expressing NR1 occurred over time in culture and this correlated with the toxicity of NMDA. At 7 days in vitro (DIV 7), only 17% (n=167 cells/4 experiments) of TH-IR cells expressed NR1 and these cells were insensitive to NMDA toxicity. This increased to 80% (n=254 cells/6 experiments) by DIV 11 and cultures were now susceptible to NMDA-induced injury. Cultures grown for either 7 or 11 days were treated for 48 hr with increasing concentrations of MPP= (0.5-20 microM) and the loss of dopaminergic neurons was determined by cell counting. Cultures at DIV 7 were more sensitive to MPP= than 11-day-old cultures (LD50= approximately 0.75 microM vs. 15 microM, respectively). Co-exposure to MK-801 (5 microM) did not protect against MPP+ toxicity in young cultures, but attenuated MPP+ toxicity in the older cultures, becoming statistically significant at 20 microM MPP+. These data indicate that the activation of NMDA receptors is not required for, but can contribute to, MPP(+)-induced neurodegeneration of dopaminergic cells in culture.
The action of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase on 4-chloronitrosobenzene: Evidence for species-dependent differences in active site properties

Abstract 1. The reaction of bovine ( Bos taurus ) and porcine ( Sus scrufa ) cardiac α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGD) with 4-chloronitrosobenzene (I) was shown to produce a hydroxamic acid (IV) and a product due to a Bamberger rearrangement as previously shown for Escherichia coli α-KGD. 2. The conversion of I into an active site-bound electrophile was general among the three α-KGD enzymes tested, but quantitative differences in products and kinetics were shown. 3. The reaction of I was specific for the resolved α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase subunit.
Abstract 1030: Arsenic trioxide plus ethacrynic acid-butyl ester is synergistic to induce apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells through upregulation of NOXA

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induces complete remission in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. However, other types of myeloid leukemia patients are less responsive to As2O3 treatment. APL t(15;17) NB4 cells are more sensitive to As2O3 apoptosis induction than other types of myeloid leukemia cells such as HL-60 and K562 cells. Previously we reported that As2O3 induces apoptosis in NB4 cells through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathway which is attenuated by the expression of glutathione-s-transferase π (GSTπ). NB4 cells contain lower levels of GSTπ than other types of myeloid leukemia cells. Therefore, inhibition of GSTπ should enhance As2O3 induction of apoptosis in other types of myeloid leukemia cells. We investigated the combined effect of As2O3 with ethacrynic acid (EA) and a more potent non-diuretic EA analogue ethacrynic acid-butyl ester (EABE), known GSTπ inhibitors, to induce apoptosis in HL-60 and K562 cells. As2O3 at clinical achievable concentrations (1-2 µM) did not induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells nor in K562 cells. EA at a concentration lower than 60 μM did not induce apoptosis in both cell lines either. As2O3 at 2 μM plus EA at 60 μM are synergistic to induce apoptosis in both HL-60 and K562 cells as measured by Annexin V staining, PARP cleavage and caspase activation. More intriguing, EABE at 1 μM (60 fold lower than EA), which inhibits GSTπ activity, exhibited synergistic induction with As2O3 in K562 cells. Combined index of As2O3 with EABE to induce apoptosis in K562 cells calculated by CompuSyn software was less than 1.0 which indicated synergism. Apoptosis induction by the combination treatment of As2O3 with EABE correlated with the upregulation of the Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-only pro-apoptotic protein NOXA. Knock-down of NOXA using siRNA blocked apoptosis induction of As2O3 plus EABE, while, knock-down of Mcl-1 enhanced the apoptosis induction of As2O3 plus EABE. Immunoprecipiation with Mcl-1 antibody revealed that NOXA bond to Mcl-1 in the K562 cells treated with As2O3 plus EABE. Inhibition of ROS production did not inhibit the upregulation of NOXA nor the apoptosis induction of As2O3 plus EABE treatment. Our data suggest that As2O3 plus EABE induce apoptosis through a novel mechanism which induces NOXA and sequesters Mcl-1 leading to the activation the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1030.
QUENCH BACK IN SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS WITH SHORTED SECONDARY CIRCUITS

While testing a thin superconducting solenoid with a shorted secondary circuit, the coil was observed to become fully normal faster than quench propagation would permit. We call this process “quench back”. The quench back was caused by heating in the secondary circuit from current induced from the primary circuit. This paper presents a theoretical expression which can be used to estimate the quench back time in a solenoid with a well coupled secondary circuit. The calculation of quench back time is compared with measurements made on two one-meter diameter solenoid magnets.
Pre-Pliocene Extension around the Gulf of California and the transfer of Baja California to the Pacific Plate

Late Miocene (12–5 Ma) extension around the edges of the Gulf of California has been alternatively attributed to “Basin and Range” extension, back arc extension, or development of the Pacific-North America plate boundary. This extension was ENE directed and similar in structural style to extension in the Basin and Range province. Timing constraints permit nearly synchronous onset of this deformation in a belt extending SSE from northernmost Baja California to the mouth of the gulf. Where this extensional faulting continued through Pliocene time to the present, synchronous with motion on the modern transform plate boundary in the Gulf of California, no change in direction of extension can be resolved. Revised constraints on Pacific-North America plate motion support the development of this late Miocene extension as a component of Pacific-North America displacement that could not be accommodated by strike-slip displacement along the existing plate boundary west of the Baja California peninsula. This scenario implies that transfer of Baja California from the North America plate to the Pacific plate was a gradual process, beginning about 12–10 Ma, when motion of the Pacific plate relative to North America was partitioned into separate regimes of strike-slip and dip-slip displacement on opposite sides of Baja California.
A new candidate for high performance transparent electronic circuits: Sol-gel based SnO 2 /ZrO 2 thin film transistors

We have developed a novel solution-processed transparent thin film transistor technology based on sol-gel deposited SnO 2 semiconductor and ZrO 2 dielectric layers. The entire process is fully compatible with low-cost display glass substrates, and delivered unprecedented levels of performance. Devices with saturation mobility > 100 cm2/Vs, Subthreshold swing of ∼0.3V/decade, and operating voltage &#60;1.5 V were demonstrated. These record results represent a tremendous improvement in performance over the state of the art, and are an important step towards realizing low-cost, large area, high-performance systems on glass.
RNA-Catalyzed RNA Polymerization: Accurate and General RNA-Templated Primer Extension

The RNA world hypothesis regarding the early evolution of life relies on the premise that some RNA sequences can catalyze RNA replication. In support of this conjecture, we describe here an RNA molecule that catalyzes the type of polymerization needed for RNA replication. The ribozyme uses nucleoside triphosphates and the coding information of an RNA template to extend an RNA primer by the successive addition of up to 14 nucleotides-more than a complete turn of an RNA helix. Its polymerization activity is general in terms of the sequence and the length of the primer and template RNAs, provided that the 3' terminus of the primer pairs with the template. Its polymerization is also quite accurate: when primers extended by 11 nucleotides were cloned and sequenced, 1088 of 1100 sequenced nucleotides matched the template.