454 research outputs found
Experimental Evaluation of Different Pricing Mechanisms for Content Distribution over Peer to Peer Networks
This paper extends previous work by the authors in which they propose a dynamic distribution model based on modified economic growth theory to determine file distribution patterns in peer-to-peer networks. Although the theoretical model provides a good foundation for exploring different pricing mechanisms for peer-to-peer networks, there are several issues that remain unexplored because of computational difficulties. In this paper, we use the methods of experimental economics to create a sequence of experimental designs to explore some of these issues. The designs mimic the structure of the industry, the type of current and future property rights, some technical constraints, and the strategic interactions between the different actors
Towards nonlinear quantum Fokker-Planck equations
It is demonstrated how the equilibrium semiclassical approach of Coffey et
al. can be improved to describe more correctly the evolution. As a result a new
semiclassical Klein-Kramers equation for the Wigner function is derived, which
remains quantum for a free quantum Brownian particle as well. It is transformed
to a semiclassical Smoluchowski equation, which leads to our semiclassical
generalization of the classical Einstein law of Brownian motion derived before.
A possibility is discussed how to extend these semiclassical equations to
nonlinear quantum Fokker-Planck equations based on the Fisher information
Regularization of the Hamiltonian constraint and the closure of the constraint algebra
In the paper we discuss the process of regularization of the Hamiltonian
constraint in the Ashtekar approach to quantizing gravity. We show in detail
the calculation of the action of the regulated Hamiltonian constraint on Wilson
loops. An important issue considered in the paper is the closure of the
constraint algebra. The main result we obtain is that the Poisson bracket
between the regulated Hamiltonian constraint and the Diffeomorphism constraint
is equal to a sum of regulated Hamiltonian constraints with appropriately
redefined regulating functions.Comment: 23 pages, epsfig.st
Graphical Evolution of Spin Network States
The evolution of spin network states in loop quantum gravity can be described
by introducing a time variable, defined by the surfaces of constant value of an
auxiliary scalar field. We regulate the Hamiltonian, generating such an
evolution, and evaluate its action both on edges and on vertices of the spin
network states. The analytical computations are carried out completely to yield
a finite, diffeomorphism invariant result. We use techniques from the
recoupling theory of colored graphs with trivalent vertices to evaluate the
graphical part of the Hamiltonian action. We show that the action on edges is
equivalent to a diffeomorphism transformation, while the action on vertices
adds new edges and re-routes the loops through the vertices.Comment: 24 pages, 21 PostScript figures, uses epsfig.sty, Minor corrections
in the final formula in the main body of the paper and in the formula for the
Tetrahedral net in the Appendi
A Comparison of the Ovulation Method With the CUE Ovulation Predictor in Determining the Fertile Period
The purpose of this study was to compare the CUE Ovulation Predictor with the ovulation method in determining the fertile period. Eleven regularly ovulating women measured their salivary and vaginal electrical resistance (ER) with the CUE, observed their cervical-vaginal mucus, and measured their urine for a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge on a daily basis. Data from 21 menstrual cycles showed no statistical difference (T= 0.33, p= 0.63) between the CUE fertile period, which ranged from 5 to 10 days (mean = 6.7 days, SD = 1.6), and the fertile period of the ovulation method, which ranged from 4 to 9 days (mean = 6.5 days, SD = 2.0). The CUE has potential as an adjunctive device in the learning and use of natural family planning methods
Brownian markets
Financial market dynamics is rigorously studied via the exact generalized
Langevin equation. Assuming market Brownian self-similarity, the market return
rate memory and autocorrelation functions are derived, which exhibit an
oscillatory-decaying behavior with a long-time tail, similar to empirical
observations. Individual stocks are also described via the generalized Langevin
equation. They are classified by their relation to the market memory as heavy,
neutral and light stocks, possessing different kinds of autocorrelation
functions
Standardization of electroencephalography for multi-site, multi-platform and multi-investigator studies: Insights from the canadian biomarker integration network in depression
Subsequent to global initiatives in mapping the human brain and investigations of neurobiological markers for brain disorders, the number of multi-site studies involving the collection and sharing of large volumes of brain data, including electroencephalography (EEG), has been increasing. Among the complexities of conducting multi-site studies and increasing the shelf life of biological data beyond the original study are timely standardization and documentation of relevant study parameters. We presentthe insights gained and guidelines established within the EEG working group of the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND). CAN-BIND is a multi-site, multi-investigator, and multiproject network supported by the Ontario Brain Institute with access to Brain-CODE, an informatics platform that hosts a multitude of biological data across a growing list of brain pathologies. We describe our approaches and insights on documenting and standardizing parameters across the study design,
data collection, monitoring, analysis, integration, knowledge-translation, and data archiving phases of CAN-BIND projects. We introduce a custom-built EEG toolbox to track data preprocessing with open-access for the scientific community. We also evaluate the impact of variation in equipment setup on the accuracy of acquired data. Collectively, this work is intended to inspire establishing comprehensive and standardized guidelines for multi-site studies
PreImplantation factor (PIF) protects cultured embryos against oxidative stress: relevance for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) therapy
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects 2-3% of couples. Despite a detailed work-up, the etiology is frequently undefined, leading to non-targeted therapy. Viable embryos and placentae express PreImplantation Factor (PIF). Maternal circulating PIF regulates systemic immunity and reduces circulating natural killer cells cytotoxicity in RPL patients. PIF promotes singly cultured embryos' development while anti-PIF antibody abrogates it. RPL serum induced embryo toxicity is negated by PIF. We report that PIF rescues delayed embryo development caused by 2 fold the number of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. Mechanistically, PDI-inhibitor preferentially binds covalently to oxidized PDI over its reduced form where PIF avidly binds. PIF by targeting PDI/TRX at a distinct site limits the inhibitor's pro-oxidative effects. The >3kDa RPL serum increased embryo demise by three-fold, an effect negated by PIF. However, embryo toxicity was not associated with the presence of putative anti-PIF antibodies. Collectively, PIF protects cultured embryos both against ROS, and higher molecular weight toxins. Using PIF for optimizing in vitro fertilization embryos development and reducing RPL is warranted
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