cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Formal Methods to Algorithmic Implementation of Human Inspired Control on Bipedal Robots

This paper presents the process of translating formal theory and methods to efficient algorithms in the context of human-inspired control of bipedal robots, with the end result being experimentally realized robust and efficient robotic walking with AMBER. We begin by considering human walking data and find outputs (or virtual constraints) that, when calculated from the human data, are described by simple functions of time (termed canonical walking functions). Formally, we construct a torque controller, through model inversion, that drives the outputs of the robot to the outputs of the human as represented by the canonical walking function; while these functions fit the human data well, they do not apriori guarantee robotic walking (due to do the physical differences between humans and robots). An optimization problem is presented that determines the best fit of the canonical walking function to the human data, while guaranteeing walking for a specific bipedal robot; in addition, constraints can be added that guarantee physically realizable walking. We consider a physical bipedal robot AMBER and define a simple voltage based control law—utilizing only the human outputs and canonical walking function with parameters obtained from the optimization—for which we obtain walking in simulation. Since this controller does not require model inversion, it can be implemented efficiently in software. Moreover, applying this methodology to AMBER experimentally results in robust and efficient ”human-like” robotic walking.
Methods for Obtaining a Distribution-Free Prediction Interval for the Median of a Future Sample

In this paper some quality control applications of distribution-free prediction intervals for the median of a future sample are described. Methods for obtaining such intervals are presented, and their use is illustrated by examples. Tables are provided ..
Mechanisms of selective autophagy and mitophagy: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Over the past 20 years, the concept of mammalian autophagy as a nonselective degradation system has been repudiated, due in part to important discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases, which opened the field of selective autophagy. Protein aggregates and damaged mitochondria represent key pathological hallmarks shared by most neurodegenerative diseases. The landmark discovery in 2007 of p62/SQSTM1 as the first mammalian selective autophagy receptor defined a new family of autophagy-related proteins that serve to target protein aggregates, mitochondria, intracellular pathogens and other cargoes to the core autophagy machinery via an LC3-interacting region (LIR)-motif. Notably, mutations in the LIR-motif proteins p62 (SQSTM1) and optineurin (OPTN) contribute to familial forms of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, a subset of LIR-motif proteins is involved in selective mitochondrial degradation initiated by two recessive familial Parkinson's disease genes. PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) activates the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin (PARK2) to mark depolarized mitochondria for degradation. An extensive body of literature delineates key mechanisms in this pathway, based mostly on work in transformed cell lines. However, the potential role of PINK1-triggered mitophagy in neurodegeneration remains a conundrum, particularly in light of recent in vivo mitophagy studies. There are at least three major mechanisms by which mitochondria are targeted for mitophagy: transmembrane receptor-mediated, ubiquitin-mediated and cardiolipin-mediated. This review summarizes key features of the major cargo recognition pathways for selective autophagy and mitophagy, highlighting their potential impact in the pathogenesis or amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases.
Readmission after pancreatic resection: causes, costs and cost-effectiveness analysis of high versus low quality hospitals using the Nationwide Readmission Database.

Abstract Background Objectives were to determine the causes of readmission and assess the cost-effectiveness of high (HQ) and low quality (LQ) hospitals in performing pancreatic resection, by using readmission rates as the measure of quality. Methods We identified 53,572 pancreatic resection cases from National Readmission Database from 2010 through 2014. Hospitals were risk adjusted and ranked based on readmission. Top 20% HQ hospitals having the lowest readmission rates were compared to the bottom 20% LQ hospitals with the highest readmission rates. Results The 90-day readmission rate was 27.2% (HQ: 25.7%, LQ: 30.9%, p Conclusion HQ hospitals were cost-effective at performing pancreatic resection and achieved substantial cost-savings by avoiding major complications during index operation and having lower rates of readmissions. Hospital readmission rate is a strong marker of quality of care.
Objective Measures of Plosive Nasalization in Hypernasal Speech

Hypernasal speech is a common symptom across several neurological disorders; however it has a variable acoustic signature, making it difficult to quantify acoustically or perceptually. In this paper, we propose the nasal cognate distinctiveness features as an objective proxy for hypernasal speech. Our method is motivated by the observation that incomplete velopharyngeal closure changes the acoustics of the resultant speech such that alveolar stops /t/ and /d/ map to the alveolar nasal /n/ and bilabial stops /b/ and /p/ map to bilabial nasal /m/. We propose a new family of features based on likelihood ratios between the plosives and their respective nasal cognates. These features are based on an acoustic model that is trained only on healthy speech, and evaluated on a set of 75 speakers diagnosed with different dysarthria subtypes and exhibiting varying levels of hypernasality. Our results show that the family of features compares favorably with the clinical perception of speech-language pathologists subjectively evaluating hypernasality.
Imaging plaque inflammation in asymptomatic cocaine addicted individuals with simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.

Imaging plaque inflammation in asymptomatic cocaine addicted individuals with simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging
Cloud-Based Digital Twin for Industrial Robotics

Production systems are becoming more flexible and agile to realize the need for more individualized products. Robotics technology can accomplish these demands, but programming and re-configuration of robots are associated with high costs, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The use of digital twins can significantly reduce these costs by providing monitoring and simulation capabilities for the robot and its environment using real-time data. The integration with an ontology as a knowledge base to describe the robot and its 3d-environment enables an automatic configuration of the digital twin and the particular robot. In this paper, this concept is coupled with cloud-computing to enable an effortless integration as service in existing cloud architectures and easy access using the common web-technology-stack for the end-users. A novel architecture is presented and implemented to incorporate the real system with its digital twin, the ontology and a planner to infer the actual operations from the knowledge base. Finally, the implementation is applied to the industrial manufacturing domain to assemble different THT-Devices on a PCB to evaluate the concept.
Gynecologic cancer screening in the transgender male population and its current challenges

As the transgender community gains visibility and recognition, healthcare disparities have become more apparent. Reports estimate that 1-1.5 million people belong to this community in the United States. Despite efforts to become more inclusive, access to healthcare is challenging in a system built on a binary model that exacerbates gender dysphoria and on healthcare insurance schemes that do not cover gender affirmation therapy. Another large challenge is the paucity of scientific and medical knowledge when it comes to caring for the transgender community. More research to build knowledge is necessary to provide evidence-based quality care. In an attempt to bring guidance for gynecologic and breast cancer screening for the transgender male population, we conducted a review of the literature published in PubMed. Here, we present a review of the challenges, as well as guidelines for breast, uterus, and cervix screening for the transgender male population.
A novel system for maintaining Varroa destructor mites on artificial diets and its application for studying mites as a vector for honey bee viruses

Abstract The mite Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive parasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the primary cause of colony collapse in most regions of the world. These mites cause serious injury to their hosts, especially during the larval and pupal stages, and serve as the vector for several viruses, which affect honey bee health causing colony death. Attempts by beekeepers to control these mites have yielded limited success. The inability to rear populations of mites in vitro that excludes contact with their honey bee hosts has stymied research of Varroa biology. Previous attempts to rear and/or maintain Varroa mites in vitro by feeding them on artificial diets have had limited success. Several methods were plagued by mechanical failures including leaking membranes and, thus far, none have been widely adopted. Here we report a robust system for maintaining Varroa mites that includes an artificial diet, which does not contain honey bee tissue-derived components, thus making it particularly valuable in studying mite vectoring of honey bee viruses. With our system we demonstrated for the first time that Varroa mites maintained on an artificial diet supplemented with the particles of honey bee viruses, cDNA clone-derived genetically tagged Varroa destructor virus-1 and wild-type Deformed wing virus, can acquire and later transmit these viruses to recipient honey bee pupae. Along with providing an opportunity to study parasites and pathogens in the absence of honey bee hosts, this in vitro system for Varroa mite maintenance is both scalable and consistent. These features can be used to better understand mite nutritional needs, metabolic activity, responses to chemicals and other biological functions.
Greenspace exposure and sleep: A systematic review

Green space is considered a critical environmental factor for sleep quality and quantity. However, no systematic review exploring this relationship exists. The purpose of this systematic review was to 1) explore research related to green space and sleep, and 2) examine the impact of green space exposure on sleep quality and quantity. Papers from eight electronic databases were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: well-designed, any analysis exploring green space and sleep, provided sleep and green space measurement, published in peer-reviewed journals, and written in English. Thirteen eligible studies related to green space and sleep were selected after peer-review procedures. Cross-sectional studies (n = 7) used either a questionnaire or the combination of Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing images for green space measurement, while questionnaires were primarily used to measure both sleep quality and quantity. Intervention studies (n = 5) were categorized into three types: walking program, gardening, and working in a forest. Eleven out of thirteen studies concluded that green space exposure was associated with improvement in both sleep quality and quantity. The findings support the evidence of a positive association between green space exposures and sleep quality and quantity, and also suggest green exercise and therapeutic gardening as possible intervention methods to improve sleep outcomes.
Talking About Public Health With African American Men: Perceptions of Environmental Health and Infertility:

While the past two decades have seen rapid advances in research demonstrating links between environmental health and reproductive capacity, African American men have largely been overlooked as study participants. To give voice to the perceptions of urban African American men, the present qualitative study conducted focus groups of men recruited from street- and internet-based advertisements in Washington, DC. Participants were asked for their perspectives on their environment, reproductive health and fertility, and factors that would influence their participation in public health research. Participants expressed concern about ubiquitous environmental exposures characteristic of their living environments, which they attributed in part to gentrification and urban development. Infertility was seen as a threat to masculinity and a taboo subject in the African American community and several participants shared personal stories describing a general code of silence about the subject. Each group offered multiple suggestions for recruiting African American men into research studies; facilitators for study participation included cultural relevance, incentives, transparent communication, internet- and community-based recruitment, and use of African Americans and/or recruiters of color as part of the research team. When asked whether participants would participate in a hypothetical study on fertility that involved providing a sperm sample, there was a mixed reaction, with some expressing concern about how such a sample would be used and others describing a few facilitators for participation in such a study. These are unique perspectives that are largely missing from current-day evidence on the inclusion of African American men in environmental health and reproductive health research.
Evolution of InAs quantum dots and wetting layer on GaAs (001): Peculiar photoluminescence near onset of quantum dot formation

InAs quantum dots (QDs) have been grown on a GaAs (001) substrate in the subcritical region of InAs coverage for transition from a 2-dimensional (2D) to a 3-dimensional growth mode. Evolution of QDs and the corresponding wetting layer (WL) with InAs coverage has been investigated. Under specific growth conditions, quantum dot formation was observed only in samples where InAs coverage is more than 1.48 ML. The QD density increases sharply with InAs deposition initially but slows down with increased coverage. Photoluminescence (PL) shows the existence of a third peak, other than QD and WL peaks, at the low energy side of the WL peak, which is named the precursor peak. Evidence is presented supporting the theory that this peak is due to 2D InAs islands on a monolayer of InAs, which are small enough to localize excitons. Meanwhile, the WL peak is due to larger InAs islands under high compressive strain. During QD formation, the WL peak energy increases with the increase in InAs deposition. This is due to the sudden transfer of material from the bigger size of InAs islands to the QD. Our results show that the QD, WL, and precursor peaks coexist near the onset of QD formation. The power dependence of the three PL peaks is evident, which supports to our conclusion.
Patients With Modular-Neck Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Brief Five-Year Follow-Up Study.

Abstract Background We have previously reported the early clinical results of a modular-neck stem identifying an early 2-year revision rate of 13% due to neck-stem corrosion. This report updates our findings to a midterm mean follow-up of 5 years. Methods This is a consecutive retrospective review of 186 modular-neck hips in 175 patients with a mean follow-up period was 60.1 ± 22.9 months (range 24-100). We reviewed clinical findings, routine radiographs, detailed imaging (metal artifact reduction software-magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound), and serum ion levels of cobalt and chromium. We performed a survival analysis with the endpoint defined as revision total hip arthroplasty due to neck-stem corrosion. Results We revised 41 hips (22.0%) for neck-stem corrosion. Clinical symptoms (groin pain ± local swelling) were consistently present in those that came for revision. Mean serum cobalt ion levels increased as time passed in all patients. Detailed image findings showed that larger fluid collections and local soft tissue masses were seen predominately in symptomatic patients. However, 14% of patients who underwent revision did not have positive magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound findings. The survival rate was 87% (95% confidence interval 81-92) at 3 years postoperatively and 72% (95% confidence interval 64-80) at 7 years postoperatively. Conclusion The revision rate for this modular-neck stem due to neck-stem corrosion at mid-term follow-up almost doubled in comparison to previous short-term results. It seems reasonable to consider clinical follow-up alone as symptoms, rather than blood testing for ion levels, seem to be the defining characteristic of failure.
Suggestions for Responsible Qualitative Research with Transgender Engineering Students Using an Auto-Ethnographic Approach

The need for increasing diversity in engineering has paved the road for a rich wealth of literature exploring the experiences of marginalized students in these spaces. Much of this literature utilizes qualitative methodology to understand the experiences of these students, as told through their own words. However, work of this nature can often be influenced by the implicit biases that the researcher carries, as well as the inherent misalignment of power present between researcher and participant. These misalignments may be exacerbated when the researcher is interviewing a marginalized participant, while not identifying as part of a marginalized identity themselves. Students within the LGBTQ+ community may reside at multiple marginalized identities, and as such, the issues surrounding interviewing marginalized identities can be compounded further. Even the most well-intentioned and experienced researcher may find themselves in an interview with a marginalized individual in which implicit biases and unspoken power structures alter the trajectory of the interview. This paper seeks to provide an auto-ethnographic reflection by the first author on the interview of a transgender research participant, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to identify ways in which her interview could have been methodologically improved. This will be accomplished by the first author’s analysis of the interview and meta-data. This analysis is valuable, as the first author identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ engineering community herself.
Predicting the 10-year risk of death from other causes in men with localized prostate cancer using patient-reported factors: Development of a tool.

Objective To develop a tool for estimating the 10-year risk of death from other causes in men with localized prostate cancer. Subjects and methods We identified 2,425 patients from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results—Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database, age <80, newly diagnosed with clinical stage T1-T3a prostate cancer from 1/1/1998-12/31/2009, with follow-up through 2/28/2013. We developed a Fine and Gray competing-risks model for 10-year other cause mortality considering age, patient-reported comorbid medical conditions, component scores and items of the SF-36 Health Survey, activities of daily living, and sociodemographic characteristics. Model discrimination and calibration were compared to predictions from Social Security life table mortality risk estimates. Results Over a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 76 men died of prostate-specific causes and 465 died of other causes. The strongest predictors of 10-year other cause mortality risk included increasing age at diagnosis, higher approximated Charlson Comorbidity Index score, worse patient-reported general health (fair or poor vs. excellent-good), smoking at diagnosis, and marital status (all other vs. married) (all p<0.05). Model discrimination improved over Social Security life tables (c-index of 0.70 vs. 0.59, respectively). Predictions were more accurate than predictions from the Social Security life tables, which overestimated risk in our population. Conclusions We provide a tool for estimating the 10-year risk of dying from other causes when making decisions about treating prostate cancer using pre-treatment patient-reported characteristics.
Effect of genotype on the physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of hempseed

Abstract Hempseed products has been used as nutraceutical supplements and pharmaceutical products. However, hempseed has been underutilized as a food crop for human consumption. To fill the gap of limited knowledge of the variation of hempseed for food consumption, thirteen hemp varieties were selected to evaluate the effect of genotype on the physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of hempseed. The tested hempseed contains 26.48–32.03% crude protein with average of 28.48%, 28.03–33.23% crude oil with average of 29.54%, 28.78–36.55% crude fiber with average of 33.49%, and 5.43%–6.32% ash with average of 5.89. Average test weight of 36.85 lbs/bu was relatively low compared to the standard test weight of 44 lbs/bu. Hempseed oil contained high portions of about 80% unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and α-linolenic acid. The DPPH scavenging activities varied greatly (0.37–28.78%) for the hydrolysates from different hempseed varieties. This study provides comprehensive understanding of the nutritional value of hempseed for human food and potential of a new crop in agricultural food system.
Using Civil Law Approaches to Hate Crimes in the United States for Illicit Antiquities and Fine Art Cases

The current legal system is not designed to pursue satisfying action in criminal court for hate crimes or fine art crimes. However, the civil court system in the United States might provide a more ...
Impact of Caregiver Depression on Child Asthma Outcomes in Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.

Objective: Examine whether caregiver depressive symptoms at baseline predict longitudinal child asthma outcomes in the two populations with the largest asthma disparities: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. Methods: 267 Hispanic caregiver-child dyads (Mexican =188, Puerto Rican =79; children 5-12 years) were recruited from clinics and hospitals in Phoenix, AZ and the Bronx, NY. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale assessed caregiver depressive symptoms; higher scores indicate greater depressive symptomology. Medical records verified child asthma diagnosis. Assessments for outcome variables occurred at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-ups. Pulmonary function was measured by spirometry, asthma control was measured by the Asthma Control Test, steroid bursts and acute healthcare utilization were assessed by caregiver report and medical records, and adherence was measured by doser devices on controller medications. Structural equation modeling analyzed baseline caregiver depressive symptoms as a predictor of longitudinal child asthma outcomes, and differences between subgroups. Results: Higher caregiver depressive symptoms predicted better pulmonary function (β = 0.02, p=.001) in Mexican children, and fewer steroid bursts (β= -0.41, p=.01) and better medication adherence (β = 0.02, p=.07) in Puerto Rican children. Caregiver depressive symptoms did not predict pediatric asthma control or acute healthcare utilization in either subgroup. Conclusions: Caregiver depressive symptomology had unexpected effects on child asthma outcomes. Results may be explained by the Hispanic paradox, caregiver resilience, acculturation, and the study's longitudinal nature. Further research is needed on social determinants of health that may influence differences in child asthma outcomes in heterogeneous Hispanic communities.
The axenic mutations and endocytosis in Dictyostelium.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a combination of genetic and biochemical techniques to characterize the axenic mutations and their effects. The chapter describes several methods that have found useful in this analysis. These methods have distinguished constitutive and inducible properties dependent on the axenic genotype, and have suggested that a close relationship exists between the axenic mutations and cell motility. The axenic mutations of Dictyostelium offer a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between phagocytosis and pinocytosis and to examine the mechanism by which a cell shifts from one mode of feeding to the other. This chapter describes the known mutations that affect axenic growth, methods for culturing wild-type and axenic cells and measuring their growth, and methods for monitoring the effects of the axenic mutations on endocytosis and cell movement. The importance emphasized of distinguishing effects of the axenic genotype that are expressed constitutively (that is, during growth on either bacteria or liquid medium) from those that are a function of axenic growth conditions. The methods described in this chapter, applied to wild-type cells and to cells carrying a full complement of the axenic mutations, have shown that the axenic mutations have constitutive effects on cell–substratum interactions, and inducible effects on cell locomotion and pinocytosis.
Agonist regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA. Analysis in S49 mouse lymphoma mutants.

Abstract Agonist-promoted down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA was investigated in S49 mouse lymphoma variants with mutations in elements of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase. In wild-type cells steady-state levels of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA were established by DNA-excess solution hybridization to be 1.72 +/- 0.08 (n = 8) amol/microgram total cellular RNA. Receptor mRNA levels declined 35-45% in response to stimulation by the beta-adrenergic agonist (-)isoproterenol or forskolin as described previously in DDT1 MF-2 cells (Hadcock, J. R., and Malbon, C. C. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, 5021-5025). Agonist-promoted cAMP accumulation and down-regulation of receptor mRNA were analyzed in three variants with mutations in Gs alpha (H21a, unc, cyc-) and a single variant lacking cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity (kin-). H21a (Gs alpha coupled to receptor, but not to adenylate cyclase), unc (Gs alpha uncoupled from receptor), and cyc- (lacking Gs alpha) variants accumulated cAMP and down-regulated beta AR mRNA in response to forskolin. In unc and cyc- cells isoproterenol failed to stimulate cAMP; accumulation and down-regulation of receptor mRNA was not observed. H21a cells, in contrast, displayed agonist-promoted regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA but only basal levels of cAMP accumulation in response to isoproterenol. The kin- cells displayed cAMP accumulation in response to forskolin as well as to isoproterenol but no down-regulation of receptor mRNA or receptor expression. Taken together these data demonstrate several features of agonist-promoted down-regulation of mRNA: (i) cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity is required for down-regulation of mRNA (kin-), although elevated cAMP accumulation is not (H21a); (ii) functional receptor-Gs coupling is required (H21a), and clones lacking Gs alpha (cyc-) or receptor Gs coupling (unc) lack the capacity to down-regulate mRNA in response to agonist; and (iii) in the presence of basal levels of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, functional receptor-Gs coupling (H21a) to some other effector other than adenylate cyclase may be propagating the signal.
OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION IN FRACTIONATED BACTERIAL SYSTEMS. VIII. ROLE OF PARTICULATE AND SOLUBLE FRACTIONS FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI.

Abstract The capacity of cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli W to catalyze oxidation and coupled phosphorylation has been examined as part of a study of the role of quinones in oxidative metabolism. E. coli contains both a benzoquinone, Q8, and a naphthoquinone, K2C45. Cell-free extracts of this facultative anaeroble have been separated into three fractions by differential centrifugation. The rapidly sedimenting fraction contained the benzoquinone, the cytochrome pigments and most of the succinoxidase activity, but was incapable of coupling phosphorylation to oxidation, even when supplemented with the supernatant fluid. The slowly sedimenting fraction, containing both benzo- and naphthoquinones, as well as the cytochromes, catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation with a variety of substrates, including malate and succinate. Coupled activity by this fraction was markedly stimulated by protein components derived from the supernatant fluid. The supernatant fraction was incapable of oxidizing malate or succinate, but utilized DPNH rapidly. This non-phosphorylative oxidation of DPNH was removed during separation of the factor(s) required for stimulation of oxidation and phosphorylation. Differences in the nature of the electron-transport chains and coupled phosphorylation with succinate and DPN+-linked pathways are described. Evidence is presented for the participation of the benzoquinone in only the succinate pathway of oxidation.
Incidence and antecedents of nonmedical prescription opioid use in four US communities The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Nonmedical use of prescription opioids has emerged as a major public health problem during the last decade, but direct measures of incidence and predisposing factors are lacking. Methods We prospectively measured incidence and antecedents of nonmedical prescription opioid use in The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study among 28–40-year-old African- and European-American men and women with no prior history of nonmedical opioid use. Results Among 3163 participants, 23 reported new nonmedical prescription opioid use in 2000–2001 (5-year incidence 0.7%; 95%CI: 0.4–1.0%). All 23 had previously reported marijuana use (p Conclusions Initiation of nonmedical prescription opioid use is generally rare in 28–40-year-old adults, but is observed to be more common with a previous history of substance abuse and legal access to opioids through prescription by a physician.
Social States of Belief and the Determinant of the Equity Risk Premium in a Rational Belief Equilibrium

We review the issues related to the formulation of endogenous uncertainty in Rational Belief Equilibria (RBE). In all previous models of RBE, individual states of belief were the foundation for the construction of the endogenous state space where individual states of belief were described with the method of assessment variables. This approach leads to a lack of “anonymity” where the belief of each individual agent has an impact on equilibrium prices but as a competitor he ignores it. The solution is to study a replica economy with a finite number of types but with a large number of agents of each type. This gives rise to “type-states” which are distributions of beliefs within each type. The state space for this economy is then constructed as the set of products of the exogenous states and the social states of belief which are vectors of distributions of all the types. Such an economy leads to RBE which do indeed solve the problem of anonymity. We then study via simulations the implications of the model of RBE with social states for market volatility and for the determinants of the equity risk premium in an RBE. Under i.i.d. assessments one uses the law of large numbers to induce a single social state of belief and we show that the RBE of such economies have the same number of prices as in rational expectations equilibrium (REE). However, the RBE may exhibit large fluctuations if agents are allowed to hold extreme beliefs. Establishing 5% boundary restrictions on beliefs we show that the model with a single social state of belief cannot explain all the moments of the observed distribution of returns. We then introduce correlation among beliefs and this leads to the creation of new social states. We next show that under correlation among beliefs the model simulations reproduce the values of four key moments of the empirical distribution of returns. The observed equity premium is then explained by two factors. First, investors demand a higher risk premium to compensate them for the endogenous increase in the volatility of returns. Second, at any moment of time there are both rational optimists as well as rational pessimists in our financial markets and such a distribution leads automatically to a decrease in the riskless rate and to an increase of the risk premium. We show that correlation among beliefs of agents leads to fluctuations over time in the social distribution of beliefs and such fluctuations add to endogenous volatility and lead to a higher equilibrium equity risk premium.
Patterns of Bile Acids and Microflora in the Human Small Intestine: I. Bile acids

Bile acids were studied in the intestinal content of 12 control subjects, 8 patients with ileal resection, and 3 patients with intestinal stasis. Intestinal fluids were aspirated from the duodenum after cholecystokinin stimulation and from four additional sites in the small intestine, 50 cm apart, 4 to 7 hr after a meal. The total concentrations of bile acids and their conjugates were determined by enzymatic assay. The distribution of bile acids was measured by gas liquid chromatography. The results were examined in relation to the intestinal microflora cultured from the same samples, described in a separate paper. Bile acid concentrations were lower in the duodenum of patients with ileal resection. Throughout the small intestine there was a marked decrease in bile salts conjugated with taurine and a smaller decrease of glycine-conjugated bile salts. In addition, the percentage of chenodeoxycholic acid was clearly increased at all levels, while the percentage of deoxycholic acid was decreased. In the 2 patients with any deoxycholic or lithocholic acid, anaerobic organisms, such as bacteroides, were abundant in most areas in the small intestine. In the 3 patients with intestinal stasis the total duodenal bile acid concentrations were similar to those in the control subjects, but throughout their small intestine there was a modest decrease in taurine-conjugated bile acids and a definitely increased proportion of deoxycholic and lithocholic acids. The proportion of unconjugated bile acids was not clearly increased in any patient studied.
Virtual reference services: Exploring the open source options. Sponsored by SIG DL, SIG ED, SIG LAN, SIG STI

Virtual reference services, particularly in academic libraries, are coming to be regarded as essential. LSSI and LivePerson are among the well-established commercial vendors of virtual reference systems. However, interesting open source efforts offer libraries the power to customize their virtual reference services to best meet their institution's needs better than many commercial packages can. This session provides an overview of three open-source packages, discusses how they are being used, and examines their role in providing academic reference services.
Is Computed Tomography Safe

Dr. Rebecca Smith-Bindman writes that the risk of cancer from a single CT scan could be as high as 1 in 80 — unacceptably high, given the capacity to reduce these doses of radiation.
Abstinencë and nonabstinencë models for the treatment of bulimia

One of the most controversial dimensions along which developing therapeutic approaches for bulimia can be differentiated is their allegiance to an “abstinence” or “nonabstinence” model. Through analogy to traditional treatment programs for chemical dependency, many self-help and professional programs for bulimia hold that the complete elimination of binge-vomiting behavior is a prerequisite for therapeutic work, and require abstinence from the inception of treatment. In contrast, the nonabstinence model suggests that a more gradual reduction in the frequency of episodes may be preferable in that it provides more opportunities for relapse prevention training and avoids reinforcing dichotomous thinking styles. The present paper reviews the theoretical and clinical arguments that have been advanced by each side, including the case for classifying bulimia as a substance abuse disorder. A strategy for investigating the relative efficacy of the two approaches is proposed. It is suggested that particular attention be paid to such variables as differential attrition, the effect of each modality on the accuracy of self-report, the need for continuing or supplementary therapy, the occurrence of treatment “casualties,” interactions between client characteristics and mode of therapy, and long-term results. In the interim before such data are available, a reasonable clinical recommendation may be the implementation of a “compromise” approach designed to maximize the advantages claimed by each model while minimizing possible risks.
Cardiac Catheterization Studies after Combined Tricuspid, Mitral, and Aortic Valve Replacement

Postoperative cardiac catheterizations were performed in eight patients within the first year following replacement of the tricuspid, mitral, and aortic valves with Starr-Edwards ball-valve prostheses. Two additional patients were studied who had mitral and tricuspid replacement. Before surgery the patients characteristically had distinct elevation of right and left atrial pressures, and markedly reduced cardiac outputs. Four individuals had marked pulmonary hypertension. At the postoperative catheterizations, consistent changes were an increase in cardiac output, a decrease in right and left atrial pressures, and a decrease in right ventricular systolic pressure. The last change was particularly notable in those individuals who had marked pulmonary hypertension before surgery.
Optimized data collection for determination of the MWD from the viscosity data of polymer melts

Numerical differentiation is one source of loss of resolution in the differential transformation of viscosity to MWD. Resolution can be improved by increasing the amount of viscosity data, keeping in mind that optimizing this process is necessary for practical reasons. This problem was approached by finding the minimum point for practical reasons. This problem was approached by finding the minimum point density and coverage required to resolve bimodality. For given point density and range, the higher the superposition between the viscosity data and the “knee” in the viscosity function produced by each mode, the better the resolution. Testing time can be reduced and resolution can still be preserved by placing more points in the “knee” region in the viscosity function and by skipping the unnecessary points at low shear rates.
Constant coverage, configurational heat capacities for two-dimensional square-cell lattices

Utilizing the shift operator matrix (SOM) method, we calculate and compare the Ising model, configurational, constant area, constant coverage heat capacity signatures for semi-infinite [M × ∞] cylindrical lattices (with no free edges) and planar lattices (with two free edges) as a function of the particle/lattice, particle/particle interaction energies and coverage, for various widths, i.e. various values of M. These calculated heat capacity signatures for planar lattices exhibit a behavior not shared by cylindrical lattices. To investigate this phenomenon, we have modified the SOM for a planar lattice so that particles and occupied nearest-neighbor pairs on and near the lattice edges can be distinguished from their counterparts interior to the lattice. We are thus able to show quantitatively that the coverage and the density of occupied nearest-neighbor pairs along the lattice edges are different from those interior to the lattice and from their averages for the lattice as a whole. Similarly, we show explicitly how the position of an occupied nearest-neighbor pair relative to the lattice edge determines its contribution to the overall heat capacity signature of a planar lattice. When the overall lattice coverage approaches unity (for attractive particle/particle interaction) the heat capacity per particle of a planar lattice exhibits an extremely rapid decrease with temperature. This suggests the exhaustion, internal to the lattice, of vacant nearest-neighbor pairs.
WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION OF REACTOR SHIELDING USING TRANSMISSION MATRIX METHODS.

Abstract In this investigation a quick and accurate method of calculating dose rates outside the primary shield of a nuclear reactor is developed. This method is then used to investigate minimum weight reactor shield configurations. The fast neutron dose at the outside of the shield is obtained by using the removal cross section concept. The thermal neutron distribution in the shield is obtained from the two group diffusion equations using fermi age theory for the slowing down of the fast neutrons. The primary and secondary gamma rays are treated by transmission matrix techniques. The optimization is carried out by determining the weight of various primary shield configurations and then searching for a minimum weight. Studies are conducted on iron-water slab shields and lead-water slab shields.
ISHM's Education Program

An outline is given of the purpose and activities of the ISHM‐US Education Program. Guidelines for establishing and operating Student Chapters are provided, together with the benefits of membership, and several of the facilities made available to student members are described.
Blood transfusion during aneurysm surgery.

INTRODUCTION Increasing costs and concerns about blood supply safety have led to a reevaluation of blood transfusion practices. This study was undertaken to examine blood use during aneurysm surgery. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of hospital records including operative, anesthetic, and nursing notes, computed tomographic scans, and four-vessel angiographic films of 547 patients undergoing surgery for ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. During the review period, the transfusion threshold was not altered. RESULTS A total of 134 patients (24.5%) received an intraoperative blood transfusion (median number of units, 2; range, 1-17). Preoperative factors associated with intraoperative blood use included older patient age (P < 0.001), lower hematocrit level on admission (P = 0.007), ruptured rather than unruptured aneurysm (P = 0.004), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (P = 0.03), and larger aneurysm size (P = 0.004). Factors not associated with intraoperative blood transfusion included past medical history (including cardiac or pulmonary disease), admission clinical grade after aneurysm rupture, findings such as hydrocephalus on computed tomographic scanning, and aneurysm location and aneurysm neck-to-fundus ratio. Also associated with blood transfusion during surgery were intraoperative aneurysm rupture (P < 0.0001), intracerebral hematoma evacuation (P = 0.02), and obliteration of multiple aneurysms (P = 0.002). Among patients who received an intraoperative transfusion, those who experienced an aneurysm rupture required an average of 3.6 +/- 0.35 units, whereas patients who did not have a rupture required 1.9 +/- 0.12 units (P = 0.001). Postoperatively, a total of 244 patients (44.6%), including 77 who received blood intraoperatively, required a blood transfusion (median number of units, 2; range, 1-31). Postoperative blood transfusion was associated with the treatment of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (P < 0.0001), particularly among poor-grade patients who developed medical complications. CONCLUSION Blood transfusion can be expected in one in five patients undergoing aneurysm surgery. Reducing intraoperative rupture may reduce the need for blood products.
US universities’ net returns from patenting and licensing: a quantile regression analysis

Consistent with the rights and incentives provided by the Bayh–Dole Act of 1980, US universities have increased their involvement in patenting and licensing activities through their own technology transfer offices. Only a few US universities are obtaining large returns, however, whereas others are continuing with these activities despite negligible or negative returns. We assess the US universities’ potential to generate returns from licensing activities by modeling and estimating quantiles of the distribution of net licensing returns conditional on some of their structural characteristics. We find limited prospects for public universities without a medical school everywhere in their distribution. Other groups of universities (private, and public with a medical school) can expect better but still fairly modest returns. These findings call into question the appropriateness of the revenue-generating motive for the aggressive rate of patenting and licensing by US universities.
The electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of 3C, 2H, 4H, 6H, 15R and 21R polymorphs of SiC

Abstract The electronic structure, bonding, and optical properties of six polymorphs of SiC: 3C, 2H, 4H, 6H, 15R, and 21R were studied by the density functional-based first-principles OLCAO method. The results were compared with other existing calculations as well as experimental data. It is shown that the different stacking sequences of the Si–C bi-layers in these polymorphs result in minute but recognizable differences in the partial density of states, Mulliken effective charges, and bond order values, indicating the importance of the intermediate range ordering in these crystals. The optical properties calculation for these polymorphs also shows some marked differences among them and can be explained, at least partially, by the LDA-based electronic band structures. Also presented is the calculated X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the Si-K, Si-L 3 and N-K edges in 3C-SiC.
Abnormal Embryogenesis Induced by Thiopental

The effects of thiopental on chick embryos were analyzed in the present study. Thiopental was dissolved in saline and injected into embryonating chicken eggs at doses ranging from 0.2 to 4.0 mg per egg. The injections were made into the air sacs of eggs after two to four days of incubation. Control eggs were injected with an equivalent volume of saline (0.1 ml per egg). In all 1080 chicken eggs were used for this study. All embryos were examined on day 7. The LD50 for eggs injected on days 2, 3 and 4 was 2.1, 1.9, and 4.1 mg per egg, respectively. The principal malformations observed were exencephaly, anencephaly, twisted limbs, twisted neck, microphthalmia, everted viscera, and hemorrhage above the left eye and in both cerebral hemispheres. The results of the present study indicate that thiopental has a tendency to cause malformations in the chick embryos tested.
Bridging the conceptual gap: assessing the impact on student attitudes toward programming

In this paper, we describe an experiment designed to test the effect of a novel first day lecture on student attitudes toward programming. The lecture does not require any knowledge of a specific language or a specific paradigm. Student evaluation surveys indicate that the lecture is effective at helping students to see programming as more than the simple creation of an artifact but rather as a systematic problem-solving process.
Effects of generalization of fear on incubation in a response suppression paradigm

Seventy-two rats were run in a suppression paradigm in one of 12 combinations of delay after fear conditioning (0 vs. 231/2 h), mode of fear conditioning (forward, backward, and CS-only control), and similarity between fear conditioning and testing chambers (same vs. different). The forward fear conditioning groups showed incubation (greater suppression after the delay) under both same and different conditions. This finding does not support a stimulus generalization interpretation of the incubation effect.