cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Day of the week effects, information seasonality, and higher moments of security returns

Abstract This paper documents significant day of the week variations in equity return means, standard deviations, skewness, and kurtosis which are stronger for smaller firms. Although day of the week variations in earnings and dividend announcements seem to be only a limited explanation of the day of the week effects in security returns, the day of the week differences in equity return kurtosis documented here, consistent with investor aversion for even moments, do seem to be a partial explanation for the observed day of the week differences in equity returns. Thus, future studies of the size and day of the week effects in asset returns should account for higher moments such as kurtosis to avoid mis-specification of risk.
The Harderian gland and thermoregulation in the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).

Abstract Seven experiments with Meriones unguiculatus assessed the thermoregulatory consequence of Harderian secretion and fur anointment with lipids by autogrooming. Harderianectomy reduced the animal's capability to withstand cold (3–5°C) and wetness. During a 9 to 15 min exposure to cold-wet stress glandless animals lost an average of 4.6°C core body temperature, compared to an average loss of 1.6°C among intact animals. A comparable loss in body temperature occurred in animals whose fur lipids were removed with shampooing. Shaved animals coated with petroleum jelly withstood the cold-wet stress with a lesser decrease in body temperature than animals without the exogenous coat of jelly. The in vitro insulating qualities of fur lipids were demonstrated by blocking a cold air stream with various layers of lipids. The degree of insulation was related to the thickness of the lipid layers. Fur lipids were extracted from Harderianectomized and shampooed animals. Relative to controls, both procedures resulted in approximately 40–50% loss of fur lipds. The loss seen in gerbils following Harderianectomy was not found in the rat, golden hamster or C57 and DBA strains of inbred mice. Thus, in the gerbil the behavioral spread of Harderian lipids during a thermoregulatory groom insulated the gerbil from cold and wetness. The use of insulating lipids may be related to the gerbil's ecology in the cold deserts of Mongolia and Northeast China.
Detection of degraded target signatures: statistical versus neural networks

Pattern recognition applications require algorithms be optimized to provide accurate and reproducible target identification. Approaches usually incorporate a combination preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification algorithms whose parameters have been adjusted for the best performance against a particular set of images. With the variety of neural network and statistical techniques available at each of these processing steps, choosing the correct algorithms for a particular application may be difficult. A Pattern Recognition Workstation (PRW) has been developed to assist in the selection of these algorithms. The workstation provides a variety of image degradation techniques to assist the user in assessing the performance of algorithms as a function of obscuration, noise levels, scale and rotation. Initial results are reported from preprocessors including the Contrast-Orientation-Ratio- Threshold-Maximum (CORT-X), Sobel and Laplacian, feature extractors including the Gabor Transform, Invariant Moments, and Fourier-Log-Polar Transform, and classifiers including Backpropagation and Bayes decision theory. The resulting class decision statistics are presented to assess robustness with respect to obscuration and noise levels.
Stability of the solution of definite quadratic programs

This paper studies how the solution of the problem of minimizingQ(x) = 1/2x T Kx − k T x subject toGx ≦ g andDx = d behaves whenK, k, G, g, D andd are perturbed, say by terms of size∈, assuming thatK is positive definite. It is shown that in general the solution moves by roughly∈ ifG, g, D andd are not perturbed; whenG, g, D andd are in fact perturbed, much stronger hypotheses allow one to show that the solution moves by roughly∈. Many of these results can be extended to more general, nonquadratic, functionals.
Common processes in evidence-based adolescent HIV prevention programs.

Dissemination of evidence-based HIV prevention programs for adolescents will be increased if community interventionists are able to distinguish core, essential program elements from optional, discretionary ones. We selected five successful adolescent HIV prevention programs, used a qualitative coding method to identify common processes described in the procedural manuals, and then compared the programs. Nineteen common processes were categorized as structural features, group management strategies, competence building, and addressing developmental challenges of adolescence. All programs shared the same structural features (goal-setting and session agendas), used an active engagement style of group management, and built cognitive competence. Programs varied in attention to developmental challenges, emphasis on behavioral and emotional competence, and group management methods. This qualitative analysis demonstrated that successful HIV programs contain processes not articulated in their developers’ theoretical models. By moving from the concrete specifics of branded interventions to identification of core, common processes, we are consistent with the progress of “common factors” research in psychotherapy.
Blue-green semiconductor lasers

Abstract We trace the recent advances in wide bandgap II–VI semiconductors that have led to the demonstration of a room temperature, continuous-wave blue-green diode laser.
Computational and Experimental Study of Ketoreductase Enantioselectivity

Enzymes are powerful enantio-, chemo-, and regioselective catalysts. They are highly efficient, operate under mild conditions, and are environmentally benign. These attributes make them great synthetic tools for chemical manufacturers. Ketoreductases (KREDs) asymmetrically reduce ketones to alcohols and are the most commonly used enzymes in industrial drug synthesis. Various mutants of L. Kefir KRED have been generated to enantioselectively reduce the substrates dihydrothiophen-3(2H)-one and dihydrofuran-3(2H)-one, and the alcohols produced can be incorporated into pharmaceuticals such as sulopenem and fosamprenavir. These substrates vary by only one atom, sulfur versus oxygen, and yet in general the KRED mutants reduce them to different enantioselectivities. In many cases mutants that produce good to excellent enantiomeric excess (ee) for one substrate have no enantioselectivity for the other. Other mutants give opposite enantioselectivities for the two substrates. In this work, the physical origins of this subtle and perplexing example of specificity are determined using several quantum mechanical and force field based computations. These methods reveal that small changes in the size, shape, and hydrophobicity of the active site resulting from mutations in as few as 1 residue can significantly effect enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the ability of various enzyme design methods to predict selectivity is evaluated through comparison to experimentally determined selectivities. This work will enable further development of KRED mutants for industrial drug synthesis and aid enzyme design efforts.
Koronarangiographie bei über achtzigjährigen Patienten: Indikationen, Resultate, Procedere*

Due to the continuous increase of elderly individuals in the society the cardiologist has to deal with elderly patients more often. The apparative expenditures and the invasive procedure require a critical consideration of benefits and risks prior to performing coronary angiography in these patients. The indication and frequency of coronary angiography in patients with eighty years or above were investigated. Furthermore, the results of angiography, the risks of the procedure and the therapeutic consequences were evaluated. The whole study population consisted of 2,500 consecutive patients (1,557 men, 943 women), who underwent coronary angiography at our institution from January 1st to November 16th in 1998. A retrospective analysis of 66 coronary angiographies (3%) in 61 patients (26 men, 35 women) aged 80 years or older was performed. Among these 61 patients, 51 were referred because of suspected coronary artery disease. Due to the clinical presentation a high percentage (42 patients = 82%) was classified as having unstable angina. 10 patients were referred due to valvular heart disease. Single-vessel disease was found in 14, two-vessel disease in 5 and multi-vessel disease in 28 patients, respectively. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 17 patients, among these were 9 patients with multi-vessel disease and PTCA of the culprit lesion, and 3 patients underwent bypass surgery. Medical therapy was decided as to 28 patients. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 2 of 9 patients with aortic stenosis. The clinical appearance of coronary artery disease in elderly patients was mostly unstable angina, explaining the need for intervention. Coronary angiography disclosed multi-vessel disease in 55% of patients. A revascularization procedure could be performed at least in 43% of patients with multi-vessel disease.
Performance Of A Hybrid Processor To Compute Geometric Moments

We have recently presented (SPIE Proceedings, Vol. 579, pp. 215-224, 1985) a new hybrid optical/digital technique to compute the geometric moments of an image using its Fourier plane intensity . In this paper, we present the results of a simulation of this system. The parameters investigated include: input symmetries, sampling interval in the frequency plane, the order of the differentiating FIR filter, the detector area, frequency plane detector dynamic range and additive noise. An example is also presented to illustrate the applicability of this approach in a typical pattern recognition problem.
The Effect of an Educational Session on Pediatric Nurses' Perspectives Toward Providing Spiritual Care

This study evaluated the effect of a spiritual education session on pediatric nurses' perspectives toward providing spiritual care. A one-group pretest and posttest design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational session. Participants consisted of 41 pediatric and neonatal nurses that worked in a large university-affiliated children's hospital. Findings confirmed that the spiritual education session had a positive effect on nurses' perspectives toward providing spiritual care. In addition, a positive correlation was identified between the pediatric nurses' perception of their own spirituality and their perspective toward providing care.
Preoperative anal manometry predicts continence after perineal proctectomy for rectal prolapse.

This study examines whether preoperative anal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency predict functional outcome after perineal proctectomy for rectal prolapse. All adult patients treated by perineal proctectomy for rectal prolapse from 1995 to 2004 were identified (N = 106). Forty-five patients underwent anal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing before proctectomy and they form the basis for this study. Perineal proctectomy with levatoroplasty (anterior 88.9 percent; posterior 75.6 percent) was performed in all patients, with a mean resection length of 10.4 cm. Four patients (8.9 percent) developed recurrent prolapse during a 44-month mean follow-up. Preoperative resting and maximal squeeze pressures were 34.2 ± 18.3 and 60.4 ± 30.5 mmHg, respectively. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing was prolonged or undetectable in 55.6 percent of patients. Grade 2 or 3 fecal incontinence was reported by 77.8 percent of patients before surgery, and one-third had obstructed defecation. The overall prevalence of incontinence (77.8 vs. 35.6 percent, P 60 mmHg (n = 19) had improved postoperative fecal continence relative to those with lower pressures (incontinence rate, 10 vs. 54 percent; P = 0.004), despite having similar degrees of preoperative incontinence. Abnormalities of pudendal nerve function and mean resting pressures were not predictive of postoperative incontinence. Perineal proctectomy provides relief from rectal prolapse, with good intermediate term results. Preoperative anal manometry can predict fecal continence rates after proctectomy, because patients with maximal squeeze pressures >60 mmHg have significantly improved outcomes.
DISINTEREST, DISAFFECTION, AND PARTICIPATION IN PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS

Undue emphasis on the decline of voter turnout in national elections and its interpretation as indicative of political malaise are likely to make for erroneous understanding of the American democracy. Evidence from studies of the national electorate conducted between 1952 and 1978 shows that the explanation for declining turnout is not to be found in commensurate diminution in political interest or involvement, or in a decreasing sense of civic duty, feeling of political efficacy or trust in government. Where patterns of change have coincided, further analysis indicates an absence of possible cause-and-effect relationships. The decline has been chiefly limited to those population sectors characterized by lack of interest or involvement in national partisan politics. The article concludes with a projection of likely developments in political participation, including turnout, in future presidential elections.
The Pope's Confessor: A Metaphor Relating to Illness in The Analyst:

This paper examines some of the internal and external eventualities in the situation of illness in the analyst. The current emphasis on the use of the self as part of the analyzing instrument makes impairments in the analyst's physical well-being potentially disabling to the analytic work. A recommendation is made for analysts, both individually and as a professional group, to always consider this aspect of a personal medical problem.
Equivalence properties of the Hausman statistic based on a generalized inverse

Abstract The Hausman statistic based on a generalized inverse is numerically equivalent to statistics that are based on a subset of the parameters and do not require the use of a generalized inverse. In a general non-linear setting there exists at least one such statistic. In the case of the linear model a number of such statistics are obtained by arbitrarily selecting parameter subsets.
Decision Analysis at the Crossroads

Empirically observed violations of traditional expected utility theory have prompted several new theories, putting the future of decision analysis at the crossroads. This essay describes the current status of the literature through selected examples of decision making scenarios. It concludes that if all relevant consequences of all alternatives are included in the analysis, then expected utility theory would prove to be valid. Practitioners who use techniques or software based on expected utility theory need only to make sure that they have considered all relevant consequences, and need not worry about the new non‐expected utility theories.
Coupon resets versus poison puts: The valuation of event risk provisions in corporate debt

Abstract This paper examines the valuation of the two major types of event risk indenture provisions, poison puts and coupon resets, on the debt of industrial companies. In contrast with earlier work by Crabbe (1991), we find that protection provided by poison put type of covenants is not valued by investors. The inclusion of coupon reset provisions, however, lowers the yield spread of new issued industrial bonds by 32 basis points. The yields on bonds with low credit quality ratings are reduced by including coupon reset provisions in the bond indentures.
An asn to lys polymorphism in the third intracellular loop of the human alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor imparts enhanced agonist-promoted Gi coupling.

α2A-Adrenergic receptors (α2AAR) are presynaptic autoinhibitory receptors of noradrenergic neurons in the central and peripheral sympathetic nervous systems, which act to dynamically regulate neurotransmitter release. Signaling through the Gi/Go family of G-proteins, the receptor subserves numerous homeostatic and central nervous system functions. A single nucleotide polymorphism of this receptor, which results in an Asn to Lys substitution at amino acid 251 of the third intracellular loop, was identified in the human population. The frequency of Lys-251 was 10-fold greater in African-Americans than in Caucasians, but was not associated with essential hypertension. To determine the consequences of this substitution, wild-type and Lys-251 receptors were expressed in CHO and COS-7 cells. Expression, ligand binding, and basal receptor function were unaffected by the substitution. However, agonist-promoted [35S]GTPγS binding was ∼40% greater with the Lys-251 receptor. This enhanced agonist function was observed with catecholamines, azepines, and imidazolines albeit to different degrees. In studies of agonist-promoted functional coupling to Gi, the polymorphic receptor displayed enhanced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (60 ± 4.4 versus 46 ± 4.1% inhibition) and markedly enhanced stimulation of MAP kinase (57 ± 9 versus 15- ± 2-fold increase over basal) compared with wild-type α2AAR. The potency of epinephrine in stimulating inositol phosphate accumulation was increased ∼4 fold with the Lys-251 receptor. Unlike previously described variants of G-protein-coupled receptors, where the minor species causes either a loss of function or increased non-agonist function, Lys-251 α2AAR represents a new class of polymorphism whose phenotype is a gain of agonist-promoted function.
Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome associated with hypothyroidism

Abstract A causal link between hypothyroidism and spontaneously occurring ovarian hype rstimulation syndrome is suggested by analysis of data from a patient with myxedema and review of data from animal research. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:1220-2.)
Hard and soft porphyrins: equilibrium constants for Cd2+ and Pb2+ with water-soluble free base porphyrins

Equilibrium constants (1:1) for the reactions of cadmium(II) and lead(II) with water-soluble free base porphyrins of differing basicities (pK3) are reported. Soft porphyrins with low pK3 values favor the softer Cd(II), while harder porphyrins with higher pK3 values have more affinity for the relatively harder Pb(II) ion.
The resonance fluorescence of I2 excited by a single mode laser

Abstract By exciting the resonance fluorescence of I2 with a single mode laser we have demonstrated a simplification of the fluorescence spectrum and have derived an approximate high resolution absorption line shape.
William of Auvergne's Account of the Enuntiable: its Relations to Nominalism and the Doctrine of the Eternal Truths

Apres avoir etudie les themes nominalistes qui figurent dans l'ouvrage de Guillaume d'Auvergne intitule «De universo», l'A. expose sa conception nominaliste des enoncables, selon laquelle certaines affirmations sont vraies de toute eternite, mais ne sont pas elles-meme des entites eternelles. L'A. explique ce rejet du statut ontologique des enoncables en cherchant les origines de la doctrine realiste dans le «Metalogicon» de Jean de Salisbury, dans les «Chroniques» de Nicolas d'Amiens et dans l'«Ars meliduna» (anonyme)
A method for approximating dynamical processes by finite-state systems†

In many complex control processes, the problem of determining optimal control policies can be considerably simplified from the stand-points of computation and implementation, if the mathematical model can be adequately described by a finite-state sequential system, i.e. a discrete-time system whose input (control) and state spaces are finite-state. However, in physical situations, one usually formulates the mathematical models in the form of a set of ordinary differential equations resulting from certain physical laws. Therefore, it is desirable to have systematic methods far approximating such mathematical models by finite-state systems. This paper describes a simple method for approximating a finite set of first-order ordinary differential equations by the finite-state system. The validity and application of the method are discussed and illustrated by examples. Also, the main problem associated with the implementation of control systems using finite-state models will be discussed briefly.
Trembles in the Bayesian Foundations of Solution Concepts of Games

Abstract The Bayesian approach to game theory is extended to a setting where players can believe that other players may tremble with infinitesimal probability. Here too, a player's type induces a probability distribution over other players' types. Two axioms of near rationality are introduced. Almost common knowledge of near rationality implies a strategy choice that survives one round of weak dominance followed by iterated strict dominance. Common knowledge of hierarchical rationality leads to iterated weak dominance. Perfect equilibria result from knowledge of near rationality and of other players' beliefs. To attain proper equilibria, a stronger hierarchical restriction on beliefs is necessary. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: C72.
Response to Imig and Berry: Entrepreneurs, Patrons, and Organizations

At the outset Mr. Neeley and I wish to thank Professors Imig and Berry (henceforth, "IB Imig and Meyer 1993) to grapple with the thorny questions surrounding the relationship between political opportunity and group development. Nonetheless, we take exception to I&B's rejoinder, which amounts to a wholesale dismissal of our findings. This dismissal, we believe, rests upon a faulty interpretation of our intentions, and a misunderstanding of the central issues we address. In what follows we will briefly respond to each of I&B's three major criticisms.
Winter nitrogen fertilization of loblolly pine seedlings

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings were nitrogen fertilized during winter in a bare root forest tree nursery located in the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Total application rates were 0, 50, 100, and 200 kg/N/ha applied in split applications 4 weeks apart in January and February. Seedlings were lifted and outplanted in March, 4 weeks after the second fertilization and measured at 3 and 6 months after outplanting. No seedling morphological differences were encountered at the time of lifting and outplanting although seedling shoot nitrogen content was 28% greater in the highest fertilization treatment compared to the check. Shoot nitrogen concentrations fell after outplanting regardless of treatment, decreasing from an average of 1.51% across all treatments at the time of planting to 0.64% at 6 months after planting. When measured at 6 months after outplanting, seedling dry weight and height growth after planting was shown to increase by 12% and 24%, respectively, for the high nitrogen treatment. This and other studies across a variety of sites have found positive post-outplanting seedling growth response after nutrient loading in the nursery.
A comparison of physicochemical variables across plant zones in a mangal/salt marsh community in Louisiana

Three vegetation zones were delineated in a mangal / salt marsh community at Bay Champagne, Louisiana — a zone dominated byAvicennia germinans adjacent to the bay, an inland zone dominated bySpartina alterniflora, and a transition zone between the two containing both species. Parallel transects that intersected each zone were established perpendicular to the shore of the bay and sampled to determine if these zones differed on the basis of soil texture, elevation, redox potential, and selected interstitial water variables. Redox potential and interstitial water sulfide, ammonium, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, pH, and salinity were measured 5 times during the year to account for seasonal variation. Factor analysis identified five factors, accounting for 80.6% of the variation in the data. These factors were interpreted as representing seawater, sulfide, nitrogen/phosphorus, Eh, and copper variables. Factor scores in theAvicennia zone were significantly different than in the other zones for the salinity and sulfide factors, with higher salinity scores and lower sulfide scores. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant zone differences for most individual variables. TheAvicennia zone was characterized by the highest relative elevation and soil bulk density. Higher concentrations of ions associated with sea water, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, occurred in theAvicennia zone, which also caused interstitial water salinity to be higher in that zone. The transition andSpartina zones were more biochemically reduced than theAvicennia zone, as shown by lower redox potential measurements, higher sulfide concentrations, and higher sulfide factor scores in the former. Iron and manganese were lower in the more reduced zones, probably due to precipitation with sulfide. The transition andSpartina zones only differed in interstitial water potassium and sulfide and relative elevation, with some additional seasonal differences in other variables. TheSpartina zone had a lower elevation and usually higher sulfide concentrations than the transition zone. We hypothesize that the relatively high sulfide and lower elevation of theSpartina zone may limit the establishment ofAvicennia propagules there.
The (p, t) and (p, τ) reactions on 17O at 39.8 MeV

Differential cross sections have been measured at forward angles for (p, t) and (p, τ) transitions from 17O to the 12− ground states and lowest-energy 32− states in the 15O and 15N mirror nuclei. The data are compared with DWBA calculations using simple single-particle and single-hole wave functions. When the (p, t) and (p, τ) transitions are considered separately, the calculated and experimental ratios of the 32− integrated cross sections to the 12− integrated cross sections agree to within 30 %; however, the ratios of (p, τ) cross sections to the mirror state (p, t) cross sections are calculated to be about twice as large as actually measured. This experimentally observed reduction of the (p, τ) cross section relative to the (p, t) cross section can possibly be attributed to interference between the S = 0 and S = 1 components of the (p, τ) transitions.
Program Evaluation: The Accountability Bridge Model for Counselors

The accountability and reform movements in education and the human services professions have pressured counselors to demonstrate outcomes of counseling programs and services. Evaluation models developed for large-scale evaluations are generally impractical for counselors to implement. Counselors require practical models to guide them in planning and conducting counseling program evaluations. The authors present the Accountability Bridge Counseling Program Evaluation Model and discuss its use in evaluating counseling services and programs
The Split in the German National Liberal Caucus over the Military Budget Bill of 1871

The National Liberal Party experienced one of the most controversial moments of the first decade of its existence in the fall of I87I when its Reichstag caucus practically disintegrated over questions of the amount and duration of the military budget.' During parliamentary debate of the budget on 29-30 November, the Reichstag heard three National Liberal speakers air ideological differences which cast doubt on the basic premises of the party programme. From the middle of November the caucus could hardly agree on a concrete solution to the military budget. In late November when passage of a military budget was assured, the caucus could only muster a majority of 55 out of 97 for it, a figure which was accompanied by talk of a break-up of the party and which raised questions about its ability to be the pivotal group in the Reichstag. Finally the caucus had also reversed itself. On 20 November it had voted to honour party commitments to assure parliamentary control of the military budget by calling for reductions in the budget for I872. On 30 November it had capitulated on the issue of parliamentary power by supporting a military grant of three years' duration at original estimates. The subject of this article is the reaction of the National Liberal caucus to the military budget bill. Why and how did it happen? Of what significance was it in the overall development of the National Liberal Party? When Emperor William I opened the second session of the Reichstag in October I87I, he proposed to extend the expiring military budget for another year and invited the Reichstag to substitute a private committee discussion with the ministry of war for its first public reading of the bill.2 Until that discussion ended on I2 November, the National Liberal caucus unanimously welcomed this solution, though Eduard Lasker had promised to scrutinize the details of the bill to ensure respect for the rights of the Reichstag.3 The caucus selected its delegation for the budget committee without any obvious disagreement, and many deputies left Berlin confident that nothing of importance was going to happen.4 This agreement was all the more remarkable because the need to have the Reichstag vote on the budget for the peacetime army after I 87 I had been the subject of a great
Asymptotic stability criteria for linear systems of difference-differential equations of neutral type and their discrete analogues

Abstract Electrical networks containing lossless transmission lines are often modeled by difference-differential equations of neutral type. This paper finds sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability for linear systems of these equations. Also given is a modification of the direct method of Liapunov for difference equations. This method is applied to finding asymptotic stability criteria for the discrete analogs of the linear system of difference-differential equations.
Geographically Stratified Importance Sampling for the Calibration of Aggregated Destination Choice Models for Trip Distribution

A key feature in estimating and applying destination choice models with aggregate alternatives is to sample a set of nonchosen traffic analysis zones (TAZs), plus the one a trip maker chose, to construct a destination choice set. Computational complexity is reduced because the choice set would be too large if all study area TAZs were included in the calibration. Commonly, two types of sampling strategies are applied to draw subsets of alternatives from the universal choice set. The first, and simplest, approach is to select randomly a subset of nonchosen alternatives with uniform selection probabilities and then add the chosen alternative if it is not otherwise included. The approach, however, is not an efficient sampling scheme because most alternatives for a given trip maker may have small choice probabilities. The second approach, stratified importance sampling, draws samples with unequal selection probabilities determined on the basis of preliminary estimates of choice probabilities for every alternative in the universal choice set. The stratified sampling method assigns different selection probabilities to alternatives in different strata. Simple random sampling is applied to draw alternatives in each stratum. However, it is unclear how to divide the study area so that destination TAZs may be sampled effectively. The process of and findings from implementing a stratified sampling strategy in selecting alternative TAZs for calibrating aggregate destination choice models in a geographic information system (GIS) environment are described. In this stratified sampling analysis, stratum regions varied by spatial location and employment size in the adjacent area were defined for each study area TAZ. The sampling strategy is more effective than simple random sampling in regard to maximum log likelihood and goodness-of-fit values.
Exercise behavior, valuation, and the incentive effects of employee stock options

Abstract We use a large database on ESO exercises to document characteristics of exercise behavior and calibrate a utility-based model for measuring how differences in exercise behavior are manifested in option values and incentives. Option values and incentives computed from the model calibrations are compared to those computed from models used to value tradable options. Our analysis provides guidance to both academics and practitioners about how differences in exercise behavior and model choice affect measures of ESO values and incentives, and underscores the importance of gaining a thorough understanding of the underlying economic forces that affect the behavior of ESO holders.
Corn and Culture in Central Andean Prehistory

The prehistoric development and spread of domesticated maize varieties in the highlands of Peru, unlike the drier coastal deserts, is little known because ancient maize remains in this area survive mainly as fragments, kernels, and cob parts. An analysis of fragmented charred maize from prehistoric households (A.D.450 to 1500) in the Mantaro Valley reveals a developmental sequence of maize varieties for Highland Peru. The evidence indicates an adoption of large-kernelled maize varieties beginning in the Late Intermediate (A.D. 1000). This is centuries later than a similar change in maize, associated with the Wari expansion, that occurred in coastal areas, and indicates minimal Wari impact in the Mantaro Valley.
Populations of Low-Mass Black Hole Binaries

The evolution of a population of massive binaries with low-mass secondaries is considered by contrasting the fate of black hole-producing systems with those leaving neutron stars. It is found that the interacting black hole binaries may be even more common than the familiar neutron star LMXBs. Certain unusual expected systems are described, and a comparison with present observations is made to determine the accuracy of predictions of this scenario.
Strong Two-Photon Absorption in Push−Pull Phthalocyanines: Role of Resonance Enhancement and Permanent Dipole Moment Change upon Excitation

We study near-IR two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra of nonsymmetric push−pull metal-free phthalocyanines, which are present in solution at room temperature as a mixture of two spectrally nonequivalent tautomers T1 and T2. Large 2PA cross sections, σ2 = (1−3) × 103 GM, are obtained in the excitation wavelength region λex = 815−850 nm and are explained by (1) a new charge transfer state appearing in the one-photon absorption (1PA) spectrum of these compounds at 420−430 nm and (2) a strong resonance enhancement within the quasi-three-level system when the Q-state(s) serve as the real intermediate state(s). In the Q-region, λex = 1100−1500 nm, 2PA and 1PA transitions coincide, and the 2PA strength of any pure electronic or vibronic band is quantitatively described in terms of a two-level approximation.
Future developments in brain-machine interface research

Neuroprosthetic devices based on brain-machine interface technology hold promise for the restoration of body mobility in patients suffering from devastating motor deficits caused by brain injury, neurologic diseases and limb loss. During the last decade, considerable progress has been achieved in this multidisciplinary research, mainly in the brain-machine interface that enacts upper-limb functionality. However, a considerable number of problems need to be resolved before fully functional limb neuroprostheses can be built. To move towards developing neuroprosthetic devices for humans, brain-machine interface research has to address a number of issues related to improving the quality of neuronal recordings, achieving stable, long-term performance, and extending the brain-machine interface approach to a broad range of motor and sensory functions. Here, we review the future steps that are part of the strategic plan of the Duke University Center for Neuroengineering, and its partners, the Brazilian National Institute of Brain-Machine Interfaces and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) Center for Neuroprosthetics, to bring this new technology to clinical fruition.
Electronic structure studies of surface-enhanced Raman scattering

The 'chemical mechanism' of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is investigated by quantum mechanical methods for pyridine adsorbed onto a copper cluster. Gaussian orbital based density functional theory with a B3LYP exchange-correlation functional is used to calculate the ground state structure and normal coordinates of the molecule-surface complex system, and the sum-over-states method, which uses excited state energies and dipole matrix elements from CIS (singles CI) calculations and the INDO/S semi-empirical method, is used to calculate the zero and non-zero frequency dependent polarizability derivatives that determine the Raman intensities. The cluster in these calculations is a copper tetramer whose excited state widths have been broadened to mimic interaction with bulk metal. The present method succeeds in describing the Raman spectrum of the adsorbed pyridine molecule, including changes in the spectrum that arise from adsorption on the surface, and differences between the zero frequency and finite frequency spectra. However the model is still quite primitive in its evaluation of the SERS enhancement factor.
Characteristics of Lifelong Learners in the Human Service Professions

The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of lifelong learners in human service professions. One hundred and ninety-five human service professionals responded to the instrument, Characteristics of Lifelong Learners in the Professions (CLLP), developed by the researcher. CLLP items were subjected to principal components analysis followed by a Varimax rotation. The extracted factors and selected demographic variables were then subjected to multiple regression analysis in order to predict the average number of hours spent in learning activities per month. The amount of variance in learning explained by the independent variable was not sufficient to develop a profile of lifelong learners. However, two factors identified as predictors of lifelong learning-Educability and Future orientation—can be developed and/or encouraged in preservice and continuing education programs.
The size distribution of websites

The upper tail of the size distribution of websites follows a power law with slope close to one (Zipf’s law). This finding is robust to measuring website size by unique visitors and page views, and holds for the United States, Germany, and the world. Web traffic in China has less support for a power law.
Recent advances in the diagnosis and classification of endocervical glandular lesions

Abstract Non-invasive endocervical glandular lesions span a spectrum from benign (some of which exhibit worrisome architectural or cytological features) through atypical (endocervical gland dysplasia) to malignant (adenocarcinoma in situ). The differential diagnosis of these lesions is discussed, with emphasis on the morphological features, semi-quantitative scoring system, and ancillary techniques. The discussion of invasive adenocarcinomas covers such difficult topics as microinvasive adenocarcinoma, minimal deviation adenocarcinoma, and mesonephric and microcystic adenocarcinomas. Update on the use of ancillary studies in the differential diagnosis of endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinomas is included. Finally, selected benign endocervical glandular lesions that can cause confusion with adenocarcinoma are covered; these include lobular endocervical hyperplasia, diffuse laminar endocervical glandular hyperplasia, mesonephric remnant hyperplasia, deep Nabothian cysts and tunnel clusters.
Photodeposited Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported on photoactivated TiO2 nanofibers

Abstract Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported on photoactive titania nanofibers were investigated and evaluated with respect to model C–C coupling reactions. Titania nanofibers were prepared via the electrospinning technique, followed by in situ formation of the Pd nanoparticles catalyst on the TiO 2 support. Pd nanoparticles of between 2 and 5 nm were successfully stabilized on the surface of electrospun nanofibers which had diameters between 150 ± 50 nm. The new catalyst was found to have increased surface area and improved catalytic functions compared to commercially available materials or other Pd–TiO 2 catalysts produced by different modes of synthesis. The activity and selectivity of 0.05 mol% Pd–TiO 2 catalyst in the Heck reaction has been investigated with a careful look into the nature of starting materials and products under varying conditions of temperature, solvent and base. The catalyst was found to be highly active under air atmosphere with reaction temperatures of up to 160 °C. Optimized reaction conditions resulted in a 98% yield of trans-stilbene for the iodobenzene–styrene system with a TOF value of 7.85 min −1 .
The Behavior of Cows on Alfalfa Hay as the Sole Roughage and on Alfalfa and Timothy Combined

Summary Cows which are fed on grain with either timothy or alfalfa hay as the sole roughage are likely to consume rather small quantities of roughage and sometimes have periods of digestive disturbance and lack of appetite in which they show a very definite distaste for the kind of hay that they have had for some time past. Feeding the other kind of hay under such circumstances has often been followed by fairly rapid recovery from the digestive depression. The continued feeding of high-quality alfalfa and timothy together, under such circumstances that the cows could eat as much of each kind of hay as they wished, has resulted in a decidedly larger consumption of hay and in a larger milk yield than when alfalfa of good quality was the only kind of hay fed.
The Economics Of Producing Methane And Electrical Energy From The Texas Gulf Coast Geopressured Resource

Economic evaluation of producing methane and electric energy from the Texas Gulf Coast Geopressured Resource is heavily dependent upon the production scheme that is used. The evaluations presented in this study are based upon reservoir characteristics that are amenable to combining flows from several wells to supply a central gas separation facility and a single electric power plant. Under this basic mode of operation, the effects of 2 different methods for disposal of spent fluids are evaluated. The sensitivity of the economic performance to variations in key parameters gives an insight into the relative importance of these parameters and suggests a number of actions that may be taken to enhance the economic desirability of developing these geopressured resources. (14 refs.)
Mission, vision, values, and goals: An exploration of key organizational statements and daily practice in schools

This article reports findings from a study of graduate level, educational leadership students’ familiarity with shared mission, vision, values, and goals statements and the perceived impact these concepts have on their practice as leaders and teachers in schools. The study is primarily qualitative and uses content analysis of responses to open-ended questions. Researchers adopted a limited quantitative analysis technique, however, in order to report frequency of responses to survey questions. We used the literature base regarding strategic planning and school improvement as conceptual frameworks to guide the analysis. Findings revealed that educational leadership students had limited ability to recall the content of key organizational statements. Further, respondents reported that these key organizational statements had only minimal impact on their daily practice. Implications are presented for university preparation programs designed to equip school leaders to effect meaningful school improvement and organizational change centered on development of shared mission and vision for improvement. This research confirms similar findings reported by Watkins and McCaw (Natl Forum Educ Adm Superv J 24(3):71–91, 2007) and adds to the research by exploring respondents’ reports of the impact of mission, vision, values, and goals statements on their daily practice. It further extends the discussion by presenting a content analysis of key organizational statements, comparing mission, vision, values, and goals statements to models of strategic planning and planning for continuous school improvement from the organizational improvement literature.
Polyphosphate as a general procoagulant agent.

Summary. Background: Polyphosphate is secreted by activated platelets and we recently showed that it accelerates blood clotting, chiefly by triggering the contact pathway and promoting factor (F) V activation. Results: We now report that polyphosphate significantly shortened the clotting time of plasmas from patients with hemophilia A and B and that its procoagulant effect was additive to that of recombinant FVIIa. Polyphosphate also significantly shortened the clotting time of normal plasmas containing a variety of anticoagulant drugs, including unfractionated heparin, enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin), argatroban (a direct thrombin inhibitor) and rivaroxaban (a direct FXa inhibitor). Thromboelastography revealed that polyphosphate normalized the clotting dynamics of whole blood containing these anticoagulants, as indicated by changes in clot time, clot formation time, alpha angle, and maximum clot firmness. Experiments in which preformed FVa was added to plasma support the notion that polyphosphate antagonizes the anticoagulant effect of these drugs via accelerating FV activation. Polyphosphate also shortened the clotting times of plasmas from warfarin patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that polyphosphate may have utility in reversing anticoagulation and in treating bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia.
Multi-Criteria Routing in Wireless Sensor-Based Pervasive Environments

Wireless sensor networks are expected to be an integral part of any pervasive computing environment. This implies an ever‐increasing need for efficient energy and resource management of both the sensor nodes, as well as the overall sensor network, in order to meet the expected quality of data and service requirements. There have been numerous studies that have looked at the routing of data in sensor networks with the sole intention of reducing communication power consumption. However, there has been comparatively little prior art in the area of multi‐criteria based routing that exploit both the semantics of queries and the state of sensor nodes to improve network service longevity. In this paper, we look at routing in sensor networks from this perspective and propose an adaptive multi‐criteria routing protocol. Our algorithm offers automated reconfiguration of the routing tree as demanded by variations in the network state to meet application service requirements. Our experimental results show that our ap...
Integrating sequence, expression and interaction data to determine condition-specific miRNA regulation

Motivation: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MiRNAs were shown to play an important role in development and disease, and accurately determining the networks regulated by these miRNAs in a specific condition is of great interest. Early work on miRNA target prediction has focused on using static sequence information. More recently, researchers have combined sequence and expression data to identify such targets in various conditions. Results: We developed the Protein Interaction-based MicroRNA Modules (PIMiM), a regression-based probabilistic method that integrates sequence, expression and interaction data to identify modules of mRNAs controlled by small sets of miRNAs. We formulate an optimization problem and develop a learning framework to determine the module regulation and membership. Applying PIMiM to cancer data, we show that by adding protein interaction data and modeling cooperative regulation of mRNAs by a small number of miRNAs, PIMiM can accurately identify both miRNA and their targets improving on previous methods. We next used PIMiM to jointly analyze a number of different types of cancers and identified both common and cancer-type-specific miRNA regulators. Contact: ude.umc.sc@jbviz Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.