cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraday trading patterns in an intelligent autonomous agent-based stock market

Abstract Market microstructure studies of intraday trading patterns have established that there is a regular pattern of high volumes near both the open and close of the trading day. O’Hara (1995) points out the many difficulties in specifying all the necessary elements of a strategic model for determining and attaining an equilibrium describing intraday patterns. We develop an autonomous agent-based market microstructure simulation with both informed agents and uninformed liquidity-motivated agents. Both types of agents can learn when to trade, but are zero-intelligence on all other behavior. We do not impose an equilibrium concept but instead look for emergent behavior. Our results demonstrate that trading patterns can arise in such a model as a result of interactions between informed and uninformed agents even though the agents are non-strategic and not fully rational. As long as there is rudimentary social or individual learning, uninformed liquidity-motivated agents can coordinate to avoid trading with informed agents and suffering adverse selection losses. The extent and pattern of coordination between uninformed agents depends on the learning specification, the percentage of informed agents and the degree of cooperation/competition among the informed agents.
Harmonic analysis with a real frequency function—I. aperiodic case

An integral transform which converts a real spatial (or temporal) function into a real frequency function is introduced. The properties of this transform are investigated. It is concluded that this transform is parallel to the Fourier transform and may be applied to all fields in which the Fourier transform has been successfully applied.
Limitations of the oral calcium loading test in the management of the recurrent calcareous renal stone former.

Twenty-two patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria were evaluated using an oral calcium loading test and compared with 20 normal controls. Following a 12-hour overnight fast, all subjects collected a two-hour urine sample after which they received 1 g elemental calcium as galacto-gluconate in milk. Two further two-hour urine collections were obtained consecutively following the oral calcium load. In the fasting state, 4 (18%) of the 22 patients had urinary calcium excretion (UCaE) above normal, but none had elevated iPTH or urinary CAMP values. After calcium loading, only 10 (45%) of the 22 patients had ΔUCaE greater than controls (Δ = difference in UCaE between third and first urine samples). We conclude that despite demonstrable differences between the mean values of patient and control groups with respect to the UCaE following calcium loading, the large overlap of values negates the clinical usefulness of such procedures in the routine management of individual patients. The definition of renal leak hypercalciuria based on a high fasting UCaE alone remains of uncertain significance.
Solubility Rate and Natural Fluoride Content of Surface and Subsurface Enamel

THE surface enamel is more resistant to acid than is subsurface enamel, the rate of dissolution of phosphate from the surface being less than that from the subsurface enamel.1-3 With ordinary and polarized light microscopy, as well as with soft x-rays, it has also been shown that it is possible for demineralization of the subsurface enamel to occur without any apparent change in the enamel surface,4 5and when ground sections of teeth were exposed to EDTA the outer portion of enamel was the last to be demineralized.6 The reason for this difference between surface and subsurface enamel has not been established. That fluoride may play a role, at least at the level of 2 ppm in the water supply, is suggested by the work of Jenkins, Armstrong, and Speirs,2 who found that the solubility rate of surface enamel of teeth from areas with 2 ppm fluoride in the water supply was less than that from areas with 0.25 ppm, although there was no difference in the solubility rate of the bulk of the enamel. Since fluoride accumulates in the surface enamel, even in teeth from areas low in fluoride,7 it was considered that fluoride acquisition might generally be responsible for the decreased solubility rate of surface compared to subsurface enamel. Therefore, in the present study an attempt was made to correlate the solubility rate and fluoride concentration of successive layers of enamel from areas with different levels of fluoride in the drinking water.
Extensions and applications of the SAFT equation of state to solvents, monomers, and polymers

Abstract Several recent advances have led to accurate equations of state for linear and branched chain polyatomic fluids. One of these equations of state, the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory, SAFT, proposed by Chapman et al. [W.G. Chapman, G. Jackson, K.E. Gubbins, Mol. Phys. 65 (1988) 1057–1079; W.G. Chapman, K.E. Gubbins, G. Jackson, M. Radosz, I&EC Research 29 (1990) 1709–1721], enables engineers to predict the effects of chain length, intermolecular association, and compressibility on phase behavior for mixtures containing solvents, monomers, and polymers. The utility of SAFT is a result of its basis in statistical mechanics in the form of Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory. This basis in theory also allows us to systematically improve or extend the equation of state. In this paper, we briefly discuss the physical basis for the SAFT approach. Examples of applications of the equation of state are presented for mixtures of solvents, monomers, and polymers. Opportunities to improve the equation of state and to extend its range of applicability also are discussed.
Nebulized hypertonic saline/salbutamol solution treatment in hospitalized children with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol in the treatment of mild to moderate bronchiolitis. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, 93 infants with mild to moderate bronchiolitis were divided into two groups. The infants received inhalation of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL) salbutamol dissolved in either 4.0 mL normal (0.9%) saline (control group, n= 43) or 4.0 mL hypertonic (3%) saline (treatment group, n= 50). The therapy was repeated three times daily until discharge. Cough, wheezing, pulmonary physical signs, and the length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS Wheezing remission time was 3.8 + or - 1.1 days in the control group and 2.7 + or - 0.9 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). Cough remission time was 6.3 + or - 0.9 days in the control group and 5.3 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). The moist crackles disappeared at 5.4 + or - 0.8 days in the treatment group versus 6.2 + or - 0.9 days in the control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay decreased from 7.4 + or - 1.5 days in the control group to 6.0 + or - 1.2 days in the treatment group (P < 0.01). No obvious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Inhalation of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline solution and salbutamol is a safe and effective therapy for patients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis.
Neointimal hyperplasia in a thin-strut cobalt-chromium stent: insights from detailed 3-D intravascular ultrasound analysis.

Abstract The effect of current generation cobalt–chromium stents on neointimal proliferation has not been fully elucidated. IVUS images of 137 patients treated with a single thin-strut cobalt–chromium stent (Driver: DRI, n =74) or stainless steel stent (Multilink plus: ML, n =63) were selected. Although % neointima volume (neointimal volume divided by stent volume) were comparable, DRI showed significantly smaller maximum %cross-sectional narrowing (%CSN: neointimal area divided by stent area) ( P =0.006) with significantly less %CSN>60 (percent stent length with %CSN>60%) than ML ( P =0.04). In conclusion, the amount of neointimal hyperplasia after DRI implantation was comparable to that after ML. However, current generation cobalt–chromium DRI may show less and shorter severe narrowing than the stainless steel ML.
Commentary on “Lessons Learned From Leading an Anger Management Group Using the ‘Seeing Red’ Curriculum in an Elementary School”

This is a commentary on the article by E. L. Sportsman, J. S. Carlson, and K. M. Guthrie (2010/this issue) on the application and evaluation of a specific anger management group intervention called “Seeing Red.” The author discusses issues of implementation and use, how practitioners choose and judge evidence-based interventions, and methods for documenting intervention effectiveness. This reflection on the companion article is presented to allow readers to contemplate the potential use and challenges of using the Seeing Red intervention within a school setting.
Tumor-lymphatic interactions in an activated stromal microenvironment

Metastasis to lymph nodes is a common feature of many human tumors and may facilitate dissemination to other parts of the body. Peritumoral lymphatics, which are located at the periphery of a primary tumor, appear to be anything but peripheral for metastasis, as recent studies have highlighted their critical role in disseminating tumor cells to local lymph nodes. The metastatic process, including lymphangiogenesis, is likely governed by a complex series of interactions among tumor cells, endothelial cells, and non-endothelial stromal components. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the biology of the tumor microenvironment, particularly as it pertains to peritumoral lymphatics near the tumor–stromal junction, may someday translate into clinical approaches that target metastasis at the invasive front. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 840–850, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Photocathode Performance Improvement by Plasmonic Light Trapping in Nanostructured Metal Surfaces

ABSTRACT We demonstrate 16 times increase in light absorption nano-structured metal compar ed to the flat surface by fabricating a subwavelength grating on gold surface. Th is light-trapping phenomenon can be us ed in many areas from solar energy conversion to photovoltaics. Here, we describe application to field enhancement in photocathodes where we show theoretically a performance increase of three orders of magnitude over conventional systems. We also describe the fabrication of these devices and present initial optical results. Keywords: Plasmon subwavelength grating, li ght trapping, enhanced photoemission 1. INTRODUCTION Metals are commonly used as photocathodes for Free Electron Lasers (FEL) due to their robustness and fast time response[1]. The metal cathodes quantum efficiency is limited prim arily by the short electron mean free path and high reflectivity of metals in the regime of low excess energy, wh ich is required for optimum F EL performance. In this work, we have adopted a plasmonic struct ure, first proposed by Le Perchec et. al. in Ref. [2], to trap light at a certain target wavelength. This approach reduce the electric field penetration into the metal, which when combined with complete light absorption and strong field enhancemen t[3] is expected to yield over three or ders of magnitude quantum efficiency improvement of metal cathodes. Two important characteristics of a photocathode are the thermal emittance (
The positive reinforcing efficacy of a discriminative stimulus established under aversive conditions

Studies of discriminative stimuli as conditioned reinforcers have typically considered SDs established in appetitive situations. In this project additional evidence is offered that SDs established under circumstances in which reinforcement stems from the removal of negatively reinforcing stimuli (the aversive situation) also have reinforcing efficacy.
The Psychosocial Benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous

A quasi-experimental design was implemented to evaluate the attitudes of alcoholics toward themselves and others after they had worked all twelve steps of an AA program compared to those who had not yet completed all twelve steps. One hundred individuals who were attending AA meetings were selected so that one half had completed all of the steps and the other half had not. Participants were tested in individual sessions during which they completed a series of questionnaires. Measures were taken of global self-esteem, social self-esteem, social confidence, network trust, fear of negative evaluation, need for approval, preoccupation with relationships, discomfort with closeness, relationships as secondary, and optimism. A principal components analysis of participants' responses to these measures revealed that the factors being assessed could be divided into one regarding interpersonal insecurity and another regarding social potency. The data showed that alcoholics who had been able to stay in the program and work through all twelve steps had lower levels of interpersonal insecurity than those who were just beginning to work the steps. No significant differences were found in social potency between those who had completed the steps and those who had not completed the steps. Further research is needed to clarify the specific nature of changes that occur in personality as alcoholics work through the twelve steps within community-based AA programs.
CRYSTAL-FIELD SPLITTING ANALYSIS OF TRIVALENT NEODYMIUM IN HEXAGONAL (A-TYPE) NEODYMIUM SESQUIOXIDE

Abstract From an analysis of the observed polarized absorption spectra of trivalent neodymium (Nd 3+ 4f 3 ) in single-crystal hexagonal (A-type) neodymium sesquioxide (Nd 2 O 3 ), we have made assignments to individual crystal electric field (Stark) levels of multiplet manifolds 4 I J , 4 F J , 4 G 5/2 , 4 S 3/2 , 2 H J (2), and 2 G J . Crystal-field splitting calculations of these manifolds were initiated by first determining a set of crystal-field splitting parameters, B nm , from the detailed positions of the ions in the lattice as established from an analysis of the X-ray crystallography of A-type Nd 2 O 3 . Without any adjustment of parameters, the calculated energy levels and the symmetry representation predicted for each Stark level are in reasonable agreement with the experimental assignments. To improve the overall agreement between the results obtained from the calculations and the experimental data, we carried out a least-squares fitting analysis which gave us a final rms deviation of 4 cm −1 between 45 calculated and experimental levels. Our calculations also explain the results obtained from the magnetic susceptibility data for powdered A-type Nd 2 O 3 , and predict the Schottky levels obtained from an analysis of the electronic heat capacity.
Involvement of cyclic-AMP in the hypotensive response to fenoldopam but not to quinpirole in the anaesthetized rat.

1. The objective of the present investigation was to ascertain whether cyclic-AMP acts as a mediator in the hypotensive responses to fenoldopam, a selective dopamine DA-1 receptor agonist and quinpirole, a selective DA-2 receptor agonist, in the anaesthetized rat. 2. The hypotensive response to two doses of fenoldopam (10 and 40 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), when administered in separate groups of animals was reproducible following the administration of saline. 3. Following the i.v. bolus administration of theophylline, IBMX or forskolin, the hypotensive response to fenoldopam (10 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) was significantly potentiated. In addition, the hypotensive response to the higher dose (40 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) was augmented by IBMX. 4. Neither theophylline nor forskolin influenced the hypotensive response to quinpirole. 5. Prior administration of theophylline or forskolin did not alter the hypotensive response to acetylcholine. On the other hand, the hypotensive response to histamine which is reportedly mediated through cyclic-AMP accumulation was significantly potentiated after theophylline administration. 6. These results suggest that cyclic-AMP may be acting as a mediator in the vasodilation and the resultant hypotension following DA-1 receptor activation by fenoldopam. However, the hypotensive response seen with DA-2 receptor activation does not appear to involve cyclic-AMP.
Two hexokinases of Homarus americanus (lobster), one having great affinity for mannose and fructose and low affinity for glucose

Two major hexokinases (ATP: D-hexose 6-phosphotransferases, EC 2.7.1.1) have been identified in tissues of Homarus americanus (lobster) and separated from each other by DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of each, determined by gel filtration, is about 50 000. Hexokinase II, named for its column elution order, resembles hexokinase isozymes I and II of vertebrates. Km values for glucose, mannose and fructose are 0.08, 0.13 and 6.7 mM, respectively. It is strongly inhibited by the reaction products, ADP and glucose-6-P (Ki = 0.8 mM). Hexokinase I appears to be different from any animal hexokinase previously described. It has a high affinity for mannose and fructose and low affinity for glucose. Km values are 6, 0.07 and 1.2 mM and relative maximum rates 100, 520 and 1070 for glucose, mannose and fructose, respectively. Hexokinase I is not inhibited by physiological concentrations of ATP nor by glucose-6-P , mannose-6-P or fructose-6-P even at high concentrations. Both enzymes occur in muscle at about 10% of the concentration found in the hepatopancreas. The use of Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP+ 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49), with NAD as cofactor, is recommended for measuring hexokinases in crude tissue preparations to avoid the variable further reduction of nucleotide caused by the action of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase when NADP is used with yeast glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Reality Check Perception of Cognitive Ability of Video Game Players

There is extensive research showing that video game play can improve certain aspects of cognitive ability. Interestingly most of the stereotypes of video game players are overwhelmingly negative. T...
Epothecary: cost-effective drug pedigree tracking and authentication using mobile phones

Counterfeit and expired pharmaceuticals are a significant problem in the developing world, constituting up to 80% of stock on pharmacy shelves. This is due both to poor existing controls and to lack of supporting infrastructure on which to build such controls.Existing strategies to fight counterfeiting include holograms, special packaging, and paper invoice tracing, but each of these have been proven ineffectual in the face of increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting rings, which inject fake drugs into the market for profit and/or sell off genuine medications on the black market or in adjacent countries at marked up prices.This paper describes Epothecary, a system which uses built-in functionality in midlevel mobile telephones including cameras, SMS, and optionally GPS to construct a robust system for tracking and verifying the pedigrees of pharmaceutical products at every point in the distribution chain, particularly in the developing world.
X-ray scattering studies of surfactant mediated epitaxial growth of Si/Ge/Si(001) heterostructures

The strain and morphology of Si/Ge films grown by surfactant mediated molecular beam epitaxy on Si(001) with Bi as the surfactant were studied with grazing-incidence x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity, low-energy electron diffraction, and Auger electron spectroscopy. Bi is observed to prevent the intermixing of Ge and Si layers by inhibiting Ge segregation in Si. Without a surfactant the critical thickness of Ge/Si(001) is 3 monolayers (ML). Using Bi, two-dimensional growth of Ge is observed for films up to 10 ML in thickness, with the onset of strain relaxation occurring at 7 ML of Ge growth. At 10 ML, the top Ge atomic layers are only partially relaxed. This is achieved by introducing roughness at the interface of the Ge and Si layers.
Metabolic similarity despite striking behavioral divergence: Aerobic performance in low-and high-density forms of the mormon cricket

Abstract Mormon crickets, large flightless katydids from western North America, occur in two forms that differ dramatically in population density and daily movement distances. The low‐density form is small and cryptic and moves <1 m/d, while the high‐density form is large and dark colored and travels up to 1–2 km/d in migratory bands. We determined daytime body temperatures and measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) and maximal aerobic metabolic rate (MMR) in forced exercise across a 10°–40°C temperature range. Field body temperatures were 15°–20°C in the morning and 25°–35°C during most of the day, and they never exceeded 40.6°C in either form. Mass‐adjusted RMR and MMR were positively correlated across temperatures (significantly in some comparisons), indicating repeatability. Similarly, RMR was always positively and sometimes significantly correlated with MMR, suggesting a functional linkage between minimal and maximal aerobic performance. Factorial aerobic scopes (MMR/RMR) were highest at 10°C and decl...
Estimation of the common scale of several shifted exponential distributions with unknown locations

We consider the estimation of the common scale parameter of two or more independent shifted exponential distributions with unknown locations. Under a large class of bowl-shaped loss functions, the best location-scale in-variant estimator is shown to be inadmissible. A class of improved estimators is derived. Some numerical results are presented to show the magnitude of risk reduction.
Psychophysical studies of shape with Fourier descriptor stimuli.

The Fourier descriptor (FD) method of shape representation provides a convenient description for the outlines of shapes. It can also be used to generate orthogonal patterns (FD stimuli) which are uniquely characterized by their frequency, amplitude, and phase. Psychophysical studies were conducted to assess threshold tuning properties and frequency specificity during adaptation to FD stimuli. The results suggest the operation of filters which are characterized by the parameter ‘curvature frequency’.
When vortices stick: an aerodynamic transition in tiny insect flight

We have used computational fluid dynamics to study changes in lift generation and vortex dynamics for Reynolds numbers ( Re ) between 8 and 128. The immersed boundary method was used to model a two-dimensional wing through one stroke cycle. We calculated lift and drag coefficients as a function of time and related changes in lift to the shedding or attachment of the leading and trailing edge vortices. We find that the fluid dynamics around the wing fall into two distinct patterns. For Re ≥64, leading and trailing edge vortices are alternately shed behind the wing, forming the von Karman vortex street. For Re ≤32, the leading and trailing edge vortices remain attached to the wing during each \`half stroke'. In three-dimensional studies, large lift forces are produced by \`vortical asymmetry' when the leading edge vortex remains attached to the wing for the duration of each half stroke and the trailing edge vortex is shed. Our two-dimensional study suggests that this asymmetry is lost for Re below some critical value (between 32 and 64), resulting in lower lift forces. We suggest that this transition in fluid dynamics is significant for lift generation in tiny insects.
Confronting Myths about Teaching Black Children: A Challenge for Teacher Educators.

Teachers' beliefs, attitudes, expectations, and biases have been cited as a major factor in the overrepresentation of minority children within special education placements. This article presents six common myths about black children that are held by many white teacher education students. Teacher educators in both general and special education must work with their preservice teachers to challenge these common myths so that we can make progress in changing the patterns of over-representation of minority children within special education.
A Synthesis of Knowledge Relevant to Pathways of Service Delivery for Young Children with or at Risk of Challenging Behavior.

The serious consequences of challenging behaviors in young children have become an increasing concern of caregivers. Without intervention, the presence of challenging behaviors in young children is associated with unfavorable outcomes in school and later life. This paper describes a synthesis of the existing knowledge related to the processes of identification and access to services for children with challenging behaviors and their families. A variety of data sources were examined to extract findings relevant to national initiatives. Findings are presented as a description of the existing federal programs and funding streams that provide pathways to services and associated mandates relating to cross-system convergence, along with the limited empirical data related to their implementation, utilization, and effectiveness. Service pathways for identification and referral were found to be fragmented with less than complete implementation of many mandates, largely unaccompanied by utilization and evaluation da...
Evaluation of the Phytoextraction Potential at an Acid-Mine-Drainage-Impacted Site

Four plant species were found naturally growing at an acid mine drainage (AMD)-impacted site contaminated with 9430 mg kg−1Al, 76,000 Fe mg kg−1, ∼150 mg kg−1Mn, and 420 mg kg−1 Mg: soybeans (Glycine max), cattails (Typha latifolia), goldenrods (Solidago sp.), and reed grass (Phragmites australis). The metal uptake selectivity was Fe≫Mg∼Mn>Al for cattails, Mg>Mn>Fe>Al for goldenrods, and Fe≫Al>Mg>Mn for reeds. When metal translocation factors, shoot concentrations, and toxicity of the contaminants were correlated, cattails and reeds were more effective at the site than the soybeans or goldenrods. Cattails had a translocation factor of 3.71 for Al, 3.3 for Mg, 1.98 for Mn, and only 0.2 for Fe. The translocation factors for reeds were much higher for Fe (8.64) and Al (7.3). Cattails (1.11 mg Al g−1 shoot) and reeds (3.4 mg g−1 g shoot) were both able to hyperaccumulate Al. Additional research is warranted to ascertain if the uptake efficiencies can be enhanced by the use of chelators.
An association model for mixtures containing any number of alkanes and any number of alcohols: Application to alcohol-alkane binary systems

A previously derived association model for mixtures of any number of alcohols and alkanes is applied here to alcohol-alkane binary systems. The model contains two adjustable parameters: a self-association constant for the alcohol and a parameter that reflects physical interactions. Correlations for the two parameters are presented which allow the model to be used as a two-, one-, or zero-parameter model, depending on the amount of experimental data available. All three forms of the model provide adequate results for these systems over a fairly wide temperature range.
A Meandering External Iliac Artery: Potential Doom Outside the Triangle

dentification of the normal anatomy during total extraeritoneal inguinal hernia repair can be challenging. An natomic region in the preperitoneal space, the “Triangle of oom,” is bounded medially by the vas deferens and latrally by the testicular vessels; its base is formed by the eritoneal reflection (A).The triangle typically contains the xternal iliac artery (EIA) and external iliac vein (EIV). ooper’s ligament (CL) is shown for reference. Knowledge of vascular anatomic variances is critical to voiding catastrophic hemorrhage during operations of the elvic preperitoneal space. Aberrant anastomoses between he obturator and external iliac arterial systems, deemed the orona mortis, are well described, are present up to 25% of he time, and are a frequent potential hazard during preeritoneal surgery. Other less common vascular variances ose similar risks, but are unfamiliar to many surgeons. uring total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair we enountered an aberrantly located left external iliac artery. The patient presented electively for repair of bilateral inguial hernias. Both a fat-containing right inguinal hernia (RIH) nd left inguinal hernia (LIH) are shown in the CT scan (B). t operation the patient had bilateral indirect hernias. On the eft a large pulsating vessel was identified medial to the iliac ein and outside the boundaries of the Triangle of Doom (C). t gave off the deep inferior epigastric artery and returned to its ormal position lateral to the external iliac vein before proeeding deep to the iliopubic tract. Review of the CT scan (D, highlighted in green) conirmed the vascular structure encountered at operation. he left external iliac artery (EIA) and internal iliac artery IIA) were in their normal anatomic location (D, 1). The eft external iliac artery coursed medially to the external liac vein (D, parts 2 to 7) and returned to its normal ocation in the groin (D, parts 8 to 10). This variant is etter conceptualized in the artistic rendering of the paient’s anatomy (E). Familiarity with the normal anatomy of the preperitoneal pace and careful dissection avoids injury of the external iliac rtery. The meandering external iliac artery is one vascular ariation of which the surgeon should be cognizant.
An independently derived and validated predictive model for selecting patients with myocardial infarction who are likely to benefit from tissue plasminogen activator compared with streptokinase.

Abstract Background In the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and tPA for Occluded coronary arteries (GUSTO) trial, patients with myocardial infarction who were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) had a 6.3% 30-day mortality, compared with a mortality of 7.3% among those treated with streptokinase, despite a greater risk of intracranial hemorrhage with tPA. However, in part because of its higher cost, tPA has not been adopted universally. Methods Using an independently developed model, we predicted the benefits of tPA therapy in the 24,146 patients in the GUSTO trial and compared these predictions with the actual benefits of tPA, after classifying patients by their risks of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage. We also performed a "patient-specific" cost-effectiveness analysis among different strata of expected benefit of tPA. Results Our model predicted that among patients with myocardial infarction, 61% of the benefit of tPA use in reducing mortality accrued to only 25% of patients; treating half of patients could capture 85% of the benefit. Including the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, our model predicted that treating half the GUSTO patients with tPA and the others with streptokinase would yield similar outcomes as treating all patients with tPA, because the additional risk of intracranial hemorrhage exceeded the expected benefit in some patients. When patients were stratified into quartiles of risk, the observed outcomes in the GUSTO patients corresponded well with these predicted results. The estimated cost-effectiveness of tPA was sensitive to patient characteristics. Conclusion For selected patients, use of tPA yields substantially better outcomes than streptokinase, and use of the less expensive agent is difficult to justify. For many patients, however, tPA is unlikely to provide any additional benefit and, in some patients, it may even cause net harm.
Supporting the Students of the Future

Meet Gloria, a 19-year-old community college student with a problem. She has just finished her first semester of college, having completed only six units. She's discouraged. Her teachers approached...
Educational degrees and adult mortality risk in the United States.

We present the first published estimates of U. S. adult mortality risk by detailed educational degree, including advanced postsecondary degrees. We use the 1997–2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Linked Mortality Files and Cox proportional hazards models to reveal wide graded differences in mortality by educational degree. Compared to adults who have a professional degree, those with an MA are 5 percent, those with a BA are 26 percent, those with an AA are 44 percent, those with some college are 65 percent, high school graduates are 80 percent, and those with a GED or 12 or fewer years of schooling are at least 95 percent more likely to die during the follow-up period, net of sociodemographic controls. These differentials vary by gender and cohort. Advanced educational degrees are associated not only with increased workforce skill level but with a reduced risk of death.
Reproduction, reproductive organs, and meiosis in the bisexual non-parthenogenetic mite Caloglyphus mycophagus, with reference to oocyte degeneration in virgins (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae)†

Meiosis is described in virgin females, inseminated females and males of the acarid mite Caloglyphus mycophagus (Megnin). The observed sex determining mechanism is an XO-type with the male having a diploid chromosome number of 15. Oogenesis in mated females is regular. Pachytene is the earliest meiotic stage which is readily identifiable. At metaphase I eight bivalents are observed. Both products of the first maturation division divide at the second maturation division. After the fusion of the pronuclei either 15 or 16 chromosomes are observed in cleaving eggs. Nurse cells are not observed during the growth period of the oocyte. Such oocytes are attached to a central structure of the ovary by a cone-shaped organelle. At this stage the nucleus appears as a germinal vesicle; a nucleolus is present and the diffuse chromatin appears to extend from the nucleolus to the nuclear membrane. Nuclear extrusion bodies can be seen adjacent to the nuclear membrane both within and outside of the nucleus. Virgin females do not oviposit. The aberrant morphology and behavior of bivalents in post diakinetic oocytes which have not been penetrated by a sperm are described. Neither chromatin nor a chorion could be demonstrated in aberrant oocytes situated in the oviduct. It is suggested that oocyte degeneration in virgins is an adaptive feature in an animal order in which parthenogenesis is the more common mode of reproduction.
Field Evaluation of Silt Fence Tieback Systems at a Highway Construction Site

Every year, construction activities expose millions of acres of soil to the elements of wind, rain, and snow. This greatly increases the potential for erosion; and therefore, the need for efficient erosion and sediment control practices is a high priority. In this research, the performance of a silt fence system with tiebacks (a.k.a., "j-hooks") was investigated to determine its effectiveness as a sediment control technology at highway construction sites over multiple rainfall events. The data presented provide a qualitative perspective showing sediment migration over time along with the occurrence or lack of failures among two silt fence systems tested. The results from this field test exhibit that silt fence tieback systems are more effective in containing eroded sediment from construction sites and also reduce the risk of silt fence system failures than traditional linear silt fence systems.
Uptake and depuration of organic contaminants by blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis ) exposed to environmentally contaminated sediment

Experiments were designed to expose blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) to contaminated sediment collected from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA in 1982. Measurements were taken to allow comparisons of the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In addition, concentration factors in the mussels were calculated separately against the dissolved and particulate phase concentrations and the results from the exposure and control systems were compared. Both PAHs and PCBs were rapidly accumulated by the mussels exposed to the contaminated sediment. After the mussels were transferred to control seawater, individual PAHs were depurated with half-lives ranging from 12 to 30 d. Individual PCBs showed depuration half-lives which ranged from 16 to 46 d. Concentration factors in the mussels calculated against the particulate phase concentrations were very different in the exposure and control systems. Concentration factors calculated using only the dissolved phase concentrations (bioconcentration factors) showed excellent agreement in the two systems, possibly an indication that the dissolved phase was the direct source of the contaminants accumulated by the mussels. The bioconcentration factors for PCBs were higher than those of PAHs when compounds with similar n-octanol/water partition coefficients were compared.
Baseline Measurement of Bone Mass Predicts Fracture in White Women

Excerpt Study Objective:To determine if a single bone mass measurement of the radius is predictive of future fractures at any site. Design:Observational study of a cohort of free-living subjects an...
Dietary Patterns and Nutrition in Pregnancy in Jamaica

During a study of nutrition in pregnancy, the diets of 108 Jamaican pregnant women were assessed by single 24-hour recalls. The women were 16-45 years old, of mixed parity (0-9), attended private (23 per cent) and public (77 per cent) antenatal clinics and differed in stage of pregnancy at interview. Mean energy intake (2110 +/- 739 kcal/d) was low, 83 per cent of the average Recommended Dietary Allowance for the Caribbean (CFNI 1976). Most (76 per cent) women had low energy and dietary iron (75 per cent) intakes. Fewer women had low riboflavin (42 per cent) or protein intakes (29 per cent). Maternal age, parity, obstetric performance, and unusual cravings influenced maternal nutrition to some extent. Dietary assessments overestimated the risk of maternal malnutrition.
Motion-induced interruptions and postural equilibrium in linear lateral accelerations.

This study assesses lateral tipping motion-induced interruptions (MIIs) in a simulated motion environment. The objective is to revisit MII occurrence and sway motion relationship by focusing on the frequency and acceleration of the lateral motion stimulus. Results verify that MIIs increase with increasing peak sway acceleration, but the effect of sway frequency is not as clear as that of acceleration. Complex multidirectional motions create more tipping MIIs than unidirectional motion. Research should incorporate acceleration, frequency and motion complexity as factors influencing MII occurrence. To describe a temporary loss of balance without tipping, the term ‘probable’ MII is introduced. This term fills the gap between the theoretical definition and a human-centred perception of an MII where loss of balance is not a binary phenomenon. The ‘probable’ MIIs were 16–67% more common than the ‘definite’ MIIs. The developed mathematical model of MII occurrence versus sway acceleration (amplitude, frequency) a...
A link with the people: the Alaska State Museum

The entire notion of museums and the collection of artefacts is fundamentally alien to the partly nomad culture of Native Alaska. How then, should a museum such as the Alaska State Museum go about ...
Jump map-based interactive texture synthesis

We present techniques for accelerated texture synthesis from example images. The key idea of our approach is to divide the task into two phases: analysis, and synthesis. During the analysis phase, which is performed once per sample texture, we generate a jump map. Using the jump map, the synthesis phase is capable of synthesizing texture similar to the analyzed example at interactive rates. We describe two such synthesis phase algorithms: one for creating images, and one for directly texturing manifold surfaces. We produce texture images at rates comparable to the fastest alternative algorithms, and produce textured surfaces an order of magnitude faster than current alternative approaches. We further develop a new, faster patch-based algorithm for image synthesis, which improves the quality of our results on ordered textures. We show how controls used for specifying texture synthesis on surfaces may be used on images as well, allowing interesting new image-based effects, and highlight modelling applications enabled by the speed of our approach.
Shadows on a Planetary Surface and Implications for Photometric Roughness

We advocate the use of fractal surface statistics as a simple, quantitative, and general model for planetary surface roughness. We determine the shadowing behavior of a wide range of fractal surfaces using computer simulations, and present an empirical function that reproduces their observed behavior within statistical uncertainties. We compare the shadowing behavior of fractal surfaces to four analytic shadowing models for random surfaces and find that three of these, including the Hapke (1984,Icarus59, 41–59) model, are well approximated by specific cases of a general fractal surface model. In addition, we demonstrate that a fractal surface model provides a way of quantitatively verifying and extending previous interpretations of the Hapke (1984) roughness parameter. We hypothesize that the scale which dominates surface shadowing, and by extension photometric roughness, is the smallest surface scale for which shadows exist and that this scale is a function of intrinsic physical parameters such as the single scattering albedo and particle phase function. If correct, a major implication of this hypothesis is that photometric roughness may have different physical meanings on different surfaces.
Optical beam steering using phased array technology

Optical phased array technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of pointing, tracking, beam stabilization, focusing, and beam fanouts. Optical phased array technology will also be able to provide an adaptive technology that allows internal optical system design 'reprogramming' as well as the traditional beam clean up functions. Flexible optical systems that can be reprogrammed will allow easier upgrade to include new technology or new requirements, a critical need for long life aircraft in a rapidly progressing and changing world. The vision for a final aperture is a simple flat surface similar to a flat panel display that provides random access rapid beam steering and other beam deflection functions. The vision for intermediate optical elements is one of reprogrammability to adapt to future requirements and technology developments. Three major approaches are considered to provide the physical implementation of optical phased array capability. They are liquid crystal writable grating technology, deformable micro- mirrors, and lenslet arrays.
Catecholamine-secreting neuroblastoma in a 4-month-old infant: perioperative management

Preoperative alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor block with phenoxybenzamine and labetalol, the intraoperative course of a 4-month-old infant with neuroblastoma and elevated catecholamines causing sweating, hypertension, and tachycardia, are presented. We recommend determination of catecholamine levels and pretreatment with alpha-adrenergic and-if needed-beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists in infants with neuroblastoma and hypertension, tachycardia, or sweating.
Retinoid X receptor and its partners in the nuclear receptor family

Retinoid X receptor (RXR) and its dimerization partners in the nuclear receptor family recognize DNA response elements in which two AGGTCA binding sites are arranged in tandem. Target site selection by these complexes requires the spacing between the binding sites to act as the identity element. With the recent determination of three-dimensional structures of several different DNA-binding complexes of RXR, together with studies of protein conformational changes, it is clear how the interactions of RXR with its partners are precisely tuned to match the spacing between their DNA binding sites.
Feminist Pedagogy in Physical Education: Promises, Possibilities, and Pitfalls

(1991). Feminist Pedagogy in Physical Education: Promises, Possibilities, and Pitfalls. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 62, No. 6, pp. 68-77.
Diminished brain synaptic plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity in rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes: Association with reduced anesthetic requirements

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that chronic hyperglycemia may inhibit plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) in cells from several tissues. Inhalational anesthetics (IA) can inhibit brain synaptic PMCA activity. We proposed that diabetic rats may manifest chronic inhibition of brain synaptic PMCA and thus provide a model for testing the hypothesis that synaptic PMCA plays a key role in IA pharmacodynamics. Ca2+ pumping activity of PMCA was measured in cerebral synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) vesicles prepared from rats with streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and from control, normoglycemic rats. Dose requirements for halothane and xenon were estimated in treated and untreated rats. Brain PMCA activity in hyperglycemic rats was depressed by about 8.4%, compared to controls. In vitro glycation also caused a significant decrease in PMCA pumping activity. Halothane requirement for STZ-hyperglycemic rats was dramatically reduced to about 65% of control. Xenon requirement was also significantly reduced, to 88% of control. Correlation of IA dose with percent glycated hemoglobin for each rat revealed a strong association between reduced requirements for halothane or xenon and increased protein glycation. These results indicate that inhibition of brain synaptic PMCA in chronically hyperglycemic rats is associated with a significant reduction in IA requirement.
Noise Metrics in Flip-Flop Designs *

About 20--45% of the total power in any VLSI circuit is consumed by the clocking system and 90% of this power consumption is spent by flip-flops. Wider datapaths, deeper pipelines, and increasing number of registers in modern processors have underscored the importance of the flip-flops. As a result, the flip-flops' performance metrics such as, power, delay, and power delay product will become a crucial factor in overall performance of processors. As technology is moving into deep submicron level, noise immunity and noise generated by any component in a digital device is also becoming a vital factor in circuit design. This paper studies various flip-flop designs for their noise immunity and noise generation metrics. It categorizes the flip-flops and reports extensive simulation results for best representative examples including the newly proposed one from the group (a patent is filed for this flip-flop). It compares power, delay, power delay product, number of transistors, number of clocked transistors, noise immunity, and noise generation for flip-flops that are reported as ones with the best performances in the literature.
A systematic revision of Thaleops (Trilobita: Illaenidae) with new species from the middle and late Ordovician of Oklahoma and New York

Illaenus Dalman, 1827 has long served as a wastebin for effaced trilobite species and the problem has been compounded in North America by the addition of Thaleops Conrad, 1843 and Nanillaenus Jaanu...