cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of the osmotic and activity coefficients of seawater at 25°C

The equation of Reilly, Wood, and Robinson was used to predict the osmotic coefficient of seawater and of its concentrates at molal ionic strengths of 0.5 to 6.0 at 25°C. The results agree closely with experimental data at ionic strengths below 5. The average difference in osmotic coefficients over the entire concentration range is 0.0014. The only serious discrepancy is at an ionic strength of 6, where a difference of 0.0068 is found. The accuracy of the predictions of osmotic coefficients prompted the calculation of the activity coefficients of NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, MgSO4, KCl, and K2SO4 in the mixture. The calculated activity coefficients of NaCl and Na2SO4 agree within experimental error with previous measurements. This agreement demonstrates the prediction of activity and osmotic coefficients for complex mixtures.
Oncogenic Ras Enhances NF-κB Transcriptional Activity through Raf-dependent and Raf-independent Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

Tumors frequently contain mutations in ras genes, resulting in constitutive activation of Ras-activated signaling pathways. The ultimate targets of these signal transduction cascades are transcription factors required for cellular proliferation. Understanding how constitutive activation of Ras contributes to tumorigenesis requires an understanding of both the signaling pathways that Ras activates and how these pathways in turn regulate gene expression. Gene expression from kappaB sites is enhanced in cells transformed with activated Ras and NF-kappaB activity is required for oncogenic Ras to transform NIH-3T3 and Rat-1 fibroblasts. Both dominant negative and constitutively active components of signaling pathways have been tested for their ability to regulate NF-kappaB. These experiments show that Ras utilizes Raf-dependent and Raf-independent pathways to activate NF-kappaB transcriptional activity, both of which require the stress-activated kinase p38 or a related kinase. In the case of Raf, activation of NF-kappaB by an autocrine factor stimulates kappaB-dependent transcriptional activity.
Improved Approximation Algorithms for the Demand Routing and Slotting Problem with Unit Demands on Rings

In the demand routing and slotting problem on unit demands (unit-DRSP), we are given a set of unit demands on an n-node ring. Each demand, which is a (source, destination) pair, must be routed clockwise or counterclockwise and assigned a slot so that no two routes that overlap occupy the same slot. The objective is to minimize the total number of slots used. It is well known that unit-DRSP is NP-complete. The best deterministic approximation algorithm guarantees a solution that is 2 × OPT. A demand of unit-DRSP can be viewed as a chord on the ring. Let w denote the size of the largest set of demand chords that mutually cross in the interior of the ring. We present a simple approximation algorithm that uses at most $(2 - 1/\lceil w/2 \rceil)\times OPT$ slots in an n-node network; this is the first deterministic approximation algorithm that beats the factor of 2 for all values of OPT and therefore for all instances of the input. If randomization is allowed, an algorithm by Kumar produces, with high probability, a solution that uses asymptotically $(1.5 + \frac{1}{2e} +o(1)) \times OPT$ slots. However, when OPT is not large enough, the factor can exceed 2. In this paper, we show how combining our algorithm with Kumar's yields a randomized approximation algorithm that has, with high probability, a constant factor of $2 - 1/\theta(\log n)$. While asymptotically it is not better than Kumar's, the approximation factor holds for all values of OPT.
Diagnostic Tests for Cushing's Syndrome

The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome rests on the demonstration of clinical features and biochemical abnormalities that reflect hypercortisolism. If a patient presents with typical clinical features such as weight gain with truncal obesity and supraclavicular fat deposition, wide purple striae, and proximal muscle weakness, the diagnosis is clear-cut and is nearly always substantiated by a 24-hour urine free cortisol excretion value more than four times the normal level. However, many patients present with signs and symptoms that are common in the general population, such as hypertension, generalized weight gain, reproductive abnormalities, and depression. Many of these patients have normal cortisol excretion and do not have Cushing's syndrome. Others have mild hypercortisolism caused by psychiatric disorders, obligate exercise, morbid obesity, sleep apnea, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. These patients may be confused with those with the true Cushing's syndrome, and thus are considered to have a "pseudo-Cushing" state. Additional observation over time, and testing with midnight cortisol measurements, the 2-day-2-mg dexamethasone suppression test, or the dexamethasone suppression-CRH stimulation test may be useful to identify true Cushing's syndrome in these patients.
Anisotropic compact sphere with Van der Waals equation of state

We formulate a system of field equations with Van der Waals type equation of state to the Einstein field equations in spherically symmetric static spacetime to describe anisotropic compact matter and obtain a new class of solution by choosing one of the gravitational potentials. The generated model is shown to be physically admissible by satisfying the major physical conditions such as regularity of gravitational potential at the origin, positive definiteness of energy density and the radial pressure at the origin, vanishing of radial pressure at some finite radius, and monotonic decrease of the energy density and the radial pressure with increasing radius. The model also satisfy the casuality condition and match smoothly with the Schwarzschild exterior line element at the stellar boundary. We believe that the solution found through this work may assist more detailed studies of relativistic compact stellar bodies at the extremes of densities.
Determinants of Private Giving to Public Colleges and Universities

This paper explores the relationship between institutional factors, policy and governance factors, and macroeconomic factors and variations in overall voluntary support and its varying sources to public colleges and universities. Study results suggest that institutions at the top of the institutional hierarchy enjoy accumulative advantage in generating voluntary support; that increased tuition level has a negative effect on corporate, foundation, and total private giving; and that different donor groups have different motivations for making gifts.
On fracture toughness evaluation for semi-brittle fracture

The existing methods of assessing the fracture toughness of materials exhibiting semi-brittle fracture are critically reviewed. The methods concern the Crack Growth Resistance (R-curve), the Crack Opening Displacement (COD), and the J-integral. An analysis of the shortcomings of the methods described makes it possible to formulate a new definition of fracture toughness appropriate to semi-brittle fracture. An improved simple experimental method for measuring fracture toughness for semi-brittle fracture is proposed which takes into account both crack growth and plastic nonlinear effects at crack front. The proposed method is shown to be free of the theoretical and experimental discrepancies encountered in the R-curve, COD, and J-integral methods.
KCl-induced ‘spreading depression’ in the cockroach

Abstract Crude, initial local injection of a 25% solution of KCl appears to knock out local areas of the nervous system of the intact cockroach, and certain movements and responses are characteristically modified. Injections of the same amount of KCl into the ventrolateral aspect of the abdomen has only a variable, general depressant effect. When left overnight the animals seem to recover almost completely. The approach appears to have promise as an aid to the study of localization of function and in the study of insect behaviour generally.
Ionized hypocalcemia during prolonged cardiac arrest and closed-chest CPR in a canine model

Study background: Free or ionized calcium (Ca +2 ) is known to play a critical role in normal cardiovascular function, and Ca +2 administration in the setting of ionized hypocalcemia has been shown to improve indexes of cardiac function. The value of Ca +2 administration in the setting of cardiac arrest and resuscitation is unproven and controversial, in large part because ionized Ca +2 levels during cardiac arrest and resuscitation have not been adequately studied and exogenous calcium therapy may worsen ischemic cellular injury. Study purpose: To measure free calcium during prolonged cardiac arrest and CPR in a canine model. Methods and measurements: Central arterial and venous catheters were positioned in nine dogs, and ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced electrically. After seven and one-half minutes of VF, countershocks were administered, and CPR was initiated and performed in accordance with current recommendations for 20 minutes. At five-minute intervals during resuscitation efforts, arterial pH, ionized Ca +2 , and lactate as well as aortic pressure were measured. Results: During resuscitation, average systolic arterial pressure was 50 mm Hg. Within five minutes of instituting CPR, ionized Ca +2 significantly decreased from control values (5.1 ± 0.1 at control to 4.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL); after 20 minutes of attempted resuscitation, it averaged 3.2 ± 0.2 mg/dL ( P +2 during the arrest period (9.2 ± 0.5 at control to 8.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL at 27.5 minutes). Arterial lactate significantly increased throughout the arrest and resuscitation period (1.9 ± 0.2 at control to 7.5 ± 0.4 mM/L at 27.5 minutes). A significant correlation was demonstrated between ionized Ca +2 and lactate concentrations ( r = −.72, P r = −.22, P > .20). Conclusion: Ionized hypocalcemia occurs during prolonged cardiac arrest and resuscitation, and ionized hypocalcemia during prolonged arrest and resuscitation may be due to binding by lactate, as has been demonstrated in vitro .
A volume of fluid method for simulating fluid/fluid interfaces in contact with solid boundaries

In this paper, we present a novel approach to model the fluid/solid interaction forces in a direct solver of the Navier-Stokes equations based on the volume of fluid interface tracking method. The key ingredient of the model is the explicit inclusion of the fluid/solid interaction forces into the governing equations. We show that the interaction forces lead to a partial wetting condition and in particular to a natural definition of the equilibrium contact angle. We present two numerical methods to discretize the interaction forces that enter the model; these two approaches differ in complexity and convergence. To validate the computational framework, we consider the application of these models to simulate two-dimensional drops at equilibrium, as well as drop spreading. We demonstrate that the model, by including the underlying physics, captures contact line dynamics for arbitrary contact angles. More generally, the approach permits novel means to study contact lines, as well as a diverse range of phenomena that previously could not be addressed in direct simulations.
Register binding and port assignment for multiplexer optimization

Data path connection elements, such as multiplexers, consume a significant amount of area on a VLSI chip, especially for FPGA designs. Multiplexer optimization is a difficult problem because both register binding and port assignment to reduce total multiplexer connectivity during high-level synthesis are NP-complete problems. In this paper, we first formulate a k-cofamily-based register binding algorithm targeting the multiplexer optimization problem. We then further reduce the multiplexer width through an efficient port assignment algorithm. Experimental results show that we are 44% better overall than the left-edge register binding algorithm on the total usage of multiplexer inputs and 7% better than a bipartite graph-based algorithm. For large designs, we are able to achieve significantly better results consistently. After technology mapping, placement and routing for an FPGA architecture, it shows considerably positive impacts on chip area, delay and power consumption.
Diagenesis of organic matter in suspended particles and sediments in the Cariaco Trench

Abstract Suspended particulate materials and bottom sediments from the Cariaco Trench were analysed for lipid content to investigate the diagenesis of organic matter in an anoxic water column and sediment. Distributions of fatty acids, sterols, and the acyclic isoprenoid hydrocarbons, lycopane and 2,6,10,15,19-pentamethyleicosane, support the hypothesis that alteration of organic matter usually attributed to sedimentary diagenesis occurs in the water column. Typical indicators of diagenetic processes, including preferential loss of unsaturated fatty acids, increased abundances of branched fatty acids, stenol-to-stanol conversion, and abundant acyclic isoprenoids, were observed in the water column across the oxic/anoxic interface in the Cariaco Trench. Lipid distributions in the sediment were remarkably uniform with depth. We conclude that organic material delivered to the sediment has been extensively altered in the water column, but that which is buried is preserved without much additional alteration.
A variational method in design optimization and sensitivity analysis for aerodynamic applications

Variational method is applied to the state equations in order to derive the costate equations and their boundary conditions. Thereafter, the analyses of the eigenvalues of the state and costate equations are performed. It is shown that the eigenvalues of the Jacobean matrices of the state and the transposed Jacobean matrices of the costate equations are analytically and numerically the same. Based on the eigenvalue analysis, the costate equations with their boundary conditions are numerically integrated. Numerical results of the eigenvalues problems of the state and costate equations and of a maximization problem are finally presented.
Failure in a College ESL Course: Perspectives of Instructors and Students

Based on data collected for a larger study, this paper reports on perceptions of factors contributing to students' failure in a college ESL course. Surveys were completed by instructors of 67 students who failed their class. The instructors were asked their perceptions of what caused the students' failure. Then, 22 of the students were interviewed about their backgrounds, current experiences in the college ESL program, motives, needs, and attitudes. Responses confirmed contributing factors identified in previous studies such as negative attitude; lack of interest, effort or motivation; insufficient target-language use; and deficient first-language reading and writing skills. The instructors also considered family and employment responsibilities that the ESL students had shouldered while taking the course as having a detrimental effect on their performance. The instructors' perceptions of variables for failure correlated with information the students revealed in the interviews. The implications of the stud...
Repackaging the Revolution Making GIS Instruction Relevant to Planners

This article explores the pedagogical issues associated with reconstructing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) instruction into a form more directly linked to the substantive heart of the planning discipline. It surveys the broad terrain of GIS pedagogy and reviews the fit of prevailing instructional modes with the pedagogical mission of planning. Drawing on the insights gained from this review, the article then discusses the key design challenges planning educators must confront to repackage GIS instruction into a more planning-relevant form. Outlining changes the author has made to his own classes, he demonstrates one form that this type of instructional strategy may take.
Habitat selection by loons in southcentral Alaska

Three species of loons nest in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, an area 80 km north of Anchorage in southcentral Alaska. This is a region of intense change; its human population doubled between 1980–1990 to almost 36000 people. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game through its Loon Watch Program has monitored 150 to 200 lakes since 1984, half of which are used by loons. Common loons (Gavia immer) nested on lakes of at least 12 ha while Pacific loons (G. pacifica) used lakes as small as 4 ha. Red-throated loons (G. stellata) were found on even smaller ponds. On all waters used by reproductive loons, 89% were connected to other water bodies, 62% of the shore was appropriate for nesting and 85% of the area was <15 ft (4.6 m) deep. This littoral zone comprised habitat for three-spined stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus), the dominant food source for loons, and supported large macrophyte beds that were used by loons as chick-rearing areas. The effect of human presence on summer loon distribution was dependent on the willingness of humans to accommodate to the needs of loons.
ASSESSMENT OF COLLEGE ADJUSTMENT IN THREE FRESHMAN GROUPS

This is a report of the administration of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire at a university which has an enrollment of approximately 24% Hispanic and 69% AngloAmericans. The questionnaire was given to three groups of first semester freshmen: a general, comparison sample of 57 students, 24 students who voluntarily participated in a federally funded peer counseling program, and 68 students targeted as academically marginal and mandated into a remedial track. On all subscales—academic, social, personal-emotional, institutional attachment, and on the full scale—the academically marginal students scored significantly lower than the other two groups. The study provides additional normative data which suggest the instrument is appropriate for use with diverse populations.
Differential effects of ozone on lung epithelial lining fluid volume and protein content

Urea dilution has been used to estimate the volume of epithelial lining fluid (ELF) in the respiratory tract. However, ELF volume may be overestimated as the result of rapid net diffusion of urea from tissues into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. This study established a protocol for rat BAL in a manner that minimizes this problem and then used this procedure to examine the edemagenic effects of ozone (O3) exposure on ELF volume and the concentrations of ELF protein and albumin. One passage lavage with variable dwell times up to 30 s showed no difference in recovered urea, protein, and albumin and ELF volume between 0 and 4 s, but a progressive increase of each thereafter. The calculated concentrations of protein and albumin in ELF did not vary significantly with dwell time. By increasing the number of lavage passages from one to three, the amounts of recovered urea, protein, and albumin and estimated ELF volume were increased with each passage. Again, the calculated concentrations of protein and albumin in ELF did not vary appreciably. When a single lavage passage and no added dwell time were used, it was observed that exposure of rats to 2 but not 0.5 and 1 ppm O3 increased urea, protein, and albumin in the BAL immediately after 6 h exposure. In addition, at 18 h postexposure to 1 ppm O3, ELF volume increased only 21%, but protein and albumin concentrations in ELF were 2.3- and 4.5-fold of control values, respectively. A higher O3 concentration (2 ppm) moderately increased ELF volume (+83%) and exerted even greater effects on concentrations of ELF protein (7.8-fold) and albumin (19-fold) while lower O3 dosage (0.5 ppm) had no significant effect. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that small serum proteins including albumin were greatly enriched in lung BAL fluid of 1 ppm O3-exposed rats. These results demonstrate that movement of water and protein into the airspaces after O3 exposure is not strictly coupled, and that protein recovery by BAL should cautiously be used to indicate airspace edema as a result of O3 injury.
Design of an entertainment robot with multimodal human-robot interactions

The paper presents the design of an entertainment robot focusing on development of multiple modalities of human-robot interactions. The robot system integrates a 16-bit cost-effective embedded MCU, SPCE061A, and a variety of sensory input/output systems to fulfill multimodal interactions. First, it utilizes the ADC and DACs hardware units and the speech processing software library of SPCE061A to realize an interactive dialogue system with speech recognition capability. Next, it combines an assembled head with several facial feature components and control the movements of the head and the facial features to express several head gestures and facial expressions. Furthermore, it arranges an array of microphone modules surrounding the robot body to detect the direction of sound sources according to sequence of arrival times. Finally, it incorporates the afore-mentioned modalities of interactions to provide several behaviors of the entertainment robot, such as singing, crying, laughing and looking around, correspondent to different events.
Effects of ionic concentrations on propagation speed in myocardium

The authors used their recently developed membrane model to calculate the dependence of propagation speed on shifts in the membrane's current-voltage (I-V) relation caused by changes in the ionic environment. These shifts can be linked analytically to changes in the concentrations of cations such as Ca/sup ++/ and H/sup +/. The authors calculated the propagation speed using the reaction-diffusion equation for the membrane potential and obtained a value of 55 cm/s for myocardium at standard ionic concentrations. This value varied between 12 cm/s and 85 cm/s for shifts between +46 mV and -14 mV, respectively.
Mechanisms of Function and Disease of Natural and Replacement Heart Valves

Over the past several decades, there has been substantial progress toward understanding the mechanisms of heart valve function and dysfunction. This review summarizes an evolving conceptual framework of heart valve functional structure, developmental biology, and pathobiology and explores the implications of key insights. I emphasize: (a) valve cell and extracellular matrix biology and the impact of biomechanical factors on function, homeostasis, environmental adaptation, and key pathological processes; (b) the role of developmental processes, valvular cell behavior, and extracellular matrix remodeling in congenital and acquired valve abnormalities; and (c) the cell/matrix biology of degeneration in replacement tissue valves. I also summarize how these considerations may ultimately inform the potential for prevention and treatment of major diseases and potentially therapeutic regeneration of the cardiac valves. Recent advances and opportunities for research and clinical translation are highlighted.
Cellobiose hydrolysis by endoglucanase (glucan glucanhydrolase) from Trichoderma reesie: Kinetics and mechanism

Glucanohydrolase from Trichoderma reesei, having a molecular weight of 52,000, was evaluated for kinetic properties with respect to cellobiose. Results from this work include: (1) initial rate studies that show that glucanohydrolase hydrolyzes cellobiose by a competitive mechanism and that the product, glucose, inhibits the enzyme; (2) low-pressure aqueous liquid chromatography that shows that formation of a reversion product, cellobiose, is minor and occurs in detectable amounts only a very high (90mM) cellobiose concentrations; (3) development of an equation based on the mechanism of glucanohydrolase action as determined by initial rate kinetics, which accurately predicts the time course of cellobiose hydrolysis; (4) derivation of an initial rate expression for the combined activity of cellobiase and glucanohydrolase on cellobiose. Based on data in this paper it is shown that the difference in inhibition pattern of the two enzymes could be used for determining the contamination of one enzyme by small quantities of the other.
Silicosis mortality among young adults in the United States, 1968-2004.

Background To describe silicosis deaths in young (aged 15–44) adults in the U.S. during 1968–2004. Methods We analyzed the National Center for Health Statistics multiple cause-of-death records. Results Compared with silicosis decedents aged ≥45 years (n = 15,643), young decedents (n = 237) were more likely to have silicosis listed as the underlying cause of death (74.3% vs. 48.2%, P < 0.001), to be female (9.3% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001) and black (37.1% vs. 11.7%, P < 0.001). Twenty-nine young silicosis decedents had industry and occupation information available. Occupations in construction and manufacturing industries were associated with significantly elevated proportionate mortality ratios for young silicosis deaths. Conclusions Silicosis deaths occur among young adults. Because these deaths are likely to reflect more intense and recent exposures, the follow-back investigations into the work sites where these individuals were exposed to silica should be conducted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:568–578, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High-frequency planar power transformers

High-frequency transformer design using the transmission line transformer (TLT) is described. Utilizing transmission line circuit theory, the characteristics of the TLT for different turn ratios are given, and its advantages, including its wideband nature, are discussed. TLT prototypes with turn ratios of 2:1, 3:1, and 5:1 were designed and fabricated. The prototype test results verify the theoretical analysis and also point out the further advantage of compact size, making the TLT approach a promising transformer design alternative for use in high-frequency converters. >
The Distribution of Order Statistics for Discrete Random Variables with Applications to Bootstrapping

An algorithm for computing the PDF of order statistics drawn from discrete parent populations is presented, along with an implementation of the algorithm in a computer algebra system. Several examples and applications, including exact bootstrapping analysis, illustrate the utility of this algorithm. Bootstrapping procedures require that B bootstrap samples be generated in order to perform statistical inference concerning a data set. Although the requirements for the magnitude of B are typically modest, a practitioner would prefer to avoid the resampling error introduced by choosing a finite B, if possible. The part of the order-statistic algorithm for sampling with replacement from a finite sample can be used to perform exact bootstrapping analysis in certain applications, eliminating the need for replication in the analysis of a data set.
MOISTURE ADSORPTION OF FISH PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AT VARIOUS RELATIVE HUMIDITIES AND TEMPERATURES

SUMMARY A simple method was used to determine moisture adsorption isotherms of FPC (fish protein concentrate) made from whole fish (red hake and Gulf menhaden) by isopropyl alcohol extraction. The hake was ground to two particle sizes and either nonsteamed or steam stripped to remove residual alchol. Moisture adsorption isotherms were determined at 25°, 35° and 42°C in constant relative humidities ranging from 11–86%. Equilibrium moisture content ranged from about 5% at 11% RH to about 16% and 86% RH. Particle size of the hake-FPC did not appear to affect the moisture adsorption. Steam-stripped samples adsorbed slightly more moisture at low relative humidities and slightly less moisture at high relative humldities than did nonsteamed samples. Menhaden-FPC adsorbed slightly less moisture than comparable hake-FPC samples. This difference was due to differences in quantitative chemical composition of the two types of FPC's.
Neurocognitive Brain Response to Transient Impairment of Wernicke's Area

This study examined how the brain system adapts and reconfigures its information processing capabilities to maintain cognitive performance after a key cortical center [left posterior superior temporal gyrus (LSTGp)] is temporarily impaired during the performance of a language comprehension task. By applying repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to LSTGp and concurrently assessing the brain response with functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that adaptation consisted of 1) increased synchronization between compensating regions coupled with a decrease in synchronization within the primary language network and 2) a decrease in activation at the rTMS site as well as in distal regions, followed by their recovery. The compensatory synchronization included 3 centers: The contralateral homolog (RSTGp) of the area receiving rTMS, areas adjacent to the rTMS site, and a region involved in discourse monitoring (medial frontal gyrus). This approach reveals some principles of network-level adaptation to trauma with potential application to traumatic brain injury, stroke, and seizure.
Sodium lauryl sulfate irritant patch tests. III. Evaporation of aqueous vehicle influences inflammatory response

Patch tests with aqueous solutions of the irritating detergent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) elicit varying degrees of inflammation from subject to subject and from site to site. For an investigation of the causes of this variability, two patch tests with 10% aqueous solutions of SLS were applied to adjacent areas of ventral forearm skin of eighteen volunteers. In one test the water vehicle was allowed to evaporate from the patch test unit before the patches were applied. After 22 hours the patch tests were removed, and 2 hours later the degree of inflammation was graded. Less inflammation was present at the site of the dry patch test in fifteen of eighteen subjects, and the score of inflammation between each pair was significantly less at the dry patch test site ( p
Asset Prices with Rational Beliefs

This paper introduces the concept of Rational Belief Equilibrium (RBE) as a basis for a new theory of asset pricing. Rational Beliefs are probability beliefs about future economic variables which cannot be contradicted by the data generated by the economy. RBE is an equilibrium in which the diverse beliefs of all the agents induce an equilibrium stochastic process of prices and quantities and these beliefs are, in general, wrong in the sense that they are different from the true probability of the equilibrium process. These beliefs are, however, Rational. Consequently, in an RBE agents use the wrong forecasting functions and their forecasting mistakes play a crucial role in the analysis. First, we show that these mistakes are the reason why stock returns are explainable in retrospect and forecastable whenever the environment remains unchanged over a long enough time interval for agents to learn the forecasting function. Second, the aggregation of these mistakes generates Endogenous Uncertainty: it is that component of the variability of stock prices and returns which is endogenously induced by the beliefs and actions of the agents rather than by the standard exogenous state variables. The paper develops some basic propositions and empirical implications of the theory of RBE. Based on the historical background of the post world war II era, we formulate an econometric model of stock returns which allows non-stationarity in the form of changing environments ("regimes"). A sequence of econometric hypotheses are then formulated as implications of the theory of RBE and tested utilizing data on common stock returns in the post war period. Apart from confirming the validity of our theory, the empirical analysis shows that (i) common stock returns are forecastable within each environment but it takes time for agents to learn and approximate the forecasting functions. For some agents the time is too short so that it is too late to profit from such learning; (ii) the equilibrium forecasting functions change from one environment to the other in an unforecastable manner so that learning the parameters of one environment does not improve the ability to forecast in the subsequent environments. (iii) more than 2/3 of the variability of stock returns is due to endogenous uncertainty rather than exogenous causes. The paper analyzes one example of a gross market overvaluation which was induced in the 1960's by an aggregation of agent's Mistakes.
Habitat Characteristics of Montezuma Quail Foraging Areas in West Texas

Abstract Little information is known about the foraging habitat of Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in Texas, USA. We compared habitat characteristics of foraging and nonforaging areas to identify trends in habitat attributes across sites with varying levels of quail use on Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County, Texas, USA, during May–August 2001. We delineated foraging and nonforaging areas using a system of parallel transects (100 m apart) that spanned the length of the grassland and covered the entire area. We walked transects every 3–5 days searching for signs of feeding (i.e., diggings). We documented a higher mean density of Allium spp. plants in foraging (95% CI: 12.1 ± 4.3 plants/m2) than nonforaging areas (95% CI: 0.8 ± 0.6 plants/m2). Foraging areas also exhibited a greater mean slope (95% CI: 22.6 ± 2.9% vs. 8.0 ± 2.1%). However, species richness, diversity, and equitability were similar between the foraging (23, 6.5, and 0.3, respectively) and nonforaging area (29,...
A Meta-Analysis to Determine if Lower Extremity Muscle Strengthening Should Be Included in Military Knee Overuse Injury-Prevention Programs.

Context: Knee overuse injuries are the most common musculoskeletal complaints in military trainees and are common in active-duty warfighters. Muscle strengthening is usually recommended; however, research is conflicting in this area, which makes it difficult to develop effective screening, prevention, and training interventions for warfighters. Objective: To determine if lower extremity muscular weakness contributes to knee overuse injuries and identify specific muscular involvement. Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Military & Government Collection and reference lists of relevant articles published between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2013. Study Selection: For inclusion, requirements were uninjured and injured groups; provision of the sample size, means, and standard deviations for all groups; identification of the specific muscles assessed; and clearly defined knee injury. Data Extraction: Sample size, sex, and muscle strength means and standard devi...
Receivers in American football use a constant optical projection plane angle to pursue and catch thrown footballs.

In the present work we test how well two interceptive strategies, which have been proposed for catching balls hit high in the air in baseball and cricket, account for receivers in American football catching footballs. This is an important test of the domain generality of these strategies as this is the first study examining a situation where the pursuer's locomotor axis is directed away from the origin of the ball, and because the flight characteristics of an American football are far different from targets studied in prior work. The first strategy is to elicit changes in the ball's lateral optical position that match changes in the vertical optical position so that the optical projection plane angle, ψ, remains constant, thus resulting in a linear optical trajectory (LOT). The second is keeping vertical optical ball velocity decreasing while maintaining constant lateral optical velocity (generalized optical acceleration cancellation, or GOAC). We found that the optical projection plane angle was maintain...
Infection with Trypanosoma lewisi in the Hypophysectomized Rat

Trypanosoma lewisi is a natural parasite of the blood of wild rats, and can be transferred easily to laboratory rats. After inoculation to normal adult rats, it produces a blood stream infection of considerable intensity, although only rarely does the infected animal die. At the end of a patent period ranging from a few day to several weeks, the animals usually clear themselves of the infection and thereafter wholly resist reinfection with this parasite.1 In the present paper are reported the results of infecting hypophysectomized rats with Trypanosoma lewisi. As will be seen, the hypophysectomized rat dies after infection with this parasite, death occurring in most cases 5 days after the parasite is injected.Procedure. The experimental work was designed: (1) to compare infection with Tryp. lewisi in hypophysectomized rats with that in control rats,∗ and (2) to study the effect of the administration of anterior pituitary extract upon the infection in the hypophysectomized rats. Thirty-three rats 60 days o...
Susceptibility of the American dog tick (Acari: Ixodidae) to residues of acaricides: laboratory assays.

Base-line data on acaricide susceptibility in the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), were collected on 27 compounds tested in the laboratory. Five- to 7-week-old nymphs were exposed for 22 to 24 h to residues of acetone dilutions of technical materials on disposable glass pipettes. Effectiveness of the compounds in killing ticks ranged from an LC50 of 0.00002% for propoxur to an LC50 of 0.001% for fenthion (median) to and LC50 of 1.97% for rotenone.
Animal Models for the Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention of Infection by Bacillus anthracis

This article reviews the characteristics of the major animal models utilized for studies on Bacillus anthracis and highlights their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and host responses to anthrax and its treatment and prevention. Advantages and drawbacks associated with each model, to include the major models (murine, guinea pig, rabbit, nonhuman primate, and rat), and other less frequently utilized models, are discussed. Although the three principal forms of anthrax are addressed, the main focus of this review is on models for inhalational anthrax. The selection of an animal model for study is often not straightforward and is dependent on the specific aims of the research or test. No single animal species provides complete equivalence to humans; however, each species, when used appropriately, can contribute to a more complete understanding of anthrax and its etiologic agent.
Direct central vein puncture for silicone rubber catheter insertion. An alternative technique for Broviac catheter placement

The indications for placement of the Broviac catheter have been expanded. Although cephalic vein cutdown has become the accepted technique for placement of the catheter, cannulation of this vein is not always possible. A technique is described for direct placement of the Broviac catheter into the subclavian or internal jugular vein. Formal venous cutdown is not required, and the technique does not sacrifice a vein. We have performed 21 consecutive catheter insertions in 20 patients without complications. It is a safe alternative method for silicone rubber catheter placement.
Effect of the electric double layer on the activation energy of ion transport in conical nanopores

Measured apparent activation energies, EA, of ion transport (K+ and Cl–) in conical glass nanopores are reported as a function of applied voltage (−0.5 to 0.5 V), pore size (20–2000 nm), and electrolyte concentration (0.1–50 mM). EA values for transport within an electrically charged conical glass nanopore differ from the bulk values due to the voltage and temperature-dependent distribution of the ions within the double layer. Remarkably, nanopores that display ion current rectification also display a large decrease in EA under accumulation mode conditions (at applied negative voltages versus an external ground) and a large increase in EA under depletion mode conditions (at positive voltages). Finite element simulations based on the Poisson–Nernst–Planck model semiquantitatively predict the measured temperature-dependent conductivity and dependence of EA on applied voltage. The results highlight the relationships between the distribution of ions with the nanopore, ionic current, and EA and their dependenc...
Algorithms for discrete nonlinear optimization in FICO Xpress

The FICO Xpress-Optimizer is a commercial optimization solver for linear programming (LP), mixed integer linear programming (MIP), convex quadratic programming (QP), convex quadratically constrained quadratic programming (QCQP), second-order cone programming (SOCP) and their mixed-integer counterparts. Xpress also includes a general purpose non-linear solver, Xpress-NonLinear, which features a successive linear programming algorithm (SLP, first-order method), interior point methods and Artelys Knitro (second-order methods). This work explores algorithms for mixed-integer nonlinear programming problems (MINLPs), which are NP-hard in general, then it presents applications in signal processing and capitalizes advances in solving these problems with Xpress and its comprehensive suite of high-performance nonlinear solvers. Computational results show that signal processing nonlinear problems can be solved quickly and accurately, taking advantage of the algebraic modeling and procedural programming language, Xpress-Mosel, that allows to interact with the Xpress solver engines in a easy-to-learn way, and its unified modeling interface for all solvers, from linear to general nonlinear solvers.
Low-power RF-ICs in wireless transceivers

This paper presents a brief survey of the highlights in the application of IC technology to radios since the 1970s, and follows this with trends of what the author considers is the shape of things to come in wireless transceivers over the next few years. RF-ICs are roughly defined as integrated circuits operating in the band of frequencies from 100 MHz to 2000 MHz which covers most consumer wireless devices. MMICs, by contrast, are small-scale ICs operating at tens of GHz which are almost exclusively fabricated on III-V compound semiconductor substrates. Driven by defence applications over the past decade, they have become an established discipline. RF-ICs are principally driven by consumer needs. They are, and will continue to be, fabricated mostly in mature silicon technologies, combining analog and digital functions at relatively large levels of integration. It is the authors belief that in response to pressing demands for ubiquitous wireless access, the day of the "VLSI radio" is not that far off.
Underrepresented Minorities in Medical School Admissions: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACTPhenomenon: This study explored Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino medical students' perceptions of the medical school admissions process. Previous research has explored other elements of the medical education continuum. However, little is known regarding minorities' perceptions of navigating the medical school admissions process. To address this gap in the literature, this exploratory study suggests a conceptual model describing why minorities apply to medical school and the influences affecting their admissions experience. Approach: This qualitative study utilized a grounded theory approach. Between December 2012 and January 2014, the principal researcher conducted one-on-one telephone and in-person small-group interviews, as well as web-based telephone feedback sessions, with Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino medical students. Findings: Thirty-three students participated, including 23 Black/African American and 10 Hispanic/Latino medical students. Participants represented 25 U....
Rise of the Chatbots: Finding A Place for Artificial Intelligence in India and US

This research study explores how chatbots can find a place in routine daily lives. Chatbot development has increased while in many cases its purpose still remains loosely defined. Due to its novel and relatively new technology, there is an opportunity to create meaningful experiences with chatbots in a typical person?s life. Qualitative insights were collected from 54 participants in India and the US over the course of two weeks. To identify opportunities for chatbots, we must understand how these programs are perceived and what needs exist for people. The research objectives include understanding the following: 1) anticipations for chatbots 2) preferred input modalities 3) opportunities for chatbots based on user needs.
Management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in community services: Retrospective study of 130 patients from a single institution.

e17004 Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease resulting from accumulation of blast cells in the marrow Age greater than 75 years and cytogenetics are the most important...
On exploring the mitigation of distance misperception in virtual reality

Misperception of egocentric distances in virtual reality is a well established effect, with many known influencing factors but no clear cause or correction. Herein is proposed a course of research that explores this effect on three fronts: exploring perceptual calibrations, corrections based on known influences and observed misperception rather than a perfect understanding of the causes of misperception; exploring when adaptations due to feedback might exhibit undesirable effects; establishing contexts within practical tasks when distance misperceptions should be expected to have an effect.
Armoring: Learning to Withstand Racial Oppression

This article explores the concept of psychological armor among African American women. Armor is a concept found in the psychological literature describing a selfprotection strategy against racism. ...
Ultrafast Excited-State Transport and Decay Dynamics in Cesium Lead Mixed Halide Perovskites

While significant research efforts directed toward characterizing the excited-state dynamics of lead halide perovskites have enabled promising advances in photovoltaic, light-emitting diode, and laser technologies, a detailed correlation between composition and functionality in this promising class of materials remains unestablished. We use pump–probe microscopy to characterize both transport and relaxation dynamics in individual crystals of CsPbI2Br, a mixed halide, all-inorganic analogue to the well-studied organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. In contrast to the methylammonium lead tri-iodide perovskite, we find excited-state dynamics that decay primarily via first-order and Auger mechanisms. By global fitting of power-dependent kinetics collected from individual domains, we find a range of Auger rate constants between 3.3 × 10–30 and 1.5 × 10–28 cm6/s, with negligible contributions from second-order (bimolecular) processes. Direct imaging of the excited-state spatial evolution reveals an average diffu...
Comparison of Text Messages Versus E-mail When Communicating and Querying With Mothers About Safe Infant Sleep.

Abstract Objective To assess how mothers' choice of e-mail or text messages (SMS) to receive safe sleep communications is associated with educational video viewing and responses to care practice queries. Methods Seven hundred ninety-two new mothers received safe sleep-related communications for 60 days after newborn hospital discharge as part of a trial of health education interventions on infant care practices. Mothers chose e-mail or SMS for study communications and were sent 22 short safe sleep videos and 41 queries regarding infant care practices. Results Study communications via e-mail were elected by 55.7% of participants. The SMS group had a modestly higher overall view rate of videos (59.1% vs 54.4%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.81) and a substantially higher response rate to queries (70.0% vs 45.2%; aOR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.74–4.43). Conclusions Participants more commonly opted to receive infant care practice videos and queries via e-mail. SMS was associated with higher viewing and response rates, especially for query responses. These results highlight the importance of understanding how specific modalities of communication might vary in reach.