Prior Conclusions Research Articles

The development of children's gender stereotypes about STEM and verbal abilities: A preregistered meta-analytic review of 98 studies.

This meta-analysis studied the development of ability stereotypes that could limit girls' and women's participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as contribute to boys' underachievement in reading and writing. We integrated findings from 98 studies measuring children's gender stereotypes about STEM and verbal abilities. The data comprised 145,204 children (ages 4-17) from 33 nations across more than 40 years (1977-2020). Preregistered analyses showed why prior researchers have reached diverging conclusions about the onset, change, and extent of these stereotypes in childhood and adolescence. Contrary to some prior conclusions, math stereotypes favoring male ability were minimal on average (0.11 SDs from gender neutrality). Stereotypes were instead far stronger for computer science, engineering, and physics (0.51 SDs), which favored male ability by age 6. Girls increasingly endorsed pro-male STEM stereotypes with age. Pro-female verbal ability stereotypes were also substantial (0.46 SDs), emerging by age 8 and becoming more female-biased with age. Additionally, STEM stereotypes were weaker for Black than White U.S. participants, as predicted. Unexpectedly, however, boys' STEM stereotypes declined before age 13 but increased thereafter, revealing an asymmetric development across STEM versus verbal domains. We integrated developmental intergroup theory and social role theory to explain this asymmetry, considering both cognitive and sociocultural processes. The early emergence of verbal stereotypes and certain STEM stereotypes (e.g., engineering) means that they have ample time to affect later downstream outcomes such as domain-specific confidence and interests. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Are Hydroxyl Radicals Spontaneously Generated in Unactivated Water Droplets?

AbstractSpontaneous ionization/breakup of water at the surface of aqueous droplets has been reported with evidence ranging from formation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, indicated by ions at m/z 36 attributed to OH⋅‐H3O+ or (H2O‐OH2)+⋅ as well as oxidation products of radical scavengers in mass spectra of water droplets formed by pneumatic nebulization. Here, aqueous droplets are formed both by nanoelectrospray, which produces highly charged nanodrops with initial diameters ~100 nm, and a vibrating mesh nebulizer, which produces 2–20 μm droplets that are initially less highly charged. The lifetimes of these droplets range from 10s of μs to 560 ms and the surface‐to‐volume ratios span ~100‐fold range. No ions at m/z 36 are detected with pure water, nor are significant oxidation products for the two radical scavengers that were previously reported to be formed in high abundance. These and other results indicate that prior conclusions about spontaneous hydroxyl radical formation in unactivated water droplets are not supported by the evidence and that water appears to be stable at droplet surfaces over a wide range of droplet size, charge and lifetime.

Complications following open treatment of frontal sinus fracture: A nationwide analysis of 1492 patients.

Prior studies characterizing surgically managed frontal sinus fractures are small, institutional studies from major trauma centers (1-5). The current study characterizes the concomitant injuries and complications following open treatment of frontal sinus fractures across the United States. Patients who underwent open treatment for a frontal sinus fracture between 2010 and 2022 were identified in a United States administrative database. Patients <18 years old and with <90 days of follow-up were excluded. Type of fracture (simple or complex), frontal sinus obliteration and concomitant fractures (facial, vertebral, extremity) were identified. 90-day surgical site infection, sinusitis, meningitis, brain abscess and cerebrospinal fluid leak were identified, as well as mucocele any time after surgery. There were 1492 adult patients with open treatment of frontal sinus fractures: 654 (44%) with simple fractures and 838 (56%) with complex fractures. There were 157 (11%) patients with frontal sinus obliteration. Concomitant fractures included facial (715 patients, 48%), vertebral (55, 4%), upper extremity (40, 3%) and lower extremity (53, 4%). Within 90 days of surgery, 155 (10%) patients had a complication: surgical site infection (42, 2.8%), sinusitis (29, 1.9%), meningitis (25, 1.7%), brain abscess (23, 1.5%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (63, 4.2%). There were 11 (0.7%) patients who developed a mucocele, and <11 (<0.7%) underwent reduction of contour deformity. On multivariate analysis, complex frontal sinus fracture and concomitant vertebral/extremity fracture were associated with increased likelihood of a complication. Over the last thirteen years, complication rates are low following surgically managed frontal sinus fractures. Comminuted fractures and those involving the posterior table increase the likelihood of a complication, likely due to increased injury severity. The results of the current study generally align with the published single-institution studies on complications of frontal sinus fractures treated with surgery. These findings from a large, nationwide cohort strengthen prior conclusions and increase the generalizability of reported complication rates.

Kinetics and Mechanism of PPh3/Ni-Catalyzed, Zn-Mediated, Aryl Chloride Homocoupling: Antagonistic Effects of ZnCl2/Cl.

The Ni/PPh3-catalyzed homocoupling of aryl chlorides in DMF using Zn as the stochiometric reducing agent is one of a general class of Ni-catalyzed processes, where the mechanism has been a matter of long-standing debate. This study re-evaluates prior conclusions and insights. NMR spectroscopy is used to identify [(PPh3)2NiII(Ar)Cl] as a key intermediate and to explore the indirect roles of using Zn as the reductant. The [ZnCl2] coproduct is responsible for several features, including a sequential transmetalation pathway involving [ArZnCl]. [ZnCl2] also abstracts halide from [(PPh3)2NiCl2] to generate [NiIICl(DMF)5]+[ZnCl3(DMF)]-, and in doing so, affects the NiII + Ni0 ↔ 2 NiI speciation. [ZnCl2] thus acts as an accelerator and inhibitor, resulting in mildly sigmoidal reaction profiles. When the [ZnCl2] concentration becomes too high or the phosphine ligand concentration too low, catalysis stalls. Turnover is restored by the addition of further phosphine ligand, or chloride ion. In the presence of an exogenous chloride ion, turnover is rapid, again proceeding via [(PPh3)2NiII(Ar)Cl] but via dinuclear metathesis. The generation of [ZnCl3(DMF)]- results in mutually antagonistic effects between [ZnCl2] and [Cl]- such that turnover proceeds via one mechanism or the other, depending on which species is in excess. The intermediacy of [ArZnCl] suggests a solution to the long-standing anomaly that many other reductants were found to be much less effective than Zn in inducing turnover of Ni/PPh3 catalyzed aryl chloride homocoupling in DMF. The use of DMAc as a solvent in place of DMF inhibits stalling through the steric inhibition of mixed metalate generation.

Roles of Ferric Peroxide Anion Intermediates (Fe3+O2 -, Compound 0) in Cytochrome P450 19A1 Steroid Aromatization and a Cytochrome P450 2B4 Secosteroid Oxidation Model.

Cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) 19A1 is the steroid aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the 3-step conversion of androgens (androstenedione or testosterone) to estrogens. The final step is C-C bond scission (removing the 19-oxo group as formic acid) that proceeds via a historically controversial reaction mechanism. The two competing mechanistic possibilities involve a ferric peroxide anion (Fe3+O2 -, Compound 0) and a perferryl oxy species (FeO3+, Compound I). One approach to discern the role of each species in the reaction is with the use of oxygen-18 labeling, i.e., from 18O2 and H2 18O of the reaction product formic acid. We applied this approach, using several technical improvements, to study the deformylation of 19-oxo-androstenedione by human P450 19A1 and of a model secosteroid, 3-oxodecaline-4-ene-10-carboxaldehyde (ODEC), by rabbit P450 2B4. Both aldehyde substrates were sensitive to non-enzymatic acid-catalyzed deformylation, yielding 19-norsteroids, and conditions were established to avoid issues with artifactual generation of formic acid. The Compound 0 reaction pathway predominated (i.e., Fe3+O2 -) in both P450 19A1 oxidation of 19-oxo-androstenedione and P450 2B4 oxidation of ODEC. The P450 19A1 results contrast with our prior conclusions (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 15016-16025), attributed to several technical modifications.

Roles of Ferric Peroxide Anion Intermediates (Fe3+O2−, Compound 0) in Cytochrome P450 19A1 Steroid Aromatization and a Cytochrome P450 2B4 Secosteroid Oxidation Model

AbstractCytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) 19A1 is the steroid aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the 3‐step conversion of androgens (androstenedione or testosterone) to estrogens. The final step is C−C bond scission (removing the 19‐oxo group as formic acid) that proceeds via a historically controversial reaction mechanism. The two competing mechanistic possibilities involve a ferric peroxide anion (Fe3+O2−, Compound 0) and a perferryl oxy species (FeO3+, Compound I). One approach to discern the role of each species in the reaction is with the use of oxygen‐18 labeling, i.e., from 18O2 and H218O of the reaction product formic acid. We applied this approach, using several technical improvements, to study the deformylation of 19‐oxo‐androstenedione by human P450 19A1 and of a model secosteroid, 3‐oxodecaline‐4‐ene‐10‐carboxaldehyde (ODEC), by rabbit P450 2B4. Both aldehyde substrates were sensitive to non‐enzymatic acid‐catalyzed deformylation, yielding 19‐norsteroids, and conditions were established to avoid issues with artifactual generation of formic acid. The Compound 0 reaction pathway predominated (i.e., Fe3+O2−) in both P450 19A1 oxidation of 19‐oxo‐androstenedione and P450 2B4 oxidation of ODEC. The P450 19A1 results contrast with our prior conclusions (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 15016–16025), attributed to several technical modifications.

The Speculative Journey—or, What Does It Mean to be a Traveller?

This paper explores the pervasive use of journey and traveller metaphors in everyday language, and their applications in philosophical discourse. While these metaphors offer rich insights into abstract concepts such as love and philosophy, they also introduce ambiguities that can impede effective communication. By dissecting the nuances of these metaphorical figures, the paper aims to clarify their meanings and enhance their explanatory power. Divided into three main sections, the paper first discusses different types of metaphors and their general structure, providing a foundation for understanding metaphorical language. The second section delves into the specific metaphor of journey and traveller, analyzing its various connotations and implications with insights from scholars such as Dariusz Kubok and Steven Shaviro. Through this analysis, the distinctions between a traveller and a tourist are explored to deepen our understanding of metaphorical frameworks in philosophical discourse. Finally, the paper examines a specific journey strategy, focusing on Object-Oriented Ontology as an exemplification of a philosophical journey. Building upon prior conclusions, this last section elucidates the meaning and implications of this journey strategy, seeking to shed light on the multifaceted nature of philosophical discourse.

Updating, correcting, and calibrating the narrative about premature ejaculation.

The narrative surrounding premature ejaculation (PE) has developed and solidified over the past 25years. Unfortunately, portions of that narrative are outdated and do not reflect more recent conceptualizations or empirical findings regarding this disorder. In this review we sought to identify existing narratives about PE in need of updating and to provide revised narratives based on the recent research literature. Five PE narratives in need of revision were identified, including: the prevalence of PE, age-related differences in PE prevalence, a validated ejaculation latency (EL) for diagnosing PE, differences between lifelong and acquired PE subtypes, and the application of PE definitions beyond penile-vaginal intercourse. Extensive literature searches provided information supporting both the original narrative and the need for a revised narrative based on both consideration of more recent studies and reinterpretation of studies conducted since the establishment of the original narratives. For each selected topic, the prevailing narrative based on the extant literature was first presented, followed by discussion of accumulating evidence that challenges the existing narrative. Each section ends with a suggested revised PE narrative. In 2 instances, the revised narrative required significant corrections (eg, PE prevalence, validated EL for diagnosing PE); in 2 instances, it expanded on the existing narrative (eg, PE subtype differences, inclusion of partnered sexual activities beyond penile-vaginal intercourse); and in 2 other instances, it backed off prior conclusions that have since required rethinking (eg, age-related changes in PE, PE subtype differences). Finally, a brief review of the 3-pronged criteria for PE (EL, ejaculatory control, and bother/distress) is presented and discussed. This review reiterates the dynamic state of research on PE and demonstrates the need for and value of ongoing research that not only addresses new issues surrounding this dysfunction but also challenges and revises some of the existing narratives about PE.

Five years later, with double the demographic data, naked mole-rat mortality rates continue to defy Gompertzian laws by not increasing with age

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a mouse-sized rodent species, notable for its eusociality and long lifespan. Previously, we reported that demographic aging, i.e., the exponential increase of mortality hazard that accompanies advancing age in mammals and other organisms, does not occur in naked mole-rats (Ruby et al., 2018), a finding that has potential implications for human healthy aging. The demographic data supporting that conclusion had taken over three decades to accumulate, starting with the original rearing of H. glaber in captivity. This finding was controversial since many of the animals in that study were relatively young. In the 5 years following that study, we have doubled our quantity of demographic data. Here, we re-evaluated our prior conclusions in light of these new data and found them to be not only supported but indeed strengthened. We additionally provided insight into the social dynamics of captive H. glaber with data and analyses of body weight and colony size versus mortality. Finally, we provide a phylogenetically proximal comparator in the form of lifespan data from our Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) colony and demographic meta-analysis of those data along with published data from Ansell’s mole-rat (Fukomys anselli). We found Fukomys mortality hazard to increase gradually with age, an observation with inferences on the evolution of exceptional lifespan among mole-rats and the ecological factors that may have accompanied that evolution.

Neuroactive steroid hormone trajectories across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): the PHASE study.

It is presently not known whether endogenous neuroactive steroid hormone trajectories across the menstrual cycle are distinguishable in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). To improve the rigor in this area of research, we implemented a validated study methodology, involving blood sample collection at 8 key menstrual cycle timepoints, following which the study data is realigned so that all women are compared at the same biological window (i.e., menstrual cycle subphase). Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we analyzed serum levels of nine steroid hormones previously implicated in the etiology of PMDD, including allopregnanolone. Other than progesterone (p ≤ 0.001), none of the steroid hormones displayed significant changes across menstrual cycle subphases when comparing participants with PMDD to the healthy controls. A thorough investigation of the progesterone trajectory showed that its left shift in the luteal phase (e.g., earlier rise in progesterone) exposes women with PMDD to a higher periovulatory progesterone and a more acute withdrawal in the late luteal subphase. Results of the present study indicate that the largely overlooked brief periovulatory subphase should be thoroughly examined in PMDD and agree with prior conclusions that rapid progesterone withdrawal associates with the development of negative affect.

Accuracy of quantitative viral secondary standards: a re-examination.

Interlaboratory agreement of viral load assays depends on accuracy and uniformity of quantitative calibrators. Previous work, published in JCM several years ago, demonstrated poor agreement of secondary cytomegalovirus (CMV) standards with nominal values. This study re-evaluated this issue among commercially produced secondary standards for both BK virus (BKV) and CMV, using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to compare the materials from three different manufacturers. Overall, standards showed an improved agreement compared to prior work, against nominal values, indicating a substantial improvement in the production of accurate secondary viral standards, while supporting the need for further work in this area and for the broad adaption of international unit (IU) as a reporting standard for quantitative viral load results.

THE CONDITIONAL GIFT – INTERPRETATIONS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN APPLYING FOR THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE STATUS

European cities compete for the status of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC), as it is proven to enhance city visibility and the profile of cultural events in the city; it also allows addressing issues of strategic cultural development of the successful candidate. Importantly, the status comes with an explicit requirement to ensure sufficient public participation in developing the bid and implementing the cultural programme. Prior research demonstrates that meaningful participation is not easy to achieve; the research on that aspect is considered scarce. The article aims to analyse the interpretation of public participation, its challenges and shaping factors as seen by ECoC bid-producing teams. The main research question is “What did the bid development process uncover about the capacity of bid-producing teams to foster public participation in the Latvian cities – ECoC finalists?” The current paper examines the challenge of participation encountered in the process of developing the bid for the second round of ECoC 2027 by three applying cities in Latvia. The study was carried out between October 2022 and March 2023 using qualitative methodology. The theoretical starting point of the study is the four-part framework of factors influencing participation by Kaifeng Yang and Sanjay K. Pandey [Yang &amp; Pandey 2011]. The study suggests that these factors are indeed useful in conducting an analysis of participation. In addition, the study supports the prior conclusions of scholarly literature pointing out that more nuanced language is needed to interpret participation and participants. The article pays special attention to the nuances of digital participation and the organisational characteristics of the public body in charge of participation in cultural planning.

Poster Session II: Attentional modulation of the achromatic and chromatic reversal VEP.

Previous literature has consistently revealed attentional modulation of the Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) response to achromatic pattern reversal stimuli but little to no attentional modulation of the VEP response to chromatic pattern onsets. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) research, however, has reported modulation of the responses to both achromatic and chromatic pattern reversal stimuli. Numerous methodological differences including mode of presentation, stimulus contrast, and attentional demand, make comparison of these results difficult. In this study, we report the results of experiments using comparable perceptual contrasts, pattern reversals, and a coextensive and highly-demanding, multiple object tracking (MOT) task. Our findings support prior VEP results indicating that although achromatic VEPs are modulated by attention, chromatic VEPs are more robust to attentional modulation, even for highly demanding distractor tasks. We also found that when compared to a non-attentional condition, the attenuation of the VEP when attending to the MOT task was greater in magnitude than the enhancement of the VEP when attending to the VEP stimulus. This supports prior conclusions, that while avoiding active distraction is likely important, insuring an "attentive state" is not always necessary when recording VEPs. Further experiments are underway to investigate why attentional modulation of chromatic signals in early visual cortex are observed in MRI but not VEP recordings.

Biogeographic barriers and historic climate shape the phylogeography and demography of the common gartersnake

AbstractAimCurrent distributions of widespread North American (NA) species have been shaped by Pleistocene glacial cycles, latitudinal temperature gradients, sharp longitudinal habitat transitions and the vicariant effects of major mountain and river systems that subdivide the continent. Within these transcontinental species, genetic diversity patterns might not conform to established biogeographic breaks compared to more spatially restricted taxa due to intrinsic differences or spatiotemporal differences. In this study, we highlight the effects of these extrinsic variables on genetic structuring by investigating the phylogeographic history of a widespread generalist squamate found throughout NA.LocationNorth America.TaxonCommon gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis.MethodsWe evaluate the effects of major river basins and the forest‐grassland transition into the Interior Plains on genetic structure patterns using phylogenetic, spatially informed population structure and demographic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphism data and address range expansion history with ecological niche modelling using locality and historic climate data.ResultsWe identify four phylogeographic lineages with varying degrees of connectivity between them. We find discordant population structure patterns between sex‐linked and autosomal loci with respect to the relationship between the central NA lineage relative to coastal lineages. We find support for southeast Pleistocene refugia where recent secondary contact occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum and evidence for both northern and southern refugia in western NA.Main ConclusionOur results provide strong evidence for a Pliocene origin for T. sirtalis in central‐southeastern NA preceding its rapid expansion across the continent prior to middle Pleistocene climate‐mediated lineage formation. We implicate major riverine networks within the Mississippi watershed in likely repeated westward expansion events across the Interior Plains. Finally, we corroborate prior conclusions that phenotypic differences between subspecies do not reflect shared evolutionary history and note that the degree of separation between inferred lineages warrants further investigation before any taxonomic revisions are proposed.

Short-term CaMKII inhibition with tatCN19o does not erase pre-formed memory in mice and is neuroprotective in pigs

The Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a central regulator of learning and memory, which poses a problem for targeting it therapeutically. Indeed, our study supports prior conclusions that long-term interference with CaMKII signaling can erase pre-formed memories. By contrast, short-term pharmacological CaMKII inhibition with the neuroprotective peptide tatCN19o interfered with learning in mice only mildly and transiently (for less than 1h) and did not at all reverse pre-formed memories. These results were obtained with ≥500-fold of the dose that protected hippocampal neurons from cell death after a highly clinically relevant pig model of transient global cerebral ischemia: ventricular fibrillation followed by advanced life support and electrical defibrillation to induce the return of spontaneous circulation. Of additional importance for therapy development, our preliminary cardiovascular safety studies in mice and pig did not indicate any concerns with acute tatCN19o injection. Taken together, although prolonged interference with CaMKII signaling can erase memory, acute short-term CaMKII inhibition with tatCN19o did not cause such retrograde amnesia that would pose a contraindication for therapy.

Fostering Community Resilience through Social Capital

An experienced and resilient community has become a much-studied discourse after COVID-19. Strengthening the ability to self-organize post-crisis events encountered difficulties around changing local risk perspectives. In addition, they are increasing the capacity of individuals as a whole to form the expected community resilience. This study explains the importance of leveraging social capital to increase community capacity, affecting the ability to survive future crises. This study used a literature review to explore prior conceptions and conclusions about fostering community resilience and essential agreement of social capital. In this research, we seek a contribution through the following arguments a) Community resilience is the outcome of reciprocity social relationships; b) Social capital is an endeavor to cultivate relationships that encourage shared-value advantages between community members; c) Intellectual capital is the valuable sources in representing action-based of knowledge. The result shows it is necessary to build community resilience through a robust social approach, maintaining and reconstructing social capital to present community advantage and shared-value embedded in each community member.

Revisiting meta-analytic estimates of validity in personnel selection: Addressing systematic overcorrection for restriction of range.

This paper systematically revisits prior meta-analytic conclusions about the criterion-related validity of personnel selection procedures, and particularly the effect of range restriction corrections on those validity estimates. Corrections for range restriction in meta-analyses of predictor-criterion relationships in personnel selection contexts typically involve the use of an artifact distribution. After outlining and critiquing five approaches that have commonly been used to create and apply range restriction artifact distributions, we conclude that each has significant issues that often result in substantial overcorrection and that therefore the validity of many selection procedures for predicting job performance has been substantially overestimated. Revisiting prior meta-analytic conclusions produces revised validity estimates. Key findings are that most of the same selection procedures that ranked high in prior summaries remain high in rank, but with mean validity estimates reduced by .10-.20 points. Structured interviews emerged as the top-ranked selection procedure. We also pair validity estimates with information about mean Black-White subgroup differences per selection procedure, providing information about validity-diversity tradeoffs. We conclude that our selection procedures remain useful, but selection predictor-criterion relationships are considerably lower than previously thought. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A modified resultant drift potential for more accurate prediction of sand transportation in the vicinity of the Keeler Dunes, California

• Estimates of sand transport using Fryberger method do not match sand flux. • Correcting for seasonal sediment availability improves agreement with measurements. • Site-specific surface roughness adjustment also improves agreement. • Adjustments to the Fryberger method should be made to improve accuracy of estimates. • Measurements show sediment from the Owens River Delta moved to the North Sand Sheet. The Keeler Dunes Complex is an active dune field located on the northwest corner of Owens (dry) Lake, California. Previous studies (Lancaster and McCarley-Holder, 2013) implicated the exposed surface of the Owens River Delta as the source of sediment for the Keeler Dunes based on the calculation of the Resultant Drift Potential (RDP). Measurements from sand flux monitoring stations located between the Owens River Delta and Keeler Dunes were used to determine the accuracy of using RDP for estimating actual sand transportation. It was found that the net average direction of sand transportation in this area (133°) was not accurately predicted by RDP (97°). Therefore, prior conclusions based on RDP erroneously attributed sediment from the Owens River Delta as a source for the Keeler Dunes. Since RDP calculations are widely used and a convenient method for determining the direction and magnitude of net sand transportation based on meteorological measurements, methods for modifying the RDP to achieve better agreement with sand flux measurements are desirable. Two modifications were found to improve the agreement between calculated RDP and measured sand transportation: 1) accounting for temporal variability in sediment availability (RDP = 130°), and 2) utilization of an area-specific threshold friction velocity (RDP = 129°). Combining these two modifications also resulted in good agreement (RDP = 137°) with the measured sand transportation but did not improve agreement further. These findings suggest that information about surface characteristics (sediment availability and surface roughness) are important to consider when estimating sand transportation based on wind energy.

The Term Structure of Equity Risk Premia: Levered Noise and New Estimates

Abstract Levered noise occurs when no-arbitrage replication hedges fundamentals but amplifies price errors. Motivated by our theory, we use widely-available end-of-day OptionMetrics data to improve accuracy of synthetic dividend strip prices and provide longer samples than prior studies. Term structure point estimates are approximately flat in simple returns (88 bp/month vs. 87 bp/month for short-term dividends vs. index), and upward-sloping in measurement-error-robust logarithmic returns (43 bp/month vs. 77 bp/month). These results from prominent index options show the importance of diagnosing noise in no-arbitrage prices. Prior conclusions of an average downward slope in the equity term structure are not robust.

Measurements of the Zr96(α,n)Mo99 cross section for astrophysics and applications

The reaction $^{96}\mathrm{Zr}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\mathrm{n})^{99}\mathrm{Mo}$ plays an important role in $\ensuremath{\nu}$-driven wind nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae and is a possible avenue for medical isotope production. Cross-section measurements were performed using the activation technique at the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory. Results were analyzed along with world data on the $^{96}\mathrm{Zr}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ cross section and $^{96}\mathrm{Zr}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\alpha})$ differential cross section using large-scale Hauser-Feshbach calculations. We compare our data, previous measurements, and a statistical description of the reaction. We find a larger cross section at low energies compared to prior experimental results, allowing for a larger astrophysical reaction rate. This may impact results of core-collapse supernova $\ensuremath{\nu}$-driven wind nucleosynthesis calculations but does not significantly alter prior conclusions about $^{99}\mathrm{Mo}$ production for medical physics applications. The results from our large-scale Hauser-Feshbach calculations demonstrate that phenomenological optical potentials may yet be adequate to describe $(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ reactions of interest for $\ensuremath{\nu}$-driven wind nucleosynthesis, albeit with regionally adjusted model parameters.