bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transactional dimensions of debt capital markets
Authors: Bavoso Vincenzo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on the transactional dimension of debt capital markets. The analysis details the relevant markets and products, starting with the bond market as the engine for the earlier expansions of capital markets, and then moving on to the examination of commercial paper, covered bonds, securitization and its pre-2008 innovations, (such as collateralized debt obligations and synthetics), as well as the post-2008 evolutions (such as collateralized loan obligations). In unveiling the risks that emanate from these markets and their expansion, this chapter also explores the synergies and interconnections with adjacent markets, primarily credit derivatives (products such as credit default swaps and interest rate swaps), the repo market, channels of FinTech lending. This chapter provides the necessary understanding of the mechanics of debt capital markets, and particularly the transactional dynamics that elicit excessive risk-taking, leverage, and instability. It also shows how different transactions and products evolved as a result of a relentless, unfettered process of financial innovation.
Laser Experiments for Chemistry and Physics, Second Edition
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Lasers are employed throughout science and technology, in fundamental research, the remote sensing of atmospheric gases or pollutants, communications, medical diagnostics and therapies, and the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. Understanding the principles of their operation, which underlie all of these areas, is essential for a modern scientific education. This text introduces the characteristics and operation of lasers through laboratory experiments designed for the undergraduate curricula in Chemistry and Physics. Introductory chapters describe the properties of light, the history of laser invention, the atomic, molecular, and optical principles behind how lasers work, and the kinds of lasers available today. Other chapters include the basic theory of spectroscopy and computational chemistry used to interpret laser experiments. Experiments range from simple in-class demonstrations to more elaborate configurations for advanced students. Each chapter has historical and theoretical background, as well as options suggested for variations on the prescribed experiments. This text will be useful for undergraduate students in advanced lab classes, for instructors designing these classes, or for graduate students beginning a career in laser science.
The Speed of Light
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter describes different ways to measure the speed of light. It begins with a novel experiment using the measurement of the capacitance of a home-built two-plate capacitor in air. This experiment demonstrates that the velocity of light, c, permittivity of free space, ε0, and the permeability of free space, μ0, are all fundamental constants and related through c = 1/√μ0 ε0. A second experiment is presented that determines the speed of light by measuring the time a laser pulse travels a known distance in air or in a gaseous material such as iodine vapor. In addition, the speed of light in a fiber-optic cable is determined for various wavelengths, showing the small dispersion in these devices.
Thermal Lens Calorimetry
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
When light is absorbed in materials, heat is generated, causing the refractive index of the material to change. The absorbance of the specific wavelength of light, the heat capacity of the material, and the spatial profile of the illumination all influence the amount of heating and consequent transmission of light through the material. This chapter describes a demonstration of these ideas involving absorption of red light from a helium–neon laser by a blue solution. The heat generated in solution, and consequent change in its refractive index, have the radial profile that produces a negative lens. The magnitude of the effect is measured via transmitted light intensity, and its exponential time behavior is investigated with laser chopping and detection of the light with a fast photodiode. These measurements illustrate a simple example of time-resolved data collection with a digital oscilloscope, and allow determination of thermal and optical properties of the solution.
Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides an introduction to atomic and molecular electronic and rovibrational spectroscopy. It contains many of the elements one might find in an introductory course in atomic and molecular spectroscopy and is specifically designed to assist in the interpretation of the various experiments contained in the book. It is included in an effort to make the book useful as an advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate textbook in spectroscopy. The study of spectroscopy is motivated with discussions of sunlight passing through atmospheric gases and the nightime aurora emissions. High-resolution FTIR spectra are analyzed using modern molecular rovibrational analysis. The discussions of spectra include energy levels which allow the student to make their own analysis as well. The importance of IR spectroscopy is motivated by a discussion of the greenhouse effect and global warming. The chapter also includes a discussion of the effects of nuclear spin statistics on molecular vibrational spectra. Selection rules are discussed in terms of angular momentum conservation. Vibrational progressions are explained together with their relationship to anharmonicity and bond dissociation energies.
Optical Rotary Dispersion of a Chiral Liquid (α-Pinene)
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Measurements of the optical rotary dispersion (ORD) for both enantiomers of the α-pinene molecule in solution are presented along with a description of the theoretical calculation of the ORD for this molecule. Excellent agreement between experiment and theory is seen suggesting that combined experiment and theory is a good method for determining the absolute conformation for this molecule. A simple method for determining the enantiomeric excess of pinene molecules over the canopy of pine forests is suggested.
Raman Shifting and Stimulated Electronic Raman Scattering (SERS)
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter shows how Raman scattering in atomic and molecular gases can be employed to both up- and down-shift the frequencies of fixed and tunable laser light to be used in a number of spectroscopic applications. The discussion is divided into two parts: Raman shifting in hydrogen, deuterium, and methane gas, and Stimulated Electronic Raman Scattering (SERS) in alkali vapors. In the second part experiments on infrared absorption spectroscopy of methane and ammonia using SERS are described. The experiments demonstrate the inversion doubling of the vibrational frequencies of the ammonia molecule.
Fluorescence Lifetime of Iodine Vapor
Authors: Compton Robert N. , Duncan Michael A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Fluorescence is one of the most fundamental relaxation processes exhibited by atoms and molecules following optical excitation. Its rate is characterized in the form of the fluorescence lifetime, which is an exponential decay following pulsed excitation. This chapter describes the measurement of the fluorescence lifetime of iodine vapor following pulsed laser excitation with a Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm. The apparatus described is generally applicable for studies of fluorescence lifetimes for a variety of atomic or molecular species. Different methods of fitting the exponential decay are presented. Non-radiative relaxation processes such as collisional quenching which shorten fluorescence lifetimes are also discussed.
The Economics of Child Labour
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Children throughout the world are engaged in activities that can be classified as work. Some of these are harmless like helping parents in the home, or have a valuable learning-by-doing component like helping in the family farm or family business. Others are dangerous or morally degrading. All, however, compete with formal education. The book provides a blend of theory, empirical analysis and policy discussion of child labour and related variables such as education, fertility and infant mortality. It is primarily intended for advanced and research students. This second edition presents further evidence of the factors that determine the demand and supply of child labour, the demand for education, and of the nexus between child labour, education, fertility, and health. A new chapter assesses the effectiveness of the policies that are actually carried out in developing countries for the specific purpose of curbing child labour.
Child Labour, Fertility, and Gender
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The theoretical analysis in earlier chapters shows how child labour and fertility are jointly determined as part of the parents’ optimizing strategy. Therefore, changes in fertility behaviour determined by some exogenous change are likely to affect child labour as well. Similarly, changes in child labour determined by some exogenous change are likely to affect fertility behaviour as well. This chapter is dedicated to the review of the evidence on the relationship between fertility and child labour. Such evidence is not very large, but clearly points towards the existence of a strong link between fertility and child labour. Exogenous changes in either of them are likely to significantly affect the other. Moreover, once the endogeneity of fertility is taken into account, its impact on child labour and school attendance increases.
Impact Evaluation of Child Labour Reduction Policies
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter is devoted to a review of the impact of different policies and programmes actually implemented to address child labour with a bearing on child labour. It looks at legislation, transfers (both conditional and unconditional), public works, microcredit and livelihood programmes, and other forms of intervention. While the jury is still out, as sound impact evaluations are not so abundant, the results are far from showing an outright success. In the majority of cases the effects on child labour are small and often short-lived. In several cases the policies generate unwanted consequences that actually lead to an increase in child labour. Apparently the policies implemented often did not give enough consideration to the complex set of incentives that determine the decisions of the household relative to the allocation of children’s time.
Hidden Members: Variation in Ethnic Visibility
Authors: Robinson Amanda Lea 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter develops the concept of ethnic visibility, both theoretically and empirically. The chapter first presents a theoretical discussion of ethnic visibility within the context of existing scholarship and proposes a conceptualization of ethnic visibility at the individual-level that includes both ethnic signs and ethnic signals. The chapter next introduces a multifaceted measure of ethnic visibility at the individual level. Drawing on original survey and qualitative data, the chapter then demonstrates that there is significant variation in ethnic visibility among Lhomwes in Malawi, and explores why some individuals are more visible than others. Finally, the chapter proposes a group-level proxy for ethnic visibility that demonstrates significant variation in visibility across African ethnic groups. Taken together, the evidence in this chapter underscores that we cannot assume that ethnic identities are universally visible.
US ESG Regulation in Transnational Context
Authors: Harper Ho Virginia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The advance of ESG regulation in various forms internationally and domestically has sparked intense public debate in the United States and triggered an anti-ESG backlash. In some cases, the concerns driving this debate resonate outside the United States, but in general, they are closely linked to unique aspects of the US domestic legal and political landscape. This chapter surveys the major ESG (and anti-ESG) federal and state-level regulatory initiatives in the United States. It explores the main divides with reference to important features of the US institutional context in order to explain why US ESG reform efforts lag behind those on the other side of the Atlantic. Understanding this context may also help clarify where ESG integration can advance in the United States, as well as where it might require more fundamental normative shifts or legislative reform.
Stakeholder Governance Models and Corporate Interests
Authors: Veil Rüdiger 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Corporate interest has been the subject of debate in Germany for 100 years now. The chapter reflects on this discussion and explains why the stakeholder value model has prevailed. In particular, it looks at company co-determination, which plays a prominent role in the governance of corporations in Germany. The chapter also deals with EU legislation on sustainability reporting. The obligation to report on the transformation plan and the company’s goals on climate neutrality will have an impact on managers’ duties. The corporate reporting requirements on the business model and its alignment with sustainability goals are more effective than a statutory regulation of corporate interests, which includes ESG concerns.
Cognitive processing of pitch structures and systems
Authors: McAdams Stephen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Pitch systems are built on a discretization of the pitch continuum into musical scales or modes, which display various psychological properties that allow for hierarchical ordering and implicit learning of scale degrees. Implicit learning of relations among tones, chords, and keys is based on the encoding of regularities encountered within each culture and can be modelled computationally with neural net and probabilistic learning models. Musical pitch systems that are hierarchically organized present advantages for learning and perception of relations over nonhierarchical systems. In music listening, event structures are processed to construct mental representations of structural relations among events, including segmental grouping, development of hierarchical relations among events, and their relations of relative tension and relaxation. These representations allow for the perception of invariant structural relations between original and transformed musical patterns and give rise to expectations for what should follow within each cultural system according to its musical syntax.
Short-term γ-aminobutyric acid antagonist treatment improves long-term sleep quality, memory, and decision-making in a Down syndrome mouse model
Authors: Pittaras Elsa C , Artal Jonathan M , Ajibola Grace , Allocca Giancarlo , Bennett Mia , Camargo Alexandra , Carpio Angelica , Gessner Nicholas , Hinton Myles , Pizzitola Rebecca , Tan Natalie , Zhang Evelyn , Zhong Alan , Heller Horace C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic condition affecting people worldwide. It involves cognitive disabilities for which there are no drug therapies. The Ts65Dn mouse model of DS shows cognitive impairment due to a reduction in neuron number and connectivity as well as excessive neuronal activity, as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist treatment restores memory in these mice. Our study showed the effects of GABA antagonist treatment on sleep and decision-making in Ts65Dn mice. We administered a daily, low oral dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in milk to Ts65Dn mice for 17 days. Decision-making was tested with and without PTZ treatment. Short and long-term memories were tested before, immediately after, and 1 month following PTZ treatment. Electro-encephalography was also recorded at these three time points to study the effect of the treatment on sleep. We showed that PTZ treatment improved long-term recognition, but not short term memory and led to more Ts65Dn mice showing safer decision-making behavior. PTZ treatment showed a moderate and only global beneficial effect on sleep by decreasing the global amount of wake and increasing non-rapid eye movement sleep in the Ts65Dn mice, which may explain the observed cognitive improvements. These results bring new knowledge on the role of GABA in sleep, memory consolidation, and decision-making abilities in DS.
In silico, in vitro, and ex vivo analysis reveals miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐155‐5p as key microRNAs for glioblastoma progression: Insights into Th1 differentiation and apoptosis induction
Authors: Weber Augusto Ferreira , Scholl Juliete Nathali , Dias Camila Kehl , Lima Vinícius Pierdoná , Assmann Taís Silveira , Anzolin Eduardo , Kus Willian Pegoraro , Worm Paulo Valdeci , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Figueiró Fabrício 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe explored key microRNAs (miRNAs) related to tumorigenesis and immune modulation in glioblastoma (GBM), employing in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo analysis along with an assessment of the cellular impacts resulting from miRNA inhibition. GBM and T cells miRNA expression profiles from public datasets were used to evaluate differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). Some DEmiRNAs were chosen for validation in GBM cell lines, primary cell cultures, and brain tumor patient samples, using RT‐qPCR. Target genes and pathways were identified with bioinformatic analyses. In silico functional enrichment analysis revealed that miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐155‐5p modulate immune, metabolic, and GBM‐related pathways. A172 cells were transfected with miRNA inhibitors and the effects on cellular processes and immunomodulation were analyzed by co‐culture assays and flow cytometry. Upon validation, miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐155‐5p miRNAs expressions were consistently increased. Inhibiting these two miRNAs reduced cell viability, but only the inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p led to apoptosis. Co‐culture assays showed an increase in Th1 cells along with elevated Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg ratios, and an increase in Th17 cells exclusively with miR‐155‐5p inhibition. Immune cells' gene expression modulation induced an antitumor profile, concomitant with an increase in the expression of apoptotic genes in cancer cells after co‐culture. This study unveils potential targets for immune and tumor regulation, highlighting overexpressed miRNAs modulation as a novel therapeutic approach for GBM.
MFAP2 upregulation promotes ESCC metastasis via FAK–AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Deng Yiran , Huang Xu , Yang Yiran , Zhang Yingcong , Zeng Bingjie , Bao Yunxia , Cao Leiqun , Wang Xianzhao , Ma Lifang , Wang Jiayi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetastasis is the leading cause of mortality from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). By the time of diagnosis, most ESCC tumors have already invaded the lymph nodes or distant organs; however, it has been challenging to identify and confirm genes with a crucial role in ESCC metastasis. The microfibrillar‐associated protein 2 (MFAP2) is upregulated in human ESCC, and its expression level was positively associated with poor overall and disease‐free survival. Consistently, upregulation of MFAP2 promoted the metastasis and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, these processes were reduced by MFAP2 knockdown. Mechanistically, MFAP2 was shown to bind to the FERM domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and to alleviate FAK intramolecular inhibition, resulting in the enhanced binding affinity between FAK and integrin beta 4 (ITGB4) and activation of the FAK–AKT signaling pathway. Treatment of ESCC cells with the FAK inhibitor PND‐1186 reduced MFAP2, induced the activation of the FAK–AKT pathway in vitro, and suppressed lung metastasis in a mouse model of ESCC. These findings support a major role for MFAP2 in promoting ESCC metastasis, in part via the activation of FAK–AKT signaling, and highlight the potential of MFAP2 as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.
Overview of chronic hepatitis B management
Authors: Jun Angela , Bau Sherona , Kim John S. , Phillips Susanne J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Chronic hepatitis B remains a substantial global health challenge, impacting approximately 254 million people worldwide. A cure for this condition is yet to be discovered. Early identification and effective treatments coupled with vigilant monitoring can help alleviate associated morbidity and mortality due to potential complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Should Femoral Nerve Blocks and Adductor Canal Blocks Be Used in Pediatric or Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vivekanantha Prushoth , Sun Bryan , Tapasvi Sachin , Jaramillo Isabella , Hoshino Yuichi , de SA Darren 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Achieving adequate pain control is vital for proper rehabilitation, satisfaction, and earlier discharge after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Opioids have traditionally been used for this purpose, however, can be associated with various negative outcomes. As such, multimodal analgesia was introduced to reduce postoperative opioid use. Regional nerve blocks constitute one modality of multimodal analgesia, with femoral nerve blocks (FNBs) and adductor canal blocks (ACBs) being standard. This review sought to evaluate the utility and adverse effects of FNBs and ACBs relative to controls, alternative regional anesthesia options, and each other in pediatric or adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods:
Three databases were searched on January 31, 2024. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The definition of pediatric was considered to be a mean age of 18 years or younger. Data on demographics, operative and anesthetic details, strength and functional outcomes, postoperative opioid consumption, revision rates and return to sport (RTS) rates, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were extracted.

Results:
Eleven studies (1 level I, 10 level III) comprising 5453 patients were included in this review (54.1% female), with a mean age of 16.3 (range of means: 15.0 to 16.9) years. Two studies compared FNB with and without a sciatic-nerve block (SNB), finding lower opioid consumption (P=0.007) and VAS scores (P<0.0001) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in the FNB + SNB group. Three studies compared FNB or ACB with controls, with no studies reporting a benefit in rates of RTS, isokinetic quadriceps or hamstrings strength, or functional test performance. There were minimal differences when comparing continuous and single nerve blocks and FNB with ACB.

Conclusion:
There is inconclusive evidence investigating the role of FNB and ACB in pediatric or adolescent ACLR. The addition of a SNB to FNB may result in improvements in opioid consumption and VAS scores in the early postoperative period. There was minimal evidence in support of continuous blocks over single-shot blocks. Future studies should compare the use of ACB, FNB, and no blocks for pediatric or adolescent ACLR, with primary endpoints of acute pain control, postoperative opioid use, and the presence of longer-term motor deficits.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.