cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Endogenous Money Supply: Theory and Evidence

Thus far, the focus of inquiry has been on the effect of price level adjustment on aggregate demand and supply, and on the ability of price and nominal wage adjustment to ensure full employment equilibrium. During the course of this inquiry the financial sector has been restricted to the background, and quantities of financial assets and liabilities have been taken as given. It is now time to turn to an investigation of the financial sector, and examine how the money supply and other financial magnitudes are determined. Later, in Chapter 9, this examination of the financial sector will be joined with our earlier examination of the operation of goods markets to provide a full Post Keynesian model of the determination of the level aggregate economic activity.
Solger: The Metaphysical Knight of the Negative

It probably cannot be over-stressed that most of these writers knew each other’s work well, to the extent, at times, of what Friedrich Schlegel called Symphilosophie. There were important friendships, occasional collaborations, independent and nearly simultaneous insights and discoveries as well as both major and minor antagonisms within a generally accepted and defined overall program. The idea of irony was also taken up further by other philosophical writers of the time, most notably by Solger.
Effects of Temperature on Development and Voltinism of Chaetodactylus krombeini (Acari: Chaetodactylidae): Implications for Climate Change Impacts.

Temperature plays an important role in the growth and development of arthropods, and thus the current trend of climate change will alter their biology and species distribution. We used Chaetodactylus krombeini (Acari: Chaetodactylidae), a cleptoparasitic mite associated with Osmia bees (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), as a model organism to investigate how temperature affects the development and voltinism of C. krombeini in the eastern United States. The effects of temperature on the stage-specific development of C. krombeini were determined at seven constant temperatures (16.1, 20.2, 24.1, 27.5, 30.0, 32.4 and 37.8°C). Parameters for stage-specific development, such as threshold temperatures and thermal constant, were determined by using empirical models. Results of this study showed that C. krombeini eggs developed successfully to adult at all temperatures tested except 37.8°C. The nonlinear and linear empirical models were applied to describe quantitatively the relationship between temperature and development of each C. krombeini stage. The nonlinear Lactin model estimated optimal temperatures as 31.4, 32.9, 32.6 and 32.5°C for egg, larva, nymph, and egg to adult, respectively. In the linear model, the lower threshold temperatures were estimated to be 9.9, 14.7, 13.0 and 12.4°C for egg, larva, nymph, and egg to adult, respectively. The thermal constant for each stage completion were 61.5, 28.1, 64.8 and 171.1 degree days for egg, larva, nymph, and egg to adult, respectively. Under the future climate scenarios, the number of generations (i.e., voltinism) would increase more likely by 1.5 to 2.0 times by the year of 2100 according to simulation. The findings herein firstly provided comprehensive data on thermal development of C. krombeini and implications for the management of C. krombeini populations under global warming were discussed. *Scientific Article No. 3278 of the West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Morgantown, West Virginia
Prerequisites and Preliminaries

As indicated in the Preface, only very modest specific knowledge is required of the prospective reader. Those (salient) facts that will be used in the text without proof I will attempt to state fully below with references. What is really expected of the reader is a level of mathematical maturity comparable to that fostered by books like Stromberg [1980], Rudin [1976] and Landau [1950], but by no means a mastery of the contents of these books. A junior or senior mathematics major at any good college or university nowadays should therefore be adequately equipped.
Trend of Spine Surgeries in the Outpatient Hospital Setting Versus Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Study Design.Retrospective database review.Objective.The aim of the present study was to examine how often spine surgery is being performed in an outpatient hospital setting versus a more “true” ambulatory setting, specifically ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in which admission and discharge are r
Genetic testing decisions of breast cancer patients: Results from the iCanCare study.

1541 Background: Breast cancer pts at high risk for pathologic genetic mutations should consider testing. Even those without elevated risk may have concerns about genetic predisposition. Little is ...
Trends in Antiepileptic Drug Use in Children and Adolescents With Epilepsy.

Abstract Objective We describe the trends in antiepileptic drug (AED) use in children and adolescents with epilepsy in the United States. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study based on Medicaid Analytic eXtract data set from 26 US states. Children and adolescents aged three to 18 years with at least one year continuous Medicaid fee-for-service coverage after the second outpatient or the first inpatient diagnosis of epilepsy in each calendar year during 1999 to 2009 were included in the study; therefore, 11 cohorts were established. A patient was defined as being exposed to a specific AED if he or she had at least one-day supply of the AED during the 1-year follow-up period. The annual prevalence of AEDs was reported, stratified by gender and age. The trends in AED use were evaluated through linear regression. Results The sample sizes of the 11 cohorts ranged between 17,304 and 22,672. The annual prevalence of valproic acid use declined from 42.4% in 1999 to 26.5% in 2009, and the prevalence of carbamazepine use declined from 37.1% to 10.2%. Meanwhile, the prevalence of levetiracetam use increased from 5.1% to about 32.0% in 2009, and the prevalence of oxcarbazepine use increased from 1.3% to 19.1%. Since 2008, levetiracetam (29.6%) has replaced valproic acid (27.8%) as the most commonly used AED in children and adolescents with epilepsy. The prevalence of diazepam use increased from 11.6% to 28.1%. Significance Compared with first- and second-generation antiepileptic drugs, third-generation AEDs have fewer adverse side effects, resulting in increased patient treatment adherence. Equally important is the economic impact of these newer AEDs. This first-of-its-kind study underscores the need for large database studies that objectively assess the cost-effectiveness of third-generation AEDs versus first- and second-generation AEDs in the treatment of childhood epilepsy.
Effect of Neutron Irradiation on the Critical Current of Nb3Sn at High Magnetic Fields

The changes in the critical current I/sub c/ of multifilament Nb/sub 3/Sn following several fission-reactor-neutron irradiations at approximately 60/sup 0/C have been investigated as a function of applied transverse magnetic field up to 160 kG. Increases in I/sub c/ below 10/sup 18/ n/cm/sup 2/ (E greater than 1 MeV) show a strong field dependence, relative changes being larger as the field increases. These increases are attributed to increases in H/sub c2/ brought about by irradiation-induced increases in the normal-state resistivity of the superconductor. For doses greater than 10/sup 18/ n/cm/sup 2/, sharp decreases in I/sub c/ are observed, but the behavior of I/sub c/ is qualitatively identical for all fields from 40 to 160 kG. Therefore, data obtained at the more easily attainable lower magnetic fields are directly applicable to the high-field regions in this high-fluence regime. However, for fluences below approximately 10/sup 18/ n/cm/sup 2/, magnetic-field-dependent measurements are required to determine the response of the superconductor to the neutron irradiation.
Evaluation of rapid phenotypic identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in a pediatric oncology center

Identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) remain rate limiting steps in producing actionable data for clinical care of bloodstream infections. Rapid, automated phenotypic ID and AST by fluorescent in situ hybridization and automated microscopy were used to characterize blood stream infections in a predominantly pediatric oncology patient population. Results were compared to standard of care (SOC) phenotypic methods. The Accelerate Pheno System (AXDX) had a sensitivity of 91.2% and an accuracy of 100% to the genus level for identification, and an overall categorical agreement 91.2-91.8% for susceptibility, depending on the breakpoints used. The AXDX required a mean time of 1.4hours for identification and 6.6hours for susceptibility testing compared to SOC, requiring 32.5 and 46.7hours, respectively. Identification and susceptibility by rapid phenotypic methods shows a high degree of accuracy; the marked reduction in time to results may have significant implications for patient care.
Preoperatively Screened Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated With Worse Postoperative Outcomes Than Previously Diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects up to 26% of US adults, is often undiagnosed, and increases perioperative morbidity. We hypothesized that patients screened on the day of surgery as moderate/high risk for OSA (S-OSA) present similar perioperative respiratory complications, hospital u
Investigating Patient Attitudes Towards the use of Social Media Data to Augment Depression Diagnosis and Treatment: a Qualitative Study

In this paper, we use qualitative research methods to investigate the attitudes of social media users towards the (opt-in) integration of social media data with routine mental health care and diagnosis. Our investigation was based on secondary analysis of a series of five focus groups with Twitter users, including three groups consisting of participants with a self-reported history of depression, and two groups consisting of participants without a self reported history of depression. Our results indicate that, overall, research participants were enthusiastic about the possibility of using social media (in conjunction with automated Natural Language Processing algorithms) for mood tracking under the supervision of a mental health practitioner. However, for at least some participants, there was skepticism related to how well social media represents the mental health of users, and hence its usefulness in the clinical context.
"Governance and Firm-Specific Human Capital: Human Assets, Competitive Advantage, and HR Dilemmas"

Drawing on human capital theory, strategy scholars often emphasize the importance of firm-specific human capital as a source of competitive advantage (Hatch and Dyer, 2004; Mayer, Somaya, and Willi...
Lateral profiling of HCI induced damage in ultra-scaled FinFET devices with I d -V d characteristics

In this work, we present an experimental method to obtain the location of the pinch-off point in a MOSFET biased in saturation. The proposed methodology, applicable to nanoscale devices, enables lateral profiling of hot-carrier-induced defects directly from measured data without the need of extensive computer simulation or complicated analytical modeling.
t-GRASP, a targeted GRASP for assessing neuronal connectivity.

Abstract Background Understanding how behaviors are generated by neural circuits requires knowledge of the synaptic connections between the composite neurons. Methods for mapping synaptic connections, such as electron microscopy and paired recordings, are labor intensive and alternative methods are thus desirable. New method Development of a targeted GFP Reconstitution Across Synaptic Partners(GRASP) method, t-GRASP, for assessing neural connectivity is described. Results Numerous different pre-synaptic and post-synaptic/dendritic proteins were tested for enhancing the specificity of GRASP signal to synaptic regions. Pairing of both targeted pre- and post-t-GRASP constructs resulted in strong preferential GRASP signal in synaptic regions in Drosophila larval sensory neurons, larval neuromuscular junctions, and adult photoreceptor neurons with minimal false-positive signal. Comparison with existing methods Activity-independent t-GRASP exhibits an enhancement of GRASP signal specificity for synaptic contact sites as compared to existing Drosophila GRASP methods. Fly strains were developed for expression of both pre- and post-t-GRASP with each of the three Drosophila binary transcription systems, thus enabling GRASP assays to be performed between any two driver pairs of any transcription system in either direction, an option not available for existing Drosophila GRASP methods. Conclusions t-GRASP is a novel targeted GRASP method for assessing synaptic connectivity between Drosophila neurons. Its flexibility of use with all three Drosophila binary transcription systems significantly expands the potential use of GRASP in Drosophila.
On Profit Differentials Between Persistent and Occasional Innovators: New Evidences from a Random-Coefficient Treatment Model

The paper studies the medium-term effect of being a persistent (occasional) innovator on firm economic return within a “counterfactual” setting using a random-coefficient model. This approach allows us to assess not only the point effect of a persistent/occasional innovation strategy on profitability, as in standard regression settings, but the “entire distribution” of it. We exploit a 9 years (1998–2006) longitudinal dataset of Italian manufacturing firms obtained by a merging of the last three waves of the Capitalia/Unicredit survey (eighth, ninth and tenth survey).
Using Google Street View for Street-Level Urban Form Analysis, a Case Study in Cambridge, Massachusetts

City streets are a focal point of human activities in urban areas. As an important element of urban form, streets are also a major interface of the social interaction between urban dwellers and urban built environment. Quantifying the urban built environment is thus important for us to understand the potential impact of the urban built environment on urban dwellers. The publicly accessible Google Street View (GSV), which captures the streetscape appearances of cities around the world, provides a very good tool for urban studies at a fine level. In this study, we illustrated using GSV for describing and mapping urban form at street-level in terms of the enclosure of street canyons in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We further mapped and analyzed the influence of street enclosure on solar radiation reaching the street canyons by estimating the sunlight duration in street canyons. Some other potential applications of GSV data were also introduced in this paper. The results of this study would shed new light on future urban studies using the publicly accessible and globally available GSV data. Other researchers may find the method illustrated in this study is directly deployable for different studies related to urban form analysis.
P158 A review of attendance at a weekly peer-to-peer support group for expressing mothers in a paediatric hospital setting

Background A quality improvement project (QIP) was undertaken in 2016 with the goal of achieving 100% of eligible infants Objectives Establish if the introduction of a ‘referral card’ for the weekly PPS group would improve attendance. Methods A retrospective audit of attendance records at a paediatric hospital based PPS group between October 2016 and October 2018. Attendance was compared pre- and post- the introduction of a referral card to the PPS group. Descriptive statistics were undertaken. Results One hundred meetings occurred during the audit time period with a total of 111 mother contacts. A mean of 1 mother (range 0–4) attended a meeting prior to the introduction of the referral card. Attendance increased to a mean of 2 mothers (range 0–6) after this time (P=0.0009). Future plans We believe that the establishment of a weekly PPS group, in addition to other measures implemented, has played a role in supporting mothers to continue to express for the duration of their infant’s hospital stay. The introduction of the referral card has led to improved attendance at the PPS group. As part of the next PDSA cycle, we hope to survey the mothers who have attended the group so as to collect qualitative data on their experience and gain valuable information on how best we can continue to support these women.
Sex differences in the association between exposure to indoor particulate matter and cognitive control among children (age 6–14 years) living near coal-fired power plants

Abstract Coal fly ash consists of inhalable particulate matter with varying concentrations of neurotoxic metals. Children living near coal-fired power plants with coal fly ash storage facilities may be exposed to coal fly ash when it escapes as fugitive dust emissions into surrounding communities. Previous research on outdoor particulate matter air pollution of similar aerodynamic diameter (PM10) suggests exposure may be associated with impaired cognitive control. The purpose of this research was to investigate sex-differences in the association between exposure to indoor PM10 and cognitive control among children (n = 221), ages 6–14 years, living near coal-fired power plants with fly ash storage facilities. In an ongoing community-based study, we measured indoor PM10 concentrations in participants' housing units and used performance measures from the BARS (Behavior Assessment and Research System) Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Selective Attention Test (SAT) to assess neurotoxic effects on cognitive control. In adjusted negative binomial regression models, we found children living in housing units with higher indoor PM10 concentrations had a higher risk of commission errors on the CPT (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.22 per interquartile range difference (IQR = 0.72 μg/m3) in natural log-transformed PM10 concentrations; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.46) and SAT (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.28). Furthermore, child sex modified the association between PM10 concentration and CPT commission errors. Among females, higher PM10 concentration was associated with higher risk of CPT commission errors (IRR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.82), but we found no association among males (IRR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.79, 1.30). We found no association between PM10 concentrations and CPT or SAT response latency. Our results suggest females living near coal-fired plants with coal fly ash storage facilities may be more susceptible to impaired cognitive control associated with particulate matter exposure. Children living near coal-fired power plants with coal fly ash storage facilities who are exposed to particulate matter may have an increased risk of impulse control problems.
Laser-assisted embedding of all-glass optical fiber sensors into bulk ceramics for high-temperature applications.

Abstract We develop a laser-assisted sensor embedding process to embed all-glass optical fiber sensors into bulk ceramics for high-temperature applications. A specially designed two-step microchannel was fabricated on an Al2O3 substrate for sensor embedment using a picosecond (ps) laser. An optical fiber Intrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (IFPI) sensor was embedded at the bottom of the microchannel and covered by Al2O3 slurry which was subsequently sintered by a CO2 laser. The sensor spectrum was in-situ monitored during the laser sintering process to ensure the survival of the sensor and optimize the laser sintering parameters. By testing in furnace through high temperature, the embedded optical fiber shows improved stability after CO2 laser sealing, resulting in the linear temperature response of the embedded optical fiber IFPI sensor. To improve the embedded IFPI sensor for thermal strain measurement, a dummy fiber was co-embedded with the sensing fiber to improve the mechanical bonding between the sensing fiber and the ceramic substrate so that the thermal strain of the ceramic substrate can apply on the sensing fiber. The response sensitivity, measurement repeatability and high-temperature long-term stability of the embedded optical fiber IFPI sensor were evaluated in this work.
Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church

Pete Ward begins Introducing Practical Theology by empowering readers with a claim: each of us is an expert of the discipline by being a believer and being part of the Christian community. Ward the...
Presumed Alcohol-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia Storm: A Case Report.

Alcohol abuse is a widely recognized cause of supra-ventricular fibrillation, but in some patients, it is also associated with ventricular arrhythmias and even sudden death. We describe a case of a 36-year-old patient who, with no risk factors for coronary disease and with a structurally normal heart, experienced two episodes of cardiac arrest five years apart, with both events occurring after significant alcohol consumption. It is important to recognize that the prognosis of alcohol-induced arrhythmias is usually good in patients who remain compliant with alcohol cessation and to avoid the misdiagnosis of "idiopathic" ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF).
Interpenetrating lattices with enhanced mechanical functionality

Abstract Metamaterials derive their unusual properties from their architected structure, which generally consists of a repeating unit cell designed to perform a particular function. However, existing metamaterials are, with few exceptions, physically continuous throughout their volume, and thus cannot take advantage of multi-body behavior or contact interactions. Here we introduce the concept of multi-body interpenetrating lattices, where two or more lattices interlace through the same volume without any direct connection to each other. This new design freedom allows us to create architected interpenetrating structures where energy transfer is controlled by surface interactions. As a result, multifunctional or composite-like responses can be achieved even with only a single print material. While the geometry defining interpenetrating lattices has been studied since the days of Euclid, additive manufacturing allows us to turn these mathematical concepts into physical objects with programmable interface-dominated properties. In this first study on interpenetrating lattices, we reveal remarkable mechanical properties including improved toughness, multi-stable/negative stiffness behavior, and electromechanical coupling.
The Role of the Underlying Real Asset Market in REIT IPOs

A leading explanation for IPO cycles is time-varying supply and demand for the underlying assets of the firms that are considering going public. We test this hypothesis using REIT IPOs, taking advantage of the relative transparency of the underlying real asset markets. We document links between REIT IPO activity and both the conditions of the underlying real estate market and the price of REITs. We find no significant relation between the heat of the IPO market and post-IPO operating performance, implying homogeneous firm quality across IPO cycles. Finally, we show that lagged IPO proceeds are related to future increases in investment and in capacity utilization.
Retrospective Comparison of Intramuscular Admixtures of Ketamine and Dexmedetomidine Versus Ketamine and Midazolam for Preoperative Sedation

Precooperative children and patients with intellectual disabilities often require intramuscular (IM) sedation prior to the induction of general anesthesia (GA). Ketamine is an effective preinduction sedative but can produce significant adverse side effects. Dexmedetomidine, a sedative with sympatholytic and analgesic properties, may provide advantages when used in combination with ketamine. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of IM ketamine with dexmedetomidine for preoperative sedation. We conducted a chart review of all patients (n = 105) treated for dental rehabilitation who received either IM ketamine and dexmedetomidine (study group, n = 74) or IM ketamine and midazolam (control group, n = 31) prior to induction of GA. No significant difference (p = .14) was observed in the time interval from IM administration to operating room entry (median [interquartile range]) between the study and control groups (5 [4-8] vs 5 [2-7] minutes). Patients who received IM dexmedetomidine exhibited significantly lower mean arterial pressures throughout the induction (p = .004) and had lower heart rates (p = .01) throughout the intraoperative period compared with patients who did not receive dexmedetomidine. The combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine may provide effective and safe IM sedation prior to the induction of GA.
A cultural lens on Yucatec Maya families' COVID-19 experiences.

Health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic led families around the world to spend more time isolated together, disrupting leisure activities, schooling, social interactions, and family work (UNICEF, 2021). Using the lens of Yucatec Maya families' cultural values and practices, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 Yucatec Maya rural women in Mexico (Mage = 32; and for comparison, 13 middle-class European-American women (Mage = 41)), with children 6-7 years old, to analyze families' experiences during the pandemic. Faced with the same isolation as in the United States, our exploratory analysis revealed Maya families experienced external stresses but at the same time were generally comfortable with their children's everyday activities and their social-emotional well-being, illuminating consequences of the communities' cultural theories about development.
The Potential for Cannibalization of New Products Sales by Remanufactured Products

The potential for cannibalization of new product sales by remanufactured versions of the same product is a central issue in the continuing development of closed-loop supply chains. Practitioners have no fact-based information to guide practice at firms and academics have no studies available to use as the basis for assumptions in models. We address the cannibalization issue by using auctions to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for both new and remanufactured products. The auctions also allow us to better understand the potential impact of offering new and remanufactured products at the same time, which provides us insights into the potential for new product cannibalization. Our results indicate that, for the consumer and commercial products auctioned, there is a clear difference in WTP) for new and remanufactured goods. For the consumer product, there is scant overlap in bidders between the new and remanufactured products, leading us to conclude that the risk of cannibalization in this case is minimal. For the commercial product, there is evidence of overlap in bidding behavior, exposing the potential for cannibalization.
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Project and Studies of Risk and Resilience in Maltreated Children

Objective The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project was initiated to develop, for research purposes, new ways of classifying mental disorders based on dimensions of observable behavior and neurobiological measures. This article reviews the rationale behind the RDoC program, its goals, and central tenets; discusses application of an RDoC framework to research with maltreated children; and highlights some clinical implications of this work. Method Published RDoC papers were reviewed, together with relevant preclinical and clinical studies that guide our work on risk and resilience in maltreated children. Results The ultimate long-term goal of the RDoC initiative is precision medicine in psychiatry. In the interim, the RDoC initiative provides a framework to organize research to help develop the database required to derive a new psychiatric nomenclature that can appropriately match treatments to patients. The primary focus of RDoC is on neural circuitry, with levels of analyses that span from molecules to behavior. There has been some concern that the RDoC framework is reductionist, with an overemphasis on neural circuits and genetics; however, the briefly reviewed, burgeoning literature on neuroplasticity and epigenetics highlights that this concern is unwarranted, as one cannot study neural circuits and genetics without considering experience. Conclusion The study of maltreated children has a number of advantages for the RDoC project, including the following: study of a subset of patients who are often not responsive to standard interventions; examination of a relatively homogenous sample with onset of psychopathology proposed to be associated with stress-related mechanisms; and well-established, relevant animal models to facilitate translational research.
Analysis of enzyme induction in bacteria

The theoretical relations between the induced initiation and accumulation of lac mRNA and its translation are derived, taking the kinetics of repressor–operator dissociation and enzyme maturation into account. These relations are used to evaluate observed data on lac induction and to estimate a number of parameters that characterize the transcription and translation of the β-galactosidase gene in the bacterium Escherichia coli B/r growing at three different rates (0.7–2.1 doublings/h).
Measuring Protein‐Protein Interactions by Equilibrium Sedimentation

This unit describes basic principles and practice of sedimentation equilibrium analytical ultracentrifugation for the study of reversible protein interactions, such as the characterization of self-association, heterogeneous association, and binding stoichiometry, as well as the determination of association constants. Advanced tools such as mass conservation analysis, multiwavelength analysis, and global analysis are introduced and discussed in the context of the experimental design. A detailed protocol guiding the investigator through the experimental steps and the data analysis is available as an internet resource. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 79:18.8.1-8.18.28. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: sedimentation equilibrium; sedimentation velocity; chemical equilibria; reversible interactions; multi-protein complex; analytical ultracentrifugation
Using an unrank framework to solve small instances of NP-hard problems on graphical processing units

Certain problems encountered in electrical engineering incur an exponential time complexity and are therefore impossible to solve exactly for all problem sizes. However, heuristical approaches can sometimes use exact solutions of small instances of a problem to formulate a suboptimal solution to a larger instance of the problem. This paper demonstrates how to use the Unrank algorithm to solve small instances of several NP-hard problems (3-SAT, Maximum Clique and Graph Coloring) on a Graphical Processing Unit.
Modulation of multiple ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior by CRF and CRF1 receptors.

Previous work demonstrated that rats subjected to multiple withdrawals from chronic ethanol exhibit a sensitization of anxiety-like behavior compared to animals withdrawn from treatment with an equal but continuous amount of ethanol. This study sought to examine whether corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) could modulate this ethanol-withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Initially, rats were administered with CRF (1 μg) or vehicle intraventricularly on two occasions 5 days apart while on control diet (CD) followed by exposure to 7% ethanol diet (ED) for 5 days, with social interaction assessed 5 h into withdrawal. Social interaction was significantly reduced in the CRF-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated rats and vehicle- and CRF-treated rats maintained on CD, indicative that CRF given before ethanol exposure was capable of inducing an adaptive change that sensitized withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Next, the CRF1 receptor antagonist CRA1000 (3 mg/kg, systemically), the CRF2 receptor antagonist antisauvagine-30 (20 μg intraventricularly), or vehicle was injected 4 h after the ethanol was removed following the first and second cycles of chronic ethanol exposure and the effect on the multiple-withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior determined after the third withdrawal cycle. The CRF1 receptor antagonist blocked the reduced social interaction behavior, whereas the CRF2 receptor antagonist was without effect. Similar pretreatment with another CRF1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526 (10 mg/kg systemically) during the first and second withdrawals also counteracted anxiety-like behavior. These findings indicate that the CRF system and CRF1 receptors play key roles in the adaptive change responsible for the anxiety-like behavior induced by repeated withdrawals from chronic ethanol.
Specific heat of solid xenon

Measurements of the isobaric specific heat were made between 16 and 161°K. The data show evidence for an anharmonic contribution to the specific heat above 20°K. Analysis of the entropy between 20 and 80°K yields a value for the leading anharmonic contribution to the specific heat, linear inT, which is compared with the results of model calculations using perturbation theory. The problem of correcting the data to the 0°K volume is discussed. Above 80°K, the data cannot be analyzed because of the inadequacy of perturbation theory calculations. The temperature dependence of the Gruneisen parameter is also compared with the results of a model calculation.
Epicuticular wax of Agropyron intermedium

Abstract Wax on leaves of Agropyron intermedium contains hydrocarbons (11%, C27–C33), esters (11%, C32–C60), free alcohols (180%, C26) 25-oxohentriacontane-14,16-dione (17%), 10-oxohentriacontane-14,16-dione (5y%), 25-hydroxyhentriacontane-14,16-dione (12%) and 26-hydroxyhentriacontane-14,16-dione (2%). Wax on spikes contains additional components, C25–C33 cis 9-alkenes (32% of hydrocarbons), and more β-diketones, 25-hydroxy (17%) and 26-hydroxy (3%) hentriacontane-14,16-diones, 10,25-dioxohentriacontane-14,16-dione (1%) and 4-hydroxy-25-oxo-(2%), 25-hydroxy-10-oxo-(1.3%) and 26-hydroxy-10-oxo-(0.7%) hentriacontane-14,16-diones; free alcohols were very minor components (1%, C24–C32).
Characteristics of a propagating Gaussian beam

From diffraction theory, an expression is derived for the radius of a gaussian beam, in an output plane of a single lens, on-axis optical system, as a function of input waist radius, lens focal length, input waist to lens spacing, and lens to output plane spacing. Several special cases are discussed and plots of the important cases are included. The choice of the plots, and their scaling, was made on the basis of providing useful information to those people involved with typical problems in laser scanning systems, such as the location and size of the focused spot. The derivation includes a discussion of truncation effects.
Dentate granule cell modulation in freely moving rats: vigilance state effects.

Abstract Dentate granule cell population responses to paired-pulse stimulation applied to the perforant pathway across a range of interpulse intervals (IPIs) were examined during different vigilance states-quiet waking (QW), slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep-in freely moving rats at 15, 30 and 90 days of age. Using these evoked field potentials, the paired-pulse index (PPI), a measure of the type and degree of modulation of dentate granule cell excitability, was computed and shown to be altered as a function of age. Animals, 15 days old, showed significantly lower levels of early inhibition (20–40 ms IPIs), i.e., greater PPI values, during all three vigilance states when compared to both the 30- and 90-day old animals. Adult, i.e, 90-day old animals, on the other hand, showed significantly greater levels of late inhibition (300–1000 ms IPIs), i.e., lower PPI values, than the younger animals (15- and 30-day old) during QW and SWS. These results indicate that as the dentate field of the hippocampal formation matures there are significant alterations in the modulation of dentate granule cell activity.
Experimental evaluation of auction designs for spectrum allocation under interference constraints

The rapid expansion of wireless technology in consumer markets is revealing inefficiencies regarding radio spectrum allocation. To improve spectrum utilization and increase potential revenues, the creation of a secondary market is essential. Opportunistic trading in a secondary market raises the possibility of interference (i.e. a situation in which a given spectrum band is over utilized thus reducing its quality of service). Thus, an auction mechanism for the redistribution of spectrum rights in a secondary market must satisfactorily address the possibility of interference. This work focused on the experimental evaluation of various auction mechanisms for spectrum allocation, primarily the Truthful Multichannel Auction (TMCA) developed by Barrera, Garcia, and Hong. Designs were evaluated based on revenue generation, allocative efficiency and incentive compatibility (including the possibility of collusion). The simulation software suite, Netlogo, was used in modeling versions of the mechanism. The auction scheme utilizes a conflict graph to model interference between auction bidders in which adjacent nodes cannot be allocated the same channel. This interference graph is used to create supply curves for each participating bidder based on conflicting bids. To test performance the results from human experimental auctions were compared with the optimal simulated results. These results show the validity of the Truthful Multichannel Auction's incentive structure and dictate recommendations for further modifications.
REAL-TIME OBJECT DETECTION, TRACKING, AND 3D POSITIONING IN A MULTIPLE CAMERA SETUP

Abstract. We introduce a real-time object positioning system that naturally combines detection, tracking, and 3D positioning in a multiple camera setup. Depending on the task, the detection, tracking, and positioning steps, when performed independently have limitations due to the loss of temporal and geometric constraints. We conjecture that the detection and tracking steps do not always estimate a correct solution due to incorrect matches, appearance variations or occlusions. In order to offset these problems, we use the geometry between the target object and cameras to refine detection and tracking result and provide persistent and reliable solution to 3D positioning. The geometry is introduced to the detection and tracking steps by simultaneously solving the 3D position of the target object by using a bundle adjustment step. Test results show that the system provides reliable solution at the speed of six to ten frames per second for a four high definition camera setup running on a single computer.
Note: The role of external electric fields in enhancing ion mobility, drift velocity, and drift-diffusion rates in aqueous electrolyte solutions J. Chem. Phys. 134, 114504 (2011)

The effect of external electric fields on enhancing ion mobility, drift velocity, and drift diffusion as a function of solution concentration has been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that the unusual nonlinear behavior observed when the solution concentration matches seawater is also observed when the concentration is reduced to half of that value. These results are of significance in designing processes for desalinating seawater using electro-deionization in which the concentration would decrease during salt removal, and for purification of brackish waters which also have lower salt content.
Single and multiple collision chemiluminescent studies of the SiOCS and GeOCS reaction. A study of the SiS and GeS a 3Σ+—X1Σ+ and SiS b3Π — X1Σ+ intercombination systems and the nature of SiS* collisional quenching

Abstract The chemiluminescent emission from silicon and germanium monosulfide resulting from the reaction of silicon and germanium metal with carbonyl sulfide has been studied under both single and multiple collision conditions. Included in this study is the observation of the SiS and GeS a a 3 Σ + - X 1 Σ + and SiS b 3 Π - X 1 Σ + intercombination band systems. The temperature dependence of the observed single collision spectra is analyzed to deduce the nature of the metal reactant beams and to determine the activation energies for formation of SiS* a 3 Σ + , SiS* b 3 Π and GeS* a 3 Σ + . The significance of the activation energies is discussed. Lower bounds of 143.7 ± 1.6 kcal/mole and 132.2 ± 1.0 kcal/mole are determined for D u o (SiS) and D o o (GeS), respectively. Multiple collision spectral studies are used to initiate the exploration of collisional quenching.
Managing Disability Benefits as Part of Treatment for Persons with Severe Mental Illness and Comorbid Drug/Alcohol Disorders: A Comparative Study of Payee and Non-Payee Participants

The objective of this pilot study is to describe the use of a Social Security representative payee program as a clinical intervention integrated into long-term, dual-disorder treatment of severely mentally ill outpatients with comorbid drug/alcohol disorders. Compared with non-payees, patients selected to be payee participants were more likely to be male, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, have a history of high inpatient utilization, and have higher current ratings of psychiatric symptoms, substance use, and functional disability. Despite these higher severity ratings, which usually predict poor outpatient compliance and higher rate of adverse outcomes, the payee participants attended about twice the number of outpatient service sessions as non-payees and were no more likely to be currently homeless, hospitalized, or incarcerated. The payee intervention is described, and ethical and research issues are discussed.
The predictive validity of the Diet Readiness Test in a clinical population

Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties, including the factorial and predictive validity, of the Diet Readiness Test (DRT) in a clinical population. Method The DRT was administered to 132 women who participated in an obesity and binge eating treatment study. Results The DRT demonstrated adequate internal consistency. The DRT's proposed factor structure was not supported. Neither the DRT subscales nor the derived factors predicted changes in weight, binge eating, or exercise. Discussion The DRT did not demonstrate factorial or predictive validity in this study. Based on the DRT's cutoff criteria, 100% of the sample was considered not ready to begin a weight loss program, suggesting that the DRT may have limited utility with clinical populations.
Fast infrared chemical imaging with a quantum cascade laser.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopic imaging systems are a powerful tool for visualizing molecular microstructure of a sample without the need for dyes or stains. Table-top Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging spectrometers, the current established technology, can record broadband spectral data efficiently but requires scanning the entire spectrum with a low throughput source. The advent of high-intensity, broadly tunable quantum cascade lasers (QCL) has now accelerated IR imaging but results in a fundamentally different type of instrument and approach, namely, discrete frequency IR (DF-IR) spectral imaging. While the higher intensity of the source provides a higher signal per channel, the absence of spectral multiplexing also provides new opportunities and challenges. Here, we couple a rapidly tunable QCL with a high performance microscope equipped with a cooled focal plane array (FPA) detector. Our optical system is conceptualized to provide optimal performance based on recent theory and design rules for h...
A note on the structure of thermal convection in a slightly slanted slot

Abstract We describe experiments conducted with a fluid of high Prandtl number contained in a differentially heated, slightly inclined box of large aspect ratio (width/depth). When the bottom plate is heated and the top plate is cooled convective rolls are superimposed on the basic unicellular Hadley circulation. The structure of this Hadley circulation is calculated in the limit of small inclination angle a, compared with experiment, and shown not to interact with the convective instabilities which occur at a Rayleigh number Ra > 1708/ cos α . These convective instabilities take the form of straight longitudinal rolls oriented upslope, so that the complete interior thermal structure of these disturbances is easily measured. Of particular interest is the measurement of mean density gradient reversals for Ra ≳ 4 Ra crit .
Membrane Remodeling by α-Synuclein and Effects on Amyloid Formation

α-Synuclein (α-Syn), an intrinsically disordered protein, is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Though molecular pathogenic mechanisms are ill-defined, mounting evidence connects its amyloid forming and membrane binding propensities to disease etiology. Contrary to recent data suggesting that membrane remodeling by α-syn involves anionic phospholipids and helical structure, we discovered that the protein deforms vesicles with no net surface charge (phosphatidylcholine, PC) into tubules (average diameter ∼20 nm). No discernible secondary structural changes were detected by circular dichroism spectroscopy upon the addition of vesicles. Notably, membrane remodeling inhibits α-syn amyloid formation affecting both lag and growth phases. Using five single tryptophan variants and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements, we determined that α-syn influences bilayer structure with surprisingly weak interaction and no site specificity (partition constant, Kp ∼ 300 M–1). Vesicle deformation by α-syn unde...
Rare-earth bismuthides with D88 and Hf5Sn3Cu-type structures

Abstract The crystal structures of Nd 5 Bi 3 , Gd 5 Bi 3 , La 5 Bi 3 Cu, Ce 5 Bi 3 Cu, Pr 5 Bi 3 Cu, Nd 5 Bi 3 Cu, Gd 5 Bi 3 Cu and Tb 5 Bi 3 Cu have been determined by X-ray powder diffraction methods. All compounds crystallize in either the normal or the filled D 8 8 structure type. It is shown that the D 8 8 structure of Gd 5 Bi 3 can be built up using as the only construction element a slightly deformed trigonal [BiGd 6 ]prism.
Computation of stationary points of distance functions

This paper presents an algorithm for computation of the stationary points of the squared distance functions between two point sets. One point set consists of a single space point, a rational B-spline curve, or a rational B-spline surface. The problem is reformulated in terms of solution of n polynomial equations with n variables expressed in the tensor product Bernstein basis. The solution method is based on subdivision relying on the convex hull property of the n-dimensional Bernstein basis and minimization techniques. We also cover classification of the stationary points of these distance functions, and include a method for tracing curves of stationary points in case the solution set is not zerodimensional. The distance computation problem is shown to be equivalent to the geometrically intuitive problem of computing collinear normal points. Finally, examples illustrate the applicability of the method