cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alpha-2 Agonists for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Monotherapy and Add-On Trials to Stimulant Therapy

Objective To meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of α-2 agonists in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO until May 2013 for randomized trials comparing α-2 agonists with placebo in ADHD youth. Primary outcome was reduction in overall ADHD symptoms. Secondary outcomes included hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattentiveness, oppositional defiant disorder symptoms (ODD symptoms), all-cause discontinuation, specific-cause discontinuation, and adverse effects. Standardized mean differences (SMD), relative risk (RR), and number-needed-to-treat/number-needed-to-harm (NNT/NNH) were calculated. Data were analyzed separately in monotherapy and as add-on to psychostimulants. Results Altogether, 12 studies (N = 2,276) were included. Across 9 studies (n = 1,550), α-2 agonist monotherapy significantly reduced overall ADHD symptoms (SMD = −0.59, p p p p = .0004). Similarly, α-2 agonist add-on treatment (3 studies, n = 726) significantly reduced overall ADHD symptoms (SMD = −0.36, p p p p = .03–0.04). As monotherapy, α-2 agonists had lower all-cause (RR = 0.70, p = .01, NNT = 10) and inefficacy-related (RR = 0.39, p Conclusions α-2 Agonist monotherapy and, possibly to a lesser extent, co-treatment, are significantly superior to placebo for overall, hyperactivity, and inattentive ADHD symptoms. Efficacy advantages need to be balanced against fatigue, somnolence/sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, and possibly QTc prolongation.
Electronic Structure of Boron and Boron-Rich Borides

I have calculated the electronic structure of cubic B 12 and B 12 P 2 using the linear augmented plane wave method. These calculations are selfconsistent and include calculation of the total energy. Within the strict muffin tin approximation (spheres centered only on atomic positionsconstant potential otherwise) these systems are unbound with respect to the atomic constituents. Using interstitial spheres, up to 77% of the unit cell can easily be filled to yield much more reasonable total energies. Although the improvement in the total energy is significant upon including the interstitial spheres, the band structure and densities of states are not significantly changed. Similarly, the real atomic charge distributions (B, P) are little changed, while the interstitial distribution does change to reflect the additional freedom provided by the interstitial spheres. Results including the rhombohedral and icosohedral distortions in both systems are discussed. Gaps are found to open up in the alpha rhombohedral boron and in the B12 P2 systems as are observed experimentally.
Remarkable Stereospecific Conjugate Additions to the Hsp90 Inhibitor Celastrol

Celastrol, an important natural product and Hsp90 inhibitor with a wide range of biological and medical activities and broad use as a biological probe, acts by an as yet undetermined mode of action. It is known to undergo Michael additions with biological sulfur nucleophiles. Here it is demonstrated that nucleophiles add to the pharmacophore of celastrol in a remarkable stereospecific manner. Extensive characterization of the addition products has been obtained using NMR spectrometry, nuclear Overhauser effects, and density functional theory to determine facial selectivity and gain insight into the orbital interactions of the reactive centers. This stereospecificity of celastrol may be important to its protein target selectivity.
Wetting characteristics of sodium on β″-alumina and on nasicon

The sessile drop technique was used to determine the wetting characteristics of liquid sodium on β″-alumina and nasicon (Na3Zr2Si2PO12). The effects of moisture and temperature were studied using the wetting experiments. A range of contact angles (from 0 to 160°) were observed. The samples exposed to moisture exhibited poor wetting. The fact that good wetting is a prerequisite for improved cell performance was demonstrated via Na ¦β″-alumina¦ Na cell tests. Cells baked out in a vacuum passed in excess of 1100 Ah cm−2 at 4 A cm−2 current density without any degradation. Unbaked cells under similar conditions failed under 200 Ah cm−2.
Motor Schema — Based Mobile Robot Navigation

Motor schemas serve as the basic unit of behavior specifica tion for the navigation of a mobile robot. They are multiple concurrent processes that operate in conjunction with asso ciated perceptual...
Retrospective outcome analyses for headaches in a pain rehabilitation interdisciplinary program.

Background Incapacitating chronic migraine and other severe headaches can have significant impact on peoples' lives, including family and occupational functioning. Although a number of reports have investigated the prevalence and medical treatment of chronic headache, few have reported on the efficacy of treating these disorders within a comprehensive, intensive chronic pain rehabilitation program (CPRP), instead of a headache-specific program. CPRPs provide treatment of headache by focusing not only on physical pain, but also its association with impaired mood and function. Methods We examined the efficacy of CPRP in patients with chronic headache via a retrospective analysis of 123 patients (76.4% female), ages 21 to 85, who completed the CPRP at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2007 and December 2011, and were diagnosed using International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition and International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition revision, with migraine or headache as a major complaint. Outcome measures included: pain intensity scores present at the moment of questioning where 10 is the maximal (0-10/10), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) scores, (measuring mood), and Pain Disability Index scores (measuring function). Repeated measures t-tests were used. Results Average pain score on admission was 6.4, and 3.4 upon discharge. Average function on admission was moderately impaired, and normalized on discharge. The average depression score was in the moderate range, and had normalized on discharge. The average anxiety score on admission was in the severe range and was in the mild range on discharge. Conclusions Results indicate that individuals had statistically and clinically meaningful improvement in pain, mood, and function. Data suggest that an interdisciplinary CPRP approach for patients diagnosed with headache can be effective in helping to decrease pain, as well as normalize mood and function. Thus, CPRPs serve as an alternative treatment to multidisciplinary headache programs, interventional pain techniques, and primary care standard headache care.
Step model of solution-precipitation creep

Polycrystals which have intergranular thin liquid film deform by solution-precipitation creep. The strain rate is expressed by the velocity of surface step and its density. The velocity of step is proportional to the solubility and stress. It is controlled by resistance at kink, diffusion in the adsorption layer, and diffusion in the liquid film. The density of step is, (a) constant; (b) proportional to stress; or (c) increased by two dimensional nucleation. The constitutive equations were derived for diffusion-controlled and interface-reaction controlled creep. The step model was applied to creep and superplasticity of fine-grained ceramics with intergranular liquid film, and found to successfully explain the experimental results.
The amino terminal sequence of calf thymus histone III

Abstract The amino terminal 26 residues of the arginine-rich histone III are Ala-Arg-Thr-Lys-Gln-Thr-Ala-Arg-Lys-Ser-Thr-Gly-Gly-Lys-Ala-Pro-Arg-Lys-Glu-Leu-Ala-Thr-Lys-Ala-Ala-Arg. Two short sequences in this structure are homologous with sequences found in the AL and GAR histones.
alpha-Cardiac actin is the major sarcomeric isoform expressed in embryonic avian skeletal muscle

A primer extension assay that is diagnostic for the messenger RNA's (mRNA's) transcribed from the beta-cytoplasmic, alpha-cardiac, and alpha-skeletal actin genes of the chicken was used to measure the mRNA levels for these actin isoforms. Measurements were made in chicken breast muscle during myogenesis in vivo and in vitro. alpha-Cardiac actin mRNA accounts for more than 90 percent of the sarcomeric actin transcripts expressed in avian embryonic breast muscle. Five weeks after hatching, alpha-skeletal actin mRNA is the only detectable sarcomeric actin transcript.
Proton-Proton Scattering at 10 Mev

Differential cross sections have been measured for scattering of 9.69-Mev protons by hydrogen gas, covering the laboratory angular range from 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The angular resolution is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\textonehalf{}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} at small angles, and estimated absolute probable errors \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7% except at the smallest angles. The interference minimum of 51.4 millibarns occurs at 34\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} c.m. and the 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} cross section is 54.6 mb. The data can be fit with the following set of phase shifts: $^{1}S_{0}=54\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $^{3}P_{0}=+2.83\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $^{3}P_{1}=\ensuremath{-}5.07\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $^{3}P_{2}=+2.22\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, $^{1}D_{2}=+0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$.
Organ-specific behavior exhibited by rat intestine and liver alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract Some 130 compounds have been evaluated for their effect on the behavior of rat alkaline phosphatase present in liver, intestine, bone, lung, kidney and blood serum in the presence and in the absence of Mg 2+ . Intestinal alkaline phosphatase could be inhibited in a specific manner by substances such as dl -phenylalanine, dl -leucine and glutathione and was not inhibited specifically by substances such as Zn 2+ , taurocholate, hyocholate which, however, inhibited the enzyme of the other tissues. Inhibitors which specifically spared liver alkaline phosphatase were CN − , thioglycolate, S -carbamyl cysteine and l -cysteine ethyl ester. Organ specificity was noted in the hydrolysis of orthophosphoric acid monoesters. Thus, phosphoethanolamine and menthol phosphate were preferentially hydrolyzed by liver alkaline phosphatase and o -carboxyphenylphosphate by intestinal alkaline phosphatase. By employing a combination of organ-specific reagents and “preferential” substrates, it was possible to obtain satisfactory recovery of intestine and liver alkaline phosphatase from mixtures of alkaline phosphatase prepared from 9 different organ sources. The behavior of normal rat serum alkaline phosphatase in all these experiments was indistinguishable from the intestinal enzyme which supports earlier views of the intestinal origin of the serum alkaline phosphatase.
CO-EXISTENCE OF DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS (dRTA) AND NEPHROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS (NDI) IN TWO PATIENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PATHOGENESIS OF DISTAL RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS

dRTA was documented in 2 females (Case 1 - 14 yrs, Case 2 - 8 mo). The diagnosis of dRTA was based upon a urine pH of 6.9 for each case during an acute metabolic acidosis (blood pH 7.01 and 7.14), a normal HCO3 threshold (fractional HCO3 excretion 4.7 and 3.4%) and a low urine minus blood PCO2 gradient in alkaline urine (U-B PCO2 2 and 3). The diagnosis of NDI was suspected because of polyuria, persistent hypotonic urine and confirmed when investigated in detail. Maximum spontaneous urine osmolality (U Osm) for Case 1 and 2 were 139 and 93 mOsm/kg and increased slightly after infusion of antidiuretic hormone to 180 and 122 mOsm/kg respectively. 2 controls given a similar infusion achieved U Osm's >800 mOsm/kg. Thus our cases have a distal nephron which is impermeable to water and also dRTA with a low U-B PCO2. The low U-B PCO2 can be due to an increased permeability of the distal nephron to H+ in acid urine and H2CO3 in alkaline urine. However our cases had a distal nephron with reduced permeability to H2O and dRTA. Therefore unless there is a selective increased permeability to H2CO3 and H+ but decreased permeability to water, the low U-B PCO2 observed in these cases is more compatible with a failure of H+ secretion in the distal nephron. Animal studies supporting this will be presented.
Rainbow effect in ion channeling

The problem of ion channeling in very thin crystals is considered with use of a method of classical ion-molecule scattering theory complemented with the Monte Carlo method. Special attention is devoted to the rainbow effect. It is shown that this effect is a consequence of the fact that contributions of the atomic strings of the crystal to the probability of ion transmission interfere. In the calculations the projectiles were 7-MeV ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ions, and they were being transmitted through the 〈110〉 channel of a apeq21500-A\r{}-thick Si crystal; the case in which the incident energy is 10 MeV and crystal thickness apeq21000 A\r{} is also analyzed. The effect of thermal vibrations of the atoms of the crystal and the effect of collisions of the ion with the electrons of the crystal are taken into account.
Human tumor cloning assays: Applications in clinical oncology and new antineoplastic agent development

The human tumor cloning assay (HTCA) has been available for preclinical and clinical applications for the last 11 years. This article examines the usefulness of that assay both in the practice of clinical oncology and in the development of new antineoplastic agents. In the area of prediction of response of an individual patient's tumor to a particular antineoplastic agent, in a total of 2274 correlations in a variety of clinical trials, the assay has shown a remarkably good ability to predict whether a patient's tumor would respond to a particular agent (percent true positives 69%; percent true negatives 91%). However, despite this ability to predict these responses, the assay has not yet been accepted for general clinical use, because there have not been rigorous trials to prove the assay will improve patient survival. These rigorous clinical trials are now underway. In the area of drug development, the HTCA has been used to screen for new antineoplastic agents as well as to pinpoint tumor types against which the new agent will be active in phase II clinical trials. As will be seen in this review, the HTCA has been most successful in this area.
Campaign Contributions and Legislative Outcomes

URING the last ten years there has been a growing public controversy over whether special interest groups use campaign contributions to influence Congress. Some public interest advocates assert that we are perilously close to having the best Congress that money can buy. Spokesman for the organizations making contributions counter by saying that their groups are nothing more than collections of citizens exercising their democratic rights. The limited research thus far performed has uncovered little evidence that a statistically significant relationship exists between the special interest money and legislative outcome. In the first section of this paper I trace the escalation in campaign costs, the dramatic increase in political action committees, and the subsequent debate about the implications of these developments. Then I lay out the conceptual framework which differs in two major ways from previous work in the field. First, I have chosen to focus upon the effect of campaign contributions upon behavior at the committees level instead of upon the House of Representatives as a whole. The committees function as gatekeepers by determining which legislative proposals are considered by the entire House. A crucial first step for lobbyists is to win support at the committee level. Much of the money an interest group gives to candidates is targeted at members of the committee considering legislation relevant to the giver. Therefore, if the money has an effect at all, it is most likely to appear in the behavior of members on committees dealing with legislation affecting those interest groups. Second, I have chosen to study three pieces of interrelated legislation which present very diverse surrounding conditions in terms of pitting interest groups against one another, the degree of public involvement, and intra-industry divisions. This systematic approach allows one to formulate hypotheses testing the conditions under which campaign contributions are likely to have an impact and when they are likely to be overshadowed by other factors such as political ideology, constituency, and seniority.
Ultrastructure of the compound eye of the haploid male beetle, Xyleborus ferrugineus.

The compound eye of male (haploid) Xyleborus ferrugineus beetles was examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The eye externally consists of ca. 19 to 33 facets. Each ommatidium is composed of a thickly biconvex lenslet with about 50 electron dense and rare layers, but at the junction area between two lenslets there are only about 35 to 37 layers that can be distinguished. A very short (3.4–4.0 μm) acone type crystalline cone is located directly beneath the lenslet. Each ommatidium is surrounded by pigment cells, and pigment granules also appear throughout the cytoplasm of the retinular cells. Some pigment granules are even present below the basement membrane. There are 8 retinular cells. The rhabdomeres of 2 centrally situated photoreceptor cells fuse into a rhabdom which is enveloped by the rhabdomeres of 6 peripheral retinular cells. The rhabdomeres of the 6 peripheral retinular cells join laterally to form a rhabdomeric ring around the central rhabdom. No tracheation was observed among the retinular cells. Virus-like particles are evident near the nucleus in each Semper cell of the crystalline cone.
Designed to Kill: Novel Menin-MLL Inhibitors Target MLL-Rearranged Leukemia

The interaction between menin and oncogenic mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins is required for leukemic transformation and may represent a therapeutic opportunity. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Borkin and colleagues describe the development of highly potent small-molecule inhibitors of this interaction that reverse the leukemic phenotype and prolong survival in murine models of MLL-rearranged leukemia.
Proinsulin and Insulin Release with a Human Insulinoma and Adjacent Nonadenomatous Pancreas

The availability of surgically obtained samples of an insulin secreting human islet cell adenoma and adjacent nonadenomatous pancreas permitted studies in vitro of biosynthesis and release of proinsulin and insulin moieties. Acid-alcohol extracts of plasma, tumor and normal pancreas were subjected to gel nitration on Sephadex G-50 columns. IRI (immunoreactive insulin and proinsulin) were measured. Proinsulin in tumor represented 40% of the total IRI, in serum 37%, while in normal pancreas, it was only 5%. Studies of unlabelled proinsulin and insulin release revealed that normal human pancreas responded in a manner similar to that reported for normal pancreas of the rat. In the absence of glucose, there was little insulin release. In the presence of glucose, insulin release increased and diazoxide and epinephrine inhibited this glucose effect. No proinsulin release could be found at any time. In contrast, the tumor released proinsulin rapidly even in the absence of glucose, while insulin release was nil. G...
Geochemical Impact of Oxygen Impurity on Siliciclastic and Carbonate Reservoir Rocks for Carbon Storage

Abstract Geochemical effects of gas impurities in the CO2 stream are not fully investigated. Co-injection of reactive impurities (such as O2, CO, H2, NOx, and SOx) may cause detrimental effects on storage reservoirs and seals. In this study, a series of autoclave experiments are conducted to investigate the potential impacts of O2 as an impurity on selected siliciclastic and carbonate reservoir rocks. Eight reaction experiments on three sandstones have been conducted at 200 bar and 70 °C and100 °C: Miocene sandstone (Texas offshore, U.S.A.), lower Tuscaloosa sandstone (Cranfield field, Mississippi, U.S.A.) and Cardium sandstone (Pembina field, Alberta, Canada). Six experiments have been conducted on two carbonate rocks so far (Redwater Leduc limestone, Canada; Cisco limestone, SACROC Unit, Texas, USA). The study shows that rocks lacking reducing minerals show limited geochemical changes with co-injection of a small volume of O2 in supercritical CO2. The presence of O2 does not accelerate the dissolution of carbonate and feldspar minerals, nor does it lead to new reactions. However, the addition of oxygen causes pronounced geochemical impacts when a small amount of the reducing mineral-pyrite is present in rock. As pyrite is oxidized, H+ ions are produced, resulting in pH reduction that increases dissolution of carbonate minerals. When there is a lack of pH buffering carbonate minerals, the effect of further pH drop is manifest as feldspar dissolution accelerates. Aqueous ferrous iron derived from pyrite oxidation is largely converted to iron oxyhydroxides which precipitate on mineral surfaces. The results suggest that addition of small volume fractions of O2 is unlikely to result in significant effects on carbonate rocks. Dissolution of calcite and/or dolomite is the dominant reactions to take place when CO2 is added.
Flight Activity and Sex Attraction of Northern and Southern Masked Chafers in Kentucky Turfgrass

Sympatric populations of southern (Cyclocephala immaculata Olivier) and northern (C. borealis Arrow) (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae) masked chafers were studied in relation to flight activity, mating behavior, and sex attraction. Flight and mating of C. immaculata begins at dusk and terminates about 2 hours later, while peak activity of C. borealis occurs between midnight and 4:00 a.m. Trapping experiments indicated that both C. immaculata and C. borealis females produce a potent volatile sex pheromone which is attractive to males of either species. Previous mating reduced but did not entirely suppress female attractiveness. Female rinses in cyclohexane and ether were effective baits for luring males to traps. Although the 2 species apparently utilize a common airborne sex attractant, they remain temporally reproductively isolated.
Resolvin D3 and Aspirin-Triggered Resolvin D3 Are Potent Immunoresolvents

Resolvins are a family of n-3 lipid mediators initially identified in resolving inflammatory exudates that temper inflammatory responses to promote catabasis. Here, temporal metabololipidomics with self-limited resolving exudates revealed that resolvin (Rv) D3 has a distinct time frame from other lipid mediators, appearing late in the resolution phase. Using synthetic materials prepared by stereocontrolled total organic synthesis and metabololipidomics, we established complete stereochemistry of RvD3 and its aspirin-triggered 17R-epimer (AT-RvD3). Both synthetic resolvins potently regulated neutrophils and mediators, reducing murine peritonitis and dermal inflammation. RvD3 and AT-RvD3 displayed leukocyte-directed actions, e.g., blocking human neutrophil transmigration and enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and efferocytosis. These results position RvD3 uniquely within the inflammation-resolution time frame to vantage and contribute to the beneficial actions of aspirin and essential n-3 fatty acids.
A simple, continuous fluorometric assay for HIV protease

Novel fluorogenic substrates for human immunodeficiency viral protease have been developed based on the principle of fluorescence energy transfer. Starting from a p24/p15 cleavage site-derived hexapeptide substrate. Ac-Thr-Ile-Nle-Nle-Gln-Arg-NH2, incorporation of 2-aminobenzoic acid in place of the acetyl group as the donor and p-NO2-Phe at the P1' position as acceptor gave the intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic substrate. Cleavage of the substrate by HIV protease released the fluorescent N-terminal tripeptide from its close apposition to the quenching nitrobenzyl group, resulting in enhanced fluorescence. An automated assay based on 96-well microtiter plates and a fluorometric plate reader have been developed, which allow high throughput of compounds in the search for HIV protease inhibitors.
The Advantages of Experimental Designs for Evaluating Sex Education Programs

Abstract This paper examines issues related to using experimental designs in evaluations of sex education and abstinence programs for teenagers. In addition to reviewing traditional arguments for using random selection rather than comparison group designs to evaluate social programs, the paper discuses how school-based interventions have adapted different types of random assignment designs. The paper then discusses a variety of evaluation design issues related to risk-reduction programs. For example, it looks critically at the difficulties that can arise in implementing randomized demonstrations. It also examines ethical issues and problems related to program operator behavior and resistance as well as internal and external validity concerns. Evaluators are cautioned about creating an artificial environment that will distort the usefulness and policy relevance of their findings. Potential problems with using random assignment, particularly within schools, to evaluate school-based risk-reduction initiatives are identified. To enhance success, evaluators are urged to resolve complex and sensitive questions during the design process. These questions relate to evaluation objectives, criteria for success, and measurement of these criteria. In interpreting evaluation results, evaluators must also take care to examine how the initiative affects nonparticipants. Finally, the paper looks at the promise—as well as the risk—of using across-school designs, which involve random selection of treatment and control schools rather than students within schools. Although use of these designs has been rare, they have the potential to be extremely useful in evaluating programs to reduce teenagers' high-risk behavior.
Active Turbulence and Scalar Transport near the Forest–Atmosphere Interface

Turbulent velocity, temperature, water vapor concentration, and other scalars were measured at the canopy‐ atmosphere interface of a 13‐14-m-tall uniform pine forest and a 33-m-tall nonuniform hardwood forest. These measurements were used to investigate whether the mixing layer (ML) analogy of Raupach et al. predicts eddy sizes and flow characteristics responsible for much of the turbulent stresses and vertical scalar fluxes. For this purpose, wavelet spectra and cospectra were derived and analyzed. It was found that the ML analogy predicts well vertical velocity variances and integral timescales. However, at low wavenumbers, inactive eddy motion signatures were present in horizontal velocity wavelet spectra, suggesting that ML may not be suitable for scaling horizontal velocity perturbations. Momentum and scalar wavelet cospectra of turbulent stresses and scalar fluxes demonstrated that active eddy motion, which was shown by Raupach et al. to be the main energy contributor to vertical velocity (w) spectral energy (Ew), is also the main scalar flux‐transporting eddy motion. Predictions using ML of the peak Ew frequency are in excellent agreement with measured wavelet cospectral peaks of vertical fluxes ( Kh 5 1.5, where K is wavenumber and h is canopy height). Using Lorentz wavelet thresholding of vertical velocity time series, wavelet coefficients associated with active turbulence were identified. It was demonstrated that detection frequency of organized structures, as predicted from Lorentz wavelet filtering, relate to the arrival frequency ^U&/h and integral timescale, where ^U& is the mean horizontal velocity at height z 5 h. The newly proposed wavelet thresholding approach, which relies on a ‘‘global’’ wavelet threshold formulation for the energy in w, provides simultaneous energy‐covariance-preserving characterization of ‘‘active’’ turbulence at the canopy‐atmosphere interface.
Modeling of Unresolved Measurements for Multitarget Tracking

The tracking of multiple targets requires a model for the situation where the measurements from the two (or more) targets are merged into one due to an inherent resolution threshold. A model for the merged measurement is proposed and the resulting pdf is evaluated numerically. Analytical expressions for the first two moments of a merged measurement are presented. The envisioned application of these results is for the augmentation of the JPDA algorithm to handle in a more realistic manner the situation when measured variables from multiple targets are close to each other.
Adaptive Market Making via Online Learning

We consider the design of strategies for market making in an exchange. A market maker generally seeks to profit from the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset, yet the market maker also takes exposure risk in the event of large price movements. Profit guarantees for market making strategies have typically required certain stochastic assumptions on the price fluctuations of the asset in question; for example, assuming a model in which the price process is mean reverting. We propose a class of "spread-based" market making strategies whose performance can be controlled even under worst-case (adversarial) settings. We prove structural properties of these strategies which allows us to design a master algorithm which obtains low regret relative to the best such strategy in hindsight. We run a set of experiments showing favorable performance on recent real-world stock price data.
Subject recruitment in critical care nursing research: A complex task in a complex environment

Abstract Purpose This article serves to describe subject recruitment issues in a funded study in a the medical respiratory intensive care unit. Background Subject recruitment can be difficult in the critical care environment. Inadequate recruitment can reduce the ability to detect treatment differences. Though causes of recruitment difficulty have been documented in medical trials, little is known concerning recruitment in critical care nursing studies. Methods/results All patients admitted to a medical respiratory intensive care unit (ICU) were reviewed daily for study eligibility. Demographics and reasons for ineligibility and failure to consent were documented. Five hundred ninety-three patients were reviewed; 42 (7.1%) were enrolled; 457 (77.1%) were not eligible and not enrolled and 94 (15.8%) were eligible but not enrolled. Of those reviewed, 52% were male; 57% were black, and 41% were white. Of those eligible, but not enrolled, 40% were because of family unavailability for consent and 27% because of family unwillingness to consent. There were no significant differences in patient age or gender between those who consented and those who did not. However, those who did not consent consisted of a greater proportion of blacks than the population screened. Families’ stated reasons for not consenting were primarily related to the family’s stress level. Conclusions Conducting clinical studies in the critical care environment, enrolling subjects, and obtaining consent may be complicated by the critical nature of the patient’s illness, and researchers must be aware of these issues for study success.
Measurement of the average lifetime of hadrons containing bottom quarks.

This thesis reports a measurement of the average lifetime of hadrons containing bottom quarks. It is based on data taken with the DELCO detector at the PEP e/sup +/e/sup -/ storage ring at a center of mass energy of 29 GeV. The decays of hadrons containing bottom quarks are tagged in hadronic events by the presence of electrons with a large component of momentum transverse to the event axis. Such electrons are identified in the DELCO detector by an atmospheric pressure Cherenkov counter assisted by a lead/scintillator electromagnetic shower counter. The lifetime measured is 1.17 psec, consistent with previous measurements. This measurement, in conjunction with a limit on the non-charm branching ratio in b-decay obtained by other experiments, can be used to constrain the magnitude of the V/sub cb/ element of the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix to the range 0.042 (+0.005 or -0.004 (stat.), +0.004 or -0.002 (sys.)), where the errors reflect the uncertainty on tau/sub b/ only and not the uncertainties in the calculations which relate the b-lifetime and the element of the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix.
Cicero, On Invention 1.51-77: Hypothetical Syllogistic and the Early Peripatetics

Abstract: In On Invention, Cicero discusses both induction and deduction. In regard to the latter, Cicero presents a controversy between those who advocate a five-part analysis of deductive reasoning and those who prefer three parts. The issue is not practical or pedagogical, but conceptual in nature. Cicero himself prefers analysis into five parts, and rather confusingly he presents the argument of the advocates of five parts as if it were his own. The argument is striking in that it makes elaborate use of mixed hypothetical syllogisms in order to argue for five parts. Cicero claims that the five-part analysis has been preferred by all who take their start from Aristotle and Theophrastus. A survey of what Theophrastus is reported to have said concerning the hypothetical syllogism renders Cicero9s claim intelligible. That is not to say that Theophrastus himself advocated a five-part analysis. Most likely the association with him derives from his known interest in hypothetical syllogistic. Later rhetoricians who identified themselves with the Peripatos made the cormection with the founders of the school, thereby gaining authority for a controversial analysis.
Comparison of CT and fluoroscopic guidance for lumbar puncture in an obese population with prior failed unguided attempt

Background and purpose In the past 50 years, fluoroscopic guidance has been used to improve upon lumbar puncture (LP) technique that was unchanged for over a century. Recently, CT has seen increasing use as a guidance modality due to its ability to demonstrate soft tissue contrast and provide millimeter accuracy with needle targeting. This study compared procedure time and radiation dosages for fluoroscopic and CT guided LP. Materials and methods This institutional review board and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant study was a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort referred for image guided LP. For CT, 45 patients aged 49 years (range 20–78, SD 14) with body mass index (BMI) values of 33 kg/m 2 (range 20–50, SD 12) were included. For fluoroscopy, 100 patients aged 47 years (range 18–88, SD 17) with BMI values of 29 kg/m 2 (range 15–56, SD 9) were included. CT procedure time was determined using picture archiving and communication system (PACS) image time stamps. Radiation dose was determined using the CT dose report and effective dose conversion factors. Fluoroscopic procedure time was determined from nursing. Fluoroscopic radiation dose was calculated from dose–area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy times, with effective dosage calculated using simulation software. Results For CT, procedure time average was 14 min (range 5–42, SD 8.5). Average dose–length product was 120 mGy×cm (range 39–211, SD 43) and average effective dose was 1.98 mSv (range 0.2–8.18, SD 4.4). For fluoroscopy, procedure time averaged 12 min (range 12–30, SD 6). Average DAP was 10 Gy×cm 2 (range 0.1–70, SD 11) and effective dose estimate averaged 2.9 mSv (range 0.9–9.4, SD 1.9). There were no unsuccessful taps or complications. Conclusions Both fluoroscopic and CT guidance may be used to perform an LP in an obese population with a short procedure time and low radiation dose.
How accurately can direct motion vision determine depth

The use of direct motion vision for determining the depth of a scene is investigated. To permit direct comparison of analytical and experimental results, only translational motion and planar patches of constant depth are considered. The analysis shows that the accuracy with which depth can be determined increases with the sum of the squares of the temporal derivatives over the patch; this quantity is referred to as the apparent size of the patch. After determining the relationship between relative depth error and apparent size analytically, a number of experiments with camera-generated image sequences were performed. In nearly all of these experiments, the agreement between the analytically determined and measured values of the relative depth error is very good. >
Analysis of static non‐linear response by explicit time integration

In general, a system of linear (or non-linear) algebraic equations is solved on an analogue computer by integrating an appropriately defined system of associated first-order differential eq uations, the steady-state solution of which is the desired solution of algebraic system. This approach usually works very well so long as the associated dynamical system is stable. The idea of using the same approach numerically is also not altogether new. One can, 'analogously", construct a dynamical system associated with a given system of non-linear algebraic equations and solve it numerically by any of a number of explicit time integration schemes. In fact, similar ideas provide the basis for certain 'dynamic relaxation' methods, incremental loading methods and the widely acclaimed methods of invariant imbedding. For example, to solve a system of n non-linear equilibrium equations in n unknowns X and a 'load parameter' p
The effect of avoidance behavior on predicting fish passage rates through water diversion structures

Abstract Conserving fish populations within lotic ecosystems requires an understanding of the mechanisms that impede fish movement through a river. For rivers with diversions, negative fish population effects are ameliorated by barriers whose effectiveness is based on individual fish avoidance responses. Here, we evaluate two alternative avoidance models using new algorithms and videotape analyses. We tested the effects of a directed “danger-minimizing” behavior compared to “random avoidance” on predictions of fish passage rates at water diversion facilities using individual-based models. Validation data were collected using a two-dimensional analysis of fish swimming behavior in a small-scale channel with a louver diversion barrier. While the danger-minimizing model adequately captured the range of swimming behavior, it underestimated swimming exertion and the time exposed to the barrier. The random avoidance model produced significantly higher passage rates compared to the danger-minimizing model, yet it also resulted in a significant rise in oxygen consumption rate. Given departures between predicted and observed swimming behaviors we included an a posteriori evaluation of adding behavioral complexity to the movement rules. These evaluations demonstrated that positive system level predictions of high passage rates can obscure significant differences in individual level energetic costs. Our study emphasizes the value of examining multiple models at the individual level when extrapolating to the population level effects of fish encountering artificial barriers.
The probability of prepayment

Prepayment is a risk of holding a mortgage or derivative security. Incorrect pricing of prepayment risk leads to increased volatility and uncertainty in mortgage security markets. This article prices prepayment risk within an underlying callable bonds model. To price mortgages accurately, a probability of prepayment is required. A mortgage is a callable bond with a package of an option to prepay currently and a sequence of options to prepay up to the date of maturity. This sequence is summarized by a compound option. The probability of prepayment is determined by the prices of the current call and this compound option. These option prices depend on market interest rates and age, and on the contract terms of the originated mortgage.
Power-agility metrics: Measuring dynamic characteristics of energy proportionality

There has been a recent call for energy proportional systems that consume power proportional to its usage. However, these systems are only theoretical. In order to achieve system-level energy proportionality, effective energy management algorithms are needed that can tune each individual component of the system dynamically in response to usage. We define the ability of a system to detect, select and transition to efficient power settings dynamically during the execution of applications as Power-Agility. However, there are no metrics available that can measure how well the device is achieving Power-Agility, guide designers on how to make better system components and management algorithms. We present two metrics, Selection Power Agility and Transition Power Agility that measure the ability of the systems to select the efficient power settings and transition to the selected settings respectively. We study the Power-Agility of various representative algorithms and modeled devices for SPEC2006 benchmarks. Our results show that the Power-Agility of systems across algorithms varies with applications. We also show that both the discrete power settings and the transition latencies of the devices have an impact on system's Power-Agility.
Chapter 6 Indeterminacy and sunspots in macroeconomics

Abstract This chapter gives an overview of the recent literature on indeterminacy and sunspots in macroeconomics. It discusses of some of the conceptual and the technical aspects of this literature, and provides a simple framework for illustrating the mechanisms of various dynamic equilibrium models that give rise to indeterminate equilibria. The role of external effects, monopolistic competition, and increasing returns in generating indeterminacy is explored for one-sector and multi-sector models of real business cycles and of economic growth. Indeterminacy is also studied in monetary models, as well as in models where monetary and fiscal policy are endogenous and determined by feedback rules. Particular attention is paid to the empirical plausibility of these models and their parametrizations in generating indeterminate equilibria. An overview of calibrated macroeconomic models with sunspot equilibria is given, and their successes and shortcomings in matching properties of data are assessed. Finally some issues regarding the selection of equilibria, the observable implications, and difficulties of forecasting that arise in such models are briefly addressed.
Tax Simplification and the Alternative Minimum Tax

Curtailment or even repeal of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), the author believes, is only a matter of time. Due to inflationary bracket creep, the individual AMT in particular has an everwidening reach that Congress is unlikely to find politically tolerable. However, he notes, clear thinking about the AMT requires decoupling simplification issues from those of the substantive policy change that would result from stand-alone curtailment or repeal. A relatively policy-neutral repeal, involving such changes to the regular tax as a reduction in the preferences that the AMT targets, might be preferable to straight repeal. Offsetting changes to the regular tax may be desirable, says Shaviro, even if the AMT is merely scaled back, such as by indexing its exemption amounts and phaseout thresholds. He concludes that the case for such offsets is weaker, however, with regard to the elimination of clear defects in the AMT, such as its providing no adjustment for family size and wholly disallowing miscellaneous itemized deductions.
Models for Integrating Behavioral Medicine on a Family Medicine in-Patient Teaching Service

Training physicians to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients' behavioral health concerns begin in residency. While this training is increasingly more common in outpatient educational settings, there is also a great need to teach physicians to practice behavioral medicine with patients who are hospitalized. However, teaching family medicine resident physicians to understand, value, and practice essential behavioral health knowledge and skills during inpatient rotations can be a challenge for both residents and educators. In this article, we describe three models of inpatient behavioral medicine teaching, each with examples of practical content and teaching methods. We discuss strategies for success and potential barriers to overcome while teaching in the inpatient setting. Helping patients choose to change their health behaviors, which likely contribute in part to the reasons for their hospitalizations in the first place, should begin while patients are still in the hospital. Models of teaching, such as those presented here, can help improve the way we train physicians to address behavioral health needs with hospitalized patients.
Reproduction in Perognathus

It is interesting, yet astounding, that so little definite information is available concerning various phases of reproductive activity in the great majority of mammalian species. Often assumptions have been made on the reproductive activity of a certain genus or species based on information obtained from studying laboratory mammals or taxonomically related individuals. Such assumptions are often useful. But the user must always accept them only as assumptions, being willing to forsake them at the proper time, realizing that they are permitted by our ignorance and not always sustained by our knowledge. Very little has been published, to my knowledge, on the reproductive cycle of the genus Perognathus . The results of this study are presented to assist in rectifying this condition. All the specimens used in this study were collected in the state of Utah; most of them from various stations on the west desert, but some from the highlands of the central and eastern portions of the state. Three species of the genus are represented: Perognathus formosus, P. longimembris , and P. parvus . Although a year-round collection of material would be highly desirable, it was not realized in this study. The dated collections are as follows: April—4 females, 18 males; May—no females, 3 males; June—20 females, 25 males; July—18 females, 7 males; August—10 females, 13 males; September—1 female, 4 males; October—no specimens; November—2 females, no males; December—no females, 1 male. Reproductive tracts of 26 females and 25 males were sectioned and used in this study. It is a …
256 PEDIATRIC HYPERTENSION: TOO COMPLICATED TO RECOGNIZE

Purpose To determine whether pediatric providers recognize elevated blood pressures. The hypothesis is that fewer than 50% of elevated blood pressure values in children are recognized. Methods Children aged 3 to 17 years presenting for well visits at two university-based pediatric clinics, from July 31 to August 15, 2003, were included. Height, weight, and systolic blood pressures (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) were obtained. Height and body mass index (BMI) percentiles were determined. Using current table-based standards, SBP and DBP values were categorized as normal ( Results Of the 287 children, 161 (56.1%) had normal BP; 35 (12.2%) were borderline; and 90 (31.4%) were in the hypertensive range. The mean BMI was significantly higher (79%) for children in the hypertensive than in the normotensive (60%) range (p Conclusions While it is likely that most elevated blood pressures obtained in the pediatric office do not represent hypertension, the diagnosis of hypertension is dependent upon the recognition of abnormal values. Given the current complexity for determining hypertension, it is not surprising that only 11% of elevated BP were recognized in this study. Hypertensive values in normal-weight children were recognized significantly less often than in the children with higher BMI percentiles. Future efforts should be directed towards developing a simpler definition of pediatric hypertension, one that is preferably based on the pathophysiological consequences than on statistical patterns.