cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting Changes, Asset Substitution, and Debt Contracting

This paper examines whether firms benefit, in debt contracting, from committing to incorporate future GAAP changes (referred to as rolling GAAP) or not to incorporate any future changes (referred to as frozen GAAP). We show that informative future accounting changes do not necessarily improve efficiency of debt contracts. We develop a parsimonious model to examine the interplay between a firm's investment decisions made ex ante and the accounting information revealed ex post the rule change. A firm borrows fund and makes investment decisions (project selection and effort choice) before a regulator may change accounting rules, which enable the creditor to observe an accounting signal about the project state. The firm rationally anticipates such a signal and tailors investment decisions accordingly. For example, if the firm knows that a bad project state is likely to be revealed, it will select a more risky technology and exacerbate asset substitution. In such a case, accounting changes might reduce the overall efficiency of debt contracting by distorting the firm's ex ante investment decisions. If asset substitution is sufficiently severe, accounting changes unambiguously reduce the firm's expected payoff and the efficiency of debt contracting, even though they might reduce information asymmetry between the lender and the borrower. Under such a scenario, a firm would prefer not to incorporate future accounting changes.
Impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry: A supply chain resilience perspective

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant negative impact on people around the globe. In this paper, a mixed-methods approach is used to study the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry and its associated supply chain -- with specific emphasis on the Accommodation and Food Services sector. Using available data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, among other things, comparison is made between its impact and that of the global financial crises in 2008–2009. One finding is that the impact on unemployment levels exceeds those of 2008–2009 and also exceeds those from some comparative industry sectors such as Manufacturing and Hospitals. Furthermore, the developed conceptual framework on resilience provides better understanding on how companies can operate successfully during a pandemic. The results of the study have implications for hospitality managers and for governments that are providing financial aid to businesses affected by a catastrophe or pandemic.
Effects Of Battery Pack Capacity On Fuel Economy Of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

As a promising trend, hybrid electric technology improves the vehicle fuel economy and lowers the vehicle emission significantly, without making drivers to worry about vehicle charging. The onboard battery pack stores the electric energy generated from the generator driven by regenerative braking and engine and provide the stored electric energy to the motor to drive the vehicle. The capacity of the onboard battery pack in a hybrid electric vehicle has large effects on the vehicle's fuel economy, weight, and cost. If the capacity is too small, only limited electric energy from the regenerative braking can be stored, which results in a worse fuel economy. If the capacity is too high, the engine needs to work harder to drive the generator to charge the battery pack, which also results in a worse fuel economy. Also, a battery pack with high capacity makes the vehicle heavier and more expensive. In this paper, the effects of battery pack capacity on the fuel economy of the hybrid electric vehicle are studied. A hybrid electric vehicle model based on the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid is built in GT-SUITE using experimental battery cell data including open-circuit voltage (OCV), 1C-rate charging and discharging voltage, and internal resistance. Five different battery pack capacities (1Ah, 3Ah, 5Ah, 7Ah, and 9Ah) are used in the vehicle model to study their effects on the engine fuel consumption rate and overall gas mileage in different standard driving cycles. Based on this research, battery pack capacity between 5Ah to 7Ah is suitable for a mid-sized hybrid electric sedan during most driving conditions.
Maryland's Fiscal Slide

Maryland’s budget rules were designed with the intent of restraining spending growth. They have instead produced sustained and growing deficits. The rapid growth in Maryland’s budget, as well as the increase in mandated spending are products of the state’s fiscal institutions—the legislative and constitutional rules under which the state budgets. These include the Executive Budget process, the Spending Affordability Commission, and the Debt Affordability Commission. The evolution and interaction of these rules forms the state’s political-fiscal environment. This environment also includes the state’s fiscal relationship to the federal government. The effect of this relationship is seen clearly with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the intent of which is to stabilize state budgets with bailout funds and stimulate economic growth through infrastructure spending. The combined effect of these has been the subsidization of spending path that cannot be sustained absent significant increases in state taxation, or spending reduction and reform. This paper examines each of these institutions and their role in creating the present fiscal crisis.
Contemporary Orchestration: A Practical Guide to Instruments, Ensembles, and Musicians

1. Preliminary Considerations 2. Scores, Parts and Notation 3. Practical Problem Solving (A step-by-step guide through an analysis with a practical scoring solution) 4. The Violin Family 5. The Brass Family 6. The Woodwind Family 7. The Percussion Family 8. Voices 9. Harp 10. Guitar 11. Scoring for Orchestral Tutti 12. Overview of the Wind Ensemble/Concert Band Tutti 13. Scoring for Musical Theater 14. Instrument Substitution 15. Recommended Listening and Analysis 16. Parting Thoughts
Infrared Spectro‐Electrochemistry

The combination of infrared (IR) spectroscopy and electrochemistry in a single measurement has been an area of active research interest since the late 1960s. IR spectroelectrochemical experiments provide insight about interfacial electrochemical phenomena and/or oxidation–reduction reaction mechanisms that cannot be obtained using either technique individually. The power of the measurement is in the complementary nature of the spectroscopic and electrochemical information available when obtained simultaneously. The combination of measurements, however, requires compromise between the IR spectroscopy and the electrochemistry because of their different sampling requirements. The need for compromise illustrates the unique strengths and weaknesses of the combined spectroelectrochemical measurement. Three spectral sampling methods are commonly used: transmission, internal reflection, and specular reflection sampling of the electrochemical experiment. Additional experimental perturbations, such as polarization and electrode potential modulation, are frequently applied to increase the spectral sensitivity toward changes confined to the electrode interfacial region. This article presents the instrumental requirements for, and a theoretical background of, different types of IR spectroelectrochemical measurements.
Measures of Anisotropy and the Universal Properties of Turbulence

Local isotropy, or the statistical isotropy of small scales, is one of the basic assumptions underlying Kolmogorov’s theory of universality of small-scale turbulent motion. The literature is replete with studies purporting to examine its validity and limitations. While, until the mid-seventies or so, local isotropy was accepted as a plausible approximation at high enough Reynolds numbers, various empirical observations that have accumulated since then suggest that local isotropy may not obtain at any Reynolds number. This throws doubt on the existence of universal aspects of turbulence. Part of the problem in refining this loose statement is the absence until now of serious efforts to separate the isotropic component of any statistical object from its anisotropic components. These notes examine in some detail the isotropic and anisotropic contributions to structure functions by considering their SO(3) decomposition. After an initial discussion of the status of local isotropy (Sect. 1) and the theoretical background for the SO(3) decomposition (Sect. 2), we provide an account of the experimental data (Sect. 3) and their analysis (Sects. 4–6). Viewed in terms of the relative importance of the isotropic part to the anisotropic parts of structure functions, the basic conclusion is that the isotropic part dominates the small scales at least up to order 6. This follows from the fact that, at least up to that order, there exists a hierarchy of increasingly larger power-law exponents, corresponding to increasingly higher-order anisotropic sectors of the SO(3) decomposition. The numerical values of the exponents deduced from experiment suggest that the anisotropic parts in each order roll off less sharply than previously thought by dimensional considerations, but they do so nevertheless.
IEEE 802.15.4 Simulation Module in Network Simulator GTNetS

IEEE 802.15.4 is a new standard intended to serve a set of simple but important applications with very low power consumption and relaxed data rate requirements. Among the applications are residential networking, medical sensor networking, and industrial monitoring. We implement the 802.15.4 simulation module in the Georgia Tech Network Simulator (GTNetS). Simulation results are provided and analyzed to verify the implementation.
Optimal Routing in Rectilinear Channels

Programs for integrated circuit layout typically have two phases: placement and routing. The router should produce as efficient a layout as possible, but of course the quality of the routing depends heavily on the quality of the placement. On the other hand, the placement procedure would like to know how good a routing it can expect without actually routing the wires. This paper presents fast algorithms for optimal routing and for accurately estimating the area cost of such routings without actually laying them out.
Hurricane Wilma, utility disruption, and household wellbeing

Abstract Hurricanes with drenching rains and gusty winds bring down power lines and other critical infrastructures, and grind a region’s economy to a halt. Consequently, the disruption of public utility services (e.g., water supply, electricity and telephone) and the suspension of local economic activities (e.g., transportation and local businesses) result in significant losses for households’ wellbeing. On the other hand, hurricane preparation, for example mitigation measures targeted to reduce wind related damages (e.g., shutters, hurricane resistant windows and doors) and alternative resources for dealing with emergency situations (e.g., electric generator and hurricane supplies) could help reduce the post-disaster impacts. Based on data collected through a household survey right after Hurricane Wilma (2005), we have analyzed the survey responses using ordered logistic estimation approach and have found the evidence of effectiveness of household-level hurricane preparations. We have found that interruptions in electricity and water supply are the major drivers behind the reported losses of households’ wellbeing. Results also show evidence of the benefit of hurricane shutters and generators in reducing the adverse impacts of Hurricane Wilma in South Florida. Our findings imply that significant investment in rapid restoration of public utility services following a natural disaster is instrumental in South Florida and beyond.
Structural and physical properties of SrMn 1-x Ru x O 3 perovskites

We combine the results of magnetic and transport measurements with neutron-diffraction data to construct the structural and magnetic phase diagram of the entire family of ${\text{SrMn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Ru}}_{x}{\text{O}}_{3}$ $(0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1)$ perovskites. We have found antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering of the $C$ type for lightly Ru-substituted materials $(0.06\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.5)$ in a similar manner to ${R}_{y}{\text{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}{\text{MnO}}_{3}$ $(R=\text{La},\text{Pr})$ due to the generation of ${\text{Mn}}^{3+}$ in both families of manganite perovskites by either $B$-site substitution of ${\text{Ru}}^{5+}$ for ${\text{Mn}}^{4+}$ or $A$-site substitution of ${R}^{3+}$ for ${\text{Sr}}^{2+}$. This similarity is driven by the same ratio of ${d}^{4}/{d}^{3}$ ions in both classes of materials for equivalent substitution level. In both cases, a tetragonal lattice distortion is observed, which for some compositions $(0.06\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.2)$ is coupled to a $C$-type AF transition and results in a first-order magnetic and resistive transition. Heavily substituted ${\text{SrMn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Ru}}_{x}{\text{O}}_{3}$ materials are ferromagnetic due to dominating exchange interactions between the ${\text{Ru}}^{4+}$ ions. Intermediate substitution $(0.6\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.7)$ leads to a spin-glass behavior instead of a quantum critical point reported previously in single crystals due to enhanced disorder.
The major intrinsic protein (MIP) of the bovine lens fiber membrane : characterization and structure based on cDNA cloning

Abstract Synthetic oligonucleotide probes have been used to identify two overlapping cDNA clones that represent the entire coding region of the mRNA for the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of bovine lens cell membrane. Hybridization studies indicate that bovine MIP is encoded by a single-copy gene. The cDNA hybridizes to the rat genome, but MIP mRNA is not detected in rat liver. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence provides support for the potential role of MIP as a junctional protein. The structure predicted for MIP suggests that it traverses the lipid bilayer six times with both carboxy and amino termini on the cytoplasmic side, and that it has at least one amphiphilic transmembrane segment, as expected if the protein were to participate in the formation of an aqeous channel.
Effect of combined nitroglycerin and dobutamine infusion in left ventricular dysfunction

The immediate therapy of severe left ventricular (LV) failure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) frequently requires simultaneous preload reduction, pump output augmentation, and maintenance of systemic blood pressure. Therefore the effects of intravenous nitroglycerin (NG) and dobutamine (DB) were evaluated in 12 patients with severe LV failure following AMI. Nitroglycerin achieved salutary lowering of abnormally elevated LV filling pressure (23 to 14 mm Hg, p less than 0.001) while DB markedly augmented LV pump function (cardiac index rose from 1.7 to 2.5 L/min/m2, p less than 0.005). Notably, the combined infusion of NG + DB simultaneously decreased preload (LV filling pressure 23 to 14 mm Hg, p less than 0.001) and markedly enhanced LV pump performance (cardiac index increased from 1.7 to 2.4 L/min/m2, p less than 0.001). Minor decline in mean systemic blood pressure with NG (72 to 66 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) was rapidly reversed by DB addition (69 mm Hg, p greater than 0.05). Both agents were well tolerated without clinical or ECG evidence of myocardial ischemia or dysrhythmias. Thus the principally venodilator effects of NG minimize systemic hypotension while salutary augmentation of cardiac function in AMI with LV failure is achieved by NG + DB.
Differential training in multiple probability-learning and decision-making

Differential training in a multiple probability-learning Situation, with two of the three probabilities receiving, respectively, 60-60, 60–180, 180-60, 180-180 training trials, showed nonsymmetric effects of this training when the two differentially trained probabilities were π1 = 1/6 and π3 = 5/6. π2 =.50 received a constant 120 training trials for all four treatments.
Therapeutic Angiogenesis Inhibits or Rescues Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Taxol- and Thalidomide-induced Injury of Vasa Nervorum is Ameliorated by VEGF

Toxic neuropathy represents an important clinical problem in the use of the chemotherapeutic substances Taxol and thalidomide. Sensory neuropathy has a high incidence, lacks an effective treatment and is the dose-limiting factor for these drugs. The pathogenic basis of these neuropathies is unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that the experimental toxic neuropathies from Taxol and thalidomide results from destruction of vasa nervorum and can be reversed by the administration of an angiogenic cytokine. In animal models of Taxol- and thalidomide-induced neuropathy, nerve blood flow has been attenuated and the number of vasa nervorum has been reduced. Intramuscular gene transfer of naked plasmid DNA encoding VEGF-1 administered in parallel with Taxol injections completely inhibited deterioration of nerve function and diminution of the peripheral nerve vasculature. Gene therapy in animals with established Taxol- or thalidomide-induced neuropathies resulted in recovery of vascularity and improved nerve electrophysiology. These findings implicate microvascular damage as the basis for toxic neuropathy and suggest that angiogenic growth factors may constitute a novel treatment for this disorder.
The periodicities in the infrared excess of G29-38 - An oscillating brown dwarf?

The oscillatory behavior of brown dwarfs has been investigated. The observed periodicities in the infrared excess of the white dwarf Giclas 29-38 are consistent with low-degree, intermediate radial order p-mode oscillations of a brown dwarf companion to the white dwarf. These oscillation modes have the correct frequencies, act on observable layers of the atmosphere, and may be excited to sufficient amplitudes to explain the observations.
The dependence of helium generation rate on nickel content of Fe-Cr-Ni alloys irradiated to high dpa levels in EBR-II

Abstract Fusion-relevant helium-effects experiments conducted on austenitic steels in the Materials Open Test Assembly (MOTA) of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) fast reactor had to recognize the contributions of both the high neutron energy (n,α) reactions and that of the 58 Ni(n,γ) 59 Ni(n,α) reaction sequence with low energy neutrons. An experiment conducted in the harder neutron spectra found within the core of Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) has shown that the helium in this reactor was generated almost exclusively from the interaction of high energy neutrons with the natural isotopes of nickel. There was very little contribution from 59 Ni. The helium production was found to scale directly with the nickel content over the range 25–75% Ni. Even at very high neutron exposures, the helium production in such reactors can be predicted within 5% accuracy on the basis of high energy reactions, as demonstrated by an experiment conducted on three Fe–15Cr–Ni ternary alloys irradiated to doses of 75–131 dpa in EBR-II.
Universal variational functionals of electron densities, first-order density matrices, and natural spin-orbitals and solution of the v-representability problem

Abstract Universal variational functionals of densities, first-order density matrices, and natural spin-orbitals are explicitly displayed for variational calculations of ground states of interacting electrons in atoms, molecules, and solids. In all cases, the functionals search for constrained minima. In particular, following Percus [Formula: see text] is identified as the universal functional of Hohenberg and Kohn for the sum of the kinetic and electron—electron repulsion energies of an N-representable trial electron density ρ. Q[ρ] searches all antisymmetric wavefunctions Ψρ which yield the fixed. ρ. Q[ρ] then delivers that expectation value which is a minimum. Similarly, [Formula: see text] is shown to be the universal functional for the electron—electron repulsion energy of an N-representable trial first-order density matrix γ, where the actual external potential may be nonlocal as well as local. These universal functions do not require that a trial function for a variational calculation be associated with a ground state of some external potential. Thus, the v-representability problem, which is especially severe for trial first-order density matrices, has been solved. Universal variational functionals in Hartree—Fock and other restricted wavefunction theories are also presented. Finally, natural spin-orbital functional theory is compared with traditional orbital formulations in density functional theory.
Thymus-dependent recersibility of physiological and isoproterenol evoked age-related parameters in athymic (nude) and old normal mice

Abstract In order to assess the relationship between the thymus and aging processes, a linear age-dependent parameter in mice such as the response of the submandibular gland to an injection with isoproterenol has been evaluated in athymic (nude) and thymectomized Balb/c mice. The IPR-induced DNA synthesis is reduced in both experimental groups when compared to untreated normal littermates and is recovered by grafting a neonatal thymus. Moreover, the impairment of IPR response in old animals is recovered to young levels by grafting one neonatal thymus one month before test. Neonatal thymus grafts in old recipients are also able to correct their abnormal serum levels of triiodothyronine and insulin. The influence of neonatal thymus on such non-immunological and age-related parameters suggests that this gland can control aging processes, probably through its implication with the endocrine system.
Advances in computational stereo

Extraction of three-dimensional structure of a scene from stereo images is a problem that has been studied by the computer vision community for decades. Early work focused on the fundamentals of image correspondence and stereo geometry. Stereo research has matured significantly throughout the years and many advances in computational stereo continue to be made, allowing stereo to be applied to new and more demanding problems. We review recent advances in computational stereo, focusing primarily on three important topics: correspondence methods, methods for occlusion, and real-time implementations. Throughout, we present tables that summarize and draw distinctions among key ideas and approaches. Where available, we provide comparative analyses and we make suggestions for analyses yet to be done.
Spherical Nucleic Acids

A historical perspective of the development of spherical nucleic acid (SNA) conjugates and other three-dimensional nucleic acid nanostructures is provided. This Perspective details the synthetic methods for preparing them, followed by a discussion of their unique properties and theoretical and experimental models for understanding them. Important examples of technological advances made possible by their fundamental properties spanning the fields of chemistry, molecular diagnostics, gene regulation, medicine, and materials science are also presented.
Biomimetic hydrogels for enhanced loading and extended release of ocular therapeutics.

We have applied the principles of biomimesis by incorporating a natural receptor-based rational design strategy in the synthesis of novel recognitive soft contact lenses. We have demonstrated the potential of biomimetic carriers to load significant amounts of ocular medication such as H1-antihistamines, as well as to release a therapeutic dosage of drug in vitro in a controlled fashion for 5 days, with an even further extension in the presence of protein. Gels of multiple complexation points with varying functionalities outperformed gels formed with less diverse functional monomers and showed superior loading with a six-fold difference over control gels and a three-fold difference over less biomimetic gels. Moreover, mechanical and optical properties of these hydrogels agreed with conventional lenses, and increased loading was reflected in a reduced propagation of polymer chains. This approach can be extended to a wider biological spectrum in the design of novel, controlled and modulated delivery devices to alleviate ocular disorders and provide an alternative to topical therapy.
Coparent Support and Conflict in African American Single Mother-Headed Families: Associations With Maternal and Child Psychosocial Functioning

This longitudinal investigation examined main and interactive effects of coparent support and conflict on mother and child adjustment in 248 low-income, African American, single mother-headed families. The findings indicated that coparent conflict was a more robust predictor of mother and child maladjustment both cross-sectionally and longitudinally than was coparent support. Moreover, findings revealed that coparent conflict and support interacted to predict one parenting behavior, monitoring, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Coparent relationships characterized by high levels of support and low levels of conflict were associated with the highest levels of parental monitoring behavior, whereas coparent relationships characterized by low levels of support and high levels of conflict were associated with the lowest levels of monitoring. The findings highlight the importance of examining both positive and negative aspects of coparent relationships in this at-risk, but understudied, group.
Theoretical investigations of mode mixing in vibrationally excited states of CH5

Using diffusion Monte Carlo, five vibrational excited states of CH5+ and CD5+ are evaluated and analyzed. Here, we focus on the fundamentals in the five modes that are generated by requiring that the wave functions change sign at specified values of the five symmetry-adapted linear combinations (SALCs) of the CH or CD bond lengths. Even though the definitions of these modes are based on displacements of the CH or CD bond lengths, the frequencies are found to be low compared to previously calculated CH vibrational frequencies in this molecule. The totally symmetric mode, with A1+ symmetry, has a calculated frequency of 2164 and 1551 cm−1 for CH5+ and CD5+. The frequencies of the four fundamentals that arise from excitation of the four SALCs that transform under G1+ symmetry have frequencies that range from 1039 to 1383 cm−1 and from 628 to 893 cm−1 in CH5+ and CD5+, respectively. The origins of the broken degeneracy are investigated and explained to reflect extensive coupling to the two low-frequency modes...
On the structure of the degrees of relative provability

We investigate the structure of the degrees of provability, which measure the proof-theoretic strength of statements asserting the totality of given computable functions. The degrees of provability can also be seen as an extension of the investigation of relative consistency statements for first-order arithmetic (which can be viewed as Π10 -statements, whereas statements of totality of computable functions are Π20 -statements); and the structure of the degrees of provability can be viewed as the Lindenbaum algebra of true Π20 -statements in first-order arithmetic. Our work continues and greatly expands the second author’s paper on this topic by answering a number of open questions from that paper, comparing three different notions of a jump operator and studying jump inversion as well as the corresponding high/low hierarchies, investigating the structure of true Π10 -statements as a substructure, and connecting the degrees of provability to escape and domination properties of computable functions.
Penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: where do we stand and where are we going?

ABSTRACT Introduction Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a serious quality-of-life issue. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of postprostatectomy ED have stimulated great attention toward penile rehabilitation. Aim This review presents and analyzes a contemporary series of the recent medical literature pertaining to penile rehabilitation therapy after radical prostatectomy (RP). Main Outcome Measures The laboratory and clinical studies related to penile rehabilitation are analyzed. The validity of the methodology and the conclusion of the findings from each study are determined. Methods The published and presented reports dealing with penile rehabilitation following RP in human and cavernous nerve injury in animal models are reviewed. Results Exciting scientific discoveries have improved our understanding of postprostatectomy ED at the molecular level. The rationale for postprostatectomy penile rehabilitation appears to be logical according to animal studies. However, clinical studies have not consistently replicated the beneficial effects found in the laboratory studies. Currently available clinical studies are flawed due to short-term follow-up, small number of patients in the studies, studies with retrospective nature, or prospective studies without control. Rehabilitation programs are also facing a challenge with the compliance, which is critical for success for any rehabilitation program. At the present time, we do not have concrete evidence to recommend what, when, how long, and how often a particular penile rehabilitative therapy can be used effectively. Conclusions Large prospective, multicentered, placebo-controlled trials with adequate follow-up are necessary to determine the cost-effective and therapeutic benefits of particular penile rehabilitative therapy or therapies in patients following the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. Until such evidence is available, it is difficult to recommend any particular penile rehabilitation program as a standard of practice. Wang R. Penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy: Where do we stand and where are we going?
Analysis and design of data transmission protocol for 1024-channel retinal prosthesis

Epiretinal prostheses deliver electrical pulses through a great number of stimulation electrodes to generate visual perception. Since a large amount of stimulation parameters have to be sent into the eye wirelessly, the transmission efficiency and data loss are critical design factors. While the error rate of wireless transmission might not be perfect due to the limited power dissipation allowed in the eyeball, data loss can be reduced by altering the size of data packets. In this paper, the correlation between packet length and data loss are analyzed, and we find that more than 10 times of reduction in data loss can be achieved by shortening the data packets. The costs and benefits of using error-correcting codes (ECC) are also evaluated. A data packet protocol for 1024-channel retinal prosthesis as well as the corresponding receiver circuitry are then designed based on the results of the analyses. The circuit occupies 330μm × 262μm using 0.18μm CMOS technology. With the flexibility provided by the protocol and receiver circuitry, data packet configuration (size and ECC on/off) can be adaptively adjusted to optimize for real-time wireless channel error conditions.
Dual Regulation of miRNA Biogenesis Generates Target Specificity in Neurotrophin-Induced Protein Synthesis

Control of translation is a fundamental source of regulation in gene expression. The induction of protein synthesis by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) critically contributes to enduring modifications of synaptic function, but how BDNF selectively affects only a minority of expressed mRNAs is poorly understood. We report that BDNF rapidly elevates Dicer, increasing mature miRNA levels and inducing RNA processing bodies in neurons. BDNF also rapidly induces Lin28, causing selective loss of Lin28-regulated miRNAs and a corresponding upregulation in translation of their target mRNAs. Binding sites for Lin28-regulated miRNAs are necessary and sufficient to confer BDNF responsiveness to a transcript. Lin28 deficiency, or expression of a Lin28-resistant Let-7 precursor miRNA, inhibits BDNF translation specificity and BDNF-dependent dendrite arborization. Our data establish that specificity in BDNF-regulated translation depends upon a two-part posttranscriptional control of miRNA biogenesis that generally enhances mRNA repression in association with GW182 while selectively derepressing and increasing translation of specific mRNAs.
The effects of niamid and reserpine on the nerve endings of the pineal gland.

Kitten pineal glands were studied cytochemically under normal conditions, after reserpine injection, and after niamid administration. Adrenergic nerve elements were in perivascular spaces while cholinergic terminals were adjacent to pinealocytes, often times in synaptic contact. BA reactions are primarily in dotted vesicles of adrenergic terminals with some reaction in granular vesicles. Positive reaction occurs along neurotubules and membranous structures of adrenergig nerve fibers and terminals indicating membrane-bounded BA's. Niamid increased the number and density of dotted vesicles, and some granular vesicles are increased in density and size. Reserpine produced a loss reaction in dotted vesicles and a loss of vesicle matrix, producing elliptical vesicles. There is loss of reaction of the dotted vesicles, but occasionally, the positive granular reaction remains. Cholinergic terminals demonstrate no changes with either niamid or reserpine. These findings indicate BAs are stored in reserpine sensitive dotted vesicles and membraneous structures. The findings also show that the dotted vesicle matrix is reserpine sensitive and is necessary for storage of the BA's. Possibly biogenic amines cannot be stored or synthesized in terminals unless the matrix of the dotted vesicle is intact.
A New Species of Simulium from the Southwestern United States (Díptera: Simuliidae).

A new species of Simuliidae, Simulium (Simulium) tescorum, is described from the southwestern United States and compared with the related S. jacumbae Dyar & Shannon. The female, male, larva, and pupa are illustrated for both species.
Synthesis and properties of the Co7Se8-xSx and Ni7Se8-xSx solid solutions

We report the synthesis and elementary properties of the Co{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x} (x=0-8) and Ni{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x} (x=0-7) solid solutions. Both systems form a NiAs-type structure with metal vacancies. In general, the lattice parameters decrease with increasing x, but in the Ni{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x} system c increases on going from x=5 to 7. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that all samples exhibit temperature-independent paramagnetism from 25-250K. Samples within the Co{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x} system, as well as Ni{sub 7}Se{sub 8} and Ni{sub 7}SeS{sub 7}, were found to be poor metals with resistivities of {approx}0.20 and {approx}0.06m{omega}cm at 300K, respectively. The Sommerfeld constant ({gamma}) was determined from specific heat measurements to be {approx}13mJ/mol{sub Co}K{sup 2} and {approx}7mJ/mol{sub Ni}K{sup 2} for Co{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x} and Ni{sub 7}Se{sub 8-x}S{sub x}, respectively.
The impact of interpersonal factors on creativity

This paper reviews current theories related to creativity, the techniques that have been used to measure it, and the implications of important, recent research on how creative actions might be affected by the relationship between the individual and the group. From this work, the possible ways in which creative actions may be influenced by organisational settings are examined, and a revised think‐tank model is suggested that is consistent with maximising individuals’ creative contributions.
Discussion on frequency of the HIV-protective CC chemokine receptor 5-Δ32/Δ32 genotype is increased in hepatitis C

Abstract Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor concerning articles that have been published in Gastroenterology. Short, general comments are also considered, but use of the Correspondence section for publication of original data in preliminary form is not encouraged. Letters should be typewritten double-spaced and submitted in triplicate.
trans-Retinoic Acid Blocks Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB-induced Expression of the Murine Monocyte Chemoattractant-1 Gene by Blocking the Assembly of a Promoter Proximal Sp1 Binding Site

Proper regulation of the CC chemokine MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) is important for normal inflammatory responses. MCP-1 is regulated by a wide variety of agents, including platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Using both in vivo and in vitro assays, the elements required for expression between these two cytokines were compared. In vivo genomic footprinting showed that PDGF-BB induction occurred through the occupancy of the proximal regulatory region, and unlike TNF induction, no changes in the NF-kappaB binding, distal regulatory region occurred. Treatment of cells with trans-retinoic acid, an inhibitor of PDGF-BB activity, resulted in a 50% reduction in PDGF-BB-mediated induction and a concomitant block in the assembly of the proximal regulatory region. trans-Retinoic acid had minimal effect on TNF induction or promoter occupancy. An inhibitor of histone deacetylation was found to stimulate expression of MCP-1 in a manner that correlated with increased accessibility to the proximal regulatory region. These results show that the mechanisms of PDGF-BB and TNF activation of MCP-1 are distinct, although they both require the proximal regulatory region Sp1 binding site. The results also suggest that part of the mechanism used by both of these cytokines involves a process that regulates transcription factor access to the regulatory regions.
Transfusions via hand-held syringes and small-gauge needles as risk factors for hyperkalemia.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric emergency RBC transfusions are often infused rapidly through 22-gauge (ga) or smaller needles or catheters using hand-held syringes. Data relating needle size, unit age, and infusion rate are needed to assess the risk of hemolysis and hyperkalemia in this setting. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Multiple simulated transfusions were performed during storage of RBC units. Aliquots from five units were rapidly passed through needles (18, 20, 22-25 ga) using a hand-held syringe. Resulting plasma Hb and K+ concentrations were measured. Free Hb levels were used as a measure of needle-associated hemolysis (NAH). RESULTS: Passage through 18-ga and 20-ga needles caused no hemolysis, but rapid passage through 23-ga, 24-ga, and 25-ga did. RBCs stored less than 7 days showed significant K+ release with 23- to 25-ga needles. The greatest needle-associated K+ release was 10 mEq per L, on Day 5. Due to high K+ concentrations resulting from spontaneous efflux, K+ release from NAH was not detectable after 2 or more weeks of storage. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly transfusing RBCs using hand-held syringes through 23-ga or smaller needles can cause hemolysis. In RBCs stored 2 weeks or more, NAH does not measurably increase K+ concentrations above that present from storage-related efflux. During rapid transfusions, RBC storage time is the primary risk factor for transfusion-associated hyperkalemia.
Mu-seq: sequence-based mapping and identification of transposon induced mutations.

Mutations tagged by transposon insertions can be readily mapped and identified in organisms with sequenced genomes. Collections of such mutants allow a systematic analysis of gene function, and can be sequence-indexed to build invaluable resources. Here we present Mu-seq (Mutant-seq), a high-throughput NextGen sequencing method for harnessing high-copy transposons. We illustrate the efficacy of Mu-seq by applying it to the Robertson’s Mutator system in a large population of maize plants. A single Mu-seq library, for example, constructed from 576 different families (2304 plants), enabled 4, 723 novel, germinal, transposon insertions to be detected, identified, and mapped with single base-pair resolution. In addition to the specificity, efficiency, and reproducibility of Mu-seq, a key feature of this method is its adjustable scale that can accomodate simultaneous profiling of transposons in thousands of individuals. We also describe a Mu-seq bioinformatics framework tailored to high-throughput, genome-wide, and population-wide analysis of transposon insertions.
Comparison of four Salmonella isolation techniques in four different inoculated matrices.

Abstract The poultry industry is now operating under increased regulatory pressure following the introduction of the pathogen reduction and hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) rule in 1996. This new operation scheme has greatly increased the need for on-farm food safety risk management of foodborne bacteria, such as Salmonella. Information needed to make informed food safety risk management decisions must be obtained from accurate risk assessments, which rely on the sensitivity of the isolation techniques used to identify Salmonella in the production environment. Therefore, better characterization of the Salmonella isolation and identification techniques is warranted. One new technique, immunomagnetic separation (IMS), may offer a benefit to the poultry industry, as it has been shown to be efficacious in the isolation of Salmonella from various sample matrices, including some poultry products. In this work, we compared the isolation ability of 4 Salmonella-specific protocols: IMS, tetrathionate (TT) broth, Rappaport-Vassiliadis R10 (RV) broth, and a secondary enrichment (TR) procedure. All 4 methods were compared in 4 different spiked sample matrices: Butterfield’s, poultry litter, broiler crops, and carcass rinses. IMS was able to detect Salmonella at 3.66, 2.09, 3.06, and 3.97 log10 cfu/mL in Butterfield’s, poultry litter, carcass rinse, and broiler crop matrices, respectively. For the broiler litter and Butterfield’s solution, there were no (P > 0.05) differences among the 4 isolation protocols. However, in the carcass rinse and crop samples, there were no differences among the isolation of Salmonella using RV, TR, or TT, but all 3 were (P ≤ 0.05) more successful at recovering Salmonella than the IMS method.
Monodisperse Cu@PtCu nanocrystals and their conversion into hollow-PtCu nanostructures for methanol oxidation

In this study, we report a facile one-pot strategy towards highly monodisperse and hexagonal shaped bimetallic Pt–Cu nanocrystals with a pure Cu-core coated with a PtCu alloy shell (designated as Cu@PtCu nanocrystals). The Cu@PtCu nanocrystals can be deposited on commercial carbon black evenly and the Cu core in the Cu@PtCu nanocrystal can be selectively etched. The resulting hollow-PtCu/C is a high-performance electro-catalyst for methanol oxidation. It has been demonstrated that the hollow-PtCu/C had a methanol oxidation specific activity of 1.77 mA cm−2 and a mass activity of 0.889 A mgPt−1, which are far better than those of solid-PtCu/C and commercial Pt/C catalysts. The hollow-PtCu/C also exhibited better tolerance to poisoning species and is more stable under electro-oxidation conditions. The results reported herein suggest that superior catalysts can be developed by engineering the structure/composition of the nanocrystals.
Recent developments from the Leishmania genome project.

Abstract A first generation cosmid contig map of the Leishmania major Friedlin genome has been constructed, and genomic sequencing is well underway. Chromosome 1 (Chr1) and Chr3 have been completely sequenced, and Chr4 is virtually complete. Sequencing of several other chromosomes is in progress and the complete genome sequence may be available as soon as 2003. More than 600 completely sequenced new genes have been identified, representing ∼8% of the total gene complement (∼8600 genes) of Leishmania. Notably, a large proportion (∼69%) of the genes remain unclassified, with 40% of these being potentially Leishmania- (or kinetoplastid-) specific. Most interestingly, the genes are organized into large (>100–300 kb) polycistronic clusters of adjacent genes on the same DNA strand. Chr1 contains two such clusters organized in a ‘divergent’ manner, whereas Chr3 contains two ‘convergent’ clusters, with a single ‘divergent’ gene at one telomere, with the two large clusters separated by a tRNA gene. Statistical analyses of Chr1 show that the ‘divergent junction’ region between the two polycistronic gene clusters may be a candidate for an origin of DNA replication.
Materialism and diminished well-being: Experiential avoidance as a mediating mechanism

Abstract Being preoccupied with the pursuit of money, wealth, and material possessions arguably fails as a strategy to increase pleasure and meaning in life. However, little is known about the mechanisms that explain the inverse relation between materialism and well–being. The current study tested the hypothesis that experiential avoidance mediates associations between materialistic values and diminished emotional well–being, meaning in life, self–determination, and gratitude. Results indicated that people with stronger materialistic values reported more negative emotions and less relatedness, autonomy, competence, gratitude, and meaning in life. As expected, experiential avoidance fully mediated associations between materialistic values and each dimension of well–being. Emotional disturbances such as social anxiety and depressive symptoms failed to account for these findings after accounting for shared variance with experiential avoidance. The results are discussed in the context of alternative, more ful...
Structural changes in the core regions of the world-economy, 1830–1945

As Britain lost global hegemony in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, first two, then three powers competed for her position. Each power followed a different path toward hegemonic status in the capitalist world-system. Japan adopted the British model of a system based on seaborne trade, in particular in such products ofan extensive tropical and sub-tropical agriculture as cotton and rubber. An intensive and productive rice agriculture avoided the need for much food importation. The Northern States of America, after the Civil War, increasingly detached the cotton-producing, sub-tropical Southern states from the British periphery and attached them to her own but without structurally changing the agrarian labor system of the South. Extensive production was typical, but America still had huge surpluses for agrarian exports after the needs of American industry were met. The American version of the British world-system was not, however, subject to geo-strategic disruption by naval warfare. Germany pursued the most innovative strategy. An intensive research-based, highly technified agriculture developed at home. Substitutes for both domestic and tropical crops were found through the application of skills from chemistry and physics. Germany's success, and the subsequent diffusion of German technology to the rest of the world, brings Wallerstein's model of the capitalist world-system into question, at least after 1940.
The Measurement and Interpretation of Antenna Scattering

The significance of scattering cross section and back-scattering cross section in terms of antenna current distribution is considered. In particular, the influence of antenna load impedance on the magnitude and directional pattern of the scattered radiation is pointed out. A measuring scheme is described which utilizes the standing waves set up by energy reflected toward the transmitter from any receiving antenna or parasite. This method permits direct study of the back-scattering from loaded and unloaded antennas. Approximate scattering data for several types of antennas are included.
Morphosynthesis and morphology characterization of aniline and aniline/Laponite films

Abstract We report on morphosynthesis techniques that have been employed to tune polyamine film nanoarchitectures and on their resulting morphologies. Specific layers discussed include films of aniline/Laponite clay and aniline solution processed with V 2 O 5 catalyst. Synthesis approaches examined include films generated in-situ (glass templating), solution based drop casting, and mechanochemical grinding. Surface topography results suggest that these approaches provide dimensionality control of the polyaniline morphology. Surface images of the mechanochemically ground polyaniline/Laponite nanocomposite layer reveal interfacial contact which is promising for potential heterojunction solar cell designs.