cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Misalignment of the real exchange rate in the African Financial Community (CFA zone) and its policy implications

The purpose of this study is to see whether the same pre-devaluation overvaluation (1980 to 1993) of the Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA) franc exists for the post-devaluation period (1995 to 2004). As overvaluation can have significant negative impacts on exports, it is imperative to investigate whether this has continued. First, we found that the same overvaluation exists for the post-devaluation period. Second, we observe that post-devaluation, the overvaluation trend has been reverting and recurring downwards until 1999 and 2000 and steadily increasing since 2001. In fact, the average overvaluation for the zone is estimated at 25% in 2004 which is about 85% of the pre-devaluation level. Third, the economies where agriculture dominates are more overvalued than the economies where agriculture does not dominate. This stylized fact is similar to pre-devaluation observations by Devarajan (1997). Fourth, we also found that the oil producing countries are less overvalued than the nonoil producing countr...
Canonical forms for mixed symmetric–skewsymmetric quaternion matrix pencils☆

Canonical forms are described for pairs of quaternionic matrices, or equivalently matrix pencils, where one matrix is symmetric and the other matrix is skewsymmetric, under strict equivalence and symmetry respecting congruence. The symmetry is understood in the sense of a fixed involutory antiautomorphism of the skew field of the real quaternions; the involutory antiautomorphism is assumed to be nonstandard, i.e., other than the quaternionic conjugation. Some applications are developed, such as canonical forms for quaternionic matrices under symmetry respecting congruence, and canonical forms for matrices that are skewsymmetric with respect to a nondegenerate symmetric or skewsymmetric quaternion valued inner product.
Body dissatisfaction mediates the association between body mass index and risky weight control behaviors among White and Native American adolescent girls.

The developmental path leading to eating disorders among adolescent girls often proceeds from increasing body size, to increasing body dissatisfaction, to increasing eating disorder (ED) risk. To determine whether body dissatisfaction (BD) mediates the association between body size and risky weight control behaviors, we examined data from White (n = 709) and Native American (n = 253) girls, who differ substantially in terms of average body mass and reported weight control behaviors. Measures of BD included weight, shape, and appearance concerns. Measures of ED risk included dieting, exercising to control weight, binge eating, and vomiting. Results showed body dissatisfaction was a highly significant mediator of the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and ED risk for both ethnic groups; although, BD did not mediate the association between BMI and binge eating for either group. BD is apparently an important mediator of the association between body size and some, but not all, risky weight control behaviors.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Understanding Concepts and Applications

Bruce Thompson. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2004, 195 pages, $49.95 (hardcover) Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Understanding Concepts and Applications by Bruc...
Neural computation in analog VLSI

Neural systems found in the brains of even very simple animals are amazingly effective at performing computations on information arising in the natural world. Neural structures expend less than a millionth of the power required by our most advanced digital signal processing technology for a similar task. At the level of a single device, however, our silicon technology can much more closely approach the energy requirements of structures in the brain. The nervous system achieves its remarkable effectiveness by using the fundamental device physics to define its computational primitives. In addition, algorithmic structures that emphasize spatial locality make best use of limited wiring resources. A deeper understanding of the design approach used by neural systems may make possible a new, and very powerful, engineering discipline.
Revealing the complexity of retroviral repression.

Retroviral restriction is a complex phenomenon that, despite remarkable recent progress, is far from being well understood. In this Preview, we introduce an insightful study by Yang et al. that represents the first attempt to identify the global determinants of retroviral repression in pluripotent mammalian cells.
Simulation of vortex sheet roll-up: chaos, azimuthal waves, ring merger

This article reviews some recent simulations of vortex sheet roll-up using the vortex blob method. In planar and axisymmetric flow, the roll-up is initially smooth but irregular small-scale features develop later in time due to the onset of chaos. A numerically generated Poincare section shows that the vortex sheet flow resembles a chaotic Hamiltonian system with resonance bands and a heteroclinic tangle. The chaos is induced by a self-sustained oscillation in the vortex core rather than external forcing. In three-dimensional flow, an adaptive treecode algorithm is applied to reduce the CPU time from O(N 2) to O(N log N), where N is the number of particles representing the sheet. Results are presented showing the growth of azimuthal waves on a vortex ring and the merger of two vortex rings.
Do Upslope Impervious Surfaces Impact the Run-on/Runoff Relationship?

As a watershed is urbanized, characteristics of runoff from new upslope impervious surfaces may differ from runoff generated on the predevelopment soil surface in quantity, time of concentration, and sediment load. This may cause changes to the erosion regime on downslope soil surfaces. We simulated rainfall at three rates (20, 30, 40 mm/h) to generate runoff from 0.6 m2 boxes. Boxes were either treated with an impervious surface or filled with soil 0.2 m deep and were connected together in series of four boxes along the 4-m slope to produce different arrangements of impervious and pervious soil surfaces (0, 25, 50% impervious) and under different antecedent soil moisture conditions. Results indicate that previously established numerical models predicting runoff characteristics as a function of run-on characteristics generate good correlations at 0% imperviousness, but these correlations become insignificant as imperviousness increases. Imperviousness significantly influenced sediment regime, suggesting...
Free vibrations of elastically connected stretched beams

Abstract A general theory for the determination of natural frequencies and mode shapes for a set of elastically connected axially loaded Euler–Bernoulli beams is developed. A normal-mode solution is applied to a set of non-dimensional coupled partial differential equations. The natural frequencies are the eigenvalues of a matrix of differential operators. The matrix operator is shown to be self-adjoint leading to an orthogonality condition for the mode shapes. In the special case of identical beams, it is shown that the natural frequencies are organized into sets of intramodal frequencies in which each mode shape is a product of a spatial mode and a discrete mode. An exact solution is available for the general case. However the natural frequencies and mode shapes are then determined using a complicated numerical method. A Rayleigh–Ritz method using mode shapes of the corresponding unstretched beams is developed as an alternative.
Cellular DNA methylation program during neurulation and its alteration by alcohol exposure

BACKGROUND: Epigenetic changes are believed to be among the earliest key regulators for cell fate and embryonic development. To support this premise, it is important to understand whether or not systemic epigenetic changes coordinate with the progression of development. We have demonstrated that DNA methylation is programmed when neural stem cells differentiate (Zhou et al., 2011). Here, we analyzed the DNA methylation events that occur during early neural tube development. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated that the DNA methylation marks – 5-methylcytosine (5-MeC), DNA methylation binding domain 1 (MBD1), and DNA methytransferases 1 (DNMT1) were highly coordinated in temporal and spatial patterns that paralleled the progress of embryonic development. The above ontogenic program of DNA methylation was, however, subjected to environmental modification. Alcohol exposure during fetal development, which is known to cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, altered the density and distribution of the DNA methylation marks. The alcohol exposure (88 mM) over 6 or 44 hours at gestation day 8 (GD-8) to GD-10 altered timely DNA methylation and retarded embryonic growth. We further demonstrated that the direct inhibiting of DNA methylation with 5-aza-cytidine (5-AZA) resulted in similar growth retardation. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a temporal and spatial cellular DNA methylation program after initial erasure, which parallels embryonic maturation. Alcohol delayed the cellular DNA methylation program and also retarded embryonic growth. Since direct inhibiting of DNA methylation resulted in similar retardation, alcohol thus can affect embryonic development through a epigenetic pathway. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 00:000–000, 2011. 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Excited state (excitation) interactions in polyene aggregates. Resonance Raman and absorption spectroscopic evidence

The carotenoids astaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin form high molecular weight aggregates in aqueous solvent systems. The absorption spectra of the aggregates, compared to those of the monomer molecules, show significant bandwidth narrowing and blue shifts of 600–800 A. The resonance Raman spectra of these aggregated polyenes are anomalous in that ν CC occurs near 1518 cm−1 whereas a well-established νCC vs 1/λmax correlation predicts that νCC should be near 1560 cm−1. The Raman and absorption data together demonstrate that strong excited state interactions are taking place and these results illustrate the utility of the resonance Raman technique for recognizing excited state perturbations. Raman excitation profiles (the variation of Raman intensity with wavelength) on aggregated astaxanthin and low temperature (−100 °C) absorption spectra on aggregates of astaxanthin and lutein establish that a pronounced change in vibronic structure occurs upon aggregation. In contrast to astaxanthin or lutein monomers whose electronic absorption spectra are made up of 0–0, 0–1, 0–2,… transitions, only the 0–0 transition is seen in the aggregates. The results are explained in terms of the molecular exciton model.
Decision-making for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy among older adults in a community setting.

Objective To describe clinical decision-making for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy from the perspective of patients, caregivers, and physicians. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting and patients All patients aged 60 and older receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies in a defined community over a 16-month period. Main outcomes measures Either patients or their surrogate decision-makers completed a semistructured face-to-face interview to map out the information gathering process, expectations, and discussants involved in the decision to proceed with gastrostomy feeding. Physicians completed a written questionnaire to determine their likelihood of recommending percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, their involvement in the decision-making and recommendation process, and sources of perceived pressure in the decision-making. Results We identified 100 patients who received percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy during the study window and 82 primary care physicians who provided care in the defined community. The most common reasons for the procedure were stroke, neurologic disease, and cancer. Patients or their surrogate decision-makers reported multiple discussants, incomplete information, and considerable distress in arriving at the decision to proceed with artificial feeding. This distress was usually in the context of an acute and debilitating illness that often overshadowed the decision about artificial feeding. The decision for gastrostomy often appeared to be a "non-decision" in the sense that decision-makers perceived few alternatives. Physicians also reported considerable distress in arriving at recommendations to proceed with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, including perceived pressures from families or other healthcare professionals. Physicians have clear patterns of triage for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, but the assumptions underlying these patterns are not well supported by the medical literature. Conclusions Patients, caregivers, and physicians are often compelled to make decisions about long-term enteral feeding under tragic circumstances and with incomplete information. Decision-makers typically do not perceive any acceptable alternatives. Because data on these patients' long-term functional outcomes are lacking, decision-makers appear to focus primarily on the short-term safety of the procedure and the potential for improved nutrition.
Tag-based resource recommendation in social annotation applications

Social annotation systems enable the organization of online resources with user-defined keywords. The size and complexity of these systems make them excellent platforms for the application of recommender systems, which can provide personalized views of complex information spaces. Many researchers have concentrated on the important problem of tag recommendation. Less attention has been paid to the recommendation of resources in the context of social annotation systems. In this paper, we examine the specific case of tag-based resource recommendation and propose a linear-weighted hybrid for the task. Using six real world datasets, we show that our algorithm is more effective than other more mathematically complex techniques.
Work in progress - predicting retention in engineering using an expanded scale of affective characteristics from incoming students

Earlier research published by the authors has demonstrated an improvement in prediction capability when incorporating nine affective characteristics into a artificial neural network retention model with eleven cognitive factors. Models developed previously have achieved moderate success with overall prediction accuracy above 70%. In this follow-up study, in order to develop new knowledge on relationships between other affective factors and student persistence, and further improve our capability to predict students' retention, five carefully selected affective characteristics are added to the existing retention model. These promising new affective factors are: goal orientation, implicit beliefs, intent to persist, social climate and self worth. New retention models based on logistic regression and neural networks are developed to identify the significant predictors among these new affective characteristics, and evaluate the overall predictive performance of new models incorporating them. The prediction accuracy results of models using only these new factors, as well as models including both new and existing factors are then compared with performance of previously published models. Upon completion of this project, confirmed significant predictors and their effects on predictive retention models will be reported. The potential engineering education applications based on these new findings will also be discussed.
Presence of early CKD-related metabolic complications predict progression of stage 3 CKD: a case-controlled study.

Background: Only a subset of patients who enter stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) progress to stage 4. Identifying which patients entering stage 3 are most likely to progress could improve outcomes, by allowing more appropriate referrals for specialist care, and spare those unlikely to progress the adverse effects and costliness of an unnecessarily aggressive approach. We hypothesized that compared to non-progressors, patients who enter stage 3 CKD and ultimately progress have experienced greater loss of renal function, manifested by impairment of metabolic function (anemia, worsening acidosis and mineral abnormalities), than is reflected in the eGFR at entry to stage 3. The purpose of this case-controlled study was to design a prediction model for CKD progression using laboratory values reflecting metabolic status. Methods: Using data extracted from the electronic health record (EHR), two cohorts of patients in stage 3 were identified: progressors (eGFR declined >3 ml/min/1.73m 2 /year; n = 117) and non-progressors (eGFR declined <1 ml/ min/1.73m 2 ; n = 364). Initial laboratory values recorded a year before to a year after the time of entry to stage 3, reflecting metabolic complications (hemoglobin, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorous, and albumin) were obtained. Average values in progressors and non-progressors were compared. Classification algorithms (Naive Bayes and Logistic Regression) were used to develop prediction models of progression based on the initial lab data. Results: At the entry to stage 3 CKD, hemoglobin, bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin values were significantly lower and phosphate values significantly higher in progressors compared to non-progressors even though initial eGFR values were similar. The differences were sufficiently large that a prediction model of progression could be developed based on these values. Post-test probability of progression in patients classified as progressors or non-progressors were 81% (73% � 86%) and 17% (13%� 23%), respectively. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that patients who enter stage 3 and ultimately progress to stage 4 manifest a greater degree of metabolic complications than those who remain stable at the onset of stage 3 when eGFR values are equivalent. Lab values (hemoglobin, bicarbonate, phosphorous, calcium and albumin) are sufficiently different between the two cohorts that a reasonably accurate predictive model can be developed.
Closed-form cauchy-schwarz PDF divergence for mixture of Gaussians

This paper presents an efficient approach to calculate the difference between two probability density functions (pdfs), each of which is a mixture of Gaussians (MoG). Unlike Kullback-Leibler divergence (D KL ), the authors propose that the Cauchy-Schwarz (CS) pdf divergence measure (D CS ) can give an analytic, closed-form expression for MoG. This property of the D CS makes fast and efficient calculations possible, which is tremendously desired in real-world applications where the dimensionality of the data/features is very high. We show that D CS follows similar trends to D KL , but can be computed much faster, especially when the dimensionality is high. Moreover, the proposed method is shown to significantly outperform D KL in classifying real-world 2D and 3D objects, and static hand posture recognition based on distances alone.
Natural convection in an infinite porous medium with a concentrated heat source

summary of what is presented below, the mathematical problem is formu- lated in $2. The transient flow and temperature patterns are derived analytically in $3. A solution for the steady-state temperature and flow distributions around the source is presented in $ 4. Finally, in $ 5 we conclude the study by reviewing the asymptotic character of the solutions and the limitations of the Darcy flow model. 2. Problem statement Consider the spherical polar co-ordinate system (r, 8,$) shown in figure 1. A point source of strength q (watts) is situated at the origin with the 8 = 0 axis pointing vertically upwards. Since the problem is symmetric in the angular direction 4 around the vertical axis, neither 4 nor the 4 velocity component w appears in the analysis. The fluid saturating the porous medium is Boussinesq-incompressible, its density p varying slightly as a result of temperature changes: in which P is the volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion, T the temperature and the subscript
A highly aggregated geographical distribution of forest pest invasions in the USA

Aim Geographical variation in numbers of established non-native species provides clues to the underlying processes driving biological invasions. Specifically, this variation reflects landscape characteristics that drive non-native species arrival, establishment and spread. Here, we investigate spatial variation in damaging non-native forest insect and pathogen species to draw inferences about the dominant processes influencing their arrival, establishment and spread. Location The continental USA, including Alaska (Hawaii not included). Methods We assembled the current geographical ranges (county-level) of 79 species of damaging non-indigenous forest insect and pathogen species currently established in the continental USA. We explored statistical associations of numbers of species per county with habitat characteristics associated with propagule pressure and with variables reflecting habitat invasibility. We also analysed relationships between the geographical area occupied by each pest species and the time since introduction and habitat characteristics. Results The geographical pattern of non-native forest pest species richness is highly focused, with vastly more species in the north-eastern USA. Geographical variation in species richness is associated with habitat factors related to both propagule pressure and invasibility. Ranges of the non-native species are related to historical spread; range areas are strongly correlated with time since establishment. The average (all species) radial rate of range expansion is 5.2 km yr 1 , and surprisingly, this rate did not differ among foliage feeders, sap-feeders, wood borers and plant pathogens. Main conclusions Forest pest species are much more concentrated in the north-eastern region of the USA compared with other parts of the country. This pattern most likely reflects the combined effects of propagule pressure (pest arrival), habitat invasibility (pest establishment) and invasion spread. The similarity in historical spread among different types of organisms indicates the importance of anthropogenic movement in spread.
Numbers, diversity, and morphological characteristics of aerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacteria in deep subsurface sediments from a site in South Carolina

Abstract The aerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacteria indigenous to deep aquifers and other subsurface sediments (depths to 265 m) at a site in South Carolina were characterized by direct microscopy, enumeration of viable cells, analysis of colony morphologies on plates, and analysis of cell morphologies of isolated strains. Substantial numbers of viable bacteria (105‐108/g) were present in all transmissive, aquifer sediments, and their numbers did not decrease with depth. Fewer bacteria (<103/g) were detected in nontransmissive, confining layers. The highest viable counts were obtained on dilute media, but 10–50% of the bacteria in most aquifer sediments also grew rapidly on concentrated, nutrient‐rich media (indicating a high degree of metabolic flexibility). Most of the bacteria were mesophilic; relatively few psychrophiles or thermophiles were detected (<103/g; in many cases, none). The bacterial flora was diverse (11–62 distinct colony types on enumeration plates of most aquifer sediments). Diversity did...
Economic-financial of AMT - a model of rationale, using the resource-based view

This article presents a model of rationale beneath the economic/financial justification in the selection of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and the theoretical grounds used in the development of the model. The rationale consists of a theoretical contribution to the economic/financial justification process, addressing the practical performance of the process and its feasibility, usability and utility for practitioners and scholars, regarding the operations management and the manufacturing strategy. The literature presents the lack of "measurement" of the intangible benefits of the AMTs adoption as the main issue along with others related issues, such as the isolated short-term evaluation, the lack of the non-financial aspects treatment and the disregard of the AMT as a resource. The use of the overall context of the Maslen-Platts "manufacturing vision", containing the description of the manufacturing capabilities being constructed, establishes the parameter for the intangible benefits measurement", with the associated application of a strategic approach for the AMT selection. The rationale comes before the traditional criteria are applied, improving the quality of the economic/financial justification process by pre-approaching the AMT qualitatively and attributing an economic dimension related to the resource-based view applied.
Maximum disorder model for dense steady-state flow of granular materials

Abstract A flow model is developed for dense shear-driven granular flow. As described in the geomechanics literature, a critical state condition is reached after sufficient shearing beyond an initial static packing. During further shearing at the critical state, the stress, fabric, and density remain nearly constant, even as particles are being continually rearranged. The paper proposes a predictive framework for critical state flow, viewing it as a condition of maximum disorder at the micro-scale. The flow model is constructed in a two-dimensional setting from the probability density of the motions, forces, and orientations of inter-particle contacts. Constraints are applied to this probability density: constant mean stress, constant volume, consistency of the contact dissipation rate with the stress work, and the fraction of sliding contacts. The differential form of Shannon entropy, a measure of disorder, is applied to the density, and the Jaynes formalism is used to find the density of maximum disorder in the underlying phase space. The resulting distributions of contact force, movement, and orientation are compared with two-dimensional DEM simulations of biaxial compression. The model favorably predicts anisotropies of the contact orientations, contact forces, contact movements, and the orientations of those contacts undergoing slip. The model also predicts the relationships between contact force magnitude and contact motion. The model is an alternative to affine-field descriptions of granular flow.
Caring for Kathy: Where to Draw the Line

I was young when I began my career as a hospice social worker. I was one month shy of receiving my Masters in Social Work and fairly green in the world of working with the dying. I often say the le...
Anyone's Game: A Market- Structure Based Approach to Economic and Regulatory Implications of an Internet of Things

Research suggests that the future of the Internet will be defined by ubiquitous computing: an environment in which smart objects, or "Things," are imbued with identification data and micro processing power. Currently, the information produced by machines and objects is the fastest growing category of data production. In response to this explosion of information in the global networked economy, the Internet of Things (IoT) automates value-extraction from captured data. This paper proceeds by first defining and explaining the basic context and operation of the Internet of Things (IoT). Then, addressing a gap in the extant literature, a market structure-based approach is submitted as a macro-level framework for the IoT. Utilizing the end-user of IoT services and applications as a defining characteristic for market segmentation, an argument is made for the division of the IoT by scale of service into into four markets: individual-level, firm-level, city government-level and national-government-level. Using these markets as units of analysis, this paper attempts a categorical assessment and jurisdictional bounding of significant economic and policy implications of the IoT.
Wages and Corporate Dominance (Плате и Koрпоративнa Доминацијa)

English Abstract: As wages are the primary means of income for the majority of people in every country in the world, understanding the reasons for differences in wages is important for human welfare. One potential source of differences in wages between countries is differences in the degree of corporate dominance. This paper proposes that average country wages are negatively related to the extent of corporate dominance. The proposition is tested using cross country regression analysis. The results show that greater corporate dominance reduces average national wages when adjusting for the level of economic development and other relevant variables.Serbian Abstract: Пошто су плате главни извор прихода за већину људи у свакој земљи на свету, разумевање разлога за разлике у платама је важно за људску добробит. Један од потенцијалних извора разлика у платама између земаља је разлика у степену корпоративне доминације. У раду се претпоставља да су просечне плате негативно повезане са обимом корпоративне доминације. Претпоставка је тестирана помоћу регресионе анализе између земаља. Резултати показују да већа корпоративна доминација смањује просечне националне зараде приликом прилагођавања нивоа економског развоја и других релевантних варијабли.
Assessing the Eventual Publication of Clinical Trial Abstracts Submitted to a Large Annual Oncology Meeting

BACKGROUND Despite the ethical imperative to publish clinical trials when human subjects are involved, such data frequently remain unpublished. The objectives were to tabulate the rate and ascertain factors associated with eventual publication of clinical trial results reported as abstracts in the Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (American Society of Clinical Oncology). MATERIALS AND METHODS Abstracts describing clinical trials for patients with breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancer from 2009 to 2011 were identified by using a comprehensive online database (http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/abstracts). Abstracts included reported results of a treatment or intervention assessed in a discrete, prospective clinical trial. Publication status at 4-6 years was determined by using a standardized search of PubMed. Primary outcomes were the rate of publication for abstracts of randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials. Secondary outcomes included factors influencing the publication of results. RESULTS A total of 1,075 abstracts describing 378 randomized and 697 nonrandomized clinical trials were evaluated. Across all years, 75% of randomized and 54% of nonrandomized trials were published, with an overall publication rate of 61%. Sample size was a statistically significant predictor of publication for both randomized and nonrandomized trials (odds ratio [OR] per increase of 100 participants = 1.23 [1.11-1.36], p < .001; and 1.64 [1.15-2.34], p = .006, respectively). Among randomized studies, an industry coauthor or involvement of a cooperative group increased the likelihood of publication (OR 2.37, p = .013; and 2.21, p = .01, respectively). Among nonrandomized studies, phase II trials were more likely to be published than phase I (p < .001). Use of an experimental agent was not a predictor of publication in randomized (OR 0.76 [0.38-1.52]; p = .441) or nonrandomized trials (OR 0.89 [0.61-1.29]; p = .532). CONCLUSION This is the largest reported study examining why oncology trials are not published. The data show that 4-6 years after appearing as abstracts, 39% of oncology clinical trials remain unpublished. Larger sample size and advanced trial phase were associated with eventual publication; among randomized trials, an industry-affiliated author or a cooperative group increased likelihood of publication. Unfortunately, we found that, despite widespread recognition of the problem and the creation of central data repositories, timely publishing of oncology clinical trials results remains unsatisfactory.
Carbon Tax Heuristics and Politics: The Case of the Gasoline Tax

Economists are beginning to form a consensus that the most effective and cost-effective way to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions is through a carbon tax. The insight of economists and other policy analysts is that in the greenhouse gas context, the design of cap-and-trade programs creates so many opportunities for rent-seeking that they may not be very cost-effective, and may not reduce greenhouse gas emissions at all. The appeal of carbon tax proposals is that they are so simple and sensible that rent-seeking would have to be very audacious to succeed. Carbon tax proposals, however, have divided economists from almost everybody else. In particular, an exceptionally effective and efficient carbon tax, the gasoline tax, has been even more unanimously supported by economists and even more virulently opposed by almost everyone else. This Article explores some of the psychological barriers to public acceptance of gasoline tax increases, and also examines a political economy theory that has been propounded to explain a uniquely North American hostility towards gasoline taxes. An empirical analysis is undertaken, using a survey instrument to examine public attitudes towards gasoline taxes as a means of reducing emissions from motor vehicles. The concept of "revenue recycling" gasoline tax proceeds is tested for public acceptance, as well as other hypotheses pertaining to cognitive barriers to understanding gasoline taxes. As well, economic and demographic factors are examined to study the implications of the one political economic theory of why gasoline taxes are so virulently opposed in North America.
The structure of the UPPS-R-Child impulsivity scale and its relations with substance use outcomes among treatment-seeking adolescents.

Abstract Background A youth version of the UPPS Impulsivity Scale (UPPS-R-C) was previously shown to predict drinking initiation among pre-adolescents. The goals of the current study were to confirm the structure of the UPPS-R-C using a sample of treatment-seeking adolescents and to examine the scales’ relations with alcohol use, marijuana use, and problems related to substance use. Method Participants ( N = 120; ages 12–18; M = 15.7) completed questionnaires at treatment intake. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the UPPS-R-C was conducted using a 5-factor model with factors corresponding to negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking. Relations between UPPS-R-C factors and binge drinking, marijuana use, and problems resulting from substance use were examined using path analysis. Results CFA suggested the 5-factor model provided adequate fit to the data. The hypothesized path model was partially supported, positive urgency was associated with frequency of binge drinking, and both negative urgency and frequency of binge drinking was associated with problems due to substance use. Other hypothesized paths were not significant. Although not hypothesized, negative urgency was associated with frequency of marijuana use and lack of perseverance was associated with problems due to use. Conclusions Results suggest that the UPPS-R-C can be used with a treatment-seeking sample of adolescents. Furthermore, negative urgency, positive urgency, and lack of perseverance may be indicative of more severe substance use problems in a treatment setting.
Pore Volume of Nanofiber Nonwovens

Pore volume, pore diameter, pore volume distribution and pore throat diameters of nanofiber mats were measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry, liquid extrusion porosimetry and capillary flow p...
Thermally chargeable supercapacitor working in a homogeneous, changing temperature field

A thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCS) system is developed to harvest electrical energy from a uni- form temperature field of a changing low-grade heat source. Without any temperature gradient, the TCS absorbs heat when temperature rises and releases electricity during dis- charging. As temperature decreases, the system configuration returns to the initial condition, so that the thermal-to-electrical energy conversion can be continuously conducted. With a nickel-coated carbon nanotube or nanoporous carbon-based electrode, the thermal sensitivity and the electrode surface area are enhanced simultaneously, leading to a high output voltage around 100-160 mV and a high specific energy of 600-1800 mJ per gram of electrode material in each thermal cycle, with a mild temperature range of *50 C.
Synthesis and characterization of a metal-to-polyoxometalate charge transfer molecular chromophore.

[P(4)W(35)O(124){Re(CO)(3)}(2)](16-) (1), a Wells-Dawson [α(2)-P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) polyoxometalate (POM)-supported [Re(CO)(3)](+) complex containing covalent W(VI)-O-Re(I) bonds has been synthesized and characterized by several methods, including X-ray crystallography. This complex shows a high visible absorptivity (e(470 nm) = 4000 M(-1) cm(-1) in water) due to the formation of a Re(I)-to-POM charge transfer (MPCT) band. The complex was investigated by computational modeling and transient absorption measurements in the visible and mid-IR regions. Optical excitation of the MPCT transition results in instantaneous (<50 fs) electron transfer from the Re(I) center to the POM ligand.
Wind-blown flux rates derived from drifts at arctic snow fences

Historically, there has been considerable interest in establishing the relationship between wind-blown snow flux (Q) and wind speed. By monitoring the drift growth at snow fences in Arctic Alaska during three winters, we computed Q for 36 distinct transport events. Each fence was instrumented with depth sounders to measure deposition rates. The majority of events (31) occurred between November and February, despite winter extending from October to June. On average, five substantial snow deposition events (SDEs) occurred at each fence per winter. The mean flux during SDEs was 0.16, 0.19 and 0.29 kg s−1 m−1 at Barrow, Imnavait Creek and Franklin Bluffs, respectively, the differences in Q explained by the different wind regimes at the three sites. To place these flux measurements in perspective, we reviewed all previous experimental values of Q, with special attention to height and time over which the fluxes were measured. The new data help fill a range of wind speeds (12–18 m s−1) where prior results have been sparse. Combined, the full data define a diffuse cloud best represented by upper and lower bounding equations Q U = 1.3 × 10−3 w 2.5 and Q L = 3.3 × 10−9 w 6.5, where w is wind speed (>5 m s−1). We suggest that these bounds, rather than a single equation, provide the best way to estimate snow fluxes.
Short term toxicity of nitrous oxide on the immune, hemopoietic, and endocrine systems in CD-1 mice.

Occupational exposures to subanesthetic levels of N2O have been documented to result in suppressed proliferative cell activities. Male CD-1 mice were exposed to 0, 50, 500, and 5000 ppm of N2O for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 or 13 weeks. Tritiated-thymidine ([3H]-TdR) uptake was measured in CD-1 splenic lymphocytes cultured with and without mitogens and in a mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC). Antibody-mediated immunocompetency was determined for sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-sensitized animals by plaque forming cell (PFC) assay and serum anti-SRBC antibody (Ab) titer. Deoxyuridine suppression tests (dUrdST) were performed on bone marrow cells. There was significantly decreased splenic lymphocyte uptake of [3H]-TdR by cells cultured with mitogenic substances and in MLC following 2–week exposures to 5000 ppm. After 13–week exposures the animals' splenic lymphocytes showed increased [3H]-TdR uptake following high N2O dosing in both the mitogen-induced blastogenesis and MLC assays. Compared to control animals, the...
Splitting the pubis for exposure in difficult reconstructions for incontinence

In the last 13 years splitting the pubic symphysis has been used in 46 patients 1 to 32 years old for wide access to the bladder neck and entire urethra in female, or the bladder neck and urethra down into the bulb in male patients. Each patient had a complex problem to reconstruct and most had undergone a prior operation. Underlying pathological conditions included exstrophy in 16 patients, epispadias in 11, cloacal exstrophy in 6, posterior urethral valves in 3, severe trauma in 2, bilateral single ectopic ureters in 2, radical surgery for sarcoma in 2, myelodysplasia in 2, cloacal anomaly in 1 and iatrogenic injury of the urethra in 1. The pubis, or interpubic ligament in exstrophy cases, was divided in the midline. The pubic rami were spread with a laminectomy spreader to create a gap sufficient to operate on that segment of the urethra, which is usually not accessible with an intact pubis. No patient had a problem of nonunion or pubic osteitis after using this approach. This series includes 2 patients undergoing simultaneous iliac osteotomies for a widened symphysis pubis. In no patient was a segment of pubis resected, as has been used in transpubic repair of certain traumatic urethral strictures.
Salvage Surgery Following Radical Radiotherapy for Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

AbstractThe development and proliferation of modern radiotherapy techniques, and their application in the 1970s to the treatment of localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate have led to substantial improvement in therapy of this disease. However, treatment failures occur. Among these patients is a small subset who have local recurrence of disease confirmed by biopsy without evidence of metastatic disease, and who still are relatively young and healthy. We report on 7 patients who satisfy these criteria. All 7 patients underwent a salvage operation with removal of the prostate gland following attempted curative radiotherapy: 3 underwent cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion, and 4 underwent radical prostatectomy. Operating times averaged 4.9 hours and average blood transfusion was 5.3 units. Postoperative hospital stay averaged 13 days. Significant morbidity included 2 patients with rectal lacerations (1 of whom suffered a rectourethroperineal fistula that closed spontaneously), 2 with temporary urinary ...
Possible Beneficial Effect of Ciclosporin in Some Cases of Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The success of ciclosporin (CyA) in organ transplantation naturally raises the question of its usefulness in treating collagen diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Isenberg et al [1, 2] reported five cases of SLE which were treated with CyA with relatively little effect, and with angioedema as a significant side effect. We recently performed a pilot study in which seven cases of severe and potentially fatal SLE were treated with CyA, without angioedema or other serious toxic effects. In 5 of these cases no beneficial effect was observed, and 4 of these patients died. However, two patients seemed to show a response and one had a relapse when CyA was withdrawn. The results suggest that, although CyA in the doses used here may not benefit the average patient with severe SLE, occasional patients may respond and further studies are warranted.
Nonsurgical Resolution of a Bucket Handle Meniscal Tear: A Case Report

Abstract A bucket handle meniscal tear (BHMT) often causes intermittent locking of the affected knee as the displaced fragment flips into the intercondylar notch. Surgical correction is usually required. Rare spontaneous healing of BHMTs has been described, primarily in young patients. This case report describes a 43-year-old man with magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed medial BHMT who received 3 treatments of platelet-rich plasma injections in and around the meniscus within 7 months after the diagnosis of the tear. The patient reported resolution of pain with walking 8 months after the injury. Magnetic resonance imaging 10 months after the injury and arthroscopy 47 months after the injury showed complete resolution of the meniscal tear. Level of Evidence V
Cyclic Octapeptide Inhibitors of the Acetylcholinesterase Peripheral Site: Implications for Inhibition of Nerve Toxins

The primary physiological role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is to hydrolyze the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. AChE is among the most efficient enzymes, with a turnover number of >104 s-1 [1]. Ligand binding studies and X-ray crystallography have focused on the structural basis for the enzyme’s high catalytic efficiency and revealed that the AChE active site consists of a narrow gorge some 20 A deep with two separate ligand binding sites: an acylation site at the bottom of the gorge where substrate hydrolysis occurs, and a peripheral site at the gorge mouth.
New Strategies for Treating Chronic Depression

This article provides an update on the diagnosis of chronic depression subtypes, the clinical and public health significance of chronic depression, and a review of what is known about its treatment. The efficacy of antidepressant medications for pure dysthymia and double depression has been established, yet fewer than 50% of patients have achieved full remission with a single agent. Traditional antidepressant psychotherapies appear to have limited effectiveness for chronic depression. In one recent study, a combination of cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy and a newer antidepressant, nefazodone, yielded the highest response and remission rates ever reported in this population (73% response rate, 48% remission rate in an intent-to-treat sample). This combination merits further study for treatment of chronic depression.
Flavored Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Among Youth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Flavored electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are not prohibited in the United States, and e-cigarette flavors proliferate on the market. This study sought to examine flavored e-cigarette use and its association with smoking among youth. METHODS: Estimates of flavored e-cigarette use from the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey were investigated. A logistic regression model was used to assess whether flavored e-cigarette use was associated with (1) intention to initiate cigarette use among never-smoking youth ( n = 16 471), (2) intention to quit tobacco use among current-smoking youth ( n = 1338), and (3) perception of tobacco’s danger among all respondents ( n = 21 491). RESULTS: A total of 2017 respondents reported using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days, of whom 1228 (60.9%) reported using flavored e-cigarettes. Among never-smoking youth, 55.6% (288) of current e-cigarette users reported using flavored e-cigarettes. Among current smokers, 68.4% (495) of current e-cigarette users reported using flavored e-cigarettes. Compared with not using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, using flavored e-cigarettes was associated with higher odds of intention to initiate cigarette use among never-smoking youth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.7; P < .0001), lower odds of intention to quit tobacco use among current-smoking youth (aOR = 0.6; P = .006), and a lower prevalence of perception of tobacco’s danger among all respondents (aOR = 0.5; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Flavored e-cigarette use is associated with increased risks of smoking among youth. Comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies that address flavored e-cigarette products are critically needed to reduce tobacco use among youth.
Transparency of the new gTLD's centralized zone data service: A measurement study

The centralized zone data service (CZDS) was initiated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a global Internet overseer, to facilitate sharing and access to zone data as hundreds of new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) are added to the Internet. The goal of CZDS is to improve the security and transparency of the naming system. In this study, we explore CZDS's transparency by a measurement study: we request access to zone data of all gTLDs in the CZDS portal and examine various aspects of CZDS operation, including access request status, responsiveness, and reasons for granting or denial of access. We address implications, and how to conduct better results of CZDS using insights of our measurement.