cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How prevalent and morbid are subthreshold manifestations of major depression in adolescents? A literature review.

Abstract Introduction Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among youth is a public health concern. Our aim was to examine the current body of knowledge to better characterize the prevalence and morbidity associated with subthreshold forms of MDD among youth. Given that MDD tends to develop gradually over time, we hypothesized a high prevalence and considerable impairment associated with youth suffering from depressive symptoms that fall short of full, syndromic status. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed exclusively to identify studies assessing the prevalence and clinical characteristics of subthreshold MDD in adolescents. Results Six scientific papers that met our priori inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. All papers sampled adolescents. The prevalence of subthreshold MDD ranged from 5% over the past year, to 29% over the two weeks prior to screening. These papers reported clinically significant morbidity associated with subthreshold MDD among adolescents, with evidence for elevated rates of psychiatric comorbidities, impaired functioning in social and familial domains, increased suicidality, and frequent mental health service utilization. Limitations Though we examined a sizeable and diverse sample, we only identified six cross-sectional informative studies for this review. Variability of subthreshold MDD and major outcome definitions across studies, likely limits the specificity of findings. Conclusions Subthreshold MDD is prevalent among youth, and is associated with emotional and social impairments that reach the level of obtaining clinical care. These findings could lead to early intervention efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse outcomes associated with subthreshold MDD as well as the progression to full syndrome MDD. Our review documents that regardless of whether progression to full diagnostic status occurs, this condition is morbid.
Prostate Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Prostate ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a rare subtype of prostate adenocarcinoma that shows more aggressive behavior than conventional prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma. PDA demonstrates similar clinical and paraclinical features such as prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma; therefore, clinical distinction of the 2 entities is very difficult (if not impossible) and histopathology plays an important role in the diagnosis of the disease. This review discusses all the necessary information needed for the diagnosis and prognosis of PDA including the morphologic features of PDA, an introduction about the known variants of PDA with helpful hints in grading of each variant, tips on differential diagnosis of PDA from the common morphologic mimickers, a detailed discussion on the value of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of PDA, and pathologic features that are helpful in determining the outcome.
Pulse Sequences in Lumbar Spine Imaging

A host of different pulse sequences has been applied to MR imaging of the spine. As the routine evaluation of the spine has become quite standardized, much of the recent development has resulted in minor refinements of this process. This article outlines the pulse sequences commonly used for routine MR imaging of the lumbar spine and provides a critique of the newer sequences and the modifications of the conventional techniques.
Targeted Yttrium 89-Doxorubicin Drug-Eluting Bead-A Safety and Feasibility Pilot Study in a Rabbit Liver Cancer Model.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate feasibility and safety of the cancer targeting (radio)-chemoembolization drug-eluting bead (TRCE-DEB) concept drug SW43-DOX-L-NETA(89Y) DEB for the intra-arterial treatment of VX2 rabbit liver tumors. The treatment compound comprises of the sigma-2 receptor ligand SW43 for cancer targeting, doxorubicin (DOX), and 89yttrium (89Y) as nonradioactive surrogate for therapeutic (yttrium-90, lutetium-177) and imaging (yttrium-86) radioisotopes via the chelator L-NETA. Ten New Zealand white rabbits with VX2 tumor allografts were used. SW43-DOX-89Y was synthesized, loaded onto DEB (100 μL; 100–300 μm), and administered intra-arterially in six rabbits at increasing doses (0.2–1.0 mg/kg). As controls, two rabbits each received either doxorubicin IV (0.3 mg/kg) or no treatment. Consecutive serum analysis for safety and histopathological evaluation after sacrifice were performed. One-Way ANOVA incl. Bonferroni Post-Hoc test was performed to compare groups. Targeted compound s...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Interactive Self-Learning Module

Introduction The use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become increasingly prevalent in psychiatry. A growing body of literature supports its use with treatment-resistant depression (T...
Feedback Regulation of Cholinergic Modulation and Hippocampal Memory Function

Models of hippocampal function often focus on the possible autoassociative memory function of region CA3 [Marr, 1971; McNaughton and Morris, 1987; McClelland et al., 1992; Levy, 1989; Eichenbaum and Buckingham, 1990] and the possible heteroassociative memory function of the Schaffer collaterals from region CA3 to region CAI [Levy, 1989; Eichenbaum and Buckingham, 1990; McNaughton, 1991]. However, these models have not accounted for the fact that associative memory models require very different activation dynamics during learning versus recall. To prevent recall of previously learned associations from interfering with the learning of new associations, modifiable synapses must not be the predominant influence on post-synaptic activity during learning. In many models of associative memory function, the associations being stored in the network are clamped during learning (Kohonen, 1984; Anderson, 1983; Hopfield, 1984; Amit, 1988) to prevent the spread of activity across previously modified synapses.
Stretching and Alignment in General Flow Fields: Classical Trajectories from Reynolds Number Zero to Infinity

The aim of these lectures is to describe the general properties of classical trajectories — be they associated with simple deterministic dynamical systems (Reynolds number very small) or the paths followed by fluid particles in turbulent flow fields (Reynolds number very large). The idea is to look for geometric characterizations of an orbit which are applicable to these two, very different, regimes and to investigate the way which they may change as the transition is made from deterministic flows to what are, effectively, stochastic flows. The reason that such an approach is possible is that in the case of fluid dynamics the description of the fluid in terms of fluid particles, namely the Lagrangian description, is governed by ordinary differential equations (as is the case, of course, with deterministic flows) — the complexity lies in the immensely complicated spatio-temporal behaviour of the velocity field. The processes that are a consequence of having a given velocity field, irrespective of its origin, is the subject matter of kinematics. The processes that govern the velocity field itself is the topic of dynamics — in the case of fluids this dynamics is governed by the Navier-Stokes equation.
Tunnel Stabilization and Lining

This chapter covers the behavior of tunnels during excavation, and how this behavior may be modified by installation of a variety of reinforcing or supporting systems. Stabilization designates systems installed before, during, or immediately after excavation to provide initial support and to permit safe, rapid, and economical excavation. Lining designates systems installed either shortly or considerably after excavation to provide permanent support and durable, maintainable long-term finishes. The type of system chosen depends primarily on the ground conditions and on the end use of the tunnel. Frequently, stabilization and lining are provided in two separate operations; this is called a “two-pass” system. In some situations, a “one-pass” system will combine the functions of stabilization and lining.
Traveling of Requirements in Development of Packaged Software: The Role of Uncertainty and Work Design

Software requirements are created, shared and translated across software organizations, and express task uncertainties that software developers need to address through appropriate structuring of processes and the surrounding organization. Using the theory of work design we propose an in-depth qualitative inquiry into development of packaged software for the utility industry. Using the particular context of software provider GridCo, we examine how requirements are constructed, shared, and translated as they travel across vertical and horizontal boundaries. In addressing these questions, we seek contribution to theory by uncovering knowledge about the sources of and responses to task uncertainty in development of packaged software. We also contribute to practice by providing accounts of an organization’s contextual responses to managing requirements as they travel across boundaries, and reaffirm the need for process reinforcement to support the role of boundary spanners. Preliminary indications suggest hardware dependencies and process ill-adapted to software projects contribute to uncertainties.
The Effects of Modality, Device, and Task Differences on Perceived Human Likeness of Voice-Activated Virtual Assistants.

Abstract Paying attention to the rising popularity of virtual assistants (VAs) that offer unique user experiences through voice-centered interaction, this study examined the effects of modality, de...
Credit Access and Housing Consumption: The Case of the Housing Provident Fund

Unlike credit expansion through banking sectors in western economies, many Asian economies encourage homeownership through housing provident fund (HPF) programs. These programs collect deposits from contributors and their employers and provide home mortgage loans to qualified contributors with discounted rates. This paper evaluates the efficiency of HPFs by studying a natural experiment in China where the amount of home loans available to contributors depends on previous deposits to the fund. Results indicate that after HPF loans became available in 1998, households with two members enrolled in the HPF program enjoyed homeownership 18 percent higher than those with only one member enrolled. Furthermore, each additional year of HPF deposits increased homeownership by 4 percent for both groups. The results suggest that HPF loans allow higher housing consumption for eligible contributors.
Intimate Attachment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Urinary Bladder Epithelium in the Gnotobiotic Piglet Model

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a pathogenic subset of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is an important cause of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and a rare cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) with associated HUS. EHEC strains attach intimately to intestinal epithelium with formation of actin pedestals (attaching-effacing (A/E) lesions); however, the mechanism of EHEC attachment to the uroepithelium is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study on archived urinary bladder specimens from gnotobiotic piglets that naturally developed cystitis associated with EHEC O157:H7 infection following oral inoculation and fecal shedding. Paraffin-embedded bladder tissues from three piglets with cystitis and immunohistochemical evidence of EHEC O157:H7 adherence to the uroepithelium were processed for and examined by transmission electron microscopy. EHEC O157:H7 bacteria were found in one of three piglets, intimately attached to pedestals on the apical surfaces of the superficial urothelium (umbrella cells). Cystitis was significantly associated with the length of survival of the piglets post-inoculation (p = 0.0339; estimated odds ratio = 2.6652). This is the first report of E. coli causing A/E-like lesions in the uroepithelium, and also evidence of the utility of the gnotobiotic piglet as a model for studies of the pathogenesis of EHEC UTIs.
Evaluating Treatment Tolerability in Cancer Clinical Trials Using the Toxicity Index.

Author(s): Gresham, Gillian; Diniz, Marcio A; Razaee, Zahra S; Luu, Michael; Kim, Sungjin; Hays, Ron D; Piantadosi, Steven; Tighiouart, Mourad; Yothers, Greg; Ganz, Patricia A; Rogatko, Andre | Abstract: BackgroundThe National Cancer Institute Moonshot research initiative calls for improvements in the analysis and reporting of treatment toxicity to advise key stakeholders on treatment tolerability and inform regulatory and clinical decision making. This study illustrates alternative approaches to toxicity evaluation using the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-04 clinical trial as an example.MethodsNational Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-04 was a neoadjuvant chemoradiation trial in stage II-III rectal cancer patients. A 2 x 2 factorial design was used to evaluate whether the addition of oxaliplatin (Oxa) to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or capecitabine (Cape) with radiation therapy improved local-regional tumor control. The toxicity index (TI), which accounts for the frequency and severity of toxicities, was compared across treatments using multivariable probabilistic index models, where Pr A l B indicates the probability that higher values of TI were observed for A when compared with B. Baseline age, sex, performance status, body mass index, surgery type, and stage were evaluated as independent risk factors.ResultsA total of 4560 toxicities from 1558 patients were analyzed. Results from adjusted probabilistic index models indicate that oxaliplatin-containing regimens had statistically significant (P l .001) probability (Pr) for higher TI compared with regimens without oxaliplatin (Pr 5FU l 5FU + Oxa = 0.619, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.560 to 0.674; Pr 5FU l Cape + Oxa = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.568 to 0.682; Pr Cape l 5FU + Oxa = 0.587, 95% 0.527 to 0.644; and Pr Cape l Cape + Oxa = 0.596, 95% 0.536 to 0.653). When compared with other existing toxicity analysis methods, TI provided greater power to detect differences between treatments.ConclusionsThis article uses standard data collected in a cancer clinical trial to introduce descriptive and analytic methods that account for the additional burden of multiple toxicities. These methods may provide a more accurate description of a patient's treatment experience that could lead to individualized dosing for better toxicity control. Future research will evaluate the generalizability of these findings in trials with similar drugs.
Neurodevelopmental Characterization of Young Children Diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1.

Objective Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, with the age of diagnosis ranging from the prenatal period through adulthood. Although neurological symptoms usually precede genetic diagnosis, they do not necessarily prompt diagnosis in the early years. Few prospective data are available to describe neurological onset, including neurodevelopmental delays, in children with NPC1. This dearth of information hinders the planning and implementation of adequate monitoring and treatment for the neurodevelopmental sequelae of NPC1. Method Twenty-nine infants, toddlers, and preschoolers younger than 6 years participated in a natural history study and were administered neurodevelopmental assessments using instruments commonly used for early intervention screening in the community. Results Twenty-two of 29 participants met the criteria for a significant delay of at least 1.5 SDs below the mean in at least one domain of development; the youngest children often met these criteria for a significant delay based on motor delays, but cognitive and language delays were also common. However, only 11 of the 22 participants were reported to receive early intervention services before study entry. Conclusion Although neurological symptoms may not prompt the genetic diagnosis of NPC1, the current findings support the use of a multimethod approach to repeated assessments for young children with the diagnosis because of the frequency of developmental delays or decline in multiple domains. The diagnosis of NPC1 alone should qualify children for evaluation for early intervention services and consideration of investigational therapeutic interventions.
Grain boundary structure search by using an evolutionary algorithm with effective mutation methods

Abstract Grain boundaries (GBs) accommodate the misorientation between adjacent grains in a polycrystalline material. GBs are geometrically described by the macroscopic and microscopic degrees of freedom. Besides, at the atomistic level, GBs exhibit complicated behaviors under varying thermodynamic conditions. The complexity of atomistic GB structures demands stochastic searching for possible states. The effectiveness of stochastic search methods relies on techniques to recreate and select atomistic structures. In this work, we developed a new mutation operator that can induce direct and collective atomistic structure changes to boost the search efficiency of exploring GB structures with evolutionary algorithms (EA). We implemented the mutation methods along with innovative selection, crossover, boundary condition preprocessing methods to form an EA-based package to explore GB structures in grand canonical ensembles with atomistic simulations. We used this package to study the [ 0 0 1 ] symmetric tilt grain boundaries (STGBs) in FCC copper (Cu), the [ 1 1 0 ] STGBs in BCC tungsten (W), and the [ 1 2 ‾ 1 0 ] STGBs in HCP magnesium (Mg). The results show that our design and implementation based on new mutation procedures, selection, and boundary conditions provide a high-quality search of atomistic GB structures in the grand canonical ensemble for different crystal lattices.
Nonbasic Epistemology: Must the Epistemology of a Nonbasic Domain Track its Metaphysics?

The paper introduces a topic, which it labels loosely nonbasic epistemology. Somewhat more precisely, the topic concerns whether, and if so, under what conditions, the epistemology of a nonbasic domain must track its metaphysics. The explication of this central notion of tracking is an important part of the project. Some domains are nonbasic in the sense that the facts of those domains obtain in virtue of more basic facts. My topic concerns the relation between how the facts of nonbasic domains are (metaphysically) determined and how we can ascertain these facts. More specifically, I focus on a cluster of questions concerning whether and under what conditions we need to infer the facts of a domain from the more basic determining facts. There are some relatively clear instances of non-inferential access to the facts of a domain. One’s access to one’s own mental states and perception of the external world are good examples. In these cases, tracking is unnecessary: because of our non-inferential access to the target facts, we don’t have to infer the target facts from the more basic facts that determine them. But there are difficult questions about other domains. In this paper, after clarifying the issues, I take the legal domain as a case study.
Water Exchanges: Arizona's Most Recent Innovation in Water Law and Policy

The words “Arizona” and “progressive” are seldom used in the same sentence but, when it comes to water, Arizona has a distinguished record of innovation in water law and policy. This article explores novel solutions to water shortages recently developed by Arizona water lawyers and managers. It draws on presentations at an Arizona Water Law conference hosted by the Arizona College of Law Rogers College of Law in December 2017. The recurring tool is water exchanges, that is, the substitution of one type of water for another, such as Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project for groundwater. Exchanges have become a reliable and valuable tool to solve seemingly intractable engineering challenges. Lest I be perceived as simply a shill for my adopted State, I’ll also critique some foibles and missteps in water management. Arizona water managers are chasing a rainbow in pursuing “augmentation” in the form of desalination from ocean water off the coast of California or Mexico.
How can slow plasma electron holes exist

One-dimensional analysis is presented of solitary positive potential plasma structures whose velocity lies within the range of ion distribution velocities that are strongly populated: ``slow'' electron holes. It is shown that to avoid the self-acceleration of the hole velocity away from ion velocities it must lie within a local minimum in the ion velocity distribution. Quantitative criteria for the existence of stable equilibria are obtained. The background ion distributions required are generally stable to ion-ion modes unless the electron temperature is much higher than the ion temperature. Since slow positive potential solitons are shown not to be possible without a significant contribution from trapped electrons, it seems highly likely that such observed slow potential structures are indeed electron holes.
The mediating role of willingness to seek help on the relationship between peer victimization and mental health outcomes

Abstract Peer victimization is a common negative experience in childhood that can result in a number of harmful consequences, including a range of mental health challenges. Consequently, adult intervention, especially for elementary school-aged children, has been identified as a key ingredient in the prevention of and intervention with acts of aggression and peer victimization. However, children are not always willing to seek help from adults at school in response to peer victimization exposure, suggesting variability in children’s responses to being targeted by peers. A potential mediating pathway may exist where victimization exposure impacts children’s willingness to seek help from adults at school, which in turn may have an impact on their adjustment, including mental health outcomes. However, little is known about the role of children’s willingness to seek help in the link between exposure and negative mental health outcomes. In the present study, we examine 1) if willingness to seek help from teachers mediates the relationship between peer victimization exposure and mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-esteem); and 2) the mediation effects for boys and girls. Based on a sample of 960 3rd-5th grade students from seven elementary schools, results suggest that, while increased peer victimization was associated with lower willingness to seek help and worse mental health outcomes, meditational effects were only found for self-esteem for both boys and girls. Implications for practice in schools are discussed in terms of potential prevention and intervention practices in schools.
Physical-layer Security Using Atmosphere-limited Line-of-sight Terahertz Links

We simulate the properties of atmospheric absorption for a free-space terahertz channel, and propose a method to enable physical-layer security by tuning the carrier frequency relative to a water vapor absorption line.
Tight Guarantees for Static Threshold Policies in the Prophet Secretary Problem.

In the prophet secretary problem, $n$ values are drawn independently from known distributions, and presented in random order. A decision-maker must accept or reject each value when it is presented, and may accept at most $k$ values in total. The objective is to maximize the expected sum of accepted values. We study the performance of static threshold policies, which accept the first $k$ values exceeding a fixed threshold (or all such values, if fewer than $k$ exist). We show that using an optimal threshold guarantees a $\gamma_k = 1 - e^{-k}k^k/k!$ fraction of the offline optimal solution, and provide an example demonstrating that this guarantee is tight. We also provide simple algorithms that achieve this guarantee. The first sets a threshold such that the expected number of values exceeding the threshold is equal to $k$, and offers a guarantee of $\gamma_k$ if $k \geq 5$. The second sets a threshold so that $k \cdot \gamma_k$ values are accepted in expectation, and offers a guarantee of $\gamma_k$ for all $k$. To establish these guarantees, we prove a result about sums of independent Bernoulli random variables, which extends a classical result of Hoeffding (1956) and is of general interest. Finally, we note that our algorithms can be implemented in settings with restricted information about agents' values. This makes them practical in settings such as the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines.
Facial synkinesis: A distressing sequela of facial palsy.

INTRODUCTION Synkinesis refers to abnormal involuntary facial movements that accompany volitional facial movements. Despite a 55% incidence of synkinesis reported in patients with enduring facial paralysis, there is still a lack of complete understanding of this debilitating condition, leading to functional limitations and decreased quality of life.1 This article reviews the diagnostic assessment, etiology, pathophysiology, rehabilitation, and nonsurgical and surgical treatments for facial synkinesis. METHODS A PubMed and Cochrane search was done with no date restrictions for English-language literature on facial synkinesis. The search terms used were "facial," "synkinesis," "palsy," and various combinations of the terms. RESULTS The resultant inability to control the full extent of one's facial movements has functional and psychosocial consequences and may result in social withdrawal with a significant decrease in quality of life. An understanding of facial mimetic musculature is imperative in guiding appropriate intervention. While chemodenervation with botulinum toxin and neurorehabilitation have continued to be the primary treatment strategy for facial synkinesis, novel techniques such as selective myectomy, selective neurolysis, free-functioning muscle transfer, and nerve grafting techniques are becoming increasingly utilized in treatment regimens. Facial rehabilitation, including neuromuscular retraining, soft tissue massage, and relaxation therapy in addition to chemodenervation with botulinum toxin, remains the cornerstone of treatment. In cases of severe, intractable synkinesis and non-flaccid facial paralysis, surgical interventions, including selective neurectomy, selective myectomy, nerve grafting, or free muscle transfer, may play a more significant role in alleviating symptoms. DISCUSSION A multidisciplinary approach involving therapists, clinicians, and surgeons is necessary to develop a comprehensive treatment regimen that will result in optimal outcomes. Ultimately, therapy should be tailored to the severity and pattern of synkinesis, and each patient approached on a case-by-case basis. A multidisciplinary approach involving therapists, clinicians, and surgeons is necessary to develop a comprehensive treatment regimen that will result in optimal outcomes.
Final Qualification and Early On-Orbit Performance of the RHESSI Cryocooler

The Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) spacecraft was launched on February 5, 2002. It now observes the Sun with the finest angular and energy resolutions ever achieved from a few keV to hundreds of keV, using an array of nine germanium detectors operating at 75 K. The spacecraft was originally scheduled for launch in July 2000, but a vibration facility mishap damaged the primary structure of the spacecraft, along with the cryocooler. This paper describes issues in the qualification of a replacement for the original flight cooler, and describes early on-orbit performance.
A Study of Monetary Transmission Mechanism Convergence and Monetary Policy Effectiveness among Core EMU Members from 1991-2006

In this paper, I study how the implementation of the European Monetary Union (EMU), which involves the adoption of a single currency and a common monetary policy by all members, impacted its core members (Germany, Spain, France and Italy). Specifically, I examine how the implementation of the EMU affected the core members’ experience with macroeconomic shocks and consequently, how effective a common monetary policy is in meeting their individual economic objectives. I use SVARs (Structural Vector Autoregressions) to model the core members’ experience with EMU integration. Using SVARs, I generate impulse response graphs (IRGs) to illustrate how macroeconomic shocks propagate through the monetary transmission mechanisms (MTMs) of the different core EMU countries This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol3/iss1/6 Undergraduate Economic Review A publication of Illinois Wesleyan University Vol. III – 2006 2007 Title “A Study of Monetary Transmission Mechanism Convergence and Monetary Policy Effectiveness among Core EMU Members from 1991-2006” Author Bennett Surajat Affiliation Carleton College Abstract In this paper, I study how the implementation of the European Monetary Union (EMU), which involves the adoption of a single currency and a common monetary policy by all members, impacted its core members (Germany, Spain, France and Italy). Specifically, I examine how the implementation of the EMU affected the core members’ experience with macroeconomic shocks and consequently, how effective a common monetary policy is in meeting their individual economic objectives. I use SVARs (Structural Vector Autoregressions) to model the core members’ experience with EMU integration. Using SVARs, I generate impulse response graphs (IRGs) to illustrate how macroeconomic shocks propagate through the monetary transmission mechanisms (MTMs) of the different core EMU countries 1 Surajat: A Study of Monetary Transmission Mechanism Convergence and Moneta Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 2007 A Study of Monetary Transmission Mechanism Convergence and Monetary Policy Effectiveness among Core EMU Members from 1991-2006 Bennett Surajat
The Q-Theory of IPOs

We find that new firms real investment responds much more elastically to aggregate Tobin s Q than does that of established firms. On the financial side, IPOs respond more elastically to Tobin s Q than seasoned offerings of securities. The explanation seems to be that a high aggregate Q raises new firms desired investment much more than it raises the desired investment of incumbents. For the period from 1955 to 2001, the Q-elasticity of IPOs is about 1.2, and the elasticity of new-firms investment is about 0.7. These are about 20 times more than is usual in Q regressions. On the other hand, the Q-elasticity of seasoned offerings is actually negative (-0.05), and the elasticity of incumbents investment is 0.04. Though not statistically significant, the average of these estimates is even smaller than is usual.
Comparison of Two Ferredoxins from Rhodospirillum rubrum as Electron Carriers for the Native Nitrogenase

In coupling the reducing power of illuminated chloroplasts to the nitrogenase from photosynthetically grown Rhodospirillum rubrum cells, one of the native ferredoxins. FdI, was found to be three times more effective than FdII.
Early herders and monumental sites in eastern Africa: dating and interpretation

Using excavation and radiocarbon dating, the authors show that construction of megalithic pillar sites begins in eastern Africa by the fifth millennium BP, and is contemporary with the earliest herding in the region. Mobile herders and/or hunter-gatherers built and used these sites in a dynamic context of economic and social change. We are more familiar with monumentality as an adjunct of cereal cultivators�but this study demonstrates a relationship between early herding and monuments, with clear relevance to pre-cultivation monumentality of very much earlier periods elsewhere.
The Void for Vagueness Doctrine

The void for vagueness doctrine basically states that a law is void if it is vague. The problem is that all statutes are vague to some extent. The void for vagueness doctrine itself is not entirely clear and easy to understand once one digs beneath the surface a bit.1
Crystal structure of a non-canonical high affinity peptide complexed with MHC class I: a novel use of alternative anchors.

Abstract The crystal structure of a non-standard peptide, YEA9, in complex with H-2Kb, at 1.5 A resolution demonstrates how YEA9 peptide can bind with surprisingly high affinity through insertion of alternative, long, non-canonical anchors into the B and E pockets. The use of “alternative pockets” represents a new mode of high affinity peptide binding, that should be considered when predicting peptide epitopes for MHC class I. These novel interactions encountered in this non-canonical high affinity peptide–MHC complex should help predict additional binding peptides from primary protein sequences and aid in the design of alternative approaches for peptide-based vaccines.
Synchronization as a mechanism for attentional gain modulation

Responses of neurons in monkey visual cortex are modulated when attention is directed into the receptive field of the neuron: the gain or sensitivity of the response is increased or the synchronization of the spikes to the local field potential (LFP) is increased. We investigated, using model simulations, whether the synchrony of inhibitory networks could link these observations. We found that, indeed, an increase in inhibitory synchrony could enhance the coherence of the model neurons with the simulated LFP, and could have different effects on the firing rate. When the firing rate vs. current (f–I) response curves saturated at high I, attention yielded a shift in sensitivity; alternatively, when the f–I curves were non-saturating, the most significant effect was on the gain of the response. This suggests that attention may act through changes in the synchrony of inhibitory networks.
Propofol Versus Traditional Sedative Agents for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Meta-analysis

Background & Aims: Even though propofol has better recovery profile than traditional agents, its use is limited because of the perception of increased complication rates. Because an adequately powered trial comparing risk of propofol with traditional agents is lacking, we performed a meta-analysis of the current literature. Methods: We searched Medline (1966–October 2004), EMBASE (1980–October 2004), and Cochrane controlled trials registry. The following 4 cardiopulmonary complications were assessed: hypoxia, hypotension, arrhythmias, and apnea. Procedures were divided into 3 groups: esophagogastroduodenoscopy group, colonoscopy group, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic ultrasonography group. Pooled odds ratios for complications were calculated for all the procedures combined and then separately for the 3 groups. Random effects models were used for 2-proportion comparisons. Results: Of the 90 citations identified, 12 original studies qualified for this meta-analysis and included 1161 patients. Of these, 634 received propofol, and 527 received midazolam, meperidine, and/or fentanyl. Most of the included studies were randomized trials of moderate quality and nonsignificant heterogeneity (Cochran Q = 4.81, P = .90). Compared with traditional sedative agents, the pooled odds ratio with the use of propofol for developing hypoxia or hypotension for all the procedures combined was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–1.24); for EGD, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.33–2.17); for colonoscopy, 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2–0.79); and for ERCP/EUS, 1.07 (95% CI, 0.38–3.01). Conclusions: Propofol sedation during colonoscopy appears to have lower odds of cardiopulmonary complications compared with traditional agents, but for other procedures, the risk of complications is similar.
Leptin-induced decrease in food intake in chickens.

The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of leptin was investigated using broiler and Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL)-type chickens. These represent relatively fast- and slow-growing birds, respectively. The i.c.v. injection of leptin decreased food intake in both broilers and Leghorns in a dose-dependent manner. The most efficacious dose appeared to be 10 μg in both types of chickens. Water intake was generally not affected by leptin, indicating that this effect was not due to general malaise. It appears that leptin can act within the central nervous sytstem of birds to decrease food intake.
Multimethod Assessment of Covert Antisocial Behavior in Children: Laboratory Observations, Adult Ratings, and Child Self-Report.

Given the high risk for delinquency of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their display of covert or clandestine antisocial behavior is important developmentally and theoretically. In a laboratory probe of the temptation to (a) steal small amounts of money and desired objects, (b) destroy property, and (c) use an answer key to cheat on a worksheet, counts of these covert behaviors were reliably made. Laboratory property destruction was highly correlated with parallel naturalistic behaviors. Stealing and property destruction (but not cheating) formed a factor that was distinct from overt physical and verbal aggression. These covert indexes clearly distinguished ADHD from comparison samples as well as high- from low-aggressive ADHD subgroups ; they showed external validity with maternal reports, global staff ratings, and child self-reports of similar constructs. The authors discuss psychometric and ethical issues in the assessment of covert antisocial behavior.
Lagrange constraint neural networks for massive pixel parallel image demixing

We have shown that the remote sensing optical imaging to achieve detailed sub-pixel decomposition is a unique application of blind source separation (BSS) that is truly linear of far away weak signal, instantaneous speed of light without delay, and along the line of sight without multiple paths. In early papers, we have presented a direct application of statistical mechanical de-mixing method called Lagrange Constraint Neural Network (LCNN). While the BSAO algorithm (using a posteriori MaxEnt ANN and neighborhood pixel average) is not acceptable for remote sensing, a mirror symmetric LCNN approach is all right assuming a priori MaxEnt for unknown sources to be averaged over the source statistics (not neighborhood pixel data) in a pixel-by-pixel independent fashion. LCNN reduces the computation complexity, save a great number of memory devices, and cut the cost of implementation. The Landsat system is designed to measure the radiation to deduce surface conditions and materials. For any given material, the amount of emitted and reflected radiation varies by the wavelength. In practice, a single pixel of a Landsat image has seven channels receiving 0.1 to 12 microns of radiation from the ground within a 20x20 meter footprint containing a variety of radiation materials. A-priori LCNN algorithm provides the spatial-temporal variation of mixture that is hardly de-mixable by other a-posteriori BSS or ICA methods. We have already compared the Landsat remote sensing using both methods in WCCI 2002 Hawaii. Unfortunately the absolute benchmark is not possible because of lacking of the ground truth. We will arbitrarily mix two incoherent sampled images as the ground truth. However, the constant total probability of co-located sources within the pixel footprint is necessary for the remote sensing constraint (since on a clear day the total reflecting energy is constant in neighborhood receiving pixel sensors), we have to normalized two image pixel-by-pixel as well. Then, the result is indeed as expected.
IR–IR double resonance spectroscopy in helium nanodroplets: Photo-induced isomerization

Two IR lasers are used in a pump–probe configuration to observe photo-induced isomerization between the linear and bent isomers of HCN–HF, formed in helium nanodroplets. Vibrational excitation of the C–H and H–F stretching modes of these complexes provides sufficient energy to surmount the barriers between them. The extent of population transfer is found to be different for pumping the two isomers. In the case of linear HCN–HF, the results suggest that the complex undergoes vibrational predissociation, followed by geminate recombination. Excitation of the higher energy bent HF–HCN isomer results in complete population transfer to the linear complex. This isomer specific population transfer provides important clues regarding the associated vibrational dynamics.
Monte Carlo simulations for interpretation of irradiance measurements from moored instruments: preliminary results

The recent development of moorable underwater spectral radiometers provides the possibility of long-term observations of bio-optical properties of the ocean at a sampling frequency of a few seconds to minutes. However, interpretation of the observed attenuation coefficients in terms of variations in the inherent optical properties (IOPs) or the biological properties is not straightforward for several reasons. First, even in a homogeneous ocean the attenuation coefficient Kd will be a function of depth, illumination at the surface, and the surface roughness, as well as the IOPs of the ocean. Next, a moored instrument cannot measure Kd as a function of depth but instead measures the mean Kd between discrete depths. Finally, Kd will depend on the (unknown) vertical structure of the optical properties of the water column. The dependence of the mean Kd on these factors is studied with Monte Carlo simulations of radiative transfer in the ocean-atmosphere system. Preliminary results from this study are presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rendering Economies: Native American Labor and Secondary Animal Products in the Eighteenth-Century Pimería Alta

While the ostensible motivation for Spanish missionization in the Americas was religious conversion, missions were also critical to the expansion of European economic institutions in the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. Native American labor in mission contexts was recruited in support of broader programs of colonialism, mercantilism, and resource extraction. Archaeological research throughout North America demonstrates the importance and extent of the integration of Native labor into regional colonial economies. Animals and animal products were often important commodities within colonialperiod regional exchange networks and thus, zooarchaeological data can be crucial to the reconstruction of local economic practices that linked Native labor to larger-scale economic processes. Zooarchaeological remains from two Spanish missions—one in southern Arizona and one in northern Sonora—demonstrate that Native labor supported broader colonial economic processes through the production of animal products such as tallow and hide. Tallow rendered at Mission San Agustin de Tucson and Mission Nuestra Senora del Pilar y Santiago de Cocospera was vital for mining activities in the region, which served as an important wealth base for the continued development of Spanish colonialism in the Americas. This research also demonstrates continuity in rendering practices over millennia of human history, and across diverse geographical regions, permitting formalization of a set of expectations for identifying tallow-rendered assemblages, regardless of context.
Major Adverse Events Associated With Treatment of Infantile Spasms

Few studies have focused on tolerability and adverse events associated with natural adrenocorticotropic hormone injections for treatment of infantile spasms. Using a retrospective chart review of 130 patients, the authors compare major adverse events, weight and blood pressure changes, and unplanned medication changes associated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) injections versus other antiepileptic drugs. Children treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone injections experienced significant short-term weight gain and blood pressure elevations, which were readily reversible with weaning off the drug. Twenty-three percent of patients treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (14 of 60) and 17% of patients treated with other antiepileptic drugs (11 of 65) experienced a major adverse event during treatment. Few patients overall required a change in medication due to intolerable side effects. Despite early changes in weight and blood pressure, short courses of high-dose natural adrenocorticotropic hormone are generally well tolerated with no increased major adverse events when compared to antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of infantile spasms.
Chlorination Chemistry. 3. Ab Initio Study of the Reaction of Chlorine Atom with Allene

Highly correlated ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been used to map out the potential energy surface of the Cl + allene reaction in the gas phase. Eight transition state structures governing the mechanism of the title reaction were computed at seven different levels of theory. The results show that UMP2 calculations are adversely affected by contamination from higher spin states. QCISD(T) calculations illustrate the importance of correlation including triple electron excitations in the quadratic configuration wave function for obtaining an accurate description of the potential energy surface. Results computed at the QCISD(T)/6-31+G(d,p)// QCISD/6-31+G(d,p) level indicate that chlorine atom addition at the center and end carbons of allene are barrierless processes and that the chemically activated C 3H4Cl complex may isomerize through chlorine atom transfer but not through hydrogen atom transfer. The metathesis transition state corresponding to hydrogen
Cardiac surgery in nonagenarians.

Objectives and Background: The purpose of this study was to document our initial experience with patients 90 years of age and older and to determine whether cardiac surgery is justified in this age group. Cardiac surgery in octogenarians has proven to be a successful and worthwhile procedure. A small group of nonagenarians with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic valve disease refractory to medical therapy have been considered for surgery. Methods: Fourteen patients aged 90 or more underwent cardiac surgery for symptomatic CAD or aortic valvular disease refractory to medical therapy. Eight patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and six patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR). All patients were in NYHA Class IV preoperatively. Results: Hospital mortality occurred in one patient (7%). Hospital morbidity occurred in 10 patients (71%) and included 7 cardiac, 5 neurological, 1 gastrointestinal, 1 infectious, and 1 pulmonary event. All survivors left the hospital symptomatically improved. The mean length of stay was 26 days. Four CABG patients went on to die at a mean of 2 years and 2 months, and 3 remain alive at a mean of 2 years and 4 months. Three AVR patients expired at a mean of 3 years and 4 months, and 3 remain alive at 4 years and 1 month. Conclusions: Cardiac surgery in carefully selected nonagenarians is justified and can be performed with acceptable results.
Attention to emotional tone of voice in speech perception in children with autism

Abstract A video game was developed to assess speech perception in 13 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 13 children with typical development (TYP), ages 5–17 years old. Children listened to pre-recorded sentences varying in content (e.g., “Bob parked a van” vs. “Tim shut a door”) and prosody (i.e., enthusiastic vs. grouchy tone of voice). During training, children learned to select one of two sentences differing in both content and prosody (e.g., enthusiastic “Bob parked a van” vs. grouchy “Tim shut a door”). At testing, children listened to test probes comprising re-combinations of the content and prosodic features of the training sentences. Testing indicated that both groups showed accurate discrimination of the training sentences from the re-combined test probes. However, whereas TYP children showed a preference to select the sentence with enthusiastic prosody over its grouchy counterpart, children with ASD did not. Thus, children with ASD show atypical attention to emotional tone of voice, even though they show no deficit in perceiving prosody.