cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Select noxious stimuli induce changes on corneal nerve morphology

The surface of the cornea contains the highest density of nociceptive nerves of any tissue in the body. These nerves are responsive to a variety of modalities of noxious stimuli and can signal pain even when activated by low threshold stimulation. Injury of corneal nerves can lead to altered nerve morphology, including neuropathic changes which can be associated with chronic pain. Emerging technologies that allow imaging of corneal nerves in vivo are spawning questions regarding the relationship between corneal nerve density, morphology, and function. We tested whether noxious stimulation of the corneal surface can alter nerve morphology and neurochemistry. We used concentrations of menthol, capsaicin, and hypertonic saline that evoked comparable levels of nocifensive eye wipe behaviors when applied to the ocular surface of an awake rat. Animals were sacrificed and corneal nerves were examined using immunocytochemistry and three-dimensional volumetric analyses. We found that menthol and capsaicin both caused a significant reduction in corneal nerve density as detected with β-tubulin immunoreactivity 2 hr after stimulation. Hypertonic saline did not reduce nerve density, but did cause qualitative changes in nerves including enlarged varicosities that were also seen following capsaicin and menthol stimulation. All three types of noxious stimuli caused a depletion of CGRP from corneal nerves, indicating that all modalities of noxious stimuli evoked peptide release. Our findings suggest that studies aimed at understanding the relationship between corneal nerve morphology and chronic disease may also need to consider the effects of acute stimulation on corneal nerve morphology.
What Happened before the Organization? A Model of Organization Formation:

This paper attempts to explain the observations that not all Individuals have the potential to found organizations, and that of those who do, not all try or succeed. Three dimensions to organizatio...
Impact of short-term study abroad program: Inservice teachers' development of intercultural competence and pedagogical beliefs

A comprehensive study abroad program is one of the most effective ways to prepare multicultural and global teachers. However, in teacher education, most of the study abroad programs are designed for preservice teachers. In this study, we detailed the design of a short-term study abroad program for inservice teachers and reported on the impact of the program not only on teachers’ intercultural competence development, but also their teaching beliefs and practices. Discussions and implications were provided for educators designing study abroad programs for teachers.
Practice education network for social work (PENSW): evaluation of an online resource

The Practice Education Network for Social Work (PENSW) is an online resource for networking and sharing knowledge and information that is accessed by all the professionals and partner agencies involved in providing social work placements and supervising social work students at the University of Suffolk (UOS) in the United Kingdom (UK). This research explored the ease with which such networks can be set up, and offers an evaluation from network members. Given limited national resources and the need to provide more localised resources; this evaluation demonstrates the importance of providing an easily accessible virtual space for organisations and professionals to access resources, network, and share best practice. The findings suggest that all social work training programmes should consider providing a localised network to support the social work placement process by ensuring that supervisors of social work students have access to necessary documentation, research, and information so that they can effectively fulfil their roles, and stay connected to the programme provider and other professionals involved in social work student practice placements.
Size Matters: Another Reason Why the Atlantic Is Saltier than the Pacific

AbstractThe surface salinity in the North Atlantic controls the position of the sinking branch of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC); the North Atlantic has higher salinity, so deep-water formation occurs there rather than in the North Pacific. Here, it is shown that in a 3D primitive equation model of two basins of different widths connected by a reentrant channel, there is a preference for sinking in the narrow basin even under zonally uniform surface forcing. This preference is linked to the details of the velocity and salinity fields in the “sinking” basin. The southward western boundary current associated with the wind-driven subpolar gyre has higher velocity in the wide basin than in the narrow basin. It overwhelms the northward western boundary current associated with the MOC for wide-basin sinking, so freshwater is brought from the far north of the domain southward and forms a pool on the western boundary in the wide basin. The fresh pool suppresses local convection and spreads eastward,...
Communication in the Presence of Jamming-An Information-Theoretic Approach

In traditional information theoretic studies, the channel is entirely passive, though possibly quite complex probabilistically. However, it sometimes happens in practice that the channel is partially controlled by an adversary (the Jammer) whose goal is to do everything in his power to make communication difficult. This possibility leads to a whole host of interesting mathematical and-engineering problems, and in this paper we will study a few of these. In the next section, we will introduce a two-person zero-sum game with mutual information as the payoff function. The first player (the Communicator) wants to maximize this function, and the second player (the Jammer) wants to minimize it. Since mutual information is convex-concave in just the right way, a generalization of Von Neumann’s minimax theorem turns out to guarantee the existence of jointly optimal saddlepoint strategies for the players. We show that these strategies are memory-less for both players.
An Information Systems Design Theory for Knowledge-Based Organizational Learning Systems

The field of information systems (IS) is divided into “design science,” which is more engineering oriented, and “natural science,” which is more management oriented. This paper believes that such a conflict is detrimental to the cause of research in IS, especially because both design and natural science have a wealth of knowledge to give to and to learn from each other, and a symbiotic relationship between the two research interests could tremendously increase the contribution of IS research as a whole. As an example, this paper uses theory from natural science to guide building and evaluating an artifact using design science. Specifically, I develop an information systems design theory to provide a prescriptive conceptual design of an organizational learning system using design science that addresses the shortcomings of on knowledge management systems and organizational learning systems identified in natural science research.
MRI of the Acute Abdomen and Pelvis

Acute abdominal and pelvic conditions require rapid and accurate diagnosis in the emergency department setting. While the imaging modalities of ultrasound, CT, and radiography play a significant role, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a distinct number of advantages in certain conditions and situations. MRI is often a diagnostic problem solver and can be used in selected patients. With increasing vigilance regarding ionizing radiation dose, MRI will likely play an increasing role in the emergency department. This chapter provides an overview of MR imaging of the abdomen and pelvis in the emergency setting including the descriptions of facility logistics and design, imaging protocols, and a review of imaging features of common acute abdominopelvic conditions.
Second and Third Generation Cholinesterase Inhibitors: From Preclinical Studies to Clinical Efficacy

Four main pharmacological effects of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) constitute the theoretical basis for therapy of Alzheimer disease (AD): 1) functional improvement of central cholinergic synapses mediated through muscarinic and nicotinic mechanisms (Summers et al., 1994; Cuadra et al., 1994); 2) protection against neuronal degeneration mediated through nicotinic receptor activation (Janson and Moller, 1993; Sjak-shie et al., 1990); 3) modification of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing mediated through muscarinic M1 receptor activation (Nitsch et al., 1993; Buxbaum et al., 1992); and 4) regional enhanced synthesis of neurotrophic molecules [nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived nerve factor (BDNF)] via muscarinic receptor stimulation (Lindfors et al., 1992; Berzaghi et al., 1993).
Continuants with bounded digits—III

The author strengthens a recent theorem of G. Ramharter and gives a simpler proof for some inequalities proved by Ramharter.
Gas-Diffusion Electrodes for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: A New Paradigm

Significant advances have been made in recent years discovering new electrocatalysts and developing a fundamental understanding of electrochemical CO2 reduction processes. This field has progressed to the point that efforts can now focus on translating this knowledge toward the development of practical CO2 electrolyzers, which have the potential to replace conventional petrochemical processes as a sustainable route to produce fuels and chemicals. In this Perspective, we take a critical look at the progress in incorporating electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysts into practical device architectures that operate using vapor-phase CO2 reactants, thereby overcoming intrinsic limitations of aqueous-based systems. Performance comparison is made between state-of-the-art CO2 electrolyzers and commercial H2O electrolyzers—a well-established technology that provides realistic performance targets. Beyond just higher rates, vapor-fed reactors represent new paradigms for unprecedented control of local reaction conditi...
Bedside medication delivery programs: suggestions for systematic evaluation and reporting.

Purpose Several factors lead to medication non-adherence after hospital discharge. Hospitals and pharmacies have implemented bedside medication delivery (BMD) programs for patients, in an attempt to reduce barriers and improve medication adherence. Here, we provide a critical review of the literature on these programs. Data sources We conducted a literature search on BMD programs in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and a general Google search using these keywords: 'medication delivery bedside', 'discharge medication delivery', 'meds to bedside' and 'meds to beds'. Study selection We identified 10 reports and include data from all reports. Data extraction Data on study characteristics and settings were extracted along with four outcomes: medication error, patient satisfaction, 30-day hospital readmission and visits to the emergency department. Results of data synthesis Of the 10 reports, only 4 were peer-reviewed publications; others were reported in the lay press. Outcomes were reported in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Less than half of reports provided quantitative data on 30-day readmission and patient satisfaction. Others suggested qualitative improvement in these outcomes but did not provide data or specific details. None reported outcomes of their programs beyond 30 days. Conclusion We highlight the need for increased use of optimal program design and more rigorous evaluations of the impact of BMD programs. We also provide guidelines on the types of evaluations that are likely needed and encourage improved reporting.
Self-control revisited: Or why doesn't anyone actually read Skinner anymore?

Abstract Self-control continues to develop as a major source of explanatory concepts within cognitive behavior therapy. The recent history of self-control is reviewed, and three related areas of disagreement between radical behaviorists and cognitive behaviorists are discussed. The logical status of self-reinforcement, reciprocity, and private events is examined and evaluated. This review suggests that a radical behavioral approach continues to offer psychology the most effective program for the analysis of behavior.
Critical Commons Scholarship: A Typology

Common-pool resource theory (CPR theory) emerged to understand the limitations of the tragedy of the commons narrative, and the theory of human behavior underlying it. Over time, diverse critiques of CPR theory have also emerged. Prominent critiques include inattention to power and coercion, assumptions that institutions can be crafted, and analyses that exclude history and context, among others. We label this literature critical commons scholarship. In this review paper, we define a typology of five types of critical commons scholarship. The functionalist critique (type 1) argues that a narrow focus on institutions that excludes history, context, and contingencies causes erroneous conclusions about the causes of resource sustainability. The apolitical management critique (type 2) argues that a focus on resource sustainability causes commons scholars to ignore how power is used to create and maintain inequalities through rules and norms structuring resource access. The methodological critique (type 3) argues that methodological incompatibilities, such as CPR theory’s dependence on general, abstract models, necessarily prevent these scholars from responding to type 1 and type 2 critiques. The project of government critique (type 4) argues that common-pool resource theory is used to support neoliberal and hegemonic practices. Finally, the ethical critique (type 5) argues that common-pool resource theory is premised on problematic north-south relationships where expert scholars in the global north provide information to be consumed by “commoners” in the global south. Mainstream CPR theory has been limited in engaging with critical commons scholarship, but there are new tools (such as the social-ecological systems framework and the critical institutionalism approach) for addressing each type of critique. Our goal in developing this typology is to make critiques of CPR theory legible and potentially actionable, while acknowledging the challenges associated with addressing them.
Examining the Specificity of Postural Control Deficits in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Cross-Syndrome Approach

Abstract Background Postural control deficits are commonly reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, identification of specific postural sway features that differentiate ASD from other neurodevelopmental disorders has not been examined. The current study employs a cross-syndrome approach by comparing postural sway area and direction-specific features of sway magnitude, sway velocity, and sway complexity between children with ASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and typically developing (TD) controls. Method Eighty children (7–17 years old) participated in this study. Postural sway was measured on a force plate during 30-s of bilateral quiet stance and balance was assessed using a timed unipedal stance test. Results Results showed that (1) postural sway area and mediolateral (ML) sway magnitude were significantly greater in children with ASD vs. all groups (p Conclusions ASD-specific postural sway features were identified using a cross-syndrome design. Identifying ASD-specific motor impairments can be useful to understanding the neurological underpinnings of ASD.
Sharpest Tool in the Shed - Accounting Concepts for Managing the Collections Budget

This segment of Sharpest Tool in the Shed provides an overview of acquisitions accounting principles and how these concepts can help acquisitions staff and budget managers monitor, track, and proje...
3D Documentation and Analysis of Porosity in Deteriorated Historic Brick

Bricks used in historic built heritage were often fired to a lower peak temperature than modern bricks, so tend to be porous and susceptible to deterioration. Long-term exposure in an outdoor envir...
Monitoring the Return of Marine-Derived Nitrogen to Riparian Areas in Response to Dam Removal on the Elwha River, Washington

Two sources of nitrogen to Pacific Northwest riparian areas are marine-derived nitrogen (MDN) via anadromous Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and atmospheric nitrogen fixation via red alder (Alnus rubra). The recent removal of two large dams on the Elwha River, WA, opened up about 60 km of previously inaccessible river habitat for anadromous salmon. We used naturally abundant stable nitrogen isotopes to establish baseline data to monitor the influx of MDN to riparian zones of Elwha River tributaries post dam removal. We sampled riparian soil, overstory, and understory vegetation in sites with nitrogen-fixing A. rubra and sites with bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) at an undammed reference site, and along three tributaries, one between the former dams (accessible to anadromous salmon since 2012) and the others upstream of the former dams (no anadromous salmon). Based on δ15N measurements of soil and vegetation, we did not detect MDN at any of the tributaries, including the reference tributary. However, the understory riparian vegetation between the former dams had a higher δ15N than the other tributaries, which may be due to upstream anthropogenic nitrogen sources. Although A. rubra foliage was isotopically distinct from A. macrophyllum, and A. rubra litter had higher total nitrogen, soil and understory vegetation in A. rubra and A. macrophyllum sites did not differ isotopically. Monitoring of these areas and those further upstream on the Elwha River will allow us to trace the return of MDN to the watershed, and help to clarify the role that anadromous fish play in riparian ecosystems.
“Social security is a scam”: the Ethical Dilemmas in Treating Overvalued Beliefs

Introduction In the 19th century, Carl Wernicke introduced the term ueberwertige idee (overvalued idea), a rigidly held belief that influences behavior and is shared by others. Delusions, on the other hand, are defined as fixed, false beliefs, not accepted by others of that culture. Through the internet and social media, information is ever more readily accessed, leading to rapid transmission of ideas, including those considered fringe or extreme. Here, we present the case of a man with major neurocognitive disorder complicated by an ueberwertige idee that undermined his care. We consider the diagnosis of delusional disorder versus an overvalued belief, and the ethical implications inherent in the distinction. Methods Case report: The patient was assessed and treated on the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit. This case was reviewed and compared with relevant literature. Results This is a case report of an elderly homeless man with a history of major neurocognitive disorder, lower extremity deep venous thromboses, chronic venous stasis, and blindness secondary to glaucoma. He was hospitalized for treatment of cellulitis, then involuntarily transferred to the inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit for grave disability. He had a long-standing suspicion of the American social security system, believing it to be a means of covert government control. He expressed a consistent preference to live on the streets, while his health conditions required a higher level of care. Unfortunately, his fixed beliefs were a barrier to supported housing, health insurance, and disability benefits. During his prolonged psychiatric hospitalization, he did not exhibit other psychotic symptoms and he refused to take psychotropic medication. We were unable to secure a Lanterman Petris Short conservatorship for him; themes of the difference between delusion and extreme belief dominated the legal hearing. The patient was discharged to the streets, per his preference. Conclusions Distinguishing between delusions and overvalued beliefs can be a significant challenge. With the internet and the global growth of subcultures, encountering patients with extreme beliefs will become increasingly common. Examining the diagnosis and ethical considerations carefully is essential to providing the care most aligned with an individual's interests and values. Funding No funding sources to report
The cost-effectiveness of depression screening for the general adult population

ABSTRACT Objective Screening has an essential role in preventive medicine. Ideally, screening tools detect patients early enough to manage the disease and reduce symptoms. We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of routine screening schedules. Methods We used a discrete-time nonstationary Markov model to simulate the progression of depression. We adopted annual transition probabilities, which were dependent on patient histories, such as the number of previous episodes, treatment status, and time spent without treatment state based on the available data. We used Monte Carlo techniques to simulate the stochastic model for 20 years or during the lifetime of individuals. Baseline and screening scenario models with screening frequencies of annual, 2-year, and 5-year were compared based on incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Results In the general population, all screening strategies were cost-effective compared to the baseline. However, male and female populations differed based on cost over quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Females had lower ICERs, and annual screening had the highest ICER for females, with 11,134 $/QALY gained. In contrast, males had around three times higher ICER, with annual screening costs of 34,065$/QALY gained. Conclusions Considering the high lifetime prevalence and recurrence rates of depression, detection and prevention efforts can be one critical cornerstone to support required care. Our analysis combined the expected benefits and costs of screening and assessed the effectiveness of screening scenarios. We conclude that routine screening is cost-effective for all age groups of females and young, middle-aged males. Male population results are sensitive to the higher costs of screening.
Ultrasonographic Anatomy in Radiofrequency Ablation of the Thyroid

Abstract Introduction: Ultrasound-guided interventions of the thyroid gland, including radiofrequency and other thermal ablation techniques, require operator experience with ultrasound-based anatom...
Improving Safety in Deep Reinforcement Learning using Unsupervised Action Planning

One of the key challenges to deep reinforcement learning (deep RL) is to ensure safety at both training and testing phases. In this work, we propose a novel technique of unsupervised action planning to improve the safety of on-policy reinforcement learning algorithms, such as trust region policy optimization (TRPO) or proximal policy optimization (PPO). We design our safety-aware reinforcement learning by storing all the history of "recovery" actions that rescue the agent from dangerous situations into a separate "safety" buffer and finding the best recovery action when the agent encounters similar states. Because this functionality requires the algorithm to query similar states, we implement the proposed safety mechanism using an unsupervised learning algorithm, k-means clustering. We evaluate the proposed algorithm on six robotic control tasks that cover navigation and manipulation. Our results show that the proposed safety RL algorithm can achieve higher rewards compared with multiple baselines in both discrete and continuous control problems. The supplemental video can be found at: this https URL.
Social Identity Theory

Social identity theory is an interactionist social psychological theory of the role of self-conception and associated cognitive processes and social beliefs in group processes and intergroup relations. Originally introduced in the 1970s primarily as an account of intergroup relations, it was significantly developed at the start of the 1980s as a general account of group processes and the nature of the social group. Since then, social identity theory has been significantly extended through a range of sub-theories that focus on social influence and group norms, leadership within and between groups, self-enhancement and uncertainty reduction motivations, deindividuation and collective behavior, social mobilization and protest, and marginalization and deviance within groups. The theory has also been applied and developed to explain organizational phenomena and the dynamics of language and speech style as identity symbols. Chapter 1 provides a relatively comprehensive and accessible overview of social identity theory, with an emphasis on its analysis of intergroup conflict.
The Structure of an Ornithine-containing Lipid from Thiobacillus thiooxidans

Abstract The structure of an ornithine-containing lipid from Thiobacillus thiooxidans has been elucidated. Methanolysis of the lipid released methyl cis-11,12-methylene-2-hydroxy-octadecanoate. Acid hydrolysis of the residue yielded ornithine and a mixture of fatty acids, the major components of which were 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic and 2-hexadecenoic acids. Identification of the 3-hydroxy fatty acid was based on the thin layer chromatographic mobilities of the acid, its methyl ester, the methyl ether, and acetate derivatives of its methyl ester, on the equivalent chain lengths of the derivatives of the acid and the acid obtained by oxidation of the natural acid with permanganate, and on mass spectral studies. Similar techniques were used for the identification of 2-hexadecenoic acid. The minor fatty acids and the 2-hexadecenoic acid were found to be degradation products of the 3-hydroxy acid. A 1:1:1 molar ratio was determined for the three lipid components, ornithine, cis-11,12-methylene-2-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid. Evidence for an ester linkage between the carboxyl group of the 2-hydroxy fatty acid and the hydroxyl group of the 3-hydroxy acid was obtained by infrared spectra, degradation of 14C-labeled lipid, and reactions of the lipid with NaOCH3 and NH2OH. The 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid was determined to be attached to the α-amino group of ornithine through an amide bond. This conclusion was supported by the conditions necessary to achieve hydrolysis, infrared spectra, end group analysis with dansyl chloride, and nonaqueous titrations. Data obtained in this investigation indicated that the δ-amino group and the carboxyl group of ornithine were free and that the extracted lipid existed as a zwitterion. Elemental analysis and unit weight determinations were consistent with the proposed structure.
The roles of behavioural activation and inhibition among young adults engaging in self-injury

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent behaviour, particularly among young adults. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms underlying NSSI or the personality correlates of these behaviours. The goal of this study was to examine the roles of the behavioural activation and inhibition systems (BAS and BIS) in NSSI. A total of 604 undergraduates completed two self-report measures of BAS and BIS, as well as NSSI history. Logistic and negative binomial linear regressions were used to examine the relationships between measures of BAS and BIS and the presence and course characteristics of NSSI. Approximately 30% of participants reported a history of NSSI. High scores on BAS (drive, reward and fun seeking), combined with low scores on BIS total, predicted NSSI history. However, the opposite was also true, with high levels of BIS total, combined with low levels of BAS (drive, reward and fun seeking), also predicting NSSI history. In addition, several BAS by BIS interactions predicted an NSSI course characterized by more acts and methods used. This study supports the roles of both BAS and BIS in NSSI and takes the first step in identifying how these personality correlates may help identify individuals at risk for NSSI.
Economics of Copying and Copyright

The author considers the peculiar properties of copyright as an object of economic analysis and outlines its history in the USA. The article also addresses the problem of the optimal term of copyright from the point of view of social welfare. Simple models of price-setting on the market for information goods are analyzed.
The role of axonal sprouting in functional reorganization after CNS injury: lessons from the hippocampal formation.

Functional reorganization is often invoked to account for recovery of function after central nervous system (CNS) injury. The mechanisms underlying this possible reorganization, however, remain uncertain. In the last 30 years, studies of the hippocampal formation of rats have indicated that the CNS is capable of undergoing significant changes in its pattern of connectivity in response to injury. Here, we explore numerous examples of lesion-induced alterations in hippocampal connectivity known as axonal sprouting. Both homotypic and heterotypic sprouting occur in the denervated hippocampus after unilateral entorhinal cortex lesions. We assess the behavioral relevance of glutamatergic homotypic sprouting emerging from the surviving contralateral entorhinal area (i.e., the crossed temporodentate projection) as well as the heterotypic sprouting from the remaining surviving afferents (e. g., the cholinergic septodentate pathway) to the hippocampus. Studies examining the role of crossed temporodentate sprouting in recovery from memory deficits after entorhinal cortex injury indicate that homotypic sprouting may indeed contribute to a reorganization of cortical function resulting in recovered mnemonic capacity. Heterotypic sprouting is not as clearly linked to recovery of function after bilateral entorhinal injury. We propose a tripartite model for functional reorganization based on homotypic sprouting, neurotrophic factors, and altered inhibitory functioning to account for how relatively small increases in surviving homotypic pathways might restore neurological function.
The tool for the automatic analysis of text cohesion (TAACO): Automatic assessment of local, global, and text cohesion

This study introduces the Tool for the Automatic Analysis of Cohesion (TAACO), a freely available text analysis tool that is easy to use, works on most operating systems (Windows, Mac, and Linux), is housed on a user’s hard drive (rather than having an Internet interface), allows for the batch processing of text files, and incorporates over 150 classic and recently developed indices related to text cohesion. The study validates TAACO by investigating how its indices related to local, global, and overall text cohesion can predict expert judgments of text coherence and essay quality. The findings of this study provide predictive validation of TAACO and support the notion that expert judgments of text coherence and quality are either negatively correlated or not predicted by local and overall text cohesion indices, but are positively predicted by global indices of cohesion. Combined, these findings provide supporting evidence that coherence for expert raters is a property of global cohesion and not of local cohesion, and that expert ratings of text quality are positively related to global cohesion.
What Can Agriculture Do for the Poorest Rural Groups

Most of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas. They derive a large share of income from agriculture, as small farmers or as workers – or as both. Agricultural development is therefore often seen as the key to reducing poverty, especially rural poverty. In most of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, where the rural poor are mostly small farmers, it is clear that increasing the efficiency of these farmers vis-a-vis large farmers (or of the country as a whole vis-a-vis competing countries) improves the small farmers’ condition. They can expand their sales and/or can produce their own subsistence with less effort or lower cash costs (for a full discussion see World Bank, 1986).
Tobacco use disorder and the risk of suicide mortality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tobacco use may be a risk factor for suicide mortality; however, prior research has produced equivocal findings, and has been limited by relatively small sample sizes to study the rare event of suicide, as well as a lack of adjustment for other important factors, including psychiatric illness. We estimate the predictive association between tobacco use disorder and the risk of suicide mortality, adjusting for other important variables. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: The United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA). PARTICIPANTS: All individuals who received VHA services in Fiscal Year 2005 and were alive at the start of Fiscal Year 2006 (n= 4,863,086). MEASUREMENTS: Tobacco use disorder was assessed via Fiscal Year 2004-2005 VHA National Patient Care Database records. The outcome of suicide mortality was assessed during the follow-up interval from Fiscal Year 2006 through Fiscal Year 2008 using National Death Index records. FINDINGS: Of the 4,863,086 individuals in the study, 4823 died by suicide during the follow-up interval. In the unadjusted model, tobacco use disorder was associated with an increased risk of suicide (Hazard Ratio=1.88; 95% Confidence Interval=1.76, 2.02). After adjustment for model covariates, the association remained statistically significant, although attenuated (Hazard Ratio =1.36, 95% Confidence Interval =1.27, 1.46). CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use disorder may confer a modest excess risk of death by suicide. Psychiatric disorders may partially explain the relationship between tobacco use disorder and suicide. Language: en
The relationship between the concentration of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline and the pattern of metabolites released from the isolated liver

Abstract Hepatic metabolism of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline results in extrahepatic toxicity caused by the release of metabolites from the liver. We have quantified the release of pyrrolic metabolites into the perfusate and bile of isolated rat livers perfused with monocrotaline over the concentration range of 0.125-1.5 mM. Over a 1-hr perfusion period, the amount of dehydromonocrotaline released from the liver varied from 60 nmol/g liver at 0.125 mM monocrotaline to 460 nmol/g liver at 1.5 mM monocrotaline. As a percentage of total pyrrole release, this is a monotonic increase from 30 to 41%. The percentage of pyrroles released into the bile, representing mainly 7-glutathionyl-6,7-dihydro-1-hydroxymethyl-5 H -pyrrolizine (GSDHP), increased over the monocrotaline concentration range 0.125-1.0 mM, but fell sharply from 38% of total at the latter concentration to 21% of total at 1.5 mM monocrotaline. This is probably a reflection of glutathione depletion. Nonalkylating pyrrole released into the perfusate, represents largely 6,7-dihydro-7-hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-5 H -pyrrolizine (DHP). Pyrrole released into perfusate showed an opposite pattern. The percentage of pyrroles released as DHP into the perfusate fell from 38% at 125 μM monocrotaline to 27% at 1.0 mM monocrotaline, but increased sharply to 38% at 1.5 mM monocrotaline. When calculated on a body weight basis, concentrations of monocrotaline of 500 μM result in the release from the liver of 5.3 μmol/kg of dehydromonocrotaline. This is comparable to the amount of dehydromonocrotaline, given in vivo , required for pneumotoxicity. The amounts of other pyrrolic metabolites released over a 1-hr period of perfusion are insufficient to produce pneumotoxicity in vivo . Based on the body weight of the donor rat, pyrrole release on perfusion of the isolated liver with 1500 μM monocrotaline can be calculated as μmol/kg body weight. These amounts can then be compared to acute doses producing pneumotoxicity in vivo (given in parentheses): DHP, 13 μmol/kg body weight released (350 μmol/kg); GSDHP, 8 μmol/kg (300 μmol/kg); and dehydromonocrotaline, 14 μmol/kg (15 μmol/ kg). This suggests, therefore, that dehydromonocrotaline is the pyrrolic metabolite contributing the most to the extrahepatic toxicity of monocrotaline.
Noise robustness of nonlinear filters for image recognition.

We analyze the performance of the Fourier plane nonlinear filters in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We obtain a range of nonlinearities for which SNR is robust to the variations in input-noise bandwidth. This is shown both by analytical estimates of the SNR for nonlinear filters and by experimental simulations. Specifically, we analyze the SNR when Fourier plane nonlinearity is applied to the input signal. Using the Karhunen–Loeve series expansion of the noise process, we obtain precise analytic expressions of the SNR for Fourier plane nonlinear filters in the presence of various types of additive-noise processes. We find a range of nonlinearities that need to be applied that keep the output SNR of the filter stable relative to changes in the noise bandwidth.
Protection by attenuated and polyvalent vaccines against highly virulent strains of Marek's disease virus.

Summary Tests confirmed that turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine protected chickens poorly against challenge with the highly virulent Md5 strain of Marek's disease (MD) virus, especially in chickens with homologous HVT antibodies. The naturally avirulent SB‐1 vaccine virus was likewise poorly protective against challenge with the Md5 strain. Homologous antibodies reduced the protective efficacy of both vaccines, but SB‐1 was not affected by HVT antibodies. In order to provide better protection against strains of MD virus poorly protected against by HVT, such as Md5, the Md11 strain of MD virus was attenuated by 75 cell culture passages and evaluated for protective efficacy. This vaccine virus, designated Mdl 1/75C, provided good protection against challenge with Md5 and most other highly virulent MD viruses tested, but was less efficacious against challenge with the JM/102W strain, a prototype MD virus protected against well by HVT and SB‐1 vaccines. Furthermore, its efficacy was consistently lower in chicks...
Crystal orientation effects in δ18O for magnetite and hematite by SIMS

Abstract In situ high precision analysis of oxygen isotope ratios ( δ 18 O) by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) reveals that instrumental bias in δ 18 O for magnetite varies due to crystal orientation effects. Multiple analyses of δ 18 O have an average precision of ± 0.4‰ (2SD) in single grains of magnetite, close to ± 0.3‰, that obtained for multiple grains of UWQ-1, a homogeneous quartz standard. In contrast, the average precision is five to ten times worse, ± 2–3‰ (2SD), from grain-to-grain of magnetite due to variation in instrumental bias with crystal orientation. Electron backscatter diffraction shows that individual grains of magnetite are single crystals and that crystal orientation varies randomly from grain-to-grain. The crystal orientation for each magnetite grain is plotted relative to the incident angle of the SIMS primary Cs + beam. High values of δ 18 O are measured when the Cs + beam is parallel to uv 0>, from [110] to [100], preferred channeling and focusing directions for magnetite. Routine δ 18 O analysis at WiscSIMS utilizes a Gaussian focused Cs + primary beam (deep-pit mode) at primary and secondary voltages of + 10 kV and−10 kV respectively (total impact energy 20 keV). Four analytical experiments were conducted in attempts to improve the grain-to-grain precision in measured δ 18 O for magnetite: (1) applying an energy offset of 50 eV, (2) using a Kohler illuminated beam (shallow-pit mode), (3) reducing the total impact energy, and (4) varying the primary and secondary accelerating voltages. The best results were obtained in experiment (4) at primary/secondary accelerating voltages of + 3 kV/− 10 kV respectively with an incident Cs + beam angle of 14°. The grain-to-grain precision in measured δ 18 O for magnetite improves from ± 2.9‰ to ± 0.8‰ (2SD) at + 10 kV/− 10 kV and + 3 kV/− 10 kV analysis respectively, while precision in single grains is ± 0.4‰ for both. Instrumental bias in δ 18 O also varies with crystal orientation for hematite at similar levels as is seen for magnetite. The grain-to-grain precision in measured δ 18 O for hematite improves from ± 2.1‰ to ± 1.0‰ (2SD) at + 10 kV/− 10 kV and + 3 kV/− 10 kV analysis respectively, while precision in single grains is ± 0.3‰ (2SD) for both. Importantly, crystal orientation effects have not been identified at levels of ± 0.3‰ for δ 18 O in silicates or other minerals analyzed by WiscSIMS though many minerals remain to be examined.
Developing a social capital metric for use in an educational computer game

To address the educational challenges of Millennial Generation students, there has been an increased willingness at many universities to experiment with pedagogical strategies that depart from a traditional “learning by listening” model, to more innovative methods involving active learning through computer games. We hypothesize that to acquire the skills necessary to manage social sustainability, students must be engaged in active learning exercises that foster a high level of social interaction. This has led to the development of an educational computer game, entitled Shortfall, which simulates a business milieu for testing alternative paths regarding the principles of sustainability. This paper examines social sustainability in the context of industry and through the lens of a capital-based theory of sustainability. Using a capital-based theory, the analysis of social sustainability is narrowed to the concept of social capital. The current methodologies used for measuring social capital are reviewed, and a prospective metric using a peer evaluation survey, unique to Shortfall, is developed.
Deposition and reentrainment of Brownian particles in porous media under unfavorable chemical conditions: some concepts and applications.

The deposition and reentrainment of particles in porous media have been examined theoretically and experimentally. A Brownian Dynamics/Monte Carlo (MC/BD) model has been developed that simulates the movement of Brownian particles near a collector under “unfavorable” chemical conditions and allows deposition in primary and secondary minima. A simple Maxwell approach has been used to estimate particle attachment efficiency by assuming deposition in the secondary minimum and calculating the probability of reentrainment. The MC/BD simulations and the Maxwell calculations support an alternative view of the deposition and reentrainment of Brownian particles under unfavorable chemical conditions. These calculations indicate that deposition into and subsequent release from secondary minima can explain reported discrepancies between classic model predictions that assume irreversible deposition in a primary well and experimentally determined deposition efficiencies that are orders of magnitude larger than Interacti...
Wafer bonding technology and its optoelectronic applications

This paper describes the wafer bonding technology and its applications to optoelectronic devices and circuits. It shows that the wafer bonding technology can create new device structures with unique characteristics and can form integrated optoelectronic circuits containing optical, electronic and micro-mechanical devices.
The Impact of Psychological Aggression on Women’s Mental Health and Behavior: The Status of the Field

Potential effects of psychological aggression have been investigated in terms of mental health disorders/symptoms, physical manifestations, personality traits, increases in physical and psychological aggression, and relationship changes and cessation. Probably because of methodological difficulties inherent in assessing this complex phenomenon, even the most commonly assessed outcome variables have produced contradictory results, with the exception of leaving or desiring to leave the psychologically abusive relationship. Some of the significant findings require more corroboration due to the small number of studies addressing them. The relative role of physical abuse in relation to psychological abuse has yet to be disentangled. Mediator/moderator variables are likely extremely important for explaining why particular consequences do not consistently result from psychological aggression. Although the hypothesized consequences/outcomes seem appropriate for further study, the most significant contribution may lie in intensive investigation of long-term, enduring psychological abuse that produces major personality and affective shifts in the recipient.
A Systematic Approach to Species–Level Identification of Chile Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Seeds: Establishing the Groundwork for Tracking the Domestication and Movement of Chile Peppers through the Americas and Beyond

A Systematic Approach to Species–Level Identification of Chile Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Seeds: Establishing the Groundwork for Tracking the Domestication and Movement of Chile Peppers through the Americas and Beyond The chile pepper (Capsicum spp.), a plant held in great esteem throughout history, was independently domesticated in a series of places including highland Bolivia, central Mexico, the Amazon, the Caribbean, and other locales with a particularly long history of cultivation and use in the central Andes of South America. Though identification of chile pepper species through fruit morphology is possible and has been utilized by botanists studying modern and archaeological specimens, species–level identification of Capsicum seeds has remained undetermined. Given the greater abundance of seed remains in the archaeological record due to the higher likelihood of preservation, the ability to identify specific Capsicum domesticates has profound implications for tracking the domestication and spread of chile peppers prehistorically through the Americas and historically through trade and exchange to the rest of the world. This article presents a systematic procedure to identify Capsicum seeds to the species level created by adopting a morphometric approach to compare attributes of modern Capsicum seeds to archaeological seeds.
Comparing the Predictions of the Nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann Equation and the Ion Size-Modified Poisson-Boltzmann Equation for a Low-Dielectric Charged Spherical Cavity in an Aqueous Salt Solution.

The ion size-modified Poisson−Boltzmann equation (SMPBE) is applied to the simple model problem of a low-dielectric spherical cavity containing a central charge in an aqueous salt solution to investigate the finite ion size effect upon the electrostatic free energy and its sensitivity to changes in salt concentration. The SMPBE is shown to predict a very different electrostatic free energy than the nonlinear Poisson−Boltzmann equation (NLPBE) due to the additional entropic cost of placing ions in solution. Although the energy predictions of the SMPBE can be reproduced by fitting an appropriately sized Stern layer, or ion-exclusion layer to the NLPBE calculations, the size of the Stern layer is difficult to estimate a priori. The SMPBE also produces a saturation layer when the central charge becomes sufficiently large. Ion competition effects on various integrated quantities, such the total number of ions predicted by the SMPBE, are qualitatively similar to those given by the NLPBE and those found in avail...
Tuning magnetoresistance and magnetic-field-dependent electroluminescence through mixing a strong-spin-orbital-coupling molecule and a weak-spin-orbital-coupling polymer

We report a tunable magnetoresistance by uniformly mixing strong-spin-orbital-coupling molecule fac-tris (2-phenylpyridinato) iridium [Ir(ppy)3] and weak-spin-orbital-coupling polymer poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK). Three possible mechanisms, namely charge transport distribution, energy transfer, and intermolecular spin-orbital interaction, are discussed to interpret the Ir(ppy)3 concentration-dependent magnetoresistance in the PVK+Ir(ppy)3 composite. The comparison between the magnetic field effects measured from energy-transfer and non-energy-transfer Ir(ppy)3 doped polymer composites indicates that energy transfer and intermolecular spin-orbital interaction lead to rough and fine tuning for the magnetoresistance, respectively. Furthermore, the photocurrent dependence of magnetic field implies that the excited states contribute to the magnetoresistance through dissociation. As a result, the modification of singlet or triplet ratio of excited states through energy transfer and intermolecular spin-orbital interaction form a mechanism to tune the magnetoresistance in organic semiconducting materials.