cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvement of LiDAR data classification algorithm using the machine learning technique

Study of the lidar measurement is very significant in a variety of applications including forest remote sensing. Among them, polarimetric lidar is a relatively new but important active remote sensing tool. This study covers a comprehensive description of the system performance of both the polarimetric lidar and non-polarimetric lidar. Noticeably, relative performances of both lidar systems can be estimated exploiting several classifiers such as artificial neural network, k-NN (k-nearest neighbor) classifier and the discriminant function. In each of these attitudes, the principal aspect is to compare the classification results obtained by different classifiers to obtain improved lidar performance. In this case, utility of polarimetric and non-polarimetric waveform features for classification was tested using a group of randomly selected trees such as pines, elm, blue spruce, maple, choke cherry, and green ash. The k-NN classifier obtained 92% accuracy using non-polarimetric data. However, for k-NN classifier the value of k is provided by the user. Strikingly, same k-NN classifier achieved 96 % accuracy using polarimetric data. Again, artificial neural network classifier achieved 96% classification accuracy using polarimetric lidar data whereas the classification accuracy it received was around 89 % using non-polarimetric lidar data. Most poor performance was received by discriminant analysis. In case of nonpolarimetric data, discriminant analysis results in only 59 % efficiency. In contrast, about 75 % classification accuracy was observed using polarimetric data for discriminant analysis. Though the listed classifiers can perform better using polarimetric data than non-polarimetric data, artificial neural network can be employed for better performance.
Could the Virtual Dinosaur See You? Understanding Children’s Perceptions of Presence and Reality Distinction in Virtual Reality Environments

Despite the growing interest and use of virtual reality (VR) in American homes, there is a notable gap in empirical studies that examine VR and children. This study identifies two important research concepts in children's research that have been studied across many types of media 1) reality distinction and 2) presence, and applies them to studying VR experiences. Taking a qualitative approach, 6 to 8-year-old children (N=29) participated in a VR experience as an extension of the children’s television show called Dino Dana . During the child’s VR experience where they swam in a pool with dinosaurs, we recorded a computer capture of what the child sees within the VR experience; and a video recording of the child in the VR headset and their behaviors during the VR experience. In addition, children responded to questions before and after their VR experience. We observed several behaviors of how children attempted to test and assess the reality of VR (e.g. holding their breath). Through interviews, we also found that children had certain presence experiences within VR that challenged their understanding of reality, where the dinosaurs were treated as real and evoked social presence. This study builds on our understanding of how VR might impact on young children and their perception of VR experiences, which have important implications for VR researchers, designers, and consumers.
Alcohol-Related Hospital Encounters Trigger Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Vascular Events.

Abstract Background and Purpose We investigated the associations between alcohol-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations and vascular events including acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods The New York State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases were examined (2006-2013). Validated International Classification of Diseases 9th edition definitions identified index vascular hospitalizations and alcohol abuse encounters. We used case cross-over analysis with conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) for the association between alcohol-related encounters during 6 case periods (7, 14, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days before index event) compared to control periods (1 year before). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between an alcohol-related encounter within 6 months before index admission and 30-day readmission after discharge. Results An alcohol encounter before index admission was associated with acute ischemic stroke (OR = 1.765 within 60 days, 1.418 within 90 days, and 1.287 within 120 days) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 2.375 within 90 days), but not ICH. Alcohol-related encounters within 6 months before index vascular events increased the likelihood of 30-day readmission after index admission. Conclusion We found that a recent alcohol-related counter was associated with occurrence of vascular events, but not ICH, as well as worse outcomes after index admission.
Logistic Function Based Memristor Model With Circuit Application

A new SPICE compatible memristor model is presented which is based on the solution to the well-known Logistic equation. Previously published first order function models are limited in their ability to elucidate the memristor's oscillatory and chaotic behavior. Fractional order models are not SPICE friendly although they are known to demonstrate chaos. The relationship between the logistic equation and its iterated map is used to show how the proposed model explains the memristor's oscillatory and chaotic characteristic. It emulates empirically observed ohmic and semiconducting response to temperature. The utility of the model is tested by implementing it in a novel reliability and power aware relaxation oscillator design. A methodical approach to estimating the oscillation frequency of such highly nonlinear circuitry is presented. Computed results are validated against the relaxation oscillator implemented in an LTSpice testbench.
Contact Resistivity and Sheet Resistance Measurements of Cells Extracted from Field-aged Modules

The electrical performance of a photovoltaic (PV) module is greatly hindered by the existence of parasitic resistance losses, such as high series resistance (R s ) and low shunt resistance (R sh ). Contact resistance at metal grid/semiconductor interface and emitter sheet resistance are two major contributors to cell R s . Transmission Line Measurement (TLM) is a powerful method to estimate these resistance components. This paper presents the application of the TLM method to the cell strips extracted from field-aged PV modules at two different climates (Arizona and Florida) of the same design to investigate the influence of encapsulant material and microcracks on the contact resistivity and sheet resistance of the solar cell. The cells were initially extracted from the module laminate by dissolving the encapsulant polymer in trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent at 80oC for around 3 hours. The recovered cell was then used to cut into rectangular strips of 1.5 cm wide. The effective contact resistivity and emitter sheet resistance between two fingers in each strip were measured and compared to quantify the contact degradation induced from longer field aging. The Arizona module suffered from higher resistance as compared to the Florida module due probably to longer field exposure and higher operating temperatures. This method serves as a good diagnostic tool to anticipate and understand the severity of the contact degradation of solar cells in the fielded modules.
Using Mixed Methods to Uncover Inclusive Leader Behaviors: A Promising Approach for Improving Employee and Organizational Outcomes

Although inclusion is a promising approach for enhancing workplace outcomes, limited studies have examined how leaders create inclusive workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whet...
Assembly of a Ribozyme Ligase from Short Oligomers by Nonenzymatic Ligation

Our current understanding of the chemistry of the primordial genetic material is fragmentary at best. The chemical replication of oligonucleotides long enough to perform catalytic functions is particularly problematic because of the low efficiency of nonenzymatic template copying. Here we show that this problem can be circumvented by assembling a functional ribozyme by the templated ligation of short oligonucleotides. However, this approach creates a new problem because the splint oligonucleotides used to drive ribozyme assembly strongly inhibit the resulting ribozyme. We explored three approaches to the design of splint oligonucleotides that enable efficient ligation but which allow the assembled ribozyme to remain active. DNA splints, splints with G:U wobble pairs, and splints with G to I (Inosine) substitutions all allowed for the efficient assembly of an active ribozyme ligase. Our work demonstrates the possibility of a transition from nonenzymatic ligation to enzymatic ligation and reveals the importance of avoiding ribozyme inhibition by complementary oligonucleotides.
Ada S. McKinley: A Hidden History of Africa American Settlement House in Chicago

Previous research on the history of the settlement house movement and the park and recreation profession has been dominated by celebrations of White social reformers such as Jane Addams. The storie...
The Dynamic Relation between the Structure of Compensation and Earnings Management

This study examines the relation between the form and the extent of earnings management and compensation and the potential endogeneity between them. The results indicate that the structure of compensation is a significant determinant of the extent and form of earnings management. The evidence is consistent with managerial opportunism since I find that managers smooth more (less) income as the proportion of bonus (stock-based compensation) increases (decreases) in the structure of compensation. Also, the results show that CEOs have incentives to manage earnings in order to maximize their bonus- and stock-based compensation. This result indicates that earnings management behavior and compensation are dynamic and suggests the necessity to consider their endogenous nature in examining their relationship.
Theory of Divorce: Can a Marriage Be Saved?

It is palatable to say woman’s contributions to human society are significant. However, this claim is being questionable today because of high rise divorce rates globally. Since collapse of a marriage is not a sudden, the purpose of this study is to build mathematical models about the process of divorce, which can be suitable to all cultures or faiths without boundaries meeting the 21st Century human needs in a fashion of calculating-way than ever before. Factors are categorized into two: Expectation Factors and Causal Factors. Net profit staying in marriage is calculated by spouse’s own assigned weight for each of Expectation Factors. Similarly net loss is calculated for each Causal Factors. Difference between the two guides the spouse or both for decision on divorce or enhancing the choice probability for an alternative where the model can be instrumental identifying factors that are needed to be improved preventing the divorce. These findings can be helpful to professionals for gaining a better knowledge, to authority for prevention of divorce and to spouse(s) for improving marriage-relation in their future plans. This scientific approach can create a new service-product in market system where spouse(s) can be benefited in most needed situation with higher reliability over the traditional one.
Complementary Energy Concept for Large Deformations

A generalization of the complementary energy concept to structures with large deformations is presented. The proposed approach leads to a theorem for displacements as well as a theorem for compatibility. Self-straining is taken into consideration. The method is illustrated through applications to large deformations of trusses and plane curved bars.
Health versus Fitness Competing Themes in the Origins and Spread of Agriculture

The general picture of human health that has emerged from bioarchaeological studies of the agricultural transition is one of health decline, although the nature and severity of the biological impacts have varied in accordance with worldwide diversity in the timing, duration, and specific characteristics of this economic shift. Conversely and somewhat paradoxically, the emerging picture has also been one of enhanced fertility and population growth. These findings raise challenging questions about the measures bioarchaeologists use to assess the biological costs and benefits of agriculture. It is argued here that these measures fall into two potentially quite distinct categories—physiological fitness (homeostasis) and reproductive (Darwinian) fitness, measures that may assess the costs and benefits of a biocultural system very differently. Both provide valuable insights into questions about our past at levels ranging from the evolution of our species to the unique experiences of individuals and their kin. H...
The biochemistry of the corpus luteum.

A broad review of present knowledge of the biochemistry of the corpus luteum is presented. The true endocrine support for complete function of the corpus luteum is highly complex with no common mechanism in all species. Progesterone is formed by all species studied (e.g. humans rabbits sow sheep mare) but there is a wide range of variability in overall multiple steroidal products. This is probably the effect of genetic selection on evolutionary development within each species for the support of the corpus luteum and early pregnancy. The role of luteinizing hormone prolactin and estrogen in the regulation of the function of the corpus luteum and the synthesis of microsomal enzymes of steroidogenesis and mitochondrial enzymes is discussed.
Disturbances in Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism in Patients Receiving Long-Term Home Parenteral Nutrition

Patients receiving home total parenteral nutrition (HTPN) are at risk for the development of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). This study examined the essential fatty acid status of patients on long-term HTPN for gut failure. Serum phospholipid and triglyceride fatty acids were measured in 11 patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Patients had similar levels of linoleic acid (18:2w6) in serum triglyceride fatty acids but significantly lower levels of 18:2w6 in serum phospholipids compared to controls. Although there was accumulation of Mead acid (20:3w9) in both fatty acid fractions, the ratio of 20:3w9 to arachidonic acid (20:4w6) remained less than 0.2, reflecting an adequate essential fatty acid status in these patients. There were, however, substantial increases in 20:4w6 content in both triglyceride and phospholipid fractions in serum despite the lower levels of 18:2w6 in serum phospholipids, suggesting that an accelerated hepatic conversion of 18:2w6 to 20:4w6 occurs in HTPN patients, as well as the 20-carbon members of w3 (20:3w3) and w9 (20:3w9) families. The determination of optimal parenteral fat intakes should be investigated further as important priority in patients receiving long term HTPN.
Infectomics: Study of Response to Infection using Microarrays

Microarray technologies are powerful tools for globally dissecting biological problems, including microbial infection. The central issue in the field of infectious diseases is how to holistically, precisely and integratively dissect the interplay between host resistance and microbial infectivity (infectomics). DNA, protein and carbohydrate microarrays can be used as global tools for research, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of infectious disease. Keywords: infection; infectomics; microarrays; genomics; proteomics
Hart on Social Rules and the Foundations of Law: Liberating the Internal Point of View

The internal point of view is a crucial element in H.L.A. Hart’s theory of law. Hart first introduces the notion by pointing out that, within a social group which has rules of conduct, “it is possible to be concerned with the rules, either merely as an observer who does not himself accept them, or as a member of the group which accepts and uses them as guides to conduct.”1 Those who are concerned with the rules in the latter way have, Hart tells us, adopted the internal point of view towards the rules. Hart thus defines the internal point of view in a very specific manner, by reference to the notion of “accepting and using a rule.” Furthermore, as Hart’s more general discussion in The Concept of Law makes clear, he has in mind quite specific and closely related conceptions both of what a rule is and of what it means to accept and use a rule. A rule is, according to Hart, a certain kind of complex social practice that consists of a general and regular pattern of behavior among some group of persons, together with a widely shared attitude within the group that this pattern is a common standard of conduct to which all members of the group are required to conform. To use the rule is to conform one’s own conduct to the relevant pattern, and to accept the rule is to adopt the attitude that the pattern is a required standard both for oneself and for everyone else in the group. The existence of such “social” rules, as Hart calls them, thus consists of these very facts of acceptance and use. Since the internal point of view is just the perspective of those who accept the rule, it follows that, as a conceptual matter, a social rule does not even exist unless a sufficiently large number of people within the requisite group adopt the internal point of view with respect to some regular pattern of behavior.
Past and Future of Human Cytogenetics

Before 1956 two “facts” were known about human cytogenetics. The human chromosome number was believed to be 48, and the XX-XY mechanism of sex determination was assumed to work in the same way as it does in Drosophila. Studies of the fruit fly had shown that the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes determines the sex of the organism. Both these fundamental notions about human chromosomes were eventually proved wrong.
Nonstationarity in seasonality of extreme precipitation: A nonparametric circular statistical approach and its application

Changes in seasonality of extreme storms have important implications for public safety, storm water infrastructure, and, in general, adaptation strategies in a changing climate. While past research on this topic offers some approaches to characterize seasonality, the methods are somewhat limited in their ability to discern the diversity of distributional types for extreme precipitation dates. Herein, we present a comprehensive approach for assessment of temporal changes in the calendar dates for extreme precipitation within a circular statistics framework which entails: (a) three measures to summarize circular random variables (traditional approach), (b) four nonparametric statistical tests, and (c) a new nonparametric circular density method to provide a robust assessment of the nature of probability distribution and changes. Two 30 year blocks (1951–1980 and 1981–2010) of annual maximum daily precipitation from 10 stations across the state of Maine were used for our analysis. Assessment of seasonality based on nonparametric approach indicated nonstationarity; some stations exhibited shifts in significant mode toward Spring season for the recent time period while some other stations exhibited multimodal seasonal pattern for both the time periods. Nonparametric circular density method, used in this study, allows for an adaptive estimation of seasonal density. Despite the limitation of being sensitive to the smoothing parameter, this method can accurately characterize one or more modes of seasonal peaks, as well as pave the way toward assessment of changes in seasonality over time.
Crowding Out or Ratcheting Up?: Fair Trade Systems, Regulation, and New Governance

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement and Fair Trade systems have grown in the past decade, reflecting a belief that corporations operating at a global level must voluntarily assume the role of raising production and trade standards and that consumers should play a role in pressuring industry to behave responsibly. This chapter discusses the multi-level interaction of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Fair Trade regimes with state-based legal systems. It opens with an analysis of the potential problems arising when multiple systems are overlaid upon each other. In particular, the chapter explores two conflicting arguments concerning how regulatory approaches coincide with ‘softer’ private efforts: firstly, that regulation can crowd out voluntary private efforts, thereby diminishing their effectiveness and legitimacy; and the second, countervailing argument that Fair Trade systems and regulation can be complimentary and mutually reinforcing. It then discusses ways to better synthesize state and non-state governance initiatives, analyzing the examples of highly visible multinational corporations (MNCs) such as Nike and Wal-Mart, as well as examples from recent policy developments in the United States in the areas of safety, discrimination, and environmental regulation.
Identifying with Our Desires

A number of philosophers have become convinced that the best way of trying to understand human agency is by arriving at an account of identification. My goal here is not to criticize particular views about identification, but rather to examine several assumptions which have been widely held in the literature and yet which, in my view, render implausible any account of identification that takes them on board. In particular, I argue that typically identification does not involve either reflective consideration of our mental states or endorsement of those states. If it did, we would rarely be agents.
Cometary Dusty Gas Dynamics

A well-developed dusty cometary atmosphere extends to distances over 4 orders of magnitude larger than the size of the nucleus. Similarly, the solar wind-dominated heliosphere extends to about 104 solar radii. The first part of this review explores the similarities and differences between the solar and cometary winds. The paper also presents initial results of a new time-dependent, two-dimensional dusty comet wind calculation.
Isolation of N-Acetyllactosamine and Galactosyl-β-d-(1 → 4)-N-acetyllactosamine from Beef Brain Glycopeptides

Abstract Forty-eight beef brains were dehydrated with acetone, extracted with chloroform-methanol solutions to remove lipid, and digested with Pronase. The glycopeptides were quantitatively recovered after gel filtration on P-4 resin (yield, 98 g with a carbohydrate content of 55%). The glycopeptides were further purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and P-30 resin to give three fractions, obtained in a total yield of 75%, based on the fucose content of the Pronase digest. The three fractions were analyzed for pentoses, hexoses, hexosamines, hexuronic acid, sialic acid, sulfate, phosphorus, nitrogen, fatty acid, and peptide. Two of the fractions, which were free of fatty acid and hexuronic acid, were pooled (total weight, 5.6 g), desialized, and subjected to partial acid hydrolysis (pH 1.1, 100°, 90 min). The partial hydrolysate was fractionated by gel filtration on P-2 resin to give four peaks. Peak 3 was further purified by DEAE-cellulose and charcoal-Celite chromatography, and yielded 26 mg of a substance that was identified as N-acetyllactosamine by its composition, reduction with NaBH4 to give galactose and N-acetylglucosaminitol, complete cleavage with β-galactosidase, optical rotation, resistance to heating under alkaline conditions, and cochromatography with authentic N-acetyllactosamine in two solvent systems and with borate electrophoresis. Its identity was confirmed by mass spectroscopy of the per(trimethylsilyl)ated derivative. Peak 2 of the partial acid hydrolysate was further purified by deionization and preparative paper chromatography (yield, 3 mg). The substance contained 2 moles of galactose and 1 mole of N-acetylglucosamine. Reduction with NaBH4 established that the N-acetylglucosamine occupied the reducing end. Extended hydrolysis with β-galactosidase quantitatively cleaved the trisaccharide to monosaccharides. Partial hydrolysis with β-galactosidase yielded galactose and N-acetyllactosamine. Smith degradation gave erythritol in an 85% yield. These results indicated that the trisaccharide was galactosyl-β-d-(1 → 4)-N-acetyllactosamine.
The Digital Practices of Mobile Phones

From a global perspective, the mobile phone is by far the most widely used information and communication technology (ICT). People in both developed and developing nations have found ways to integrate the mobile phone into their daily lives. Despite the ubiquity of the mobile phone, the cultural impact of the mobile phone in and of itself has not been a major topic within the sociology of culture. To this end, there are two goals of this paper. First, three common uses of the mobile phone are presented. To separate cultural practices associated with mobile phones from practices associated with other domains of social life, the term digital practices is used. Second, this paper will discuss the domestication of technology approach, and its applicability to the study of mobile phones. Identifying practices and providing a framework for interpreting these practices can help scholars interested in theorizing and teaching the cultural (as opposed to economic or technological) aspects of mobile telephony.
Supplementation with L-Histidine during Dietary Zinc Repletion Improves Short-Term Memory in Zinc-Restricted Young Adult Male Rats

Zinc, an essential dietary element, modulates neurotransmission in brain regions associated with cognition. Cognitive dysfunction has been reported in offspring of female rats fed zinc-restricted diets during gestation and/or lactation. Studies on the cognitive effects of zinc restriction during young adulthood are limited. After a 3-wk period of dietary zinc restriction, male rats (71-75 d old) were repleted with zinc chloride alone, or zinc chloride supplemented with L-histidine, and short-term memory was measured using the Morris water maze. During restriction, zinc-restricted rats demonstrated significantly longer (86.0%) retrieval latencies than nonrestricted controls, and significantly lower liver (25.5%), bone (32.5%) and hippocampal (3.2%) zinc concentrations. During subsequent repletion, rats repleted with zinc chloride supplemented with L-histidine improved their retrieval latencies to the extent that they were no longer significantly different from controls by repletion d 3. This was associated with a return of hippocampal zinc concentrations to control values by repletion d 3. The mean retrieval escape latencies of the zinc chloride-repleted rats remained significantly prolonged (75.0%). Collectively, these data indicate the following: 1) feeding a zinc-restricted diet for 3 wk impairs short-term memory in young adult male rats, and 2) repletion with dietary zinc supplemented with L-histidine improves short-term memory function more efficiently than dietary zinc chloride alone. The latter point suggests that dietary zinc supplemented with L-histidine is more bioavailable to the brain than zinc provided as zinc chloride alone. These findings are important in that they highlight the importance of both dietary zinc formulation and the use of functional assessments in determining zinc nutriture.
Hyaluronate binding and degradation by cultured embryonic chick cardiac cushion and myocardial cells

Abstract Cultured cells obtained from developing chick heart valvular and septal primordial tissues (cardiac cushions) and myocardium were tested for their capacity to bind, internalize, and degrade hyaluronate. A presumptive lysosomal hyaluronidase capable of hyaluronate degradation has been previously isolated and partially characterized from cultures enriched in either cushion tissue cells or myocardial cells ( D. H. Bernanke and R. W. Orkin, 1984, Dev. Biol. 106, 351–359 ). In this study, both types of cultures were found to bind hyaluronate, but only the myocardial cultures could degrade the hyaluronate substrate. The lack of hyaluronate degradative capacity in the mesenchymal cushion tissue cells appears to result from their inability to internalize the macromolecule, thus failing to make it available to the lysosomal hyaluronidase. The data suggest that hyaluronate clearance from the extracellular matrix of the developing cushion is a complex process, involving more than simple extracellular degradation adjacent to the migrating mesenchymal cushion tissue cells. Instead, a sequence of events may be indicated which includes binding of hyaluronate to the cushion tissue cell surfaces and its transport by these cells across the cushion matrix toward the myocardium. The myocardium may be involved in the ultimate removal of hyaluronate from the cardiac jelly.
Turning Plan B Into Plan A: A Missed Opportunity for Adolescent Reproductive Care

Comments: Vascular malformations occur infrequently on the vulva. Vascular malformations do not spontaneously regress. Instead, these developmental defects typically enlarge over time and are associated with progressive discomfort, pain and functional impairment. Sclerotherapy has been well documented as an effective and reasonable treatment option for vascularmalformations located elsewhere on the body. Although sclerotherapy is not without potential complications, it shows tremendous promise as a method for definitive management on the vulva. A good understanding of the sclerosing potential of specific agents and their potential complications, knowledge about the nature and anatomy of the particular vascular malformation needing treatment, capacity to perform the treatment under imaging guidance and appropriate patient counseling and post-treatment follow-up are important factors in ensuring a safe and effective cure.
MSE evaluation of ridge estimators based on stochastic prior information

Ridge regression based on stochastic prior information is examined. This formulation allows the ridge parameter k to be specified in an explicit a priori manner. After reparameterization into an exactly restricted, least squares model on an extended parameter space, ridge estimates resulting from any choice of k can be MSE evaluated using convenient tables, A numerical example is used to illustrate the developed test procedure.
Live-tweeting terror: a rhetorical analysis of @HSMPress_ Twitter updates during the 2013 Nairobi hostage crisis

With the advent of social media, terrorist organisations have seized an unprecedented opportunity to engage wider audiences with their ideologies and actions. This study aims to develop an understanding of this tactic by analysing its use in the 2013 Westgate Mall hostage crisis. During that event, the Twitter account @HSMPress_ provided continuous updates supporting the actions of the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab. Situating the event within a framework of Jurgen Habermas’s theories of the Public Sphere and Andrew Mack’s theories of asymmetric warfare, this paper employs Kenneth Burke’s dramatistic pentad to perform a rhetorical analysis of the tweets using both artistic and inartistic factors. It does so in order to understand how they engaged the audience of the terrorist event, emphasising the performative nature of the text in accordance with behaviourist objectives. The results of this analysis will demonstrate how terrorist groups may use platforms like Twitter to achieve a strategic political ...
Dopamine and schizophrenia—a cortically corrective perspective

Abstract The traditional dopamine hypothesis holds that excessive striatal/limbic dopamine-mediated transmission is causally related to the pathophysiology of schizophenia. However, schizophrenia is not cured by dopamine blocking drugs and is associated with relatively few replicable, direct indices of dopamine-mediated dysregulation. In comparison, the evidence supporting limbic and neocortical abnormalities in schizophrenia is robust. In light of what is known about these cortical abnormalities and about brain development and connectivity, the overall research data point to an early pathological process affecting temporal-limbic and/or prefrontal cortices which becomes clinically manifested later in life. To the extent that dopamine dysregulation may be a factor in the expression of some schizophrenic symptoms, it probably represents a secondary, ‘downstream’ effect of the cortical abnormalities. A number of possible mechanisms are described that might explain the relationship between cortical abnormalities and dopamine dysregulation in schizophrenia.
Are political principles stable

Purpose – Aims to question whether political principles, for example, those of socialism or libertarianism, have lasting significance.Design/methodology/approach – Lays out a case for the stability of at least one variety of political principle, namely that of libertarianism or classical liberalism and argues that the normative version of these positions does manage to have lasting stability and significance.Findings – There is much that is true that people do not necessarily attend to – including certain principles of political life. It may well be true that everybody has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, yet many of us reject this fact. Even judges and Supreme Court justices often fail to rule in a manner consistent with these principles.Originality/value – Provides insights concerning the nature of political and ethical principles.
The development of implicit intergroup cognition

Challenging the view that implicit social cognition emerges from protracted social learning, research now suggests that intergroup preferences are present at adultlike levels in early childhood. Specifically, the pattern of developmental emergence of implicit attitudes is characterized by (i) rapidly emerging implicit preferences for ingroups and dominant groups and (ii) stability of these preferences across development. Together these findings demonstrate that implicit intergroup preferences follow a developmental course distinct from explicit intergroup preferences. In addition these results cast doubt on ‘slow-learning’ models of implicit social cognition according to which children should converge on adult forms of social cognition only as statistical regularities are internalized over a lengthy period of development. Implicit social cognition
Novel cardiovascular risk prediction models in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) which is underestimated by the Framingham risk score (FRS). We hypothesized that new risk scores that include inflammation or vascular age in the risk calculation would better identify women with SLE at risk for CHD, particularly in those with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. We calculated the FRS and Reynolds risk score (RRS) in 121 women with SLE and 65 age-matched female controls; coronary age-modified risk scores (camFRS, camRRS) were calculated using coronary age derived from the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. Risk scores were compared in SLE and controls, and in SLE patients with and without CAC. Although CAC was present in 21 SLE patients (17%) and 4 controls (6%) (P=0.033); the FRS, camFRS, RRS, and camRRS, did not differ significantly among SLE and controls (P>0.05), but were all significantly higher in SLE patients with CAC compared to those without (P< 0.001 for all). The cam-FRS (8%, P=0.016) but not cam-RRS (5%, P=0.221) assigned significantly more SLE patients to a category of ≥10% risk than conventional FRS (1%) and RRS (2%). The RRS was of limited use but coronary age may improve CHD risk prediction in SLE.
Coastal and estuarine ecological risk assessment: the need for a more formal approach to stressor identification

Application of ecological risk assessment to coastal and estuarine systems is accelerating although it initially lagged behind applications to land and freshwaters. Broader spatial and temporal scales, and multiple stressor integration are appropriately being considered more frequently in all risk assessment activities. This expansion and integration is essential for coastal risk assessment. Because coastal assessments must deal with co-occurrence of several candidate stressors manifesting within broad spatial and temporal scales, wider use of formal methods for assessing causal linkages is needed. Simple Bayesian inference techniques are discussed here to demonstrate their utility in quantifying the belief warranted by available information. The applicability of Bayesian techniques is illustrated with two examples, possible causes of fish kills on the Mid-Atlantic US coast and possible causes of hepatic lesions in fish of Puget Sound (Washington, US).
The Controversy Over Accounting for Stock Options: A Historical Perspective

In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 entitled “Accounting for Stock‐BasedCompensation.” The FASB began looking at the issue in 1984, at the request of many, including the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the largest public accounting firms, industry representatives, and others in the accounting profession. Even before the FASB issued its exposure draft on the subject in 1993, however, controversy began to surround its deliberations and decisions. The FASB’s exposure draft proposed that the cost ofstock options be expensed on the income statement, consistent with other forms of compensation. This differed greatly from the accounting rules of APB Opinion 25 in effect at the time, which usually resulted in no compensation expense on the income statement. As might have been expected, many companies did not relish the idea of expensing something that previously had no effect on their bottom line. Pressure to modify its position was exerted on the FASB by the very organizations that had asked FASB to look into the issue in the first place. As a result of the controversy and accompanying pressure placed on the FASB, Statement 123 is a compromise that encourages, but does not require, the recording of compensation expense as it relates to stock options.Footnote disclosures of the effects of the new standard on net income and earnings per share are required for companies that elect to continue to apply the provisions of Opinion 25. Although the FASB took up this issue in 1984, and the intense controversy over it began in 1993, the discussions and disagreements over accounting for stock‐based compensation are not new. Differences of opinions are evident in the accounting literature as far back as the 1920s. While the definition of a stock option has not changed much since those early days, the exact purposes,uses, and accounting treatments have never been agreed upon. This paper examines some of the various positions that have been put forth over the years, looks at the recent FASB actions and controversy, and attempts to look forward at what might lie ahead in this area.
A variant of blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus associated with red lesions in blueberry

The complete genome of a variant of the multi-segmented (+) RNA virus blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus (BNRBV), which has not been assigned to a genus, was obtained from foliar red lesions on southern highbush blueberries grown in Alachua Co., Florida. The genome organization of this variant, BNRBV-RL, is the same as that of BNRBV: four genomic segments and seven ORFs (one ORF on each of RNA 1, RNA 2, and RNA 4 and as many as four ORFs on RNA 3). BLAST analysis revealed nucleic acid sequence identities of 89 %, 90 %, 90 % and 86 % to BNRBV RNA 1, RNA 2, RNA 3 and RNA 4, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence of the putative RdRp domain indicated that BNRBV-RL was closely related to BNRBV and less related to citrus leprosis virus type C and three other mite-transmitted viruses. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence differences between BNRBV-RL and BNRBV combined with differences in symptom expression in blueberry would suggest that BNRBV-RL is a strain of BNRBV.
XML for web site management in government: state of the art and future research

The goal of this 'Birds of a Feather' session will be to share our current knowledge about XML for web site content management in government settings and explore some areas for future research. Specifically, the session will address topics such as the benefits and challenges faced by public managers when attempting to use XML for managing their web sites. The exploration of theoretical frameworks as well as research methodologies will also be considered for the discussion. Finally, the participants will be encouraged to share their insights about future research on this topic.
Physical, photophysical and structural properties of ruthenium(II) complexes containing a tetradentate bipyridine ligand.

The focus of this report is the synthesis and properties of two new analogues of ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine, a monomer and dimer. The complexes contain the ligand 6,6′-(ethan-1,2-diyl)bis-2,2′-bipyridine (O-bpy) which contains two bipyridine units bridged in the 6,6′ positions by an ethylene bridge. Crystal structures of the two complexes formulated as [Ru(bpy)(O-bpy)](PF6)2 and [(Ru(bpy)2)2(O-bpy)](PF6)4 reveal structures of lower symmetry than D3 which affects the electronic properties of the complexes as substantiated by density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The HOMO lies largely on the ruthenium center; the LUMO spreads its electron density over the bipyridine units, but not equally in the mixed O-bpy–bpy complexes. Calculated Vis/UV spectra using TDDFT methods agree with experimental spectra. The lowest lying triplet excited state for [Ru(bpy)(O-bpy)](PF6)2 is 3MC resulting in a low emission quantum yield and a large chloride ion photosubstitution quantum yield.
Conductor of an abelian group

Abstract Let E ( G ) = End ( G ) / N ( End ( G ) ) . Our goal in this paper is to study direct sum decompositions of certain reduced torsion-free finite rank (rtffr) abelian groups by introducing an ideal τ of E ( G ) called a conductor of G. This ideal induces a natural ring decomposition E ( G ) = E ( G ) ( τ ) × E ( G ) τ and a natural direct sum decomposition G = G ( τ ) ⊕ G τ for an rtffr group G. Let { G 1 , … , G t } be a set of strongly indecomposable rtffr groups such that G i ≇ ˙ G j for each i ≠ j ∈ { 1 , … , t } , and such that E ( G i ) is a Dedekind domain for each i ∈ { 1 , … , t } . Let n 1 , … , n t > 0 be integers and let G ¯ = G 1 n 1 ⊕ ⋯ ⊕ G t n t . We say that G has semi-primary index in G ¯ if for each i = 1 , … , t there is a primary ideal P i ⊂ End ( G i ) such that P 1 G 1 n 1 ⊕ ⋯ ⊕ P t G t n t ⊂ G ⊂ G ¯ . The group G is balanced in G ¯ if G ⊂ G ¯ and if E ( G ) ⊂ E ( G ¯ ) . We say that G is a balanced semi-primary group if there is a balanced embedding G ⊂ G ¯ such that G has semi-primary index in G ¯ . Theorem If G is a balanced semi-primary rtffr group then G has a locally unique decomposition and the local refinement property.
Lessons for Collaboration between Educational Agencies

Wu addresses the topic of school-univer sity collaboration with particular focus on the misconception that collaboration occurs naturally. Unless deliberate effort is expended, successful collaboration will not occur. The author uses a model oftrade between Nepal and Tibet to iden tify the elements of successful collabora tion. To bring theory into alignment with reality, examples are presented from Florida's twelve-year involverrtent in Teacher Education Centers, where uni versities and school districts have col laborated to produce effective staff de velopment programs.
Chrysler's “Most Beautiful Engineer”: Lucille J. Pieti in the Pillory of Fame

The case of Lucille Pieti, a technical writer at Chrysler, serves as a discipline-specific illustration of some of Rossiter's (1995) generalizations about women scientists and engineers after World War II. Like other women with engineering degrees, Pieti emerged from college with high hopes, only to find herself consigned to one of the traditional ghettos for women scientists and engineers: technical communication. Her case is unusual, however, because she became a national celebrity.
Unusual Retinal Cells in the Dolphin Eye

By comparison to the cellular constituents of the retinas of certain other diving mammals, the elements of the dolphin retina include an unusually large number of specialized cells. Both cone and rod receptors may be identified. An unusual amacrine cell may be seen which produces a process that spans the cells between the inner plexiform and outer plexiform layers. Most unusual is a layer of giant ganglion cells which appears to serve most of the central retina. The giant ganglion cells support giant dendrites and optic nerve fibers which range up to 8 micrometers in diameter.
Electrocardiographic Findings Among the Total Adult Population of a Large Religious Isolate

Electrocardiograms were recorded as part of a survey of 1,303 men and 1,348 women past 15 years of age belonging to a large religious isolate inhabiting regions of northwestern U.S.A. and southwestern Canada. The ECGs were classified according to the Minnesota Code and the abnormalities were related to constitutional characteristics, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol. Major codable ECG items included abnormal Q waves (54 cases), abnormal left axis deviation (44 cases), bundle-branch block (left 10, right 10), T-wave abnormalities (257 cases), prolonged P-R interval (80 cases), and occasional premature beats (143 cases) and showed no significant sex differences. ST-segment depressions were more common among females (P < 0.005). The males showed a significantly higher frequency of increased R-wave amplitude (P < 0.005) and more qualitative T-wave changes (P < 0.005). In general, abnormal ECG features were associated with age, sex, and blood pressure, but not with serum cholesterol, body weight and heigh...
Dietary taurine supplementation: Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects

Abstract Taurine supplementation may prove to be a safe and convenient method to reverse high blood cholesterol and the associated rise in atherosclerosis. Although human studies are limited, experiments using animal models provide extensive proof of the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of taurine. Examples of these animal models involve feeding with high-fat diets, genetically determined or heritable disease conditions, and artificially induced or genetic diabetes. Most importantly, the addition of taurine to the diet clearly has effects against pathological increases in serum and liver cholesterol and triglycerides. Another consistent and noteworthy effect of taurine is the simulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity, the enzyme that is responsible for the catabolism of cholesterol into bile acids. Taurine also exhibited considerable effects on atherosclerotic lipid accumulation, perhaps through an antioxidative mechanism and through the elevation of HDL cholesterol levels. Data from animal model systems support the specific cardiovascular benefits of taurine, and hopefully, this research will be continued in human studies in the future.
Behaviors of Southwestern Native Fishes in Response to Introduced Catfish Predators

Abstract Native fishes reared in hatcheries typically suffer high predation mortality when stocked into natural environments. We evaluated the behavior of juvenile bonytail Gila elegans, roundtail chub Gila robusta, razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus, and Sonora sucker Catostomus insignis in response to introduced channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris. Our laboratory tests indicate these species did not inherently recognize catfish as a threat, but they can quickly (within 12 h) change their behavior in response to a novel predator paired with the sight and scent of a dead conspecific. Chubs appear to avoid predation by swimming away from the threat, whereas suckers reduced movement. Effects of antipredator conditioning on survival of fish reared in hatcheries is unknown; however, our results suggest some native fish can be conditioned to recognize introduced predators, which could increase poststocking survival.