cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corporate Brands in Perspective: A Typology

This conceptual paper reviews a typology of branding that identifies four perspectives on branding: corporate perspectives, consumer perspectives, cultural perspectives and critical perspectives. This typology helps organise and synthesise the growing interdisciplinary literature on brands and branding, and sheds light on the various ways corporate brands work. A brief synthetic review of branding is offered, along with contemporary examples of emerging aspects of the four branding perspectives. The four perspectives demonstrate the growing interdisciplinary interest in brands. They also signal a move away from a focus on the brand-consumer dyad, toward broader social cultural, and theoretical concerns. Studies that extend brand research into cultural and historical realms may provide an essential bridge between our understanding of, on the one hand, value residing within the product or producer intention, or on the other, value created by individual consumers or brand communities. The insights from this review may shed light on a number of branding research areas, including studies on corporate marketing, cultural heritage brands, and strategic brand communication. The paper illustrates how complex branding has become, and offers conceptual tools to think about and guide branding from multiple points of view. This paper provides a selective overview of important recent developments in corporate marketing and brand research over as well as a look at visual aspects of four perspectives of branding as a complement to corporate branding research. The typology of brand perspectives helps organise and illuminate a burgeoning brand literature.
NaRLE: Natural Language Models using Reinforcement Learning with Emotion Feedback.

Current research in dialogue systems is focused on conversational assistants working on short conversations in either task-oriented or open domain settings. In this paper, we focus on improving task-based conversational assistants online, primarily those working on document-type conversations (e.g., emails) whose contents may or may not be completely related to the assistant's task. We propose "NARLE" a deep reinforcement learning (RL) framework for improving the natural language understanding (NLU) component of dialogue systems online without the need to collect human labels for customer data. The proposed solution associates user emotion with the assistant's action and uses that to improve NLU models using policy gradients. For two intent classification problems, we empirically show that using reinforcement learning to fine tune the pre-trained supervised learning models improves performance up to 43%. Furthermore, we demonstrate the robustness of the method to partial and noisy implicit feedback.
Industrial System Development for Volumetric Integrity Verification and Analysis

Currently, internal integrity verifications of a part are achieved on a slice-by-slice basis. Due to the curvy nature of the part and because flaw features can spread in any location and in any direction, 2-D image analysis may produce inaccurate measurements and low-sensitivity flaw detectability which can lead to ambiguities in decision making. By utilizing the 3-D spatial correlations presented in the volumetric data set, accurate measurement and enhanced flaw detectability can be achieved by volumetric processing and analysis. For instance, cracks are very difficult to detect using 2-D processing when X-ray projection plane cuts through the cracking direction of an elongated flaw as shown in Figure 2(a). This is due to the low signal-to-noise ratio of the data on a single slice basis. However, because the signals are correlated in the complete 3-D space, enhanced flaw detectability can be easily obtained using 3-D volumetric processing and analysis. In addition, accurate wall thickness measurements can be achieved only when the normal of the projection plane is perpendicular to the surface normal of the inspected wall. However, in practice, this requirement cannot be met easily due to the curvy nature of the part. Inaccurate measurements may result when wall thickness measurements are performed on a slice-by-slice basis, as shown in Figure 2(b). In order to achieve full-coverage inspection to ensure material integrity and geometry accuracy, true 3-D analysis is required. A modality-independent voxel processing demonstrator has been designed and developed to achieve full-volume inspection. A three-dimensional voxel organized data structure can be constructed from a stack of two-dimensional CT slices, reconstructed from a three-dimensional cone-beam configuration, or constructed from three-dimensional ultrasonic wave data.
Calculation of the Velocity Profile, Flow and Wall Shear Stress in Arteries From the Pressure Gradient: Importance of Distensibility and Taper

Several studies have shown that an acute increase in blood flow causes an increase in arterial diameter. It is generally assumed that this flow dependent dilatation results from the increased shear stress acting on the wall. To test this hypothesis accurate assessment of the hemodynamic environment in the artery is necessary. Womersley [1] developed a linear theory for the calculation of the velocity profile, flow, and wall shear stress in arteries from the pressure gradient. This theory was validated by McDonald [2] who found good agreement between observed and calculated average velociites for the canine femoral artery. In contrast, Ling et al [3,4] who developed a nonlinear theory to calculate the velocity field from the pressure gradient, found the nonlinearities are important for the accurate prediction of flow and centerline velocity in the canine thoracic aorta. To evaluate the importance of nonlinearities we made a rigorous comparison of the linear theory of Womersley and the nonlinear theory of Ling and co-workers using data given by McDonald [5] for the canine femoral artery and by Ling et al [4] for the canine thoracic aorta. In the throacic aorta the velocity profile, flow and wall shear stress are significnatly different in the following cases: Distensible vessel with tper, which corresponds to the nonlinear solution, rigid vessel with taper, distensible vessel with no taper, and rigid vessel with no taper, which corresponds to the linear solution For exmplaes in these four cases the stroke volume is 18.2, 4.5 134.0, and 1176.6 cm3 respectively and the mean wall shear stress is 13.6, 6.5, 47.9, and 56.3 dyne/cm2, respectively. Assuming a physiological taper of 0.2° for the femoral artery [6], the velocity field is very similar for a distensible vessel with taper and a rigid vessel with taper, but it is different from those in the cases in which there is no tape. For example, in the cases of a distensible vessel with taper, a distensible vessel with no taper, and a rigid vessel with no taper, the stroke volume is 0.30, 0.54, ang 0.52 ml, respectively and the mean wall shear stress is 20.1, 29.1 and 29.0 dyne/cm2, respectively. In conclusion, nonlinearities arising from distensibility and taper of the artery can be important in the calculation of the velocity field from the pressure gradient.
What to measure and why? Experience developing monitoring indicators for an emerging maternal health issue: the case of obstetric fistula

The field of obstetric fistula has historically lacked common definitions for measuring needs and outcomes. This paper recounts the process of developing, refining, and using standardized monitoring indicators as part of a fistula prevention and repair project in fourteen countries—Bangladesh, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Uganda. The process included collaborative indicator development, introducing standardized data collection at health facilities, and promoting the integration of fistula indicators into national health management information systems (HMIS) to enable continued measurement and support for fistula treatment services. As monitoring of obstetric fistula continues to become more standardized and routine, the multi-country scope of the project has enabled a wide-ranging effort through which indicators for an emerging maternal health content were introduced and applied.
The Use of Information Systems by Collocated and Distributed Teams: Towards the 24-Hour Knowledge Factory

Recent academic and policy studies focus on off shoring as a cost-of-labor driven activity that has a direct impact on employment opportunities in the countries involved. This paper broadens this perspective by examining the 24-hour knowledge factory as a model of information systems off shoring that leverages other strategic factors beyond cost savings. A true 24-hour knowledge factory can ensure that progress is made on tasks at all times of day by utilizing three or more sets of information systems professionals, located at strategically selected locations around the globe. Some organizations today utilize a service provider framework in which an offshore site provides service to the central site. Entire tasks are often outsourced to the lower-cost overseas site and sent back when completed. In contrast, the 24-hour knowledge factory involves continuous and collaborative activities round-the-clock. By organizing tasks in this manner, the 24-hour knowledge factory offers the potential to reduce turnaround time to complete tasks, to reduce total costs, and to provide better overall performance. Previous studies have examined the performance of individual teams over time and have explored the benefits of distributing work to distant teams, but have not directly compared the effect of collocation versus geographic distribution in the context of the use of emerging information system technologies and methodologies. Since the concept of the 24-hour knowledge factory is still in the early stages of practice for semi-structured tasks, a controlled field experiment was conducted using two distributed centers in which the tasks were performed in a sequential manner. The use of information systems and the overall performance were studied using a collocated software development team and a distributed software development team. While the two teams used information systems in dissimilar ways at key points during a project, the overall performance of the two teams was largely similar at the macro level but differed at the micro level. In other words, one organizational structure is not inherently superior to the other, in terms of the ability to meet stated goals. While spatial and temporal separations introduce new challenges, these can be overcome with the deployment of appropriate collaboration technologies - and even leveraged for strategic advantage. In sum, our findings suggest that firms can apply the two-center and three-center work models to transition from a service provider framework in which off shoring is a short-term and unilateral cost-saving tactic to a strategic partnership between centers in which off shoring becomes a core component of the global corporate strategy.
Research Spotlight: River‐to‐lake connectivity and habitat diversity

[1] The 45,000 lakes in the Mackenzie River delta, Canada, represent an especially diverse aquatic habitat compared to lakes in surrounding Arctic areas. River-to-lake connectivity could play a role in this diversity, as river water entering lakes replenishes nutrients and affects water transparency. Lesack and Marsh sought to better understand how river-to-lake connectivity affects biodiversity in the region. Using 40 years of data on water levels in the delta combined with a floodplain geometry model, they estimated the volumes of river water added to lake water during the annual flood peak for nine lakes at different elevations. (Water Resources Research, doi:10.1029/2010WR009607, 2010)
EVOLUTION OF ORNAMENTATION AND COURTSHIP BEHAVIOR IN SCHIZOCOSA: INSIGHTS FROM A PHYLOGENY BASED ON MORPHOLOGY (ARANEAE, LYCOSIDAE)

Abstract A phylogenetic analysis for the North American Schizocosa species was undertaken by scoring 49 morphological characters for 31 taxa representing all of the Nearctic species of Schizocosa plus individuals that are hybrids between S. ocreata and S. rovneri. Rabidosa rabida, Allocosa georgicola and Gladicosa pulchra were used as outgroups. Three clades are recognized: a large clade from eastern North America (Clade A) within which is nested the S. ocreata clade; Clade B, which includes the widespread S. avida and the western S. mccooki, and a smaller, third clade, Clade C. Sexual ornamentation occurs on the first legs of mature males of several species within the Schizocosa and takes the form of pigmentation and or bristles primarily on the tibia of leg I; there is at least one species with bristles in each of the three main clades. Mapping the occurrence of male ornamentation on the preferred phylogeny suggests that ornamentation evolved 5 or 6 separate times and was subsequently lost 2 or 3 times....
Role of Enzymes Mediating Thrombosis and Thrombolysis in Lung Disease

Enzymes of the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades are prominent in both the vascular and alveolar compartments of the human lung. Important differences exist in the regulation of these enzyme activities between the vascular and the alveolar compartments, suggesting different functions of similar enzymes in the two compartments. In the vascular bed, endothelial cells provide a nonthrombogenic lining layer and release small amounts of tissue plasminogen activator into the circulation, maintaining patency of the vascular bed, whereas the alveolar epithelial surface is replete with active enzymes of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation as well as urokinase. The alveolar surface seems primed to localize and degrade any fibrin that has leaked into alveoli during hemorrhagic states. In addition, parenchymal lung cells such as resident macrophages are coated with urokinase, providing a mechanism for cellular migration and ongoing extracellular matrix metabolism. Amplification of the PA/plasmin system in the lung during chronic inflammation, eg, cigarette smoking, could accelerate connective tissue breakdown. Recent evidence indicates that in acute inflammation there is an enhancement of mediators of coagulation and suppression of fibrinolysis. These observations may partly explain prior pathologic observations regarding the deposition of hyaline membranes and persistence of alveolar fibrin/fibronectin deposits that may be stimulants for alveolar fibrosis. The assembly of clotting components on the surface of macrophages and the integral involvement of macrophages with fibrin deposits in the lung are likely mechanisms for macrophage immobilization and focal accumulation important to local clearance, host defense, effective chemotactic signalling, and possibly proliferation since thrombin has mitogenic properties for other lung cells. Newer methods focusing on the biology and biochemistry of the pulmonary architecture and its cellular components should further elucidate the importance of these pathways and suggest new therapeutic options.
Control of catabolism of mitochondria in oncogenesis I. increase of hepatic mitochondrial population during feeding inactive or marginally active amino azo dyes: Absence of de novo biosynthesis

Abstract The mechanism of the well established phenomenon that the number of liver mitochondria increases during administration of 2-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (2-Me-DAB) has been investigated. Fed to rats, both 2-Me-DAB (0.06%) and 4-diethylaminoazobenzene (4-DEAB) (0.0635 %) increase the amount of liver mitochondria by 47% and 31%, respectively. It was established that this is not due to de novo mitochondriogenesis. The increase in the amount of mitochondria correlates with an ~ 10% decrease of total liver protein per g of tissue. Mitochondrial ATP synthesis, which is a prerequisite of any anabolic situation, is drastically impaired following feeding of 2-Me-DAB beyond 1 week as indicated by a very substantial decrease of State 3 respiration, the respiratory control index, and the ADP O ratio. Determination of the polysome profile and polysome/monosome ratio at intervals during 2-Me-DAB administration showed no change, despite the fact that mitochondrial components are coded for in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. During 4-DEAB administration there was, however, a small but definite rise of the polysome/monosome ratio. Administration of 2-Me-DAB up to 42 days brought about drastic inhibition of the incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into both DNA's (approx. 59% with mitochondrial DNA and approx. 77% with nuclear DNA), indicating that these templates could not possibly be involved in the substantial increase of the mitochondrial population. The data suggest that the increase results from a steady accumulation due to increase of the half-life of mitochondria, owing possibly to an inhibition of lysosomal catabolic enzymes.
Minimizing channel density in standard cell layout

The problem of routing multiple rows of cells with linear nets is studied. In keeping with various local routing strategies, two separate optimization criteria are considered: maximum channel density and total channel density. In each case the problem is shown to be NP-complete for a fixed number of rows. In addition, for the total density problem, a polynomial-time heuristic is presented and is shown to produce total densities within 50% of the optimal.
A comparative study of recombinant mouse and human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease

Mammalian apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) initiates the repair of abasic sites (AP-sites), which are highly toxic, mutagenic, and implicated in carcinogenesis. Also, reducing the activity of APE1 protein in cancer cells and tumors sensitizes mammalian tumor cells to a variety of laboratory and clinical chemotherapeutic agents. In general, mouse models are used in studies of basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis, as well as pre-clinical studies before transitioning into humans. Human APE1 (hAPE1) has previously been cloned, expressed, and extensively characterized. However, the knowledge regarding the characterization of mouse APE1 (mAPE1) is very limited. Here we have expressed and purified full-length hAPE1 and mAPE1 in and from E. coli to near homogeneity. mAPE1 showed comparable fast reaction kinetics to its human counterpart. Steady-state enzyme kinetics showed an apparent Km of 91 nM and kcat of 4.2 s−1 of mAPE1 for the THF cleavage reaction. For hAPE1 apparent Km and kcat were 82 nM and 3.2 s−1, respectively, under similar reaction conditions. However, kcat/Km were in similar range for both APE1s. The optimum pH was in the range of 7.5–8 for both APE1s and had an optimal activity at 50–100 mM KCl, and they showed Mg2+ dependence and abrogation of activity at high salt. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that increasing the Mg2+ concentration altered the ratio of “turns” to “β-strands” for both proteins, and this change may be associated with the conformational changes required to achieve an active state. Overall, compared to hAPE1, mAPE1 has higher Km and kcat values. However, overall results from this study suggest that human and mouse APE1s have mostly similar biochemical and biophysical properties. Thus, the conclusions of mouse studies to elucidate APE1 biology and its role in carcinogenesis may be extrapolated to apply to human biology. This includes the development and validation of effective APE1 inhibitors as chemosensitizers in clinical studies.
Lipid Metabolism and Toxicity in the Heart

The heart has both the greatest caloric needs and the most robust oxidation of fatty acids (FAs). Under pathological conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, cardiac uptake and oxidation are not balanced and hearts accumulate lipid potentially leading to cardiac lipotoxicity. We will first review the pathways utilized by the heart to acquire FAs from the circulation and to store triglyceride intracellularly. Then we will describe mouse models in which excess lipid accumulation causes heart dysfunction and experiments performed to alleviate this toxicity. Finally, the known relationships between heart lipid metabolism and dysfunction in humans will be summarized.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEPAGE ZONES IN PREDICTING SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT AND SURFACE RUNOFF USING GLEAMS AND RZWQM

Seepage zones have been shown to be of critical importance in controlling contaminant export from agricultural catchments. To date, no multi-purpose agricultural water quality model has incorporated seepage zones into its process-level representations. We chose to test two commonly used models of agricultural water quality, Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems (GLEAMS) and the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM), by seeing how well each predicted surface runoff and soil moisture content in two agricultural fields: one with and one without seepage zones. Daily simulated surface runoff and soil moisture content from both calibrated and default (or non-calibrated) GLEAMS and RZWQM were compared with three years of measured surface runoff and soil moisture content in the two fields. The results of the study show that GLEAMS and RZWQM, using default model parameters, were not capable of predicting surface runoff and soil moisture content in either field. Site-calibrated GLEAMS and RZWQM performed well in simulating surface runoff trends from the field with and without seepage zones, but they predicted soil moisture content poorly. Several statistical tests were used that showed that although both site-calibrated GLEAMS and RZWQM performed well, RZWQM performed better than GLEAMS and is better suited in assessing the effects of seepage zones on soil moisture content and surface runoff from agricultural fields.
Proton competition in Cu(II) adsorption by fungal mycelia

Fungal mycelia have been shown to be effective adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from dilute solutions. Copper ions and protons become adsorbed to the fungal surface through reaction with specific surface sites including amino-, phosphate, carboxyl- or hydroxo-groups. In this study, an alkalimetric/metal titration technique was used to evaluate the competitive adsorption between protons and Cu(II) ions onto acid-washed mycelia of Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oryzae. A general macroscopic mechanism has been established to describe the specific adsorption of both protons and Cu(II) ions. Using a simple graphic or a non-linear least squares technique, the adsorption parameters; i.e. adsorption constant and maximum adsorption capacity, were evaluated. The results predicted by the two-site model with a double reciprocal plot or the Scatchard plot were compared by non-linear regression. In the presence of multiple classes of sites, better fit of the experimental data was obtained by treating the fungal surface as one which possesses two major functional groups, namely: (1) high affinity of monodentate binding, (2) low affinity of bidentate binding. Because hydrogen ions compete significantly with Cu(II) ions for adsorption sites, the competitive Langmuir isotherm so derived was characterized by three parameters: two-site Cu(II) affinity, two-site Cu(II) adsorption density and apparent proton affinity. This enabled differentiation of the Cu(II) adsorption from protons. Two intrinsic equilibrium constants for Cu(II) surface complexation were estimated. With this information, it was possible to predict the adsorption of Cu(II) over a wide range of metal loading conditions at various pH values.
A non-equilibrium multiscale simulation of shock wave propagation

Abstract A novel non-equilibrium multiscale dynamics (NEMSD) is proposed to simulate non-equilibrium thermal–mechanical processes. The model couples coarse-grain thermodynamics with a fine scale molecular dynamics. A Distributed Nośe-Hoover Thermostat Network is used, which regulates the temperature in each coarse scale Voronoi cell according to the finite element (FE) nodal temperature. The atoms in each element-cell, namely Voronoi cell-ensemble, are assumed to be in a local equilibrium state within one coarse scale time step. The change of FE nodal temperature provides a source of random forces, which drive the system out of equilibrium. The proposed NEMSD can successfully simulate shock wave propagation in a cubic lattice.
Lithium ion entry through the sodium channel of cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells: a biochemical study

Lithium ion entry at low concentrations (1 to 5 mM) into an electrically active adrenergic clone of mouse neuroblastoma cells was stimulated by veratridine; and this stimulation was blocked by tetrodotoxin, These data provide biochemical evidence that lithium ions enter by way of the sodium channel which may be a major pathway for entry of this ion into electrically active cells.
"Rights, Not Roses": Unions and the Rise of Working-Class Feminism, 1945-80

An insightful study of working-class feminism, raising important questions about the meaning of equality for them, their connections to their unions, and the gendered nature of equal rights.
Short-term memory for words with a perceptual-motor interpolated activity,

It was maintained that the Brown-Peterson short-term memory (STM) task bears important similarities to procedures used in the study of division of attention, since during STM retention intervals there is competition between the tendencies to rehearse the memory item and to execute the filler activity. It follows that when both retention and filler-task performance are scored, either or both should be sensitive to variables known to affect the division of attention, such as task-complexity and practice. In two experiments recall for 5-word stimuli was tested after 24-sec intervals filled with a self-paced keypressing task as the interpolated activity. Evidence for the presence of rehearsal was the finding that keypressing scores were lower on memory trials than on control trials where no words were recalled. Furthermore, retention scores were found to be a complex joint function of the S-R compatibility, coherence (repetitiveness), and prior practice on the keypressing activity. The conclusions were that rehearsal is objectively demonstrable in STM, that its extent may be controlled by variation of the filler task, and that the relationships revealed by such variation are consistent with the experimental literature on divided attention.
Numerical approach to far field acoustic wave propagation from a prolate spheroidal surface

The pressure field is expanded in a series of spherical harmonics, which leads to a system of linear, tridiagonal, one dimensional wave equations that can be integrated efficiently by numerical techniques based on the method of characteristics. Integrals involving orthogonal functions are approximated by a numerically robust scheme where exact orthogonality is obtained in terms of weighted sums over a discrete variable
Evaluation of an informal peer group experience on baccalaureate nursing students' emotional well-being and professional socialization

Abstract Although studies have documented the importance of the academic environment in promoting positive outcomes among students, few quantitative studies in nursing have been performed to identify strategies through which a nurturing learning environment can be created. A randomized two-group pretest-posttest design was used to investigate effects of an informal peer group experience on baccalaureate nursing students' emotional well-being and professional socialization as caring practitioners. Groups did not differ significantly on the outcomes measured in this study. As a whole, students showed statistically significant increases in anxiety, depression, and negative affect, along with decreased self-esteem and positive affect during the junior year of nursing school. Psychological problems and stress-related symptoms have been well documented among college students in general and professional students in particular. Although the findings from this study are not unique, they suggest the need to reconsider strategies by which the affective and professional socialization goals of undergraduate nursing education can be achieved. J Prof Nurs 19:38-48, 2003. Copyright 20032003 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
Influence of CD8+ T regulatory cells on intraocular tumor development.

The interior of the eye, or uvea, is a site of immune privilege where certain immune responses are attenuated or completely excluded to protect non regenerating tissues essential for vision. One consequence of this immunoregulation is compromised immune mediated elimination of intraocular tumors. For example, certain murine tumor cell lines which are rejected by host immune responses when transplanted in the skin grow progressively when placed in the anterior chamber (a.c.) of the eye. Progressive ocular tumor growth occurs despite induction of tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses capable of eliminating a subsequent tumor challenge in the skin or opposite eye. Why these CD8+ T effectors fail to eliminate established ocular tumors is not known. It is well appreciated that growth of tumors in the a.c. induces the generation of immunosuppressive CD8+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. However, the contribution of CD8+ Treg in ocular tumor progression remains unclear. Several studies indicate that these CD8+ Treg target responding CD4+ T cells to inhibit their induction of macrophage-dependent delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to tumor antigens. However, induction of tumor-specific CD4+ T cell responses does not assure intraocular tumor elimination. This review is focused on how CD8+ Treg could influence the tumoricidal activity of ocular tumor specific CD8+ T effector cells.
AlxGa1−xAsySb1−y phase diagram

Abstract The phase diagram of the important quaternary III/V system AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y has been experimentally explored by analyzing the solid compositions grown by liquid phase epitaxy. Data are presented for the Sb and Al distribution coefficients as a function of melt composition at 700°C. The extent of the solid phase miscibility gap is also reported for the GaAsySb1-y system at 650 and 700°C and for the AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y system at 700°C. The binodal data for both the GaAsySb1-y and AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y systems are found to be in agreement with the calculated binodal curves. The calculation uses the DLP model with the value of K taken to be 1.37 × 107 cal/mole A2.5.
U.S. Environmental Policy and Politics: From the 1960s to the 1990s

Environmental policy and politics in the United States have changed dramatically over the past three decades. What began in the late 1960s as an heroic effort by an incipient environmental movement to conserve dwindling natural resources and prevent further deterioration of the air, water, and land has been transformed over more than three decades into an extraordinarily complex, diverse, and often controversial array of environmental policies. Those policies occupy a continuing position of high visibility on the political agenda at all levels of government, and environmental values are widely embraced by the American public. Yet throughout the 1990s environmental policies and programs were characterized as much by sharp political conflict as by the consensus over policy goals and means that reigned during the early to mid-1970s. As the twenty-first century approaches, there is considerable value in looking back at this exceptional period to under-stand the nature of the transformation and its implications for the future.
Withholding Resuscitation in Prehospital Care

In this issue, Feder and colleagues report on guidelines in King County, Washington, that allowed emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to withhold resuscitation from a terminally ill patient ...
Consumption of dairy and meat in relation to breast cancer risk in the Black Women's Health Study

Purpose Dairy and meat consumption may impact breast cancer risk through modification of hormones (e.g., estrogen), through specific nutrients (e.g., vitamin D), or through products formed in processing/cooking (e.g., heterocyclic amines). Results relating meat and dairy intake to breast cancer risk have been conflicting. Thus, we examined the risk of breast cancer in relation to intake of dairy and meat in a large prospective cohort study.
The kinetics of release of 86rubidium and hemoglobin from erythrocytes damaged by antibody and complement.

Abstract Sheep erythrocytes carrying 100–200 SAC′ la,4 (rabbit antibody and guinea pig complement) were labelled with 86 Rb and treated with varying dilutions of guinea pig C′2 at 30°C. At the peak of SAC't' la, 4,2a generation, C′-EDTA was added and kinetic sampling was begun by means of a simple filtration technique for rapid separation of cells from medium. Release of 86 Rb⨥ started after a lag phase of about 0·5–1·0 min, and followed first order kinetics during a prolytic phase lasting 1–15 min, depending on C′2 mulitplicity. Cell lysis then ensued, with first-order release of hemoglobin (Hb). The kinetics of 86 Rb⨥ and Hb release form the control populations. A physiological interpreration of the controls is suggested.
Rapid sequencing of influenza A virus vRNA, cRNA and mRNA non-coding regions

Characterizing the genomic sequences of influenza A viruses is important for pathophysiological and evolutionary studies. Noncoding regions (NCR) of influenza A virus have been shown to play critical roles in replication and transcription but their sequences are infrequently determined. In this study, a method employing poly(A) addition and SMART (switching mechanism at 5′ end of RNA transcript) technology is described for directly determining and discriminating both NCR ends of viral RNA (vRNA), complementary RNA (cRNA), or NCR and cap sequences from viral mRNA. This modified method may also be used to characterize the NCRs of influenza A virus samples in which the RNA has been degraded.
Effects of horizontal-curve transition design on truck roll stability

The intent of this article is to provide information that will facilitate the design of roads that are safer for heavy trucks, which have a greater tendency to roll over than passenger cars. The roll performance of tractor-semitrailer trucks on horizontal curves with three different types of transitions is investigated using computer simulation, and the results are used to develop guidelines for horizontal-curve transition design. The roll dynamics of a truck traveling on a transition and a superelevated curve are described, and the effect of superelevation on the rollover threshold of tractor-semitrailer trucks is also discussed. Three evaluation parameters (roll stability margin, acceleration overshoot, and critical speed) are proposed and used in evaluating different transition types. Three types of transition are investigated: one in which 2/3 of the maximum superelevation is developed before the start of the curve; one in which the superelevation is fully developed at the start of the curve; and one in which superelevation is developed in a short spiral section. A test matrix consisting of different truck speeds, different radius curves, and different transitions is used. The spiral transition is shown to be most desirable type of transition.
An Experimental Hypothesis of Intralist Generalization

Gibson (1940) has hypothesized that stimulus generalization during discrimination learning must increase before it can decrease. This hypothesis can be either supported or rejected, depending on the procedures and measures used in testing it. The present paper suggests a different approach to the measurement of the trend of generalization during discrimination learning. The proposed methodology compares similar and dissimilar confusion errors on the first learning trial and the rates of decrease of the exponential functions of the two error types on subsequent trials. The implications of the methodology for transfer and predifferentiation studies are discussed.
Bleeding time prolongation and bleeding during infusion of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in dogs: Potentiation by aspirin and reversal with aprotinin

Abstract Thrombolytic therapy is associated with a bleeding tendency that may be exacerbated by adjunctive antiplatelet agents. The effect of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) alone or in combination with aspirin on serial measurements of template bleeding time, ex vivo platelet aggregation and coagulation factors and the frequency of bleeding was studied in dogs. During infusion of rt-PA (15, 30 or 60 μg/kg per min for 90 min), a dose-related increase in bleeding tine was observed. In a randomized blinded study of 25 dogs, the baseline bleeding time (mean ± SD) was 3.5 ± 1 min in control animals and 4 ± 2 min after oral aspirin (15 mg/kg body weight). Infusion of rt-PA (15 μg/kg per min for 90 min) prolonged the bleeding time to a maximum of 15 ± 12 min. In contrast, combined aspirin and rt-PA therapy produced an increase to >30 min during infusion, reverting to 13 ± 10 min within 2 h after cessation of infusion. Recurrent continuous bleeding from incision sites occurred in one of six dogs given aspirin alone, two of seven given rt-PA alone and all six dogs given both aspirin and rt-PA (p = 0.02). Bleeding time >9 min correlated significantly with bleeding frequency (p Intravenous bolus injection of aprotinin (29,000 kallikrein inhibitor units/kg body weight) in six dogs given both rt-PA and aspirin produced a decrease in bleeding time from >30 min to 9.5 ± 9 min and resulted in cessation of bleeding. Thus, bleeding and bleeding time prolongation te this canine model are potentiated by a marked interactive effect of rt-PA and aspirin that is rapidly reversible. Template bleeding times may provide a useful quantitative index for monitoring the bleeding tendency associated with thrombolytic therapy.
Evidence-based data on pain relief with antidepressants

This structured review addresses the issue of whether antidepressants have an antinociceptive (analgesic) effect for chronic pain independent of their antidepressant effect. In order to answer this question, human acute pain studies, individual placebo-controlled studies for the treatment of specific chronic pain syndromes, and metaanalytic studies were reviewed and placed into table format. Analysis of this evidence led to the following conclusions: The evidence was consistent in indicating that overall antidepressants may have an antinociceptive effect in chronic pain, and that these drugs were effective for neuropathic pain. There was also some evidence that these drugs could be effective for psychogenic or somatoform disorder-associated pain. This evidence also strongly suggested that serotonergic-noradrenergic antidepressants may have a more consistent antinociceptive effect than the serotonergic antidepressants. Finally, this evidence indicated that antidepressants could be effective for pain associated with some specific pain syndromes, such as chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, fibrositis or fibromyalgia, and ulcer healing. Possible reasons for the conflicting results of studies in this area are presented, and problems that could limit the validity of the conclusions of this review are discussed.
Predicting Sustainable Ground Water to Constructed Riparian Wetlands: Shaker Trace, Ohio, USA

Water isotopy is introduced as a tool to design, locate, and select storm water best management practices for the prediction of sustained ground water inflows to prospective constructed wetlands. A primer and application of the stable isotopes, 18O and 2H, are discussed for riparian wetland restoration areas among an agricultural landscape in southwestern Ohio. Conventional piezometric measurements were ambiguous in identifying groundwater mounding across a transect which includes numerous agricultural tile drains. Instead evaporative potential data represented by δ18O values indicated a well delineated zone for prospective constructed wetlands. All successful constructed wetland areas thus far at Shaker Trace are represented by ground water with depleted δ18O values below −9.0‰ VSMOW. Such areas of sustainable ground water inflow could either be due to perched units at depth or simply the result of an increased flow gradient.
Preparing Students to Take Online Interactive Courses

Electronic communication and World Wide Web skill levels for graduate students entering a Master of Science in Education degree program with online components were examined before and after completion of an introductory technology skills course. Results indicated that students can identify their weaknesses and can subsequently develop skills for using electronic communication, the World Wide Web, and related activities through an online course designed to prepare them for success in taking subsequent online courses. The findings support views that Web-based courses require some skills that may be new for the student, and that students will require varying degrees of instruction in how to deal with technology-based learning.
Optical scattering in beef steak to predict tenderness using hyperspectral imaging in the VIS-NIR region

The objective of this research is to develop a non-destructive method for predicting cooked beef tenderness using optical scattering of light on fresh beef muscle tissue. A hyperspectral imaging system (λ = 496–1,036 nm) that consists of a CCD camera and an imaging spectrograph, was used to acquire beef steak images. The hyperspectral image consisted of 120 bands with spectral intervals of 4.54 nm. Sixty-one fresh beef steaks, including 44 strip loin and 17 tenderloin cuts, were collected. After imaging, the steaks were cooked and Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force values were collected as tenderness references. The optical scattering profiles were derived from the hyperspectral images and fitted to the modified Lorentzian function. Parameters, such as the peak height, full scattering width at half maximum (FWHM), and the slope around the FWHM were determined at each wavelength. Stepwise regression was used to identify 7 key wavelengths and parameters. The parameters were then used to predict the WBS scores. The model was able to predict WBS scores with an R = 0.67. Optical scattering implemented with hyperspectral imaging shows limited success for predicting current status of tenderness in beef steak.
Clinical and genetic analysis of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Abstract Background. Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) may develop pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), which can behave in a malignant fashion. We prospectively evaluated size criteria for resection of lesions and the role of genotype/phenotype analysis of germline VHL mutations in predicting clinical course. Methods. From December 1988 through December 1999 we screened 389 patients with VHL. The diagnosis of PNET was made by pathologic analysis of tissues or by radiographic appearance. Germline mutations were determined by quantitative Southern blotting, fluorescence in situ hybridization and complete gene sequencing. Results. Forty-four patients with PNETs have been identified; 25 have undergone surgical resection, 5 had metastatic disease, and 14 are being monitored. No patient who has undergone resection based on tumor size criteria has developed metastases. Patients with PNETs were more likely to have missense mutations (58%), and 4 of 5 patients (80%) with metastatic disease had mutations in exon 3 compared with 18 of 39 (46%) patients without metastatic disease. Conclusions. Imaging for detection and surgical resection based on size criteria have resulted in the successful management of VHL patients with PNETs. Analysis of germline mutations may help identify patients at risk for PNET and which patients may benefit from surgical intervention. (Surgery 2000;128:1022-8.)
Calculation of the QED coupling α ^ ( M Z ) in the modified minimal-subtraction scheme

I calculate the QED coupling $\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ directly in the $\overline{\mathrm{MS}}$ scheme using an unsubtracted dispersion relation for the three light quarks and perturbative QCD for charm and bottom quarks. Compact analytical expressions are presented, making this approach particularly suitable for electroweak fits. After ${\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{(m}_{\ensuremath{\tau}})=133.513\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.026$ is obtained in the first step, I perform a four-loop renormalization group evolution with three-loop matching conditions to arrive at ${\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{(M}_{Z})=127.934\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.027$ for ${\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{s}{(M}_{Z})=0.120.$ The corresponding hadronic contribution to the on-shell coupling is $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\overline{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{\mathrm{had}}^{(5)}{(M}_{Z})=0.02779\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00020.$ The error is mainly from ${m}_{c},$ and from experimental uncertainties in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation into unflavored and strange hadrons and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ decay data.
Skepticism and Circular Arguments

Perhaps the most popular and historically important way of responding to skepticism is by an appeal to non-inferential justification. A problem with this sort of response is that while it may constitute a response to skepticism, it does not constitute a response to the skeptic. At some point, the anti-skeptic must simply fall silent, resigned to the fact that his or her non-inferential justification for the belief challenged by the skeptic is not communicable. I want to point out a possible solution to this problem. I will argue that, in certain circumstances, it is possible to adduce circular arguments which are nevertheless rationally persuasive, and that the anti-skeptic may employ these arguments in lieu of simply falling silent when a non-inferentially justified belief is challenged. The almost universal assumption among philosophers that epistemically circular arguments are rationally useless is mistaken, and this fact can be utilized by the clever anti-skeptic.
Leveraging the robustness of genetic networks: a case study on bio-inspired wireless sensor network topologies

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) form a critical component in modern computing applications; given their size, ability to process and communicate information, and to sense stimuli, they are a promising part of the Internet of Things. However, they are also plagued by reliability and node failure problems. Here we address these problems by using the Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) of the organism Escherichia coli—believed to be robust against signaling disruptions, such as gene failures—to study the transmission properties of randomly-generated WSNs and transmission structures derived from these genetic networks. Selection of sink nodes is crucial to the performance of these networks; here we introduce four sink-node selection techniques: two motif-based, an attractor based and a highest degree-based approach and perform comprehensive simulations to assess their performance. Specifically, we use NS-2 simulations to evaluate the packet transmission robustness properties of such GRN-derived communication structures as against typical randomly deployed sensor network topologies under varying channel loss models. Packet receipt rates are compared among these networks, which are shown to be higher using GRNs for the communication structure, rather than randomly generated WSNs. We also evaluate the performance of communication structures derived from existing biological network generation models to assess their applicability in providing robust communication. This work paves the way for future development of fault-tolerant and robust WSN deployment and routing algorithms based on the inherent signal transmission robustness properties of the gene regulatory network topologies.
If You Had Everything Computationally

Some significant technological breakthroughs have transformed investment and trading over the past 30 years. In a speculative leap, the author evaluates the current state of technology and considers the changes in investment and trading that will be brought about in the future. Topics include electronic markets, extraction of information to produce alpha from expanding textual and web sources, and visualization that improves our ability to produce value in a financial environment that we increasingly share with machines.