cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of carbon policies on supply chain design and logistics of a major retailer

Abstract The energy used to move freight comprised about 17% of all the energy consumed in the United States in 2010. This percentage was an increase from 8.7% in 1970 even though fuel efficiency gradually improved over the period. One major reason of this phenomenon is that the longer supply chains of many industries caused by globalization increase freight movement. Various carbon policies have been discussed and even implemented for some industry sectors in the European Union to reduce carbon emissions. However, the emissions of surface transportation have not been well studied. This paper investigates three of the most common carbon policies: carbon emission tax, inflexible cap, and cap-and-trade. The impact on a company may include the redesign of its supply chains and different choices of transportation modes (truck, rail, or waterway). This paper proposes optimization models for major retailers, who make a huge contribution to freight movement, to design their supply chains under various carbon policies. The results from the models can help policy makers to predict the impact of policies on overall emissions in the freight transportation sector. The model may also be incorporated into the integrated assessment models for climate change analyses. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the impact of the policy parameters on carbon emissions and logistics cost. This research uses the supply chain of a major U.S. retailer (i.e., Wal-Mart) to demonstrate how to use the models and conduct the sensitivity analysis. In order to realize significant emission reduction, a redesign of supply chains of major retailers is necessary and will be triggered only by a high carbon tax rate, a high carbon price, or a very strict carbon cap, which all may involve high social and/or economic complexity. Numerical experiments show that different policies have different impacts on the costs and the effectiveness of emission reduction. How to choose policy parameters is critical to the effectiveness of a carbon policy. The different sensitivity also implies different challenges during the implementation of the policies, such as the high cost preventing retailers from accepting any carbon taxes and the difficulty of reaching an agreement on the carbon caps between retailers and policy makers.
Where there's a way, is there a will? Installed base and product quality in a network industry

Abstract In industries influenced by network effects, firms with an established installed base of users experience dueling forces with regard to the quality of their product releases. On one hand, a network effects perspective suggests that such firms have limited incentive to produce higher quality products, as their entrenched installed base represents a significant barrier to competitors. However, a cumulative learning perspective suggests that such firms have the ability to produce higher-quality products than competitors. Grounded in these competing theoretical perspectives, this study examines the relationship between a firm's installed base size and the quality of its product releases in the packaged software industry. Installed base is found to have a positive and significant relationship with product quality, consistent with the cumulative learning perspective. Implications for theory and practice of strategy in network industries are offered and discussed.
An optimum study of the anticlastic deformations of strips with tapered edges

Abstract If the edges on the concave side of an elastically bent strip are tapered, the anticlastic deformations of the cross sections can be greatly reduced. This paper concerns the calculation of the specific dimensions of the tapers which will reduce the deformations of the cross sections to a minimum when the strip is bent to a prescribed radius. The optimum tapers are obtained by a Newton-Raphson iteration process, together with a parametric study. The results are presented in tabular form for Poisson's ratio values of 0.3–0.5. It is shown that the maximum relative displacements of the bent strips can be reduced by as much as 60–95 per cent by suitably tapered concave edges.
Stripping potentiometry of barium ion in mixed aqueous tetraethylammonium bromide/ethanol solutions

The extension of stripping potentiometry to the electropositive ion barium was investigated using a thin mercury film on a glassy carbon electrode. Barium was detected at low ppm levels in water/ethanol solutions containing tetraethylammonium bromide as electrolyte. Several parameters were investigated to determine the optimal response for Ba stripping. These parameters included the peak integration potential, peak width, pH, solvent, supporting electrolyte, deposition time, and stir rate. Also, the precision was tested on five replicate measurements.
Brain-specific RGS9-2 is localized to the nucleus via its unique proline-rich domain

Abstract Brain-specific regulator of G protein signaling 9 (RGS9-2) is a member of a family of proteins that can function as GTPase-activating proteins for heterotrimeric G proteins. In the present study, we examined the intracellular distribution of RGS9-2 in native brain tissue and transfected cells. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot experiments revealed an unexpectedly high proportion of RGS9-2 within the nuclei of forebrain neurons. A similar intracellular distribution was seen in transfected COS-7 cells. The RGS9 binding partner G β5 further enhanced the nuclear localization of RGS9-2, but did not affect the strongly cytoplasmic localization of RGS9-1, the retinal form of RGS9. Deletion construct analysis revealed that the unique polyproline-rich C-terminus of brain-specific RGS9-2 contains sequences necessary and sufficient to target RGS9 to the nucleus of COS-7 cells, as well as cultured striatal neurons. Furthermore, RGS9-2 transfection increased the transcriptional activity of a neuronal gene construct normally expressed in RGS9-positive neurons, suggesting that nuclear RGS9 directly or indirectly regulates transcription in vivo. The nuclear localization of RGS9-2 suggests a heretofore-unanticipated role for this brain-specific protein in transducing signals to the nuclei of forebrain neurons.
Chains of impact from Reaganomics on primary care policies.

This article analyzes the effects of federal fiscal policy in the Reagan administration on primary care programs. Within the context of the national economy and federal policy priorities, states responded to budget cuts and block grants with fiscal and administrative restrictions that fell disproportionately on disadvantaged groups. A wide array of primary care services became less available and accessible, thereby limiting their cost-savings potential and their effectiveness in supporting people's health. These program deficits, together with lowered living standards among large segments of the population, resulted in rising rates of infant mortality in many states. A perspective that can interrelate federal and state policy actions, and broad public policies with traditional health policies, will improve public health nurses' understanding of policy-making and policy impacts, and thereby can guide renewed efforts toward health improvement.
Lifetime course of chronic depression in older men.

The lifetime course of illness in older outpatient men who remained symptomatic despite adequate pharmacologic treat ment for depression was examined. A bimodal distribution of age of onset of first major depression was found, with 75% having onset before age 35 years and 25% having onset after age 50 years. At all ages, episodes of chronic depression developed after episodes of major depression and appeared to be partially resolved major depression. In 88% of patients, anxiety disorders developed before age 35 years, preceded onset of other disorders, and continued throughout the patient's lifetime. Seventy percent developed alcoholism and 25% had a medical illness that impaired function to a signifi cant degree. The importance of obtaining a lifetime course of illness in older patients is discussed. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989;2:89-95).
Plasma polymerization of hexafluoroethane

It was found that when hydrogen is mixed in a plasma, hexafluoroethane polymerization is accelerated. ESCA and IR spectroscopy were used to characterize the resulting polymers and to reveal the reaction mechanism. At relatively low hydrogen/hexafluoroethane ratios and radio-frequency powers of 30 and 100 W (13.56 MHz), no hydrogen could be detected in the polymers with IR spectroscopy. However, after the ratio had increased above one, the hydrogen content increased abruptly. Thus, hydrogen might be looked upon as a sort of scavenger for active fluorine species. ESCA deconvolution analysis of the C1s peaks of the polymers indicated that the polymer structures were uniform throughout the reactor in the hydrogen/hexafluoroethane system at 30 W, even though the distribution of the deposition rate could still be observed. By examining sodium chloride powder exposed to the plasma with IR spectroscopy, it was possible to detect various fluorosilicates, which indicated ablation of the reactor's glass wall by the plasma.
Temporal relationship between substance use and delinquent behavior among young psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents

There is considerable evidence linking substance use and delinquent behavior among adolescents. However, the nature and temporal ordering of this relationship remain uncertain, particularly among early adolescents and those with significant psychopathology. This study examined the temporal ordering of substance use and delinquent behavior in a sample of psychiatrically hospitalized early adolescents. Youth (N = 108) between the ages of 12 and 15 years completed three assessments over 18 months following hospitalization. Separate cross-lagged panel models examined the reciprocal relationship between delinquent behavior and two types of substance use (e.g., alcohol and marijuana). Results provided evidence of cross-lagged effects for marijuana: Delinquent behavior at 9 months predicted marijuana use at 18 months. No predictive effects were found between alcohol use and delinquent behavior over time. Findings demonstrate the stability of delinquent behavior and substance use among young adolescents with psychiatric concerns. Furthermore, results highlight the value of examining alcohol and marijuana use outcomes separately to better understand the complex pathways between substance use and delinquent behavior among early adolescents.
Lack of seasonal variation in bleeding and patient-assessed pain patterns in patients with haemophilia B receiving on-demand therapy.

Spontaneous haemorrhage in patients with haemophilia is generally considered to occur randomly and without a predictable temporal or seasonal pattern; however, there is a lack of evidence in the literature on the effects of weather, temperature and atmosphere on bleeding episodes. This post hoc analysis of a multicentre, open-label crossover study examined the influence of seasonality on bleeding frequency and patient-assessed pain in patients with moderately severe and severe (FIX C ≤ 2%) haemophilia B. Fifty patients were enrolled and treated on-demand for 16 weeks; 47 were subsequently randomized to one of two prophylactic regimens (nonacog alfa 100 IU kg−1 once weekly or 50 IU kg−1 twice weekly) for 16 weeks. Patients then underwent an 8-week washout period of on-demand therapy before being crossed over to the other prophylactic regimen for 16 weeks. Bleeding episodes during the on-demand treatment periods were analysed. To assess for temporal trends, data were graphed as scatter plots. The primary end point was the annualized bleeding rate (ABR). Additional measures included raw and median pain scores during every joint bleeding event (spontaneous or traumatic), with pain scored using the Brief Pain Inventory (0 = ‘no pain’ to 10 = ‘pain as bad as you can imagine’). The observed ABRs during the on-demand periods showed no distinguishable trend over time. Analysis of pain associated with joint bleeding episodes also did not demonstrate any discernible temporal trend. No apparent seasonal variation in bleeding pattern or patient-reported pain was observed in this analysis of patients with haemophilia B.
Perceived Difficulty and User Control in Mouse Usage

This study was conducted to determine the relative perceived difficulty of performing different mouse tasks (pairings of mouse actions with button combinations). Right-handed individuals with various types of computer experience used a 3-button mouse to perform 49 simple target acquisition tasks. Perceived difficulty judgments varied with tasks. Significant groupings of tasks along the difficulty dimension were also apparent. For most mouse tasks, the left and center buttons were judged to be relatively easier to use than the right button. Additionally, chorded use of the left and center buttons was perceived to be easier than use of the right button alone. The results suggest that systems should not rely upon the right mouse button as a default setting for system-related functions. Other considerations for mouse usage are discussed.
Ethical decision-making as enlightened behavior.

Pfaff and colleagues (2008) argue that “blurring of identity” (10) is “the crucial step” (10) that must occur in order for an individual to act in accordance with the “Golden Rule” (10). They conte...
The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX)

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission is exploring the frontiers of the heliosphere where energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) are formed from charge exchange between interstellar neutral hydrogen atoms and solar wind ions and pickup ions. The geography of this frontier is dominated by an unexpected nearly complete arc of ENA emission, now known as the IBEX ‘Ribbon’. While there is no consensus agreement on the Ribbon formation mechanism, it seems certain this feature is seen for sightlines that are perpendicular to the interstellar magnetic field as it drapes over the heliosphere. At the lowest energies, IBEX also measures the flow of interstellar H, He, and O atoms through the inner heliosphere. The asymmetric oxygen profile suggests that a secondary flow of oxygen is present, such as would be expected if some fraction of oxygen is lost through charge exchange in the heliosheath regions. The detailed spectra characterized by the ENAs provide time-tagged samples of the energy distributions of the underlying ion distributions, and provide a wealth of information about the outer heliosphere regions, and beyond.
Separation and Identification of Soluble Nucleotides from Etiolated Corn Seedlings as Function of Growth.

An intact twig of tamarisk or leaf of eucalyptus was sealed in an illuminated, constant-temperature glass chamber that was ventilated at a known rate with dry air. Absolute humidity of air flowing from the chamber was recorded continuously by an infrared gas analyzer. Humidity multiplied by ventilation rate gave transpiration rate. Transpiration increased smoothly to a new constant rate during illumination and decreased smoothly upon darkening. When a twig or petiole was severed in air, transpiration accelerated briefly in a smooth surge and then declined. Behavior was variable when the cut was made under water, but transpiration usually slowed to a new constant rate, then surged briefly when the cut was exposed to air. LITERATURE CITED
Ideology, Discourse, and the Geography of Hegemony: From Socialist to Neoliberal Development in Postapartheid South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) has long stood for a development policy committed to improving living conditions for black people in South Africa. Assuming power in 1994, the ANC adopted a leftist, basic-needs-oriented Reconstruction and Development Programme as the popular foundation for its economic policy. Within two years, the ANC had switched to a rightist, neoliberal Growth, Employment and Redistribution policy stressing privatization, deregulation, and trade liberalization. This article critically examines the displacement of economic policy from socialism to neoliberalism. My thesis is that ANC policy was disciplined by a neoliberal economic discourse formulated by an academic-institutional-media complex with linked centers of persuasion inside and outside the country. The article combines ideas about hegemony from Gramsci with notions of discourse derived from Foucault in constructing a geographic theory of globally hegemonic discursive formations colonizing alternative, counterhegemonic discourses.
Base-resolution methylation patterns accurately predict transcription factor bindings in vivo

Detecting in vivo transcription factor (TF) binding is important for understanding gene regulatory circuitries. ChIP-seq is a powerful technique to empirically define TF binding in vivo. However, the multitude of distinct TFs makes genome-wide profiling for them all labor-intensive and costly. Algorithms for in silico prediction of TF binding have been developed, based mostly on histone modification or DNase I hypersensitivity data in conjunction with DNA motif and other genomic features. However, technical limitations of these methods prevent them from being applied broadly, especially in clinical settings. We conducted a comprehensive survey involving multiple cell lines, TFs, and methylation types and found that there are intimate relationships between TF binding and methylation level changes around the binding sites. Exploiting the connection between DNA methylation and TF binding, we proposed a novel supervised learning approach to predict TF-DNA interaction using data from base-resolution whole-genome methylation sequencing experiments. We devised beta-binomial models to characterize methylation data around TF binding sites and the background. Along with other static genomic features, we adopted a random forest framework to predict TF-DNA interaction. After conducting comprehensive tests, we saw that the proposed method accurately predicts TF binding and performs favorably versus competing methods.
Open-loop frequency response method for nonlinear servomechanisms

This paper develops a useful graphical representation similar to the common Nyquist diagrams for the measured or calculated open-loop frequency response data of nonlinear systems.1,2,3,4 This representation indicates the frequency response characteristics and other phenomena such as limit cycles5 and response hysteresis, or jump phenomenon,6 of closed-loop systems. Likewise, this open-loop representation is convenient for the synthesis of linear filters, which can be inserted in the error amplifier to improve the closed-loop response of such nonlinear systems. In fact, the closed-loop frequency response of the nonlinear system with a linear filter in the error or forward section of the loop can be determined if both the transfer function of the linear filter and the open-loop frequency response of the nonlinear servo without the filter are known. Many who have measured the response of servo systems assumed to be linear have realized that the assumption of linearity is not always satisfactory. For very small input signals, backlash and coulomb friction cause nonlinear distortion, as does saturation when the input signal is large.7 It is hoped that the method used in this paper will help the servo engineer improve the response of nonlinear systems.
A statistical comparison of normal ballistocardiograms recorded with a high-frequency table and with various instruments which record body motion directly.

Abstract Normal ballistocardiograms obtained with three types of instruments which record the movement of a cross-bar placed across the shins were compared with tracings simultaneously recorded with a high-frequency table. Statistical studies yielded the following results: 1. 1. A high degree of correlation exists between the IJ and JK segments recorded with the table and the corresponding segments simultaneously recorded with each of the instruments studied. 2. 2. In the case of the JK:IJ ratio, significant correlations between tracings obtained with the table and with each of the direct-recording instruments were not always demonstrated in individual subjects. 3. 3. The variation between the means of the JK:IJ ratio recorded in each of the ten subjects with the three instruments was not significantly different from the variation of the means of corresponding ratios recorded simultaneously with the table. 4. 4. A significant difference could not be demonstrated in the respiration variations of the IJ and JK segments recorded with each of the three direct-recording devices and the respiratory variations recorded with the table. 5. 5. The reproducibility of repeated tracings obtained with the instruments which record body motion directly was in general inferior to the reproducibility of tracings obtained with the table. This finding appeared to be particularly significant in the case of the photoelectric instrument. The implications of these results, relating to certain theoretical and practical aspects of recording body motion with these devices, are discussed.
A Comparison of the Orthogonal and the Oblique Factor Structures of Correlation Matrixes of Individual Items and of Composites of Items (Subtests) Derived from a Standardized Affective Measure

For a 90-item standardized affective measure containing six factor scales (with 15 items per scale) that in its original form of 150 items (25 items per subscale) had undergone three item-analysis studies (with two representing cross-validation efforts) to achieve a relatively higher degree of homogeneity than that in the orginal scales, the major purpose of this investigation was to compare both an orthogonally and obliquely rotated factor structure of a correlation matrix of individual items with that of sets of composites of five items (three subtests per factor scale). The two groups of tenth and eleventh grade students employed in this study came primarily from middle-class families: (a) a suburban Anglo sample of 337 subjects (170 males and 167 females) and (b) a rural Anglo sample of 146 (74 males and 72 females) with fewer than two percent of the participants in either sample representing minorities. The orthogonally rotated factor solution was achieved from use of the varimax procedure, and the o...
Determination of melt influence on divalent element partitioning between anorthite and CMAS melts

We propose a theory for crystal-melt trace element partitioning that considers the energetic consequences of crystal-lattice strain, of multi-component major-element silicate liquid mixing, and of trace-element activity coefficients in melts. We demonstrate application of the theory using newly determined partition coefficients for Ca, Mg, Sr, and Ba between pure anorthite and seven CMAS liquid compositions at 1330 °C and 1 atm. By selecting a range of melt compositions in equilibrium with a common crystal composition at equal liquidus temperature and pressure, we have isolated the contribution of melt composition to divalent trace element partitioning in this simple system. The partitioning data are fit to Onuma curves with parameterizations that can be thermodynamically rationalized in terms of the melt major element activity product (a_(Al_2O_3))(a_(SiO_2_)^2 and lattice strain theory modeling. Residuals between observed partition coefficients and the lattice strain plus major oxide melt activity model are then attributed to non-ideality of trace constituents in the liquids. The activity coefficients of the trace species in the melt are found to vary systematically with composition. Accounting for the major and trace element thermodynamics in the melt allows a good fit in which the parameters of the crystal-lattice strain model are independent of melt composition.
Crystallization of pumpkin seed globulin: growth and dissolution kinetics

Quasi-elastic light scattering was used to investigate the nucleation and crystallization of pumpkin (Cucurbita) seed globulin. The diameter of the pumpkin globulin monomer was measured to be ≈ 5–6 nm. The supersaturation dependence of critical nucleus size was obtained, and this allowed an estimate of the interfacial free energy to be α ≈ 6.1 x 10-2 erg/cm2. The crystallization and dissolution kinetics were investigated for 4.9–16 mg/ml protein solutions containing 1–7% NaCl. The solubility data as a function of precipitant concentration and temperature were obtained and these will be utilized for optimization of the crystallization conditions for the pumpkin globulin.
Neonatal complications following preterm birth

Improvements in neonatal intensive care during the last 20 years have increased the survival of the most immature newborns at 23 weeks from 0% to 65% at some centres, although rates vary widely among neonatal care centres. University of Utah, USA data show that each week in utero after week 23 raises survival by 6–9%, to 90% by 27–28 weeks and 95% by 33 weeks. Provision of care in specialised centres to provide high-risk obstetric and neonatal intensive care, prenatal treatment with corticosteroids, postnatal treatment with surfactant and nitric oxide, and improvements in respirators and equipment to care for extremely immature infants all contribute to these changes. The increased rate of survival for extremely premature newborns has not been accompanied by an increased rate of severe intraventricular haemorrhage or neurological impairment, such as cerebral palsy. Regardless, intraventricular haemorrhage remains a significant problem, especially if associated with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus, leading to long-term neurological impairment and decreased survival. Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is more common in premature than in term newborns and is the most frequent cause of short bowel syndrome in infancy. Survival after surgery for NEC has improved during the last two decades, but complications of nutritional support produce many long-term problems. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a frequent cause of neurosensory impairment for extremely premature newborns. Laser photocoagulation for advanced ROP is more effective than cryotherapy for preventing retinal detachment and improving visual outcomes. Despite prenatal corticosteroid treatment and postnatal surfactant administration, many extremely premature newborns still develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Abnormal pulmonary function may persist into adulthood, but newer ventilators and management schemes appear to be reducing this long-term morbidity. Many changes in neonatal care occur each year, but carefully controlled outcome studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these newer styles of neonatal intensive care.
Distributed wide-area traffic management for cloud services

The performance of interactive cloud services depends heavily on which data centers handle client requests, and which wide-area paths carry traffic. While making these decisions, cloud service providers also need to weigh operational considerations like electricity and bandwidth costs, and balancing server loads across replicas. We argue that selecting data centers and network routes independently, as is common in today's services, can lead to much lower performance or higher costs than a coordinated decision. However, fine-grained joint control of two large distributed systems---e.g., DNS-based replica-mapping and data center multi-homed routing---can be administratively challenging. In this paper, we introduce the design of a system that jointly optimizes replica-mapping and multi-homed routing, while retaining the functional separation that exists between them today. We show how to construct a provably optimal distributed solution implemented through local computations and message exchanges between the mapping and routing systems.
FINITE TYPE LINK HOMOTOPY INVARIANTS OF k-TRIVIAL LINKS

In a recent paper [8], Xiao-Song Lin gave an example of a finite type invariant of links up to link homotopy that is not simply a polynomial in the pairwise linking numbers. Here we present a reformulation of the problem of finding such polynomials using the primary geometric obstruction homomorphism, previously used to study realizability of link group automorphisms by link homotopies. Using this reformulation, we generalize Lin's results to k-trivial links (links that become homotopically trivial when any k components are deleted). Our approach also gives a method for finding torsion finite type link homotopy invariants within "linking classes," generalizing an idea explored earlier in [1] and [10], and yielding torsion invariants within linking classes that are different from Milnor's invariants in their original indeterminacy.
Antiinflammatory Treatment Ameliorates HPA Stress Axis Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Stress Sensitivity

Dysregulated stress responsivity is a hallmark of neuropsychiatric disease. The regulation of stress activation and recovery involves tight coordination between neuronal and glial networks. At a certain threshold of sensitivity, stress exposure can evoke a neuroimmune response. Astrocytes are potential mediators of these effects because they are able to respond to neuroimmune effector molecules and regulate neuronal activity. Mice deficient in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 display increased stress sensitivity and are therefore a useful model in which to examine the intersection of neuroimmune activation and stress pathway dysregulation. We hypothesized that a component of elevated stress reactivity may involve an engagement of neuroimmune effectors, including astrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that this phenotype may be rescued by concomitant nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment. To examine this, mice exposed to chronic stress were treated with NSAID in their drinking water...
Thrust Enhancement From Radial Velocity in Squid Inspired Thrusters

Squid and jellyfish generate propulsive forces by successively taking in and expelling high momentum jets of water. This method of propulsion offers several advantages to underwater vehicles/robots. The driving mechanism can be placed internal to the vehicle, reducing the drag associated with an abundance of external thrusters and control surfaces. The thrusters can generate accurate predictable forcing in the low thrust range, while still generating thrust nearly instantaneously over the entire force range. Vortex ring formation dynamics play an important role in creating thrust. It is observed that squid and jellyfish eject fluid jets which are not exactly parallel, and have a contracting velocity in the radial direction. A prototype thruster was developed which generates both parallel and converging propulsive jets. The total impulse of the jet is determined from DPIV techniques to determine the effect a non-zero radial velocity had on thrust production. The radial velocity was observed to increase the total impulse of the jet by 70% for low stroke ratio jets, and 75% for large stroke ratio jets.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
German foreign policy after unification: The end of cheque book diplomacy?

In this article, three interrelated arguments are made: first, the economic costs of unification have diminished German economic capacity and consequently its diplomatic flexibility; second, unification has reopened the debate within Germany over the desirability of European Monetary Union (EMU) and has led to the redefinition of the minimum conditions necessary for German participation in EMU; and third, unification has reinforced the tendency towards macro‐economic unilateralism in the Atlantic economy. In the conclusion, the three elements of the German economic strategy for post‐Yalta Europe are identified: translating German economic precepts into the framework conditions for the pan‐European economy; establishing Frankfurt as the financial hub of Europe; and protecting Germany's position as the commercial centre of Europe.
Analysis of a new information systems outsourcing practice: software-as-a-service business model

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is an emerging business model that delivers software applications to users through web-based technology. Adopting SaaS applications allow companies to dramatically save their Information Technology (IT) costs. This paper discusses the concepts and applications of services, SaaS, outsourcing and their economic implications. SaaS can be adopted as an excellent outsourcing model since it exhibits the technological and economic benefits of IT services.
Neurodegenerative disorders and hyperaldosteronism

Elevated plasma renin (3 patients) and aldosterone secretion rates (4 patients) have been found in patients with the syndrome of “ophthalmoplegia plus.” Autopsy in one of the patients revealed subacute necrotizing encephalopathy, hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, and nodular hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland. Three of the patients had hypokalemia during the present admission and the fourth patient had hypokalemia in the past. Two of the patients also had hypomagnesemia. Spironolactone given to one patient corrected the hypokalemia but had no effect on the hypomagnesemia. It is suggested that hyperaldosteronism should be looked for in patients with the syndrome of “ophthalmoplegia plus”.
All Things in Mind: Panpsychist Elements in Spinoza, Deleuze, and Peirce

Benedict de Spinoza, C.S. Peirce, and Gilles Deleuze delineate a trajectory through the history of ideas in the dialogue about the potentials and limitations of panpsychism, the view that world is fundamentally made up of mind. As a parallel trajectory to the panpsychism debate in contemporary philosophy of mind and cognitive psychology, this approach can inform and enrich the discussion of the role and scope of mind in the natural world. The philosophies of mind developed by Deleuze and Peirce are Spinozistic in their natural monism but move beyond Spinoza to explain mind as a part of the natural world in semiotic terms.
Geo-tracking of a single constant-velocity target using broadband array sensor data from a maneuvering observer: a comparison of tracking techniques for nonlinear observations

We present a new approach to tracking the geographic position of a target. The dynamic behavior of the target is modeled, in a fixed geographic coordinate system, as constant-velocity motion. The observation process is modeled, in an array referenced coordinate system, as the complex broadband output from elements of a sensor array mounted on a maneuvering ship. This observation model includes the highly nonlinear geographic-to-array coordinate transformation, as well as a complex-to-real transformation. Both the dynamic and observation noises are assumed to be additive and Gaussian which leads to a Kalman filter tracker. The mean and covariance estimate equations necessary for the Kalman filter are in the form of integrals that contain nonlinearities and require numerical integration. The performances of three numerical integration techniques are compared for this problem: Gauss-Hermite quadrature, the unscented filter and Monte Carlo integration.
Remote sensing and in situ-based estimates of evapotranspiration for subirrigated meadow, dry valley, and upland dune ecosystems in the semi-arid sand hills of Nebraska, USA

Water consumed through evapotranspiration (ET) impacts local and regional hydrologic regimes on various spatial and temporal scales. Estimating ET in the Great Plains is a prerequisite for effective regional water resource management of the Ogallala (High Plains) Aquifer, which supplies vital water resources in the form of irrigation for extensive agricultural production. The Sand Hills region of Nebraska is one of the largest grass-stabilized eolian (windblown) sand dune formations in the world, with an area of roughly 50,000–60,000 km2 that supports a system of five major land cover types: (1) lakes, (2) wetlands (with lakes, ~5%), (3) subirrigated meadows (water table is within ~1 m of surface; ~10%), (4) dry valleys (water table is 1–10 m below surface; ~20%), and (5) upland dunes (water table is more than 10 m below surface; ~65%). Fully understanding the hydrologic regime of these different ecosystems is a fundamental challenge in regional water resource assessment. The surface energy and water balances were analyzed using Bowen Ratio Energy Balance Systems (BREBS) at three locations: (1) a meadow, (2) a valley, and (3) an upland dune. Measurement of the energy budget by BREBS, in concert with Landsat remote sensing image processing for 2004 reveals strong spatial gradients between sites in latent heat flux that are associated with undulating topographic relief. We find that daily estimates of ET from BREBS measurements and remote sensing agree well, with an uncertainty within 1 mm, which is encouraging when applying remote sensing results across such a broad spatial scale and undulating topography.
Increasing burn prevention knowledge: Web-based versus classroom education.

Increasing burn prevention (BP) knowledge in nurse practitioners leads to better care for patients who suffer a burn injury. Web-based and classroom-based approaches to increasing an individual's knowledge, in general and specifically to BP knowledge, is currently an area of interest for researchers. As a result, the purpose of this study was to test and evaluate the influence two methods (classroom and Web-based) has on BP knowledge; and whether a difference existed between teaching modalities. Generalized mixed-effects modeling techniques were used to test for differences in scores across three time points: 1) baseline, 2) immediately after viewing the educational module online (recall), and 3) at least 2 weeks after viewing the educational module (retention); and between the groups. There was no difference in scores between online vs classroom education method (P =.894); therefore, a pooled analysis was performed (n=54). Mean scores on the BP knowledge exam increased over time (P =.003) (regardless of educational method), establishing that the education module significantly increases BP knowledge in nurse practitioners over time. Mean score before receiving the education module was 75.6%; the mean score was 81.9% immediately after the module; and 85.6% 2 weeks after receiving the education module. Either method can be used to educate and train health care providers in BP, which may provide health care providers with useful and cost-effective ways in which to improve BP knowledge and the quality of care for patients who suffer a burn injury. Language: en
A digital system to produce imagery from SAR data

This paper describes a digital processing algorithm and its associated system design for producing images from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. The proposed system uses the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) approach to perform the two-dimensional correlation process. The range migration problem, which is often a major obstacle to efficient processing, can be alleviated by approximating the locus of echoes from a point target by several linear segments. SAR data corresponding to each segment is correlated separately, and the results are coherently summed to produce full-resolution images. This processing approach exhibits greatly improved computation efficiency relative to conventional digital processing methods.
Metabolic recovery in caudate nucleus of children following cerebral hemispherectomy

In 3 children who had undergone cerebral hemispherectomy (hemidecortication) between the ages of 1 year 5 months and 4 years for the alleviation of intractable epilepsy, cerebral glucose utilization was studied serially with positron emission tomography. Three to 7 months after hemispherectomy, glucose utilization in the caudate nuclei on the side of hemispherectomy had decreased to below preoperative values, presumably due to total deprivation of ipsilateral cortical input. One to 2.5 years after surgery, complete restoration of glucose metabolic activity to preoperative levels was seen in 2 patients and partial recovery was seen in 1 patient. These alterations of cerebral glucose utilization are believed to reflect microscopic anatomical reorganizational changes (e.g., collateral sprouting) that have been documented following similar lesions in several animal models. Our findings suggest that positron emission tomography may provide a sensitive measure of developmental brain plasticity in vivo.
Minireview: Effects of Different HT Formulations on Cognition

Evidence from preclinical studies, randomized clinical trials (RCT), and observational studies underscores the importance of distinguishing among the different forms of estrogen and progestogens when evaluating the cognitive effects of hormone therapy (HT) in women. Despite this evidence, there is a lack of direct comparisons of different HT regimens. To provide insights into the effects of different HT formulations on cognition, this minireview focuses on RCT of verbal memory because evidence indicates that HT affects this cognitive domain more than others and because declines in verbal memory predict later development of Alzheimer's disease. Some observational studies indicate that estradiol confers benefits to verbal memory, whereas conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) confer risks. RCT to date show no negative impact of CEE on verbal memory, including the Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging. Similarly, the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study showed no negative impact of CEE on dementia. Transdermal estradiol in younger postmenopausal women improved verbal memory in one small RCT but had no effect in another RCT. RCT of oral estradiol in younger and older postmenopausal women had neutral effects on cognitive function. In contrast, RCT show a negative impact of CEE plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on verbal memory in younger and older postmenopausal women. Small RCT show neutral or beneficial effects of other progestins on memory. Overall, RCT indicate that type of progestogen is a more important determinant of the effects of HT on memory than type of estrogen.
Novel presenilin-1 Y159F sequence variant associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Background Mutations in the gene for presenilin-1 cause familial, early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Methods We report the case of a 43-year-old woman presenting with progressive cognitive decline and a family history of early-onset dementia. Her workup included cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta, tau, and phospho-tau levels, as well as genetic sequencing of genes implicated in familial Alzheimer's disease. Results Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were consistent with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. A novel nucleotide sequence variant (A476T) was discovered in one allele for presenilin-1, corresponding to a missense tyrosine-to-phenylalanine change at codon 159 (Y159F). An affected maternal uncle carried the same allele. The sequence variant occurs in a conserved region of the gene near other previously reported mutations. Conclusions This novel presenilin-1 sequence variant cosegregated with early onset dementia in the proband and at least one other affected family member, and likely represents a mutation causing familial, early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
When consumers cope with price-persuasion knowledge: The role of topic knowledge

Abstract We identify the circumstances under which consumers' beliefs about the persuasive intent of alternative pricing formats influence their preferences for offers using those formats. First, we assessed the existence of actual persuasion knowledge for partitioned and inclusive pricing formats. In a second study, we tested hypotheses relating to persuasion knowledge and offer choice. Results indicate that consumers choose offers with the price format they perceive as having less persuasive intent. More important, this effect was stronger when participants were unfamiliar with the target product category, but disappeared when consumers perceived the price as unfair.
Adapting large batteries of research measures for immigrants.

A four-step, streamlined process to adapt a large battery of measures for a study of mother–child adjustment in Arab Muslim immigrants and the lessons learned are described. The streamlined process includes adapting content, translation, pilot testing, and extensive psychometric evaluation but omits in-depth qualitative inquiry to identify the full content domain of the constructs of interest and cognitive interviews to assess how respondents interpret items. Lessons learned suggest that the streamlined process is not sufficient for certain measures, particularly when there is little published information about how the measure performs with different groups, the measure requires substantial item revision to achieve content equivalence, and the measure is both challenging to translate and has little to no redundancy. When these conditions are present, condition-specific procedures need to be added to the streamlined process.
Non-linear stimulation of excitable cells with and without optogenetic sensitization

Here, we report development of an integrated system for co-registration of patch-clamp measurements with calcium imaging during two-photon stimulation (TPS) of excitable cells sensitized with optogenetic probe, chanelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). Comparison of calcium changes due to focused two-photon micro-irradiation of excitable cells with and without optogenetic sensitization, revealed wavelength-insensitive injection of extra-cellular calcium via pore formation at high laser beam powers. However, use of defocused/weakly-focused beam allowed sub-threshold stimulation of the excitable cells, revealed by both calcium imaging and whole-cell patch-clamping. Irregular calcium spiking was observed for continuous two-photon defocused micro-irradiation. Even at high extra-cellular calcium conditions, since presence of alltrans- retinal (ATR) was necessary even for detectable calcium increase (and inward current) under defocused twophoton irradiation, role of ChR2 was confirmed as opposed to optoporation, for defocused condition. In the subthreshold stimulation regime, while peak-photocurrents variation with TPS wavelength followed ChR2 two-photon activation spectrum, the power dependence of the current was highly non-linear. Though defocused two-photon beam may cause minimal photo damage while stimulating the cells, the threshold average power required for generating action potential in the ChR2-sensitized cells is higher than that used for routine two-photon imaging.
A strategy for coupled 3D imaging of large-scale seismic and electromagnetic data sets: Application to subsalt imaging

ABSTRACTOffshore seismic and electromagnetic (EM) imaging for hydrocarbons can require up to tens of millions of parameters to describe the 3D distribution of complex seabed geology and relevant geophysical attributes. The imaging and data volumes for such problems are enormous. Descent-based methods are the only viable imaging approach, where it is often challenging to manage the convergence of stand-alone seismic and EM inversion experiments. When a joint seismic-EM inversion is implemented, convergence problems with descent-based methods are further aggravated. Moreover, resolution mismatches between seismic and EM pose another challenge for joint inversion. To overcome these problems, we evaluated a coupled seismic-EM inversion workflow and applied it to a set of full-wave-seismic, magnetotelluric (MT) and controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data for subsalt imaging. In our workflow, we address disparate resolution properties between seismic and EM data by implementing the seismic inversion in th...
The evolution and utility of the burn specific health scale: A systematic review☆

The Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) is the most commonly used instrument used to evaluate burn survivors' quality of life (QOL). Multiple forms of the instrument exist; however, the literature lacks clarity in regard as to why a particular version of the BSHS was used and how the instrument performed in a variety of samples. This paper provides a review of the literature of the variations of the BSHS, its utility for research and clinical practice, and scoring concerns.