cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-GMO vs organic labels: purity or process guarantees in a GMO contaminated landscape

Since 2010, demand for non-GMO food products has grown dramatically. Two non-GMO labels dominate the market: USDA Organic and the Non-GMO Project Verified (the Project). However, the non-GMO status of Organic is not obvious from the label and many consumers are unaware of this. As sales of products carrying the Project’s non-GMO label have exploded, concern has increased among some Organic proponents that demand for non-GMO threatens the organic market. In response, both sides are seeking to build legitimacy and authority for their label by emphasizing the value of their standards for determining a food product’s non-GMO status within a GMO contaminated agrifood system. Drawing on in-depth interviews with key informants with knowledge of non-GMO standards and labels, we examine the knowledge systems, discourses and actors that proponents of the Project and USDA Organic privilege in their effort to legitimize their standards. Here, the Project emphasizes its application of technoscientific norms, especially thresholds and testing, which they argue provide the best means for preventing GMO contamination and helping consumers find (relative) non-GMO ‘purity’. In contrast, proponents of Organic favor a process standard that excludes GMOs, arguing that non-GMO ‘purity’ is unrealistic in today’s agrifood system that is widely contaminated by GMOs and where mandatory testing would unnecessarily harm organic producers. We conclude that tensions between the two groups are unlikely to be easily reconciled since these two distinct marketing labels rely on different knowledge and verification claims to vie for consumers and increase market share.
The Force Is Strong with This One: Metabolism (Over)powers Stem Cell Fate

Compared to their differentiated progeny, stem cells are often characterized by distinct metabolic landscapes that emphasize anaerobic glycolysis and a lower fraction of mitochondrial carbohydrate oxidation. Until recently, the metabolic program of stem cells had been thought to be a byproduct of the environment, rather than an intrinsic feature determined by the cell itself. However, new studies highlight the impact of metabolic behavior on the maintenance and function of intestinal stem cells and hair follicle stem cells. This Review summarizes and discusses the evidence that metabolism is not a mere consequence of, but rather influential on stem cell fate.
Advanced Materials by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been successfully employed for the preparation of various advanced materials with controlled architecture. New catalysts with strongly enhanced activity permit more environmentally benign ATRP procedures using ppm levels of catalyst. Precise control over polymer composition, topology, and incorporation of site specific functionality enables synthesis of well-defined gradient, block, comb copolymers, polymers with (hyper)branched structures including stars, densely grafted molecular brushes or networks, as well as inorganic-organic hybrid materials and bioconjugates. Examples of specific applications of functional materials include thermoplastic elastomers, nanostructured carbons, surfactants, dispersants, functionalized surfaces, and biorelated materials.
Otimização de Sistema de Identificação de Pontos de Bifurcação em Vasos Sanguíneos de Imagens de Retina usando GPU

A retina possui arterias e veias que podem ser estudadas computacionalmente. Com tecnicas de processamento digital de imagens (PDI) e possivel segmentar as veias e arterias, e conhecer seu comprimento e diâmetro, dentre outras medidas. Sua morfologia indica a presenca de diversas doencas, tais como hipertensao e diabetes, e e util para determinar seu avanco. A imagem colorida da retina passa por varias etapas, a primeira etapa e segmentacao, separando quais pontos da imagem pertencem aos vasos sanguineos e quais pontos nao, gerando uma imagem binaria (black & white).
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Children

Improvements in neonatal and pediatric intensive care have produced a growing population of children dependent on mechanical ventilation for survival. Long-term mechanical ventilation has become a realistic alternative to death from progressive respiratory failure for many children with chronic respiratory illness. This article reviews the pathophysiology, etiology, and management of chronic respiratory failure in childhood.
Three-dimensional Stability of Boundary Layers

The most recent efforts on the stability and transition of three-dimensional flows are reviewed. These include flows over swept wings, rotating disks, rotating cones, yawed bodies, corners, and attachment lines. The generic similarities of their stability behavior is discussed. It is shown that the breakdown process is very complex, often leading to contradictory results. Particular attention is paid to opposing observations of stationary and traveling wave disturbances.
Managing Growth in America's Communities (2nd ed.)

For almost a century, governmental entities in the United States have pursued a variety of strategies in order to manage growth. In the early decades, these took the form of classic planning tools ...
Addressing individual and community needs in the aftermath of campus sexual misconduct: restorative justice as a way forward in the re-entry process

Restorative justice is an approach to incidents of harm involving a high level of support and accountability for people who cause harm. To date, there is neither federal regulation nor commonly app...
Human dimensions of tidal energy: A review of theories and frameworks

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of theories and frameworks for understanding and managing human dimensions of tidal energy. The methods for this review were: 1) the construction of an annotated bibliography of the human dimensions of marine renewable energy literature, 2) an analytical review of the core theories and frameworks found in the literature as applied to tidal energy development in the United States, and 3) an iterative process of conceptual refinement through peer review. Only 48.9% of the articles in the literature review included a theoretical underpinning, or discussed an existing framework. Of these, 42.2% were theories or frameworks that were only featured in a single paper, highlighting the need for theoretical focus within this field of study. For those theories and frameworks that had been explored in multiple articles, these theories and frameworks were grouped into nine overarching concepts: acceptance, place attachment, justice, economics, technology innovation systems, environmental assessment, strategic environmental assessment, adaptive management, and marine spatial planning (MSP). Each of these concepts were expounded on to discuss the limitations of the current research on the concept and identify promising avenues for future research. In comparing the functionality of these concepts, most have a realized capacity for understanding costs and benefits, risk and uncertainty. However less than half have a realized capacity for managing costs and benefits and risk, while less than a third have a realized capacity for managing uncertainty. This paper offers a summary table of existing theories and frameworks that could be used as a launching point for detailing a research agenda for more systematically exploring theories and frameworks for human dimensions of tidal energy.
Inszenierungen weiblicher Erinnerungen im Weimarer Nachkriegsdiskurs – Ilse Langners Theaterstück Frau Emma kämpft im Hinterland

Elf Jahre nach dem Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges, am 4. Dezember 1929, wurde in einer Nachtvorstellung im Kleinen Theater in Berlin Ilse Langners Theaterstuck Frau Emma kampft im Hinterland uraufgefuhrt. Im Ruckblick ist diese Theaterpremiere umso bedeutungsvoller, handelt es sich doch bei diesem Stuck um eines der wenigen deutschen Dramen uber den Ersten Weltkrieg, die von Frauen verfasst wurden. Ebenso ausergewohnlich ist die Thematik des Stuckes selbst, denn Langner verlegt die Handlung nicht wie allgemein ublich auf den Kriegsschauplatz, sondern ganz dezidiert an die Heimatfront, um dort die kriegsbedingten Veranderungen, denen die Bevolkerung, d. h. vor allem die Frauen ausgesetzt waren, dramatisch zu inszenieren.
ENTERPRISE-WIDE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT: A FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW

Abstract Enterprise-wide Information Management Consultant (EwIMC) is a set of expert system based Decision Support Systems. EwIMC provides an automated support for Business Strategy Analysis, Value Activity Analysis, IPS Quality Analysis, Competitive Forces Analysis, IT Opportunity Analysis, and Information Architecture Definition. Intended users of EwIMC are those individuals whose primary responsibility is in the planning aspect of Enterprise-wide Information Management (EwIM). EwIMC has two distinct, yet highly integrated, characteristics. The first characteristic is that of a CONSULTANT that leads the user through the problem analysis and decision making activities of EwIM, just as a human consultant would. The second characteristic is that of an information planner's WORKBENCH, where the user has access to an integrated set of software tools (e.g., statistical, simulation and mathematical programming packages) and data repositories (e.g., data dictionaries and corporate databases) for performing sensitivity analysis, resource allocation, problem diagnosis, and so on. This paper describes a functional overview of EwIMC.
Internet Censorship and the Intraregional Geopolitical Conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa

This study examines and maps Internet filtering practices around intraregional geopolitics in the Middle East and North Africa based on empirical data collected from 16 countries. The study finds that state censors employ technical Internet filtering as instruments to prevent content aligned with their rival states from reaching a domestic audience. The Internet filtering practices reflect the inter-state political rivalries, the contours of the geopolitical violent and nonviolent conflicts, and the political alliances around the conflicts. State-to-state geopolitical Internet filtering is becoming the new norm in the region, which is a stage of multiple adversarial political fronts. The blocked content contains counter-framing from rival sources that could potentially inform internal dissent and debate.
An empirical adjusted ENSO ocean energetics framework based on observational wind power in the tropical Pacific

According to El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) energetics theory, the work done by the wind on the ocean, known as wind power, has a strong forcing relationship with ENSO sea surface temperature (SST) changes, wherein negative (positive) tropical Pacific wind power anomalies contribute to warm (cold) ENSO events. The ENSO energetics framework assumes a mean state characterized by easterly winds, westward currents and a thermocline shoaling from west to east such that positive zonal wind power anomalies will induce a La Nina state and negative anomalies will induce an El Nino state. In this study, tropical Pacific wind power is computed using satellite data and its correlations with Nino 3.4 SST anomalies evaluated and compared to the conventional dynamical predictors, namely warm water volume and wind stress. Analysis of the spatial and temporal structure of climatological wind power and its variability during individual ENSO events reveals sign inconsistencies in which certain wind power anomalies (e.g. those associated with westerly wind events in the far west) are positive despite forcing the system towards an El Nino state. These results show that the conventional ENSO energetics framework makes assumptions about the climatological state that are not always consistent with observations. We apply sign adjustments to the computation of a tropical Pacific wind power index that include the directional aspect of the wind power perturbations and find that these adjustments greatly enhance the lead correlations between wind power and Nino3.4 SST anomalies, which are now comparable to conventional dynamical predictors.
Thriving in today's health care environment: strategies for social work leadership in population health

The current healthcare environment challenges social workers to balance multiple constituencies - organizational, payer-related, and professional - and convey the value-added nature of clinical work with patients and families. As healthcare systems move towards population health, leadership opportunities abound. This article provides an historical overview of healthcare transformation and its impact on social work practice, and describes strategies implemented to bolster the clinical focus and organizational responsiveness of Mount Sinai Health System care management staff. The training and supervisory approaches offered make possible relatable and synergistic connections between clinical practice and organizational imperatives to decrease unnecessary utilization and healthcare costs.
Data Bite Man: The Work of Sustaining a Long-Term Study

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction, Behind the Data Archive, Routines and Ritual: “We Go Out on Wednesdays”, Shifting Field Sites: Environment, Humans and Infrastructure over Time, Cascading Rituals: From Field to Lab, Conclusion, Acknowledgments
When entomology meets gastroenterology.

A middle age man with coronary artery disease requiring recent percutaneous angioplasty with drug eluding stent was seen for evaluation of new onset iron deficiency anaemia. His medical history was remarkable for peptic ulcer disease as young adult requiring Billroth II resection. His current medications included aspirin 81 mg daily and prasugrel 10 mg daily. Laboratory analysis was notable for haemoglobin of 124 g/L, iron saturation of 5% and ferritin of 8 ng/mL. …
Impulsive releases of sterile mosquitoes and interactive dynamics with time delay.

To investigate the impact of periodic and impulsive releases of sterile mosquitoes on the interactive dynamics between wild and sterile mosquitoes, we adapt the new idea where only those sexually a...
The temporally-integrated causality landscape: A theoretical framework for consciousness and meaning

Theoretical approaches to understanding consciousness have begun to converge upon areas of general agreement, yet substantive differences remain. Here, I introduce a new theoretical framework for the emergence of consciousness from the functional integration of the thalamocortical system: the Temporally-Integrated Causality Landscape (TICL). TICL presents a novel perspective which addresses important phenomenological characteristics of consciousness that other frameworks, such as IIT, do not. First, the TICL is based upon the observation that conscious experiences are temporally continuous, not discrete. Secondly, the TICL establishes a thalamocortical basis for the point-of-view. According to TICL, consciousness is composed of contents that arise from neuronal subsystems that have meaning from the point-of-view of the larger, integrated system in which they are nested. Meaningful contents emerge from the subsystems because they exhibit a level of temporally-integrated causality (TIC) that is distinguishable from that of the larger system.
Trends in surgical volume and in-hospital mortality among United States cirrhosis hospitalizations.

Background In the aging population of patients with cirrhosis in the United States, there is a potentially increased need for surgical procedures. However, individuals with cirrhosis have increased perioperative risk relative to patients without cirrhosis. We sought to quantify temporal trends in cirrhosis surgical procedures and in-hospital mortality in relation to surgical procedure type, elective admission status and compensated vs. decompensated status. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of cirrhosis hospitalizations between 2005 and 2014 using the National Inpatient Sample. Surgical procedures of interest included cholecystectomy, hernia repair, and major abdominal, orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. We plotted trends in volume and in-hospital mortality by procedure type, and used linear regression to test the significance of trends. Results While the number of cirrhosis hospitalizations increased over time, the number of surgeries per 1000 admissions decreased (b=-1.454, P<0.001). When stratified by elective admission status, elective major orthopedic surgeries significantly increased over time (b=177.9; P<0.001). In-hospital mortality rates for most surgeries were significantly higher in the non-elective vs. elective setting (each P<0.001). In patients with compensated cirrhosis, there was a significant increase in the number of orthopedic (b=272.4; P<0.001) and hernia repair surgeries over time (b=191.1; P<0.001). Overall, there was significantly greater in-hospital mortality among patients with decompensated cirrhosis (each P<0.05). Q. Please mention the exact P-value unless <0.001. Conclusions Despite an increasing number of cirrhosis hospitalizations, the decreasing relative number of cirrhosis surgeries may indicate progressive surgical risk aversion. Future cirrhosis surgical risk scores should consider surgical procedure type, elective/non-elective status, and decompensation status.
Riding Circuit: Bringing the Law to Those Who Need It

This article surveys the Access to Justice movement in the United States and proposes including more types of professionals to develop longer term solutions that will alleviate barriers to the court system. This article discusses the need to expand the access to justice concept to reach beyond the courthouse to address civil legal issues before they blossom into litigation. Mobile outreach providing preventive lawyering and early treatment of societal problems can prevent delays and the bottleneck that many courts are seeing with the vast numbers of Self-Represented Litigants. A team of professionals including lawyers, social workers, nurses, counselors, translators and law librarians, working with a network of public librarians, can make a significant impact into the everyday lives of the working poor and folk of modest means in underserved areas.
Synchronous Malignant Pheochromocytoma With Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Introduction: In the US, Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma incidence is estimated to be 2–8 per 1 million people each year with around 100–200 of these cases being malignant. Malignant pheochromocytoma is defined by documented presence of metastases or evidence of extensive local invasion. There are certain genetic syndromes which are also associated with renal cell carcinoma, including SDHB mutations type 4, VHL disease and familial pheochromocytoma. These syndromes are important to recognize as they may signify a worse prognosis. Here, we describe a case of co-occurrence of malignant PC with renal cell carcinoma. Case Report: A 53-year-old Hispanic male with history of HTN and recently diagnosed metastatic pheochromocytoma was admitted for surgical debulking of the left retroperitoneal/adrenal and renal masses. Symptoms began five months prior after he presented with an ischemic stroke in the setting of labile hypertension. He was diagnosed with a 6.3 x 4.6 x 6.8 cm incidental left retroperitoneal mass and suspicious left renal mass on CT imaging but also noted several lytic bony lesions concerning for bone metastasis. A spinal biopsy was obtained which was consistent with a well-differentiated metastatic neuroendocrine tumor. Laboratory evaluation was notable for Chromogranin A level of 6959ng/mL (25–140). He was started on Lanreotide. Given persistently difficult to control HTN he underwent work up for secondary hypertension. Hormonal evaluation was notable for plasma free metanephrine of 534pg/mL (<57pg/mL), normetanephrine 6155pg/mL(<148pg/mL), and total metanephrine of 6689pg/mL (205pg/mL) consistent with metastatic Pheochromocytoma. After appropriate alpha blockade he underwent left adrenalectomy, nephrectomy and liver tumor microwave ablation. Pathology was consistent with an 8.7cm pheochromocytoma with extensive retroperitoneal soft tissue invasion and PASS score of 9 as well as a 3.6 cm renal cell (clear cell-papillary type) carcinoma. On follow up, Plasma metanephrine decreased significantly postoperatively to a free metanephrine of 28pg/ml, normetanephrine 1153pg/ml, and total metanephrine of 1181pg/mL. He was referred for genetic testing but unfortunately, he was readmitted one month later with cerebral hemorrhage and expired. Conclusion: Advancements in genetics have led to improved understanding of the molecular etiologies of pheochromocytomas. A number of genetic defects are associated with PC and RCC, including SDHB mutations type 4, VHL and familial pheochromocytoma. Our case underscores the high morbidity and mortality in patients with metastatic PC with RCC and perhaps the catastrophic outcomes in such patients. Assessing patient’s genetics in these cases is now the standard of care, however further research studies are warranted to better understand the significance of tumor genetics on prognosis and management.
Original ArticlesFibrin glue sealing of polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft anastomoses: Comparison with oxidized cellulose***

To evaluate potential clinical applications of nonautologous fibrin glue (FG) as a hemostatic agent in vascular surgery, we compared its efficacy to oxidized regenerated cellulose (OC) in hemostatically sealing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular graft anastomoses. PTFE grafts (4 mm wide and 4 to 6 cm in length) were placed to each femoral artery in a heparizined canine model, in end-to-end fashion in half of the dogs and in end-to-side fashion in the remaining dogs. Each set of graft-arterial anastomoses was then sealed with either FG or OC, determined randomly, followed by simultaneous measurement of blood loss through the graft anastomoses and needle holes. There was significantly less bleeding from anastomoses sealed with FG compared with those sealed with OC, regardless of whether the anastomosis was constructed in end-to-end (p < 0.03) or end-to-side (p < 0.004) fashion; overall, the operative blood loss for grafts sealed with FG was 14 ± 6 (mean ± standard error of the mean) vs 99 ± 27 ml/min for those sealed with OC (p < 0.001). In the early postoperative period, significant groin hematomas occurred more frequently in grafts sealed with OC compared with those sealed with FG. Microscopic examination of graft-arterial specimens harvested at postoperative intervals ranging from 1 day to 3 months revealed no significant inflammatory reaction with either hemostatic agent; after 2 to 3 weeks, paired specimens appeared histologically similar despite previous treatment with either FG or OC. There were no significant differences in anastomotic wound healing or graft patency between the two groups. We conclude that FG provides rapid hemostatic control of hemorrhage, is superior to OC as a hemostatic agent, does not impair anastomotic wound healing, may be left in situ without causing stenosis or graft thrombosis, and has good systemic and local compatibility. (J VASC SURG 1988;8:563-8.)
Hyperkyphotic posture predicts mortality in older community-dwelling men and women: a prospective study.

Objectives: To determine the association between hyperkyphotic posture and rate of mortality and cause-specific mortality in older persons. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Rancho Bernardo, California. Participants: Subjects were 1,353 participants from the Rancho Bernardo Study who had measurements of kyphotic posture made at an osteoporosis visit between 1988 and 1991. Measures: Kyphotic posture was measured as the number of 1.7-cm blocks that needed to be placed under the participant's head to achieve a neutral head position when lying supine on a radiology table. Demographic and clinical characteristics and health behaviors were assessed at a clinic visit using standard questionnaires. Participants were followed for an average of 4.2 years, with mortality and cause of death confirmed using review of death certificates. Results: Hyperkyphotic posture, defined as requiring one or more blocks under the occiput to achieve a neutral head position while lying supine, was more common in men than women (44% in men, 22% of women, P<.0001). In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, persons with hyperkyphotic posture had a 1.44 greater rate of mortality (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12–1.86, P=.005). In multiply adjusted models, the increased rate of death associated with hyperkyphotic posture remained significant (relative hazard=1.40, 95% CI=1.08–1.81, P=.012). In cause-specific mortality analyses, hyperkyphotic posture was specifically associated with an increased rate of death due to atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Older men and women with hyperkyphotic posture have higher mortality rates.
THE AXICELL MFTF-B SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET SYSTEM

The Axicell MFTF-B magnet system will provide the field environment necessary for tandem mirror plasma physics investigation with thermal barriers. The performance of the device will stimulate DT to achieve energy break-even plasma conditions. Operation will be with deuterium only. There will be 24 superconducting coils consisting of 2 sets of yin-yang pairs, 14 central-cell solenoids, 2 sets of axicell mirror-coil pairs, and 2 transition coils between the axicell mirror coil-pairs and the yin-yang coils. This paper describes the progress in the design and construction of MFTF-B Superconducting Magnet System.
Better Nonstandard Universes with Applications

There are various reasons why some nonstandard universes are considered to be better than others. Different people may have different opinions and may choose different nonstandard universes to work within for different purposes. We think it is reasonable to consider that a nonstandard universe which possesses stronger power for deriving results in either standard or nonstandard mathematics, or which supplies more convenient tools so that, in practice, some complicated derivation procedures admit significant simplifications, is better than the one which doesn’t.
CRASH COMPATIBILITY ISSUE IN PERSPECTIVE

Despite extensive media coverage to the contrary, mismatches among cars, utility vehicles, and pickups in crashes is not a big problem from a societal perspective. On the other hand, if you are riding in a small car that is about to be hit by a big utility vehicle, then the problem looms large. Crash compatibility has attracted a lot of attention lately because utility vehicles have become so popular. The concern is that their designs pose a threat to people riding in smaller cars. But the fact is, two-vehicle collisions between cars (including passenger vans) and utility vehicles or pickups account for only about 15 percent of all car occupant deaths. As a result, countermeasures that focus on making utility vehicles and pickups more crash compatible, however appropriate, can have only small effects on crash injuries and fatalities. On the other hand, improvements in crashworthiness not only reduce crash incompatibilities but also protect across a wider spectrum of crashes. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E106656.
Governance, Policy Innovation, and Local Economic Development in North Carolina

This article examines the extent to which local governments in North Carolina embrace innovation in their economic development activities. The study makes a distinctive theoretical contribution by examining the relationship between innovation in how economic development policies are administered and implemented (using concepts associated with governance and NPM), and innovation in what is substantively done (policy innovation). An analysis of the results from a statewide survey of local governments in North Carolina finds that certain governance/management variables are significant determinants of economic development policy innovation. An implication of this finding is that new ways of doing economic development may go hand-in-hand with new ways of governing and managing. Many of the governance/management variables are also positively associated with the use of a greater number of traditional economic development strategies and tools. This suggests that local governments may find it helpful to be innovative in how they implement economic development irrespective of the substantive policy orientation of particular strategies and tools.
Ten Ways to Value Diversity in Your Workplace and Avoid Potential Liability in the Process

Valuing diversity is not rocket science. This article gives ten fairly easy things an employer can do to value diversity, most of which is overlooked. The most important thing is that it prevents costly employment discrimination cases or better prepares an employer if they occur.
Gender Differences in Adult Student Perceptions of College Classroom Social Environments

Adult male and female students’ perceptions of classroom social environments (climates) were compared on the Relationship dimensions of Affiliation and Involvement as measured by the Adult Classroo...
Transforming Societies after Violence: Conceptualizing and Contextualizing Transitional Justice in Africa

This chapter first analyses three facets of transitional justice – the criminal-retributive, the historical-reconciliative, and the social-redistributive – and identifies some of the synergies and tensions among them. The second section shines a spotlight on the post-independence, conflict, and post-conflict histories of Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Burundi, generally characterizing their distinct approaches to transitional justice, and the differing degrees of attention they devote to the various strands of justice. For each of the three countries, the text points to the work of a community-based civil society organization, and spotlights its approach to post-conflict transition in that country. The final section of the paper takes a sober look at the current capacity of transitional justice as a force for social change, given the reality of entrenched poverty and gender inequality in all three post-conflict societies. The chapter ends with an assessment of the efforts of the individual civil society organizations to address human insecurity, including the physical and structural forms of violence that women in each country confront every day. In learning from the experiences of these three conflict-emergent countries, and considering the contributions of civil society organizations in each, we may better frame the unfinished business of transitional justice as a transformative movement that meaningfully impacts the quality of life for people living in countries throughout the world.
Dimensions of the knowledge management process

One of the concerns of knowledge management should be the management of the knowledge management process itself. Our purpose is to start discussion on this aspect by subjecting knowledge management to a preliminary ontological study. The aim is for this discussion is to initiate work on a capability maturity model for knowledge management. We consider knowledge to take the form of domain models, and the latter to be composed of data, process descriptions, rules, and capabilities. Knowledge management is seen as relating to the acquisition, representation, and use of knowledge. Throughout, we consider the uncertainties inherent in knowledge management.
HIV on TV: Conversations with Young Gay Men:

This article addresses how some gay undergraduate males make sense of a fictional story about an HIV serodiscordant gay couple struggling to negotiate their romantic relationship in light of sharp opposition from friends and family. In small focus groups, study participants watched and discussed this HIV storyline from the American premium cable series, Queer as Folk. These conversations revealed what these young men thought about this representation, the ‘safe sex’ message they perceived the TV show to be imparting, as well as their fears and misunderstandings about HIV, in general. In addition to gaining a better understanding of how gay audiences may consume these HIV related stories and incorporate them into their own lives, these findings illuminate the possibilities for HIV prevention through television entertainment that appeals specifically to young, gay audiences and the usefulness of focus groups, as a research method, in the promotion of HIV awareness.
Religious Beliefs Affect Grieving After Pregnancy Loss

Religious beliefs and practices may aid in coping with bereavement and grief after pregnancy loss. Data from 103 women enrolled in the original Lehigh Valley Perinatal Loss Project, and who were followed-up for at least 1 year, were evaluated for the impact of initial religious practices and beliefs on the course and severity of grief. Religious practices corresponding to standard scales of religiosity and agreement with specific beliefs were rated by the women on a Likert scale of 1–5. Neither agreement with statements corresponding to extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity or to positive religious coping, nor frequency of religious service attendance was predictive of follow-up scores on the Perinatal Grief Scale. Religious struggle, agreement with statements classified as negative religious coping, and continued attachment to the baby were all associated with more severe grief.
Controlled Interactions of Femtosecond Light Filaments in Air

We investigate controlled interactions of two long-range filaments in air generated by ultrafast laser pulses. The filaments can display attraction, fusion, and repulsion depending on their relative phase, which is in good agreement with simulations.
Symposium 4: Dynamics of the Neuronal Cytoskeleton

Neurodegenerative diseases may result in part from defects in motor-driven vesicle transport in neuronal cells. Myosin-V, an actin-based motor that is highly enriched in the brain, mediates the movement of vesicles on cortical actin filaments. Recent evidence suggests that the globular tail of myosin-V interacts with the microtubule-based motor, kinesin, to form a ‘hetero-motor’ complex on vesicles. The complex of these two motors, one microtubule-based and the other actin-based, facilitates the movement of vesicles from microtubules to actin filaments. Based on our studies of vesicle transport by these two motors in extracts of squid neurons, we hypothesize that one of the functions of the tail–tail interaction is to provide feedback between the two proteins to allow seamless transition of vesicles from microtubules to actin filaments. To study the interactions of the globular tail domain of myosin-V to kinesin and to neuronal vesicles, we used a GST-tagged globular tail fragment in motility assays. The MyoV tail fragment inhibited vesicle transport by 81–91% and thereby exhibited a dominant negative effect. These data show that the recombinant protein blocked the activity of native myosin-V presumably by binding to vesicles and competing away the native myosin-V motors. The GST-MyoV-tail fragment pulled down kinesin by immunoprecipitation from squid brain homogenates and therefore it exhibited binding properties of native myosin-V. These data show that the headless myosin-V fragment is an effective inhibitor of vesicle transport in cell extracts. These studies support the hypothesis that tail–tail interactions may be a mechanism for feedback between myosin-V and kinesin to allow transition of vesicles from microtubules to actin filaments. Acknowledgements: Supported by NSF grant MCB9974709.
Selective Inhibition of Functional Sites on Cell Bound Human C3b by Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to human C3b were generated from hybridomas produced by somatic cell fusion of splenocytes from C3b immune mice and murine myeloma cells. Several hundred positive clones from two separate fusions were detected by hemagglutination, RIA or ELISA. Four MoAb, which were shown to inhibit specific binding sites of C3b, have been examined in detail. Three MoAb, P-4, P-31 and X-163, blocked the binding of Factor P to EC3b cells by 96%, 84% and 92% and Factor B by 91%, 80% and 52%, respectively. Fab prepared from P-31 and X-163 similarly inhibited B and P binding. A fourth MoAb, X-14, blocked Factor H binding to EC3b by 76%, but B and P binding by less than 20%. MoAb X-14 (Factor H blocker) did not inhibit the binding of MoAb P-31 (Factor B and P blocker) to EC3b despite the fact that both antibodies bind to the C3c domain of C3, as shown in binding competition experiments using highly purified C3c and radiolabeled antibodies. Fab prepared from X-14 was not as efficient as the intact MoAb in blocking the binding of Factor H to EC3b (36% maximum inhibition). These results show that it is possible to interfere with one functional binding site on C3b without impairing other sites and that, using carefully defined MoAb, it may be possible to map topographically the C3b molecule with respect to its functional sites and immunochemical domains.
Perception of Time: Delay of Estimation under Auditory and Visual Tasks with Type-A Measures

The perception of time is likely to be lengthened when estimates of duration are delayed rather than given immediately as reported by Vitulli and Crimmins in 1999. The present study sought boundary conditions for this robust effect. A multivariate analysis of variance showed a reliable main effect for delay of estimation, yet comparisons between auditory versus visual short-term memory tasks showed no differences in time estimations. The analysis showed weak interactions between sex and delay of estimation and between sex and delay of estimation on Jenkins Activity Survey-Job Involvement scores.
Effect of fluorodeoxyuridine, colcemid, and bromodeoxyuridine on developing neocortex of the mouse.

The purpose of this study was to obtain information about factors controlling the interkinetic movement of neuroepithelial cells and the cortical migration of neuroblasts in the developing mouse neocortex. In the first experiment 15-day pregnant mice were injected with a single dose of fluorodeoxyuridine, a compound which inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthetase thus blocking DNA-replication. The animals were sacrificed at various hours and days following treatment. Two hours after treatment the mitotic index of the neuroepithelial cells was severely reduced and cells with abnormal nuclei appeared in the DNA-synthesizing zone of the neuroepithelial layer. By five hours more abnormal cells appeared and many showed degenerating nuclei. By 12 hours cells with abnormal nuclei were seen in the outer half of the neuroepithelial layer and some in the migratory zone. Since they were not seen at the lumen, these observations indicate that fluorodeoxyuridine-affected nuclei do not move to the lumen and do not divide. By 24 hours abnormal nuclei were seen in the migratory zone and cortical plate suggesting cortical migration without preceding cell division. In the second experiment 15-day pregnant mice were treated with col-cemid, a compound which arrests dividing cells in metaphase. Two and four hours after injection a large number of neuroepithelial cells in metaphase accumulated at the lumen. By seven and 12 hours the number of arrested metaphases decreased rapidly, but at the same time cells with dense, darkly stained nuclei appeared in the adjacent neuroepithelium. By 24 hours these abnormal nuclei were present in the migratory zone and cortical plate, suggesting that they were migrating towards the surface of the cortex despite the failure to complete mitosis. In the third experiment 15-day pregnant mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine, a compound incorporated into DNA and thought to interfere with differentiation. During the first 12 hours after treatment a striking increase in the number of normal mitotic figures was seen at the lumen. By 16 hours, however, abnormal mitotic figures started to appear. Since the generation time of neuroepithelial cells at this stage of development is about 13 hours, the abnormal mitotic figures must represent cells which have gone through two DNA-synthetic periods since the beginning of the treatment. The abnormal mitotic figures give rise to cells with dense pycnotic nuclei which by 24 hours are found throughout the width of the developing neocortex. Thus in each experiment cells with abnormal, presumably non-functional, nuclei were produced. Despite the failure to divide or to carry out a normal division, the nuclei migrate from the neuroepithelial layer towards the cortical plate in a fashion similar to that of normal postmitotic neuroblasts.
Mutational analysis of the membrane proximal heptad repeat of the newcastle disease virus fusion protein.

Paramyxovirus fusion proteins have two heptad repeat domains, HR1 and HR2, that have been implicated in the fusion activity of the protein. Peptides from these two domains form a six-stranded, coiled-coil with the HR1 sequences forming a central trimer and three molecules of the HR2 helix located within the grooves in the central trimer (Baker et al., 1999, Mol. Cell 3, 309; Zhao et al. 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97, 14172). Nonconservative mutations were made in the HR2 domain of the Newcastle disease virus fusion protein in residues that are likely to form contacts with the HR1 core trimer. These residues form the hydrophobic face of the helix and adjacent residues ("a" and "g" positions in the HR2 helical wheel structure). Mutant proteins were characterized for effects on synthesis, steady-state levels, proteolytic cleavage, and surface expression as well as fusion activity as measured by syncytia formation, content mixing, and lipid mixing. While all mutant proteins were transport competent and proteolytically cleaved, these mutations did variously affect fusion activity of the protein. Nonconservative mutations in the "g" position had no effect on fusion. In contrast, single changes in the middle "a" position of HR2 inhibited lipid mixing, content mixing, and syncytia formation. A single mutation in the more carboxyl-terminal "a" position had minimal effects on lipid mixing but did inhibit content mixing and syncytia formation. These results are consistent with the idea that the HR2 domain is involved in posttranslational interactions with HR1 that mediate the close approach of membranes. These results also suggest that the HR2 domain, particularly the carboxyl-terminal region, plays an additional role in fusion, a role related to content mixing and syncytia formation.
INTERDEPENDENCE OF STRESS PROCESSES AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY MEMBERS: INFLUENCE OF HIV SEROSTATUS AND A NEW INFANT.

This study makes a theoretical contribution to stress process research by using a systemic approach to contextualize individual outcomes within the framework of other family members' experience. Utilizing a mixed model approach, indicators of the stress process of urban low-income HIV + African American recent mothers were found to affect the psychological distress and perceived adequacy of coping of multiple other family members. These relationships were found to be strongest proximal to birth and to be exacerbated by HIV infection. Social support to the mother was found to have differential effects depending on whether it was from the immediate family or outside sources. HIV infection of the recent mother was found to affect family members both through relationships of the mother's stress process and through their own coping responses.
Visual illusions and plate design: the effects of plate rim widths and rim coloring on perceived food portion size

Visual illusions and plate design: the effects of plate rim widths and rim coloring on perceived food portion size
The Uses and Limits of the Model United Nations in an International Relations Classroom

The Model United Nations, already a mainstay of many undergraduate institutions, not only provides a useful framework for particular classes, but also offers an opportunity to integrate several elements of an undergraduate international studies curriculum. However, it is not without challenges for the instructor. To use the Model United Nations format effectively requires the instructor to plan carefully, coordinate activities with the other elements of a class, and never allow the “game” to overwhelm the learning. When done correctly, the excitement generated by the Model United Nations can be a key for opening the world to students who might otherwise have drifted through the mandatory introduction to international relations. The process of student teaching student, both within and across courses, is beneficial for the experienced student and the novice alike, encouraging peer interaction and cooperative learning. As an instructional device, the Model UN is not a panacea, but a valuable supplement to more conventional teaching methods.
Transient Thermoreflectance Studies Of Thermal Transport Across Metal-Metal Interfaces

We measure the thermal impedance of an interface in a thin metallic film using picosec-ond transient thermoreflectance. Our measurements on sputtered nickel-copper (Ni-Cu), nickel-molybdenum (Ni-Mo), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), and nickel-zirconium (Ni-Zr) indicate that the thermal impedance of the interface is directly related to the atomic size mismatch of the constituent elements. The interface decreases the thermal diffusion in the film compared to that measured for the constituent single element films.
Understanding Social Support of the Homeless: A Comparison of Single Men, Single Women, and Women With Children

This article describes social support networks of a multishelter sample of 162 homeless adults in Central Florida. Participants included homeless single men, single women, and women with children. The purpose of this study was to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between social support and homelessness by examining perceived social support and satisfaction with social support for these three distinct groups. All three groups reported few social supports, but all were fairly satisfied with their identified social support. Findings indicate the more social supports one had, the fewer homeless episodes they experienced. These findings suggest efforts should be made to strengthen existing social supports or to establish alternative social support networks.
Critical behaviour of driven bilayer systems: a field-theoretic renormalization group study

We investigate the static and dynamic critical behaviour of a uniformly driven bilayer Ising lattice gas at half-filling. Depending on the strength of the inter-layer coupling J, phase separation occurs across or within the two layers. The former transitions are controlled by the universality class of model A (corresponding to an Ising model with Glauber dynamics), with upper critical dimension dc = 4. The latter transitions are dominated by the universality class of the standard (single-layer) driven Ising lattice gas, with dc = 5 and a nonclassical anisotropy exponent. These two distinct critical lines meet at a nonequilibrium bicritical point which also falls into the driven Ising class. At all transitions, novel couplings and dangerous irrelevant operators determine corrections to scaling.
In Vivo and In Vitro Analysis of Rat Lumbar Spine Mechanics

Background Rodent lumbar and caudal (tail) spine segments provide useful in vivo and in vitro models for human disc research. In vivo caudal models allow characterization of the effect of static and dynamic loads on disc mechanics of individual animals with time, but the lumbar models have required sacrifice of the animals for in vitro mechanical testing.