cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Semantics of Program Slicing and Program Integration

A slice of a program with respect to a program point p and variable x consists of all statements of the program that might affect the value of x at point p. Slices can be extracted particularly easily from a program representation called a program dependence graph, originally introduced as an intermediate program representation for performing optimizing, vectorizing, and parallelizing transformations. Such slices are of a slightly restricted form: rather than permitting a program to be sliced with respect to program point p and an arbitrary variable, a slice must be taken with respect to a variable that is defined at or used at p.
Manager Satisfaction in Using the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and Managerial Performance

This study is aimed to test the manager’s satisfaction of the managers using the ERP and to test the influence of job satisfaction towards the performance in the decision process by the manager. The measurement of the satisfaction towards the ERP system will be conducted using the end user’s satisfaction computing model (EUCS), using the content, accuracy, formal ease of use, and timelines attributes (Doll and Torkzadeh, 1988). Whereas, the performance is measured using the instrument which was developed by Nicolaou (2000) consisting of 2 (two) question items about the reporting and continuing control, 7 (seven) items of questions adopted from the study results of Spathis and Constantinides (2004). The data were collected through a survey using questionnaires distributed to companies that have used the ERP system. The data analysis used the Partial Least Square method with SmartPLS program. The results show that the concept of EUCS has a conformation and there is a significant effect between the ERP system user satisfaction with the manager’s performance, especially in the decision making process. This result contributes to the concept of EUCS and supports previous research related to user satisfaction in different types of information system applications.
Parodic Wit and Social Satire in Chapman, Jonson, and Marston's Eastward Ho! [with illustration]

AbstractThe double plot of Eastward Ho! offers both a parody of such forms as Protestant conversion narratives and citizen dramas and a carefully observed social satire in which pious citizens and upwardly‐mobile prodigals comment critically on each other's values. In contrast to readings based on contemporary discourse about credit or mercantile enterprise that argue for or against Touchstone or Quicksilver as the play's heroes, I contend that it maintains our detachment from rogues and righteous alike, exposing bourgeois piety, grasping avarice, and courtly folly to searching ironies. Viewing parody in Bakhtinian terms as commentary on “another's socially typical . . . manner of observing, thinking, and speaking,” I read Touchstone, Golding, and Mildred's speeches as subtly exaggerated versions of the thought‐patterns reflected in bourgeois handbooks like Robert Cleaver's A Godlie Forme of Householde Government. Quicksilver, Gertrude, and Sir Petronel, on the other hand, exemplify the freer spending and...
Participating in Open Source Software Projects: The Role of Empowerment

As a community-based innovation, Open Source Software (OSS) development intrigues researchers and practitioners, especially on why OSS projects succeed with light coordination and control mechanisms. In the view that the viability and sustainability of an OSS project rely on individuals’ contribution and engagement, we investigate how the psychological feelings of empowerment derived from the assessments of OSS tasks affect participants’ participation outcomes. In particular, we posit that empowerment can lead directly to participants’ task performance and satisfaction in OSS projects. In addition, empowerment’s effect on task performance and satisfaction can also be mediated by task effort. The research model is supported by data collected from 233 OSS participants. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of this study are discussed.
Foreword: Health Policy's Fourth Dimension

While American policymakers and commentators have traditionally focused on three aspects of the health care system - access, cost, and quality - they have neglected an arguably coequal fourth issue: equity in the distribution of health care costs and benefits. This brief introduction to a symposium volume entitled Who Pays? Who Benefits? Distributional Issues in Health Care suggests that the American health system takes excessive resources from working-class payers of health insurance premiums to finance an industry that serves the interests of others far better than their own. In addition to summarizing several aspects of the unfairness problem, the Foreword urges policymakers and the academic community to pay greater attention to issues of distributive justice in health care, lays out a research agenda for extending the work begun by the symposium's contributors, and expresses the hope that deeper understanding will add to the urgency of reforming American health care.
Absence of Human Herpes Virus 8 DNA Sequences in Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) Leukemia

The etiology of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is uncertain. Recently, a Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, denoted as human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), has been identified. Some data suggest that HHV-8 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may interact to induce malignant transformation. Infection with EBV has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some cases of LGL leukemia. Therefore, we performed PCR analyses for HHV-8 detection in samples from nineteen patients with LGL leukemia; three of these samples contained the EBV genome. We could not detect HHV-8 sequences in any of these patients. Therefore, HHV-8 infection is not involved in the pathogenesis of T-LGL leukemia.
Emergent architecture in self organized swarm systems for military applications

Many sectors of the military are interested in Self-Organized (SO) systems because of their flexibility, versatility and economics. The military is researching and employing autonomous and swarming ground robots, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Water Vehicles, medical agents, and 'Cyber-craft' security agents. The processes for effectively developing these systems are still in their infancy. Currently, little effort is focused on building simple agent rules with low-level SO systems communication in order to facilitate emergent behaviors. Note that only with the use of effective control structures can the full potential of these systems realized. Presented is an innovative new paradigm for developing SO-based autonomous vehicles. Using a formal design model, the Interactive Partially Observable Markov Decision Process, a full understanding of this SO domain is possible. With this design model and a focused effort on the minimization of computational and informational complexity, emergent entangled control hierarchies allow the SO rules to operate efficiently and effectively. This work extends the formal model decomposition technique, and in doing so ties in the information theoretic optimization to develop emergent structures. Preliminary computational results reflect limited success.
Current status of robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery in reproductive medicine and gynaecology

Laparoscopic techniques have revolutionized the concept of minimally invasive surgery. Robotically assisted surgery is one of the latest innovations in this field and many operative laparoscopic procedures have been performed in urology, cardiac and general surgery. More recently, the use of robotically assisted techniques have been introduced in gynaecology, and most available studies have shown it to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, whether or not to approach the management of certain gynaecological pathologies with a laparotomy or laparoscopy (conventional or with robotic aid) continues to be a point of debate. This article reviews recent developments in the endoscopic management of reproductive (tubal reanastomosis and myomectomies) and other gynaecological surgical conditions (hysterectomies, pelvic organ prolapse, repair of vesicovaginal fistulas and staging for gynaecological malignancies). Ongoing controversies associated with this technology, such as cost, learning curve, conversion rate to laparotomy, post-surgical fertility and complications, are briefly addressed. Long-term analysis of outcomes is ongoing.
Measurement and Evaluation of Power Analysis Attacks on Asynchronous S-Box

This paper demonstrates the hardware implementation of a recently proposed low-power asynchronous Advanced Encryption Standard substitution box (S-Box) design that is capable of being resistant to side channel attack (SCA). A specified SCA standard evaluation field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board (SASEBO-GII) is used to implement both synchronous and asynchronous S-Box designs. This asynchronous S-Box is based on self-time logic referred to as null convention logic (NCL), which supports a few beneficial properties for resisting SCAs: clock free, dual-rail encoding, and monotonic transitions. These beneficial properties make it difficult for an attacker to decipher secret keys embedded within the cryptographic circuit of the FPGA board. Comparisons on the resistance to SCAs of both the original and proposed S-Box design are presented, using differential power analysis (DPA) and correlation power analysis (CPA) attacks. The power measurement results showed that the NCL S-Box had 22%-26% lower total power consumption than the original and was effective against DPA and CPA attacks. An important factor of successfully implementing DPA or CPA attacks, which is the number of power traces, is also analyzed in this paper.
Analysis of allosteric signal transduction mechanisms in an engineered fluorescent maltose biosensor

We previously reported the construction of a family of reagentless fluorescent biosensor proteins by the structure-based design of conjugation sites for a single, environmentally sensitive small molecule dye, thus providing a mechanism for the transduction of ligand-induced conformational changes into a macroscopic fluorescence observable. Here we investigate the microscopic mechanisms that may be responsible for the macroscopic fluorescent changes in such Fluorescent Allosteric Signal Transduction (FAST) proteins. As case studies, we selected three individual cysteine mutations (F92C, D95C, and S233C) of Escherichia coli maltose binding protein (MBP) covalently labeled with a single small molecule fluorescent probe, N-((2-iodoacetoxy)ethyl)-N-methyl)amino-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD), each giving rise to a robust FAST protein with a distinct maltose-dependent fluorescence response. The fluorescence emission intensity, anisotropy, lifetime, and iodide-dependent fluorescence quenching were determined for each conjugate in the presence and absence of maltose. Structure-derived solvent accessible surface areas of the three FAST proteins are consistent with experimentally observed quenching data. The D95C protein exhibits the largest fluorescence change upon maltose binding. This mutant was selected for further characterization, and residues surrounding the fluorophore coupling site were mutagenized. Analysis of the resulting mutant FAST proteins suggests that specific hydrogen-bonding interactions between the fluorophore molecule and two tyrosine side-chains, Tyr171 and Tyr176, in the open state but not the closed, are responsible for the dramatic fluorescence response of this construct. Taken together these results provide insights that can be used in future design cycles to construct fluorescent biosensors that optimize signaling by engineering specific hydrogen bonds between a fluorophore and protein.
Spin and charge excitations in YBa2Cu3O7: Constraints from spin-relaxation rates in the normal state.

We analyze the measured Cu spin-relaxation data for a single crystal of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ and deduce, within 30%, the relevant hyperfine couplings, and the associated fluctuation times, for Cu nuclei in the planar and chain sites. We discuss constraints placed thereby on one- and two-component theories. Our deduced values for the hyperfine couplings are in good agreement with the quantum-chemical analysis proposed by Mila and Rice.
Influence of thyroxine and thyroxine with growth hormone and prolactin on splenocyte subsets and on the expression of interleukin-2 and prolactin receptors on splenocyte subsets of Snell dwarf mice.

A number of immune parameters were examined in Snell dwarf mice and compared with normal littermates. The number of splenocytes per gram of body weight were significantly decreased in dwarf animals, and the decrease was distrib- uted throughout the CD4, CD8,8220, and MAC-1 subsets. The percentage of CD4 and CD8 splenocytes was markedly increased, and the percentage of 8220 and MAC-1 splenocytes markedly decreased, in dwarf animals. In addition, the percentage of splenocyte T cells constitutively expressing interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors and prolac- tin (PRL) receptors was decreased, with the CD4 subset presenting the most dramatic effect . The effects of replacing the hormones deficient in the Snell dwarf mouse (i.e., growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroxine (T,) on the above immune pa- rameters were also examined. The administration of T, alone for 10 days corrected the defect in splenocyte cell numbers per grams body weight for both the CD4 and CD8 subsets, but only partially corrected the defect for the 8220 and MAC-1 subsets. The addition of rbGH and rbPRL for the last 3 days of T4 injection had little additive effect on the number of CD4 and CD8 cells but increased the number of 8220 and MAC-1 subsets to values comparable to those of normal animals on the basis of body weight. The decrease in the percentage of CD4 splenocytes in dwarf animals constitutively expressing IL-2R was partially corrected by T, injection and completely corrected by the addition of rbGH and rbPRL for the last 3 days. The decrease in CD4 splenocytes constitutively expressing PRLR was partially corrected by T, injection alone and the addition of rbGH and rPRL resulted in percentages comparable to that of normal animals. The results indicate that Snell dwarf animals are deficient in immune param- eters and that the administration of the hormones lacking in this animal can correct the deficiencies. (P.S.E.B.M. 1995, Vol 2101
The Impact of Cholesterol on GIRK Channels depends on a Transmembrane Region of the Channels

In recent years, cholesterol emerged as a major regulator of ion channel function. The most common effect of cholesterol on ion channels is a decrease in channel activity. Here we focus on G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK or Kir3) channels that play an important role in regulating membrane excitability in cardiac, neuronal and endocrine cells.We have recently shown that unexpectedly cholesterol enrichment up-regulates GIRK activity in atrial myocytes. In accordance, we also observed elevated GIRK currents in cholesterol-enriched Xenopus oocytes expressing the GIRK1/GIRK4 heteromers, the two pore-forming subunits expressed in the heart. Interestingly, whereas similarly to the heteromer GIRK1/GIRK4, the highly active homomeric pore mutant GIRK4∗ (GIRK4_S143T) was also enhanced by cholesterol, GIRK1∗ (GIRK1_F137S) was suppressed by cholesterol. Thus, in this study, we focused on identifying what determines whether a channel would be enhanced or suppressed by cholesterol.Although the major difference between these channels is in the cytosolic domain, our data showed that the impact of cholesterol did not depend on the extended C-terminus of GIRK1 as compared with GIRK4. Rather, our results show that a transmembrane region that includes residues from both the inner and outer alpha helices of the channel determines the impact of cholesterol on the channel.
Knockdown of PRKAR1A, the Gene Responsible for Carney Complex, Interferes With Differentiation in Osteoblastic Cells

PRKAR1A is the gene encoding the type 1A regulatory subunit of protein kinase A, and it is the cause of the inherited human tumor syndrome Carney complex. Data from our laboratory has demonstrated that Prkar1a loss causes tumors in multiple cell lineages, including neural crest cells and osteoblasts. We have proposed that one mechanism by which tumorigenesis occurs is through the failure of terminal differentiation. In the present study, we directly test the effects of Prkar1a reduction on osteogenic differentiation in mouse and human cells in vitro. We found that Prkar1a levels noticeably increased during osteoblastic differentiation, indicating a positive correlation between the expression of Prkar1a and osteogenic potential. To validate this hypothesis, we generated stable Prkar1a knockdown in both mouse and human cells. These cells displayed significantly suppressed bone nodule formation and decreased expression of osteoblast markers such as osteocalcin and osteopontin. These observations imply that the antiosteogenic effect of Prkar1a ablation is not species or cell line specific. Furthermore, because Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) is a key mediator of osteoblast differentiation, we reasoned that the function of this transcription factor may be inhibited by Prkar1a knockdown. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays demonstrated that Prkar1a ablation repressed DNA binding and function of Runx2 at its target genes. Additionally, we determined that this effect is likely due to reductions in the Runx2-cooperating transcription factors forkhead box O1 and activating transcription factor 4. Taken together, this study provides direct evidence that ablation of Prkar1a interferes with signaling pathways necessary for osteoblast differentiation.
Portomesenteric venous thrombosis following major colon and rectal surgery: incidence and risk factors.

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) is an uncommon complication of abdominal surgery. The objective of this study was to assess PMVT risk factor profiles and patient outcomes after colorectal surgery. A single center retrospective review of patients undergoing colorectal surgery was performed (2007–2012). PMVT was defined as thrombus within the portal, splenic, or superior mesenteric vein on computed tomography (CT). Inferior mesenteric vein thrombosis was excluded. Independent samples t test was used to compare data variables between PMVT and non-PMVT patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess PMVT risk factors. There were 1,224 patients included (mean age 62 years, male = 566). Elective bowel resection was performed for colon carcinoma (n = 302), rectal carcinoma (n = 112), ulcerative colitis (n = 125), Crohn’s disease (n = 78), polyps (n = 117), and diverticulitis (n = 215). Patients undergoing gynecological resections and emergent laparotomies were included (n = 275). Thirty-six patients (3 %) were diagnosed with PMVT by CT: 17/36 on initial presentation and 19/36 by expert radiologist review. Patients with PMVT were younger (53 vs. 62 years, p = 0.001) with higher BMI (30.5 vs. 26.7, p < 0.001) and thrombocytosis (464 vs. 306, p < 0.001) compared to patients without PMVT. Univariate logistic regression identified younger age (p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), ulcerative colitis (p < 0.001), thrombocytosis, (p < 0.001) and proctocolectomy as significant predictors of PMVT. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression identified that obesity (p < 0.001), thrombocytosis, (p < 0.001) and restorative proctocolectomy (p = 0.001) were still significant predictors. No patients in the PMVT group suffered bowel infarction and no related mortalities occurred. Thirty-day readmission rates were higher in the PMVT group (53 % vs. 17 %, p < 0.01). BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, thrombocytosis, and restorative proctocolectomy were significant predictors of PMVT. Initial diagnostic studies showed a PMVT rate of 1.4 %; however, after expert focused radiologic review, the actual rate was 3 %. Thus, the diagnosis of PMVT is difficult and readmission after colorectal surgery should prompt its consideration.
Recent advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disorder with significant molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Although there have been clear advances in the identification of somatic genetic and epigenetic alterations present in the malignant cells of patients with AML, translating this knowledge into an integrated view with an impact on the clinical treatment of AML has been slower to evolve. Recent clinical advances in the treatment of AML include studies demonstrating the benefit of dose-intense daunorubicin therapy in induction chemotherapy for patients of any age. We also review use of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azacitidine for treatment of AML in elderly patients as well as a study of global patterns of DNA methylation in patients with AML. Lastly, we review a recent assessment of the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in AML in first complete remission.
Extrusion and selected engineering properties of Mo–Si–B intermetallics

Abstract In this study, an extrusion process has been developed to produce defect free, high-density rods of Mo–Si–B material. An initial powder composition (53.5 vol.%, 91 wt.%) of 66 vol.% Mo 5 Si 3 B x (T1)–16 vol.% MoB–18 vol.% MoSi 2 was mixed with a paraffin-wax based binder (46.5 vol.%, 9 wt.%) and extruded using a twin-screw extruder. Following binder removal by a combination process of wicking and thermal degradation, the material was sintered at 1800°C. The bulk density of the sintered material was 90–92% of theoretical. Thorough binder removal was evidenced by low impurity levels: 258±6 ppm carbon and 772±10 ppm oxygen. The material demonstrated excellent high temperature oxidation resistance. The calculated parabolic rate constant is 1.1×10 −2 mg 2 /cm 4 /h at 1600°C. The extruded material was also successfully tested as a resistance heating element. These materials show promise for the development of heating elements with enhanced performance compared to current MoSi 2 -based heating elements.
Susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria to imipenem

The in vitro susceptibility of 157 anaerobic bacteria to imipenem was compared with that to cefoxitin, latamoxef (moxalactam) and clindamycin. The isolates were cultured from clinical specimens submitted to Tufts Anaerobic Laboratory between January 1981 and March 1983. Two strains of Bacteroides fragilis only, were highly resistant to imipenem. The incidence of cefoxitin resistance in the Bact. fragilis group has increased at Tufts-New England Medical Center. The data indicate that imipenem is the most active beta-lactam drug against anaerobic bacteria, including Bact. fragilis group of organisms. The only difference, since our original studies with thienamycin, is the recognition of two imipenem-resistant strains of Bact. fragilis.
Value of the Bottom Sampler in Demonstrating the Effects of Pollution on Fish‐Food Organisms and Fish in the Shenandoah River

(1949). Value of the Bottom Sampler in Demonstrating the Effects of Pollution on Fish-Food Organisms and Fish in the Shenandoah River. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 217-230.
Sexual morality, pro-life values, and attitudes toward abortion: a simultaneous latent structure analysis for 1978-1983.

A simultaneous latent class analysis of survey data from 1978 and 1983 is used to clarify the current controversy over whether opposition to abortion reflects a conservative sexual morality or pro-life values. Results indicate that the “pro-life” and “pro-choice” dichotomy represents an incomplete characterization of the American public—a third group, characterized by a conservative sexual morality and opposition to discretionary abortion, but not to nondiscretionary abortion, must also be included in the classification. The evidence indicates that from 1978 to 1983 this sexually conservative group decreased from one-third to one-fourth of the U.S. adult population and that the “pro-choice” increased to approximately one-half of the population over the same period. The proportion of the population characterized as the “pro-life” class remained stable at approximately 1 of 4 over the same time period.
High speed, high power one-dimensional beam steering from a 6-element optical phased array

Beam steering at high speed and high power is demonstrated from a 6-element optical phased array using coherent beam combining (CBC) techniques. The steering speed, defined as the inverse of the time to required to sweep the beam across the steering range, is 40 MHz and the total power is 396 mW. The measured central lobe FWHM width is 565 μrad. High on-axis intensity is maintained periodically by phase-locking the array via a stochastic-parallel-gradient-descent (SPGD) algorithm. A master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) configuration is used where the amplifier array elements are semiconductor slab-coupled-optical-waveguide-amplifiers (SCOWAs). The beam steering is achieved by LiNbO3 phase modulators; the phase-locking occurs by current adjustment of the SCOWAs. The system can be readily scaled to GHz steering speed and multiwatt-class output.
Work in progress — Lessons learned during teacher professional development pilot program — Impact on curriculum teacher's guide development & future professional development institute

A Professional Development (PD) pilot program was conducted with twelve High School Technology Education teachers during the summer of 2009. The three week PD Institute threaded the use of the INSPIRES (INcreasing Student Participation, Interest and Recruitment in Engineering & Science) curriculum throughout the program which included deepened teacher content knowledge, pedagogical practices, practice instruction with Upward Bound students, and reflection & evaluation of the videotaped instruction. Each of the teachers have re-enacted the curriculum with their classes in the following academic year. We are now developing a new INSPIRES curriculum module and based on our experiences with the PD pilot program, are planning improvements to the next PD Institute. Student learning assessments and changes in teacher practice will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the PD Institute.
Theory of angular distributions of electrons resonantly scattered by molecules. III. The broad resonance in N 2 and Co at 20 eV

Theoretical expressions for the vibrational excitation differential cross section (DCS) are given for the /sup 2/..sigma../sub u//sup +/ and the /sup 2/..sigma../sup +/ resonances. They fit some recent data on N/sub 2/ and CO, respectively, at an electron impact energy of about 20 eV. These fits allow us to obtain individual rotational-vibrational DCS's. It is demonstrated that the discrepancy between the DCS data from different experiments is due to varying energy resolution resulting in selective partial exclusion of some rotational branches. Further, theoretical DCS's for each rotational branch in both gases are found, which are verifiable with the new experimental technique used to separate out the rotational branches at 2 eV.
Topographic labelling method using [3H]-proline autoradiography in assessment of ageing parodontal bone in the mouse

Abstract The daily rates of bone formation were determined at numerous surfaces. Thirty short-lived BNL mice ranging in age from 5 to 104 weeks were given 4 subcutaneous injections of 2.0 μCi of [ 3 H]-proline per g of body weight on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. On day 13 the mice were killed, the maxillas were removed, and the first molars were prepared for autoradiography. The analytic data comprised autoradiographic grain counts, and micrometric analyses of widths and distances of the multiple silver bands formed over active bone surfaces. With increasing age, grain counts, band widths, distances and daily rates of bone formation diminished; however the manner in which surface activities ceased, reactivated or diminished during the life-span were peculiar to various parodontal bone surfaces. Two specific modes of bone surface activities were discovered. Alveolar bone exhibited one mode involving continued depression of activity with increasing age. The second mode occurred in basal bone and involved initial depression of activity, followed by reactivation at 1 year of age, with subsequent reduction in activity. Inter-radicular bone surfaces showed both modes.
Estimates for the Approximations of the Classes of Analytic Functions by Interpolation Analogs of the De-La-Vallée–Poussin Sums

We establish two-sided estimates for the exact upper bounds of approximations by the interpolation analogs of the de-la-Vallee-Poussin sums on the classes of 2π -periodic functions C , specified by the sequences ψ(k) and shifts of the argument β , β ∈ ℝ, under the condition that the sequences ψ(k) satisfy the d’Alembert D q , q ∈ (0, 1), condition. Similar estimates are obtained for the classes C H ω generated by convex moduli of continuity ω(t). Under the conditions n − p → ∞ and p → ∞, the indicated estimates turn into asymptotic equalities.
Another look at strong invariance on stratified domains

We consider proving the strong invariance property for stratified control systems. The difficulty lies in that the dynamics are not locally Lipschitz, but they have a structure that can be exploited to characterize trajectories.
Adjusting to Retirement: Considerations for Counselors

The purpose of this article is to examine retirement while focusing on issues older adults face in adjusting to retirement and to suggest implications for counseling people who are making this transition.
Distress calling induced by reductions in group size in ducklings reared with conspecifics or imprinting stimuli

Peking ducklings were reared for 1–2 weeks with either 9 or 12 companions, which were either conspecifics or imprinting stimuli (blocks of foam rubber). They were then tested for their tendency to distress call as the number of companions was reduced systematically. Consistent with prior research, ducklings reared with conspecifics modulated their distress calling as a function of both the number of companions with which they were reared and the number of companions with which they were tested. In contrast, ducklings reared with moving imprinting stimuli gave few if any distress calls, regardless of the number of stimuli with which they were reared or tested, as long as at least one imprinting stimulus was present. The difference in responding did not reflect just a lack of attachment to the imprinting stimuli, since when all stimuli were removed these ducklings gave as many distress calls as the ducklings that had all their conspecifics removed. Finally, ducklings reared with stationary imprinting stimuli displayed an erratic pattern of distress calling when the number of test stimuli was manipulated. These latter ducklings appeared to be less strongly imprinted than the ducklings reared with either conspecifics or moving imprinting stimuli. Implications for understanding duckling perception of brood size and thenature of sibling vs. filial imprinting are examined.
Confirmation Of The Expanded Growth Model For A Warm-season Perennial Grass

An expanded growth model for annual and perennial agricultural crops has been developed. Data from several field studies with corn (Zea mays L.) have been analyzed to provide support for the model. Other studies with the perennials bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) have been used to provide additional support. In this article field data are used to simulate the growth curves for Coastal bermudagrass. Results lend further confirmation of the model. Dry matter and plant N accumulation are linked in a quantitative way. The growth model can be combined with other models which relate seasonal response to applied nutrients to estimate production. #Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-08712.
Controlled release from a nanocarrier entrapped within a microcarrier

This study illustrates the entrapment of the dye molecule fluorescein sodium salt (FSS) by hydrogel nanoparticles, which are in turn confined inside a water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion globule, and its subsequent release by the action of the competing agent hydrochloric acid (HCl). Thus, a "double carrier" concept is being introduced in which a nanoscale delivery vehicle is being transported by a microscale delivery vehicle in order to simultaneously take advantage of both systems. This may facilitate storage and handling while protecting the active substance and improving its action upon application.
Confocal photoluminescence method for measuring the carrier migration in structures with quantum dots

ABSTRACT The migration of carriers in optically pumped semiconductor structures with quantum dots is investigated using aconfocal setup. Experiments are performed in order to test the performances of the optical setup. The samples studied byoptical confocal microscopy are the following: semi-insulating GaAs, InAs quantum dots grown directly in GaAs, InAsquantum dots grown inside a Ga 0.85 In 0.15 As quantum well and a Ga 0.85 In 0.15 As quantum well with GaAs barriers.Measurements are done in a range of temperatures starting from 78 K up to 295 K. A theoretical model for the migrationlength is presented. The solution of a diffusion-type equation is used to fit the experimental data. Keyword List: carrier migration, migration length, confocal microscopy, InAs quantum dots. 1 INTRODUCTION Much research effort has been put into quantum dots (QDs) in the last decade because their delta-like density of statescan lead to improved laser performance. A special interest has been shown toward In(Ga)As QDs self-formed on single-crystal GaAs or on InGaAs substrate by Stranski-Krastanov
Cloning the gene for an inherited human disorder—chronic granulomatous disease—on the basis of its chromosomal location

The gene that is abnormal in the X-linked form of the phagocytic disorder chronic granulomatous disease has been cloned without reference to a specific protein by relying on its chromosomal map position. The transcript of the gene is expressed in the phagocytic lineage of haematopoietic cells and is absent or structurally abnormal in four patients with the disorder. The nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA clones predicts a polypeptide of at least 468 amino acids with no homology to proteins described previously.
Dental public health for the 21st century: Implications for specialty education and practice

A panel of public health practitioners sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration met December 6-8, 1994, to examine current roles and responsibilities for dental public health workers and to recommend changes in education and training to meet challenges posed by an evolving health care system. Overall, at least the same number, if not more, dental public health personnel will be needed in the future. While some new roles were identified, the panel felt that only small numbers of personnel will be needed to fill these new roles. Not all of these roles necessarily require a dental degree. The panel felt that a need exists for more academicians for dental schools, schools of public health, dental public health residencies, and dental hygiene programs; oral epidemiologists and health services researchers; health educators; and specialists in utilization review/outcomes assessment, dental informatics, nutrition, program evaluation, and prevention. To meet these personnel needs: (1) dental public health residency programs should be structured to meet the educational needs of working public health dentists with MPH degrees through on-the-job residency programs; (2) the standards for advanced specialty education programs in dental public health should be made sufficiently flexible to include dentists who have advanced education and the requisite core public health courses; (3) flexible MPH degree programs must be available because of the rising debt of dental students and the decreased numbers of graduating dentists; (4) loan repayment should be available for dentists who have pursued public health training and are working in state or local health departments; and (5) standards for advanced education in dental public health should be developed for dental hygienists.
Regulators of G protein signaling attenuate the G protein-mediated inhibition of N-type Ca channels.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins bind to the α subunits of certain heterotrimeric G proteins and greatly enhance their rate of GTP hydrolysis, thereby determining the time course of interactions among Gα, Gβγ, and their effectors. Voltage-gated N-type Ca channels mediate neurosecretion, and these Ca channels are powerfully inhibited by G proteins. To determine whether RGS proteins could influence Ca channel function, we recorded the activity of N-type Ca channels coexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells with G protein–coupled muscarinic (m2) receptors and various RGS proteins. Coexpression of full-length RGS3T, RGS3, or RGS8 significantly attenuated the magnitude of receptor-mediated Ca channel inhibition. In control cells expressing α1B, α2, and β3 Ca channel subunits and m2 receptors, carbachol (1 μM) inhibited whole-cell currents by ∼80% compared with only ∼55% inhibition in cells also expressing exogenous RGS protein. A similar effect was produced by expression of the conserved core domain of RGS8. The attenuation of Ca current inhibition resulted primarily from a shift in the steady state dose–response relationship to higher agonist concentrations, with the EC50 for carbachol inhibition being ∼18 nM in control cells vs. ∼150 nM in RGS-expressing cells. The kinetics of Ca channel inhibition were also modified by RGS. Thus, in cells expressing RGS3T, the decay of prepulse facilitation was slower, and recovery of Ca channels from inhibition after agonist removal was faster than in control cells. The effects of RGS proteins on Ca channel modulation can be explained by their ability to act as GTPase-accelerating proteins for some Gα subunits. These results suggest that RGS proteins may play important roles in shaping the magnitude and kinetics of physiological events, such as neurosecretion, that involve G protein–modulated Ca channels.
Hypochondriasis and Somatization

Between 60% and 80% of healthy individuals experience somatic symptoms in any one week. About 10% to 20% of a random sample of people worry intermittently about illness. A substantial proportion of patients present physicians with somatic complaints for which no organic cause can be found. Patients who are hypochondriacal do not understand the benign nature of functional somatic symptoms and interpret these as evidence of disease. Hypochondriacal concerns range from common short-lived worries to persistent and distressing fears or convictions of having a disease. Hypochondriasis can be secondary to other psychiatric disorders (eg, melancholia or panic disorder), and hypochondriacal attitudes remit when the primary disorder is successfully treated. Patients with primary hypochondriasis are also anxious or depressed, but the fear of disease, or the false belief of having a disease, persists and is the most important feature of their psychopathology. There are substantial differences among hypochondriacal patients in their personalities and psychopathologies. Psychotherapy as well as psychotropic drugs are effective in the treatment of functional somatic symptoms. There are no adequate controlled studies on the value of psychotherapy in hypochondriasis; the recommended guidelines are based on uncontrolled studies of hypochondriasis and on controlled studies of the psychotherapy in similar disorders. The prognosis of functional somatic symptoms as well as that of hypochondriasis is good in a substantial proportion of patients. ( JAMA 1987;258:2718-2722)
Imaging of a Cilioretinal Artery Embolisation

Retinal artery occlusion can be the first indicator of a significant cardiovascular disorder and the need for treatment. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with a cilioretinal artery occlusion and retinal ischemia. Retinal imaging, in particular fundus autofluorescence, highlighted an intraluminal hyperautofluorescent lesion which led to the diagnosis of retinal emboli. Subsequently a severe, previously undiagnosed carotid occlusive disease was discovered. The patient underwent prompt endarterectomy.
The effect of selected growth factors on human anterior cruciate ligament cell interactions with a three-dimensional collagen-GAG scaffold.

Abstract Our work focuses on development of a collagen-glycosamimoglycan (CG) scaffold to facilitate ligament healing in the gap between the ruptured ends of the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In the present investigation, we evaluated the effects of selected growth factors on human ACL cell responses important in tissue regeneration, namely cell migration, proliferation, collagen production, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Methods: Explants from six human ACLs were cultured on top of a CG scaffold. Culture conditions were with either 2% FBS (control), or 2% FBS supplemented with TGF-β1, PDGF-AB, EGF, or FGF-2. Histologic cell distribution, total DNA content, proliferation rate, rate of collagen synthesis, scaffold diameter and percentage of SMA positive cells were determined at two, three and four weeks. Results: The addition of TGF-β1 to the culture medium resulted in increased cell number, increased collagen production and increased expression of SMA within the scaffold. Supplementation with PDGF-AB resulted in increased cell proliferation rates within the scaffold and increased collagen production. The addition of FGF-2 resulted in increased cell proliferation rates and slowed rates of scaffold shrinkage when compared with the control group. Discussion: This work suggests that certain growth factors can alter the biologic functions of human ACL cells in a CG scaffold implanted as a bridge at the site of an ACL rupture. Based on these findings, the addition of selected growth factors to an implantable CG scaffold may facilitate ligament healing in the gap between the ruptured ends of the human ACL.
Disordered mineral metabolism produced by ketogenic diet therapy.

Vitamin D and mineral metabolism status was examined in five children maintained chronically on combined ketogenic diet-anticonvulsant drug therapy (KG), and the results compared to those obtained in 18 patients treated with anticonvulsant drugs alone (AD) and 15 normal controls. KG patients exhibited biochemical findings of vitamin D deficiency osteomalacia: decreased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and calcium concentrations, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone concentrations, decreased urinary calcium and increased urinary hydroxyproline excretion, and decreased bone mass. Although the KG and AD groups demonstrated similar reductions in serum 25OHD concentration, the KG patients exhibited a significantly greater reduction in bone mass. In response to vitamin D supplementation (5000 IU/day), mean bone mass in the KG group increased by 8.1±0.9% (P<0.001) over a 12-month period. These results suggest that ketogenic diet and anticonvulsant drug therapy have additive deleterious effects on bone mass and that these effects are partially reversible by vitamin D treatment.
Technical evaluation of simplified IGCC components

Simplified integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants offer attractive advantages for improving the performance of coal to electricity systems. This plant configuration, which utilizes a coal gasifier, hot gas cleanup system, and gas turbine combined cycle, has the potential to reduce both capital costs for equipment and fuel costs through improved efficiency. This paper reports the results of fuel supply and gas turbine testing on actual hot low-Btu coal gas. A pilot-scale advanced fixed-bed gasifier has been modified to supply hot coal gas to a particulate removal cyclone and then to a gas turbine simulator. The hot gas is combusted in a General Electric MS6000 combustor developed for low-Btu gas fuel. The combusted product flows through a MS6000 turbine first-stage nozzle sector. The exhaust gases from the nozzle sector pass over air-cooled cylindrical ash deposition pin specimens and then into a water quench exhaust system. Extensive instrumentation and sampling provisions are utilized to characterize the fuel gas, the combustion gases, and the ash deposits formed on turbine components. Two regimes of nozzle metal surface temperatures have been investigated by separate testing performed including 500-600 /sup 0/F with water-cooled and 1500-1650 /sup 0/F with air-cooled nozzle sectors. Results from themore » test program have provided key data related to fuel gas cleanup and the tolerance of gas turbine hot gas path parts to the products of combustion from coal-derived fuels.« less
Beyond the Chromosome: The Prevalence of Unique Extra-Chromosomal Bacteriophages with Integrated Virulence Genes in Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus

In Staphylococcus aureus, the disease impact of chromosomally integrated prophages on virulence is well described. However, the existence of extra-chromosomal prophages, both plasmidial and episomal, remains obscure. Despite the recent explosion in bacterial and bacteriophage genomic sequencing, studies have failed to specifically focus on extra-chromosomal elements. We selectively enriched and sequenced extra-chromosomal DNA from S. aureus isolates using Roche-454 technology and uncovered evidence for the widespread distribution of multiple extra-chromosomal prophages (ExPΦs) throughout both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant strains. We completely sequenced one such element comprised of a 43.8 kbp, circular ExPΦ (designated ФBU01) from a vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strain. Assembly and annotation of ФBU01 revealed a number of putative virulence determinants encoded within a bacteriophage immune evasion cluster (IEC). Our identification of several potential ExPΦs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) also revealed numerous putative virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. We describe here a previously unidentified level of genetic diversity of stealth extra-chromosomal elements in S. aureus, including phages with a larger presence outside the chromosome that likely play a prominent role in pathogenesis and strain diversity driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
Strategic Risk and Corporate Performance: an Analysis of Alternative Risk Measures

This study demonstrates that the various measures of corporate risk strategic management research has used reflect different risk factors. Factor analysis of nine measures of risk yielded three fac...