cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Values and the Moral Context of Pastoral Counseling

This paper reviews the ways in which psychology has influenced the pastoral counseling movement, focuses, upon how the role and function of the pastoral counselor have lost their unique identity, and offers the construct of a moral context as a means for rediscovering, identifying, reviving, and strengthening the pastoral counselor's professional and spiritual selfimage.
A physical interpretation of the Hall effect in amorphous semiconductors

Abstract We propose that the Hall effect sign anomaly in amorphous semiconductors can be understood as a destructive interference effect when the electronic phase coherence length which characterizes transport is comparable to the distance between transport states.
The eigenvalue-matching renormalization group

Abstract The eigenvalue-matching renormalization-group method is extended to the computation of the universal rescaling factors in addition to the universal bifurcation rate. Both the one-dimensional quadratic map and the two-dimensional area-preserving Henon map are studied. The computation has been carried to very high orders: eleventh in the one-dimensional case and eighth in the two-dimensional case. The accuracy is so high and the algorithm so efficient that it may be used as an alternative to the direct numerical procedure.
The current management of urolithiasis during pregnancy.

Nephrolithiasis during pregnancy presents a clinical challenge to the obstetrician, urologist, and radiologist. We review the management of stones in pregnancy which is made more complex because of many of the anatomic and physiologic alterations that occur during pregnancy. In addition, some limitations are placed on diagnostic maneuvers in order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the fetus.
NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES IN HUMAN SERUM AFTER INFLUENZA A THE LACK OF STRAIN SPECIFICITY IN THE IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE

The increased concentrations of neutralizing antibodies against influenza A virus in human serum which occur after influenza A do not differentiate between antigenically different strains of this virus or swine influenza virus but instead appear to possess equal reactivity against these agents. The decrease in antibody levels which occurs with time is also independent of the strain of virus used to measure it.
Single Cell Analysis Reveals the Stochastic Phase of Reprogramming to Pluripotency Is an Ordered Probabilistic Process

Despite years of research, the reprogramming of human somatic cells to pluripotency remains a slow, inefficient process, and a detailed mechanistic understanding of reprogramming remains elusive. Current models suggest reprogramming to pluripotency occurs in two-phases: a prolonged stochastic phase followed by a rapid deterministic phase. In this paradigm, the early stochastic phase is marked by the random and gradual expression of pluripotency genes and is thought to be a major rate-limiting step in the successful generation of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Recent evidence suggests that the epigenetic landscape of the somatic cell is gradually reset during a period known as the stochastic phase, but it is known neither how this occurs nor what rate-limiting steps control progress through the stochastic phase. A precise understanding of gene expression dynamics in the stochastic phase is required in order to answer these questions. Moreover, a precise model of this complex process will enable the measurement and mechanistic dissection of treatments that enhance the rate or efficiency of reprogramming to pluripotency. Here we use single-cell transcript profiling, FACS and mathematical modeling to show that the stochastic phase is an ordered probabilistic process with independent gene-specific dynamics. We also show that partially reprogrammed cells infected with OSKM follow two trajectories: a productive trajectory toward increasingly ESC-like expression profiles or an alternative trajectory leading away from both the fibroblast and ESC state. These two pathways are distinguished by the coordinated expression of a small group of chromatin modifiers in the productive trajectory, supporting the notion that chromatin remodeling is essential for successful reprogramming. These are the first results to show that the stochastic phase of reprogramming in human fibroblasts is an ordered, probabilistic process with gene-specific dynamics and to provide a precise mathematical framework describing the dynamics of pluripotency gene expression during reprogramming by OSKM.
It Is All Relative: How Young Children Encode Extent

Two experiments tested the ability of 4- and 8-year-old children to encode the extent of a target dowel and later discriminate between the target and a foil having a novel extent. By manipulating the heights of containers in which we presented the stimuli we tested whether children used the relation between the dowels and containers for encoding extent. We found that 8-year-olds encoded extent without relying on the relation between the target dowel and container but 4-year-olds only encoded the extent of the target dowel relative to the container. This early ability to encode extent relative to an aligned standard may serve as a perceptual basis for the developing ability to measure.
Measurement of mood, substance use, and sexual risk behavior in adolescents

Conclusions: Adolescents in this study preferred Experience-Sampling Method (ESM). ESM resulted in reports that were comparable to data collected by recall interview over 2 weeks. ESM reports provide a means of collecting temporally relevant ecologically grounded data on mood substance use and sexual activity in adolescents that should permit examination of relationships among these constructs over time. (excerpt)
Economics of calcium silicate slag application in a rice-sugarcane rotation in the Everglades☆

Abstract Rice and sugarcane are grown in rotation on organic soils in some areas of the Everglades. Both crops have shown positive agronomic responses to pre-plant applications of calcium silicate slag. The magnitude of the response, however, depends on the time at which the material is applied. Data from previous experiments were used to perform an economic analysis. Two timing applications of slag in the three production systems were analyzed: before rice, before cane, and before rice-cane rotation. Results indicate that, under the costs and prices assumed, it is more profitable to apply the slag prior to the rice planting when this crop is grown in rotation with sugarcane. The variables in the profit maximizing equations were translated into general terms to provide agronomists with the means for performing economic analyses of fertilizer responses in production systems involving a rotation. The resulting equations apply to cases where the application is done before the first crop to take advantage of residual effects and for which quadratic response functions are known.
Assessing Stream Values: Perspectives of Aquatic Resource Professionals

Abstract We used a multiattribute judgment technique to identify features of streams and rivers that confer ecological and fishery values as perceived by aquatic resource professionals. Four groups of professionals were surveyed: (1) fishery managers from Virginia's fisheries management agency; (2) aquatic biologists from Virginia's water quality regulation agency; (3) fishery managers from throughout the USA; and (4) fish ecologists from throughout the USA. Each professional assigned scores indicating value to a series of hypothetical streams that varied on the basis of six predetermined factors. We used multiple linear regression to examine relationships between the varying factors and the value scores assigned by professionals. Importance to rare and endemic species and species richness were major determinants of perceived ecological value, whereas fishery value was largely determined by species composition, aesthetic quality, and fish size. Although value perspectives were generally similar among grou...
Ionization and electron capture in neon K vacancy production from NNe collisions

Abstract Our measurements of Ne K and N K X-ray cross sections for N 3+,4+,5+,6+,7+, ions incident on a thin Ne target at energies from 9 to 54 MeV indicate that charge exchange plays a minor role compared to ionization in producing Ne K vacancies over that energy range.
INTERACTION OF CR(DIIMINE)33+ COMPLEXES WITH DNA

Luminescence spectroscopy coupled with capillary electrophoresis (CE) provides insight into the nature and stereoselectivity of Cr(diimine)33+ interactions with polynucleotides. Photoluminescence measurements on Cr(phen)33+ and Cr(bpy)33+ in air or N2-saturated solution demonstrate strong B-DNA quenching of Cr(diimine)33+ emission intensities and lifetimes. Both dynamic and static quenching are observed, the latter being attributed to DNA bound Cr(diimine)33+. Very rapid quenching is also observed with deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP), while no bimolecular quenching is observed with other mononucleotides. Likewise, poly(dG-dC)·poly(dG-dC) causes rapid quenching, while only minor quenching is observed for poly(dA-dT)·poly(dA-dT). These emission results are consistent with a DNA quenching mechanism involving guanine base oxidation. The electropherogram resulting from the co-injection of rac-Cr(phen)33+ and rac-Ru(phen)32+ into a capillary containing B-DNA indicates a similar binding constant for the two ...
Hanging on to your homolog: the roles of pairing, synapsis and recombination in the maintenance of homolog adhesion

Homologous chromosomes initially undergo weak alignments that bring homologous sequences into register during meiosis. These alignments can be facilitated by two types of mechanisms: interstitial homology searches and telomere-telomere alignments. As prophase (and chromatin compaction) proceeds, these initial pairings or alignments need to be stabilized. In at least some organisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. pombe, these pairings can apparently be maintained by the creation of recombination intermediates. In contrast, synapsis during zygotene may be able to facilitate and/or maintain chromosome pairing even in the absence of exchange in several higher organisms. It thus seems possible that the synaptonemal complex plays a role both in maintaining homolog adhesion during meiotic prophase and, more speculatively, in facilitating meiotic exchange.
Leptin and the skeleton.

Leptin is a 167 amino acid hormonal protein product of the obesity gene that has been widely studied since its discovery by Zang et al . (1994). Initially described as being involved with satiety and energy balance, leptin was proposed to be the anti-obesity factor involved in a feedback loop from the adipocyte to the hypothalamus (Zang et al ., 1994). Increasing evidence continues to underscore the importance of leptin as a crucial hormone in the regulation of food intake as well as body weight in both animals and humans (Pekkymounter et al ., 1995; Considine et al ., 1996; Mercer et al ., 1997; Trayhurn et al ., 1999). Further investigation has elucidated a role for leptin in the regulation of metabolism (Emilsson et al ., 1997; Kamohara et al ., 1997), sexual development (Mantzoros et al ., 1997; Matkovic et al ., 1997) reproduction (Chehab et al ., 1996), haematopoiesis (Gainsford et al ., 1996), immunity (Lord et al ., 1998), gastrointestinal function (Bado et al ., 1998), sympathetic activation (Collins et al ., 1996) and angiogenesis (Sierra-Honinmann et al ., 1998). Given the inter-relationships between these processes and bone, recent research efforts have been directed at investigating leptin–skeletal interactions. Several lines of evidence suggest that bone remodelling and thus skeletal homeostasis is governed by endocrine and/or humoral factors (Riggs & Melton, 1986; Simonet et al ., 1997). Among anthropometric and metabolic factors, body weight is a major determinant of bone density (Mazess et al ., 1987). The obese gain more bone during the formative years and have a slower rate of bone loss later in life (Tremollieres et al ., 1993). These effects appear to be related more to fat mass than lean mass (Reid et al ., 1992). Thus far, the protective effect of obesity has been elusive and is explained by either the peripheral aromatization of adrenal androgens to oestrone in adipose tissue and/ or to mechanical loading factors. However, these two mechanistic models do not fully resolve the relationship between obesity and increased bone mineral density (BMD) as fat mass and bone density are still correlated after adjusting for oestrogen status (Reid et al ., 1992), and this relationship continues to exist equally at both weight bearing and nonweight bearing sites (Hla et al ., 1996). Because leptin is positively correlated with body fat and is involved in reproductive hormonal regulation, defining its role in skeletal physiology has received increasing attention. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of leptin as it relates to the skeleton, as well as to highlight considerations for future research endeavors.
Resources, homophily, and dependence: Organizational attributes and asymmetric ties in human service networks

Abstract This paper examines the effects of organizational attributes on power/dependence relations in interorganizational dyads. Exchange and homophily theories are discussed as two alternative perspectives on the processes that give rise to such effects. The data pertain to interagency ties in three community-based networks of youth service agencies and are analyzed via a new strategy of linear modeling dyadic relations. The results of the analysis suggest that size, administrative position, and justice system connections condition the extent to which an agency initiates and receives ties of influence, assistance, and support. Moreover, these relations are more frequent between agencies with similar treatment ideologies and client racial makeup. Finally, size and justice system access are found to reduce agency dependence on a network's administrative core. In the course of the discussion, a number of related issues and findings are discussed.
Volume and Lipid, Fatty Acid, and Amino Acid Composition of Golden Shiner Eggs during a Spawning Season

Abstract The Arkansas baitfish industry leads the nation in production of golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas. To determine nutritional requirements for golden shiner broodstock diets, we examined the volume and lipid, fatty acid, and amino acid composition of the eggs produced by a group of captive broodstock over a spawning season. Egg volume was 0.67 ± 0.117 mm3 (mean ± SD); egg volume declined during the spawning season. Total lipid was 15.67 ± 2.99 μg/egg, and triacylglyceride (TAG) concentration was 6.82 ± 1.81 μg/egg. Based on the stability of egg total lipid, the percent neutral lipid, the consistent contribution of TAG to neutral lipid, the consistent TAG concentration, and the stable fatty acid and amino acid profiles, we conclude that the lipid and amino acids in eggs from the experimental group were stable. The eggs should be equally sufficient for embryological development throughout the spawning season, but specific indices of egg and fry quality must be measured to confirm the links amon...
Incidence, prevalence, and trend analysis of the use of insulin delivery systems in the United States (2005 to 2011).

AbstractObjective:Estimate the incidence and prevalence rates and assess overall trends among patients with diabetes using insulin vial/syringe and pens over time.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted using the Truven MarketScan database from 1 July 2004 to 31 December 2011. The database contained medical and pharmacy claims of >20 million US residents insured by commercial health plans. Patients with diabetes who utilized vial/syringe and pens were included. Incidence rate was defined as the proportion of patients initiating a new insulin type for the first time with vial/syringe and pens within each year from 2005 to 2011 among the total number of patients initiating that particular insulin type for the first time. Prevalence rate was defined as the proportion of patients using vial/syringe or pens among patients with diabetes using that insulin type within each year from 2005 to 2011. A linear trend over time was assessed by Cochran–Armitage Trend tests and Generalized Estimating Equations.Result...
Servoed world models as interfaces between robot control systems and sensory data

A hierarchical robot sensory system being developed for industrial robotics is described. At each level of the hierarchy, sensory interpretative processes are guided by expectancy-generating modeling processes. The modeling processes are driven by a priori knowledge (object prototypes), by knowledge of the robot's movements (feed-forward from the control system), and by feedback from the interpretative processes (prior state of the sensory world). At the lowest level, the senses (vision, proximity, tactile, force, joint angle, etc.) are handled separately; above this level, they are integrated into a multi-model world model. At successively higher levels, the interpretative and modeling processes describe the world with successively higher order constructs, and over successively longer time periods. Each level of the modeling hierarchy provides output, in parallel, to guide the corresponding levels of a hierarchical robot control system.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Tammany Hall of New York

The story of the relationship of Franklin Delano Roosevelt with Tammany Hall of New York has never been completely told. FDR's dealings with the New York machine have received piecemeal treatment in numerous monographs and histories that record his life. In addition, there is a scholarly bias against connecting prominent leaders in society to the mundane political clubs and organizations that keep the wheels of the party turning and get out the vote. Rather, the study of politics is dominated by a perspective that emphasizes the macrocosmic aspects of the phenomenon. Good government advocates, such as Roosevelt, are supposed to be above contact with local machines which are known to be corrupt. In truth, Roosevelt had a very intricate and profound connection to Tammany Hall that lasted over thirty years, whether he was in or out of office. The author tells the complete story of how FDR and Tammany Hall worked out a modus vivendi.
Freedom, the child, the teacher: A gap between ideas and action

(1976). Freedom, the child, the teacher: A gap between ideas and action. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 15, Interpersonal Relations, pp. 319-325.
Experimental Investigation of Thermally Scanned Fabry-Perot Interferometry

A thermally scanned Fabry-Perot interferometer in the flat-flat resonator configuration has been constructed. It is extremely easy to use, and, in addition, provides large values of finesse (>60), high transmission, and large usable apertures. Experimental data analyzing the characteristics of the device are presented. Use of the interferometer for the spectral analysis of several physical processes involving very high optical resolution is demonstrated.
Intraabdominal lymphatic mapping to direct selective pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in women with high-risk endometrial cancer: Results of a pilot study

Abstract Objective: To determine the feasibility of intraperitoneal lymphatic mapping of the uterine fundus as a means of identifying target sites for lymph node biopsy during staging laparotomy and to develop preliminary experience with the technique. Methods: Fifteen women with high-risk endometrial tumors were entered on this Institutional Review Board-approved pilot study. At laparotomy, isosulfan blue dye (1.0 ml) was injected into the subserosal myometrium at three sites: the superior midpoint of the fundus, 2 cm inferiorly on the anterior wall, and 2 cm inferiorly on the posterior wall. Dye uptake into lymphatic channels was observed for 10 min. The retroperitoneal spaces were opened. Blue lymphatic channels and nodes within the pelvic and paraaortic regions were identified. Nodes demonstrating dye uptake were biopsied as separate specimens: the locations of these nodes were carefully recorded. Hysterectomy and selective lymphadenectomy were then performed as usual. Results: Lymphatic channels coursing into the broad ligament and along the ovarian vessels were identified from all uteri injected. Deposition of dye into grossly identifiable lymph nodes was seen in 10 of 15 cases (67%). A total of 31 nodes demonstrated dye uptake. The locations of these nodes included paraaortic sites in 12, common iliac in 6, and pelvic in 13. No dye-containing paraaortic nodes were seen below the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. Lymphatic channels coursing above the renal vessels were seen routinely. Microscopic nodal metastases to sentinel nodes were identified in 2 of 4 women with proven lymphatic spread. Conclusions: Lymphatic mapping of the uterine fundus is feasible and can identify targets for selective nodal biopsy in some women. Preliminary observations confirm that the lymphatic network draining the uterus is complex and involves both pelvic and paraaortic nodes. Lymphatic channels that parallel the ovarian vessels were not observed to enter nodes until reaching the level of the midabdomen. Further experience and refinement of techniques may lead to the development of a selective lymphadenectomy based upon direct visualization of the lymphatic drainage of the uterus rather than the current random sampling.
Bone Marrow Findings in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies from 35 AIDS/AIDS-related complex patients, consisting primarily of intravenous drug abusers, were studied. The most common findings included hypercellularity (86%), plasmacytosis (63%), reticular fibrosis (50%), and lymphocytosis (37%) occasionally admixed with histiocytes. Granulocytic hyperplasia was present in 27 patients (77%). Erythrocytic hypoplasia was observed in 15 patients (43%). Megaloblastic changes of intermediate form were seen in two cases and serous fat atrophy was noted in another three patients. One M. tuberculosis granuloma, a foreign body granuloma and two granulomas of undetermined etiology were seen, each in separate patients. A previously unreported focal vascular proliferation was seen in one case. The majority of cases showed increased stainable iron. Some of our findings are at variance with previous reports. This may reflect differences in patient population, geographic distribution, risk factors and epidemiologic mode in our cases.
New microstrip Directional Coupler Design for Side of Waveguide in Lower Hybrid Current Drive System on Alcator C-Mod

We have developed a compact, mass-producible probe inserted into two holes 1/4 wavelength apart in the narrow side of the reduced height waveguides used in the lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) system. The probe consists of two magnetic loops and branch coupler mounted directly on a single microstrip circuit board, thereby greatly reducing the physical size of the probe. The transmission from magnetic loop to coupler output will be discussed in detail. The requirements for confined space and many probes positioned side by side were addressed in the package design for the probe. Calibrations have shown directivity greater than 20 dB at 4.6 GHz for each of the over 100 probes built
Blacks in dentistry.

Criteria and recommendations for the recruitment, admission, development, and retention of qualified black students are given. Health manpower and general population data for 15 southeastern states and for the District of Columbia are compared with available figures for the nation. The supply of black health manpower is disproportionate and grossly inadequate in comparison with the health manpower of the country generally. The dropout rate of black students at non-black schools is alarming. Therefore, efforts to identify, recruit, admit, and graduate blacks must increase until the dental health status in black communities parallels that in the nation.
Consumer willingness to pay for appliances produced by Green Power Partners

Abstract The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership (GPP), has over 1200 members purchasing nearly 18 billion kilowatt hours of green power annually. One possible motivation for firms to join the GPP is to raise their reputation for environmental quality among consumers. This research investigates the extent to which consumer preferences for a residential appliance are affected by information on whether or not the appliance manufacturer was a member of the GPP. Data for the study were obtained from a contingent choice exercise in an online survey of a national sample of adults. The results suggest that consumers are, on average, willing to pay an extra $48.52 to $70.95 for a refrigerator manufactured by a company that is a member of the GPP. These amounts appear to generally exceed the additional costs associated with using green power to manufacture a refrigerator and suggest that GPP could effectively be used to market consumer products.
Effects of mind-body therapies on symptom clusters during the menopausal transition.

AbstractAims Although most women experience symptom clusters during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause, investigators reporting clinical trial effects for hot flushes often omit co-occurring symptoms. Our aim was to review controlled clinical trials of mind–body therapies for hot flushes and at least one other co-occurring symptom from these groups: sleep, cognitive function, mood, and pain.Methods An experienced reference librarian performed an extensive search of PubMed/Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, EMBASE, AMED, and Alt-Health Watch for randomized controlled trials reported in English between 2004 and July 2011. Of 1193 abstracts identified, 58 trials examining effectiveness of therapies for hot flushes and at least one additional co-occurring symptom of interest were identified.Results Eight trials (ten publications) examined relaxation, yoga, or exercise. Physical activity/exercis...
How Measurement Error Affects the Interpretation and Understanding of Effect Sizes

ABSTRACT—It is important to understand the role of measurement error when interpreting effect sizes, especially when studying development in very young children. The accuracy of measurements of children’s developmental skills depends on the age of the child and the type of development being assessed. On average, measurement error is lower in older than in younger children and for assessments of cognitive, language, and achievement skills than of social–emotional skills. Standardized effect sizes tend to be lower when measurement error is larger because the variability in the scores, based in part on error of measurement, is used in computing those effect sizes. Because more reliable measures will lead to stronger effect sizes, it is more difficult to obtain large effect sizes in studies of very young children than of older children or in studies than in less robust assessments of children’s developmental skills.
World of Golf: a socially relevant simulation game

Socially Relevant Simulation Games (SRSG), a new medium for social interaction, based on real-world skills and skill development, creates a single gaming framework that connects both serious and casual players. Through a detailed case study this paper presents a design process and framework for SRSG, in the context of mixed-reality golf swing simulations. The "World of Golf" SRSG utilizes a real-time expert system to capture, analyze, and evaluate golf swing metrics combining swing data with players' backgrounds, e.g., golf-handicaps, to form individual profiles. Simulation and assessment modules provide the serious player with tools to build golf skills while allowing casual players to engage within a simulated social world. A framework that incorporates simulated golf competitions among these social agents is presented and validated by comparing the usage statistics of 10 PGA Golf Management (PGM) students with 10 non-PGM students.
Does the St. Petersburg Paradox cast doubt on the use of Expected Value Theory to approximate the random present value of a life annuity

The classic approximation of the random present value (PV) of a life annuity is its expected PV (EPV) over its term. EPV minimizes mean squared error per expected value theory (EVT). Here, based on the experimental work of Hayden and Platt (2009), lessons are drawn from the St. Petersburg paradox (SPP) which violates EVT, to improve random PV approximations. Although much work over the last 300 years has been done to try and resolve the SPP, the question of whether it offers lessons for approximating any random PV has not been considered in the literature. An additional approximation, the median PV (PV*), which has minimal mean absolute error, is introduced herein. PV* can yield a probability (k) greater than 50% that its absolute error is less than the absolute error in EPV. If k is revealed, would agents value the annuity in terms of its EPV and, thus, willingly allow crosssubsidization to dominate their self-interest to only pay amounts that are reasonably commensurate with the PV of the payouts they hope to get in return? It is proposed that the value of the annuity when approximated as the weighted average of PV* and EPV, with k and 1 – k as weights, respectively, makes cross-subsidization of annuitants fairer in the sense of Rawls (1971) and Sen (1992).
Neospora caninum induced abortion in sheep.

Bull 1 Bull 2 The respiratory infection in these bulls may have predisposed them to the iron intoxication. It has been previously Blood ammonia nitrogen 2.8 mg% NT* stated that inflammatory processes in the body result in a Creatine phosphokinase 8,740 IU/liter 4,720 IU/liter decrease in the total iron-binding capacity of the serum, which Aspartate aminotransferase 1,390 IU/liter 2,450 IU/liter should increase the susceptibility to parenterally adminis-
Properties of neutral gauge bosons in weak-interaction theories with "natural" parity conservation

We show how to obtain the predictions of the SU(2) x U(1) Weinberg-Salam model for neutrino neutral-current interactions in the context of SU(2)/sub L/ x SU(2)/sub R/ x U(1) gauge models which have ''naturally'' parity-conserving structure for all neutral-current interactions and nonvanishing fermion masses. The possibility of one of the neutral vector bosons being lighter than the charged W boson in these theories is explored. We discuss other confusions between one-Z and two-Z gauge theories. Some inequalities relating neutral-current cross sections which arise from the Higgs-multiplet structure of the models are worked out.
Experimental measurements of the spectral absorption coefficient of pure fused silica optical fibers

Knowledge of the spectral absorption coefficient of fused silica optical fibers is important in modeling heat transfer in the processes and applications in which these fibers are used. An experimental method used to measure the spectral absorption coefficient of optical fibers is presented. Radiative energy from a blackbody radiator set at different temperatures is directed through the optical fibers and into an FTIR spectrometer. Spectral instrument response functions are calculated for different fiber lengths. The ratios of the slopes of the instrument response functions for the different lengths of fibers are used to solve for the spectral absorption coefficient of the fibers. The spectral absorption coefficient of low OH pure fused silica optical fibers is measured between the wavelengths 1.5 and 2.5 μm.
SenMinCom: Pervasive distributed dynamic sensor data mining for effective commerce

In last few years, the use of wireless sensor networks and cell phones has become ubiquitous; fusing these technologies in the field of business will open up new possibilities. To fill this lacuna, a novel idea is proposed where the combination of these will facilitate stores to receive feedback on their products and services. Systempsilas unobtrusive sensors will not only collect shopping data from customers but will also make effective use of the information to increase revenue, cut costs, etc.; the use of mobile agent based data mining allows analyzing the data from different dimensions, categorizing it on factors such as product positioning, promotion of goods, etc. Additionally, because of the dynamic mining system the shoppers get on-the-scene recommendation of products rather than off-the-scene. In this paper, a novel distributed pervasive mining system is proposed to get dynamic shopping information of the customers.
Accuracy of Calendar-Based Methods for Assigning Menstrual Cycle Phase in Women

Background: Sex steroid hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are considered a risk factor for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries.Objective: To determine whether self-reported menstrual history data can be used to accurately categorize menstrual cycle events using calendar-based counting methods.Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.Methods: Seventy-three women completed a menstrual history questionnaire and submitted to blood sampling for the first 6 days of menses and 8 to 10 days after a positive ovulation test over 2 consecutive months. Frequency counts determined whether appropriate criterion hormone (progesterone) levels were achieved at predefined calendar days.Results: For the criterion of progesterone >2 ng/mL, 18% and 59% of women attained it when counting forward 10 to 14 days after the onset of menses and counting back 12 to 14 days from the end of the cycle, respectively. Most women (76%) attained the criterion for ovulation 1 to 3 days after a positive urinary ovulation test. Regardless of the counting method employed, the criterion of progesterone >4.5 ng/mL for identifying midluteal phase was attained in 67% of cases. Serial blood sampling for 3 to 5 days after the positive urinary ovulation test captured 68% to 81% of the hormone values indicative of ovulation and 58% to 75% indicative of the luteal phase.Conclusion: These data suggest that self-reported menstrual history and calendar-based counting methods should not be used alone if accurate identification of ovulation is essential. A urinary ovulation test and serial blood samples for verification of progesterone postovulation enhance the proper identification of menstrual cycle events.Clinical Relevance: Given the cost of serial blood sampling on numerous days, the use of urinary ovulation kits and strategically selected serial blood sampling could significantly reduce participant burden and provide cost-effective measures for clinical studies related to anterior cruciate ligament injury epidemiology.
The Four Cornerstones of Qualitative Research

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is more than the application of best research evidence to practice. Advocates for evidence-based medicine (EBM), the parent discipline of EBP, state that EBP has three, and possibly four, components: best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and wants. Person-centered physicians also advocate for the person of the practitioner as a fourth component. In this article, the author shows the centrality of qualitative research to this fuller version of EBP. She also shows how qualitative research has four cornerstones that parallel the four components of EBP.
A Combined Early Cognitive and Physical Rehabilitation Program for People Who Are Critically Ill: The Activity and Cognitive Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ACT-ICU) Trial

Background In the coming years, the number of survivors of critical illness is expected to increase. These survivors frequently develop newly acquired physical and cognitive impairments. Long-term cognitive impairment is common following critical illness and has dramatic effects on patients' abilities to function autonomously. Neuromuscular weakness affects similar proportions of patients and leads to equally profound life alterations. As knowledge of these short-term and long-term consequences of critical illness has come to light, interventions to prevent and rehabilitate these devastating consequences have been sought. Physical rehabilitation has been shown to improve functional outcomes in people who are critically ill, but subsequent studies of physical rehabilitation after hospital discharge have not. Post-hospital discharge cognitive rehabilitation is feasible in survivors of critical illness and is commonly used in people with other forms of acquired brain injury. The feasibility of early cognitive therapy in people who are critically ill remains unknown. Objective The purpose of this novel protocol trial will be to determine the feasibility of early and sustained cognitive rehabilitation paired with physical rehabilitation in patients who are critically ill from medical and surgical intensive care units. Design This is a randomized controlled trial. Setting The setting for this trial will be medical and surgical intensive care units of a large tertiary care referral center. Patients The participants will be patients who are critically ill with respiratory failure or shock. Intervention Patients will be randomized to groups receiving usual care, physical rehabilitation, or cognitive rehabilitation plus physical rehabilitation. Twice-daily cognitive rehabilitation sessions will be performed with patients who are noncomatose and will consist of orientation, memory, and attention exercises (eg, forward and reverse digit spans, matrix puzzles, letter-number sequences, pattern recognition). Daily physical rehabilitation sessions will advance patients from passive range of motion exercises through ambulation. Patients with cognitive or physical impairment at discharge will undergo a 12-week, in-home cognitive rehabilitation program. Measurements A battery of neurocognitive and functional outcomes will be measured 3 and 12 months after hospital discharge. Conclusions If feasible, these interventions will lay the groundwork for a larger, multicenter trial to determine their efficacy.
Morphine Suppresses Tumor Angiogenesis through a HIF-1α/p38MAPK Pathway

Morphine, a highly potent analgesic agent, is frequently prescribed for moderate to severe cancer pain. In this study, morphine was administered at a clinically relevant analgesic dose to assess tumor cell-induced angiogenesis and subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice using mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLCs). Implantation of mice with a continuous slow-release morphine pellet achieved morphine plasma levels within 250–400 ng/ml (measured using a radioimmunoassay, Coat-A-Count Serum Morphine) and was sufficient to significantly reduce tumor cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth when compared with placebo treatment. Morphometric analysis for blood vessel formation further confirmed that morphine significantly reduced blood vessel density (P < 0.003), vessel branching (P < 0.05), and vessel length (P < 0.002) when compared with placebo treatment. Morphine’s effect was abolished in mice coadministered the classical opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, and in mu-opioid receptor knockout mice, supporting the involvement of the classical opioid receptors in vivo. Morphine’s inhibitory effect is mediated through the suppression of the hypoxia-induced mitochondrial p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our results suggest that in vitro morphine treatment of LLCs inhibits the hypoxia-induced nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α to reduce vascular endothelial growth factor transcription and secretion, in a manner similar to pharmacological blockade with the p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor, SB203585. These studies indicate that morphine, in addition to its analgesic function, may be exploited for its antiangiogenic potential.
Corruption and re-election chances of incumbent parties in developing countries

Possible explanations for re-electing corrupt incumbents are that elections are not free and fair, or that voters are or misinformed about incumbents’ corruption. After adjusting for election freedom and press freedom, study addresses (1) whether voters in developing countries punish incumbent parties for corruption, (2) whether broadcast on radio enhances the re-election chances of the incumbent parties in developing countries and (3) whether information about corruption changes the response of voters. Using probit models to analyze 48 elections from 33 developing countries, the study finds that: (1) corruption does not affect the re-election chances of incumbent parties in developing countries, (2) radio broadcasts enhance the re-election chances of incumbent parties in developing countries and (3) under certain circumstances, there is some evidence that information about corruption affects re-election chances of incumbent parties. The effect of information about corruption depends on whether the incumbent parties field different candidates from those in previous elections. In Africa, South and Central America, however, the effect also depends on whether the elections are free or fair. A key finding is that press freedom reduces the re-election chances of corrupt incumbent parties’ presidential candidates. Keywords: Corruption, Re-election, Electoral Fraud, Radio, Press Freedom
IGF binding protein-3 mediates stress-induced apoptosis in non-transformed mammary epithelial cells.

Mammary epithelial cell (MEC) number is an important determinant of milk production in lactating dairy cows. IGF-I increases IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) production in these cells, which plays a role in its ability to enhance proliferation. In the present study, we show that the apoptotic factor anisomycin (ANS) also increases IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner that mirrors activation of caspase-3 and -7, with significant increases in both IGFBP-3 protein and caspase activation observed by 3 h. Knock-down of IGFBP-3 with small interfering (si) RNA attenuated the ability of ANS to induce apoptosis, while knock-down of IGFBP-2, the other major IGFBP made by bovine MEC, had no effect. Reducing IGFBP-3 also decreased the ability of ANS to induce mitochondrial cytochrome c release, indicating its involvement in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In contrast, transfection with IGFBP-3 in the absence of ANS failed to induce apoptosis. Since both the mitogen IGF-I and the apoptotic inducer ANS increase IGFBP-3 production in MEC, we proposed that cellular localization might determine IGFBP-3 action. While both IGF-I and ANS stimulated the release of IGFBP-3 into conditioned media, only ANS induced nuclear localization of IGFBP-3. A pan-caspase inhibitor had no effect on ANS-induced nuclear localization of IGFBP-3, indicating that nuclear entry of IGFBP-3 precedes caspase activation. Treatment with IGF-I had no effect on ANS-induced nuclear localization, but did block ANS-induced apoptosis. In summary, our data indicate that IGFBP-3 plays a role in stress-induced apoptosis that may require nuclear localization in non-transformed MEC. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 734–742, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HER1/EGFR Targeting: Refining the Strategy

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER, targeting has formed the basis of extensive and growing drug development programs in various companies. However, receptor biology is often poorly explained and confusing. The HER family of four naturally occurring receptors and one tumor-specific mutant can activate signaling via a complex and sophisticated range of mechanisms, which we are only beginning to understand. HER1/EGFR downstream signaling can lead to tumor growth and development via a host of processes, including enhanced cellular proliferation, survival, and metastasis. A range of potential therapeutic targets exists within the HER signaling system, both inside and outside the cell. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, acting extracellularly and intracellularly, respectively, comprise two classes of agents most advanced in clinical development or already available for use. Despite promising single-agent activity in chemotherapy-resistant patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), disappointing results from two phase III trials of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in NSCLC have been of concern to some. However, many factors may have contributed to this outcome, and it is not necessarily predictive of the future usefulness of these agents. Patient characteristics, lack of patient selection, dosing schedule, and trial design may all have played roles. It is important to remember that intracellular targeting of HER is a relatively novel approach, and our knowledge of how best to optimize such treatment is still unfolding. More clinical experience is needed.
Prototheca zopfii Krüger Strain UMK-13 Growth on Acetate or n-Alkanes.

A new strain of Prototheca zopfii Kruger was grown on acetate or on pure n-alkanes. A maximum acetate-supported exponential growth of 12 divisions day occurred at pH 5 and 30 degrees C. At 25 degrees C, growth on n-alkanes was almost as fast, but no growth occurred at 30 degrees C. After 4 days at 25 degrees C, 34 to 45% of the n-alkanes had been removed, whereas at 21 degrees C and slower growth, utilization was twofold greater after 15 days. Rates of growth and utilization increased markedly after a point of sudden emulsification.
MBAT: A scalable informatics system for unifying digital atlasing workflows

Background Digital atlases provide a common semantic and spatial coordinate system that can be leveraged to compare, contrast, and correlate data from disparate sources. As the quality and amount of biological data continues to advance and grow, searching, referencing, and comparing this data with a researcher's own data is essential. However, the integration process is cumbersome and time-consuming due to misaligned data, implicitly defined associations, and incompatible data sources. This work addressing these challenges by providing a unified and adaptable environment to accelerate the workflow to gather, align, and analyze the data.
Tuning of coherent interaction in a resonant photonic crystal using an external electric field

We demonstrate the tunablity of coherent interaction between exciton-lattice-polaritons and photonic crystal bandedge states in a GaAs/Al 0.22 Ga 0.78 As double-quantum-well based photonic crystal in the presence of a variable external electric field.