cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Somatostatin Receptors in Endocrine Cells

Publisher Summary Somatostatin binds to its receptors in endocrine cells. This chapter discusses the role of somatostatin receptor translocation from the cell interior to the plasma membrane in regulating target-cell sensitivity to somatostatin. Initially, somatostatin was discovered in high concentrations in the hypothalamus but soon it was localized to the cortex, midbrain, brain stem, spinal cord, sensory ganglia, delta cells of the islets of Langerhans, in gastric and intestinal epithelium, and in parafollicular cells in the thyroid. The widespread and rather ubiquitous distribution of somatostatin suggested a diversity of physiological functions. Subsequent work has confirmed a variety of biological roles for somatostatin, both within the nervous system and in many tissues outside of the brain. The biological action of somatisation is divided into these three major categories: (1) somatostatin's action as neurotransmitter, (2) somatostatin's inhibition of hormone secretion, and (3) somatostatin's inhibition of nonendocrine secretion. Receptors for somatostatin have been discovered in a variety of endocrine and nonendocrine cells. The control mechanisms that allow somatostatin to act on one tissue or at a particular subcellular site or biochemical pathway must be very finely tuned and under very specific regulation.
Adam, Linnaeus, and Lexicography:

According to the Bible, the categorisation of nature is as old as humankind (Gen 2.19-20). The modern binominal nomenclature system was pioneered by Carl Linnaeus and is now universally used. Trans...
Machine Learning and Information Retrieval

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of machine learning and information retrieval (IR). The basic processes of IR include query representation, object representation, and retrieval. A number of models of these processes have been developed and used as the basis of system implementations. Examples are the vector space model and probabilistic models for retrieval, and the 2-Poisson model for indexing. Given an understanding of these processes and how they are used in practice, the opportunities for using learning techniques become clearer. The learning techniques are interpreted broadly to include Markov models, clustering, regression, and other techniques from pattern recognition, and more traditional approaches such as neural networks, genetic algorithms, and decision trees. Each of these techniques has been applied to some aspect of IR with varying degrees of success. Examples include stochastic part of speech taggers, relevance feedback based on neural networks, learning document representations using genetic algorithms, learning probability estimation functions, and clustering used to transform the representation space.
Application of Reference Models in Technology Management

Reference models, sometimes called with other different words, prepare a general model from a specific view of the related environment. Reference models are considered as a basic foundation to create: 1) a common language among specialists 2) a reference for the entities such as processes 3) relationships among entities 4) tools and decision making procedures for the real world. In this report, it's tried the definitions of reference model in the selected papers have been reviewed. It's noticeable that in many papers the term of framework is used instead of reference model. Also, applications of reference models are reviewed and finally future studies are suggested.
Zinc and Its Transporters, Pancreatic β-Cells, and Insulin Metabolism

Zinc is an essential trace metal for life. Two families of zinc transporters, SLC30A (ZNT) and SLC39A (ZIP) are required for maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis. ZNTs function to decrease cytoplasmic zinc concentrations whereas ZIPs do the opposite. Expression of zinc transporters can be tissue/cell-type specific or ubiquitous. Zinc transporters that are limited in tissue/cell distributions usually perform specialized tasks to satisfy biological processes in a given cell. For example, ZNT8 is mainly expressed in β-cells and functions to deliver zinc into granules for insulin maturation and secretion. Many other zinc transporters are also expressed in β-cells. Defects in these zinc transporters have been associated with abnormalities in insulin synthesis, maturation, and secretion and subsequent glucose metabolism. This review focuses on the specific roles of zinc and its transporters in insulin metabolism and describes the current knowledge of the function of zinc transporters in β-cell health in animal knockout mouse models with respect to diabetes development in humans.
Behavioral Outcomes of Specialized Psychiatric Hospitalization in the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC): A Multisite Comparison

Psychiatric hospitalization of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is relatively common and occurs at a higher rate than in non-ASD youth. This study compared changes in the severity of serious problem behaviors in 350 youth with ASD enrolled in the autism inpatient collection during and after hospitalization in six specialized child psychiatry units. There was a significant reduction in serious problem behaviors from admission (aberrant behavior checklist—irritability subscale M = 29.7, SD 9.6) to discharge (M = 15.0, SD 10.3) and 2-month follow-up (M = 19.3, SD 10.3). Between discharge and 2-month follow-up, tantrum-like behaviors but not self-injurious behaviors increased slightly. Improvement in the severity of problem behaviors was not uniform across sites, even after controlling for measured site differences.
Frantz Fanon: An African Reading of Hegel

This chapter analyzes the response to Hegel’s views on Africa by postcolonial theorists, focusing on Frantz Fanon. It shows how Fanon effectively rewrites Hegel’s master-slave dialectic, and how the Hegelian notion of recognition is central to both Fanon’s account of the “black man” as a construction of “white” ideology, and his political agenda for achieving humanity in a necessarily reciprocal fashion. Fanon provides a transition to the next section of the book inasmuch as he makes a connection between the imperialistic and Eurocentric nature of Hegel’s dialectic and the institution of slavery.
Three-dimensional transient flows past plates translating near a wall

Abstract Large eddy simulations are conducted to investigate transient three-dimensional flows past arrays of finite plates translating in the vicinity of a wall. Flows around a single plate are examined for a wide range of wall distances at a Reynolds number based on plate height of 50,000. The drag coefficient decreases rapidly when the plate is placed very close to the wall; it reaches a maximum at an intermediate distance and it asymptotes to the value corresponding to unconfined flows as the gap between the wall and the plate is increased. The reduction in drag coefficient is directly related to the pressure drop caused by vortices generated upstream of the plate induced by the close proximity of the wall. Temporal and spatial characteristics of flows past arrays of yawed plates are examined for the wall distance ratio of 1.5 and the spacing ratios of 2.5 and 5. Drag coefficient of the plates is larger than those placed away from the wall. With suitable spacing the wall proximity effects result in an increase of drag force exerted on the plates. The present study aids in optimizing marine energy harvesting systems that have blades translating beneath ocean platforms or floating river docks.
CXCR4 blockade at the end of irradiation to improve local control of glioblastoma (GBM).

2019Background: Based on preclinical work identifying an important role for the CXCL12 (SDF1)/CXCR4 chemokine axis in reestablishing vascularity after irradiation of GBM, we launched a Phase I/II s...
T $^\star$ : Time-Optimal Risk-Aware Motion Planning for Curvature-Constrained Vehicles

This letter addresses the time-optimal risk-aware motion planning problem for curvature-constrained variable-speed vehicles in the presence of obstacles. To the best of our knowledge, this problem has not been solved. To obtain a feasible solution, we present a grid-based method, called T $^\star$ , which computes the time-optimal risk-aware path by finding the optimal sequence of vehicle states from the start to the goal with the minimum total cost of time and risk. We propose a novel risk function based on the concept of collision time, which utilizes the complete information of the vehicle state, including its location with respect to obstacles, heading angle, and speed. We also propose a state pruning technique that can significantly reduce the computational complexity. The algorithm was validated in simulations of complex obstacle-rich scenarios, and the resulting paths are shown to be superior than the Dubins paths.
Gadolinium to the rescue for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

IntroductionMechanical thrombectomy in the setting of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requires cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA), typically performed with iodinated contrast medium. We pre...
Sustainable heritage development in the South African Cederberg

Abstract The small-scale producers of Wupperthal reside in a historic mission outpost at the geographical origin for Rooibos tea. Drawing from their experience, this article identifies three features of sustainable heritage development: legacy, enterprise, and resilience. First, I document the formation of Wupperthal and its tradition of artisanal production. Second, I show how farmers have sought to diversify enterprise by investing in fair trade and organic tea certifications, ecotourism, and the production of handcrafted goods. Third, I demonstrate the centrality of ecological and cultural values to the resilience of Wupperthal's mixed race 'coloured' population. These findings affirm coloured claims to Rooibos terroir, challenging a discourse that either equates heritage with idealized notions of indigeneity or that fails to recognize marginalized interests. I conclude by arguing that sustainable heritage development offers potential for reducing economic vulnerability and embracing racial diversity in postcolonial terroirs like Rooibos, but note the need for coordinated certification assistance as well as a commitment to the restorative justice principles embedded in South Africa's heritage agenda.
Functionalization of silica gel by ultrasound-assisted surface Suzuki coupling

Abstract Mesoporous silica gel was functionalized by various organic functional groups using thiol-ene coupling of surface thiol groups with 4-vinylphenylboronic acid followed by Suzuki coupling with aromatic halides. For better performance, the synthesis was conducted under sonication. The presence of surface functional groups was confirmed by thermoanalysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and characteristic reactions of these groups. Solid-phase conditions of the synthesis eliminate the risk of side reactions of boronic acids.
A review of pollutants emissions in various pressure gain combustors

Recent years have witnessed a significant growth in the advancement and study of various unsteady combustors because of the prospective stagnation pressure gain offered by them. The pressure gain c...
The use of insulin lispro in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

The incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents are increasing around the world,along with the suboptimal glucose control and higher incidence of long-term chronic complications during adulthood.Achieving good glycemic control and avoiding brain function damages induced by hypoglycemia are important when treating type 1 diabetes.Insulin lispro,a rapid-acting insulin used either alone or in combination with basal insulin analogue,can be effective,safety,and flexible. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 1 ; Children ; Adolescents ; Insulin lispro
The Role of DOT1L Methyltransferase Activity in Fetal Hematopoiesis

ABSTRACT Early mammalian erythropoiesis requires the DOT1L methyltransferase. We demonstrated that loss of DOT1L in mutant mice resulted in lethal anemia during midgestation. The molecular mechanisms by which DOT1L regulates embryonic erythropoiesis have not yet been elucidated. In this study, a methyltransferase mutant mouse line (Dot1L-MM) was generated to determine whether the methyltransferase activity of DOT1L is essential for erythropoiesis. Dot1L-MM mice displayed embryonic lethality between embryonic days 10.5 and 13.5, similar to Dot1lL knockout (Dot1L-KO) mice. However, when examined at E10.5, unlike the Dot1L-KO, Dot1L-MM embryos did not exhibit evidence of anemia. In ex vivo hematopoietic differentiation cultures, Dot1L-KO and Dot1L-MM yolk sac (YS) cells both formed reduced numbers of myeloid, and mixed hematopoietic colonies. Erythroid colonies were able to be formed in numbers equal to wildtype embryos. Extensively self-renewing erythroblast (ESRE) cultures were established using YS cells from E10.5 embryos. Dot1L-KO and Dot1L-MM cells expanded significantly less than wild-type cells and exhibited increased cell death. Strikingly, Dot1L-KO and Dot1L-MM cells of YS origin exhibited profound genomic instability, implicating DOT1L methyltransferase activity in maintenance of the genome as well as viability of hematopoietic progenitors. Our results indicate that the methyltransferase activity of DOT1L plays an important role early murine hematopoiesis.
Current advancements in polymer/polymer matrix composites for dental implants: A systematic review

Abstract Application of polymer and polymeric composite materials in dental implant has shown a drastic increase due to their added advantages. Since dental implant material has been limited to continuous usage of metal/composites, but it possesses certain limitations urging the researchers to find a substitute to the orthodox dental implants. With surface and bulk alterations done polymer materials can be regarded as a futuristic substitute for conventional materials with induction of promising properties like less weight than metals. With the further addition of nano-fillers and reinforcements, biocompatibility and bioactivity shows significant improvement. This review document assess the various articles published in the domain of polymer materials which have been tested in various scenarios of in-vivo and in-vitro conditions, which are supported by several laboratory observations recorded providing concrete evidence of possible usage in dental applications. Tests mentioned for these materials includes biocompatibility, strength and Finite element analysis in predicting the properties of the polymer/polymer Composites.
Dynamically solving the μ/B μ problem in gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking

We provide a simple solution to the {mu}/B{sub {mu}} problem in the gauge-mediated Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. In this model the messenger sector contains one pair of 3+{bar 3} and one pair of 2+{bar 2} messengers. These two messenger pairs couple to different gauge singlets in the hidden sector in which supersymmetry (SUSY) is broken. Such a gauge-mediation structure can naturally arise in many backgrounds. Because of the two effective SUSY breaking scales / in the messenger sector, the renormalization group evolutions of the soft SUSY breaking parameters can be properly modified, leading to a negative enough singlet soft mass square m{sub N}{sup 2}({Lambda}{sub EW}) and hence reasonable {mu}/B{sub {mu}} values. In most of the perturbative (up to the GUT scale) parameter region, as a result, the electroweak scale is stabilized and phenomenologically interesting mass spectra of particles and superparticles are obtained. In addition, this model favors large values of tan {beta}: 5 {approx} 50 and a heavy scalar spectrum. With the relatively large tan {beta}, the light U(1){sub R} pseudoscalar (mainly appearing in the low-scale gauge-mediated SUSY breaking models) becomes extremely singlet-like, and is no longer a problem in this model. These features apply to all casesmore » of low-, intermediate- and high-scale gauge-mediated SUSY breaking.« less
Data Driven Sparse Error Correction for PMU Measurements under GPS Spoofing Attacks

We present a data-driven approach to correct PMU measurements that were possibly perturbed by GPS spoofing attacks. The proposed approach leverages a low-dimensional representation of PMU data vectors as well as the sparse nature of GPS spoofing attacks whereby only a small fraction of PMUs are subject to attacks. We first present a principal component analysis (PCA) of PMU data vectors and demonstrate its capability to identify a low-dimensional subspace of legitimate PMU data vectors using real-life PMU data vectors. Then, we present a sparse error correction approach wherein we leverage the PCA subspace or legitimate PMU data vectors to identify and correct sparse phase angle biases introduced by the spoofing attacks. Using real-life PMU measurements from a US grid, we demonstrate that with a proper choice of PCA dimension, the proposed approach can effectively mitigate spoofing attacks. By formulating the problem as a compressive sensing problem, we provide insights on how the choice of PCA dimension affects the performance.
Skin strata delineation in reflectance confocal microscopy images using recurrent convolutional networks with attention.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an effective non-invasive tool for cancer diagnosis. However, acquiring and reading RCM images requires extensive training and experience, and novice clinicians exhibit high discordance in diagnostic accuracy. Quantitative tools to standardize image acquisition could reduce both required training and diagnostic variability. To perform diagnostic analysis, clinicians collect a set of RCM mosaics (RCM images concatenated in a raster fashion to extend the field view) at 4–5 specific layers in skin, all localized in the junction between the epidermal and dermal layers (dermal-epidermal junction, DEJ), necessitating locating that junction before mosaic acquisition. In this study, we automate DEJ localization using deep recurrent convolutional neural networks to delineate skin strata in stacks of RCM images collected at consecutive depths. Success will guide to automated and quantitative mosaic acquisition thus reducing inter operator variability and bring standardization in imaging. Testing our model against an expert labeled dataset of 504 RCM stacks, we achieved $$88.07\%$$ classification accuracy and nine-fold reduction in the number of anatomically impossible errors compared to the previous state-of-the-art.
Colleagues Meeting to Promote and Sustain Satisfaction (COMPASS) Groups for Physician Well-Being: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract Objective To evaluate physician small groups to promote physician well-being in a scenario with provided discussion topics but without trained facilitators, and for which protected time was not provided but meal expenses were compensated. Participants and Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 125 practicing physicians in the Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between October 2013 and October 2014 with subsequent assessment of organizational program implementation. Twelve biweekly self-facilitated discussion groups involving reflection, shared experience, and small-group learning took place over 6 months. Main outcome measures included meaning in work, burnout, symptoms of depression, quality of life, social support, and job satisfaction assessed using validated metrics. Results At 6 months after completion of the intervention (12 months from baseline), the rate of overall burnout had decreased by 12.7% (31/62 to 19/51) in the intervention arm versus a 1.9% increase (25/61 to 24/56) in the control arm (P Conclusion Self-facilitated physician small-group meetings improved burnout, depressive symptoms, and job satisfaction. This intervention represents a low-cost strategy to promote important dimensions of physician well-being. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04466423
How Online Fraud Victims are Targeted in China: A Crime Script Analysis of Baidu Tieba C2C Fraud:

E-commerce is the practice of purchasing, selling, transferring, and exchanging goods, services, or information through the Internet, a computer, and/or other devices. With the development of e-com...
Dynamic Ride-Matching for Large-Scale Transportation Systems:

Efficient dynamic ride-matching (DRM) in large-scale transportation systems is a key driver in transport simulations to yield answers to challenging problems. Although the DRM problem is simple to ...
Toward Safe Decision-Making via Uncertainty Quantification in Machine Learning

The automation of safety-critical systems is becoming increasingly prevalent as machine learning approaches become more sophisticated and capable. However, approaches that are safe to use in critical systems must account for uncertainty. Most real-world applications currently use deterministic machine learning techniques that cannot incorporate uncertainty. In order to place systems in critical infrastructure, we must be able to understand and interpret how machines make decisions. This need is so that they can provide support for human decision-making, as well as the potential to operate autonomously. As such, we highlight the importance of incorporating uncertainty into the decision-making process and present the advantages of Bayesian decision theory. We showcase an example of classifying vehicles from their acoustic recordings, where certain classes have significantly higher threat levels. We show how carefully adopting the Bayesian paradigm not only leads to safer decisions, but also provides a clear distinction between the roles of the machine learning expert and the domain expert.
Impact of inhaled oxygen on reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage during spontaneous ventilation in a murine model of acute renal ischemia and reperfusion

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 10% of patients following major surgery and is independently associated with extra-renal organ injury, development of chronic kidney disease, and death. Perioperative renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) contributes to AKI by, in part, increasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leading to oxidative damage. Variations in inhaled oxygen may mediate some aspects of IR injury by affecting tissue oxygenation, ROS production, and oxidative damage. We tested the hypothesis that provision of air (normoxia) compared to 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) during murine renal IR affects renal ROS production and oxidative damage. Methods: We administered 100% oxygen or air to 8-9 week-old FVB/N mice and performed dorsal unilateral nephrectomy with contralateral renal ischemia/reperfusion surgery while mice spontaneously ventilated. We subjected mice to 30 minutes of ischemia and 30 minutes of reperfusion prior to sacrifice. We obtained an arterial blood gas (ABG) by performing sternotomy and left cardiac puncture. We stained the kidney with pimonidazole, a marker of tissue hypoxia; 4-HNE, a marker of ROS-production; and measured F 2 -isoprostanes in homogenized tissue to quantify oxidative damage. Results: Hyperoxia during IR increased arterial oxygen content compared to normoxia, but both groups of mice were hypoventilating at the time of ABG sampling. Renal tissue hypoxia following reperfusion was similar in both treatment groups. ROS production was similar in the cortex of mice (3.8% area in hyperoxia vs. 3.1% in normoxia, P=0.19) but increased in the medulla of hyperoxia-treated animals (6.3% area in hyperoxia vs. 4.5% in nomoxia, P=0.02). Renal F 2 -isoprostanes were similar in treatment groups (2.2 pg/mg kidney in hyperoxia vs. 2.1 pg/mg in normoxia, P=0.40). Conclusions: Hyperoxia during spontaneous ventilation in murine renal IR did not appear to affect renal hypoxia following reperfusion, but hyperoxia increased medullary ROS production compared to normoxia. Key Words: kidney, AKI, oxygen, ischemia, reperfusion, oxidative damage, organ injury, normoxia, hyperoxia, hypoxia, FIO2, murine
The Merchant Republics: Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, 1648–1790

Introduction: a tale of three cities 1. A topographical perspective 2. Political dynamics and dilemmas 3. Discord 4. Merchants and republicans 5. Virtuous commerce 6. Virtue bankrupt Conclusion.
A Model and Simulation of the Decay of Isolated Nanoscale Surface Features

We describe the decay of isolated features (circular islands) on generic surfaces through models and simulations. A continuum model based on the Gibbs-Thomson relation is presented which provides the framework for understanding the time evolution of isolated nanoscale islands on surfaces. The assumptions of the continuum model are tested through Monte Carlo simulations of island decay and are found to be valid down to very small island sizes. Quantitative comparisons are made between the results of the simulations and the continuum model, providing insights into the relationship between continuum and microscopic parameters.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Multiple Sclerosis Progression (P2.212)

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between BMI and MS progression as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), MRI new lesions, relapse rate, and the Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25FW). Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease leading to loss of function and disability. MS and obesity are both considered inflammatory diseases, and might be linked through pathophysiological processes. The relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and MS progression is unknown. Methods: Subjects were identified through age, gender, race, and disease duration and followed retrospectively for 5 years. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the baseline BMI and MS progression: disability, new MRI lesions, relapse rate, and T25FW (n=150). Results: The mean age was 45.5 years, 79 [percnt] were females and the mean BMI was 27. The odds of having increased EDSS by at least 1 point in obese patients with mild disability was 8 times greater than those with normal BMI (p=.017). The odds of having new brain MRI lesions was 6.2 times greater in overweight subjects (p<.0001) and 2.6 times greater in obese subjects (p=.048) than in subjects with normal BMI. The odds of having at least 1 relapse in 5 years was 3.8 times (p=.040) in obese subjects than non-obese. The odds of having 20[percnt] change on the 25-foot walk was 1.1 (p=.047) times for each increase of one unit of the baseline BMI. Blacks had 5 times greater odds to have higher disability (p=.015) than Whites, and current smokers had 5 times greater odds to have increased disability than never smokers (p=.03). Conclusions: BMI may have an important role in MS outcomes. Assessment and addressing a plan of care with dietary guidelines and weight control programs for patients with MS may aid in minimizing the progression of the disease. Disclosure: Dr. Ben-Zacharia has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva, Genzyme, Questcor, and Novartis as a consultant.
Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: an Analysis of Risk Factors and Cost.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), yet it remains incompletely understood. The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) in 2007 defined a three-tiered grading system to standardize studies of DGE. In this study, 721 patients undergoing PD between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively categorized by the ISGPS DGE criteria, as well as a modified grading system (termed primary DGE) if, on retrospective review, DGE was not believed to be a sequela of a separate complication. Predictive factors and associated outcomes were determined. ISGPS-defined DGE occurred in 140 (19.4 %) patients. In a multivariate analysis, predictors of ISGPS-defined DGE included abdominal infection (odds ratio (OR) 5.5, p < 0.001), male gender (OR 1.92, p = 0.007), smoking history (OR 1.75 p = 0.033), and periampullary adenocarcinoma (OR 1.66, p = 0.041). Primary DGE occurred in 12.2 % of patients. Predictors included abdominal infection (OR 3.15, p < 0.001) and smoking history (OR 2.04, p = 0.008). Median hospital charges increased over $10,000 with each severity grade of DGE (p < 0.001). DGE is common after PD and contributes substantially to cost. DGE is frequently a secondary complication of abdominal infection, and interventions that limit such complications may be the most effective strategy toward preventing DGE.
Comparative studies of the specificities of α-chymotrypsin and subtilisin BPN′. Studies with flexible and ‘locked’ substrates

A series of arylalkanoate esters and α-acetamidoarylalkanoate esters were tested as substrates for α-chymotrypsin and subtilisin BPN′. Chymotrypsin hydrolysed N-acetyl-l-phenylalanine methyl ester and methyl 4-phenylbutyrate faster than their respective higher and lower homologues, whereas methyl 2-acetamido-6-phenylhexanoate and methyl 6-phenylhexanoate were better substrates for subtilisin than their lower homologues. N-Acetyl-l-tryptophan methyl ester and its analogue, N-acetyl-3-(1-naphthyl)-alanine methyl ester, were hydrolysed 23 times faster by chymotrypsin than by subtilisin. These results indicate that the binding site of α-chymotrypsin is roughly 1.1nm (11A) long and curved, whereas that of subtilisin is a longer system and less curved. The stereo-specificity during the hydrolysis of typical substrates by both enzymes was found to vary over a wide range. The enhancing effect of the α-acetamido group in the l-series of substrates and the detrimental effect in the d-series of substrates also varies considerably.
Human secretory component. NH2-terminal amino acid sequences and peptide maps of the form occurring in exocrine immunoglobulin A and the free form.

Abstract Secretory component is found either covalently linked to exocrine immunoglobulin A or in a free form unassociated with other protein. Previous work has demonstrated considerable similarities between the two forms in terms of size, composition, and antigenic determinants. The comparison has now been extended to the primary structure of bound and free secretory components obtained from human colostrum. Their tryptic peptide maps are similar; the amino acid sequences of the first 14 residues, as determined by an automated sequenator, are identical; and they show no structural homologies with any other proteins. The data support the concept that secretory component is a unique protein species, a fraction of which forms a complex specifically with immunoglobulin A.
Collaborative Approach: Peer-to-Patent and the Open Source Movement

The patenting of software has increased significantly. Regardless of any personal bias as to the existence of software patents, it is a trend that is unlikely to end anytime soon. As a result, the open source movement may be threatened by the proliferation of non-meritorious or overly broad patents. Peer-to-Patent provides a means for mitigating the limitations that may be placed upon the open source community by software patents, as the program allows the open source community to participate in the peer review of pending patent applications. Members of the open source community are knowledgeable, interested parties with a unique stake in the software patent debate and thus are capable of making a significant contribution to improving the current system.
Empathy and Effortful Control Effects on Early Adolescents’ Aggression: When Do Students’ Perceptions of Their School Climate Matter?

Guided by the social emotional learning framework, this study examined whether early adolescents’ social awareness (empathic concern, perspective taking) and self-management (effortful control) would uniquely contribute to early adolescents’ subsequent forms of aggression, and whether perceptions of their school climate (friction, cohesion, competition, satisfaction with classes) would moderate those associations. Participants were 479 10- to 14-year old students (54% female; 78% European American) who completed the first wave of a survey in sixth and seventh grades and the second wave 1 year later. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that across gender, empathic concern was the only competency to reduce subsequent overt and relational aggression. None of the school climate perceptions made unique contributions to aggression, nor did they show protective functions. Rather, several instances of cumulative advantage were observed, whereby positive school climate perceptions only reduced aggression fo...
The Structure and Passivation Effects of Double-Positioning Twin Boundaries in CdTe

Using the combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, first-principles density-functional total-energy calculations, and image simulations, we studied the atomic structure and passivation effects of double-positioning (DP) twin boundaries in CdTe. The DP twin boundaries are found to contain more Te dangling bonds than Cd dangling bonds, resulting in energy states in the bandgap that are detrimental to the electronic properties of CdTe. We found that I, Br, Cl, S, and O atoms present passivation effects on the DP twin boundaries to differing degrees, whereas H does not passivate the boundaries. Of all these impurities, I and Cl atoms present the best passivation effects on the DP twin boundaries. The superior passivation effects are realized by either terminating the Cd atoms with dangling bonds, or substituting the Te atoms with dangling bonds in the DP twin boundaries in CdTe by Cl and I atoms.
Effect of amount, size, and spatial distribution of intermetallics on incipient localization during plastic deformation

Virtual microstructures having a systematic variation of amount, mean size, standard deviation of size, and spatial arrangement of intermetallics have been synthesized, and their deformation behavior in uniaxial tension has been evaluated using finite element analysis. Four spatial arrangements of intermetallics have been considered in this work, namely: random, clustered, and two-ordered structures. Various mathematical quantities have been developed to quantify the severity of deformation including plastic work density distribution (PWDD), percentile work-density volume criterion (PWC), and percentile stress volume criterion (PSC). This approach eliminates the need for an external trigger in FEA to achieve localization. The method developed has led to a better understanding of the effect of different microstructural attributes on the process of deformation. This has resulted in guidelines for optimizing the microstructure to minimize material damage and thereby maximize ductility.
Finite range survival model

Abstract This article presents an attempt to develop and characterize a new finite range model for survival analysis, which has all the properties of a p.d.f. It can be used both as an increasing failure rate (IFR) or a decreasing failure rate (DFR), depending upon the choice of its shape parameter, i.e., less than or greater than unity, respectively. Other forms of the model for system lives and acceleration modelling are also provided. Two data sets are provided where the model is found fit.
Hepatic Amyloidosis (Primary (AL), Immunoglobulin Light Chain): The Natural History in 80 Patients

Abstract Purpose: We wished to study patients with a premortem diagnosis of primary hepatic amyloidosis to determine what clinical and laboratory features might assist in recognizing the disease and assessing prognosis. Patients and methods: A group of 80 patients with liver biopsy proven primary hepatic amyloidosis was followed from diagnosis to death. Results: At presentation, 77 percent of the group had an associated nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure, peripheral neuropathy, or orthostatic hypotension. Certain clues suggested the diagnosis of hepatic amyloidosis in patients with liver disease, including the following: (1) proteinuria (88 percent); (2) abnormal serum protein electrophoresis (monoclonal protein or hypogammaglobulinemia, 64 percent); (3) hyposplenism on the peripheral blood smear (62 percent), defined by the presence of Howell-Jolly bodies; and (4) hepatomegaly disproportional to the liver enzyme abnormalities. Liver function tests were not sensitive or specific. Hepatomegaly from amyloid was frequently seen, with normal levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin (32 percent). Myeloma was diagnosed in 11 patients but had no effect on the clinical course. In vitro coagulation abnormalities were common, bleeding was infrequent, and liver biopsy carried a slightly increased risk. The median survival of the entire group was nine months, and projected five- and 10-year survival rates were 13 and 1 percent, respectively. Conclusion: Because survival is poor and no clinical features permit prospective recognition of those patients in whom the disease is likely to have an indolent course, a trial of therapy is warranted in all patients.
Direct imaging of the twin QSOs 0957 + 561 A and B: the gravitational lens interpretation

Recent observations have indicated that the twin quasistellar objects 0957+561 A and B might be images produced by a gravitational lens. New direct observations are presented, including the probable detection of an object between the two quasistellar objects. The implications of these observations for the nature of the twin quasistellar objects are discussed.
Sexual Risk Behavior of HIV-Positive Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Role of Partner Serostatus and Partner Type

This study examined the role of partner serostatus and partner type in relation to the sexual risk behaviors and disclosure practices of HIV-positive methamphetamine (meth)-using men who have sex with men (MSM). The sample consisted of 132 HIV-positive meth-using MSM who reported having both serodiscordant (i.e., HIV-negative and unknown serostatus) and seroconcordant (i.e., HIV-positive) partners. HIV-positive meth-using MSM engaged in significantly fewer acts of anal sex with serodiscordant partners as compared to seroconcordant partners. However, mean levels of unprotected anal and oral sex were high, and mean levels of protected sex were low for both seroconcordant and serodiscordant partners. Oral sex was practiced twice as often as anal sex; however, both types of sex were primarily unprotected. This pattern of risky sexual behavior was reported for steady, casual, and anonymous partners, regardless of partner serostatus. Despite high rates of unprotected sex, rates of HIV serostatus disclosure were consistently high for HIV-positive and HIV-negative steady, casual, and anonymous partners. However, rates of disclosure to unknown serostatus partners were low, particularly in relation to anonymous partners. Future research should address the reasons why HIV-positive meth-using MSM engage in risky sexual activity with serodiscordant partners, and HIV prevention programs for this population should emphasize the risks associated with unprotected sex with seroconcordant partners.
New Instrumentation for Roof Bolt Load Measurement

The disadvantages of using torque readings to estimate point-anchored bolt loads have long made it desirable to find an alternate technique that would provide high accuracy at low cost per bolt and not disturb the anchorage. Bureau of Mines research efforts to use electronic means to meet these goals are detailed. A brief history of the techniques considered is presented. Details of the electronic and mechanical development needed to apply this technology to mine roof bolts are presented. Laboratory and field results are illustrated. Current applications potential applications, and limitations are discussed. An instrument that at the present stage of research appears to have the potential to make the desired measurement is discussed.
Opioids can enhance and inhibit the electrically evoked release of methionine-enkephalin.

Abstract The stimulated (40 Hz) release of enkephalin from the myenteric plexus can be modulated by multiple types of opiate receptor. The direction of the modulation is not fixed but is bimodal. Both an inhibition and an enhancement of evoked release is observed depending on the concentration of opioid agonist that is used. Each of these effects can be antagonized by naloxone. Following pretreatment of guinea pig myenteric plexus in vitro with forskolin (0.5 μM) or the lipid soluble cAMP analog 8-(4-chlophenyltion)_cAM (8-CPT-cAMP; 100 μM) the inhibition of stimulated Met-enkephalin release that is produced by sufentanil (10 −8 M), [ d -Pen 2 - d -Pen 5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE, 10 −8 M) or dynorphin (10 −7 M) is no longer observed. On the contrary, in forskolin- or 8-CPT-cAMP treated plexus a previoulsy inhibitory concentration of the above opioids now produces an enhancement of the magnitude of the stimulated Met-enkephalin release. Excitatory responses (enhanced release) to lower concentrations of sufentanil (1 nM) or DPDPE (5 nM) are not affected by pretreatment with the same concentration of forskolin or 8-CPT-cAMP. These data suggest that the ability of opioids to enhance or inhibit evoked enkephalin release is mediated via different biochemical processes (separate second messenger systems). This could imply that the opioid enhancement of enkephalin release is due to a direct facilitation of release and not to disinhibition. The ability of opioids to enhance the release of at least some neurotransmitters should be taken into account when attempting to explain the physiological sequelae of the acute and chronic effects of narcotics.
Market Differentiation Strategies for Church Growth

Abstract Virtually all marketing scholars agree that a first step in developing a marketing strategy is to develop a clear focus on who the customer is. This is one of the most basic steps in effective marketing, an absolute necessity to successfully implementing the other aspects of a marketing strategy. It is equally important for congregations to clearly define their “customers” and tie their efforts to meeting the needs of the specific set of “customers” selected. The current paper argues that a “market differentiation strategy” (sometimes called “multiple segment strategy”) is the only viable customer selection strategy for most congregations. The reasons for this being so are discussed. The current paper also discusses the issues that must be addressed and possible approaches that might be taken in implementing a market differentiation strategy.
Perturbation of β1 integrin function using anti-sense or function-blocking antibodies on corneal cells grown on fibronectin and tenascin

During corneal development, neural crest derivatives from the periocular mesenchyme migrate into the cornea and differentiate into corneal fibroblasts. During this time, these cells interact with a variety of extracellular matrices for proper orientation and development. In the present studies, we have examined the interaction of β1 integrins on periocular mesenchyme cells (POM) and corneal fibroblasts (CF) with fibronectin and tenascin by perturbing the function of this integrin. POM and CF attached and spread to a much greater extent on fibronectin than on tenascin. An antibody against β1 integrin, CSAT, decreased spreading and attachment, and resulted in a lack of immuno-detectable β1 integrin in focal adhesions on fibronectin; few β1 positive focal adhesions were observed in cells grown on tenascin. An anti-sense retroviral construct decreased endogenous levels of β1 integrin protein, and caused decreased attachment and spreading as well as sparse, disorganized focal adhesions. These data indicate that in vitro, both POM and CF have β1 integrins that interact with fibronectin and allow them to attach and spread, while tenascin is anti-adhesive. Further studies using both of these experimental paradigms will clarify whether these interactions also occur in vivo.
In the political orbit

Journey Into Space: The First Thirty Years of Space Exploration. by Bruce Murray. W. W. Norton: 1989. Pp 381. $19.95. To be published in Britain in February, £14.95.
Subjective Well-Being and Desire Satisfaction

Abstract There is a large literature in empirical psychology studying what psychologists call ‘subjective well-being’. Only limited attention has been given to these results by philosophers who study what we call ‘well-being’. In this paper, I assess the relevance of the empirical results to one philosophical theory of well-being, the desire satisfaction theory. According to the desire satisfaction theory, an individual's well-being is enhanced when her desires are satisfied. The empirical results, however, show that many of our desires are disappointed in the sense that the satisfaction of those desires does not make us any happier. So I develop an argument against the desire theory of well-being on the basis of these empirical results. I then provide a defense of the desire theory based on a careful examination of the measures of subjective well-being used by psychologists. I conclude that the empirical results do not threaten the desire theory of well-being.
Personality and strength-related attitude dimensions: Between and within-person relationships

Abstract Examined personality variables as predictors and moderators of strength-related attitude dimensions (SRAD) using multilevel modeling. Results revealed significant person-level variation in attitude importance, extremity, and ambivalence across attitude objects. Study 1 found the personality variable of need to evaluate (NE) predicted extremity across attitude objects, and finding meaning in life (ML) was predictive of importance across objects. Study 2 revealed that neuroticism and state anxiety were significant predictors of ambivalence across attitude objects. Finally, the NE, the Need for Cognition, and Openness to Experience each moderated the within-person relationship between extremity and ambivalence across objects, with higher values on the individual difference variables being related to stronger within-person relationships. Implications for research on attitude strength and the relationships between personality variables and attitudes are discussed.
The role of polymorphisms in Toll-like receptors and their associated intracellular signaling genes in measles vaccine immunity

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their intracellular signaling molecules play an important role in innate immunity. In this study, we examined associations between polymorphisms in TLR family genes and measles vaccine-specific immune responses. We genotyped 764 subjects (11–22 years old) after two doses of measles vaccine for TLR signaling SNP markers (n = 454). The major alleles of coding SNPs in the TLR2 (rs3804100) and TLR4 (rs5030710) genes were associated with a dose-related increase (660 vs. 892 mIU/ml, p = 0.002) and a dose-related decrease (2,209 vs. 830 mIU/ml, p = 0.001) in measles-specific antibodies, respectively. A significant association was found between lower measles antibody levels and the haplotype ACGGCGAGAAAAGAGAAGAGAGAGAA (p = 0.01) in the MAP3K7 gene. Furthermore, the minor allele of a SNP (rs702966) of the KIAA1542 (IRF7) gene was associated with a dose-related decrease in IFN-γ Elispot responses (38 vs. 26 spot-forming cells per 2 × 105 PBMCs, p = 0.00002). We observed an additional 12 associations (p < 0.01) between coding (nonsynonymous and synonymous) polymorphisms within the TLRs (TLR2, 7, and 8), IKBKE, TICAM1, NFKBIA, IRAK2, and KIAA1542 genes and variations in measles-specific IL-2, IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IFNλ-1, and TNF-α secretion levels. Our data demonstrate that polymorphisms in TLR and other related immune response signaling molecules have significant effects on measles vaccine-associated immune responses. These data help to establish the genetic foundation for immune response variation in response to measles immunization and provide important insights for the rational development of new measles vaccines.