cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in human steroid metabolism.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses steroid metabolism that concern either recent developments in analytic techniques or interpretations of complex endocrine laboratory data. It is frequently pertinent to determine accurately the production rate (PR) of a steroid hormone. “Production rate” is defined as the sum of the glandular secretion of a particular hormone plus all other compounds that contribute to this hormone or to the metabolites measured. In the past, the PR has been approximated or inferred from the measurements of urinary metabolite levels or blood levels. The urinary metabolite levels only approximate actual glandular production because of unpredictable alterations in metabolism, difficulties in hydrolysis of urinary steroid conjugates, and the fact that several precursors can yield the same metabolites. In an attempt to relate steroid blood levels to production rate, variations are produced by circadian rhythms and alterations in metabolic clearance rate. Thus, attention has shifted to the more direct measurement of steroid production rates using isotopic methods.
Effects of population structure on within-group variation in the Jirels of Nepal.

The impact of population structure on phenotypic differentiation is most frequently considered in terms of between-subdivision variation. However the demographic and social structures of a population also induce changes in within-group variation. The authors analyze the intragenerational dynamics of within-group variation for the Jirels a tribal population of eastern Nepal. In this analysis they utilized age- and sex-corrected cranial measures (head length head breadth bizygomatic diameter minimum frontal diameter and head circumference) available for 526 adults ages 15-54. They used a multivariate measure of variance the standardized generalized variance to assess levels of within-village variability quantifying the sampling variance for this statistic by using a jackknife methodology. To generate null expectations of within-group variation the authors used permutation procedures which permit robust testing of significance without distributional assumptions. They also compared the within-birthplace variation in adults to the observed within-residence variation to examine migration effects. Contrary to expectation some villages with high rates of immigration have less variability than those with few migrants. When differences between the sexes at birth are controlled for females in some villages exhibit greater variance than males reflecting known differences in sex-specific dispersal. (authors)
The law of effect and CR contingent modification of the UCS.

A persistent theoretical contention in the American conditioning literature is that Conditional Reflexes (CR) are reinforced through some hidden Thorndikian law of effect. In its most general form, law of effect theories hold that Conditional Reflex-Unconditional Stimulus (UCS) overlap modifies the sensory consequences of the UCS to provide the source of differential reinforcement of CRs. However, consideration of the historical development of law of effect theories reveals they have lacked testability due to the fact that the sources of reinforcement have been alleged to beintrinsically related to the occurrence and topography of CRs. Such a postulated intrinsic relationship has made it difficult to experimentally manipulate the amount of CR-correlated reinforcement, since the source of reinforcement is presumed to be under The Subject’s (S’s) control. Some experiments will be reported in which the relation between CRs and properties of the UCS are madeextrinsic and, accordingly, permit an experimental assessment of law of effect formulations.
Usefulness of surveillance endomyocardial biopsy after pediatric cardiac transplantation

Endomyocardial biopsy remains the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of acute rejection after cardiac transplantation, but few guidelines exist to determine the indications for its use in pediatric cardiac transplant recipients. To determine the usefulness of surveillance endomyocardial biopsy, 176 biopsies were reviewed from 12 patients, aged 0.5-16 (average 9.7) yr, maintained on cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisone immunosuppression, and followed 2.8 -45.5 (average 26.3) months after cardiac transplantation. Children old enough to cooperate (n = 6) underwent biopsy on nine occasions in the first 6 months after transplantation and quarterly thereafter. Children too young to cooperate (n = 6) underwent biopsy with general anesthesia on four occasions in the first 6 months after transplantation and every 6 months thereafter. Additional biopsies were performed as warranted by symptoms or noninvasive tests. A new episode of acute rejection was present in 13 biopsies (7%); continuing or resolving rejection in 19 others (11%). Remaining biopsies had no evidence of rejection (82 biopsies, 47%), had lymphocytic infiltrates insufficient for diagnosis (47 biopsies, 27%), were inadequate for diagnosis (14 biopsies, 8%), or were consistent with ischemia (I biopsy, 0.5%). During the first 6 postoperative months, eight of 101 biopsies were positive for rejection, three occurring on routine surveillance biopsy. After 6 months, five of 75 biopsies showed a new episode of rejection, only one occurring on routine surveillance biopsy. Based on this data, it is concluded that: I) episodes of rejection are relatively uncommon with triple drug immunosuppression; 2) surveillance biopsies in the first 6 months after cardiac transplantation may show unsuspected rejection; and 3) routine surveillance biopsies more than 6 months after cardiac transplantation are unlikely to show rejection in the absence of symptoms or other tests.
Cytokine Responsiveness of Germinal Center B Cells

Because tumors often represent differentiation-arrested stages of normal cell development, the study of tumor cells frequently provides information about their normal cellular counterparts. This is particularly true for lymphoid cells and it is for that reason that, many years ago, we undertook to study the the germinal center (GC) derived lymphomas of SJL mice. The properties of these lymphomas, misnamed “RCS”, are summarized in table 1 and were previously reviewed (Ponzio et al., 1986).
Transport of 3-hydroxy[3-14C]butyrate by dissociated cells from rat brain.

Recent studies suggest that the utilization of oxidizable substrates by the brain may be regulated in part by transport across the plasma membrane. Dissociated brain cells obtained by mechanical disruption of rat brain were used to measure the uptake of 3-hydroxy[3-14C]butyrate. Total uptake revealed two mechanisms (diffusion and a carrier-mediated system). A Lineweaver-Burk plot of the latter component yielded an apparent Km of 1.47 mM and a maximal velocity (Vmax) of 5 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1. The rates of uptake were temperature dependent and were significantly higher at pH 6.2 than at pH 7.4 or 8.2. Preloading the cells and increasing the intracellular concentration of 3-hydroxybutyrate using 12.5 and 25 mM increased the rate of uptake 143 and 206%, respectively, indicative of an accelerative exchange mechanism. Uptake was inhibited approximately 50% by (in mM) 10 phenylpyruvate, 10 alpha-ketoisocaproate, 10 KCN, and 1.5 NaAsO2. Uptake was also decreased by (in mM) 5 lactate, 5 methyl malonic acid, 1 alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, and 1 mersalyl. Dissociated brain cells from 14- to 16-day-old rats accumulated 3-hydroxybutyrate at a rate more than two-fold greater than cells from either younger (2-day-old) or older (28-day-old and adult) animals. These data are consistent with the proposal that 3-hydroxybutyrate is taken up by the brain by both diffusion and a carrier-mediated transport system, and they support the hypothesis that transport at the cellular level contributes to the regulation of substrate utilization by the brain.
[315-POS]: The implacable force theory of eclampsia.

Objectives Eclampsia results from the “cooperation” of three distinct implacable forces: molecular, hydraulic, and gravitational, superimposed upon an anatomically defective uretero-vesicular junction (u.v.j.). Renin is the kidney’s implacable molecule dictating elevated blood pressure (b.p.) to maintain constant filtration pressure. Hydraulic principles within the ”renal excretory compartment” (r.e.c.), Bowman’s capsule to the bladder’s interior, implacably signal renin secreting cells of the juxta-glomerular-apparatus (JGA) to elevate b.p. whenever bladder pressure increases. Gravity acts implacably through the defective u.v.j. to force increased renin release in the third trimester as the baby’s head pounds against the bladder whenever the mother walks. Avoid seizures and premature Caesarian sections; achieve natural birth after nine months gestation. Methods Flawless logic, evaluating contributing factors, like Sir William Harvey’s recirculation of the blood. Eclampsia is worse in developing countries because pregnant poor women work/walk longer during the third trimester, carrying heavy items on their heads; and resting/toileting using squatting positions; greatly exacerbating hydraulic pressure transmission from bladder to JGA. Dissect the JGA to comprehend the pathophysiology of “normal” hypertension: Macula Densa Cells (MDC) of the distal convoluted tubule, where it passes between the glomerular arteries, exist at the mid pressure point of the r.e.c., comparing proximal glomerular pressure to distal bladder pressure. As the bladder fills, MDC direct the JGA’s hormone secreting cells to release renin. Results Table 1. Correlation between systolic blood pressure and subjective sense of bladder urgency as +1., +2., +3., and +4. with this author as the subject. The defective u.v.j. may be either a microscopic gap or merely a weakness in a membrane. No compensation is possible for the molecular and hydraulic forces. Bed rest as compensation for exacerbation by gravity is common in developed counties but difficult for poor women. Conclusions Ironic, incredible, ingenious, imaginative, and intuitive is the conclusion; this condition, “The Disease of Theories,” is solvable with one simple procedure. To defy gravity, the pregnant woman must ambulate on four extremities during the third trimester! Disclosure N. deVera: None.
Structural studies on cyanobacterial photosystem I. Purification and characterization of two low molecular weight polypeptides

The cyanobacterial photosystem, I complex from Synechococcus sp. PCC6301 contains polypeptides of apparent Mr of 70,000, 18,000, 17,700, 16,000 and 10,000. Procedures were developed for the purification of the Mr 17,700 and 10,000 polypeptides. Amino acid analyses showed the absence of cystine and cysteine from these polypeptides. Amino-terminal sequences of 98 residues for the Mr 17,700 polypeptide and of 42 residues for the Mr 10,000 polypeptide were determined. Studies of pigment distribution within the photosystem I complex indicated that the binding of chlorophyll a and β-carotene is in part dependent on the presence of these polypeptides.
Associate Degree Nursing Students' Perceptions of Instructor Caring

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore associate degree nursing students' perceptions of instructor caring, and the relationships between age, employment status, and race/ethnicity with these students' perceptions. Second-year students from five schools in a northwestern state were surveyed using the Nursing Students' Perception of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) instrument. There were positive correlations between students' perceptions and age and race. There were negative correlations between students' perceptions and employment status. There were statistically significant correlations between all the NSPIC scales.
Effect of reactive alloy elements on friction stir welded butt joints of metallurgically immiscible magnesium alloys and steel

Abstract Magnesium alloys (AZ31 and WE43) and steel (316 stainless steel, SS316) were butt welded through friction stir welding. Even though Mg and Fe are metallurgically immiscible, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the welded interface due to the existence of alloying elements in both magnesium alloys and steel. The formation of IMCs among alloying elements and the matrix were verified by thermodynamic and kinetic calculations and microstructural characterization. The elastic modulus mismatch and resultant stress concentration during tensile testing lead to interfacial fracture and the very existence of IMCs impaired dissimilar joint strength due to the brittleness of the IMCs.
Parents' Expectations for and Reactions to Children's Racial Biases.

How do parents think about and react to their children's racial biases? Across three studies (N = 519) we investigated whether and how parents? Internal Motivation to Respond without Prejudice Scale (IMS) predicted standards for their children's race-related behavior, and tested parents? affective reactions to imagining their children violating their standards. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that parents (of 4- to 12-year-old children) with high IMS set more stringent standards for their children's race-related behavior than their low IMS counterparts. Upon considering their children expressing racial bias, high IMS parents reported negative self-directed affect (i.e., guilt; Studies 2 and 3), an affective response that motivates prejudice reduction in adults. The results have implications for involving parents in prejudice interventions targeting children's biases.
Stereospecific Formation of Optically Active 5-Alkyl-4-methyl-3-[(trialkylsilyl)oxy]-2-([(trialkylsilyl)oxy]- methyl)tetrahydrofurans via Diastereoselective Epoxidation and Rearrangement of 5-[(Trialkylsilyl)oxy]-2-alken-1-ols1

A novel method for the synthesis of a series of silyl ethers of 3-(silyloxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-methanols bearing substituents at all four carbon atoms of the ring has been developed. The process inv...
IDPs and IDRs in biomolecular condensates

Abstract Over the last decade, there has been considerable interest in the role of intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions in the formation of nonstoichiometric assemblies. These assemblies have been given various names, including membraneless organelles and biomolecular condensates, and their formation is often described as a biological phase transition. Given that some of these assemblies are highly dynamic and undergo dripping, wetting, and fusion, the physics of liquid-liquid phase separation have been invoked as a putative mechanism for assembly formation and maintenance. In this chapter, we first introduce some general background on biological phase separation and then consider how IDRs may mediate this phenomenon. We will focus on in vitro systems for which sequence effects have been explicitly examined while considering the caveats and limitations of projecting in vitro observations to in vivo phenomena. We finish by considering some additional biophysical and functional topics that have been discussed less explicitly elsewhere.
The role of liver microenvironment in hepatic metastasis.

Metastasis is still poorly understood and thus further research must be conducted to provide insight into the driving factors. Novel research has revealed the significance of the microenvironment in the delegation of metastasis, expanding the field of cancer metastasis to cells and cell environments surrounding the migrated tumor cells. Research on hepatic metastasis is an ever-growing domain of this field, as several primary tumors can metastasize to the liver. The two features within the liver that promote metastasis—cellular and acellular—are found in the current interpretation of liver microenvironment. Novel findings of both are included in this review. Different hypotheses detailing the methods by which metastasis can occur must be included to understand the significance of the microenvironment, as well as a brief overview of the methods that can be used during research. This review aims to highlight the importance of liver microenvironment on the development or potential regression of hepatic metastasis through discussing both acellular and cellular components of liver microenvironment and their interaction with metastasis.
Overcoming Obstacles to Preparing for College

This research study examines the major obstacles low-income rural youth face in preparing to attend college and how to overcome these obstacles through the participation in an Upward Bound program. The data for this study are from a single-site of the regular (“Classic”) Upward Bound program at a public university in a rural New England state and include surveys and interviews with students, guidance counselors, and parents and/or guardians of Upward Bound students. The results of this study indicated that there are two primary barriers that low-income rural students face in preparing for college: financial and social. Students and parents considered applying to the program not only for academic reasons but also for financial and social reasons. Once enrolled in the program, rural students began to benefit academically, financially, and socially. The retention rate at this public university is significantly higher than the national retention rate reported by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Several recommendations for practice for rural Upward Bound programs and high schools serving rural Upward Bound-eligible students are included.
Laparoscopic Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis (IPAA)

This chapter describes the technical aspects of laparoscopic proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis including patient positioning, instrumentation, trocar placement, operating room setup, type of incision, approach, and dissection, resection, and reconstruction steps. The authors also offer pearls and pitfalls.
Crystalglobulin-associated nephropathy presenting as MGRS in a case of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: a case report

Crystalglobulin-associated nephropathy (CAN), a rare subtype of monoclonal gammopathy, usually associated with multiple myeloma and occasionally monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS), is characterized by occluding monoclonal pseudothrombi within renal glomerular capillaries and/or interstitial arterioles. Ultrastructurally, these pseudothrombi are unique for having a crystalline substructure. We describe a case of an adult patient with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and acute renal failure whose kidney biopsy revealed a rare diagnosis of CAN. A 63-year old male presented with a 2-month history of edema, arthralgia and malaise. He had acute kidney injury with hematoproteinuria on urine analysis. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis were both negative. A renal biopsy however revealed features of CAN. Organomegaly, bone pain and lymphadenopathy were absent. A repeat serum electrophoresis was positive for IgA kappa and a free light chain assay showed elevated free kappa light chains. Flow cytometry done subsequently revealed a diagnosis of MBL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) type. CAN in association with MBL/CLL has not been previously described in literature, and our case highlights yet another instance of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) where a small B-cell clone resulted in extensive renal pathology without systemic manifestations.
Is It Me or You? A Team Approach to Mitigate Burnout in Critical Care

Burnout-a combination of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of individual accomplishment-is a serious issue for critical care nurses. Burnout has been examined as an individual's emotional state, but burnout is also a social phenomenon that may spread among colleagues through emotional contagion. Current interventions to reduce burnout are either person directed or organization directed; few interventions focus on the critical care nursing team and their social support and interactions. This article reviews burnout in critical care nursing through the lens of emotional contagion. We offer suggestions for team-based interventions to address burnout in critical care nurses.
Essential Self-adjointness of Magnetic Schrödinger Operators on Locally Finite Graphs

We give sufficient conditions for essential self-adjointness of magnetic Schrodinger operators on locally finite graphs. Two of the main results of the present paper generalize recent results of Torki-Hamza.
The assessment of center of mass and center of pressure during quiet stance: Current applications and future directions

Abstract This perspective article provides a brief review of our understanding of how center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) are traditionally utilized to measure quiet standing and how technological advancements are allowing for measurements to be derived outside the confines of a laboratory setting. Furthermore, this viewpoint provides descriptions of what CoP and CoM outcomes may reflect, a discussion of recent developments in selected balance outcomes, the importance of measuring instantaneous balance outcomes, and directions for future questions/research. Considering the enormous number and cost of falls annually, conclusions drawn from this perspective underscore the need for more cohesive efforts to advance our understanding of balance performance. As we refine the technology and algorithms used to portably assess postural stability, the question of which measurement (i.e. CoP or CoM) to utilize seems to be highly dependent on the question being asked. Further, the complexity of the question appears to span multiple disciplines and cultivate exploration of the intrinsic mechanisms of stability. Recently developed multi-dimensional methods for assessing balance performance may provide additional insight into balance, improving our ability to predict balance impairments and falls outside the laboratory and in the clinic. However, additional work will be necessary to understand the clinical significance and predictive capacity of these outcomes in various fall-prone populations.
Diverse values and benefits of urban sacred natural sites

Abstract Urban sacred natural sites, found globally, are important green spaces that provide cultural and ecological benefits. They are under increasing pressure due to the impacts of urbanization, while at the same time being needed more than ever. They provide both spiritual values as well as ecosystem services such as pollution control. Cases of urban sacred natural sites are presented and compared, ranging from Swayambhu, Nepal to Meiji Jingu, Japan and Ambohimanga, Madagascar to Krakus Mound, Poland. Despite a wide diversity of associated faith traditions, some common features of these sites include sacred species of trees and symbolic boundary markers. Some of the locations have been declared World Heritage Sites, which has resulted in increased tourism. Future conservation efforts should take into account the diversity of managers and associated management systems for these sites, as well as their multiple users, ranging from participants in associated ceremonies to tourists to city residents.
Spinal versus general anesthesia for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: implications on operating room time, pain, and ambulation

OBJECTIVE There has been increasing interest in the use of spinal anesthesia (SA) for spine surgery, especially within Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. Despite the wide adoption of SA by the orthopedic practices, it has not gained wide acceptance in lumbar spine surgery. Studies investigating SA versus general anesthesia (GA) in lumbar laminectomy and discectomy have found that SA reduces perioperative costs and leads to a reduction in analgesic use, as well as to shorter anesthesia and surgery time. The aim of this retrospective, case-control study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS)-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) after administration of SA with those who underwent MIS-TLIF under GA. METHODS Overall, 40 consecutive patients who underwent MIS-TLIF by a single surgeon were analyzed; 20 patients received SA and 20 patients received GA. Procedure time, intraoperative adverse events, postoperative adverse events, postoperative length of stay, 3-hour postanesthesia care unit (PACU) numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, opioid medication, and time to first ambulation were collected for each patient. RESULTS The two groups were homogeneous for clinical characteristics. A decrease in total operating room (OR) time was found for patients who underwent MIS-TLIF after administration of SA, with a mean OR time of 156.5 ± 18.9 minutes versus 213.6 ± 47.4 minutes for patients who underwent MIS-TLIF under GA (p < 0.0001), a reduction of 27%. A decrease in total procedure time was also observed for SA versus GA (122 ± 16.7 minutes vs 175.2 ± 10 minutes; p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found in intraoperative and postoperative adverse events. There was a difference in the mean maximum NRS pain score during the first 3 hours in the PACU as patients who received SA reported a lower pain score compared with those who received GA (4.8 ± 3.5 vs 7.3 ± 2.7; p = 0.018). No significant difference was observed in morphine equivalents received by the two groups. A difference was also observed in the mean overall NRS pain score, with 2.4 ± 2.1 for the SA group versus 4.9 ± 2.3 for the GA group (p = 0.001). Patients who received SA had a shorter time to first ambulation compared with those who received GA (385.8 ± 353.8 minutes vs 855.9 ± 337.4 minutes; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study have pointed to some important observations in this patient population. SA offers unique advantages in comparison with GA for performing MIS-TLIF, including reduced OR time and postoperative pain, and faster postoperative mobilization.
My botnet is bigger than yours (maybe, better than yours): why size estimates remain challenging

As if fueled by its own fire, curiosity and speculation regarding botnet sizes abounds. Among researchers, in the press, and in the classroom--the questions regarding the widespread effect of botnets seem never-ending: what are they? how many are there? what are they used for? Yet, time and time again, one lingering question remains: how big are today's botnets? We hear widely diverging answers. In fact, some may argue, contradictory. The root cause for this confusion is that the term botnet size is currently poorly defined. We elucidate this issue by presenting different metrics for counting botnet membership and show that they lead to widely different size estimates for a large number of botnets we tracked. In particular, we show how several issues, including cloning, temporary migration, and hidden structures significantly increase the difficulty of determining botnet size with any accuracy. Taken as a whole, this paper calls into question speculations about botnet size, and more so, questions whether size really matters.
The usefulness of biomarkers of alcohol abuse in hair and serum carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin: a case report.

The detection of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in serum is widely accepted to identify chronic alcohol consumption over the previous two weeks, but minor ethanol metabolites detected in hair often complete the information obtained. In particular, ethylglucuronide and cocaethylene (a marker of simultaneous intake of cocaine and alcohol) allow correct interpretation of data obtained in forensic cases. We refer to a negative CDT value obtained from a serum sample collected during hospitalization of a man admitted for cardiac arrest who died about 14 h later. Clinical analysis performed on admission showed a high ethanol level and a positive urinary screening for cocaine. The toxicological analyses of post-mortem samples found cocaine metabolites in his urine and blood. The negative CDT level suggested the ethanol concentration at admission to be an acute episode. Cocaine and cocaethylene well above the cut-off suggested by the literature were found in hair analyzed for the entire length (about 1 cm). Ethylglucuronide detected on the same hair sample confirmed chronic abuse of ethanol in the previous month, at least. The present report suggests caution in the interpretation of biomarkers of alcohol abuse, encouraging the detection of more than one marker to avoid misinterpretation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Nasal Reconstruction Using Split Calvarial Grafts

The reconstruction of nasal deformities after trauma or surgical procedures presents an arduous task for the reconstructive surgeon. The anatomic alteration of supporting cartilage and nasal bones, as well as scar formation, compound the difficult nature of this type of reconstruction. In the past, multiple autogenous and alloplastic implants have been used in nasal reconstruction. Autogenous implants include auricular and septal cartilage as well as rib and iliac crest bone grafts. Alloplastic materials include acrylic, supramid mesh, Gortex, and silicone rubber. Autogenous grafts have been shown to provide excellent long-term reliable results in nasal reconstruction. In our study, autogenous split calvarial bone grafts were used in the nasal reconstruction of 17 patients. Among the corrective procedures were dorsal augmentation for saddle-nose deformities, insertion of columella struts for nasal tip ptosis, and insertion of nasal battens for nasal valve collapse. Patient followup has been from 1 to 5 years, with no significant resorption noted during that time. Complications were limited to one seroma at the donor site before wound drains were routinely used. No major complications, including hematoma formation, CSF leak, or infection, have been observed.
Orientation dependence of grain-boundary critical currents in YBa2Cu3O7- delta bicrystals

The critical current densities across grain boundaries have been measured as a function of misorientation angle in the basal plane of bicrystals of $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$. For small misorientation angles, the ratio of the grain-boundary critical current density to the bulk critical current density is roughly proportional to the inverse of the misorientation angle; for large angles, this ratio saturates to a value of about $\frac{1}{50}$. These results imply that achieving a high degree of texture both normal to and within the basal plane is important for the obtaining of very high critical currents in pure polycrystalline samples.
Real-time specular highlight removal using bilateral filtering

In this paper, we propose a simple but effective specular highlight removal method using a single input image. Our method is based on a key observation - the maximum fraction of the diffuse color component (so called maximum diffuse chromaticity in the literature) in local patches in color images changes smoothly. Using this property, we can estimate the maximum diffuse chromaticity values of the specular pixels by directly applying low-pass filter to the maximum fraction of the color components of the original image, such that the maximum diffuse chromaticity values can be propagated from the diffuse pixels to the specular pixels. The diffuse color at each pixel can then be computed as a nonlinear function of the estimated maximum diffuse chromaticity. Our method can be directly extended for multi-color surfaces if edge-preserving filters (e.g., bilateral filter) are used such that the smoothing can be guided by the maximum diffuse chromaticity. But maximum diffuse chromaticity is to be estimated. We thus present an approximation and demonstrate its effectiveness. Recent development in fast bilateral filtering techniques enables our method to run over 200× faster than the state-of-the-art on a standard CPU and differentiates our method from previous work.
Broadband Internet adoption challenge: An investigation of broadband utilization in the United States

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate empirically how broadband has been implemented at the business level and what are the potential adoption benchmarks. Several recent studies have called for the development of frameworks of broadband adoption, particularly at the business level, to help policy makers, communities and businesses with their strategic decision-making process. Design/methodology/approach – This paper opens the discussion by presenting concerns and challenges of Internet adoption. Internet adoption is viewed as the current challenge facing businesses, communities and governments. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) techniques are used to create, analyze and develop Internet adoption models. Findings – Based on the Internet usage data from a number of states across the USA, measurement models are developed using EFA and CFA. The findings indicate that for our sample, a three-factor model is the most appropriate for the representation of Internet adopti...
Rethinking differences and inequality at the age of globalization: A case study of white immigrant domestic workers in the global city of Chicago

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the case of white immigrant women domestics’ experiences in migration to demonstrate that their work experiences are different due to their whiteness. While their racial identity provides them with white privileges, they still face discrimination based on their occupational and immigrant statuses. The case study adds to existing literature on domestic service.Design/methodology/approach – The case study is based on several years of ethnographic work. The author conducted in‐depth interviews with Polish immigrant women and white female employers. The author also held focus groups with Polish women.Findings – White immigrant women from Poland do not automatically assume the white racial identity in the USA. Their whiteness is constructed and reinforced through their interactions with their white female employers. Their whiteness renders their experiences different from racial minority women and immigrant women of color. However, Polish domestics construct their ...
HLA DR-directed bispecific single-chain Fv antibodies for lymphoma therapy

Fc receptors are important for the clinical efficacy of therapeutic antibodies. Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) are immunoglobulin-conjugates with two different binding specifities, targeting tumor antigens and effector cell trigger molecules. BsAb, produced by chemical coupling of one antibody against a tumor cell surface antigen with another against a Fc receptor, mediate effective interactions between effector and target cells.
Transcarboxylase. IX. Parameters effecting dissociation and reassociation of the enzyme.

Abstract Transcarboxylase (E.C.2.1.3.1), a high molecular weight biotin enzyme, dissociates in a complex fashion to inactive subunits. The rate of dissociation is increased by increasing pH and temperature and decreased by increasing concentration of protein and polyvalent anions. The active species exhibits two sedimenting forms of s20,w ∼ 16 and ∼18 S when sedimented at speeds of 50,000 rpm or above. At the same speeds, the subunits formed show s20,w values of ∼12 S and ∼6S. Dissociation in the presence of 20% glycerol is slower and leads to subunits of similar sedimentation coefficients but they behave differently on reassociation. When dissociation occurs at pH 10 a species of s20,w ∼5 S and a smaller component are formed. Small components also arise in urea, dodecyl sulfate or after succinylation. Transcarboxylase which has been inactivated by dissociation can be reassociated with concomitant reactivation. Three methods have been successful: (a) adjustment to pH 5 with acetate buffer, (b) addition of a high concentration of phosphate buffer, and (c) transfer to dilute phosphate buffer at pH 6.8. The latter method has succeeded only with subunits formed in the presence of glycerol and leads to an active species with approximately the same sedimentation coefficient as the native enzyme. Reassociation by any of the methods, with subunits formed in the absence of glycerol leads to an active species of s20,w ∼ 25 S. A 1.3 S biotin-carboxyl carrier subunit is formed during the dissociation but it is not observed in the Schlieren patterns of dissociated enzyme because of its low concentration. By use of transcarboxylase labeled with tritiated biotin and by sucrose density gradient separation of subunits it has been shown that the reassociation does involve the use of the 1.3 S biotin-carboxyl carrier subunit. In addition to inactivation by dissociation, transcarboxylase undergoes a second type of inactivation which occurs when the purified enzyme is stored at -20°. No changes in the sedimentation coefficient or distribution of sedimenting species occur during this type of inactivation. This partially inactive enzyme is reactivated by incubation with 1.5 µ of (NH4)2SO4 at 25°. The enzyme appears to be pressure sensitive. Although it exhibits two forms, ∼16 and ∼18 S, when sedimented at 50,000 rpm, at speeds of 30,000 or 40,000 rpm only one species is observed of s20,w ∼17 S.
Preparation, Characterization, and Oxygenase Activity of a Photocatalytic Artificial Enzyme

A bicyclo[6,1,0]nonyne-substituted 9-mesityl-10-methyl-acridinium cofactor was prepared and covalently linked to a prolyl oligopeptidase scaffold containing a genetically encoded 4-azido-L-phenylalanine residue in its active site. The resulting artificial enzyme catalyzed sulfoxidation when irradiated with visible light in the presence of air. This reaction proceeds by initial electron abstraction from the sulfide within the enzyme active site, and the protein scaffold extended the fluorescence lifetime of the acridium cofactor. The mode of sulfide activation and placement of the acridinium cofactor (5) in POP-ZA4 -5 make this artificial enzyme a promising platform for developing selective photocatalytic transformations.
Correlation of solderability failures of tin-plated parts with dissolved metal build-up in preclean bath

Evaluation of preclean baths that resulted in high solderability failures of tin plated parts revealed that specific gravity measurement and acid-base titration of sulfuric acid (H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/) are still insufficient to assess the effectiveness of the acid in etching the base metal. Ion chromatography analysis of dissolved metal buildup in preclean bath indicated levels of iron (Fe/sup 3+/) and nickel (Ni/sup 2+/) at 250 p.p.m. and 135 p.p.m., respectively. Beyond this point the solderability problem as assessed by the wetting balance begins. The use of the wetting balance method is being recommended to supplement the current dip and look method. Wetting balance is a quantitative test and it can therefore give information useful in estimating the defect location and identifying the source of the problem. >
A framework for stochastic mechanics

Abstract Interest in and use of multiscale and multiphase materials has necessitated the need for more accurate modeling of the effects of the associated heterogeneous microstructures. Predicting the behavior of these materials is important not only with respect to specific applications but also as the basis for new material design. Towards this end, a review of a combined methodology for the analysis of the bulk and local constitutive behavior of stochastic composites is presented. The first part of the approach is a new stochastic transformation field analysis (STFA) that directly considers the effects of mechanical and transformation field concentration tensors and their associated probability distribution functions on the local and bulk material behavior. The second component of the work utilizes a combined Moving Window based, Generalized Method of Cells (MW/GMC) analysis to sample field data needed to analyze concentration tensors required by the STFA. The GMC micromechanics model was chosen as the basis for the moving window analysis since it provides straightforward access to values of the elements of the concentration tensors for the individual phases in a computationally efficient manner. The capabilities of the proposed modeling framework are illustrated through an application to a digital image of a numerically generated microstructure for a two-phase, continuous fiber, composite material. For this simple case, it can be shown analytically that the complete stochastic description for the history-dependent material behavior reduces to a description of the distribution functions for the mechanical concentration tensor. The local variations in the elements of the concentration tensor, due to the random microstructure, are presented. Mean values of these elements are used to predict the bulk material properties, which are compared to established bounds. The effects of the moving window size on the predicted material behavior are considered. This initial analysis considers only the elastic response of the composite.
Solid-phase extraction and fluorimetric detection of benzophenanthridine alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis cell cultures

Abstract A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using Sep-Pak C 18 reversed-phase cartridges was developed for the prepurification of benzophenanthridine alkaloids produced by Sanguinaria canadensis cell cultures. Efficient recoveries (>90%) of chelirubine, sanguinarine and chelerythrine were obtained from synthetic solutions using the SPE method. Up to 20 mg of alkaloids were extracted from spiked biomass and culture-medium samples on a 400-mg adsorbent cartridge. This extraction method was more reproducible and as selective as a conventional liquid—liquid extraction technique. Fluorimetric detection was used for the identification and quantification of benzophenanthridine alkaloids after high-performance liquid chromatographic separation. This detection method was compared to conventional UV absorption at 280 nm. The detection limits of both detectors were in the 100-pg range for chelirubine and sanguinarine and in the 1-ng range for chelerythrine. The main advantage of fluorimetry over UV spectrometry was its improved selectivity for the benzophenanthridine alkaloids.
The Long and Varied Relationship of Andrea Mora and Anzola Davide: Concubinage, Marriage and the Authorities in the Early Modern Veneto

In 1577, the merchant Andrea Mora married one Cattarina di Gratiani, a member of a minor Trevisan noble family. With this marriage, he rendered his relationship with his concubine, Anzola Davide, adulterous. When he refused to give Anzola up, he enraged his wife's family; this resulted in over fifteen years of legal action. By tracing the investigations of several religious and secular authoritative bodies, first-person testimony, and the actions of this drama's three principle players, this essay explores concubinage within the context of greater early modern Venetian society. Concubinage sits on the well-understood but poorly articulated, mutable boundaries of acceptable behaviour and the relationship could have both beneficial and deleterious effects for the people involved. As we watch Andrea progressively learn how to negotiate a tenable position within his community, we see that it was necessary to maintain a balance between wife and concubine and family and personal interest.
Two-dimensional 1H NMR study of the lambda operator site OL1: a sequential assignment strategy and its application

Abstract The solution structure and dynamics of the 17-base-pair synthetic operator site OL1, which is recognized by the cI and Cro repressors of bacteriophage lambda, is studied by two-dimensional NMR methods. A sequential assignment strategy for nucleic acids is proposed and illustrated by the assignments of the base and sugar protons of OL1.
Bacterial enzyme preparations oxidizing inositol and their inhibition by colchicine.

PREVIOUS studies in this laboratory have brought to light a number of regularities governing the oxidation of isomers of the inositol group by resting Acetobacter suboxydans1,2. If the hexahydroxy by cyclo-hexanes are formulated as existing in the chair configuration, the minimum steric requirements for the oxidation of the various isomers by the resting cells are described in the statement that only those hydroxyl groups are oxidized that are situated in a polar plane.
USING DIRECT INSTRUCTION TO INTEGRATE READING AND WRITING FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

An increasing interest in the connections between reading and writing has resulted in new research in the past decade. The research on effective strategies for teaching reading comprehension and written composition of narrative and expository text and on strategies for integrating reading and writing is reviewed. After each research review, a set of teaching guidelines is provided. An argument is made for teaching reading and writing as connected processes that have many similar structures.
A Numerical Method Of Film Analysis With Differentiation With Applications In Biomechanics

This study describes a numerical method of curve fitting with provisions for subsequent differentiations. The method has been used to provide a basis for the analysis of high-speed movies of human volunteers on the Daisy decelerator at Holloman Air Force Base. Since deceleration measurements were not available from these classical studies of human tolerance, significant biomechanical tolerance and whole-body response information are only available from the analysis of the high-speed movies.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Computer simulation of the dynamics of a single polymer chain

We have carried out computer simulations of the dynamics of a model polymer chain in a solvent. We find that the structure function scales for different chain sizes $N$ as a function of $q=k{N}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ with $\ensuremath{\nu}=0.6$ \ensuremath{\simeq} exponent for the radius of gyration. Furthermore, $S(q)\ensuremath{\sim}{q}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{5}{3}}$ over a wide range, as predicted by Edwards. Time-dependent correlation functions appear to scale as $t{N}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, with $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\simeq}2\ensuremath{\nu}+1$. The time-displaced structure function is of the form $S(k{N}^{\ensuremath{\nu}},t{N}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}})$.
Condition–dependent variation in the blue–ultraviolet coloration of a structurally based plumage ornament

After years of investigation into the function of sexually dimorphic ornamental traits, researchers are beginning to understand how bright plumage colour in birds acts as an intraspecific signal. This work has focused primarily on pigment-based ornaments because they are highly variable in patch size, hue and brightness for some species. In contrast, structurally based ornaments have been little studied, in part because they do not appear to be as variable as pigment-based ornaments. We investigated a structurally based plumage ornament in a wild population of blue grosbeaks (Guiraca caerulea), a sexually dimorphic passerine. We report plumage variation that extends into the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The pattern of covariation between four out of five elements of plumage variation suggests that structurally based ornamentation is pushed towards extreme expression of the trait as predicted by the sexual selection theory. The 'bluest' birds have the highest percentage of blue feathers on the body. These ornamental feathers reflect light maximally at the shortest wavelengths (ultraviolet), with the greatest intensity and the greatest contrast. Age may have some effect on expression of blueness. In addition, plumage variables are correlated with growth bars in tail feathers (a record of nutritional condition during moult in a non-ornamental trait). This suggests that the ornament is partially condition dependent. Thus, blue plumage in male grosbeaks may serve as an honest indicator of age and quality.