cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered phosphorylation of a 91-kDa protein in particulate fractions of rat kidney after protracted 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or estrogen treatment.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] treatment in vitamin D-deficient (−D) rats results in a dose-dependent decrease in phosphorylation of a 91-kDa protein (PP-D91) in particulate fractions of the kidney. This recently reported 1,25(OH)2D3effect was examined in detail herein. In contrast to the pattern expected of a rapid signal transduction event, time course (4 h–7 days) experiments demonstrated that PP-D91 phosphorylation was not decreased until 3–5 days 1,25(OH)2D3treatment, resulting in a 61 ± 3% (P< 0.01,n= 3) decrease in PP-D91 phosphorylation by 7 days. These effects paralleled increases in plasma calcium from 9.3 ± 0.6 to 13.9 ± 0.7 mg/dl after 0 vs 7 days 1,25(OH)2D3treatment, respectively. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that the renal PP-D91 was predominantly localized and 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated in crude mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. Further, PP-D91 was present and 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated in enriched preparations of both proximal and distal renal tubule segments. Tissue distribution studies demonstrated that the PP-D91 was predominantly present and 1,25(OH)2D3regulated in the kidney, although low levels of a vitamin D-independent phosphorylated band of similar size were observed in the lung and heart. In contrast to 1,25(OH)2D3, estradiol-17B treatment (1 mg/day × 7 day) significantly (P< 0.01) increased PP-D91 phosphorylation in kidney of both −D and +D rats (increased 118.5 ± 10.6 and 81.9 ± 6.3%, respectively). Phosphoamino acid analysis after PP-D91 phosphorylation, isolation, and proteolysis indicated that these hormones alter32P incorporation into phosphoserine residues. In conclusion, the 1,25(OH)2D3effect to reduce PP-D91 phosphorylation in particulate fractions of the rat kidney is a protracted, tissue-specific effect which parallels elevated plasma calcium levels in this model. Moreover, renal PP-D91 phosphorylation is differentially regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3vs E2treatment and occurs on phosphoserine residues. The parallel between decreased PP-D91 phosphorylation and 1,25(OH)2D3-induced hypercalcemia may suggest a role for PP-D91 in the renal response to hypervitaminosis D.
Optical Reflectance Spectroscopy to Differentiate Renal Tumor From Normal Parenchyma

Purpose: Optical spectroscopy has been evaluated as an innovative technique for the ex vivo study of renal and prostate tumors. In this pilot study we assessed the ability of optical reflectance spectroscopy to reliably differentiate tumor and normal tissue in renal specimens.Materials and Methods: From January to April 2007 we completed optical reflectance spectroscopy measurements at several standardized tumor and normal parenchymal locations immediately after kidney tumor removal. The slopes of the optical reflectance spectroscopy curves were compared, and the correlation between tumor and normal parenchyma reflectance was assessed.Results: Reliable measurements were obtained from 13 radical and 8 partial nephrectomy specimens. Histology was malignant in 15 cases (clear cell in 14 and papillary in 1) and benign in 6 cases of oncocytoma. Overall we found a significant difference between the average optical reflectance spectroscopy slopes of tumor and normal parenchyma (p = 0.03). In individual radical n...
Small strokes causing severe vertigo Frequency of false-negative MRIs and nonlacunar mechanisms

Objective: Describe characteristics of small strokes causing acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). Methods: Ambispective cross-sectional study of patients with AVS (acute vertigo or dizziness, nystagmus, nausea/vomiting, head-motion intolerance, unsteady gait) with at least one stroke risk factor from 1999 to 2011 at a single stroke referral center. Patients underwent nonquantitative HINTS “plus” examination (head impulse, nystagmus, test-of-skew plus hearing), neuroimaging to confirm diagnoses (97% by MRI), and repeat MRI in those with initially normal imaging but clinical signs of a central lesion. We identified patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) strokes ≤10 mm in axial diameter. Results: Of 190 high-risk AVS presentations (105 strokes), we found small strokes in 15 patients (median age 64 years, range 41–85). The most common vestibular structure infarcted was the inferior cerebellar peduncle (73%); the most common stroke location was the lateral medulla (60%). Focal neurologic signs were present in only 27%. The HINTS “plus” battery identified small strokes with greater sensitivity than early MRI-DWI (100% vs 47%, p p Conclusions: Small strokes affecting central vestibular projections can present with isolated AVS. The HINTS “plus” hearing battery identifies these patients with greater accuracy than early MRI-DWI, which is falsely negative in half, up to 48 hours after onset. We found nonlacunar mechanisms in half, suggesting greater risk than might otherwise be assumed for patients with such small infarctions.
Variability Of C n 2 At Poker Flat, Alaska, From Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere (MST) Doppler Radar Observations

AbstractWe examine the seasonal, day -to -day, and diurnal fluctuations of C 2 using data from theMST radar at Poker Flat, Alaska. The radar has been operated in a nearly continuous modesince early 1979, with profiles recorded every 2 -4 minutes. The results for C 2 are pre-sented at about 2 km height intervals from 4 to 20 km. It is found that the mean values of C 2 are about 10 dB larger in summer than in winter at all levels. The diurnal range isaeout 3 dB in the troposphere during all seasons, and varies in the stratosphere from about10 dB during winter to 16 dB during summer. The relationship of mean Cn2 with meteorologi-cal variables is discussed.IntroductionTurbulence has long been known to play an important role in the propagation of electro-magnetic waves through the atmosphere. Turbulent scattering of radio wave is usually discussed in terms of the refractivity turbulence structure constant of C For opticalpropagation the appropriate parameter is C 2 The major difference between n C2 and CT2 liesin the fact that the former depends on hums ity whereas the latter does not. Above
Sensor domain of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis receptor Ser/Thr protein kinase, PknD, forms a highly symmetric beta propeller.

Diverse pathogenic bacteria produce transmembrane receptor Ser/Thr protein kinases (STPKs), but little is known about the signals mediated by these “eukaryotic-like” proteins. To explore the basis for signaling in the bacterial STPK receptor family, we determined the structure of the sensor domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PknD. In two crystal forms, the PknD sensor domain forms a rigid, six-bladed b-propeller with a flexible tether to the transmembrane domain. The PknD sensor domain is the most symmetric b-propeller structure described. All residues that vary most among the blade subdomains cluster in the large “cup” motif, analogous to the ligand-binding surface in many b-propeller proteins. These results suggest that PknD binds a multivalent ligand that signals by changing the quaternary structure of the intracellular kinase domain. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Treatment-Based Classification Approach to Examination and Intervention of Lumbar Disorders:

Context: Low back injuries are a common occurrence in athletes and often result in missed competition and practice time. The examination of athletes with low back pain commonly involves diagnostic imaging, which rarely guides the clinician in selecting the appropriate interventions.Data Acquisition: All years of PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus were searched in December 2010. Keywords included treatment based classification and lumbar with the following terms: rehabilitation, treatment, athlete, low back pain, sports, and outcomes.Results: A treatment-based classification approach is preferred for the management of the athlete with low back pain. The treatment-based classification approach involves 3 steps. First is to screen the patient for potentially serious conditions that are not appropriate for conservative management. Second is staging the athlete (based on current disability ratings and ability to perform functional activities). Finally, treatment interventions are selected on the basis of t...
Biliary excretory dysfunction following exposure to photomirex and photomirex/carbon tetrachloride combination.

Summary Exposure of male rats to 50 and 150 ppm of photomirex in the diet for 15 days resulted in impaired biliary excretory function, decreased hepatic mitochondrial oligomycin-sensitive Mg 2+ -ATPase (MATPase) activity and liver hypertrophy accompanied by lipid accumulation. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were unaffected. Biliary excretion of intravenously administered polar metabolites of imipramine (PMIMP) and phenolphthalein glucuronide (PG) was reduced 21% and 23%, respectively, at 50 ppm photomirex and 28 and 31%, respectively at 150 ppm photomirex. MATPase activity was inhibited 25% and 36% at 50 and 150 ppm photomirex. The effect of preexposure to 50 ppm photomirex on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) hepatotoxicity was also investigated. Treatment of animals on control diet with CCl 4 (0.1 ml/kg, i.p.) alone 24 h prior to the test, resulted in a 25% decrease in the biliary excretion of PG. Treatment with 50 ppm photomirex prior to CCl 4 , resulted in 40% reduction of PG excretion. Liver weight, SGOT and SGPT were unaffected by the CC1 4 challenge alone, while it did produce slight centrilobular necrosis. The photomirex/CCl 4 interaction resulted in liver hypertrophy, 7- and 8-fold elevations in SGOT and SGPT, and considerable centrilobular necrosis. Bile flow was not significantly affected by any of the above treatments. These results indicate that photomirex-induced hepatobiliary dysfunction may bear a relationship to the inhibition of MATPase activity and preexposure to photomirex does potentiate CCl 4 hepatotoxicity.
A modal approximation method for strain-hardening beams

Abstract A generalized modal approximation method is developed for computing the dynamic response of a rigid, linearly strain-hardening beam. A deformation shape having undetermined time-dependent coefficients is assumed. Matching conditions on inertial and strain-hardening aspects of the response yields equations for the unknown coefficients. Numerical results indicate that the method is accurate and provides a smooth transition to both ends of the response spectrum, i.e. the closed-form solutions for inertial response of a perfectly plastic beam and quasistatic response of a strain-hardening beam. A parameter is defined to characterized the relative importance of inertial and strain-hardening effects.
Physical, chemical and immunological characterization of saline-extracted, concanavalin A-purified carcinoembryonic antigen.

Abstract There has been concern that the utilization of perchloric acid (PCA) in the purification scheme of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may alter the molecular properties of the final product. In order to investigate this possibility, CEA was extracted from tumor tissue utilizing saline instead of PCA and subsequently was purified according to procedures established for PCA-extracted CEA. As determined by chemical composition, electron microscopic analysis, isoelectric focusing, radioimmunoassay and immunodiffusion analysis, the molecular properties of the purified, saline-extracted CEA were nearly identical to those of CEA purified after PCA treatment. Slight differences were noted in length by electron microscopy; the CEA particles being on the average 20% longer for the saline material. In addition to their molecular similarities, there was no significant difference in the yield of CEA in the initial extract when different portions of the same tumor tissue were extracted with saline or PCA. These data indicate that the initial extraction with PCA, which significantly aids in the purification of CEA, does not significantly alter the molecular properties of the purified CEA product.
Vesicourethral smooth muscle: Function and relation to structure

Abstract The effects of acetylcholine and norepinephrine on the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips from the rabbit bladder body, bladder base, and proximal urethra have been studied and compared. Based on the functional responses that were obtained, it was concluded that the vesicourethral structure can consist of three muscular systems. One system consists o the acetyl-choline sensitive detrusor, the deep bladder base, and the longitudinal smooth muscle layer of the urethra. The second muscle system comprises the norepinephrine-sensitive detrusor muscle, the superficial bladder base, the bladder neck, and part of the longitudinal urethral smooth muscle. The third muscle system is the circular urethral musculature, unrelated to the detrusor circular muscle.
Friction model and foreign exchange market intervention

Abstract The friction model is consistent with the hypothesis that a central bank intervenes in a foreign exchange market only if the necessity grows beyond certain thresholds. For this feature, the model is adopted in some recent studies as an attractive central bank reaction function. However, with official data on Federal Reserve and Bundesbank intervention, this paper shows that the friction model's advantage relative to a linear model may be negligible in terms of RMSE and MAE of in-sample fitting and out-of-sample forecasts. The implication is that intervention decisions are at the monetary authorities' discretion rather than dictated by a rule.
Exclusion of accessory renal arteries during endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract Objective: Adequate proximal neck length is important for proper endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Placement of endografts in AAAs with relatively short proximal necks may require covering the origin of accessory renal arteries. Exclusion of these arteries carries the theoretical concern of regional renal ischemia associated with loss of parenchyma or worsening hypertension. We reviewed our experience with accessory renal exclusions during endovascular AAA repair to determine the frequency and severity of complications. Methods: Complete records were available for review on 311 of 325 consecutive patients treated with endovascular grafts for AAAs from February 6, 1996, to March 15, 2001. The presence of accessory renal arteries was ascertained from preoperative/intraoperative aortography or from computed tomographic scanning. Sizes of the accessories were measured by using the main renal arteries as a reference. Considerations for excluding the accessory renal arteries were based on the likelihood of successful proximal attachment to healthy aorta, an accessory vessel whose size does not exceed the diameter of the main renal artery, and the absence of renal disease. Results: The mean follow-up was 11.5 months. Fifty-two accessory renal arteries were documented in 37 patients (12%), ranging from 1 to ≥3 per patient. Of these, 26 accessory renal arteries were covered in 24 patients. Patients ranged in age from 57 to 85 years (mean, 74.1 years), with 20 men and 4 women. The Ancure device was used in 23 patients and the Excluder device in one. Of the accessories excluded, 22 originated above the aneurysm and 4 originated directly from the aneurysm itself. There were no perioperative mortalities. One patient died 5 months after surgery from an unrelated condition. There was one type I (distal) endoleak and no type II endoleaks. Five patients (21%) had segmental renal infarction associated with the side of accessory renal artery exclusion. Only one patient with segmental infarction had significant postoperative hypertension that resulted in changes in blood pressure medication. The blood pressure reverted to normal 3 months later. One patient with a stenotic left main renal artery required exclusion of the accessory renal artery for successful proximal attachment. Serum creatinine levels remained unchanged throughout follow-up in all but one patient, in whom progressive postoperative renal failure developed despite normal renal flow scan, presumably from intraoperative manipulation and contrast nephropathy. Conclusion: Exclusion of accessory renal arteries to facilitate endovascular AAA repair appears to be well tolerated. Long-term sequelae seem infrequent and mild. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:878-84.)
What Goes on inside My Head when I'm Writing? A Case Study of 8-9-Year-Old Boys.

This article explores the idea that in order to improve the way we teach children to write, we need to improve our understanding of children as writers. Although developing their metacognitive skills can give us a clearer window into children's understanding, we must be wary of assuming that they ascribe the same meaning to their metacognitive metalanguage as we, their teachers, do. But we also need to beware of making assessments based just on the children's writing – children can use writing to hide from us what they do not know and cannot do. Through the presentation of three brief case studies of lower-attaining Year 4 (8–9-year-old boys) the article considers the implications of assessing writing without acknowledging the role of the writer.
Advanced techniques for plasma composition and dynamics measurements

The current state of knowledge regarding the space plasma is briefly considered. It is found that certain problems arise in connection with conventional measurements. In many cases, three-dimensional measurements are needed and a good time resolution. The present investigation has the objective to review developments related to energetic ion mass spectrometers which are capable of resolving some of the ambiguities. The employment of electrostatic analyzers (ESA) combined with velocity filters is considered, taking into account an instrument which combines a quadrispherical electrostatic analyzer with electromagnetic filters. Such an instrument is being developed for the Galileo Mission to Jupiter. In connection with an evaluation of developments concerning linear and two-dimensional mass spectrometers, attention is given to instruments which are capable of measuring several masses simultaneously. Instruments utilizing the time of flight technique of measuring mass are also examined.
Bio-mediated soil improvement

Abstract New, exciting opportunities for utilizing biological processes to modify the engineering properties of the subsurface (e.g. strength, stiffness, permeability) have recently emerged. Enabled by interdisciplinary research at the confluence of microbiology, geochemistry, and civil engineering, this new field has the potential to meet society's ever-expanding needs for innovative treatment processes that improve soil supporting new and existing infrastructure. This paper first presents an overview of bio-mediated improvement systems, identifying the primary components and interplay between different disciplines. Geometric compatibility between soil and microbes that restricts the utility of different systems is identified. Focus is then narrowed to a specific system, namely bio-mediated calcite precipitation of sands. Following an overview of the process, alternative biological processes for inducing calcite precipitation are identified and various microscopy techniques are used to assess how the pore space volume is altered by calcite precipitation, the calcite precipitation is distributed spatially within the pore space, and the precipitated calcite degrades during loading. Non-destructive geophysical process monitoring techniques are described and their utility explored. Next, the extent to which various soil engineering properties is identified through experimental examples. Potential advantages and envisioned applications of bio-mediated soil improvement are identified. Finally, the primary challenges that lie ahead, namely optimization and upscaling of the processes and the education/training of researchers/practitioners are briefly discussed.
Epidemiology, surveillance, and prevention of farm tractor overturn fatalities.

ABSTRACT Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data identify six states within or near the Appalachian mountain range that have the highest rates of agricultural tractor overturn deaths within the United States. Demographic and economic data that characterize farms in these six states were compiled from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2002 Census of Agriculture files. Regional geological and geographic data were examined to identify topographic features within the six states. In combination, these data suggest that a majority of farms in these states are small acreage livestock operations, located on terrain with steep slopes, with annual value of sales 200 days per year. Variations in these variables across the six states are examined as compared to the pooled values for all six states, and as compared to the pooled values for all ...
On the annual variation and spectral distribution of atmospheric energy

A study is made of the annual variation of the six components, A Z , A E , K E , K Z , K S , and K M , of the energy in the atmosphere based on data from a complete year, February 1963–January 1964, and on eight vertical levels. The distribution of the energy with respect to pressure and time of the year is investigated with the result that all forms of energy have a maximum in the beginning of the year and a minimum during the month of July. The energy conversions C ( A Z , A E ), C ( K E , K Z ) and C ( K S , K M ) are also investigated during the period. The most remarkable result is the annual variation of C ( K E , K Z ) showing a maximum during the fall, a phenomenon also observed during the previous year. Fourier analysis of the data in time is employed to determine the amplitude and phase of the first few components. The first component contains a considerable fraction of the annual variations, but the second component is in certain cases, as for example C ( K E , K Z ), very important in describing the annual behavior. A similar analysis is made of three years of data with essentially the same results. The latter set of energy data is used to determine the annual variation of the generation of available potential energy and the frictional dissipation using the energy equations, while the data for 1963 are used to calculate the energy conversion C ( A, K ) and the generation G ( A ) based on the energy equations and an assumption concerning the frictional dissipation. The last section of the paper contains a description of the results of an investigation of the energy spectra showing that in the range of wave numbers 8 ? n ? 15 we can approximate the form of the spectra by a power law: E = a ? n -b . a and b are determined by regression analysis. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1967.tb01507.x
Singular functors and realization functors

Abstract In [6] Quillen showed that the singular functor and the realization functor have certain properties which imply the equivalence of the weak homotopy theory of topological spaces with the homotopy theory of simplicial sets. The aim of this note is to generalize this result and to show that one can, in essentially the same manner, establish the equivalence of other homotopy theories (e.g., the equivariant homotopy theories) with homotopy theories of simplicial diagrams of simplicial sets. Applications to equivariant homotopy will be given in [3] and [4].
Modeling, synthesis, and characterization of third-order nonlinear optical salts

A number of dithioacetate and dithiolate mono- and dianions have been synthesized and characterized through Z-scan measurements, with some showing significant third order nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior. Tetralkylphosphonium cations were utilized in tandem with the nonlinear anions so as to minimize electrostatic interactions within the salt, consequently resulting in the materials being room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), which have numerous advantages over typical organic-based materials. Anions composed of metal-ligand systems were also tested for NLO behavior as components of novel ionic liquid materials. These RTILs introduce a new class of materials with potential applications in optical limiting and other all-optical devices.
Simple device for air reduction of intussusception

A new device has been developed for pneumatic reduction of childhood intussusception. The device consists of a reusable, hand-held pressure gauge and insufflator connected to a disposable enema tip and tubing system. The assembled device permits one-handed operation which maximizes operator control of the air reduction procedure. The system has been used to evaluate 50 cases of suspected intussusception. Reduction was successful in 19 of 22 confirmed intussusceptions. This device provides a practical, simple and safe method for diagnosis and treatment of intussusception.
Characterization of growth hormone of different molecular weights in rat, dog and human pituitaries

Freshly prepared extracts of rat, dog and human pituitaries filtered on Sephadex G–200 exhibited two distinct peaks of growth hormone (GH) immunoreactivity. The majority of GH had an elution vol similar to that of purified GH, but a small fraction (one percent or less of the total GH) was eluted just after the void vol. Its large molecular size was confirmed on Sepharose 4B gel filtration. No immunologic dissimilarity was observed between the two forms of the hormone. The large molecular sized GH (LGH) could not be converted into the smaller molecular sized GH (SGH) by sonication or trypsin treatment, but was converted by exposure to guanidine. Synthesis of LGH was studied in vitro in both rat pituitaries and in the GH producing rat pituitary tumor, MtT4. A much higher SA of LGH as compared to SGH was observed, indicating a more rapid turnover of LGH. Although the conversion of LGH to SGH within the pituitary could not be demonstrated, and LGH was not secreted per se, LGH was shown to be a precursor of SG...
Living for the city: cinematic imaginary of the cityscape in China's transnational films

Abstract This essay focuses on urban-set transnational films – films that employ transnational or trans-regional capital and creative talents, and are shown to both domestic and international audiences. The films in question are also culturally important for their depiction of contemporary Chinese society and their exploration of social and spatial transformations in the era of globalisation. The three films selected are set in the city of Shanghai: Shanghai story (Peng Xiaolian 2004), The postmodern life of my aunt (Ann Hui 2006), and The longest night in Shanghai (Zhang Yibai 2007). Through a close analysis, the article examines how these films engage with issues related to Shanghai's urban transformation, such as the relationships between the local and the global, the traditional/communal and the postmodern/monumental spaces, as well as the position of women in the changing cityscape.
Electronic and vibrational properties of laser modified C60

Abstract Substantial changes in the electronic and vibrational properties of crystalline C 60 modified by laser irradiation are reported. Ultraviolet photoemission identifies new states relative to C 60 . Electron energy loss spectra indicate broadening of interband transitions with the gap remaining unchanged upon laser modification. Intermolecular Raman scattering exhibits one strong mode at 115 cm −1 and two previously unreported weaker bands centered at 85 and 140 cm −1 . Comparison of the observed vibrational and electronic states with calculations for dimers and infinite chains indicate the laser modified films consist primarily of dimers.
Racial Desegregation in Prisons

This article examines the history, law, and research on racial desegregation in American prisons. It focuses on the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case of Johnson v. California, in which the Court held that prison administrators cannot racially segregate inmates unless under extraordinary circumstances to maintain the security of inmates, staff, and institutions. This article also examines evidence on attitudes and outcomes of racial desegregation in prisons. It ends with a discussion of racial desegregation mandates and policy change in prison organizations.
Effects of canine myocardial infarction on sympathetic efferent neuronal function: Scintigraphic and electrophysiologic correlates

We studied the effects of nondecentralized left stellate ganglion stimulation on regional epicardial monophasic action potential duration at 50% (APD50) and 90% (APD90) repolarization from 104 sites in 10 surviving dogs with a chronic myocardial infarction model. These effects were correlated with thallium-201 and iodine-123 metiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging to identify areas of viable but denervated myocardium. Mean infarct size was 5.2% ± 0.8% total heart weight, and the planimetered areas of denervation were always larger (18% ± 4% total heart area). During constant ventricular pacing, stellate stimulation tended to shorten the APD90 only in normally innervated areas (364 ± 5 to 358 ± 5 msec) and to increase in denervated areas (358 ± 5 to 362 ± 5 msec), (p value not significant (NS) for prestellate and poststellate stimulation; p < 0.05 for difference between denervated vs innervated). The APD50 significantly shortened in innervated areas from 287 ± 5 to 270 ± 3 msec (p < 0.05) compared with denervated areas (283 ± 4 to 274 ± 5 msec, p = NS). We conclude that MIBG imaging demonstration of denervation identifies areas with impaired shortening of the epicardial APD50 in response to stellate stimulation and that nontransmural myocardial infarction produces areas of denervation larger than areas of necrosis.
STUDY OF GLAZE AND BODY INTERFACE

Lead-containing raw glazes were applied on biscuit tile and fired at cones 02, 2, and 4. The glaze body interface was examined microscopically by preparing thin cross sections. The powdered glassy portion was also investigated. Because the crystals separating at the interface were frequently too small for satisfactory study, a technique for promoting their growth was used. Anorthite, wollasto-nite, gehlenite, undissolved quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite were observed. The effects of altering the bases and the alumina and silica content of the glaze were studied, and the amount and the effect of the solution of the body were examined. The authors conclude that the interfacial layer is not necessarily intermediate in expansion conduct.
Urinary Steroid Levels in Newborn Infants with Intra-uterine Growth Retardation

Urinary steroid excretion of 6β-OH-cortisol (6β-OH-F), tetrahydrocortisone (THE), l6α-OH-pregnenolone (16α-0H-PG) and 16a-OH-dehydroepiandrosterone (16α-OH-DHA) was determined in 23 full-term normal newborn infants, 8 normally grown premature and 8 intra-uterine growth retarded (IUGR) newborns. The method used measured free, glucuronide- and sulfate-conjugated steroids. Labeled internal standards were used for each steroid measured. The excretions were expressed in relation to urinary creatinine levels. Steroid excretion values in the normally grown full-term and premature groups were quite similar. On comparison of steroid excretion values in the IUGR and normal full-term groups by the Mann-Whitney (two-tailed) test, there were no significant differences in 6β-OH-F and THE excretions but the excretions of 16α-0H-PG and 16α-0H-DHA were significantly less (p < 0.02 and p < 0.01, respectively) in the IUGR group. The ratio 6β-OH-F + THE/16α-OH-PG + 16α-OH-DHA was significantly greater in the IUGR infants tha...
Ecological setting of the Wind River old-growth forest.

The Wind River old-growth forest, in the southern Cascade Range of Washington State, is a cool (average annual temperature, 8.7°C), moist (average annual precipitation, 2223 mm), 500-year-old Douglas-fir–western hemlock forest of moderate to low productivity at 371-m elevation on a less than 10% slope. There is a seasonal snowpack (November–March), and rain-on-snow and freezing-rain events are common in winter. Local geology is characterized by volcanic rocks and deposits of Micocene/Oligocene Micocene-Oligocene (mixed) Micocene and Quaternary age, as well as intrusive rocks of Miocene age. Soils are medial, mesic, Entic Vitrands that are deep (2–3 m), well drained, loams and silt loams, generally stone free, and derived from volcanic tephra. The vegetation is transitional, between the Western Hemlock Zone and the Pacific Silver Fir Zone, and the understory is dominated by vine maple, salal, and Oregon grape. Stand structural parameters have been measured on a 4-ha plot. There are eight species of conifers, with a stand density of 427 trees ha−1 and basal area of 82.9 m2 ha−1. Dominant conifers include Douglas-fir (35 trees ha−1), western hemlock (224 trees ha−1), Pacific yew (86 trees ha−1), western red cedar (30 trees ha−1), and Pacific silver fir (47 trees ha−1). The average height of Douglas-fir is 52.0 m (tallest tree, 64.6 m), whereas western hemlock averages 19.0 m (tallest tree, 55.7 m). The regional disturbance regime is dominated by high-severity to moderate-severity fire, from which this forest is thought to have originated. There is no evidence that fire has occurred in the forest after establishment. Primary agents of stand disturbance, which act at the individual to small groups of trees scale, are wind, snow loads, and drought, in combination and interacting with root-rot and butt-rot fungi, heart-rot fungi, dwarf mistletoe, and bark beetles. The forest composition is slowly shifting from dominance by Douglas-fir, a shade-intolerant species, to western hemlock, western red cedar, Pacific yew, and Pacific silver fir, all shade-tolerant species. The Wind River old-growth forest fits the regional definition of Douglas-fir “old growth” on western hemlock sites.
Blowing Polysilicon Fuses: What Conditions are Best?

A study has been conducted to understand polysilicon fuse blow mechanisms and determine optimized blow conditions. The correlation of optical microscope images, cross section SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images, and electrical waveforms of fuses blown at different voltages revealed two different blow mechanisms. Furthermore, SEM images of fuses blown using different pulse widths showed the physical changes of fuses during the fuse blow process.
Optical electron polarimetry with heavy noble gases

We have measured the polarization of fluorescence emitted by the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe following impact excitation by polarized electrons. In He, the ${3}^{3}$P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${2}^{3}$S transition was studied; in the heavy noble gases the ${\mathit{np}}^{5}$(n+1)p${\mathrm{}}^{3}$${\mathit{D}}_{3}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{np}}^{5}$(n+1)s${\mathrm{}}^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{2}$ transitions were analyzed. We investigated these transitions as candidates for efficient optical electron polarimetry and found that, because of their larger excitation cross sections and analyzing power, the heavy noble gases are superior to He, which had been used previously as a polarimetric target. Several issues with regard to the implementation and accuracy of optical electron polarimetric techniques are discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Monophosphoryl lipid A inhibits the cytokine response of endothelial cells challenged with LPS.

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) is a TLR4 agonist that is used as an immunomodulator in human vaccines; additionally, it has been shown to be protective in models of sepsis. As endothelial cells regulate inflammation, we hypothesized that MPLA would decrease activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to LPS. We studied HUVECs challenged with LPS (100 ng/ml), MPLA (0.001-100 µg/ml) or a combination. Secretion of IL-6, RANTES (CCL5) and IP-10 (CXCL10) were assessed by ELISA. Activation of MAPK phosphorylation and cytokine transcription were assessed by Western blot analysis and PCR, respectively. MPLA alone was a weak stimulator of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88-dependent IL-6 and did not induce TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent chemokine responses. MPLA significantly reduced LPS-mediated IL-6 production. This inhibitory effect was also conferred for the TRIF-dependent chemokines RANTES and IP-10. Inhibition of LPS-mediated activation by MPLA was associated with reduced p38 phosphorylation and mRNAs encoding inflammatory cytokines. MPLA inhibition of LPS signaling appeared to be at the level of the TLR4 receptor, acting as a receptor antagonist with weak agonistic properties. This study provides evidence of a novel mechanism for the inhibitory effect of MPLA on LPS-induced endothelial activation.
CEO compensation as a psychological exit barrier: An exploratory test with HMOs

Based on the comprehensive model of Gruca and Sudharshan (1995) concerning barriers to entry, this article posits that realized consequences for the incumbent are psychological exit barriers for the CEO and the organization already in the industry. Executive compensation is a key realized consequence for the incumbent CEO and hence a psychological exit barrier for the incumbent CEO. These issues are tested with a sample of incumbent companies with no hypothesized relationship between executive compensation and profitability. Specifically, nine publicly traded HMOs in the health-care industry were analyzed over a 3-year time frame. Because there was a weak relationship between executive compensation and profitability, only weak support was found for the hypothesis concerning executive compensation as a psychological exit barrier. Suggestions for further research are offered to further test the model and explore CEO compensation as a psychological exit barrier. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Short-term optimization of the new Avče pumping plant and three existing hydro power plants on the Soča river in Slovenia

In the following years a new pumping plant Avce is going to join the existing cascade of three small-regulating-basin hydro power plants (HPPs) on the Soca river in Slovenia. The pumping plant operation will have to be synchronous to the operation of existing plants and vice versa since all four plants depend upon the same inflow and since they all belong to the same generation company that buys and sells electricity to a day-ahead electricity market. The Soca river has torrent alpine characteristics so there are doubts about the operation of the system in frequent dry seasons. As shown in this article, such questions can be effectively solved by first presenting the hydro system of four HPPs under study as a directed graph and then as a mixed integer linear program (MILP): a set of equations and inequations modeling technical issues of HPPs and a target function (the day-ahead market price) modeling the electricity market. A small and simple MILP model called Flores has been used for this study. The MILP approach requires only to specify the problem since the solution is found by using available commercial computer solvers. It can be applied on-line and it can be augmented to include also the transmission constraints, ancillary services, etc.
Etruscans in 3D - Surveying and 3D modeling for a better access and understanding of heritage -

Archaeological 3D digital documentation of monuments and historical sites should be considered a precious source of information and it can be very useful for preservation, conservation, restoration and reconstruction of Cultural Heritage. This paper reports a work dealing with 3D surveying and modeling of different Etruscan heritage sites, featuring necropolis with underground frescoed tombs dating back to VII-IV century B.C., located in the area corresponding roughly to the actual central Italy. The project “Etruscans in 3D” was born with the aim of digital documentation, study, analyses and preservation of Etruscan heritage monuments and sites, but also to create digital contents for virtual visits, museum exhibitions, virtual and augmented reality, better access and communication of the heritage information.
Power partition and emitter size optimisation for bipolar ECL circuit

The authors describe an automated approach for optimizing the performance of a bipolar emitter-coupled logic (ECL) circuit. A quadratic equation representing an approximate surface is used to express the circuit delay in terms of the power partition and current densities in the current-switch and the emitter-follower stages. During the iteration of the optimization process, the optimum obtained from the present approximate surface is used as the nominal points for the next iteration. As the nominal point converges to the optimum, the approximate surface converges to a section of the real optimum surface. This methodology transforms the circuit optimization into a multivariable optimization problem and is shown to provide an optimum design with circuit analysis accuracy. The design considerations for a high-performance ECL circuit are also discussed. >
Video coding based on iterated function systems

An approach is presented for the compression of motion video sequences using iterated function systems. In the proposed approach, the video stream is partitioned into three-dimensional range regions. Each range region consists of a variable number of rectangular blocks that belong to consecutive frames along motion trajectory. Our approach exploits correlation between consecutive blocks in the direction of motion by predicting the IFS map of a given range block with that of a parent range block along the trajectory of motion. The proposed approach shows good promise for efficient modeling and compression of motion video sequences at an affordable computational cost.
An Assessment of the Efficiency of Nodal Discontinuous Galerkin Spectral Element Methods

Although high order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element methods (DGSEMs) formally require more work than high order finite difference methods, they are not necessarily more expensive in practice. The matrix-vector multiplication used to compute the spatial derivatives compares favorably to the work needed to solve the tri-diagonal systems required by compact finite difference schemes. The stiffness of the two approximations is not significantly different because of the stretching used in finite difference methods to reduce the accuracy loss near boundaries. Implicit methods can give speedups close to two orders of magnitude when memory and time accuracy are not issues. However for time accurate problems much of the advantage is lost because the increase in the time step need not be enough to counterbalance the increased work per time step. Parallelism complicates the situation because the explicit time integration of the DGSEM is effectively parallelized. Overall, the evidence suggests that implicit methods are not the panacea for reducing the stiffness barriers for high order DGSEMs.
Surviving child abuse: self-reported coping histories of fourteen women.

Data are presented about coping methods used by 14 women who survived severe physical child abuse. Half of these women were also sexually abused as children. Self‐reports revealed four belief systems among these women as to how they survived this abuse. Three women believe they coped predominantly by helping people in their milieu who were even more disadvantaged. Three describe themselves as having survived mostly by learning to forget real feelings through use of intense fantasy. Five feel they survived by becoming tough and independent and by keeping moving through jobs and relationships. Three believe they coped by being realistic and working hard. Seven case histories are provided, along with illustrative material on the other seven subjects.
Developments in the Control of Striga in the USA

Abstract Tremendous strides have been made in understanding the biology of Striga since this parasitic pest was first found in the United States in 1956. A strict quarantine and regulatory programme has confined the infestation to its original site while the development of a herbicide programme and the utilisation of suitable agronomic practices has reduced the population to a manageable level. The discovery and development of an artificial seed-germination stimulant permits a rapid depletion of seeds in the soil. These developments have led to the initiation of an effort to eradicate this pest in the USA that should be successful in the foreseeable future.
Manuscript Sources for Twentieth-Century Civil Rights Research

Research, teaching, and publication about the civil rights of black Americans in the twentieth century have proceeded at an extraordinary pace since the 195 Os. The pace can be explained by the intersection of social and professional developments. The urgencies of the civil rights movement sharpened national awareness of racial issues; three overlapping generations of scholars, who devoted their time and energies to the field, provided academic validation; and a fresh inclination among archivists and librarians to identify, salvage, and catalog relevant civil rights manuscript sources added material confirmation. Although the drama of the 1960s quest for social justice has faded, the persistence of the other two elements promises to make twentieth-century civil rights a permanent fixture of the historiographical landscape. By offering graduate seminars and directing doctoral dissertations, established civil rights specialists are now training a fourth generation that will in turn have its impact. And even a cursory review of the available manuscript collections indicates that this field is not the fad its detractors once prophesied.
PERFORMANCE OF PARBHANI DISTRICT CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANK-A CASE STUDY

The establishment of Central Cooperative Banks (DCCB) at the District level was to serve as a link between the ultimate credit disbursing outlets, viz., Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACS) at the village level and state Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the State level. The study aims at identifying the challenges before the District Cooperative Central banks (DCCB) in the context of reforms. PDCC was main credit source for rural masses of the district having network of 129 branches out of 246 in the district. Keeping its wide coverage of area, huge network of branches and dominance in priority sector advances in the district. In order to assess the performance of Central Cooperative Bank in the cooperative credit over a period, time series data with respect to deposits, share capital, working capital, loan advanced, outstanding recoveries, membership and overdue were collected for the period 1991 to 2014,from the available records at CCB, Parbhani. The cross section data were collected from PACS and farmer defaulters. Most of the analysis of factors that affect the overdue in crop loans are based on annual data from the calendar year 2014-15. The conclusions of the present study were as follows- The amount of overdues increased from Rs.497.93 lakhs to Rs.9425.36 lakhs in the study period. The average amount of overdue per society was Rs.6.51 lakhs. The average overdue amount at borrower level for marginal, small, medium and large farmer was Rs.2117, 5857, 10244 and 14144 respectively. Percentage of overdue was 3, 17, 39 and 41.Short term loan overdue was predominant which accounted for 94 per cent at institute level. The important reasons reported for non-repayment were inadequate farm income, absence of other sources of income, poor economic condition of defaulter, anticipation of debt relief, repayment of other loan dues and division of funds. The overdue upto 1 year at institute level contributed major portion i.e. 57 per cent to the total agricultural loan overdue. The short term loan overdue contributed 90 per cent defaulters and 92 per cent amount at borrower level. The loan overdue was positively correlated with caste, net cropped area, gross cropped area, net income, gross income and area under cash crops. Willful default contributed maximum overdue amount i.e. 62 per cent at overall level. Keywords: District Coop. Central bank, loan overdue, defaulter, outstanding recoveries.