cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety factor profile control in tokamaks via feedback linearization

The tokamak is a torus-shaped machine in which a reactant ionized gas (plasma) is confined using magnetic fields for the purpose of generating energy from nuclear fusion reactions. In order to be commercially competitive, a tokamak needs to operate for long periods of time at high-performance operating points. Those high-performance scenarios are characterized by a steady-state, stable plasma operation, which is closely related to a property of the plasma that is known as the safety factor, q. Therefore, control of the q profile is one of the crucial aspects to the success of tokamaks. Significant research has been carried out by the fusion community to find control algorithms for the q profile. Most of that previous work makes use of approximate linearization and linear control techniques. In the present work, we propose a nonlinear model-based controller for the regulation of the q profile using feedback linearization. This nonlinear control approach may be applicable to a greater range of operating conditions, and may be able to reject larger perturbations than previous linear controllers. The effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated via a simulation study based on a DIII-D scenario.
Biochemical Mechanisms Associated With Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection in Aging Brains and Related Neurological Diseases

Population studies in the United States indicate that there are over 40 million people over 65 years of age. Age-related cognitive decline and their associated neuronal disorders have been shown to disturb neurological processes such as memory, learning, and the ability to perform spatial tasks. While there have been countless drugs created to reduce or mask symptoms associated with aging, there are also various physical therapies that improve memory by augmenting the brain’s own neuroprotective mechanisms. Numerous studies attest to the observation that physical exercise significantly improves cognition, memory, learning, and motor function diminished both by aging and disease. Exercise appears to induce neuroprotection by targeting multiple biochemical and genetic pathways, and by triggering morphological and physiological changes in various cells throughout the brain. Exercise, by promoting such alterations, plays a strategic role both in reversing cognitive deficits and in preventing such damage from occurring due to age or disease.
Variation in Metabolite Profiles of Amphibian Skin Bacterial Communities Across Elevations in the Neotropics.

Both the structure and function of host-associated microbial communities are potentially impacted by environmental conditions, just as the outcomes of many free-living species interactions are context-dependent. Many amphibian populations have declined around the globe due to the fungal skin pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), but enivronmental conditions may influence disease dynamics. For instance, in Panama, the most severe Bd outbreaks have occurred at high elevation sites. Some amphibian species harbor bacterial skin communities that can inhibit the growth of Bd, and therefore, there is interest in understanding whether environmental context could also alter these host-associated microbial communities in a way that might ultimately impact Bd dynamics. In a field survey in Panama, we assessed skin bacterial communities (16S rRNA amplicon sequencing) and metabolite profiles (HPLC-UV/Vis) of Silverstoneia flotator from three high- and three low-elevation populations representing a range of environmental conditions. Across elevations, frogs had similar skin bacterial communities, although one lowland site appeared to differ. Interestingly, we found that bacterial richness decreased from west to east, coinciding with the direction of Bd spread through Panama. Moreover, metabolite profiles suggested potential functional variation among frog populations and between elevations. While the frogs have similar bacterial community structure, the local environment might shape the metabolite profiles. Ultimately, host-associated community structure and function could be dependent on environmental conditions, which could ultimately influence host disease susceptibility across sites.
Ecological analysis of college women's physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Despite significant health benefits of regular physical activity, over 60 percent of college women do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines to promote their health and health-related qu...
Tensegrities and Global Rigidity

In 1947 a young artist named Kenneth Snelson invented an intriguing structure: a few sticks suspended rigidly in mid air without touching each other. It seemed like a magic trick. He showed this to the entrepreneur, builder, visionary, and self-styled mathematician, R. Buckminster Fuller, who called it a tensegrity because of its “tensional integrity.” Fuller talked about tensegrities and wrote about them extensively. Snelson went on to build a great variety of fascinating tensegrity sculptures all over the world, including the 60-foot work of art at the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington, DC. shown in Figure.
The Thing’s Order

This chapter is an explication of the fifth section (“The Thing’s Order”) of “The Freudian Thing.” Its title refers to Lacan’s account of the symbolic order (an order into which human beings are drawn by the mirror stage). Saussure’s structuralist rendition of uniquely-human natural languages is avowedly foundational for Lacan. He employs the Saussurian tripartite distinction between “sign,” “signifier,” and “signified” to recast psychoanalytic symptoms as signifiers rather than the symptoms-as-signs of somatic medicine. Additionally, Lacan connects Hegel with Saussure, using this connection to argue against the Anglo–Saxon individualism coloring ego psychology. He also reflects upon the lamentable theoretical and technical consequences of the misinterpretations of Freud crystallized in English and French mistranslations of Freud’s “Wo Es war, soll Ich werden.”
Flow Optimization in Data Centers With Clos Networks in Support of Cloud Applications

The proliferation of cloud computing has forced data centers to support a large number of dynamic resources such as virtual machines and storage volumes from any physical location within the data center. This has led to highly volatile and unpredictable traffic patterns. The emergence of cloud applications that exchange large volumes of information have created large persistent flows that need to coexist with other types of traffic. As a result, a number of data center topologies have been proposed to support cloud applications. One of the topologies that has gained prominence is the Clos network. On one hand, Clos networks provide many nice properties, such as equidistant hops, bandwidth, and latency. On the other hand the routing of diverse traffic flows still remains an issue. Current routing methods such as equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing that rely on flow hashing over equal cost paths do not take into consideration traffic volume nor network state. In this paper, we investigate routing in Clos topologies. We formulate optimal flow routing in Clos networks as a binary multicommodity flow problem and present optimized flow re-routing, a modified version of the binary multicommodity flow problem that uses a heuristics approach to minimize hash collisions. We also propose FlowFit, a practical optimization method that uses network state to optimally re-assign flows to links. Our experimental and simulation results show a significant improvement in bisection bandwidth and flow completion time over ECMP.
Do patients with pancreatic body or tail cancer benefit from adjuvant therapy?A cohort study.

Abstract Introduction Evidence supporting adjuvant therapy for resected pancreatic cancer is limited primarily to head tumors. We analyzed data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate the relationship of tumor site with benefit from adjunctive (adjuvant, neoadjuvant, perioperative) therapy (Rx). Methods All NCDB patients with clinical stage I and II pancreatic cancer, diagnosed from 2003 to 2013, who underwent surgical resection and had data on site of primary were included. Overall survival (OS) analyses with hazard ratios (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and two-sided p-values are presented. Results A total of 27,930 patients met inclusion criteria; median age 66 years, 51% males, 86% white. Primary site was coded as head (74.4%), body (9.3%), or tail (16.3%). Pathologic stage was predominantly stage II (77%); 81% had negative margins. Perioperative Rx was used in 4%, neoadjuvant in 8%, adjuvant in 48%. Median OS for the cohort was 24 months; for head, body and tail tumors, it was 21.6, 34.5, and 42.5 months, respectively. In univariable analyses, adjunctive Rx was associated with improved OS in head tumors (HR, any Rx vs. no Rx: 0.87; 95% CI 0.84–0.91; p Conclusions Our study suggests that the benefit of adjunctive Rx is restricted to pancreatic head tumors; body and tail tumors have a much better prognosis. These results warrant further evaluation in prospective studies.
Simulation of Non-equilibrium Growth and Aggregation Processes

The introduction of the diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model by Witten and Sander has stimulated interest in a broad range of simple non-equilibrium growth and aggregation models. Here it is shown how the DLA model has influenced the development of a simple but quite realistic model for mechanical failure in thin film deposits.
The natural South Florida system II: Predrainage ecology

The goal of the South Florida restoration process is to reestablish a sustainable ecological system that approximates the predrainage system (i.e., the system that existed before canals and water control structures were built). A critical step in the restoration process is to describe the predrainage system with sufficient detail to capture the essential landscape features (e.g., space, connectivity, patterns) that gave the region its defining character and supported its natural abundance and diversity of plants and wildlife.
ZINC DEFICIENCY SYNDROME IN MAN: A HISTORICAL REVIEW

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses zinc deficiency syndrome in man and presents the case study of Iranian patients who suffered from malnutrition and had iron and zinc deficiency. The total amount of available iron in the diet of those patients was insufficient, and excessive sunburn and sweating probably caused greater iron loss from the skin. Geophagia further decreased iron absorption. Following a well-balanced nutritious diet in the hospital for six months, a remarkable improvement in the clinical picture occurred. Pubic hair appeared and an increase in the size of the penis and testis was noted. Linear growth resumed, and the skin became normal. Zinc deficiency is known to affect growth and gonads adversely in various species of experimental animals. The zinc content of many foodstuffs parallels their iron content and inasmuch as heavy metals may form insoluble complexes with organic phosphate compounds in the diet. The chapter also presents the case study of some Egyptian dwarfs. Their clinical features were remarkably similar to those of Iranian subjects, except that the Iranian patients exhibited more pronounced hepatosplenomegaly, and they all gave a history of geophagia; however, none of them had any parasitic infestations. The majority of Egyptian patients had both schistosomiasis and hookworm infestations, and none of them gave a history of geophagia.
Assessment of Atrioventricular Valve Anatomy and Function in Congenital Heart Diseases Using Three-Dimensional Echocardiography

The function of the atrioventricular valve (AVV) complex is one of the most important determinants of prognosis in patients with congenital heart disease. However, the anatomy of the AVV complex is complicated, especially in patients with congenital heart disease, which hampers precise preoperative assessment. Moreover, AVV function is maintained by a very delicate balance of the forces generated by the ventricle, atrium, papillary muscles, and blood flow. The AVV leaflet billows with the increment of the hydrostatic pressure in the ventricle and closes by making coaptation with the adjacent leaflets using this balance of force. The shape and size of the annulus or position and function of the papillary muscles are also very important factors in maintaining the effective coaptation of the leaflets with minimal stress on the leaflet and chordae. If a congenital abnormality of the leaflet or valvular apparatus or an incorrect surgical repair causes an imbalance of the forces at work in this delicate system, the result can be valve failure. Since the advent of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), we are able to assess the precise anatomical and functional features of this complicated system.
Interactions Between Flavonoids that Benefit Human Health

Interactions between anthocyanin pigments and other flavonoids or other phytochemicals accumulating within a plant contribute significantly to the ability of natural plant extracts (ingested as food or pharmaceutical product) to protect human health or mitigate disease damage. Interactions are the rule, rather than the exception, for biologically-active plant-derived components. Given the complex, multi-faceted roles interacting phytochemicals play in the human body, the use of plant cell culture production and research models can contribute novel insights as to competing mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and distribution in situ.
PKCε contributes to lipid-induced insulin resistance through cross talk with p70S6K and through previously unknown regulators of insulin signaling.

Insulin resistance drives the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In liver, diacylglycerol (DAG) is a key mediator of lipid-induced insulin resistance. DAG activates protein kinase C e (PKCe), which phosphorylates and inhibits the insulin receptor. In rats, a 3-day high-fat diet produces hepatic insulin resistance through this mechanism, and knockdown of hepatic PKCe protects against high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance. Here, we employed a systems-level approach to uncover additional signaling pathways involved in high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance. We used quantitative phosphoproteomics to map global in vivo changes in hepatic protein phosphorylation in chow-fed, high-fat–fed, and high-fat–fed with PKCe knockdown rats to distinguish the impact of lipid- and PKCe-induced protein phosphorylation. This was followed by a functional siRNA-based screen to determine which dynamically regulated phosphoproteins may be involved in canonical insulin signaling. Direct PKCe substrates were identified by motif analysis of phosphoproteomics data and validated using a large-scale in vitro kinase assay. These substrates included the p70S6K substrates RPS6 and IRS1, which suggested cross talk between PKCe and p70S6K in high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance. These results identify an expanded set of proteins through which PKCe may drive high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance that may direct new therapeutic approaches for T2D.
Recycled polypropylene-polyethylene torrefied almond shell biocomposites

Abstract The present study revealed that torrefied almond shells (TAS) can be used as a bio-reinforcing agent for recycled polypropylene-polyethylene (PP-PE) blends without requiring a compatibilizer. Torrefaction of almond shells was performed to increase their hydrophobicity and provide good interfacial adhesion between matrix and filler. PP-PE samples blended with TAS were prepared using 3 different size ranges (sieved between mesh sizes of 100 and 120, 60 and 70, 35 and 45) and 7 different weight percent (%wt) loadings (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50). An increase in TAS loading resulted in an increase in flexural and tensile moduli, but a decrease in strength, elongation, and toughness. The effect of particle size and %wt loading on the heat deflection temperature (HDT) and crystallinity of PP-PE biocomposites were analyzed by thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. HDT increased with higher TAS loading and with smaller particle size. The maximum observed increase was 10 °C at 30%wt loading of the small particles compared to neat PP-PE. The results for these biocomposites show that they can be potential candidates for consumer plastic applications.
Rescue of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells formation in plcg1 zebrafish mutant.

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) in zebrafish emerge from the aortic hemogenic endothelium (HE) and migrate towards the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), where they expand and differentiate during definitive hematopoiesis. Phospholipase C gamma 1 (Plcγ1) has been implicated for hematopoiesis in vivo and in vitro and is also required to drive arterial and HSPC formation. Genetic mutation in plcg1−/− (y10 allele) completely disrupts the aortic blood flow, specification of arterial fate, and HSPC formation in zebrafish embryos. We previously demonstrated that ginger treatment promoted definitive hematopoiesis via Bmp signaling. In this paper, we focus on HSPC development in plcg1−/− mutants and show that ginger/10-gingerol (10-G) can rescue the expression of arterial and HSPC markers in the HE and CHT in plcg1−/− mutant embryos. We demonstrate that ginger can induce scl/runx1 expression, and that rescued HE fate is dependent on Bmp and Notch. Bmp and Notch are known to regulate nitric oxide (NO) production and NO can induce hematopoietic stem cell fate. We show that ginger produces a robust up-regulation of NO. Taken together, we suggest in this paper that Bmp, Notch and NO are potential players that mediate the effect of ginger/10-G for rescuing the genetic defects in blood vessel specification and HSPC formation in plcg1−/− mutants. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of HSPC development in vivo is critical for understanding HSPC expansion, which will have a positive impact in regenerative medicine.
“Still and Moving”: Winterson, Eliot, and the Dance in Time

This chapter explores the strange textual relations between Jeanette Winterson and T. S. Eliot. Though these authors may appear to be an odd couple, Eliot’s brand of modernism has deeply influenced Winterson’s work. Haffey thus explores how the narrative temporalities of Eliot’s Four Quartets make their way into Winterson’s 1989 novel Sexing the Cherry. Specifically, Haffey analyzes the image of the dance as a temporal trope that recurs in both writers. She claims that both authors set up a dichotomy between the dance of the couple and the dance of the individual and shows how both reject the coupled dance because it represents a normative temporality. Ultimately, Haffey argues, Winterson is able to repurpose Eliot’s time sense to undermine linear narratives and the push toward closure.
Lucidity in dementia: A perspective from the NIA

In this issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia, Mashour et al. propose the intriguing hypothesis that some manifestations of late-stage dementia are reversible, albeit transiently. Calling this phenomenon paradoxical lucidity, their paper follows a 2018 workshop sponsored by the National Institute on Aging that assessed the state of knowledge on lucidity in dementia and identified areas ripe for further study. The National Institute on Aging has since released two funding opportunity announcements (RFA-AG-20-016 and RFA-AG-20-017) to establish the building blocks of such a research program. The potential challenges of conducting such studies are matched by the potential opportunities to open a novel window onto our understanding of dementia. Initial findings from this research may eventually lead to studies that uncover novel mechanisms underlying cognitive decline, identify potential preventive or therapeutic approaches for individuals with dementia, offer more effective strategies for caregivers, and perhaps even expand our understanding of the nature of personhood and consciousness.
Hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study sought to delineate whether total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) had more complication rates following the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for all patients with a history of COPD who had undergone THA and HHA with FNFs, isolated by CPT codes and ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Propensity score matching without replacement in a 1:1 manner was done to control for patient demographics/preoperative comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to assess the independent effect of HHA in comparison to THA. The propensity-matched (PM) HHA cohort was significantly older (76.14 years vs. 73.33 years, p = 0.001) and had significantly higher rates of pneumonia (p = 0.017), extended length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.017), and mortality (p = 0.002), but lower rates of blood transfusions (p = 0.016) and reoperation (p = 0.020). HHA was independently associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (p = 0.043), extended LOS (p = 0.050), and death (p = 0.044) but a decreased risk for blood transfusions (p = 0.008) and reoperation (p = 0.028) when compared to THA. Patients with more comorbidities are more likely to receive HHA than THA, which may explain some of the increased complications and mortality associated with HHA for FNFs compared to THA. Patients undergoing THA were at increased risk for blood transfusion and reoperation. THA does not appear to result in increased morbidity in this population compared to HHA. While THA should be considered in these patients given improved functional outcomes, further prospective studies are needed to establish superiority. III.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells: Immunomodulatory Effects and Therapeutic Potential.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can self-renew and differentiate along multiple cell lineages. ASCs are also potently anti-inflammatory due to their inherent ability to regulate the immune system...
Linking Phospho-Gonadotropin Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/DDX25) to Histone Ubiquitination and Acetylation Essential for Spermatid Development During Spermiogenesis

GRTH/DDX25 is a testicular RNA helicase expressed in germ cells that plays a crucial role in completion of spermatogenesis. Previously, we demonstrated a missense mutation (R242H) of GRTH gene in Japanese infertile patients (5.8%) with non-obstructive azoospermia. This mutation upon expression in COS-1 cells revealed absence of the 61 kDa phosphorylated GRTH in cytoplasm and the presence of the 56 kDa non-phosphorylated GRTH in the nucleus. GRTH knock-in (KI) mice carrying the human GRTH (R242H) mutation, lack phosphorylated GRTH, and sperm due to failure of round spermatid elongation during spermiogenesis. To determine the impact of phosphorylated GRTH on molecular events/pathways participating in spermatid development during spermiogenesis, we analyzed transcriptome profiles obtained from RNA-Seq of germ cells from KI and WT mice. RNA-Seq analysis of 2624 differentially expressed genes revealed 1404 down-regulated and 1220 up-regulated genes in KI mice. Genes relevant to spermatogenesis, spermatid development and spermatid differentiation were significantly down-regulated. KEGG enrichment analysis showed genes related to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway genes were significantly down-regulated while the up-regulated genes were found to be involved in Focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. Real-Time PCR analysis confirmed considerable reduction in transcripts of ubiquitination related genes Ube2j1, Ube2k, Ube2w, Rnf8, Rnf133, Rnf138, Cul3 and increased expression of Ccnd2, Col1a, Lamb1, Cav1, Igf1, Itga9 mRNA's in KI mice compared to WT. Also, marked reduction in protein expression of UBE2J1, RNF8, RNF138 (ubiquitination network), MOF (histone acetyltransferase), their modified Histone substrates (H2AUb, H2BUb) and H4Ac, H4K16Ac were observed in KI mice. GRTH-IP mRNA binding studies revealed that Rnf8 and Ube2J1 mRNAs from WT mice associated with GRTH protein and the binding is greatly impaired in the KI mice. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed significantly reduced expression of RNF8, MOF, H4Ac and H4K16Ac in round spermatids of KI mice. Absence of phosphorylated GRTH impairs UBE2J1, RNF8 and MOF-dependent histone ubiquitination and acetylation essential for histone replacement, chromatin condensation and spermatid elongation during spermiogenesis.
The illegitimate tent: Private use of public space at a San Francisco restaurant

In August, 2020 in San Francisco, everyone, and every restaurant, was just trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, three clear plastic domes popped up in front of Hashiri, a Michelin-starred...
Interfacial bonding effect on nonlinear magnetoelectric response of multiferroic composites

Abstract Magnetoelectric materials incorporate both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases to induce giant magnetoelectric coupling effect, which is one of the most important features and absent in either ferromagnetic or ferroelectric materials alone. ME effects is achieved through elastic deformation between the ferromagnetic and ferroelectric phases. It also depends on the constituent phase properties, the volume concentration and the interfacial conditions. In this paper, we investigate the interfacial effects on the nonlinear ME response of the multiferroic composites consisting both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric through epoxy bonding by using a unified micromechanics model. First, the nonlinear coupling behaviors of each individual ferromagnetic or ferroelectric phase are studied by consideration of evolution of the microstructure due to domain switching. Then, the coated or bonded inclusions are treated as a two-phase composite and a homogenization approach is applied to obtain the equivalent properties of the homogenized coated inclusions. Finally, the micromechanics approach is applied again to investigate the overall effective coupling properties of the multiferroic composites consisting coated inclusions and matrix. With a focus on the Terfenol-D/PZT/Terfenol-D system, we demonstrate how its coupling coefficients α 33 , and voltage coefficient α E 33 depend on the interfacial bonding. Comparisons between the theoretical calculations and the existing experimental data agree well.
Effect of methadone on QTc in infants.

Abstract Objective Methadone has been associated with prolongation of the QTc interval (QTc) on electrocardiogram (ECG). In infants, the effects of methadone on the QTc are not well described. Our study's objective is to evaluate the QTc in infants being treated with methadone. Methods We conducted a retrospective study in infants receiving methadone. We collected demographic data, methadone dose, and QTc. A blinded-to-disease-state pediatric electrophysiologist determined the QTc. Baseline ECG was defined as an ECG obtained while not on methadone therapy, and QTc on baseline ECG was compared with treatment QTc. A significant change was defined as any absolute QTc greater than 500 or a QTc greater than 460 with an increase from baseline of greater than 40 ms. Results A total of 44 infants comprised the study population. The mean gestational age was 32.3 ± 5.51 weeks. The median age of initiation was 66 days. The median dose was 0.52 mg/kg/day in oral methadone equivalents. Nine patients were on high dose methadone (>1 mg/kg/day in oral methadone equivalents). The mean baseline QTc was 421 ± 27 and the mean change on methadone was −2 ms. No patient had a QTc greater than 500 on methadone. One patient had a QTc of 467 and 46 ms change from baseline, with no clinically significant impact. Conclusion In our study population, methadone did not significantly prolong the QTc. Further prospective study is warranted to determine the utility and frequency of ECGs in infants receiving methadone.
Violent conflict exacerbated drought-related food insecurity between 2009 and 2019 in sub-Saharan Africa

Conflict, drought and locusts are leading concerns for African food security but the relative importance and spatiotemporal scale of crises resulting from each hazard is poorly characterized. Here we use continuous, subnational data to demonstrate that the rise of food insecurity across sub-Saharan Africa that began in 2014 is attributable to an increase in violent conflict, particularly in South Sudan and Nigeria. Although drought remains a leading trigger of food crises, the prevalence of drought-related crises did not increase from 2009 to 2018. When exposed to drought, pastoralists experienced more widespread, severe and long-lasting food crises than people living in agricultural zones. Food insecurity remained elevated in pastoral regions for 2 years following a drought, while agricultural regions returned to pre-drought food-security levels in ~12 months. The few confirmed famines during the 2009–2018 period coincided with both conflict and drought, while locusts had little effect on food security during this period. Subnational data indicate that the increasing frequency of food-security crises since 2014 is more attributable to conflict in South Sudan and Nigeria than to drought or locust swarms, with pastoralists remaining more vulnerable to drought than those in agricultural zones.
The Virulence of BlackthinkTM and How Its Threat of Ostracism Shackles Those Deemed Not Black Enough

This Article explores a non-traditional form of discrimination based on color. In the United States we are accustomed to hearing about discrimination in the context of historic injustices the black community has faced for no other reason but that they were born black or African-American. This Article deals with another form of discrimination against black people based on skin color: discrimination based on not being black enough. Blacks who do not fit a particular expectation about what it means to be black are often marginalized or even ostracized from their communities. They are vilified as Sells-Outs, Oreos and Uncle Toms. This Article discusses the practice and asks who is really black and who gets to judge.
Heat Injury of Bacillus subtilis Spores at Ultrahigh Temperatures

The following three criteria indicated that Bacillus subtilis A spores were injured, but not completely inactivated, by ultrahigh temperature treatment. (i) Significant reductions in survivors were observed when spores were enumerated with a standard medium but not when the medium contained added CaCl2 and sodium dipicolinate. (ii) After a damaging heat treatment, more survivors were enumerated with the standard medium after incubation at 32 C than at 45 C, which was opposite to the result with untreated or slightly heated spores. (iii) Apparent numbers of survivors increased during the initial period of 3 C storage when enumerated with the standard medium at 45 C. No injury was evident when survivors were enumerated at either incubation temperature with the medium containing added CaCl2 and sodium dipicolinate. Heat activation of the spores did not significantly influence the appearance of heat injury. The data suggested that the heat injury occurred in a germination system which was required in the absence of CaCl2 and sodium dipicolinate.
Esesntial Oils. II. Oil of “Yüh Tsu”, Citrus Maxima (Burm f.) Merrill†

Analytical data show that the Peel of Citrus maxima (Burm f.) Merrill contain 0.15% of essential oil, 90% of which d-limonene, the rest being 0.6% d-penene, 1% cadinene, 2.5% terpene alcohols, 3% sesquiterpene alcohols, and 0.2% of undetermined substance of an ester fragrancy.
Necrolytic acral erythema

Necrolytic acral erythema is a rare, cutaneous manifestation of hepatitis C virus infection that is characterized by erythematous, violaceous or dusky papules, blisters, and/or erosions in the early stages and by well-demarcated, hyperkeratotic, targetoid plaques with a peripheral rim of macular erythema, secondary lichenification and hyperpigmentation, and overlying fine micaceous or necrotic-appearing scale in the later stages. Because most topical modalities prove ineffective, treatment of the underlying viral infection or therapeutic zinc supplementation are required for clinical improvement.
Both N- and C-terminal regions contribute to the assembly and functional expression of homo- and heteromultimeric voltage-gated K+ channels

The functional diversity of voltage-gated K+ channels may be partially determined by the mechanisms that permit or limit the assembly of molecularly diverse K+ channel subunits. To determine possible amino acid sequence domains required for subunit assembly and expression, we have constructed 15 N- and C-terminal interstitial or truncation deletion mutations in mKv1.1 (MBK1), a mouse Shaker-like K+ channel. We injected Xenopus oocytes with cRNA encoding each of these mutants and coinjected each mutant cRNA with cRNA for wild-type mKv1.3, another mouse Shaker-like K+ channel that can form heteromultimers with mKv1.1. We found that the last five amino acids of the C-terminus of mKv1.1 contribute to functional expression by (1) rescuing the function of mutants with a large truncation of the C-terminus (delta 424-495), and (2) contributing to the slow inactivation kinetics (time constant of 2-3 sec) of wild-type mKv1.1 whole-cell K+ currents. All C-terminal deletion mutants were able to express at least as heteromultimers with mKv1.3, suggesting that the C-terminus is not required for channel assembly. In contrast, nine different interstitial or truncation mutants in which part of a highly conserved, large (80-99 amino acid residues) domain within the N-terminus had been deleted were unable to express either homomultimers or heteromultimers. The relatively small sizes and nonoverlapping distributions of the interstitial deletions enable us to suggest that the structural integrity of this entire N-terminal domain is required for subunit assembly and functional expression of this and probably other Shaker-like K+ channel proteins.
Subpopulations of human T lymphocytes. VII. Cellular basis of concanavalin A-induced T cell-mediated suppression of immunoglobulin production by B lymphocytes from normal humans.

Abstract Purified peripheral blood T lymphocytes from normal subjects were pretreated with varying concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A) for a period of 18 or 48 hr. Following treatment, these T lymphocytes were examined for the proportions of Tμ and Tγ cells and their regulatory effect on immunoglobulin production by normal allogeneic B cells in presence of pokeweed mitogen. A significant decrease in the proportions of Tμ cells and increase in Tγ cells were observed when concentration of Con A, 40 μg/ml, was used to treat purified T cells for either 18 or 48 hr. Significant suppression of in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis was observed at a similar concentration in mixing experiments. The mechanism of Con A-induced T cell-mediated suppression of immunoglobulin secretion by allogeneic B cells is discussed.
Prudent Stewards or Pyramid Builders? Distribution Policies of Private Foundations

The non-profit sector in the United States owns investment assets of about $1 trillion. Nearly half of these assets are owned by private foundations. The tax law requires that private foundations spend at least five percent of their assets each year on charitable purposes. Despite this minimum distribution requirement, private foundations doubled in size between 1994 and 1998. This paper examines the distributions made by a sample of private foundations between 1994 and 1998 using actual tax return data. It examines the amount and timeliness of these distributions. It also examines the level of administrative expenses per dollar of grants. It finds substantial variation among foundations with respect to each measure. It also finds that the tendency for a foundation to minimize the amounts currently transferred to charitable beneficiaries is positively correlated with size, fraction of operating expenses paid to outside experts, fraction of operating expenses paid to foundation officers, directors, and trustees, and is negatively associated with the fraction of current revenues from new contributions.
Diagrams: a perspective from logic

This paper discusses the cognitive differences between reasoning with Euler diagrams and reasoning with Venn diagrams. We test subjects' performances in syllogism solving in case where these two types of diagrams are used. We conduct an analysis on the role played by the conventional devices of each diagram in reasoning processes. Based on this, we hypothesize that of the two types of diagrams, only Euler diagrams could guide subjects without prior knowledge of their inferential strategies for combining diagrams. To test this hypothesis, subjects in our experiment are only provided with instructions on the meanings of diagrams and required to solve reasoning tasks without any instruction on the solving strategies. Our experimental results support the hypothesis and indicate that Euler diagrams can not only contribute to subjects' correct interpretation of categorical sentences used but also play a crucial role in reasoning processes themselves.
Moving from paper-based to digital documents: case study of public defenders using case management and legal research tools

The paper presents a study of the influence of computers on job productivity, job satisfaction and quality of work. Results of a combined qualitative and quantitative study of the use of personal computers (PC)s in a public defender (PD)'s office in Los Angeles County (USA) for legal research and case management me discussed. A survey was administrated to 56 PDs and 25 qualitative interviews were completed. It is concluded that the expedient fashion in which legal documents must be prepared in the criminal courts lends itself well to the acceptance of computer innovation by the PDs, and that this innovation requires a reskilling of the professional role of a PD.
Nucleon Axial Matrix Elements

Current issues associated with nucleon axial matrix elements are studied, including the Goldberger-Treiman discrepancy, the induced pseudoscalar, and SU(3) chiral perturbation theory.
Growth Model of a Plasmid‐Bearing Virulent Strain of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Raw Ground Beef

Summary The growth kinetics of virulence plasmid-bearing Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YPST) in sterile ground beef were studied at temperatures ranging from 0 to 30°C. In irradiated sterile ground beef, YPST replicated from 0 to 30°C, with corresponding growth rates (GR) ranging from 0.023 to 0.622 log CFU/h at 0–25°C, and the GR was 0.236 log CFU/h at 30°C. The maximum population densities (MPD) ranged from 8.7 to 11.0 log CFU/g. The growth and MPD of YPST were reduced significantly at 30°C. Models for GR and MPD of YPST in raw ground beef (RGB) as a function of storage temperatures were produced and displayed acceptable bias and accuracy. The models were validated with rifampicin-resistant YPST (rif-YPST) in sterile ground beef stored at 4, 10 and 25°C. The observed GR and MPD were within 95% of the predicted values. When compared to non-sterile retail ground beef, the growth of rif-YPST was not inhibited and displayed similar GR at 0, 10 and 25°C and MPDs as sterile ground beef at 10 and 25°C. Moreover, there was no loss of virulence plasmid in YPST during its growth in ground beef indicating that RGB contaminated with virulence plasmid-bearing YPST could cause disease due to refrigeration failure, temperature (10–25°C) abuse, and if the meat was not properly cooked.
Bidirectional SiC three-phase AC-DC converter with DQ current control

Grid connected Electric vehicles (EVs) and Plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can benefit the grid by utilizing Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. V2G enables stored electrical energy in electric vehicle batteries to be returned to the grid for peak demand and other ancillary services. Typically, the onboard electric vehicle battery charger is uni-directional but needs to be bi-directional to enable V2G capabilities. A modulation strategy for DQ (direct-quadrature axis) current control of a single stage, isolated, bi-directional three phase AC-DC converter based on Dual Active bridge (DAB) is presented. Mathematical analysis of the converter with DQ current control is discussed with simulation results confirming the analysis.
Multiphonon background in atom-surface scattering

Abstract A quantum mechanical theory for the multiphonon inelastic background appearing in the energy resolved measurements of low energy atom—surface scattering is presented. Simple expressions for the differential reflection coefficient are given for the semiclassical and extreme semiclassical limits of high surface temperatures and large atomic translational energies. Measurements of the inelastic background give directly the form factor of the interaction potential for inelastic scattering. It is shown that there can be either net gain or loss of energy by the scattered particles, depending on the relative incident particle energy to the surface temperature. The relation to previous semiclassical theories is discussed.
The development of a neuropathic ankle following successful correction of non-plantigrade charcot foot deformity.

Background: The treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has traditionally involved immobilization during the acute phase followed by longitudinal management with accommodative bracing. In response to...
Rule-governed behavior and sensitivity to changing consequences of responding.

Humans were presented with a task that required moving a light through a matrix. Button presses could produce light movements according to a multiple fixed-ratio 18/differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate 6-s schedule, with components alternating every 2 min. Moving the light through the maze earned points worth chances on money prizes. In Experiment 1 four conditions were assessed through between-subject comparisons: minimal instructions, instructions to press rapidly, instructions to press slowly, and instructions that sometimes rapid responding would work while at other times a slow rate would work best. Subjects responded in three successive sessions of 32 min each. The results suggested that instructions affected the nature of the contact made with the programmed consequences and thus subsequent performance. In some cases, responding seemed to result from added contingencies introduced by stating rules. In Experiment 2 the relative contribution of these two effects was assessed by presenting and then withdrawing two lights that had been paired with two specific instructions: “Go Fast” or “Go Slow.” There were three conditions. In one condition, only the Go Fast light was on; in a second, only the Go Slow light was on; and in a third, the lights alternated each minute. In each condition, half the subjects had all instruction lights turned off after the first session. The results once again showed an effect of instructions on contact with the programmed consequences. However, responding sometimes continued in a manner consistent with added contingencies for rule-following even when the programmed consequences had been contacted and would have controlled a different type of responding in the absence of instructions. The relevance of added contingencies for rule-following in determining the effects of explicitly programmed consequences is emphasized.
Sites of Covalent Attachment of CYP4 Enzymes to Heme: Evidence for Microheterogeneity of P450 Heme Orientation†

Typical cytochrome P450s secure the heme prosthetic group with a cysteine thiolate ligand bound to the iron, electrostatic interactions with the heme propionate carboxylates, and hydrophobic interactions with the heme periphery. In addition to these interactions, CYP4B1 covalently binds heme through a monoester link furnished, in part, by a conserved I-helix acid, Glu310. Chromatography, mass spectrometry, and NMR have now been utilized to identify the site of attachment on the heme. Native CYP4B1 covalently binds heme solely at the C-5 methyl position. Unexpectedly, recombinant CYP4B1 from insect cells and Escherichia coli also bound their heme covalently at the C-8 methyl position. Structural heterogeneity may be common among recombinant CYP4 proteins because CYP4A3 exhibited this duality. Attempts to evaluate functional heterogeneity were complicated by the complexity of the system. The phenomenon of covalent heme binding to P450 provides a novel method for assessing microheterogeneity in heme orientat...
TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY GHANAIANS

This article by author Osei K. Darkwa, whose writings on Ghana have previously appeared in Ageing International, discusses the health, caregiving, socioeconomic, and service needs of elderly persons who live in Ghana. Brief sociodemographic information on the population is given. Challenges brought about by population ageing are discussed. Barriers to the provision of services to address the needs of the population are examined. Finally, measures are proposed to meet the challenges of providing services to elderly Ghanaians.
Error estimation using hypersingular integrals in boundary element methods for linear elasticity

Abstract A natural measure of the error in the boundary element method rests on the use of both the standard boundary integral equation (BIE) and the hypersingular BIE (HBIE). An approximate (numerical) solution can be obtained using either one of the BIEs. One expects that the residual, obtained when such an approximate solution is substituted to the other BIE is related to the error in the solution. The present work is developed for vector field problems of linear elasticity. In this context, suitable ‘hypersingular residuals’ are shown, under certain special circumstances, to be globally related to the error. Further, heuristic arguments are given for general mixed boundary value problems. The calculated residuals are used to compute element error indicators, and these error indicators are shown to compare well with actual errors in several numerical examples, for which exact errors are known. Conclusions are drawn and potential extensions of the present error estimation method are discussed.
Dietary regulation of maternal and fetal cholesterol metabolism in the guinea pig

Studies to determine the effects of pre-natal interventions on maternal and fetal cholesterol homeostasis were carried out in the guinea pig. Guinea pig dams were fed either non-purified guinea pig diet or diet supplemented with either 1.1% of the bile acid binding resin cholestyramine or 0.25% cholesterol. Whole body rates of endogenous cholesterol synthesis were determined by quantitation of [3H]water incorporation into digitonin precipitable sterols in non-pregnant animals and at 40 and 60 days of gestation in the dam and fetus. Maternal hepatic cholesterol synthesis was reduced 87% by dietary cholesterol and was increased 3.5-fold with cholestyramine feeding. Fetal hepatic and peripheral tissue cholesterol synthesis rates peaked at 40 days gestation when peripheral tissue cholesterol synthesis was 5.7-fold higher and hepatic synthesis 6.2-fold greater than the near adult levels observed at 60 days. Cholesterol synthesis in the fetus was relatively insensitive to dietary manipulations; however, maternal cholestyramine treatment did result in a 1.4-fold increase in fetal carcass cholesterol synthesis at 60 days gestation. These data demonstrate that maternal cholesterogenic systems maintain responsiveness to dietary regulation during pregnancy; whereas fetal cholesterol homeostasis is relatively insensitive to dietary cholesterol throughout gestation yet may respond to induction by maternal cholestyramine treatment during the late gestation period.