cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packaging and characterization of silicon carbide thyristor power modules

The need for high-voltage power semiconductor devices in utility applications ranging from isolating faults within a quarter cycle and efficient use of renewal energy resources is rapidly growing. To this end, silicon carbide thyristor power modules were fabricated and characterized electrically. In particular, three SiC thyristors were attached on a common direct bond copper substrate with a copper heat spreader to form a power module. Series resistances were inserted to achieve a good matching of their on-state currents. Experimental results revealed that this power module offered good thermal matching for parallel operation.
Numerical analysis of kinetic data: Collapsed regression analysis for first order reactions

Abstract A method is presented for decreasing the computational time required in the analysis of first order decay curves. The proper equation is derived and examples of results are given. This method allows substantial reduction both in the time and the computer core space required for computation. Thus, signal to noise ratios can be effectively enhanced by collecting a larger number of data points without taxing the capacity of the average laboratory computer.
Orbit equivalence of $$$$-adic transformations and their iterates

Orbit equivalence is a weaker notion of equivalence than isomorphism for measurable systems. We examine $$p$$ -adic transformations in various orbit equivalence classes, including an example that preserves an infinite measure. Although $$p$$ -adic transformations have been studied with respect to Haar measure, we use other i.i.d. product measures to see examples of different orbit equivalence classes. Since translation by an integer is an iterate of translation by 1, we gain an understanding of the possible behaviors of orbit equivalence classes under iteration.
Increased pulmonary vascular endothelin B receptor expression and responsiveness to endothelin-1 in cirrhotic and portal hypertensive rats: a potential mechanism in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome

Abstract Background/Aims : In experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), hepatic endothelin-1 (ET-1) release during common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and ET-1 infusion in pre-hepatic portal hypertension after portal vein ligation (PVL) initiate vasodilatation through an endothelin B receptor mediated increase in pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We evaluated if pulmonary ET receptor expression changes in experimental cirrhosis and portal hypertension and confers susceptibility to HPS. Methods : In normal, PVL and CBDL animals, lung ET receptor expression and localization were assessed and ET receptor levels and functional analysis of ET-1 effects on eNOS levels were evaluated in intralobar pulmonary artery (PA) and aortic (AO) segments. Normal rats underwent evaluation for HPS after ET-1 infusion. Results : There was a selective increase in ET B receptor expression in the pulmonary vasculature from PVL and CBDL animals. ET-1 stimulated NO production and an ET B receptor mediated increase in eNOS levels in PA segments from PVL and CBDL animals, but not normal animals. ET-1 did not alter lung eNOS levels or cause HPS in normal rats. Conclusions : ET B receptor expression and ET-1 mediated eNOS and NO production are enhanced in the lung vasculature in cirrhotic and portal hypertensive animals and correlate with in vivo susceptibility to ET-1 mediated HPS.
Amino-terminal parathyroid hormone fragment analogs containing α, α-di-alkyl amino acids at positions 1 and 3

To define and minimize the N-terminal PTH pharmacophore, the effects of introducing different conformationally constraining di-alkyl amino acids at positions 1 and 3 of PTH(1–14) analogs were studied. Improvements in PTH receptor-binding affinity and signaling potency were found, although some substitutions resulted in partial agonism. Introduction: The N-terminal portion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a critical role in PTH-1 receptor (P1R) activation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this action and to minimize the N-terminal PTH pharmacophore, we employed the PTH(1–14) fragment as a scaffold for structure-activity relationship studies, and thus previously found that substitutions of the conformationally constraining, di-alkyl amino acid, α-amino-isobutyric acid (Aib), at positions 1 and 3 increase the P1R-binding affinity and signaling potency of the analog ∼100-fold. Here we extend these findings by investigating the effects of other constrained di-alkyl amino acids at positions 1 and/or 3 on PTH analog activity. Materials and Methods: The di-alkyl amino acids, 1-aminocycloalkane-carboxylic acid (Acxc, x = 3, 5, or 6) or diethylglycine (Deg), representing alkyl configurations of varying volumes and shape (cyclic and linear), were introduced into the parent peptide, [M]PTH(1–14) (M = Ala1,3,12,Gln10,Har11,Trp14), and the analogs were tested for activity in P1R-expressing cells. Results: Relative to the binding affinity and cAMP-stimulating potency of the parent peptide (IC50 = 27 mM; EC50 = 220 nM), PTH(1–14) analogs substituted at position 1 exhibited 2- (Ac3c) to 60-fold (Ac5c) increases in affinity and potency, as measured in LLC-PK1 cells stably expressing the cloned P1R. Combining the substitutions of Ac5c1 and Aib3 yielded the highest affinity and most potent PTH(1–14) and shorter-length analogs to date: [Ac5c1, Aib3,M]PTH(1-X) (X = 14, 11, and 10; IC50s = 80 nM, 260 nM, and 850 μM; EC50s = 1.7 nM, 3.1 nM, and 1.9 μM, respectively). The effects of Ac6c1 were similar to those of Ac5c1. A dissociation of binding affinity and signaling activity occurred with Deg, as [Deg1,3,M]PTH(1–14) was a partial agonist. Conclusion: Constraining the N-terminal PTH backbone conformation with di-alkyl amino acids at positions 1 and 3 may be a general strategy for optimizing and minimizing the PTH pharmacophore; however, inhibitory side-chain effects may be encountered. The new analogs presented should be useful as minimum-length functional probes of the PTH-PTH receptor interaction mechanism.
Television families: Is something wrong in suburbia?

Television Families: Is Something Wrong in Suburbia? William Douglas. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 2003. 197 pp. ISBN 0-8058-4013-3. $22.50 (paper). In his book, William Douglas provides a thorough analysis of the portrayal of families in entertainment media. While most of the focus is on the television family, Douglas discusses the family as seen in important predecessors: vaudeville, radio, and comic strips. He sets his analysis of the family in popular culture (e.g., the relationship between Blondie and Dagwood) against the prevailing socioeconomic conditions of families (e.g., the Lynd's study of Middletown), providing a context with which to understand the relationship between media and society. He centers on the suburban family, both because suburbia became the desired living location during the advent of television and also because most television families lived there as well. The book is organized first chronologically and then thematically in chapters that cover spousal relationships, parent-child and sibling relationships, African American families, elderly family members, and the divergence between middle-class and working families. Douglas focuses on family structure, the nature of family roles, and the more personal and relational aspects of television families. The impact of gender, class, and age in both "real" and media families is given much attention. Most notably, Douglas focuses on the changing roles for women that strongly influenced the structure of family life over the course of the 20th century. He demonstrates how "Tarzan" and "Jane" principles were widespread throughout middle-class, young, White families on television but notes how such principles did not apply to working-class families or ethnic and racial minorities who were rarely portrayed on television at all. The elderly have also been underrepresented throughout television's history, and more recently, children have become less visible as well. Is something wrong in suburbia? According to the author's analysis of the "double decay" hypothesis, which addresses the deterioration of the family in general and how that is reflected in popular culture, it appears that the answer is yes. Though there are exceptions on television, minority families other than African American families are virtually absent from the screen, and when African American families are portrayed, they are portrayed in more negative ways than White families; while depictions of middle-class, husband-wife roles are more egalitarian on television than in the past, husbands still appear to hold more family power than their wives; working-class families' interactions are marked by hostility and hardship; parents are not sufficiently involved in childrearing; and sibling relationships have become more contentious. …
The Importance of Electrostatic Effects in the Recognition of NPF Motifs by the EH Domains of Mammalian EHD Proteins

EHD proteins are membrane remodeling proteins that control exit of receptors from the recycling endosome and their return to the plasma membrane. They consist of a nucleotide binding domain and an EH domain, which is a small Ca2+ binding module composed of 2 EF hands. EH domains bind to asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) motifs, which are found in various proteins, often in multiple copies, throughout the vesicle trafficking pathway. The mechanism by which EH domains discriminate between individual NPF containing proteins is not well understood. There are 4 closely related EHD proteins in mammals, termed EHD1-4. We have measured the affinities the EH domains from all 4 EHD proteins for 11-residue NPF containing peptides derived from Rabenosyn-5 and Rab11-Fip2 using isothermal titration calorimetry. The highly acidic Rabenosyn peptides bind with affinities of the order of 6*105 M−1; this is an order of magnitude higher than was found for the neutral Rab11-Fip2 peptide. The Rabenosyn peptide interaction was also found to be salt dependent. In a second set of experiments, we synthesized EH domains from EHD1 and EHD4 with short NPF containing sequences from derived from Rabenosyn or Rab11Fip2 tethered to the C-terminus. Fluorescence quenching experiments showed that a tryptophan residue at the base of the NPF binding pocket was protected by the tethered NPF. All tethered NPF sequences enhance the stability of the EH domain to urea denaturation, but the Rabenosyn sequence (13 kJmol−1) is more effective than the Rab11-Fip2 sequence (9 kJmol−1). Our results suggest that negative charges directly following the NPF sequence strongly enhance the affinity of EHD EH domains for their target sequences.
Poly(acrylamide-co-alkylacrylamides) for electrophoretic DNA purification in microchannels.

We have created a family of water-soluble block copolymers of acrylamide and N-alkylacrylamides that are designed to selectively remove proteins from DNA via microchannel electrophoresis. It was hy...
Methyl isocyanate: A review of health effects research since Bhopal

Cette revue resume les resultats des etudes animales entreprises depuis Bhopal et evalue les decouvertes a la lumiere des observations faites lors de l'accident
Evaluating the Proposed Model Rules of Professional Conduct

In January 1980 the Commission on Evaluation of Professional Standards released a draft of proposed Model Rules of Professional Conduct. That draft is not a final draft, nor even a tentative one, but a Discussion Draft. By that title, and by the appearance of the draft in typescript the Commission has attempted to convey that the proposed Rules are a series of ideas meriting discussion, not fixed positions that we are prepared to aggressively defend. We know that the Discussion Draft requires editorial revision, that its substance needs additional refinement, that its policies deserve reconsideration. But after two and one-half years of dialogue, study, drafting, debate, and redrafting, we thought the Model Rules Would gain much from the fresh perspective and critical appraisal that others could provide. To that end we solicited comments from lawyers and the public hoping to stimulate a public discussion of the role of lawyers in American society. That discussion will ultimately lead to a final draft of proposed Model Rules that reflects the best thinking of our profession as a whole. During the ten months since the publication of the draft, the Commission has received volumes of constructive comment. Some of that comment was offered in public hearings held in five cities across the nation; some was offered in more than 50 forums sponsored by state and local bar associations; some was offered through correspondence; and some was offered through reports submitted by special committees appointed to study the proposed Model Rules. The reviews in this symposium, however, are the first scholarly reviews of the Model Rules to be published. This article will not consider the specific points raised by the reviews that precede it. It is more useful at this juncture to offer a few general observations about the reviews as they relate to some of the comments that the Commission has received during the past ten months. Some readers have expressed concern about the format of the proposed Rules. Their concern is not that the format of black-letter rules accompanied by explanatory comments is novel or untried, for it replicates the familiar, time-tested approach of the American Law Institute's restatements of the law and modern
The immunological properties of pyruvate kinase. I: Mammalian erythrocyte enzymes.

Abstract Antiserum to purified human erythrocyte pyruvate kinase was used to identify immunologic relationships among erythrocyte pyruvate kinases from several phylogenetically distant mammals: humans, rhesus monkey, beef, rat and two marsupials opposum and phalanger. Each of the enzymes tested shared partial identity with the human enzyme and with the enzyme of every other species by gel diffusion analysis. No two species shared complete identity. Thus each species shares antigenic determinants with the human enzyme which are either missing or unreactive in the other species. All of the enzymes were inactivated by the antibody with the relative efficiency of inactivation being in general agreement with previously established phylogenetic relationships. The one exception was the phalanger which showed a closer relationship to man than expected. We conclude that mammalian pyruvate kinases are related in amino acid sequence and three dimensional structure as predicted by their similar kinetic properties. We further conclude that during evolution from the common ancestor each species has undergone a mutational loss of antigenic determinants so that each bears only a percentage of the ancestral determinants and that these are shared at random with the human enzyme which is presumed to have undergone a similar mutational process. On this basis we suggest that erythrocyte pyruvate kinase has probably evolved at a faster rate than previously thought.
Multivariate Normal Mixtures: A Fast Consistent Method of Moments

Abstract A longstanding difficulty in multivariate statistics is identifying and evaluating nonnormal data structures in high dimensions with high statistical efficiency and low search effort. Here the possibilities of using sample moments to identify mixtures of multivariate normals are investigated. A particular system of moment equations is devised and then shown to be one that identifies the true mixing distribution, with some limitations (indicated in the text), and thus provides consistent estimates. Moreover, the estimates are shown to be quickly calculated in any dimension and to be highly efficient in the sense of being close to the values of the parameters that maximize the likelihood function. This is shown by simulation and the application of the method to Fisher's iris data. While establishing these results, we discuss certain limitations associated with moment methods with regard to uniqueness and equivariance and explain how we addressed these problems.
Technology dependence and health-related quality of life : a model

Aim. This paper presents a new theoretical model to explain people's diverse responses to therapeutic health technology by characterizing the relationship between technology dependence and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Introduction. Technology dependence has been defined as reliance on a variety of devices, drugs and procedures to alleviate or remedy acute or chronic health problems. Health professionals must ensure that these technologies result in positive outcomes for those who must rely on them, while minimizing the potential for unintended consequences. Little research exists to inform health professionals about how dependency on therapeutic technology may affect patient-reported outcomes such as HRQL. Organizing frameworks to focus such research are also limited. Model. Generated from the synthesis of three theoretical frameworks and empirical research, the model proposes that attitudes towards technology dependence affect HRQL through a person's illness representations or commonsense beliefs about their illness. Symptom distress, illness history, age and gender also influence the technology dependence and HRQL relationship. Five concepts form the major components of the model: a) attitudes towards technology dependence, b) illness representation, c) symptom distress, d) HRQL and e) illness history. Conclusion. The model is proposed as a guide for clinical nursing research into the impact of a wide variety of therapeutic health care interventions on HRQL. Empirical validation of the model is needed to test its generality.
An investigation into the electronic and structural properties of nickel complexes of tetradentate N2S2 ligands

Abstract A series of Ni(II) complexes of the ligands; N , N′ -dimethylene-, N , N′ -trimethylene- N , N′ -tetramethylene- and N , N′ -pentamethylene-bis(methyl-2-amino-1-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate) (L n = 2, 3, 4, 5) have been prepared where the bridging alkyl chain between the two nitrogens varies from two to five methylene groups. Ligands field transitions occur at 15 150, 14950 and 14750 cm −1 for Ni n =2, 3, and 4, respectively, energies comparable to tetra-thiolate ligand systems. Red shifts in both LF and LMCT transitions indicate a shift to more tetrahedral symmetries in the series as additional methylene groups are incorporated into the diamine bridge. The compounds exhibit reversible one electron reductions and oxidations, which also show trends explained by a changing coordination environment. The Ni(II) complex of N , N′ -tetramethylene-bis(methyl-2-amino-l-cyclopentenedithiocarboxylate) ( n = 4) has a solid state effective magnetic moment of 3.20 βμ, and, in solution, exhibits an equilibrium between planar and tetrahedral geometries, which gives rise to isotropic Fermi contact shifts of proton resonances. These and other data from infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry indicate increasing distortion from planarity toward a pseudo-tetrahedral coordination geometry as the length of the bridge increases, and suggest the geometrical environment around the Ni(II) is controlled by the ligand.
A non-mapped complex variable method for the computation of unseparated airfoil flows

Abstract A new complex variable method is developed for the analysis of incompressible potential flow over lifting airfoils. The method is built around the numerical solution of a principal-value Cauchy integral equation. Unlike previous complex variable methods, no mappings are required, and the numerical solution is obtained entirely in the physical ( Z ) plane. Zero normal velocity over the airfoil is satisfied analytically at every point on the surface, not merely at discrete locations. No restrictions are placed on the airfoil contour, and the solution method producers both the potential distribution around the airfoil and the circulation.
Antitumor activity of didemnin B in the human tumor stem cell assay.

In vitro studies of the schedule dependency and cytotoxicity of didemnin B, a novel depsipeptide isolated from a Carribean tunicate (Didemnidae), were carried out in fresh tumor cells obtained from biopsies from 39 cancer patients using the human tumor stem cell assay. Two schedules of drug exposure were examined (1h and continuous exposure in the agar). Tumor cells from nine of 26 patients (34.6%) showed reduced survival of tumor-colony forming units to 30% of control or less at the 0.01 μg level in the continuous exposure studies. Cells from eight of 17 patients (47%) showed a similar degree of sensitivity to didemnin after a 1-h exposure to 0.1 μg prior to plating. The median ID50 values were 4.2x10-3 μg/ml and 46x10-3 μg/ml for continuous and 1-h exposures, respectively. A clear dose-response relationship was observed with both dosage schedules. Comparison of the slopes of the continuous and 1-h exposures and of the ID50 of the drug schedules suggests that didemnin is a cell-cycle-non-specific cytotoxic agent. Significant in vitro antitumor activity was observed at low concentrations against carcinomas of the breast, ovary, and kidney, and also mesothelioma and sarcoma. These results can provide pharmacologic goals to be achieved in phase I clinical trial. Further in vitro testing should help select tumor types for study in phase II trials of this very promising new anticancer drug.
Pathological images in the Quebec novel.

(1980). PATHOLOGICAL IMAGES IN THE QUEBEC NOVEL. American Review of Canadian Studies: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 39-47.
Modeling the Simultaneous Transport of Two Acid Gases in Tertiary Amines with Reversible Reactions

Abstract The objective of this work is to develop a model for the simultaneous mass transfer of two acid gases in tertiary amines accompanied by reversible chemical reactions. The model has been applied to the industrially important system of simultaneous. absorption or desorption of CO 2 and H 2 S in aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). In most applications the treated gas must be virtually free of H 2 S; however, it is often not necessary or economical to remove substantial amounts of CO 2. Hence, selective removal of H 2 S from gas streams such as natural or synthetic gases which contain CO 2 is desirable.
More on Hotelling's stability in competition

Abstract It is well known that Hotelling's model of spatial competition has no location-price equilibrium in pure strategies. The present paper studies that model where the linear space is replaced by a one-dimensional bounded space without a boundary, i.e. a circle. It is shown that the modified model does have a subgame perfect equilibrium in pure strategies and that the ‘equal distance’ location pattern is an equilibrium.
The changing face of the Other in Romanian films

This article focuses on how the Other is represented and understood in films produced in Romania during periods of radical political, social and economic change. Specifically it addresses films produced during the years of communism and the planned economy, during the transition to democracy and to capitalism, as well as films produced during the period of democracy, capitalism and membership in the European Union. The research acknowledges two main aspects: the changing face of the Other over time (the socialist state, the foreign investors, the West, etc.) and the consistency of the fantasy structure. More specifically, the relationship between self and the Other generally follows a strict masochist fantasy script in which the Other has the power to constrain freedom, to inflict pain, and to function as an essential element through which pleasure is understood and experienced. The research proposes an understanding of this structure of fantasy, reflected in film through the existence of a national psych...
Identification of hyperdiploidy in fixed cells from pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases using flow cytometry and cytogenetic analysis

Cytogenetic analysis is of value in predicting clinical outcome of pediatric cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hyperdiploidy in these patients has significant impact on therapeutic outcome. Because of the technologic limitations of cytogenetic analysis in determining hyperdiploidy in some of these cases, we devised a method to analyze cytogenetically fixed material for cellular DNA content by standard flow cytometric methods. This technique greatly enhances out ability to interpret the observance of single cell anomalies and assess whether these cells are predictive of clonal stemlines or are a result of random events.
IL-21 dependent IgE production in human and mouse in vitro culture systems is cell density and cell division dependent and is augmented by IL-10.

Abstract IL-21 is known to enhance immunoglobulin production using human in vitro models. Using either PBMC or purified tonsilar B cells both stimulated with anti-CD40, IL-4 ± IL-21, this enhancement was shown to correlate with increased cell division especially for IgE and to a lesser extent for IgM and total IgG. Cell division was monitored by CFSE staining and maximum cell division was found at low initial cell plating densities. A correlation between increased cell division and IL-10-mediated enhancement of IgE production was also seen; however, increased cell division plays a smaller role with IL-10 than IL-21. This is further emphasized in that when IL-10 and IL-21 were added together there was a further synergistic increase in IgE seen, but no accompanying further increase in cell division. The mouse system was also examined for IL-21 effects as a function of cell concentration, and as in humans, IL-21 added to murine cells increased IgE production over IL-4/CD40 stimulated cells at lower cell concentrations; however, IL-21 significantly reduced IgE at higher plated cell concentrations.
Efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention for weight gain prevention in young adult women

Abstract Young adult women, particularly those attending college, may be at risk for future weight gain. The current study examined the efficacy of a brief acceptance-based behavioral approach in facilitating weight gain prevention in female college students with a body mass index between 23 and 32 kg/m2. Fifty-eight participants were randomized to an intervention group who attended 8 group sessions over 16 weeks (n=29), or an assessment-only control group (n=29) and completed assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, post-intervention, and 1 year. Group sessions taught behavioral (e.g., monitor weight, calories, and exercise) and acceptance-based (e.g., distress tolerance, acceptance of cravings) strategies that could be applied for weight loss or weight gain prevention. The intervention resulted in a decrease in weight and body mass index of 1.57 kg and 0.52 kg/m2 (respectively) at 16 weeks that was maintained at 1 year follow up (M=−2.24 kg, M=−0.74 kg/m2) whereas the control group gained 1.07 kg and 0.34 kg/m2 over the year. Results indicate that a brief acceptance-based behavioral intervention may be effective for a group who appears to be at risk for future weight gain and further research is needed to determine mechanisms of change.
Determination of the vertical distribution of ozone from the measurement of diffusely reflected ultra-violet solar-radiation☆

Abstract The problem of diffuse reflection of solar ultra-violet radiation in the presence of ozone has been solved for a plane-parallel atmosphere of finite optical thickness. The atmosphere is divided into two layers. The scattering optical thickness of the upper layer is small enough to permit one to consider only primary scattering. Ozone is distributed in this layer according to a definite analytical function. The scattering optical thickness of the lower layer is large and all the orders of scattering have been taken into consideration for it. It is assumed that the lower layer does not contain any ozone. The radiation received by an observer on the top of the atmosphere would consist of two parts. The first part originates from the upper layer as a consequence of scattering of direct solar radiation falling on it. The other part originating from the lower layer consists of four different components. The results of computations presented here contain intensities of each of these five components for several values of ozone absorption and for several directions of incident and scattered radiations. It is expected that this will be helpful in obtaining a broad, semi-quantitative picture of the amount of radiation emerging from each of the layers under different conditions which one is likely to encounter. The results are expected to be of some assistance in further studies related to the problem of the measuring of ozone from satellites or high level balloons. This aspect has also been considered in some detail.
Trends and future directions in the academic job market for Ph.D.’s in sociology: A research note

Les AA. etudient la situation des etudiants diplomes en sociologie, titulaire d'un doctorat, sur le marche du travail americain. Ils soulignent que pour bon nombre d'observateurs la carriere de ces etudiants est souvent marquee par le sous-emploi, la precarite et le chomage. Ils presentent un certain nommbre de donnees collectees entre 1988 et 1996. Ils comparent la situation professionnelle des titulaires d'un doctorat par discipline scientifique. Ils comparent egalement la situation professionnelle des titulaires de doctorat au sein des differentes disciplines des sciences sociales. Ils examinent le statut professionnel des titulaires de doctorat en sciences sociales hors du milieu universitaire. Ils comparent le statut professionnel des universitaires specialistes en sciences sociales en fonction du temps de travail et du sexe. Ils etudient l'evolution entre 1949 et 1994 des chances d'obtenir un poste de titulaire au sein des universites pour les etudiants diplomes en sciences sociales. Ils analysent l'evolution du financement federal de la recherche en sciences sociales entre 1972 et 1996
Modeling and analysis of N-port DC-DC converters

Multi-port DC-DC converters are very attractive because they have the potential to combine different energy sources and management strategies. Their utilization is not only facilitating the entrance of the alternative energy sources into the market but is also reducing the cost and size of conventional energy sources. In this paper, the modeling and analysis of such power electronic devices with N ports are discussed. The derivation procedures of the power flow equations, the large signal model (LSM) and small signal model (state space model) (SSM) are presented. A transformation method to convert the N-windings transformer of the converter from a Star topology to a more suitable modeling topology is also presented. The modeling procedure is demonstrated for a 5-port DC-DC converter. Simulation is then used to compare the LSM and SSM models and observe their performance with respect to a detailed model (DM).
Prediction of maternal use of friendship facilitation strategies in middle childhood

We examined child characteristics as predictors of maternal friendship facilitation strategies from third to fifth grades. Results indicated variation in initial levels of friendship facilitation and linear change over time, but no variation in trajectories of change over time. In third grade, African American mothers were less likely to enable proximity to friends and more likely to talk to their children about friendships than were European American mothers. Mothers of children with greater self-efficacy used more of both types of friendship facilitation behaviors. Mothers who perceived children as higher in externalizing were less likely to talk with children in an effort to facilitate friendships. Mothers who perceived children as having more social problems reported talking to their children more.
Memory aging from 18 to 80.

Data from samples of adults selected to be representative of the U.S. population were examined to investigate issues related to the breadth and timing of age-related effects on memory and other cognitive functions. The results suggest that memory aging begins in early adulthood, that it overlaps with other aspects of cognitive aging, and that it can occur without accompanying increases in between-person variability. These findings imply that it is important to consider factors occurring early in life when attempting to understand the causes of memory and cognitive impairments apparent late in life.
An unambiguous assay for the cloned human sigma1 receptor reveals high affinity interactions with dopamine D4 receptor selective compounds and a distinct structure-affinity relationship for butyrophenones

Abstract The ability of the sigma1 receptor to interact with a huge range of drug structural classes coupled with its wide distribution in the body has contributed to it being implicated as a possible therapeutic target for a broad array of disorders ranging from substance abuse to depression to Alzheimer's disease. Surprisingly, the reported affinity values for some sigma1 receptor ligands vary more than 50-fold. The potential of the sigma1 receptor as a pharmacotherapeutic target prompted us to develop an unambiguous assay system for measuring the affinity of ligands to the cloned human sigma1 receptor. In the course of characterizing this system and determining the true affinity values for almost three dozen compounds, it was discovered that some dopamine D4 receptor selective compounds bind sigma1 receptors with high affinity. A systematic analysis of haloperidol-like compounds revealed a clear structure–affinity relationship amongst clinically relevant butyrophenones. The antidepressant fluvoxamine, the drug of abuse methamphetamine, and the neurosteroid progesterone were amongst the many ligands whose interactions with the sigma1 receptor were confirmed with our screening assay.
An a-nor-3-thia-5β-pregnane

Abstract The conversion of a 5β-pregnan-3-one into a 3-thia-A-nor-pregnane is described. The single epimer, characterized as the 5β-isomer by nmr spectroscopy, was obtained. A previous report [1] from this laboratory described the synthesis of the epimeric 3-oxa-A-norpregnan-20-ones 1 and 2 from A-norprogesterone. Recently, the total synthesis of the related A-nor-3-thiaestra-1,-5(10)-diene derivative 3 has been described [2]. Continuing interest [3] in A-ring-modified steroids as probes of drug-receptor interactions prompts this report of the preparation of the 3-thia-5β-A-norpregnan-20-one 4 .
Size effects on magneto-optics in spherical quantum dots

The magneto-optical absorption in `spherical' quantum dots `completely' confined by a harmonic potential and exposed to an applied magnetic field in the symmetric gauge is investigated. This is done within the framework of Bohm-Pines' random phase approximation (RPA) that enables us to derive and discuss the full Dyson equation that takes proper account of the Coulomb interactions. Intensifying the confinement or magnetic field and reducing the dot-size yields a blue-shift in the absorption peaks. However, the size effects are seen to be predominant in this role. The magnetic field tends to maximise the localisation of the particle, but leaves the peak position of the radial distribution intact. The intra-Landau level transitions are forbidden.
Changes in amino-terminal sequences of pp60src lead to decreased membrane association and decreased in vivo tumorigenicity

Abstract We have suggested previously that the amino-terminal 8 kilodaltons of pp60 src may serve as a structural hydrophobic domain through which pp60 src attaches to plasma membranes. Two isolates of recovered avian sarcoma viruses (rASVs), 1702 and 157, encode pp60 src proteins that have alterations in this amino-terminal region. The rASV 1702 src protein (56 kilodaltons) and the 157 src protein (62.5 kilodaltons) show altered membrane association, and fractionate largely as soluble, cytoplasmic proteins in aqueous buffers, in contrast with the membrane association of more than 80% of the src protein of standard avian sarcoma virus under the identical fractionation procedure. Plasma membranes purified from cells transformed by these rASVs contain less than 10% of the amount of pp60 src found in membranes purified from cells transformed by Rous sarcoma virus or control rASVs. The altered membrane association of these src proteins had little or no effect on the properties of chick embryo fibroblasts transformed in monolayer culture. In contrast, rASV 1702 showed reduced in vivo tumorigenicity compared with Rous sarcoma virus or with other rASVs that encode membrane-associated src proteins. Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumors are malignant, poorly differentiated sarcomas that are lethal to their hosts. rASV 1702 induces a benign, differentiated sarcoma that regresses and is not lethal to its hosts. These data support the role of amino-terminal sequences in the membrane association of pp60 src , and suggest that the amino terminus of pp60 src may have a critical role in the promotion of in vivo tumorigenicity.
Reading Specialist: Key to a Systematic Schoolwide Reading Model

The existence of elementary reading specialists in schools has increased, and their role in improving schoolwide efforts for prevention and intervention of reading risk has received increased emphasis. The purpose of this article is to describe the components of a multitier schoolwide reading model in the early grades in which the reading specialist serves an essential leader. Recommendations are made for the role of the reading specialist in establishing and maintaining a model that is cohesive and integrated. In addition, the need for strong support from the principal is discussed, as well as specific roles the principal needs to play to ensure success.
1692 IDENTIFICATION OF A MAJOR HEPARIN-BINDING SERUM PROTEIN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

Heparin binding to serum proteins and their subsequent precipitation is increased in CF (Pearson and Lubin, Ped. Res., 13, 834 (1978). To investigate the molecular basis for this effect, sera from CF patients and age-matched controls were precipitated with 50 mg% heparin at pH 5.57. Resolubilized pellets were fractionated on DEAE-Sephadex and analyzed by double immunodiffusion, SDS-PAGE, immunoelectro-phoresis, and radial immunodiffusion. Most of the protein eluted as IgG. The table presents our data concerning amounts of IgG and precipitated protein per ml serum. When serum from all sources was fractionated by StaphA-Sepharose into IgG and non-IgG fractions, 85-88% of heparin precipitable material was in the IgG fraction. We propose that increased levels of precipitable proteins are related to elevated concentrations of serum IgG. This conclusion is supported by our finding that the normal levels of IgG in the serum of young CF patients result in normal amounts of precipitate. Our data do not support the hypothesis of Pearson and Lubin that a generalized defect in serum protein glycosylation is the basis of the heparin effect.
The uptake of boron by Lemna minor

This study characterizes Lemna minor L. as a bio-accumulator of boron relative to other species of aquatic macrophytes. Laboratory experiments using 0.01, 0.11 and 1.01 mg B l−1 indicated that ambient boron was a determining factor in rate of boron accumulation in plant tissue. Field studies showed that the tissue boron concentration of L. minor, growing on the canopy of submerged Ceratophyllum demersum L. and presumably drawing from the same boron supply, was 10–45 times greater than the tissue boron concentration of C. demersum. In this instance, L. minor had a growing season maximum of near 3200 μg B g−1 ash-free dry weight. The laboratory and field data further suggest that growth rate and uptake rate are both important in determining the tissue concentration of boron.
Ethical Considerations in the Design and Execution of the National and Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES)

The purpose of this article is to describe some ethical considerations that have arisen during the design and implementation of the health examination surveys conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three major areas of concern are discussed: sharing information from the study, banking and using banked tissue samples, and obligations for future testing of subjects. Specific concerns of sharing information include: when to inform, whom to inform, maintaining confidentiality, and how to inform individuals. Specific concerns of determining when sera will be banked and using banked samples include: depletion of samples for quality control, obtaining informed consent for unanticipated uses, access by others, and requests for batches of samples. Finally, specific concerns regarding future testing of subjects include: retesting for verification, retesting for interpretation, testing for different risk factors, and follow-up. Although existing surveys can provide experience or even suggest guidelines, the uniqueness of any new survey will generate unique ethical problems, requiring the careful formulation of unique solutions.
Laparoscopic management of giant type III hiatal hernia and short esophagus: Objective follow-up at three years

We wished to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the laparoscopic Hill repair in the treatment of type III hiatal hernia. Fifty-two patients underwent laparoscopic repair of a type III hiatal hernia. No esophageal lengthening procedures were performed. Short esophagus was determined from the operative record. Late symptomatic follow-up and a satisfaction questionnaire were completed in 71% (37/52) of patients at a mean of 39 months (range 6 to 84 months). Esophagrams were completed in 65% (34/52) of patients at a mean of 3 7 months (range to 84 months) after repair. Eighty-one percent were without any adverse symptoms, and 86% rated outcome as excellent or good at 39 months. Symptoms requiring treatment were present in 19% (7/37). Esophagrams revealed a recurrent hernia in 32% (11/34) of patients of whom 36% (4/11) were asymptomatic. Six patients with short esophagus underwent esophagram with one recurrence identified (17%). This was compared with 28 patients without short esophagus, of whom 10 had a recurrence (35%) (P = 0.70). The laparoscopic Hill repair provides long-term satisfaction and relief of symptoms. The incidence of anatomic recurrence on video esophagram is high and does not always correlate with symptoms. The presence of short esophagus does not play a role in recurrence when the Hill repair is used.
Managing Antipsychotic-Induced Parkinsonism

Notwithstanding the advent of clozapine and other 'atypical' antipsychotic agents, the conventional ('typical') antipsychotic agents remain in widespread use. Antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism is a highly prevalent adverse effect that may result in increased morbidity and noncompliance. Bedside examination is generally sufficient for the detection of the onset of parkinsonism and should be carried out frequently in the first 3 months of treatment. In addition to decreasing patient discomfort, monitoring for antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism also serves to identify the minimally effective dosage required for the individual patient. Several strategies are utilised in the management of antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism including dosage reduction, switching to other antipsychotic agents and the use of antiparkinsonian drugs such as anticholinergic agents and amantadine. Anticholinergic agents remain the mainstay of the pharmacological management of antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism in younger patients. Amantadine is a better tolerated agent for elderly patients, with similar efficacy to the anticholinergic agents. The routine use of prophylactic anticholinergics is not recommended and is clearly contraindicated in the elderly. An individualised risk-benefit assessment is necessary for the younger patient in whom prophylactic use of anticholinergic drugs is considered.
Targeting areas for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) projects in Tanzania

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) has gained momentum as a climate mitigation strategy that can be implemented at multiple scales. Sub-nationally, REDD+ projects that aim to capture carbon funding are implemented throughout tropical countries. A spatial targeting approach for optimal REDD+ project landscape is demonstrated using Tanzania as an example. This study used GIS-based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis to identify potential areas for REDD+ projects development incorporating different combinations of criteria. The first approach, efficient targeting, focuses on areas with high forest carbon content, high deforestation risk and low opportunity cost. The second approach, co-benefits targeting, aims at areas with high biodiversity and high poverty rate on top of criteria in efficient targeting. The resulting suitability maps displays areas of high, medium and low suitability for future REDD+ projects development based on the targeting approaches. Locations of current REDD+ projects in Tanzania were also overlaid with suitability map to visually inspect how they match up. This approach allows decision-makers to prioritize preferences for various site-selection criteria and make informed decisions about REDD+ projects locations.
Microcolonies in fluoroquinolone agar proportion susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: an indicator of drug resistance

Microcolony growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on agar proportion susceptibility testing is neither well-defined nor previously reported with fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing. We describe here M. tuberculosis microcolony growth with fluoroquinolones, and assess its clinical significance. We screened 797 M. tuberculosis isolates for ofloxacin resistance (2.0 μg/mL) by agar proportion; 19 ofloxacin-resistant and 38 ofloxacin-susceptible isolates were selected for more detailed susceptibility testing with ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin (all at 2.0 μg/mL) and moxifloxacin (0.5 μg/mL). The 57 isolates were also tested at two concentrations both above and below the critical concentrations. Microcolonies were defined as colonies 0.2–0.4 mm in diameter; confirmed microcolonies were present on repeat testing. Of the 57 isolates tested in detail, 7 grew microcolonies, of which 2 (0.3% of all isolates tested) had confirmed microcolonies on repeat testing (6 tests performed, and microcolonies were present on at least 4). Both M. tuberculosis isolates were ofloxacin-resistant on screening, and had ofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >8 μg/mL. The five other isolates were ofloxacin-susceptible on screening, but had regular colony growth (i.e., resistance) at the drug concentration that initially resulted in microcolonies (ofloxacin 0.5 or 1.0 μg/mL). Microcolonies were observed infrequently with fluoroquinolone susceptibility testing, but when confirmed, they were associated with drug resistance.
Amnesia attenuation specificity: propranolol reverses norepinephrine but not cycloheximide-induced amnesia.

Abstract Post-trial injections of norepinephrine (NE) or cycloheximide (CHX) into the amygdala produces a long-term retention deficit (amnesia) for a 1-trial footshock experience in rats. Concomitant post-trial injections of the adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, prevents NE-, but not CHX-induced amnesia. These results indicate separate mechanisms of action for amnesia produced by intracranial CHX and NE injections.
From Judeans To Israel: Names of Jewish States in Antiquity

Si le passage au terme d'Israel fut delibere, cela peut refleter une tentative de differencier le ou les regimes rebelles de l'Etat hasmoneen-herodien des Juifs ou de la province romaine de Judee. Certainement, les rebelles auraient voulu insister sur la discontinuite avec les structures imperiales provinciales. Une telle prise de distance serait aussi comprehensible au regard du royaume-client d'Herode. Il est possible que les rebelles aient egalement voulu se demarquer du regime hasmoneen. Bar Kokhva n'a surement pas suivi le modele d'autorite propose par les Hasmoneens