cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient Mitigation in Mode Transitions for Composite DC-DC Converters

A decentralized hierarchical control architecture is proposed for composite systems. Automatic mode transitions are performed in a high-level main controller using a state machine that commands references for each partial-power converter module. Local converter module controllers perform gain-scheduled average current control. It is observed during mode transitions, that when the boost module and the dual active bridge (DAB) module change their output voltage simultaneously, there are unwanted transients in the system that induce instabilities. These transients occur because the boost converter is unable to handle the required voltage step up during the turn on of the DAB converter. To mitigate these transients, a boost voltage reference dynamic alteration and DAB reference ramp offset strategy has been proposed in the paper. Mathematical evaluation of the state machine, condition for transient occurrence and mitigation strategies have been presented. Validation of the theoretical hypothesis is provided by simulations and controller-hardware-in-loop (CHIL) test bed results.
The Arab Spring Abroad: Diaspora Activism against Authoritarian Regimes

The Arab Spring revolutions of 2011 sent shockwaves across the globe, mobilizing diaspora communities to organize forcefully against authoritarian regimes. Despite the important role that diasporas can play in influencing affairs in their countries of origin, little is known about when diaspora actors mobilize, how they intervene, or what makes them effective. This book addresses these questions, drawing on over 230 original interviews, fieldwork, and comparative analysis. Examining Libyan, Syrian, and Yemeni mobilization from the US and Great Britain before and during the revolutions, Dana M. Moss presents a new framework for understanding the transnational dynamics of contention and the social forces that either enable or suppress transnational activism.
Comparison of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization strategies

Abstract Background For countries that have only recently started COVID-19 vaccinations, there remains a key public health question of who should be prioritized for early vaccination. Most vaccine prioritization analyses have only considered variation in risk of infection and death by age. We provide a more granular analysis with stratification by demographics, risk factors, and location. Methods We used a simulation model to compare the impact of different prioritization strategies on COVID-19 cases, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) over the first 6 months of vaccine rollout. We calibrated the model to demographic and location data on 28,175 COVID-19 deaths in California up to December 30, 2020, and incorporated variation in risk by occupation and comorbidity status using published estimates. We estimated the proportion of clinical cases, deaths and DALYs averted relative to a scenario of no vaccination for strategies prioritizing vaccination by a single risk factor (special population status (e.g. incarcerated individual), age, essential worker status, comorbidity status) or multiple risk factors (e.g. age and location). Results We found that age-based targeting averted the most deaths (65% for 5 million individuals vaccinated) and DALYs (40%) of strategies targeting by a single risk factor and targeting essential workers averted the least deaths (33%) and DALYs (25%) over the first 6 months of vaccine rollout. However, targeting by two or more risk factors simultaneously averted up to 40% more DALYs. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential value of multiple-risk-factor targeting of COVID-19 vaccination. Where vaccine supply is limited and logistical challenges in vaccine delivery persist, age-based targeting offers a means of ensuring that vaccines reach those most at risk of poor health outcomes. If operational challenges can be overcome, more granular vaccination strategies that overlap age with other risk factors can be adopted.
Quagmire: Is the SEC Stuck in a Misguided War Against PIPE Financing?

A popular non-traditional capital formation option is the “PIPE” deal: Private Investment in Public Equity. Over the last ten years, companies raised more than $100 billion using PIPE transactions. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has increased its regulatory oversight of PIPE transactions as they have become more popular. The SEC believes that some PIPE investors who take a short position in a PIPE issuer’s publicly traded shares violate Section 5 of the Securities Act by selling unregistered securities, and that PIPE investors who trade on knowledge of an impending PIPE transaction are guilty of insider trading. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the SEC’s aggressive enforcement against PIPE deals is misguided both because it is based on flawed interpretations of the law and because it ignores the benefits of PIPE financing. Although most of the existing scholarship on PIPE financing shares the SEC’s negative views, these articles have ignored the benefits and exaggerated the risks associated with PIPE financing. This article makes the case for PIPE financing by fully considering its benefits and risks.
High-resolution ultrasonic imaging of blood flow in the anterior segment of the eye.

PURPOSE To develop a noninvasive technique to visualize and measure blood flow in the iris and ciliary body. METHODS Echo data from 50-MHz ultrasound scans of the iris and ciliary body of rabbits were digitized using a new "swept scan" modality. The method makes use of spatial oversampling to identify regions with scatterers whose range changes with time. The data allowed construction of high-resolution B-mode images with embedded flow information. Pulsatility over the cardiac cycle was evaluated by sending a series of pulses along a single line of sight containing a vessel of interest. Local blood flow and changes over the cardiac cycle before and after application of atropine were quantified. RESULTS Flow was identified in the radial vessels and major arterial circle of the iris. Vessels with lumens as small as 40 microm in diameter and flow velocities as low as 0.6 mm/sec were measured. Change in blood velocity over the cardiac cycle was determined to be approximately 27%. Peak systolic velocity after administration of topical atropine increased by 72%. CONCLUSIONS This technique allowed visualization of flow using the same type of very-high-frequency transducer now widely used for imaging the anterior segment. The technique can also be used at lower frequencies for more posterior tissues with similar improvement of resolution over Doppler. The ability to examine flow in the anterior segment of the eye offers a new tool for study of glaucoma, hypotony, tumors, and other disorders.
Kevin B. Wright & Lynne M. Webb (Eds.), Computer-Mediated Communication in Personal Relationships

The edited book Computer-Mediated Communication in Personal Relationships is the first of its kind. It explores the intersection of interpersonal communication and technology. As it has become more...
Effects of angle spread in a complex outdoor environment at 2.4 GHz

It is useful to know the true extent of angle spreading - specifically, it's effect on AOA estimation and beamforming - in a variety of environments. This paper presents a study of angle spread at 2.4 GHz in a complex, outdoor environment. Due to limitations in array aperture and stationarity of the propagation channel, direct measurements of angle spread are extraordinarily difficult and unreliable. In this study, we instead demonstrate the effects of angle spread by comparing measurements of the angle spectrum and spatial covariance to those obtained in a carefully-controlled line-of-sight For the scenarios evaluated here, it is found that the environment has a dramatic effect on both the ability to form beams and the rank of the spatial covariance matrix.
The Strategic Significance of Negative Externalities

Negative externalities have competitive relevance in a market when they have selective impacts – as, for example, when a product in use imposes greater costs on consumers of rival products than on other people. Because managers have discretion over aspects of product design that affect external costs, the externality in such cases may be viewed as a strategic variable. This paper presents evidence of the existence of competitively relevant negative externalities. I introduce a metric for the externality's competitive effect, the external cost elasticity of demand, which I estimate econometrically using data from the motor vehicle industry. Managerial implications are considered. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An image-based mail facing and orientation system for enhanced postal automation

When mixed mail enters a postal facility, it must firstbe faced and oriented so that the address is readable bymail processors.Existing USPS systems face and orientdomestic mail by searching for flourescing indicia oneach mail piece.However, stamps on foreign-originatedmail do not flouresce, so the processing systems cannotsort foreign mail.Furthermore, even the facing ofdomestic mail is subject to processing problems such asmechanical malfunction and misplaced or partiallyflourescing indicia, which cause a significant fraction ofmail to be rejected.Previously, rejected domestic mailand all foreign mail had to be faced and oriented byhand, thus increasing mail processing costs for the USPS.This work aims to eliminate these costs by developing animage-based facing system that processes scannedimages of both sides of each envelope and automaticallyfaces and orients it in real time.TheUSPS began todeploy this technology nationwide in November 2002.
Dynorphin increases extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids in the brain through a non-opioid mechanism

Administration of dynorphin A-(1-17) (Dyn 1-17), through a microdialysis probe stereotaxically placed into rat hippocampus, caused marked increases in the extracellular levels of glutamate and aspartate. The degree and duration of elevation of these excitatory amino acids (EAA) induced by Dyn 1-17 were dose dependent but were not modified by the centrally active opioid receptor antagonist nalmefene. At comparable doses, Dyn 2-17, which is inactive at the opioid receptor, produced similar alterations in EAA as Dyn 1-17, whereas Dyn 1-8 caused significantly smaller changes of glutamate. Dynorphin and EAAs have each been implicated as pathophysiological factors in brain or spinal cord injuries, with dynorphin's actions shown to involve both opioid and non-opioid components. The present observations indicate a direct potential linkage between dynorphin and excitotoxin mechanisms of CNS injury and provide further support for the concept that dynorphin's pathophysiologic effects may include non-opioid actions of this peptide.
Use of community-based participatory research to disseminate baseline results from a cardiovascular disease randomized community trial for Mexican Americans living in a U.S.-Mexico border community

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the development of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) process conducted in the context of a randomized community health education trial utilizing community health workers (CHWs). OBJECTIVES: To present lessons learned from the utilization of CBPR methodology in a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention trial among Mexican American adults in a U.S.-Mexico border community and to disseminate the baseline results associated with risk factors for CVD and their associated demographic and psychosocial characteristics. METHODS: Participants were 328 Hispanic adults ages 30-75 with at least one risk factor for CVD (overweight, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetic or hypertensive), who were recruited through approaching households in randomly selected census tracts within a specified zip code area. RESULTS: CBPR methods were applied during the different stages of the research enterprise to support the development and implementation of the intervention trial aim at reducing cardiovascular risk factors for Mexican American adults. Data from baseline were used as an important component of dialogue with the community. DISCUSSION: CBPR proved to be a good learning process for all partners involved. The risk profile of the participants demonstrated the "epidemic" nature of CVD morbidity conditions associated with Mexican origin populations living in a U.S.-Mexico border community. The CBPR dialogue was instrumental as a process to help disseminate to the community the need for projects like the one described in this article
Trail Trees: Living Artifacts ( Vivifacts) of Eastern North America

Living trees historically modified by human populations, oftentimes referred to as “culturally modified trees” (CMTs), are found throughout the North American landscape. In eastern North America specifically, indigenous populations bent thousands of trees to mark trails, and some of these still exist in the region today. In this article, we present a synthesis of current knowledge on trail trees, including their speculated functions, formation, and selection. We also examine the theoretical implications of these living artifacts (or vivifacts ) and how they may open new avenues for investigation by archaeologists, environmental historians, and ethnobiologists. To conclude, we make a call for expanded public recognition and documentation of trail trees, discussing the need for their incorporation into forest and park management plans.
Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy improves hospital outcomes and reduces cost: a single-institution analysis of laparoscopic-assisted and open techniques.

Several case series have demonstrated that laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTHE) is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes compared to historical data for open transhiatal esophagectomy (OTHE). Contemporaneous evaluation of open and laparoscopic THE is rare, limiting meaningful comparison of techniques. All patients who underwent OTHE (n = 32) and LTHE (n = 41) during the introduction of the latter procedure at our institution (1/2012–4/2014) were identified, and patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for operation included 69 patients with esophageal malignancy (adenocarcinoma: 64; squamous cell carcinoma: 4; melanoma: 1) and 4 patients with benign disease. There were no significant differences in clinicopathologic variables between OTHE and LTHE cohorts, except for an increased rate of cardiovascular disease in the LTHE cohort (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in median operative time or operative complications, yet LTHE was associated with a lower incidence of intraoperative blood transfusion (p < 0.01). There were no 30-day mortalities. LTHE was associated with a reduced time to reach 24-h tube feeding goals (p = 0.02), shorter length of hospital stay (p = 0.01), and 6 % reduced median direct cost (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in rates of major perioperative morbidities. Patients were followed for a median of 11.0 months during which there were no significant differences between cohorts in disease-free survival or overall survival. When compared to OTHE, LTHE improves surgical outcomes and decreases hospital costs; short-term oncologic outcomes are similar. LTHE is preferable to OTHE in patients requiring transhiatal esophagectomy.
Measuring rater judgments within learning assessments—Part 2: A mixed approach to creating rubrics

Abstract Assessments will focus learning, and hence they should be aligned with desired educational outcomes. Frequently human raters (experts) are needed to judge a variety of advanced learners׳ abilities. To use subjective human judgments effectively, this second part of a two-part article in the Methodology Matters section considers the use of a mixed approach to rubric creation. Prior empirical research further introduces this mixed approach while dual-processing theory helps explain it. Applications and implications are discussed. After reading this article, the readers should be able to (a) recognize the differences between holistic and analytic rubrics, (b) discuss integration with cognition and dual-processing theory, and (c) create a rubric for a learning assessment, using a mixed approach.
Hypovitaminosis D is associated with insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction

BACKGROUND Although the role of vitamin D in type 2 diabetes is well recognized, its relation to glucose metabolism is not well studied. OBJECTIVE We investigated the relation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations to insulin sensitivity and beta cell function. DESIGN We enrolled 126 healthy, glucose-tolerant subjects living in California. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and first- and second-phase insulin responses (1stIR and 2ndIR) were assessed by using a hyperglycemic clamp. RESULTS Univariate regression analyses showed that 25(OH)D concentration was positively correlated with ISI (P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with 1stIR (P = 0.0045) and 2ndIR (P < 0.0001). Multiple regression analyses confirmed an independent correlation between 25(OH)D concentration and ISI (P = 0.0007). No independent correlation was observed between 25(OH)D concentration and 1stIR or 2ndIR. However, an independent negative relation of 25(OH)D concentration with plasma glucose concentration was observed at fasting (P = 0.0258), 60 min (P = 0.0011), 90 min (P = 0.0011), and 120 min (P = 0.0007) during the oral-glucose-tolerance test. Subjects with hypovitaminosis D (<20 ng/mL) had a greater prevalence of components of metabolic syndrome than did subjects without hypovitaminosis D (30% compared with 11%; P = 0.0076). CONCLUSIONS The data show a positive correlation of 25(OH)D concentration with insulin sensitivity and a negative effect of hypovitaminosis D on beta cell function. Subjects with hypovitaminosis D are at higher risk of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Further studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Immobilization Effects of Anticell and Antiaxial Filament Sera on Treponema zuelzerae

Rabbit antisera were produced against whole cells and against highly purified axial filaments of Treponema zuelzerae. Both types of sera react with axial filaments. Antisera against whole cells immobilize the organism; antisera against axial filaments do not. The immobilizing activity of anticell sera could be neutralized by preabsorption with whole cells but not by preabsorption with axial filaments. Preabsorption with axial filaments did, however, abolish the ability of anticell sera to react with axial filaments. Anticell sera also react with the outer cell envelope; this ability was not affected by preabsorption with axial filaments. The data show that antibody directed at something other than axial filaments causes immobilization of T. zuelzerae. The results do not exclude the possibility that the axial filament is the organelle of motility. Titration of the immobilizing activity of anticell sera by adding a constant amount of motile cells to serial dilutions of serum gave two zones of maximum immobilization, one with undiluted serum and one at higher dilutions. For a fixed amount of antiserum, increasing the numbers of cells in the titration almost, but not quite, abolished the zone phenomenon. This phenomenon appears to result from the presence of two kinds of immobilizing antibodies in anticell serum. One of these belongs to the IgG class of immunoglobulins. The other has not been identified but is present in a serum globulin fraction which contains IgM. At intermediate concentrations, the "IgM fraction" inhibits the immobilizing activity of IgG without itself causing immobilization.
Perimenopause as a neurological transition state

Perimenopause is a midlife transition state experienced by women that occurs in the context of a fully functioning neurological system and results in reproductive senescence. Although primarily viewed as a reproductive transition, the symptoms of perimenopause are largely neurological in nature. Neurological symptoms that emerge during perimenopause are indicative of disruption in multiple estrogen-regulated systems (including thermoregulation, sleep, circadian rhythms and sensory processing) and affect multiple domains of cognitive function. Estrogen is a master regulator that functions through a network of estrogen receptors to ensure that the brain effectively responds at rapid, intermediate and long timescales to regulate energy metabolism in the brain via coordinated signalling and transcriptional pathways. The estrogen receptor network becomes uncoupled from the bioenergetic system during the perimenopausal transition and, as a corollary, a hypometabolic state associated with neurological dysfunction can develop. For some women, this hypometabolic state might increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases later in life. The perimenopausal transition might also represent a window of opportunity to prevent age-related neurological diseases. This Review considers the importance of neurological symptoms in perimenopause in the context of their relationship to the network of estrogen receptors that control metabolism in the brain.
Left circumflex coronary artery to hepatic vein fistula: a case report and brief review of coronary vasculogenesis

Coronary artery fistulas are rare coronary artery anomalies. Their clinical significance varies from a long asymptomatic course to overt heart failure and death. They are often detected incidentally with diagnostic coronary angiograms. Cardiologists increasingly encounter coronary artery fistulas secondary to recent improvements in cardiovascular imaging modalities. Management is still controversial, especially in asymptomatic cases with less significant shunts. Here, we describe a 62-year-old woman with a left circumflex artery to hepatic vein fistula found on coronary angiography. The patient is being managed conservatively using nuclear imaging studies and echocardiographic evaluation.
Role of cyclic AMP in the inhibition of mouse hepatocyte intercellular communication by liver tumor promoters.

Abstract The liver tumor promoters phenobarbital (PB) (20–500 μg/ml) and 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) (1–10 μg/ml) inhibited intercellular communication between primary cultured B6C3F1 mouse hepatocytes after 8 hr of treatment. Intercellular communication was detected autoradiographically as the passage and incorporation of [5- 3 H]uridine nucleotides from prelabeled donor hepatocytes to recipient hepatocytes. The addition of either dibutyryl cyclic AMP ( N 6 ,2′- O -dibutyryladenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate) (0.001–0.1 m m ) or caffeine (0.01–1 m m ) decreased or completely abolished the inhibitory effects of PB and DDT on intercellular communication. Cyclic AMP (adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate; cAMP) in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes was measured by radioimmunoassay. Cyclic AMP in nontreated, freshly plated cultures declined from 4.2 ± 0.7 pmol/mg protein after 1 hr in culture to 2.4 ± 0.5 pmol/mg protein after 8 hr in culture. Phenobarbital at 250 and 500 μg/ml significantly decreased cyclic AMP below control values after 1 hr of treatment. However, no difference in the amount of cyclic AMP was detected between control and PB-treated cultures after 2, 4, and 8 hr in culture or with lower PB concentrations. DDT at 10 μg/ml decreased cAMP levels in the hepatocytes after 1, 2, 4, and 8 hr of treatment. No effects were seen after 8 hr of treatment or with lower DDT concentrations. DDT (10 μg/ml) also decreased cAMP levels in 24-hr-old cultures while PB (500 μg/ml) had no effect. Addition of dibutyryl cAMP (0.1 m m ) or caffeine (1.0 m m ) to freshly plated cultures elevated cAMP levels 50-fold and twofold, respectively. These data suggest that the inhibition of mouse hepatocyte intercellular communication by PB and DDT at the highest concentrations tested may be mediated by transient decreases in intercellular cAMP levels.
Laser Sensing of Cloud Composition: A Backscattered Depolarization Technique

Abstract Theoretical analyses reveal that the backscattered radiation from spherical water droplets retains the polarization of the incident energy, whereas radiation backscattered from non-spherical ice crystals is partially depolarized. It is demonstrated that depolarization from hexagonal crystals arises from rays undergoing internal reflections within the crystals. For randomly oriented ice crystals, depolarization is found to be independent of the incident polarization with a value of about 29%. However, preferred orientation may lead to the dependence of depolarization on the polarization state of the incident energy as well as the orientation plane. Laboratory, experiments employing a 6328.k heliuin-neon laser have been carried out for the studies of the backscattered depolarization from clouds. A 2–4% depolarization ratio is observed from dense water clouds. For ice crystal clouds in the initial stage, the depolarization ratio is about 35%. Moreover, the dependence of depolarization on the inciden...
γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase, a glutathionase: Its expression and function in carcinogenesis

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. It is a cell surface glycoprotein that cleaves gamma-glutamyl amide bonds. The most abundant physiologic substrates for the enzyme are glutathione and glutathione-conjugated compounds. GGT initiates the cleavage of extracellular glutathione into its constituent amino acids which can then be transported into the cell. It also catalyzes the initial step in the conversion of glutathione-conjugated compounds to mercapturic acids. GGT is expressed at high levels in many human tumors and in many carcinogen-induced tumors in animals. These observations have lead an increased focus on the role of the enzyme in the development and treatment of tumors. This chapter begins with an overview of the structure and function of GGT in normal tissues. A summary of its expression in neoplastic tissues and the ways in which GGT effects the response of tumors to chemotherapy follows. The chapter concludes with a discussion of strategies for using GGT to activate and target chemotherapy drugs to tumors as a means of improving treatment for common human malignancies.
Regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous venovenous hemofiltration in critically ill patients with a high risk of bleeding

Regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous venovenous hemofiltration in critically ill patients with a high risk of bleeding. Background Systemic heparinization is associated with a high rate of bleeding when used to maintain patency of the extracorporeal circuit during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in critically ill patients. Regional anticoagulation can be achieved with citrate, but previously described techniques are cumbersome and associated with metabolic complications. Methods We designed a simplified system for delivering regional citrate anticoagulation during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). We evaluated filter life and hemorrhagic complications in the first 17 consecutive patients who received this therapy at our institution. Blood flow rate was set at 180ml/min. Ultrafiltration rate was maintained at 2.0 liters/hr and citrate-based replacement fluid (trisodium citrate 13.3mm, sodium chloride 100mm, magnesium chloride 0.75mm, dextrose 0.2%) was infused proximal to the filter to maintain the desired fluid balance. Calcium gluconate was infused through a separate line to maintain a serum-ionized calcium level of 1.0 to 1.1mm. Results All patients were critically ill and required mechanical ventilation and vasopressor therapy. Systemic heparin anticoagulation was judged to be contraindicated in all of the patients. A total of 85 filters were used, of which 64 were lost because of clotting, with a mean life span of 29.5 ± 17.9hours. The remaining 21 filters were discontinued for other reasons. Control of fluid and electrolyte balance and azotemia was excellent (mean serum creatinine after 48 to 72hr of treatment was 2.4 ± 1.2mg/dl). No bleeding episodes occurred. Two patients, one with septic shock and the other with fulminant hepatic failure, developed evidence for citrate toxicity without a significant alteration in clinical status. Nine patients survived (52.9%). Conclusion Our simplified technique of regional anticoagulation with citrate is an effective and safe form of anticoagulation for CVVH in critically ill patients with a high risk of bleeding.
Recovery of transferrin receptors on hepatocytes membrane after collagenase perfusion

Hepatocyte cell suspensions obtained by collagenase perfusion method did not have transferrin (TF) receptors. However, after incubation at 37°, they appeared to gain TF receptors, the number of which was the function of incubation time at 37°. It is suggested that hepatocyte TF receptors are collagenase-sensitive. This study can explain previous observations that hepatocyte isolated with collagenase treatment of the tissue do not bind TF at 4° but take up TF at 37°.
Accelerating Assay Development Using Experimental Design and Integrated Liquid Handling

INTRODUCTION Molecular biologists developing assays face complex challenges inherent with the rate of new target identification and their adaptation to automation-ready assays. In addition, the exponential growth of compound libraries over the last several years has required that assays be miniaturized as a means of containing costs. Using AAO, the assay developer can take advantage of statistical design of experiment (a.k.a. DOE or experimental design) to create more robust, cost-effective assays. Making assays more robust for automated systems no longer has to be a bottleneck because AAO lets the scientist concentrate on the science, not the mundane tasks of pipetting or writing complex liquid handling methods. AAO combines the power of statistically designed experiments with the flexibility of the Biomek 2000 and post-run data collection and analysis. No longer is the DOE approach to assay development cumbersome and impractical.
Denial of anger/denial of self: Dealing with the dilemmas

This evocative essay explores the relationship between denial of anger and denial of Self in light of two aspects of Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration: the Levels of Emotional Development and the Overexcitabilities. It suggests that issues for gifted children are exacerbated by their emotional intensity and discusses dilemmas confronted by gifted children who are faced with resolving disparities between their idealism and their experience of anger. The search for Self of a gifted individual grappling with issues of denial of anger is illustrated by a poem describing inner turmoil and efforts to achieve resolution. In addition, the article offers examples of strategies that might enable gifted children's expression of overexcitabilities to help them move toward fuller development of Self in relationship to dealing with anger. A number of questions pertinent to the topic are also raised.
Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition Studies of Some Novel Dimethyl(Phenyl)Silyl-Substituted Aminoboranes

Abstract Reactions of chloro(dimethyl)phenylsilane with primary amines have been used to obtain a series of compounds having the general formula C6H5(CH3)2SiNHR. The anions of those species are readily prepared, and may be reacted with trichloroborane or dichlorophenylborane to give the corresponding silylaminoboranes, C6H5(CH3)2SiN(R)B(X)Cl (X = Cl, Ph). The thermal properties of these silylaminoboranes have been probed using thermogravimetric analysis. The first step in their thermal degradation involves elimination of C6H5(CH3)2SiCl.
On the functional form of corporate cooptation: Empirical findings linking the intensity of market constraint with the frequency of directorate ties

Abstract Using data on market transactions involving manufacturing industries in the 1967 American economy and data on directors of large firms involved in manufacturing at the time, the frequency of interorganizational ties through corporate directorates operating in economic sectors J and M is shown to increase with the extent to which average profits in industry J are constrained by its market transactions (sales and/or purchases) with sector M. Market constraint has its strongest and most direct effect on the spread of a corporation through ownership ties into multiple sectors rather than on the corporation's use of interlocking. However, the central point demonstrated concerns directorate tie frequency. Not only is the absence of directorate ties predicted by the absence of market constraint, the actual frequency of ties between economic sectors is predicted by the intensity of market constraint they constitute for one another's profits.
STAT3 Protein Interacts with Class O Forkhead Transcription Factors in the Cytoplasm and Regulates Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Localization of FoxO1 and FoxO3a Proteins in CD4+ T Cells

An important feature of the adaptive immune response is its remarkable capacity to regulate the duration of inflammatory responses, and effector T cells have been shown to limit excessive immune responses by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-27. However, how anti-inflammatory cytokines mediate their suppressive activities is not well understood. In this study, we show that STAT3 contributes to mechanisms that control the duration of T cell proliferation by regulating the subcellular location of FoxO1 and FoxO3a, two Class O Forkhead transcription factors that mediate lymphocyte quiescence and inhibit T cell activation. We show that active FoxO1 and FoxO3a reside exclusively in the nucleus of naive T cells whereas inactive pFoxO1 and pFoxO3a were most abundant in activated T cells and sequestered in their cytoplasm in association with unphosphorylated STAT3 (U-STAT3) and 14-3-3. We further show that FoxO1/FoxO3a rapidly relocalized into the nucleus in response to pSTAT3 activation by IL-6 or IL-10, and the accumulation of FoxO1/FoxO3a in their nuclei coincided with increased expression of p27Kip1 and p21WAF1. STAT3 inhibitors completely abrogated cytokine-induced translocation of FoxO1/FoxO3a into the nucleus. In naive or resting STAT3-deficient T cells, expression of pFoxO1/pFoxO3a was predominantly in the cytoplasm and correlated with defects in p27Kip1 and p21WAF1 expression, suggesting requirement of STAT3 for importation or retention of FoxO in the nucleus and attenuation of lymphocyte proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that U-STAT3 collaborates with 14-3-3 to sequester pFoxO1/pFoxO3a in cytoplasm and thus prolong T cell activation, whereas pSTAT3 activation by anti-inflammatory cytokines would curtail the duration of TCR activation and re-establish lymphocyte quiescence by inducing nuclear localization of FoxO1/FoxO3a and FoxO-mediated expression of growth-inhibitory proteins.
Reconstruction And Synthesis Applications Of An Iterative Algorithm

Abstract. This paper reviews the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm and variations thereof that have been used to solve a number of difficult reconstruction and synthesis problems in optics and related fields. It can be used on any problem in which only partial information (including both measurements and constraints) of the wavefront or signal is available in one domain and other partial information is available in another domain (usually the Fourier domain). The algorithm combines the information in both domains to arrive at the complete description of the wavefront or signal. Various applications are reviewed, including synthesis of Fourier transform pairs having desirable properties as well as reconstruction problems. Variations of the algorithm and the convergence properties of the algorithm are discussed.
Predictions of the particle size distribution changes in emulsions and suspensions by digital computation

The fundamental Smoluchowski flocculation rate equations including the effects of polydispersity and particle-particle potentiM energy barrier have been solved for any initial particle size distribution. The procedure for the numerical solution of the set of nonlinear differential equations involved the combined use of the Runge-Kutta and the Hamming methods by the IBM 360 computer. It was assumed that the only rate process is the passage of the particles over the primary electrical barrier to flocculation of suspensions (or coalescence of emulsion droplets). The input data were the surface potential, dielectric constant, temperature, Debye-Huckel kappa, viscosity, Hamaker constant, and the initial particle size distribution. The output included the time changes in the particle size distribution, the polydispersity and interaction barrier effects on the rate and the time dependency of the mean polydispersity and interaction barrier of the dispersed system. The changes in the particle size distribution have also been studied by means of a similarity transformation which leads to a self-preserving spectrum. When the electrical barrier was small, any given initial distribution became more polydispersed with time and the total number of particles decreased more rapidly than second order with respect to time owing to the preferential fiocculation of Miiller. When the electrical barrier was appreciable, the distribution narrowed with time. These results were consistent with the particle size effects on the interaction potential. The predictions can now be directly used to compare experimental Coulter counter data with theory. The general method of numerical analysis can be easily adapted to cases involving other forces of repulsion between suspension and emulsion particles such as steric (or entropic) repulsion.
Heterosis in compositional, physical, and wet-milling properties of adapted × exotic Corn crosses

ABSTRACT Compositional, physical, and wet-milling properties of 10 corn accessions selected from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, two Corn Belt Dent inbreds (B73 and Mo17), and their crosses were compared to determine heterosis among these traits and to gain insight about their genetic control. Crossing the GEM accessions with each inbred increased protein and reduced starch contents. Mean absolute densities and test weights of the crosses were greater than for either parent. Little heterosis was observed in 1,000-kernel weight, and the crosses had similar values to the GEM parents (relatively low). Grain protein contents were greater for the crosses than for the GEM accessions; starch and oil contents of the crosses were intermediate to both parents. The wet-milling properties of the crosses were improved over those of the GEM accessions. Crossing the GEM accessions with B73 greatly increased residual protein content in the recovered starch, whereas values for protein in starch for the G...
Effects of 40Ar and 56Fe ions on retinal photoreceptor cells of the rabbit: Implications for manned missions to Mars

Losses of photoreceptor cells (rods) from the retinas of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were detectable within 2 years after localized acute irradiation of optic and proximal tissues with > or = 7 Gy of 530 MeV u-1 40Ar ions or > or = 2 Gy of 465 MeV u-1 56Fe ions in the Bragg plateau region of energy deposition. Those limits were determined only from an analysis of variance of dose groups because the shapes of the dose response curves at early post-irradiation times are not known, a concern being addressed by experiments in progress. Losses of photoreceptor cells for the period 0.5-2.5 years post-irradiation, determined by provisional linear regression analysis, were approximately 1.7% Gy-1 and 2.5% Gy-1 for 40Ar and 56Fe ions, respectively.
Haemodynamics and tissue specificity with isradipine.

The significant effects of isradipine in producing arterial vasodilatation and mild negative chronotropic effects without significant negative inotropic effects suggests that this agent should provide excellent antihypertensive efficacy in the treatment of perioperative hypertension. Isradipine may prove to be a safe antihypertensive treatment in patients with impaired ventricular function (cardiac failure), impaired myocardial perfusion (ischaemia), and in cases of selected conduction abnormalities or arrhythmias. The demonstration that its effects are limited to vascular resistance rather than vascular capacitance is an important distinguishing feature of isradipine compared with other antihypertensive agents. Finally, the potential application of this dihydropyridine calcium antagonist for cytoprotection and its effects on atherosclerosis remain exciting therapeutic prospects.
Neural networks for image and video compression: A review

This paper examines much of the recent and/or important work in the field of neural networks and compression. Specifically, ways in which neural networks can be used to enhance still image and video compression. Furthermore, ways in which neural networks can be used as novel stand-alone compression techniques are also examined.
Visible scars from percutaneous osteotomies.

Background: One of the criticisms of the percutaneous lateral nasal osteotomy technique is the potential for unfavorable, visible scarring. No clinical study has compared the external percutaneous approach with an internal approach to evaluate scarring in the same patient. This prospective, randomized, blinded study was designed to test the hypothesis that percutaneous perforating osteotomies cause perceptible scars when compared with the transnasal internal lateral osteotomy methods. Methods: Fifty consecutive rhinoplasty patients requiring bilateral osteotomies (100 total lateral osteotomies) were prospectively randomized (institutional review board no. 1341-1M) so that each patient received an external skin puncture perforating osteotomy on one side and an internal lateral osteotomy on the control side. The percutaneous skin puncture was made with the flat edge of the sharpened 2-mm unguarded osteotome. The puncture site was approximated with Steri-Strips as part of the postoperative nasal splint. All patients were evaluated for scarring on the left versus the right side of the face at 1, 3, and 6 weeks; 6 months; 1 year; and when possible up to 2 years after the operation. The median follow-up in this series is over 1 year. Results: The external percutaneous approach caused a visible scar in three patients (6 percent) as noted by three blinded examiners. One of these patients (2 percent) required a scar revision. Care must be taken to cleanse the chisel before percutaneous entry. This practice should avoid a traumatic tattoo. Conclusion: Percutaneous osteotomies generally produce an imperceptible scar (94 percent) but may cause a visible scar in a small percentage of patients.
Numbers of 5S and tRNA genes in macro- and micronuclei of Tetrahymena pyriformis

Macronuclei of Tetrahymena pyriformis contain approximately 200 copies of the genes for 25S and 17S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) per haploid genome. Micronuclei, however, contain only a few copies of the rRNA genes per haploid complement. Since macronuclei develop from, products of meiosis, fertilization and division of micronuclei, we suggested that the multiple copies of the rRNA genes in macronuclei are generated by amplification of the small number of genes in micronuclei (Yao et al., 1974). This process provides a simple mechanism for maintaining the homogeneity of the repeated rRNA genes. To test if amplification is a general mechanism operating on all repeated genes in Tetrahymena, we have examined the numbers of 5S RNA and tRNA genes in macro- and micronuclei. 5S RNA was purified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and hybridized to saturation against macro- and micronuclear DNA. Approximately 0.013–0.014% of macronuclear DNA and about 0.009% of micronuclear DNA is complementary to 5S RNA. After correcting for the differences in the DNA sequence complexities between the two nuclei, we calculate that there are 300–350 5S genes per haploid macro- or micronuclear genome. From these data we conclude that there is little or no detectable amplification of the 5S genes in macronuclei relative to micronuclei. Similar studies using tRNA indicate that these genes are also highly repeated in both nuclei; about 800 genes are present per haploid genome. Thus, amplification from a small number of genes can be excluded as the mechanism for generating the repeated copies of the 5S and tRNA genes in Tetrahymena and it is likely that another, as yet unidentified, mechanism operates to maintain the homogeneity of these genes.
Multiresolution wavelet processing for binary phase-only filters

We used the discrete wavelet transform to approximate an image at a lower resolution in preparation for object recognition using correlation techniques. We cross- correlated the low-resolution image with a similarly processed image containing an object of interest. Then, we synthesized the cross-correlation result to the resolution of original image. Using this approach, we avoided cross- correlating an image multiple times and passing information between levels of an image representation such as an image pyramid. We satisfactorily identified objects at 1/4 resolution using the wavelet representation and binary phase-only filters. We chose wavelets based on their impulse response and found that different wavelet filters gave significantly different autocorrelation peak, and SNR values.
Rotational motion of molecules in plastic neopentane

Abstract An isotropic rotational diffusion model is derived including continuous as well as jump-like diffusion of the molecular orientation. This theory gives good agreement with quasielastic neutron scattering data of plastic neopentane. Diffusion constants are obtained for both types of motion. The activation energy for large angle reorientations is determined as Ej = 0.81 ± 0.10 kcal/mole.
Purification and partial amino acid sequence analysis of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase.

A single step immunoaffinity purification procedure for human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase is described which permitted the isolation of milligram quantities of enzyme from 10 U of erythrocytes, with 113 000-fold purification and a yield of about 22%. In SDS-PAGE analysis, the enzyme corresponds to a disulfide linked dimer of 140 kDa which is converted to a 70 kDa monomer upon disulfide reduction. The tryptic peptides generated from purified enzyme were separated by reverse-phase HPLC. Five of these peptides were analysed to determine the amino acid sequences. The obtained sequences showed no homology to the already known amino acid sequences for human serum and brain butyryl-cholinesterase and Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase.
AQUATIC FUNGI OF ICELAND: ACHLYA AMERICANA'

qualitatively. The isolates are separated into nine series, and the parameters through which they relate to and digress from one another are discussed. At most, three quantitative characteristics separate the various groups. The distinctive features of isolates in two series are unstable in culture. A concept of broad species limits is applied to A. americana.