cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cowden disease and Lhermitte-Duclos disease: characterization of a new phakomatosis.

Objective Lhermitte-Duclos disease, or dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum, is an unusual hamartomatous lesion that can cause progressive mass effects in the posterior fossa. Cowden disease, or multiple hamartoma-neoplasia syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mucocutaneous hamartomas and high incidences of systemic malignancies. We recently treated a patient with manifestations of both Lhermitte-Duclos disease and Cowden disease, and we were intrigued by the occurrence of these two rare disorders in the same patient. The purpose of the present study was to examine the nature of the association between Lhermitte-Duclos disease and Cowden disease. Methods The records for all patients who had been diagnosed at our institution as having Lhermitte-Duclos disease were reviewed, to determine whether these patients also exhibited manifestations of Cowden disease. Data were obtained from multiple sources, including patient interviews, correspondence with treating physicians, and chart reviews. Results During the past 40 years, five patients were diagnosed at Case Western Reserve University as having Lhermitte-Duclos disease. All five patients exhibited manifestations of Cowden disease. Before this review, Cowden disease had not been diagnosed for three of the patients. In our most recent case, the diagnoses of both disorders were established preoperatively. That patient was observed to have a deletion in the critical portion of Exon 5 of the PTEN gene, the gene associated with Cowden disease. Conclusion Inclusion of Lhermitte-Duclos disease in the Cowden disease spectrum suggests that Cowden disease is a true phakomatosis, with hamartomas arising from cutaneous and neural ectoderm. Recent advances in molecular genetics may help to refine the current descriptive classification of the phakomatoses. The association between Lhermitte-Duclos disease and Cowden disease has been under-recognized and under-reported. Recognition of this association has direct clinical relevance, because diligent long-term follow-up monitoring of individuals with Lhermitte-Duclos disease and Cowden disease may lead to the early detection of malignancy.
Light propagation through a sharp-bend coupled-cavity waveguide in a two-dimensional photonic crystal

We investigate light propagation through a coupled-defect waveguide with a $45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ sharp bend in a two-dimensional photonic crystal analytically and numerically. The waveguide mode is the degenerate defect state of a square lattice. The transmission through such a structure drops by two orders of magnitude if a $45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ bend is introduced. We show that, by properly distorting the lattice around each defect, the splitting of the degenerate defect state allows resonant transmission through the bend, leading to a two orders of magnitude increase in transmission through the bend waveguide. Several applications of such waveguides are discussed including dynamical directional switching and dynamic light trapping and releasing.
Beyond Income and Wealth

This paper proposes four criteria for the selection of a better measure of living standards: it should be comprehensive, correlation sensitive, preference based, and fairness based. These criteria are applied to the following measures: income, equivalent income, capabilities, and satisfaction. The paper then explores the relationship between the space of goods and services, the space of budgets, and the more fundamental space of the aspects of life that people really care about. The importance of the fairness principles guiding interpersonal comparisons is highlighted.
RNA-binding protein HuR enhances p53 translation in response to ultraviolet light irradiation

Exposure to short-wavelength UV light (UVC) strongly induces p53 expression. In human RKO colorectal carcinoma cells, this increase was not due to elevated p53 mRNA abundance, cytoplasmic export of p53 mRNA, or UVC-triggered stabilization of the p53 protein. Instead, p53 translation was potently enhanced after UVC irradiation. The 3' UTR of p53 was found to be a target of the RNA-binding protein HuR in a UVC-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. HuR-overexpressing RKO cells displayed elevated p53 levels, whereas cells expressing reduced HuR showed markedly diminished p53 abundance and p53 translation. Our results demonstrate a role for HuR in binding to the p53 mRNA and enhancing its translation.
Isospin dependence of two-component particle-hole state densities for nuclei

A simple expression is derived for the two-component particle-hole state densities for nuclei with a specified isospin quantum number. In spite of the lack of a one-to-one correspondence between the particle-hole configurations in different members of the same isospin multiplet, the density of T = T/sub z/+1 states in a nucleus may be simply related to the density of states of this isospin in the neighboring nucleus, where T is the ground state isospin. Thus results similar to those for other types of isospin dependent state densities are obtained, but important differences are also noted.
Please, let's get an answer—any answer: Need for consumer cognitive closure

Conceptually, it is argued that individual differences in need for cognitive closure, which stem from Kruglanski's theory of lay epistemics, provides a framework for studying various aspects of consumer judgment and decision making. However, methodologically, the need for cognitive closure scale has not demonstrated good measurement properties and has generated controversy. To improve the measurement quality of the scale for individual differences in the need for cognitive closure, the authors carry out a large-scale data collection and measure validation exercise. To demonstrate the usefulness of this individual difference variable in a consumer context, the authors test hypotheses concerning consumer search behavior for cars and televisions. The results are encouraging and provide initial support for the utility of this framework in consumer judgment and decision making. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Higher-order corrections to parity violation in atoms in SU(2) x U(1) models

We calculate the higher-order corrections to the parity-violating amplitude for electron-up (-down) quark amplitudes in SU(2) x U(1) models. We also discuss the implications of our results for atomic transitions and make comparison with a class of models based on the gauge group SU(2)/sub L/ x SU(2)/sub R/ x U(1) that has an absence of parity violation in atoms in the lowest order.
New Insights into Protein S-Nitrosylation MITOCHONDRIA AS A MODEL SYSTEM

The biological effects of nitric oxide (NO) are in significant part mediated through S-nitrosylation of cysteine thiol. Work on model thiol substrates has raised the idea that molecular oxygen (O2) is required for S-nitrosylation by NO; however, the relevance of this mechanism at the low physiological pO2 of tissues is unclear. Here we have used a proteomic approach to study S-nitrosylation reactions in situ. We identify endogenously S-nitrosylated proteins in subcellular organelles, including dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and catalase, and show that these, as well as hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase and sarcosine dehydrogenase (SarDH), are S-nitrosylated by NO under strictly anaerobic conditions. S-Nitrosylation of SarDH by NO is best rationalized by a novel mechanism involving the covalently bound flavin of the enzyme. We also identify a set of mitochondrial proteins that can be S-nitrosylated through multiple reaction channels, including anaerobic/oxidative, NO/O2, and GSNO-mediated transnitrosation. Finally, we demonstrate that steady state levels of S-nitrosylation are higher in mitochondrial extracts than the intact organelles, suggesting the importance of denitrosylation reactions. Collectively, our results provide new insight into the determinants of S-nitrosothiol levels in subcellular compartments.
Recent advances in understanding leptin signaling and leptin resistance

The brain controls energy homeostasis and body weight by integrating various metabolic signals. Leptin, an adipose-derived hormone, conveys critical information about peripheral energy storage and availability to the brain. Leptin decreases body weight by both suppressing appetite and promoting energy expenditure. Leptin directly targets hypothalamic neurons, including AgRP and POMC neurons. These leptin-responsive neurons widely connect to other neurons in the brain, forming a sophisticated neurocircuitry that controls energy intake and expenditure. The anorexigenic actions of leptin are mediated by LEPRb, the long form of the leptin receptor, in the hypothalamus. LEPRb activates both JAK2-dependent and -independent pathways, including the STAT3, PI 3-kinase, MAPK, AMPK, and mTOR pathways. These pathways act coordinately to form a network that fully mediates leptin response. LEPRb signaling is regulated by both positive (e.g., SH2B1) and negative (e.g., SOCS3 and PTP1B) regulators and by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Leptin resistance, a primary risk factor for obesity, likely results from impairment in leptin transport, LEPRb signaling, and/or the neurocircuitry of energy balance.
Inactivation of Tritrichomonas Foetus and Schistosoma Mansoni Purine Phosphoribosyltransferases by Arginine‐Specific Reagents

The arginine-specific reagents phenylglyoxal and butane-2,3-dione irreversibly inactivate the Tritrichomonas foetus hypoxanthine-guanine-xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGXPRT) and Schistosoma mansoni hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). The inactivation of the tritrichomonal enzyme by phenylglyoxal follows time-dependent and concentration-dependent pseudo-first-order kinetics. Complete protection against inactivation is afforded by the addition of 25 microM GMP, whereas 5-phosphoribosyl-1-diphosphate (PRibPP) at 50-250 microM can only slow down the inactivation, without being protective. Digestion of [7-(14)C]phenylglyoxal-modified enzyme with trypsin and separation of the peptides by reverse-phase HPLC shows that only one radioactive peak is greatly diminished by incubation with 25 microM GMP or 1 mM PRibPP. Mass-spectral analysis identifies Arg155 as the target site of two molecules of phenylglyoxal that is protected by the substrates. This amino acid residue is positioned next to Tyr156, which is a highly conserved aromatic residue among all the purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PRT) and is always found stacked on top of the purine substrate. This may explain why phenylglyoxal labeling of Arg155 inactivates the enzyme and why GMP can protect Arg155 more effectively than PRibPP. Among the purine PRT in our possession, only schistosomal HGPRT, the only other enzyme that contains an arginine residue at the corresponding location (Arg187), was susceptible to phenylglyoxal and butane-2,3-dione. The presence of Lys185-Phe186 and Ser179-Trp180 at the corresponding locations in human HGPRT and Giardia lamblia GPRT, respectively, may explain their resistance to phenylglyoxal. Thus, Arg155 in T. foetus HGXPRT and Arg187 in S. mansoni HGPRT will be attractive targets for future studies.
An analysis of resonant switching mode power supplies

Type power converters generate wave shapes which are basically sinusoidal and exhibit all the advantages associated with sine waves in practical applications. An analysis of the single ended series resonant power converter reveals characteristics that could make such converters quite popular for domestic and industrial use.
Political Risk: A Review and Reconsideration

This paper has three objectives: First, to review the literature dealing with the assessment and evaluation of political risk by managers in international firms. Second, to build upon this literature by extending and more precisely defining the concept in a manner that facilitates integration into the planning or decision–making process. Last, the paper attempts to suggest fruitful directions for future research.
Optimism and socioeconomic status: A cross-cultural study

This research examined the relationship between optimism and socioeconomic status (SES) in a sample ( N = 245) of Anglo- and Mexican-Americans. Study I found small but significant correlations between both situational (measured by the Generalized Expectancy for Success Scale-Revised; GESS-R) and dispositional optimism (measured by the Life Orientation Test; LOT) and SES. Correlations were stronger for Anglo-Americans than for the sample as a whole and were not statistically significant for Mexican-American subjects. Study 2 used a purely Mexican-American sample ( N = 254), performed exploratory factor analysis on both the LOT and GESS-R, and correlated the rotated factor scores with SES. A GESS-R factor involving themes of social interaction correlated positively with SES ( r = .17). Results are interpreted in terms of cultural differences between the two ethnic groups, particularly in light of the collectivist/individualist culture dichotomy.
Abnormalities of mitochondrial enzymes in Alzheimer disease

Abundant evidence, including critical information gathered by Prof. Siegfried Hoyer and his colleagues, indicates that abnormalities of cerebral metabolism are common in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Alterations in mitochondrial enzymes likely underlie these deficits. Replicable reductions in AD brain occur in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (the link of glycolysis to the Kreb's cycle), the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC; the link of Kreb's cycle to glutamate metabolism) and cytochrome oxidase (the link of the Kreb's cycle to oxygen utilization). Available evidence suggests that deficiencies in KGDHC may be genetic in some cases, whereas evidence that the other two enzyme systems have a genetic component is lacking. Additional results indicate that the reductions can also be secondary to other causes including oxidative stress. A variety of data suggest that the mitochondrial insufficiencies contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of AD.
Low-Noise Traveling-Wave Tubes for X-Band

The experimental results of a program of study on low-noise traveling-wave tubes for 9,000 mc are described. Tests of tubes utilizing velocity jumps for noise reduction show that a single, gradual jump upward in voltage results in the best noise reduction. The design of a tube having 11.3 db noise figure and 18 db gain at 9,000 mc is given. Curves for the variation of noise figure with magnetic field, operating voltages, and cathode temperature are presented. The experimental results obtained from measuring the noise figure of some of the tubes at different frequencies suggest an empirical modification of the simple theory.
Nonproductive infection of baby hamster kidney cells (BHK21) with adenovirus type 12.

Abstract Adenovirus type 12 (Ad 12) infects baby hamster kidney cells (BHK21), but does not multiply in these cells. During a period of 114 hours after infection, replication of Ad 12 DNA cannot be detected by equilibrium sedimentation in CsCl density gradients, by zone sedimentation in sucrose density gradients or by DNA-DNA hybridization on membrane filters. The latter technique is the most sensitive one and allows detection of Ad 12 DNA when it constitutes ≥ 0.1% of the total intracellular DNA. Cellular DNA synthesis continues for at least 114 hours after infection. Starting between 24 and 50 hours after infection with Ad 12 at high multiplicity, cellular DNA fragments of 5–10 × 10 6 daltons in molecular weight are observed. They are conceivably due to an endonuclease cleaving double-stranded DNA. Adenovirus type 2 (Ad 2) multiplies in BHK21 cells, and replication of Ad 2 DNA begins between 14 and 16 hours after infection. Cellular DNA synthesis is turned off approximately 17 hours after infection. When BHK21 cells are doubly infected with Ad 2 and Ad 12 simultaneously, only Ad 2 DNA synthesis can be detected.
High pressure infiltration casting : manufacturing net shape composites with a unique interface

Abstract An overview of the major casting-based manufacturing techniques of metal matrix composites is presented. These techniques include compocasting (rheocasting), squeeze casting, infiltration, investment casting and pressure casting (squeeze infiltration casting). This is followed by a detailed description of the high pressure infiltration casting (HiPIC) recently developed at the Applied Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University. HiPIC uses a rapid application of a relatively high pressure (above 100 MPa) to force-infiltrate molten metal into fiber pre-forms. Reaction between fiber and matrix metal is negligible and the cast composites are free from voids, gas porosity and shrinkage cavities. Experimental results on tensile strength, stiffness, low cycle fatigue, fracture toughness, damping and corrosion resistance of the HiPIC composites are summarized and discussed.
Fluctuations of g Factors in Metal Nanoparticles: Effects of Electron-Electron Interaction and Spin-Orbit Scattering

We investigate the combined effect of spin-orbit scattering and electron-electron interactions on the probability distribution of $g$ factors of metal nanoparticles. Using random matrix theory, we find that even a relatively small interaction strength significantly increases $g$-factor fluctuations for not-too-strong spin-orbit scattering (ratio of spin-orbit rate and single-electron level spacing $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{s}\mathrm{o}}\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\lesssim}1$), and leads to the possibility to observe $g$ factors larger than 2.
Exploring third-person differences between gamers and nongamers.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the third-person perception, but many aspects of its origin and consequences remain unaddressed. In this study, we examine how potential positive and negative video game effects are perceived differently based on the extent to which respondents actually play video games. Although video games exhibit clear third-person perceptions and subsequent support for censorship, these patterns are greatly diminished for heavy players.
A gene involved in the metabolic control of ppGpp synthesis

A genetic locus has been identified which controls the basal synthesis of ppGpp in growing E. coli. Cells carrying a recessive allele of the relX gene have a very low concentration of ppGpp during balanced growth, and fail to accumulate ppGpp in response to carbon/energy source downshift. Moreover, the recessive relX allele renders the cells unable to grow at 42° C and, when coupled with relA, makes the cells sensitive to the presence of leucine in minimal medium. RelX is cotransduced with fuc and relA and located at approximately 59.4 min on the E. coli genetic map.
Classical Jacobi polynomials, closed-form solutions for transverse vibrations

This paper deals with transverse vibrations of nonuniform homogeneous beams and plates. Classes of beams and axisymmetrical circular plates whose boundary value problems of free transverse vibrations and free transverse axisymmetrical vibrations, respectively, can be reduced to an eigenvalue singular problem (singularities occur at both ends) of orthogonal polynomials, are reported. Exact natural frequencies and Jacobi polynomials as exact mode shapes, which result directly from eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of eigenvalue singular problems of classical orthogonal polynomials, are reported for these classes. The above classes of beams and plates hereafter called Jacobi classes are given by geometry and boundary conditions. The geometry consists of parabolic thickness variation, with respect to the axial coordinate for beams, and with respect to the radius for plates. Beams belonging to this class have either one or two sharp ends (singularities) along with certain boundary conditions. Plates have zero thickness at zero and outer radii. The boundary value problems associated with plates, and beams of two sharp ends, are free boundary problems. Two other boundary value problems, hinged-free and sliding-free, are reported for beams with one sharp end. Also, exact natural frequencies and mode shapes for uniformly rotating beams with hinged-free boundary are reported.
Laser-induced incandescence calibration via gravimetric sampling

Various beam imaging and/or sheet forming optics delivered light at 1064 nm from a pulsed Nd:YAG laser for use either as a beam of 3 mm radius or as a laser sheet. Imaging measurements were performed with a grated intensified array camera equipped with an ultraviolet f4.5 lens and a 40 mm extension tube. Point measurements were performed using an ultraviolet 250 mm focal length lens to collect and focus the laser induced incandescence (LII) signal into a 1 meter long quartz optical fiber which directed the LII signal to a 1/4 meter monochromator. An aperture preceding the lens restricted the signal collection region to 1 cm along the laser beam at the center of the gravimetric chimney. Signals from the PMT were processed by a boxcar integrator whereas the images were captured digitally using a frame-grabber with 16 MByte of on-board memory. Both 'point' and planar measurements were made with detector gates of 250 ns to minimize possible morphology bias in collection of the LII signal. Additionally, the imaging measurements were performed with broadband spectral collection of the LII signal to maximize the signal and again minimize any potential effects of morphology dependent heating and/or cooling rates. Digital delay generators controlled the firing of he laser, detector gates and data acquisition. Neutral density filters were used for both sets of measurements to maintain signal levels within linear dynamic ranges of the detectors, the range being determined prior to experiments.
The proteinase polypeptide of adenovirus serotype 2 virions

The Ad2 proteinase, which is thought to be encoded by a 23-kDa open reading frame located at the end of the L3 family of late mRNAs, is expressed poorly even late after infection. To obtain sufficient proteinase for biochemical characterization, a DNA fragment containing the 23-kDa open reading frame was cloned into plasmids that permit efficient expression in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal antiserum specific for the Ad2 proteinase was produced by immunizing rabbits with a fusion protein that included the entire proteinase open reading frame, and this antiserum was used to show that the product of the 23-kDa reading frame is assembled into virions. Bacterial products corresponding to the complete 204 amino acid proteinase reading frame, to a 9 amino acid proteinase deletion, and to a proteinase fusion protein of 227 amino acids were used to determine the size of the proteinase polypeptide in Ad2 virions and in infected HeLa cell extracts. A single proteinase polypeptide that migrated during SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with the 204 amino acid recombinant proteinase was detected in wild-type and H2ts1 virions, and in infected cell extracts. Immunoblot titrations showed that a wild-type Ad2 virus particle contains about 10 proteinase polypeptides; an H2ts1 virion has approximately fivefold less proteinase. In virions, the proteinase was associated primarily with the virus core. The 204 amino acid proteinase produced in E. coli permitted cleavage of the major core protein precursor, P-VII, to mature, authentic VII, but the proteinase deletion lacking 9 amino acids from near the amino-terminus was inactive. These results are inconsistent with autocatalytic processing of the Ad2 proteinase as was reported by Chatterjee and Flint (1987, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 714-718).
The application of lognormal models of transient operations in the flexible manufacturing environment

Abstract Fundamental aspects of models that might be used to design and/or manage operations in the flexible manufacturing environment are presented in this paper and demonstrated in hypothetical, but typical, examples. Applications suggest use to coordinate production and assembly operations so that lots are completed as scheduled with minimal levels of in-process inventory. Specific examples include coordinating the delivery of components required to assemble a product, analyzing the throughput and productivity of a robotic cell, and managing the flow of materials amongst cells. Numerical tests in these contexts indicate that the modeling approach, which approximates transient (as well as steady state) operations, gives results that compare favorably with those derived from a simulation model at a substantial runtime advantage. The approach appears to offer a viable means of conceptualizing transient operations and is supported by empirical justification.
Low-Temperature Electrical and Magnetic Behavior of Dilute Alloys: Mn in Cu and Co in Cu

Measurements are reported of the remanent magnetization in a 1.8 atom percent Mn in Cu alloy at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and of the low-temperature resistance, magnetoresistance, and magnetization of solid solution alloys of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 atom percent Co in Cu. The isothermal remanence of the Cu(Mn) alloy saturates at about 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ (\ensuremath{\mu}B/Mn atom) after application of a field of about 14 kilo-oersteds, and does not increase after application of pulsed fields up to 140 koe. It is equal to the saturation thermoremanence obtained after cooling in fields \ensuremath{\ge}1.5 koe. Both remanences reverse in relatively low fields of about 2 koe. The magnetoresistance and magnetization of the Cu(Co) alloys obey the relation, $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}=\ensuremath{-}b{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}$, found previously for Cu(Mn) alloys, with $b$ temperature-independent in contrast to that for Cu(Mn). The low-temperature resistivity of the Cu(Co) alloys increases with decreasing temperature and no maximum occurs down to 1.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The magnetization of the Cu(Co) alloys shows neither remanence nor hysteresis but is nonlinear with field and with concentration. Comparison of results on these systems with existing theories delineates the areas of agreement and of disagreement.
Innate immunity and its role against infections

Learning Objectives This article reviews current concepts of the innate immune system that offers protection against infections. It offers an overview for the readers to understand how innate immunity, consisting of different receptors, cells, and mediators recognizes pathogens and exerts protective function against pathogens. Data Sources and Study Selection MEDLINE-search articles including original research papers, review articles, textbooks, and references identified from bibliographies of relevant articles. Results and Conclusions The innate immune system is nonspecific immunity present since birth not requiring repeated exposure to pathogens. It is capable of differentiation between self and nonself. Because of its nonspecificity, it has a broad spectrum of resistance to infection. Further, it is thought to play an important role in the control of adaptive immunity by regulating co-stimulatory molecules and effector cytokines. Innate immunity includes pattern recognition molecules/receptors, antimicrobial peptides, the complement system, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines produced by immune cells. Pattern recognition molecules/receptors recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are essential for microorganisms' survival and pathogenicity. Although innate immunity has recently gained increasing importance, further studies are necessary for a better understanding of its role.
The structure of tip clearance flow in axial flow compressors

Detailed measurements of the flow field in the tip region of an axial flow compressor rotor were carried out using a rotating five-hole probe. The axial, tangential, and radial components of relative velocity, as well as the static and stagnation pressures, were obtained at two axial locations, one at the rotor trailing edge, the other downstream of the rotor. The measurements were taken up to about 26 percent of the blade span from the blade tip. The data are interpreted to understand the complex nature of the flow in the tip region, which involves the interaction of the tip leakage flow, the annulus wall boundary layer and the blade wake. The experimental data show that the leakage jet does not roll up into a vortex. The leakage jet exiting from the tip gap is of high velocity and mixes quickly with the mainstream, producing intense shearing and flow separation. There are substantial differences in the structure of tip clearance observed in cascades and rotors.
Status, Opportunities, and Challenges of Electrochemical Energy Storage

INTRODUCTION Today’s electricity generation and transportation depend heavily on fossil fuels. As such, electricity generation and transportation have become two major sources of CO2 emissions leading to global warming. The concerns over environmental pollution and finite fossil fuel resources have spurred great interest in generating cleaner electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, ocean/lake wave, and wind, and in developing electric vehicles (EV). However, the renewable energy sources and energy/power demands by industries and transportation are not constant. For example, sunlight and wind vary from time-totime and from location-to-location, and energy/power demands change from peak time to off-peak time for industries and from accelerating-to-braking for EVs. In order to harvest the renewable energies effectively and for widespread electrification of transportation, electrochemical energy storage (EES) is necessary to smooth the intermittency of renewable electricity generation and reduce or eliminate the CO2 emissions from traditional transportation. The EESs are an indispensable component for future smart grids that integrate significant amounts of renewable energy resources and provide electricity to electrical vehicles. In this article, the status, opportunities, and challenges will be discussed for the future research and development of EESs.
Propagation of Sound into a Wind‐Created Shadow Zone

A solution is given to an approximate form of the wave equation corresponding to a sound source located above ground in a wind gradient. Owing to the effective refraction of sound rays in the presence of a wind gradient, the sound field on the upwind side of such a source will exhibit a shadow provided the wind velocity increases with height. The behavior of the sound field diffracted into this region is found to be similar to that in a temperature‐created shadow. Within the normal region the solution reduces to ray acoustics in the high frequency limit. [Supported by Contract NAw‐6463 with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.]
Ethidium bromide counterstain for differentiation of quinacrine stained interphase bodies and brilliant metaphase bands

Abstract Visual perception of quinacrine mustard stained brilliant bands and interphase fluorescent bodies is enhanced by a staining procedure employing ethidium bromide as a counterstain.
Rare metastasis of primary bronchogenic carcinoma to sigmoid colon: report of a case

The authors present a case of a rare metastasis of bronchogenic carcinoma to sigmoid colon. Carcinoma of the lung usually spreads locally to adjacent mediastinum or paratracheal lymph nodes via the lymphatics. When tumor invades the pulmonary vein, distal metastases are most often to brain, suprarenal glands, or bones. Primary bronchogenic carcinoma has been reported to metastasize to jejunum, maxillary antrum, small bowel, tongue, and rarely to other organs. The authors believe that metastasis to the large intestine is most exceptional. Occurrences of rare metastasis are not well understood, though one theory implicates sites of previous trauma.
"I like to explore sometimes": Adapting to Dynamic User Novelty Preferences

Studies have shown that the recommendation of unseen, novel or serendipitous items is crucial for a satisfying and engaging user experience. As a result, recent developments in recommendation research have increasingly focused towards introducing novelty in user recommendation lists. While, existing solutions aim to find the right balance between the similarity and novelty of the recommended items, they largely ignore the user needs for novelty. In this paper, we show that there are large individual and temporal differences in the users' novelty preferences. We develop a regression model to predict these dynamic novelty preferences of users using features derived from their past interactions. Finally, we describe an adaptive recommender,~\emph{adaNov-R}, that adapts to the user needs for novel items and show that the model achieves better recommendation performance on a metric that considers both novel and familiar items.
Bactericidal and endotoxin neutralizing activity of a peptide derived from Limulus antilipopolysaccharide factor.

Abstract Background: Release of lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin, LPS) is a critical inciting event in the development of sepsis syndrome due to gram-negative bacteria, and mortality associated with this entity remains ~40%. Limulus anti-LPS factor (LALF) is a naturally occurring horseshoe crab derived protein that, unlike antibiotics, is both bactericidal for gram-negative bacteria and capable of neutralizing LPS. We hypothesized that a peptide derived from the active domain of LALF (LALF #28-54) would exhibit potent biologic activity similar to that of LALF itself and could potentially be useful as a therapeutic agent. Methods: The effects of LALF, synthetic peptide LALF #28-54, polymyxin B (PmB), and a biologically inactive synthetic peptide were examined in several models. In vitro bactericidal activity was determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and LPS-neutralizing capacity was determined via inhibition of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) secretion by RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo biologic activity was determined via pretreatment following which P aeruginosa endotoxemia or bacteremia was induced; serum TNF-α levels, bacterial clearance, and survival were assessed. Results: LALF and LALF #28–54 exhibited potent in vitro bactericidal and LPS-neutralizing activity comparable to PmB (P .1). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that peptide LALF #28-54 retained the LPS-neutralizing and bactericidal biologic activity of LALF but failed to protect during overwhelming P aeruginosa bacteremia, perhaps due to short serum half-life.(Surgery 2000;128:339-44.)
Hemolysin Response of Rats Treated Neonatally with Steroids

Groups of newborn rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of corticosterone (0.4 mg), testosterone propionate (0.19 mg), or 17β-estradiol dipropionate (0.02 mg) for the first week of their lives. On the 15th day the rats were injected with sheep red cells and their subsequent hemolysin titers were measured. A month later the same groups of rats were given booster injections of sheep red blood cells and the hemolysin titers were reassayed. Corticosterone had no effect on the subsequent ability of the rats to produce hemolysins, while testosterone had only a slight stimulatory effect. However, estrogen treatment of newborn rats led to a marked enhancement of hemolysin production following both primary and booster immunizations. (Endocrinology 80: 762, 1967)
Comparison of American Society of Testing Materials and Soil Science Society of America Hydrometer Methods for Particle‐Size Analysis

Particle-size analysis (PSA) is widely used in both soil science and geo-engineering. Soil classification schemes are built on PSA values while recent developments in pedotransfer functions rely on PSA to estimate soil hydraulic properties. Because PSA is method dependent, the standardization of experimental procedures is important for the comparison of reported results. A study was conducted to compare the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) hydrometer method (D422) for particle-size analysis with the hydrometer method published by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). Tests on soils ranging in texture from sand to a sandy clay loam were conducted at temperatures ranging from 20 C to 30 C. The main difference between methods is the temperature correction, with the ASTM method relying on an empirical correction and the SSSA method using a blank hydrometer reading. Identical texture estimates for all but one sample was observed between methods. Percent fines, silt, and clay demonstrated relatively consistent values between methods. D50 and D30 showed reasonable agreement between methods, with differences of less than 4 percent and 8 percent. For D10 values, the agreement was less satisfactory, with uncertainties of as much as 10 percent. The results suggest that ASTM and SSSA methodsmore » can be used interchangeably for textural analysis.« less
The Impact of Insurance, Race, and Ethnicity on Age at Surgical Intervention among Children with Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis

Objective To examine the impact of demographic factors, including insurance type, family income, and race/ethnicity, on patient age at the time of surgical intervention for craniosynostosis surgery in the US. Study design The Kids' Inpatient Database was queried for admissions of children younger than 3 years of age undergoing craniosynostosis surgery in 2009. Descriptive data regarding age at surgery for various substrata are reported. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the effect of patient and hospital characteristics on the age at surgery. Results Children with private insurance were, on average, 6.8 months of age (95% CI 6.2-7.5) at the time of surgery; children with Medicaid were 9.1 months old (95% CI 8.4-9.8). White children received surgery at mean age of 7.2 months (95% CI 6.5-8.0) and black and Hispanic children at a mean age of 9.1 months (95% CI 8.2-10.1). Multivariate regression analysis found Medicaid insurance (beta coefficient [B] = 1.93, P P = .022), and having 2 or more chronic conditions (B = 2.86, P Conclusion Public insurance and nonwhite race/Hispanic ethnicity were statistically significant predictors for older age at surgery, adjusted for sex, zip code median family income, year, and hospital factors such as size, type, region, and teaching status. Further research into these disparities is warranted.
Enhancing Access to Rare Journals: Cover Images and Contents in the Online Catalog

At the University of Colorado at Boulder University Libraries, the Special Collections and Cataloging and Metadata Services Departments have been testing Innovative Interfaces' Millennium Media. In a recent project, librarians and staff digitized cover images and tables of contents for issues of selected journals from the Tippit Collection and linked the digitized enhancements to the catalog records for the associated titles. This article reviews the steps involved with the project, shows the results, and describes where this now ongoing effort will fit in the workflow of the departments involved.
Association of HLA alleles and clinical features in patients with synovitis of recent onset.

Objective To determine how HLA alleles are associated with the clinical disease patterns of patients with synovitis of recent onset. Methods The HLA alleles A, B, C, DRβ1, and DQβ1 were determined in a cohort of 211 patients (mean age 42 years, 64% female, 79% white) with recent-onset synovitis in 1 or more peripheral joints. At a mean disease duration of 33 weeks, 98 patients (46%) met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 38 (18%) met the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria for spondylarthropathy (SpA), and 75 (36%) were classified as having undifferentiated arthropathy (UA). Controls were racially matched healthy individuals (n = 244). Results Shared epitope (SE) alleles were significantly more common in rheumatoid factor–positive (RF+) patients fulfilling the ACR RA criteria than in other patients with early arthritis (65% versus 35%; P < 0.001). In addition, the RA patients had by far the highest frequency of radiographic erosions (52% and 39% in RF+ and RF− RA, respectively, versus 3% and 9% in SpA and UA patients, respectively; P < 0.0001). The presence of SE alleles was a particularly strong predictor of early erosions in the RF− RA patients (odds ratio [OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–45). The presence of 2 SE alleles or an associated DQβ1*0301 (DQ7) or DQβ1*0302 (DQ8) allele appeared to modestly increase the risk of early erosions, although these DQ alleles were in strong linkage disequilibrium with DRβ1*0401, both in the patient and in the control populations. B27 was linked with the presence of SE alleles in the patients, including those patients fulfilling the RA criteria, but not in the controls (12% versus 3%; P < 0.001). Enthesitis was present in 23 (11%) of 211 patients, was highly associated with B27 (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5–11.5), and surprisingly, was not a feature specific only to the SpA group. The B8–DR3 haplotype was significantly increased in the patient subgroups compared with controls (17% versus 7%; P < 0.01), although the clinical significance of this association is unclear. Conclusion This study of HLA associations in a diverse cohort of early synovitis patients emphasizes the complex degree of genetic interaction between alleles at several major histocompatibility complex loci, which regulates clinical phenotypes. In particular, SE and B27, while predisposing patients to characteristic clinical syndromes, had an unexpected degree of association in this cohort, perhaps explaining the overlap in clinical features in many patients.
Total organic carbon analyzers as tools for measuring carbonaceous matter in natural waters

For some utilities, new US drinking water regulations may require the removal of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursor material as a means of minimizing DBP formation. The Environmental Protection Agency's Stage 1 DBP Rule relies on total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations as a measure of the effectiveness of treatment techniques for removing organic material that could act as DBP precursors. Accordingly, precise and accurate methods are needed for the determination of TOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in raw and finished potable water supplies. This review describes the current analytical technologies and summarizes the key factors affecting measurement quality. It provides a look into the fundamental principles and workings of TOC analyzers. Current peroxydisulfuric acid wet ashing methods and combustion methods are discussed. Issues affecting quality control, such as non-zero blanks and preservation, are covered. Some of the difficulties in analyzing water for TOC and DOC that were identified up to 20 years ago still remain problematic today. Limitations in technology, reagent purity, operator skill and knowledge of natural organic matter (NOM) can preclude the level of precision and accuracy desirable for compliance monitoring.
The Blessings of Motherhood: Health, Pregnancy, and Childcare in Dominca

The Blessings of Motherhood: Health, Pregnancy, and Childcare in Dominca. ANJA KRUMEICH. Amsterdam: Het Spinhaus Publishers, 1994. iii. 278 pp., index, glossaries, schemes, figures, tables.
A mutation of the drosophila sodium pump α subunit gene results in bang-sensitive paralysis

Abstract A bang-sensitive enhancer trap line was isolated in a behavioral screen. The flies show a weak bang-sensitive paralysis, recovering after about 7 s. The P element insert is localized at 93131-2 on the salivary chromosomes, the site of the (Na + ,K + )ATPase a subunit gene. Molecular characterization demonstrates that the transposon is inserted into the first intron of this gene. This insertion leads to normal-sized transcripts, but reduced levels of expression. This change is also reflected in lower amounts of a normal-sized a subunit protein. Mutant flies show a much greater sensitivity to ouabain, likewise indicating, on a functional level, a reduction in Na + pump activity. Furthermore, the bang-sensitive behavior can also be mimicked by injecting sublethal doses of ouabain into wild-type flies. The molecular and functional evidence indicates that the insertion has produced a hypomorphic mutation of the (Na + ,K + )ATPase α subunit gene, opening the way to future studies of the regulation of the Na + pump.
Activity of the neurohormonal system and its relationship to autonomic abnormalities in decompensated heart failure.

Abstract Background: The syndrome of congestive heart failure (CHF) entails complex autonomic and hormonal responses. Profound abnormalities in autonomic function, characterized by sympathetic overactivity and parasympathetic withdrawal, exert direct deleterious effects on the heart and contribute to progressive circulatory failure. We investigated the relationship of heart rate variability (HRV) with levels of neurohormones in plasma. Methods and Results: We studied 64 patients admitted to the hospital for treatment of decompensated CHF (mean age, 59 ± 2 years; New York Heart Association class III [72%] and IV [28%]). Time- and frequency-domain HRV indices were obtained from 24-hour Holter recordings. Neurohormonal activation was assessed by measuring plasma renin activity and aldosterone and norepinephrine levels. In the time domain, norepinephrine correlated negatively with average NN interval ( r = −.34; P =.007), SDNN ( r = −.35; P =.005), and SDANN ( r = −.36; P =.004). In the frequency domain, norepinephrine was negatively associated with the total power ( r = −.39; P =.001) and ultralow power ( r = −.43; P =.0005). No correlation was found between indices indicative of parasympathetic modulation, except for a borderline correlation with the high-frequency power ( r = −.25; P =.048). Conclusions: Reduced HRV may be associated with increased norepinephrine levels in patients with severe CHF. The ability of long-term HRV parameters to reflect in part the activation of diverse hormonal systems may explain their greater prognostic power for risk stratification in patients with CHF.
REMPI fragmentation as a probe of hydrogen bonding in aromatic-X clusters

Abstract The complexes of C 6 H 6 with a series of molecules of varying hydrogen-bonding abilities (HCl, CHCl 3 , H 2 O, and CH 3 Cl) are studied in one-color resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization. The degree of fragmentation of the ionic complex is seen to be extremely high in several of these complexes, even under very mild laser power conditions. Quantitative measurements show the degree of fragmentation to be well correlated with the hydrogen bonding ability of the complexing molecule. A π-hydrogen-bonded neutral complex will efficiently fragment upon photoionization by virtue of the repulsive geometry formed for the ionic complex in Franck-Condon excitation from the S 1 state.