cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of High Voltage DC Power Supply at High Potential for Aging Test of HVDC Converter Arresters

DC arrester is the key protection equipment of HVDC converter (converter valve). It is necessary to test the aging performance of valve disc of arrester according to the standard waveforms. In order to generate the voltage waveforms of valve and bridge arresters in HVDC converter, aging test power supply for converter arresters was developed by DC superimposed ripple. Aging test power supply implementation approach has been introduced in this paper. According to the parameters of the current DC arresters in the market, the parameters of high voltage DC power supply at high potential are analyzed, and the output current should be up to 15mA when the out voltage is 8kV. According to the voltage waveforms characteristics of various parts in the operation of HVDC project, the design principle of the aging power supply is introduced and the insulation level of the high voltage DC power supply to the ground is calculated. The topological structure and implementation of high voltage DC power at high potential are described. The output waveforms of pure DC voltage, the valve voltage and 6 pulse bridge voltage are presented, which are generated by the aging power supply composed of DC and ripple. The experimental results show that high voltage DC power supply at high potential can output 30mA at 8kV, which can also be used in series with the ripple power supply to generate required special waveforms.
Pituitary Metastasis From Urothelial Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pituitary Metastases

The sellar and parasellar regions are a rare site of brain metastasis, most commonly from breast and lung cancer. Pituitary metastasis (PM) often presents as the first sign of metastatic disease but may herald early disseminated cancer. The diagnosis of PM requires differentiation from a benign pituitary adenoma. Although this may be proven definitively via surgical biopsy, a constellation of clinical findings including oculomotor palsy, visual disturbances, retroorbital pain, and diabetes insipidus is more suggestive of PM. Imaging is neither sensitive nor specific for differentiation but may inform the broader clinical picture. Due to its rarity, treatment guidelines for PM lack consensus, often including a mixture of radiation and surgery. Gross resection is challenging because of the vascular, invasive nature of these lesions. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be used to good effect either alone or in addition to resection. Even with treatment, the prognosis is poor. In this article, we present the third reported case of urothelial carcinoma metastasis to the pituitary. In addition, we review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options including surgical resection and radiosurgery.
VESSEL CONTROLLABILITY IN RESTRICTED WATERS

Existing knowledge of hydrodynamic factors affecting the movement of a ship in restricted waterways is critically examined. It is shown that the external forces can be either active, such as rudder power from either engine or rudder (and even tugboats), or passive, such as improved communications which enable quicker response to a change in navigability conditions and improved navigational aids. Any change in the characteristics of the vessel, the canal, or the controllable subsystem, affects the remainder of the system.
SOIL CONSIDERATIONS IN SITING HIGHWAYS, AIRPORTS, AND UTILITY CORRIDORS

This is a review of sources of soils data used to identify soil properties that influence the location, design and performance of transportation systems and utility corridors. The use an value of soil surveys and other sources of soils data in planning these systems and corridors are also discussed. Soil surveys and geologic surveys which supplement one another are outlined. Interpretation of aerial photographs have been extensively used to identify surface features, including soil properties of importance in planning transportation systems. Engineering soil surveys are generally conducted after a corridor or preliminary location for a route has been established. Highway test data (sampling and testing of soils at intervals along the route) provide a vast amount of soil information and have been organized by some States to aid in planning transportation systems. One such State, South Dakota, found, on statistical study of the data that each soil had a distincitive range in test results. The kinds of soil information of most value in transportation planning are discussed and include: composition, erodibility, chemistry, moisture regime, depth, density, slope and kinds of geologic formation. The actual use of soil surveys in planning transportation systems (in route selection, planning for more detailed study, planning drainage requirements, planning erosion control, recognizing excavation and grading problems, locating sources of sand and gravel for subbase, selecting possible chemical stabilizers for fine-grained soils, locating sources of topsoil, locating rest areas, and planning secondary roads, streets and parking lots is discussed. The use of soil surveys in planning utility corridors and the cost and other savings resulting from the use of soil surveys are also discussed.
The training process: Planning for strength–power training in track and field. Part 1: Theoretical aspects

Abstract The process of strength–power training and the subsequent adaptation is a multi-factorial process. These factors range from the genetics and morphological characteristics of the athlete to how a coach selects, orders, and doses exercises and loading patterns. Consequently, adaptation from these training factors may largely relate to the mode of delivery, in other words, programming tactics. There is strong evidence that the manner and phases in which training is presented to the athlete can make a profound difference in performance outcome. This discussion deals primarily with block periodization concepts and associated methods of programming for strength–power training within track and field.
Leveraging Electronic Content: Electronic Linking Initiatives at Arizona State University

This paper presents an overview of electronic linking initiatives at Arizona State University Libraries. It covers existing commercial solutions. These solutions include SilverLinker from SilverPlatter Information and ISILINKS from the Institute of Scientific Information. Problems, advantages, and disadvantages of these initiatives are described and explored.
Overcoming Barriers to Engaging in College Academics

Underprepared college students face transition issues that prevent full academic engagement. The written responses of 176 students in a learning-strategies course were used to develop a grounded model of overcoming barriers to academic engagement. Findings revealed contexts in which academic engagement involved high costs (i.e., effort, trade-off, or psychological burden). Students also demonstrated resilience in coping with academic costs. Implications include guiding principles student-affairs practitioners can apply to their work with underprepared college students.
Eliminating Underconstraint in Double Parallelogram Flexure Mechanisms

We present an improved flexure linkage design for removing underconstraint in a double parallelogram (DP) linear flexural mechanism. This new linkage alleviates many of the problems associated with current linkage design solutions such as static and dynamic performance losses and increased footprint. The improvements of the new linkage design will enable wider adoption of underconstraint eliminating (UE) linkages, especially in the design of linear flexural bearings. Comparisons are provided between the new linkage design and existing UE designs over a range of features including footprint, dynamics, and kinematics. A nested linkage design is shown through finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental measurement to work as predicted in selectively eliminating the underconstrained degrees-of-freedom (DOF) in DP linear flexure bearings. The improved bearing shows an 11 × gain in the resonance frequency and 134× gain in static stiffness of the underconstrained DOF, as designed. Analytical expressions are presented for designers to calculate the linear performance of the nested UE linkage (average error < 5%). The concept presented in this paper is extended to an analogous double-nested rotary flexure design.
Proteins Released from Cell Envelopes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Exposure to Ethylenediaminetetraacetate: Comparison with Dimethylformamide-Extractable Proteins

Abstract Isolated cell envelopes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were treated with N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) or with ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). DMF solubilized 73% of the dry weight of the cell envelope, 76% of the protein, 78% of the carbohydrate, and 76% of the phosphorus. Electron microscopy showed that DMF caused extensive alterations in the appearance of the cell envelope with blebs and bleblike vesicles predominating. After incubation with EDTA, the cell envelopes appeared to have lost material, but still retained the cell-like morphology. Analysis of DMF-solubilized proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed 16 protein bands. There were three major proteins that predominated, however, with molecular masses of 43,000 (protein A), 16,500 (protein B), and 72,000 daltons (protein C). Evidence is presented that protein A and protein B are glycoproteins. Gel electrophoresis of EDTA-solubilized material revealed that a number of proteins were released from the cell envelope. However, electrophoresis of an isolated protein-lipopolysaccharide complex released by EDTA showed that protein A and protein B were the major protein components of this complex. These data suggest that protein A and protein B are components of the outer cell wall membrane of P. aeruginosa. There is suggestive evidence that these proteins may play a role in maintaining the structural integrity of the cell envelope. Whether these proteins also have enzymatic activity could not be discerned from the present study, although it is possible that they may be associated with the terminal stages of lipopolysaccharide synthesis.
A GA-BP Neural Network Model for Predicting the Temperature of Slabs in the Reheating Furnace

In this paper, 48 BP neural networks in series connection are constructed to predict the slab temperature, giving full consideration to the continuous heating process of the slab from inlet to outlet. In order to overcome the defects of BP algorithm, a hybrid training algorithm which combines GA method with BP networks is presented to improve the prediction precision of the model. It firstly optimizes initial weights and thresholds of BP networks with GA, and then trains the optimized networks by using BP algorithm. Simulation results show almost all errors of the test slabs are within the ±5°C limits, which indicates that the GA-BP model is verified to be valid and efficient, and is useful for online prediction and optimal control.
Rule would stiffen export controls at universities

A U.S. Department of Defense proposed rule on export controlled technology could significantly increase the number of export control clauses that appear in university contracts, according to the American Association of Universities (AAU). The rule, published in the Federal Register on 12 July, does not recognize the fundamental research exclusion that protects fundamental university research from export control licensing requirements, AAU noted.
Experimental measurement of acoustic plasmons in polycrystalline palladium

An experimental study of collective oscillations in Pd covering the region of very low energy and momentum transfers is reported. Through Dynamic Electron Scattering spectroscopy, structure factor spectra were measured from 80 K to 298 K on a bulk polycrystalline Pd sample. Here we report the first experimental evidence of damped acoustic plasmons and their evolution to the single-particle excitation continuum. The acoustic plasmons follow a linear dispersion and are experimentally shown to be a separate and distinct resonance mode from acoustic surface plasmons. Calculations of the dielectric function employed a model that incorporates complete mixing of two conduction bands with contributions from both interband and intraband transitions. The model was used in computational studies that focused on specific experimental results to aid the characterization and understanding of the plasmon behavior. We found that the Pd acoustic plasmon energy matched the longitudinal phonon anomaly that has sparked numero...
Differential Cloning of Novel Intestine-Specific Genes Whose Expression Is Altered under Conditions of Villus Atrophy

Atrophy of the small intestinal villi occurs in a variety of disease states and is associated with diarrhea, malabsorption, and impaired barrier function. We have previously demonstrated that villus atrophy is associated with an increase in lactase and a decrease in intestinal alkaline phosphatase gene expression. Given these changes in enterocyte phenotype with villus atrophy, we speculated that there may be other intestine-specific genes whose expression is altered as a function of epithelial growth state. We have employed two molecular techniques in order to identify and clone complementary DNAs (cDNA) which are differentially expressed in atrophic compared to normal small intestinal mucosa. In differential cDNA library (±) screening, duplicate filters of a normal jejunal cDNA library are hybridized with radiolabeled cDNA probes from either atrophic or control tissues. Comparisons of the intensities of hybridized clones allows for the identification of differentially expressed gene products. In the mRNA differential display system, RT-PCR is used to randomly amplify mRNA species. Similar to cDNA library screening, comparisons of radiolabeled bands on a polyacrylamide sequencing gel allow for the identification of differentially expressed genes. Using these methods, we have identified a novel cDNA, called D9, which appears to be expressed exclusively in the intestinal mucosa. Northern analyses have confirmed that the expression of the D9 mRNA is dramatically decreased under conditions of villus atrophy, suggesting an underlying relationship with epithelial growth state. DNA sequence analysis (GenBank) reveals no identity to previously cloned genes. Thus, through differential cloning methods we have isolated a novel, intestine-specific cDNA whose expression is altered with villus atrophy and which may play a role in the processes of intestinal epithelial growth and differentiation.
Modulation of collagen gene expression by cytokines: Stimulatory effect of transforming growth factor-β1, with divergent effects of epidermal growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α on collagen type I and collagen type IV☆

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is well recognized as a potent mediator of both fibrillar (collagen type I) and basement membrane (collagen type IV) production. However, tissue injury is characterized by the concomitant expression of many cytokines and/or growth factors in addition to TGF-beta1, and the ultimate extent of extracellular-matrix (ECM) deposition may reflect the interacting effects of TGF-beta1 and these other cytokines and/or growth factors. We, therefore, sought to determine whether other cytokines and/or growth factors, known to be produced after tissue injury, are capable either alone or in combination with TGF-beta1 of modulating collagen gene expression. Collagen type I and collagen type IV gene expression was assessed in NIH-3T3 cells, a murine fibroblast-like cell line that responds to TGF-beta1, with increases in both collagen type I and collagen type IV production. TGF-beta1 coordinately induced production of collagen type IV messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to a level 3.8-fold above its baseline value (p < 0.001) and collagen type I mRNA to a level 2.6-fold above its baseline value (p < 0.001). Of the other cytokines and/or growth factors tested, only epidermal growth factor (EGF) had significant effects on collagen mRNA expression. We report the novel observation that EGF significantly induced collagen type IV mRNA (3.0-fold; p < 0.001) but did not alter collagen type I mRNA expression. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) did not alter the expression of mRNA for collagen type IV or collagen type I. Addition of TGF-beta1 to cytokine- and/or growth factor-treated cells increased both collagen type IV and collagen type I mRNA levels. However, collagen type IV mRNA levels were similar in cultures given TGF-beta1 alone and cultures given TGF-beta1 with other cytokines and/or growth factors; there were no additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects after coadministration of TGF-beta1 and other cytokines and/or growth factors. With regard to collagen type I mRNA expression, all cytokines and/or growth factors tested, with the exception of TNF-alpha, had no effect on collagen type I mRNA levels in TGF-beta1-treated cultures. Importantly, TNF-alpha antagonized the stimulatory effect of TGF-beta1 on collagen type I mRNA levels. These observations support a dominant role for TGF-beta1 in stimulating coordinate expression of collagen type I and collagen type IV mRNAs by NIH-3T3 cells; EGF and TNF-alpha are capable of inducing divergent expression of the genes for these two types of collagen.
Relative Effectiveness of Hill and Row Plots for Evaluating Alfalfa Yield

Plant breeders usually use multiple-row or broadcast plots grown from 2 to 4 yr to evaluate alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations for yield and agronomic performance. The requirements of land and seed and the cost of evaluation often limit the number of populations that can be evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the yield of alfalfa populations grown in hill plots planted on either 0.3- or 1.0-m centers and 1-row (0.5 by 6.1 m) and 6-row (1.1 by 6.1 m) plots. The study was conducted for 2 yr in Minnesota with 16 alfalfa populations ranging in dormancy, yielding ability, and biological N fixation. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates at three locations. The strongest association for forage yield between any two plot types was between the 0.3-m hill plots and the 1-row plots [...]
Micro CT based truth estimation of nodule volume

With the advent of high-resolution CT, three-dimensional (3D) methods for nodule volumetry have been introduced, with the hope that such methods will be more accurate and consistent than currently used planar measures of size. However, the error associated with volume estimation methods still needs to be quantified. Volume estimation error is multi-faceted in the sense that there is variability associated with the patient, the software tool and the CT system. A primary goal of our current research efforts is to quantify the various sources of measurement error and, when possible, minimize their effects. In order to assess the bias of an estimate, the actual value, or "truth," must be known. In this work we investigate the reliability of micro CT to determine the "true" volume of synthetic nodules. The advantage of micro CT over other truthing methods is that it can provide both absolute volume and shape information in a single measurement. In the current study we compare micro CT volume truth to weight-density truth for spherical, elliptical, spiculated and lobulated nodules with diameters from 5 to 40 mm, and densities of -630 and +100 HU. The percent differences between micro CT and weight-density volume for -630 HU nodules range from [-21.7%, -0.6%] (mean= -11.9%) and the differences for +100 HU nodules range from [-0.9%, 3.0%] (mean=1.7%).
On minimal and quasi-minimal supported bivariate splines

Determination et caracterisation des fonctions-splines de deux variables a supports minimaux et quasi-minimaux
Transfer region of a bacteroides conjugative transposon, CTnDOT.

Abstract Bacteroides species harbor large self-transmissible integrated elements called conjugative transposons (CTns). In this paper, we report the first complete sequence analysis of the transfer region of a Bacteroides CTn. The transfer region contained 17 genes (designated orfA–orfQ). Only 2 of the genes shared sequence similarity with genes in the databases and only 1 of these genes was associated with self-transmissible elements.
Differential destabilization of the DNA oligonucleotide double helix by a T.G mismatch, 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine, 3,N(4)-ethanocytosine, or an 8-(hydroxymethyl)-3,N(4)-ethenocytosine adduct incorporated into the same sequence contexts.

The T.G mismatch and the exocyclic adduct 3,N(4)-ethenocytosine (epsilonC) are repaired by the same enzyme, the human G/T(U) mismatch-DNA glycosylase (TDG). This enzyme removes the T, U, or epsilonC base from duplex DNA. The rate of cleavage was found to differ with the lesion and was also affected by neighbor sequences [Hang, B., Medina, M., Fraenkel-Conrat, H., and Singer, B. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 13561-13566]. Since sequence influences duplex stability, we determined the thermodynamic stability of T.G and epsilonC-containing 15-mer duplexes in which the bases flanking the lesion were systematically varied. The duplexes contained central 5'-TTXTT, 5'-AAXAA, 5'-CCXCC, or 5'-GGXGG sequences, where X is T, epsilonC, or two closely related structural derivatives of epsilonC: 3,N(4)-ethanocytosine (EC) and 8-(hydroxymethyl)-epsilonC (8-HM-epsilonC). Each of the four lesions, incorporated opposite G, decreased both the thermal (T(m)) and thermodynamic stability (DeltaG degrees (37)) of the 15-mer control duplexes. On the basis of the T(m) and DeltaG degrees (37) values, the order of destabilization of the TTXTT sequence in 15-mer duplexes was as follows: 8-HM-epsilonC > EC > epsilonC > T.G. The DeltaT(m) values range from -15.8 to -9.5 degrees C when C(t) = 8 microM. Duplexes with flanking AA or TT neighbors were more destabilized, by an average of 2 degrees C, than those with flanking GG or CC neighbors. The base opposite the modified base also influenced duplex stability. Within the TT context, of the four changed bases opposite the adducts, C had the greatest destabilizing effect, up to -18.4 degrees C. In contrast, a G opposite an adduct was generally the least destabilizing, and the smallest value was -3. 0 degrees C. Destabilizations were enthalpic in origin. Thus, this work shows that independently changing the modified base, the sequence, or the base opposite the lesion each affects the stability of the duplex, to significantly varying extents. The potential contribution of the thermodynamic stability to repair efficiency is discussed.
Takotsubo syndrome in African-American women with atypical presentations: a single-center experience.

Background Takotsubo syndrome is comprised of the clinical presentation of an acute myocardial infarction with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes of acute ischemia, chest pain, positive biomarkers, a pathognomonic left ventricular apical wall motion abnormality, and no culprit coronary disease at cardiac catheterization. Hapothesis This study aimed at a further definition of the clinical characteristics of this syndrome in African-American (AA) patients based on our experience at a single center. Methods Patients who presented with this syndrome between June 2003 and June 2005 were evaluated. All patients underwent coronary angiography and noninvasive cardiac investigation, including transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Results Five AA women (mean age 65 years) presented with the characteristics of the syndrome. No patient experienced chest pain, with three presenting with shortness of breath and two with nausea. Hypertension was the most common risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) in these patients. All but one patient had ST elevation on ECG, and troponin I elevation was present in all. Cardiac catheterization showed no obstructive CAD. The most common trigger was exarcebation of a current medical condition. All five patients developed deep, broad, diffuse T-wave inversions with a prolonged QT interval. There was no mortality during the hospital stay. Conclusions Takotsubo syndrome is experienced by AA patients. Female AA patients may experience atypical symptoms at presentation. The development of broad, diffuse, T-wave inversions with a prolonged QT interval within 2–48 h of presentation should be considered an additional criterion when diagnosing Takotsubo syndrome. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood pressure lowering in patients with diabetes--one level might not fit all.

Blood pressure (BP) targets in patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus have generally been based on global guidelines. However, these targets are often aggressive, and do not consider the patient's individual risk. Some studies have indicated that intensive BP lowering might not always reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The authors of this Review present the evidence both for and against intensive BP lowering therapy, and suggest a personalized approach to treatment in the future. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus frequently occur together, leading to increased complications and mortality in patients with both these conditions. Blood pressure (BP) goals for patients with diabetes have consistently been more aggressive than for patients without diabetes. Although the benefits of lowering BP are well documented, data to support this more aggressive goal are lacking. In fact, lowering BP might not always be better. We review the available evidence regarding BP treatment in patients with hypertension and diabetes from randomized clinical trials, as well as available observational data. We also consider evidence related to the J-shaped curve, which reflects the relationship between BP and outcomes in patients with diabetes, and make recommendations for treatment of BP on the basis of a patient's individual risk, as opposed to on the basis of aggressive BP targets recommended by global guidelines. In the future, a personalized approach will maximize the benefits from treatment.
Recognition of RNA by triplex formation: Divergent effects of pyrimidine C-5 methylation

Abstract In DNA triple helices, methylation at C-5 of thymine or cytosine is reported to have similar stabilizing effects for both bases. Here we show, however, that methylation of the same positions in RNA triplexes has distinctly different effects than in DNA. We have previously described the use of circular triplex-forming RNA oligonucleotides to recognize RNA sequences. Here it is shown that addition of C-5 methyl groups to uracils in these compounds very significantly increases not only affinity but also sequence selectivity in binding a purine-rich RNA target, as measured by thermal denaturation with various target RNAs. Surprisingly, however, addition of C-5 methyl groups to cytosines actually decreases affinity in binding RNA, while the same substitution in DNA is thermally stabilizing. Possible sources of this divergent behavior are discussed. A synthesis of 5-methylcytidine ribonucleoside 2′- O -silyl-3′- O -phosphoramidite is also described.
Progress In Indium Phosphide Solar Cell Research

Following a short history of the previous terrestrial program, progress is reviewed, emphasizing the use of InP solar cells in space. State-of-the-art cells have been processed by open and closed tube diffusion, OMCVD and ion-implantation and DC magnetron sputtering. Air mass zero total area efficiencies near 19% were achieved and computer modelling studies indicate that efficiencies over 21% are feasible. Radiation effects studies in both the laboratory and space are described and a comparision made between the radiation resistance of InP, GaAs and Si. Computer modelling studies are described emphasizing the behavior of InP concentrator cells at high concentration and elevated temperature with applica-tion to both the Cassegranian and SLATS concentrator systems. Pro-duction cells are discussed including their intended use to power a spacecraft scheduled for launch in 1990. Several potentially fruit-ful areas are suggested for future research.
Interlayer Tunneling Models of Cuprate Superconductivity: Implications of a Recent Experiment

It is shown that, given a few generic assumptions, any theory of high-temperature superconductivity that attributes a substantial fraction of the condensation energy to the saving of c -axis kinetic energy must predict an inequality relating the c -axis penetration depth λ ⊥ (0) to the zero-temperature superconducting-normal energy difference and the fluctuations of the c -axis kinetic energy around its mean value. Application of this formula to Tl 2 Ba 2 CuO 6 implies that if λ ⊥ (0) is greater than 10 micrometers, as suggested by a recent experiment, these fluctuations must have an unusual form.
Modernist feedback loops: Norbert Wiener's cybernetics and the poetry of Ezra Pound

This paper addresses the conference theme of encouraging new research and publishing in fields related to Wiener's work by using his concept of the cybernetic feedback loop to read Ezra Pound's modernist poetry. Pound's Chinese History Cantos form a case study, and the author explicates the cybernetic dimensions of their aesthetic structures of communication. By producing meaning at the intersection of recognizable linguistic pattern and evolving response, the poetry fosters a distinctly cybernetic set of critical faculties as it challenges readers' information-processing capabilities. The argument demonstrates how Wiener's theories offer helpful frameworks for literary critics who seek to understand the intellectual currents of the early twentieth century. Further, it repositions the scientific and technological elements of Wiener's cybernetic experiments as part of a longer cultural lineage that extends back to the early twentieth century. The author aims to introduce new frames of reference and texts for comparison into both literary studies and technological cybernetics research.
Men I syndrome and islet cell lesions of the pancreas.

S INCE Dr Edward Ellison’s reign as Chairman of Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin from 1958 to 1970, a deep interest has existed at our institution in hyperfunctioning islet cell lesions of the pancreas, Our charge in this report is to discuss the salient features of multiple endocrine neoplasia, Type 1 (MEN I) syndrome, which includes islet cell pancreatic lesions as a major component, and to review the different types of isolated sporadic islet cell pancreatic tumors. Although the MEN I syndrome and isolated pancreatic islet cell tumor are relatively rare, patients with these conditions are being recognized with increasing frequency due to the current general availability of hormone radioimmunoassays. Most radiologists who practice at major hospitals will likely encounter one or more patients with the clinical features of the MEN I syndrome or of a sporadic islet cell tumor. A high index of suspicion is essential to make an accurate diagnosis of the condition, leading to appropriate management of the patient and screening of his family. Since 1960, we have evaluated 66 individuals from among 200 kindred of two families with the MEN I syndrome. Data from the larger of the two families spans five generations.’ Evidence collected to date indicates that 21 individuals in this family have the syndrome (Fig 1). Of these individuals, 12 exhibited biochemical or morphologic evidence, or both, of islet cell neoplasm or hyperplasia. During the past two decades, we have also evaluated 50 isolated patients with sporadic nonfamilial islet cell lesions. Of these, 48 had a functioning neoplasm or hyperplasia while two had a nonfunctioning tumor.
Determination of Disulfide Structure in Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) by Stepwise Reduction and Alkylation

The agouti-related protein gene (Agrp) plays an important role in body weight regulation. The mature human protein is a single polypeptide chain of 112 amino acid residues, consisting of an N-terminal acidic region and a unique C-terminal cysteine-rich domain. The disulfide structure of recombinant human AGRP was determined by chemical methods using partial reduction with tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine under acidic conditions, followed by direct alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide or fluorescein-5-maleimide. Partial reduction and alkylation provided several forms of AGRP that were modified in a stepwise fashion. The resulting proteins were characterized by peptide mapping, sequence analysis, and mass spectrometry, showing that AGRP contained a highly reducible disulfide bond, C85-C109, followed by less reactive ones, C90-C97, C74-C88, C67-C82, and C81-C99, respectively. The chemically defined disulfide connectivity of the recombinant human AGRP was homologous to that of omega-agatoxin IVB except for an additional disulfide bond, C85-C109.
Predicting timing violations through instruction-level path sensitization analysis

In this paper, we present a novel technique for early prediction of timing violations in high-performance pipelined microprocessors. We show that a static instruction in a microprocessor, identified by its Program Counter (PC), is an excellent predictor of an upcoming timing violation. Our analysis combines architectural data collected from real program execution with gate level logic analysis. Exploiting this PC based timing violation predictability, we propose a robust system design that predicts and tolerates timing violations seamlessly in a pipelined microprocessor. Under two different faulty environments, we show 20.9-89.8% and 14.6-80.6% average performance improvements in real programs over other state-of-the-art techniques, respectively.
Artificial hybridization in Hawaiian Wikstroemia (Thymelaeaceae)

Crosses were performed within and between 19 Hawaiian populations of the mostly dioecious woody shrub Wikstroemia. These populations are from a variety of habitats on the six major islands and are morphologically diverse. The populations are referrable to eight of the 12 species recognized by Peterson. Almost all hybrid combinations produced seeds, and seed-set was not significantly different among three categories of hybrids (within population, between populations on the same island, and between populations on different islands). (...)
Models for evaluating energy, environmental and sustainability performance of biofuels value chain

Sustainable production of biofuels requires lots of feedstocks, developing robust technologies and industrial ecology-oriented biorefineries under the overarching principles of sustainability. Majority of existing methods for impacts analysis of biofuels have not considered the triple dimensions of sustainability. A critical challenge for any chain of biofuel traders is to develop and implement an integrated set of performance measures that can direct its efforts towards restructuring existing supply chains. This research aims to develop OR/MS based metrics that are integrative and consider the multi-expectations of various stakeholders to allow efficient supply chains' participation into sustainable development at various levels.
Impact of National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers on ovarian cancer treatment and survival.

Background The regional impact of care at a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCI-CCC) on adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) ovarian cancer treatment guidelines and survival is unclear. Study Design We performed a retrospective population-based study of consecutive patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2006 in southern California. Patients were stratified according to care at an NCI-CCC (n = 5), non-NCI high-volume hospital (≥10 cases/year, HVH, n = 29), or low-volume hospital ( Results A total of 9,933 patients were identified (stage I, 22.8%; stage II, 7.9%; stage III, 45.1%; stage IV, 24.2%), and 8.1% of patients were treated at NCI-CCCs. Overall, 35.7% of patients received NCCN guideline adherent care, and NCI-CCC status (odds ratio [OR] 1.00) was an independent predictor of adherence to treatment guidelines compared with HVHs (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99) and LVHs (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.67). The median ovarian cancer-specific survivals according to hospital type were: NCI-CCC 77.9 (95% CI 61.4 to 92.9) months, HVH 51.9 (95% CI 49.2 to 55.7) months, and LVH 43.4 (95% CI 39.9 to 47.2) months (p Conclusions National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center status is an independent predictor of adherence to ovarian cancer treatment guidelines and improved ovarian cancer-specific survival. These data validate NCI-CCC status as a structural health care characteristic correlated with superior ovarian cancer quality measure performance. Increased access to NCI-CCCs through regional concentration of care may be a mechanism to improve clinical outcomes.
Infrared Spectroscopic Observation of the Stabilized Intermediate Complex FO3 Formed by Reaction of Mobile Fluorine Atoms with Ozone Molecules Trapped in an Argon Matrix

Chemical reaction of F atoms with O3 molecules in a solid argon matrix was studied with FTIR spectroscopy. Fluorine atoms were generated by UV photolysis of F2 molecules in dilute solutions of F2 and O3 in solid argon. The FO−O2 complex is observed for the first time as an intermediate product by reaction of mobile F atoms with isolated ozone molecules. The observed complex is characterized by two intense absorption bands at 1522 and 968 cm-1. Use of isotopic mixtures 16O/18O provides strong evidence for assignment of these bands to the O−O stretch and F−O stretch fundamentals of the complex, which are red-shifted by 34 and 61 cm-1, respectively, from the corresponding values for O2 and FO. Photolysis at 532 nm leads to decay of the FO−O2 complexes and to the appearance of isolated free FO radicals.
The β4-β8 Groove Is an ATP-interactive Site in the α Crystallin Core Domain of the Small Heat Shock Protein, Human αB Crystallin

The site for ATP interactions in human αB crystallin, the archetype of small heat-shock proteins, was identified and characterized to resolve the controversial role of ATP in the function of small heat-shock proteins. Comparative sequence alignments identified the αB crystallin sequence, 82KHFSPEELKVKVLGD96 as a Walker-B ATP-binding motif that is found in several ATP-binding proteins, including five molecular chaperones. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and mass spectrometry using a novel fluorescent ATP analog, 8-azido-ATP-[γ]-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid-5(2-aminoethylamide) (azido-ATP-EDANS) and a cysteine mutant of human αB crystallin (S135C) conjugated with a fluorescent acceptor, eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) identified the β4-β8 groove as the ATP interactive site in αB crystallin. A 44% decrease in the emitted fluorescence of azido-ATP-EDANS at the absorption maximum of S135C-EMA and a corresponding 50% increase in the fluorescence emission of S135C-EMA indicated a close spatial relationship between azido-ATP-EDANS and the center of the β8 strand (131LTITSSLS138). Liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry identified two peptide fragments of the αB crystallin Walker-B motif photo-affinity-labeled with azido-ATP-EDANS confirming the β4-β8 groove as an ATP interactive site. The results presented here clearly establish the β4-β8 groove as the ATP interactive region in αB crystallin, and are in contrast to the existing paradigm that classifies small heat-shock proteins as ATP-independent chaperones.
Variance properties of sample path derivatives of parametric random variables

There are many different ways to represent a parametric family of random variables with given marginal probability distributions. These different representations can further give rise to various sample path derivatives. It is therefore natural for us to ask which has better variance properties. In this paper, we give sufficient conditions under which a representation yields a sample path derivative with the smallest variance. We then show that inversion is a representation that usually satisfies these conditions.
MRI diffusion tensor tracking of a new amygdalo-fusiform and hippocampo-fusiform pathway system in humans.

Purpose To use MRI diffusion-tensor tracking (DTT) to test for the presence of unknown neuronal fiber pathways interconnecting the mid-fusiform cortex and anteromedial temporal lobe in humans. Such pathways are hypothesized to exist because these regions coactivate in functional MRI (fMRI) studies of emotion-valued faces and words, suggesting a functional link that could be mediated by neuronal connections. Materials and Methods A total of 15 normal human subjects were studied using unbiased DTT approaches designed for probing unknown pathways, including whole-brain seeding and large pathway-selection volumes. Several quality-control steps verified the results. Results Parallel amygdalo-fusiform and hippocampo-fusiform pathways were found in all subjects. The pathways begin/end at the mid-fusiform gyrus above the lateral occipitotemporal sulcus bilaterally. The superior pathway ends/begins at the superolateral amygdala. The inferior pathway crosses medially and ends/begins at the hippocampal head. The pathways are left-lateralized, with consistently larger cross-sectional area, higher anisotropy, and lower minimum eigenvalue (D-min) on the left, where D-min assesses intrinsic cross-fiber diffusivity independent of curvature. Conclusion A previously-undescribed pathway system interconnecting the mid-fusiform region with the amygdala/hippocampus has been revealed. This pathway system may be important for recognition, memory consolidation, and emotional modulation of face, object, and lexical information, which may be disrupted in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sigmoidoscopic Screening in the 1990s

COLORECTAL cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, accounting for 140000 new cases and 60 000 deaths per year in the United States. 1 At present, the most promising strategy to reduce this burden is some form of periodic screening. The goal of screening is early detection of surgically curable cancers, as well as their likely precursors, adenomatous polyps; both may be present for years before disseminated, incurable cancer develops. Sigmoidoscopic screening at intervals of 3 to 5 years has been widely recommended 2-5 because sigmoidoscopy has high sensitivity for detecting early cancers and adenomas. However, routine sigmoidoscopic screening is controversial 6-8 because there is no direct evidence from a ramdomized controlled trial to show that screening reduces CRC mortality. Also, the effort involved in applying sigmoidoscopic screening is very large. Thus, despite long-standing recommendations, sigmoidoscopic screening is performed in less than 5% to 10% of eligible
Initial rotor position estimation of permanent magnet synchronous machines using square-wave voltage injection with a single current sensor

This paper presents a saliency-based position sensorless drive of permanent magnet (PM) machines using a single current sensor for cost-effective applications. For the single current sensor system, the dc-link current is measured for the reconstruction of three-phase currents. The phase current reconstruction can only be realized when active voltages are applied. This limitation results in six immeasurable areas for the current reconstruction using the pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. In order to implement the saliency-based sensorless control, a square-wave voltage is injected to minimize the harmonics of reconstructed saliency current for the rotor position estimation. By injecting a square-wave voltage on the direction of rotor d-axis, the injection voltage vector is nearly perpendicular to the fundamental voltage vector. The saliency reflected current or fundamental current can be separately reconstructed by the DC-link current, leading to the reduced reconstruction errors and improved sensorless performance. By using the proposed signal injection technique on a single current sensor system, the saliency-based sensorless drive can work on an interior PM machine at the speed of 60-rpm under full torque load based on the experimental evaluation.
Role of Carbonation in Transient Leaching of Cementitious Wasteforms

A combined experimental and modeling program approach was applied to evaluate the role of the carbon dioxide reactive component of soil gas on the long-term performance of cementitious wasteforms. Small wasteforms were cast with Portland cement and synthetic wastewater containing metals and nitrate as a tracer. A series of wasteforms was exposed to an accelerated environment for carbonation and then subjected to transient leaching tests in deionized water. A second set of control wasteforms was not carbonated but was otherwise treated identically. Results are analyzed by comparison of experimental data with theoretical models of the leaching process. The results indicate that carbonation increases the apparent diffusion coefficient for unreactive species while resulting in chemical binding of metals through solid solution in calcite. For strontium, carbonation resulted in lower net leaching while leaching of calcium and nitrate was increased by carbonation.
Factors associated with drug adherence and blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

Study Objectives. To determine characteristics associated with drug adherence and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension, and to assess agreement between self-reported and refill adherences. Design. Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Setting. Primary care center at an urban, county health system in Indianapolis, Indiana. Patients. Four hundred ninety-two participants with hypertension and taking at least one antihypertensive drug. Measurements and Main Results. Social and demographic factors, comorbidity, self-reported drug adherence, prescription refill adherence, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded at baseline. Participants were aged 57 ± 11 (mean ± SD) years, were predominantly women (73%) and African-American (68%), and took 2.4 ± 1.1 antihypertensive drugs. Agreement between self-reported and refill adherences was poor to fair (κ = 0.21). On multiple logistic regression analysis, increased age (p≤0.002) and being married (p=0.03) were independent predictors of improved self-reported and refill adherence, whereas depressed patients had low self-reported adherence (p=0.005), and African-Americans had low refill adherence (p<0.001). Compared with nonadherent patients, adherent patients had lower systolic (-5.4 mm Hg by self-report and −5.0 mm Hg by refill) and diastolic (−2.7 mm Hg by self-report and −3.0 mm Hg by refill) blood pressures (p≤0.02). Increased age was the only other variable strongly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure control in both measures of drug adherence (p≤0.001). The association of depression, race, and sex with blood pressure control was model dependent. Conclusion. Age, sex, race and depression are associated with antihypertensive drug adherence and blood pressure control. Self-reported and refill adherences appear to provide complementary information and are associated with reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of similar magnitude.