cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ENERGY OF MAINTENANCE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

McGrew, Sarah B. (Pennsylvania State University, University Park) and M. F. Mallette. Energy of maintenance in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 83:844-850. 1962.-Relatively dense populations of Escherichia coli B in log phase were used to detect utilization of exogenous glucose for maintenance without growth. Turbidity at 400 mmu was used as the measure of growth, since it should reflect changes in either cell number or size. A threshold level of glucose was observed below which turbidity did not change during short-time experiments. Repeated additions of glucose during prolonged incubation at 37 C either increased the turbidity slowly or maintained it, depending on the amount of glucose. Plate counts to follow viability showed slow decreases for 10 days, while the unfed controls lost viability quite rapidly. From these results it was concluded that E. coli specifically utilized exogenous glucose for maintenance, without growth. The conflict of this opinion with that of earlier workers is discussed and some implications suggested.
Broadband particle filtering in a noisy littoral ocean

When sound propagates in the shallow ocean, source characteristics complicate the analysis of received acoustic data considerably especially when they are broadband and spatially complex. Noise whether ambient, distant shipping, wind blown surface generated complicates this already chaotic environment even further primarily because these disturbances propagate through the same inherent oceanic medium. The broadband problem can be decomposed into a set of narrowband problems by decomposing the source spectrum into its set of narrowband lines. A generic Bayesian solution to the broadband pressure-field enhancement and modal function extraction problem is developed that leads to a so-called nonparametric estimate of the desired posterior distribution enabling statistical inference.
Optimal management of non–ST segment elevation myocardial infarction remains unclear∗

In the prethrombolytic era, in-hospital mortality of patients with non–Q wave myocardial infarction (MI) was only one-half that of patients with Q wave MI (see discussion in reference [1][1]). Despite this more favorable early outcome, patients with non–Q wave MI have a higher incidence of
Steady-State Estimation of Cooling Pond Performance

This note gives steady-state formulae and diagrams for the intake temperature for three types of cooling ponds; deep stratified cooling pond, shallow dispersive cooling pond and shallow recirculating cooling pond. These relationships should be useful for the estimation and screening of cooling pond design alternatives.
Analysis of cartilage differentiation from skeletal muscle grown on bone matrix: III. Environmental regulation of glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis☆

The ability of numerous nutritional and topographic factors to influence differentiation of embryonic mesenchyme has given rise to several theories which attempt to explain the development of muscle and cartilage from these similar-appearing cells. Some theories are challenged by the observation that a substratum of demineralized bone is capable of supporting the transformation of skeletal muscle into cartilage in vitro and that the potential to form cartilage still resides within cloned myoblasts and fibroblasts of skeletal muscle. In the present study, culture media CMRL-1066, minimal essential medium (MEM), and F-12 provide varied nutritional environments and are tested for their ability to support the morphological and biochemical transformation of skeletal muscle into cartilage. Morphologically, CMRL-1066 reproducibly supports hyaline cartilage formation, whereas MEM does so in only one out of three explants onto demineralized bone, and F-12 is incapable of supporting formation of a hyaline matrix. Biochemically, each medium is sufficient to elicit synthesis of cartilage-like patterns of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycan monomer. Synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) initially increases in explants grown in CMRL-1066, but decreases prior to chondrogenesis. MEM elicits a similar increase in HA synthesis, but the subsequent decrease is not as rapid. In F-12, synthesis remains depressed throughout the experiment. The data show that increases in HA synthesis occur concurrent with the appearance of fibroblast-like cells, which normally precede chondroblasts. Decreases in HA synthesis correlate well with the onset of chondrogenesis. Explants grown in CMRL-1066 reproducibly form cartilage and synthesize the greatest amounts of proteoglycan aggregate. Those grown in MEM form cartilage infrequently, synthesize reduced amounts of proteoglycan aggregate-like material, and contain greater amounts of HA, of low molecular weight. The data demonstrate that chondrogenesis can be subtly regulated by environmental factors, and such factors regulate both the morphological and biochemical expression of the phenotype through HA synthesis.
INTERMEDIATE RINGS BETWEEN A LOCAL DOMAIN AND ITS COMPLETION, II

We present results connecting flatness of extension rings to the Noetherian property for certain intermediate rings between an excellent normal local domain and its completion. We consider conditions for these rings to have Cohen-Macaulay formal fibers. We also present several examples illustrating these results.
Mass Media and Rural Out‐Migration in the Context of Social Change: Evidence from Nepal

This work examines the influence of mass media on rural out-migration using historical and contemporary data from a setting experiencing massive social and economic development in the last half-century. Data come from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, an ongoing study of an agrarian region in rural Nepal. Media are hypothesized to affect migration by inducing attitudinal and behavioral changes similar to those of other determinants of migration. As their influence differs from other determinants in important ways, media represent a unique form of influence that should be taken into account. I find that movie and television exposure are significant determinants of out-migration in historical contexts, although television exposure was important in more contemporary contexts. Differences in these effects probably indicate the timing of the spread of each type of media and changing preferences among media consumers.
Estimates of milk constituents from lactating bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) mothers between two and seven months post-partum

Background The literature regarding milk composition in non-human primates collected across offspring development is limited. We assayed milk samples from bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) mothers as part of studies characterizing development of this species. Methods Milk was obtained when possible longitudinally from seven lactating bonnet macaque mothers. Samples were frozen until analysis. Individual samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of electrolytes including sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium, as well as urea, protein, lipids, glucose, and lactose. Results A trend for increased lipids as well as protein percentage was noted with increasing infant age. Chloride and calcium showed an increase with age, whereas other electrolytes remained relatively stable across development. Conclusions The composition of the milk of this particular macaque species was similar to other Old World primates as well as humans. These data add to the limited information available on milk constituents among mammals.
Interferon and Growth Factor Activity for Human Lung Fibroblasts* Release from Bronchoalveolar Cells from Patients with Active Sarcoidosis

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology characterized by both an active cellular immune process and interstitial fibrosis. It has recently been demonstrated that γ-interferon (the type of interferon associated with an active cellular immune process) is also a potent growth factor for human lung fibroblasts. To evaluate the hypothesis that there is an association between the release of immune interferon and the release of growth factor activity for fibroblasts, bronchoalveolar cells from patients with sarcoidosis were studied for the spontaneous release of both immune interferon and growth factor activity for fibroblasts. Bronchoalveolar cells from 11 of the 24 patients spontaneously released γ-interferon in vitro . Supernatants from sarcoidosis patients whose bronchoalveolar cells released interferon contained a significantly higher percentage of lymphocytes than those whose bronchoalveolar cell supernatants did not contain interferon (p
MECHANISMS FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF DINOFLAGELLATES IN A BIOLUMINESCENT BAY1

The bioluminescent, photosynthetic, tropical marinc dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense occurs in persistent high concentrations in Oyster Bay, Jamaica, W. I., although mean tidal flushing rates determined by dye-tracer techniques would predict their disappearance. As a result of a unique temporal sequence of positive phototaxis and the differential movement of diurnal wind-driven water layers of different densities, there is a daily transfer of P. bahumense into the eastern shallows of the bay where flushing rates are minimal, reducing the effect of the mean bay dilution. A second phototaxis-dependent mechanism in the eastern shallow results in zones of high concentration containing up to 10,000,000 P. buhamense per liter. This latter mechanism can explain the production of red water outbreaks in coastal waters. Nitrogen and phosphorus levels observed are consistent with both mechanisms.
Improving recruit distribution decisions in the US marine corps

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) accomplishes its mission "to put the right Marine in the right place at the right time with the right skills and quality of life" in various ways. One of these is a recruit distribution modeling (RDM) and information system that assigns new recruits to entry-level schools, thereby determining the entire career paths. This article proposes improvements to the existing Marine Corps decision processes and information systems for recruit distribution. The proposed system, recruit distribution decision support system (RDdss), provides intuitive navigation through a hierarchy of switchboards, and promotes data integrity by eliminating manual data entry for data already available in the system. It incorporates four objective measures for understanding the quality of proposed distributions, and allows the user to generate and compare multiple solutions based on the trade-off between these objectives. It is a fully functional working prototype system that was installed into the USMC manpower environment, and demonstrated to provide several improvements over the current technology.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: A burnt‐out case

A patient with Hodgkin's disease developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), documented by brain biopsy to be associated with JC virus infection. His disease progressed over several months, resulting in severe neurological deficit, but then stabilized with little or no further clinical progression during the remaining year of his life. Histopathological evaluation of the brain at autopsy supported the clinical impression that brain infection was arrested. Whereas the brain biopsy exhibited the histological features of active PML including giant bizarre astrocytes, at postmortem examination brain lesions appeared inactive, with regression of astrocytic changes and elimination of oligodendroglial inclusions. Similarly, JC virus antigen, present in the brain biopsy, was not detected in the autopsied brain. This case provides further evidence that PML is not invariably fatal and that clinical and cytological remission can occur.
The effects of digitization on the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio

Abstract In elastography, the tissue under investigation is compressed and the resulting strain is estimated from the gradient of the displacement (time-delay) estimates. The displacements are typically estimated by cross-correlating the radiofrequency (RF) ultrasound signals of the pre- and postcompressed tissue. One of the parameters used to quantify the resulting quality of the elastogram is the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR e ). For a uniformly elastic target (a single elastic modulus), the dependence of the SNR e on the applied strain has a bandpass characteristic that has been termed the strain filter. Theoretical expressions for the upper bound on the strain filter were developed earlier. Yet, simulated as well as experimental strain filters derived from uniformly elastic phantoms deviate from these upper bounds. The failure to achieve the upper bounds could be partially attributed to the fact that, in both simulations and experiments, the RF signals used to compute the TDEs are sampled and quantized. Using simulated models of uniformly elastic phantoms, a study of the dependence of the strain filter on the quantization and sampling rates was performed. The results indicated that the strain filter improves with both the sampling rate and the quantization, as expected. A theoretical analysis was done to incorporate quantization as a derating factor to the strain filter. (E-mail: Jonathan.Ophir@uth.tmc.edu)
A Computer Program for Determining the Correlation between Categorized Variables from a Bivariate Normal Distribution with a given Correlation

Data from underlying (unmeasured) continuous variables are often categorized in the process of measurement. The program described in this paper can be used to determine the correlation which results from categorizing two variables which follow a bivariate normal distribution. Different numbers of categories for each variable (e.g., 2 x 4 or 7 x 6) may be used, with different proportions of scores in each category and for different values of the correlation in the bivariate normal distribution.
Drosophila metabolize 1,4-butanediol into γ-hydroxybutyric acid in vivo

Abstract A solvent, 1,4-butanediol, is also abused as a recreational drug. In mammals, 1,4-butanediol is metabolized into γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), which stimulates metabotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) GABA B and putative GHB receptors. Here we show that in vivo injection of 1,4-butanediol into adult Drosophila leads to GHB synthesis (GHB was detectable 5 min after 1,4-butanediol injection and increased dramatically 1–2 h later). This synthesis of GHB was accompanied by an impairment of locomotor activity that was mimicked by a direct injection of GHB into flies. We propose Drosophila as a model to study the molecular actions of 1,4-butanediol and GHB.
Design of cyber-physical interface for automated vital signs reading in electronic medical records systems

The focus of this project is to study the design of a cyber-physical interface for automated vital sign readings in Electronic Medical Record Systems. This is presented as a solution for a need in actual EMR systems where the reading of vital signs is done manually which is error prone and time consuming. The domain application knowledge and prototype used for the development of this paper is made possible with the collaboration of the Alliance of Chicago Community Health Center LLC.
Frequency of low‐ozone events over northwestern Europe in 1952–1963 and 1990–2000

SB was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Holderbank-Foundation. LH was supported in part by the NASA Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling and Analysis Program.
Extinguishing the flaming burn victim

The multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are unusually efficient in extinguishing many classes of fire: A) ordinary combustible; B) flammable liquids and C) electrical equipment. This exemplary performance of multipurpose extinguishers is associated with minimal toxic effects to humans. Following contact of soft tissue with the multipurpose dry chemical, the tissue exhibits a remarkable ability to resist infection and a normal capacity to heal following injury. This negligible toxicity of the multipurpose dry chemicals makes them safe for extinguishing the flaming clothes of human burn victims.
Victorian Internationalisms: Response

The articles included in “Victorian Internationalisms” stress how attention to geopolitical contexts beyond those associated with imperialism can enrich our understanding of the Victorian engagement with the wider world. At the same time, they largely resist the temptation to recast Victorian cultural production within the often valorized rhetoric of transnationalism and cosmopolitanism. They reveal instead, for instance, the subtle ways in which national self-interest could overlap with humanitarian concerns or how British authors such as Oscar Wilde both welcomed and resisted the influence of French literature and culture. “Victorian Internationalisms” likewise draws renewed attention to the category of the “literary” itself as a discursive space perhaps uniquely suited to dramatizing the complexities of geopolitical involvement.
A technique for laparoscopic transplantation of frozen-banked ovarian tissue.

Abstract Objective: To describe a laparoscopic technique for transplanting frozen-banked ovarian tissue. Design: Case study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): A patient whose ovarian tissue was previously frozen with the slow-freeze technique. Intervention(s): Microsurgical reconstruction of ovarian cortex and its laparoscopic transplantation to the ovarian fossa. Main Outcome Measure(s): Blood flow to the grafts by doppler, follicle development and ovulation by ultrasound, E 2 and progesterone production, and resumption of spontaneous menses. Result(s): The patient ovulated and menstruated 4 months after the transplant in response to ovarian stimulation with menopausal gonadotropins. Conclusion(s): Laparoscopic transplantation of frozen-banked ovarian tissue beneath the pelvic peritoneum can restore ovarian function.
Electrospinning and Properties of Some Nanofibers

Electrospinning is a unique process that is capable of producing fibers with diameters ranging over several orders of magnitude, from the micrometer range typical of conventional fibers down to the nanometer range. Electrospun fibers possess unusually large surface-to-volume ratios and are expected to display morphologies and material properties different from their conventional counterparts. In this paper, details of recent designs and construction of equipment for controllable and reproducible electrospinning or electrostatic spinning are presented. An understanding of the electrospinning process is linked to processing conditions and polymer fluid characteristics, as well as the structure and properties of the final electrospun nanofibers.
“Maras Powder” a Form of Smokeless Tobacco as a Perioperative Risk Factor in Microsurgery

“Maras powder” is a form of smokeless tobacco that is commonly used in the South and Southeastern parts of Turkey. It is made from the leaves of Nicotiana Rustica L., which is dried, powdered and then mixed with ashes of wood from oak, walnut and grapevine. The moisturized powder is applied to the labial sulcus for a duration ranging from 5 min to hours and repeated several times during the day. Although sometimes it is used as an alternative during quitting smoking, it often is used as an independent substance due to its higher addictive properties. In this paper we describe two cases of microvascular flap loss that are associated with the use of “Maras powder”. One was because the patient went into withdrawal, delirium and agitation resulting in tearing of the microvascular anastomosis. The other was due to continued use of the powder by the patient in the postoperative period resulting in flap necrosis. The cases have never been reported in English literature.
Neutrino mass and baryon asymmetry

Abstract The atmospheric neutrino data reported at this meeting strongly suggests neutrino oscillation, while the situation with the solar neutrino data is becoming more and more convincing as well. Both suggest tiny but finite neutrino masses. I first review why such neutrino masses are closely related to baryon-number violation in the early Universe. I also present a simple scheme of baryogenesis, the Minimal Supersymmetric Leptogenesis, which generates the baryon asymmetry of desired order of magnitude with the mass range suggested by atmospheric and solar neutrino data, but not with the Hot Dark Matter (HDM) mass range. Finally I point out a dark horse HDM candidate (hadronic axion) which may be testable by SuperKamiokande with a galactic supernova.
Constraints on and Support for Industrial Policy Liberalization in India

In the thirty years following Independence, Indian industrial policy was dominated by state intervention and protectionism (Rubin, 1985). In more recent years there has been a process of liberalization which can be summarized into four main areas: i) Trade. Replacement of import quotas with tariffs; reduction of import tariffs; currency devaluation. ii) State control. Delicensing of entry into production; reduction of controls on very large corporations; greater scope for unlicensed expansion of production; greater flexibility to produce alternative goods with a single licence; reduction of price controls; lowering of corporate taxes. iii) Foreign investment. Greater scope for expansion and diversification by foreign subsidiaries; increased equity allowances for certain foreign companies. iv) Ownership. Entry of private sector firms into areas previously reserved for the public sector.
Experimenting with Recognition Accelerator for Pavement Distress Identification

A study was conducted using a computer board embedded with an artificial neural network (ANN) microchip for pattern recognition of pavement distress classification. The basic principles behind ANNs and pattern recognition are discussed. The hardware architecture of the Ni1000 recognition accelerator chip, which is the core of the ANN computer board, is presented, and the principle of operation of the restricted coulomb energy algorithm used in the chip is discussed. It is demonstrated that the Ni1000 Recognition Accelerator chip can be used for pattern recognition of pavement distress. Distresses in pavement images have been successfully classified using the Ni1000 recognition accelerator. The Ni1000 has the potential to be used as the core processing unit for distress classification at highway speeds.
A block rational Arnoldi algorithm for multipoint passive model-order reduction of multiport RLC networks

Recent work in the area of model-order reduction for RLC interconnect networks has been focused on building reduced-order models that preserve the circuit-theoretic properties of the network, such as stability, passivity, and synthesizability. Passivity is the one circuit-theoretic property that is vital for the successful simulation of a large circuit netlist containing reduced-order models of its interconnect networks. Non-passive reduced-order models may lead to instabilities even if they are themselves stable. In this paper, we address the problem of guaranteeing the accuracy and passivity of reduced-order models of multiport RLC networks at any finite number of expansion points. The novel passivity-preserving model-order reduction scheme is a block version of the rational Arnoldi algorithm. The scheme reduces to that of the PRIMA algorithm when applied to a single expansion point at zero frequency. Although the treatment of this paper is restricted to expansion points that are on the negative real axis, it is shown that the resulting passive reduced-order model is superior in accuracy to the one that would result from expanding the original model around a single point. Nyquist plots are used to illustrate both the passivity and the accuracy of the reduced-order models.
Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after letrozole-gonadotropin stimulation: a case report.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) results from an exaggerated response to ovulation induction, characterized by a fluid shift from the intravascular space to third space compartments. The incidence of moderate OHSS is approximately 3–6% and severe OHSS occurs in 0.1–3% of treatment cycles [1, 2]. A number of causal mechanisms have been investigated, involving estradiol (E2), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A strong association between E2 concentrations and risk for developing OHSS has been observed consistently [3]. A growing awareness and interest in treatments aimed at fertility preservation (FP) has led many women to pursue urgent oocyte or embryo cryopreservation. Those with estrogen-sensitive cancers often receive adjunctive treatment with letrozole, in efforts to limit exposure to elevated estrogen concentrations that typically result from exogenous gonadotropin stimulation; letrozole inhibits estrogen production by binding competitively to the cytochrome P450 component of the aromatase enzyme. Combination stimulation regimens yield results comparable to those achieved with standard gonadotropin stimulation protocols, but are associated with significantly lower E2 levels [4]. The risk of OHSS for women receiving adjunctive treatment with letrozole generally is considered low, because E2 levels are markedly lower than in cycles stimulated with gonadotropins alone. In fact, no cases of severe OHSS have been reported in a patient receiving combined treatment with letrozole and gonadotropins. Here, we report a case of severe OHSS arising in a woman with breast cancer after stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins, despite treatment with letrozole and having only moderately elevated E2 concentrations.
A new skin manifestation of progressive systemic sclerosis

This paper describes a pigmentary abnormality found in three patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. This consists of pigment retention over superficial blood vessels in an area of depigmentation. Sequential clinical observations demonstrated the dynamic nature of this abnormality, and on the basis of thermographic examination in one patient, we suggest that local thermal mechanisms may affect its development. This abnormality has been seen only in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.
Validation of an Aerothermochemical Model for Graphite Nozzle Recession and Heat-Transfer Processes

Abstract Abstract-An aerothermochemical model for graphite nozzle recession and heat-transfer processes in solid-propellant rocket motors has been developed. The model considers the turbulent boundary-layer flow in the nozzle, heterogeneous reactions at the nozzle surface, and transient heat-conduction processes in the nozzle material. Mass transfer across the highly-accelerated turbulent boundary layer shows only a weak dependence on the Schmidt number of the diffusing species. Both frozen and chemical equilibrium boundary-layer assumptions were considered. H2O is found to be the dominant oxidizing species, with CO2 being of secondary importance. Concentration profiles of H2O across the boundary layer are not significantly affected by gas-phase reactions, implying that the graphite recession process is relatively independent of gas-phase reactions. The model has been verified with experimental data. Good agreement has been obtained for both recession and temperature measurements.
Mutants ofMucor racemosus insensitive to dibutyryl cAMP-mediated changes in cellular morphology

Abstract Wild-typeMucor racemosus yeasts grown under CO2 treated with dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (dbcAMP) and glucose do not convert to hyphae during a CO2-to-air shift. By using procedures which select for hyphal cells, we have isolated a class of mutants ofM. racemosus which do convert to hyphae from CO2 yeast in the presence of dbcAMP and glucose but otherwise respond like wild-type cells to dbcAMP. One of these mutants (MLT-3) has been analyzed and appears to be wild type with respect to two other dbcAMP effects: (1) dbcAMP prevented the appearance of an NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase during a CO2-to-air shift; (2) dbcAMP inhibited sporangiospore germination. It is probable that the altered gene product in not involved in cAMP metabolism nor does it alter permeability of this organism to dbcAMP, but rather represents an alteration of one of the systems under cAMP control.
Barriers to care in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The Michigan experience.

Objective: To determine the barriers to optimal care at the community level for patients with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Design: Comprehensive evaluation of the clinical, psyc...
Confirmation of the absolute configuration of (-)-aurantioclavine

We confirm our previous assignment of the absolute configuration of (−)-aurantioclavine as 7R by crystallographically characterizing an advanced 3-bromoindole intermediate reported in our previous synthesis. This analysis also provides additional support for our model of enantioinduction in the palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols.
Hydrogen adsorption on Mo1-xRex(110) (x=0-0.25) surfaces

Abstract The effects of adsorbed H on the Mo1−xRex(110), x=0, 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25, surfaces have been investigated using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). For the x=0.15 alloy only, a c(2×2) LEED pattern is observed at a coverage Θ∼0.25 ML. A (2×2) pattern is observed for H coverages around Θ∼0.5 ML from surfaces with x=0, 0.05, and 0.15. Both c(2×2) and (2×2) patterns are attributed to reconstruction of the substrate. At higher coverages, a (1×1) pattern is observed. For the alloy surface with x=0.25, only a (1×1) pattern is obtained for all H coverages. Two H vibrations are observed in HREELS spectra for all Re concentrations, which shift to higher energies at intermediate coverages. Both peaks exhibit an isotopic shift, confirming their assignment to hydrogen. For Re concentrations of x=0.15 and higher, a third HREELS peak appears at 50 meV as H (D) coverage approaches saturation. This peak does not shift in energy with isotopic substitution, yet cannot be explained by contamination. The intrinsic width of the loss peaks depends on the Re concentration in the surface region and becomes broader with increasing x. This broadening can be attributed to surface inhomogeneity, but may also reflect increased delocalization of the adsorbed hydrogen atom.
The prevalence and timing of cervical cerclage placement in multiple gestations

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and timing of cervical cerclage placement in multiple gestations. Methods: Our perinatal database was queried for all multiple gestations delivered at Evanston Hospital from 12/95 through 12/00. This list was then cross-matched with billing and medical records for ‘incompetent cervix’ and ‘cerclage.’ The medical records of all deliveries ≤26 weeks were reviewed in order to ascertain if cervical incompetence was responsible for the preterm delivery. Results: There were 802 deliveries of multiple gestations ≥14 weeks over a 5-year period. The number of patients that underwent cerclage placement was 29 or 3.6%. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18.6±4.5 weeks (range 11–24.6). Twelve were elective or prophylactic while 17 were ‘urgent’ or ‘emergent.’ The mean gestational age for the 17 emergent cerclages was 21.4±2.2 weeks (range 16.6–24.6). When compared with those patients who did not undergo cerclage placement, there was no difference in maternal demographics including age, parity, or previous full-term delivery. There was a significant difference in the gestational age at delivery for the cerclage vs. no cerclage group; 29.3±5.6 vs. 34.4±4.6 weeks, respectively, and in the frequency of losses at ≤26 weeks; 8/23 (38%) vs. 48/707 (6.8%), P<0.001. Ten of the losses in the no cerclage group appeared consistent with incompetent cervix for a total of 39/802 or 4.9% rate of cervical incompetence in our multiple gestation population. Conclusions: The relatively low prevalence of cervical incompetence in our multiple gestations does not justify prophylactic cervical cerclage placement. Expectant management with serial cervical examinations starting at 16–18 weeks appears more prudent.
Efficient parallel solutions to the integral knapsack problem on current chip-multiprocessor systems

The emergence of chip-multiprocessor systems has dramatically increased the performance potential of computer systems. However, harnessing the full potential of these systems depends largely on the effectiveness of system software, such as compilers, in exploiting the on-chip parallelism. Additionally, since the amount of parallelism extracted by a compiler is directly influenced by the selection of the algorithm, algorithmic choice also plays a critical role in achieving a high fraction of peak performance. Hence, in the era of multicore computing, it is imperative that we re-evaluate and rethink algorithms for key problem domains. This paper investigates the impact of algorithmic choice on the performance of parallel implementations of the integral knapsack problem on multicore architectures. The study considers two classes of algorithms and several algorithmic variants and evaluates each implementation based on a variety of performance metrics including data locality and sharing, granularity of paralle...
Computational Analysis of Dynamical Responses to the Intrinsic Pathway of Programmed Cell Death

Multicellular organisms shape development and remove aberrant cells by programmed cell death (”apoptosis”). Because defective cell death (too little or too much) is implicated in various diseases (like cancer and autoimmunity), understanding how apoptosis is regulated is an important goal of molecular cell biologists. To this end, we propose a mathematical model of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that captures three key dynamical features: a signal threshold to elicit cell death, irreversible commitment to the response, and a time delay that is inversely proportional to signal strength. Subdividing the intrinsic pathway into three modules (initiator, amplifier, executioner), we use computer simulation and bifurcation theory to attribute signal threshold and time delay to positive feedback in the initiator module and irreversible commitment to positive feedback in the executioner module. The model accounts for the behavior of mutants deficient in various genes and is used to design experiments that would test its basic assumptions. Finally, we apply the model to study p53-induced cellular responses to DNA damage. Cells first undergo cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, and then apoptosis if the damage is beyond repair. The model ascribes this cell-fate transition to a transformation of p53 from “helper” to “killer” forms.
Simulated refolding of stretched titin immunoglobulin domains

Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) is used to investigate forced unfolding and spontaneous refolding of immunoglobulin I27, a domain of the muscle protein titin. Previous SMD simulations revealed the events leading to stretch-induced unfolding of I27, the rupture of hydrogen bonds bridging beta-strands A and B, and those bridging beta-strands A' and G, the latter rupture occurring at an extension of approximately 15 A and preceding the complete unfolding. Simulations are now used to study the refolding of partially unfolded I27 domains. The results reveal that stretched domains with ruptured interstrand hydrogen bonds shrink along the extension direction. Two types of refolding patterns are recognized: for separated beta-strands A' and G, in most simulations five of the six hydrogen bonds between A' and G stably reformed in 2 ns, whereas for separated beta-strands A and B hydrogen bonds seldom reformed in eight 2-ns simulations. The mechanical stability of the partially refolded intermediates has been tested by re-stretching.
Covert channel secure hypercube message communication

Abstract The hypercube multiprocessor is a popular architecture in parallel computing environments. Recently, computer security and privacy issues have gained significance. This paper considers the security issues of a network of processors connected over a hypercube topology. We demonstrate that a covert channel can be established by exploiting the underlying message communication mechanism of the hypercube, even when the access-control denies such communication. This can occur because node-to-node communication in a hypercube may require multiple hops and two or more disjoint message communications may actually be transmitted along common links. Congestion (and the resulting delay) in such shared links can provide the basis for a covert channel. We introduce security considerations for a multiprocessor by focussing on the covert channel issue in hypercube message communication. A security model for the hypercube routing function is presented. Based on noninterference, we develop sufficient conditions for the routing mechanism to be free of covert channels. Two secure hypercube message routing approaches are proposed for store-and-forward communication strategy. The first approach (Virtual Channel) achieves security by fixed bandwidth partitioning of links, for which the price is paid in delay performance. The second approach (Bypass) prioritizes lower security class messages, for which delay of higher class messages is sacrificed. Performance (i.e., cost of security) of these two approaches are shown using simulation. Finally, a time-out feature is introduced to the Bypass approach, which disallows potential starvation of higher class messages at the expense of limited bandwidth covert channel. Maximum covert channel bandwidth (in terms of the time-out parameter) is analyzed.
Factorization in quaternion orders

Hurwitz's proof of Lagrange's theorem that every positive integer is a sum of four squares of integers is but one of the extensive list of articles which relate quaternion arithmetics to quaternary (and ternary) quadratic forms (see [Marie-France Vigneras, Arithmetique des algebres the quaternions, in “Lecture Notes in Mathematics,” Vol. 800, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1980] for a partial bibliography). Hurwitz's argument uses the property that a quaternion in the ring of Hurwitz quaternions with norm divisible by a prime p has a factor of norm p. The purpose of this article is to determine the connections between factorization in general quaternion orders over the integers, the ideal theory of the order and the genus structure of the corresponding quadratic lattice; and to list the positive definite quaternion orders which admit various types of factorization. Our work can be viewed as a continuation of Gordon Pall's initial investigations in [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 59 (1946), 503–513; Duke Math. J. 4 (1938), 696–704].
Injection locked coupled opto-electronic oscillator for optical frequency comb generation

A CW injection locked Coupled Opto-Electronic Oscillator (COEO) is presented with a 10.24 GHz spaced optical frequency comb output as well as a low noise RF output. A modified Pound-Drever-Hall scheme is employed to ensure long-term stability of the injection lock, feeding back into the cavity length to compensate for cavity resonance drifts relative to the injection seed frequency. Error signal comparison to an actively mode-locked injection locked laser is presented. High optical signal-to-noise ratio of ~35 dB is demonstrated with >20 comblines of useable bandwidth. The optical linewidth, in agreement with injection locking theory, reduces to that of the injection seed frequency, <5 kHz. Low amplitude and absolute phase noise are presented from the optical output of the laser system. The integrated pulse-to-pulse energy fluctuation was found to be reduced by up to a factor of two due to optical injection. Additional decreases were shown for varying injection powers.
Design and Costs for Simple-Made-Continuous Rolled Steel Girder Bridges: Literature Survey

The method of simple-made-continuous for steel bridges is becoming more popular throughout the United States because it enables significant cost savings. Specifically, the method allows one to avoid steel bridge girder splices and design the steel sections for the self weight and the weight of the slab as simply supported and then the addition of live load and remaining dead loads as continuous. This balances the moments between the positive and negative regions allowing for a prismatic section and even adds speed of construction since the field splices are not needed. In 2006, the Colorado DOT sponsored a study to (1) review current approaches to simple-made-continuous using standard rolled sections and (2) develop design charts for rapid sizing of steel bridge beams and cost estimation for simple-made-continuous. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review up until 2007 for this type of construction and focuses on several of the most recent and successful transportation department projects.
Hazards Due to Total Body Irradiation by Radar

Experimental work by others at 10 cm wavelength has shown that irreversible damage to the eye is caused by electromagnetic radiation, if the energy flux is in excess of about 0.2 watt/cm2. Intolerable temperature rise, due to total body irradiation may be anticipated for flux values in excess of 0.02 watts/cm2. Hence a discussion of hazards due to total body irradiation is of primary interest. This paper presents data which analyze the mode of propagation of electromagnetic radiation into the human body and resultant heat development. The two quantities which are considered in detail are: 1) coefficient, which characterizes the percentage of airborne electromagnetic energy as absorbed by the body, and 2) distribution of heat sources in skin, subcutaneous fat, and deeper situated tissues. It is shown: 1) The percentage of absorbed energy is near 40 per cent at frequencies much smaller than 1000 and higher than 3000 mc. In the range from about 1000 to 3000 mc the coefficient of absorption may vary from 20 to 100 per cent. 2) Radiation of a frequency below 1000 mc will cause deep heating, not well indicated by the sensory elements in the skin and, therefore, considered especially dangerous. Radiation whose frequency exceeds 3000 mc will be absorbed in the skin. Radiation of a frequency between 1000 and 3000 mc will be absorbed in both body surface and in the deeper tissues, the ratio being dependent on parameters involved.
Effects of using renewable fuels on vehicle emissions.

Abstract In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable fuels (biofuels) are being developed and used in motor vehicles. The most common of these are bioethanol and biodiesel that are blended with petroleum based gasoline and diesel fuels at varying percentages. This provides some reduction in the fossil carbon emissions from these fuels. Biomethane (produced from biogas) can and is used as a vehicle fuel to a much more limited extent. Significant modifications are required for the motor vehicle to use biomethane. The use of bioethanol blended fuels leads to increases in emissions of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, with an accompanying decrease in benzene emissions. Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions are often increased with the use of bioethanol. The use of biodiesel blended fuels generally leads to increased NO x emissions, and decreases in particulate matter (PM) emissions. The use of biomethane is expected to have little adverse impact on the emissions from the combustion process, but it will lead to increased emissions of methane due to leakage and unburned fuel emissions. Methane is a stronger greenhouse gas than CO 2 , which is the greenhouse gas emitted in largest quantities from all combustion processes. With the appropriate time and effort, operating and emission control technologies can be developed to minimize the adverse effects that biofuel use will have on vehicle emissions. But this will require that vehicles be properly designed for the use of specific biofuels or biofuel blends. Renewable fuels may lead to decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, even with increasing use of transport fuels. No improvement, and more likely deteriorating air quality, is expected in the future with increasing renewable fuel use.
Total Venous Obstruction Following Atrioventricular Sequential Pacemaker Implantation

We describe a case of a 79-year-old woman who developed pain and pitting edema of the upper right extremity due to total venous obstruction following the implantation of an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker. She was treated by arm elevation and anticoagulation after which the pain and edema subsided. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this complication occurring following implantation of a dual-chamber pacing system. We recommend that venographic studies be done after implantation if apparent arm swelling occurs, and that anticoagulant therapy be instituted if thrombosis is present.
Comparisons in structure of tendon organs in the rat, cat and man

Golgi tendon organs from human, cat and rat extensor digitorum brevis muscles are compared in structural design. Microscopic studies reveal that these receptors appear to be very similar in structure, suggesting close functional similarities even though they are largest in man, intermediate size in cats and smallest in rats. This contrasts with similar observations on the structure of muscle spindles which show strong differences in respect to the insertion of intrafusal muscle fibers thereby implying species specialization of response characteristics to intramuscular tensions and pressures. Reconstructive drawings of human tendon organs from serial sections suggest how sensory endings may be affected by tensions at the musculotendinous junctions due to stretch or contraction of motor units. Finely divided collagen bundles appear to compress and distort nerve endings lying between them, thus inducing the generation of spike discharges.
Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in three different human endometrial cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND The aim of the current study was to establish the characteristics of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in endometrial cell lines to determine the possible relation of EGF to endometrial cancer. METHODS Three different cell lines were used: RL95-2 (derived from a moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma), HEC-I-A (from a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma), and KLE (from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma). The binding of (125-I) EGF to these cell lines and the stimulatory effect of EGF on (3H) thymidine incorporation into DNA were examined. RESULTS EGF receptor was present in all three cell lines. The binding of 125-I-labeled EGF was saturable and of high affinity. Scatchard analysis of the competitive binding data for KLE, HEC-I-A, and RL95-2 revealed linear plots, indicating a single class of binding sites with almost identical equilibrium dissociation constants (0.34 nM, 0.23 nM, and 0.20 nM, respectively). Other peptides, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II and insulin, did not compete for the receptor. RL95-2 cells bound significantly more EGF (P < 0.005) than did the HEC-I-A and KLE cell lines. EGF increased 3H-thymidine incorporation in all three cell lines. CONCLUSION Because EGF receptors are expressed by all three cell lines at markedly different levels and because EGF stimulates 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA in the three cell lines, the current study suggests that EGF may play a role in the promotion of growth endometrial adenocarcinoma.