cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Studies of Bacterial Sporulation and Germination XXIII. NUCLEOTIDE METABOLISM DURING SPORE GERMINATION

RNA synthesis, one of the early events in spore germination, is underway by the 2nd min. During the first 10 min of germination, RNA synthesis can proceed in the absence of exogenous nutrients at the expense of previously existing RNA. Salvage pathways for bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides are operative during this period and utilize enzymes which are previously formed in the dormant spore. Biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines de novo begins approximately 15 to 20 min after the onset of germination. The increase in nucleotide pools sustains an increase in the rate of RNA synthesis. Protein synthesis is necessary for the initiation of nucleotide biosynthesis de novo and one of the enzymes whose synthesis is required is aspartate transcarbamylase. Amino acids generated by the proteolysis during germination are sufficient for synthesis of proteins required for nucleotide biosynthesis de novo and provide the nitrogen source for nucleotide biosynthesis, but exogenous carbon and energy sources must be supplied.
Metabotropic glutamate receptors depress vagal and aortic baroreceptor signal transmission in the NTS

We sought to determine whether metabotropic glutamate receptors contribute to frequency-dependent depression of vagal and aortic baroreceptor signal transmission in the nucleus of the solitary trac...
On the Feasibility of Linear Discrete-Time Systems of the Green Scheduling Problem

Peak power consumption of buildings in large facilities like hospitals and universities becomes a big issue because peak prices are much higher than normal rates. During a power demand surge an automated power controller of a building may need to schedule ON and OFF different environment actuators such as heaters and air quality control while maintaining the state variables such as temperature or air quality of any room within comfortable ranges. The green scheduling problem asks whether a scheduling policy is possible for a system and what is the necessary and sufficient condition for systems to be feasible. In this paper we study the feasibility of the green scheduling problem for HVAC(Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) systems which are approximated by a discrete-time model with constant increasing and decreasing rates of the state variables. We first investigate the systems consisting of two tasks and find the analytical form of the necessary and sufficient conditions for such systems to be feasible under certain assumptions. Then we present our algorithmic solution for general systems of more than 2 tasks. Given the increasing and decreasing rates of the tasks, our algorithm returns a subset of the state space such that the system is feasible if and only if the initial state is in this subset. With the knowledge of that subset, a scheduling policy can be computed on the fly as the system runs, with the flexibility to add power-saving, priority-based or fair sub-policies.
Effect of SiO2 nanoparticle on thermal and tensile behavior of nylon-6

Abstract The present study investigates the effect of SiO2 nanoparticle on the thermal and mechanical properties of nylon-6. Firstly, nanoparticles with 0, 1, and 2 wt.% loading were dry-mixed with nylon-6 by mechanical means and extruded into filaments using a single screw extruder. Then, tensile tests were performed on the single filament at the strain rate range of 0.02–2 min−1. Experimental results show that both neat and nanophased nylon-6 were strain rate strengthening materials. The tensile modulus, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) all increased with increasing strain rate. Experimental results also show that infusing nanoparticles into nylon-6 can increase tensile modulus, yield strength, hardening modulus, and UTS. Forty-five percent enhancement in tensile modulus and 26% enhancement in UTS were observed in the 2 wt.% system as compared with neat nylon-6. At the same time, thermal properties of neat and nanophased nylon-6 were characterized by TGA and DSC. TGA thermograms have shown that the nanoparticle infused systems are more thermally stable. DSC studies also have indicated that there is a moderate increase in Tg without a distinct shift in the melting endotherm for the nanophased systems. At last, based on the tensile test results, a nonlinear constitutive equation was developed to describe strain rate sensitive behavior of neat and nanophased nylon-6.
Re-imagining America: Jeff Smith, Herman Melville, and national dreamscapes

A recurring gag in Jeff Smith's acclaimed graphic novel series Bone (1991–2004) is that Moby-Dick (1851) is a snoozer. But, as we argue, Herman Melville's masterpiece puts other characters to sleep not because it is dull but because its most ardent advocate – protagonist Fone Bone himself – is a New Critic bent on divorcing the novel from the context in which it was created or might be read. By contrast, Bone's frequent invocations of Moby-Dick (Smith's favourite novel) recontextualize Melville, transforming the book from aesthetic artefact into a critical imagining of contemporary America. To borrow Henry Jenkins's assessment of Ricardo Pitts-Wiley's theatrical adaptation of Meville's novel, Smith sees Melville ‘as part of a larger process of sampling and remixing stories and themes already in broader cultural circulation gives us a way to think about the poetics and politics of contemporary grassroots creativity’. The most successful example of the 1990s’ comics artists’ self-publishing movement, Bone s...
Short-term complications in hip fracture surgery using spinal versus general anaesthesia.

Abstract Background Spinal anaesthesia when compared to general anaesthesia has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the differences in thirty-day morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery with spinal versus general anaesthesia. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent hip fracture surgery with general or spinal anaesthesia between 2010 and 2012 using CPT codes 27245 and 27244. Patient characteristics, complications, and mortality rates were compared. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of thirty-day complications. Stratified propensity scores were employed to adjust for potential selection bias between cohorts. Results 6133 patients underwent hip fracture surgery with spinal or general anaesthesia; 4318 (72.6%) patients underwent fracture repair with general anaesthesia and 1815 (27.4%) underwent fracture repair with spinal anaesthesia. The spinal anaesthesia group had a lower unadjusted frequency of blood transfusions (39.34% versus 45.49%; p p =0.004), urinary tract infection (8.87% versus 5.76%; p p =0.001). The length of surgery was shorter in the spinal anaesthesia group (55.81 versus 65.36min; p p =0.0002) was significantly associated with increased risk for complication after hip fracture surgery. Age, female sex, body mass index, hypertension, transfusion, emergency procedure, operation time, and ASA score were risk factors for complications after hip fracture repair (all p Conclusions Patients who underwent hip fracture surgery with general anaesthesia had a higher risk of thirty-day complications as compared to patients who underwent hip fracture repair with spinal anaesthesia. Surgeons should consider using spinal anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery.
Modification of flow through silica micro-capillaries via polymer brushes

Polymer brushes were synthesized on the interior of silica micro-capillaries to study the influence of brushes on solvent flow through a confined space. The synthesis of several polymer brush coatings were performed in fused silica micro-capillary tubing by atom transfer radical polymerization using the “grafting from” approach. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the polymer coatings led to flow in micro-capillaries that could be manipulated and controlled in a passive fashion without an external stimulus. Backpressure measurements were performed to study how polymer brushes might alter the flow of solvents. An analogous study involved capillaries functionalized with small molecule silanes. Preferential flow experiments were designed to measure the preferred path an aqueous solvent would take when comparing two capillaries containing polymer coatings of different surface energies. Aqueous flow preferred the hydrophilic, higher surface energy coated capillary when comparing capillaries of a similar internal diameter. When the difference in internal size became too large, the surface energy effect mitigated.
The significance of squamous differentiation in endometrial carcinoma : data from a gynecologic oncology group study

Squamous differentiation is identified in about 25% of endometrial adenocarcinomas (AC). Its significance has been the subject of debate for decades, and it has been reported that the prognosis of adenoacanthoma (AA) is better than, the same as, and worse than that of AC. Part of this confusion has resulted from semantic differences relating to the use of AA and adenosquamous carcinoma (AS). To investigate the prognostic importance of squamous differentiation in endometrial carcinomas and compare the prognostic utility of two classification systems, 456 women were studied who had typical AC and 175 women who had typical AC containing areas of squamous differentiation (AC + SQ) and who had been entered in a Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol of Stage I and II endometrial adenocarcinoma. Assessment of histologic grade and depth of invasion was done both by the pathologist at the member institution and at a second highly structured review. Differentiation of the squamous component of endometrial carcinomas was found to parallel that of the glandular component in most tumors. The biologic behavior of endometrial carcinomas with squamous elements was similar, but not identical, to that of typical AC. Although the frequency of nodal metastasis was similar for both AC and AC + SQ, the presence of squamous elements was associated with an increased probability of survival. Division of AC + SQ by depth of myometrial invasion and by architectural grade of the glandular component provided useful prognostic information that was superior to that resulting simply from division of AC + SQ into AA or AS. The authors recommend that these terms be replaced by "adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation" and that the pathologist provide information on the architectural grade and depth of myometrial invasion to guide the gynecologist in determining appropriate therapy.
American Medicine's Golden Age: What Happened to It?.

In the first half of the 20th century, American physicians enjoyed relative freedom from adverse comment in mass and highbrow media. In unexpected ways the physicians' high ideals and the campaigns against socialized medicine brought criticism not only of the priestly but also of the technical functions of the medical profession. In the late 1950's this led to a campaign to modify the elevated position of physicians in American society.
Revisiting Odum (1956): A synthesis of aquatic ecosystem metabolism

H. T. Odum’s influential Limnology and Oceanography 1956 publication compared gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) among aquatic ecosystems. Few syntheses of aquatic ecosystem metabolism have been completed since. We used Odum’s conceptual framework to compare GPP and ER from open-water diel oxygen curves in lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and streams (n 5 350). We also documented environmental drivers of metabolism among ecosystems. GPP and ER were strongly related in lakes and estuaries, but weakly related in streams and wetlands. GPP and ER were highest in estuaries, and GPP:ER was lowest in streams. Differences in the magnitude and variability of metabolism among ecosystems were attributable to landscape and water-column factors. Watershed size and phosphorus (P) concentrations were positively related to GPP and ER across all ecosystems. Considered independently, lake and estuary GPP were driven by P concentrations. In contrast, land-use and canopy cover drove stream metabolism, not nutrient concentrations. Results confirmed the classic paradigm that estuaries are the most productive aquatic ecosystem; however, our synthesis showed that relative to streams and estuaries, there was higher variation in lake GPP and ER than previously documented. Results will be valuable for management, restoration, and carbon budgets, which incorporate metabolism measurements at both the catchment and landscape scales. As metabolism datasets grow, future syntheses will address challenges including seasonality, sensor deployment time and location, hydrology, and variation in analytical conventions by discipline. Ongoing technological and computational advancements, combined with increased communication among subdisciplines, should also expand insights generated by subsequent metabolism syntheses.
Gene therapy for cancer.

SELECTED CASES CASE 1. —A 26-year-old woman was referred to the Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md, with metastatic melanoma. A year earlier the patient had noted an enlarging mole on her right upper extremity; the results of the biopsy revealed a melanoma. She underwent a wide local excision and right axillary lymph node dissection. Of 30 lymph nodes, two contained melanoma. Despite experimental treatment with vaccinia tumor oncolysate, her disease progressed. On presentation to the National Institutes of Health in June 1989, she had about 30 subcutaneous deposits of melanoma, multiple lung metastases, and oral lesions on her tonsils and soft palate. On June 21,1989, she underwent resection of six separate subcutaneous lesions ranging in diameter from 2 to 5 cm to harvest tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) (T cells that infiltrate into animal and human tumors and can be grown in culture with interleukin 2 [IL-2]). 1 Eight days
Experimental Investigation of New Ultra Wideband In-Phase and Quadrature-Phase Power Splitters

The design and realization of a new in-phase and quadrature-phase power splitters for ultra wideband (UWB) applications are described in this paper. The in-phase power splitter is first designed and then the quadrature-phase power splitter (QPS) is developed using the designed in-phase power splitter, a conventional microstrip transmission line (MS) TL, and a well-synthesized metamaterial (MM) TL. The phase response of the MM TL is synthesized to achieve the desired 90° phase difference over an UWB frequency range. Two splitters were designed, implemented for UWB operation and experimentally demonstrated. To examine the performances of the proposed splitters, even-odd mode analysis, numerical simulations and experimental measurements were carried out. The comparison between simulated and experimental results shows a good agreement. Results show that the proposed in-phase power splitter has good insertion loss with equal power split, acceptable return loss at all ports and satisfactory isolation performanc...
Computerized optimization of radioimmunoassays for hCG and estradiol: an experimental evaluation.

Abstract The mathematical and statistical theory of radioimmunoassays (RIAs) has been used to develop a series of computer programs to optimize sensitivity or precision at any desired dose level for either equilibrium or nonequilibrium assays. These computer programs provide for the calculation of the equilibrium constants of association and binding capacities for antisera (parameters of Scatchard plots), the association and dissociation rate constants, and prediction of optimum concentrations of labeled ligand and antibody and optimum incubation times for the assay. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the use of these computer programs applied to RIAs for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estradiol. The experimental results are in reasonable semiquantitative agreement with the predictions of the computer simulations (usually within a factor of two) and thus partially validate the use of computer techniques to optimize RIAs that are reasonably “well behaved”, as in the case of the hCG and estradiol RIAs. Further, these programs can provide insights into the nature of the RIA system, e.g., the general nature of the “sensitivity” and “precision” surfaces. This facilitates empirical optimization of conditions.
Molecular dynamics simulation of a phospholipid micelle

The dynamic character of phospholipid aggregates limits conventional structural studies to the determination of average molecular features. In order to develop more detailed descriptions of phospholipid structure for comparison with experiment, the molecular dynamics of a hydrated lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) micelle, incorporating 85 LPE and 1591 water molecules, have been simulated. Comparison of the initial and equilibrated micelles shows substantial differences both in LPE hydrocarbon chain conformation and polar head-group-solvent interactions. Although these changes produce only subtle effects on the averaged structural properties of the system, the alterations in hydrocarbon chain packing and head-group solvation appear to mimic a polymorphic pretransition from a spherical toward a cylindrical micelle structure.
2002 Aerial Surveys of Grey Seals in the Northeastern United States

In the past 20 years, grey seals have become established in coastal waters of the Northeastern United States. There are 3 sites where pupping and breeding occurs in January and February, 2 in Maine and 1 in Massachusetts. In 2002 we recorded a minimum of 1,040 pups born, primarily on Muskeget Island in Massachusetts. Pupping peaks in January on Muskeget Island but is significantly later on the 2 islands in Maine. A total of 3,326 grey seals (adults, juveniles and pups) were counted.
Final state distributions of methyl radical desorption from ketone photooxidation on TiO2(110)

In this work, we report on product energy distributions for methyl radicals produced by UV photooxidation of a set of structurally related carbonyl molecules, R(CO)CH3 (R = H, CH3, C2H5, C6H5), adsorbed on a TiO2(110) surface. Specifically, laser pump–probe techniques were used to measure the translational energy distributions of methyl radicals resulting from α-carbon bond cleavage induced by photoexcited charge carriers at the TiO2 surface. Photoreaction requires the presence of co-adsorbed oxygen and/or background oxygen during UV laser (pump) exposure, which is consistent with the formation of a photoactive oxygen complex, i.e., η2-bonded diolate species (R(COO)CH3). The methyl translational energy distributions were found to be bimodal for all molecules studied, with “slow” and “fast” dissociation channels. The “fast” methyl channel is attributed to prompt fragmentation of the diolate species following charge transfer at the TiO2 surface. The average translational energies of the “fast” methyl channels are found to vary with R-substituent and correlate with the mass of the remaining surface fragments, RCOx (x =1 or 2). By comparison, the average energies of the “slow” methyl channels do not show any obvious correlation with R-substituent. The apparent correlation of the “fast” methyl translation energies with surface fragment mass is consistent with a simple two-body fragmentation event isolated on the diolate molecule with little coupling to the surface. These results also suggest that the total available energy for methyl fragmentation does not vary significantly with changes in R-substituent and is representative of exit barriers leading to “fast” methyl fragments.
A methodology for detecting blood-based abnormalities in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy videos

This paper deals with a novel methodology for automatically detecting blood based abnormalities (bleeding, angioectasia and erythema) in wireless capsule endoscopy videos. The methodology is based on a synergistic integration of methods, such as Color K-L transformation, fuzzy region segmentation, Local-Global graphs. The methodology presents several unique features that separate it from the classical bleeding based methods. These features are mainly based on (i) the classification of the blood based pathological cases in three major categories approved by gastroenterologists; (ii) it is based on a synergy of methods tested in the research field for their robustness. Illustrative examples from the methodology are also presented in this paper.
A fully revised introductory physics sequence

The Physics program at the United States Coast Guard Academy has implemented a completely revised introductory physics sequence utilizing state-of-the-art techniques in physics education. With active student engagement based on socio-cultural constructivism at its core, techniques such as Just-in-Time Teaching and Peer Instruction along with the testing effect are paramount to this new model. Here, the design and initial implementation are presented along with faculty analysis of the new model.
The effect of change in spectral slope and formant frequencies on the perception of loudness.

Summary Objective/Hypothesis This study attempts to understand how changes in spectral slope and formant frequency influence changes in perceived loudness. It was hypothesized that voices synthesized with steeper spectral slopes will be perceived as less loud than voices synthesized with less steep spectral slopes, in spite of the fact that they are of equal root mean square (RMS) amplitude. It was also hypothesized that stimuli with higher formant patterns will be perceived as louder than those with lower formant patterns, in spite of the fact that they are of equal RMS amplitude. Study Design Repeated measures factorial design. Methods For the pitches A3, C4, B4, and F5, three different source signals were synthesized with varying slopes of −9, −12, and −15 dB/octave using a frequency vibrato rate of 5.6 Hz and a frequency vibrato extent of 50 cents. Each of the three source signals were filtered using two formant patterns, a lower formant pattern typical of a mezzo-soprano (pattern A) and a higher formant pattern typical of a soprano (pattern B) for the vowel /a/. For each pitch, the six stimuli were combined into all possible pairs and normalized to equal RMS amplitude. Listeners were presented with 120 paired stimuli (60 pairs repeated twice). The listener's task was to indicate whether the first or second stimulus in the pair was louder. Results Generally, as the spectral slope decreased, perceived loudness increased, with the magnitude of the perceived difference in loudness being related to the degree of difference in spectral slope. Likewise, at all pitches except A3, perceived loudness increased as formant frequency increased. Conclusion RMS amplitude is an important predictor of loudness perception, but many other factors also affect the perception of this important vocal parameter. Spectral composition is one such factor and must be considered when using loudness perception in the process of clinical diagnostics.
Markov-perfect equilibria in intergenerational games with consistent preferences

Abstract This paper considers the subgame-perfect equilibria, in Markov strategies, of an abstract intergenerational game in which the generations' preferences are consistent in the sense that they admit recursive aggregators. Given biconvergence, I show that such equilibria exist and are equivalent both to the solutions of Bellman's recursive optimality equations and to the optima of the first generation's utility function. These results are then applied to a simple model casting new light on the neutrality of government debt, and to another accommodating impure altruism. Finally, two new examples crisply illustrate how the paper's equivalences fail when biconvergence fails.
Distribution and seasonal abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in a subtropical Florida lake

We studied the distribution and seasonal abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates from July 1975 through September 1976 in a hypereutrophic lake in subtropical Florida. The benthic community was comprised principally of oligochaetes (56.1%), chironomids (37.1%), and chaoborids (5.7%). Numbers of taxa and mean densities correlated negatively with depth and positively with mean grain size of the substratum and dissolved oxygen concentration at the mud-water interface. Seasonal abundances and life history information obtained for the predominant species of Chironomidae (Polypedilum halterale, Glyptotendipes paripes, Chironomus crassicaudatus, Cryptochironomus fulvus, C. blarina, Cladotanytarsus sp., Procladius culiciformis, and Coelotanypus concinnus) indicated that all of these species are multivoltine with rapid generation times. Larval lengths of life at summer temperatures, 27–31 °C, ranged from 14–22 days indicating that sampling in subtropical lakes should be at short intervals (approximately 3 days) if the life cycles, ecology, and function of the components of the benthic community is to be understood.
Kv3.3 potassium channels in lens epithelium and corneal endothelium.

Abstract Human Kv3.3/KCNC3 is a Shaw-type potassium channel that has been mapped to chromosome 19q13.3–13.4. Complete mouse and rat Kv3.3 cDNA coding sequences have been published, yet the human Kv3.3 cDNA has remained incomplete for years. We report here for the first time the amino acid sequence for hKv3.3 and the electrophysiological behavior of the encoded channel in transiently transfected mammalian cells. In addition, we report the occurrence of Kv3.3 message in rabbit corneal endothelial cells and the properties of the currents when the corneal channel is expressed. The hKv3.3 gene is highly GC-rich (69%) and contains numerous GC runs which made DNA sequencing and PCR amplification especially problematic. The full-length sequence contains two possible start codons. The encoded 757 amino acid hKv3.3 protein is about 93% identical to mouse and rat Kv3.3 in the first 659 amino acids before the C-terminal domains diverge greatly as a result of alternative splicing. The rabbit cornea Kv3.3 is a close sequence match for hKv3.3 even in the C-terminal domain. However, we have not yet found a cornea sequence which contains the first potential start codon from hKv3.3. Electrophysiologically, the hKv3.3 channel produces an A-current although expression of constructs which lack the 5′ region of the first start codon inactivate much more slowly than full-length constructs. This short hKv3.3 construct also shows changes in activation.
Conservative approaches to lymphedema treatment

BACKGROUND Upper extremity lymphedema can develop after surgery for breast carcinoma. Once developed, it becomes a chronic problem that women must cope with for the rest of their lives. Steps to prevent lymphedema should begin immediately after surgery. However, there is little information available about what actually causes lymphedema; therefore, it is difficult to prevent, and there is some controversy over how women should be treated once lymphedema has developed. METHODS The literature was reviewed to understand the education about arm care provided to women during and after the short hospital stay for breast carcinoma surgery. Evaluation and treatment options for lymphedema and complications resulting from lymphedema were explored. RESULTS Women are provided with basic arm care information after surgery; however, many women require reinforcement from health professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists, to reach optimum functional outcomes. If lymphedema does develop, then there are two treatment regimes that have been used. The compression pump, along with skin care, exercise, and compression garments, is one option. However, there is little consistency with the length of time the pump should be used or the optimum number of days required to receive the best results. The second treatment option is known as complex decongestive physiotherapy or complex physical therapy. Arm care, therapeutic exercises, manual lymph drainage, and compression bandages and/or garments comprise this treatment regime. Decreases in lymphedema are noted if women are compliant with the prescribed treatment program. CONCLUSIONS Women must be educated about possible complications after breast surgery. This should be a team effort, with physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and Reach to Recovery volunteers from the American Cancer Society all participating in the process. If women do develop lymphedema, then an individual treatment program must be established, and adherence to the program must be stressed. More research is needed to determine the optimum treatment regime for women who develop lymphedema. Cancer 1998;83:2828-2832. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Kirkwood-Salsburg equation for a quantum lattice system of oscillators with many-particle interaction potentials

UDC 517.9 For a Gibbs system of one-dimensional quantum oscillators on a d-dimensional hypercubic lattice interacting via superstable pair and many-particle potentials of finite range, we prove the existence of a solution of the (lattice) Kirkwood–Salsburg equation for correlation functions depending on the Wiener paths. Some many-particle potentials may be nonpositive.
Renewal of Surgical Quality and Safety Initiatives: A Multispecialty Challenge

The quality and safety movement in surgical specialty practice is gaining momentum. On the basis of risk-adjusted outcomes of coronary artery surgery and the improved risk assessment in the Veterans Affairs system, a growing array of surgical specialists has focused on recognition of legitimate risk factors, identification of performance measures that are valid surrogates for better practices, and refinement of risk-adjusted outcomes. Recognition of educational needs, personal practice patterns, and systems deficiencies now permits a broad-based application of long-standing primarily medical issues to elective surgical procedures in an organized and integrated fashion. Approximately 85,000 patients per day undergo elective operations in the United States. A platform based on physician involvement and leadership has been tested in the Surgical Care Improvement Project, funded by a subcontract from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This effort has defined factors worthy of further verification and provides a framework for an ethical and valid pay-for-performance scheme.
In vitro activity of lomefloxacin against multiply resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract Lomefloxacin is a promising new difluorinated quinolone with good antimicrobial activity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. The in vitro activity of lomefloxacin was compared to other quinolones, expanded spectrum β-lactams, and gentamicin. The lomefloxacin MIC 90 against multiply resistant strains of P. aeruginosa was 4 mcg/ml, comparable to norfloxacin and ofloxacin. Lomefloxacin was also active against methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis and JK corynebacteria. The role of lomefloxacin in the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant organisms remains to be determined in clinical trials .
Caching Hints in Distributed Systems

Caching reduces the average cost of retrieving data by amortizing the lookup cost over several references to the data. Problems with maintaining strong cache consistency in a distributed system can be avoided by treating cached information as hints. A new approach to managing caches of hints suggests maintaining a minimum level of cache accuracy, rather than maximizing the cache hit ratio, in order to guarantee performance improvements. The desired accuracy is based on the ratio of lookup costs to the costs of detecting and recovering from invalid cache entries. Cache entries are aged so that they get purged when their estimated accuracy falls below the desired level. The age thresholds are dictated solely by clients' accuracy requirements instead of being suggested by data storage servers or system administrators.
SSME Streamtube Evaluation Program (SSTEP)

An analytical model of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) called SSME Streamtube Evaluation Program (SSTEP) has been developed based upon the assumption that the propellant flows through the main combustion chamber can be represented by a bundle of parallel streamtubes. The motivation for the development of SSTEP lies in the desire to gain a basic understanding of the engine performance effects of several common SSME hardware modifications. Specifically, this model has been used to evaluate the changes in performance due to boundary layer coolant hole enlargement, LOX post plugging, acoustic cavity elimination, baffle removal, and main combustion chamber coolant leakage. The results show a good general agreement with the available test data suggesting at least a qualitative agreement between SSTEP modeling and actual engine performance. Through the use of several adjustment factors, which represent relaxations of the SSTEP formulation assumptions, it is shown that the test data can be very closely matched and that SSTEP can be used as a performance prediction tool.
Heat capacity measurements of 4He at constant heat flux near Tλ

The heat capacity, C_Q, of superfluid ^4He in the presence of a constant heat flux, Q, is expected to diverge at a depressed transition temperature, T_c(Q). We have taken preliminary measurements of C_Q at various heat flux values in the range 1 µW/cm^2 ≤ Q ≤ 4 µW/cm^2. We observe that at sufficiently small reduced temperatures, C_Q is enhanced as a function of Q, and that the enhancement is larger than theoretical predictions by Chui et al. and Hausmann and Dohm (Phys. Rev. Lett 77 (1996) 980, 1793; preprint).
Time frames for population viability analysis of species with long generations: an example with Asian elephants

We extend an earlier population viability analysis (PVA) of the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus) conducted by Sukumar & Santiapillai (1993) in order to examine how conclusions about viability can depend upon the time frame examined. We find that there is an approximately 200 year lag period before extinction events begin to occur in slowly declining populations of E. maximus. Therefore, examining population persistence over a 100 year time frame seriously underestimates the risk of population extinction over a longer, 1000 year period. These results are supported by the use of both a species-specific model of elephant demography, ELEPHANT, and a generic PVA package, VORTEX. For populations with long generations, a 100 year time period will often not be sufficient to evaluate demographic processes leading to extinction. These results have important implications for how investigators conduct PVAs, and for the listing of endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Closure Equations for CEB Elastic-Plastic Contact

The CEB elastic-plastic contact of nominally flat rough surfaces based on conservation of volume during plastic flow was forwarded by Chang, Etsion and Bogy [1]. The CEB model presents contact force as integral functions of the mean plane separation. A closed-form approximate function providing an explicit relation between contact force and surface parameters and mean plane separation would be desirable for several reasons. First, it facilitates implementation of the contact relation in the dynamics of mechanical system and, second, it provides expediency and efficiency for calculation of contact force when repetitive computation of the contact force is required. This paper presents closed-form approximate equations expressing contact force explicitly as a function of critical interference and mean plane separation. Two alternative approximate equations are provided. The first equation, in simpler form, is shown to yield error within six percent (6%) of the exact integral equations. The second form of approximate equations provides contact force accuracy within 0.1 percent of the original integral equations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Detection and significance of human papillomavirus, CDKN2A (p16) and CDKN1A (p21) expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Although a strong etiologic relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and a majority of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas has been established, the role of HPV in non-oropharyngeal head and neck carcinomas is much less clear. Here, we investigated the prevalence and clinicopathologic significance of HPV and its reported biomarkers, CDKN2A(p16) and CDKN1A(p21), in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas in patients treated either with primary surgery and postoperative radiation or with definitive radiation-based therapy. Nearly all of 76 tumors were keratinizing and none displayed the nonkeratinizing morphology that is typically associated with HPV infection in the oropharynx. However, CDKN2A(p16) immunohistochemistry was positive in 21 cases (28%) and CDKN1A(p21) in 34 (45%). CDKN2A(p16) and CDKN1A(p21) status strongly correlated with each other (P=0.0038). Yet, only four cases were HPV positive by DNA in situ hybridization or by reverse transcriptase PCR E6/E7 mRNA (all four were CDKN2A(p16) and CDKN1A(p21) positive). Unexpectedly, 9 additional tumors out of 20 CDKN2A(p16) positive cases harbored high-risk HPV DNA by PCR. For further investigation of this unexpected result, in situ hybridization for E6/E7 mRNA was performed on these nine cases and all were negative, confirming the absence of transcriptionally active virus. Patients with CDKN1A(p21)-positive tumors did have better overall survival (69% at 3 years) than those with CDKN1A(p21)-negative tumors (51% at 3 years) (P=0.045). There was also a strong trend towards better overall survival in the CDKN2A(p16)-positive group (P=0.058). Thus, it appears that the role of HPV is more complex in the larynx than in the oropharynx, and that CDKN2A(p16) and CDKN1A(p21) expression may not reflect HPV-driven tumors in most cases. Because of this, CDKN2A(p16) should not be used as a definitive surrogate marker of HPV-driven tumors in the larynx.
A theoretical device for space and time measurements

A theoretical device, which incorporates the functions of clock, rod, nonrotating platform, and accelerometer, and whose operation depends on the properties of light rays and free particles, is defined. The device, which we call a metrosphere, is simple enough that it can be introduced at the starting point of relativity theory and versatile enough that it can serve as an aid in the development and conceptualization of the theory. Relative to an inertial frame, a moving metrosphere undergoes a Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction and the associated clock exhibits a Lorentz-Larmor rate retardation. From this fact and the assumption that there exists one inertial frame, it is possible to generate the kinematical results of special relativity. A metrosphere provides an observer with a local frame of reference, hence it is well adapted to the needs of general relativity, allows the equivalence principle to be introduced in a straightforward manner, and permits a smooth transition from special relativity to general relativity.
Modification by Exogenous Progesterone of Estrogen and Gonadotropin Secretion in the Cyclic Hamster

Hamsters were injected sc with 25–500 μg progesterone (P) on day 3 of the estrous cycle (day 1, day of ovulation; day 4, proestrus). Normally on day 3, the corpora lutea are no longer functional and serum P is not detectable. After 25–100 μg P, the cycle was lengthened by 1 day, whereas after 250 or 500 μg P, the cycle was prolonged by 2 and 3 days, respectively. The follicles ultimately ovulating after 500 μg P were derived in part or in toto from a second wave of follicular maturation. However, the original antral follicles were the ovulating follicles after treatment with lower doses of P. After 100 or 500 μg P administered on day 3, the number of animals ovulating and the mean ovulation rate was reduced in hamsters injected with hCG during the next 24 h. By the afternoon of day 4, serum estradiol (E2) was djastically reduced in hamsters injected on the previous day with 250 or 500 μg P. However, their serum levels of FSH, LH, and PRL did not differ from control values. When 100μ500 μg P were injected ...
The Pursuit of Equality in Public Administration

Louis Kaplow and Steven Shavell, Fairness versus Welfare Samuel Leiter and William M. Leiter, Affirmative Action in Antidiscrimination Law and Policy: An Overview and Synthesis Stephen L. Ross and John Yinger, The Color of Credit: Mortgage Discrimination, Research Methodology, and Fair-Lending Enforcement
Assimilation, Disruption and the Fertility of Mexican-Origin Women in the United States.

An analysis of 1970 and 1980 US Census data revealed both assimilation and disruption effects on the fertility of Mexican-origin women residing in the US. The Census is the only data source available with large enough numbers of Mexican-born US women to disaggregate fertility results by age cohort and time of entry into the US. In accord with an assimilation hypothesis the fertility levels of native-born women are approaching those of non-Hispanic white women during the middle childbearing years. After age 25 years foreign-born women demonstrate the highest current fertility and native-born women do not differ significantly from their non-Hispanic counterparts in the 25-39 year age group. In the 30-34 year age group the fertility of the former women is actually lower. Additionally support for a disruption effect is provided by current fertility statistics for the 20-24 year age group. Here immigrant women show lower fertility levels than native-born women. The largest percentage of migrants are in this young age group. Overall the data suggest a pattern in which current fertility is depressed around the time of migration from Mexico to the US but peaks 5-10 years later as women attempt to "catch up." Also implied is a trend toward a fertility convergence the longer the Mexican-origin women are in the US. This analysis underscores the importance of disaggregating the data by age and/or period of immigration if patterns that are often obscured when immigrant groups are examined as an aggregate are to be identified.
Incorporation of defects into the central atoms model of a metallic glass

Abstract The central atoms model (CAM) of a metallic glass is extended to incorporate thermodynamically stable defects, similar to vacancies in a crystalline solid, within the amorphous structure. A bond deficiency (BD), which is the proposed defect present in all metallic glasses, is introduced into the CAM equations. Like vacancies in a crystalline solid, BDs are thermodynamically stable entities because of the increase in entropy associated with their creation, and there is an equilibrium concentration present in the glassy phase. When applied to Cu Zr and Ni Zr binary metallic glasses, the concentration of thermally induced BDs surrounding Zr atoms reaches a relatively constant value at the glass transition temperature, regardless of composition within a given glass system. Using this “critical” defect concentration, the predicted temperatures at which the glass transition is expected to occur are in good agreement with the experimentally determined glass transition temperatures for both alloy systems.
Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries to Understand Human Drivers of Environmental Threats

A wide range of ecological studies affirms the cumulative damage to ecosystem capital and services around the globe. They also point to the overwhelming role that anthropogenic or human drivers play in global ecological damage. The MAHB is intended to combine what we know about human drivers of environmental threats with what the social sciences know about changing human behavior and institutions. A variety of social sciences have taken up the first task of identifying the key human activities—at both the local, cumulative level and at the systemic level—most responsible for global environmental change. Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of land use and land cover change, of vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation, of the governance of common pool resources, and of demographic and economic factors. Each of these advances is the result of integrating ecological principals and findings into disciplined social science research. This presentation highlights one of these integrating approaches, the STIRPAT approach, that adds social and political variables and statistical sophistication from the social sciences to the widely adopted IPAT formula.
Making control charts more effective by time series analysis: three illustrative applications

Control charts contribute to the monitoring and improvement of process quality by helping to separate out special cause variation from common cause variation. By common cause variation we mean the usual variation in an in-control process. Special causes can be thought of as disturbances, possibly transitory, impacting a process that is in a state of statistical control. However, there is no clear place in this scheme of special causes and common causes for systematic non-iid variation, such as trend, seasonal, autoregression variation, and intervention effects from efforts to improve the proess. When systematic non-iid variation is present, time series modeling and fitting can fill in this picture. In the time series framework, observations influenced by special causes can be treated as outliers from the currently-entertained time-series model and can be detected by outlier detection methods. We discuss three data sets that illustrate how this can be done in order to make control charts more effective. We...
THE TONICITY-VOLUME RELATIONS FOR HUMAN RED CELLS SUBJECTED TO THE ACTION OF HEAT, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PROLYTIC K LOSS

1. The volume-tonicity relations for human red cells exposed to a temperature of 48°C. for 2 minutes remain the same as those for unheated human red cells. The heated systems show lysis in higher tonicities than the unheated systems do; this is probably largely due to fragmentation with its effect on the geometry of the situation, as suggested by Ham, Shen, Fleming and Castle. When the cells are heated to 48°C. for longer times, the amount of fragmentation becomes considerable, but the volume-tonicity relation remains the same as before; the properties which are usually referred to as the osmotic properties of the red cell are accordingly not necessarily dependent on the integrity of the cell as a unit. 2. Heating to 52°C. for 2 minutes profoundly modifies the volume-tonicity relation, very little swelling now occurring even in tonicities as low as 0.6. This is partly accounted for by the large K losses and K-Na exchanges which occur and which become greater as the tonicity is reduced and as the temperature is increased. Fragmentation and hemolysis also increase, the latter out of proportion to the expected effects of the former. Direct effects of heat on the cohesion of the red cell ultrastructure are probably involved.
The thermal state of the upper mantle; No role for mantle plumes

A variety of geophysical data indicates that long wavelength temperature variations of the asthenosphere depart from the mean by ±200°C, not the ±20°C adopted by plume theoreticians. The ‘normal’ variation, caused by plate tectonic processes (subduction cooling, continental insulation, small‐scale convection) encompasses the temperature excesses that have been attributed to hot jets and thermal plumes. Geophysical estimates of the average potential temperature of the upper mantle are about 1400°C. Asthenospheric convection at ridges, rifts and fracture zones and at the onset of continental breakup is intrinsically 3D, giving rise to shallow pseudoplume‐like structures without deep thermal instabilities. Deep narrow thermal plumes are unnecessary and are precluded by uplift and subsidence data. The locations and volumes of ‘midplate’ volcanism appear to be controlled by lithospheric architecture, stress and cracks.