cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neonatal and maternal anthropometric characteristics in a high altitude population of the western Himalaya.

A study of neonatal anthropometric characteristics was undertaken in Ladakh, India, a region comprising the western portion of the trans-Himalayan plateau. The object was to better understand the dynamics of high altitude adaptation in the Himalaya. In a largely native sample of 168 women and their newborns, mean birth weight was 2,764 g, mean length was 48.02 cm, and mean Ponderal Index (PI) was 2.49. Female newborns were significantly lighter and shorter than males. Overall, 27% of newborns fell into the standard category of infants at increased risk of mortality ( < 2,500 g); 37% of females and 17% of males were so classified. In multivariate regression analysis, maternal weight and the sex and gestational age of the newborn were the only significant predictors of birth weight, but explained a small (18%) part of the variance. Compared to Andean and Tibetan samples, Ladakhi newborns were between 300 and 550 g lighter. This variation is explained, in part, by maternal characteristics, such as lower average parity, age, and weight. Reproductive capacity appears to be compromised in this population because of inadequate nutrition in the face of high energy demands of agricultural work, which may further compromise maternal adaptation to hypoxic conditions. The population of Ladakh has a relatively recent ancestry in this high altitude region and is likely a genetically heterogeneous population from an extensive history of immigration. Thus it is possible that the low average birth weight in Ladakh may also be influenced by inadequate genetic adaptation to hypoxia. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Synthesis of Prostaglandins: Strategy and Reality

The prostaglandin synthesis developed in the Woodward Research Institute at Basel serves to provide an unusual look behind the scenes. A candid account is presented of the sometimes tortuous chronological sequence of ideas and experiments during work on a challenging synthesis.
Field-effect persistent photoconductivity in AlAs and GaAs quantum wells with AlxGa1-xAs barriers

We report a persistent increase or decrease in the two-dimensional electron density of AlAs or GaAs quantum wells flanked by Al x Ga 1 - x As barriers, brought about by illuminating the samples at T∼4 K, while simultaneously applying a voltage bias between a back gate and the two-dimensional electron gas. Control of the final carrier density is achieved by tuning the back gate bias during illumination. Furthermore, the strength of the persistent photoconductivity depends on the Al mole fraction in the back Al x Ga 1 - x As barrier, and is largest at x≃0.4.
Patterns of mobilization of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus by embryonic yellow-headed blackbirds(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

Embryonic blackbirds(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) obtain most of their calcium from the eggshell (85 90%), but all of their phosphorus comes from reserves in the yolk (80–85%) and albumen (15–20%). Approximately equal amounts of magnesium are supplied by the eggshell, the yolk, and the albumen. Yolk is depleted of magnesium and phosphorus during embryogenesis, but excess calcium absorbed from the eggeshell is stored in the yolk. Consequently reserves of calcium in the yolk actually increase 8-fold during embryonic development. Our results reveal that altricial birds manifest patterns of mobilization and deposition of calcium and other elements similar to those described for precocial species. Evolution of altriciality from precocity evidently did not entail major changes in how embryonic birds meet the challenge of obtaining the calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus required for development.
The isoenergetic-isochoric flash

The isoenergetic-isochoric (specified internal energy-specified volume, UV) flash is required to simulate the dynamic filling of a process vessel. Unlike other types of flashes, such as the isenthalpic-isobaric or isothermal-constant phase fraction flash calculations, for example, none of the intensive variables (temperature T and pressure P) is known in the UV flash. This fact introduces a higher degree of difficulty in solving the particular flash calculation than that of the other types. In this paper, we will share our experience in solving the UV flash problem.
Downward continuation of refracted arrivals to determine shallow structure

Information contained in refracted arrivals often can determine shallow, complex structure within the earth. An established way of interpreting refraction arrivals employs graphical construction of wavefronts. Here I extend this graphical method by using numerical downward continuation techniques. For examples of synthetic data and field data, seismic images of irregular interfaces are formed by downward continuing refracted arrivals. For a field‐data example, the image formed from the refraction arrivals is used to correct time‐delay anomalies caused by irregular near‐surface structure. Incorporation of downward continuation into refraction interpretation has several advantages. The method reduces complications due to raypath effects, diffractions, and shadow zones in the refracted arrivals. In addition, this interpretation method reduces the labor and ambiguities associated with identifying first breaks. p‐tau decomposition of the wave field provides a wide‐angle method for downward continuation of refr...
Efficacy and safety of methylphenidate and pemoline in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate and pemoline in the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Background: Although methylphenidate, pemoline, and dextroamphetamine are all approved for the treatment of ADHD in children, in 1998 methylphenidate constituted ∼70% of the market. To compare the efficacy of these 3 drugs in a large population of children and to assess adverse events associated with their administration, we conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 500 children treated for ADHD at a large teaching institution. Methods: The charts of 500 children aged 4 to 18 years treated for ADHD over a 12-month period at a university-affiliated pediatric neurology clinic were reviewed retrospectively. The author rated treatment success from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent) and assessed adverse effects based on the children's records. Results: Methylphenidate was prescribed for 48% (n = 240) and pemoline for 49% (n = 245) of the patients. The mean treatment rating was higher for pemoline (3.5 vs 2.7). Discontinuation was higher in the methylphenidate group (32% [n = 77] vs 10% [n = 25]) for lack of efficacy but higher in the pemoline group (22% [n = 54] vs 5% [n = 12]) for adverse effects (primarily insomnia). No liver abnormalities were reported in either group. Conclusions: A higher percentage of pemoline- than methylphenidate-treated children had an excellent clinical response; however, they also had more adverse events.
Blood pressure and human genetic variation in the general population

Purpose of review Hypertension is a complex trait with multiple environmental and genetic contributors. Until recently, linkage studies of rare Mendelian disorders of hypertension and hypotension have produced the most notable progress toward understanding the heritable basis of blood pressure (BP). Association studies to identify common variants have been limited in the past by small sample sizes and most findings have lacked replication. Recent findings Recently, well powered, targeted candidate gene and genome-wide association studies have reported reproducible associations between rare and common genetic variants and BP and hypertension at the population level. Summary Identification of novel genes will lead to an improved understanding of BP regulation and the potential for novel therapies.
Energy detection performance analysis for UWB radar sensor networks

Ultra wideband radar sensor networks have intensive military and commercial applications. However, how to mitigate the interference to the existing systems and increase the spectrum utilization for UWB radar sensor networks should also be studied carefully. While energy detection has been extensively studied in the past, hidden terminal and exposed node problems are ignored through assuming that the environment is the same for transmitters and receivers. In this paper, considering hidden terminal and exposed node problems, we make a theoretical analysis on the performance of commonly used energy detection methods, such as ideal method, transmitter-independent method, and transmitter/receiver-cooperated method, in terms of detection probability. Corresponding analytical models are provided. Performance theoretical curves are acquired to compare the characteristics for individual energy detection methods under various scenarios. Moreover, the upper bound for detection probability is achieved and is compared under various system traffic intensity and sensing capability. The theoretical results gotten in this paper can supply a reference on the choosing of energy detection method according to system scenario, such as traffic load, sensing capability, and so forth.
A phenomenological approach to simulating the evolution of radioactive-waste container damage due to pitting corrosion

The damage to high-level radioactive-waste containers by pitting corrosion is an important design and performance assessment consideration. It is desirable to calculate the evolution of the pit depth distribution, not just the time required for initial penetration of the containers, so that the area available for advective of diffusive release of radionuclides through the container can be estimated. A phenomenological approach for computing the time evolution of these distributions is presented which combines elements of the deterministic and stochastic aspects of pit growth. The consistency of this approach with the mechanisms believed to control the evolution of the pit depth distribution is discussed. Qualitative comparisons of preliminary model predictions with a variety of experimental data from the literature are shown to be generally favorable. The sensitivity of the simulated distributions to changes in the input parameters is discussed. Finally, the results of the current model are compared to those of existing approaches based on extreme-value statistics, particularly regarding the extrapolation of laboratory data to large exposed surface areas.
Phosphorylation of Microtubule‐associated Protein SB401 from Solanum berthaultii Regulates Its Effect on Microtubules

We reported previously that the protein SB401 from Solanum berthaultii binds to and bundles both microtubules and F-actin. In the current study, we investigated the regulation of SB401 activity by its phosphorylation. Our experimental results showed that the phosphorylation of SB401 by casein kinase II (CKII) downregulates the activities of SB401, namely the bundling of microtubules and enhancement of the polymerization of tubulin. However, phosphorylation of SB401 had no observable effect on its bundling of F-actin. Further investigation using extract of potato pollen indicated that a CKII-like kinase may exist in potato pollen. Antibodies against CKII alpha recognized specifically a major band from the pollen extract and the pollen extract was able to phosphorylate the SB401 protein in vitro. The CKII-like kinase showed a similar ability to downregulate the bundling of microtubules. Our experiments demonstrated that phosphorylation plays an important role in the regulation of SB401 activity. We propose that this phosphorylation may regulate the effects of SB401 on microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton.
Mindless drinking: How gender and BMI relate to the consumption of alcohol

• Self-reports were used to identify how gender and BMI relate to students’ alcohol consumption.
Limitations of atomic beam frequency standards

Abstract Atomic beam frequency standards may be placed into two categories: field standards and laboratory standards. While this distinction is somewhat artificial, because the two types of standards are interdependent, each category does have different requirements of accuracy, size, and cost. Despite this separation, generally the developments which produce the best laboratory standards eventually give rise to improved field standards. Existing field standards are limited in long term fractional frequency stability to σy (τ) ∼ 3 x 10-13, for τ ∼ 6 months. A laboratory standard such as NBS-6, the U.S. primary cesium standard, is limited in inaccuracy to Δy ∼ 8 x 10-14. Proposed new cesium field standards are expected to yield long term stabilities of σy(τ) ∼ 1 x 10-14 (τ = 6 months). Stored ion standards, prime candidates for new laboratory frequency standards, are expected to have better than Δy = 1 x 10-15 inaccuracy. As other approaches to atomic beam frequency standards are considered, they should attempt to compete favorably with these emerging technologies.
Letter From Cohen and Alderman Regarding Article, “Lower Levels of Sodium Intake and Reduced Cardiovascular Risk”

We read with interest “Lower Levels of Sodium Intake and Reduced Cardiovascular Risk”1 but are concerned that the validity of the results and conclusions of this article may be questioned by the methodological approaches used. For example, a very large proportion of participants were excluded—all those who were in the salt restriction arms of the studies, including about 15% of Trial of Hypertension Prevention, Phase I (TOHP I)2 and 50% of Trial of Hypertension Prevention, Phase II (TOHP II).3 The stated justification was that the sodium measures would not reflect long-term “usual values.” Maybe so, but in a previous article, …
High Energy Proton Spallation -- Fission of Uranium

The fission and spallation reactions caused in uranium by bombardment with high energy protons (340 t o 350 MeV) were investigated. The reaction products were separated from the target by chemical processes and identified by their radioactive properties. The relative yields of the observed fission products were measured, and the results plotted as a function of mass number. Several of the spallation products were identified and their yields estimated. An attempt was made to determine the most probable atomic number for a nuclide of given mass formed directly from fission. Studies were made of the relative yields along several isobaric chains as a function of atomic number. From these data predictions of the mass and charge of the fissioning nucleus are made.
Role of cytokines in psychopathology: therapeutic implications.

Cytokines can influence physiological functions such as sleep and food intake; they also interact with a number of neurotransmitters and second messengers in the brain. Cytokines are involved in a number of infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic and degenerative illnesses. They also have been implicated in some psychiatric disorders, including 1) depressive and anxiety disorders; 2) schizophrenic disorders (chronic and acute); 3) autistic disorder; 4) eating disorders; and 5) obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alterations in cytokine peptide/receptor production or function in major psychiatric disorders are of special interest to researchers in the field. Exogenous administration of cytokines may be of therapeutic value in disorders in which the cytokine system may be disturbed. In some brain disorders of defined neuropathology, some cytokines have been found clinically useful. Such a development has yet to occur in the treatment of psychiatric disorders; however, some limited and very preliminary observations suggest that manipulation of the cytokine network may be of potential value in the treatment of some psychiatric disorders. Considering the human and economic costs of major psychiatric disorders, alteration of the cytokine network as a potential therapeutic tool is worthy of consideration and investigation.
US–Russian cooperation in human spaceflight: assessing the impacts

Abstract How far the broad security, political and economic goals behind the USA's invitation to Russia to participate in the International Space Station have been achieved is assessed in this synthesis of the views of a range of experts in Russian affairs and US foreign and national security policy. The article covers the impacts of cooperation on the Russian aerospace industrial base, on nonproliferation issues and on overall US–Russian relations. Various themes are identified—such as Russian ambivalence over embracing Western norms—and while the experts agreed on certain subjects, there was no overall unanimity.
Mek1 Phosphorylation Site Mutants Activate Raf-1 in NIH 3T3 Cells

MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinases are activated by a family of dual specificity kinases called Meks (MAP kinase/Erk kinase). Mek1 can be activated by Raf by phosphorylation on serine 218 and serine 222. Mutation of these sites to acidic residues leads to constitutively active Mek1 in some cases. When fibroblast lines were infected with high titer retroviral stocks carrying these Mek1 genes, the resultant transformation and morphological changes correlated with the kinase activity of the respective Mek1 enzymes. Although [Asp218]- and [Asp218,Asp222]Mek immunoprecipitated from clonal cell lines could phosphorylate kinase-inactive Erk1 equally well in vitro, the endogenous MAP kinase activity was 5-7-fold greater in [Asp218]Mek1-infected clonal lines, and did not correlate with the degree of transformation. Analysis of the Erk1 pathway revealed Raf-1 activation, which correlated qualitatively with the MAP kinase activity seen in the [Asp218]- and [Asp218,Asp222]Mek1-infected clonal cell lines. Expression of dominant negative Ras did not affect the elevated Raf-1 activity observed in these cells, however. These data suggest that Mek1 phosphorylation site mutants activate Raf-1 and MAP kinase by a Ras-independent pathway and that the mechanism by which transformation occurs may utilize pathways that are MAP kinase-independent.
The effect of interconnection resistance on the performance enhancement of liquid-nitrogen-cooled CMOS circuits

The interconnection is modeled as a distributed RLC line driven by an optimal configuration of cascaded inverters. The thin-film resistivity of pure aluminum has been measured to allow accurate prediction of the effect of interconnection resistance on performance. A critical interconnect length is defined as the point at which interconnect resistance begins to dominate propagation delay time. The critical interconnect length is computed at room temperature and liquid-nitrogen temperature for present-day and scaled CMOS technologies and compared to the maximum interconnect length expected in state-of-the-art VLSI circuits. >
Adaptation of tropical maize germplasm to temperate environments

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of few crops that can offer significant genetic gains with the utilization of genetic diversity. Genetically broad-based germplasm has the potential to contribute useful and unique alleles to U.S. Corn Belt breeding programs not present in current U.S. genome sequences (e.g. B73, NAM, etc.). Our objectives were to determine if unique tropical genetic materials have been effectively adapted to temperate environments and how their agronomic performance was relative to adapted populations. An important long-term objective of the Iowa and North Dakota maize breeding programs has been, in addition to the typical elite by elite line pedigree selection cultivar development process, to adapt exotic and unique germplasm, maximize their genetic improvement, and develop unique products for breeding and commercial uses. Stratified mass selection methodology for earliness has been utilized for the adaptation of tropical and temperate populations to Iowa and North Dakota environments. This method has allowed screening of up to 25,000 genotypes per population cycle at a rate of one cycle per year. In addition, the estimated cost per year our programs had for the adaptation of each population was less than $2,000 which could successfully be applied in any breeding program across the globe. This cost has been less than 1 % of the total cost for finding minor genes on the same trait. Our results showed the successful adaptation of exotic populations was independent from genetic background. We can speculate there are a few major genes responsible for most of flowering date expression. We encourage the use of technology to target traits according to their genetic complexity. Stratified mass selection at the phenotypic level has been successful. Each of the populations with either 25 of 100 % tropical germplasm are available for anyone who may desire to expand the germplasm base of their breeding programs with tropical germplasm adapted to temperate mid- and short-season U.S. Corn Belt environments.
Economics of managed care in spinal cord injury

Abstract Objective: To determine and describe trends in economic variables related to the care of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and significant changes in these trends coincident with major developments in medical care cost control. Data Sources: Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) database were used to review the economic trends in SCI management from 1973 to 1998 and their relation to managed care and other health care cost-containment measures. A panel of SCI health care specialists was interviewed to determine the appropriate data variables to be reviewed. The Shepherd Center Care Health Management Program, Atlanta, GA, is presented as an example of a fiscally successful managed care program for patients with SCI. Data Extraction: Data from the NSCISC database for the years studied were extracted and converted to a form suitable for analysis by means of the statistical software SAS. Data Synthesis: Statistical techniques included multiple regression analysis, logistic regression analysis, and model selection methods. Conclusions: Trends in economic variables in the care of individuals with SCI show changes coincident with the introduction of Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) and managed care as models for provider reimbursement. Significant changes occurred in acute care charges, rehabilitation charges, length of stay, rehospitalization 1 year postinjury, time from injury to admission to a Model System, and discharges to a nursing home.
Student Power in the 1970 Elections: A Preliminary Assessment

The Cambodian invasion and the tragedies at Jackson and Kent State this spring led to explosions on college campuses all across the country. There was a great deal of talk of massive student intervention in the fall congressional elections and universities adopted various measures in response to the crisis. Some abandoned institutional neutrality by taking positions condemning the President's actions, others scheduled fall courses on elections and "practical politics" while others opted for some variant of the two week "Princeton Plan" pre-election
Transcriptome of Proteus mirabilis in the Murine Urinary Tract: Virulence and Nitrogen Assimilation Gene Expression

The enteric bacterium Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of complicated urinary tract infections. In this study, microarrays were used to analyze P. mirabilis gene expression in vivo from experimentally infected mice. Urine was collected at 1, 3, and 7 days postinfection, and RNA was isolated from bacteria in the urine for transcriptional analysis. Across nine microarrays, 471 genes were upregulated and 82 were downregulated in vivo compared to in vitro broth culture. Genes upregulated in vivo encoded mannose-resistant Proteus-like (MR/P) fimbriae, urease, iron uptake systems, amino acid and peptide transporters, pyruvate metabolism enzymes, and a portion of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes. Flagella were downregulated. Ammonia assimilation gene glnA (glutamine synthetase) was repressed in vivo, while gdhA (glutamate dehydrogenase) was upregulated in vivo. Contrary to our expectations, ammonia availability due to urease activity in P. mirabilis did not drive this gene expression. A gdhA mutant was growth deficient in minimal medium with citrate as the sole carbon source, and loss of gdhA resulted in a significant fitness defect in the mouse model of urinary tract infection. Unlike Escherichia coli, which represses gdhA and upregulates glnA in vivo and cannot utilize citrate, the data suggest that P. mirabilis uses glutamate dehydrogenase to monitor carbon-nitrogen balance, and this ability contributes to the pathogenic potential of P. mirabilis in the urinary tract.
Intriguing parasites and intramembrane proteases

Rhomboid intramembrane proteases occur throughout the kingdoms of life. In this issue of Genes & Development, Baxt and colleagues (pp. 1636-1646) report that the single proteolytic rhomboid (EhROM1) from Entamoeba histolytica cleaves cell surface galactose-binding or N-acetylgalactosamine-binding (Gal/Gal-NAc) lectins. EhROM1 and lectins colocalize during phagocytosis and receptor capping. EhROM1 is found at the base of the cap rather than in the cap proper, suggesting a role in receptor shedding and implying that EhROM1 is crucial for amoebal infection.
Hydrogen Bonded Pyridine Dimer: A Possible Intermediate in the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol

Previously, electrogenerated pyridinyl was implicated as a catalyst for the reduction of CO2 to methanol. However, recent quantum mechanical calculations of both the homogeneous redox potential for the pyridinium/pyridinyl redox couple (900 mV more negative than experimentally reported) and the pKa of the reduced pyridinyl species (~27) have led to the proposal that the homogeneous reduction of pyridinium does not play a role in the observed catalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol. In contrast, a more complete consideration of the reaction including the realization that pyridinium reduction is tightly coupled to H2 evolution, produces a calculated redox potential in agreement with the experimental findings. In reexamining this system, it is found that aqueous solutions containing a near equimolar mixture of pyridine and pyridinium (i.e., solution pH near the pyridinium pKa = 5.2) contain a substantial concentration of a hydrogen-bonded dimer formed by the generation of a N-H···N bond containing one strong NH bond and one elongated NH bond. This species has been identified by X-ray diffraction of crystals grown in aqueous media from pyridine/pyridinium mixtures, and can be observed directly in solution using Raman spectroscopy. DFT (density functional theory) calculations indicate that the pKa for this species is ~22, a value that is consistent with a proton exchange capability. This suggests that this hydrogen bonded dimer may be the pre-electrocatalyst for the observed activation of CO2.
Characterization of Three Maize Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Libraries toward Anchoring of the Physical Map to the Genetic Map Using High-Density Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Filter Hybridization

Three maize ( Zea mays ) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries were constructed from inbred line B73. High-density filter sets from all three libraries, made using different restriction enzymes ( Hin dIII, Eco RI, and Mbo I, respectively), were evaluated with a set of complex probes including the185-bp knob repeat, ribosomal DNA, two telomere-associated repeat sequences, four centromere repeats, the mitochondrial genome, a multifragment chloroplast DNA probe, and bacteriophage λ. The results indicate that the libraries are of high quality with low contamination by organellar and λ-sequences. The use of libraries from multiple enzymes increased the chance of recovering each region of the genome. Ninety maize restriction fragment-length polymorphism core markers were hybridized to filters of the Hin dIII library, representing 6× coverage of the genome, to initiate development of a framework for anchoring BAC contigs to the intermated B73 × Mo17 genetic map and to mark the bin boundaries on the physical map. All of the clones used as hybridization probes detected at least three BACs. Twenty-two single-copy number core markers identified an average of 7.4 ± 3.3 positive clones, consistent with the expectation of six clones. This information is integrated into fingerprinting data generated by the Arizona Genomics Institute to assemble the BAC contigs using fingerprint contig and contributed to the process of physical map construction.
Effects of permittivity on bandwidth and radiation patterns of cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas

An investigation is made into the effects of permittivity on the bandwidth and radiation patterns of a probe-fed cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). It is seen that a 50Ω impedance match can be achieved until the relative permittivity of the material is dropped below about 5. The impedance bandwidth is maximized for a relative permittivity that is small but greater than unity. However, the radiation patterns are degraded as the permittivity decreases.
Comparing the performance of MPICH with Cray's MPI and with SGI's MPI

SUMMARY The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of MPICH with the vendor Message Passing Interface (MPI) on a Cray T3E-900 and an SGI Origin 3000. Seven basiccommunication tests which include basic point-to-point and collective MPI communication routines were chosen to represent commonlyused communication patterns. Cray’s MPI performed better (and sometimes significantly better) than Mississippi State University’s (MSU’s) MPICH for small and medium messages. They both performed about the same for large messages, however for three tests MSU’s MPICH was about 20% faster than Cray’s MPI. SGI’s MPI performed and scaled better (and sometimes significantly better) than MPICH for all messages, except for the scatter test where MPICH outperformed SGI’s MPI for 1 kbyte messages. The poor scalability of MPICH on the Origin 3000 suggests there may be scalability problems with MPICH. Copyright c � 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Scalable Hybrid Regular Expression Pattern Matcher

As new Internet technologies emerge, the ability to do full regular expression pattern matching on network packets to support these new technologies is becoming increasingly important. Current technologies that can benefit from high-speed pattern matching are firewalls, network intrusion detection systems, virus scanners, spam filters, and content-based routers. All of these technologies are ruled-based scanners which have rule sets that are continually increasing in size. In combination with increasing network speeds, it is becoming difficult for software based approaches to maintain the required network throughput. Thus is it important to develop high-speed hardware-based pattern matchers. We present a reconfigurable hardware architecture for searching for regular expression patterns in streaming data. This new architecture is created by combining two popular pattern matching techniques: a pipelined character grid architecture [1], and a regular expression NFA architecture [2, 3, 4]. The resulting hybrid architecture can scale the number of input characters while still maintaining the ability to scan for regular expression patterns.
Referrals to phase I clinical trials in a gynecologic oncology unit

Abstract Objectives Previous reviews of phase I clinical trials report limited response rates. Development of novel biologic agents and trials designs have increased these rates. A contemporary appraisal of phase I clinical trials in gynecologic malignancies could help validate these findings. Methods Retrospectively reviewed records for 410 patients with gynecologic malignancies treated in a phase I unit, January 1999 to October 2012. Patient characteristics and treatment outcomes were abstracted and analyzed. Results Patients enrolled in 43 different phase I trials, 17 phase Ia, 17 phase Ib dose escalation and 9 dose expansion. 9 trials (21%) investigated unique cytotoxic delivery methods, 15 (35%) conventional cytotoxic plus novel agents and 19 (44%) novel agents alone. For patients treated in the first-line setting, 90 (74.4%) achieved CR, 20 (16.5%) PR, 9 (7.4%) SD and 2 (1.7%) PD, yielding an overall response rate of 90.9%. In patients treated for recurrent disease, 2 (1.6%) achieved CR, 11 (8.9%) PR, 57 (46.0%) SD and 54 (43.5%) PD, yielding a response rate of 11% and an overall clinical benefit rate of 57%. Response rate for molecular targeted therapies was 11.5% with an overall clinical benefit rate of 46.2%. Patients with prior anti-angiogenic exposure had comparable median PFS to those who had not been previously exposed (3.5 vs. 4.0months, p=0.29). Conclusions Results support referral of gynecologic cancer patients for phase I clinical trials. Patients with advanced, heavily pretreated disease fare at least as well as they do on phase II trials and a proportion of them can attain an objective response or stabilization of their disease.
Dependence of Adenovirus Infectivity on Length of the Fiber Shaft Domain

One of the objectives in adenovirus (Ad) vector development is to target gene delivery to specific cell types. Major attention has been given to modification of the Ad fiber knob, which is thought to determine virus tropism. However, among the human Ad serotypes with different tissue tropisms, not only the knob but also the length of the fiber shaft domain varies significantly. In this study we attempted to delineate the role of fiber length in coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR)- and non-CAR-mediated infection. A series of Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) capsid-based vectors containing long or short fibers with knob domains derived from Ad5, Ad9, or Ad35 was constructed and tested in adsorption, internalization, and transduction studies. For Ad5 or Ad9 knob-possessing vectors, a long-shafted fiber was critical for efficient adsorption/internalization and transduction of CAR/αv integrin-expressing cells. Ad5 capids containing short CAR-recognizing fibers were affected in cell adsorption and infection. In contrast, for the chimeric vectors possessing Ad35 knobs, which enter cells by a CAR/αv integrin-independent pathway, fiber shaft length had no significant influence on binding or infectibility on tested cells. The weak attachment of short-shafted Ad5 or Ad9 knob-possessing vectors seems to be causally associated with a charge-dependent repulsion between Ad5 capsid and acidic cell surface proteins. The differences between short- and long-shafted vectors in attachment or infection were abrogated by preincubation of cells with polycations. This study demonstrates that the fiber-CAR interaction is not the sole determinant for tropism of Ad vectors containing chimeric fibers. CAR- and αv integrin-mediated infections are influenced by other factors, including the length of the fiber shaft.
Ventral striatal and medial prefrontal BOLD activation is correlated with reward-related electrocortical activity: a combined ERP and fMRI study.

article i nfo Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research suggests that the ventral striatum (VS)/nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and broader mesocorticolimbic dopamine system mediate aspects of reward processing from expectation of reward to pleasantness experienced upon reward attainment. In parallel, research utilizing event-related potentials (ERP) indicates that the feedback negativity (FN) is sensitive to reward vs. non-reward feedback and outcome expectation. The FN has been source localized to the mPFC and dorsal striatum, and converging evidence suggests that the FN reflects reward processing in the mesocorticolimbic system. However, the extent to which ERP and fMRI measures of reward processing are correlated has yet to be explored within the same individuals. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the convergence between fMRI (i.e., VS and mPFC) and ERP (i.e., FN) measures of reward processing in forty-two participants who completed counterbalanced fMRI and ERP sessions while performing the same monetary gambling task. For the WinNLoss comparison, fMRI activation in the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit including the VS and mPFC was positively correlated with the FN. Here, we demonstrate that monetary gains activate the VS, mPFC, caudate, amygdala, and orbital frontal cortex, enhance the FN ERP component within 300 ms post feedback, and that these measures are related. Thus, fMRI and ERP measures provide complementary information about mesocorticolimbic activity during reward processing, which may be useful in assessing pathological reward sensitivity.
Evaluation of the New Version of the Laser-Optical Disdrometer, OTT Parsivel2

A comparative study of raindrop size distribution measurements has been conducted at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center where the focus was to evaluate the performance of the upgraded laser-optical OTT Particle Size Velocity (Parsivel2; P2) disdrometer. The experimental setup included a collocated pair of tipping-bucket rain gauges, OTT Parsivel (P1) and P2 disdrometers, and Joss-Waldvogel (JW) disdrometers. Excellent agreement between the two collocated rain gauges enabled their use as a relative reference for event rain totals. A comparison of event total showed that the P2 had a 6%absolute bias with respect to the reference gauges, considerably lower than the P1 and JW disdrometers. Good agreement was also evident between the JW and P2 in hourly raindrop spectra for drop diameters between 0.5 and 4 mm. The P2 drop concentrations mostly increased toward small sizes, and the peak concentrations were mostly observed in the first three measurable size bins. The P1, on the other hand, underestimated small drops and overestimated the large drops, particularly in heavy rain rates. From the analysis performed, it appears that the P2 is an improvement over the P1 model for both drop size and rainfall measurements. P2 mean fall velocities follow accepted terminal fall speed relationships at drop sizes less than 1 mm. As a caveat, the P2 had approximately 1ms21 slower mean fall speed with respect to the terminal fall speed near 1 mm, and the difference between the mean measured and terminal fall speeds reduced with increasing drop size. This caveat was recognized as a software bug by the manufacturer and is currently being investigated.
Weight oriented optimal PWM in low modulation indexes for multilevel inverters with unbalanced DC sources

Selective harmonics elimination for the staircase voltage waveform generated by multilevel inverters has been widely studied for medium and high voltage applications. Most published strategies are for multilevel inverters with balanced dc levels and single switching per level. This paper proposes an Optimal Pulse Width Modulation (OPWM) method that utilizes equal area criteria and harmonic injection. In particular, for low modulation indexes, the weight oriented OPWM is proposed to determine switching angles to achieve accurate harmonic elimination.
Metabolic engineering of a 1,2-propanediol pathway in Escherichia coli.

1,2-Propanediol (1,2-PD) is a major commodity chemical that is currently derived from propylene, a nonrenewable resource. A goal of our research is to develop fermentation routes to 1,2-PD from renewable resources. Here we report the production of enantiomerically pure R-1,2-PD from glucose in Escherichia coli expressing NADH-linked glycerol dehydrogenase genes (E. coli gldA or Klebsiella pneumoniae dhaD). We also show that E. coli overexpressing the E. coli methylglyoxal synthase gene (mgs) produced 1,2-PD. The expression of either glycerol dehydrogenase or methylglyoxal synthase resulted in the anaerobic production of approximately 0.25 g of 1,2-PD per liter. R-1,2-PD production was further improved to 0.7 g of 1,2-PD per liter when methylglyoxal synthase and glycerol dehydrogenase (gldA) were coexpressed. In vitro studies indicated that the route to R-1,2-PD involved the reduction of methylglyoxal to R-lactaldehyde by the recombinant glycerol dehydrogenase and the reduction of R-lactaldehyde to R-1,2-PD by a native E. coli activity. We expect that R-1,2-PD production can be significantly improved through further metabolic and bioprocess engineering.
New email security infrastructure

This paper addresses the problem of analysing an information system for security flaws or vulnerabilities in a way that is analogous to the analysis of a safety-critical system. In particular, instead of adopting the approach that security is a property that must be proved to hold (fault avoidance), it shows how to analyse a system for possible security failures so that fault prevention, tolerance, recovery or even fault acceptance techniques can be chosen where appropriate.
September 11, Social Theory and Democratic Politics

In an analysis of the September 11 terror attacks on the US, I want first to suggest how certain dominant social theories were put in question during the momentous and world-shaking events of fall 2001. I take up the claim that `everything has changed' in the wake of September 11 and attempt to indicate both changes and continuities to avoid one-sided exaggerations and ideological simplicities. I conclude with reflections on the implications of September 11 and the subsequent Afghanistan Terror War for critical social theory and democratic politics, envisaging a new global movement against terrorism and militarism and for democracy, peace, environmentalism and social justice.
Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of small bowel, colon and esophagus complicating primary immunodeficiency

Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of small bowel, colon and esophagus complicating primary immunodeficiency
Use of gastric fistula rats for the study of sedative, hypnotic and antianxiety drugs

A rat gastric fistula preparation has been developed for the ready and safe administration of water-insoluble drugs. Graded doses of five sedative hypnotics - pentobarbital, secobarbital, methaqualone, diazepam and chloral hydrate - were studied using this preparation and a behavioral scale. The effect of these drugs on respiratory rate was also studied. The rat gastric fistula preparation is a stable one which allows the execution of crossover studies lasting for several months. Valid assays were obtained in comparisons of pentobarbital, secobarbital and methaqualone using both total behavior scale scores (BSS) and depression of respiratory rate. Secobarbital was equipotent to and methaqualone one-fourth as potent as pentobarbital. The slope of the chloral hydrate BSS dose-response line was statistically significantly steeper than that of pentobarbital. The diazepam BSS dose-response line was not only significantly less steep than that of pentobarbital but a plateau was seen. Neither chloral hydrate nor diazepam produced a dose-related depression of respiratory rate. The rat gastric fistula preparation has thus proved useful in characterizing the pharmacologic profiles, dose-response relationship and relative potencies of sedative hypnotics.
Theoretical foundations for distributed work: multilevel, incentive theories to address current dilemmas

Distributed work literature has sought to explain why and under what conditions workers choose to use distributed work arrangements, but often has resulted in contradictions and dilemmas. The literature has reached the point where significant progress can be made by applying existing organizational theories to explain past distributed work dilemmas and to serve as a foundation for future research. We propose a multilevel conceptual framework integrating constructs from several well-established incentive-related organizational theories: Hertzberg's theories on explicit and implicit motivation, expectancy theory, managerial control theory, group process theories, socio-technical systems theory, and resource allocation theories. From this integrated conceptual framework, we derive functional models to explain why workers do not take advantage of distributed work arrangements in two high tech sales organizations. Results illustrate the compounding effects of multiple incentives and disincentives over time and across levels of analysis. This theory-based conceptual framework extends both the distributed work and incentive literatures helping them overcome dilemmas existing between research and practice.
Insertion Fees and Their Impact on Ebay

Success of an online auction website is in its appeal to bidders. Without the bidders there will be no transactions. In an auction, the reservation price can act as a deterrent to bidder entry. The auctioneer can induce lower reservation prices through a rising insertion fee scheme. This will in turn increase the probability of an auction resulting in a sale. This work examines the impact the insertion fees have on the seller and buyer behavior on eBay using data generated by a natural experiment observed on eBay. The results demonstrate that the rising insertion fee structure of eBay induces sellers to lower their reservation prices, which in turn increases the bidding activity.
Gating and residential robbery

The purpose of this article is to examine whether robbery rates and select robbery characteristics differ between gated and non-gated residential communities. We use NCVS data to assess frequencies and robbery characteristics of gated and non-gated residential communities. There were no statistically significant differences in robbery rates between gated and non-gated complexes. Our null finding is surprising given the perceived crime prevention benefits of gating. The article explores gating’s potential role in the prevention and/or amplification of residential robbery. Attention is given to the role of natural surveillance, collective efficacy and sanction threats in this regard.
An Evidence-Based Perspective of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) for Cancer Patients

Camellia sinensis, Theaceae (green tea) and its major polyphenolic constituent, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) have been extensively studied for their preventive activity against cancer. Studies in animal models of carcinogenesis have shown that green tea and EGCG can inhibit the development of cancer in various organ systems at the initiation, promotion and progression stages. This inhibition of tumorigenesis is associated with decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Various mechanisms of action have been proposed based on studies with human cell lines and cell-free systems. These mechanisms include induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of key enzyme systems, inhibition of growth factor signaling and others. Few of these mechanisms have been clearly demonstrated to play a role in the prevention of cancer by tea in vivo. Although a large number of epidemiological studies have been conducted on the relationship between tea consumption and cancer risk, the results remain mixed. Very few human intervention studies have been conducted, yet at least one demonstrated that tea has promise for the prevention of prostate cancer. Further controlled intervention studies are needed to clearly test the cancer preventive effects of green tea in high risk human subjects. Additionally, carefully designed, mechanism-based animal model studies in conjunction with biochemical and immunohistochemical studies of human samples will be critical for unraveling the key underlying mechanisms of action. Although there is promise for green tea as a cancer chemopreventive agent, considerable work is needed to fully realize its potential impact on public health.
Access to Oral History: A National Agenda

Access to oral history collections has suffered from the neglect of oral historians and archivists. The author advocates five items as the basis of a national agenda to improve bibliographic control and access to oral history interviews. Prominent among the recommendations are the establishment of MARC AMC records and interlibrary loan for interviews. This article was originally presented at the 1991 annual meeting of the Society of American Archivists, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Electrophoretic distribution of serum protein and glycoprotein in the tuberculous rat, rabbit and guinea pig.

Summary1. Total serum protein, polysaccharide and paper electrophoresis of protein and glycoprotein were determined before and 4 weeks following, tuberculous infection of rats, rabbits and guinea p...