cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expected solution quality

This paper presents the Expected Solution Quality (ESQ) method for statistically characterizing scheduling problems and the performance of schedulers. The ESQ method is demonstrated by applying it to a practical telescope scheduling problem. The method addresses the important and difficult issue of how to meaningfully evaluate the performance of a scheduler on a constrained optimization problem for which an optimal solution is not known. At the heart of ESQ is a Monte Carlo algor ithm that estimates a problem's probability density function with respect to solution quality This "quality density function" provides a useful characterization of a scheduling problem, and it also provides a background against which scheduler performance can be meaningfully evaluated. ESQ provides a unitless measure that combines both schedule quality and the amount of time to generate a schedule.
B cells potently amplify T cell IL-4 responses following non-BCR mediated cysteine protease uptake (IRC3P.463)

Many common allergens such as house dust mite antigen and grass pollen are complex mixes of proteins and other compounds, both of which may have innate signaling capacity. Understanding the role of each of these signals is essential to determining what separates allergens from other innocuous proteins. Papain is a cysteine protease structurally similar to proteases found in many common allergens, including grass pollen and house dust mite antigen. Papain induces a potent IL4 response directed by T cells in the popliteal lymph nodes (PLN) of mice following footpad immunization directed against the protease, but the mechanisms behind this response and all of the relevant antigen presenting cells driving this polarization have not yet been fully elucidated. We have identified a novel capacity for B cells to rapidly bind and internalize papain to endosomes in an innate manner not mediated by the specificity of the B cell receptor. B cells subsequently regulate the adaptive immune response by enhancing CD4+ T cells Inducible T cell Costimulator (ICOS) expression on CD4+ T cells and amplifying both Th2 cell and T follicular helper cell induction. Antibody blockade of ICOS ligand, expressed by PLN B cells but not DC at the peak of the immune response, inhibits this IL-4 induction in WT but not B cell-deficient μMT mice. Thus, B cells play a critical role in amplifying adjuvant-dependent Th2 polarization following non-canonical acquisition and internalization of cysteine protease.
High throughput microfluidic system for heterogeneous assays

High throughput screening is central to drug discovery. A category of assays known as heterogeneous assays have desirable properties for high throughput screening. However, their use has been somewhat limited, partly because of the complicated robotics required to automate them in microtitre plate format. In particular, some of the assays require washing steps that demand dedicated robotics. Another category of assays termed homogenous assays has been more popular as such assays take less steps to perform, require less complicated robotics, and are often easier to scale down. We demonstrate the execution of a heterogeneous assay that involves washing steps employing only liquid handling functionality used for homogenous assays, thus combining the qualities of both categories of assays. The washing does not require dedicated robotics, but is achieved through a passive surface tension based pumping scheme, that drives liquid through a microchannel.
An Automated Dengue Virus Microneutralization Plaque Assay Performed in Human Fcγ Receptor-expressing CV-1 Cells

We describe microneutralization assays that used automated 96-well enzyme-linked immunospot (ELI-SPOT) readout instrumentation to measure human anti-dengue virus (DENV) antibodies in CV-1 cells that were stably transfected to express human FcgammaRIIA (CD32) using conventional Vero cells as a comparator. Classic plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) end-point titers were determined by probit analysis. Neutralization titers against DENV measured in CV-1 transfectants were expressed in terms of both conventional 50% to 90% PRNT end-point titers and differential infectivity of antibody-treated virus in control and CD32-expressing CV-1 cells. Significantly reduced PRNT titers and strikingly heightened infectivity (up to 100-fold) of antibody-treated DENV was observed in CV-1 CD32 transfectants compared with that observed in control CV-1 or Vero cells. Because DENVs may preferentially replicate in CD32-expressing monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells, in vivo, it is possible that CD32 introduced into a conventional DENV neutralization assay might provide results that better correlate with protection.
In Pursuit of Pestalotiopsin A via Zirconocene-Mediated Ring Contraction

[reaction: see text] An asymmetric route from the epimeric beta-hydroxy esters 4 and 5 to the densely functionalized (+)-10 and (-)-10, respectively, is described. Either cyclobutanol can be made available as the predominant product. The levorotatory antipode has been transformed into the advanced intermediate 21 bearing side chains destined to become incorporated into the cyclononene ring of the title compound (1).
Human fertilin β : Identification, characterization, and chromosomal mapping of an ADAM gene family member

Fertilin α/β (PH30 α/β) is a heterodimeric sperm surface protein containing binding and fusion domains with potential for interaction with integrin receptors on the oocyte. We report the cDNA cloning, deduced amino acid sequence, tissue specificity, and chromosomal mapping of human fertilin β. Encoded by a 2205 nucleotide open reading frame, the deduced amino acid sequence of human fertilin β contains pro-, metalloprotease-like, disintegrin-like, cysteine-rich, epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeat, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains. Due to this domain organization, human fertilin β has been identified as a member of the ADAM family, which is composed of membrane-anchored proteins having A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease domain. The amino acid sequence of human fertilin β shares 90%, 56%, and 55% identity, respectively, to monkey, guinea pig, and mouse fertilin β homologs. A phenylalanine-glutamate-glutamate (FEE) binding tripeptide within the disintegrin-like domain of human fertilin β, homologous to other fertilin β RGD-like (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) tripeptides, could compete for recognition by integrins and other receptors. Northern analysis from 16 human tissues revealed human fertilin β's 2.9 kb message only in testis, which raises interest in possible clinical applications of this molecule as a contraceptive vaccinogen. Human fertilin β maps to chromosome 8, band p11.2, by fluorescence in situ hybridization and mouse/human somatic cell hybrid Southern hybridization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:363–369, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Continuous cardiac output monitoring by the Fick method.

Current methods for longitudinal assessment of cardiac output in severely ill patients are intermittent only and in many respects appear unsatisfactory. We have developed a computerized on-line system for continuous Fick cardiac output monitoring, utilizing fiberoptic arterial and pulmonary arterial probes with a metabolic analyzer for VO2. In 15 patients, cardiac output ranged 1.9–6.8 L/min and 12 were within 5% of thermodilution values. Continuous output monitoring during interventions in two patients (saline infusion and coronary angioplasty) illustrate the utility of the technique. Two additional patients had unsatisfactory VO2 data due to low airflow velocity. The results of this pilot study suggest that cardiac output monitoring by the Fick method may have clinical and investigational uses in intensive care units and during cardiac catheterization or surgical procedures. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An object-specific and dose-sparing scatter correction approach for a dedicated cone-beam breast CT system using a parallel-hole collimator

X-ray scatter is a common cause of image artifacts for cone-beam CT systems due to the expanded field of view and degrades the quantitative accuracy of measured Hounsfield Units (HU). Due to the strong dependency of scatter on the object being scanned, it is crucial to measure the scatter signal for each object. We propose to use a beam pass array (BPA) composed of parallel-holes within a tungsten plate to measure scatter for a dedicated breast CT system. A complete study of the performance of the BPA was conducted. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of measuring and compensating for the scatter signal for each individual object. Different clinical study schemes were investigated, including a full rotation scan with BPA and discrete projections acquired with BPA followed by interpolation for full rotation. Different sized cylindrical phantoms and a breast shaped polyethylene phantom were used to test for the robustness of the proposed method. Physically measured scatter signals were converted into scatter to primary ratios (SPRs) at discrete locations through the projection image. A complete noise-free 2D SPR was generated from these discrete measurements. SPR results were compared to Monte Carlo simulation results and scatter corrected CT images were quantitatively evaluated for "cupping" artifact. With the proposed method, a reduction of up to 47 HU of "cupping" was demonstrated. In conclusion, the proposed BPA method demonstrated effective and accurate objectspecific scatter correction with the main advantage of dose-sparing compared to beam stop array (BSA) approaches.
Glycogen Plastids in Mullerian Body Cells of Cecropia peltata--A Higher Green Plant.

A glycogen-containing plastid has been found in the cells of Mullerian bodies on Cecropia peltata (Moraceae) trees. Plastids in cells of the leaf blade, petiole, and stem are of the usual chloroplast type and contain starch grains only. Mullerian bodies exist for the purpose of providing a food supply for a protective, mutualistically inhabiting ant population. A series of chemical tests and observations indicates that this glycogen is identical to animal glycogen.
Dissolution kinetics, step and surface morphology of magnesite (104) surfaces in acidic aqueous solution at 60°C by atomic force microscopy under defined hydrodynamic conditions

Dissolution of the (104) surface of magnesite (MgCO3) was studied as a function of bulk solution pH over the range 2.0 < pH < 5.0 at 60 °C using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with well-defined hydr...
The differential distribution of the growth-associated protein-43 in first and higher order thalamic nuclei of the adult rat.

Abstract Corticothalamic axons from layer 5 of primary and secondary auditory and visual areas have large terminals that make multiple synaptic contacts on proximal dendrites of relay cells in higher order thalamic nuclei and have been termed “driver” inputs. The corticothalamic cells express mRNA for the presynaptic growth-associated protein-43, in the adult rat [Feig SL (2004) Corticothalamic cells in layers 5 and 6 of primary and secondary sensory cortex express GAP-43 mRNA in the adult rat. J Comp Neurol 468:96–111]. In contrast, ascending driver afferents to first order nuclei (e.g. retinal, inferior collicular, and lemniscal) lose growth-associated protein-43 as mature synaptic terminals are established. Levels of immunoreactivity for growth-associated protein-43 are compared for first and higher order visual (lateral geniculate and lateral posterior), auditory (ventral and dorsal divisions of the medial geniculate), and somatosensory (ventral posterior and posterior) thalamic nuclei. At one week postnatal, staining for growth-associated protein-43 is uniform throughout first and higher order thalamic nuclei. By three weeks and thereafter, staining is denser in the higher order than first order thalamic nuclei. Electron microscopy shows growth-associated protein-43 in profiles with characteristics of afferents from layer 5 in LP and medial geniculate nucleus and no such label in retinal afferents in lateral geniculate nucleus. In these nuclei, approximately 25% of the profiles with characteristics of cortical afferents from layer 6 have label for growth-associated protein-43. The superficial layers of the superior colliculus also show growth-associated protein-43 positive profiles with characteristics of terminals from cortical layer 5. Some growth-associated protein-43 positive terminals were also positive for GABA in the thalamic nuclei studied and in the superior colliculus. The data suggest that sensory afferents to first order thalamocortical relays become stabilized once mature synaptic patterns are established, but the higher stages of information processing involving higher order thalamic relays, via cells in cortical layer 5, retain plasticity related to growth-associated protein-43 in the adult.
Wind and temperature profile prediction for diabatic surface layers including strong inversion cases

The micrometeorological research program in Antarctica has provided extensive data on wind and temperature profile structure under strong to extreme inversion conditions (Dalrymple et al., 1966; Lettau et al., 1977). The basic similarity hypotheses and limiting conditions for prediction of diabatic surface layer profiles are summarized. The model by Businger et al. (1971) for dimensionless shear and temperature gradients is revised to conform with the new results for strong stability. A novel similarity hypothesis is introduced to complete the step from shear and gradient prediction to prediction of absolute wind speed, wind energy, and temperature on the basis of prescribed external factors of surface layer structure. The physics of interactions between predicted profile ‘tilting’ and ‘curving’ are discussed and used to explain several micrometeorological paradoxes, including that of the ‘elevated minimum of air temperature’ observed occasionally near the active surface when the energy budget is of the nocturnal type.
CONSTRUCTION OF AN ORDERED GENOMIC LIBRARY OF MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM

Abstract As a first step towards sequencing the chromosome of the suspected human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium, we attempted to clone its entire genome in a set of ordered cosmids. Cosmid libraries were established by partial digestion of M. genitalium genomic DNA with Sau 3AI or Eco RI. A chromosome-walking strategy was used to identify 20 overlapping cosmid clones which contained over 99% of the genome. The final 5.1 kb could not be cloned in cosmids, and was eventually obtained from a genomic library established in a λ vector. Correspondence of cloned and genomic Eco RI fragments indicated no detectable major deletions or rearrangements in the library. The library was oriented on established Xho I and Sma I physical maps of the chromosome with restriction sites present at the expected locations in the library. The genome contained 74 Eco RI fragments which added up to a total genome size of 578 kb. These were arranged in a partial Eco RI physical map, and those containing the MgPa major attachment protein-encoding operon and its repeat sequences were identified. The existence of this ordered genomic library, which accurately and completely encompasses the entire M. genitalium genome, should serve as a valuable tool for many future studies of this organism and facilitate our long-term goal of sequencing its genome.
Unitary Group Theory and the Discovery of the Factorial Schur Functions

The unitary irreducible representations of the unitary group U (n) are obtained from a more general set of polynomials that satisfy the multiplication rule for representations for arbitrary indeterminates. These polynomials are the familiar boson polynomials that appeared in earlier work, but are now presented from a new viewpoint. The main results are (1) the proof that these same polynomials provide a basis for all U (n) irreducible tensor operators when the commuting indeterminates are replaced by non-commuting fundamental unit tensor operators, and (2) the construction of all sets of unit tensor operators whose matrix elements give U (n) Clebsch-Gordan coefficients that possess the null space required by the Littlewood-Richardson numbers. Recent advances in the combinatorial interpretations of some of these results are pointed out. An outline is given of how the factorial Schur functions were discovered during the investigation of the properties of certain polynomials that characterize the null space of U (3) tensor operators.
Additional arguments for modification of the rational formula for runoff from small agricultural areas

The “rational formula” for runoff Figure 1. assumes that q, representing only the maximum rate of runoff in cubic feet per second, varies jointly as the first power of I, the rainfall-intensity in inches per hour for the period of concentration, and A the area of the watershed in acres. Therefore, present use of the runoff-coefficient C infers that it represents the effect of topography, whether rolling or hilly, and the effect of vegetal cover, whether cultivated, pastured, or wooded, only on the maximum rate of runoff.
Local Governments Connecting to the Global Economy: Globalization as Catalyst in Governance of East African Cities

This article responds to two questions: first, how are large local governments in East Africa responding to the emerging global economy? Second, is globalization a catalyst in enhancing local governance in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam? The paper is an empirical analysis of strategies adopted by local government organizations in search of meeting challenges brought by a globalization. While there are some similarities in the strategies and processes adopted, the implementation pace varies across the three organizations. At the end, an attempt is made to explain these differences.
Captopril and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Excerpt To the editor: Primary pulmonary hypertension is fatal within several months to 3 years of diagnosis (1). Numerous agents have produced minimal hemodynamic improvement or change. Captopril,...
Validating in vivo Raman spectroscopy of bone in human subjects

Raman spectroscopy can non-destructively measure properties of bone related to mineral density, mineral composition, and collagen composition. Bone properties can be measured through the skin in animal and human subjects, but correlations between the transcutaneous and exposed bone measurements have only been reported for human cadavers. In this study, we examine human subjects to collect measurements transcutaneously, on surgically exposed bone, and on recovered bone fragments. This data will be used to demonstrate in vivo feasibility and to compare transcutaneous and exposed Raman spectroscopy of bone. A commercially available Raman spectrograph and optical probe operating at 785 nm excitation are used for the in vivo measurements. Requirements for applying Raman spectroscopy during a surgery are also discussed.
Characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus integrase and analysis of functional domains.

Abstract The wild-type and mutant derivatives of the integrase protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were examined using various model DNA substrates for their catalytic activities: 3′-end processing, 3′-end joining, and disintegration. The reactions required the presence of either Mn 2+ or Mg 2+ as a divalent cation. The N-terminal and C-subterminal domains (residues 1–52 and 189–235, respectively) were necessary for 3′-end processing and joining reactions but not for disintegration. Substitution of asparagine for the highly conserved aspartic acid at position 118 resulted in a complete loss of all three activities, confirming that the catalytic domain resides in the central core region (residues 53–188) of the protein. Deletion of the C-terminus (residues 236–281) resulted in a FIV integrase mutant that had efficient 3′-end processing and disintegration activities but weak 3′-end joining activity, a finding that has not been reported previously with other retroviral integrases. The result suggests that the C-terminus is the primary binding site for target DNA. Attachment of a histidine-tag at the N-terminus of the wild-type and deletion derivatives increased the binding affinity to the DNA substrate, resulting in altered levels of catalytic activities and selection of integration sites. Similar to other retroviral integrases, certain pairs of mutant derivatives of FIV integrase could complement each other to restitute 3′-end processing and joining activities, suggesting that formation of functional multimers is a general feature of proteins in the integrase family.
VOGUE: A variable order hidden Markov model with duration based on frequent sequence mining

We present VOGUE, a novel, variable order hidden Markov model with state durations, that combines two separate techniques for modeling complex patterns in sequential data: pattern mining and data modeling. VOGUE relies on a variable gap sequence mining method to extract frequent patterns with different lengths and gaps between elements. It then uses these mined sequences to build a variable order hidden Markov model (HMM), that explicitly models the gaps. The gaps implicitly model the order of the HMM, and they explicitly model the duration of each state. We apply VOGUE to a variety of real sequence data taken from domains such as protein sequence classification, Web usage logs, intrusion detection, and spelling correction. We show that VOGUE has superior classification accuracy compared to regular HMMs, higher-order HMMs, and even special purpose HMMs like HMMER, which is a state-of-the-art method for protein classification. The VOGUE implementation and the datasets used in this article are available as open-source.1
Laboratory Tests to Determine the Efficacy of Certain Insecticides in the Control of Arthropods Inhabiting Poultry Manure

Abstract IN HAWAII poultry are raised largely above the ground in open houses with wire floors and the droppings from the birds are allowed to accumulate under the houses. The manure which collects is generally heavily infested with arthropods. Over 20 species of Diptera, about 10 species of Coleoptera, and several species of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, Acarina, and Pseudoscorpionida have been observed in poultry manure. Many of these forms are known to serve as mechanical or biological carriers of poultry endoparasites (Alicata, 1947). The present experiments were initiated primarily to study the control of these intermediate hosts. The work reported here was conducted at various times between August, 1947, and April, 1948. The objectives of the tests were: (1) to determine the relative toxicity of various insecticides to the carriers of poultry parasites found in poultry manure; (2) to determine, under simulated natural conditions, those materials which are most toxic with . . .
Altered properties of human T-lymphoblast soluble low Km 5'-nucleotidase: comparison with B-lymphoblast enzyme.

Soluble low Km 5'-nucleotidases have been purified from human cultured T- and B- lymphoblasts to compare their properties and to examine the mechanism of different rates of nucleotide dephosphorylation. The enzyme from B-lymphoblasts (MGL-8) was 4385-fold purified with a specific activity of 114 ~tmol/min/mg, while the enzyme from T-lymphoblasts (CEM, MOLT-4) was 4355-fold purified with a specific activity of 35 ~tmol/min/mg. The activity of both enzymes have an absolute requirement for Mg ÷÷. The B-cell enzyme has maximum activity with Mg 2÷ > Mn 2÷ > Co 2÷, while the T-cell enzyme had maximum activity with Co 2÷ > Mn 2÷ > Mg 2÷. The optimum activity was at pH 7.4-9.0 for the B-cell enzyme and pH 9.0 for the T-cell enzyme. Substrate specificity was the same for both enzymes with the following relative Vmax values: CMP > UMP > dUMP > dCMP > dAMP > IMP > GMP > dlMP > dGMP. The Km values for AMP and IMP were 12 and 25 IxM for the B-cell enzyme, and 7.0 and 12 ~tM for the T-cell enzyme. ATP and ADP are competitive inhibitors of these enzymes with apparent Ki values of 100 and 20 ~tM for the B-cell enzyme, and 44 ~tM and 8 pxM for the T-cell enzyme, respectively. The apparent molecular mass by gel filtration column chromatography is 145 kD for the B-ceU enzyme and 72 kDa for the T-cell enzyme. The subunit molecular masses by Western blots are 69.2 kD for both enzymes. These properties suggest that the B-lymphoblast enzyme is identical or similar to the enzyme from human placenta. However, the T-cell enzyme has some different properties. We conclude that these differences plus a lower content of low Km 5'-nucleotidase in T-cells may account for the decreased ability of T-lymphoblasts to dephosphorylate nucleotides and may contribute to the selective cyto- toxicity of deoxyribonucleosides for T-lymphoblasts as compared to B-lymphoblasts.
Hybrid approach for treatment of behind the knee popliteal artery aneurysms.

We describe herein a combined approach to the treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) that averts extensive dissections and potential blood loss particularly in cases of behind-the-knee aneurysms. Over the last 4 years, 13 patients (12 males) with mean age of 75 ± 8 years were treated for PAAs at our institution with a combined surgical and endovascular approach. The mean size of popliteal aneurysms was 2.9 cm ± 1.7 cm. One of the 13 cases (8%) was performed for acute ischemia and an additional 5 (38%) for claudication. All operations were performed under general anesthesia in supine position. Vein conduits (eight ipsilateral great saphenous veins, two contralateral great saphenous veins and one arm vein) were utilized for 11 bypasses. Of these, eight were from superficial femoral artery (SFA) to below the knee popliteal artery, two popliteal to popliteal and one SFA to posterior tibial artery. In addition, two expanded polytetrafluoroethylene femoral popliteal bypasses were performed. The distal an...
EVALUATION OF COPPER ACCUMULATION IN PART OF THE CALIFORNIA AQUEDUCT

: Copper sulfate has been used extensively in the California Aqueduct to control phytoplankton and the alga Cladophora. Since 1969 more than 250,000 pounds of copper sulfate has been added to a part of the aqueduct. Although copper sulfate is effective in controlling algae, copper tends to accumulate in the system in which it is applied. Samples of water, biota including plants, clams, and snails, as well as sediment were analyzed for copper. Results of these analyses showed that copper concentrations in the water, with three exceptions, were less than 10 micrograms per litre. Samples of plant tissue showed a 198 percent increase in copper concentration in the treated reach of the aqueduct, and clam tissue showed a 68 percent increase. Snails in the treated reach had 77 percent more copper than in the untreated reach whereas copper concentrations in the sediment doubled. None of the concentrations found are considered to be harmful to the biota.
Modified lead titanate thin films for pyroelectric infrared detectors on gold electrodes

Abstract Pyroelectric infrared detectors provide the advantage of both a wide spectral response and dynamic range, which also has enabled systems to be developed with reduced size, weight and power consumption. This paper demonstrates the deposition of lead zirconium titanate (PZT) and lead calcium titanate (PCT) thin films for uncooled pyroelectric detectors with the utilization of gold electrodes. The modified lead titanate thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition on gold electrodes. The PZT and PCT thins films deposited and annealed at temperatures of 650 °C and 550 °C respectively demonstrated the best pyroelectric performance in this work. The thin films displayed a pyroelectric effect that increased with temperature. Poling of the thin films was carried out for a fixed time periods and fixed dc bias voltages at elevated temperature in order to increase the pyroelectric coefficient by establishing a spontaneous polarization of the thin films. Poling caused the pyroelectric current to increase one order of magnitude.
Clinical outcomes in patients who undergo extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for chronic calcific pancreatitis

Abstract Background: There is controversy as to whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy fragmentation and ERCP retrieval of pancreatic stones are associated with relief of chronic pain or relapsing attacks of pancreatitis. Our most recent experience with this technology is reviewed. Methods: Forty patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis who required extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy between 1995 and 2000 to facilitate pancreatic duct stone removal were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included patient presentation, number of lithotripsy and ERCP sessions required, complications, and outcomes measures to include pre- and post-ESWL pain scale, monthly oxycodone (5 mg)-equivalent pills ingested, yearly hospitalizations, and need for subsequent surgery. Results: A single extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy session was required for 35 patients who underwent a total of 86 ERCPs to achieve complete stone extraction from the main pancreatic duct. Minor complications occurred in 20%. There was one episode of pancreatic sepsis that was treated with antibiotics and removal of an occluded pancreatic prosthesis. At a mean [SD] follow-up of 2.4 (0.6) years, 80% of patients had avoided surgery and there was a statistically significant decrease in pain scores (6.9 [1.3] vs. 2.9 [1.1]; p = 0.001), yearly hospitalizations for pancreatitis (3.9 [1.9] vs. 0.9 [0.9]; p = 0.001), and oxycodone-equivalent narcotic medication ingested monthly (125 [83] vs. 81 [80]; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy fragmentation of pancreatic duct calculi in conjunction with endoscopic clearance of the main pancreatic duct is associated with significant improvement in clinical outcomes in most patients with chronic pancreatitis. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:496-500.)
Time, frequency, sequency, and their uncertainty relations (Corresp.)

We study the form assumed by the classical time-frequency uncertainty relations in discrete as well as nontrigonometric spectral analysis. In particular we find that if an N -sample time signal is to contain a fraction \gamma of its energy in T consecutive samples, then the minimum number of frequency components containing that same energy fraction must be greater than N/T(2\gamma - 1)^2 . It is also found that the discrete Walsh transform permits greater energy concentration (less uncertainty) than the discrete Fourier transform.
A Collective Goods Analysis of the Warsaw Pact after Czechoslovakia

When the troops of five Warsaw Pact nations 1 moved into Czechoslovakia on the night of 20-21 August 1968, a great many of the "givens" of international politics were rudely challenged. East-West relations in Europe, particularly central Europe, called for reevaluation. French and West German policies especially demanded reappraisal.2 Western European commentary raised fundamental questions concerning the Warsaw Treaty Organization (WTO): "And as far as the Warsaw Pact is concerned, this alleged partnership for alleged protection against alleged risks of aggression from the West, turned out to be an instrument in the hands of the supreme Power used against its own members and was successfully perverted for this purpose." 3Some viewed the Czech situation as one further indicator of the declining cohesion of European communism. Such observers saw "declining cohesion as evidence of a disintegration or transformation of the movement." ' Opinions such as these questioned the functions and purposes of the alliance as well as the relationship between
Effect of Filter Vent Blocking on Carbon Monoxide Exposure From Selected Lower Tar Cigarette Brands

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of blocking filter vents on carbon monoxide (CO) exposure under ad lib smoking conditions. In Study 1, 12 daily cigarette smokers smoked cigarettes from the brands Now (1 mg tar by the FTC Method) and Marlboro Lights (10 mg tar) under each of two vent-blocking conditions (unblocked and finger blocked). Blocking filter vents with fingers led to an 85% increase in CO for the brand Now, but had no added effect on CO exposure from the Marlboro Lights. In Study 2, another 12 daily cigarette smokers smoked cigarettes from each of four additional brands: Carlton (1 mg tar), Now (2 mg tar), Virginia Slims Ultra-lights (5 mg tar), and Virginia Slims Lights (8 mg tar). Blocking filter vents with the lips caused all four brands to produce equal CO exposures. Blocking vents increased smokers' exposure to CO by 239% when smoking Carltons and by 44% when smoking Nows. No significant increases in CO with blocking were found for either of the Virginia Slims brands. These results suggest that the degree to which a brand is ventilated determines whether that brand is susceptible to increased CO yields as a result of vent blocking.
Calculation of optical spectra of aluminum

The electronic structure and optical properties of aluminum were studied using the augmented-plane-wave (APW) method. To improve the agreement between the calculated electronic structure and experiment a semiempirical scheme of Chen and Segall was used to adjust the band structure. This parametrization was implemented by employing a few pieces of experimental data on de Haas-van Alphen cross sections, the position of a major optical peak and the bandwidth of A1. The parametrized bands and wave functions were used in a calculation of the dielectric constant of A1 in which the dipole matrix elements were included. The spectrum was analyzed with regard to the origin of structure in $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$ space, with major structures treated analytically using the pseudopotential model. A novel aspect of this work is the elucidation of small-frequency behavior of the imaginary part of the dielectric constant which was shown to be nonzero at low frequencies due to an accidental degeneracy (in the absence of spin-orbit splitting) of the bands on the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\mathrm{KWX}$ plane. The calculated spectrum is in very good agreement with optical data with respect to the location, strength, and width of major structures. A comparison between momentum matrix elements calculated by the pseudopotential and APW method is presented.
Tetzcoco in the early 16th century: the state, the city, and the calpolli

Examination of the internal structure and system of tribute in the pre-Hispanic city of Tetzcoco, Mexico, indicates that the city contained several kinds of territorial groupings that received the services of commoners. These commoners were organized into calpolli, which were basically groups with common tributary obligations. They gave service either in food production, unskilled labor, or specialized skilled work, but it was usually part-time, compensated with lands for subsistence, and this gave the city a dispersed layout. [Aztec, calpulli, craft specialization, tribute, urbanism]
The Status of the Land and Inhabitants of the Sawad During the First Two Centuries of Islam1)

AY AbQ YiIsuf Yac.kib b. Ibrahim, Kitib al-karadj. Bfalik, 1302 = 1885. Cahen Cahen, Cl. "Fiscalite, propridte, antagonismes sociaux en HauteNMsopotamie au temps des premiers cAbbasides d'apres Denys de Tell-Mahre," Arabica, I (1954), PP. 136-152. Dennett Dennett, Daniel C. Conversion and the Poll Tax in Early Islam. Cambridge, Mass., 195o0. Harvard Historical Monographs, XXII. Denys Chronique de Denys de Tell-Mahri, 4e partie, ed. and tr. J. B. Chabot. 2 vols. Paris, 1895. (All references are to vol. I.) Fagnan Abii Yfisuf, Le Livre de l'Imp6tfoncier, tr. E. Fagnan. Paris, 1921. Futfib al-Balidhuri, Liber Expugnationis Regionum..., ed. M. J. de Goeje. Leiden, I866.
Confocal microscopy to guide laser ablation of basal cell carinoma: a preliminary feasibility study

Laser ablation may be a promising method for removal of skin lesions, with the potential for better cosmetic outcomes and reduced scarring and infection. An obstacle to implementing laser ablation is that the treatment leaves no tissue for histopathological analysis. Pre-operative and intra-operative mapping of BCCs using confocal microscopy may guide the ablation of the tumor until all tumor is removed. We demonstrate preliminary feasibility of confocal microscopy to guide laser ablation of BCCs in freshly excised tissue from Mohs surgery. A 2940 nm Er:YAG laser provides efficient ablation of tumor with reduced thermal damage to the surrounding tissue.
Active and semi-active vibration isolation

In the five decades since the founding of the ASME Design Engineering Division, the important problem of vibration isolation has been attacked first through the design of passive spring-damper suspensions and later by the use of active and semi-active elements. This paper reviews the historical development of theoretical concepts necessary for the design of isolation systems and indicates how control theory began to influence vibration isolation in the last half of this period. Practical active and semi-active suspensions have only recently become possible with the advent of powerful but relatively inexpensive signal processors. To illustrate these developments for engineers who have not been intimately involved with active systems, only simple vibrational system models will be discussed, although some modem hardware will be shown which is now being applied to complex systems. Instead of attempting to review the many theoretical concepts which have been proposed for active systems, this article will focus on a relatively simple idea with which the author has been associated over the past thirty years ; namely the skyhook damper. This idea came through purely theoretical studies but is now used in combination with other concepts in production suspension systems. Two quite different application areas will be discussed. The first involves stable platforms to provide extreme isolation for delicate manufacturing operations against seismic inputs and the second involves automotive suspensions. Although similar concepts are found in these two application areas, the widely varying requirements result in very different suspension hardware. The special case of the semi-active damper, which requires very little control power and is presently reaching production, will also be discussed.
The social bases of development: Hungary and Romania in comparative perspective

The present paper studies the relationship between state and development in the post-communist world. My strategy is to extend the applicability of the 'developmental state' concept to the post-communist context. Whereas the 'developmental state' model emphasizes the relationship between state bureaucrats and business groups, post-communist societies lacked a capitalist class at the beginning of transition. Using a concept developed by Mann (1989), I argue that capitalist development is associated with an increase in the infrastructural power of the state. This necessary condition is accompanied, in a late development context, by what I call 'deliberative capacity'-the ability of the state managers to navigate between internal and external pressures in pursuing their goals. The comparative analysis of Hungary and Romania shows that, where capitalist classes are missing, a powerful technocratic class spurred by the industrialization process can transform the state if it is able to topple Stalinist bureaucrats from positions of power.
Clinical features and outcome of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: University of Miami experience.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis caused by HTLV-I. Miami is proximal to the Caribbean, where HTLV-I is endemic. We have identified at least 140 cases between 1987 and 2013. A total of 108 patients have been analyzed for treatment response, including 51 acute, 50 lymphomatous, 5 chronic (4 unfavorable), and 2 smoldering types. The median overall survival for acute and lymphomatous was 6 and 10 months respectively, and not reached for chronic and smouldering types. Fifty-one patients (33 acute, 11 lymphomatous, 5 chronic, and 2 smouldering) were treated with high-dose AZT/interferon (IFN) as first line therapy. The complete and overall response rates (CR and ORR) for acute/unfavorable chronic vs. lymphomatous types were 27% vs. 9%, and 57% vs. 9% respectively. Three out of 4 (75%) unfavorable chronic type patients responded to AZT/IFN (2 CR, and 1 partial response). Seventy-three patients received chemotherapy at some point during their treatment. The CR rate and ORR for acute/unfavorable chronic vs. lymphomatous-type patients treated with chemotherapy-based regimens were 33 % vs. 17%, and 60% vs. 73% respectively. Five acute type patients who had failed AZT/IFN achieved remission after chemotherapy. By contrast, patients treated with AZT/IFN as second line therapy generally did not respond. Finally, we observed several long-sustained responses in acute and unfavorable chronic subtypes treated with first line AZT/ IFN alone translating into a survival benefit. A comprehensive stratified analysis of clinical characteristics, pertinent immunophenotypic markers, and treatment outcome will be presented at the meeting.
The Role of Organizational Culture on and Career Stages of Faculty

Abstract The careers of faculty members pass through transitional stages, during which they may receive mentoring; develop competence; fulfill their institutionally specific responsibilities in teaching, research, and service; achieve career aspirations; and, hopefully, maintain enthusiasm for and commitment to their professional endeavors. The importance of providing appropriate, career-long professional growth opportunities is essential to help faculty members thrive.
The molecular basis of the Amblyomma americanum tick attachment phase

Towards discovery of molecular signaling cascades that trigger and/or facilitate the tick attachment and formation of its feeding lesion, suppressive subtractive hybridization, high throughput sequencing and validation of differential expression by cDNA dot blot hybridization were performed on Amblyomma americanum ticks that had attained appetence and were exposed to feeding stimuli. This approach allowed for identification of 40 genes that are up regulated before ticks begin to penetrate the host skin. Based on BLAST and secondary structure homology searches as well as motif scan analyses, provisional identification was assigned to ∼38% (15/40) of the identified genes that have been classified into 6 groups: Ligand binding (2 insulin-like growth-factor binding, lipocalin/histamine binding), immune responsive (tumor necrosis receptor associated factor 6, Microplusin-like antimicrobial), stress response proteins (Heat shock protein [HSP] 90, HSP40, 78 kDa glucose regulated protein [GRP78]), transporter polypeptides (ABC transporter and organic anion transporter polypeptide [contains Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitor domain]) and enzymes/regulators (extracellular matrix mettaloprotease inducer, chitinase), extracellular matrix-like proteins (tropoelastin, flagelliform silk protein). Sixty-two percent (25/40) of genes that did not show similarity to known proteins are classified as orphans. BLASTN homology search against the tick EST database revealed that 50% (20/40) of candidate genes are conserved in other ticks suggesting that molecular events underlying the A. americanum tick attachment phase may be conserved in other tick species. Consistent with the general assumption that genes that are up regulated in ticks before they started to penetrate host skin represented the tick’s molecular preparedness to evade host defense during the attachment phase, real time RT-PCR analyses data demonstrated that the majority of the tested genes (9/11) were highly expressed during the first 24 h of feeding. Identification of genes in this study provides the framework for future studies to elucidate molecular signaling cascades that regulate early molecular events during the tick attachment phase.
Seal glass compatibility with bare and (Mn,Co)3O4 coated AISI 441 alloy in solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cell atmospheres

Abstract To understand seal glass compatibility with interconnect materials in solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cell environments, a SrO–La 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 (SABS-0) seal glass is bonded with bare AISI 441 alloy and (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coated AISI 441 alloy; the bonded samples are thermally treated in air and H 2 /H 2 O atmospheres at 800 °C for 1000 h. Alloy oxidation, diffusion of the AISI 441/SABS-0 sample elements, chemical reaction, (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coating stability, and SABS-0 glass devitrification contribute to the interfacial interaction. The interfacial compatibility with the bare AISI 441 alloy is better than with the (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coated AISI 441 alloy. The thermal treatment atmospheres have no significant effect on the interfacial stability for the bare AISI 441alloy. For the (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coated AISI 441 alloy, the interfacial stability is better in the H 2 /H 2 O atmosphere.
DiGeorge anomaly with renal agenesis in infants of mothers with diabetes

We report on 2 infants with the DiGeorge anomaly born to diabetic mothers treated with insulin. Both infants had unilateral renal agenesis. One of the mothers has manifestations suggestive of velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS). Cytogenetic studies on both patients and the mother with apparent VCFS were normal. Molecular studies utilizing probes from the DiGeorge critical region did not demonstrate a 22q11 microdeletion in either patient or the mother with apparent VCFS. We conclude that maternal diabetes is a pathogenetic factor in the DiGeorge anomaly, and infants of diabetic mothers who have this anomaly should also be screened for renal agenesis. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Al Qaeda Versus Big Brother: Anxiety About Government Monitoring and Support for Domestic Counterterrorism Policies

Explanatory models of attitudes toward U.S. domestic counterterrorism policy routinely incorporate individual concern over terrorism, but uniformly disregard concern about the government’s use of domestic surveillance. Indeed, one of the most prominent works of this kind explicitly argues that ordinary Americans will not perceive that government monitoring targets people like themselves and thus domestic surveillance programs will not generate anxiety. We question this assumption on theoretical and historical grounds. Our research uses a unique probability sample survey to demonstrate that significant portions of ordinary Americans feel anxious about domestic government monitoring. Moreover, the results show that anxiety about government monitoring negatively relates to attitudes toward domestic counterterrorism policies. Although never included in previous models, and even plainly dismissed as irrelevant, felt anxiety about government monitoring importantly predicts attitudes about domestic counterterrorism policies.
A RAPID METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF LIPID-SOLUBLE VITAMINS AND QUINONES IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.

Abstract A rapid method for separation and identification of naturally occurring quinones and fat-soluble vitamins on commercially available filter paper with alumina filler is described. The RinF values for different solvents are tabulated. The application of the method to natural extracts is discussed.