cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted chronic myeloid leukemia therapy: Seeking a cure.

Purpose. This article focuses on imatinib, how it has altered CML therapy, clinical trials that are the basis for its efficacy, and adverse effects associated with its current clinical use. Summary. Maintaining patients with CML in chronic phase (CP) yields the prospect of improved long-term survival. As recently as 1993, CML was limited to treatment with standard cytoreductive therapies. These therapies provide temporary disease control but do not alter progression to advanced disease with a median survival ranging 45 to 55 months from diagnosis. In the 1990s, immunologically based therapy with interferon alpha (IFNα) therapy was shown to be superior to cytoreductive therapies with a median survival of 60 to 90 months. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has offered curative potential for patients with CML; however, the median age of diagnosis of 55 years, the lack of suitable donors, and the morbidity of the procedure precludes widespread applicability of this treatment. Imatinib, the first approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor, functions by blocking the ATP binding site on the BCR-ABL kinase. It was first shown to be efficacious in patients who failed IFNα and then tested as a front line therapy (the International Randomized Study of Interferon [IRIS] trial). The five year follow up on the IRIS trial found that the responses were durable with progression free survival estimated at 93%. Imatinib has been found to have a lower rate of hematologic response and shorter duration of response in patients with advanced disease. Currently patients in blast crisis (BC) have the option to undergo a number of induction chemotherapies, such as etoposide, cytarabine, carboplatin (VAC) with the hope of temporarily restoring the patient to CP in preparation for HSCT. Imatinib, when administered at the standard dose of 400 mg/day is relatively well tolerated with major toxicities limited to myelo-suppression, edema, GI upset, rash, and muscle pain. Many of these toxicities are managed by decreasing the dose until the toxicity resolves. Imatinib is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes necessitating careful monitoring of concomitant medications metabolized by these enzymes. Resistance may develop to imatinib most often caused by the evolution of mutations blocking imatinib interactions with the BCR-ABL adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding site. The second generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, dasatinib, can block the activity of many of these mutations; however, the T315I mutation, at present, is resistant to all available kinase inhibitors. Experimental drugs that block this mutation are just entering phase two clinical trials. Conclusion. The development of therapeutic agents targeting BCR-ABL has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Imatinib has successfully allowed CML patients to remain in CP for at least five years in 90% of patients. Dasatinib has activity against a number of Imatinib-resistant mutants providing an additional therapeutic option for these patients.
Calibrating image roughness by estimating Lipschitz exponents, with applications to image restoration

Most images f(x,y) are not smoothly differentiable functions of x and y, but display edges, localized singularities, and other significant fine-scale roughness, or texture. Correct characterization and calibration of image roughness is vital in many image processing tasks. The L1 Lipschitz exponent , where 0<1, measures fine-scale image roughness provided the image is relatively noise free. A recently developed mathematical technique for estimating is described. The method is based on successively blurring the image by convolution with increasingly narrower Gaussians, using commonly available fast Fourier transform algorithms. Instructive examples are used to illustrate the quantitative changes in that occur when an image is either degraded or restored. Of particular interest are the documented changes in that accompany APEX blind deconvolution of real images from the Hubble space telescope, from magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography brain scans, and from state-of-the-art nanoscale scanning electron microscopy. Additional applications include monitoring of image sharpness and imaging performance in imaging systems, evaluation of image reconstruction software quality, detection of abnormal fine structure in biomedical images, and monitoring of surface finish in industrial applications.
Belief-propagation-based joint channel estimation and decoding for spectrally efficient communication over unknown sparse channels

Abstract We consider spectrally-efficient communication over a Rayleigh N -block-fading channel with a K -sparse L -length discrete-time impulse response (for 0 K L N ), where neither the transmitter nor the receiver know the channel’s coefficients nor its support. Since the high- SNR ergodic capacity of this channel has been shown to obey C ( SNR ) = ( 1 − K / N ) log 2 ( SNR ) + O ( 1 ) , any pilot-aided scheme that sacrifices more than K dimensions per fading block to pilots will be spectrally inefficient. This causes concern about the conventional “compressed channel sensing” approach, which uses O ( K polylog ( L ) ) pilots. In this paper, we demonstrate that practical spectrally-efficient communication is indeed possible. For this, we propose a novel belief-propagation-based reception scheme to use with a standard bit-interleaved coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmitter. In particular, we leverage the “relaxed belief propagation” methodology, which allows us to perform joint sparse-channel estimation and data decoding with only O ( L N ) complexity. Empirical results show that our receiver achieves the desired capacity pre-log factor of 1 − K / N and performs near genie-aided bounds at both low and high SNR .
Stereoselective synthesis of novel methylene ether dipeptide isosteres

Abstract We have developed a versatile new synthesis of the Ψ[CH2O] pseudopeptides from N-protected 5-substituted morpholin-3-ones. This approach focuses on a stereoselective alkylation of the morpholin-3-ones. The resulting alkylation products were used in the synthesis of some previously unavailable Ψ[CH2O] dipeptides.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling Regulates the Opposing Roles of JUN Family Transcription Factors at ETS/AP-1 Sites and in Cell Migration

JUN transcription factors bind DNA as part of the AP-1 complex, regulate many cellular processes, and play a key role in oncogenesis. The three JUN proteins (c-JUN, JUNB, and JUND) can have both redundant and unique functions depending on the biological phenotype and cell type assayed. Mechanisms that allow this dynamic switching between overlapping and distinct functions are unclear. Here we demonstrate that JUND has a role in prostate cell migration that is the opposite of c-JUN’s and JUNB's. RNA sequencing reveals that opposing regulation by c-JUN and JUND defines a subset of AP-1 target genes with cell migration roles. cis-regulatory elements for only this subset of targets were enriched for ETS factor binding, indicating a specificity mechanism. Interestingly, the function of c-JUN and JUND in prostate cell migration switched when we compared cells with an inactive versus an active RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. We show that this switch is due to phosphorylation and activation of JUND by ERK. Thus, the ETS/AP-1 sequence defines a unique gene expression program regulated by the relative levels of JUN proteins and RAS/ERK signaling. This work provides a rationale for how transcription factors can have distinct roles depending on the signaling status and the biological function in question.
The curse of non-investment grade countries

Abstract Some of the most influential theories of contagion are those based on liquidity arguments. Nevertheless, very little evidence exists on their importance. This paper shows that liquidity-based stories are responsible for one-fourth of the observed correlation in sovereign debt. Mexico was upgraded from non-investment to investment grade in March of 2000. This paper examines the impact of this event on the properties of the transmission of shocks between Mexico and several Latin American countries. The paper shows that there is a statistically significant change in the propagation of shocks around the time the upgrade was announced. Moreover, the change in the estimated coefficients can explain between one-fourth and a third of the unconditional co-movement that these assets experienced before the upgrade. This is strong evidence in favor of the theories of contagion based on market structure as the source of the propagation mechanism. From the methodological point of view, the paper extends existing identification procedures that solve the problem of estimation in linear simultaneous equations models. The methodology can be used in other Macro and Finance applications where problems of simultaneous equations represent important limitations in the estimation.
The interface development for machine shop simulation

Modelling and simulation technology is recognised for facilitating training, reducing production cost, improving product quality, and shortening development time. However, this technology remains largely under-utilised by industry today. This is because custom simulator development is complex and costly, and custom translators are needed to run commercial simulation software. Information models and standard interfaces could help address these problems. A machine shop information model, developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides data interfaces for integrating machine shop software applications with simulation. The interfaces include organisations, calendars, work, resources, schedules, parts, process plans and layout within a machine shop environment. The model is represented by Extensible Markup Language and Unified Modelling Language. This paper briefly presents the machine shop information model, introduces a data transfer mechanism between the machine shop database and XML document, and discusses data translators and data import/export.
Open worldsheets for holographic interfaces

Type IIB supergravity admits Janus and multi-Janus solutions with eight unbroken supersymmetries that are locally asymptotic to AdS 3 × S 3 × M 4 (where M 4 is either T 4 or K 3). These solutions are dual to two or more CFTs defined on half-planes which share a common line interface. Their geometry consists of an AdS 2 × S 2 × M 4 fibration over a simply connected Riemann surface Σ with boundary. In the present paper, we show that regular exact solutions exist also for surfaces Σ which are not simply connected. Specifically, we construct in detail solutions for which Σ has the topology of an annulus. This construction is generalized to produce solutions for any surface Σ with the topology of an open string worldsheet with g holes.
D0 silicon trackers

The present Fermilab D0 silicon microstrip tracker, the silicon microstrip tracker which was designed to replace it, and plans for upgrading the present silicon tracker are described.
Synthesis of compounds of interest in proton transfer spectroscopy

Abstract A new series of compounds has been prepared for use in proton transfer spectroscopy. The complexes 6a-6d have been converted into the fully characterised perchlorates 7a-7d and the corresponding anhydro bases 8a-8d.
Feline hemotropic mycoplasmas

Objective – To describe the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis (feline infectious anemia). Data Sources – Manuscripts published on hemotropic mycoplasmosis in cats and other animal species, based on a search of PubMed using the search terms ‘hemoplasmas,’‘haemoplasmas,’‘hemotropic,’‘haemotropic,’ and ‘Haemobartonella,’ as well as references published within manuscripts accessed. Human Data Synthesis – Although hemotropic bacteria such as Bartonella bacilliformis have been recognized in humans for over 100 years, it has only been in recent years that some of these have been identified as hemotropic mycoplasmas. Veterinary Data Synthesis – Three species of hemotropic mycoplasmas have been documented in cats worldwide, Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis,’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum.’ These organisms were previously known as Haemobartonella felis, but are now known to be mycoplasmas. M. haemofelis is the most pathogenic species, and causes anemia in immunocompetent cats. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ may be more capable of causing anemia in immunosuppressed cats, their pathogenicity remains controversial. Assays based on polymerase chain reaction technology are the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tests available for these organisms, because they remain uncultivable in the laboratory setting. Blood smears are unreliable for diagnosis of hemoplasmosis because of their lack of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions – Cats presenting to emergency/critical care specialists with hemolytic anemia should be tested using polymerase chain reaction assays for hemotropic mycoplasmas before instituting antimicrobial therapy. Positive test results for M. haemofelis suggest involvement of this organism in hemolytic anemia. Other differential diagnoses for hemolytic anemia should be considered in cats testing positive for ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,’ because the presence of these organisms is not always associated with anemia. Blood from infected cats should be handled with care because of the potential zoonotic nature of this infection.
Moduli for Pairs of Elliptic Curves With Isomorphic N-Torsion

We study the moduli surface for pairs of elliptic curves together with an isomorphism between their N-torsion groups. The Weil pairing gives a “determinant” map from this moduli surface to (Z/N Z)*; its fibers are the components of the surface. We define spaces of modular forms on these components and Hecke correspondences between them, and study how those spaces of modular forms behave as modules for the Hecke algebra. We discover that the component with determinant −1 is somehow the “dominant” one; we characterize the difference between its spaces of modular forms and the spaces of modular forms on the other components using forms with complex multiplication. In addition, we prove Atkin–Lehner-style results about these spaces of modular forms. Finally, we show some simplifications that arise when N is prime, including a complete determination of such CM-forms, and give numerical examples.
Two-Dimensional Fluorescence Imaging of a Flame-Vortex Interaction

Abstract The interaction of a methane-air flame with a vortex-ring structure was observed by means of quantitative imaging of the OH concentration using laser-induced fluorescence. The vortex-ring in the experiment was formed by an impulsive jet of gas exiting a thin-plate circular orifice separating a small cylindrical prechamber from the main combustion vessel. This impulsive jet was driven by a spark-ignited flame which propagates through the prechamber. The flame which exits the prechamber orifice follows in the wake of the vortex structure, and eventually overtakes it. A planar sheet of uv laser light from a Nd: YAG-pumped dye laser was used to excite fluorescence in the OH molecules produced by the flame. A two-dimensional image of the OH fluorescence was obtained with a gated image-intensified vidicon camera. The two-dimensional imaging results show the effect on the OH concentration distribution of fluid mechanic features of the vortex-ring structure: a wake flow with a shear layer, a stagnation-p...
Structural Identification of Mir Using Inverse System Dynamics and Mir/Shuttle Docking Data

The objective of this work was to investigate the use of inverse system identification techniques on Mir/Shuttle docking data to identify Mir vibrational characteristics for ultimate application to damage detection. A time-domain technique called a Remote Sensing System was proposed as an approach. The method uses inverse structural dynamics to identify vibrational characteristics of a structure. The Remote Sensing System method was demonstrated with a numerical simulation of Mir/Shuttle docking assuming that sensors were collocated with the Mir docking location. The method was then applied to the combined set of docking data from Mir/Shuttle missions STS-81, STS-89, and STS-91. Overall, the results produced by this work appear to indicate that Mir was in an undamaged state, at least with respect to docking excitation, at the time of STS-91. The significance of the contribution of the Remote Sensing System approach is that it is not affected by the nonstationarity and nonlinearity associated with the Mir/Shuttle docking interface, and docking forces at the interface do not have to be measured.
A new four parameter q-series identity and its partition implications

We prove a new four parameter q-hypergeometric series identity from which the three parameter identity for the Gollnitz theorem due to Alladi, Andrews, and Gordon follows as a special case by setting one of the parameters equal to 0. The new identity is equivalent to a four parameter partition theorem which extends the deep theorem of Gollnitz and thereby settles a problem raised by Andrews thirty years ago. Some consequences including a quadruple product extension of Jacobi’s triple product identity, and prospects of future research are briefly discussed.
Are Particles in Advection-dominated Accretion Flows Thermal?

We investigate the form of the momentum distribution function for protons and electrons in an advection-dominated accretion flow (ADAF). We show that for all accretion rates, Coulomb collisions are too inefficient to thermalize the protons. The proton distribution function is therefore determined by the viscous heating mechanism, which is unknown. The electrons, however, can exchange energy quite efficiently through Coulomb collisions and the emission and absorption of synchrotron photons. We find that for accretion rates greater than ~10-3 of the Eddington accretion rate, the electrons have a thermal distribution throughout the accretion flow. For lower accretion rates, the electron distribution function is determined by the electron's source of heating, which is primarily adiabatic compression. Using the principle of adiabatic invariance, we show that an adiabatically compressed, collisionless gas maintains a thermal distribution until the particle energies become relativistic. We derive a new, nonthermal distribution function for relativistic energies and provide analytic formulae for the synchrotron radiation from this distribution. Finally, we discuss its implications for the emission spectra from ADAFs.
The privacy box: A software proposal

The contradiction of social networks is that revealing of personal, private information can have harmful consequences, yet users continue to disclose such information at an alarming rate. Ironically, the advent of social network sites opens the possibility of a relatively safe place to disclose private information. This article proposes a “privacy box” application to be used within social network sites that would require users to accept a pre–written promise of confidentiality before gaining access to personal information. Although it would not serve as a universal remedy for privacy harms on social network sites, it could serve to carve out a space for relatively safe self–disclosure online.
Imaging of atomic orbitals with the Atomic Force Microscope - experiments and simulations

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a mechanical profiling technique that allows to image surfaces with atomic resolution. Recent progress in reducing the noise of this technique has led to a resolution level where previously undetectable symmetries of the images of single atoms are observed. These symmetries are related to the nature of the interatomic forces. The Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface is studied by AFM with various tips and AFM images are simulated with chemical and electrostatic model forces. The calculation of images from the tip-sample forces is explained in detail and the implications of the imaging parameters are discussed. Because the structure of the Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface is known very well, the shape of the adatom images is used to determine the tip structure. The observability of atomic orbitals by AFM and scanning tunneling microscopy is discussed.
The Effect of Shareholder‐Level Capital Gains Taxes on Acquisition Structure

This study investigates the effect of shareholder capital gains taxes on the structure of corporate acquisitions. We analyze a sample of large publicly traded firms acquired in taxable cash‐for‐stock and tax‐free stock‐for‐stock acquisitions from 1975 to 2000. We model acquisition structure (i.e., taxable cash‐for‐stock acquisitions versus tax‐free stock‐for‐stock acquisitions) as a function of target shareholder capital gains taxes and other economic factors believed to influence acquisition structure. Consistent with expectations, we find a positive association between the capital gains tax rate for individual investors and the use of tax‐free stock‐for‐stock acquisitions. In addition, we find that the effect of the capital gains tax rate for individuals decreases with target institutional ownership (a proxy that represents the likelihood the price‐setting shareholder is not subject to the individual capital gains tax rate). We reconcile our analyses with previous studies and identify a plausible explan...
Flow of deep and bottom waters in the Pacific at 10°N

Flow of Lower Circumpolar Water and North Pacific Deep Water is described in the Pacific at 10°N primarily using a recent trans-Pacific CTD/O2 section. Water-mass properties are used to define boundaries at potential isotherms for these two water masses. In turn, zero-velocity surfaces are set at different potential isotherms in each ocean basin along 10°N, their selection guided by the water-mass properties and the thermal wind field. These surfaces are then applied to estimate transport for each of the water masses. Net transport of Lower Circumpolar Water is estimated at 5.8×106 m3 s−1 (positive northward) in the East Mariana Basin and 8.1×106 m3 s−1 in the Central Pacific Basin, while a small flow of 0.4×106 m3 s−1 through the Yap Trench into the Phillippines Basin is inferred. In the Northeast Pacific Basin a transport of −4.7×106 m3 s−1 over the western flank of the East Pacific Rise is estimated. There is no Lower Circumpolar Water in the Guatemala Basin, thus the net transport of Lower Circumpolar Water across 10°N in the Pacific is estimated to be 9.6×106 m3 s−1. A net transport of −2.6×106 m3 s−1 of North Pacific Deep Water is estimated across this latitude, with the most robust feature being a transport of −3.6×106 m3 s−1 over the western flank of the East Pacific Rise in the Northeast Pacific Basin. Recent repeated hydrographic measurements in the Western Pacific are used to confirm the transport estimates for the two westernmost basins. Finally, small adjustments to the 10°N flow field (changes within the uncertainties of the present calculations) are shown to result in a transport scheme that is consistent with previous studies at 24°N.
Stereotactic Radiation Techniques in the Treatment of Acoustic Schwannomas

Medical decision-making is based on benefit-to-cost analysis. Optimally, treatment obtains a high degree of benefit while minimizing the physical, social, and financial costs. The goals of the treatment of acoustic schwannomas are prohibiting tumor growth and alleviation of symptoms caused by damage to local structures. These symptoms-tinnitus, ataxia, and hearing loss—secondary to eighth nerve dysfunction, as well as symptoms arising from damage to adjacent structures such as the facial nerve, trigeminal nerve, or pons, can be caused by tumor growth or treatment. Determination of optimal therapy must also take into account an understanding of the natural history of the disease, because acoustic schwannomas are slow-growing benign tumors that when left untreated, usually enlarge over time and cause problems.
Measurements of natural ice nuclei with a continuous flow diffusion chamber

Abstract Measurements of natural ice nuclei were made in winter continental airmasses with a continuous flow thermal gradient diffusion chamber (described in a separate paper). Over the range of temperatures −7°C to −20°C, the concentration of ice nuclei was closely related to ice supersaturation ( SS i ) for humidities both below and above water saturation. Measurements below water saturation were interpreted as deposition nuclei with average concentrations (per liter) approximately 0.32 SS i (%) 0.81 . Measurements were made up to 5% above water saturation and activated both deposition and condensation-freezing nuclei. The average concentration of condensation-freezing nuclei was 0.25 e −0.15 T(°C) . Sample residence time in the chamber was probably too small to detect contact nuclei, unless the nucleating aerosols are extremely small. There was large variability in nucleus concentrations, as much as two orders of magnitude at −15°C. Comparisons are made between these ice nuclei measurements and aircraft observations of ice crystal concentrations in winter orographic clouds.
The Hip: MR Imaging of Uniquely Pediatric Disorders

The hip joint is a deceptively complex ball and socket, which is the result of coordinated growth of four different bones: the femur, ilium, ischium, and pubis, centered around two main physeal cartilages, that of the triradiate cartilage and that of the proximal femur. Complex and coordinated growth at all these bony structures and physes culminates in the adult with a fully formed articulation, which must bear the entire weight of an individual for the rest of the individual’s lifetime. The hip joint endures great stresses throughout life and normal morphology is critical to its normal function. Errors in its development during childhood, whether congenital or acquired, commonly result in a shape that is ill suited to normal motion and prolonged weight bearing and places severe limitations on movement, ultimately ending in early osteoarthritis and joint replacement. Throughout its development, pathologic processes are well imaged by MR imaging before, during, and after ossification. In infancy, MR imaging depicts well the cartilaginous model of the pelvis and is very useful for the preoperative and postoperative care of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD), and some osteochondrodysplasias. Later in childhood, when the limping child is a major diagnostic dilemma, MR imaging is extremely helpful in the identification of such varied disease processes as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, traumatic injuries, and especially Legg-Calve´-Perthes (LCP) disease where MR imaging is useful not only at the initial stage of diagnosis but in assessing disease progression and planning therapy. In adolescence, MR imaging is an exciting complement to conventional radiography in the early diagnosis of slip of the capital femoral epiphysis. Finally, as femoral acetabular impingement syndromes become more emphasized, MR imaging has a unique advantage as an imaging tool because it is able to image both the ossified and nonossified structures, such as the labrum, in a single examination and without exposure to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, with proper sequences an arthrogram-like effect can be produced that allows analysis of the central overarching question of femoral head coverage.
Solar Thermochemical Water-Splitting Ferrite-Cycle Heat Engines

Thermochemical cycles are a type of heat engine that utilize high-temperature heat to produce chemical work. Like their mechanical work producing counterparts, their efficiency depends on the operating temperature and on the irreversibility of their internal processes. With this in mind, we have invented innovative design concepts for two-step solar-driven thermochemical heat engines based on iron oxide and iron oxide mixed with other metal oxide (ferrites) working materials. The design concepts utilize two sets of moving beds of ferrite reactant materials in close proximity and moving in opposite directions to overcome a major impediment to achieving high efficiency-thermal recuperation between solids in efficient countercurrent arrangements. They also provide an inherent separation of the product hydrogen and oxygen and are an excellent match with a high-concentration solar flux. However, they also impose unique requirements on the ferrite reactants and materials of construction as well as an understanding of the chemical and cycle thermodynamics. In this paper, the counter-rotating-ring receiver/reactor/ recuperator solar thermochemical heat engine concept is introduced, and its basic operating principles are described. Preliminary thermal efficiency estimates are presented and discussed. Our results and development approach are also outlined.
Ordinary mode auroral kilometric radiation, with harmonics, observed by ISIS 1

Topside-sounder receiver observations by ISIS 1 that reveal examples of o-mode auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) are presented. They correspond to locations outside of the low density source region of intense AKR x-mode emission. The propagation modes are identified by comparing the natural radiation wave cutoffs with the local resonant and wave cutoff phenomena stimulated by the sounder transmitter. The o-mode AKR is the dominant emission in these regions of relatively high electron density, but it is considerably weaker than the intense x-mode AKR observed to emanate from low density cavities above the auroral regions. In addition to the fundamental o-mode, 2nd and 3rd harmonic bands of radiation have also been detected. Harmonics associated with these o-mode AKR are less intense than the harmonics associated with x-mode AKR. It is difficult to explain the variety of harmonic AKR observations (x as well as o-mode) based on present AKR theories. Previously announced in STAR as N83-27517
In Praise of Modern Economics

Modern economics deserves both praise and criticism. It has improved immensely over the past decades. It is more empirical, more open to different approaches, and uses technical tools in a much better way. It still has a long way to go.
Circuit QED and engineering charge-based superconducting qubits

The last two decades have seen tremendous advances in our ability to generate and manipulate quantum coherence in mesoscopic superconducting circuits. These advances have opened up the study of quantum optics of microwave photons in superconducting circuits as well as providing important hardware for the manipulation of quantum information. Focusing primarily on charge-based qubits, we provide a brief overview of these developments and discuss the present state of the art. We also survey the remarkable progress that has been made in realizing circuit quantum electrodynamics (QED) in which superconducting artificial atoms are strongly coupled to individual microwave photons.
Two-sided combinatorial volume bounds for non-obtuse hyperbolic polyhedra

We give a method for computing upper and lower bounds for the volume of a non-obtuse hyperbolic polyhedron in terms of the combinatorics of the 1-skeleton. We introduce an algorithm that detects the geometric decomposition of good 3-orbifolds with planar singular locus and underlying manifold S3. The volume bounds follow from techniques related to the proof of Thurston’s Orbifold Theorem, Schlafli’s formula, and previous results of the author giving volume bounds for right-angled hyperbolic polyhedra.
Psychological impact on house staff of an initial versus subsequent emergency medicine rotation.

The objective of this study was to assess the psychological impact of a 4-week emergency medicine (EM) rotation on residents undergoing their first EM experience. These findings were compared to the psychological impact the rotation had on residents with prior EM experience. Data were obtained from a post hoc analysis of a previous study. Prerotation and postrotation psychological distress levels were assessed over a 4-week EM rotation. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Dissociative Experience Scale that together comprise a total of 14 psychometric scales. All scales were given at the beginning and end of the initial EM rotation for the academic year of 1994-1995. All information was coded and confidential. Eighteen junior residents (9/18 EM [50%]) were analyzed as a group and compared to 53 residents (34/51 EM [66%]) with prior exposure to the authors' emergency department. Residents doing their first EM rotation (N = 18) showed improvement in 13 of 14 scales (P = .002). Of the 13 scales that improved, 3 improved significantly: Brief Symptom Inventory = anxiety (P = .002) and Dissociative Experience Scale = absorption (P = .001) and other (P = .001). Residents with prior EM experience (N = 53) displayed worsening in 9 of 13 scales (P = not significant) and no change in 1. Residents undergoing their first EM rotation showed a significant decrease in psychological distress over the 4-week period. Residents with prior EM experience did not show a similar change.
Pioneering strategies for entrepreneurial success

Abstract Entrepreneurs are, by definition, pioneers in that they innovate new products/services, create new processes, open new markets, or organize new industries. Dramatic changes in the global environment suggest that successful entrepreneurs must master three key strategies: (1) develop a clear vision; (2) manage cash creatively, or learn to “bootstrap”; and (3) be able to persuade others to commit to the venture using social skills. This article discusses pioneering strategies and offers guidance on how to implement these.
Effect of magnetic geometry on ELM heat flux profiles

In this paper, we explore how precisely the magnetic up/down symmetry must be controlled to insure sharing of edge localized mode (ELM) heat flux between upper and lower divertors in a double-null tokamak. We show for DIII-D, using infrared thermography, that the spatial distribution of Type-I ELM energy is less strongly affected by variations in magnetic geometry than the time-averaged peak heat flux in attached discharges. The degree of control necessary to share ELM heat flux deposition equally between divertors was less stringent than the control needed to balance the time-averaged heat flux. ELM energy is transported more than four times further into the scrape-off layer (SOL) than the time-averaged heat flux.
Representations of quantum affine algebras

Let @ be a finite dimensional simple Lie algebra and @ the corresponding affine Kac-Moody algebra. The notion of the fusion in the category (9 of representations of a n n e Kac-Moody algebras (5 was introduced ten years ago by physicists in the framework of Conformal Field Theory. This notion was developed in a number of mathematical papers (see, for example, [TUY]) where the notion of fusion is rigorously defined and in [D1] where the relation between the fusion and quantum groups in the quasi-classical region was established. This line of development was extended in [KL] to a construction on equivalence between the "fusion" category for an arbitrary negative charge and the category of representations of the corresponding quantum group (for simply-laced affine Kac-Moody algebras).
Th1/Th2 Cross Regulation

We present and analyze a model for the cross-regulation of the Th1 and Th2 helper cell subsets during an immune response by the regulatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (1L-10). IFN-γ, secreted by Th1 cells, can inhibit the proliferation of Th2 cells. Interleukin-10, secreted by Th2 cells, inhibits cytokine production by Th1 cells. Based on these properties, the model shows that responses are expected to be dominated by either Th1 cells or Th2 cells but not both. Which type dominates is shown to depend principally on the relative efficiencies of activation of the responding Th1 and Th2 cells. However, our model, as well as numerous experiments, show that perturbations of the system allow one to switch from a Th2 to a Th1 response, or vice versa. Our model can account for observed outcomes of parasitic infection and may also contribute to our understanding of immune responses to HIV infection as well as to tolerance to self components. It also predicts that in certain parameter ranges vaccination with low doses of live parasites can provide protection against subsequent encounters with high doses that normally induce disease. Experiments by Bretscher et al. (1992, Science257, 539) on Leishmania major infection are consistent with this prediction. A similar strategy may also be relevant for the design of an AIDS vaccine. Lastly, our results indicate that Th1/Th2 cross-regulation is capable of generating a "sneaking through" phenomenon, and hence it may play a role in tumor immunity.
Influentials and Influence Mechanisms in New Product Diffusion: An Integrative Review

This study reviews and synthesizes the literature on the role of influentials and the influence process in new product diffusion from a marketing management perspective. Influentials are a broad category of consumers who play important roles in new product diffusion by considerably influencing others' adoptions. We develop a conceptual framework using both individual- and market-level research perspectives to highlight several interrelated areas: (1) the theoretical bases of influence on others' adoption decisions; (2) issues concerning how marketers can identify and effectively target influentials; and (3) how significant individual-level processes lead to market-level behavior and outcomes for firms, such as sales and profits. The study synthesizes the relevant research findings and suggests future research directions for improving our knowledge on the role of influentials in new product diffusion.
A low-frequency radio survey of the planets with RAE 2

Over one thousand occultations of each planet in the solar system have occurred during the period from mid-1973 through mid-1976 as seen from the lunar orbiting Radio Astronomy Explorer-2 (RAE-2) spacecraft. These occultations have been examined for evidence of planetary radio emissions in the 0.025 to 13.1 MHz band. Only Jupiter and the earth have given positive results. Lack of detection of emission from the other planets can mean that either they do not emit radio noise in this band or the flux level of their emissions and/or its occurrence rate are too low to be detected by RAE-2.
A facile preparation of ethyl α-fluoroalkanoates

Abstract Alkylation of fluorocarboalkoxymethylene tri-n-butylphosphorane followed by hydrolysis provides the title compounds in moderate to good yields.
Effects of lengthwise lift distribution on sonic boom of SST configurations.

Sonic boom signatures produced by diverse SST configurations during cruise, indicating aircraft length as overpressure limit factor
Corrosion of flexible waveguides

Abstract Waveguides are commonly used in spacecraft subsystems to convey signals. After noticing a transponder output power drop, borescope inspection of a flexible waveguide revealed a green contaminating residue on silver plated brass and copper sections. Analysis revealed that the residue, primarily copper hydroxy nitrate, Cu(OH)2NO3 was created by exposure of the plating to nitric acid. Possible sources of nitric acid include inadequate cleanliness after parts were exposed to a nitric acid containing silver bright dip, or high temperature electrical arcing in the presence of air and moisture. Whatever its source, it is suggested that the waveguide be plated with a more corrosion resistant metal such as rhodium.
Arrangements of curves and algebraic surfaces

We prove a strong relation between Chern and log Chern invariants of algebraic surfaces. For a given arrangement of curves, we find nonsingular projective surfaces with Chern ratio arbitrarily close to the log Chern ratio of the log surface defined by the arrangement. Our method is based on sequences of random p-th root covers, which exploit a certain large scale behavior of Dedekind sums and lengths of continued fractions. We show that randomness is necessary for our asymptotic result, providing another instance of "randomness implies optimal". As an application over the complex numbers, we construct nonsingular simply connected projective surfaces of general type with large Chern ratio. In particular, we improve the Persson-Peters-Xiao record for Chern ratios of such surfaces.
Predictive Ability of Asymmetric Volatility Models At Medium-Term Horizons

Using realized volatility to estimate conditional variance of financial returns, we compare forecasts of volatility from linear GARCH models with asymmetric ones. We consider horizons extending to 30 days. Forecasts are compared using three different evaluation tests. With data from an equity index and two foreign exchange returns, we show that asymmetric models provide statistically significant forecast improvements upon the GARCH model for two of the datasets and improve forecasts for all datasets by means of forecasts combinations. These results extend to about 10 days in the future, beyond which the forecasts are statistically inseparable from each other.
Data collection for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey—a network-flow heuristic

This paper describes an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem arising in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and a practical approximation algorithm that has been implemented and will be used in the survey. The algorithm is based on network flow theory and Lagrangian relaxation.
Spacing Loss in Perpendicular Recording

The relationship of the reproduced voltage and spacing in perpendicular recording is studied experimentally and analytically. Experimental results are obtained using a scale model of perpendicular recording, enlarged 5000 times, which simulates a single-pole head and double-layer medium system. In the analysis of the relationship, we extend Lopez's method to include the effect of the potential variation near the top of the main pole, related to the variation in the spacing. We obtained good agreement between experimental and analytical results.
Giant Molecular Clouds in M31. I. Molecular Cloud Properties

We present Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association (BIMA) millimeter interferometer observations of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) along a spiral arm in M31. The observations consist of a survey using the compact configuration of the interferometer and follow-up, higher resolution observations on a subset of the detections in the survey. The data are processed using an analysis algorithm designed to extract GMCs and correct their derived properties for observational biases, thereby facilitating comparison with Milky Way data. The algorithm identifies 67 GMCs, of which 19 have a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to accurately measure their properties. The GMCs in this portion of M31 are indistinguishable from those found in the Milky Way, having a similar size-line width relationship and distribution of virial parameters, confirming the results of previous, smaller studies. The velocity gradients and angular momenta of the GMCs are comparable to the values measured in M33 and the Milky Way, and in all cases are below expected values based on the local galactic shear. The studied region of M31 has an interstellar radiation field, metallicity, Toomre Q parameter, and midplane volume density similar to those of the inner Milky Way, so the similarity of GMC populations between the two systems is not surprising.
The microwave spectrum, structure and centrifugal distortion constants of 2-chloroacrylonitrile

Abstract The microwave spectrum of 2-chloroacrylonitrile has been studied in the 26.5–40 GHz region. A total of 99 a- and b-type rotational transitions have been measured and assigned for CH 2 =C 35 Cl(CN),yielding values for the rotational constants (in MHz): A = 6973.27, B = 3148.16, C = 2165.95. For CH 2 =C 37 Cl(CN) a total of 53 transitions have been measured and assigned and the rotational constants obtained are (in MHz): A = 6909.35, B = 3081.17, C = 2127.98. The distortion effects have also been studied and the quartic distortion constants have been evaluated. From the observed hyperfine structure, the chlorine nuclear quadrupole coupling constants have been obtained. The structure of vinyl cyanide and vinyl chloride can be transferred to account remarkably well for the observed rotational constants.
Robust computational secret sharing and a unified account of classical secret-sharing goals

We give a unified account of classical secret-sharing goals from a modern cryptographic vantage. Our treatment encompasses perfect, statistical, and computational secret sharing; static and dynamic adversaries; schemes with or without robustness; schemes where a participant recovers the secret and those where an external party does so. We then show that Krawczyk's 1993 protocol for robust computational secret sharing (RCSS) need not be secure, even in the random-oracle model and for threshold schemes, if the encryption primitive it uses satisfies only one-query indistinguishability (ind1), the only notion Krawczyk defines. Nonetheless, we show that the protocol is secure (in the random-oracle model, for threshold schemes) if the encryption scheme also satisfies one-query key-unrecoverability (key1). Since practical encryption schemes are ind1+key1 secure, our result effectively shows that Krawczyk's RCSS protocol is sound (in the random-oracle model, for threshold schemes). Finally, we prove the security for a variant of Krawczyk's protocol, in the standard model and for arbitrary access structures, assuming ind1 encryption and a statistically-hiding, weakly-binding commitment scheme.
Triaxiality in quadrupole deformed nuclei.

The intrinsic E2 matrix elements 〈K=2|E2|K=0〉 for 25 deformed nuclei, covering from neodymium to uranium, have been deduced from measured interband E2 matrix elements between the ground band and \ensuremath{\gamma} band after correcting for the first-order angular momentum dependence of the coupling between the rotation and intrinsic motion. Fairly precise centroids for the triaxiality of the intrinsic E2 moments are obtained, and these correlate well with the triaxiality implied by the excitation energies. The strong correlation of the triaxiality derived from the E2 properties and level energies provides a quantitative measure of triaxial quadrupole deformation of the nuclear shape for these states. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Formation and cycloaddition of nonstabilized N-unsubstituted azomethine ylides from (2-azaallyl)stannanes and (2-azaallyl)silanes

Abstract Protodestannylation or protodesilylation of (2-azaallyl)stannanes or (2-azaallyl)silanes led to the formation of nonstabilized N -unsubstituted azomethine ylides, which underwent cycloadditions with electron-poor alkenes to produce 2-alkyl- or 2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines. 1,3-Disubstituted ylides derived from the stannanes and silanes gave stereochemically complementary results; the stannanes led to trans -2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines with high stereoselectivity, whereas the silanes led to cis -2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines with moderate stereoselectivity.