cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algorithms and performance of load-balancing with multiple hash functions in massive content distribution

We consider a two-tier content distribution system for distributing massive content, consisting of an infrastructure content distribution network (CDN) and a large number of ordinary clients. The nodes of the infrastructure network form a structured, distributed-hash-table-based (DHT) peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Each file is first placed in the CDN, and possibly, is replicated among the infrastructure nodes depending on its popularity. In such a system, it is particularly pressing to have proper load-balancing mechanisms to relieve server or network overload. The subject of the paper is on popularity-based file replication techniques within the CDN using multiple hash functions. Our strategy is to set aside a large number of hash functions. When the demand for a file exceeds the overall capacity of the current servers, a previously unused hash function is used to obtain a new node ID where the file will be replicated. The central problems are how to choose an unused hash function when replicating a file and how to choose a used hash function when requesting the file. Our solution to the file replication problem is to choose the unused hash function with the smallest index, and our solution to the file request problem is to choose a used hash function uniformly at random. Our main contribution is that we have developed a set of distributed, robust algorithms to implement the above solutions and we have evaluated their performance. In particular, we have analyzed a random binary search algorithm for file request and a random gap removal algorithm for failure recovery.
A MINIMUM STANDARD VOCABULARY FOR GERMAN

Author's summary.— The AATG has called for a minimum standard vocabulary and approved the committee's preliminary procedure. The terms defined. A Socratic dialog on the need for the word-list. Its usefulness set forth, and the present and future reponsibilities of editors and textbook-makers discussed.
Immunoproteasomes: regulating the regulator.

I f proteins were people, half of the world's population (3 × 109) would cohabit, cheek by jowl, the typically sized vertebrate cell. Proteins are the most abundant macromolecular constituent of cells and certainly the most important and interesting. Because the interactions of proteins with each other and other cellular components are governed by the laws of mass action, the concentration of a protein greatly influences its function. With the ascendance of molecular genetics in the late 1960s, interest in cellular control of the copy number of individual proteins focused nearly exclusively on transcription. But protein expression is determined not only by the rate of synthesis but also by the rate of degradation. Indeed, it was recognized at least five decades ago that nimble control of protein levels can only be achieved by maintaining the capacity for rapid degradation (1). With the awarding of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Ciechanover, Hershko, and Rose for “their discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation,” protein degradation finally achieved equal footing with transcription in studying protein expression. Ubiquitin covalently marks proteins for degradation by the proteasome, a ubiquitous, abundant, multicatalytic protease that has the unique ability to degrade virtually any protein to oligopeptides. Although much has been learned about the enzymes that control protein ubiquitylation, relatively little is known about how proteasomes themselves are regulated. In this issue of PNAS, Heink et al. (2) report a significant advance in understanding how cells regulate proteasome levels in cells. This finding has broad implications for the possible functions of immunoproteasomes, a form of the proteasome intimately involved with the immune system of jawed vertebrates. Proteasomes are composed of 14 distinct subunits (seven α and seven β) arrayed in four symmetrical rings (α7β7-β7α7) to form a barrel with …
Temperature corrections, supersymmetric effective potentials and inflation

Abstract We calculate the one-loop temperature corrections to general potentials in N = 1 supergravity, and study the conditions under which a new inflationary scenario is possible. The results are sensitive to the total number N of chiral superfields. For large N, we find that in “hidden sector” models supersymmetry must be broken at a scale governed by the energy density of the false vacuum: m 3 2 ≳2√8π μ 2 M p , where μ⋍(10 −3 −10 −4 )M p in typical inflationary scenarios. We also discuss an alternative picture where inflation occurs at the preonic level, before the preon-confining phase transition.
A phase II trial of intraperitoneal EGEN-001, an IL-12 plasmid formulated with PEG–PEI–cholesterol lipopolymer in the treatment of persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Abstract Objective The purpose of this phase II trial was to evaluate the toxicity and antitumor activity of EGEN-001 in platinum resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods Eligible patients had weekly IP infusion of EGEN-001 at a dose of 24mg/m 2 . Toxicity and antitumor activity were evaluated using CTCAE and RESIST criteria, respectively. Co-primary endpoints were tumor response and survival without progression (PFS) for at least 6months. Survival without progression before going onto a subsequent therapy (EFS) for at least six months was also considered. Results A total of 58 EGEN-001 cycles were administered to 20/22 enrolled patients (median 2cycles, range 1–9). The most frequently associated adverse events related specifically to EGEN-001 treatment were grade 1/2 fatigue, fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Three of 20 EGEN-001 treated patients evaluable for toxicity elected to withdraw from the study motivated in part by grade 1 treatment related toxicities. There were no patients with partial or complete response (0%; 90% CI 0–10.9%). Seven (35%) of 16 patients evaluable for response had stable disease, and 9 (45%) had progressive disease. Six (30%) patients had a PFS of greater than six months, although three had gone off study and onto other therapies before six months. The estimated six-month EFS was 15%. The median PFS and OS were 2.89 and 9.17months, respectively. Conclusion EGEN-001 at the dose and schedule evaluated was associated with some but limited activity and was seemingly less tolerated in platinum resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients.
Biological assessment of bisphenol A degradation in water following direct photolysis and UV advanced oxidation.

Abstract Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are exogenous environmental chemicals that can interfere with normal hormone function and present a potential threat to both environmental and human health. The fate, distribution and degradation of EDCs is a subject of considerable investigation. To date, several studies have demonstrated that conventional water treatment processes are ineffective for removal of most EDCs and in some instances produce multiple unknown transformation products. In this study we have investigated the use of direct photolysis with low-pressure (LP) Hg UV lamps and UV + hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the degradation of a prototypic endocrine disrupter, bisphenol A (BPA), in laboratory water. Removal rates of BPA and formation of degradation products were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Changes in estrogenic activity were evaluated using both in vitro yeast estrogen screen (YES) and in vivo vitellogenin (VTG) assays with Japanese medaka fish ( Oryzias latipes ). Our results demonstrate that UV alone did not effectively degrade BPA. However, UV in combination with H 2 O 2 significantly removed BPA parent compound and aqueous estrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. Removal rates of in vivo estrogenic activity were significantly lower than those observed in vitro, demonstrating differential sensitivities of these bioassays and that certain UV/AOP metabolites may retain estrogenic activity. Furthermore, the UV/H 2 O 2 AOP was effective for reducing larval lethality in treated BPA solutions, suggesting BPA degradation occurred and that the degradation process did not result in the production of acutely toxic intermediates.
Minimal Incision Surgery as a Risk Factor for Early Failure of Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Minimal incision total hip arthroplasty (MI THA) techniques were developed to decrease postoperative pain and recovery time. Although these techniques have increased in popularity, the long-term survivorship of these procedures is unknown.
From A to Z on CpG

Abstract The Second International Symposium on Activating Immunity with CpG Oligos was held at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, FL, USA from 7–10 October 2001.
Modulation of ankle EMG in spinally contused rats through application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation timed to robotic treadmill training

While neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has enabled patients of neuromotor dysfunction to effectively regain some functions, analysis of neuromuscular changes underlying these functional improvements is lacking. We have developed an NMES system for a rodent model of SCI with the long term goal of creating a therapy which restores control over stepping back to the spinal circuitry. NMES was applied to the tibialis anterior (TA) and timed to the afferent feedback generated during robotic treadmill training (RTT). The effect of NMES+RTT on modifications in EMG was compared with that of RTT alone. A longitudinal study with a crossover design was conducted in which group 1 (n=7) received 2 weeks of RTT only followed by 2 weeks of NMES+RTT; group 2 (n=7) received 2 weeks of NMES+RTT followed by RTT only. On average, both types of training helped to modulate TA EMG activity over a gait cycle, resulting in EMG profiles across steps with peaks occurring just before or at the beginning of the swing phase, when ankle flexion is most needed. However, NMES+RTT resulted in concentration of EMG activation during the initial swing phase more than RTT only. In conjunction with these improvements in EMG activation presented here, a more complete analyses comparing changes after NMES+RTT vs. RTT is expected to further support the notion that NMES timed appropriately to hindlimb stepping could help to reinforce the motor learning that is induced by afferent activity generated by treadmill training.
THE CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION OF A SYNCHRONOUS POPULATION FRACTION FROM CULTURES OF TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS.

Summary The selection of a synchronous fraction from non-synchronous T. pyriformis culture populations by centrifugation at 550 g for 6 min is described. The absence of significant volume differences in cells of such synchronous populations is cited in support of the view that this treatment is innocuous with respect to cellular growth.
Opposing plant community responses to warming with and without herbivores

If controls over primary productivity and plant community composition are mainly environmental, as opposed to biological, then global change may result in large-scale alterations in ecosystem structure and function. This view appears to be favored among investigations of plant biomass and community responses to experimental and observed warming. In far northern and arctic ecosystems, such studies predict increasing dominance of woody shrubs with future warming and emphasize the carbon (C)-sequestration potential and consequent atmospheric feedback potential of such responses. In contrast to previous studies, we incorporated natural herbivory by muskoxen and caribou into a 5-year experimental investigation of arctic plant community response to warming. In accordance with other studies, warming increased total community biomass by promoting growth of deciduous shrubs (dwarf birch and gray willow). However, muskoxen and caribou reduced total community biomass response, and responses of birch and willow, to warming by 19%, 46%, and 11%, respectively. Furthermore, under warming alone, the plant community shifted after 5 years away from graminoid-dominated toward dwarf birch-dominated. In contrast, where herbivores grazed, plant community composition on warmed plots did not differ from that on ambient plots after 5 years. These results highlight the potentially important and overlooked influences of vertebrate herbivores on plant community response to warming and emphasize that conservation and management of large herbivores may be an important component of mitigating ecosystem response to climate change.
Referral in Education and Medicine Differing Patterns of Development in Specialized Professions

Referral is a complex problem for generalist and specialist professionals. This study explored how generalist and specialist physicians and educators handle referrals. A content analysis of interview responses shows: (1) the extent of agreement on grounds for referral and causes of disagreement; (2) how practitioners handle disagreements; and (3) how clients deal with transitions during referral. The results indicate that educators view referral as a legalistic process, that physicians accept a limited specialist role more readily, and that educators have difficulty seeing their peers as responsible professional colleagues. The differences may be explained by the diverse systems of ethics and norms of practice among educators and physicians, and by the different historical roots of these systems.
Spinal cord injury: optimization of computerized tomography image factors for accuracy

Computerised tomography (CT) scanning has become an accepted diagnostic method in evaluation of patients with spinal cord injury and has become increasingly important in the assessment of the vertebral column, spinal cord, and brain. Since CT images are graphic representations of generated computer mathematical data viewed with variable window and level selections (display factors), various image representatations are possible and potentially erroneous objective and subjective conclusions from viewing and measuring anatomical findings can result if an appreciation of this potential variability is not understood. Additionally, the CT image can be reconstructed from a variety of mathematical algorithm selections, which can enhance or diminish aspects of tissue contrast (smoothing or edge enhancement). Optimization of these factors, (window and level selection for viewing, and image generation algorithm), is especially important if detection and measurement of objective structures are to be reliable. The authors studied otpimization of algorithm selection and display factors (window and level selection), with a phantom designed to mimic spinal column, spinal cord and subarachnoid space. Varying concentrations of metrizamide in the phantom were scanned. With the G.E. 8800 Scanner, the bone algorithm was found to be the optimum algorithm for optimum spinal cord images if the measured metrizamide CT attenuation number was greater than 150-200. With a metrizamide CT attentua-tion number less than 150 the soft tissue algorithm was optimum. Window centre (level) selection greatly influenced the measurement of cord size, whereas window width did not. The appropriate window centre (level) selection is the mean between the metrizamide CT attenuation number and the cord CT attenuation number. The clinical application of these findings is summarized, and includes: Patients with metrizamide CT studies that require accurate measurement of spinal cord size or measurement of spinal cord cyst size (post-traumatic cystic myelopathy). Significant errors are possible if the formula for appropriate window centre selection is not followed. Additionally, the use of the bone algorithm requires higher contrast for accuracy, thus if metrizamide concentrations are weak, erroneous interpretations are possible. The authors also found that in the presence of metal (rods, screws or plates) the bone algorithm increased artifacts in CT, thus should not be used in this situation but rather the soft tissue algorithm must be used when metal is present to minimize artifacts.
Efficiently tolerating timing violations in pipelined microprocessors

Early prediction of an upcoming timing violation presents a tremendous opportunity to mask the performance overhead of tolerating these faults. In this paper, we explore several techniques for optimizing instruction scheduling in an Out-of-Order pipeline, exploiting this new perspective in robust system design. Compared to recently proposed stall based techniques for tolerating predictable timing violations, we demonstrate a massive reduction in performance overhead, while supporting correct execution in faulty environments (64--97% across different benchmarks).
Surgical outcome in patients with coexisting multiple sclerosis and spondylosis.

Objectives - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-degenerative disease of unknown etiology which results in destruction of myelin. A variety of neurologic signs and symptoms are associated with MS and include myelopathy, extremity weakness, low back pain, sciatica and paresthesias. Many of these signs and symptoms are identical to those experienced by patients with spondylosis (e.g. spinal stenosis, disc herniations). The coexistence of MS with spondylosis can be problematic both for diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods - During the period 1992 to 1996 we identified 7 patients with previously diagnosed MS who developed new syndromes which were thought to be related to a variety of degenerative spine conditions. The diagnosis of MS was based on standard clinical, immunological and neuroradiological criteria. Results - Five of 7 patients demonstrated significant improvement after surgery. One patient experienced a transient MS exacerbation after surgery. Conclusions - From our series we concluded that surgery for degenerative spine conditions can be performed in a safe and effective manner in patients with coexisting multiple sclerosis.
A new group of glucocerebrosidase isozymes found in human white blood cells

Abstract Multiple isozymes of glucocerebroside-β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.45) from normal white blood cell preparations have been demonstrated utilizing flat-bed isoelectric focusing on a granulated gel. Normal human leukocyte preparations contain significant glucocerebrosidase isozyme activities with pI's between 3.2 and 3.9. These novel, acidic pI species have an average D  [1- 14 C] glucocerebroside to 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucopyranoside substrate ratio greater than 40:1. β - D  -Glucocerebrosidase activity of these low pI species is markedly reduced or absent in white blood cell preparations from patients with Type I Gaucher's disease.
Dinitro and quinodimethane derivatives of terthiophene that can be both oxidized and reduced. Crystal structures, spectra, and a method for analyzing quinoid contributions to structure.

Two new oligothiophenes, the dinitro compound 3‘,4‘-dibutyl-5,5‘ ‘-dinitro-2,2‘:5‘,2‘ ‘-terthiophene (1) and the quinodimethane 3‘,4‘-dibutyl-5,5‘ ‘-bis(dicyanomethylene)-5,5‘ ‘-dihydro-2,2‘:5‘,2‘ ‘-terthiophene (2), have been synthesized and studied with electrochemistry, UV−vis−NIR−IR spectroscopy, ESR, and X-ray crystallography. These compounds, designed to be both electron and hole carriers, show redox properties that are unusual for oligothiophenes. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry demonstrated that each compound could be oxidized to a cation radical and reduced to an anion radical and dianion. The spectra of 2 and its three redox partners were analyzed in terms of a limiting structure in which the neutral 2 has orbitals corresponding to those of a substituted-terthiophene dication. Compound 1 crystallizes with the thiophene rings held in an unusual nonplanar, cisoid configuration in face-to-face π-stacks, with a spacing between molecules of 3.65 A. The C−C bond lengths of the outer nit...
Explaining the demand for producer services: Is cost-driven externalization the major factor?

Producer services employment has grown rapidly within advanced economies in recent years. The bases of demand related to this growth are not well understood by regional scientists. A common view is that this growth is largely attributable to cost-driven factors and vertical disintegration processes on the part of producer service users. This paper demonstrates that cost-driven externalization is not the most important force underlying growth in demand for producer services. The need for specialized knowledge is by far the most important factor behind producer services demand, combined with a variety of other cost, quasi-cost, and non-cost-driven forces.
Subsurface damage development during fretting fatigue of high strength steel

The results of fretting fatigue experiments performed on two high-strength structural steels, PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel and quenched and tempered 4340 steel, are evaluated. Observations regarding the subsurface deformation and cracking behavior of the steels are compared and contrasted. It was found that the fretting stresses influenced early crack growth to a greater depth in PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel than in 4340 steel. In addition, experiments on PH 13-8 Mo led to the development of a region below the fretting scar that underwent a microstructural transformation, while experiments on 4340 steel did not. Likely reasons for this discrepancy are suggested. Differences in the formation of oxide layers and the occurrence of adhesion between the two materials are also discussed.
One loop gluon-gluon scattering in light cone gauge

We calculate the one loop amplitudes for the two gluon scattering process in light cone gauge with fermions and scalars circulating in the loop. This extends the work of [D. Chakrabarti, J. Qiu, and C. B. Thorn, Phys. Rev. D 72, 065022 (2005)., D. Chakrabarti, J. Qiu, and C. B. Thorn, Phys. Rev. D 74, 045018 (2006)], in which only the gluon circulates the loop. By putting all fields in the adjoint representation with ${N}_{f}=2$, ${N}_{s}=6$, the scattering amplitude of gluon by gluon in the special case of $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills can be obtained. The massive fermion and scalar with arbitrary representations are also considered.
Rectification in one-dimensional electronic systems

Asymmetric current-voltage $[I(V)]$ curves, known as the diode or rectification effect, in one-dimensional electronic conductors can have their origin from scattering off a single asymmetric impurity in the system. We investigate this effect in the framework of the Tomonaga-Luttinger model for electrons with spin. We show that electron interactions strongly enhance the diode effect and lead to a pronounced current rectification even if the impurity potential is weak. For strongly interacting electrons and not too small voltages, the rectification current ${I}_{r}=[I(V)+I(\ensuremath{-}V)]∕2$, measuring the asymmetry in the current-voltage curve, has a power-law dependence on the voltage with a negative exponent, ${I}_{r}\ensuremath{\sim}{V}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mid}z\ensuremath{\mid}}$, leading to a bump in the current-voltage curve.
Competition in the Market for Nursing Home Care

The competitive model may fit the nursing home sector better than it fits other health care markets, but Medicaid subsidies and regulation have not allowed the market to work freely, and nursing home insurance may cause further divergence from a competitive ideal. Incentives for both providers and consumers that capitalize on competitive aspects of the market might be used to improve outcomes of the nursing home market, especially under a system of comprehensive long-term care insurance.
Exposure of humans to a volatile organic mixture. III. Inflammatory response.

Abstract A set of symptoms has been described during the past two decades that has been called the “sick building syndrome.” These symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headache; mental fatigue; and respiratory distress. It is likely that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in synthetic materials used in homes and office buildings contribute to these symptoms. However, there have been very few studies in which humans have been exposed to known amounts of VOCs under carefully controlled conditions. In this study, 14 subjects were exposed to a mixture of VOCs (25 mg/m3 total hydrocarbon) that is representative of what is found in new homes and office buildings. Because irritations of the nose and throat are symptoms often associated with the upper respiratory tract and may result from an inflammatory response in the upper airways, we used nasal lavage to monitor neutrophil (PMN) influx into the nasal passages following exposure to VOCs. There were statistically significant increases i...
Hemispherical reflectance and emittance properties of carbon nanotubes coatings at infrared wavelengths

Recent visible wavelength observations of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) coatings have revealed that they represent the blackest materials known in nature with a Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) of less than 0.25%. This makes them exceptionally good as absorbers, with the potential to provide order-ofmagnitude improvement in stray-light suppression over current black surface treatments when used in an optical system. Here we extend the characterization of this class of materials into the infrared spectral region to further evaluate their potential for use on instrument baffles for stray-light suppression and to manage spacecraft thermal properties through radiant heat transfer process. These characterizations will include the wavelength-dependent Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) properties in the mid- and far-infrared spectral regions (2-110 μm). Determination of the temperature-dependent emittance will be investigated in the temperature range of 40 to 300 K. These results will be compared with other more conventional black coatings such as Acktar Fractal Black or Z306 coatings among others.
Unitary symmetry in baryon-baryon scattering, II

Abstract Motivated by a recent suggestion that an SU(3) selection rule may explain the narrow widths of some hypernuclear excitations in the Σ continuum, we re-examine the role of unitary symmetry in low energy baryon-baryon (BB) interactions. A direct examination of the BB scattering data indicates that SU(3) symmetry is broken, but leaves us with several alternative schemes for describing the mechanism of symmetry breaking. We study the one-boson exchange (OBE) model in some detail, and relate the usual spin-isospin representation of BB potentials/amplitudes to the quadratic and cubic SU(3) Casimir operators F2 and G3. For the long-range part of the BB interaction (pseudoscalar meson exchange), the G3 amplitude is important, whereas the short-range part (quark-gluon or vector meson exchange) leads to the F2 form. In the Nijmegen OBE model, which is very successful in reproducing the data, SU(3) symmetry is maintained at the level of coupling constants, and broken through the use of observed meson and baryon masses in the calculation of baryon-baryon potentials VBB. In spite of the sizable mass differences and the use of phenomenological hard cores at short distances in the OBE approach, certain SU(3) relations are still reasonably well satisfied. We also discuss other mechanisms of SU(3) breaking which involve an explicit hypercharge dependence of the BB amplitudes.
The Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool: Responsiveness to change in a pediatric clinical population

Background Lack of agreement on how to accurately capture disease outcomes in localized scleroderma (LS) has hindered the development of efficacious treatment protocols. The LS Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT), consisting of the modified LS Skin Severity Index (mLoSSI) and the LS Damage Index, has potential for use in clinical trials. Objective The goal of this article is to further evaluate the clinical responsiveness of the LoSCAT. Based on the modifiable nature of disease activity versus damage, we expected the mLoSSI to be responsive to change. Methods At 2 study visits, a physician completed the LoSCAT and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) of Disease Activity and of Disease Damage for 29 patients with LS. Spearman correlations were used to examine the relationships between the change in the LoSCAT and the PGA scores. To evaluate contrasted group validity, patients were grouped according to disease activity classification and change scores of groups were compared. Minimal clinically important differences were calculated and compared with the standard error of measurement. Results Change in the mLoSSI score correlated strongly with change in the PGA of Disease Activity score, whereas change in the LS Damage Index score correlated weakly with change in the PGA of Disease Damage score. The mLoSSI and PGA of Disease Activity exhibited contrasted group validity. Minimal clinically important differences for the activity measures were greater than the respective standard errors of measurement. Limitations Only 2 study visits were included in analysis. Conclusion This study gives further evidence that the LoSCAT, specifically the mLoSSI, is a responsive, valid measure of activity in LS and should be used in future treatment studies.
Common Bile Duct Obstruction Related to Intestinal Polyposis in a Child With Peutz- Jeghers Syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is characterized by hamartomatous polyposis of the small and large bowel and mucocutaneous pigmentation. The authors describe a 9-year-old girl with small bowel obstruction related to duodenal intussusception caused by polyposis in the fourth portion of the duodenum. Operative reduction of the intussusception and excision of the polyps were performed, at which time the pancreas appeared to have mild pancreatitis. A liver biopsy specimen showed mild portal fibrosis and ductal proliferation. The patient did well postoperatively, but later presented with symptoms consistent with biliary obstruction. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography showed pancreatic and biliary duct dilatation as well as obstruction of the common bile duct, which extended into the left upper quadrant. Exploration showed ampullary obstruction several centimeters proximal to the line of resection. Sphincteroplasty was performed. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. The authors conclude that Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with polyps in the duodenum can markedly distort duodenal and ductal anatomy and can lead to ampullary obstruction.
Gaussian Thermal Flux model—I theory

Abstract The Gaussian Thermal Flux model is a fast thermal radiation sub-model which operates with minimal input and predicts flux on sloped surfaces for both clear and cloudy days. This paper presents the model's theoretical basis. It is distinguished from empirical models by its detailed two dimensional treatment of clouds, its computation of air layer transmissivity above and below cloud layers and its consideration of cloud height effects. The model improves upon existing flux emissivity and multi-band or line models by being independent of soundings and by its use of gaussian quadrature to speed the numerical integrations. It may be input entirely from standard screen level meteorological measurements.
KiSS-1/G protein-coupled receptor 54 metastasis suppressor pathway increases myocyte-enriched calcineurin interacting protein 1 expression and chronically inhibits calcineurin activity

Objective: Tumor metastasis is a critical determinant of death from cancer. Metastin, a product of the KiSS-1 gene, is an endogenously expressed metastasis suppressor that is the ligand for G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), a Gq/11-coupled receptor. In the present study, our goal was to define the basis of GPR54 action using thyroid cancer cells as a model. Design and Results: We used GPR54-null thyroid cancer cells to create a stable GPR54 overexpression model. Cell growth and cell migration of the GPR54-expressing lines were inhibited by recombinant metastin, and metastin stimulated the protein kinase C, ERK, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathways. To identify metastin-regulated genes, we performed microarray analyses using RNA isolated from GPR54 stable transfectants before and after 1 and 24 h of metastin stimulation. Consistent increases in expression of the gene encoding myocyte-enriched calcineurin interacting protein 1 (MCIP-1), an inhibitor of calcineurin, were identified and confirmed u...
Chemotherapy in the elderly: supportive measures for chemotherapy-induced myelotoxicity.

Not only is the U.S. populace aging, but the incidence of cancer in the elderly also is increasing. Many elderly patients with cancer can obtain the same benefits from standard chemotherapy as younger patients can, but the elderly are more susceptible to the myelotoxicity of chemotherapy, which can limit the dose intensity of their treatments. Nurses can help identify patients at risk before they are treated with chemotherapy and discuss the need for hematopoietic support with other members of the treatment team. They also can provide ongoing patient and family education and teach patients to recognize and report early symptoms of potential problems. Appropriate supportive measures, such as granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor, reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and related infections and make the use of full-dose chemotherapy possible in elderly patients despite their greater risk of myelosuppression.
A relational theory of working

Abstract Building on diverse influences from critical perspectives in vocational psychology and the relational movement in contemporary psychological discourse, this article introduces the relational theory of working. Attending to the full array of people who work and who want to work, the relational theory conceptualizes working as an inherently relational act. A relational theory provides a framework for understanding ways in which working is embedded in external and internal relational contexts. To establish the conceptual infrastructure for the relational theory, several propositions are advanced, which summarize observations and inferences about the intersection of working and relationships and highlight the inherent relational context of working. The article concludes with implications for practice, policy, and research.
Reconciling sex differences in information-processing and career outcomes

Information-processing theory has the potential to yield new understanding of the career development process. However, theorists and researchers must be cognizant of the many ways in which current approaches are limited in their ability to relate process explanations to career outcomes which differ for females and males. These approaches could be made more sensitive to female/male differences by: (a) examining the nature of thedecision which is being investigated; (b) expanding the notion ofinformation to include that which is relevant to the decision regarding the importance of work in one's life and also that which relates to the interpersonal context of occupations; (c) relating the vocationalschema to otherschema, i.e., the genderschema; and (d) noting whether process variables are general, sex-related, or sex-specific.
Selectivity for thymine over 5-bromouracil by a thymine-requiring bacterium.

Abstract The relative incorporation of thymine and its analogue, 5-bromouracil, into the DNA of a thymine-requiring bacterium was studied under a variety of conditions. Exponentially growing cultures of Escherichia coli strain TAU-bar were transferred to media containing defined amounts of thymine and 5-bromouracil. Following a period of growth the bacteria were harvested and the DNA was isolated. Density distribution analysis in CsCl density gradients was used to determine the relative incorporation of the natural base and its analogue into the newly-synthesized DNA. Under most growth conditions the bacteria exhibited a marked selectivity for thymine over 5-bromouracil. This selectivity was constant for all isolated DNA fragments and it indicated that few regions exist which require thymine to the exclusion of 5-bromouracil. The selectivity for thymine decreased as the incubation temperature was increased: at 51° no selectivity for thymine was observed. The selectivity for thymine did not change with time over the one generation period studied. The relation of these findings to the viability of bacteria which are incorporating 5-bromouracil into their DNA is discussed.
Baculovirus infectivity and the actin cytoskeleton.

Baculovirus infection occurs when susceptible insect larvae ingest viral occlusions and occlusion-derived virus is released in the midgut lumen. Midgut columnar epithelial cells (the sole targets) are penetrated when the viral envelopes fuse with microvillar mem- branes; subsequently, nucleocapsids are transported basally through the microvilli toward the nucleus where replication ensues. Rapid in- fection of trachael cells (secondary targets) is under heavy selection because midgut cells are sloughed, an effective defense against sys- temic infection. The unique multiple nucleocapsid per virion trait acquired by some baculoviruses functions in countering this defense. Systemic infection is amplified after infected tracheal cells transmit infection to hemocytes. Tracheal cells serve as the conduit for virus spread through basal laminal barriers. Discordant susceptibilities to infection of midgut cells, tracheal cells and hemocytes may exist within an individual insect; in fully permissive hosts, all are highly susceptible. Viral manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton both during nucleocapsid transport and after viral gene expression is at the core of successful infection and replication. G-actin, normally cytoplas- mic, is efficiently localized within the nucleus during early viral gene expression, and nuclear actin polymerizes during late gene expres- sion, concurrent with shut down of host protein synthesis and early viral gene expression. Nuclear G-actin is now considered essential for cellular transcription and nuclear F-actin can affect transcription by binding chromatin-remodeling complexes. A new hypothesis is of- fered for how viral manipulation of actin influences timing of viral gene transcription, genome processing and packaging.
Resilient students' goals and motivation.

Abstract This paper presents the results of an exploratory analysis, description, and comparison of the self-concept and motivational patterns of academically resilient, non-resilient students, advantaged achievers, and advantaged low-achievers. Resilient students are defined as coming from an impoverished and stressful environment, yet achieving a 2·75 or greater grade point average (GPA). Non-resilient students come from the same background, yet do not have the requisite GPA. There are 17 resilient students and there are 19 non-resilient students. The advantaged achievers come from a low-stress, high-SES background and have a 2·75 or greater GPA. The advantaged low-achievers come from a low-stress, high-SES background, but their GPA falls below 2·75. There are 19 advantaged achievers and nine advantaged low-achievers. Goals, self-concept, and environmental support beliefs are measured by the Assessment of Personal Agency Beliefs and the High School Assessment of Academic Self-Concept. The results show significant results in the cognitive beliefs subscale, social beliefs subscale, general extra-curricular beliefs subscale, and the personal trust subscale.
The Transformation of Liberalism in Late Nineteenth‐ Century Mexico.

The Transformation of Liberalism in Late Nineteenth-Century Mexico. CHARLES A. HALE. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1990. 296 pp. $39.50 (cloth). ISBN 0-691-07814-9.
Saccadic Suppression of Displacement is Strongest in Central Vision

Perception of target displacement is severely degraded if the displacement occurs during a saccadic eye movement, but the variation of this effect across the visual field is unknown. A small target was displaced from a starting point at the midline, or 10 deg to the right or left, while the eye made a saccade from the 10 deg right position to the 10 deg left position. Saccades were detected and the target displaced on line. Assessed with a signal detection measure, suppression was stronger in central vision than in more peripheral locations for all three subjects. Leftward and rightward displacements yielded equal thresholds. The results complement the findings of others to reveal a picture of perceptual events during saccades, with both deeper saccadic suppression and faster correction of spatial values (the correspondences between retinal position and perceived egocentric direction), favouring more accurate spatial processing in central vision than in the periphery.
Logical searching of the lunar data.

Abstract Ever since the United States first landed on the moon, NASA has kept track of and compiled a complete list of all lunar analyses. This list includes chemical analyses of rocks and mineral separates, isotopic studies and age-dating analyses. A program incorporating Boolean search capabilities has been adapted to search this file. The program is described and an example for its application is given.
Golgi's dichromate-silver method; effects of embedding; experiments with modifications.

Paraffin embedding was found to be satisfactory for brain stained by a modification of the Golgi dichromate-silver method. Nitrocellulose embedding caused fading in a few specimens. Several modifications in which the tissue was impregnated with silver nitrate before treating it with potassium dichromate were investigated. The following one is recommended. Fix pieces of brain 5-6 mm. thick for 2 days in: silver nitrate;0.5%, 90 ml.; formalin, comml. unneutralized (37-40% gas), 10 ml.; pyridine, pure, 0.05-0.1 ml. Mix in the order given and test for pH with brom cresol purple. A pH of 5.5-6.0 is about optimum and the amount of pyridine added can be varied to adjust it. A slight turbidity of the fixing fluid may be disregarded, but precipitation indicates too much alkalinity. Rinse the tissues with distilled water and place them in a mixture of potassium dichromate, 2.5%, 100 ml. and osmic acid, 1%, 1 ml., for 3-5 days. Wash in water, dehydrate with alcohol and embed in soft paraffin for thick sectioning. Gr...
Pollen representation of vegetational patterns along an elevational gradient

. Modern pollen assemblages from 16 small lakes (< 2.5 ha) and 11 moderate-sized lakes (4.5–19.3 ha) arrayed along an elevational gradient (300 to 1320 m) in the east-central Adirondack Mountains were studied to determine how well the pollen assemblages recorded patterns of forest composition along the gradient. Forest composition ranges from Pinus strobus/Tsuga/ hardwoods forests at low elevations through Tsuga/ hardwoods, hardwoods, and Picea/Abies forests to Abies-dominated forests at high elevations. Modern pollen percentages for 10 tree taxa were compared with lake elevation using scatter plots and correlation and regression analysis. Differential smoothing of vegetational patterns along the elevational gradient occurred among the 10 taxa owing to differences in pollen dispersibility, pollen production, and spatial pattern of taxon abundance in forests of the region. No differences were observed in pollen-elevation patterns between small and moderate-sized lakes. Pollen-elevation patterns were obscured for most taxa when the gradient was shortened (e.g. to 600–1320 m) owing to increased spatial smoothing by pollen dispersal. Design and interpretation of paleoecological studies of spatial gradients can be improved by careful attention to site spacing, gradient length, and gradient steepness in the context of pollen dispersal and representation models.
Computer simulation of cellular movements: cell-sorting, cellular migration through a mass of cells and contact inhibition.

Abstract The motility rules for cellular movement proposed earlier by Goel & Rogers for engulfment of two or more intact embryonic tissues have been used to simulate on a computer the phenomena of cell-sorting, migration of individual cells through a mass of cells and contact inhibition of overlapping. These simulations in the most part are found to be consistent with the observations with real cells.
Long-distance transport of terrestrial plant material by convection resulting from forest fires

Paleoecologists widely accept macroscopic plant remains preserved in lake sediment as good indicators of the vegetation communities growing within and adjacent to the margin of a lake or mire. However, the study of ash fallout from a small to moderate size forest fire in a low elevation Pseudotsuga menziesii/Pinus contorta/Abies lasiocarpa stand near Bozeman, Montana suggests that certain macroscopic plant remains can be transported long distances through the atmosphere. Conifer needles, pollen cones, cone scales, bracts and wood fragments were transported via the atmosphere and subsequently deposited at least 20 km from the forest fire. The majority of the plant remains that were identified were A. lasiocarpa needles. Pseudotsuga menziesii and P. contorta needles were also identified, but both were less abundant than A. lasiocarpa. The plant material that was recovered exhibited varying degrees of charring suggesting that it may be difficult to distinguish plant material that has been transported long-distances by forest fires from that which has been derived locally. Severe convection and vortices associated with intense forest fires are believed to be the primary mechanisms responsible for transporting plant material via the atmosphere.
VizStruct for visualization of genome-wide SNP analyses

Motivation: The size, dimensionality and the limited range of the data values make visualization of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) datasets challenging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of 3D VizStruct, a novel multi-dimensional data visualization technique for analyzing patterns in SNP datasets. Results: VizStruct is an interactive visualization technique that reduces multi-dimensional data to two dimensions using the complex-valued harmonics of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). In the 3D VizStruct extension, the multi-dimensional SNP data vectors are reduced to three dimensions using a combination of the DFT and the Kullback--Leibler divergence. The performance of 3D VizStruct was challenged with several biologically relevant published datasets that included human Chromosome 21, the human lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene locus and the multi-locus genotypes of coral populations. In every case, the 3D VizStruct mapping provided an intuitive visual description of the key characteristics of the underlying multi-dimensional genotype. Availability: Excel and MATLAB code are available at http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/DBGROUP/bioinformatics/supplementary/SNP/ Contact: murali@Buffalo.edu
Renal carcinoma in an owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus).

An apparently healthy adult male owl monkey of unknown age was killed and autopsied 10 weeks after being inoculated with herpes-T virus. The cortex of the left kidney contained a primary papillary renal carcinoma.