cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approximating corridors and tours via restriction and relaxation techniques

Given a rectangular boundary partitioned into rectangles, the Minimum-Length Corridor (MLC-R) problem consists of finding a corridor of least total length. A corridor is a set of connected line segments, each of which must lie along the line segments that form the rectangular boundary and/or the boundary of the rectangles, and must include at least one point from the boundary of every rectangle and from the rectangular boundary. The MLC-R problem is known to be NP-hard. We present the first polynomial-time constant ratio approximation algorithm for the MLC-R and MLCk problems. The MLCk problem is a generalization of the MLC-R problem where the rectangles are rectilinear c-gons, for c ≤ k and k is a constant. We also present the first polynomial-time constant ratio approximation algorithm for the Group Traveling Salesperson Problem (GTSP) for a rectangular boundary partitioned into rectilinear c-gons as in the MLCk problem. Our algorithms are based on the restriction and relaxation approximation techniques.
Assessing Program Impact Using Latent Growth Modeling: A Primer for the Evaluator.

Latent growth modeling (LGM) has emerged as a flexible analytic technique for modeling change over time because it can describe developmental processes at both the inter- and intra-individual levels. The LGM method can also provide a means for testing the contribution of other variables in order to explain variability in growth trajectories. This paper didactically illustrates the use of LGM as an analytical tool in program evaluation. Specifically, a hypothetical evaluation of a high school drug prevention program was used to demonstrate: (a) how LGM can be used to assess the longitudinal impact of a prevention program by comparing treatment and control populations with respect to individual differences in initial status and in rate of change; and (b) how predictors of initial status (post-intervention) and growth selected on the basis of a particular program theory can be incorporated in the model to explain program impact. Some advantages and limitations of using LGM in program evaluation are highlighted.
Physical and chemical characterization of the major lactose-blockable lectin activity from fetal calf skeletal muscle

Abstract The lactose-blockable lectin activity from fetal calf skeletal muscle has been purified to apparent homogeneity. The purification entails differential centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, asialofetuin affinity chromatography with a lactose gradient and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. In the last step, the activity is resolved into a major and minor species, designated ion-exchange-purified lectins I and II, respectively. Both lectin activities are reversibly inhibited by lactose and appear as single bands with identical mobilities on SDSpolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lectin I1 was not obtained in sufficient quantities for further characterization. Lectin I is characterized by a functional requirement for reducing agents and sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide, which suggests a role for an essential thiol in its activity. Subunit moleculas weight determinations by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (12000 ±1 000) and by gel filtration in 6 M guanidine · HCI (13 000 ± 1 000), when compared with that obtained under native conditions on Bio-Rad P-60 gels (27 000 ± 2 000), suggest a true Mr of 25 000 ± 3 000 for the dimeric molecule. Amino acid composition data, when fitted to this molecular weight, lead to the tentative conclusion that the intact dimer is composed of two very similar but compositionally non-identical chains, designated α and β. While the only detectable N-terminal amino acid is tryptophan, the isoelectric focusing pattern of lectin I supports this heterodimeric structure. In addition, a lactose-insensitive hemagglutinating activity which can be separated from the lactose-blockable activity by affinity chromatography was also observed.
In vivo REPAIR OF CYTOSINE HYDRATES IN DNA OF CULTURED HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTS

— Ultraviolet irradiation of DNA in vitro results in the production of a wide variety of pyrimidine base alterations, including cytosine hydrates. Enzymes that initiate the repair of monomeric pyrimidine damage have been identified in both bacterial and mammalian systems; however, the in vivo formation and repair of cytosine photohydrates has not been demonstrated in cellular DNA. Using Escherichia coli endonuclease III as a damage-specific probe, we have shown that ring-saturated pyrimidines are formed in cultured human cells by irradiation with broadspectrum UV light. In addition, these types of base damage are removed from the DNA of human lymphoblasts within 5 h following the irradiation. Analysis of the action spectrum for the formation of cytosine hydrates in DNA reveals that these photoproducts are formed most efficiently by irradiation in the range of 255–265 nm light, coinciding with the wavelengths that are maximally absorbed by the DNA bases.
A phase II trial of sequential chemotherapy with docetaxel and methotrexate followed by gemcitabine and cisplatin for metastatic urothelial cancer.

Administration of noncross-resistant agents in a sequential fashion may improve outcome by targeting tumor cells with different sensitivity profiles. We evaluated the toxicity and response rate of docetaxel and methotrexate (DM) followed by gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) in patients with metastatic or unresectable transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium. Patients received 3 cycles of DM (40 mg/m 2 methotrexate on days 1 and 8 and 100 mg/m 2 docetaxel on day 8 repeated every 21 days) followed by GC (1000 mg/m 2 gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 and 75 mg/m 2 cisplatin on day 1 repeated every 21 days). The most common toxicities were hematologic, with grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia observed in 4 and 2 patients, respectively. Four partial responses were observed after DM (4 of 12, 33% response rate) and 6 responses (3 partial response, 3 complete response, 6 of 9, 67% response rate) after GC for an overall response rate of 7 of 13 (54%). Three patients who progressed on DM responded to GC and 3 responders to DM achieved further response to GC. The median overall survival was 13.6 months. Although we do not recommend this particular sequence of chemotherapy for further study, the uncompromised median survival and the ability to salvage responses with GC suggest that testing of novel agents in sequence with GC is a feasible strategy.
Multidisciplinary treatment of extremity arteriovenous malformations

Congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) are a complex group of lesions that arise by embryologic dysmorphogenesis without increased endothelial proliferation that leads to structural and functional anomalies of the vascular system characterized by a wide range of presenting symptoms and often unpredictable clinical course. A recent advancement in the diagnostic and treatment modalities has resulted in a better understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of CVMs and improved management of these lesions. The multidisciplinary approach and diagnostic algorithm used to distinguish high-flow (HFVM) from low-flow vascular malformations (LFVM) have been validated as clinically applicable for making an accurate anatomic and hemodynamic diagnosis of CVMs; they serve as a basis for proper treatment selection and significantly facilitate communication among different medical specialists. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is able to definitively distinguish HFVM from LFVM with accuracy of approximately 84%. In inconclusive cases, confirmatory angiography is required. Symptomatic, diffuse, extensive, macrocystic LFVMs and LFVMs that involve multiple tissue planes and vital structures are best treated with foam sclerotherapy. Primary surgical resection is the treatment of choice for localized, septated, and microcystic LFVMs. The management of HFVMs is characterized by multimodal treatment including preoperative embolization followed by complete surgical resection or sclerotherapy of the remaining venous component. Treatment of extensive CVMs is palliative and goal oriented. Implementation of the proposed diagnostic protocols and therapeutic algorithms in a multidisciplinary setting results in favorable outcomes with acceptable complication rates in this challenging patient population.
Learning based fiducial driven registration (LEFIR): Evaluating laser ablation changes for neurological applications

In this work, we present a novel learning based fiducial driven registration (LeFiR) scheme. We also investigate a key problem concerning the nature of landmark choices in relation to different aspects of the deformation, such as force direction, magnitude of displacement, deformation location, and native imaging artifacts of noise and intensity non-uniformity. In this work we focus on the problem of attempting to identify the optimal configuration of landmarks for recovering deformation between a target and a moving image via a thin-plate spline (TPS) based registration scheme. Additionally, we employ the LeFiR scheme to model the localized nature of deformation introduced by a new treatment modality - laser induced interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for treating neurological disorders. Magnetic resonance guided LITT has recently emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to craniotomy for local treatment of brain diseases (such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), epilepsy). There is thus a need to understand (in terms of imaging features) the precise changes in the target region of interest following LITT. In order to evaluate LeFiR, we tested the scheme on a synthetic brain dataset and in two real clinical scenarios for treating GBM and epilepsy with LITT. In all cases LeFiR was found to outperform a uniform landmark based TPS registration scheme.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Arsenic Uptake in Pteris Ferns

Two arsenic-accumulating Pteris ferns (Pteris cretica mayii and Pteris multifida), along with a non-accumulating control fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) were grown in greenhouse conditions in clean sand spiked with 0, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ppm sodium arsenate. Spectral data were collected for each of five replicates prior to harvest at 4-week intervals. Fern samples were analyzed for total metals content and Partial Least Squares and Stepwise Linear Regression techniques were used to develop models from the spectral data. Results showed that Pteris cretica mayii and Pteris multifida are confirmed hyperaccumulators of inorganic arsenic and that reasonably accurate predictive models of arsenic concentration can be developed from the first derivative of spectral reflectance of the hyperaccumulating Pteris ferns. Both the arsenic uptake and spectral results indicate that there is some species-specific variability but the results compare favorably with previously published data and additional research is recommended.
Mass-spectrometric characterization of cisplatin binding sites on native and denatured ubiquitin

Because interactions between cisplatin and plasma proteins contribute to drug efficacy and side effects, it is important to understand both the binding sites of cisplatin on the proteins and the formation of protein–cisplatin adducts. Previous results suggest that cisplatin preferentially binds to residues on the protein surface. The present work employed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) to identify such sites on both native and denatured ubiquitin (Ub). Fourier transform (FT) MS and tandem MS (MS/MS and MS3) enable analysis of Ub–cisplatin adduct digests to locate specific cisplatin binding sites. Results indicate that there are three such binding sites, i.e., M1, T12 and T14, and D32, on native Ub. The intensity of the relevant peaks in the FT-MS spectrum of the native Ub adduct digest demonstrates that residues T12 and T14 comprise the primary cisplatin binding site under the native conditions rather than residue M1 as reported in previous research studies. It is found in the present work, however, that M1 is the primary binding site on denatured Ub. Comparison of cisplatin binding sites on native and denatured Ub in this research demonstrates that the conformation of a protein significantly influences the preference of cisplatin for specific binding sites.
Small Primary Care Physician Practices Have Low Rates Of Preventable Hospital Admissions

Nearly two-thirds of US office-based physicians work in practices of fewer than seven physicians. It is often assumed that larger practices provide better care, although there is little evidence fo...
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis: an analysis of clinical and immunologic characteristics

Six patients with lymphomatoid granulomatosis were studied. Two patients had eye involvement, a rare manifestation of this disease. Both had complete disappearance of disease in this area after radiation therapy. One patient presented with an autoimmune hemolytic anemia, which remitted completely with chemotherapy. The use of corticosteroids or chemotherapy was effective in bringing about a decrease in pulmonary infiltrates in all six patients, although the duration of response was limited. One patient did have a prolonged period of clinical remission, and died of an unrelated cause. Evidence of profound immunologic abnormalities was found in these patients by a variety of tests. The extensive immunologic dysfunction present in patients with lymphomatoid granulomatosis has not previously been described. Most strikingly, patients with lymphomatoid granulomatosis have a severe impairment in T-lymphocyte function, confirmed by their inability to react to common skin test antigens or dinitrochlorobenzene, decreased in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens and antigens and changes in T-cell subset populations. This may account for the frequent development of malignant lymphomas in patients with this condition.
Anesthetic and Dental Management of a Child With IMAGe Syndrome

IMAGe syndrome (OMIM 300290) is a rare multisystem disorder that has a broad phenotypic presentation. Though variable, this disorder mainly consists of Intrauterine growth retardation, Metaphyseal dysplasia, Adrenal hypoplasia congenita, and Genital abnormalities. Patients with IMAGe syndrome present as an uncommon yet important challenge for dentists and anesthesiologists due to their wide range of dysmorphic facial features, adrenal insufficiency, electrolyte imbalances, and need for steroid replacement. The purpose of this case report is to describe the successful anesthetic management of a pediatric patient diagnosed with IMAGe syndrome who presented for full mouth dental rehabilitation.
Evolutionary game theoretical approach for understanding CCR5 to CXCR4 coreceptor switch

This paper shows how a game theoretical analysis can provide a model to determine the factors affecting the switch from CXCR4 coreceptor (X4) to CCR5 coreceptor (R5) in HIV-1 infected individuals. Simulations of the model predict that a persistent immune response suppresses the X4-tropic virus to a low level at first, but later increases in the immune response will trigger the switch from X4 to R5 coreceptor. In addition, we find various factors that impact the switching time.
Disordered bosons: Critical phenomena and evidence for new low energy excitations.

We study the T=0 critical properties of the superfluid-insulator transition in 2D hard core Bose systems with disorder. Using quantum Monte Carlo simulations and finite size scaling on 64\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}64 lattices we find the dynamical exponent z=0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 and the correlation length exponent \ensuremath{\nu}=2.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2. At the transition, the system is metallic with a conductivity ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{c}}$=(1.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)(${\mathit{e}}^{\mathrm{*}}$${)}^{2}$/h and a nonzero compressibility \ensuremath{\kappa}\ensuremath{\ne}0. These conclusions differ from the existing scaling theory as well as from simulations on simplified models argued to be in the same universality class. Our results are suggestive of new low lying collective excitations (modified from usual phonons) in the disordered system.
Designing against electromagnetic emissions

All electronic products are potential generators of electromagnetic interference and are themselves potential victims. Regulatory controls on emissions are increasing, as are customer expectations for product immunity
A Mosaicing Scheme for Pose-Invariant Face Recognition

Mosaicing entails the consolidation of information represented by multiple images through the application of a registration and blending procedure. We describe a face mosaicing scheme that generates a composite face image during enrollment based on the evidence provided by frontal and semiproflle face images of an individual. Face mosaicing obviates the need to store multiple face templates representing multiple poses of a user's face image. In the proposed scheme, the side profile images are aligned with the frontal image using a hierarchical registration algorithm that exploits neighborhood properties to determine the transformation relating the two images. Multiresolution splining is then used to blend the side profiles with the frontal image, thereby generating a composite face image of the user. A texture-based face recognition technique that is a slightly modified version of the C2 algorithm proposed by Serre et al. is used to compare a probe face image with the gallery face mosaic. Experiments conducted on three different databases indicate that face mosaicing, as described in this paper, offers significant benefits by accounting for the pose variations that are commonly observed in face images.
Miniature-scale liquid-fuel-film combustor

A new concept is explained for the miniaturization of cylindrical direct-injection liquid-fueled combustors wherein the fuel is flowed in a wall film that reduces heat losses, optimizes vaporization rate, and inhibits quenching. A simple analysis indicates that if a combustor of this type were part of a miniature engine, power levels from 10 W to 10 kW would be achievable with combustor volumes varying from a few hundred cubic millimeters to a few cubic centimeters and fuel flow rates varying from about 1 mg/s to 1 g/s. The combustor takes advantage of the fact that a surface area advantage of film combustion over spray combustion occurs for small volumes as the surface-to-volume ratio of the combustor increases. In addition, the wall film of fuel prevents heat losses while cooling the combustor surfaces. Photographs of a laboratory demonstration of the miniature film combustor concept with methanol and hepatane fuel and a mechanically swirled airflow are presented. The methanol flame required some methane gaseous fuel for stability, but the heptane fuel burned successfully alone. The experiments demonstrated externally and internally anchored flame modes, and a transition between them. The stability of internal burning was affected by internal fluid, dynamics and film dryout.
A Spatial Analysis of Male and Female Unemployment in the USA

An analysis of male and female unemployment in the U.S. explores how gender affects spatial variation in unemployment. The effects of spatially-unlagged and spatially-lagged unemployment rates on the likelihood that individual men and women are unemployed are also explored. Using a recent tabulation of microdata from the American Community Survey, multilevel models of male and female unemployment are fit. Results indicate that age and occupation at the individual-level and a right-to-work dummy at the PUMA-level are the variables that best distinguish unemployed men and women. Results also indicate that unemployment for men is more clustered in space than unemployment for women. Finally, results indicate that the vast majority of the variation in unemployment for individuals in the U.S. is attributable to the personal characteristics of unemployed men and women, not the locational characteristics of high-unemployment places. The paper concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of the latter result.
Overexpression of Phospholamban Alters Inactivation Kinetics ofL-type Ca2+Channel Currents in Mouse Atrial Myocytes

Abstract In mammalian ventricular myocytes, inactivation of L -type Ca 2+ channels (CaCh) is controlled by voltage- and Ca 2+ -dependent mechanisms. The Ca 2+ -dependent component is regulated by the Ca 2+ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). However, little is known about the inactivation properties of CaCh in atrial myocytes, which lack spatial coupling between CaCh and SR Ca 2+ release channels. The cardiac SR Ca 2+ load is determined by the activity of SR Ca 2+ -ATPase, which is inversely regulated by the levels of phospholamban (PLB). To investigate the role of SR Ca 2+ in atrial myocytes, Ca 2+ currents ( I Ca ) were recorded in mouse atrial myocytes recorded from wild-type (WT) mice and the characteristics were compared to those obtained from atrial myocytes from the transgenic mice overexpressing PLB (PLB-OEX). I Ca from WT exhibited fast and slow components of inactivation and the rate of inactivation was slowed when SR Ca 2+ was depleted by caffeine, suggesting that the inactivation of atrial I Ca is modulated by SR Ca 2+ load. The current density and voltage-dependence of I Ca were similar between the two groups. However, the fast component of inactivation was significantly reduced in PLB-OEX. When Ca 2+ was replaced by Ba 2+ or in the presence of caffeine, inactivation was slowed and the decay of the current was not significantly different between WT and PLB-OEX. These results suggest that the inactivation of I Ca in mouse atrial myocytes involves Ca 2+ -dependent and voltage-dependent components. The decrease in the faster component of inactivation in PLB-OEX is consistent with the idea that CaCh and SR Ca 2+ release channels are functionally coupled and Ca 2+ released from the SR contributes the Ca 2+ -dependent inactivation component.
Effects of Gravitational Interactions on Asteroid Spin States

Abstract We demonstrate that mutual gravitational interactions between an asteroid and a planet or another asteroid can play an important role in shaping an asteroid's spin state. We focus on two situations that asteroids may encounter during their lifetimes. The first is the environment after creation from a disrupted parent asteroid, when there may be many asteroid fragments interacting gravitationally with each other before their mutual escape. The other is the interaction between an asteroid and a planet during a hyperbolic flyby. In each case the mutual gravitational interaction can alter the asteroid's spin state. We derive analytical descriptions of the effects and perform numerical simulations to explore the interactions and to give examples. The net effect of many small interactions, taken in isolation, is to cause the asteroid to spin at a faster rate—although this must be balanced against all other effects that influence spin rates. Conversely, the effect of a single, strong interaction can fundamentally change an asteroid's spin state, causing it to tumble and significantly increasing or decreasing its overall angular momentum. We simulate interactions of a sphere of arbitrary mass with Toutatis and find that these types of gravitational interactions can provide partial explanations for the current Toutatis rotational state.
CISAPRIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFANTILE COLIC 518

Symptoms of crying and discomfort from infantile colic have plagued both parents and physicians for years. Few therapeutic options exist. The etiology is most likely multifactorial, but some evidence favors motility dysfunction. We initiated a randomized, double-blind, placebo -controlled, crossover study to test the hypothesis that cisapride (0.2 mg/kg QID) would reduce the symptom of crying associated with colic. Healthy, normally growing infants, without symptoms of constipation or GER, and not concurrently treated for colic(medications or elemental formulas) and who fit the classic definition of colic, were enrolled. During the study period, the parents kept crying time logs which have previously been shown to have good correlation to actual crying times (r=0.85-0.9). After a 3 day observation period, the patients received 6 days of either placebo or cisapride which was then crossed over after a 2 day washout period. The parents subjectively rated each week for efficacy of the medication/placebo. At this time, twenty-six patients have completed this ongoing study. Some patients have appeared to show a dramatic response to treatment of colic with cisapride. Results of initial statistical analysis failed to show significant differences in crying times between cisapride (0.87±1.49,mean±SD) and placebo (0.36±1.33) or parental subjective rating. A trend to decreased hours of crying on cisapride over placebo is present, but large standard deviations in crying times between infants exist. A larger sample size may allow demonstration of statistically significant differences in crying times.
Solvent Effects on the Fluorescence Quenching of Tryptophan by Amides via Electron Transfer. Experimental and Computational Studies

Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics (QM-MM) calculations [Callis and Liu, J. Phys. Chem. B 2004, 108, 4248-4259] make a strong case that the large variation in tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence yields in proteins is explained by ring-to-backbone amide electron transfer, as predicted decades ago. Quenching occurs in systems when the charge transfer (CT) state is brought below the fluorescing state (1L(a)) as a result of strong local electric fields. To further test this hypothesis, we have measured the fluorescence quantum yield in solvents of different polarity for the following systems: N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide (NATA), an analogue for Trp in a protein; N-acetyl-L-tryptophan ethyl ester (NATE), wherein the Trp amide is replaced by an ester group, lowering the CT state energy; and 3-methylindole (3MI), a control wherein this quenching mechanism cannot take place. Experimental yields in water are 0.31, 0.13, and 0.057 for 3MI, NATA, and NATE, respectively, whereas, in the nonpolar aprotic solvent dioxane, all three have quantum yields near 0.35, indicating the absence of electron transfer. In alkyl alcohols the quantum yield for NATA and NATE is between that found for water and that found for dioxane, and it is surprisingly independent of chain length (varying from methanol to decanol), revealing that microscopic H-bonding, and not the bulk dielectric constant, dictates the electron transfer rate. QM-MM calculations indicate that, when averaged over the six rotamers, the greatly increased quenching found in water relative to dioxane can be attributed mainly to the larger fluctuations of the energy gap in water. These experiments and calculations are in complete accord with quenching by a solvent stabilized charge transfer from ring to amide state in proteins.
Self-Concept and Psychological Adjustment Differences Between Self-Identified Male Transsexuals and Male Homosexuals

Self-concept and adjustment data from anatomical males seeking sexual reassignment surgery were compared with that from a male homosexual group. Findings indicated that the homosexual group had a better self-image and was better adjusted than the sex change group. Other findings are presented that reinforce the view that the norm violations in homosexuality and transsexualism do not necessarily imply serious character damage.
Epididymal carbohydrate metabolism—I. Glucose-1-14C and glucose-6-14C metabolism by mouse, rat and rabbit tissues☆

1. 1. The rate of glucose metabolism by testis tissue of the rat and mouse was almost double that of their epididymides, while caput epididymides of the mouse and rabbit were higher than the cauda of the same species. 2. 2. Ratio of 14CO2 from glucose-1-14C: glucose-6-14C for the rat and mouse testicular tissue was near unity while the rabbit tissue had a ratio of 1·89. 3. 3. The ratio in the caput for the mouse, rat and rabbit was 2·67, 1·73 and 2·91, respectively, suggesting a high pentose cycle activity in this area. 4. 4. The respective ratios for the cauda were 2·14, 3·55 and 1·66. The ratios likewise suggest a high pentose cycle activity, but the order of species is reversed. 5. 5. The study suggests that the pentose cycle plays an important role in the environment of the epididymis.
Adenine nucleotide translocation in liver mitochondria of hypothyroid rats.

Abstract In measurements using a disc filtration method, liver mitochondria obtained from hypothyroid rats translocate external ADP at 0 °C via the atractyloside-sensitive carrier much more slowly than do mitochondria from normal rats, confirming the findings of Portnay et al. (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 55, 17, 1973). The hypothyroid mitochondria contain 60% more ATP + ADP than do mitochondria from normals, but the excess nucleotides are not exchangeable and so do not contribute to translocation. A decrease in the first-order rate constant accounts for the decreased velocity. Neither a decrease in the number of translocator sites nor changes in ADP phosphorylation or ATPase activity seem to account for the abnormal kinetics of translocation. Although the filtration method limits the maximal translocation rate observed in normal mitochondria at temperatures above 17 °C that induce a fluid membrane state, no such transition is seen in mitochondria from hypothyroid rats up to 35 °C, indicating that the translocator is in an altered environment in hypothyroidism. Injecting a hypothyroid rat once with l -thyroxine corrects the abnormal compartmentation and produces a temperature-rate relationship like that in normal mitochondria in 3 days, a period which would accommodate the hormone actions reported on translation, membrane phospholipid synthesis, or fatty acid desaturation.
Ecdysteroids in the ovary and the egg of the greater wax moth

Abstract Galleria mellonella eggs exhibit a remarkably high molting hormone activity, equivalent to 74 μg/g fresh wt of ecdysone or ecdysterone. The activity in the ovary was also substantial, averaging 0.4 and 0.58 μg/female, respectively, in the pharate adults and in the 1-day-old adults. Seven ecdysteroids were isolated from the eggs. Ecdysone and ecdysterone were the principal components, comprising 80% of the total biological activity, followed by their 3-epimers and three unidentified ecdysteroids with less biological activity. Five of the seven ecdysteroids were found in the ovaries of the pharate adults and six in the 1-day-old adults. In both the ovary and the egg, 80–85% of these ecdysteroids existed in the conjugated form, mainly as sulphates, and were partitioned in both the n -butanol and the water phases. The ratio of these ecdysteroids changed significantly from the ovary to the egg, with ecdysone decreasing, ecdysterone increasing, and the others increasing slightly. The results suggest that these ecdysteroids exist in a dynamic state and are not merely inactivation products or storage forms.
Simplified method of infant feeding: bacteriologic and clinical study.

Summary A simplified method of infant feeding using evaporated milk and HOT tap water from a city source, with or without added carbohydrates, has been subjected to bacteriologic and clinical testing. These tests indicate that if the method outlined is carefully followed, single feedings so prepared are bacteriologically and clinically safe.
Strength two covering arrays: Existence tables and projection

A covering arrayCA(N;t,k,v) is an Nxk array such that every Nxt sub-array contains all t-tuples from v symbols at least once, where t is the strength of the array. Covering arrays are used in experiments to screen for interactions among t-subsets of k components. Strength two covering arrays have been studied from numerous viewpoints, resulting in a variety of computational, direct, and recursive constructions. Consequently, it can be difficult to determine the smallest covering array that results from known construction. To address this, existence tables for the best currently known covering arrays are presented. In the process, a new direct construction from orthogonal arrays is also introduced.
The Enfolding Arms of EcoRI Endonuclease as Probed by ESR Experiments

Our research focuses on adducing general principles applicable to site-specific protein-DNA interactions by linking function to structural, thermodynamic and dynamic properties. We use as a model the interaction of EcoRI endonuclease with specific, miscognate (EcoRI∗), and nonspecific DNA sequences. The crystal structure of the specific complex shows that the EcoRI “arms”, invisible (disordered) in the structure of the apoenzyme, enfold cognate DNA upon binding. We are using four pulse Double Electron-Electron Resonance (DEER) FT-ESR experiments to map distances and distance distributions between nitroxide spin labels placed on cysteine-substituted residues in the two “arms” of the EcoRI homodimer, between Cu2+ ions bound near the active sites, and between nitroxide to Cu2+ positions. Our data show that the mean point-to-point distances between the “outer arms”, between the “inner arms” and from the “outer arm” to the main domain are the same in specific, EcoRI∗, and nonspecific complexes. This implies that the EcoRI arms must enfold the DNA in all three classes of complexes. However, an increase in the breadth of distance distributions is observed for noncognate complexes relative to that observed for the tightly complementary specific complex. These results are consistent with inferences from our thermodynamic analyses that the equilibrium ensemble of conformational microstates is larger for noncognate than specific complexes. Our continuous wave (CW) ESR experiments probing the dynamics of the arms support this hypothesis. Nonspecific complexes have been shown to have an important function in accelerating the location of correct recognition sites. It is striking that the EcoRI arms also embrace the DNA in the sliding nonspecific complex.
Muscle impingement: MR imaging of a painful complication of osteochondromas

The purpose of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance (MR) appearance of a newly recognized complication of osteochondromas. Two patients presented with pain and swelling over known osteochondromas. Plain radiographic studies were unrevealing. MR examinations were obtained to characterize the exostoses further and evaluate areas of palpable fullness. Increased signal was present in the muscles on T2-weighted images, which correlated with physical findings and was believed to represent muscle injury due to the osteochondroma. Pain and fullness may result from a number of osteochondroma-related complications, the most worrisome of which is malignant degeneration. Muscular impingement and injury should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain and swelling in the region of an exostosis. MR imaging allows distinction of this entity, which may be radiographically occult and confused clinically with fracture, bursitis, or malignant degeneration.
W value in liquid krypton.

The W value, or the average energy required to produce an electron-ion pair, was measured in liquid krypton with a pulsed ionization chamber and $^{207}\mathrm{Bi}$ 976-keV internal-conversion electrons. From the charge collected at the highest electric field of 16 kV/cm, the W value was determined to be 18.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 eV. Extrapolation of the charge to infinite field strength yields a smaller W value, reduced by an amount which depends on the recombination model used to fit the data. The \ensuremath{\delta}-electron model gives the lowest value of 16.8 eV. An estimation of the W value in liquid krypton, using Platzman's energy-balance equation, is in good agreement with the experimental result, but is not precise enough to rule out model-dependent lower values.
Codon choice in genes depends on flanking sequence information—implications for theoretical reverse translation

Algorithms for theoretical reverse translation have direct applications in degenerate PCR. The conventional practice is to create several degenerate primers each of which variably encode the peptide region of interest. In the current work, for each codon we have analyzed the flanking residues in proteins and determined their influence on codon choice. From this, we created a method for theoretical reverse translation that includes information from flanking residues of the protein in question. Our method, named the neighbor correlation method (NCM) and its enhancement, the consensus-NCM (c-NCM) performed significantly better than the conventional codon-usage statistic method (CSM). Using the methods NCM and c-NCM, we were able to increase the average sequence identity from 77% up to 81%. Furthermore, we revealed a significant increase in coverage, at 80% identity, from 75% (c-NCM). The algorithms, their applications and implications are discussed herein.
Automated Coronal-Loop Detection based on Contour Extraction and Contour Classification from the SOHO/EIT Images

Arch-shaped coronal loops that are isolated from the background are typically acquired manually from massive online image databases to be used in solar coronal research. The manual search for special coronal loops is not only subject to human mistakes but is also time consuming and tedious. In this study, we propose a completely automated image-retrieval system that identifies coronal-loop regions located outside of the solar disk from 17.1 nm EIT images. To achieve this aim, we first apply image-preprocessing techniques to bring out loop structures from their background and to reduce the effect of undesired patterns. Then we extract principal contours from the solar image regions. The geometrical attributes of the extracted principal contours reveal the existence of loops in a given region. Our completely automated decision-making procedure gives promising results in separating the regions with loops from the regions without loops. Based on our loop-detection procedure, we have developed an automated image-retrieval tool that is capable of retrieving images containing loops from a collection of solar images.
A needle designed for suture ligation of a bleeding duodenal ulcer

Summary A needle has been designed specifically for oversewing the bleeding vessel in duodenal ulcer. The needle is a stainless steel ⅝ circle with a super-smooth finish. The greater curvature permits easier access to the tip and the finish reduces further trauma to the already friable ulcer bed.
Detection of variant Ph-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia involving chromosomes 1, 9, and 22 by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Abstract Probes made by inter- Alu -PCR from an interspecific somatic cell hybrid containing only the distal half of the 9q as its only human genomic content when used for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on the cells of a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patient detected involvement of chromosome 9 in a complex translocation that was not observed by standard G-band cytogenetics.
CNS imaging of neoplasms

The detection of central nervous system pathology is now dominated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computed tomography (CT) is occasionally useful, and particularly in characterizing neoplasms involving the calvarium (especially the skull base) and in the assessment of tumors which calcify or form matrix. Contrast enhancement with gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) has improved detection of even small parenchymal and meningeal neoplasms on MR as well as improved characterization of both primary and metastatic brain neoplasms. In general, the pattern of contrast enhancement on MR is similar to CT contrast enhancement. However, in neither instance is there a specific and accurate way to define the true tumor margins.
Genital tract infections and perinatal transmission of HIV.

: In areas of the world where genital tract infections (GTIs) are common, the prevalence of HIV and the rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV are also high. Although observational studies suggested that GTIs are associated with MTCT of HIV, no controlled clinical trial has confirmed this finding. It is likely that GTIs that cause either discharges or ulcers during pregnancy increase perinatal transmission of HIV. Several potential biological mechanisms might facilitate perinatal transmission. For example, chorioamnionitis, increased viral shedding in cervicovaginal secretions, increased HIV acquisition during pregnancy, inflammatory cytokine production, preterm labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, ascending infection, and increased intrapartum infectious secretions are factors that can be associated with GTIs. Several studies have shown that treating clinical conditions associated with inflammation might alter HIV shedding. It is conceivable that preventing ascending infection or reducing exposure of the infant to infectious material during birth could reduce MTCT. This can possibly be achieved by antimicrobial therapy during pregnancy and intrapartum. Such an approach is practical, is less expensive, and has secondary benefits related to prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GTIs. Antibiotics might also complement reductions in MTCT of HIV obtained by antiretrovirals given to the mother around the time of delivery. In addition, antibiotics could reduce infectious causes of morbidity and mortality in infant and mother.
Genome reduction and co-evolution between the primary and secondary bacterial symbionts of psyllids

Genome reduction in obligately intracellular bacteria is one of the most well-established patterns in the field of molecular evolution. In the extreme, many sap-feeding insects harbor nutritional symbionts with genomes that are so reduced that it is not clear how they perform basic cellular functions. For example, the primary symbiont of psyllids (Carsonella) maintains one of the smallest and most AT-rich bacterial genomes ever identified and has surprisingly lost many genes that are thought to be essential for its role in provisioning its host with amino acids. However, our understanding of this extreme case of genome reduction is limited, as genomic data for Carsonella are available from only a single host species, and little is known about the functional role of "secondary" bacterial symbionts in psyllids. To address these limitations, we analyzed complete Carsonella genomes from pairs of congeneric hosts in three divergent genera within the Psyllidae (Ctenarytaina, Heteropsylla, and Pachypsylla) as well as complete secondary symbiont genomes from two of these host species (Ctenarytaina eucalypti and Heteropsylla cubana). Although the Carsonella genomes are generally conserved in size, structure, and GC content and exhibit genome-wide signatures of purifying selection, we found that gene loss has remained active since the divergence of the host species and had a particularly large impact on the amino acid biosynthesis pathways that define the symbiotic role of Carsonella. In some cases, the presence of additional bacterial symbionts may compensate for gene loss in Carsonella, as functional gene content indicates a high degree of metabolic complementarity between co-occurring symbionts. The genomes of the secondary symbionts also show signatures of long-term evolution as vertically transmitted, intracellular bacteria, including more extensive genome reduction than typically observed in facultative symbionts. Therefore, a history of co-evolution with secondary bacterial symbionts can partially explain the ongoing genome reduction in Carsonella. However, the absence of these secondary symbionts in other host lineages indicates that the relationships are dynamic and that other mechanisms, such as changes in host diet or functional coordination with the host genome, must also be at play.
Pubsub: An Efficient Publish/Subscribe System

Pubsub is a versatile, efficient, and scalable content-based publish/subscribe system. This paper describes the architecture of Pubsub together with some of its current capabilities. A version of Pubsub optimized for event processing was benchmarked against the publish/subscribe systems BE-Tree and Siena, which also are optimized for event processing. Although the run time performance of both BE-Tree and Pubsub is orders of magnitude better than that of Siena, BE-Tree is able to handle only a restricted class of predicates while Pubsub can handle most predicate types handled by Siena. On our tests, the speedup of the fastest version of Pubsub relative to Siena ranged from a low of 18 to a high of 1,703 and averaged 185. The speedup range relative to BE-Tree was up to 9.81 and averaged 2.37. Siena’s memory requirements are about a fourth of those of BE-Tree and Pubsub. The memory required by the most memory efficient of Pubsub ’s data structures was between 4 and 16 percent less that required by BE-Tree. With respect to data structure initialization, the three systems took a comparable amount of time on some data sets while on some Pubsub could be initialized in 1/7th time required to initialize Siena and 1/14th that to initialize BE-Tree. Pubsub achieves its high performance from the use of very efficient data structures and event matching algorithms.
Pullout properties of 3.5-mm AO/ASIF self-tapping and cortex screws in a uniform synthetic material and in canine bone.

OBJECTIVES--To compare the pullout properties of 3.5-mm AO/ASIF self-tapping screws (STS) to corresponding standard cortex screws (CS) in a uniform synthetic test material and in canine femoral bone. The influence of screw-insertion technique, test material, and test-material thickness were also assessed. STUDY DESIGN--In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION--Two independent studies: a uniform synthetic test material and paired femurs from mature dogs. METHODS-Mechanical testing was performed in accordance with standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials for determination of axial pullout strength of medical bone screws. Completely inserted STS, completely inserted CS, and incompletely inserted STS were tested in 3 groups of 10 test specimens each in 4.96-mm and 6.8-mm thick sheets of synthetic material. In the bone study, group 1 consisted of 24 completely inserted STS compared with 24 completely inserted CS, and group 2 consisted of 24 incompletely inserted STS versus 24 completely inserted CS. Comparisons were made between paired femurs at corresponding insertion sites. Pullout data were normalized, thereby eliminating the effect of test-material thickness on pullout properties. Mean values were compared using 2-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at P <.05. RESULTS--In both the 4.96-mm and 6.8-mm synthetic material, pullout testing of the completely inserted STS demonstrated significantly greater yield strength and ultimate strength than completely inserted CS. There was no significant difference between incompletely inserted STS and completely inserted STS. The 6.8-mm test material significantly increased yield strength and ultimate strength for all test groups compared with the 4.96-mm test material. In canine bone, there was no significant difference in yield strength of completely inserted STS and completely inserted CS. Yield strength of completely inserted STS and completely inserted CS were significantly greater than incompletely inserted STS. CONCLUSIONS--Pullout properties of completely inserted STS were significantly greater than corresponding CS in a uniform test material. In canine bone, the pullout strength of STS and CS were not different. Incomplete STS insertion resulted in an 18% reduction in holding power as compared with completely inserted CS and STS in canine bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE--The length of STS used in canine bone should be such that the cutting flutes extend beyond the trans cortex to maximize pullout strength.