cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subquadratic Algorithms for Succinct Stable Matching

We consider the stable matching problem when the preference lists are not given explicitly but are represented in a succinct way and ask whether the problem becomes computationally easier. We give subquadratic algorithms for finding a stable matching in special cases of two very natural succinct representations of the problem, the d-attribute and d-list models. We also give algorithms for verifying a stable matching in the same models. We further show that for $$d = \omega \log n$$ both finding and verifying a stable matching in the d-attribute model requires quadratic time assuming the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis. The d-attribute model is therefore as hard as the general case for large enough values of d.
On systolic mapping of multi-stage algorithms

The authors present a more general mapping problem called multi-stage systolic mapping which focuses on the computing algorithms containing more than one nested loop constructs to be executed sequentially. Since the emerged interface problem now becomes the dominant factor in performing the mapping, the authors argue that the adjacent stages should have matched interface to reduce the overhead. For this, the conditions of interface matching between two stage's mappings are established. A systematic method to derive the interface matched mapping is also presented. To improve the performance degradation due to the initial and final phases of computation in systolic computing, the inter-stage computation concurrency is explored by overlapping part of the computations in successive stages and thus effectively reduces the computation latency. With these results, the multi-stage systolic mapping tool (MSSM) is developed and several design examples are presented to illustrate the potential use of MSSM. >
Decomposition of convex polygonal morphological structuring elements into neighborhood subsets

A discussion is presented of the decomposition of convex polygon-shaped structuring elements into neighborhood subsets. Such decompositions will lead to efficient implementation of corresponding morphological operations on neighborhood-processing-based parallel image computers. It is proved that all convex polygons are decomposable. Efficient decomposition algorithms are developed for different machine structures. An O(1) time algorithm, with respect to the image size, is developed for the four-neighbor-connected mesh machines; a linear time algorithm for determining the optimal decomposition is provided for the machines that can quickly perform 3*3 morphological operations. >
Antidotes to anthrax lethal factor intoxication. Part 2: Structural modifications leading to improved in vivo efficacy

New anthrax lethal factor inhibitors (LFIs) were designed based upon previously identified potent inhibitors 1a and 2. Combining the new core structures with modifications to the C2-side chain yielded analogs with improved efficacy in the rat lethal toxin model.
A deformation tensor model for nonlinear rheology of FENE polymer solutions

A new closure model is developed for the nonlinear rheology of dilute solutions of finitely extensible nonlinear elastic polymer molecules. Unlike previous closure models, which rely on writing unknown higher-order moments of conformation distribution functions in terms of lower-order moments, this new deformation tensor model consists of a tractable approximation of the conformation distribution function and an evolution equation for the approximation in any flow. In order to fix the evolution equation in the closure approximation, the new model is required to yield the exact elongational viscosity of FENE dumbbells in steady uniaxial extensional flow. Thereafter, the model is tested in start-up of uniaxial extensional flow, and in start-up of shear flow. In all cases the new model exhibits reasonable dynamics in qualitative agreement with experiment. Indeed, the qualitative agreement of the transient behavior of the new model with experiment exceeds that of either the FENE model or the FENE-P closure in shear flow.
Neon branching ratios for intensity calibration of high-resolution spectra

Accurate sets of Ne I and II branching ratios have been derived allowing intensity calibration of high-resolution spectra. Current coverage is 2874 to 35,777 but could be extended ~2000 to 40,000 cm−1.
Making a Good Impression Peace Movement Press Release Styles and Newspaper Coverage

While many studies have investigated what social and political movement actions are covered by the mass media from a largely event-based media routine perspective and many studies have investigated what activists want to say, few studies have looked into the signaling process by which movements let media know when the movement has information it wishes to express. In particular, there has been little quantitative methodological research on the critical link that press releases provide between movements and media. Are movement press releases more likely to be covered by the news media when the press releases are of good quality? Using Israeli newspaper coverage of two Israeli peace movements and press releases by the two groups, the author tested the relevance of knowing the attributes of a press release independent of event-based information. After controlling for time, place, and manner information that can be derived from an event-based approach, information that can be derived either solely from press ...
Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis to Study Causal Order: Comment on Caren and Panofsky (2005)

Caren and Panofsky (2005) seek to advance qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) by demonstrating that it can be used to study causal conditions that occur in sequences and introduce a technique they call TQCA (temporal QCA). In their formulation, the causal conjuncture is a sequence of conditions or events. The authors applaud their effort and agree that it is important to address this aspect of causation. This comment clarifies and corrects aspects of their analysis and present methods for assessing temporality that are more amenable to truth table analysis and the use of existing software, fsQCA. The methods presented utilize codings that indicate event order in addition to codings that indicate whether specific events occurred. They also demonstrate how to use ``don't care'' codings to bypass consideration of event sequences when they are not relevant (e.g., as when only a single event occurs).
On the design of a diplexer having Butterworth characteristics

In a recent paper, V. Belevitch (see Int. J. Circuit Theory Appl., vol.15, no.1, p.51-60, 1987) discusses the design of a diplexer using filter pairs with Butterworth characteristics, where the separation of the desired frequency bands are accomplished by using filters connected either in parallel or in series. Instead of using complementary techniques to modify the ordinary filters, an analytical technique for the design of the diplexer is proposed. >
Nuclear magnetic resonance properties of gynecological tissues

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can distinguish malignant tissue from histologically negative tissue in cervix, myometrium, and ovary in a cancer-free host or a host with cancer in a different organ. In cervix and myometrium NMR can distinguish malignant from benign lesions. Cancer in the cervix elevates the NMR values in adjacent, histologically negative cervical tissue.
SU‐FF‐J‐04: A Method to Model 4D Organs for Monte Carlo Radiation Dosimetry

Purpose: The objective of this study is to construct a detailed 4D standard patient testbed for studying effects of organ motions on treatment planning. Method and Materials: Segmented Visible Human images, containing 80 organs and tissues defined in a 3D static model called VIP-Man, were combined with Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) and clinically obtained respiratory motion data to deform the surfaces of the lungs. Deformable image registration was performed to establish correct spatial definition of the organ boundaries. A lesion in the left lung was simulated. The 4D model containing 3D anatomical information for each of the eight simulated motion phases was then re-voxelized before being defined in the EGS Monte Carlo code. A hypothetical 3D static treatment plan for the lung lesion was considered in the Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Normalized doses to the lesion are plotted for each of the respiratory phases. It has been found that the lesion could be under-dosed by as much as 40% for different respiratory phases and for the irradiation conditions considered in this study. Although more analysis is underway, this study clearly demonstrates that the motion of the organs can be accurately modeled and implemented in the Monte Carlo code for 4D dose calculations. Conclusion: A partial-body 4D VIP-Man model has been developed using the NURBS and clinical respiratory data, and implemented into the EGS Monte Carlo code for dose calculations. The detailed anatomical information in this 4D model makes it a very convenient research tool to study radiation treatment planning and medical imaging involving moving organs and tissues. This study also identified issues to be further addressed for routine clinical research and applications. The procedures can be extended to patient specific models constructed, for example, from multi-slice CT data.
Clearance of prostaglandin F2α during circulatory shock

Abstract The rate of disappearance of total circulating radioactivity following an intravenous bolus injection of 3HPGF2α was determined during splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) shock in the dog. In addition, the pattern of PGF2α metabolite formation was assessed in both shocked and nonshocked animals. Although the clearance of circulating prostaglandin metabolites is significantly impaired during SAO shock as a result of decreased renal function, neither the pattern nor the time course of PGF2α metabolite formation appears to be altered. Thus, increases in circulating prostaglandin concentrations during SAO shock reflect an increase in the rate of de novo synthesis and release of these materials, and are not the result of decreased prostaglandin degradation.
Interleukin-2 lipid microspheres. II. In vitro and in Vivo assessment of a colloidal drug carrier containing interleukin-2

AbstractModifying the tissue distribution and disposition of intravenously administered interleukin-2 (IL2) is desirable for the reduction of its clinical toxicity. In this report, the feasibility of employing lipid microspheres (LMS) was studied for the delivery of IL2. The physical stability of IL2 LMS was monitored after initial preparation and on a monthly basis during storage at 4°C. Appearances and mean particle diameters of IL2 LMS preparations were independent of the type of copolymer surfactant used for emulsification and remained so during refrigerated storage. Retention of IL2 biologic activity after preparation as LMS was assessed in an IL2-dependent cellular bioassay and it was revealed that, in comparison to free IL2, LMS preparations displayed approximately fourfold lower bioactivities. From in vivo tissue distribution studies, total radioactivity recovery following administration of an 125I-IL2 solution was 31% compared to 50–84% for block copolymer stabilized 125I-IL2 LMS (P < 0.001), sug...
Variability of community metrics: Detecting changes in structure and function

Increased environmental realism in toxicity testing has been advocated to better predict ecological effects of toxic chemicals, and several aquatic microcosm bioassays have been developed that use both natural and synthetic organism assemblages. Additionally, greater emphasis is being placed on community changes as evidence of adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. The ability to infer structural or functional changes in stressed vs. unstressed communities is linked to statistical power that arises from the combination of experimental design and the underlying variability in chosen metrics. We evaluated several community response variables (metrics) in aquatic laboratory microcosm experiments and field studies to estimate metric variability. Variability of community metrics under laboratory conditions was similar to that observed in the field. Power curves were constructed to estimate the detectability of significant responses with different experimental designs. Using the median C. V. for each measured response, we estimated the minimum detectable distance for power of 0.8 (β = 0.2) and α = 0.05 for each response. Community metrics with C.V.s <30% allow detection of differences between means of 20 to 60%, using as few as three replicates. Structural metrics such as species richness and standing crop are expected to prove more useful in detecting community and ecosystem changes. Process rates are affected by material supplies that may not change under stress.
Low conductance gramicidin A channels are head-to-head dimers of beta 6.3-helices

Weakly conductive, atypical channels were observed to form from highly purified Val1-gramicidin A in planar lipid bilayer membranes. The structure of these low-conductance channels (minis) was investigated by a detailed study of their channel forming characteristics. The possibility that minis originate from primary structural analogs or degradation products of gramicidin was considered and ruled out. In particular, spontaneous conductance changes in single channels demonstrated that minis can derive directly and reversibly from "standard" channels having the most common conductance level. The fraction of channels which are minis does not vary with changes in membrane gramicidin concentration, indicating that mini and standard channels have the same molecularity, that is, both are dimers. The mean lifetime of mini channels is only slightly shorter than that of standard channels, indicating that the six hydrogen bonds that stabilize the head-to-head dimer are minimally affected in minis. The fraction of channels which are minis is unaffected by the ionic strength, ionic composition, or pH of the bathing solution; it is also unaffected by the lipid composition of the bilayer. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that minis arise from minor changes in the conformation of the Val1-gramicidin A molecule near the channel entrance or exit.
Influence of hydrostatic pressure on the yield strength of anisotropic polycarbonate

Abstract Tension and compression specimens of anisotropic (oriented) polycarbonate were subjected to hydrostatic pressures up to 552 MPa (80 ksi). The resulting yield behavior was compared with a yield criterion for use with pressure dependent and anisotropic solids. A promising correlation was found and attention is called to certain problems related to the measurement of tensile true stress-true strain behavior during typical hydrostatic pressure testing.
Distribution of chloride in a salt-saturated grout in contact with halite rock

Abstract Shear strength of a sodium chloride-saturated grout to rock salt suggested chemical bonding existed across the interface. Chemical analyses using SEM/EDX of various locations in the grout showed a significantly greater quantity of chloride near the interface than near the perimeter of specimens. The resultant concentration of chloride is at least partially controlled by the proximity of rock salt.
Single-Plane Magnetically Focused Elongated Small Field Proton Beams.

We previously performed Monte Carlo simulations of magnetically focused proton beams shaped by a single quadrapole magnet and thereby created narrow elongated beams with superior dose delivery characteristics (compared to collimated beams) suitable for targets of similar geometry. The present study seeks to experimentally validate these simulations using a focusing magnet consisting of 24 segments of samarium cobalt permanent magnetic material adhered into a hollow cylinder. Proton beams with properties relevant to clinical radiosurgery applications were delivered through the magnet to a water tank containing a diode detector or radiochromic film. Dose profiles were analyzed and compared with analogous Monte Carlo simulations. The focused beams produced elongated beam spots with high elliptical symmetry, indicative of magnet quality. Experimental data showed good agreement with simulations, affirming the utility of Monte Carlo simulations as a tool to model the inherent complexity of a magnetic focusing s...
Range from focus error

We derive theoretically and demonstrate experimentally an approach to range-from-focus with an important improvement over all previous methods. Previous methods rely on subjective measures of sharpness to focus a selected locale of the image. Our method uses measured physical features of the optical signal to generate an objective focus-error distance map. To compute range-from-focus-error distance it is not necessary to focus any part of the image: range is calculated directly from the lens formula by substituting the difference between the lens-to-sensor distance and the focus-error distance for the usual lens-to-image distance. Our method senses focus-error distance in parallel for all locales of the image, thus providing a complete range image. The method is based on our recognition that when an image sensor is driven in longitudinal oscillation ("dithered") the Fourier amplitude of the first harmonic component of the signal is proportional to the first power of the ratio of dither amplitude to focus-error distance, whereas the Fourier amplitude of the second harmonic component is proportional to the square of this ratio. The ratio of the first harmonic sin ot amplitude A1, to the second harmonic cos 2cot amplitude B2 is thus a constant (-4) multiple of the ratio of the focus-error distance to the dither amplitude. The focus-error distance measurement via the ratio of the first-to-second harmonic amplitudes is extremely robust in the sense that the scene's gray level structure, the spatial and temporal structure of the illumination, and technical noise sources (most of which affect the Fourier amplitudes multiplicatively) all appear identically in both amplitudes, thus cancelling in the ratio. Extracting the two Fourier amplitudes and taking their ratio could be accomplished, pixel-by-pixel, by some ambitious but not outrageous analog computing circuitry that we describe. We derive the method for a point scene model, and we demonstrate the method with apparatus that instantiates this modeL
Detection and profiling of tritium in solids

Abstract The threshold reaction T(p,n) can be used to detect and profile tritium in various materials. Of particular interest is the fate of tritium in tokamak limiter tiles. Results of profiling on test samples and on bumper limiter tile from TFTR are displayed. Limitations of the technique are quantified.
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza

(1990). Diego Hurtado de Mendoza. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 143-144.
Gas Turbine Information and Control System

A distributed microcomputer system is being developed so that eight gas turbine generators can communicate over simple serial “party” cables to computers located in a central control room. There, the Station Operator’s Console gives an operator full control over the turbines, while presenting status and annunciator information on two CRTs. Redundant microcomputers inside this console drive two “party” cables for improved reliability. These microcomputers interface through telemetry equipment to the system dispatch center 60 Km from the turbine site, completing a command sequence for eight turbines in 2.5 sec. When the system is not processing commands, it collects data for the maintenance minicomputer. Over 200 signals from each turbine generator are used to create a significant data base on dual disk drives. The maintenance computer generates several logs, condition analyses and plots to support diagnostic and maintenance messages.Copyright © 1980 by ASME
Oxygen exchange between NO gas and adsorbed atomic oxygen on Pt(335)

Abstract We have used temperature-programmed desorption with isotopically labeled gases to study O exchange between gas phase NO and adsorbed atomic O on Pt(335). We find two distinct types of adsorbed O, one of which exchanges at least 40 times faster than the other, at room temperature. Based on their relative concentrations, we tentatively identify the more active species as O at the step edge and the less active one as O at terrace sites. The temperature dependence of the faster exchange rate implies two parallel reaction pathways. Above 240 K, the exchange rate increases with temperature with an apparent activation energy of 3.8 kcal mol −1 . At lower temperatures the exchange rate is nearly temperature-independent, with an apparent activation energy near zero but a very low pre-exponential factor. These results are interpreted in terms of a competition between oxygen exchange and NO desorption. The low-temperature process probably requires special sites or adsorbate configurations. The room temperature exchange rates of O 2 gas with preadsorbed atomic O, and with NO at edge sites, are more than 100 times slower than for NO gas and adsorbed O.
Homogeneous Random Measures and Strongly Supermedian Kernels of a Markov Process

The potential kernel of a positive left additive functional (of a strong Markov process $X$) maps positive functions to strongly supermedian functions and satisfies a variant of the classical domination principle of potential theory. Such a kernel $V$ is called a regular strongly supermedian kernel in recent work of L. Beznea and N. Boboc. We establish the converse: Every regular strongly supermedian kernel $V$ is the potential kernel of a random measure homogeneous on $[0,\infty[$. Under additional finiteness conditions such random measures give rise to left additive functionals. We investigate such random measures, their potential kernels, and their associated characteristic measures. Given a left additive functional $A$ (not necessarily continuous), we give an explicit construction of a simple Markov process $Z$ whose resolvent has initial kernel equal to the potential kernel $U_{\!A}$. The theory we develop is the probabilistic counterpart of the work of Beznea and Boboc. Our main tool is the Kuznetsov process associated with $X$ and a given excessive measure $m$.
Simulating elliptic flow with viscous hydrodynamics

In this work we simulate a viscous hydrodynamical model of noncentral Au-Au collisions in 2+1 dimensions, assuming longitudinal boost invariance. The model fluid equations were proposed by Oettinger and Grmela [Grmela, M., and Oettinger, H. C., Phys. Rev. E, 56, 6620 (1997)]. Freeze-out is signaled when the viscous corrections become large relative to the ideal terms. Then viscous corrections to the transverse momentum and differential elliptic flow spectra are calculated. When viscous corrections to the thermal distribution function are not included, the effects of viscosity on elliptic flow are modest. However, when these corrections are included, the elliptic flow is strongly modified at large p{sub T}. We also investigate the stability of the viscous results by comparing the nonideal components of the stress tensor ({pi}{sup ij}) and their influence on the v{sub 2} spectrum to the expectation of the Navier-Stokes equations ({pi}{sup ij}=-{eta} ). We argue that when the stress tensor deviates from the Navier-Stokes form the dissipative corrections to spectra are too large for a hydrodynamic description to be reliable. For typical Relativistic Heavy Ion Colloder initial conditions this happens for {eta}/s > or approx. 0.3.
Dust emission from IRC+10216

Infrared emission from the dust shell around IRC+10216 is analysed in detail, employing a self-consistent model for radiatively driven winds around late-type stars that couples the equations of motion and radiative transfer in the dust. The resulting model provides agreement with the wealth of available data, including the spectral energy distribution in the range 0.5--1000 \mic, and visibility and array observations. Previous conclusions about two dust shells, derived from modelling the data with a few single-temperature components of different radii, are not supported by our results. The extended, continuous temperature and density distributions derived from our model obviate the need for such discrete shells. The IR properties vary with the stellar phase, reflecting changes in both the dust condensation radius $r_1$ and the overall optical depth $\tau$ -- as the luminosity increases from minimum to maximum, $r_1$ increases while $\tau$ decreases. We find that the angular size of the dust condensation zone varies from 0.3 arcsec at minimum light to 0.5 arcsec at maximum. The shortage of flux at short wavelengths encountered in previous studies is resolved by employing a grain size distribution that includes grains larger than \about\ 0.1 \mic, required also for the visibility fits. This distribution is in agreement with the one recently proposed by Jura in a study that probed the outer regions of the envelope. Since our constraints on the size distribution mostly reflect the envelope's inner regions, the agreement of these independent studies is evidence against significant changes in grain sizes through effects like sputtering or grain growth after the initial formation at the dust condensation zone.
Effects of immunocontraception on behavior in fallow deer (Dama dama)

Immunocontraceptives can control growth in wild and captive populations; however, in doing so, they should not disrupt species-typical behavior patterns. The presence of treated females could disrupt social interactions in a population; yet, few studies have examined effects of immunocontraception on behavior. The goal of this project was to determine whether behavior in a fallow deer (Dama dama) population vaccinated with porcine anti-zona pellucida (pZP)-immunocontraceptives differed from behavior in a population of unvaccinated deer. We predicted that pZP-treated females would spend a higher percentage of time exhibiting mating and dominance behavior than nontreated females, and that males interacting with pZP-treated females would spend a higher percentage of time demonstrating mating and aggressive behavior than males interacting with nontreated females. We recorded activity budgets of males and females in two fallow deer populations, one pZP-treated and the other untreated, before, during, and after rut. Females did not differ in time spent displaying mating or dominance behavior compared to nontreated females. Males coexisting with nontreated females spent more time exhibiting aggressive behavior during rut than males living with pZP-treated females, but males did not differ in time spent in mating behavior. Thus, immunocontraception did not seem to affect behavior adversely. However, sample sizes, living conditions, and sex ratios may have affected the results. Given these limitations, future research is needed to confirm our findings. Zoo Biol 27:49-61, 2008. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Rare presentation of primary (AL) amyloidosis as gastrointestinal hemorrhage without systemic involvement

We are reporting a rare case of a patient with primary (AL) amyloidosis presenting with an acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the absence of other systemic involvement. The case report involves a 58-year-old woman with significant cardiac history and hereditary blood disorder who came in complaining of abdominal pain and coffee-ground emesis for two days. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast revealed segmental wall thickening of the proximal jejunum with hyperdense, heterogenous luminal content. Similar findings were evident in the left lower small bowel region, suspicious for small bowel hematoma and the possibility of intraluminal clots. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed post resuscitation showed punctate, erythematous lesions throughout the stomach as well as regions of small bowel mucosa that appeared scalloped, ulcerated, and hemorrhaged on contact. Despite initial treatment for immunostain-positive focal cytomegalovirus gastritis, follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy after two months continued to demonstrate friable and irregular duodenal mucosa hinting at a different underlying etiology. Pathology reports from analyses of biopsy samples highlighted infiltration and expansion of the lamina propria and submucosa. Subsequent staining with congo red/crystal violet and appropriate subtyping established the diagnosis of AL (kappa)-type amyloidosis. The significance of this case lies in the fact that our patient did not have the typically seen diagnostic systemic involvements-namely of heart and kidneys-usually seen in primary (AL) amyloidosis patients. It was the persistent endoscopic findings and biopsy results which gave clues to the physicians regarding the possibility of an abnormal protein-deposition entity.
Perceived similarity of mothers and their early adolescent daughters and relationship to behavior

The relationship between mothers' and their early adolescent daughters' self-concepts and the possible relationship to behavior is discussed in the literature review. In an exploratory study of 36 mother-daughter pairs, the mothers' self-concepts were moderately correlated (.37) and predicted their daughters' self-concepts on three of four factors (R=.43) but did not predict their behavior. There was a tendency for the daughter groups' maladaptive behaviors to increase as their self-concept scores decreased.
Time- and state-dependent effects of methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium (MTSEA) exposure differ between heart and skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na(+) channels.

Abstract The substituted-cysteine scanning method (SCAM) is used to study conformational changes in proteins. Experiments using SCAM involve site-directed mutagenesis to replace native amino acids with cysteine and subsequent exposure to a methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagent such as methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium (MTSEA). These reagents react with substituted-cysteines and can provide functional information about relative positions of amino acids within a protein. In the human heart voltage-gated Na+ channel hNav1.5 there is a native cysteine at position C373 that reacts rapidly with MTS reagents resulting in a large reduction in whole-cell Na+ current (INa). Therefore, in order to use SCAM in studies in this isoform, this native cysteine is mutated to a non-reactive residue, e.g., tyrosine. This mutant, hNav1.5-C373Y, is resistant to the MTS-mediated decrease in INa. Here we show that this resistance is time- and state-dependent. With relatively short exposure times to MTSEA (
Do the Poor Deserve Less Than Surfers? An Essay for the Special Issue on Vulnerable Consumers

In his seminal work on an unconditional basic income for each citizen, Philippe Van Parijs provides a new paradigm to facilitate a discussion on the morality (or lack there of) inherent within our ...
Inhibition of leishmanias but not host macrophages by the antitubulin herbicide trifluralin

The dinitroaniline herbicide trifluralin (alpha, alpha, alpha-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N, N-dipropyl-p-toluidine), at micromolar concentrations, selectively inhibited both proliferation and differentiation of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania mexicana amazonensis. In vitro, radioactive trifluralin showed specific binding to leishmania tubulin but not to mammalian tubulin. Because herbicides such as trifluralin are economical and are considered safe for man and domesticated animals, they may serve as useful sources of potential antiparasitic agents.
Myogenin regulates exercise capacity and skeletal muscle metabolism in the adult mouse

Although skeletal muscle metabolism is a well-studied physiological process, little is known about how it is regulated at the transcriptional level. The myogenic transcription factor myogenin is required for skeletal muscle development during embryonic and fetal life, but myogenin's role in adult skeletal muscle is unclear. We sought to determine myogenin's function in adult muscle metabolism. A Myog conditional allele and Cre-ER transgene were used to delete Myog in adult mice. Mice were analyzed for exercise capacity by involuntary treadmill running. To assess oxidative and glycolytic metabolism, we performed indirect calorimetry, monitored blood glucose and lactate levels, and performed histochemical analyses on muscle fibers. Surprisingly, we found that Myog-deleted mice performed significantly better than controls in high- and low-intensity treadmill running. This enhanced exercise capacity was due to more efficient oxidative metabolism during low- and high-intensity exercise and more efficient glycolytic metabolism during high-intensity exercise. Furthermore, Myog-deleted mice had an enhanced response to long-term voluntary exercise training on running wheels. We identified several candidate genes whose expression was altered in exercise-stressed muscle of mice lacking myogenin. The results suggest that myogenin plays a critical role as a high-level transcriptional regulator to control the energy balance between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in adult skeletal muscle.
Reflections on Individual Psychotherapy with University Students: What Seems to Work

The authors offer reflections on what seems to work in individual psychotherapy with university students. Discussion centers around the topics of triage and disposition, referral, crisis intervention, stress management, open-ended psychotherapy, extratherapeutic factors, and the psychotherapy relationship. These observations are not intended to be a comprehensive review; rather, the effort is to stimulate interest and dialogue on this important subject. The authors draw on their experience in working in a university counseling service, psychotherapy research literature, and what has been learned from students served.
Attenuating hue identification and color estimation for underpainting reconstruction from x-ray synchrotron imaging data

This paper discusses two new developments in methods for virtually reconstructing paintings that have been painted over from Xray synchrotron imaging data of their canvases. First, Xray synchrotron data often contains areas of information loss, in which signal from underlayers was unable to penetrate particularly thick or Xray- absorbent surface features. We present a new method for automatically identifying these areas so that they may be inpainted. Second, we present preliminary results in which we reconstruct the colors of the underpainting directly from the Xray synchrotron imaging data. This is to our knowledge the rst attempt at accurate color reconstruction from this type of data.
Nucleoside and deoxynucleoside phosphorylation in formamide solutions

Nucleosides or deoxynucleosides were converted to a number of phosphorylated nucleotide and deoxynucleotide derivatives by ammonium or alkali dihydrogen phosphates in formamide. Conversions were smaller and slower at room temperature and greater and faster at elevated temperatures. Nucleotides afforded product mixtures similar to those obtained for nucleosides under the same conditions, indicating the occurrence of transphosphorylation processes. Products of reaction at elevated temperatures were cyclic nucleotides, nucleoside monophosphates, nucleoside diphosphates and cyclic nucleotide phosphates. The relative amounts of products formed were quite temperature dependent. Cyclic nucleotides were found to be in greatest abudance for reactions run at 125° or above. Relative yields of 2′, 3′ and 5′ nucleotides and 3′ and 5′ deoxynucleotides from several experiments are reported. 5′-Monophosphates were generally found to be present in larger quantities than 2′ or 3′ monophosphates. 2′-Deoxyadenosine showed a preference for phosphorylation at the 3′ position. Conclusions reached from mechanistic studies are that the phosphorylations are a series of equilibrium reactions, with cyclic nucleotides being formed irreversibly.
SU-E-T-516: Evaluation of the Effects of Total Lung Volume, Age, and Body Mass Index on Breath-Hold Level for Left Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: To determine if abdominal height displacement between free‐ breathing and breath‐hold correlates with change in total lung volume (TLV). Correlation between abdominal height during breath‐hold versus patient age and body mass index (BMI) was also investigated. Methods: The study involved 35 patients, each with free‐breathing and breath‐hold CT scans. The RPM System (Varian Oncology Systems, Palo Alto, Ca) was used to measure abdominal height. Abdominal height displacement was defined as the distance from end of normal inspiration to the average breath‐ hold level during simulation. Breathing data for each patient was exported from the RPM system and analyzed. Free‐breathing and breath‐hold scans were fused by matching the field borders, scar, excision cavity, and left breast skin. One physician performed all contouring and imagefusions. TLV was calculated by the planning system. Box displacement was plotted against change in TLV, patient age, and BMI. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for each comparison. Results: An r‐value of 0.59 was calculated for TLV versus breath‐hold level. The relationship showed larger TLV changes with greater abdominal height displacement. Comparing box displacement against all ages the r‐value was 0.48. Separating by age, patients 70 years and older had an r‐value of 0.91 with box displacement decreasing with age. For the remaining age groups (30–49, 50–59, and 60– 69), r‐values were 0.30, 0.33, and 0.07, respectively. For BMI, the r‐value was 0.35. Conclusions: The data in this investigation was plotted between patients, therefore only inter‐patient trends can be described. Younger patients generally achieve deeper breath‐holds as measured by abdominal motion than older patients. It can be concluded that abdominal height carries a moderate predictive value for change in TLV for patients under age 70, regardless of BMI. However, a strong correlation exists for patients over age 70.
Leisure externalities: Implications for growth and welfare

Abstract This paper develops a neoclassical growth model with leisure externalities. Ignoring positive (negative) leisure externalities leads to equilibrium consumption, labor and capital that are too high (low) and leisure that is too low (high). The government should tax (subsidize) labor income according to whether the leisure externality is positive or negative. The level of this tax (subsidy) depends on the elasticity of individual and average leisure and the consumption tax. Equilibrium dynamics are characterized, and two shocks to the economy are analyzed – an increase in the growth rate of labor productivity, and an increase in the tax on labor income – by simulating a calibrated economy. Adjustment processes of key variables in a competitive and centrally planned economy with and without leisure externalities are also compared.
Massive air embolism complicating Nd-YAG laser endobronchial photoresection.

A 63 year old male underwent 6,900 rads of external radiation for a squamous cell carcinoma of the left main bronchus. Recurrence of the tumor 8 months later was treated with 6,618 joules and patency of the left main bronchus was restored. Four months later, he developed complete atelectasis of the left lung requiring repeat laser. During the procedure he became hypotensive, bradycardic, and hypoxic due to a tension pneumothorax. Although treated promptly with thoracostomy tube drainage, the patient never awakened. CT scan of the brain demonstrated anoxic encephalopathy with air present in the right frontal lobe. Brain death was confirmed by an EEG and cerebral angiogram. Air embolism has been reported in conjuction with diagnostic procedures including therapeutic pneumothorax for tuberculosis, transthoracic needle biopsy of the lung, and positive pressure ventilation with or without pneumothorax. The only reported case of air embolism associated with laser was a small middle cerebral artery cerebrovascular accident which was self limited. Its mechanism is unclear, but it is suspected to be due to a communication between a pulmonary vein and the atmosphere. A greater volume of air will enter the damaged vessel in the setting of positive pressure ventilation and/or a tension pneumothorax. When neurologic manifestations are present, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of choice. Prompt institution in hemodynamically stable patients can minimize neurologic sequelae. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The isotopic composition of strontium in surface water from the North Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The isotopic composition of strontium in surface water from ten localities in the North Atlantic Ocean has been determined. The results support the conclusion that the Sr 87 Sr 86 ratio of the ten samples is constant within experimental errors. Eight of the ten samples came from the western half of the North Atlantic from the Bahamas to the Northumberland Straits of Nova Scotia. Two samples originated from the vicinity of the West African coast. The mean SrSr 87 Sr 86 ratio is 0.7093 ± 0.0005 (σ), relative to Sr 86 Sr 88 = 0.1194 . This value is in agreement with determinations of most previous analysts. A model is proposed which describes the isotopic composition of strontium in the oceans as a mixture of three isotopic varieties of strontium originating as weathering products of three types of rocks on the continents and in the ocean basins.
Stress at the Solid−Liquid Interface of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold Investigated with a Nanomechanical Sensor

The interfacial stress of self-assembled monolayers on Au exposed to buffers of various pH values and ionic strengths is measured as a function of the liquid environment. The method uses two thiol-modified Au-covered silicon cantilevers and a differential method to compensate for thermal and refractive index changes of the liquid environment. Increasing pH and ionic strength leads to a bending, i.e., a compressive stress, of a mercaptohexadecanoic acid-covered cantilever compared to a hexadecanethiol-covered reference cantilever. In addition, the interfacial stress is found to be highly dependent on the surface density of the ionizeable mercaptohexadecanoic acid molecules when they are coadsorbed with hexadecanethiols on Au.
Mortality of Immature Stages of the Navel Orangeworm Stored at 3.5°C

When immature stages of Amyelois transitella (Walker) were exposed to 3.5°C for 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, or 28 days, the time to 50 and 95% mortality was determined. Mature larvae and pupae proved to be more tolerant to cold; eggs and young larvae were more susceptible. The most tolerant stage tested was the pupa at 28 days from oviposition, with LT50 and LT95 values of 11 and 21 days, respectively. However, cold storage at 3.5°C for 28 days resulted in 100% mortality of all stages and is a promising method for controlling navel orangeworms if the infested commodity is stored 28 days or more after reaching 3.5°.
Operative times, postanesthesia recovery times, and complications during sinonasal surgery using general anesthesia and local anesthesia with sedation.

Abstract Objective: The goal was to compare complication rates and recovery times in patients undergoing elective septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery using local anesthesia with sedation (LAS) versus general anesthesia (GA). Methods And Patients: A retrospective chart review of a consecutive sample of 177 patients undergoing elective septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery between July 1, 1994, and June 30, 1996, was carried out at our university-based outpatient surgery unit. Outcome measures included total operative time, surgical time, recovery time, and perioperative complications. Results: Total operative and recovery times were shorter in patients undergoing LAS. The frequency of emesis, epistaxis, and nausea were less in the LAS population than in the GA population. Three patients who underwent GA required unplanned admissions. Conclusion: This study suggests that in selected patients undergoing sinonasal surgery, LAS may result in shorter total operative times, shorter recovery times, and less frequent nausea, emesis, and epistaxis than GA. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:560-6.)
Group B Streptococcus Exposure and Self-Limited Respiratory Distress in Late Preterm and Term Neonates

Background: Self-limited respiratory distress is a common neonatal respiratory morbidity for which effective treatments are lacking. Supportive care with non-invasive respiratory support is the norm. Animal models suggest that intrapartum exposure to group B Streptococcus (GBS) may cause mild pulmonary hypertension in the neonate, resulting in self-resolving respiratory distress. Treatments for pulmonary hypertension are currently not provided to neonates with self-limited respiratory distress empirically. Objectives: This study examines the hypothesis that the incidence and severity of self-limited respiratory distress are altered by intrapartum exposure to GBS and antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) in a human population. Methods: This is a 10-year single-center cohort study of retrospective data of late preterm and term neonates diagnosed with self-limited respiratory distress. Multiple logistic models were fitted to examine associations between exposure to GBS and IAP, and markers of self-limited respiratory distress severity. Additional linear regression models were fitted to examine the association between exposure to GBS and IAP, and duration of respiratory support for self-limited respiratory distress. Finally, crude and gestational age-adjusted incidence of self-limited respiratory distress among GBS-exposed and -unexposed infants, as well as the odds of self-limited respiratory distress based on GBS exposure were calculated. Results: 584 neonates met study criteria. Neither GBS exposure nor IAP exposure was associated with severity of self-limited respiratory distress in multiple models. Crude and adjusted incidence of self-limited respiratory distress among neonates did not differ by GBS exposure history. Conclusions: Although animal studies indicate that GBS-mediated pulmonary hypertension may contribute to self-limited respiratory distress, neither exposure to GBS nor IAP was associated with an increased severity or incidence of self-limited respiratory distress in our human study population. Treatments for pulmonary hypertension are unlikely to speed symptom resolution for patients with self-limited respiratory distress.
Nature of Layer-by-Layer Freezing in Free-Standing 4O.8 Films.

Electron diffraction has been conducted in thin free-standing films of $N$-(4-n-butoxybenzylidene)-4-n-octylaniline (4O.8). The surface smectic-A layers first exhibit a transition to the hexatic-B phase at a temperature where a strong heat-capacity anomaly has been observed, and then undergo a second transition to the crystal-B phase. The surface hexatic-B--crystal-B transition is not accompanied by any detectable thermal signature, but coincides with the onset of shear response. This smectic-A--hexatic-B--crystal-B transition sequence is then repeated in the interior of the films in a novel layer-by-layer manner.