cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histone H2A.F/Z subfamily: the smallest member and the signature sequence

The nucleotide sequence of a 700 basepair cDNA obtained from rabbit bladder was determined. It encodes a 123 amino acid protein, which is the smallest member of histone H2A.F/Z subfamily. The known H2A.F/Z variants are highly conserved in their central core regions of about 100 amino acids but more divergent in their N- and C-terminal ends. In addition to the seven amino acid signature sequence previously known for the H2A proteins, all the cloned H2A.F/Z variants contain an identical peptide sequence, L-E-Y-L-T-A-E-V-L-E-L-A-G-N-A. This 15 amino acid motif is proposed here as the signature sequence to identify new members of the H2A.F/Z subfamily.
ECO-ENGINEERING-THE CHALLENGE OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT1

It is presumed that the present environmental thrust is not a wholly transitory fad; that there will be a residual impact on American society which will demand greater consideration in the future of ecological and environmental values by resource developers and public works agencies. An example is cited to show the validity of the environmental thrust and the severe consequences of ignoring it under the present emphasis on this aspect of resource development. An attempt is made to understand some of the reasons for the dramatic change in public attitude toward the environment and opposition to projects of apparent benefit to society. It is suggested that basic changes in philosophy and concept will be necessary in the field of resource development. Some broad ecological and developmental guidelines are provided in the interest of implementing environmental considerations. Finally, those involved in resource development and public works are challenged to accept the concept of eco-engineering; a concept combining the competing elements of resource development and conservation.
Trajectories of Peer Social Influences as Long-term Predictors of Drug Use from Early Through Late Adolescence

The present study analyzed the long-term effects of perceived friend use and perceived peer use on adolescents’ own cigarette, alcohol and marijuana use as a series of parallel growth curves that were estimated in two developmental pieces, representing middle and high school (N = 1,040). Data were drawn from a large drug abuse prevention trial, the Midwestern Prevention Project (MPP). Results showed that both perceived peer and friend cigarette use predicted own cigarette use within and across the adolescent years. For own alcohol and marijuana use, peer and friend influences were limited primarily to middle school. The findings suggest that strategies for counteracting peer and friend influences should receive early emphasis in prevention programs that are targeted to middle school. The findings also raise the question of whether cigarette use may represent a symbol of peer group identity that is unlike other drug use, and once formed, may have lasting adverse effects through the adolescent years.
MUHLENBERGIA ALOPECUROIDES (POACEAE: MUHLENBERGIINAE), A NEW COMBINATION

ABSTRACT A new combination, Muhlenbergia alopecuroides (Griseb.) P. M. Peterson & Columbus, is made based on published and ongoing molecular phylogenetic studies.
Random Response Analysis of Vibration Transfer Path Systems with Translational and Rotational Motions

This paper based on the generalized probabilistic perturbation finite element method solves the random response analysis problem of vibration transfer path systems with translational and rotational motions. The effective random response analysis approaches are achieved using Kronecker algebra, matrix calculus, generalized second moment technique of vector-valued functions and matrix-valued functions. For the vibration transfer path system with multi-dimensional paths, the random response is described correctly and expressly in time domain as uncertain factors, which include mass, damping, stiffness and position, are considered. The mathematical expressions of the first order and second order moments for the random vibration response of vibration transfer path are obtained. According to the corresponding numerical example, the results of calculation are consistent with the results of Monte-Carlo simulation, which shows the method is feasible theoretically.
Optically Triggered Q-Switched Photonic Crystal Laser

An optically triggered liquid crystal infiltrated Q-switched photonic crystal laser is demonstrated. A photonic crystal laser cavity was designed and fabricated to support two orthogonally polarized high-Q cavity modes after liquid crystal infiltration. By controlling the liquid crystal orientation via a layer of photoaddressable polymer and a writing laser, the photonic crystal lasing mode can be reversibly switched between the two modes which also switches the laser’s emission polarization and wavelength. The creation of the Q-switched laser demonstrates the benefits of customizing photonic crystal cavities to maximally synergize with an infiltrated material and illustrates the potential of integrating semiconductor nanophotonics with optical materials.
Subsets of Spiny Striosomal Striatal Neurons Revealed in the Gad1-GFP BAC Transgenic Mouse.

Objective To characterize GFP-expressing cells in the striatum of Cb6-Tg(Gad1-EGFP)G42Zjh/J mice, in which the Gad1 (also referred to as GAD67) promoter drives GFP expression (Gad1-GFP mouse).
Leptin–cytokine crosstalk in breast cancer

Despite accumulating evidence suggesting a positive correlation between leptin levels, obesity, post-menopause and breast cancer incidence, our current knowledge on the mechanisms involved in these relationships is still incomplete. Since the cloning of leptin in 1994 and its receptor (OB-R) 1 year later by Friedman's laboratory (Zhang et al., 1994) and Tartaglia et al. (Tartaglia et al., 1995), respectively, more than 22,000 papers related to leptin functions in several biological systems have been published (Pubmed, 2012). The ob gene product, leptin, is an important circulating signal for the regulation of body weight. Additionally, leptin plays critical roles in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, reproduction, growth and the immune response. Supporting evidence for leptin roles in cancer has been shown in more than 1000 published papers, with almost 300 papers related to breast cancer (Pubmed, 2012). Specific leptin-induced signaling pathways are involved in the increased levels of inflammatory, mitogenic and pro-angiogenic factors in breast cancer. In obesity, a mild inflammatory condition, deregulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and leptin from adipose tissue, inflammatory and cancer cells could contribute to the onset and progression of cancer. We used an in silico software program, Pathway Studio 9, and found 4587 references citing these various interactions. Functional crosstalk between leptin, IL-1 and Notch signaling (NILCO) found in breast cancer cells could represent the integration of developmental, proinflammatory and pro-angiogenic signals critical for leptin-induced breast cancer cell proliferation/migration, tumor angiogenesis and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Remarkably, the inhibition of leptin signaling via leptin peptide receptor antagonists (LPrAs) significantly reduced the establishment and growth of syngeneic, xenograft and carcinogen-induced breast cancer and, simultaneously decreased the levels of VEGF/VEGFR2, IL-1 and Notch. Inhibition of leptin-cytokine crosstalk might serve as a preventative or adjuvant measure to target breast cancer, particularly in obese women. This review is intended to present an update analysis of leptin actions in breast cancer, highlighting its crosstalk to inflammatory cytokines and growth factors essential for tumor development, angiogenesis and potential role in BCSC.
Another major change in the radio source associated with Cyg X-1

THE sudden appearance1,2 of a faint radio source inside the probable position region for the X-ray source Cyg X-1 was associated with major changes in the X-ray emission observed3 during the period February–May 1971. This coincidence established a probable association with the X-ray source. The accurate position of the radio source led to an identification2,4 with the bright, blue star HDE226868. Subsequent optical investigations have established5,6 this object to be a binary system with a massive, invisible component that may be a black hole.
Use of PC-SAFT for Global Phase Diagrams in Binary Mixtures Relevant to Natural Gases. 2. n-Alkane + Other Hydrocarbons

This work continues the systematic study of global phase diagrams in binary systems relevant for the description of natural gases using the perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) equation of state (EOS). Reservoirs frequently contain non-hydrocarbon compounds such as CO2, N2, or H2S that have strong effects upon the thermodynamic properties of natural gases. Thus, we study the behavior of their binary mixtures with n-alkanes over wide pressure and temperature ranges to get a deeper insight into the intermolecular pair interactions reflected in the phase behavior of the mixtures. These systems show complex patterns within the van Konynenburg classification, and the theoretical model accurately reproduces them. In the case of H2S containing mixtures (H2S is a compound that has autoassociation hydrogen-bonding ability), we analyze several association models to obtain the most reliable approach by comparing the predicted association degree of H2S to available experimental data. A concl...
Dilution of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase and other factors affecting the frequency of 6-thioguanine resistance in Chinese hamster lung cells.

Abstract Factors influencing the frequency of thioguanine resistant mutations were examined in Chinese hamster lung cells damaged with a carcinogen, N -acetoxy-2-acetyl aminofluorene. Factors such as inoculum density, expression time, and concentration of selective agent were found to have a profound effect on the mutation frequency. Over a range of doses, a longer expression time is required for mutant cells from a more damaged population to reach their maximum frequency. In order to investigate the elements involved in this phenomenon, the increment in the plating efficiency of treated cells as a function of expression time, spontaneous mutation rate per cell per generation, viability of mutant as well as wild type cells, and half life of HGPRTase were evaluated. There was an observed relationship between induced mutation frequency and plating efficiency of treated cells. When treated cells had recovered from effects of the treatment and arrived at the normal level of plating efficiency, they also yielded the maximum frequency of mutations. The estimated mutation rate was 5.5 × 10 −8 per cell per generation. This number is too small to account for the increment in mutation frequency with the increase in the expression time. The mutation frequency of spontaneous origin was 4 × 10 −6 and that of induction of 10 −5 M NA-AAF was 10 −4 . Lower growth rates of mutant cells cannot explain this increase in the number of mutants recovered, either. Continuous diminution in the level of HGPRTase, at 35% daily, interpreted as an important factor responsible for the recovery of mutation frequency during expression time, was observed in non-dividing cells. None of a large number of mutants sampled from those isolated had HGRPT activity. This indicates that they are true mutants and are not a result of phenocopy. Only cells completely deficient in HGPRT activity are recovered in TG selection medium. It is suggested, therefore, that this cell line is suitable for mutagenicity testing in the induction of mutation at the HGPRT locus.
Non-lethal ballistic system with point accuracy for facility and border security

Few non-lethal systems are point accurate beyond 30 meters and also small, lightweight, and logistically simple to maintain in the field. Inaccuracy is principally due to the use of smooth bore launchers and aerodynamically unstable projectiles. Moreover, smokeless powder munitions require the use of manually operated weapons, which result in low rates of fire. To achieve higher rates of fire, pneumatic systems have been developed. However, their use is complicated as they require electric, gas, or diesel powered air compressors to refill the empty air bottles generated from use, or the storage and distribution of pre-filled bottles of gas. The weapon systems described here solve these problems. They use a novel solid propellant propulsion system to fire projectiles from rifled barrels. The design of the propulsion system results in far greater accuracy than the current state-of-the-art, consistent terminal effects, and enables semi automatic fires from a mechanically simple and lightweight launcher.
Measurements of the Combustion Time Lag in a Liquid Bipropellant Rocket Motor

Current theories concerning combustion instability in rocket motors involve the concept of a time delay between the instant of injection of a propellant element into the combustion chamber and its final evolution into hot gases. In order to apply these theories to actual design problems, it is first necessary to determine experimentally the time lag and several associated parameters for each class of propellants and chamber configurations. These measurements are now being made on a bipropellant chamber at Princeton as the second phase of a program whose ultimate objective is to provide the information necessary to direct the design 01 development of rocket engines toward suppression of high-frequency combustion instability. The introductoiy phase of this program, described in Ref. (2), dealt with the development of an experimental technique and instrumentation capable of providing the necessary data. The current paper presents some preliminary results of the second phase, in which these techniques have been used to determine the combustion chamber transfer function of a particular bipropellant configuration and the deduction therefrom of the time lag and related parameters. A brief recapitulation of the conceptual background is given, together with the methods used to obtain the desired measurements. Some of the limitations of these deduced results are discussed, and current methods for reducing the limitations are described.
173 COMPARISON OF FERTILIZATION RATES OF EQUINE OOCYTES USING IN VITRO FERTILIZATION, PERIVITELLINE AND INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTIONS

In vitro fertilization in horses has had limited and inconsistent success for oocytes matured in vivo or in vitro. However, oocytes transferred to the oviducts of inseminated recipient mares are consistently fertilized and result in normal embryo development. Potentially, equine sperm are unable to penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP) in vitro, which could be a result of failure of capacitation or hyperactivation. We hypothesised that ZP of equine oocytes impairs fertilization in vitro and bypassing the ZP would be beneficial for fertilization rates. Oocytes were retrieved using transvaginal follicle aspirations from oestrous mares 22 to 24 h after administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (deslorelin, 1.1 mg). After culture for 20 h in TCM-199 with Earle's salts and 10% FCS, oocytes were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 1) IVF, equine (n = 9) and bovine (n = 80) cumulus–oocyte complexes co-incubated with sperm; 2) PVI, sperm injections into the perivitelline space of equine (n = 13) and bovine (n = 11) oocytes; and 3) ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injections of equine oocytes (n = 13). Fresh sperm from 2 stallions was used. For IVF, sperm were treated with 20 μM dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (PC12) to induce capacitation but not the acrosome reaction; sperm for PVI and ICSI were treated with 40 μM PC12 to capacitate and acrosome-reacted sperm. For IVF, each equine oocyte was co-incubated with 8 to 11 bovine oocytes and 250 000 sperm in fertilization media (De La Torre-Sanchez et al. 2006 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 597–607) for 18 h. For PVI, 10 to 15 sperm were injected into the perivitelline space of each equine and bovine oocyte and for ICSI, 1 sperm was injected into the cytoplasm of each equine oocyte. Oocytes were then placed in embryo culture medium (DMEM-F12 and 10% FCS) for 24 h before examination for cleavage. Cleavage rates for each group were compared using chi-square analysis. After IVF or PVI, no equine oocytes cleaved; in comparison, 11 of 13 (85%) cleaved in the ICSI group. However, of the bovine oocytes, 10 of 80 (12%) cleaved after IVF and 1 of 11 (9%) cleaved after PVI with equine sperm. An additional 6 PVI injections with equine (n = 6) oocytes and sperm were stained with Hoechst 33324 to determine sperm localization within the oocytes. All injected sperm remained in the perivitelline space and did not appear to fuse with the oolemma or enter the ooplasm. The results of this study suggest that the equine sperm prepared with PC12 were unable to penetrate the oolemma. In our experiment, sperm treated with PC12 resulted in high fertilization rates when placed directly into the ooplasm during ICSI; however, the sperm were unable to penetrate the ZP or oolemma. Additional research is needed to determine the cause of penetration failure and whether this is due to inadequate sperm treatments or a missing oviducal component in our in vitro systems. Funding for this project was provided by the benefactors for the Preservation of Equine Genetics and the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation.
The University of Pennsylvania's Center for Community Partnerships as an Organizational Innovation for Advancing Action Research

The article describes the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania as an organizational innovation designed to mobilize the range of university resources to solve the strategic problem of creating democratic, local cosmopolitan communities. We identify the Center's approach to this problem as helping to develop university-assisted community schools, schools transformed to function as centers and catalysts for community revitalization with ongoing support from an institution of higher education. We argue that communal action research, in which scholarly attention is focused upon the university's local geographic area in a continuous comprehensive partnership with the community studied, is a particularly promising approach for revitalizing communities, advancing knowledge, and integrating the university's missions of research, teaching, and service. We describe the Turner Nutritional Awareness Project (TNAP), which works to alleviate nutrition problems in a university-assisted community school, as an example of communal action research conducted by all participants in a common project. We conclude by describing the structure and operation of the Center for Community Partnerships, claiming that the Center itself is part of a broader organizational change occurring throughout the American academy as urban universities, in particular, respond to severe external crises as well as internal difficulties resulting from the separation of service from teaching and research.
On a class of rank order tests for the identity of two multiple regression surfaces

In this paper we consider a class of rank order tests for the identity of two multiple regression surfaces $$X_i^{\left( j \right)} = \beta _0^{\left( j \right)} + \sum\limits_{k = 1}^p {\beta _k^{\left( j \right)} C_i^{\left( k \right)} + Z_i^{\left( j \right)} ,{\text{ }}j = 1,2,....}$$ (1) (0.1) Here Xi= (Xi(1),Xi(2), i=1,..., N are the observable random variables, cii(1),..., ci(p), i=1, ...,N are the vectors of known constants, Β's are the regression parameters, and Zi=(Z)i(1), Zzi(2), i=1, ..., N are independent and identically distributed random variables. It is assumed that (Zi(1), Zi(2)) are either interchangeable random variables or their joint distribution is diagonally symmetric about (0, 0). We wish to test the hypothesis H0: Βk(1)=Βk(2), k=0, 1,...,p, p≧1 (0.2) against the alternative that at least one of the p+1 equalities above is not true. If we make the transformation Xi=Xi(1)-Xi(2)Zi=Zi(1)-Zi(2), Βk=Βk(1)-Βk(2), i=1, ...,N, k=0,1, ...,p then the above problem reduces to that of testing H′0: Βk=0, k=0,1,...,p (0.3) against the alternative that Βk0 for at least one k. A class of permutationally distribution free rank order tests is proposed for this problem. Using the methods of Hajek (1962), based on the concept of contiguity of probability distributions, the asymptotic properties of the proposed tests are studied. These results are used to derive general formulas for the asymptotic relative efficiencies of these tests with respect to one another and to the least squares procedure.
Electrochemically Oxidized Electronic and Ionic Conducting Nanostructured Block Copolymers for Lithium Battery Electrodes

Block copolymers that can simultaneously conduct electronic and ionic charges on the nanometer length scale can serve as innovative conductive binder material for solid-state battery electrodes. The purpose of this work is to study the electronic charge transport of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P3HT-PEO) copolymers electrochemically oxidized with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) salt in the context of a lithium battery charge/discharge cycle. We use a solid-state three-terminal electrochemical cell that enables simultaneous conductivity measurements and control over electrochemical doping of P3HT. At low oxidation levels (ratio of moles of electrons removed to moles of 3-hexylthiophene moieties in the electrode), the electronic conductivity (σe,ox) increases from 10–7 S/cm to 10–4 S/cm. At high oxidation levels, σe,ox approaches 10–2 S/cm. When P3HT-PEO is used as a conductive binder in a positive electrode with LiFePO4 active material, P3HT is electrochemically activ...
Supersonic Shear Imaging and Transient Elastography With the XL Probe Accurately Detect Fibrosis in Overweight or Obese Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

Background & Aims Assessment of the severity of liver fibrosis is an important step in evaluating patients with chronic liver disease and determining their prognosis. We compared liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) made by supersonic shear imaging (SSI) with those of transient elastography (TE)-XL for their ability to determine the degree of liver fibrosis in overweight or obese patients with chronic liver disease. Methods We performed a prospective study of 258 patients with chronic hepatitis of different etiologies and a body mass index greater than 25, evaluated at the University of Miami from October 2013 to December 2014. Liver stiffness was measured using the TE-XL probe and SSI of the right and left lobes during the same clinic visit, and comparisons were made for fibrosis stage in 124 biopsy-proven patients. In addition, further analysis was performed on a subgroup of 102 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients for whom biopsy data were available. Results Reliable LSMs were obtained from 96.1%, 94.6%, and 72.1% of patients using the TE-XL probe, SSI of the right lobe, and SSI of the left lobe, respectively. TE-XL, SSI of the right lobe, and SSI of the left lobe detected severe fibrosis (fibrosis stages 3–4), with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 0.955, 0.954, and 0.910, respectively, compared with results from histologic analysis for the 124 biopsy-proven patients included in the study; these values were 0.952, 0.949, and 0.917, respectively, for the 102 biopsy-proven patients with HCV infection. TE-XL, SSI of the right lobe, and SSI of the left lobe detected fibrosis stage 4 with AUROC values of 0.920, 0.930, and 0.910, respectively, compared with histologic analysis, in all 124-biopsy proven patients, and with AUROC values of 0.907, 0.914, and 0.887, respectively, in the 102 biopsy-proven patients with chronic HCV infection. Conclusions SSI and the TE-XL probe each accurately quantify liver fibrosis in overweight or obese patients with chronic liver disease, including those with HCV infection, when compared with data obtained from histologic analysis. SSI data obtained from the right lobe and the TE-XL probe can be used to evaluate fibrosis with similar accuracy.
Surgical approaches and intestinal transplantation

The surgical treatment of short-bowel syndrome has been traditionally based on the correction of mechanical obstruction, which is responsible for bacterial overgrowth syndrome, or on intestinal expansion procedures. Since the introduction of clinical intestinal transplantation by Lillehei in 1964, there have been remarkable advances in the immunosuppressive regimens to control rejection and in preservation techniques, monitoring and critical care. Newer and more powerful immunosuppressants have helped to transform intestinal transplantation into a clinical reality-transplantation can now be a life-saving procedure for patients with intestinal failure. It is currently indicated in the event of life-threatening complications of an underlying disease or from total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Rehabilitation in successful cases is excellent.
Why get big in the cold? Size-fecundity relationships explain the temperature-size rule in a pulmonate snail (Physa).

Most ectotherms follow a pattern of size plasticity known as the temperature-size rule where individuals reared in cold environments are larger at maturation than those reared in warm environments. This pattern seems maladaptive because growth is slower in the cold so it takes longer to reach a large size. However, it may be adaptive if reaching a large size has a greater benefit in a cold than in a warm environment such as when size-dependent mortality or size-dependent fecundity depends on temperature. I present a theoretical model showing how a correlation between temperature and the size–fecundity relationship affects optimal size at maturation. I parameterize the model using data from a freshwater pulmonate snail from the genus Physa. Nine families were reared from hatching in one of three temperature regimes (daytime temperature of 22, 25 or 28 °C, night-time temperature of 22 °C, under a 12L : 12D light cycle). Eight of the nine families followed the temperature-size rule indicating genetic variation for this plasticity. As predicted, the size–fecundity relationship depended upon temperature; fecundity increases steeply with size in the coldest treatment, less steeply in the intermediate treatment, and shows no relationship with size in the warmest treatment. Thus, following the temperature-size rule is adaptive for this species. Although rarely measured under multiple conditions, size–fecundity relationships seem to be sensitive to a number of environmental conditions in addition to temperature including local productivity, competition and predation. If this form of plasticity is as widespread as it appears to be, this model shows that such plasticity has the potential to greatly modify current life-history theory.
Risk premiums in electricity forward prices — data from the ISO New England Market

We document the forward premiums in the ISO New England wholesale electricity market, measured by the difference between the hourly day-ahead and real-time prices. Following Longstaff and Wang (2004), we show how these premiums are related to the variance and skewness of the real-time price distribution and how the premiums vary conditionally to reflect the varying uncertainty in the real-time price.
An Efficient “Brush” Packing for Fractional Distillation

A novel packing material has been developed for fractional distillation: a spiral-wound, high-surface-area brush. The “Texas brush” packing provides exceptionally easy use and consistency. Fractions collected for the classical boiling point versus volume plot were analyzed by 1H NMR for absolute identification of components and for quantitation. The 1/2 in. brush has a 2.3 in. HETP (height equivalent of a theoretical plate) at a reflux ratio of 22.
Influence of degree of obesity on loss of fat-free mass during very-low-energy diets.

This study examined the influence ofinitial de- gree of obesity on loss of fat-free mass (FFM). One hundred twelve obese females participated in a series of very-low-energy diet (VLED) clinical trials. Obesity groups were determined by three common methods: percent body fat, body mass index, and weight. Within each group, subjects were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-obesity groups. As expected, the high- obesity group lost comparable amounts or more weight and more fat weight than the low- and intermediate-obesity classifications for each group. The high-obesity group lost �2% more FFM (P < 0.05) compared with the low and intermediate group when subjects were grouped by body mass index and weight and showed no differences between classifications when subjects were grouped by percent body fat No differences were found between classifications for ratios of FFM to weight loss regard- less of how subjects were grouped. Thus, the degree of obesity does not seem to affect loss of FF14. Am I Clin Mar 1994;60:874-8.
The dynamical origin of subduction zone topography

Summary. Subduction zones are expressed topographically by long linear oceanic trenches flanked by a low outer rise on the seaward side and an island arc on the landward side. This topographic structure is reflected in free air gravity anomalies, suggesting that much of the topography originates from dynamical forces applied at the base of the crust. We have successfully reproduced the general topographic features of subduction zones by supposing that the stresses generated by the bending of the viscous lower lithosphere as it subducts are transmitted through the thin elastic upper portion of the lithosphere. The trench is due to a zone of extensional flow (associated with low pressure) in the upper part of the viscous lithosphere. The stresses in the subducting slab are computed using a finite element technique, assuming a Maxwell viscoelastic constitutive relation. Various dips (10 to 90") were investigated, as well as depth dependent and nonNewtonian (power law, n = 3) viscosities. Observed subduction zone dimensions are well reproduced by these models. The effective viscosity required at mid-depth in the lithosphere is about 6 x lo2* P. This low value is probably due to the stress dependence of the effective viscosity. However, these models also show that the topography of the subduction zone depends primarily upon the geometry of the subducting slab (dip, radius of curvature of the bend) rather than upon' its rheology. Shear stresses beneath the trench reach maxima of approximately 50 MPa. An interesting feature of some solutions is a dynamically supported bench or platform between the trench and island arc.
Incidence of Distress and Associated Factors in Women Undergoing Breast Diagnostic Evaluation

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of distress and factors associated with distress in women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluations. A total of 128 women undergoing a breast biopsy at three hospitals completed a set of nine standardized instruments. The presence of distress was identified with 14% having symptoms above the cutoff point for clinical anxiety. In multiple regression analyses, trait anxiety alone explained 71% of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State score. A model with trait anxiety, satisfaction with health care, meaning in life, and friend support accounted for 66% of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score for depression. It appears that when faced with a potential cancer diagnosis, distress levels are based on personality and self-evaluation of whether one has the resources to adapt to life with cancer. Distress screening protocols need to be routinely included in diagnostic radiology appointments. Nurses should implement interventions focusing on providing information, facilitating communication, and offering psychosocial support.
Diagnosis and treatment of ectopig (tubal) pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. The diagnosis and treatment of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy is reviewed. 2. 2. Several causes of ectopic pregnancy are discussed. 3. 3. The diagnosis of tubal pregnancy is considered (a) before rupture; (b) beginning rupture or abortion; (c) after rupture. 4. 4. The physical findings of this condition are described. 5. 5. The treatment is surgical, there is no other. 6. 6. A brief review of 12 successive cases is given.
Topical Imiquimod for Periocular Lentigo Maligna

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of topical imiquimod 5%, a local immune response modifier, in the treatment of periocular lentigo maligna. Design Retrospective, interventional case series. Participants Five consecutive patients with biopsy-proven periocular lentigo maligna. Methods Periocular lentigo maligna was treated with topical imiquimod 5%. The clinical features, treatment schedule, response to treatment, and complications were analyzed retrospectively. Main Outcome Measures Response to treatment and complications. Results The mean patient age was 73 years. The anatomic location of lentigo maligna was the medial canthal area in 2 patients, the lateral canthal area in 1 patient, and the lower eyelid in 2 patients. Topical imiquimod 5% was used for 5 days per week in 3 patients and for 7 days per week in 2 patients. The medication was placed only on the skin and not the globe. The mean duration of treatment was 9 months (range, 1–14 months). Lentigo maligna partially resolved in 3 patients and completely resolved in 2 patients. The most common side effects included localized erythema and discomfort (n = 4), swelling (n = 3), and cutaneous excoriation (n = 2). There were no patients with toxicity to the conjunctiva, cornea, or globe. Treatment was discontinued in 2 patients (one temporarily and the other permanently) because of intolerable local side effects of discomfort, redness, swelling, and cutaneous excoriation. There was no recurrence of lentigo maligna in those with complete or partial response (mean follow-up, 20 months). Conclusions Periocular lentigo maligna seems to respond to topical imiquimod 5% treatment. Topical imiquimod 5% treatment for periocular lentigo melanoma deserves further study. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Utilitarianism and Recourse to War

Despite the enormous impact that war and the threat of war have had on human well-being, utilitarians have had surprisingly little to say about when, if ever, we may fight wars. Discussion of this question has been dominated by realism, pacifism and just war theory. This article takes some preliminary steps toward remedying this situation. I begin by spelling out what I call the Utilitarian War Principle (UWP). After presenting some considerations in its favour and answering some possible objections to it, I compare UWP with pacifism and with the principles of jus ad bellum found in the work of contemporary just war theorists. I argue that adherents of UWP should treat those principles as secondary moral principles, which, although subordinate to UWP, can and should guide its application and which, in turn, should be refined and revised with this goal in mind.
Near real-time adaptive radar processing using analog dithers

This paper explores the performance of a novel analog technique for estimating the gradient of a cost function and its application to adaptive processing in radar. The technique relies on using analog sinusoidal dithers to estimate components of the gradient vector in near real-time with a latency on the order of microseconds. The advantages of this approach are that the adaptive processor can quickly adapt to nonstationary environments and the dynamic range at the input to the adaptive processor is not constrained by the limits of an analog-to-digital converter. Simulated results are shown for an adaptive sidelobe canceler in a radar configured with a main beam sum channel and auxiliary channels. Some drawbacks of the proposed technique for sidelobe cancelation include that it is suitable only for steepest descent type algorithms which have an inherently slower convergence rate, as well as the requirement to carefully account for or remove any time delays, and gain or phase imbalances in the analog dither circuitry, so as not to degrade the estimate of the gradient.
Identification of CAD candidate genes in GWAS loci and their expression in vascular cells

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 35 loci that significantly associate with coronary artery disease (CAD) susceptibility. The majority of the genes represented in these loci have not previously been studied in the context of atherosclerosis. To characterize the roles of these candidate genes in the vessel wall, we determined their expression levels in endothelial, smooth muscle, and macrophage cells isolated from healthy, prelesioned, and lesioned mouse aortas. We also performed expression quantitative locus (eQTL) mapping of these genes in human endothelial cells under control and proatherogenic conditions. Of the 57 genes studied, 31 were differentially expressed in one or more cell types in disease state in mice, and the expression levels of 8 were significantly associated with the CAD SNPs in human cells, 7 of which were also differentially expressed in mice. By integrating human and mouse results, we predict that PPAP2B, GALNT4, MAPKAPK5, TCTN1, SRR, SNF8, and ICAM1 play a causal role in the susceptibility to atherosclerosis through a role in the vasculature. Additionally, we highlight the genetic complexity of a subset of CAD loci through the differential expression of multiple candidate genes per locus and the involvement of genes that lie outside linkage disequilibrium blocks.
Infectious particles, stress, and induced prion amyloids: a unifying perspective.

Transmissible encephalopathies (TSEs) are believed by many to arise by spontaneous conversion of host prion protein (PrP) into an infectious amyloid (PrP-res, PrPSc) without nucleic acid. Many TSE agents reside in the environment, with infection controlled by public health measures. These include the disappearance of kuru with the cessation of ritual cannibalism, the dramatic reduction of epidemic bovine encephalopathy (BSE) by removal of contaminated feed, and the lack of endemic scrapie in geographically isolated Australian sheep with susceptible PrP genotypes. While prion protein modeling has engendered an intense focus on common types of protein misfolding and amyloid formation in diverse organisms and diseases, the biological characteristics of infectious TSE agents, and their recognition by the host as foreign entities, raises several fundamental new directions for fruitful investigation such as: (1) unrecognized microbial agents in the environmental metagenome that may cause latent neurodegenerative disease, (2) the evolutionary social and protective functions of different amyloid proteins in diverse organisms from bacteria to mammals, and (3) amyloid formation as a beneficial innate immune response to stress (infectious and non-infectious). This innate process however, once initiated, can become unstoppable in accelerated neuronal aging.
Fernando A. Blanco y Juan Poblete (Eds.). Desdén al infortunio. Sujeto, comunicación y público en la narrativa de Pedro Lemebel

Fernando A. Blanco y Juan Poblete (Eds.). Desden al infortunio. Sujeto, comunicacion y publico en la narrativa de Pedro Lemebel. Santiago de Chile: Editorial Cuarto Propio, 2010. 285 paginas.
Isolation and characterization of trophoblast-derived stem-like cells from peri-implantation porcine embryos

In mammals, the trophoblast lineage of the embryo is specified before attachment/implantation to become the fetal portion of the placenta. Trophoblast-derived cells were isolated and cultured from day 10 and day 13 porcine embryos and were grown in vitro in a defined, serum-free culture medium for over 2 years without showing any signs of senescence. However, trophoblast-derived cells placed into serum-containing medium rapidly senesce and fail to proliferate. Semiquantitative and quantitative gene expression analyses of cells in culture from 0 to 30 days confirmed the presence (and relative abundance) of mRNA transcripts from genes involved in trophoblast function (CDX2, TEAD4, CYP17A1, HSD17B1, FGFR2, PLET, HAND1) as well as some genes known to mediate pluripotency (POU5F1, KLF4, CMYC). Protein immunolocalization demonstrated expression of both trophoblast and mesenchymal cell markers. DNA methylation patterns in promoters of three critical developmental genes (HAND1, KLF4, TEAD4) did not change appreciably over 4 months of culture in vitro. It was demonstrated that these trophoblast-derived cells are easily stably transfected with an exogenous transgene (eGFP) by a variety of methods, and show the ability to survive and to be passaged repeatedly after transfection. In summary, early embryonic porcine trophoblast-derived cells have demonstrated unique characteristics, which means they could be used as valuable tools for laboratory work. Anticipated applications include the study of trophoblast physiology as well as possible solutions for improving efficiency of transgenesis by somatic cell nuclear transfer and for pluripotency reprogramming of cells.
Reproductive behavior of Drosophila melanogaster and D. nigrospiracula in the field and in the laboratory.

The reproductive behaviors of two species of fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster and D. nigrospiracula, were compared in field and laboratory populations. A number of differences were observed in the behavior of the two species in their natural habitats. D. melanogaster, which was observed on citrus, mates at its feeding site, whereas D. nigrospiracula, which is cactiphilic. mates on a non-resource-based male territory adjacent to its feeding site. In both species large male size is important for reproductive success. However, in D. melanogaster smaller males tended to be excluded from the breeding site and were therefore not among the pool of potential mates to which females were exposed. Sex ratios were biased toward females in both species, but the high frequency of female remating in D. nigrospiracula may have provided more mating opportunities for the males of this species. Field observations differed from laboratory observations, and I discuss the importance of these differences for understanding the evolution of Drosophila mating systems. Organisms in natural populations usually exhibit differential reproductive success, because some individuals are more successful in obtaining mates than others. Because differential mating success may influence the genetic composition o f subsequent generations, evolutionary biologists are concerned with understanding the mechanisms underlying nonrandom mating (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983). The relevant mechanisms may be morphologically (Eberhard, 1985) and behaviorally based (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983). Drosophila has been a popular organism in empirical studies of the basis of differential mating success. Numerous laboratory investigations o f sexual selection i n Drosophila have revealed strong correlations of certain traits with male mating success. Among factors reportedly associated with success in Drosophila melanogaster are increased male body size (Ewing, 1961; Markow, 1987; Partridge & Farquhar, 1983), superior status in aggressive encounters with other males (Dow & von Schilcher, 1975), the ability to defend a territory, such as patch of food or a drop of feces (Jacobs, 1978), and overall courtship vigor or persistence (Markow, 1987). Many of these traits are associated with male success in other insect species as well (Thornhill & Alcock, 1983), but the majority of observations on other insects have been made under field conditions, allowing researchers to make evolutionary interpretations with more confidence. Studies in other insect groups have shown that traits associated with mating success differ depending on the ecology of the organisms in question. Although Drosophila mating systems have rarely been studied in natural populations, laboratory findings are unfortunately discussed as though they represent field behav
Influence of the Cell Wall on Intracellular Delivery to Algal Cells by Electroporation and Sonication

To assess the cell wall's role as a barrier to intracellular delivery, wild-type Chlamydomonas reinhardtii algal cells and mutant cells lacking a cell wall were exposed to electroporation or sonication. Flow cytometry determined intracellular uptake of calcein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and loss of cell viability as functions of electroporation transmembrane potential and acoustic energy. Electroporation of wild-type cells increased calcein uptake with increasing transmembrane potential, but delivered much less BSA. Electroporation of wall-deficient cells had similar effects on calcein uptake, but increased BSA uptake as much as 7.5-fold relative to wild-type cells, which indicated that the cell wall was a significant barrier to BSA delivery during electroporation. Sonication of wild-type cells caused calcein and BSA uptake at similar levels. This suggests that the cell wall barrier to BSA delivery can be overcome by sonication. Increased electroporation transmembrane potential or acoustic energy also caused increased loss of cell viability, where wall-deficient cells were especially susceptible to lysis. Overall, we believe this is the first study to compare directly the effects of electroporation and sonication in any cell type. Specifically, these findings suggest that electroporation primarily transports molecules across the plasma membrane because its mechanism is specific to lipid bilayer disruption, whereas sonication transports molecules across both the plasma membrane and cell wall, because it nonspecifically disrupts cell-surface barriers.
Yield Elasticity: A New, Objective Measure of Interest-Rate Risk

We derive and test Yield Elasticity (YE), an objective measure of interest-rate risk (IRR). YE equals a security's duration times its continuously compounded yield. It provides far more reliable and more nearly stable one-month-ahead forecasts of IRR than does duration. YE is needed because, contrary to widely held but mistaken beliefs, duration is not an elasticity, it is a derivative; nor does duration measure the level of IRR. It is a reduced form, which, at best, allows comparison of the relative IRRs of securities with similar yields. Nevertheless, duration has formed much of the basis for the study of IRR.
Canonical description for multiterminal source coding

Principles behind lossless and lossy coding are usually considered related, yet distinct. In contrast, we show that the direct statements of the rate-distortion theorem and the lossless coding theorem are consequences of a common distortion-abstracted phenomenon. Significantly, we extend such distortion abstraction to a more general multiterminal framework, and derive a canonical direct theorem that subsumes known results. Further, we show that the converse holds if all but at most one encoded sources are perfectly reconstructed, and, thereby, not only generalize known results but settle open problems such as the single-helper problem. More generally, a canonical sequence of inner bounds approaches the achievable region, and points to a new problem, whose solution, if found, would lead to a desirable computable description.
Four-wave mixing and many-particle effects in semiconductors

Four-wave mixing in semiconductor quantum wells has long been used to investigate many-particle effects. We introduce the theoretical concepts and illustrate some developments of the field, which D.S. Chemla helped to shape.