cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Activates the DNA-Dependent Cytosolic Surveillance Pathway within Macrophages

Cytosolic bacterial pathogens activate the cytosolic surveillance pathway (CSP) and induce innate immune responses, but how the host detects vacuolar pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis is poorly understood. We show that M. tuberculosis also initiates the CSP upon macrophage infection via limited perforation of the phagosome membrane mediated by the ESX-1 secretion system. Although the bacterium remains within the phagosome, this permeabilization results in phagosomal and cytoplasmic mixing and allows extracellular mycobacterial DNA to access host cytosolic receptors, thus blurring the distinction between "vacuolar" and "cytosolic" pathogens. Activation of cytosolic receptors induces signaling through the Sting/Tbk1/Irf3 axis, resulting in IFN-β production. Surprisingly, Irf3(-/-) mice, which cannot respond to cytosolic DNA, are resistant to long-term M. tuberculosis infection, suggesting that the CSP promotes M. tuberculosis infection. Thus, cytosolic sensing of mycobacterial DNA plays a key role in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis and likely contributes to the high type I IFN signature in tuberculosis.
Growth, conductivity, and vapor response properties of metal ion-carboxylate linked nanoparticle films

Nanoparticles of metals (Au, Ag, Pd, alloys) in the size range 1–3 nm diameter can be stabilized against aggregation of the metal particles by coating the metal surface with a dense monolayer of ligands (thiolates). The stabilization makes it possible to analytically define the nanoparticle composition (for example, Au140(hexanethiolate)53, I) and to elaborate the chemical functionality of the protecting monolayer (for example, Au140(C6)35(MUA)18, II, where C6=hexanethiolate and MUA=mercaptoundecanoic acid). Network polymer films (IIfilm) on interdigitated array electrodes can be prepared from II, based on cation coordination (i.e., Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+, methyl viologen) by the carboxylates of MUA. The electronic conductivity of the IIfilm network polymer films occurs by electron hopping between the Au140 nanoparticle cores, and offers an avenue for investigation of metal-to-metal nanoparticle electron transfer chemistry. The report begins with a brief summary of what is known about metal nanoparticle electron transfer chemistry. The investigation goes on to assess factors that influence the dynamics of film formation as well as film conductivity, in the interest of better understanding the parameters affecting electron hopping rates in IIfilm network polymer films. Finally, sorption of organic vapors into IIfilm causes a decreased electronic conductivity and increased mass that can be assessed using quartz crystal microbalance measurements. The change in electronic conductivity can be exploited for the sensing of organic vapors.
Local immune regulation in the central nervous system by substance P vs. glutamate.

Abstract The response of parenchymal microglia to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) varies across the brain. To ask if local neurochemicals contribute to site-specific control, the influence of substance P (SP) and glutamate was evaluated in brainstem vs. hippocampus. In brainstem, stereotaxic injection of SP increased class II MHC upregulation by IFN-γ, while a SP receptor antagonist (Spantide I) prevented it. In hippocampus, where the baseline response to IFN-γ was lower, SP was ineffective, but blocking glutamate enhanced the response in a proportion of rats. Attempts to understand and control immune activity in the CNS should take the local neurochemical environment into account.
Gestural Communication in Macaques: Usage and Meaning of Nonvocal Signals

Communication by facial expressions and body postures plays an important role in the social dynamics of macaques. Macaques use gestures to mediate both competitive and cooperative interactions with other group members. Gestures convey information on the emotional state of the sender and its impending behavior but can also be used to inhibit the behavior of another individual or to request its participation in specific activities such as grooming, agonistic support, mating or play. Although most gestures are used to mediate simple approach and avoidance interactions, the size of the gestural repertoire and the subtleties of gestural communication in macaques are unparalleled in other nonprimate animals.
Failure of wood-framed low-rise buildings under tornado wind loads

Abstract Buildings in the “tornado alley” of the United States, are built to withstand 3-s wind speeds of 90 mph (40.2 m/s), whereas 90% of the tornados are of F2 or lesser intensity that generate anywhere from 40 to 157 mph (17.9–70.2 m/s). At the same time, these codes are based mostly on studying the effects of straight line winds and not on tornado type winds, especially on low-rise, wood framed buildings which make up majority of structures in the United States. Previous research at Iowa State University (ISU) includes extensive testing on a scaled down low-rise gable roof building model (1:100) to understand tornado induced loads as the tornado sweeps past the building. In the present work, Finite Element (FE) models were developed using ANSYS for full-scale numerical simulation of the gable roof buildings with three different roof angles (13.4°, 25.5° and 35.1°). The nail is modeled as a non-linear element but the wood is assumed to be linear. The tornado-induced wind loads recorded in the laboratory were scaled up and applied to the models to determine the detailed stress distribution in the structure. This numerical study was performed using the same parameter as in the laboratory experiments such as those listed earlier. The deterministic FE model incorporated the damage criteria to assess the damage potential due to tornadic forces. The stress distribution, pattern of failure, the order of failure and the type of failure have been studied as the tornado sweeps past the building at different angles to the building centerline.
Staphylococcus aureus: an introduction

Shortly after finishing his undergraduate studies at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and embarking on his career as a surgeon, Alexander Ogston presented in 1880 at the Ninth Surgical Congress in Berlin his work establishing the causative role of bacteria in wound infection and subsequent septicemia. Building on the teachings of his senior contemporaries, Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister, Ogston had observed pus from 88 human abscesses under his microscope and noted Gram-positive spherical “micrococci” [1]. Taking from the Greek word for “bunches of grapes,” he named the organism Staphylococcus. After injecting the isolated bacteria into healthy guinea pigs and mice and recreating the abscesses from which the isolates were derived, he had conclusively introduced the world to the infectious agent, now known as Staphylococcus aureus due to its golden color in culture, that continues to burden human health today [1].
The role of maleimide structure in the healing of furan-functionalized epoxy–amine thermosets

The healing efficacy of solution-based healing agents for a furan-functionalized epoxy–amine thermoset was investigated. In particular the effects of multimaleimide (MMI) structure and solvent type on healing behaviour were explored. Two major modes of healing are observed: Diels–Alder bonding across the crack surfaces and mechanical interlocking promoted by solvent-induced swelling. MMI structure and concentration influence the degree of Diels–Alder bonding across the crack, while solvent selection affects both healing modes. It was observed that the healing agent structure influenced the healing efficiency of the thermoset at short healing times (<1 day), and long-term healing (20 days) showed statistically insignificant differences in healing for the MMI structure studies, with approximately 90% recovery of a sample's initial strength in all cases. The effect of the solvent on healing efficiency was studied using toluene and dimethylformamide (DMF). The results provide guidelines for determining the composition of healing agent solutions needed to optimize the healing performance of furan-functionalized epoxy–amine polymer networks.
Comparison of Nitrogen Solubility in Three Solvents to In Vitro Protein Degradation of Heat-Treated Cottonseed Meal

Abstract Solubility of nitrogen in McDougall's buffer, 10% Burroughs’ buffer, and .02 N sodium hydroxide was measured on samples of autoclaved and commercial cottonseed meal. Abilities of solvents to solubilize nitrogen were compared to ruminal protein degradation previously estimated by an in vitro procedure. Generally, solubility of nitrogen in all three solvents decreased with increased heat-treatment. Nitrogen extracted by .02 N sodium hydroxide was consistently greater than that extracted by the buffer solutions. With autoclaved meals, nitrogen solubilities in .02 N sodium hydroxide and McDougall's buffer were 2.2 to 5.6 and 1.1 to 1.9 times greater than in Burroughs’ buffer. Linear regression equations were developed by regressing observed degradation on nitrogen solubilities for the autoclaved cottonseed meals. Degradation was more highly correlated with nitrogen solubility in .02 N sodium hydroxide than in McDougall's and Burroughs’ buffers (coefficient of determination = .98 versus .84 and .64, respectively). These regression equations were used to predict degradation of commercial cottonseed meals. Mean differences between predicted and observed degradation were 5.4, 6.7, and 12.9 percentage units for .02 N sodium hydroxide, McDougall's buffer, and Burroughs’ buffer. More realistic estimates of ruminal protein degradation were obtained from nitrogen solubilities in .02 N sodium hydroxide and McDougall's buffer than in Burroughs’ buffer.
Political Time Reconsidered: Unbuilding and Rebuilding the State Under the Reagan Administration

This article addresses the claim that the thickening of institutions in American national politics has reduced the capacity of partisan governing coalitions or regimes to introduce fundamental chan...
Poster 221: Use of Epidural Steroid Injections in the Management of Arachnoiditis Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Poster 220 Treatment for Low Back Pain in a Patient With Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report. Jeffrey E. Oken, MD (Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Oakbrook Terrace, IL); Jeanne Wilson, MD. Disclosure: J.E. Oken, None; J. Wilson, None. Setting: Outpatient pain clinic. Patient: A 47-year-old white woman with low back pain (LBP) and history of myasthenia gravis (MG). Case Description: The patient presented to clinic with a 2to 3-year history of LBP. Pain was insidious in onset and was described as sharp pain with “spasms” in her lower lumbar area. Housecleaning, lifting, pulling, pushing, or too much walking exacerbated her pain. The patient had a 20-year history of MG and was being treated with pyridostigmine (Mestinon). The patient was prescribed physical therapy 2 times a week for 4 weeks for strengthening, flexibility, and home exercise program. No restrictions were placed on therapy secondary to MG. Assessment/Results: The patient returned to clinic when 4 weeks of therapy was completed. Discussion: MG is a disorder of neuromuscular function characterized by weakness and abnormal fatigability of skeletal muscles. Weakness becomes progressively worse with activity and may be alleviated by rest. Strengthening has not been extensively studied in MG patients. Literature varies with regard to instructions relating to activity. There is a paucity of medical literature addressing biomechanic LBP in MG patients. Some studies advise patients to avoid any form of exercise, while others advise patients to remain as active as they can be. Conclusions: Physiatrists do not necessarily have to restrict therapies because of MG. Participation and efficacy of therapies may depend on the severity of the disease and the type of therapy prescribed.
Promoter targeting and chromatin remodeling by the SWI/SNF complex.

The SWI/SNF complex is a 2 MDa multi-subunit DNA-dependent ATPase that contributes to the regulation of gene transcription by altering chromatin structure. Recent studies have revealed that the SWI/SNF complex is targeted to promoters via direct interactions with transcription activators and have provided insights into mechansims by which the complex alters nucleosome structure and contributes to the remodeling of chromatin.
Urinary and fecal coproporphyrin excretion in rats. I. Results in normals and castrates.

Conclusions1. Excretion of coproporphyrin in the urine and feces of normal rats has been measured in 2 stocks of Sprague-Dawley rats. Collections periods of 48 hours were made. Male rats of these 2 stocks excreted an average of 40 ± 16 and 47 ± 13 μg of urinary coproporphyrin per 48 hours, respectively, while the female rats excreted an average of only 14 ± 5 and 30 ± 12 μg of urinary coproporphyrin per 48 hours, respectively. There was no significant correlation between body weight and urinary coproporphyrin excretion. No significant sex difference was found in the fecal excretion of coproporphyrin; mean values in the various groups ranged from 33 ± 9 to 46 ± 21 μg per 48 hours. Reduced values were found in both male and female rats weighing less than 115 g. In both males and females, over 75% of the urinary and fecal coproporphyrin was type III isomer. 2. The administration of androgen to female castrate rats increased the excretion of coproporphyrin in the urine. The administration of estrogen to male ...
Molecular dynamics simulations of chlorambucil/DNA adducts. A structural basis for the 5'-GNC interstrand DNA crosslink formed by nitrogen mustards.

Abstract The alkylation of DNA by chlorambucil has been studied using a computational approach. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the fully solvated non-covalent complex, two monoadducts and a crosslinked diadduct of chlorambucil with the d(CGG3G2CGC).- d(GCG1CCCG) duplex, in which the N7 atoms of G1, G2 and G3 are potential alkylation sites. The results provide a structural basis for the preference of nitrogen mustards to crosslink DNA duplexes at a 5′-GNC site (a 1,3 crosslink, G1 -G3) rather than at a 5′-GC sites (a 1,2 crosslink, G1 -G2). In the non-covalent complex simulation the drug reoriented from a non-interstrand crosslinking location to a position favorable for G1 -G3 diadduct formation. It proved possible to construct a G1 -G3 diadduct from a structure from the non-covalent simulation, and continue the molecular dynamics calculation without further disruption of the DNA structure. A crosslinked diadduct developed with four BII conformations on the 3′ side of each alkylated guani...
Modifications in the N-terminus of an insect cytochrome P450 enhance production of catalytically active protein in baculovirus-Sf9 cell expression systems.

Abstract Although baculovirus vectors are powerful tools for the heterologous expression of proteins in insect cell cultures, some insect and plant microsomal P450 proteins are not effectively expressed in this system. Hypothesizing that their expression failures might result from collisions between their N-terminal sequences and adjacent cytosolic sequences, we compared and mutated the N-terminus of Papilio multicaudatus CYP6B33, which is inappropriately folded in Sf9 cells, to sequences present in its Papilio polyxenes CYP6B1 counterpart, which is efficiently expressed and appropriately folded. Molecular modeling of the three differences in the linker separating the signal anchor domain (SAD) and the cytosolic domain identified Val32 in CYP6B33 as a residue potentially important for folding and/or positioning of the cytosolic domain. Mutation of Val32 to Ala32 in the CYP6B33 linker (CYP6B33 V32A mutant) or replacement of the CYP6B33 SAD with that of CYP6B1 (CYP6B1 1–20 /CYP6B33 21–500 mutant) allowed for significant P450 expression, indicating that complex interactions involving both the signal anchor and membrane linker affect folding and activity of P450s in this heterologous expression system.
Albumin protects cultured cerebellar granule neurons against zinc neurotoxicity

In this study, we have investigated the role of albumin in zinc-induced neurotoxicity of cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons. ZnCl2 induces cerebellar granule cell death in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and albumin in serum affords a significant protection against zinc-induced neurotoxicity. We further measured intracellular zinc concentrations in the presence or absence of albumin. The results showed that exogenously added ZnCl2 induced an increase in intracellular zinc concentrations in a concentration-dependent fashion in albumin-free buffer. However, in the presence of albumin, it dramatically decreased ZnCl2-induced elevation of intracellular zinc concentrations. These results indicate that albumin protects against zinc-induced neurotoxicity by blocking extracellular zinc uptake by neurons.
Social Tension in the Privatization Process

The replacement of one form of property by another is a very painful socioeconomic process, associated with radical disruption of the social system, conflictual tension, and great human costs. State totalitarianism as a form of functioning and developing social property relations weakened and undermined the Soviet economy to such an extent that the transition to private property relations was relatively peaceful and without conflict, since most social groups had lost any vested interest in the socialist mode of running the economy. Principled adherents of the previous forms of economic activity were in a minority (today they account for only about 7 percent of skilled workers in Ukraine), and hence there was no decisive opposition to privatization. However, the transformation of forms of property proceeded relatively painlessly as long as it involved only the social elite and concentrated on the establishment and spread of the ideology of perestroika, on political and legal procedures, on organization, an...
Nature and mechanism of high spin–low spin crossovers and the existence of intermediate spin states

Temperature- and pressure-dependent spectroscopic and magnetic, and X-ray crystallographic studies show that, in some FeIII and FeII crossover systems, rapid thermal equilibria occur between high spin, low spin and sometimes intermediate spin states, with solvent molecules sometimes inducing specific spin states; it is of relevance to biological systems that the single ‘spin-mixed’ state model is inapplicable in every well studied case.
The Atlanta Thunderstorm Effect

“lightning accounts for more deaths than hurricanes and tornadoes combined” Although nearly everyone is fascinated by lightning, some of us are terrified, while others are drawn to its elusive beau...
Homage to Henry Beecher (1904-1976)

The writings of Henry Beecher (1904-1976) have had an enormous influence on thinking and practice with respect to the ethics of medicine and clinical research. This essay examines the seminal contributions of Beecher as illustrated by four landmark articles concerning the ethics of clinical research, the placebo effect and placebo-controlled trials, the evaluation of invasive procedures, and "brain death" and vital organ transplantation. To appreciate Beecher's legacy, it is salutary to explicate the significance of his enduring contributions and to critically evaluate their limitations.
Clinical, Pathologic, and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Colon and Rectum: Implications for Surgical Management and Adjuvant Therapies

This study was designed to review the clinical characteristics of surgically treated gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the colon and rectum, evaluate their immunohistochemical and pathologic features based on the current National Institutes of Health criteria, and correlate clinicopathologic findings with the subsequent clinical course. Patient and disease characteristics at presentation, pathologic features, surgical management, and clinical outcomes of 18 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (4 colon and 14 rectum) diagnosed and primarily treated at our institution between 1979 and 2004 were evaluated. Tumors were classified on basis of size and mitotic rate according to current National Institutes of Health recommendations: 67 percent (n = 12) were high-risk, 5 percent (n = 1) were intermediate-risk, 17 percent (n = 3) were low-risk, and 11 percent (n = 2) were very low-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Fifteen of 18 tumors were KIT-positive. The three KIT-negative tumors were platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive. All patients with colonic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (n = 4) underwent segmental resection, whereas patients with rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors had local excision (n = 5) or radical resection (n = 9). Sixty-six percent (8/12) of patients with high-risk colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors developed metastases. None of the patients (n = 6) with intermediate-risk, low-risk, or very low-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors died of their disease after a median follow-up of 65 (range, 15–266) months. The majority of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the colon and rectum are high-risk. Patients with high-risk colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors have a significant likelihood of developing metastases that is associated with poor prognosis. These patients need to be closely followed for an extended period and should be considered for adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Why Is the Matrix Model Correct

We consider the compactification of M theory on a lightlike circle as a limit of a compactification on a small spatial circle boosted by a large amount. Assuming that the compactification on a small spatial circle is weakly coupled type-IIA theory, we derive Susskind{close_quote}s conjecture that M theory compactified on a lightlike circle is given by the finite N version of the matrix model of Banks, Fischler, Shenker, and Susskind. This point of view provides a uniform derivation of the matrix model for M theory compactified on a transverse torus T{sup p} for p=0,{hor_ellipsis},5 and clarifies the difficulties for larger values of p . {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
A quantum no-key protocol for secure data communication

Since classical cryptography relies on difficulty and infeasibility of computation to find the plain text, the cryptography is losing security more and more as computational power is increased by technical innovations. Therefore, unconditionally secure cryptography has been expected. In this paper, we propose a novel, secure, no-key, protocol: Quantum Three-Pass Protocol (QTPP). In this protocol, quantum superposition states are used for transmission instead of classical signals in classical cryptography.
Symptom prescription and reframing: should they be combined?

The present study evaluated the initial effects of two types of paradoxical directives. Socially anxious males were randomly assigned to three groups: symptom prescription without reframing, symptom prescription with reframing, and a wait-list control condition. The assessment of outcome consisted of various measures administered pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 1-month followup, as well as daily self-ratings that were obtained throughout the course of the study. Subjects who were exposed to symptom prescription with reframing showed significantly greater improvement than the subjects in the other groups, both at posttreatment and at followup. In contrast, the subjects who were exposed to symptom prescription alone manifested only limited improvement and were not significantly less socially anxious after treatment than the subjects in the wait-list control group. The findings support the view that paradoxical treatments are clinically useful when their effects include changes in the meaning clients attribute to their symptoms.
Microparticles and left ventricular assist device complications: a causal association?

Although left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use continues to rise, recent publications reporting increasing rates of pump thrombosis ground us in the reality of deviceassociated complications. As we scramble to explain the clinical and rheological reasons for these trends, published efforts thus far have focused on identifying clinical predictors of LVAD complications. Pump thrombosis has been associated with conditions resulting in lower LVAD flow (lower speed operation and high systemic blood pressure), echocardiographic indicators of inadequate decompression (abnormal response to speed ramping, increased LV diameter, and frequent aortic valve opening), cannula malposition, rising lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, infections, and lapses in anti-coagulation. Mechanistic explanations, however, are lagging behind. In the present study, Nascimbene et al analyzed the circulating concentrations of membrane microparticles (MPs), a biomarker with the mechanistic potential to predict complications in the “pre-disease” state for vascular, inflammatory, and pro-thrombotic conditions. MPs are membrane-derived vesicles released from a wide variety of cell types, including erythrocytes, endothelial cells, platelets, vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes. The vesicles form by outward blebbing of the outer membrane when the cells are stressed or activated by inflammation, shear forces, or various signaling pathways (i.e., mediators of the coagulation cascade). During MP formation, phosphatidylserine (PS), an aminophospholipid typically found on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of healthy cells, becomes externalized. Although MPs were initially thought to be biologically inert “cellular debris,” they are now known have regulatory and signaling roles for increasing inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. In addition, the negatively charged PS particles covering the surfaces of these molecules have a pro-coagulant effect through interactions with positively charges clotting factors. MPs derived from platelets are in fact exponentially more pro-coagulant than activated
A Fracture Mechanics Based Parametric Study of the Copper-to-Copper Direct Thermo-Compression Bonded Interface Using Finite Element Method

Through-silicon via (TSV) technology is expected to overcome the limitations of I/O density and helps in enhancing system performance of conventional flip chip packages. One of the challenges for producing reliable TSV packages is the stacking and joining of thin wafers or dies. In the case of the conventional solder interconnections, many reliability issues arise at the interface between solder and copper bump. As an alternative solution, Cu-Cu direct thermo-compression bonding (CuDB) is a possible option to enable three-dimension (3D) package integration. CuDB has several advantages over the solder based micro bump joining, such as reduction in soldering process steps, enabling higher interconnect density, enhanced thermal conductivity and decreased concerns about intermetallic compounds (IMC) formation. Critical issue of CuDB is bonding interface condition. After the bonding process, Cu-Cu direct bonding interface is obtained. However, several researchers have reported small voids at the bonded interface. These defects can act as an initial crack which may lead to eventual fracture of the interface. The fracture could happen due to the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) mismatch between the substrate and the chip during the postbonding process, board level reflow or thermal cycling with large temperature changes. In this study, a quantitative assessment of the energy release rate has been made at the CuDB interface during temperature change finite element method (FEM). A parametric study is conducted to analyze the impact of the initial crack location and the material properties of surrounding materials. Finally, design recommendations are provided to minimize the probability of interfacial delamination in CuDB.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Beneath the emperor's clothes: The body of data in scrapie and CJD

The infectious agents causing CJD, scrapie and BSE remain incompletely characterized. Mounting evidence shows that the PrP protein alone cannot be the infectious agent, and belief in prions can undermine realistic assessments of infection. Direct analyses show the infectious particle has the characteristics of a virus, in terms of both particle size and nucleic acid content. A classic vaccination approach suggests that the immune system may be recruited to limited agent spread.
Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm Translocated Substrates: A Sum of Parts

Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen of freshwater amoeba and of alveolar macrophages in human hosts. After phagocytosis, L. pneumophila establishes a unique intracellular vacuolar niche that avoids entry into the lysosomal network. Critical for L. pneumophila intracellular growth is the Dot/Icm type IVB translocation system. Although over 80 substrates of the Dot/Icm apparatus have been identified, individual substrates are often genetically redundant, complicating their analysis. Deletion of critical Dot/Icm translocation system components causes a variety of defects during intracellular growth. Many of these effects on the host cell likely result from the actions of one or more Dot/Icm translocated substrates. Loss of single substrates never generates the profound effects observed in strains lacking translocation system components.
Regional levels of GABA and glutamate in mouse brain following exposure to pain.

Abstract Based on previous studies from this laboratory, a study of the effects of pain on regional brain levels of GABA and glutamate were performed using male CFl mice. Gas-chromatographic analysis revealed no significant differences in these substrates in “subcortical” areas. In the “cortical” areas, pain produced a significant elevation of GABA levels and a small, but significant, decrease in glutamate levels. Neither of these changes was observed in animals pretreated with morphine before exposure to pain. Restraint stress failed to produce the same changes. The ratio of GABA to glutamate was a reliable index of exposure to pain.
Enhancement of the amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials following magnetic pulse stimulation of the human brain

Abstract In this study we have demonstrated an enhancement of cortically generated wave forms of the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) following magnetic pulse stimulation of the human brain. Subcortically generated activity was unaltered. The enhancement of SEP amplitude was greatest when the median nerve was stimulated 30–70 msec following magnetic pulse stimulation over the contralateral parietal scalp. We posit that the enhancement of the SEP is the result of synchronization of pyramidal cells in the sensorimotor cortex resulting from the magnetic pulse.
State Ideology and the Legitimation of Authoritarianism: The Case of Post-Soviet Uzbekistan

This article analyses the rhetorical legitimation strategy of post-Soviet Uzbekistan under Islam Karimov as an authoritarian state. I show that the most important mode of legitimation in this case is neither the consequentialist appeal to stability, order or welfare, nor a direct appeal to guardianship, i.e., special knowledge. Rather, Karimov and his court intellectuals seek to advance a conception of 'ideology' as the comprehensive pre-political consensus of the political community. Their concept of 'ideology' is used to advance a political logic whereby the nature of the political community, the purpose of the state, the unifying political telos and the present regime are fused into a single entity. This ontological fusion is presented as a hegemonic reality and occurs at the pre-political level, resulting in the vanishingly small space left over for politics that characterizes authoritarian systems. I then suggest that such analysis of the hegemonic strategy of authoritarian regimes, and above all the teleological conception of politics it advances, is a superior approach to authoritarian legitimation than the search for explicit 'consequentualist' versus 'principled' arguments.
THE MALE RECEPTACLE AND ANTHERIDIUM OF REBOULIA HEMISPHAERICA

The genus Reboulia has received less attention from morphologists than certain other forms of the Marchantiales, although recent papers by C. and R. Douin (io), Woodburn (29), and Haupt (i6, I7) give evidence of a present interest in the form. The writer has shared in this interest and for some time has had in progress a study of R. hemisphaerica (L.) Raddi with a view to securing as complete an account of its morphology as a large collection of material would afford. The results of the writer's study of the origin and structure of the air chambers have been recently presented (i I). Haupt's account is the only critical study of the sex organs to date, and should receive due credit as such. The following account of the antheridial structures confirms the work of Haupt in some features and supplements it in others. The material used in this study was for the most part collected from the lower margins of a north-exposed talus slope at the base of a steep shale cliff, near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, at intervals from I9I2 to I920. A second group of material was secured from near Mount Carroll, Illinois, in January, I9I6, and kept in good growing condition in the botanical greenhouse of the University of Chicago. The last collection from this material was made in August, I9I6. Under field conditions antheridia develop during the latter part of the summer, especially in August. In the greenhouse cultures antheridia were forming as early as April, although the August collections also showed antheridial receptacles in early stages of development. HISTORICAL
Vasospasm After Arteriovenous Malformation Rupture

Objective Vasospasm and resultant clinical deterioration caused by delayed cerebral ischemia (CD-CDI) are a considerable source of morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although they are a relatively common cause of spontaneous SAH, AVM rupture and ensuing vasospasm are rarely reported. Methods We reviewed our own series of 122 patients with AVMs. Seventy-three patients sustaining 84 hemorrhages were analyzed. In addition, we performed a review of the literature of vasospasm after AVM rupture. Results Seventy of 84 hemorrhages (83%) had an intraparenchymal component, 27 (32%) a subarachnoid component, and 51 (61%) had an intraventricular component. No patients experienced CD-DCI, and of the 84 hemorrhages reported, only one patient experienced mild angiographic vasospasm (1.1%). Alternatively, this finding represents 1 in 34 cases (2.9%) who underwent definitive angiography between the fourth and fifteenth day after the hemorrhage. Nineteen additional cases of angiographic vasospasm after AVM rupture are reported in the literature. The mean age of these patients was 33 years; there was a 1.25:1 female to male predominance in this group. One-half of these patients had an intraparenchymal hemorrhage, and only 56% of them had SAH. All patients had intraventricular hemorrhage when assessed. The median time to onset of vasospasm was nine days. Across four series, the rate of angiographic spasm after SAH from an AVM was 6.3% (9/142 cases). Conclusions Even in cases of SAH from AVMs, angiographic vasospasm after AVM rupture is relatively rare. We thus do not recommend empiric delayed angiography to assess for vasospasm in these patients. Nevertheless, it does remain a rare possibility and should be considered in those with CD-DCI.
Effect of Concussion on Clinically Measured Reaction Time in 9 NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes: A Preliminary Study

Objectives To evaluate the effect of concussion on clinically measured reaction time (RT clin ) and in comparison to a computerized reaction time measure (RT comp ). Design Prospective, repeated measures observational study. Setting Athletic training clinic at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I university. Participants Data are reported for 9 collegiate athletes with acute concussion who were part of a larger cohort of 209 athletes recruited from the university's football, women's soccer, and wrestling teams before the start of their respective athletic seasons. Methods Baseline RT clin and RT comp were measured during preparticipation physical examinations. RT clin measured the time required to catch a suspended vertical shaft by hand closure after its release by the examiner. RT comp was derived from the simple RT component of the CogState-Sport computerized neurocognitive test battery. Athletes who subsequently sustained a physician-diagnosed concussion underwent repeated RT clin and RT comp testing within 72 hours of injury. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare baseline and after-injury RTs. Main Outcome Measurements After-injury changes in RT clin and RT comp were calculated with respect to each athlete's own preseason baseline value. Results After-injury RT clin was prolonged in 8 of the 9 athletes with concussions, whereas RT comp was prolonged in 5 of the 9 athletes with concussions. The mean (standard deviation) RT clin increased from 193 ± 21 ms to 219 ± 31 ms ( P = .050), and mean RT comp increased from 247 ± 75 to 462 ± 120 ms ( P = .214). Conclusions We concluded that RT clin appears to be sensitive to the known prolongation of RT after concussion and compares favorably with an accepted computerized RT measure. This study supports the potential utility of RT clin as part of a multifaceted concussion assessment battery.
Activity of different phospholipids in attenuating hyperactivity in bladder irritation

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of liposomes prepared from various natural and synthetic lipids in a rat bladder injury model in the absence or the presence of cholesterol and to elucidate the key structural elements necessary for the efficacy of liposomes required for alleviating bladder hyperactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The intravesical pressure was recorded using a transurethral catheter in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats anaesthetized with urethane (1.0 g/kg subcutaneously). Continuous cystometrograms (CMGs) were obtained by slowly filling the bladder with solutions of varying compositions after obtaining a baseline CMG with saline. Rat urothelium was injured with protamine sulphate (PS) and irritated by subsequent infusion of KCl (500 mm) for 1 h. Thereafter, liposomes prepared in KCl using several natural and synthetic phospholipids were infused for 2 h. The percentage reduction in bladder contraction frequency (BCF) was used as a comparative variable for judging the activity of different phospholipids. RESULTS Exposure of rat bladder to sequential infusion of PS and KCl increased its BCF and empty liposomes of uncharged zwitterionic phospholipids markedly attenuated the PS-induced irritation and decreased the raised BCF. But empty liposomes prepared with either cationic or anionic charged lipids were not able to achieve the same effect. Addition of cholesterol did not significantly increase their efficacy. Optimal efficacy of liposomes was achieved with phosphatidylcholines with longer acyl chains and saturation in only one of the two acyl chains. CONCLUSIONS These in vivo studies show that phospholipids attenuate the bladder irritation from KCl after PS-induced bladder injury.
Evidence of nitrosative damage in the brain white matter of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). NO-mediated protein damage in MS appears to be confined to large plaques where 3-nitrotyrosine has been detected. To determine whether nitrosative damage takes place beyond visible MS plaques, the occurrence of various NO-triggered protein modifications in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of eight MS brains was assessed and compared to that in white matter (WM) of four control brains. As determined by amino acid analysis and western blotting, no evidence of tyrosine nitration was found in the MS samples studied, suggesting that they did not contain appreciable amounts of plaque-derived material. The amino acid composition of total myelin proteins and proteolipid protein (PLP) was also unaltered in the diseased tissue, as was the fatty acid composition of PLP. In addition, we detected no changes in the number of protein free thiols suggesting that oxidation do not occur to any appreciable extent. However, the levels of nitrite in MS-NAWM were higher than those in control WM, while in the MS-gray matter (GM) the concentration of this ion was unaltered. Furthermore, five of the MS samples analyzed, and the same as those with high levels of glial fibrilary acidic protein, showed increased amounts of protein nitrosothiols as determined by the “biotin switch” method. S-nitrosation of GM proteins was again normal. There was no indication of N-nitrosation of tryptophan and N-terminal amino groups in both control and MS tissue. Overall, the data suggests that WM, but not GM, from MS brains is subjected to considerable nitrosative stress. This is the first report to present direct evidence of increased protein S-nitrosation and nitrite content in the brain parenchyma of MS patients.
Surfactant (beractant) therapy for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia on ECMO: Evidence of persistent surfactant deficiency

Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can have initial lung atelectasis which, in survivors, gradually improves over time. To test the hypothesis that these patients could benefit from surfactant therapy, infants with CDH (born at > 34 weeks' gestation) on ECMO received either four doses of modified bovine lung surfactant extract (beractant) (surfactant group, n = 9) or an equal volume of air (control group, n = 8). Tracheal aspirate surfactant protein-A (SP-A) concentrations were initially low, and then increased over time in both CDH groups (P = .0021); however, levels remained low when compared with those of infants on ECMO who had other diagnoses (P = .04). Lung compliance (CL), time to extubation, time on oxygen, and total no. of hospital days were not different between the two groups. Infants with CDH had persistently elevated right ventricular pressure (RVP) at cessation of bypass when compared with non-CDH infants on ECMO (RVP = 53.25 mm Hg +/- 19.52 in the CDH group, 32.90 +/- 10.63 in the non-CDH group; P = .0121). The findings suggest that the postnatal surfactant deficiency may be more persistent in CDH infants than in non-CDH infants on ECMO. However, CDH remains a multifactorial condition, with delayed improvement, because of persistence of pulmonary hypertension, difficulties with vascular remodeling, degree of lung hypoplasia, or compromised respiratory mechanics.
Size and scaling in the mandible of living and extinct apes.

The purpose of this study is to fill a gap in our knowledge of dietary and allometric determinants of masticatory function and mandibular morphology in major catarrhine clades. To extend the implicati
Coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk samples, United States.

Dairy cattle are a primary reservoir of Coxiella burnetii, which causes Q fever. However, no recent nationwide studies have assessed the prevalence and risks of Q fever in dairy cattle. We report ≥94% prevalence in samples of bulk tank milk from U.S. dairy herds tested during the past 3 years.
A neural network architecture for faster dynamic scheduling in manufacturing systems

Computation of optimum schedules for dynamic scheduling of tasks introduces an overhead delay in the processing time of the programs executed in an automated system. This is particularly so if serial scheduling algorithms are used. It is proposed that tasks be dynamically scheduled with the Lawler scheduling algorithm and that, to minimise the additional delay due to the computation of optimum schedules, a neural network be used for retrieving optimal solutions. A neural network architecture that can recognise binary vector representations of scheduling problems and retrieve optimal schedules in negligible time is described. >
Validation of Ground-Motion Simulations through Simple Proxies for the Response of Engineered Systems

We propose a list of simple parameters that act as proxies for the response of more complicated engineered systems and therefore can be studied to validate new methods of ground-motion simulation for engineering applications. The primary list of parameters includes correlation of spectral acceleration across periods, ratio of maximum-to-median spectral acceleration across all horizontal orientations, and the ratio of inelastic-to-elastic displacement, all of which have reliable empirical mod- els against which simulations can be compared. We also describe several secondary parameters, such as directivity pulse period and structural collapse capacity, that do not have robust empirical models but are important for engineering analysis. We then demonstrate the application of these parameters to exemplify simulations computed using a variety of methods, including stochastic finite fault, Graves-Pitarka hybrid broadband, and a composite source model. In general, each simulation method matches empirical models for some parameters and not others, indicating that all rel- evant parameters need to be carefully validated. Online Material: Tables of ground-motion records and simulations selected to have comparable response spectra, and MATLAB code to compute simple proxies for the response of engineering systems.
Neural networks with nonlinear weights for pattern classification

The adoption of nonlinear weights in artificial neural networks for pattern matching applications is studied. These weights laterally connect the processing elements of the output layers and force the output of the nondominant processing elements to converge to a low level. This facilitates the selection of the closest stored pattern. It is shown that the adoption of nonlinear weights in a Hamming net significantly improves performance and reduces complexity. A multistage Hamming net is also proposed. The memory capacity and training of this net are also studied. >
CMM and TODS

The Capability Maturity Model [4] is an orderly way for organizations to determine the capabilities of their current processes for developing software and to establish priorities for improvement [2]. It defines five levels of progressively more mature process capability [3].
A Steam‐Augmented Gas Turbine with Reheat Combustor for Surface Ships

The steam-augmented gas turbine (SAGT) concept has attracted attention because of its benign level of NOx emission, its increased fuel efficiency, and significant, cost-effective increments of output power, particularly when moisture injection is increased to levels approaching 50% of air flow. Such high levels of moisture consumption distinguish the SAGT engine from commercial steam-injected gas turbines where steam flow may be less than 15% of air flow. At the high 50% levels, the SAGT burner would operate near stoichiometric combustion ratios with specific powers exceeding 570 hp-sec/lb. In a previous study, an intercooled, steam-augmented, gas-turbine concept was examined for its applicability in the Navy's DDG-51 class ship environments, which achieves efficiencies approaching the Navy's intercooled regenerative (ICR) engine, and an impressive compactness that arises from the high specific power of steam and low air consumption. A newer SAGT engine concept, described herein, dispenses with the intercooler, but adds a low-pressure reheat combustor. At the most efficient operating points, the efficiency of this new reheat SAGT engine at 43% exceeds the efficiency of the ICR engine, while exhibiting the compactness of the previous SAGT concept. Tabular and graphical simulation data comparing the baseline engine, with the ICR and other engine simulations, show that the maximum efficiency of the new SAGT engine occurs at powers required for cruising speeds. Since a DDG operates near cruise conditions for the majority of its mission time, a SAGT plant uses less fuel than the ICR plant. Moreover, since it eliminates the intercooler, developmental work on member elements, largely derivable from off-the-shelf components, is reduced. Even with conservative cost estimates, the SAGT plant is quite competitive on a first-acquisition cost basis with the current gas turbine in the fleet.