cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated AIM2-mediated pyroptosis triggered by hypercytotoxic Francisella mutant strains is attributed to increased intracellular bacteriolysis

Intracellular bacterial pathogens Francisella novicida and the Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) are recognized in the macrophage cytosol by the AIM2 inflammasome, which leads to the activation of caspase-1 and the processing and secretion of active IL-1β, IL-18 and pyroptosis. Previous studies have reported that F. novicida and LVS mutants in specific genes (e.g. FTT0584, mviN and ripA) induce elevated inflammasome activation and hypercytotoxicity in host cells, leading to the proposal that F. novicida and LVS may have proteins that actively modulate inflammasome activation. However, there has been no direct evidence of such inflammasome evasion mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the above mutants, along with a wide range of F. novicida hypercytotoxic mutants that are deficient for membrane-associated proteins (ΔFTT0584, ΔmviN, ΔripA, ΔfopA and ΔFTN1217) or deficient for genes involved in O-antigen or LPS biosynthesis (ΔwbtA and ΔlpxH) lyse more intracellularly, thus activating increased levels of AIM2-dependent pyroptosis and other innate immune signalling pathways. This suggests that an inflammasome-specific evasion mechanism may not be present in F. novicida and LVS. Furthermore, future studies may need to consider increased bacterial lysis as a possible cause of elevated stimulation of multiple innate immune pathways when the protein composition or surface carbohydrates of the bacterial membrane is altered.
"Spectacular Opacities": The Hyers Sisters' Performances of Respectability and Resistance

This essay analyzes the Hyers Sisters, a Reconstruction-era African American sister act, and their radical efforts to transcend social limits of gender, class, and race in their early concert careers and three major productions, Out of Bondage and Peculiar Sam, or The Underground Railroad , two slavery-to-freedom epics, and Urlina, the African Princess , the first known African American play set in Africa. At a time when serious, realistic roles and romantic plotlines featuring black actors were nearly nonexistent due to the country’s appetite for stereotypical caricatures, the Hyers Sisters used gender passing to perform opposite one another as heterosexual lovers in their early operatic concerts and Urlina . Because they were sisters, audiences did not perceive any threat of an actual intimate exchange. As a result, they were able to create respectful depictions of romantic relationships onstage between black men and women that were otherwise impossible. Collaborating with other black theatre artists, including Sam Lucas and Pauline Hopkins, they created productions that presented inspiring depictions of black male heroes, intact black families, and blacks achieving social progress after securing their freedom. The Hyers Sisters’ positive (re)presentations of (African) American life and love were strategic, political acts of resistance against the rampant racism of Reconstruction-era America. Their pioneering productions enabled the sisters to create early opportunities for themselves and other black artists in a white, male dominated industry, and helped lay the groundwork for the growth and development of black theatre and popular entertainment in the decades to come.
Protecting Blogging: The Need for an ActualDisruption Standard in Pickering

Table of ContentsI. Introduction 1152II. A Blogging Scandal Exposes the Uncertainties of the Pickering Framework 1155A. Cutler's Blog Entries Satisfy the "Not Pursuant to Official Duty" Requirement 1 157B. Cutler's Speech Satisfies the Public Concern Requirement 1158C. Balancing Interests in Cutler's Case Reveals Uncertainties 11601 . Public Employee's Interest in Freedom of Expression: Cutler's Speech Does Not Deserve Substantial Protection 1 1612. Government's Interest as Employer: Cutler's First Amendment Protection Depends on the Disruption Standard Applied 1 162III. Lower Court Inconsistencies: The Disruption Standard Is Not Articulated Uniformly 1165A. Eighth Circuit: Conflicting Disruption Standards Exist 11651 . Cases Requiring a Showing of Actual Disruption 1 1662. Cases Requiring Less than Actual Disruption 1 1693 . General Trends and Analysis from Eighth Circuit Cases 1 169B. Ninth Circuit: Inconsistent Formulations of the Disruption Standard Are Present 11701. Cases Requiring a Showing of Actual Disruption 11712. Cases Requiring Less than Actual Disruption 11733. General Trends and Analysis from Ninth Circuit Cases 1175TV. Case Law Application of Pickering Balancing to Blogging 11 76A. Stengle: A Clear Case of Disruption Through Compromising Impartiality 1177B. Richerson: Demonstrating Ninth Circuit Confusion over Disruption 1179C. Lessons Gleaned from Blogging Cases 1182V. Recommendations: Actual Disruption Should Be Required 1182A. Blogging Implicates the Classic Free Speech Theories 11831. Marketplace of Ideas 11832. Democratic Self-Governance 11 863. Human Dignity and Self-Fidfillment 1188B. Return to Cutler's Blog: Why Actual Disruption Matters 1190C. The Supreme Court Should Address Prior Inconsistencies and Adopt an Actual Disruption Standard 1191D. Proposed Federal Statute: A Showing of Actual Disruption is Required for Public Employment Actions Involving Electronic Communication 1193VI. Conclusion 1195[O]f all the species of writer, bloggers are the least insulated from their authence, most vulnerable to the ebb and flow of attention and response. They are both alone and in a crowd. Their solitude can inspire selfindulgent ranting; their sociability can tempt them into self-serving pandering. …
Frequency response model of skeletal muscle: effect of perturbation level, and control strategy.

The frequency response model of the soleus muscle of the cat was determined as a function of various firing rate and recruitment control strategies and at various force oscillation levels. We found that the basic frequency response models of the muscle during individual force oscillations at various control strategies in which the motor unit population of the muscle was fully recruited to obtain 50 per cent and up to 100 per cent of the maximum force, either concurrently with firing rate increase or at constant firing rate, were nearly identical. The model consisted of a second-order, linear low-pass filter with double poles at 1·85 Hz and a pure time delay of 16 ms. The model resulting from only firing rate increase from the frequency of fusion of the smallest motor unit to the maximum tetanic rate of the muscle while all the motor units were continuously active was nonlinear, and depended on the force's oscillation level. This nonlinear response of the rate coding process is also identified as the source of the increased harmonic distortion in the model where the initial 50 per cent of the force was generated by fully recruiting all the motor units, and the final 50 per cent of the force was generated by firing rate increase. We concluded that the basic frequency response model of a muscle under conditions similar to voluntary contraction consists of a linear, second-order system which is robust and independent of control strategy and force perturbation level.
3-D Simulation of Ion Thruster Plumes Using Octree Adaptive Mesh Refinement

The physics of neutral and ion species in plume expansions to vacuum is challenging due to the wide variation in length and time scales. To address the multiscale nature of these flows, a grid approach known as adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) combined with the octree method has been used with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and particle-in-cell solvers to model the plumes of small ion thruster expansions to vacuum. Single- and triple-thruster geometries have been simulated with the inclusion of the well-known charge exchange (CEX) reactions that transfer energy from energetic xenon ions to neutrals. A multispecies timestep, species weighting factors, and local timestep adaptation are employed to simulate the interactions between major and trace, ion species. Three grids for modeling particle collisions, interactions with the electric field, and visualization have been developed in a parallel code that has good scalability. Comparison studies are presented between a two-level Cartesian-based DSMC solver and our new code in terms of accuracy of results and simulation cost. CEX collisions are shown to produce back flow in both single- and triple-thruster configurations and increase the ion number density up to 10% near the thruster exit. For the 3-D, triple-thruster case, the combined plume interaction region was automatically captured by the AMR-octree mesh.
Amorphous materials: Characterizing amorphous strain

The engineering performance of materials is controlled to a large extent by their elastic stress/strain response. The first X-ray strain measurements in amorphous metals allow for new understanding of complex glassy materials.
The importance of secondary structure in determining CO2-protein binding patterns

One potential means to decrease the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is through the utilization of protein–CO2 interactions. A recent bioinformatics analysis [Cundari TR et al. (2009) J Chem Inf Model 49:2111–2115] of these interactions revealed a marked disparity in CO2 affinity between α-helices and β-sheets. In order to understand this difference, a series of molecular dynamics simulations was performed on polypeptide model systems. Numerous factors that may influence CO2 affinity were systematically investigated, including the specific location of the amino acids within the secondary structural elements (SSEs), the partial charges on CO2, chemical modifications made to the protein backbone, the inclusion of singly, doubly, and many functionalized residues, and the effect of solvent water. The differing abilities of the secondary structure types to participate in hydrogen bonding along the backbone were identified as being a crucial influence on CO2 affinity; the lesser role of polypeptide–CO2 electrostatic interactions was also noted. The effect of incorporating functionalized amino acid side chains, such as those possessed by Arg and His, on the affinity differs between the two structure types, and also strongly depends on the number included and the distance between them. The inclusion of explicit water molecules was found to attenuate all interactions, but did not change the overall trends in CO2 affinity. Collectively, these results highlight the role of the backbone atoms in binding the CO2 ligand, which will have important implications for efforts to ameliorate atmospheric carbon dioxide through the use of natural, designed, and modified proteins.
rTMS neuromodulation improves electrocortical functional measures of information processing and behavioral responses in autism

Objectives: Reports in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) of a minicolumnopathy with consequent deficits of lateral inhibition help explain observed behavioral and executive dysfunctions. We propose that neuromodulation based on rTMS will enhance lateral inhibition through activation of inhibitory double bouquet interneurons and will be accompanied by improvements in the prefrontal executive functions. Methods: The current study used ERPs in a visual oddball task with illusory figures. We compared clinical, behavioral and electrocortical outcomes in 2 groups of children with autism (TMS, wait-list group [WTL]). We predicted that 18 session long course in autistic patients will have better behavioral and ERP outcomes as compared to age- and IQ-matched wait-list group. We used 18 sessions of 1Hz rTMS applied over the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex in 27 individuals with ASD diagnosis. The WTL group was comprised of 27 age-matched ASD subjects. Results: Post-TMS evaluations showed decreased irritability and hyperactivity and decreased stereotypic behaviors. Following rTMS we found decreased amplitude and prolonged latency in the fronto-central ERPs to non-targets in the TMS group. These ERP changes along with increased centro-parietal ERPs to targets are indicative of more efficient processing of information post-TMS. Another finding was increased magnitude of error-related negativity (ERN) during commission errors. We calculated normative post-error reaction time (RT) slowing response in both groups and found that rTMS was accompanied by post-error RT slowing and higher accuracy of responses, whereas the WTL group kept on showing typical for ASD post-error RT speeding and had higher error rate. Conclusion: Results from our study indicate that rTMS improves executive functioning in ASD as evidenced by normalization of ERP responses and behavioral reactions during executive function test, and also by improvements in clinical behavioral evaluations.
Enhancement of fluorouracil therapy by the manipulation of tissue uridine pools.

Abstract Evidence for transport systems that actively concentrate uridine in normal tissues provides a previously unexploited opportunity for manipulation to therapeutic advantage. The ability to expand these pools in a tissue-specific manner by administration of exogenous uridine, inhibition of uridine phosphorylase with BAU or blockade of the facilitated transport of nucleosides with dipyridamole is establised. If the apparent defect in the active transport mechanism for uridine in neoplastic cells in culture as well as several model tumors reflect the properties of human neoplasms, a new exploitable therapeutic difference may exist. These approaches may, in the near future, increase the therapeutic effectiveness not only of fluorouracil and the other fluoropyrimidines but also of other agents which disrupt uridine metabolism such as PALA and pyrazofurin.
The Centralized-Use Compromise on Recreational Drug Policy

The current debate on recreational drug policy is roughly a contest between prohibition advocates and legalization advocates. This paper offers a third alternative that is a compromise between those two. The centralized-use compromise can secure the autonomy interests that are important to defenders of legalization, and it can prevent harms to others that are the focus of prohibition arguments. The centralized-use compromise also offers a possible way to reduce the black market while also reducing the rate of addiction and the associated debasing harms to self.
Relationship between diuretic and antihypertensive effects of chlorothiazide and mercurial diuretics.

Both chlorothiazide and parenteral mercurial diuretics have an antihypertensive as well as a natriuretic action. Previous observations have suggested that the antihypertensive effect is not due solely to sodium depletion. This paper expands these observations on a larger group of normotensive and hypertensive subjects and presents new studies on the effects of fluorohydrocortisone and SC-8109 (a "steroidal antagonist"), upon the sodium excretion and blood pressure of hypertensive patients during treatment with one of the diuretics.
Accounting for women's work: the progress of two decades

Abstract This paper reviews the progress made toward a more accurate statistical recording of women's economic activities. Beginning with an assessment of the main areas in which the underestimation of women's work has been prevalent, the article examines the conceptual, theoretical and methodological progress made during the past two decades. This progress has contributed to the improvement of statistics regarding women in subsistence production and has set the basis for the inclusion of domestic work in national accounts. Despite this progress, much remains to be done at the practical level — in these two areas and in statistics on the informal sector and volunteer activities — particularly at the national level.
Morphological characteristics of big bluestem and switchgrass plants divergently selected for seedling tiller number

Selection at the seedling stage in grass breeding would be useful if seedling traits were correlated to desired agronomic traits of mature plants. Objectives of this study were to determine if seedlings from big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) populations that differ genetically in seedling tiller number differ in mature plant (i) morphological characteristics, (ii) forage yield managed by a three-cut harvest system or a single end-of-season harvest, and (iii) leaf elongation rate. Field experiments were conducted on a Kennebec silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Cumulic Hapludolls). In addition, greenhouse studies were conducted in 1999 through 2001. Seedlings from big bluestem and switchgrass populations that differed for seedling tiller numbers were transplanted into spaced-planted field nurseries and greenhouse pots for study. Leaf width, leaf length, plant height, number of tillers per plant, yield, and leaf elongation rate were measured. Mature plant morphological characteristics differed between multiple-tiller and single-tiller plant types for both big bluestem and switchgrass. There were no differences in forage yield for big bluestem plant types. Switchgrass single-tiller plant types yielded 200 g plant -1 more than multiple-tiller types when harvested only once. Leaf elongation rate was 22 and 28% greater for single-tiller types vs. multiple-tiller types for big bluestem and switchgrass, respectively. Selection at the seedling level for tiller number appears to be an effective method to develop genotypes differing in yield per tiller, which has been shown to affect herbage yield when grown in swards.
Hospitalizations of Adults With Spina Bifida and Congenital Spinal Cord Anomalies

Abstract Dicianno BE, Wilson R. Hospitalizations of adults with spina bifida and congenital spinal cord anomalies. Objective To examine hospital admission records from a large cohort of persons with spina bifida (SB) with a variety of insurers to provide descriptive detail about adult hospital use for persons with SB and associated disorders in terms of primary diagnosis for hospitalization, age, sex, payer source, lengths of stay, and total charges. Design Retrospective secondary data analysis from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 2004 and 2005 of hospitalizations for adults with SB or associated spinal cord anomalies. Setting Records from U.S. inpatient hospital admissions. Participants Persons with SB age 18 years and older. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Diagnoses associated with hospitalizations and death. Results The most common primary diagnosis for hospitalization was urinary tract infection, followed by complications from devices/grafts/implants and skin wounds. Sepsis accounted for the most deaths. Approximately one third of hospitalizations were for primary diagnoses of potentially preventable conditions. Hospitalizations associated with a primary diagnosis of a potentially preventable condition occurred most often in those less than 51 years of age and in rural or urban nonteaching hospitals. Conclusions Reducing the number of secondary medical conditions with proactive and preventative approaches to health care could reduce the morbidity, mortality, and cost for health care for this group.
Tissue factors influence fibroblast activity in neuromuscular diseases.

Abstract Connective tissue proliferation is common in a number of neuromuscular disorders. We tested the hypothesis that one or more factors which may affect fibroblast activity are present in muscle biopsy extracts from patients with neuromuscular disorders characterized by variable degrees of fibrosis of the affected muscles. Thirty-two muscle biopsies from patients and normal controls were examined. Prolyl hydroxylase activity was stimulated in fibroblasts exposed in vitro to dystrophic muscle biopsy extracts compared with controls. Thymidine incorporation into DNA was inhibited. As prolyl hydroxylase activity is indicative of the capacity of fibrogenic cells to manufacture competent structural macromolecules, we conclude that the muscle biopsies of dystrophic patients contain one or more factors which promote the production of structural macromolecules. Because of the nature of the biopsied material, these factors may arise from muscle cells, fibroblasts, connective tissue, or other tissue components.
Cabibbo mixing and the experiments that proved it

Abstract The “leaning structure” of weak interactions that now encompasses flavor mixing of three quark families and even CP violation started with Nicola Cabibboʼs proposal in the context of hyperon decays that the d and s quarks are “rotated” by an angle (Cabibbo angle). I will recall the origins of this radical idea and recount the key experiments that established its validity. In addition I will suggest possible new hyperon experiments.
Time out for family: Shift work, fathers, and sports

Shift work is a fact of life for many workers. Almost one in six full-time hourly and salary employees works a shift outside the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window that researchers use to define the temporal bounds of the traditional workday. Almost half of those working in restaurants and bars work such alternate shifts, as do more than a quarter of workers in hospitals and manufacturing facilities. Drawing on interviews and observations in a Midwestern auto parts plant, this study explores how individuals in this predominantly male workforce talk about fulfilling family responsibilities in the face of relatively inflexible shift schedules. Interviews and observations reveal how the time pressures of shift work, particularly the afternoon-evening shift, affect the ability of fathers to participate in their children’s activities, especially organized sports. Without formal options for scheduling flexibility, workers turn to a variety of informal approaches, such as ad hoc arrangements with sympathetic supervisors or the assistance of coworkers in covering for absences. In extreme cases, workers may engage in independent actions, often placing their jobs at risk. These findings contribute to the literature on work-family conflict and the gender dynamics of work-family life programs. By emphasizing the importance of including fathers in the work-family equation, they have practical implications for both employers and policymakers concerned with addressing the challenges of helping a contemporary workforce strike an equitable balance between work and family life. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
0.31k1 ArF lithography for 70-nm DRAM

512Mbit DRAM with 70 nm design rule was tailored using 0.31k1 ArF lithography technologies. Of the critical mask layers, four pattern layouts were demonstrated: brick wall, line/space, contact and line/contact patterns. For the sake of cost reduction, the conventional technologies were used. Results has shown that SLR (Single-Layer Resist) process, half-tone PSM and the conventional illuminations had a potential of manufacturing 70 nm DRAM. However, it was found that brick wall patterns had asymmetrical shape and total CD uniformity was out of target raging 9.2 nm through 16.3 nm depending mask layouts. We prospect that higher contrast resist and more elaborate resist process will address these problems sooner or later. In case the immersion lithography is not ready around the right time, the feasibility of 0.29k1 ArF lithography was studied through simulation and test, which represented that 0.29k1 technologies were likely to be applied for the development of 60 nm DRAM with the aid of RETs (Resolution Enhancement Technologies) including customized illumination and new hard mask process.
Adaptive Maximum Likelihood Receiver for Direct-Ranging Applications

Recent interest in direct-ranging navigation methods has prompted new research into practical receiver structures which provide improved signal processing. Maximum likelihood receivers are compared with conventional phase-locked receivers by theoretical and simulation methods as phase estimators based on signal measurements only. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement is examined and filter recommendations made. An adaptive maximum likelihood receiver is then developed which uses both signal measurements and a priori data to improve phase estimation accuracy. Simulation results indicate a 33.3 dB processing gain yielding a ranging error standard deviation of ±15 feet for zero dB received SNR. Nonadaptive and adaptive receivers are fabricated, flight tested, and experimental results reported.
New borohydride fuel cell with multiwalled carbon nanotubes as anode: A step towards increasing the power output

Abstract A borohydride fuel cell has been constructed using a platinized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) anode and an air cathode having an anionic exchange membrane separating the anode and cathode. The MWCNT was functionalized with carboxylic acid under nitric acid reflux. Platinum metal was subsequently incorporated into it by galvanostatic deposition. The platinized functionalized MWCNT was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The fuel cell produced a voltage of 0.95 V at low currents and a maximum power density of 44 mW cm −2 at room temperature in 10% sodium borohydride in a 4 M sodium hydroxide medium. Another borohydride fuel cell under identical conditions using carbon as the anode produced a cell voltage of 0.90 V and power density of about 20 mW cm −2 . The improved performance of the MWCNT is attributed to the higher effective surface area and catalytic activity.
Of Mice and Men: Essential Considerations in the Translation of Collateral Therapeutics

To the Editor: Shin and colleagues detail an elegant study of collateral perfusion in the ischemic penumbra of mice treated with induced hypertension after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).1 Using optical imaging techniques, they demonstrate that early augmentation of systemic blood pressure with phenylephrine after MCAO improves collateral flow from ipsilateral leptomeningeal branches of the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. Such collateral perfusion is noted to markedly improve cerebral blood flow (CBF) in penumbra and core, with associated enhancement of oxygenation and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in these ischemic regions. After prompt reversal of distal MCAO, infarct size is reduced by induced hypertension in concentric fashion around a focus emanating from the site of distal MCAO. There are subtle yet critical details embedded in this sophisticated cerebrovascular pathophysiology experiment that must be considered regarding the potential of induced hypertension and other therapeutic approaches using collateral perfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients.2 Changes …
Effects of frustration and aggression on physiological arousal level in depressed subjects.

S~~mmary.-Sixteen depressed psychiatric inpatients were tested in a 2 x 2 repeated factorial design involving 2 frustration or no-frustration experiences followed by counterbalanced opportunities to aggress and not aggress physically against the frustrator. Primary dependent measures were heart rate and systolic blood pressure, the critical measures being taken before and during frustration and following aggression. Results demonstrated that no-frustration is associated with larger increases in mean heart rate and systolic blood pressure than frusrrarion while no aggression is associated with larger decreases in mean heart rate and systolic blood pressure than physical aggression. Results were interpreted in light of previous data obtained on college sophomores. This is the sixth in a series of frustration-aggression studies initiated by Hokanson and his associates (Hokanson & Shetler, 1961; Hokanson & Burgess, 1962a, 1962b; Hokanson, Burgess, & Cohen, 1963; Hokanson & Edelman, 1966). Their methodological approach to the st~idy of this area involves measuring Ss' physiological arousal level before and after frustration and following the expression of aggression. They have found that goal-blocking and ego-threat fruscration increase physiological arousal level (defined in terms of heart rate and systolic blood pressure) in college sophomores and that appropriately vectored direct verbal or physical aggression against an equal-status frustrator decreases poscfrustration physiological arousal level. Their results indicate that "cathartic" effects (post-frustration physiological arousal level decrease) are dependent on at least three parameters: che frustrator's status, the type of aggression, and the target of aggression. The present paper extends this type of research to the study of depressed psychiacric inpatients to determine whether "depressed" Ss respond to frustration-aggression conditions (similar to the ones employed by Hokanson, et al.) in a manner consistent with the findings discussed above. Aside from empirically examining depression as an additional frustration-aggression parameter, the study also holds potential for clarifying the role of aggression in depressive states. The specific aims of this study were to examine depressed Ss as follows: to determine che relative effects of fruscration and no frustration on physiological arousal level and to compare che relative effects of direct physical aggression and no-aggression against a low-status frustrator on post-frustration and no-frustration physiological arousal level.
Gas separation transport modeling for PDMS coatings on PEI-PEG IPN membranes

Abstract A caulking layer is frequently applied to gas separation membranes to alleviate the effects of structural defects. Caulking materials have high gas diffusivities, so as not to hinder the performance of the gas separation layer. Despite these considerations, for some bi-layer systems unaffected by plasticization, the mixed gas selectivity has been observed to be significantly lower than selectivity values calculated from pure gas permeabilities. The present object is to model and simulate two-layer caulked gas separation membranes at the fundamental level to discover the mechanistic basis for the observed behaviour. To this end, a transport based model considering intrinsic material properties was developed to simulate gas separation for a system of CO2 and N2 diffusing across a caulking layer of polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and then a polyetherimide-polyethylene glycol interpenetrating network (PEI-PEG IPN) membrane. The model was able to account for flux declines in mixed gas systems greater than those predicted by conventional series resistance models, such as have been observed experimentally.
Redefining Nature: Ecology, Culture and Domestication

Redefining Nature: Ecology, Culture and Domestication. ROY ELLEN and KATSUYOSHI FUKUI, eds. Oxford: Berg, 1996. xxii + 664 pp., figures, tables, notes, bibliography, contributors, index.
Diagnostic Approach to Pulmonary Nodules in the Postpneumonectomy Patient

P CHALLENGE The postpneumonectomy patient with an indeterminate pulmonary nodule in the contralateral lung represents a formidable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The diagnosis of suspicious peripheral lung nodules is performed most commonly by computed tomography (CT)–guided transthoracic needle aspiration (TTNA). Depending on the size and location, the diagnostic accuracy of TTNA ranges from 65%-96%.1 The TTNA-associated risk of pneumothorax, particularly in patients with emphysema, is 21%-40%, depending on the number of needle passes and the experience of the operator.2,3 Many interventional radiologists consider a previous pneumonectomy as a contraindication to TTNA because of the significant risk of pneumothorax. In one published report, TTNA in postpeumonectomy patients was performed with a thoracic surgeon directly standing by for potential emergent tube thoracostomy.4 We propose a safe diagnostic technique with therapeutic potential for postpeumonectomy patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules.
Recent progress in developing highly efficient and thermally stable nonlinear optical polymers for electro-optics

Recent development of high-performance nonlinear optical polymers for electro-optics (E-O) is reviewed in this paper. A highly efficient and thermally stable nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore, namely 2-[4-(2-{5-[2-(4-{Bis-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-ethyl]-amino}-phenyl)-vinyl]-thiophen-2-yl}-vinyl)-3-cyano-5-trifluoromethyl-5H-furan-2-ylidene]-malononitrile, has been prepared and incorporated in amorphous polycarbonate (APC) composites. The result from high electric field poling shows a very large E-O coefficient (r33 = 94 pm/V at 1.3 μm), ~80% of which can be maintained at 85 °C for more than 500 hours. In addition to this guest/host sysytem, a high Tg side-chain polymer, derived from a 3-D cardo-type polimide with dendron-encapsulated chromophores as pendent groups has also been synthesized and characterized. A high degree of chromophore dipole orientation and a large r33 of 71 pm/V at 1.3 μm can be achieved in this poled polyimide. More than 90% of its E-O activity can be maintained at 85 °C for more than 600 hours. To access the full potential of poled polymers for device applications, we have developed a new lattice-hardening approach to overcome the “nonlinearity-stability-tradeoff” of conventional thermoset methods. By using the Diels-Alder lattice-hardening process, we can achieve the same high poling efficiency and large r33value as in a guest-host system while maintaining good thermal stability seen in densely-crosslinked polymers. By modifying the electronic properties of the crosslinking reagents, we can fine-tune the processing temperature window of the Diels-Alder reactions to achieve hardened materials with optimal properties.
Nano-LC FTICR tandem mass spectrometry for top-down proteomics: routine baseline unit mass resolution of whole cell lysate proteins up to 72 kDa.

Current high-throughput top-down proteomic platforms provide routine identification of proteins less than 25 kDa with 4-D separations. This short communication reports the application of technological developments over the past few years that improve protein identification and characterization for masses greater than 25 kDa. Advances in separation science have allowed increased numbers of proteins to be identified, especially by nanoliquid chromatography (nLC) prior to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Further, a goal of high-throughput top-down proteomics is to extend the mass range for routine nLC MS analysis up to 80 kDa because gene sequence analysis predicts that ∼70% of the human proteome is transcribed to be less than 80 kDa. Normally, large proteins greater than 50 kDa are identified and characterized by top-down proteomics through fraction collection and direct infusion at relatively low throughput. Further, other MS-based techniques provide top-down protein characterization, however at low resolu...
The requirements for hysteresis in the recoil loop of an exchange-coupled permanent magnet

Abstract A simple mean field model for an exchange-coupled permanent magnet containing a distribution of coercivities provides a qualitative description for the origin of time-independent hysteresis in the recoil loop and demonstrates that the area of the recoil loop is not a valid metric for the interaction strength. The conclusions of this model may be applied to two-phase exchange-coupled “spring magnets” as well as to crystallographically single-phase material where the distribution in coercivities arise from variations in microstructures. When the mean field interaction with the magnetization of the hard component exceeds the coercivity of the soft component, the interaction field serves as an effective bias field shifting the major loop of the soft component into the second quadrant of the magnetization curve with respect to the applied field. The area enclosed in the recoil is demonstrated to be a function of the mean field interaction strength, the distribution of coercivities, the volume fraction of the soft component, and the field from which the recoil is measured. The area of the recoil loop is expected to approach zero for both weak and strong interactions.
Genetic control of spermiogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster: an autosomal mutant (ms(2)10R) demonstrating disruption of the axonemal complex.

The ultrastructure of spermatid differentiation in an autosomal male sterile mutant of Drosophila melanogaster is described. The mutant ms(2)10R is characterized by two anomalies: (a) disruption of the axonemal complex, and (b) formation of multiple paracrystalline bodies within abnormally large primary mitochondrial derivatives. The mutant undergoes limited elongation with some variation between maturing bundles of spermatids. Components of the axonemal complex apparently complete differentiation even though disrupted and scattered in the cytoplasm. Mitochondrial derivatives are often very large and contain several paracrystalline bodies which form at contact points between the membranes of the derivatives and the cytoplasmic membranes. Abnormally large numbers of microtubules are observed within spermatids containing large mitochondrial derivatives. The large size of mitochondrial derivatives in transverse section is presumed to be due to a failure of normal elongation. Spermatids degenerate rather late in the maturation process. No fully mature spermatids were observed.
Breast-feeding and HIV transmission : Epidemiologic studies and their limitations

Abstract Postnatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from an HIV-infected mother to child has been attributed mostly to breast-feeding. However, the mechanism and timing of HIV transmission via breast-feeding and the risk factors for that mode of transmission are not well defined. A series of case reports and cohort studies have provided useful but incomplete information on the transmission of HIV through breast-feeding. Various studies have yielded risk estimates of 15–40%. The stage of the HIV infection in the mother and the immunologic constituents of the breast milk have been suggested as important determinants of HIV transmission through breast-feeding.
Defects of Prostate Development and Reproductive System in the Estrogen Receptor-α Null Male Mice

The estrogen receptor-α knockout (ERαKO, ERα−/−) mice were generated via the Cre-loxP system by mating floxed ERα mice with β-actin (ACTB)-Cre mice. The impact of ERα gene deletion in the male reproductive system was investigated. The ACTB-Cre/ERα−/− male mice are infertile and have lost 90% of epididymal sperm when compared with wild-type mice. Serum testosterone levels in ACTB-Cre/ERα−/− male mice are 2-fold elevated. The ACTB-Cre/ERα−/− testes consist of atrophic and degenerating seminiferous tubules with less cellularity in the disorganized seminiferous epithelia. Furthermore, the ventral and dorsal-lateral prostates of ACTB-Cre/ERα−/− mice display reduced branching morphogenesis. Loss of ERα could also be responsible for the decreased fibroblast proliferation and changes in the stromal content. In addition, we found bone morphogenetic protein, a mesenchymal inhibitor of prostatic branching morphogenesis, is significantly up-regulated in the ACTB-Cre/ERα−/− prostates. Collectively, these results sugge...
Evolving densities in continuous strategy games through particle simulations

Many cases of strategic interaction between agents involve a continuous set of choices. It is natural to model these problems as continuous space games. Consequently, the population of agents playing the game will be represented with a density function defined over the continuous set of strategy choices. Simulating evolutionary dynamics on continuous strategy spaces is a challenging problem. The classic approach of discretizing the strategy space is ineffective for multidimensional strategy spaces. We present a principled approach to simulation of adaptive dynamics in continuous space games using sequential Monte Carlo methods. Sequential Monte Carlo methods use a set of weighted random samples, also named particles to represent density functions over multidimensional spaces. Sequential Monte Carlo methods provide computationally efficient ways of computing the evolution of probability density functions. We employ resampling and smoothing steps to prevent particle degeneration problem associated with particle estimates. The resulting algorithm can be interpreted as an agent based simulation with elements of natural selection, regression to mean and mutation. We illustrate the performance of the proposed simulation technique using two examples: continuous version of the repeated prisoner dilemma game and evolution of bidding functions in first-price closed-bid auctions.
Estrogen receptor microarrays: subtype-selective ligand binding.

We present the first example of a nuclear hormone receptor microarray, using for illustration the ligand-binding domains of the two estrogen receptors, ERα-LBD and ERβ-LBD. The proteins are printed and allowed to attach to aldehyde slides; the efficiency of attachment depends on whether the LBD is liganded with agonists (low attachment) versus liganded with antagonists or unliganded (high attachment). This suggests that attachment is orientation specific and involves principally a single lysine residue. The attached ERs retain good ligand-binding activity that can be assessed using an estradiol-fluorophore conjugate, and specific and ER subtype-selective binding of ligands can be determined conveniently in competitive binding assays. This powerful new, high-throughput technique to study ligand binding to ER-LBDs can be extended to other nuclear hormone receptors and adapted to assay the recruitment of coregulator proteins.
Separability and correlations in composite states based on entropy methods

This work is an enquiry into the circumstances under which entropy methods can give an answer to the questions of both quantum separability and classical correlations of a composite state. Several entropy functionals are employed to examine the entanglement and correlation properties guided by the corresponding calculations of concurrence. It is shown that the entropy difference between that of the composite and its marginal density matrices may be of arbitrary sign except under special circumstances when conditional probability can be defined appropriately. This ambiguity is a consequence of the fact that the overlap matrix elements of the eigenstates of the composite density matrix with those of its marginal density matrices also play important roles in the definitions of probabilities and the associated entropies, along with their respective eigenvalues. The general results are illustrated using pure- and mixed-state density matrices of two-qubit systems. Two classes of density matrices are found for which the conditional probability can be defined: (1) density matrices with commuting decompositions and (2) those that are decohered in the representation where the density matrices of the marginals are diagonal. The first class of states encompass those whose separability is currently understood as due to particular symmetries of the states. The second are a class of states that are expected to be useful for understanding separability. Examples of entropy functionals of these decohered states including the crucial isospectral case are discussed.
I. California—the home of the split session

The “bifurcated session” (which is fulfilling many of the hopes of its sponsors) and the breakdown of national party lines are the outstanding features of California's legislature. Of course, she still has some problems
The Syndemic Effects of Intimate Partner Violence, HIV/AIDS, and Substance Abuse on Depression among Low-Income Urban Women

Intimate partner violence (IPV), HIV/AIDS, and substance use are epidemics among low-income urban women that have been described together as the “SAVA syndemic” because of their co-occurring nature. This study examines the synergistic or “syndemic” effect of these three health issues on depression among urban women and evaluates social support as a protective factor that might reduce depressive symptoms associated with the Substance Abuse, Violence, and AIDS (SAVA) syndemic. Data from 445 urban women were collected through in-person interviews. All women were over the age of 18, not pregnant, English speaking, and reported having a main partner in the past year. Twenty-five percent had experienced all three factors of the SAVA syndemic (were HIV-positive, had experienced IPV in the past year, and had used cocaine or heroin in their lifetime). HIV-positive status, hard drug use, IPV, and low levels of social support were all individually associated with greater depressive symptoms. When controlling for demographics and other SAVA factors, IPV and hard drug use in the past 30 days remained associated with depressive symptoms, as did low social support. However, social support did not modify the effect of the SAVA factors on depression. Compared to women who experienced no SAVA factors, women who had experienced all three factors were 6.77 times more likely to have depressive symptoms. These findings confirm that IPV is significantly associated with depressive symptoms and that the syndemic impact of IPV, substance use, and HIV could have even more extreme effects on depression outcomes.
Micronutrients in the Kootenai river valley of Northern Idaho. I. Effect of soil chemical properties on micronutrient availability

Abstract Crops grown on soils of the Kootenai River Valley of northern Idaho are showing an increasing tendency for micronutrient deficiencies. These soils are generally high in organic carbon (OC) and slightly alkaline. Soil pH has been increasing at the rate of 0.2 units every 10 years for the last 30 years. Normal soil sampling and testing procedures have failed to identify potential deficiencies of micronutrients prior to planting crops. Consequently, a different way to predict the tendency of micronutrient deficiencies is desired. The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the effects of soil pH and OC on DTPA‐extractable Cu, Mn, and Zn, (2) establish relationships between pH, OC, Cu, Mn, and Zn and soil mapping units and geographic areas (drainage districts), and (3) predict tendencies for deficiencies or sufficiencies of evaluated micronutrients. One hundred fifty‐four soil samples were collected from the surface 30 cm of fields in the Kootenai River floodplain during 1989 and 1990. Six soi...
Apparent-Strain Correction for Combined Thermal and Mechanical Testing

Combined thermal and mechanical testing requires that the total strain be corrected for the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the strain gage and the specimen or apparent strain when the temperature varies while a mechanical load is being applied. Collecting data for an apparent strain test becomes problematic as the specimen size increases. If the test specimen cannot be placed in a variable temperature test chamber to generate apparent strain data with no mechanical loads, coupons can be used to generate the required data. The coupons, however, must have the same strain gage type, coefficient of thermal expansion, and constraints as the specimen to be useful. Obtaining apparent-strain data at temperatures lower than -320 F is challenging due to the difficulty to maintain steady-state and uniform temperatures on a given specimen. Equations to correct for apparent strain in a real-time fashion and data from apparent-strain tests for composite and metallic specimens over a temperature range from -450 F to +250 F are presented in this paper. Three approaches to extrapolate apparent-strain data from -320 F to -430 F are presented and compared to the measured apparent-strain data. The first two approaches use a subset of the apparent-strain curves between -320 F and 100 F to extrapolate to -430 F, while the third approach extrapolates the apparent-strain curve over the temperature range of -320 F to +250 F to -430 F. The first two approaches are superior to the third approach but the use of either of the first two approaches is contingent upon the degree of non-linearity of the apparent-strain curve.