cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat shock response inhibits cytokine-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in rat hepatocytes

During sepsis or inflammation, the liver expresses various protective phenotypes such as the acute phase response or the heat shock response (HSR). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) is also expressed in the liver in these conditions and may protect the liver under some circumstances and promote injury in others. We have previously reported that the acute phase response and NOS2 expression are differentially regulated, though both can be expressed simultaneously. The HSR is known to prevent expression of other genes, but its effects on NOS2 expression in the liver is unknown. Therefore, we examined how the HSR influences NOS2 expression in primary rat hepatocytes. Sodium arsenite (Ars) or hyperthermia (43 degrees C) induced the synthesis of hsp72 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in hepatocytes, indicating activation of the HSR. In the absence of the HSR, combinations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) stimulated high levels of NOS2 mRNA and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. However, treatment with Ars or heat shock significantly attenuated cytokine-induced NOS2 mRNA and NO production. The addition of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate also inhibited NOS2 expression, suggesting a role for NF-kappaB in the cytokine induction of NOS2 in hepatocytes. Cytokines induced the appearance of an NF-kappaB complex as shown in gel retardation assays; however, induction of the HSR by Ars partially prevented cytokine-induced formation of this band while hyperthermia had a more complete inhibition. Furthermore, preinduction of the HSR prevented the activation of the NOS2 promoter construct in hepatocytes transfected with a 1.6 kilobase NOS2 promoter linked to luciferase. These findings show that NO production in stressed cells can be modulated by the HSR, possibly through repression of NOS2 gene transcription via the inhibition of NF-kappaB.
Attenuated coronary flow reserve and vascular remodeling in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with both coronary vascular remodeling and endothelial function. BACKGROUND The association between endothelial and nonendothelial coronary flow reserve with vascular remodeling in patients with hypertension and LVH is still unclear. METHODS One hundred and eleven patients with normal or mildly diseased coronary arteries at angiography underwent intravascular ultrasound examination of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: n = 13, hypertensive patients with LVH; group 2: n = 30, hypertensive patients without LVH; group 3: n = 68, normotensive patients. Vessel and lumen area and atherosclerotic plaque area were evaluated. Vascular reactivity was examined using intracoronary adenosine and acetylcholine. RESULTS Vessel area in group 1 (with LVH) was significantly (p < 0.01) greater than that in group 2 (without LVH), whereas, vessel area in both groups 1 and 3 was similar (12.8 ± 0.8 mm2, 10.7 ± 0.4 mm2 and 11.5 ± 0.3 mm2). Coronary blood flow at baseline for patients in group 1 (with LVH) was significantly greater than it was for patients in groups 2 and 3 (81.1 ± 9.9 ml/min, 56.5 ± 6.2 ml/min and 48.1 ± 3.2 ml/min, both p < 0.05). In comparison with groups 2 and 3, the response to both acetylcholine and adenosine was significantly impaired in patients with LVH. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that hypertension with LVH is associated with both coronary vascular remodeling and attenuated endothelial and nonendothelial coronary flow reserve.
The distribution of arginase and urease in marine invertebrates.

Abstract 1. 1. Arginase and urease activities of the same tissue extracts were measured on the same day in 15 species of marine invertebrate from 5 phyla. 2. 2. Highest arginase activities were found in the Crustacea, in particular, the digestive gland of Carcinus maenas. Two gastropods, Busycon canaliculatum and Littorina litorrea showed the greatest urease activities. 3. 3. High arginase levels in Crustacea were coupled with low urease activities. The reverse was true for most bivalve and gastropod molluscs examined. 4. 4. Arginase from the hepatopancreas of Carcinus maenas was found to have an apparent Michaelis constant of 40 mM and substrate inhibition at 50 mM and greater. 5. 5. Animals known to excrete little or no urea had high urease activities and those in which urea excretion is known to occur generally had very low urease activities.
Social work education in contemporary India: Need for indigenous foundations

Abstract This article analyses international implications of developing social work education with particular reference to the status of social work institutions in India. The author pleads for indigenous models at the expense of imported transplantation.
An In Situ High-Pressure NMR Study of Hydrogen Bonding of Alcohols in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

NMR spectra of simple alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol were measured at pressures of 7. 3 to 9. 8 MPa and a fixed temperature of 35°C. Since the NMR spectra at pressures above 8. 0 MPa show that the peak position of an OH proton was in higher magnetic field, the OH proton did not generate the hydrogen bonding among the alcohol molecules. The peak position of OH proton shifted to lower magnetic field below 7. 8 MPa, which supports an increase in the strength of the hydrogen bonding, and the aggregation of alcohol molecules occurs below 7. 8 MPa. From the analysis of a peak position of an OH proton of several alcohols, it was found that the simpler alcohols aggregate more strongly.
Sonography of pediatric male breast masses: gynecomastia and beyond

Background: Palpable breast masses are rare in the pediatric male population. Prior reports have described the ultrasound findings of the normal pediatric breast, masses seen primarily in female pediatric patients, and masses seen in adult males. Objective: To describe and illustrate the sonographic findings in gynecomastia and other causes of breast masses in a group of pediatric males. Materials and methods: We reviewed the ultrasound database of a large tertiary-care children’s hospital for male pediatric patients presenting with breast masses from 1994 to 2000. The findings were correlated with additional imaging and pathology results. Results: Twenty-five pediatric patients ranging in age from 1 month to 18 years were referred for breast ultrasound. Eighteen patients (72%) had gynecomastia. Two patients each (8%) had galactocele(s) or had postoperative hematoma. One patient had ductal ectasia, which resolved. One patient had periductal hemangioma. One patient with neurofibromatosis and a solid mass was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Palpable breast masses are rare in the male pediatric patient and sonography is the primary imaging modality. The overwhelming majority of these cases are adolescent boys presenting with gynecomastia. Other diagnoses such as galactocele(s), hemangiomas, and ductal ectasia should be considered when young male patients present with a palpable mass. Malignant breast lesions are rare and are likely to be metastatic or primary tumors of nonbreast tissue origin.
Novel pH-sensitive hydrogels with adjustable swelling kinetics

Abstract Novel pH-sensitive hydrogels were synthesized by copolymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide, tert.-butylacrylamide, acrylic acid, 4,4′-di(methacryloylamino)azobenzene, and N-alkanoyl, O-methacryloylhydroxylamines. The influence of the length (and consequently hydrophobicity) of the alkanoyl (propionyl, hexanoyl, and lauroyl), and its content in the hydrogel on the kinetics of swelling were investigated. Upon change in the pH from acidic to neutral, N-alkanoyl, O-acylhydroxylamine moieties were hydrolyzed. The rate of side-chain hydrolysis was dependent on the length of the alkyl and the content of the hydrolyzable comonomer in the network structure. Further, chemical control of kinetics of swelling was coupled to biophysical control of kinetics of swelling by synthesizing hydrogels containing two types of cross-linking agents, one hydrolyzable, the other enzymatically degradable. The kinetics of swelling of cross-linked polymers was compared with the kinetics of hydrolysis of N-alkanoyl, O-methacryloylhydroxylamine moieties incorporated into linear soluble copolymers of similar structures.
Cold-induced mitochondrial degradation and cryoprotectant synthesis in freeze-tolerant arctic caterpillars.

The larvae ofGynaephora groenlandica, a long-lived moth endemic to the high arctic, are perennially freeze-tolerant and able to increase their freeze-tolerance by synthesizing glycerol. Cold-induced mitochondrial changes were correlated (using electron microscopy, DNA staining, cytochrome c assay, and oxygen uptake) with glycerol production (using NMR spectroscopy) in larvae under different acclimations and in the field. Hypometabolism in summer- or warm-acclimated larvae led to glycerol accumulation. Extended exposure to near-zero or freezing temperatures caused mitochondrial degradation and glycerol accumulation. Rapid freezing of warm-acclimated larvae did not result in mitochondrial breakdown. Mitochondrial reconstitution upon warm-acclimation occurred much more rapidly ( 2 months). Concomitant with mitochondrial breakdown was reduced oxidative metabolism, but the cytochrome c concentration remained independent of acclimation temperature. The adaptive response to cold by mitochondrial degradation and glycerol accumulation byG. groenlandica may be linked to diapause in other species of ectotherms.
A comparison of multiple-IMM estimation approaches using EKF, UKF, and PF for impact point prediction

We discuss a procedure to estimate the state of thrusting/ballistic endoatmospheric projectiles for the purpose of impact point prediction (IPP). The short observation time and the estimation ambiguity between drag and thrust in the dynamic model motivate the development of a multiple interacting multiple model (MIMM) estimator with various drag coefficient initializations. In each IMM estimator used, as the mode-matched state estimators for its thrusting mode and ballistics mode are of unequal dimension, an unbiased mixing is required. We explore the MIMM estimator with unbiased mixing (UM) using extended Kalman filter (EKF), unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and particle filter (PF). For 30 real trajectories, the IPP based on the MIMM-UM estimation approach is carried out with various sets of tuning parameters selected. The MIMM-UM-EKF, MIMM-UM-UKF and MIMM-UM-PF are compared based on the resulting IPP performance, estimator consistency and computational complexity.
A study using Monte Carlo Simulation for failure probability calculation in Reliability-Based Optimization

In this study, a Reliability-Based Optimization (RBO) methodology that uses Monte Carlo Simulation techniques, is presented. Typically, the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) is used in RBO for failure probability calculation and this is accurate enough for most practical cases. However, for highly nonlinear problems it can provide extremely inaccurate results and may lead to unreliable designs. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is usually more accurate than FORM but very computationally intensive. In the RBO methodology presented in this paper, limit state approximations are used in conjunction with MCS techniques in an approximate MCS-based RBO that facilitates the efficient calculation of the probabilities of failure. A FORM-based RBO is first performed to obtain the initial limit state approximations. A Symmetric Rank-1 (SR1) variable metric algorithm is used to construct and update the quadratic limit state approximations. The approximate MCS-based RBO uses a conditional-expectation-based MCS, that was chosen over indicator-based MCS because of the smoothness of the probability of failure estimates and the availability of analytic sensitivities. The RBO methodology was implemented for an analytic test problem and a higher-dimensional, control-augmented-structure test problem. The results indicate that the SR1 algorithm provides accurate limit state approximations (and therefore accurate estimates of the probabilities of failure) for these test problems. It was also observed that the RBO methodology required two orders of magnitude fewer analysis calls than an approach that used exact limit state evaluations for both test problems.
Subsea Production Two-Phase Flow Modeling and Control of Pipeline and Manifold Assemblies

Developed in this paper is a new approach to subsea production two-phase flow modeling and control of pipeline and manifold assemblies. For that purpose, a reduced-order model is developed for transient two-phase gas-liquid flow in pipelines. First, a mechanistic model is used to calculate the steady-state pressure drop and liquid holdup. From this model, effective fluid properties are calculated and used as arguments to the dissipative distributed parameter model. A modal approximation technique is then used to render the model into a rational polynomial form appropriate for time-domain analysis and controller design. A new low-frequency magnitude correction is applied to the approximated transfer functions providing an improved matching for the steady-state gain without affecting the dynamics of the system. The resulting low-dimensional two-phase flow model is then used to coordinate the arriving pressures at the manifold for different GVF levels through electro-hydraulic valves located at the wellheads.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Allergy to trypsin

T rypsin (Parenzyme) is used extensively in the treatment of a variety of disorders.1-26 These conditions include thrombophlebitis, peripheral vascular disease, venous thrombosis, postoperative edema, traumatic swelling, hematomas, ulcerative lesions, postphlebitic syndrome, etc. It is available commercially in two vials, one containing lyophilized trypsin, 12,500 units, N.F. (5 mg.), and the other containing 1 ml. of aqueous diluent. The diluent contains 5 per cent denatured gelatin and preservatives. The present study was undertaken to determine the antigenicity of this product, and is divided into two parts. The first deals with the detection of precipitating antibodies in experimental animals sensitized to trypsin. The second reviews a number of clinical reports intended to reveal the frequency of untoward reactions to trypsin and the serologic changes in patients treated with this product.
Steve Sussman on Matilda Hellman's “Mind the Gap! Failure in Understanding Key Dimensions of an Addicted Drug User's Life” Addictive Effects

“Addictive effects” are experiential states sought by individuals that underlie addictive behaviors. Consistent with ideas that addictive effects mimic satiation of appetitive motives, a literature search-derived heuristic catalogue of addictive behaviors is offered and contrasted across four general appetitive-like motives that have been posited as underlying addictive behaviors (dominance, submissiveness, self-pleasure, and nurturance). I suggest, in part, that addictive behaviors are misdirected attempts to satisfy appetitive motives.
Transmission Favors HIV’s Ancestors

HIV is a master at evading the human immune system. Every day, every single base-pair changes, making the virus virtually unrecognizable. This massive diversity in HIV strains makes vaccine development challenging because the optimal target is ever-changing. HIV vaccine design has focused on conserved regions of the virus, but these are usually tucked away inside the virus, protecting them from immune cells. In a recent paper, Redd and colleagues demonstrated that previously transmitted HIV strains are preferentially selected during heterosexual transmission, opening the door to new avenues of vaccine design. In a study among couples followed in the Rakai Community Cohort Study in Uganda between 1994 and 2002, interhost and intrahost HIV diversity was analyzed by using HIV sequencing. The authors were able to compare the diversity within an individual over time and identify the strain with which his or her partner was infected. The diversity was greater intrahost than interhost. Further, for the majority of couples, the newly infected partner’s HIV strain was more closely related to HIV found earlier in the infectious partner as compared with those strains circulating at the time of infection. The authors’ findings suggest that, at a population level, ancestral strains of HIV are preferentially transmitted compared with contemporary circulating strains. This work by Redd et al. has important implications for HIV prevention, specifically HIV vaccine development. Once it is confirmed that ancestral strains are preferentially transmitted, further studies can identify molecular determinants for HIV transmission, and vaccine development can focus on a narrower range of targets. A. D. Redd et al . , Previously transmitted HIV-1 strains are preferentially selected during subsequent sexual transmissions. J. Infect. Dis . 206 , 1433–1442 (2012). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/206/9/1433.abstract
AGENTS IN OVERALLS: EXPERIENCES AND ISSUES IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AGENT-BASED SYSTEMS

Agent technologies have steadily matured in moving from the research laboratory to industrial application over the last ten years. Numerous systems have been deployed or are under advanced development with strong industrial support. These systems suggest important lessons for both industry and researchers. From an industrial perspective, these examples reflect trends in both business and technology that make agents an increasingly attractive commercial tool. From a research perspective, these examples identify important gaps in agent technology that merit the attention of academicians.
What explains the investment growth anomaly

Abstract We examine if an existing asset pricing model in an unconditional or conditional setting can explain the investment growth anomaly, as represented by higher returns on stocks of the firms with lower growth in capital expenditures. Our results indicate that the conditional Fama–French 3-factor model that allows factor loadings to be time-varying and further linked to firm-level characteristics and the business cycle can explain the anomaly.
Numerical test of approximations in the hybrid precompound decay model

We review inconsistencies in expressions which are used for exciton distribution functions in precompound decay models utilizing the Ericson type of partial state density. We then compare results of one formulation, the hybrid model, with and without corrected distribution functions for the second hierarchy of configurations. Results are shown for93Nb (n, n′) and (n, p) reactions at 14.7, 45 and 90 MeV incident nucleon energies. The corrected distribution functions change hybrid model predictions by less than 10% for angle integrated spectra, but certain cases are discussed for which the improved treatment should be used due to larger errors from the use of the Ericson expression.
Contemporary management of myasthenia gravis: the clinical role of thymectomy.

Abstract Thirty-six patients with myasthenia gravis have been evaluated and treated over the past five years. Eleven patients had ocular myasthenia gravis and responded well to anticholinesterase medications. Twenty-five patients had generalized myasthenia gravis, and 22 of them were initially treated with anticholinesterase medications; 18 (82%) failed to improve or to maintain an initial improvement on medication, and 14 of these 18 patients underwent thymectomy. In addition, 3 patients underwent thymectomy as part of their initial treatment during the later part of this study. All thymectomies were performed through a median sternotomy. All 17 patients manifested sustained improvement as judged by a gain in strength and decrease in medications. Thymectomy is beneficial in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, and it is most efficacious when performed early in the course of the disease.
Student Attitudes Toward Written, Oral, and E-mail Communication:

Business communication students at two midwestern universities were polled on the first day of the 1995 spring term to determine their (1) written com naunication assignment likes Idislikes; (2) oral communication assignment likes/dislikes; (3) experience using e-mail; and (4) attitudes toward written, oral, and e-mail communication. The 144 respondents viewed oral communi cation less positively than they did either written or e-mail communication. Significant differences were found among overall ratings for oral, written, and e-mail communication. In addition, students with prior e-mail experience gave significantly higher ratings to it and to oral communication than did those who had not used e-mail.
Comparison of biochemical values in serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, and hemolyzed samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).

BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, on the basis of sample type, storage condition, or hemolysis, differences in serum and plasma biochemical values have not been evaluated in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare values for biochemical analytes in serum vs plasma, fresh vs frozen plasma, and nonhemolyzed vs hemolyzed samples in orange-winged Amazon parrots. We also compared differences in serum and plasma yield from whole-blood aliquots. METHODS Fifteen biochemical analytes were evaluated in paired serum and plasma, fresh and frozen plasma, nonhemolyzed and hemolyzed serum and plasma samples from orange-winged Amazon parrots (n = 10) using a wet reagent analyzer. Hemolysis was assessed qualitatively (visually) and quantitatively (hemoglobin [Hgb] measured spectrophotometrically). Serum and plasma yields from 500-microl whole-blood aliquots were determined from centrifuged samples. RESULTS Analyte values significantly differed among sample groups, but were still within published reference intervals, with the exception of increases in potassium concentration in markedly hemolyzed serum and plasma samples. Clinically important changes in hemolyzed serum and plasma samples included increases in potassium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The degree of hemolysis assigned qualitatively did not correlate with quantitative Hgb concentration. A significantly greater yield of plasma (288 +/- 13 microL) than serum (241 +/- 44 microL) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences may occur in different sample types, however, only changes in potassium, phosphorus, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase values in hemolyzed samples were considered clinically relevant. Lack of agreement between qualitative and quantitative Hgb concentration indicates the unreliability of visual estimation. Based on higher sample yield, and lack of clinically relevant differences from serum, plasma is a better sample choice for clinical chemistry analysis in birds.
Time‐dependent compositional variation in SiO2 films nitrided in ammonia

We report on selected results of an extensive study of SiO2 nitridation in an NH3 ambient obtained primarily using Auger sputter profiling. By investigating a large matrix of samples, we have sorted out the discrepancies present in the literature concerning the kinetics of the nitridation process. Two major new results obtained are the quantitative observation of oxygen depletion in the nitroxide ‘‘bulk’’ region and, consistent with a recent report by R. Vasquez, M. Hecht, F. Grunthaner, and M. Naiman [Appl. Phys. Lett. 44, 969 (1984)], the reoxidation of the interface by oxygen presumably liberated by the bulk exchange reaction.
Intégrale stochastique des processus à deux indices

Resume Dans cette Note on construit l'integrale stochastique pour des processus sommables a deux indices, X , a valeurs dans un espace de Banach. L'integrale stochastique est definie comme integrale par rapport a une mesure vectorielle I X a semi-variation finie, associee a X . On connait trois classes de processus sommables: les processus a variation integrable, les processus a semi-variation integrable et les martingales de carre integrable a valeurs dans un espace de Hilbert, Dans le cas des processus a variation integrable ou a semi-variation integrable, l'integrale stochastique peut etre calculee trajectoire par trajectoire, comme une integrale de Stieltjes a deux variables.
Photolytic Metallization of Au Nanoclusters and Electrically Conducting Micrometer Long Nanostructures on a DNA Scaffold

An electroless, photolytic method is described to synthesize Au nanoclusters and electrically conductive, micronmeter long nanostructures on DNA. Electrical characterization indicates that the Au nanostructures are continuous, exhibiting Ohmic behavior with very low contact resistance with the electrodes. The nanoclusters have a size of 10-40 nm, and the nanostructure have a diameter of 40-70 nm with resistivity comparable to that of pure metal. The method is highly selective with deposition confined to the DNA template.
Exploring Polarization in Organizational Groups

The central polarizations inherent in management theory are systematically analyzed. Group field dynamics, an integration and extension of Bales's SYMLOG and Lewin's field theory, is presented as a unifying model that allows for the detailed exploration of polarizations within management groups. A stereotypical key management group is then taken as the starting point for a consideration of polarization within organizations. A computer-assisted method of polarization analysis and an automated report writer are demonstrated and three other configurations of group members are discussed in terms of level of polarization and predicted team effectiveness.
Rehearsal-plus: Coping with fire emergencies and reducing fire-related fears

The relative impact of two experimental conditions?rehearsal-plus and behavioral rehearsal?was assessed to determine their influence on acquiring and maintaining fire evacuation skills, as well as reducing fire-related fears. These experimental conditions were compared with two control groups, attention control and wait-list control. The subjects were 40 second- and third-grade children who were randomly assigned to the four groups. Behavioral rehearsal subjects received fire evacuation skills training and verbally rehearsed these skills. Rehearsal-plus subjects were taught fire evacuation skills and a strategy targeting reduction of fire-related fears. Attention control and wait-list control subjects were not taught evacuations skills or fear reduction. All subjects' evacuation skills and fear of fire-related stimuli were assessed at pre-, post-, and follow-up tests. No pretest differences were observed. At post-test, the rehearsal-plus group reported significantly more fear reduction than the other three groups. Behavioral rehearsal and rehearsal-plus groups displayed significantly more evacuation skills than the control groups. At follow-up, the rehearsal-plus group had retained more of their evacuation skills than the control groups; no differences were found among groups concerning fear reduction at this time. We concluded that rehearsal-plus appears to be useful in acquiring.
Relationships between chemical composition, dry matter degradation and in vitro gas production of several ruminant feeds

Abstract Thirty-eight samples of 12 feedstuffs were used to study relationships between in vitro true digestibility of dry matter (IVTD) and in vitro gas production. Influences of chemical constituents on gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production were investigated. There was a negative ( P P P P P P P
Power electronics in electric vehicles: challenges and opportunities

The authors identify technical challenges in meeting customer's expectations and possible opportunities for power electronics in EV (electric vehicle) development. It is emphasized that reliability, performance, safety, and cost are the major concerns of EV customers. Battery development is found to be the most challenging technical task. Development of other components should focus on reliability and efficiency. A systems approach is noted to be critical for success. >
The reaction of cyclopropabenzene with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran: formal [4π + 2π] and [4π + 2σ] cycloadditions

Abstract Cyclopropabenzene reacts with diphenylisobenzofuran (DPIBF) to afford the formal endo and exo [4π + 2π] adducts 2 and 4. In addition, the unsymmetrical formal [4π + 2σ] adduct 3 is found. The reaction shows a temperature dependency. A mechanism for the formation of 2, 3, and 4 involving highly stabilized diradicals is offered.
BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A: A NOVEL APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT URETHRAL STRICTURES

Recently, investigators have demonstrated that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) can be used to prevent scar formation in facial wounds.1 This concept led us to investigate the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture scars using a combination of direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and BTX-A. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three patients with a history of posterior urethral stricture disease who had undergone failed DVIU were treated with repeat DVIU in combination with BTX-A injection. Etiologies for urethral strictures included radical retropubic prostatectomy in 2 patients with prostate cancer, and Targis microwave procedure (Urologix, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota) for benign prostatic hyperplasia in 1. All patients had a combination of stress urinary incontinence and recurrent urethral strictures diagnosed by videourodynamics and cystoscopy, respectively. Intraoperatively, each stricture was radially incised through the fibrous tissue in 4 quadrants until bleeding tissue was reached and a 21Fr or greater cystoscope could be easily passed into the bladder. Using a 25 gauge Williams needle 100 units BTX-A diluted in 2 ml preservative-free saline was injected circumferentially at the base of the scar into the intervening areas between the incisions (fig. 1). All patients had a catheter placed at the end of the procedure that was left indwelling for 2 to 5 days. Patients returned at approximately 4 to 6 weeks for repeat cystoscopy. On repeat cystoscopy a 21Fr cystoscope easily passed through the previous stricture site in 2 of 3 patients, each of whom later underwent successful placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) to treat the stress urinary incontinence. Nine months following DVIU plus BTX-A injection cystoscopy revealed continued patency of the posterior urethra in 1 patient who had undergone implantation of an AUS (fig. 2). Long-term urethral patency of the other AUS implant was confirmed during operative revision of the AUS 12 months after DVIU plus BTX-A injection. The third patient, who previously had undergone radical retropubic prostatectomy complicated by an anastomotic urinary stricture, had a moderate recurrence of the scar following DVIU plus BTX-A treatment. Repeat cystoscopy 6 weeks postoperatively showed an approximately 10Fr to 12Fr caliber urethral lumen. An 18-week followup cystoscopy demonstrated no further diminution in urethral caliber. Nine months after stricture incision and BTX-A injection the patient continues to void to completion without straining or the need to catheterize.
Oxidation of A2E results in the formation of highly reactive aldehydes and ketones.

It has been reported that the photo-oxidation of A2E, a component of human retinal lipofuscin, leads to products that are toxic to cells via dark reactions. Because these compounds have been implicated in the development of various maculopathies such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it is important to determine the structures of those deleterious compounds. Both the photo-oxidation and auto-oxidation of A2E lead to the same complex mixture of products, some of which have lower molecular weights than the staring material. Because A2E is homologous to β-carotene, it was hypothesized that its oxidation would lead to products analogous to those found in oxidized β-carotene, namely, a series of cleavage products along the acyclic chain with the concomitant formation of aldehydes. This was found to be the case based upon 1) the formation of all of the aldehydes predicted from the oxidation of β-carotene, 2) the loss of 28 amu (carbonyl moiety) from the molecular ion, 3) the facile reaction of the aldehydes with nitrophenylhydrazines to form nitrophenylhydrazones and 4) the subsequent MS/MS cleavage of those derivatives at the N-N bond. If formed in vivo, these aldehydes would have toxic effects on any cell. Finally, the similarity in product mixtures from both the photo-oxidation and auto-oxidation strongly suggests that the intermolecular photo-oxidation of A2E results primarily from a radical process without the involvement of singlet oxygen. Any formation of singlet oxygen most likely arises from sensitization by the aldehyde oxidation products, as this process is well known for aldehydes, in general, and retinal, specifically.
Rival Ecologies of Global Commerce: Adam Smith and the Natural Historians

This essay explores how the defense of global commerce pioneered in the Enlightenment was tied to the improvement of the natural order. Two rival ecologies, one made by natural historians and the other developed by Adam Smith and his liberal successors, vied for intellectual precedence as well as for practical application in the metropole and the colonies. Together they constitute the beginnings of an ongoing quarrel over the environmental foundation of capitalism.
Performance evaluation and quality assurance of Varian enhanced dynamic wedges

Dynamic wedges have been used in clinical practice for many years. Obvious superiority of dynamic over physical wedges is accompanied by the increased overhead involved in verifying the accuracy and reliability of their use. Contrary to very limited QA required to ensure proper functioning of the physical wedges, dynamic wedges, like any other dynamic treatment, require a robust quality assurance program. This work expands upon previous suggestions and describes a comprehensive QA program for Varian Enhanced Dynamic Wedges (EDW) and presents the results of an 18-month evaluation of these wedges. The QA program includes daily, monthly, and yearly tests, and individual treatment QA at the onset of use of the EDWs. The results of the eighteen-month evaluation show reproducibility in the wedge factors of better than 1% and in dose profiles of better than 2% on a monthly basis. Daily output measurements are generally within 2% of expected values.
Detonation interaction with a diffuse interface and subsequent chemical reaction

We have investigated the interaction of a detonation with an interface separating a combustible from an oxidizing mixture. The ethylene-oxygen combustible mixture had a fuel-rich composition to promote secondary combustion with the oxidizer in the turbulent mixing zone that resulted from the interaction. Diffuse interfaces were created by the formation of a gravity current using a sliding valve that initially separated the test gas and combustible mixture. Opening the valve allowed a gravity current to develop before the detonation was initiated. By varying the delay between opening the valve and initiating the detonation it was possible to achieve a wide range of interface conditions. The interface orientation and thickness with respect to the detonation wave have a profound effect on the outcome of the interaction. Diffuse interfaces result in curved detonation waves with a transmitted shock and following turbulent mixing zone. The impulse was measured to quantify the degree of secondary combustion, which accounted for 1–5% of the total impulse. A model was developed that estimated the volume expansion of a fluid element due to combustion in the turbulent mixing zone and predicted the resulting impulse increment.
Social behaviour in a web-building lynx spider, Tapinillus sp. (Araneae: Oxyopidae)

Social behaviour involving cooperative prey capture and communal feeding is reported for the first time in the spider family Oxyopidae (lynx spiders), in a web-building species of the genus Tapinillus. This social spider inhabits communal webs that may contain several dozen individuals, including adults of both sexes and juveniles of different cohorts. Its colonies occur in clusters and appear to be long-lived, much like those of non-territorial permanently social species such as Anelosimus eximius (Theridiidae) or Agelena consociata (Agelenidae). However, unlike colonies of these other cooperative spiders, the colonies of the social Tapinillus do not have highly female-biased sex ratios. The possible explanations for this difference are discussed.
Dynamic Topology Configuration in Service Overlay Networks: A Study of Reconfiguration Policies

The routing infrastructure of the Internet has become resistant to fundamental changes and the use of overlay networks has been proposed to provide additional flexibility and control. One of the most prominent configurable components of an overlay network is its topology, which can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate communication requirements that vary over time. In this paper, we study the problem of determining dynamic topology reconfiguration for service overlay networks with dynamic communication requirement, and the ideal goal is to find the optimal reconfiguration policies that can minimize the potential overall cost of using an overlay. We start by observing the properties of the optimal reconfiguration policies through studies on small systems and find structures in the optimal reconfiguration policies. Based on these observations, we propose heuristic methods for constructing different flavors of reconfiguration policies, i.e., never-change policy, always-change policy and cluster-based policies, to mimic and approximate the optimal ones. Our experiments show that our policy construction methods are applicable to large systems and generate policies with good performance. Our work does not only provide solutions to practical overlay topology design problems, but also provides theoretical evidence for the advantage of overlay network due to its configurability.
Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Partially Observable Markov Decision Problems

Increasing attention has been paid to reinforcement learning algorithms in recent years, partly due to successes in the theoretical analysis of their behavior in Markov environments. If the Markov assumption is removed, however, neither generally the algorithms nor the analyses continue to be usable. We propose and analyze a new learning algorithm to solve a certain class of non-Markov decision problems. Our algorithm applies to problems in which the environment is Markov, but the learner has restricted access to state information. The algorithm involves a Monte-Carlo policy evaluation combined with a policy improvement method that is similar to that of Markov decision problems and is guaranteed to converge to a local maximum. The algorithm operates in the space of stochastic policies, a space which can yield a policy that performs considerably better than any deterministic policy. Although the space of stochastic policies is continuous--even for a discrete action space--our algorithm is computationally tractable.
Spatiotemporal mapping of the dry season vegetation response of sagebrush steppe

The vegetation dynamics of semi-arid and arid landscapes are temporally and spatially heterogeneous and subject to various disturbance regimes that act on decadal scales. Traditional field-based monitoring methods have failed to sample adequately in time and space in order to capture this heterogeneity and thus lack the spatial extent and the long-term continuous time series of data necessary to detect anomalous dynamics in landscape behavior. Time series of ecological indicators of land degradation that are collected synoptically from local to global spatial scales can be derived from the 33-year and continuing Landsat satellite archive. Consequently, a retrospective study was conducted on a commercially grazed sagebrush steppe dominated Utah landscape using a time series of standardized Landsat imagery for the period 1972 to 1997. The study had the objectives to (1) characterize and map the historical trends of a remotely-sensed index of vegetation response, a correlate of vegetation cover or phytomass, and (2) to retrospectively infer the cause of this response to historical records of grazing and wet and drought periods. A time series of dry season vegetation index maps were statistically clustered to generate a spatio-temporal map of three coarse trends of vegetation response, i.e., declining, stable, and increasing trends. This study showed that 71% of the landscape’s locations had an increasing trend and 29% had a stable trend over the 26-year period. The increasing trend locations were positively correlated with site water balance [the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI)], i.e., vegetation response increased during wet periods and decreased during drought. The increasing trend was positively and negatively (non-linearly) correlated with grazing in individual paddocks from 1980 to 1997.
In-Solution Virus Capture Assay Helps Deconstruct Heterogeneous Antibody Recognition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) on whole virions is heterogeneous, so molecular analysis of Env with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) is challenging. Virus capture assays (VCAs) involving immobilized MAbs are typically used, but these assays suffer from immobilization artifacts and do not provide binding constants. Furthermore, we show here that certain HIV-1 neutralizing MAbs, including 2G12, 4E10, 2F5, Z13e1, and D5, will capture virion particles completely devoid of Env. We modified the VCA such that MAbs and virions are incubated in solution, and unbound MAbs are removed prior to the capture step. This modification nearly eliminated evidence of Env-independent binding by MAbs to virions and allowed determination of apparent affinity constants in solution. Three important qualitative observations were further revealed. First, neutralizing MAbs 2F5, 4E10, and Z13e1 against the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 gp41 were found to capture virions efficiently only if a significant amount of uncleaved gp160 or synthetic MPER peptide was present. Second, we show how non-native forms of Env vary by Env genotype and that Env from HIV-1JR-FL is more homogeneously trimeric than that from HIV-1JR-CSF. Third, we determined that Env containing all or parts of gp41, including uncleaved gp160, binds spontaneously to free virions. This exogenous Env is an indiscriminate molecular “bridge” between Env-specific Ab and virions and can affect VCA analyses, particularly using pseudotyped virions. Heterogeneity in Env from endogenous and exogenous sources might also subvert humoral immunity to HIV-1, so in-solution VCAs may help to dissect this heterogeneity for vaccine design purposes.
Ube3a Imprinting Impairs Circadian Robustness in Angelman Syndrome Models

Summary Background: The paternal allele of Ube3a is silenced by imprinting in neurons, and Angelman syndrome (AS) is a disorder arising from a deletion or mutation of the maternal Ube3a allele, which thereby eliminates Ube3a neuronal expression. Sleep disorders such as short sleep duration and increased sleep onset latency are very common in AS. Results: We found a unique link between neuronal imprinting of Ube3a and circadian rhythms in two mouse models of AS, including enfeebled circadian activity behavior and slowed molecular rhythms in ex vivo brain tissues. As a consequence of compromised circadian behavior, metabolic homeostasis is also disrupted in AS mice. Unsilencing the paternal Ube3a allele restores functional circadian periodicity in neurons deficient in maternal Ube3a but does not affect periodicity in peripheral tissues that are not imprinted for uniparental Ube3a expression. The ubiquitin ligase encoded by Ube3a interacts with the central clock components BMAL1 and BMAL2. Moreover, inactivation of Ube3a expression elevates BMAL1 levels in brain regions that control circadian behavior of AS-model mice, indicating an important role for Ube3a in modulating BMAL1 turnover. Conclusions: Ube3a expression constitutes a direct mechanistic connection between symptoms of a human neurological disorder and the central circadian clock mechanism. The lengthened circadian period leads to delayed phase, which could explain the short sleep duration and increased sleep onset latency of AS subjects. Moreover, we report the pharmacological rescue of an AS phenotype, in this case, altered circadian period. These findings reveal potential treatments for sleep disorders in AS patients.
A biodomain model for simulating propagation in multicellular cardiac tissue

The governing equations for evaluating propagation in a cylindrical bidomain are presented. The tissue model assumes equal anisotropy ratios. The simulations indicate that unlike the behavior noted in conventional one-dimensional models, the shape of the transmembrane potential, V/sub m/, is affected by the conductivities. For mathematical simplicity, equal anisotropy is assumed, i.e., the ratio of the intracellular and interstitial conductivities is the same in the radial and axial directions. >
Characterization of wireless multi-device users

There has been a huge growth in the number of wireless-enabled devices possessed by a user. Over two third of adults in United States currently own three devices — laptop, smartphone and tablet. In this paper, we provide a first look at the network usage behavior of today's multi-device users. Using the data collected from a large university campus, we provide a detailed measurement-based characterization study of over 30,000 users. Our objective is to understand how existence of multiple wireless devices affect the network usage behavior of users. Specifically, we study the usage pattern of devices, how the usage of difference devices overlap in time, user's preferences of accessing sensitive content and device-specific factors that govern their choice of WiFi encryption type. The study reveals numerous interesting findings such as how current DHCP configurations are oblivious to multiple devices which results in inefficient utilization of available IP address space.
THE $D\emptyset$ LEVEL 1 TRIGGER SYSTEM

We describe the Level 1 muon trigger system for Run II of the colliding beam experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. The muon trigger logic makes use of tracks from the central fiber tracker and hits from muon detector elements which include both scintillator and drift tube arrays. Details of the FPGA trigger logic and trigger simulation results are given. Extensive use is made of Gbit/s serial links in order to transmit data to the Level 1 muon trigger system. Results on error rates from these Gbit/s serial links using up to 200 feet of coaxial cable are presented.
Hybridization between wheat and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) under field conditions

Abstract Jointed goatgrass is an important weed of wheat in the United States and other parts of the world. Under field conditions, wheat and jointed goatgrass can hybridize and produce backcross derivatives, a situation that may allow gene flow between these two species. In order to gain a better understanding of the factors governing gene flow, a study to characterize patterns of mating between these two species was undertaken. Chloroplast and nuclear microsatellite markers were used to evaluate the parentage of 413 first-generation backcross (BC1) seeds obtained from 127 wheat–jointed goatgrass F1 hybrids, produced naturally under field conditions. Of the 127 hybrids evaluated, 109 (85.8%) had jointed goatgrass as the female parent, whereas the remaining 18 F1 plants (14.2%) had wheat as the female parent. Of the 413 BC1 plants analyzed, 358 (86.7%) had wheat and 24 (5.8%) had jointed goatgrass as the male backcross parent. The male parentage of 31 BC1 (7.5%) plants could not be determined. Under natur...