cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of all-trans-retinol dehydrogenase from photoreceptor outer segments, the visual cycle enzyme that reduces all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol.

Retinol dehydrogenase (RDH), the enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol within the photoreceptor outer segment, was the first visual cycle enzymatic activity to be identified. Previous work has shown that this enzyme utilizes NADPH, shows a marked preference for all-trans-retinal over 11-cis-retinal, and is tightly associated with the outer segment membrane. This paper reports the identification of a novel member of the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family, photoreceptor RDH (prRDH), using subtraction and normalization of retina cDNA, high throughput sequencing, and data base homology searches to detect retina-specific genes. Bovine and human prRDH are highly homologous and are most closely related to 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1. The enzymatic properties of recombinant bovine prRDH closely match those previously reported for RDH activity in crude bovine rod outer segment preparations. In situ hybridization and RNA blotting show that the PRRDH gene is expressed specifically in photoreceptor cells, and protein blotting and immunocytochemistry show that prRDH localizes exclusively to both rod and cone outer segments and that prRDH is tightly associated with outer segment membranes. Taken together, these data indicate that prRDH is the enzyme responsible for the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol within the photoreceptor outer segment.
Coverage measurements of the Si(100) 2× 1 : Cs and Si(100) 2× 1 : K surfaces: resolution of structural models

Abstract In this study, medium energy ion scattering has been used in conjunction with Auger electron spectroscopy and LEED to measure the saturation coverage of Cs and K on Si(100) at room temperature, for which distinct 2 × 1 surface structures are observed. Defining one monolayer as the density of Si in a single (100) crystal plane (6.78 × 10 14 atoms cm 2 ) , the overlayer coverages in these systems are 0.97 ± 0.05 ML for Si(100)2 × 1:Cs and 0.98 ± 0.05 ML for Si(100)2 × 1:K. These results clearly discriminate between proposed models containing 0.5 and 1.0 ML alkali coverage for the saturated surface.
A self-adjusting algorithm for byzantine agreement

Byzantine Agreement is important both in the theory and practice of distributed computing. However, protocols to reach Byzantine Agreement are usually expensive both in the time required as well as in the number of messages exchanged. In this paper, we present a self-adjusting approach to the problem. The Mostly Byzantine Agreement is proposed as a more restrictive agreement problem that requires that in the consecutive attempts to reach agreement, the number of disagreements (i.e., failures to reach Byzantine Agreement) is finite. For t faulty processes, we give an algorithm that has at most t disagreements for 4t or more processes. Another algorithm is given for n ≥ 3t + 1 processes with the number of disagreements below t2/2. Both algorithms use O(n3) message bits for binary value agreement.
Politics and Defense: The FCC's Radio Intelligence Division, 1940–1947

Between 1940–1947, the FCC's Radio Intelligence Division (RID) monitored clandestine radio transmissions in the United States. The RID was the FCC's “largest single activity” during the war years and helped military and government agencies locate the Axis enemy. Its creation set the precedent for FCC participation in national defense. Although its national defense activities supported President Roosevelt's New Deal goals, the RID eventually became the target of considerable conservative criticism. This essay broadens the understanding of the FCC beyond its broadcasting authority and further provides insight to the national defense contributions of a civilian agency.
On linking interannual tree ring variability with observations of whole-forest CO 2 flux

We used a 10-year record of the CO2 flux by an old growth boreal forest in central Manitoba (the Northern Old Black Spruce Site (NOBS)), a � 150-year-old Picea mariana [Mill.] stand) to determine whether and how whole-forest CO2 flux is related to tree ring width. We compared a 37-year ring width chronology collected at NOBS to a second chronology that was collected at a nearby Black Spruce stand with a different disturbance history, and also to three measures of annual whole-forest photosynthesis [gross ecosystem production (GEP)], two measures of annual respiration (R), and one measure of annual carbon balance [net ecosystem production (NEP)]. The year-to-year ring width fluctuations were well correlated between the two sites; increasing our confidence in the NOBS chronology and implying that ring width variation is driven and synchronized by the physical environment. Both chronologies exhibited serial correlation, with a fluctuation in ring width that had an apparent periodicity of � 7 years. Neither chronology was correlated with variation in annual precipitation or temperature. Ring width and NEP increased, while R decreased from 1995 to 2004. GEP either remained constant or decreased from 1995 to 2004, depending on which measure was considered. The lack of relationship between ring width and GEP may indicate that ring growth is controlled almost entirely by something other than carbon uptake. Alternative explanations for the ring width chronologies include the possibility that wood production varies as a result of shifts in respiration, or that an unidentified aspect of the environment, rather than the balance between GEP and respiration, controls wood production. The serial correlation in ring width may be related to increases and decreases in carbohydrate pools, or to gradual changes in nutrient availability, pathogens, herbivores, soil frost or soil water table. The cause or causes of serial correlation, and the controls on the allocation of photosynthate to wood production, emerge as critical uncertainties for efforts in predicting the carbon balance of boreal ecosystems and inferring past climate from tree rings.
Absence of insulin-like or insulin-binding action of α2-macroglobulin

Abstract Possible biological insulin-like or insulin-binding properties of a purified α 2 -macroglobulin preparation were tested by studying its effects upon CO 2 formation and lipid synthesis of rat epididymal adipose tissue and upon glucose uptake by rat diaphragm. No insulin-like or insulin-binding activity was demonstrated in this α 2 -macroglobulin fraction. Immuno-assay also failed to reveal any insulin in this preparation.
Capacity Limit of Grid-Connected Wind/Photovoltaic Hybrid Power System Based on Interior Point Algorithm

Wind/Photovoltaic hybrid generating system can alleviate power fluctuations caused by the single source and improve the system power supply reliability. In the stage of planning, the grid-connected scheme and capacity limit calculation problem is needed to solve. Under different schemes, the capacity limit is different. This paper established an optimization model of capacity limit of wind/photovoltaic power station, introduced the tracking center trajectory interior point algorithm to solve capacity limit, and demonstrated the validity of the proposed method by a simulation of IEEE 30-node system considering the reserve capacity, and concluded that capacity limit is larger when Wind/Photovoltaic is parallel in heavy load nodes. This method can provide reference for practical system of calculating capacity limit of wind farm or photovoltaic power station and is feasible.
Computer Time Averaging of Laser Raman Spectra for Matrix-Isolated Species

With the recent development of commercially available laser-Raman spectrometers, many previously impossible types of experiments are now being performed. One of these areas of research is the laser-Raman spectroscopy of matrix-isolated samples.1–7 In this application, relatively weak signals (from the dilute sample of interest) are measured with large amounts of background scatter from the matrix material. Thus, background signals as large as 1 × 10−8 A must be suppressed while the peak signals of interest may be as small as ~0.1 × 10−9 A; under these conditions the signal-to-noise ratio becomes the limiting factor in obtaining useful spectra.
Relationships among rates of n, p, and k, soil test values, leaf analysis and yield of cotton at 6 locations

Abstract Long‐term rates of N, P, and K experiments at 6 locations were made residual studies for P and K after 16 years of continuous applications. Cotton leaf samples for 2 years and soil samples after one year were analyzed and results correlated with yield. Highly significant yield response to N was found at all locations with the best rate varying from 34 to 135 kg/ha. Leaf N from treatments producing best yields varied from 3.1 to 4.9%. Significant correlations were found among N applied, leaf N, and yield at all locations. Only two soils showed response to P. Leaf P data indicate that 0.3% P was adequate. Leaf P was correlated with soil P and yield where response was found. Five locations showed response to K with significant correlations among K applied, soil test.K, leaf K, and yield in most cases. Leaf K from plots producing best yields varied from 0.90 to 1.57%. Average leaf content of N, P, K, Ca,Mg, Mn,Fe, B, Zn, and Al from 384 samples are reported.
The effect of noise and depolarization on hyperpolarized tracers perfusion assessment

The effect of imaging pulse sequences on the perfusion model of hyperpolarized tracers and its influence on the quantitative assessment of blood perfusion were simulated and studied. Using three different singular value decomposition (SVD) based regularizations, including truncated SVD and first and second order Tikhonov, perfusion related parameters were calculated and compared. The simulation results revealed that depolarization compensated and uncompensated models underestimate the flow rate by similar amounts. However, the compensated model determines the mean transition time and cerebral blood volume more accurately than the uncompensated model. It was shown that, due to the rapid decay of the effective residue function in hyperpolarized tracers, regularization techniques sensitive to the first derivative of the residue function fail in perfusion parameter estimation
Sparse model representations of target signatures for improved landmine detection using frequency-domain electromagnetic induction sensors

Frequency-domain electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have the ability to measure target signatures which enable discrimination of landmines from harmless clutter. In a model-based signal processing paradigm, the target signatures can be decomposed into a weighted sum of parameterized basis functions, where the basis functions are intrinsic to the target under consideration and the associated weights are a function of the target sensor orientation. The basis function parameters can then be used as features for classification of the target as landmine or clutter. One of the challenges associated with effectively utilizing frequency-domain EMI sensor data within a model-based signal processing paradigm such as this is determining the correct model order for the measured data, as the number of basis functions intrinsic to the target under consideration is not known a priori. In this work, relevance vector machine (RVM) regression is applied to simultaneously determine both the number of parameterized basis functions and their relative contributions to the measured signal. The target may then be classified utilizing the basis function parameters as features within a statistical classifier. Results for data measured with a prototype frequency-domain EMI sensor at a standardized test site are presented. Preliminary results indicate that RVM regression followed by statistical classification utilizing the resulting model-based features provides an effective approach for classifying targets as landmine or clutter.
Benzocyclobutenylidene-h5-cyclopentadienyldicarbonyl-iron(II). A hydride abstractor more specific than the triphenylcarbenium ion

Abstract Benzocyclobutenylidene- h 5 -cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron(II) hexafluorophosphate converts h 5 -CpFe(CO) 2 R (R = cyclo-C 3 H 5 , CH 2 -cyclo-C 3 H 5 ) to the respective allene and butadiene complexes whereas Ph 3 C + primarily yields addition products; both carbenium ions add to h 1 - allyl- and substituted h 1 -allyl-iron complexes with the exception of the 3,3-dimethylpropenyl complex which is converted in both cases to h 5 -CpFe(CO) 2 (CH 2 CHCMeCH 2 ) + .
Free Amino Acid Stability in Reducing Sugar Systems

Solutions of free amino acids were sterilized in different carbohydrate mixtures, at different pH values, and both browning and free amino acid content monitored at different storage temperatures. Results showed the expected behavior of a Maillard process, (e.g., increasing reaction rate with increases in pH, temperature and reducing sugar content). However, only three (tryptophan, histidine and lysine) of the amino acids tested (nine essential + taurine) were notably affected, even under stringent conditions (50°C storage, glucose containing solution at pH 7.5). Thus many free amino acids could probably be added to most food matrices without Maillard reactions affecting overall protein quality.
Population dynamics and angler exploitation of the unique muskellunge population in Shoepack Lake, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Abstract A unique population of muskellunge Esox masquinongy inhabits Shoepack Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. Little is known about its status, dynamics, and angler exploitation, and there is concern for the long-term viability of this population. We used intensive sampling and mark–recapture methods to quantify abundance, survival, growth, condition, age at maturity and fecundity and angler surveys to quantify angler pressure, catch rates, and exploitation. During our study, heavy rain washed out a dam constructed by beavers Castor canadensis which regulates the water level at the lake outlet, resulting in a nearly 50% reduction in surface area. We estimated a population size of 1,120 adult fish at the beginning of the study. No immediate reduction in population size was detected in response to the loss of lake area, although there was a gradual, but significant, decline in population size over the 2-year study. Adults grew less than 50 mm per year, and relative weight (W r) averaged roughly...
‘The emblem of one united body … one great sporting Maple Leaf’: The Olympic Games and Canada's quest for self-identity

For Canadians, the enduring late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century debate between adherents of sustained British imperialism and those champions of Canadian sovereignty closed in December 196...
SOME DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERS OF SPECIES OF LYCOPERDACEAE

Most of the papers on the Gasteromycetes treat them from the standpoint of taxonomy; only a few deal with their morphology and physiology. Of these a few are limited to the Lycoperdaceae. The first reported study of Gasteromycetes was that of Corda (i842), who simply described the germination of spores of Sphaerobolus stellatus Tode. under natural conditions. Sachs (i855) was unable to germinate spores of Crucibulum vulgare Tul. Hoffman (I859) described the germination of the spores of the following species: Lycoperdon echinatum Pers., Lycoperdon gemnm-itatum Batsch., Bovista plumbea Pers., and Cyathus striatus Willd. His later papers (i86oa, i8,6ob) reported his failure to duplicate his first experiments. De Bary in I863, although unable to germinate spores of Phallus impudicus L., gave us the first account of the development of Lycoperdon sp., Bovista plumbea, and Geaster hygrometricus Pers. (see De Bary, i887). Pitra (I870) experimentally verified the previous observations of Corda on Sphaerobolus stellatus. Eidam (i875, i876) produced an oidium-forming mycelium from spores of Crucibulum vulgare and Cyathus striatus. Hesse (i876) obtained a freely branching, oidium-producing mycelium from spores of Cyathus striatus which germinated in water after I8-24 hours. Brefeld ( I877) grew mycelium of unnamed species of Crucibulum and Cyathus from single spores until fruit bodies were formed; these fruit bodies apparently developed in the usual way, but remained empty and failed to mature. Rehsteiner (I 892) gave us the first critical study of species development, using Lycoperdon gemmatum Batsch., Lycoperdon laxums Bon., Bovista plumnbea Pers., and Geaster fornicatus (Huds.) Fr. Rabinowitsch (I894) made a detailed study of Lycoperdon depressurn Bon. Ferguson (I9O2a, I902b) reported that she was unable to germinate spores of Gasteromycetes. Duggar (I9OI, I905) grew tissue cultures of several species, but did not report the formation of any fruit bodies. Molliard (1909), using an entire peridiole of Crucibulumn vulgare, eventually obtained the normal fruiting stage. He did not study the details of development. Cool (I9I2) reported her inability to germinate spores of Gasteromycetes. Cunningham published the details
Rotaxanes with fluorocarbon blocking groups.

A novel [2]-rotaxane has been prepared in which perfluoropropyl stoppers have been utilized as electronic blocking groups. To further investigate this capability, a linear compound that was precapped with perfluoropropyl groups was also prepared. This compound did not demonstrate rotaxane formation when mixed with dibenzo-24-crown-8, providing further evidence that the perfluoropropyl groups were effective electronic stoppers for the macrocycle.
Familial leg ulcers.

A 23-year-old black man was admitted to hospital with infected leg ulcers. He had had ulcers since he was age 15, and had been admitted to hospital for infections on many occasions. Three previous skin grafts had failed. He had no history of diabetes or other illnesses. Haemoglobin electrophoresis had excluded sickle-cell disease and thalassaemias. Serological testing was negative for vascular collagen disease, and autoimmune disorders. There was no history of deep-vein thrombosis and previous arteriography, venograms, and Doppler ultrasound studies were normal. He had a 2 3 cm ulcer over his left medial malleolus and a 3 4 ulceration over his left anterior tibia. Family history was remarkable for five maternal male relatives who had chronic leg ulcers with onset ranging from their mid-teen years to early twenties (figure). Leg ulcerations affect approximately 1% of the population, 40–80% are caused by post-thrombotic disease. Genetic disorders of coagulation have been identified as causing familial venous thrombosis including mutations in protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, and factor V genes. There was no evidence of a coagulopathy in this patient and no history of venous thrombotic events in any of the affected individuals. Leg ulcers also occur in individuals with prolidase deficiency, a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder associated with abnormal facial characteristics, mental retardation, and splenomegaly, which was not the case here.
Production and identification of a collisionless, curvature-driven, trapped-particle instability

The Columbia Linear Machine has been redesigned to enter the parameter regime of the collisionless, curvature-driven, trapped-particle instability. With the new machine configuration, a strong ($\frac{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{n}}{N}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}60%$), coherent mode is observed which bears all the characteristics of this instability. These include strong localization to the mirror cell, broad radial-mode structure, and MHD-like body motion of the plasma column. Furthermore, the mode exhibits all the correct parametric dependences of increasing mode amplitude with increasing mirror ratio and rf power, and decreasing mirror-cell length.
Three-Dimensional Volume-Rendered Series Complements 2D Orthogonal Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Patients at a Major Cancer Center: A Retrospective Review

Background. Abnormal spinal curvature is routinely assessed with plain radiographs, MDCT, and MRI. MDCT can provide two-dimensional (2-D) orthogonal as well as reconstructed three-dimensional volume-rendered (3-D VR) images of the spine, including the translucent display: a computer-generated image set that enables the visualization of surgical instrumentation through bony structures. We hypothesized that the 3-D VR series provides additional information beyond that of 2-D orthogonal MDCT in the evaluation of abnormal spinal curvature in patients evaluated at a major cancer center. Methods. The 3-D VR series, including the translucent display, was compared to 2-D orthogonal MDCT studies in patients with an abnormal spinal curvature greater than 25 degrees and scored as being not helpful (0) or helpful (1) in 3 categories: spinal curvature; bony definition; additional findings (mass lesions, fractures, and instrumentation). Results. In 38 of 48 (79.2%) patients assessed, the 3-D VR series were scored as helpful in 63 of 144 (43.8%) total possible categories (32 spinal curvature; 14 bony definition; 17 additional findings). Conclusion. Three-dimensional MDCT images, including the translucent display, are complementary to multiplanar 2-D orthogonal MCDT in the evaluation of abnormal spinal curvature in patients treated at a major cancer center.
Recent trends in global simulation of millimeter-wave devices and circuits

In this paper, the importance of the global modeling concept is emphasized. Some of the recent developments in this regard are highlighted. To describe the different electromagnetic interactions in high frequency devices a full-wave transport model that incorporates full solution of Maxwell's equations inside the device is presented. Results from the model simulation that reveals the RF characteristics of both a conventional MESFET and an Air- Bridged gate MESFET are provided. In a second part of this paper, the problem of simulating large electromagnetic structure is addressed. A method based on the concept of time-domain impedance concept is proposed and its potential as solution to the problem in hand is highlighted.
Polymerization of o-chloro- and o-bromo-substituted phenylacetylenes and polymer properties

(o-Chlorophenyl)acetylene (o-CIPA), (o-bromophenyl)acetylene (o-BrPA), and (o,o,p-trichlorophenyl)acetylene (Cl3PA) polymerized in high yields in the presence of W and Mo catalysts. Nb and Ta catalysts were also effective in producing poly(Cl3PA). Poly(o-CIPA) formed was soluble in such solvents as toluene and CHCl3, and its maximum weight-average molecular weight was 3x105. Though poly(o-BrPA) obtained with WCl6-Ph4Sn was soluble, those obtained with other catalysts were insolble in any solvent. Further, poly(Cl3PA) was insoluble irrespective of the kind of catalyst. These polymers were dark brown solids and did not lose weight below 230°C, being more stable than poly(phenylacetylene).
barren inflorescence2 regulates axillary meristem development in the maize inflorescence

Organogenesis in plants is controlled by meristems. Shoot apical meristems form at the apex of the plant and produce leaf primordia on their flanks. Axillary meristems, which form in the axils of leaf primordia, give rise to branches and flowers and therefore play a critical role in plant architecture and reproduction. To understand how axillary meristems are initiated and maintained, we characterized the barren inflorescence2 mutant, which affects axillary meristems in the maize inflorescence. Scanning electron microscopy, histology and RNA in situ hybridization using knotted1 as a marker for meristematic tissue show that barren inflorescence2 mutants make fewer branches owing to a defect in branch meristem initiation. The construction of the double mutant between barren inflorescence2 and tasselsheath reveals that the function of barren inflorescence2 is specific to the formation of branch meristems rather than bract leaf primordia. Normal maize inflorescences sequentially produce three types of axillary meristem: branch meristem, spikelet meristem and floral meristem. Introgression of the barren inflorescence2 mutant into genetic backgrounds in which the phenotype was weaker illustrates additional roles of barren inflorescence2 in these axillary meristems. Branch, spikelet and floral meristems that form in these lines are defective, resulting in the production of fewer floral structures. Because the defects involve the number of organs produced at each stage of development, we conclude that barren inflorescence2 is required for maintenance of all types of axillary meristem in the inflorescence. This defect allows us to infer the sequence of events that takes place during maize inflorescence development. Furthermore, the defect in branch meristem formation provides insight into the role of knotted1 and barren inflorescence2 in axillary meristem initiation.
Shift in Monocyte Apoptosis with Increasing Viral Load and Change in Apoptosis-Related ISG/Bcl2 Family Gene Expression in Chronically HIV-1-Infected Subjects

Although monocytes and macrophages are targets of HIV-1-mediated immunopathology, the impact of high viremia on activation-induced monocyte apoptosis relative to monocyte and macrophage activation changes remains undetermined. In this study, we determined constitutive and oxidative stress-induced monocyte apoptosis in uninfected and HIV+ individuals across a spectrum of viral loads (n = 35; range, 2,243 to 1,355,998 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml) and CD4 counts (range, 26 to 801 cells/mm3). Both constitutive apoptosis and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis were positively associated with viral load and negatively associated with CD4, with an elevation in apoptosis occurring in patients with more than 40,000 (4.6 log) copies/ml. As expected, expression of Rb1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), plasma soluble CD163 (sCD163) concentration, and the proportion of CD14++ CD16+ intermediate monocytes were elevated in viremic patients compared to those in uninfected controls. Although CD14++ CD16+ frequencies, sCD14, sCD163, and most ISG expression were not directly associated with a change in apoptosis, sCD14 and ISG expression showed an association with increasing viral load. Multivariable analysis of clinical values and monocyte gene expression identified changes in IFI27, IFITM2, Rb1, and Bcl2 expression as determinants of constitutive apoptosis (P = 3.77 × 10−5; adjusted R2 = 0.5983), while changes in viral load, IFITM2, Rb1, and Bax expression were determinants of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis (P = 5.59 × 10−5; adjusted R2 = 0.5996). Our data demonstrate differential activation states in monocytes between levels of viremia in association with differences in apoptosis that may contribute to greater monocyte turnover with high viremia. IMPORTANCE This study characterized differential monocyte activation, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related gene expression in low- versus high-level viremic HIV-1 patients, suggesting a shift in apoptosis regulation that may be associated with disease state. Using single and multivariable analysis of monocyte activation parameters and gene expression, we supported the hypothesis that monocyte apoptosis in HIV disease is a reflection of viremia and activation state with contributions from gene expression changes within the ISG and Bcl2 gene families. Understanding monocyte apoptosis response may inform HIV immunopathogenesis, retention of infected macrophages, and monocyte turnover in low- or high-viral-load states.
Long Term Postischemic Stroke Mortality in Diabetes. A Veteran Cohort Analysis

Background and Purpose— Recent data on stroke mortality in diabetics in the United States is lacking. We investigated trends in diabetes prevalence and stroke morality among diabetics in a large veteran cohort. Methods— The Patient Treatment File was used to identify all patients discharged from any Veterans hospital between October 1990 and September 1997 with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke (ICD-9-CM codes 434, 436) listed as primary diagnosis. Demographic, morbidity, and mortality data were recorded. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences between diabetics and nondiabetics, and t tests were used for continuous variables. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the effects of diabetes (DM) on the survival times controlling for multiple covariates. Results— Of 48 733 ischemic stroke patients identified, 98% were male and 13 925 (25%) had DM. Mean age was similar between DM and non-DM (67.2 versus 67.5, P=NS). Prevalence of DM among stroke subjects increased from 25% to 31%. Char...
SINGLE SYSTEM URETEROCELES IN CHILDHOOD

Fifteen patients with single system ureterocele are reviewed (three bilateral). There was an equal male: female incidence and the majority presented with a urinary tract infection. Whereas pathology was usually confined to the ureterocele-bearing renal unit, in three patients there were other major urological abnormalities. The ureteroceles were best demonstrated by ultrasonography or intravenous pyelography but the latter proved to be more sensitive, probably because there usually was sufficient function in the involved kidney. Surgical management consisted of excision of the ureterocele with ureteric reimplantation in 10 patients (12 ureteroceles) and nephro-ureterectomy in two. Four ureteroceles in three patients were managed non-operatively. Overall results of surgery were satisfactory.
Radiobiologically optimized couch shift: A new localization paradigm using cone-beam CT for prostate radiotherapy

Purpose: To present a novel positioning strategy which optimizes radiation delivery by utilizing radiobiological response knowledge and evaluate its use during prostate external beam radiotherapy. Methods: Five patients with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer were evaluated retrospectively in this IRB-approved study. For each patient, a VMAT plan with one 358° arc was generated on the planning CT (PCT) to deliver 78 Gy in 39 fractions. Five representative pretreatment cone beam CTs (CBCT) were selected for each patient. The CBCT images were registered to PCT by a human observer, which consisted of an initial automated registration with three degrees-of-freedom, followed by manual adjustment for agreement at the prostate/rectal wall interface. To determine the optimal treatment position for each CBCT, a search was performed centering on the observer-matched position (OM-position) utilizing a score function based on radiobiological and dosimetric indices (EUDprostate, D99prostate, NTCPrectum, and NTCPbladder) for the prostate, rectum, and bladder. We termed the optimal treatment position the radiobiologically optimized couch shift position (ROCS-position). Results: The dosimetric indices, averaged over the five patients’ treatment plans, were (mean ± SD) 79.5 ± 0.3 Gy (EUDprostate), 78.2 ± 0.4 Gy (D99prostate), 11.1% ± 2.7% (NTCPrectum), and 46.9% ± 7.6% (NTCPbladder). The corresponding values from CBCT at the OM-positions were 79.5 ± 0.6 Gy (EUDprostate), 77.8 ± 0.7 Gy (D99prostate), 12.1% ± 5.6% (NTCPrectum), and 51.6% ± 15.2% (NTCPbladder), respectively. In comparison, from CBCT at the ROCS-positions, the dosimetric indices were 79.5 ± 0.6 Gy (EUDprostate), 77.3 ± 0.6 Gy (D99prostate), 8.0% ± 3.3% (NTCPrectum), and 46.9% ± 15.7% (NTCPbladder). Excessive NTCPrectum was observed on Patient 5 (19.5% ± 6.6%) corresponding to localization at OM-position, compared to the planned value of 11.7%. This was mitigated with radiobiologically optimized localization, resulting in a reduced NTCPrectum value of 11.3% ± 3.5%. Overall, the treatment position optimization resulted in similar target dose coverage with reduced risk to rectum. Conclusions: These encouraging results illustrate the potential advantage of applying radiobiologically optimized correction for online image-guided radiotherapy of prostate patients.
Decreased porcine valve antigenicity with in vitro culture.

Abstract Background . Porcine valvular prostheses may stimulate inflammation after implantation, with resultant accelerated structural degeneration. We investigated the expression of porcine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on valve leaflets and the possibility of decreasing valve antigenicity with in vitro culture. Methods . Aortic and pulmonary valves were harvested from domestic pigs under sterile conditions and cultured in vitro with either porcine or baboon serum for 4 days. Valves were harvested daily and fixed in Carnoy's or formalin solution. Microtome sections of valves were examined by hematoxylin and eosin, and by immunohistochemistry for porcine MHC class II proteins and an endothelial marker, α- N -acetylgalactosaminyl glycoprotein (α-GalNac). Results . Porcine aortic and pulmonary valves constitutively express α-GalNac proteins and porcine MHC class II antigens. Porcine valves continue to express both α-GalNac and MHC class II after 48 hours of culture in porcine serum. After 48-hour culture in baboon serum, however, MHC class II antigens became undetectable on valvular leaflets, although α-GalNac molecules were still detected. Conclusions . Porcine valvular endothelial cells remain viable after 2 days of in vitro culture. Porcine valves cultured with primate serum show decreased MHC class II antigenic expression. In vitro culture before glutaraldehyde fixation may decrease inflammation associated with implantation.
Dynamic Effects of Network Neutrality 1

At the heart of the network neutrality debate is a challenging institutional design problem: the selection of a regime to govern the relations between the stakeholders in the complex value net of advanced communication services, most importantly between platform operators and providers of applications and content. How it is resolved will have far-reaching effects on the future evolution of communication industries. A wide spectrum of arrangements to structure these relations is possible, ranging from a minimally restrictive antitrust approach to highly constraining rules and regulations in a framework of full regulation. Based on a stylized model, the paper examines the innovation incentives of platform operators and content providers in next-generation networks under three scenarios: (1) absence of network neutrality rules, (2) various non-discrimination rules, and (3) full regulation. The discussion reveals that no panacea exists to address the potential problems raised by the network neutrality debate. Alternative specifications of rules will result in different innovation trajectories at the platform and content layers and the system overall. Given the lack of knowledge and the high degree of uncertainty, a strategy of monitoring, combined with a willingness and authorization to intervene if a pattern of abuse becomes visible, seems to be the most appropriate immediate step forward.
Detection, attribution, and sensitivity of trends toward earlier streamflow in the Sierra Nevada

[1] Observed changes in the timing of snowmelt dominated streamflow in the western United States are often linked to anthropogenic or other external causes. We assess whether observed streamflow timing changes can be statistically attributed to external forcing, or whether they still lie within the bounds of natural (internal) variability for four large Sierra Nevada (CA) basins, at inflow points to major reservoirs. Streamflow timing is measured by ‘‘center timing’’ (CT), the day when half the annual flow has passed a given point. We use a physically based hydrology model driven by meteorological input from a global climate model to quantify the natural variability in CT trends. Estimated 50-year trends in CT due to natural climate variability often exceed estimated actual CT trends from 1950 to 1999. Thus, although observed trends in CT to date may be statistically significant, they cannot yet be statistically attributed to external influences on climate. We estimate that projected CT changes at the four major reservoir inflows will, with 90% confidence, exceed those from natural variability within 1–4 decades or 4–8 decades, depending on rates of future greenhouse gas emissions. To identify areas most likely to exhibit CT changes in response to rising temperatures, we calculate changes in CT under temperature increases from 1 to 5. We find that areas with average winter temperatures between 2C and 4C are most likely to respond with significant CT shifts. Correspondingly, elevations from 2000 to 2800 m are most sensitive to temperature increases, with CT changes exceeding 45 days (earlier) relative to 1961–1990.
Characterization of sarR, a modulator of sar expression in Staphylococcus aureus.

The expression of virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is controlled by global regulatory loci (e.g., sar and agr). The sar locus is composed of three overlapping transcripts (sar P1, P3, and P2 transcripts from P1, P3, and P2 promoters, respectively), all encoding the 372-bp sarA gene. The level of SarA, the major regulatory protein, is partially controlled by the differential activation of sar promoters. We previously partially purified a ∼12 kDa protein with a DNA-specific column containing a sar P2 promoter fragment. In this study, the putative gene, designated sarR, was identified and found to encode a 13.6-kDa protein with homology to SarA. Transcriptional and immunoblot studies revealed the sarR gene to be expressed in other staphylococcal strains. Recombinant SarR protein bound sar P1, P2, and P3 promoter fragments in gel shift and footprinting assays. A sarR mutant expressed a higher level of P1 transcript than the parent, as confirmed by promoter green fluorescent protein fusion assays. As the P1 transcript is the predominant sar transcript, we confirmed that the sarR mutant expressed more SarA than the parental strain. We thus proposed that SarR is a regulatory protein that binds to the sar promoters to down-regulate P1 transcription and the ensuing SarA protein expression.
NUTRITION IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

This article reviews nutrition-related issues affecting women and their reproductive health. Health care providers must be able to perform a basic nutritional assessment to identify risk factors and develop a plan of care to reduce those risk factors and improve health. Guidelines are provided to assist in performing a nutritional status assessment. Nutritional assessment of women of reproductive age should identify factors that may affect fertility, periconceptional health, and pregnancy outcome. Recommendations are provided to assist the health care provider in counseling women regarding the relationship of food choices and exercise to health, fitness, and optimal bodily function. Controversies surrounding the effect of micronutrient deficits and excesses on reproduction and correction for these imbalances are discussed. Women should be encouraged to initiate dietary and other lifestyle changes to allow for optimal reproductive outcomes.
Mechanical Ventilation Antioxidant Trial

Background Many patients each year require prolonged mechanical ventilation. Inflammatory processes may prevent successful weaning, and evidence indicates that mechanical ventilation induces oxidative stress in the diaphragm, resulting in atrophy and contractile dysfunction of diaphragmatic myofibers. Antioxidant supplementation might mitigate the harmful effects of the oxidative stress induced by mechanical ventilation. Objective To test the clinical effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation. Methods A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind design was used to test whether enterally administered antioxidant supplementation would decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation, all-cause mortality, and length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Patients received vitamin C 1000 mg plus vitamin E 1000 IU, vitamin C 1000 mg plus vitamin E 1000 IU plus N-acetylcysteine 400 mg, or placebo solution as a bolus injection via their enteral feeding tube every 8 hours. Results Clinical and statistically significant differences in duration of mechanical ventilation were seen among the 3 groups (Mantel-Cox log rank statistic = 5.69, df = 1, P = .017). The 3 groups did not differ significantly in all-cause mortality during hospitalization or in the length of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital. Conclusions Enteral administration of antioxidants is a simple, safe, inexpensive, and effective intervention that decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults.
Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infections

Clostridium diffi cile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of hospital-associated gastrointestinal illness and places a high burden on our health-care system. Patients with CDI typically have extended lengths-of-stay in hospitals, and CDI is a frequent cause of large hospital outbreaks of disease. This guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with CDI as well as for the prevention and control of outbreaks while supplementing previously published guidelines. New molecular diagnostic stool tests will likely replace current enzyme immunoassay tests. We suggest treatment of patients be stratifi ed depending on whether they have mild-to-moderate, severe, or complicated disease. Therapy with metronidazole remains the choice for mild- to-moderate disease but may not be adequate for patients with severe or complicated disease. We propose a classifi cation of disease severity to guide therapy that is useful for clinicians. We review current treatment options for patients with recurrent CDI and recommendations for the control and prevention of outbreaks of CDI.
Optimal WDM layer partitioning and transmission reach in optical networks

We investigate WDM layer network cost in typical North American networks and show that optical transparency at degree 2 and system reach between 1000-2000 km is sufficient for traffic loads between 1 -13 Tb/s.
Black Males in the Civil Rights Movement

The civil rights movement has had a tremendous impact on American life and history. Its public policy impact includes the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1954, the comprehensive Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to name a few. Although much has been written about the civil rights movement, there is a paucity of comparative in-depth analyses of the leadership role of African American men. This article seeks to fill this gap in the literature. It focuses on five nationally and internationally recognized African American male civil rights leaders of the twentieth century: W.E.B. Du Bois, A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Kwame Toure (formerly Stokely Carmichael). Notwithstanding the vast differences in their backgrounds, leadership styles, tactics, philosophies, and strategies, they had a common goal and shared vision for America, the land of the free. Their legacies are immortal.
Stress-Induced Transcriptional Regulation in the Developing Rat Brain Involves Increased Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate-Regulatory Element Binding Activity

The cAMP-regulatory element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) functions as a trans-acting regulator of genes containing the CRE sequence in their promoter. These include a number of critical genes, such as CRF, involved in the hypothalamic response to stressful stimuli in the adult. The ability of the developing rat (during the first 2 postnatal weeks) to mount the full complement of this stress response has been questioned. We have previously demonstrated the stress-induced up-regulation of the transcription of hypothalamic CRF during the second postnatal week in the rat. The focus of the current study was to explore the mechanism of transcriptional regulation in response to stress through the physiological induction of transcriptional trans-activators that bind to the CRE in the developing rat brain. CRE-binding activity was detected via gel shift analysis in extracts from both the hypothalamus and the cerebral cortex of the developing rat. CREB was identified in these extracts by Western blot analysis and was shown to be the major contributor to the CRE-binding activity by gel shift analysis with two specific antibodies directed against CREB. After acute hypothermic stress, the abundance of CRE-binding activity (but not of total immunoreactive CREB), increased in hypothalamic extracts. This enhanced CRE-binding activity was blocked by an antiserum directed against CREB and was accompanied by an apparent increase in CREB phosphorylation. These results indicate that posttranslational enhancement of CRE-binding activity is likely to constitute an important mechanism for up-regulation of genes possessing the CRE sequence in the developing rat hypothalamus by adverse external signals.
Effects of feeding practical diets containing different protein levels, with or without fish meal, on growth, survival, body composition and processing traits of male and female Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) grown in ponds

Four practical diets containing 2% of crude protein (CP) (180 and 280 g kg )1 ), with or without menhaden fish meal (FM), were fed to Australian red claw Cherax quadricarinatus during a 97-day feeding trial. Growth, survival, body composition and processing traits of pond-cultured red claw were determined. Juvenile red claw (mean individual weight of 5.75 ± 3.3 g) were randomly stocked into twelve 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 1000 per pond (25 000 ha )1 ), and each diet was fed to three ponds. At harvest, the final mean weight of red claw fed Diet 4 (0 g kg )1 FM and 280 g kg )1 CP) and Diet 3 (113 g kg )1 FM and 280 g kg )1 CP) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (62.4 and 58.5 g, respectively) than red claw fed Diet 1 (73 g kg )1 FM and 180 g kg )1 CP; 51.7 g) and Diet 2 (0 g kg )1 FM and 180 g kg )1 CP; 53.0 g). Red claw fed diets containing 280 g kg )1 CP, with or without FM, had significantly higher percent weight gain (894 and 959%, respectively) compared to red claw fed 180 g kg )1 CP, with or without FM (778 and 799%, respectively). Feed conversion ratio, percent survival, and total yield among treatments, which averaged 3.55, 65.2%, and 724 kg ha )1 overall, were not significantly different. Results from this study indicate that pond-cultured red claw stocked at 25 000 ha )1 can be fed a practical diet containing 280 g kg )1 CP with 0 g kg )1 FM if a combination of plant-protein ingredients (soybean meal, distillers dried grains with solubles, and milo) is added; however, if the percentage of dietary protein level is 180 g kg )1 , growth is reduced even if FM is added at 73 g kg )1 of the diet. Use
Parameterization theory of balanced truncation method for any evenly distributed RC interconnect circuits

This paper presents a parameterization theory of balanced truncation method (BTM) for any evenly distributed RC interconnect (or transmission) lines and their BTM reduction models. The parameterization theory shows that any evenly distributed RC interconnect line circuits of a same order have the same balanced gramian, BTM error upper-bound, and BTM approximation error, which are independent of their RC parameters. Thus, the prototype model is proposed for research to dramatically reduce the computations for various RC parameters. Under normalized (scaled) time axis and frequency axis, the step responses and Bode plots of their BTM reduction models are also the same as ones of the prototype BTM reduction models, respectively. The simulations demonstrate and validate the theory. The reduction model order can be identified by the prototype model. The new results can be applied to not only the interconnect model reduction, but also control systems with transmission lines, Internet or time delay units. Moreover, it may open a new approach for research on time delay systems by using RC interconnect block to substitute some time delay blocks for analysis.