cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors: Physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry and role in central nervous system and immune disorders

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a major role in coordinating the endocrine, autonomic, behavioral and immune responses to stress through actions in the brain and the periphery. CRF receptors identified in brain, pituitary and spleen have comparable kinetic and pharmacological characteristics, guanine nucleotide sensitivity and adenylate cyclase-stimulating activity. Differences were observed in the molecular mass of the CRF receptor complex between the brain (58,000 Da) and the pituitary and spleen (75,000 Da), which appeared to be due to differential glycosylation of the receptor proteins. The recently cloned CRF receptor in the pituitary and the brain (designated as CRF1) encodes a 415 amino acid protein comprising seven putative membrane-spanning domains and is structurally related to the calcitonin/vasoactive intestinal peptide/growth hormone-releasing hormone subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. A second member of the CRF receptor family encoding a 411 amino acid rat brain protein with approximately 70% homology to CRF1 has recently been identified (designated as CRF2); there exists an additional splice variant of the CRF2 receptor with a different N-terminal domain encoding a protein of 431 amino acids. In autoradiographic studies, CRF receptors were localized in highest densities in the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland, olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, amygdala, cerebellum and the macrophage-enriched zones and red pulp regions of the spleen. CRF can modulate the number of CRF receptors in a reciprocal manner. For example, stress and adrenalectomy increase hypothalamic CRF secretion which, in turn, down-regulates CRF receptors in the anterior pituitary. CRF receptors in the brain and pituitary are also altered as a consequence of the development and aging processes. In addition to a physiological role for CRF in integrating the responses of the brain, endocrine and immune systems to physiological, psychological and immunological stimuli, recent clinical data implicate CRF in the etiology and pathophysiology of various endocrine, psychiatric, neurologic and inflammatory illnesses. Hypersecretion of CRF in the brain may contribute to the symptomatology seen in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety-related disorders and anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, overproduction of CRF at peripheral inflammatory sites, such as synovial joints may contribute to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, deficits in brain CRF are apparent in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, as they relate to dysfunction of CRF neurons in the brain areas affected in the particular disorder. Strategies directed at developing CRF-related agents may hold promise for novel therapies for the treatment of these various disorders.
Controls on natural levée development in the Columbia River, British Columbia, Canada

Natural levees of the Columbia River near Golden, British Columbia, were investigated to identify the mechanisms that control levee development and morphology. Topographic profiles of 12 levee pairs were surveyed, and measurements of water-surface elevation, flow velocity, flow direction and turbidity were obtained during an average magnitude flood (1AE2 years recurrence interval). Sedimentation rates and grain-size distributions were measured from sediment traps placed along levee-to-floodbasin transects. Results show that water and sediment exchange between the channel and floodbasin was mainly by advection. During flooding, local floodbasins behave more as efficient water pathways than water storage features, resulting in down-valley floodbasin flows capable of limiting basinward growth of levees. Levee shape results primarily from two independent factors: (1) maximum channel water stage, which limits levee height; and (2) floodbasin hydraulics, which control width. In the Columbia River, the competence of floodbasin flows results in relatively narrow and steep levees. Natural levees grow under two general conditions of deposition as governed by flood-stage elevation relative to levee-crest elevation: front loading and back loading. During large floods when crests are inundated, front loading preferentially aggrades the proximal portions of levees with sediment directly from the channel, thus increasing levee slope. During average or below-average floods when many levee crests are not overtopped, back loading preferentially aggrades the distal levee areas and floodbasin floor, reducing levee slope. In the study area, a balance between front and back loading sustains these narrow and steep levee shapes for long periods, reflecting an equilibrium between hydraulic regime, floodplain morphology and deposition.
Mechanical support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock: has progress been made?

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) complicates 0.2% to 6% of cardiac operations and is a clinical entity fraught with considerable morbidity and mortality. A previous review of this topic by our group suggested that regardless of device, only 25% of patients survived to hospital discharge. In the interim, newer technologies have entered the clinical arena. Additional contributions have been made to the literature and new databases are collecting data that are likely to provide more robust guidance for the management of these very complex patients. In this review, we update the experience of mechanical support in the PCCS patient and provide a strategy to maximize survival for a patient who develops PCCS in the community cardiac surgery center. (J Card Surg 2010;25:442-454)
Bidirectional Regulation of p38 Kinase and c-Jun N-terminal Protein Kinase by Insulin-like Growth Factor-I

We have previously shown that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) activation of the IGF-I receptor rescues SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells from high glucose-mediated programmed cell death (PCD). In the current study, we further explored the potential points in the cell death cascade where IGF-I receptor activation may afford neuroprotection. As an initial step, we examined the effects of the PCD stimulus, high glucose, on stress-activated protein kinases, specifically the two mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). High glucose treatment activated the tyrosine phosphorylation of both p38 kinase and JNK in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. We next examined the effects of IGF-I on JNK and p38 kinase under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. IGF-I activated p38 kinase alone and had additive effects on glucose-induced p38 kinase phosphorylation. In contrast, IGF-I inhibited glucose activation of JNK phosphorylation and JNK activity. IGF-I also inhibited the glucose-induced nuclear translocation of JNK, but did not effect glucose-induced translocation of p38 kinase. Finally, IGF-I inhibition of JNK phosphorylation was blocked by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, PD98059. Collectively, these data imply cross-talk between the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and JNK and suggest that IGF-I activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases interferes with JNK activation and protects cells from PCD.
On Simulating Randomly Driven Dynamic Systems

Much of modern estimation and control theory is based on dynamic models with random forcing terms. As long as these models are linear, the behavior of the system is well understood; in fact, the state space system can be solved exactly. In this paper we address the problem of simulating nonlinear systems such that the average properties of the simulation match those of the true system being modeled. We present previous results on Runge-Kutta methods for linear, stochastic state space systems and show how even these need to be treated carefully. We then discuss nonlinear stochastic models and how the two main types, Ito and Stratonovich, relate to the physical systems being considered. We present a Runge-Kutta type algorithm for simulating nonlinear stochastic systems and demonstrate the validity of the approach on a simple laboratory experiment.
A partial structure for the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor is derived from the model for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor The anion-exchange protein of cell membranes is related to the GABAA receptor

Abstract Based on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor model [(1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 168, 431–449], a partial model is constructed for the exobilayer portion of the GABA A receptor, an approach justified by the superfamily relationship of the two receptors [(1987) Nature 328, 221–227]. The model predicts succesfully the excess positive charge on interior strands which constitute the ligand-responsive portion of the receptor. Binding to GABA expands the exobilayer portion of the receptor, opening a pathway to a chloride channel. Separate binding sites for antianxiolytics (benzodiazepines) and hypnotics (barbiturates) are suggested, with prolongation of chloride entry projected as a consequence of stabilization of the open form. The anion-exchange protein (AEP) of membranes (band 3 of red blood cell membranes) is similar in some respects to the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA A ) receptor. Both proteins are inhibited and labeled by diisocyanatostilbenedisulfonate (DIDS), both transport Cl − and HCO − 3 , and both are membrane proteins. Starting with the lysines known to be labeled in band 3 protein, searches of the amino acid sequences of the GABA A receptor α- and β-subunits reveal at least 4 reasonably homologous sequences. The relationship between AEP and GABA A receptor leads to the idea that the chloride/bicarbonate channel may be the ancestor of all ligand-gated channels, with ligand gating by γ-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine arising later in evolution.
Limitations in the assessment of dietary energy intake by self-report

Development of the doubly-labeled water method has made it possible to test the validity of dietary intake instruments for the measurement of energy intake. Comparisons of measured energy expenditure with energy intake from either weighed or estimated dietary records against energy expenditure have indicated that obese subjects, female endurance athletes, and adolescents underestimate habitual and actual energy intake. Individual underestimates of 50% are not uncommon. Even in non-obese adults, where bias is minimal, the standard deviation for individual errors in energy intake approaches 20%. Two investigations of the validity of self-reported dietary records for measuring change in dietary intake also indicate large underestimates of the actual change. Because of bias and imprecision, self-reported energy intakes should be interpreted with caution unless independent methods of assessing their validity are included in the experimental design.
Flow cytometric identification and purification of cells by ligand-induced changes in intracellular calcium.

We have developed a method for identification and purification of functional subpopulations of cells defined by selective agonist activation. In a variety of cell types expressing substance P(SP) receptors, an increase in [Ca2+] is an important part of the cellular response to SP. In our studies, SP-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was monitored with the calcium indicator indo-1 and detected using a fluorescence-sensitive flow cytometer. Since responses to SP are transient in the continued presence of the peptide, a method was developed to set a fixed, brief interval between exposure of cells to peptide and measurement of [Ca2+]i by using a dual injector system for agonist and cells, and a γ connector for mixing. These techniques were developed initially using cell lines and have been applied to acutely dissociated rat spinal cord cells.
The Present State of Workplace Spirituality: A Literature Review Considering Context, Theory, and Measurement/Assessment

This article seeks to review the growing body of research in the field of workplace spirituality, extending the earlier and broader literature review work of Danna and Griffin; Miller and Gorsuch; Hill and Hood; the Fetzer Institute; Moberg, Mohamed, Hassan, and Wisnieski; Day; and Lund Dean and Fornaciari. This article also seeks to advance future psychometric scale development in the burgeoning field of workplace spirituality; by suggesting a rubric for understanding the literature (manifestation, development, and adherence), and analyzing the scale validity and reliability, the authors hope to expand conceptual imagination for new scale research. This article argues that the previous research which has begun to address important aspects of research scale development, though it has been limited in its applicability to workplace contexts, does not address diverse religious traditions and fails to understand how and the degree to which individual or collective spirituality integrates and manifests itself ...
Assessment of alternative hand hygiene regimens to improve skin health among neonatal intensive care unit nurses.

Abstract Objective: The frequent handwashing and gloving required in high-risk, high-volume patient care areas such as critical care units damages skin of the hands. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare 2 hand care regimens (traditional antiseptic wash with chlorhexidine-containing detergent versus mild soap wash with subsequent alcohol-based rinse for degerming as necessary) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Design: Prospective, quasi-experimental, random assignment. Setting: One NICU (47 beds) in a New York City children’s hospital. Subjects: Sixteen full-time NICU nurses. Outcome Measures: Microbial flora and skin condition of hands. Intervention: Nurses were randomly assigned to one of the 2 hand care regimens. Results: No significant differences in microbial counts or types of organisms from hands of staff were found, but after 2 weeks nurses in the mild soap and alcohol group had significant improvements in their skin condition (P =.005). Conclusions: Use of a mild soap for cleaning and an alcohol-based product for degerming may offer an acceptable alternative to the traditional antiseptic handwash and may reduce skin damage to health care professionals’ hands. (Heart Lung® 2000;29:136-42)
Sedimentologic and tectonic origin of an incised-valley-fill sequence along an extensional marginal-lacustrine system in the Basin and Range province, United States: Implications for predictive models of the location of incised valleys

Incised valleys in extensional lacustrine systems should be common and significant petroleum targets, yet documentation and analysis of these systems are limited and, hence, so are predictive models for their location. Geologic mapping of the Miocene–Pliocene Humboldt Formation in Knoll basin, northeastern Nevada, has revealed a significant incised-valley system formed along the lacustrine margins of an extensional basin. The valley formed during a relative lake-level fall and incised into lacustrine shoreface and offshore sandstone and subsequently was filled with fluvial and eolian sediment as lake level rose. The valley's location was tectonically influenced; it is situated in the hinge zone of a syncline near the tip of the range-bounding fault system. Folding of the syncline was broadly synchronous with incision and filling, and it appears to have localized the valley along the topographically low hinge zone. Furthermore, the large relative lake-level change that produced the valley is only recorded in strata in the syncline area, suggesting that the location and cause of incision was greatly influenced by tectonics. Thus, the location of similar incised valleys in other extensional basins may be predictable if comparable tectonic features and processes are recognized. Our study suggests that the best locations to develop and preserve incised valleys are near the tips of normal faults during periods of overall high tectonic subsidence. Specific areas along basin-bounding faults where tectonically influenced incised valleys are more likely to form include fault-propagation folds, synthetic relay ramps near transfer faults, and areas that have large changes in fault slip. Although lake volume changes caused predominantly by climate change can be an important factor in producing incised valleys, tectonically influenced incised valleys are likely to be larger, better preserved, and more petroleum prone compared to climate-controlled incised valleys.
Crustal insights from gravity and aeromagnetic analysis: Central North Slope, Alaska

Aeromagnetic and gravity data are processed and interpreted to reveal deep and shallow information about the crustal structure of the central North Slope, Alaska. Regional aeromagnetic anomalies primarily reflect deep crustal features. Regional gravity anomalies are more complex and require detailed analysis. We constrain our geophysical models with seismic data and interpretations along two transects including the Trans-Alaska Crustal Transect. Combined geophysical analysis reveals a remarkable heterogeneity of the pre-Mississippian basement. In the central North Slope, pre-Mississippian basement consists of two distinct geophysical domains. To the southwest, the basement is dense and highly magnetic; this basement is likely mafic and mechanically strong, possibly acting as a buttress to basement involvement in Brooks Range thrusting. To the northeast, the central North Slope basement consists of lower density, moderately magnetic rocks with several discrete regions (intrusions?) of more magnetic rocks. A conjugate set of geophysical trends, northwest-southeast and southwest-northeast, may be a factor in the crustal response to tectonic compression in this domain. High-resolution gravity and aeromagnetic data, where available, reflect details of shallow fault and fold structure. The maps and profile models in this report should provide useful guidelines and complementary information for regional structural studies, particularly in combination with detailed seismic reflection interpretations. Future challenges include collection of high-resolution gravity and aeromagnetic data for the entire North Slope as well as additional deep crustal information from seismic, drilling, and other complementary methods.
The Effect of Randomized Homework Contingencies on College Students' Daily Homework and Unit Exam Performance

Students in an introductory educational psychology course submitted answers to daily homework questions for which they received credit either for percentage of questions answered in every homework assignment or for the accuracy of their answers to 10% of randomly selected questions. Potential credit was the same under both homework contingencies, with instructor time limited for assessing the homework. Random homework credit based on the accuracy of answers produced significantly more accurate and detailed answers, as well as better exam performance, than did credit based on the number of questions answered. The principal contribution of this study was to demonstrate how assessing the quality of daily homework could be both beneficial and manageable in college courses.
Physical security considerations in all-optical networks

All-optical systems are a promising technology for terabit- per-second fiber-optic communication networks. The transmission, switching and routing characteristics of all- optical networks that enable these high rates are intrinsically different from their electro-optic counterparts, particularly when considered with respect to vulnerability to service denial attacks. The characteristics of both components and architecture of all-optical networks appear to have new and little studied security vulnerabilities. Along with those vulnerabilities are a new set of countermeasures which are also different from the electro-optic scenario. This paper addresses the vulnerabilities of all-optical networks to attacks from both inside and outside the network, and present some preliminary results on countermeasures. This work concentrates on physical security differences between all-optical networks and more conventional electro-optic networks with a goal of understanding the differences in attack mechanisms. These difference suggest new countermeasures that may significantly reduce the infrastructure vulnerability of all-optical networks. The work is timely in that consideration of the physical security of all-optical networks in a way that will be difficult to match using post-deployment techniques.
Effects of Reduced Hematocrit on Erythrocyte Velocity and Fluorescein Transit Time in the Cerebral Microcirculation of the Mouse

The red blood cell velocity and the arteriole-to-venule transit time of sodium fluorescein were measured in the pial microcirculation of 15 mice immediately before and after phlebotomy and hemodilution. The acute anemic state produced by the phlebotomy and hemodilution was accompanied by an increase in the velocity of the red blood cells and of the fluorescent plasma. Such increments in velocity must be attributable to either an increased blood pressure or a fall in cerebrovascular resistance. Increases in pressure were generally absent, as was vasodilation, one cause of a decreased resistance. On the other hand, decreased blood viscosity accompanies a fall in hematocrit and could therefore account for a decreased vascular resistance in every animal. These data are consonant with earlier reports in animals and man of an increased cerebral blood flow accompanying anemia. Moreover, the data support those workers who attributed this increase in flow at least partly to a decrease in blood viscosity.
Inter‐vessel pitting and cavitation in woody Rosaceae and other vesselled plants: a basis for a safety versus efficiency trade‐off in xylem transport

The hypothesis that greater safety from cavitation by airseeding through inter-vessel pits comes at the cost of less porous pit membranes with greater flow resistance was tested . Sixteen vessel-bearing species were compared: 11 from the Rosaceae, four from other angiosperm families, and one fern. Unexpectedly, there was no relationship between pit resistance (and hence the prevailing membrane porosity) and cavitation pressure. There was, however, an inverse relationship between pit area per vessel and vulnerability to cavitation ( r 2 = 0.75). This suggests that cavitation is caused by the rare largest membrane pore per vessel, the average size of which increases with total pit area per vessel. If safety from cavitation constrains pit membrane surface area, it also limits vessel surface area and the minimum vessel resistivity. This trade-off was consistent with an approximately three-fold increase in vessel resistivity with cavitation pressure dropping from - 0.8 to - 6.6 MPa. The trade-off was compensated for by a reduction in the percentage of vessel wall pitted: from 10‐16% in vulnerable species to 2‐4% in resistant species. Across species, endwall pitting accounted for 53 ± ± ± 3% of the total xylem resistivity. This corresponded to vessels achieving on average 94 ± ± ± 2% of their maximum possible conductivity if vessel surface area is constrained.
Class reference reduction in object-oriented databases

The authors propose a semantic query-optimizer (SQO) using semantic integrity constraints (SICs) in an object-oriented database system (OODB). SICs assert permissible or consistent database states (a database state is the stored data at a given time instance) for a database application. For example, in a payroll database, the minimum hourly rate has to be $4.35 by law. The basic idea of SQO is to optimize queries by transforming a query qualification into another semantically equivalent one using semantic integrity constraints such that evaluating the transformed query would be less costly. Although semantic query optimization has been well studied in the context of relational and deductive database systems, certain distinct object-oriented features such as IS-A class hierarchy have not been taken into consideration. This is probably due to that OODB is relatively new and that there is lack of research so far on SICs in OODBs. >
A tree based access method (TBSAM) for fast processing of aggregate queries

A novel database access method for statistical database processing is discussed. The structure of the access method and its application for the processing of statistical queries is shown. Descriptive statistics on attributes of the data can be calculated very efficiently. In addition, the structure is suited for queries involving order statistics on an index attribute. An extra advantage provided by the structure is the ability to do various kinds of sampling. The cost of processing various queries is analyzed. Structural updates to the access method are discussed. >
Predictive value of benign percutaneous adrenal biopsies in oncology patients.

Abstract PURPOSE: Percutaneous CT guided biopsy is accepted as a safe procedure for the diagnosis of indeterminate adrenal masses in oncologic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a ‘negative for tumour’ adrenal biopsy in the oncologic patient population by assessing subsequent outcome including clinical course, size and imaging characteristics of the adrenal lesions on follow-up imaging studies and pathological findings at re-biopsy or following adrenal mass resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 225 oncological patients (FM, 128;87; age range 33–87 years, mean age 66 years) who had undergone CT guided biopsies of an adrenal mass over a 5-year period was performed. Those patients with a report consistent with ‘negative for malignancy’ were evaluated by reviewing the medical records for patient demographics, primary malignancy, histology of adrenal tumour, subsequent surgical interventions, repeat adrenal biopsy under image guidance, by open surgery or at autopsy, subsequent abdominal imaging in which the adrenal gland was imaged, and long-term outcome including hospital admissions, or death. RESULTS: Of the 225 CT-guided adrenal biopsies performed, 41 (18%) were negative for neoplasm. The primary neoplasm in these 41 patients included lung cancer (n = 32), breast (n = 5), renal cell carcinoma (n = 2), bladder (n = 1), and prostate (n = 1). The size of the adrenal lesions ranged from 2.8–5 cm. Of the 41 biopsies, which were negative for tumour; 10 were identified as adenomas and the rest showed benign adrenal cortical cells or hyperplasia on cytopathology and histopathology. Repeat biopsies were obtained in 13/41 (31%) patients; whereas 2/41 (5%) had their adrenal gland analyzed on post mortem examination. None of these 15 repeat evaluations yielded tumour. CONCLUSION: In oncological patients, pathological analysis of tissue samples obtained by CT-guided percutaneous biopsy, suggesting benign aetiology, is reliable and predicts a benign course on long-term follow-up. A negative or benign pathology result for a CT guided percutaneous adrenal biopsy can be regarded as a true negative evaluation in oncological patients with no necessity to repeat the biopsy. Harisinghani M. G. et al. (2002) Clinical Radiology,57, 898–901.
Textile production as craft in Mesoamerica Time, labor and knowledge

Textile production in Mesoamerica, as a process and set of relationships, has been seen as the full-time work of women but not as an occupational specialization. I take an alternative approach by c...
MR Mesh: A Multi-Radio Wireless Mesh Network Testbed

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are expected to be one of the next generation of wireless interconnection technologies. As to fully exploit the advantage of WMNs, a lot of research work has been done, e.g. new routing protocols, metrics, multiradio/multichannel WMNs, etc. In this paper we present a multiradio WMN testbed (called MR mesh) which was designed with purpose to study different routing protocols, metrics and channel selection/assignment algorithms or other strategies. MR mesh implements mesh functionality upon multiple 802.11 based wireless network cards. It is flexible to support different routing protocols, metrics, easy to implement channel assignment or radio selection algorithms, and simple to experiment network organization/management strategies.
A value-based approach to predicting system properties from design

Traditional engineering requires evaluating designs before implementing them. Evaluating a design predicts the properties of a reasonable implementation and the value of these properties to a stakeholder. Software engineering has some (though not enough) relevant evaluation techniques but lacks frameworks to compare, develop, and apply those techniques in a manner that respects h value varies by stakeholder. We present an adaptation of economists' value models that, given a design and a development method, predicts value to a client. We give examples supporting our approach. Even in its preliminary state, our approach helps to explain and characterize design evaluation techniques and shows sufficient promise to justify further development.
Fighting, winning, promotions, and attendance in the ECHL

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of fighting (in addition to other variables) as it relates to attendance at minor league hockey games (ECHL). Design/methodology/approach – Building upon previous research on hockey attendance, a regression model is specified with attendance as the dependent variable and fighting (measured as a running average of fights-per-game) as an independent variable. The sign and statistical significance of fighting is tested through the regression model. Findings – Despite recent tragedies in the hockey world and public outcries against fighting, fighting is found to have a positive and significant effect on attendance at ECHL games. Practical implications – Findings suggest that if fighting is removed from hockey in North America that teams will suffer attendance wise and it will hurt the overall profitability of teams and leagues. Teams in the ECHL that do not fight often may wish to have more “enforcers” on the team which would increase the number o...
Music Physicianers: Blues Lyric Form and the Patent Medicine Show

Patent medicine shows became popular in the United States around the turn of the twentieth century by selling their products alongside free musical and theatrical entertainments. The “doctors” promised a range of cures, but usually mixed their remedies with alcohol or narcotics – using the promise of health to evade religious authorities and law enforcement, even in dry counties. Many talented black performers toured with medicine shows, including a number of artists later associated with the blues. I argue that the medicine show had a decisive impact on the blues by providing not simply training in performance, but also an impetus for the notorious suggestiveness of its lyric code. The blues borrows from the medicine show its lawless appeal to ailments uncategorized and ignored by socially sanctioned experts.
Multicompartment metabolism in papillary thyroid cancer.

Objectives/Hypothesis In many cancers, varying regions within the tumor are often phenotypically heterogeneous, including their metabolic phenotype. Further, tumor regions can be metabolically compartmentalized, with metabolites transferred between compartments. When present, this metabolic coupling can promote aggressive behavior. Tumor metabolism in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is poorly characterized. Study Design Immunohistochemical staining of tissue samples. Methods Papillary thyroid cancer specimens from 46 patients with (n = 19) and without advanced disease (n = 27) were compared to noncancerous thyroid tissue (NCT) and benign thyroid specimens (n = 6 follicular adenoma [FA] and n = 5 nodular goiter [NG]). Advanced disease was defined as the presence of lateral neck lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemistry was performed for translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), a marker of oxidative phosphorylation, and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), a marker of glycolysis. Results Papillary thyroid cancer and FA thyrocytes had high staining for TOMM20 compared to NCT and nodular goiter (NG) (P < 0.01). High MCT4 staining in fibroblasts was more common in PTC with advanced disease than in any other tissue type studied (P < 0.01). High MCT4 staining was found in all 19 cases of PTC with advanced disease, in 11 of 19 samples with low-stage disease, in one of five samples of FA, in one of 34 NCT, and in 0 of six NG samples. Low fibroblast MCT4 staining in PTC correlated with the absence of clinical adenopathy (P = 0.028); the absence of extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.004); low American Thyroid Association risk (P = 0.001); low AGES (age, grade, extent, size) score (P = 0.004); and low age, metastasis, extent of disease, size risk (P = 0.002). Conclusion This study suggests that multiple metabolic compartments exist in PTC, and low fibroblast MCT4 may be a biomarker of indolent disease. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 2015
The Political Economy of Crisis Management: Surprise, Urgency, and Mistakes in Political Decision Making

A crisis typically has three characteristics. First, a crisis is unexpected, a complete surprise. Second, a crisis is normally unpleasant in that current plans are found to work less well than had been anticipated. Third, a crisis requires an urgent response of some kind. That is to say, an immediate change of plans is expected to reduce or avoid the worst consequences associated with the unpleasant surprise. These characteristics imply that not every public policy problem is a crisis, because many public policy problems are anticipated or long-standing. The present social security problem faced by most Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations is not a crisis, although it is a serious problem. Other policy problems are clearly worsened rather than improved when current policies are abandoned. This may be said of constitutional law, in cases in which minor unexpected problems arise from longstanding political procedures. Other policy problems lack immediacy, even when they are unanticipated. This might be argued, for example, of global warming, which was unanticipated prior to 1990 yet is anticipated to take decades to emerge. Not every serious problem is a crisis.1
College Pride, Native Pride: A Portrait of a Culturally Grounded Precollege Access Program for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Students.

In this article Adrienne J. Keene employs the portraiture methodology to explore the story of College Horizons. She examines this precollege access program for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students to understand how a program rooted in Native cultures and identities can not only provide a space to create knowledge surrounding the college application process but also create a college-bound Native identity. The motto of the program, “College Pride, Native Pride” embodies a duality that emerges through the program itself.
Electronic origin of ultrafast photoinduced strain in BiFeO3.

Above-band-gap optical excitation produces interdependent structural and electronic responses in a multiferroic ${\mathrm{BiFeO}}_{3}$ thin film. Time-resolved synchrotron x-ray diffraction shows that photoexcitation can induce a large out-of-plane strain, with magnitudes on the order of half of one percent following pulsed-laser excitation. The strain relaxes with the same nanosecond time dependence as the interband relaxation of excited charge carriers. The magnitude of the strain and its temporal correlation with excited carriers indicate that an electronic mechanism, rather than thermal effects, is responsible for the lattice expansion. The observed strain is consistent with a piezoelectric distortion resulting from partial screening of the depolarization field by charge carriers, an effect linked to the electronic transport of excited carriers. The nonthermal generation of strain via optical pulses promises to extend the manipulation of ferroelectricity in oxide multiferroics to subnanosecond time scales.
The infinite sheet with cracked cylindrical hole under inclined tension or in-plane shear

The stress intensity factors are determined at the root of a radial crack emanating from a circular hole in an infinite sheet, under uniform tension in the direction at an arbitrary inclination with angle β and uniform in-plane shear, respectively. The stress analysis is carried out using the Muskhelishvili formulation and the conformal mapping. Numerical results of the stress intensity factors are obtained for varying crack length-to-hole radius ratio, L/R.
Influence of Temperature on Life Table Parameters of Metaseiulus occidentalis and Tetranychus mcdanieli (Acarina: Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae)

Developmental periods for the immature stages of Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt) at naturally occurring diurnal temperatures were obtained in an isolation cage at a shaded outdoor location. The observed temperatures within the cage were used as input into a variable temperature developmental model, and the model output was compared to the observed developmental periods. Observed and estimated developmental periods were in close agreement. The simulation model was then extended to include a function relating developmental periods to rm for both M. occidentalis and its prey, Tetranychus mcdanieli McGregor. Estimated rm values for both species at the same fluctuating temperatures were compared to determine relative favorability of various diurnal temperature cycles.
Mechanical reinforcement of nanoparticle thin films using atomic layer deposition.

Thin films composed of nanoparticles exhibit synergistic properties, making them useful for numerous advanced applications. Nanoparticle thin films (NTFs), however, have a very low resistance to me...
Motivating Instruction? There’s an App for That!:

Keeping students engaged in the curriculum is extremely important when attempting to close the achievement gap for students with and at risk for disabilities. This is particularly important for stu...
Catalytic Synthesis of Substituted Indoles and Quinolines from the Dehydrative C-H Coupling of Arylamines with 1,2- and 1,3-Diols.

The cationic ruthenium-hydride complex catalyzes the dehydrative C–H coupling reaction of arylamines with 1,2-diols to form the indole products. The analogous coupling of arylamines with 1,3-diols afforded the substituted quinolines. The catalytic method directly forms these coupling products in a highly regioselective manner without generating any toxic byproducts.
Imaging α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors (nAChRs) in Baboons with [ 18 F]XTRA, a Radioligand with Improved Specific Binding in Extra-Thalamic Regions

Currently available positron-emitting radiotracers for imaging of the α4β2 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) exhibit high and moderate specific binding in the thalamus and extra-thalamic brain regions, respectively. In many neuropsychiatric disorders, α4β2-nAChRs are altered in the extra-thalamic brain regions, but not necessarily in the thalamus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate [18F]XTRA, a new α4β2-nAChR positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand with improved specific binding in extra-thalamic brain regions, in non-human primates. The regional distribution of [18F]XTRA in the brain of Papio anubis baboons was evaluated in baseline and blocking experiments. Various PET modeling procedures were used for determination of volume of distribution (V T), binding potential (BPND), and receptor occupancy. Radiation dosimetry for [18F]XTRA was studied in male CD-1 mice and extrapolated to human dosimetry estimates using OLINDA/EXM software. [18F]XTRA was synthesized using an automated radiochemistry module with 25 % decay-corrected radiochemical yield. [18F]XTRA readily enters the baboon brain and specifically labels α4β2-nAChRs. Mathematical modeling demonstrates high binding potential values (BPND = 7 and 1.3 in the thalamus and frontal cortex, respectively). A PET scanning time of 90–120 min was sufficient to obtain stable V T values in the extra-thalamic regions. The extrapolated human effective dose was 0.041 mSv/MBq (0.15 Rem/mCi). [18F]XTRA exhibits improved specific binding in the baboon brain including extra-thalamic regions and it is considered radiologically acceptable for human studies. Further evaluations of [18F]XTRA in human subjects are under way.
27 Circulating antiangiogenic factors and myocardial dysfunction in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Introduction Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with subclinical changes in cardiac function. Although the mechanism underlying this finding is unknown, elevated levels of soluble antiangiogenic proteins such as soluble fmslike tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and soluble endoglin (sEng) are associated with myocardial dysfunction and may play a role. We hypothesized that these antiangiogenic proteins may contribute to the development of cardiac dysfunction in HDP. Methods We prospectively studied 207 pregnant women with HDP and nonhypertensive controls and evaluated whether changes in global longitudinal strain (GLS) observed on echocardiography is specific for HDP and whether these changes correlate with HDP biomarkers, sFlt1 and sEng. A total of 62 (30%) patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia (group A), 105 (51%) did not have an HDP (group B), and 40 (19%) were diagnosed with chronic or gestational hypertension (group C). Blood was drawn and sFlt1 and sEng levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comprehensive echocardiograms, including measurement of GLS, were performed on all patients. Results Overall, GLS was worse in women in group A (preeclampsia) than those in group B or C. Increasing sFlt1 and sEng levels correlated with worsening GLS ( r = 0.44 for sFlt1 and r = 0.46 for sEng, both P r = 0.18 and r = 0.22, both P ⩽ 0.01). Increasing levels also correlated with increasing left ventricular mass index, which also remained significant after multivariable analysis ( r = 0.20 for sFlt1 and 0.19 for sEng, both P = 0.01). Conclusion Elevated circulating levels of antiangiogenic proteins in HDP correlate with and may contribute to myocardial dysfunction as measured by GLS.
Implementation and evaluation of a protocol management system for automated review of CT protocols

Protocol review is important to decrease the risk of patient injury and increase the consistency of CT image quality. A large volume of CT protocols makes manual review labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly. To address these challenges, we have developed a software system for automatically managing and monitoring CT proto­cols on a frequent basis. This article describes our experiences in the implementation and evaluation of this protocol monitoring system. In particular, we discuss various strategies for addressing each of the steps in our protocol-monitoring workflow, which are: maintaining an accurate set of master protocols, retrieving protocols from the scanners, comparing scanner protocols to master protocols, reviewing flagged differences between the scanner and master protocols, and updating the scanner and/or master protocols. In our initial evaluation focusing only on abdo­men and pelvis protocols, we detected 309 modified protocols in a 24-week trial period. About one-quarter of these modified protocols were determined to contain inappropriate (i.e., erroneous) protocol parameter modifications that needed to be corrected on the scanner. The most frequently affected parameter was the series description, which was inappropriately modified 47 times. Two inappropriate modifications were made to the tube current, which is particularly important to flag as this parameter impacts both radiation dose and image quality. The CT protocol changes detected in this work provide strong motivation for the use of an automated CT protocol quality control system to ensure protocol accuracy and consistency.
Formation, release, and internalization of stable tau oligomers in cells.

Tau is a neuronal microtubule-binding protein that, in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, can form oligomeric and large fibrillar aggregates, which deposit in neurofibrillary tangles. Tau's physiological state of multimerization appears to vary across conditions, and a stable dimeric form of soluble tau has been suggested from experiments using recombinant tau in vitro. We tested if tau dimerization or oligomerization, also occurs in cells, and if soluble tau oligomers are relevant for the release and internalization of tau. We developed a sensitive tau split-luciferase assay to show the rapid intracellular formation of stable tau dimers that are released and taken up by cells. Our data further suggest that tau dimerization can be accelerated slightly by aggregation catalysts. We conclude that tau oligomers are a stable physiological form of tau, and that tau oligomerization does not necessarily lead to tau aggregation.
Flow-based identification of botnet traffic by mining multiple log files

Botnet detection and disruption has been a major research topic in recent years. One effective technique for botnet detection is to identify Command and Control (C&C) traffic, which is sent from a C&C center to infected, hosts (bots) to control the bots. If this traffic can be detected, both the C&C center and the bots it controls can be detected, and the botnet can be disrupted. We propose a multiple log-file based temporal correlation technique for detecting C&C traffic. Our main assumption is that bots respond much faster than humans. By temporally correlating two host-based log files, we are able to detect this property and thereby detect bot activity in a host machine. In our experiments we apply this technique to log files produced by tcpdump and exedump, which record all incoming and outgoing network packets, and the start times of application executions at the host machine, respectively. We apply data mining to extract relevant features from these log files and detect C&C traffic. Our experimental results validate our assumption and show better overall performance when compared to other recently published techniques.
Should Adenosine Test be Performed Systematically at the End of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedure

Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is a major limitation of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and is a significant contributor for arrhythmia recurrence, particularly in patients with paroxysmal AF. Recent technological advances, including the use of steerable sheaths and force sensing catheters resulted in reduced incidence of PV reconnection; however its incidence remains unacceptably high. Additional efforts to reduce pulmonary vein reconnection include the use adenosine to detect dormant PV to left atrial (LA) electrical conduction as well as identification of non-PV triggers. While this strategy is associated with an increased detection rate of reconnection that can be further targeted with ablation, its effect on long-term arrhythmia control is controversial. Still, adenosine-induced PV reconnection appears to be an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence despite additional ablation. We favor its use in patients with paroxysmal AF as an additional step for risk stratification and prediction of arrhythmia recurrence.