cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of selenium deficiency on the disposition of plasma glutathione

Abstract Selenium deficiency causes increased hepatic synthesis and release of GSH into the blood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of selenium deficiency on the disposition of plasma glutathione. Plasma glutathione concentration was 40 ± 3.4 nmol GSH equivalents/ml in selenium-deficient rats and 17 ± 5.4 nmol GSH equivalents/ml in control rats. The half-life and systemic clearance of plasma glutathione were found to be the same in selenium-deficient and control rats ( t 1 2 = 3.4 ± 0.7 min ). Because selenium-deficient plasma glutathione concentration was twice that of control, the determination that selenium deficiency did not affect glutathione plasma systemic clearance indicated that the flux of glutathione through the plasma was doubled by selenium deficiency. It has been proposed that the kidney is responsible for the removal of a major fraction of plasma glutathione. In these studies, renal clearance accounted for 24% of plasma systemic glutathione clearance in controls and 44% in selenium-deficient rats. This indicates that a significant amount of glutathione is metabolized at extrarenal sites, especially in control animals. More than half of the increased plasma glutathione produced in selenium deficiency was removed by the kidney. Thus, selenium deficiency results in a doubling of cysteine transport in the form of glutathione from the liver to the periphery as well as a doubling of plasma glutathione concentration.
Law Enforcement Training and the Domestic Far Right

This article examines issues related to training as it pertains to domestic terrorism in general and responding to far-right extremists in particular. First, it hightlights current training practices and training focused on the far right. Second, it details knowledge about the nature and extent of the threat posed by far-right extremists. Third, a review of the empirical research indicates that training could be enhanced if three key issues are emphasized: Future training should promote a better understanding of the contours of the far right; discuss the unique geographic, crime-incident, and structural characteristics of the far right; and describe the need to examine all ideologically motivated crimes, regardless of whether they are also defined as terrorist. The conclusion discusses how training could be enhanced by strategically integrating the existing knowledge base.
Evidence for a New Class of Corticosterone Receptors in the Rat Kidney1

Recent studies have documented the properties of high affinity renal cytoplasmic receptors for aldosterone (Type I ), and for glucocorticoids (Type II) which bind dexamethasone with about twice the affinity shown for corticosterone. We now present evidence for the existence of a third class of renal cytoplasmic receptors (Type III) which resemble but are probably distinct from plasma corticosteroid—binding globulin (CBG). The Type III sites have a high affinity for corticosterone, Kdisg = 3 X 10–9M at 25 C, and very low affinities for both aldosterone and dexamethasone. The Type III receptors follow saturation kinetics in the binding of 3H—corticosterone, and the relative affinities of various steroids for these sites is in the following sequence: corticosterone > cortisol > deoxycorticosterone > progesterone > aldosterone > dexamethasone. Within the kidney, the inner medullapapilla showed substantially higher concentrations of Type III receptors than the outer cortex. The protein nature of the type III r...
Measuring the cost of injury: underestimating the costs of street violence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (http://wisqars.cdc.gov:8080/costT/) provides precise estimates of the cost of injuries. For example, one can quickly find the cost in 2005 for unintentional poisoning deaths ($22.018239 billion) and homicides ($20.002002 billion). The CDC cost estimates come from adding the medical costs to the productivity losses, with productivity costs for these deaths accounting for well over 99% of the total estimated cost. A prime reason for making these cost estimates is to inform policy decisions concerning the proper allocation of scarce resources. Unfortunately, if the relative estimates are misleading, they can lead to inefficient decisions.1 The CDC relative cost estimates are particularly misleading for homicides. The cost burden of injury might be divided into three components—the cost to: (1) the individuals directly involved; (2) family and friends; and (3) the community at large.2 The cost estimates available on the CDC website are only costs to the individuals directly involved (and then only for the victim). In addition, the costs are only for a narrowly-defined cost of physical injury—the estimates exclude pain, suffering, lost quality of life and psychological costs such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the cost estimates are only for the injury itself, not the injury incident. In other …
Mitigating the effects of insecticides on arthropod biological control at field and landscape scales

Integrated pest management (IPM) programs emphasize the combination of tactics, such as chemical and biological control, to maintain pest populations below economic thresholds. Although combining tactics may provide better long-term sustainable pest suppression than one tactic alone, in many cases, insecti- cides and natural enemies are incompatible. Insecticides can disrupt natural enemies through lethal and sub-lethal means causing pest resurgence or secondary pest outbreaks. Legislative actions such as the Food Quality Protection Act (US) and the Directive on Sustainable Use of Pesticides (EU) have placed greater restrictions on insecticides used in agriculture, potentially enhancing biological control. Here we focus on the effects of insecticides on biological control, and potential mitigation measures that can operate at different scales. At the farm scale, natural enemies can be conserved through the use of selective insecticides, low doses, special formulations, creation of refugia, special application methods, and targeted applications (temporal or spatial). At the landscape scale, habitat quality and composition affect the magnitude of biological control services, and the degree of mitigation against the effects of pes- ticides on natural enemies. Current research is teasing apart the relative importance of local and land- scape effects of pesticides on natural enemies and the ecosystem services they provide, and the further development of this area will ultimately inform the decisions of policy makers and land managers in terms of how to mitigate pesticide effects through habitat manipulation.
Designing Blood Oxygenators

Extracorporeal blood oxygenators are used to provide cardiopulmonary support during open heart surgery. In the study reported here, mass transfer correlations were determined for commercially available blood oxygenators. Two configurations used commercially, flow outside and across bundles of hollow fibers and flow in thin channels between parallel flat sheet membranes, were investigated. Water and glycerol/water mixtures were used as a substitute for blood. Diffusion of oxygen into and out of these solutions was studied. For flow across bundles of hollow fibers, the mass transfer correlations derived here are in agreement with analogous correlations for crossflow heat exchangers. However, for flow in thin channels, the rate of mass transfer is often less than predicted from theory. This compromised mass transfer can be explained by considering slight variations in the thickness of the blood flow channels. The mass transfer correlations developed here could be used to design better blood oxygenators.
Effects of Fcj1-Mos1 and mitochondrial division on aggregation of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids and organelle morphology

Mitochondrial DNA nucleoids are distributed as many discrete foci in mitochondria. Nucleoid distribution is controlled by mitochondrial division and Fcj1 and Mos1, two evolutionarily conserved, mit...
The support vector decomposition machine

In machine learning problems with tens of thousands of features and only dozens or hundreds of independent training examples, dimensionality reduction is essential for good learning performance. In previous work, many researchers have treated the learning problem in two separate phases: first use an algorithm such as singular value decomposition to reduce the dimensionality of the data set, and then use a classification algorithm such as naive Bayes or support vector machines to learn a classifier. We demonstrate that it is possible to combine the two goals of dimensionality reduction and classification into a single learning objective, and present a novel and efficient algorithm which optimizes this objective directly. We present experimental results in fMRI analysis which show that we can achieve better learning performance and lower-dimensional representations than two-phase approaches can.
In Vivo Imaging of Human Cholinergic Nerve Terminals with (–)-5-18F-Fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol: Biodistribution, Dosimetry, and Tracer Kinetic Analyses

(–)-5-18F-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol (18F-FEOBV) is a vesamicol derivative that binds selectively to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and has been used in preclinical studies to quantify presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals. This study presents, to our knowledge, the first-in-human experience with 18F-FEOBV, including radiation dosimetry, biodistribution, tolerability and safety in human subjects, and brain kinetics and methods for quantitative analysis of 18F-FEOBV. Methods: Whole-body 18F-FEOBV scans were obtained in 3 healthy human volunteers. Seven additional subjects underwent dynamic brain imaging 0–120, 150–180, and 210–240 min after bolus injection of 18F-FEOBV. Arterial blood sampling was performed with chromatographic identification of authentic 18F-FEOBV to determine the arterial plasma input function. Analysis methods included nonlinear least-squares fitting of a 2-tissue-compartmental model, reference tissue modeling, and late single-scan imaging. Results: No pharmacologic or physiologic changes were observed after intravenous administration of up to 1.3 μg of 18F-FEOBV. Radiation dosimetry estimates indicate that more than 400 MBq may be administered without exceeding regulatory radiation dose limits. Kinetic analysis showed brain uptake to be relatively high with single-pass extraction of 25%–35%. VAChT binding estimates varied by a factor of greater than 30 between the striatum and cortex. Coefficients of variation in k3 estimates varied from 15% to 30%. Volume of distribution measures yielded a dynamic range of approximately 15 but with little reduction in variability. Reference tissue approaches yielded more stable estimates of the distribution volume ratio (1 + BPND), with coefficients of variation ranging from 20% in the striatum to 6%–12% in cortical regions. The late static distribution of 18F-FEOBV correlated highly with the distribution volume ratio estimates from reference tissue models (r = 0.993). Conclusion:18F-FEOBV PET confirms that the tracer binds to VAChT with the expected in vivo human brain distribution. Both reference tissue modeling and late static scanning approaches provide a robust index of VAChT binding.
Cognitive and Organizational Structures: An Empirical Analysis

Relationships between the cognitive structures of organizational members and the structures of the organizations to which they belong have been the subject of considerable theoretical speculation. Limited empirical evidence suggests the two structures are related but the issue of directionality has not been investigated. The study reported here adopts an attribution theory perspective to test the causal nature of this relationship in an experimental setting. The findings in this initial investigation of the causal linkages between cognitive and organizational structures support the view that the cognitive structures of strategic decision makers are largely irrelevant.
Space-scale animation: enhancing cross-scale understanding of multiscale structures in multiple views

Large information or model structures often span many scale levels, and exhibit important features at each scale. Having a coherent and cross-scale understanding of such multiscale structures often requires users to interact with the structures at different scales. While multiple views allow users to see the structures from different locations and at different scales, establishing cross-scale connections between structures in divergent multiple views could be a challenge. This paper proposes a new interactive design, space-scale animation, to visualize the spatial and semantic relationship between structures in different views, and discusses the design and implementation of space-scale animation as a dynamic view transition traversing space and scale. This research not only extends interactive animation techniques by explicitly considering the scale factor, but also argues the necessity to integrate cross-scale semantic information into animation to improve the understanding of complex structures.
Universal politeness theory: application to the use of Japanese honorifics

Abstract One major objection to Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory [Questions and Politeness: Strategies in Social Interaction, Cambridge University Press, 1978, pp. 56–311; Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987] raised by Matsumoto [J. Pragmatics 12 (1988) 403; Multilingua 8 (1989) 207; Japanese/Korean Linguistics, vol. 2, Center for the Study of Language and Information, Stanford, pp. 55–67] and Ide [Multilingua 8 (1989) 223] is based on data involving Japanese honorifics. The issue is why honorifics, the use of which Brown and Levinson classifies as a negative politeness strategy (‘Give deference’), should occur in non-FTA utterances. Having shown that Brown and Levinson’s theory does not explain Japanese honorifics satisfactorily, Ide goes so far as to propose an account based on the concept of discernment. The purpose of this article is two-fold: (1) to show that by taking into consideration a salient feature of the Japanese society, namely, its vertical and hierarchical structure, it is possible to propose an account that is consistent with Brown and Levinson’s theory; and (2) to argue against the discernment theory which seems to have gained some recognition. A series of arguments will be advanced to show that an account based on the politeness theory is superior to the discernment account.
eScience and Informatics for international science programs

Both eScience and Informatics, their conceptual approaches, methods, and extant technical solutions, are still relatively new approaches in many science fields. Collectively, they intend to facilitate the electronic conduct of science (eScience) and the application of foundational principles drawn from experience in a number of fields of Informatics (e.g., helioinformatics, geoinformatics, and climateinformatics). The Climate and Weather of the Sun-Earth System II (CAWSES II) eScience and Informatics effort had the goal of promoting an international virtual institute and several virtual observatories in order to advance system-level science investigations aligned with the four CAWSES II Task Groups. This contribution elaborates on the key elements of eScience and Informatics applicable to CAWSES II as a virtual organization in the context of the current science-data landscape. We examine what was adopted for CAWSES II and highlight the successes and challenges of the effort. Based on the lessons learned from this effort and other international communities, we present opportunities going forward that are relevant to both smaller collaborations and successor large-scale programs (such as the Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact (VarSITI)) that are being recognized more as networks of science facilitated by a variety of modern information technologies.
Departmental Search Committees and the Evaluation of Faculty Applicants.

We surveyed directors of departmental search committees (N = 89) to ascertain which criteria have the most value in the faculty applicant selection process. Respondents used several methodological techniques, including rank order, agreement, and importance scale questions. Results indicated that match or fit with department is the most important criterion in applicant selection, followed by research and teaching experience. Important differences emerged in the evaluation of job applicants depending on the type of institution (public vs. private) or type of department (undergraduate-only vs. undergraduate + graduate program).
Robotic Exploration of Surfaces With a Compliant Wrist Sensor

This article presents some results of an ongoing research project to investigate the components and modules that are necessary to equip a robot with exploratory capabilities. Of particular interest...
Cost-effectiveness of revascularization for limb preservation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background Limb revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been criticized because of the low rates of limb preservation and overall survival that characterize this patient population. We undertook a formal cost-utility analysis to evaluate the role of revascularization in the ESRD population. Methods A probabilistic Markov model was used to simulate the clinical outcomes and long-term outcomes after six different strategies for the management of nonhealing foot wounds in patients with critical limb ischemia and ESRD. All scenarios considered all-cause mortality and major amputation for failure of limb salvage. Parameter estimates of the costs, clinical events, and functional outcomes used in the model were derived from primary data or published literature. Costs are reported in 2011 U.S. dollars. Results Local wound care alone had the lowest long-term total cost of the management strategies evaluated; primary amputation had the highest. Purely endovascular intervention yielded the highest limb salvage rates. Endovascular intervention had a cost of $15,403 per additional year of ambulation beyond that by local wound care alone. Endovascular intervention had the potential for cost-savings (ie, better health benefits at lower cost) only with very high 1-year wound healing rates. The 5-year survival rates ranged from 17% to 34% in all management strategies. Conclusions Endovascular intervention may be a cost-effective alternative to local wound care alone for patients with ESRD and ischemic foot wounds, but with small marginal health benefits at considerable cost. Local wound care alone may be preferable to primary amputation.
A preliminary study of a video intervention to inform solid organ transplant recipients about skin cancer.

Purpose To obtain preliminary evidence on the effect of a skin cancer prevention video for adult solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and informational brochures on outcomes of skin cancer knowledge, beliefs, prevention and detection behaviors, and personal agency (self-confidence/personal control) for behaviors.
OPERATING CONDITIONS IN THE OPEN HEARTH AS THEY AFFECT THE LIFE OF REFRACTORIES

A discussion of the deterioration of refractories under operating conditions of the acid and basic types of open hearth furnaces is given.
Ichnology of fair-weather and storm deposits in an Upper Cretaceous estuary (Eutaw Formation, western Georgia, USA)

Abstract Exposures of the Eutaw Formation in western Georgia, eastern Gulf coastal plain, USA, were examined to evaluate the ichnologic signature of fair-weather and storm-related strata deposited within the central bay of a Late Cretaceous estuary. Ichnofabrics of fair-weather sandy muds and muddy sands compare favorably with those of previously well-documented estuarine facies of the Cretaceous Western Interior foreland basin. Trace fossil assemblages vary with sediment texture, reflecting proximity to sources and frequency of deposition of sands, but they generally are dominated by simple structures attributed to activities of trophic generalists (Terebellina, Teichichnus, and Planolites). Although this likely reflects environmental stress associated with estuarine dynamics, the degree to which salinity fluctuations governed trace fossil assemblages cannot be confidently assessed. Trace fossil assemblages in estuarine storm sands also are variable. Distal central bay tempestites include fair-weather ichnofossil suites. However, commonly in proximal parts of the central bay, rapid event-related accumulation of suspended clays immediately followed sand emplacement and thereby precluded burrowing of sands by subsequently established fair-weather organisms. By virtue of proximity to fluvial point sources and/or salinity gradients, this phenomenon may be unique to and diagnostic of certain estuarine settings. Ophiomorpha is nearly ubiquitous in storm sands. Normally attributed to post-storm colonization by opportunistic organisms, these burrow systems instead may represent the work of storm-transported crustaceans.
Structural evolution of cylindrical‐phase diblock copolymer thin films

We have measured the time evolution of the self-assembly process in perpendicular-oriented cylindrical-phase diblock copolymer thin films using statistical analysis of high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Within minutes of annealing above the polymer glass-transition temperature, microphase separation between polymer blocks results in formation of uniform nanometer-scale domains whose relative position is initially largely uncorrelated. On further annealing, the cylindrical polymer domains organize into a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice whose characteristic grain size increases slowly with time (∼t1/4). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1970–1975, 2004
The use of citation indices in comparing geography programs: An exploratory study

Citation information is discussed as a means for ranking the research and publication visibility of eleven graduate programs in geography. It is suggested that the ranks produced by this objective method correspond better to the peer-based ranks of the 1982 NRC survey of graduate programs than those derived from publication counts. Citation information also provides a means of evaluating the differences between programs' inter- and intradisciplinary visibility.
A Riccati approach for constrained linear quadratic optimal control

An active-set method is proposed for solving linear quadratic optimal control problems subject to general linear inequality path constraints including mixed state-control and state-only constraints. A Riccati-based approach is developed for efficiently solving the equality constrained optimal control subproblems generated during the procedure. The solution of each subproblem requires computations that scale linearly with the horizon length. The algorithm is illustrated with numerical examples.
Millimeter wave tripler evaluation of a metal/2-DEG Schottky diode varactor

A new Schottky diode, based on a contact at the edge of a 2-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) is investigated for use as a multiplier element in the millimeter and submillimeter wavelength regions. As a negative voltage is applied to the Schottky contact, the depletion layer between the Schottky contact and the 2-DEG expands and the junction capacitance decreases, resulting in a non-linear reactance. Device results are presented which demonstrate low series resistance, large capacitance modulation, and significantly higher tripler efficiency (75-225 GHz) than previously reported multiplier results of this type of structure. >
Preliminary study of potential antiarrhythmic effects of Crataegus monogyna.

Abstract Crude extracts of the bark and leaves of Crataegus monogyna were tested in rabbits for potential antiarrhythmic activity. Four fractions (A contained the petroleum ether solubles, B contained the 95% ethanol solubles, C contained the chloroform solubles, and D contained the water solubles), which were infused 5 min after arrhythmia had been induced by intravenous injection of 10 μg/kg of aconitine, did not cause the arrhythmia to revert to normal cardiac rhythm. However, when the maximal tolerated amounts of either Fraction B or D of the bark or leaves were first infused, higher doses of aconitine than those used in control animals were required to generate arrhythmias in the treated rabbits. The present study showed that the extracts from bark and leaves of C. monogyna possess a prophylactic antiarrhythmic activity.
Electrical and mechanical responses of rat middle cerebral arteries to reduced PO2 and prostacyclin.

Isolated rat middle cerebral arteries were perfused and superfused with physiological salt solution equilibrated with a control (∼140 mmHg) or reduced (∼35–40 mmHg) P O 2 . In other experiments, ce...
Intrastate Preemption in the Shifting Energy Sector

The U.S. energy sector is in a state of transition, at once moving toward cleaner energy resources, but also expanding the use of fossil fuels with new access to oil and gas plays. Although federalism concerns have dominated the literature, I argue here that the state-local relationship and intrastate preemption are shaping energy policy in important and under-examined ways. The energy transition to date has been marked by growth centered on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and commercial wind development, both of which are mostly regulated at the state level. Local governments have exerted authority over both forms of energy production, although state-local tensions in the fracking context have been especially pronounced. Hundreds of localities have opposed or sought to contain the effects of fracking through official action, including bans and moratoria. This striking trend, considered alongside local responses to wind development, provides a fresh lens through which to assess the role of intrastate preemption in the shifting energy sector. By approaching fracking and wind together, this Article represents a departure from the largely resource-segregated literature in favor of greater scholarly coherence on energy transition. As this Article explains, the doctrine of intrastate preemption, though it hews close to its federal analogue, is uniquely nuanced by the variability of state-local power structures. I develop the claim that the unpredictable legal environment resulting from this variability works to enhance the prospects for local governments, and even more localized property interests, to inform national energy discourse.
Distributed Algorithms for Multicast Routing

In the previous chapters, we discussed sequential algorithms for multicast routing generation. These algorithms have the ability to process information from a network, including nodes participating in a multicast group. With this information, such algorithms provide a complete solution for the problem, which can be used by network operators to determine the routes to be followed to reach each of the destinations.
Cell Therapy Needs Rigorous Translational Studies in Large Animal Models.

Cell therapy, arguably the most exciting field of research in contemporary cardiovascular medicine, is mired in controversy and uncertainty [(1,2)][1]. One of the major obstacles to progress is the paucity of rigorous translational studies, particularly studies in large animals [(1)][1].
A Role for GIBBERELLIN 2-OXIDASE6 and Gibberellins in Regulating Nectar Production

The regulation of nectar production is dependent on hormonal signaling. For example, Arabidopsis PIN6, which encodes an auxin efflux transporter family protein, was identified as a nectary-enriched gene whose expression level was positively correlated to total nectar production (Bender et al., 2013). Furthermore, jasmonic acid (JA) levels peak in Brassica flowers just prior to anthesis and promote nectar secretion (Radhika et al., 2010). While auxin and JA have been demonstrated to play roles in the regulation of nectar production, it is unclear about the impacts other phytohormones have on this process.
Muscle sphingolipids during rest and exercise: a C18:0 signature for insulin resistance in humans.

Ceramides and other sphingolipids comprise a family of lipid molecules that accumulate in skeletal muscle and promote insulin resistance. Chronic endurance exercise training decreases muscle ceramides and other sphingolipids, but less is known about the effects of a single bout of exercise. We measured basal relationships and the effect of acute exercise (1.5 h at 50% $$ \overset{.}{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{2 \max } $$ ) and recovery on muscle sphingolipid content in obese volunteers, endurance trained athletes and individuals with type 2 diabetes. Muscle C18:0 ceramide (p = 0.029), dihydroceramide (p = 0.06) and glucosylceramide (p = 0.03) species were inversely related to insulin sensitivity without differences in total ceramide, dihydroceramide, and glucosylceramide concentration. Muscle C18:0 dihydroceramide correlated with markers of muscle inflammation (p = 0.04). Transcription of genes encoding sphingolipid synthesis enzymes was higher in athletes, suggesting an increased capacity for sphingolipid synthesis. The total concentration of muscle ceramides and sphingolipids increased during exercise and then decreased after recovery, during which time ceramide levels reduced to significantly below basal levels. These data suggest ceramide and other sphingolipids containing stearate (18:0) are uniquely related to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Recovery from an exercise bout decreased muscle ceramide concentration; this may represent a mechanism promoting the insulin-sensitising effects of acute exercise.
Abstract P185: Cardiac Characterization of Phlpp1 Knockout Mice: A Novel Phosphatase to Terminate Akt Signaling

The serine/threonine kinase Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), regulates a wide variety of cellular processes including metabolism, cell growth, survival, protein synthesis, and gene transcription. Akt is activated by upstream kinases through sequential phosphorylation on its activation loop (Thr308) followed by phosphorylation on the hydrophobic motif (Ser473). Studies using overexpression of Akt in vitro and in vivo have implicated the kinase in either attenuating or increasing cardiac hypertrophy, depending on signal intensity and localization of Akt in the cell. Recently the protein phosphatase PHLPP (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase) was shown to dephosphorylate Akt on its hydrophobic motif (Ser473), thereby decreasing kinase activity. We hypothesized that PHLPP could serve as an important regulator of Akt signaling in the heart and that loss of PHLPP would accentuate Akt activation under physiological conditions. We generated phlpp1 null mice to investigate the cardiac phenotype induced by modulating the kinetics of Akt activation in vivo . Myocytes were isolated from PHLPP1 knock-out and wild-type mice to demonstrate loss of PHLPP1 protein and increased Akt phosphorylation following stimulation with the cytokine LIF. Histological examination of hearts revealed that PHLPP1 KO mice have an increased capillary to myocyte ratio compared to age matched wild-type mice at baseline. Increased capillary networks were also detected in the PHLPP1 KO mice relative to wild-type mice using corrosion casting. To determine the role of PHLPP removal on cardiac hypertrophy, PHLPP1 null mice and wild-type mice were subjected to two weeks pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Cardiac hypertrophy was unexpectedly attenuated in PHLPP1 null mice (26% increase in HW/BW ratio vs. 48% in wild-type mice). In contrast, PHLPP1 null mice display an accentuated response to physiological hypertrophy induced by swimming compared to wild-type controls (46% vs. 38% respectively). Our data suggests that there is enhanced Akt activation following PHLPP removal and this attenuates pathological hypertrophy due to changes in capillary density.
Co-constructing controversy: content analysis of collaborative knowledge negotiation in online communities

ABSTRACTKnowledge sharing online has flourished within organizations as well as open online communities due to the pervasiveness of Web 2.0 platforms. This paper builds on previous studies of social construction of knowledge online and investigates how contributors in online communities collaboratively share and construct controversial scientific knowledge. As the general public participates in such knowledge collaboration, understanding the processes through which they contribute content and roles that they play is imperative. The authors conducted the content analysis of three online communities that engage in knowledge collaboration on the subject of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, which is perceived as contentious knowledge by the public due to the widespread myth among parents that the MMR vaccine is associated with autism. The study's findings include that the content discussed is influenced by the purposes of the communities, nature of the tasks, and demographics of participants, alt...
Yield of Sugarbeets in Pacific Northwest Reduced by Yellows Viruses Transmitted by Green Peach Aphids

Tests to determine the effect of the yellows complex of viruses transmitted by green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), on the yield of sugarbeets in the Pacific Northwest were conducted in 1964 and 1965. Plants in growers’ fields were marked in August to show advanced symptoms of the disease, mild symptoms, or no symptoms. When they were harvested in October, the roots from each group were weighed. Average weight of roots from 4 fields (1 in 1964 and 3 in 1965) showed that roots from plants with advanced symptoms of yellows viruses were 38.5% lighter, and roots from plants that were mildly infected were 29% lighter than the roots from uninfected plants. The yield from sugar beets in large field cages inoculated artificially with yellows viruses on different dates showed that roots of plants inoculated in May were from 37.0 to 46, 4% lighter and roots from plants inoculated about the middle of June were from 25.1 to 30.6% lighter than roots from uninoculated plants.
Application of Generic Bee Colony Algorithm based on Penalty in Cascade Dispatching Optimization

A new intelligent algorithm,combined of biological evolution and swarm intelligence,is proposed and applied to the cascade dispatching optimization in this paper.The algorithm optimizes in the globe space based on ABC algorithm which has positive feedback mechanism,division and cooperation mechanism,global search capability,parallel computing and good robustness.Crossover and mutation of GA are led into to avoid prematurity during local optimization.Penalty function of simulated annealing algorithm is also taken to simplify constraint handling.Compared with GA and PSO,this algorithm has better accuracy,convergence speed and optimization capability via an instance validating.
The Surgical Correction of Incomplete Scrotal Transposition Associated with Hypospadias

Abstract A simple technique for the surgical correction of incomplete scrotal transposition with the results in 6 patients is presented.
E-057 the endovascular treatment of distal posterior cerebral and cerebellar artery aneurysms

Introduction Distal Posterior Circulation Artery Aneurysms are relatively uncommon and represent a relatively challenging treatment subset of intracranial aneurysms because of the location and frequent incorporation of the native vessel. We present a series of 4 distal posterior circulation aneurysms, including 3 distal cerebellar artery aneurysms, treated with glue, Onyx and coils. A brief review of pertinent literature is included. Purpose To understand the clinical presentation and treatment options in the management of distal posterior cerebral and cerebellar artery aneurysms. Methods 4 cases of ruptured distal posterior circulation artery aneurysms treated at MMC from 9/13 to 9/14 were reviewed. The literature concerning the management of cerebellar artery aneurysms was briefly reviewed. Results Because of the small vessel size, position of the aneurysms and incorporation of the parent vessel into the aneurysm, treatment can be difficult and required varying strategies. In this series, glue, Onyx and coils were all used. Outcomes were variable and largely dependent on the original clinical presentation. Pre and post procedural images will be presented as well as a short discussion of the rationale for the treatment choices. Conclusion Distal posterior circulation aneurysms can be difficult to treat and may require different strategies depending on the accessibility, size and relationship to the parent vessel. Outcomes are highly dependent on the original clinical presentation. Disclosures C. Muehle: None. A. Elias: None.
Applying quality improvement tools in the transfusion service.

1. Suzanne H Butch, MA CLDir(NCA)[⇑][1] 1. is administrative manager, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor MI 1. Address for correspondence: Suzanne H Butch MA CLDir(NCA), administrative manager, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, UH 2F225/0054, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48109-0054. (734) 936-6861, (734) 935-6855 (fax). butchs{at}umich.edu 1. Define the application of five quality improvement tools. 2. Define the purpose of a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. 3. Describe two effect error prevention strategies. 4. Explain three ways to describe a process. 5. Describe effect data display techniques. Quality tools can be applied to a variety of situations from the manufacturing floor to the clinical laboratory. Some healthcare facilities embraced the quality improvement movement over a decade ago; others are just beginning to adopt their use. Quality tools facilitate problem solving and process improvement within a defined framework such as the simple Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) or the more complex Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) framework used in the six sigma process. Quality tools are used to gather and display information, make decisions, determine the root cause of a problem, develop action plans, and measure progress. This article uses two problem areas in the transfusion service to illustrate the use of quality tools in the laboratory, however, these tools can be used in any section of the laboratory. STAFF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TRAINING It is usually not possible for all laboratory staff members to attend the same training session. While multiple training sessions could be used to cover all the tools that would be expected to be used, a “just in time” training method works well when staffing does not allow for extended training sessions. This method is to teach one tool at a time just as it is going to be used. It takes only a few minutes to have an inlab session to review how a specific tool is used. Inexpensive pocket guides, available through book stores or purchased on the Internet, can be used as easy references.1,2 “The Memory Jogger” follows the PDCA… ABBREVIATIONS: DMAIC = Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control; FMEA = failure modes and effects analysis; MSBOS = maximum surgical blood order schedule; PDCA = Plan, Do, Check, Act; RPN = risk priority number; SPC = statistical process control 1. Define the application of five quality improvement tools. 2. Define the purpose of a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis. 3. Describe two effect error prevention strategies. 4. Explain three ways to describe a process. 5. Describe effect data display techniques. [1]: #corresp-1
The Correlation between Feminist Identity Development and Psychological Maltreatment in Intimate Relationships among College Students.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between feminist identity and psychological maltreatment in intimate relationships among college students. Existing research and theories have raised questions about the relationship between these constructs, but no studies have yet explored the relationship between them. The intent of the following article is to present findings and implications that can inform student affairs practice and contribute to a better understanding of intimate partner violence.
Should I fight or should I grow now? The role of cytokinins in plant growth and immunity and in the growth-defence trade-off.

Background Perception and activation of plant immunity require a remarkable level of signalling plasticity and control. In Arabidopsis and other plant species, constitutive defence activation leads to resistance to a broad spectrum of biotrophic pathogens, but also frequently to stunted growth and reduced seed set. Plant hormones are important integrators of the physiological responses that influence the outcome of plant–pathogen interactions. Scope We review the mechanisms by which the plant hormone cytokinin regulates both plant growth and response to pathogens, and how cytokinins may connect these two processes, ultimately affecting the growth trade-offs observed in plant immunity.
Construction of longitudinal prediction targets using semisupervised learning.

In establishing prognostic models, often aided by machine learning methods, much effort is concentrated in identifying good predictors. However, the same level of rigor is often absent in improving...
Unstable Thyroid Function in Older Adults Is Caused by Alterations in Both Thyroid and Pituitary Physiology and Is Associated with Increased Mortality.

Background: Average thyrotropin (TSH) levels are known to be higher in older adults when measured in cross-sectional populations. Possible etiologies include differential survival, neutral aging changes, or increased disease prevalence at older ages. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying changing thyroid function during aging, and to determine the association of changes with survival, by analyzing the individual thyroid axis over time. Methods: Individual patterns of changing TSH and free thyroxine (fT4) were determined in 640 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who had at least three measures of serum TSH and fT4, not on medications, over an average of seven years of follow-up. Participants with changing phenotypes were identified based on quintiles for both slopes. Those with alterations in primary thyroid gland function demonstrated intact negative feedback (rising TSH with declining fT4 or declining TSH with rising fT4). Other participants had a parallel rise or...
Hypertension and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition: Effects on Renal Function

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have become first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Their use commonly leads to hypertension, but their effects on long-term renal function are not known. In addition, it has been suggested that the development of hypertension is linked to treatment efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of these drugs on long-term renal function, especially in those with renal dysfunction at baseline, and to examine the role of hypertension on these effects. Serum creatinine measurements were used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate for 130 renal cell carcinoma patients who were treated with this class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. New or worsening hypertension was defined by documented start or addition of antihypertensive medications. Overall, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with estimated glomerular filtration <60 or ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 was not associated with a decline in long-term renal function. During follow-up, 41 patients developed new or worsening hypertension within 30 days from first drug administration, and this was not linked to further reductions in glomerular filtration. These patients seemed to survive longer than those who did not develop hypertension within 30 days, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Our findings suggest that the use of VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors does not adversely affect long-term renal function even in the setting of new-onset hypertension or reduced renal function at baseline.
Psychological distress among sexual and religious minorities: An examination of power and privilege

Following intersectionality theory, this study was guided by the question of what is the influence of sexual identity, religious identity, and their intersection on mental health vis-a-vis power an...
Big data in building information modeling research survey and exploratory text mining

It has been argued that Building Information Modeling BIM can transform the landscape of Architecture Engineering and Construction AEC and Facility Management FM industries with its potential to reduce cost project delivery time and increase productivity Going beyond traditional Computer Aided Design CAD BIM has emerged as a data rich object oriented shared digital representation of a facility that can serve as a reliable basis for decision making across the entire life cycle of a construction project Simultaneous advancements in big data analytics storage as well as information visualization seem to hold the potential to enable truly n dimensional BIMs integrated with other data intensive sources such as Geographic Information Systems GIS Building Automation Systems BAS Energy Management Systems EMS etc A number of recently published articles in the literature seem to indicate that the AEC industry can significantly benefit from big data analytics and architecture and make data driven decisions considering the volume and variety of information resulting from BIM integration approaches This paper presents a concise survey of recently published articles highlighting the big data based BIM challenges as well as some exploratory text analysis using bag of words text mining a Natural Language Processing NLP technique
The Kinetic Equation

In the preceding chapters we focused our attention on the motion of a single particle. In this chapter, we will introduce the concept of the distribution function and describe the formalism of the kinetic equation for treating large ensembles of particles in a beam. While this chapter focuses on deterministic Hamiltonian motion, kinetic equations in general can also include stochastic motion and damping.
Nature, Concepts of: Environmental and Ecological

Concepts of nature are ideas about the physical world that accompany actual or potential sets of practices. This article presents realist and constructivist views on concepts of nature, discusses implications of increased scientific and popular awareness of environmental change, and considers mechanistic and nonmechanistic metaphors for nature in the natural sciences. These sections suggest that concepts of nature and their analysis have suffered from persistent bifurcations of subject and object, nature and culture, and necessity and chance in western thought, themselves emanating in large part from positions claiming human distinctiveness from (and, to a lesser extent, human unity with) nature.
Metastatic brain tumors: Viewpoint—surgery

Metastatic brain tumors are a serious complication of systemic cancer whose annual incidence of over 100,000 continues to rise. Conventional surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) each have benefits in the treatment of brain metastases. The advantages of surgery include immediate resolution of mass effect, procurement of tissue for pathological diagnosis, and avoidance of radiation necrosis. The advantages of SRS include decreased risk of hemorrhage and infection and no risk of tumor seeding. SRS is also less invasive, potentially less costly, and requires shorter hospital stays than standard craniotomy. The disadvantages of SRS include potential exacerbation of peritumoral edema, a requirement for long-term steroid administration, and possible radiation necrosis. At The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, surgical resection plays a central role in the management of metastatic brain tumors. SRS is largely reserved for patients who are not candidates for surgery. We believe that a complementary approach employing surgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, and SRS in patients with brain metastasis is best and will continue to evolve.