cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Parathyroid Computed Tomography (4DCT) Facilitates Reoperative Parathyroidectomy and Enables Cure of Missed Hyperplasia.

Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is an emerging imaging modality in the evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We assessed the role of 4DCT in patients presenting for reoperative parathyroidectomy. A prospective database of patients with persistent or recurrent PHPT undergoing reoperative parathyroidectomy during the years 2006–2014 was analyzed. Patients treated before versus after the advent of 4DCT were compared for operative eligibility, operative success, operative time, and concordance of imaging results with surgical findings. Ninety patients were included in the study (61 before 4DCT, 29 after 4DCT). The post-4DCT group had a higher rate of surgical concordance with imaging results (63 vs. 90 %, p < 0.01) and shorter operative time (114 vs. 76 min, p < 0.05). The operative success rate was not different (87 vs. 86 %). A similar pattern was observed in the subset of sestamibi-negative patients, with post-4DCT patients having a higher rate of surgical concordance (12 vs. 83 %, p < 0.0001) and shorter operative time (181 vs. 89 min, p < 0.05). Among patients ultimately found to have parathyroid hyperplasia, 4DCT correctly identified multiple enlarged glands in 80 % (4 of 5) and correctly lateralized one or more glands in 100 % (5 of 5) of cases, facilitating successful subtotal parathyroidectomy in the reoperative setting. 4DCT enables successful and efficient reoperative parathyroidectomy. These benefits extend to difficult cases, including sestamibi-negative patients and those with missed hyperplasia.
Multiple forms of human tumor calcitonin demonstrated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and lectin affinity chromatography.

The molecular weight forms of immunoreactive calcitonin in human tumors have been studied using two sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic systems. Under denaturing conditions, which produce monomer peptides, it has been possible to document further the size heterogeneity of this immunoreactivity. Small molecular weight forms (native size human calcitonin of 3,600 daltons and immunoreactive peptides of 4,000–6,000 daltons) predominated in extracts of four medullary thyroid carcinomas. Smaller amounts of larger molecular weight forms (8,000–22,000 daltons) were detected. In one medullary thyroid carcinoma and in an extract of small (oat) cell lung carcinoma, the higher molecular weight forms predominated, with the greatest amount of immunoreactivity found in 12,000–and 10,000-dalton peptides. Evidence has been obtained that all of the tumors studied contain a component of immunoreactive calcitonin that binds to lectins immobilized on agarose. Five to 20% of the total immunoreactive mater...
AKT and cancer—Is it all mTOR?

AKT, a key regulator of cell proliferation and survival, is commonly dysregulated in human cancers. Activated AKT kinase is oncogenic and required for tumorigenesis in PTEN-deficient animals. However, the importance of AKT in mediating transformation by other oncogenes and which of its targets are necessary for this process are poorly understood. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Skeen et al. show that AKT is required for transformation by mutant H-Ras and for experimental skin carcinogenesis. Moreover, the effects of AKT are mediated predominantly or solely via mTORC1. This suggests that AKT or mTOR inhibitors will be useful treatments for many cancers.
The millimeter-wave spectrum of CCN (X ∼ 2Πr): A combined Fourier transform and direct absorption study

Abstract New pure rotational measurements have been conducted for the CCN radical ( X ∼ 2 Π r ) in the Ω = 1/2 spin–orbit ladder using a combination of Fourier transform millimeter-wave (FTmmW) and millimeter direct absorption techniques. For the FTmmW work, the species was created in a supersonic jet in a pulsed DC discharge from a dilute mixture of CH4 and (CN)2 in argon, while an AC discharge of pure (CN)2 in argon was used for the direct absorption study. Six hyperfine components arising from the nitrogen nuclear spin in the lambda-doublets of the J = 5/2 → 3/2 transition of CCN near 59 GHz were recorded, partly as a test of the new FTmmW system. Four transitions were also measured in the 224–296 GHz range using direct absorption, as well; at the higher frequencies, lambda-doubling was resolved but the hyperfine structure was effectively collapsed. All measurements required significant signal-averaging. The spectra were analyzed in a combined fit with the previous J = 3/2 → 1/2, FTMW data, using a case (a) Hamiltonian. Rotational and lambda-doubling constants for CCN were significantly improved over previous analyses. Based on the hyperfine and quadrupole constants, the most dominant resonance structure for this radical is the C C N arrangement. Unlike CN and C3N, however, there is still substantial electron density on the nitrogen nucleus such that the C C N structure is also important, as found for CCP and CCAs.
The presence of voltage-gated sodium, potassium and chloride channels in rat cultured astrocytes

Patch-clamp recording from the plasmalemma of rat cultured astrocytes reveals the presence of both voltage-dependent sodium and voltage-dependent potassium conductances. These conductances are similar but not identical to the corresponding conductances in the axolemma. Whereas the h infinity relation of the sodium channels has the same voltage dependence as in the nodal axolemma, the peak current-voltage relation is shifted by about 30 mV along the voltage axis in the depolarizing direction. It is speculated that the glial cells synthesize sodium and potassium channels for later insertion into the axolemma of neighbouring axons. The astrocytes also express a plasmalemmal voltage-dependent anion conductance that is turned on at about -40 mV (that is, near the resting potential of the cultured astrocytes). The channels involved are large enough to be just permeable to glutamate but not to ascorbate. It is suggested that the conductance of this channel for chloride plays a physiological role in the spatial buffering of potassium by glial cells.
Measuring Information Success at the Individual Level in Cross-Cultural Environments

This paper proposes a questionnaire to be added to the inventory of well-developed management information system MIS instruments. In particular, an instrument is presented and tested that measures information system success, at the individual level, in cross-cultural environments. Few MIS instruments have been tested outside the homogeneous domestic environments in which they were developed. Yet the variables such instruments attempt to measure are often operationalized in heterogeneous global environments. Information systems are very costly, especially those implemented globally. Accordingly, the development of a global research instrument that measures the variables that influence successful outcomes is important. The MIS instrument presented in this paper offers the international manager a means by which information system success can be measured at the individual level. In cases of low levels of success, intervention strategies can then be formulated to improve system success in meeting the individual user's needs.
The Myofibroblastic Component of Rubeosis Iridis

Nineteen blind eyes enucleated for painful angle closure-glaucoma secondary to iris neovascularization (rubeosis iridis) were examined by scanning electron microscopy and correlative light and transmission electron microscopy. Fresh and deparaffinized tissue from patients with diabetes mellitus, central retinal vein occlusion, and retinoblastoma were studied. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive peripheral anterior synechia formation and flattening and effacement of the anterior iridic surface by a confluent fibrovascular membrane. New vessels on the anterior iris uniformly were hidden beneath a clinically inapparent, superficial layer of myofibroblasts, ie, fibroblastic cells with smooth muscle differentiation. Myofibroblasts may provide the motive force for synechial closure and ectropion iridis in neovascular glaucoma.
A rodent plague on prairie diversity

Selective vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) suppression of prairie grasses and forbs in experimental restorations suggests why many of the plants are likely to be uncommon in nature. Vole herbivory reduced densities of legumes and grasses and increased unpalatable forbs in replicated plantings in Illinois: six otherwise common species (Dalea purpurea, Desmanthus illinoensis, Elymus canadensis, Panicum virgatum, Phalaris arundinacea, Sorghastrum nutans) declined 27‐89% in abundance, whereas two species (Echinacea purpurea and Rudbeckia hirta) increased by 61% and 1023%. Species number dropped by 19% and plant diversity (Simpson’s D) by 37% in one treatment to which voles had access. Plots were planted with 18 prairie species of the region, but in even distributions of 35 or 350 seeds species )1 m )2 , rather than skewed in favour of large C4 grasses common in native remnants. Manipulation of plant composition and vole access revealed what are likely to be formative effects of rodent herbivory on vegetative composition. These experimental tallgrass communities appear to be assembling from plant species that voles prefer not to eat.
Renal flare as a biomarker of incident and progressive chronic kidney disease in patients with lupus nephritis

Flares of lupus nephritis (LN) cause acute kidney injury (AKI), even if serum creatinine (SCr) does not increase. Although classic forms of AKI, such as ischemia, have long been thought to heal without long-term sequelae, it is now clear that AKI events predispose patients to chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was therefore postulated that renal flare (RF) in LN patients promotes CKD.
Daydreaming: A Measurable Concept:

Summary.-Research has been reported which supports the psychometric properties of the Imaginal Processes Inventory. The purpose was to confirm and extend this research as well as investigate the interrelationships between daydreaming and depression, locus of control, and visual imagery. This inventory (7 scales), Beck Depression Inventory, Rotter Locus of Control Scale (I-E) , and Gordon's Test of Visual Imagery Control were administered to 100 female undergraduates. A sample of 39 subjects were retested on the scales an average of 6.8 wk. after the first administration. Correlations with Imaginal Processes Inventory and test-retest data were consistent with Giambra's (1977) findings for males and support the reliability and generalizability of the scorn. Other results include significant intercorrelations between the various scales of this inventory and the others. Implications for an understanding of the process of depression are discussed. Until recently the subject of imagery, fantasy, and daydreams has received little research attention. The paucity of research has been largely due to the difficulties encountered in the measurement of internal processes. The reliability and validity of processes which depend entirely on the self-report of internal events is difficult to determine. Many sources of error are possible when the data are dependent on self-observation. For example, the individual may forget important or relevant details of the daydream or may possess poor descriptive ability and therefore not capture the essence of the daydream. Furthermore, the individual may defensively distort emotionally laden daydream material via some form of motivated selective reporting (Holt, 1972; Horowitz, 1972). The questionnaire developed by Singer and Antrobus, Imaginal Processes Inventory ( 1966, revised 1970), appears to be a useful instrument for studying daydreams. Further evaluation of the reliability, validity, and generalizability of the inventory is necessary (Giambra, 1977; Giambra & Traynor, 1978). The Imaginal Processes Inventory was designed to determine patterns of daydreaming and to evaluate the role of this phenomenon in personality. There are 344 items which are divided into 29 subscales. Since the initial development, several different factor analyses on the scales (Singer & Antrobus, 1972; Giarnbra, 1977) have consistently separated these into three clusters or factors. Each factor suggests a style of ongoing daydreaming activity, a Positive-Vivid daydreaming style, a Guilty-Dysphoric daydreaming style, and a Mindwandering-Distractible pattern (Singer, 1975).
Loss of heterozygosity and SOSTDC1 in adult and pediatric renal tumors

Deletions within the short arm of chromosome 7 are observed in approximately 25% of adult and 10% of Wilms pediatric renal tumors. Within Wilms tumors, the region of interest has been delineated to a 2-Mb minimal region that includes ten known genes. Two of these ten candidate genes, SOSTDC1 and MEOX2, are particularly relevant to tumor development and maintenance. This finding, coupled with evidence that SOSTDC1 is frequently downregulated in adult renal cancer and regulates both Wingless-Int (Wnt)- and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced signaling, points to a role for SOSTDC1 as a potential tumor suppressor. To investigate this hypothesis, we interrogated the Oncomine database to examine the SOSTDC1 levels in adult renal clear cell tumors and pediatric Wilms tumors. We then performed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and sequencing analyses of SOSTDC1 in 25 pediatric and 36 adult renal tumors. Immunohistochemical staining of patient samples was utilized to examine the impact of SOSTDC1 genetic aberrations on SOSTDC1 protein levels and signaling. Within the Oncomine database, we found that SOSTDC1 levels were reduced in adult renal clear cell tumors and pediatric Wilms tumors. Through SNP and sequencing analyses of 25 Wilms tumors, we identified four with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 7p and three that affected SOSTDC1. Of 36 adult renal cancers, we found five with LOH at 7p, two of which affected SOSTDC1. Immunohistochemical analysis of SOSTDC1 protein levels within these tumors did not reveal a relationship between these instances of SOSTDC1 LOH and SOSTDC1 protein levels. Moreover, we could not discern any impact of these genetic alterations on Wnt signaling as measured by altered beta-catenin levels or localization. This study shows that genetic aberrations near SOSTDC1 are not uncommon in renal cancer, and occur in adult as well as pediatric renal tumors. These observations of SOSTDC1 LOH, however, did not correspond with changes in SOSTDC1 protein levels or signaling regulation. Although our conclusions are limited by sample size, we suggest that an alternative mechanism such as epigenetic silencing of SOSTDC1 may be a key contributor to the reduced SOSTDC1 mRNA and protein levels observed in renal cancer.
Multiple endocrine adenomas; report of 8 cases in which the parathyroids, pituitary and pancreatic islets were involved.

THE occurrence of a pituitary tumor, islet-cell adenoma and parathyroid tumor or of any combination of two of these in the same patient is extremely rare. It is the primary purpose of this paper to present the total experience of the Mayo Clinic with cases of this syndrome. To date, 8 cases of multiple adenomas involving two or all three of the aforementioned endocrine organs have been studied; 5 were surgical and 3 were necropsy cases.
Spatial patterns of simulated transpiration response to climate variability in a snow dominated mountain ecosystem

Transpiration is an important component of soil water storage and stream-flow and is linked with ecosystem productivity, species distribution, and ecosystem health. In mountain environments, complex topography creates heterogeneity in key controls on transpiration as well as logistical challenges for collecting representative measurements. In these settings, ecosystem models can be used to account for variation in space and time of the dominant controls on transpiration and provide estimates of transpiration patterns and their sensitivity to climate variability and change. The Regional Hydro-Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys) model was used to assess elevational differences in sensitivity of transpiration rates to the spatiotemporal variability of climate variables across the Upper Merced River watershed, Yosemite Valley, California, USA. At the basin scale, predicted annual transpiration was lowest in driest and wettest years, and greatest in moderate precipitation years (R2 = 0·32 and 0·29, based on polynomial regression of maximum snow depth and annual precipitation, respectively). At finer spatial scales, responsiveness of transpiration rates to climate differed along an elevational gradient. Low elevations (1200–1800 m) showed little interannual variation in transpiration due to topographically controlled high soil moistures along the river corridor. Annual conifer stand transpiration at intermediate elevations (1800–2150 m) responded more strongly to precipitation, resulting in a unimodal relationship between transpiration and precipitation where highest transpiration occurred during moderate precipitation levels, regardless of annual air temperatures. Higher elevations (2150–2600 m) maintained this trend, but air temperature sensitivities were greater. At these elevations, snowfall provides enough moisture for growth, and increased temperatures influenced transpiration. Transpiration at the highest elevations (2600–4000 m) showed strong sensitivity to air temperature, little sensitivity to precipitation. Model results suggest elevational differences in vegetation water use and sensitivity to climate were significant and will likely play a key role in controlling responses and vulnerability of Sierra Nevada ecosystems to climate change. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiprocessor performance analysis

This paper reports the results of a study to determine the expected performance of a "classical" multiprocessor. The "classical" multiprocessor as used here is a multiprocessor consisting of K (K>1) central processor units which have access to N storage units. The tool used for studying the performance is a discrete Fortran model of the hardware and software. Hardware measurements of the real system performance were available for validation of the model. The primary indicator of performance is the system thruput in millions of instructions executed per second (MIPS). Since the application of the hardware is in a real-time system, consideration is also given to response times of critical software tasks.
Mississippian wood-grained chert and its significance in the Western Interior United States

ABSTRACT Wood-grained chert is nodular chert which has internal light- and dark-colored, concentric, three-dimensional, compositional banding resembling grain in wood. The light-colored bands are dolomitic and the dark-colored bands are quartzose with carbonaceous matter. Wood-grained chert is recognized in the Mississippian Lodgepole, Deseret, and Great Blue Limestones and some correlatives of these formations in Montana, Utah, and Idaho. The Deseret starved basin model (Sandberg and Gutschick 1980; Gutschick and Sandberg 1983) provides a paleogeograpic framework that restricts the wood-grained cherts in this basin to the foreslope between the oxygenated carbonate platform margin ( 300 m) basin. Wood-grained chert may mark th approximate position of the lower limit of the pycnocline in the Deseret starved basin. Upwelling of nutrient-rich water along the foreslope generated high biological productivity which in turn supplied abundant biogenic silica and organic matter to the sediments of the foreslope and basin. Siliceous microfossils dissolved and provided a source of silica for the formation of porcellanite (opal-CT) nodules within the foreslope sediments during burial and compaction. Calcium carbonate diffused into the nodules from the surrounding mixed calcareous/siliceous muds and early diagenetic conversion of opal-CT to quartz released magnesium. Reduction of sulfate, a dolomite inhibitor, in the associated anoxic, organic-rich sediments below the pycnocline permitted dolomite formation. Dolomite precipitated in bands as a result of a periodic supersaturation-precipitation-nucleation-d pletion process (Ostwald-Prager theory of Liesegang band formation), possibly augmented by competitive particle growth. Petrographic evidence and the apparent inverse relationship between band spacing and time support our theory.
A rate controlling mechanism for slip in neutron irradiated copper single crystals

Abstract The stress dependence of the activation energy, H, and the activation volume, ν∗, for slip in neutron irradiated (8 × 1018 nvt) copper single crystals has been determined by tensile and creep measurements using the Conrad and Wiedersich relationships. The experimental stress dependences of both H and ν∗ are in excellent agreement with that predicted by Fleischer's theory for strengthening by tetragonal distortions. A number of different correlations indicates that slip in these irradiated crystals is regulated by a single rate controlling mechanism. The activation energy for slip was found to be temperature independent. The value of this activation energy at zero effective stress is 3·0±0·5 eV. We conclude that the rate controlling mechanism for slip in these crystals is that given by Fleischer's theory. The tetragonality producing the strengthening is thought to arise from the small vacancy loops found in room temperature irradiated copper.
The (Hi)story of their Lives: Mythic Autobiography and “The Lost Generation”

Of what use is autobiography to history? At first glance, autobiographies would seem invaluable to historians. After all, no attempt to reconstruct or understand the past would seem complete without a sprinkling of quotations from some form of “eyewitness account.” Among the various forms of such accounts available to historians, the formal autobiography often provides the most comprehensive and comprehensible account extant of the personal experience of historical events. Yet even so strong an admirer of the genre as Allan Nevins was forced to admit that very few autobiographies were ideally suited to the traditional historian's purpose. Most, he conceded, were “imperfect” historical documents at best and could prove “far more deeply misleading” than many other historical sources.
Do network relationships matter? Comparing network and instream habitat variables to explain densities of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in mid-coastal Oregon, USA.

Aquatic ecologists are working to develop theory and techniques for analysis of dynamic stream processes and communities of organisms. Such work is critical for the development of conservation plans that are relevant at the scale of entire ecosystems. The stream network is the foundation upon which stream systems are organized. Natural and human disturbances in streams alter the configuration of stream habitats such as pools, riffles, and glides across seasons, decades, or centuries. Thus, native aquatic species have developed mechanisms for adapting to the dynamic configuration of habitats in stream networks. 2. At different spatial scales, stream network structure informs habitat connectivity for aquatic-obligate species. The movement of aquatic species both upstream and downstream is limited by stream channels and may be modified by the downstream flow of water, nutrients, and physical materials such as wood and substrate. Analysing streams as networks offers a realistic and holistic perspective for assessing movement and distribution by freshwater aquatic species in response to life-history needs and environmental conditions. 3. In this study, network analysis was facilitated by automating, in a Geographic Information System, the calculation of network distances and variables that represent spatial configuration. A comparison between traditional instream habitat variables and network variables for juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch )i n seven sub-basins of Oregon's mid-coast over a 5-year period revealed that network variables perform better at explaining juvenile coho salmon density than instream habitat variables. Moreover, analysis of network distances among seasonal habitats indicates that juvenile coho salmon density may be higher where the distance between critical seasonal habitats is short. This work furthers aquatic conservation, management, and restoration by including analysis of the proximity and connectivity among aquatic freshwater habitats. Published in 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
System realization using 2-D output measurements

A two-dimensional (2-D) system realization via output measurements is developed. The technique is based on multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems where two sets of matrices (A,B,C) that characterize the system dynamics of a target in a 2-D space are obtained from the row and column directions of the output measurements. A modal decomposition approach is used to couple the two sets of matrices and obtain the states pairing without effort. Effectiveness of the technique is confirmed, and results are presented for static-range radar measurements taken on a canonical target.
Genome-wide linkage analyses of 12 endophenotypes for schizophrenia from the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia.

ObjectiveThe Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia has undertaken a large multisite study to characterize 12 neurophysiological and neurocognitive endophenotypic measures as a step toward understanding the complex genetic basis of schizophrenia. The authors previously demonstrated the heritability of these endophenotypes; in the present study, genetic linkage was evaluated.MethodEach family consisted of a proband with schizophrenia, at least one unaffected sibling, and both parents. A total of 1,286 participants from 296 families were genotyped in two phases, and 1,004 individuals were also assessed for the endophenotypes. Linkage analyses of the 6,055 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were successfully assayed, 5,760 of which were common to both phases, were conducted using both variance components and pedigree-wide regression methods.ResultsLinkage analyses of the 12 endophenotypes collectively identified one region meeting genome-wide significance criteria, with a LOD (log of odds) score of 4....
Serum Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations During Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine Therapy

ABSTRACT Measurements of serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were made in hypothyroid patients at 2-hr intervals for 48 hr before and during chronic therapy with single daily doses of 25 and 50 μg T3 or 100 and 200 μg T4. No time-related changes were found in serum T3, T4 or TSH levels during therapy with 100 or 200 μg T4 daily. In patients treated with T3, prompt increases in serum T3 levels occurred which reached a peak after 4 hr and then gradually returned to base line. Base line serum T3 levels were, respectively, 101 ± 13 and 94 ± 9 ng/100 ml (sem) and the peak levels were 223 ± 17 and 235 ± 18 ng/100 ml on the 2 study days in patients receiving 25 μg T3 daily. Base line serum T3 levels were 109 ± 18 and 116 ± 13 ng/100 ml and peak values were 350 ± 30 and 375 ± 31 in the patients receiving 50 μg T3 daily. Serum TSH levels were elevated (mean basal serum TSH 13.1 ± 3.9 and 14.2 ± 4.7 μU/ml) in the patients receiving 25 μg T3 daily and also elevated (mean ...
Carotid thrombosis following neck irradiation

Therapeutic irradiation may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of vascular stenosis or occlusion several to many years following radiation. However, intimal damage following irradiation may result earlier in thrombosis without stenosis. This report discusses three cases of carotid occlusion that occurred within 3 years of moderate dose irradiation. Angiographic studies showed that occlusion occurred in the absence of atherosclerotic stenosis. A review of the literature supports the conclusion that people who receive neck irradiation are at risk not only for the delayed development of diffuse atherosclerosis but also for thrombotic occlusion within months to several years. We suggest that patients who develop neurological symptoms or signs following neck irradiation, regardless of age, dose of radiation, or interval since radiation, should be evaluated for carotid or vertebral artery disease.
The effect of inferotemporal cortex ablations on eye movements of monkeys during discrimination training.

Two groups of monkeys, Grp. N, unoperated, and Grp. IT, with inferotemporal cortex ablations, were trained to view displays of the numerals ‘3’ and ‘8’ for the duration of a trial which ended in reinforcement for fixating the ‘8’ or non-reinforcement for the ‘3’. An adaptation of the Mackworth reflection eye movie camera apparatus recorded the location of visual fixations during a trial. Films of the first and fourth sessions of training were analyzed. Grp. N S's looked at the stimuli equally during Session 1 but by Session 4 had learned to preferentially observe the ‘8’. Grp. IT S's looked at the stimuli as frequently as Grp. N S'S but the ‘8’ and ‘3’ were observed equally often during both sessions. By Session 4 the strategies adopted by Grp. N (but not Grp. IT) were (a) increased lengths of fixation on the positive stimulus and (b) fewer shifts of the gaze off the total display. These results suggest that the mechanism disturbed by the inferotemporal cortex lesions involves central processing rather th...
Development of a method to measure dietary fibre in oranges

A method to measure dietary fibre in oranges has been developed. Pectin was extracted from the food sample using heat, acid and a cation-exchange resin. This was followed by enzymic digestions, using pepsin and pancreatin, of the remaining residue. Optimal levels of resin, pH, time and temperature for maximum pectin extraction were found. Optimal levels of enzymes and pH for maximal enzyme digestion was also found. Other food products tested for dietary fibre content were: cauliflower, oranges, pole beans, carrots and whole wheat flour. Values found were greater than those for other fibre analyses; however, most other methods fail to measure the water-soluble indigestible components, such as pectin.
New genus and species of Corylophidae (Coleoptera) from Florida, with a description of its larva.

The adult and larva of a new genus and species, Foadia maculata , is described and figured. This species is known only from the Florida Keys, where it has been collected under mangrove bark. A brief discussion of its relationship to other corylophids is included.
Privacy risk models for designing privacy-sensitive ubiquitous computing systems

Privacy is a difficult design issue that is becoming increasingly important as we push into ubiquitous computing environments. While there is a fair amount of theoretical work on designing for privacy, there are few practical methods for helping designers create applications that provide end-users with a reasonable level of privacy protection that is commensurate with the domain, with the community of users, and with the risks and benefits to all stakeholders in the intended system. Towards this end, we propose privacy risk models as a general method for refining privacy from an abstract concept into concrete issues for specific applications and prioritizing those issues. In this paper, we introduce a privacy risk model we have developed specifically for ubiquitous computing, and outline two case studies describing our use of this privacy risk model in the design of two ubiquitous computing applications.
Undetected Hepatomegaly in Obese Children by Primary Care Physicians: A Pitfall in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The diagnostic evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) relies on the initial detection of hepatomegaly or elevated serum aminotransferases by the primary care provider. In this investigation, the aptitude of the primary care provider to identify children with hepatomegaly and initiate an evaluation for NAFLD is determined. The physical examination findings and requests for diagnostic testing of 18 primary care physicians (and pediatric gastroenterologists) on 11 obese school-aged children, including a subset of children with hepatomegaly and NAFLD, were analyzed. In children with NAFLD, clinicians detected hepatomegaly in 1.4% of encounters and requested serum liver chemistries in 12.5% of encounters. Hepatomegaly is detected poorly in obese children by primary care physicians and thereby increases the likelihood of a delayed or omitted evaluation for NAFLD.
Effect of delayed colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows.

Objective—To determine the effect of timing of firstmilking colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration. Design—Prospective study. Animals—13 healthy Holstein cows. Procedures—All calvings were observed. After parturition, calves were not allowed to suckle and were separated from the dam. Colostrum was collected from a single randomly selected quarter at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after parturition until all 4 quarters were sampled. Colostral IgG concentration was determined via radial immunodiffusion. Results—Mean colostral IgG concentration was 113, 94, 82, and 76 g/L at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving, respectively. Colostrum collected 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving had significantly lower IgG concentrations than did colostrum collected 2 hours after calving. Mean colostral IgG concentration at 14 hours after calving was significantly lower than that at 6 hours after calving. Cows in their third or greater lactation had mean colostral IgG concentrations 2 hours after calving (132 g/L) that ...
Chronic exposure to TPA depletes PKCα and augments Ca-dependent insulin secretion from cultured rat islets

The insulin secretory responses of rat islets to glucose (15 mM), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA; 500 nM), and potassium (30 mM) were determined from perifused islets cultured for 22–24 ...
Grid-Free Octree Approach for Modeling Heat Transfer to Complex Geometries

The grid-free octree direct simulation Monte–Carlo algorithm has been explored to simulate flows through and heat transfer to highly irregular geometries for finite Knudsen numbers. The approach was extended to accurately compute the volume of irregular octree clusters as well as a line-of-sight test before performing collisions in octree clusters that are intersected by a solid boundary. The modified grid-free octree direct simulation Monte–Carlo algorithm was tested for the classic Fourier and micro-Poiseuille flows. A single sphere as well as an aggregate of spheres were modeled in a 500 K heat bath and supersonic flow. For the heat bath case, it was observed that a two-level Cartesian grid direct simulation Monte–Carlo code was able to achieve the same heat flux to a single sphere as the octree approach if 10 times more computational particles were used. Furthermore, even with increased computational load, the two-level Cartesian approach encountered a difference of 15% from the octree calculation for...
Is Political Science Academically Adrift? Designing More Effective Departmental Assessment Tools to Assess Student Outcomes

This paper discusses how one political science department revamped its departmental assessment program in 2010 after experiencing challenges with earlier assessment tools. The new assessment tool is a direct assessment of senior political science majors’ end of college knowledge of key political science concepts, critical thinking skills and ability to sort conventional public beliefs from research evidence. To provide a benchmark comparison, the same tool was given to freshmen in an introduction to political science course in the Fall of 2011. Findings from two years of assessments show that senior political science majors did gain in political science research knowledge and the ability to differentiate between what is commonly thought by the public from research evidence as compared to university freshmen. However, the findings also show that a number of challenges remain as there is a substantial gap between student outcomes and departmental learning goals. The findings raise larger questions about how to administer assessments, how to measure student learning outcomes and whether we are becoming 'academically adrift' as student gains between admission and graduation are marginal.
Teaching Political Engagement

In this paper, I will provide some information on four techniques that I use for deepening political engagement: 1) speakers, 2) research papers, 3) National Student Issues Convention, and 4) Internships.
Applications of Integral and Derivative Thermogravimetry to the Analysis of Rubber Formulations

Abstract Thermogravimetry, in the integral and derivative modes, can be used to determine the percentage composition of oil-extended EPDM and plasticized NBR formulations, even when the weight loss steps due to the various components overlap slightly. The percentages of extender oil or plasticizer, rubber, carbon black, graphite, and mineral filler can be determined in 2 hours or less from a single experiment. Derivative thermogravimetry also provides information on the volatility and identity of the extender oil in EPDM formulations, as well as the volatility and identity of the monomeric plasticizers in NBR formulations. Information about the type of carbon black in a formulation can also be obtained. Thermogravimetry appears to be an excellent method for the quality control and receiving inspection of EPDM and NBR formulations.
Identification of lipids in blood thromboplastin.

SummaryLipids from blood thromboplastin were identified by column chromatography and paper chromatography as inositol phosphatide, lecithin, sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and cholesterol. Despite wide variations in thromboplastic activity in 70 samples of blood thromboplastin, there was no change in the presence of any of the lipids.
The National Ecological Observatory Network: An Observatory Poised to Expand Spatiotemporal Scales of Inquiry in Aquatic and Fisheries Science

Abstract Large spatiotemporal-scale fisheries research amid pervasive environmental change requires scientific resources beyond the capabilities of individual laboratories. Here we introduce the aquatics program within a novel institution, the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), poised to substantially advance spatiotemporal scales of inquiry in fisheries research. NEON will collect high-quality data from sites distributed throughout the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, for 30 years. Data products will include hundreds of metrics that comprehensively quantify the biological, chemical, and hydrogeomorphic attributes of streams, lakes, and rivers in the observatory network. Coupling observations from NEON terrestrial, atmospheric, and airborne programs will facilitate unique inquiries in ecohydrology. All NEON-generated data will be rigorously quality controlled and posted to an entirely open-access web portal. Proposals that expand the observatory scope through addition...
Surgery for a pancreatic pseudocyst uncovers an adrenal mass instead.

During evaluation and treatment of an abdominal mass, collegial collaboration among the clinical team and evidence-based decision making are essential to producing a good outcome.
In situ nitrogen (C2H2) fixation in lakes of southern Victoria Land, Antarctica

1. Nitrogenase activity as measured by the acetylene reduction assay occurred in a number of habitats in and nearby several Antarctic lakes. 2. Acetelyne reduction was localized in bluegreen algal mats in littoral/moat areas that received maximal sunlight. 3. Benthic bluegreen algal mats beneath 5–6 m of permanent lake ice, in much reduced light and often in waters supersaturated with oxygen, had no detectable nitrogenase activity. 4. The observed nitrogen fixation potential correlated with lower ammonium ion (NH4+) levels and the presence of heterocystous bluegreen algae which are probably the major nitrogen fixing organisms in these habitats. 5. The relatively low acetylene reduction rates and the lack of detectable15N2 fixation suggest that a small but significant contribution of fixed nitrogen occurs in select shallow, brightly lit habitats where low NH4+ concentrations are found.
Thermoregulatory and heat-shock protein response deficits in cold-exposed diabetic mice

Cold-induced expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) has been suggested to facilitate thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the regulation of this response and the mechanism supporting this facilitation have not been established. Because of the significant role of insulin in maintaining BAT thermogenesis, we employed a transgenic mouse model of diabetes to investigate the regulation and function of HSPs in BAT thermogenesis. These transgenic mice overexpress a calmodulin minigene regulated by the rat insulin II promotor, resulting in severe diabetes characterized by elevated blood glucose and glucagon that coincides with reduced serum and pancreatic insulin. Body temperature (Tb) of diabetic mice dropped significantly faster during a 3-h cold exposure (6 degrees C) than Tb of similarly treated control littermates. Cold exposure resulted in increased levels of constitutive and inducible HSP70 transcripts in control mice, but only constitutive HSP70 mRNA transcripts were induced in diabetic mice. Diabetes did not affect uncoupling protein induction, but cold-induced expression of members of other HSP families was reduced. Correspondingly, heat-shock regulatory factors were not activated in diabetic mice even though these factors were present. Phenylephrine induced HSP70 expression in control and diabetic animals, indicating that alpha-receptor-coupled HSP induction remained intact in BAT of diabetic mice. Insulin replacement restored the Tb response of diabetic mice as well as the HSP response. From these results it is clear that physiological signals that regulate cold-induced activation of BAT also regulate HSP expression in this tissue. This diabetic model provides a novel system in which the HSP response to cold has been selectively knocked out, making it a useful tool for the study of HSP regulation and function in BAT.
Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Review of Surgical Indications and Techniques.

Context: Hand injuries are a common emergency department presentation. Metacarpal fractures account for 40% of all hand fractures and can be seen in the setting of low or high energy trauma. The most common injury pattern is a metacarpal neck fracture. In this study, the authors aim to review the surgical indications for metacarpal neck fractures, the fixation options available along with the risk and benefits of each. Evidence Acquisition: Literature review of the different treatment modalities for metacarpal neck fractures. Review focuses on surgical indications and the risks and benefits of different operative techniques. Results: The indications for surgery are based on the amount of dorsal angulation of the distal fragment. The ulnar digits can tolerate greater angulation as the radial digits more easily lose grip strength. The most widely utilized fixation techniques are pinning with k-wires, dorsal plating, or intramedullary fixation. There is currently no consensus on an optimal fixation technique as surgical management has been found to have a complication rate up to 36%. Plate and screw fixation demonstrated especially high complication rates. Conclusions: Metacarpal neck fractures are a common injury in young and active patients that results in substantial missed time from work. While the surgical indications are well-described, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment modality because of high complication rates. Dorsal plating has higher complication rates than closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, but is necessary in comminuted fractures. The lack of an ideal fixation construct suggests that further study of the commonly utilized techniques as well as novel techniques is necessary.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants for Venous Thromboembolism with Special Emphasis on Risk of Hemorrhagic Complications and Reversal Agents

Warfarin was the only oral anticoagulant available for the treatment of venous thromboembolism for about half a century until the recent approval of novel oral agents dabigatran, rivoraxaban and apixaban. This presents new classes of medications less cumbersome to use. They do not require frequent laboratory monitoring or have nurmerous drug interactions. On the other hand it also poses a challenge to the physicians deciding which agent to use in specific patient populations, how to predict the bleeding risk compared to warfarin and between the different novel agents and how to manage bleeding with relatively recent discovery of few potential antidotes. This review summarizes the major trials that led to the approval of these agents and their exclusion criteria helping physicians understand which patient types might not benefit from these agents. It provides clinical pearls invaluable in everyday practice such as transitioning between traditional and novel anticoagulants, dose adjustments for high risk populations, drug interactions and cost analysis. Futhermore, the review provides direct comparisons with warfarin and indirect comparisons among the novel agents in terms of efficacy and bleeding risk narrating the numbers of patients with intracranial, gastrointestinal and fatal hemorrhages in each of the major trials. We hope that this review will help the physicians inform their patients about the benefits and risks of these agents and enable them to make an informed selection of the most appropriate anticoagulant.
A Novel Role of Salt-Inducible Kinase 1 (SIK1) in the Post-Translational Regulation of Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 Activity

Salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the stress- and energy-sensing AMPK family of kinases. SIK1 expression is rapidly induced in Y1 adrenal cells in response to ACTH via the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, and it has been suggested that an increased level of SIK1 expression inhibits adrenal steroidogenesis by repressing the cAMP-dependent transcription of steroidogenic proteins, CYP11A1 and StAR, by attenuating CREB transcriptional activity. Here we show that SIK1 stimulates adrenal steroidogenesis by modulating the selective HDL-CE transport activity of SR-B1. Overexpression of SIK1 increases cAMP-stimulated and SR-B1-mediated selective HDL-BODIPY-CE uptake in cell lines without impacting SR-B1 protein levels, whereas knockdown of SIK1 attenuated cAMP-stimulated selective HDL-BODIPY-CE uptake. SIK1 forms a complex with SR-B1 by interacting with its cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, and in vitro kinase activity measurements indicate that SIK1 can phosphorylate the C-terminal domain of SR-B1. Among potential phosphorylation sites, SIK1-catalyzed phosphorylation of Ser496 is critical for SIK1 stimulation of the selective CE transport activity of SR-B1. Mutational studies further demonstrated that both the intact catalytic activity of SIK1 and its PKA-catalyzed phosphorylation are essential for SIK1 stimulation of SR-B1 activity. Finally, overexpression of SIK1 caused time-dependent increases in SR-B1-mediated and HDL-supported steroid production in Y1 cells; however, these effects were lost with knockdown of SR-B1. Taken together, these studies establish a role for SIK1 in the positive regulation of selective HDL-CE transport function of SR-B1 and steroidogenesis and suggest a potential mechanism for SIK1 signaling in modulating SR-B1-mediated selective CE uptake and associated steroidogenesis.