bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Concentrations of the Transporters DctA and DcuB and the Sensor DcuS of Escherichia coli and the Contributions of Free and Complexed DcuS to Transcriptional Regulation by DcuR
Authors: Wörner Sebastian , Surmann Kristin , Ebert-Jung Andrea , Völker Uwe , Hammer Elke , Unden Gottfried
Published: December 2017

In
Escherichia coli
, the catabolism of C
4
-dicarboxylates is regulated by the DcuS-DcuR two-component system. The functional state of the sensor kinase DcuS is controlled by C
4
-dicarboxylates (like fumarate) and complexation with the C
4
-dicarboxylate transporters DctA and DcuB, respectively. Free DcuS (DcuS
F
) is known to be constantly active even in the absence of fumarate, whereas the DcuB-DcuS and DctA-DcuS complexes require fumarate for activation. To elucidate the impact of the transporters on the functional state of DcuS and the concentrations of DcuS
F
and DcuB-DcuS (or DctA-DcuS), the absolute levels of DcuS, DcuB, and DctA were determined in aerobically or anaerobically grown cells by mass spectrometry. DcuS was present at a constant very low level (10 to 20 molecules DcuS/cell), whereas the levels of DcuB and DctA were higher (minimum, 200 molecules/cell) and further increased with fumarate (12.7- and 2.7-fold, respectively). Relating DcuS and DcuB contents with the functional state of DcuS allowed an estimation of the proportions of DcuS in the free (DcuS
F
) and the complexed (DcuB-DcuS) states. Unexpectedly, DcuS
F
levels were always low (<2% of total DcuS), ruling out earlier models that show DcuS
F
as the major species under noninducing conditions. In the absence of fumarate, when DcuS
F
is responsible for basal
dcuB
expression, up to 8% of the maximal DcuB levels are formed. These suffice for DcuB-DcuS complex formation and basal transport activity. In the presence of fumarate (>100 μM), the DcuB-DcuS complex drives the majority of
dcuB
expression and is thus responsible for induction.

IMPORTANCE
Two-component systems (TCS) are major devices for sensing by bacteria and adaptation to environmental cues. Membrane-bound sensor kinases of TCS often use accessory proteins of unknown function. The DcuS-DcuR TCS responds to C
4
-dicarboxylates and requires formation of the complex of DcuS with C
4
-dicarboxylate transporters DctA or DcuB. Free DcuS (DcuS
F
) is constitutively active in autophosphorylation and was supposed to have a major role under specific conditions. Here, absolute concentrations of DcuS, DcuB, and DctA were determined under activating and nonactivating conditions by mass spectrometry. The relationship of their absolute contents to the functional state of DcuS revealed their contribution to the control of DcuS-DcuR
in vivo
, which was not accessible by other approaches, leading to a revision of previous models.
Effect of a newly designed observation, response and discharge chart in the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit on patient outcomes: a quasi-expermental study in Australia
Authors: Street Maryann , Phillips Nicole M , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Kent Bridie
Published: December 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate whether use of a discharge criteria tool for nursing assessment of patients in Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) would enhance nurses’ recognition and response to patients at-risk of deterioration and improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A prospective non-randomised pre–post intervention study was conducted in three hospitals in Australia. Participants were adults undergoing elective surgery before (n=723) and after (n=694) implementation of the Post-Anaesthetic Care Tool (PACT).

Results

Nursing response to patients at-risk of deterioration was higher using PACT, with more medical consultations initiated by PACU nurses (19% vs 30%, P<0.001) and more patients with Medical Emergency Team activation criteria modified by an anaesthetist while in PACU (6.5% vs 13.8%, P<0.001). There were higher rates of analgesia administration (37.3% vs 54.2%, P=0.001), nursing assessment of pain and documentation of ongoing analgesia prior to discharge (55% vs 85%, P<0.001). More adverse events were recorded in PACU after introduction of the PACT (8.3% vs 16.7%, P<0.001). The rate of adverse events after discharge from PACU remained constant (16.5%), but the rate of cardiac events (5.1% vs 2.6%, P=0.021) and clinical deterioration (8.7% vs 4.3%, P=0.001) following PACU discharge significantly decreased, using the PACT. Despite the increased number of patients with adverse events in phase 2, healthcare costs did not increase significantly. Length of stay in PACU and length of hospital admission for those patients who had an adverse event in PACU were significantly reduced after implementation of the PACT.

Conclusion

This study found that using a structured discharge criteria tool, the PACT, enhanced nurses’ recognition and response to patients who experienced clinical deterioration, reduced length of stay for patients who experienced an adverse event in PACU and was cost-effective.
Early warning scores for detecting deterioration in adult hospital patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gerry Stephen , Birks Jacqueline , Bonnici Timothy , Watkinson Peter J , Kirtley Shona , Collins Gary S
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Early warning scores (EWSs) are used extensively to identify patients at risk of deterioration in hospital. Previous systematic reviews suggest that studies which develop EWSs suffer methodological shortcomings and consequently may fail to perform well. The reviews have also identified that few validation studies exist to test whether the scores work in other settings. We will aim to systematically review papers describing the development or validation of EWSs, focusing on methodology, generalisability and reporting.

Methods

We will identify studies that describe the development or validation of EWSs for adult hospital inpatients. Each study will be assessed for risk of bias using the Prediction model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). Two reviewers will independently extract information. A narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics will be used to answer the main aims of the study which are to assess and critically appraise the methodological quality of the EWS, to describe the predictors included in the EWSs and to describe the reported performance of EWSs in external validation.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will only investigate published studies and therefore will not directly involve patient data. The review will help to establish whether EWSs are fit for purpose and make recommendations to improve the quality of future research in this area.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017053324.
Blunt chest trauma: a clinical chameleon
Authors: Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Sabashnikov Anton , Zeriouh Mohamed , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Bunck Alexander C , Mader Navid , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: December 2017

The incidence of blunt chest trauma (BCT) is greater than 15% of all trauma admissions to the emergency departments worldwide and is the second leading cause of death after head injury in motor vehicle accidents. The mortality due to BCT is inhomogeneously described ranging from 9% to 60%. BCT is commonly caused by a sudden high-speed deceleration trauma to the anterior chest, leading to a compression of the thorax. All thoracic structures might be injured as a result of the trauma. Complex cardiac arrhythmia, heart murmurs, hypotension, angina-like chest pain, respiratory insufficiency or distention of the jugular veins may indicate potential cardiac injury. However, on admission to emergency departments symptoms might be missing or may not be clearly associated with the injury. Accurate diagnostics and early management in order to prevent serious complications and death are essential for patients suffering a BCT. Optimal initial diagnostics includes echocardiography or CT, Holter-monitor recordings, serial 12-lead electrocardiography and measurements of cardiac enzymes. Immediate diagnostics leading to the appropriate therapy is essential for saving a patient’s life. The key aspect of the entire management, including diagnostics and treatment of patients with BCT, remains an interdisciplinary team involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, imaging radiologists and trauma specialists working in tandem.
THE EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ON EXPERIMENTAL NEPHRITIS
Authors: Howatt Frederick F. , Davey Peter W.
Published: December 2017

This is a report of the effect of ascorbic acid in massive doses on experimental acute glomerulonephritis. The nephritis is induced by injection of bovine gamma globulin into rabbits, and the resultant lesions closely resemble the acute glomerulonephritis of man. There was a greater weight loss during the experiment in the treated animals. The renal lesions and precipitin titers of the controls and treated animals were not significantly different. Nevertheless there was a suggestion that the treated animals were more severely affected than the controls. The microscopic blood picture was unchanged in the two series, but the blood sugar was moderately higher in the controls.
EFFET DE L’ACIDE ASCORBIQUE SUR L’HYPERTENSION EXPÉRIMENTAL
Authors: Héroux O. , Dugal L.-Paul
Published: December 2017

In previously reported observations, we have shown that (a) ascorbic acid, given in large doses, had a hypotensive effect on normal blood pressure, (b) the initial hypotension, due to sudden exposure to cold, was prevented by large doses of ascorbic acid, (c) the hypertension encountered upon long exposures to cold was lowered by ascorbic acid. The present paper confirms the last result and also shows that actually ascorbic acid has a hypotensive action on experimental hypertension obtained by the two following ways: (1) excess of sodium chloride in drinking water and (2) renal compression. The hypertension and adrenal hypertrophy caused by a long exposure to cold regress when the animals are brought back to normal temperature. In its initial phase, the experimental renal hypertension is lowered by ascorbic acid but not in its chronic phase.
INHIBITORS OF THE β-GLUCURONIDASE OF RABBIT POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUCOCYTES
Authors: Wong Esther , Rossiter R. J.
Published: December 2017

As previously reported, rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocytes contain an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing biosynthetic phenolphthalein mono-β-glucuronide. The effect of a number of inhibitors on cell-free preparations of this enzyme was studied. Many of the usual enzyme inhibitors were without effect, but certain dicarboxylic acids were strong inhibitors. These were (in order of activity): D-glucosaccharic acid, D-mucic acid, L-malic acid, mesotartaric acid, DL-malic acid, and L-tartaric acid. The nature of the inhibition was competitive. The Michaelis constant, Ks, was evaluated for phenolphthalein mono-β-glucuronide and values of Ki were estimated for glucosaccharic acid, mucic acid, DL-malic acid, and mesotartaric acid. Heparin in high concentration was slightly inhibitory, but the nature of the inhibition was noncompetitive. For each of the inhibitors studied, the extent of the inhibition was influenced by the hydrogen ion concen tration. At a pH greater than 4.5, the optimum for the enzyme under the conditions used, the degree of inhibition was less, and at a pH less than 4.5 the degree of inhibition was greater.
THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUSLY INJECTED CITRATE ON THE SERUM IONIZED CALCIUM IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Saffran Murray , Denstedt Orville F.
Published: December 2017

The effect of intravenously injected citrate solution, in various amounts and at different rates of administration, on the calcium ion concentration of the plasma was studied in the rabbit. The concentration of calcium ions was measured by means of the frog heart preparation. The rabbit is capable of rapidly clearing and disposing of large amounts of citrate. No effect on the calcium ion concentration of the blood could be demonstrated except when a concentrated solution of citrate was injected sufficiently rapidly to produce convulsions. Even under these conditions the calcium ion concentration in the blood was rapidly restored and usually a complete recovery was made within five minutes. Citrate is readily utilizable in the body.
THE ACTION OF LIPIDOLYTIC ENZYMES OF LARVAE OF GALLERIA MELONELLA ON VIRULENT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Mankiewicz Edith
Published: December 2017

Virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis treated by lipidolytic enzymes of larvae of Galleria mellonella become less acid fast to Ziehl-Neelsen and auramine O staining. On the other hand, the enzyme treated bacilli are stained by Sudan black B and retain the dye after treatment by acetone. At the same time they appear to be thinner, and their granules heavier than before treatment. According to the concentration of the enzymes and the period of exposure, growth is arrested, or very much delayed. The delayed growth is smooth and spreading and the organisms retain the altered morphology and staining characters. Virulent tubercle bacilli treated by enzyme extracts give a negative neutral red cytochemical reaction and lose their virulence as judged by guinea pig inoculations. Enzyme treatment produces a slight increase in the streptomycin resistance of virulent tubercle bacilli.
A QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR THE IN VITRO ASSAY OF FUNGISTATIC AGENTS
Authors: Blank F.
Published: December 2017

A simple and practical filter paper strip method for the in vitro assay of fungistatic agents (substances and ointments) has been described. The method involves a modified diffusion technique and can be applied to both water soluble and water insoluble compounds. It is sensitive, contamination is rare, and both pathogenic and nonpathogenic fungi can be used as test organisms. Several organisms can be tested simultaneously. The results are quantitative and reproducible.
A MECHANICAL HEART AND LUNG
Authors: Waud Russell A.
Published: December 2017

A practical mechanical heart and lung is described in which glass syringes are used to replace the ventricles. The pistons of the syringes are operated by a special cam rather than a simple crank. Thus the volume changes in the syringes are made to follow those of the mammalian ventricles. The heart rate and stroke output may be varied at will and read at any moment. The artificial lung consists of a large percolator contained in a water bath. Oxygenation of the blood is maintained mainly by passing it through an aggregation of oxygen bubbles rather than by passing the oxygen through the blood. Connections of the apparatus to the animal are such that the blood is withdrawn from the right auricle and replaced into the aorta at its base. A technique has been developed whereby only 20 sec. are required to change from the animal’s heart and lungs over to the mechanical apparatus. Thus the organs, including the brain, suffer little hypoxia during the change.
THE IN VITRO INCORPORATION OF RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHATE INTO RABBIT RETICULOCYTES
Authors: Lovegrove T. D. , DeLuca H. A. , Rossiter R. J.
Published: December 2017

Suspensions of rabbit red blood cells containing a high percentage of reticulocytes were obtained by the method of successive daily bleedings. When radioactive phosphorus in the form of inorganic phosphate was added in vitro to such suspensions, the cells took up the labeled phosphate more rapidly than red cell suspensions not containing a high percentage of reticulocytes. The more rapid incorporation of radioactive phosphate into the cells of a rabbit subjected to daily bleedings was not due to the accompanying lipaemia. When Krebs–Ringer – phosphate was substituted for plasma as the suspending medium, the rate of penetration of labeled phosphate into mature red cells or mixtures of red cells and reticulocytes was slower, but when Krebs–Ringer – bicarbonate was substituted the penetration was more rapid. The rate of uptake was decreased by the presence of cyanide (0.005 M) in the suspending medium.
THE CONCENTRATION AND ACCUMULATION OF LIPIDS IN THE TUMOR COMPONENT OF A TUMOR–HOST ORGANISM, WALKER CARCINOMA 256 IN ALBINO RATS
Authors: Boyd Eldon M. , McEwen H. D.
Published: December 2017

A study was made of the lipid concentration and accumulation in the tumor component of a tumor–host organism at progressive intervals during its growth using Walker Carcinoma 256 in albino rats. At the end of each of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of tumor growth, and covering the entire life history of Walker Carcinoma 256, 10 tumor–rat organisms were sacrificed and appropriate sections of the tumor removed for differential lipid analysis by oxidative micromethods. The outstanding feature revealed in these studies was the maintenance, throughout its life history, of high concentrations of phospholipid, free and esterified cholesterol in Walker Carcinoma 256, and the increasing accumulation of large amounts of these lipids in the tumor component of the tumor–host organism. There was no marked accumulation of neutral fat which, in the tumor, declined to almost l/10th its initial concentration concurrently with the visible loss of storage fat in the host component. A day or two before death, the central core of the tumor appeared necrotic, its concentration of phospholipid declined and its concentration of free cholesterol rose. Otherwise, the lipid composition of the tumor was uniform throughout the cross section.
RADIO-FREQUENCY REWARMING IN RESUSCITATION FROM SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
Authors: Bigelow W. G. , Hopps J. A. , Callaghan J. C.
Published: December 2017

Twenty-seven dogs and monkeys were restored to normal body temperature from near-lethal limits of cold, using a radio-frequency rewarming technique. Induction cable applicators were chosen for their facility of arrangement and comparative safety. There was no evidence of optimum frequency among the three radio frequencies used. However, the rate of rewarming was dependent upon the spacing of coils from the body, with most satisfactory rewarming resulting from the use of 1/2 in. thick rubber pads. Dogs were rewarmed at an average rate of 11.1° C. per hour, using the 1/2 in. spacing and a frequency of 13.56 megacycles per second.
THE EFFECTS OF SOME DIETARY DERIVED LIPIDS AND FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS ON RAT SERUM TRIBUTYRINASE AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
Authors: Taylor Jack D. , Madsen Neil B. , Tuba Jules
Published: December 2017

Synthetic diets were fed to adult rats for four weeks to determine the effects of dietary stearic acid, oleic acid, glycerol, Crisco, and vitamins, A, D, and E on the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase and serum tributyrinase. On a diet devoid of fats or fatty acids, the rats manifested abnormally low enzyme levels, which for serum alkaline phosphatase fell to values characteristic of starvation. Basal levels of the two enzymes, obtained with a fat free diet, were not altered by the ingestion of glycerol or vitamins A, D, and E. Dietary stearic acid, oleic acid, and Crisco, each significantly increased activity of phosphatase and tributyrinase and it would appear that both enzymes are concerned with intestinal absorption of fatty acids. The effect of oleic acid was most pronounced with both enzymes. The rats all gained weight during the tests so none of the variations in enzyme levels can be attributed to inanition. After the dietary test periods, all groups were starved for one week. Serum phosphatase values fell to the same constant low levels for all animals. Tributyrinase values rose towards levels which suggest that the enzyme is concerned with mobilization of depot fats during periods of fasting.
THE OCCURRENCE OF ZINC IN THE HUMAN PROSTATE GLAND
Authors: Mawson C. A. , Fischer M. I.
Published: December 2017

The prostate gland contains a higher concentration of zinc than any soft tissue in the human body previously investigated. In an extensive series of analyses Eggleton found the highest concentration in liver (245 μgm. Zn per gm. dry weight), whereas the mean zinc content of all our specimens of human prostate was 682 ± 70 μgm. per gm. dry weight. Carcinomatous prostates contained much less zinc than normal glands, and the amount of zinc in any given prostate was directly related to the proportion of alveolar tissue present.
HEPARINASE
Authors: Jaques L. B. , Keeri-Szanto Eve
Published: December 2017

The method developed by Monkhouse and Jaques (1950) for the determination of heparin in plasma has been applied to the study of the enzyme, heparinase, first described in 1940 by Jaques. The enzyme can be prepared from rabbit liver by glycerol extraction and precipitation with half-saturated ammonium sulphate. It has a pH optimum 6.0–6.5. Extracts from rabbit kidney, lung, heart, aorta, muscle, intestine, spleen, testis, brain, and blood and beef liver, lung, and blood were inactive. The metachromatic and antithrombin properties of heparin decrease in a parallel fashion under the action of the enzyme. The enzyme also acts on sheep heparin and the synthetic polysaccharide, treburon.
THE BLOOD COAGULATION MECHANISM OF FROGS, WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIES SPECIFICITY OF THROMBO PLASTIN, TO INTRACARDIAL THROMBIN INJECTION, AND TO THE EFFECT OF SEASONAL CHANGES
Authors: Spitzer John J. , Spitzer Judy A.
Published: December 2017

1. The prothrombin time of frogs is much shorter using frog rather than rabbit thromboplastin in the determination. The contrary is true for dogs, rabbits, and rats. In guinea pigs there was no significant difference between the two kinds of thromboplastin. 2. The intracardiai injection of thrombin in frogs induces a triphasic response regarding the whole blood coagulation time: (a) shortening, (b) prolongation, and (c) return towards the normal. The return is quicker than in the case of mammals. 3. The following seasonal changes were obtained in “winter” frogs as compared to “summer” animals: (a) pro longed clotting time, (b) increased prothrombin time, and (c) lessened effectiveness of intracardiai thrombin solution. The clotting time with added thrombin was not changed.
ENZYME INHIBITION BY DERIVATIVES OF PHENOTHIAZINE
Authors: Collier H. B. , Allenby G. M.
Published: December 2017

The succinoxidase activity of rat-liver mitochondria was strongly inhibited by the following compounds (concentration for 50% reduction in rate of oxygen uptake is given in brackets): phenothiazine (1.4 × 10−5 M), phenothiazine sulphoxide (2.8 × 10−5 M), and phenothiazone (5.4 × 10−5 M). Thionol was only slightly inhibitory. The cytochrome oxidase activity of mitochondria was not inhibited by any of these compounds.
ENZYME INHIBITION BY DERIVATIVES OF PHENOTHIAZINE
Authors: Allenby G. M. , Collier H. B.
Published: December 2017

Rat-brain tissue was homogenized in the presence of fluoride to depress apyrase, and hexokinase activity of the homogenate was measured manometrically. Phenothiazone was found to be a powerful inhibitor of hexokinase, with 50% inhibition at about 7 × 10−6 M concentration. The possible relationship of this finding to the anthelmintic activity of phenothiazine is discussed.
THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION UPON ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY AND VIABILITY OF THE YEAST CELL
Authors: Aldous J. G. , Stewart D. K. R.
Published: December 2017

Suspensions of the cells of baker’s yeast were irradiated with ultraviolet light for sufficient times to produce populations of 75, 50, 30, and 5% viable cells. After washing and drying, various enzyme solutions were prepared from these cells. Enzymatic activities, on a nitrogen basis, were compared to those of solutions prepared from a nonirradiated population. At the 50% survival level, hexokinase, carboxylase, and zymase were inhibited to a degree roughly proportional to the viability. Carboxylase, and to a certain extent, hexokinase activity varied directly as the population viability. Catalase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase showed no diminution in activity even at the 5% survival level. These results suggest that although ultraviolet radiation may produce nuclear damage, the primary site of action may be certain enzymes of the cytoplasm.
THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF SEVERE LOCAL X IRRADIATION ON THE LIVER OF THE HAMSTER
Authors: Livingstone Katherine E. , McCallion David J.
Published: December 2017

Opinions regarding the radiosensitivity of the liver, based on clinical and experimental studies, differ widely. No comprehensive study of the immediate effects of severe local X irradiation upon the cytology of the liver parenchyma has been previously undertaken. In the present investigation cytological studies were made upon the livers of hamsters at 4-hr. intervals over a 24-hr. period. It was demonstrated that the amounts of cytoplasmic basophilia, glycogen, and sudanophilic fat show a cyclic variation over the 24-hr. period studied. Adult hamsters were exposed to X rays at the rate of 495 r. per minute with a total dosage of 2000 r. The field size over the liver was 4 cm. by 2 cm. with the rest of the body protected by a lead shield. Following irradiation the animals were sacrificed, two at a time, at 4 hr. intervals over a 24-hr. period. The amounts of basophilic material in the cytoplasm of the parenchymal cells of the liver were considerably decreased at 8 hr. and at 16 hr. after irradiation. At other times the cytoplasmic basophilia of the irradiated liver cells was approximately as dense as that of the control animals. The density of cytoplasmic basophilia showed a cyclic variation approximating that of the controls. The amount of glycogen in the irradiated livers was very much decreased, but still showed a cyclic fluctuation. There was a striking decrease in the amount of sudanophilic fat in the liver cells following irradiation. The results indicate that severe local X irradiation of the liver of the hamster has immediate effects directly upon that organ, resulting in a disturbance of its normal physiological activities.
ON THE ORIGIN OF HUMAN PLASMA PROTEINS: ELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSES IN SELECTED PATHOLOGICAL STATES
Authors: Young E. Gordon , Webber R. V.
Published: December 2017

The pattern of human plasma proteins has been determined by electrophoretic analysis in 160 cases representing various pathological conditions. The concentration of albumin was lower than normal in 83% of the cases examined and the depression was most marked in cases of malnutrition and nephrosis. It is interpreted as indicative of the use of serum albumin as a reserve protein pool and of deterioration in the nutriture of persons who are ill. A rise in the level of fibrinogen was observed in 55% of the cases, frequently in the absence of infection. The constancy of α1-globulin between 0.25 and 0.50% was notable. The concentration was lowered in lymphatic leukemia and chronic hepatitis, and raised rarely. There were greater fluctuations in α2-globulin; a rise above 0.9% occurred in lymphatic diseases, nephrosis, and bone and joint conditions. A fall below 0.5% occurred only in hepatic portal cirrhosis. The level of β-globulin was relatively constant. It was raised most notably in nephrosis and disturbances of the bone marrow. Frequent fluctuations of the γ-globulins were observed, and a rise occurred most constantly in chronic hepatic infection and disturbances in the bone marrow but not in lymphatic diseases. Some evidence is presented showing the level of γ-globulinas inversely proportional to the number of lymphocytes. The importance of some unidentified cells of the bone marrow as a site of the origin of plasma proteins is stressed, with respect to α2-,β-, and γ-globulins.
HYPERPLASTIC NODULES IN RAT MAMMARY GLANDS FOLLOWING THE FEEDING OF 4-ACETYLAMINOBIPHENYL
Authors: Tuba Jules , Rawlinson Herbert E. , Fraser M. Shirley , Jeske Irmgaard
Published: December 2017

Virgin female rats did not respond to dietary 4-acetylaminobiphenyl by the production of tumors in mammary glands. This is attributed to some anticarcinogenic factor(s) in the stock laboratory diet of Purina Fox Checkers, which are composed of natural foodstuffs. However, the carcinogen did stimulate gland development, and after eight months, hyperplastic nodules appeared in almost all the experimental animals but not in the controls. This indicates that suspected carcinogens may be having an effect on mammary tissue even though visible tumors may not be present.
MITOCHONDRIAL POPULATION OF MAMMALIAN CELLS III. NUMBER OF MITOCHONDRIA PER AVERAGE CELL OF RAT LIVER TUMOR INDUCED BY 4-DIMETHYLAMINOAZOBENZENE. SIGNIFICANCE IN THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE MITOCHONDRIAL FRACTION PROPERTIES OF NORMAL TISSUES AND TUMORS
Authors: Allard Claude , Lamirande Gaston de , Cantero Antonio
Published: December 2017

The number of cells per gram of fresh tissue and the number of mitochondria isolated from rat liver and liver tumor homogenates are different. The mitochondrial population, computed from the number of cells and mitochondria per gram of fresh tissue is effectively decreased to about half the normal level in 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene induced hepatic tumor cells. Such a loss of mitochondria in tumor cells might explain some different biochemical properties of the mitochondrial fraction isolated from hepatic tumor cells. Fundamentally a decrease in the mitochondrial population favors a recent hypothesis of carcinogenesis.
VARIATION OF THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION OF HEALTHY INTACT SKIN
Authors: Inch W. R. , Burton Alan C.
Published: December 2017

Beckman glass and calomel electrodes were used in conjunction with a Beckman model G pH meter to determine the hydrogen ion concentration of the skin surface. Three types of experiment, carried out on male and female subjects, were designed primarily to study the degree of normal variability of the skin reaction and the related E.M.F., in view of measurements being made on the potentials of tumors. The experiments were (a) 20 min. studies, (b)26 hr. studies and (c) 48 day studies. The short term studies showed that in all cases the skin pH readings reached an equilibrium value after two to four minutes and remained quite steady to the end of the experiment. The diurnal variation of the skin reaction in all subjects followed a cyclic path which exhibited excellent reciprocal correlation with environmental temperature. Subjects kept in a constant temperature, constant humidity environment did not show this cyclic pattern in their readings. Oral administration of atropine excluded the possibility of sweat gland activity influencing the temperature dependence. Long term studies on both male and female subjects showed wide variation in absolute readings and little or no evidence of a cyclic nature could be observed or statistically shown.
EFFECT OF PHENYLINDANEDIONE AND DICUMAROL IN EXPERIMENTAL FROSTBITE
Authors: Lepp Erica , Chubaty Walter , Jaques Louis B.
Published: December 2017

Rabbits and rats were exposed to frostbite and treated with the anticoagulants phenylindanedione and dicumarol. Phenylindanedione and dicumarol therapy did not prevent the formation of gangrene after frostbite, but did prolong the onset of gangrene in both rabbits and rats. Death from hemorrhage occurred after anticoagulant therapy in rabbits exposed to frostbite. Frostbite alone did not alter the prothrombin time of rabbits, but in rats it resulted in a significant increase in the prothrombin time. The rabbits showed a much greater increase in prothrombin time with the anticoagulants after frostbite.
ENZYME INHIBITION BY DERIVATIVES OF PHENOTHIAZINE VI. INHIBITION OF GLYOXALASE ACTIVITY OF HUMAN AND RABBIT ERYTHROCYTES
Authors: Collier H. B. , McRae Sheila C.
Published: December 2017

Phenothiazone has been found to be a strong inhibitor of glyoxalase activity of human and rabbit erythrocytes. Concentrations for 50% inhibition were 10−6 M for intact cells and 10−4 M for haemolysates with added glutathione. Glyoxalase activity was also markedly inhibited by phenothiazine, methylene blue, and p-chloromercuribenzoate; slightly inhibited by alloxan and phenylhydrazine; and not affected by dialuric acid. Enzyme inhibition did not parallel methaemoglobin formation. The possible relationship of these findings to the haemolytic action of phenothiazine is discussed.
PRESSURE AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DISSOLUTION AND REDEPOSITION OF BONE AND TOOTH CRYSTALS
Authors: Glegg R. E. , Leblond C. P.
Published: December 2017

Many workers have observed resorption of bone and tooth substance at the site of action of normal or artificially applied pressure. The mechanism by which pressure exerts this effect is not known, although it has been attributed to production of osteoclasts or to changes in circulation. An hypothesis, based on the physicochemical fact that pressure increases the solubility of crystals, is here presented to explain pressure-induced bone resorption. This hypothesis satisfactorily accounts for otherwise inexplicable results obtained in recent investigations on the distribution and turnover of radiophosphate in bone and tooth.
THE EFFECT OF BENIGN AND MALIGNANT TUMORS ON LIVER CATALASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Begg R. W. , Dickinson T. E. , Millar J.
Published: December 2017

Liver catalase activity has been determined in rats carrying a transplantable benign mammary fibroadenoma, fibroadenomas undergoing malignant change, and a transplantable malignant fibrosarcoma derived from the fibroadenoma. The benign tumor causes a small depression of liver catalase activity. When the tumor undergoes a malignant change there is a sharp decrease in liver catalase activity, not explained by change in liver size or growth rate of the tumor.
THE ANTIGENICITY OF CHOLERA VACCINE PREPARED IN FLUID MEDIUM
Authors: Ranta L. E. , McCreery Paula M.
Published: December 2017

Cholera vaccine prepared in a chemically defined fluid medium (containing tyrosine, asparagine, glycine, and inorganic salts) was compared antigenically in mice with vaccines prepared by standard methods. The mean LD50 for normal mice was 108 ± 9.1 V. comma of the strain employed for challenging. Both vaccines afforded a high degree of protection. Mice immunized with bivalent (Ogawa and Inaba) Standard vaccine had a mean LD50 of 40.0 ± 4.7 million V. comma. Mice protected by bivalent fluid-prepared vaccine had a mean LD50 of 32.7 ± 6.0 million V. comma. The difference is not statistically significant. Vaccines prepared in fluid medium were relatively unstable.
THE EFFECT OF AGE, SEX, AND PREVIOUS PREGNANCY ON OXYGEN UPTAKE OF MAMMARY TISSUE OF MICE OF THE C57BL, A, AND C3H STRAINS
Authors: Tuba Jules , Rawlinson Herbert E. , Shaw Lorna G. , Fraser M. Shirley , Jeske Irmgaard
Published: December 2017

Oxygen uptake of mammary tissue of mice of the C57BL, A, and C3H strains has been studied in the presence [Formula: see text] and in the absence of p-phenylenediamine (Qo2). In general, these values are affected significantly by the age, sex, breeding history, and strain of the animals. The effect of these factors on enzyme activity has been observed with a number of enzyme systems and once more emphasizes their importance in evaluating data obtained in animal enzyme studies. A notable departure from the usual pattern for the Qo2 values was observed with mice of the C3H strain. There was a significant rise in the Qo2 values and a diminution in the cytochrome reserves [Formula: see text] for breeder females about the time spontaneous mammary tumors begin to appear. A similar elevation in Qo2, and diminution in reserves of the cytochrome system, appeared in mammary tumor tissue obtained from C3H females. The situation for virgin females is much the same with regard to the Qo2 and [Formula: see text] values of mammary tissue. The males of this strain manifest an abnormal elevation in Qo2 values but there is no diminution in [Formula: see text] levels.
STATISTICAL METHODS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH II. SAMPLE SIZES REQUIRED IN EXPERIMENTS INVOLVING ALL-OR-NONE RESPONSES
Authors: Mainland Donald , Sutcliffe Marion I.
Published: December 2017

In order to obtain a reliable estimate of the sample size (number of individuals) required in an experiment, an investigator must first specify: (1) what risk he is willing to run of mistakenly concluding that his different experimental treatments have produced different effects; (2) what the magnitude of the effect produced by one of the treatments is likely to be; (3) what magnitude of difference between treatment effects would be important to him; (4) what risk he is willing to run of failing to detect a difference when it is of that magnitude—the risk of an unsuccessful experiment. Difficulties in answering these questions are discussed with reference to five examples from different types of medical research. For experiments involving the comparison of two treatments that produce an all-or-none effect such as death or survival, a table derived from binomial expansions is presented, which, for samples containing up to 100 individuals, shows the probabilities of successful experiments for different magnitudes of treatment effects.
THE PREVENTION OF LIVER NECROSIS BY ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL, METHIONINE, AND CYSTEINE BY ORAL AND PARENTERAL ROUTES
Authors: McLean J. R. , Beveridge J. M. R.
Published: December 2017

Groups of 10 male weanling rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were fed a basal necrogenic diet supplemented with alpha-tocopherol, DL-methionine, and L-cysteine. The amount of supplement contained in the daily ration was administered parenterally to similar groups of rats. All three antinecrogenic agents employed exerted some action when given either in the diet or by injection. Alpha-tocopherol completely prevented the development of liver necrosis by both routes. On an equisulphur basis, methionine was obviously more effective than cysteine by either method of administration. The experiment threw no light on the question of the site of action of these compounds. The low antinecrogenic potency of cysteine compared to methionine or to cystine has posed a problem yet to be explained.
PHYSIOLOGIC STUDIES OF THE GROUNDHOG (MARMOTA MONAXY)
Authors: McBirnie J. E. , Pearson F. G. , Trusler G. A. , Karachi H. H. , Bigelow W. G.
Published: December 2017

An investigation of hibernation was carried out with groundhogs in order to study their unusual tolerance to very low body temperatures. The normal carbon dioxide content of the blood of groundhogs, even while they are in the nonhibernating phase, is higher than that of dogs and humans. In groundhogs, the transition from the nonhibernating to the hibernating phase involves a fall in body temperature to as low as 3° C. and appears to be associated with (1) an increase in the oxygen content and the carbon dioxide content of whole blood, (2) an elevation of the serum magnesium and serum potassium, (3) an increase in hematocrit values, and (4) a decrease in the blood sugar level. Direct microscopic examination of the peripheral circulation in vivo showed a free-flowing stream with no intravascular agglutination of red blood cells or vascular stasis in groundhogs, dogs, and rabbits at a body temperature of 20° C. or in groundhogs during hibernation at temperatures as low as 5° C.
INDUCED VARIATION AND STRAIN SELECTION OF PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM IN RELATION TO TITER OF NATURAL PENICILLINS
Authors: Farrell Leone
Published: December 2017

Penicillium chrysogenum strain Wisconsin Q176 was used as the parent for a sequence of six experiments in combined irradiation and selection of strains yielding high titers of penicillin with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-phenylacetamide as the precursor for benzylpenicillin. Altogether, 124 colonies were tested. The six strains chosen as best in their respective experiments were compared. Visible changes were found in color and amount of sporulation and in loss of the deep yellow pigment characteristic of fermentation with Q176. Under standard conditions of test, the peak titer of total penicillin increased in a stepwise fashion from 1285 units/ml. to 2575 units/ml. With appropriate medium, the best strain produced nearly 3000 units/ml., of which more than 95% was benzylpenicillin. In the absence of added precursor, the percentage of p-hydroxybenzylpenicillin produced by new isolates increased from 13% of 600 units/ml. to more than 30% of 1000 units/ml. The amount of penicillin F was quite constant, while that of other types was not changed with any apparent regularity. The change in reaction during rapid production of penicillin differed in the degree of acidity noted. When other common precursors for benzylpenicillin were used, about 50% more total penicillin was found than in the control without precursor. The total titer was never as high as with suitable amounts of the particular precursor which had been used in isolating the strains. With each irradiation experiment, the strain deemed best showed increased ability to convert the chosen precursor to benzylpenicillin.
Microwave radiation effect with and without chemical seed treatments on halo blight infected seed, seed germination, plant vigour, and yield of dry beans
Authors: Friesen A.P. , Conner R.L. , Robinson D.E. , Barton W.R. , Chatterton S. , Gillard C.L.
Published: December 2017

Halo blight, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, is a seed-borne disease of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that lowers seed quality and yield. Over 2 yr, laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of microwave radiation on two market classes: navy (‘Envoy’) and white kidney (‘GTS 402’) bean. In the laboratory, seed germination and vigour decreased up to 15% after 40 s of microwave exposure, where <7% decrease was observed during 0–30 s. Disease plating showed no correlation between pathogen colonization of the seed and microwave radiation, as incidence of pathogen colonization was low across all exposure times. In field trials in Morden and Winkler, MB, microwave radiation was tested alone and in combination with copper hydroxide 53.8% and pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad + metalaxyl. Seed treatment with copper hydroxide slightly decreased the incidence of halo blight but had little impact on seed pick, hundred-seed weight, yield, or return on investment. Pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad + metalaxyl seed treatment had no effect on any of these parameters. Microwave radiation lowered seed emergence by up to 9% but did not reduce disease incidence and severity or increase yield or return of investment when applied alone or in combination with a chemical treatment.
Household food insecurity is independently associated with poor utilization of maternal healthcare services in Bangladesh
Authors: Bishwajit Ghose , Yaya Sanni
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Food insecurity at the individual level has been shown to be associated with the adoption of risky behavior and poor healthcare-seeking behavior. However, the impact of household food insecurity (HFI) on the utilization of maternal healthcare services (MHS) remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not household food insecurity was associated with non/inadequate utilization of MHS.

Methods: Participants consisted of 3562 mothers aged between 15 and 49 years and with at least one child. The outcome variable was the utilization of MHS, e.g., institutional delivery, attendance ante-, and pre-natal visits. The explanatory variables included various sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, residence, education, wealth) apart from HFI. HFI was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS).

Result: The prevalence of non- and under-utilization of MHS was 5.3 and 36.5, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, HFI, wealth index, and educational level were independently associated with MHS status. The odds of non- and under-utilization of MHS were 3.467 (CI = 1.058–11.354) and 4.104 (CI = 1.794–9.388) times higher, respectively, among women from households reporting severe food insecurity.

Conclusion: Severe HFI was significantly associated with both under- and non-utilization of MHS. Interventions programs that address HFI and the empowerment of women can potentially contribute to an increased utilization of MHS.
Sub-Pixel Level Defect Detection Based on Notch Filter and Image Registration
Authors: Guo LongYuan , Li ShiNan , Hu Wenjing , Wu JianHui , Tu Bing , He Wei , Ou XianFeng , Zhang GuoYun
Published: November 2017

General machine vision algorithms are difficult to detect LCD sub-pixel level defects. By studying the LCD screen images, we found that the pixels in the LCD screen are regularly arranged. The spectrum distribution of LCD images, which is obtained by the Fourier transform, is relatively consistent. According to this feature, a method of sub-pixel defect detection based on notch filter and image registration is proposed. First, we take a defect-free template image to establish registration template and notch-filtering template; then we take the defect images for image registration with registration template, and solve the offset problem. After the notch-filter template filtering the background texture, the defect is more obvious; Finally the defects are obtained by the threshold segmentation method. The experiment results show that the proposed method can detect sub-pixel defects accurately and quickly.
A Molecular Dynamic Study on Nonlinear Vibration Behaviors of Fe Nanowires
Authors: Zheng Zhuoqun , Li Eric , Ding Nan , Xu Xu
Published: December 2017

In this paper, vibration behaviors of Fe nanowires are investigated by using the large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It is observed that the vibration frequency of nanowires rises slightly and nonlinearly with the increase of initial actuation amplitude. Based on the atomic arrangement, a discrete spring-mass model is developed. Its nonlinear elastic relation is used to explain this phenomenon. In addition, Fe nanowires with different lengths and heights show different vibration properties in this work. The ratio between the length ([Formula: see text]) and the height ([Formula: see text]) of nanowires has a significant influence on vibration behaviors. The vibration properties of nanowires can be explained by the Euler–Bernoulli model when the ratio is relatively large, while they can be illustrated by the Timoshenko model when the ratio is relatively small.
INNOVATORS AND EARLY ADOPTERS IN THE DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: DEDEHAYIR OZGUR , ORTT ROLAND J. , RIVEROLA CARLA , MIRALLES FRANCESC
Published: November 2017

Despite accounting for a very small percentage of the population that adopts an innovation, the ‘innovators’ and ‘early adopters’ — representing the two earliest groups of individuals to acquire the new product or service — play a crucial role in the dissemination of the innovation to larger market segments. The objective of this paper is to understand the characteristics of these individuals that positively influence their decisions to adopt innovations. We argue that awareness of these traits will enable firms to attain speedier uptake of their offerings while aiding policymakers achieve quicker and wider proliferation of new technologies intended for societal benefit. We undertake a review of the literature studying the diffusion of innovations and show future directions that this framework should take to analyse the adoption lifecycle.
A multiple Abel summation formula and asymptotic evaluations for multiple sums
Authors: Bănescu Magdalena , Popa Dumitru
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we prove a multiple Abel summation formula and give some applications of this formula. We use these evaluations in tandem with some recent results to obtain various asymptotic evaluations for multiple sums.
Hecke’s modular forms by functional equations
Authors: Heim Bernhard
Published: December 2017

We investigate the interplay between multiplicative Hecke operators, including bad primes, and the characterization of modular forms studied by Hecke. The operators are applied on periodic functions, which lead to functional equations characterizing certain eta-quotients. This can be considered as a prototype for functional equations in the more general context of Borcherds products.
Inverse Galois problem for ordinary curves
Authors: van Bommel Raymond
Published: December 2017

We consider the inverse Galois problem over function fields of positive characteristic [Formula: see text], for example, over the projective line. We describe a method to construct certain Galois covers of the projective line and other curves, which are ordinary in the sense that their Jacobian has maximal [Formula: see text]-torsion. We do this by constructing Galois covers of ordinary semi-stable curves, and then deforming them into smooth Galois covers.