cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Delays and Feasibility of a 1-Hour-From-Triage Antibiotic Requirement: Analysis of an Emergency Department Sepsis Quality Improvement Database.

Study objective We identify factors associated with delayed emergency department (ED) antibiotics and determine feasibility of a 1-hour-from-triage antibiotic requirement in sepsis. Methods We studied all ED adult septic patients in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock National Quality Measures in 2 consecutive 12-month intervals. During the second interval, a quality improvement intervention was conducted: a sepsis screening protocol plus case-specific feedback to clinicians. Data were abstracted retrospectively through electronic query and chart review. Primary outcomes were antibiotic delay greater than 3 hours from documented onset of hypoperfusion (per Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock National Quality Measures) and antibiotic delay greater than 1 hour from triage (per 2018 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations). Results We identified 297 and 357 septic patients before and during the quality improvement intervention, respectively. Before and during quality improvement intervention, antibiotic delay in accordance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services measures occurred in 30% and 21% of cases (–9% [95% confidence interval –16% to –2%]); and in accordance with 2018 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations, 85% and 71% (–14% [95% confidence interval –20% to –8%]). Four factors were independently associated with both definitions of antibiotic delay: vague (ie, nonexplicitly infectious) presenting symptoms, triage location to nonacute areas, care before the quality improvement intervention, and lower Sequential [Sepsis-related] Organ Failure Assessment scores. Most patients did not receive antibiotics within 1 hour of triage, with the exception of a small subset post–quality improvement intervention who presented with explicit infectious symptoms and triage hypotension. Conclusion The quality improvement intervention significantly reduced antibiotic delays, yet most septic patients did not receive antibiotics within 1 hour of triage. Compliance with the 2018 Surviving Sepsis Campaign would require a wholesale alteration in the management of ED patients with either vague symptoms or absence of triage hypotension.
Age-related alterations in human gut CD4 T cell phenotype, T helper cell frequencies, and functional responses to enteric bacteria

Intestinal lamina propria (LP) CD4 T cells play critical roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and in immune responses to enteric microbes, yet little is known regarding whether they contribute to age-associated intestinal immune dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the direct ex vivo frequency, activation/inhibitory phenotype, death profiles, and in vitro functional responses of human jejunum LP CD4 T cells, including Th1, Th17, and Th22 subsets isolated from younger ( 65years) persons. Expression of the co-inhibitory molecule CTLA-4 was significantly lower in older CD4 T cells, whereas expression of HLA-DR, CD38, CD57, and PD-1 were not significantly different between groups. Total CD4 T cell frequencies were similar between age groups, but lower frequencies and numbers of Th17 cells were observed directly ex vivo in older samples. Older Th17 and Th1 cells proliferated to a lesser degree following in vitro exposure to bacterial antigens vs. their younger counterparts. Levels of spontaneous cell death were increased in older CD4 T cells; however, cellular death profiles following activation did not differ based on age. Thus, small intestinal CD4 T cells from older persons have altered phenotypic and functional profiles including reduced expression of a co-inhibitory molecule, increased spontaneous cell death, and both reduced frequencies and altered functional responses of specific Th cell subsets. These changes may contribute to altered intestinal homeostasis and loss of protective gut immunity with aging.
Research of IGF-1R gene polymorphisms in boys with idiopathic short stature

Objective To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1 receptor(IGF-1R) gene and idiopathic short stature(ISS) boys.Methods 523 Boys with ISS and 286 normal boys were recruited.SNPs were genotyped using the SNaPshot Multiplex System.Results In boys different genotypes of IGF-1R gene rs1976667 locus were associated with genetic susceptibility of the ISS (P =0.047),showing dominant inheritance G (P =0.020).In this mode,genotype was related to the genetic target height SDS;G allele locus of IGF-1R gene rs2684788was associate with genetic susceptibility of ISS (P =0.021),showing dominant inheritance G (P ＜ 0.001).In this mode,genotype was related to the genetic target height SDS and body mass index(BMI).Conclusion Human IGF-1R gene rs1976667,rs2684788 locus may be related with genetic susceptibility of boys with ISS. Key words: Idiopathic short stature; Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor; Single nucleotide polymorphisms ; Susceptibility
The impact of values congruity on underrepresented minority (URM) graduate student psychosocial functioning

There is growing awareness of a mental health ‘crisis’ among graduate students [Evans, T. M., Bira, L., Gastelum, J. B., Weiss, L. T., & Vanderford, N. L. (2018). Evidence for a mental health crisi...
Albumin for cirrhosis-related complications.

What is known and objective The purpose of this paper was to discuss the limitations of the studies serving as the evidence for recommendations in clinical practice guidelines concerning albumin use for cirrhosis-related complications, review relevant studies published since the guidelines and suggest directions for future investigations. Comment There are no recent comprehensive clinical practice guidelines concerning albumin. Instead, more recent albumin guidelines reflect areas of specialty practice such as those by American and European associations for the study of the liver and liver disease. Studies published since the guidelines are useful for helping to define the most appropriate indications for albumin with respect to cirrhosis-related complications, as well as directions for future research. What is new and conclusion Albumin has a long history of attempts to define appropriate uses by meta-analysis, but given the high cost and episodic shortages of albumin, there is a need for adequately powered randomized controlled trials using current state-of-the-art care evaluating the use of albumin to prevent or treat cirrhosis-related complications.
New Tight-Binding Methodology for Calculating Total Energies of Solids

Recently1–3 we have introduced a tight-binding (TB) methodology for efficiently calculating the total energy of crystals. The method is based on a TB fit of both the energy bands and the total energies resulting from first-principles calculations. The value of the method rests in the fact that the TB parameters are determined from simple high symmetry crystal structures, and then used in an interpolative manner to compute the total energy of low symmetry structures such as those needed for the evaluation of elastic constants and phonon frequencies. This approach leads to computations that are orders of magnitude faster than those of first-principles density functional studies such as augmented plane wave (APW) calculations, with little loss of accuracy.
Jovian magnetospheric processes

Jupiter's rotational energy (6 x 10 to the 34th J) powers a large number of processes such as auroral UV emission, radio waves, and charged particle energization. How the rotational energy may be dissipated by injection of plasma, magnetic pumping and field aligned electric fields is described. In addition, energization by radial diffusion and plasma wave absorption is described. The generation of Alfven waves by the moon Io, and their relation to the emission of the Jovian decametric (DAM) radio waves are also described.
IL-8 Directly Enhanced Endothelial Cell Survival, Proliferation, and Matrix Metalloproteinases Production and Regulated Angiogenesis

IL-8, a member of the chemokine family, has been shown to play an important role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of IL-8-mediated angiogenesis. We examined the direct role of IL-8 in angiogenesis by examining IL-8 receptor expression on endothelial cells and their proliferation, survival, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production. We demonstrate that HUVEC and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells constitutively express CXCR1 and CXCR2 mRNA and protein. Recombinant human IL-8 induced endothelial cell proliferation and capillary tube organization while neutralization of IL-8 by anti-IL-8 Ab blocks IL-8-mediated capillary tube organization. Incubation of endothelial cells with IL-8 inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis and enhanced antiapoptotic gene expression. Endothelial cells incubated with IL-8 had higher levels of Bcl-x L :Bcl-x S and Bcl-2:Bax ratios. Furthermore, incubation of endothelial cells with IL-8 up-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 production and mRNA expression. Our data suggest that IL-8 directly enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, survival, and MMP expression in CXCR1- and CXCR2-expressing endothelial cells and regulated angiogenesis.
Metal isotope effect on metal--ligand vibrations. XII. Imidazole complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)

Abstract Far-i.r. spectra of sixteen imidazole (HIm) complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) have been measured. Metal-ligand stretching bands have been assigned based on observed metal isotope shifts. Approximate normal coordinate analyses have been carried out on the Zn(HIm)2X2 series (X = Cl, Br and I).
Fuzzy control of software systems: A case study

The increasingly dynamic environments and more complicated software systems are posing high requirements for adaptability. Control theory has been an effective tool to control and manage software systems and then achieves software self-adaptation. Aiming at addressing some challenging problems such as difficult mathematically modeling software in the current control theoretical methods, we propose a fuzzy-control-based approach to achieve software self-adaptation. The general architecture of fuzzy control-based self-adaptation is put forward and discussed. The fuzzy-control-based approach is evaluated with a news-website case study.
Unpacking Rapport: The Role of Behavioral Coordination and Culture in Workplace Interviews

This paper examines the influence of non-verbal coordination and culture on perceptions of interpersonal rapport and candidate performance in job interview settings. Mock interviews were conducted on-site at a Fortune 500 company using a 2 x 3 experimental design. Anglo and Latino midlevel managers were interviewed by a confederate who enacted one of two possible levels of nonverbal coordination. Our results show that low levels of behavioral coordination on the part of an interviewer reduce candidates' self-esteem and perceptions of interpersonal rapport; increase their anxiety and the time candidates take to respond to interview questions; and lower performance evaluations for both self- and expert third party-ratings. Our results also show that these effects are moderated by culture but not gender, with stronger effects found for Latino men than for Anglo men or women. Theoretical implications and practical ramifications for workplace diversity and the development of interpersonal rapport and improved collaboration are discussed.
The Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Dual-Task Performance

Thirty adult, nonsmokers were exposed for four hours to one of three concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) 5 ppm, 35 ppm, and 70 ppm to produce blood levels of either 1%, 3%, or 5% carboxyhemoglob...
Genomic Approaches That Aid in the Identification of Transcription Factor Target Genes

It is well-established that deregulation of the transcriptional activity of many different genes has been causatively linked to human diseases. In cancer, altered patterns of gene expression are often the result of the inappropriate expression of a specific transcriptional activator or repressor. Functional studies of cancer-specific transcription factors have relied upon the study of candidate target genes. More recently, gene expression profiling using DNA microarrays that contain tens of thousands of cDNAs corresponding to human mRNAs has allowed for a large-scale identification of genes that respond to increased or decreased levels of a particular transcription factor. However, such experiments do not distinguish direct versus indirect target genes. Coupling chromatin immunoprecipitation to microarrays that contain genomic regions (ChIP-chip) has provided investigators with the ability to identify, in a high-throughput manner, promoters directly bound by specific transcription factors. Clearly, knowle...
The Salience Network and Its Functional Architecture in a Perceptual Decision: An Effective Connectivity Study

The anterior insulae (INSs) are involved in accumulating sensory evidence in perceptual decision-making independent of the motor response, whereas the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is known to play a role in choosing appropriate behavioral responses. Recent evidence suggests that INSs and dACC are part of the salience network (SN), a key network known to be involved in decision-making and thought to be important for the coordination of behavioral responses. However, how these nodes in the SN contribute to the decision-making process from segregation of stimuli to the generation of an appropriate behavioral response remains unknown. In this study, the authors scanned 33 participants in functional magnetic resonance imaging and asked them to decide whether the presented pairs of audio (a beep of sound) and visual (a flash of light) stimuli were synchronous or asynchronous. Participants reported their perception with a button press. Stimuli were presented in block of eight pairs with a temporal lag (ΔT) between the first (audio) and the second (visual) stimulus in each pair. They used dynamic causal modeling (DCM) and the Bayesian model evidence technique to elucidate the functional architecture between the nodes of SN. Both the synchrony and the asynchrony perception resulted in strong activation in the SN. Most importantly, the DCM analyses demonstrated that the INSs were integrating as well as driving hubs in the SN. The INSs were found to a play an important role in the integration of sensory information; input to the SN is most likely through INSs. Furthermore, significant INSs to dACC intrinsic connectivity established by these task conditions help us conclude that INSs drive the dACC to guide the behavior of choosing the appropriate response. The authors therefore argue that the dACC and INS are part of a system involved in the decision-making process from perception to planning of a motor response, and that this observed functional mechanism might be important during the performance of cognitively demanding goal-directed tasks.
SecA2 functions in the secretion of superoxide dismutase A and in the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Summary Tuberculosis remains a severe worldwide health threat. A thorough understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis will facilitate the development of new treatments for tuberculosis. Numerous bacterial pathogens possess specialized protein secretion systems that are dedicated to the export of virulence factors. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is part of a developing group of pathogenic bacteria that share the uncommon property of possessing two secA genes (secA1 and secA2). In mycobacteria, SecA1 is the essential ‘housekeeping’ SecA protein whereas SecA2 is an accessory secretion factor. Here we demonstrate that SecA2 contributes to the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. A deletion of the secA2 gene in M. tuberculosis attenuates the virulence of the organism in mice. By comparing the profile of proteins secreted by wild-type M. tuberculosis and the ΔsecA2 mutant, we identified superoxide dismutase A (SodA) as a protein dependent on SecA2 for secretion. SodA lacks a classical signal sequence for protein export. Our data suggests that SecA2-dependent export is a new type of secretion pathway that is part of a virulence mechanism of M. tuberculosis to elude the oxidative attack of macrophages.
A decision support approach for considering reliability criteria in the protective coordination of distribution feeders

Abstract This paper describes an approach for incorporating reliability criteria into the design of protective coordination for distribution feeders. This approach introduces a mechanism for considering the impact of momentary interruptions, caused by excessive switching, upon power quality sensitive loads. The development of a decision support tool for implementing this strategy is also presented. This tool aids the protection engineer by selecting appropriate reclosers and fuses from a component database, checking recloser-to-fuse coordination for all device selections and ranking these selections according to user-selected reliability criteria. An example is included to illustrate the concepts described above.
Tweens' knowledge of marketing tactics: : skeptical beyond their years

ABSTRACT In this study, children between the ages of 8 and 12 were surveyed with regard to their awareness and evaluation of 10 relatively new and increasingly utilized marketing tactics. General skepticism about the truthfulness of promotional messages and materialistic values was also measured. Results showed that, for this preteen-age group (otherwise known as “tweens”), the awareness of implicit promotional tactics lagged behind their awareness of explicit tactics. Moreover, awareness of implicit tactics increased more rapidly with age than awareness of explicit tactics. The current study found that the awareness of explicit tactics was positively related to tweens9 general skepticism regarding the truthfulness of promotional messages. The study highlights implications for consumer socialization, youths9 vulnerability to advertising, fairness in marketing to this age group, and marketing management.
Single-cell phospho-specific flow cytometric analysis demonstrates biochemical and functional heterogeneity in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor compartments.

The low frequency of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in human BM has precluded analysis of the direct biochemical effects elicited by cytokines in these populations, and their functional consequences. Here, single-cell phospho-specific flow cytometry was used to define the signaling networks active in 5 previously defined human HSPC subsets. This analysis revealed that the currently defined HSC compartment is composed of biochemically distinct subsets with the ability to respond rapidly and directly in vitro to a broader array of cytokines than previously appreciated, including G-CSF. The G-CSF response was physiologically relevant—driving cell-cycle entry and increased proliferation in a subset of single cells within the HSC compartment. The heterogeneity in the single-cell signaling and proliferation responses prompted subfractionation of the adult BM HSC compartment by expression of CD114 (G-CSF receptor). Xenotransplantation assays revealed that HSC activity is significantly enriched in the CD114neg/lo compartment, and almost completely absent in the CD114pos subfraction. The single-cell analyses used here can be adapted for further refinement of HSPC surface immunophenotypes, and for examining the direct regulatory effects of other factors on the homeostasis of stem and progenitor populations in normal or diseased states.
Investigating the Impact of Field Trips on Teachers' Mathematical Problem Posing

This study examines the impact of field trip experiences on teachers’ mathematical problem posing. Teachers from a large urban public school system in the Midwest participated in a professional dev...
Modelling uncertainty and spatial dependence: Stochastic imaging

Abstract The most vibrant area of research in geostatistics is stochastic imaging, that is, the modelling of spatial uncertainty through alternative, equiprobable, numerical representations (maps) of spatially distributed phenomena. These stochastic images are conditioned to a variety of data accounting for their specific measurement scale and reliability. Any geostatistical prediction is built on a prior model of spatial correlation that ties data to unsampled values and, equally importantly, unsampled values at different locations together. Since a major goal in the exercise of mapping is to display organization in space, spatial correlation is a necessity. As for uncertainty it is so pervasive that it is imperative to account for it.
The influence of verbal protocol methods on children's mental computation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of children's verbal reports about the cognitive processes underlying their mental arithmetic. A within-subject comparison was made with respect to the data that could be obtained with retrospective verbal report, concurrent verbal report, and no verbal report conditions. The results of the investigation indicated that children's verbal reports of strategy use may not be veridical. The source of the nonveridicality was incompleteness rather than fabrication. It was also found that immediately retrospective and concurrent verbal reports increased students' solution accuracy relative to a no verbal report condition. Thus, the primary mental operations underlying children's mental arithmetic are reactive to giving verbal reports. It was concluded that empirical checks for reactivity and refinements to protocol procedures to reveal the progression of strategy use are needed in future research.
CYLINDER LENS ALIGNMENT IN THE LTP

The Long Trace Profiler (LTP) is well-suited for the measurement of the axial figure of cylindrical mirrors that usually have a long radius of curvature in the axial direction but have a short radius of curvature in the sagittal direction. The sagittal curvature causes the probe beam to diverge in the transverse direction without coming to a focus on the detector, resulting in a very weak signal. It is useful to place a cylinder lens into the optical system above the mirror under test to refocus the sagittal divergence and increase the signal level. A positive cylinder lens can be placed at two positions above the surface: the Cat's Eye reflection position and the Wavefront-Matching position. The Cat's Eye position is very tolerant to mirror misalignment, which is not good if absolute axial radius of curvature is to be measured. Lateral positioning and rotational misalignments of the lens and mirror combine to produce unusual profile results. This paper looks at various alignment issues with measurements and by raytrace simulations to determine the best strategy to minimize radius of curvature errors in the measurement of cylindrical aspheres.
Effect of pH on structure and mechanical properties of electrodeposited iron

Abstract : Relationships between the mechanical properties of electrodeposited iron and the pH of the bulk of the solution were obtained for a chloride/fluoborate plating bath. Both ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation at fracture passed through a maximum over a narrow range of pH. Structural studies using optical and electron microscopy supported the results of the experiments on mechanical properties. A relationship between the average surface-roughness height of the deposit and the bulk pH was also obtained. The results are explained in terms of hydrogen evolution and hydroxide precipitation. (Author)
Is self-disclosure part of the genetic counselor's clinical role?

The role of genetic counselor self-disclosure in clinical practice is unclear as there are few published investigations of this issue. In the present study, 11 genetic counselors who previously received genetic services were interviewed about their opinions and use of disclosure. Several themes were extracted from their responses. All participants reportedly disclosed to patients; however, not all disclosed their receipt of genetic services. Patient requests for self-disclosure influenced many participants’ disclosure decisions. Opinions regarding potential benefits of disclosure varied. Nearly all participants stressed the importance of self-disclosing judiciously, stating that it may be counterproductive to client goal attainment. Four individuals with expertise in genetic counseling and psychotherapy were invited to react to these themes and to provide their opinions of self-disclosure. Their views are compared to those of the present sample, and practice and research recommendations are given.
Memory Awareness for Faces in Individuals with Autism

Little is known regarding metacognition in individuals with autism. Specifically, it is unclear how individuals with autism think about their own mental states. The current study assessed memory awareness during a facial recognition task. High-functioning children (M = 13.1 years, n = 18) and adults (M = 27.5 years, n = 16) with autism matched with typically developing children (M = 14.3 years, n = 13) and adults (M = 26.9 years, n = 15) were tested. Children with autism demonstrated less accurate memory awareness for faces and less reliable differentiation between their confidence ratings compared to typically developing children. Subtle impairments in memory awareness for faces were also evident in adults with autism. Results indicate that broader metacognitive deficits may exist in individuals with autism, possibly contributing to other known impairments.
Care before and after laser skin resurfacing. A survey and review of the literature.

background. The extent of the wound healing period and the final outcome of cutaneous laser resurfacing are influenced not only by the treatment protocol and type of laser used but also on care of the skin before and after the procedure. objective. This project was conducted to determine the pre- and postresurfacing care protocols currently in practice and to research the literature in an effort to clarify which interventions can accelerate wound healing and improve efficacy of the treatment. methods. Three hundred thirty-nine questionnaires were mailed to all dermatology and plastic surgery members of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Questionnaires were completed anonymously to decrease respondent bias. Statistical analysis included calculation of percentages and means of the data. results. Survey results are discussed and compared with data from the literature for the following interventions: tretinoin cream, glycolic acid cream, hydroquinone, oral prophylactic antibiotics, oral prophylactic antivirals, hydrogel dressings, semiocclusive ointments, topical antibiotics, topical corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and dilute acetic acid soaks. conclusions. Many options are appropriate, based on data from past studies, for pre- and postresurfacing skin care. Approximately 73% of the results of the survey correlate with information from the literature. Past studies do provide information to help us select interventions that can improve wound healing and the final cosmetic outcome. Further studies involving resurfacing patients may clarify some of the more complex wound care issues, such as oral prophylactic antibiotics, hydroquinone, and topical vitamins C and E.
Identification of Opinion Leaders across Cultures: An Assessment for Use in the Diffusion of Innovations and Ideas

The objectives of this paper were: 1) to determine if there exists an underlying dimensionality of opinion leadership across different cultural groups, and 2) to determine if this underlying structure can be used to identify opinion leaders for the purpose of targeting communications by multinational businesses to assist them in the diffusion of innovations and ideas. Opinion leaders were rated by students representing five different cultural backgrounds. Results tended to show that there is a set of common dimensions by which opinion leaders are evaluated, but that different cultures assign different weights to the dimensions.
Can low level exposure to ochratoxin-A cause parkinsonism?

Abstract Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites with pharmacological activities that have been utilized in the production of antibiotics, growth promoters, and other classes of drugs. Some mycotoxins have been developed as biological and chemical warfare agents. Bombs and ballistic missiles loaded with aflatoxin were stockpiled and may have been deployed by Iraq during the first Gulf War. In light of the excess incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in veterans from Operation Desert Storm, the potential for delayed neurotoxic effects of low doses of mycotoxins should not be overlooked. Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is a common mycotoxin with complex mechanisms of action, similar to that of the aflatoxins. Acute administration of OTA at non-lethal doses (10% of the LD 50 ) have been shown to increase oxidative DNA damage in brain up to 72 h, with peak effects noted at 24 h in midbrain (MB), caudate/putamen (CP) and hippocampus (HP). Levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in the striatum (e.g., CP) were shown to be decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The present study focused on the effects of chronic low dose OTA exposure on regional brain oxidative stress and striatal DA metabolism. Continuous administration of low doses of OTA with implanted subcutaneous Alzet minipumps caused a small but significant decrease in striatal DA levels and an upregulation of anti-oxidative systems and DNA repair. It is possible that low dose exposure to OTA will result in an earlier onset of parkinsonism when normal age-dependent decline in striatal DA levels are superimposed on the mycotoxin-induced lesion.
Sensitivity to high temperatures in three west Indian grass anoles (sauria, iguanidae), with a review of heat sensitivity in the genus Anolis

Abstract 1. 1. Sensitivity to high temperatures was surveyed in three species of West Indian grass anoles: Anolis pulchellus and A. krugi on Puerto Rico and A. semilineatus on Hispaniola. 2. 2. In all three species heat resistance declined with increasing elevation: the variation within A. semilineatus was much greater than that in either of the Puerto Rican species. 3. 3. A. krugi was significantly more heat resistant than sympatric A. pulchellus. a surprising result because the former species is restricted to montane localities and the latter species to relatively low elevations. 4. 4. A review of data for 22 Anolis species suggests that heat resistance is better predicted by ecological distributions than by ancestry within the genus. Anoles exhibit a diversity of thermal biologies, but are extremely heat sensitive relative to other lizard genera.
Molecular cloning of pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 from ovarian tumors and its expression in tumors

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) recently cloned from human testis is a potent oncogene and is highly expressed in all the tumors analyzed to date. However, primary structure of PTTG1 and the cell types that express PTTG1 in tumors remained undescribed. We have used the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique to clone PTTG1 from ovarian tumors. Nucleotide sequencing of the PTTG1 cDNAs from various ovarian tumors showed identity with that of the human testis PTTG1. To determine the cell types that express PTTG1 in normal and tumor tissues, we performed in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labeled cRNA as a probe. Our studies revealed a high level of expression of PTTG1 mRNA in both seminomatous and non-seminomatous testicular tumors; epithelial, sex-cord and stromal cell, and germ cell tumors of the ovary; and invasive ductal, ductal in situ and infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast. In normal tissues, expression of PTTG1 mRNA was very low or undetectable except in testis, where PTTG1 mRNA was found to be localized to spermatocytes and spermatids. Tumors that expressed high levels of PTTG1 mRNA also exhibited high levels of expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), suggesting a correlation between PTTG1 and bFGF expression, and further suggesting that the PTTG1 protein may be involved in tumor angiogenesis and mitogenesis.
Neuroinformatics and the The Insight ToolKit.

Open source software is a fundamental mechanism for storing and disseminating knowledge. This role is critical to science and is arguably equally, if not more, important than traditional publication venues in terms of practical and long-term impact. Well-constructed software libraries are repositories of both practical and theoretical content that not only serve data analysis but also help educate current and future scientists which substantially augments traditional publication. Highly software-engineered resources such as BLAS, Armadillo, Eigen, SciPy, R and its packages, Theano and many more are critical to the science of the Large Hadron Collider, Human Genome Project, the Human Connectome Project, and to smaller projects conducted at Universities throughout the world.
The effect of CP 68,722, a thiozolidinedione derivative, on insulin sensitivity in lean and obese Zucker rats

Abstract The effect of a new drug (CP 68,722, Pfizer) on parameters of insulin sensitivity in an established insulin-resistant animal model was examined. Rates of hepatic glucose production (HGP) and peripheral glucose uptake in obese Zucker ( fa fa ) rats treated with a 10-day course of the medication using a two-step (2 and 10 mU/kg/min) euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique were measured. In addition, changes in substrate concentrations after drug treatment were examined. Basal HGP rates were similar in the lean versus the obese animals (37 ± 3 v 39 ± 3 μmol/kg/min); however, the obese animals had impaired insulin-induced suppression of HGP at both 2 mU/kg/min (36 ± 3 v 23 ± 4 μmol/kg/min) and 10 mU/kg/min (18 ± 5 v 2 ± 1 μmol/kg/min). Insulin stimulation of glucose disposal was also defective in the obese animals (37 ± 2 v 88 ± 7 μmol/kg/min at 2 mU/kg/min and 98 ± 9 v 219 ± 18 μmol/kg/min at 10 mU/kg/min). In addition, obese animals had elevated free fatty acid (FFA) and ketone levels, both of which were resistant to insulin-induced suppression. After drug treatment, few alterations in glucose or lipid metabolism were found in the lean animals. In the obese animals, insulin suppression of HGP was normalized during the higher insulin infusion rate (0 v 18 ± 5 μmol/kg/min at 10 mU/kg/min), and peripheral glucose disposal was enhanced at both steps of the insulin clamp (54 ± 4 v 37 ± 2 μmol/kg/min at 2 mU/kg/min and 134 ± 12 v 98 ± 9 μmol/kg/min at 10 mU/kg/min). Drug treatment lowered both fasting and insulin-stimulated suppression of FFA and ketone concentrations in the obese rat. An unexpected finding was that drug treatment resulted in a marked acceleration of insulin clearance, such that basal insulin levels were reduced, as were insulin levels during the first steps of the insulin clamp. These results suggest that CP 68,722 acts at both the liver and skeletal muscle tissues to enhance insulin sensitivity, and thus may prove to be a useful medication in patients with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.
Minimization of Indomethacin-Induced Reduction in Renal Function by Misoprostol

A prospective, randomized, open-label, triple crossover comparison of the effects of indomethacin, misoprostol, or the combination, on renal function was performed to assess the ability of an oral prostaglandin E analogue, misoprostol, to minimize indomethacin-induced decline in renal function in middle-aged women. Twelve healthy women (mean age: 60.5 +/- 1.6 yr) with normal renal function (serum creatinine: 81 +/- 9 umol/L) were studied; six women were normotensive, and six women were hypertensive with their blood pressure controlled with 50-mg hydrochlorothiazide daily. All patients were placed on a 2-g sodium daily diet for 2 weeks before initiation of the study. The subjects were prospectively randomized to receive each of three 4-day treatments of indomethacin (25 mg q 6hr), misoprostol (200 mcg q 6hr), or the combination of drugs with a 4-day washout between each treatment period. Measurements of GFR (urine accumulation of 99mTc-DTPA) and RPF (serum disappearance 131I-Hippuran), and urine collections for electrolytes were obtained before the first treatment period and on the fourth day of each treatment period. Three of the six hypertensive patients and three of the six normotensive patients had a decrease (greater than 10%) in GFR associated with indomethacin therapy. When misoprostol was given with the indomethacin, four of these six patients did not experience a decline in GFR (baseline GFR for six patients: 75.4 +/- 6.6 mL/min/1.73m2, GFR after indomethacin: 57.8 +/- 9.5 mL/min/1.73m2, GFR with combination of indomethacin and misoprostol: 69.7 +/- 3.5 mL/min/1.73m2. RPF was not consistently altered by subacute/chronic dosing of indomethacin, misoprostol, or the combination of the drugs. The authors conclude that misoprostol ameliorates indomethacin-induced renal dysfunction in salt-restricted and diuretic-treated middle-aged women with normal serum creatinine.
Chemical constitution and analgetic action.

Recent advances in the pharmacology of morphine and its analogs suggest that at least part of the analgetic response of these agents is traceable to their action through the autonomic nervous system. Evidence derived from a consideration of the chemical constitutional relations involved in morphine and a host of new analogs support this view and indicate the presence of both sympathomimetic and parasympathomimetic moieties connected (in general) by the same amino nitrogen atom within the same molecule.
Experimental determination of ampicillin adsorption to nanometer-size Al2O3 in water

Abstract Transport of antibiotics in soil–water systems is controlled in part by adsorption to nanometer-size (10 −9 m) particles. Batch adsorption experiments were performed with ampicillin, a common amphoteric antibiotic, and 50 nm-Al 2 O 3 (α-alumina) at different pH conditions. Sorption to Al 2 O 3 can be described by linear isotherms for 2.9 μM–2.9 mM ampicillin concentrations. Distribution coefficients ( K d ) are 11.1 (±0.32) L kg −1 at pH 2, 0.55 (±.04) L kg −1 at pH 4, 21.9 (±0.9) L kg −1 at pH 6, and 39.5 (±2.2) L kg −1 at pH 8. At pH 2, ∼47% of the initially adsorbed drug was removable by rinsing, at pH 4–56% was removed. Only 7% of the drug could be removed by rinsing at pH 6, and 3% at pH 8. Weak electrostatic forces dominate at pH
Torsion of the left ventricle during the ejection phase in the intact dog

Torsion of the left ventricle (LV) is associated with rotation of the apex with respect to the base around the long axis of the LV. A mathematical model of LV mechanics, which relates torsion to transmural distribution of fibre shortening, was evaluated with two-dimensional echocardiography in nine anaesthetised closed-chest dogs. Torsion was calculated as the difference between the angles of rotation (radians) of echo-derived transverse cross-section projections of the LV obtained at the mitral valve and low papillary level, divided by the axial distance between these projections measured in a long-axis cross-section, and multiplied by the outer radius in a mid-papillary transverse projection of the LV. A shortening to torsion ratio (STR) was defined as the ratio of inner wall shortening to torsion occurring during ejection. In a series of 11 measurements, each based on frame-to-frame analysis of 15 cardiac cycles, STR was found to be 2.31 +/- 0.23 rad-1 (mean +/- SD), whereas the mathematical model predicted a STR value of 2.4 rad-1 over a wide range of preload, afterload and contractility levels. We conclude that two-dimensional echocardiography validates the presence of torsion in the normal canine left ventricle, as predicted by the model of left ventricular mechanics.
Crystallization of melilite from CMAS-liquids and the formation of the melilite mantle of Type B1 CAIs: Experimental simulations

Abstract Type B CAIs are subdivided into B1s, with well-developed melilite mantles, and B2s, with randomly distributed melilite. Despite intensive study, the origin of the characteristic melilite mantle of the B1s remains unclear. Recently, we proposed that formation of the melilite mantle is caused by depletion of the droplet surface in volatile magnesium and silicon due to higher evaporation rates of volatile species compared to their slow diffusion rates in the melt, thus making possible crystallization of melilite at the edge of the CAI first, followed by its crystallization in the central parts at lower temperatures. Here, we present the results of an experimental study that aimed to reproduce the texture observed in natural Type B CAIs. First, we experimentally determined crystallization temperatures of melilite for three melt compositions, which, combined with literature data, allowed us to find a simple relationship between the melt composition, crystallization temperature, and composition of first crystallizing melilite. Second, we conducted a series of evaporation and cooling experiments exposing CAI-like melts to gas mixtures with different oxygen fugacities ( f O 2 ) . Cooling of the molten droplets in gases with log f O 2 ⩾ IW - 4 resulted in crystallization of randomly distributed melilite, while under more reducing conditions, melilite mantles have been formed. Chemical profiles through samples quenched right before melilite started to crystallize showed no chemical gradients in samples exposed to relatively oxidizing gases ( log f O 2 ⩾ IW - 4 ) , while the near-surface parts of the samples exposed to very reducing gases ( log f O 2 ⩽ IW - 7 ) were depleted in volatile MgO and SiO2, and enriched in refractory Al2O3. Using these experimental results and the fact that the evaporation rate of magnesium and silicon from CAI-like melts is proportional to P H 2 , we estimate that Type B1 CAIs could be formed by evaporation of a partially molten precursor in a gas of solar composition with P H 2 ⩾ 10 - 4 bar . Type B2 CAIs could form by slower evaporation of the same precursors in the same gas with P H 2 ⩽ 10 - 5 bar .
Design and fabrication of an electrochemically actuated microvalve

A microfluidic valve based on electrochemical (ECM) actuation was designed, fabricated using UV-LIGA microfabrication technologies. The valve consists of an ECM actuator, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane and a micro chamber. The flow channels and chamber are made of cured SU-8 polymer. The hydrogen gas bubbles were generated in the valve microchamber with Pt black electrodes (coated with platinum nanoparticles) and filled with 1 M of NaCl solution. The nano particles coated on the working electrode helps to boost the surface-to-volume ratio of the electrode for faster reversible electrolysis and faster valve operation. To test the functionality of the microvalve, a simple micropump based on ECM principle was also integrated in the system to deliver a microscopic volume of fluid through the valve. The experimental results have showed that an approximately 300 μm deflection of valve membrane was achieved by applying a bias voltage of −1.5 V across the electrodes. The pressure in the valve chamber was estimated to be about 200 KPa. Experimental results proved that the valve can be easily operated by controlling the electrical signals supplied to the ECM actuators.
Austauschgleichgewichte und die Analyse von Gemischen labiler Verbindungen

Die Bedeutung chemischer Gleichgewichte fur die anorganische Strukturchemie wird nachgewiesen, und es wird gezeigt, wie sich Art und Ausbeute der verschiedenen Molekule quantitativ erfassen lassen. Da kinetisch kontrollierte Reaktionen in der organischen Chemie eine grose Rolle spielen, und da die Chemie der Kohlenstoffverbindungen der am weitesten fortgeschrittene Zweig der allgemeinen und beschreibenden Chemie ist, hat man in der anorganischen Chemie den Wert von Reaktionsmechanismen oft uberbetont und dabei ubersehen, wie nutzlich thermodynamische Untersuchungen zur Behandlung aquilibrierender Systeme sind. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt in grosen Zugen die allgemeinen Regeln, mit denen sich die in Verbindungsfamilien auftretenden Gleichgewichte beschreiben lassen.
Coordination of fibronectin adhesion with contraction and relaxation in microvascular smooth muscle

Aims The regulation of vascular diameter by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators requires that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) be physically coupled to extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighbouring cells in order for a vessel to mechanically function and transfer force. The hypothesis was tested that integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM is dynamically up-regulated in VSMCs during contractile activation in response to a vasoconstrictor and likewise down-regulated during relaxation in response to a vasodilator. Methods and results VSMCs were isolated from the Sprague-Dawley rat cremaster muscles. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) with fibronectin (FN)-functionalized probes was employed to investigate the biomechanical responses and adhesion of VSMCs. Responses to angiotensin II (Ang II; 10−6 M) and adenosine (Ado; 10−4 M) were recorded by measurements of cell cortical elasticity and cell adhesion. The results showed that Ang II caused an immediate increase in adhesion (+27%) between the probe and cell. Cell stiffness increased (+70%) in parallel with the adhesion change. Ado decreased adhesion (−15%) to FN and reduced (−30%) stiffness. Conclusion Changes in the receptor-mediated activation of the contractile apparatus cause parallel alterations in cell adhesion and cell cortical elasticity. These studies support the hypothesis that the regulation of cell adhesion is coordinated with contraction and demonstrate the dynamic nature of cell adhesion to the ECM. It is proposed that coordination of adhesion and VSMC contraction is an important mechanism that allows for an efficient transfer of force between the contractile apparatus of the cell and the extracellular environment.
Effect of alcohols on the collagen-phosphatidylcholine interaction.

Abstract The interaction of phosphatidylcholine dispersions with acid soluble collagen separated from the skin of one month-old swine was studied to define the conditions facilitating the association of the collagen with lipids. When acid soluble collagen and phosphatidylcholine dispersions were incubated in 75 mM citrate buffer of pH 3.7 at 25°C, the reisolated collagen fibrils did not contain appreciable amounts of phosphatidylcholine. However, the presence of n -propanol greatly promoted the retention of phosphatidylcholine, the amount of phosphatidylcholine associated being nearly 30% of collagen on a weight basis under optimal conditions. In contrast, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n -butanol did not appreciably enhance the association of phosphatidylcholine with collagen. A limited inhibition of phosphatidylcholine retention was observed upon addition of sodium chloride to the propanol medium. The interaction of phosphatidylcholine with acid soluble collagen decreased sharply when temperature was increased above 30°C; almost no phosphatidylcholinecollagen association occured at 40°C. It appears that the enhanced association in the presence of n -propanol is due to a loosening of the collagen triple helix that exposes hydrophobic sites necessary for the interaction. However, the conversion of the triple helical structure to the random coil conformation by heating prevents the association of phosphatidylcholine with acid soluble collagen.
Observations of flexure and the geological evolution of the Pacific Ocean basin

The response of the Pacific plate to oceanic island and seamount loads has been used to estimate the distribution of ridge crest and off-ridge volcanism on the plate since the late Jurassic. The most extensive event, forming the Hess rise, Line Islands ridge, Necker ridge, and Robbie ridge, occurred on the Pacific/Farallon and Pacific/Phoenix ridge crests during the interval 90–120 Myr BP (Barremian to Turonian). This event, which extended over a much larger area than comparable volcanism on the continents, is one of the largest to be documented in the geological record.