cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ca2+ signalling and PKCα activate increased endothelial permeability by disassembly of VE—cadherin junctions

The role of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in the mechanism of increased endothelial permeability was studied. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to thapsigargin or thrombin at concentrations that resulted in similar increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The rise in [Ca2+]i in both cases was due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and influx of extracellular Ca2+. Both agents decreased endothelial cell monolayer electrical resistance (a measure of endothelial cell shape change) and increased transendothelial 125I-albumin permeability. Thapsigargin induced activation of PKCα and discontinuities in VE-cadherin junctions without formation of actin stress fibres. Thrombin also induced PKCα activation and similar alterations in VE-cadherin junctions, but in association with actin stress fibre formation. Thapsigargin failed to promote phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC20), whereas thrombin induced MLC20 phosphorylation consistent with formation of actin stress fibres. Calphostin C pretreatment prevented the disruption of VE-cadherin junctions and the decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance caused by both agents. Thus, the increased [Ca2+]i elicited by thapsigargin and thrombin may activate a calphostin C-sensitive PKC pathway that signals VE-cadherin junctional disassembly and increased endothelial permeability. Results suggest a critical role for Ca2+ signalling and activation of PKCα in mediating the disruption of VE-cadherin junctions, and thereby in the mechanism of increased endothelial permeability.
The determination of hydrodynamic size and zeta potential from electrophoretic mobility and light scattering measurements

Abstract Colloidal particle diffusivities are usually measured by light scattering and ζ-potentials determined from electrophoretic mobilities. A hydrodynamic size can be calculated from the diffusivity by use of the Stokes–Einstein equation, although this ignores the influence of the surface charge and the ion cloud surrounding each particle. Similarly, ζ-potentials are often calculated from a radius determined by transmission electron microscopy or light scattering. In either case, a false picture emerges since the ζ-potential is defined as the potential at the electrokinetic shear surface. Here we show that a self-consistent picture emerges upon combining diffusivity and electrophoretic mobility measurements so as to include the effects of the diffuse layer in the hydrodynamic/electrokinetic particle size determination. The diffusivity and electrophoretic mobility of an anionic polystyrene latex were measured over a range of salt strengths. When diffuse layer effects were ignored, the particle diameter decreased monotonically from 180 nm to 158 nm as the salt concentration increased from (approximately) 10 μM to 10 mM. When diffuse layer effects were incorporated into the analysis by simultaneously calculating the particle size and charge, the ionic strength dependence weakened. Above an ionic strength of 10−4 M, the size varied by less than 1% and exceeded the dry size (from transmission electron microscopy) by about 4%. Although making use of the two experimental parameters has a significant impact on the calculated size, the effect on ζ-potentials is small. Some evidence of a fuzzy layer was present at ionic strengths below 10−4 M since the particle size increased with diminishing ionic strength.
The effect of somatostatin on the hormonal abnormalities of end stage renal disease.

Patients with end stage renal disease who aremaintained on haemodialysis have elevated levelsofmany hormones, someofwhich may playa role in the pathogenesis of the complications of uraemia. The infusion of synthetic somatostatin reduces the circulating levelofmany ofthese same hormones in patients with normal renalfunction. If the elevated hormone levels in dialysis patients could be similarly lowered, study of the pathogenitic significance of the various hormonal abnormalities would befacilitated. With this in mind, the effect of synthetic somatostatin on the circulating level of growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, gastrin, parathyroid hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone in dialysispatients was investigated. In pilot protocol, a dose of 2 mg ofsomatostatin infused over 24, 18, or 12 hours (two patients each) wasfound to have no effect on any hormonal level. Infusion of2 mg of somatostatin over 4 hours, however, was associated with consistentfall in the level ofgrowth hormone (13·6 ±6·2 to 6·53 ±2·9, P = 0·15) and glucagon (595·0 ± 73 to 441 ± 28, P < 0·05) in each offour patients. The percentage change in the level of growth hormone and glucagon during the 4-hour somatostatin infusion was significantly different from the change occurring during a 4-hour timed control period (growth hormone -45 ± 18% vs +9 ± 7%, [p < 0·05}), (glucagon -27% ± 2% vs +8 ± 2%, [p <0·0l/). There was no change in the levelof any other hormone during the 4-hour infusion. No significant adverse effects were seen. This study suggests that the intravenous infusion ofsomatostatin can, at least on an acute basis, lower the -level of growth hormone and glucagon inpatients with end stage renal failure; and, therefore, it may be useful infurther study and possibly the treatment ofthe hormonal abnormalitiesofend stage renal disease.
Antimicrobial activity of copper surfaces against carbapenemase-producing contemporary Gram-negative clinical isolates

temperature. Results: Copper demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all studied isolates. This effect was observed earlier and was more pronounced for Cu99% than for Cu63%. Cu99% showed a bactericidal effect after ,2 h for A. baumannii, 3 h for Enterobacter spp., 5 h for K. pneumoniae and 6 h for P. aeruginosa and E. coli. No viable colonies were recovered from five (20.8%) isolates after 3 h and from nine (37.5%) isolates after 5 h of incubation on Cu99%. Conclusions: Copper has significant antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant nosocomial Gramnegative pathogens. This supports the hypothesis that replacement of high-contact materials with copper could reduce the high burden of environmental contamination around high-risk patients. However, this strategy should be seen as an adjunctive measure to established cleaning protocols and to good hygiene practices for prevention of hospital-acquired infections.
In the Godfather Garden: The Long Life and Times of Richie “the Boot” Boiardo. By Richard Linnett. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2013. Pp. xii, 244. $24.95.)

Richie “the Boot” Boiardo's criminal career was spawned during the Prohibition era and lasted for over fifty years. The reader is informed that the nickname has been attributed to various origins: ...
Power Allocation and Hybrid Relaying Strategies for F/TDMA Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we study the power allocation problem at the relay nodes for two-hop F/TDMA networks with multiple sources and destinations. Each relay node is assumed to be capable of assisting multiple source nodes and of selecting one of regenerative decode-and-forward (RDF), nonregenerative decode-and-forward (NDF), amplify-and-forward (AF) and compress-and-forward (CF) relaying strategies to assist each source node. Considering the sum capacity as the performance metric, we solve the problem of optimally allocating the total power of each relay node between the transmissions it is assisting. We first obtain the optimum power allocation policies for the relay nodes when the relaying strategies of all source nodes are given. Next, to obtain higher sum capacities, we investigate the optimum power allocation problem jointly with relaying strategy selection. We observe that optimum power allocation with the appropriate hybrid relaying strategies provides higher sum capacity than pure RDF, NDF, AF or CF relaying strategies.
The cell-based model of coagulation.

Objective – To review the current model describing coagulation processes, including the critical contributions of cells. Data Sources – Original research articles, scientific reviews, and textbooks. Data Synthesis – Normal hemostasis is vital for prevention of blood loss, but controls are necessary to limit coagulation to the site of injury. The previous cascade model of blood coagulation, although refined and updated over the last few decades, is flawed as a description of how hemostasis occurs in vivo. The recently proposed model incorporates the vital role of cells in coagulation processes, and corrects deficiencies of the older cascade models. Conclusions – The cell-based model of coagulation provides a description of coagulation that more likely reflects hemostatic processes as they occur in vivo.
SY41-2BUILDING BRIDGES: NETWORKING TO ESTABLISH THE EXCHANGE OF CULTURALLY SENSITIVE ADDICTION TREATMENT MODALITIES AND RESEARCH

Dr. C. Richard McKinley, M.D., will follow each of Dr. Matsumoto's comments by presenting data on the following subjects as they pertain to the U.S.: Common topics shared by Japan and the U.S.: We share the same illness. Diagnostic Criteria, found in DSV 5 Scope of the Problem in the U.S., addicted population only. Differences between Japan and the U.S. are presented. Differing data regarding percentages of the addicted population which received treatment, and the respective number in recovery. HIPPA Laws regarding confidentiality of the Medical Record. Tsukasa Mizusawa and Scott Johnson L.A.C. present and then Dr. Matsumoto and Dr. McKinley will return and present a brief history of what each has done to support this effort. After the three other speakers have finished presenting their work to support this effort, Dr. McKinley will join the three in a call for support by the audience. Specific issues: Need for research that support the development and continued improvement of culturally sensitive treatment modalities. Need for training of culturally sensitive treatment modalities. Need for establishment of Japanese laws protecting confidentiality of the medical records.
Stability improvement of a-ZIO TFT circuits using low temperature anneal

Long duration of low temperature thermal anneals show performance and stability enhancement for low-temperature fabricated amorphous zinc-indium-oxide (a-ZIO) thin-film-transistors (TFTs). The turn-on voltage (V on ) of 50 hour annealed TFTs shifts by 1.5 V for a positive gate bias stress period of 104 s when compared to a 2.2 V shift for the unannealed TFTs. The performance and stability improvements are attributed to a reduction of the interface trap density and removing of defects states in the band-gap of the a-ZIO.
Reconstruction of central cortical surface from brain MRI images: Method and application

Reconstruction of the central surface representation of the cerebral cortex is an important means to study the structure and function of the human brain. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on an elastic transform vector field to drive a deformable model for the reconstruction of the central cortical surface. Both simulated brain cortexes and real brain images are used to evaluate this approach. We applied the surface reconstruction method and a hybrid volumetric and surface registration algorithm to detect simulated brain atrophy. Experimental results show that the central cortical surface representation has better performance in detecting simulated atrophy than the traditionally used inner or outer cortical surface representations.
Interaction of magnesium sulphate with vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockt

We have investigated the interaction between magnesium sulphate 40 mg kg−1 i.v. and vecuronium. First, we determined the effect of pretreatment with magnesium on the potency of vecuronium using a single bolus dose-response technique. In addition, we compared the time course of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block (vecuronium 100 μg kg−1) with and without magnesium pretreatment. For both parts, neuromuscular block was assessed by electromyography. In addition, the effect of magnesium pretreatment on vecuronium-induced neuromuscular block was investigated in the context of rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia. We found that the neuromuscular potency of vecuronium was increased by pretreatment with magnesium sul phate. The ED50 and ED90 of vecuronium with MgSO4 were 25% lower than without MgSO4 (ED50 21.3 vs 26.9 μg kg−1 ED90 34.2 vs 45.7 μg kg−1 P
Site and behavioral specificity of periaqueductal gray lesions on postpartum sexual, maternal, and aggressive behaviors in rats

Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the lateral and ventrolateral caudal periaqueductal gray (cPAGl,vl) of lactating rats are known to severely reduce suckling-induced kyphosis (upright crouched nursing), which is necessary for maximal litter weight gains, and impair sexual behavior during the postpartum estrous, while heightening nursing in other postures and attacks on unfamiliar adult male intruders. In the present report, the site specificity of the cPAG with respect to the control of these behaviors was determined by comparing lesions of the cPAGl,vl with similarly sized lesions within the rostral PAG (rPAG) and surrounding mesencephalon. The previously seen effects of prepartum cPAGl,vl lesions on kyphotic nursing, sexual proceptivity and receptivity, maternal aggression, and daily litter weight gains were replicated. Additionally, the post-lesion facilitation of aggression was found to be behaviorally specific, first by being directed toward an adult, but not to a nonthreatening juvenile male rat, and second, by requiring the recent presence of the pups, being eliminated or decreased 24 h after removal of the litter. Damage to the rPAG did not affect nursing or sexual behaviors, and had only a minimal effect on maternal aggression. Lesions of the rPAG, however, greatly impaired the dams' ability to rapidly release pups held in the mouth, but not to pick them up or carry them directly to the nest during retrieval. Separate regions of the PAG, therefore, are differentially involved in the control of specific components of behaviors in lactating rats.
Sperm banking in adolescent males with nephrotic syndrome: defining the limits of access to fertility preservation

Improvements in the treatment of cancer have led to increased survival rates among adolescent and young adult (AYA) males. Among oncologists, there has been increasing consensus that fertility preserving techniques such as sperm banking should be offered to AYA males before initiating treatment with gonadotoxic alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide (CPO).1 This wariness concerning the use of alkylating agents without mitigating their toxic effects stems from the physician's duty to do no harm. Since alkylating agents cause iatrogenic infertility and there is a treatment for that side effect, physicians are obligated to offer access to sperm banking in AYA males treated with alkylating agents. Sperm banking has the advantage of being a low-risk procedure with moderate cost and a reasonable rate of subsequent successful pregnancy in AYA males at Tanner III stage of development or greater.2 Adolescent patients who bank sperm report that they felt positively about attempting to provide a sperm sample regardless of success or failure.2 Individuals who were not offered the opportunity to bank reported subsequent …
Postharvest studies on pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Ait.): maturity at harvest and storage behavior

Abstract Pepino fruits (cv. Toma) were harvested at three stages of ripeness (mature-green, turning, and ripe) and stored at various temperatures (0–20 °C) for up to four weeks. Fruits of all ripeness classes showed low respiration rates (~10 ml kg −1 h −1 ) and a nonclimacteric respiratory pattern at 20 °C. Fruits of all ripeness classes had very low ethylene production rates ( −1 h −1 ) at 20 °C. After storage at 5 °C, ethylene production rates at 20 °C never exceeded 0.4 μl kg −1 h −1 . Exposure of fruits to 10 ppm ethylene resulted in a 30% increase in respiration and an advance in stage of ripeness. Pepinos of all ripeness classes were stored successfully for four weeks at 7.5–10 °C. Ripening fruits were stored at 5 °C without causing chill-induced discoloration and decay. Less ripe fruits were severely damaged within two weeks by storage temperatures
Novel Role for Surfactant Protein A in Gastrointestinal Graft-versus-Host Disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe and frequent complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and lungs. The pathobiology of GVHD is complex and involves immune cell recognition of host Ags as foreign. We hypothesize a central role for the collectin surfactant protein A (SP-A) in regulating the development of GVHD after allogeneic BMT. C57BL/6 (H2b; WT) and SP-A-deficient mice on a C57BL/6 background (H2b; SP-A(-/-)) mice underwent allogeneic or syngeneic BMT with cells from either C3HeB/FeJ (H2k; SP-A-deficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT [SP-A(-/-)alloBMT] or SP-A-sufficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT) or C57BL/6 (H2b; SP-A-deficient recipient mice that have undergone a syngeneic BMT or SP-A-sufficient recipient mice that have undergone a syngeneic BMT) mice. Five weeks post-BMT, mice were necropsied, and lung and GI tissue were analyzed. SP-A(-/-) alloBMT or SP-A-sufficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT had no significant differences in lung pathology; however, SP-A(-/-)alloBMT mice developed marked features of GI GVHD, including decreased body weight, increased tissue inflammation, and lymphocytic infiltration. SP-A(-/-)alloBMT mice also had increased colon expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and as well as increased Th17 cells and diminished regulatory T cells. Our results demonstrate the first evidence, to our knowledge, of a critical role for SP-A in modulating GI GVHD. In these studies, we demonstrate that mice deficient in SP-A that have undergone an allogeneic BMT have a greater incidence of GI GVHD that is associated with increased Th17 cells and decreased regulatory T cells. The results of these studies demonstrate that SP-A protects against the development of GI GVHD and establishes a role for SP-A in regulating the immune response in the GI tract.
Jim Blinn's corner-uppers and downers

Notational schemes for vectors and matrices are addressed. Previous notation is reviewed and its deficiencies exposed. A new notation, borrowed from tensor analysis, is introduced. Using this notation, almost all of geometry is reduced to tensor multiplication. >
Negative permeability using arrays of aperiodic silver nanoclusters

We present a metamaterial architecture that exhibits a strong magnetic resonance leading to negative effective permeability. The building blocks are aperiodic silver nanowire clusters that generate stronger magnetic resonance than their periodic counterparts.
Multiple Echo Distortion in Frequency-Modulation, Frequency-Division-Multiplex Trunk Radio Systems

This paper is concerned with intermodulation distortion in FM, FDM trunk radio systems due to a number of echoes of differing amplitudes and delay times. General formulas are developed, and applied to the case of a 960-channel system subjected to distortion due to echoes from flanges in waveguide runs. Examples considered are 100- and 200-ft runs of RG-50/U waveguide, in 10-ft sections, for use in the 6000-Mc band. The calculations are carried out with the simplifying assumption (for which there is some experimental evidence), that the individual flange reflections are equal and of the same sign. Distortion levels are computed both with equal section lengths and with section lengths made slightly unequal, so as to destroy coherent addition of the individual echoes. While the latter arrangement gives a considerable reduction, as compared with the equal length arrangement, in the peak input standing-wave ratio, the improvement in the distortion is so small as probably not to justify, in practice, any deliberate variation of the lengths.
Uncertainty in scatterometer derived vorticity

A more versatile and robust technique is developed for determining area averaged surface vorticity based on vector winds from swaths of remotely sensed wind vectors. This technique is discussed in detail and compared to two previous studies that focused on early development of tropical systems. The error characteristics of the technique are examined in detail. Specifically, three independent sources of error are explored: random observational error, truncation error and representation error. Observational errors are due to random errors in the wind observations, and determined as a worst-case estimate as a function of averaging spatial scale. The observational uncertainty in vorticity averaged for a roughly circular shape with a 100 km diameter, expressed as one standard deviation, is approximately 0.5×10−5 s−1 for the methodology described herein. Truncation error is associated with the assumption of linear changes between wind vectors. Uncertainty related to truncation has more organization in QuikSCAT data than observational uncertainty. On 25km and 50km scales, the truncation errors are very large. The third type of error, representation error, is due to the size of the area being averaged. This type of error is analogous to over-smoothing. Tropical and sub-tropical low pressure systems from three months of QuikSCAT observations are used to examine truncation and representation errors. Representation error results in a bias of approximately 1.5×10−5 s−1 for area averaged vorticity calculated on a 100 km scale compared to vorticity calculated on a 25 km scale. The discussion of these errors will benefit future projects of this nature as well as future satellite missions.
Identification of tendon stem/progenitor cells and the role of the extracellular matrix in their niche

The repair of injured tendons remains a great challenge, largely owing to a lack of in-depth characterization of tendon cells and their precursors. We show that human and mouse tendons harbor a unique cell population, termed tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs), that has universal stem cell characteristics such as clonogenicity, multipotency and self-renewal capacity. The isolated TSPCs could regenerate tendon-like tissues after extended expansion in vitro and transplantation in vivo. Moreover, we show that TSPCs reside within a unique niche predominantly comprised of an extracellular matrix, and we identify biglycan (Bgn) and fibromodulin (Fmod) as two critical components that organize this niche. Depletion of Bgn and Fmod affects the differentiation of TSPCs by modulating bone morphogenetic protein signaling and impairs tendon formation in vivo. Our results, while offering new insights into the biology of tendon cells, may assist in future strategies to treat tendon diseases.
Seasonal regulation of Daphnia populations by planktivorous fish: Implications for the spring clear‐water phase

The ability of planktivorous fish to regulate the population dynamics of Daphnia gale&a in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, was examined during spring and summer 1987. Low rates of consumption by yellow perch (Percaflavescens) and cisco (Coregonus artedii) allowed populations of D. galeata to expand rapidly during spring, resulting in a distinct clear-water period that lasted from midMay until early June. A subsequent decline in D. guleatu abundance resulted from low food availability brought about by its exploitation of algal resources. Once populations of D. guleuta were reduced, predation by perch and cisco was sufficient to keep populations of D. g,lleata at low densities during July and August in spite of more abundant algal food resources, Extreme seasonal variation in the degree to which planktivorous fish can regulate daphnid population dynamics may have allowed daphnids to persist in Lake Mendota during the past century in the presence of abundant zooplanktivores.
Further Evidence of the Role of Lysine in the Formation of Normal Bronze Turkey Feathers

Abstract FRITZ, et al. (1946) investigated the failure of feather pigmentation in Bronze poults raised in confinement on diets containing a high percentage of certain vegetable protein concentrates. These authors found that this syndrome was prevented by the addition to the diet of either crystalline lysine or protein concentrates high in lysine. The approximate amount of lysine required for normal feather pigmentation and optimum growth of poults was found by these workers to be 1.1 to 1.2 percent of the diet. Frequent reports of the occurrence of the white feathering syndrome in Bronze turkeys in Texas prompted the initiation of the experimental work reported herein. Figure 1 shows Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys, six months of age, from a flock in which the color pattern of all the birds was affected to some extent. EXPERIMENTAL Two diets were prepared for this study. Diet 1, Table 1, was composed of natural feeds but . . .
Elaphoglossum clathratum sp. nov. (Dryopteridaceae) from the eastern side of the Andes in Ecuador

Elaphoglossum clathratum F. B. Matos & R. C. Moran sp. nov. (Dryopteridaceae), which grows at middle elevations on the eastern side of the Andes in Ecuador, is described, illustrated, and compared to its most similar species. It is unusual in Elaphoglossum by having lamina margin scales that are strongly clathrate. Research on the phylogeny of the genus has shown that the new species belongs to Elaphoglossum sect. Polytrichia . However, it is unique in the subulate-scaled clade of Elaphoglossum by having planar, not subulate, scales.
Amphibian declines: future directions

. The amphibian decline problem is complex, and there is no easy solution. I highlight four major areas of future research that should increase our ability to detect declines, elucidate their underlying mechanisms, and advance our capacity to manage and conserve amphibian populations. First, a statistically sensitive monitoring approach is necessary to determine the distribution and abundance of amphibian populations, to assess whether they are declining, and to quantify the extent of declines. Most amphibian populations characteristically fluctuate, detection probabilities may be low for many species and populations tend to decline in numbers between years more often than they increase. These traits make establishing monitoring programmes difficult and distinguishing declines from natural fluctuations challenging. It is thus necessary to determine the best monitoring techniques based on their statistical power and to use appropriate statistical methods for detecting population trends. Secondly, although amphibian population studies occur most commonly at single or few breeding sites, research should occur often at the landscape level, and conservation efforts should focus on suitable habitat (whether or not it is occupied) and dispersal capabilities of species. Metapopulation dynamics are probably important for many species, but we must be cautious how we define metapopulations. That is, the term ‘metapopulation’ is currently used to define a wide range of demographic situations in amphibian populations, each with different management implications. Thirdly, recent advances in molecular genetic techniques make it possible to infer demographic events such as effects of recent fragmentation, bottlenecks or hybridization. Molecular techniques can be used in conjunction with census surveys to bolster knowledge about demographic processes such as declines. Alternatively, in the absence of long-term census data, molecular data can be used to infer population trends. New genomic approaches may make estimating adaptive genetic variation more feasible. Fourthly, multi-factorial studies are needed to disentangle the complexity of the several putative causes that probably interact to cause amphibian declines. Recent studies demonstrate the value of a multi-factorial approach, and more work is needed to elucidate the synergistic effects of multiple environmental factors affecting amphibian populations simultaneously worldwide.
A Unified Data Exchange Environment Based on EDIF

This paper describes the work to unify a data exchange environment based on EDIF. Concepts of common specification, common data structure, and common EDIF reader/writer to synchronize the interpretations of EDIF syntax and semantics in an EDIF-based data exchange environment are introduced. An EDIF-compatible database which improves the speed of the data manipulation and generates portable, standard EDIF is also described.
Economic Implications of High Dose Chemotherapy Programs with Autologous Stem Cell Support

In the United States, high dose chemotherapy with stem cell support (bone marrow or peripheral blood) is rapidly becoming accepted therapy for many patients with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and breast cancer, despite concerns by insurers and patients over high costs and the potential of significant economic burden on the health care system. Issues such as comparative costs and efficacy of supportive care modalities, hematopoietic growth factors, and adjunctive measures such as purging of stem cells are important. Most often these studies have not evaluated the costs and cost-effectiveness of these pharmaceuticals and technologies. Physicians are now under increasing pressures to accept capitated payments for high dose chemotherapy patients. These capitated rates are often significantly lower than the amount that had been charged for the procedure in the previous year. Furthermore, hospital pharmacies are facing cost-containment pressures and need cost-effectiveness data on pharmaceuticals that are used in high-dose chemotherapy programs. In this paper, we address the economic implications of high dose chemotherapy programs.
Circadian and circannual variations in growth and cold resistance of warm acclimated rats and their relationship with the geomagnetic activity.

In winter, summer, spring and fall, groups of 200 g Sprague Dawley male rats were kept for 14 days at constant Ta 28°C±°C and LD 12:12(07:00–19:00 h). They were fed a laboratory chow (P) or a semi-purified diet (H). They were weighed at 0, 7 and 14 days. Cold resistance was determined by the fall in rectal temperature during 4 hours of restrained exposure to +1°C either in the morning (09:00 – 13:00 h) or in the afternoon (14:00 – 18:00 h). Rats fed the H diet could better tolerate cold exposure in the morning than in the afternoon, whereas the chow-fed rats were more vulnerable and became severely hypothermic both in morning and afternoon. The greater morning resistance provided by the H diet was evident in summer and winter but not in spring or fall. With both diets, cold resistance as well as growth decreased during spring and fall. Frozen storage of the diets and the water for use during other seasons showed that the nutrients per se were not a factor in the observed seasonal cycle. Although humidity in the 28°C room varied between a minimum of 26.5% in April to a maximum of 44.3% in August, it was not a statistically significant factor in the growth cycle. Arguments are presented to rule out relative humidity as a significant factor in the seasonal variation in the degree of cold resistance. A significant correlation was found for growth and cold resistance with geomagnetic activity.
104 GLUCOSAMINE AND INSULIN RESISTANCE

Summary Glucosamine is a widely used drug as a disease-modifying treatment by improving resilience and decreasing radiographic progression in osteoarthritic joints. In animal studies, both in vitro and in vivo studies with glucosamine suggest increase insulin resistance by affecting insulin receptor phosphorylation and decrease translocation of Glut 1 and Glut 4 translocation to plasma membranes. We undertook this study to determine whether insulin resistance occurs in nondiabetic subjects after six weeks of 1500 mg of glucosamine a day. Methods Before and after completion of six weeks of glucosamine, thirty-two subjects had evaluation for parameters of insulin resistance such as fasting insulin and glucose, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides as well as large and small artery elasticity by such and as such. Serum values for insulin and glucose were used to calculate log HOMA and QUICKI. Exclusion criteria included a history of diabetes, polycystic ovarian disease, or subjects on medication known to cause insulin resistance. Student9s paired t-test was used to evaluate parameters in subjects before and directly after glucosamine use, and means are reported. Results The log HOMA, a direct measure of insulin resistance, showed a significant rise after 6 weeks of glucosamine with mean values before and after of 0.29 ± 0.37 and 0.36 ± 0.36 (p = .008). In addition, QUICKI, which is inversely correlated with insulin resistance, demonstrated a significant fall (0.637 ± 0.136 versus 0.606 ± 0.12, p = .017). The serum triglycerides (mg/dL) increased from 117 ± 54.6 at baseline to 137 ± 80.9 at the end of 6 weeks of glucosamine, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = .201). Meanwhile, there was no statistical change or trend in any other lipid measurement, including HDL-C (41.9 ± 11.8 mg/dL versus 43.3 ± 11.2 mg/dL, p = .319), LDL-C (99.1 ± 28 versus 98.2 ± 24.1 mg/dL, p = .738). We measured arterial elasticity as mL/mg HGX100 with an HDI sonogram of the radial artery. Small artery elasticity worsened, falling from 7.21 ± 3.6 to 6.60 ± 3.16 (p = .118) after six weeks of glucosamine, as did large artery elasticity (17.7 ± 5.14 versus 16.4 ± 4.22, p = .085). Conclusion After 6 weeks of glucosamine treatment in nondiabetic subjects, indices such as log HOMA and QUICKI demonstrate significantly increased insulin resistance, while measures of arterial elasticity and serum triglycerides lean toward statistical significance. In conclusion, glucosamine, in doses shown to be effective in osteoarthritis that is widely prescribed and taken, causes insulin resistance in humans.
Results analysis of blood lead,urine lead and zinc protoporphyrin determination in workers exposed to lead

[Objective]To compare the differences of blood lead,urine lead and zinc protoporphyrin determination between workers with lead exposure and workers without lead exposure,and explore the correlation ?between erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin and blood lead level,urine lead level of workers.[Methods]A total of 252 lead exposed workers from a storage battery manufacture were selected as lead exposure group,another 205 workers without lead exposure from a electronics Factory as control group.The determination of blood lead level,urinary lead level,erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin and blood routine examination were performed,and the results were statistically analyzed.[Results] Hemoglobin content of lead exposure group was significantly lower than that of control group(P0.05),while leukocytes,erythrocytes and blood platelet were not significantly different(P0.05).Erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin,blood lead,urinary lead concentration of lead exposure group were higher than those of control group(P0.01),urine lead and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin correlation coefficient(r)=0.166,Blood lead and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin correlation coefficient r=0.406.[Conclusion] Long-term exposure to lead can lead to increasing of blood lead,urine lead concentration and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin,decreasing of hemoglobin,and no obvious effect on leukocytes,erythrocytes and blood platelet.The correlation of blood lead and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin is better than that of urinary lead and erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin.
Water channel-carrying vesicles in the rat IMCD contain cellubrevin

Antidiuretic hormone (arginine vasopressin) induces a cyclic process of docking, fusion, and endocytosis of water channel-containing vesicles in the collecting duct. There is now evidence that docking and endocytosis are mediated by an array of proteins associated with vesicles and target membranes. In recent studies, we have shown that cellubrevin, a member of the vesicle-associated membrane protein family, as well as other docking proteins, are expressed in the rat inner medullary collecting duct. We now show by immunogold electron microscopy that cellubrevin is present on vesicles containing water channels, that it is associated with both coated and uncoated vesicles, and that it is present on the apical membrane. Cellubrevin, therefore, is in a position to mediate one or more steps in arginine vasopressin-induced water channel cycling.
Architecture and Access: Navigating A New Space

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) is a small, private art and design college founded in 1909. PNCA is located in downtown Portland and hosts approximately 600 students in ten undergraduate programs and five graduate programs. In January 2015, the campus was moved from our old building — a converted warehouse — to the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design, a former federal building located on Portland’s North Park Blocks in the heart of the city. This move almost doubled the square footage of the library, affording us more space for our collection, three new study rooms, a reference desk, a built-in IT help desk, and more seating and workspace for our patrons. Like any new space, however, the Albert Solheim Library required many adjustments, both in our approach to access services and in the usage and layout of the space itself.
Climate Change, Agriculture and Water Resources in the Southwestern United States

In February 2014 the USDA established regional climate hubs across the United States to assist farmers, ranchers and foresters in adapting to the effects of climate change. The Southwest (SW) region encompasses six states which provide highly diverse agricultural crops including cotton, stone fruit and grapes. Here we report on the hydrologic context within which SW working landowners operate, with focus on regional water resources and likely impacts of climate change. Water is a critical component of agricultural vulnerability in the SW, where high agricultural production can occur with sufficient irrigation. Since 1978, crop yield declines were reported on 11–21% of total irrigated acres, mostly due to surface water shortage. Southwestern agriculture relies on groundwater, using it to supply at least one-third of the agricultural water demand across the region since 1955. Regional groundwater use varies over time, with a decline in the agricultural groundwater fraction in Arizona, but an increase in the fraction in Nevada and Utah. Observed and predicted changes in the southwestern hydrologic cycle can impact regional agriculture. Observed records show an increase in the fraction of precipitation falling as rain, which is expected to continue with future warming, and decrease the natural high-mountain storage reservoir provided by snowpack. Warming causes the snowmelt to peak earlier in the season than observed in historical records, and can reduce water available to crops during the summer months without additional water storage. Observed records indicate streamflow has shifted earlier in the year, most notably in snow dominated watersheds. A continuation of this trend may challenge regional agriculture by further limiting water supplies.
Perspectives on human factors in a shifting operational environment

Abstract A significant number of catastrophic incidents occur primarily due to human factors. Despite the use of advanced automation, the implementation of more sophisticated management systems and increased training, many organizations are still finding that their approaches to reducing incidents are failing. This paper looks at why addressing human factors in today's shifting operating environment is important to reduce incidents and shares insights in the following three key areas for incident prevention: • The critical need to deepen incident investigations; • Why technical solutions and automation may not be sufficient; and • How expectations affect behaviour and the role of biases and preconceptions in human errors. These factors are reviewed from the perspective of operational discipline, an expanded view of leadership and the power of interdependent culture. Whether applied to safety, reliability, quality or capital effectiveness, the insights provided in this white paper will help readers appreciate the opportunities to broaden, as well as deepen, their human factor perspectives to reduce their organization's risks and strengthen their performance at all levels. This paper was prepared by the author in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this paper are the author's own and does not reflect the view of the organization in which he is currently employed.
Testing the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis: Testosterone manipulation does not affect wound healing in male salamanders

In vertebrates, a bidirectional relationship exists between the immune system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, sexual dimorphism in immunity has been documented in many vertebrates as well as some invertebrates, and males are generally less immunocompetent than their female counterparts. A possible explanation for this is described by the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH), which proposes that elevated testosterone (T) levels direct resources towards the promotion of secondary sexual characteristics at a cost to immune function. To further test the ICHH, we examined the effects of T on cutaneous wound healing, an integrative measure of immunity, using male Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders; a species that has sexually dimorphic courtship glands and testosterone-dependent mating behavior. We did this via two methods: surgical manipulation and transdermal delivery of T. In both experiments, elevated plasma T did not delay wound healing. Interestingly, intact animals healed more slowly than animals that had undergone prior invasive surgery, suggesting that the prior surgery had an immune-priming effect that enhanced healing of a second wound.
Identifying an Optimal Adjuvant Radiotherapy Dose for Extremity and Trunk Merkel Cell Carcinoma Following Resection: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Importance Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm with a high risk of recurrence following resection. Despite a rising incidence over the past 3 decades, there is a paucity of prospective data owing to the rarity of this disease. Objective To determine the optimal adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) dose following resection of localized MCC of the extremities or trunk. Design, Setting, and Participants Using the National Cancer Database, a large national database consisting of a heterogeneous population and treatment settings, we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 2093 patients 18 years or older with stage I to III MCC of the extremities and/or trunk treated with definitive surgery and adjuvant RT between 1998 and 2011. Exclusion criteria included receiving treatment with palliative intent, preoperative RT, non–external-beam RT, and radiation dose of 30 Gy or lower or 70 Gy or higher. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to compare overall survival (OS) between RT dose groups, accounting for age, sex, race, stage, surgery type, margin status, comorbidities, and use of chemotherapy. Exposures Radiation therapy dose was categorized into 4 groups: group 1 received the lowest dose (>30 to 55 to 70 Gy). Main Outcome and Measure Overall survival. Results Data from 2093 patients were analyzed; there were 1293 men (61.8%) and 800 women (38.2%) (median age, 73 years). After a median follow-up of 37 months for the entire cohort, 904 deaths were reported. The 3-year OS rates for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 41.8%, 69%, 69.2%, and 66%, respectively (omnibus P P = .52) and group 4 (>55 to 70 Gy; AHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.93-1.48; P = .17), but worse OS was found in group 1 (>30 to P Conclusions and Relevance Adjuvant RT dose from 40 to lower than 50 Gy appears adequate for extremities and/or trunk stage I to III MCC, with OS equivalent to that found at higher-dose regimens (>50 to 70 Gy).
Cell-Free Production of Protein Biologics Within 24 H

Protein biologics have emerged as a safe and effective group of drug products that can be used in a variety of medical disorders and clinical settings, including treatment of orphan diseases, personalized medicine, and point-of-care applications. However, the full potential of protein biologics for such applications will not be realized until there are methods available for rapid and cost-effective production of small scale products for individual needs. Here, we describe a modular and scalable method for rapid and adaptable production of protein-based medical products at small doses. The method includes cell-free synthesis of the protein target in a reactor module followed by a fluidic process for protein purification. As a proof of concept, we describe the application of this method for expression and purification of a bioactive pharmaceutically relevant protein biologic, recombinant human erythropoietin, at a single dose within 24 h. This method can be applied toward the development of automated platforms for rapid and adaptive production of protein biologics at the point of care in response to specific medical needs.
Social Media for Disaster Management: A Study of Hurricane Sandy

This exploratory research investigates the social conversation between relief organizations and social media users at the disaster stages of preparedness, response and recovery. Three-week data were obtained from the Facebook pages of five benchmark organizations that responded to Hurricane Sandy, 2012. The focus is the effect of actionable information (related to aid distribution, donations and volunteering) on the content of incoming users' comments. We carry out content analysis on all organizations' posts and users' comments to classify the informational content embedded in the social conversation. Next, we create a novel data dictionary to classify actionable information. Finally, we build an econometric model to examine the social conversations between organizations and users. The model captures individual heterogeneity and time varying effects associated with dynamic social conversations. We find a mismatch between the actionable information organizations post and the one users demand. While organizations focus on informing users about how the organizations are helping, users are commenting about how they as individuals can help. This research provides insights on how organizations can mitigate the mismatch and improve their social conversation with users, which has operational implications on unsolicited in-kind donations and volunteer management.
Social media pedagogy: Applying an interdisciplinary approach to teach multimodal critical digital literacy:

Social media permeates the daily lives of millennials, as they use it constantly for a variety of reasons. A significant contributing factor is the availability of social media through smartphones ...