cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Evidence-Based Practices and Emergency Department Managers’ Perceptions on Quality of Care for Self-Harm Patients:

OBJECTIVE: To understand the extent to which implementation of evidence-based practices affects emergency department (ED) nurse managers' perceptions of quality of care provided to deliberate self-harm patients. METHODS: ED nursing leadership from a nationally representative sample of 513 hospitals completed a survey on the ED management of deliberate self-harm patients, including the quality of care for deliberate self-harm patients on a 1 to 5 point Likert-type scale. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses, controlling for relevant hospital characteristics, examined associations between the provision of evidence-based practices and quality of care. RESULTS: The overall mean quality rating was 3.09. Adjusted quality ratings were higher for EDs that routinely engaged in discharge planning (β = 0.488) and safety planning (β = 0.736) processes. Ratings were also higher for hospitals with higher levels of mental health staff (β = 0.368) and for teaching hospitals (β = 0.319). CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings suggest a national institutional readiness for further implementation of evidence-based practices for deliberate self-harm patients.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of transient tachypnea of newborn and respiratory distress syndrome using lung ultrasonography

Both transient tachypnea of newborn (TTPN) and respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) are the common reasons of neonatal respiratory dyspnea, but their treatments and prognosis are much different.It is difficult to differentiate them by clinical features and chest X-ray while the lung ultrasound can see it easily.In lung ultrasonography images, the TTPN mainly manifested with pulmonary edema, while the RDS mainly manifested with lung consolidation with air bronchograms.Thus, it is important to perform lung ultrasound routinely at the bed side. Key words: Transient tachypnea of newborn; Respiratory distress syndrome; Infant, newborn; Lung ultrasound
Average measures in polymer graphs

We introduce polymer graphs, a class of fast-growing networks endowed with a designated hook. We study the structure of these polymer graphs by investigating numerous average measures such as the a...
Retinotopic variations of the negative blood-oxygen-level dependent hemodynamic response function in human primary visual cortex.

We investigate dynamics of the negative hemodynamic response function (nHRF), the negative blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) response (NBR) evoked by a brief stimulus, in human early visual corte...
Association of dyspnoea, mortality and resource use in hospitalised patients.

As many as one in 10 patients experience dyspnoea at hospital admission but the relationship between dyspnoea and patient outcomes is unknown. We sought to determine whether dyspnoea on admission predicts outcomes.We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a single, academic medical centre. We analysed 67 362 consecutive hospital admissions with available data on dyspnoea, pain and outcomes. As part of the Initial Patient Assessment by nurses, patients rated "breathing discomfort" using a 0 to 10 scale (10="unbearable"). Patients reported dyspnoea at the time of admission and recalled dyspnoea experienced in the 24 h prior to admission. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, 2-year mortality, length of stay, need for rapid response system activation, transfer to the intensive care unit, discharge to extended care, and 7- and 30-day all-cause readmission to the same institution.Patients who reported any dyspnoea were at an increased risk of death during that hospital stay; the greater the dyspnoea, the greater the risk of death (dyspnoea 0: 0.8% in-hospital mortality; dyspnoea 1-3: 2.5% in-hospital mortality; dyspnoea ≥4: 3.7% in-hospital mortality; p<0.001). After adjustment for patient comorbidities, demographics and severity of illness, increasing dyspnoea remained associated with inpatient mortality (dyspnoea 1-3: adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7-2.6; dyspnoea ≥4: adjusted OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4-3.9). Pain did not predict increased mortality. Patients reporting dyspnoea also used more hospital resources, were more likely to be readmitted and were at increased risk of death within 2 years (dyspnoea 1-3: adjusted hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.6; dyspnoea ≥4: adjusted hazard ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.5-1.8).We found that dyspnoea of any rating was associated with an increased risk of death. Dyspnoea ratings can be rapidly collected by nursing staff, which may allow for better monitoring or interventions that could reduce mortality and morbidity.
Disability in Childhood, Special Education Histories, and Lifetime Health Outcomes in the United States:

Objectives: We evaluated special education as an indicator of childhood disability and used that indicator to estimate lifetime dependency and life expectancy. Methods: Data: Panel Study of Income ...
A Biomechanical Comparison Shows No Difference Between Two Knee Braces used for Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of 2 commonly used knee braces to control knee valgus motion and subsequent strain on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in a laboratory-controlled environment. Methods Twenty healthy individuals (6 male, 14 female; mean age, 23 ± 3 years) with no history of knee injury or brace use performed a jump landing task while wearing either no brace or 1 of 2 braces: the Playmaker and Total Range of Motion . Three-dimensional joint kinematics and kinetics were measured in our biomechanics laboratory. Results Significantly less knee dynamic valgus angulation was noted when using either brace (−0.51° ± 3.9° and −1.3° ± 3.2°) compared no brace (4.8° ± 3.0°). Dynamic valgus angulation did not differ significantly between the 2 braces tested, which were both not statistically different from baseline alignment. There were significant differences seen in peak knee flexion angle between each brace (77.9° ± 8.8°and 83.1° ± 8.4°), as well as between both braces and no brace (90.6° ± 11.1°). There was no significant difference in knee frontal plane moment or peak vertical ground reaction force loading among all 3 testing conditions. Conclusions Compared to no brace, both braces allowed significantly less dynamic valgus angulation of the knee under physiological vertical loads but were not significantly different from one another. Clinical Relevance Knee braces are commonly used to protect the MCL when placed under physiological loads. It is important to know which braces effectively reduce valgus stress to provide the best outcomes.
Exercise during Pregnancy: Developmental Programming Effects and Future Directions in Humans

Epidemiological studies show that low birth weight is associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease in adulthood, indicating that chronic diseases could be influenced by hormonal or metabolic insults encountered in utero. This concept, now known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis, postulates that the intrauterine environment may alter the structure and function of the organs of the fetus as well as the expression of genes that impart an increased vulnerability to chronic diseases later in life. Lifestyle interventions initiated during the prenatal period are crucial as there is the potential to attenuate progression towards chronic diseases. However, how lifestyle interventions such as physical activity directly affect human offspring metabolism and the potential mechanisms involved in regulating metabolic balance at the cellular level are not known. The purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of exercise during pregnancy on offspring metabolic health and emphasize gaps in the current human literature and suggestions for future research.
Rotational Excitation III: Classical Trajectory Methods

The use of classical trajectory (CT) methods in the solution of molecular scattering problems has been the subject of several recent review articles.(1–5) Here we restrict attention to nonreactive, rotationally inelastic collisions and focus on the practical details involved in executing a trajectory calculation. Before proceeding, a few comments are in order on the accuracy and utility of CT methods as applied to rotational excitation.
Modafinil augments oscillatory power in middle frequencies during rule selection.

Control-related cognitive processes are associated with cortical oscillations and modulated by catecholamine neurotransmitters. It remains unclear how catecholamine systems modulate control-related oscillations. We tested modafinil effects on rule-related 4‐30 Hz oscillations, with double-blind, placebo-controlled (within-subjects) testing of 22 healthy adults, using EEG during cognitive control task performance. EEG data underwent time-frequency decomposition with Morlet wavelets to determine power of 4‐30 Hz oscillations. Modafinil enhanced oscillatory power associated with high-control rule selection in theta, alpha, and beta ranges, with a frontotemporal topography and minimal effects during rule maintenance.Augmentation of catecholamine signaling enhances middle-frequency cortical oscillatory power associated with rule selection, which may subserve diverse subcomponent processes in proactive cognitive control. Descriptors: Cognitive control, Rule selection, Oscillations, Modafinil, Prefrontal cortex, Theta
Epigenetic modification of gene expression during human acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia (885.4)

Epigenetic processes and hypoxia-inducible transcription factors work in coordination to regulate transcriptional responses to hypoxia. Our aim was to determine the role of epigenetics and associat...
Mothers with AIDS: Coping, support, and ability to plan for their children

SUMMARY As the number of HIV-infected women increases, providers and policy makers are faced with an additional challenge-the number of children who will be affected by a parent's death from HIV. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study of the relationship between coping of mothers with AIDS and the status of their plans for the Future of their children. Nineteen women with an AIDS diagnosis and having regular contact with their children were interviewed. A chance health locus of control, the ability to cope with the death of others, availability of informal support, and a better health status were associated with more planning by mothers with AIDS. The findings suggest interventions for helping families plan and point to variables for future research.
Computer science in kindergarten? Of course!: the ABC'S of the K-12 CSTA model curriculum in computer science

In the United States, computer science as a topic in pre-college education has historically been less than successful. Some states certify computer science teachers, but others do not. Some states have rigorous standards, but others do not. Some school districts choose to spend money on computer science education while others do not. Some see computer science as a derivative of mathematics; others view computer science as an extension of business education. Neither Missouri or Kansas, for example, certify computer science as a content area in teacher education. Recently the Computer Science Teacher's Association (CSTA), a national organization for computer science teachers, produced a blueprint for a K-12 computer science curriculum which addresses many of the issues which have caused problems in the past. The curriculum is brief, but it is clear and paints a refreshing picture for the future of pre-college computer science.
Effects of Two Error-Correction Procedures on Oral Reading.

An alternating-treatments design was used to investigate the relative effectiveness of two error-correction procedures, word supply and phonic analysis, on the oral reading performance of five elementary-school learning disabled students, four boys and one girl. All subjects had deficient oral reading skills. Results indicated that (a) increased oral reading rates were related to systematic correction procedures, and (b) the word-supply procedure was relatively superior to the phonic analysis method. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed, as are suggestions for future investigations and implications for instruction.
A Backlog Inventory Model During Restricted Sale Periods

Optimal purchasing policies are derived for a continuous review inventory system in which backlogs are permissible and temporary price discounts are available. This paper derives such policies assuming that the sale price is not available at the regularly-scheduled replenishment time. Results indicate that, under specific conditions, maximum positive cost savings are generated when a special order is placed at the end of the sale period.
An Integrative Review of Patients' Perceptions Regarding Telehealth used in their Health Care

(1) The rapid changes in technology and communication have had a great impact on the delivery of health care in the United States. Such changes have spurred the growth of an arena in health care known as telehealth. An important medium in telehealth care is the use of video. This paper examines the research that has been undertaken in determining patients' perceptions of the use of a video component in their health care. Ten studies examined used real-time, interactive video to deliver care, while one evaluated still images. The results of the integrative review tentatively suggest that patients are amenable to the use of video in telehealth interventions. Limitations of the studies reviewed also are discussed.
Sexual dimorphism in desiccation responses of the sand scorpion Smeringurus mesaensis (Vaejovidae).

Abstract The osmoregulatory and respiratory responses of male and female Smeringurus mesaensis (Vaejovidae) to prolonged desiccation were measured. No significant effect of sex on mass-loss rates (MLRs) was found. Still, females maintained their haemolymph osmolality when desiccated to 10% mass loss, whereas that of males increased significantly after loss of as little as 5% of initial mass. Females had a 3-fold larger hepatopancreas, significantly higher hepatopancreas water content and higher metabolic rates when adjusted to hepatopancreas-free dry mass. Thus, females not only store more water in the hepatopancreas but also mobilise it to the haemolymph at a higher rate during desiccation, thus maintaining haemolymph osmolality. Gas exchange rates of both males and females decrease as desiccation progresses. An initial respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of ∼0.9 is followed by a significant increase at mass loss levels of 7.5% and higher. RER values greater than 1.0 may result from partial shift to anaerobic catabolism, which allows closure of the book lung spiracles for longer duration, thus minimising respiratory water loss. The effects of gas exchange rates on rates of water mobilisation between body compartments and water loss to the environment suggest a trade-off between maintaining osmotic stability and conserving body water stores under stressful conditions.
Socializing with the Neighbors: Stem Cells and Their Niche

The potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine relies upon removing them from their natural habitat, propagating them in culture, and placing them into a foreign tissue environment. To do so, it is essential to understand how stem cells interact with their microenvironment, the so-called stem cell niche, to establish and maintain their properties. In this review, we examine adult stem cell niches and their impact on stem cell biology.
First and second derivative matrix elements for the stretching, bending, and torsional energy

Matrix elements for the first and second derivatives of the internal coordinates with respect to Cartesian coordinates are reported for stretching, linear, nonlinear, and out-of-plane bending and torsional motion. Derivatives of the energy with respect to the Cartesian coordinates are calculated with the chain rule. Derivatives of the energy with respect to the internal coordinates are straightforward, but the calculation of the derivatives of the internal coordinates with respect to the Cartesian coordinates can be simplified by the following two steps outlined in this article. First, the number of terms in the analytical functions can be reduced or will vanish when the derivatives of the bond length, bond angle, and torsion angle are reported in a local coordinate system in which one bond lies on an axis and an adjacent bond lies in the plane of two axes or is projected onto perpendicular planes for linear and out-of-plane bending motion. Second, a simple rotation transforms these derivatives to the appropriate orientation in the space-fixed molecular coordinate system. Functions of the internal coordinates are invariant with respect to translation and rotation. The translational invariance and the symmetry of the second derivatives for a system with L atoms are used to select L-1- and L(L-1)/2-independent first and second derivatives, respectively, of which approximately half of the latter vanish in the local coordinate system. The rotational invariance permits the transformation of the simplified derivatives in the local coordinate system to any orientation in space. The approach outlined in this article simplifies the formulas by expressing them in a local coordinate system, identifies the most convenient independent elements to compute, from which the dependent ones are calculated, and defines a transformation to the space-fixed molecular coordinate system.
Pathogenesis of methanol‐induced craniofacial defects in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND Methanol administered to C57BL/6J mice during gastrulation causes severe craniofacial dysmorphology. We describe dysmorphogenesis, cell death, cell cycle assessment, and effects on development of cranial ganglia and nerves observed following administration of methanol to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on gestation day (GD) 7. METHODS Mice were injected (i.p.) on GD 7 with 0, 2.3, 3.4, or 4.9 gm/kg methanol, split into two doses. In embryos of mice treated with 0 or 4.9 gm/kg methanol, we used histology and LysoTracker red staining on GD 8 0 hr through GD 8 18 hr to examine cell death and dysmorphogenesis, and we also evaluated cell-cycle distribution and proliferation using flow cytometry (FCM) and BrdU immunohistochemistry. On GD 10, we evaluated the effect of GD 7 exposure to 0, 2.3, 3.4, or 4.9 gm/kg methanol on cranial ganglia and nerve development using neurofilament immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Methanol treatment on GD 7 resulted in reduced mesenchyme surrounding the fore- and midbrain, and in the first branchial arches, by GD 8 12 hr. There were disruptions in the forebrain neuroepithelium and optic pit. Neural crest cell emigration from the mid- and hindbrain region was reduced in methanol-exposed embryos. Methanol had no apparent effect on BrdU incorporation or cell-cycle distribution on GD 8. Cell death was observed in the hindbrain region along the path of neural crest migration and in the trigeminal ganglion on GD 8 18 hr. Development of the cranial ganglia and nerves was adversely affected by methanol. Development of ganglia V, VIII, and IX was decreased at all dosage levels; ganglion VII was reduced at 3.4 and 4.9 gm/kg, and ganglion X was reduced at 4.9 gm/kg. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that gastrulation-stage methanol exposure affects neural crest cells and the anterior mesoderm and neuroepithelium. Cell death was evident in areas of migrating neural crest cells, but only at time points after methanol was cleared from the embryo, suggesting an indirect effect on these cells. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Chromatin remodeling underlies the senescence-associated secretory phenotype of tumor stromal fibroblasts that supports cancer progression.

Age is a major risk factor for the development of cancer. Senescent fibroblasts, which accumulate with age, secrete pro-tumorigenic factors collectively referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here we examined the molecular mechanisms that control SASP activation, focusing on the known SASP factor osteopontin (OPN). We found that expression of the canonical SASP members IL6 and IL8, but not OPN, were dependent upon a persistent DNA damage response (DDR) as evidenced by ATM and NF-κB activation. Treatment with several histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors robustly activated SASP in the absence of DNA breaks, suggesting that DDR-dependent SASP activation occurs in response to chromatin remodeling rather than physical breaks in DNA. In the setting of histone deacetylase inhibition, IL6 and IL8 expression remained dependent upon ATM and NF-κB, while OPN expression remained independent of these factors. Further analysis revealed that HDAC1 was sufficient to induce OPN expression, which is interesting given that loss of HDAC1 expression correlates with increased OPN expression within the stromal compartment of invasive breast cancers. Importantly, fibroblasts treated with HDAC inhibitors promoted tumor growth in vivo. Our findings therefore indicate that HDAC modulation plays an important role in stromal cell activation, with important implications for the use of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.
Two detectors for (n,p) and (n,α) measurements at white neutron sources

Abstract We have developed two detectors for (n,p) and (n,α) cross section measurements at white neutron sources which make possible large increases in the sample size and geometric efficiency while at the same time reducing the potentially large background associated with the “gamma flash” to manageable levels. We present measurements of two (n,α) cross sections made with these detectors to energies as high as a few MeV.
Effects of photoperiod, melatonin and pinealectomy on ethanol consumption in rats.

Abstract Rats offered a choice of water or 4% ethanol solution preferred ethanol. The amount of ethanol consumed was influenced by environmental lighting, increasing during constant darkness. In rats which showed the least ethanol preference, administration of melatonin resulted in significant increases in ethanol consumption and reciprocal decreases in water intake. Pinealectomy had no significant effects on ethanol consumption under various environmental lighting conditions. Long-term observation revealed no inherent cyclic changes in ethanol consumption in pinealectomized or sham operated animals.
How I do it: Head and neck and plastic surgery: Laryngotracheal separation for intractable aspiration: A retrospective review of 34 patients

LTS is an effective surgical procedure that results in the elimination of intractable aspiration. Most of these patients have major neurologic impairment due to progressive neurologic disease or devastating injury secondary to stroke, trauma, or surgery. The procedure can be performed in ill, debilitated patients and is well tolerated, even with local anesthesia. Few patients lose communicative speech, and some patients gain the ability to swallow following the procedure. LTS should be considered in the management of patients with intractable aspiration before performance of a tracheotomy because the procedure is technically easier to perform at this time and may reduce the risk of a wound-healing complication. Postoperative nursing care is decreased, and most patients can be discharged or transferred to a chronic-care facility within 2 to 3 weeks following the procedure.
Stereochemical control of yeast reductions. 2. Quantitative treatment of the kinetics of competing enzyme systems for a single substrate

Abstract Quantitative expressions have been developed for systems such as yeast reductions where competing enzymes act on one substrate to yield two enantiomeric products. These expressions relate the observed stereochemical variables, the extent of conversion (C), the optical purity expressed as enantiomeric excess (ee), and the initial substrate concentration (A0) to the kinetic parameters KR and KS (apparent Michaelis constants) and y ( V R V S , the ratio of maximal velocities) of such competing enzymes. The expressions have been experimentally verified using a purified competing enzyme system of l - and d -lactic dehydrogenases. Furthermore, the enantioselective reduction of β-keto esters by intact yeast cells has been examined by means of this kinetic analysis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in the ICU. Patients who acquire VAP have higher mortality rates and longer ICU and hospital stays. Because there are other potential causes of fever, leukocytosis, and pulmonary infiltrates, clinical diagnostic criteria are overly sensitive in the diagnosis of VAP. Employing quantitative cultures of bronchopulmonary secretions in the diagnostic algorithm leads to less antibiotic use and probably to lower mortality. With respect to microbiologic diagnosis, it is not clear that the use of a particular sampling method (bronchoscopic or nonbronchoscopic), when quantitatively cultured, is associated with better outcomes. Delayed administration of adequate antibiotic therapy is linked to an increased mortality rate. Hence, the focus of initial antibiotic therapy should be to rapidly provide antibiotic coverage for all likely pathogens and to then narrow or focus the antibiotic spectrum based on the results of quantitative cultures. Eight days of antibiotic therapy appears equivalent to 15 days of therapy except when treating nonlactose-fermenting Gram-negative organisms. In this latter situation, longer treatment durations appear to reduce the risk of recrudescence after discontinuation of antibiotic therapy. A guideline-based approach using the local hospital or ICU antibiogram can increase the likelihood that adequate initial antibiotic therapy is used and reduce the overall use of antibiotics and the associated selection pressure for multidrug-resistant organisms.
Acquisitions as a Means of Restructuring Firms in Chapter 11

This paper provides empirical evidence that takeovers can facilitate the efficient redeployment of assets of bankrupt firms. We investigate two questions central to the debate over acquisitions of bankrupt companies based on a sample of 55 firms acquired in Chapter 11. First, we examine whether these acquisitions occur in a competitive environment. Although bankrupt targets are on average purchased at a 45% discount relative to prices paid for non-bankrupt targets in the same industry, there are often multiple bidders competing for the target firm. Bidders are generally in related industries and often have some prior relationship to the target, suggesting they are well informed with respect to the value of the target. Second, we consider whether acquisitions in bankruptcy create value be examining ex-post measures of the success of the transaction. We find that on average acquisitions result in improved operating performance in spite of the fact that many acquirers are highly levered and operate in distressed industries. We also find positive and significant abnormal stock returns for the bidder and target firms at the announcement of the acquisition, suggesting the market perceives the acquisition as favorable for both acquirer and target company shareholders.
Teaching criminal justice research: An experiential model

Teaching research methods to undergraduate criminal justice students typically has been viewed as problematic. Students often experience considerable anxiety concerning required research courses and frequently lack the motivation to learn and appreciate the usefulness of research. Experiential case studies have been successfully utilized to teach criminal justice students the application of theory in practical situations. An evaluation of the experiential model was made in a post-test only control group research design with two groups of criminal justice research students. The results of the comparison supported the experiential approach and showed greater success utilizing this method over a traditional teaching method.
Impact of genetic manipulation on society and medicine

Human beings have been manipulating the genetic characteristics plants and animals since the introduction of agriculture indirect manipulation of human genes occurred with widespread use of public health and medical measures that preserve genes causing disease. The production of biologicals by DNA technology raises few ethical problems. Predictive medicine in which genetic markers (including DNA variants) are used for antenatal and preclinical diagnosis of genetic diseases and susceptibilities poses new questions of confidentiality, private versus societal goals, and self-determination. When normal DNA is used to treat the somatic cells of patients with hemoglobinopathies and other genetic diseases, no new ethical problems arise beyond those presented by an novel theory. In contrast, manipulation of DNA in human fertilized eggs would constitute a qualitative departure from previous therapies since this would affect future generations. In order to be able to make wise decisions on these matters the public must be well informed. Thus, formal and informal education in human biology and genetics must be improved at all levels.
Nanofabricated upconversion nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy

We present a novel process for the production of three-layer Composite Nanoparticles (CNPs) in the size range 100–300 nm with an up-converting phosphor interior, a coating of porphyrin photosensitizer, and a biocompatible PEG outer layer to prevent clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. We show that these CNPs produce millimolar amounts of singlet oxygen at NIR intensities far less than other two-photon techniques.
The molecular basis of mouse sperm–zona pellucida binding: a still unresolved issue in developmental biology

During murine fertilization, sperm bind to the specialized extracellular matrix of the egg, known as the zona pellucida (ZP). This matrix is composed of three major glycoproteins designated ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3. Three models for sperm-ZP binding are now under consideration. The domain-specific model posits that adhesion relies primarily on interactions between N-glycans located within the C-terminal domain of ZP3 and a lectin-like egg-binding protein in the sperm plasma membrane. However, this model does not explain recent results obtained in studies with ZP2(mut) mice. In the supramolecular structure model, sperm bind to a three-dimensional zona matrix that depends on the cleavage status of ZP2. This paradigm does not explain the potent inhibitory effect of specific carbohydrate sequences or a C-terminal glycopeptide (gp55) derived from ZP3. Recently, O-glycans linked at Thr(155) and Thr(162) of ZP3 were implicated as potential ligands that mediate initial sperm-ZP binding. This novel model will be reviewed. A major challenge is to develop an alternate model for sperm-ZP binding that fits as much of the data as possible. Such a model is presented in this review. This paradigm could explain how the inability to cleave ZP2(mut) in ZP2(mut) mice could result in continued sperm binding to two-cell stage embryos without the formation of a supramolecular binding complex. These novel insights should guide future experiments that will eventually determine the molecular basis underlying gamete binding in the mouse and other eutherian mammals.
Molecular cloning and sequencing of cytochrome c' from the phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum.

Abstract The gene for cytochrome c ′ from Chromatium vinosum was cloned from a Hind III- Sal I digest of genomic DNA. A 1.4 kbp fragment containing the gene was sequenced in both directions using the Sanger dideoxy method. The cytochrome c ′ gene codes for a 154-residue peptide, of which the last 131 amino acids match the previously determined sequence of the protein. The remaining 23 residues represent a signal sequence that is cleaved from the polypeptide upon translocation to the periplasmic space. An additional open reading frame on the other strand of the fragment codes for a peptide that contains four regions that are homologous to corresponding regions of the cytochrome b -type subunit of several Ni-Fe hydrogenases.
Abstract 2667: Inhibition of CYP3A4 expression by camptothecin via blocking activation of pregnane X receptor

Individual variation in drug metabolism is a major cause of unpredictable side effects during cancer therapy. Drug metabolism is controlled by a class of orphan nuclear receptors (NRs), which regulate the expression of cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4), an enzyme metabolizing more than 60% of clinically used drugs. In our study, it was found that xenobiotic-mediated induction of CYP3A4 gene expression in primary human hepatocytes was inhibited by camptothecin (CPT) but not by its analogue, irinotecan (CPT-11). CPT exerted its effect by inhibiting the activation of NR, human pregnenolone X receptor (hPXR). In contrast, irinotecan was found to be an hPXR agonist in the same tests. CPT disrupted the interaction of hPXR with steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) but had no effects on the formation of the hPXR and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) heterodimer. Nor had it effects on the interactions between the regulatory complex and DNA responsive elements. CPT treatment resulted in delayed metabolism of nifedipine induced by rifampicin in human hepatocytes, suggesting a potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) between CPT and CYP3A4 metabolized drugs. The study found a novel potent hPXR antagonist and indicated the potential of a new class of compounds to control drug efficacies in cancer therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2667.
Abstract 500: Heat shock protein gp96 regulates LRP6-Wnt-Survivin pathway and myeloma progression

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell neoplasm whose pathogenesis is closely linked to dysregulated unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Constitutive activation of UPR in mice causes myeloma, as demonstrated by transgenic expression of a master UPR transcription factor XBP1s. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Heat shock protein gp96 (grp94) is an ER paralogue of the cytosolic HSP90 and its expression can be induced by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. As one of the most abundant proteins in the ER lumen, gp96 is a key downstream chaperone in the ER to mediate UPR. However, the roles of individual ER HSPs in plasma cell and myeloma have not been reported. In this study, we demonstrated that the persistence of plasma cells as well as the development of myeloma in XBP1s-transgenic mice is critically dependent on gp96 in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that gp96 silencing in human MM cells led to significant reduction of surface expression of Wnt coreceptor LRP6 and the downstream canonical Wnt signaling. gp96 knockdown causes severe compromise in MM cell growth which can be significantly rescued by GSK3β inhibitors. In the absence of gp96, MM cells undergo mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis which correlated with decreased expression of survivin, a downstream molecule of Wnt in controlling cell survival. This is the first study to uncover the critical roles of gp96 in the initiation and progression of multiple myeloma, suggesting that blockade of gp96 is a novel therapeutic strategy against multiple myeloma. Citation Format: Yunpeng Hua, Shai White-Gilbertson, Joshua Kellner, Saleh Rachidi, Zihai Li, Bei Liu. Heat shock protein gp96 regulates LRP6-Wnt-Survivin pathway and myeloma progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 500. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-500
The Determinants of Survival Following Reoperation on Prosthetic Cardiac Valves

Abstract In an effort to identify the determinants of survival following reoperation on patients with prosthetic cardiac valves, the experience with a group of 33 patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center was reviewed. The survival rate was 58% (19/33). Survival was not related to the valve involved, the age of the patient, or the technical hazards of a second cardiac operation. Ten (77%) of the 13 patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II survived compared with 8 (40%) of the 20 in Class III or IV. The survival rate for patients with a paravalvular fistula was 79% (11/14); with valve dysfunction, 50% (6/12); and with prosthetic valve infection, 29% (2/7). The determinants of survival seem to be similar to those for primary operation (i.e., NYHA patient classification and indication for operation) and less related to the potential operative complications of a reoperation.
PRECUSOR FORMS OF RAT SMALL INTESTINAL LACTASE

High molecular weight precursor forms of various intestinal brush border enzymes have been demonstrated by pulse-labelling of intestinal explants maintained in culture. In the present study we have examined in vivo precursor forms of rat intestinal lactase. Fasted infant rats were injected (IP) with [35S]-methionine and killed after 0.5, 2, 4, and 18 H. The short fast was necessary to maximize incorporation of label. Lactase forms were isolated from Triton X-100 extracts of the intestinal homogenates by immunoprecipitation techniques using highly selective antisera. The isolated enzyme forms were separated by SDS-electrophoresis and examined by fluorography. Labelling within 30 min occurred in precursor forms of apparent mol. wts of 170, 125, and 90 Kd. A further precursor form of 200 Kd appeared within 2 H. All labelled precursor forms were no longer evident by 4 H. Apparent labelled brush border forms of lactase of 220, 130, and 95 Kd were evident by 2 H and were still present after 18 H. Using similar methodology, we have examined precursors of sucrase-isomaltase, with confirmation of existence of mature and immature precursor forms of 250 and 240 Kd respectively. Demonstration of lactase precursor forms determined in vivo provides confirmation of similar in vitro findings. These studies are consistent with the initial intra-cellular synthesis of high molecular weight precursor forms of lactase with subsequent transfer to brush border sites.
The BLM dissolvasome in DNA replication and repair

RecQ DNA helicases are critical for proper maintenance of genomic stability, and mutations in multiple human RecQ genes are linked with genetic disorders characterized by a predisposition to cancer. RecQ proteins are conserved from prokaryotes to humans and in all cases form higher-order complexes with other proteins to efficiently execute their cellular functions. The focus of this review is a conserved complex that is formed between RecQ helicases and type-I topoisomerases. In humans, this complex is referred to as the BLM dissolvasome or BTR complex, and is comprised of the RecQ helicase BLM, topoisomerase IIIα, and the RMI proteins. The BLM dissolvasome functions to resolve linked DNA intermediates without exchange of genetic material, which is critical in somatic cells. We will review the history of this complex and highlight its roles in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Additionally, we will review recently established interactions between BLM dissolvasome and a second set of genome maintenance factors (the Fanconi anemia proteins) that appear to allow coordinated genome maintenance efforts between the two systems.
Prior image constrained scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography image-guided radiation therapy

X-ray scatter is a significant problem in cone-beam computed tomography when thicker objects and larger cone angles are used, as scattered radiation can lead to reduced contrast and CT number inaccuracy. Advances have been made in x-ray computed tomography (CT) by incorporating a high quality prior image into the image reconstruction process. In this paper, we extend this idea to correct scatter-induced shading artifacts in cone-beam CT image-guided radiation therapy. Specifically, this paper presents a new scatter correction algorithm which uses a prior image with low scatter artifacts to reduce shading artifacts in cone-beam CT images acquired under conditions of high scatter. The proposed correction algorithm begins with an empirical hypothesis that the target image can be written as a weighted summation of a series of basis images that are generated by raising the raw cone-beam projection data to different powers, and then, reconstructing using the standard filtered backprojection algorithm. The weight for each basis image is calculated by minimizing the difference between the target image and the prior image. The performance of the scatter correction algorithm is qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated through phantom studies using a Varian 2100 EX System with an on-board imager. Results show that the proposed scatter correction algorithm using a prior image with low scatter artifacts can substantially mitigate scatter-induced shading artifacts in both full-fan and half-fan modes.
Role of small bowel capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia in elderly: A comprehensive review of the current literature

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common and often under recognized problem in the elderly. It may be the result of multiple factors including a bleeding lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty percent of elderly patients with IDA have a negative upper and lower endoscopy and two-thirds of these have a lesion in the small bowel (SB). Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides direct visualization of entire SB mucosa, which was not possible before. It is superior to push enteroscopy, enteroclysis and barium radiography for diagnosing clinically significant SB pathology resulting in IDA. Angioectasia is one of the commonest lesions seen on the CE in elderly with IDA. The diagnostic yield of CE for IDA progressively increases with advancing age, and is highest among patients over 85 years of age. Balloon assisted enteroscopy is used to treat the lesions seen on CE. CE has some limitations mainly lack of therapeutic capability, inability to provide precise location of the lesion and false positive results. Overall CE is a very safe and effective procedure for the evaluation of IDA in elderly.
Interaction of Hexachlorophene with Human Epidermis II: Comparison of Kinetic and Equilibrium In Vivo Results Obtained by Direct and Bioelectrometric Methods

The equilibrium uptake and release as well as the kinetics of hexachlorophene sorption and desorption on human epidermis were studied in vivo, utilizing a bioelectrometric technique and, more directly, a spectrophotometric assay for hexachlorophene cleared from and elutriated into aqueous solution. Kinetic and equilibrium results were obtained with 10 initial concentrations ranging from 0.116 to 1.26 mmoles/1. in a buffered medium at pH 10. Direct determinations of the uptake and subsequent studies of the release kinetics of hexachlorophene from the skin revealed that an average 41.6% of the hexachlorophene is recoverable by elutriation from the contents of three apparent kinetic compartments. Least-squares values of the half-lives of 1.42, 12.1, and 30.9 min. were found to correspond to each compartment. Wash-off experiments conducted for up to 400 min. revealed the operation of a fourth compartment with a half-life of approximately 274 min. Comparable kinetic and equilibrium results obtained electrometrically, in the form of the time course and equilibrium variation of the net fixed-charge density on the epidermal colloids, correlated with those obtained by direct assay for the slower compartments. The slower compartments were attributed to tissue-interacted hexachlorophene and the fastest compartment to its distribution into tissue-free space.
Complex predator–prey interactions between the rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and invertebrate and vertebrate prey within their native range

Crayfish can have profound effects on native species where they are introduced, yet few studies have examined the role of crayfish predation on species within their native ranges. We examined interactions between predatory rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and invertebrate and vertebrate prey in Southeast Indiana, where the crayfish are a native species. We conducted multiple experiments, which included assessing the predation efficiency of rusty crayfish on salamander larvae (Eurycea cirrigea) and aquatic isopods (Lirceus fontinalis), the role of substrate in prey survival, prey responses to chemical stimuli from crayfish, and the distribution of each species in a natural stream setting. We found that crayfish almost completely eliminated isopods, but the addition of even a simple gravel substrate dramatically increased survival. Although the size of the crayfish had no effect on isopod survival, salamander larvae were more likely to survive in the presence of smaller crayfish. Neither prey species re...
An extracellular 5'-nucleotidase with both monoesterase and diesterase activity from Micrococcus sodonensis.

Abstract A 5′-nucleotidase which has both monoesterase and diesterase activity has been isolated from the growth medium of Micrococcus sodonensis. The enzyme can be separated electrophoretically into three isoenzymes. The enzyme exhibited a pH optimum of 8.7, a molecular weight of approximately 115,000, and requires Mn2+ for stability. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of the 5′-phosphate bond in both mononucleotides and dinucleotides, but has negligible activity with nucleic acids. The enzyme also catalyzes the hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate, p-nitrophenyl thymidine-5′-phosphate, to p-nitrophenyl phosphate and thymidine, the reaction used in the spectrophotometric assay of the enzyme. Its substrate specificity differentiates it from other nucleotidases which have been described, and indicates that it may be of use in the sequencing of oligonucleotides.
The design and translation of ORL: an object retrieval language

Abstract This article presents the design of ORL, an object retrieval language interface to an object algebra. An object algebra provides a set-oriented approach to the retrieval of objects in an object-oriented data base. Like the relational algebra, however, an object algebra is not the ideal language for use by end users. ORL provides a more concise, user-friendly approach to the expression of queries over objects than the object algebra on which it is based. The ORL syntax is based on SQL and is extended with features to support object references, path expressions, and set-valued properties. A unique aspect of ORL is the manner in which set-valued properties are used within object-to-object path expressions, allowing a more concise expression of queries by eliminating the explicit definition of range variables for set-valued properties. This article presents the syntactic features of ORL, focusing on the translation process for translating ORL queries to their equivalent object algebra expressions. A comparison of ORL to SQL is also presented. ORL has been implemented on top of the ONTOS object-oriented data base system. The complete system provides an interactive query facility that is a dramatic improvement over the current programmatic OSQL interface provided by ONTOS, providing an ad hoc, set-oriented approach to object retrieval without requiring the development of code in C++.
An elementary sufficiency proof of an absolute minimum for a nonparametric variational problem

For a fixed endpoint, nonparametric simple integral variational problem, there is presented an expansion method proof of a sufficiency theorem for an absolute minimum. In particular, this sufficiency theorem yields readily the proof of a result of the type recently presented by Nehari (Ref. 1), but with an error in formulation and an incorrect proof. The present discussion is in a setting which permits considered arcs to be on the boundary of the set of admissible arcs; thus it contains as particular instances certain types of unilateral variational problems of a control nature.