cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sympathetic index from the Valsalva maneuver.

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) decline and recovery during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) are used to evaluate the degree of sympathetic failure (SF) but a reliable sympathetic index (SI) derived from VM is lacking. Methods: Patients with mild (n = 20), moderate (n = 65), and severe (n = 60) SF and 23 healthy controls were evaluated using a standardized battery of autonomic tests. SF was defined as mild (associated with reduced sudomotor volumes at distal leg); moderate (associated with a fall in systolic BP ≥ 10 Results: All indexes showed overall significant differences among tested groups (p Conclusions: SI3 is the optimal method for calculation of SI since it 1) easily differentiates between healthy controls and those with SF; 2) correlates with the OH, a proxy for a sympathetic failure; 3) tracks the full spectrum of SF (mild–moderate–severe). SI3 expands the utility of quantitative autonomic testing.
Glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and creatine changes with local cold injury of the rabbit limb.

Abstract Some biochemical effects of local cold injury were studied by immersing the hind leg of the rabbit in 2°C. water for 24 hours and then analyzing creatine, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase of the muscle and of systemic serum 24 hours later. There was a decrease in muscle creatine but no change in theserum. There was a decrease in muscle GOT in both the chilled and contralateral legs and a rise in serum, while LDH showed no change in muscle nut did increase in the serum. Some possible mechanisms responsible for these changes are discussed briefly.
Occurrence and reversal, in Lemna paucicostata 6612, of a condition that prevents nitrate utilization

Abstract Chlorotic colonies, typically N-deficient in appearance, occasionally arise in cultures of L. paucicostata 6612 grown with KNO3 as sole N-source; they produce normal green fronds when transferred to aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, NH4+ or NO3−, as sole N-sources. Vegetative reproduction of ‘nitrate-chlorotic’ (n.c.) plants is not impaired by NO3− in the presence of other N-sources, but fails on NO3− alone under both bright light and organotrophic conditions and on two different basal media. Somatic mutation seems an unlikely explanation, since descendents of n.c. plants grown on certain reduced N-media will again grow normally on NO3− as sole N-source. Nor does n.c. seem likely to result from dilution of some material in normal plants, given the duration of culture on KNO3 medium required and the concomitant rate of tissue increase. No similar effect of exposure to NO3− as sole N-source is known to the authors; it should be valuable in studying the regulation of NO3− utilization in plants.
Identification of MMV Malaria Box Inhibitors of Perkinsus marinus Using an ATP-Based Bioluminescence Assay

“Dermo” disease caused by the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus (Perkinsozoa) is one of the main obstacles to the restoration of oyster populations in the USA. Perkinsus spp. are also a concern worldwide because there are limited approaches to intervention against the disease. Based on the phylogenetic affinity between the Perkinsozoa and Apicomplexa, we exposed Perkinsus trophozoites to the Medicines for Malaria Venture Malaria Box, an open access compound library comprised of 200 drug-like and 200 probe-like compounds that are highly active against the erythrocyte stage of Plasmodium falciparum. Using a final concentration of 20 µM, we found that 4 days after exposure 46% of the compounds were active against P. marinus trophozoites. Six compounds with IC50 in the µM range were used to compare the degree of susceptibility in vitro of eight P. marinus strains from the USA and five Perkinsus species from around the world. The three compounds, MMV666021, MMV665807 and MMV666102, displayed a uniform effect across Perkinsus strains and species. Both Perkinsus marinus isolates and Perkinsus spp. presented different patterns of response to the panel of compounds tested, supporting the concept of strain/species variability. Here, we expanded the range of compounds available for inhibiting Perkinsus proliferation in vitro and characterized Perkinsus phenotypes based on their resistance to six compounds. We also discuss the implications of these findings in the context of oyster management. The Perkinsus system offers the potential for investigating the mechanism of action of the compounds of interest.
Computerized probit analysis for radiation mortality

Abstract The computerized Statistical Analysis System (SAS) for probit analysis was used in analyzing radiation dose response data. Sixty female and 60 male Sprague‐Dawley rats, aged 80±5 days and weighing 200–250 g each, were randomly assigned to six groups of 10 animals each. Each rat received a single total‐body exposure (rads) of Co gamma radiation of 0, 675, 700, 725, 750, or 775 at a dose rate of 304 rads/min. Mortalities were recorded during a 30‐day interval. The probit LD 50(30) for wale rats was 733 (715–754) rads with a Chi‐square of 5.736 (df =3); values for females were 729 (712–750) rads with a Chi‐square of 3.757 (df = 3). When males and females were combined, the LD,50(30) was 731 (719–744) rads and the Chi‐square was 3.384 (df = 3). The probit analysis indicated that the individual populations of rrale and female rats, as well as their combined population. exhibited no significant deviations from normality. Further, the level of significance revealed that the combined population of male a...
Zn solubility in low carbonate solutions

Abstract While the importance of several metal basic carbonates has been recognized in natural and wastewater systems, the existence of the Zn basic carbonate, hydrozincite, has not been fully appreciated even though solubility data have been available. In the presence of 2 mM total inorganic carbonate, Zn 2+ solutions below pH 8.2 were found to precipitate hydrozincite within 24 h and to contain total dissolved Zn concentrations that were comparable to those predicted from equilibrium with hydrozincite. The identity of the hydrozincite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses. In the pH range 8.2–10.5, the total dissolved Zn concentrations were less than that expected from equilibrium with hydrozincite by factors of up to 3, while the precipitated solids had C:Zn ratios intermediate between those of hydrozincite and give oxide and exhibited weak hydrozincite X-ray diffraction patterns. At pHs above 10.5, zinc oxides with strong X-ray diffraction patterns were present and total dissolved Zn concentrations approached those expected for equilibrium with zinc oxide. In solutions prepared to exclude carbonate, the total dissolved zinc concentrations in all solutions were similar to those expected for equilibrium with zinc oxide. However, two solids in these “carbonate-free” solutions contained small amounts of inorganic carbonate and exhibited weak hydrozincite X-ray diffraction patterns. The presence of well-defined or poorly-crystalline hydrozincite in all 2 mM inorganic carbon solutions between pH 8–10 and its presence in two solutions prepared to exclude carbonate contamination suggest that hydrozincite is probably a common Zn solid formed in conventional precipitation processes.
Life-Threatening Hypoglycemia Associated with Intentional Insulin Ingestion

There are reports of insulin overdose by injection, yet little is known regarding the potential harms of intentional oral ingestion of insulin. In this report, we describe a case of massive insulin ingestion and ensuing hypoglycemia. To our knowledge, there are no previously published cases of hypoglycemia caused by intentional insulin ingestion. A 51-year-old man intentionally ingested three 10-ml vials (total of 3000 units) of various insulins: one vial each of insulin aspart, lispro, and glargine. Four symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes, with blood glucose levels of 48, 25, 34, and 40 mg/dl, occurred approximately 1, 3, 4, and 5 hours, respectively, after ingestion. The hypoglycemia could not be explained other than the ingestion of the insulins. The patient was admitted for observation, and euglycemia occurred within 24 hours without any additional hypoglycemic episodes. Hypoglycemia treatment is reviewed in this case report, and factors that may affect systemic response of orally ingested insulin, including gastrointestinal absorption and insulin sensitivity, are discussed. In addition, the findings of our case report may provide useful insight into the development of novel oral insulin products that are currently in research. Despite poor bioavailability (1%) when taken orally, insulin may produce symptomatic hypoglycemia with a massive ingestion. Vigilant blood glucose monitoring, supportive care with glucose replacement therapy, and admission to the hospital for observation may be required.
Gastric evacuation of three food types in the black and yellow rockfish Sebastes chrysomelas (Jordan and Gilbert)

The evacuation patterns of shrimp, crab and fish from the stomachs of black and yellow rockfish, Sebastes chrysomelas, were examined by feeding meals of known size and measuring the amount remaining after various post-prandial intervals. Linear, square-root, exponential, power exponential, logistic and Gompertz models (the latter two with unrestricted lower asymptotes, or with lower asymptotes restricted to 0% food remaining) were fitted to the wet weight, dry weight and volume of food remaining in the stomach as a function of post-prandial time. Evacuation patterns ranged from steeply concave (fish wet weight, dry weight, volume, shrimp dry weight), to linear (shrimp wet weight, crab dry weight), to highly convex with lag phases of up to 30 h (crab wet weight, crab and shrimp volume). Friability, the ease with which a food item is fragmented in the stomach, may be an important factor in determining evacuation patterns. The evacuation of a crab meal by tagged, free-ranging S. chrysomelas in the field was not significantly different from that of S. chrysomelas held in the laboratory.
Changes in specific prolactin binding in Rana catesbeiana tadpole tissues during metamorphosis and following prolactin and thyroid-hormone treatment ☆

The prolactin-binding affinity (KD) and number of binding sites *N) in Rana catesbeiana tadpole liver, tail fin and kidney tissues were studied during metamorphosis and following administration of oPRL and L-T3 to premetamorphic tadpoles. With increasing developmental stage there was an increase in N; a maximum was found at stage XVIII followed by a gradual decrease in N through metamorphic climax for all 3 tissues. No change in KD was noted. L-T3 treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles for 7 days caused a significant decrease in tail length and height and body length and an increase in hindlimb length with a concurrent increase in N of approximately 3-fold while treatment for 1 or 3 days was without effect on tadpole morphology or oPRL binding. OPRL treatment for 7 days caused a significant increase in tail length and height and body length with no significant changes in hindlimb length and a 3-5-fold increase in N. Treatment with both L-T3 and oPRL for 7 days resulted in an inhibition of the T3-induced decrease in tail length and height and body length and no inhibition of the hindlimb length increase. N increased in all tissues similar to that found with eight treatment alone. No change in KD was noted in any of these studies. Therefore, oPRL and L-T3 are able to regulate the numbers of specific oPRL-binding sites in amphibian tissues. The change in N with development parallels the reported change in tadpole pituitary capacity to stimulate growth but occurs prior to the reported surge of endogenous T3 during metamorphosis. Thus, the variation in the number of oPRL-binding sites may be due to the changes in endogenous PRL levels during development.
Polyamides from 2,6,(7)‐diamino‐9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐ethanoanthracene and 2,6,(7)‐diaminoanthracene

Preparation de polyamides amorphes, de masse moleculaire elevee et filmogene a partir du 1er compose du titre et de divers diacides
Differential reflectometry of sputtered silver-aluminum films between 1.6 and 6.2 eV

Abstract Differential reflectometry studies were performed on various silver-aluminum alloys in the photon energy range between 1.6 and 6.2 eV. For these experiments a thin film, several thousand Angstroms thick, was used whose composition varied continuously from one end to the other. It was produced by co-sputtering pure silver and pure aluminum from separate targets. The differential reflectograms of specific alloys whose compositions were in different fields of the phase diagram were found to have recognizable and characteristic line shapes. In particular, the μ-phase was found to have a pronounced structure near 4 eV, similarly as observed for pure silver. Alloys with higher aluminum content yielded differential reflectograms with comparatively little structure.
Robotic tissue tracking for beating heart mitral valve surgery.

The rapid motion of the heart presents a significant challeng e to the surgeon during intracardiac beating heart procedures. We present a 3D ultrasound-guided motion compensation system that assists the surgeon by synchronizing instrument motion with the heart. The system utilizes the fact that certain intracardiac structures, like the mitral va lve annulus, have trajectories that are largely constrained to translation along one axis. This allows the development of a real-time 3D ultrasound tissue tracker that we integrate with a 1 degree-of-freedom (DOF) actuated surgical instrument and predictive filter to devise a motion tracking system adapted to mitral valve annuloplasty. In vivo experiments demonstrate that the system provides highly accurate tracking (1.0 mm error) with 70% less error than manual tracking attempts.
Bacteriophages in the evolution of pathogen-host interactions.

Theterm “emerging infectious diseases” has recently been popularized as a way to describe the introduction of new infectious agents to human populations (1). Bacterial infectious diseases can “emerge” by different methods. Emergence may involve the discovery that a disease of unknown etiology has a microbial etiology, such as peptic ulcers caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria (2). Infectious diseases can also emerge as a result of exposure of specific human populations to microorganisms that are new to those populations. Such strains could emerge as new epidemics or pandemics, as was the case with the spread of the bacterial cause of cholera, Vibrio cholerae, from Asia to South America (3). In addition to these well appreciated mechanisms, advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis have led to the hypothesis that more virulent bacterial strains could emerge through recent acquisition of virulence factors. The current worldwide epidemic of the Gram-negative enterobacteriaciae Salmonella has significant public health implications (4) and may provide an important example to illustrate this principle.
Kinetics of extraction of invertase from autolysed bakers' yeast cells

Abstract The kinetics of extraction of invertase (β- d -fructofuranoside fructohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.26) from air-dried autolysed bakers' yeast has been studied at different pH values and temperatures for cells subjected to drying at different rates and to different final moisture contents. Both invertase and total protein followed a biphasic pattern of extraction. External proteins were released very fast and then a second stage of intracellular protein extraction followed. Kinetics of extraction varied according not only to the final moisture content of cells but also to the drying rate to which they were subjected. Results tend to prove that it is the time the cells are below some critical moisture during autolysis which determines the level of protein extraction, in concordance with the enzymatic nature of autolysis. One to two days below critical moisture were enough for maximum protein and invertase release. Kinetics of extraction was relatively unaffected by temperature in the range studied, but markedly dependent on pH, a value of 6.0 giving the highest specific activity of the extract.
Tropomyosin has discrete actin-binding sites with sevenfold and fourteenfold periodicities.

Abstract Analysis of the periodic distribution of amino acids in tropomyosin has revealed the presence of seven or 14 quasi-equivalent actin-binding sites. We tested the hypothesis of periodic actin-binding sites by making deletions of chicken striated α-tropomyosin cDNA using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The deletions corresponded to one-half (amino acid residues 47 to 67), two-thirds (residues 47 to 74) and one actin-binding site (residues 47 to 88), on the basis of there being seven sites. The mutant cDNAs were expressed as fusion and non-fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and analyzed for actin binding and regulatory function. Fusion tropomyosin binds to actin with an affinity similar to that of muscle tropomyosin. Of the mutant fusion tropomyosins, only that with a full site deleted retained actin affinity and the ability to inhibit the actomyosin S1 ATPase. though it was less effective than wild-type. We conclude that an integral number of half-turns of the tropomyosin coiled-coil, and the consequential sevenfold periodicity, as well as the correct orientation of the ends with respect to each other, are important for actin binding. On the other hand, non-fusion tropomyosin binds well to actin only in the presence of troponin, and the binding is calcium-sensitive. Assay of non-fusion mutant tropomyosins showed that mutants with deletion of one-half and one actin binding site both had high affinity for actin, equal to or slightly less than wild-type. The ability of these two mutants to regulate the actomyosin or acto-S1 ATPase with troponin in the absence of calcium was indistinguishable from that of the wild-type. The normal regulatory function of the mutant with a 1 14 deletion (removal of a quarter turn or half a site) indicates that a 14-fold periodicity is adequate for regulation, consistent with the presence of two sets of seven α and seven β quasi-equivalent actin-binding sites. An alternative explanation is that the α-sites are of primary importance and that proper alignment of the α-sites in every second tropomyosin, as when half a site is deleted, is sufficient for normal regulatory function. Deletion of a non-integral period (2/3 of a site) severely compromised actin-binding and regulatory function, presumably due to the inability of the mutant to align properly on the actin filament.
Purine Content of Raw and Roasted Chicken Broiler Meat

Adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine were determined in raw and roasted broiler parts. The levels of adenine and guanine increased slightly when the meat was cooked. These increases were attributed to moisture and fat losses by the tissues during roasting. The level of hypoxanthine remained constant or decreased in the tissues because some of the purine was removed with the cooking juices. The cooking juices were found to contain high levels of hypoxanthine and only trace amounts of adenine and guanine.
Conformal anomaly, virasoro algebra and Chern—Simons cohomology

We make use of Chern-Simons cohomology and the family index theorem to deal with two-dimensional anomalies, infinite-dimensional algebras and their relations. We also take advantage of Zweibein formulation to treat the world sheet trace anomaly and Virasoro algebra in Polyakov string and to show how the anaomaly-free condition gives rise to the critical dimensions.
Long-Term Effects of Neurofeedback Training in Anterior Cingulate Cortex: A Short Follow-Up Report

This report is a follow-up illustrating the long-term absolute power and coherence changes in two participants that completed 30 sessions of training 14–18 Hz in the cognitive division of anterior cingulate gyrus. One female after 7 months and 1 male at 13 months agreed for follow-up EEG procedures. We obtained 3-min eyes-closed and eyes-opened baselines for comparison to pretraining eyes-closed and eyes-opened baselines. We utilized Neuroguide version 2.4 for comparisons. We compared pre- and postpsychometric scores. Analysis of variance procedures show significant differences between the pretraining baselines and follow-up baselines. There are significant differences between pre- and postworking memory and processing speed scores. LORETA neurofeedback in the anterior cingulate cortex appears to induce long-term cortical changes and produces significant positive increases in working memory and processing speed scores.
Loss of anticoagulant effect of heparin during circulation of human blood in vitro.

: Device-induced thrombogenesis was studied in an in vitro model using human blood circulated through an artificial ventricle. A new constant pressure filtration technique was used to detect circulating microemboli, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test was used to monitor the blood for the presence of anticoagulant activity of heparin, and hemolysis was quantified by measuring the plasma free hemoglobin level. Circulation of blood through a 20-ml stroke volume pneumatically driven ventricle for 6-9 h resulted in a significant reduction of APTT, indicating the loss of the anticoagulant effect of heparin. Microemboli concentration was minimal until the APTT decreased below 125 s, at which time the microemboli concentration increased rapidly. This was presumed to be due to the formation of thrombi following a decrease in heparin activity. A significant increase in hemolysis was also noted when blood was pumped. None of these changes was noted in the nonpumped control blood. Spontaneous loss of heparin activity in blood circulated by a pneumatically driven pump may have clinical implications and may help understanding of the problems associated with device-induced thrombogenesis.
Congenital Cutaneous Hemangioma Causing Cardiac Failure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present a case of a large congenital hemangioma (CH) on the neck causing cardiac failure and thrombocytopenia in a female neonate. A trial of medical therapy with corticosteroids and propranolol was attempted, but the patient ultimately underwent definitive treatment with embolization and surgical resection with a positive outcome. A review of the English language literature revealed 16 previously reported cases of CHs complicated by congestive heart failure. This series supports known demographic features of CHs, including a lack of gender discrepancy and a predilection to affect the head and neck. These CHs are rarely diagnosed in utero; most patients present with a mass at birth. Cardiac failure is identified prenatally or in the first days of life. A mild to moderate thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy, which is likely transient and distinct from classic Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, accompanies many of these cases. There is a 30% associated mortality rate. Both medical and interventional treatment modalities have been reported. Steroids are the most commonly used medication, but without any clear benefit. We hypothesize that, based on its possible mechanisms of action,propranolol may be a more effective treatment for CHs requiring treatment. As surgical intervention may be necessary, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with problematic CHs.
Spectroscopic determination of vibrational potential energy surfaces in ground and excited electronic states

Abstract Vibrational potential energy surfaces (PESs) for selected vibrations can provide detailed information on the conformational changes of non-rigid molecules in both ground and excited electronic states. These have been investigated using several spectroscopic techniques including laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), both fluorescence excitation spectroscopy (FES) and single vibrational level fluorescence (SVLF) or dispersed fluorescence (DF), infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption, and laser Raman spectroscopy. These methods allow detailed quantum energy maps for the ground electronic state (S 0 ) and excited electronic states [S 1 (π,π * ) and S 1 (n,π * )] to be established. Knowledge of these states allows the PESs to be determined in terms of the relevant molecular vibrations. The results for coumaran and 1,4-benzodioxan (14BZD) will be presented. Coumaran is puckered in both S 0 and S 1 (π,π * ) states with inversion barriers of 154 and 34 cm −1 , respectively, and the energy minima lie at dihedral angles of 25° and 14°. 14BZD is twisted in both S 0 and S 1 (π,π * ) states with high barriers to planarity. In the electronic excited state the inversion barrier is reduced considerably.
Predictable Delivery of Prioritized Multihop Message Streams in Wireless Systems

Emerging applications in areas such as advanced manufacturing and healthcare systems demand predictable delivery of prioritized message streams over multihop wireless systems. The dominance protocol is an important approach in which transmitting nodes use priority identifiers to dynamically regulate access to the shared medium. This protocol, however, has an unresolved problem called the Multihop Competing Problem (MCP). Despite recognizing that the problem could occur, the current literature offers no characterization of the problem or when it can occur. Because MCP could occur, it was not possible to analytically determine the end-to-end latency bounds of the message streams. When MCP occurred, the end-to-end latency of the message streams was affected adversely. We characterize MCP and show that it is an exposed terminal problem that occurs when the nodes use certain priority identifiers in adjacent two-hop neighborhoods of a transmitting node. Using a random disk graph model, we show that MCP occurs often in such systems. We utilize our characterization of MCP to derive priority identifiers that guarantee that MCP will not occur. The MCP free labels propose enable the predictable delivery of multihop message streams, improve end-to-end latency of the streams, and improve throughput in well-engineered and ad hoc networks.
A rational equation for attractive proportions

Abstract A hypothetical law governing the generation of aesthetically attractive proportions in music and geometry is introduced. This law is formulated as follows: an attractive proportion x is a positive root of the equation x 1 + x + 2rx − x x − r = 0 where r is either k or 1 k , k is a natural number, and α is zero or one. If α = 0, a root x corresponds to an attractive musical interval; if α = 1, then a positive root x corresponds to an attractive geometrical ratio of line lengths. From this law we formally deduced the Just Intonation set in music and the golden section and some other geometrical ratios which might also be attractive. We then deduce this hypothetical law from a formal model of a subject with many-tiered reflexion.
Alteration of 23 S ribosomal RNA and erythromycin-induced resistance to lincomycin and spiramycin in Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Functionally active “hybrid” 50 S ribosomal subunits can be reconstituted using 23 S RNA from Staphylococcus aureus (strain 1206) and 5 S RNA, as well as 50 S ribosomal proteins from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Using this system, resistance of S. aureus 50 S subunits to lincomycin and spiramycin was analyzed. When 23 S RNA from either phenotypically resistant (“induced resistance”) S. aureuscells or derived genetically resistant (“constitutive resistance”) S. aureus cells, were used, the reconstituted 50 S subunits showed the resistant phenotype similar to that seen in native 50 S subunits obtained from resistant cells; only very weak inhibition by the antibiotics was observed in poly (U) - directed polyphenylalanine synthesis involving these 50 S subunits. In contrast, the 50 S particles reconstituted using 23 S RNA from uninduced (sensitive) S. aureus were subject to greater inhibition by the antibiotics in cell-free poly-peptide synthesis. It is concluded that modification of 23 S RNA, presumably the previously observed methylation to form dimethyladenine, is responsible for the resistance to the antibiotics in this strain of S. aureus.
Quality of life outcome is associated with cessation rather than reduction of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

The outcome of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (NES) is usually judged by recurrence of spells, but functional outcome or quality of life (QOL) is less well described. We tested the hypothesis that a decrease in NES recurrence yields corresponding improvement in QOL. Patients with NES were diagnosed with continuous video-EEG. We determined spell rate and QOL through a telephone interview at least six months after diagnosis. Thirty subjects consented to a follow-up interview (mean 17.4+/-1.5 months between diagnosis and interview). The rate of NES per week decreased significantly, and 10/30 (33%) had complete resolution. QOL, measured by the QOLIE-10 scale, did not improve proportionately with reduction in NES. However, subjects who reported a cessation of NES noted a significantly better total QOLIE-10 score (20.7+/-2.2) than those with continuing NES (27.4+/-1.6, P=0.02 by unpaired t test). Cessation rather than reduction of NES is associated with better QOL outcome.
Enterotrophic Effect of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I but not Growth Hormone and Localized Expression of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I, Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein‐3 and ‐5 mRNAs in Jejunum of Parenterally Fed Rats

Background: Administration of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, but not growth hormone (GH), stimulates mucosal hyperplasia in surgically stressed rats with intestinal atrophy induced by hypocaloric total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Our aim was to characterize the basis for this disparity in enterotrophic action by assessing the relationships between stimulation of intestinal growth, nutritional adequacy, and localization of expression of IGF-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGFBP-5 mRNAs in jejunum. Methods: Rats were maintained with TPN for 8 days and treated with IGF-I or GH and adequate nutrition for 5 days after recovery from surgery. Jejunal mass, morphology, and sucrase activity were assessed. Localization of expression of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-5 mRNAs in jejunum was accomplished by in situ hybridization. Results: Serum IGF-I and body weight gain were significantly increased by IGF-I or GH. Jejunal mucosal dry mass, morphology, and sucrase activity were improved with IGF-I but not GH. There were no differences in IGF-I mRNA. IGFBP-3 mRNA was localized in the lamina propria of the villi. IGF-I or GH stimulated IGFBP-3 expression. IGF-I strongly stimulated IGFBP-5 expression in the lamina propria and the muscularis and induced a twofold increase in IGFBP-5 mRNA based on RNase protection assay of intact jejunum total RNA. GH induced a modest increase in IGFBP-5 expression in the muscularis with no effect on intact jejunum total RNA. Conclusions: The GH resistance observed in the jejunal mucosa of TPN rats cannot be fully explained by inadequate nutrition. The expression of IGFBP-5 in the lamina propria suggests it may modulate the enterotrophic action of exogeneous IGF-I.
Technology and Context Within Research on International Development Programs: Positioning an Integrationist Perspective

We focus on development efforts that use information and communication technologies for educational purposes in developing nations. The oppositional nature of the approaches to development makes constructive dialogue among theoretical perspectives difficult. Using Jackson's (1996) metatheoretical classification scheme, we sort development research based on 4 possible logical relationships between technology as an artifact and the social context. Derivation of the scheme is principled rather than historical and independent of any particular theory. Focusing on assumptions about technology and context brings new understanding of each perspective and can foster a dialogue across the perspectives. Further, we offer that self-organizing systems theory possesses the potential of representing an integrationist perspective in development research.
The Dynamo Model, Field Reversal, and Polar Wandering

The convective flow conducting heat from the inner core of the earth to the mantle may follow a jet-stream-like pattern in which trapped segments of fluid form cylindrical rotating columns—as observed in laboratory studies in cylindrical rotating vessels. This suggests a very simple hydromagnetic version of the dynamo theory in which bundles of magnetic lines of force twisted by the rotation of the outer columns play a predominant role. The westward drift of the convection pattern is a reaction to the eastward drift which the jet stream imparts to the inner core. This drift bends the bundles of force lines in such a way that the twisting provides the curl H (near the equator) which supports the earth's main field. The dynamo action tends to produce a main dipole moment parallel to the axis of rotation and effects that are intrinsically fairly small are proposed to account for the present inclination between them. One such effect is inhomogeniety of the temperature distribution and conductivity of the mantle due to convection related to continental configuration. Another arises from irregular kinking of the almost axial bundles of lines of force threading through the solid core and twisted by its rotation relative to the mantle. It is thus plausible that magnetic and rotational axes have remained nearly parallel so that paleomagnetism approximately traces the course of the kinematic poles. Field reversal and continental drift are also briefly discussed.
Phosphatidylcholine synthesis and glycogen depletion in fetal mouse lung: developmental changes and the effects of dexamethasone.

We measured the rate of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine in lung slices; the glycogen content of the lung; and the activities of pulmonary cholinephosphate cytidylyltrans-ferase, cholinephosphotransferase and phosphatidate phosphatase in the mouse during late fetal and early postnatal development. We also examined the effect of maternal dexamethasone administration on these parameters of fetal lung maturation. There was a developmental increase in the rate of choline incorporation between 17 days gestation (term is 19 days) and the immediate newborn period. There was also a developmental decrease in the glycogen content of the lung but this did not occur until 18 days. There was a developmental increase in the activities of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase and phosphatidate phosphatase but little change in the activity of cholinephosphotransferase. Dexamethasone doubled the rate of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine at 17 and 18 days gestation. It decreased the glycogen cont...
ASAS Centennial Paper: The future of teaching and research in companion animal biology in departments of animal sciences

Departments of animal sciences must be relevant to a society in which a small number of people can raise almost all the food animal products needed. The declining number of people involved in animal agriculture has decreased enrollment of students interested in food animals in many departments of animal science. However, several departments welcomed students from a diverse background and began research on animals other than food animals. In many states, the undergraduate enrollment is made up primarily of students interested only in companion animals. A benefit of this is that we have recruited new students into animal agriculture and they have gone on to excellent careers. We have a new challenge now: how to maintain and expand the efforts in teaching, research, and outreach of companion animal science. Departments wishing to expand in teaching have examples of successful courses and curricula from other departments. Some departments have expanded their teaching efforts across their own university to teach about pets to a wider audience than their own majors; other departments can follow. In research, a small number of faculty have been able to establish extramurally funded projects on pets, including horses. But it will be difficult for more than a handful of departments to have a serious research effort in dogs, cats, birds, fish, or exotic animals. Departments will have to make a concerted effort to invest in such endeavors; joint ventures with other universities and colleges of veterinary medicine (or medicine) will probably be required. Funding sources for "traditional" efforts in nutrition, reproduction, and physiology are small and inconsistent; however, with the progress of the equine, canine, and feline genome projects, there should be opportunities from federal funding sources aimed at using animal models for human health. In addition, efforts in animal behavior and welfare can be expanded, perhaps with some funding from private foundations or animal-supportive organizations.
Crystal Structure of the Catalytic Domain of Human Plasmin Complexed with Streptokinase

Streptokinase is a plasminogen activator widely used in treating blood-clotting disorders. Complexes of streptokinase with human plasminogen can hydrolytically activate other plasminogen molecules to plasmin, which then dissolves blood clots. A similar binding activation mechanism also occurs in some key steps of blood coagulation. The crystal structure of streptokinase complexed with the catalytic unit of human plasmin was solved at 2.9 angstroms. The amino-terminal domain of streptokinase in the complex is hypothesized to enhance the substrate recognition. The carboxyl-terminal domain of streptokinase, which binds near the activation loop of plasminogen, is likely responsible for the contact activation of plasminogen in the complex.
Quantitative Description of the Phytomers of Big Bluestem

Distribution of dry matter in reproductive culms of grasses is related to plant morphology and can be described based on phytomers, Our objective was to describe the morphology of the phytomers of reproductive culms of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and to quantify patterns of distribution of dry matter among their components. Reproductive culms in early anthesis from a seed production field, a mixed-grass planting, and a native prairie near Brookings, SD were separated into phytomers and fractionated into leaf blade, leaf sheath, internode, and inflorescence components for the culm axis and axillary branches. Blade length and weight and sheath weight decreased markedly among phytomers of the main shoot in acropetal fashion, whereas sheath length was relatively constant. Blade and sheath weight were similar for the basal phytomer (180 nig), hut sheath weight was 10 times greater than blade weight (17 mg) for the apical leaf-bearing phytomer because of significant contributions from sheaths of axillary branches. The longest internodes (220 mm) were in the central phytomers, hut internode weight was 10 times greater for the basal (760 mg) than the apical phytomer. Inflorescence weight varied among populations and among phytomers, but accounted for 60% of the dry matter of axillary branches. The axillary branches accounted for 50% of the weight of the four uppermost leaf-bearing phytomers. Our data provide a framework for developing selection criteria based on plant morphology and studying genetic and environmental influences on the developmental morphology of big bluestem.
Skeleton-rearranged pentacyclic diterpenoids possessing a cyclobutane ring from Euphorbia wallichii

Two novel rearranged trachylobane diterpenoids, designated as wallichanol A (2) and wallichanol B (3), consisting of an unprecedented pentacyclic skeleton named wallichane with a cyclobutane ring, and a new ent-trachylobane diterpenoid, 3-oxo-ent-trachyloban-17-oic acid (1), were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia wallichii. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of 2D-NMR spectroscopic data, with the stereochemistry of 1 confirmed by X-ray crystallographic study. All of these compounds potently block osteoclastogenesis in vitro, suggesting a potential therapeutic application in prevention of osteoporosis.
Giving failed drugs a fresh chance: a new direction for nanoparticle drug delivery.

Advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery devices. These nanocarriers are generally less than 100 nm in size and can be precisely engineered to posse...
Use of mutant cells to localize thymidine kinase in a mammalian cell-free system.

Abstract The ability of nuclei preparations of Chinese hamster cell lines Don-C and B14I50 (the latter having greatly reduced thymidine kinase activity) to incorporate radioactive thymidine into DNA was measured. By placing the nuclei of one cell line in the cytoplasmic extract of the other cell, we were able to demonstrate that the thymidine kinase activity was largely restricted to the cytoplasm of the Don-C cells. The kinetics of isotope incorporation also suggested that the B14I50 nuclei contained a greatly reduced pool of thymidine triphosphate, compared with the Don-C nuclei.
Distribution and Abundance of Endangered Florida Key Deer on Outer Islands

Abstract Status assessment of endangered Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) is currently limited by a paucity of information regarding population estimates for outer islands, which collectively comprise approximately 70% of potential habitat within the Key deer range. Practical limitations and financial considerations render traditional survey techniques impractical for application on remote outer islands. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of infrared-triggered cameras to estimate Key deer abundance on outer islands. We used digital infrared-triggered cameras and mark–resight methods to estimate Key deer abundance on 20 outer islands. Abundance estimates for primary subpopulations ranged from 15 to 16 for Howe Key, 5 to 10 for Knockemdown complex, and 13 to 17 for Little Pine Key. Other island complexes such as Ramrod Key, Water Key, and Annette complex maintain only small subpopulations (i.e., ≤5 individuals) and other previously inhabited island complexes (e.g., Johnson complex an...
Modulation of Eastern North Pacific Hurricanes by the Madden–Julian Oscillation

Abstract Hurricane and tropical storm statistics verify the modulation of eastern Pacific tropical systems by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) as hypothesized by Maloney and Hartmann. Over twice as many named tropical systems (hurricanes and tropical storms) accompany equatorial 850-mb westerly anomalies than accompany equatorial easterly anomalies, and the systems that do exist are stronger. Hurricanes are over four times more numerous during westerly phases of the MJO than during easterly phases. The current study constructs a composite life cycle of the MJO during May–November 1979–95 using an index based on the 850-mb equatorial zonal wind. Equatorial Kelvin waves propagating eastward from convective regions of the western Pacific Ocean alter dynamical conditions over the eastern Pacific Ocean. Westerly (easterly) equatorial 850-mb wind anomalies are accompanied by enhanced (suppressed) convection over the eastern Pacific hurricane region. Convection locally amplifies the wind anomalies over the ea...
Absorption mode Fourier transform mass spectrometry with no baseline correction using a novel asymmetric apodization function.

Rationale Absorption mode Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectra offer significant benefits in terms of spectral resolution, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and measured mass accuracy. However, to date, methods for producing absorption mode spectra have created an undesirable baseline deviation as a consequence of FFT artifacts, resulting in interference of the frequency side-lobes of intense peaks. Methods for fitting and removing this deviation have been developed, but these are computationally intensive, slow and can be unreliable in practice. Methods We have developed an approach for producing FTICR mass spectra which uses a new apodization approach to produce spectra which do not exhibit baseline deviation, whilst maintaining all the normal absorption mode benefits. This method involves the use of 'full' apodization function, replacing the more common Hann or half Hann functions, and where the user can control the position of the function maximum expressed as a fraction (F) of the transient length. Results Absorption mode spectra produced using the new apodization function we propose provide all the normal benefits but do not exhibit baseline deviation that must be corrected prior to spectral interpretation. Additionally, varying the value of the F parameter allows users additional control over the compromise between the spectral resolving power and the S/N ratio. This is particularly beneficial in spectra with pronounced amplitude changes during the recording of the transient (detection). Conclusions The use of a 'full' apodization function, which may be asymmetric, prior to zero-padding and Fourier transformation, allows the production of absorption mode spectra which do not suffer from baseline deviation. Hence, it is no longer necessary to apply a baseline deviation correction in post processing, providing a significant performance advantage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial Fiber Treatments and Disinfection1

Developments and research in the present decade on the antibacterial finishing and disinfection of textiles are reviewed. Definitions and concepts of terms such as antimicrobial agent, antibacterial agent, disinfectant, and sanitizers are discussed from both a regulatory and scientific perspective. Quantitative tests for determining antibacterial activity of textiles usually involve sterilization of fabric, inoculation with a microorganism, and determination of bacteria remaining by wash-recovery or colony-count under a low-power microscope. Most qualitative tests for antibacterial activity are based on the ability of the agent to diffuse off the fiber into an agar medium. Most antifungal tests consist of inoculation of fabric, then inspection for visual growth of fungi after varying periods of time.Microbial ecology of the skin-clothing interface differs in everyday environments and situations from environments conducive to growth of microorganisms and cross- infection ; predominant bacteria and fungi an...