cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE POTENCY OF STILBESTROL IN THE IMMATURE FEMALE RAT

SINCE THE DISCOVERY by Dodds, Golberg, Lawson, and Robinson (i) that stil-bestrol (diethylstilbestrol or 4:4′-dihydroxya-α:β-diethylstilbene) possesses a marked degree of estrogenic action, several papers have appeared reporting the relative potency of stilbestrol to estrone. A survey of the literature as shown in table i reveals great differences of results, chiefly perhaps due to the different methods em-ployed. In spayed mice, the two compounds wereequally active when injected sub-cutaneously, but stilbestrol was superior when given orally. In spayed rats the ratio of activity of stilbestrol to estrone varied from 1 to 5 by subcutaneous administration, and that by mouth ranged from 20 to 80. When immature rats were used, two groups of workers (15,16) obtained ratios as high as 15 to 16 following subcutaneous medica-tion. No difference between stilbestrol and estrone was demonstrated in immature ice by subcutaneous injection (14).
Basic pharmacodynamics of antibacterials with clinical applications to the use of β-lactams, glycopeptides, and linezolid

Time above MIC for free drug concentrations is the important PK-PD parameter correlating with the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics. The duration of time plasma concentrations needed to exceed the MIC is relatively similar for most organisms except staphylococci. Neutrophils contribute very little to the overall activity of beta-lactams. The appearance of increasing antimicrobial resistance can challenge the efficacy of these drugs when concentrations do not exceed the MIC for 40% to 50% of the dosing interval. Time above MIC with oral amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate can be enhanced with high-dose formulations. Time above MIC with parenteral preparations can be enhanced by longer intravenous infusions or even continuous infusion. The 24-hour AUC-MIC is probably the important PK-PD parameter correlating with the efficacy of vancomycin and teicoplanin. It clearly is the important parameter for the efficacy of linezolid. Usual doses of these drugs generally provide adequate plasma concentrations to treat effectively infections in which plasma concentrations are predictive of tissue concentrations. Penetration of these drugs into respiratory secretions, such as ELF, is enhanced for linezolid and reduced for vancomycin. This may give linezolid an advantage over vancomycin in certain respiratory infections.
Detection of Pathogenic Vibrio spp. in Shellfish by Using Multiplex PCR and DNA Microarrays

This study describes the development of a gene-specific DNA microarray coupled with multiplex PCR for the comprehensive detection of pathogenic vibrios that are natural inhabitants of warm coastal waters and shellfish. Multiplex PCR with vvh and viuB for Vibrio vulnificus, with ompU, toxR, tcpI, and hlyA for V. cholerae, and with tlh, tdh, trh, and open reading frame 8 for V. parahaemolyticus helped to ensure that total and pathogenic strains, including subtypes of the three Vibrio spp., could be detected and discriminated. For DNA microarrays, oligonucleotide probes for these targeted genes were deposited onto epoxysilane-derivatized, 12-well, Teflon-masked slides by using a MicroGrid II arrayer. Amplified PCR products were hybridized to arrays at 50 degrees C and detected by using tyramide signal amplification with Alexa Fluor 546 fluorescent dye. Slides were imaged by using an arrayWoRx scanner. The detection sensitivity for pure cultures without enrichment was 10(2) to 10(3) CFU/ml, and the specificity was 100%. However, 5 h of sample enrichment followed by DNA extraction with Instagene matrix and multiplex PCR with microarray hybridization resulted in the detection of 1 CFU in 1 g of oyster tissue homogenate. Thus, enrichment of the bacterial pathogens permitted higher sensitivity in compliance with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference guideline. Application of the DNA microarray methodology to natural oysters revealed the presence of V. vulnificus (100%) and V. parahaemolyticus (83%). However, V. cholerae was not detected in natural oysters. An assay involving a combination of multiplex PCR and DNA microarray hybridization would help to ensure rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic vibrios in shellfish, thereby improving the microbiological safety of shellfish for consumers.
Comparison of actual and stated concentrations of pharmaceuticals manufactured in Mexico.

Abstract Background: During the past 5 years, there has been much concern about the safety of and ease of access to drugs that are unavailable without a prescription in the United States but are manufactured and can be purchased over the counter (OTC) in Mexico. However, based on a literature search, studies have not been performed to determine whether such drugs meet the US Pharmacopoeia (USP) standards for percent of labeled amount. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether 5 drugs commonly prescribed in the United States and manufactured and purchased in Mexico met USP standards for stated concentration, were properly packaged and sealed, and had properly labeled expiration dates and lot numbers. Methods: For the study, we purchased acetaminophen, carbamazepine, diazepam, digoxin, and phenytoin from 2 to 4 pharmacies in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. Samples of each drug, each with a different lot number, were purchased OTC or with a prescription. None of the pharmacists had knowledge of the study. Brand-name or generic drugs manufactured and obtained in the United States were also analyzed for comparative purposes. Each drug was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using USP guidelines established for the analysis of each drug. In addition, we visually examined the packaging, seals, color, and appearance of the drugs, and observed whether the packages contained lot numbers and whether the drugs were within the stated expiration dates. Results: For all 5 drugs, the 95% CIs fell within the USP-defined acceptable ranges for percent of labeled amount. This was found to be true for drugs obtained at different pharmacies, for different drug manufacturers, and for drugs with different lot numbers. All of the drugs were found to be properly packaged and sealed, had lot numbers listed on the packages, and were sold before the stated expiration dates. Conclusion: Although health care practitioners should be aware that patients might be using drugs manufactured and purchased in Mexico, the results of this study of a small sample of such drugs suggest they meet the USP standards for percent of labeled amount.
Mouse models for mitochondrial disease.

Mutations in mitochondrial genes encoded by both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) genes have been implicated in a wide range of neuromuscular diseases. MtDNA base substitution and rearrangement mutations generally inactivate one or more tRNA or rRNA genes and can cause myopathy, cardiomyopathy, cataracts, growth retardation, diabetes, etc. nDNA mutations can cause Leigh syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, due to defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzyme complexes; cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) and mtDNA depletion syndrome, through defects in mitochondrial nucleic acid metabolism; and ophthalmoplegia with multiple mtDNA deletions, caused by adenine nucleotide translocator-1 (ANT1) mutations. Mouse models have been prepared that recapitulate a number of these diseases. The mtDNA 16S rRNA chloramphenicol (CAP) resistance mutation was introduced into the mouse female germline and caused cataracts and rod and cone abnormalities in chimeras and neonatal lethal myopathy and cardiomyopathy in mutant animals. A mtDNA deletion was introduced into the mouse germline and caused myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy. Conditional inactivation of the nDNA mitochondrial transcription factor (Tfam) gene in the heart resulted in neonatal lethal cardiomyopathy, while its inactivation in the pancreatic beta-cells caused diabetes. The ATP/ADP ratio was implicated in mitochondrial diabetes through transgenic modification of the beta-cell ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)). Mutational inactivation of the mouse Ant1 gene resulted in myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and multiple mtDNA deletions in association with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Inactivation of uncoupler proteins (Ucp) 1-3 revealed that mitochondrial Delta Psi regulated ROS production. The role of mitochondrial ROS toxicity in disease and aging was confirmed by inactivating glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), resulting in growth retardation, and by total and partial inactivation of Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD; Sod2), resulting in neonatal lethal dilated cardiomyopathy and accelerated apoptosis in aging, respectively. The importance of mitochondrial ROS in degenerative diseases and aging was confirmed by treating Sod2 -/- mice and C. elegans with catalytic antioxidant drugs.
Clinical features of cocaine-induced panic

A growing literature supports an association between use of cocaine and panic disorder (Jeff et al 1978; Washton and Gold 1984; Aronson and Craig 1986; Anthony et al 1989), including reports of autonomous panic disorder that did not remit after the cessation of cocaine use (Pohl et al 1987; Post et al 1987; Price and Giannini 1987; Louie et al 1989; Bystritsky et al 1991; Geracioti and Post 1991). In this report we further explore the relationship between cocaine use and the development of panic by describing the results of a telephone survey of 95 cocaine users with apparent panic. Our goal is to provide additional evidence for a relationship between cocaine and panic in a relatively large sample.
Host genotype determines cytoplasmic incompatibility type in the haplodiploid genus Nasonia.

In haplodiploid species, Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) can be expressed in one of two ways: as a “conversion” of diploid fertilized eggs into haploid males or as embryonic mortality. Here we describe CI-type variation within the parasitic wasp genus Nasonia and genetically analyze the basis of this variation. We reach four main conclusions: (i) CI is expressed primarily as conversion in N. vitripennis, but as embryonic mortality in the sibling species N. giraulti and N. longicornis; (ii) the difference in CI type between N. giraulti (mortality) and N. vitripennis (conversion) is determined by host nuclear genotype rather than by Wolbachia differences; (iii) N. vitripennis “conversion genes” are recessive in hybrid females; and (iv) a difference in CI level between the sibling species N. giraulti and N. longicornis is due to the different Wolbachia infections in the species rather than to the host genotype. These results show that host nuclear genes can influence the type of CI present in a species. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model for how different CI types evolve in haplodiploids due to selection on nuclear genes modifying CI.
Comparison of two methods for measurement of red-area coverage in white-red fish for analysis of color variability and inheritance in ornamental (koi) carp Cyprinus carpio

The purpose of this study was to develop and compare two methods for measurement of red-area coverage in white-red ornamental (koi) carp. One progeny produced by crossing two white-red koi breeders was analyzed. Among 49 fish in the progeny, 7 fish (14.3%) were solid white, 36 fish (73.5%) were white-red, and 6 fish (12.2%) were solid red. The red-area coverage in all white-red fish was determined by analysis of digital photographs using the image editing software Adobe r � PhotoDeluxe r � Business Edition (method I) and the specialized image analysis software Image-Pro r � Plus (method II). The red-area coverage in white-red fish was highly variable, from 0.08 to 68.4%. The difference in red-area coverage for individual fish when comparing these two methods varied from 0.04 to 2.75% with a mean value of 1.03 ± 0.82% (SD). Class distributions of white-red fish with regard to red-area coverage determined by methods I and II did not differ significantly. The obtained data show that both methods can be successfully used for quantitative measurement of color patches in koi. Analysis of frequency distribution of red-area coverage in all fish (including solid white and solid red) showed that fish were clearly divided into two groups with regard to background color: fish with white background (which includes solid white and white-red fish), and solid red fish. The present study confirms that measuring the relative red body coverage gives a valuable insight into the quantitative description of color variability in koi and provides further information for the better understanding of inheritance of this trait. The development and application of new advanced methods for measurement of red-area coverage may stimulate further studies on this subject.
The Rickettsia prowazekii Invasion Gene Homolog (invA) Encodes a Nudix Hydrolase Active on Adenosine (5′)-pentaphospho-(5′)-adenosine

The genomic sequence of Rickettsia prowazekii, the obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for epidemic typhus, reveals an uncharacterized invasion gene homolog (invA). The deduced protein of 18,752 Da contains a Nudix signature, the specific motif found in the Nudix hydrolase family. To characterize the function of InvA, the gene was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein was purified to near homogeneity and subsequently tested for its enzymatic activity against a series of nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. The purified InvA exhibits hydrolytic activity toward dinucleoside oligophosphates (Np(n)N; n > or = 5), a group of cellular signaling molecules. At optimal pH 8.5, the enzyme actively degrades adenosine (5')-pentaphospho-(5')-adenosine into ATP and ADP with a K(m) of 0.1 mM and k(cat) of 1.9 s(-1). Guanosine (5')-pentaphospho-(5')-guanosine and adenosine-(5')-hexaphospho (5')-adenosine are also substrates. Similar to other Nudix hydrolases, InvA requires a divalent metal cation, Mg(2+) or Zn(2+), for optimal activity. These data suggest that the rickettsial invasion protein likely plays a role in controlling the concentration of stress-induced dinucleoside oligophosphates following bacterial invasion.
Education as Training for Life: Stoic teachers as physicians of the soul

This paper is an indirect critique of the practice of American liberal education. I show that the liberal, integrative model that American colleges and universities have adopted, with one key excep...
Pedogenesis and geochemical alteration of the Picture Gorge subgroup, Columbia River basalt, Oregon

Reddened, clay-rich horizons between basalt flows have historically been identified as ‘‘baked zones’’ or as zones of lateral groundwater movement. The reddening has been attributed to thermal or chemical alteration of the permeable portion of the basalt flow. Many of these red horizons are instead paleosols that record significant hiatuses in basalt flow emplacement. Paleosols were identified in the field on the basis of features such as horizonation, ped morphology, and root traces. Terrestrial gastropods, fossil plants, and peats also occur locally. Plots of weathering indices, such as base loss, are consistent with a pedogenic origin for these horizons. Ca, Na, Mg, Fe 21 , and P have been extensively lost from the A and Bt horizons of the paleosols, consistent with modern weathering patterns. K and Rb have been added to the upper portions of the profiles and lost in the lower portions of the profiles relative to the parent material, with Rb added disproportionately. Historically, this pattern of enrichment has been cited as evidence of K metasomatism. The apparent metasomatism can be explained using a new model in which there was extensive felsic volcanism contemporaneous with pedogenesis, and K and Rb were likely added by windborne ash. The apparent discordance between K and Rb contents of the paleosols can be explained by the presence of land plants because K is an important electrolyte and Rb does not serve any major biological role. This model could account for apparent K metasomatism in other paleosols following the advent of land plants and may be applicable to older paleosols as well.
Efficient 100 Mb/s driver for electroluminescent diodes

Abstract The application of high-radiance electroluminescent diodes in optical communication systems will require efficient, high-current, high-speed modulation circuits capable of driving the low-impedance diode load. A technique which has proved to ho useful in driving such diodes at a 100 Mb/s rate, using a two-stage transistor emitter-follower circuit and a suitable matching network, is described.
Effect of sustained physiologic hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in man.

Two study protocols to examine the effects of chronic (72-96 h) physiologic euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia (+ 72 pmol/l) and chronic hyperglycaemic (+ 1.4 mmol/l) hyperinsulinaemia (+ 78 pmol/l) on insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were performed in 15 healthy young subjects. Subjects received a three-step euglycaemic insulin (insulin infusion rates = 1.5, 3, and 6 nmol.kg-1.min-1) clamp and a hyperglycaemia (6.9 mmol/l) clamp before and after chronic insulin or glucose infusion. Following 4 days of sustained euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia whole body glucose disposal decreased by 20-40%. During each insulin clamp step, the defect in insulin action was accounted for by impaired non-oxidative glucose disposal (p < 0.01). Chronic euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia did not alter insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production. Following insulin infusion the ability of hyperglycaemia to stimulate insulin secretion was significantly diminished. Following 72 h of chronic glucose infusion (combined hyperglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia), there was no change in whole body glucose disposal. However, glucose oxidation during each insulin clamp step was significantly increased and there was a reciprocal decline in non-oxidative glucose disposal by 25-39% (p < 0.01); suppression of hepatic glucose production by insulin was unaltered by chronic hyperglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia. Chronic glucose infusion increased the plasma insulin response to acute hyperglycaemia more than twofold. These results demonstrate that chronic, physiologic hyperinsulinaemia, whether created by exogenous insulin infusion or by stimulation of endogenous insulin secretion, leads to the development of insulin resistance, which is characterized by a specific defect in the non-oxidative (glycogen synthetic) pathway. These findings indicate that hyperinsulinaemia should be considered, not only as a compensatory response to insulin resistance, but also as a self-perpetuating cause of the defect in insulin action.
Why Early Care and Education Deserves as Much Attention, or More, than Prekindergarten Alone

High-quality early care and education (ECE) programs promote positive child outcomes, allow parents to work, and contribute to the local economy. Although extant research takes into account the ECE sector in its entirety, recent economic and policy interest has centered on part-day prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds only. Using an ecological framework, we review and synthesize the research literature to examine whether the emphasis on pre-k is justified as economically superior to a comprehensive approach. We compare impacts on the macrosystem (regional economy), exosystem (parents), and microsystem (children's long-term human development) and argue that a holistic approach that includes comprehensive ECE services has economic returns as great as or greater than pre-k alone. Finally, we explore the conceptual barriers that have contributed to the narrow focus on pre-k and the policy implications of ignoring the broader ecological context.
Restraint of Trade by the Supreme Court: The Utah Pie Case

The Supreme Court shows a growing determination in its antitrust decisions to convert laws designed to promote competition into laws which regulate or hamper the competitive process.' Succeeding interpretations of the Clayton2 and Robinson-Patman3 Acts-and, by infectious contamination, the Sherman Act4 -demonstrate an increasingly apparent disregard for the central purpose of antitrust, the promotion of consumer welfare through the promotion of a competitive market process. Now, in Utah Pie Co. v. Continental Baking Co.,5 the Supreme Court has used section 2(a) of the Robinson-Patman Act6 to strike directly at price competition itself. For more than 30 years there has been, except to a small but increasing number of skeptics, an ambiguity whether the Robinson-Patman Act is a law in favor of or opposed to competition. The statute, although phrased in terms of a "lessening of competition" or "tendency toward monopoly," also includes, and in the alternative, a more ambiguous clause: "or to injure, destroy, or prevent competition with any person who either grants or knowingly receives the benefit of such discrimination ...."7 All of these phrases, but especially the last, have been interpreted to protect competitors at the expense of the competitive process. Such restrictive interpretations have eliminated in some measure the ambiguity of the Robinson-Patman Act, although the clarity produced is scarcely a happy one. But the residue of confusion which remains continues to trouble practitioners, commentators and lower courts, if not the present majorities of the Federal Trade Commission and the Supreme Court. Does, or should, the first clause of section 2(a), which refers to anticompetitive effect in general-language which the
Dalbavancin: A New Option for the Treatment of Gram-Positive Infections:

Objective:To review the pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, in vitro susceptibility, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, dosage, and administration of dalbavancin, a new semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search, restricted to the English language, was conducted from 1966 through January 2006. Supplementary sources included program abstracts from the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, American Society of Microbiology, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America from 2000 to 2005 and information available from the manufacturer's Web site.Study Selection and Data Extraction:In vitro and preclinical studies, as well as Phase I, II, and III clinical trials, were evaluated to summarize the microbiology, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety of dalbavancin. All published trials and abstracts citing dalbavancin were selected.Data Synthesis:Dalbavancin, a novel lipoglycopeptide, has a mechanism of action similar to that of other ...
Provide Relevant Knowledge to Specify Product Design Project Needs

In many of today?s industry, knowledge is considered a strategic tool; however, knowledge is involved in so many services with so many facets that it is very complex to effectively manage for competitive advantage. In design, knowledge is recognized as important to improve the decision-making process and the commensurability of the designers? interpretative framework, but how can relevant knowledge be identified among all the knowledge within a company? This study focuses on the early stage of project development when it is important to have a clear understanding of what is known and not known in the company to correctly specify projects (e.g., teams, costs, lead-time, etc.). A method is proposed in this paper to identify knowledge, where it is, and its level of reusability. This method filters a repository to identify and extract relevant knowledge and define its level of reusability. A case study based on a new single-use camera and a repository of 18 single-use cameras is performed to highlight and validate the proposed method.
Reduced Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria in pyruvate dehydrogenase-deficient human diploid fibroblasts

Physiological and pathological Ca2+ loads are thought to be taken up by mitochondria via a process dependent on aerobic metabolism. We sought to determine whether human diploid fibroblasts from a p...
Nrl‐Cre transgenic mouse mediates loxP recombination in developing rod photoreceptors

The developing mouse retina is a tractable model for studying neurogenesis and differentiation. Although transgenic Cre mouse lines exist to mediate conditional genetic manipulations in developing mouse retinas, none of them act specifically in early developing rods. For conditional genetic manipulations of developing retinas, a Nrl-Cre mouse line in which the Nrl promoter drives expression of Cre in rod precursors was created. The results showed that Nrl-Cre expression was specific to the retina where it drives rod-specific recombination with a temporal pattern similar to endogenous Nrl expression during retinal development. This Nrl-Cre transgene does not negatively impact retinal structure and function. Taken together, the data suggested that the Nrl-Cre mouse line was a valuable tool to drive Cre-mediated recombination specifically in developing rods.
Industrial Relations in China: Ball of Confusion?

This chapter addresses the current state of Industrial Relations in China and offers possible scenarios as to developments over the next few years.
Prevalence of psoriasis phenotypes among men and women in the USA

SummaryBackground We present the largest set of US prevalence data for psoriasis to date, obtained from three prospective cohort studies describing validated clinical phenotypes of psoriasis, including novel data about the prevalence of inverse (intertriginous) psoriasis in these groups. Nonplaque psoriasis phenotypes have been largely unmeasured in observational and interventional studies, and this has led to an under-recognition of this aspect of psoriatic disease. Aim To describe the prevalence of nonplaque psoriasis phenotypes in a large prospective cohort. Methods We included 3179 women and 646 men in the analysis. Participants in the Nurses Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) with physician-diagnosed psoriasis completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire to assess plaque and nonplaque subsets of psoriasis. Results Psoriasis phenotypes were as follows: plaque 55%, scalp 52%, palmar–plantar 14%, nail 23% and inverse 21% in the NHS (n = 1604); plaque 60%, scalp 56%, palmar–plantar 16%, nail 27% and inverse 24% in the second NHS study (NHS II) (n = 1575); and plaque 55%, scalp 45%, palmar–plantar 12%, nail 27% and inverse 30% in the HPFS (n = 646). Scalp, nail, palmar–plantar and inverse disease represent highly prevalent phenotypes of psoriasis in the USA. Conclusion Scalp, nail, palmar–plantar and inverse disease represent highly prevalent phenotypes of psoriasis.
Cluster-Based Economic Development: Four Cases for Context in Developing Regions

Economic development—as a process, practice, and profession—has historically been informed by the experiences of developed nations. To that end, the growth and expansion of the so-called cluster approach developed by Porter (1990) has been heavily dependent upon the experiences of North America and Europe. Yet, research demonstrates that the dynamics of economic development, associated manufacturing, and urbanization in developing nations is distinct (Thakur 1974, 1979). Insofar as the approach has been widely embraced in a variety of peripheral and developing contexts to enhance the overall competitiveness of nations or specific industries, this chapter examines the trajectories of four transitioning clusters in India, Nigeria, and Brazil. This chapter defines cluster-based economic development, provides select examples of active projects in developing nations, and discusses the unique challenges facing the implementation of cluster initiatives in non-Western contexts.
President's 'Affordable Choices' Initiative Provides Little Support for State Efforts to Expand Health Coverage

The Administration's "Affordable Choices" initiative, announced in January 2007, attempts to respond to the states' call for federal support to help them expand coverage to low-income uninsured individuals. As this paper explains, however, Affordable Choices provides states with no new funds to help cover the uninsured; it simply redirects existing federal funds that now go to safety-net health-care providers who care for the uninsured. Many states currently receive only small amounts of such funds, and even in states with significant funds to redirect, these funds would not be sufficient to cover all of their uninsured residents. As a result, many residents would remain uninsured, even as safety-net providers (such as public hospitals) were deprived of support they need to care for these patients. Moreover, Affordable Choices bars states from using redirected funds to expand coverage through public health programs, denying states the flexibility to design their coverage initiatives to best meet their residents' needs.
Mosquito Transfer of the Pigeon Strain of Plasmodium relictum.

No host of malaria for experimental purposes has been found which meets all the requirements of all types of experiments. Some, such as the canary, are too small. Others are not easily kept under laboratory conditions or are difficult to obtain. Still others may show an age resistance which makes it necessary to use very young animals. When Coatney1 isolated a strain of Plasmodium relidum from a young pigeon and established it in adult pigeons, there was a possibility that this strain might prove to be one of the most important for experimental malaria. Coatney was able to obtain infections by blood inoculation in canaries, doves and young chicks. Only light infections were obtained in canaries, the number of parasites not exceeding one in 20 microscopic fields on stained smears. Only 2 canaries were infected, both of these being injected from the same pigeon. Later work (personal communication) failed to demonstrate mosquito transfer of this strain of malaria from one pigeon to another. He attempted to secure transfer by Culex pipiens, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, A. crucians, Pseudolynchia canariensis, and Rhodnius sp. In this laboratory high infections have been obtained in canaries when infected by blood inoculation from an infected pigeon. Redmond and Prather2 have demonstrated that this strain of P. relidum is slightly modified when
Effect of Morphine Sulphate by Mouth on Oxygen Consumption in Normal Humans.

A preliminary report by M. E. Stark1 has shown that morphine sulphate, presumably administered subcutaneously, significantly decreases oxygen consumption in normal humans, and, as might be expected, in a manner roughly proportional to the dose (0.37 mgm. to 0.48 mgm. per kg. weight). In studying the effects of the commonly used barbiturates on oxygen consumption, observation was also made of the action of morphine sulphate on some of the subjects. The drug was administered by mouth in doses from 0.1 mgm. to 0.5 mgm. per kg. weight. The technique was essentially the same as that employed by Miss Stark, except that the experiments did not run as long. The Sanborn apparatus and averages were used.The results are shown in Table I. Where a change occurred in respiratory rate, it was usually slightly diminished. On the other hand, within the first hour after giving the drug, the pulse rate increased quite markedly. Pulse pressure usually increased during this period. Tactile discrimination was generally diminis...
Kinetics of the reaction of streptokinase-plasmin complex with purified human and mouse α2-macroglobulin. Implications for mechanism

Streptokinase-human plasmin complex (Sk-hPm) reacted rapidly with purified mouse alpha 2-macroglobulin (m alpha 2M) in vitro at 37 degrees C. Approx. 98% of the plasmin in Sk-hPm bound covalently to at least one m alpha 2M subunit. Most of the streptokinase dissociated (95%). The rate of Sk-hPm inactivation clearly depended on the m alpha 2M concentration. With 1.2 microM-m alpha 2M, 50% of the Sk-hPm (0.02 microM) reacted in less than 50 s. A double-reciprocal plot comparing pseudo-first-order rate constants (kapp.) and m alpha 2M concentration yielded a second-order rate constant of 2.3 x 10(4) M-1.s-1 (r = 0.97). This value is an approximation, since Sk-hPm preparations are heterogeneous. Sk-hPm reacted with human alpha 2M (h alpha 2M), forming alpha 2M-plasmin complex (98% covalent). More than 99% of the streptokinase dissociated. The rate of reaction of Sk-hPm with h alpha 2M did not clearly depend on inhibitor concentration. The kapp. values determined with 0.6-1.2 microM-h alpha 2M were decreased 10-20-fold compared with m alpha 2M. In order to study the effect of Sk-hPm heterogeneity on the reaction with alpha 2M, the proteinase was incubated for various amounts of time at 37 degrees C before addition of inhibitor. The enzyme amidase activity was maximal within 5 min; however, reaction of Sk-hPm with m alpha 2M or h alpha 2M was most extensive after 20 min and 2 h respectively. After incubation for more than 1 h, Sk-hPm acquired fibrinogenolytic activity, suggesting plasmin dissociation. Therefore the enhanced reaction of h alpha 2M with 'older' Sk-hPm preparations may have resulted in part from dissociated plasmin or 'plasmin-like' species. By contrast, the reaction of Sk-hPm with m alpha 2M was most rapid when the proteinase preparation was free of plasmin, indicating direct reaction of Sk-hPm with m alpha 2M as the only major mechanism. Finally, streptokinase-cat plasminogen complex reacted more extensively with m alpha 2M than with h alpha 2M, suggesting that m alpha 2M may be a superior inhibitor with this class of plasminogen activators in general.
Effect of esophageal movement on intraluminal esophageal pressure recording.

In order to determine the effect of esophageal movement on tracings of intraluminal pressure, the esophageal body, lower esophageal sphincter, and diaphragmatic hiatus were labeled with metal markers in cats. Metal markers also identified the location of manometric tube recording orifices. Cineroentgenograms and intraluminal esophageal pressure tracings were obtained simultaneously during respiration, peristalsis, and abdominal compression. During each of these conditions, the esophagus, particularly the lower esophageal sphincter, was shown to move significantly in relation to the relatively fixed position of manometric recording sites. This relative movement influences the intraluminal pressure tracing and should be considered when designing methods for recording and scoring esophageal pressure.
Targeting the Heart for Risk Assessment in Myotonic Dystrophy: An Application for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is an autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy classically affecting skeletal muscle with a latency of 30 to 40 years before the expression of symptoms of skeletal muscle weakness and myalgias. Postmortem studies have identified histopathologic and clinical involvement of the heart,1 and cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death have been observed, including in patients without previous cardiac symptoms.2 Although investigations of other muscular dystrophies have used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessments of myocardial tissue structure and its relationship with cardiovascular outcomes, no large investigations of DM2 with comprehensive tissue-based structural phenotypes has been reported. In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging , Schmacht et al3 provide detailed CMR characterization of subclinical myocardial phenotypes analogous to peripheral skeletal abnormalities present in DM2. See Article by Schmacht et al In 27 individuals with genetically confirmed DM2, the …
A Multidimensional Inverse-Scattering Method

On donne une solution formelle au probleme de diffusion inverse pour les equations de Schrodinger a n dimensions dependantes et independantes du temps. On trouve des equations pour reconstruire le potentiel a partir des donnees de diffusion par quadratures
Rethinking Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Curricula

A summary of fundamental changes made to the undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum in the Chemistry Department at Gustavus Adolphus College (beginning in the 2013–2014 academic year) is presented. The yearlong sequence now consists of an introductory semester covering both quantum mechanics and thermodynamics/kinetics, followed by a second semester that covers more advanced and integrated topics. While the initial rationale for changing the physical chemistry sequence was to improve the department’s overall curriculum, the process has raised some important questions about the propriety of the traditional approach to physical chemistry education in the 21st century.
Apoptosis in Polycystic Kidney Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment

ABSTRACT Apoptosis plays an important role in many developmental processes and contributes to cell and tissue homeostasis. Induction of apoptosis can involve the "intrinsic pathway", which is activated by diverse stress signals, and the "extrinsic pathway", which is activated by proapoptotic receptor signals at the cell surface. Excessive or aberrant apoptosis is a crucial factor in many human disorders, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Renal cyst formation is caused by dysregulation of cell proliferation, involving diverse and poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Elevated apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells has been described in autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD), as well as in animal models of PKD. It has been suggested that the dysregulation of apoptosis contributes to cystogenesis of PKD and is associated with the progressive loss of normal nephrons. Inhibition of apoptosis has been shown to delay renal cyst growth in some animal models of PKD. However, increased apoptosis is not a feature in cystic kidneys from Pkd1 mutant mice and inducing apoptosis of the cystic epithelial cells by activation of intrinsic or extrinsic signaling pathways has been shown to slow disease progression with or without inhibition of proliferation. In this chapter, we discuss the positive and negative roles of apoptosis in PKD and the associated molecular mechanisms in regulating cystic renal epithelial cell apoptosis during cyst development.
Solving Phase-Field Equations with Finite Elements

The finite element method, FEM, and sometimes also called finite element analysis, FEA, was originally developed in the aircraft industry in 1960s [1, 2]. Therefore, it is a very mature algorithm and widely used in engineering and science as a general numerical approach for the solution of PDEs subject to known boundary and initial conditions. The use of piecewise continuous functions over subregions of domain to approximate the unknown function was first introduced by Courant [3]. This approach was later formalized [4, 5] and term finite elements for these subregions was introduced by Clough [6]. Therefore, similar to finite difference technique the FEM is also local in nature. However, FEM has superior and unique characteristics to describe very complex geometries and boundaries of domains. There are plenty of textbook and online materials covering both theoretical and practical aspects of FEM or FEA and some of them are listed in the reference section.
Demonstration and power scaling of an Fe:CdMnTe laser at 52 microns

A sample of Fe:CdMnTe was grown from melt using the Bridgman technique and was polished and coated for use as a laser crystal. Optical spectroscopy techniques were used to determine the absorption and emission cross-sections of the sample at 80 K. A cryogenic free-running mid-IR laser was constructed in the X-cavity configuration. The laser output was centered at 5223 nm with a spectral width of 1 nm with a maximum average power of 810 mW. The laser exhibited a slope efficiency of 16.4% with respect to total pump power with a pulse repetition frequency of 400 Hz and a pulse duration of 220 μs.
Abstract 214: Engagement of Platelet Toll-like Receptor 9 by Classical and Novel Endogenous Ligands Promotes Platelet Hyperreactivity and Thrombosis

A prothrombotic state and increased platelet reactivity are common in pathophysiological conditions associated with oxidative stress and infections. Such conditions are associated with an appearance in circulation of non-self or altered-self ligands that are commonly recognized by toll-like receptors (TLR). Platelets express a number of TLR, including TLR9, however, the role of TLR in platelet function and thrombosis is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that carboxyalkylpyrrole protein adducts (CAPs), an altered-self ligand generated in oxidative stress, promotes platelet activation, granule secretion, and aggregation in vitro and thrombosis in vivo via the TLR9/MyD88 pathway. We demonstrate that CAPs represent a novel unconventional ligand for TLR9. Furthermore, we demonstrate that unmethylated CpG sequences, a canonical non-self ligand of TLR9, induce strong platelet activation via TLR9/MyD88. Platelet activation by TLR9 ligands induces IRAK1 and AKT phosphorylation, and is Src kinase dependent. Physiological platelet agonists act synergistically with TLR9 ligands by inducing TLR9 expression on the platelet surface. Thus, our study demonstrates that platelet TLR9 links oxidative stress, innate immunity, and thrombosis by serving as a sensor of canonical non-self and unconventional altered-self ligands.
When to operate for acute cholecystitis.

In a patient who has acute cholecystitis, the surgeon will get the best results if he operates within 72 hours after symptoms start. During the acute phase, edema and lack of fibrinous or fibrous reaction make the gallbladder easier to remove. In this series the same surgeon did 250 consecutive operations for acute cholecystitis. Only four patients died, and less than 10 percent had complications.
Theories of Conflict

This article focuses on the diverse social environments that generate conflict. Research on political violence and revolution has been popular among those who are anxious to understand the conditions for both social stability and the process of structural transformation. Several different theoretical traditions can be identified in understanding social conflict. Some focus on human nature and biological conditions. Others emphasize a social structure and relations within groups. The analysis of sources and the nature of conflict helps us explore the conditions needed for its resolution.
Phytoceuticals in Fenugreek Ameliorate VLDL Overproduction and Insulin Resistance via the Insig Signaling Pathway.

Scope This study aims to characterize the effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed and its phytoceutical trigonelline in antimetabolic inflammation and ameliorating overproduction of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in insulin resistance. Methods and results Two groups of genetic hyperlipidemic mice generated by depletion of cAMP responsive element binding protein H (CREBH) are fed either a chow containing 2% fenugreek seed or vehicle for 7 weeks. Q-RT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that fenugreek seed containing diet inhibits hepatic SREBP-1c activation and the subsequent de novo lipogenesis by enhancing expression of insulin-inducible gene-1 (Insig-1) and gene-2 (Insig-2). mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes that are involved in fatty acid β-oxidation are also upregulated in the fenugreek seed fed-mice which is accompanied by significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and VLDL secretion, improved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and ameliorated metabolic inflammation. These actions enhance insulin sensitivity and improve hyperlipidemia. In vitro, treating a rat hepatoma cell line, McA-RH7777 (McA), with trigonelline is able to recapitulate the results observed in vivo. Conclusions This study unveils a novel mechanism of fenugreek seed and trigonelline in countering hepatic VLDL overproduction and insulin resistance by enhancing the Insig signaling pathways and ameliorating metabolic inflammatory stress in the liver.
FEEDING STRATEGIES AND PATTERNS OF MOVEMENT IN JUVENILE ESTUARINE FISHES

Juvenile fishes in estuaries are trophic generalists; there is little evidence of their dependence on specific prey populations. The energetic costs of obtaining food are unknown since food habit data are rarely coupled with prey availability data, but it appears that locating prey may be more important than prey abundance. Cues for locating prey may be either prey abundance or environmental correlates of prey abundance. Juvenile fish may respond to the environmental rigors of the estuary by 1) increased breadth of tolerance limits or 2) inter- or intra-habitat movements. In hopes of encouraging the development of a data base on juvenile estuarine fishes, the authors list critical research needs.
Integrated photonics for infrared spectroscopic sensing

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is widely recognized as a gold standard technique for chemical analysis. Traditional IR spectroscopy relies on fragile bench-top instruments located in dedicated laboratory settings, and is thus not suitable for emerging field-deployed applications such as in-line industrial process control, environmental monitoring, and point-ofcare diagnosis. Recent strides in photonic integration technologies provide a promising route towards enabling miniaturized, rugged platforms for IR spectroscopic analysis. Chalcogenide glasses, the amorphous compounds containing S, Se or Te, have stand out as a promising material for infrared photonic integration given their broadband infrared transparency and compatibility with silicon photonic integration. In this paper, we discuss our recent work exploring integrated chalcogenide glass based photonic devices for IR spectroscopic chemical analysis, including on-chip cavityenhanced chemical sensing and monolithic integration of mid-IR waveguides with photodetectors.
Appropriate Criteria: Key to Effective Rubrics

True rubrics feature criteria appropriate to an assessment’s purpose, and they describe these criteria across a continuum of performance levels. The presence of both criteria and performance level descriptions distinguishes rubrics from other kinds of evaluation tools (e.g., checklists, rating scales). This paper reviewed studies of rubrics in higher education from 2005 to 2017. The types of rubrics studied in higher education to date have been mostly analytic (considering each criterion separately), descriptive rubrics, typically with four or five performance levels. Other types of rubrics have also been studied, and some studies called their assessment tool a “rubric” when in fact it was a rating scale. Further, for a few (7 out of 51) rubrics, performance level descriptions used rating-scale language or counted occurrences of elements instead of describing quality. Rubrics using this kind of language may be expected to be more useful for grading than for learning. Finally, no relationship was found between type or quality of rubric and study results. All studies described positive outcomes for rubric use.
Jack Halpern (1925–2018): Pioneer of homogeneous catalysis

Jack Halpern, a preeminent scholar and father of modern organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, died January 31, 2018 at the age of 93. Homogeneous catalysis by transition metal complexes, a field that has many important scientific and technological applications, can be traced to his early contributions. Jack developed methodologies to investigate the mechanisms and thermodynamics of fundamental chemical transformations that underpin organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry. Perhaps most notably, he reported the first molecular catalyst for hydrogenation of olefins and later elucidated the principles of catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins. Halpern helped, more so than any other chemist, to define the intellectual basis of modern catalytic science.