bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of microvascular anastomosis training in otolaryngology residencies: Survey of United States program directors
Authors: Luginbuhl Adam J. , Pribitkin Edmund A. , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan N. 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVETo assess current microvascular training strategies in otolaryngology residency programs.STUDY DESIGNCross‐sectional study.SETTINGU.S. otolaryngology residency programs.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA total of 104 U.S. otolaryngology program directors received surveys inquiring about program size, the presence of fellowship training in microvascular surgery, the number of microvascular cases per month, the use of microvascular animal laboratory, and whether residents, fellows, or co‐attendings assist in the anastomoses.RESULTSA 51 percent response rate was achieved, and of the 54 programs that responded, 78 percent reported no microvascular fellowship positions in plastics or head and neck reconstruction. A total of 52 percent reported performing three or fewer microvascular surgeries per month. Of the programs that did not have a microvascular fellow, only five (12%) performed eight or more surgeries per month. A total of 65 percent of the programs reported that residents assist during the anastomosis at least 75 percent of the time. Of the programs where residents assist 75 percent or more of the time, 70 percent have a formal training in microvascular technique ranging from demonstrating laboratory competencies to multiday courses. A total of 48 percent of the responding programs report having an animal laboratory for microvascular surgery. All animal laboratories used the rat as the model.CONCLUSIONMany programs find value in providing residents with microvascular training, both in the operating room and in the laboratory. Only a small minority of programs without fellowship positions responded that they perform microvascular surgery on a regular basis (4 or more surgeries per month).
Paleoecological and biogeographical implications of late Pleistocene noble marten (Martes americana nobilis) in eastern Washington State, USA
Authors: Lyman R. Lee 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA mandible identified as noble marten (Martes americana nobilis) recovered from sediments dating to 11,800 cal yr BP and a humerus identified as M. a. cf. nobilis recovered from sediments dating from 13,100 to 12,500 cal yr BP at the Marmes Rockshelter archaeological site in southeastern Washington represent the first record of this taxon in the state. Mammalian taxa associated with the Marmes Rockshelter noble marten represent a diversity of open mesic habitats corroborating earlier analyses of other records of the noble marten in the western United States and exemplify how paleozoologists determine the ecology and environmental predilections of extinct taxa. The recovery site represents the topographically lowest record of this species in western North America and the farthest north record in the United States. Future research should examine known late-Quaternary Martes spp. remains from British Columbia and Alberta to fill in the 2200-km geographic gap in the known distribution of this taxon between a record in the northern Yukon and those in the western United States, and to refine our knowledge of noble marten paleoecology.
Local responses to a forest park in western Uganda: alternate narratives on fortress conservation
Authors: Hartter Joel , Goldman Abraham 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMost research on attitudes to parks in sub-Saharan Africa has been in savannah regions and areas of low population density. Expulsion, exclusion and the imposition of external control are dominant themes, resulting in negative responses to parks, particularly those that represent hard-edged so-called fortress conservation. Our research in the densely populated area around a mid altitude forest park in western Uganda found an alternate narrative in which, despite its hard-edged fortress features, most people view Kibale National Park favourably. Based on a geographically random sample in two agricultural areas neighbouring the Park, our results indicate that most households felt they benefit from the Park and only a small proportion cited negative impacts. Rather than direct economic returns, the benefits most commonly noted by respondents can be characterized as ecosystem services. Most individual respondents and a large majority of the local political leaders said that the Park should continue to exist. Crop raiding by animals from the Park is a problem in some locations but resource restrictions and expulsion were not widely cited by our respondents. The fact that the large majority of residents migrated to the area after the Park was established may be an important explanatory factor for these responses, and this is also likely to be the case for many other mid altitude tropical forest parks, the demographic and land-use histories of which differ from those around many savannah parks.
A CHEBYSHEV PSEUDO-SPECTRAL METHOD FOR SOLVING FRACTIONAL-ORDER INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: SWEILAM N. H. , KHADER M. M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method for solving numerically linear and nonlinear fractional-order integro-differential equations of Volterra type is considered. The fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. The suggested method reduces these types of equations to the solution of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations. Special attention is given to study the convergence of the proposed method. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to show that this method is computationally efficient, and a comparison is made with existing results.
Ribosomal protein L27a is required for growth and patterning in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Szakonyi Dóra , Byrne Mary E. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryRibosomal proteins are integral to ribosome biogenesis, and function in protein synthesis. In higher eukaryotes, loss of cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins results in a reduced growth rate as well as developmental defects. To what extent and how ribosomal proteins affect development is currently not known. Here we describe a semi‐dominant mutation in the cytoplasmic ribosomal protein gene RPL27aC that affects multiple aspects of plant shoot development, including leaf patterning, inflorescence and floral meristem function, and seed set. In the embryo, RPL27aC is required to maintain the growth rate and for the transition from radial to bilateral symmetry associated with initiation of cotyledons. rpl27ac‐1d embryos undergo stereotypical patterning to establish a globular embryo. However, a temporal delay in initiation and outgrowth of cotyledon primordia leads to development of an enlarged globular embryo prior to apical domain patterning. Defects in embryo development are coincident with tissue‐specific ectopic expression of the shoot meristem genes SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) and CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON2 (CUC2), in addition to delayed expression of the abaxial gene FILAMENTOUS FLOWER (FIL) and mis‐regulation of the auxin efflux effector PIN‐FORMED1 (PIN1). Genetic interactions with other ribosomal protein mutants indicate that RPL27aC is a component of the ribosome. We propose that RPL27aC regulates discrete developmental events by controlling spatial and temporal expression of developmental patterning genes via an as yet undefined process involving the ribosome.
Over‐marking and Adjacent Marking are Influenced by Sibship in Male Prairie Voles, Microtus ochrogaster
Authors: Kohli Kristen L. , Ferkin Michael H. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractScent over‐marking occurs when an animal deposits its scent mark on top of the scent mark of a conspecific. Over‐marking may provide advantages in the transfer of information to the individual whose scent is on top but not to the individual whose scent is on the bottom. We tested the hypothesis that over‐marking is a competitive form of olfactory communication and that male prairie voles would over‐mark the scent marks of same‐sex conspecifics more than those of same‐sex siblings. Two age‐matched male voles (first male and second male) were placed successively into an arena in which they were allowed to explore freely and scent mark for 15 min at age 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, and 52 d. The first male was placed into a clean arena, whereas the second male was placed into an arena containing either the scent marks of an age‐matched male sibling or nonsibling. Age affected the total number of scent marks deposited by the voles; 12‐20‐d‐old voles deposited fewer scent marks, over‐marks and adjacent marks than did 28‐52‐d‐old voles. Sibship did not affect the total number of scent marks deposited by the first and second voles but did affect the number of over‐marks and adjacent marks deposited by the second vole. Siblings received significantly fewer over‐marks and adjacent marks than did nonsiblings; this effect was most dramatic after the voles reached 28 d of age, a time coincident with the onset of puberty. Males separated from siblings and housed singly at 44‐d‐old and tested at 52‐d‐old, deposited significantly more over‐marks and adjacent marks in arenas if the first vole was a nonsibling than if it was a sibling. This differential scent‐marking supports the hypothesis that over‐marking and adjacent marking are used as competitive forms of olfactory communication by male prairie voles.
Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischaemic Attack and Stroke Study (Veritas): Rationale and Design
Authors: Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Rose-Finnell Linda , Richardson DeJuran , Ruland Sean , Pandey Dilip , Thulborn Keith R. , Liebeskind David S. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Kramer Jeffrey , Silver Frank L. , Kasner Scott E. , Caplan Louis R. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Gorelick Philip B. , Charbel Fady T. ,   for the VERiTAS Study Group
Published: November 2010

Background Over one-third of ischaemic strokes occur in the posterior circulation, and a leading cause is atherosclerotic vertebrobasilar disease. Symptomatic vertebrobasilar disease carries a high annual recurrent stroke risk, averaging 10–15% per year. Endovascular angioplasty and stenting are increasingly used but carry risks, and the benefit remains unproven. Determining stroke predictors in this population is critical to identifying high-risk patients for future trials of intervention. Preliminary studies indicate that stroke risk in vertebrobasilar disease is strongly related to haemodynamic compromise, which can be measured noninvasively using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography. Methods/study design The Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischaemic Attack and Stroke (VERiTAS) study, a prospective multicentre NIH-funded observational study of symptomatic vertebrobasilar stenosis (≥50%) or occlusion, is designed to test the hypothesis that patients demonstrating compromised blood flow as assessed by quantitative magnetic resonance angiography are at higher stroke risk. The study will recruit 80 patients at six sites in North America over 4-years. Upon enrollment, subjects will undergo haemodynamic assessment with blinded quantitative magnetic resonance angiography to assess large vessel flow in the vertebrobasilar territory, and be prospectively designated as compromised or normal flow. Patients will be re-imaged with quantitative magnetic resonance angiography at 6-, 12-, and 24-months, and followed for 12–24-months for the primary end-point of stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory. Conclusion The VERiTAS study is the first prospective study of haemodynamics and stroke risk in the posterior circulation. The results may impact the selection criteria for interventional candidates and also define a low-risk population in whom the risks of invasive interventions would be unnecessary.
Intranasal Vaccination with Chitosan-DNA Nanoparticles Expressing Pneumococcal Surface Antigen A Protects Mice against Nasopharyngeal Colonization by
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Xu Jianghong , Dai Wenjia , Wang Zhengmin , Chen Bing , Li Zhongming , Fan Xiaoyong 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a respiratory pathogen, and mucosal immune response plays a significant role in the defense against pneumococcal infections. Thus, intranasal vaccination may be an alternative approach to current immunization strategies, and effective delivery systems to mucosal organism are necessary. In this study, BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally with chitosan-DNA nanoparticles expressing pneumococcal surface antigen A (PsaA). Compared to levels in mice immunized with naked DNA or chitosan-
pVAX1
, anti-PsaA IgG antibody in serum and anti-IgA antibody in mucosal lavages were elevated significantly in mice immunized with chitosan-
psaA
. The balanced IgG1/IgG2a antibody ratio in serum, enhanced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-17A levels in spleen lymphocytes, and mucosal washes of mice immunized with chitosan-
psaA
suggested that cellular immune responses were induced. Furthermore, significantly fewer pneumococci were recovered from the nasopharynx of mice immunized with chitosan-
psaA
than for the control group following intranasal challenge with ATCC 6303 (serotype 3). These results demonstrated that mucosal immunization with chitosan-
psaA
may successfully generate mucosal and systemic immune responses and prevent pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization. Hence, a chitosan-DNA nanoparticle vaccine expressing pneumococcal major immunodominant antigens after intranasal administration could be developed to prevent pneumococcal infections.
Translating Tumor Antigens into Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Buonaguro Luigi , Petrizzo Annacarmen , Tornesello Maria Lina , Buonaguro Franco M. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTVaccines represent a strategic successful tool used to prevent or contain diseases with high morbidity and/or mortality. However, while vaccines have proven to be effective in combating pathogenic microorganisms, based on the immune recognition of these foreign antigens, vaccines aimed at inducing effective antitumor activity are still unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the two licensed cancer-preventive vaccines targeting tumor-associated viral agents (anti-HBV [hepatitis B virus], to prevent HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, and anti-HPV [human papillomavirus], to prevent HPV-associated cervical carcinoma), along with the recent FDA approval of sipuleucel-T (for the therapeutic treatment of prostate cancer), represents a significant advancement in the field of cancer vaccines and a boost for new studies in the field. Specific active immunotherapies based on anticancer vaccines represent, indeed, a field in continuous evolution and expansion. Significant improvements may result from the selection of the appropriate tumor-specific target antigen (to overcome the peripheral immune tolerance) and/or the development of immunization strategies effective at inducing a protective immune response. This review aims to describe the vast spectrum of tumor antigens and strategies to develop cancer vaccines.
Use of PCR Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Identification of Bacterial and Yeast Bloodstream Pathogens from Blood Culture Bottles
Authors: Kaleta Erin J. , Clark Andrew E. , Johnson Desiree R. , Gamage Dulini C. , Wysocki Vicki H. , Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Schrenzel Jacques , Wolk Donna M. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT
Sepsis is among the top 10 causes of mortality in the United States. Rapid administration of antibiotics is one of the most important contributors to patient survival, yet only a limited number of methods exist for rapid identification of microbes cultivated from bloodstream infections, which can lead to sepsis. While traditional single-target molecular methods have been shown to greatly improve survival for septic patients by enabling rapid deescalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics, multiplex methods offer even greater possibilities. A novel multiplex method, PCR coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS), was used to identify the genus and species of microorganisms found to cause human bloodstream infections. DNA was directly extracted from 234 BacT-Alert blood culture bottles, and results were compared to those obtained by clinical reference standard methods. The study results demonstrated 98.7% and 96.6% concordance at the genus and species levels, respectively. Mixtures of microbes were identified in 29 blood culture bottles, including mixed species of the same genus, as well as mixtures containing Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, exemplifying the PCR/ESI-MS capability to identify multiple organisms simultaneously without the need for cultivation. This study demonstrates high analytical accuracy in comparison to routine subculture of blood culture bottles and phenotypic identification of microbes. Without foreknowledge of the microorganisms potentially present, the PCR/ESI-MS methods can deliver accurate results in as little as 5 to 6 h after a positive alarm from the automated blood culture system; however, current batch mode testing limits the method's clinical utility at this time.
The International Circumpolar Surveillance Interlaboratory Quality Control Program for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, 1999 to 2008
Authors: Reasonover A. , Zulz T. , Bruce M. G. , Bruden D. , Jetté L. , Kaltoft M. , Lambertsen L. , Parkinson A. , Rudolph K. , Lovgren M. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT
The International Circumpolar Surveillance (ICS) Program was initiated in 1999 to conduct population-based surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease in select regions of the Arctic. An interlaboratory quality control (QC) program for pneumococcal serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing was incorporated into ICS by reference laboratories in northern Canada (Laboratoire de Santé Publique du Québec [LSPQ] in Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Québec; National Centre for Streptococcus [NCS] in Edmonton, Alberta) and Alaska (Arctic Investigations Program [AIP]). The World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Pneumococci at the Statens Serum Institute (SSI) in Copenhagen, Denmark, joined the QC program in 2004. The Iceland Reference Laboratory (IRL) in Reykjavik, Iceland, joined the QC program in 2006, but due to small sample sizes, data from IRL are not included in this report. From 1999 through 2008, 190 isolates were distributed among four laboratories (AIP, NCS, LSPQ, and SSI). The overall serotype concordance was 95.8%, and the overall serogroup concordance was 97.4%. The overall modal MIC concordance for testing by broth microdilution (BMD) and agar dilution was >96% for all the antibiotics except erythromycin (92.1%) and clindamycin (89.5%). MIC comparisons between the Etest and BMD resulted in lower concordance for erythromycin (73.9%), clindamycin (65.5%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (80%); however, categorical concordance (susceptible, resistant) remained high at 98.6%, 89.1%, and 90.9%, respectively. Our data demonstrate a high degree of correlation of serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results between four participating laboratories.
HIV-1-Specific Interleukin-21
+
CD4
+
T Cell Responses Contribute to Durable Viral Control through the Modulation of HIV-Specific CD8
+
T Cell Function
Authors: Chevalier Mathieu F. , Jülg Boris , Pyo Augustine , Flanders Michael , Ranasinghe Srinika , Soghoian Damien Z. , Kwon Douglas S. , Rychert Jenna , Lian Jeffrey , Muller Matthias I. , Cutler Sam , McAndrew Elizabeth , Jessen Heiko , Pereyra Florencia , Rosenberg Eric S. , Altfeld Marcus , Walker Bruce D. , Streeck Hendrik 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Functional defects in cytotoxic CD8
+
T cell responses arise in chronic human viral infections, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. In mice, CD4 cell-mediated interleukin-21 (IL-21) production is necessary for the maintenance of CD8
+
T cell function and control of persistent viral infections. To investigate the potential role of IL-21 in a chronic human viral infection, we studied the rare subset of HIV-1 controllers, who are able to spontaneously control HIV-1 replication without treatment. HIV-specific triggering of IL-21 by CD4
+
T cells was significantly enriched in these persons (
P
= 0.0007), while isolated loss of IL-21-secreting CD4
+
T cells was characteristic for subjects with persistent viremia and progressive disease. IL-21 responses were mediated by recognition of discrete epitopes largely in the Gag protein, and expansion of IL-21
+
CD4
+
T cells in acute infection resulted in lower viral set points (
P
= 0.002). Moreover, IL-21 production by CD4
+
T cells of HIV controllers enhanced perforin production by HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells from chronic progressors even in late stages of disease, and HIV-1-specific effector CD8
+
T cells showed an enhanced ability to efficiently inhibit viral replication
in vitro
after IL-21 binding. These data suggest that HIV-1-specific IL-21
+
CD4
+
T cell responses might contribute to the control of viral replication in humans and are likely to be of great importance for vaccine design.
Are skilled players at greater risk of injury in female youth football?
Authors: Soligard Torbjørn , Grindem Hege , Bahr Roald , Andersen Thor Einar 
Published: November 2010

BackgroundKnowledge of skill-related risk factors for injury in football is limited.ObjectiveTo investigate whether there is an association between football skills and risk of injury in football.Study DesignProspective cohort study of the incidence of injuries and a retrospective evaluation of the players' skill-level.MethodsExposure and injuries were registered prospectively in 82 of 125 football teams (1665 of 2540 female Norwegian amateur players aged 13–17 years) throughout one football season (March–October 2007). A standardised questionnaire designed to assess the football skills of each player was completed by the coaches after the season.ResultsAcross the different skill attributes, the injury incidence in the high-skilled players varied from 4.4 to 4.9 injuries per 1000 player hours, compared to 2.8 to 4.0 injuries per 1000 player hours in the low-skilled players. Players skilled at ball receiving, passing and shooting, heading, tackling, decision-making when in ball possession or in defence and physically strong players were at significantly greater risk of sustaining any injury, an acute injury and a contact injury than their less skilled teammates (rate ratio: 1.50–3.19, all p<0.05).ConclusionsPlayers with high levels of football skill were at greater risk of sustaining injuries than their less skilled teammates.