cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoacoustic computed tomography guided microrobots for targeted navigation in intestines in vivo

Tremendous progress in synthetic micro/nanomotors has been made for potential biomedical applications. However, existing micro/nanomotor platforms are inefficient for deep tissue imaging and motion control in vivo. Here, we present a photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) guided investigation of micromotors in intestines in vivo. The micromotors enveloped in microcapsules exhibit efficient propulsion in various biofluids once released. PACT has visualized the migration of micromotor capsules toward the targeted regions in real time in vivo. The integration of the developed microrobotic system and PACT enables deep imaging and precise control of the micromotors in vivo.
Impact of Perceived Health Competence on the Quality of Life of Emerging Adults With Chronic Health Conditions

Emerging adults with chronic health conditions (CHCs) face additional challenges compared to their peers during this transitional period, which can exacerbate their symptoms and negatively impact t...
The Two-bag System for Intravenous Fluid Management of Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Experience from a Community-Based Hospital.

Objectives: Intravenous fluid (IVF) administration using the two-bag system compared with the one-bag system in children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) admitted between January 1, 2015 and Decemb...
Abstract 17339: Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups Are Under-Represented and Under-Reported in Guideline-Informing Heart Failure Clinical Trials

Introduction: Racial/ethnic diversity in clinical trials is essential to ensure that our evidence base reflects the population. We assessed the extent of reporting and representation of race/ethnic...
Visual search in natural scenes: a double-dissociation paradigm for comparing observer models

Search is a fundamental and ubiquitous visual behavior. Here, we aim to model fixation search under naturalistic conditions and develop a strong test for comparing observer models. Previous work has identified the entropy limit minimization (ELM) observer as an optimal fixation selection model.1 The ELM observer selects fixations that maximally reduce uncertainty about the location of the target. However, this rule is optimal only if the detectability of the target falls off in the same way for every possible fixation (e.g., as in a uniform noise field). Most natural scenes do not satisfy this assumption; they are highly non-stationary. By combining empirical measurements of target detectability with a simple mathematical analysis, we arrive at a generalized ELM rule (nELM) that is optimal for non-stationary backgrounds. Then, we used the nELM rule to generate search time predictions for Gaussian blob targets embedded in hundreds of natural images. We also simulated a maximum a posteriori (MAP) observer, which is a common model in the search literature. To examine which model is more similar to human performance, we developed a double-dissociation search paradigm, selecting pairs of target locations where the nELM and the MAP observer made opposite predictions regarding search speed. By comparing the difference in human search times for each pair with the different model predictions, we can determine which model predictions are more similar to human behavior. Preliminary data from two observers show that human observers behave more like the nELM than the MAP. We conclude that the nELM observer is a useful normative model of fixation search and appears to be a good model of human search in natural scenes. Additionally, the proposed double-dissociation paradigm provides as a strong test for comparing competing models. 1Najemnik, J. & Geisler W.S. (2009) Vis. Res., 49, 1286-1294. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015. Language: en
ON THE NON-IDENTITY BETWEEN PRIME MATTER AND POTENCY IN SIGER OF BRABANT'S METAPHYSICS

To avoid reification of prime matter, or the indeterminate, yet determinable, substrate underlying all change, many readers of Aristotle have identified this per se unknowable “stuff” with its functional identity, i.e., as a conceptual placeholder of the sum of formal potencies abstracted from concrete particulars.Despite the appeal of this reduction, a case will be made in reference to Siger of Brabant’s Metaphysics for the irreducibility of prime matter. This entails granting an extra-formal reality to prime matter beyond its functional role as a correlate passively receiving forms imparted by an agent without contributing anything of this own.
Federal and international regulations governing transportation of portable fuel cell devices in mass transportation systems

The Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 49 lists substances that are classified as hazardous materials and limits their transportation in commerce. Although some of these materials-mainly fuels are regulated, their newly developed storage devices, such as cartridges in portable fuel cell devices are not. As such, require the approval of the U.S. government through U.S. Department of Transportation, other nations and various International agencies before they can be transported in commerce across state boundaries. Various nations and international organizations typically apply their regulations for transportation of hazardous materials in mass transportation systems. This paper addresses current regulatory Framework by air, land, water and rail and suggests means for obtaining various governmental approvals.
Online teaching practices (both best and worst)

Online teaching is a whole new world for many instructors. The level of support provided varies greatly from one institution to the next. Various online platforms are available, or things can be as simple as e-mailed assignments and exams. This panel will share their online teaching experiences, discussing both what has and has not worked for them. While they do not claim to have all the answers, they are working from a good deal of experience.
Hindered rotation in dithiocarbamoyl compounds by NMR measurements

Abstract The alkylation of methyl N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamates, of tetramethyl thiuram disulfide, and of bismethylthio-N-methylformimine has been shown to lead to the same symmetrical dithiocarbamidium salt resulting from alkylation on the thione sulfur atom. The NMR spectrum of the dithiocarbamidium ion showed approximately equal distribution of charge in the ion, resulting in a downfield shift of 0·20 to 0·50 ppm for the protons on carbon attached to nitrogen or sulfur. Its cyclic analog, 2-dimethylamino-1,3-dithiolenium ion, showed that its charge was about equally distributed, with downfield shifts of 0·40 to 0·60 ppm for the protons on carbon attached to nitrogen or sulfur when compared to 2-methylimino-1,3-dithiolane. Hindered rotation was observed around the CN bond of methyl N,N-dialkyldithio-carbamates at ambient temperature (about 37°) by NMR, but none was observed in the corresponding thiuram disulfides at ambient temperature.
Transformation of yeast with linearized plasmid DNA: Formation of inverted dimers and recombinant plasmid products

The molecular products of DNA double strand break repair were investigated after transformation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with linearized plasmid DNA. DNA of an autonomous yeast plasmid cleaved to generate free ends lacking homology with the yeast genome, when used in transformation along with sonicated non-homologous carrier DNA, gave rise to transformants with high frequency. Most of these transformants were found to harbor a head-to-head (inverted) dimer of the linearized plasmid. This outcome of transformation contrasts with that observed when the carrier DNA is not present. Transformants occur at a much reduced frequency and harbor either the parent plasmid or a plasmid with deletion at the site of the cleavage. When the linearized plasmid is introduced along with sonicated carrier DNA and a homologous DNA restriction fragment that spans the site of plasmid cleavage, homologous recombination restores the plasmid to its original circular form. Inverted dimer plasmids are not detected. This relationship between homologous recombination and a novel DNA transaction that yields rearrangement could be important to the cell, as the latter could lead to a loss of gene function and lethality.
The global crisis of malaria: report on a Yale conference.

An international conference, “The Global Crisis of Malaria: Lessons of the Past and Future Prospects,” met at Yale University, November 7-9, 2008. The symposium was organized by Professor Frank Snowden and sponsored by the Provost’s office, the MacMillan Center, the Program in the History of Science and History of Medicine, and the Section of the History of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. It brought together experts on malaria from a variety of disciplines, countries, and experiences — physicians, research scientists, historians of medicine, public health officials, and representatives of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). An underlying theme was that much could be gained from a big-picture examination across disciplinary frontiers of the contemporary public health problem caused by malaria. Particular features of the conference were its intense scrutiny of historical successes and failures in malaria control and its demonstration of the relevance of history to policy discussions in the field.
Degree of Immunity Induced by Killed Vaccines to Experimental Salmonellosis in Mice

Killed vaccines, deoxycholate-extracted or heated, were shown to induce an effective degree of immunity which protected against death (100%), prevented extensive multiplication, and left the mice with low residual salmonella populations in spleen and liver after intravenous (iv) or intraperitoneal (ip) challenge with virulent Salmonella typhimurium. Protection was most effective against the ip challenge route and less effective against the iv route. A study of the kinetics of the population of bacteria in the spleens and livers of immunized animals showed that after ip challenge there was an initial reduction of 99% at 6 hr after challenge, maintenance of levels of less than 103 bacteria per organ, and a final population of 102 to 103 per organ at 21 days. With iv challenge, after an initial reduction of 90% at 6 hr, growth ensued to levels above 106 bacteria per organ until 8 days, followed by a steady decline yielding residual populations of 103 to 104 in some cases. Organ hypertrophy correlated with bacterial population. Morbidity was prevented (as measured by gain in body weight) by immunization against ip challenge but not against iv challenge. Killed vaccines protected by their ability to induce an immune state which reduced the initial challenge population, prevented extensive multiplication, yet allowed “cellular immunity” to develop due to response to the living challenge infection itself. The consequence was a low-level carrier state similar to that induced by recovery from sublethal virulent infection.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED INCIDENCE OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Insulin resistance (IR) increases atherogenesis and atherosclerotic plaque instability and further increases risk of myocardial infarction, but its potential association with Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) has not been evaluated. This study assessed the association of PTSD with incidence of IR
Hierarchical Naming in Milton’s Paradise Lost and Twain’s Diaries of Adam and Eve

Mark Twain — author, wit, philosopher, and self-named man — used names and naming throughout his works, not simply to add color, interest, or even characterization, but to shed light on the power struggles between people at different levels of nineteenth-century American society. Twain’s ‘Extracts from Adam’s Diary’ and ‘Eve’s Diary,’ which were directly influenced by one of his greatest literary influences — John Milton, are especially saturated with active naming. In Paradise Lost, Milton describes a hierarchically struc- tured naming system that separates angels from fallen angels, God from man, and man from woman. In Twain’s versions of the creation story, he inverts Milton’s naming structure, instead using naming to demonstrate his anti-imperialist ideals through the dominant naming of Eve.
Perioperative complications of trabeculectomy in the collaborative initial glaucoma treatment study (CIGTS).

Purpose To describe the incidence of, and risk factors for, surgical complications reported during and within the first post-operative month after trabeculectomy in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS). Design Review of prospectively collected data from a multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Methods Complications were tabulated for the 300 CIGTS patients randomized to surgery. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for complications. Results Among the 300 patients randomized to initial surgery, 465 trabeculectomies were performed. Intraoperative complications were reported in 55 eyes (12%). The most frequent reported complications were anterior chamber bleeding during surgery (37 eyes, 8%) and conjunctival buttonhole (five eyes, 1%). Early post-operative complications were reported in 232 eyes (50%). Complications with a frequency over 10% included shallow or flat anterior chamber (62 eyes, 13%), encapsulated bleb (56 eyes, 12%), ptosis (55 eyes, 12%), serous choroidal detachment (52 eyes, 11%), and anterior chamber bleeding or hyphema (48 eyes, 10%). There were three localized suprachoroidal hemorrhages (0.7%) and no cases of endophthalmitis. Older patients were more likely to experience serous choroidal detachment, new anterior or posterior synechiae, and wound leak. Blacks were less likely to experience anterior chamber bleeding, but more likely to experience post-operative ptosis. The number of subjects experiencing bilateral complications was higher than that which would have been predicted by chance alone. Conclusions The incidence of transient and self-limiting complications was high in the perioperative period, but we observed few complications with the potential to cause severe sustained vision loss in this group of previously untreated eyes.
A simulation study of the effect on simple ecological systems of making rate of increase of population density-dependent.

Abstract A simulation study has been carried out of the effect on Lotka-Volterra type ecological systems of the presence of density-dependent terms (of the type — (population)2) in the corresponding differential equations. It is found, as previously believed, that such terms do stabilize such a system, but the extent of the stabilization depends on the species to which they are applied. The lower trophic levels of a system are more important than the upper ones, herbivores collectively usually being the most important level. The numerical properties of the several species compare in importance with the organization of the system: the importance of any individual species increases with the flux of protoplasm through it; the importance of a pair of species increases with the flux of protoplasm between them. A possible method of extending this study to approach the status of a proof is suggested.
Sequence analysis of bovine satellite I DNA (1.715 gm/cm3)

The 1402 bp Eco RI repeating unit of bovine satellite I DNA (rho CsCl = 1.715 gm/cm3) has been cloned in pBR322. The sequence of this cloned repeat has been determined and is greater than 97% homologous to the sequence reported for another clone of satellite I (48) and for uncloned satellite I DNA (49). The internal sequence structure of the Eco RI repeat contains imperfect direct and inverted repeats of a variety of lengths and frequencies. The most outstanding repeat structures center on the hexanucleotide CTCGAG which, at a stringency of greater than 80% sequence homology, occurs at 26 locations within the RI repeat. Two of these 6 bp units are found within the 31 bp consensus sequence of a repeating structure which spans the entire length of the 1402 bp repeat (49). The 31 bp consensus sequence contains an internal dodecanucleotide repeat, as do the consensus sequences of the repeat units determined for 3 other bovine satellite DNAs (rho CsCl = 1.706, 1.711a, 1.720 gm/cm3). Based on this evidence, we present a model for the evolutionary relationship between satellite I and the other bovine satellites.
Birds of a Feather Sing Together

This article presents an ecological theory of musical preference. A core idea of the theory is that musical forms depend on people for their existence. The theory argues that people are a resource for types of music; musical forms compete for the time, energy, and preferences of individuals. Musical types carve out niches in different sociodemographic segments of society. According to the theory, the niche pattern develops because musical preferences are transmitted through homophilous social network ties; similar people interact with each other and develop similar musical tastes. The article develops six hypotheses that relate individuals' social positions to their musical preferences. Tests with 1993 General Social Survey data support these hypotheses
Quality of Life and Other Outcomes in Children Treated for Cushing Syndrome

Context: Cushing syndrome (CS) in children is associated with residual impairment in measures of health-related quality of life, even after successful resolution of hypercortisolemia, highlighting the need for early identification of morbidities and improvements in long-term management of these patients. Evidence Acquisition and Synthesis: A PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science search of articles from 1900 onward identified available studies related to quality of life and complications of pediatric CS as well as important historical articles. This review summarizes studies through November 2012 and highlights recent developments. Conclusions: A review of the literature identifies significant morbidities associated with CS of pediatric onset, which must not be treated in isolation. CS affects children and adolescents in many ways that are different than adults. Post-treatment challenges for the child or adolescent treated for CS include: optimize growth and pubertal development, normalize body composition, a...
Extractive workload: a mixed-method approach for investigating the socially differentiated effects of land-use/land-cover changes in a southern Zambian frontier

In rural regions across the globe, local natural resources (i.e., “bush” resources) are central to meeting daily household needs. Culturally-influenced gender- and age-based divisions of labor guide the harvesting of these resources and, as a result, shifts in resource availability will differentially affect women, men, girls, and boys. This research brief presents results of an innovative pilot project designed to assess the socially differentiated effects of land-use/land-cover changes (LULCC) on Gwembe Tonga migrants living in Kulaale, an agricultural frontier in southern Zambia. Integrating existing analyses of remotely sensed imagery with a seasonal resource survey and mapping exercise (n = 20 homesteads), this study finds the average extractive workloads (mean annual distance traveled for the collection of bush resources) of women, men, girls, and boys to be both unequal and contrary to recent speculations about the distinctive vulnerability of adult women to environmental change. Drawing on qualitative ethnographic methods—including semi-structured interviews (n = 101), a homestead labor survey (n = 38), participant observation, and references to over fifty years of anthropological research—the author identifies additional variables—including the demographic structure of Kulaale homesteads and the flexible division of subsistence labor—that color Gwembe Tonga migrants’ aged and gendered experiences of LULCC. The study adds important nuance to our understanding of natural resource practices and individual-level vulnerability, particularly in the face of contemporary environmental change.
UTILIZATION OF AGGLOMERATIVE HIERARCHICAL CLUSTERING IN THE ANALYSIS OF HEDONIC SCALED CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY DATA

Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was utilized to group consumers together based on product preference and liking in four consumer-based sensory studies. This statistical technique was effective at determining variations in consumer preference as a result of both processing techniques and ingredient incorporation. Results revealed that agglomerative hierarchical clustering can often improve the interpretation of consumer sensory data when compared to currently utilized analyses, and has significant applications in research projects with a sensory component. Three recommendations for conducting a comprehensive statistical analysis of hedonic scaled consumer data are: (1) perform a randomized complete block design to test treatment effects using the total data set; (2) utilize agglomerative hierarchical clustering to group panelists based on preference and liking of food products; and (3) perform randomized complete block designs within each cluster. If significant differences occur among treatments within a cluster, use a mean separation technique to determine significant differences among treatments within that cluster. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was coupled with traditionally used analyses in the evaluation of hedonic scaled consumer data pertaining to chicken nuggets, retorted ham, fluid milk and cooked shrimp. Coupling of cluster analysis and traditional analyses was effective at grouping consumers together based on product preference and liking. Randomized complete block designs were also utilized within each cluster for further differentiation among treatments. A full description on how to analyze hedonic scaled sensory data using agglomerative hierarchical clustering, randomized complete block designs and Fisher's least significant difference test was included in this research paper and is an effective analytical method for the evaluation of hedonic scaled consumer data.
Legal aspects of exclusive representation: Ruminations on the private-public sector analogy

From the perspective of a management labor lawyer, this article argues that any legitimate theory of employment rights must be founded on the premise that employment is a voluntary relationship governed by mutual consent. In contrast, the erosion of the doctrine of at-will employment and the substitution of its legal antithesis, the tort of wrongful discharge, depend on a conception of employment rights as something the employee possesses at the employer’s expense, that is, without the employer’s consent. The theme of this article is that an employment right does not exist apart from contract. The government cannot violate an employment right unless it prevents a willing employee and a willing employer from making a contract concerning a proper subject on terms satisfactory to both. In public sector employment, the state is one of the parties to the employment contract. In most cases, a public employer cannot be “willing” if the same sovereign or polity has enacted conditions on public employment, that is, has placed limitations on itself. This article analyzes the legal aspects of exclusive union representation and related union security arrangements within this conceptual framework.
Numerical impact of surface conductivity on the Green's function for thin graphene films

Surface plasmon waves excited by a current source in presence of a graphene layer impacts the signal integrity in ultrafast VLSI interconnects. Recent full-wave analysis based on the problem-matched Green's function containing Sommerfeld integrals shows that the propagation constant of TM and TE surface plasmon waves are strongly influenced by the quantum-mechanical properties of the surface conductivity of graphene. The calculation of the surface conductivity is explored here and some select analytical and numerical aspects are investigated in context of surface plasmon wave propagation.
17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency

Abstract Five known isoenzymes catalyze the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reaction that controls the interconversion of estrone and estradiol and of testosterone and androstenedione. Mutations in the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 gene impair the formation of testosterone in the fetal testis and give rise to genetic males with normal male Wolffian duct structures but female external genitalia. Such individuals are usually raised as females but virilize at the time of puberty as the result of a rise in serum testosterone. The 14 mutations characterized to date in 17 affected families include 10 missense mutations, 3 splice junction abnormalities, and 1 frame shift mutation. Three of the mutations have occurred in more than 1 family. The usual mechanism for testosterone formation in affected individuals at puberty appears to be conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in extraglandular tissues by one or more of the unaffected 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoenzymes.
Leveraging Employee Development Planning (EDP) for performance advantage

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the changes, including those around Employee Development Planning (EDP) made by training company Options 2, to modernise performance appraisals, optimise employee performance, and enable the company to expand its skills base in order to meet current and future contractual obligations. Design/methodology/approach – Under the guidance of outsourced HR firm, HR Solutions, Options 2 was introduced to an “always available, anywhere” cloud-based EDP and employee performance management tool, Dinamiks. Findings – Benefits around upskilling through training, employee performance improvement, and meeting contractual specifications have accrued. The tool also helped Options 2 be accepted by the National Career Service as a provider of training. Research limitations/implications – A need was identified to link, more effectively, input (into Dinamiks) by some employees to company objectives. This is viewed as a cultural hangover from the days of paper-based appraisals and is being addressed. Practical implications – Options 2 makes more effective use of its employees, who are better trained; is better placed to meet current and future contractual obligations; has been accepted by the National Career Service as a provider of training. Social implications – Options 2 encourages staff to have interests outside the business and to detail these within Dinamiks in order to build up a picture of the wider social aspects of employees, to their betterment as individuals inside and outside the company. Originality/value – The “always available, anywhere” aspects, and the comprehensive capabilities of EDP are original for, and of lasting business value to, Options 2.
On the Inadmissibility of preliminary-Test Estimators When the Loss Involves a Complexity Cost

Estimation-preceded-by-testing is studied in the context of estimating the mean vector of a multivariate normal distribution under squared error loss together with a complexity cost. It is shown that although the preliminary test estimator is admissible for the univariate problem (cf Meeden and Arnold (1979),J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.,74, 872–874), for dimensionp≧3, the estimator is inadmissible. A new preliminary test estimator is obtained, which depends on the cost for each component and dominates the usual preliminary test estimator.
The egg fertilization site within the house fly, Musca domestica (L.) (diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract The surface morphology of a dome-shaped genital chamber in the female Musca domestica L., where the sperm and egg meet following ovulation, was examined to determine its role in fertilization. The inner surface of the chamber was found to be lined with 3 types of nonarticulated cuticular spines. Examination of eggs removed from the chamber indicated that the distinctly robust spines at the apex were involved with the removal of a mucoid secretion which occludes the micropyle opening. The spines lining the rest of the chamber were more slender and flexible than those at the apex, and may function in ensuring that sperm remain at the fertilization site when the egg is placed into the chamber.
Flagellin Treatment Prevents Increased Susceptibility to Systemic Bacterial Infection after Injury by Inhibiting Anti-Inflammatory IL-10+ IL-12- Neutrophil Polarization

Severe trauma renders patients susceptible to infection. In sepsis, defective bacterial clearance has been linked to specific deviations in the innate immune response. We hypothesized that innate immune modulations observed during sepsis also contribute to increased bacterial susceptibility after severe trauma. A well-established murine model of burn injury, used to replicate infection following trauma, showed that wound inoculation with P. aeruginosa quickly spreads systemically. The systemic IL-10/IL-12 axis was skewed after burn injury with infection as indicated by a significant elevation in serum IL-10 and polarization of neutrophils into an anti-inflammatory (“N2”; IL-10+ IL-12−) phenotype. Infection with an attenuated P. aeruginosa strain (ΔCyaB) was cleared better than the wildtype strain and was associated with an increased pro-inflammatory neutrophil (“N1”; IL-10−IL-12+) response in burn mice. This suggests that neutrophil polarization influences bacterial clearance after burn injury. Administration of a TLR5 agonist, flagellin, after burn injury restored the neutrophil response towards a N1 phenotype resulting in an increased clearance of wildtype P. aeruginosa after wound inoculation. This study details specific alterations in innate cell populations after burn injury that contribute to increased susceptibility to bacterial infection. In addition, for the first time, it identifies neutrophil polarization as a therapeutic target for the reversal of bacterial susceptibility after injury.
The pros and cons of trading water: A case study in Australia

Water is a commodity, and water rights can be freely traded in an open market. Proponents of the free market approach argue that it leads to the most efficient allocation of water resources, as it would for any other commodity. However, unlike some commodities, water is critical for human life, for many human activities, and as an environmental resource. When such an essential commodity becomes scarce, as frequently happens in Australia, which is prone to sudden and dramatic droughts, severe problems can occur quickly. In Australia's Murray Darling Basin, the country's largest agricultural region, the government had historically controlled the distribution of water rights. However, under these controls, a selected few controlled a large share of the water. To resolve this problem of overallocation, a free market approach was put in place in the early 1990s.
The Evolution of JCHIMP

In the last issue, which was the first issue of JCHIMP, I discussed the origins and background of the journal (1). The journal was conceived in late summer 2010 and emerged with the first issue in May 2011. At the outset we were not certain of our direction beyond the fact that we wanted to be a clinically oriented, general internal medicine journal supporting the interests of community teaching hospitals and the trainees and faculty who work in them. It can be difficult to conduct scholarly work in the community setting in comparison to many universitybased programs because of institutional culture, emphasis on clinical volumes, and lack of resources. Nevertheless, good scholarly work has been evident in venues like the American College of Physicians Associates Meeting each year where residents and students present clinical vignettes and other scholarly work of high quality. Too often, the scholarly effort ends there; JCHIMP provides further options. Contracting with Co-Action Publishing in Stockholm has had a major positive impact. Our 15 member editorial board and over 110 reviewers are a testimony to broad support and interest - even at this early stage. In our first issue, David Solomon, champion of open access medical journals, pointed out the glowing future of electronic open access journals as the numbers are increasing and the quality improving (2). We believe that our journal, JCHIMP, will fill a much needed niche of internal medicine open access journals that focus on community programs and the people who work and study there. (Published: 18 July 2011) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 7292 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i2.7292
Genetic Testing for Common Cancer Genes

Recent advances in the field of genetics have resulted in the ability to perform genetic tests on individuals to estimate their risk of developing certain diseases. This predictive testing can be used to determine the presence or absence of a specific genetic factor for types of breast, ovarian, colorectal, stomach, and ocular cancers. This article will discuss genetic testing for the cancers listed, including issues surrounding positive results; common issues that arise surrounding genetic testing; what to do when given the results; and what are the available preventative measures.
A phase II study of continuous infusion homoharringtonine and cytarabine in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: CALGB study 19804

Background Both homoharringtonine (HHT), an alkaloid derivative from the Chinese yew tree that inhibits protein synthesis, and low-dose cytarabine have independent activity in CML and have been used in combination after failure of interferon therapy.
Pou3f4-mediated regulation of ephrin-b2 controls temporal bone development in the mouse

The temporal bone encases conductive and sensorineural elements of the ear. Mutations of POU3F4 are associated with unique temporal bone abnormalities and X-linked mixed deafness (DFNX2/DFN3). However, the target genes and developmental processes controlled by POU3F4 transcription factor activity have remained largely uncharacterized. Ephrin-B2 (Efnb2) is a signaling molecule with well-documented effects on cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Our analyses of targeted mouse mutants revealed that Efnb2 loss-of-function phenocopies temporal bone abnormalities of Pou3f4 hemizygous null neonates: qualitatively identical malformations of the stapes, styloid process, internal auditory canal, and cochlear capsule were present in both mutants. Using failed/insufficient separation of the stapes and styloid process as a quantitative trait, we found that single gene Efnb2 loss-of-function and compound Pou3f4/Efnb2 loss-of-function caused a more severe phenotype than single gene Pou3f4 loss-of-function. Pou3f4 and Efnb2 gene expression domains overlapped at the site of impending stapes-styloid process separation and at subcapsular mesenchyme surrounding the cochlea; at both these sites, Efnb2 expression was attenuated in Pou3f4 hemizygous null mutants relative to control. Results of immunoprecipitation experiments using chromatin isolated from nascent middle ear mesenchyme supported the hypothesis of a physical association between Pou3f4 and specific non-coding sequence of Efnb2. We propose that Efnb2 is a target of Pou3f4 transcription factor activity and an effector of mesenchymal patterning during temporal bone development.
Single Particle Interaction Properties: Investigations on the Coefficient of Restitution and Coefficient of Friction

Understanding granular flows has always been important for predicting natural phenomena such as rockslides and soil erosion, as well as industrial processes such as coal-based fossil fuel systems and solids processing. As such, it becomes important to understand granular flows from both a classical granular flow and tribological perspective. Inherently important in the study of granular flows is the study of the individual particle level interactions, which define the global behavior of the flow. The current work examines both the coefficient of restitution (COR) and coefficient of friction (COF) for various material combinations. COR and tribological experiments are performed on various sphere and plate (disk) materials, such as low carbon steel, tungsten carbide (WC), and NITINOL 60.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Origins of aging mass loss in recombinant N-terminus and C-terminus deletion mutants of the heme-PAS biosensor domain BjFixLH140–270

Abstract Nine recombinant FixL heme domains from Bradyrhizobium japonicum previously were shown to exhibit mass instability independent of many environmental factors (J.D. Satterlee, C. Suquet, A. Bidwai, J. Erman, L. Schwall, R. Jimenez, Biochemistry 47 (2008) 1540–1553). Two of those recombinant proteins were produced in remote laboratories. Mass losses begin appearing at completion of isolation and comprise a substantial proportion of samples within 1–3 days of storage and handling. Thus, degradation occurs during the time frame of experiments and crystallization. Detailed understanding of this instability is desired in order to formulate stable heme-PAS sensor domains for experimentation and for a mechanistic interpretation. However, mass spectra of the full length heme-PAS domain, Bj FixLH 140–270 , are complex by 1–3 days following isolation due to broad features and a high density of overlapping peaks, so that individual peak assignments are at present ambiguous. This stymies direct, quantitative interpretation of the source of the observed mass losses. To solve this dilemma amino-terminal primary sequencing and MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) mass spectrometry monitoring of three terminal variants of Bj FixLH 140–270 have been achieved. The working hypothesis, that the experimentally observed mass losses originate in the PAS protein sequence termini, has been substantiated. This establishes a basis for interpreting the more complex results from aging full length Bj FixLH 140–270 .
Lipogenesis from lactate in rat adipose tissue

In epididymal fat pad tissue of ad libitum fed rats, glucose greatly stimulates the uptake, oxidation and lipogenesis from lactate. Half-maximal stimulation occurs at about 0.3 mM of glucose, and even when present in great excess glucose does not depress lactate carbon uptake. Pyruvate at concentrations below 1 mM also stimulates utilization of lactate, but the effect is less than that of glucose and at higher pyruvate concentrations utilization of lactate is decreased. In tissue of fed rats when lactate and glucose are present together at equal concentrations, lactate provides most of the carbon for CO2 and especially fatty acid synthesis, while glucose provides nearly all the carbon for lipid glycerol. At concentrations in the physiological range (10 mM in glucose, 2 mM in lactate) in tissue of fed rats half or more of the fatty acid carbon is derived from lactate. Our findings suggest that in in vivo blood lactate under some conditions may serve as an important source for fatty acids. A balance of production and utilization of reducing equivalents and of ATP in tissue of fed rats has been calculated. In the presence of lactate plus glucose the production of reducing equivalents in the cytosol nearly balances the requirement for the synthesis of lipid. Glucose provides NADPH and some acetyl-CoA, whereas lactate provides the rest of the reducing equivalents and most of the acetyl-CoA. There is an apparent excess of ATP production over its utilization. The bearing of our findings on the role of reducing equivalents and energy balance in the control of lipogenesis are discussed. It appears that the marked difference in the metabolism of lactate and pyruvate and the effects of phenazine methosulfate can not be solely accounted for on the basis of disposal of cytosolic NADH.
Professional basketball fans in China: a comparison of National Basketball Association and Chinese Basketball Association team identification

Professional basketball has developed into a major spectator sport in China during the past 20 years. Chinese basketball fans can now choose between watching the Chinese Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association. This study compared fans’ team identification of teams within the two competing professional basketball leagues in China. The sample included spectators at four different CBA games (N = 549). Respondents completed measures of team identification (Wann and Branscombe, 1993) with their favourite NBA and CBA teams and behavioural involvement based on television and merchandise consumption for both leagues. Chinese fans’ overall team identification and behavioural involvement were found to be significantly higher for favourite NBA teams. Team identification was also compared for segments grouped by age, gender, ticket type, and income. The study has implications for leagues, teams, sponsors, and other sport organisations interested in attempting to attract fans in China.
A Comparison of Neptunyl(V) and Neptunyl(VI) Solution Coordination: The Stability of Cation−Cation Interactions

The solution coordination environments of pentavalent and hexavalent Np are studied by high-energy X-ray scattering. Np5+ and Np6+ both exist as the neptunyl moiety coordinated with five equatorial waters at Np−O distances of 2.46(2) and 2.37(2) A, respectively. NpO22+ also has a second coordination sphere of 6−10 waters at 4.37(3) A. The NpO2+ scattering is complicated by the presence of scattering at about 4.2 A that is attributed to Np−Np cation−cation interactions. The analysis of changing intensity of this peak as a function of Np concentration is used to determine a stability constant of Keq = 0.74(9) M−1 for the dimeric complex.
STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN AND NUCLEASE PRODUCTION IN FOAMS

Air was incorporated into culture media by the addition of cellulose or nonabsorbent cotton pads to cornstarch pastes and by foam formation in an agar gel. Production of staphylococcal enterotoxin types A, B and C during incubation at 37°C was increased both on a per ml basis and per 106 CFU by such air incorporation but not in deaerated controls. Nuclease production followed the same trend. Cell numbers were less affected. Even limited inclusion of air within a food system thus increases the rate of staphylococcal production of enterotoxin.
Clinical decision making and pain

Pain management is intimately linked to decision making. Nurses play a key role in making decisions regarding pain and its management. This paper presents data from a preliminary study (N = 53) extending the investigators' pain research into the areas of clinical decision making and ethical dilemmas related to pain management. Nurses completed surveys focused on actual experiences of caring for patients in pain. The results identify common clinical decisions related to pain, barriers to providing optimum pain relief, and ethical/professional conflicts in pain management. Decisions related to the amount of pain intensity, when to give medications, and choice of analgesics. Nurses identified verbal and nonverbal cues central to their decisions regarding pain assessment. Barriers to effective pain management included physician knowledge and cooperation, patient/family knowledge and cooperation, as well as nursing knowledge and time. Respondents identified ethical dilemmas about overmedication or undermedication, conflicts with physicians or patients, and concern over opioid side effects. A tentative model of decision making related to pain is presented.
Group Day Care and Cytomegaloviral Infections of Mothers and Children

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), the leading cause of congenital viral infection, occurs commonly among children in group day care. Urinary or salivary excretion of CMV was found frequently among children in three centers serving mostly middle-income white families. Although there was center-to-center variation, CMV excretion was uncommon among infants under one year of age; peak rates of viral shedding, ranging from 44% to 100%, were noted for two-year-olds. A longitudinal study at a single center indicated that children usually acquired CMV during their second year of life and usually shed virus for two years or longer. The high prevalence of silent CMV infection among the children in day care argues against the exclusion of any child known to have CMV infection; such children have sometimes been excluded because of the potential risk of CMV transmission to pregnant workers.
Air/helium ground-test simulation pertinent to the definition of slender body hypersonic aerodynamics

The capability of air/helium simulations pertinent to the definition of slender body hypersonic aerodynamics is tested, using exact inviscid analytical comparisons to characterize the Mach number and bluntness effects. Comparisons are made with experiments conducted from the 1960s through the 1980s. The results indicate no general rule for air/helium simulation. A feasibility for obtaining sufficient simulation for many types of aero/fluid dynamic studies is demonstrated.
Multiple Lane Boundary Detection Using A Combination of Low-Level Image Features

In this paper, the authors propose a vision-based multiple lane boundaries detection and estimation structure that fuses the edge features and the high intensity features. The approach utilizes a camera as the only input sensor. The application of a Kalman filter for information fusion and tracking significantly improves the reliability and robustness of the system. The authors test their system on roads with different driving scenarios, including day, night, heavy traffic, rain, confusing textures and shadows. The feasibility of their approach is demonstrated by quantitative evaluation using manually labeled video clips.
Response of the Pedernales River of Central Texas to Late Holocene Climatic Change

Abstract Geomorphological investigations of modern fluvial systems are based on the premise that stream channels develop an equilibrium morphology that represents an accommodation to the relationship between the independent variables of discharge and sediment supply. Long-term changes in this relationship, often due to climatic change, result in morphological and sedimentary adjustments by the fluvial system that are commonly recorded in alluvial sedimentary sequences. The Pedernales River is a bedload-dominated stream that drains the eastern margins of the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas. In the upper third of the valley, there is a complex alluvial sequence that offers considerable insight into the long-term evolution of this largely erosional landscape. This paper is concerned with the detailed and temporally well-defined late Holocene record, and provides an example of widespread morphological and sedimentary adjustments to subtle changes in climate. Through much of the late Holocene, from ca. 4500 t...
The role of serotonin receptor subtypes in treating depression: a review of animal studies.

Rationale Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in treating depression. Given the existence of different families and subtypes of 5-HT receptors, multiple 5-HT receptors may be involved in the antidepressant-like behavioral effects of SSRIs.
At-a-station hydraulic geometry relations, 2: calibration and testing

Using a large number of data sets obtained from various sources, the geometric relations derived in Part 1 are calibrated and verified using the split sampling approach. The calibration of parameters shows that the change in stream power is not shared equally among hydraulic variables and that the unevenness depends on the boundary conditions to be satisfied by the channel under consideration. The agreement between the observed values of the hydraulic variables and those predicted by the derived relations is close for the verification data set and lends credence to the hypotheses employed in this study.