cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Choosing a Specialty Just to Get a Job

Obtaining a job—or residency position—as an international medical graduate (IMG) has historically been challenging relative to US-trained physicians. After many years of training in other countries, seeking clinical or research opportunities in the United States, preparing for board examinations, and going through the residency application process, only about half of IMGs who apply to the Match are assigned a position. This disparity raises several important questions: Why is this the case? What options exist for IMGs who do not match? What are the current trends in IMGs specialty match outcomes? What systemic and personal challenges surrounding the residency application could help explain these trends? In this chapter, these questions are explored from begging to end. In addition, the ways in which IMGs contribute to American healthcare and some ways to support them through existing challenges are introduced. A case is also made as to why IMGs should not be forced to “choose a specialty just to get a job.”
The Czechoslovak Crisis and British Danubian Strategy, 1938–1939

Travelling off the beaten path, further afield than a Westerner normally would venture, British journalist Sylvia Stevenson entered the Hungarian-Slovak borderlands in the troubled times of the Czechoslovak crisis in September 1938.
An Exploratory Study Examining Differences in Drug Court Graduation Rates for Black and White Women

This exploratory study examined factors potentially associated with graduation for White and Black female Drug Treatment Court participants. Multiple logistic regression models for predicting progr...
Memory and naïve gamma delta regulatory T-cell gene expression in the first 24-weeks of peanut oral immunotherapy.

Abstract Background Peanut oral immunotherapy (POIT) has provided desensitization to peanut allergic individuals. Limited immunological evaluation exists during the first 24-weeks of POIT. Objective Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are antigen induced immunosuppressive T-cells important in establishing tolerance. Delineation of early immunologic changes contributing to the development of peanut desensitization would help clarify the mechanism of action in POIT. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on Tregs in pediatric subjects undergoing POIT during the first 24-weeks of therapy to evaluate early immunological changes induced by POIT. Methods PBMC samples from peanut allergic subjects between 5 and 12 years of age enrolled in a Phase 1/2a POIT study were collected and analyzed at 0, 6, and 24-weeks after POIT initiation and samples were compared to healthy non-peanut allergic controls. Tregs were enriched from PBMCs and scRNAseq analysis performed. Cell Ranger 3.1.0 (10× Genomics) was utilized to identify cell clusters and differentially expressed genes, and results were analyzed with Seurat suite version 3.0.0. Results Gene analysis revealed 10 major clusters corresponding to different cell types observed to change during POIT when compared to the healthy, non-peanut-allergic state. scRNAseq analysis of Tregs revealed strong CD3G expression correlating with gdTregs. scRNAseq analysis of gdTregs revealed dynamic changes occurring within the first 6-weeks of treatment and cell frequencies of naive and memory gdTregs at 24-weeks of treatment reducing to levels similar to healthy controls. Analysis of transcriptomic cell identity analysis using SingleR showed gene expression in gdTregs similar to healthy control after 24-weeks of POIT treatment. scRNAseq analysis revealed alterations in gene expression for memory and naive gdTregs during this timeframe. Specifically, expression of OX40R (TNFRSF4), GITR (TNFRSF18), TGFB1, CTLA4, ISG20, CD69 were upregulated in memory gdTregs compared to naive gdTregs by 24-weeks of POIT, while IL7R and SELL were downregulated in memory gdTregs compared to naive gdTregs. Conclusions There are specific expression profiles of peripheral naive and mature gdTreg cells in peanut allergic patients undergoing POIT in the first 24-weeks of treatment implicating pathways involved in maintenance of immune homeostasis. gdTreg cells may contribute to the tolerogenic effect of POIT within the first 24-weeks of POIT treatment. These findings suggest that gdTregs cells may be an early marker of desensitization in subjects undergoing POIT.
Synaptic Hyaluronan Synthesis and CD44-Mediated Signaling Coordinate Neural Circuit Development

The hyaluronan-based extracellular matrix is expressed throughout nervous system development and is well-known for the formation of perineuronal nets around inhibitory interneurons. Since perineuronal nets form postnatally, the role of hyaluronan in the initial formation of neural circuits remains unclear. Neural circuits emerge from the coordinated electrochemical signaling of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Hyaluronan localizes to the synaptic cleft of developing excitatory synapses in both human cortical spheroids and the neonatal mouse brain and is diminished in the adult mouse brain. Given this developmental-specific synaptic localization, we sought to determine the mechanisms that regulate hyaluronan synthesis and signaling during synapse formation. We demonstrate that hyaluronan synthase-2, HAS2, is sufficient to increase hyaluronan levels in developing neural circuits of human cortical spheroids. This increased hyaluronan production reduces excitatory synaptogenesis, promotes inhibitory synaptogenesis, and suppresses action potential formation. The hyaluronan receptor, CD44, promotes hyaluronan retention and suppresses excitatory synaptogenesis through regulation of RhoGTPase signaling. Our results reveal mechanisms of hyaluronan synthesis, retention, and signaling in developing neural circuits, shedding light on how disease-associated hyaluronan alterations can contribute to synaptic defects.
Severe Head Trauma in a Case with Premorbid Disabilities

One of the most difficult type of brain injury cases to work with is one in which there are substantial premorbid deficits. These deficits can be due to past neurological disease, past injury, or simply to a lack of environmental stimulation or training. Regardless of the etiology of such deficits, it is necessary to differentiate between neuropsychological deficits which are caused by a current injury which is being litigated and past deficits unrelated to the legal proceedings. The following patient illustrates such a problem in an accident case.
Older White Adults and Mental Health

This contribution focuses on two primary objectives—outlining mental health in relation to later life and identifying, where appropriate, specific information about the mental health of older White adults. At the heart of such a discussion is the recognition that, with age, regardless of race or ethnicity, individuals demonstrate more diversity and heterogeneity. Therefore, any discussion about elders must recognize that diversity within specific groups is expected—in our case, among older Whites.
Introduction of a heterologous editing site into the tobacco plastid genome: the lack of RNA editing leads to a mutant phenotype.

The psbF mRNA is edited in spinach plastids by a C to U conversion, changing a serine to a conserved phenylalanine codon. In tobacco at this position a phenylalanine codon is present at the DNA level, and the psbF mRNA here is not edited. To test if the psbF editing capacity is evolutionarily conserved, the tobacco psbF gene was modified to match the corresponding spinach sequence. The endogenous tobacco gene was replaced with the modified copy using biolistic transformation. We report here that the heterologous editing site remains unmodified in transplastomic tobacco plants. The lack of editing is associated with slower growth, lowered chlorophyll content and high chlorophyll fluorescence, a phenotype characteristic of photosynthetic mutants. This finding confirms that the editing of the psbF mRNA is an essential processing step for protein function and thus provides direct proof for the biological significance of plant organellar RNA editing. Given that a mutant phenotype is associated with the lack of editing, it seems likely that the evolutionary loss of the site-specific capacity for psbF editing was preceded by the mutation that eliminated the editing requirement.
The anemia of chronic disorders: studies of marrow regulation and iron metabolism

Marrow regulation and iron metabolism were evaluated in 17 patients with mild or moderate anemia associated with chronic disorders. In addition, whole blood P50 and red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) levels were measured. The study group consisted of seven patients with non-hematologic malignancies, nine with infection or inflammation, and one with idiopathic hypoproliferative anemia. The mean whole blood P50 and DPG levels were elevated to 28.5 +/- 1.9 mm Hg and 7.03 +/- 0.83 mumole/ml packed RBC, respectively, as compared to normal values of 26.6 +/- 0.6 mm Hg and 4.83 +/- 0.33 mumole/ml packed RBC. Erythropoietin (ESF) excretion was variable (1.1-28.7 IRP U, day), clearly elevated above normal in only three patients and, within the study group, bore no relation to hematocrit. While nine of the 17 subjects had ESF excretion rates within the 95% limits predicted by hematocrit, the remaining eight had lower than expected values. No significant differences in ferrokinetics, ESF excretion, or hematologic profile were found between patients with malignancy and those with inflammation. Marrow transit times correlated inversely with both serum and urine ESF activity (r = -0.57, p less than 0.02; and r = -0.63, p less than 0.01, respectively), indicating that the marrow reticulocyte release response to ESF stimulation was unimpaired. Erythroid iron turnovers were unrelated to serum or urinary ESF activity but were significantly correlated with serum iron levels expressed as microgram/100 ml whole blood (r = 0.56, p less than 0.02). These studies suggest that there is an intraerythrocytic response to the anemia in this group of patients, document that reduced ESF production is not a uniform finding with the anemia of chronic disorders, and provide evidence that the marrow proliferative response to anemia is limited in many patients primarily by the availability of iron.
Lifestyle, Genes, and Cancer

It is estimated that almost 1.5 million people in the USA are diagnosed with cancer every year. However, due to the substantial effect of modifiable lifestyle factors on the most prevalent cancers, it has been estimated that 50% of cancer is preventable. Physical activity, weight loss, and a reduction in alcohol use can strongly be recommended for the reduction of breast cancer risk. Similarly, weight loss, physical activity, and cessation of tobacco use are important behavior changes to reduce colorectal cancer risk, along with the potential benefit for the reduction of red meat consumption and the increase in folic acid intake. Smoking cessation is still the most important prevention intervention for reducing lung cancer risk, but recent evidence indicates that increasing physical activity may also be an important prevention intervention for this disease. The potential benefit of lifestyle change to reduce prostate cancer risk is growing, with recent evidence indicating the importance of a diet rich in tomato-based foods and weight loss. Also, in the cancers for which there are established lifestyle risk factors, such as physical inactivity for breast cancer and obesity for colorectal cancer, there is emerging information on the role that genetics plays in interacting with these factors, as well as the interaction of combinations of lifestyle factors. Integration of genetic information into lifestyle factors can help to clarify the causal relationships between lifestyle and genetic factors and assist in better identifying cancer risk, ultimately leading to better-informed choices about effective methods to enhance health and prevent cancer.
2-D Arp's spectral factorization

Arp's method of spectral factorization (Arch. Elek. Ubertragung Electron. Commun., vol.39, no.4, p.251-8, 1985) is considered for generalization to the two-dimensional (2-D) case. Although convergence and stability cannot be theoretically guaranteed due to the inevitable finite-order approximants to the 2-D spectral factors of infinite order, the algorithm is expected to be convergent and stable if certain truncation parameters are large enough. Illustrative examples are given to support the conclusions. >
NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF SOLAR WIND TURBULENCE

Abstract. Alfvenic fluctuations are a ubiquitous component of the solar wind. Evidence from many spacecraft indicates that the fluctuations are convected out of the solar corona with relatively flat power spectra and constitute a source of free energy for a turbulent cascade of magnetic and kinetic energy to high wave numbers. Observations and simulations support the conclusion that the cascade evolves most rapidly in the vicinity of velocity shears and current sheets. Numerical solutions of the magnetohydrodynamic equations are clarifying not only how a turbulent cascade develops, but also the nature of the symmetries of the turbulence. Of particular interest is the origin of the Maltese cross two-dimensional correlation function of magnetic fluctuations that was deduced from ISEE 3 data. A central issue to be resolved is whether the correlation function indicates the existence of a quasi-two-dimensional component of the turbulence, or reflects another origin, such as pressure-balanced structures or small velocity shears. This paper reviews the current status of our simulations of turbulence in the solar wind. These simulations include a tilted rotating current sheet as well as variety of waves ( e.g., Alfvenic, quasi-two-dimensional, pressure balance structures) and “microstreams”. Some aspects of our global models of heliospheric structure are also covered.
Talkin’ ‘bout my generation: Exploring age-related resources

In the past few years, as technology has radically changed how we find and use information resources, library staff have begun to notice significant generational differences in the information-seeking behavior of library patrons. These frequent observations at the reference desk and in library instruction classes planted the first small seeds of our interest in this topic. Internet sites and online articles about generational differences are plentiful and focus on a wide range of subjects, such as learning styles, social behaviors, moral values, technological skills, marketing, communication, and workplace performance. Generational categories are based on the time period in which a . . .
Nonstationary Poisson modeling of web browsing session arrivals

In this paper we show that daily web session arrivals are nonstationary Poissonian with a rate surprisingly stable, i.e., changing only once per 24 hours in all the examined cases.
Oxidative killing of intracellular parasites mediated by macrophages

Abstract An important function of macrophages is to eliminate invading pathogens, and one of their main weapons involves the generation of lethal oxygen radicals. Yet some parasites and pathogens - notably Leishmania, Toxoplasma , and Listeria and Mycobacterium - make use of macrophages as their primary cellular hosts displaying a capacity to survive the oxidative killing mechanisms of these host cells. It is now clear that more than one pathway is involved in the activation of macrophages to kill intracellular pathogens. Here, Huw Hughes discusses the biochemistry of the oxidative metabolism of macrophages, and the steps taken by parasites to survive within this hostile environment.
Planning for an annual episodic mass gathering: emergency department and clinic utilization in Yellowstone

Objective Planning and providing emergency and primary care for a large transient population of visitors and employees in a national park can be problematic. Furthermore, planning for emergency and primary health care needs of visitors and itinerant workers in a wilderness area national park has not been well documented. A study was performed to analyze emergency and primary health care utilization in a national park. Methods Data was gathered from all patients presenting to Lake Hospital Emergency Department in Yellowstone in 1995, and a retrospective chart review was performed. Results Two distinct populations with different health care needs were identified. Conclusion Utilization analysis revealed differences between conventional mass gatherings and the mass gatherings in Yellowstone. Because of the unique conditions and populations found in a wilderness area, conventional mass gathering emergency medical service models may not be an appropriate model for planning health care in a national park. Analysis of utilization data can help plan resources for emergency and primary health care for a park population.
Deep structure and seismic anisotropy beneath the East Pacific Rise

Seismic velocities in the upper mantle beneath mid-ocean ridges are known to exhibit anisotropy, especially at depths shallower than 200 km. In this study, we present evidence for deeper anisotropy beneath fast-spreading ridges based on simultaneous inversion of body wave travel times, waveforms, and surface wave phase velocities. The dverticalT (BSV) shear wave speed is systematically faster (by more than 2%) than the dhorizontalT (BSH) one at depths of 200–300 km beneath the East Pacific Rise, a result that is consistent with vertical alignment of the fast crystallographic axis of olivine. This anomaly is especially coherent beneath the northern East Pacific Rise, where the observations also support the presence of a modest mantle reflector near 260-km depth. The anisotropy may be associated with deep vertical flow or finite strain, and the presence of this reflector could signal a rheological transition near the bottom of the asthenosphere, reflecting changes in flow direction, development of partial melt, or the persistence of a deep pre-existing strain regime. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Incorporation of protein and nucleic acid precursors into frog nervous tissue in vitro.

Effects of 1, 1, 3-tricyano-2-aminopropene /TCAP/ on incorporation of protein and nucleic acid precursors into frog nervous system in vitro
Blood groups of baboons demonstrated with isoimmune sera.

SIMIAN-TYPE blood groups of non-human primates were first demonstrated by isoimmunization in chimpanzees and gibbons1,2. Since the original reports, ten distinct chimpanzee blood factors have been described belonging to four blood group systems3 and additional blood factors are under investigation.
The lunar periodicity of Sphecodogastra texana, a nocturnal bee (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

The behaviour of the nocturnal bee, Sphecodogastra texana (Cresson), was investigated during the summers of 1962, 1964, and 1965. Nests were dissected. Moreover, foraging activity was studied in detail, as the timing of the foraging period of the bee had been a subject of dispute in the past. It was found that the foraging of S. texana was based upon the lunar cycle and could be divided into two parts, the crepuscular period and the moonlight period. During the crepuscular period S. texana foraged only briefly between sunset and the end of twilight. When the moonlight period occurred, from the day after the new moon until about three days after the full moon, foraging continued as long as the moon was up. Lunar activity seemed to come as an extension of the twilight foraging as long as the moon was present before the bees plugged their nest entrances. Even when the moon was present during most of the night, if it rose after the nests had been plugged with sand by the bees at the end of twilight, no foragers could be found on Oenothera rhombipetala, the bees' pollen source. Further evidence of lunar periodicity was shown in a re-analysis of the daily fluctuations in numbers of S. texana caught in a light-trap by Chandler (1961), in brood cell contents as revealed by dissection of nests, and in the architecture of old nests excavated in August of 1964.
Cochlear nonlinearities inferred from two-tone distortion products in the ear canal of the alligator lizard

Abstract Distortion products (DPs) evoked by two-tone stimuli at frequencies F1 and F2 were measured in the ear-canal sound pressure of the alligator lizard. The largest sound pressures measured, other than those at F1 and F2, where at the cubic difference frequencies 2F1 − F2 and 2F2 − F1. All cubic DPs were greatly reduced by destruction of the basilar membrane, which suggests that its nonlinear properties are the source of the DPs. Measurements following acoustic overstimulation show a complex relationship between the magnitude of DPs and cochlear state, as assessed by measurements of cochlear potential, and indicate the existence of multiple nonlinear sources within the inner ear. Relative magnitudes of the DPs and their dependence on stimulus level suggest that the inner-ear DP sources are cubic nonlinearities. The DPs are not highly sensitive to either average stimulus frequency or stimulus frequency separation, suggesting that the nonlinear processes are within the macromechanical processes of the inner ear. Contrary to some interpretations of ear-canal DP measurements in mammals, we conclude that DPs need not be associated with hair-cell processes and are not particularly useful indicators of cochlear health. cochlea, cochlear mechanics, acoustic overstimulation, distortion products, lizard, nonlinearity
Moving boundary electrophoresis on agarose gel of plant viruses and polystyrene microspheres

Three plant viruses: turnip crinkle (TCV), hibiscus chlorotic ringspot (HCRSV) and pelargonium flowerbreak (PFBV), and polystyrene size standards with radii of 22.4–59.4 nm can be stacked within trailing and leading ion net mobilities of 0.059 to 0.273 (relative to Na+). Stacking was carried out at pH 6.50, 0.03 M ionic strength, 50 mM 3–[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate, at a gel concentration of 0.4 %, in agarose gel electrophoresis conducted at 1.2 mA/cm2 of gel. Unstacking occurs under the same conditions at gel concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 % agarose, while it can be brought about between 0.1 and 0.7 % agarose when the pH is raised to 7.27, corresponding to a front moving boundary with a trailing ion net mobility of 0.216 (relative to Na+). Ferguson plots of viruses and polystyrene particles in the discontinuous buffer system are curvilinear and comparable to those obtained in a continuous buffer at pH 6.50 of the same composition and operative pH as that of the resolving phase of the discontinuous buffer. Particle radii and net charge values can be obtained from the non-linear Ferguson plot in the discontinuous buffer system by previously reported methods of computer simulation, but this Ferguson plot presents a more limited data base than that in the continuous buffer since it excludes gel concentrations which yield relative mobility (Rf) values of 1.0. Since computer simulation provides the range of gel concentrations in which both the fiber radius and length [1], as well as the size of the particle [2], remain constant for a particular preparation of agarose, a simplified alternative method of evaluating particle sizes exists. Within that specific gel concentration range, the linear segment of the Ferguson plot can be used to compute particle sizes by an operationally convenient, albeit approximative, method, using the same PAGE-PACK programs of D. Rodbard which are commonly used in the size determination of macromolecules by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The two methods of particle size determination, based on either the entire non-linear Ferguson plot or on its linear segment in the appropriate gel concentration range, yield similar results (average deviation 12 %). The radii of three plant viruses are dependent to different degrees on the presence of Ca++ in the electrophoretic system. Values obtained in the presence of Ca++ are comparable to those found by electron microscopy.
A Double-Masked Comparison of Betaxolol vs Timolol in the Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma

We conducted a six-month prospective, double-masked randomized trial comparing betaxolol with timolol at 0.25% and 0.5% concentrations in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma in 38 patients. To qualify, patients had to demonstrate an average intraocular pressure in at least one eye of ≥26 mm Hg without treatment. The median intraocular pressure was consistently lower in the timolol group than in the betaxolol group (after four weeks of therapy, it was 20.2 mm Hg for timolol vs 22.5 mm Hg for betaxolol; P
Biphasic Structure-Based Modeling of Tissue Equivalent Mechanics

The collagen gel has been extensively studied as an in vitro model for soft tissue mechanics, cell-ECM interactions, and as a prototypical bioartificial tissue; a model of gel mechanics from a microstructural perspective is important for all of these [1]. An earlier experimental study recorded the microstructural rearrangements during confined compression by interpreting the evolution of birefringence patterns within the gel [2]. The patterns suggested that strain was transmitted by fiber rotation at interconnections and was non-uniform due to fluid permeation resistance, indicating that macroscopic gel mechanics arise from elastic interactions between the solid phase fibers and viscous interactions with fluid. A structure-based mathematical model to account for both the elastic and viscous response of tissue equivalents was developed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Structural trends in agriculture and preservation of family farms

The characteristics and role of the family farm have profoundly influenced the quality of human ecology. Considerable debate exists about the role of the family farm in the United States. This article attempts to clarify aspects of this debate by: (a) examining various definitions of the family farm and the conclusions that flow from these definitions, (b) presenting results of a structural analysis of American agriculture to better understand the origins of the debate and the relationship between people and agriculture, and (c) discussing the relevancy of some data and concepts used in evaluating the consequences of the structure of the agricultural sector.
GluR3 flip and flop: differences in channel opening kinetics.

Ample evidence from earlier studies of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, GluR3 included, suggests that alternative splicing not only enriches AMPA receptor diversity but also, more importantly, creates receptor variants that are functionally different. However, it is not known whether alternative splicing affects the receptor channel opening that occurs in the microsecond time domain. Using a laser-pulse photolysis technique combined with whole-cell recording, we characterized the channel opening rate process for two alternatively spliced variants of GluR3, i.e., GluR3flip and GluR3flop. We show that the alternative splicing that generates flip and flop variants of GluR3 receptors regulates the channel opening process by controlling the rate of channel closing but not the rate of channel opening or the glutamate binding affinity. Specifically, the flop variant closes its channel almost 4-fold faster than the flip variant. We therefore propose that the function of the f...
Velocity distribution and the boundary layer at channel bends

An analysis of the accelerating forces available within a relatively wide shallow channel bend shows that the existence of higher velocities near the outside bank requires, in addition to the helical flow pattern commonly observed, that the outward flowing upper layers be unaffected by bed shear. Velocity measurements made in a model channel bend at a point unaffected by entry conditions have confirmed this requirement, indicating that the inward flowing bottom layers move within a boundary layer similar to those found near the surface of airfoils. The parameter (r/v) dv/dr, which should have the value −1 for free vortex flow and +1 for flow with constant angular velocity, exceeded +4 in these experiments and was found to be directly proportional to the friction factor. Theory developed indicates that this parameter is directly proportional to the width-radius ratio also in those regions beyond the effect of entry conditions.
Variation of fan tone steadiness for several inflow conditions

An amplitude probability density function analysis technique for quantifying the degree of fan noise tone steadiness has been applied to data from a fan tested under a variety of inflow conditions. The test conditions included typical static operation, inflow control by a honeycomb/screen device and forward velocity in a wind tunnel simulating flight. The ratio of mean square sinusoidal-to-random signal content in the fundamental and second harmonic tones was found to vary by more than an order-of-magnitude. Some implications of these results concerning the nature of fan noise generation mechanisms are discussed.
Breed differences in biparietal diameters of second trimester Toggenbubrg, Nubian and Angora goat fetuses.

Abstract Seven purebred Toggenburg fetuses in four does, six purebred Nubian fetuses in four does, and eight Angora fetuses in six does were repeatedly measured using transabdominal real-time ultrasound with a 5 MH z linear-array transducer from 40 d to 100 d gestational age (GA) and their biparietal diameters (BPD) were determined. For Toggenburg goats the GA = 27.9 + 1.64 BPD; for Nubian goats the GA = 26.8 + 1.74 BPD; for Angora goats the GA = 28.6 + 1.77 BPD. The breed differences in GA for equal BPD are insignificant at the beginning of the second trimester but are +3 d for Nubian and +6 d for Angora fetuses by the end of the second trimester.
Glycemic control in non-diabetic critically ill patients

Hyperglycemia is a common and costly health care problem in hospitalized patients. In hospital hyperglycemia is defined as any glucose value >7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). Hyperglycemia is present in 40% of critically ill patients and in up to 80% of patients after cardiac surgery, with ∼ 80% of ICU patients with hyperglycemia having no history of diabetes prior to admission. The risk of hospital complications relates to the severity of hyperglycemia, with a higher risk observed in patients without a history of diabetes compared to those with known diabetes. Improvement in glycemic control reduces hospital complications and mortality; however, the ideal glycemic target has not been determined. A target glucose level between 7.8 and 10.0 mmol/l (140 and 180 mg/dl) is recommended for the majority of ICU patients. This review aims to present updated recommendations for the inpatient management of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients with and without a history of diabetes.
The kinetics of a two-state transition of myosin subfragment 1. A temperature-jump relaxation study.

Abstract Temperature-jump measurements were carried out on myosin subragment 1 (S1) labeled at Cys-707 with 5-(iodoacetamido)fluorescein (S1-AF). The relaxation was monitored by following the increase in the fluorescence intensity of the attached probe after a jump of 5.8°C. A single relaxation process was observed over a range of final temperatures, and the relaxation time decreased from 16.69 ms at 15°C to 3.91 ms at 27°C. The relaxation results are interpreted in terms of a two-state transition: (S1-AF) L (S1-AF) 11 , and the observed single relaxation time (τ) equals 1/( k + + k − ). The individual first-order rate constants, k + and k − , were calculated from τ and the equilibrium constant previously determined. The activation energy was 21.9 kcal/mol for the forward reaction and 9.3 kcal/mol for the reverse reaction, corresponding to an enthalpy value of 12.6 kcal/mol for the two-state transition. The results provide, for the first time, direct kinetic evidence of a two-state transition of S1 in the absence of bound nucleotide, and support a two-state model of unliganded myosin subfragment 1.
The minimum duration of a perception

Abstract The time course of the perception of visual and auditory stimuli has been studied by means of an analysis of the temporal errors in the judgement of simultaneity of two stimuli. In the first experiment, the subject is required to report when the onsets of two stimuli (of different durations) are simultaneous. In the second experiment, the subject is required to report when the offset of one stimulus is simultaneous with the onset of the second stimulus. The results indicate that visual perceptions have a minimum duration which lies in the range of 120–240 msec, and that auditory perceptions have a minimum duration which lies in the range of 120–170 msec.
Field evaluations of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses from the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.

Abstract Preparations containing different proportions of two morphologically distinct types of nuclear polyhedrosis virus were evaluated on field populations of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni . At similar dosages, sprays containing predominantly small polyhedra (single embedded virus) were more effective than those containing predominantly large polyhedra (multiple embedded virus). The small polyhedron was the dominant type in a majority of diseased specimens examined.
Using simulation to compile diagnostic rules from a manufacturing process representation

Instead of acquiring diagnostic rules about a manufacturing process directly from domain experts, one can acquire a deeper, model-based representation, and compile the diagnostic rules directly from it. A manufacturing process representation (MPR) is a deep (Harmon, 1985), functional representation (Davis, 1984; Chandrasekaran, 1985) which embodies a model of the given process. This representation includes knowledge about the ordering of process steps, as well as what they are designed to accomplish and what would make them fail or what errors they may trap. As indicated below, an MPR can be acquired either by a knowledge engineer (KE), who would interview an expert and make use of any available process design documents, or by an Intelligent Interrogator (II) program.
Analysis of gene expression in the wound repair/regeneration process.

Wound repair/regeneration is a complex process consisting of three stages: inflammation, tissue regrowth, and remodeling, which together involve the action of hundreds of genes. In order to i) identify and analyze the genes that are expressed at the inflammatory stage of repair (i.e., 24 h after injury) and ii) evaluate the molecular basis of fast-wound repair/regeneration in adult mammals, we examined the expression of 8734 sequence-verified genes in response to ear punch in a fast wound-repair/regeneration strain, MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice, and a slow-wound-repair strain, C57BL/6J mice. Many differentially expressed genes can be assigned to wound-repairing pathways known to be active during the inflammatory phase, whereas others are involved in pathways not previously associated with wound repair. Many genes of unknown function (ESTs) exhibited a more than twofold increase in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr or C57BL/6J mice, suggesting that current understanding of the molecular events at the inflammatory stage of repair is still limited. A comparison of the differential expression profiles between MRL/MpJ-Faslpr and C57BL/6J mice suggests that fast-wound-repair in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice is mediated by a metabolic shift toward a low inflammatory response and an enhanced tissue repair.
Recombinant males in the parasitic waspMuscidifurax raptorellus [Hymenoptera: pteromalidae]

The identification of recombinant males inMuscidifurax raptorellus Kogan & Legner, secured from virgin hybrid ♀♀ formed by crossing cohorts from solitary and gregarious, populations, supports chromosomal inheritance of gregarious oviposition behavior. Examination of parasitization behavior in female progeny that had recombinant male fathers, indicated the, existence of recombinant ♂♂. Such ♂♂ also were able to elicit immediate phenotypic changes in their female mating partners, at intensities expected from their genetic character, as previously observed with original parental ♂♂ in this species. Progeny originating from F1 mothers and recombinant fathers demonstrated the highest levels of heterosis, as measured by increased parasitization rates and numbers of eggs laid. Although extranuclear inheritance has not been eliminated, its influence on phenotypic changes in progeny seems minimal.
Zebrafish nephrogenesis involves dynamic spatiotemporal expression changes in renal progenitors and essential signals from retinoic acid and irx3b

Kidney nephrons are composed of proximal and distal tubule segments that perform unique roles in excretion. The developmental pathways that establish nephron segment identities from renal progenitors are poorly understood. Here, we used the zebrafish pronephros to study nephron segmentation. We found that zebrafish nephron progenitors undergo elaborate spatiotemporal expression changes of many genes before adopting a segment fate. Initially, two domains of nephron progenitors are established, then are subdivided and demarcate individual nephron segments. Using genetic and chemical genetic models of retinoic acid (RA) deficiency, we discovered that RA modulates rostral progenitor formation. To delineate downstream pathways, we knocked down the irx3b transcription factor and found it regulates proximal tubule segment size and distal segment differentiation. Our results suggest a model whereby RA patterns the early field of nephron progenitors, with subsequent factors like irx3b acting to refine later progenitor subdomains and ensure activation of segment-specific gene programs. Developmental Dynamics 240:2011–2027, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Behavioral science integration: A practical framework of multi-level converging evidence for behavioral science theories

Abstract Several frameworks exist to help science in organizing known information, connecting previously disparate phenomena, promoting understanding, and identifying gaps in knowledge. This paper integrates previous frameworks that have been used in the behavioral sciences to produce a more comprehensive, specific, and complete framework, consonant with the process of scientific discovery as based on multiple, independent, and converging lines of evidence. This multi-level convergence framework is designed specifically for the analysis and understanding of human cognitive/behavioral traits, in contrast to more general frameworks that are designed to be applied relatively widely (such as across all information processing systems or across all biological organisms). This integrated framework overcomes gaps in prior frameworks, provides a more complete picture of the interrelationships between various aspects of the behavioral sciences, and can aid in evaluating theories, both for comparison and identifying gaps in evidentiary support.
Protein kinase C and phospholipase D: intimate interactions in intracellular signaling

Diacylglycerol (DAG) was discovered as a potent lipid second messenger with protein kinase C (PKC) as its major cellular target more than 25 years ago. There is increasing evidence of significant complexity within lipid signaling, and the classical DAG-PKC model no longer stands alone but is part of a larger bioactive lipid universe involving glycerolipids and sphingolipids. Multiple layers of regulation exist among PKC- and DAG-metabolizing enzymes such as phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase D, and cross-talk exists between the glycerolipid and sphingolipid pathways, with PKC at the center. Currently, there is intense interest in the question of whether DAG derived from PC can function as a lipid second messenger and regulate PKC analogous to DAG derived from phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). To address these issues and incorporate DAG-PKC and other signaling pathways into an expanded view of cell biology, it will be necessary to go beyond the classical approaches and concepts.
Inhibition of the degradation of receptor-bound human choriogonadotropin by leupeptin

The ability of leupeptin to block the degradation of receptor-bound human choriogonadotropin has been studied. It was found that this compound inhibited hormone degradation and intracellular cathepsin B activity in a parallel fasion, without affecting hormone-stimulated steroidogenesis.
New developments in the biological functions of lysophospholipids

Lysophospholipids have long been recognized as membrane phospholipid metabolites, but only recently has their role as intercellular signaling molecules been appreciated. Two of the best-studied lysophospholipids, LPA and S1P, signal through cognate G-protein-coupled receptors to activate many well-known intracellular signaling pathways, leading to a variety of biologically important cell responses. Lysophospholipids and their receptors have been found in a wide range of tissues and cell types, indicating their importance in many physiological processes, including reproduction, vascular development, cancer and nervous system function. This article will focus on the most recent findings regarding the biological functions of lysophospholipids in mammalian systems, specifically as they relate to health and disease.
Advancements in the United States Photovoltaic Program

The major trends in PV technologies, applications and markets show promise for the future of renewable energy. The 30% growth projected for PV shipments in 1998 appears sustainable if current trends in new markets and applications reinforce and accelerate improvements in PV costs and performance. Through established partnerships and programs, R&D continues to focus on improving efficiency of solar energy systems, increasing manufacturing capability, reducing solar energy systems costs, enhancing reliability and flexibility of PV products, and producing innovations in thin-films and other emerging PV technologies. Continued research and market development in the US and other nations will advance quality and performance standards, and reduce the overall price of PV systems, laying the foundation for large-scale market expansion worldwide.
How much do people who live near major nuclear facilities worry about those facilities? Analysis of national and site-specific data

Large nuclear waste management, laboratory and electric power generating complexes are a daunting challenge for state, regional and local planners. A survey of 2101 residents who lived near 11 nuclear power plants and US Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear waste management sites and laboratories was conducted to determine how much nearby residents worried about accidents and chronic emissions at the nuclear sites, how much they trusted the sites’ responsible parties, and actions that they wanted responsible parties to take to reduce public concern. Six hundred other people who lived elsewhere in the US were a comparison group. Nuclear site-related issues were a greater concern among the 2101 who lived near the sites than the comparison group. Yet many were more concerned about global warming, traffic congestion, and loss of open space than nuclear technologies. Monitoring the environment and people were the actions deemed most likely to reduce public concern. The results pose a challenge to owner-operators...
Lung tissue mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors increase in a model of pulmonary inflammation

Pulmonary inflammation induced in the rabbit lung by the intravenous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) increases the lung uptake of 14C-diazepam from the pulmonary circulation. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which mitochondrial (or peripheral) benzodiazepine receptors (mBRs) may contribute to this increased uptake. To this end, we measured the pulmonary venous effluent concentration versus time for 14C-diazepam following its injection into the pulmonary artery of isolated perfused normal and CFA inflamed lungs with and without an inhibitor (PK11195) of diazepam binding to mBRs. The results demonstrate that this model of pulmonary inflammation is associated with an increase in lung tissue mBR. Lung tissue caspase-3 activity was also measured as one index of lung inflammation, and we found that in inflamed lungs, there was an inverse correlation between mBR density and lung tissue capase-3 activity. This is consistent with observations in other organs and a role for mBRs in apoptotic elimination of inflammatory cells in the resolution of this inflammatory response. The results suggest the potential utility of mBR ligands for noninvasive detection and/or characterization of pulmonary inflammation, e.g., via nuclear medicine methods.
A single catalytic domain of the junction-resolving enzyme T7 endonuclease I is a non-specific nicking endonuclease

A stable heterodimeric protein containing a single correctly folded catalytic domain (SCD) of T7 endonuclease I was produced by means of a trans-splicing intein system. As predicted by a model presented earlier, purified SCD protein acts a non-specific nicking endonuclease on normal linear DNA. The SCD retains some ability to recognize and cleave a deviated DNA double-helix near a nick or a strand-crossing site. Thus, we infer that the non-specific and nicked-site cleavage activities observed for the native T7 endonuclease I (as distinct from the resolution activity) are due to uncoordinated actions of the catalytic domains. The positively charged C-terminus of T7 Endo I is essential for the enzymatic activity of SCD, as it is for the native enzyme. We propose that the preference of the native enzyme for the resolution reaction is achieved by cooperativity in the binding of its two catalytic domains when presented with two of the arms across a four-way junction or cruciform structure.
CMS pixel detector upgrade

Starting in 2013, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) accelerator at CERN will deliver an increased luminosity, with an eventual goal of reaching 1035 cm−2s−1, to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. This increase will happen in two steps creating far reaching implications for the CMS detector, especially for the tracking system. The first step, Phase I, will double the LHC luminosity and only the pixel tracker detector will be replaced. The second step, Phase II or SLHC, will require a new granularity of the strip detector which should substitute its strips with short strips or `strixels'. SLHC will also provide an unprecedented track rate and radiation level that demands a completely new readout architecture. This paper addresses these challenges, focusing on the replacement of the CMS inner pixel detector for Phase I and shows the status of the activities.
Meal palatability, substrate oxidation and blood glucose in young and older men.

We investigated the effects of food palatability on the thermic effect of feeding (TEF), substrate oxidation and circulating glucose and insulin. Healthy young men (23.4 a 1.0, SD, years, n = 10) and older men (69.4 a 1.3, years, n = 9) were resident in a metabolic unit for two 2-day study periods. On the second day of each period, they consumed in random order either a palatable test meal containing 2.93 MJ or a nonpalatable control meal containing the same foods in identical amounts but blended and freeze-dried into biscuit form. TEF and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured over 6 h and blood samples were taken for measurement of glucose and insulin. Age group had no effect on TEF, RQ or circulating glucose other than to delay the time of peak TEF (P < 0.002 for both meals). There was no significant effect of meal type on TEF, but RQ and circulating glucose were higher following consumption of the palatable meal (P < 0.001 for both parameters). These results suggest that over 6 h postprandial, consumption of palatable foods does not increase TEF, but is instead associated with increased glycemic response and increased carbohydrate oxidation. These changes, combined with previous work on the glycemic index, predict an accelerated return of hunger and increased energy intake at subsequent meals following consumption of palatable vs. control foods. Further studies are needed to examine the possible mechanism for this previously suggested ‘‘second meal’’ effect of diet palatability on energy intake. D 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.