cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tracheobronchial trauma associated with airway management in neonates

Airway management procedures are an integral part of caring for the newborn infant with respiratory compromise. Concomitant with these interventions are latrogenic consequences that result in varying degrees of trauma to the tracheobronchial tree. Common interventions such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, use of heated and humidified gases, and endotracheal suctioning are discussed using research-based literature that evaluates the injury to the trachea and the mucociliary transport system.
Individual Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase C2α Domain Activities Independently Regulate Clathrin Function

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase C2alpha (PI3K-C2alpha) is a member of the class II PI-3 kinases, defined by the presence of a second C2 domain at their C termini. The cellular functions of the class II enzymes are incompletely understood, though they have been implicated in receptor activation pathways initiated by epidermal growth factor, insulin, and chemokines. PI3K-C2alpha was recently found to be localized to clathrin-coated membranes in the trans-Golgi network and at endocytic sites on the plasma membrane. Further, a specific binding site was identified for clathrin on the N terminus of PI3K-C2alpha, whose occupancy resulted in lipid kinase activation. Expression of PI3K-C2alpha in cells dramatically affected clathrin distribution and function in cells, leading to accumulation of intracellular clathrin-coated structures, which are visualized here at the ultrastructural level, and inhibition of clathrin-mediated transport from both the plasma membrane and the trans-Golgi network. In this study we have demonstrated that the isolated clathrin binding domain of PI3K-C2alpha can drive clathrin lattice assembly and that both it and the lipid kinase activity of the protein can independently modulate clathrin distribution and function when expressed in cells. Together, these results suggest that PI3K-C2alpha employs both protein-protein interaction and localized production of 3-phosphoinositides to affect clathrin dynamics at sites of membrane budding and targeting.
Vulnerability to Stress among Women with in Utero Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposed Daughters

In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) was initially linked to vaginal-cervical cancer and subsequently to reproductive difficulties. These unanticipated and ongoing health risks to female offspring may constitute a chronic source of stress for DES mothers. We interviewed 60 mothers of exposed daughters and 30 acquaintance controls. Two hypotheses were tested in regard to DES mothers: DES discovery and its aftermath have a direct, long-term, negative effect on psychological health and the DES experience intensifies the negative psychological effects of other adverse life circumstances. To operationalize psychological health, we measured symptoms of "demoralization" and positive health practices--the latter as a behavioral indicator of mastery and personal control. We also measured adversities that may mediate the threat posed by DES, including stressful events, medical problems, and chronic burdens. We found DES history to be associated with poorer psychological health only when mothers encountered other losses and threats to themselves and their families. We concluded that DES mothers may manifest increased vulnerability to subsequent stresses in their lives.
Evaluation of stress corrosion crack initiation using acoustic emission

Abstract Acoustic emission response has been used to detect the development of short intergranular stress corrosion cracks in laboratory samples of sensitized type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel (SS). Tests were conducted at 25°C in water containing either 15 ppm of Na2S2O3 or 100 ppm of NaCl. Cylindrical samples with piezoelectric detectors mounted on both ends and the corrosion cell confined to the gauge section were used. The dual detectors allowed discrimination between signals generated within the sample from those generated from the surroundings. It was found that intergranular stress corrosion cracks of 200 to 300 µm length by 100 to 200 µm depth could be reliably detected with this technique. Shallow 10-µm-deep longitudinal flaws were also detected in tests conducted in the 100 ppm NaCl environment.
Ultrafast Studies of Photoexcited Electron Dynamics in γ- and α-Fe2O3 Semiconductor Nanoparticles

The ultrafast dynamics of photoexcited electrons in the semiconductor iron oxides, γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3, have been measured using femtosecond laser spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy shows the γ-Fe2O3 particles are spherical, with 1−2 nm average diameter, and the α-Fe2O3 are spindle-shaped, with average dimensions of 1 × 5 nm. Static electronic absorption measurements of the colloids suggest that they may be in the quantum confined regime. Steady-state emission measurements show that the <400 nm direct transitions are moderately emissive, but the indirect transitions in the visible do not produce measurable emission. The ultrafast transient absorption decay profiles measured for the γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3 samples synthesized in our lab as well as a commercial sample of γ-Fe2O3 are the same and are fit best with three exponentials with 0.36, 4.2, and 67 ps time constants. The decay profiles are independent of pump power, probe wavelength, and pH and were not affected by lattice doping with other me...
Influencing Factors on Customers' Intention to Complain in a Franchise Restaurant

Not all dissatisfied customers outwardly voice their opinions about unpleasant experiences either via a direct method, such as complaining to the firm, or an indirect method, such as passing on negative word-of-mouth. Little research has been conducted in the franchise restaurant sector regarding customers' complaint behavior. This study examines influencing factors that affect customers' intention to complain in a franchise restaurant. From the previous literature, hypotheses were suggested and tested on 482 customers at two different points in time. Findings suggest that the most influential factor causing customers to actually voice a complaint was attitude towards complaining, followed by prior complaining experience and brand image. Furthermore, a significant mean difference in complaint intention was found in the two seasonal groups.
Evolutionary control of structurally damaged steel buildings using an optimal state transition formulation

An evolutionary gain formulation is proposed for minimizing the performance damage index of steel buildings subjected to earthquake forces. The gain formulation herein is used to develop the evolutionary control law of a control algorithm applied to inelastic systems. The optimal evolutionary gain is subsequently used to control building damages by satisfying desired performance objectives per time step “as needed”. The performance objectives are defined for various “damage-safe” and elastic demands. When the structure responds in the post-yield (inelastic) state, the material is assumed to follow a kinematic rule for strain hardening, which consequently may redefine the performance objective window at each unload/reload response state (cyclic control). A control nonlinear time-history analysis program, dubbed CONON, was developed to simulate the stress-strain responses of structural members and to compute the optimal control forces per time step. The minimization of the cost function is independent of weighing matrices, thus alleviating cumbersome calculations that also lack physical description. Instead, an iterative Riccati matrix is computed per time step and is used to generate the evolutionary gain for the system leading to an appropriate evolution of the state transition between time steps. The calculated control responses are compared to uncontrolled responses. The results are also compared using various methods of gain calculation by examining the force-deflection hysteresis plots, the strain energy dissipation in the structural members, and the member accelerations of a steel frame. The proposed optimal system shows an excellent capability to control the desired target responses and meet acceptable performance objectives.
A general model for the calculation of daylighting in interior spaces

Abstract An analytical model and a computer code have been developed which calculate the amount of daylight illumination on a working surface inside an arbitrary room, for overcast as well as for clear sky conditions. The room may have windows as well as skylights, with clear glass, diffusing glass, or glass fitted with thin shading devices (such as sheer curtains or shades), as well as overhangs. The shape of the room is not limited to simple, rectangular enclosures, allowing the treatment of L-shaped rooms, A-frame buildings, etc. The illumination generally consists of three parts: direct sky illumination, illumination from external reflectors, and illumination from internal reflectors. First, the luminances emanating from surrounding obstructions are determined. Next, illumination traveling through the windows directly to inside walls and working surface is calculated. Finally, interreflection inside the room is taken into account to establish the luminance distributions of inside walls. After determination of all inside and outside luminances, it is a simple matter to calculate illumination and daylight factor for the working surface.
High Country Contentions: Comments on Bender and Wright

Bender and Wright's (AA 90:619-639, 1988) adoption of a broad-spectrum foraging pattern for mountains, using data from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is heartening. Bender proposed such a pattern for the northern Tetons in her dissertation (Bender 1983), although until recently Wright apparently supported a relatively focal subsistence for the hunter-gatherers in Jackson Hole: "Our ethnobotanical and archaeological data indicate that several species of root crops constituted a set of food plants and played a key role in the prehistoric diet for several millennia" (Wright 1984:5); "Our data indicate that blue camas was a key food resource" (Wright 1984:9). Recent archeological investigations in this area contribute new data relevant to many of the arguments presented by Bender and Wright. Between 1984 and 1988, the Midwest Archeological Center of the National Park Service, funded by the Bureau of Reclamation, worked extensively at many of the same sites in Jackson Hole that Wright recorded. Drought and dam repair caused over 100 additional sites to be located and 8 of these were
MOPED: Model Organism Protein Expression Database

Large numbers of mass spectrometry proteomics studies are being conducted to understand all types of biological processes. The size and complexity of proteomics data hinders efforts to easily share, integrate, query and compare the studies. The Model Organism Protein Expression Database (MOPED, htttp://moped.proteinspire.org) is a new and expanding proteomics resource that enables rapid browsing of protein expression information from publicly available studies on humans and model organisms. MOPED is designed to simplify the comparison and sharing of proteomics data for the greater research community. MOPED uniquely provides protein level expression data, meta-analysis capabilities and quantitative data from standardized analysis. Data can be queried for specific proteins, browsed based on organism, tissue, localization and condition and sorted by false discovery rate and expression. MOPED empowers users to visualize their own expression data and compare it with existing studies. Further, MOPED links to various protein and pathway databases, including GeneCards, Entrez, UniProt, KEGG and Reactome. The current version of MOPED contains over 43 000 proteins with at least one spectral match and more than 11 million high certainty spectra.
Sediment Routing for Agricultural Watersheds

ABSTRACT: A sediment routing technique was developed to route sediment yield from small watersheds through streams and valleys to the outlet of large watersheds. The technique is based on the modified universal sol loss equation and a first order decay function of travel time and particle size. Deposition is dependent upon settling velocities of sediment particles, travel time, and the amount of sediment in suspension. Sediment routing increases sediment yield prediction accuracy and allows determination of subwatershed contributions to the total sediment yield. Also, the locations and amounts of floodplain scour and deposition can be predicted. Another advantage of sediment routing is that measured sediment yield data are not required. The procedure performed satisfactorily in test routings on two Texas blackland watersheds Sediment routing will be useful in flood control evaluation, reservoir and channel design, water quality calculations, environmental impact assessment, and land-use planning.
Insulin-stimulated Phosphorylation of the Protein Phosphatase-1 Striated Muscle Glycogen-targeting Subunit and Activation of Glycogen Synthase

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) in heart and skeletal muscle binds to a glycogen-targeting subunit (GM) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Phosphorylation of GM has been postulated to govern activity of PP1 in response to adrenaline and insulin. In this study, we used biochemical assays and GM expression in living cells to examine the effects of insulin on the phosphorylation of GM, and the binding of PP-1 to GM. We also assayed glycogen synthase activation in cells expressing wild type GM and GM mutated at the phosphorylation sites. In biochemical assays kinase(s) prepared from insulin-stimulated Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-IR) cells and C2C12 myotubes phosphorylated a glutathioneS-transferase (GST) fusion protein, GST-GM(1–240), at both site 1 (Ser48) and site 2 (Ser67). Phosphorylation of both sites was dependent on activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, involving in particular ribosomal protein S6 kinase. Full-length GMwas expressed in CHO-IR cells and metabolic 32P labeling at sites 1 and 2 was increased by insulin treatment. The GMexpressed in CHO-IR cells or in C2C12 myotubes co-immunoprecipitated endogenous PP-1, and association was transiently lost following treatment of the cells with insulin. In contrast PP-1 binding to GM(S67T), a version of GM not phosphorylated at site 2, was unaffected by insulin treatment. Expression of GM increased basal activity of endogenous glycogen synthase in CHO-IR cells. Insulin stimulated glycogen synthase activity the same extent in cells expressing wild type GM or GMmutated to eliminate phosphorylation site 1 and/or site 2. Phosphorylation of GM is stimulated by insulin, but this phosphorylation is not involved in insulin control of glycogen metabolism. We speculate that other functions of GM at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane might be affected by insulin.
Chemisorption of ethylene and acetylene on ultrathin palladium films on molybdenum(100)

Previous studies of the chemisorption properties of ultrathin (mono-, bi-, and trilayer) metal films have usually focused on CO adsorption. While the CO adsorption energy on these Pd films is often decreased, CO iS one of the strongest π-acceptor ligands and probes mainly one aspect of the chemistry of these surfaces. We report here the first detailed study on ultrathin metal films of the chemisorption of two unsaturated hydrocarbons, C 2 H 4 and C 2 H 2 , which initially bond to the surface as σ-donors and can rehybridize to form strong metal-carbon bonds
Bisphosphonates as antimyeloma drugs

In patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM), bisphosphonate (BP) treatment has been widely used to prevent bone loss and preserve skeletal health because of its proven effects on inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In addition to their effects on osteoclasts, it is becoming increasingly evident that BPs may have additional effects on the bone microenvironment and cells other than osteoclasts that may potentially inhibit the development and progression of MM. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of MM with an emphasis on the events that drive MM progression within the bone and the mechanisms by which BPs may inhibit specific processes. The underlying molecular mechanisms that drive the modulation of cellular fate and function and consequent physiological outcomes are described. Direct effects on myeloma cell growth and survival and the interactions between myeloma cells and the bone microenvironment are discussed. Clinical evidence of the antimyeloma effects of BPs is emerging and is also reviewed.
Immunological complications beyond rejection after intestinal transplantation.

Purpose of reviewIntestinal transplantation (ITx) represents a major immunological challenge as the bidirectional exchange of donor's and recipient's immune cells delivers a graft highly chimeric and immunogenic. Therefore, there is a higher risk for immunological complications. It is important to u
The effect of castration in rat upon the discrimination of sex odours

Abstract Normal and prepuberally castrated male rats were trained to discriminate between the odours from receptive versus nonreceptive females. In addition, normal and ovariectomized female rats were trained to discriminate between the odours from normal versus castrated males. Under the present conditions of measurement, both the rate at which the olfactory discrimination was established and the accuracy of the discrimination were independent of the gonadal state of both the male and female rat.
The impact of genetic heterogeneity on biomarker development in kidney cancer assessed by multiregional sampling

Primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) genetic heterogeneity may lead to an underestimation of the mutational burden detected from a single site evaluation. We sought to characterize the extent of clonal branching involving key tumor suppressor mutations in primary ccRCC and determine if genetic heterogeneity could limit the mutation profiling from a single region assessment. Ex vivo core needle biopsies were obtained from three to five different regions of resected renal tumors at a single institution from 2012 to 2013. DNA was extracted and targeted sequencing was performed on five genes associated with ccRCC (von-Hippel Lindau [VHL], PBRM1, SETD2, BAP1, and KDM5C). We constructed phylogenetic trees by inferring clonal evolution based on the mutations present within each core and estimated the predictive power of detecting a mutation for each successive tumor region sampled. We obtained 47 ex vivo biopsy cores from 14 primary ccRCC's (median tumor size 4.5 cm, IQR 4.0-5.9 cm). Branching patterns of various complexities were observed in tumors with three or more mutations. A VHL mutation was detected in nine tumors (64%), each time being present ubiquitously throughout the tumor. Other genes had various degrees of regional mutational variation. Based on the mutations' prevalence we estimated that three different tumor regions should be sampled to detect mutations in PBRM1, SETD2, BAP1, and/or KDM5C with 90% certainty. The mutational burden of renal tumors varies by region sampled. Single site assessment of key tumor suppressor mutations in primary ccRCC may not adequately capture the genetic predictors of tumor behavior.
Cryogenics and the human exploration of Mars

Current studies within NASA involve extending the human exploration of space from low earth orbit into the solar system, with the first human exploration of Mars proposed in 2014. The key cryogenic technology areas to be addressed in human Mars missions are long-term propellant storage, cryogenic refrigeration, cryogenic liquefaction, and zero gravity fluid management. Passive technologies such as advanced multilayer insulation (MLI) concepts, vapor-cooled shields (VCS), and catalytic converters will be combined with the development of active coolers (cryogenic refrigerators). The integration of passive and active technologies will form a hybrid system optimized to minimize the launch mass while preserving the cryogenic propellants. This paper will present a brief overview of the proposed Mars reference mission and the concomitant cryogenic fluid management technology, focusing on active cooling technology.
7Li Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance as a Probe of Lithium Species in Microporous Carbon Anodes

Electrochemical insertion of lithium into pyrolyzed amorphous carbons prepared from polymeric precursors of methacrylonitrile and divinylbenzene has been investigated by 7Li variable temperature static and magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. This method is able to characterize the chemical inventory of lithium, differentiating between reversible species that are truly inserted into the carbon and irreversible species that are lost to traps and parasitic processes. Furthermore, large chemical shift effects indicate that the structural and electronic properties of the inserted reversible lithium species are sensitively dependent on the extent of loading. At loading levels ≤90% relative capacity, the trend is monotonic, whereas in more highly charged samples, two types of electrochemically relevant sites are observed, distinguishable from one another only at lower temperatures. At higher temperatures, dynamic exchange effects between them are evident on the NMR time scale. In the initially prepared state, these ...
Thermoregulation and the effect of body temperature on call temporal parameters in the cicada Diceroprocta olympusa (Homoptera: Cicadidae).

Abstract We investigated the thermoregulatory behavior, thermal responses (minimum flight, maximum voluntary tolerance and heat torpor temperatures) and the effect of body temperature ( T b ) on call parameters in the cicada Diceroprocta olympusa (Walker). Regression of T b as a function of ambient ( T a ) or perch temperatures ( T p ) suggests thermoregulation is occurring. Thermoregulation occurs through behavioral changes that alter the uptake of solar radiation. T p is a better predictor of T b than is T a . Thermal responses (minimum flight temperature 20.4°C, maximum voluntary tolerance temperature 37°C, and heat torpor temperature 46.7°C) may be related to the humid, grassland habitat of the species. In contrast to other acoustic insects, no significant relationship was found between the temporal parameters of the calling song and T b within the population of D . olympusa .
A Single-Molecule Nanopore Device Detects DNA Polymerase Activity with Single-Nucleotide Resolution

The ability to monitor DNA polymerase activity with single-nucleotide resolution has been the cornerstone of a number of advanced single-molecule DNA sequencing concepts. Toward this goal, we report the first observation of the base-by-base DNA polymerase activity with single-base resolution at the single-molecule level. We describe the design and characterization of a supramolecular nanopore device capable of detecting up to nine consecutive DNA polymerase-catalyzed single-nucleotide primer extensions with high sensitivity and spatial resolution (<or=2.4 A). The device is assembled in a suspended lipid membrane by threading and mechanically capturing a single strand of DNA-PEG copolymer inside an alpha-hemolysin protein pore. Single-nucleotide primer extensions result in successive displacements of the template DNA strand within the protein pore, which can be monitored by the corresponding stepped changes in the ion current flowing through the pore under an applied transmembrane potential. The system described thus represents a promising advance toward nanopore-mediated single-molecule DNA sequencing concept and, in addition, might be applicable to studying a number of other biopolymer-protein interactions and dynamics.
Intramuscular adipose tissue and central activation in older adults

Introduction: Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is a potential contributor to declining force production and may be related to impaired central activation; therefore, the purpose of this report is to describe IMAT composition and its association with central activation in older adults. The central activation ratio (CAR) of the knee extensors was assessed using a superimposition technique in 15 older adults (29 legs) along with the cross-sectional area of IMAT and lean tissue. Results: IMAT and CAR are inversely related in older adults (r = −0.51, P = 0.005), and many subjects with high IMAT have deficits in central activation, whereas those with low IMAT have normal central activation. Conclusions: These novel findings may assist in unraveling why muscle force production and lean tissue cross-sectional area are not strongly linked, as the ability to centrally activate muscle appears to be unrelated to lean muscle area and may be dependent in part on IMAT levels. Muscle Nerve 46:813–816, 2012
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DISPERSED LIQUID/LIQUID TWO-PHASE UPFLOW IN A PIPE

This paper presents experimental data for dispersed liquid/liquid upflows. Water was the continuous phase and mineral oil was the dispersed droplet phase. For this flow regime reduced gravity bubbly flow phenomena was simulated because the mineral oil and water had almost the same density. The mean velocity and turbulence fields, the size distributions of the oil droplets, the volume fraction, and interfacial area density distribution were measured using fiber optic Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA) and phase Doppler Anemometer (PDA) systems. Significantly, the results presented in this paper are similar to those for bubbly air/water flows in microgravity conditions (Kamp el at., 1995).
The influence of specific computer experiences on computer self-efficacy beliefs

Previous research has demonstrated that computer experience has a positive impact on computer self-efficacy. However, little or no research has investigated the unique influence of specific types of computer experiences or knowledge on computer self-efficacy beliefs. This study examines the influence of eight types of computer experiences on computer self-efficacy. The results indicate that experience with computer programming and graphics applications have strong and significant effects on computer self-efficacy beliefs, whereas experience with spreadsheet and database applications demonstrated weak effects. The results offer useful insights into designing training courses and educational programs to enhance computer self-efficacy beliefs.
Remote detection of pollutants using resonance Raman scattering

Calculations of the resonance Raman cross section for several diatomic molecules are presented. These results are used, together with recent measurements of large resonance enhancements in NO2 and SO2, to estimate the sensitivity of a lidar system based upon the resonance Raman effect.
The molecular basis of radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity in the treatment of breast cancer

The molecular basis of sensitivity to therapeutic rediation and chemotherapy is a complex product of cellular and tissue responses. Certain genetic factors can be highlighted as being of special importance in the response of breast cancers to treatment. The breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, determine the phenotype of the tumor, with BRCA1- or BRCA2-deficient tumors showing marked sensitivity to ionizing radiation and drugs that produce double-strand breaks. However, the extent to which loss of BRCA1 or BRCA2 function occurs in sporadic cancer has not yet been determined. The ATM protein plays a significant role in determining the response to therapy, but how frequently the function of ATM is disrupted in breast cancer is debated. Although the p53 protein is a major determinant of the response to ionizing radiation and cytotoxic drugs, there is no consistency in how p53 affects the survival of cells, because an impairment of DNA repair is offset by reduced apoptosis. Growth factors that sustain the proliferation of breast cancer cells may impact the response to therapy by inhibiting apoptosis. Loss of cell-cycle checkpoint responses may result in increased sensitivity, particularly if the checkpoint controls the G2 transition. Overexpression of cyclin D, which shortens the duration of the G1 transition, is associated with mild radiation resistance, perhaps by inhibiting apoptosis. Overall, there is much more to be understood in the complex response of breast cancers to therapy, and many other proteins play important roles in the response to treatment. The focus of our investigation is on those genetic alterations in tumors that affect the response to therapy, which will ultimately allow strategies to achieve therapeutic gain.
Desacetyleupaserrin and nevadensin from Helianthus pumilus

Abstract Extraction of Helianthus pumilus L. furnished the antileukemic germacradienolide desacetyleupaserrin which was isolated in crystalline form and the relatively rare flavone nevadensin (5,7-dihydroxy -6,8,4 - trimethoxyflavone).
Motivations for Sub- Franchising in the Restaurant Industry: An Empirical Examination

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine why certain restaurant franchisors utilize sub-franchising agreements while others do not. The research tests capital market, agency, and brand name capital explanations for the existence of sub-franchising in the restaurant industry. Proxies for measuring the franchisor's use of the capital markets, agency costs, and brand name capital are developed and described. Logit analysis is employed to examine the relationship between these factors and the use of sub-franchising. The empirical results are mixed. The results support the use of sub-franchising when the costs of monitoring franchisees are high and when franchisors wish to overcome weak brand name capital. The research found no evidence to support use of sub-franchising as an alternate to raising equity capital.
Correlates and trends in training satisfaction on completion of internal medicine-pediatrics residency: a 5-year study.

Objective To examine trends in training satisfaction in graduates of combined internal medicine-pediatrics (Med-Peds) training programs and whether curricular elements designed to enhance the integration of the two disciplines have been successful. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional survey of all graduating Med-Peds residents (years 2003-2007). Responses across survey years were analyzed to identify trends. Data for all survey years was analyzed for correlations among curricular elements, perceived adequacy of training, and preparation for future activities. Results Overall, residents rated training time as just right for all areas except neonatal intensive care unit training, outpatient procedures, career planning, and office management. There was a significant upward trend in availability of board examination reviews, Med-Peds noon conferences, and mentoring. Residents’ ratings of their preparation for most activities increased across the years. More residents reported being satisfied with preparation for internal medicine than pediatric primary care practice (86% versus 83%). Career planning seminars, mentoring, and board reviews correlated with the greatest increase in satisfaction. Conclusions Med-Peds graduates report a high and increasing level of satisfaction with their preparation in multiple educational domains. Curricular elements designed to enhance integration of the two disciplines have a broad positive impact. Perceived pediatric practice preparation lags behind that of internal medicine.
A Comparison of Permutation Hotelling's T 2 Test and Log-Ratio Test for Analyzing Compositional Data

Compositional data can be identified as a vector X with non negative elements x 1, x 2,…, x D satisfying the constraint x 1 + x 2 + … + x D = 1. Such data play an important role in many disciplines such as medicine, geochemistry, and sedimentology and often display appreciable variability from vector to vector. It may be noted that because of the constraint, stringent range restrictions are imposed on the correlation structure. Thus, analyses of such data require special attention and an excellent account of various procedures can be found in Aitchison (2003) and Aitchision et al. (2005). In this article, we first present a motivating example and then conduct an empirical comparison of two methods namely the permutation Hotelling's T 2 and the analysis based on log-ratios. We find that the two methods give almost identical results but the permutation Hotelling's T 2 is preferred since one does not have to assume the underlying distribution to be multivariate normal and one does not need to worry about lo...
Fast-To-Slow Fiber Type Switch Increases Fatigue Resistance as a Compensatory Adaptation In Gsα-Deficient Soleus Muscle

Genetically modified mice with Gsα-specific deficiency in skeletal muscle showed reduced glucose tolerance, muscle atrophy and force reduction, along with a fast-to-slow fiber type switch (Chen et al., AJP 296:C930-40, 2009). We further investigated a hypothesis that the switching to more slow fibers is an adaptive response with functional significance. Corresponding to the muscle type switch evident by myosin isotyping, the thin filament regulatory proteins troponin T and troponin I both had significant changes to their slow isoforms in the atrophic soleus muscle of 3-month-old Gsα-deficient mice. This fiber type switching progressed and soleus muscles of one-year-old Gsα-deficient mice expressed only slow isoforms of troponin. Functional characterization of soleus muscle of 3-month-old Gsα-deficient mice showed slower contractile and relaxation velocity in twitch and tetanic contractions than wild type controls. Examination of fatigue tolerance showed that Gsα-deficient soleus muscle was more resistant to intermittent fatigue stimulation with faster and better recovery as compared with wild type controls. Our results suggest that fast-to-slow type switch improves fatigue resistance of skeletal muscle as a compensatory adaptation to muscle glucose intolerance and atrophy in Gsα-deficiency, suggesting a mechanism for improving muscle function in diabetic patients.
Correlation of plasma cytokine elevations with mortality rate in children with sepsis.

Cytokines are thought to be important endogenous mediators of the host immune response to bacterial infection. We hypothesized that plasma levels of cytokines are elevated in children with sepsis and that the magnitude of elevation of these cytokines is correlated with severity of illness and mortality rate. We determined plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 in 21 children with sepsis. Plasma samples were collected at presentation and at 12, 24, and 48 hours thereafter. Cytokine levels were elevated in pediatric patients with bacterial sepsis during the first 48 hours after presentation; levels were undetectable in study control subjects. The tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 levels ( p p =0.05), were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors and were independent of severity of illness (pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score) at presentation. Elevations of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 were sustained for longer than 24 to 48 hours in nonsurvivors; II-1 concentrations were significantly increased only at time zero. Of 11 children with an interleukin-6 value greater than 2 ng/ml during the first 48 hours, 10 died; only one of 10 not reaching that level died ( p
Perturbations due to the use of catheters with non-perturbing thermometry probes

Perturbations due to the use of catheters with non-perturbing thermometry probes were investigated in static phantom at 915 MHz. Fibre optic probes for the Luxtron and Clini-Therm thermometry systems, and Vitek probes for the BSD hyperthermia systems, were inserted in closed-end catheters at depths up to 2 cm in the phantom and exposed parallel to the E-field. The probes alone produced 0-12 per cent changes in heating and catheters alone were 0-20 per cent. When the probes were inserted in catheters, perturbations were 0-12 per cent at the surface and 1 cm depth, and 5-15 per cent at 2 cm depth. Even with non-perturbing probes it is important to place catheters perpendicular to the E-field during microwave hyperthermia.
Characteristics of emergency medicine resident orientation programs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, duration, composition, and goals of emergency medicine resident orientation programs. METHODS Eleven-item, descriptive mail surveys were sent by the education committee of SAEM to the program directors of all emergency medicine residency programs approved by the RRC as of January 1992. RESULTS Sixty-nine of 86 survey instruments (80%) were returned. Orientation programs were offered in 64 residencies, 41 PGY1-3 programs, five PGY1-4 programs, and 18 PGY2-4 programs. Results are tabulated below. [table: see text] No statistically significant difference between groups was found. Seven different special courses were offered. CONCLUSION Resident orientation programs are used in 93% of surveyed programs in emergency medicine. Orientation programs consist mainly of lectures and special courses. There is great variability in the length, composition, goals, and associated courses offered. Orientation programs do not differ significantly by postgraduate year in which the residency begins.
Explicit Calculation of the Rarefaction Diversity Measurement and the Determination of Sufficient Sample Size

An explicit means of calculating the expected number of species [E(Sn)] and the variance of (Sn) in a random sample of n individuals from a collection containing N individuals and S species is presented. An example illustrates a new use of E(Sn): determination of the sample size required for any desired degree of accuracy in collecting species known to occur in a particular area.
(111) INDIUM-CAPROMAB PENDETIDE IN THE EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH RESIDUAL OR RECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

AbstractPurpose: Standard diagnostic methods are limited for detecting distant metastases in patients with prostate cancer in whom the only evidence of disease after radical prostatectomy is a detectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. We evaluated the role of immunoscintigraphy with the radiolabeled monoclonal antibody,111 indium (111) In)-capromab pendetide, to differentiate between local and distant recurrence in this patient population.Materials and Methods: We enrolled 183 men who had undergone radical prostatectomy in whom PSA later increased. Gamma camera images were acquired twice after infusion of a single dose of111 In-capromab pendetide.Results: Immunoscintigraphy revealed disease in 108 of 181 patients (60%) with interpretable scans. The antibody was localized most frequently to the prostatic fossa (34% of the cases), abdominal lymph nodes (23%) and pelvic lymph nodes (22%). Of the 181 men the scan localized the antibody outside the prostatic fossa in 42%. Half of the positive localizat...
Interactions Within Susceptible Hosts Drive Establishment of Genetically Distinct Variants of an Insect-Borne Pathogen

Coinfections are common, leading to pathogen interactions during transmission and establishment in a host. However, few studies have tested the relative strengths of pathogen interactions in vectors and hosts that determine the outcome of infection. We tested interactions between two genetically distinct variants of the mealybug-transmitted Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3. The transmission efficiency of each variant in single variant inoculations by two vector species was determined. The effects of vector species, a coinfected source, and simultaneous inoculation from multiple hosts to one host on variant establishment were examined. Within-vector interactions could have a role in transmission from hosts containing mixed infections, but not when vectors were moved from separate singly infected source plants to a single recipient plant. The invasive Planococcus ficus (Signoret) was a more efficient vector than Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret). Transmission efficiency of the two variants did not differ in single variant inoculations. Overall infections were the same whether from singly or coinfected source plants. In mixed inoculations, establishment of one variant was reduced. Mixed inoculations from two singly infected source plants resulted in fewer mixed infections than expected by chance. Therefore, the observed outcome was determined subsequent to host inoculation rather than in the vector. The outcome may be due to resource competition between pathogens. Alternatively apparent competition may be responsible; the pathogens' differential ability to overcome host defenses and colonize the host may determine the final outcome of new infections. Detailed knowledge of interactions between pathogens during transmission and establishment could improve understanding and management of disease spread.
Mechanical Unfolding of a β-Hairpin Using Molecular Dynamics

Single-molecule mechanical unfolding experiments have the potential to provide insights into the details of protein folding pathways. To investigate the relationship between force-extension unfolding curves and microscopic events, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the mechanical unfolding of the C-terminal hairpin of protein G. We have studied the dependence of the unfolding pathway on pulling speed, cantilever stiffness, and attachment points. Under conditions that generate low forces, the unfolding trajectory mimics the untethered, thermally accessible pathway previously proposed based on high-temperature studies. In this stepwise pathway, complete breakdown of backbone hydrogen bonds precedes dissociation of the hydrophobic cluster. Under more extreme conditions, the cluster and hydrogen bonds break simultaneously. Transitions between folding intermediates can be identified in our simulations as features of the calculated force-extension curves.
Diffuse Interstellar Bands: Past and Present

The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) have come to the fore as an important mystery. This paper presents the history of DIB discovery and research; their importance; a summary of their properties; constraints on proposed identifications; a survey of DIB papers (including graduate student's theses); and a web site that lists DIBs paper from 1922 to 2011 (to be extended to the present).
Features of energetic particle radial profiles inferred from geosynchronous responses to solar wind dynamic pressure enhancements

Determination of the radial profile of phase space density of relativistic electrons at constant adiabatic invari- ants is crucial for identifying the source for them within the outer radiation belt. The commonly used method is to con- vert flux observed at fixed energy to phase space density at constant first, second and third adiabatic invariants, which requires an empirical global magnetic field model and thus might produce some uncertainties in the final results. From a different perspective, in this paper we indirectly infer the shape of the radial profile of phase space density of rela- tivistic electrons near the geosynchronous region by statisti- cally examining the geosynchronous energetic flux response to 128 solar wind dynamic pressure enhancements during the years 2000 to 2003. We thus avoid the disadvantage of us- ing empirical magnetic field models. Our results show that the flux response is species and energy dependent. For pro- tons and low-energy electrons, the primary response to mag- netospheric compression is an increase in flux at geosyn- chronous orbit. For relativistic electrons, the dominant re- sponse is a decrease in flux, which implies that the phase space density decreases toward increasing radial distance at geosynchronous orbit and leads to a local peak inside of geosynchronous orbit. The flux response of protons and non- relativistic electrons could result from a phase density that in- creases toward increasing radial distance, but this cannot be determined for sure due to the particle energization associ- ated with pressure enhancements. Our results for relativistic electrons are consistent with previous results obtained using magnetic field models, thus providing additional confirma- tion that these results are correct and indicating that they are not the result of errors in their selected magnetic field model.
Par-complex aPKC and Par3 cross-talk with innate immunity NF-κB pathway in epithelial cells

Components of the Par-complex, atypical PKC and Par3, have been found to be downregulated upon activation of NF-κB in intestinal epithelial cells. To determine their possible role in pro-inflammatory responses we transduced Caco-2 human colon carcinoma cells with constitutively active (ca) PKCι or anti-Par3 shRNA-expressing lentiviral particles. Contrary to previous reports in other cell types, ca-PKCι did not activate, but rather decreased, baseline NF-κB activity in a luminiscence reporter assay. An identical observation applied to a PB1 domain deletion PKCι, which fails to localize to the tight-junction. Conversely, as expected, the same ca-PKCι activated NF-κB in non-polarized HEK293 cells. Likewise, knockdown of Par3 increased NF-κB activity and, surprisingly, greatly enhanced its response to TNFα, as shown by transcription of IL-8, GRO-1, GRO-2 and GRO-3. We conclude that aPKC and Par3 are inhibitors of the canonical NF-κB activation pathway, although perhaps acting through independent pathways, and may be involved in pro-inflammatory responses.
The Three Dimensions of Quality Service: The Case of Service Quality Gaps in the U.K. National Health Service?

Abstract United Kingdom hospitals have traditionally defined quality as the level of service provided whereas patients define quality as service that meets their expectations. These two definitions highlight a focus difference and result in “service quality gaps.” This article develops a model of service quality gaps built on three dimensions: the focus of service organisation management, the perceiver of the service, and strategy implemented. The model is empirically tested using a 2001 survey of the chief executive of each of hospitals in England and Wales. We find where gaps exist, there is interconnectedness between them, and strategic focus change provides improved quality.