Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-power temperature-stable GaInNAs distributed Bragg reflector laser emitting at 1180  nm.

We report a single-mode 1180 nm distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser diode with a high output power of 340 mW. For the fabrication, we employed novel nanoimprint lithography that ensures cost-effective, large-area, conformal patterning and does not require regrowth. The output characteristics exhibited outstanding temperature insensitivity with a power drop of only 30% for an increase of the mount temperature from 20°C to 80°C. The high temperature stability was achieved by using GaInNAs/GaAs quantum wells (QWs), which exhibit improved carrier confinement compared to standard InGaAs/GaAs QWs. The corresponding characteristic temperatures were T0=110 K and T1=160 K. Moreover, we used a large detuning between the peak wavelength of the material gain at room temperature and the lasing wavelength determined by the DBR. In addition to good temperature characteristics, GaInNAs/GaAs QWs exhibit relatively low lattice strain with direct impact on improving the lifetime of laser diodes at this challenging wavelength range. The single-mode laser emission could be tuned by changing the mount temperature (0.1 nm/°C) or the drive current (0.5 pm/mA). The laser showed no degradation in a room-temperature lifetime test at 900 mA drive current. These compact and efficient 1180 nm laser diodes are instrumental for the development of compact frequency-doubled yellow-orange lasers, which have important applications in medicine and spectroscopy.
Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure on Blood Pressure

We measured 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and 16-hour noise exposure continuously for 20 automobile workers, and used linear mixed-effects regression models to estimate transient and sustained effects of noise exposure on blood pressure. The occupational noise levels of the high-exposure workers with 85 ± 8 dBA were significantly higher than those of the low-exposure workers with 59 ± 4 dBA (P < 0.05). We found a significant difference of 16 ± 6 mm Hg in sleep-time systolic blood pressure (SBP) existed between 2 exposure groups, and a marginal increase of 1 mm Hg SBP per 1-dBA increase in occupational noise exposure at a 60-minute lag time during work (P = 0.07). Occupational noise exposure had both transient and sustained effects on workers’ SBP.
Are We Winning the War Against Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?

The most methodologically rigorous epidemiological study on American military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan found that 4.3% of troops developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among deployed combatants, 7.6% developed PTSD, whereas 1.4% of deployed noncombatants did so. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a program ensuring that all veterans with PTSD will receive evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and the Army has developed Battlemind postdeployment early interventions that reduce risk for the disorder.
Helicobacter pylori eradication increases telomere length in gastric mucosa.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Our purpose in this study was to analyze telomere length and telomerase activity before and after eradication treatment in gastric mucosa in patients positive for H. pylori. METHODOLOGY There were two groups: a control group (n=17) and a study group (n=21). For H. pylori eradication, the patients were administrated proton pump inhibitor (PPI) + clarithromycin + amoxicillin or PPI + metronidazole + tetracycline + bismuth for 14 days. Telomere length was analyzed with RT-PCR and telomerase activity with PCR-ELISA on biopsy specimens from the antrum. The result p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Prior to eradication, there was no significant difference between telomere lengths of the patient and control groups (2481.2±1823 and 2958.9±1345.7 bp, p=0.11, respectively). The telomere length of the study group became longer after eradication (before 2481.2±1823bp, after 3766.3±1608.8bp, p=0.01). Telomerase activity was not detected in either the patient or the control group. CONCLUSIONS An increase in telomere length was observed with H. pylori eradication. This finding may indicate the importance of H. pylori eradication to avoid the development of gastric cancer.
Influence of Bacillus spp. strains on seedling growth and physiological parameters of sorghum under moisture stress conditions

Microorganisms isolated from stressed ecosystem may prove as ideal candidates for development of bio‐inoculants for stressed agricultural production systems. In the present study, moisture stress tolerant rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum, pigeonpea, and cowpea grown under semiarid conditions in India. Four isolates KB122, KB129, KB133, and KB142 from sorghum rhizosphere exhibited plant growth promoting traits and tolerance to salinity, high temperature, and moisture stress. These isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strains were evaluated for growth promotion of sorghum seedlings under two different moisture stress conditions (set‐I, continuous 50% soil water holding capacity (WHC) throughout the experiment and set‐II, 75% soil WHC for 27 days followed by no irrigation for 5 days) under greenhouse conditions. Plate count and scanning electron microscope studies indicated successful root surface colonization by inoculated bacteria. Plants inoculated with Bacillus spp. strains showed better growth in terms of shoot length and root biomass with dark greenish leaves due to high chlorophyll content while un‐inoculated plants showed rolling of the leaves, stunted appearance, and wilting under both stress conditions. Inoculation also improved leaf relative water content and soil moisture content. However, variation in proline and sugar content in the different treatments under two stress conditions indicated differential effect of microbial treatments on plant physiological parameters under stress conditions.
Fine structural alterations in the lungs of iprindole ‐treated rats

A P R E V I O U S communication described pulmonary macrophage exudation in rats receiving high oral doses of iprindole, a new tricyclic compound which is being increasingly used in the treatment of mental depression (Vijeyaratnam and Corrin, 19724. The numerous alveolar macrophages found in these animals were regarded as reactive and the purpose of this communication is to describe the primary changes in the alveolar wall and bronchiolar epithelium. Prominent amongst these changes is interstitial pulmonary oedema, and as well as assessing this quantitatively we have investigated its pathogenesis. The macrophage exudation and oedema are ascribed to degenerative changes in the pulmonary alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium respectively.
DNA persistence length revisited.

DNA restriction fragments ranging from 79 to 789 base pairs in length have been characterized by transient electric birefringence (TEB) measurements at various temperatures between 4 and 43 degrees C. The DNA fragments do not contain runs of four or more adenine residues in a row and migrate with normal electrophoretic mobilities in polyacrylamide gels, indicating that they are not intrinsically curved or bent. The low ionic strength buffers used for the measurements contained 1 mM Tris Cl, pH 8.0, EDTA, and variable concentrations of Na(+) or Mg(2+) ions. The rotational relaxation times were obtained by fitting the TEB field-free decay signals with a nonlinear least-squared fitting program; the decay of the birefringence was monoexponential for fragments < or = 241 base pair (bp) in length and multiexponential for larger fragments. The terminal relaxation times, characteristic of the end-over-end rotation of the DNA molecules, were then used to determine the persistence length (p) and hydrodynamic radius (r) of DNA as a function of temperature and ionic strength, using several different hydrodynamic models. The specific values obtained for p and r are model dependent. The wormlike chain model of P. J. Hagerman and B. H. Zimm (Biopolymers 1981, Vol. 20, pp. 1481-1502) combined with the revised Broersma equation (J. Newman et al., Journal of Mol Biol 1997, Vol. 116, pp. 593-606) appears to be the most suitable for describing the flexibility of DNA in low ionic strength solutions. The values of p and r obtained from the global least squares fitting of this equation are independent of DNA length, and the deviations of the individual values from the average are reasonably small. The consensus r value calculated for DNA in various low ionic strength solutions containing 1 mM Tris buffer is 14.7 +/- 0.4 A at 20 degrees C. The consensus p values decrease from 814 approximately 564 A in solutions containing 1 mM Tris buffer plus 0.2-1 mM NaCl and decrease still further to 440 A in solutions containing 0.2 mM Mg(2+) ions. The persistence length exhibits a shallow maximum at 20 degrees C and decreases slowly upon either increasing or decreasing the temperature, regardless of the model used to fit the data. By contrast, the consensus values of the hydrodynamic radius are independent of temperature. The calculated persistence lengths and hydrodynamic radii are compared with other data in the literature.
Building information modelling: protocols for collaborative design processes

Numerous frameworks and protocols are being developed to facilitate BIM understanding and implementation. A BIM framework is a structured theoretical construct that can assist in organizing BIM domains of knowledge and facilitate the creation of new knowledge. BIM Protocols explain or simplify aspects of the BIM implementation by providing detailed steps or conditions (e.g. workflows, plans, manuals, etc.) to reach a measurable outcome. Currently available BIM protocols lack the level of details and the inclusion of implementation variables and complexities present at project levels. This research aims to propose protocols for BIM collaborative design that can be utilized at project level by an entire supply chain to increase the efficiency and consistency of information flow and BIM deliverables. A grounded theory approach was adopted due to its particular emphasis on providing explicit strategies for defining and studying processes. The proposed protocols consist of flowcharts, diagrams and matrices that guide the processes of BIM implementation for collaborative design among lead architects, engineering consultants, clients and contractors. A top-level model of the protocols, representing the main elements of the protocols, the relations between elements, the underpinning methodology and a gate decision for technology, process and policy approval, is presented as an abstraction of the content of the protocols. The testing of the protocols in two international design competitions, using a mixed quantitative-qualitative, demonstrated their potential in improving the quality and quantity of information delivered to stakeholders involved in the design process. There are primary and secondary contributions that stemmed from this research. The primary contribution is represented by both the methodology for development and testing and the proposed protocols for BIM collaborative design. The secondary contribution derives from the classification and review of BIM frameworks and the demonstration of the influence of the BIM project physical environment on the performance of teams.
Effect of Septal Ablation on Regional Diastolic Dysfunction and Diastolic Asynchrony in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Follow‐Up Study Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is an alternative therapy for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) that results in sustained improvement in the global diastolic dysfunction. Regional diastolic abnormalities and diastolic asynchrony are very common and closely related to global diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PTSMA on regional diastolic dysfunction and diastolic asynchrony in HOCM patients using speckle tracking echocardiography.
Antigen‐Dependent transition of IgE to a detergent‐insoluble form is associated with reduced IgE receptor‐dependent secretion from RBL‐2H3 mast cells

In mast cells, basophils, and the RBL‐2H3 tumor mast cell model, crosslinking cell surface IgE‐receptor complexes by multivalent ligands activates a signal transduction pathway that leads to the secretion of histamine, serotonin, and other inflammatory mediators. Receptor crosslinking in RBL‐2H3 cells also changes cell surface morphology and increases F‐actin assembly. Previously, Robertson et al. (J. Immunol., 135: 4565–4572, 1986) demonstrated that crosslinked IgE‐receptor complexes become associated with the Triton X‐100‐insoluble fraction (the “cytoskeleton”) of RBL‐2H3 cells and raised the possibility that receptor‐cytoskeletal association may be a required step in the stimulation of secretion. The studies reported here confirm by flow cytometry that crosslinking cell surface IgE by antigen induces the association of the crosslinked complexes with the detergent‐insoluble fraction. Dose‐response studies, also reported here, indicate that the detergent insolubility of the complexes does not correlate with secretion. Thus, secretion increases with antigen concentration to a maximum beyond which more antigen causes less, not more, secretion. There is little residual detergent‐insoluble IgE at the concentrations of antigen that promote optimal secretion, whereas the association of IgE with the detergent‐insoluble fraction is maximal at the high antigen concentrations that result in reduced secretion. The addition of monovalent hapten to reduce the amount of crosslinking caused by high concentrations of antigen increases secretion and simultaneously reduces the association of IgE with the detergent‐insoluble fraction. Dihydrocytochalasin B, an inhibitor of antigen‐stimulated actin polymerization, also increases the rate and extent of secretion and simultaneously delays the association of crosslinked IgE‐receptor complexes with the detergent‐insoluble fraction. From these data, we propose that the association of crosslinked IgE receptors with the detergent‐insoluble fraction of RBL‐2H3 cells increases with increased receptor crosslinking, is enhanced by antigen‐induced actin polymerization, and is more likely related to the termination than the stimulation of secretion. The ligand‐induced conversion of receptors to a detergent‐insoluble form is not restricted to mast cells but occurs in a variety of cell types. Its general function may be to limit the generation or transmission of transmembrane signals.
Kinetics of Sulbactam Hydrolysis by β-Lactamases, and Kinetics of β-Lactamase Inhibition by Sulbactam

ABSTRACT Sulbactam is one of four β-lactamase inhibitors in current clinical use to counteract drug resistance caused by degradation of β-lactam antibiotics by these bacterial enzymes. As a β-lactam itself, sulbactam is susceptible to degradation by β-lactamases. I investigated the Michaelis-Menten kinetics of sulbactam hydrolysis by 14 β-lactamases, representing clinically widespread groups within all four Ambler classes, i.e., CTX-M-15, KPC-2, SHV-5, and TEM-1 for class A; IMP-1, NDM-1, and VIM-1 for class B; Acinetobacter baumannii ADC-7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa AmpC, and Enterobacter cloacae P99 for class C; and OXA-10, OXA-23, OXA-24, and OXA-48 for class D. All of the β-lactamases were able to hydrolyze sulbactam, although they varied widely in their kinetic constants for the reaction, even within each class. I also investigated the inactivation kinetics of the inhibition of these enzymes by sulbactam. The class A β-lactamases varied widely in their susceptibility to inhibition, the class C and D enzymes were very weakly inhibited, and the class B enzymes were essentially or completely unaffected. In addition, we measured the sulbactam turnover number, the sulbactam/enzyme molar ratio required for complete inhibition of each enzyme. Class C enzymes had the lowest turnover numbers, class A enzymes varied widely, and class D enzymes had very high turnover numbers. These results are valuable for understanding which β-lactamases ought to be well inhibited by sulbactam. Moreover, since sulbactam has intrinsic antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter species pathogens, these results contribute to understanding β-lactamase-mediated sulbactam resistance in Acinetobacter, especially due to the action of the widespread class D enzymes.
Cystic Dystrophy of the Duodenal Wall in the Heterotopic Pancreas: Radiopathological Correlations

Purpose The purpose of this work was to correlate the CT features of cystic dystrophy in heterotopic pancreas (CDHP) with pathological features. Methods Patients were selected from 190 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy over a 10 year period in our institution. CT findings were retrospectively analyzed in 20 cases and correlated with pathological findings. Results Lesions were found to be located in the inner part of the second portion of the duodenum in all except one case. In all cases, the duodenal wall was thickened, both at CT and at histopathological examination, and moderate to strong contrast enhancement of the duodenal wall was noted at CT in all cases but one. Cysts were multiple in all cases. No heterotopic pancreas was identified with CT. Inflammatory changes with or without enlarged nodes were detected on CT in 15 of 20 cases. Chronic pancreatitis was present in 10 cases at pathology, including 5 cases with calcifications. The radiopathological correlation was excellent for all criteria but two: the size of the cysts and the extent of pyloric involvement. Conclusion In patients with CDHP, CT features correlate well with pathological results. Multiple cysts located in an enlarged duodenal wall with postcontrast enhancement and inflammatory changes are strongly suggestive of CDHP.
Multiplex Assay for Simultaneously Typing and Subtyping Influenza Viruses by Use of an Electronic Microarray

ABSTRACT We report on the use of an electronic microarray to simultaneously type influenza A and B viruses and to distinguish influenza A virus subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 from the potentially pandemic avian virus subtype H5N1. The assay targets seven genes: the H1, H3, H5, N1, and N2 genes of influenza A virus; the matrix protein M1 gene of influenza A virus; and the nonstructural protein (NS) gene of influenza B virus. By combining a two-step reverse transcription-multiplex PCR with typing and subtyping on the electronic microarray, the assay achieved an analytical sensitivity of 102 to 103 copies of transcripts per reaction for each of the genes. The assay correctly typed and subtyped 15 different influenza virus isolates, including two influenza B virus, five A/H1N1, six A/H3N2, and two A/H5N1 isolates. In addition, the assay correctly identified 8 out of 10 diluted, archived avian influenza virus specimens with complete typing and subtyping information and 2 specimens with partial subtyping information. In a study of 146 human clinical specimens that had previously been shown to be positive for influenza virus or another respiratory virus, the assay showed a clinical sensitivity of 96% and a clinical specificity of 100%. The assay is a rapid, accurate, user-friendly method for simultaneously typing and subtyping influenza viruses.
ANISOCORIA: Attempted Induction by Unilateral Illumination

THE VALUE of anisocoria as a diagnostic sign has been limited by reports of normal or physiologic anisocoria in as high as 40 per cent of all patients. 1 Lowenstein's pupillographic method has eliminated a large number of cases of these so-called physiologic anisocorias through detailed cinematographic analysis under both static and dynamic conditions. 2 In order to realize the potentialities of this method, and in order to place the proper value on the finding of anisocoria, it is necessary to delimit sharply that which may be physiologic from that which is pathologic. Toward this end the present study has been undertaken. Several theories of the course of the afferent pupillary fibers have been proposed in attempts to explain various phenomena of the pupillary movements. 3 The most generally accepted schema is that proposed by Behr, 3c who stated the belief that the macular fibers from each retina have equal
Adaptation and Implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools with American Indian Youth

American Indian adolescents experience higher rates of suicide and psychological distress than the overall U.S. adolescent population, and research suggests that these disparities are related to higher rates of violence and trauma exposure. Despite elevated risk, there is limited empirical information to guide culturally appropriate treatment of trauma and related symptoms. We report a pilot study of an adaptation to the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools in a sample of 24 American Indian adolescents. Participants experienced significant decreases in anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and avoidant coping strategies, as well as a marginally significant decrease in depression symptoms. Improvements in anxiety and depression were maintained 6 months postintervention; improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder and avoidant coping strategies were not.
Benefits of long-term GH therapy in Prader-Willi syndrome: a 4-year study.

Obesity, poor growth, and hypotonia in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are accompanied by abnormal body composition resembling a GH-deficient state. Hypothalamic dysfunction in PWS includes decreased GH secretion, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for GH treatment. While short-term benefits of treatment with GH have been shown, whether these beneficial effects are dose dependent and persist or wane with prolonged therapy remains uncertain. Effects of 24 additional months of GH treatment at varying doses (0.3, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/m(2). d) on growth, body composition, strength and agility, pulmonary function, resting energy expenditure (REE), and fat utilization were assessed in 46 children with PWS, who had previously been treated with GH therapy (1 mg/m(2). d) for 12-24 months. Percent body fat, lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Indirect calorimetry was used to determine REE and to calculate respiratory quotient. A modified Bruininks-Oseretski test of physical performance evaluated strength and agility. During months 24-48 of GH therapy, continued beneficial effects on body composition (decrease in fat mass and increase in lean body mass), growth velocity, and REE occurred with GH therapy doses of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/m(2). d (P < 0.05), but not with 0.3 mg/m(2). d. BMD continued to improve at all doses of GH (P < 0.05). Prior improvements in strength and agility that occurred during the initial 24 months were sustained but did not improve further during the additional 24 months regardless of dose. Salutary and sustained GH-induced changes in growth, body composition, BMD, and physical function in children with PWS can be achieved with daily administration of GH doses > or =1 mg/m(2). Lower doses of GH, (0.3 mg/m(2). d) effective in improving body composition in GHD adults, do not appear to be effective in children with PWS at sustaining improvement in body composition.
effects of CYP 2 D 6 and UGT 2 B 7 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen in Thai breast cancer patients

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Ltd, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Ltd. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress. com/permissions.php Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2013:5 73–78 Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy Dovepress