cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating an estuarine mixing and exchange ratio from boundary data with application to Mt. Hope Bay (Massachusetts/Rhode Island)

Abstract Methods are presented to evaluate an estuarine residence time using volume, salt, and temperature budgets from system boundaries. Changes in the distribution of flux with respect to salinity and/or temperature are used to evaluate a replacement ratio, M , for the system, indicating how much incoming tidal flux volume is replaced with ambient estuarine water prior to discharge on the ebb. Estimates of M can also be generated using total flood and ebb apportioned fluxes, and salinity–temperature relationships of water sampled during the tidal cycle. The generic methods are applied to the Mt. Hope Bay estuary (Massachusetts/Rhode Island, USA), with relevant estimates of M ranging from 10 to 15%, implying a tidal exchange driven estuarine residence time of an order of 2 weeks to a month. The proposed estimation techniques are valuable for deriving simple estimates of residence time, which are often sufficient for many ecological applications, and will also enable more sophisticated calibration of numerical models of estuaries.
Determination of 4-Methyl Umbelliferone and Metabolites in Williams E Media and Dog Plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A gradient high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), 4-methyiumbelliferyl sulfate (4MUS), and 4-methylumbeiliferyl β-D-glucuronide (4MUG) in dog plasma and William's E media. Samples containing the internal standard, umbelliferone were prepared for analysis by precipitation with acetonitrile prior to injection onto a 150 × 2.1mm C18 Hypersil reversed-phase column. The compounds were eluted in less than 7 minutes with a fast linear gradient from 9.5% acetonitrile to 32% acetonitrile in pH 4.5 acetate buffer with a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. All compounds were detected at 314 nm. Total sample cycle time was 10 minutes. Intra-run (n=5) and inter-run (n=18) precision was less than 15% relative standard deviation across the entire calibration range. The lower limit of quantitiation with a 50 μL sample size was 2.5 μM.
Stillbirth: The heart of the matter

We evaluated 2,083 cases within the Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program (WiSSP) that had autopsy reports or ultrasound data relevant to the heart. Of these, 167/1,782 (9.4%) stillbirths after 20 weeks and 11/301 (3.7%) miscarriages <20 weeks had congenital heart disease (CHD). Cases were classified by type of heart defect and whether it related to cause of death. Among cardiac anomalies that contributed significantly to fetal death, 125/151 (83%) were associated with underlying conditions or syndromes, nearly half of which were chromosomal. The most common forms of CHD in stillborns were severe cyanotic lesions (3%), then ventricular (2.6%) and atrial (1.9%) septal defects. Compared to livebirths, this represents a shift toward more severe cardiac lesions, although all comparable categories, including non-lethal conditions such as atrial septal defect, are more common in stillbirths. Clinical cardiomyopathy was identified as cause of death in 1.2% of stillborns. Cardiomegaly, occurring in 26.7% of all cases and 76.7% of infants born to diabetic mothers, may represent undiagnosed cardiomyopathy and/or may decrease fetal tolerance of hypoxia. In contrast, 78.5% of Turner syndrome infants, all <32 weeks, had small hearts. More attention to cardiac findings can lead to increased understanding of stillbirth causes. Based on our findings, we recommend chromosome studies on all stillbirths and close attention to the heart during second trimester ultrasounds, with chromosome studies offered if CHD is found. Consideration of heart size can result in prenatal identification of infants at risk for stillbirth, particularly large hearts in fetuses of diabetic mothers in the third trimester, which may identify fetal cardiomyopathy before it becomes life-threatening.
Targeting of G Protein-coupled Receptors to the Basolateral Surface of Polarized Renal Epithelial Cells Involves Multiple, Non-contiguous Structural Signals

Truncations and chimeras of the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2AAR) were evaluated to identify membrane domains responsible for its direct basolateral targeting in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. An α2AAR truncation, encoding transmembrane (TM) regions 1–5, was first delivered basolaterally, but within minutes appeared apically, and at steady-state was primarily lateral in its immunocytochemical localization. A TM 1–5 truncation with the third intracellular loop revealed more intense lateral localization than for the TM 1–5 structure, consistent with the role of the third intracellular loop in α2AAR stabilization. Addition of TM 6–7 of A1 adenosine receptor (A1AdoR) to α2AARTM1–5 creates a chimera, α2AARTM1–5/A1AdoRTM6–7, which was first delivered apically, resulting either from loss of α2AAR sorting information in TM 6–7 or acquisition of apical trafficking signals within A1AdoRTM6–7. Evidence that α2AARTM6–7 imparts basolateral targeting information is revealed by the significant basolateral localization of the A1AdoRTM1–5/α2AARTM6–7 and A1AdoRTM1–5/α2AARTM6–7+i3 chimeras, in contrast to the dominant apical localization of A1AdoR. These results reveal that sequences within TM 1–5 and within TM 6–7 of the α2AAR confer basolateral targeting, providing the first evidence that α2AAR basolateral localization is not conferred by a single region but by non-contiguous membrane-embedded or proximal sequences.
Killifish habitat suitability as a measure of coastal restoration performance: Integrating field data, behavioral trials and simulation

Abstract One of the goals of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is to restore more natural salinity regimes to the coastal bays of South Florida (USA) with the aim of improving their degraded estuarine function (e.g., as productive feeding and nursery areas). Here, we examined the occurrence (presence–absence) and concentration (presence-only fish density) of goldspotted killifish (Floridichthys carpio) observed in an ongoing fish survey as potential indicators of restoration performance in Biscayne Bay, Florida. To determine F. carpio salinity affinity, we applied regression analyses to field data and performed behavioral choice trials in the laboratory, whereby individuals were exposed to a salinity gradient (10–50). Analysis of field data indicated a parabolic relationship between killifish occurrence and salinity, where occurrence is maximized at salinity ∼22. Killifish concentration was unrelated to salinity. Experimental salinity choice results tended to agree with field observations of occurrence and demonstrated a preference for intermediate salinity levels (10–30). Finally, we performed a simulation exercise to compare seasonal changes in habitat suitability within our study domain over the course of one year. Seasonal comparisons were performed as a proxy for assessing different freshwater management alternatives. We applied the relationship between killifish occurrence and salinity that resulted from analyses of field data to the output of a published hydrodynamic salinity transport model. This exercise provided areal estimates of suitable habitat gained or lost, as well as maps indicating the geographic distribution of habitat quality by season. We conclude that: (1) continued field monitoring of goldspotted killifish occurrence is warranted for its utility as a biological indicator of nearshore salinity conditions in an ecosystem-based management framework and (2) the regression relationships revealed by the present study may be useful in habitat suitability modeling exercises, especially those that compare impacts of different freshwater flow scenarios via simulation.
Trypanosoma cruzi Infection and Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation Prevent Apoptosis in Cardiac Cells

Studies of cardiac pathology and heart failure have implicated cardiomyocyte apoptosis as a critical determinant of disease. Recent evidence indicates that the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes heart disease in chronically infected individuals, impinges on host apoptotic pathways in a cell type-dependent manner. T. cruzi infection of isolated neuronal cells and cardiomyocytes protects against apoptotic cell death, whereas apoptosis is triggered in T cells in T. cruzi-infected animals. In this study, we demonstrate that the ability of T. cruzi to protect cardiac cells in vitro from apoptosis triggered by a combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha and serum reduction correlates with the presence of intracellular parasites and involves activation of host cell NF-kappaB. We further demonstrate that the apoptotic block diminishes activation of caspase 3. The ability of T. cruzi to prevent apoptosis of infected cardiomyocytes is likely to play an important role in establishment of persistent infection in the heart while minimizing potential damage and remodeling that is associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis in cardiovascular disease.
The upstream sequences of the HSP82 and HSC82 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Regulatory elements and nucleosome positioning motifs

We present the upstream sequences of HSP82 and HSC82, two closely related, but differentially regulated, heat-shock genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several dozen potential regulatory elements are identified within each upstream region; interestingly, only a few are conserved between the two genes. These include a consensus heat-shock element, an upstream repressor element, and a consensus TATA element. A search for motifs known actively to position nucleosomes in vitro revealed that such sequences are three- to seven-fold enriched within each promoter; a comparable enrichment is seen near the 3' end of each transcription unit. Located approximately 1100 bp upstream of HSC82 is an open reading frame (ORF) of 255 amino acids; approximately 800 bp upstream of HSP82 is an ORF of 132 amino acids. The latter ORF contains several conserved ankyrin motifs and appears to be expressed under normal growth conditions. Finally, we show by clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis that the two genetic loci map to different chromosomes: HSP82 to chromosome XVI and HSC82 to chromosome XIII. The sequences have been deposited in the GenBank database under Accession Numbers U20323 and U20349.
Interaction between smoking rate and anxiety sensitivity: relation to anticipatory anxiety and panic-relevant avoidance among daily smokers.

Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the moderating role of anxiety sensitivity (AS) in the relation between smoking rate and panic vulnerability variables, both concurrently and prospectively (3 months), among a community-based sample of 125 daily smokers (60 females; M age = 26.02 years, S.D. = 10.98). Consistent with prediction, the interaction between AS and smoking rate significantly predicted concurrent agoraphobic avoidance (3.2% of unique variance) and change in levels of anticipatory anxiety during the 3-month follow-up period (4.7% unique variance). Smokers high in AS who also smoked at greater rates reported the highest levels of avoidance and greatest increase in anticipatory anxiety. Overall, these data suggest that AS is an important individual difference factor that, when coupled with higher rates of smoking, is associated with greater levels of avoidance and anticipatory anxiety among daily smokers.
Use of molecular beacons to verify that the serine hydroxymethyltransferase pseudogene SHMT-ps1 is unique to the order Primates

Background: The serine hydroxymethyltransferase processed pseudogene SHMT-ps1 has been suggested to be unique to the order Primates because of the failure to amplify this sequence by PCR from genomic DNAs of any non-primate mammal species. Here, ‘molecular beacon’ probes specific to SHMT-ps1 were used in an attempt to verify this suggestion. Results: In a search for SHMT-ps1-specific sequences using molecular beacons across a range of mammalian species, SHMT-ps1 was only found in primates. The molecular beacon assays also showed that SHMT-ps1 is present in both Old World and New World species but not among prosimians. Conclusions: These results suggest that SHMT-ps1 originated close to the origin of the Anthropoidea, some 40 to 50 million years ago.
Changes over time in caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The national prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in children is rising, but little is known about the long term outcomes associated with MRSA infection and colonization in hospitalized children. We previously found that caregivers worry and feel social isolation and stigma when their children received a diagnosis of MRSA infection or colonization.[1] We conducted a six-month follow-up phone survey to assess changes in caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in children previously colonized or infected with MRSA. Of 100 caregivers contacted, 58 (58%) were reached and administered the questionnaire. Eleven (19%) remained unaware that their child had ever been colonized or infected with MRSA. Of the 47 caregivers that knew their child had MRSA, 62% were worried about the risk of future MRSA infection in their child. Forty caregivers had been aware of their child's MRSA status six months prior and had paired data regarding attitudes for comparison. Of these 40 caregivers, 85% had originally been worried about the risk of future MRSA infection in their child, and 60% remained worried about future MRSA infections six months later. Twenty-one of 47 caregivers (45%) reported “doing something differently because of MRSA.” The most common behaviors reported were increased use of hand sanitizer, increased hand washing, separating a child's belongings, and using Lysol or bleach for cleaning. Seven percent reported that having MRSA affected their child's daily activities, and 10% reported that having MRSA affected their child at school. Many caregivers (34%) reported still wanting more information about MRSA. Some mentioned using the internet to supplement their knowledge of MRSA while others mentioned wanting to know how to prevent future infections. However, despite these worries and the desire for more information, only 7% reported calling the doctor with questions about MRSA, and 7% had taken their child to the doctor because of questions about MRSA. Caregiver's worries about their child's MRSA declined over time (85 % to 60%), but the majority of caregivers still had worries about MRSA, and almost half reported changing at least one behavior at home in response to their child's MRSA status. Overall, caregivers' concerns persisted over time and healthcare providers need to more fully address these concerns when they inform caregivers of their child's MRSA status. This study highlights the need for more research to determine how to best inform and reassure caregivers about MRSA.
Cultural competency of graduating BSN nursing students.

Abstract Providing culturally appropriate care is an essential nursing competency for new graduates. Multiple curricular approaches are being used to achieve this end. When measured by Campinha-Bacote's Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competency Among Healthcare Professionals-R®, graduating students (n = 515) from six different BSN programs scored, on average, in the culturally aware range. These results suggest that no one curricular approach is proving to be more effective than another in achieving essential cultural competency.
COIL EFFECT ON K-SPACE LINE SELECTION IN HIGHLY ACCELERATED PARALLEL IMAGING

Because the maximum acceleration factor in parallel imaging is proportional to the number of coils in the array, two phenomena are occurring as counterparts to one another: arrays are being developed with increasing numbers of (and thus smaller sized) elements while fewer k-space lines are being acquired (with the accompanying requirement that they be selected more carefully). This paper examines the inherent shift in k-space caused by the use of coils that are small relative to the field-of-view and the selection of k-space lines. The shift is easily understood as the convolution of the magnetization k-space data with the Fourier transform of the coil sensitivity pattern. Results are that the k-space shift is inherent to small coils, is in the same direction for any coil design, and has opposite signs on opposite sides of a planar coil element
A dual role for IQGAP1 in regulating exocytosis

Polarized secretion is a tightly regulated event generated by conserved, asymmetrically localized multiprotein complexes, and the mechanism(s) underlying its temporal and spatial regulation are only beginning to emerge. Although yeast Iqg1p has been identified as a positional marker linking polarity and exocytosis cues, studies on its mammalian counterpart, IQGAP1, have focused on its role in organizing cytoskeletal architecture, for which the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we report that IQGAP1 associates and co-localizes with the exocyst-septin complex, and influences the localization of the exocyst and the organization of septin. We further show that activation of CDC42 GTPase abolishes this association and inhibits secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. Whereas the N-terminus of IQGAP1 binds the exocyst-septin complex, enhances secretion and abrogates the inhibition caused by CDC42 or the depletion of IQGAP1, the C-terminus, which binds CDC42, inhibits secretion. Pulse-chase experiments indicate that IQGAP1 influences protein-synthesis rates, thus regulating exocytosis. We propose and discuss a model in which IQGAP1 serves as a conformational switch to regulate exocytosis.
Osmotic Stress Resistance Imparts Acquired Anti-apoptotic Mechanisms in Lymphocytes

Apoptosis is a stochastic, physiological form of cell death that is characterized by unique morphological and biochemical properties. A defining feature of apoptosis in all cells is the apoptotic volume decrease or AVD, which has been considered a passive component of the cell death process. Most cells have inherent volume regulatory increase (RVI) mechanisms to contest an imposed loss in cell size, however T-cells are unique in that they do not have a RVI response. We utilized this property to explore potential regulatory roles of a RVI response in apoptosis. Exposure of immature T-cells to hyperosmotic stress resulted in a rapid, synchronous, and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Multiple rounds of osmotic stress followed by recovery of cells in normal media resulted in the development of a population of cells that were resistant to osmotic stress induced apoptosis. These cells were also resistant to other apoptotic stimuli that activate via the intrinsic cell death pathway, while remaining sensitive to extrinsic apoptotic stimuli. Interestingly, these osmotic stress resistant cells showed no increase in anti-apoptotic proteins, and released cytochrome c from their mitochondria following exposure to intrinsic apoptotic stimuli. The osmotic stress resistant cells developed a RVI response, and inhibition of the RVI restored sensitivity to apoptotic agents. Analysis of apoptotic signaling pathways showed a sustained increase in phospho-AKT, whose inhibition also prevented an RVI response resulting in apoptosis. These results define a critical role of volume regulation mechanisms in apoptotic resistance.
Fast and furious: Why all CARs are not made equal

Engineered T lymphocytes that express chimeric antibodies, which target tumor antigens, have recently shown impressive clinical activity in aggressive B-cell malignancies. However, despite early promising results, adoptive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has seen limited progress for solid tumors; the mechanisms behind this failure are not clearly understood. Long et al. provide a potential explanation to the limited success of CAR immunotherapy to targets other than CD19. The CAR T cells tested, with the exception of the highly effective CD19 CAR, retained cytolytic capacity in vitro but showed limited expansion, persistence, and antitumor efficacy in in vivo xenograft mouse models. The phenotypic, functional, and transcriptional characteristics of these CARs demonstrated that they become rapidly exhausted through antigen-independent tonic signaling, perhaps from physical interactions between CAR receptors that self-associated on the cell surface. Further, the authors were able to mitigate these effects by incorporating the 4-1BB endodomain instead of CD28, which increased persistence of these T cells in vivo, decreased expression of exhaustion markers such as PD-1, and increased antitumor activity. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that 4-1BB ameliorated exhaustion in part by diminishing expression of exhaustion-related genes, and also by modulating T cell apoptosis. The realization that CAR endodomains can drive T cell exhaustion in addition to tumor-induced immunosuppressive effects highlights the importance of optimizing CAR T cell engineering. Next generation CARs may effectively eliminate the issue of T cell exhaustion and ensure adequate survival and persistence of CAR cells in the months following initial therapy. A. H. Long et al. , 4-1BB costimulation ameliorates T cell exhaustion induced by tonic signaling of chimeric antigen receptors. Nat. Med. 10.1038/nm.3838 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nm.3838.html
Rabbit model of chest wall rigidity induced by fentanyl and the effects of apomorphine

A rabbit model for fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity and the effect of apomorphine was evaluated. Eleven New Zealand adult rabbits were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. An esophageal balloon catheter was used to estimate pleural pressure (P(pl)). Chest wall compliance (C(cw)) at baseline was calculated during pentobarbital anesthesia. A loading dose of 0.1 mg kg(-1) of fentanyl followed by infusion of 0.01 mg kg(-1) min(-1) was started in all animals, and C(cw) reassessed. In the rabbits that developed decreased C(cw), apomorphine 0.4 mg kg(-1) followed by a 0.004 mg kg(-1) min(-1) was administered and C(cw) was reassessed. C(cw) at baseline and after fentanyl and fentanyl+apomorphine were compared with one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni-Holm test (P<0.05). In 5 rabbits, C(cw) decreased significantly after fentanyl administration and apomorphine was able to restore C(cw) to baseline values. Rabbits can be used as a model for fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity. Results from this study support central dopaminergic pathways as being at least partially responsible for the opioid-induced chest wall rigidity.
Comparison of Methods for Clustered Data Analysis in a Non-Ideal Situation: Results from an Evaluation of Predictors of Yellow Fever Vaccine Refusal in the Global TravEpiNet (GTEN) Consortium

Not accounting for clustering in data from multiple centers might yield biased estimates and their standard errors, potentially leading to incorrect inferences. We fit 15 different models with different correlation structures and with/without adjustment for small clusters, including unadjusted logistic regression, Population-averaged models (Generalized Estimating Equations), Cluster-specific models (linear and non-linear with random intercept) and Survey data analysis methods to study the association of variables with the probability of declining yellow fever vaccine among patients seeking pre-travel health consultations at 18 US practices in the Global TravEpiNet Consortium from 1 January, 2009, to 6 June, 2012. Results varied by the method chosen. Generally, when the odds ratio estimates were similar, adjusting for clustering and the small number of clinics increased the standard errors. We chose the random intercept model with the Morel, Bokossa and Neerchal (MBN) adjustment to be the most preferable method for the GTEN dataset since this was one of the more conservative models that accounted for clustering, small sample sizes and also the random effect due to site. Investigators should not ignore clustering and consider the appropriate adjustments necessary for their studies.
Corporate Governance in the Small Firm: Prescriptions for CEOS and Directors

Examinations of boards of directors of smaller corporations have been largely absent from the academic literature. This study addresses this void by examining several aspects of commonly prescribed board configurations for entrepreneurial (high growth) and small (stable growth ) corporations. Specifically, we address board composition and board leadership structure, as well as the impact of officer and director stock holdings and institutional holdings. Stepwise multiple regression analysis reveals that these governance variables significantly add to the explanation of financial performance for both sets of firms. The implications of these findings for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and boards of directors are discussed.
Maneuverability constraints for supervisory steering control

Real-time feedback algorithms proposed for supervisory steering control of robotic manipulators or autonomous vehicles are based on models of the system dynamics in the global coordinates of the workspace. On the other hand, the system dynamics and control limits are most easily specified in generalized coordinates directly related to the generalized degrees of freedom and torque/force inputs for the manipulator or vehicle. This paper concerns the mapping of the state and control variable constraints in the generalized coordinates into operating regions and acceleration limits in the global coordinates. The objective is to determine maneuverability constraints in the global frame which facilitate computationally tractable supervisory control algorithms while guaranteeing the feasibility of the desired controls. The paper defines the general steering control problem, describes a formal procedure for determining maneuverability constraints and discusses the application of the concepts to a two-degree-of-freedom manipulator. Several directions for future research are discussed in the concluding section.
MULTI-TARGET, MULTI-SENSOR TRACKING BASED ON QUALITY-OF-INFORMATION AND FORMAL BAYESIAN FRAMEWORKS

We consider a multi-target tracking probl em that aims to simultaneously determine the number and state of mobile targets in the field. Co nventional paradigms tend to report only the existence and state of targets according to central ized detection and data fusion. On the contrary, we investigate a multi-target, multi-sensor scenari o in which (a) both the number and the state of the targets are unknown a priori; and (b) the detec tion with respect to targets is employed in a distributed manner. Toward this end, we exploit random set theory, a statistical tool based on Bayesian framework, for establishing generalized likelihood and Markov density functions to yield an iterative filtering procedure. We conduct a stud y regarding how the design of distributed detection has impact on the result of system level information fusion. The sources of analyzed data include (a) simulation-based sensor readings through bi-directional sensing/communication; and (b) practical images taken by multiple cameras thro ugh uni-directional sensing/communication. The formulation of Bayesian filtering suggests that a design of a tracking system be adaptive to change of detection performance.
Mechanistic insight into the relationship between N-terminal acetylation of α-synuclein and fibril formation rates by NMR and fluorescence.

Aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn), the primary protein component in Lewy body inclusions of patients with Parkinson’s disease, arises when the normally soluble intrinsically disordered protein converts to amyloid fibrils. In this work, we provide a mechanistic view of the role of N-terminal acetylation on fibrillation by first establishing a quantitative relationship between monomer secondary structural propensity and fibril assembly kinetics, and secondly by demonstrating in the N-terminal acetylated form of the early onset A53T mutation, that N-terminal transient helices formed and/or inhibited by N-terminal acetylation modulate the fibril assembly rates. Using NMR chemical shifts and fluorescence experiments, we report that secondary structural propensity in residues 5–8, 14–31, and 50–57 are highly correlated to fibril growth rate. A four-way comparison of secondary structure propensity and fibril growth rates of N-terminally acetylated A53T and WT αSyn with non-acetylated A53T and WT αSyn present novel mechanistic insight into the role of N-terminal acetylation in amyloid fibril formation. We show that N-terminal acetylation inhibits the formation of the “fibrillation promoting” transient helix at residues 14–31 resulting from the A53T mutation in the non-acetylated variant and supports the formation of the “fibrillation inhibiting” transient helix in residues 1–12 thereby resulting in slower fibrillation rates relative to the previously studied non-acetylated A53T variant. Our results highlight the critical interplay of the region-specific transient secondary structure of the N-terminal region with fibrillation, and the inhibitory role of the N-terminal acetyl group in fibril formation.
To the Readers from the Editors of NeoReviews

1. William W. Hay Jr, MD* 2. David K. Stevenson, MD† 1. 2. *University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado 3. 4. †Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California This is the inaugural edition of NeoReviews , an exciting new online section of Pediatrics in Review . The purpose of NeoReviews is to deliver high-quality, up-to-date reviews of important subjects in neonatal-perinatal medicine. These reviews are designed to provide the reader with detailed basic information about a subject as well as discussion and evaluation of current and projected clinical practices. Every month, we will address one important subject in two or three articles by experts in …
Psychopharmacological possibilities in the acute disaster setting

This article focuses on possible psychopharmacological interventions in the immediate post disaster setting. As there is little evidence for the efficacy or effectiveness of such interventions-given the difficulty in performing randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studies with these populations-the article will delineate the neurobiological basis for pathological sequelae and theoretical drug interventions targeting putative disease mechanisms.
Synaptic lipid signaling significance of polyunsaturated fatty acids and platelet-activating factor

Neuronal cellular and intracellular membranes are rich in specialized phospholipids that are reservoirs of lipid messengers released by specific phospholipases and stimulated by neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, cytokines, membrane depolarization, ion channel activation, etc. Secretory phospholipases A2 may be both intercellular messengers and generators of lipid messengers. The highly networked nervous system includes cells (e.g., astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglial cells, endothelial microvascular cells) that extensively interact with neurons; several lipid messengers participate in these interactions. This review highlights modulation of postsynaptic membrane excitability and long-term synaptic plasticity by cyclooxygenase-2-generated prostaglandin E2, arachidonoyldiacylcylglycerol, and arachidonic acid-containing endocannabinoids. The peroxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a critical component of excitable membranes in brain and retina, is promoted by oxidative stress. DHA is also the precursor of enzyme-derived, neuroprotective docosanoids. The phospholipid platelet-activating factor is a retrograde messenger of long-term potentiation, a modulator of glutamate release, and an upregulator of memory formation. Lipid messengers modulate signaling cascades and contribute to cellular differentiation, function, protection, and repair in the nervous system. Lipidomic neurobiology will advance our knowledge of the brain, spinal cord, retina, and peripheral nerve function and diseases that affect them, and new discoveries on networks of signaling in health and disease will likely lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Self-reported memory for abuse depends upon victim-perpetrator relationship

Abstract We present preliminary results from the Betrayal Trauma Inventory (BTI) testing predictions from betrayal trauma theory (Freyd. 1994, 1996, in press) about the relationship between amnesia and betrayal by a caregiver. The ??? assesses trauma history using behaviorally defined events in the domains of sexual, physical, and emotional childhood abuse, as well as other lifetime traumatic events. When participants endorse an abuse experience, follow-up questions assess a variety of factors including memory impairment and perpetrator relationship. Preliminary results support our prediction that abuse perpetrated by a caregiver is related to less persistent memories of abuse. This relationship is significant for sexual and physical abuse. Regression analyses revealed that age was not a significant predictor of memory impairment and that duration of abuse could not account for the findings.
ENSO Influences on Agriculture in the Southeastern United States

The influence of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on crop production in the southeastern United States was studied to identify crops that are vulnerable to ENSO-related weather variability and therefore likely to benefit from application of ENSO-based climate forecasts. The historical (1960-95) response of total value and its components (yield, area harvested, and price) to ENSO phases and quarterly sea surface temperature anomalies (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific was analyzed for six crops (peanut, tomato, cotton, tobacco, corn, and soybean) in four states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina). ENSO phase significantly influenced corn and tobacco yields, the areas of soybean and cotton harvested, and the values of corn, soybean, peanut, and tobacco. ENSO phases explained an average shift of $212 million or 25.9% of the value of corn. Canonical correlation analysis identified significant responses of corn, soybean, and cotton yields, and peanut value to SST across the region; and of peanut and tobacco yields, and tomato and soybean values in particular states.
Resident and Patient Responses to the Institution of Required Narcotic Agreements in an Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic.

Funding/financial disclosures.: No funding was received for the preparation of this article. The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this letter.
First report of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica isolation from a patient with cellulitis in the United States.

We report the first documented isolation of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica from a human in the United States. Initially misidentified as Acinetobacter lwoffii by Vitek-2, the isolate was subsequently identified as W. chitiniclastica by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. While the clinical significance of the isolate in this case is unclear, it highlights the superior performance of MALDI-TOF MS for bacterial identification.
Advances in 808nm high power diode laser bars and single emitters

Key applications for 780-830nm high power diode lasers include the pumping of various gas, solid state, and fiber laser media; medical and aesthetic applications including hair removal; direct diode materials processing; and computer-to-plate (CtP) printing. Many of these applications require high brightness fiber coupled beam delivery, in turn requiring high brightness optical output at the bar and chip level. Many require multiple bars per system, with aggregate powers on the order of kWs, placing a premium on high power and high power conversion efficiency. This paper presents Coherent’s recent advances in the production of high power, high brightness, high efficiency bars and chips at 780-830nm. Results are presented for bars and single emitters of various geometries. Performance data is presented demonstrating peak power conversion efficiencies of 63% in CW mode. Reliability data is presented demonstrating <50k hours lifetime for products including 60W 18% fill factor and 80W 28% fill factor conduction cooled bars, and <1e9 shots lifetime for 500W QCW bars.
Native—Nonnative Seed Dispersal and Establishment Along an Interstate Highway

Abstract Roads may contribute to the spread of plant invasions by acting as corridors for seed movement, as well as habitat for nonnative plant species, but seed dispersal and seedling establishment are largely unexplored along large, paved roads. We collected one season of seed rain and quantified co-occurring vegetation at multiple distances from the road along an interstate highway. Nonnative seed species richness decreased with distance from the road. Distance did not significantly affect native species seed measures. Furthermore, 33% of nonnative species found in the seed rain were not present in the vegetation. These results suggest that the Interstate aids dispersal of nonnative seeds. Seeds of 58% of the native and nonnative species found in the seed rain were not present in the vegetation, indicating that at least some of these species are unable to establish along the road. Independent of distance from the road, more nonnative and less native vegetation was found in areas of higher soil pH, sugg...
Ethological Observations on Oxybelus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in Southwestern New Mexico

Information on behavior of Oxybelus ventralis Fox, O. aztecus Cameron, O. fossor Rohwer and Cockerell, O. parvus Cresson, O. exclamans Viereck, and O. sparideus Cockerell obtained from New Mexico is presented. Wasps nested only in sandy areas intermittently drenched with water throughout the May and early June study periods. All species but O. exclamans and O. sparideus left their nests open while provisioning. O. ventralis always carried its prey impaled on the sting, landed near the nest, and walked in. O. aztecus, O. fossor, O. parvus, O. sparideus, and O. exclamans carried their prey with their middle and hind legs. O. aztecus, O. fossor, and O. parvus plunged into their open nest entrances; O. sparideus plunged through the nest closure. O. exclamans landed near the nest and then dug open the closure while straddling the prey. If nest entrances became blocked, O. fossor and O. parvus landed, impaled the prey, and dug through the closures. O. exclamans also impaled the prey if it encountered difficulties in locating or digging open the nest. All species mass-provisioned their nests with flies. O. aztecus and O. sparideus collected both male and female prey. O. exclamans provisioned exclusively with male sarcophagids, O. fossor with male scenopinids, and O. ventralis with male bombyliids. O. parvus provisioned with males from several families. When the nest was fully provisioned, all species filled the burrow with sand. Many cells were destroyed by the miltogrammines Senotainia nana Coquillett, S. trilineata (Wulp), Metopia argyrocephala (Meigen), and ants (probably Solenopsis spp.).
Exploiting the CRISPR/Cas9 PAM Constraint for Single-Nucleotide Resolution Interventions

CRISPR/Cas9 is an enabling RNA-guided technology for genome targeting and engineering. An acute DNA binding constraint of the Cas9 protein is the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM). Here we demonstrate that the PAM requirement can be exploited to specifically target single-nucleotide heterozygous mutations while exerting no aberrant effects on the wild-type alleles. Specifically, we target the heterozygous G13A activating mutation of KRAS in colorectal cancer cells and we show reversal of drug resistance to a MEK small-molecule inhibitor. Our study introduces a new paradigm in genome editing and therapeutic targeting via the use of gRNA to guide Cas9 to a desired protospacer adjacent motif.
Neuroendocrine differentiation in the precursors of prostate cancer

Objectives : To review neuroendocrine differentiation in the precursors of prostatic carcinoma (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia). Methods : Background information is given on the prostatic neuroendocrine cell and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic carcinoma. Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is reviewed. Results : Neuroendocrine differentiation occurs in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and is intermediate in degree between normal (which has the most cells with neuroendocrine differentiation) and carcinoma. Conclusion : Neuroendocrine differentiation in the precursors of prostatic carcinoma may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer but is speculative at this time. Methods to better assess neuroendocrine differentiation are needed.
A retrospective review of an epidural blood patch database: the incidence of epidural blood patch associated with obstetric neuraxial anesthetic techniques and the effect of blood volume on efficacy.

Abstract Background The optimal volume of blood required to treat post-dural puncture headache remains in question. In our institution a target volume of 30mL is used for an epidural blood patch unless the patient experiences pain during injection. Methods The institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for epidural blood patch and delivery statistics over a 15-year period to determine if the volume of blood administered during the procedure directly correlated with the number of epidural blood patches administered. The primary endpoint was defined as the need for a repeat epidural blood patch. Results There were 466 epidural blood patches performed on 394 patients, associated with 84 804 obstetric neuraxial procedures. Thirty-two percent (95% CI 28.3 to 34.9%) of patients who had an inadvertent dural puncture with an epidural needle received an epidural blood patch versus 0.19% (0.16% to 0.22%) of patients who received neuraxial anesthesia with no documented dural puncture with an epidural needle. All patients experienced relief of post-dural puncture headache, although 17% required two and 1.5% required three epidural blood patches. The mean±SD volume of blood administered was 20.5±5.4mL and only 35 patients (8.9%) received 30mL. Conclusion Increasing blood volumes up to 30mL did not reduce the need for repeat epidural blood patch. Although the optimal volume of blood to administer during epidural blood patch placement remains unknown, our institution will continue to administer up to 30mL or until the patient experiences pain during epidural injection.
High-Resolution Distance Dependence Study of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Enabled by Atomic Layer Deposition.

We present a high-resolution distance dependence study of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enabled by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 55 and 100 °C. ALD is used to deposit monolayers of Al2O3 on bare silver film over nanospheres (AgFONs) and AgFONs functionalized with self-assembled monolayers. Operando SERS is used to measure the intensities of the Al–CH3 and C–H stretches from trimethylaluminum (TMA) as a function of distance from the AgFON surface. This study clearly demonstrates that SERS on AgFON substrates displays both a short- and long-range nanometer scale distance dependence. Excellent agreement is obtained between these experiments and theory that incorporates both short-range and long-range terms. This is a high-resolution operando SERS distance dependence study performed in one integrated experiment using ALD Al2O3 as the spacer layer and Raman label simultaneously. The long-range SERS distance dependence should make it possible to detect chemisorbed surface species located as far as...
A mindfulness-based intervention to control weight after bariatric surgery: Preliminary results from a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract Objective This study aimed to develop and test a novel mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) designed to control weight after bariatric surgery. Design Randomized, controlled pilot trial. Setting Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. Interventions Bariatric patients 1–5 years post-surgery (n=18) were randomized to receive a 10-week MBI or a standard intervention. Main outcome measures Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the MBI. Secondary outcomes included changes in weight, eating behaviors, psychosocial outcomes, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Qualitative exit interviews were conducted post-intervention. Major themes were coded and extracted. Results Attendance was excellent (6 of 9 patients attended ≥7 of 10 classes). Patients reported high satisfaction and overall benefit of the MBI. The intervention was effective in reducing emotional eating at 6 months (−4.9±13.7 in mindfulness vs. 6.2±28.4 in standard, p for between-group difference=0.03) but not weight. We also observed a significant increase in HbA1C (0.34±0.38 vs. −0.06±0.31, p=0.03). Objective measures suggested trends of an increase in perceived stress and symptoms of depression, although patients reported reduced stress reactivity, improved eating behaviors, and a desire for continued mindfulness-based support in qualitative interviews. Conclusions This novel mindfulness-based approach is highly acceptable to bariatric patients post-surgery and may be effective for reducing emotional eating, although it did not improve weight or glycemic control in the short term. Longer-term studies of mindfulness-based approaches may be warranted in this population. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02603601.
Geotechnologies & Sustainable Urban Environments

The objective of this volume was to focus on and collect a range of real world case studies, novel examples, and innovative approaches towards urban sustainability – particularly focusing on research using geotechnologies and/or a geographic framework. Ideally, the volume will be used by academic and professional researchers, community leaders, planners, students, and anyone else who has a desire to better assess urban environmental change. Additionally, the volume examines the prospect of deploying geotechnologies, broadly conceptualized, to understand and enhance the sustainability of urban systems. The chapters included examples of cultural/social adaptation, political-ecology, the impact of little investigated industries, economic development, land use change, and human-environment interactions. In contrast to other books on the subject, which tend to focus on planning, engineering, environmental impacts, or political discourses (i.e., political ecology), this volume unites the three pillars of sustainability – socio-political/cultural, economic, and environmental change – by focusing on spatial methodologies and emerging technologies.
New Complication Associated With All-Inside Meniscal Repair Device: Ultrasound-Aided Diagnosis and Operative Localization of Foreign Body Reaction

Background:The importance of meniscal preservation has become widely accepted, and meniscal repair techniques have evolved over recent years. With new techniques come new complications, which are c...