cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
375: Step-wise integration of fetal echocardiography into the routine anatomic survey: impact on detection rates of cardiac malformations

medication exposure, etc. All ultrasound exams were reviewed for the presence of either structural fetal defects or ultrasound markers of aneuploidy only. We also did a subanalysis of the incidence of fetal cardiac defects in both AMA groups and in all level 2 ultrasound exams performed on women age 34 (n 8300) during the same time period. RESULTS: The incidence of structural fetal anomalies was significantly igher in the AMA Plus Group (P 0.0001; Table).The most common efects in the AMA Plus group were renal anomalies (n 48; 1.3%), ardiac defects (n 24; 0.6%) and NTDs (n 15; 0.4%). The only fetal nomaly in the AMA Only group was a cardiac defect (0.3%). The ncidence of cardiac defects in the AMA groups (25/336; 0.65%) was imilar to that in women 34 years (61/8300; 0.7%); P 0.69. CONCLUSION: Structural fetal defects in the fetuses of women age 35 do not seem to be related to maternal age alone, but rather are associated with other risk factors such as diabetes, medication use, and others.The incidence of cardiac defects in women age 35 is not different from that in women age 34 who have the same risk factors. Women 35 without other risk factors should be reassured that, excluding aneuploidy, their offspring are not at increased risk of birth defects.
Fundamental quantitative analysis of microbial activity in aquifer bioreclamation

In situ bioremediation of hazardous organic chemicals that contaminate aquifer solids and ground water is a highly promising technique for many sites at DOE facilities. Its potential stems from having agents for destruction of the contaminants (bacteria) close to the separate-phase liquid or sorbed contaminants. This project was designed to advance knowledge in several of the microbiological fundamentals most important to in situ bioremediation: biodegradation of poorly soluable organic contaminants; dual limitation kinetics of electron donors and acceptors; kinetics of sequential degradation involving oxygenase reaction; biologically induced clogging in porous media, and two dimensional modeling of biofilm reactions in non homogeneous porous media.
Chronotopographic analysis directly from point-cloud data: A method for detecting small, seasonal hillslope change, Black Mesa Escarpment, NE Arizona

The advent of high-resolution, precise, back-pack portable terrestrial lidar scanners (TLS) provides a revolutionary new tool for obtaining quantitative, high-resolution (2-mm to 30-mm point spacing) measurements of landscape surface features. Moreover, data collected using these instruments allow observation of geomorphic processes in systems that can experience change on a daily basis. We have introduced TLS techniques in ongoing investigations of semiarid landscapes associated with weakly cemented sandstones along part of the Black Mesa escarpment of NE Arizona. Clay-cemented, Jurassic sandstones exposed along this escarpment are sensitive to moisture, and thus climate, via hydration-expansion weathering of interstitial clay. Sediment shed from weathered slopes has caused locally rapid valley floor aggradation and upper basin slope vertical denudation rates of 2–3 mm/yr over 10- to 100-yr timescales, as indicated by dendrochronology coupled with soil geomorphic analysis. These rates suggest rapid hillslope denudation rates. Employing the University of New Mexico Lidar Laboratory Optech Ilris 3D TLS, we are constructing a high-resolution model of two major basins along the escarpment. Focusing on a single, small (30 × 60 m) area of a mostly non-vegetated, steep slope (>35°), we demonstrate in this paper a method of comparative analysis of point-cloud data sets that can detect subcentimeter change resulting from a single season of monsoon precipitation along the escarpment. Using repeat scans can provide an empirical evaluation of single season erosion rates in the study site, and because our observations are geospatial in nature, we can also document the parts of the slopes that make the greatest contribution to local valley floor aggradation. In demonstrating the utility of this method, we expect that continued investigation of this site will provide insight to the key processes associated with soil-mantled versus bedrock-dominated slopes during modern escarpment retreat and hillslope modification, which, in turn, may further elucidate the impacts of Holocene climate change on this rapidly evolving landscape.
The second hyperpolarizability of CdTe nanocrystals using polarization-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing

Abstract Polarization-resolved forward degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) in a nonresonant region revealed the effective third-order nonlinear susceptibility of colloidal CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) with the size near the Bohr radius and various concentrations. The second hyperpolarizabilities, 〈 γ x x x x h 〉 and 〈 γ x y y x h 〉 , of the CdTe NCs were ∼1.15 × 10−41 m5/V2 and ∼3.01 × 10−42 m5/V2 from the measurement of the concentration-dependent third-order nonlinear susceptibility of CdTe NCs, respectively. The ratio ( 〈 γ x y y x h 〉 / 〈 γ x x x x h 〉 ) of the hyperpolarizabilities was ∼0.26, which indicated a large contribution of an electronic polarization process to the third-order nonlinearity of CdTe NCs.
Predictive value of systolic and diastolic function for incident congestive heart failure in the elderly: the cardiovascular health study.

OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the ability of echocardiographic indices of systolic and diastolic function to predict incident congestive heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND Noninvasive indices of subclinical systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction that can be used to identify patients in a transition phase between normal cardiac function and clinical CHF would be valuable. Though midwall shortening and Doppler mitral inflow patterns are seemingly well suited to predict subsequent CHF, the predictive value of these indices has not been investigated. METHODS We studied 2,671 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study who were free of coronary heart disease, CHF or atrial fibrillation. Clinical and quantitative echocardiographic data were obtained in all participants. RESULTS At a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range 0 to 6 years), 170 participants (6.4% of the cohort) developed CHF. Although 96% of these participants had normal or borderline ejection fraction (EF) at baseline, only 57% had normal or borderline EF at the time of hospitalization. In multivariate modeling, fractional shortening at the endocardium (relative risk [RR] 1.85 per 10-unit decrease, confidence interval [CI] 1.27 to 2.39), fractional shortening at the midwall (RR 1.29 per five-unit decrease, 95% CI 1.11-1.51) and peak Doppler peak E (RR 1.15 for each 0.1 M/s increment; CI 1.02 to 1.21) independently predicted incident CHF. Both high and low Doppler E/A ratios were predictive of incident CHF. CONCLUSIONS Roughly half the occurrences of CHF in this population are associated with normal or borderline EF. Echocardiographic findings suggestive of subclinical contractile dysfunction and diastolic filling abnormalities are both predictive of subsequent CHF. The standard (FSendo) and refined (FSmw) parameters of systolic function performed similarly in this regard, though subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy and depressed FSmw are at particularly high risk for subsequent CHF.
A soft constraint approach to stochastic receding horizon control

This paper presents a soft constraint approach to constrained stochastic receding horizon control for linear systems with state and control multiplicative noise. We formulate an on-line optimization that penalizes constraint violations and can be solved as a semi-definite program. Additionally, we prove stability results that guarantee asymptotic stability with probability one. A simple numerical example illustrates the approach.
A different view of lactate in trauma patients: protecting the injured brain.

Background The relationship between lactate and head injury is controversial. We sought to determine the relationship between initial serum lactate, severity of head injury, and outcome. We hypothesized that lactate is elevated in head injured patients, and that initial serum lactate increases as the severity of head injury increases. Furthermore, lactate may be neuroprotective and improve neurologic outcomes. Materials and Methods We identified normotensive adult patients over a 6-y period at our university-based urban trauma center with isolated blunt head injury. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between lactate and Glasgow coma scale (GCS). The correlation of admission lactate with survival and neurologic function was also examined. Results There were 555 patients who met study criteria. While controlling for injury severity score and age, increased lactate was associated with more severe head injury ( P P 5 were more likely to have a normal mental status on discharge ( P Conclusions In normotensive isolated head injured patients, there was an increase in serum lactate as head injuries became more severe. Since lactate is a readily available fuel source of the injured brain, this may be a mechanism by which brain function is preserved in trauma patients. Elevations in lactate due to anaerobic metabolism in trauma patients may have beneficial effects by protecting the brain during injury.
Outage Probabilities and Finite-SNR Diversity Gains in Rate-Adaptive Fading Multiple Access Channels

In this paper, bounds on the outage probability and estimates of the diversity gain at finite signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are obtained for quasi-static fading multiple access channels in which user data rates increase with SNR. The data rate of each user is equal to the multiplexing gain multiplied by the capacity of an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Given the user multiplexing gains, the finite-SNR diversity gain is defined in terms of the slope of the common outage probability versus SNR at a particular point. This nonasymptotic framework represents an extension of previous work for point-to-point multiantenna channels to rate-adaptive multiple access channels. In contrast to asymptotic diversity-multiplexing tradeoffs as the SNR tends to infinity, finite-SNR analysis provides useful insight into achievable multiple access performance with different transmit power, path loss, and shadowing among users.
Role of law enforcement response and microbial forensics in investigation of bioterrorism

The risk and threat of bioterrorism and biocrime have become a large concern and challenge for governments and society to enhance biosecurity. Law enforcement plays an important role in assessing and investigating activities involved in an event of bioterrorism or biocrime. Key to a successful biosecurity program is increased awareness and early detection of threats facilitated by an integrated network of responsibilities and capabilities from government, academic, private, and public assets. To support an investigation, microbial forensic sciences are employed to analyze and characterize forensic evidence with the goal of attribution or crime scene reconstruction. Two different molecular biology-based assays--real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and repetitive element PCR--are described and demonstrate how molecular biology tools may be utilized to aid in the investigative process. Technologies relied on by microbial forensic scientists need to be properly validated so that the methods used are understood and so that interpretation of results is carried out within the limitations of the assays. The three types of validation are preliminary, developmental, and internal. The first is necessary for rapid response when a threat is imminent or an attack has recently occurred. The latter two apply to implementation of routinely used procedures.
Kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR) is a scaffold which facilitates mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in vivo

While scaffold proteins are thought to be key components of signaling pathways, their exact function is unknown. By preassembling multiple components of signaling cascades, scaffolds are predicted to influence the efficiency and/or specificity of signaling events. Here we analyze a potential scaffold of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), by generating KSR-deficient mice. KSR-deficient mice were grossly normal even though ERK kinase activation was attenuated to a degree sufficient to block T-cell activation and inhibit tumor development. Consistent with its role as a scaffold, high-molecular-weight complexes containing KSR, MEK, and ERK were lost in the absence of KSR. This demonstrates that KSR is a bona fide scaffold that is not required for but enhances signaling via the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway.
Variability in thirteen-month-old infants’ touching patterns in the sequential-touching task

Variability in infants’ touching patterns in a sequential-touching task was evaluated to examine the hypothesis that at periods of developmental transition, apparently random responding in this task actually reflects infants’ use of multiple strategies for responding to the categorical contrast. Typically, categorization in this task is inferred only if infants successively touch items within the same category. We assessed 30 infants’ touching patterns during a 10-min sequential-touching task. Half of the infants first received a familiarization task with the individual objects. There was a great deal of variation in touching patterns, as a result of infants both alternating touching items from the two categories and successively touching items within one category. Successive touching became more prominent as infants became familiar with the toys and task. Therefore, variability in touching patterns appears to reflect different strategies used in this task. The distribution of strategies also changed as infants became familiar with the toys and the task. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Genetic Risk Assessment of Type 2 Diabetes–Associated Polymorphisms in African Americans

OBJECTIVE Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility have been identified in predominantly European-derived populations. These SNPs have not been extensively investigated for individual and cumulative effects on T2D risk in African Americans. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Seventeen index T2D risk variants were genotyped in 2,652 African American case subjects with T2D and 1,393 nondiabetic control subjects. Individual SNPs and cumulative risk allele loads were assessed for association with risk for T2D. Cumulative risk was assessed by counting risk alleles and evaluating the difference in cumulative risk scores between case subjects and control subjects. A second analysis weighted risk scores (ln [OR]) based on previously reported European-derived effect sizes. RESULTS Frequencies of risk alleles ranged from 8.6 to 99.9%. Eleven SNPs had ORs >1, and 5 from ADAMTS9 , WFS1 , CDKAL1 , JAZF1 , and TCF7L2 trended or had nominally significant evidence of T2D association ( P P = 0.010; weighted 1.06 [1.03–1.10], P = 8.10 × 10 −5 ). When TCF7L2 SNP rs7903146 was included as a covariate, the risk score was no longer associated with T2D in either model (unweighted 1.02 [0.98–1.05], P = 0.33; weighted 1.02 [0.98–1.06], P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS The trend of increase in risk for T2D with increasing risk allele load is similar to observations in European-derived populations; however, these analyses indicate that T2D genetic risk is primarily mediated through the effect of TCF7L2 in African Americans.
Preparing future engineers for challenges of the 21st century: Sustainable engineering

Abstract The field of engineering is changing rapidly as the growing global population puts added demands on the earth's resources: engineering decisions must now account for limitations in materials and energy as well as the need to reduce discharges of wastes. This means educators must revise courses and curricula so engineering graduates are prepared for the new challenges as practicing engineers. The Center for Sustainable Engineering has been established to help faculty members accommodate such changes through workshops and new educational materials, including a free access website with peer-reviewed materials.
Uterine Infusion of Melatonin or Melatonin Receptor Antagonist Alters Ovine Feto-Placental Hemodynamics During Midgestation

Dietary melatonin supplementation from mid- to late gestation increases umbilical artery blood flow and causes disproportionate fetal growth. Melatonin receptors have been described throughout the cardiovascular system; however, there is a paucity of data on the function of placental melatonin receptors. The objectives of the current experiment were to determine fetal descending aorta blood flow, umbilical artery blood flow, and placental and fetal development following a 4-wk uterine infusion of melatonin (MEL), melatonin receptor 1 and 2 antagonist (luzindole; LUZ), or vehicle (CON) from Day 62 to Day 90 of gestation. After 4 wk of infusion, umbilical artery blood flow and umbilical artery blood flow relative to placentome weight were increased (P < 0.05) in MEL- versus CON- and LUZ-infused dams. Fetal descending aorta blood flow was increased (P < 0.05) in MEL- versus CON- and LUZ-infused dams, while fetal descending aorta blood flow relative to fetal weight was increased in MEL- versus CON-infused dams and decreased in LUZ- versus CON-infused dams. Following the 4-wk infusion, we observed an increase in placental efficiency (fetal-placentome weight ratio) in MEL- versus LUZ-infused dams. The increase in umbilical artery blood flow due to chronic uterine melatonin infusion is potentiated by an increased fetal cardiac output through the descending aorta. Moreover, melatonin receptor antagonism decreased fetal descending aorta blood flow relative to fetal weight. Therefore, melatonin receptor activation may partially mediate the observed increase in fetal blood flow following dietary melatonin supplementation.
Historia y máscara poética: sobre la poesía de C.G. Belli

En la frase de Lezama Lima "la mascara, la transparencia" se alude a la alternativa del poeta que debe dejar que su obra hable por el. Esta condicion hace que el lenguaje adquiera vital importancia y el texto, en consecuencia, logre un primer plano ante el autor invisible. Recordemos ademas, que sus palabras nombran las cosas, pero tambien aluden a su experiencia del mundo. Por lo tanto, la palabra enunciada, por el solo hecho de su realizacion, participa de la historia, convirtiendose en un hecho historico y social: "El lenguaje humano es un modo especifico de la realidad cultural e historica", ha dicho Ma. del Carmen Bobes Naves.
Anesthetic considerations for fetal surgery

This article outlines the perioperative management of the parturient who presents for fetal surgery. Anesthetic considerations include the physiological changes of pregnancy, preterm labor, the consequences of tocolytic drugs, maternal and fetal anesthesia, and postoperative analgesia.
The changes in flexural properties and microstructures of carbon fiber bismaleimide composite after exposure to a high temperature

Abstract Recent increase in the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites, especially for high temperature applications, has created new challenges to predict their service life. This paper examines the changes in weight loss and flexural properties along with the changes in microstructures of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced bismaleimide with [016] and [9016] specimens, after exposure to 260 °C for 3000 h in air. The percentage of fiber end area exposed to air in a specimen end section significantly influences the extent of these changes. The [9016] specimens have an order of magnitude higher fiber open ends than the [016] specimens, and their weight loss rate and loss in flexural modulus and strength are significantly higher than that of the [016] specimens. In three point bending, interlaminar shear leads to delamination preceding the final failure in compressive mode. A viscoelastic cohesive layer model has been implemented to simulate interlaminar delamination. Viscoelastic regularization of the constitutive equations of the cohesive layer used in this model not only mitigates numerical instability, but also predicts load–deflection behavior beyond peak failure load. The model is in a good agreement with experimental results and has been able to simulate the delamination failure successfully.
Prediction of Bubble Growth in Bubble Chains

A bubble growth model for bubble chains has been formulated which combines a mechanistic model of bubble growth with a statistical model of bubble properties. Accurate predictions are obtained without the use of any empirically derived constants. The statistical model has been validated by comparison with numerical results from a deterministic model. By proper non-dimensionalization of the bubble frequency and height, the bubble growth is shown to follow a universal relationship.
Retrial Yields Possible Jury Nullification

This paper reflects upon the bases of jury nullification as means of exculpating a defendant despite the weight of the evidence, and suggests that the retrial of Roger Clemens may be a case in which the tactic could come into play. There are two primary reasons for this. First, many people have questioned whether steroid use is deterimental at all;and second, Clemens is on trial for perjury, a pretext crime. It is difficult to ascertain actual occurences of jury nullification, but if Clemens is exonerated, the concept could be a justification as to why.
Ventilation heterogeneity in excised lobes: effect of tidal volume

Although several factors are known to influence nonuniformity of ventilation, including lung mechanical properties (regional structure and compliance), external factors (chest wall, pleural pressur...
CPM-Interactive Training Tool

The aim of the paper is to try to bring together the facilities provided by time-sharing systems and the technique of using CPM for project scheduling and control. The writer describes the facilities of such a program (CPMT) developed by himself at the University of Texas at Austin. It is in use at the University of Texas for regular classes and short courses in continuing education.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN CANCER PATIENTS TREATED WITH CHEST RADIATION AND CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT SURGERY OR PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Thoracic external beam radiation (XRT) for cancer treatment is associated with cardiotoxic effects. We sought to understand mortality in XRT patients treated for coronary disease (CAD) with either PCI or CABG. Retrospective study of patients treated with XRT and either PCI or CABG. Patients were
Ramp operation model based on observation in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport

Many research efforts have been conducted to better understand the dynamics of airport operations. Among them, this paper focuses on aircraft movement on ramps. Observations were made at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and procedures of aircraft movement are obtained from the observation data. Aircraft movements are modeled both in nominal operational conditions and in disturbed situations. The ramp operation model helps to increase our understanding of complicated movements of aircraft on ramps
Ab-Interno Subconjunctival Glaucoma Implant for Advanced Open-Angle Glaucomas

This chapter describes a minimally invasive ab-interno approach to glaucoma filtration surgery. Glaucoma filtration surgery lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by creating an alternative pathway to allow aqueous humor to drain out of the eye. Ab-externo trabeculectomy, with and without antimetabolite, and glaucoma drainage devices have been a long-term solution and a cornerstone in advanced glaucoma management after medications and laser trabeculoplasty have failed. The conventional ab-externo approach, despite all the innovations and surgical technique modifications, is still associated with short- and long-term complications. This chapter describes an innovative permanent ab-interno collagen implant (XEN Gel Stent, Aquesys, Inc.) that allows aqueous drainage into subconjunctival space. This chapter will address the characteristics of the implant procedure and available clinical data on efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. The novel ab-interno placement of this subconjunctival drainage device offers a minimally invasive alternative and decreases trauma to surrounding tissues.
Mechanism of volume expansion on citrate, ammonia, and acid excretion in the rat.

Mechanism of volume expansion on citrate, ammonia, and acid excretion in the rat Potassium-depleted rats receiving sodium chloride or i.v. mannitol decrease their blood bicarbonate concentration isohydrically, reduce urinary citrate, and increase urinary ammonia excretion per milligram of urinary creatinine. To determine the mechanisms of these renal changes, we volume expanded normal rats with mannitol, normal saline, or saline bicarbonate solutions. Blood pH in each group remained constant, but blood bicarbonate fell significantly in the mannitol and saline-infused rats. In these two groups, urinary citrate per unit GFR decreased 27% and 25% (P 0.2). Rats with metabolic acidosis given saline did not alter blood pH or bicarbonate. Citrate excretion per unit GFR increased 150% (P Mecanisme des effets de l'expansion volemique sur l'excretion de citrate, d'ammoniaque, et d'acide chez le rat. Des rats depietes en potassium recevant du chlorure de sodium ou du mannitol intraveineux diminuent leur concentration de bicarbonate plasmatique de facon isohydrique, reduisent leur excretion urinaire de citrate et augmentent l'excretion d'ammoniaque par milligram de creatinine urinaire. Afin de determiner les mecanismes de ces modifications renales des rats normaux ont subi une expansion volemique avec des solutions de mannitol, de chlorure de sodium ou de bicarbonate de sodium. Le pH sanguin est reste constant dans chaque groupe mais la concentration de bicarbonate a diminue significativement chez les rats qui ont recu du chlorure de sodium ou du mannitol. Dans ces deux groupes l'excretion urinaire de citrate par unite de debit de filtration glomerulaire (GFR) a diminue de 27%' et 25% (P
The Hidden Cost of Personal Quantification

From sleep and energy use to exercise and health, consumers have access to more information about their behavior than ever before. The appeal of personal quantification seems clear. By better understanding our behavior, we can make the necessary changes to live happier, healthier lives. But might the new tools people are using—quantifying life— rob them of some of the benefits of engaging in those activities? Six experiments demonstrate that while measurement increases how much of an activity people do (e.g., walk or read more), it can simultaneously reduce how much people enjoy those activities. This occurs because measurement can undermine intrinsic motivation. By drawing attention to output, measurement can make enjoyable activities feel more like work, which reduces their enjoyment. As a result, measurement can decrease continued engagement in the activity and subjective well-being. Even in the absence of explicit external incentives, measurement itself can thus have similar effects. The findings have implications for measurement’s use, as well as for the psychology of external incentives and intrinsic motivation.
Compact GaAs/AlGaAs Waveguide Optical Switch with Adjustable Y-Junction

A compact GaAs/AlGaAs optical switch with a y-junction structure in which the two output arms can be individually turned on or turned off electrically is demonstrated here for the first time. This initial experimental result shows that switching operation has been achieved with a crosstalk of less than -12 dB for a device with a transition length of less than 400 μm at 1.06-μm wavelength.
Gas Embolism: Part I. Venous Gas Emboli

Gas emboli syndromes occur in many different settings, and their medical significance ranges from being life-threatening emergencies to being totally innocuous. We discuss venous gas embolization in Part I of this review, and it can result from a variety of traumatic, diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical interventions. The pathophysiological consequences depend on where the gas bubbles impact and obstruct the circulation—by creating an “air lock” in the right ventricle, by obstruction of pulmonary arterioles, and sometimes with passage into the arterial circulation (so called paradoxical emboli). Various monitoring techniques are available and are known to be useful in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, the diagnosis can be difficult to establish. Myriad and generally nonspecific clinical manifestations may be present; the patient may often exhibit signs and symptoms suggestive of other acute cardiopulmonary or central nervous system events. The classically described “mill-wheel murmur” is actually a rare...
Antigenic and Genetic Characteristics of Hemagglutinin Gene of H1N1 Influenza Viruses Circulating in Human

Objective To isolate the influenza A(H1N1) virus in vitro,and to explore the biological characteristics of the hemagglutinin gene. Methods Nasopharyngeal secretion was collected from the influenza virus sufferers and viral isolation was carried out by MDCK cells.The total RNA was extracted.One step RT-PCR was utilized to amplify the ORF fragment of HA gene with specific primers,and then the product was cloned to pUCm-T vector and pUCm-T/HA was transferred to Escherichia coli XL1-Blue.After the positive clone was identified by blue-white selection assay and PCR,the sequencing was analyzed by ABI sequencer 3730 and the structure characteristics were analyzed by Blast,DNAStar or BioEdit software. Results The influenza A virus was successfully isolated through MDCK cells culture and the cells appeared to CPE after 24 hours,the second generation of the virus' titer was 256 by hemagglutination inhibition assay(HAI).The PCR product was about 1,701 bp and the pUCm-T/HA vector was successfully constructed.The homology of nucleotide and amino acid was 99% similar to the strain of A/California/04/2009(H1N1),and the isolated strain contained 566 amino acid which composed by 20 types of amino acid. Conclusions The successful isolation and gene sequence analysis will be of great benefit to the later research of HA protein.
Investigating bedside nursing report: a synthesis of the literature

A systematic review of the literature was completed to investigate advantages and drawbacks of bedside nursing report. Qualitative evidence indicated several benefits, but quantitative evidence was not generalizable.
Inactivation of pineal N-acetyltransferase by disulfide exchange: a possible role of S-S peptides

The enzymatic N-acetylation of serotonin occurs in many tissues (Buda and Klein, 1977; Weber, 1973, Figure 1), and is generally viewed as a common mechanism of serotonin inactivation. In the pineal gland, however, the N-acetylation of the amine is of special importance because it is one step in the conversion of serotonin to melatonin, the hormone which appears to mediate the inhibitory effect of the gland on reproduction (Reiter, 1980).
Abstract 2708: Development of an individualized 3D transport model of topotecan for a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model of pediatric neuroblastoma

Resistance to chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies in pediatric solid tumors including neuroblastoma is a common cause of poor clinical outcome. These failures in part stem from shortcomings in understanding inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneities of drug penetration due to heterogeneities in blood perfusion. Herein we propose to develop an individualized 3D transport model of topotecan (TPT) for a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model of pediatric NB5 neuroblastoma to account for inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneities in blood perfusion. The transport model uses a 3D reaction-diffusion equation to simulate diffusion of TPT from blood vessels into the tumor tissue and its flux in and out of intracellular space. Our transport model takes three types of inputs to predict TPT exposure maps defined over the volume of an individual tumor: a) plasma concentration-time profiles from an individualized physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of TPT (separate cohort), b) 3D blood perfusion map of the individual tumor from contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using VisualSonics VEVO 2100 imaging system, and c) in vitro TPT cellular uptake and efflux kinetics from two-photon imaging. We use in vitro pharmacodynamics (PD) experiments with NB5 cells exposed to TPT to derive probabilistic PD-rules for drug effects (e.g., γ-H2AX response). Based on these rules and the exposure maps, we then compute probabilities of effects for the entire tumor volume. We will validate the predicted drug effect maps by comparing them to the observed effects measured by immunohistochemistry marker for γ-H2AX from the same tumor (location matched) using spatial correlation techniques. Citation Format: Abbas Shirinifard, Suresh Thiagarajan, Yogesh T. Patel, Abigail D. Davis, Megan O. Jacus, Stacy L. Throm, Jessica Roberts, Vinay Daryani, Clinton F. Stewart, Andras Sablauer. Development of an individualized 3D transport model of topotecan for a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model of pediatric neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2708.
The AIM2 inflammasome is a central regulator of intestinal homeostasis through the IL-18/IL-22/STAT3 pathway.

Inflammasomes are important for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and dysbiosis contributes to the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Inflammasome defects contribute to chronic intestinal inflammation and increase the susceptibility to colitis in mice. However, the inflammasome sensor absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) protects against colorectal cancer in an inflammasome-independent manner through DNA-dependent protein kinase and Akt pathways. Yet, the roles of the AIM2 inflammasome in IBD and the early phases of colorectal cancer remain ill-defined. Here we show that the AIM2 inflammasome has a protective role in the intestine. During steady state, Aim2 deletion results in the loss of IL-18 secretion, suppression of the IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) in intestinal epithelial cells and consequent loss of the STAT3-dependent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) Reg3β and Reg3γ, which promotes dysbiosis-linked colitis. During dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, a dysfunctional IL-18/IL-22BP pathway in Aim2−/− mice promotes excessive IL-22 production and elevated STAT3 activation. Aim2−/− mice further exhibit sustained STAT3 and Akt activation during the resolution of colitis fueled by enhanced Reg3b and Reg3g expression. This self-perpetuating mechanism promotes proliferation of intestinal crypt cells and likely contributes to the recently described increase in susceptibility of Aim2−/− mice to colorectal cancer. Collectively, our results demonstrate a central role for the AIM2 inflammasome in preventing dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation through regulation of the IL-18/IL-22BP/IL-22 and STAT3 pathway and expression of select AMPs.
Adult ADHD Symptomatology in Active Duty Army Personnel: Results From the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers

Objective: Although the prevalence of adult ADHD has been well established in the general population, few studies have examined the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in the military. Method: The present ...
Impact of an Intensive Cardiology Orientation Program on Confidence of New Fellows

Objective: We implemented a four-day intensive clinical orientation program in 2004 for cardiology fellows to compare the change in self-assessed confidence of fellows before versus after the orientation. Background: The transition from an internal medicine residency to a cardiology fellowship can be challenging. There has been limited research on the use of orientation programs to ease this transition. Methods: New fellows in 2006 and 2007 (N = 13) were prospectively queried immediately before, immediately after, and six months after orientation about their confidence and their support for the orientation program. We retrospectively queried fellows who began their fellowships in 2004 and 2005 (N = 12) by asking them to complete the same questionnaire based on what they recalled feeling immediately before, immediately after, and six months after orientation. Responses to each question were based on a Likert scale from 1 to 7, and a total confidence score was calculated. Retrospective and prospective data were pooled, and nonparametric paired analyses were performed. Results: Twenty-five fellows were enrolled. Fellows’ confidence scores increased after the orientation from 20 to 36 (p<0.01). A significant increase was sustained after six months. In addition, at all time points, the fellows supported the orientation program. Conclusion: An intensive clinical orientation program improved new cardiology fellows’ confidence. Support for this program was high, and the findings support con- tinuation and further development of the program.
Monophosphoryl Lipid A Enhances Efficacy of a Francisella tularensis LVS-Catanionic Nanoparticle Subunit Vaccine against F. tularensis Schu S4 Challenge by Augmenting both Humoral and Cellular Immunity

Francisella tularensis, a bacterial biothreat agent, has no approved vaccine in the United States. Previously, we showed that incorporating lysates from partially attenuated F. tularensis LVS or fully virulent F. tularensis Schu S4 strains into catanionic surfactant vesicle (V) nanoparticles (LVS-V and Schu S4-V, respectively) protected fully against F. tularensis LVS intraperitoneal (i.p.) challenge in mice. However, we achieved only partial protection against F. tularensis Schu S4 intranasal (i.n.) challenge, even when employing heterologous prime-boost immunization strategies. We now extend these findings to show that both LVS-V and Schu S4-V immunization (i.p./i.p.) elicited similarly high titers of anti-F. tularensis IgG and that the titers could be further increased by adding monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a nontoxic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) adjuvant that is included in several U.S. FDA-approved vaccines. LVS-V+MPL immune sera also detected more F. tularensis antigens than LVS-V immune sera and, after passive transfer to naive mice, significantly delayed the time to death against F. tularensis Schu S4 subcutaneous (s.c.) but not i.n. challenge. Active immunization with LVS-V+MPL (i.p./i.p.) also increased the frequency of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-secreting activated helper T cells, IFN-γ production, and the ability of splenocytes to control intramacrophage F. tularensis LVS replication ex vivo Active LVS-V+MPL immunization via heterologous routes (i.p./i.n.) significantly elevated IgA and IgG levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and significantly enhanced protection against i.n. F. tularensis Schu S4 challenge (to ∼60%). These data represent a significant step in the development of a subunit vaccine against the highly virulent type A strains.
β-Aminoalcohols as Potential Reactivators of Aged Sarin-/Soman-Inhibited Acetylcholinesterase

Organophosphate nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is involved in nerve signal transduction, by forming covalent adducts with its catalytic serine residue. AChE adducts with soman and sarin nerve agents undergo dealkylation, a process known as aging, within a few minutes and a few hours, respectively. This transformation is detrimental because it precludes reactivation of AChE with known oxime-based antidotes. Here, we designed a β-aminoalcohol molecule for aged AChE reactivation, using a multi-tiered computational approach. This approach includes high-quality quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical calculations, providing reliable reactivation steps and energetics. The calculations suggest that the designed β-aminoalcohol can selectively reactivate aged sarin-/soman-inhibited AChE. Furthermore, unlike existing antidotes, the designed β-aminoalcohol lacks a permanent charge, making it potentially active in the central nervous system. The mechanistic insights of this study can help guide the development of new AChE reactivators with improved access to the central nervous system.
Civil Defense Implications of the U.S. Nuclear Power Industry During a Large Nuclear War in the Year 2000

The implications of a nuclear power industry in a large nuclear war in the year 2000 were examined from the standpoints of (a) target value of reactors, (b) consequences for nearby population, and ...
Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters for the management of hepatic hydrothorax.

Purpose of review Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of end-stage liver disease that may have significant associated morbidity. Sodium restriction and diuretic therapy are the mainstays of treatment, though up to a quarter of patients will become refractory to this and will require a pleural drainage procedure. Thoracentesis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and chemical pleurodesis all have variable success rates and associated complications in the management of hepatic hydrothorax. Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters (ITPC) have been successfully used to manage recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusions, and there is growing interest regarding their use in the management of hepatic hydrothorax. Recent findings Evidence regarding the use of ITPC for nonmalignant pleural effusions has been limited to retrospective studies and small feasibility trials. A recent meta-analysis regarding the use of IPTC for nonmalignant pleural effusions demonstrated a rate of spontaneous pleurodesis of 51%, whereas a small, prospective study demonstrated spontaneous pleurodesis rates of 33% and an infection rate of 16.7% in 24 patients with ITPC placed for hepatic hydrothorax in patients suitable for liver transplant evaluation. Summary ITPC may be an acceptable treatment option for the management of hepatic hydrothorax which are refractory to conventional medical management. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of these catheters for the management of nonmalignant pleural effusions.
Estuarine sedimentary response to Atlantic tropical cyclones

Abstract In late summer 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee impacted virtually every coastal river and estuary along the U.S. North Atlantic seaboard. We investigated the sedimentary response of the Delaware Estuary to these tropical cyclones through coordinated observations of flow and suspended-sediment transport from moored instrumentation, hydrographic surveys, and sediment coring. On 27–28 August Hurricane Irene tracked offshore of the estuary and generated strong northwesterly winds and intense, short-lived rainfall and river runoff. On 7–8 September the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee tracked inland along the drainage basin and produced weaker winds but more widely distributed and longer-lived rainfall and river runoff. An estimated 1.4 ± 0.6 × 10 6 metric tons of fluvial suspended sediment was delivered to the estuary in association with these storms. Record-setting freshwater discharges generated by Lee displaced the salt front ~ 50 km seaward of its pre-storm position, yet the front and associated estuarine turbidity maximum were not flushed beyond the mouth. Convergent gravitational and tidal circulations effectively trapped suspended sediment delivered to, and produced within, the estuary during the storm period. Normal conditions of estuarine circulation and sediment flux rebounded about five days after the passage of Irene but did not fully recover before the approach of Lee, and it was not until two weeks thereafter that the estuary recovered. Bed sedimentology and inventories of the radionuclide 7 Be (t 1/2 = 53 days) revealed that the upper estuary floor scoured in places under storm-enhanced bottom currents, whereas the lower estuary remained depositional throughout the storm period. Sediment flux and coring observations indicate that estuary bed resuspension was the main source of suspended sediment transported in the estuary during Irene, and was a major source during Lee along with fluvial sediment delivered from the drainage basin. Regardless of the source, our observations make clear that the estuary is capable of trapping suspended sediment and preventing its escape to the coastal ocean during extreme oceanic storms.
Macrostrat: A Platform for Geological Data Integration and Deep-Time Earth Crust Research

Characterizing the lithology, age, and physical-chemical properties of rocks and sediments in the Earths upper crust is necessary to fully assess energy, water, and mineral resources and to address many fundamental questions in the Earth sciences. Although a large number of geological maps, regional geological syntheses, and sample-based measurements have been produced, there is no openly available database that integrates rock record-derived data while facilitating large-scale, quantitative characterization of the volume, age, and material properties of the upper crust. Here we describe Macrostrat, a relational geospatial database and supporting cyberinfrastructure that is designed to enable quantitative spatial and geochronological analyses of the entire assemblage of surface and subsurface sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Macrostrat now contains general, comprehensive summaries of the age and properties of 33,903 lithologically and chronologically-defined geological units distributed across 1,474 regions in North and South America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and the deep sea. Sample-derived data, including fossil occurrences in the Paleobiology Database, more than 180,000 geochemical and outcrop-derived measurements, and more than 2.1 million bedrock geologic map units from over 170 map sources, are linked to specific Macrostrat units and/or lithologies. Macrostrat has generated numerous quantitative results and its data infrastructure is being used in several independently developed mobile applications. However, it is necessary to expand geographic coverage and to refine age models and material properties to arrive at a more precise characterization of the upper crust globally.