High-resolution correlations of strata within a sand-rich clinothem using grain fabric data, offshore New Jersey, USA

Trajectories of successive clinoform rollovers are widely applied to predict patterns of spatio-temporal sand distribution. However, the detailed internal architecture of individual clinothems is rarely documented. Understanding the textural complexities of complete topset-foreset-bottomset clinothem sequences is a key factor in understanding how and when sediment is transferred basinward. This study used high-resolution, core-based analyses of 267 samples from three research boreholes from quasi-coeval topset, foreset, and bottomset deposits of a single Miocene intrashelf clinothem recovered during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 313, offshore New Jersey, USA. Topset deposits were subdivided into three sedimentary packages based on grain character and facies analysis, consisting of upper and lower river-dominated topset process-regime packages separated by a middle wave- and storm-dominated process-regime package. Temporal variability in topset process regime exerts a quantifiable effect on grain character across the complete depositional profile, which was used here to correlate topset deposits with time-equivalent sedimentary packages in foreset and bottomset positions. River-dominated sedimentary packages have higher sand-to-mud ratios; however, the grain character of river-dominated sedimentary packages is texturally less mature than that of wave- and storm-dominated deposits. Differences in grain character between packages dominated by different process regimes increase basinward. The novel use of quantitative grain-character data allows intraclinothem time lines to be established at a higher resolution than is possible using chronostratigraphic techniques. Additionally, stratigraphic changes in grain character were used to refine the placement of the basal sequence boundary. These results challenge the idea that clinoform trajectories and stacking patterns are sufficient to describe spatio-temporal sand-body evolution across successive clinothems

A Comparison of DSM-IV and DSM-5 Panel Members' Financial Associations with Industry: A Pernicious Problem Persists

Lisa Cosgrove and Sheldon Krimsky examine the new competing interest disclosure policy of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and report that DSM panel members still have considerable financial conflicts of interest

The right vertical infra-axillary incision for mitral valve replacement

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>As the physiologic results of valve surgery have improved dramatically in recent years, the cosmetic effect of the procedure gains increased attention, and various alternatives to the standard median sternotomy have been developed for mitral valve surgery. We report a new minimally invasive and cosmetic approach for mitral valve replacement.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From December 2003 to December 2009, the right vertical infra-axillary incision (RVIAI) was employed to perform mitral valve replacement in 256 patients. 62.9% patients had replaced mechanical valve, others were bioprosthetic valve, at the same time 28.1% patients received tricuspid valvuloplasty.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were one hospital death in this series due to multiple organ failure, one reoperation for bleeding and one incision infection. Mean follow-up duration was 42.8 months (range, 3 to 72), and follow-up rate was 94%. There were no paravalvular leaks or late death during the follow up.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The RVIAI can be performed with favorable cosmetic and clinical results. It provides a good alternative to standard median sternotomy for MVR in selected patients.</p

Filter Or Conveyor? Establishing Relationships Between Clinoform Rollover Trajectory, Sedimentary Process Regime, and Grain Character Within Intrashelf Clinothems, Offshore New Jersey, U.S.A.

Clinoform geometries and trajectories are widely used to predict the spatial and temporal evolution of sand distribution, but most analytical approaches underplay the significance of topset and shelf process regime in determining how and when sediment is conveyed downdip or stored on the continental shelf. We present an integrated study of clinoform rollover trajectory and detailed grain character analysis to assess the role of topset process regime in determining sand distribution and sediment character across clinothems. This study targets the topset, foreset, and bottomset deposits of four successive Miocene intrashelf clinothem sequences, which represent deposition under either river-dominated or wave-dominated conditions. Seismic reflection data was combined with core analysis and grain character data derived from 664 samples collected from three cored research boreholes. In river-dominated clinothems, the transfer of coarse-grained sediment occurs under both rising and flat-to-falling clinoform rollover trajectories, suggesting that process regime is more important in determining sediment delivery than clinoform trajectory; river-dominated systems are effective conveyors of sediment into deeper water. Wave-dominated clinothems deposited exclusively under rising clinoform rollover trajectories largely retain sand within topset and foreset deposits; wave-dominated systems are effective sediment filters. Notably, deposition under either river- or wave-dominated topset process regimes results in quantifiable differences in grain character attributes along clinoform profiles. Sediments in river-dominated systems are coarser, less well-rounded, and more poorly sorted, and show greater intersequence and intrasequence variability than those in wave-dominated systems; prediction of sediment character is more challenging in river-dominated systems. This study highlights the need for caution when attempting to predict downdip sand distribution from clinoform trajectory alone, and provides a novel perspective into downdip grain character profiles under end-member topset process regime conditions. The results of this study can be used to better constrain sediment grain-size and grain-shape distributions in process-based forward models, and have widespread applications in prediction of reservoir quality in both frontier and mature hydrocarbon basins

A new ultrasonic process for a renewal of aortic valve decalcification

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve decalcification by ultrasound was given up. We evaluated a new ultrasound microhandpiece (Dissectron Penstyle(®)) to rehabilitate this alternative treatment. METHODS: We used under magnifying lenses the ultrasound microhandpiece to decalcify 30 explanted aortic valves. In the cases with embedded calcifications the thin top of the probe could be introduced into the thickness of the leaflet preserving covering layers. RESULTS: The leaflets were totally decalcified and flexible, and surrounding structures were preserved as assessed by histological examination. CONCLUSION: This new approach of ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification gives good in vitro results which allow to consider a clinical evaluation of this procedure

Progression from new methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation to infection: An observational study in a hospital cohort

10.1186/1471-2334-13-491BMC Infectious Diseases131-BIDM

The Ctf18 RFC-like complex positions yeast telomeres but does not specify their replication time

Peer reviewedPreprin

A finite strain fibre-reinforced viscoelasto-viscoplastic model of plant cell wall growth

A finite strain fibre-reinforced viscoelasto-viscoplastic model implemented in a finite element (FE) analysis is presented to study the expansive growth of plant cell walls. Three components of the deformation of growing cell wall, i.e. elasticity, viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity-like growth, are modelled within a consistent framework aiming to present an integrative growth model. The two aspects of growth—turgor-driven creep and new material deposition—and the interplay between them are considered by presenting a yield function, flow rule and hardening law. A fibre-reinforcement formulation is used to account for the role of cellulose microfibrils in the anisotropic growth. Mechanisms in in vivo growth are taken into account to represent the corresponding biologycontrolled behaviour of a cell wall. A viscoelastic formulation is proposed to capture the viscoelastic response in the cell wall. The proposed constitutive model provides a unique framework for modelling both the in vivo growth of cell wall dominated by viscoplasticity-like behaviour and in vitro deformation dominated by elastic or viscoelastic responses. A numerical scheme is devised, and FE case studies are reported and compared with experimental data

Predictors of packed red cell transfusion after isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting – The experience of a single cardiac center: A prospective observational study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Preoperative patients' characteristics can predict the need for perioperative blood component transfusion in cardiac surgical operations. The aim of this prospective observational study is to identify perioperative patient characteristics predicting the need for allogeneic packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion in isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations.</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p> <p>105 patients undergoing isolated, first-time CABG were reviewed for their preoperative variables and followed for intraoperative and postoperative data. Patients were 97 males and 8 females, with mean age 58.28 ± 10.97 years. Regression logistic analysis was used for identifying the strongest perioperative predictors of PRBC transfusion.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>PRBC transfusion was used in 71 patients (67.6%); 35 patients (33.3%) needed > 2 units and 14 (13.3%) of these needed > 4 units. Univariate analysis identified female gender, age > 65 years, body weight ≤ 70 Kg, BSA ≤ 1.75 m², BMI ≤ 25, preoperative hemoglobin ≤ 13 gm/dL, preoperative hematocrit ≤ 40%, serum creatinine > 100 μmol/L, Euro SCORE (standard/logistic) > 2, use of CPB, radial artery use, higher number of distal anastomoses, and postoperative chest tube drainage > 1000 mL as significant predictors. The strongest predictors using multivariate analysis were CPB use, hematocrit, body weight, and serum creatinine.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The predictors of PRBC transfusion after primary isolated CABG are use of CPB, hematocrit ≤ 40%, weight ≤ 70 Kg, and serum creatinine > 100 μmol/L. This leads to better utilization of blood bank resources and cost-efficient targeted use of expensive blood conservation modalities.</p

Kypho-IORT - a novel approach of intraoperative radiotherapy during kyphoplasty for vertebral metastases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Instable and painful vertebral metastases in patients with progressive visceral metastases present a common therapeutic dilemma. We developed a novel approach to deliver intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) during kyphoplasty and report the first treated case.</p> <p>Methods/Results</p> <p>60 year old patient with metastasizing breast cancer under chemotherapy presented with a newly diagnosed painful metastasis in the 12^ththoracic vertebra. Under general anaesthesia, a bipedicular approach into the vertebra was chosen with insertion of specially designed metallic sleeves to guide the electron drift tube of the miniature X-ray generator (INTRABEAM, Carl Zeiss Surgical, Oberkochen, Germany). This was inserted with a novel sheet designed for this approach protecting the drift tube. A radiation dose of 8 Gy in 5 mm distance (50 kV X-rays) was delivered. The kyphoplasty balloons (KyphX, Kyphon Inc, Sunnyvale) were inflated after IORT and polymethylmethacrylate cement was injected. The whole procedure lasted less than 90 minutes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, this novel, minimally invasive procedure can be performed in standard operating rooms and may become a valuable option for patients with vertebral metastases providing immediate stability and local control. A phase I/II study is under way to establish the optimal dose prescription.</p