Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FIRST EPIZOOTIC OF RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE IN FREE LIVING POPULATIONS OF ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS AT DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN

The first known epizootic of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) occurred in two free-living wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations at Doñana National Park, Spain. Rabbit population density was not correlated to RHD mortality. Only adult animals were affected; males and females had similar mortality rates.
The timing and rate of phytic Acid accumulation in developing soybean seeds.

The time-course of phosphorus (P) accumulation in the phytic acid fraction of developing soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv ;Williams 79') seeds as well as the relation of phytic acid P to total P content were determined. Phytic acid was detected early in embryogenesis in field-grown soybeans and accumulated in a linear fashion throughout most of seed development. Although the observed rates of accumulation ranged from 18.7 micrograms phytic acid P per seed per day in pods positioned low on the plant to 33.6 micrograms in pods positioned high on the plant, the final concentrations were the same in all cases. Nearly all of the P translocated to developing seeds was incorporated into phytic acid from the third week after flowering until physiological maturity, with the sum of nonphytic acid P compounds remaining constant. Phytic acid accumulation was also linear throughout development when soybean plants were grown in solutions having nutrient P levels that ranged from severely limiting (2.0 milligrams P per liter) to excess (50 milligrams P per liter). However, there was a pronounced effect on rate of accumulation, which ranged from 7.2 micrograms phytic acid per seed per day with limiting nutrient P to 44.7 micrograms with excess P. The change in level of phytic acid accounted for most of the alteration in total seed P that was caused by altering the P status of the plants. These results support the view that phytic acid synthesis is involved in P homeostasis of the developing soybean seed.
Investigation of the mechanisms by which chronic infusion of an acutely subpressor dose of angiotensin II induces hypertension.

The mechanisms by which chronic infusion of an initially subpressor low dose of angiotensin II (ANG II) causes a progressive and sustained hypertension remain unclear. In conscious sheep (n = 6), intravenous infusion of ANG II (2 microg/h) gradually increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 82 +/- 3 to 96 +/- 5 mmHg over 7 days (P < 0.001). This was accompanied by peripheral vasoconstriction; total peripheral conductance decreased from 44.6 +/- 6.4 to 38.2 +/- 6.7 ml.min(-1). mmHg(-1) (P < 0.001). Cardiac output and heart rate were unchanged. In the regional circulation, mesenteric, renal, and iliac conductances decreased but blood flows were unchanged. There was no coronary vasoconstriction, and coronary blood flow increased. Ganglion blockade (125 mg/h hexamethonium for 4 h) reduced MAP by 13 +/- 1 mmHg in the control period and by 7 +/- 2 mmHg on day 8 of ANG II treatment. Inhibition of central AT(1) receptors by intracerebroventricular infusion of losartan (1 mg/h for 3 h) had no effect on MAP in the control period or after 7 days of ANG II infusion. Pressor responsiveness to incremental doses of intravenous ANG II (5, 10, 20 microg/h, each for 15 min) was unchanged after 7 days of ANG II infusion. ANG II caused no sodium or water retention. In summary, hypertension due to infusion of a low dose of ANG II was accompanied by generalized peripheral vasoconstriction. Indirect evidence suggested that the hypertension was not neurogenic, but measurement of sympathetic nerve activity is required to confirm this conclusion. There was no evidence for a role for central angiotensinergic mechanisms, increased pressor responsiveness to ANG II, or sodium and fluid retention.
An investigation into the prevalence and outcome of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with viral respiratory tract infections in Cape Town, South Africa

Objectives: To describe the prevalence and outcome of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with viral respiratory tract infections. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary pediatric hospital situated in Cape Town, South Africa. Patients: All children (n = 195; 20% pediatric intensive care unit admissions) with positive respiratory viral isolates between April 1 and December 31, 2009. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were recorded from medical folders. Complete data were available for 175 patients (median age [interquartile range] 4.7 months [2.3–12.9 months]; 49% male). One hundred four (59.4%) patients had comorbid conditions; 30 (17%) were HIV-infected. Rhinovirus (n = 76 [39%]), respiratory syncytial virus (n = 54 [27.7%]), adenovirus (n = 30 [15.4%]), influenza A (n = 26 [13.3%]), parainfluenza (n = 23 [11.8%]), and human metapneumovirus (n = 12 [6.2%]) were most commonly isolated. Ninety-five infections (51.4%) were isolated >48 hrs after admission. Seasonal patterns were identified for respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and influenza A, whereas others occurred throughout the year. Twenty-five patients (14.3%) had more than one viral isolate. Presumed bacterial coinfection, which occurred in 68 (39%) patients (18 [26.5%] HIV-infected), was associated with significantly longer pediatric intensive care unit and hospital stays but not with mortality. Twenty patients died (11%, standardized mortality ratio 0.64). High Pediatric Index of Mortality scores, HIV exposure and infection, nosocomial infection, and influenza A infection were associated with mortality. Conclusions: Viral respiratory tract infection is common in this pediatric intensive care unit associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which may relate to the high burden of comorbidity and HIV.
Investigation of Thermal Expansion Effects on Si-Based MEMS Structures

This paper presents a study of the effects of stress and thermal expansion of inductively coupled plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (ICPCVD) amorphous Si thin films on low-temperature microelectromechanical systems test structures. Experimental data were used in conjunction with finite-element modeling (FEM) to predict deformation in simple microstructures across a wide temperature range from 85 to 300 K. Temperature dependence of residual stress and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of ICPCVD Si thin films was investigated by characterizing the curvature of bilayer thin-film samples through the use of optical profilometry at low temperature. Extracted parameters were used in an FEM package to confirm the experimental results by correlating with observed deformation of fabricated test structures. It is demonstrated that the experimentally determined CTE enables accurate modeling of the mechanical behavior of thin-film microstructures across a wide range of temperatures.
The ocular ultraviolet action spectrum and protection criteria.

AbstractThirty-nine human eyes were exposed to u.v. radiant energy. The exposures were made over the wavelength range from 220 to 310 nm in 10 nm waveband steps. The human u.v. action spectrum was compared to the previously established rabbit and primate u.v. action spectra. The human u.v, action sp
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in slaughtered native cattle in Kurdistan province, Iran

Neospora caninum is a worldwide distributed pathogen which causes abortion in cattle leading to economic loss in the cattle industry. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies in the native cattle slaughtered in various areas of Kurdistan province (western Iran) from September 2010 to September 2011. Serum samples from 368 cattle slaughtered in seven slaughterhouses in this region were taken for detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies using commercial N. caninum ELISA kit. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 29 samples (7.80%). The present study was the first report of Neospora infection in this region and indicated that native cattle of Kurdistan province were exposed to this parasite.
A programmable pipelined digital differential matched filter for DSSS receiver

A programmable pipelined digital differential matched filter (PDMF) implemented for a direct sequence spread spectrum receiver is proposed in this paper. To reduce the power consumption, the PDMF architecture is based on the synchronization combined PN code phase acquisition algorithm. Compared with the conventional PN code phase acquisition algorithm, the theoretical analysis result indicates that the PDMF acquires both power efficient and preferable detection. Depending on different applications, programmability allows the PDMF to implement 3-tap, 5-tap, or 11-tap Barker codes with the same hardware but different precisions for each tap coefficient. For short tap Baker codes, the architecture could adopt more precision on each tap coefficient to resist the channel noise. Simulation results also show that there are fewer errors of high sample precision with the same tape.
Donor Biopsy and Kidney Transplant Outcomes: An Analysis Using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) Database

Background. Although the degree of glomerulosclerosis on pretransplant donor biopsy is one criterion used in the decision to accept a deceased donor kidney, its relationship with graft survival remains controversial. This study compared graft survival with the degree of glomerulosclerosis found on donor biopsy. We also examined the agreement in degree of glomerulosclerosis between paired kidneys. Methods. Biopsy results from 12,129 adult deceased donor transplants between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005 were identified in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing data, as of September 11, 2006. Of these, 2696 donors had both kidneys biopsied and subsequently transplanted. Results. Among the groups with greater than 5% glomerulosclerosis, there was no statistically significant difference in graft survival rates (log-rank, P=0.44). The overall graft survival rates of the 0–5% group were significantly superior to those of the >5% groups (1-, 3-, and 5-year rates: 85.9%, 72.4%, and 59.0% for 0–5% group vs. 81.6%, 68.1%, and 53.6% for >5% group, log-rank P<0.001). Agreement between paired kidneys from the same donor was highest for the 0–5% glomerulosclerosis groups (90.6% for pairs with 0–5% glomerulosclerosis in the left kidney vs. 42.5% for pairs with >5% glomerulosclerosis in the left kidney). Conclusion. Donor kidneys with less than 6% glomerulosclerosis were associated with better graft outcomes and intrapair agreement in the degree of glomerulosclerosis. Among kidneys with greater than 5% glomerulosclerosis, the degree of glomerulosclerosis did not help predict graft outcomes. Sampling error may contribute to the lack of outcome differences seen among these kidneys, given the low intrapair agreement.
ective return , risk aversion and drawdowns

We derive two risk-adjusted performance measures for investors with risk averse preferences. Maximizing these measures is equivalent to maximizing the expected utility of an investor. The rst measure, Xe , is derived assuming a constant risk aversion while the second measure, Re , is based on a stronger risk aversion to clustering of losses than of gains. The clustering of returns is captured through a multi-horizon framework. The empirical properties of Xe , Re are studied within the context of real-time trading models for foreign exchange rates and their properties are compared to those of more traditional measures like the annualized return, the Sharpe Ratio and the maximum drawdown. Our measures are shown to be more robust against clustering of losses and have the ability to fully characterize the dynamic behaviour of investment strategies. c © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Spike-Timing Code for Discriminating Conspecific Vocalizations in the Thalamocortical System of Anesthetized and Awake Guinea Pigs

Understanding how communication sounds are processed and encoded in the central auditory system is critical to understanding the neural bases of acoustic communication. Here, we examined neuronal representations of species-specific vocalizations, which are communication sounds that many species rely on for survival and social interaction. In some species, the evoked responses of auditory cortex neurons are stronger in response to natural conspecific vocalizations than to their time-reversed, spectrally identical, counterparts. We applied information theory-based analyses to single-unit spike trains collected in the auditory cortex (n = 139) and auditory thalamus (n = 135) of anesthetized animals as well as in the auditory cortex (n = 119) of awake guinea pigs during presentation of four conspecific vocalizations. Few thalamic and cortical cells (<10%) displayed a firing rate preference for the natural version of these vocalizations. In contrast, when the information transmitted by the spike trains was quantified with a temporal precision of 10–50 ms, many cells (>75%) displayed a significant amount of information (i.e., >2SD above chance levels), especially in the awake condition. The computed correlation index between spike trains (Rcorr, defined by Schreiber et al., 2003) indicated similar spike-timing reliability for both the natural and time-reversed versions of each vocalization, but higher reliability for awake animals compared with anesthetized animals. Based on temporal discharge patterns, even cells that were only weakly responsive to vocalizations displayed a significant level of information. These findings emphasize the importance of temporal discharge patterns as a coding mechanism for natural communication sounds, particularly in awake animals.
Empirical software evolvability - code smells and human evaluations

Low software evolvability may increase costs of software development for over 30%. In practice, human evaluations and discoveries of software evolvability dictate the actions taken to improve the software evolvability, but the human side has often been ignored in prior research. This dissertation synopsis proposes a new group of code smells called the solution approach, which is based on a study of 563 evolvability issues found in industrial and student code reviews. Solution approach issues require re-thinking of the existing implementation rather than just reorganizing the code through refactoring. This work also contributes to the body of knowledge about software quality assurance practices by confirming that 75% of defects found in code reviews affect software evolvability rather than functionality. We also found evidence indicating that context-specific demographics, i.e., role in organization and code ownership, affect evolvability evaluations, but general demographics, i.e., work experience and education, do not
Application of Wavelet Transform for Fault Diagnosis in Rotating Machinery

analysis is essential in improving condition monitoring and fault diagnostics of rotating machinery. Many signal analysis methods are able to extract useful information from vibration data. Currently, the most of these methods use spectral analysis based on Fourier Transform (FT). However, these methods present some limitations; it is the case of non-stationary signals. In the present work, we are interested to the vibration signal analysis by the Wavelet Transform (WT). The WT is one of the most important methods for signal processing; it is especially suitable for non-stationary vibration measurements obtained from accelerometer sensors. The monitoring results indicate that the WT can diagnose the abnormal change in the measured data.
The Patient Centered Assessment Method (PCAM): integrating the social dimensions of health into primary care

Background Social dimensions of health are known to contribute to what is often termed “patient complexity,” which is particularly common among patients with multimorbidity. Health-care professionals require tools to help them identify and manage these aspects of patient needs. Objectives To examine: (i) the Patient Centered Assessment Method (PCAM), a tool for assessing patient complexity in ways that are sensitive to the biopsychosocial dimensions of health, in primary care settings in Scotland; (ii) the impact of the PCAM on referral patterns and its perceived value; and (iii) the PCAM's perceived applicability for use in a complex patient population. Design Two studies are described: (i) a mixed-methods prospective cohort study of the implementation of the PCAM in primary care clinics; and (ii) a qualitative exploratory study that evaluated the value of the PCAM in a complex patient population. Results Use of the PCAM did not impact patient satisfaction or perception of practitioners’ empathy, but it did increase both the number of onward referrals per referred patient (9–12%) and the proportion of referrals to non-medical services addressing psychological, social, and lifestyle needs. Nurses valued the PCAM, particularly its ability to help them address psychological and social domains of patients’ lives, and found it to be highly relevant for use in populations with known high complexity. Conclusions The PCAM represents a feasible approach for assessing patient needs with consideration to the social dimensions of health, and allows practitioners to refer patients to a broader range of services to address patient complexity.
Prevalence and natural history of adrenal incidentalomas.

Clinically silent adrenal masses discovered by imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons, i.e. adrenal incidentalomas, have become a rather common finding in clinical practice. However, only limited studies of incidence, prevalence, and natural history of adrenal incidentalomas are available. A comprehensive review of the literature shows the prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas to be 2.3% at autopsy and 0.5-2% at abdominal computed tomography scan. Most lesions are adrenocortical adenomas at histology, whereas the prevalence of adrenocortical carcinomas is relatively low. The risk of malignancy over time for masses defined as benign at diagnosis is estimated at about 1/1000, even though 5-25% of masses increase in size during follow-up. Hyperfunction develops in about 1.7% of cases and the risk is higher in patients with lesions larger than 3 cm. Cortisol hypersecretion is the most likely disorder that may ensue, and it remains subclinical in about two-thirds of cases. The lack of controlled studies precludes making specific management recommendations. Large perspective controlled studies to define the epidemiology, natural history, and possible associated morbidity of adrenal incidentalomas and their impact on the quality of life of patients are needed.
D-STATCOM With Positive-Sequence Admittance and Negative-Sequence Conductance to Mitigate Voltage Fluctuations in High-Level Penetration of Distributed-Generation Systems

Voltage fluctuations resulting from variable output power of renewable energy sources are strictly challenging power quality in distributed-generation systems. This paper presents a control method for distributed static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) to alleviate variation of both positive- and negative-sequence voltages. The D-STATCOM simultaneously operates as fundamental positive-sequence admittance and fundamental negative-sequence conductance to restore the positive-sequence voltage to the nominal value as well as reduce the negative-sequence voltage to an allowable level. Both admittance and conductance are dynamically tuned to improve voltage-regulation performances in response to load changes and power variation of renewable sources. A proportional-resonant current regulator with selectively harmonic compensation is realized to control the fundamental current of the D-STATCOM as well as reduce the harmonic current, which could be an advantage in practical applications due to high voltage distortion in low-voltage microgrids. Voltage-regulation performances are discussed for different D-STATCOM locations as well as different D-STATCOM currents. Computer simulations and laboratory tests validate effectiveness.
Development of reduced kidney function in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a variety of kidney disorders. However, it is unclear whether the development of reduced kidney function is higher in patients with RA compared to the general population. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Incident adult-onset RA cases (813) and a comparison cohort of non-RA individuals (813) in Olmsted County, MN, in 1980-2007. PREDICTOR Baseline demographic and clinical variables. OUTCOMES Reduced kidney function: (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73m(2) and (2) eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2) on 2 consecutive occasions at least 90 days apart; cardiovascular disease (CVD); and death. MEASUREMENTS The cumulative incidence of reduced kidney function was estimated adjusting for the competing risk of death. RESULTS Of 813 patients with RA and 813 non-RA individuals, mean age was 56±16 (SD) years, 68% were women, and 9% had reduced kidney function at baseline. The 20-year cumulative incidence of reduced kidney function was higher in patients with RA compared with non-RA participants for eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73m(2) (25% vs 20%; P=0.03), but not eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2) (9% vs 10%; P=0.8). The presence of CVD at baseline (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.14-2.73; P=0.01) and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with RA (HR per 10-mm/h increase, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16; P=0.04) was associated with increased risk of eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2). eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2) was not associated with increased risk of CVD development in patients with RA (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.63-1.57; P=0.9), however, a greater reduction in GFR (eGFR<45mL/min/1.73m(2)) was associated with increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.93; CI, 1.04-3.58; P=0.04). LIMITATIONS Reduced kidney function was defined by estimating equations for kidney function. We are limited to deriving associations from our findings. CONCLUSIONS Patients with RA were more likely to develop reduced kidney function over time. CVD and associated factors appear to play a role. The presence of RA in individuals with reduced kidney function may lead to an increase in morbidity from CVD development, for which awareness may provide a means for optimizing care.
Membrane damage and repair in primary monocytes exposed to human β‐defensin‐3

Interactions of AMPs with plasma membranes of primary human immune cells are poorly characterized. Analysis of PI exclusion as a measure of membrane integrity indicated that hBD‐3 caused membrane perturbations in monocytes but not T or B cells at concentrations typically used to kill bacteria or to induce activation of APCs. Bleb‐like structures were observed in monocytes exposed to hBD‐3. These cells also increased surface expression of LAMP1, a membrane repair marker after exposure to hBD‐3. Furthermore, cell death was enhanced by adding an inhibitor of membrane repair. Removal of cholesterol from membranes resulted in greater susceptibility of cells to hBD‐3, but cholesterol content was not different between the cell types, as assessed by filipin staining. Freshly isolated monocytes expressed higher levels of the negatively charged phospholipid, PS, on their outer leaflet compared with B or T cells. Preincubation of monocytes with molecules that bind PS protected these cells from hBD‐3‐induced membrane damage, suggesting that outer‐membrane PS expression can at least partially explain monocyte susceptibility to hBD‐3. The potential for membrane disruption caused by AMPs should be evaluated in various cell types when considering these molecules for therapeutic applications in humans.