Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Blood Pressure Control on Thromboembolism and Major Hemorrhage in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Subanalysis of the J‐RHYTHM Registry

Background To clarify the influence of hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control on thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a post hoc analysis of the J‐RHYTHM Registry was performed. Methods and Results A consecutive series of outpatients with atrial fibrillation was enrolled from 158 institutions. Of 7937 patients, 7406 with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (70.8% men, 69.8±10.0 years) were followed for 2 years or until an event occurred. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, a diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, a history of hypertension, and/or antihypertensive drug use. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for major hemorrhage (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.05–2.21, P=0.027) but not for thromboembolism (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.73–1.52, P=0.787). When patients were divided into quartiles according to their systolic BP at the time closest to the event or at the end of follow‐up (Q1, <114; Q2, 114–125; Q3, 126–135; and Q4, ≥136 mm Hg), odds ratios for both events were significantly higher in Q4 than in Q1 (thromboembolism, odds ratio 2.88, 95% CI 1.75–4.74, P<0.001; major hemorrhage, odds ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.02–2.53, P=0.041) after adjustment for components of CHA 2 DS 2‐VASc score, warfarin use, and antiplatelet use. A systolic BP of ≥136 mm Hg was an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and major hemorrhage. Conclusions BP control appears to be more important than a history of hypertension and baseline BP values at preventing thromboembolism and major hemorrhage in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.umin. ac.jp/ctr. Unique identifier: UMIN000001569.
Mobile Devices for Language Learning: Multimedia Approaches

This paper examines the use of mobile devices for language learning. In particular we consider how different multimedia and interface modalities can be used to facilitate mobile language learning. The use of multimedia is considered within the context of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) theories. In particular, we examine the Interaction Framework, Schemata Theory, SLA Universal Grammar related theories and Multimedia Learning Theory. Two case studies serve to illuminate: the audio-based training of a system called MAC and the image-based training of another called PhotoStudy. We also suggest evaluation techniques that should be used to test the application of these theories to Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL).
Left ventricular morphology in junior and master resistance trained athletes.

PURPOSE The objective of this cross-sectional investigation was to assess the effects of short (< 5 yr) versus long-term (> or = 18 yr) resistance training (RT) on left ventricular (LV) dimensions and mass. METHODS The subjects for this study were 20 elite male powerlifters (8 junior athletes [JA], mean +/- SD, age: 21.1 +/- 1.2 yr and 12 master athletes [MA], age: 46.0 +/- 5.5 yr) and 19 age-matched male controls (8 young controls [YC], age: 21.8 +/- 2.8 yr and 11 middle-aged controls [MAC], age: 46.8 +/- 4.4 yr). Two-dimensionally guided transthoracic M-mode echocardiograms were performed at rest to quantify LV systolic and diastolic cavity dimension (LVIDs and LVIDd, respectively), ventricular septal wall thickness (VST), posterior wall thickness (PWT), LV mass (LVM), and LV systolic function as measured as fractional shortening (FS). RESULTS Short- or long-term RT was not associated with a significant alteration in LVIDd (JA: 53.2 +/- 4.5 mm, YC: 52.1 +/- 3.7 mm, MA: 53.0 +/- 5.1 mm, MAC: 51.8 +/- 4.4 mm), LVIDs (JA: 33.5 +/- 4.8 mm, YC: 32.9 +/- 3.4 mm, MA: 33.0 +/- 4.4 mm, MAC: 31.4 +/- 3.7 mm), VST (JA: 9.4 +/- 0.9 mm, YC: 9.4 +/- 0.9 mm, MA: 9.4 +/- 1.6 mm, MAC: 9.7 +/- 0.9 mm), PWT (JA: 9.2 +/- 0.9 mm, YC: 9.4 +/- 0.9 mm, MA: 9.0 +/- 1.1 mm, MAC: 9.5 +/- 1.0 mm), LVM (JA: 184.6 +/- 36.1 g, YC: 179.0 +/- 26.5 g, MA, 183.3 +/- 58.1 g, MAC: 184.1 +/- 38.1 g), or FS (JA: 0.37 +/- 0.1%, YC: 0.37 +/- 0.05%, MA: 0.38 +/- 0.1%, MAC: 0.40 +/- 0.04%). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that short or long-term RT as performed by elite junior and master powerlifters does not alter LV morphology or systolic function.
Journals Pricing

A significant new study has been conducted at Cornell University. The Mann Library surveyed several hundred titles in Agriculture and Biology, in order to analyse their prices (per page and per thousand characters) over time, comparing university presses, commercial publishers, society publishers and government agencies. They aimed to develop a methodology, using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which could be used elsewhere, and to use their findings to examine the patterns of article ownership and pricing of published scientific research.
A public database for gene expression in human cancers.

A public database, SAGEmap, was created as a component of the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project to provide a central location for depositing, retrieving, and analyzing human gene expression data. This database uses serial analysis of gene expression to quantify transcript levels in both malignant and normal human tissues. By accessing SAGEmap (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SAGE) the user can compare transcript populations between any of the posted libraries. As an initial demonstration of the database's utility, gene expression in human glioblastomas was compared with that of normal brain white matter. Of the 47,174 unique transcripts expressed in these two tissues, 471 (1.0%) were differentially expressed by more than 5-fold (P<0.001). Classification of these genes revealed functions consistent with the biological properties of glioblastomas, in particular: angiogenesis, transcription, and cell cycle related genes.
Minimum Protein Intake for the Preterm Neonate Determined by Protein and Amino Acid Kinetics

Lower limits of protein needs in prematurely born neonates have not been adequately studied, yet providing protein in amounts maximizing accretion without excess is a goal in these infants' nutritional care. We hypothesized that with the use of amino acid oxidation methodology, it would be possible to define minimum protein requirement. Our objective was to investigate protein kinetics during short-term changes in protein intake by measurement of nitrogen balance and amino acid flux and oxidation using [15N]glycine, [13C]phenylalanine, and [13C]leucine tracers. Protein kinetics were examined in 21 preterm infants (gestational age: 29 ± 3 wk; birth weight: 1091 ± 324 g) at five protein intakes (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 g·kg−1·d−1) with 1 d of adaptation to the test intakes. From nitrogen balance data, a protein need of 0.74 g·kg−1·−1 was estimated to achieve zero balance. For all three amino acids, flux and oxidation estimates were not different across protein intakes. Whole-body protein synthesis and breakdown estimates from [15N]ammonia data were 14.6 ± 3.4 and 14.4 ± 4.1 g·kg−1·d−1, respectively. Glycine flux (680 ± 168 μmol·kg−1·h−1) was greater than leucine flux (323 ± 115 μmol·kg−1·h−1), which was greater than phenylalanine flux (84.3 ± 35.2 μmol·kg−1·h−1). Leucine oxidation (36.7 ± 15.6 μmol·kg−1·h−1) was also greater than phenylalanine oxidation (6.64 ± 4.41 μmol·kg−1·h−1). Infants in our study were able to adapt to short-term changes in protein intake with little consequence to the overall whole-body protein economy, as measured by the three test amino acids.
Demonstration of the normal adrenal gland by venography and gas insufflation.

Abstract The venous anatomy, size and shape of the normal adrenal gland have been studied by venography in 32 post-mortem specimens. Differences between the two sides have been emphasized and discussed. A single adrenal vein, which was fairly constant in position, was present on each side. Anatomical variations occurred infrequently. Accessory hepatic veins commonly joined the inferior vena cava near the right adrenal vein. Major communications between intraglandular and other retroperitoneal veins were common. In 27 specimens demonstration of the gland by venography and air insufflation was compared. Air failed to delineate 44 per cent of glands. It frequently outlined pads of fat which conformed to the conventional appearance of the adrenal glands at retroperitoneal pneumography. Estimates of gland size based on appearances at air insufflation were very inaccurate.
Dynamic optimization and learning for renewal systems

We consider the problem of optimizing time averages in systems with independent and identically distributed behavior over renewal frames. This includes scheduling and task processing to maximize utility in stochastic networks with variable length scheduling modes. Every frame, a new policy is implemented that affects the frame size and that creates a vector of attributes. An algorithm is developed for choosing policies on each frame in order to maximize a concave function of the time average attribute vector, subject to additional time average constraints. The algorithm is based on Lyapunov optimization concepts and involves minimizing a “drift-plus-penalty” ratio over each frame. The algorithm can learn efficient behavior without a-priori statistical knowledge by sampling from the past. Our framework is applicable to a large class of problems, including Markov decision problems.
Loss of flfl Triggers JNK-Dependent Cell Death in Drosophila

falafel (flfl) encodes a Drosophila homolog of human SMEK whose in vivo functions remain elusive. In this study, we performed gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis in Drosophila and identified flfl as a negative regulator of JNK pathway-mediated cell death. While ectopic expression of flfl suppresses TNF-triggered JNK-dependent cell death, loss of flfl promotes JNK activation and cell death in the developing eye and wing. These data report for the first time an essential physiological function of flfl in maintaining tissue homeostasis and organ development. As the JNK signaling pathway has been evolutionary conserved from fly to human, a similar role of PP4R3 in JNK-mediated physiological process is speculated.
An Experimental Study of the Needled Nonwoven Process

This part of the series deals with the measurement of fiber damage caused by needle punching. A critical step in the experimental determination of fiber damage is to unravel fibers from needled nonwoven fabrics. This is achieved by using a feed web containing water-soluble fibers and a small percentage of wool. After needling, the fabric is put in hot water to dissolve the water-soluble fibers, leaving unconnected loose wool fibers. Damage due to needling may be in two forms, complete fiber breakage and fiber weakening. Fiber breakage is measured in terms of fiber length reduction, while fiber weakening is measured in terms of the reduction of fiber bundle strength. Needle-loom and feed web conditions, such as needling density, depth of needle penetration, needle design, web thickness, and methods of feeding the web to the needle loom, are investigated for their influence on fiber damage.
Effect of Acupuncture on Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on women with premature ovarian failure (POF), prospective consecutive case series study was applied. 31 women with POF were included; all patients were treated with acupuncture once every other day, three times a week for three months. Acupoints, GV 20, GV 24, GB 13, CV 3, CV 4, BL 23, BL 32, ST 25, ST 28, ST 29, ST 36, SP 6, KI 3, and LR 3, were selected. Serums FSH, E2, and LH level, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Kupperman score were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment; the menstrual cycle was recorded during one-month follow-up. Compared with baseline, patients' serums FSH and LH were decreased, E2 was increased, and SAS score and Kupperman score were decreased. Four patients resumed menstrual cycle after treatment and two resumed during follow-up. No serious adverse events were found in all patients. The results indicate that acupuncture may decrease serums FSH and LH level, raise serum E2 level, relieve anxiety, reduce mental stress, and improve the menopausal symptoms.
Strongly buckled square micromachined membranes

The buckling of compressively prestressed square membranes with built-in edges is investigated experimentally and analyzed theoretically. The buckling depends weakly on Poisson's ratio and essentially is a function of the reduced prestrain, /spl epsi/~/sub 0/=/spl epsi//sub 0/a/sup 2//h/sup 2/, where /spl epsi//sub 0/ is the physical prestrain, a is the width, and h is the thickness of the membrane. As /spl epsi/~/sub 0/ becomes increasingly negative, the membrane undergoes two symmetry breaking buckling transitions. Beyond the first transition occurring at /spl epsi/~/sub cr1/, the buckling profile has all the reflection and rotation symmetries of a square. The reflection symmetries are lost through a second instability transition at /spl epsi/~/sub cr2/. The bifurcation points, /spl epsi/~/sub cr1/ and /spl epsi/~/sub cr2/, and buckling profiles were calculated using analytical energy minimization and nonlinear finite-element simulation. Both methods agree. The buckling of micromachined plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride membranes on a silicon wafer is interpreted in terms of the theoretical results. Good matching between measured and calculated buckling profiles is found. The extracted strain values are consistent irrespective of the size and buckling mode of the membranes. From the average strain across the wafer /spl epsi//sub 0/=-3.50/spl times/10/sup -4/ and complementary wafer curvature measurements, a Young's modulus of 130 GPa is deduced. Methods for the straightforward extraction of /spl epsi//sub 0/ from experimental center deflections of buckled square membranes are described.
A novel method for the efficient and selective identification of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in genomic DNA

Recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was identified in mammalian genomic DNA. The biological role of this modification remains unclear; however, identifying the genomic location of this modified base will assist in elucidating its function. We describe a method for the rapid and inexpensive identification of genomic regions containing 5hmC. This method involves the selective glucosylation of 5hmC residues by the β-glucosyltransferase from T4 bacteriophage creating β-glucosyl-5-hydroxymethylcytosine (β-glu-5hmC). The β-glu-5hmC modification provides a target that can be efficiently and selectively pulled down by J-binding protein 1 coupled to magnetic beads. DNA that is precipitated is suitable for analysis by quantitative PCR, microarray or sequencing. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the J-binding protein 1 pull down assay identifies 5hmC at the promoters of developmentally regulated genes in human embryonic stem cells. The method described here will allow for a greater understanding of the temporal and spatial effects that 5hmC may have on epigenetic regulation at the single gene level.
The sedation increases the acceptance of repeat colonoscopies

Aim The aim of this research was to assess how the use of sedation during colonoscopy influences patient anxiety, fear, satisfaction, and acceptance of repeat examinations. Materials and methods A prospective case–control study quantifying the anxiety and fears of patients appointed for colonoscopy, comparing patients who had undergone previous colonoscopies with sedation (cases) with patients who had undergone previous colonoscopies without sedation and patients who had never had a colonoscopy before (controls). Following the examination, patients answered a satisfaction survey and were asked whether they would be willing to undergo future colonoscopies. Results The study included 2016 patients (average age 50.05±14.44 years; 47% men). Of these, 1270 patients (63%) were undergoing colonoscopy for the first time and 746 (37%) had undergone the procedure before; in the latter group, 313 patients (42%) had been provided sedation, whereas 433 (58%) had not. Patients who had been sedated for prior colonoscopies assigned significantly lower scores than patients who had undergone previous colonoscopies without sedation and those undergoing the procedure for the first time both in the anxiety survey (3.3±2.5 vs. 7.5±2.8 vs. 10.3±3.5; P<0.01) and in the fears survey (7.1±3.0 vs. 14±2.8 vs. 20.3±4.5; P<0.01). Satisfaction survey scores were significantly higher among sedated patients than among nonsedated patients (22.8±2.7 vs. 18.6±2.3). The percentage of sedated patients who would be willing to undergo colonoscopy again was significantly higher than that of nonsedated patients (70 vs. 25%; P<0.001). Conclusion Sedation reduces the anxiety and fear of undergoing a repeat colonoscopy and improves both patient satisfaction and the acceptability of future procedures.
Enzyme interactions in heparan sulfate biosynthesis: Uronosyl 5-epimerase and 2-O-sulfotransferase interact in vivo

The formation of heparan sulfate occurs within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi complex–trans-Golgi network by the concerted action of several glycosyltransferases, an epimerase, and multiple sulfotransferases. In this report, we have examined the location and interaction of tagged forms of five of the biosynthetic enzymes: galactosyltransferase I and glucuronosyltransferase I, required for the formation of the linkage region, and GlcNAc N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 1, uronosyl 5-epimerase, and uronosyl 2-O-sulfotransferase, the first three enzymes involved in the modification of the chains. All of the enzymes colocalized with the medial-Golgi marker α-mannosidase II. To study whether any of these enzymes interacted with each other, they were relocated to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by replacing their cytoplasmic N-terminal tails with an ER retention signal derived from the cytoplasmic domain of human invariant chain (p33). Relocating either galactosyltransferase I or glucuronosyltransferase I had no effect on the other's location or activity. However, relocating the epimerase to the ER caused a parallel redistribution of the 2-O-sulfotransferase. Transfected epimerase was also located in the ER in a cell mutant lacking the 2-O-sulfotransferase, but moved to the Golgi when the cells were transfected with 2-O-sulfotransferase cDNA. Epimerase activity was depressed in the mutant, but increased upon restoration of 2-O-sulfotransferase, suggesting that their physical association was required for both epimerase stability and translocation to the Golgi. These findings provide in vivo evidence for the formation of complexes among enzymes involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis. The functional significance of these complexes may relate to the rapidity of heparan sulfate formation.
Prevalence of Human Astrovirus in Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis

The prevalence of human astroviruses was tested in patients with acute gastroenteritis by using conventional duplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and electrophoresis. Diarrheal fecal samples were collected from 9,597 patients at local hospitals in Seoul. The prevalence of astroviruses was 1.0% (94/9,597 patients; mostly infants), and that of sapoviruses was 0.1% (14/9,597 patients). Age- and gender-wise analyses were carried out on 29 astrovirus-positive patients having complete information on file regarding their age, gender, and other particulars. The results were higher in patients of ages 0 to 14 yr, and 69.0% of the astrovirus-positive patients were females, of which 69.2% were infants (0 to 12 months), and 61.5% were 1-4 yr old. Notably, in the case of 5 to 78-yr-old acute gastroenteritis patients, 100% were females.
Artificial Sweeteners Have No Effect on Gastric Emptying, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or Glycemia After Oral Glucose in Healthy Humans

Intestinal exposure to glucose stimulates the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), slows subsequent gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. These responses are signaled, at least in part, by intestinal “sweet taste receptors” (STRs), including taste receptor type 1 members 2 and 3 (T1R2, T1R3), and their cellular signaling partners α-gustducin and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) (1). A recent study by Brown et al. (2) in healthy humans reported that oral ingestion of “diet soda,” containing both sucralose (46 mg) and acesulfame potassium (AceK) (26 mg), augmented GLP-1 release by more than one-third after an oral glucose load given 10 min later compared with carbonated water, suggesting a potential synergy between artificial sweeteners and glucose in stimulating GLP-1 secretion. The design of that study was, however, suboptimal, as the diet soda contained a number of substances (including caramel color, gum acacia, natural flavors, citric acid, potassium benzoate, phosphoric acid, and potassium citrate) that were not controlled for. Therefore, we evaluated whether oral administration of sucralose and AceK in doses comparable with those used by Brown et al. (2) would augment the GLP-1 response to oral glucose and modulate gastric emptying or glycemia …
BrainBrush, a Multimodal Application for Creative Expressivity

We combined the new developments of multimodal Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and wireless EEG headsets with art by creating BrainBrush. Users can paint on a virtual canvas by moving their heads, blinking their eyes and performing selections using a P300 BCI. A qualitative evaluation (n=13) was done. A questionnaire was administered and structured interviews were conducted to assess the usability and user experience of the system. Most participants were able to achieve good control over the modalities and able to express themselves creatively. The user experience of the modalities varied. The use of head movement was considered most positive with the use of eye blinks coming in second. Users were less positive about the use of the BCI because of the low reliability and higher relative cost of an error. Even though the reliability of the BCI was low, the BCI was considered to have an added value: the use of BCI was considered to be fun and interesting.
Inhibitory Effects of Respiration Inhibitors on Aflatoxin Production

Aflatoxin production inhibitors, which do not inhibit the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi, may be used to control aflatoxin without incurring a rapid spread of resistant strains. A respiration inhibitor that inhibits aflatoxin production was identified during a screening process for natural, aflatoxin-production inhibitors. This prompted us to evaluate respiration inhibitors as potential aflatoxin control agents. The inhibitory activities of four natural inhibitors, seven synthetic miticides, and nine synthetic fungicides were evaluated on aflatoxin production in Aspergillus parasiticus. All of the natural inhibitors (rotenone, siccanin, aptenin A5, and antimycin A) inhibited fungal aflatoxin production with IC50 values around 10 µM. Among the synthetic miticides, pyridaben, fluacrypyrim, and tolfenpyrad exhibited strong inhibitory activities with IC50 values less than 0.2 µM, whereas cyflumetofen did not show significant inhibitory activity. Of the synthetic fungicides, boscalid, pyribencarb, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and kresoxim-methyl demonstrated strong inhibitory activities, with IC50 values less than 0.5 µM. Fungal growth was not significantly affected by any of the inhibitors tested at concentrations used. There was no correlation observed between the targets of respiration inhibitors (complexes I, II, and III) and their IC50 values for aflatoxin-production inhibitory activity. This study suggests that respiration inhibitors, including commonly used pesticides, are useful for aflatoxin control.