Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of zolpidem in patients with fibromyalgia: a dose ranging, double blind, placebo controlled, modified crossover study.

OBJECTIVE This dose ranging, double blind, placebo controlled, modified crossover study examined whether zolpidem would improve the disturbed sleep, fatigue, mood and pain symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS All symptoms were rated over 4 nights and 4 conditions for 16 consecutive nights during which 19 patients (mean age 42 years) randomly received placebo or zolpidem 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg at bedtime. RESULTS The 16 patients who completed the study reported no significant differences in ratings of pain, number of tender points, mood, sleep quality, morning fatigue, morning sleepiness or ability to concentrate. Compared to the placebo group, patients treated with zolpidem recorded significantly reduced time to fall asleep, increased sleep time, reduced awakenings, overall improvement in sleep and daytime energy, but a lower rating for evening energy. Zolpidem at the 10 mg dose was rated most acceptable for sleep. Adverse incidence rates were highest in the placebo group and lowest in the zolpidem 10 mg group. One person withdrew because of migraine while taking zolpidem 10 mg. CONCLUSION Short term treatment with zolpidem (5 to 15 mg) does not affect the pain of FM, but is useful for sleep and daytime energy in this patient population.
Monte Carlo simulations of homogeneous upconversion in erbium-doped silica glasses

Quenching of Er/sup 3+/ ions by homogeneous energy-transfer upconversion in high-concentration erbium-doped silica glasses has been theoretically investigated, The results indicate that at Er/sup 3+/ concentrations of 1.0-2.0/spl middot/10/sup 26/ m/sup -3/ or below, the kinetic limit of strong migration is not reached, and hence the widely accepted quadratic upconversion model is not generally valid. Nevertheless, the results offer an explanation of the experimental observations of quadratic upconversion. Furthermore, it has been shown that at a given population inversion, the quenching rate depends on the rate of exchange of the excited Er/sup 3+/ ions by emission and absorption.
Delayed Onset of Inflammation in Protease-Activated Receptor-2-Deficient Mice1

Endothelial surface expression of P-selectin and subsequent leukocyte rolling in venules can be induced by mast cell-derived histamine and binding of thrombin to protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1). We hypothesized that activation of endothelial PAR2 by mast cell tryptase or other proteases also contributes to inflammatory responses. Leukocyte rolling flux and rolling velocity were assessed by intravital microscopy of the cremaster muscles of wild-type mice following perivenular micropipette injections of a control (LSIGRL) or PAR2-activating (SLIGRL) oligopeptide. Injection of SLIGRL increased mean rolling leukocyte flux fraction from 34 ± 11 to 71 ± 24% (p < 0.05) and decreased mean rolling velocity from 63 ± 29 to 32 ± 2 μm/s (p < 0.05). No significant changes occurred with control peptide injection. To further evaluate the role of PAR2 in inflammatory responses, PAR2-deficient mice were generated by gene targeting and homologous recombination. Perivenular injections of SLIGRL resulted in only a small increase in rolling leukocyte flux fraction (from 21 ± 8 to 30 ± 2%) and no change in rolling velocity. Leukocyte rolling after surgical trauma was assessed in 9 PAR2-deficient and 12 wild-type mice. Early (0–15 min) after surgical trauma, the mean leukocyte rolling flux fraction was lower (10 ± 3 vs 30 ± 6%, p < 0.05) and mean rolling velocity was higher (67 ± 46 vs 52 ± 36 μm/s, p < 0.01) in PAR2-deficient compared with control mice. The defect in leukocyte rolling in PAR2-deficient mice did not persist past 30 min following surgical trauma. These results indicate that activation of PAR2 produces microvascular inflammation by rapid induction of P-selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling. In the absence of PAR2, the onset of inflammation is delayed.
Pareto-optimality in Fuzzy Modeling

Recent techniques in fuzzy identiication and multiobjective optimization with Evolutionary Algorithms are combined in this paper. We propose a single step Evolutionary Algorithm to nd multiple Pareto-optimal solutions to the problems of generation and/or tuning of fuzzy models which make it possible that a decision maker can choose the most appropiate solution according to the current decision environment.
Analysis of sperm storage ability using duration of fertility in hens

1. The objective of this study was to determine hens’ sperm storage potential. 2. Efficient duration (De, number of days between insemination and the first clear egg), maximum duration (Dm1, number of days from the day after insemination to the last fertile egg before two consecutive infertile eggs) and maximum duration (Dm2, number of days from the day after insemination to the last fertile egg) of fertility, fertile egg number, egg production, laying rate and fertility during the 24 d following the latter of two inseminations (with 1 × 108 spermatozoa) on two consecutive days were measured in a total of 150 dual-purpose hens at 30 weeks of age. 3. De, Dm1 and Dm2 were 12·06, 14·44 and 16·17 d, respectively, and the three definitions of fertility duration (DF) differed greatly. 4. Significant correlation coefficients between De and Dm1, Dm1 and Dm2, and De and Dm2 were 0·51, 0·57 and 0·23, respectively. 5. We suggest that De and fertile egg number should be used to assess the ability of storing spermatozoa in female fowl.
Comparison of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurements Using Time Domain and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography, and Visual Field Sensitivity

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, as measured by Stratus time domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Stratus OCT) and Cirrus spectral domain OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT), and the severity indices of the visual field (VF) defects in glaucoma patients. MethodsThis was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Correlations between the individual VF sensitivity at 52 test points and the Stratus OCT and Cirrus HD-OCT, which determined peripapillary RNFL thicknesses from 6 sectors, were calculated in 54 eyes with open-angle glaucoma and 22 normal control eyes. The association between the RNFL thickness and VF sensitivity was evaluated using a second-order regression model. ResultsA significant correlation was found for the RNFL thicknesses determined by the 2 OCT devices (r=0.51 to 0.95; P<0.001). VF sensitivities at each test point were also significantly correlated with the sectoral RNFL thicknesses. The inferotemporal RNFL sector exhibited the highest coefficient of determination, whereas the superotemporal test point had the highest VF sensitivity (Stratus, 0.70; Cirrus, 0.62). ConclusionsThe structure-function relationship was comparable between Cirrus HD-OCT and Stratus OCT RNFL measurements.
Evaluating the relationship between change in performance on training tasks and on untrained outcomes

Training interventions for older adults are designed to remediate performance on trained tasks and to generalize, or transfer, to untrained tasks. Evidence for transfer is typically based on the trained group showing greater improvement than controls on untrained tasks, or on a correlation between gains in training and in transfer tasks. However, this ignores potential correlational relationships between trained and untrained tasks that exist before training. By accounting for crossed (trained and untrained) and lagged (pre-training and post-training) and cross-lagged relationships between trained and untrained scores in structural equation models, the training-transfer gain relationship can be independently estimated. Transfer is confirmed if only the trained but not control participants' gain correlation is significant. Modeling data from the Improvement in Memory with Plasticity-based Adaptive Cognitive Training (IMPACT) study (Smith et al., 2009), transfer from speeded auditory discrimination and syllable span to list and text memory and to working memory was demonstrated in 487 adults aged 65–93. Evaluation of age, sex, and education on pretest scores and on change did not alter this. The overlap of the training with transfer measures was also investigated to evaluate the hypothesis that performance gains in a non-verbal speeded auditory discrimination task may be associated with gains on fewer tasks than gains in a verbal working memory task. Gains in speeded processing were associated with gains on one list memory measure. Syllable span gains were associated with improvement in difficult list recall, story recall, and working memory factor scores. Findings confirmed that more overlap with task demands was associated with gains to more of the tasks assessed, suggesting that transfer effects are related to task overlap in multimodal training.
T-cell subpopulations, expression of interleukin-2 receptor, and production of interleukin-2 and gamma interferon in human American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leukocyte subpopulations, the expression of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor, and the production of IL-2 and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) were studied in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of American cutaneous leishmaniasis patients that had been stimulated in vitro with either leishmanial antigen or mitogen (phytohemagglutinin M). The 75 patients examined were classified as having either the localized (LCL; 66 patients), mucocutaneous (MCL; 5 patients), or the rare diffuse (DCL; 4 patients) form of the disease. Patients with DCL, who are characterized by their defective cell-mediated immune response to leishmanial antigen, failed to express the IL-2 receptor and did not produce IFN-gamma when exposed to the antigen but did so when stimulated by phytohemagglutinin M. Both LCL and MCL patients showed strong proliferative responses to leishmanial antigen; these were by far the greatest in MCL patients. Both groups had significantly increased IL-2 receptor expression and IFN-gamma production after exposure to either antigen or mitogen, and these were highest in the MCL patients. Concerning the leukocyte subpopulations evaluated (CD2, CD4, CD8, CD20, MO2), the most significant findings were a decrease of both CD4+ cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio in MCL patients compared with the other groups. Considering IL-2 production, in response to phytohemagglutinin M both MCL and LCL patients showed amounts of IL-2 comparable to those of the controls. Our results help explain the anergy of T cells from DCL patients to leishmanial antigen, which could lead to a defective production of IFN-gamma and possibly contribute to their incapacity to kill the Leishmania parasite. Concerning MCL patients, the significantly increased expression of IL-2 receptor, decreased expression of the CD4 (helper-inducer of suppression) phenotype, and elevated IFV-gamma production might partially explains the state of hypersensitivity and mucosal damage exhibited by these patients.
Vacuum extraction of preterm infants with birth weights of 1,500-2,499 grams.

This study evaluated neonatal morbidity in preterm infants with birth weights of 1,500-2,499 who were delivered by vacuum extraction. The retrospective, observational study covered 61 infants delivered vaginally with vacuum extraction versus 122 matched controls delivered spontaneously. All infants were at < 37 weeks of gestation, with birth weights ranging from 1,500 to 2,499 g. Main neonatal outcomes studied were Apgar scores, umbilical artery blood pH and base excess, intraventricular hemorrhage, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and length of hospital stay. The study population did not differ in any maternal or neonatal demographic parameter. There was a decreased need for episiotomies in the vacuum-assisted deliveries versus the controls (41% versus 57%, P = .01, odds ratio = .51, confidence interval = .27, .96). Neonatal morbidity was not significantly different in infants with vacuum-assisted deliveries. Vacuum extraction does not seem to increase neonatal morbidity in preterm infants with birth weights of 1,500-2,499 g.
Barriers to Effective Doctor-Patient Relationship Based on PRECEDE PROCEED Model

Objective: This study intends to investigate interns and faculty members’ insights into constructing relationship between physicians and patients at 3 more accredited Iranian universities of medical sciences. Method: Applying PRECEDE PROCEED model, semi-structured interviews were completed with 7 interns and 14 faculty members and two themes were emerged from directed content analysis. The meaning units of the first theme, barriers to effective doctor-patient relationship, are discussed in this paper. Results: According to the participants, building doctor-patient relationship is influenced by many contextual and regulatory factors as well as content, process and perceptual skills of physicians. Conclusions: Faculty and curriculum development, as well as foundation of the department of communication skills at medical schools are recommended to eliminate the impact of poor communication on patients’ satisfaction and physicians’ self-efficacy specific to their communication skills. Practice Implications: Applying theories and models of health education and health promotion, researchers and educators can use the most predictive constructs of theories to design and implement effective interventions.
Gray scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of malignant liver tumors of vascular origin

Objectives Malignant vascular tumors of the liver are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of gray scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in patients with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the liver and hepatic angiosarcoma (HA) and to describe the clinical presentation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all patients with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma or hemangiosarcoma of the liver from 1998 to 2011, who underwent ultrasound investigation. We describe the findings in gray scale and contrast-enhanced ultrasound and the clinical course of the disease of seven patients with EHE and five patients with HA. Results Ultrasound investigation in EHE showed mostly multiple hypoechoic irregular lesions close to the liver capsule and with a halo in some cases. Contrast enhancement revealed inhomogeneously and through all contrast phases vascularized tumors with a rim enhancement in 50%, with or without early wash out. All tumors had avascular parts. HA presented as multiple and irregular hypo-, iso- or hyperechoic lesions. After contrast enhancement, hypervascularization with individual patterns was evident in all patients. Of five, three had liquid parts. Patients with HA were significantly older (58 vs. 37 years, p = 0.014) and presented with lower thrombocyte counts (84 vs. 264, p = 0.0025) and with higher CEA levels (4.6 vs. 1.5, p = 0.03). Conclusion EHE and HA are inhomogeneous tumors, explaining the high inter-individual variability and heterogeneity in ultrasound examination. The presence of multifocal lesions, heterogeneity and undefined margins may differentiate EHE or HA from hemangioma. A biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of vascular tumors.
Ballast Waters Treatment Using UV/(H2O2+O3) Advanced Oxidation Process with Heterosigma akashiwo, Pyramimimonas sp., and Escherichia coli as Indicator Microorganism

Introducing invasive species through ballast water is a specific pollution problem and has recently identified as one of the main concerns of Maritime Organizations. UV/(H2O2/O3) advanced oxidation process is a technological alternative to prevent this maritime pollution. In this present study, inactivation efficiency of the UV/(H2O2/O3) processes for ballast water treatment using Heterosigma akashiwo, Pyramimimonas sp. and Escherichia coli as indicator microorganisms was investigated. Compared with individual or combined two units processes using UV, H2O2 and O3, the UV/(H2O2+O3) process yield the highest levels of inactivation due to synergistic effects. In order to study the dynamic inactivation efficiency of equipment for stimulated ballast water treatment, the effects tests of the hydraulic residence time were conducted. The results indicated that the shorter hydraulic residence time had better inactivation efficiency. These findings have implications for the ballast water treatment.
Invited Commentary Invited Commentary: Lipoproteins and Dementia—Is It the Apolipoprotein A-I?

Because of the aging of the population, dementia has become a major public health problem. There has been growing evidence for a possible association between lipids and dementia. A large body of literature has demonstrated multiple hypothesized biologic links between lipids and neurodegenerative or other biologic pathways connected to dementing processes. However, the epidemiologic associations have been conflicting: dyslipidemia at middle age, but not in later life, seems to be associated with higher dementia risk in some but not all studies. Results from the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study reported by Saczynski et al. (Am J Epidemiol 2007;165:985–92) suggest that lipoprotein constituents, such as apolipoprotein A-I, a major component of the high density lipoprotein, may be more informative in enlightening the association between lipids and dementia. In this commentary, the epidemiology and biology of apolipoprotein A-I in relation to dementia is reviewed.
More than one kind of inference: Re-examining what's learned in feature inference and classification

Three studies examined how task demands that impact on attention to typical or atypical category features shape the category representations formed through classification learning and inference learning. During training categories were learned via exemplar classification or by inferring missing exemplar features. In the latter condition inferences were made about missing typical features alone (typical feature inference) or about both missing typical and atypical features (mixed feature inference). Classification and mixed feature inference led to the incorporation of typical and atypical features into category representations, with both kinds of features influencing inferences about familiar (Experiments 1 and 2) and novel (Experiment 3) test items. Those in the typical inference condition focused primarily on typical features. Together with formal modelling, these results challenge previous accounts that have characterized inference learning as producing a focus on typical category features. The results show that two different kinds of inference learning are possible and that these are subserved by different kinds of category representations.
Application of surface modifying macromolecules in polyethersulfone membranes: Influence on PES surface chemistry and physical properties

Novel surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) were developed for incorporation into polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, intended for pervaporation applications. These materials were synthesized with a diisocyanate, polypropylene oxide (PPO), and a fluoro-alcohol, and characterized for elemental analysis, molecular weight, and glass transition temperatures. PES/SMM blends with eight types of SMMs were characterized for surface and physical properties and compared with PES. Water droplet contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showed that the SMMs migrated to the surface and rendered the PES material more hydrophobic. While advancing contact angle data were equivalent to those of pure Teflon™, the highest average values of receding angles of these systems were less than those of commercial Teflon™. The opaqueness of PES/SMMs films and data from differential scanning calorimetry experiments showed that the SMMs were either immiscible or only partially miscible with PES. It was also observed, for a fixed PES concentration of 25 wt %, that increases in the molecular weight of the SMMs and the weight fraction of PPO in the SMMs led to phase separation in the ternary PES/SMMs/dimethylacetamide (i.e., membrane casting solution) system. On the other hand, in the binary PES/SMMs system (i.e., cast membrane film), an increasing weight fraction of fluorine in the SMMs contributed to an increase in the phase separation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 1363–1378, 1999
α-Conotoxin GIC from Conus geographus, a Novel Peptide Antagonist of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors*

Many venomous organisms produce toxins that disrupt neuromuscular communication to paralyze their prey. One common class of such toxins comprises nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists (nAChRs). Thus, most toxins that act on nAChRs are targeted to the neuromuscular subtype. The toxin characterized in this report, α-conotoxin GIC, is a most striking exception. The 16-amino acid peptide was identified from a genomic DNA clone from Conus geographus. The predicted mature toxin was synthesized, and synthetic toxin was used in all studies described. α-Conotoxin GIC shows no paralytic activity in fish or mice. Furthermore, even at concentrations up to 100 μm, the peptide has no detectable effect on the human muscle nicotinic receptor subtype heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast, the toxin has high affinity (IC50 ≈1.1 nm) for the human α3β2 subunit combination, making it the most neuronally selective nicotinic antagonist characterized thus far. Although α-conotoxin GIC shares some sequence similarity with α-conotoxin MII, which is also a potent α3β2 nicotinic antagonist, it is much less hydrophobic, and the kinetics of channel block are substantially different. It is noteworthy that the nicotinic ligands in C. geographus venom fit an emerging pattern in venomous predators, with one nicotinic antagonist targeted to the muscle subtype (thereby causing paralysis) and a second nicotinic antagonist targeted to the α3β2 nAChR subtype (possibly inhibiting the fight-or-flight response).
A Low Complexity Turbo MMSE Receiver for W-LAN MIMO Systems

In this paper we consider an iterative detection and decoding scheme for Space-Frequency-Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation (SF-BICM) MIMO-OFDM systems as a candidate receiver architecture for Next Generation Wireless LANs. This work is focused on the implementation complexity reduction of the overall turbo MIMO scheme through the simplification of the three main blocks: the Soft-Interference-Canceller, the MMSE-MIMO detector and the MIMO Soft-Symbol demapper which uses extrinsic soft information, produced by a Soft-Output-Viterbi-Algorithm (SOVA), to perform the LLRs calculation of the coded bits. A new receiver architecture is proposed, its computational complexity is estimated and compared with a more classical turbo MMSE receiver, both for 16-QAM and 64-QAM constellations.