Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nefazodone Poisoning: Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics Using Continuous Data Collection

Nefazodone overdose has been reported infrequently. The commonest effects reported are drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, less commonly hypotension and bradycardia. We report a case of single-agent nefazodone poisoning. Serial drug concentrations were taken for quantification of parent drug and metabolites. Clinical findings were documented every 1 to 2 hours. We modeled both the toxicokinetics of nefazodone and correlated this with clinical effects and electrocardiograph (ECG) abnormalities. A 16-year-old female took 2.4 g of nefazodone. She had significant drowsiness in the first 6 hours, associated with hypotension (systolic BP<90 mmHg; lowest BP 70/30 mmHg) for 18 hours, and mild bradycardia (slowest rate of 56 bpm). She had a prolonged QT/QTc which normalized over 24 hours. She was given charcoal and intravenous fluids and was observed carefully, recovering with no problems. The terminal elimination half-life for nefazodone was 8.3 hours, and its metabolite hydroxy(OH)-nefazodone was 14.6 hours. BP-time curves demonstrated an 18-hour period of hypotension. There was a significant correlation between systolic BP and OH-nefazodone (R2=0.602). HR remained between 56 and 66 bpm for 30 hours despite hypotension. QT was significantly correlated with nefazodone (R2=0.911) and OH-nefazodone (R2=0.797), but no significant relationship between QTc and drug concentrations. The case demonstrates that nefazodone may potentially cause cardiac toxicity, which appears to be concentration-dependent. Although QT was concentration-dependent, this would need confirmation with other cases. Bradycardia, hypotension, and drowsiness are the most significant effects and are maximal in the first 12 hours when parent and metabolite concentrations are high.
Experimental study on KDP crystal polishing

KDP (KH2PO4) crystal is a high-quality nonlinear optical material used for optical frequency-conversion devices and electron-optical switches in solid-state laser drivers for ICF (Inertial Confined Fusion). KDP crystal is considered difficult to machine because it is extremely soft, hygroscopic, brittle and thermally sensitive. This paper focuses on the polishing study of frequency-tripling crystal planes. The influences of different polishing pad, slurry and machining parameters on roughness, material removal rate and surface topography have been studied. Based on above experiment, the feasibility of KDP crystal polishing was discussed.
Distributed proactive caching in a group of selfish nodes

The paper considers the problem of proactive caching (or replication) of content in a collection of caches which can form a group and collectively satisfy content requests of their users (clientele); such caches can be the ones associated with close-by base stations. Under significant user similarity, avoiding caching the same content in multiple locations within the group and leaving room for more content to be cached within the group, can yield significant performance improvement compared to the case of isolated, greedy local, caching behavior by the nodes. The work considers a generic content-provisioning cost structure that jointly incorporates objective (i.e., distance-based) and subjective (social/behavioral-based) cost elements and studies the resulting non-cooperative game, proposes a simple content placement implementation, presents results and discusses the impact of the subjective cost element.
Haemodynamic benefits of rapid deployment aortic valve replacement via a minimally invasive approach: 1-year results of a prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES Aortic valve replacement (AVR) via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may provide clinical benefits in patients with aortic valve disease. A new class of bioprosthetic valves that enable rapid deployment AVR (RDAVR) may facilitate MIS. We here report the 1-year results of a randomized, multicentre trial comparing the outcomes for MIS-RDAVR with those for conventional AVR via full sternotomy (FS) with a commercially available stented aortic bioprosthesis. METHODS A total of 100 patients with aortic stenosis were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, randomized comparison trial (CADENCE-MIS). Key exclusion criteria included AVR requiring concomitant procedures, ejection fraction of <25% and recent myocardial infarction or stroke. Patients were randomized to undergo MIS-RDAVR via upper hemisternotomy (EDWARDS INTUITY) or AVR via FS with a commercially available stented valve. Procedural, early and late clinical outcomes were assessed for both groups. Haemodynamic performance was evaluated by an echocardiography CoreLaboratory. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 94% of MIS-RDAVR patients. MIS-RDAVR was associated with significantly reduced cross-clamp times compared with FS (41.3 ± 20.3 vs 54.0 ± 20.3 min, P < 0.001). Clinical and functional outcomes were similar at 30 days and 1 year postoperatively for both groups. While both groups received a similarly sized implanted valve (22.9 ± 2.1 mm MIS-RDAVR vs 23.0 ± 2.1 mm FS-AVR; P = 0.91), MIS-RDAVR patients had significantly lower peak gradients 1 year postoperatively (16.9 ± 5.3 vs 21.9 ± 8.6 mmHg; P = 0.033) and a trend towards lower mean gradients (9.1 ± 2.9 vs 11.5 ± 4.3 mmHg; P = 0.082). In addition, MIS-RDAVR patients had a significantly larger effective orifice area 1 year postoperatively (1.9 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 cm2; P = 0.047). Paravalvular leaks, however, were significantly more common in the MIS-RDAVR group (P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS MIS-RDAVR is associated with a significantly reduced cross-clamp time and better valvular haemodynamic function than FS-AVR. However, paravalvular leak rates are higher with MIS-RDAVR.
DNA Polymerase 4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is Important for Accurate Repair of Methyl-Methanesulfonate-Induced DNA Damage

The DNA polymerase 4 protein (Pol4) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a member of the X family of DNA polymerases whose closest human relative appears to be DNA polymerase λ. Results from previous genetic studies conflict over the role of Pol4 in vivo. Here we show that deletion of Pol4 in a diploid strain of the SK1 genetic background results in sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). However, deletion of Pol4 in other strain backgrounds and in haploid strains does not yield an observable phenotype. The MMS sensitivity of a Pol4-deficient strain can be rescued by deletion of YKu70. We also show that deletion of Pol4 results in a 6- to 14-fold increase in the MMS-induced mutation frequency and in a significant increase in AT-to-TA transversions. Our studies suggest that Pol4 is critical for accurate repair of DNA lesions induced by MMS.
The continuum of translation research in genomic medicine: how can we accelerate the appropriate integration of human genome discoveries into health care and disease prevention?

Advances in genomics have led to mounting expectations in regard to their impact on health care and disease prevention. In light of this fact, a comprehensive research agenda is needed to move human genome discoveries into health practice in a way that maximizes health benefits and minimizes harm to individuals and populations. We present a framework for the continuum of multidisciplinary translation research that builds on previous characterization efforts in genomics and other areas in health care and prevention. The continuum includes four phases of translation research that revolve around the development of evidence-based guidelines. Phase 1 translation (T1) research seeks to move a basic genome-based discovery into a candidate health application (e.g., genetic test/intervention). Phase 2 translation (T2) research assesses the value of a genomic application for health practice leading to the development of evidence-based guidelines. Phase 3 translation (T3) research attempts to move evidence-based guidelines into health practice, through delivery, dissemination, and diffusion research. Phase 4 translation (T4) research seeks to evaluate the “real world” health outcomes of a genomic application in practice. Because the development of evidence-based guidelines is a moving target, the types of translation research can overlap and provide feedback loops to allow integration of new knowledge. Although it is difficult to quantify how much of genomics research is T1, we estimate that no more than 3% of published research focuses on T2 and beyond. Indeed, evidence-based guidelines and T3 and T4 research currently are rare. With continued advances in genomic applications, however, the full continuum of translation research needs adequate support to realize the promise of genomics for human health.
DFT - based study of electronic structures and mechanical properties of LiTaO3: ferroelectric and paraelectric phases

Abstract By applying ab initio calculation within density functional theory (DFT), we study the structure parameters, electronic band structure, elastic coefficients, polycrystalline elastic properties, anisotropy factors and Debye temperature of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases of LiTaO3 within the generalised gradient approximation at ambient pressure. The atomic structure in both phases is fully relaxed and the lattice constant, angle and atomic positions are well consistent with experimental values. The computed single-crystal elastic coefficients indicate that mechanical stability of LiTaO3 in both phases is confirmed using the generalised Born criteria. The shear, bulk and Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Vickers hardness were computed according to theoretical elastic constants by Voight–Reuss–Hill method. Several anisotropy factors and indexes are computed to illustrate mechanical anisotropy. Both phases are shown to be weakly anisotropic. The Debye temperature is estimated using the longitude and transverse elastic wave velocity of the ideal polycrystalline LiTaO3 aggregates. We have found that LiTaO3 in both phases has an indirect energy band gap. The differences in the electronic structure and density of states for both phases are quite small. Our results indicate that the mechanical and bonding properties of both phases are very similar. The obtained results were compared with the available experimental and theoretical values.
CYTOKINES IN DISEASES OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Cytokines, the polypeptide mediators of the immune system, were shown to exert numerous actions on endocrine functions. Bidirectional links based on the sharing of mediators and receptors between the immune and neuroendocrine systems lead to the concept of the immune—neuroendocrine system that seems to constitute an important and sophisticated regulatory system in the homeostasis. Several cytokines were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases of the endocrine system. In this brief review, we attempt to present a general outline of the local actions of cytokines on cells of endocrine organs with an emphasis on disease etiology (pituitary tumours and autoimmune endocrine diseases in particular).
Influence of nickel and cobalt on microstructure of silicon solution strengthened ductile iron

Abstract ‘Second Generation’ ductile iron with a silicon content of up to 4.3 wt-% exhibits a fully ferritic matrix, which is solution strengthened by silicon. Outstanding advantages of these ductile iron grades result in their strongly increasing demand. However, due to a presumed formation of a silicon long range order, the maximum strength is limited to 600 MPa at 4.3 wt-% silicon. At higher silicon content, the mechanical properties dramatically decrease. In order to increase the maximum achievable strength, the potential of additional solution strengthening elements is subject of present research. Initially, the effects of cobalt and nickel on matrix, graphite shape and nodule count are investigated. Cobalt and nickel are identified as promising candidates for further solid solution hardening.
Amniotic fluid inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), neonatal brain white matter lesions, and cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE Ultrasonographically detectable neonatal brain white matter lesions are the most important identifiable risk factor for cerebral palsy. Inflammatory cytokines released during the course of intrauterine infections have been implicated in the genesis of brain white matter lesions and subsequent cerebral palsy. This study was undertaken to determine whether fetuses who subsequently were diagnosed to have periventricular brain white matter lesions could be identified by determining the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN Women with complicated preterm gestations underwent amniocentesis for clinical indications. Amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and the natural interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were determined by immunoassay. Periventricular white matter lesions of the neonate were diagnosed by neurosonography. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS Ninety-four women and their neonates were included in the study; white matter lesions were diagnosed in 24% (23/94) of the newborns. The mothers of newborns with brain white matter lesions had higher median concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 (but not interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) in amniotic fluid than did those who were delivered of newborns without white matter lesions (p < 0.01 for each). Acute histologic chorioaminionitis was more common in the placentas of neonate with white matter lesions than in those without these lesions (82% [18/22] vs 42% [30/71], p < 0.005). Neonates with white matter lesions were delivered at a lower mean gestational age and birth weight and had a higher rate of significant complications (including respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infection-related complications) than did those without white matter lesions. The differences in median interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 levels between these two groups remained significant after adjustment for gestational age and birth weight (interleukin-6: odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 24.4; interleukin-1beta: odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 17.0). Of the 94 newborns included in this study, 11 died before age 6 months and eight had cerebral palsy; all eight had white matter lesions and elevated cytokine levels in amniotic fluid. Histologic chorioamnionitis was more common in the placentas of neonates with cerebral palsy than in those without cerebral palsy (86% [6/7] vs 44% [33/75], p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Infants at risk for development of brain white matter lesions can be identified by the concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1beta in amniotic fluid. Our findings support the hypothesis that inflammatory cytokines released during the course of intrauterine infection play a role in the genesis of brain white matter lesions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Limits Infarct Size in Ischemic Rabbit Myocardium In Vivo

BackgroundWe explored the ability of increased oxygen pressure to modify necrosis in an open-chest rabbit model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Methods and ResultsA branch of the left coronary artery was occluded for 30 minutes followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Infarction was measured by triphenyl tetrazolium staining and expressed as a percentage of the ischemic zone. Untreated rabbits were ventilated with 100% oxygen at 1 atm absolute. Treatment animals were exposed to hyperbaric oxygen at 2.5 atm absolute. The l.O-atm control hearts developed 41.5±4.6% infarction of the ischemic zone. Animals exposed to hyperbaric oxygen during ischemia only, reperfhsion only, or ischemia and reperfusion had significantly smaller infarcts with respect to control animals (16.2±2.9%, 14.5±3.7%,. and 9.8±2.7%, respectively; P$.01), indicating that they had been protected by the procedure. When hyperbaric oxygen was begun 30 minutes after the onset of reperfusion, no protection was seen (35.8±3.8%). Concuvions. We conclude that hyperbaric oxygen limits infarct size in the reperfused rabbit heart and that the effect can be achieved when hyperbaric oxygen is begun at reperfusion.
Large scale digital prostate pathology image analysis combining feature extraction and deep neural network

Histopathological assessments, including surgical resection and core needle biopsy, are the standard procedures in the diagnosis of the prostate cancer. Current interpretation of the histopathology images includes the determination of the tumor area, Gleason grading, and identification of certain prognosis-critical features. Such a process is not only tedious, but also prune to intra/inter-observe variabilities. Recently, FDA cleared the marketing of the first whole slide imaging system for digital pathology. This opens a new era for the computer aided prostate image analysis and feature extraction based on the digital histopathology images. In this work, we present an analysis pipeline that includes localization of the cancer region, grading, area ratio of different Gleason grades, and cytological/architectural feature extraction. The proposed algorithm combines the human engineered feature extraction as well as those learned by the deep neural network. Moreover, the entire pipeline is implemented to directly operate on the whole slide images produced by the digital scanners and is therefore potentially easy to translate into clinical practices. The algorithm is tested on 368 whole slide images from the TCGA data set and achieves an overall accuracy of 75% in differentiating Gleason 3+4 with 4+3 slides.
Derandomization of auctions

We study the problem of designing seller-optimal auctions, i.e. auctions where the objective is to maximize revenue. Prior to this work, the only auctions known to be approximately optimal in the worst case employed randomization. Our main result is the existence of deterministic auctions that approximately match the performance guarantees of these randomized auctions. We give a fairly general derandomization technique for turning any randomized mechanism into an asymmetric deterministic one with approximately the same revenue. In doing so, we bypass the impossibility result for symmetric deterministic auctions and show that asymmetry is nearly as powerful as randomization for solving optimal mechanism design problems. Our general construction involves solving an exponential-sized flow problem and thus is not polynomial-time computable. To complete the picture, we give an explicit polynomial-time construction for derandomizing a specific auction with good worst-case revenue. Our results are based on toy problems that have a flavor similar to the hat problem from [3].
Parallax angle parametrization for monocular SLAM

This paper presents a new unified feature parametrization approach for monocular SLAM. The parametrization is based on the parallax angle and can reliably represent both nearby and distant features, as well as features in the direction of camera motion and features observed only once. A new bundle adjustment (BA) algorithm using the proposed parallax angle parametrization is developed and shown to be more reliable as compared with existing BA algorithms that use Euclidean XYZ or inverse depth parametrizations. A new map joining algorithm that allows combining a sequence of local maps generated using BA with the proposed parametrization, that avoids the large computational cost of a global BA, and can automatically optimize the relative scales of the local maps without any loss of information, is also presented. Extensive simulations and a publicly available large-scale real dataset with centimeter accuracy ground truth are used to demonstrate the accuracy and consistency of the BA and map joining algorithms using the new parametrization. Especially, since the relative scales are optimized automatically in the proposed BA and map joining algorithms, there is no need to compute any relative scales even for a loop more than 1km.
On Iterative Solutions of General Coupled Matrix Equations

In this paper we study coupled matrix equations, which are encountered in many systems and control applications. First, we extend the well-known Jacobi and Gauss--Seidel iterations and present a large family of iterative methods, which are then applied to develop iterative solutions to coupled Sylvester matrix equations. The basic idea is to regard the unknown matrices to be solved as parameters of a system to be identified and to obtain the iterative solutions by applying a hierarchical identification principle. Next, we generalize the Sylvester equations to general coupled matrix equations, and propose a gradient-based iterative algorithm for the solutions, using a block-matrix inner product---the star $(\star)$ product; we prove that the iterative algorithm always converges to the (unique) solutions for any initial values. One advantage of the algorithms proposed is that they require less storage space in implementation than existing numerical methods. Finally, we test the algorithms and show their effectiveness using numerical examples.
A Summary of Recent Developments on Metamaterial-based and Metamaterial-inspired Efficient Electrically Small Antennas ∗

This paper summarizes our recent research efforts to realize efficient electrically small antenna (EESA) systems based on ideal analytical and numerical metamaterial-based antenna systems, and physically realized metamaterial-inspired antenna designs. Our theoretical and numerical studies ofthe radiation and resonance behaviors ofthe proposed metamaterial-based EESA systems, as well as our efforts to conceptualize structures which might be used to build them, have led to the discovery ofseveral realizable metamaterial-inspired EESA systems. The measurement results confirm the numerical performance predictions.
SPERM COMPETITION SELECTS BEYOND RELATIVE TESTES SIZE IN BIRDS

Sperm morphology varies considerably across taxa, and postcopulatory sexual selection is thought to be one of the main forces responsible for this diversity. Several studies have investigated the effects of the variation in sperm design on sperm function, but the consequences of variation in sperm design on testis morphology have been overlooked. Testes size or architecture may determine the size of the sperm they produce, and selection for longer sperm may require concomitant adaptations in the testes. Relative testes size differs greatly between species and is often used as an index of sperm competition, but little is known about whether larger testes have more sperm-producing tissue or produce sperm at a faster rate. Using a comparative approach in New World Blackbirds (Icteridae), we found (1) a strong link between testis histology and sperm length, suggesting selection on testis architecture through selection on sperm size, and (2) that species under intense sperm competition had a greater proportion of sperm-producing tissue within their testes. These results support the prediction that sperm competition fosters adaptations in reproductive organs that extend beyond testes size, and raise questions about the trade-offs influencing reproductive investment.