Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disparities in youth physical activity in the United States: 2003-2006.

PURPOSE This study aimed to examine changes in physical activity among children and adolescents, by race/ethnicity, in the United States from 2003-2004 to 2005-2006. METHODS Secondary analysis of the objectively measured accelerometer data among children and adolescents 6-19 yr: 2003-2004 (n = 1665) and 2005-2006 (n = 1716) from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. We estimated regression coefficients for change between the two periods by age group, accounting for sampling design and adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and number of hours monitored. We tested for differences in mean accelerometer counts per minute and minutes per day of moderate and vigorous physical activity trends by race/ethnicity and gender. RESULTS Physical activity decreased with age, boys were more active than girls, and non-Hispanic black children were more active than non-Hispanic whites (all P < 0.01). Overall mean accelerometer counts increased from 2003-2004 to 2005-2006 for children ages 6-11 yr (+31.6 counts per minute; 95% confidence interval = 0.51-62.6) but not among adolescents ages 12-19 yr. There was an increase over time in mean accelerometer counts among 6- to 11-yr-old non-Hispanic white children (+52.4 counts per minute, P = 0.007; 95% confidence interval = 15.7-89) but a decrease among non-Hispanic black and Mexican American children. No changes over the period in moderate and vigorous physical activity were found in either age group. CONCLUSIONS The lack of improvement in physical activity among all children and adolescents and a potentially emerging race-ethnic disparity indicate a need for further research on potential mechanisms underlying these differences. Effective interventions to improve physical activity opportunities and attenuate the decline in activity levels as children enter adolescence are needed.
Generalized Buffer-State-Based Relay Selection for Fixed-Rate Buffer-Aided Cooperative Systems

In this paper, we propose a generalized buffer- state-based relaying protocol in the context of finite buffer-aided cooperative systems. More specifically, the proposed relaying scheme relies on two concepts: the simultaneous activation of multiple source-to-relay links; and buffer-state- based relay selection for packet transmission and reception. In order to avoid buffer overflow as well as an empty buffer at the relay nodes, we introduce a novel thresholding scheme that gives priority to link selection. As a result, the proposed scheme is capable of achieving a lower outage probability and a lower end-to-end packet delay than existing buffer-aided relaying protocols. Our simulation results demonstrate the explicit performance advantage of the proposed scheme over conventional schemes, especially for a scenario of a high number of relay nodes.
Analysis of Murine Genetic Predisposition to Pneumococcal Infection Reveals a Critical Role of Alveolar Macrophages in Maintaining the Sterility of the Lower Respiratory Tract

ABSTRACT The study of pathogenic mechanisms of disease can be greatly facilitated by studying genetic differences in susceptibility to infection. In the present study, we compared the severity of pneumococcal infection in C57BL/6 (B6) and 129Sv mice. The results showed that 129Sv mice were remarkably more susceptible to pneumococcal infection than B6 mice. Bacterial clearance, proinflammatory mediators, leukocyte recruitment, and phagocyte activities were measured to examine potential immune factors associated with differences in susceptibility to pneumococcal infection. The greater susceptibility of 129Sv mice was associated only with inadequate alveolar macrophage bacterial killing, as indicated by significantly decreased initial bacterial clearance from the respiratory tract. Effective pneumococcal clearance was not dependent upon Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression, oxidative stress, or matrix metallopeptidase 12 (MMP-12) expression. Furthermore, phagocytosis analysis suggested that the deficiency found in 129Sv alveolar macrophages was not due to a lack of bacterial recognition but, rather, to reduced bacterial uptake. In conclusion, our findings indicate a crucial role of alveolar macrophage phagocytosis during innate defense against pneumococcal infection, which may explain the association of host genetic risk factors with predisposition to pneumococcal infection.
Glycine and glycine receptor immunoreactivity in brain and spinal cord

To study the distribution of glycine immunoreactive neurons in the spinal cord and brain, antisera were raised against glycine conjugated to protein carriers. High-titer rabbit glycine antiserum was purified by affinity chromatography. Testing against other amino acids and peptides with immuno dot blots and ELISA assays showed little apparent cross-reaction with glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, taurine, and 17 other amino acids and related compounds. Similarly, the antiserum showed little apparent recognition of glycine when glycine was incorporated into peptides. A slight cross-reactivity with GABA, beta- alanine, and cysteine was found. Immunocytochemical labeling of tissue sections could be blocked with glycine conjugated to a heterologous carrier protein but not by other amino acids conjugated to that protein. Immunocytochemistry at the light microscope level with immunofluorescence and silver-intensified colloidal gold revealed a wide distribution of glycine-like immunoreactivity throughout all laminae of the rat spinal cord and in all segments studied from the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral cord. Immunoreactive boutons were found terminating on both cell bodies and on dendrites. Ultrastructural analysis with postembedding colloidal gold immunocytochemistry demonstrated large numbers of immunoreactive boutons making symmetrical type synapses with neuronal perikarya, including motor neurons, and with proximal and distal dendrites. Presynaptic glycine immunoreactive boutons were found in both ventral and dorsal horn. Immunoreactivity was concentrated over regions rich in vesicles, and over mitochondria in immunoreactive boutons, but not over mitochondria in postsynaptic dendrites. Glycine-immunoreactive perikarya were identified both in the dorsal horn and in the ventral horn. Myelinated and unmyelinated glycine-immunoreactive axons were noted both in the gray and white matter of the cord. The density of immunoreactive axons varied in the white matter, with the greatest number of immunoreactive axons found in the white matter adjacent to the gray matter in lateral and ventral white. Significantly fewer immunoreactive axons were found in the white matter of the dorsal columns. Myelin sheaths around axons were unlabeled. The distribution of glycine-immunoreactive boutons correlated well with the distribution of glycine receptor immunoreactivity on postsynaptic elements of the spinal cord, tested with different monoclonal antisera against strychnine-purified glycine receptor. Glycine receptor immunoreactivity was found throughout the gray matter of both rat and primate.
Optimizing artificial neural network-based indoor positioning system using genetic algorithm

Abstract The Global Positioning System (GPS) is expected to play an integral role in the development of digital earth; however, the GPS cannot provide positioning information in regions where a majority of the population spends their time, that is, in urban and indoor environments. Hence, alternate positioning systems that work in indoor and urban environments should be developed to achieve the vision of digital earth. Wi-Fi-based positioning systems (WPS) stand out because of the near-ubiquitous presence of the associated infrastructure and signals in indoor environments. The WPS-based fingerprinting is the most widely adopted technique for position determination, but its accuracy is lower than that of techniques such as time of arrival and angle of arrival. Improving the accuracy is still a challenging task because of the complex nature of the propagation of Wi-Fi signals. Here, a novel server-based, genetic-algorithm-optimized, cascading artificial neural network-based positioning model is presented. The model is tested in 2D and 3D indoor environments under varying conditions. The model is thoroughly investigated on a real Wi-Fi network, and its accuracy is found to be better than that of other well-known techniques. A mean accuracy of 1.9 m is achieved with 87% of the distance error within the range of 0–3 m.
Liver Metastasectomy and Systemic Therapy Improve Overall Survival Compared With Surgery Alone After Curative Liver Resection of Colorectal Metastases in a Developing Country (Costa Rica)

Background Resection of liver-isolated metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) offers the greatest likelihood of cure. Nevertheless, recurrence rates after this procedure are high, and chemotherapy is a reasonable choice with inconclusive evidence. We aimed to determine if there is a survival difference between patients receiving systemic therapy with surgery versus surgery alone for resection of liver metastases. Methods From a source population of 170 patients treated in our National Centre (Centro Nacional de Cirugía Hepatobiliar, San José, Costa Rica), with liver metastases from various primary sites, we selected 51 patients with CRC who underwent hepatic resection with curative intent. We categorized patients according to the treatment received (fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy plus or minus monoclonal antibody and surgery v surgery alone) and then calculated the overall survival (OS) rate according to the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the influence of potential confounding variables on OS. Results After a median follow-up of 41.6 months, OS was significantly better for patients treated with systemic therapy (before and/or after hepatic resection) versus surgery alone (3-year OS: 66.7% v 41.7%; hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.91; log-rank test: P = .025). There were no differences among patients who underwent neoadjuvant (48.7%), perioperative (46.2%), and adjuvant therapy (5.1%). The use of systemic therapy was significantly associated with better OS after adjustment for confounding variables (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.92; P = .03). Conclusion Our findings support the use of systemic therapy (either perioperative, neoadjuvant, or adjuvant) as part of isolated hepatic metastasectomy from CRC.
A LOCAL BASELINE OF THE BLACK HOLE MASS SCALING RELATIONS FOR ACTIVE GALAXIES. I. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS OF PILOT STUDY

We present high-quality Keck/LRIS long-slit spectroscopy of a pilot sample of 25 local active galaxies selected from the SDSS (0.02 ⩽z ⩽ 0.1; MBH>107 M☉) to study the relations between black hole mass (MBH) and host-galaxy properties. We determine stellar kinematics of the host galaxy, deriving stellar-velocity dispersion profiles and rotation curves from three spectral regions (including CaH&K, MgIb triplet, and Ca ii triplet). In addition, we perform surface photometry on SDSS images, using a newly developed code for joint multi-band analysis. BH masses are estimated from the width of the Hβ emission line and the host-galaxy free 5100 Å active galactic nucleus (AGN) luminosity. Combining results from spectroscopy and imaging allows us to study four MBH scaling relations: MBH–σ, MBH–Lsph, MBH–Msph,⋆, and MBH–Msph,dyn. We find the following results. First, stellar-velocity dispersions determined from aperture spectra (e.g., SDSS fiber spectra or unresolved data from distant galaxies) can be biased, depending on aperture size, AGN contamination, and host-galaxy morphology. However, such a bias cannot explain the offset seen in the MBH–σ relation at higher redshifts. Second, while the CaT region is the cleanest to determine stellar-velocity dispersions, both the MgIb region, corrected for Fe ii emission, and the CaHK region, although often swamped by the AGN power-law continuum and emission lines, can give results accurate to within a few percent. Third, the MBH scaling relations of our pilot sample agree in slope and scatter with those of other local active and inactive galaxies. In the next papers of the series we will quantify the scaling relations, exploiting the full sample of ∼100 objects.
Use of EHR Data to Identify Factors Affecting the Time to Fall

Although there are many studies of falls occurring in a hospital setting, research on factors affecting time to fall after admission is scarce. It is important for nurses to identify factors contributing to an early fall so that they can pay particular attention to patients with such factors. In this study, patients who sustained a fall were extracted from an adverse event reporting system and narrative nursing records of those hospitalized between January 2015 and May 2016. We used the electronic health records of ten different data sources to extract fall-related variables; the data were integrated according to normalization criteria. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the time to fall from admission. About 49% of fallers fell within the first week after admission. A walking disorder, comorbid disease, intravenous therapy, and arterial lines were related to early falls.
Evaluation of Tsetse Attractants as Baits for Horse Flies and Deer Flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Louisiana

Two experiments were conducted near Washington, Louisiana, to evaluate attraction of Tabanidae to known tsetse attractants. In the first experiment octenol was dispensed from reaction vials and polyethylene sachets, acetone was dispensed from a jar capped with a perforated lid, and a mixture of octenol, 3-n-propylphenol, and 4-methylphenol (4:1:8) was dispensed from sachets. Fourteen species or species groups of tabanid flies were attracted equally to octenol, whether dispensed from reaction vials or sachets. There were no differences in numbers of tabanids attracted to 4:1:8 bait and to octenol, whether dispensed from sachets or reaction vials. Acetone was no more attractive than were control traps. In the second experiment, 4:1:8, acetone, 4:1:8 + acetone (1:50), and commercially available pepper sauce (TabascoR) were compared. Nine species or species groups of tabanid flies were collected. The 4:1:8 and 4:1:8 + acetone baits were equally attractive to tabanids, whereas there were no differences among the pepper sauce, acetone, and unbaited controls.
HybridPointing: fluid switching between absolute and relative pointing with a direct input device

We present HybridPointing, a technique that lets users easily switch between absolute and relative pointing with a direct input device such as a pen. Our design includes a new graphical element, the Trailing Widget, which remains "close at hand" but does not interfere with normal cursor operation. The use of visual feedback to aid the user's understanding of input state is discussed, and several novel visual aids are presented. An experiment conducted on a large, wall-sized display validates the benefits of HybridPointing under certain conditions. We also discuss other situations in which HybridPointing may be useful. Finally, we present an extension to our technique that allows for switching between absolute and relative input in the middle of a single drag-operation.
Vinpocetine Suppresses Pathological Vascular Remodeling by Inhibiting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) activation is associated with various vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, vein graft disease, and transplantation-associated vasculopathy. Vinpocetine, a derivative of the alkaloid vincamine, has long been used as a cerebral blood flow enhancer for treating cognitive impairment. However, its role in pathological vascular remodeling remains unexplored. Herein, we show that systemic administration of vinpocetine significantly reduced neointimal formation in carotid arteries after ligation injury. Vinpocetine also markedly decreased spontaneous remodeling of human saphenous vein explants in ex vivo culture. In cultured SMCs, vinpocetine dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation and caused G1-phase cell cycle arrest, which is associated with a decrease in cyclin D1 and an increase in p27Kip1 levels. In addition, vinpocetine dose-dependently inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated SMC migration as determined by the two-dimensional migration assays and three-dimensional aortic medial explant invasive assay. Moreover, vinpocetine significantly reduced PDGF-induced type I collagen and fibronectin expression. It is noteworthy that PDGF-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), but not protein kinase B, was specifically inhibited by vinpocetine. Vinpocetine powerfully attenuated intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, which largely mediates the inhibitory effects of vinpocetine on ERK1/2 activation and SMC growth. Taken together, our results reveal a novel function of vinpocetine in attenuating neointimal hyperplasia and pathological vascular remodeling, at least partially through suppressing ROS production and ERK1/2 activation in SMCs. Given the safety profile of vinpocetine, this study provides insight into the therapeutic potential of vinpocetine in proliferative vascular disorders.
Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty

Postoperative urine retention (POUR) is a well-known complication in hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA), but with a variable incidence ranging from 0% to 75% (Balderi and Carli 2010). Although different pharmacological approaches have been attempted to avoid POUR, the results have been inconclusive or controversial (Baldini et al. 2009), leaving indwelling or intermittent bladder catheterization as the only option for prevention and treatment of POUR. However, both POUR and catheterization may increase the risk of urinary tract infection, with subsequent risk of wound and prosthesis infection and/or renal impairment (Madersbacher et al. 2012). Also, POUR and its sequelae may prevent early mobilization, which is essential in fast-track THA and TKA, and may prolong hospitalization and increase re-admission rates (Kehlet 2013). Although fast-track THA and TKA and early mobilization may potentially facilitate restoration of bladder function due to improved pain management with opioid-sparing analgesia, no large-scale data exist on the incidence of POUR and its consequences in fast-track settings. Consequently, POUR should be prioritized by orthopedic surgeons and nurses to develop evidence-based guidelines on prevention and treatment of POUR in fast-track THA and TKA, including efforts to identify patients who are at increased risk of developing POUR.
Surgical treatment for metachronous second primary lung cancer after radical resection of primary lung cancer.

PURPOSE We retrospectively reviewed our experience of surgical resection for second primary lung cancer (SPLC) in our institute. And to clarify whether periodic follow-up after resection of first primary lung cancer (FPLC) is associated with earlier detection of SPLC. METHODS From January 2003 to March 2011, a total of 386 patients underwent surgical resection for primary lung cancer in our institute. Of these patients, 21 (5.4%) with SPLC were observed during follow-up after surgery. Radiation therapy was selected instead of surgical resection in 7 patients to preserve respiratory function. The other14 patients are reviewed in this paper. RESULTS Histological types were different between FPLC and SPLC in only one patient(FPLC: adenosquamous carcinoma, SPLC: squamous cell carcinoma). The average SPLC tumor size (18±8 mm) was smaller (P = 0.07) than the average FPLC tumor size (26±14 mm). Recurrence was not observed in these patients.The follow-up period after resection of SPLC was 31±30 (5-94) months. During followup, 2 patients died of de novo malignancies, and the other 12 patients were alive without recurrence. CONCLUSION Systematic and periodic long-term follow-up after FPLC probably resulted in earlier detection of SPLC and yielded this good prognosis.
Valuing Human Leptospirosis Prevention Using the Opportunity Cost of Labor

Leptospirosis is a serious public health concern in the Philippines, not only because of its increasing incidence rate, but also because of its significant health and economic impacts. Despite its relatively high seroprevalence, knowledge on the economic burden of disease, particularly on the value that the society places on disease prevention remains limited. Obtaining such information is important within the context of public health policy. This study was conducted in Metro Manila to determine the economic burden of leptospirosis, by asking respondents about their willingness to contribute to labor (WTCL) for the prevention of leptospirosis. The respondents pledged an average labor contribution of 10.66 h/month. The average WTCL corresponded to a monetary value of US$4.01 per month when valued using the opportunity cost of labor (leisure rate of time). From the monetized labor contribution, the total economic value of preventing leptospirosis was estimated at US$124.97 million per annum, which represents 1.13% of Metro Manila’s gross domestic product (GDP). Estimates from a Tobit regression model identified the respondents’ knowledge regarding leptospirosis, the susceptibility of their homes to flooding, and the proximity of their homes to sewers as significant factors to consider when developing resource contribution programs for leptospirosis prevention. More efforts need to be made in developing community level preventive programs, and in improving public’s knowledge and awareness about leptospirosis.
Non-line-of-sight error mitigation in TDOA mobile location

We investigate the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation identification and correction for time difference of arrival (TDOA) based mobile user location in wireless communication systems. Based on the defined TDOA residual, an NLOS base station identification algorithm is proposed. Different choices of the reference location for the residual calculation are compared via simulation. To correct the NLOS error with a certain distribution, we propose a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for TDOA location systems. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed NLOS recovering algorithm performs better than that using only LOS measurements, especially when the number of available base stations is small and/or the LOS base stations have an undesirable geometric layout.