Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperaldosteronism and Hypertension: Ethnic Differences

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between aldosterone and blood pressure in a total of 220 normotensive and 293 essential hypertensive subjects in 2 genetically distinct populations—blacks and white French Canadians. The 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed under standardized conditions after discontinuing antihypertensive medications. Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone were measured in the supine position and after standing for 10 minutes. Plasma atrial natriuretic factor was also measured. Supine and standing plasma renin activities were lower (P≤0.01), plasma aldosterone was higher (P<0.0001), and the aldosterone/renin ratios were higher (P<0.0001) in the hypertensive subjects. Atrial natriuretic factor was also higher in the hypertensive subjects (P<0.0001). Among blacks, blood pressures did not correlate with plasma renin activity. However, both average daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressures were correlated with supine and standing plasma aldosterone and with the aldosterone/renin ratio (P<0.005 or less). In French Canadians, blood pressures tended to be positively correlated with standing plasma renin activity and aldosterone, but not with the aldosterone/renin ratio. Correlations of blood pressure with aldosterone were more consistent and more striking in blacks than in French Canadians. In both ethnic groups, there were inconsistent correlations of blood pressure with atrial natriuretic factor. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that aldosterone-induced volume expansion is an important contributor to hypertension, especially in blacks.
An enzyme trafficking defect in two patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: peroxisomal alanine/glyoxylate aminotransferase rerouted to mitochondria

Most patients with the autosomal recessive disease primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) have a complete deficiency of alanine/glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein. However a few possess significant residual activity and protein. In normal human liver, AGT is entirely peroxisomal, whereas it is entirely mitochondrial in carnivores, and both peroxisomal and mitochondrial in rodents. Using the techniques of isopycnic sucrose and Percoll density gradient centrifugation and quantitative protein A-gold immunoelectron microscopy, we have found that in two PH1 patients, possessing 9 and 27% residual AGT activity, both the enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein were largely mitochondrial and not peroxisomal. In addition, these individuals were more severely affected than expected from the levels of their residual AGT activity. In these patients, the PH1 appears to be due, at least in part, to a unique trafficking defect, in which peroxisomal AGT is diverted to the mitochondria. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a genetic disease caused by such interorganellar rerouting.
Understanding the System Fit Challenge at the Initial Post-Adoption Stage: The Roles of Emotions in Users' Adaptation Behaviors

Users’ adaptation behaviors are vital to the success of the system if there is a poor fit between task and technology at the initial post-adoption stage. However, prior studies have mixed results on how users adapt to the fit challenge. We draw on coping theory and appraisal theory of emotion to develop an encounter-emotion-coping framework to reconcile the mixed results by exploring the links between fit, emotions, individual adaptation and task-technology adaptation behaviors. The paths were tested through a survey of 283 nurses. Results suggest that emotions felt by users at the initial stage explain the relationship between fit and the two adaptation behaviors. This study (1) extends our understanding of the consequences of fit issue, (2) unveils the roles of different emotions in eliciting users’ adaptation behaviors, and (3) differentiates individual adaptation from task-technology adaptation in terms of their emotional antecedents. Implications for practice are discussed.
Quantitative in situ study of short crack propagation in polygranular graphite by digital image correlation

This paper reports experimental observations that show non-irradiated Gilsocarbon polygranular nuclear graphite fits within the quasi-brittle class of materials. Such materials exhibit a degree of damage tolerance that depends on the stability of cracks that nucleate in the microstructure. Modelling efforts to predict the influence of microstructure on damage tolerance require direct observation of crack nucleation and growth to support them. Here, the technique of digital image correlation was applied to optical observations to measure the full field distribution of displacements on the surface of large (>100 mm dimension) specimens, loaded in uniaxial flexure. Repeated cyclic loading to strains approaching failure results in an inelastic (i.e. non-recoverable) strain, and a decrease in the static elastic modulus. Digital image correlation was also used for early detection and characterisation of fracture nuclei (short cracks). Such short cracks show a stable propagation stage before causing catastrophic failure. The displacement fields were used to calculate directly the energy release rate of the short cracks via a contour integral method. The value is consistent with the critical strain energy release rate for unstable fracture obtained from standard mode I fracture tests.
The subjective burden of informal caregivers of persons with dementia: extended validation of the German language version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC)

Objective: In research as well as in the practice of caregiver counselling, the subjective burden of family caregivers is considered an important characteristic of home care. The objective of the present study was to provide an extended validation of the German language version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC) published in 2001. Methods: Extended validation was performed using medical, interview, and health insurance data of 351 informal caregivers and their relatives who had dementia. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency of the items, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the structure of the BSFC. The discriminatory power and item difficulties of the 28 BSFC items were examined. Five research questions addressed construct validity. Question six addressed the BSFC score as a potential predictor of institutionalization at a follow-up time of 2.5 years (predictive validity). Results: Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the BSFC had a single-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0.93. A significant increase in the BSFC score was observed when the severity of cognitive impairment increased, persons with dementia showed disturbing behaviour, caregivers were diagnosed with depression, care requirements increased, or the family caregiver and the person with dementia lived together. Caregiver burden emerged as a significant predictor of institutionalization. The validity of the BSFC was confirmed by the results. Conclusion: The BSFC score allows for a valid assessment of the total caregiver burden in both research and practice. The BSFC is available for free in 20 languages (http://www.caregiver-burden.eu).
Volume perception in Parkinsonian speech

This study contrasted the volume level of speech production with perceived volume. Fifteen idiopathic patients with Parkinson's disease who have hypophonic dysarthria and 15 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects participated in this study. Testing took place in a sound‐proof room. Ability to regulate volume was tested at three instructional levels of loudness: participants were given no instructions regarding volume (to elicit normal default volume) or were asked to read loudly or quietly. Two types of volume‐perception judgments were made. First, an estimate of one's own volume, immediately after speaking (that is, immediate perception), and secondly, an estimation of reading volume after hearing one's own voice played back (that is, playback perception). These perceptual ratings were compared with actual speech volume produced in reading and conversation tasks. It was found that there was less of a difference between patients' production and perception of speech volume compared with that of the control subjects. While patients spoke more quietly than control subjects, they nevertheless perceived (immediate and playback perception) their own speech to be louder than did the control subjects. Patients overestimated the volume of their speech during both reading and conversation. The findings raise the question as to whether impaired speech production is driven by a basic perceptual fault or whether perception is abnormal as a consequence of impaired mechanisms involved in the generation of quiet speech.
Patterns and determinants of acute psychiatric readmissions.

OBJECTIVES Deinstitutionalisation and shortage of psychiatric beds worldwide has led to extensive research into the risk factors and interventions associated with rapid and recurrent admission to hospital. Little research of this nature has taken place in South Africa, particularly with regard to acute hospital admissions. This study attempted primarily to assess the effect of length of stay and administration of depot antipsychotics in hospital on time to readmission. DESIGN A retrospective cohort of 180 admissions was followed up for 12 months, after an index discharge, by means of multiple hospital and community-based record reviews. Each readmission was analysed as an event using a survival analysis model. SETTING Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Gauteng. SUBJECTS A random sample of patients admitted during a 6-month period in 1996. OUTCOME MEASURES Time to readmission. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-four admissions were analysed. The only factor that provided a significant protective effect was being married or cohabiting (P = 0.015). Clinic attendance showed a slight protective effect early on but conferred a significantly higher risk of readmission on those who had been out of hospital for a long period (P = 0.001). Only 21% of discharged patients ever attended a clinic. The overall risk of readmission was significantly higher in the first 90 days post discharge. CONCLUSIONS The lack of impact of length of hospital stay and use of depot neuroleptics on time to readmission may indicate that patients are being kept for appropriate duration and that the most ill patients are receiving depot medication. Several sampling and statistical artefacts may explain some of our findings. These results confirm the worldwide difficulty in finding consistent and accurate predictors of readmission. Low rates of successful referral to community aftercare need to be addressed before their effectiveness can be reasonably assessed. The inherent instability of the post-discharge period is a potential area for further investigation and intensive management.
A combinatorial algorithm for the cardinality constrained portfolio optimization problem

Portfolio optimization is an important problem based on the modern portfolio theory (MPT) in the finance field. The idea is to maximize the portfolio expected return as well as minimizing portfolio risk at the same time. In this work, we propose a combinatorial algorithm for the portfolio optimization problem with the cardinality and bounding constraints. The proposed algorithm hybridizes a metaheuristic approach (particle swarm optimization, PSO) and a mathematical programming method where PSO is used to deal with the cardinality constraints and the math programming method is used to deal with the rest of the model. Computational results are given for the benchmark datasets from the OR-library and they indicate that it is a useful strategy for this problem. We also present the solutions obtained by the CPLEX mixed integer program solver for these instances and they can be used as the criteria for the comparison of algorithms for the same problem in the future.
Three-dimensional vasculature reconstruction of tumour microenvironment via local clustering and classification

The vasculature inside breast cancers is one important component of the tumour microenvironment. The investigation of its spatial morphology, distribution and interactions with cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, is essential for elucidating mechanisms of tumour development and treatment response. Using confocal microscopy and fluorescent markers, we have acquired three-dimensional images of vasculature within mammary tumours and normal mammary gland of mouse models. However, it is difficult to segment and reconstruct complex vasculature accurately from the in vivo three-dimensional images owing to the existence of uneven intensity and regions with low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). To overcome these challenges, we have developed a novel three-dimensional vasculature segmentation method based on local clustering and classification. First, images of vasculature are clustered into local regions, whose boundaries well delineate vasculature even in low SNR and uneven intensity regions. Then local regions belonging to vasculature are identified by applying a semi-supervised classification method based on three informative features of the local regions. Comparison of results using simulated and real vasculature images, from mouse mammary tumours and normal mammary gland, shows that the new method outperforms existing methods, and can be used for three-dimensional images with uneven background and low SNR to achieve accurate vasculature reconstruction.
Geometry of Carriers Controlling Phenotypic Expression in BMP-Induced Osteogenesis and Chondrogenesis

Background: The effect of the geometry of extracellular matrices on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced osteogenesis has not been systematically studied. Geometry is crucially important for the scaffold in bone and joint tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to elucidate principles of geometry of matrices in designing new scaffolds and matrices for use in reconstruction of bone and joints. Methods: More than ten biomaterials with different geometries, including a unique device of honeycomb-shaped hydroxyapatite, were combined with BMPs of recombinant (rhBMP-2) or natural bovine origin (S300 BMP cocktail) and implanted subcutaneously into 4-week-old Wistar-King rats. The implanted pellets were removed at 1-4 weeks and analyzed for bone and cartilage formation by histological and biochemical methods. Results: BMP-induced bone and cartilage induction was highly dependent on the geometric properties of the carrier. Some carriers such as porous particles or blocks of hydroxyapatite induced osteogenesis directly, without detectable chondrogenesis, whereas other carriers such as fibrous glass membrane induced cartilage exclusively. Still other carriers induced mostly cartilage followed by bone formation. Solid particles of hydroxyapatite and fibrous glass membrane with too tight a meshwork did not induce bone or cartilage. The optimal pore size for bone-forming efficacy in porous blocks of hydroxyapatite was a diameter of 300-400 lm. In straight tunnel structures with various diameters in honeycomb-shaped hydroxyapatite, tunnels with smaller diameters (90-120 mm) induced cartilage followed by bone formation, whereas those with larger diameters (350 mm) induced bone formation directly within the tunnels. Conclusions: BMP carriers were classified into three types: bone-inducing, cartilage-inducing, and cartilage-bone-inducing. From the analysis of causative factors inducing osteogenesis and chondrogenesis in the BMP system, we concluded that the geometry of the carrier is crucially important and vasculature-inducing geometry should be considered in designing effective scaffolds for bone formation. We propose a classification of geometry of the artificial extracellular matrices that is useful for designing a scaffold for tissue engineering of bone and related tissues. Clinical Relevance: Conventional requisites of the BMP carriers for clinical use have mainly concerned the affinities of carriers with cells and biomolecules and their mechanical strength. The vasculature-inducing geometry of carriers adds a new criterion in designing systems for effective bone and joint reconstruction. The geometries of porous structures—their sizes, continuity, and straightness as verified by hydroxyapatite in this study—will be applicable for other biomaterials for clinical reconstruction therapy.
Recent trends in gas-phase ammonia and PM2.5 ammonium in the Southeast United States

Ammonia measurements from the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) study network were analyzed for trends over 9 yr (2004–2012) of observations. Total ammonia concentrations, defined as the sum of gas-phase ammonia and fine particle ammonium, were found to be decreasing by 1–4% yr−1 and were qualitatively consistent with ammonia emission estimates for the SEARCH states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida. On the other hand, gas-phase ammonia mixing ratios were found to be slightly rising or steady over the region, leading to the observation that the gas-phase fraction of total ammonia has steadily increased over 2004–2012 as a result of declining emissions of the strong acid precursor species sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and consequent reduced partitioning of ammonia to the fine particle phase. Because gas-phase ammonia is removed from the atmosphere more rapidly than fine particle ammonium, an increase in the gas-phase fraction of total ammonia may result in shifted deposition patterns as more ammonia is deposited closer to sources rather than transported downwind in fine particles. Additional long-term measurements and modeling studies are needed to determine if similar transitions of total ammonia to the gas phase are occurring outside of the Southeast and to assess if these changes are impacting plants and ecosystems near major ammonia sources. Unusually high ammonia concentrations observed in 2007 in the SEARCH measurements are hypothesized to be linked to emissions from wildfires that were much more prevalent across the Southeast during that year due to elevated temperatures and widespread drought. Although wildfires are currently estimated to be a relatively small fraction (3–10%) of total ammonia emissions in the Southeast, the projected increased incidence of wildfires in this region as a result of global climate change may lead to this source’s increased importance over the rest of the 21st century. Implications: Ammonia concentrations from the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization study (SEARCH) network are analyzed over the 9-yr period 2004–2012. Total ammonia (gaseous ammonia + PM2.5 ammonium) concentrations declined at a rate of 1–4% yr−1, consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission estimates for the Southeast United States, but the fraction of ammonia in the gas phase has risen steadily (+1–3% yr−1) over the time period. Declining emissions of SO2 and NOx resulting from imposed air quality regulations have resulted in decreased atmospheric strong acids and less ammonia partitioning to the particle phase, which may impact the amount and overall pattern of ammonia deposition.
Preparation and characterization of nanohydroxyapatite strengthening nanofibrous poly(L‐lactide) scaffold for bone tissue engineering

A biomimetic nanofibrous poly(L-lactide) scaffold strengthened by nanohydroxyapatite particles was fabricated via a thermally induced phase separation technique. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that nanohydroxyapatite particles uniformly dispersed in the nanofibrous poly(L-lactide) scaffold (50–500 nm in fiber diameter) with slight aggregation at a high nHA content, but showed no influence on the interconnected macroporous and nanofibrous structure of the scaffold. The nanofibrous poly(L-lactide) scaffold presented a specific surface area of 34.06 m2 g−1, which was much higher than that of 2.79 m2 g−1 for the poly(L-lactide) scaffold with platelet structure. Moreover, the specific surface area of the nanofibrous scaffold was further enhanced by incorporating nanohydroxyapatite particles. With increasing the nanohydroxyapatite content, the compressive modulus and amount of bovine serum albumin adsorbed on the surface of the nanofibrous composite scaffold were markedly improved, as opposed to the decreased crystallinity. In comparison to poly(L-lactide) scaffold, both the nanofibrous poly(L-lactide) and poly(L-lactide)/nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds exhibited a faster degradation rate for their much larger specific surface area. The culture of bone mesenchymal stem cell indicated that the composite nanofibrous poly(L-lactide) scaffold with 50 wt % nanohydroxyapatite showed the highest cells viability among various poly(L-lactide)-based scaffolds. The strengthened biomimetic nanofibrous poly(L-lactide)/nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffold will be a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Correction for “ Neighbor of Brca 1 gene ( Nbr 1 ) functions as a negative regulator of postnatal osteoblastic bone formation and p 38 MAPK activity

DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY Correction for “Neighbor of Brca1 gene (Nbr1) functions as a negative regulator of postnatal osteoblastic bone formation and p38 MAPK activity,” by Caroline A. Whitehouse, Sarah Waters, Katie Marchbank, Alan Horner, Neil W. A. McGowan, Jelena V. Jovanovic, Guilherme M. Xavier, Takeshi G. Kashima, Martyn T. Cobourne, Gareth O. Richards, Paul T. Sharpe, Tim M. Skerry, Agamemnon E. Grigoriadis, and Ellen Solomon, which appeared in issue 29, July 20, 2010, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (107:12913–12918; first published June 29, 2010; 10.1073/ pnas.0913058107). The authors note that Figure 4 appeared incorrectly. A well image was duplicated within panel C. The corrected figure and its legend appear below. This error does not affect the conclusions of the article.
Etiology, Seasonality, and Clinical Features of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Hospitalized With Acute Bronchiolitis: A Single-Center Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viral frequency, seasonality, and clinical and demographic features of patients hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in 316 infants younger than 2 years of age who were hospitalized for acute viral bronchiolitis. Respiratory tract infection agents were investigated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 316 infants were included in this study. Of the 316 infants, at least one respiratory tract pathogen was detected in 75% (237/316). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common virus identified in 127 infants (40.1%) followed by rhinovirus (n = 78, 24.6%). In this study, where viral agents were determined via PCR in patients who were followed-up due to the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis, RSV was detected as the most common agent, as in other studies. In almost half of the RSV-positive patients, RSV was accompanied by a second or third agent.
DRY SLIDING WEAR BEHAVIOR OF HYBRID METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

In the present study, the Al2219, Al2219/ B4C & Al2219/B4C/MoS2 hybrid composites are investigated under dry sliding wear test as for ASTM G 99-95 standard. Al 2219 base matrix reinforced with B4C & mixture of B4C and MoS2 are fabricated using stir casting technique. By using pin on disc apparatus the test was conducted by taking parameters like sliding distance, sliding velocity and loads. The result reveals that the addition of B4C slightly reduces wear rate of composites, further B4C and MoS2 reinforcement decreases the wear rate of the hybrid composites and increases the wear resistance of the composites. The wear rate decreases with increasing the % of MoS2. At a lower sliding velocity the wear rate decreases and as the sliding velocity increases the wear rate increases. As the sliding distances and load increases the wear rate drastically increases.