Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carotid Endarterectomy at the Millennium: What Interventional Therapy Must Match

Objectives:Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is supported by level 1 evidence as the standard treatment of severe carotid stenosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. As interventional techniques are emerging for treatment of this disease, this study was undertaken to provide a contemporary surgical standard for comparison to carotid stenting. Patients and methods:During the interval 1989 to 1999, 2236 isolated CEAs were performed on 1897 patients (62% male, 36% symptomatic, 4.6% reoperative procedures). Study endpoints included perioperative events, patient survival, late incidence of stroke, anatomic durability of CEA, and resource utilization changes during the study. Variables associated with complications, long-term and stroke free survival, restenosis, and resource utilization were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results:Perioperative complications occurred in 5.5% of CEA procedures, including any stroke/death (1.4%), neck hematoma (1.7%), cardiac complications (0.5%), and cranial nerve injury (0.4%). Actuarial survival at 5 and 10 years was 72.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69.3-73.5) and 44.7% (95% CI 41.7-47.9) respectively, with coronary artery disease (P < 0.0018), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.00018) and diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0011) correlating with decreased longevity. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of any stroke during follow-up was reduced by 22% (upper 0.35, lower 0.08) of predicted with the patient classification of hyperlipidemia (P < 0.0045) as the only protective factor. Analysis of CEA anatomic durability during a median follow-up period of 5.9 years identified a 7.7% failure rate (severe restenosis/occlusion, 4.5%; or reoperative CEA, 3.2%) with elevated serum cholesterol (P < 0.017) correlating with early restenosis. Resource utilization diminished (first versus last 2-year interval periods) for average hospital length of stay from 10.3 ± 1.5 days to 4.3 ± 0.7 days (P < 0.01) and preoperative contrast angiography from 87% ± 1.4% to 10.3% ± 4%. Conclusions:These data delineate the safety, durability, and effectiveness in long-term stroke prevention of CEA. They provide a standard to which emerging catheter-based therapies for carotid stenosis should be compared.
PROPAGATION OF RABIES VIRUS IN TISSUE CULTURE

Rabies virus has been propagated in serum-Tyrode solution containing either embryo mouse brain or embryo chick brain. The culture virus reached a titre of 3 x 10–5 cc. after 4 days' incubation at 37°C. , and survived at least 2 months at 5°C. in the liquid or dry state.
Stock Price Prediction: Comparison of Arima and Artificial Neural Network Methods - An Indonesia Stock's Case

Neural Network is a network that resembles a human brain tissue, which may infer a result based on the facts or experience that happened. Many applications have implemented neural network. In this thesis, we compared the stock forecasting result of ANTM (PT Aneka Tam bang) using Artificial Neural Network and ARIMA. ARIMA is a technique of time-series forecasting, which means forecast based on the existing pattern. The results of the study showed that forecasting using Artificial Neural Network method has higher accuracy value than the results with ARIMA method.
The HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir increases lipoprotein production and has no effect on lipoprotein clearance in mice DOI 10.1194/jlr.M200129-JLR200

This study examined the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor therapy on lipoprotein production and catabolism in vivo. The HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir was given to C57BL/6 mice fed either a basal low-fat diet or a Western type high-fat diet. Fasted mice were injected with Triton WR1339 followed by hourly blood collection to monitor lipoprotein production. Results showed that ritonavir increased VLDL triglyceride production by 30% over a 4 h period when mice were fed the low-fat basal diet. The ritonavir effect was more pronounced under high-fat feeding conditions, with a 2-fold increase in VLDL triglyceride production rate. Ritonavir did not alter hepatic expression levels of diacylglycerol acyltransferase or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, but increased hepatic apolipoprotein B (apoB) secretion rates under both low- and high-fat dietary conditions. In contrast to its effect on lipoprotein production, ritonavir did not alter triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance from circulation under either dietary condition. Taken together, these results indicate that the hyperlipidemic effect of HIV protease inhibitors is a direct result of increased hepatic lipoprotein production. The mechanism appears to be related to their role in preventing proteasome-mediated degradation of apoB and activated sterol regulatory element binding proteins in the liver.
Expression and Significance of FXYD-3 Protein in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Objective: FXYD-3, also known as Mat-8, is a member of the FXYD protein family. It was reported that this protein can associate with and modify the transport properties of Na, K-ATPase, and may play an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. This protein is up-regulated in certain types of cancers (such as breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer), but down-regulated in other types of cancers (such as colon and kidney cancer). No study has been performed in gastric cancer; therefore, the aim of this project was to investigate FXYD-3 expression and its clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients and methods: FXYD-3 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry in normal gastric mucous (n = 29) and gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 51), obtained from surgical resection of gastric cancer patients. Results: FXYD-3 protein was present in the cytoplasm of normal gastric epithelial cells or gastric cancer cells. The rate of FXYD-3 strong expression was significantly higher in cancer (51% of 51) than in normal mucosa (10% of 29, X2=13.210, p < 0.0001). FXYD-3 expressed strongly in ulcerative/infiltrating types of cancers compared to polypoid/fungating ones (X2 = 5.765, p = 0.016). However, FXYD-3 expression was not correlated with patient’s gender, age, tumor size, lymph node status and histological grade (p > 0.05). Conclosion: Up-regulated expression of FXYD-3 protein may be involved in tumourgenesis and invasion of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Consensus statement on generalized anxiety disorder from the International Consensus Group on Depression and Anxiety.

OBJECTIVE To provide primary care clinicians with a better understanding of management issues in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and guide clinical practice with recommendations on the appropriate treatment strategy. PARTICIPANTS The 4 members of the International Consensus Group on Depression and Anxiety were James C. Ballenger (chair), Jonathan R.T. Davidson, Yves Lecrubier, and David J. Nutt. Four additional faculty members invited by the chair were Karl Rickels, Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, Dan J. Stein, and Thomas D. Borkovec. EVIDENCE The consensus statement is based on the 6 review articles that are published in this supplement and the scientific literature relevant to the issues reviewed in these articles. CONSENSUS PROCESS Group meetings were held over a 2-day period. On day 1, the group discussed the review articles and the chair identified key issues for further debate. On day 2, the group discussed these issues to arrive at a consensus view. After the group meetings, the consensus statement was drafted by the chair and approved by all attendees. CONCLUSIONS GAD is the most common anxiety disorder in primary care and is highly debilitating. Furthermore, it is frequently comorbid with depression and other anxiety disorders, which exacerbates functional impairment. Antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and nonsedating tricyclic antidepressants) are generally the most appropriate first-line pharmacotherapy for GAD, since they are also effective against comorbid psychiatric disorders and are suitable for long-term use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the preferred form of psychotherapy for GAD, although when GAD is comorbid with depression, pharmacotherapy is increasingly indicated.
Human kinematics measuring using a high speed camera and active markers

This paper presents simple, inexpensive, and fast procedure for motion kinematics analysis and measurement [1,2]. Measurement system developed in our laboratory was based on the industrial high speed camera, an active LED markers and a PC for handling the camera and data analysis. Active markers used in this work are assembled using small and lightweight white LEDs that allow large density of markers to be attached on a subject, thus tracking position and orientation of all segments relevant for motion kinematic analysis. Computer vision algorithm for marker detection and tracking was developed, followed by an algorithm for computing and analyzing kinematics data of human locomotion [3,4,5]. Procedures for camera calibration and sub pixel accuracy were also developed and integrated with the system. Accuracy and properties of our system was trialed, and results were compared with the existing referent systems used in the field. Proposed system has a few disadvantages; measurements and results that are representative in only one plane and use of battery powered active markers that could disturb subject during normal gait trial. As a greatest advantage, our system offers speed and accuracy that is comparable with the other commercially available systems at lower price [6,7,8]. Further development of our system will include additional cameras for 3D marker tracking and integration with an inertial sensor for full kinematics and kinetic measurement of a human movement.
A Multiwavelength Approach to the Star Formation Rate Estimation in Galaxies at Intermediate Redshifts

We use a sample of seven starburst galaxies at intermediate redshifts (z ~ 0.4 and 0.8) with observations ranging from the observed ultraviolet to 1.4 GHz, to compare the star formation rate (SFR) estimators that are used in the different wavelength regimes. We find that extinction-corrected Hα underestimates the SFR, and the degree of this underestimation increases with the infrared luminosity of the galaxies. Galaxies with very different levels of dust extinction as measured with SFRIR/SFR(Hα, uncorrected for extinction) present a similar attenuation A[Hα], as if the Balmer lines probed a different region of the galaxy than the one responsible for the bulk of the IR luminosity for large SFRs. In addition, SFR estimates derived from [O II] λ3727 match very well those inferred from Hα after applying the metallicity correction derived from local galaxies. SFRs estimated from the UV luminosities show a dichotomic behavior, similar to that previously reported by other authors in galaxies at z ≲ 0.4. Here we extend this result up to z ~ 0.8. Finally, one of the studied objects is a luminous compact galaxy (LCG) that may be suffering similar dust-enshrouded star formation episodes. These results highlight the relevance of quantifying the actual LIR of LCGs, as well as that of a much larger and generic sample of luminous infrared galaxies, which will be possible after the launch of SIRTF.
Vitamin D3 supplementation has no effect on conventional cardiovascular risk factors: a parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT.

CONTEXT Observational studies show an association between low vitamin D status assessed by circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiovascular events and mortality. Data from randomized controlled trials are limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test whether daily doses of vitamin D(3) at 400 or 1000 IU/d for 1 yr affected conventional markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. DESIGN We conducted a parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Randomization was computer generated. Participants and study investigators were blinded to intervention groupings throughout the trial. SETTING The study was conducted at the Clinical Research Facility, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS A total of 305 healthy postmenopausal women aged 60-70 yr were recruited for the study. INTERVENTION Each woman received a daily capsule of 400 or 1000 IU vitamin D(3) or placebo randomly allocated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were serum lipid profile [total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; triglycerides; and apolipoproteins A-1 and B100], insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment), inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1), and blood pressure. RESULTS A total of 265 (87%) participants completed all study visits. Small differences between groups for serum apolipoprotein B100 change [repeated measures ANOVA, P=0.04; mean (sd), -1.0 (10.0) mg/dl (400 IU); -1.0 (10.0) mg/dl (1000 IU); and +0.02 (10.0) mg/dl (placebo)] were not considered clinically significant. Other systemic markers for CVD risk remained unchanged. There was significant seasonal variation in systolic and diastolic blood pressure independent of vitamin D dose (P<0.001, linear mixed model). Mean (sd) reduction in systolic blood pressure from winter to summer was -6.6 (10.8) mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS Improving vitamin D status through dietary supplementation is unlikely to reduce CVD risk factors. Confounding of seasonality should be recognized and addressed in future studies of vitamin D.
Exploring the long-term safety of asenapine in adults with schizophrenia in a double-blind, fixed-dose, extension study

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to assess long-term safety with sublingual asenapine 2.5 or 5 mg twice daily (BID) in patients with schizophrenia. Patients and methods Actively treated patients on asenapine 2.5 mg BID, asenapine 5 mg BID, or olanzapine 15 mg once daily (QD) who completed a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo- and olanzapine-controlled study continued lead-in treatment in this 26-week, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, olanzapine-controlled Phase IIIB extension study; placebo patients were assigned to asenapine 2.5 mg BID treatment. Safety analyses were based on the all treated set (patients who received one or more doses of extension trial medication); change from baseline analyses used the acute study baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and changes in laboratory parameters were monitored; weight change for asenapine versus olanzapine was the key secondary objective. Descriptive statistics were used; weight change was analyzed using a mixed-model repeated-measure approach. Results Of the 120 patients in the all-treated set, 60% completed treatment (asenapine 2.5 mg BID 66.1% overall, asenapine 5 mg BID 52.4%, olanzapine 15 mg QD 56.3%). The incidence of TEAEs was higher for placebo patients from the lead-in study who switched to asenapine 2.5 mg BID for extension treatment (71.0%) versus patients continuing asenapine 2.5 mg BID (38.7%), asenapine 5 mg BID (38.1%), or olanzapine 15 mg QD (25.0%). The most common TEAE (≥5% in every group) was worsening of schizophrenia. Least squares mean change in body weight from the acute study baseline to week 26 was +0.6 kg for overall asenapine 2.5 mg BID, +0.8 kg for asenapine 5 mg BID, and +1.2 kg for olanzapine 15 mg QD. There were no clinically relevant changes in metabolic parameters; values were generally similar across treatment groups. Conclusion Asenapine 2.5 mg BID and 5 mg BID were generally well tolerated in long-term treatment. Weight gain was less for overall asenapine 2.5 mg BID and 5 mg BID than for olanzapine 15 mg QD.
Optical damage testing at the Z-Backlighter facility at Sandia National Laboratories

To enable laser-based radiography of high energy density physics events on the Z-Accelerator[4,5] at Sandia National Laboratories, a facility known as the Z-Backlighter has been developed. Two Nd:Phosphate glass lasers are used to create x-rays and/or proton beams capable of this radiographic diagnosis: Z-Beamlet (a multi-kilojoule laser operating at 527nm in a few nanoseconds) and Z-Petawatt (a several hundred joule laser operating at 1054nm in the subpicosecond regime) [1,2]. At the energy densities used in these systems, it is necessary to use high damage threshold optical materials, some of which are poorly characterized (especially for the sub-picosecond pulse). For example, Sandia has developed a meter-class dielectric coating capability for system optics. Damage testing can be performed by external facilities for nanosecond 532nm pulses, measuring high reflector coating damage thresholds >80J/cm2 and antireflection coating damage thresholds >20J/cm2 [3]. However, available external testing capabilities do not use femtosecond/picosecond scale laser pulses. To this end, we have constructed a sub-picoseond-laser-based optical damage test system. The damage tester system also allows for testing in a vacuum vessel, which is relevant since many optics in the Z-Backlighter system are used in vacuum. This paper will present the results of laser induced damage testing performed in both atmosphere and in vacuum, with 1054nm sub-picosecond laser pulses. Optical materials/coatings discussed are: bare fused silica and protected gold used for benchmarking; BK7; Zerodur; protected silver; and dielectric optical coatings (halfnia/silica layer pairs) produced by Sandia's in-house meter-class coating capability.
A CASE SERIES ANALYSIS OF “CATEGORY-SPECIFIC” DEFICITS OF LIVING THINGS:THE HIT ACCOUNT

We report a case series analysis of a group of seven patients with apparent “category-specific” disorders affecting living things. On standard diagnostic tests, a range of deficits were apparent, with some cases appearing to have impaired visual access to stored knowledge, some with impaired semantic knowledge (across modalities), and some with an impairment primarily at a name retrieval stage. Patients with a semantic deficit were impaired for both visual and associative/functional knowledge about living things, whilst patients with a modality-specific access deficit showed worse performance when stored visual knowledge was probed. In addition, patients with impaired access to visual knowledge were affected when perceptual input was degraded by masking, and all patients showed an interaction between perceptual similarity and category when matching pictures to names or defining statements. We discuss the results in terms of the Hierarchical Interactive Theory (HIT) of object recognition and naming (Humphreys & Forde, 2001). We also discuss evidence on lesion sites in relation to research from functional brain imaging on category differences in object identification in normal observers.
Knowledge management metrics for Public Organizations: A literature review-based proposal

Knowledge Management (KM) is a relatively new phenomenon that appears in the field of Public Sector Organizations (PSO) bringing new paradigms of organizational management, challenges, risks and opportunities for its implementation, development and evaluation. KM can be seen as a systematic and deliberate effort to coordinate people, technology, organizational structures and its environment through knowledge reuse and innovation. This management approach has been established in parallel with the development and use of information and communications technologies (ICT). Nowadays more PSO are embodying KM practices in their core processes for support them, and as an advanced management strategy to create a new culture based on technology and resources efficiency. In this paper, we observed that KM can support organizational goals in PSO. The aim of this paper is to understand KM factors and its associated components, and propose KM metrics for measure KM programs in PSO. Through a critical literature review we analysed diverse studies related with KM performance indicators in PSO, then based on previous works we summarized the more convenient this purpose. We found that, in academic literature, studies about KM measurement in PSO are uncommon and emerging. As well, in the last section of this paper, we present a proposal of KM metrics for PSO, and some recommendations and practical implications for KM metrics development in PSO. This academic endeavour seeks to contribute to theoretical debate about KM measure development for KM initiatives in PSO.
A two cities theorem for the parabolic Anderson model.

The parabolic Anderson problem is the Cauchy problem for the heat equation partial derivative(t)u(t, z) = Delta u(t,z) + xi(z)u(t,z) on (0,infinity) x Z(d) with random potential (xi(z): z is an element of Z(d)). We consider independent and identically distributed potentials, such that the distribution function of (z) converges polynomially at infinity. If u is initially localized in the origin, that is, if u(0, z) = 1(0)(z), we show that, as time goes to infinity, the solution is completely localized in two points almost surely and in one point with high probability. We also identify the asymptotic behavior of the concentration sites in terms of a weak limit theorem.
Homogenous Polynomially Parameter-Dependent $H_{ \infty}$ Filter Designs of Discrete-Time Fuzzy Systems

This paper proposes a novel <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filtering technique for a class of discrete-time fuzzy systems. First, a novel kind of fuzzy <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filter, which is homogenous polynomially parameter dependent on membership functions with an arbitrary degree, is developed to guarantee the asymptotic stability and a prescribed <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> performance of the filtering error system. Second, relaxed conditions for <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> performance analysis are proposed by using a new fuzzy Lyapunov function and the Finsler lemma with homogenous polynomial matrix Lagrange multipliers. Then, based on a new kind of slack variable technique, relaxed linear matrix inequality-based <i>H</i><sub>∞</sub> filtering conditions are proposed. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.