Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Change in regional (somatic) near-infrared spectroscopy is not a useful indictor of clinically detectable low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects

Objective: Near-infrared spectroscopy correlation with low cardiac output has not been validated. Our objective was to determine role of splanchnic and/or renal oxygenation monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after surgery for congenital heart defects. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: We hypothesized that splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia detected by near-infrared spectroscopy is a marker of low cardiac output after pediatric cardiac surgery. Patients admitted after cardiac surgery to the pediatric intensive care unit over a 10-month period underwent serial splanchnic and renal near-infrared spectroscopy measurements until extubation. Baseline near-infrared spectroscopy values were recorded in the first postoperative hour. A near-infrared spectroscopy event was a priori defined as ≥20% drop in splanchnic and/or renal oxygen saturation from baseline during any hour of the study. Low cardiac output was defined as metabolic acidosis (pH <7.25, lactate >2 mmol/L, or base excess ⩽−5), oliguria (urine output <1 mL/kg/hr), or escalation of inotropic support. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using near-infrared spectroscopy event as a diagnostic test for low cardiac output. Twenty children were enrolled: median age was 5 months; median Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category was 3 (1–6); median bypass and cross-clamp times were 120 mins (45–300 mins) and 88 mins (17–157 mins), respectively. Thirty-one episodes of low cardiac output and 273 near-infrared spectroscopy events were observed in 17 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a near-infrared spectroscopy event as an indicator of low cardiac output were 48% (30%–66%) and 67% (64%–70%), respectively. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, neither splanchnic nor renal near-infrared spectroscopy event had a significant area under the curve for prediction of low cardiac output (area under the curve: splanchnic 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.30–0.60], renal 0.51 [95% confidence interval 0.37–0.65]). Conclusions: Splanchnic and/or renal hypoxemia as detected by near-infrared spectroscopy may not be an accurate indicator of low cardiac output after surgery for congenital heart defects.
Testing a key assumption in animal communication: between-individual variation in female visual systems alters perception of male signals

ABSTRACT Variation in male signal production has been extensively studied because of its relevance to animal communication and sexual selection. Although we now know much about the mechanisms that can lead to variation between males in the properties of their signals, there is still a general assumption that there is little variation in terms of how females process these male signals. Variation between females in signal processing may lead to variation between females in how they rank individual males, meaning that one single signal may not be universally attractive to all females. We tested this assumption in a group of female wild-caught brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), a species that uses a male visual signal (e.g. a wingspread display) to make its mate-choice decisions. We found that females varied in two key parameters of their visual sensory systems related to chromatic and achromatic vision: cone densities (both total and proportions) and cone oil droplet absorbance. Using visual chromatic and achromatic contrast modeling, we then found that this between-individual variation in visual physiology leads to significant between-individual differences in how females perceive chromatic and achromatic male signals. These differences may lead to variation in female preferences for male visual signals, which would provide a potential mechanism for explaining individual differences in mate-choice behavior. Summary: Animal communication studies often assume receiver perception is equal across individuals; we found females vary in their visual physiology and perception of male signals which could influence their mating decisions.
Silica-Gentamicin Nanohybrids: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Action

Orthopedic applications commonly require the administration of systemic antibiotics. Gentamicin is one of the most commonly used aminoglycosides in the treatment and prophylaxis of infections associated with orthopedic applications, but gentamicin has a short half-life. However, silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) can be used as elegant carriers for antibiotics to prolong their release. Our goal is the preparation and characterization of SiO2-gentamicin nanohybrids for their potential antimicrobial administration in orthopedic applications. In vitro gentamicin release profile from the nanohybrids (gentamicin-conjugated SiO2 NPs) prepared by the base-catalyzed precipitation exhibited fast release (21.4%) during the first 24 h and further extension with 43.9% release during the five-day experiment. Antimicrobial studies of the SiO2-gentamicin nanohybrids versus native SiO2 NPs and free gentamicin were performed against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). SiO2-gentamicin nanohybrids were most effective against B. subtilis. SiO2 NPs play no antimicrobial role. Parallel antimicrobial studies for the filter-sterilized gentamicin were performed to assess the effect of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation on gentamicin. In summary, the initial fast gentamicin release fits the need for high concentration of antibiotics after orthopedic surgical interventions. Moreover, the extended release justifies the promising antimicrobial administration of the nanohybrids in bone applications.
Recrystallization Mechanisms in Severely Deformed Dual-Phase Stainless Steel

The structural recrystallization mechanisms operating in an Fe – 27%Cr – 9% Ni dual-phase (ferrite-austenite) stainless steel after large strain processing to total strain of 4.4 were investigated in the temperature range of 400-700oC. The severe deformation resulted in the development of an ultrafine grained microstructure consisting of highly elongated grains/subgrains with transverse dimensions of 160 nm and 130 nm in ferrite and austenite, respectively. The annealing mechanism operating in ferrite phase was considered as continuous recrystallization, which involved recovery leading to the development of essentially polygonized microstructure. On the other hand, the mechanism of discontinuous nucleation took place at an early recrystallization stage in austenite phase.
Neuropeptide Y Promoter Polymorphism Modifies Effects of a Weight-Loss Diet on 2-Year Changes of Blood Pressure: The Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies Trial

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is implicated in the regulation of blood pressure (BP), and NPY pathways in the hypothalamus are sensitive to dietary fat. We evaluated the potential effect of a functional variant rs16147 located in the NPY gene promoter region on the association between 2-year diet intervention and change in multiple BP measures in the randomized Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies Trial. The NPY rs16147 was genotyped in 723 obese adults who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets differing in the target percentages of energy derived from fat, protein, and carbohydrate. The changes of 4 BP phenotypes, including systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure, during 2-year diet intervention were analyzed. In the total participants and participants with hypertension, we observed significant and consistent interactions between rs16147 genotype and dietary fat intake on changes in multiple BP phenotypes at 2 years (all P for interactions <0.05). The risk allele (C allele) was associated with a greater reduction of BP phenotypes in response to low-fat diet, whereas an opposite genetic effect was observed in response to high-fat diet. In addition, the C allele was related to greater changes in 4 BP phenotypes in hypertensive compared with nonhypertensive participants. Our data suggest that NPY rs16147 may modulate the association between dietary fat intake and changes in BP phenotypes, and the C allele exerts a long-term beneficial effect on lowering BP in response to low-fat diet in obese and hypertensive subjects.
Genetic Studies of Recombining DNA in Pneumococcal Transformation

The results of genetic fine structure experiments, performed on the amiA locus of Pneumococcus are summarized. The peculiar feature of transformation genetics is that a given donor marker mutation transforms with an efficiency characteristic of the mutated site. In spite of this difficulty, mapping procedures have been devised and quantitative recombination studies performed. It is concluded from these studies that transformation, in this locus, is the consequence of frequent, and essentially random exchanges occurring between donor DNA and the chromosomal DNA of the recipient cell. The average length of uninterrupted donor DNA polynucleotide strand which could be inserted into the chromosome of a transformed cell is estimated, from genetic data, to be probably not greater than 3·105 daltons (for a double-stranded insertion). It is proposed, on the basis of genetic evidence, that following essentially random exchanges between donor DNA and recipient chromosome, a revision process, specific for certain types of mutated sites, occurs. The revision process appears to remove preferentially donor DNA sequences from the primary recombinant structure, and allow repair along the chromosomal template, leading to low efficiency in the genetic integration of these sites. A mechanism for this "destruction-choice" process is presented, and evidence in support of this mechanism discussed.
The Transcription Factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 Is Expressed after Cerebral Ischemia and Contributes to Ischemic Brain Injury

The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) is involved in the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and apoptosis, processes that contribute to ischemic brain injury. In this study, the induction of IRF-1 in response to cerebral ischemia and its role in ischemic brain injury were investigated. IRF-1 gene expression was markedly upregulated within 12 h of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in C57BL/6 mice. The expression reached a peak 4 d after ischemia (6.0 ± 1.8-fold; P < 0.001) and was restricted to the ischemic regions of the brain. The volume of ischemic injury was reduced by 23 ± 3% in IRF-1+/− and by 46 ± 9% in IRF-1−/− mice (P < 0.05). The reduction in infarct volume was paralleled by a substantial attenuation in neurological deficits. Thus, IRF-1 is the first nuclear transacting factor demonstrated to contribute directly to cerebral ischemic damage and may be a novel therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.
Importance of rotavirus and adenovirus types 40 and 41 in acute gastroenteritis in Korean children

To examine the role of rotavirus (Rv) and adenovirus types 40 and 41 (Ad40/41) in Korean children with acute gastroenteritis, we evaluated 345 children with acute gastroenteritis and 90 children without acute gastroenteritis in Seoul, Korea, during a 29-month period. Stools were tested for group A Rv antigen and for Ad40/41 by using monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based assays. Rv was found in 68% of the ill children and 19% of the controls (P less than 0.001), whereas Ad40/41 was detected in 9% of the ill children and 2% of the controls (P less than 0.05). Also, 6% of the ill children and 0.01% of the controls excreted Rv and Ad40/41 simultaneously. Among the ill children, 96% of children with Rv and 94% of those with Ad40/41 were younger than 24 months. Although a peak of Rv infection was detected in early winter in both years of the study, there was no apparent seasonal trend with Ad40/41. Diarrhea with more than 10 stools per day, vomiting, or fever was most strongly associated with Rv shedding, whereas the first two manifestations were associated with coinfection of Rv and Ad40/41. To investigate the genetic and serotypic diversity of Rv strains, we tested 195 and 144 fecal Rv specimens isolated from the gastroenteritis cases, respectively, by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the segmented RNA genome and by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with serotype-specific MAbs. Of the 195 specimens, 154 yielded RNA patterns characteristic of group A Rv: 18% had short electrophoretic migration patterns, 81% had long patterns, and 1% had a mixture of short and long patterns. Of the 144 specimens, serotype specificity was determined in 51%: 89% were serotype 1, 10% were serotype 2, and 1% were serotype 3. Analysis of the specimens for which electropherotypes and serotypes were available indicated that a given RNA pattern corresponded to a particular serotype, except in one strain that showed short patterns but serotype 1. We suggest that Rv and Ad40/41 in stools be accepted critically as an important cause of diarrhea among young children in Korea.
Senior medical students as peer examiners in an OSCE

Background: At Sydney Medical School, we have recently introduced a practice Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) where our junior medical students are assessed by the senior peers. Aim: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of the programme. Methods: The study took place in 2010 and 2011, with two cohorts of final-year students participating. A total of 40/98 (41%) of final-year students chose to participate as examiners. Following the completion of standardised marking sheets by the student examiners, the marking sheets were reviewed by a senior academic examiner, and the ‘global’ mark was adjusted in accordance with the marking criteria. Student examiners also completed an open and closed-ended questionnaire regarding their experience as an examiner. A total of 105/115 (91%) of year 2 medical students were examined in the OSCE over the two-year period. Results: The senior academic changed a total of 94 ‘global’ marks, reducing the majority (55%) from ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Borderline’; 12% were reduced from ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Not Satisfactory’ and 33% from ‘Borderline’ to ‘Not Satisfactory’. Student questionnaire results showed a high level of engagement with their examiner experience overall, and it was regarded as a useful learning experience. Conclusion: Student examiners found peer assessment to be a very useful learning activity. However, our students need further training in how to globally assess a fellow student's overall performance objectively and to provide accurate feedback.
Identifying and qualifying reusable software components

Identification and qualification of reusable software based on software models and metrics is explored. Software metrics provide a way to automate the extraction of reusable software components from existing systems, reducing the amount of code that experts must analyze. Also, models and metrics permit feedback and improvement to make the extraction process fit a variety of environments. Some case studies are described to validate the experimental approach. They deal with only the identification phase and use a very simple model of a reusable code component, but the results show that automated techniques can reduce the amount of code that a domain expert needs to evaluate to identify reusable parts. <<ETX>>
Automatic Test Generation for Combinational Threshold Logic Networks

We propose an automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) framework for combinational threshold networks. The motivation behind this work lies in the fact that many emerging nanotechnologies, such as resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs), single electron transistor (SET), and quantum cellular automata (QCA), implement threshold logic. Consequently, there is a need to develop an ATPG methodology for this type of logic. We have built the first automatic test pattern generator and fault simulator for threshold logic which has been integrated on top of an existing computer-aided design (CAD) tool. These exploit new fault collapsing techniques we have developed for threshold networks. We perform fault modeling, backed by HSPICE simulations, to show that many cuts and shorts in RTD-based threshold gates are equivalent to stuck-at faults at the inputs and output of the gate. Experimental results with the MCNC benchmarks indicate that test vectors were found for all testable stuck-at faults in their threshold network implementations.
Casein kinase 1 is required for efficient removal of Rec8 during meiosis I

Segregation of chromosomes during meiosis depends on separase cleavage of Rec8, the meiosis-specific alpha-kleisin subunit of cohesin. We mapped Rec8 phosphorylation sites by mass spectrometry and show that Rec8 phosphorylation is required for proper chromosome disjunction during meiosis. We further show that the fission yeast casein kinase 1 (CK1) delta/epsilon isoforms Hhp1 and Hhp2 are required for full levels of Rec8 phosphorylation and for efficient removal of Rec8 at the onset of anaphase I. Our data are consistent with the model that Hhp1/Hhp2-dependent phosphorylation of Rec8 is required for separase-mediated cleavage of Rec8 during meiosis I.
Comparative Uptake and Impact of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Wheat and Rapeseed

Up to 2 million tons per year of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NP) are produced worldwide. This extensive production is postulated to result in release into the environment with subsequent contamination of soils and plants; however, few studies have examined TiO2-NP uptake and impact on plants. In this study, wheat and rapeseed plantlets were exposed to 14 nm or 25 nm anatase TiO2-NP in hydroponics conditions, either through root or leaf exposure. Microparticle-induced x-ray emission (μPIXE) coupled with Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to quantify absorbed titanium (Ti). Micro x-ray fluorescence (μXRF) based on synchrotron radiation was used to evaluate Ti distribution in roots and leaves. Our results show that both TiO2-NP are accumulated in these plantlets upon root exposure and that Ti content is higher in rapeseed than wheat. Ti distribution in root cross sections depended on NP agglomeration state. NP are also accumulated in plantlets upon leaf exposure. Finally, it was found that TiO2-NP exposure induced increased root elongation but did not affect germination, evapotranspiration, and plant biomass. Taken together, these results confirm that TiO2-NP may be accumulated in plant crops but may only moderately impact plant development.
Reach to grasp kinematics and EMG analysis of C6 quadriplegic subjects

The aim of the present study was to assess the kinematics and the muscular activity of the upper limb of subjects suffering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the C6 level during a grasping task. Data were compared to a control group composed of able-bodied subjects. The electrical activity of six major upper limb muscles and 3D motion of the arm were recorded. Results showed higher relative muscular solicitation for C6 patients especially for deltoïdus posterior and the pectoralis major and modifications of the range of motion of the corresponding joint angles. It appeared that, for C6 SCI subjects, the role of shoulder complex is highly relevant to initiate and control upper extremity movement, and so is important for their autonomy. Such data may be used to help clinician in decision making, e.g. for reconstructive surgery by musculotendinous transfer.
On a mechanism of spalling of concrete under fire conditions

Spalling in fire conditions may be defined as the removal of surface material from concrete exposed to excessive heat. This type of failure'is generally unpredictable , occurs at early stages of exposure to heat, and may substantially reduce the fire resistance of members by exposing the reinforcement to direct heat. This thesis is concerned with the cause of spalling. Existing theories are reviewed. It has been pointed out that none of these theories are satisfactory. A mechanism for spalling of concrete, first introduced by Dougill(I. I8), has been considered. In this, it is suggested that spalling may be caused by steam pressures inside cracks parallel to the heated surface , causing failure of the material between the crack and the heated surface. It has also been pointed out that such cracks may be expected to form under biaxial state of stresses. The pressures necessary to cause failure in such circumstances are found experimentally. The steam pressures actually generated in test specimens exposed to heat are also measured. The results showed that the mechanism is plausible. As a preventive measure biaxial compression is suggested to be avoided. 9
Codes in Permutations and Error Correction for Rank Modulation

Codes for rank modulation have been recently proposed as a means of protecting flash memory devices from errors. We study basic coding theoretic problems for such codes, representing them as subsets of the set of permutations of n elements equipped with the Kendall tau distance. We derive several lower and upper bounds on the size of codes. These bounds enable us to establish the exact scaling of the size of optimal codes for large values of n. We also show the existence of codes whose size is within a constant factor of the sphere packing bound for any fixed number of errors.
Different structural components of conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma display mostly identical BRAF status

Activating BRAFT1799A mutation is closely associated with a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) histotype. The transversion is frequently detected in the conventional type, Warthin‐like and tall cell variants, but is rare in the follicular variant of PTC. Conventional PTC is often presented with tumors of mixed architecture, which besides the papillary structures also contain areas with follicular and solid morphology in which the details of BRAF mutational status are unknown. We set out to differentially investigate the presence of mutated BRAF in the individual structural components microdissected from 44 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded PTC tissues from 40 patients. The mutation was detected in at least 1 structural component in 23 tumors (52%). Different structural components of the same tumor had identical BRAF status in 41/44 tumors (93%). In 3 tumors the BRAFT1799A mutation was found only in the papillary, but not in the follicular component. Mutational patterns identical to those in the primary tumors were found in 11/12 lymph node metastases (92%, including both BRAFT1799A‐positive and ‐negative cases). The high concordance of the BRAF mutational status in structurally distinct areas suggests a rather homogeneous distribution of neoplastic epithelial cells in a conventional PTC tumor in most cases. These results imply the reliability of preoperative molecular diagnosis of PTC regardless of the type of tumor component at the site of biopsy sampling and suggest that the majority of patients with BRAF mutation‐positive PTC may benefit from the targeted pharmacotherapy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.