Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the precision of the Topcon SP-3000P specular microscope and an ultrasound pachymeter

Aim: To compare the precision of the Topcon SP-3000P noncontact specular microscope (NCSM) and the DGH 500 ultrasound pachymeter (USP). Methods: Triplicate measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) for 100 eyes were taken with an NCSM and a USP in 2 visits separated by 1 week. Repeatability was assessed by computing the differences between all 3 readings from each subject. Coefficients of repeatability and reproducibility were computed. Results: Mean CCT as measured by each instrument were: 518.53 ± 34.96 μm (range 417.33–592.67) and 516.94 ± 33.60 μm (range 431.67–582.67) for sessions 1 and 2 respectively, with the NCSM; 546.69 ± 36.62 μm (range 457.33–617.00) and 549.78 ± 35.26 μm (range 454.00–618.67) for sessions 1 and 2 respectively, with the USP. The ultrasound CCT measurements were consistently higher than those obtained with the NCSM in both sessions 28.17 ± 19.20 μm (mean ± SD, session 1) and 32.81 ± 14.04 (mean ± SD, session 2). The repeatability coefficient for the NCSM was better in both sessions than those for USP (±10 μm vs ± 12 μm in session 1 and ±8 μm vs ±10 μm in session 2). The reproducibility coefficient with the NCSM was half that with the USP (±21 μm vs ±41 μm). Conclusion: The SP-3000P NCSM is a more precise and reproducible instrument for measurement of CCT than the USP, but both instruments are reliable, useful instruments for measuring CCT.
Projection of Populations by Level of Educational Attainment, Age and Sex for 120 Countries for 2005-2050

Using demographic multi-state, cohort-component methods, we produce projections for 120 countries (covering 93% of the world population in 2005) by five-year age groups, sex, and four levels of educational attainment for the years 2005-2050. Taking into account differentials in fertility and mortality by education level, we present the first systematic global educational attainment projections according to four widely differing education scenarios. The results show the possible range of future educational attainment trends around the world, thereby contributing to long-term economic and social planning at the national and international levels, and to the assessment of the feasibility of international education goals.
Motor skills of 5-year-old children who underwent early cardiac surgery

Abstract Aims To describe the motor proficiency of 5-year-old children who underwent early infant cardiac surgery and had atypical infant gross motor development. To identify risk factors for motor dysfunction at 5 years of age. Methods A total of 33 children (80.5% participation rate) were re-assessed by a physiotherapist blinded to the diagnosis and previous clinical course, using standardised motor assessment tools. Results Motor proficiency was categorised as below average or well below average in 41% of the study patients. Approximately 30% of the cohort had balance deficits. Motor abilities at 4 months and 2 years of age were associated with motor proficiency at age 5; however, atypical motor development in infancy was not predictive of below-average or well below-average scores at age 5. Risk factors associated with motor ability at age 5 included respiratory support and intensive care length of stay in the 1st year of life, asymmetrical crawling in infancy, and cyanotic CHD at age 5. Conclusions Despite differences from other reported studies in terms of cohort diagnoses and age at surgery, the rate of motor dysfunction was similar, with rates much higher than expected in typical children. Further assessment is needed in later childhood to determine the significance of these findings.
Proteomic analysis of Plasmodium in the mosquito: progress and pitfalls

SUMMARY Here we discuss proteomic analyses of whole cell preparations of the mosquito stages of malaria parasite development (i.e. gametocytes, microgamete, ookinete, oocyst and sporozoite) of Plasmodium berghei. We also include critiques of the proteomes of two cell fractions from the purified ookinete, namely the micronemes and cell surface. Whereas we summarise key biological interpretations of the data, we also try to identify key methodological constraints we have met, only some of which we were able to resolve. Recognising the need to translate the potential of current genome sequencing into functional understanding, we report our efforts to develop more powerful combinations of methods for the in silico prediction of protein function and location. We have applied this analysis to the proteome of the male gamete, a cell whose very simple structural organisation facilitated interpretation of data. Some of the in silico predictions made have now been supported by ongoing protein tagging and genetic knockout studies. We hope this discussion may assist future studies.
How Initial Prevalence Moderates Network-based Smoking Change

We use an empirically grounded simulation model to examine how initial smoking prevalence moderates the effectiveness of potential interventions designed to change adolescent smoking behavior. Our model investigates the differences that result when manipulating peer influence and smoker popularity as intervention levers. We demonstrate how a simulation-based approach allows us to estimate outcomes that arise (1) when intervention effects could plausibly alter peer influence and/or smoker popularity effects and (2) across a sample of schools that match the range of initial conditions of smoking prevalence in U.S. schools. We show how these different initial conditions combined with the exact same intervention effects can produce substantially different outcomes—for example, effects that produce smoking declines in some settings can actually increase smoking in others. We explore the form and magnitude of these differences. Our model also provides a template to evaluate the potential effects of alternative intervention scenarios.
A Case of Multifaceted Assessment in an Elderly Patient With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a common health problem worldwide, including in Japan. Unfortunately, patient outcomes remain poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. Therefore, we need to assess the precise conditions, including cardiac function, in patients with HF, particularly in the elderly. We performed a multifaceted assessment in an elderly patient with HF on admission and at discharge using eight different evaluations (the mean life expectancy using the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), the severity of dementia, nutrition, medication adherence, biomarker (the level of brain natriuretic peptide in blood), sociality, performance and comorbidity). Each parameter was scored on a 5-point scale (excellent = 5 points; good = 4 points; fair (average) = 3 points; poor = 2 points; failure = 1 point; maximum total points of 40) (Fukuoka University Heart Failure Scoring System, FUFS). An 86-year-old male patient who complained of dyspnea and lower-leg edema was admitted to our university hospital due to acute decompensated HF. After treatment, his symptoms improved, as did his cardiothoracic ratio, plural effusion and pulmonary congestion, and he exhibited compensated HF. His total score improved from 28 to 32 points, and his mean life expectancy using SHFM increased from 4.9 to 5.4 years. We evaluated the precise conditions using a multifaceted assessment strategy in an elderly patient with HF. The strategy was useful for evaluate the patient’s condition in this case.
Near-infrared observations of water-ice in OH/IR stars

A search for the near-infrared water-ice absorption band was made in a number of very red OH/IR stars which are known to exhibit the 10 μ m silicate absorption. As a by-product, accurate positions of these highly reddened objects are obtained. We derived a dust mass loss rate for each object by modelling the spectral energy distribution and the gas mass loss rate by solving the equation of motion for the dust drag wind. The derived mass loss rates show a strong correlation with the silicate optical depth as well as that of the water-ice. The stars have a high mass loss rate (${>} 10^{-4}$ $M_{\odot}$ yr -1 ) with an average gas-to-dust mass ratio of 110. In objects which show the 3.1 μ m water-ice absorption, the near-IR slope is much steeper than those with no water-ice. Comparison between our calculated mass loss rates and those derived from OH and CO observations indicates that these stars have recently increased their mass loss rates.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ( VEGF ) in Breast Cancer : Comparison of Plasma , Serum , and Tissue VEGF and Microvessel Density and Effects of Tamoxifen 1

The assessment of angiogenesis in breast cancer is of importance as a key indicator of survival and response to therapy. Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measurements may provide a less subjective analysis than microvessel density (MVD) or immunohistochemical analysis of VEGF expression; however, most studies have used serum, which is now known to largely reflect platelet-derived VEGF concentrations. This study examined for the first time both plasma (VEGFP) and serum (VEGFS) VEGF concentrations in 201 blood samples from preand postmenopausal healthy controls and from patients with benign breast disease, localized breast cancer, breast cancer in remission, or metastatic breast cancer and related these to other clinicopathological markers. VEGFP but not VEGFS concentrations of patients with localized disease were significantly elevated compared with normal controls ( P 5 0.016). Patients with metastatic disease had higher VEGF P and VEGFS levels than normal controls (P < 0.001, P 5 0.044 respectively), and higher VEGFP, but not VEGFS, than patients with benign disease (P5 0.009) and patients with localized disease (P5 0.004). However, the highest VEGFP and VEGFS concentrations were seen in patients in remission compared with normal controls (P < 0.001 andP 5 0.008, respectively). VEGFP concentrations in patients in remission were also higher than in patients with benign disease (P 5 0.01) or patients with localized disease (P 5 0.005). Tamoxifen treatment was significantly associated with higher circulating and platelet-derived VEGF levels. Circulating VEGF did not correlate with any clinicopathological factor, including MVD or VEGF expression. VEGF expression was significantly correlated with estrogen receptor status and inversely correlated with tumor grade. MVD correlated with tumor size. Tamoxifen-induced increases in VEGF may be important in clinical prognosis or associated pathologies.
On the Role of Iron and one of its Chelating Agents in the Production of Protoporphyrin IX Generated by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and its Hexyl Ester Derivative Tested on an Epidermal Equivalent of Human Skin

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or its derivatives as precursors of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is routinely used in dermatology for the treatment of various pathologies. However, this methodology suffers to some extent from a limited efficacy. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the modulation and pharmacokinetics of PPIX buildup after a 5 h incubation with ALA (1.5 mM) and one of its derivatives, the hexyl ester of ALA (h-ALA) (1.5 mM), on the human epidermal equivalent Epidex™. PPIX production was modulated with (L+) ascorbic acid iron (II) salt (LAI) or the iron (II)-specific chelating agent deferoxamine (DFO). PPIX fluorescence from the Epidex™ layers was measured up to 150 h after the precursor administration using a microspectrofluorometer (λex: 400 ± 20 nm; λdet: 635 nm). The maximum PPIX fluorescence intensity induced by h-ALA was about 1.7× larger than that induced by ALA. The addition of DFO resulted in a more than 50% increase in PPIX fluorescence for both precursors. The decay half life measured for PPIX fluorescence is 30 and 42.5 h, respectively, for ALA and h-ALA. These half lives are doubled when the samples contain DFO. In the samples with the highest fluorescence intensity, a modified fluorescence spectrum was observed after 10 h, with the emergence of a peak at 590 nm, which is attributed to zinc protoporphyrin IX (Zn PPIX).
Effects of organic amendments on the toxicity and bioavailability of cadmium and copper in spiked formulated sediments

We evaluated the partitioning and toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) spiked into formulated sediments containing two types of organic matter (OM), i.e., cellulose and humus. Amendments of cellulose up to 12.5% total organic carbon (TOC) did not affect partitioning of Cd or Cu between sediment and pore water and did not significantly affect the toxicity of spiked sediments in acute toxicity tests with the amphipod Hyalella azteca. In contrast, amendments of natural humus shifted the partitioning of both Cd and Cu toward greater concentrations in sediment and lesser concentrations in pore water and significantly reduced toxic effects of both metals. Thresholds for toxicity, based on measured metal concentrations in whole sediment, were greater for both Cd and Cu in sediments amended with a low level of humus (2.9% TOC) than in sediments without added OM. Amendments with a high level of humus (8.9% TOC) eliminated toxicity at the highest spike concentrations of both metals (sediment concentrations of 12.4 μg Cd/g and 493 μg Cu/g). Concentrations of Cd in pore water associated with acute toxicity were similar between sediments with and without humus amendments, suggesting that toxicity of Cd was reduced primarily by sorption to sediment OM. However, toxic effects of Cu in humus treatments were associated with greater pore‐water concentrations than in controls, suggesting that toxicity of Cu was reduced both by sorption and by complexation with soluble ligands. Both sorption and complexation by OM tend to make proposed sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) based on total metal concentrations more protective for high‐OM sediments. Our results suggest that the predictive ability of SQGs could be improved by models of metal interactions with natural OM in sediment and pore water.
Ideal distortion-free transmission using optical Fourier transformation and Fourier transform-limited optical pulses

A new scheme for undistorted ideal pulse transmission is proposed that uses optical Fourier transformation (OFT) and transform-limited (TL) pulses. The technique focuses on the unchanged spectrum of the Fourier TL pulse after transmission, and at the output we convert the unchanged spectrum to the time domain using OFT. The transformed waveform in the time domain has no distortion. To show the effectiveness of this technique, we undertook a third-order dispersion elimination experiment. The results agree well with the theory.
Influence of inoculant and/or SiC addition on characteristics of grey cast iron

Abstract The influence of inoculant additions on the cooling curve characteristics, microstructure and chill depth of hypoeutectic grey cast iron melts treated with FeSi or SiC as silicon carriers has been investigated. The effect of SiC content, when used simultaneously with FeSi as a silicon carrier, on the solidification behaviour of melts with an identical carbon equivalent has also been studied. It has been found that the addition of SiC instead of FeSi as a silicon carrier resulted in variations in the thermal analysis characteristics and microstructure together with decreasing chill depth. These effects were more pronounced for inoculated melts. It was also observed that the maximum amount of A-type graphite, the finest microstructure and the minimum chill depth were obtained with 1.6–2.0 wt-%SiC additions, for grey cast iron melts (treated with SiC and FeSi) having carbon equivalents of 4.2%.
How to choose the therapeutic goals to improve tissue perfusion in septic shock

The early recognition and treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock is the key to a successful outcome. The longer the delay in starting treatment, the worse the prognosis due to persistent tissue hypoperfusion and consequent development and worsening of organ dysfunction. One of the main mechanisms responsible for the development of cellular dysfunction is tissue hypoxia. The adjustments necessary for adequate tissue blood flow and therefore of oxygen supply to metabolic demand according to the assessment of the cardiac index and oxygen extraction rate should be performed during resuscitation period, especially in high complexity patients. New technologies, easily handled at the bedside, and new studies that directly assess the impact of macro-hemodynamic parameter optimization on microcirculation and in the clinical outcome of septic patients, are needed.
Diagnostic tools in ocular allergy

Ocular allergy (OA) includes a group of common and less frequent hypersensitivity disorders frequently misdiagnosed and not properly managed. The diagnosis of OA is usually based on clinical history and signs and symptoms, with the support of in vivo and in vitro tests when identification of the specific allergen is required. To date, no specific test is available for the diagnosis of the whole spectrum of the different forms of OA. The lack of recommendations on diagnosis of OA is considered a medical need not only for allergists but also for ophthalmologists. This position paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available tools for diagnosing OA to promote a common nomenclature and procedures to be used by different specialists. Questionnaires, sign and symptom grading scales, tests, and potential biomarkers for OA are reviewed. We also identified several unmet needs in the diagnostic tools to generate interest, increase understanding, and inspire further investigations. Tools, recommendations, and algorithms for the diagnosis of OA are proposed for use by both allergists and ophthalmologists. Several unmet needs in the diagnostic tools should be further improved by specific clinical research in OA.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Two Mitochondrial Genomes from Family Pompilidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) Reveal Novel Patterns of Gene Arrangement

Animal mitochondrial genomes have provided large and diverse datasets for evolutionary studies. Here, the first two representative mitochondrial genomes from the family Pompilidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) were determined using next-generation sequencing. The sequenced region of these two mitochondrial genomes from the species Auplopus sp. and Agenioideus sp. was 16,746 bp long with an A + T content of 83.12% and 16,596 bp long with an A + T content of 78.64%, respectively. In both species, all of the 37 typical mitochondrial genes were determined. The secondary structure of tRNA genes and rRNA genes were predicted and compared with those of other insects. Atypical trnS1 using abnormal anticodons TCT and lacking D-stem pairings was identified. There were 49 helices belonging to six domains in rrnL and 30 helices belonging to three domains in rrns present. Compared with the ancestral organization, four and two tRNA genes were rearranged in mitochondrial genomes of Auplopus and Agenioideus, respectively. In both species, trnM was shuffled upstream of the trnI-trnQ-trnM cluster, and trnA was translocated from the cluster trnA-trnR-trnN-trnS1-trnE-trnF to the region between nad1 and trnL1, which is novel to the Vespoidea. In Auplopus, the tRNA cluster trnW-trnC-trnY was shuffled to trnW-trnY-trnC. Phylogenetic analysis within Vespoidea revealed that Pompilidae and Mutillidae formed a sister lineage, and then sistered Formicidae. The genomes presented in this study have enriched the knowledge base of molecular markers, which is valuable in respect to studies about the gene rearrangement mechanism, genomic evolutionary processes and phylogeny of Hymenoptera.
Corrosion of Alumina–Graphite Refractories at the Slag–Metal Interface

AbstractThe local corrosion of alumina-graphite refractories at the slag-metal interface was studied by immersion tests and by direct observation using a high temperature X-ray radiographic technique. Combining these investigations with microscopic studies, a mechanism for the local corrosion was developed. The mechanism is based on the cyclic dissolution of alumina and graphite into the slag and metal phase, respectively. During the dissolution of the alumina, the motion of the slag film induced by the Marangoni effect and the evolution of gas bubbles can accelerate the dissolution process.
Adrenergic intracerebroventricular stimulation affects progesterone concentration in the ovarian vein of the rat: participation of the superior ovarian nerve.

The present study investigates the acute consequences of central adrenergic stimulation on the release of steroids from the ovary. The influence of the superior ovarian nerve (SON) and the relationship between the neural effect and peripheral LH levels were also examined. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 5 microg epinephrine in SON-intact rats on day 1 of dioestrus (D1) increased progesterone levels in ovarian vein blood from 7 to 21 min after injection but the same injection in SON-intact rats on day 2 of dioestrus (D2) decreased progesterone levels in ovarian vein blood from 1 to 25 min. A smaller dose (0.5 microg) of epinephrine injected i.c. v. in SON-intact rats produced a decrease in progesterone levels in ovarian vein blood of shorter duration. In SON-transected (SONt) animals, 0.5 microg epinephrine i.c. v. caused a smaller decrease in progesterone levels compared with SON-intact rats (P<0.05). On the other hand, in SON-intact rats on D2, the i.c. v. injection of 0.5 microg epinephrine did not modify the peripheral LH levels during 25 min, but 5 microg epinephrine injected i.c. v. raised the peripheral LH level from the third minute after injection (P<0.05). Oestradiol levels in the ovarian vein blood did not change after epinephrine i.c. v. injection in rats on D2. To avoid any humoral influence, SONt and SON-intact rats on D2 were injected i.c. v. with 5 microg epinephrine or with vehicle, and 5 min later the ovaries were incubated in vitro with or without LH. Under these conditions, it was demonstrated that the previous injection of epinephrine in SON-intact rats resulted in a diminished release of progesterone from ovaries incubated with or without LH. These results suggest that a central adrenergic stimulus increases progesterone release from the ovary on D1 and decreases it on D2. Also, this neural input would arrive at the ovary through the SON, and would condition the ovarian response to LH on D2. Ovarian progesterone changes could be attributed to signals coming from ganglionar neurons, which are affected by the central adrenergic stimulation.
The contribution of intrapulmonary shunts to the alveolar‐to‐arterial oxygen difference during exercise is very small

Exercise is well known to cause arterial to fall and the alveolar–arterial difference (Aa ) to increase. Until recently, the physiological basis for this was considered to be mostly ventilation/perfusion / inequality and alveolar–capillary diffusion limitation. Recently, arterio‐venous shunting through dilated pulmonary blood vessels has been proposed to explain a significant part of the Aa during exercise. To test this hypothesis we determined venous admixture during 5 min of near‐maximal, constant‐load, exercise in hypoxia (in inspired O2 fraction, , 0.13), normoxia (, 0.21) and hyperoxia (, 1.0) undertaken in balanced order on the same day in seven fit cyclists (, 61.3 ± 2.4 ml kg−1 min−1; mean ±s.e.m.). Venous admixture reflects three causes of hypoxaemia combined: true shunt, diffusion limitation and / inequality. In hypoxia, venous admixture was 22.8 ± 2.5% of the cardiac output; in normoxia it was 3.5 ± 0.5%; in hyperoxia it was 0.5 ± 0.2%. Since only true shunt accounts for venous admixture while breathing 100% O2, the present study suggests that shunt accounts for only a very small portion of the observed venous admixture, Aa and hypoxaemia during heavy exercise.