Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Interstitial Stress in Lymphatic Function and Lymphangiogenesis

Abstract: The management and control of tissue fluid balance depends on the highly regulated orchestration of various interstitial factors. In particular, lymphatic function, lymphatic biology, and development (lymphangiogenesis), and the extracellular matrix all contribute to interstitial fluid balance. In light of the dynamic interdependence of these factors, our lab has been working towards establishing a mechanical‐molecular picture of the process of lymphangiogenesis—that is, bridging the physiological context of lymphangiogenesis with its molecular regulation by studying the coordination of mechanical forces, ECM development, lymphatic biology, and lymphatic capillary organization and development. Our working hypothesis is that the physiological driving force for lymphangiogenesis is the need for organized interstitial fluid flow. This paper will outline the rationale and background for such an approach and highlight some of the recently published findings of our lab and others that support this concept.
The Intonation of Givenness: Evidence from German

This book addresses students and researchers of phonetics/phonology, and the semantics and pragmatics of discourse. It employs an autosegmental-metrical model of intonation to investigate the marking of aspects of information structure, concentrating on the Given-New dimension. The empirical evidence provided here is based on German. It shows that the dichotomy of 'accented' versus 'uncaccented' corresponding to 'New' versus 'Given' information is inadequate. In fact, there is evidence that a range of pitch accent types can be mapped onto the gradient scale of Givenness degrees, with the pitch height on the accented syllable being the determining factor.
FIR Beamforming for Frequency-Selective Channels with Linear Equalization

In this letter, we consider transmit beamforming with finite impulse response (FIR) filters for frequency-selective channels and simple linear equalization at the receiver. Since a closed-form solution for the optimum FIR beamforming filters (BFFs) does not seem to exist, an efficient numerical method for their recursive calculation is developed. Our numerical results show that for typical GSM/EDGE channels short FIR BFFs can closely approach the performance of the optimum infinite impulse response (IIR) BFFs derived in [1] and yield significant gains over single-antenna transmission.
Neural integrators for decision making: a favorable tradeoff between robustness and sensitivity

A key step in many perceptual decision tasks is the integration of sensory inputs over time, but a fundamental questions remain about how this is accomplished in neural circuits. One possibility is to balance decay modes of membranes and synapses with recurrent excitation. To allow integration over long timescales, however, this balance must be exceedingly precise. The need for fine tuning can be overcome via a “robust integrator” mechanism in which momentary inputs must be above a preset limit to be registered by the circuit. The degree of this limiting embodies a tradeoff between sensitivity to the input stream and robustness against parameter mistuning. Here, we analyze the consequences of this tradeoff for decision-making performance. For concreteness, we focus on the well-studied random dot motion discrimination task and constrain stimulus parameters by experimental data. We show that mistuning feedback in an integrator circuit decreases decision performance but that the robust integrator mechanism can limit this loss. Intriguingly, even for perfectly tuned circuits with no immediate need for a robustness mechanism, including one often does not impose a substantial penalty for decision-making performance. The implication is that robust integrators may be well suited to subserve the basic function of evidence integration in many cognitive tasks. We develop these ideas using simulations of coupled neural units and the mathematics of sequential analysis.
Quantifying the size-dependent effect of the residual surface stress on the resonant frequencies of silicon nanowires if finite deformation kinematics are considered

There are two major objectives to the present work. The first objective is to demonstrate that, in contrast to predictions from linear surface elastic theory, when nonlinear, finite deformation kinematics are considered, the residual surface stress does impact the resonant frequencies of silicon nanowires. The second objective of this work is to delineate, as a function of nanowire size, the relative contributions of both the residual (strain-independent) and the surface elastic (strain-dependent) parts of the surface stress to the nanowire resonant frequencies. Both goals are accomplished by using the recently developed surface Cauchy–Born model, which accounts for nanoscale surface stresses through a nonlinear, finite deformation continuum mechanics model that leads to the solution of a standard finite element eigenvalue problem for the nanowire resonant frequencies. In addition to demonstrating that the residual surface stress does impact the resonant frequencies of silicon nanowires, we further show that there is a strong size dependence to its effect; in particular, we find that consideration of the residual surface stress alone leads to significant errors in predictions of the nanowire resonant frequency, with an increase in error with decreasing nanowire size. Correspondingly, the strain-dependent part of the surface stress is found to have an increasingly important effect on the resonant frequencies of the nanowires with decreasing nanowire size.
Fractal correlation properties of R-R interval dynamics and mortality in patients with depressed left ventricular function after an acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND Preliminary data suggest that the analysis of R-R interval variability by fractal analysis methods may provide clinically useful information on patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to compare the prognostic power of new fractal and traditional measures of R-R interval variability as predictors of death after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS Time and frequency domain heart rate (HR) variability measures, along with short- and long-term correlation (fractal) properties of R-R intervals (exponents alpha(1) and alpha(2)) and power-law scaling of the power spectra (exponent beta), were assessed from 24-hour Holter recordings in 446 survivors of acute myocardial infarction with a depressed left ventricular function (ejection fraction </=35%). During a mean+/-SD follow-up period of 685+/-360 days, 114 patients died (25.6%), with 75 deaths classified as arrhythmic (17.0%) and 28 as nonarrhythmic (6.3%) cardiac deaths. Several traditional and fractal measures of R-R interval variability were significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. Reduced short-term scaling exponent alpha(1) was the most powerful R-R interval variability measure as a predictor of all-cause mortality (alpha(1) <0.75, relative risk 3.0, 95% confidence interval 2.5 to 4.2, P<0.001). It remained an independent predictor of death (P<0.001) after adjustment for other postinfarction risk markers, such as age, ejection fraction, NYHA class, and medication. Reduced alpha(1) predicted both arrhythmic death (P<0.001) and nonarrhythmic cardiac death (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the fractal characteristics of short-term R-R interval dynamics yields more powerful prognostic information than the traditional measures of HR variability among patients with depressed left ventricular function after an acute myocardial infarction.
Optimal Sensor Arrangements in Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Range Based Localization with Linear Sensor Arrays

This paper investigates the linear separation requirements for Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) and range sensors, in order to achieve the optimal performance in estimating the position of a target from multiple and typically noisy sensor measurements. We analyse the sensor-target geometry in terms of the Cramer–Rao inequality and the corresponding Fisher information matrix, in order to characterize localization performance with respect to the linear spatial distribution of sensors. Here in this paper, we consider both fixed and adjustable linear sensor arrays.
Experimental Characterization and Correlation Analysis of Indoor Channels at 15 GHz

The indoor radio channels at 15 GHz are investigated based on measurements. The large- and small-scale fading behaviors as well as the delay dispersion characteristics are discussed. It is found that the large-scale fading, Ricean -factor, and delay spread can be described by log-normal distributions. Furthermore, both autocorrelation and cross correlation properties of the above parameters are analyzed and modeled. These parameters characterize fading and delay behaviors as well as their mutual dependency and can be used as empirical values for future wireless system design and simulation in 15 GHz short-range indoor channels.
A comparison of arterial lines and insertion techniques in critically ill patients

We compared three arterial line insertion techniques and two types of arterial catheters in 69 critically ill patients. Use of the direct‐puncture technique (method A) was associated with a significantly higher failure rate (23%) than use of a catheter with a separate guide wire (method B,‘classical’Seldinger technique, p < 0.001) or a catheter with an integral guide wire (method C,‘modified’Seldinger technique, p < 0.02). Operators randomly allocated to using method A took significantly longer to perform the procedure than those using method C (p < 0.01), used significantly more catheters (p < 0.0001) and made significantly more punctures in achieving a successful insertion than those using either methods B (p < 0.001) or C (p < 0.001). Both catheter types B and C (polyurethane) were significantly less likely to block, thus requiring re‐insertion, than catheter type A (Teflon) (p < 0.02, p < 00 01 respectively). We recommend the use of a‘classical’Seldinger technique (method B) for arterial line insertion in critically ill patients and the use of a polyurethane catheter, in preference to Teflon, to maximise catheter life after insertion.
Current situation of donation after circulatory death in European countries

The aim of the present study was to describe the current situation of donation after circulatory death (DCD) in the Council of Europe, through a dedicated survey. Of 27 participating countries, only 10 confirmed any DCD activity, the highest one being described in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (mainly controlled) and France and Spain (mainly uncontrolled). During 2000–2009, as DCD increased, donation after brain death (DBD) decreased about 20% in the three countries with a predominant controlled DCD activity, while DBD had increased in the majority of European countries. The number of organs recovered and transplanted per DCD increased along time, although it remained substantially lower compared with DBD. During 2000–2008, 5004 organs were transplanted from DCD (4261 kidneys, 505 livers, 157 lungs and 81 pancreas). Short‐term outcomes of 2343 kidney recipients from controlled versus 649 from uncontrolled DCD were analyzed: primary non function occurred in 5% vs. 6.4% (P = NS) and delayed graft function in 50.2% vs. 75.7% (P < 0.001). In spite of this, 1 year graft survival was 85.9% vs. 88.9% (P = 0.04), respectively. DCD is increasingly accepted in Europe but still limited to a few countries. Controlled DCD might negatively impact DBD activity. The degree of utilization of DCD is lower compared with DBD. Short‐term results of DCD are promising with differences between kidney recipients transplanted from controlled versus uncontrolled DCD, an observation to be further analyzed.
Teaching robots by moulding behavior and scaffolding the environment

Programming robots to carry out useful tasks is both a complex and non-trivial exercise. A simple and intuitive method to allow humans to train and shape robot behaviour is clearly a key goal in making this task easier. This paper describes an approach to this problem based on studies of social animals where two teaching strategies are applied to allow a human teacher to train a robot by moulding its actions within a carefully scaffolded environment. Within these enviroments sets of competences can be built by building stateslash action memory maps of the robot's interaction within that environment. These memory maps are then polled using a k-nearest neighbour based algorithm to provide a generalised competence. We take a novel approach in building the memory models by allowing the human teacher to construct them in a hierarchical manner. This mechanism allows a human trainer to build and extend an action-selection mechanism into which new skills can be added to the robot's repertoire of existing competencies. These techniques are implemented on physical Khepera miniature robots and validated on a variety of tasks.
Dynamics of polyploid formation and establishment in the allotetraploid rock fern Asplenium majoricum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Successful establishment of newly formed polyploid species depends on several interlinked genetic and ecological factors. These include genetic diversity within and among individuals, chromosome behaviour and fertility, novel phenotypes resulting from novel genomic make-up and expression, intercytotypic and interspecific competition, and adaptation to distinct habitats. The allotetraploid rock fern Asplenium majoricum is known from one small population in Valencia, Spain, and several larger populations on the Balearic island of Majorca. In Valencia, it occurs sympatrically with its diploid parents, A. fontanum subsp. fontanum and A. petrarchae subsp. bivalens, and their diploid hybrid A. × protomajoricum. This highly unusual situation allowed the study of polyploid genetic diversity and its relationship to the formation and establishment of nascent polyploid lineages. METHODS Genetic variation for isozyme and chloroplast DNA markers was determined for A. majoricum and A. × protomajoricum sampled thoroughly from known sites in Majorca and Valencia. Results were compared with variation determined previously for the diploid parent taxa. KEY RESULTS A highly dynamic system with recurring diploid hybrid and allotetraploid formation was discovered. High diversity in the small Valencian A. majoricum population indicates multiple de novo origins from diverse parental genotypes, but most of these lineages become extinct without becoming established. The populations on Majorca most probably represent colonization(s) from Valencia rather than an in situ origin. Low genetic diversity suggests that this colonization may have occurred only once. CONCLUSIONS There is a striking contrast in success of establishment of the Majorcan and Valencian populations of A. majoricum. Chance founding of populations in a habitat where neither A. fontanum subsp. fontanum nor A. petrarchae subsp. bivalens occurs appears to have been a key factor enabling the establishment of A. majoricum on Majorca. Successful establishment of this polyploid is probably dependent on geographic isolation from diploid progenitor competition.
Detection of Cryptosporidium infection by modified ziehl-neelsen and PCR methods in children with diarrheal samples in pediatric hospitals in Tehran

Aim The aim of this study is evaluation of molecular assay and the standard staining method. Background Cryptosporidium is a protozoon from coccidian subclass, which is one of the most important causes of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised individuals around the world. Diagnosis and treatment are necessary for mentioned cases. Usual diagnostic method for this parasite is fecal smear preparation, modified ziehl-neelsen staining, microscopic consideration and oocyst observation. Patients and methods A totally of 2510 stool samples collected from children with diarrhea of 4 pediatric hospitals. Direct smears prepared from fresh fecal samples and from the sediment of formalin-ether method of the same samples. The smears stained with modified ziehl-neelsen method then considered with microscope. The 30 positive samples with staining method considered with DNA extraction and PCR method for cryptosporidiosis infection determination and sensitivity evaluation. 114 random negative samples considered with DNA extraction and PCR method for cryptosporidiosis infection diagnosis and specificity evaluation. Results 30 positive cases from 2510 fecal samples detected by modified ziehl-neelsen staining and PCR method. We did not have any false positive cases by staining method but 2 cases of negative samples by staining method were positive by PCR technique, which informed us of 2 false negative. The positive samples sequenced for reconfirmation. Conclusion Thus, sensitivity of staining method was computed to be 94% and specificity was 100% but sensitivity and specificity of PCR method was calculated to be 100%.
Team Loving and Loathing: Emotional Determinants of Consumption in Collegiate Football

The popularity of collegiate football in America is unprecedented. The fan frenzy surrounding teams, games, and the sport itself, is borderline barmy. Aptly described as the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, fan emotions in college football are rampant; yet, research exploring such hedonic-related consumption is scant. To help close this gap, two studies, grounded in Mehrabian & Russell’s (1974) pleasure, arousal, and dominance (PAD) typology of emotions, were developed to help explain collegiate football sport consumption for loved and loathed teams. Study 1 examined PAD emotional determinants of fans’ purchase intentions and willingness to attend games of their favorite team. The findings indicated that the emotional dimension of arousal related positively with fans’ apparel and memorabilia purchase intentions and willingness to attend games; also, the pleasure and dominance emotional dimensions related positively to purchase intentions of apparel and memorabilia, respectively. Study 2 explored.
Enteral stents: from esophagus to colon

Enteral stents are increasingly being used in the management of GI luminal obstruction. Initially developed as a nonsurgical treatment for palliation of esophageal cancer, enteral stents now have an emerging role in the management of benign conditions as well as in other segments of the GI tract. Although formal training is limited, fellows should become familiar with enteral stent placementd including its indications, safety, and potential adverse eventsdbecause enteral stents may provide a critical yet often overlooked therapeutic option for our patients. In this month’s Fellows’ Corner, Drs Rajan Kochar and Nimeesh Shah from the Stanford University School of Medicine review the use of enteral stents and provide tips for successful stent placement.
Effect of losartan and benzbromarone on the level of human urate transporter 1 mRNA

Abstract Both an angiotensin II receptor blocker, losartan (CAS 124750-99-8) and a serum urate lowering agent, benzbromarone (CAS 3562-84-3) exert a uricosuric action by inhibiting urate transporter 1 (URAT1). A recent clinical trial indicated that losartan could reduce the level of serum urate in hypertensive patients treated with urate lowering agents, suggesting the different mode of action of losartan from benzbromarone. In the present study, the effect of losartan and benzbromarone on the level of URAT1 mRNA was determined in transfected HEK293 cells. Losartan caused a significant reduction of its mRNA level, whereas it was not affected by benzbromarone. These results indicate that losartan decreases the level of human URAT1 mRNA, which may underlie the uricosuric action of losartan in hypertensive patients treated with serum urate lowering agents.
Trauma in the elderly patients in Bursa.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology and clinical features of the trauma in elderly patients, to investigate the factors influencing mortality and morbidity and to make a contribution to the national trauma data. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the medical records of three hundred seventy-one trauma patients (231 males (62,3%); 140 females (37,7%); mean age 71,9), aged 65 and older presenting to our hospital. Patients' census data, diagnosis, dispositions, prognosis, trauma scores (GCS (Glasgow Coma Score), RTS (Adult Trauma Score), ISS (Injury Severity Score)), sites of injury were analyzed. RESULTS During the study period 187.326 patients were admitted to our emergency department (ED). A total of 9.520 patients were trauma patients. There were 371 patients 65 years and older. Mean GCS, mean RTS and mean ISS were 13,6, 11,3, and 9,3 respectively. A total of 213 patients were hospitalized. Mean length of stay was 7,9 days. Sixty-six patients were discharged from the ED. Mortality rate was 10,2% (38/371). The mechanism of injury, injury severity, increasing age were predictors of mortality (p<0.001). Major injuries included head trauma (36,4%), extremity trauma (36,4%), and thoracic trauma (18%). Head trauma and abdominal trauma were significantly more frequent in the nonsurvivors (p<0.001 and p=0.02 respectively). CONCLUSION Injury severity and increasing age were the predictors of mortality. Also pedestrian- vehicle collision patients were high mortality rate than the other trauma mechanisms. The most common injured organs were head and extremities.
Investigation of an ion-ion hybrid Alfven wave resonator

A theoretical and experimental investigation is made of a wave resonator based on the concept of wave reflection along the confinement magnetic field at a spatial location where the wave frequency matches the local value of the ion-ion hybrid frequency. Such a situation can be realized by shear Alfven waves in a magnetized plasma with two ion species because this mode has zero parallel group velocity and experiences a cut-off at the ion-ion hybrid frequency. Since the ion-ion hybrid frequency is proportional to the magnetic field, it is expected that a magnetic well configuration in a two-ion plasma can result in an Alfven wave resonator. Such a concept has been proposed in various space plasma studies and could have relevance to mirror and tokamak fusion devices. This study demonstrates such a resonator in a controlled laboratory experiment using a H+-He+ mixture. The resonator response is investigated by launching monochromatic waves and impulses from a magnetic loop antenna. The observed frequency spec.
Misperceptions of Social Rejection: A Closer Examination of Inter-rater Discrepancies

Previous research suggests that discrepant ratings of symptoms, behaviors, and competencies may have important implications for childhood adjustment. Consequently, several theoretical explanations regarding the meanings and implications of inter-rater discrepancies have been proposed. The current study examined several largely unexplored issues regarding the statistical and conceptual properties of discrepant ratings; these include heterogeneity of agreement, shared method variance, and direction-specific effects. In a sample of 384 seventh and eighth-grade adolescents, it was found that each of the issues is integral in the interpretation of significant relationships between discrepant ratings of social rejection and childhood adjustment variables. More specifically, results demonstrated that the influence of shared method variance appears to be largely related to heterogeneity of agreement, and that accounting for shared method variance can increase, decrease, or even change the direction of the relationship between discrepancy scores and other variables. Also, results showed that the magnitude of discrepancies can be unrelated, equally related, or differentially related to the adjustment variables for the different forms of bias. Altogether, the findings of this study have implications for the theoretical conceptualization and statistical analysis of inter-rater discrepancy scores.