Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Valsartan addition to amlodipine is more effective than losartan addition in hypertensive patients inadequately controlled by amlodipine

Introduction: This study evaluated the effects on blood pressure (BP) of valsartan 160 mg or losartan 100 mg addition to amlodipine 5 mg in hypertensive patients. Methods: 221 patients with inadequately controlled BP (DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) after 4 weeks of treatment with amlodipine 5 mg were randomized to receive losartan/amlodipine combination therapy or valsartan/amlodipine combination therapy for 4 weeks in a cross-over study design. At the end of the wash-out period and of each treatment period, clinic and ambulatory BP measurements were recorded. Results: 166 patients completed the study. Both combination treatments induced a greater ambulatory BP reduction than did monotherapy. However, the further mean reductions in BP versus monotherapy were significantly greater with the valsartan/amlodipine combination (SBP/DBP: −7.9 ± 3.4/−6.5 ± 2.6 mmHg for 24-hour, −8.0 ± 3.4/−6.6 ± 2.7 mmHg for daytime; −7.7 ± 3.3/−6.4 ± 2.7 mmHg for nighttime) than with the losartan/amlodipine combination (SBP/DBP: −5.5 ± 2.8/−4.2 ± 2.1 mmHg for 24-hour, −5.7 ± 2.9/−4.4 ± 2.2 mmHg for daytime; −4.8 ± 2.8/−3.7 ± 2.2 mmHg for nighttime; P < 0.01 vs valsartan/amlodipine). The incidence of adverse events with valsartan/amlodipine (8%) and losartan/amlodipine (9%) was lower than that observed with amlodipine monotherapy (17%; P < 0.05 vs combinations). Conclusion: Valsartan 160 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg produced greater BP reductions than losartan 100 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg.
Distortion of Outcome and Probability Information in Risky Decisions

Manuscript under review. Please do not quote without permission. Information Distortion in Risky Decisions 2 Manuscript under review. Please do not quote without permission. ABSTRACT—Substantial evidence indicates that information is distorted during decision making. However, no studies have assessed the distortion of outcome and probability information in risky decisions or the effects of ambiguity on information distortion. We report two studies involving six binary decisions (e.g., banning blood donations from people who have visited England, because of " mad cow disease "). In Study 1, participants distorted their evaluations of outcome and probability information in the direction of their preferred decision alternative and used these biased evaluations to update their preferences. Participants also evaluated the utilities of possible outcomes more positively when the outcomes could follow only from the preferred alternative and more negatively when they could follow only from the competing alternative. In Study 2, we manipulated ambiguity by describing outcomes and probabilities using either point estimates or ranges of values. Results replicated those of Study 1, with no effects of ambiguity on information distortion. Information Distortion in Risky Decisions 3 Manuscript under review. Please do not quote without permission. A central premise of normative decision making is that choices should be made on the basis of Winterfeldt & Edwards, 1986). Depending on the context, such information may consist of product attributes, legal evidence, medical symptoms, or the behavior of others in social or professional settings. In risky decisions, relevant information includes descriptions of possible outcomes and the probabilities of those outcomes. Although these considerations do inform many decisions, there is substantial evidence that inferences also operate in the opposite direction. Specifically, when one decision alternative is favored over another, information is often evaluated as being more consistent with the preferred option than is warranted. Such information distortion or bidirectional reasoning has been They are also consistent with research on the affect heuristic, which indicates that people's early affective reactions to hazards and other stimuli influence related judgments and decisions judgments of the risks and benefits associated with hazards appears to be mediated by initial affective reactions (Finucane et al., 2000). The above studies provide convincing evidence for the distortion of attribute information and evidence, but the possible distortion of outcome and probability information in risky decisions has been largely overlooked. Bond et al. (2005) reported one study involving a hypothetical gamble, in which participants' evaluations of the low …
Secure computations on non-integer values

In this paper we present for the first time a framework that allows secure two-party computations on approximations of real valued signals. In our solution, we use a quantized logarithmic representation of the signal samples, which enables to represent both very small and very large numbers with bounded relative error. We show that numbers represented in this way can be encrypted using standard homomorphic encryption schemes; furthermore we give protocols that allow to perform all arithmetic operations on such encrypted values. Finally we demonstrate the practicality of our framework by applying it to the problem of filtering encrypted signals.
Facile synthesis of budding yeast a‐factor and its use to synchronize cells of α mating type

The ease with which populations of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be synchronized using the mating pheromone α‐factor has been invaluable for studies of the cell cycle. The α‐factor response pathway has also remained an important model to study the molecular mechanism of G‐protein coupled receptor signalling. α‐Factor is a 13 amino acids long peptide that is readily available by automated peptide synthesis. However, only cells of the a mating type respond to α‐factor. Cells of the opposite α mating type respond to a‐factor, a farnesylated and C‐terminally methylated 12 amino acids peptide. Because of its more difficult chemical synthesis, a‐factor is not readily available and consequently the a‐factor response is less well understood. Here we describe an improved strategy for producing a‐factor, based on solid‐phase peptide synthesis, followed by two simple steps in solution that show favourable characteristics and good yield. We demonstrate the successful use of the resulting a‐factor to synchronize cell cycle progression of α cells. Notably, the a‐factor concentrations required for cell synchronization are an order of magnitude lower than typically used α‐factor concentrations. Despite a similar cell cycle response, shmoo formation was less pronounced compared to α‐factor‐treated a cells. Our protocol makes a‐factor widely accessible, extending the ease of cell cycle synchronization to budding yeast cells of both mating types and facilitating the study of a‐factor signalling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intermittent Capture of the Left Bundle With Permanent His Bundle Pacing: Mechanistic Insights and Implications for an Emerging Field

We present a case of a patient with elevated His lead capture thresholds and intermittent recruitment of the left bundle. The patient underwent a noninvasive electrophysiology study and was determined to have a left bundle branch block due to postrepolarization refractoriness. The nature of bundle branch block can have important implications for optimal patient selection and device programming in the emerging field of His bundle pacing.
A Virulent Wolbachia Infection Decreases the Viability of the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti during Periods of Embryonic Quiescence

A new approach for dengue control has been proposed that relies on life-shortening strains of the obligate intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis to modify mosquito population age structure and reduce pathogen transmission. Previously we reported the stable transinfection of the major dengue vector Aedes aegypti with a life-shortening Wolbachia strain (wMelPop-CLA) from the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we report a further characterization of the phenotypic effects of this virulent Wolbachia infection on several life-history traits of Ae. aegypti. Minor costs of wMelPop-CLA infection for pre-imaginal survivorship, development and adult size were found. However, we discovered that the wMelPop-CLA infection dramatically decreased the viability of desiccated Ae. aegypti eggs over time. Similarly, the reproductive fitness of wMelPop-CLA infected Ae. aegypti females declined with age. These results reveal a general pattern associated with wMelPop-CLA induced pathogenesis in this mosquito species, where host fitness costs increase during aging of both immature and adult life-history stages. In addition to influencing the invasion dynamics of this particular Wolbachia strain, we suggest that the negative impact of wMelPop-CLA on embryonic quiescence may have applied utility as a tool to reduce mosquito population size in regions with pronounced dry seasons or in regions that experience cool winters.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: a rare interstitial lung disease

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a newly described form of interstitial lung disease that originates in the upper lung zones and typically progresses to involve the entire lung. The disease may be idiopathic but is often associated with other pre‐ or coexisting conditions. Pneumothorax is a common complication and can occur at presentation or at other times during the course of the disease. Pathologically, interstitial fibrosis takes the form of a dense consolidation with some preservation of alveolar septal outlines and demonstrates a distinctly abrupt interface with residual normal lung. Unrecognized cases of PPFE may be incorrectly diagnosed as sarcoidosis, atypical idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or other unclassifiable interstitial pneumonias.
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Different Thermal Insulation Strategies for a Passenger Car Diesel Engine

AbstractOne of the key technologies for the improvement of the diesel engine thermal efficiency is the reduction of the engine heat transfer through the thermal insulation of the combustion chamber. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the effects of the combustion chamber insulation on the heat transfer, thermal efficiency and exhaust temperatures of a 1.6 l passenger car, turbo-charged diesel engine. First, the complete insulation of the engine components, like pistons, liner, firedeck and valves, has been simulated. This analysis has showed that the piston is the component with the greatest potential for the in-cylinder heat transfer reduction and for Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) reduction, followed by firedeck, liner and valves. Afterwards, the study has been focused on the impact of different piston Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) on heat transfer, performance and wall temperatures. This analysis has been performed using a 1-D engine simulation code coupled with a lumped mass thermal model, representing the engine structure. A time-periodic wall conduction model has been used to calculate the wall temperature swings along the combustion chamber surface and within the engine cycle. Two different TBC materials, Yttria-Partially Stabilized Zirconia (Y-PSZ) and anodized aluminum, and different layer thicknesses have been simulated.
Pathogenesis of Experimental Hypertension Produced by Carotid Sinus Area Constriction in Dogs

Bilateral constriction of the carotid sinus area, the immediate arterial branches of the sinus, or (perhaps) the vertebral arteries, and bilateral resection of the carotid sinus produces a significant, persistent hypertension in dogs, the highest levels occurring in the carotid sinus area constricted dogs. Pathogenesis is still unsettled.
Transcranial Doppler Evaluation of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Migraineurs During Prophylactic Treatment with Flunarizine

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) recording was used to evaluate the mean flow velocity (MFV) and cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 in 21 migraineurs during the interictal phase. Nine were affected by migraine with aura (MwA) and 12 by migraine without aura (MwoA). During each session the middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow velocity was examined in basal conditions, in hypocapnia after a 3-min period of hyperventilation, in basal conditions a second time, and in hypercapnia after breath-holding. The same procedure was followed in a group of 21 age-and sex-matched volunteers. Recordings were performed before (T1), during (T2), and after (T3) prophylactic treatment with flunarizine (10 mg/day for 2 months) to assess the possible effect of this drug on cerebral hemodynamics. In basal condition, increased MFV values were found in both MwA and MwoA patients. In MwA patients the reactivity index (RI) to hypocapnia was significantly increased in T1 (p < 0.05). This abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity disappeared during flunarizine treatment (T2) and in the post-therapy period (T3).
Decreased plasma adiponectin is associated with impaired left ventricular longitudinal systolic function in hypertensive patients: a two-dimensional speckle tracking study

Abstract The influence of plasma adiponectin levels on myocardial contractile function has not been fully examined. We aimed to investigate the relationship between three-directional systolic function and plasma adiponectin levels in asymptomatic hypertensive patients using two- dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The study population consisted of 78 patients with hypertension and 40 healthy controls. Longitudinal strain was significantly reduced in all patients, including those without LV hypertrophy (p = 0.009). In multiple-regression analysis, plasma adiponectin levels (β = −0.273, p = 0.008) and LV mass index (β = 0.458, p < 0.001) independently correlated with LV longitudinal strain. Decreased plasma adiponectin concentrations were associated with the progression of LV hypertrophy with impaired LV longitudinal systolic function.
SEG-SSC: A Framework Based on Synthetic Examples Generation for Self-Labeled Semi-Supervised Classification

Self-labeled techniques are semi-supervised classification methods that address the shortage of labeled examples via a self-learning process based on supervised models. They progressively classify unlabeled data and use them to modify the hypothesis learned from labeled samples. Most relevant proposals are currently inspired by boosting schemes to iteratively enlarge the labeled set. Despite their effectiveness, these methods are constrained by the number of labeled examples and their distribution, which in many cases is sparse and scattered. The aim of this paper is to design a framework, named synthetic examples generation for self-labeled semi-supervised classification, to improve the classification performance of any given self-labeled method by using synthetic labeled data. These are generated via an oversampling technique and a positioning adjustment model that use both labeled and unlabeled examples as reference. Next, these examples are incorporated in the main stages of the self-labeling process. The principal aspects of the proposed framework are: 1) introducing diversity to the multiple classifiers used by using more (new) labeled data; 2) fulfilling labeled data distribution with the aid of unlabeled data; and 3) being applicable to any kind of self-labeled method. In our empirical studies, we have applied this scheme to four recent self-labeled methods, testing their capabilities with a large number of data sets. We show that this framework significantly improves the classification capabilities of self-labeled techniques.
The efficacy of Salenvac, a Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serotype Enteritidis iron-restricted bacterin vaccine, in laying chickens

The protective effect of two vaccination regimes using Salenvac, a commercially available iron-restricted Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serotype Enteritidis PT4 bacterin vaccine, was verified in laying birds. Immunization was intramuscular at 1 day old and again at 4 weeks of age (V2), or at 1 day and 4 weeks with a third dose at 18 weeks of age (V3). Challenge S . Enteritidis (5 to 7.5) × 10 7 colony forming units) was given intravenously at 8, 17, 23, 30 and 59 weeks of age. For all age groups, both vaccination regimes reduced significantly the number of tissues and faecal samples that were culture positive for the challenge strain. For laying birds, fewer eggs ( P < 0.001) were culture positive for S . Enteritidis after challenge from vaccinated laying birds (56/439 batches of eggs) than unvaccinated birds (99/252 batches). The data give compelling evidence that the vaccine is efficacious and may contribute to the reduction of layer infection and egg contamination.
Subthreshold concentrations of anti‐proteinase 3 antibodies (c‐ANCA) specifically prime human neutrophils for fMLP‐induced leukotriene synthesis and chemotaxis

Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) targeting proteinase 3 (PR3) possess a high sensitivity and specificity for Wegener's granulomatosis. Due to their capacity of directly activating neutrophils, a pathogenetic role for these autoantibodies has been proposed. We investigated the impact of subthreshold concentrations of monoclonal anti‐PR3 antibodies (anti‐PR3; 0.1 μg/mL) on neutrophil activation elicited by a secondary agent. Preincubation with anti‐PR3 resulted in a massive amplification of N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP)‐induced leukotriene (LT) generation, with a marked increase in the liberation of LTB4, LTA4, and 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5‐HETE). This priming commenced within 2.5 min, with a maximum after 5–7.5 min. Moreover, anti‐PR3 pretreatment markedly enhanced PMN movement toward fMLP. The priming effect of anti‐PR3 toward fMLP challenge was reproduced by c‐ANCA, but not by F(ab)2 fragments of the antibodies and isotype‐matched control IgG. Generation of superoxide anion and release of elastase were suppressed in anti‐PR3‐pretreated neutrophils undergoing fMLP challenge. In contrast, neutrophil activation by platelet‐activating factor (PAF) or the calcium ionophore A23187 remained unaffected. We conclude that subthreshold concentrations of anti‐PR3 antibodies selectively modify neutrophil responses to fMLP, with enhancement of leukotriene generation and chemotaxis, but suppression of respiratory burst and degranulation. Such priming might contribute to localized neutrophil accumulation together with blunted host defense in Wegener's granulomatosis.
Hamstrings Strength Imbalance in Professional Football (Soccer) Players in Australia

Abstract Ardern, CL, Pizzari, T, Wollin, MR, and Webster, KE. Hamstrings strength imbalance in professional football (soccer) players in Australia. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 997–1002, 2015—The aim of this study was to describe the isokinetic thigh muscle strength profile of professional male football players in Australia. Concentric (60° and 240°·s−1) and eccentric (30° and 120°·s−1) hamstrings and quadriceps isokinetic strength was measured with a HUMAC NORM dynamometer. The primary variables were bilateral concentric and eccentric hamstring and quadriceps peak torque ratios, concentric hamstring-quadriceps peak torque ratios, and mixed ratios (eccentric hamstring 30°·s−1 ÷ concentric quadriceps 240°·s−1). Hamstring strength imbalance was defined as deficits in any 2 of: bilateral concentric hamstring peak torque ratio <0.86, bilateral eccentric hamstring peak torque ratio <0.86, concentric hamstring-quadriceps ratio <0.47, and mixed ratio <0.80. Fifty-five strength tests involving 42 players were conducted. Ten players (24%) were identified as having hamstring strength imbalance. Athletes with strength imbalance had significantly reduced concentric and eccentric bilateral hamstring peak torque ratios at all angular velocities tested; and reduced eccentric quadriceps peak torque (30°·s−1) in their stance leg, compared with those without strength imbalance. Approximately, 1 in 4 players had preseason hamstring strength imbalance; and all strength deficits were observed in the stance leg. Concentric and eccentric hamstrings strength imbalance may impact in-season football performance and could have implications for the future risk of injury.
Biomarkers in Natural Fish Populations Indicate Adverse Biological Effects of Offshore Oil Production

Background Despite the growing awareness of the necessity of a sustainable development, the global economy continues to depend largely on the consumption of non-renewable energy resources. One such energy resource is fossil oil extracted from the seabed at offshore oil platforms. This type of oil production causes continuous environmental pollution from drilling waste, discharge of large amounts of produced water, and accidental spills. Methods and principal findings Samples from natural populations of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in two North Sea areas with extensive oil production were investigated. Exposure to and uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were demonstrated, and biomarker analyses revealed adverse biological effects, including induction of biotransformation enzymes, oxidative stress, altered fatty acid composition, and genotoxicity. Genotoxicity was reflected by a hepatic DNA adduct pattern typical for exposure to a mixture of PAHs. Control material was collected from a North Sea area without oil production and from remote Icelandic waters. The difference between the two control areas indicates significant background pollution in the North Sea. Conclusion It is most remarkable to obtain biomarker responses in natural fish populations in the open sea that are similar to the biomarker responses in fish from highly polluted areas close to a point source. Risk assessment of various threats to the marine fish populations in the North Sea, such as overfishing, global warming, and eutrophication, should also take into account the ecologically relevant impact of offshore oil production.
Using the TAP Component of the Antigen-Processing Machinery as a Molecular Adjuvant

We hypothesize that over-expression of transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP1 and TAP2), components of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen-processing pathway, enhances antigen-specific cytotoxic activity in response to viral infection. An expression system using recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) was used to over-express human TAP1 and TAP2 (VV-hTAP1,2) in normal mice. Mice coinfected with either vesicular stomatitis virus plus VV-hTAP1,2 or Sendai virus plus VV-hTAP1,2 increased cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) activity by at least 4-fold when compared to coinfections with a control vector, VV encoding the plasmid PJS-5. Coinfections with VV-hTAP1,2 increased virus-specific CTL precursors compared to control infections without VV-hTAP1,2. In an animal model of lethal viral challenge after vaccination, VV-hTAP1,2 provided protection against a lethal challenge of VV at doses 100-fold lower than control vector alone. Mechanistically, the total MHC class I antigen surface expression and the cross-presentation mechanism in spleen-derived dendritic cells was augmented by over-expression of TAP. Furthermore, VV-hTAP1,2 increases splenic TAP transport activity and endogenous antigen processing, thus rendering infected targets more susceptible to CTL recognition and subsequent killing. This is the first demonstration that over-expression of a component of the antigen-processing machinery increases endogenous antigen presentation and dendritic cell cross-presentation of exogenous antigens and may provide a novel and general approach for increasing immune responses against pathogens at low doses of vaccine inocula.