Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing non-Pb radiation shielding materials using bilayers.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to demonstrate that the weight of non-Pb radiation shielding materials can be minimized by structuring the material as a bilayer composed of different metal-powder-embedded elastomer layers. METHODS Measurements and Monte Carlo (MC) calculations were performed to study the attenuation properties of several non-Pb metal bilayers over the x-ray energy range 30-150 keV. Metals for the layers were chosen on the basis of low cost, nontoxicity, and complementary photoelectric absorption characteristics. The EGSnrc user code cavity.cpp was used to calculate the resultant x-ray fluence spectra after attenuation by these metal layers. Air kerma attenuation was measured using commercially manufactured metal/elastomer test layers. These layers were irradiated using the primary standard calibration beams at the Institute for National Measurement Standards in Ottawa, Canada utilizing the six x-ray beam qualities recommended in the German Standard DIN 6857. Both the measurements and the calculations were designed to approximate surface irradiation as well as penetrating radiation at 10 mm depth in soft tissue. The MC modeling point and the position of the measurement detector for surface irradiation were both directly against the downstream face of the attenuating material, as recommended in DIN 6857. RESULTS The low-Z upstream/high-Z downstream ordering of the metal bilayers provided substantially more attenuation than the reverse order. Optimal percentages of each metal in each bilayer were determined for each x-ray radiation beam quality. CONCLUSIONS Depending on the x-ray quality, appropriate choices of two complementary metal-embedded elastomer layers can decrease the weight of radiation shielding garments by up to 25% compared to Pb-based elastomer garments while providing equivalent attenuation.
Serum amylase measured four hours after endoscopic sphincterotomy is a reliable predictor of postprocedure pancreatitis

Objective:Acute pancreatitis is a common complication after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to detect the time when the peak of serum amylase was predictive for pancreatitis or severe hyperamylasemia, to plan a prolonged follow-up in the hospital and for outpatients.Methods:In a prospective series of 409 consecutive patients undergoing ES, serum amylase activity was measured immediately before the procedure and 2, 4, 8, and 24 h thereafter; the data obtained at 2, 4, and 8 h were compared with those at 24 h and with the outcome. Sensitivity for long-lasting severe hyperamylasemia (more than five times the upper normal limit) and pancreatitis were also defined for all sampling times.Results:At 24 h after ES, amylase was still more than five times the upper normal limit in 26 patients, 19 of whom had mild/moderate acute pancreatitis. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01 at all sampling times) between the 26 patients with 24-h severe hyperamylasemia and those with lower levels. The sensitivity of amylase measurement in detecting pancreatitis or long-lasting severe hyperamylasemia was highest at 8 h. However, the 4-h assessment appears to be a reliable predictor in practice, as more than two-thirds of cases of pancreatitis (all but one with computed tomography-confirmed pancreatitis) occurred among patients whose 4-h amylasemia was higher than five times the upper normal limit.Conclusions:Serum amylase assessment 4 h after ES minimizes the likelihood of underestimating the risk of postprocedure pancreatitis. It is therefore a reliable, cost-effective follow-up, particularly in outpatients.
Developmental Regulation of Synaptotagmin I, II, III, and IV mRNAs in the Rat CNS

Synaptotagmin I is an abundant synaptic vesicle protein that has an essential function in mediating Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release. We have analyzed the distribution of four neural synaptotagmin isoforms during postnatal development of the rat CNS by in situ hybridization. Synaptotagmin I, II, III, and IV genes have distinct patterns of spatiotemporal expression except in cerebellum granule cells, where the four transcripts were detected during the formation of parallel fiber/Purkinje cell synapses. Throughout development synaptotagmin I mRNAs were widely expressed in brain, whereas synaptotagmin II transcripts were predominant in spinal cord. At all stages synaptotagmin III mRNAs were expressed uniformly in most neurons examined, although at a low level. Synaptotagmin I, II, and III gene expressions mainly increased during development and persisted in adulthood, mirroring neuronal differentiation. Conversely, synaptotagmin IV transcripts were predominant during perinatal development in a heterogeneous population of neurons and subsequently were expressed uniformly at a low level. Intense labeling was observed in the hippocampal CA3 field and in the subiculum, but not in the CA1 field, of the newborn rat. In cerebral cortex, lamina-specific labeling was detected with a high expression in cell layer V. Only a small number of Purkinje cell clusters were labeled in the flocculus and paraflocculus of the cerebellum. Heterogeneous sets of neurons expressing synaptotagmin IV gene also were observed in spinal cord. We thus speculate that synaptotagmin IV may a play a role in the development of the mammalian nervous system.
A randomized crossover trial of a wedged insole for treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE In uncontrolled studies, a lateral-wedge insole has reduced knee pain in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of this simple, low-cost intervention for pain in patients with medial knee OA. METHODS We conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial designed to detect a small effect of treatment. Participants were at least 50 years of age and had medial joint space narrowing on posteroanterior semiflexed radiographs and scores indicating moderate pain for 2 of the 5 items on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale. Participants were randomized to receive a 5 degrees lateral-wedge insole or a neutral insole for 6 weeks. Following a 4-week washout period, participants crossed over to the other treatment for 6 weeks. Knee pain, the primary outcome, was assessed by the WOMAC pain scale (visual analog scale version). Secondary outcomes included the WOMAC disability subscale, overall knee pain, 50-feet walk time, chair-stand time, and use of medications for knee pain. RESULTS Ninety patients were randomized. The mean difference in pain between the 2 treatments was 13.8 points on the WOMAC pain scale (95% confidence interval -3.9, 31.4 [P=0.13]). We observed similar small effects for the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION The effect of treatment with a lateral-wedge insole for knee OA was neither statistically significant nor clinically important.
Living Standards Analysis Model: The First Prototype

How do we understand the synergies and trade-offs of a given policy on area beyond that policy, such as the effect of housing on health and on income? How do we choose between policies in completely different areas, such as an education policy and a health policy? Treasury’s Living Standards Framework provides one possible starting point, but it provides little assistance tracing the many dependencies between policy areas. A model that includes those dependencies could help. The Living Standards Analysis Model (LSAM) is designed to do this. A first prototype of the model has just been developed. This model includes all eleven aspects of wellbeing as described by the OECD’s How’s Life? framework and linkages between the different aspects for a small open economy. Most models for studying wellbeing only include one or two aspects, missing the rich set of interactions that can occur with greater coverage. As an early prototype, this version of the model does have many flaws and requires significant further development, but it forms a basis for creating an improved model as well as providing some qualitatively useful results. The model is loosely based on a stocks-and-flows type of model, with a small general equilibrium model covering the market economy part of the model. This paper is focussed on the description of the model.
Abscisic acid represses the transcription of chloroplast genes*

Numerous studies have shown effects of abscisic acid (ABA) on nuclear genes encoding chloroplast-localized proteins. ABA effects on the transcription of chloroplast genes, however, have not been investigated yet thoroughly. This work, therefore, studied the effects of ABA (75 μM) on transcription and steady-state levels of transcripts in chloroplasts of basal and apical segments of primary leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Basal segments consist of young cells with developing chloroplasts, while apical segments contain the oldest cells with mature chloroplasts. Exogenous ABA reduced the chlorophyll content and caused changes of the endogenous concentrations not only of ABA but also of cytokinins to different extents in the basal and apical segments. It repressed transcription by the chloroplast phage-type and bacteria-type RNA polymerases and lowered transcript levels of most investigated chloroplast genes drastically. ABA did not repress the transcription of psbD and a few other genes and even increased psbD mRNA levels under certain conditions. The ABA effects on chloroplast transcription were more pronounced in basal vs. apical leaf segments and enhanced by light. Simultaneous application of cytokinin (22 μM 6-benzyladenine) minimized the ABA effects on chloroplast gene expression. These data demonstrate that ABA affects the expression of chloroplast genes differentially and points to a role of ABA in the regulation and coordination of the activities of nuclear and chloroplast genes coding for proteins with functions in photosynthesis.
Fractionation of the dysexecutive syndrome in a heterogeneous neurological sample: Comparing the Dysexecutive Questionnaire and the Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire

Primary objective: Research on the ecological validity of neuropsychological tests of executive functioning has been limited by disagreement in the number and make-up of the factors underlying the dysexecutive syndrome. The current study sought to determine whether similar components of everyday executive dysfunction are being measured by the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) and the Brock Adaptive Functioning Questionnaire (BAFQ). Research design: Using the same sample, a factor analysis of the DEX and the BAFQ was conducted to determine whether a similar underlying factor structure for the dysexecutive syndrome would be found across measures. Methods and procedures: The significant others of 46 adults with varying neurological conditions completed the DEX and BAFQ. Main outcomes and results: Behavioural inhibition, goal-directed behaviour/intentionality and executive memory/cognition were found to be key underlying factors of the everyday dysexecutive syndrome identified by both measures. The remaining factors were divergent. Conclusions: Consistent with prior research, this study indicates that the dysexecutive syndrome is multi-factorial. This research further highlights core factors associated with real world executive functioning deficits and demonstrates that the dysexecutive syndrome has distinct sub-components that transcend the specific questionnaire measure used.
Temporal profiles of blood pressure, circulating nitric oxide, and adrenomedullin as predictors of clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Stroke remains an important health and social challenge. The present study investigated whether blood pressure (BP) parameters and circulating levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and adrenomedullin (AM) may predict clinical outcomes of stroke. Patients (n=76) diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke were admitted to the stroke unit and clinical history data and monitored parameters were recorded. Blood plasma was collected at days 1, 2, and 7 to measure NOx and AM levels. Infarct volume, neurological severity [on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)], and functional prognosis (on the Rankin scale) were measured as clinical outcomes. Patients with higher BP had more severe symptoms (NIHSS >3; P<0.01) and BP variability predicted neurological severity and growth of infarct volume. NOx values were significantly lower in stroke patients than in healthy controls (P<0.01). An increase in NOx levels from day 1 to day 2 was beneficial for the patients as measured by NIHSS at 7 days and 3 months, and by Rankin at 3 months [odds ratio (OR), 0.91] whereas a steep increase from day 2 to day 7 was detrimental and associated with an increase in infarct volume (OR, 35.3). AM levels were significantly higher in patients at day 1 and 2 than in healthy individuals (P<0.01) and these levels returned to normal at day 7. Patients with high AM levels at day 2 had significantly higher NIHSS scores measured at day 1 (P<0.05) and 7 (P<0.01). A receiving operating characteristic curve analysis identified that AM levels at day 2 of >522.13 pg/ml predicted increased neurological severity at day 7 (area under the curve=0.721). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that AM levels at day 2 predicted increased neurological severity at 7 days and at 3 months. BP parameters and changing levels for NOx and AM predicted long-term clinical outcomes as measured by infarct volume, neurological severity scale, and functional prognosis.
Compensating the PTR and LPF Features of the HY-2A Satellite Altimeter Utilizing Look-Up Tables

The point target response (PTR) and low-pass filter (LPF) features of the altimeter (ALT) onboard China's HY-2A satellite are presented and analyzed. Via Monte-Carlo simulation, the look-up tables (LUTs) of the range (epoch), significant wave height (SWH), and backscatter (Sigma0) biases with respect to SWH and attitude angle (ATT) are calculated accounting for the instrument PTR and LPF features using two distinct retracking algorithms (MLE3 and MLE4). The performance of both retracking algorithms are also evaluated in terms of the size of the biases (corrections) produced, and MLE4 is found better. The actual PTR and the Bessel-expression flat surface impulse response (FSIR) are integrated in the simulation procedure to achieve more accurate results. The simulated biases are tabulated by very fine grids of SWH and ATT so that they can be used as corrections in the ground preprocessing procedure (processing prior to Level 2 product) to get better operational ocean products. As verified by the crossover analysis with the Jason-2 ALT, the corrections pertaining to the instrument features significantly improve the accuracy of HY-2A ALT sea level products.
Hierarchy of Protein Tyrosine Kinases in Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Signaling: Activation of Syk Depends on Jak3; However, Neither Syk nor Lck Is Required for IL-2-Mediated STAT Activation

ABSTRACT Interleukin-2 (IL-2) activates several different families of tyrosine kinases, but precisely how these kinases interact is not completely understood. We therefore investigated the functional relationships among Jak3, Lck, and Syk in IL-2 signaling. We first observed that in the absence of Jak3, both Lck and Syk had the capacity to phosphorylate Stat3 and Stat5a. However, neither supported IL-2-induced STAT activation, nor did dominant negative alleles of these kinases inhibit. Moreover, pharmacological abrogation of Lck activity did not inhibit IL-2-mediated phosphorylation of Jak3 and Stat5a. Importantly, ligand-dependent Syk activation was dependent on the presence of catalytically active Jak3, whereas Lck activation was not. Interestingly, Syk functioned as a direct substrate of Jak1 but not Jak3. Additionally, Jak3 phosphorylated Jak1, whereas the reverse was not the case. Taken together, our data support a model in which Lck functions in parallel with Jak3, while Syk functions as a downstream element of Jaks in IL-2 signaling. Jak3 may regulate Syk catalytic activity indirectly via Jak1. However, IL-2-mediated Jak3/Stat activation is not dependent on Lck or Syk. While the essential roles of Jak1 and Jak3 in signaling by γc-utilizing cytokines are clear, it will be important to dissect the exact contributions of Lck and Syk in mediating the effects of IL-2 and related cytokines.
Pulmonary and ventilatory responses to pregnancy, immersion, and exercise.

To examine the effects of pregnancy, immersion, and exercise during immersion on pulmonary function and ventilation, 12 women were studied at 15, 25, and 35 wk of pregnancy and 8-10 wk postpartum. Pulmonary function and ventilation were measured under three experimental conditions: after 20 min of rest on land (LR), after 20 min of rest during immersion to the level of the xiphoid (IR), and after 20 min of exercise during immersion at 60% of predicted maximal capacity (IE). Forced vital capacity remained relatively constant, except for a decrease at 15 wk, for the duration of pregnancy. Expiratory reserve volume decreased with a change in the pregnancy status and with the duration of pregnancy. However, the forced vital capacity was maintained by an increase in the inspiratory capacity during pregnancy. Forced expiratory volume for 1 s, expressed as percent of forced vital capacity, did not differ significantly between conditions or as a result of pregnancy. Forced vital capacity was lower during the IR trial compared with LR and IE trials. The decreased forced vital capacity of the IR trials was mediated by a decrease in the expiratory reserve volume. Whereas the inspiratory capacity increased during IR and IE compared with LR, the increase was not large enough to offset the decrease in the expiratory reserve volume. Resting immersion resulted in a significant decrease in maximal voluntary ventilation as did pregnancy. Pregnancy resulted in significant increases in minute ventilation (VE), which were related to increases in the O2 consumption. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Complement activation during cardiopulmonary bypass

Conversion of C3, the third component of complement, has been studied using a two‐dimensional immunoelectrophoretic method. Evidence of C3 conversion has been obtained in stored donor blood, in patients during and after cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, and occasionally during thoractomy for pulmonary resection. It is suggested that complement activation is one factor contributing to tissue injury after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Discovery of Potent Inhibitors of PapG Adhesins from Uropathogenic Escherichia coli through Synthesis and Evaluation of Galabiose Derivatives

The synthesis of two galabioside (Galα1‐4Gal) collections based on diversification at the O‐1 and O‐3′ atoms is reported. The galabiosides were evaluated as inhibitors of hemagglutination of human erythrocytes by two strains of Escherichia coli that expressed the class I and class II PapG adhesins, respectively. The class I adhesin was found to prefer aromatic substituents both at the O‐1 and the O‐3′ position of the galabiose disaccharide. One galabioside, p‐methoxyphenyl [3‐O‐(m‐nitrobenzyl)‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyl]‐(1‐4)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside], had an IC50 value of 4.1 μM, which is the best inhibition of the class I adhesin to date. In the case of the class II adhesin, one inhibitor, 2‐[(S)‐2‐methoxycarbonyl‐2‐acetamido‐ethylthio]ethyl {3‐O‐3‐[2‐(methoxycarbonylphenylthio)propyl]‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyl}‐(1‐4)‐α‐D‐galactopyranoside, was found to have an IC50 value of 68 μM, which is the best artificial inhibition of the class II adhesin reported so far with an affinity for the adhesin comparable to that of the natural tetrasaccharide ligand globotetraose.
Perinatal Risk Factors: With special reference to Intrauterine Growth Retardation and Neonatal Respiratory Adaptation

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and neonatal respiratory disorders (RD) are two dominating problems in perinatal medicine. The aims of this study were to analyze the possibilities of selecting groups of pregnant women with increased risk of either problem, to analyze the relationship between IUGR and neonatal respiratory disorders and to evaluate the influence on neonatal respiratory adaptation of different events during delivery. For these purposes epidemiological methods were mainly used but in paper V an animal model was applied.
DNA damage-inducible gene p33ING2 negatively regulates cell proliferation through acetylation of p53

The p33ING1 protein is a regulator of cell cycle, senescence, and apoptosis. Three alternatively spliced transcripts of p33ING1 encode p47ING1a, p33ING1b, and p24ING1c. We cloned an additional ING family member, p33ING2/ING1L. Unlike p33ING1b, p33ING2 is induced by the DNA-damaging agents etoposide and neocarzinostatin. p33ING1b and p33ING2 negatively regulate cell growth and survival in a p53-dependent manner through induction of G1-phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. p33ING2 strongly enhances the transcriptional-transactivation activity of p53. Furthermore, p33ING2 expression increases the acetylation of p53 at Lys-382. Taken together, p33ING2 is a DNA damage-inducible gene that negatively regulates cell proliferation through activation of p53 by enhancing its acetylation.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Stock Price Crash Risk

This paper studies the impact of economic policy uncertainty on stock price crash risk using data from China. We develop a new index to measure Chinese economic policy uncertainty and find that economic policy uncertainty has a remarkable positive effect on stock price crash risk. However, the effect reverses later. The results also indicate that the positive effect of economic policy uncertainty on stock price crash risk is more prominent for state‐owned enterprises. Moreover, this effect is more prominent for firms with higher information asymmetry and firms with greater disagreement among investors, indicating that economic policy uncertainty affects crash risk through two mechanisms: managers’ concealment of bad news and investors’ heterogeneous beliefs.
Prevalence of hearing loss among children 6 to 19 years of age: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

CONTEXT Hearing loss in children influences the development of communication and behavioral skills, but few studies in the United States have used pure-tone audiometry to derive hearing loss prevalence estimates for children. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of hearing loss among US children by sociodemographic characteristics, reported hearing loss, and audiometric screening factors. DESIGN National population-based cross-sectional survey with an in-person interview and audiometric testing at 0.5 to 8 kHz. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A total of 6166 children aged 6 to 19 years completed audiometry in the mobile examination center of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1988 and 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Hearing loss, defined as audiometric threshold values of at least 16-dB hearing level based on a low or high pure-tone average. RESULTS A total of 14.9% of children had low-frequency or high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16-dB hearing level, 7.1% had low-frequency hearing loss of at least 16-dB hearing level, and 12.7% had high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16-dB hearing level. Most hearing loss was unilateral and slight in severity (16- to 25-dB hearing level). Of those with measured hearing loss, 10.8% were reported to have current hearing loss during the interview. CONCLUSIONS This analysis indicates that 14.9% of US children have low-frequency or high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16-dB hearing level in 1 or both ears. Among children in elementary, middle, and high school, audiometric screening should include low-frequency and high-frequency testing to detect hearing loss.