Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with diagnostic discrepancy for left ventricular hypertrophy between electrocardiography and echocardiography

Abstract Objective: To investigate the influence of cardiovascular risk factors, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), on the association between electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in an elderly population. Methods: We tested cross-sectional associations between electrocardiographic and echocardiographic LVH, defining LVH according to the Sokolow-Lyon voltage combination, Cornell voltage-duration product, or left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Differences between standardized LVMI and Sokolow-Lyon voltage combination or Cornell voltage-duration product (absolute value/cut-off value for LVH) were used as outcome variables in order to identify explanatory variables associated with diagnostic discrepancies between ECG and echocardiography. Results: Of the 1382 subjects included, 77% did not display any signs of LVH, 6% had LVH defined by ECG only, 13% had LVH defined by echocardiography only, and 5% had LVH on both ECG and echocardiography. Older subjects and those with higher blood pressure and RWT were more likely to have a relatively greater LVMI on echocardiography than that predicted on ECG (odds ratio: 1.65 per 10 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-2.15), p = . 0002, odds ratio: 1.17 per 10 mmHg (95% CI: 1.09-1.25), p < . 0001, and odds ratio: 1.21 per 0.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.42), p = . 03). In addition, discrepancy was also seen in females and subjects receiving antihypertensive medication (odds ratio: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.04-1.89), p = . 03 and odds ratio: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06-1.87), p = . 02), but FPG did not independently influence discrepancy between ECG and echocardiography. Conclusion: Age, blood pressure, female sex, greater RWT and use of antihypertensive medication were associated with a greater risk of non-consistency between LVH determined by ECG and echocardiography.
Immunolocalization of Bradykinin B2 Receptors on Skeletal Muscle Cells

The kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in the inflammatory process, blood pressure regulation, renal homeostasis, and glucose utilization. The effects of kallikrein and kinin on glucose uptake by the skeletal muscle are well established; however, the occurrence and the cellular distribution of the kinin receptor(s) mediating these effects in the striated muscle are unknown. Using anti-peptide antibodies raised against the predicted intra- and extracellular domains of the B2 receptor and the peroxidase/antiperoxidase system, we have been able to detect the B2 receptor on the plasma membrane of striated skeletal muscle cells of the rat hindlimb. A strong immunostaining appeared as a rim of immunoreactive material located on the periphery of striated muscle cells. Cross-sectioned and longitudinally sectioned cells revealed a similar staining pattern. Alternatively, the immunostaining with specific antibodies to tissue kallikrein and to T-kininogen did not yield a significant staining of the striated muscle cells. Localization of the B2 receptor on the surface of striated muscle cells provides a structural basis for the hypothesized physiological functions of the kinin system in the skeletal muscle.
Two Types of Apoptotic Cell Death of Rat Central Nervous System‐Derived Neuroblastoma B50 and B104 Cells: Apoptosis Induced During Proliferation and After Differentiation

Abstract: We describe here two types of apoptotic cell death observed in the rat CNS‐derived neuroblastoma B50 and B104 cells. One type was induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) after differentiation, and the other was induced by treatment of proliferating cells with cycloheximide. When B50 and B104 cells were treated with 1 mM DBcAMP in the presence of 0.5% fetal calf serum, they began to extend neurites within 12 h and differentiated into neurons at 24 h, as reported previously. However, further cultivation with DBcAMP for up to 72 h led to flotation and, finally, death. Death was by apoptosis as shown by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Addition of a protein kinase A inhibitor or removal of DBcAMP after differentiation suppressed apoptosis, indicating the involvement of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A in apoptotic cell death. Cell death was also induced in proliferating cells without neurite outgrowth by treatment with cycloheximide. The death was also judged to be by apoptosis based on chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation, although DNA fragmentation into small sizes was not detected. Both types of cell death showed similar responses to inhibitors for protein kinases and protein phosphatases.
Time trends of physician visits and treatment patterns of peptic ulcer disease in the United States.

BACKGROUND In the last 4 decades, the prevalence rates of peptic ulcer disease and our understanding of its pathophysiological features underwent major changes. OBJECTIVE To analyze how these trends affected physician visits and treatment of ulcer disease. METHODS The National Diseases and Therapeutic Index of IMS America Ltd, Plymouth Meeting, Pa, was used as the data source. Survey data were obtained from a representative sample of US physicians 4 times per year during a 48-hour period and extrapolated to a national level. Physician visits for gastric, duodenal, and all peptic ulcers were expressed as rates per 100,000 living US population. RESULTS Between 1958 and 1995, physician visits for duodenal ulcer showed a marked decline, while those for gastric ulcer remained largely unchanged. In 1995, 4 million patients visited a physician because of peptic ulcer, corresponding to a rate of 1500 per 100,000 US population. The predominant therapy changed from anticholinergics, tranquilizers, and antacids between 1958 and 1977 to histamine2 receptor antagonist from 1978 until 1988, which subsequently became replaced in part by sucralfate and proton pump inhibitors. In 1995, about 75% of ulcers were still treated primarily with antisecretory medications, and only 5% received antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS Peptic ulcer is still common, although duodenal ulcer rates continue to decrease. The historical trends of treatment regimens show a steady change between various medications. No therapeutic class dominated ulcer therapy for more than 20 years. This trend is likely to continue, particularly, in light of the small fraction currently treated by antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.
Differentiation and migration of neural crest stem cells are stimulated by pancreatic islets

Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) migrate during embryonic development towards the endoderm-derived pancreas and the interaction between NCSCs and &bgr;-cell progenitors is crucial for their mutual differentiation. In diabetes, loss of &bgr;-cells or impaired &bgr;-cell function is accompanied by nerve degeneration, which contributes to the progression of the disease. Here we show that adult pancreatic islets markedly promote differentiation of NCSCs towards neuronal phenotype in vitro and in vivo after transplantation and increase their migration towards islets. These findings indicate that pancreatic islets can be used to promote differentiation of NCSCs towards neuronal phenotype and that this in-vitro system may help elucidate interactions between NCSCs and healthy or diseased &bgr;-cells.
Relationship of Computer Hassles, Somatic Complaints, and Daily Hassles

The relationships between computer hassles, measured by the Computer Technology Hassles Scale, daily hassles, measured by the Daily Hassles Scale, and somatic complaints, measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, were investigated in a college sample of 103. Computer hassles were correlated . 57 with daily hassles and . 39 with somatic complaints. Daily hassles were correlated . 62 with somatic complaints. In general, these measures were uncorrelated with computer experience or computer knowledge. The Daily Hassles Scale, a measure of stress, is a better correlate for the Computer Technology Hassles Scale, a measure of computer-related stress, than the Perceived Stress Scale.
2-D representation and generalized Kalman-Yakubivich-Popov lemma of one dimensional spatially interconnected systems

This paper presents a 2-D hybrid Roesser model for a class of spatially interconnected systems (SISs) in one spatial dimension. The generalized Kalman-Yakubivich-Popov (KYP) lemma for 2-D hybrid Roesser model is developed, which plays a significant role in the system control and synthesis. As two important applications of the new KYP lemma, the finite frequency bounded realness and positive realness are considered. The results of this paper can be generalized to the class of SISs whose model is in higher spatial dimension.
Tuberculosis of the Ribs: CT Appearance

Tuberculosis is the most common inflammatory lesion of the ribs, second only to metastatic neoplasm as a destructive cause of a rib lesion. We retrospectively analyzed CT findings of 13 lesions in eight patients with pathologically proven rib tuberculosis. The presenting symptoms were painful mass in five, chest pain in two, and nontender mass in one. Five patients had concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis. On CT, all showed a juxtacostal soft tissue mass with central low attenuation and peripheral rim enhancement (a so called “cold abscess”). Only 4 of 13 lesions demonstrated bone destruction: two were osteolytic expansile lesions with cortical disruption and two were mild cortical irregularities. Five lesions were located at the costochondral junction, five were in the rib shaft, two were in the sternochondral junction, and one was in the costovertebral joint. There was no evidence of direct extension into the lung parenchyma.
Evaluation of Hepatitis B Viraemia Levels in Patients with HBeAg-negative Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Objectives: To evaluate patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and low-level viraemia in terms of determining HBV DNA cut-off values and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and other possible markers for discriminating between chronic hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) inactive carriers. Methods: HBV-infected patients who were HBeAg-negative with undetectable HBV DNA by standard hybridization assay and high (HBeAg-negative group, n = 81) or normal (HBsAg inactive carrier group, n = 77) ALT levels were enrolled. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay using a COBAS Amplicor HBV monitor test was performed to detect low HBV DNA levels. Results: The HBV DNA level was found to be significantly higher in the HBeAg-negative chronic HBV group (mean ± SD 94 477 ± 167 528 copies/ml) compared with the HBsAg inactive carrier group (mean ± SD 19 215 ± 57 970 copies/ml). Conclusions: A low level of viral replication may persist in chronic HBV-infected patients who are HBeAg-negative, and the level of HBV DNA was higher in the HBeAg-negative group than in the inactive HBsAg carrier group. Necroinflammation also persisted in the HBeAg-negative group and these patients had a higher level of ALT than the inactive HBsAg carriers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses

Background: Although ultrasonography (US) continues to be the primary imaging modality used to identify and characterize adnexal masses, but certain conditions that hinder accurate ultrasound examination, such as obesity, may be indications for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, for the assessment of complex and indeterminate ovarian masses. Objective: to assess the ability of MRI to characterize sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses. Patients and methods: A prospective study of 89 cases with sonographically indeterminate adnexal mass underwent pelvic MRI conducted in X-ray institute in medical city in Baghdad during period from October 2011 to January 2013 & the results compared to the final diagnosis which was determined by histopathological & surgical findings Results: Most sonographyically indeterminate adnexal masses result from common benign condition. Benign conditions account for 87.6%, while malignant condition account for 12.4%. Endometriosis was the commonest cause constitute (22.4 %), followed by mature cystic teratoma , and pedunculated fibroid (18%) and (15.7%) respectively. Excellent agreement was noted between MRI and final diagnosis for determining the origin and tissue characteristics which are 98% and 91% respectively. Conclusion: Sonographically indeterminate adnexal masses of uncertain origin and solid or complex content will benefit from further evaluation with MRI, which is highly accurate for identifying the origin of the mass and characterizing its tissue contents playing an important role in planning the way of management.
Of a probe.

PRObE is a systems research center dedicated to large scale systems research. It is made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation. Today, PRObE provides several clusters, the largest soon to be 1176 nodes, and the newest with 34 bleedingedge 64-core machines with GPUs, SSDs, and 40GbE and FDR InfiniBand networks. Machines are constantly evolving and upgraded. Clusters are available to researchers free of charge. In order to get access, researchers need to apply for a Project and their students or collaborators can then join that Project once it has been approved. All clusters are managed using the Emulab software suite.
A global model of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles for the terrestrial biosphere

Abstract. Carbon storage by many terrestrial ecosystems can be limited by nutrients, predominantly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in addition to other environmental constraints, water, light and temperature. However the spatial distribution and the extent of both N and P limitation at the global scale have not been quantified. Here we have developed a global model of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles for the terrestrial biosphere. Model estimates of steady state C and N pool sizes and major fluxes between plant, litter and soil pools, under present climate conditions, agree well with various independent estimates. The total amount of C in the terrestrial biosphere is 2767 Gt C, and the C fractions in plant, litter and soil organic matter are 19%, 4% and 77%. The total amount of N is 135 Gt N, with about 94% stored in the soil, 5% in the plant live biomass, and 1% in litter. We found that the estimates of total soil P and its partitioning into different pools in soil are quite sensitive to biochemical P mineralization. The total amount of P (plant biomass, litter and soil) excluding occluded P in soil is 17 Gt P in the terrestrial biosphere, 33% of which is stored in the soil organic matter if biochemical P mineralization is modelled, or 31 Gt P with 67% in soil organic matter otherwise. This model was used to derive the global distribution and uncertainty of N or P limitation on the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems at steady state under present conditions. Our model estimates that the net primary productivity of most tropical evergreen broadleaf forests and tropical savannahs is reduced by about 20% on average by P limitation, and most of the remaining biomes are N limited; N limitation is strongest in high latitude deciduous needle leaf forests, and reduces its net primary productivity by up to 40% under present conditions.
Structured Triacylglycerol Containing Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in sn-1(3) Facilitates the Absorption of Dietary Long-Chain Fatty Acids in Rats

A study was carried out to examine if the positional distribution of medium chain fatty acids (MCF) in triacylglycerol influences dietary fat absorption in rats. Two types of structure-specific fats, one predominantly composed of MCF in sn-1(3) and linoleic acid in sn-2 [sn-1(3)MCF-structured] and the others of MCF in sn-2 and linoleic acid in sn-1(3) [sn-2MCF-structured], were initially prepared, and the two structure-specific fats were interesterified and designated as sn-1(3)MCF-interesterified and sn-2MCF-interesterified. Synthetic fat was mixed with an equal amount of cocoa butter (103 g/kg of diet) and was supplemented to the AIN93G-based diet. Rats were fed on the diets for 4 wk. Long-chain saturated fatty acids were the predominant fatty acids excreted into the feces, and the positional distribution of MCF resulted in an altered fat absorption rate (%) of 81.8, 82.5, 84.2 and 86.3 for the rats fed on the diets containing sn-2MCF-structured, sn-1(3)MCF-interesterified, sn-2MCF-interesterified and sn-1(3)MCF-structured fats, respectively. The proportion of MCF in the serum, liver and adipose tissue triacylglycerols was not affected by the MCF distribution of the dietary fats. These results indicate that the distribution of MCF in dietary triacylglycerol is a determinant of intestinal fat absorption.
Inhibition of Retroviral RNA Production by ZAP, a CCCH-Type Zinc Finger Protein

Cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to inhibit viral replication. To identify previously unknown antiviral activities, we screened mammalian complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries for genes that prevent infection by a genetically marked retrovirus. Virus-resistant cells were selected from pools of transduced clones, and an active antiviral cDNA was recovered. The gene encodes a CCCH-type zinc finger protein designated ZAP. Expression of the gene caused a profound and specific loss of viral messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from the cytoplasm without affecting the levels of nuclear mRNAs. The finding suggests the existence of a previously unknown machinery for the inhibition of virus replication, targeting a step in viral gene expression.
Determinants of high-risk sexual behaviour and condom use among adults in the Arusha region, Tanzania

Summary: Determinants of multiple sexual partners and condom use among adults were assessed through a population-based survey in one urban, one semi-urban and one rural community in the Arusha region, northern Tanzania. The study samples were obtained by randomly selecting clusters of 10 households from the 3 communities. Informed verbal consent was sought from each respondent for participation in the study. High-risk sexual behaviours and condom use were assessed using a structured questionnaire. It was observed that significantly more men than women reported having multiple sexual partners (49% vs 25.2%; OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.51-1.90) and urban men were significantly more likely to report having multiple sexual partners than men in rural areas. In both men and women, early sexual debut was associated with having multiple sexual partners while travel, alcohol use, and sex under the influence of alcohol were significantly associated with multiple sexual partners in men only. AIDS-related discussion was significantly associated with having fewer sexual partners in both men and women. Of the 1551 respondents, 320 (20.6%) reported having ever used a condom and of the 320 respondents who had ever used a condom, 34 (10.6%) reported having used it at the last sexual intercourse. Significantly more men than women reported having ever used a condom (34.1% vs 14.1%; OR=1.77; 95% CI=1.56-2.01). In both men and women, early sexual debut and being young, unmarried, travelling out of the Arusha region and having multiple sexual partners were associated with increased condom use. For both men and women, frequent discussion of AIDS with family members or friends was associated with increased condom use. These data suggest that interventions targeting adolescents and young adults may be effective for control of HIV transmission in Tanzania. In particular, creation of opportunities for people to come together and discuss AIDS might be an important strategy.
An objective function to address production sequencing with minimal tooling replacements

A strategy is presented to obtain production sequences resulting in minimal tooling replacements. An objective function is employed to distribute the tool wear as evenly as possible throughout the sequence. This objective function is an extension of Miltenburg's earlier work (1989) concerned with obtaining production sequences while evenly distributing the satisfaction of demand. Smaller problems are solved to optimality, while larger problems are solved as close as possible to optimality. The production sequences are simulated to estimate required tooling replacements. The methodology presented here consistently results in fewer tooling replacements when compared with earlier published work (McMullen et al. 2002, McMullen 2003).
Accurate Formulation of the Multitaper-SVD Detector over Fading Channels

This paper considers a frequency domain approach for the problem of spectrum sensing based on the multitaper detector combined with singular value decomposition. We present the exact closed forms for the performance of the MTM-SVD processor over fading channels. This is achieved through formulating the decision statistic as a Hermitian form, which is shown to be a hypoexponential variable where the distribution parameters are determined by the number of discrete prolate spheriodal sequences (DPSSs), number of cooperating users and frequency resolution. Also, we formulate the nonzero eigenvalues associated with the Hermitian form, which act as the distribution parameters for both cases of the null and the alternate hypotheses. We accurately formulate the probabilities of false alarm and missed detection, where we also accurately bound the average probability of missed detection over Rayleigh channels. As a general trend, the performance of the MTM-SVD method is enhanced when increasing the number of DPSSs or increasing the number of cooperating sensing nodes. Moreover, the obtained results show that the MTM-SVD processor outperforms the case of using the Periodogram even when large sensing frames are employed.
Role of Erythroid Kruppel-like Factor in Human - to -Globin Gene Switching (*)

Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) is an erythroid-specific transcription factor that contains zinc finger domains similar to the Kruppel protein of Drosophila melanogaster. Previous studies demonstrated that EKLF binds to the CACCC box in the human β-globin gene promoter and activates transcription. CACCC box mutations that cause severe β-thalassemias in humans inhibit EKLF binding. Results described in this paper suggest that EKLF functions predominately in adult erythroid tissue. The EKLF gene is expressed at a 3-fold higher level in adult erythroid tissue than in fetal erythroid tissue, and the EKLF protein binds to the human β-globin promoter 8-fold more efficiently than to the human -globin promoter. Co-transfection experiments in the human fetal-like erythroleukemia cell line K562 demonstrate that over-expression of EKLF activates a β-globin reporter construct 1000-fold; a linked -globin reporter is activated only 3-fold. Mutation of the β-globin CACCC box severely inhibits activation. These results demonstrate that EKLF is a developmental stage-enriched protein that preferentially activates human β-globin gene expression. The data strongly suggest that EKLF is an important factor involved in human - to β-globin gene switching.