Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protecting healthcare workers from pandemic influenza: N95 or surgical masks?

Objective: The successful management of an influenza pandemic will be reliant on the expertise of healthcare workers at high risk for occupationally acquired influenza. Recommended infection control measures for healthcare workers include surgical masks to protect against droplet-spread respiratory transmissible infections and N95 masks to protect against aerosol-spread infections. A literature review was undertaken for evidence of superior protective value of N95 masks or surgical masks for healthcare workers against influenza and extraneous factors influencing conferred protection. Methods: Four scientific search engines using 12 search sequences identified 21 mask studies in healthcare settings for the prevention of transmission of respiratory syncytial virus, Bordetella pertussis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome. Each was critically assessed in accordance with Australian National Health Medical Research Council guidelines. An additional 25 laboratory-based publications were also reviewed. Results: All studies reviewed used medium or lower level evidence study design. In the majority of studies, important confounders included the unrecognized impact of concurrent bundling of other infection control measures, mask compliance, contamination from improper doffing of masks, and ocular inoculation. Only three studies directly compared the protective value of surgical masks with N95 masks. The majority of laboratory studies identified both mask types as having a range of filtration efficiency, yet N95 masks afford superior protection against particles of a similar size to influenza. Conclusions: World Health Organization guidelines recommend surgical masks for all patient care with the exception of N95 masks for aerosol generating procedures. Because of the paucity of high-quality studies in the healthcare setting, the advocacy of mask types is not entirely evidence-based. Evidence from laboratory studies of potential airborne spread of influenza from shedding patients indicate that guidelines related to the current 1-meter respiratory zone may need to be extended to a larger respiratory zone and include protection from ocular inoculation.
Role of Neuroprotective Drugs inAcute Ischemic Stroke

The search for therapies to improve the outcome after acute ischemic stroke is proceeding along two main lines: (i) therapies designed to restore blood flow and (ii) therapies that affect the biochemical and metabolic consequences of ischemic brain injury leading to neuroprotection [1]. From a historical point of view, the first attempts to protect neurons from ischemic damage were based on the reduction in the metabolic demand of the ischemic tissue by hypothermia or barbiturates [2, 3], but side effects such as respiratory suppression or hypotension impeded their clinical development. Soon afterwards, calcium channel antagonists were tested in various acute ischemic stroke trials with contrasting results [4]. To verify the efficacy of nimodipine in acute ischemic stroke, the VENUS study (Very Early Nimodipine in Stroke), based on oral administration within 6 h of the onset of ischemic stroke, started in 1994, and then terminated early in 1998 because of the negative results [5]. As others contributors to irreversible cellular injury were discovered, new therapeutic targets were being explored and new molecules were being studied, such as inhibitors of excitotoxicity, spreading depression inhibitors, antioxidants and free radical scavengers, nitric oxide inhibitors, antiadhesion molecules, neurotrophic growth factors and potential suppressors of apoptosis [1].
Ankle biomechanics of ballet Dancers in relevé en pointé dance

The objective of this study was to study the ankle biomechanics in relevé en pointé of ballet dancers and to investigate the symmetry between dominant and nondominant sides. A three-dimensional motion analysis system and two force platforms were used to collect segmental motion and ground reaction force data during relevé en pointé dancing. Thirteen ballet dancers, each of whom had over 5 years’ dance experience (11.37 ± 3.9 years), were recruited for this study. The results showed that ankle movement patterns were highly correlated (ICC = 0.99) in bilateral comparisons, but only moderate correlation was found in ankle joint moment patterns (ICC = 0.66). The nondominant ankle showed the same excursion patterns, but different joint moments, when compared to the dominant ankle in relevé en pointé. The indication was that the two ankle joints may play different roles in controlling balance and movements throughout the entire period of the dance movements. Ankle biomechanical patterns of the fundamental ballet dance movement, relevé en pointé, also were constructed in this study to help interpret and understand the bilateral ankle joint excursion pattern. We would like to thank the Department of Dance, Tainan Woman’s College of Arts & Technology, Tainan, Taiwan, for their participation in this study.
The role of "lying" in psychophysiological detection.

An experiment was designed to examine the role of lying behavior, per se, as the basis for experimental psychophysiological detection of deception. In addition to the standard card-test procedure, a second procedure required the S to say “yes” to every question posed relating to the card chosen. This variation involved telling the “truth” in respect to the critical card in contrast to the usual procedure in which he is required to “lie. ” With the use of the galvanic skin response (GSR)channel, significant detection rates were obtained for both procedures with nosignificant difference between them. Some theoretical issues related to the findings were explored.
Multiplet ligand-field theory using Wannier orbitals

We demonstrate how ab initio cluster calculations including the full Coulomb vertex can be done in the basis of the localized, generalized Wannier orbitals which describe the low-energy density functional (LDA) band structure of the infinite crystal, e.g. the transition metal 3d and oxygen 2p orbitals. The spatial extend of our 3d Wannier orbitals (orthonormalized Nth order muffin-tin orbitals) is close to that found for atomic Hartree-Fock orbitals. We define Ligand orbitals as those linear combinations of the O 2p Wannier orbitals which couple to the 3d orbitals for the chosen cluster. The use of ligand orbitals allows for a minimal Hilbert space in multiplet ligand-field theory calculations, thus reducing the computational costs substantially. The result is a fast and simple ab initio theory, which can provide useful information about local properties of correlated insulators. We compare results for NiO, MnO and SrTiO3 with x-ray absorption, inelastic x-ray scattering, and photoemission experiments. The multiplet ligand field theory parameters found by our ab initio method agree within ~10% to known experimental values.
Treatment of Refractory Central Vein Stenosis in Hemodialysis Patients with Stents

Central venous stenosis is a frequent complication in hemodialysis patients, which can manifest clinically with ipsilateral upper extremity edema. When symptomatic, it is usually treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. When angioplasty is unsuccessful, stent deployment is a therapeutic option. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the primary and secondary patency of refractory central vein stenosis after treatment with a stent. Using a prospective vascular access database we retrospectively identified 23 patients presenting with unilateral upper extremity edema and a significant (> 50%) central vein stenosis, who underwent stent placement due to refractory stenosis following angioplasty. The primary (unassisted) central vein patency was determined from the initial intervention to the next angioplasty for recurrent central vein stenosis, and the secondary (assisted) patency from the initial intervention to permanent central vein occlusion. An immediate technical success was achieved in all patients after the stent deployment. However, the median primary central vein patency was only 138 days, with a 19% patency at 1 year. Recurrence of ipsilateral edema was always due to in‐stent restenosis. The median secondary central vein patency was 1036 days, with a 64% patency at 1 year. In patients with symptomatic central vein stenosis that is refractory to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stent deployment provides short‐term relief of the stenosis and ipsilateral upper extremity edema. However, long‐term symptomatic relief can be achieved with multiple subsequent interventions in many patients.
Dissociated incretin hormone response to protein versus fat ingestion in obese subjects

Protein elicits a stronger early (30 min) glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) response than fat ingestion in lean individuals, with no difference in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1). We assessed the incretin hormone response to protein versus fat ingestion in obesity. Equicaloric (8 kcal/kg) fat (olive oil) or protein (whey protein) was ingested by non‐diabetic obese male volunteers [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2; n = 12] and plasma GIP and GLP‐1 were determined. We found no difference in the early GIP or GLP‐1 responses to fat versus protein. However, the total 300‐min GIP response was greater after fat than after protein ingestion (20.3 ± 3.9 vs. 10.0 ± 2.8 nmol/l × min; p = 0.026), whereas the 300‐min GLP‐1 responses were the same. Thus, in obesity, protein and fat ingestion elicit similar early (30 min) incretin hormone responses, whereas 300‐min GIP secretion is more pronounced after fat than protein ingestion.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Regulates Expression of Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1: a Regulatory Circuit

ABSTRACT We have shown previously that interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a multifunctional protein intimately involved in latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, is induced as well as activated by EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), the principal EBV oncoprotein. Since the LMP1 promoter (LMP1p) contains an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE), we hypothesized that IRF7 might be able to regulate LMP1 expression and thus participate in a regulatory circuit between these two genes. In this study, IRF7 was shown first to activate LMP1p in transient transfection assays. Compared with EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2), the most potent viral transactivator of LMP1p, IRF7 has a lesser effect (approximately 10% that of EBNA2) on induction of LMP1p. Study with IRF7 deletion mutants showed that IRF7 functional domains have similar effects on both the beta interferon (IFN-β) and LMP1 promoters in BJAB and 293 cells, and study with IRF7 phosphomimetic mutants showed that IRF7 phosphorylation may be involved in the activation of these two promoters. Further, the ISRE in LMP1p responds to IRF7 induction and IRF7 binds to this element. In the EBV-positive cell line P3HR1, which lacks the complete EBNA2 and EBV-encoded leader protein genes and hence expresses low-level LMP1, IRF7 alone can notably increase the endogenous LMP1 mRNA and protein levels. These results indicate that LMP1 is regulated by this host cell gene in addition to the viral factor, EBNA2, and may help to explain how LMP1 is expressed in type II latency in the absence of EBNA2. Moreover, IRF7 can regulate a viral gene in addition to a host cellular gene such as the IFN-β gene. Together with the previous data that LMP1 can induce IRF7 expression and facilitate IRF7 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, these results suggest a positive regulatory circuit between IRF7 and LMP1.
Characterization of a Low-phase-noise, High-power (370 mW), External-Cavity Semiconductor Laser

Abstract : Past research efforts have attempted to demonstrate semiconductor lasers with reduced levels of phase noise, approaching noise levels typically observed in highly coherent solid state lasers. In this work, detailed phase noise measurements have been performed on an expanded-mode, external cavity semiconductor laser with a longer cavity length and much higher output power than similar commercial lasers. These results demonstrate that the high frequency phase noise due to spontaneous emission was reduced significantly relative to existing COTS semiconductor lasers. The measured phase noise for this novel external cavity semiconductor laser was within a factor of two of commercially available fiber lasers, and within a factor of 20 of a Nd:YAG laser, over the 1 Hz to 10 MHz frequency range.
The effect of a compression paddle on energy response, calibration and measurement with mammographic dosimeters using ionization chambers and solid-state detectors

A compression paddle is always used in mammography x-ray examinations, in order to improve image quality and reduce patient doses. Although clinical dose measurements should be performed with the paddle to interfere with the x-ray beam, calibration of mammography dosimeters is performed free in air without the presence of the paddle. The paddle hardens the x-ray beam, which has an impact on a dosimeter performance, particularly on high-energy-dependent detectors. Due to the paddle, clinical mammography x-ray systems may exhibit beams with HVL values exceeding those of the IEC 61267 RQR-M series qualities at which dosimeters are usually calibrated. In this study, the influence of the paddle in mammography dosimetry is examined, in Mo/Mo anode/filter x-ray qualities. PMMA slabs of 1, 2 and 3 mm thickness and Al foils of 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 mm thicknesses were used to simulate the paddles, producing beams with HVL values from 0.28 up to 0.43 mmAl. In these qualities, four solid-state (ST) detectors and three ionizations chambers (IC) were calibrated in terms of Kair and NK and kQ were deduced. The results showed that all IC and two modern-type ST dosimeters have a flat energy response in the above HVL range (less than 3%), so their calibration factor at RQR-M2 quality could be safely used for clinical measurements. Two other ST dosimeters exhibit up to 20% energy response, so differences up to 15% in dose measurement may be observed if the effect of paddle on their performance is ignored. Finally, the need of additional mammographic calibration qualities to the existing IEC 61267 RQR-M series is examined and discussed.
Permanganate Oxidation Reactions of DNA: Perspective in Biological Studies

Abstract KMnO4 has been well known as a powerful chemical probe for numerous applications in biological fields, particularly for those used in conformational studies of DNA. The KMnO4 assay provides essential information for understanding biochemical processes and detecting aberrant DNA, which is associated with many genetic diseases. Elegant examples are sequencing techniques, foot-printing assays for transcriptional studies, an interference method for hormone receptor binding assays as well as DNA conformational studies of Z-DNA, Z-Z junctions, hairpins, curvatures, short nucleotide base repeats, binding of intercalators and groove binders, etc. Recently, KMnO4 has been successfully applied to detect single base changes and mutations in DNA (chemical cleavage of mismatch method, CCM) as well as other types of base damage (8-oxoguanine and thymine dimers). This paper aims to review the usefulness and limitations of the permanganate oxidation reaction used in various biological studies of DNA.
Biochemical evidence that starch breakdown by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron involves outer membrane starch-binding sites and periplasmic starch-degrading enzymes

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron can utilize amylose, amylopectin, and pullulan as sole sources of carbon and energy. The enzymes that degrade these polysaccharides were found to be primarily cell associated rather than extracellular. Although some activity was detected in extracellular fluid, this appeared to be the result of cell lysis. The cell-associated amylase, amylopectinase, and pullulanase activities partitioned similarly to the periplasmic marker, acid phosphatase, when cells were exposed to a cold-shock treatment. Two other enzymes associated with starch breakdown, alpha-glucosidase and maltase, appeared to be located in the cytoplasm. Intact cells of B. thetaiotaomicron were found to bind 14C-starch. Binding was probably mediated by a protein because it was saturable and was decreased by treatment of cells with proteinase K. Results of competition experiments showed that the starch-binding proteins had a preference for maltodextrins larger than maltohexaose and a low affinity for maltose and maltotriose. Both the degradative enzymes and starch binding were induced by maltose. These findings indicate that starch utilization by B. thetaiotaomicron apparently does not involve secretion of extracellular enzymes. Rather, binding of the starch molecule to the cell surface appears to be a first step to passing the molecule through the outer membrane and into the periplasmic space.
An in vitro evaluation of microleakage in class V preparations restored with Hybrid versus Silorane composites

Aim: To compare the difference in microleakage values using conventional and new low-shrink Silorane composites using the dye penetration method. Background: With improvement in adhesive technology, problems associated with composites have been largely overcome. However, microleakage due to polymerization shrinkage still remains a challenge. New Silorane-based composites are alleged to have less than 1% polymerization shrinkage, which would potentially decrease the microleakage, and hence, resolve this longstanding issue. Materials and Methods: The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (A,B, and C). Group A was restored with conventional composite (Valux™ Plus), with a total-etch protocol, Group B was restored with conventional composite, with a self-etch protocol, and group C were restored with a silorane-based composite (Filtek TMP90). Thermocycling at 200 cycles between 5 and 55°C ± 2°C with a dwell time of 60 seconds was conducted. The teeth were stained with methylene blue dye and then sectioned and viewed under a dissection microscope, afer which the microleakage was evaluated. Results: The interexaminer reliability was evaluated using the kappa score, which was acceptable (61 – 78%). The total-etch group performed statistically and significantly better (P < 0.001) at the occlusal margin and was marginally and statistically significant (P = 0.05) at the gingival margin compared to the self-etch conventional and Silorane groups. Conclusions: The Silorane composite did not perform better than the conventional composites, however, it may have its uses and requires further research.
Transient expansion of vestibular schwannoma following stereotactic radiosurgery.

OBJECT The authors prospectively analyzed volume changes in vestibular schwannomas (VSs) after stereotactic radiosurgery. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients with unilateral VS treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) at Chiba Cardiovascular Center between 1998 and 2006 were analyzed in this study. For each lesion the Gd-enhanced volume was measured serially every 3 months in the 1st year, then every 6 months thereafter, using volumetric software. The frequency and degree of transient tumor expansion were documented and possible prognostic factors were analyzed. Concurrently, neurological deterioration involving trigeminal, facial, and cochlear nerve functions were also assessed. RESULTS The mean observation period was 65 months (range 25-100 months). There were 32 men and 68 women, whose mean age was 59.1 years (range 29-80 years). Tumor volumes at GKS averaged 2.7 cm3 (range 0.1-13.2 cm3), and the lesions were irradiated at the mean 52.2% isodose line for the tumor margin (range 50-67%), with a mean dose of 12.2 Gy (range 10.5-13 Gy) at the periphery. The tumor volume was increased by 23% at 3 months and 27% at 6 months. Tumors shrank to their initial size over a mean period of 12 months. The maximum volume increase was < 10% (no significant increase) in 26 patients, 10-30% in 23, 30-50% in 22, 50-100% in 16, and > 100% in 13. The peak tumor expansion averaged 47% (range 0-613%). A high-dose (> or = 3.5 Gy/min) treatment appears to be the greatest risk factor for transient tumor expansion, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Transient facial palsy and facial dysesthesia correlated strongly with tumor expansion, but only half of the hearing loss was coincident with this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS Transient expansion of VSs after GKS was found to be much more frequent than previously reported, strongly suggesting a correlation with deterioration of facial and trigeminal nerve functions.
Effect of wind variability in the emergency reactive support provided by wind farms

This paper investigates the effect of Wind Farm (WF) active power variability on an emergency maximum reactive support control scheme. The latter is proposed as a means to increase the maximum power transfer, and thus the voltage stability limit of a weak transmission corridor. Substation and WF feeder controls (including switched capacitors and load tap changers), as well as converter current and voltage limitations are modelled in detail. Different case studies are examined to assess the impact of WF generation scenarios on the contribution of the emergency reactive support scheme on maximum power transfer.
Silicon integrated antenna developments up to 80 GHz for millimeter wave wireless links

Today, SiGe HBT cut-off frequencies are higher than 230 GHz (P. Chevalier, et al., 2004) and this increase allows new millimeter wave (MMW) applications on silicon such as 60 GHz WLAN and 77 GHz automotive radar. One of the success keys is then the passive integration. This study focuses on a 52 GHz silicon integrated antenna and related feeding transmission line (TL) topics. Double slot antenna integrated in a standard BiCMOS process and 40 GHz coplanar patch antenna (2.3 dB gain @ 40 GHz) with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed line are depicted and characterized. Integrated TL achieved on standard STMicroelectronics (ST) BiCMOS, CMOS and silicon on insulator (SOI) technologies are described, performances are given (<0.7 dB/mm losses @ 80 GHz for SOI CPW). A full modeling has been developed up to 80 GHz with new approach for CPW on silicon technology due to passivation layer