Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time at diagnosis indicates less favorable prognosis in IgA myeloma.

BACKGROUND The impact of coagulopathy on survival of patients with myeloma has not been studied in detail. We aimed to assess the correlation between activated partial thromboplastin time/prothrombin time at diagnosis and overall survival in myeloma patients. METHODS Data including activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time obtained before treatment and at the time of diagnosis of multiple myeloma (excluding monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, POEMS syndrome, IgM myeloma and myeloma with amyloidosis) collected from 222 patients were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (9.5%) had prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (nine with prolonged a activated partial thromboplastin time alone, 12 with both prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time) and 10 (4.5%) had prolonged prothrombin time alone. Coagulopathy occurred only in patients with IgA and IgG myeloma but not light-chain disease. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time was an independent prognostic factor in IgA and IgG myeloma (median survival = 12.7 months, P = 0.004), while prolonged prothrombin time alone had no impact on survival. Subgroup analysis revealed that prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time indicated less favorable survival in IgA myeloma (P = 0.001), but not the IgG myeloma (P = 0.341). This observation still holds true in IgA myeloma with Durie-Salmon stage II or III (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The presence of prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time at diagnosis is a prognostic factor indicating poor outcome in the IgA myeloma.
Treatment of giant cell arteritis using induction therapy with high-dose glucocorticoids: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy for giant cell arteritis (GCA) is effective but requires prolonged administration, resulting in adverse side effects. The goal of the current study was to test the hypothesis that induction treatment with high-dose pulse intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone permits a shorter course of therapy. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with biopsy-proven GCA were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to receive IV methylprednisolone (15 mg/kg of ideal body weight/day) or IV saline for 3 consecutive days. All patients were started on 40 mg/day prednisone and followed the same tapering schedule as long as disease activity was controlled. The numbers of patients with disease in remission after 36, 52, and 78 weeks of treatment and taking <or=5 mg/day prednisone were compared. Cumulative prednisone dose, number of relapses, and development of adverse GC effects were assessed. RESULTS Ten of the 14 IV GC-treated patients, but only 2 of 13 control patients, were taking <or=5 mg/day prednisone at 36 weeks (P = 0.003). This difference was maintained; there was a higher number of sustained remissions after discontinuation of treatment in the IV GC-treated group and a lower median daily dose of prednisone at 78 weeks (P = 0.0004). The median cumulative dose of oral prednisone, excluding the IV GC dose, was 5,636 mg in the IV GC-treated group compared with 7,860 mg in the IV saline-treated group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Initial treatment of GCA with IV GC pulses allowed for more rapid tapering of oral GCs and had long-term benefits, with a higher frequency of patients experiencing sustained remission of their disease after discontinuation of treatment.
Identification of the sources of PM10 in a subway tunnel using positive matrix factorization

The level of particulate matter of less than 10 μm diameter (PM10) at subway platforms can be significantly reduced by installing a platform screen-door system. However, both workers and passengers might be exposed to higher PM10 levels while the cars are within the tunnel because it is a more confined environment. This study determined the PM10 levels in a subway tunnel, and identified the sources of PM10 using elemental analysis and receptor modeling. Forty-four PM10 samples were collected in the tunnel between the Gireum and Mia stations on Line 4 in metropolitan Seoul and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry and ion chromatography. The major PM10 sources were identified using positive matrix factorization (PMF). The average PM10 concentration in the tunnels was 200.8 ± 22.0 μg/m3. Elemental analysis indicated that the PM10 consisted of 40.4% inorganic species, 9.1% anions, 4.9% cations, and 45.6% other materials. Iron was the most abundant element, with an average concentration of 72.5 ± 10.4 μg/m3. The PM10 sources characterized by PMF included rail, wheel, and brake wear (59.6%), soil combustion (17.0%), secondary aerosols (10.0%), electric cable wear (8.1%), and soil and road dust (5.4%). Internal sources comprising rail, wheel, brake, and electric cable wear made the greatest contribution to the PM10 (67.7%) in tunnel air. Implications With installation of a platform screen door, PM10 levels in subway tunnels were higher than those on platforms. Tunnel PM10 levels exceeded 150 μg/m3 of the Korean standard for subway platform. Elemental analysis of PM10 in a tunnel showed that Fe was the most abundant element. Five PM10 sources in tunnel were identified by positive matrix factorization. Railroad-related sources contributed 68% of PM10 in the subway tunnel.
Randomized trial of physical exercise alone or combined with bright light on mood and health-related quality of life

Background. So-called atypical depressive symptoms (carbohydrate craving, prolonged sleep, weight gain, increased appetite) frequently emerge in association with low illumination to which people are ordinarily exposed indoors, or even outdoors at extreme latitudes in wintertime. Our objective was to analyse the effect of physical exercise alone or combined with bright light on mood and the health-related quality of life during winter. Methods. We carried out a randomized controlled trial on 120 indoor employees in southern Finland between November and January. The subjects were allocated to supervised fitness training under bright (2500–4000 lx) or ordinary (400–600 lx) light conditions in a gym 2–3 times weekly for 8 weeks, or supervised relaxation training once a week over the same period as active placebo. We collected questionnaire data on the changes in mood and health-related quality of life after 4 and 8 weeks of training, and after 4 months follow-up. Results. Fitness training in bright light resulted in greater relief from atypical depressive symptoms and more vitality than in ordinary room light. Compared with relaxation alone, the former regime improved general mental health and social functioning in addition to the improvement in depressive symptoms and vitality, whereas the latter only increased vitality. Conclusions. Supervised physical exercise combined with exposure to bright light appears to be an effective intervention for improving mood and certain aspects of the health-related quality of life in wintertime. This effect appears unrelated to the history of season-dependent symptoms, being noticeable among healthy individuals.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of β-Amyloid in Alzheimer Disease Is the Result of Heterogeneous Regional Carrying Capacities

β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in the brain is 1 of 2 pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD), and the spatial distribution of Aβ has been studied extensively ex vivo. Methods: We applied mathematical modeling to Aβ in vivo PET imaging data to investigate competing theories of Aβ spread in AD. Results: Our results provided evidence that Aβ accumulation starts in all brain regions simultaneously and that its spatiotemporal distribution is due to heterogeneous regional carrying capacities (regional maximum possible concentration of Aβ) for the aggregated protein rather than to longer-term spreading from seed regions. Conclusion: The in vivo spatiotemporal distribution of Aβ in AD can be mathematically modeled using a logistic growth model in which the Aβ carrying capacity is heterogeneous across the brain but the exponential growth rate and time of half maximal Aβ concentration are constant.
Determination of Human European Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups by Means of a Hierarchical Approach

In this paper we propose a hierarchical approach that allows the screening of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups in populations that have essentially West Eurasian mtDNA backgrounds but that could have some non-West Eurasian contributions. To develop and validate this scheme, we used data on 18 coding region polymorphisms (17 analyzed by RFLP analysis and 1 by sequencing) and sequences of hypervariable segment I (HVSI) of the mtDNA control region from the Azores Islands (Portugal) population. The proposed scheme allows the characterization of almost all West Eurasian and African major clusters by means of RFLPs. Furthermore, the scheme includes information on situations in which sequencing is pertinent to defining a particular haplogroup. The validity of the scheme is ensured by (1) using relatively stable polymorphic positions, (2) screening more than one position to define a specific haplogroup, and (3) typing confirmatory positions. Dubious samples can be resolved by sequencing. The robustness of this approach was assessed by sequencing all samples for HVSI, taking advantage of the previously established relationships between RFLPs and control region sequence polymorphisms. The use of this hierarchical approach avoids the screening of unnecessary control region polymorphisms and therefore results in a more rapid and cost-efficient screening than one in which all polymorphic positions are analyzed. Even if this approach leads to a lower level of phylogeographic resolution than the sequencing of all samples, it allows us to define population movements on a continental level and can be applied, unlike sequencing all samples, with a low cost in any laboratory. [End Page 431]
Work and Care Opportunities under Different Parental Leave Systems: Gender and Class Inequalities in Northern Europe

This article analyses public parental leave in eight northern European countries, and assesses its opportunity potential to facilitate equal parental involvement and employment, focusing on gender and income opportunity gaps. It draws on Sen’s capability approach and Weber’s ideal-types to comparative policy analysis. It offers the ideal parental leave architecture, one which minimizes the policy-generated gender and class inequality in parents’ opportunities to share parenting and keep their jobs, thus providing real opportunities for different groups of individuals to achieve valued functionings as parents. Five policy indicators are created using benchmarking and graphical analysis. Two sources of opportunity inequality are considered: the leave system as the opportunity and constraint structure and the socio-economic contexts as the conversion factors. The article produces a comprehensive overview of national leave policies, visually presenting leave policy across countries. Considering policy capability ramifications beyond gender challenges a family policy-cluster idea and the Nordic-Baltic divide. It demonstrates that leave systems in northern Europe are far from homogenous; they diverge in the degree to which they create real opportunities for parents and children as well as in key policy dimensions through which these opportunities are created.
Cerebral analgesic response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen

Abstract Nonopioid agents, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are the most commonly used class of analgesics. Increasing evidence suggests that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition at both peripheral and central sites can contribute to the antihyperalgesic effects of NSAIDs, with the predominant clinical effect being mediated centrally. In this study, we examined the cerebral response to ibuprofen in presurgical and postsurgical states and looked at the analgesic interaction between surgical state and treatment. We used an established clinical pain model involving third molar extraction, and quantitative arterial spin labelling (ASL) imaging to measure changes in tonic/ongoing neural activity. Concurrent to the ASL scans, we presented visual analogue scales inside the scanner to evaluate the subjective experience of pain. This novel methodology was incorporated into a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design, with an open method of drug administration. We found that independent of its antinociceptive action, ibuprofen has no effect on regional cerebral blood flow under pain-free conditions (presurgery). However, in the postsurgical state, we observed increased activation of top–down modulatory circuits, which was accompanied by decreases in the areas engaged because of ongoing pain. Our findings demonstrate that ibuprofen has a measurable analgesic response in the human brain, with the subjective effects of pain relief reflected in two distinct brain networks. The observed activation of descending modulatory circuits warrants further investigation, as this may provide new insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of analgesia that might be exploited to improve safety and efficacy in pain management.
Performance analysis of adaptive decode-and-forward cooperative diversity networks with best-relay selection

Cooperative diversity is a relatively new technique that can be used to improve the performance of the wireless networks. The main advantage of this technique is that the diversity gain can be achieved without the need to install multiple antennas at the transmitter or the receiver. In this paper, we investigate the performance of the best-relay selection scheme where the "best" relay only participates in the relaying. Therefore, two channels only are needed in this case (one for the direct link and the other one for the best indirect link) regardless of the number of relays (M). The best relay is selected as the relay node that can achieve the highest signal-to-noise ratio at the destination node. A general mathematical probability model is developed to study the outage performance of the best-relay selection adaptive decode-and-forward cooperative networks. In particular, closed-form expressions for the outage probability and average channel capacity are derived. Results show that the best-relay selection not only reduces the amount of required resources but also can maintain a full diversity order.
A 3-D model for concentrator solar cells based on distributed circuit units

A three-dimensional (3-D) distributed model for high-concentrator solar cells based on elementary units made up of electrical circuits is presented. The recombination mechanisms are dealt with in detail, paying special attention to the perimeter properties. No ohmic effect is omitted making this a powerful simulation tool for concentrator solar cells. A shunt resistance is also included. The model allows the simulation of the external connections and nonuniform illumination profiles making this model very useful for optimizing future structures and technological processes. The proposed 3-D model is compared with a lumped, two-diode model in the simulation of a GaAs solar cell operating from 1 to 2000 suns. It is found that the 3-D distributed model agrees satisfactorily with the experimental data for all concentrations. The agreement cannot be made simultaneously for both low and high concentrations for the lumped model.
Current opinions regarding the importance, diagnosis, and management of delirium in the intensive care unit: A survey of 912 healthcare professionals*

ObjectiveRecently published clinical practice guidelines of the Society of Critical Care Medicine recommend monitoring for the presence of delirium in all mechanically ventilated patients because of the potential for adverse outcomes associated with this comorbidity, yet little is known about healthcare professionals’ opinions regarding intensive care unit delirium or how they manage this organ dysfunction. The aim of this survey was to assess the medical community’s beliefs and practices regarding delirium in the intensive care unit. DesignSurvey administration was conducted both without a delirium definition (phase 1) and then with a definition of delirium (phase 2). SettingCritical care meetings and continuing medical education/board review courses from October 2001 to July 2002 ParticipantsA convenience sample of physicians (n = 753), nurses (n = 113), pharmacists (n = 13), physician assistants (n = 12), respiratory care practitioners (n = 8), and others (n = 13). InterventionsSurvey. Measurements and Main ResultsParticipants completed 912 of the surveys. The majority (68%) of respondents thought that >25% of adult mechanically ventilated patients experience delirium. Delirium was considered a significant or very serious problem in the intensive care unit by 92% of healthcare professionals, yet underdiagnosis was acknowledged by 78%. Only 40% reported routinely screening for delirium, and only 16% indicated using a specific tool for delirium assessment. Delirium was considered important in the outcome of elderly and young patients by 89% and 60% of the respondents, respectively (p < .0001). The most serious complications these professionals associated with delirium were prolonged mechanical ventilation, self-injury, and respiratory difficulties. Delirium was treated with haloperidol by 66% of the respondents, with lorazepam by 12%, and with atypical antipsychotics by <5%. More than 55% administered haloperidol and lorazepam at daily doses of ≤10 mg, but some used >50 mg/day of either medication. ConclusionsMost healthcare professionals consider delirium in the intensive care unit a common and serious problem, although few actually monitor for this condition and most admit that it is underdiagnosed. Data from this survey point to a disconnect between the perceived significance of delirium in the intensive care unit and current practices of monitoring and treatment.
Thermal profiling: locating the onset of gain saturation in semiconductor optical amplifiers

Spatially resolved thermal profiling of a semiconductor optical amplifier enables measurement of the gain and saturation characteristics without recourse to direct optical measurements. We observe the spatial onset of gain saturation, quantify both the saturated and unsaturated gain, and accurately predict the optical output power. Effects such as suboptimal operating conditions are identified. Since this method is independent of optical measurements, it is ideal for use with integrated devices.
Scalar dissipation rate and dissipative anomaly in isotropic turbulence

We examine available data from experiment and recent numerical simulations to explore the supposition that the scalar dissipation rate in turbulence becomes independent of the fluid viscosity when the viscosity is small and of scalar diffusivity when the diffusivity is small. The data are interpreted in the context of semi-empirical spectral theory of Obukhov and Corrsin when the Schmidt number, $\hbox{\it Sc}$, is below unity, and of Batchelor's theory when $\hbox{\it Sc}$ is above unity. Practical limits in terms of the Taylor-microscale Reynolds number, $R_\lambda$, as well as $\hbox{\it Sc}$, are deduced for scalar dissipation to become sensibly independent of molecular properties. In particular, we show that such an asymptotic state is reached if $R_\lambda \hbox{\it Sc}^{1/2}\,{\gg}\,1$ for $\hbox{\it Sc} \,{<}\, 1$, and if $\ln(\hbox{\it Sc})/R_\lambda\,{\ll}\,1$ for $\hbox{\it Sc} \,{>}\,1$.
Clinical complications following thyroid fine‐needle biopsy: a systematic review

Thyroid fine‐needle biopsy (FNB) is a simple, reliable, inexpensive and generally safe diagnostic procedure in the management of thyroid nodules. Post‐FNB local pain and minor haematomas are the most common complications, while serious complications seem to be rare. Given that use of FNB minimizes unnecessary surgery and subsequent operative morbidity and mortality as well as the fact that the majority of FNB complications resolve spontaneously, the overall safety of FNB is not questioned. However, awareness of the potential complications and careful estimation of the risk‐benefit ratio in an individual basis may further decrease the low morbidity of FNB. In this systematic review we tried to collect and summarize all reported clinical complications following diagnostic thyroid FNB, aiming to make physicians aware of possible complications and to provide preventive measures to avoid them.
Modelling of antenna radiation pattern of a re-entry vehicle in presence of plasma

Upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, space vehicles become shrouded in a plasma that affects all communications of spacecraft with ground and satellites. The flight of the Atmospheric Re-entry Demonstrator (ARD) of the European Space Agency (ESA) has allowed the experimental characterization of the communication channel between the capsule and one of the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), flying at geosynchronous orbit. The paper deals with the study of antenna radiation through plasma during re-entry of the ARD vehicle. Despite some approximations, the obtained results are remarkably close to measured link losses, and provide an explanation of why these losses are much less severe than the initially expected "blackout".
Vaginal absorption of two estriol preparations

Abstract. In a comparative randomized cross‐over study the absorption of a single dose of 0.5 mg estriol from a vaginal cream or a vaginal suppository (OvestinR, Organon, The Netherlands) was studied. Eight healthy postmenopausal women participated and the preparations were given with an interval of 14 days. Blood sampling was performed twice before application and then after 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 hours. Serum was analysed for unconjugated and conjugated estriol (E3), FSH and LH by radio‐immunoas‐say. Considerable interindividual variations in serum levels of unconjugated E3 were found but mean values were about equal throughout the study for the two preparations. Peak levels of 0.5 — 0.6 nmol/1 were achieved 1 — 2 hours after application of the preparations and after 24 hours no unconjugated E3 was measurable. Conjugated E3 rose rapidly but within 48 hours serum concentrations reached baseline levels. A maximum decrease in serum LH levels of about 40% was obtained with both preparations after 6 hours and the return to baseline within 24 hours indicates a relationship to unconjugated E3. FSH in serum was maximally suppressed 6—12%. Estriol is thus readily absorbed by the vaginal route and peak levels of unconjugated E3 after insertion of 0.5 mg estriol seem to be comparable to those obtained after 8‐12 mg estriol given orally.
Is Economic Uncertainty Priced in the Cross-Section of Stock Returns?

We investigate the role of economic uncertainty in the cross-sectional pricing of individual stocks and equity portfolios. We estimate stock exposure to an economic uncertainty index and show that stocks in the lowest uncertainty beta decile generate 6% more annualized risk-adjusted return compared to stocks in the highest uncertainty beta decile. We find that the uncertainty premium is driven by the outperformance (underperformance) by stocks with negative (positive) uncertainty beta. Our results indicate that uncertainty-averse investors demand extra compensation to hold stocks with negative uncertainty beta and they are willing to pay high prices for stocks with positive uncertainty beta.