Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The utility of preoperative six-minute-walk distance in lung transplantation.

RATIONALE The use of 6-minute-walk distance (6MWD) as an indicator of exercise capacity to predict postoperative survival in lung transplantation has not previously been well studied. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between 6MWD and postoperative survival following lung transplantation. METHODS Adult, first time, lung-only transplantations per the United Network for Organ Sharing database from May 2005 to December 2011 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to determine the association between preoperative 6MWD and post-transplant survival after adjusting for potential confounders. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the 6MWD value that provided maximal separation in 1-year mortality. A subanalysis was performed to assess the association between 6MWD and post-transplant survival by disease category. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 9,526 patients were included for analysis. The median 6MWD was 787 ft (25th-75th percentiles = 450-1,082 ft). Increasing 6MWD was associated with significantly lower overall hazard of death (P < 0.001). Continuous increase in walk distance through 1,200-1,400 ft conferred an incremental survival advantage. Although 6MWD strongly correlated with survival, the impact of a single dichotomous value to predict outcomes was limited. All disease categories demonstrated significantly longer survival with increasing 6MWD (P ≤ 0.009) except pulmonary vascular disease (P = 0.74); however, the low volume in this category (n = 312; 3.3%) may limit the ability to detect an association. CONCLUSIONS 6MWD is significantly associated with post-transplant survival and is best incorporated into transplant evaluations on a continuous basis given limited ability of a single, dichotomous value to predict outcomes.
Bacterial spore antigens: a review.

SUMMARY: Agglutinogens and precipitinogens have been detected in the spores of many species of aerobic and anaerobic spore-formers and these antigens are distinct from those of the vegetative growth phases of the corresponding organisms. Spore antigens are heat resistant and antibody response is elicited by the injection of autoclaved spores into rabbits. Injection of living spores leads to the development of antibodies reacting with vegetative cell antigens in addition to spore antibodies. Agglutinogens tend to show subspecies distribution in some aerobic species but spore precipitinogens appear to be mainly species specific in aerobes. Less information is available about anaerobes where a similar pattern of specificity is suggested. Data about the antigenic structure of the spore and the antigenic changes accompanying sporulation and germination are scant; it is in these aspects of the subject that the most significant progress is to be anticipated.
Economic status and survival of cancer patients

The relation of economic status to survival was studied for 39 kinds of cancer representing all types for which 60 or more indigent patients were seen in University of Iowa Hospital for primary care during the years 1940–1969. For every type the indigent patients had poorer survival than non‐indigent patients. Quality of care would be eliminated as a major variable since a second group of “ward” patients of higher economic status was available for comparison and the differences were substantially greater between the two groups of teaching patients than between the “clinic pay” and “private” patients. Age differences and differences in stage of disease accounted for less than half of the survival deficits in the indigents. The two important problems were high mortality from causes other than cancer and excess cancer mortality not accounted for by stage differences, particularly among patients who should have had 5‐year survival rates between 40 and 70%. In these patients cancer recurred more often and earlier among the indigent. We postulate host differences associated with poverty that could also account for much of the observed Black‐White differences as well as some international differences in cancer survival rates.
Proliferative lesions and metalloproteinase activity in murine lupus nephritis mediated by type I interferons and macrophages

Glomerulonephritis is a major cause of morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Although substantial progress has been made in the identification of pathogenic triggers that result in autoantibody production, little is known about the pathogenesis of aggressive proliferative processes that lead directly to irreversible glomerular damage and compromise of renal function. In this study, we describe a model of polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid-accelerated lupus nephritis in NZB/W mice that is characterized by severe glomerular proliferative lesions with de novo crescent formation, findings that are linked with decreased survival and adverse outcomes in lupus. Proliferative glomerulonephritis was associated with infiltrating kidney macrophages and renal expression of IFN-inducible genes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and growth factors. Crescent formation and renal MMP and growth factor expression were dependent on renal macrophages that expressed Il10, MMPs, osteopontin, and growth factors, including Pdgfc and Hbegf. Infiltrating macrophages and renal MMP expression were induced by type I IFN. These findings reveal a role for type I IFNs and alternatively activated macrophages in aggressive proliferative lesions of lupus nephritis.
Down-regulation of S100A11, a calcium-binding protein, in human endometrium may cause reproductive failure.

BACKGROUND Low expression levels of S100A11 proteins were demonstrated in the placental villous tissue of patients with early pregnancy loss, and S100A11 is a Ca2+-binding protein that interprets the calcium fluctuations and elicits various cellular responses. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to determine S100A11 expression in human endometrium and its roles in endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. METHODS S100A11 expression in human endometrium was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical techniques. The effects of S100A11 on embryo implantation were examined using in vivo mouse model, and JAr (a human choriocarcinoma cell line) spheroid attachment assays. The effects of endometrial S100A11 on factors related to endometrial receptivity and immune responses were examined. Using a fluorescence method, we examined the changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-treated endometrial cells transfected with or without S100A11 small interfering RNA. RESULTS S100A11 was expressed in human endometrium. S100A11 protein levels were significantly lower in endometrium of women with failed pregnancy than that in women with successful pregnancy outcomes. The knockdown of endometrial S100A11 not only reduced embryo implantation rate in mouse but also had adverse effects on the expression of factors related to endometrial receptivity and immune responses in human endometrial cells. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that S100A11 proteins were mainly localized in endoplasmic reticulum. The EGF up-regulated endometrial S100A11 expression and promoted the Ca2+ uptake and release from Ca2+ stores, which was inhibited by the knockdown of S100A11. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial S100A11 is a crucial intermediator in EGF-stimulated embryo adhesion, endometrium receptivity, and immunotolerance via affecting Ca2+ uptake and release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. Down-regulation of S100A11 may cause reproductive failure.
Genetics of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a complex disorder with multiple factors affecting its etiology. Elucidation of specific genes and mode of inheritance remains a significant challenge. Linkage and association studies have resulted in over 50 candidate genes as a source of heritable predisposition; however, small sample sizes and failure to reproduce results have hindered efforts. In addition, low fecundity, lack of a male phenotype, and variation of diagnostic criteria represent unique challenges to discovery of polycystic ovarian syndrome genes. A concerted effort will be necessary to conclusively rule in or rule out candidate genes.
The DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine activates NY‐ESO‐1 antigenicity in orthotopic human glioma

Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are considered to be suitable targets for the immunotherapy of human malignancies. It has been demonstrated that in a variety of tumors, the expression of certain CTAs is activated via the demethylation of their promoter CpG islands. In our study, we have shown that while the composite expression of 13 CTAs in 30 human glioma specimens and newly established cell lines from the Japanese population was nearly imperceptible, the DNA‐demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐CdR) markedly reactivated CTA expression in glioma cells but not in normal human cells. We quantified the diminished methylation status of NY‐ESO‐1‐one of the most immunogenic CTAs‐following 5‐aza‐CdR treatment by using a novel Pyrosequencing™ technology and methylation‐specific PCR. Microarray analysis revealed that 5‐aza‐CdR is capable of signaling the immune system, particularly, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I upregulation. 51Cr‐release cytotoxicity assays and cold target inhibition assays using NY‐ESO‐1‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines demonstrated the presentation of de novo NY‐ESO‐1 antigenic peptides on the cell surfaces. In an orthotopic xenograft model, the systemic administration of 5‐aza‐CdR resulted in a significant volume reduction of the transplanted tumors and prolonged the survival of the animals after the adoptive transfer of NY‐ESO‐1‐specific CTLs. These results suggested that 5‐aza‐CdR induces the expression of epigenetically silenced CTAs in poorly immunogenic gliomas and thereby presents a new strategy for tumor immunotherapy targeting 5‐aza‐CdR‐induced CTAs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Third Harmonic Model for Salient Pole Synchronous Generator Under Balanced Load

The third harmonic current produced by salient pole synchronous generator has always been associated with high neutral current causing problem to neutral earthing resistor, telecommunication system, and earth fault protection. In this paper, the third harmonic model for salient pole synchronous generator in symmetrical component domain is proposed that comprise of generator parameter and generated voltage. The new computational technique in determining the third harmonic zero-sequence synchronous impedance is introduced. In completing the model, the method to characterize generated third harmonic zero-sequence voltage under balanced combine resistive and inductive load is described. In order to study the third harmonic current flowing in the network, the propagation model is also established. The third harmonic synchronous generator parameters are measured and comparatively validated with laboratory experiment results. In addition to that, the third harmonic generated voltage is characterized and validated experimentally.
Real‐time simulation of surgery by reduced‐order modeling and X‐FEM techniques

This paper describes a novel approach for the simulation of surgery by a combined technique of model order reduction and extended finite element method (X‐FEM) methods. Whereas model order reduction techniques employ globally supported (Ritz) shape functions, a combination with X‐FEM methods on a locally superimposed patch is developed for cutting simulation without remeshing. This enables to obtain models with very few degrees of freedom that run under real‐time constrains even for highly non‐linear tissue constitutive equations. To show the performance of the technique, we studied an application to refractive surgery in the cornea. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"Run, Jane, run": central tensions in the current debate about enhancing women's health through exercise.

The advancement of access and opportunities for girls and women in health enhancing physical activity in recent decades is a matter of record. Yet despite burgeoning interest and increased female participation in sport and recreational physical activity, few women are active enough to benefit their health. Even after extensive government campaigns are repeatedly used to educate the public, fewer women than men participate in every age group. Something is drastically wrong when exercise is said to be associated with so many health benefits, yet only a small portion of the female population exercises sufficiently to accrue these benefits. It is important to critically evaluate the challenges inherent in achieving social equity in opportunities for healthy physical activity for all women. As we gain new understandings about how health gains can be achieved by reducing social inequality rather than providing more medical care, we can see how involvement in healthy exercise is closely entwined with the social and economic status of women, disempowering stereotypes of the female body and the issue of control over women's bodies. This paper explores central tensions in the current debate about promoting female health through physical activity across the lifespan by focusing upon (i) the continued medicalization of the female body; (ii) adolescence and the tyranny of physical appearance over health and physical activity choices; (iii) menopause and the perpetuation of disempowering stereotypes into old age; and (iv) issues of diversity and the impact of 'race' and ethnicity upon female health and physical activity. These issues are then examined in light of the discourses of recent population health strategies in Canada and the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health (1996) which both (in differing degrees) demonstrate a continued preoccupation with individual lifestyle change and cautious medical prescription for exercise as recipes for better female health.
Reduction of morbidity and mortality rates for neonatal group B streptococcal disease through early diagnosis and chemoprophylaxis

Pregnant women, part of the term service population at Orlando Regional Medical Center, were screened for group B streptococci (GBS), using Lim Group B Strep Broth (GIBCO Laboratories, Madison, Wis.) and the Phadebact Strep B Test (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Piscataway, N.J.). Of the 803 women screened, 173 were confirmed as colonized with GBS at the time of admission in labor. Eighty of these women were treated with ampicillin at least 6 h prior to delivery. The remaining 93 women received no ampicillin. None of the infants born to the treated women was colonized with GBS at surface culture sites. Forty-three of the infants born to untreated women were colonized. Rapid identification of GBS colonization in women, combined with ampicillin chemoprophylaxis, significantly reduced vertical transmission of GBS.
Dynamic Equilibrium with Two Stocks, Heterogeneous Investors, and Portfolio Constraints

We study dynamic equilibrium in a Lucas economy with two stocks, two heterogeneous constant relative risk aversion investors, and portfolio constraints. We focus on margin and leverage constraints, which restrict access to credit. We find a positive relationship between the amount of leverage in the economy and magnitudes of stock return correlations and volatilities. Tighter constraints generate rich patterns in correlations and volatilities, make them less countercyclical, increase risk premia proportionally to assets' margins, and increase prices of low-margin assets more than prices of high-margin assets. We derive closed-form solutions for the unconstrained case and the case of leverage constraints. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. , Oxford University Press.
Modified PISAPED Criteria in Combination with Ventilation Scintigraphic Finding for Predicting Acute Pulmonary Embolism

This prospective clinical study aimed at assessing three pulmonary scintigraphic algorithms to detect acute pulmonary embolism (PE): Lung ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy along with modified prospective investigation of pulmonary embolism diagnosis (PIOPED) criteria; lung perfusion scintigraphy along with prospective investigative study of acute pulmonary embolism diagnosis (PISAPED) criteria; and lung perfusion scan in combination with ventilation scan, along with modified PISAPED criteria, which were newly developed. Patients with suspicion of PE were eligible for this study if they had no abnormal chest x-ray. Their diagnostic workup included a clinical assessment, a pulmonary V/Q scintigraphy, and CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), as well as a clinical outcome assessment over a period of 24 weeks. Referred to the final clinical diagnosis of patients, the sensitivity and specificity of each algorithm were evaluated. The diagnostic performance of each algorithm by the area under the maximum likelihood fitted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was determined. With respect to the PISAPED criteria, the sensitivity was 60.8% and specificity was 87.3%. No patient was classified into nondiagnostic category. The PIOPED criteria showed that the sensitivity was 95.0% and specificity was 88.2%, while 57.4% of the patients were in nondiagnostic category. The areas under the ROC curve constructed from the PISAPED criteria results and the modified PIOPED criteria results were 0.734 and 0.859 (P < 0.01), respectively. The modified PISAPED criteria demonstrated that the sensitivity was 83.8% and specificity was 89.1%. No patient was classified into nondiagnostic category. The area under the ROC curve constructed from modified PISAPED criteria was 0.864 (P < 0.01). Perfusion scans used with ventilation scans and modified PISAPED criteria may increase the diagnostic accuracy of pulmonary scintigraphy for acute PE, compared with the two major algorithms.
A comparison of subvastus and midvastus approaches in minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND The mini-subvastus and the mini-midvastus approaches are among the most common alternatives to the medial parapatellar approach for total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare the early clinical outcomes of these two approaches. METHODS In this prospective, randomized study of fifty-one patients who underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty, the mini-subvastus approach was used in one knee and the mini-midvastus approach, in the contralateral knee. There were forty-two women and nine men who had a mean age of seventy years at the time of the index arthroplasties, and they were followed for two years postoperatively. Clinical outcome was assessed and compared with use of the Knee Society pain and function scores, the straight-leg-raising test, range of motion, and isokinetic strength testing. Operating time and blood loss for each approach were also compared. In addition, patients were surveyed concerning which knee they preferred. RESULTS Comparisons of postoperative Knee Society scores between both approaches at the time of the two-year follow-up did not yield a significant difference in outcome. Isokinetic strength testing at twelve weeks postoperatively revealed no significant differences in muscle strength, with a mean extensor peak torque-to-body weight ratio of 0.14 Nm/kg for both groups. No significant difference was found with respect to total blood loss, straight-leg-raising test, range of motion, or patient preference. There was no clinically relevant difference in operative times between the two approaches. CONCLUSIONS The minimally invasive subvastus and midvastus approaches for total knee arthroplasty were both associated with excellent short-term clinical results. Some surgeons believe that the subvastus approach completely avoids damage to the quadriceps mechanism and therefore would be associated with improved muscle function. This prospective series did not identify a substantive difference between the two approaches. We believe that the decision between these surgical approaches should be based on surgeon preference and experience.
Mechanism of Action of Myosin X, a Membrane-associated Molecular Motor*

We have performed a detailed biochemical kinetic and spectroscopic study on a recombinant myosin X head construct to establish a quantitative model of the enzymatic mechanism of this membrane-bound myosin. Our model shows that during steady-state ATP hydrolysis, myosin X exhibits a duty ratio (i.e. the fraction of the cycle time spent strongly bound to actin) of around 16%, but most of the remaining myosin heads are also actin-attached even at moderate actin concentrations in the so-called “weak” actin-binding states. Contrary to the high duty ratio motors myosin V and VI, the ADP release rate constant from actomyosin X is around five times greater than the maximal steady-state ATPase activity, and the kinetic partitioning between different weak actin-binding states is a major contributor to the rate limitation of the enzymatic cycle. Two different ADP states of myosin X are populated in the absence of actin, one of which shows very similar kinetic properties to actomyosin·ADP. The nucleotide-free complex of myosin X with actin shows unique spectral and biochemical characteristics, indicating a special mode of actomyosin interaction.
Synthesis of custom interleaved memory systems

This paper presents a novel approach to the synthesis of interleaved memory systems that is especially suited for application-specific processors. Our synthesis system generates the optimized interleaved memories for a specific algorithm and finds the best mapping of arrays in that algorithm onto the memory system to achieve high performance. The design space is four-dimensional (4-D) and comprises the number of memory banks, the type of memory components, the storage scheme, and the range of clock period in the system. Optimal designs are found among the Pareto points (a set of nondominated points in the design space) computed for our memory model under the performance and cost criteria set by the designer. The memory model includes all the components of an interleaved memory system and covers a lookup table-based address generation with data alignment. The synthesis is based on a general periodic storage scheme, which enables efficient handling of irregular and overlapped access patterns. The synthesis process is the exhaustive search of the heavily pruned design space, and the pruning is based on mathematically proven properties of periodic storage schemes. This paper presents the theorems, the synthesis algorithm, and the methods of effective word and bank address generation. Examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our method.
Respiratory rate: the neglected vital sign

Amid the recent celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), a report appeared that outlined future directions for Britain’s cherished free health care system. Entitled High quality care for all, it had been assembled by Lord Ara Darzi, a practising surgeon and professor of surgery, a peer in the House of Lords, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health. It detailed reforms designed to ensure high-quality care for patients and programs to promote the health of the public at large.