Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between county-level contextual characteristics and use of diabetes care services.

OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between county-level measures of social determinants and use of preventive care among US adults with diagnosed diabetes. To inform future diabetes prevention strategies. METHODS Data are from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2004 and 2005 surveys, the National Diabetes Surveillance System, and the Area Resource File. Use of diabetes care services was defined by self-reported receipt of 7 preventive care services. Our study sample included 46 806 respondents with self-reported diagnosed diabetes. Multilevel models were run to assess the association between county-level characteristics and receipt of each of the 7 preventive diabetes care service after controlling for characteristics of individuals. Results were considered significant if P < . 05. RESULTS Controlling for individual-level characteristics, our analyses showed that 7 of the 8 county-level factors examined were significantly associated with use of 1 or more preventive diabetes care services. For example, people with diabetes living in a county with a high uninsurance rate were less likely to have an influenza vaccination, visit a doctor for diabetes care, have an A1c test, or a foot examination; people with diabetes living in a county with a high physician density were more likely to have an A1c test, foot examination, or an eye examination; and people with diabetes living in a county with more people with less than high-school education were less likely to have influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, or self-care education (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Many of the county-level factors examined in this study were found to be significantly associated with use of preventive diabetes care services. County policy makers may need to consider local circumstances to address the disparities in use of these services.
Electrical Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Vias

This paper investigates the electrical behavior of vias made by bundles of either single-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The electronic transport in the CNTs is modeled through the kinetic inductance, the quantum capacitance, and the electrical resistance, which depend on the equivalent number of the CNT conducting channels. The dependence of such a number on the CNT radius, chirality, and temperature is described by using the quasi-classical transport theory. Since for the common mode the effects of the intershell tunneling are negligible, the interaction between different shells is described by using the classical electromagnetic theory. A simple but accurate equivalent lumped model for vias made by CNT bundles is proposed. Vias of interest in nanoelectronic applications are here analyzed, with particular focus on the behavior of electrical parameters versus temperature and frequency.
Bedside ultrasound in pediatric critical care: A review

Objective: Bedside ultrasound, as performed by the intensivist, is gaining in popularity and has become a powerful tool to understand the physiological state of the critically ill patient and to decrease procedural risks. This review assesses clinical applications of bedside ultrasound in the pediatric intensive care unit. Design: A literature review was conducted to identify English language studies in Pubmed as of June, 2010, using combinations of the following search terms: ‘pediatric,’ ‘ultrasound,’ ‘critical care,’ and ‘intensive care. ’ Examination of reference lists of these studies yielded additional studies. Studies were reviewed by both authors. Setting: Intensive care unit, emergency department, or operating rooms, as relevant to application of bedside ultrasound in the pediatric intensive care unit. Patients/Subjects: Pediatric patients (age 0–18 yrs) with adult patients (>18 yrs) in relevant studies utilizing bedside ultrasound by the treating clinician. Interventions: Bedside ultrasound by treating clinician. Measurements: Variable, per individual studies. Main Results/Conclusions: Bedside ultrasound, as practiced by the pediatric intensivist, has the potential to improve pediatric critical care medicine, but data supporting its use is limited. Further studies are needed to explore applications, with specific emphasis on the training and experience of ultrasound operators. There is a need for a standardized educational curriculum, and questions remain as to the optimal mode of education and quality assurance of ultrasound operators.
HEART RATE VARIABILITY INDICATORS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

This article presents results of examined patients with hypothyroidism. The examination was performed using computer diagnosis complex "OmegaM" intended for the analysis of biological rhythms. It is concluded that 85.7± 5.4% of patients with hypothyroidism were indicated with sympathetic predominance of autonomic nervous system (ANS). Analysis has revealed increased tension index indicators in patients with hypothyroidism that indicates on dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.
How Editorial, Temporal and Social Biases Affect Online Food Popularity and Appreciation

Measures of popularity and appreciation provide useful information for search and recommendation systems that facilitate access to growing amounts of user-generated content, such as online recipes. However, user rating and commenting behavior is not only influenced by the content itself, but also due to additional effects introduced by biases and contexts. Based on a large dataset of more than 400,000 online recipes, we investigate the nature of such biases and the impact on the number of ratings, comments and views. Our analysis shows that user feedback is significantly influenced by the recipe author's prior reputation, by friendship relations, similarity between user profiles, temporal and seasonal effects, and editorial choices. Furthermore, a regression analysis shows that for the number of ratings received by recipes in particular, an excellent fit can be obtained based on a combination of these biases. These results imply that the popularity of an item is heavily influenced by random bias introduced by various external factors that impact rating and commenting behavior in a relatively short time span after publication.
Multidrug resistance in gastric cancer: recent research advances and ongoing therapeutic challenges

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The major cause of treatment failure for gastric cancer is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy, which is currently one of the primary treatment options. Recently, research into the MDR of gastric cancer has revealed that, in addition to the classical ATP-binding cassette transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and MDR-associated protein (MRP)1, a number of other molecules might mediate the drug resistance of human gastric cancer. The absence of P-gp and MRP1 expression in some gastric cancer cases also indicates that there might be other mechanisms responsible for human gastric cancer MDR. These molecules belong to different functional families and might work together to confer MDR phenotypes. The new findings may provide new clues to the mechanisms of MDR and enable the selection of new candidates for targeting MDR in human gastric cancer.
Neurotensin Receptors

Neurotensin is a neuropeptide involved in intercellular communication in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. During the last few years, a primary goal of this laboratory has been to characterize the structural and functional properties of neurotensin receptors in brain and gut. These studies led us to investigate the transduction mechanisms that are triggered by the association of neurotensin with its target cell and finally to purify the neurotensin receptor to homogeneity. This chapter will present an update of our major findings in this area.
Optimisation of enzyme assisted extraction of silybin from the seeds of Silybum marianum by Box-Behnken experimental design.

INTRODUCTION Silybin, a standardised extract of flavanolignans from the seeds of Silybum marianum, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy in the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis. The higher yield of silybin by using more efficient extraction technique is of particular interest in the herbal products manufacture. OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the important factors of enzyme-assisted extraction of flavanolignans from the seeds of Silybum marianum to enhance the extraction yield of silybin. METHODOLOGY The important factors of enzyme-assisted extraction were optimised by employing Box-Behnken design with the aid of the orthogonal array design (OAD) OA(8) (2(7)). The effects of enzyme incubation temperature (EIT), the pH of enzyme solution (PES) and the size of seeds (SS) on the yield of silybin were visualised as three-dimensional response surface and contour plots. RESULTS The predictive yield was 24.6 mg/g defatted seeds under the optimum enzymolysis conditions (EIT 40 degrees C, PES 4.5 and SS 7003 microm). The coefficient of the model was r(2) > 0.97 (n = 15). The actual yield of silybin was 24.81 + or - 1.93 mg/g defatted seeds, higher by 138 and 123.6% than that from ethanol extraction in this study and in the previous literature, respectively. IR spectra and HPLC of the extracts by EAE were in agreement with those from ethanol extraction. SEM and TEM pictures of defatted seeds by variant extractions demonstrate that the extraction of silybin depends on the destruction of cell walls. CONCLUSION The results suggest that EAE is a promising alternative for the extraction of silybin by the use of traditional ethanol extraction.
Developmental morphology of the typical cordate gametophyte of a homosporous leptosporangiate fern, Lygodium japonicum (Lygodiaceae), focusing on the initial cell behavior of two distinct meristems.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Understanding the origin and early evolution of vascular plants requires thorough consideration of the gametophyte generation of ferns and lycophytes. Unfortunately, information about this generation is quite limited. To reveal the origin and evolution of varied gametophyte shapes, we used comparative morphological studies of meristem behavior of gametophytes of Lygodium japonicum, which exhibit the typical cordate shape. METHODS Microscopic images of epi-illuminated growing gametophytes cultured from spores were captured periodically using a metallurgical microscope equipped with a digital camera to analyze the cell lineage in the meristem. KEY RESULTS Gametophytes form from two meristems: the apical-cell-based meristem and the multicellular meristem. The triangular apical cell produces six to eight derivatives from two lateral facets, then disappears. Subsequently, the multicellular meristem, with a row of several rectangular cells, forms in the notch. These rectangular cells divide asynchronously in the periclinal and anticlinal walls to produce cells to both lateral sides and downward. Usually two, and sometimes three, cells located at the center of the meristem divide at a slower pace in the periclinal and anticlinal planes than others at the periphery. The cells at the periphery are pushed away and become involved in the wing base. CONCLUSIONS The triangular apical cell behaves as a permanent initial cell. In the multicellular meristem, however, two or three central cells behave as initial cells that are transient and regulated in a position-dependent manner. The organization and behavior of both meristems are shared with the ribbon-shaped gametophytes of Colysis.
Effect of various levels of T-2 toxin on the clinical status, performance and metabolism of growing pigs

In two sets of experiments eight groups of seven-week-old pigs weighing about 9 kg were fed for three weeks a prestarter that contained 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 10.0 or 15.0 mg/kg of highly purified T-2 toxin. The feed of the two control groups was free from T-2 toxin. Average daily intakes of toxin by the pigs were 0.38, 0.81, 1.24, 1.43, 0.93, 0.81, 0.99 and 2.5 mg, respectively. The weight gains, the feed intakes, the extent of feed refusal, the parameters of energy and protein metabolism and the serum concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium were affected to different extents by the different doses of T-2 toxin, but the data indicated that feed consumption was reduced and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase was increased by the smallest amount of T-2 toxin tested.
Analysis of 'off' tails of intramembrane charge movements in skeletal muscle of Rana temporaria.

Components of non‐linear charge were isolated in transients obtained in response to hyperpolarizing ('off') voltage‐clamp steps in frog muscle fibres. 'Off' currents of the q gamma charge were isolated by comparing records obtained from long depolarizing steps with those resulting from short steps which intercepted the 'on' currents of the q gamma charge. The 'off' transients of the q gamma component so deduced were rapid decays lasting 10‐15 ms, in contrast with their prolonged time course in the preceding 'on' steps. 'Off' responses were rapid even at voltages when the 'on' current, obtained from imposed 10 mV steps made at a series of closely incremented conditioning voltages, was delayed and prolonged. Such slow transfers of charge could not be demonstrated in 'off' tails. Large depolarizing steps resulted in rapid q gamma transients in 'on' currents not distinguishable from the rest of the charge movement. Nevertheless, by separating the q gamma component through its inactivation by prolonged depolarization, it was possible to show that q gamma currents in the 'off' tails were still rapid decays. It is concluded that in contrast to the varied pattern shown by q gamma in 'on' transients, its 'off' responses are everywhere relatively fast decays. These features can be predicted by a simple two‐state model in which the forward and backward rate constants depend upon the amount of charge moved, as well as the membrane voltage.
Can Metabolic Syndrome Presence Predict Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness?

The aim of this investigation was to analyze metabolic syndrome (MS) impact on carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT). Prospective study of 300 patients with suspected coronary artery disease admitted for an elective coronary angiography were evaluated. Patients with previously known cardiac disease were excluded. In the population, 23.0% were diabetics and 40.5% had MS (but no diabetes). cIMT was not significantly different in patients with MS, but was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared with MS and control patients. Independent predictors of cIMT were age, male gender, insulin, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the last one with an inverse association). In patients without MS, only age and HDL cholesterol were associated. In patients with MS, independent predictors were age, male gender, and glucose, and abdominal obesity showed an inverse relationship. In patients with stable angina, MS is not an independent predictor of cIMT. Nonmodifiable variables (age and gender) are the most important determinants of cIMT, as well as blood glucose, in MS patients. Abdominal obesity was protective. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;00:00–00. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiotherapy with 6-megavolt photons for early glottic carcinoma: potential impact of extension to the posterior vocal cord.

PURPOSE Radiation therapy has a high success rate in the treatment of early glottic carcinoma. Excellent outcomes have been reported from centers using cobalt-60 or relatively low-energy (< or = 4 MV) radiation therapy to achieve these results. Whether similar outcomes can be achieved with a 6 MV linear accelerator has been less rigorously evaluated. This study assesses the efficacy of 6 MV radiation therapy for early stage glottic cancer and identifies prognostic factors for local control and overall survival in this common disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred twenty-eight consecutive cases of Tis, T1, and T2 squamous cell carcinomas of the glottis from 1982 to 1996 were retrospectively analyzed with regard to local control and survival. All patients were treated with definitive radiation therapy with a 6-MV linear accelerator. Potential prognostic factors for local control and survival were evaluated with univariate and multivariate models. Median follow-up of locally controlled patients was 65 months. RESULTS The overall 3-year actuarial local control rates for T1 and T2 carcinomas were 86% and 68%, respectively. Patients with lesions involving the posterior third of the vocal cord had significantly worse 3-year local control (76% vs. 86%, P =.038). Radiation therapy technique and overall treatment time did not significantly affect local control. For patients with Tis and T1 lesions, factors associated with significantly worse local control included cordectomy-ineligible disease (P =.024), dose less than 6,600 cGy (P =.024), and lesions limited to the posterior third of the vocal cord (P =.004). Three-year local control was 76%, with doses less than 6,600 cGy and 90% with higher doses. High rates of second primary malignancies were observed and represented the major cause of death. Five-year overall survival was 84%. CONCLUSIONS The use of 6-MV photons for treatment of early glottic cancer seems to achieve local control similar to that reported with lower-energy photons. However, patients with posterior third involvement had a poorer local control rate with standard radiation therapy, thereby suggesting that alternative approaches be considered.
In vivo pectoralis muscle force-length behavior during level flight in pigeons (Columba livia)

For the first time, we report in vivo measurements of pectoralis muscle length change obtained using sonomicrometry combined with measurements of its force development via deltopectoral crest strain recordings of a bird in free flight. These measurements allow us to characterize the contractile behavior and mechanical power output of the pectoralis under dynamic conditions of slow level flight in pigeons Columba livia. Our recordings confirm that the pigeon pectoralis generates in vivo work loops that begin with the rapid development of force as the muscle is being stretched or remains nearly isometric near the end of the upstroke. The pectoralis then shortens by a total of 32 % of its resting length during the downstroke, generating an average of 10.33. 6 J kg-1 muscle (mean s.d.) of work per cycle for the anterior and posterior sites recorded among the five animals. In contrast to previous kinematic estimates of muscle length change relative to force development, the sonomicrometry measurements of fascicle length change show that force declines during muscle shortening. Simultaneous measurements of fascicle length change at anterior and posterior sites within the same muscle show significant (P<0.001, three of four animals) differences in fractional length (strain) change that averaged 1912 %, despite exhibiting similar work loop shape. Length changes at both anterior and posterior sites were nearly synchronous and had an asymmetrical pattern, with shortening occupying 63 % of the cycle. This nearly 2:1 phase ratio of shortening to lengthening probably favors the ability of the muscle to do work. Mean muscle shortening velocity was 5.381. 33 and 4.881. 27 lengths s-1 at the anterior and posterior sites respectively. Length excursions of the muscle were more variable at the end of the downstroke (maximum shortening), particularly when the birds landed, compared with highly uniform length excursions at the end of the upstroke (maximum lengthening). When averaged for the muscle as a whole, our in vivo work measurements yield a mass-specific net mechanical power output of 70. 2 W kg-1 for the muscle when the birds flew at 5-6 m s-1, with a wingbeat frequency of 8.7 Hz. This is 38 % greater than the value that we obtained previously for wild-type pigeons, but still 24-50 % less than that predicted by theory.
The Moving and "Phantom" Bottlenecks

When a slow-moving vehicle occupies one of the lanes of a multilane highway, it often causes queueing behind it, not unlike one caused by an actual stoppage on that lane. This happens when the traffic flow rate upstream from the slow vehicle exceeds a certain critical value. We define this situation as the case of the Moving Bottleneck. There are other situations when people caught in a traffic jam slowly advance to the point of a suspected breakdown or other obstruction, only to find out that no such obstruction exists but suddenly the flow of traffic is free and rapid. We define this situation as that of the Phantom Bottleneck. We present a model describing these two situations on the basis of reasonable assumptions about the behavior of drivers whose movement is obstructed by the slow vehicle. Using a phenomenological relationship between flow and concentration, we derive formulas describing the behavior of the moving queue caused by the obstruction. Finally, we suggest procedures for validating the model and using it for a rational approach to the design of allowable minimum speeds on highways.
Evidence of macrophage and lymphocyte, but not dendritic cell, infiltration in posterior uveal melanomas, whilst cultured uveal melanomas demonstrate pluripotency by expressing CD68 and CD163

Although variation in the level of macrophage infiltration has been reported in uveal melanoma, little is known about the expression of other leucocyte markers. An immuno‐ histochemistry study of the levels of expression of macrophage and other leucocyte markers, in a series of 10 primary choroidal melanoma biopsies, was undertaken. Biopsies were either fixed immediately in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax or established as short‐term cultures. Using single‐ and double‐labelling immunohistochemistry, cultured cells and paraffin sections were analysed for a range of melanoma (HMB45, Melan A, S100 and tyrosinase) and immune cell (CD68, CD163, CD45 and CD1a) markers. All samples expressed at least two known melanoma markers. Infiltrating macrophages were present in the majority of sections. When cultured specimens were studied by double‐labelling immunofluorescence, uveal melanoma cells were seen to express macrophage markers or have cross‐reactivity with related proteins. Expression of the leucocyte antigen CD45 was observed in three tumours but was not present in any cultured cells, whilst the expression of the dendritic cell marker CD1a was absent from all samples.