Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulation Monitoring during Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The best method of monitoring anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is unknown. We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. Antifactor Xa, antithrombin (AT), and factor VIII activity (FVIII) were measured in blood samples collected at 6, 12, and every 24 hours, respectively, of ECMO. We enrolled 34 children who underwent 35 ECMO runs from April 2008 to September 2010. Activated clotting time (ACT) and heparin doses were higher, whereas antifactor Xa levels were lower in neonates compared to infants/children. Median antifactor Xa was 0.4 IU/ml, median AT was 60%, and median FVIII was 67%. Heparin infusion rate, antifactor Xa, and antithrombin (AT) increased, FVIII was stable, and ACT decreased with each day on ECMO. ACT had poor agreement with antifactor Xa (42%). AT was inversely correlated with ACT (r = –0.33), even after adjusting for heparin dose, and positively correlated with antifactor Xa (r = 0.57). This study emphasizes the age differences as well as the variability over days of coagulation monitoring assays during ECMO. ACT is poorly correlated with antifactor Xa and AT modifies the relationship between ACT and the heparin dose, indicating that results should be interpreted with caution when managing anticoagulation on ECMO. Additional studies are warranted to determine optimal ECMO anticoagulation monitoring.
Temporal processing of figures and grounds

Research on figure-ground organization focused primarily on identifying cues that are used to establish regions as figure or ground. Recently, others have demonstrated behavioral consequences of figure-ground assignment, including speeded responses and higher accuracy for figures. However, other outcomes of figure-ground assignment have been demonstrated. For example, figures’ spatial resolution is enhanced for figures relative to grounds. Still, the consequences of figure-ground assignment can extend beyond spatial processing to other domains, including temporal processing. To investigate the consequences of figure-ground assignment for temporal processing, I first examined whether targets could be perceived as appearing temporally earlier on figures than on grounds (i.e., prior entry effect). My results suggest that figural regions are available to perceptual level processes sooner than grounds. Upon confirming a prior-entry-like effect for figures, I then examined other temporal processing differences between figures and grounds. Specifically, I demonstrated that targets presented on figures are perceived as offsetting later than targets appearing on grounds, suggesting that figures receive extended perceptual level processing relative to grounds. Consequently, I found that extended processing of figures degrades temporal resolution compared to ground regions. Finally, I presented a computational model that captures the temporal processing effects of figure-ground assignment, demonstrating that these effects can arise from a single architecture. Abstract Approved: Thesis SupervisorApproved: Thesis Supervisor Title and Department
The Neurokinin A Receptor Activates Calcium and cAMP Responses through Distinct Conformational States*

G protein-coupled receptors are thought to mediate agonist-evoked signal transduction by interconverting between discrete conformational states endowed with different pharmacological and functional properties. In order to address the question of multiple receptor states, we monitored rapid kinetics of fluorescent neurokinin A (NKA) binding to tachykinin NK2 receptors, in parallel with intracellular calcium, using rapid mixing equipment connected to real time fluorescence detection. Cyclic AMP accumulation responses were also monitored. The naturally truncated version of neurokinin A (NKA-(4–10)) binds to the receptor with a single rapid phase and evokes only calcium responses. In contrast, full-length NKA binding exhibits both a rapid phase that correlates with calcium responses and a slow phase that correlates with cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, activators (phorbol esters and forskolin) and inhibitors (Ro 31-8220 and H89) of protein kinase C or A, respectively, exhibit differential effects on NKA binding and associated responses; activated protein kinase C facilitates a switch between calcium and cAMP responses, whereas activation of protein kinase A diminishes cAMP responses. NK2 receptors thus adopt multiple activatable, active, and desensitized conformations with low, intermediate, or high affinities and with distinct signaling specificities.
Complications of airway intrusion in 100 consecutive cases in a pediatric ICU

One-hundred consecutive patients who underwent orotracheal intubation (OT), nasotracheal intubation (NT), or tracheostomy in the pediatric ICU were evaluated for complications of these airway invasions. Twelve patients had major complications as a result of airway intervention. The mortality for patients requiring mechanical ventilation was 17% as compared with a total overall mortality of 8.3% for patients in the pediatric ICU. Major complications occurred in 10% of patients who had orotracheal intubation, in 11% of patients who had nasotracheal intubations, and in 26% of patients subjected to tracheostomy. Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) was the primary diagnosis associated with the highest rate of complications. An association was found between the occurrence of seizures or hypoperfusion state (shock) while intubated and the occurrence of major complications of airway intrusion. Acquired infections of the respiratory tract with Hemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Candida albicons were also associated with a high rate of complications.
b-GALACTOSIDASE TRANSDUCED T LYMPHOCYTES : A COMPARISON BETWEEN STIMULATION BY EITHER PHA AND IL-2 OR A MIXED LYMPHOCYTE REACTION

Background. Retroviral-mediated gene transfer stably introduces exogenous genes into normal and neoplastic cells of the hematopoietic system. Methods. We used two retroviral vectors [the first, FLac, expresses a chimeric protein (Sh-ble::LacZ) between the product of the phleomycin resistance gene (Sh-ble) and the bacterial b-galactosidase encoded by the LacZ gene; the second, NuNL vector, contains a fusion sequence (LacZ::Neo) that expresses the LacZ and the neomycin resistance genes] to transduce T lymphocytes derived from the peripheral blood of healthy human donors. Two lymphocyte activation procedures were employed: a) phytohemagglutinin/interleukin-2 (PHA/IL-2) polyclonal stimulation; b) allogeneic stimulation in a mixed irradiated or non irradiated lymphocyte reaction, both supplemented with IL-2 (MLR/IL-2). Infection was achieved by co-cultivating activated T cells with the producing amphotropic cell line pretreated with mitomycin C for 96 hours. Infection and transduction efficiency were assayed by LacZ gene expression, which is detected as indigo blue staining with the chromogenic substrate 5-bromo-4chloro-3-indolyl-b-D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal). Results. The highest percentage of transduced T cells was reached on the 3 PHA/IL-2 and on 9 MLR/IL-2 activation days. In these conditions with FLac vector we obtained up to 80% X-Gal+ cells after PHA/IL-2 activation and 66% and 44%, respectively, with non irradiated and irradiated MLR/IL2, respectively. Up to 40% X-Gal+ cells were obtained with NuNL vector after PHA/IL-2 stimulation, 40% with irradiated and 48% with non irradiated MLR/IL-2 activated cells. In term of transduction efficiency, large variability was observed among patients. There were no immunophenotypical differences between FLac or NuNL vector-transduced cells activated by either of the two techniques and the control cells. Conclusions. Our results indicate that: a) the use of FLac or NuNL vector retroviral-mediated gene transfer into T-lymphocytes derived from peripheral blood and stimulated by either PHA/IL-2 or a MLR produces a high percentage of transduced T cells; b) MLR is a good system for generating a transduced alloreactive lymphocyte population. The combination of high transduction efficiency and the capacity to obtain alloreactive transduced lymphocytes should open up the possibility of generating new in vitro and in vivo studies with selectable genes for in vivo therapeutic use.
Evaluation of CD229 as a new alternative plasma cell gating marker in the flow cytometric immunophenotyping of monoclonal gammopathies

Current flow‐cytometric plasma cell (PC) gating is based on CD138, CD38, and CD45 expression. CD138 is known for variable expression and loss during storage and processing. Introduction of anti‐CD38 and anti‐CD138 monoclonal‐antibody therapies has limited the use of these markers during follow‐up. Hence, additional reliable PC‐gating markers are required. Recently, CD229 has been claimed as an alternative PC‐gating marker. However, these studies are limited to a small cohort of samples. We evaluated the utility of CD229 as a new PC‐gating marker in routine laboratory practice.
A prospective study of ultrasonographic and FNAC correlation of thyroid pathology

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid gland is a well established first-line diagnostic test for the evaluation of diffuse thyroid lesions as well as thyroid nodules. It is found to be the most useful line of investigation than other investigations like ultrasonography (USG), thyroid function test (TFT), thyroid scan and serologic studies. Material and methods: Prospective study of minimum 100 cases was carried out with thyroid lesions that underwent USG thyroid and FNAC during the period of 1 st January, 2014 to 31 st December, 2014 were included. Results: Radiologically, 70% cases were diagnosed as benign thyroid lesion, 7% as malignant and 23% were diagnosed as indeterminate. While on FNAC, 83% were benign thyroid lesions and 6% were malignant, 8% were follicular neoplasm and 3% were given indeterminate which were confirmed by histopathological examination. Conclusion: In the present study, we had concluded that FNAC is superior to USG for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions.
Various Prothrombin Complex Concentrates and their Effect on Coagulation and Fibrinolysis In Vivo

Summary Thromboembolic complications occurring in patients treated with factor IX concentrates have been reported. To study the thrombogenicity various types of factor IX concentrates (50 or 100 units F. IX/kg bodyweight) have been infused in dogs. As control albumin was given. The various components of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system have been assayed before the infusion and at various intervals after the end of infusion (0, 1,4 and 24 hrs). Konyne resulted in marked activation of the coagulation process with decrease of platelets, fibrinogen, F. VIII and appearance of FDP and positive ethanol gelation test. Pro thro mplex and Pre-conativ gave no significant changes. Preconativ is prepared without addition of heparin during the procedure.
The Effects of Reduced Food Size and Package Size on the Consumption Behavior of Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters

This research examines the moderating role of attempted dietary restraint on the amount of food consumed from small food in small packages versus large food in large packages. Four experiments demonstrate that restrained eaters consume more calories from small food in small packages, while unrestrained eaters consume more calories from large food in a large package. For restrained eaters, overconsumption of the small food in small packages results from a lapse in self-control caused by the stress of perceiving conflicting food information: the small food in small packages is perceived as both diet food and high in calories. (c) 2008 by JOURNAL OF CONSUMER RESEARCH, Inc.
Managerial Stock Ownership and the Maturity Structure of Corporate Debt

This study documents that managerial stock ownership plays an important role in determining corporate debt maturity. Controlling for previously identified determinants of debt maturity and modeling leverage and debt maturity as jointly endogenous, we document a significant and robust inverse relation between managerial stock ownership and corporate debt maturity. We also show that managerial stock ownership influences the relation between credit quality and debt maturity and between growth opportunities and debt maturity. Copyright 2005 by The American Finance Association.
Control of a two-stage production/inventory system with products returns

Abstract We consider a two-stage production-inventory system with demand at the down-stream stage and returns at each stage. We characterize the structure of the optimal policy which is a complex state-dependent Base-stock policy. We also investigate four classes of policies: Fixed buffer, Base-stock echelon, Kanban and Half-optimal. We compare the performances of these policies and exhibit that the maximal overcost for using the Half-optimal policy is of 0.35% on all the instances tested.
Phylogeography of the Malagasy ring-tailed mongoose, Galidia elegans, from mtDNA sequence analysis

The ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans) represents one of the most widely distributed mongooses in Madagascar; however, we know little about the ecology of this seemingly ubiquitous species. Currently, G. elegans is divided into three recognized subspecies—G. e. elegans, G. e. dambrensis, and G. e. occidentalis—based on differences in pelage coloration between the distinct geographic locations. We used intraspecific DNA variation to describe the phylogenetic relationships among the described subspecies. Approximately 550 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA control region were analyzed from 19 G. elegans specimens representing all three subspecies sampled from across the species' geographic range. Sequence data from outgroup taxa were included for comparison. Examination of the recovered sequences revealed a strongly supported distinct genetic signature in the western region of the island, but remained inconclusive with respect to supporting the designation of the northern and eastern ‘subspecies’ for treatment as divergent intraspecific units for management.
Statistical benchmark for BosonSampling

Boson samplers—set-ups that generate complex many-particle output states through the transmission of elementary many-particle input states across a multitude of mutually coupled modes—promise the efficient quantum simulation of a classically intractable computational task, and challenge the extended Church–Turing thesis, one of the fundamental dogmas of computer science. However, as in all experimental quantum simulations of truly complex systems, one crucial problem remains: how to certify that a given experimental measurement record unambiguously results from enforcing the claimed dynamics, on bosons, fermions or distinguishable particles? Here we offer a statistical solution to the certification problem, identifying an unambiguous statistical signature of many-body quantum interference upon transmission across a multimode, random scattering device. We show that statistical analysis of only partial information on the output state allows to characterise the imparted dynamics through particle type-specific features of the emerging interference patterns. The relevant statistical quantifiers are classically computable, define a falsifiable benchmark for BosonSampling, and reveal distinctive features of many-particle quantum dynamics, which go much beyond mere bunching or anti-bunching effects.
Long time no see – rediscovery of peculiar ephemeral fern Anogramma leptophylla (L.) Link in Croatia

Abstract Anogramma leptophylla is one of the rarest fern species in Balkan Peninsula. In Croatia, several localities were noted prior to this study, when its presence was confirmed with a discovery of a small population on the island of Mljet (Southern Adriatic). This was, after almost 80 years, the first reliable finding of this species along Eastern Adriatic. The establishment of A. leptophylla on the western part of the island of Mljet may be attributable to certain favourable environmental conditions, but essentially to higher air and soil humidity. Its unusual bryophyte-like life strategy, with short-living annual sporophytes, facilitates its survival under Mediterranean climate, generally unfavourable for pteridophytes.
The compensation of actuator delay for hardware-in-the-loop simulation of a jet engine fuel control unit

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) is a type of real-time simulation test that is different from a pure real-time simulation test due to a real component added to the loop. Since HIL includes numerical and physical components, a transfer system is required to link these parts. The transfer system typically consists of a set of actuators and sensors. In order to get accurate test results, the transfer system dynamic effects need to be mitigated. The fuel control unit (FCU) is an electro-hydraulic component of the fuel control system in gas turbine engines. Investigation of FCU performance through HIL technique requires the numerical model of other related parts, such as the jet engine and the designed electronic control unit. In addition, a transfer system is employed to link the FCU hardware and the numerical model. The objective of this study was to implement the HIL simulation of the FCU. To get accurate simulation results, the inverse and polynomial compensation techniques were proposed to compensate time delays resulting from inherent dynamics of the transfer system. Finally, the results obtained by applying both of the methods were compared.
(2-{[1-(Pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]aminomethyl}pyridine-κ3 N,N′,N′′)bis(thiocyanato-κN)zinc

The complete molecule of the title mononuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn(NCS)2(C13H13N3)], is generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry, with the metal atom lying on the rotation axis. The pendant methyl group of the ligand is statistically disordered over two sites. The Zn2+ cation is coordinated by the N,N′,N′′-tridentate Schiff base ligand, and by two thiocyanate N atoms, forming a distorted ZnN5 trigonal–bipyramidal geometry.
Redox reactivity of guanyl radicals in plasmid DNA.

PURPOSE It has been previously argued that gamma-irradiation of plasmid DNA in the presence of thiocyanate ions produces products recognized by the E. coli base excision-repair endonuclease formamidopyrimidine-DNA N-glycosylase (FPG), and there that derive from an intermediate guanyl radical species. The wish was to characterize the reactivity of this intermediate with reducing agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aqueous solutions of plasmid DNA containing either bromide or thiocyanate (10(-3) to 10(-1) mol dm(-3)) and also one of six other additives (azide, ferrocyanide, iodide, nitrite, promethazine, tryptophan, 10(-7) to 10(-3) mol dm(-3)) were subjected to 137Cs gamma-irradiation (662 keV). After irradiation, the plasmid was incubated with FPG. Strand break yields before and after incubation were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis under neutral conditions. RESULTS The very high yields of FPG-sensitive sites in the presence of SCN- or Br- decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of all of the six additives, with promethazine and tryptophan being the most efficient additives, and azide and iodide the least. CONCLUSIONS From the results it is possible to estimate values of the rate constants for the reduction of the DNA guanyl radical (5 x 10(5), 2 x 10(5), 10(7) and 10(7) dm3 mol(-1) s(-1) for ferrocyanide, nitrite, promethazine and tryptophan respectively).
Peer social preference and depressive symptoms of children in Italy and the United States

This study examined the role of low social preference in relation to subsequent depressive symptoms, with particular attention to prior depressive symptoms, prior and concurrent aggression, mutual friendships, and peer victimization. Italian children (N = 288) were followed from grade 6 through grade 8, and American children ( N = 585) were followed from kindergarten through grade 12. Analyses demonstrate that low social preference contributes to later depressive symptoms. The effects are not accounted for by depressive symptoms or aggression experienced prior to low social preference but are mostly accounted for by the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms with concurrent aggressive behavior; gender, mutual friendships, and peer victimization generally did not moderate these associations. We conclude that peer relationship problems do predict later depressive symptoms, and a possible mechanism through which this effect occurs is through the effect of poor peer relationships on increasing aggressive behavior, which is associated with depressive symptoms.
Anticipating changes to future connectivity within a network of marine protected areas

Continental boundary currents are projected to be altered under future scenarios of climate change. As these currents often influence dispersal and connectivity among populations of many marine organisms, changes to boundary currents may have dramatic implications for population persistence. Networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) often aim to maintain connectivity, but anticipation of the scale and extent of climatic impacts on connectivity are required to achieve this critical conservation goal in a future of climate change. For two key marine species (kelp and sea urchins), we use oceanographic modelling to predict how continental boundary currents are likely to change connectivity among a network of MPAs spanning over 1000 km of coastline off the coast of eastern Australia. Overall change in predicted connectivity among pairs of MPAs within the network did not change significantly over and above temporal variation within climatic scenarios, highlighting the need for future studies to incorporate temporal variation in dispersal to robustly anticipate likely change. However, the intricacies of connectivity between different pairs of MPAs were noteworthy. For kelp, poleward connectivity among pairs of MPAs tended to increase in the future, whereas equatorward connectivity tended to decrease. In contrast, for sea urchins, connectivity among pairs of MPAs generally decreased in both directions. Self‐seeding within higher‐latitude MPAs tended to increase, and the role of low‐latitude MPAs as a sink for urchins changed significantly in contrasting ways. These projected changes have the potential to alter important genetic parameters with implications for adaptation and ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. Considering such changes, in the context of managing and designing MPA networks, may ensure that conservation goals are achieved into the future.