Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subhaloes gone Notts: the clustering properties of subhaloes

We present a study of the substructure finder dependence of subhalo clustering in the Aquarius Simulation. We run 11 different subhalo finders on the haloes of the Aquarius Simulation and study their differences in the density profile, mass fraction and two-point correlation function of subhaloes in haloes. We also study the mass and v(max) dependence of subhalo clustering. As the Aquarius Simulation has been run at different resolutions, we study the convergence with higher resolutions. We find that the agreement between finders is at around the 10 per cent level inside R-200 and at intermediate resolutions when a mass threshold is applied, and better than 5 per cent when v(max) is restricted instead of mass. However, some discrepancies appear in the highest resolution, underlined by an observed resolution dependence of subhalo clustering. This dependence is stronger for the smallest subhaloes, which are more clustered in the highest resolution, due to the detection of subhaloes within subhaloes (the sub-subhalo term). This effect modifies the mass dependence of clustering in the highest resolutions. We discuss implications of our results for models of subhalo clustering and their relation with galaxy clustering.
Video-based ergonomic analysis to evaluate thoracostomy tube placement techniques.

BACKGROUND Thoracostomy for relief of pneumo- or hemothorax may be performed emergently at the bedside, in the emergency department or trauma area, often in nonideal circumstances. We hypothesized that ergonomic analysis of thoracostomy techniques can identify areas for potential improvement in patient and operator safety. METHODS Interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SME) provided steps in the task of thoracostomy; 44 thoracostomies (emergent and elective) were video-recorded and reviewed by SMEs. Ergonomic analyses evaluated surgical performance techniques using video clips. RESULTS Risks to the patient and operator included instrument-tray positioning and instrument content. Analyses of video records revealed that despite SME-survey consensus, operators inconsistently followed recommended techniques. CONCLUSIONS Discrepancies between SME-recommended and observed practice are prevalent, with simple ergonomic problems impeding performance, and creating risks for patients and operators. Video-based ergonomic analysis is a rich source for identifying task performance problems and potential solutions.
Connection Domain Mutations in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Do Not Impact Etravirine Susceptibility and Virologic Responses to Etravirine-Containing Regimens

ABSTRACT Connection domain mutations (CDMs) in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) alter susceptibility to some nucleoside/nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs/NNRTIs). Their effects on susceptibility and virologic responses to etravirine were analyzed. Seventeen CDMs were evaluated: L283I, E312Q, G333D, G333E, G335C, G335D, N348I, A360I, A360T, A360V, V365I, T369I, A371V, A376S, I393L, E399D, and E399G. CDM prevalence and effects on virologic responses were analyzed retrospectively using clinical data. The effects on etravirine susceptibility were assessed in clinical samples and confirmed using site-directed mutants. The most prevalent CDMs (>10%) were A371V, E399D, A376S, N348I, A360T, G333E, and L283I. CDM presence was positively correlated with thymidine analogue-associated mutations, but not with NNRTI resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). The presence or number of CDMs did not significantly reduce etravirine susceptibility, although small reductions were seen in samples with G333D, N348I, A360V, T369I, and A376S. N348I, E399G, and N348I/T369I were associated with reduced etravirine susceptibility when present with K103N, L100I, or Y181C. N348I or T369I was associated with reduced etravirine susceptibility when present with K101P or K103R/V179D. Virologic responses to an etravirine-containing regimen were slightly diminished when G333D, G335D, or A376S was present, but this was not confirmed in subgroups with higher baseline resistance or without etravirine RAMs. CDMs alone do not confer substantial reductions in etravirine susceptibility but can further reduce etravirine susceptibility in combination with certain NNRTI mutations. Since virologic responses to etravirine were not affected by CDMs, the clinical impacts of these mutations on etravirine susceptibility appear to be minimal.
Health Behaviors, Readiness to Change, and Interest in Health Promotion Programs Among Smokers With Lung Cancer and Their Family Members: A Pilot Study

Background: The diagnosis of lung cancer presents an opportunity to motivate individuals to adopt health-promoting behavior. Little attention has been given to using this opportunity to also motivate relatives to change their health behaviors. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe health behaviors and readiness to change lifestyle, identify interest in health promotion programs, and examine concordance of health behaviors among smokers with lung cancer and their family members. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected once from 37 lung cancer patient–family member dyads. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and percent agreement were used for analyses. Results: Lung cancer patients and their family members had high rates of continued smoking (43% vs 30%), low intake of fruits and vegetables (92% vs 95%), and high rates of physical inactivity (84% vs 84%). Patients and family members indicated readiness to change behaviors within the next 6 months ranging from 63% for physical activity, 73% for diet, and 88% to quit smoking for patients and 81% for physical activity, 58% for diet, and 91% to quit smoking for family members. Interest in participating in a multiple behavioral risk reduction program was high for patients and family members. Conclusions: The majority of patients and their family members have multiple behavioral risk factors placing them at risk for poor health outcomes. Implications for Practice: Oncology nurses are in a unique position to provide leadership in assessing health behaviors and implementing evidence-based interventions to enhance outcomes for patient–family member dyads with lung cancer.
The emerging demographic transitions of Southeast Asia.

Among the worlds regions Southeast Asia appears to be second only to East Asia in its potential for completed fertility transitions in the near future. This article uses microdata from 1970 and 1980 censuses to examine the first phase of fertility declines in four major Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines and Thailand. In spite of wide variations across countries clear evidence emerges of significant fertility declines in all four; moreover within countries once fertility transition is well under way all social groups and geographical areas are affected. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
Angiogenic and Lymphangiogenic Molecules in Hematological Malignancies

In this review, the role of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic growth factors in hematological malignancies is summarized, alongside with possible therapeutic applications. Recent data demonstrate the importance of angiogenesis in hematologic malignancies including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Expression of angiogenic polypeptides vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) associate with clinical characteristics in human leukemia and lymphoma, and their serum concentrations serve as predictors of poor prognosis. VEGF and VEGF-C also act as survival factors on leukemia. Furthermore, certain hematological malignancies both produce angiogenic or lymphangiogenic growth factors including VEGF and VEGF-C, and also express their receptors, resulting in the generation of autocrine loops that may support cancer cell survival and proliferation. Inhibition of the action of key regulators of endothelial cell growth, alone or in combination with other antiangiogenic drugs and/or established chemo- or immunotherapy regimens, is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in hematological malignancies.
Relationship between Vancomycin MIC and Failure among Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Treated with Vancomycin

ABSTRACT There is growing concern that vancomycin has diminished activity for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, with vancomycin MICs at the high end of the CLSI susceptibility range. Despite this growing concern, there are limited clinical data to support this notion. To better elucidate this, a retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with MRSA bloodstream infections who were treated with vancomycin between January 2005 and May 2007. The inclusion criteria were as follows: at least 18 years old, nonneutropenic, with an MRSA culture that met the CDC criteria for bloodstream infection, had received vancomycin therapy within 48 h of the index blood culture, and survived >24 h after vancomycin administration. Failure was defined as 30-day mortality, bacteremia ≥10 days on vancomycin therapy, or a recurrence of MRSA bacteremia within 60 days of vancomycin discontinuation. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis identified the vancomycin MIC breakpoint associated with an increased probability of failure. During the study period, 92 patients met the inclusion criteria. The vancomycin MIC breakpoint derived by CART analysis was ≥1.5 mg/liter. The 66 patients with vancomycin MICs of ≥1.5 mg/liter had a 2.4-fold increase in failure compared to patients with MICs of ≤1.0 mg/liter (36.4% and 15.4%, respectively; P = 0.049). In the Poisson regression, a vancomycin MIC of ≥1.5 mg/liter was independently associated with failure (adjusted risk ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.4; P = 0.01). These data strongly suggest that patients with MRSA bloodstream infections with vancomycin MICs of ≥1.5 mg/liter respond poorly to vancomycin. Alternative anti-MRSA therapies should be considered for these patients.
Effect of Birth Month on Physical Fitness of Soccer Players (Under-15) According to Biological Maturity

Abstract This study aims to clarify the relationship between the birth quarters, biological maturity and physical fitness (PF) in Under-15 youth soccer players. Each participant (n=133) was an Under-15 player from a top-elite soccer academy. The data collection period lasted 8 years (from Under-15 2002/2003 to 2009/2010 season). The athletes’ birth dates were recorded and organized by birth quarters (Q1, first; Q2, second; Q3, third; Q4, fourth) and by semesters (S1, first; S2, second). Additionally recorded were each athlete’s biological maturity (skeletal age, SA), anthropometric profile (stature; body mass; thigh, calf and upper arm girths), and fitness profile (10-m and 30-m sprint times; SJ; CMJ; shuttles in YYIR Test). Significant differences were found for (1) decimal age and SA by quarters (Q4-Q1, Q2) and semesters; and (2) stature (Q3-Q1, Q2, Q4; S1-S2), body mass (Q1-Q3; S1-S2), thigh girth (S1-S2), SJ (Q1-Q2) and sprint time (Q4-Q1, Q2; S1-S2). When maturity was considered as covariate all PF variables, with exception of SJ (Q1-Q2) and 10-m sprint time (S1-S2), were very similar among the studied groups. These findings suggest that (1) seasonal birth effect may result from the observed biological maturation differences, and (2) athletes may have been chosen due to their PF attributes.
Comparison Between Laser Scanning In Vivo Confocal Microscopy and Noncontact Specular Microscopy in Assessing Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Central Corneal Thickness

Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD) with laser scanning confocal microscope Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) II Rostock Corneal Module and noncontact specular microscope Tomey EM-3000 and to assess intra- and interobserver agreement in normal corneas. Methods: This prospective study included 48 normals (69.6 ± 7.2 years, range: 55-80 years) who underwent CCT and ECD with both Tomey and HRT 3 times by 2 independent observers. Measurement differences between instruments, agreement between devices, and test-retest variability (TRV) were determined. Results: Mean CCTs with Tomey and HRT were 529.4 ± 35.4 and 536 ± 37.6 μm (P = 0.06), respectively; average ECDs with Tomey and HRT were 2473.5 ± 242.2 and 2539.7 ± 338.6 cells per square millimeter (P = 0.04), respectively. The mean of the differences (HRT minus Tomey) was 6.5 ± 17 μm for CCT and 65 ± 135.1 cells per square millimeter for ECD. Differences between instruments were not related to CCT (P = 0.35), whereas significantly increased with increasing ECD (P = 0.0001). Intraexaminer TRV for Tomey and HRT were 3.9 ± 3.7 and 22.2 ± 18.4 μm for CCT and 73 ± 63.4 and 152.2 ± 148.4 cells per square millimeter for ECD, respectively; interexaminer TRV was 4.6 ± 4.2 and 23.8 ± 17.3 μm for CCT and 84.9 ± 72.3 and 159.8 ± 149.8 cells per square millimeter for ECD. Conclusions: HRT II Rostock Corneal Module and the Tomey EM-3000 showed an overall good intermethod agreement. HRT showed a tendency to slightly overestimate CCT measurements, significantly underestimate ECD measurements in eyes with a reduced cell density (<2290 cells per square millimeter), and overestimate ECD in eyes with a high cell density. Both instruments showed low intra- and interobserver TRV for both CCT and ECD measurements, which tended to be less for Tomey.
Anti-tumour effects of transcatheter arterial embolisation administered in combination with thalidomide in a rabbit VX2 liver tumour model.

OBJECTIVE Using a liver tumour model we investigated whether thalidomide enhances the anti-tumour effect of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE). METHOD First, the viability of VX2 tumour cells co-cultured with thalidomide in a 21% and 1% O(2) atmosphere was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Second, we randomly assigned 20 rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumours to 4 groups: Group 1 (thalidomide plus TAE), Group 2 (TAE only), Group 3 (thalidomide only) and Group 4 (control). Thalidomide was orally administered for 5 days. The anti-tumour effects were assessed by the tumour proliferation rate using MRI and by immunohistochemical analysis of the area of intratumoural vessels. Analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The viability of cells grown under hypoxic and normal conditions was not significantly different, nor was there a difference among the four groups. The tumour size increased by 55.9±29.3% in Group 1, 250.6±73.3% in Group 2, 355.2±51.7% in Group 3 and 424.7±110.7% in Group 4; the difference between Group 1 and the other three groups was significant. The area of intratumour vessels in specimens was 0.22±0.28% in Group 1, 0.42±0.29% in Group 2, 1.44±1.00% in Group 3 and 6.00±2.17% in Group 4; the difference between Group 1 and the other groups was statistically significant, as was the difference between Groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION Thalidomide used in combination with TAE enhanced anti-tumour effects in rabbits bearing VX2 liver tumours.
Gold Nanoparticles-Modified Tapered Fiber Nanoprobe for Remote SERS Detection

This letter presents a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobe based on gold nanoparticles-modified tapered optical fiber and demonstrates its ability to perform remote Raman detection. The nanoscale tapered fiber with the tip size of 40.7 nm was made by heated pulling and chemical etching methods. The gold nanoparticles, prepared beforehand by the Frens method with a microwave heating process, were deposited on the tapered surface of the nanoprobe with the electrostatic self-assembly technology. Raman spectra of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules were measured, using this SERS nanoprobe in an optrode remote detection mode. Considerably high signal-to-noise ratio and high sensitivity were achieved. The detection limit for R6G aqueous solution reaches 10-8 mol/L.
The Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Tetracycline Antibiotic in Human Blood Lymphocytes Using CBMN and SCE Analysis, in Vitro

Abstract Tetracycline antibiotic, a widely used antimicrobial drug was tested for nuclear DNA damage in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes in terms of chromosome alterations. The extent of cytogenetic damage, expressed as chromosome breakage and chromosome loss, was evaluated employing the Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus method (CBMN), the mutagenic effect of these antimicrobial drugs was investigated using Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) assay in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity was measured by evaluating mitotic activity (MA) and cytostatic effect was designated by measuring Proliferation Index and Nuclear Division index (NDI) in cultures. In this study, five different concentrations were used for tetracycline antibiotic. All the concentrations led to decrease in mitotic activity (p < 0.05). SCE frequency was significantly different from negative control, (p < 0.05) except at the concentration of 0. 1μg/ml. All the concentrations induces the increase in MN frequency, but there is no significant difference between negative control and all the tested concentrations of tetracycline for micronucleus frequency (p>0.05). Tetracycline antibiotic has a moderate genotoxic from the point of view MN induction. Our results indicate that tetracycline has a positive response and is potentially more toxic than being genotoxic in the present study.
Randomized study to characterize glycemic control and short-term pulmonary function in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving inhaled human insulin (exubera).

OBJECTIVE Previous studies with inhaled human insulin [Exubera (EXU); insulin human (recombinant DNA origin) Inhalation Powder, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY; Nektar Therapeutics, San Carlos, CA) show comparable efficacy to sc insulin and small declines in pulmonary function in type 1 and 2 diabetes. This is a detailed characterization of short-term efficacy and pulmonary safety profile of EXU. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a 24-wk multicenter study, 226 nonsmoking patients with type 1 diabetes and normal lung function were randomized to intensive regimens of premeal EXU or sc insulin for 12 wk (comparative phase), followed by sc insulin for 12 wk (washout phase). Glycosylated hemoglobin, hypoglycemia, general adverse events, and pulmonary function were measured. Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity were measured using standardized equipment and methodology. RESULTS Comparable declines from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin were observed in both groups (0.5%) and sustained throughout the study. There was a higher rate of hypoglycemia (risk ratio 1.23; 90% confidence interval 1.16, 1.30) but a lower rate of severe hypoglycemia (risk ratio 0.51; 90% confidence interval 0.30, 0.86) with EXU vs. sc insulin. The treatment group differences in changes from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity were small, occurred within 2 wk of EXU initiation, and were reversible shortly after discontinuation. More patients reported mild cough with EXU vs. sc insulin (30.9% vs. 7.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Three months of EXU therapy is as effective and well tolerated as intensive sc insulin therapy. This study supports the role of EXU in type 1 diabetes.
Significant Reduction in Central Venous Catheter–related Bloodstream Infections in Children on HPN After Starting Treatment With Taurolidine Line Lock

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the incidence and type of central venous catheter–related bloodstream infection in children on treatment with home parenteral nutrition (PN) before and after the introduction of taurolidine. Taurolidine is a catheter lock solution that prevents biofilm formation and has broad-spectrum bactericidal and antifungal action. Its use in pediatric patients on PN has only been reported in case studies. Methods: A total of 19 children were reviewed, with the diagnoses of enteropathy (8 cases), short bowel syndrome (7 cases), and gastrointestinal dysmotility (4 cases). Incidence and type of sepsis were reviewed for 8 to 12 months pre- (when heparin was used) and 2 to 33 months postintroduction of the taurolidine catheter lock. Results: There were 8.6 episodes of catheter-related bloodstream infections per 1000 catheter days with heparin and 1.1 episodes per 1000 catheter days with taurolidine (P = 0.002). A total of 14 of the 19 patients (74%) had no infections for up to 33 months after changing to taurolidine. No reports of multiresistant organisms or adverse effects with taurolidine were found. Conclusions: Taurolidine line lock was associated with a decreased incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections. This finding supports its use in patients with a history of septicemia on treatment with cyclical PN.
Influence of Network Mixing on Interdependent Security: Local Analysis

We study the impact of assortativity or network mixing on interdependent security. We employ a population game model to capture the interaction among many agents when agents are strategic and have various security measures they can choose to defend themselves. We model the interdependence in security among agents using a dependence network. The overall (local) network security seen by agents is measured by what we call the average risk exposure (ARE) from neighbors, which is proportional to the total (expected) number of attacks in the network. We first show that there exists a unique pure-strategy Nash equilibrium of a population game. Then, we prove that as the agents with larger degrees in the dependence network see higher risks than those with smaller degrees, the overall network security deteriorates in that the ARE experienced by agents increases and there are more attacks in the network. Finally, using this finding, we demonstrate that the effects of network mixing on ARE depends on the cost effectiveness of security measures available to agents; if the security measures are not effective, increasing assortativity of the dependence network results in higher ARE. On the other hand, if the security measures are effective in fending off the damages and losses, increasing assortativity reduces the ARE experienced by agents.