Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifetime prevalence and impact of stalking: epidemiological data from eastern Austria

Background and Objectives: Community-based studies of stalking in European countries are scarce. The aim of the present study was to replicate the epidemi- ological study by Dressing and colleagues, which analyzed a sample drawn from a mid- dle-sized German city (Dressing et al., 2005) by using a general population sample (urban as well as rural citizens) from Eastern Austria. Methods: In a survey of 401 persons from Eastern Austria we tried to replicate the study on the lifetime and point prevalence of stalking in a German urban community. The survey included a stalking questionnaire and the WHO-5 well-being scale. Results: Nearly 11% of the respondents (n = 43, 37 women, 6 men) reported having been stalked. Victims scored significantly lower on the WHO-5 well-being scale. We found no significant differences in stalking and well-being between rural and urban areas. Conclusions: Epidemiological data on stalking collected in an Austrian community closely resemble the data derived from a community-based sample in a middle-sized Ger- man city. We also inquired about the living environment of the participants (rural or urban), but found no difference between the two. Furthermore, the lifetime prevalence of being a stalking victim is associated with currently impaired psychological well-being as measured by the WHO-5 Well-being Index.
Effects of arginine vasopressin during resuscitation from hemorrhagic hypotension after traumatic brain injury*

Objective:Two series of experiments were designed to evaluate whether early arginine vasopressin improves acute outcome following resuscitation from traumatic brain injury and severe hemorrhagic hypotension Design:Prospective randomized, blinded animal study. Setting:University laboratory. Subjects:Thirty-three swine. Interventions:In series 1 (n = 19), after traumatic brain injury with hemorrhage and 12 mins of shock (mean arterial pressure ≈20 mm Hg), survivors (n = 16) were initially resuscitated with 10 mL/kg crystalloid. After 30 mins, crystalloid and blood with either 0.1 unit·kg−1·hr−1 arginine vasopressin or placebo was titrated to a mean arterial pressure target ≥60 mm Hg. After 90 mins, all received mannitol and the target was cerebral perfusion pressure ≥60 mm Hg. To test cerebrovascular function, 7.5% inhaled CO2 was administered periodically. In series 2 (n = 14), the identical protocol was followed except the shock period was 20 mins and survivors (n = 10) received a bolus of either arginine vasopressin (0.2 units/kg) or placebo during the initial fluid resuscitation. Measurements and Main Results:In series 1, by 300 mins after traumatic brain injury with arginine vasopressin (n = 8) vs. placebo (n = 8), the fluid and transfusion requirements were reduced (both p < .01), intracranial pressure was improved (11 ± 1 vs. 23 ± 2 mmHg; p < .0001), and the CO2-evoked intracranial pressure elevation was reduced (7 ± 2 vs. 26 ± 3 mm Hg, p < .001), suggesting improved compliance. In series 2, with arginine vasopressin vs. placebo, cerebral perfusion pressure was more rapidly corrected (p < .05). With arginine vasopressin, five of five animals survived 300 mins, whereas three of five placebo animals died. The survival time with placebo was 54 ± 4 mins (p < .05 vs. arginine vasopressin). Conclusions:Early supplemental arginine vasopressin rapidly corrected cerebral perfusion pressure, improved cerebrovascular compliance, and prevented circulatory collapse during fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock after traumatic brain injury.
Use of Sperm Plasmid DNA Lipofection Combined with REMI (Restriction Enzyme-Mediated Insertion) for Production of Transgenic Chickens Expressing eGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) or Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone1

Abstract Linearized p-eGFP (plasmid-enhanced green fluorescent protein) or p-hFSH (plasmid human FSH) sequences with the corresponding restriction enzyme were lipofected into sperm genomic DNA. Sperm transfected with p-eGFP were used for artificial insemination in hens, and in 17 out of 19 of the resultant chicks, the exogenous DNA was detected in their lymphocytes as determined by PCR and expressed in tissues as determined by (a) PCR, (b) specific emission of green fluorescence by the eGFP, and (c) Southern blot analysis. A complete homology was found between the Aequorea Victoria eGFP DNA and a 313-bp PCR product of extracted DNA from chick blood cells. Following insemination with sperm lipofected with p-hFSH, transgenic offspring were obtained for two generations as determined by detection of the transgene for human FSH (PCR) and expression of the gene (RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR) and the presence of the protein in blood (radioimmunoassay). Data demonstrate that lipofection of plasmid DNA with restriction enzyme is a highly efficient method for the production of transfected sperm to produce transgenic offspring by direct artificial insemination.
Low toxicity and efficacy of 153samarium‐EDTMP and melphalan as a conditioning regimen for secondary acute myelogenous leukemia

Abstract: We report the case of a 15‐yr‐old girl who developed secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) 4 yr after completion of therapy for metastatic Ewing sarcoma (primary right acetabulum with metastatic disease to the lungs). Peripheral blood stem cells were collected after the second cycle of chemotherapy with the plan for future consolidation with high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue; however, because of the patient's excellent response to chemotherapy and surgery, therapy was completed without the need for high‐dose chemotherapy. No human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched related donor was available for a bone marrow transplant. Because of previous lung radiation, high‐dose samarium [30 mCi/kg of samarium‐153 ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (153Sm‐EDTMP) day −14] and melphalan (140 mg/m2 day −2) were chosen as the conditioning regimen to avoid potential lung complications. The patient received an infusion of 6.1 × 108/kg mononuclear autologous cells on day 0. She achieved engraftment on day +23. Three years after transplantation, she continues to have complete remission. Samarium and melphalan constitute a well‐tolerated regimen with potential antileukemic activity.
Dynamic thermal time model of cold hardiness for dormant grapevine buds.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Grapevine (Vitis spp.) cold hardiness varies dynamically throughout the dormant season, primarily in response to changes in temperature. The development and possible uses of a discrete-dynamic model of bud cold hardiness for three Vitis genotypes are described. METHODS Iterative methods were used to optimize and evaluate model parameters by minimizing the root mean square error between observed and predicted bud hardiness, using up to 22 years of low-temperature exotherm data. Three grape cultivars were studied: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay (both V. vinifera) and Concord (V. labruscana). The model uses time steps of 1 d along with the measured daily mean air temperature to calculate the change in bud hardiness, which is then added to the hardiness from the previous day. Cultivar-dependent thermal time thresholds determine whether buds acclimate (gain hardiness) or deacclimate (lose hardiness). KEY RESULTS The parameterized model predicted bud hardiness for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with an r(2) = 0·89 and for Concord with an r(2) = 0·82. Thermal time thresholds and (de-)acclimation rates changed between the early and late dormant season and were cultivar dependent but independent of each other. The timing of these changes was also unique for each cultivar. Concord achieved the greatest mid-winter hardiness but had the highest deacclimation rate, which resulted in rapid loss of hardiness in spring. Cabernet Sauvignon was least hardy, yet maintained its hardiness latest as a result of late transition to eco-dormancy, a high threshold temperature required to induce deacclimation and a low deacclimation rate. CONCLUSIONS A robust model of grapevine bud cold hardiness was developed that will aid in the anticipation of and response to potential injury from fluctuations in winter temperature and from extreme cold events. The model parameters that produce the best fit also permit insight into dynamic differences in hardiness among genotypes.
A note on the stability of bimodal systems in with discontinuous vector fields

This paper presents the necessary and sufficient conditions for global asymptotic stability of a class of bimodal piecewise linear systems in . The approach being used allows the vector field to be discontinuous on the switching plane. It is shown that the discontinuity of the vector field plays a crucial role in global asymptotic stability. This point is illustrated by examples, where the change in the discontinuity of the vector field (without changing the eigenvalues of subsystems) can cause the system to be globally asymptotically stable or unstable.
Host Reaction against Empty Alginate‐polylysine Microcapsules. Influence of Preparation Procedure

Abstract— Microcapsules, prepared with alginate and polylysine, were injected intraperitoneally into mice and the number of peritoneal leucocytes as well as the cells sticking to the capsule wall were counted after 4–28 days. A significant increase in host reaction was observed when the microcapsules contained an outer layer of polylysine as compared with calcium alginate beads without polylysine or microcapsules coated with an outer layer of alginate. The alginate sources influenced the host reaction significantly. After an intraperitoneal residence of 4 days, the microcapsules were mainly surrounded by macrophages. After 28 days, several cell layers surrounded the microcapsules; macrophages, multinucleate giant cells, fibroblasts and mesothelial cells.
A Cost Minimization Comparison of Two Surfactants-Beractant and Poractant alfa-Based Upon Prospectively Designed, Comparative Clinical Trial Data.

OBJECTIVES To compare the pharmacoeconomic profiles of beractant (Survanta(®), Ross Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio) and poractant alfa (Curosurf(®), DEY LP, Napa, CA) via a cost-minimization analysis. METHODS This analysis was based upon clinical data from two previously published studies (Speer C, et al. Arch Dis Child 1995;72: F8-13; and Ramanathan R, et al. Am J Perinatol 2004; 21:109-19) where investigators found significant differences in the number of doses required to achieve a similar clinical response. Our analyses employed several models based upon single-use or multiple-use of single-use vial scenarios, average wholesale pricing, and costs computed on a per-patient basis. Model 1 involved single-dose vials and mean weight of the infants (both trials). Models 2 and 3, based on individual patient weights, assessed single-dose and multiple-use of single-dose vials cost scenarios, respectively. Individual patient weights allowed for statistical evaluation in Models 2 and 3. RESULTS Model 1 savings with poractant alfa treatment was $949.67 (53%) based upon Speer and $617.90 (46%) based upon Ramanathan. Models 2 and 3 reported savings for poractant alfa of $220.50 (20%) (P = 0.11) and $180 (20%) (P = 0.018), respectively over beractant. CONCLUSIONS These analyses would suggest poractant alfa may offer a less costly, clinically-equivalent option. Savings may vary with vial usage and mix, patient weight distribution, and how surfactants are used in practice. Institutions utilizing surfactants may wish to examine usage patterns, dosing protocols, and patient mix to determine what potential savings may exist.
Gentiana scabra Bunge. Formula for Herpes Zoster: Biological Actions of Key Herbs and Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety

This study reviewed the biological action of key herbs and evaluated systematically the efficacy and safety of oral Gentiana formula for herpes zoster (HZ). Experimental studies relevant to HZ were identified in PubMed. Randomized controlled trials using Gentiana formula for HZ were identified from nine English and Chinese databases. The primary outcome was evaluation of pain. Potential risk of bias was assessed. Meta‐analysis was conducted using mean difference or risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Key herbs Gentiana scabra Bunge, Gentiana triflora Pall, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Gardenia jasminoides Ellis have shown antiinflammatory actions through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and pro‐inflammatory enzymes. Twenty‐six clinical studies, involving 2955 participants, were included. Modified Gentiana formula resolved pain earlier than pharmacotherapy when used alone or combined with topical Chinese herbal medicine. Incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was lower (risk ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.74) with modified Gentiana formula plus topical Chinese herbal medicine. Mild adverse events were reported. Antiinflammatory actions of key herbs of Gentiana formula may explain clinical benefit in hastening pain relief and decreasing postherpetic neuralgia. Few adverse events were reported. Findings were limited by study quality and diversity in intervention and comparator dosage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is There a Relationship Between Street Heroin Purity and Drug‐Related Emergencies and/or Drug‐Related Deaths? An Analysis from Vienna, Austria *

Abstract: This study examines the quality of street heroin seized in Vienna in 1999 and whether there was a relationship between the purity of street heroin and the number of heroin‐related emergencies as well as the number of heroin‐related deaths. Street heroin confiscated by the Viennese police, run‐sheets of drug‐related emergencies, and postmortem reports of drug‐related deaths in Vienna in 1999 were analyzed. A total of 415 retail samples with a total weight of 128.02 g contained a median percentage of 6.5% diacetylmorphine (range: 0.0–47.0%). All the samples contained a diluent, mainly lactose, as well as adulterants, such as caffeine and/or paracetamol. During the study period, 75 heroin‐related deaths and 387 heroin‐related emergencies were registered in Vienna. Time‐series analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between the rate of heroin‐related incidents and the diacetylmorphine concentration of street heroin samples confiscated in Vienna in 1999. The widely held belief that the number of heroin‐related deaths could be explained simply through fluctuations in the purity of street heroin could not be substantiated, even though the results of this study do not rule out an association between the purity of heroin and heroin‐related deaths/emergencies.
Transient and optoelectronic feedback-sustained pulsation of laser diodes at 1300 nm

We report the observation of self-sustained pulsation and transient self-pulsation in laser diodes at 1300 nm and the effects of optoelectronic feedback on the pulsations. Transient self-pulsation has a lifetime of a few minutes with frequencies up to 7 GHz. The linewidth of self-pulsation is on the order of 0.5 GHz. With optoelectronic feedback, the transient self-pulsation can be sustained and the linewidth significantly reduced to about 20 kHz. The center frequency of feedback-sustained pulsation is dependent on the passband of the bandpass filter in the feedback loop. The feedback sustained pulsation can be frequency modulated for applications in subcarrier multiplexed optical networks such as cable TV distribution and antenna remoting. <<ETX>>
The role of endogenous growth factors to support corneal endothelial migration after wounding in vitro.

Previous studies have shown that corneal endothelial cells contain mRNA and protein of various growth factors. However, the role of these endogenous growth factors in corneal endothelial wound healing is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous factors and several growth factor inhibitors on migration of corneal endothelial cells in an in vitro model of wound healing. Bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) were grown to confluency and experiments performed at passage 2 under serum reduced [2% fetal calf serum (FCS)] conditions. A central circular 'wound' (5 mm diameter) was made with an especially designed trephine. In different experiments, cells were incubated over different time periods (1-72 hr) either with the cellular debris produced by the wounding procedure or with previously prepared endothelial cell lysates (protein content 50-500 microg ml(-1)). Additionally, purified bovine polyclonal anti-BFGF antibodies (Ab) (4.5-27 microg ml(-1)), suramin (0.5 m M) or anti-FGF receptor-Ab (1 microg ml(-1)) were added to both experimental approaches, respectively. Migration was quantitated by counting the cells inside the denuded area in four different sections from the wound edge after 5 days. Cellular migration of cells adjacent to the wound was significantly stimulated by factors released during wounding or by endothelial cell lysates at protein concentrations >100 microg ml(-1). This increase in migrating cells was partially inhibited when the anti-bFGF antibody was incubated with the cell debris or the lysates. The addition of suramin at 0.5 m M almost completely blocked the migration activity. Incubation of the anti-FGF-receptor antibody prior to and >5 hr after wounding significantly reduced migration to nearly 50% of the rate in control cultures (P<0.001). In the present study, we demonstrate that intracellular growth factors released from corneal endothelial cells enhance the migration of surviving cells in vitro. The strong inhibitory effect of suramin indicates a major role of heparin-binding growth factors for cellular migration. bFGF and the regulation of bFGF-receptor expression on cells at the wound margin seem to be of crucial importance for the wound healing process.
An Illusory Consensus behind GMO Health Assessment

Prominent scientists and policymakers assert with confidence that there is no scientific controversy over the health effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—that genetically modified crops currently in commercial use and those yet to be commercialized are inherently safe for human consumption and do not have to be tested. Those who disagree are cast as “GMO deniers. ” This article examines scientific reviews and papers on GMOs, compares the findings of professional societies, and discusses the treatment of scientists who have reported adverse effects in animal feeding experiments. This article concludes by exploring the role that politics and corporate interests have had in distorting an honest inquiry into the health effects of GMO crops.
Simulator sickness — Five experiments using autostereoscopic mid-sized or small mobile screens

Visual comfort is one of the factors of 3D experience. The goal of this paper is to evaluate simulator sickness as a part of five different video quality evaluation studies. The experiments are conducted using three different dual-view autostereoscopic midsized and small mobile screens with varying constructed video quality levels, under different lengths of viewing, and with a total of 200 participants. The simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) was used in the data-collection in the pre- and postimmersion. The results showed only a small short term increase in the symptoms after exposure in four studies indicating a good applicability of these displays for short term video viewing.
Quantitative microanalysis of bile.

Abstract A quantitative microanalytical procedure for bile has been developed which is based on the solvent partition of bile constituents into subgroups followed by silicic acid column chromatography, gas chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography. This method can be performed with less than 1 ml. of bile and can easily be scaled down to be applicable for experimentation on smaller animals. This method gives information on a wide variety of constituents present in bile such as total phospholipids; lecithin; and its fatty acids composition; cholic, chenodeoxycholic, deoxyoholic, and lithocholic acids; free fatty acids; cholesterol; mono-, di-, and triglycerides; bilirubin; total solid; and total lipids. Quantitative analysis of human gallbladder bile has been presented.
Correction: The Role of Conspiracist Ideation and Worldviews in Predicting Rejection of Science

This Correction is being published to provide a clarification regarding ethical approval for the inclusion of minors in this study, and to address concerns regarding the inclusion of age outliers in the dataset and some analyses that were discovered by a reader. The authors thank the reader for drawing this problem to our attention. In addition, the authors discovered a slight error in the specification of the single-indicator latent variable model for Conservatism, which necessitated an update of the fit statistics for two of the models and a slight change in the reported regression weights and correlations. A revised version of Fig 2 is included below. Note that none of the conclusions in the article are affected by these changes. The authors apologize for these errors. Fig 2 Structural Equation Model summarizing the data (Model 1).
Impact of Subsidence on Clinical Outcomes and Radiographic Fusion Rates in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Systematic Review

Study Design: Systematic review. Objective: To provide a systematic review of published literature on the impact of subsidence on clinical outcomes and radiographic fusion rates after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plates or without plates. Background: Subsidence of interbody implants is common after anterior cervical spine fusions. The impact of subsidence on fusion rates and clinical outcomes is unknown. Methods: Systematic literature review on published articles on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which objectively measured graft subsidence, radiographic fusion rates, and clinical outcomes between April 1966 and December 2010. Results: A total of 35 articles that measured subsidence and provided fusion rates and/or clinical outcomes were selected for inclusion. The mean subsidence rate ranged from 19.3% to 42.5%. The rate of subsidence based on the type of implant ranged from 22.8% to 35.9%. The incidence of subsidence was not impacted by the type of implant (P=0.98). The overall fusion rate of the combined studies was 92.8% and was not impacted by subsidence irrespective of subsidence definition or the measurement technique used (P=0.19). Clinical outcomes were evaluated in 27 of 35 studies with all studies reporting an improvement in patient outcomes postoperatively. Conclusions: Subsidence irrespective of the measurement technique or definition does not appear to have an impact on successful fusion and/or clinical outcomes. A validated definition and standard measurement technique for subsidence is needed to determine the actual incidence of subsidence and its impact on radiographic and clinical outcomes.