Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Cardiac and Respiratory Motion on Tomographic Reconstructions of the Heart: Implications for Quantitative Nuclear Cardiology

The potential influence of physiological, periodic motions of the heart due to the cardiac cycle, the respiratory cycle, or both on quantitative image reconstruction by positron emission tomography (PET) has been largely neglected. To define their quantitative impact, cardiac PET was performed in 6 dogs after injection of “C-palmitate under disparate conditions including: normal cardiac and respiration cycles and cardiac arrest with and without respiration. Although in vitro assay of myocardial samples demonstrated that palmitate uptake was homogeneous (coefficient of variation = 10.1%), analysis of the reconstructed images demonstrated significant heterogeneity of apparent cardiac distribution of radioactivity due to both intrinsic cardiac and respiratory motion. Image degradation due to respiratory motion was demonstrated in a healthy human volunteer as well, in whom cardiac tomography was performed with Super PETT I during breath-holding and during normal breathing. The results indicate that quantitatively significant degradation of reconstructions of true tracer distribution occurs in cardiac PET due to both intrinsic cardiac and respiratory induced motion of the heart. They suggest that avoidance of or minimization of these influences can be accomplished by gating with respect to both the cardiac cycle and respiration or by employing brief scan times during breath-holding.
Patient education in psoriatic arthritis: a cross sectional study on knowledge by a validated self-administered questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE To assess the level of knowledge in a group of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) following one reading of an information leaflet [UK Arthritis Rheumatism Council (ARC) booklet] using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Comparisons with subsets of the disease and level of general education were also made. METHODS A multiple choice self-administered questionnaire was carried out in a group of 59 patients (32 male, 27 female, mean age 47.53 +/- 12.71 yrs) with established disease (mean duration 9.6 +/- 8.5 yrs). The questionnaire covered 4 broad areas of the disease (general knowledge of skin and joint disease, etiology, symptoms, blood test; general management and drug therapy; physiotherapy treatments; joint protection and priorities) and it was written collecting the majority of the information from an ARC booklet on PsA and from advice from the rheumatology team. Detailed statistical analysis was performed to validate the questionnaire and to measure any associations with demographic data. RESULTS The questionnaire was consistent, reliable, and easy to read. Patients showed a lack of knowledge with some erroneous beliefs about their disease (i.e., causes, blood tests, longterm drugs). No statistical associations were found between the level of knowledge achieved and demographic data and patterns of disease. A significant association was found between the median score and level of general education (Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance 7.97, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION The questionnaire is a good instrument to assess knowledge in PsA. The ARC booklet alone seems inadequate to provide sufficient knowledge of disease. Patients' erroneous beliefs were highlighted and these should be addressed.
Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics

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Death from pressure ulcer.

AJN t May 2009 t Vol. 109, No. 5 13 DEATH FROM PRESSURE ULCER In my 30 years of reading nursing journals, I’ve never been as affected by an article as I was by “Dying with a Stage IV Pressure Ulcer,” by Jeanie S. KayserJones, Renée L. Beard, and Tara J. Sharpp (January). This article brought nursing research alive. I have incorporated this article into a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) class on culture and ethics that I teach. I strongly encourage all educators to make this article mandatory reading for their nursing students. Vicki Wissing, MSN, RN Shreveport, LA
The Effects of Beverage Type on Hypertension Mortality Rate in Russia

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is reported to be the leading contributor to premature death globally. It was repeatedly emphasized that excessive alcohol intake (binge drinking) is an independent risk factor for HTN. Recent research evidence suggests that the consumption of different types of alcoholic beverage may have a differential effect on HTN disease rate. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the consumption of different beverage types and HTN mortality rates in Russia. Method: Time-series analytical modeling techniques (ARIMA) were used to examine the relation between the sales of different beverages and age-standardized sex-specific male and female HTN mortality data for the period 1980-2005. Results: Vodka consumption as measured by sales was significantly associated with both male and female HTN mortality rates: a 1 litre increase in vodka sales would result in a 10.8% increase in the male HTN mortality rate and 9.1% increase in the female rate. The consumption of beer and wine were not associated with HTN mortality rates. Conclusions: The present study suggests that HTN mortality tends to be more responsive to changes in spirits consumption per capita than to the wine or beer consumption. The findings from this study also suggest that public health efforts should focus on both reducing overall consumption and changing beverage preference away from distilled spirits in order to reduce cardiovascular mortality rates in Russia.
ALEUTIAN MINK DISEASE PARVOVIRUS IN WILD RIPARIAN CARNIVORES IN SPAIN

Serious declines in populations of native European mink (Mustela lutreola) have occurred in Europe. One responsible factor may be infectious diseases introduced by exotic American mink (Mustela vison). In order to investigate a possible role for Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV), we surveyed native riparian carnivores and feral American mink. When serum samples from 12 free-ranging European and 16 feral American mink were tested, antibodies to ADV were detected from three of nine European mink. ADV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in whole cell DNA from four of seven carcasses; two American mink, one European mink and a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Lesions typical of Aleutian disease were present in one of the American mink. A portion of the ADV VP2 capsid gene was sequenced and the results suggested that two sequence types of ADV were circulating in Spain, and that the Spanish ADVs differed from other described isolates from North America and Europe. Future conservation and restoration efforts should include measures to avoid introduction or spread of ADV infection to native animals.
A mechanistic evaluation of photosynthetic acclimation at elevated CO2

Plants grown at elevated pCO2 often fail to sustain the initial stimulation of net CO2 uptake rate (A). This reduced, acclimated, stimulation of A often occurs concomitantly with a reduction in the maximum carboxylation velocity (Vc,max) of Rubisco. To investigate this relationship we used the Farquhar model of C3 photosynthesis to predict the minimum Vc,max capable of supporting the acclimated stimulation in A observed at elevated pCO2. For a wide range of species grown at elevated pCO2 under contrasting conditions we found a strong correlation between observed and predicted values of Vc,max. This exercise mechanistically and quantitatively demonstrated that the observed acclimated stimulation of A and the simultaneous decrease in Vc,max observed at elevated pCO2 is mechanistically consistent. With the exception of plants grown at a high elevated pCO2 (> 90 Pa), which show evidence of an excess investment in Rubisco, the failure to maintain the initial stimulation of A is almost entirely attributable to the decrease in Vc,max and investment in Rubisco is coupled to requirements.
On Regularity Lemmas and their Algorithmic Applications

Szemerédi's regularity lemma and its variants are some of the most powerful tools in combinatorics. In this paper, we establish several results around the regularity lemma. First, we prove that whether or not we include the condition that the desired vertex partition in the regularity lemma is equitable has a minimal effect on the number of parts of the partition. Second, we use an algorithmic version of the (weak) Frieze–Kannan regularity lemma to give a substantially faster deterministic approximation algorithm for counting subgraphs in a graph. Previously, only an exponential dependence for the running time on the error parameter was known, and we improve it to a polynomial dependence. Third, we revisit the problem of finding an algorithmic regularity lemma, giving approximation algorithms for several co-NP-complete problems. We show how to use the weak Frieze–Kannan regularity lemma to approximate the regularity of a pair of vertex subsets. We also show how to quickly find, for each ε′>ε, an ε′-regular partition with k parts if there exists an ε-regular partition with k parts. Finally, we give a simple proof of the permutation regularity lemma which improves the tower-type bound on the number of parts in the previous proofs to a single exponential bound.
Idiomarina loihiensis sp. nov., a halophilic gamma-Proteobacterium from the Lō'ihi submarine volcano, Hawai'i.

During an investigation of bacterial diversity at hydrothermal vents on the Lō'ihi Seamount, Hawai'i, a novel bacterium (designated L2-TR(T)) was cultivated, which shares 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity over 1415 nt with an uncultured eubacterium from sediment at a depth of 11 000 m in the Mariana Trench. The nearest cultivated neighbour of L2-TR(T), however, is Idiomarina abyssalis KMM 227(T), with which it shares 98.9 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity. L2-TR(T) differed from I. abyssalis KMM 227(T) in several phenotypic respects, including growth at 46 degrees C and in medium that contained 20 % (w/v) NaCl. DNA-DNA hybridization data showed that L2-TR(T) did not belong to the species I. abyssalis (43.4 % DNA-DNA reassociation). Cells of L2-TR(T) were Gram-negative rods, 0.35 microm wide and 0.7-1.0 microm long, which were occasionally up to 1.8 microm in length. Cells were motile by a single polar or subpolar flagellum. The major fatty acid in L2-TR(T) was iso-C(15 : 0) (32.6 %). The DNA G+C content was 47.4 mol%. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses indicated that L2-TR(T) could be assigned to the genus Idiomarina but, based on significant phenotypic and genotypic differences, constituted a novel species within this genus, Idiomarina loihiensis sp. nov., of which L2-TR(T) (=ATCC BAA-735(T)=DSM 15497(T)) is the type strain.
The effect of green tea intake on risk of liver disease: a meta analysis.

AIM There have been many reports on the reduction of liver disease with green tea consumption. This study aims to evaluate the body of evidence related to green tea consumption on the risk of liver disease and determine the effectiveness. METHODS Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and Weipu databases. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Revman 5.2 and Stata 12.0. RESULTS Meta-analysis revealed that among green tea drinkers, there was a significant reduction in the risk of liver disease (RR=0.68, 95% CI=0.56-0.82, P=0.000). This trend extends to a broad spectrum of liver conditions including hepatocellular carcinoma (RR=0.74, 95% CI=0.56-0.97, P=0.027), liver steatosis (RR=0.65, 95% CI=0.44-0.98, P=0.039), hepatitis (RR=0.57, 95% CI=0.45-0.73, P=0.000), liver cirrhosis (RR=0.56, 95% CI=0.31-1.01, P=0.053) and chronic liver disease (RR=0.49, 95% CI=0.29-0.82, P=0.007). This trend is also observed regardless of the race of the individual concerned where the Asian, American and European subgroups all demonstrated a reduced risk of liver disease. CONCLUSIONS Green tea intake reduces the risk of liver disease. However, more long term randomized clinical trials are needed to comprehensively evaluate the health benefits of green tea.
Spectrum of the 1‐Laplacian and Cheeger's Constant on Graphs

We develop a nonlinear spectral graph theory, in which the Laplace operator is replaced by the 1 − Laplacian Δ1. The eigenvalue problem is to solve a nonlinear system involving a set valued function. In the study, we investigate the structure of the solutions, the minimax characterization of eigenvalues, the multiplicity theorem, etc. The eigenvalues as well as the eigenvectors are computed for several elementary graphs. The graphic feature of eigenvalues are also studied. In particular, Cheeger's constant, which has only some upper and lower bounds in linear spectral theory, equals to the first nonzero Δ1 eigenvalue for connected graphs.
Model of autism: increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in key neural systems

Autism is a severe neurobehavioral syndrome, arising largely as an inherited disorder, which can arise from several diseases. Despite recent advances in identifying some genes that can cause autism, its underlying neurological mechanisms are uncertain. Autism is best conceptualized by considering the neural systems that may be defective in autistic individuals. Recent advances in understanding neural systems that process sensory information, various types of memories and social and emotional behaviors are reviewed and compared with known abnormalities in autism. Then, specific genetic abnormalities that are linked with autism are examined. Synthesis of this information leads to a model that postulates that some forms of autism are caused by an increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in sensory, mnemonic, social and emotional systems. The model further postulates that the increased ratio of excitation/inhibition can be caused by combinatorial effects of genetic and environmental variables that impinge upon a given neural system. Furthermore, the model suggests potential therapeutic interventions.
Corridor-Scene Classification for Mobile Robot Using Spiking Neurons

The ability of cognition and recognition for complex environment is very important for a real autonomous robot. A corridor-scene-classifier based on spiking neural networks (SNN) for mobile robot is designed to help the mobile robot to locate correctly. In the SNN classifier, the integrate-and-fire model (IAF) spiking neuron model is used and there is lateral inhibiting in the output layer. The winner-take-all rule is used to modify the connecting weights between the hidden layer and the outputting layer. The experimental results show that the corridor-scene-classifier is effective and it also has strong robustness.
Polymorphisms of the FAS and FAS ligand genes associated with risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma

The FAS/FAS ligand (FASLG) system has a key role in regulating cell growth and thus tumorigenesis. Functional promoter polymorphisms of the FAS and FASLG genes alter the transcriptional activities, but no published study has investigated the role of these polymorphisms in the etiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). In a hospital-based, case–control study of 602 non-Hispanic white CMM patients and 603 cancer-free age- and sex-matched control subjects, we genotyped FAS-1377G>A, FAS-670A>G, FASLG-844T>C and FASLG-IVS2nt-124G>A polymorphisms and assessed their respective associations with CMM risk. We found that an increased risk of CMM was associated with the FAS-1377GG [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00–1.75 for −1377GG] and −670AA (adjusted OR=1.28; 95% CI=1.00–1.65 for −670AA) genotypes compared to the −1377AA/AG and −670AG/GG genotypes, respectively; an increased risk of CMM was associated with the FASLG-IVS2nt-124AG+GG (OR=1.54; 95% CI=1.18–2.01) genotype compared to the AA genotype, but no evident risk was associated with any of the FAS-844T>C genotypes. In the combined analysis of these four variant alleles, we found that, compared to those having 0–3 variants, those having 4–8 variant alleles had a significantly increased risk for CMM (OR=1.38; 95% CI=1.10–1.73), and this risk was more pronounced in subgroups of old (>50 years) males, and those who were at low risk of sunlight-induced CMM, except for having fair skin colour, moles, dysplastic nevi and a family history of cancer. In conclusion, genetic variants in the FAS and FASLG genes may contribute to the etiology of CMM in the general population, particularly in those with a low risk of sunlight-induced CMM.
Approaches to intravenous clinical pharmacokinetics: Recent developments with isotopic microtracers

Obtaining pharmacokinetic data from the intravenous route for drugs intended for oral administration has traditionally been expensive and time consuming because of the toxicology requirements and challenges in intravenous formulations. Such studies are necessary, however, particularly when regulator agencies request absolute bioavailability data. A method has emerged whereby the drug administered intravenously is isotopically labeled and dosed at a maximum of 100 µg concomitantly with an oral administration given at a therapeutically relevant level. The intravenous administration has been termed a microtracer and obviates intravenous toxicology requirements as well as simplifying formulations. The study design also essentially removes issues of nonlinear pharmacokinetics that may occur when oral and intravenous doses are administered separately. This review examines the methodology and the literature to date, including those studies intended for regulatory submission. The method has been extended to the study of prodrug–to–active drug kinetics and to obtaining clearance, volume of distribution, and absolute bioavailability at steady‐state conditions.
Conservative management of single fetal death in twin pregnancy at a tertiary health institution in southern Nigeria: a case report

Introduction: The death of a twin in the second or third trimester of pregnancy is a rare obstetric complication. This might pose management challenge to the obstetrician. It is a cause of great concern and psychological stress to the parents. There are potential complications to the mother and the surviving twin. Despite the fact that Nigeria has one of the highest twinning rates in the world, very few case reports on twinning and its complications exist in the literature. Case: Presented is a 33 year old, unbooked, primigravid Nigerian woman who had intrauterine fetal death of the second twin at 32 weeks gestation. She was managed conservatively with close fetal surveillance and serial assessment of her clotting profile. She had successful induction of labour at 37 weeks with delivery of a live female baby whose birth weight was 2.45kg. The dead second twin (foetus papyraceous) was embedded within the placenta. Discussion: Few cases have been reported in other parts of the world. The mode of delivery in most cases being caesarean section. Our patient had successful vaginal delivery following induction of labour with no untoward effect to both mother and surviving twin. Conclusion: Vaginal delivery is safe following death of a twin and should be considered especially in Africa where there is aversion for caesarean delivery.
Morphology and proliferation of human corneal epithelium in organ culture

Abstract. Organ cultures of central and peripheral human corneal epithelium were maintained for 1 and 2 weeks in Hams F10 medium supplemented with 20% foetal bovine serum, and in medium conditioned by conjunctival epithelial cells. Light microscopy and scanning electron microcopy showed no obvious differences in morphology and survival between central and peripheral explants, or between explants cultured in conditioned and non‐conditioned medium. Live cells and areas with confluent growth were seen in all types of explants. The results demonstrate that differences between growth of central and peripheral corneal epithelium in vitro do not necessarily reflect different proliferative potential in vivo. The previously reported lack of survival of central corneal epithelium in culture may reflect an insufficient in vitro system.
Human PNS and SAR study in the frequency range from 24 to 162 kHz

In order to identify suitable operating conditions for future clinical Magnetic Particle Imaging, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and specific absorption rate (SAR) experiments have been performed by exposing volunteers to sinusoidally time-varying magnetic fields along and transverse to the body axis at frequencies from 24 kHz to 162 kHz. The findings show that future clinical MPI can advantageously be performed at elevated drive-field frequencies, with PNS restriction actually relaxed at higher frequencies, and with still acceptable SAR exposure.
Live Leishmania promastigotes can directly activate primary human natural killer cells to produce interferon‐gamma

Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated in the natural protection and healing of leishmaniasis by their ability to secrete the macrophage activating cytokine interferon (IFN)γ. Previous studies have demonstrated that early production of interleukin (IL)‐12 triggers IFNγ secretion by NK cells. Here we report that live Leishmania promastigotes (the form that is injected by the vector) can directly induce human peripheral blood NK cells from healthy donors to IFNγ secretion in the absence of IL‐12 and professional antigen presenting cells. Killing of promastigotes abolishes this property. This novel mechanism of activation of the innate immune response may be relevant for establishment of infection and thus also the design of vaccines against leishmaniasis.
Quantitative determination of low and high molecular weight proteins in human urine: influence of temperature and storage time.

Many authors have studied the influence of storage on measured albumin concentrations in urine. Whereas some authors report that albumin concentrations decrease upon storage of urine at −20 °C (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10), others cannot confirm this (11)(12)(13)(14). As has been discussed extensively in the literature (15), these seemingly discrepant results might be explained by the use of pooled urine vs individual urine samples. The effect of storage may differ between various urine samples, probably because of variables such as protein concentrations, pH, and ionic strength. As a consequence, pooling of the urine samples might dilute the storage effect that can be found when using individual urine specimens. Other variables that have been tested for their influence on the measurements of urinary proteins are pH (1)(2)(3)(4)(13)(16)(17)(18), the tube material (4)(19)(20), handling of the sample (1)(7)(10)(12)(14), and the use of additives (21)(22)(23). It is likely that proteins other than albumin are also influenced by storage conditions, but information about the extent of such effects is limited (1)(3)(16)(17)(18)(21)(22)(23). In the study presented here, we measured several urinary proteins by nephelometry [albumin, transferrin, IgG, and α1-microglobulin (α1-m)] or by an RIA [β2-microglobulin (β2 …