Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pre-cuing Target Location Reduces Interference but Not Negative Priming from Visual Distractors

Research on visual selective attention has shown that processing of distractors can produce (1) interference with response to a concurrent target, and (2) negative priming of response to a subsequent target. These results support late-selection accounts of attention. However, recent findings demonstrate that when conditions are optimal for attentional focusing, the interference effects are almost entirely eliminated. This result has been interpreted as supporting early-selection accounts. The present study investigates the impact of focusing attention on negative priming in addition to interference effects. In a letter-identification task, reliable interference and negative priming effects were observed from distractors. However, when the location of the target in the prime display was pre-cued, interference effects were significantly reduced, but negative priming effects did not decrease. This pattern of results provides further evidence that the absence of interference is insufficient to determine whether distractors have been semantically processed (Driver & Tipper, 1989).
Strain-rate effects on mechanical properties for SAC387 and SAC105-Y solder

In this paper, solder alloy of Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu (SAC387) and Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu-Y (SAC105-Y), where Y is a small addition of a fourth element, were tested at room temperature to study the strain-rate-dependent elastic modulus and yield strength of the solder. Nano-indentation tests were conducted at various strain rates from 10-3 to 101 1/s by using the continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) technique. Microstructures of the IMC for SAC105-Y on NiAu surface finish and OSP surface finish were investigated prior to the nano-indentation tests. Based on the test results, the higher the strain rate the higher the elastic modulus and yield stress of the solder. The power law relationship is used to curve fit the strain-rate-dependent yield stress with the indentation strain rate.
Ineffectiveness of Routine Abdominal Radiography in Patients With Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit

Goals: To determine the utility of plain abdominal radiography in the initial evaluation of acute gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in a medical intensive care unit. Background: Plain abdominal radiographs are frequently used in the routine evaluation of patients with GI bleeding. The utility of these studies in the intensive care unit setting is unclear. Study: The study was a retrospective chart review of 71 adult subjects admitted to a medical intensive care unit with the diagnosis of GI bleeding. Subjects were excluded if they presented with peritoneal signs, received an abdominal CT scan in the 24 hours prior to admission, or were chronically treated with immunosuppressive medication. Subjects were divided into two cohorts based on whether or not they underwent plain abdominal radiography during the first hospital day. The primary study endpoints were hospital mortality, intensive care unit length of stay, and whether or not radiographic findings altered clinical management. Results: Of the 71 patients admitted with a diagnosis of GI bleeding (mean age 65.8 ± 14.5 years, 73.2% male), 56 (79%) had a plain abdominal radiograph performed. Subjects who had a plain film did not differ significantly from those who did not in age, gender, degree of anemia, degree of coagulopathy, or in severity of illness as measured by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score. There was no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality or intensive care unit length of stay between patients who received plain films and those who did not. In no subject (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0%-5.4%) did abdominal radiography reveal an abnormality that altered clinical management. Conclusions: Based on our observations, plain films of the abdomen do not appear to alter clinical outcomes or management decisions for patients with GI bleeding and normal abdominal examinations who are admitted to the intensive care unit.
Prophylactic Antiemetic Treatment with Ondansetron in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy

BackgroundChildren undergoing tonsillectomy are at high risk for postoperative vomiting. This study was undertaken to compare ondansetron with metoclopramide and droperidol for the prevention of postoperative vomiting after tonsillectomy. MethodsTwo hundred fifty-six pediatric patients, ages 2–12 years, scheduled for outpatient tonsillectomy were enrolled in a prospectively randomized, double-blinded investigation and assigned to one of four treatment regimens: placebo (saline), ondansetron 0.15 mg * kg-1, metoclopramide 0.5 mg * kg-1, or droperidol 0.075 mg * kg-1. Study drugs were administered intravenously after inhalation induction of anesthesia with halothane, nitrous oxide, and oxygen. No premedication or neuromuscular blocking agents were used. Tracheal extubation was performed while patients were still deeply anesthetized. Acetaminophen and meperidine were given for postoperative pain. Patients were observed in the recovery room for a minimum of 4 h before discharge. Parents were contacted by telephone 24 h later for follow-up. ResultsOndansetron reduced the incidence of postoperative emesis from 62% to 27% (relative risk 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.70, P< 0.001). Metoclopramide and droperidol had no significant effect on postoperative vomiting. CouclusionsThe intravenous administration of ondansetron 0.15 mg * kg-1 is highly effective in reducing postoperative emesis in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Metoclopramide and droperidol at the doses tested are ineffective in this population.
The Status of the World's Land and Marine Mammals: Diversity, Threat, and Knowledge

Knowledge of mammalian diversity is still surprisingly disparate, both regionally and taxonomically. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals. Data, compiled by 1700+ experts, cover all 5487 species, including marine mammals. Global macroecological patterns are very different for land and marine species but suggest common mechanisms driving diversity and endemism across systems. Compared with land species, threat levels are higher among marine mammals, driven by different processes (accidental mortality and pollution, rather than habitat loss), and are spatially distinct (peaking in northern oceans, rather than in Southeast Asia). Marine mammals are also disproportionately poorly known. These data are made freely available to support further scientific developments and conservation action.
Sleep-disordered breathing and pregnancy: potential mechanisms and evidence for maternal and fetal morbidity

Purpose of review This article reviews current data on pathophysiologic mechanisms by which sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy may cause harm, and explores biological pathways for associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, especially pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. Recent findings Accumulating data indicate that snoring and sleep apnea during pregnancy are likely to increase the risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Several new studies have observed that sleep-disordered breathing and short sleep duration also increase the risk of gestational diabetes, similar to observations in the general population. There are varying levels of emerging evidence for potential mechanisms, including oxidative stress, increased sympathetic activity and inflammation, adipokine levels and insulin resistance, linking sleep-disordered breathing events during pregnancy to adverse outcomes. Summary Sleep-disordered breathing and adverse maternal–fetal outcomes such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes share a number of mechanistic pathways, and growing data in pregnant women indicate that snoring and sleep apnea increase the risk of these and other complications for both the mother and the fetus. Nevertheless, direct evidence of the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy exerts negative effects remains sparse.
A study of substances which alter intraventricular conduction in the isolated dog heart.

A method is described for estimating the myocardial and Purkinje conduction velocities in the right ventricle of the dog heart. The effects upon these conduction velocities of changes in the parameters of stimulation, of changes in temperature, and of the addition of several chemical substances were investigated. Ouabain, veratrine, protoveratrine and andromedotoxin share the property of depressing Purkinje conduction while leaving myocardial conduction unchanged or even augmented. All four agents can produce ventricular fibrillation in the heart-lung preparation when administered in microgram quantities. The relationship between changes in intraventricular conduction and the development of ventricular fibrillation is discussed.
OCT-Derived Comparison of Corneal Thickness Distribution and Asymmetry Differences Between Normal and Keratoconic Eyes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the corneal thickness asymmetry indices in a large pool of patients with keratoconus derived using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in comparison with established Scheimpflug imaging–derived keratoconus classification indices. Methods: Six specific indices were comparatively investigated in this study encompassing 2 groups: keratoconic group A (175 eyes) and age- and gender-matched control group B (175 eyes). AS-OCT was used for corneal focal thinning and irregularity indices, namely the superior nasal minus inferior temporal (SN−IT), superior minus inferior (S−I), minimum minus median (Min−Med) focal thinning, and thickness range, defined as the minimum minus maximum (Min−Max). Scheimpflug imaging was used for keratoconus grading and for investigating anterior surface irregularity index of height decentration (IHD) and index of surface variance (ISV). Results: In study group A, SN−IT was 74.6 ± 38.9 &mgr;m; S−I, 77.3 ± 42.3 &mgr;m; Min−Med, −60.1 ± 36.8 &mgr;m; and Min−Max, −117.7 ± 55.4 &mgr;m. In control group B, SN−IT was 23.32 ± 11.47 &mgr;m; S−I, 22.55 ± 12.56 &mgr;m; Min−Med, −19.69 ± 5.20 &mgr;m; and Min−Max, −55.24 ± 12.96 &mgr;m. In group A, IHD was 0.077 ± 0.055 and ISV was 84.24 ± 48.61. In group B, IHD was 0.031 ± 0.038 and ISV was 31.82 ± 29.72. A statistically significant relationship was identified between SN−IT, S−I, Min−Med, and Min−Max indices with IHD and ISV (P < 0.01 in all pairs; coefficients of determination 0.649, 0.663, 0.481 and 0.483 versus IHD, and 0.690, 0.722, 0.551, and 0.562 versus ISV, respectively). Conclusions: This study presents a novel and comprehensive investigation of corneal asymmetry and focal thinning indices for keratoconus by AS-OCT. These indices correlate with established Scheimpflug-derived anterior surface irregularity indices, particularly in the early and milder stages. AS-OCT may hold promise as a helpful screening and diagnostic tool for suspect, early, and clinical keratoconus.
Effects of Verapamil on Spinal Anesthesia with Local Anesthetics

The primary mode of action of local anesthetics is through sodium channel and axonal conduction blockade.Local anesthetics also have extensive effects on presynaptic calcium channels that must function to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters. Thus, interference with calcium channel conductance may enhance spinal anesthesia with local anesthetics. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the intrathecal calcium channel blocker, verapamil, on the spinal anesthesia from lidocaine and tetracaine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were chronically implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters. Tail-flick (TF) and mechanical paw pressure (MPP) tests were used to assess thermal and mechanical nociceptive threshold, respectively. Motor function was assessed using a modified Langerman's scale. Intrathecal lidocaine or tetracaine alone showed the prolongation of TF latency, the increase of MPP threshold, and the increase in motor function scale in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Although intrathecal verapamil alone demonstrated neither sensory nor motor block at the doses used (50-200 micro gram), the combination of lidocaine (20, 50, 100, or 200 micro gram) or tetracaine (10, 20, 50, or 100 micro gram) and verapamil (50 micro gram) produced the more potent and prolonged antinociception and motor block when compared with local anesthetics alone. We interpreted these results to indicate that the intrathecal calcium channel blocker, verapamil, potentiates spinal anesthesia with local anesthetics. (Anesth Analg 1995;80:444-8)
Genetics of Dementia

Neurodegenerative adult-onset dementias are complex and multifactorial diseases that are most commonly caused by environmental, genetic, or mixed environmental and genetic factors. Regarding the genetic causes, a variety of phenotypes may present. This article reviews several of the genetic risk factors for the most common dementias encountered in neurology. Practical implications of genetic testing and pharmacogenomic considerations for clinical practice are also discussed.
C-Reactive Protein as a Prognostic Indicator in Dogs with Acute Abdomen Syndrome

The objective of the present study was to measure serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in 32 dogs with acute abdomen syndrome at presentation and after 48–72 hr. Data were evaluated to determine if there was an association between CRP concentration and outcome, and if CRP concentration correlated with the white blood cell (WBC) count at both time points. An immunoturbidimetric assay for human CRP, previously validated for use in dogs, was used for serum CRP analysis. Increased serum CRP concentrations were found in 21 dogs at presentation. Fifteen of these dogs had declining serum CRP concentrations by 48–72 hr, but 3 of the 15 dogs were later euthanized. Serum CRP concentrations increased by 48–72 hr in 4 dogs. Of the 32 dogs, 4 were dead or were euthanized prior to the 48–72 hr time point. No significant difference between initial CRP concentration and outcome was found (P = 0.054). Initial and 48–72 hr CRP values taken together were significantly different between outcome groups (P < 0.001). Serum CRP concentrations that were elevated at both time points were associated with a poor prognosis. No correlation was found between CRP concentrations and WBC counts at presentation (P = 0.83); however, a significant correlation was noted at 48–72 hr (P = 0.03). Evaluation of sequential CRP concentrations in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome may be helpful in assessing clinical response to treatment and predicting outcome. Also, serum CRP may be better in detecting tissue injury and/or inflammation at presentation than WBC counts in select cases.
A prospective evaluation of 68 patients suffering blunt chest trauma for evidence of cardiac injury.

The prevalence and significance of cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma is largely unknown. Although electrocardiography (ECG) and creatinine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CPK-MB) determination have traditionally been used in determining cardiac injury, recent developments in two-dimensional echocardiography (ECHO) as a noninvasive diagnostic tool have led to its use in detecting structural cardiac damage following trauma. In an attempt to determine the occurrence and consequences of cardiac injury we prospectively evaluated 68 patients at one institution using ECHO, serial ECG, and serial CPK-MB determinations in the first 3 days following hospital admission. Patients were selected who had evidence of blunt chest injury on examination or by mechanism of injury. The mean age of the 68 patients was 36.3 +/- 19.6 years and the mean Injury Severity Score, 21.5 +/- 11.6. Forty-nine patients (72%) were found to have an abnormal ECHO, ECG, or CPK-MB (greater than 3%). Eighteen patients (26%) had abnormal ECHOs consisting of seven right ventricular contusions, three left ventricular contusions, three contusions of both chambers, four pericardial effusions, and one small ventricular septal defect. Only three contusions were associated with elevated CPK-MB and seven with abnormal ECGs. Abnormalities of ECG included 18 patients with S-T, T wave changes, axis shifts (11 patients), and bundle branch or hemiblocks (10 patients). No patient died or experienced serious morbidity as a result of their cardiac injury, including 12 patients who underwent surgical procedures with general anesthesia within 30 days of admission. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Costs of accuracy determined by a maximal growth rate constraint

The present study is best understood as an extension and critique of two schools of thought. The first is that of Malloe and his students, among whom we number ourselves. It is to Maaloe that we are indebted for the idea that logarithmically growing bacteria assemble and use tibosomes in amounts that are optimally adjusted to yield the maximal growth rates supported by different media. Her, we begin our analysis by applying this optimization priciple to all the components of a logarithmically growing system. Our objective is to use the growth optimization constraint as a tool to explore the physiological limits on the accuracy of gene expression. This brings us to our second source of inspiration, which is Orgel's (1963) conception of a problem that Ninio (1982) has referred to as the ‘great error loop’.
Neural stem cells and the origin of gliomas.

Little progress has been made in the treatment of gliomas during the past 25 years. One reason is our poor understanding of the cell of origin in these tumors and of the mechanisms that bring that cell into a malignant state. This review argues that gliomas arise from neural stem cells and discusses the clinical implications of this concept.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Sinus Surgery in Cystic Fibrosis: Review of a Decade of Experience

Background Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery often require multiple revision procedures. Our objective was to identify risk factors for revision sinus surgery in patients with CF, to better identify this subset of patients who might be better suited for alternative interventions at their initial procedure. Methods Patients with CF who presented to our academic tertiary care sinus clinic between 1994 and 2003 were reviewed. Data were collected from CT scans using the Lund-Mackay scale. Data are collected on demographics, comorbidities, CF genotype, number and type of sinus surgeries, and pulmonary function tests. Results Eighty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty patients were <18 years old at presentation. Forty-one patients were Δ508 homozygotes, 32 patients were Δ508 heterozygotes, and 5 patients were non-Δ508 heterozygotes. Respiratory comorbidities were asthma alone (28%) and aspirin triad (5%). Eighteen (22%) patients either smoked or lived with smokers. The mean Lund-Mackay score before the initial surgery was 16. Twenty patients were treated with medication only; 35 patients underwent 1 surgery; 14 patients underwent 2 surgeries; 8 patients underwent 3 surgeries; 2 patients underwent 4 surgeries; and 2 patients underwent 5 surgeries. Patients with higher Lund-Mackay scores at their initial CT were more likely to undergo repeat surgeries (p < 0.05). Conclusion CF patients with high Lund-Mackay scores at their initial surgery are more likely to undergo several revision surgeries. These patients should be considered for more alternative initial management of their sinuses.
Intrauterine instillation of diluted seminal plasma at oocyte pick-up does not increase the IVF pregnancy rate: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study.

STUDY QUESTION Does intrauterine application of diluted seminal plasma (SP) at the time of ovum pick-up improve the pregnancy rate by ≥14% in IVF treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Intrauterine instillation of diluted SP at the time of ovum pick-up is unlikely to increase the pregnancy rate by ≥14% in IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY SP modulates endometrial function, and sexual intercourse around the time of embryo transfer has been suggested to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. A previous randomized double-blind pilot study demonstrated a strong trend towards increased pregnancy rates following the intracervical application of undiluted SP. As this study was not conclusive and as the finding could have been confounded by sexual intercourse, the intrauterine application of diluted SP was investigated in the present trial. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A single-centre, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, superiority trial on women undergoing IVF was conducted from April 2007 until February 2012 at the University Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study was powered to detect an 14% increase in the clinical pregnancy rate and two sequential tests were planned using the Pocock spending function. At the first interim analysis, 279 women had been randomly assigned to intrauterine diluted SP (20% SP in saline from the patients' partner) (n = 138) or placebo (n = 141) at the time of ovum pick-up. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The clinical pregnancy rate per randomized patient was 37/138 (26.8%) in the SP group and 41/141 (29.1%) in the placebo group (difference: -2.3%, 95% confidence interval of the difference: -12.7 to +8.2%; P = 0.69). The live birth rate per randomized patient was 28/138 (20.3%) in the SP group and 33/141 (23.4%) in the placebo group (difference: -3.1%, 95% confidence interval of the difference: -12.7 to +6.6%; P = 0.56). It was decided to terminate the trial due to futility at the first interim analysis, at a conditional power of 62%. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The confidence interval of the difference remains wide, thus clinically relevant differences cannot reliably be excluded based on this single study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of this study cast doubt on the validity of the concept that SP increases endometrial receptivity and thus implantation in humans. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided by the department's own research facilities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00004615.