Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smoking and the 5-year incidence of age-related maculopathy: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between baseline smoking and the 5-year incidence of late and early age-related maculopathy (ARM) in an older population cohort. METHODS The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 participants aged 49 years or older during 1992 to 1994 and then 2335 survivors (75.1%) after 5 years. Retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. Those with any ARM lesions at either examination were regraded in detail using a side-by-side method similar to that developed for the Beaver Dam Eye Study. We also used similar definitions for incident ARM lesions. Smoking status was recorded at interview. RESULTS Age-standardized incidence rates for any late ARM lesions were 3.1%, 1.2%, and 1.4%, respectively, among baseline current, past, or never smokers. Corresponding age-standardized incidence rates for early ARM were 10.6%, 8.2%, and 9.3%, respectively. The mean age for cases with incident late ARM was 67 years for baseline current smokers, 73 years for past smokers, and 77 years for those who had never smoked (P =.02). After adjusting for age, current smokers, compared with never smokers, had an increased risk of incident geographic atrophy (age-adjusted relative risk [RR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-11.3) and any late ARM lesions (RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.0-6.2). Current smokers had an increased risk of incident retinal pigmentary abnormalities (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7), with the risk higher in men (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.6). OUTCOME MEASURES Five-year incidence of early ARM, late ARM, and ARM lesions. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, persons who were current smokers had an increased risk of 5-year incident late ARM lesions and retinal pigmentary abnormalities. Current smokers developed late ARM at a significantly earlier age than never or past smokers.
In vivo regeneration of red cell 2, 3‐diphosphoglycerate following transfusion of DPG‐depleted AS‐1, AS‐3 and CPDA‐1 red cells

Regeneration of 2, 3‐diphosphoglycerate (DPG) was determined following transfusion of DPG‐depleted group O red cells into group A recipients. Blood from five donors was stored in the adenine‐containing solutions CPDA‐1, AS‐1 or AS‐3 for 35 d at 4°C. Post‐transfusion red cell DPG and ATP were measured in separated group O red cells over a 7 d period. The studies confirmed rapid in vivo DPG regeneration with ≥ 50% of the maximum level being achieved within 7 h. An average of 95% of the recipients’ pre‐transfusion DPG level was achieved by 72 h and by 7 d mean (±SEM) DPG levels relative to recipient's pre‐transfusion DPG averaged 84% (± 13%), 92% (± 17%) and 84% (± 21%) for CPDA‐1, AS‐1 and AS‐3 red cells, respectively. Results were comparable to those previously reported for blood stored in ACD for 15‐20 d (Valeri & Hirsch, 1969; Beutler & Wood, 1969). The immediate regeneration rate, V, closely approximated first order regeneration kinetics with AS‐3 red cells exhibiting double the rate of CPDA‐1 red cells (P<0·001). AS‐1 red cells exhibited an intermediate rate of regeneration which was not significantly different compared to either CPDA‐1 or AS‐3 (P>0·05). V exhibited a significant (P<0·05) positive correlation with ATP levels 5‐7 h post‐infusion. ATP regeneration of the infused cells was rapid with a mean increase of 1·2 μmol/g Hb above post‐storage levels being achieved 1 h following transfusion.
Low-Loss Microstrip MEMS Technology for RF Passive Components

A new low loss and low cost microstrip MEMS technology is presented. Two inverted microstrip lines, one on low loss silicon and the other on glass have been measured and simulated. A good concordance of the results has been obtained. Simulations have been used to study the influence of several parameters, and the results of simulations allow us to adjust the lines dimensions to prescribed characteristics.
Shifts of T4/T8 T lymphocytes from BAL fluid and peripheral blood by clinical grade in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the shifts of T4/T8 lymphocytes from BAL fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood by the clinical grade of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which is determined by factors such as extent of pulmonary involvement, fever, and loss of body weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to explore these questions, BALF was collected from 45 patients presenting with active pulmonary TB and 14 healthy control subjects. The percentages for T-lymphocyte subpopulations, including CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD3(+) T cells, were measured using two-color flow cytometry. RESULTS A higher percentage of CD3(+)CD4(+) T lymphocytes, with a relatively lower percentage of CD3(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes, was revealed for the patients with a higher grade of pulmonary TB, compared to patients with a lower grade of pulmonary TB, resulting in an increased BALF C4(+)/CD8(+) ratio. By contrast, a higher percentage of CD3(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes with a relatively low percentage of CD3(+)CD4(+) T lymphocytes was demonstrated for these patients with a higher grade of pulmonary TB, resulting in a decreased peripheral blood CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that compartmentalization of the CD4(+) T lymphocytes in the infected lungs may occur for patients with higher grades of pulmonary TB.
A High Performance Controller for NAND Flash-based Solid State Disk (NSSD)

NAND flash memory based solid-state disk (NSSD) has been used for industrial and military use due to its high reliability and shock resistance. With the bit cost reduction of flash memory and the explosive growth of flash market, NSSD is expected to penetrate into diverse applications such as mobile thin clients, car navigation systems and movie players, which prefer low power consumption, high reliability, high performance and so on. This paper mainly focuses on the development of a high performance and cost-efficient controller for NSSD, with the aim of describing both hardware and software architectures. In order to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we show performance, power consumption and start-up time evaluation results over magnetic disks using third party benchmark tools
Fourier Decomposition of RR Lyrae Pulsations: Theory Versus Observations

Fourier decomposition is employed to compare the light curves of RR Lyrae stars with those emerging from hydrodynamic models. Very good agreement is obtained between theory and observation for the RRc stars, but in the case of the RRab stars there are significant discrepancies in the Fourier phase quantities 4>21 and 4>31' The deficiencies of the models are not remedied by replacing Carson opacities with Los Alamos opacities, nor by including dynamic zoning in the hydrogen ionization region. We also Fourier analyze the theoretical velocity curves to determine R210 4>21, and 4>31 as well as the first-order phase lag (114))1' It is suggested that (114))1 may be correlated with surface temperature. Subject headings: stars: interiors stars: pulsation stars: RR Lyrae
Stat1-Vitamin D Receptor Interactions Antagonize 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Transcriptional Activity and Enhance Stat1-Mediated Transcription

ABSTRACT The cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and the calcitropic steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) are activators of macrophage immune function. In sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and several granulomatoses, IFN-γ induces 1,25D synthesis by macrophages and inhibits 1,25D induction of 24-hydroxylase, a key enzyme in 1,25D inactivation, causing high levels of 1,25D in serum and hypercalcemia. This study delineates IFN-γ-1,25D cross talk in human monocytes-macrophages. Nuclear accumulation of Stat1 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) by IFN-γ and 1,25D promotes protein-protein interactions between Stat1 and the DNA binding domain of the VDR. This prevents VDR-retinoid X receptor (RXR) binding to the vitamin D-responsive element, thus diverting the VDR from its normal genomic target on the 24-hydroxylase promoter and antagonizing 1,25D-VDR transactivation of this gene. In contrast, 1,25D enhances IFN-γ action. Stat1-VDR interactions, by preventing Stat1 deactivation by tyrosine dephosphorylation, cooperate with IFN-γ/Stat1-induced transcription. This novel 1,25D-IFN-γ cross talk explains the pathogenesis of abnormal 1,25D homeostasis in granulomatous processes and provides new insights into 1,25D immunomodulatory properties.
Improved Bacterial Foraging Strategy Applied to TEAM Workshop Benchmark Problem

During the course of evolution living organisms have developed a very complex behavior, sophisticated communication capabilities, distributed colony control, group foraging strategies, and a high degree of cooperation when tackling tasks. Bio-inspired optimization techniques, which operate in analogy to the swarming and social behavior found in nature, have been adopted to solve a variety of engineering problems. In this paper, an optimization strategy based on an improved bacterial foraging strategy based on Gaussian distribution is proposed. The validity of the algorithm is tested on the TEAM Workshop Benchmark Problem 22, and results are compared with standard and advanced particle swarm approaches, showing the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach.
Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to Detect Malingering: An Analysis of the Specificity of Two Methods in Nonmalingering Normal and Patient Samples

This study sought to examine the specificity of two sets of equations designed to differentiate honest from malingered performance on the WCST. Data were provided by several samples of nonmalingering normal college students and neurological patients. High false positive error rates were observed in most samples. It was argued that these equations performed poorly because they reflect valid WCST response profiles. The importance of learning to identify malingering on standard neuropsychological tests is recognized, and an alternative approach to identifying such patterns of malingered performance is proposed.
Generalized hyperalgesia and allodynia following abrupt cessation of subcutaneous ketamine infusion

Neuropathic pain represents a difficult clinical problem. It can be poorly responsive to opioid analgesia1 and therefore often fails to respond fully to a stepwise escalation of the WHO analgesic ladder.2 Recent evidence has shown that neuropathic pain can respond to drugs that act as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine and amantidine.3,4 We present a patient who suffered severe whole body hyperalgesia and allodynia when a subcutaneous infusion of ketamine being used to control neuropathic pain in a limb was abruptly discontinued.
Enzyme polymorphism of freshwater fish trypanosomes and its use for strain identification

SUMMARY Sixteen strains of trypanosomes isolated from the blood of 10 freshwater fish species (all but one from South Bohemia) were characterized by enzyme analysis using dise electrophoresis in 5% polyacrylamide gel. Six enzymes were selected: ADH, LDH, MDH, ME, G6PDH and GPI. The most variable were ADH and LDH, whereas MDH, G6PDH and GPI showed the same pattern in all strains analysed. Cluster analysis indicated a very high degree of similarity among strains, even those isolated from phylogenetically distant hosts. Moreover, no correlation between enzyme pattern and host species was found.
A Randomized, Controlled, Phase 1/2 Trial of a Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B Bivalent rLP2086 Vaccine in Healthy Children and Adolescents

Background: Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MnB) is a significant cause of invasive meningococcal disease. Factor H binding protein (also known as LP2086) is a conserved outer membrane neisserial lipoprotein that has emerged as a strong candidate protein antigen for MnB vaccination. This study examined the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of an initial formulation of a bivalent recombinant LP2086 (rLP2086) vaccine in healthy children and adolescents. Methods: In this randomized, observer-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter trial conducted at 6 centers in Australia, 127 healthy participants aged 8–14 years were assigned to receive 20, 60 or 200 µg of the bivalent rLP2086 vaccine (n = 16, 45 and 45, respectively) or active control (Twinrix, n = 21) at 0, 1 and 6 months. Immunogenicity was assessed before the first dose and 1 month after doses 2 and 3. Local reactions, systemic events and other adverse events were recorded. The primary immunogenicity endpoint was the rate of seroconversion (≥4-fold rise in human complement serum bactericidal assay titer) against MnB strains expressing the homologous A05 or heterologous B02 LP2086 variants. Results: The bivalent rLP2086 vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate local reactions. The most common adverse events, headache and upper respiratory tract infection, occurred with similar frequency in each group. Post-dose 3 seroconversion rates against strains expressing B02 and A05 variants were 68.8–95.3% for rLP2086 recipients and 0% for Twinrix recipients. Conclusions: The bivalent rLP2086 vaccine was well-tolerated and immunogenic in healthy children and adolescents, supporting further evaluation as a broadly protective MnB vaccine.
Amplifiers with Improved IMD Performance for Multi-Channel Wireless Systems

A linearization technique for reducing spectral regrowth caused by the third-order non-linearity, that uses the injection of the fundamental signal second harmonic together with the fundamental signal at the amplifier input has been applied in this paper. The second harmonic is led from the output to the amplifier input trough the feedback loop. Designed amplifier with additional components at feedback loop (phase shifter, attenuator, bandpass filter, power divider and combiner) has been tested for OQPSK modulation at 2.5 GHz carrier frequency. Optimising phase shift and attenuation of the feedback loop signals 16 dB improvement in the adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) for ±900 KHz offset from carrier frequency over 30 KHz bandwidth was obtained in simulation by program ADS. The measured results for the amplifier with second harmonics feedback referring to output powers for seven fundamental signal frequencies at the amplifier input and the higher order IMD signals are shown as well.
The Effect of Two Aerobic Intensities of Exercise on Free Radicals and Antioxidants Formation

This research reviews the role of free radicals in causing oxidative stress during exercise. Low and moderate intensities exercise induce oxidative stress, although there is no evidence that this affects sporting performance in the short term (14 min.). The effects of the two intensities of exercise on the blood antioxidant capacity and serum lipid peroxidation in 7 volunteers male athletes were tested. The results showed significant increased in malondialdehyde (MDA) level (as an index of lipid peroxidation) in subjects after first and second efforts of exercise in comparison with the control group. On the other hand, reduced form of glutathione (GSH) concentration and superoxide dismuatse activity (SOD) were decreased in the exercised experimental subjects under treatment compared to control values. ةیضایرلا مولعلل نیدفا رلا ةلجم – دلجملا ) ١٣ ( – ددعلا ) ٤٤ ( – ٢٠٠٧               PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory. com ٩٠ ةدسكلأا تاداضمو ةرحلا روذجلا نیوكت ىلع نیتیئاوه نیتدش ریثأت
Distributed Work Arrangements: A Research Framework

Various distributed work arrangements have been enabled by advances in information system and communication technologies. To date, these new arrangements have met with varying success, and it is unclear what outcomes society, organizations, and individuals expect from such new work settings. Moreover, we do not understand how aspects of the work environment, tasks, employees, management, and technology might interact to result in different outcomes. This article attempts to provide an integrative view of research on distributed work arrangements and provides a framework for exploring the impacts of these arrangements.
Sirolimus for angiomyolipoma in tuberous sclerosis complex or lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

BACKGROUND Angiomyolipomas in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis are associated with mutations in tuberous sclerosis genes resulting in constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The drug sirolimus suppresses mTOR signaling. METHODS We conducted a 24-month, nonrandomized, open-label trial to determine whether sirolimus reduces the angiomyolipoma volume in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Sirolimus was administered for the first 12 months only. Serial magnetic resonance imaging of angiomyolipomas and brain lesions, computed tomography of lung cysts, and pulmonary-function tests were performed. RESULTS Of the 25 patients enrolled, 20 completed the 12-month evaluation, and 18 completed the 24-month evaluation. The mean (+/-SD) angiomyolipoma volume at 12 months was 53.2+/-26.6% of the baseline value (P<0.001) and at 24 months was 85.9+/-28.5% of the baseline value (P=0.005). At 24 months, five patients had a persistent reduction in the angiomyolipoma volume of 30% or more. During the period of sirolimus therapy, among patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) increased by 118+/-330 ml (P=0.06), the forced vital capacity (FVC) increased by 390+/-570 ml (P<0.001), and the residual volume decreased by 439+/-493 ml (P=0.02), as compared with baseline values. One year after sirolimus was discontinued, the FEV1 was 62+/-411 ml above the baseline value, the FVC was 346+/-712 ml above the baseline value, and the residual volume was 333+/-570 ml below the baseline value; cerebral lesions were unchanged. Five patients had six serious adverse events while receiving sirolimus, including diarrhea, pyelonephritis, stomatitis, and respiratory infections. CONCLUSIONS Angiomyolipomas regressed somewhat during sirolimus therapy but tended to increase in volume after the therapy was stopped. Some patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis had improvement in spirometric measurements and gas trapping that persisted after treatment. Suppression of mTOR signaling might constitute an ameliorative treatment in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex or sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00457808.)
Effective interaction for pf-shell nuclei

An effective interaction is derived for use in the full pf basis. Starting from a realistic G-matrix interaction, 195 two-body matrix elements and 4 single-particle energies are determined by fitting to 699 energy data in the mass range 47 to 66. The derived interaction successfully describes various structures of pf-shell nuclei. As examples, systematics of the energies of the first 2+ states in the Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni isotope chains and energy levels of 56,57,58Ni are presented. The appearance of a new magic number 34 is seen.
Nantenine as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: SAR, enzyme kinetics and molecular modeling investigations

Nantenine, as well as a number of flexible analogs, were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in microplate spectrophotometric assays based on Ellman’s method. It was found that the rigid aporphine core of nantenine is an important structural requirement for its anticholinesterase activity. Nantenine showed mixed inhibition kinetics in enzyme assays. Molecular docking experiments suggest that nantenine binds preferentially to the catalytic site of AChE but is also capable of interacting with the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of the enzyme, thus accounting for its mixed inhibition profile. The aporphine core of nantenine may thus be a useful template for the design of novel PAS or dual-site AChE inhibitors. Inhibiting the PAS is desirable for prevention of aggregation of the amyloid peptide Aβ, a major causative factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Case Control Study.

INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in women of reproductive age. Psychosocial factors can play a role in PCOS. METHODS To determine the psychosocial factors associated with PCOS in a case control study, 742 PCOS cases were compared to 798 women without PCOS for psychiatric disorders and social conditions. The data were collected using a validated questionnaire of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. Patient Health Questionnaire (DSM-IV) was used to diagnose major psychopathological disorders and other depressive and anxiety syndromes. The suspected psychopathology was evaluated by a clinical psychiatrist. RESULTS There was a significant difference between cases and controls in education level (71.8% vs. 80.4%; (P<0.001), and employment status (60% vs. 53%; P=0.01) (respectively). Chronic anxiety (35.7% vs. 26.8%; P<0.001), depression (18.9% vs. 7.9 %; P<0.001), anxiety disorders (7.7% vs. 3.3%; P<0.001), and personality disorders (2.9% vs. 1.7%; P=0.01), were higher in the PCOS patients compared controls, respectively. CONCLUSION The results showed that chronic anxiety and depression were the most pscycologic pattern in PCO patients. Lower educational level and unemployment were higher in the cases than controls.
G51D α‐synuclein mutation causes a novel Parkinsonian–pyramidal syndrome

To date, 3 rare missense mutations in the SNCA (α‐synuclein) gene and the more frequent duplications or triplications of the wild‐type gene are known to cause a broad array of clinical and pathological symptoms in familial Parkinson disease (PD). Here, we describe a French family with a parkinsonian–pyramidal syndrome harboring a novel heterozygous SNCA mutation.
Phylogeography and historical demography of the anadromous fish Leucopsarion petersii in relation to geological history and oceanography around the Japanese Archipelago

Phylogeographical patterns of marine and diadromous organisms are often influenced by dynamic ocean histories. For example, the marine realm around the Japanese Archipelago is an interesting area for phylogeographical research because of the wide variation in the environments driven by repeated shifts in sea level in the Quaternary. We analysed mitochondrial cyt b gene and nuclear myh6 gene sequences for individuals collected from throughout the range of the anadromous fish Leucopsarion petersii to assess the lineage divergence, phylogeographical pattern and historical demography in relation to geological history and oceanographic features around the archipelago. Leucopsarion petersii has two major lineages (the Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean lineages), which diverged during the late‐early to middle Pleistocene. Geographical distributions of the two lineages were closely related to the pathways of the two warm currents, the Tsushima Current and the Kuroshio Current, that flow past the archipelago. Evidence of introgressive hybridization between these lineages was found at two secondary contact zones. Demographic tests suggested that the Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean lineages carried the genetic signal of different historical demographic processes, and these signals are probably associated with differences in habitat stability during recent glacial periods. The Japan Sea lineage has a larger body‐size and more vertebrae, probably in relation to severe habitat conditions through Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Thus, the two lineages have long independent evolutionary histories, and the phylogeographical structure and demography of this species have been influenced both by historical events and the present‐day oceanography around the Japanese Archipelago.