Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of fentanyl administered transdermally and intravenously in sheep.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl administered transdermally and IV in sheep. ANIMALS 21 adult female sheep. PROCEDURES Fentanyl was administered IV to 6 healthy sheep. Transdermal fentanyl patches (TFPs) were applied to 15 sheep 12 hours prior to general anesthesia and surgery. Seria blood samples were collected for 18 hours after IV injection and 84 hours after TFP application. Fentanyl concentrations were quantified via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic values were estimated. RESULTS All sheep completed the study without complications. Following a dose of 2.5 g/kg administered IV, the half-life was 3.08 hours (range, 2.20 to 3.36 hours), volume of distribution at steady state was 8.86 L/kg (range, 5.55 to 15.04 L/kg), and systemic clearance was 3.62 L/kg/h (range, 2.51 to 5.39 L/kg/h). The TFPs were applied at a mean dose of 2.05 g/kg/h. Time to maximum plasma concentration and maximal concentration were 12 hours (range, 4 to 24 hours) and 1.30 ng/mL (range, 0.62 to 2.73 ng/mL), respectively. Fentanyl concentrations were maintained at >0.5 ng/mL for 40 hours after TFP application. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE IV administration of fentanyl resulted in a short half-life. Application of a TFP resulted in stable blood fentanyl concentrations in sheep.
Immune interferon production by lymphoid cells: role in the inhibition of herpesviruses

Bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained from infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus- and tuberculin-immunized animals produced large quantities of interferon within 24 h of in vitro stimulation by IBR and purified protein derivative antigens. Separation of PBL into populations enriched in T lymphocytes or B lymphocyte provided the antigen-specific step for immune interferon production. A 2- to 10-fold increase in interferon occurred when lymphocytes were combined with autologous macrophages. Although macrophages, even if treated with antilymphocyte serum to remove any contaminating lymphocytes, could produce some interferon, the augmented interferon produced by macrophage-lypmhocyte cultures was not dmpocytes. Direct physical contact between macrophages and lymphocytes was required for the production of enhanced levels of interferon. Antigen-antibody complexes of irradiated virus-infected cells in the presence of antibody were as efficient or better at stimulating interferon than was free antigen. Because IBR virus was inhibited by interferon levels stimulated in cultures by IBR antigen, it was suggested that the local production of interferon by immune cells might play a similar role in curtailing virus dissemination in vivo, thus leading to recovery from disease.
Biodiversity, ecosystem function and plant traits in mature and immature plant communities

Several studies of synthesized herbaceous plant communities have reported a positive relationship between vascular plant diversity and biomass production (Naeem et al. 1994; Tilman et al. 2001), and the European BIODEPTH experiment has been one of the most influential in this regard (Hector et al. 1999). Much, though not all, of the evidence for this relationship has come from experimental communities established from seed and harvested after only a year or two. It is not clear that such immature plant communities would be expected to provide reliable evidence of the relationship between diversity and ecosystem properties. Here we compare the relationship between diversity and biomass in BIODEPTH with that at the long-term monitoring site at Bibury in Gloucestershire, UK (Dunnett et al. 1998), a natural plant community that has much in common with BIODEPTH. The Bibury site offers a rare opportunity to address questions similar to those tackled by BIODEPTH, while avoiding some of the limitations of short-term experiments. If a positive relationship between vascular plant diversity and biomass production is an important phenomenon, one could argue that it should be detectable in natural vegetation. Previous attempts to explore the relationship between biodiversity and productivity in natural plant communities have been criticized on the grounds that both variables are frequently affected by additional (usually abiotic) variables (Lawton et al. 1998). For example, over a wide range of moderate-to-high biomass values, there is a well known negative relationship between biomass and species richness, driven by increasing competitive exclusion at higher productivity (Grime 1973; Grace 1999; Stevens et al. 2004). In experiments such as BIODEPTH, one aim is to exclude such natural sources of variation and create synthesized plant assemblages that vary only in artificially imposed levels of species richness. Of course, random environmental heterogeneity cannot be completely excluded, and Huston & McBride (2002) have shown how such heterogeneity can give rise to spurious diversity-function relationships. However, synthesized communities may also exhibit systematic variation in productivity equalling or exceeding that occurring in natural habitats, arising from the higher nitrogen availability in communities sown with N-fixing legumes. In BIODEPTH, addition of TriJolium pratense (nomenclature follows Stace 1997) increased biomass, on average, by 360 g m (Hector et al. 1999). As this increase was much larger than the effect of any other species, it is reasonable to attribute this effect to a direct result of the extra N fixed by Trifolium. The increase was also much larger than the effect of a change in diversity itself; doubling species richness increased biomass, on average, by only 80 g m-. The Bibury road verge lies on the north side of Akeman Street, originally a Roman road, in Gloucestershire, UK (National Grid reference SP 119048). The 700 m length of experimental verge was originally chosen
Costs of Childhood Hospitalisation for Asthma

Asthma hospitalisations in children have major economic, as well as health, effects in this country, costing New Zealand $7.6 million in healthcare costs in 2013. However, little research has been done to estimate nonhealthcare costs of these hospitalisations including parents’ expenses, time off work and intangible costs, such as stress and anxiety. Therefore, we set out to estimate these costs through expenditure and willingness-to-pay surveys of parents of hospitalised children. We estimated the median non-healthcare cost of these hospitalisations to be $380.74 per night, effectively adding 30% to current estimates of costs. This could have a considerable impact when assessing the cost-benefit ratios of strategies to prevent hospitalisations of children for asthma.
Morphology of the sella turcica in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome with PITX2 mutation.

BACKGROUND Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with an incidence of 1:200 000. Genotype and phenotype are heterogeneous and clinical morphology impresses with variable expressivity. Additionally to the typical craniofacial and dental aberrations anomalies in the morphology of sella turcica are discussed. METHOD In a multidisciplinary genetic and clinical study four patients of a family with ARS were screened by direct DNA sequencing. Radiographic analysis of the patients was performed for evaluating cranial and dental structures. Additionally, a specific analysis of the morphology of the sella turcica was made on the radiographs. RESULTS Screening for PITX2 and FOXC1 mutations revealed a P64L missense mutation in PITX2 in all four patients. The cephalometric analysis showed a midface hypoplasia associated with a skeletal Class III. All patients showed a sella turcica bridge combined with a prominent posterior clinoid process followed by a steep clivus and an elongated sella turcica. CONCLUSION The incidence of a sella turcica bridge in combination with a PITX2 mutation would suspect that sella turcica anomalies are typical symptoms of the syndrome. Sella turcica anomalies in association with craniofacial and dental aberrations, such as maxillary retrognathia, skeletal Class III relationship and hypoplasia of teeth, might be important indicators for ARS caused by PITX2 mutation.
A view from above : Macroeconomic determinants of Mexican remittances

Conventional wisdom in the economics of migration holds that remittance receipts may be a more stable source of capital for developing countries than O¢ cial Development Assistance or private nancial capital. We use national accounts data to analyze movements in remittance ows to Mexico from 19802006 against these series, as well as US GNI and Mexican GDP. We nd some evidence that remittances are acyclical, meaning that they neither driven by movements in the Mexican nor the US economy. A vector autoregression (VAR) model is estimated using de-trended series of several economic indicators. Impulse response functions indicate that a positive shock to US GNI leads to an increase in remittance receipts, whereas remittances decrease with positive movements in Mexican GDP, however both these shocks are neither persistent nor signi cant. Preliminary, please do not cite. yThis paper has been supported by the Hewlett Foundation and the MacMillan Center and was prepared for the Global Citizenship Workshop at Yale University on May 15-16, 2009. We would like to thank Namrata Kala for her contribution in the initial stages of this project. The authors would appreciate any comments and can be contacted at atisha.kumar@yale.edu or dawn.teele@yale.edu.
A New Approach to Predicting Physical Biometrics from Behavioural Biometrics

— A relationship between face and signature biometrics is established in this paper. A new approach is developed to predict faces from signatures by using artificial intelligence. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network is used to generate face details from features extracted from signatures, here face is the physical biometric and signatures is the behavioural biometric. The new method establishes a relationship between the two biometrics and regenerates a visible face image from the signature features. Furthermore, the performance efficiencies of our new technique are demonstrated in terms of minimum error rates compared to published work.
The melanin‐concentrating hormone system of the rat brain: An immuno‐ and hybridization histochemical characterization

In addition to a nonadecapeptide homologous to the teleost melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH), the amino acid sequence predicted from a rat prepro‐MCH (ppMCH) cDNA suggested that at least one (neuropeptide EI, or NEI), and possibly a second (NGE), additional neuropeptide may be encoded by this precursor. Cross‐reactivity with epitopes of NEI or NGE can account for reported localization of α‐MSH, rat CRF, and human GRF in rat dorsolateral hypothalamic neurons. We have used antisera raised against rat MCH and NEI in immunohistochemical studies at the light and electron microscopic levels, along with hybridization histochemical localization of ppMCH mRNA, to define the organization of this system. As expected, ppMCH mRNA is prominently expressed in cells in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta. The MCH and NEI peptides were extensively colocalized in neurons in both of these areas. In addition, smaller cell groups in the olfactory tubercle and pontine tegmentum were also positively hybridized for ppMCH mRNA and immunostained for MCH and NEI. Fibers stained for MCH and NEI were similarly, and very broadly, distributed throughout the central nervous system in patterns that generally conformed with known projection fields of the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta. A differential distribution was seen in at least one region, the interanterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus, which contained a prominent terminal field stained for MCH but not NEI. At the electron microscopic level, MCH‐stained perikarya displayed a prominent staining associated with the Golgi apparatus; this was not encountered in NEI‐stained cells. Both peptides were distributed similarly in terminals in the lateral hypothalamic area and median eminence, with staining associated principally with dense‐cored vesicles. The results suggest that ppMCH‐derived peptides may serve as neurotransmitters or modulators of prominence in a surprisingly expansive projection field of incerto‐hypothalamic neurons. The terminal distributions of this system seem most compatible with functional roles in generalized arousal and sensorimotor integration, processes previously implicated as being subject to modulation by the lateral hypothalamic area. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced-Order Electrochemical Model Parameters Identification and State of Charge Estimation for Healthy and Aged Li-Ion Batteries—Part II: Aged Battery Model and State of Charge Estimation

Recently, extensive research has been conducted in the field of battery management systems due to increased interest in vehicles electrification. Parameters, such as battery state of charge (SOC) and state of health, are of critical importance to ensure safety, reliability, and prolong battery life. This paper includes the following contributions: 1) tracking reduced-order electrochemical battery model parameters variations as battery ages, using noninvasive genetic algorithm optimization technique; 2) the development of a battery aging model capable of capturing battery degradation by varying the effective electrode volume; and 3) estimation of the battery critical SOC using a new estimation strategy known as the smooth variable structure filter based on reduced-order electrochemical model. The proposed filter is used for SOC estimation and demonstrates strong robustness to modeling uncertainties, which is relatively high in case of reduced-order electrochemical models. Batteries used in this research are lithium-iron phosphate cells widely used in automotive applications. Extensive testing using real-world driving cycles is used for estimation strategy application and for conducting the aging test. Limitations of the proposed strategy are also highlighted.
Accuracy of Blood Pressure Measurement in the Family Practice Center

Background: Equipment, physiologic, and technique factors can influence the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. The current study was designed to isolate certain technique factors and then assess the accuracy of nursing personnel measurements of blood pressure in three residency family practice centers. Methods: An experienced registered nurse was trained in applying the American Heart Association recommendations for determining blood pressure by sphygmomanometry; three 1.5-hour practice sessions demonstrated her accuracy. Nine full days were then spent in the family practice centers rechecking as many staff blood pressure readings as possible while controlling for confounding variables. Results: The following findings were significant: (1) the average absolute differences between control and study nurse systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were 6.2 mmHg and 4.7 mmHg, respectively; (2) a unidirectional error of 3.8 mmHg in the measurement of diastolic blood pressure was found in one center, possibly because less care was taken with afternoon measurements; (3) variability in systolic blood pressure readings was higher in all three centers (± 8.5 mmHg) than attained during the training sessions for the control nurse (± 5.8 mmHg); (4) the average errors attributable to technique factors studied that were potentially correctable by training were only 1.8 mmHg for systolic and 0.7 mmHg for diastolic pressures. Conclusions: The degree of inaccuracy in ambulatory nursing blood pressure readings attributable to errors in technique is quantified by this study. Training can reduce, but not abolish, this inaccuracy. Careful attention to proper blood pressure measurement technique and such variables as equipment calibration is essential for both nursing and physician observers. Taking multiple blood pressure measurements before making clinical decisions can limit the effect of these inaccuracies.
Muscle fibres crossing the line of incision used in carpal tunnel decompression

Muscle fibres that cross the proposed line of incision of the flexor retinaculum at carpal tunnel decompression can be a source of confusion, particularly for the less experienced surgeon. We investigated how frequently muscle fibres crossed the line of incision on the palmar surface of the flexor retinaculum at carpal tunnel decompression in 143 hands, and dissected 103 cadaver hands to study the origin and insertion of these muscle fibres. The line of incision was defined as a longitudinal line between thenar and hypothenar eminences along the third web space, with the wrist in neutral radioulnar deviation and the fingers in extension. Muscle fibres crossing the line of incision were absent in 50% of the operated hands, 2–10 mm wide in 39% and more than 10 mm wide in 11%. In the cadaver hands the proportions were similar at 50%, 35% and 15%, respectively. The fibres were extensions of the thenar and hypothenar muscles and did not appear to represent a separate anomalous muscle.
Cardiovascular Risk of Community-Dwelling Elderly from a City in Northeastern Brazil: Correlations with Vitamin D and Parathormone

We investigated the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of the elderly in a city in northeastern Brazil, and the correlation of this risk with vitamin D and PTH status. We studied 359 elderly, both genders, from Piaui-Teresina-Brazil. Variables investigated: body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A subsample (n = 100) was investigated for biochemical analyses: PTH and 25(OH)-vitamin D levels; total, HDL and LDL-cholesterol; and fasting glucose. High blood pressure, abdominal obesity, sedentarism, high total cholesterol, high triacylglycerol levels, as well as low vitamin D levels, were, among the investigated variables, the most prevalent. Visceral adiposity and low vitamin D were found to be more prevalent in women than in men, whilst alcohol intake and smoking were more prevalent in men. The correlation between vitamin D, PTH and the investigated risk variables, under our study conditions, were not significant.
Addiction research. Anonymous alcoholic bankrolls trial of controversial therapy.

Increasing numbers of alcoholics have been demanding that their doctors give them prescriptions for baclofen, a decades-old muscle relaxant that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain, to treat their addiction. But hard evidence for its efficacy has been lacking; a handful of trials have generated conflicting evidence. Now an anonymous Dutch donor has given the University of Amsterdam a half-million euros to conduct a rigorous placebo-controlled study of the drug.
The importance of regional lymph nodes for mucosal tolerance

Summary: The immune system is organized as a number of distinct lymphoid organs interconnected by recirculating lymphocytes. These organs, such as lymph nodes, spleen, and gut‐associated Peyer’s patches, are compartmentalized, providing separate niches for T and B cells. In addition, regional compartmentalization of lymphoid organs themselves exists, leading to the distinction between the mucosal and the systemic immune systems. This distinction not only reflects the anatomical localization but also is based on functional differences, with predominant tolerance induction via mucosal routes and immunity seen after systemic antigen exposure. These differences are associated with regional differences in the lymphoid organs and with environmental conditions of the tissues in which the immune system functions. Recirculation patterns of lymphocytes differ between mucosal and systemic lymphoid organs, and more insight into the mechanisms that imprint this behavior has been generated recently. Differences in dendritic cells have been observed between mucosal and systemic sites, and knowledge on how local factors contribute to the immune system is emerging. From our studies on mucosal tolerance in mouse models, it has become evident that regional lymph nodes draining the mucosa are important sites to direct immune responses. Here, we discuss the way regional lymph nodes contribute to the direction of immune responses and what is known about the local factors and cell behavior that form the basis for these differences.
Evaluation of user intervention mechanisms for privacy on SME online trust

This paper describes empirical results that quantitatively show that user intervention tools for privacy significantly contribute towards online trust. We extend a seminal, validated measurement scale for online trust by adding measurement items for 5 user intervention (UIVs) mechanisms for trust: P3P, cookie crushers, encryption, pseudonymizer, and anonymizing tools. From analysis of 242 valid user responses collected in fall 2003, we find that those users willing to adopt user intervention mechanisms have statistically significant higher mean online trusting intentions. These users' mean trusting beliefs in small and medium size e-business is stronger than non-adopters and those undecided users sitting on the fence. Finally, we show our amendments to online trust theory to be plausible using the structural equation modeling technique and data for all groups of users.
Ergodicity, Stabilization, and Singular Perturbations for Bellman-Isaacs Equations

The authors study singular perturbations of optimal stochastic control problems and differential games arising in the dimension reduction of system with multiple time scales. They analyze the uniform convergence of the value functions via the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-Isaacs equations, in the framework of viscosity solutions. The crucial properties of ergodicity and stabilization to a constant that the Hamiltonian must possess are formulated as differential games with ergodic cost criteria. They are studied under various different assumptions and with PDE as well as control-theoretic methods. The authors also construct an explicit example where the convergence is not uniform. Finally they give some applications to the periodic homogenization of Hamilton-Jacobi equations with non-coercive Hamiltonian and of some degenerate parabolic PDEs. Table of Contents: Introduction and statement of the problem; Abstract ergodicity, stabilization, and convergence; Uncontrolled fast variables and averaging; Uniformly nondegenerate fast diffusion; Hypoelliptic diffusion of the fast variables; Controllable fast variables; Nonresonant fast variables; A counterexample to uniform convergence; Applications to homogenization; Bibliography. (MEMO/204/960)