Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic Acid in thoracic aortic surgery: clinical efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. DESIGN A prospective randomized study. SETTING A tertiary care center. PARTICIPANT The study was conducted on 64 consecutive adult patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). INTERVENTIONS Group EACA received a bolus of 50 mg/kg of EACA after induction of anesthesia over 20 minutes followed by maintenance infusion of 25 mg/kg/h until chest closure. Group TXA received a bolus of 10 mg/kg of TXA after induction of anesthesia over 20 minutes followed by maintenance infusion of 1 mg/kg/h until chest closure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Cumulated mean blood loss, total packed red blood cells, and blood product requirement up to 24 h postoperatively were comparable between groups. A significant renal injury (EACA 40% v TXA 16%; p = 0.04) and increased tendency for renal failure (EACA 10% v TXA 0%, p = 0.11; relative risk 2.15) were observed with EACA compared to TXA. There was increased tendency of seizure with TXA (EACA v TXA: 3.3% v 10%; p>0.05, relative risk 1.53). There was significant increase in the D-dimer from preoperative to postoperative values in Group EACA. (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both EACA and TXA were equally effective in reducing the perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirement in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. While significant renal injury was observed with EACA, there was a tendency for higher incidence of seizure with TXA. Prospective placebo-controlled trials recruiting larger sample size using sensitive biomarkers are required before any recommendations.
Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of naturally occurring furan fatty acids.

As a part of our work on the antioxidant properties of naturally occurring furan fatty acids (F acids), we evaluated their hydroxyl radical (HO.) scavenging activity by an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping technique with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). The additions of F acids to the incubation mixture of Fe2(+)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid complex, H2O2 and DMPO decreased the intensity of the DMPO-OH adduct signal in a dose-dependent way. This decrease was not attributed to the destruction of DMPO-OH adduct by F acids. Kinetic competition studies indicated that the decrease in DMPO-OH signal intensity was mainly due to the competition of F acids with DMPO for HO. , and not to the inhibition of the HO. generation system itself. F acids were found to react rapidly with HO. at approximately a diffusion-controlled rate (1.7 x 10(10)M-1 s-1). Comparison with the common HO. scavengers indicated that the rate constant of F acids is higher than those of mannitol and ethanol, and is compatible with those of histidine and dimethylsulfoxide, demonstrating that F acids are a potent HO. scavenger. It is suggested that F acids may serve as antioxidants in biological systems through their ability to scavenge HO.
Using Scaled Models for Wind Turbine EM Scattering Characterization: Techniques and Experiments

Characterizing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) wind turbine structures is the first step to mitigate the impact of wind farms on radar operations. An efficient technique based on scaled wind turbine models in both laboratory and computer environment is studied. The scaled 3-D computer model is used in different electromagnetic solvers to predict the RCS properties, given radar parameters. The scaled laboratory model is placed in a controlled laboratory environment, and accurate RCS measurements of the scaled models are used to emulate wind turbine radar signatures. Comparisons between approximate numeric model prediction and measurement results are presented, and a method for predicting full-size wind turbine scattering properties based on scaled models is discussed.
A Systematic Review of the Effect of CYP3A5 Genotype on the Apparent Oral Clearance of Tacrolimus in Renal Transplant Recipients

Tacrolimus is a commonly used immunosuppressive agent in renal transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring of tacrolimus is recommended because it demonstrates wide pharmacokinetic interpatient variability. Part of that variability may be the result of metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5), which is only expressed in some adult individuals. The expression of CYP3A5 has been linked to the CYP3A5 genotype, in which individuals with one or more wild-type allele (CYP3A5*1) are considered CYP3A5 expressors, and individuals homozygous for the mutant allele CYP3A5*3 are considered nonexpressors. An association has been established between CYP3A5 genotype (expressors versus nonexpressors) and tacrolimus dose requirements to achieve target concentrations. Tacrolimus pharmacokinetic variability is based on bioavailability and systemic clearance, which are represented by apparent oral clearance. The focus of this review was to use a systematic method to investigate whether the CYP3A5 genotype has an effect on the apparent oral clearance of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients. A total of five studies were identified that reported apparent oral clearance in CYP3A5 expressors and CYP3A5 nonexpressors. The weighted mean apparent oral clearance was found to be 48% lower in CYP3A5 nonexpressors than CYP3A5 expressors (range, 26%-65%). This difference in apparent oral clearance could be used in future studies to guide initial dosing strategies of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients based on genotype.
Risk Factors for Antimicrobial-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Europe

Background The European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme performs antimicrobial resistance surveillance and is coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This study used epidemiological and behavioral data combined with the gonococcal susceptibility profiles to determine risk factors associated with harboring resistant gonococci in Europe. Methods From 2009 to 2011, gonococcal isolates from 21 countries were submitted to the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patient variables associated with resistance to azithromycin, cefixime, and ciprofloxacin were identified using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses of odds ratios. Geometric means for ceftriaxone and cefixime minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were compared for patients of different sexual orientation and sex. Results A total of 5034 gonococcal isolates were tested from 2009 to 2011. Isolates exhibiting resistance to cefixime (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) and ciprofloxacin (MIC > 0.5 mg/L) were significantly associated with infection in heterosexuals (males only for ciprofloxacin), older patients (>25 years of age), or those without a concurrent chlamydial infection in the multivariable analysis. The geometric mean of cefixime and ceftriaxone MICs decreased from 2009 to 2011, most significantly for men who have sex with men, and isolates from male heterosexuals exhibited the highest MICs in 2011. Conclusions The linking of epidemiological and behavioral data to the susceptibility profiles of the gonococcal isolates has allowed those at higher risk for acquiring antimicrobial resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae to be identified. Improved data numbers and representativeness are required before evidence-based risk groups can be identified, and subsequent focused treatments or public health intervention strategies can be initiated with confidence.
Computational Creativity Research: Towards Creative Machines

Computational Creativity, Concept Invention, and General Intelligence in their own right all are flourishing research disciplines producing surprising and captivating results that continuously influence and change our view on where the limits of intelligent machines lie, each day pushing the boundaries a bit further. By 2014, all three fields also have left their marks on everyday life machine-composed music has been performed in concert halls, automated theorem provers are accepted tools in enterprises R&D departments, and cognitive architectures are being integrated in pilot assistance systems for next generation airplanes. Still, although the corresponding aims and goals are clearly similar (as are the common methods and approaches), the developments in each of these areas have happened mostly individually within the respective community and without closer relationships to the goings-on in the other two disciplines. In order to overcome this gap and to provide a common platform for interaction and exchange between the different directions, the International Workshops on Computational Creativity, Concept Invention, and General Intelligence (C3GI) have been started. At ECAI-2012 and IJCAI-2013, the first and second edition of C3GI each gathered researchers from all three fields, presenting recent developments and results from their research and in dialogue and joint debates bridging the disciplinary boundaries. The chapters contained in this book are based on expanded versions of accepted contributions to the workshops and additional selected contributions by renowned researchers in the relevant fields. Individually, they give an account of the state-of-the-art in their respective area, discussing both, theoretical approaches as well as implemented systems. When taken together and looked at from an integrative perspective, the book in its totality offers a starting point for a (re)integration of Computational Creativity, Concept Invention, and General Intelligence, making visible common lines of work and theoretical underpinnings, and pointing at chances and opportunities arising from the interplay of the three fields.
Peroneal Nerve Palsy after Total Knee Arthroplasty. Assessment of Predisposing and Prognostic Factors*†

Thirty-two postoperative peroneal-nerve palsies in thirty patients were documented in a retrospective review of 10,361 consecutive total knee arthroplasties performed at one institution from 1979 through 1992. The mean age of the thirty patients was sixty-five years (range, twenty-eight to seventy-eight years). Four of these patients had had a previous proximal tibial osteotomy and five had had a previous lumbar laminectomy. Ten knees (ten patients) had preoperative valgus alignment of 12 degrees or more. A control group of 100 patients who had had total knee arthroplasty during the same period was computer-matched to the patients by age, sex, and operating surgeon. Comparison of this control group with the thirty patients showed that epidural anesthesia for postoperative control of pain (p < 0.03), previous laminectomy (p < 0.04), and preoperative valgus deformity (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with peroneal nerve palsy. The relative risk for patients who had had a previous proximal tibial osteotomy was doubled, but this was not significant (p < 0.4). To determine risk factors associated with anesthesia better, a subgroup of 4388 total knee arthroplasties performed during a five-year period (1988 through 1992) was also studied. In this sample, twenty-five peroneal-nerve palsies were documented. Eighteen occurred after epidural anesthesia (p < 0.03); five, after general anesthesia; and two, after spinal anesthesia. An important finding of this study is the high frequency of delayed presentation of peroneal nerve palsy. We believe that epidural anesthesia for postoperative control of pain leads to decreased proprioception and sensation postoperatively. It is postulated that positioning of the limb in this unprotected state may be a factor in the late development of palsy. The concept of the so-called double-crush phenomenon may partially explain the palsy seen in the patients who had had a lumbar laminectomy and asymptomatic peripheral neuropathy.
The effect of mechanically‐induced cricoid force on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure in anaesthetised patients

In the United Kingdom, cricoid force is central to upper airway management in obstetric and emergency anaesthesia. A reduction in oesophageal barrier pressure (OBP) in these patients may increase regurgitation risk. This study investigated whether the application of cricoid force to anaesthetised patients reduced lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) and consequently OBP. Anaesthesia was induced in 29 patients using a standard protocol. An oesophageal balloon catheter was inserted and gastric trace identified. The catheter was withdrawn incrementally and pressure readings recorded at each position before and during the application of 30 N cricoid force, with a sudden rise in pressure indicating lower oesophageal sphincter position. Oesophageal barrier pressure was calculated as the difference between LOSP and gastric pressure. Application of cricoid force significantly reduced OBP without influencing gastric pressure (p < 0.001). The use of cricoid force may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux in anaesthetised patients.
Age Identification: A Comparison between Finnish and North-American Cultures

This study examined perceptions of age among Finnish males and females in three age groups; twenty-five to thirty-nine-year-olds (n = 446), forty to fifty-four-year-olds (n = 482) and fifty-five to sixty-four-year-olds (n = 427). The age perceptions of the Finnish sample were further compared with those of a North-American sample with corresponding age groups (n = 169, n = 187, n = 222) reported by Barak, Stern, and Gould (1988). Four age concepts used were chronological age, subjective age, ideal age, and disparity age. As expected on the basis of previous studies in age identification, no difference was found between Finnish males and females in terms of subjective age. Ideal age, however, differentiated Finnish males and females; the age ideal of females was significantly higher when compared with males with respective chronological ages. The comparison between Finnish and North-Eastern U.S. sample indicated that the latter group had more youthful age identity while the Finns expressed a greater acceptance of their present age status. This was seen in higher subjective and ideal ages of Finns when compared with their North-American counterparts. Socio-cultural differences in terms of meanings associated with chronological age and aging are discussed.
Some Notes on the Isolation of a Soluble Urea‐Ferment from the Torula Ureae

THE researches of MIuller', Pasteur2 and Van Tieghem8 proved conclusively that the alkaline fermentation of urine is due to the presence and development in it of an organism to which, from its structural similarity to yeast, the name of Torula ureae was given. For a long time the hydration of the urea which is the change fundamentally characteristic of the fermentation, was supposed to be as indissolubly connected with the vital activity of the protoplasm of which the organism is composed as was the complete cycle of changes involved in the alcoholic fermentation of sugar with that of ordinary yeast. But jlust as later researches showed that a part at least of the alcoholic fermentation is produced by an unorganised ferment, isolable from the yeast, so also have subsequent experiments shown that the complete fermentative bydration of urea can be brought about by a soluble ferment obtainable from the fermenting urine. In 1874 Musculus4 showed that if urine in active alkaline fermentation be filtered through paper, this paper after being washed with water till free from any alkaline reaction and dried at 35 40° C. , retains a something capable of exciting the alkaline fermentation of urea. He described how if this paper thus washed be stained with turmeric it can be used as a reagent for urea, for when dipped into a solution of this substance, the urea is at once hydrated into an alkaline salt of ammonium, which then turns the turmeric to the usual reddish-brown colour characteristic of an alkali. This retention of the ferment-powers by the
Central Pancreatectomy as an Indication for Various Benign Pancreatic Tumors

Standard pancreatic resections, either proximal or distal ones, result in a considerable loss of pancreatic parenchyma and may cause impairment of the exocrine and endocrine functions. Central pancreatectomy has been indicated for small benign lesions located in the neck or body of the pancreas. It has the potential advantage of lowering the risk of functional impairment of the pancreatic parenchyma, biliary tract, upper gastrointestinal tract, and spleen. We present three cases of patients with benign, isolated pancreatic tumors who underwent a successful central pancreatectomy. From this small series, we believe that central pancreatectomy is an excellent therapeutic option for benign, localized pancreatic tumors.
Single-Phase Z-Source Inverter

This paper proposes a novel single-phase Z-source inverter topology with input and output sharing the same ground. It is simple in structure and only utilizes two switches while keeping the voltage transfer ratio the same as for the full-bridge inverter. One-cycle control is adopted. Highly efficient constant-frequency control can be achieved without an accurate model of the converter. The unique feature of the proposed topology is verified by operating principle, simulation and experimental results. This topology can be used in distributed power systems where dual grounding is needed.
Done That: Short-term Repetition Related Modulations of Motor Cortex Activity as a Stable Signature for Overnight Motor Memory Consolidation

An almost universally accepted tacit expectation is that learning and memory consolidation processes must be reflected in the average brain activity in brain areas relevant to task performance. Motor cortex (M1) plasticity has been implicated in motor skill acquisition and its consolidation. Nevertheless, no consistent pattern of changes in the average signal, related to motor learning or motor memory consolidation following a single session of training, has emerged from imaging studies. Here we show that the pattern and magnitude of short-term brain activity modulations in response to task repetition, in M1, may provide a robust signature for effective motor memory consolidation processes. We studied participants during the paced performance of a finger-to-thumb opposition sequence (FOS), intensively trained a day earlier, and a similarly constructed untrained FOS. In addition to within-session “on-line” gains, most participants expressed delayed, consolidation-phase gains in the performance of the trained FOS. The execution of the trained FOS induced repetition enhancements in the contralateral M1 and bilaterally in the medial-temporal lobes, offsetting novelty-related repetition suppression effects. Moreover, the M1 modulations were positively correlated with the magnitude of each participant's overnight delayed gains but not with absolute performance levels. Our results suggest that short-term enhancements of brain signals upon task repetition reflect the effectiveness of overnight motor memory consolidation. We propose that procedural memory consolidation processes may affect the excitation–inhibition balance within cortical representations of the trained movements; this new balance is better reflected in repetition effects than in the average level of evoked neural activity.
Multigene sequence data reveal morphologically cryptic phylogenetic species within the genus Laccaria in southern Australia

Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the more intensively studied ectomycorrhizal genera; however, species boundaries within Laccaria and the closely related Hydnangium and Podohydnangium in Australia have not yet been examined with molecular sequence data. Based on morphological characters, eight native species of Laccaria are currently recognized in Australia, as well as three Hydnangium species and the monotypic Podohydnangium australe. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear rDNA (ITS), RNA polymerase beta subunit II (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef-1α) were generated from 77 collections of Laccaria, Hydnangium and Podohydnangium from Australia. Ten phylogenetic species and a further 11 potential species (represented by singletons) of Laccaria in Australia are delimited from sequence analyses. Most of the morphological species contained cryptic phylogenetic species, but these species were always nested entirely within a given morphological species, although not always as sister taxa. The rpb2 locus performed best as a species barcode with pairwise and patristic distance measures. The ITS sequence region returned the least resolved gene tree of the three regions examined and was the least useful as a barcode region. Based on the phylogenetic topology, there appears to have been multiple gains and/or losses of the ectomycorrhizal association of some species with the myrtle beech, Nothofagus cunninghamii as well as of sequestrate basidiocarps and two-spored basidia.
The Process of Knowledge Creation in Organizations

In their seminal work, Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) highlighted the critical importance of knowledge creation to the long-term success of the organization. However, the scarcity of empirical work on knowledge creation has limited our understanding of the overall organizational process involved. To overcome this, we attempt a comprehensive analysis of knowledge creation within the organization, exploring the relationships between (1) knowledge acquisition, (2) problem-solving capability, (3) new knowledge creation, and (4) firm performance. We also investigate the environmental and organizational context within which knowledge creation occurs. Our study draws upon perspectives from the social capital, organizational learning, dynamic capabilities and innovation literatures. Based on a survey of 317 firms, our analyses suggest that the critical linkages in the knowledge creation process occur between the four components mentioned above and, most strikingly, that the effect of new knowledge creation on firm performance is entirely mediated by innovation. The implication for managers is that by focusing on simpler processes such as problem solving or innovation they can significantly reduce the complexity of managing knowledge creation and more effectively capitalize knowledge within the firm.
Endothelin B Receptor Antagonism in the Rat Renal Medulla Reduces Urine Flow Rate and Sodium Excretion

It is well established that activation of endothelin B (ETB) receptor induces natriuresis and diuresis and thus reduces blood pressure. However, the site of action of ETB receptor is debatable. The present study was undertaken to address the role of renal medullary ETB receptor in renal excretory function. In volume-expanded Sprague-Dawley rats, infusion of the ETB antagonist A192621 at 0.5 mg/kg/hr to the renal medulla induced an immediate and significant reduction of urine flow rate that was 87.5% ± 7.1%, 68% ± 20%, and 58.3% ± 15.5% of the control value at 10, 30, and 60 mins, respectively (n=5, P < 0.05 at each time point). Following intramedullary infusion of A192621, urinary sodium excretion remained unchanged during the first 20 mins but started to decline thereafter with a maximal effect at 60 mins. Changes in urinary excretion of potassium and chloride followed the same pattern of changes as for urinary sodium. In contrast, urinary osmolality gradually and significantly increased (control: 419 ± 66; A192621 at 60 mins: 637 ± 204 mOsm/kg H2O, P < 0.05). Over a 60-min period of intramedullary infusion of A192621, none of the hemodynamic parameters examined, including mean arterial pressure, renal blood flow, or medullary blood flow, were affected. These data suggest that: (i) intramedullary blockade of ETB receptor produces antidiuresis and antinatriuresis independently of hemodynamic changes, and (ii) the immediate response to intramedullary blockade of ETB receptor is the reduction of water excretion followed by the reduction of sodium excretion.