Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Gas Exchange Abnormalities in Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Implications for Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance.

RATIONALE Several studies in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have shown a higher than normal ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co2) during exercise. Our objective was to examine pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities and the mechanisms of high [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co2 in mild COPD and its impact on dyspnea and exercise intolerance. METHODS Twenty-two subjects (11 patients with GOLD [Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease] grade 1B COPD, 11 age-matched healthy control subjects) undertook physiological testing and a symptom-limited incremental cycle exercise test with arterial blood gas collection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Patients (post-bronchodilator FEV1: 94 ± 10% predicted; mean ± SD) had evidence of peripheral airway dysfunction and reduced peak oxygen uptake compared with control subjects (80 ± 18 vs. 113 ± 24% predicted; P<0.05). Arterial blood gases were within the normal range and effective alveolar ventilation was not significantly different from control subjects throughout exercise. The alveolar-arterial O2 tension gradient was elevated at rest and throughout exercise in COPD (P<0.05). [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co2, dead space to tidal volume ratio (Vd/Vt), and arterial to end-tidal CO2 difference were all higher (P<0.05) in patients with COPD than in control subjects during exercise. In patients with COPD versus control subjects, there was significant dynamic hyperinflation and greater tidal volume constraints (P<0.05). Standardized dyspnea intensity ratings were also higher (P<0.05) in patients with COPD versus control subjects in association with higher ventilatory requirements. Within all subjects, Vd/Vt correlated with the [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co2 ratio during submaximal exercise (r=0.780, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS High Vd/Vt was the most consistent gas exchange abnormality in smokers with only mild spirometric abnormalities. Compensatory increases in minute ventilation during exercise maintained alveolar ventilation and arterial blood gas homeostasis but at the expense of earlier dynamic mechanical constraints, greater dyspnea, and exercise intolerance in mild COPD.
Effects of prolonged‐release melatonin, zolpidem, and their combination on psychomotor functions, memory recall, and driving skills in healthy middle aged and elderly volunteers

Melatonin is an important regulator of the sleep–wake cycle. A prolonged‐release formulation of melatonin (PR‐M) that essentially mimics the profile of the endogenous production of the hormone is effective in the treatment of insomnia in patients aged 55 years and older. Because hypnotics result in impairments of various cognitive skills, it is important to examine the cognitive effects associated with the use of PR‐M.
Forecasting the Australian economy with DSGE and BVAR models

ABSTRACT Reflecting the importance of commodities for the Australian economy, we construct a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model of the Australian economy with a commodity sector. We assess whether its forecasts can be improved by using it as a prior for an empirical Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR). We find that the forecasts from the BVAR tend to be more accurate than those from the DSGE model. Nevertheless, for output growth these forecasts do not outperform benchmark models, such as a small open economy BVAR estimated using the standard priors for forecasting. A Bayesian factor augmented vector autoregression produces the most accurate near-term inflation forecasts.
Determination of a practical pH cutoff level for reliable confirmation of nasogastric tube placement.

BACKGROUND Enteral feeding is a common method of nutrition support when oral intake is inadequate. Confirmation of correct nasogastric (NG) tube placement is essential. Risks of morbidity/mortality associated with misplacement in the lung are well documented. Studies indicate that pH ≤ 4 confirms gastric aspirate, but in pediatrics, a pH of gastric aspirate is often >4. The goal of this study was to determine a reliable and practical pH value to confirm NG tube placement, without increasing the risk of not identifying a misplaced NG tube. METHODS Pediatric inpatients older than 4 weeks receiving enteral nutrition (nasogastric or gastrostomy) were recruited over 9 months. Aspirate samples were pH tested at NG tube placement and before feedings. If pH >4, NG tube position was confirmed by chest radiograph or further investigations. In addition, intensive care unit (ICU) patients who required endotracheal suctioning were recruited, and endotracheal aspirate samples were pH tested. RESULTS A total of 4,330 gastric aspirate samples (96% nasogastric) were collected from 645 patients with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 1.0 years (0.3-5.2 years). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) pH of these gastric samples was 3.6 (1.4) (range, 0-9). pH was >4 in 1,339 (30.9%) gastric aspirate samples, and of these, 244 were radiographed, which identified 10 misplaced tubes (1 with pH 5.5). A total of 65 endotracheal aspirate samples were collected from 19 ICU patients with a median (IQR) age of 0.6 years (0.4-5.2 years). The mean (SD) pH of these samples was 8.4 (0.8) (range, 6-9.5). CONCLUSION Given that the lowest pH value of endotracheal aspirate sample was 6, and a misplaced NG tube was identified with pH 5.5, it is proposed that a gastric aspirate pH ≤ 5 is a safer, reliable, and practical cutoff in this population.
Material resources and population health: disadvantages in health care, housing, and food among adults over 50 years of age.

OBJECTIVES We examined associations between material resources and late-life declines in health. METHODS We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of declines in self-rated health and incident walking limitations associated with material disadvantages in a prospective panel representative of US adults aged 51 years and older (N = 15,441). RESULTS Disadvantages in health care (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23, 1.58), food (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.29, 2.22), and housing (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.35) were independently associated with declines in self-rated health, whereas only health care (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.29, 1.58) and food (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.31, 2.05) disadvantage predicted incident walking limitations. Participants experiencing multiple material disadvantages were particularly susceptible to worsening health and functional decline. These effects were sustained after we controlled for numerous covariates, including baseline health status and comorbidities. The relations between health declines and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity, poverty, marital status, and education were attenuated or eliminated after we controlled for material disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS Material disadvantages, which are highly policy relevant, appear related to health in ways not captured by education and poverty. Policies to improve health should address a range of basic human needs, rather than health care alone.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment prevents up‐regulation of angiogenesis following partial‐thickness skin grafts in the pig

We hypothesized that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) would reduce neovascularization following partial‐thickness skin grafting in the Yucatan pig. Results show that capillary density 4 days postgraft is increased twofold in grafts not treated with HBO, compared to normal, ungrafted skin or skin grafts from pigs treated with HBO, p < 0.05. Similarly, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a growth factor associated with neovascularization, was also reduced by HBO. Cell density in the graft boundary increased gradually after grafting, reaching a maximum 2.7‐fold increase, relative to normal skin, at day 4, p < 0.05. Cell nuclei positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker of proliferation, increased threefold by day 2, p < 0.05, and then declined to normal levels by day 7. HBO had no effect on cell density or proliferation in the boundary region or on shear strength of the graft. In the epidermis, proliferation declined 80% 2 days after grafting and then returned to levels observed in normal skin by day 4, p < 0.05; however, in pigs treated with HBO, we observed no decline in proliferation. These findings confirm the hypothesis that HBO reduces neovascularization in the partial‐thickness skin graft while preserving regenerative capacity in the graft boundary and normal proliferative capacity of the epidermis. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:139–144)
Substrate‐assisted catalysis: Molecular basis and biological significance

Substrate‐assisted catalysis (SAC) is the process by which a functional group in a substrate contributes to catalysis by an enzyme. SAC has been demonstrated for representatives of three major enzyme classes: serine proteases, GTPases, and type II restriction endonucleases, as well as lysozyme and hexose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase. Moreover, structure‐based predictions of SAC have been made for many additional enzymes. Examples of SAC include both naturally occurring enzymes such as type II restriction endonucleases as well as engineered enzymes including serine proteases. In the latter case, a functional group from a substrate can substitute for a catalytic residue replaced by site‐directed mutagenesis. From a protein engineering perspective, SAC provides a strategy for drastically changing enzyme substrate specificity or even the reaction catalyzed. From a biological viewpoint, SAC contributes significantly to the activity of some enzymes and may represent a functional intermediate in the evolution of catalysis. This review focuses on advances in engineering enzyme specificity and activity by SAC, together with the biological significance of this phenomenon.
An examination of learner-centered professional development for reluctant teachers

This study focused on professional development practices that empowered reluctant teachers to implement and sustain improved instructional practices. Constructs were viewed through the perspective of learner-centered principles in order to connect scientifically proven practices for teaching students in the classroom to effective professional development practices for teachers. Data for this mixed-design study were gathered from the LCPD School Practices Survey, transcripts of follow-up interviews with once-reluctant teachers, and school documents. Statistical correlations were used to analyze the variables of the quantitative portion of the study. Findings indicated that when schools implemented learner-centered professional development practices, student achievement increased and teacher reluctance toward new practices and change decreased. The qualitative data were coded and analyzed and cross-referenced with school documents. Four themes emerged as to the types of professional development that encouraged reluctant teachers to sustain new practices: (1) show them why and how; (2) empower them to safely explore; (3) emphasize their professional contribution; and (4) engage them in meaningful conversations. This study calls for additional research to better understand the nature of administrator reluctance toward new practices, as well as how the increased leadership
Australian primary schools' sun protection policy and practice: evaluating the impact of the National SunSmart Schools Program.

ISSUE ADDRESSED This study investigated trends in sun protection policy and practice of Australian primary schools between 1998 and 2005 and the impact of the National SunSmart Schools Program. METHODS Between September and November 2005, primary schools from all states and territories in Australia were surveyed on their sun protection policy and practice. Data were compared to 1998 and 2001 data and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS There has been an increase in the proportion of schools with written sun protection policy to 80%, although some aspects of policy were less likely to be included in 2005 than in 2001. Trends in sun protection practice were varied with a significant increase in hat wearing (to 85%) and a significant decrease in sunscreen use. SunSmart schools were found to have a higher level of policy (95% CF 65%, p<0.001) and practice than non-SunSmart schools. Including specific aspects of sun protection in written policy were linked significantly to the corresponding practice for all aspects of sun protection except shade adequacy. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need to continue encouraging the development of comprehensive written sun protection policies in primary schools and advocate for continued support for primary school sun protection activities.
Empathy‐Related Responding in Chinese Toddlers: Factorial Structure and Cognitive Contributors

The critical role of the second year of life in the development of empathy is well accepted by psychologists. However, the developmental trends of the different components of empathy and the potential factors underlying these components during this critical period remain unclear. Eighty‐four Chinese toddlers in the second year of life participated in the present study. Empathy‐related responses were observed during three simulated procedures performed by each child's primary caregiver, the experimenter and a baby doll. An exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the different components of empathy. The shared representation of the self and others was measured using the Tasks for the Observation of Self‐Concept, self/other awareness was measured with a series of mirror tests and inhibitory control was measured using the Cylinder Inhibitory Control Task. The results showed that the empathy of Chinese toddlers contains three factors: sympathy, personal distress and orientation. Potential cognitive factors contribute to the different components of empathy through both independent and joint effects. © 2016 The Authors Infant and Child Development Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An answer from research to the Teaching Excellence Framework – student engagement and graduate engagement to evidence legacy

At a time when the quality and legacy of degree education is a focus within the UK higher education sector, this paper explores the perception of value among graduates at differing distances from graduation. The relevance of graduates to support development of quality within the sector was identified by Nelson (1964) over 50 years ago. However political and hegemonic discourse in UK higher education has focused around value for money, and earning capacity. This paper draws on research with 202 graduates from one to forty-two years from graduation to identify the areas where they perceive value, and how that is created. It shows how, within this sample at least, degree value was seen to exist, although not in line with the hegemonic discourse. The research indicated two clear routes for enhancing experience and legacy for future generations by developing student self-authorship and engagement.
Effect of amoxicillin-clavulanate in clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial in general practice.

BACKGROUND Acute rhinosinusitis is one of the most common reasons for prescribing antibiotics in primary care. However, it is not clear whether antibiotics improve the outcome for patients with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis. We evaluated the effect of a combination product of amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate on adults with acute rhinosinusitis that was clinically diagnosed in a general practice setting. METHODS We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 252 adults recruited at 24 general practices and 2 outpatient clinics. Each patient had a history of purulent nasal discharge and maxillary or frontal pain for at least 48 hours. Patients were given amoxicillin, 875 mg, and clavulanic acid, 125 mg, or placebo twice daily for 6 days. Main outcome measures were time to cure (primary outcome), number of days during which rhinosinusitis restricted activities at home or work, and frequency of adverse effects (secondary outcomes). RESULTS The adjusted hazard ratio for the effect of amoxicillin-clavulanate was 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-1.45) on time to cure and 1.28 (95% CI, 0.80-2.05) in the prespecified subgroup of patients with a positive rhinoscopy result. At 7 days the mean difference between amoxicillin-clavulanate and placebo was -0.29 (95% CI, -0.93 to 0.34) in the number of days with restrictions due to rhinosinusitis and -0.60 (95% CI, -1.41 to 0.21) in patients with a positive rhinoscopy result. At 7 days patients who took amoxicillin-clavulanate were more likely to have diarrhea (odds ratio, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.09-7.25). CONCLUSIONS Adult patients in general practice with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis experience no advantage with antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate and are more likely to experience adverse effects.
Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein (LBP) and Markers of Acute-Phase Response in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) following open heart surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an immunological injury that may cause pathophysiological alterations in the form of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Previous studies on this issue have reported different changes of immunological parameters during and after CPB, but there are no reports about the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in relationship to other markers of inflammation in patients with MODS following cardiovascular surgery. In the present study, we investigated the acute-phase response of patients with MODS of infectious and non-infectious origin following open-heart-surgery. Plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and LBP were measured in the first four postoperative days in 12 adult male patients with the signs of SIRS and two or more organ dysfunctions after myocardial revascularization (MODS-group), and 12 patients without organ insufficiencies (SIRS-group). There were no significant differences regarding age, weight, height, preoperative NYHA-classification, preoperative LVEDP, or the number of anastomosis. Patients with MODS had a significantly longer operation time, duration of ischemia, and duration of extracorporeal circulation. None of the patients in the SIRS group died, whereas in the MODS group, 4 patients died due to septic multiorgan failure. Plasma PCT and IL-6 concentrations were significantly elevated in all MODS patients. CRP and LBP showed no differences between the MODS and the SIRS group. Comparing the MODS patients with and without positive microbial findings, we found significantly elevated levels of PCT and LBP in those patients with documented infections. Our results indicate that LBP may be a new marker for the differentiation between a severe non-infectious SIRS and an ongoing bacterial sepsis in the early postoperative course following CPB, while a microbiological result is still missing.
Balloon angioplasty for Blalock‐Taussig shunt failure in the early postoperative period

Blalock‐Taussig shunt failure is an infrequent but devastating, and often life‐threatening, postoperative complication. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty (BA) of a stenotic modified Blalock‐Taussig shunt (mBTS) has been successfully used in the setting of progressive shunt failure months to years after shunt creation. Only a few case reports exist where BA was used in the early postoperative period. We report a case series of urgent balloon angioplasty for acute early postoperative mBTS failure. Five patients were performed with BA. BA was performed within the first 24 hr following mBTS placement in three patients. Mean total procedure time was 57 min (range, 34–77 min) and mean total fluoroscopic time was 13.8 min (range, 6.4–24.1 min). Immediate success, defined as increased angiographic diameter, was accomplished in 4/5 procedures. One patient died during the procedure. Two patients survived to Glenn procedure. One patient underwent redo mBTS and one died the day after the BA. In selected patients, BA can relieve acute thrombosis of mBTS. The risk for reintervention and death is high. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constraints on terrestrial gamma ray flash production from satellite observation

Terrestrial gamma‐ray flash (TGF) production has been modeled by several emission mechanisms. In spite of extensive studies of these mechanisms and the existing satellite data, significant uncertainties exist about the nature of the source. In this paper, we present a method to develop approximate production‐mechanism‐independent constraints on TGF production on the basis of Monte Carlo simulation of gamma‐ray propagation through the atmosphere. A broad range of possible source parameters are simulated, based on assumptions of a simplified source with varying general properties. The results of the simulations are compared with averaged satellite data, from which constraints are derived. Constraints on the basis of photon fluence and spectral shape are presented and indicate a source of 103−105 J at an altitude of 15–20 km. Possible constraints based on the lateral distance between the location of TGF production and the spacecraft nadir point is also discussed.
Economic efficiency of selected income generating activities in villages surrounding Magamba nature reserve in Lushoto district, Tanga Region

A DISSSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, MOROGORO, TANZANIA.
Gender recognition with Gabor filters

The problem of gender identification was approached in this paper starting from images with faces. In order to extract features, Gabor filters were applied using various orientation angles in order to capture significant gender information. Different classifiers were tested (Support Vector Machines, k-NN, discriminant analysis, neural network) on images from the FERET and AR databases. We obtain very good identification results comparable with those obtained by state-of-the-art algorithms.