Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of various empirical formulas for estimating mean pulmonary artery pressure by using systolic pulmonary artery pressure in adults.

BACKGROUND Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) may be estimated by using the classic rule of thumb, namely 2/3 x dPAP + 1/3 x sPAP, where dPAP = diastolic PAP and sPAP = systolic PAP. Studies have suggested that mPAP may be also estimated from sPAP alone. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is usually defined by an invasive mPAP > 25 mm Hg, but the corresponding sPAP threshold remains to be established. Our study evaluated the accuracy and precision of various empirical formulas relating mPAP and sPAP in resting adults. METHODS Five previously published studies with individual high-fidelity PAPs were analyzed (n = 166 individuals, 57% of whom had PH). The time-averaged mPAP was compared with formula one (F1), the classic rule of thumb; formula two (F2) = dPAP + 0.41 x pulse PAP; formula three (F3) = square root of (sPAP x dPAP); formula four (F4) = 0.61 x sPAP + 2 mm Hg; and formula five (F5) = 2/3 x sPAP (parabolic shape). RESULTS The mPAP ranged from 9 to 82 mm Hg and was related to sPAP (r(2) = 0.98). The most accurate formula was F4 (mean bias, 0.0 mm Hg). The most precise formula was F1 (SD of the bias, 1.6 mm Hg). Other formulas gave estimates of essentially similar accuracy, while F2 and F3 were more precise than F4 and F5. sPAP > 36 mm Hg could be used to diagnose PH (mPAP > 25 mm Hg) with a 97.9% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity. CONCLUSION In resting adults, the most accurate estimate of mPAP was obtained by using sPAP only, while the combination of sPAP and dPAP gave the most precise mPAP estimate. The sPAP threshold of 36 mm Hg could be used to diagnose PH with high sensitivity and high specificity.
Information seeking research needs extension toward tasks and technology

This paper discusses the research into information seeking and its directions at a general level. We approach this topic by analysis and argumentation based on past research in the domain. We begin by presenting a general model of information seeking and retrieval which is used to derive nine broad dimensions that are needed to analyze information seeking and retrieval. Past research is then contrasted with the dimensions and shown not to cover the dimensions sufficiently. Based on an analysis of the goals of information seeking research, and a view on human task performance augmentation, it is then shown that information seeking is intimately associated with, and dependent on, other aspects of work; tasks and technology included. This leads to a discussion on design and evaluation frameworks for information seeking and retrieval, based on which two action lines are proposed: information retrieval research needs extension toward more context and information seeking research needs extension towards tasks and technology.
Hypertension in noise-exposed sawmill workers: a cohort study

Objective: To investigate the hypothesised association between exposure to high levels of noise and risk of hypertension using quantitative exposure assessment and administrative health data. Methods: This study followed a cohort of 10 872 sawmill workers in British Columbia from 1991 to 1998. Subjects were linked with provincial hospital discharge, outpatient and vital status databases. Cases were males who died, had at least one hospital admission, or who had three doctor visits within 70 days, for hypertension (ICD-9 codes 401–405). We used four exposure metrics: cumulative exposure, and duration of exposure above thresholds of 85 dBA, 90 dBA and 95 dBA. Relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression with the low-exposure group as controls and adjusting for age, ethnicity and calendar period. Results: 828 cases were identified. The results showed a monotonic increase in hypertension incidence with cumulative exposure. The risk in the highest exposed population was 32% higher than baseline. Similar results were found using duration of exposure metrics. The highest relative risk was 1.5 in workers exposed for more than 30 years at 85 dBA. Exposure-response trends were statistically significant. Conclusions: The risk of hypertension was positively associated with noise exposure above 85 dB.
A semi-empirical approach for predicting the performance of multiphase composites at microwave frequencies

We predict the fraction of incoming electromagnetic signals reflected (R), transmitted (T), and absorbed (A) by multiphase composites containing combinations of stainless steel spheres and flakes at microwave frequencies by adapting a semi-empirical method. Using single inclusion fitting exponents, we fit expressions for R, T, and A for each loading combination to determine the parameter Ax and the host's fitting exponent. The host exponent is constant for all composites while Ax varies linearly with the inverse of total inclusion volume loading (vtot) for a given flake loading (vf). The insensitivity of Ax to Vf at a given vtot indicates that the volume loading of spheres, which is generally higher than that of the flakes in the studied composites, drives effective behavior.
Intrinsic spontaneous activity and subthreshold oscillations in neurones of the rat dorsal column nuclei in culture

The basis of rhythmic activity observed at the dorsal column nuclei (DCN) is still open to debate. This study has investigated the electrophysiological properties of isolated DCN neurones deprived of any synaptic influence, using the perforated‐patch technique. About half of the DCN neurones (64/130) were spontaneously active. More than half of the spontaneous neurones (36/64) showed a low threshold membrane oscillation (LTO) with a mean frequency of 11.4 Hz (range: 4.3–22.1 Hz, n= 20; I= 0). Cells showing LTOs also invariably showed a rhythmic 1.2 Hz clustering activity (groups of 2–5 action potentials separated by silent LTO periods). Also, more than one‐third of the silent neurones presented clustering activity, always accompanied by LTOs, when slightly depolarised. The frequency of LTOs was voltage dependent and could be abolished by TTX (0.5 μM) and riluzole (30 μM), suggesting the participation of a sodium current. LTOs were also abolished by TEA (15 mM), which transformed clustering into tonic activity. In voltage clamp, most DCN neurones (85 %) showed a TTX‐/riluzole‐sensitive persistent sodium current (INa,p), which activated at about ‐60 mV and had a half‐maximum activation at −49.8 mV. An M‐like, non‐inactivating outward current was present in 95 % of DCN neurones, and TEA (15 mM) inhibited this current by 73.7 %. The non‐inactivating outward current was also inhibited by barium (1 mM) and linopirdine (10 μM), which suggests its M‐like nature; both drugs failed to block the LTOs, but induced a reduction in their frequency by 56 and 20 %, respectively. These results demonstrate for the first time that DCN neurones have a complex and intrinsically driven clustering discharge pattern, accompanied by subthreshold membrane oscillations. Subthreshold oscillations rely on the interplay of a persistent sodium current and a non‐inactivating TEA‐sensitive outward current.
Predicted end-tidal sevoflurane concentration for insertion of a Laryngeal Mask Supreme: A prospective observational study

CONTEXT The single-use Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Supreme is a new supraglottic airway device. It has been reported to be reliable and easy-to-use in clinical practice; however, the anaesthetic techniques for its insertion are not standardised. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the ED50 of end-tidal sevoflurane concentration for successful LMA Supreme insertion without the use of neuromuscular blockade. DESIGN A prospective observational study. SETTING A single tertiary care surgical centre. PATIENTS Thirty-one consecutive elective patients scheduled for minor elective surgery under general anaesthesia. INTERVENTION Patients were preoxygenated with 100% oxygen and anaesthetised using normal tidal volume inhalation of sevoflurane. The target sevoflurane concentration was determined using a modified Dixon's ‘up-and-down’ method (starting at 2.5% with 0.5% as the step size). After the predetermined end-tidal concentration had been established and maintained for 10 min, LMA Supreme insertion was attempted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was the patient's response to LMA Supreme insertion, classified as either ‘movement’ or ‘no movement’. The mean of the concentrations of seven cross-overs from ‘movement’ to ‘no movement’ was used to estimate the ED50. RESULTS The estimated sevoflurane concentration for successful LMA Supreme insertion in 50% of adults was 3.03 ± 0.75% (95% confidence interval 2.3 to 3.7%). The values of the ET50 and ET95 obtained by logistic regression were 2.83 and 5.30%, respectively. CONCLUSION Sevoflurane alone can provide acceptable conditions for insertion of the LMA Supreme in adults, at an estimated minimum alveolar anaesthetic concentration of 3% with minimal adverse effects.
Spectrum of RB1 mutations identified in 403 retinoblastoma patients

Background Retinoblastoma (RB) is a malignant, childhood tumour of the developing retina that occurs with an estimated frequency of 1 in 20 000. Identification of oncogenic mutations in the RB1 gene aids in the clinical management of families with a heritable predisposition to RB. Here we present the spectrum of genetic and epigenetic changes identified in 194 tumours and 209 blood samples, from 403 unrelated RB patients. Methods Mutation screening was carried out across all 27 RB1 exons and their associated splice sites. Small coding sequence changes were detected using fluorescent conformation analysis followed by sequencing. Large exonic deletions were detected by quantitative fluorescent PCR. Methylation specific PCR of the RB1 promoter was performed to detect epigenetic alterations. Polymorphism analysis was used to determine loss of heterozygosity in tumour samples. Results 95% of the expected mutations were identified in the tumour samples, with 16 samples exhibiting only one mutation, while two samples had no detectable RB1 mutation. 96% of bilateral/familial RB blood samples and 9.5% of unilateral sporadic blood samples, yielded mutations. 111 were novel mutations. Conclusions The full range of screening techniques is required to achieve a high screening sensitivity in RB patients.
Hematopoietic Protection by Dexamethasone or Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in Patients Treated With Carboplatin and Ifosfamide

Based on preclinical studies, the authors undertook a pilot study to determine the hematologic and biologic effects of pretreatment with dexamethasone (Dex) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients receiving carboplatin and ifosfamide. Patients (n = 28) with metastatic solid tumors were randomized to receive pretreatment with Dex or GM-CSF or no pretreatment prior to courses 1 or 2 of carboplatin and ifosfamide. No alteration in dose of chemotherapy was allowed between course 1 and 2. Alterations of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity and selected biologic parameters were compared between courses 1 and 2. Patients without any pretreatment demonstrated worsening hematologic toxicity in course 2 compared to course 1. In contrast, Dex pretreatment reduced hematopoietic toxicity and improved the absolute granulocyte count (AGC) and platelet count recovery times. For example, course 1 versus course 2 (with Dex pretreatment): AGC nadir (mm3) 153 versus 549 (p = 0.07), days AGC <500/mm3 7.8 versus 4.0 (p = 0.10), days to AGC recovery >1,500/mm3, 26 versus 22 (p = 0.034). Overall comparison between all five cohorts by analyses of variance demonstrated that intervention with Dex improved multiple hematopoietic toxicities, including AGC nadir (p = 0.015), and recovery times to AGC >1,500/mm3 (p = 0.07) and platelet count to >100,000/mm3 (p = 0.05). GM-CSF pretreatment did not worsen hematopoietic parameters after course 2 compared to course 1. Expected biologic effects of Dex and GM-CSF treatment were observed. Patients demonstrated an overall response rate of 32%, 1 complete response, and 8 partial responses. In patients with cancer, pretreatment with Dex or GM-CSF may significantly decrease the hematopoietic toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents.
Deep vein thrombosis: risk factors and prevention in surgical patients.

BACKGROUND Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in hospitalized surgical patients. The occurrence of the disease is related to presence of risk factors, which are related primarily to trauma, venous stasis and hyper-coagulability. DVT seems not to be taken seriously by many surgeons in Nigeria. This is despite comprehensive studies that show no real differences in racial demography of the disease. OBJECTIVE To highlight the importance of physician awareness about DVT especially its risks and prevention methods. METHODS A detailed literature search was completed to extrapolate articles that described DVT risks and prevention. This involved hand and online searches. Specific search terms used included DVT/risk factors/prevention. The searches generated 468 papers. Of these 57 papers were included in the review. RESULTS Predominant risk factors for DVT include middle or old age, prolonged surgery, trauma, confinement, presence of malignancy and insertion of deep venous catheters. In women, contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy and the puepernum are a additional risk factors. Prophylactic measures include those directed at eliminating venous stasis and those directed at changes in blood coagulability. CONCLUSION Deep Venous Thrombosis is a common disease with fatal and serious long term burdensome complications. We must target primary and secondary prophylaxis to improve survival and reduce morbidity from this preventable disease.
Network Slicing for Service-Oriented Networks Under Resource Constraints

To support multiple on-demand services over fixed communication networks, network operators must allow flexible customization and fast provision of their network resources. One effective approach to this end is network virtualization, whereby each service is mapped to a virtual subnetwork providing dedicated on-demand support to network users. In practice, each service consists of a prespecified sequence of functions, called a service function chain (SFC), while each service function in a SFC can only be provided by some given network nodes. Thus, to support a given service, we must select network function nodes according to the SFC and determine the routing strategy through the function nodes in a specified order. A crucial network slicing problem that needs to be addressed is how to optimally localize the service functions in a physical network as specified by the SFCs, subject to link and node capacity constraints. In this paper, we formulate the network slicing problem as a mixed binary linear program and establish its strong NP-hardness. Furthermore, we propose efficient penalty successive upper bound minimization (PSUM) and PSUM-R(ounding) algorithms, and two heuristic algorithms to solve the problem. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Evaluation of masseter muscle in different vertical skeletal patterns in growing patients.

AIM The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between masseter size, maxillary intermolar width and craniofacial vertical skeletal pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS STUDY DESIGN The study followed a prospective longitudinal design and enrolled 61 subjects (30 males and 31 females), 9-14 years of age (mean age 11.5) at 2-3 CVM stage. The participants were divided into three groups based on their vertical skeletal pattern which was estimated using the Frankfurt-mandibular plane angle: low-angle group (L-A), normal-angle group (N-A), high-angle group (H-A). An additional gender-based distinction was made. Maxillary intermolar width was measured on the maxillary cast of each patient by means of an electronic caliper; masseter volume was estimated by using magnetic resonance (MR) and masseter thickness was measured by means of ultrasonography (US). The US registrations were performed during the relaxation state (RS) and the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the muscle. The indipendent samples T- test was used for sex comparisons; the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the differences between the three groups in males and females, and the Pearson r correlation coefficient was employed to assess the correlation between maxillary intermolar width and masseter volume. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Maxillary intermolar width, masseter volume and thickness showed significant gender differences; all the tested variables decreased significantly according to the facial vertical pattern, with greater values in females, especially in low- and normal-angle subjects; maxillary intermolar width and masseter volume showed significant correlations, higher in females.
Maintaining the momentum: Key factors influencing acceptance of influenza vaccination among pregnant women following the H1N1 pandemic

This survey study compared pre- and post-pandemic knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intended behaviors of pregnant women regarding influenza vaccination (seasonal and/or pandemic) during pregnancy in order to determine key factors influencing their decision to adhere to influenza vaccine recommendations. Only 36% of 662 pre-pandemic respondents knew that influenza was more severe in pregnant women, compared to 62% of the 159 post-pandemic respondents. Of the pre-pandemic respondents, 41% agreed or strongly agreed that that it was safer to wait until after the first 3 months to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, whereas 23% of the post-pandemic cohort agreed or strongly agreed; 32% of pre-pandemic participants compared to 11% of post-pandemic respondents felt it was best to avoid all vaccines while pregnant. Despite 61% of the pre-pandemic cohort stating that they would have the vaccine while pregnant if their doctor recommended it and 54% citing their doctor/nurse as their primary source of vaccine information, only 20% said their doctor discussed influenza vaccination during their pregnancy, compared to 77% of the post-pandemic respondents who reported having this conversation. Women whose doctors discussed influenza vaccine during pregnancy had higher overall knowledge scores (P < 0.0001; P = 0.005) and were more likely to believe the vaccine is safe in all stages of pregnancy (P < 0.0001; P = 0.001) than those whose doctors did not discuss influenza vaccination. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic experience appeared to change attitudes and behaviours of health care providers and their pregnant patients toward influenza vaccination.
Assessing the Utility of Compound Trait Estimates of Narrow Personality Traits

ABSTRACT It has been argued that approximations of narrow traits can be made through linear combinations of broad traits such as the Big Five personality traits. Indeed, Hough and Ones (2001) used a qualitative analysis of scale content to arrive at a taxonomy of how Big Five traits might be combined to approximate various narrow traits. However, the utility of such compound trait approximations has yet to be established beyond specific cases such as integrity and customer service orientation. Using data from the Eugene-Springfield Community Sample (Goldberg, 2008), we explore the ability of linear composites of scores on Big Five traits to approximate scores on 127 narrow trait measures from 5 well-known non-Big-Five omnibus measures of personality. Our findings indicate that individuals' standing on more than 30 narrow traits can be well estimated from 3 different types of linear composites of scores on Big Five traits without a substantial sacrifice in criterion validity. We discuss theoretical accounts for why such relationships exist as well as the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for researchers and practitioners.
NATb/NAT1*4 promotes greater arylamine N‐acetyltransferase 1 mediated DNA adducts and mutations than NATa/NAT1*4 following exposure to 4‐aminobiphenyl

N‐acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is a phase II metabolic enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens such as 4‐aminobiphenyl (ABP). NAT1 catalyzes N‐acetylation of arylamines as well as the O‐acetylation of N‐hydroxylated arylamines. O‐acetylation leads to the formation of electrophilic intermediates that result in DNA adducts and mutations. NAT1 is transcribed from a major promoter, NATb, and an alternative promoter, NATa, resulting in mRNAs with distinct 5′‐untranslated regions (UTR). NATa mRNA is expressed primarily in the kidney, liver, trachea, and lung while NATb mRNA has been detected in all tissues studied. To determine if differences in 5′‐UTR have functional effect upon NAT1 activity and DNA adducts or mutations following exposure to ABP, pcDNA5/FRT plasmid constructs were prepared for transfection of full‐length human mRNAs including the 5′‐UTR derived from NATa or NATb, the open reading frame, and 888 nucleotides of the 3′‐UTR. Following stable transfection of NATb/NAT1*4 or NATa/NAT1*4 into nucleotide excision repair (NER) deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells, N‐acetyltransferase activity (in vitro and in situ), mRNA, and protein expression were higher in NATb/NAT1*4 than NATa/NAT1*4 transfected cells (P < 0.05). Consistent with NAT1 expression and activity, ABP‐induced DNA adducts and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase mutants were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NATb/NAT1*4 than in NATa/NAT1*4 transfected cells following exposure to ABP. These differences observed between NATa and NATb suggest that the 5′‐UTRs are differentially regulated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parasites of fingerling herring Clupea harengus L.: ecology and fine morphology

Abstract The parasite fauna of young-of-the-year herring Clupea harengus L. , off Gullmarsfjord and Brofjorden, west coast of Sweden, was studied between May and October for 4 years, from 1994 to 1997. Fifteen species of parasites were found: two Protozoa – Trichodina sp. and Ceratomyxa auerbachi; one species of uncertain affinity – Ichthyophonus hoferi; two Monogenea – Gyrodactylus harengi and Pseudanthocotyloides heterocotyle; five Digenea – Cryptocotyle lingua metacercariae, Cercaria pythionike metacercariae, Hemiurus luehei, Lecithaster confusus and Pseudobacciger harengulae; three Cestoda plerocercoids – Bothriocephalus sp. , an acrobothriid and a tetraphyllid; one Nematoda – Hysterothylacium aduncum larva; and one Copepoda – Caligus elongatus. The number of species found in this study represents more than one-sixth of all parasites reported in herring worldwide and all parasites were acquired locally. The parasite fauna of herring from the west coast of Sweden is compared with that of herring from the Baltic Sea and other areas of the north-east Atlantic. The prevalence and intensity of parasites are presented and discussed. Morphological descriptions are based on both light and scanning electron microscopy and new features are described. Possible applications of this new information about the parasite fauna, in different areas of fisheries and fish biology studies, are discussed.