Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF TOBACCO DOSE AND LENGTH OF EXPOSURE ON DELAYED NEUROLOGICAL DETERIORATION AND OVERALL CLINICAL OUTCOME AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

OBJECTIVEThe association between smoking and intracranial aneurysms is now well recognized. However, the relationship between tobacco use and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is not as well understood and published results are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which the amount of tobacco exposure/dose impacts delayed neurological deterioration and overall clinical outcome after aneurysmal SAH. METHODSWe reviewed our retrospective database of patients with aneurysmal SAH. We assessed the impact of four independent tobacco variables: smoker (ever smoked), current smoker (actively smoking within the past yr and with at least a 10 pack per yr history of smoking), long-term smoker (at least a 20 pack per yr history), and salient (combination of current and long-term) smoker as well as tobacco dose (categorized according to number of packs per yr) on two outcome variables, delayed neurological deterioration and dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale score. Covariates included in the analysis were age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, and medical comorbidities. Stepwise elimination with logistic regression was used to arrive at a final multivariate model for each outcome and independent tobacco variable in the presence of covariates. RESULTSA total of 320 patients were analyzed. As expected, Hunt and Hess grade was a significant predictor of both delayed neurological deterioration and clinical outcome. Tobacco use (smoker variable) showed an independent association with the development of delayed neurological deterioration (P = 0.0409; odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.08). In addition, patients who were long-term or current smokers (salient smoker variable) showed a trend toward a slightly stronger association with the occurrence of delayed neurological deterioration (P = 0.0229; odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–3.14). No tobacco use variable was associated with clinical outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONThe duration and timing of tobacco use, rather than the dose of tobacco per se, seem to be risk factors for delayed neurological deterioration after aneurysmal SAH. Although we did not find an association between tobacco use and overall clinical outcome after aneurysmal SAH, these results suggest that the distribution of various patterns of tobacco use within a given data set may influence the overall results.
The exercise heart rate profile in master athletes compared to healthy controls

Endurance exercise protects the heart via effects on autonomic control of heart rate (HR); however, its effects on HR indices in healthy middle‐aged men are unclear. This study compared HR profiles, including resting HR, increase in HR during exercise and HR recovery after exercise, in middle‐aged athletes and controls. Fifty endurance‐trained athletes and 50 controls (all male; mean age, 48·7 ± 5·8 years) performed an incremental symptom‐limited exercise treadmill test. The electrocardiographic findings and HR profiles were evaluated. Maximal O2 uptake (52·6 ± 7·0 versus 34·8 ± 4·5 ml kg−1 min−1; P<0·001) and the metabolic equivalent of task (15·4 ± 1·6 versus 12·2 ± 1·5; P<0·001) were significantly higher in athletes than in controls. Resting HR was significantly lower in athletes than in controls (62·8 ± 6·7 versus 74·0 ± 10·4 beats per minute (bpm), respectively; P<0·001). Athletes showed a greater increase in HR during exercise than controls (110·1 ± 11·0 versus 88·1 ± 15·4 bpm; P<0·001); however, there was no significant between‐group difference in HR recovery at 1 min after cessation of exercise (22·9 ± 5·6 versus 21·3 ± 6·7 bpm; P = 0·20). Additionally, athletes showed a lower incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) during exercise (0·0% versus 24·0%; P<0·001). Healthy middle‐aged men participating in regular endurance exercise showed more favourable exercise HR profiles and a lower incidence of PVCs during exercise than sedentary men. These results reflect the beneficial effect of endurance training on autonomic control of the heart.
Dual Action of Mexiletine and Its Pyrroline Derivatives as Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channel Blockers and Anti-oxidant Compounds: Toward Novel Therapeutic Potential

Mexiletine (Mex) has been recently appointed as an orphan-drug in myotonic-syndromes, being a potent use-dependent blocker of skeletal-muscle sodium channels (NaV1.4). Available evidences about a potential anti-oxidant effect of Mex and its tetramethyl-pyrroline-derivatives in vivo, suggest the possibility to further enlarge the therapeutic potential of Mex-like compounds in myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative stress. In line with this and based on our previous structure-activity-relationship studies, we synthesized new compounds with a tetramethyl-pyrroline-ring on the amino-group of both Mex (VM11) and of its potent use-dependent isopropyl-derivative (CI16). The compounds were tested for their ability to block native NaV1.4 and to exert cyto-protective effects against oxidative-stress injury in myoblasts. Voltage-clamp-recordings on adult myofibers were performed to assess the tonic and use-dependent block of peak sodium-currents (INa) by VM11 and CI16, as well as Mex, VM11 and CI16 were 3 and 6-fold more potent than Mex in producing a tonic-block of peak sodium-currents (INa), respectively. Interestingly, CI16 showed a 40-fold increase of potency with respect to Mex during high-frequency stimulation (10-Hz), resulting the strongest use-dependent Mex-like compound so far. The derivatives also behaved as inactivated channel blockers, however the voltage dependent block was modest. The experimental data fitted with the molecular-modeling simulation based on previously proposed interaction of main pharmacophores with NaV1.4 binding-site. CI16 and VM11 were then compared to Mex and its isopropyl derivative (Me5) for the ability to protect C2C12-cells from H2O2-cytotoxicity in the concentration range effective on Nav1.4. Mex and Me5 showed a moderate cyto-protective effect in the presence of H2O2, Importantly, CI16 and VM11 showed a remarkable cyto-protection at concentrations effective for use-dependent block of NaV1.4. This effect was comparable to that of selected anti-oxidant drugs proved to exert protective effect in preclinical models of progressive myopathies such as muscular dystrophies. Then, the tetramethyl-pyrroline compounds have increased therapeutic profile as sodium channel blockers and an interesting cyto-protective activity. The overall profile enlarges therapeutic potential from channelopathies to myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative-stress, i.e., muscular dystrophies.
Does midazolam alter the clinical effects of intravenous ketamine sedation in children? A double-blind, randomized, controlled, emergency department trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the frequency and severity of adverse effects, specifically emergence phenomena, experienced by patients receiving intravenous ketamine with or without midazolam for sedation in a pediatric emergency department. METHODS Patients aged 4.5 months to 16 years receiving ketamine sedation were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, controlled study at a university-affiliated children's hospital-pediatric ED. All patients received ketamine (1 mg/kg) and glycopyrrolate (5 microgram/kg) intravenously. Patients were randomly assigned to receive midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) intravenously or no midazolam. Total time of sedation, sedation efficacy, and adverse effects were recorded. Adverse effects were compared between patients receiving ketamine versus those who received ketamine and midazolam. Additional comparisons were made based on age and number of ketamine doses administered. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-six patients were studied; 129 received ketamine and 137 patients received ketamine and midazolam. Time of sedation and efficacy of sedation were equivalent between groups. Overall, adverse effects with ketamine sedation included respiratory events (12 [4.5%]), vomiting (50 [18.7%]), emergence phenomena in the pediatric ED (71 [26.7%]), and emergence phenomena at home (60 [22.4%]). Significant emergence phenomena in the pediatric ED (ie, nightmares, hallucinations, and severe agitation) occurred in 7.1% of the ketamine group and in 6.2% of the ketamine-midazolam group, a rate difference of 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] -5.3 to 7.0). The addition of midazolam led to an increased incidence of oxygen desaturation events (ketamine 1.6% versus ketamine-midazolam 7.3%; rate difference -5.7, 95% CI -10.6 to -0.9) but a decreased incidence of vomiting (ketamine 19.4%, ketamine-midazolam 9.6%, rate difference 9.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 18.2). The incidence of emergence phenomena and significant emergence phenomena was not affected by the addition of midazolam. However, the addition of midazolam was associated with more agitation in the pediatric ED in children 10 years or older (ketamine 5.7% versus ketamine-midazolam 35.7%; rate difference -30.0, 95% CI -10.7 to -49.3). Age breakdown further showed 6.3% (95% CI 0.9 to 11.6) more episodes of oxygen desaturation in the ketamine-midazolam group in children younger than 10 years, and 12.1% (95% CI 1.5 to 22.6) more vomiting episodes in the ketamine group in children younger than 10 years. CONCLUSION Ketamine and combined ketamine and midazolam provided equally effective sedation. The addition of midazolam did not alter the incidence of emergence phenomena. Vomiting occurred more frequently in the ketamine only group, whereas oxygen desaturation occurred more frequently in the ketamine-midazolam group. These findings were more pronounced in patients younger than 10 years. Parental and physician satisfaction remained high for all patients receiving intravenous ketamine sedation.
A Closer Look at the Managed Care Backlash

Background:Much anecdotal evidence exists regarding the managed care backlash of the late 1990s, but limited empirical evidence is available. Objectives:Using a unique series of employer surveys, we examined trends in enrollment rates in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other plan types between 1997 and 2003. Research Design:We present enrollment rates in employer-sponsored health plans by plan type. These plan-level enrollment rates are disaggregated by whether or not enrollees had a choice of plan types and by firm size and year. Subjects:Employees who were enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance in private sector establishments. Results and Conclusions:Although we found evidence of a decline in the popularity of HMOs, it occurred later than indicated in earlier studies. In our data, HMO enrollment rates fell from roughly 32% to 26% between 1997 and 2003, with most of the decline occurring after 2001. Earlier studies reported that the decline in HMO enrollment rates occurred between 1996 and 1998, and between 2000 and 2001. In addition, an interesting story emerged when we examined trends by firm size. We found evidence of a decline in the HMO enrollment rate for large employers starting in 1998. However, this was offset by an increase in the HMO enrollment rate in small employers, which explains the stability in our figures before 2002. Our data also indicated that when workers were given a choice between an HMO and other plan types, workers increasingly opted for the non-HMO plan during this time period.
Time-Modulated Antenna Array With Lossless Switching Network

In this letter, a novel architecture for a time-modulated antenna array (TMAA) based on single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches is presented. The proposed TMAA has lossless switching network because there is no power loss during the off state. In addition to improved efficiency, this TMAA provides beam-scanning capabilities. Moreover, the proposed TMAA has a constant instantaneous directivity, which is favorable for some applications. The architecture has been implemented as an aperture-coupled patch antenna array and verified as a smart antenna in a digital wireless communication system.
The Use of Feedback in Education: A Complex Instructional Strategy

The use of feedback to improve students' academic performance involves complex instructional strategies. There are a number of instructional problems within these strategies that may be overlooked. These include the influence of emotional responses, interactions between teacher and student, and levels of cognitive processing involved. Feedback should be viewed as an interactive, empirically driven, problem-solving process.
The Gaussian free space optical MIMO channel with Q-ary pulse position modulation

The main drawback in communicating via the free space optical (FSO) channel is the detrimental effect the atmosphere has on a propagating laser beam. Atmospheric turbulence causes random fluctuations in the irradiance of the received optical laser beam, commonly referred to as scintillation. This paper investigates the use of multiple lasers and multiple apertures to mitigate the effects of scintillation. In particular, the FSO multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel with Q-ary pulse position modulation (QPPM) and transmit repetition under the assumption of non-ideal photodetection is analyzed in terms of its uncoded bit error rate (BER) and ergodic channel capacity. This analysis is based, in part, on the use of irradiance fluctuation samples that were obtained from a laser range experiment that was conducted in the presence of moderate turbulence conditions. Expressions are derived for the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) of a received bit, uncoded BER and ergodic capacity. Using these results it is shown that large gains are possible with the use of MIMO combined with strong coding techniques.
The macroeconomic projections of the German government: A comparison to an independent forecasting institution

Abstract This paper investigates the macroeconomic projections of the German government since the 1970s and compares it to those of the Joint Economic Forecast, which is an independent forecasting institution in Germany. Our results indicate that both nominal GDP projections are upward biased for longer forecast horizons, which seems to be driven by a false assessment of the decline in Germany’s trend growth and a systematic failure to correctly anticipate recessions. Furthermore, we show that the German government deviates from the projections of the Joint Economic Forecast, which in fact worsened the forecast accuracy. Finally, we find evidence that these deviations are driven by political motives.
Domain structure and RNA annealing activity of the Escherichia coli regulatory protein StpA

The Escherichia coli regulatory protein StpA bears striking similarity to the chromatin‐associated protein H‐NS. These two proteins have many structural, functional and mechanistic parallels. Although H‐NS is more abundant in the cell, both proteins act as transcriptional regulators, both bind to curved DNA and both restrain DNA supercoils. However, StpA is better able to promote RNA annealing and trans‐splicing in vitro. In this study, phylogenetic analyses and experiments to examine the protease sensitivity of StpA and H‐NS suggest a similar structure for the two proteins. Both proteins consist of two structured domains separated by an exposed protease‐sensitive linker. The N‐terminal (StpA‐NterL) and C‐terminal (StpA‐CterL) domains of StpA, as well as the full‐length StpA and H‐NS proteins, were cloned, overproduced in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. StpA‐CterL, but not StpA‐NterL, promotes strand annealing of complementary RNA oligonucleotides and in vitro trans‐splicing of a model group I intron. Both StpA and StpA‐CterL exhibited stronger RNA‐modulating activity than H‐NS. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the N‐terminal and C‐terminal domains can exist autonomously. The phylogenetic and experimental data are compatible with a two‐domain model for StpA and H‐NS, with independently functioning modules joined by a non‐conserved linker, and with the observed RNA‐related activities residing entirely within the C‐terminal domain.
Frequency difference gating: a multivariate method for identifying subsets that differ between samples.

BACKGROUND In multivariate distributions (for example, in 3- or more color flow cytometric datasets), it can become difficult or impossible to identify populations that differ between samples based only on a combination of univariate or bivariate displays. Indeed, it is possible that such differences can only be identified in "n"-dimensional space, where "n" is the number of parameters measured. Therefore, computer assisted identification of such differences is necessary. Such a method could be used to identify responses (i.e., by comparing cell samples before and after stimulation) in exquisite detail by allowing complete analysis of the collected data on only those events which have responded. METHODS Multivariate Probability Binning can be used to compare different datasets to identify the distance and statistical significance of a difference between the distributions. An intermediate step in the algorithm provides access to the actual locations within the n-dimensional comparison which are most different between the distributions. Gates based on collections of hyper-rectangular bins can then be applied to datasets, thereby selecting those events (or clusters of events) that are different between samples. We term this process Frequency Difference Gating. RESULTS Frequency Difference Gating was used in several test scenarios to evaluate its utility. First, we compared PBMC subsets identified by solely by immunofluorescence staining: based on this training data set, the algorithm automatically generated an accurate forward and side-scatter gate to identify lymphocytes. Second, we applied the algorithm to identify subtle differences between CD4 memory subsets based on 8-color immunophenotyping data. The resulting 3-dimensional gate could resolve cells subsets much more frequent in one subset compared to the other; no combination of two-dimensional gates could accomplish this resolution. Finally, we used the algorithm to compare B cell populations derived from mice of different ages or strains, and found that the algorithm could find very subtle differences between the populations. CONCLUSION Frequency Difference Gating is a powerful tool that automates the process of identifying events comprising underlying differences between samples. It is not a clustering tool; it is not meant to identify subsets in multidimensional space. Importantly, this method may reveal subtle changes in small populations of cells, changes that only occur simultaneously in multiple dimensions in such a way that identification by univariate or bivariate analyses is impossible. Finally, the method may significantly aid in the analysis of high-order multivariate data (i.e., 6-12 color flow cytometric analyses), where identification of differences between datasets becomes so time-consuming as to be impractical. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Propagation of JC virus in human neuroblastoma cell line IMR‐32

JC virus (JCV), the causative agent of a human demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, has a very narrow host range. Cells permissive for infection by JCV have been essentially limited to primary human fetal glial cells, which are difficult to obtain and maintain. In pilot studies, it was found that JCV can multiply in an established cell line of human neuroblastoma. JCV strains Mad‐1 and Tokyo‐1 were inoculated, respectively, into two cell lines, IMR‐32 (neuroblastoma) and A‐172 (glioblastoma). Viral infection with cytopathic effect was observed only in IMR‐32 cells, and the most efficient viral proliferation was obtained in cells cultured in medium containing 2% fetal calf serum (FCS). Both Mad‐1 and Tokyo‐1 strains propagated well, with the former being more efficient than the latter. Viral replication was confirmed by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and a hemagglutination assay. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐polyacrylamide gel electrophore‐sis and Western blot analysis of the purified virus revealed the characteristic JCV protein profile. Thus, IMR‐32 cells have been found to be permissive for JCV, which should provide a useful system for further studies of virus proliferation and viral tissue tropism. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling Learning of New Keyboard Layouts

Predicting how users learn new or changed interfaces is a long-standing objective in HCI research. This paper contributes to understanding of visual search and learning in text entry. With a goal of explaining variance in novices' typing performance that is attributable to visual search, a model was designed to predict how users learn to locate keys on a keyboard: initially relying on visual short-term memory but then transitioning to recall-based search. This allows predicting search times and visual search patterns for completely and partially new layouts. The model complements models of motor performance and learning in text entry by predicting change in visual search patterns over time. Practitioners can use it for estimating how long it takes to reach the desired level of performance with a given layout.
Biochemical Validation of the Glyoxylate Cycle in the Cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii Strain PCC 9212*

Background: Conflicting claims exist concerning the occurrence of the glyoxylate cycle in cyanobacteria. Results: The genes for isocitrate lyase and malate synthase were identified in Chlorogleopsis fritschii PCC 9212 and the purified enzymes were characterized. Conclusion: C. fritschii has a functional glyoxylate cycle and can grow in the dark on acetate. Significance: These results clarify the occurrence of the glyoxylate cycle in cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are important photoautotrophic bacteria with extensive but variable metabolic capacities. The existence of the glyoxylate cycle, a variant of the TCA cycle, is still poorly documented in cyanobacteria. Previous studies reported the activities of isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, the key enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle in some cyanobacteria, but other studies concluded that these enzymes are missing. In this study the genes encoding isocitrate lyase and malate synthase from Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC 9212 were identified, and the recombinant enzymes were biochemically characterized. Consistent with the presence of the enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, C. fritschii could assimilate acetate under both light and dark growth conditions. Transcript abundances for isocitrate lyase and malate synthase increased, and C. fritschii grew faster, when the growth medium was supplemented with acetate. Adding acetate to the growth medium also increased the yield of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate. When the genes encoding isocitrate lyase and malate synthase were expressed in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, the acetate assimilation capacity of the resulting strain was greater than that of wild type. Database searches showed that the genes for the glyoxylate cycle exist in only a few other cyanobacteria, all of which are able to fix nitrogen. This study demonstrates that the glyoxylate cycle exists in a few cyanobacteria, and that this pathway plays an important role in the assimilation of acetate for growth in one of those organisms. The glyoxylate cycle might play a role in coordinating carbon and nitrogen metabolism under conditions of nitrogen fixation.