Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transfer functions of on-chip global interconnects based on distributed RLCG interconnects model

Novel transfer functions for on-chip global interconnects are rigorously derived based on distributed resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance (RLCG) transmission line model with typical boundary conditions. The new interconnect transfer function reveals that the distributed conductance of interconnects has a severe effect on interconnect performance. The peak value of voltage decreases about 50% in the case of g=0.33 S/m, compared with the ideal lossless case of g=0 for the finite length interconnect with an open circuit termination and an arbitrary source impedance. The crosstalk between coupled interconnects is also examined and demonstrated numerically.
Treatment options for severe traumatic brain injuries in children: current therapies, challenges, and future prospects

ABSTRACT Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) afflicts many children and adults worldwide, resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Recent therapeutic advances have focused on both surgical and medical treatment options, but none have been proven to reduce overall morbidity and mortality in this population. Areas covered: Several emerging therapies are addressed that focus on treating related secondary injuries and other clinical sequelae post-TBI during the acute injury phase (defined by authors as up to four weeks post-injury). Information and data were obtained from a PubMed search of recent literature and through reputable websites (e.g. Centers for Disease Control, ClinicalTrials.gov). Peer-reviewed original articles, review articles, and clinical guidelines were included. Expert commentary: The ongoing challenges related to conducting rigorous clinical trials in TBI have led to largely inconclusive findings regarding emerging beneficial therapies.
The association of race with erythropoietin dose in patients on long-term hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND Medicare data indicate that black hemodialysis patients receive greater doses of erythropoietin (EPO) than white patients when achieving similar hemoglobin levels. We confirmed and evaluated this observed association between race and EPO dose. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Primary Medicare-insured white (57%) and black (43%) adult long-term hemodialysis patients treated by Fresenius Medical Care who received EPO from January 1 to 31, 2004 (N = 44,721). PREDICTOR White/black race. OUTCOMES Average weekly EPO dose. MEASUREMENTS Associations between race and baseline demographic and laboratory variables were evaluated by using logistic and linear regression models. Correlates of log-transformed weekly EPO dose were determined using linear regression models. RESULTS Black patients received 12.6% more EPO than white patients (95% limits, 10.9% to 14.3%; P < 0.001). This racial difference in EPO dose was observed across similar hemoglobin levels despite fewer catheters (P < 0.001) and fewer prior hospitalization events in black patients (P = 0.002). Black patients were younger and had larger body size and greater albumin and biointact parathyroid hormone levels, but lower equilibrated Kt/V and white blood cell counts (all P < 0.001). In the 95th percentile of EPO dose (those receiving > 60,000 U/wk), there was a greater proportion of black patients (6% of total black population compared with only 4% in all white patients; P < 0.001). The difference in EPO dose between black and white patients was modified by age and was significant at ages younger than 45 and 65 years or older. LIMITATIONS Observational study limited to white and black adult Medicare patients only, correlating with EPO doses from a single month, without adjustment for comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS Black patients were administered approximately 12% greater EPO doses than white patients while achieving similar hemoglobin levels. We identified variables that differed across race that may explain this difference, but they were either not actionable or presented limited opportunity for intervention. Additional studies are needed to define a physiological (or pathological) basis for these observations.
T-cell responsiveness of American cutaneous leishmaniasis patients to purified Leishmania pifanoi amastigote antigens and Leishmania braziliensis promastigote antigens: immunologic patterns associated with cure.

Patients suffering from American cutaneous leishmaniasis were studied before therapy (active lesion) and at the end of therapy (cured patients). Assays of lymphocyte proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced in vitro by Leishmania braziliensis promastigote antigens (Lb) or by three proteins (A-2/P-2, P-4, and P-8) derived from Leishmania pifanoi amastigotes were performed. Antigen-stimulated cells were harvested for CD4 and CD8 phenotype analysis and the levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) produced were also determined. Results show two different patterns of Lb-induced T cell responses: (a) predominance of responding CD4+ cells and mixed type 1 and type 2 cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4) during the active disease, (b) similar proportions of responding CD4+ and CD8+ cells and type 1 cytokine production (presence of IFN-gamma and IL-2 and very low IL-4) at the end of therapy (healed lesions). Thus, this last pattern is probably associated with a beneficial T cell response. The A-2/P-2 amastigote cysteine proteinase provided only marginal (s.i. approximately or = 2.5) T cell stimulation in 25% of patients studied; in contrast, the L. pifanoi P-4 and P-8 amastigote antigens induced significant stimulation (s.i. approximately or = 5) in approximately 50% of the patients. In comparison to Lb-stimulated cultures, lower proliferative responses of T lymphocytes to P-4 or P-8 were observed. However, the P-4- or P-8-stimulated cultures had similar percentages of reactive CD4+ and CD8+ cells, as well as type 1 cytokines (presence of IFN-gamma and IL-2, and low levels or absence of IL-4) in the supernatants both before and at the end of therapy. The consistent induction of apparently beneficial T cell responses by the P-4 and P-8 amastigote glycoproteins points to the possibility that these molecules be considered as candidates for future defined vaccines against leishmaniasis.
Plasma protein binding of fentanyl

Whole plasma of 15 normal volunteers bound 79·16% ± 0·16 s.e. (n = 45) of fentanyl, at a concentration of 0·6 ng ml−1. Measurement was by equilibrium dialysis at 37°C, pH 7·4. The largest contribution to binding appears to be due to serum albumin, since 45·52% ± 0·40 s.e. (n = 3) of fentanyl was bound to a solution of purified albumin at a concentration of 46 g litre−1 in buffer. Physiological concentrations of isolated very low density, low density and high density lipoprotein fractions in buffer bound 18·39% ± 0·65 s.e. ; 39·14% ± 0·42 and 21·18% ± 0·51 (n = 15) respectively. A significant correlation was found between percent binding and serum albumin concentration (r = 0·745, P = 0·0022) and oestrogen and progestagen therapy (r = 0·766, P = 0·0014). There was no significant correlation with fasting serum cholesterol, triglyceride, age, sex or the concentration of total protein minus albumin. Binding to fibrinogen and α1‐acid glycoprotein did not occur. Binding increased with increasing pH, temperature and ionic strength of the buffer. The results were compatible with hydrophobic bond formation between fentanyl and proteins. Fentanyl concentration did not affect the percent bound to whole plasma or the protein fractions over a range of 0·6 ng‐10 mg ml−1. Dilution of plasma with buffer gave a linear relation of percent bound or free to log plasma dilution. The binding of fentanyl to pooled plasma of the normal subjects was not affected by a wide variety of anionic, cationic and uncharged drugs when these were tested at a concentration of 20 μg ml−1. At higher concentrations, aspirin, phenylbutazone and quinidine caused inhibition of fentanyl binding. A linear relation was found between percent bound and concentration of the inhibitory ligand. For aspirin, r = 0·873, P <0·01; for phenylbutazone, r = 0·81, P <0·05; and for quinidine, r = 0·982, P <0·01. Aspirin and phenylbutazone inhibited binding of fentanyl to albumin, while quinidine caused inhibition of binding to lipoproteins of all three densities, but not to albumin. Changes in the concentrations of the common ions of plasma (except H+), of free fatty acids and of creatinine did not affect fentanyl binding to whole plasma. 8 M urea reduced binding by 25% of the normal value.
Prenatal and postnatal consequences in the brain and behavior of rats exposed to ultrasound in utero.

As a result of a prior experiment demonstrating damage to the developing cortex of the fetal rat 24 hours after maternal exposure to ultrasound, postnatal consequences of similar exposure on rat behavior were examined. No decrease in postnatal weight or growth rate was found and no significant decrease in cortical thickness was present postnatally at 28 days. In two of four behavioral tests, rats exposed to ultrasound in utero resembled similarly treated controls. In one test, ultrasound‐exposed rats showed slower performance, and in one, faster performance. These data provide no consistent evidence that ultrasound exposure resulted in deleterious postnatal effects.
A survey of obstetrician-gynecologists concerning practice patterns and attitudes toward hormone therapy

Objective: To examine the knowledge and prescribing practices of obstetrician-gynecologists regarding hormone therapy in light of the published evidence from the Women's Health Initiative study on combined estrogen + progestin. Design: A survey questionnaire was sent to 2,500 randomly selected Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in November of 2003; 705 surveys were returned. Of those, 644 reported their specialty as obstetrics and/or gynecology and those responses are reported. Results: A majority of physicians that completed their residency before 1995, both men and women, were not convinced by the WHI research results and disagreed with the decision to end the trial. Physicians that rated themselves very confident about their ability to interpret the scientific literature were more likely to be unconvinced by the results and to disagree with the decision to end the trial. In general, physicians that completed their residency more recently rated the benefits of hormone therapy lower and the risks higher. A majority of respondents (53.3%) reported that their prescribing practices were unlikely to change; however, 29.6% reported that they would be somewhat less likely and 9.5% dramatically less likely to prescribe hormone therapy. Physicians reported that their patients were less likely to request hormone therapy (91.8%) and were more likely to discontinue use (93.0%). Conclusion: Physicians that have been in practice longer were more positive about the risks and benefits of HT, and were more skeptical about the recent research. The published data seem to have affected patient preferences and to have had some effect on physician prescribing practices.
Recurrent Intestinal Mucinous Borderline Tumors of the Ovary: A Report of 5 Cases Causing Problems in Diagnosis, Including Distinction from Mucinous Carcinoma

Intestinal mucinous borderline tumors (IMBTs) of the ovary are generally associated with a highly favorable outcome and rarely recur. We describe 5 cases of IMBT initially treated by cystectomy or by salpingo-oophorectomy that was likely incomplete, with subsequent recurrences. Three cases were received in consultation, and in each of these, the clinical and intraoperative findings were worrisome for mucinous carcinoma, and diagnostic difficulty was encountered by the referring pathologist. The patient age ranged from 28 to 69 (median 53) yrs. All tumors were clinically Stage I at presentation; in at least 3 cases, extensive adhesiolysis was required during their removal. A pathologic diagnosis of IMBT was made in 4 cases; the remaining tumor was inadequately sampled (3 blocks from a 7.5-cm tumor showed predominantly benign to focally borderline mucinous epithelium). A total of 8 recurrences, all as IMBT, developed at mean follow-up of 26 (range, 6–102) mo; 6 of these occurred within ⩽2 yr. In 4 cases, removal of recurrent tumor required an extensive operation because of bowel and/or vaginal involvement. Residual ovarian stroma was identified in all recurrences. There was no evidence of invasive mucinous carcinoma, pseudomyxoma peritonei, or a primary tumor elsewhere (including appendix) in any of the cases. Our findings indicate that patients with IMBTs who undergo cystectomy or oophorectomy requiring adhesiolysis are at increased risk of recurrence, which may occur early, be multiple, and potentially require extensive resection if sites such as bowel or vagina are involved. Recurrences of IMBT that develop in this setting likely represent regrowth of incompletely resected IMBT, or arise within residual ovarian tissue. This is the first detailed clinicopathologic study of such cases.
Long-term results of nonoperative treatment of isolated posterior cruciate ligament injuries in the athlete

The long-term results of 25 patients treated nonopera tively with isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries were evaluated. Mean followup was 6.2 years (range, 2.2 to 16 years). All patients were evaluated both subjectively (questionnaire) and objectively (clinical examination, x-ray films, Cybex II dynamometer, and KT-1000 Knee Arthrometer). At followup, 80% of the patients were satisfied with their knees and 84% had returned to their previous sport (68% at the same level of performance, 16% at a decreased level of performance). Mean torque Cybex II quadriceps values for three velocities of testing (45, 90, and 180 deg/sec) in patients fully returned to sport and satisfied with their knees was greater than 100% of uninvolved quadricep; conversely, those not satisfied with their knees all had values less than 100% of uninvolved knee. The amount of knee instability as determined by the KT-1000 Arthrometer was not re lated to the patient's return to sport nor to knee satis faction. We concluded that the majority of athletes with isolated PCL injuries who maintain strength in muscu lature return to sports without functional disability.
Uric acid elevation in atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION Uric acid is a cardiovascular risk marker associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Recently, atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. We therefore investigated the association between AF and uric acid levels. METHODS Consecutive patients with AF and healthy control subjects were screened. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics were carefully recorded. In each participant, uric acid levels and conventional inflammatory markers were determined. The final study population consisted of 45 patients with paroxysmal AF, 41 patients with permanent AF, and 48 control subjects. RESULTS A significant variance in uric acid levels was evident between patients with paroxysmal AF (5.7 +/- 1.1 mg/dl), permanent AF (6.7 +/- 1.4 mg/dl), and control subjects (5.1 +/- 1.3 mg/dl) (p<0.001). After univariate analysis considering 2 groups (control, AF patients), the following variables were significantly associated with the presence of AF: age, hypertension, -blocker use, low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), increased left atrial diameter, uric acid levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, only CRP was an independent predictor for AF (odds ratio, OR: 2.172). In a subgroup analysis, CRP (OR: 1.434) and LVEF (OR: 0.361) were independent predictors of paroxysmal AF, while CRP (OR: 3.048), uric acid (OR: 2.172), and LVEF (OR: 0.34) were predictors of permanent AF. CONCLUSIONS There is an association between increased levels of uric acid and permanent AF. Also, uric acid elevation may be related to the burden of AF. Undoubtedly, larger studies should further examine this potential association.
The impact of an informational self‐management intervention on the association between control and illness uncertainty before and psychological distress after radiotherapy

Many studies have reported that cancer patients who show difficulties maintaining perceptions of control report more psychological distress than patients who are higher in control. Besides perceptions of control, feelings of illness uncertainty have also been regarded as a predictor of psychological distress. Given these strong relationships between perceptions of low control and high illness uncertainty and psychological distress, the present study examined whether an informational self‐management intervention (booklet) could moderate this relationship. The booklet contained general and specific information about cancer and cancer treatment, information about possible coping strategies, and social comparison information, which consisted of short stories of other patients. Prior to radiotherapy, 209 patients with cancer completed baseline measures, including control and illness uncertainty. After completing radiotherapy, patients were randomly allocated to receive either a booklet (experimental group; N=103) or no booklet (control group; N=106). Three months after the intervention, aspects of psychological distress were assessed, including tension, anger, depression, fatigue and vigour. The results supported our hypotheses and suggested that a self‐management intervention is relevant in reducing the relationship between control and illness uncertainty before radiotherapy and psychological distress after radiotherapy. This seems important, especially for high‐risk patients who perceive little control and much illness uncertainty. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Requirement for TRAF 3 in Signaling by LMP 1 But Not CD 40 in B Lymphocytes

CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, and the Epstein-Barr virus– encoded oncoprotein latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) share several tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor (TRAF) adaptor proteins for signaling. Among these, TRAF3 was the first identified to directly bind both receptors, yet its role remains a mystery. To address this, we generated B cell lines deficient in TRAF3 by homologous recombination. We found that CD40 signals were normal in the absence of TRAF3, with the exception of moderately enhanced c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK) activation and antibody secretion. In sharp contrast, LMP1 signaling was markedly defective in TRAF3 / B cells. LMP1-induced activation of JNK and nuclear factor B, up-regulation of CD23 and CD80, and antibody secretion were substantially affected by TRAF3 deficiency. Reconstitution of TRAF3 expression decreased CD40-induced JNK activation and antibody secretion, and fully restored LMP1 signaling. Although TRAF2 is widely believed to be important for LMP1 function, LMP1 signaling was intact in TRAF2 / B cells. Our data reveal that CD40 and LMP1 unexpectedly use TRAF3 in different ways, and that TRAF3 is required for LMP1-mediated activation of B cells.
PCR detection of Chlamydia psittaci in faecal samples from passerine birds in Sweden

To investigate to what extent wild passerine birds are carriers of Chlamydia psittaci, 312 faecal samples from 18 bird species were collected. Using the PCR technique and subsequent DNA sequencing, C. psittaci DNA was demonstrated in faecal samples from 9 (2·9%) birds of 6 different species. Sera from 65 bird-ringers, highly exposed to wild birds, were tested by microimmunofluorescence assay for the occurrence of IgG and IgM antibodies to C. psittaci. No such antibodies were found. This results indicate that a significant proportion of wild passerine birds are carriers of C. psittaci, but rarely infectious to humans.
Early diagnosis of melanoma: what is the impact of dermoscopy?

There are three possible explanations for the improved melanoma recognition when a clinician uses dermoscopy: first, the presence of early dermoscopy signs that become visible in melanoma much before the appearance of the classical clinical features; second, an increased attitude of clinicians to check more closely clinically banal‐looking lesions; and third, an improved attitude of clinicians to monitor their patients. In this review, the light and the dark sides of melanoma screening are briefly discussed, including the need to find better strategies to decrease the number of unnecessary excision of benign lesions on one hand, and to finally decrease melanoma mortality rates on the other.
Cloning and Characterization of Primary Alloreactive Human T‐Lymphocytes

The mixed lymphocyte culture reaction (MLR) provides an in vitro model for the recognitive and proliferative phases of the allograft rejection process. Lymphocytes from two genetically different individuals are co-cultured in order to assess their ability to stimulate and respond to foreign alloantigens. Human lymphocytes primed in vitro to allogeneic cells have been shown to express a variety of immune functions: upon restimulation with lymphocytes, they show accelerated proliferation kinetics primarily towards those cells sharing HLA-D/DR gene products with the specific stimulating cell (which is the basis of the Primed Lymphocyte Typing (PLT) test); they possess the ability to specifically lyse cells sharing HLA-A,B and C gene products, as well as other less well defined determinants with the original sensitizing cell (as detected by the Cell-Mediated Lympholysis (CML) assay); and they also may inhibit a freshly mixed MLC by a mechanism of either specific or non-specific suppression. Each of these immune functions is generally presumed to be mediated by a distinct subset of T cells. It has been clearly established that the clonal selection theory, which postulates that each antigen-specific precursor lymphocyte recognizes only a single antigenic determinant, applies to B cell responses; however, only indirect evidence exists for clonal selection at the level of T cel! responses. The first studies suggesting the clonal nature of the MLR were performed by Zoschke & Bach (1971) and Salmon et al. (1971). In similar experiments in which the dividing cells in MLC were selectively eliminated, it was shown
The effect of stand-biased desks on academic engagement: an exploratory study

Schools have been suggested as a viable avenue to combat childhood obesity. School administrators are sometimes faced with the conflicting demands of improving the health of their students and maintaining academic performance. Dynamic furniture such as stand-biased desks may be one way to address both academic and health demands placed on schools to prevent childhood obesity. Classrooms with stand-biased desks were compared with classrooms using traditional seated desks in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. The academic engagement of 282 participants was observed in the fall and spring during one academic year. The engagement of the treatment classrooms was compared with the engagement of the control classrooms. Both groups showed general increases in their academic engagement over time. Stand-biased desks do not seem to result in adverse effects on academic engagement when used in elementary classrooms. The data suggest promising results for the use of stand-biased desks in elementary school classrooms. The results suggest that stand-biased desks can be introduced in the classroom to combat childhood obesity through increasing energy expenditure without affecting academic engagement.