Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Effects of Ocular Preservatives on Mammalian and Microbial ATP and Glutathione Levels

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of the preservative sodium chlorite (NaClO2), and the relationship with intracellular glutathione depletion. A detailed comparison of the dose responses of two cultured ocular epithelial cell types and four species of microorganism was carried out, and comparisons were also made with the quaternary ammonium compound benzalkonium chloride (BAK), and the oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The viability of mammalian and microbial cells was assessed in the same way, by the measurement of intracellular ATP using a bioluminescence method. Intracellular total glutathione was measured by reaction with 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid in a glutathione reductase-dependent recycling assay. BAK and H2O2 caused complete toxicity to conjunctival and corneal epithelial cells at ∼25 ppm, in contrast to NaClO2, where >100 ppm was required. The fungi Candida albicans and Alternaria alternata had a higher resistance to NaClO2 than the bacteria Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but the bacteria were extremely resistant to H2O2. NaClO2 caused substantial depletion of intracellular glutathione in all cell types, at concentrations ranging from <10 ppm in Pseudomonas, 25–100 ppm in epithelial cells, to >500 ppm in fungal cells. The mechanisms of cytotoxicity of NaClO2, H2O2 and BAK all appeared to differ. NaClO2 was found to have the best balance of high antibacterial toxicity with low ocular toxicity. The lower toxicity of NaClO2 to the ocular cells, compared with BAK and H2O2, is in agreement with fewer reported adverse effects of application in the eye.
New low acoustic impedance piezoelectric material for broadband transducer applications

This paper describes a new ceramic-air piezocomposite material, ie. porous piezoceramic based on a soft PZT matrix. First, the microstructure is analyzed and the electromechanical parameters are measured, in particular dielectric constant, acoustic wave velocity and mechanical losses, acoustical impedance and thickness mode electromechanical coupling factor. Among these parameters, the frequency dependence is investigated experimentally using complex impedance measurements at fundamental and harmonic frequencies of the free thickness resonance mode. A significant increase of mechanical losses with frequency is observed, as well as a decrease of thickness coupling factor. The composite is then modeled using unit-cell approaches, and the theoretical results are compared to measurements. The connectivity of the composite is investigated through the use of both 3-3 and 3-0 connectivity models, and by microstructure image analysis. Theoretical results are given as a function of porosity volume fraction and then compared to measurements on a few samples. It is shown that the air trapped in the ceramic matrix allows a decrease of acoustic impedance by a factor 2 to be achieved in comparison with classical bulk PZT, the electromechanical coupling factors and dielectric constants being close to those of commercial piezoceramics used for ultrasonic transducer applications, namely thickness coupling factor around 50%. Porosity values around 25% are found to offer a good compromise in terms of functional properties and ease of fabrication. Finally, transducer designs are considered for NDE and medical diagnostic applications. The overall performance, i.e. sensitivity and bandwidth of transducers based on this new material are compared to those of bulk PZT based devices and a frequency limit is determined.
ABO BLOOD GROUPS AND HEMOGLOBIN VARIANTS AMONG NUBIANS, EGYPT, U.A.R.

Three hundred and fifty-six Nubians of Upper Egypt were tested for hemoglobin variants and ABO blood groups. No hemoglobin variants were detected. ABO allele frequencies for the Konouz are: A 19.31, B 11.08, O 69.59; for the Arabs — A 22.02, B 9.64, O 68.33; and for the Fedikyaee—A 24.46, B 9.54, O 65.98.
The effect of saline lock on phlebitis rates of patients in cardiac care units

Background: Despite advances in the field of intravenous therapy, phlebitis is still a common complication of peripheral venous catheter and finding an appropriate solution to prevent and reduce the incidence of this complication remains challenging. One of the methods used in reducing the incidence of phlebitis is the use of saline lock, which is forgotten in most hospitals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate its impact on the incidence and severity of phlebitis. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind (the researcher) clinical trial, 88 patients with peripheral venous catheter admitted in cardiac care units in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were selected through convenient sampling method. They were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control groups using random number table. The intervention group received 3 ml of 0.9% normal saline sterilized before and after each intravenous drug or every 12 h. However, in the control group, the intravenous drugs were given as routine and saline lock was not used. The evaluation of intravenous catheter regarding the incidence of phlebitis and its degrees using Jackson’s Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale was performed 6 times within 72 h (every 12 h). Results were evaluated by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. Results: Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the degree of phlebitis (P = 0.003). The percentage of phlebitis incidence in the control group was 88.6% and in the intervention group was 43.2%. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The risk of incidence of phlebitis in the group without saline lock (control), compared to the intervention group, was 10.3 times greater (CI = 95%). The incidence of phlebitis in both groups increased with increase in the duration of catheter placement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the use of saline lock in the intervention group compared to the control group, in which saline lock was not used, can have a significant impact on reducing the incidence of phlebitis and its degree.
The Delayed Effects of Acute Radiation Syndrome: Evidence of Long-Term Functional Changes in the Clonogenic Cells of the Small Intestine

AbstractLong term or residual damage post-irradiation has been described for many tissues. In hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), this is only revealed when the HSC are stressed and required to regenerate and repopulate a myeloablated host. Such an assay cannot be used to assess the recovery potential of previously irradiated intestinal stem cells (ISC) due to their incompatibility with transplantation. The best approximation to the HSC assay is the crypt microcolony assay, also based on clonogen survival. In the current study, the regenerative capacity of intestinal clonogenic cells in mice that had survived 13 Gy irradiation (with 5% bone marrow shielding to allow survival through the hematopoietic syndrome) and were then aged for 200 d was compared to previously unirradiated age-matched controls. Interestingly, at 200 d following 13 Gy, there remained a statistically significant reduction in crypts present in the various small intestinal regions (illustrating that the gastrointestinal epithelium had not fully recovered despite the 200‐d interval). However, upon re-irradiation on day 196, those mice previously irradiated had improved crypt survival and regeneration compared to the age-matched controls. This was evident in all regions of the small intestine following 11–13 Gy re-exposure. Thus, there were either more clonogens per crypt within those previously irradiated and/or those that were present were more radioresistant (possibly because a subpopulation was more quiescent). This is contrary to the popular belief that previously irradiated animals may have an impaired/delayed regenerative response and be more radiosensitive.
Cardiovascular function during the postresuscitation phase after cardiac arrest in pigs: a comparison of epinephrine versus vasopressin.

OBJECTIVE The administration of vasopressin during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides significantly more vital organ blood flow when compared with epinephrine during cardiac arrest in pigs. The effects of this potent vasoconstrictor on postresuscitation cardiovascular function remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vasopressin and epinephrine on cardiovascular function in the postresuscitation phase after CPR. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, experimental study. SETTING University research laboratory. SUBJECTS Domestic pigs, 12 to 14 wks of age. INTERVENTIONS Sixteen pigs were randomly allocated to receive either 0.045 mg/kg of epinephrine or 0.4 U/kg of vasopressin after 4 mins of cardiac arrest. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Hemodynamics, left ventricular contractility, and myocardial blood flow were measured for an interval of 240 mins after successful CPR. Differences between animals treated with epinephrine vs. vasopressin were most pronounced 15 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation. At this time, mean aortic pressure was 64 +/- 6 (SEM) mm Hg in the epinephrine group and 84 +/- 6 mm Hg (p < .05) in the vasopressin group. Systemic vascular resistance was 1285 +/- 72 dyne.sec/cm5 in the epinephrine group and 2314 +/- 130 dyne.sec/cm5 (p < .001) in the vasopressin group. Cardiac index was 140 +/- 9 mL/min/kg in animals treated with epinephrine and 99 +/- 9 mL/min/kg (p < .01) in animals treated with vasopressin. Myocardial contractility (dp/ dtmax/P) was 52.8 +/- 3.4/sec with epinephrine as compared with 36.3 +/- 2.9 sec-1 (p < .01) with vasopressin. Left ventricular epicardial blood flow was 241 +/- 35 mL/min/100 g with epinephrine and 142 +/- 22 mL/min/100 g (p < .05) with vasopressin. Four hours after CPR, no significant differences were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS In the early postresuscitation phase, vasopressin provided higher systemic blood pressures and there was a reversible depressant effect on myocardial function when compared with epinephrine. Overall cardiovascular function was not irreversibly or critically impaired after the administration of vasopressin in this pig model of cardiac arrest.
Confidence Calibration in a Multiyear Geopolitical Forecasting Competition

This research examines the development of confidence and accuracy over time in the context of forecasting. Although overconfidence has been studied in many contexts, little research examines its progression over long periods of time or in consequential policy domains. This study employs a unique data set from a geopolitical forecasting tournament spanning three years in which thousands of forecasters predicted the outcomes of hundreds of events. We sought to apply insights from research to structure the questions, interactions, and elicitations to improve forecasts. Indeed, forecasters’ confidence roughly matched their accuracy. As information came in, accuracy increased. Confidence increased at approximately the same rate as accuracy, and good calibration persisted. Nevertheless, there was evidence of a small amount of overconfidence (3%), especially on the most confident forecasts. Training helped reduce overconfidence, and team collaboration improved forecast accuracy. Together, teams and training redu.
Reading on Paper and Screen among Senior Adults: Cognitive Map and Technophobia

While the senior population has been increasingly engaged with reading on mobile technologies, research that specifically documents the impact of technologies on reading for this age group has still been lacking. The present study investigated how different reading media (screen versus paper) might result in different reading outcomes among older adults due to both cognitive and psychological factors. Using a laboratory experiment with 81participants aged 57 to 85, our results supported past research and showed the influence of cognitive map formation on readers’ feelings of fatigue. We contributed empirical evidence to the contention that reading on a screen could match that of reading from paper if the presentation of the text on screen resemble that of the print. Our findings also suggested that individual levels of technophobia was an important barrier to older adults’ effective use of mobile technologies for reading. In the post hoc analyses, we further showed that technophobia was correlated with technology experience, certain personality traits, and age. The present study highlights the importance of providing tailored support that helps older adults overcome psychological obstacles in using technologies.
Embarking upon a medical career: psychological morbidity in first year medical students

This study was undertaken to measure the prevalence of psychological morbidity, and the nature and source of stress, in first year medical students. Two hundred and four first year medical students at a university in the north of England were sent a postal, self‐report questionnaire. They were asked to complete the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Stress Incident Record and to give details of their alcohol consumption. A total of 172 students (84·3%) replied. Thirty‐six per cent of the students scored above the threshold of the GHQ, indicating probable psychological disturbance. There was no difference between men and women. Approximately half of the students described a stressful incident, the majority of which were related to medical training rather than to personal problems. Male students reported drinking significantly more alcohol than female students, but there was no relationship between levels of alcohol consumption and either psychological disturbance or reporting of stress.
Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and NADPH oxidase in lead-induced hypertension.

BACKGROUND Earlier studies from this laboratory have revealed the presence of oxidative stress and its role in the pathogenesis of lead-induced hypertension (HTN). We have further shown evidence of increased hydroxyl radical (.OH) and superoxide production in lead-treated rats and cultured endothelial cells. This study was designed to determine whether oxidative stress in animals with lead-induced HTN is associated with dysregulation of the main antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) or increased superoxide producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) oxidase [NAD(P)H]. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to lead-exposed and control groups. Animals in the lead-exposed group were provided with drinking water containing 100 ppm lead acetate for 12 weeks. The control group was provided with regular drinking water. At the conclusion of the experiment, immunodetectable Cu Zn SOD, Mn SOD, CAT, GPX and gp91 phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase were determined by Western analysis in the kidney, brain and left ventricle of control and lead-exposed rats. Subgroups of the study animals were treated with IV infusion (180 micromol/kg/h) of the superoxide trapping agent, tempol, and arterial pressure and urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolite (NOx) excretion were determined. RESULTS Lead exposure for 12 weeks resulted in a marked rise in systolic blood pressure, a significant reduction in urinary NOx excretion, a significant increase in kidney and brain Cu, Zn SOD, a significant increase in brain and insignificant increase in kidney and heart gp91 phox. In contrast, Mn SOD, CAT and GPX in the kidney, brain and left ventricle were unchanged. Incubation with lead acetate did not alter SOD activity in vitro. Infusion of tempol significantly lowered arterial pressure and raised urinary NOx excretion in the lead-exposed group (but had no effect in the control group) pointing to increased superoxide production in the lead-exposed animals. CONCLUSION Animals with lead-induced hypertension exhibited oxidative stress which was associated with mild up-regulation of superoxide-generating enzyme, NAD(P)H oxidase, with no evidence of quantitative SOD, CAT or GPX deficiencies.
The Laguerre Iteration in Solving the Symmetric Tridiagonal Eigenproblem, Revisited

This paper presents an algorithm for the eigenvalue problem of symmetric tridiagonal matrices. The algorithm employs the determinant evaluation, split-and-merge strategy, and the Laguerre iteration. The method directly evaluates eigenvalues and uses inverse iteration as an option when eigenvectors are needed. This algorithm combines the advantages of existing algorithms such as QR, bisection/multisection, and Cuppen’s divide-and-conquer method. It is fully parallel and competitive in speed with the most efficient QR algorithm in serial mode. On the other hand, the algorithm is as accurate as any standard algorithm for the symmetric tridiagonal eigenproblem and enjoys the flexibility in evaluating partial spectrum.
Lithosphere versus asthenosphere mantle sources at the Big Pine Volcanic Field, California

Here we report the first measurements of the H2O content of magmas and mantle xenoliths from the Big Pine Volcanic Field (BPVF), California, in order to constrain the melting process in the mantle, and the role of asthenospheric and lithospheric sources in this westernmost region of the Basin and Range Province, western USA. Melt inclusions trapped in primitive olivines (Fo82–90) record surprisingly high H2O contents (1.5 to 3.0 wt.%), while lithospheric mantle xenoliths record low H2O concentrations (whole rock <75 ppm). Estimates of the oxidation state of BPVF magmas, based on V partitioning in olivine, are also high (FMQ +1.0 to +1.5). Pressures and temperatures of equilibration of the BPVF melts indicate a shift over time, from higher melting temperatures (∼1320°C) and pressures (∼2 GPa) for magmas that are >500 ka, to cooler (∼1220°C) and shallower melting (∼1 GPa) conditions in younger magmas. The estimated depth of melting correlates strongly with some trace element ratios in the magmas (e.g., Ce/Pb, Ba/La), with deeper melts having values closer to upper mantle asthenosphere values, and shallower melts having values more typical of subduction zone magmas. This geochemical stratification is consistent with seismic observations of a shallow lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (∼55 km depth). Combined trace element and cryoscopic melting models yield self‐consistent estimates for the degree of melting (∼5%) and source H2O concentration (∼1000 ppm). We suggest two possible geodynamic models to explain small‐scale convection necessary for magma generation. The first is related to the Isabella seismic anomaly, either a remnant of the Farallon Plate or foundered lithosphere. The second scenario is related to slow extension of the lithosphere.
Immunoregulatory differences between adult onset type 1 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

Autoimmune diabetes is characterized by cell mediated autoimmunity against insulin producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Type 1 diabetes is the major cause of diabetes in children and adolescents and is believed to be mediated by a Thl driven destruction of beta cells. The much more prevalent type 2 diabetes is not considered as an autoimmune disease but diabetes specific autoantibodies (ICA or GADA) are found in 5-15% of the cases. These subjects are referred to as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). It has been questioned if LADA is a unique entity or should be considered as type 1 diabetes. Subjects with LADA have a better preserved insulin secretion and a slower progression to beta cell failure at clinical onset compared to subjects with type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, there are adult onset type 1 diabetic patients that share the rapid progression to beta cell failure with juvenile onset diabetes. The hypothesis was therefore that type 1 diabetes and LADA have different autoimmune activity. The aim was to identify some of the immunoregulatory events that could explain differences in disease progression between the groups. Heterozygosity of the diabetes associated high risk HLA haplotypes DR3/DQ2-DR4/DQ8 was considered as a risk factor for both adult onset type 1 diabetes and LADA. Also homozygosity for the microsatellite marker TNFa2 conferred an increased risk for both type 1 diabetes and LADA even though this was probably due to linkage disequilibrium with the HLA haplotypes. However, presence of either one of HLA DR3/DQ2 or DR4/DQ8 conferred an increased risk of type 1 diabetes but not LADA. Autoantibodies directed against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GADA) were predominantly of the IgGl subclass in both adult onset type 1 diabetes and LADA. Moreover, the IgG4 subclass was the second most common subclass in LADA but below detection limit in type 1 diabetes at clinical onset. This suggests a larger involvement of Th2 cells in LADA compared to in type 1 diabetes. The levels of all the GADA IgG subclasses decreased in type 1 diabetes three years after clinical onset while LADA remained their subclass profiles indicating a sustained difference in autoimmune response against the beta cell antigen GAD65 between the groups. The slower progression of beta cell failure in LADA might be due to a more balanced T cell response that reduces the cytotoxic Thl cell mediated response. Type 1 diabetes and LADA could thus be considered as different variations of autoimmunity.
The collagen binding protein Cnm contributes to oral 1 colonization and cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans 2 OMZ

4 James H. Miller, Alejandro Avilés-Reyes , Kathy Scott-Anne, Stacy Gregoire, Gene E. 5 Watson , Edith Sampson, Ann Progulske-Fox , Hyun Koo, William H. Bowen, José A. 6 Lemos 2 and Jacqueline Abranches 2# 7 8 Center for Oral Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of 9 Dentistry, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine 10 and Dentistry, Rochester, NY. Department of Oral Biology and Center for Molecular 11 Microbiology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, FL, USA 12 Biofilm Research Laboratories, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics, 13 School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA 14 15
Temporary loss of a metabolic response to cold stress in infants of low birthweight.

Though even very premature infants defend their body temperature by controlling skin blood flow and regulating heat production within hours of birth (Bruck and Bruck, 1960; Briick, 1961), small babies easily become hypothermic in the first few weeks of life. The tendency to hypothermia is generally attributed to lack of tissue insulation and to the high surface area to body weight ratio. Evidence has now accumulated to suggest that another factor may occasionally operate. We report here observations on 3 infants of low birthweight who were able to increase their heat production normally during the first few days of life when in cool surroundings, but who then lost this ability for a number of days.
Using machine learning to draw inferences from pass location data in soccer

In this paper, we present two approaches to analyzing pass event data to uncover sometimes‐nonobvious insights into the game of soccer. We illustrate the utility of our methods by applying them to data from the 2012–2013 La Liga season. We first show that teams are characterized by where on the pitch they attempt passes, and can be identified by their passing styles. Using heatmaps of pass locations as features, we achieved a mean accuracy of 87% in a 20‐team classification task. We also investigated using pass locations over the course of a possession to predict shots. For this task, we achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.785. Finally, we used the weights of the predictive model to rank players by the value of their passes. Shockingly, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi topped the rankings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016