Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies of coronary disease in the experimental animal. II. Polarographic determinations of local oxygen availability in the dog's left ventricle during coronary occlusion and pure oxygen breathing.

In experiments previously reported (1) it was found that platinum electrodes for polarographic measurement of oxygen availability have given fairly steady control readings in the left ventricular muscle of the dog. When the animals breathed pure oxygen, electrode readings rose 50-200%o. When a coronary branch was occluded they declined considerably at the borders of the ischemic area, approached zero at its center, and returned to the base line shortly after release of the ligature. If the artery was occluded with the dog breathing room air, pure oxygen breathing did not change values at the center of the ischemic area. However, it did cause a rise in the readings at the "borders" before the occlusion was released. These conclusions were based on studies of 12 anesthetized dogs using two or three electrodes simultaneously in each experiment. We have since developed a more stable dog preparation, using larger numbers of electrodes and obtaining more frequent readings which give a more complete description of the changes in local oxygen availability during short periods of coronary occlusion. Our particular concern has been to learn the size of the "border" areas that may be favorably affected by oxygen inhalation as well as the magnitude and regularity of the oxygen effect. This paper will describe the method we now use, and present a statistical analysis of the results of the first seven experiments in which we have used it. These studies would seem to have a bearing on the
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome during pregnancy and puerperium: maternal and fetal characteristics of 15 cases

Background: The catastrophic variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a life-threatening form of presentation of this syndrome that can be triggered by several factors. Aim: To describe the characteristics of patients who developed catastrophic APS triggered during pregnancy and puerperium. Methods: A review of the first 255 cases collected in the website-based “CAPS Registry” was undertaken. Three new and unpublished cases of catastrophic APS developed during pregnancy and puerperium were added. Results: Fifteen cases were identified. The mean (range) age was 27 (17–38) years. Most patients had a previous unsuccessful obstetric history. In 7 of 14 (50%) cases with available medical history, the catastrophic APS appeared during pregnancy, in 6 (43%) during the puerperium and in 1 (7%) after curettage for a fetal death. The main clinical and serological characteristics were similar to those patients with catastrophic APS triggered by other factors, except for a history of a higher prevalence of previous abortions (p<0.01). Several specific features were found, including the HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome in 8 (53%) patients, placental infarctions in 4 (27%) patients, and pelvic vein thrombosis and myometrium thrombotic microangiopathy in 1 (7%) patient each. Mortality rate was high for the mothers (46%), and for the babies (54%). Conclusions: It is important to consider the possibility of the development of catastrophic APS in those patients with signs of HELLP syndrome and multiorgan failure during pregnancy or puerperium, especially in those patients with previous history of abortions and/or thrombosis.
Linking the Heuristic-Systematic Model and Depth of Processing

This study draws a nexus between heuristic-systematic information processing and the theory of planned behavior through a model of risk information seeking and processing. The model proposes that the form of information processing individuals apply to risk information from the media and other sources affects beliefs, evaluations, and attitudes considered important to making judgments about performing risk-reducing behaviors. This study found that deeper, more systematic processing of risk information is positively related to evaluation strength, attitude strength, and the number of strongly held behavioral beliefs actively considered by respondents when thinking about environmental hazards. The relationships were consistent, appearing across two communities and three risks (two health risks and one ecological risk), and held up under multiple statistical controls.
Spinal metastases: indications for and results of percutaneous injection of acrylic surgical cement.

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating spinal metastases that result in pain or instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven patients (20 men, 17 women; aged 33-86 years) underwent 52 percutaneous injections of surgical cement into a vertebra (vertebroplasty) with fluoroscopic guidance in 40 procedures. Vertebroplasty was performed for analgesia in 29 procedures, stabilization of the vertebral column in five procedures, and both in six procedures. RESULTS Twenty-four of the 33 procedures performed for analgesia that were evaluated resulted in clear improvement; seven, moderate improvement; and two, no improvement. Improvement was stable in 73% of patients at 6 months. In the procedure performed for stabilization, no displacement of treated vertebrae was observed (mean follow-up, 13 months). Three patients had transient radiculopathy due to cement extrusion, and two patients had transient difficulty in swallowing. CONCLUSION Vertebroplasty of metastases is a minimally invasive procedure that provides immediate and long-term pain relief and contributes to spinal stabilization.
A cultural comparison study of smartphone adoption in Uzbekistan, South Korea and Turkey

Smartphone popularity is increasing due to the technological advances that mean manufacturers can make more sophisticated devices, and telecommunication companies can provide better connections. Gartner reported that 403 million smartphones were sold in the fourth quarter of 2015, a 9.7% increase over the same period in 2014. It is a common perception that users tend to utilise advanced technology to increase productivity. However, there are studies indicating quite opposite or alternatively slow rates of adoption. To avoid this, companies invest in studying consumer behaviour. The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of drivers and cultural differences on smartphone acceptance in three representative groups from Uzbekistan, South Korea and Turkey. Past cross-cultural studies suggest that the main factor differentiating the formation of intention among groups would be cultural differences. The results showed that cultural differences did indeed play an important role in intention formation. The significance of constructs affecting behavioural intention varied in each group, and collectivism/individualism moderated these relationships. When obtaining unified results from UTAUT and the cultural perspective, it is easier to compare group behaviours and analyze the differences. This is a good guide for managers to consider business activities for each group they target.
Explaining Stock Market Correlation: A Gravity Model Approach

A gravity model, frequently used to explain trade patterns, is used to explain stock market correlations. The main result of the trade literature is that geography matters for goods markets. Physical location and trading costs should be less of an issue in asset markets. However, we find that geographical variables still matter when examining equity market linkages. In particular, the number of overlapping opening hours and sharing a common border tends to increase cross–country stock market correlation. These results may stem from asymmetrical information and investor sentiment, lending some empirical support for these explanations of the international diversification puzzle.
Antrochoanal Polyp: Clinical Presentation and Retrospective Comparison of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Plus Mini-Caldwell Surgical Procedures

Abstract Antrochoanal polyp is a benign polypoid lesion orginating from the maxillary sinus antrum and extending to the choana. Our aim was to assess the clinical presentation and associated rhinological findings of antrochoanal polyp patients and to evaluate results of 2 surgical treatments termed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and ESS plus mini-Caldwell operation. The study included 46 patients. Factors such as patient age, sex, history of chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, septal deviations, chonca bullosa, turbinate hypertrophy, and the origin of the polyp were assessed. We also evaluated ESS and ESS plus mini-Caldwell surgical procedures for recurrences, synechia, bleeding, and ostium stenosis. Overall, there were 27 men and 19 women. The ESS approach was used in 26 cases, and 20 cases had combined ESS and mini-Caldwell procedures. The statistical significant difference between the 2 groups was only recurrence (P < 0.05). In the ESS group, bleeding, synechia, and ostium stenosis were seen more than in the ESS + mini-Caldwell group, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in bleeding, synechia, and ostium stenosis (P > 0.05). We thought that lower rate of recurrence found in ESS + Caldwell group in this study was associated with better visualization of the maxillary sinus walls and, therefore, easier resection of the remnant polyp. We concluded that higher incidences of bleeding and synechia were related to the mucosal damage occurring in the septum and the inferior concha due to excessive manipulation of endoscope and surgical instruments.
Referral Criteria for School Scoliosis Screening: Assessment and Recommendations Based on a Large Longitudinally Followed Cohort

Study Design. This study was a retrospective cohort study. Objective. To examine the criteria recommended in the literature for the school-based scoliosis screening program in Hong Kong. Summary of Background Data. School-based screening for scoliosis has been a controversy. Objectors to the policy were concerned about the high over-referral and false-positive rates. Recommendations were then made for improvement, but the feasibility of these recommendations has not been studied. Methods. The cohort consisted of students in Grade 5 in 1995/1996 or 1996/1997 who underwent scoliosis screening in Hong Kong. Participants who had an angle of trunk rotation (ATR) ≥15°, 2 or more moiré lines, or presented significant clinical signs were referred for radiography. Screening histories and radiography records before the age of 19 years were extracted. The accuracy measures for different combinations of screening tests were examined. Results. There were 115,178 students in the cohort, of which 3228 (2.8%) were referred for radiography. Among the 1406 students who displayed a curve ≥20° during screening, 257 (18.3%) were boys and 336 (23.9%) were identified as 16 years or older, ruling out the suggestion of screening only 10-year-old girls. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for the current referral criteria were 88.1% and 43.6%, respectively. The sensitivity would drop substantially if the use of moiré topography (39.8%) or clinical signs (55.5%) were discarded. With the inclusion of these 2 tests, the clinical effectiveness measures were robust to the cutoff for ATR, unless it was set below 10°. Conclusion. Selectively screening only premenarche girls was not feasible, as this screen would have missed a significant proportion of children with significant curvature. No refinement of the current protocol was necessary, although boys could be screened beginning at 12 years of age. The tandem use of ATR, moiré topography, and clinical signs was recommended for future studies.
Interactions between wave action and grazing control the distribution of intertidal macroalgae.

Canopy-forming macroalgae are key species on temperate rocky shores. However, there is a lack of understanding of how the relative balance of physical and biological factors controls the establishment and persistence of intertidal macroalgae. Here we present an integrated study of the relative importance of wave-induced forces and grazing for the recruitment and survival of the canopy-forming intertidal macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus and F. spiralis. A set of overtopped breakwaters provided a nearly unconfounded gradient in wave exposure between seaward and landward sides. A biomechanical analysis was performed based on empirical measurements of maximum drag forces in breaking waves, a model of long-term maximum wave height, and the breaking stress of Fucus spp. The estimated maximum flow speed (7-8 m/s) on the seaward side of the breakwaters was predicted to completely dislodge or prune Fucus spp. larger than approximately 10 cm, while dislodgment was highly unlikely on the landward side for all sizes. Experimental transplantation of Fucus spp. supported the biomechanical analysis but also suggested that mechanical abrasion may further limit survival in wave-exposed locations. Experimental removal of the limpet Patella vulgata, which was the principal grazer at this site, resulted in recruitment of Fucus spp. on the seaward side. We present a model of limpet grazing that indicates that limpet densities >5-20 individuals/m2 provide a proximate mechanism preventing establishment of Fucus spp. , whereas wave action >2 m/s reduces persistence through dislodgment and battering. In a conceptual model we further propose that recruitment and survival of juvenile Fucus spp. are controlled indirectly by wave exposure through higher limpet densities at exposed locations. This model predicts that climate change, and in particular an increased frequency of storm events in the northeast Atlantic, will restrict fucoids to more sheltered locations.
Investigations on nonvolatile and nonrotational phase change random access memory

In this work, phase change random access memory (PCRAM) was studied theoretically and experimentally. Phase change materials were deposited and their physical parameters were measured. A simulation and design software for PCRAM was developed based on multidisciplinary theories including electrodynamics, thermal conduction, crystallization kinetics and numerical computations. By introducing physical models of PCRAM elements, a general macromodel of the phase change random access memory (PCRAM) elements for HSPICE-based computer simulator is proposed. PCRAM array were designed, fabricated, and tested by using a self built tester. Also, near field optical scan microscope incorporated with fs laser was used to fabricate nano scale PCRAM cells
Imaging performance of mercuric iodide polycrystalline films

Mercuric iodide (HgI/sub 2/) polycrystalline films have great potential as direct-conversion X-ray detectors for digital X-ray imaging. We have optimized a sublimation-based film growth process to create uniform films up to 6.5 /spl times/ 6.5 cm/sup 2/ with very small (<25 /spl mu/m) grain sizes on the readout side of the film. The growth techniques used can be easily extended to produce much larger film areas (>25 cm /spl times/ 25 cm). Films grown on glass substrates uniformly coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) show low dark current and high sensitivity at low bias voltages: dark current of about 0.5 nA/cm/sup 2/ and corresponding X-ray response of about 20 /spl mu/C/R cm/sup 2/ (bias 0.1 V//spl mu/m, X-ray tube settings 10 mA and 70 kVp, 2-mm Al filter). Additionally, films grown on patterned ITO on glass substrates showed a similar performance for pixel sizes of 10.2 to 4 mm/sup 2/. The imaging performance results of a film grown directly on a 6.5 /spl times/ 6.5 (cm/sup 2/) thin-film transistor array with 127 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 127 /spl mu/m pixels are presented.
Automatic single-trial classification of prefrontal hemodynamic activity in an individual with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow users to control external devices via brain activity alone, circumventing the somatic nervous system and the need for overt movement. Essential to BCI development is the ability to accurately detect and classify patterns of activation associated with different mental tasks. Here, we investigate the ability to automatically distinguish a mental arithmetic (MA) task from a natural baseline state in an individual with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using signals acquired via multichannel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Using dual-wavelength NIRS, we interrogated nine sites around the frontopolar locations while the individual performed MA to answer multiple-choice questions within a system-paced paradigm. An encouraging overall classification accuracy of 71.1% was obtained, which is comparable to the average accuracy we previously reported for healthy individuals performing the same task. This result demonstrates the potential of NIRS–BCI based on task-induced prefrontal activity for use by individuals with DMD.
Ambient PM2.5 and Risk of Hospital Admissions: Do Risks Differ for Men and Women?

BACKGROUND While strong evidence exists for associations between fine particles (PM2.5) and health, less is known about whether associations differ by sex. METHODS We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to estimate associations between PM2.5, based on ambient monitors, and risk of cause-specific cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations for about 12.6 million Medicare beneficiaries (>65 years) residing in 213 US counties for 1999-2010. RESULTS Point estimates were higher for women than men for almost all causes of hospitalization. PM2.5 risks were higher for women than men for respiratory tract infection, cardiovascular, and heart rhythm disturbance admissions. A 10 μg/m(3) increase in same-day PM2.5 was associated with a 1.13% increased risk of heart rhythm disturbance admissions for women (95% posterior interval [PI]: 0.63%, 1.63%), and 0.03% for men (95% PI: -0.48%, 0.55%). Differences remained after stratification by age and season. CONCLUSIONS Women may be more susceptible to PM2.5-related hospitalizations for some respiratory and cardiovascular causes.
A Comprehensive Care Management Program to Prevent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalizations

BACKGROUND Improving a patient's ability to self-monitor and manage changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms may improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of a comprehensive care management program (CCMP) in reducing the risk for COPD hospitalization. DESIGN A randomized, controlled trial comparing CCMP with guideline-based usual care. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00395083) SETTING: 20 Veterans Affairs hospital-based outpatient clinics. PARTICIPANTS Patients hospitalized for COPD in the past year. INTERVENTION The CCMP included COPD education during 4 individual sessions and 1 group session, an action plan for identification and treatment of exacerbations, and scheduled proactive telephone calls for case management. Patients in both the intervention and usual care groups received a COPD informational booklet; their primary care providers received a copy of COPD guidelines and were advised to manage their patients according to these guidelines. Patients were randomly assigned, stratifying by site based on random, permuted blocks of variable size. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was time to first COPD hospitalization. Staff blinded to study group performed telephone-based assessment of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations, and all hospitalizations were blindly adjudicated. Secondary outcomes included non-COPD health care use, all-cause mortality, health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, disease knowledge, and self-efficacy. RESULTS Of the eligible patients, 209 were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 217 to the usual care group. Citing serious safety concerns, the data monitoring committee terminated the intervention before the trial's planned completion after 426 (44%) of the planned total of 960 patients were enrolled. Mean follow-up was 250 days. When the study was stopped, the 1-year cumulative incidence of COPD-related hospitalization was 27% in the intervention group and 24% in the usual care group (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 0.70 to 1.80]; P= 0.62). There were 28 deaths from all causes in the intervention group versus 10 in the usual care group (hazard ratio, 3.00 [CI, 1.46 to 6.17]; P= 0.003). Cause could be assigned in 27 (71%) deaths. Deaths due to COPD accounted for the largest difference: 10 in the intervention group versus 3 in the usual care group (hazard ratio, 3.60 [CI, 0.99 to 13.08]; P= 0.053). LIMITATIONS Available data could not fully explain the excess mortality in the intervention group. Ability to assess the quality of the educational sessions provided by the case managers was limited. CONCLUSION A CCMP in patients with severe COPD had not decreased COPD-related hospitalizations when the trial was stopped prematurely. The CCMP was associated with unanticipated excess mortality, results that differ markedly from similar previous trials. A data monitoring committee should be considered in the design of clinical trials involving behavioral interventions.
Leishmaniasis epidemiology: all down to the DNA

SUMMARY Application of quantitative methods to the study of leishmaniasis epidemiology has allowed Dye (1992) to pinpoint important biological parameters which, if they could be accurately measured in the field, would contribute most to our knowledge of the spread of disease and key targets for control. Three areas in which laboratory-based research could impact most on leishmaniasis epidemiology were highlighted by Dye (1992): (i) the development of accurate diagnostic tools which can distinguish between current and past infection; (ii) to determine the underlying molecular/genetic basis to virulence polymorphisms in the parasite and study these in the context of field epidemiological studies; and (iii) to provide the molecular tools to measure genetic variation in resistance to infection in humans and in reservoir hosts of disease. This paper describes current progress in attaining these goals, highlighting first the work on isolation and field application of genomic and kDNA probes for species-specific diagnosis, and the development of PCR-based assays which can be performed under field conditions. At a more preliminary stage, studies are described in which variability in the major molecular determinants of virulence (lipophosphoglycan, GP63, and members of the HSP7O family of stress proteins) identified through studies of laboratory models of infection, is being measured in primary field isolates of Leishmania peruviana. To complete the picture, current progress in identifying and cloning the genes which control host resistance to leishmanial infection is described, along with field studies of multicase families of human disease in which linkage analysis using marker genes from the chromosomal regions bearing these genes can be used to find evidence for their role in determining disease phenotypes in man. The leishmaniasis epidemiology will be all down to the DNA. projected view from these studies is that the future of leishmaniasis epidemiology will be all down to the DNA.