Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An ab Initio Study of the Structure and Properties of Aluminum Hydroxide: Gibbsite and Bayerite

The two most important polymorphs of aluminum hydroxide, namely gibbsite and bayerite, have been studied for the first time using solid state ab initio quantum mechanical methods, both using plane wave and localized basis set methodologies, within the framework of nonlocal density functional theory. The fully optimized structures have been determined for both phases, yielding improved hydrogen positions in the case of gibbsite for which the only previous information is from X-ray data. Mechanical properties have been calculated for gibbsite, including the full elastic constants tensor and the bulk modulus. The latter is found to be 55 GPa, which is significantly lower than a recent experimental estimate. Vibrational spectra have been calculated for both phases and assignments of the hydroxyl stretching modes are proposed.
Predictive factors of visual and anatomical outcome after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: an optical coherence tomography study

Aim: To evaluate the baseline visual and optical coherence tomography (OCT) factors on outcomes after intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 73 eyes treated with intravitreal bevacizumab for subfoveal neovascular AMD was performed. Change in best corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) on OCT were the primary outcomes. Automated and manual measurements were made for all OCT characteristics. Results: Seventy-three (100%) and 58 (79.5%) eyes were followed for 3 and 6 months, respectively. The mean BCVA improved from 20/177 to 20/160 (p = 0.03) at 3 months and to 20/143 (p = 0.04) at 6 months. The mean CRT decreased 93 µm (p<0.0001) and 105 µm (p<0.0001) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Baseline BCVA worse than 20/100 was associated with greater visual improvement (p⩽0.04). Eyes with baseline CRT greater than 400 µm experienced a greater mean CRT reduction (p<0.05). Treatment-naïve patients had a greater mean CRT reduction than those previously treated with any modality (p<0.05) Conclusions: Baseline BCVA and CRT positively influence mean visual and CRT improvement, respectively, after intravitreal bevacizumab in wet AMD. Any prior treatment predicted less CRT reduction.
Evidence of psychosomatic influences in compensated and decompensated tinnitus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role and interaction of individual factors on decompensated tinnitus. Subjects consisted of 53 adult patients with chronic tinnitus. They were selected and assigned to two groups, compensated (n = 28) and decompensated (n = 25), according to the results of an established tinnitus questionnaire. Both groups were evaluated and compared. The patients with decompensated tinnitus suffered from more pronounced social disabilities, were more prone to depression, and used less effective techniques to cope with their illness. They showed a higher degree of somatic multimorbidity, with particularly strong correlations between tinnitus and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and hypoacusis. As a consequence, in the psychosomatic tinnitus therapy, greater attention should be given to the treatment of the somatic complaints in addition to psychological and psychosocial aspects.
Differential expression of bovine MHC class II antigens identified by monoclonal antibodies

Four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), UC‐A4, UC‐D3, UC‐H9, and IL‐A21, specific for bovine major histocompatibility complex class II proteins are described. Sequential immunoprecipitation experiments using biotin‐labeled peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggested, but did not conclusively establish, that each of these antibodies recognized a different epitope. The epitope identified by IL‐A21 appeared to be common to all of the class II proteins precipitated by the four mAbs, and UG‐D3 and UC‐H9 each appeared to react with distinct epitopes on separate subsets of these class II proteins. Monoclonal antibody UC‐A4 appeared to identify an epitope on a subset of the class II molecules identified by UC‐H9. Differences found in the expression by lymphoid cells of class II proteins identified by the four mAbs were indicative of each mAb recognizing a different epitope. UC‐H9 and IL‐A21 class II proteins were detected on all surface immunoglobulin (S'lg) positive cells in peripheral blood, but UC‐A4 and UC‐D3 class II proteins were not. Expression of UC‐A4 class II proteins, detected at low density on a strikingly reduced number of S'lg+ cells from the blood of some bovine leukosis virus‐infected cattle, could be increased by culturing these B cells with lipopolysaccharide. All peripheral blood monocytes expressed UG‐H9 and IL‐A21 class II proteins, but only a proportion of monocytes expressed detectable UC‐A4 and UG‐D3 class II proteins. Almost all mitogen‐stimulated BoCD4+ and BoCD8+ T cells expressed UC‐H9 and IL‐ A21 class II proteins, whereas fewer stimulated T cells of both subsets expressed UC‐A4 and UC‐D3 class II proteins. All gamma/delta receptor (γ/δ R) T cells expressed UC‐D3, UG‐H9, and IL‐A21 class II proteins, but no cells (of γ/δ R+ or CD4+/CD2+ phenotype) from γ/δ R+ T cell‐enriched cultures expressed UC‐A4 class II proteins.
Agent-based simulation as a tool for the design of a virtual training

Virtual training is a relatively novel field in which human beings learn to perform certain tasks by repeatedly executing them in a virtual reality environment. To make such training environments more effective, the agent paradigm has proven to be a useful tool. By conceptualizing a training system as a ’virtual tutor’, the system may be able to support the trainee in a similar manner as human instructors do, among others by providing personalized feedback and adaptive training material. The current paper describes a project that has as aim to develop a virtual training environment for decision making under stress, targeted at professionals in the public domain. The main contribution is two-fold: first, a global overview of the project is presented. Second, a formal approach is put forward for the design of the training environment, based on agentbased simulation and verification. By generating a computational model of the envisioned system and formally analyzing the resulting simulation runs, the behavior of the system can be studied before its actual implementation, thus providing a method for rapid prototyping.
The underrecognized progressive nature of N370S Gaucher disease and assessment of cancer risk in 403 patients

Mutations in GBA1 gene that encodes lysosomal glucocerebrosidase result in Type 1 Gaucher Disease (GD), the commonest lysosomal storage disorder; the most prevalent disease mutation is N370S. We investigated the heterogeneity and natural course of N370S GD in 403 patients. Demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics of GD at presentation were examined in a cross‐sectional study. In addition, the relative risk (RR) of cancer in patients compared with age‐, sex‐, and ethnic‐group adjusted national rates of cancer was determined. Of the 403 patients, 54% of patients were homozygous (N370S/N370S) and 46% were compound heterozygous for the N370S mutation (N370S/other). The majority of N370S/N370S patients displayed a phenotype characterized by late onset, predominantly skeletal disease, whereas the majority of N370S/other patients displayed early onset, predominantly visceral/hematologic disease, P < 0.0001. There was a striking increase in lifetime risk of multiple myeloma in the entire cohort (RR 25, 95% CI 9.17–54.40), mostly confined to N370S homozygous patients. The risk of other hematologic malignancies (RR 3.45, 95% CI 1.49–6.79), and overall cancer risk (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.32–2.40) was increased. Homozygous N370S GD leads to adult‐onset progressive skeletal disease with relative sparing of the viscera, a strikingly high risk of multiple myeloma, and an increased risk of other cancers. High incidence of gammopathy suggests an important role of the adaptive immune system in the development of GD. Adult patients with GD should be monitored for skeletal disease and cancers including multiple myeloma. Am. J. Hematol. , 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Engaging Generation Y to Co-Create Through Mobile Technology

ABSTRACT This study examines factors that entice Generation Y consumers to engage in co-creation activities with firms using mobile technology. Based on the diffusion of innovation theory, this study develops a model that examines the antecedents of the engagement that leads to the co-creation of value using mobile technology. A survey method is used to test the proposed relationships with 689 valid responses. Results indicate that Generation Y consumers are more motivated by their peers and other social factors. Specifically, acquiring solid interpersonal and peer networks, and engaging in informal communications is paramount to Generation Y when engaging in co-creation. Other factors, such as ease of use of technology and consumer innovativeness, also affect the tendency of this cohort to engage in co-creation activities through mobile platforms. Overall, the structural model results offer a better understanding of Generation Y consumers’ engagement in value co-creation through mobile technology, as well as service innovation design and delivery.
Acute Radiation Syndrome: Assessment and Management

Primary care physicians may be unprepared to diagnose and treat rare, yet potentially fatal, illnesses such as acute radiation syndrome (ARS). ARS, also known as radiation sickness, is caused by exposure to a high dose of penetrating, ionizing radiation over a short period of time. The time to onset of ARS is dependent on the dose received, but even at the lowest doses capable of causing illness, this will occur within a matter of hours to days. This article describes the clinical manifestations of ARS, provides guidelines for assessing its severity, and makes recommendations for managing ARS victims.
Plasma Fatty Acid Profile of Gestating Ewes Supplemented with Fishmeal

Problem statement: The very long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (>18C) cannot be adequately synthesized by ruminant tissues to meet their requirements; therefore, their concentration in body depends on the supply through feed. It may be possible to improve the essential fatty acid status of ruminant animals, during gestation by manipulating the maternal diet with Fishmeal (FM). The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the effect of fishmeal supplementation on the plasma fatty acid profile of ewes during late gestation and (2) determine the status of the plasma docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) of lambs born to these ewes. Approach: Eight gestating ewes [Rideau-Arcott, 97±5 kg initial body weight, 100 days of gestation] were used in a completely randomized design. Ewes were individually-housed and fed either a control diet (supplemented with soybean meal) or a fishmeal supplemented diet. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture for plasma fatty acids analysis on 100, 114, 128 and 142 days of gestation after morning feeding. Blood samples from the lambs were also collected via jugular venipuncture immediately after birth and before receiving their mothers’ colostrum. Plasma fatty acids were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Results: The ewes from both groups, i.e., control and fishmeal supplemented, had a similar fatty acid profile prior to supplementation (at 100 days, p>0.05). Thereafter, there was an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3), docosahexaenoic acid, total n3-PUFA and total very long chain n3-PUFA (>C18) contents in plasma for the fishmeal supplemented ewes compared to the control (p 0.05) in total saturated fatty acids, total monounsaturated fatty acids, total conjugated linoleic acid, total trans-18:1, total cis-18:1, or total n6-PUFA contents in ewe plasma between control and fishmeal supplemented groups. Lambs born to ewes fed the fishmeal supplemented diet had greater (p<0.05) plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (0.7 Vs 0.4, g/100 g FA), docosahexaenoic acid (1.6 Vs 0.9, g/100 g FA) and total very long chain n3-PUFA (3.3 vs. 2.0, g/100 g FA) than lambs born to ewes fed the control diet. Conclusion: The ewes supplemented with fishmeal supplementation showed a positive response with the enrichment of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and total very long chain n3-PUFA in plasma during gestation and these fatty acids were transferred to the fetus as well.
A review of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in the Indigenous populations of North America

SUMMARY Historically, the highest incidence rates of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in the world were found in North American and Australian Indigenous children. Although immunization against H. influenzae type b (Hib) led to a marked decrease in invasive Hib disease in countries where it was implemented, this disease has not been eliminated and its rates in Indigenous communities remain higher than in the general North American population. In this literature review, we examined the epidemiology of invasive H. influenzae disease in the pre-Hib vaccine era, effect of carriage on disease epidemiology, immune response to H. influenzae infection and Hib vaccination in Indigenous and Caucasian children, and the changing epidemiology after Hib conjugate vaccine has been in use for more than two decades in North America. We also explored reasons behind the continued high rates of invasive H. influenzae disease in Indigenous populations in North America. H. influenzae type a (Hia) has emerged as a significant cause of severe disease in North American Indigenous communities. More research is needed to define the genotypic diversity of Hia and the disease burden that it causes in order to determine if a Hia vaccine is required to protect the vulnerable populations.
Impact of Human Rhinovirus Types and Viral Load on the Severity of Illness in Hospitalized Children With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Background: Human rhinovirus (HRV) is not only responsible for at least one-half of all common colds but also associated with bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and acute asthma exacerbation. However, the impact of different HRV types and viral load on disease severity has not been thoroughly elucidated. Methods: From January 2012 to September 2014, 1742 nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens from hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections were analyzed by quantitative HRV-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among these 1742 children, HRV (407/1742, 23%) was the second most common viral agent after respiratory syncytial virus. HRV-A, HRV-B, HRV-C and HRV untyped were detected in 229 (56%), 27 (7%), 100 (25%) and 51 (13%) specimens, respectively. Children except who experienced wheezing were more common in the HRV-C detection group than in the HRV-A detection group; there were no other significant differences between the 2 groups, including the percent of children diagnosed with severe diseases. Logistic regression models demonstrated that there was no difference in disease severity among HRV types. In HRV-A detection group, in children younger than 2 years, the viral load was higher in the severe group than in the nonsevere group; but in the HRV-C detection group, there was no difference. Conclusions: HRV was frequently present in hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections in Chongqing, China. The disease severity for HRV-C and HRV-A was similar. A high load of HRV-A in the lower respiratory tract might be connected with disease severity in children younger than 2 years.
Improvement of Water Quality in a Highly Polluted River in Jordan

Zarqa River is considered one of the most important sources of surface water in Jordan. The construction of Al-Samra wastewater treatment plant has caused a considerable deterioration in water quality of that river and pollution of the groundwater of that basin. This paper aims to study the change in water quality in the river by applying hydraulic and quality models. Samples of wastewater from the inlet and outlet of the plant were collected and analyzed according to the standard methods. The obtained results concerning BOD, NH4 and DO were used as input to predict water quality in the river. For this purpose, a one dimensional quality model has been developed to simulate pollutants transport in the river. The model was constructed to represent the change in concentrations of such parameters in the river from the treatment plant to the King Talal dam. 296 quality samples and 90 hydraulic samples were taken in order to calibrate the model. Results indicate that the concentrations of BOD, COD and NH4 effluent from the plant exceeded the allowable limits according to Jordanian standards. From the results of simulation, it is found that the model is applied successfully to predict water quality in Zarqa River. Due to self purification, high reduction of pollutant concentrations occur along the river . The concentration of BOD is still higher than the allowable limit until 33 km downstream of the plant, while NH4 concentration is higher than the standards in all reaches.
Zeyheria montana Mart. (Bignoniaceae) as source of antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds with beneficial effects on intestinal inflammation

Zeyheria montana is a medicinal plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for treating skin affections, ulcers, inflammation and diarrhoea, and as an antisyphilitic and antiblenorrhagic agent, but little is known about its mechanisms of action. Herein, a bio‐guided assay was carried out to further evaluate its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and the possible benefits on experimental intestinal inflammation.
Comparative Activities of Daptomycin, Linezolid, and Tigecycline against Catheter-Related Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteremic Isolates Embedded in Biofilm

ABSTRACT In the setting of catheter-related bloodstream infections, intraluminal antibiotic lock therapy could be useful for the salvage of vascular catheters. In this in vitro study, we investigated the efficacies of the newer antibiotics daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline, in comparison with those of vancomycin, minocycline, and rifampin, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) embedded in biofilm. We also assessed the emergence of MRSA strains resistant to these antibiotics, alone or in combination with rifampin, after 4-hour daily use for catheter lock therapy. Minocycline, daptomycin, and tigecycline were more efficacious in inhibiting MRSA in biofilm than linezolid, vancomycin, and the negative control (P < 0.001) after the first day of exposure to these antibiotics, with minocycline being the most active, followed by daptomycin and then tigecycline, and with vancomycin and linezolid lacking activity, similar to the negative control. After 3 days of 4-hour daily exposures, daptomycin was the fastest in eradicating MRSA from biofilm, followed by minocycline and tigecycline, which were faster than linezolid, rifampin, and vancomycin (P < 0.001). When rifampin was used alone, it was the least effective in eradicating MRSA from biofilm after 5 days of 4-hour daily exposures, as it was associated with the emergence of rifampin-resistant MRSA. However, when rifampin was used in combination with other antibiotics, the combination was significantly effective in eliminating MRSA colonization in biofilm more rapidly than each of the antibiotics alone. In summary, daptomycin, minocycline, and tigecycline should be considered further for antibiotic lock therapy, and rifampin should be considered for enhanced antistaphylococcal activity but not as a single agent.
Efficacy and safety of idelalisib in patients with relapsed, rituximab- and alkylating agent-refractory follicular lymphoma: a subgroup analysis of a phase 2 study

Approximately 20% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 60% of indolent NHL (iNHL) cases are follicular lymphoma (FL),[1][1],[2][2] a disease considered treatable, but not curable, with currently available therapeutic options. [3][3] While survival in patients with FL has improved with the
Cutting Edge: TNF-α-Converting Enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) Inactivation in Mouse Myeloid Cells Prevents Lethality from Endotoxin Shock1

TNF-α, a potent proinflammatory cytokine, is synthesized as a membrane-anchored precursor and proteolytically released from cells. Soluble TNF is the primary mediator of pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and endotoxin shock. The TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), has emerged as the best candidate TNF sheddase, but other proteinases can also release TNF. Because TACE-deficient mice die shortly after birth, we generated conditional TACE-deficient mice to address whether TACE is the relevant sheddase for TNF in adult mice. In this study, we report that TACE inactivation in myeloid cells or temporal inactivation at 6 wk offers strong protection from endotoxin shock lethality in mice by preventing increased TNF serum levels. These findings corroborate that TACE is the major endotoxin-stimulated TNF sheddase in mouse myeloid cells in vivo, thereby further validating TACE as a principal target for the treatment of TNF-dependent pathologies.
The efficacy of the systemic methotrexate treatment in caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: A quantitative review of English literature

Abstract To determine the efficacy and safety of primary medical treatment with systemic methotrexate (MTX) in caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy, we conducted a Medline/PubMed search on the relevant English literature from January 1978 to January 2012. The search yielded 27 publications of 40 cases of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. The literature search showed a very liberal use of systemic MTX treatment with unfavourable outcomes, although the major determinant of the clinical efficacy was found in here to be β-hCG level together with embryonic cardiac activity (ECA) status. A caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy presented with a serum β-hCG concentration of ≤ 12,000 mIU/ml (odds ratio, OR 5.68, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.37–23.48) and absence of ECA (OR 4.80, 95% CI, 1.14–20.08) was found to be associated with higher efficacy rate of primary systemic MTX treatment. Administration of primary systemic MTX treatment was found to be ideal for a caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy presented before 8 weeks’ gestation, with a β-hCG concentration of ≤ 12,000 mIU/ml together with an absent ECA (OR 14.52, 95% CI, 2.36–89.09).
Atrioventricular septal defect recently diagnosed by fetal echocardiography: echocardiographic features, associated anomalies, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES We report our recent experience with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) diagnosed in utero. METHODS We reviewed fetal echocardiograms diagnosed with AVSD between November 2002 and November 2004, comparing fetuses with and without aneuploidy. We compared results with previous studies. RESULTS Twenty (1.8%) fetuses had AVSD. Mean maternal age was 33 years (range 19-43). Mean gestational age was 26 weeks (range 18-38). Indications for fetal echocardiography were: abnormal obstetrical ultrasound (75%), chromosomal anomaly (15%), undetermined (10%). AVSD was an isolated cardiac defect in 5 (25%), associated with double-outlet right ventricle (9) or tetralogy of Fallot (3) in 12 (60%). Four had aortic arch anomalies. Atrioventricular valve regurgitation was mild in 7 (35%) and moderate in 4 (20%). Heart block existed in 2 (10%). Five (25%) with trisomy had Rastelli type A AVSD as a single lesion (odds ratio 24, P < .01). Extracardiac anomalies existed in 6, with and without aneuploidy. Pregnancy was terminated in 4 (20%), neonatal death in 4 (20%), and reparative surgery in 6 (30%), not ascertained in 6. CONCLUSION Atrioventricular septal defect is usually an isolated cardiac lesion in fetuses with aneuploidy. In the absence of aneuploidy, fetal AVSD is often associated with conotruncal and aortic arch abnormalities, which are important in determining outcomes. Pregnancy termination and neonatal death continue to be prevalent.