Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Gender on Arrhythmias

It is becoming increasingly apparent that there are important gender differences in normal cardiac physiology. These, in turn, could be associated with differences in the type and severity of cardiac arrhythmias. Women have higher resting heart rates than men, probably as a result of a combination of autonomic and intrinsic factors. The clinical significance of this observation is unclear at the present time. Women have a lower incidence of sudden cardiac death, which could be related to the delayed onset of coronary artery disease in women, presumably as a result of the protective effects of female hormones during gestational years. In survivors of sudden cardiac death, there are major gender differences, with fewer women having underlying coronary artery disease and a greater percentage of women having structurally normal hearts. QT interval prolongation and Torsade de Pointes are more common in women, probably on the basis of differences in ion channels between genders. Women appear especially susceptible to Torsades from QT-prolonging drugs such as quinidine or tricyclic antidepressant medications. The mechanisms of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia differ between the genders, although therapy seems to be equally efficacious in men and women. Lastly, atrial fibrillation is considerably more common in men. There is also some evidence that it is better tolerated by men.
Organic Geochemistry d 13 C and d D compositions of n-alkanes from modern angiosperms and conifers : An experimental set up in central Washington State , USA

This study investigates stable carbon and hydrogen isotope compositions of leaf wax n-alkanes from 3 angiosperm and 2 conifer species from a semi-desert natural environment. The dC and dD n-C27 alkane data show a clear distinction between Populus tremuloides/Syringa vulgaris ( 31.9 to 32.7‰ and 168 to 186‰, respectively) and Pinus sylvestris/ Picea pungens ( 28.8 to 30.6‰ and 190 to 212‰) throughout the 2005 growing season. Like the other angiosperm species, Betula pendula was D-enriched ( 162 to 178‰) relative to the conifer species. However, its dC values were more similar to those of Pinus sylvestris and Picea pungens in May, but had a 4‰ positive shift later in the season. We suggest that the observed isotopic variations derive mainly from lower stomatal conductance for CO2 and H2O vapor in conifers relative to angiosperms. Betula pendula experienced severe environmental stress that affected its carbon metabolism for most of the season. Our results suggest that shifts in dD and dC values of sedimentary leaf waxes may result not only from shifts in the paleoclimatic variables but also from temporal shifts in the distribution of angiosperms and conifers as well as from changes in the isotopic signatures of higher plants undergoing metabolic changes. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Direct Validity of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test in Young Team Handball Players

Souhail, H, Castagna, C, Mohamed, Hy, Younes, H, and Chamari, K. Direct validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test in young team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(2): 465-470, 2010-The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 performance (distance covered, Yo-Yo IR1) and match activities (direct validity) in young male team handball players. Eighteen young male players (age 14.3 ± 0.5 years, body mass 64 ± 28.7 kg, height 174 ± 6 cm, body fat 11.2 ± 3.9%) took part in this study. Players' match activities were videotaped during an experimental tournament (6 games/player) and analyzed using a computerized system. Games and Yo-Yo IR1 heart rates (HRs) (short-range telemetry, HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([la]b) were assessed throughout and at selected times of the games, respectively. Peak Yo-Yo IR1 HR was assumed as representative of individual maximal HR (HRmax). Mean and peak game HRs were 174 ± 3 and 198 ± 2 b·min−1, which corresponded to 87 and 99% of HRmax, respectively. Yo-Yo IR1 performance (1,831 ± 373 m) was significantly related (r = 0.88, p < 0.01) to total game distance (1,921 ± 325 m). Post-game (9.2 ± 2.3 mmol·L−1) and Yo-Yo IR1 (8.8 ± 1.6 mmol·L−1) [la]b were significantly related (r = 0.51, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrated the direct validity of Yo-Yo IR1. Consequently, Yo-Yo IR1 test may be considered as a team handball test relevant for the assessment of intermittent high-intensity endurance in young male team handball players.
Assessing cognitive functioning in individuals with cocaine use disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction: There have been mixed findings assessing the impact of regular cocaine use on cognitive functioning. This study employed a comprehensive cognitive battery to compare the performance of individuals diagnosed with a cocaine use disorder (N = 3 abusers, N = 17 dependent) against the performance of two control groups: (a) non-drug-users, and (b) marijuana users who report no cocaine use (N = 7 marijuana abusers, N = 0 dependent, N = 13 marijuana users with no Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fourth Edition, DSM–IV, diagnosis). Method: This one-session, between-participants, outpatient study was conducted at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Sixty research volunteers completed the study. Drug users in both groups had no signs of current intoxication, but had a positive urine toxicology—which indicated use within 72 hours in the cocaine use disorder group and within the past 30 days (depending on frequency of use) for the marijuana-using control group. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery was used to assess cognitive functioning across six domains: executive function, attention, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and language. Each participant’s score was also compared against a normative database adjusted for age. Results: Although the mean cognitive scores for all groups fell within the normal range for all tests, marijuana-using control participants outperformed those with a cocaine use disorder on a cognitive flexibility and language measure. Conclusions: Cognitive functioning of individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder was observed to be similar to that of control group participants on the majority of tasks and fell within the normal range when compared against normative data.
An EGFRvIII-targeted bispecific T-cell engager overcomes limitations of the standard of care for glioblastoma

While advanced surgical techniques, radiation therapy and chemotherapeutic regimens provide a tangible benefit for patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the average survival from the time of diagnosis remains less than 15 months. Current therapy for GBM is limited by the nonspecific nature of treatment, prohibiting therapy that is aggressive and prolonged enough to eliminate all malignant cells. As an alternative, bispecific antibodies can redirect the immune system to eliminate malignant cells with exquisite potency and specificity. We have recently developed an EGF receptor variant III (EGFRvIII)-targeted bispecific antibody that redirects T cells to eliminate EGFRvIII-expressing GBM. The absolute tumor specificity of EGFRvIII and the lack of immunologic crossreactivity with healthy cells allow this therapeutic to overcome limitations associated with the nonspecific nature of the current standard of care for GBM. Evidence indicates that the molecule can exert therapeutically significant effects in the CNS following systemic administration. Additional advantages in terms of ease-of-production and off-the-shelf availability further the clinical utility of this class of therapeutics.
Prior Experience Alters the Behavioral Response of Prey to a Nonnative Predator

Abstract Anuran larvae (tadpoles) can alter their behavior and morphology in response to predators with which they have coevolved. Furthermore, tadpoles of a few species are capable of learning, which can elicit or reinforce predator-avoidance behaviors. However, it remains unclear how widespread this capacity for learning is among anurans and whether it is biased in favor of evolutionarily familiar predators. Here, we test whether prior experiences will modify the behavioral response of Lowland Leopard Frog Lithobates (Rana) yavapaiensis tadpoles to Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, a recently introduced predator. We exposed focal tadpoles for 10 days to the chemical and visual cues of one of three conditioning treatments: a cricket-fed Green Sunfish, a tadpole-fed Green Sunfish, or a control tank without predator. Subsequently, we measured the swimming activity of focal tadpoles in response to a neutral cue (water) and the chemical cues of Green Sunfish. No difference between conditioning treatments was observed in response to the water cue. In contrast, tadpoles that had previously experienced either of the sunfish conditioning treatments displayed significantly higher swimming activity than control tadpoles for 2–4 min after exposure to the sunfish chemical cues. Our results indicate that the behavior of tadpoles can be altered by prior experiences, even in the absence of alarm cues. In addition to providing another example of learning in tadpoles, our results suggest that tadpoles may have a broad learning template that can be applied to organisms with which they have recently come into contact.
History of Ultrasound in Animal Science

The application of ultrasound to animals has had a very close relationship to medical applications, as shown by the first animal evaluation publication in the United States in 1956.1 Back fat thickness was measured on beef cattle at Colorado A & M College, now Colorado State University, with a “somascope” ultrasonic unit previously used by the group led by Douglass Howry, MD, at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Staff members from both institutions were listed as coauthors. At about this same time in Europe, industrial A-mode ultrasonic metal flaw detection equipment was used for measuring back fat thickness in pigs.2,3 At the Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, I recognized that it was important to measure muscle mass, such as rib eye depth or area, in addition to back fat thickness, for improved accuracy in predicting body composition. I first made a series of A-mode measurements at specific intervals and angles in 19594 with the Sperry Reflectoscope (Sperry Company, Danbury, CT) and a 1-MHz transducer shown in Figure 1 and then plotted the values on paper. This procedure provided better results than the single A-mode depth readings, but it was apparent that a multiposition scanning technique was required to eliminate “false” echoes and to produce better images, similar to the developments of Howry and Bliss.5 Because it was not practical to place a live animal in a “water tank,” I developed a continuous mechanical scanning procedure, as illustrated in Figure 2. An electric motor was mounted on a thick rubber belt that was placed on the animal’s back. The motor moved a transducer horizontally as it was held vertically by an operator. The movement of the camera back and film was controlled by a synchronized motor to record the image as the lens was open during the entire 10-second scan. The image on Polaroid film developed in about 1 minute (Figure 3) and was evaluated and subsequently measured. This technology was used to evaluate the fat and muscling of all the steers in the Quality Beef Contest at the International Livestock Exposition (Chicago, IL) in 1960, 1961, and 1962. These predicted carcass measurements were provided to the judges for assistance in the ranking of the live animals. Before this time, the cattle judges used only visual appraisal. There was a great need for objective evaluation because it was acknowledged that it was difficult to estimate visually what was under the hide of an animal.
Practical considerations in creating school-wide positive behavior support in public schools

School-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) has been identified as an effective and efficient method to teach students prosocial skills. It requires both effective behavior support practices and systems that will support these changes, including data-based decision making among the school leadership team. There are many practical and systemic factors that school personnel should examine before they consider themselves ready for systemic school-wide changes, including those associated with the (a) leadership team, (b) staff, (c) administration, (d) coach/facilitator, and (e) district. Practical considerations in each of these areas will be identified and discussed so that practitioners can anticipate their needs as they create effective SWPBS, particularly in low performing urban schools. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 29–39, 2007.
The Effects of Foreign Direct Investments for Host Country’s Economy

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is seen as the fundamental part for an open and successful international economic system and a major mechanism for development. In this circumstance, the paper examines the benefits of FDI as a key component for successful and sustainable economic growth and also as a part of a method to social improvement. The aim is to highlight the most important channels through which FDI makes a significant and exceptional impact on the economic development of the host countries. At the same instance, it is important to recognize that, like all things, FDI is not all good no bad. A separate discussion is devoted to the potential negative impacts of FDI flows on host economies.
Accuracy and performance of a commercially available Dosing Aid

Aim: To evaluate the recently introduced Travatan Dosing Aid (TDA) for its accuracy in recording and dispensing eyedrops. Methods: The number of eyedrops dispensed with each lever depression and agreement of total number of drops dispensed with that recorded by the device was evaluated in a controlled setting. Results: The TDA correctly recorded a drop being dispensed 100% of the time with full TDA lever depression for <3 s. Under these conditions, agreement between numbers of drops dispensed and recorded was 99%. However, failure to fully depress the lever or prolonged lever depression for >4 s resulted in unreliable TDA recording. Conclusion: Eyedrops were reliably recorded by the TDA after each full lever depression. However, patients need to be instructed about optimal technique so that evaluation of compliance is not confounded by mechanical factors.
Regulation of the Escherichia coliσE‐dependent envelope stress response

The Escherichia coliσE‐dependent stress response pathway controls the expression of genes encoding periplasmic folding catalysts, proteases, biosynthesis enzymes for lipid A (a component of lipopolysaccharide or LPS) and other proteins known or predicted to function in or produce components of the envelope. When E. coli is subjected to heat or other stresses that generate unfolded envelope proteins, σE activity is induced. Four key players in this signal transduction pathway have been identified: RseA, an inner membrane σE antisigma factor; RseB, a periplasmic protein that binds to the periplasmic face of RseA; and the DegS and YaeL proteases. The major point of regulation, the interaction between σE and RseA, is primarily controlled by the stability of RseA. Envelope stress promotes RseA degradation, which occurs by a proteolytic cascade initiated by DegS. There is evidence that one σE‐inducing stress (OmpC overexpression) directly activates DegS to cleave RseA. Secondarily, envelope stress may relieve RseB‐mediated enhancement of RseA activity. Additional levels of control upon σE activity may become evident upon further study of this stress response pathway.
Redefining Lipodystrophy Syndrome: Risks and Impact on Clinical Decision Making

Lipodystrophy syndrome comprises several conditions (lipoatrophy; lipohypertrophy; mixed syndrome, often associated with dyslipidemia; and insulin resistance). These conditions, though sometimes occurring together, may occur independently, suggesting a complex, multifactorial cause. To elucidate the relative contribution of risk factors of drug, disease, and host to fat redistribution, large epidemiologic studies using multivariate analysis were reviewed. In studies assessing lipoatrophy, the most common statistically significant risk factors were use of specific nucleoside analogues, increasing age, presence of markers of disease severity (CD4/HIV RNA), duration of therapy, and white race. In studies assessing lipohypertrophy, the most common statistically significant risk factors were duration of therapy, markers of disease severity, and protease inhibitor use. The pathogenesis of these disorders is complex, but recent hypotheses and evidence suggest that impairment to adipocyte differentiation, impairment of adipokine regulation, unopposed production of proinflammatory cytokines, dysregulation of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and mitochondrial toxicity may play a role.
Dose intensity of MOPP chemotherapy and survival in Hodgkin's disease.

The association between dose intensity of chemotherapy with the rate of complete remission (CR), the duration of disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was separately analyzed for 67 patients initially treated with mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP), and for 75 patients in relapse following radiotherapy who had received MOPP as a salvage regimen. In both groups of patients, the fraction of the total dose of mechlorethamine delivered in all cycles divided by the planned dose for six cycles was strongly associated with OS (P = .002 for patients receiving initial MOPP and P = .02 for the salvage group, respectively). B symptoms were independent of drug-derived variables associated with OS (corresponding P values .03 for initial MOPP and .004 for the salvage group). The predictive value of mechlorethamine dosage with regard to OS was retained in an analysis restricted to the patients receiving greater than or equal to six cycles of chemotherapy. In the initial chemotherapy group, mechlorethamine dosage was associated with attainment of CR but none of the variables tested was predictive of DFS. In the salvage chemotherapy group, mechlorethamine dosage was associated with attainment of CR and duration of DFS as well. The results emphasize that, besides tumor characteristics, optimal dosage of chemotherapy is of great importance for survival.
Combined Association and Linkage Analysis for General Pedigrees and Genetic Models

A combined score test for association and linkage analysis is introduced, based on a biologically plausible model with association between markers and causal genes and penetrance between phenotypes and the causal gene. The test is based on a retrospective likelihood of marker data given phenotypes, treating the alleles of the causal gene as hidden data. It is defined for arbitrary outbred pedigrees, a wide class of genetic models including polygenic and shared environmental effects and allows for missing marker data. It is multipoint, taking marker genotypes from several loci into account simultaneously. The score vector has one association and one linkage component, which can be used to define separate tests for association and linkage. For complete marker data, we give closed form expressions for the efficiency of the linkage, association and combined tests. These are examplified for binary and quantitative phenotypes with or without polygenic effects. The conclusion is that association tests are comparatively more efficient than linkage tests for strong association, weak penetrance models, small families and non-extreme phenotypes, whereas the linkage test is more efficient for weak association, strong penetrance models, large families and extreme phenotypes. The combined test is a robust alternative, which never performs much worse than the best of the linkage and association tests, and sometimes significantly better than both of them. It should be particularly useful when little is known about the genetic model.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE INHIBITORY COMPONENT OF THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

The development of inhibitory control, one component of the executive functions, during childhood and adolescence was the focus of the present study. A group of 99 participants between 6 and 17 years of age were studied using the Stroop test. Results suggest the existence of age-related differences both in response times and errors that follow a nonlinear relationship. Interference increased in the first age groups, declining from around 10 years till 17 years. Data also suggest that word reading plays an important role in the performance of the task. When reading is blocked, linear relationships between age and interference measures emerge, showing an increase in inhibitory functions during childhood and adolescence.
Rim cracking of the cross-linked longevity polyethylene acetabular liner after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Studies have suggested that cross-linked polyethylene bearings reduce wear rates from 40% to 100% compared with conventional polyethylene. However, the reduced mechanical properties of highly cross-linked polyethylene have the potential to be a limiting factor in device performance. We reviewed a series of retrieved acetabular liners with a fracture of the superior rim to assess the factors that played a role in their failure. METHODS Four Longevity acetabular bearings, which had been retrieved from two patients after seven to twenty-seven months in vivo, were visually examined for clinical damage, were assessed with use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the level of oxidation, and were analyzed for mechanical properties and fracture surface characterization. Control data were obtained from never-implanted devices and from global reference ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene bar stock as an industry calibration material. RESULTS All four retrieved liners demonstrated articular surface wear modes, which in most cases were rated as moderate, and none were rated as severe. All showed cracking or rim failure of the liner at the superior aspect along the groove in the polyethylene that engages the locking ring of the shell. The retrieved liners had no measurable oxidation, and the mechanical properties were comparable with those of never-implanted material. CONCLUSIONS There was no notable in vivo degradation of the retrieved liners. Important factors related to failure appear to be thin polyethylene at the cup rim, relatively vertical cup alignment, and the material properties of the highly cross-linked polyethylene that are decreased relative to conventional polyethylene. The critical dimension with respect to rim failure in modular liners appears to be the minimum thickness at the equatorial region.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Banking in India

The advancement of mobile communication and wireless technologies has made a rapid development in the sector of banking services using their mobile phones. A fine system with great potential has the capacity to attract a huge block of customers to opt for banking services through their mobile phones. The dynamism in the present era of technology, where many other channels are available, this mobile banking system stands alone to attract more customers to come in the net of using mobile banking services. This paper meticulously aims to investigate the factors influencing the intention of the customer to use mobile banking. It suggests an integrated model that incorporates the five antecedents namely, perceived ease of use, compatibility, social influence, security, and perceived cost on its influence on customers' decision to use mobile banking. The study results revealed that compatibility, social influence, and security in their order of influence significantly affect the customers' decision to use mobile banking. The theoretical model is empirically validated and explained 62 percent of the variance in intention to use mobile banking. The implications of this study's findings for the future research and practice are described.