Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Technique Principles, Current Evidence, and Future Perspectives

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifactorial clinical syndrome involving a rather complex pathophysiologic substrate and quite a challenging diagnosis. Exercise intolerance is a major feature of HFpEF, and in many cases, diagnosis is suspected in subjects presenting with exertional dyspnea. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a noninvasive, dynamic technique that provides an integrative evaluation of cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematopoietic, neuropsychological, and metabolic functions during maximal or submaximal exercise. The assessment is based on the principle that system failure typically occurs when the system is under stress, and thus, CPET is currently considered to be the gold standard for identifying exercise intolerance, allowing the differential diagnosis of underlying causes. CPET is used in observational studies and clinical trials in HFpEF; however, in most cases, only a few from a wide variety of CPET parameters are examined, while the technique is largely underused in everyday cardiology practice. This article discusses the basic principles and methodology of CPET and studies that utilized CPET in patients with HFpEF, in an effort to increase awareness of CPET capabilities among practicing cardiologists.
Brain volumetrics differ by Fiebig stage in acute HIV infection

Objective: People with chronic HIV exhibit lower regional brain volumes compared to people without HIV (PWOH). Whether imaging alterations observed in chronic infection occur in acute HIV infection (AHI) remains unknown. Design: Cross-sectional study of Thai participants with AHI. Methods: One hundred and twelve Thai males with AHI (age 20–46) and 18 male Thai PWOH (age 18–40) were included. Individuals with AHI were stratified into early (Fiebig I–II; n = 32) and late (Fiebig III–V; n = 80) stages of acute infection using validated assays. T1-weighted scans were acquired using a 3 T MRI performed within five days of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Volumes for the amygdala, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, pallidum, putamen, and thalamus were compared across groups. Results: Participants in late Fiebig stages exhibited larger volumes in the nucleus accumbens (8% larger; P = 0.049) and putamen (19%; P < 0.001) when compared to participants in the early Fiebig. Compared to PWOH, participants in late Fiebig exhibited larger volumes of the amygdala (9% larger; P = 0.002), caudate nucleus (11%; P = 0.005), nucleus accumbens (15%; P = 0.004), pallidum (19%; P = 0.001), and putamen (31%; P < 0.001). Brain volumes in the nucleus accumbens, pallidum, and putamen correlated modestly with stimulant use over the past four months among late Fiebig individuals (Ps < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings indicate that brain volume alterations occur in acute infection, with the most prominent differences evident in the later stages of AHI. Additional studies are needed to evaluate mechanisms for possible brain disruption following ART, including viral factors and markers of neuroinflammation.
Granuloma Presence at Initial Surgery Predicts Need for Repeat Surgery Independent of Rutgeerts Score in Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND Approximately half of Crohn's disease (CD) patients experience recurrence and need for repeat resections, highlighting need for prognostic biomarkers. Presence of epithelioid granuloma on surgical tissue and high Rutgeerts endoscopic score are associated with postoperative CD clinical recurrence. We sought to evaluate presence of epithelioid granuloma at first surgery and Rutgeerts score as a combined risk assessment for CD surgical recurrence. METHODS Our study included consented CD patients who underwent initial ileocecal resection and were prospectively followed postoperatively. From 2009 to 2019, 418 CD patients underwent initial ileocecal resection with >4 years of follow-up, including postoperative endoscopic assessment (Rutgeerts score). RESULTS Postoperative CD patients were grouped based on granuloma presence (30.6%; n = 128) or absence (69.4%; n = 290). Endoscopic recurrence (defined as Rutgeerts score ≥i2) was similar between the granuloma (26%) and no granuloma (25%) groups, respectively (P = .82). Patients with granuloma and CD endoscopic recurrence at first postoperative endoscopy had higher number of bowel surgeries compared with all other groups (no granuloma or CD endoscopic recurrence, P = .007; no granuloma but CD endoscopic recurrence present, P = .04; granuloma present and no CD endoscopic recurrence, P = .04). Epithelioid granuloma presence was associated with 1.65 times higher risk of subsequent surgery independently from first postoperative endoscopic recurrence Rutgeerts score. CONCLUSIONS Granuloma presence on initial surgical histology is immediately available and identifies high-risk CD patients who may benefit from early postoperative treatment, and these precision intervention trials are warranted.
The Sonority Sequencing Principle in Sanandaji/Erdelani Kurdish An Optimality Theoretical Perspective

The aim of this article is to study Sanandaji consonant clusters in relation with their conformity to the principle of sonority sequencing. Analyzing the data provided in this paper, we found out that, of the three kinds of consonant clusters existing in all languages, only core clusters—clusters that conform to the sonority sequencing principle (SSP)—are found in Sanandaji, and therefore the arrangement and combination of segments to make syllables in this dialect of Kurdish is absolutely governed by the SSP. Applying principles of Optimality Theory on the data, the relative ranking of syllable structure constraints is determined, the outcome of which is deriving surface phonotactic patterns through the interaction of markedness and faithfulness constraints.
A Simple Lemma on Greedy Approximation in Hilbert Space and Convergence Rates for Projection Pursuit Regression and Neural Network Training

A general convergence criterion for certain iterative sequences in Hilbert space is presented. For an important subclass of these sequences, estimates of the rate of convergence are given. Under very mild assumptions these results establish an 0(1/ F4n) nonsampling convergence rate for projection pursuit regression and neural network training; where n represents the number of ridge functions, neurons or coefficients in a greedy basis expansion.
Neonatal Golden Hour: a review of current best practices and available evidence

Purpose of review Recommendations made by several scientific bodies advocate for adoption of evidence-based interventions during the first 60 min of postnatal life, also known as the ‘Golden Hour’, to better support the fetal-to-neonatal transition. Implementation of a Golden Hour protocol leads to improved short-term and long-term outcomes, especially in extremely premature and extreme low-birth-weight (ELBW) neonates. Unfortunately, several recent surveys have highlighted persistent variability in the care provided to this vulnerable population in the first hour of life. Recent findings Since its first adoption in the neonatal ICU (NICU) in 2009, published literature shows a consistent benefit in establishing a Golden Hour protocol. Improved short-term outcomes are reported, including reductions in hypothermia and hypoglycemia, efficiency in establishing intravenous access, and timely initiation of fluids and medications. Additionally, long-term outcomes report decreased risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Summary Critical to the success and sustainability of any Golden Hour initiative is recognition of the continuous educational process involving multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure coordination between providers in the delivery room and beyond. Standardization of practices in the care of extremely premature neonates during the first hour of life leads to improved outcomes. Video Abstract http://links.lww. com/MOP/A68.
Omecamtiv mecarbil augments cardiomyocyte contractile activity both at resting and systolic Ca2+ levels

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity. Recent positive inotropic drug developments focused on cardiac myofilaments, that is, direct activators of the myosin molecule and Ca2+ sensitizers for patients with advanced HFrEF. Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is the first direct myosin activator with promising results in clinical studies. Here, we aimed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the positive inotropic effect of OM in a comparative in vitro investigation where Ca2+‐sensitizing positive inotropic agents with distinct mechanisms of action [EMD 53998 (EMD), which also docks on the myosin molecule, and levosimendan (Levo), which binds to troponin C] were included.
Refractive Scintillation in the Interstellar Medium

It is shown here that the large-scale component of interstellar scintillation which causes the slow variation in the apparent intensity of pulsars on time scales of days to months can be greatly enhanced when the turbulence spectrum has a limiting inner scale of the order 10 to the 9th m. This solution is extended to the spherical diverging geometry appropriate for a pulsar embedded in the ISM, and a similar enhancement is found. A comparison of this solution with pulsar observations is used to place bounds on the inner scale of the ISM. 39 references.
Older Adults in Action: Using Action Research to Address Neighborhood Change

ABSTRACT Older adults face distinct challenges amidst changing neighborhood conditions, yet also bring distinct resources to aid their communities. After considering the literature related to well-being in older adulthood, the effects of neighborhood change on older adults, and older adults and social action, this paper explores the experiences of older adults in the Neighborhood Story Project. This action research project engages a group of neighbors to identify a set of research questions about their community, conduct place-based inquiry, and take action based on their learning. This study considers the degree to which the Neighborhood Story Project constitutes a macro therapeutic intervention. Drawing on observational and interview data with participants in seven Neighborhood Story Projects, this study explores the resources older adults brought to the project, what they personally gained from participating, and how their work benefited the broader community. The paper concludes with implications for macro-therapeutic interventions with older adults living through neighborhood change.
Gravity‐Wave Observations Using an Array of Microbarographs In the Alearic Islands

Time series of surface pressure from an array of microbarographs in the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) are used to obtain wavelength, phase speed and direction of propagation of gravity waves on the Balearic Islands. These pressure waves are commonly found during the summer and they force the large seal-level oscillations observed in the inlet of Ciutadella; a phenomenon locally known as ‘rissaga’. Four events are described here, each of which has a duration of between 30 and 48 hours. Radiosonde data from Palma de Mallorca are used to relate the waves to the vertical structure of the atmosphere. the various source mechanisms of these waves and also the possibility of the existence of a duct layer trapping the wave energy near the surface are discussed. the waves are found to have no significant variation of phase speed with frequency and so they are basically non-dispersive. This is an indicator pointing either to a local generation of gravity waves by wind-shear instability or to the existence of neutral trapped waves, in the lower troposphere.
Advances in imaging techniques to assess kidney fibrosis

Abstract As a sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, renal fibrosis is an irreversible and alarming pathological change. The accurate diagnosis of renal fibrosis depends on the widely used renal biopsy, but this diagnostic modality is invasive and can easily lead to sampling error. With the development of imaging techniques, an increasing number of noninvasive imaging techniques, such as multipara meter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound elastography, have gained attention in assessing kidney fibrosis. Depending on their ability to detect changes in tissue stiffness and diffusion of water molecules, ultrasound elastography and some MRI techniques can indirectly assess the degree of fibrosis. The worsening of renal tissue oxygenation and perfusion measured by blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI and arterial spin labeling MRI separately is also an indirect reflection of renal fibrosis. Objective and quantitative indices of fibrosis may be available in the future by using novel techniques, such as photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence microscopy. However, these imaging techniques are susceptible to interference or may not be convenient. Due to the lack of sufficient specificity and sensitivity, these imaging techniques are neither widely accepted nor proposed by clinicians. These obstructions must be overcome by conducting technology research and more prospective studies. In this review, we emphasize the recent advancement of these noninvasive imaging techniques and provide clinicians a continuously updated perspective on the assessment of kidney fibrosis.
Onderzoeksnotitie: De voorspelling van werkstress in Nederland en Vlaanderen

In dit onderzoek passen we eenzelfde onderzoeksmodel, gebaseerd op het JD-R-model (Demerouti et al., 2001), toe op vier onafhankelijk van elkaar verzamelde, omvangrijke en heterogene datasets: de TNO Arbeidssituatie Survey (TAS) uit 2002 en 2004 en de Vlaamse Werkbaarheidsmonitor (WBM) uit 2004 en 2007. Van het onderzoeksmodel zijn twee varianten ontwikkeld: een louter additief model dat alleen de hoofdeffecten van de onafhankelijke variabelen omvat, en een multiplicatief model dat daarnaast ook de interactietermen tussen alle onafhankelijke variabelen insluit.
Hippocampal Neuronal Activity Preceding Stimulus Predicts Later Memory Success

Abstract Hippocampal neuronal activity at a time preceding stimulus onset affects episodic memory performance. We hypothesized that neuronal activity preceding an event supports successful memory formation; therefore, we explored whether a characterized encoding-associated brain activity, viz. the neuronal activity preceding a stimulus, predicts subsequent memory formation. To address this issue, we assessed the activity of single neurons recorded from the hippocampus in humans, while participants performed word memory tasks. Human hippocampal single-unit activity elicited by a fixation cue preceding words increased the firing rates (FRs) and predicted whether the words are recalled in a subsequent memory test; this indicated that successful memory formation in humans can be predicted by a preceding stimulus activity during encoding. However, the predictive effect of preceding stimulus activity did not occur during retrieval. These findings suggest that the preparative arrangement of brain activity before stimulus encoding improves subsequent memory performance.
BDNF as a biomarker for neuropathic pain: Consideration of mechanisms of action and associated measurement challenges

The primary objective of this paper is to (1) provide a summary of human studies that have used brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker, (2) review animal studies that help to elucidate the mechanistic involvement of BDNF in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain (NP), and (3) provide a critique of the existing measurement techniques to highlight the limitations of the methods utilized to quantify BDNF in different biofluids in the blood (i.e., serum and plasma) with the intention of presenting a case for the most reliable and valid technique. Lastly, this review also explores potential moderators that can influence the measurement of BDNF and provides recommendations to standardize its quantification to reduce the inconsistencies across studies.
Ultimate bearing capacity of equally spaced multiple strip footings on cohesionless soils without surcharge

The ultimate bearing capacity of a group of equally spaced multiple rough strip footings was determined due to the contribution of soil unit weight. The analysis was performed by using an upper bound theorem of limit analysis in combination with finite elements and linear programming. Along the interfaces of all the triangular elements, velocity discontinuities were considered. The value of ξγ was found to increase continuously with a decrease in S/B, where (i) ξγ is the ratio of the failure load of an interfering strip footing of a given width (B) to that of a single isolated strip footing having the same width and (ii) S is the clear spacing between any two adjacent footings. The effect of the variation of spacing on ξγ was found to be very extensive for small values of S/B; ξγ approaches infinity at S/B=0. In all the cases, the velocity discontinuities were found to exist generally in a zone only around the footing edge. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on the Black Race Coefficient in Serum Creatinine–Based Estimation of GFR

Visual Abstract Background The cause for differences in serum creatinine between Black and non-Black individuals incorporated into prior GFR-estimating equations is not understood. We explored whether social determinants of health can account for this difference. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort studies (N=1628 and 1423, respectively). Data in both study cohorts were stratified by race (Black versus non-Black). We first evaluated the extent to which the coefficient of Black race in estimating GFR from creatinine is explained by correlations of race with social determinants of health and non-GFR determinants of creatinine. Second, we evaluated whether the difference between race groups in adjusted mean creatinine can be explained by social determinants of health and non-GFR determinants of creatinine. Results In models regressing measured GFR on creatinine, age, sex, and race, the coefficient for Black race was 21% (95% confidence interval, 0.176 to 0.245) in Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and 13% (95% confidence interval, 0.097 to 0.155) in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort and was not attenuated by the addition of social determinants of health, alone or in combination. In both studies, the coefficient for Black race was larger at lower versus higher income levels. In models, regressing creatinine on measured GFR, age, and sex, mean creatinine was higher in Black versus non-Black participants in both studies, with no effect of social determinants of health. Conclusions Adjustment for selected social determinants of health did not influence the relationship between Black race and creatinine-based estimated GFR.
Trait Machiavellianism and Agentic Career Success: A Multi-Measure, Multi-Criteria, Multi-Source Analysis

Abstract The Five-Factor Machiavellianism Inventory (FFMI) was specifically designed to rectify validity concerns with traditional measures of Machiavellianism. In this study with 550 career targets and 1,127 knowledgeable informants at work from a broad range of occupations and organizations we tested whether the FFMI outperforms traditional measures of Machiavellianism in the prediction of agentic career success using a multifaceted range of proximal and distal career outcomes. Apparent sincerity is a social skill that enables individuals to instill trust and confidence while disguising other intentions. We tested whether apparent sincerity partially mediates the relation of the FFMI with career success. We controlled for gender, human capital, and kind of employment. The results show that the FFMI was a better predictor of agentic career success than traditional Machiavellianism scales. Apparent sincerity partially mediated the FFMI-career success relation. Agency directly and indirectly predicted career success. Planfulness indirectly predicted career success. Antagonism neither directly nor indirectly predicted career success. These results support that the FFMI covers with its dimensions the full range of trait Machiavellianism with reference to criterion validity.
Estimating mean population salt intake using spot urine samples in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Little is known about the usefulness of spot urine testing compared with 24-h urine samples to estimate salt intake in low-income settings. This is given 24-h urinary collection can be costly, burdensome, and impractical in population surveys. The primary objective of the study was to compare urinary sodium levels (as an estimate of salt intake) of Nepalese population between 24-h urine and spot urine using previously established spot urine-based equations. Additionally, this study explored the 24-h prediction of creatinine and potassium excretion from spot urine samples using available prediction equations. Methods: The sample population was derived from the community-based survey conducted in Nepal in 2018. Mean salt intake was estimated from spot urine samples comparing previously published equations, and this was then contrasted with mean salt intake estimations from 24-h urine samples, using paired t test, Pearson correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman plots. Results: A total of 451 participants provided both complete 24-h and morning spot urine samples. Unweighted mean (±SD) salt intake based on 24-h urine collection was 13.28 ± 4.72 g/day. The corresponding estimates were 15.44 ± 5.92 g/day for the Kawasaki, 11.06 ± 3.17 g/day for the Tanaka, 15.22 ± 16.72 g/day for the Mage, 10.66 ± 3.35 g/day for the Toft, 8.57 ± 1.72 g/day for the INTERSALT with potassium, 8.51 ± 1.73 g/day for the INTERSALT without potassium, 7.88 ± 1.94 g/day for the Whitton, 18.13 ± 19.92 g/day for the Uechi simple-mean and 12.07 ± 1.77 g/day using the Uechi regression. As compared with 24-h urine estimates, all equations showed significant mean differences (biases); the Uechi regression had the least difference with 9% underestimation (−1.21 g/day, P < 0.001). Proportional biases were evident for all equations depending on the level of salt intake in the Bland–Altman plots. Conclusion: None of the included spot urine-based equations accurately corresponded to 24-h salt intake in the present study. These equations may be useful for longitudinal monitoring of population salt intake in Nepal, our study highlights that there are limitations on using existing equations for estimating mean salt intake in Nepali population. Further studies are warranted for accuracy and validation.
Acousto-optic-modulator-stabilized low-threshold mode-locked Nd:YVO4 laser

A substantially low-threshold, kilohertz repetition rate and laser-diode-array pumped Nd:YVO4 laser, actively Q switched by an acousto-optic modulator and passively mode locked by a nonlinear mirror consisting of a KTiOPO4, second harmonic generating crystal, and a dichroic output coupler, is demonstrated with enhanced efficiency. The mode-locked pulses with a width of 11.5ps lie underneath a Q-switched envelope having a width of 58ns with a Q-switched modulation frequency of 40kHz. For 10W of pump power, a peak power of 719kW is obtained under stable Q-switched and mode-locked operation, which is a marked improvement compared to the earlier reports.