Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphine is a reasonable alternative to haloperidol in the treatment of postoperative hyperactive-type delirium after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES Patients who undergo cardiac surgery have an increased risk of delirium. Currently, there are few choices of treatment for postoperative hyperactive delirium in cardiac surgical patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of morphine compared with a haloperidol-based regimen in hyperactive-type delirium in patients after cardiac surgery. DESIGN A prospective, randomized clinical study. SETTING A single community hospital. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-three consecutive, adult, delirious patients. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized into 2 groups; in group 1, patients received 5mg of haloperidol intramuscularly and in group 2, patients received 5mg of morphine sulfate intramuscularly to control delirium symptoms. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS During the second and third hour of the morphine treatment, statistically low Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale scores were found and the target Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale scores percentages were statistically higher than those of the haloperidol group (p = 0.042 and p = 0.028, respectively). The number of patients requiring additive sedatives was significantly more in the haloperidol group when compared with the morphine group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION During the treatment of patients, it was determined that the patients who were receiving morphine treatment responded more quickly compared with the patients receiving haloperidol treatment. Morphine was found to be a reasonable alternative to haloperidol in the treatment of postoperative hyperactive delirious patients after cardiac surgery.
Tissue Specific Expression of Different Human ReceptorTypes for Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptideand Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide: Implications fortheir Role in Human Physiology

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are two structurally related peptides with pleiotropic physiological effects. Biochemical and cloning experiments have demonstrated that there are two structurally distinct receptors which recognize PACAP and VIP peptides with similar affinities (PACAP/VIP R‐1, PACAP/VIP R‐2), as well as a receptor that is specific for the PACAP peptide (PACAP‐Type 1 receptor). Using a homology‐based cloning strategy we have identified PACAP/VIP R‐2 receptor in human adipocytes, a tissue which was not previously identified as a target for PACAP and VIP action. This receptor type recognizes PACAP‐38 and VIP with similar affinity with inhibition concentrations of IC50=6.2±4.8 nM for PACAP‐38 and IC50=9.4±4.6 nM for VIP. Like the other two PACAP receptor types, PACAP/VIP R‐2 is coupled to cAMP‐mediated signal transduction pathway with effective doses ED50=3.2±1.6 nM and ED50=2.2±0.9 nM for PACAP‐38 and VIP respectively. Transcripts of the common PACAP/VIP R‐2 are also found in human brain and a number of peripheral tissues, such as pancreas, muscle, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and low levels in the liver. Comparison of the tissue distribution of the human PACAP/VIP R‐2 to that of the other two types of human PACAP receptors (PACAP‐Type 1 and the other common PACAP/VIP R‐1) by RNase protection showed that each of the three PACAP receptors is expressed in a unique set of human peripheral tissues. RNA transcripts for all three PACAP receptor types are found in human heart, brain and adipose tissue, while PACAP/VIP R‐2 is the only one of these three receptor types that is expressed in the pancreas and skeletal muscle. These results suggest a novel and not yet characterized role for PACAP and VIP peptides in the neuroendocrine regulation of insulin‐glucose homeostasis.
Big Data Considerations for Rural Property Professionals

The promise of “big data” has been praised by the popular media. Concepts and impediments surrounding big data are discussed relative to both the current status and anticipated direction of the industry. Rural property professionals, such as farm managers and rural appraisers, have an opportunity to position themselves and their clients to make effective use of big data. Topics relevant to big data in agriculture include farmland values, lease arrangements, data ownership, data as an asset and its valuation, and the ramifications of wireless connectivity. The challenges that rural property professionals may encounter when integrating big data into their portfolio of services are described.
Single flux, quantum B flip-flop and its possible applications

We are introducing a new subfamily of rapid single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) digital cells, based on a single B flip-flop template. The template can be considered as an SFQ flip-flop with up to 4 inputs and 6 outputs. Each input SFQ pulse can change the flip-flop's internal state. Each output presents (in the form of SFQ pulses a specific logic function of the initial state of the cell and input signals. Simple connection of various inputs and/or outputs, combined with shortening or opening of certain branches of the template allows one to implement a variety of RSFQ cells with wide margins. Of these various RSFQ cells, we have designed and successfully tested the T1 cell (asynchronous toggle flip-flop with synchronous destructive readout), single-bit full adder, and single-bit stage of an up-down counter. Experimentally measured margins for dc power supply voltage for these circuits were /spl plusmn/24%, /spl plusmn/24%, and /spl plusmn/17%, respectively. <<ETX>>
ChimneySpector: Autonomous MAV-based indoor chimney inspection employing 3D laser localization and textured surface reconstruction

Inspection of industrial chimneys and smoke pipes induces high costs due to production downtimes and imposes risks to the health of human workers due to high temperatures and toxic gases. We aim at speeding up and automating this process with sensors mounted on multicopters. To acquire high quality sensor data, flying close to the walls of the chimney is inevitable, imposing high demands on good localization and fast and reliable control. In this paper, we present an integrated chimney inspection robot based on a small lightweight flying platform, well-suited for maneuvering in narrow space. For navigation and obstacle avoidance, it is equipped with a multimodal sensor setup including a lightweight 3D laser scanner, stereo cameras, and a high-resolution camera for surface inspection. We tested our system in a mock-up chimney modeling several surfaces found in real chimneys, and present results from autonomous flights and the reconstruction of the chimney surface.
Phylogeny and PCR–based classification of Wolbachia strains using wsp gene sequences

Wolbachia are a group of intracellular inherited bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods. They are associated with a number of different reproductive phenotypes in their hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis and feminization. While it is known that the bacterial strains responsible for these different host phenotypes form a single clade within the α–Proteobacteria, until now it has not been possible to resolve the evolutionary relationships between differentWolbachia strains. To address this issue we have cloned and sequenced a gene encoding a surface protein ofWolbachia (wsp) from a representative sample of 28Wolbachia strains. The sequences from this gene were highly variable and could be used to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of differentWolbachia strains. Based on the sequence of thewsp gene from differentWolbachia isolates we propose that theWolbachia pipientis clade be initially divided into 12 groups. As more sequence information becomes available we expect the number of such groups to increase. In addition, we present a method ofWolbachia classification based on the use of group–specificwsp PCR primers which will allowWolbachia isolates to be typed without the need to clone and sequence individualWolbachia genes. This system should facilitate future studies investigating the distribution and biology ofWolbachia strains from large samples of different host species.
Crl Activates Transcription Initiation of RpoS-Regulated Genes Involved in the Multicellular Behavior of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, the stationary-phase sigma factor σS (RpoS) is required for virulence, stress resistance, biofilm formation, and development of the rdar morphotype. This morphotype is a multicellular behavior characterized by expression of the adhesive extracellular matrix components cellulose and curli fimbriae. The Crl protein of Escherichia coli interacts with σS and activates expression of σS-regulated genes, such as the csgBAC operon encoding the subunit of the curli proteins, by an unknown mechanism. Here, we showed using in vivo and in vitro experiments that the Crl protein of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium is required for development of a typical rdar morphotype and for maximal expression of the csgD, csgB, adrA, and bcsA genes, which are involved in curli and cellulose biosynthesis. In vitro transcription assays and potassium permanganate reactivity experiments with purified His6-Crl showed that Crl directly activated σS-dependent transcription initiation at the csgD and adrA promoters. We observed no effect of Crl on σ70-dependent transcription. Crl protein levels increased during the late exponential and stationary growth phases in Luria-Beratani medium without NaCl at 28°C. We obtained complementation of the crl mutation by increasing σS levels. This suggests that Crl has a major physiological impact at low concentrations of σS.
Stress and recovery in junior doctors

Objective Junior doctors are thought to experience increased mental strain in comparison to other occupations. The aim of the present study was to analyse selected work related influencing factors of strain and recovery in junior doctors. Methods In September 2006, 1494 young doctors were asked to participate in a postal questionnaire study featuring the Recovery Stress Questionnaire (RESTQ) and additional questions on job specific risk factors. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses the answers of 637 participants with less than 1.5 years work experience in patient care were analysed. Results Results revealed that overtime work, as well as lack of performance related feedback from supervisors, were consistently related to increased levels of strain among junior doctors. These risk factors were also predominantly related to recovery. In addition, feedback from colleagues was significantly associated with the recovery sub-scales (except with sleep quality). Conclusions Overtime work and performance related feedback from supervisors seem to be important work related factors concerning junior doctors' levels of strain and recovery. In addition, performance feedback from colleagues seems to be a major resource for recovery. The findings have implications regarding work time regulations and the necessity of leadership skill development training regarding feedback talks and fostering a desirable social climate in the healthcare system for the wellbeing of junior doctors.
Absence of oligomeric murein intermediates in Escherichia coli

The intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of murein were examined in two strains of Escherichia coli to determine whether they synthesized oligomeric precursors in vivo. No oligomeric precursors could be detected; the only intermediates found were the previously described UDP-N-acetylmuramyl peptides, and the two lipid-linked compounds, N-acetylglucosamyl-N-acetylmuramyl-(pentapeptide)-pyrophosphoryl-undecaprenol and N-acetylmuramyl-(pentapeptide)-pyrophosphoryl-undecaprenol. It was concluded that lipid-linked monomers are directly incorporated into the murein sacculus in vivo and do not pass through an oligomeric stage.
Energy and Entropy Flow in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers: A Thermodynamic Approach

Current high-capacity and long-reach optical fiber links would not be possible without optical amplification. Especially the use of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) has revolutionized optical communication systems during the last two decades. Although the amplification process and various effects occurring in rare earth doped amplifiers have been already well understood and accurately modeled, evolution of thermodynamic entropy and other thermodynamic aspects have not been sufficiently considered in the past. This paper analyzes the amplification process in EDFA from the thermodynamic point of view and proposes a novel modeling approach to evaluate both energy and entropy dynamics. The model is described in detail and some exemplary numerical results are presented.
The Unsafe Regions and Health Implications of the Deposition of Heavy Metals in Nigeria ‘ A Systematic Review Focusing on Lead and Cadmium ’

Pollution of the environment with heavy metals is a great problem to public health. Heavy metal contamination from industries, fertilizer, liming materials and agrochemicals has been a significant issue. Water bodies and soil used by humans and animals are been polluted with these metals and these results to health challenges mostly in developing countries like Nigeria where there are little or no measures to control environmental pollution as well as waste management. Rapid increase in population growth and industrialization with inadequate waste treatment and disposal is a great challenge in developing world. Lead and cadmium deposition is a major public health issue because they are harmful when ingested at low concentration. A systematic literature review approach was carried out and a total of nine studies were obtained, all related to heavy metals in Nigeria with cadmium, lead or cadmium and lead included in each study. The result from this study shows the concentration of lead and cadmium above the tolerance limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in samples analyzed from each of the study which ranged from soil, water, pediatric syrups, cosmetics, meat and battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria. Contributing factors to these are the lack of treatment and quality monitoring of industrial wastewater, improper disposal of wastewater, lack of public awareness and site for industrial activities which are close to residential areas. Results obtained from this study imply that heavy metal pollution in Nigeria is a major challenge as such government and non-governmental bodies need to provide measures in other to control the deposition of toxic metals and other waste in the country.
Automatic syntactic analysis of free text

Problems encountered under the syntactic analysis of free text documents are discussed. As these problems are of general interest in nonautomatic or automatic syntactic indexing or search systems, these problems are presented in detail. The system called COPSY (context operator syntax), which uses natural language processing techniques during fully automatic syntactic analysis (indexing and search) of free text documents is described. Applications under real world conditions are mentioned as well as evaluation and technical aspects. Further developments in the field of thesaurus building and full‐text analysis using the linguistic algorithms of the syntactic retrieval system are outlined. COPSY was developed as part of a text processing project at Siemens, called TINA (Text‐In halts‐Analyse: text content analysis). Software from TINA is actually being tested by the U.S. Department of Commerce for patent search and indexing. © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Self‐Assessment of Cultural and Linguistic Competence in an Ambulatory Health System

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The University Health System (UHS) leaders organized a comprehensive planning process of its ambulatory care system. As part of this planning process, UHS assessed the cultural and linguistic competence of its outpatient environment. This assessment was conducted within the context of standards outlined in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2001) Standards for Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Services, using a multimethod approach. This multimethod approach included (1) a review of the organizational profile, (2) a review of organizational documents, (3) a review of policies and procedures, (4) clinic site visits, (5) a staff survey, (6) patient and provider focus groups, and (7) interviews with key stakeholders in the community. Generally, the UHS was found to have several strengths that enable it to continue meeting the medical needs of its target populations. To develop greater capacity in the areas of cultural and linguistic competencies, the UHS should continue to promote respect for diversity by focusing on attitudes; beliefs; behaviors; practices; and communication patterns associated with race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, historical and social context, physical or mental ability, age, gender, sexual orientation, generational status, and acculturation level. Recommendations for achieving a more culturally competent healthcare organization are provided.
Predicting the carcinogenicity of chemicals with alternative approaches: recent advances

Introduction: Alternative approaches to the rodent bioassay are necessary for early identification of problematic drugs and biocides during the development process, and are the only practicable tool for assessing environmental chemicals with no or adequate safety documentation. Areas covered: This review informs on: i) the traditional prescreening through genotoxicity testing; ii) an integrative approach that assesses DNA-reactivity and ability to disorganize tissues; iii) new applications of omics technologies (ToxCast/Tox21 project); iv) a pragmatic approach aimed at filling data gaps by intrapolating/extrapolating from similar chemicals (read-across, category formation). The review also approaches the issue of the concerns about false-positive and false-negative results that prevents a wider acceptance and use of alternatives. Expert opinion: The review addresses strengths and limitations of various proposals, and concludes on the need of differential approaches to the issue of false negatives and false positives. False negatives can be eliminated or reduced below the variability of the animal assay with conservative quantitative structure−activity relationships or in vitro tests; false positives can be cleared with ad hoc mechanistically based follow-ups. This framework can permit a reduction of animal testing and a better protection of human health.
Rosiglitazone reduces microalbuminuria and blood pressure independently of glycemia in type 2 diabetes patients with microalbuminuria

Objective To test the hypothesis that rosiglitazone combined with metformin provides a greater reduction in microalbuminuria and blood pressure than metformin and glyburide at comparable levels of glycemic control. Methods In a double-blind, parallel-group design 389 participants with type 2 diabetes were followed for 32 weeks. Results Urinary albumin: creatinine ratio was significantly reduced at 32 weeks compared with baseline in the rosiglitazone plus metformin group (−22.7%; P < 0.01) but not in the glyburide plus metformin comparator group (−7.1%; P = 0.32). Patients who completed the study (81.5%) demonstrated a treatment difference of −19.5% (P = 0.03), favoring the rosiglitazone group. Rosiglitazone plus metformin reduced both mean 24-h systolic (−3.4 mmHg; P = 0.01) and diastolic (−2.5 mmHg; P < 0.01) ambulatory blood pressure compared with glyburide plus metformin. Addition of rosiglitazone to metformin also reduced levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen and activity, C-reactive protein, von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen compared with addition of glyburide. Conclusions Rosiglitazone added to background therapy with metformin provides greater reductions in microalbuminuria and blood pressure as compared with glyburide. These additional improvements in microalbuminuria, blood pressure and cardiovascular biomarkers were observed despite comparable improvements in glycemic control in both groups and may be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of rosiglitazone.
Validity of Pulp-to-Palm Distance as a Measure of Finger Flexion

This study investigated the validity of pulp-to-palm distance measures as clinical indicators of finger flexion capacity. Pulp-to-palm distance and goniometry of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints were measured by a single tester in 50 patients with abnormal digital flexion using a computerized hand assessment system. The correlation between pulp-to-palm distance measurements and total finger flexion measures obtained by goniometry, was moderate (r = −0.46 and −0.51). This indicates that the measures are not interchangeable. The relationship between an upper extremity disability score (DASH) and restricted motion was stronger for the goniometric measurements (r = 0.45, P<0.01) than for the pulp-to-palm distance measurements (r<0.30, P>0.01). Both types of range of motion measurements were able to discriminate between minimal and substantial upper extremity disability. Further methodological evaluation is required to support the use of pulp-to-palm distance measures as an outcome indicator.
Extensive analysis of the human platelet proteome by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry

Platelets play a key role in the control of bleeding and wound healing, contributing to the formation of vascular plugs. Under pathologic circumstances, they are involved in thrombotic disorders, including heart disease. Since platelets do not have a nucleus, proteomics offers a powerful alternative approach to provide data on protein expression in these cells, helping to address their biology. In this publication we extend the previously reported analysis of the pI 4–5 region of the human platelet proteome to the pI 5–11 region. By using narrow pI range two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) for protein separation followed by high‐throughput tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for protein identification, we were able to identify 760 protein features, corresponding to 311 different genes, resulting in the annotation of 54% of the pI 5–11 range 2‐DE proteome map. We evaluated the physicochemical properties and functions of the identified platelet proteome. Importantly, the main group of proteins identified is involved in intracellular signalling and regulation of the cytoskeleton. In addition, 11 hypothetical proteins are reported. In conclusion, this study provides a unique inventory of the platelet proteome, contributing to our understanding of platelet function and building the basis for the identification of new drug targets.