Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal Jugular Vein Occlusion Test for Rapid Diagnosis of Misplaced Subclavian Vein Catheter into the Internal Jugular Vein

Background During subclavian vein catheterization, the most common misplacement of the catheter is cephalad, into the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (IJV). This can be detected by chest radiography. However, after any repositioning of the catheter, subsequent chest radiography is required. In an effort to simplify the detection of a misplaced subclavian vein catheter, the authors assessed a previously published detection method. Methods One hundred adult patients scheduled for subclavian vein cannulation were included in this study. After placement of subclavian vein catheter, chest radiography was performed. While the x-ray film was being processed, the authors performed an IJV occlusion test by applying external pressure on the IJV for approximately 10 s in the supraclavicular area and observed the change in central venous pressure and its waveform pattern. The observations thus obtained were compared with the position of catheter in chest radiographs, and the sensitivity and specificity of this method were evaluated using a 2 × 2 table. Results In 96 patients, subclavian vein cannulation was successfully performed. In four patients, cannulation was unsuccessful; therefore, these patients were excluded from the study. There were six misplacements of venous catheters as detected by radiography. In five (5.2%) patients, the catheter tip was located in the ipsilateral IJV, and in one (1.02%), the catheter tip was located in the contralateral subclavian vein. In the patients who had a misplaced catheter into the IJV, IJV occlusion test results were positive, with an increase of 3–5 mmHg in central venous pressure, whereas the test results were negative in patients who had normally placed catheters or misplacement of a catheter other than in the IJV. There were no false-positive or false-negative test results. Conclusion The IJV occlusion test successfully detects the misplacement of subclavian vein catheter into the IJV. However, it does not detect any other misplacement. The test may allow avoidance of repeated exposure to x-rays after catheter insertion and repositioning.
Fat Talk Between Friends: Co-Rumination About Physical Appearance

FAT TALK BETWEEN FRIENDS: CO-RUMINATION ABOUT PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Jonathan A. Rudiger, M.A. Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, 2010 Director: Dr. Barbara A. Winstead In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of social and interpersonal factors that influence emotional adjustment and body image. Co-rumination is a new construct in the friendship literature which refers to discussing problems excessively and sharing negative feelings within the context of a close relationship. However, there is a lack of research with regard to the specific content of co-ruminative dialogues. In the body image literature, the term "fat talk" was coined to describe a negative, appearance focused dialogue that takes place in the context of female social circles. There have been no studies examining the "fat talk" phenomenon within the context of close female friendships. The present study attempted to unite the relatively new constructs of co-rumination and fat talk, while making unique contributions to their respective literatures. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of appearance-specific co-rumination (i.e., fat talk between friends; FTBF), specifically as it relates to women's body image, emotional adjustment, and friendship quality. A total of 209 women from Old Dominion University completed an online battery of questionnaires. The results revealed that FTBF was related to body image cognitive distortions and disturbed eating attitudes, yet it was paradoxically related to perceived friendship quality. These findings suggest that FTBF involves adjustment trade-offs, in that, it seems to positively contribute to friendship quality while negatively impacting
A high gain patch antenna using near zero-index metamaterial coating

In this paper, a high gain patch antenna using a near-zero-index metamaterial (NZIM) coating is presented for operating at 4.35 GHz. The proposed NZIM unit-cell is investigated and analyzed by both theoretical and numerical methods. It is shown that the designed NZIM unit-cell has a near refraction index characteristic at 4.25–4.45 GHz, which overlaps with the operating bands of the reference antenna. By covering a single layer NZIM coating with 4×4 cells over a conventional microstrip antenna, a gain enhancement of 2.8 dBi is achieved in comparison with the original antenna.
The impact of controversy on the production of scientific knowledge

Much of the existing literature employing the framework of controversy focuses on the science-policy interface. However a clear gap exists regarding the way(s) in which controversy may fundamentally shape the production of scientific knowledge itself. This research uses the debate about climate change as a case study to understand the impact of controversy on the production of scientific knowledge, focusing in particular on the interrelated elements of scientific practice and the agency of individual scientists. Based on 63 research interviews with climate scientists, 'sceptical voices' about climate change and others, it finds that whereas the majority of climate scientists do not consider sceptical voices to have an impact on scientific practice, the vast majority do identify impacts on scientific agency. The predominant type of agency-related impact is increased caution, followed by disruption, a greater focus on communication, defensiveness and reluctance to publicly engage. It is argued that scientists’ ability to distinguish between impacts on agency and practice is both a performative expression of Gieryn’s (1999) notion of boundary work and a function of controversy, with the greater the impact of controversy, the less fluid and contingent the boundary between the two. Boundary work is thus a more active and explicit process under conditions of public scientific controversy, as scientists work to ensure the independence and unassailability of their cognitive authority in contested domains. Potential implications for epistemological norms and the social value of science are also identified.
Overlap of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and contribution of UIP to mortality

Criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) were recently established for research purposes in a joint statement from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). We reviewed the utility of these criteria in patients previously diagnosed as broadly defined undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and noted overlapping IPAF findings. Additional review was given to IPAF patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) on histopathology or radiology in terms of survival and outcome.
A Novel Type of Sequence Variation: Multiple-Nucleotide Length Polymorphisms Discovered in the Bovine Genome

Three types of sequence variations—single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions and deletions (indels), and short tandem repeats (STRs)—have been extensively reported in mammalian genomes. In this study, we discovered a novel type of sequence variation, i.e., multiple-nucleotide length polymorphisms (MNLPs) in bovine UCN3 (Urocortin 3) and its receptor CRHR2 (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2) genes. Both MNLPs featured involvement of multiple-nucleotide length polymorphisms (5–18 bases), low sequence identity, and 1.7- to 11-fold changes in promoter activity between two alleles. Therefore, this novel genetic complexity would contribute significantly to the evolutionary, functional, and phenotypic complexity of genomes within or among species.
Pretransplant Interferon Prevents Hepatitis C Virus‐Associated Glomerulonephritis in Renal Allografts by HCV‐RNA Clearance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pretransplant interferon administration on the occurrence of post‐transplant de novo glomerulonephritis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive renal allografts. From December 1992 to December 2000, 78 HCV‐positive patients received a renal allograft in our unit. Fifteen out of 78 received pretransplant interferon for 1 year. Hepatitis C virus was investigated by serology and qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatitis C virus‐related de novo glomerulonephritis (membranoproliferative or membranous) was suggested by proteinuria (>1.5 g/24 h) and/or microhematuria and always diagnosed by renal biopsy. Of 15 HCV‐positive recipients who received pretransplant interferon, 10 (67%) became HCV‐RNA negative at the time of transplantation and only one out of the 15 (6.7%) developed de novo glomerulonephritis (this patient was HCV‐RNA positive at transplantation). Among non‐interferon‐treated allograft recipients, 28.7% had negative HCV‐RNA and 12 out of 63 (19%) developed de novo glomerulonephritis (9, membranoproliferative; 3 membranous), all 12 having positive HCV‐RNA at transplantation (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, pretransplant interferon may reduce the occurrence of post‐transplant HCV‐related de novo glomerulonephritis. Our results suggest that the indication for pretransplant interferon should be extended to treat all HCV‐RNA positive candidates for renal transplantation.
Towards Interactive, Incremental Programming of ROS Nodes

Writing software for controlling robots is a complex task, usually demanding command of many programming languages and requiring significant experimentation. We believe that a bottom-up development process that complements traditional component- and MDSD-based approaches can facilitate experimentation. We propose the use of an internal DSL providing both a tool to interactively create ROS nodes and a behaviour-replacement mechanism to interactively reshape existing ROS nodes by wrapping the external interfaces (the publish/subscribe topics), dynamically controlled using the Python command line interface.
Do Hedge Funds Manage Their Reported Returns?

For funds with greater incentives and greater opportunities to inflate returns, we find that (i) returns during December are significantly higher than those during the rest of the year even after controlling for risk in both time-series and the cross-section; (ii) this December spike is greater than that for funds with lower incentives and opportunities to inflate returns. These results suggest that hedge funds manage their returns upwards in an opportunistic fashion in order to earn higher fees. Finally, we provide strong evidence that funds inflate December returns by under-reporting returns earlier in the year but only weak evidence that funds borrow from January returns in the following year.
An Interference Mitigated and Power Efficient Adaptive Beamforming Algorithm in Cognitive Radio

By applying smart beamforming technologies, it is effective to protect primary user (PU) while guarantee that cognitive user (CU) has better spectrum sharing with PU in a rarely conflictual manner. In this paper, firstly, we implement direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for obtaining the location information of signals, then exploit uniform circular array antenna applying adaptive algorithm to achieve desired transmit beamforming gains in the required directions. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed beamforming algorithm achieves desired beamforming pattern and higher power efficiency.
Improved meshless deformation techniques for real-time interactive collaborative environments

Meshless deformation based on shape matching is a new technique for simulating deformable objects without requiring mesh connectivity information. The approach focuses on speed, ease of use and stability at the expense of physical accuracy. In this paper we introduce improvements to the technique that increase physical realism and make it more suitable for use in interactive real-time environments such as games and virtual surgery applications. We also present intuitive real-time interaction techniques for picking, pushing and cutting objects simulated using meshless deformation based on shape matching. For deformable collision detection and response, we present a new method for surface meshes based on previous volumetric methods.
Deviated Nasal Septum Incidence and Etiology

Septal deformity is of two kinds, which may occur independently, or together: 1) anterior cartilage deformity of the quadrilateral septal cartilage, caused by direct trauma or pressure at any age; and 2) combined septal deformity, involving all the septal components, caused by compression across the maxilla from pressures occurring during pregnancy or parturition. This is part of a facial deformity. The incidence of septal deformity was investigated in 2,380 Caucasian infants at birth, 2,112 adult skulls of five ethnic groups (European, Indian [Asian], Chinese, African and Australian Aboriginal), 918 mammals (266 higher and lower apes, 457 other placental mammals and 185 marsupials). The method of nasal testing of infants by passage of special testing struts (6 by 2 mm) is described. Forty-two percent of septa of infants were straight, 27% deviated and 31% kinked. A similar pattern was found in adult skulls, namely 21% straight, 37% deviated and 42% kinked. Anterior cartilage deformity occurred in about 4% of births. The maxillary molding theory of transmitted pressures during pregnancy or parturition, causing septal deformity, is described. The findings show that varying degrees of septal deformity occur at a constant rate at birth and in the adult. These may vary slightly for each ethnic type. Birth molding pressures are a major cause of dental malocclusion. The shape and strength of the skull and the erect posture appear to be major factors, for septal deformity did not occur in the lower animals, but occurred in 37% of the higher apes and also in a skull of a hominid 1,750,000 years old. This concept enables easy recognition at birth, and the carrying out of a rational method of treatment by manipulation and rapid maxillary expansion.
14-3-3 and BSE

THERE is international concern about transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BsE) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Unfortunately, diagnosis of these diseases can only be performed postmortem or by brain biopsy. Therefore, the discovery of a simple molecular marker for these diseases would be useful. Perhaps more importantly, if such a marker were identified in cattle, a test for BSE could be developed. Such a test could provide the ability to screen living animals for BSE. For clinically affected animals, a premortem test could enable a more selective destruction of BSE-diagnosed animals than the current slaughter which includes approximately 20 per cent incorrectly diagnosed animals (MAFF 1996). Moreover, a reliable premortem test for clinically affected animals should reduce the risk of possible infection to veterinary pathologists and abattoir workers by eliminating the need for brain biopsy. Two proteins have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suffering from CJD which are absent in the fluid from normal individuals and from patients with other dementing diseases (Harrington and others 1986, Lee and Harrington 1996). It is possible that these proteins might originate from neuronal tissue and appear in the CSF as a result of disease pathology. Partial amino acid sequencing has recently identified them as members of the 14-3-3 family of proteins and a 14-3-3 immunoassay has diagnosed CJD with a high predictive value among patients suspected of having this disorder (Hsich and others 1996). The 14-3-3 protein family is highly conserved through evolution (Aitken and oth-
Immunomodulatory potential of a bioactive fraction from the leaves of Phyllostachys bambusoides (bamboo) in BALB/c mice

In order to evaluate the role of ethyl acetate fraction (PB-EtAC) obtained from the Phyllostachys bambusoides leaves in the modulation of immune responses, detailed studies were carried out using a panel of in vivo assays. Oral administration of PB-EtAC (50–200 mg/Kg) stimulated the IgM and IgG titre expressed in the form of haemagglutination antibody (HA) titre. Further, it elicited a dose related increase in the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) after 24 and 48 h in BALB/c mice. Besides augmenting the humoral and cell mediated immune response, the concentration of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4) in serum with respect to T cell interactions also increased significantly. It also induced macrophage phagocytosis, and nitric oxide (NO) production which resulted in a high degree of protection against Candida albicans and carbon clearance. Moreover, the enhancement in CD4 and CD8 cell populations as revealed by flow cytometry. Taken together this in vivo and ex vivo preclinical data, our results suggested that PB-EtAC acts as an effective immunostimulator eliciting both Th1 and Th2 immune responses. We are reporting first time the immunostimulatory potential of P. bambusoides and it might be regarded as a biological response modifier.
Lesion Volume Change After Treatment With Tissue Plasminogen Activator Can Discriminate Clinical Responders From Nonresponders

Background and Purpose— A change in acute-to-chronic lesion volume has been proposed as a biomarker for stroke therapies. The objectives of this study were to determine the magnitude of lesion volume change after standard treatment with tissue plasminogen activator and to determine whether specific volume change thresholds can discriminate clinical responders from nonresponders. Methods— We measured lesion volume on diffusion weighted at baseline and on 90-day fluid attenuated inversion recovery MRI and scored 3-month modified Rankin Scale in consecutive patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator. We identified variables associated with excellent (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 1) and independent (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2) outcomes. Results— We included 53 patients (mean age 69 years, median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 7). The mean acute-to-chronic lesion volume increase was 11.7 (±7.7) cm3. In 23 patients, the chronic lesion was smaller than the baseline lesion. At 3 months, 32 patients had an excellent clinical outcome. Dichotomous volume change variables associated with outcome included decrease in volume ≥30% (P=0.004) and volume increase ≥5 cm3 (P=0.002). Conclusions— In patients given standard tissue plasminogen activator therapy, changes in lesion volume are associated with clinical outcome, and threshold lesion volumes can differentiate excellent and poor outcome, suggesting these as a potential marker of outcome.
Board 431 - Research Abstract Assessment of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Competence: An Explorative Study of Validity and Reliability (Submission #1157)

Introduction/Background Ultrasonography is increasingly used by non-radiologist and is an essential part of the management of surgical emergency conditions. However, performances are highly operator-dependent and reliable and valid assessment of trainees ultrasonography competence is therefore needed to ensure patient safety. The aim of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the novel Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) used for assessment of physicians’\ competence in abdominal ultrasonography of patients. The research questions were: 1) What is the reliability and validity when using the OSAUS scale to judge physicians’ point-of-care ultrasonography competence in a simulated setting? ; 2) What is the number of cases and assessors needed for reliable judgment of physicians point-of-care ultrasonography competence using the OSAUS scale? Methods Twenty four physicians representing novices, intermediates and experts in ultrasonography performed point-of-care ultrasonography in a controlled simulated set-up on four patients representing different acute abdominal cases. Ultrasound examinations were video-recorded and assessed blindly using OSAUS by two consultant radiologists. Reliability was examined using Generalizability Theory. Construct validity was examined comparing performance scores between the groups and concurrent validity was explored by correlating physicians OSAUS scores with diagnostic accuracy. Results The reliability coefficient was high, 0.81 and a D-study demonstrated that one assessor and five cases would result in similar reliability. Construct validity was supported by a significant difference in mean score between the novice group, 17 (SD 8.4) and the intermediate group, 30.0 (SD 10.2), p=0.007 and between the intermediate group and the expert group, 72.9 (SD 4.4), p= 0.04. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by a Spearman’s rho Correlation Coefficient, 0.76 (p<0.001). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that assessment of abdominal ultrasonography competence using the generic OSAUS scale possess high reliability, as well as sufficient construct and concurrent validity. Hence, the OSAUS assessment instrument holds potentials for in-training, as well as end-of-training assessment of performance. Disclosures None.
Neurophysiological Aspects and their relationship to clinical and functional impairment in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess functional (balance L–L and A–P displacement, sit‐to‐stand test (SST) and Tinetti scale – balance and gait) and neurophysiological aspects (patellar and Achilles reflex and strength) relating these responses to the BODE Index. INTRODUCTION: The neurophysiological alterations found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the severity of the disease. There is also involvement of peripheral muscle which, in combination with neurophysiological impairment, may further compromise the functional activity of these patients. METHODS: A cross‐sectional study design was used. Twenty‐two patients with moderate to very severe COPD (>60 years) and 16 age‐matched healthy volunteers served as the control group (CG). The subjects performed spirometry and several measures of static and dynamic balance, monosynaptic reflexes, peripheral muscle strength, SST and the 6‐minute walk test. RESULTS: The individuals with COPD had a reduced reflex response, 36.77±3.23 (p<0.05) and 43.54±6.60 (p<0.05), achieved a lower number repetitions on the SST 19.27±3.88 (p<0.05), exhibited lesser peripheral muscle strength on the femoral quadriceps muscle, 24.98±6.88 (p<0.05) and exhibited deficits in functional balance and gait on the Tinetti scale, 26.86±1.69 (p<0.05), compared with the CG. The BODE Index demonstrated correlations with balance assessment (determined by the Tinetti scale), r = 0.59 (p<0.05) and the sit‐to‐stand test, r = 0.78 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The individuals with COPD had functional and neurophysiological alterations in comparison with the control group. The BODE Index was correlated with the Tinetti scale and the SST. Both are functional tests, easy to administer, low cost and feasible, especially the SST. These results suggest a worse prognosis; however, more studies are needed to identify the causes of these changes and the repercussions that could result in their activities of daily living.