Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complications and cost associated with parenteral nutrition delivered to hospitalized patients through either subclavian or peripherally-inserted central catheters.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is typically delivered through catheters inserted into the superior vena cava (SVC) via a subclavian or internal jugular vein approach. A peripherally-inserted central venous catheter (PICC), utilizing a cephalic or basilic venous approach, may provide a safe alternative to the standard catheter approach and, because non-physician providers can insert the PICC, may introduce a potential cost-savings to health care institutions. We sought to determine if PICC lines are safer and more cost-effective than the standard central venous catheter approach for hospitalized patients who require TPN. METHODS One hundred and two hospitalized patients (age range, 18-88 years) who required TPN were prospectively randomized to receive therapy via a centrally-inserted subclavian catheter (n=51) or a peripherally-inserted PICC line (n=51). The primary end-point was the development of a complication requiring catheter removal. Other end-points included catheter infection and thrombophlebitis. Cost associated with insertion and maintenance of each catheter was also studied. RESULTS Complication-free delivery rate (without the need to remove or replace the catheter) was 67% for subclavian catheters and 46% for PICC lines (P<0.05). The overall infection rate was 4.9 per 1000 catheter days and was similar for each catheter type (P=0.68). PICC lines were associated with higher rates of clinically-evident thrombophlebitis (P<0.01), difficult insertion attempts (P<0.05), and malposition on insertion (P<0.05). No catheter complications resulted in significant long-term morbity or mortality. No significant difference was noted between the two catheter types in terms of aborted insertion attempts (P=0.18), dislodgement (P=0.12), or line occlusion (P=0.25). After standardizing costs for each hospital, the direct institutional costs for insertion and maintenance of PICC lines (US$22.32+/-2.74 per day) was greater than that for subclavian lines (US$16.20+/-2.96 per day;P<0.05). CONCLUSION PICC catheters have higher thrombophlebitis rates and are more difficult to insert into certain patients when compared to the standard subclavian approach for central venous access in hospitalized patients who require TPN. Because of this, PICCs may be less cost-effective than currently believed because of the difficulty in inserting and maintaining the catheter.
Detection of Frequency Resonance Energy Transfer Pair on Double-Labeled Microsphere and Bacillus anthracis Spores by Flow Cytometry

ABSTRACT Development of an ultrasensitive biosensor for biological hazards in the environment is a major need for pollutant control and for the detection of biological warfare. Fluorescence methods combined with immunodiagnostic methods are the most common. To minimize background noise, arising from the unspecific adsorption effect, we have adapted the FRET (frequency resonance energy transfer) effect to the immunofluorescence method. FRET will increase the selectivity of the diagnosis process by introducing a requirement for two different reporter molecules that have to label the antigen surface at a distance that will enable FRET. Utilizing the multiparameter capability of flow cytometry analysis to analyze the double-labeling/FRET immunostaining will lead to a highly selective and sensitive diagnostic method. This work examined the FRET interaction of fluorescence-labeled avidin molecules on biotin-coated microspheres as a model system. As target system, we have used labeled polyclonal antibodies on Bacillus anthracis spores. The antibodies used were purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules raised in rabbits against B. anthracis exosoporium components. The antibodies were fluorescence labeled by a donor-acceptor chromophore pair, alexa488 as a donor and alexa594 as an acceptor. On labeling the spores with alexa488-IgG as a donor and alexa594-IgG as an acceptor, excitation at 488 nm results in quenching of the alexa-488 fluorescence (Eq = 35%) and appearance of the alexa594 fluorescence (Es = 22%), as detected by flow cytometry analysis. The FRET effect leads to a further isolated gate (FL1/FL3) for the target spores compared to competitive spores such as B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and B. subtilis. This new approach, combining FRET labeling and flow cytometry analysis, improved the selectivity of the B. anthracis spores by a factor of 10 with respect to B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and a factor of 100 with respect to B. subtilis as control spores.
In vivo31P and 13C NMR investigations of Rhodococcus rhodochrous metabolism and behaviour during biotransformation processes

Aims: The strain Rhodococcus rhodochrous OBT18 was isolated from a water treatment plant used to decontaminate industrial effluents containing benzothiazole derivatives. Aims of the work are to study the central metabolism of this strain and more specifically its behaviour during biodegradation of 2‐aminobenzothiazole.
The synergistic effect of prosociality and physical attractiveness on mate desirability

Mate selection requires a prioritization and joint evaluation of different traits present or absent in potential mates. Herein, we focus on two such traits - physical attractiveness and prosociality - and examine how they jointly shape impressions of overall desirability. We report on two related experiments which make use of an innovative methodology combining large samples of raters and target persons (i.e., stimuli) and information on targets' behaviour in economic games representing altruistic behaviour (Experiment 1) and trustworthiness (Experiment 2), two important facets of prosociality. In accordance with predictions derived from a cognitive perspective on mate choice and sexual strategies theory, the results show that the impact of being prosocial on an individual's overall desirability was increased further by them also being physically attractive, but only in long-term mating contexts. Furthermore, we show that men's mate preferences for certain prosocial traits (i.e., trustworthiness) were more context-dependent than women's due to differential evolutionary pressures for ancestral men and women.
Features of Porcine Circovirus-2 Disease: Correlations between Lesions, Amount and Distribution of Virus, and Clinical Outcome

Tissue sets from 36 snatch-farrowed colostrum-deprived (SF/CD) and 71 Caesarian-derived gnotobiotic swine infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) as neonates were examined and scored for the types and tissue distribution of histologic lesions associated with this viral infection. The occurrence and severity of these lesions were correlated with qualitative and quantitative determinations of viral burden in tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue titrations for infectious virus, respectively. These measures were, in turn, related to 1 of 3 categories of clinical disease expressed in PCV-2–infected swine as subclinical infection, preclinical postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), and clinically evident PMWS, respectively. Statistically significant (P < 0.05 to 0.001) associations between both measures of viral burden, the severity of histologic lesions and the stage of disease were obtained. Discrimination between and among categories of disease was best accomplished by a combination of IHC and histopathology. The results of this study confirm that viral burden in PCV-2–infected tissues, specifically lymphoid tissues and liver, directly correlate with severity of clinical disease expression in PCV-2 infected swine.
Wide-band electrooptic guided-wave analog-to-digital converters

Progress in the development of high-speed electrooptic A/D converters is reviewed. A/D converters of this type have been operated at 1 gigasample/second (GS/s) in 2- and 4-bit structures for 500-MHz analog bandwidth. The converter consists of an array of LiNbO3guided-wave interferometric modulators that function as an analog amplitude analyzer, pulsed lasers for optical sampling, and high-speed monolithic comparators/demultiplexers to generate the digital levels and slow the data to ECL-compatible rates. The operational principles of the converter are summarized and a performance analysis presented. The analysis indicates that with currently attainable components, conversion in the 4- to 6-bit range at rates from 1 to 3 GS/s is feasible. Experimental results for several converters are summarized, including a description of beatfrequency tests for analog signals with frequency content up to 500 MHz that indicate the analog bandwidth capabilities of this device. The electrooptical technology is compared to competing high-speed A/D technologies in Si, GaAs, and superconducting materials and the relative merits analyzed. It is found that the electrooptic approach eliminates some of the fundamental and severe problems of conventional converters (e.g., sampling pickup and large numbers of comparators). Finally, application of this converter to wide-band signal-processing problems is described. It is noted that there are numerous applications where a moderate number of bits at a high (gigahertz) sampling rate is attractive.
Influence of family functioning and income on vaccination in inner-city health centers.

OBJECTIVES To assess family functioning and consumer decision-making about vaccinations and to compare the results with age at vaccination. DESIGN Self-administered survey that was mailed to parents with comparison to vaccination records from chart audits. SETTINGS Two inner-city health centers in Pittsburgh, Pa, that receive free vaccine supplies. PARTICIPANTS Systematic sample from the billing computer records of parents whose children were aged 2 to 4 years as of July 2, 1993. INTERVENTIONS The survey used simplified versions of the Family Profile and the Triandis model of consumer decision-making that includes perceived consequences of vaccinations, attitude about vaccinations, social influences, and facilitating conditions (eg, ease of obtaining an appointment). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Variables associated with age at vaccination for third diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine immunization and first measles-mumps-rubella immunization. RESULTS Of 395 families, 167 responded. Higher family dysfunction scores and lower family concordance scores each were associated with receiving first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination (P < or = .02) and third diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccination (P < = .02) at later ages. Many (30%-54%) of the respondents reported that they knew little about the risks and benefits of vaccination. However, knowledge about vaccines was not associated with vaccination status. Those respondents with an annual income of less than $10000 received the first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination later than those with an annual income $10000 or greater (P < .02) when the data were analyzed by age at vaccination but not when the data were analyzed as on-time vs late vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS To increase vaccination rates in innercity clinics, strategies need to consider family dysfunction and income and not merely focus on education. The use of age at vaccination as a continuous variable offers advantages over the dichotomy of immunized vs not immunized.
Short-term exercise and platelet activity, sensitivity to agonist, and platelet-leukocyte conjugate formation

Strenuous exercise may be partially responsible for cardio-vascular events. The aim was to investigate the platelet activity, reactivity and different platelet-leukocyte-conjugate formation following maximal short-term exercises. Fifteen healthy non-smokers underwent three isokinetic maximal tests on a SRM cycle ergometry system with durations of 15, 45 and 90 s. Blood samples were taken after a 30-min rest, immediately before and after exercise, and 15 min and 1 h after completion of exercise. Platelets were detected flow-cytometrically by CD41, and activated platelets by CD62P. In addition, stimulation of the platelets in vitro with 7.5 μM TRAP-6 was initiated. For testing platelet-leukocyte-conjugates, antibodies against CD45, CD14 and CD41 were used. After the exercise tests the percent of non-stimulated CD62P-positive platelets (%PC) was unchanged. In contrast, an increase in %PC (CD62P) TRAP-6 stimulated (15-s test: 37.2±10.3 to 46.2±12.3%, P < 0.05; 90-s test: 40.6±9.5 to 51.7±10.2%, P < 0.01) and in platelet-granulocyte, platelet-lymphocyte, and platelet-monocyte conjugate formation 15 min after exercise (45- and 90-s test; P < 0.05) were observed in comparison with the changes on the control day. The changes nearly reversed 1 h after exercise. Maximal short-term exercise only leads to a moderate increase of platelet reactivity and to an increase in the different platelet-leukocyte conjugates. The implications of the changes in platelet-leukocyte conjugate formation should be investigated in future studies.
Hemodynamic evaluation of molsidomine: A vasodilator with antianginal properties in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

Organic nitrates were reported to reduce portohepatic venous pressure gradient in patients with cirrhosis. However, these drugs lower arterial pressure and are well known to induce tolerace. The aim of the present study was to assess the hemodynamic effects of molsidomine, an antianginal agent, which does not induce tolerance and has little effect on arterial pressure in patients with normal liver, in 13 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Wedged hepatic vein pressure (−11%, p < 0.01), portohepatic venous pressure gradient (−15%, p < 0.005), hepatic blood flow (−17.4%, p < 0.005), mean arterial pressure (−13.5%, p < 0.01) and cardiac output (−17%, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced by molsidomine. Free hepatic vein pressure, intrinsic hepatic clearance indocyanin green, heart rate and systemic vascular resistances were not significantly modified. There was no correlation between the decrease in portohepatic venous pressure gradient and the reduction in mean arterial pressure on one hand and the decrease in cardiac output on the other hand. We therefore conclude that in patients with cirrhosis, molsidomine has effects similar to nitrates on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics.
New Voltage Control Strategies for VSC-Based DG Units in an Unbalanced Microgrid

This paper presents the positive-sequence, negative-sequence, and zero-sequence voltage and current control schemes in the dq frame for the voltage-source converter (VSC)-based distributed generation (DG) units in order to compensate for voltage unbalance in a microgrid. The objective of these schemes is to control the positive-, negative-, and zero-sequence components (separately and independently) of the voltage at the point of common coupling and the VSC currents to their respective reference commands. Dynamically varying limits have been proposed for the positive- and negative-sequence references for the current control schemes in order to protect the VSC from overloading (under unbalanced conditions) and unsymmetrical faults. The active power control, frequency control, and the reactive power–voltage droop control schemes decide the references of the positive-sequence voltage control scheme in order to fulfill the objective of using the same control schemes for the grid-connected and the islanded modes of operation of the microgrid, thereby eliminating the need for islanding detection. The performance of the various control schemes employed for controlling the VSC-based DG unit has been tested on two identical VSC-based DG units feeding power to the IEEE 34 node distribution network implemented in PSCAD/EMTDC.
Target–Distractor Competition in the Oculomotor System Is Spatiotopic

In natural scenes, multiple visual stimuli compete for selection; however, each saccade displaces the stimulus representations in retinotopicaly organized visual and oculomotor maps. In the present study, we used saccade curvature to investigate whether oculomotor competition across eye movements is represented in retinotopic or spatiotopic coordinates. Participants performed a sequence of saccades and we induced oculomotor competition by briefly presenting a task-irrelevant distractor at different times during the saccade sequence. Despite the intervening saccade, the second saccade curved away from a spatial representation of the distractor that was presented before the first saccade. Furthermore, the degree of saccade curvature increased with the salience of the distractor presented before the first saccade. The results suggest that spatiotopic representations of target–distractor competition are crucial for successful interaction with objects of interest despite the intervening eye movements.
Determination of all stabilizing fractional-order PID controllers that satisfy a weighted sensitivity constraint

This paper presents a method for determining all stabilizing fractional-order (FO) proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers that satisfy an H<sub>∞</sub> weighted-sensitivity constraint for a system of integer or non-integer order. All the parameters of such FO PID controllers are calculated in the frequency domain and are given in terms of the proportional gain K<sub>p</sub>, integral gain K<sub>i</sub>, and derivative gain K<sub>d</sub>. In this paper, they will be plotted on the (K<sub>p</sub>, K<sub>i</sub>), (K<sub>p</sub>, K<sub>d</sub>), and (K<sub>i</sub>, K<sub>d</sub>) planes. In particular, this approach provides all the possible values of the gain parameters of the FO PID controllers that satisfy a given weighted-sensitivity condition even when the transfer function of a system is not available, as long as the frequency response thereof can be obtained. An example is given by way of illustrating the usefulness and effectiveness of the method.
Determination of the true intraocular pressure and modulus of elasticity of the human cornea in vivo

The purpose of this study was to determine the true intraocular pressure and modulus of elasticity of the human cornea in vivo. The cornea was modeled as a shell, and the equations for the deformations of a shell due to applanating and intraocular pressures were combined to model the behavior of the cornea during applanation tonometry. At certain corneal dimensions called the calibration dimensions, the applanating and intraocular pressures are considered to be equal. This relationship was used to determine the modulus of elasticity of the cornea and the relationship between the applanating and intraocular pressures. The true intraocular pressure (IOPT) was found to be related to Goldmann’s applanating pressure (IOPG) as (IOPT = IOPG/K, where K is a correction factor. For the calibration corneal thickness of 0.52 mm, the modulus of elasticity E in MPa of the human cornea was found to be related to the true intraocular pressure IOPT in mmHg as E = 0.0229IOPT. The generalization of the Imbert—Fick law that takes into account the effect of corneal dimensions and stiffness was found to be given by IOPT = 73.5W/(K A), where W is the applanating weight in gf (gram force) and A is the applanated area in mm2. The calculated true intraocular pressure and modulus of elasticity were found to agree with published experimental results. The mathematical model developed may therefore be used to improve results from applanation tonometry and to estimate the mechanical property of the cornea in vivo.
Outcome after stroke rehabilitation in Hong Kong

Objective: To determine the outcome of patients discharged to the community after stroke rehabilitation. Methods: One hundred and eighty-five consecutive patients discharged after stroke rehabilitation were enrolled for follow-up 12 months after discharge from a hospital in Hong Kong. A telephone interview to determine disability and place of residence was conducted. Disability was assessed by the Barthel Index and ratings of activities of daily living and mobility on a 4-point scale. Results: One hundred and thirty-one patients or their carers were contacted (70.1 %). This comprised 19 patients (10.3%) who died and 112 patients or their carers (60.5%) who were interviewed. Fifty-four patients (29.2%) were lost to follow-up. Comparison of the patients contacted and those lost to follow-up did not detect membership bias. Median Barthel Index of the surviving patients who were contacted rose from 90.0 (interquartile range 78.75-100.0) at discharge to 100.0 (interquartile range 85.0-100.0) at 12 months. Ratings of activities of daily living and mobility were maintained, with significant improvement in toileting. After rehabilitation 77.3% of the patients were discharged home and there was no significant change in residence at 12 months. Elderly patients (≥ 70 years old) had higher rates of institutionalization after hospital discharge and more disability although they achieved similar gains in Barthel Index and had similar lengths of hospital stay compared to younger patients. Conclusions: These results suggest that stroke patients were able to maintain their gains achieved during inpatient rehabilitation up to one year after discharge from hospital.
Effects of cellular phone use on ear canal temperature measured by NTC thermistors

The earlier studies using phantom models and human subjects concerning warming effects during cellular phone use have been controversial, partly because radiofrequency (RF) exposures have been variable. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial, 30 healthy subjects were submitted to 900 MHz (2W) and 1800 MHz (1W) cellular phone RF exposure, and to sham exposure in separate study sessions. Temperature signals were recorded continuously in both ear canals before, during and after the 35‐min RF exposure and the 35‐min sham exposure sessions. Temperature was measured by using small‐sized NTC thermistors placed in the ear canals through disposable ear plugs. The mean temperature changes were determined during a set cardiovascular autonomic function studies: during a 5‐min controlled breathing test, during a 5‐min spontaneous breathing test, during 7‐min head‐up tilting, 1‐min before, during and after two consecutive Valsalva manoeuvres and during a deep breathing test. Temperatures in the exposed ear were significantly higher during RF exposures compared with sham exposure in both 900 and 1800 MHz studies with maximum differences of 1·2 ± 0·5°C (900 MHz exposure) and 1·3 ± 0·7°C (1800 MHz exposure). Temperatures in the RF‐exposed ear were also significantly higher during the postexposure period compared with post‐sham exposure period with maximum differences of 0·6 ± 0·3°C for 900 MHz and 0·5 ± 0·5°C for 1800 MHz. The results of this study suggest that RF exposure to a cellular phone, either using 900 or 1800 MHz with their maximal allowed antenna powers, increases the temperature in the ear canal. The reason for the ear canal temperature rising is a consequence of mobile phone battery warming during maximal antenna power use. The earlier published articles do not indicate that temperature rising in the ear canal has any significant contribution from the RF fields emitted from mobile phones.
Gender-related Stress among Japanese Working Women

This article addresses gender-related stresses of working women in Japan. We conducted a study of 399 employees in Japan using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health General Job Stress questionnaire. The results suggest that for women the most significant factor related to depression is interpersonal conflict, whereas for men, it is professional matters. In addition, we conducted interviews with Japanese female employees about their occupational stress. Our interviews indicated that for the occupational mental health of working women, the establishment of modified and supportive interpersonal relations within workplace environments may be required because of the gender roles expected of women in a male-dominant socioculture.