Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecularly Imprinted Solid Phase Extraction using Bismethacryloyl-β-cyclodextrin and Methacrylic Acid as Double Functional Monomers for Selective Analysis of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Aqueous Media

Abstract In this work, a new molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction protocol was developed for the selective extraction and purification of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice roots in aqueous media. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for glycyrrhizic acid were prepared by using bismethacryloyl-β-cyclodextrin and methacrylic acid as double functional monomers and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric analysis, nitrogen adsorption and elemental analysis. In aqueous media, the adsorption properties of MIPs including adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms and selectivity adsorption were investigated. The characterization of imprinted polymers indicated that the prepared MIPs had good stability and many cavity structures. The results of adsorption experiments illustrated the MIPs had high adsorption capacity of glycyrrhizic acid (69.3 mg g−1) with the imprinting factor 3.77, and it took ~5 min to get adsorption equilibrium. The MIPs could be used as an solid phase extraction sorbent absorbent for enrichment and purification of glycyrrhizic acid from the crude extraction of licorice roots, and the results showed promising practical value.
Combining Proof-of-Concept With Dose-Finding: Utilization of Adaptive Designs in Migraine Clinical Trials

There is an obvious need to improve clinical trial designs with respect to efficiency, duration and the number of patients recruited. Adaptive (flexible) designs may be valuable in this respect. We simulated the properties of a two-stage adaptive proof-of-concept and dose-finding trial design in adult migraine patients with moderate to severe headache, with or without aura. We also assessed the usefulness of a combined Bayesian and frequentist approach in the estimation of the probability of success of subsequent Phase III studies. Applying such an innovative approach would result in a reduction of the required sample size by 30 patients and no prolongation of the trial duration. The probability of success in Phase III is > 81%. An innovative adaptive design can facilitate testing of investigational migraine medications by reducing patient numbers and improving predictivity of success in Phase III.
FAMILY THEMES OF FOOD REFUSAL: DISCIPLINING THE BODY AND PUNISHING THE FAMILY

A problematic issue in studying anorexia nervosa (AN) has been the absence of a qualitative study that probes the deep meanings of food refusal. We attempt to close this gap by studying the family meanings of food refusal by a single case study of a family in Hong Kong with an AN daughter. Eight videotapes of family therapy sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, were intensively reviewed, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Two family themes of food refusal were discerned: the AN daughter disciplined her body and punished her family. The conclusions imply a need to revisit the Chinese gender role expectation in understanding AN patients and their families.
A Bidirectional Isolated DC–DC Converter as a Core Circuit of the Next-Generation Medium-Voltage Power Conversion System

This paper describes a bidirectional isolated dc-dc converter considered as a core circuit of 3.3-kV/6.6-kV high-power-density power conversion systems in the next generation. The dc-dc converter is intended to use power switching devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) and/or gallium nitride, which will be available on the market in the near future. A 350-V, 10-kW and 20 kHz dc-dc converter is designed, constructed and tested. It consists of two single-phase full-bridge converters with the latest trench-gate insulated gate bipolar transistors and a 20-kHz transformer with a nano-crystalline soft-magnetic material core and litz wires. The transformer plays an essential role in achieving galvanic isolation between the two full-bridge converters. The overall efficiency from the dc-input to dc-output terminals is accurately measured to be as high as 97%, excluding gate drive and control circuit losses from the whole loss. Moreover, loss analysis is carried out to estimate effectiveness in using SiC-based power switching devices. Loss analysis clarifies that the use of SiC-based power devices may bring a significant reduction in conducting and switching losses to the dc-dc converter. As a result, the overall efficiency may reach 99% or higher
Projection-based atom selection in orthogonal matching pursuit for compressive sensing

For compressive sensing, we endeavor to improve the atom selection strategy of the existing orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm. To achieve a better estimate of the underlying support set progressively through iterations, we use a least squares solution based atom selection method. From a set of promising atoms, the choice of an atom is performed through a new method that uses orthogonal projection along-with a standard matched filter. Through experimental evaluations, the effect of projection based atom selection strategy is shown to provide a significant improvement for the support set recovery performance, in turn, the compressive sensing recovery.
The effect of Ligustrum delavayanum on isolated perfused rat heart.

BACKGROUND Extract of ligustrum leaves (Ligustrum delavayanum Hariot [Oleaceae]) is well known in traditional Chinese medicine. One of the active components, oleuropein, displays vasodilating and hypotensive effects. OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of 0.008% lyophilized extract of ligustrum dissolved in 0.5% ethanol on heart function. ANIMALS AND METHODS Experiments were done on isolated rat hearts perfused by the Langendorff method in control conditions and during ischemic-reperfusion injury. RESULTS Application of ligustrum induced positive inotropic and vasodilating effects in spontaneously beating hearts. Pretreatment of the hearts with ligustrum reduced left ventricular diastolic pressure measured during reperfusion and improved left ventricular contraction compared with hearts without any pretreatment. Ligustrum significantly suppressed the incidence and duration of cardiac reperfusion arrhythmias, expressed as G-score, from 7.40+/-0.58 in nontreated rats to 1.97+/-0.50. DISCUSSION Application of ligustrum or ethanol alone induced changes in coordination between atria and ventricles during ischemia-reperfusion injury. The 'g-score', a new parameter summing the incidence and duration of atrioventricular blocks, atrioventricular dissociation and cardiac arrest, is introduced. The g-scores with ligustrum pretreatment were higher during ischemia than during reperfusion. Ethanol significantly depressed myocardial contractility and coronary flow, and nonsignificantly decreased heart rate of isolated rat hearts. Electrical changes observed during coronary reperfusion in the presence of ethanol were accompanied by deterioration of contractile function. CONCLUSIONS Ligustrum had a significant protective effect on rat myocardium against ischemic-reperfusion injury. Ethanol partially attenuated the protective effect of ligustrum.
Acute cocaine exposure elicits rises in calcium in arousal‐related laterodorsal tegmental neurons

Cocaine has strong reinforcing properties, which underlie its high addiction potential. Reinforcement of use of addictive drugs is associated with rises in dopamine (DA) in mesoaccumbal circuitry. Excitatory afferent input to mesoaccumbal circuitry sources from the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT). Chronic, systemic cocaine exposure has been shown to have cellular effects on LDT cells, but acute actions of local application have never been demonstrated. Using calcium imaging, we show that acute application of cocaine to mouse brain slices induces calcium spiking in cells of the LDT. Spiking was attenuated by tetrodotoxin (TTX) and low calcium solutions, and abolished by prior exhaustion of intracellular calcium stores. Further, DA receptor antagonists reduced these transients, whereas DA induced rises with similar spiking kinetics. Amphetamine, which also results in elevated levels of synaptic DA, but via a different pharmacological action than cocaine, induced calcium spiking with similar profiles. Although large differences in spiking were not noted in an animal model associated with a heightened proclivity of acquiring addiction‐related behavior, the prenatal nicotine exposed mouse (PNE), subtle differences in cocaine's effect on calcium spiking were noted, indicative of a reduction in action of cocaine in the LDT associated with exposure to nicotine during gestation. When taken together, our data indicate that acute actions of cocaine do include effects on LDT cells. Considering the role of intracellular calcium in cellular excitability, and of the LDT in addiction circuitry, our data suggest that cocaine effects in this nucleus may contribute to the high addiction potential of this drug.
Mathematical model and characterization of the transient behavior of a PEM fuel cell

Modeling of fuel cells is getting more and more important as powerful fuel cell stacks are getting available and have to be integrated into power systems. In this paper, the governing equations of the transient behavior of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell are presented. They show the influence of the operating conditions and the current density on internal parameters, especially the ohmic resistance. A method and specially designed electronic load are presented for in-situ membrane resistance measurements. This resistance is plotted in transient operation during parameter changes and current variations. The results are compared to the simulated values to explain the internal phenomena of the fuel cell. Special attention is given to the water management, one of the most important challenges in low temperature fuel cell operation where drying or flooding can decrease the performance or even lead to destruction.
Novel engineering approaches to obesity, overweight, and energy balance: public health needs and research opportunities

A major national health concern is the rapidly increasing incidence of obesity among people of all ages. Overweight conditions are associated with a wide variety of health problems, and costs associated with dealing with this issue are expected to be very high. Obesity offers opportunities for novel engineering approaches to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of the basic condition and related disorders. This presentation will cover health care needs and research opportunities related to obesity and overweight conditions.
Sleep Disorders as a Risk to Language Learning and Use.

CLINICAL QUESTION Are people with sleep disorders at higher risk for language learning deficits than healthy sleepers? METHOD Scoping Review. STUDY SOURCES PubMed, Google Scholar, Trip Database, ClinicalTrials.gov. SEARCH TERMS sleep disorders AND language AND learning; sleep disorders language learning -deprivation -epilepsy; sleep disorders AND verbal learning. NUMBER OF INCLUDED STUDIES 36. PRIMARY RESULTS Children and adults with sleep disorders were at a higher risk for language problems than healthy sleepers. The language problems typically co-occurred with problems of attention and executive function (in children and adults), behavior (in children), and visual-spatial processing (in adults). Effects were typically small. Language problems seldom rose to a level of clinical concern but there were exceptions involving phonological deficits in children with sleep-disordered breathing and verbal memory deficits among adults with sleep-disordered breathing or idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder. CONCLUSIONS Case history interviews should include questions about limited sleep, poor-quality sleep, snoring, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Medical referrals for clients with suspected sleep disorders are prudent.
Characterization of Fly Ash Modified with Vinyltriethoxysilane.

Here we report on the modification of fly ash (FA) with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) in order to enhance the dispersibility and avoid the agglomeration. FA was treated with nitric acid before the modification with VTES. The structure of fly ash particles before and after the modification was characterized by several sophisticated techniques including Fourier transform infra-red spectrum (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and size distribution analysis. The obtained results show that the VTES was grafted successfully onto the surface of FA, which significantly changes the surface properties of FA. It was also found that the thermal stability of modified FA (MFA) is much higher than that of the FA treated only with nitric acid. The size of the FA particles can also be controlled from 0.2 to 1.5 µm with increasing the loading of VTES on the surface of FA from 1 to 2 wt. %, revealing highly mono-distribution and low agglomeration. However, the agglomeration of the particles is observed when the content of VTES on the surface of FA exceeds 2 wt. %.
Thrombocytopenia Induced by Vancomycin‐Dependent Platelet Antibody

Background and objectives: Many drugs are associated with thrombocytopenic purpura through immune‐mediated platelet destruction. The case of a woman who suffered lifethreatening thrombocytopenia during vancomycin treatment for Staphylococcus aureus septicemia is reported. Materials and methods: Conventional clinical and laboratory methods, including flow cytometry. Results: After treatment of septicemia with vancomycin, severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding occurred, without detection of drug‐dependent platelet antibodies (DDPA). This was followed by vegetative endocarditis, whereupon antibiotics were withdrawn so as to isolate the organism. The thrombocytopenia was corrected. On day 34, antibiotics including vancomycin were reinstituted, and three days later thrombocytopenia recurred. With a change in antibiotics, the platelet count corrected itself within four days. Conclusions: Vancomycin may induce potentially severe immunological thrombocytopenia.
Vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND A number of polymorphisms in vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) (GC) gene have been implicated in risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the results were controversial. GC1F, GC1S, and GC2 are three common variants of the VDBP gene [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs7041 and rs4588], which were reported to be associated with COPD. This study aimed to explore the association between VDBP gene polymorphisms and COPD. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science (Medline) and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for eligible case-control studies. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS). After the most appreciated genetic model was identified, a meta-analysis was performed to test the association between VDBP gene polymorphism and COPD. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were performed respectively for the most appreciated genetic model, single allele comparison and homozygous gene model analysis. Summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) analyses were applied to evaluate the diagnostic performance of polymorphism of VDBP to COPD. RESULTS Eight studies containing 2,216 participants were included. The analyses of the most appropriate genetic models offered significant results in recessive model of GC1F/1S group (OR =2.18), co-dominant genetic model in GC1F/2 group (1F-1F vs. 2-2: OR =4.87; 1F-2 vs. 2-2: OR =1.73; 1F-1F vs. 1F-2: OR =2.27). In single allele comparison, significant results were obtained in GC1F vs. GC1S and GC1F vs. GC2, with ORs were 1.47 and 1.77, respectively. In homozygous genes comparison, the OR was 2.51 in GC1F homozygote vs. other genotypes. Subgroup analyses offered the same significant results in Asian population, but not in Caucasian population. The SROC analyses showed the less accurate performance of polymorphism of VDBP to COPD. CONCLUSIONS There is a close association between COPD and GC gene polymorphisms. The GC1F allele could be a risk factor, the GC1S and GC2 allele may be protective factors in Asian, but not in Caucasians.
Performance comparison of the three-parameter and the four-parameter sine-fit algorithms

The aim of this paper is to compare the performances of the three-parameter sine-fit (3PSF) and the four-parameter sine-fit (4PSF) algorithm when a sine wave corrupted by a Gaussian noise is analyzed. Algorithm accuracy is evaluated by means of the expected sum-squared fit error and the normalized frequency required by the 3PSF algorithm is estimated by the Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform (IpDFT) method. It is shown that the 4PSF algorithm produces a somewhat better fit than the 3PSF algorithm, but the achieved accuracies are almost equal when the number of acquired samples is greater than 512. The theoretical expressions derived in the paper are confirmed by means of both computer simulations and experimental results.
Association Analysis between the IRF6 G820A Polymorphism and Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate in a Chinese Population

Objective: To investigate whether an association occurred between the IRF6 G820A polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) or cleft palate only (CPO) in Chinese patients. Design and Setting: Case-controlled study at the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, China. Subjects: A total of 91 patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and 96 unrelated, healthy individuals with no family history of CL/P were genotyped. Methods: The IRF6 G820A polymorphism was genotyped by restriction digestion of polymerase chain reaction products with BseLI. Chi-square statistics were used to make case-controlled comparisons. Results: The frequency of the A allele was significantly increased and the frequency of the G allele was reduced in CPO patients in comparison with control subjects. The 820GG genotype had a significantly lower frequency in patients with CPO than in controls, with an odds ratio of 0.25 (95% confidence interval, −0.061 to 0.57). No difference in the distribution of genotypes was noted between CL±P patients and the total group of CL/P patients compared with controls. Conclusions: The present findings indicate that the 820A allele is more frequent in the Chinese CPO population and may confer an increased risk for CPO in these individuals. The G820A variant may be in linkage disequilibrium with other disorder-causing mutations. CL±P or CPO results should be analyzed separately and stratified in future studies.
Reproduction of Lesions of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome in Gnotobiotic Piglets

Neonatal gnotobiotic piglets were inoculated with tissue homogenates and low- and high-passage cell culture material to determine if the lesions of the newly described porcine postweaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) could be reproduced. For this, 17 3-day-old gnotobiotic piglets were inoculated intranasally with pelleted chloroform-treated, filtered extracts from cell cultures, filter-sterilized homogenates of lymphoid tissue from PMWS-affected piglets, or control materials. Piglets were maintained in germ-free isolators for up to 5 weeks after infection prior to euthanasia and collection of samples for analysis. All piglets inoculated with the viral inocula developed lesions typical of PMWS, including generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, nephritis, interstitial pneumonia, myocarditis, and gastritis. Porcine circovirus (PCV), as well as porcine parvovirus (PPV), was detected in tissues by virus reisolation, polymerase chain reaction analysis, or immunohistochemistry. All infected piglets developed moderate to high titers of antibody to PCV and moderate titers to PPV. No lesions, virus, or virus-specific antibodies were detected in sham-inoculated or uninoculated control piglets. These studies demonstrate that the lesions of PMWS can be experimentally reproduced in gnotobiotic piglets using filterable viral agents derived from pigs with PMWS and provide an experimental basis for further investigation into the pathogenesis and control of this emerging infectious disease in swine.
Treatment and blood pressure control in Spain during 2002–2010

Objectives: To examine the evolution of hypertension management and blood pressure (BP) control in Spain in the last decade across PRESCAP 2002, 2006 and 2010. Methods: The methodology of the three studies was the same. They were multicenter and cross-sectional surveys aimed to determine BP control rates in hypertensive patients in primary care in Spain during 2002, 2006 and 2010, respectively. In each study, patients at least 18 years, with an established diagnosis of hypertension were included. Adequate BP control was defined as BP less than 140/90 mmHg in the general population (<130/85 mmHg in PRESCAP 2002 and less than 130/80 mmHg in PRESCAP 2006 and PRESCAP 2010 for patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease). Results: A total of 12 754 patients (mean age 63.3 ± 10.8 years; 57.2% women), 10 520 patients (64.6 ± 11.3 years; 53.7% women) and 12 961 patients (66.3 ± 11.4; 52.0% women) were included in PRESCAP 2002, PRESCAP 2006 and PRESCAP 2010 studies respectively. With regard to BP control rates, 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.2–36.9%], 41.4% (95% CI 40.5–42.4%) and 46.3% of patients (95% CI 45.4–47.1%) achieved BP goals in PRESCAP 2002, PRESCAP 2006 and PRESCAP 2010, respectively (P < 0.0001). In PRESCAP 2002, 56% of patients were on monotherapy, 35.6% were taking two drugs and 8.4% at least three drugs. In PRESCAP 2006 these numbers were 44.4, 41.1 and 14.5%, respectively, and in PRESCAP 2010 they were 36.4, 44.1 and 19.5%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: BP control rates have improved in Spain from 2002 to 2010. This may be related, at least in part, with the higher use of antihypertensive treatment, particularly combined therapy.
Positive psychological variables in the prediction of life satisfaction after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE To examine relationships between select positive psychological variables and life satisfaction in persons with spinal cord injury during acute rehabilitation and 3 months after discharge. DESIGN Prospective observational design; correlational and regression analyses. Eighty-seven adults who were participating in in-patient, acute rehabilitation for spinal cord injury in two metropolitan hospitals completed the following measures: Benefit finding Scale, Hope Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory, COPE, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS Hypothesized relationships of hope and positive affect (facilitator variables) with greater life satisfaction during the initial acute rehabilitation period were supported. Facilitators, as measured at baseline, accounted for a significant amount of variance in life satisfaction above and beyond barrier variables (depression, negative affect, and avoidant coping) both during the acute rehabilitation phase (R(2) change = . 20, p < . 0001) and at 3 months after discharge (R(2) change = . 09, p < . 029). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that positive psychological variables play a significant role in postrehabilitation subjective well-being for persons with spinal cord injury and may provide potential avenues for interventions to facilitate positive outcomes.