Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin resistance syndrome, body mass index and the risk of ischemic heart disease

Background: Many people who are not obese according to standard height and weight criteria may still display features of insulin resistance syndrome and thus be at high risk of ischemic heart disease. We sought to investigate the effect of cumulative features of insulin resistance syndrome on the risk of ischemic heart disease associated with variations in body mass index (BMI) among men who participated in the Québec Cardiovascular Study. Methods: A cohort of 1824 nondiabetic men free of ischemic heart disease was evaluated at the 1985 baseline evaluation and followed for a period of 13 years, during which 284 first ischemic heart disease events were recorded. Relative hazards (RHs) of ischemic heart disease in 3 BMI groups (normal weight, overweight and obese) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Although obese men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were the most likely to accumulate features of insulin resistance syndrome, the univariate risk of ischemic heart disease in this group was not significantly increased compared with normal-weight men (BMI < 25 kg/m2) (RH 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–1.80). However, obese men who accumulated more than 4 features of insulin resistance syndrome were at increased risk of ischemic heart disease (RH 1.81, 95% CI 1.02–3.19) compared with normal-weight men who had fewer than 3 features of the syndrome. Conversely, having more than 4 features of insulin resistance syndrome was associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease among normal-weight men (RH 3.01, 95% CI 1.70–5.32). Interpretation: Although obesity is an important risk factor for ischemic heart disease, variations in BMI alone poorly reflect the risk of ischemic heart disease associated with features of insulin resistance syndrome.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Combined With Immunomodulating Agents in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used in the management of patients with MS with equivocal efficacy. With this work we would like to present our experience with 10 patients (seven male and three female, mean age 34 years [range 27–53 years]) with secondary progressive MS, who were treated with immunomodulating agents and who also underwent TPE. The patients' expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of entry to the study varied from 5.0 to 6.5. One year before study entry all patients showed a marked deterioration (12 months before starting TPE they had been rated 4.5–5.5 on the EDSS). TPE was performed three times a week for two weeks and thereafter once a week, or once a month for the stable patients. The machine used was the Cobe Spectra and albumin 5% was the replacement fluid. Peripheral veins were used in nine patients and indwelling vascular access was required in one patient. Eighteen months later, patients stopped taking the immunomodulating agent therapy and continued only with TPE. No side‐effects occurred during the TPE session. After 36 months of TPE therapy, five patients were stabilized in their disability, while two patients showed a minor progression of the disease (an additional 0.5 degree in disability as determined by the EDSS). No relapses occurred during TPE. Three patients stopped the therapy: one patient because of persistent nausea and two patients for reasons unrelated to TPE. Periodic TPE was associated with reduced accumulation of neurological deficits (as documented by EDSS) in patients with secondary progressive MS.
Nonlinear model predictive control of an oxy-fuel combustion boiler for regulating the excess oxygen percentage in the flue gas

In this paper, a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) of a water-tube boiler system with oxy-fuel combustion process in an electric power plant is investigated. The control objectives are to maintain the water and pressure levels in the drum, the steam temperature in the secondary superheater, and the oxygen percentage in the flue gas. Upon the riser and drum models developed by Astrom [5], mathematical (nonlinear) models of the primary and secondary superheaters, attemperator and oxy-fuel combustion process are first developed. The introduced seven state variables are the water volume, steam pressure, and steam volume in the drum, vapor fraction in the riser, temperatures in the primary and secondary superheaters, and attemperator temperature. The five input variables are the feed water flow, steam flow, fuel flow, oxygen flow, and spray flow. The four output variables are the steam pressure and water level in the drum, secondary superheater temperature, and excess of oxygen in the flue gas. Since the water and steam volumes in the drum, vapor fraction in the riser, and the temperatures in the primary superheater and attemperator cannot be directly measured, two nonlinear state estimators (extended Kalman filter and particle filter for comparison purpose) are designed. Simulation results of the designed nonlinear MPC algorithm are provided.
Structural and functional conservation between yeast and human 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductases, the rate-limiting enzyme of sterol biosynthesis

The pathway of sterol biosynthesis is highly conserved in all eucaryotic cells. We demonstrated structural and functional conservation of the rate-limiting enzyme of the mammalian pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), between the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans. The amino acid sequence of the two yeast HMG-CoA reductase isozymes was deduced from DNA sequence analysis of the HMG1 and HMG2 genes. Extensive sequence similarity existed between the region of the mammalian enzyme encoding the active site and the corresponding region of the two yeast isozymes. Moreover, each of the yeast isozymes, like the mammalian enzyme, contained seven potential membrane-spanning domains in the NH2-terminal region of the protein. Expression of cDNA clones encoding either hamster or human HMG-CoA reductase rescued the viability of hmg1 hmg2 yeast cells lacking this enzyme. Thus, mammalian HMG-CoA reductase can provide sufficient catalytic function to replace both yeast isozymes in vivo. The availability of yeast cells whose growth depends on human HMG-CoA reductase may provide a microbial screen to identify new drugs that can modulate cholesterol biosynthesis.
Measurement results and modeling aspects for the UWB radio channel

We report on ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor channel measurements we have performed for several scenarios in an office building. Results are presented regarding the multipath decay supporting the applicability of the widely assumed exponential decay in a single cluster case, and show some results for a two-cluster situation caused by in-building back reflection. The frequency dependent decay of the channel gain with increasing frequencies is discussed in some detail regarding the competition between a power and a polynomial law. We present a power law for received power versus distance in a corridor environment and finally suggest some modifications allowing to adapt well known propagation model elements.
Morphologically Similar Epithelial and Stromal Cells in Primary Bilateral Breast Tumors Display Different Genetic Profiles: Implications for Treatment

The morphologic features of primary bilateral breast carcinoma have been well elucidated, but it is not known whether tumors at two sides share a common genetic profile and undergo the same clinical course. To address this issue, morphologically comparable epithelial and stromal cells in 18 paired primary bilateral breast tumors were microdissected and subjected to comparisons for the frequency and pattern of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MI), as well as the profiles of comparative genomic hybridization. Of 18 paired bilateral epithelial samples assessed with 10 DNA markers at five chromosomes, 78 altered loci were found; of these, 23 (29.5%) displayed concurrent and 55 (70.5%) showed independent LOH, MI, or both. Of 18 paired bilateral stromal samples assessed with the same markers, 70 altered loci were seen; of these, 9 (12.9%) displayed concurrent and 61 (87.1%) showed independent LOH, MI, or both. Collectively, all the markers and 30 (83.3%) of 36 paired bilateral epithelial and stromal cells displayed significantly more (P < 0.01) independent than concurrent LOH, MI, or both. In contrast, the epithelial cells of a pulmonary small cell carcinoma metastasized to both breasts displayed concurrent LOH at each of the four altered loci. Of seven selected cases for comparative genomic hybridization, six (86%) displayed chromosomal changes, but none showed an identical pattern and frequency of changes in both breasts. The significantly higher rate of independent genetic alterations in morphologically comparable cells of paired bilateral primary breast tumors supports the notion that the development and clinical course of tumors in two sides differ substantially; consequently, different interventions might be needed for the optimal management of bilateral breast tumors.
Biomechanical Comparison of Single-Tunnel—Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Background Anatomic double-bundle reconstruction has been thought to better simulate the anterior cruciate ligament anatomy. It is, however, a technically challenging procedure, associated with longer operation time and higher cost. Hypothesis Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a single femoral and tibial tunnel can closely reproduce intact knee kinematics. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knee specimens were tested using a robotic testing system to investigate the kinematic response of the knee joint under an anterior tibial load (130 N), simulated quadriceps load (400 N), and combined torques (5 N·m valgus and 5 N·m internal tibial torques) at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. Each knee was tested sequentially under 4 conditions: (1) anterior cruciate ligament intact, (2) anterior cruciate ligament deficient, (3) single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring tendon, and (4) single-tunnel—double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the same tunnels and quadrupled hamstring tendon graft as in the single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Results Single-tunnel—double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction more closely restored the intact knee kinematics than single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at low flexion angles (≤30°) under the anterior tibial load and simulated muscle load (P < .05). However, single-tunnel—double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction overconstrained the knee joint at high flexion angles (≥60°) under the anterior tibial load and at 0° and 30° of flexion under combined torques. Conclusion This double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a single tunnel can better restore anterior tibial translations to the intact level compared with single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at low flexion angles, but it overconstrained the knee joint at high flexion angles. Clinical Relevance This technique could be an alternative for both single-bundle and double-tunnel—double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions to reproduce intact knee kinematics and native anterior cruciate ligament anatomy.
Synthesizing e-government stage models - a meta-synthesis based on meta-ethnography approach

Purpose – The growing interest in e‐government raises the question of stages in e‐government development. A few stage models for e‐government have been proposed. Without a common e‐government stage model, different research in e‐government may be based on different stage models. This presents a difficulty in comparing and understanding different research results. In this research, we synthesize the existing e‐government stage models so that there is a common frame of reference for researchers and practitioners in the area.Design/methodology/approach – This research utilizes a qualitative meta‐synthesis methodology to synthesize different e‐government stage models. The meta‐synthesis follows the steps used in meta‐ethnography.Findings – Five different e‐government stage models were used in this research. We translated the stages within different models into one another and developed a new e‐government stage model. The new e‐government stage model has the following five stages: web presence, interaction, tr.
Design of the surgical robots for orthopaedics applications

A robot with only high positioning accuracy is still not adequate for surgery application. An intuitive human machine interface and transferrable operation mode are another two crucial factors for a medical robot in surgery applications. These two factors have to be put into consideration during designing a medical robot at the first place. Base on the viewpoint, a new architecture of a surgical robot for orthopaedics applications has been designed. The new type of robot has also been compared with the past versions of surgical robots developed in the author's laboratory. Its advantages in clinical application have also been verified by orthopaedics surgeon on cadaver test and the results justified the new design concept.
ProFAX: A hardware acceleration of a protein folding algorithm

Protein folding is the physical process by which a sequence of amino acids in a protein folds into its tertiary structure, which determines the functionality of the protein. The knowledge of this structure is crucial for the development of new pharmaceutical therapies. For this reason, many drug industries are interested in applying these kind of algorithms. There are various methods to perform this process, one of the most interesting is Ab Initio modeling. This method creates the 3D-structure from energetic and geometrical features. However, despite its potentiality, companies are slowed down by the high computational needing of the algorithm. A speed-up in the execution time would be crucial to enhance productivity in such industries. In this work we present an accelerated implementation of an Ab Initio Protein Folding Algorithm, based on Monte Carlo simulation. Our implementation is able to reach a speed-up of 1,61x with relation to a pure software implementation, and there is room for more optimization. Furthermore, the algorithm required only 3 weeks to implement, which represents an extremely rapid development time in comparison with typical hardware applications.
Power switch and current sensor fault-tolerant control of PMSG drives for wind turbine systems

Fault-diagnosis and fault-tolerant control of modern wind turbines with minimum hardware requirements are mandatory features in order to increase the reliability and availability levels with low costs. This paper presents a fault-tolerant permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) drive for wind turbine systems, allowing to automatically reconfigure the drive operation when a current sensor fault and a power switch open-circuit failure in the back-to-back converter occurs. Accordingly, the fault can be distinguished and the faulty device is correctly localized in both cases, based on a single fault diagnostic technique. For the power switch post-fault operation, a fault-tolerant converter topology is proposed with minimum number of extra components and with a simple control modification. In addition, an effective algorithm is proposed for current sensor post-fault operation without using extra devices. In order to prove the performance of the proposed fault-tolerant PMSG drive, several simulation results are presented.
Opioid Consumption before and after the establishment of A Palliative Medicine Unit in An Egyptian Cancer Centre

Opioid consumption before and after the establishment of a palliative medicine unit (PMU) in an Egyptian cancer centre was reviewed. A comparison of consumption during the year before the PMU was established to consumption during the third year after the PMU's establishment revealed that morphine consumption increased by 698 percent, fentanyl by 217 percent, and tramadol by 230 percent. Expressed in defined daily dose (DDD) and adjusted for 1,000 new cancer patients, consumption increased by 460 percent, from 4,678 DDD/1,000 new patients to 26,175 DDD/1,000 new patients. Expressed in grams of oral morphine equivalent (g OME), consumption increased by 644 percent, from 233 g OME/1,000 new patients to 1,731 g OME/1,000 new patients. The establishment of the PMU was associated with an increase in opioid consumption, especially morphine, which is an indicator of improvement in cancer pain control. The expression of opioid consumption in OME in addition to DDD may provide further information, especially when weak opioids are included in the analysis.
Association of Serum MiR-142-3p and MiR-101-3p Levels with Acute Cellular Rejection after Heart Transplantation

Background Identifying non-invasive and reliable blood-derived biomarkers for early detection of acute cellular rejection in heart transplant recipients is of great importance in clinical practice. MicroRNAs are small molecules found to be stable in serum and their expression patterns reflect both physiological and underlying pathological conditions in human. Methods We compared a group of heart transplant recipients with histologically-verified acute cellular rejection (ACR, n = 26) with a control group of heart transplant recipients without allograft rejection (NR, n = 37) by assessing the levels of a select set of microRNAs in serum specimens. Results The levels of seven microRNAs, miR-142-3p, miR-101-3p, miR-424-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-339-3p and miR-326 were significantly higher in ACR group compared to the control group and could discriminate between patients with and without allograft rejection. MiR-142-3p and miR-101-3p had the best diagnostic test performance among the microRNAs tested. Serum levels of miR-142-3p and miR-101-3p were independent of calcineurin inhibitor levels, as measured by tacrolimus and cyclosporin; kidney function, as measured by creatinine level, and general inflammation state, as measured by CRP level. Conclusion This study demonstrated two microRNAs, miR-142-3p and miR-101-3p, that could be relevant as non-invasive diagnostic tools for identifying heart transplant patients with acute cellular rejection.
Smooth muscle‐specific switching of alpha‐tropomyosin mutually exclusive exon selection by specific inhibition of the strong default exon.

Exons 2 and 3 of alpha‐tropomyosin are spliced in a strict mutually exclusive manner. Exon 3 is a default choice, being selected in almost all cell types where the gene is expressed. The default selection arises from a competition between the two exons, in which the stronger branch point/pyrimidine tract elements of exon 3 win. Exon 2 is selected predominantly or exclusively only in smooth muscle cells. We show here that the basis for the smooth muscle‐specific switching of exon selection is inhibition of exon 3. Exon 3 is still skipped with smooth muscle specificity, even in the absence of exon 2. We have defined two conserved sequence elements, one in each of the introns flanking exon 3, that are essential for this regulation. Mutation of either element severely impairs regulated suppression of exon 3. No other exon or intron sequences appear to be necessary for regulation. We have also demonstrated skipping of exon 3 that is dependent upon both regulatory elements in an in vitro splicing assay. We further show that both splice sites of exon 3 must be inhibited in a concerted fashion to switch to selection of exon 2. This may relate to the requirement for negative elements on both sides of the exon.
Study on Urban Economic Vatality Index in China

Economic competition usually takes place on levels of country,industry and enterprise.With the economic globalization,cities have been the main body of competition.In China,economic total amount and developmental rate play an important role in evaluation of urban economic activity which roots in enterprises(mostly the nongovernmental business),foreign trade and capital.The income level of local residents decides the attraction to labor force which is the endogenetic energy of economic activity.Finance and social security system are perceived as important guarantees for urban development.The level of technology and education is becoming an important source of the increase of economy. Environment which correlates the sustainable development is placed high value on as an external factor of economic development.This paper uses factor analysis method to evaluate 50 cities in China from aspects of economy and its growth,amount and income of enterprises,income of residents,finance and social security,foreign trade and capital,level of technology and education,and environment. Urban benefits and production are main factors of the economic vitality.The 50 cities are classified as five levels by scores.The most developed cities lie in the Changjiang(Yangtze) River Delta Area and Zhujiang(Pearl) River Delta.Shanghai and Shenzhen which play the important role in the areas belong to the first level.The gap between coastal cities and inland ones is still large.
Identification of Human Polymorphisms in the Phenylthio-carbamide ( PTC ) Bitter Taste Receptor Gene and Protein

This paper introduces a lab project developed for the Summer Teachers’ Workshop in Genomics at Amherst College, and is easily tailored to the weekly format of undergraduate laboratory courses in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, or evolution. The project examines single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with human taste sensitivity to the bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Human cheek cell DNA is amplified and sequenced using PTC-specific primers, and sequence variations in the PTC gene are correlated with taste sensitivity to PTC strips. A ‘dry lab’ version of the activity can also be done using pre-obtained DNA sequences from individuals with known PTC genotypes.
Urinothorax: Case report and systematic review of the literature

Urinothorax, the presence of urine in the pleural space, is a rare cause of pleural effusion, usually associated with obstructive uropathy, or urinary trauma. We present the case of a 3 year-old boy and a systematic review of the literature of the 44 cases encountered. After resection of a Wilm's tumour in the right kidney our patient presented acute respiratory distress associated with radiographically confirmed pleural effusion. With the initial diagnosis of pneumonia or malignant pleural effusion, a closed thoracotomy was performed. The liquid obtained suggested urine, which was confirmed by the laboratory. Cystoscopy with retrograde pyelography detected a fistula on the posterior wall of the right kidney. The report of cases worldwide is low, probably due to its low incidence but also to underdiagnosis. Respiratory symptoms are not always present and urological symptoms usually predominate. Diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and is confirmed by the main biochemical marker: The ratio >1 . 0 pleural fluid creatinine and creatinine serum.