Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Critical role for CXCR 2 and CXCR 2 ligands during the pathogenesis of ventilator-induced lung injury

Mortality related to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ranges from 35% to 65%. Lung-protective ventilator strategies can reduce mortality during ARDS. The protective strategies limit tidal volumes and peak pressures while maximizing positive end-expiratory pressure. The efficacy of this approach is due to a reduction of shear-stress of the lung and release of inflammatory mediators. Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is characterized by inflammation. The specific mechanism(s) that recruit leukocytes during VILI have not been elucidated. Because the murine CXC chemokines KC/CXCL1 and MIP-2/CXCL2/3, via CXCR2, are potent neutrophil chemoattractants, we investigated their role in a murine model of VILI. We compared two ventilator strategies in C57BL/6 mice: high peak pressure and high stretch (high peak pressure/stretch) versus low peak pressure/stretch for 6 hours. Lung injury and neutrophil sequestration from the high–peak pressure/stretch group were greater than those from the low–peak pressure/stretch group. In addition, lung expression of KC/CXCL1 and MIP-2/CXCL2/3 paralleled lung injury and neutrophil sequestration. Moreover, in vivo inhibition of CXCR2/CXC chemokine ligand interactions led to a marked reduction in neutrophil sequestration and lung injury. These findings were confirmed using CXCR2–/– mice. Together these experiments support the notion that increased expression of KC/CXCL1 and MIP-2/CXCL2/3 and their interaction with CXCR2 are important in the pathogeneses of VILI. Article Aging
Determining the accuracy of calculating systolic wall thickening using a fast Fourier transform approximation: a simulation study based on canine and patient data.

UNLABELLED The high court yields of 99mTc-sestamibi make possible the acquisition of multiple gated SPECT studies with relatively high count densities. By reorienting these studies into gated short-axis slices, and extracting the three-dimensional myocardial perfusion distribution, we can study wall thickening using an amplitude and phase analysis methodology that examines the change in counts throughout the cardiac cycle. There have been two main concerns raised about this count-based technique: (1) What effect does the sampling rate have on the calculation of systolic wall thickening? and (2) What effect does count density have on the calculation of systolic wall thickening? METHODS We designed a simulation study using myocardial wall thickening data obtained from ultrasonic crystals implanted in the myocardium of a normal canine. This data was modified to produce wall thickening curves with various percent systolic wall thickening measurements, sampling rates and count densities. RESULTS The results show that using at least eight frames per cardiac cycle, systolic wall thickening can be calculated with enough accuracy to separate normal patients from those with cardiac dysfunction, even in areas of hypoperfused myocardium. Also, the results show the importance of calculating and interpreting phase (onset of contraction) information. CONCLUSIONS This count-based technique continues to show promise as a tool for calculating systolic wall-thickening from multiple gated myocardial perfusion SPECT studies, but needs to be validated in a prospective multi-center trial before being applied in a clinical setting.
A division of labour with role specialization in group–hunting bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Cedar Key, Florida

Individual role specialization during group hunting is extremely rare in mammals. Observations on two groups of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Cedar Key, Florida revealed distinctive behavioural roles during group feeding. In each group, one individual was consistently the ‘driver’, herding the fishes in a circle toward the remaining ‘barrier’ dolphins. Aerial fish–capture rates differed between groups, as well as between the driver and barrier dolphins, in one group but not in the other. These differences between the two groups may reflect differences in group stability or in prey school size.
Validation of long term performance of natural ester and Kraft paper as high temperature insulation system

In early 2003, CPFL Energia, a Brazilian utility, was interested on evaluating the performance of natural ester filled transformers, especially regarding the highly increased overloading capability. As a field test, in association with the transformer manufacturer “Itaipu Transformadores”, they built two prototype transformers. Based on original overhead distribution line three phases transformers of 15kV/45kVA, after small adjustments in the windings and cooling system, keeping same core and tank, associated with the use of natural ester based dielectric liquid, and increasing the average winding temperature rise limit from 55°C to 85°C and a hotspot temperature rise limit of 100°C, the transformer nominal rating was shifted to 88kVA.
Molecular Studies on Salmonella Species Isolated From Chicken

Although many pathogens have recently received considerable attention, Salmonella remains among the leading sources of food-borne illness throughout much of the world. A poultry producer suffers losses due to Salmonella infection of the flock including loss of birds and production time. The present study was carried out to compare between the conventional bacteriological method and pre-enriched PCR assay for detection of Salmonella in chicken swabs samples The culture method can detect Salmonella in 6 samples out of 105 of examined samples under investigation with an incidence of 5.7 %, where by using PCR can detect 7 Salmonella positive samples out of 105 examined samples with an incidence of 6.7 %. Dendrogram or phylogentic tree of 5 isolated salmonella serotypes on RAPD-PCR analysis – PCR pattern similarity. The phylogentic tree was constructed applying UPGMA to matrix of similarity established from the combined data obtained by using three RAPD-PCR primers (1, 2, and primer 5) which give the best discrimination out of the six Primers used in the study. The numbers indicate the percentage of similarity among RAPD-PCR profiles based on pair wise band sharing as compared with the molecular weight of the marker (DNA ladder). it was found that Salmonella serotypes isolated chickens and environmental samples have different degrees of genetic similarity as follow; S. anatum with S. typhimurium (52 %), S. anatum with S. derby (57 %), S. anatum with S. kentucky ( 62 %), S. anatum with S. enteritidis ( 48 %). S. typhimurium with S. derby ( 67 %), S. typhimurium with S. kentucky ( 43 %), S. typhimurium with S. enteritidis ( 38 %). S. derby with S. kentucky ( 37 %) S. derby with S. enteritidis (33 %). S. kentucky with S. enteritidis (29%). These results indicate that there are a different degrees of polymorphism between the 5 serotypes under investigation from lower degree of genetic similarity between (29%) between S. kentucky and S. enteritidis to higher degree (67 %) between S. typhimurium with S. derby.
Circulating biomarkers for discriminating indolent from aggressive disease in prostate cancer active surveillance

Purpose of review To review research on the use of circulating biomarkers to predict unfavorable tumor pathology in the setting of active surveillance, or in clinical contexts that are informative for active surveillance, such as men with low-risk prostate cancer evaluated for upgrading or upstaging at surgery. Recent findings Biomarkers have been evaluated in serum, plasma, urine, and expressed prostatic secretions. Only a small number of biomarkers have been evaluated in multiple studies: %free prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA velocity, PSA doubling time, proPSA, PCA3, TMPRSS2-ERG. Single studies with relevance to active surveillance have evaluated microRNAs, circulating tumor cells, and exosomes. The most consistent significant associations with unfavorable tumor pathology have been with %free PSA. Associations with [-2]proPSA and Prostate Health Index have also been consistent; however, three of four studies come from the same active surveillance patient cohort. Summary Circulating biomarkers represent a promising approach to identify men with apparently low-risk biopsy pathology, but who harbor potentially aggressive tumors unsuitable for active surveillance. Research is still at an early stage; existing biomarkers need rigorous validation with consistent methodology, and additional biomarkers need to be evaluated. Successful clinical translation would reduce the frequency of surveillance biopsies, and may enhance acceptance of active surveillance.
FACTORS INFLUENCING INDIVIDUAL ATTITUDES TOWARD VOLUNTARY ACTIVE EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE

approved: Rebecca J. Donate lle Issues of right to life, as well as death have surfaced as topics of hot debate. In particular, questions about when and if individuals have the right to end their own lives have emerged and gained considerable attention as health policy issues having the potential to affect all Americans. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that are most likely to influence an individual's decision to support or not support voluntary active euthanasia (VAE) and physician assisted suicide (PAS) in specific medical situations. This study also examined the differences in medical vignettes by various demographic and attitudinal factors. Data were collected from a sample of classified staff members at two institutions of higher learning in Oregon. A survey was used to collect all data. Paired sample Ttests, stepwise multiple regression analysis and repeated measures multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Based on survey results, there were significant differences in attitudes toward PAS and VAE for each medical vignette. Religious beliefs, fear of dependency, and fear of death were the most powerful predictors of individual support for PAS in each medical Redacted for privacy situation. In the case of VAE, there were differences in support on each medical situation in terms of the most powerful predictors: fear of dependency and religious beliefs for the cancer vignette, fear of dependency, religious beliefs, and age for the ALS vignette, and religious beliefs and fear of dependency for the paralysis vignette. The repeated measures MANOVA revealed that in general, the older the individual was, the less likely they were to support PAS or VAE. However, women over age 66 in this study were more likely to support VAE than were the males age 66 and over. Males in the 51-65 year old category were more supportive of VAE than females in this age category. Also, those who were more fearful of death were more likely to have a higher level of support for VAE. In all three vignettes (Cancer, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and paralysis) for both PAS and VAE, there was a significantly different level of support measured on a seven point Likert scale. FACTORS INFLUENCING INDIVIDUAL ATTITUDES TOWARD VOLUNTARY ACTIVE EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE by Donna A. Champeau A THESIS submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Completed November 23, 1994 Commencement June 1995 Doctor of Philosophy thesis of Donna A. Champeau presented on November 23, 1994
Indirect cost assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): comparison of data from the health economic patient questionnaire HEQ-RA and insurance claims data.

OBJECTIVE To render information on the accuracy of patient-reported indirect cost data compared with payer-derived data of the real indirect costs on a patient-by-patient basis concerning disease-related productivity losses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The assessment of indirect cost data was part of a clinical, multicenter, randomized RA trial. A total of 234 patients of working age with a diagnosis of RA (according to 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria) were recruited. Demographics of the cohort were mean age 53 years, mean disease duration 8 years, 76% were women, and all had membership in the regional statutory health insurance plan. Every 3 months corresponding indirect cost data were derived for the cohort from a health economic questionnaire for cost assessment in patients with RA and the payer's database over a period of 18 months. Comparative statistical analyses were performed between patient-reported and insurance claims data. RESULTS The mean annual productivity losses due to sick leave amounted to 14 and 17 days per patient (questionnaire versus payer data), and productivity losses due to work disability amounted to 3 days (both); monetary valuation renders overall costs of 1,240 and 1,590, respectively. The difference of 17% in overall productivity losses is not significant. Comparison of productivity losses reveals a strong correlation of r = 0.83 in those due to sick leave and of kappa = 0.84 in those due to work disability between questionnaire and payer data. CONCLUSION The comparison of questionnaire and payer data shows that RA patients report their productivity losses adequately. Indirect cost assessment should therefore be included in further RA trials and observational studies.
Central venous pressure monitoring

Purpose of reviewThe proper use of central venous pressure requires a good understanding of basic measurement techniques and features of the waveform. Recent findingsIf attention is not paid to proper leveling of the transducer and consideration of transmural pressure then major errors are made in the use of central venous pressure. Besides the information gained from the relationship of changes in central venous pressure to changes in cardiac output, there is also much information to be obtained by examining the waveforms of the central venous pressure tracing. Examples are given of rhythm disorders, tricuspid regurgitation, cardiac tamponade, cardiac restriction, and decreased thoracic compliance. SummaryThere is much more to the measurement of central venous pressure than the simple digital value on the monitor and the actual waveform should always be examined.
Comparative study of the integral equation formulations when analyzing left-handed materials

A wide analysis of metamaterial spheres with different constitutive parameters has been carried out employing MoM-based SIE formulations. The study has been focused on the accuracy assessment of formulations combining normal equations (CNF), tangential equations (CTF and PMCHWT) and both of them (JMCFIE) when dealing with double negative materials. Relevant and informative features as the condition number, the eigenvalues distribution and the iterative response have been analyzed. The obtained results show up the suitability of the JMCFIE for this kind of analysis in contrast with the unreliable behavior of the other approaches.
Radiation risk predictions for Space Station Freedom orbits

Risk assessment calculations are presented for the preliminary proposed solar minimum and solar maximum orbits for Space Station Freedom (SSF). Integral linear energy transfer (LET) fluence spectra are calculated for the trapped proton and GCR environments. Organ dose calculations are discussed using the computerized anatomical man model. The cellular track model of Katz is applied to calculate cell survival, transformation, and mutation rates for various aluminum shields. Comparisons between relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and quality factor (QF) values for SSF orbits are made.
Multivariate Return Decomposition: Theory and Implications

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose a model based on multivariate decomposition of multiplicative – absolute values and signs – components of asset returns. In the m-variate case, the marginals for the m absolute values and the binary marginals for the m directions are linked through a 2m-dimensional copula. The approach is detailed in the case of a bivariate decomposition. We outline the construction of the likelihood function and the computation of different conditional measures. The finite-sample properties of the maximum likelihood estimator are assessed by simulation. An application to predicting bond returns illustrates the usefulness of the proposed method.
Coronary risk incidence of obese adolescents: reduction by exercise plus diet intervention.

The incidence of coronary heart disease risk factors and the effects of 20 weeks of diet and exercise were studied in 36 obese adolescents. Values for the following risk factors were determined: serum triglyceride level, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, total cholesterol level, systolic and diastolic BP, maximum work capacity, obesity, and presence of coronary heart disease in the family history. Of the subjects, 97% had four or more risk factors. Two subjects possessed all eight risk factors. The adolescents were randomly assigned to either a control, diet therapy and behavior change, or exercise, diet therapy, and behavior change group. From pre- to posttreatment, a 14.8% and 41.4% reduction in multiple risk was noted for the latter two groups, respectively. No significant difference between the control group and the diet and behavior change group was found. In contrast, the exercise-diet-behavior change group reduced multiple risk (P less than .01) more than either of the other groups. It was concluded that obese adolescents are at high risk for the development of coronary heart disease and that exercise in addition to moderate dietary restriction can result in the reduction of multiple coronary heart disease risk.
A Link Prediction Algorithm Based on Trust and Similar Tag

The most similarity algorithm does not fully consider the network topology information, the paper design a calculation method of similarity, it takes the interrelation of nodes' tag and the text similarity of tag into account, most of trust calculation method is always treat all the nodes equally in the network, while ignoring the itself characteristics of each network node, and some trust computation method has certain subjectivity, This paper proposes a new method of calculating trust, finally, this paper presents a link prediction algorithm based on trust and similar tag (TAST).
Green's-function approach to linear response in solids.

Proposition d'une nouvelle methode, basee sur la theorie des perturbations dans laquelle la reponse au potentiel total est obtenue par iteration jusqu'a l'autocoherence, la sommation sur les bandes de conduction etant evitee grâce a une technique a fonction de Green. Application aux phonons optiques de grande longueur d'onde dans Si et GaAs (Constante dielectrique, frequences TO et LO, charges effectives)
Cyclic AMP-dependent and Epac-mediated Activation of R-Ras by G Protein-coupled Receptors Leads to Phospholipase D Stimulation*

The activation of the Ras-related GTPase R-Ras, which has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular functions, by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) was studied in HEK-293 cells stably expressing the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), which can couple to several types of heterotrimeric G proteins. Activation of the receptor induced a very rapid and transient activation of R-Ras. Studies with inhibitors and activators of various signaling pathways indicated that R-Ras activation by the M3 mAChR is dependent on cyclic AMP formation but is independent of protein kinase A. Similar to the rather promiscuous M3 mAChR, two typical Gs-coupled receptors also induced R-Ras activation. The receptor actions were mimicked by an Epac-specific cyclic AMP analog and suppressed by depletion of endogenous Epac1 by small interfering RNAs, as well as expression of a cyclic AMP binding-deficient Epac1 mutant, but not by expression of dominant negative Rap GTPases. In vitro studies demonstrated that Epac1 directly interacts with R-Ras and catalyzes GDP/GTP exchange at this GTPase. Finally, it is shown that the cyclic AMP- and Epac-activated R-Ras plays a major role in the M3 mAChR-mediated stimulation of phospholipase D but not phospholipase C. Collectively, our data indicate that GPCRs rapidly activate R-Ras, that R-Ras activation by the GPCRs is apparently directly induced by cyclic AMP-regulated Epac proteins, and that activated R-Ras specifically controls GPCR-mediated phospholipase D stimulation.
Leveraging The Potential Of Personality Traits For Digital Health Interventions : A Literature Review On Digital Markers For Conscientiousness And Neurotism

Digital health interventions (DHIs) are designed to help individuals manage their disease, such as asthma, diabetes, or major depression. While there is a broad body of literature on how to design evidence-based DHIs with respect to behavioral theories, behavior change techniques or various design features, targeting personality traits has been neglected so far in DHI designs, although there is evidence of their impact on health. In particular, conscientiousness, which is related to therapy adherence, and neuroticism, which impacts long-term health of chronic patients, are two personality traits with an impact on health. Sensing these traits via digital markers from online and smartphone data sources and providing corresponding personality change interventions, i
Tumor size and age predict the risk of malignancy in Hürthle cell neoplasm of the thyroid and can therefore guide the extent of initial thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND The majority of patients having a diagnosis of Hürthle cell neoplasm (HCN) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a thyroid nodule have a diagnostic thyroid lobectomy to make the final diagnosis. If the nodule is malignant, they require a completion thyroidectomy. The objective of this study was to devise a simple clinical scheme capable of predicting malignancy in patients with cytologic diagnosis of HCN and, therefore, guide the extent of initial thyroid surgery. METHODS A total of 57 patients who underwent thyroid surgery after an FNA diagnosis of HCN were retrospectively studied. The patients were examined for clinical features, preoperative imaging studies, and pathology reports. The risk of malignancy was calculated using a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS The overall rate of malignancy in patients with HCN was 46% (26/57). The predictors of malignancy based on multiple logistic regression analysis were tumor size >1.5 cm (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 8.0 [1.9-33.4]) and patient age >45 years (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.3 [0.6-8.6]). In patients with nodules larger than 1.5 cm, the predicted probability of malignancy was greater in patients over 45 years than in younger patients (65% for >45 years vs. 44% for ≤45 years). In patients with a nodule 1.5 cm or less, the probability of malignancy was relatively low and not significantly different between the two age categories (18% for >45 years vs. 10% for ≤45 years). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that tumor size and age can be integrated into decision making for patients with an FNA diagnosis of HCN to facilitate patient selection for surgical referral and, particularly, to determine in which patients a thyroidectomy rather than a lobectomy should be the initial surgery.