Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High normal levels of albuminuria and risk of hypertension in Indo-Asian population.

BACKGROUND Urine albumin excretion in the high normal range [urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) 10-29 mg/g)] predicts hypertension in European-origin populations. However, the prognostic significance of UACR in the high normal range for incident hypertension is unclear in Indo-Asians. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of normal to high normal levels of UACR and incident hypertension. METHODS We conducted a nested cohort study within a cluster randomized controlled trial in Pakistan on 1272 normotensive non-diabetic adults aged ≥ 40 years with UACR <30 mg/g. Incident hypertension was defined as new onset of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg or initiation of antihypertensive therapy. RESULTS A total of 920 (72.3%) participants completed the 2-year final follow-up. During this time, 105 (11.4%) developed incident hypertension. In the multivariable model, the odds [95% confidence interval (CI)] for incident hypertension were 2.45(1.21-4.98) for those in the fourth (top) quartile (≥ 6.1 mg/g) and 2.12 (1.04-4.35) in the third quartile (3.8-6.1 mg/g) compared to those in the lowest quartile (<2.8 mg/g). In addition, a significant interaction between UACR and baseline SBP was observed suggesting that the odds (95% CI) of incident hypertension with UACR were greater at lower baseline SBP (interaction P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS High normal levels of albuminuria as measured by UACR predict hypertension in non-diabetic Indo-Asians, and this relationship may be enhanced in individuals with low baseline SBP. Further research is needed to assess the clinical applicability of these findings.
BeWithMe: An Immersive Telepresence System for Distance Separated Couples

Current telepresence systems are limited by the use of standard, narrow field-of-view cameras and are mainly designed to support indoor conversations. We propose a novel immersive telepresence system designed for long distance couples called "BeWithMe" which presents the entire 360-degree view of a partner's location with an independent perspective to control the view. We expect couples to use the system for sharing their daily activities, experiences, and to gain an understanding of each other's physical space. In this paper, we will explain the overview of the design principles, system design, and discuss the viewing experience.
Depth-Based Activity Recognition in ICUs Using Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks

Currently, activity detection in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is performed manually by trained personnel primarily nurses who log the activities as they happen. This process is both expensive and time consuming. Our goal is to design a system which automatically gives an annotated list of all activities that occurred in the ICU over the day. In the future, we also aim at providing a system which informs the doctor about the health status of patients and unusual activity occurrences. Overall, this system will reduce the monitoring workload of trained personnel, and lead to a quicker and safer recovery of the patient. In order to design this system, we installed depth sensors in ICUs to create a novel dataset, and performed activity recognition on it using Convolution Neural Networks and Long Short Term Memory Units. We were able to achieve high classification accuracy for a restricted dataset, particularly in networks that leveraged temporal information and multiple viewpoints.
Modified Particle Swarm Optimization for sphere, Rastrigin, Schwefel and Schafer fuctions

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), proposed by J. Kennedy and R. Eberhart in 1995, attracts many attentions to solve for a lot of optimization problems nowadays. Due to its simplicity of parameter-setting and computational efficiency, it becomes one of the most popular algorithms for optimizations. For different optimization problems, different settings are required in order to solve problems with saving-time and efficiency. Four most popular problems are solved in this paper while modified PSO algorithms with different parameters are set.
The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system in the pronephros and mesonephros of Bufo bufo larvae

In this study on the excretory apparatus of the Bufo bufo larvae, the ultrastructural features and the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-system were examined using cytochemical and immunocytochemical methods. The early embryonic kidney, the pronephros, is replaced by a later stage, the mesonephros. The pronephros degenerates at the time of metamorphosis and the mesonephros becomes the functional kidney in the adult. Both these organs are targets for ANP, demonstrated by the presence of the specific receptors, indirectly highlighted by the cytochemical localization of the guanylate cyclase in the presence of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide. This study concluded that the mesonephros produces ANP and thus clusters of cells containing ANP-like granules, positive to the anti-α ANP immunolocalization, were present along the mesonephric proximal tubule. The atrial natriuretic peptide system carries out an important osmoregulatory role in the excretory apparatus.
MECHANISMS OF TRANSOVARIAL INFECTION OF SPOTTED FEVER RICKETTSIAE IN TICKS

Field investigations by Ricketts in western Montana on Rocky Mountain spotted fever established the principal features responsible for the persistence of Rickettsia rickettsii in nature. Unfamiliar with the causative agent, Ricketts proved conclusively that the wood tick, bermacentor andersoni, is the vector. He further demonstrated that the etiologic agent acquired by immature ticks from a variety of small mammals, particularly rodents and lagomorphs, is maintained transstadially and may be transmitted via eggs to the progeny of infected female ticks. * Ricketts’ observations on transovarial infection were based on infectivity of larval ticks derived from females that were infected as adults by feeding on guinea pigs sick with spotted fever. Because no more than half of the females transmitted rickettsiae via eggs, he concluded that under natural conditions, this phenomenon does not occur in more than 50% of infected tick females. He also pointed out that the brood of an infected female may include many uninfected larvae. Although these findings were confirmed by many workers, quantitative data that pertain to transovarial infection did not become available until 1954, when Price reported that transovarial transmission in the field occurs about 30% of the time and that, when it does occur, rickettsiae are not passed to all filial ticks. Unfortunately, experimental data were not given, although the results were based “on a great many studies carried out with several strains of R. rickettsii and several lots of D . andersoni. ” In a similar study with a low-virulence strain of R. rickettsii in D . variubilis, the same author found that 30-40% of female ticks that had been infected as larvae and as nymphs by feeding on rickettsemic meadow voles passed rickettsiae to their offspring. Filial infection rates, determined by injection of oviposited eggs and engorged larvae into chick embryos, varied. Fifty percent of the transmitting females laid eggs, of which one of every 10 was infected, 15% showed one of every two to four eggs infected, and 35% had one of every 20-40 eggs infected. Similar results were obtained with engorged filial larval ticks. In contrast to these findings, Burgdorfer reported almost 100% transovarial and filial infection rates for D . andersoni infected either experimentally or naturally with virulent strains of R. rickettsii. Applying direct immunofluorescence to the examination of eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults, this author found that rickettsia1 infections were retained throughout all developmental stages of the first filial generation and were again passed to 100% of eggs and larvae of the second generation. Since publication of these observations,
Efficient Coupling of Transducin to Monomeric Rhodopsin in a Phospholipid Bilayer*

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven transmembrane domain proteins that transduce extracellular signals across the plasma membrane and couple to the heterotrimeric family of G proteins. Like most intrinsic membrane proteins, GPCRs are capable of oligomerization, the function of which has only been established for a few different receptor systems. One challenge in understanding the function of oligomers relates to the inability to separate monomeric and oligomeric receptor complexes in membrane environments. Here we report the reconstitution of bovine rhodopsin, a GPCR expressed in the retina, into an apolipoprotein A-I phospholipid particle, derived from high density lipoprotein (HDL). We demonstrate that rhodopsin, when incorporated into these 10 nm reconstituted HDL (rHDL) particles, is monomeric and functional. Rhodopsin·rHDL maintains the appropriate spectral properties with respect to photoactivation and formation of the active form, metarhodopsin II. Additionally, the kinetics of metarhodopsin II decay is similar between rhodopsin in native membranes and rhodopsin in rHDL particles. Photoactivation of monomeric rhodopsin·rHDL also results in the rapid activation of transducin, at a rate that is comparable with that found in native rod outer segments and 20-fold faster than rhodopsin in detergent micelles. These data suggest that monomeric rhodopsin is the minimal functional unit in G protein activation and that oligomerization is not absolutely required for this process.
The effect of parameter and measurement uncertainties on hybrid state estimation

State estimation constitutes the cornerstone of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, providing the operating situation of the power system in consecutive time intervals. With the incorporation of the Synchronized Measurement Technology (SMT) in the power system measurements layer, the state estimation is among the applications whose performance is improved considerably. In this paper, two sources of uncertainty that deteriorate the performance of a hybrid state estimator, that uses both synchronized phasor measurements and conventional measurements, are examined. Specifically, the measurement uncertainty and the uncertainty arising from the limited knowledge of the transmission line parameters are considered. These uncertainties are associated with the inputs of the hybrid state estimator and their effect on the overall accuracy of the process is investigated. The methodology is tested using the IEEE 14 and 118 bus systems.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans and Pulmonary Fibrosis after Sulfur Mustard Inhalation in Rats

Abstract Inhalation of powerful chemical agents, such as sulfur mustard (SM), can have debilitating pulmonary consequences, such as bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and parenchymal fibrosis (PF). The underlying pathogenesis of disorders after SM inhalation is not clearly understood, resulting in a paucity of effective therapies. In this study, we evaluated the role of profibrotic pathways involving transforming growth factor‐&bgr; (TGF‐&bgr;) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) in the development of BO and PF after SM inhalation injury using a rat model. Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were intubated and exposed to SM (1.0 mg/kg), then monitored daily for respiratory distress, oxygen saturation changes, and weight loss. Rats were killed at 7, 14, 21, or 28 days, and markers of injury were determined by histopathology; pulmonary function testing; and assessment of TGF‐&bgr;, PDGF, and PAI‐1 concentrations. Respiratory distress developed over time after SM inhalation, with progressive hypoxemia, respiratory distress, and weight loss. Histopathology confirmed the presence of both BO and PF, and both gradually worsened with time. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated a time‐dependent increase in lung resistance, as well as a decrease in lung compliance. Concentrations of TGF‐&bgr;, PDGF, and PAI‐1 were elevated at 28 days in lung, BAL fluid, and/or plasma. Time‐dependent development of BO and PF occurs in lungs of rats exposed to SM inhalation, and the elevated concentrations of TGF‐&bgr;, PDGF, and PAI‐1 suggest involvement of these profibrotic pathways in the aberrant remodeling after injury.
A Quality-Effects Model for Meta-Analysis

We introduce a quality-effects approach that combines evidence from a series of trials comparing 2 interventions. This approach incorporates the heterogeneity of effects in the analysis of the overall interventional efficacy. However, unlike the random-effects model based on observed between-trial heterogeneity, we suggest adjustment based on measured methodological heterogeneity between studies. We propose a simple noniterative procedure for computing the combined effect size under this model and suggest that this could represent a more convincing alternative to the random effects model.
Hypolipidemic Drugs Affect Monocyte IL-1β Gene Expression and Release in Patients with IIa and IIb Dyslipidemia

Because atherosclerosis has been proven to be an inflammatory disease, it became obvious that the proper treatment of dyslipidemic patients should not only correct lipid parameters but also inhibit the inflammatory state. One of the crucial proinflammatory and procoagulant cytokines participating in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Therefore, the aim of the study was to asses the effect of statin and fibrate therapy (for dyslipidemia IIa and IIb, respectively) on IL-1β gene expression and monocyte release evaluated in each patient. Additionally, the effect of hypolipidemic therapy on fibrinolysis was evaluated. The study was carried out in 37 patients: 12 with biochemically confirmed type IIa dyslipidemia (treated with atorvastatin), 12 with type IIb dyslipidemia (treated with fenofibrate), and 13 age- and sex-matched normolipidemic persons (control). IL-1β concentrations in cultured monocytes and PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor) plasma levels were measured using the ELISA method. To evaluate the expression of IL-1β gene in monocytes, a semiquantitive RT-PCR procedure was performed. The results were normalized with the expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a housekeeping gene. Although IL-1β monocyte release was markedly elevated in patients with atherogenic dyslipidemias, IL-1β gene expression was only slightly and nonsignificantly higher in the studied groups versus control. We have observed significant reduction of IL-1β mRNA expression after 30-day treatment with the examined drugs (atorvastatin, 2.10 ± 0.50 versus 1.05 ± 0.15; P < 0.001, fenofibrate; 2.27 ± 0.48 versus 1.23 ± 0.27; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between statin and fibrate effect on IL-1β mRNA expression. Similarly, we have noticed significant reduction of IL-1β release by cultured monocytes after 30-day statin therapy (133.0 ± 5.7 pg/mL versus 77.0 ± 3.6 pg/mL; P < 0.01) and fibrate therapy (143.9 ± 6.5 pg/mL versus 86.2 ± 5.9 pg/mL; P < 0.01). Besides this antiinflammatory effect, we have observed a 30% reduction of PAI-1 plasma levels in both treated groups. In conclusion, effective 1-month hypolipidemic therapy with atorvastatin or fenofibrate diminished plasma levels of proinflammatory and procoagulatory state markers.
Comparison between Reflection-mode 3 Photoplethysmography ( PPG ) and Arterial Diameter 4 Change Detected by Ultrasound at the Region of Radial 5 Artery

1 Continuous monitoring of arterial blood pressure (ABP) can provide vital information on the 2 cardiovascular system in clinical practice and research. To achieve this, methods have been 3 developed to determine ABP continuously and non-invasively, including the wrist volume 4 clamp method, which uses reflection-mode photoplethysmography (PPG) to indicate the 5 volume change of the radial artery. However, this kind of indication is reportedly not accurate 6 enough, and an in vivo test for its accuracy is still lacking. As ultrasound can detect the 7 arterial diameter accurately, we have developed a sensor comprised of a PPG sensor and an 8 ultrasound transducer, which can collect reflection-mode PPG and A-mode ultrasound signals 9 simultaneously. Tests on fifteen volunteers were conducted under the similar conditions of 10 using wrist volume clamp method for a comparison between the PPG signal and the radial 11 arterial diameter. It was observed that there were obvious differences between the shapes of 12 these two signals, mainly between their drifting trend parts, with the pulsatile components of 13 the signals matching very well. The mean RMS value of the differences of the trend parts 14 (0.287 ± 0.072) was found to be much larger than that of the pulsatile parts (0.107 ± 0.028). 15 The results indicated that using PPG signal as a reference for ABP measurement at the wrist 16 region might be not accurate enough, and ultrasound has the potential for replacing it in the 17 wrist volume clamp method for more accurate ABP determination. 18 19
DC-based impedance tuning method using magnetic saturation for wireless power transfer

The transfer efficiency of a resonant wireless power transfer system highly depends on the load impedance and the reactance of the resonators. In many practical applications, these parameters fluctuate by the variation of operating conditions. Therefore, adaptive impedance tuning methods are necessary in order to continuously achieve high-efficiency power transfer. To provide a countermeasure to this problem, this paper proposes a DC-based resonator reactance tuning method which assembles a variable inductor. Based on this reactance tuning method, a DC-based load impedance tuning method which assembles a variable K-inverter is also proposed. This reactance tuning method and load impedance tuning method both utilize the non-linearity of ferrite cores. Through measurements at 6.78 MHz, it is shown that the reactance of the high-Q coil can be tuned from 80 Ω to 113 Ω and the characteristic impedance component of the K-inverter can be tuned from 39 Ω to 72 Ω using non-optimized, basic configurations of the proposed methods.
Ethanol disrupts the formation of hypochord and dorsal aorta during the development of embryonic zebrafish

Exposure to ethanol during human embryonic period has severe teratogenic effects on the cardiovascular system. In our study, we demonstrated that ethanol of gradient concentrations can interfere with the establishment of circulatory system in embryonic zebrafish. The effective concentration to cause 50% malformations (EC50) was 182.5 mmol/L. The ethanol pulse exposure experiment displayed that dome stage during embryogenesis is the sensitive time window to ethanol. It is found that 400 mmol/L ethanol pulse exposure can induce circulatory defects in 43% treated embryos. We ruled out the possibility that ethanol can interfere with the process of hematopoiesis in zebrafish. By employing in situ hybridization with endothelial biomarker (Flk-1), we revealed that ethanol disrupts the establishment of trunk axial vasculature, but has no effect on cranial vessels. Combined with the results of semi-thin histological sections, the in situ hybridization experiments with arterial and venous biomarkers (ephrinB2, ephB4) suggested that ethanol mainly interrupts the development of dorsal aorta while has little effect on axial vein. Further study indicated the negative influence of ethanol on the development of hypochord in zebrafish. The consequent lack of vasculogenic factors including Radar and Ang- 1 partly explains the defects in formation and integrity of dorsal aorta. These results provide important clues to the study of adverse effects of ethanol on the cardiovascular development in human fetus.
AMMI VISNAGA IN THE TREATMENT OF THE ANGINAL SYNDROME*

The plant Ammi Visnaga, known in Arabic as " Khella," grows wild in the Eastern Mediterranean countries and in Arabia. The decoction of its dried seeds is much used by the population and is frequently prescribed by local physicians as a diuretic and antispasmodic in cases of ureteral stones. Of the several crystalline substances isolated from the seeds, quantitatively the most important are a substance called khellin (C14H1205) and a monoglucoside (Cl9H20052H20). Almost the entire activity of Ammi Visnaga is due to the khellin. Khellin was first prepared in an impure form by Mustapha (1879) and again by Malosse (1881). Fantl and Salim (1930) isolated and purified both khellin and the glucoside; they determined their respective properties and composition, established methods for their separation, and suggested the most likely structural formulk. The pharmacognosical features of the two substances were studied by Fahmy (1931). The final determination of their structural formulk was made by Malik (1932) for khellin and by Hassan (1932) for the glucoside, both working under the direction of Prof. R. W. West of Cairo University. In 1934 the decoction and the tincture of Ammi Visnaga were included in the Egyptian Pharmacopoeia. Pharmacologically the action of khellin was studied by Samaan (1932) who showed that it relaxes all the visceral smooth muscles by direct action on the muscle fibres. 'Samaan also suggested changing the name of khellin to visamin. We prefer the original name since it is free from the implication of containing an amino group. Preliminary experiments of Anrep and Misrahy (1945) showed that khellin is a strong coronary vasodilator. The object of the present research was to investigate by physiological methods the action of khellin on the cardiovascular system with special reference to the coronary circulation and the heart muscle, and also to study its action clinically on patients suffering from angina pectoris and coronary thrombosis.
Evaluation of a PACAP Peptide Analogue Labeled with (68)Ga Using Two Different Chelating Agents.

OBJECTIVE The authors have conjugated chelating agents (DOTA and NODAGA) with a peptide (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide [PACAP] analogue) that has a high affinity for VPAC1 receptors expressed on cancer cells. To determine a suitable chelating agent for labeling with (68)Ga, they have compared the labeling kinetics and stability of these peptide conjugates. METHODS For labeling, (68)GaCl3 was eluted in 0.1 M HCl from a [(68)Ge-(68)Ga] generator. The influences of peptide concentration, pH, and temperature on the radiolabeling efficiency were studied. The stability was evaluated in saline, human serum, DTPA, transferrin, and metallic ions (FeCl3, CaCl2, and ZnCl2). Cell binding assay was performed using human breast cancer cells (T47D). Tissue biodistribution was studied in normal athymic nude mice. RESULTS Optimal radiolabeling (>95.0%) of the DOTA-peptide conjugates required a higher (50°C-90°C) temperature and 10 minutes of incubation at pH 2-5. The NODAGA-peptide conjugate needed incubation only at 25°C for 10 minutes. Both radiocomplexes were stable in saline, serum, as well as against transchelation and transmetallation. Cell binding at 37°C for 15 minutes of incubation with (68)Ga-NODAGA-peptide was 34.0% compared to 24.5% for (68)Ga-DOTA-peptide. Tissue biodistribution at 1 hour postinjection of both (68)Ga-labeled peptide conjugates showed clearance through the kidneys. CONCLUSIONS NODAGA-peptide showed more convenient radiolabeling features than that of DOTA-peptide.