Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sudden cardiac death: investigation of the classical risk factors in a community-based hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cohort.

INTRODUCTION The identification of high-risk patients in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is still a challenge. The classical clinical risk factors for sudden death have been reported by studies coming from referral HCM cohorts. So far, other studies of community-based HCM populations have not managed to identify risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical course of the disease in a community-based HCM population, as well as to identify the clinical factors of sudden death in such a population. METHODS Three hundred four (304) consecutive HCM patients (202 males, age 48 ± 18.5 years) from 280 different families were assessed. Referral was based on disease diagnosis, irrespective of clinical status or treatment needs. All patients were examined clinically, echocardiographically, by 24h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, and by cardiopulmonary exercise testing at regular intervals, for a period of 56.4 ± 29.9 months. RESULTS Most patients (n=264/304, 87.2%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. The disease was familial in 60.5%. At initial examination, maximum left ventricular wall thickness was 19 ± 4.4 mm and a left ventricular outflow gradient >30 mmHg was present in 30.9% patients. The annual sudden death mortality was 1.2%. Familial sudden death, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, severe left ventricular hypertrophy >30 mm, and young age were predictors of sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSIONS In this community-based HCM population, the risk factors for sudden death were similar to those found in referral cohorts.
Performing well in an evaluative situation: The roles of perceived competence and task-irrelevant interfering thoughts

Abstract This research expands on previous research by arguing and demonstrating that high perceived competence buffers the detrimental effects of an evaluative situation. In Study 1 (n=75, 38.7% male), the situation (evaluative vs. non-evaluative) and perceived competence (high vs. low) were manipulated, whereas in Study 2 (n=42, 33.3% male), perceived competence relied on naturally occurring differences in perceived competence. The results of Study 1 indicate that people may underachieve in an evaluative situation. More importantly, in Study 2 it was demonstrated that such an evaluative situation had only a negative effect on test performance among individuals low in perceived competence. The occurrence of task-irrelevant interfering thoughts during task completion accounted for this inimical effect of an evaluative situation on test performance among these individuals.
A Low-Voltage, Highly Linear, and Tunable Triode Transconductor

In this paper, a novel low-voltage, highly linear and tunable triode transconductor is introduced. The proposed transconductor with new structure is based on constant drain- source voltage method to operate at low-voltage. The proposed transconductor achieves wide linear input range up to 1.5 V at 1.8 V supply voltage and the total harmonic distortion is -62 dB at 0.7 Vpp. The design uses TSMC 0.18 mum CMOS technology and supply voltage as low as 1.6V. Moreover, it possesses large transconductance tuning range from 200 muS to 880 muS and also keeps the wide linear input range.
Comparing atomistic molecular mechanics force fields for a difficult target: a case study on the Alzheimer’s amyloid β-peptide

Macromolecular function arises from structure, and many diseases are associated with misfolding of proteins. Molecular simulation methods can augment experimental techniques to understand misfolding and aggregation pathways with atomistic resolution, but the reliability of these predictions is a function of the parameters used for the simulation. There are many biomolecular force fields available, but most are validated using stably folded structures. Here, we present the results of molecular dynamics simulations on the intrinsically disordered amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), whose misfolding and aggregation give rise to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the link between secondary structure changes and pathology, being able to accurately model the structure of Aβ would greatly improve our understanding of this disease, and it may facilitate application of modeling approaches to other protein misfolding disorders. To this end, we compared five popular atomistic force fields (AMBER03, CHARMM22 + CMAP, GROMOS96 53A6, GROMOS96 54A7, and OPLS-AA) to determine which could best model the structure of Aβ. By comparing secondary structure content, NMR shifts, and radius of gyration to available experimental data, we conclude that AMBER03 and CHARMM22 + CMAP over-stabilize helical structure within Aβ, with CHARMM22 + CMAP also producing elongated Aβ structures, in conflict with experimental findings. OPLS-AA, GROMOS96 53A6, and GROMOS96 54A7 produce very similar results in terms of helical and β-strand content, calculated NMR shifts, and radii of gyration that agree well with experimental data.
Identifiers of predominantly Spanish-speaking children with language impairment.

The purpose of this study was to identify a set of measures that would discriminate 31 predominantly Spanish-speaking children with normal language (NL children) from 31 children with language impairment (LI children). The LI children were identified as such by experienced, bilingual (Spanish/English), ASHA-certified, speech-language pathologists who were currently seeing the children in their caseloads. Children ranged in age from 5 to 7 years and were matched for age, gender, and school. Additionally, nonverbal cognitive measures assured that they did not differ significantly intellectually. Measures of vocabulary, novel bound-morpheme learning skills, and language form were randomly administered to all children. Further, parents responded to questions about their perceptions of their children's speech and language skills and family history of speech and language problems. A stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that 4 measures discriminated the groups of children with a sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 100% (p < .0001): parental report of the child's speech and language skills, number of errors per T-unit, mean length per T-unit, and family history of speech and language problems. A second discriminant analysis indicated that the sensitivity and specificity could be maintained when only the first 2 measures were included. Confirmatory discriminant analyses of the 2- and 4-measure models indicated that the discriminant accuracy was stable on an independent sample.
Hidden neighbor relations to tackle the uncertainness of sensors for an automatic human tracking

A human tracking system based on mobile agent technologies has been proposed for achieving automatic human tracking function. In this system, a target person is tracked automatically by one mobile agent moving among sensors in which a person is detected. The current system utilizes an algorithm to predict which sensor detects the target person. However, in order to keep tracking without losing sight of the person, it should be necessary to deal with the uncertainness of sensors. In this paper, we propose a method which tackles the uncertainness of sensors by finding hidden neighbor relations based on the detection result of sensors.
A Bayesian Business Model for Video-Call Billing for End-to-End QoS Provision

Wireless communications and IP networks will evolve into a new converged vision, which is called ldquobeyond the third generation,rdquo where charging and billing will be essential tools for customer care to fight competition and to assure operator's revenue. This contribution proposes a business model for video-call billing founded on Bayes' decision testing. It is based on the end-to-end quality of service (QoS) estimated by exploiting the tracing watermarking procedure, which has recently been introduced into the literature. In particular, we employ the watermark embedded in each transmitted video sequence to monitor the QoS of the communication link and adequately charge the calling user, depending on the received video quality. Adopting such a Bayesian business model, we translate the network operator's paradigm of ldquopay as you talk (and watch)rdquo to ldquopay how you talk (and watch),rdquo maximizing the operator's profit under a constrained video quality for end users. Wide simulation trials are conducted to characterize the effectiveness of the proposed method, using different business scenarios, confirming the validity of such an approach.
Spatial orientation mapping of fibers using polarization‐sensitive second harmonic generation microscopy

In this work, we present a non‐invasive approach to determine azimuth and elevation angles of collagen fibers capable of generating second harmonic signal. The azimuth angle was determined using the minimum of second harmonic generation (SHG) signal while rotating the plane of polarization of excitation light. The elevation angle was estimated from the ratio of the minimal SHG intensity to the intensity when laser polarization and fiber directions were parallel to each other using experimentally determined calibration curve. Pixel‐resolution images of collagen fiber spatial orientation in tendon from bovine leg, chicken leg, and chicken skin were acquired using our approach of SHG polarization‐resolved microscopy. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Depletion and Decreased Function of Antigen-Presenting Dendritic Cells Caused by Lymphocytapheresis in Ulcerative colitis

AbstractPURPOSE: The therapeutic efficacy of lymphocytapheresis in autoimmune diseases is presumed to be caused by depletion of activated lymphocytes. However, nothing is known about the inducer of activated lymphocytes, the antigen-presenting dendritic cells, during lymphocytapheresis. BASIC PROCEDURES: Six sessions of lymphocytapheresis were done in five patients with ulcerative colitis. Dendritic cells were enriched from the buffy coat of depleted lymphocytes and also from the peripheral blood. The phenotype and function of dendritic cells were studied by dual-color flow cytometry and in allogenic mixed leukocyte reaction, respectively. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1α 6, 8, 10, and 12 and tumor necrosis factor-α and β) were measured before and after lymphocytapheresis in all cases. MAIN FINDINGS: Lymphocytapheresis was safe and caused clinical, endoscopic or histologic improvements in all patients with ulcerative colitis. Many CD83-positive mature dendritic cells were found in the buffy coats after each session of lymphocytapheresis. The function of dendritic cells, the frequencies of CD83-positive dendritic cells and the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were down regulated in all patients with ulcerative colitis after lymphocytapheresis compared with their levels before lymphocytapheresis. CONCLUSIONS: Depletion and down regulation of the function of dendritic cells and diminished levels of inflammatory cytokines caused by lymphocytapheresis may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of lymphocytapheresis.
Referrer and service provider beliefs and attitudes towards rehabilitation in the home; factors related to utilisation of Early Supported Discharge

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the attitudes and beliefs held by referrers and service providers of an Australian Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service called “Rehabilitation in the Home” (RITH); with particular consideration of factors that may influence referral to RITH. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour was undertaken. Results: There were 113 respondents; 90 referrers and 23 service providers. Referrers and RITH staff had a moderately favourable attitude towards RITH. The majority of referrers, and, to a greater degree, RITH staff members, understood and appreciated the advantages ascribed to ESD. However, views varied with regard to some of the factors upon which the decision to refer to RITH rests. Two-fifths of referrers did not think that RITH provided hospital equivalent therapy intensity and over one-fifth of referrers had concerns about the capability of the RITH service to provide specialist stroke rehabilitation. Opinion of RITH staff was also varied on these topics. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that there was a level of uncertainty amongst referrers and RITH service providers regarding issues directly and indirectly related to patient eligibility and RITH service capability. This uncertainty needs to be explored in future research. Implications for Rehabilitation Differences in views held by referrers and ESD service providers were identified in this study that could lead to inconsistencies in patient selection for, and under-utilization of, ESD services. Improved communication between referrers and ESD service providers, for instance attendance of RITH staff at inpatient team meetings, could ameliorate some of these misconceptions. On-going education of referrers about service capability is essential to ensure timely transfer of appropriate clients to ESD services.
Cultural distance and expatriate failure rates: the moderating role of expatriate management practices

Abstract This study examines moderators of the relationship between cultural distance and the two critical indicators of expatriate failure – maladjustment and premature return rates. Results based on a sample of 126 Taiwanese multinational corporations indicate that expatriate selection and performance management practices moderate the cultural distance–expatriate maladjustment relationship, and expatriate performance management practices moderate the cultural distance–premature return relationship. Additionally, these relationships were stronger when the use of practices was low. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, and offer suggestions for future research.
Carbon assisted Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment with two different sets of pulse width parameters offers a useful treatment modality for severe inflammatory acne: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The treatment of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne still presents problems to patients and dermatologists. A new technique using two different sets of 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser parameters has been developed in combination with a topical carbon lotion. A preliminary test of the efficacy of this new treatment technique is reported. SUBJECT AND METHODS A 14-y-old girl presented with moderate to severe pustular and cystic acne over the bilateral cheeks and chin. Following topical local anesthesia, a topical carbon lotion was applied to the face, and a Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser was used first in a quasi-long pulsed mode (a 300-μs pulse width at 1.1-1.5 J/cm(2)) followed immediately by a Q-switched mode (5-nsec pulse width, 1.5-2.0 J/cm(2)) using a 7-mm handpiece for both modes. Six treatments were given, 2 weeks apart. RESULTS The procedure was well-tolerated. By the fourth treatment significant improvement was observed, and by the sixth treatment, better than 90% clearance of inflammatory lesions was achieved. At the 8-week follow-up after the last treatment, long-lasting improvements in the patient's acne were noted. Improvement was also noted in closed comedones and in the general skin condition, especially pores, sebum reduction, and the red spots seen after inflammatory acne. The patient was satisfied with the result. CONCLUSIONS This new, minimally invasive technique as a stand-alone treatment gave very good clearance of inflammatory acne with minimal patient down time. Marked reduction in active acne was observed during treatments and at the 2-month follow-up visit. Further improvement could probably be achieved with other adjunctive therapeutic modalities.
Effect of Temperature and Light on Growth of and Photosynthesis by Synechococcus Isolates Typical of Those Predominating in the Octopus Spring Microbial Mat Community of Yellowstone National Park

ABSTRACT Previous molecular analysis of the Octopus Spring cyanobacterial mat revealed numerous genetically distinct 16S rRNA sequences from predominant Synechococcus populations distantly related to the readily cultivated unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus lividus. Patterns in genotype distribution relative to temperature and light conditions suggested that the organisms contributing these 16S rRNA sequences may fill distinct ecological niches. To test this hypothesis, Synechococcus isolates were cultivated using a dilution and filtration approach and then shown to be genetically relevant to natural mat populations by comparisons of similarities of 16S rRNA genes and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Most isolates were identical or nearly identical at both loci to predominant mat genotypes; others showed 1- to 2-nucleotide differences at the 16S rRNA locus and even greater difference in ITS sequences. Isolates with predominant mat genotypes had distinct temperature ranges and optima for growth that were consistent with their distributions in the mat. Isolates with genotypes not previously detected or known to be predominant in the mat exhibited temperature ranges and optima that were not representative of predominant mat populations and also grew more slowly. Temperature effects on photosynthesis did not reflect temperature relations for growth. However, the isolate with the highest temperature optimum and upper limit was capable of performing photosynthesis at a higher temperature than other isolates. Growth rate and photosynthetic responses provided evidence for light acclimation but evidence of, at best, only subtle light adaptation.
Screening for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in the Nordic countries after breast and prostate cancer. About 15 000 new cancers are diagnosed and more than 7 000 patients will die from CRC in 2005. CRC fulfils most of the criteria for applying screening; the natural history is well known compared with many other cancers. CRC may be cured by detection at an early stage and even prevented by removal of possible precursors like adenomas. Faecal occult blood test is the only CRC screening modality that has been subjected to adequately sized randomised controlled trials (RCT) with long-term follow-up results, using Hemoccult-II. Sensitivity for strictly asymptomatic CRC is less than 30% for a single screening round, but programme sensitivity has been estimated to be more. Biennial screening with un-rehydrated Hemoccult-II slides has shown a CRC mortality reduction of 15–18% after approximately 10 years of follow-up in those targeted for screening. For those attending, the mortality reduction has been estimated at 23%. Denmark has decided to do feasibility studies to try to evaluate whether a population-based screening run by the community will have the same effect as has been demonstrated in the randomised trials. In Norway the government has accepted no formal population-based screening. In Finland, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health made a recommendation in 2003 to the municipalities to run a randomised feasibility study with FOBT screening for colorectal cancer as a public health policy that is repeated every second year. In 2004 the first municipalities started. It has been claimed that today Sweden cannot afford CRC screening despite the potential mortality benefit. There is sufficient evidence for the efficacy of screening for colorectal cancer with fecal occult blood test every second year. There is, however, only little evidence on the effectiveness of screening when run as a public health service and there is insufficient knowledge of harmful effects and costs, even in RCTs.
SPIRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY (SCTA) AND COLOR CODED DUPLEX ULTRASOUND (CCDUS): TWO COMPLEMENTARY DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSMENT OF EXTRACRANIAL CEREBRAL ARTERY STENOSIS

Atherosclerotic lesions of the extracranial cerebral arteries account for ischemic stroke in over half of all cases. The risk of stroke associated with symptomatic carotid artery disease is related to the severity of the stenosis. Results of the two major clinical trials, North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) and European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST), showed that patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease may benefit from carotid endarterectomy. Therefore, detection and quantification of stenosis are essential. Discrepancies in the angiographic criteria used in both NASCET and ECST trials resulted in continued controversy about the most accurate method of measuring carotid artery stenosis. Moreover, to avoid complications related to the angiography procedure, a good evaluation of vessel wall and plaque composition need to be considered. Both SCTA and CCDUS are non invasive techniques that could overcome angiographic complications and give detailed information on stenosis grading and plaque characteristics. They have been used to evaluate carotid stenosis as a single or combined methods.
Selective precolumn derivatization of fatty acids with the fluorescent tag 6‐aminoquinoline and their determination in some food samples by reversed‐phase chromatography

Fatty acids (FAs) have been selectively derivatized with a fluorescent tag, 6‐aminoquinoline (6AQ), which yielded fluorescent FA‐6AQ derivatives that have excitation (λexc = 270 nm) and emission (λemi = 495 nm) wavelengths that are farther apart. This precolumn derivatization is characterized by its simplicity occurring at room temperature between the carboxylic acid group of the FA and the amino group of 6AQ in the presence of a nonaqueous soluble carbodiimide coupling agent such as the N,N´‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The FAs extracts are readily derivatized in chloroform and can be analyzed without any further sample cleanup that minimizes sample loss. The FA‐6AQ derivatives derived from standard FAs as well as from extracted FAs from food samples were separated by reversed phase chromatography on a homemade naphthyl methacrylate monolithic (NMM) column and C4 silica‐based column. While the NMM column provided excellent separation for saturated FA‐6AQ derivatives, the C4 silica column was able to separate simultaneously saturated and unsaturated FA‐6AQ derivatives. The MNN column permitted the analysis and quantitation of the saturated FA‐6AQ derivatives extracted from coconut oil. The C4 column provided the selectivity needed to analyze and quantify saturated and unsaturated derivatized with 6AQ and extracted from meat. The limits of detection and quantitation were 5 and 20 nM, respectively, with a linear dynamic range extending from 20 nM to 40 μM. The 40 μM upper limit was due to the limited solubility of the FA‐6AQ derivatives in the diluting mobile phase, which is the initial mobile phase used in gradient runs.
Physical Stimuli‐Induced Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Magnetic Nanoparticles

Chondrogenic commitments of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) require 3D cellular organization. Furthermore, recent progresses in bioreactor technology have contributed to the development of various biophysical stimulation platforms for efficient cartilage tissue formation. Here, an approach is reported to drive 3D cellular organization and enhance chondrogenic commitment of bone‐marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐hMSCs) via magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)‐mediated physical stimuli. MNPs isolated from Magnetospirillum sp. AMB‐1 are endocytosed by the BM‐hMSCs in a highly efficient manner. MNPs‐incorporated BM‐hMSCs are pelleted and then subjected to static magnetic field and/or magnet‐derived shear stress. Magnetic‐based stimuli enhance level of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen synthesis, and facilitate the chondrogenic differentiation of BM‐hMSCs. In addition, both static magnetic field and magnet‐derived shear stress applied for the chondrogenic differentiation of BM‐hMSCs do not show increament of hypertrophic differentiation. This MNP‐mediated physical stimulation platform demonstrates a promising strategy for efficient cartilage tissue engineering.