Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive end-expiratory pressure after a recruitment maneuver prevents both alveolar collapse and recruitment/derecruitment.

We tested the hypothesis that collapsed alveoli opened by a recruitment maneuver would be unstable or recollapse without adequate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) after recruitment. Surfactant deactivation was induced in pigs by Tween instillation. An in vivo microscope was placed on a lung area with significant atelectasis and the following parameters measured: (1) the number of alveoli per field and (2) alveolar stability (i.e., the change in alveolar size from peak inspiration to end expiration). We previously demonstrated that unstable alveoli cause lung injury. A recruitment maneuver (peak pressure = 45 cm H2O, PEEP = 35 cm H2O for 1 minute) was applied and alveolar number and stability were measured. Pigs were then separated into two groups with standard ventilation plus (1) 5 PEEP or (2) 10 PEEP and alveolar number and stability were again measured. The recruitment maneuver opened a significant number of alveoli, which were stable during the recruitment maneuver. Although both 5 PEEP and 10 PEEP after recruitment demonstrated improved oxygenation, alveoli ventilated with 10 PEEP were stable, whereas alveoli ventilated with 5 PEEP showed significant instability. This suggests recruitment followed by inadequate PEEP permits unstable alveoli and may result in ventilator-induced lung injury despite improved oxygenation.
Understanding reasons for asthma outpatient (non)-attendance and exploring the role of telephone and e-consulting in facilitating access to care: exploratory qualitative study

Objective: To understand factors influencing patients’ decisions to attend for outpatient follow up consultations for asthma and to explore patients’ attitudes to telephone and email consultations in facilitating access to asthma care. Design: Exploratory qualitative study using in depth interviews. Setting: Hospital outpatient clinic in West London. Participants: Nineteen patients with moderate to severe asthma (12 “attenders” and 7 “non-attenders”). Results: Patients’ main reasons for attending were the wish to improve control over asthma symptoms and a concern not to jeopardise the valued relationship with their doctor. Memory lapses, poor health, and disillusionment with the structure of outpatient care were important factors implicated in non-attendance. The patients were generally sceptical about the suggestion that greater opportunity for telephone consulting might improve access to care. They expressed concerns about the difficulties in effectively communicating through non-face to face media and were worried that clinicians would not be in a position to perform an adequate physical examination over the telephone. Email and text messaging were viewed as potentially useful for sending appointment reminders and sharing clinical information but were not considered to be acceptable alternatives to the face to face clinic encounter. Conclusions: Memory lapses, impaired mobility due to poor health, and frustration with outpatient clinic organisation resulting in long waiting times and discontinuity of care are factors that deter patients from attending for hospital asthma assessments. The idea of telephone review assessments was viewed with scepticism by most study subjects. Particular attention should be given to explaining to patients the benefits of telephone consultations, and to seeking their views as to whether they would like to try them out before replacing face to face consultations with them. Email and text messaging may have a role in issuing reminders about imminent appointments.
Unorthodox expression of an enzyme: evidence for an untranslated region within carA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The genes encoding carbamoylphosphate synthetase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were cloned in Escherichia coli. Deletion and transposition analysis determined the locations of carA, encoding the small subunit, and carB, encoding the large subunit, on the chromosomal insert. The nucleotide sequence of carA and the flanking regions was determined. The derived amino acid sequence for the small subunit of carbamoylphosphate synthetase from P. aeruginosa exhibited 68% homology with its counterparts in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The derived sequences in the three organisms were essentially identical in the three polypeptide segments that are conserved in glutamine amidotransferases but showed low homology at the amino- and carboxy-terminal regions. The amino-terminal amino acid sequences were determined for the large and small subunits. The first 15 amino acids of the large subunit were identical to those derived from the carB sequence. However, comparison of the derived sequence for carA with the amino-terminal amino acid sequence for the small subunit suggested that codons 5 to 8 are not translated. The DNA sequence for the region encompassing these four codons was confirmed by direct sequencing of chromosomal DNA after amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA sequence was also deduced by in vitro synthesis of cDNA, enzymatic amplification, and sequencing, confirming that 12 nucleotides in the 5' terminal of carA are transcribed but are not translated.
Financialisation of Built Environments: A Literature Review

This paper provides a review of research into financialisation of built environments, especially in relation to urban politics, social geographies and sustainability. Focus is limited here to the theoretical and conceptual substance of selected literature. Financialisation is conceptualised as a profoundly spatial process, forging social relations that form conditions for urban governance, social geographic change and urban sustainability. The paper frames financialisation of built environments as a process enmeshed with related processes of commodification, privatisation, neoliberalisation, and accumulation by dispossession, associated with the creation and appropriation of rent gaps. Land rent and rent gaps are highlighted as central to understanding financialisation of built environments. We then review research into relations between financialisation of built environments and urban governance, i.e. how financialisation impacts upon, while being facilitated or deterred by, urban politics. This sets the stage for reviewing research into relations between financialisation of built environments and observed patterns of change in the social geographies of cities, and research into the sustainability implications of financialisation of built environments. Conclusions reconsider the nature of the relationship between financialisation and urbanisation, and the challenges of bringing financial systems into the service of achieving social and natural sustainability.
Genetic factors influencing atazanavir plasma concentrations and the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia

Background:Hyperbilirubinemia is frequently seen in patients treated with atazanavir (ATV). Polymorphisms at the uridin-glucoronosyl-transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) genes may influence, respectively, bilirubin and ATV plasma concentrations. Patients and methods:HIV-infected individuals receiving ATV 300 mg daily plus ritonavir 100 mg daily at one clinic were examined. ATV plasma concentrations were measured at steady state. MDR1-3435C>T and UGT1A1 polymorphisms were examined in DNA extracted from blood mononuclear cells. Results:A total of 118 patients (all Caucasian) were analysed. The median ATV plasma concentration was 465 ng/ml [interquartile range (IQR), 233–958]. MDR1-3435 genotypes were as follows: CC (32%), CT (47%) and TT (21%). CC patients showed higher ATV minimum concentration than those with CT/TT genotypes: 939 ng/ml (IQR, 492–1266) versus 376 ng/ml (IQR, 221–722) (P = 0.001). In multivariate analyses, having at least one T allele at MDR1-3435 was independently associated with lower ATV plasma concentrations (β: –427 [95% confidence interval (CI), −633 to −223]; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with grade 3-4 hyperbilirubinemia varied with distinct UGT1A1 genotypes: 80% for 7/7, 29% for 6/7 and 18% for 6/6 (P = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, having at least one 7 allele at UGT1A1 was independently associated with severe hyperbilirubinemia (odds ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.29–6.78; P = 0.01). Conclusions:Polymorphisms at MDR1-3435 significantly influence ATV plasma concentrations, as does being Caucasian patients with CT/TT genotypes, having lower ATV levels, even using ritonavir boosting. On the other hand, although ATV plasma concentrations directly correlate with bilirubin levels, the risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia is further increased in the presence of the UGT1A1-TA7 allele.
Assessment of the Level and Associated Factors with Knowledge and Practice of Diabetes Mellitus among Diabetic Patients Attending at FelegeHiwot Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus was perceived as the problem of the developed world but currently developing countries like Ethiopia are suffering chronic diseases of which diabetes is the major one.Objective: The aim of this study wasto assess of the level and associated factors with knowledge and practice of diabetes mellitus among diabetic patients attending at FelegeHiwot hospital. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted using interviewer administered questionnaire among 410 diabetic patients. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data was entered to EPI info 3.5. 1 and then transferred to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics including bivariate and multivariate analysis were applied. Result: Among 410 respondents, Half (49.8%) of them had good knowledge and one hundred fifty four (36.8%) participants had good practice on diabetes. Lower age was significantly associated with good knowledge and practice. Age group 18-32 yrs, 33-41 yrs and 42-50 yrs were 6.2 times, 3.3 times and 3.1 times respectively more likely to had good knowledge compared to individuals who were at the age of 50 yrsand above. Similarly, age group between 18-32 yrs was 6 times more likely to have good practice. Higher educational status was also associated with good knowledge and practice. Participants in grade 1-8, grade 9-12 and higher education and above were 3.4 times, 4.7 times and 7.2 timesrespectively more likely to had good knowledge compared to those who were unable to read and write.Likewise, those in grade 1-8, grade 9-12 and higher education and above were 3.5, 4.3 and5.4 times respectivelyto have good practice.Increased duration of diabetic therapy was positively associated with good knowledge and practice. Increased level of income was positively associated with good practice.Conclusion: This study demonstrated low level of knowledge and practice among DM patients. Age, educational status and duration of DM therapy were associated with good knowledge and practice of participants. Monthly income was also associated with good practice. Improving knowledge and practice of diabetic patient through active education is advisable. Involvement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations is also crucial to help patients receive maximum benefit from the health care service.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Eti‐Osa LGA, Lagos, Nigeria

In many of the urban centres of the developing countries, a change in lifestyle due to increased affluence has been observed. It has been shown that change in lifestyle is an important factor in the global epidemic of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of lifestyle and socioeconomic class on the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst adolescents from rural and urban centres in Lagos, Nigeria. This is a cross‐sectional prospective survey carried out on a sample of 1504 randomly selected adolescents, aged between 10 and 19 years, from six public secondary schools located in urban and rural areas of the Eti‐Osa local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A self‐designed completed questionnaire was used to determine the participants' socio‐demographic characteristics. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate their body mass index (BMI). The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in the urban and rural areas, respectively, were 3.7% and 0.4%, and 3.0% and 0.0%. Socioeconomic class did not significantly affect the BMI values. Overweight is an evolving problem, while obesity is seemingly not a problem yet in adolescent school‐aged children in Lagos State, Nigeria.
APPROACHES TO DISTRIBUTION CENTRE'S LOCATION PROBLEM AND ITS ROLE IN GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Location represents one of the five integrative areas of a supply chain management that refers to situating of facilit ies within a given space. Facilit ies of each supply chain member differ in the role one plays in supply chain and their objective function. As such, facility location problem solving accounts for different indices included into a model. Distribution centres are facilities of key importance for supply chain management. Proper location decision might add value and create value added that will significantly affect total logistics costs, service level and the whole value chain. An advanced pace in globalization, informat ion technology development and competition results in even faster changes of consumer needs and increased demand uncertainty. This imposes even more challenge for a good location models responsive to the specific needs of the supply chain as a whole. The aim of this paper is to provide a broad review of distribution centre location planning models from the perspective of supply chain design and to address issues these decisions have on environmental and resource utilization.
Changes in absolute power values of EEG spectra in the follow‐up of Alzheimer's disease

We have studied the absolute and relative power and amplitude of EEG spectra (T6–02) of 24 patients with “probable” Alzheimer's disease at the early stage of the disease and 1 year later and also compared the values to those of normal elderly controls. A remarkable variability of the absolute values was evident both for the patients and for the controls. The AD patients had significantly higher absolute theta amplitude and power and the absolute beta values tended to decrease compared to controls. Absolute delta and alpha values did not differ from those of the controls. The relative delta, theta and alpha power and amplitude, and beta amplitude showed significant changes in AD patients, whereas the relative beta power was unchanged. In the follow‐up of AD patients at 1 year, absolute alpha values decreased and delta values tended to increase. As to relative values, both the alpha and the delta significantly changed but the theta and the beta were unaltered. We conclude that both absolute and relative power and amplitude values should be considered in EEG studies of dementia patients. Absolute values are especially useful in follow‐up.
[Preparation of PHF10 antibody and analysis of PHF10 expression gastric cancer tissues].

AIM To prepare PHF10 antibody and check the expression of PHF10 protein in the tissues of gastric cancer and adjacent tissue. METHODS His-tagged PHF10 was expressed in E.coli BL21. Rabbit PHF10 polyclonal antiserum was generated by injecting the purified recombinant His-tagged PHF10 inclusion body as the antigen, and further separated by affinity purification. To confirm the specificity of the PHF10 antibody, transiently expressed Flag-PHF10 fusion protein was analyzed by immunoblotting with anti-flag monoclonal antibody control. The produced antibody Was used to check the expression of PHF10 protein in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues by Western blot. RESULTS Antibodies specifically binding to PHF10 could be obtained by immunization, and expression of PHF10 was significantly higher in gastric cancerous tissues comparing with adjacent normal tissues and GES-1 shows more PHF10 expression than gastric cancer cell lines with the generated antibody. CONCLUSION The specific anti-PHF10 antibody is obtained and it could be used to detect the expression of PHF10 protein in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, in which PHF10 is unregulated in gastric cancer.
Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction of Transient Molecular Structures in Solution

We report direct structural evidence of the bridged radical (CH2ICH2·) in a polar solution, obtained using time-resolved liquid-phase x-ray diffraction. This transient intermediate has long been hypothesized to explain stereo-chemical control in many association and/or dissociation reactions involving haloalkanes. Ultrashort optical pulses were used to dissociate an iodine atom from the haloethane molecule (C2H4I2) dissolved in methanol, and the diffraction of picosecond x-ray pulses from a synchrotron supports the following structural dynamics, with ∼0.01 angstrom spatial resolution and ∼100 picosecond time resolution: The loss of one iodine atom from C2H4I2 leads to the C-I-C triangular geometry of CH2ICH2·. This transient C2H4I then binds to an iodine atom to form a new species, the C2H4I-I isomer, which eventually decays into C2H4 + I2. Solvent dynamics were also extracted from the data, revealing a change in the solvent cage geometry, heating, and thermal expansion.
Dietary inulin improves distal colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in the rat

OBJECTIVES:Inulin stimulates intracolonic generation of butyrate and growth of lactic acid bacteria. This study investigated whether inulin protects against colitis.METHODS:Rats with dextran sodium sulfate colitis received inulin either orally (1% in drinking water, or 400 mg/day) or by enema. Matched groups received vehicle. In addition, fecal water obtained from inulin-fed rats was administered by enema to rats with colitis and compared with fecal water from control rats. Finally, rats with colitis received daily enemas of either butyrate (at 40 or 80 mmol/L) or vehicle. Inflammation was assessed by eicosanoid asssay in rectal dialysates and MPO activity in colonic tissue. Mucosal lesions were blindly scored by microscopic examination. Luminal pH was measured from cecum to rectum by a surface microelectrode.RESULTS:Oral inulin prevented inflammation, as evidenced by lower lesion scores (p < 0.05), decreased release of mediators (p < 0.05), and lower tissue MPO (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. Inulin induced acidic environment (pH <7.0) from cecum to left colon and increased counts of lactobacilli. Fecal water from inulin-fed rats also reduced scores (p < 0.05) and inflammation (p < 0.05). However, inulin or butyrate enemas had no effect.CONCLUSIONS:Oral inulin reduces the severity of dextran sodium sulfate colitis. The effect seems to be mediated by modification of the intracolonic milieu.
Reliability evaluation of electric power systems with high wind power penetration

High wind power penetration can have significant impact on the reliability performance of a power system due to the random nature of wind speed. The impact of wind power penetration on system reliability is critical for system planning and operation. In this paper, the system reliability has been studied considering the impact of wind farms. The universal generating function technique has been used to model the performance of wind generating units and wind farm. An illustrative example has been analyzed to illustrate the applications of the proposed method.
The Pro-Cyclical Impact of Basel III Regulatory Capital on Bank Capital Risk

To raise the quality of regulatory capital, Basel III capital rules recognize unrealized gains and losses on all available-for-sale (AFS) securities in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1). However, by examining the correlations between U.S. GDP growth rate, interest rates and regulatory capital ratios computed using Basel III regulatory capital definition for six U.S. global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) since 2007, this chapter finds that Basel III regulatory capital will enhance the pro-cyclicality of Basel III leverage ratio and Tier 1 capital ratio and their sensitivity to long-term interest rates. Therefore, Basel III capital standards may have significant implications for bank supervision and bank capital risk management in the near future. As banks will hold more high-quality liquid assets (HQLAs) as required by Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), the weight of unrealized gains and losses arising from fair value accounting will increase in Basel III Tier 1 capital base, the consequent increase of pro-cyclicality in a bank’s regulatory capital ratios may distort the true picture of bank capital adequacy. If an expected loss approach (EL) is used as the provisioning model, such capital risk may be increased further. Moreover, as U.S. monetary policy has started tapering quantitative easing, long-term interest rates will increase inevitably. This may increase the negative impact of unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities on bank capital. As a result, it may be difficult for banks to maintain appropriate capital ratios to meet regulatory requirements and support business activities.
Fuzzy preprocessing and artificial neural network classification for the diagnostic interpretation of the resting ECG

An hybrid system for the interpretation of the 12 leads resting ECG has been designed and tested. A preprocessor based on fuzzy set theory has been embedded in an artificial neural network classifier. A well documented ECG database, produced at the University of Leuven and used for evaluating other ECG diagnostic programs has been chosen for training and testing the hybrid system. It contains 3266 12 lead ECG records clinically tested. A layer of Radial Basis Functions used as fuzzy activation functions, are embedded in a neural network architecture for fuzzy preprocessing every input pattern. Several networks have been implemented and tested by varying learning rules, system architecture, and the various parameters of the hybrid system. A pruning technique is also applied to reduce the system size. Several classification strategies have been generated by varying the roles of the network output units, and have been evaluated as well. The results show that this combination of fuzzy and neural techniques is effective even for small structures. The best system reached the 69% of average sensitivity and 94% of average specificity on the test set. Thus it shows very promising performances, since they are comparable with those of traditional elaborated systems. This hybrid architecture has a further interesting feature to be deeply investigated since in principle it allows the interpretation/explanation of the results obtained from a neural network.