Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pentoxifylline for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in preterm infants. BPD is associated with poor long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcome and increased mortality. The prophylactic use of agents that modulate inflammation such as pentoxifylline, a synthetic methylxanthine and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, may reduce the incidence of BPD. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this review was to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on the incidence of BPD, death prior to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), and BPD or death prior to 36 weeks PMA in preterm neonates. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library Issue 9, 2012), EMBASE (January 1974 to September 2012), PubMed (January 1966 to September 2012), and CINAHL (January 1982 to September 2012) in September 2012. We checked references and cross-references from identified studies. We handsearched abstracts from the proceedings of the Pediatric Academic Societies Meetings (from January 1990 to September 2012). We placed no restrictions on language. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials of systemic or nebulised pentoxifylline in preterm neonates less than 32 weeks gestational age or less than 1500 g birth weight, reporting on at least one outcome of interest, were eligible for inclusion in the review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group and The Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors (SMS and SK) independently searched the literature as described above and selected studies. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion involving all review authors. MAIN RESULTS We identified one randomised clinical trial eligible for inclusion in this review. This study compared the use of nebulised pentoxifylline versus placebo for prevention of BPD in 100 preterm infants and was at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of intervention and outcome assessors, and incomplete outcome data. There was no statistically significant effect of nebulised pentoxifylline versus placebo on individual outcomes of BPD at 36 weeks PMA or on death prior to 36 weeks PMA. There was no significant effect of nebulised pentoxifylline on intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, sepsis, or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring ligation. The study did not report any of the other secondary outcomes considered for this review. Reporting of adverse events was very limited and did not allow for reliable judgement on the incidence of such events. No long-term outcomes were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline for prevention of BPD in preterm neonates. We encourage researchers to conduct clinical trials to confirm or refute the role of pentoxifylline for prevention of BPD in preterm neonates. These trials should report on clinically important outcomes and, ideally, on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.
IL-15 drives the specific migration of CD94+ and TCR-gammadelta+ intraepithelial lymphocytes in organ cultures of treated celiac patients.

OBJECTIVES Celiac disease (CD) is an under-diagnosed but extremely frequent disease, triggered by the ingestion of gliadin. The pathogenic mechanisms of CD are still poorly understood, but intraepithelial lymphocytes are considered to have a key role. We intended to define the subsets of T lymphocytes migrating upon gliadin challenge in organ cultures of treated celiac patients and establish the type of factor(s) driving such an infiltration. METHODS Duodenum biopsies from 10 treated celiacs and 7 controls were cultured in vitro with/without gliadin digest (1 mg/ml) or interleukin (IL)-15 (10 ng/ml). In 7 treated celiacs IL-7, IL-4, and IL-2 were similarly tested. Intraepithelial CD3, CD8, TCR-gammadelta, and CD94 were detected by immunohistochemistry and numbered per mm epithelium. RESULTS IL-15 but not IL-7, IL-4, or IL-2 induced intraepithelial increase of CD3+ and CD8+ cells in celiac and control intestine (p < 0.001 vs cultures with medium). IL-15 induced increases in the number of intraepithelial TCR- gammadelta+ and CD94+ cells only in celiacs (p < 0.001). IL-7 was also effective in increasing intraepithelial TCR-gammadelta+ (but not CD94+) cells in celiac biopsies (p < 0.001). Gliadin induced intraepithelial migration of CD3+, CD8+ (p < 0.001), and CD94+ (p < 0.05) cells in celiacs, but not in controls. CONCLUSIONS The results we describe in this report indicate that IL-15 might have a key role in modulating and driving intraepithelial infiltration and ultimately in the pathogenesis of CD.
Nutritional Genomics in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an optic neuropathy characterized by a high intraocular pressure (IOP), an alteration of the optic nerve head and a loss of visual field. POAG is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide, currently with no cure. POAG is a multifactorial disease that involves both genetic and environmental factors, so that the development of the glaucomatous disease is determined not only by the individual effect of each of these factors, but also by the joint effect of the interaction between all of them. To study the interactions between these factors and their association with POAG is a very hard task, but we can approach this issue investigating_the genetics-nutrition relationship and the effect of this binomial on the glaucomatous pathogenesis by means of the Nutritional Genomics. The influence of nutrition on glaucomatous pathogenesis has been studied since long time ago. For example, it is well known the role of vitamins in eye health. However, the interaction of genetic and nutritional factors and their effect on glaucomatous optic neuropathy are investigated recently. In this article we review the genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as various risk factors for this disease, including nutritional factors. Also, we review the articles studying the interaction of all these factors (genetics and nutritionals) in relation to this optic neuropathy.
Age Management in Danish Companies: What, How, and How Much?

This article investigates Danish employers’ behavior in the area of active aging, which is made topical by demographic aging. It describes age management practices and explains why some companies are more prone to employ age management than others. The study is based on a survey conducted among a representative sample of Danish employers, and 609 interviews in total have been carried out. Data have been scrutinized using frequency analysis for descriptive purposes as well as binary logistic regression analysis for explanatory purposes. Findings indicate that structural, cognitive, and action-oriented variables have significance for whether companies develop and employ active age management policies.
ANALYSIS OF Ly5 CHROMOSOME 1 POSITION USING ALLELIC DIFFERENCES AND RECOMBINANT INBRED MICE

Differences between the mouse Ly5a and Ly5b alleles can be distinguished on the basis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction enzyme analysis and differential monoclonal antibody reactivities. To more precisely map the Ly5 gene on the mouse chromosome 1, analytical DNA and protein tests were performed on recombinant inbred strains of mice prepared from SJL/J (Ly5a) and B ALB/cke (Ly5b) progenitor strains. Each recombinant inbred strain was characterized to determine whether it carried the Ly5a or Ly5b allele. Both assays, DNA‐PCR and protein‐immunofluorescence, yielded identical results for each strain examined. Placement of the Ly5 gene with respect to other characterized markers of mouse chromosome 1 for these recombinant inbred mouse strains shows a gene order of Idh‐1.Ity:Pep3:/Ly5, CfhJ.
The relationship between manual handling performance and recent flying experience in air transport pilots

Modern jet transport aircraft are typically flown using the on-board automation by the pilot programming commands into the auto-flight systems. Anecdotal evidence exists suggesting that pilots of highly automated aircraft experience manual flying skills decay as a result of a lack of opportunity to practise hand-flying during line operations. The ability of a pilot to revert to basic manual control is essential, for example, in cases where the aircraft's automatic capability is diminished or when reconfiguring the automatics is an ineffective use of crew capacity. However, there is a paucity of objective data to substantiate this perceived threat to flight safety. Furthermore, traditional performance measurement techniques may lack the ability to identify subtle but significant differences in pilots' manual handling ability in large transport aircraft. This study examines the relationship between pilot manual handling performance and their recent flying experience using both traditional flight path tracking measures and frequency-based control strategy measures. Significant relationships are identified between pilots' very recent flying experience and their manual control strategy. Statement of Relevance: The study demonstrates a novel application of frequency analysis, which produces a broader and more sensitive analysis of pilot performance than has been offered in previous research. Additionally, the relationships that are found to exist between recent flying experience and manual flying performance will help to guide future pilot assessment and training.
Performance analysis of FPGA based maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic applications

This paper investigates design and implementation of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm for Photo Voltaic (PV) applications on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform. The algorithm is developed by means of Hardware Description Language (Verilog). Algorithms were simulated on MODELSIM software and synthesized using ALTERA Quartus II software. Furthermore, hardware implementation is done using ALTERA Cyclone II FPGA starter board to verify the performance of the designed algorithms. The paper will investigate whether FPGA is a suitable hardware platform for real time MPPT controller.
Review: Endurance exercise and resistance training in cardiovascular disease

Contrary to the age old taboo of exercise in cardiac patients, resistance training has been gaining importance recently as a safe, healthy fitness option in prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the leading killer disease in the population above 45 years in the United States. Endurance or aerobic exercise helps improve overall stamina and the ability of the heart to pump oxygenated blood in those with and without prior cardiovascular disease. In addition to modifying cardiovascular risks, resistance training has profound beneficial effects on improving muscle strength and endurance, preventing osteoporosis and improving quality of life both in the healthy and cardiovascular patients including women and heart failure patients. So resistance training should be regarded as a complementary fitness program rather that a substitute to endurance training. This review discusses the physiological phenomenon and benefits of exercise training programs on cardiovascular disease patients focusing on endurance exercise and resistance training.
THE ECONOMICS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

ABSTRACT To directly stimulate more efficient job creation in the private sector governments have taken many measures to enlarge pools of venture capital and encourage the formation of more business incubators. Accumulating evidence is also favoring the purposeful usage of entrepreneurship education as a complementary tool in economic development strategy. Notable development activity may be generated both short-term and long-term by providing educational assistance to current as well as to future entrepreneurs. New-venture programs may facilitate technology transfer from universities and make contributions in an area badly in need of more scientific study.
Common induction and regulation of biphenyl, xylene/toluene, and salicylate catabolism in Pseudomonas paucimobilis

A strain of Pseudomonas paucimobilis (strain Q1) capable of utilizing biphenyl was isolated from soil. This strain grew not only on substituted biphenyls, but also on salicylate, xylene or toluene or both (xylene/toluene), and substituted benzoates. Evidence is presented that the catabolism of biphenyl, xylene/toluene, and salicylate is regulated by a common unit in this strain. The catabolism of biphenyl, xylene/toluene, and salicylate is interrelated, since benzoate and toluate are common metabolic intermediates of biphenyl and xylene/toluene, and salicylate is produced from 2-hydroxybiphenyl (o-phenylphenol). All the oxidative enzymes of the biphenyl, xylene/toluene, and salicylate degradative pathways were induced when the cells were grown on either biphenyl, xylene/toluene or salicylate. The P. paucimobilis Q1 cells showed induction of the meta-cleavage enzymes of both 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl and catechol. Biphenyl-negative derivatives of strain Q1 were simultaneously rendered xylene/toluene and salicylate negative, whereas reversion to the biphenyl-positive character of such derivatives invariably led to a xylene/toluene- and salicylate-positive phenotype. Growth of the P. paucimobilis Q1 cells with benzoate as a sole carbon source allowed the induction of only the ortho pathway enzymes, suggesting that biphenyl, xylene/toluene, or salicylate specifically induced the meta pathway enzymes for the oxidative degradation of these compounds.
Nonlinear Model Predictive Control with Moving Horizon Estimation of a Pendubot system

In this paper we present and investigate a complex control framework based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) to achieve the unstable equilibria, and Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) to estimate the actual state and parameters of a Pendubot. This fast, under-actuated nonlinear mechatronic system apparently poses a challenging benchmark problem that might benefit from a nonlinear optimization scheme. To overcome the related computational difficulties we make use of the ACADO Code Generation tool allowing to export a highly efficient Gauss-Newton real-time iteration algorithm tailored to the nonlinear model dynamics while respecting imposed constraints. We show simulation results illustrating the overall control performance of the closed-loop system as well as the advantages of the nonlinear MHE-based NMPC scheme.
Role of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Reducing the Risk for Calcium Stones

The tight control of blood Ca levels within a narrow range is essential for the performance of vital physiologic functions. Muscle contraction, neuronal excitation, and intracellular signaling processes acquisitively require Ca . It is the concerted action of intestine, bone, and kidney that controls the Ca balance through the regulation of intestinal absorption, bone (de)mineralization, and renal excretion of Ca , respectively. Along the nephron, fine-tuning of blood Ca levels takes place by Ca reabsorption. The calciotropic hormones regulate Ca transport processes, leading to whole-body Ca homeostasis and, importantly, preserving a constant Ca concentration in the blood. Defects in renal Ca handling can lead to hypercalciuria, consecutive kidney stone formation, and obstructive nephropathy. Here we give an overview of the key players involved in normal Ca management and describe the in-depth investigations on a renal hypercalciuric model of disease, the Trpv5 knockout mouse, which naturally displays molecular adaptations that prevent Ca precipitation in the kidney. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 6: 2076–2082, 2011. doi: 10.2215/CJN.00480111
Household transmission of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in the United States.

BACKGROUND As of June 11, 2009, a total of 17,855 probable or confirmed cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) had been reported in the United States. Risk factors for transmission remain largely uncharacterized. We characterize the risk factors and describe the transmission of the virus within households. METHODS Probable and confirmed cases of infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus in the United States were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the use of a standardized case form. We investigated transmission of infection in 216 households--including 216 index patients and their 600 household contacts--in which the index patient was the first case patient and complete information on symptoms and age was available for all household members. RESULTS An acute respiratory illness developed in 78 of 600 household contacts (13%). In 156 households (72% of the 216 households), an acute respiratory illness developed in none of the household contacts; in 46 households (21%), illness developed in one contact; and in 14 households (6%), illness developed in more than one contact. The proportion of household contacts in whom acute respiratory illness developed decreased with the size of the household, from 28% in two-member households to 9% in six-member households. Household contacts 18 years of age or younger were twice as susceptible as those 19 to 50 years of age (relative susceptibility, 1.96; Bayesian 95% credible interval, 1.05 to 3.78; P=0.005), and household contacts older than 50 years of age were less susceptible than those who were 19 to 50 years of age (relative susceptibility, 0.17; 95% credible interval, 0.02 to 0.92; P=0.03). Infectivity did not vary with age. The mean time between the onset of symptoms in a case patient and the onset of symptoms in the household contacts infected by that patient was 2.6 days (95% credible interval, 2.2 to 3.5). CONCLUSIONS The transmissibility of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in households is lower than that seen in past pandemics. Most transmissions occur soon before or after the onset of symptoms in a case patient.
Autologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex for hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE To evaluate a surgical procedure for patients with hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS This procedure consisted of excision of the choroidal neovascular membrane and transplantation of autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch's membrane complex. The RPE-Bruch's membrane complex for transplantation was surgically developed by dissecting Bruch's membrane with the choriocapillaris from the medium size choroidal vessel layer at the midperipheral region of the choroid. Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients had this surgical procedure. Visual function tests included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), multifocal (mf)ERG, and microperimetry. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and autofluorescence examinations were performed to study the status of the transplanted graft. RESULTS Among the 21 eyes, 17 with complete clinical data and qualified follow-up durations, which were 20.35 +/- 10.31 months on average, were analyzed in this series. On the last follow-up visit, the mean for the ETDRS scores increased from 28.65 +/- 23.99 before surgery to 47.76 +/- 17.22 after surgery. Microperimetry showed that after surgery, seven eyes gained central fixation at the 12-month follow-up examination. However, two eyes lost their central fixation on the last follow-up visit. Fourteen (82.35%) of the transplanted patches preserved normal color without depigmentation. Among the 21 eyes, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) occurred in 3 (14.29%), and a recurrent neovascular membrane was observed in one eye (4.76%). CONCLUSIONS The transplantation of the autologous RPE-Bruch's membrane complex can increase the visual acuity of patients with hemorrhagic AMD. The surviving transplanted graft with functional overlying retina was observed after surgery.
Bidirectional 10-GHz optical comb generation with an intracavity fiber DFB pumped Brillouin/erbium fiber laser

We present multiwavelength and bidirectional operation of a novel Brillouin/erbium fiber ring laser. Multiwavelength operation is seeded by an Er/sup 3+/:Yb/sup 3+/ fiber distributed-feedback (DFB) laser inserted into the ring cavity. We realized lasing at up to eight wavelengths separated by 10.6 GHz.
Canine parvovirus host range is determined by the specific conformation of an additional region of the capsid

We analyzed a region of the capsid of canine parvovirus (CPV) which determines the ability of the virus to infect canine cells. This region is distinct from those previously shown to determine the canine host range differences between CPV and feline panleukopenia virus. It lies on a ridge of the threefold spike of the capsid and is comprised of five interacting loops from three capsid protein monomers. We analyzed 12 mutants of CPV which contained amino acid changes in two adjacent loops exposed on the surface of this region. Nine mutants infected and grew in feline cells but were restricted in replication in one or the other of two canine cell lines tested. Three other mutants whose genomes contain mutations which affect one probable interchain bond were nonviable and could not be propagated in either canine or feline cells, although the VP1 and VP2 proteins from those mutants produced empty capsids when expressed from a plasmid vector. Although wild-type and mutant capsids bound to canine and feline cells in similar amounts, infection or viral DNA replication was greatly reduced after inoculation of canine cells with most of the mutants. The viral genomes of two host range-restricted mutants and two nonviable mutants replicated to wild-type levels in both feline and canine cells upon transfection with plasmid clones. The capsids of wild-type CPV and two mutants were similar in susceptibility to heat inactivation, but one of those mutants and one other were more stable against urea denaturation. Most mutations in this structural region altered the ability of monoclonal antibodies to recognize epitopes within a major neutralizing antigenic site, and that site could be subdivided into a number of distinct epitopes. These results argue that a specific structure of this region is required for CPV to retain its canine host range.
A vision for computer vision: emerging technologies

Computer vision is a rapidly evolving discipline. It includes methods for acquiring, processing, and understanding still images and video to model, replicate, and sometimes, exceed human vision and perform useful tasks. Computer vision will be commonly used for a broad range of services in upcoming devices, and implemented in everything from movies, smartphones, cameras, drones and more. Demand for CV is driving the evolution of image sensors, mobile processors, operating systems, application software, and device form factors in order to meet the needs of upcoming applications and services that benefit from computer vision. The resulting impetus means rapid advancements in: • visual computing performance • object recognition effectiveness • speed and responsiveness • power efficiency • video image quality improvement • real-time 3D reconstruction • pre-scanning for movie animation • image stabilization • immersive experiences • and more. Comprised of innovation leaders of computer vision, this panel will cover recent developments, as well as how CV will be enabled and used in 2016 and beyond.