Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Relationship between blood pressure variability and combined cardiovascular events in 5-10 years in hypertensive patients].

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and combined cardiovascular events in 5-10 years in patients with hypertension. METHODS A total of 367 hypertensive patients treated in our hospital from January, 2000 to January, 2005 were analyzed, and their BPV was assessed in comparison with 145 normotensive individuals. The hypertensive patients were classified into high BPV group and low BPV group, and the general clinical data and biochemical profiles were compared. The relationship between BPV and combined cardiovascular events of the patients within 5-10 years were explored. RESULTS Compared with the normotensive individuals, the hypertensive patients showed significantly increased standard deviation and coefficient of variation of 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h diastolic blood pressrue (DBP), daytime SBP, daytime DBP, night-time SBP and night-time DBP (P<0.01). The percentages of drinking, smoking, diabetes and coronary heart disease were significantly higher in patients with high BPV than those with lower BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05); uric acid, homocysteine, urinary protein/creatinine ratio and urinary microalbumin increased more significantly in patients with high BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05). In addition, the combined cardiovascular events in 5-10 years were significantly higher in the patients with higher BPV than those with lower BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05). Logistic multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol, diabetes, coronary heart disease, uric acid and homocysteine were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients (P<0.01 or 0.05). CONCLUSION In hypertensive patients, BPV is closely correlated with the long-term combined cardiovascular events, and a high BPV is associated with a greater likeliness of combined cardiovascular events.
A long-term retrospective study of two different implant surfaces placed after reconstruction of the severely resorbed maxilla using Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional bone grafting.

PURPOSE In this retrospective study, the long-term survival and success rates of implants with 2 different surfaces placed in extremely atrophic maxillae augmented with Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional bone grafts were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 12 consecutive patients (7 female, 5 male; average age, 55 years; age range, 47 to 63 years), the resorbed maxilla was reconstructed using Le Fort I osteotomy in combination with interpositional iliac bone grafts. After 5 to 6 months, machined or titanium plasma-sprayed implants were inserted. The patients were followed clinically and radiographically for 6 to 12 years (mean 102 +/- 24.42 months) after prosthetic loading. Implant outcome in terms of survival and success using Albrektsson's criteria was analyzed. RESULTS In all cases, the bone-grafting procedures allowed implant placement. Of the 104 implants placed (53 machined and 51 titanium plasma-sprayed), 11 failed, resulting in an overall cumulative survival rate of 89.4%. When the success rate was calculated using the defined criteria, the cumulative success rate was 67.3%. The respective survival and success rates were 86.8% and 66.0% for the machined implants and 92.2% and 68.7% for the titanium plasma-sprayed implants. The mean marginal bone resorption was 2.91 +/- 0.77 mm (range, 0.6 to 4.9 mm) around machined implants and 2.72 +/- 0.84 mm (range, 0.7 to 5.3 mm) around titanium plasma-sprayed implants. No significant differences in survival, success rate, or marginal bone resorption were found between the 2 implant groups. CONCLUSIONS Le Fort I osteotomy combined with bone grafts and delayed implant placement gave predictable long-term results. There was a distinct relationship between implant survival and the long-term success rate. The implant surface had no significant effect on the survival, success rate, or marginal bone resorption.
Computational modeling of amperometric choline biosensor for neurochemical detection

The behavior of biosensors is based on the well-defined physical, chemical and biological reactions, which are expressed by nonlinear differential equations. The characteristics of diffusion reaction of choline biosensor are analyzed mathematically for wide range of input parameters such as initial concentration of choline and thickness of choline oxide enzyme layer. The mathematical simulations are done in MATLAB software using partial differential equation solver pdepe function. The analytical results are compared with numerically simulated results for various conditions to validate the model parameters. A numerical simulation result shows less than 2% deviation from analytical results for various substrate concentrations. For dimensionless diffusion distance x=0 and sigma=1, the dimensionless substrate and product concentrations are 0.72 and 0.18 when t=1 and changes exponentially with time.
Naturalistic stimulation changes the dynamic response of action potential encoding in a mechanoreceptor

Naturalistic signals were created from vibrations made by locusts walking on a Sansevieria plant. Both naturalistic and Gaussian noise signals were used to mechanically stimulate VS-3 slit-sense mechanoreceptor neurons of the spider, Cupiennius salei, with stimulus amplitudes adjusted to give similar firing rates for either stimulus. Intracellular microelectrodes recorded action potentials, receptor potential, and receptor current, using current clamp and voltage clamp. Frequency response analysis showed that naturalistic stimulation contained relatively more power at low frequencies, and caused increased neuronal sensitivity to higher frequencies. In contrast, varying the amplitude of Gaussian stimulation did not change neuronal dynamics. Naturalistic stimulation contained less entropy than Gaussian, but signal entropy was higher than stimulus in the resultant receptor current, indicating addition of uncorrelated noise during transduction. The presence of added noise was supported by measuring linear information capacity in the receptor current. Total entropy and information capacity in action potentials produced by either stimulus were much lower than in earlier stages, and limited to the maximum entropy of binary signals. We conclude that the dynamics of action potential encoding in VS-3 neurons are sensitive to the form of stimulation, but entropy and information capacity of action potentials are limited by firing rate.
Focal Gene Induction in the Liver of Rats by a Heat-Inducible Promoter Using Focused Ultrasound Hyperthermia: Preliminary Results

Objective:We sought to examine high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-induced hyperthermia in the liver of a rat model to focally induce green-fluorescent protein (GFP). Materials and Methods:A total of 25 Copenhagen rats were included in this study. Rats were divided into groups treated with an adenovirus coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of a hsp70B promoter and a CMV promoter. Ad-CMV-GFP-treated rats served as positive control. Untreated controls only subjected to MRI ± HIFU-treatment served to find out optimal power of HIFU in the target area of the liver. Temperature was noninvasively monitored by temperature sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results:Rats treated with Ad-hsp70B-GFP demonstrated localized gene induction within the liver parenchyma, in good correlation with MRI and histology. Applying an acoustic power of 1.92 W a relatively uniform focal temperature up to 42 ± 5°C within the liver parenchyma could be documented. 3 × 109 plaque-forming units proved to account for a very homogeneous liver infection. Number of fluorescent cells in the region of hyperthermia was similar to the control group treated with Ad-CMV-GFP. Conclusion:Using the introduced parameters spatially controlled gene induction within a parenchymal organ such as the liver in rats using HIFU under control of MRI is feasible.
Physical synthesis methodology for high performance microprocessors

Integrated logic synthesis and physical design (physical synthesis) continues to play a very important role in high performance microprocessor design methodologies. In this paper, we present the integrated physical synthesis timing closure methodology used in the current generation microprocessors. Physical synthesis techniques were aggressively used as part of logic and placement optimizations for performance, power and area. The design turn around times were significantly reduced and timing convergence was consistently achieved.
ESACW: an adaptive algorithm for transmission power reduction in wireless networks

In this paper we propose a new algorithm for reducing the energy dissipation of a wireless ad-hoc network. We first show that the performance and energy dissipation is a function of the probability of packet collision, which can be varied by changing the minimum contention window (CW/sub min/) parameter. Then we propose all algorithm, based on the IEEE 802.11 protocol, which can dynamically adjust CW/sub min/ for better performance and power. Experimental results show that, comparing to the original protocol, the proposed method can save 30% to 60% energy dissipation, and achieve similar or better performance.
Nonlinear kinematics for improved helicopter tracking

This paper compares the tracking performance that can be achieved when using a nonlinear drag model for a helicopter, a constant drag motion model, and a baseline constant acceleration model. A particle filter is used for state estimation to address problems associated with nonlinear drag and nonlinear measurements of helicopter pose. We demonstrate that the inclusion of this nonlinear kinematic effect provides improved tracking performance for a manoeuvring target.
Constraint Processing

INTRODUCTION Constraints appear in many areas of human endeavour starting from puzzles like crosswords (the words can only overlap at the same letter) and recently popular Sudoku (no number appears twice in a row) through everyday problems such as planning a meeting (the meeting room must accommodate all participants) till solving hard optimization problems for example in manufacturing scheduling (a job must finish before another job). Though all these problems look like being from completely different worlds, they all share a similar base – the task is to find values of decision variables, such as the start time of the job or the position of the number at a board, respecting given constraints. This problem is called a Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP). Constraint processing emerged from AI research in 1970s (Montanary, 1974) when problems such as scene labelling were studied (Waltz, 1975). The goal of scene labelling was to recognize a type of line (and then a type of object) in the 2D picture of a 3D scene. The possible types were convex, concave, and occlud-ing lines and the combination of types was restricted at junctions of lines to be physically feasible. This scene labelling problem is probably the first problem formalised as a CSP and some techniques developed for solving this problem, namely arc consistency, are still in the core of constraint processing. Systematic use of constraints in programming systems has started in 1980s when researchers identified a similarity between unification in logic programming and constraint satisfaction (Gallaire, 1985) (Jaffar & Lassez, 1987). Constraint Logic Programming was born. Today Constraint Programming is a separate subject independent of the underlying programming language, though constraint logic programming still plays a prominent role thanks to natural integration of constraints into a logic programming framework. This article presents mainstream techniques for solving constraint satisfaction problems. These techniques stay behind the existing constraint solvers and their understanding is important to exploit fully the available technology.
Assaying the Effect of Levodopa on the Evaluation of Risk in Healthy Humans

In humans, dopamine is implicated in reward and risk-based decision-making. However, the specific effects of dopamine augmentation on risk evaluation are unclear. Here we sought to measure the effect of 100 mg oral levodopa, which enhances synaptic release of dopamine, on choice behaviour in healthy humans. We use a paradigm without feedback or learning, which solely isolates effects on risk evaluation. We present two studies (n = 20; n = 20) employing a randomised, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design. We manipulated different dimensions of risk in a controlled economic paradigm. We test effects on risk-reward tradeoffs, assaying both aversion to variance (the spread of possible outcomes) and preference for relative losses and gains (asymmetry of outcomes - skewness), dissociating this from potential non-specific effects on choice randomness using behavioural modelling. There were no systematic effects of levodopa on risk attitudes, either for variance or skewness. However, there was a drift towards more risk-averse behaviour over time, indicating that this paradigm was sensitive to detect changes in risk-preferences. These findings suggest that levodopa administration does not change the evaluation of risk. One possible reason is that dopaminergic influences on decision making may be due to changing the response to reward feedback.
Block Based Enhancement of Satellite Images using Sharpness Indexed Filtering

In this paper, a simple and dynamic wavelet-based algorithm is presented for enhancement of the image sharpness or blurriness of an Image. Four set of methods are followed here (Denoising, Decomposition, Sharpness Estimation, and Filtering). First Denoising is done on the input images and then it operates by initially decomposing the input image through a multi-level separable DWT. After this, the log-energies of the DWT sub bands are computed. A Scalar Index corresponding to the input image's sharpness is computed through the weighted average of the computed log-energies. Several Satellite images are taken into consideration and the Scalar Sharpness Index representing the image's overall sharpness denoted as SSI. This is used as a filtering component and the image is filtered out to give the Sharpened Image. Here along with the Scalar Sharpness Index, a Block based algorithm is presented to determine the local perceived sharpness. The Block Based Scalar Sharpness Index is calculated by taking the RMS of 0.01 of largest value of the filtering parameter which takes the no. of Block Size. This proposed method is the simplest, fastest and accurate comparing to the currently best-performing techniques for the sharpness estimation.
Semaphorin-7A Is an Erythrocyte Receptor for P. falciparum Merozoite-Specific TRAP Homolog, MTRAP

The motility and invasion of Plasmodium parasites is believed to require a cytoplasmic actin-myosin motor associated with a cell surface ligand belonging to the TRAP (thrombospondin-related anonymous protein) family. Current models of invasion usually invoke the existence of specific receptors for the TRAP-family ligands on the surface of the host cell; however, the identities of these receptors remain largely unknown. Here, we identify the GPI-linked protein Semaphorin-7A (CD108) as an erythrocyte receptor for the P. falciparum merozoite-specific TRAP homolog (MTRAP) by using a systematic screening approach designed to detect extracellular protein interactions. The specificity of the interaction was demonstrated by showing that binding was saturable and by quantifying the equilibrium and kinetic biophysical binding parameters using surface plasmon resonance. We found that two MTRAP monomers interact via their tandem TSR domains with the Sema domains of a Semaphorin-7A homodimer. Known naturally-occurring polymorphisms in Semaphorin-7A did not quantitatively affect MTRAP binding nor did the presence of glycans on the receptor. Attempts to block the interaction during in vitro erythrocyte invasion assays using recombinant proteins and antibodies showed no significant inhibitory effect, suggesting the inaccessibility of the complex to proteinaceous blocking agents. These findings now provide important experimental evidence to support the model that parasite TRAP-family ligands interact with specific host receptors during cellular invasion.
Safety of Immunosuppressive Drugs Used as Maintenance Therapy in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To evaluate the safety of regimens containing calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), proliferation signal inhibitors (TOR-I) and antimetabolites, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies. A total of 4,960 citations were identified in our electronic search and 14 additional articles were identified through hand searching. Forty-eight articles (11,432 participants) from 42 studies (38 RCTs and four cohorts) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results revealed the following: (i) tacrolimus was associated with an increased risk for diabetes and lower risk of dyslipidemia, compared to cyclosporine; (ii) mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was associated with increased risk for total infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, compared with azathioprine; (iii) sirolimus was associated with higher risk of anemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia, lymphoceles and withdrawal compared to tacrolimus or cyclosporine, and cyclosporine was associated with an increased risk of CMV infection; (iv) the combination of CNI with antimetabolites was associated with more adverse events than CNI alone; (v) TOR-I was related to more adverse events than MMF. The data observed in this meta-analysis are similar to those describe by others authors; thus, the choice of treatment must be made by the clinical staff based on specific patient characteristics.
Laser material processing of nickel superalloy for improved erosion resistance

ABSTRACT A nickel-based superalloy was laser surface treated, and its erosion behavior was evaluated. The laser power and scan speed were varied in different levels to impart variations in microstructure and mechanical properties. The microstructure of specimens exhibited fine equiaxed grains to columnar structure at different parameters. A high cooling rate improved the hardness of the laser-treated specimen up to 603 HV0.3 compared to the base material hardness of 430 HV0.3. The rate of erosion increased linearly from 30° to 60° impingement angle and decreased at 75° impingement angle. The accumulation of the erodent inside the crater and the consequent absorbtion of the incident kinetic energy might have caused this reduction. The laser surface treated specimens exhibited ∼1.5 factor of improvement in high temperature erosion resistance. This was attributed to the minimized energy transfer from impinging particle to the substrate achieved through laser surface melting.
Les produits laitiers

L'avocat L'avocat contient de la persine. La persine est une toxine fongicide qu'il utilise pour se défendre et qu'on retrouve dans tout l'avocatier (feuilles, bois, etc). Chez l'homme elle est inoffensive sauf en cas d'allergie (rare). Il ne faut jamais en donner aux chats, chiens, lapins, oiseaux, poissons ou chevaux. Chez tous ces animaux, la persine peut provoquer la mort. Gardez votre guacamole.
Temperature-Dependence of Lipid A Acyl Structure in Psychrobacter cryohalolentis and Arctic Isolates of Colwellia hornerae and Colwellia piezophila

Lipid A is a fundamental Gram-negative outer membrane component and the essential element of lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin), a potent immunostimulatory molecule. This work describes the metabolic adaptation of the lipid A acyl structure by Psychrobacter cryohalolentis at various temperatures in its facultative psychrophilic growth range, as characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and FAME GC-MS. It also presents the first elucidation of lipid A structure from the Colwellia genus, describing lipid A from strains of Colwellia hornerae and Colwellia piezophila, which were isolated as primary cultures from Arctic fast sea ice and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The Colwellia strains are obligate psychrophiles, with a growth range restricted to 15 °C or less. As such, these organisms have less need for fluidity adaptation in the acyl moiety of the outer membrane, and they do not display alterations in lipid A based on growth temperature. Both Psychrobacter and Colwellia make use of extensive single-methylene variation in the size of their lipid A molecules. Such single-carbon variations in acyl size were thought to be restricted to psychrotolerant (facultative) species, but its presence in these Colwellia species shows that odd-chain acyl units and a single-carbon variation in lipid A structure are present in obligate psychrophiles, as well.
Classification Accuracy and Predictive Ability of The Medical Symptom Validity Test's Dementia Profile and General Memory Impairment Profile

When assessing symptom validity in patients with dementia, traditional approaches may be inappropriate because neurological factors may cause altered performance. The Medical Symptom Validity Test has a Dementia Profile that explicitly recognizes this fact. We prospectively evaluated classification accuracy of the Dementia Profile for 52 referrals to a memory disorders clinic. The Dementia Profile correctly classified 36/52 patients. Sensitivity was 54.8%, specificity was 90.5%, positive predictive value was 89.5%, negative predictive value was 60.0%, and the likelihood ratio was 5.77. Of 31 patients with dementia, 11 did not fail symptom validity indices. When only considering patients who failed symptom validity indices, sensitivity of the Dementia Profile was 85%. Classification accuracy statistics are also provided for the Genuine Memory Impairment Profile.
K70Q Adds High-Level Tenofovir Resistance to “Q151M Complex” HIV Reverse Transcriptase through the Enhanced Discrimination Mechanism

HIV-1 carrying the “Q151M complex” reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations (A62V/V75I/F77L/F116Y/Q151M, or Q151Mc) is resistant to many FDA-approved nucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs), but has been considered susceptible to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TFV-DF or TDF). We have isolated from a TFV-DF-treated HIV patient a Q151Mc-containing clinical isolate with high phenotypic resistance to TFV-DF. Analysis of the genotypic and phenotypic testing over the course of this patient's therapy lead us to hypothesize that TFV-DF resistance emerged upon appearance of the previously unreported K70Q mutation in the Q151Mc background. Virological analysis showed that HIV with only K70Q was not significantly resistant to TFV-DF. However, addition of K70Q to the Q151Mc background significantly enhanced resistance to several approved NRTIs, and also resulted in high-level (10-fold) resistance to TFV-DF. Biochemical experiments established that the increased resistance to tenofovir is not the result of enhanced excision, as K70Q/Q151Mc RT exhibited diminished, rather than enhanced ATP-based primer unblocking activity. Pre-steady state kinetic analysis of the recombinant enzymes demonstrated that addition of the K70Q mutation selectively decreases the binding of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP), resulting in reduced incorporation of TFV into the nascent DNA chain. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that changes in the hydrogen bonding pattern in the polymerase active site of K70Q/Q151Mc RT may contribute to the observed changes in binding and incorporation of TFV-DP. The novel pattern of TFV-resistance may help adjust therapeutic strategies for NRTI-experienced patients with multi-drug resistant (MDR) mutations.