Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of dose-effect relationships of carcinogens following low-dose chronic exposure and high-dose single injection: an analysis by the median-effect principle.

Experimental dose-effect relationships of carcinogens following either acute (single dose) or chronic (time to tumor) exposure appears to conform with the median-effect principle (Chou, J. Theor. Biol. 59, 253-276, 1976) of the mass-action law: f(a)/ (1 - f(a)) = (D/D(m))m, where D is dose or cumulative dose, D(m) is the D required for the median-effect, m is the Hill-type coefficient, and f(a) is the fraction that is affected by D. The parameters m and D(m) are the basic characteristics for each carcinogen at specified experimental conditions. A plot of y = log [(f(a))-(-1)-1]-1 vs x =(D) gives the slope, m, and the intercept, log D(m), at y = 0. Using previously reported data, it is shown that dose-effect relationships of carcinogens obtained from various experimental designs (e.g., mode of exposure, route of administration, age at beginning of exposure to carcinogen, type of tumor produced, and strain and sex of animal used) can be normalized and compared directly on the same gauge and thus their consistency with the mass-law principle can be clearly demonstrated. The analysis suggests that chemical carcinogens, like non-carcinogenic chemicals, exert their effects according to the principle of the mass-action law. It also suggests that the interaction of the ultimate carcinogens and the probable targets is a multi-event or a slow-transition process (i.e., m > 1). The analytical procedure described by f(a) = [1 + (D(m)/D)(m)]-1 provides a simplified general method for assessment of low-dose risk of carcinogens.
Performance evaluation of the VBLAST algorithm in W-CDMA systems

We evaluate the performance of the VBLAST (vertical Bell Labs layered space-time) receiver algorithm in multiple-transmitter/multiple-receiver (MTMR) cellular W-CDMA systems. We assume that the VBLAST algorithm is executed on a symbol level (i.e., on the despread received signal), following a conventional bank of matched filters (correlators). Also, we introduce the concept of virtual antennas. Performance of the algorithm in the presence of intra- and inter-cell multiple-access interference (MAI) is evaluated. System capacity is also studied. The observed system is defined based on the UMTS physical layer and corresponding channel models.
Time-dependent spacetimes in AdS/CFT: bubble and black hole

We extend the study of time-dependent backgrounds in the AdS/CFT correspondence by examining the relation between bulk and boundary for the smooth `bubble of nothing' solution and for the locally AdS black hole which has the same asymptotic geometry. These solutions are asymptotically locally AdS, with a conformal boundary conformal to de Sitter space cross a circle. We study the cosmological horizons and relate their thermodynamics in the bulk and boundary. We consider the α-vacuum ambiguity associated with the de Sitter space, and find that only the euclidean vacuum is well-defined on the black hole solution. We argue that this selects the euclidean vacuum as the preferred state in the dual strongly coupled CFT.
Accuracy of Clinician Predictions of Future Self‐Harm: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Predictive Studies

Assessment of a patient after hospital-treated self-harm or psychiatric hospitalization often includes a risk assessment, resulting in a classification of high risk versus low risk for a future episode of self-harm. Through systematic review and a series of meta-analyses looking at unassisted clinician risk classification (eight studies; N = 22,499), we found pooled estimates for sensitivity 0.31 (95% CI: 0.18-0.50), specificity 0.85 (0.75-0.92), positive predictive value 0.22 (0.21-0.23), and negative predictive value 0.89 (0.86-0.92). Clinician classification was too inaccurate to be clinically useful. After-care should therefore be allocated on the basis of a needs rather than risk assessment.
Particle Size Distribution and Hydraulic Conductivity in Coastal Non-Agricultural Land in Gaza Coastal Plain

Background: Particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity of coastal no-agricultural lands are not available. This study characterized the particle size distribution and hydraulic conductivity on coastal non-agricultural land along the coastal plain of Gaza. Materials and Methods: Six soil profiles were digged along the coastal plain in Gaza Strip and soil samples were collected from 0 - 150 cm depth. Four soil plots around each site were used to determine the hydraulic conductivity using Infiltrometer method. Four particle size groups were identified, group 1 (630 nm), group 2 (200 nm), group 3 (63 nm) and group 4 (20 nm). Results: Dominancy of particle size group 2 was noticed in all sites followed by group 3. Groups 1 and 4 were less dominant in all sites. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from lower value 0.27 in the control soil plot in Khan Younis (site 1) to the highest value 1.76 m/s in disturbed soil plot in Shakhejjlen (site 3) with regression coefficient (R2) range of 0.9725 - 0.997 indicating strong positive association. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the coastal non-agricultural land is sandy with various hydraulic conductivity values due to different particle size distribution. These data are useful to the scientific community around the world and will be helpful to speculate potential risk factors to life of ecosystem.
A new informatics method for measuring synonymous codon usage bias

Most of the current codon usage bias computational approaches are only suitable for the comparison of codon usage bias within a single genome. Here we introduce a new informatics method, referred to as synonymous codon usage order (SCUO), to measure synonymous codon usage bias. In this method, we used Shannon informational theory to describe the SCUO of each gene using a value ranging from 0 to 1, with larger values associated with greater codon bias. We compared our method with the codon adaptation index (CAI) method for measuring codon bias in Escherichia coli and Sacharomyces cerevisiae . We also studied the correlation between SCUO and CAI, and the relation of SCUO with gene length and gene function. Finally, we explored the correlation between SCUO and mRNA abundance in Sacharomyces cerevisiae using SAGE expression data.
[Remodeling of the cardiovascular system and development of chronic kidney disease in patients with metabolic syndrome and obesity: role of eNOS, subunit p22-phox of NADPH-oxidase and MTHFR genes].

AIM To examine contribution of polymorphisms of genes of endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS), NADPH-oxidase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (mTHFR) to development of remodeling of cardiovascular system and chronic disease of the kidneys (CDK) in patients with metabolic syndrome (mS) and obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Standard clinical and device examinations were made and polymorphisms C242T of gene of subunit p22-phox of NADPH-oxidase, G894T of gene of eNOS and C677T of gene of MTHFR were studied in 66 MS patients (49 males and 17 females, age 19-62 years. RESULTS The presence of even one prognostically poor allele variants of the genes studied was registered in 83 examinees. The genotype 242TTp22-phox of NADPH-oxidase subunit was associated with the highest insulin resistance, allele 894T of gene eNOS- with reduced glomerular filtration rate and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSION Polymorphism of the genes the products of which modulate endothelial function can be considered as potential predictors of severity of MS target organs impairment.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Lumbar Instrumented Fusion and Cognitive Intervention and Exercises in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Disc Degeneration

Study Design. Single blind randomized study. Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of lumbar instrumented fusion with cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration. Summary of Background Data. To the authors’ best knowledge, only one randomized study has evaluated the effectiveness of lumbar fusion. The Swedish Lumbar Spine Study reported that lumbar fusion was better than continuing physiotherapy and care by the family physician. Patients and Methods. Sixty-four patients aged 25–60 years with low back pain lasting longer than 1 year and evidence of disc degeneration at L4–L5 and/or L5–S1 at radiographic examination were randomized to either lumbar fusion with posterior transpedicular screws and postoperative physiotherapy, or cognitive intervention and exercises. The cognitive intervention consisted of a lecture to give the patient an understanding that ordinary physical activity would not harm the disc and a recommendation to use the back and bend it. This was reinforced by three daily physical exercise sessions for 3 weeks. The main outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index. Results. At the 1-year follow-up visit, 97% of the patients, including 6 patients who had either not attended treatment or changed groups, were examined. The Oswestry Disability Index was significantly reduced from 41 to 26 after surgery, compared with 42 to 30 after cognitive intervention and exercises. The mean difference between groups was 2.3 (−6.7 to 11.4) (P = 0.33). Improvements inback pain, use of analgesics, emotional distress, life satisfaction, and return to work were not different. Fear-avoidance beliefs and fingertip-floor distance were reduced more after nonoperative treatment, and lower limb pain was reduced more after surgery. The success rateaccording to an independent observer was 70% after surgery and 76% after cognitive intervention and exercises. The early complication rate in the surgical group was 18%. Conclusion. The main outcome measure showed equal improvement in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration randomized to cognitive intervention and exercises, or lumbar fusion.
Bioequivalence Studies of Tibolone in Premenopausal Women and Effects on Expression of the Tibolone‐Metabolizing Enzyme AKR1C (Aldo‐Keto Reductase) Family Caused by Estradiol

This study aimed to investigate the bioequivalence of a test formulation of tibolone with the marketed reference formulation in 24 young healthy female volunteers. Tibolone is a synthetic steroid hormone for menopausal women. Volunteers were treated with the 2 formulations of tibolone (total dose of active ingredient 2.5 mg) according to a 2 × 2 crossover design with a 1‐week washout period. Plasma concentrations of 3α‐ and 3β‐hydroxytibolone, which are major metabolites of tibolone, were assayed in timed samples over a 24‐hour period with a validated gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method that had a lower limit of quantification of 0.5 ng/mL. The reference and test formulations gave a mean 3α‐hydroxytibolone Cmax of 5.0 and 5.2 ng/mL, respectively, and a mean 3β‐hydroxytibolone Cmax of 16.4 and 16.5 ng/mL, respectively. The mean AUCt of 3α‐hydroxytibolone was 24.7 and 24.3 ng h/mL, whereas the mean AUCt of 3β‐hydroxytibolone was 57.6 and 54.8 ng h/mL for the test and reference formulations, respectively. The authors did not find significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between the 2 formulations, but metabolite formation was different from reports in postmenopausal women. The authors therefore measured the effects of estradiol on the expression of the tibolone‐metabolizing enzymes, from the aldo‐keto reductase (AKR1C) family, using HepG2 cell (human hepatoma cells) and MCF‐7 cell (human breast cancer cells). Estradiol increased mRNA levels of AKR1C1, AKR1C2, and AKR1C3 and protein levels of total AKR1C in HepG2 cells. Estradiol selectively enhanced levels of AKR1C2 mRNA in MCF‐7 cells. Thus, changes in the major metabolites of tibolone might result from changes in AKR1C family expression by patient estrogen status.
Angle Tree: Nearest Neighbor Search in High Dimensions with Low Intrinsic Dimensionality

We propose an extension of tree-based space-partitioning indexing structures for data with low intrinsic dimensionality embedded in a high dimensional space. We call this extension an Angle Tree. Our extension can be applied to both classical kd-trees as well as the more recent rp-trees. The key idea of our approach is to store the angle (the "dihedral angle") between the data region (which is a low dimensional manifold) and the random hyperplane that splits the region (the "splitter"). We show that the dihedral angle can be used to obtain a tight lower bound on the distance between the query point and any point on the opposite side of the splitter. This in turn can be used to efficiently prune the search space. We introduce a novel randomized strategy to efficiently calculate the dihedral angle with a high degree of accuracy. Experiments and analysis on real and synthetic data sets shows that the Angle Tree is the most efficient known indexing structure for nearest neighbor queries in terms of preprocessing and space usage while achieving high accuracy and fast search time.
Comprehending finite maps for algorithmic debugging of higher-order functional programs

Algorithmic debuggers for higher-order functional languages have to display functional values. Originally functional values had been represented as partial applications of function and constructor symbols, but a recent approach represents functional values as finite maps. The two representations require the computation tree that is central to algorithmic debugging to be structured rather differently. In this paper we present a unifying framework that formally defines algorithmic debugging for both representations in an implementation-independent way for both strict and non-strict functional languages. On this basis we prove the soundness of algorithmic debugging with finite maps. Our framework shows how a single implementation can support both forms of algorithmic debugging. The proof exposed that algorithmic debugging with finite maps does not handle arbitrary functional programs, but in current practice the problematic ones are excluded by the type system. Both framework and proof suggest variations of algorithmic debugging with finite maps and thus are tools for further improvement of this form of debugging
Prevalence of anemia and associated factors in children aged 6-59 months in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of anemia and to identify its associated factors in children aged 6-59 months. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study on data from the Third Health and Nutrition Survey of the State of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, with a representative sample of 1,403 children from urban and rural areas. Anemia was diagnosed by means of hemoglobin assays. Multivariate analysis was performed though a hierarchical model, using robust-variance Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio as a function of the following variables: biological factors, morbidity, child nutritional state, socioeconomic factors, housing, sanitation and maternal factors. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of anemia was 32.8% overall: 31.5% in urban areas and 36.6% in rural areas. In urban areas, anemia was significantly associated with maternal education, consumer goods, number of children less than five years old in the home, drinking water treatment, maternal age, maternal anemia and the child's age. In rural areas, only maternal age and the child's age were significantly associated with anemia. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of anemia in children in Pernambuco was similar in urban and rural areas. The factors associated with anemia that are presented here should be taken into consideration in planning effective measures for its control.
Simple 3D glyphs for spatial multivariate data

We present an effort to evaluate the possible utility of a new type of 3D glyphs intended for visualizations of multivariate spatial data. They are based on results from vision research suggesting that our perception of metric 3D structure is distorted and imprecise relative to the actual scene before us (e.g., "metric 3D structure in visualizations" by M. Lind et al. (2003)); only a class of qualitative properties of the scene is perceived with accuracy. These properties are best characterized as being invariant over affine but not Euclidean transformations. They are related, but not identical to, the non-accidental properties (NAPs) described by Lowe in "perceptual organization and visual recognition" (1984) on which the notion of geons is based in "recognition by components - a theory of image understanding" by I. Biederman (1987). A large number of possible 3D glyphs for the visualization of spatial data can be constructed using such properties. One group is based on the local sign of surface curvature. We investigated these properties in a visualization experiment. The results are promising and the implications for visualization are discussed.
Optogenetic control of epileptiform activity

The optogenetic approach to gain control over neuronal excitability both in vitro and in vivo has emerged as a fascinating scientific tool to explore neuronal networks, but it also opens possibilities for developing novel treatment strategies for neurologic conditions. We have explored whether such an optogenetic approach using the light-driven halorhodopsin chloride pump from Natronomonas pharaonis (NpHR), modified for mammalian CNS expression to hyperpolarize central neurons, may inhibit excessive hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity. We show that a lentiviral vector containing the NpHR gene under the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα promoter transduces principal cells of the hippocampus and cortex and hyperpolarizes these cells, preventing generation of action potentials and epileptiform activity during optical stimulation. This study proves a principle, that selective hyperpolarization of principal cortical neurons by NpHR is sufficient to curtail paroxysmal activity in transduced neurons and can inhibit stimulation train-induced bursting in hippocampal organotypic slice cultures, which represents a model tissue of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. This study demonstrates that the optogenetic approach may prove useful for controlling epileptiform activity and opens a future perspective to develop it into a strategy to treat epilepsy.
Dynamic characteristics and underlying mechanisms of renal blood flow autoregulation in the conscious dog.

The time course of the autoregulatory response of renal blood flow (RBF) to a step increase in renal arterial pressure (RAP) was studied in conscious dogs. After RAP was reduced to 50 mmHg for 60 s, renal vascular resistance (RVR) decreased by 50%. When RAP was suddenly increased again, RVR returned to baseline with a characteristic time course (control; n = 15): within the first 10 s, it rose rapidly to 70% of baseline (response 1), thus already comprising 40% of the total RVR response. Thereafter, it increased at a much slower rate until it started to rise rapidly again at 20-30 s after the pressure step (response 2). After passing an overshoot of 117% at 43 s, RVR returned to baseline values. Similar responses were observed after RAP reduction for 5 min or after complete occlusions for 60 s. When tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) was inhibited by furosemide (40 mg i.v., n = 12), response 1 was enhanced, providing 60% of the total response, whereas response 2 was completely abolished. Instead, RVR slowly rose to reach the baseline at 60 s (response 3). The same pattern was observed when furosemide was given at a much higher dose (>600 mg i.v.; n = 6) or in combination with clamping of the plasma levels of nitric oxide (n = 6). In contrast to RVR, vascular resistance in the external iliac artery after a 60-s complete occlusion started to rise with a delay of 4 s and returned to baseline within 30 s. It is concluded that, in addition to the myogenic response and the TGF, a third regulatory mechanism significantly contributes to RBF autoregulation, independently of nitric oxide. The three mechanisms contribute about equally to resting RVR. The myogenic response is faster in the kidney than in the hindlimb.
Some uses for Computer-Aided Control System Design software in control education

Several ways in which Computer-Aided Control System Design software and rapid prototyping tools have been used to enhance the controls educational program at our university are described. A key to the use in a lecture course has been to provide the students with a computer running the software during every exam. This motivates the students to learn to use the software and facilitates giving exam problems that focus on control design and analysis rather than on mechanical calculations. The use of computer-aided design software and rapid prototyping tools in the lab saves money and allows us to do more complicated experiments and simple projects. It also allows us to emphasize aspects of networked and embedded control systems that are not covered anywhere else within our curriculum.
Comparison of high fibre diets, basal insulin supplements, and flexible insulin treatment for non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetics poorly controlled with sulphonylureas.

OBJECTIVE--To compare high fibre diet, basal insulin supplements and a regimen of insulin four times daily in non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetic patients who were poorly controlled with sulphonylureas. DESIGN--Run in period lasting 2-3 months during which self monitoring of glucose concentration was taught, followed by six months on a high fibre diet, followed by six months' treatment with insulin in those patients who did not respond to the high fibre diet. SETTING--Teaching hospital diabetic clinics. PATIENTS--33 patients who had had diabetes for at least two years and had haemoglobin A1 concentrations over 10% despite receiving nearly maximum doses of oral hypoglycaemic agents. No absolute indications for treatment with insulin. INTERVENTIONS--During the high fibre diet daily fibre intake was increased by a mean of 16 g (95% confidence interval 12 to 20 g.) Twenty five patients were then started on once daily insulin. After three months 14 patients were started on four injections of insulin daily. ENDPOINT--Control of diabetes (haemoglobin A1 concentration less than or equal to 10% and fasting plasma glucose concentration less than or equal to 6 mmol/l) or completion of six months on insulin treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS-- No change in weight, diet, or concentrations of fasting glucose or haemoglobin A1 occurred during run in period. During high fibre diet there were no changes in haemoglobin A1 concentrations, but mean fasting glucose concentrations rose by 1.7 mmol/l (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 2.5, p less than 0.01). With once daily insulin mean concentrations of fasting plasma glucose fell from 12.6 to 7.6 mmol/l (p less than 0.001) and haemoglobin A1 from 14.6% to 11.2% (p less than 0.001). With insulin four times daily concentrations of haemoglobin A1 fell from 11.5% to 9.6% (p less than 0.02). Lipid concentrations were unchanged by high fibre diet. In patients receiving insulin the mean cholesterol concentrations fell from 7.1 to 6.4 mmol/l (p less than 0.0001), high density lipoprotein concentrations rose from 1.1 to 1.29 mmol/l (p less than 0.01), and triglyceride concentrations fell from 2.67 to 1.86 mmol/l (p less than 0.05). Patients taking insulin gained weight and those taking it four times daily gained an average of 4.2 kg. CONCLUSIONS--High fibre diets worsen control of diabetes in patients who are poorly controlled with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Maximum improvements in control of diabetes were achieved by taking insulin four times daily.