Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Inflammatory Response in Rodent Brain and Blood Following a Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract : The predominant cause of neurotrauma among the military population is exposure to a blast wave. The shockwave produced by an explosive device can travel through the brain causing mild brain damage without any visible signs of injury. There has been a lot of interest in the role blast exposure plays in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how this may link to the clinical features of the injury. TBI is a very complex disorder that is characterized by primary and secondary injury mechanisms (Loane and Faden, 2010). The primary injury mechanism is due to direct damage to the brain cells occurring at the time of the initial impact producing a series of biochemical processes which then result in the secondary brain injury. Secondary brain injury develops within minutes and can last up to months and includes a variety of processes among which is the initiation of inflammatory and immune responses (Frugier et al. 2010; Morganti-Kossman et al. 2007). The development of secondary injury events provides a window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention to prevent progressive tissue damage and loss of function after injury (Kumar and Loane, 2012; Loane and Faden, 2010).
El declive de la Universidad

RESUMEN: ? Tiene que considerarse una provocacion especial el hecho de que un ponente de este Congreso ose hablar del declive de la Universidad, a la vez que se exponen y recapitulan las largas e ilustres historias de la Universidad en sus minuciosos y gloriosos fragmentos? No tenemos, por el contrario, que mantener delante de nuestros ojos un increible progreso de la Universidad, un progreso que desde los modestos comienzos de la Universidad en el Medievo prosigue sin detenerse hasta nuestro presente? No nos ha mostrado Solia Price a traves de sus trabajos estadisticos que hoy dia existen mas cientificos que en todo el pasado historico? Justamente desde hace unas decenas de anos y desde los paises de alto desarrollo ? no se han transplantado tambien universidades al llamado Tercer Mundo, desplegandose alli vigorosamente? Las universidades en todo el mundo no han captado para si un espacio vital en el que se exigen cada vez mas titulaciones academicas, con lo que el influjo en la realidad cultural y en la vida social y politica es progresivamente mas fuerte? Y no es el creciente numero de estudiantes, que hoy pueden disfrutar de la educacion superior, un hecho positivo tan inequivoco que hablar del declive de la universidad pueda interpretarse como una posicion reaccionaria? No deberiamos pues mejor hablar euforicamente del definitivo avance de la Universidad y suprimir las lamentaciones sobre el declive.
The demand forecasting of the multi-echelon inventory in the regional logistics network

The article studies inventory demand forecast in regional logistics network of retailers, distribution center, and suppliers. It considers the demand difference between distribution center, suppliers and retailers from the perspective of supply chain, and according to different level of demand, determines the relationship between the shortest circuit matrix and demand mapping in regional logistics network, based on which a multi-echelon demand forecasting model is built and the accurate inventory demand of every level is obtained. At last, we prove the correctness and feasibility of the model through a case.
Changes in MIC Alter Responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Tobramycin Exposure

ABSTRACT The pharmacokinetic parameters determining antibiotic efficacy are peak concentrations (Cmax), minimum (trough) concentrations (Cmin), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). There is general agreement about the importance of Cmax and AUC for aminoglycosides, but this is not so for maintenance of Cmin. With in vitro exposures modelling in vivo administration,Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strain ATCC 27853 (MIC, 1 mg/liter) and a higher-MIC (relatively resistant) clinical isolate (MIC, 4 mg/liter) were used to explore bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcomes. With P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, kill followed a complete bolus profile with a 30-min postdistribution peak (Cpeak30) of 10 mg/liter. The clinical isolate required a Cpeak30 bolus profile of 20 mg/liter for kill, and there was no difference between the efficacies of the bolus and infusion exposures. Bolus profiles that were truncated at 8.5 h and producing sublethal effects were then combined with a wide range of Cmins. With aCpeak30 profile of 8 mg/liter, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 showed a graded bacteriostatic response until a Cmin of ≥0.8 mg/liter, when complete kill resulted. In contrast, bactericidal effects on the clinical isolate required a Cpeak30 profile of 18 mg/liter with a Cmin of ≥1.0 mg/liter. Therefore, Cmin also contributes to the bactericidal effect of tobramycin, with requirements showing minor variation with change in MIC. Dosing principles for relatively resistant (higher-MIC) organisms are suggested from the data. Relatively higher aminoglycoside doses via infusion regimens are likely to be needed to generate higher peak concentrations and higher AUC values necessary for bactericidal effect in resistant organisms. Maintenance of trough concentrations on the order of 1.0 mg/liter during the interdose interval will tend to guard against the possibility of inadequate peak and AUC exposures for kill.
Determination of Activities of Levofloxacin, Alone and Combined with Gentamicin, Ceftazidime, Cefpirome, and Meropenem, against 124 Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Checkerboard and Time-Kill Methodology

ABSTRACT A total of 124 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were tested for synergy between levofloxacin and cefpirome, ceftazidime, gentamicin, and meropenem. Checkerboards yielded synergistic fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices (≤0.5) with 25 of 496 possible combinations. All other FIC indices were >0.5 to 2 (additive or indifferent), with no antagonism. Time-kill studies with 12 strains showed that levofloxacin (0.06 to 0.5 μg/ml) was synergistic with cefpirome, ceftazidime, gentamicin, and meropenem in 10, 9, 4, and 11 strains, respectively.
Timing synchronization and channel estimation of a Constant Pilot Padding OFDM system

In this paper, we propose a constant pilot padding method (CPPM) that can perform both the timing synchronization and channel estimation in the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The CPPM method exploits the repetitive structure of the preamble generated by inserting the constant pilots in the frequency domain to execute the timing synchronization. In addition, the CPPM method has the ability of channel estimation with these padding pilots. Compared with the conventional synchronization methods, such as the S&C method and the Parkpsilas method, the preamble of the CPPM provides not only timing synchronization but also data transmission. Simulation results show that the proposed method is more precise and robust than the S&C method and the Parkpsilas method.
Foaming behaviour of polymer–surfactant solutions

We study the effect of a non-ionic amphiphilic polymer (PEG-100 stearate also called Myrj 59) on the foaming behaviour of aqueous solutions of an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate or SDS). The SDS concentration was kept fixed while the Myrj 59 concentration was varied. Measurements of foamability, surface tension and electrical conductivity were carried out. The results show two opposite effects depending on the polymer concentration: foamability is higher when the Myrj 59 concentration is low; however, it decreases considerably when the polymer concentration is increased. This behaviour is due to the polymer adsorption at the air/liquid interface at lower polymer concentrations, and to the formation of a polymer–surfactant complex in the bulk at higher concentrations. The results are confirmed by surface tension and electrical conductivity measurements, which are interpreted in terms of the microstructure of the polymer–surfactant solutions. The observed behaviour is due to the amphiphilic nature of the studied polymer. The increased hydrophobicity of Myrj 59, compared to that of water-soluble polymers like PEG or PEO, increases its ‘reactivity’ towards SDS, i.e. the strength of its interaction with this anionic surfactant. Our results show that hydrophobically modified polymers have potential applications as additives in order to control the foaming properties of surfactant solutions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in the COPDGene study: associated radiologic phenotypes.

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis-given the increasing emphasis on quantitative computed tomographic (CT) phenotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-that a relationship exists between COPD exacerbation frequency and quantitative CT measures of emphysema and airway disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This research protocol was approved by the institutional review board of each participating institution, and all participants provided written informed consent. One thousand two subjects who were enrolled in the COPDGene Study and met the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria for COPD with quantitative CT analysis were included. Total lung emphysema percentage was measured by using the attenuation mask technique with a -950-HU threshold. An automated program measured the mean wall thickness and mean wall area percentage in six segmental bronchi. The frequency of COPD exacerbation in the prior year was determined by using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationship of exacerbation frequency with lung function and quantitative CT measurements. RESULTS In a multivariate analysis adjusted for lung function, bronchial wall thickness and total lung emphysema percentage were associated with COPD exacerbation frequency. Each 1-mm increase in bronchial wall thickness was associated with a 1.84-fold increase in annual exacerbation rate (P = .004). For patients with 35% or greater total emphysema, each 5% increase in emphysema was associated with a 1.18-fold increase in this rate (P = .047). CONCLUSION Greater lung emphysema and airway wall thickness were associated with COPD exacerbations, independent of the severity of airflow obstruction. Quantitative CT can help identify subgroups of patients with COPD who experience exacerbations for targeted research and therapy development for individual phenotypes.
Regulation of nitric oxide production in human coronary microvessels and the contribution of local kinin formation.

BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to define the regulation of nitric oxide release by coronary microvessels from the failing and nonfailing human heart and to determine the role of local kinin production in the elaboration of nitric oxide by human coronary microvascular endothelium. METHODS AND RESULTS Ten hearts from humans with end-stage heart failure and two hearts from patients without heart failure were harvested at the time of orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Microvessels were sieved and the production of nitrite was determined by the Griess reaction. Microvessels were incubated in the presence of agonists for nitric oxide production (acetylcholine and bradykinin), which caused dose-dependent increases in nitrite, a response that was blocked by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and receptor-specific antagonists (atropine and HOE 140, respectively). In addition, the production of nitrite by microvessels from the failing heart appeared to be less than that produced by microvessels from the nonfailing heart. Incubation with norepinephrine or the alpha2-adrenergic agonist BHT 920 also caused dose-dependent increases in nitrite production, which were blocked by the B2-receptor antagonist HOE 140. This implicated local kinin synthesis as an intermediate step in the production of nitric oxide in response to alpha2-adrenoceptor stimulation. The production of nitric oxide was also prevented by the addition of serine protease inhibitors, which blocked the action of local kallikrein, again suggesting a role for local kinin synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that nitric oxide is produced by human coronary microvessels, that nitric oxide production may be reduced but certainly not increased in microvessels from the failing human heart, and that there is active local kinin generation in these blood vessels.
Effects of meals rich in either monounsaturated or saturated fat on lipid concentrations and on insulin secretion and action in subjects with high fasting triglyceride concentrations.

BACKGROUND The nature of dietary fats and fasting concentrations of triglycerides affect postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and glucose homeostasis. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to examine the effects of meals enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on postprandial lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations and to examine the extent of β cell function and insulin sensitivity in subjects with high fasting triglyceride concentrations. DESIGN Fourteen men with fasting hypertriglyceridemia and normal glucose tolerance were given meals (≈10 kcal/kg body weight) containing MUFAs, SFAs, or no fat. Blood samples were collected at baseline and hourly over 8 h for analysis. RESULTS The high-fat meals significantly increased postprandial concentrations of triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and insulin and postprandial indexes of β cell function. However, postprandial indexes of insulin sensitivity decreased significantly. These effects were significantly attenuated with MUFAs relative to SFAs. CONCLUSIONS MUFAs postprandially buffered β cell hyperactivity and insulin intolerance relative to SFAs in subjects with high fasting triglyceride concentrations. These data suggest that, in contrast with SFAs, MUFA-based strategies may provide cardiovascular benefits to persons at risk by limiting lipid and insulin excursions and may contribute to optimal glycemic control after meal challenges.
Weight, Dietary Behavior, and Physical Activity in Childhood and Adolescence: Implications for Adult Cancer Risk

Lifestyle factors related to energy balance, including weight, dietary behavior and physical activity, are as-sociated with cancer risk. The period of childhood and growth into adolescence and early adulthood may re-present a ‘cumulative risk’ for later adult-onset cancers. We review a number of epidemiologic studies that have examined associations among childhood and adolescent body size, diet, and physical activity with adult cancer risk. These studies suggest that unhealthy behaviors that develop early in life and persist over time may increase the risk of some cancer types, such as premenopausal breast, ovarian, endometrial, colon and renal cancer, adversely affect cancer-related morbidities, and increase mortality. Continued research is needed to further determine and refine how timing and degree of such exposures in early childhood and adolescence relate to adult cancer risk. Presently, sufficient evidence suggests a continued need for stronger primary prevention in cancer and obesity research via modified lifestyle behaviors earlier in the developmental spectrum, i.e. during childhood and adolescence.
Commenting on the commentators: what would Bartlett have made of the future past?

The truth is that we will never know what Bartlett would have made of the future he predicted, or how he would have responded to the commentators. From his publications and character, we are given a sense of an everyman. He was theoretically driven, yet could turn his hand to the practical. He was inspired by the phenomena he saw around him. He used his love of sport in the examples of his ideas. He had a wide circle of friends from many disciplines and crossed disciplinary boundaries with ease. One gets a sense of a wellrounded man seeking to develop explanations for the world around him. By way of a reminder, the challenges he left Ergonomics with were to:
Telehealth applications in speech-language pathology: a modified narrative review

We conducted a modified narrative review of the literature on telehealth applications used in speech-language pathology assessment and treatment. The following databases and information resources were used: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCInfo, ERIC, Digital Dissertations, CSA Social Services Abstracts, CSA Sociological Abstracts, On-line ASHA publications and personal contacts. Sixty-two full-text documents were located. Twenty-eight provided sufficient detail to be reviewed using a checklist adapted from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) recommendations for level of evidence rankings and quality assessment ratings. Five of the 28 studies received a ranking indicating a high level of evidence (larger sample sizes, assessed outcomes with valid and reliable measures, performed statistical analysis of study results, measured reliability of study results, ensured internal and external validity, and ensured randomization of participants to groups). These five studies concluded that the service delivery results from telehealth were equivalent to traditional face-to-face results. However, telehealth was not a complete replacement for face-to-face service delivery and further research is required.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Ebstein Anomaly

Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation characterized by varying degrees of downward displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets into the cavity of the right ventricle. 1-3 It is an uncommon congenital abnormality with a prevalence of 0.2% to 0.5% of all cardiac malformations. 4,5 It can appear at any age, from fetal life to adulthood, with a highly variable clinical course. In the fetus and neonate, a targeted echocardiogram has been proven to be reliable in differentiating the variants of Ebstein anomaly. 6,7 However, because targeted fetal echocardiography cannot be used routinely for all obstetric patients, the ability to recognize Ebstein anomaly from a routine prenatal obstetric sonographic examination is important. The 4-chamber view of the heart, a component of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine guidelines for fetal structural evaluations, is most helpful for the detection of many congenital heart defects, including Ebstein anomaly. The 4-chamber view, however, does have limitations in the diagnosis of certain cardiac malformations. We present a case of prenatal sonography in a fetus with severe Ebstein anomaly that was diagnosed by fetal echocardiography after an initial routine obstetric sonogram showed a normal-appearing 4-chamber view of the heart. However, there were certain sonographic clues on the prenatal sonogram suggesting the diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly.
Autoimmune markers in diabetes.

BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) results from cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of the β cells of the islets of Langerhans. Autoantibodies directed against the islets are useful clinical tools that allow the recognition and confirmation of β-cell autoimmunity. CONTENT In this review we define the term "islet autoantibody," describe the pathogenesis of autoantibody generation, and explain the uses of islet autoantibodies in clinical medicine and in research studies that concern the interruption or prevention of T1DM. We also discuss the biology of islet autoantibodies and their rates of appearance at the time of onset of T1DM and their appearance before the development of T1DM. SUMMARY The presence of islet autoantibodies in persons with diabetes confirms an autoimmune etiology. In nondiabetic individuals, islet autoantibodies are strong predictors of the later development of T1DM.
Implicit Working Memory: Implications for Assessment and Treatment

Working memory (WM) impacts a gamut of cognitive abilities, but implicit WM is typically not considered in assessment or treatment, which may explain the variability of results in reviews of WM training. The role of implicit WM in adaptive behavior is reviewed. All we do is action based. Explicit WM plays a major role when we are required to “think”; that is, when we apply previously learned perception-action linkages in new ways to unique situations. Implicit WM is involved in the automation of behavior, which occurs through interaction with cortical and subcortical systems that guide sensory-motor anticipation and the prediction of reward. This article reviews evidence that implicit WM interacts with cortical-cerebellar and cortical-basal ganglia connections to form perception-action linkages. The cerebellum forms an internal model of cortical WM, corrects the content of this internal model, and then projects the improved representation back to the cortex, where it is retained for future use. The basal ganglia also form an anticipatory system, controlling cortical access to WM by allowing or restricting the information that is released based on the probability of reward. This framework is applied to the assessment and treatment of individuals with WM deficits. The ability to automate behavior can be assessed through repeated trials of existing testing instruments, such as the Trails B and Stroop tasks. Application of skill learning emphasizing automation as an end goal offers a model for the development of new types of WM training.
Introduction to Ergodic theory

Hyperbolic dynamics studies the iteration of maps on sets with some type of Lipschitz structure used to measure distance. In a hyperbolic system, some directions are uniformly contracted and others are uniformly expanded. Examples include expanding maps on manifolds, Anosov diffeomorphisms, and the shift map discussed in previous lectures. Hyperbolic dynamical behavior often gives rise to iterated function systems of contracting maps which create complicated fractal limit sets for orbits. An important example from Riemannian geometry is given by the geodesic flow on the unit tangent bundle of a closed negatively curved manifold. Many of these systems have the common feature that they can be coded as subshifts of finite type.
Quality of life following ear surgery measured by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

BACKGROUND Quality of life (QOL) following ear surgery is an important outcome measure. Most QOL studies are retrospective and therefore biased by uncertainties about preoperative QOL. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to prospectively assess change in QOL following ear surgery. The secondary objective was to determine if QOL was associated with audiometric change. METHODS Twenty-six patients undergoing ear surgery were studied prospectively between 1999 and 2000. Before and after surgery, patients received a detailed audiometric evaluation and completed a generic (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) and a disease-specific (Glasgow Benefit Inventory [GBI]) QOL instrument. RESULTS Significant audiometric improvement was noted following surgery. For six of the eight subsections of the SF-36, there was significant improvement following surgery. Three subsections correlated with the reduction in air-bone gap. GBI scores indicated that 50% of patients experienced an increase in QOL. The GBI correlated with one subsection of the SF-36. Higher GBI scores were associated with a reduction in the air-bone gap, but there was no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS QOL improved following ear surgery. QOL can be effectively assessed using both generic and disease-specific instruments. Improvement in the SF-36 score was correlated with reduction of the air-bone gap, suggesting that improved hearing was a determinant of improved QOL.