Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulling-force-induced elongation and alignment effects on entanglement and knotting characteristics of linear polymers in a melt.

We employ a primitive path (PP) algorithm and the Gauss linking integral to study the degree of entanglement and knotting characteristics of linear polymer model chains in a melt under the action of a constant pulling force applied to selected chain ends. Our results for the amount of entanglement, the linking number, the average crossing number, the writhe of the chains and their PPs and the writhe of the entanglement strands all suggest a different response at the length scale of entanglement strands than that of the chains themselves and of the corresponding PPs. Our findings indicate that the chains first stretch at the level of entanglement strands and next the PP (tube) gets oriented with the "flow. " These two phases of the extension and alignment of the chains coincide with two phases related to the disentanglement of the chains. Soon after the onset of external force the PPs attain a more entangled conformation, and the number of nontrivially linked end-to-end closed chains increases. Next, the chains disentangle continuously to attain an almost unentangled conformation. Using the linking matrix of the chains in the melt, we furthermore show that these phases are accompanied by a different scaling of the homogeneity of the global entanglement in the system. The homogeneity of the end-to-end closed chains first increases to a maximum and then decreases slowly to a value characterizing a completely unlinked system.
Wideband double slits printed antenna

In this paper a new wideband probe-fed printed antenna with two slits is proposed and experimentally tested. Good agreement between the measured and simulated results has been shown. An impedance bandwidth (VSWR≪2) of about 47.5% is obtained experimentally. Further simple modifications in the antenna structure have been made and the simulated results give an impedance bandwidth of about 62%.
Endogenous bursting by rat supraoptic neuroendocrine cells is calcium dependent.

1. Phasic bursting by magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (m.n.c.s) in vivo causes increased vasopressin release from axon terminals in the neurohypophysis. In the supraoptic nucleus of the coronal hypothalamic slice thirty‐two of sixty‐five m.n. c.s recorded intracellularly displayed repetitive bursting, either spontaneously or during a low level of tonic current injection. 2. Of the thirty‐two repetitive bursters, twenty‐four received no apparent patterned synaptic input and the phasic burst behaviour was voltage dependent. The evidence for these cells being bursting pace‐makers and the underlying mechanism driving bursting were further investigated. 3. Phasic bursting by m.n. c.s is usually contingent upon two depolarizing events: a slow depolarization (s.d.) between bursts that brings the membrane potential to burst threshold, and the spike depolarizing after‐potential (d.a.p.). One or several d.a. p.s can initiate a burst by summing to form a plateau potential which sustains firing. 4. Of eight phasic cells exposed to tetrodotoxin (TTX) and tonically depolarized with current injection, two cells retained the phasic burst pattern and underlying plateau potentials. Of the remaining six cells in TTX, three of four cells tested regained phasic firing with plateau potentials following the addition of Sr2+, a Ca2+ agonist. Evoked post‐synaptic potentials were demonstrably blocked throughout TTX exposure, firmly establishing that some m.n. c.s are bursting pace‐makers. 5. The s.d. , d.a. p. and plateau potential were retained in TTX or low‐Na+ saline, augmented in Sr2+ and blocked in low‐Ca2+ saline. All three events were activated at membrane potentials depolarized from ‐70 mV but steadily inactivated with increasing hyperpolarization to ‐90 mV. The s.d. and d.a. p. apparently represented partial activation of the same process that drives a burst, the plateau potential. 6. Hyperpolarizing pulses of constant current revealed an apparent decrease in cell conductance underlying the s.d. , d.a. p. and plateau potential which was not due to membrane rectification. The plateau potential was reduced in low Na+ and eliminated in low Ca2+. However, it remained relatively unaffected by altering the external K+ concentration and it did not reverse below ‐90 mV, suggesting a less important role for K+ movement relative to Ca2+ or Na+. A hyperpolarizing pulse during the s.d. , d.a. p. or plateau potential probably momentarily inactivated inward Ca2+ current, causing the apparent conductance decrease. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Prevalence of asthma, level of control and factors associated with asthma control in Thai elementary school students in Bangkok.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the level of asthma control in Thai elementary school students living in the inner city of Bangkok. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma, level of asthma control and factors associated with asthma control in Thai students. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in students aged between 6-12 years at 3 public schools and 3 private schools in Bangkok. The parent-completed questionnaire used to assess the prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms was translated from the Phase I ISAAC (The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire. Univariate analysis was used to identify possible risk factors related to partly and uncontrolled asthma. RESULTS A population of 1,428 students was recruited by screening questionnaires (66.1% of response rate). The mean age was 9.5 years. Prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 9% and the most common asthma symptom was night cough (23.8%). The level of asthma control was assessed in students with current asthma and classified as controlled (46.7%), partly controlled (43.3%) and uncontrolled (10%). Around 27% of students with current asthma in this study use controller medications. Factors associated with asthma control were analyzed but none approached significance. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of asthma in elementary school students living in Bangkok has decreased since the previous survey and the use of controller medications has increased. Asthma management strategies should focus on encouraging awareness among physicians and parents about the importance of using controller medications to achieve better control of asthma.
Quality of life, dyspnea and ventricular function in patients with hypertension.

AIM This paper is a report of an investigation of the relationship between health-related quality of life and left ventricular function among patients with hypertension who did not fulfil the criteria for heart failure. BACKGROUND Heart failure is a common consequence of hypertension, with Doppler echocardiography being the gold-standard tool to evaluate left ventricular function, mainly hypertension-induced left ventricular damage. Echocardiographic data indicating poorer ventricular function have been related to lower levels of health-related quality of life in patients with systolic and/or diastolic heart failure. However, data are still lacking regarding the correlation between health-related quality of life and left ventricular function and structure in patients with hypertension who do not fulfil the criteria for heart failure. METHOD Between September 2005 and February 2007, 98 patients with hypertension without systolic or diastolic heart failure were evaluated. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. Left ventricular function was evaluated through Tissue Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS Statistically significant but weak correlations (varying from r = -0.22 to 0.35) were observed between some of the Short Form-36 domains and echo data. To consider the potential effect of dyspnoea in this relationship, patients were split according to the presence or absence of the symptom. In the subgroup without dyspnoea, similar patterns of correlation were observed (varying from r = 0.26 to 0.32). In the subgroup with dyspnoea, however, more and stronger correlations were observed between echo data and health-related quality of life domains, varying from r = -0.40 to 0.50. CONCLUSION Nurses should be aware of the relevance of evaluating the functional echocardiographic data of patients who not fulfil heart failure criteria, but who experience dyspnoea in order to implement appropriate action plans.
Pulmonary endothelial permeability is increased by fluid from packed red blood cell units but not by fluid from clinically-available washed units.

BACKGROUND Massive transfusions are a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severely injured patients. Neutrophil priming has been proposed to be an integral part of the early inflammatory response to trauma. To complement that work, we studied another major cell type involved in inflammation: the endothelial cell. Our hypothesis was that soluble factors from units of leukoreduced packed red blood cells (PRBC) directly increase pulmonary endothelial permeability. We also determined whether fluid from clinically-available washed PRBC units affects endothelial permeability. METHODS As a measure of permeability, transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) was determined across monolayers of a human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell line after addition of full-strength, diluted, and washed PRBC fluid. Monolayers were stained with phalloidin to assess intercellular space. Storage solution Adsol-1 was tested alone to determine additive component effects on TER. RESULTS PRBC fluid decreased TER and increased intercellular space, both of which indicate an increase in endothelial monolayer permeability. PRBC fluid diluted to 2% and washed PRBC fluid did not decrease TER and thereby did not change endothelial permeability. Likewise, Adsol-1 did not duplicate the dramatic decrease in TER seen with the PRBC fluid. CONCLUSIONS Fluid from stored PRBC units contains a soluble, transferable factor that directly increases endothelial permeability. Fluid from washed PRBC units, currently available for patients with immunoglobulin A allergies, does not. This study complements previous work of others that demonstrated that neutrophil priming by PRBC fluid is abrogated by washing. Now that two cell types have been shown to respond more favorably to washed PRBC in vitro, clinical studies should be initiated to investigate whether use of washed PRBC reduces ARDS following transfusions in trauma patients.
Exchange rate pass-through to macroeconomic indicators using Vector Auto Regression: Empirical evidence from Pakistan

This study aims to examine the exchange rate pass-through to oil prices, import prices, money supply, consumer prices and interest rate in the context of Pakistani economy. By using, monthly data from July 2005 to December 2015, unrestricted VAR model is employed as suggested by McCarthy (2000). This study looks at the degree and existence of causality or shock between variables/series. The major shock was seen in money supply by one unit point in exchange rate and less impact of impulse response was seen in discount rate, consumer prices and oil prices. It was also found that causality exists between exchange rate and money supply and discount rate. Furthermore variance decomposition results indicate that nominal exchange rate was explained mainly by money supply shocks which were contributing to 15.10% at a lag period of 12. For the Consumer price index variance decomposition was around 7.19%, for discount rate and oil prices it was 3.4% and 3% respectively at the optimal lags selected for 12 periods. This study helps policymakers to take steps according to the extent of shocks caused in different times.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for exudative branching vascular networks in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Aims To assess the long-term efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab for recurrent leakage owing to the residual branching vascular networks in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after photodynamic therapy. Methods Forty-five eyes with exudative branching vascular networks were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and followed for at least 24 months. Original polypoidal lesions had been treated successfully with previous photodynamic therapy in all eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity and retinal morphological changes were assessed retrospectively. Results Exudative branching vascular networks were characterised as occult choroidal neovascularisation (38 eyes) or classic choroidal neovascularisation (7 eyes) on fluorescein angiography. Intravitreal bevacizumab maintained or improved vision in 38 eyes (84%) over 12 months and in 36 eyes (80%) over 24 months, although the mean visual acuity at 12 and 24 months did not differ significantly compared with baseline. Complete resolution of macular fluid was achieved continuously in 26 eyes (58%) during 24 months. Sixteen eyes (36%) responded once to treatment but became unresponsive to additional injections for recurrent exudation. Three eyes (7%) were refractory to treatment throughout follow-up. Cystoid macular oedema eventually developed in 10 eyes and was a poor prognostic sign for visual outcome. Conclusion Intravitreal bevacizumab improved the retinal morphology and maintained vision over 1 year in most eyes with recurrent fluid owing to persistent abnormal vascular networks in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. The therapeutic response, however, may decrease during the second year.
Short stature of mothers from an area endemic for undernutrition is associated with obesity, hypertension and stunted children: a population-based study in the semi-arid region of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil

The objectives of the study were to investigate whether the health conditions of mothers with short stature differed from those with normal stature, and to establish if these aspects were associated with the health of the offspring. Data relating to health and socio-economic, demographic and anthropometric conditions were collected from a probabilistic sample population consisting of 1180 mothers and 1511 children ( < 10 years) living in the semi-arid region of the State of Alagoas, Brazil. Mothers were categorised according to stature, with those in the 1st quartile being defined as of short stature and those in the 4th quartile being defined as of normal stature and serving as a reference for the comparison of variables of interest. Following verification that maternal stature fulfilled parametric assumptions, its associations with the other variables were determined by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients. After excluding strongly self-correlated variables (r ≥ 0·70), the remaining variables were analysed by multiple linear regression. The results showed that low maternal stature was independently associated with obesity (percentage body fat ≥ 30; P = 0·045), abdominal adiposity (waist:hip ratio ≥ 0·85; P = 0·007) and high systolic blood pressure ( ≥ 140 mmHg; P = 0·006). Short maternal stature was associated with low birth weight ( < 3000 g; P = 0·01) and stunting (height-for-age Z score < − 2; P = 0·019) in the offspring. Thus, in the semi-arid region of Alagoas, women of short stature presented a higher prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases and produced less healthy children than women of normal stature.
Predictors of family caregivers' life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury at one and two years post-injury: a longitudinal multi-center investigation.

OBJECTIVE To determine predictors of family caregiver life satisfaction at one and two years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Prospective collaborative longitudinal study of 336 family members caring for individuals with TBI participating in the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) designated TBI Model Systems of Care (TBIMS). Survivors' medical and demographic information was obtained from the TBIMS database. Follow-up interviews were completed with both survivors and family caregivers at 1 year and 2 years post injury. The primary outcome variable, caregiver life satisfaction, was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS Repeated measures ordinal logistic regression showed that survivors' functional status at discharge, drug use, and neurobehavioral problems were significant predictors of family caregivers' life satisfaction at 1 and 2 years post injury. CONCLUSIONS Family members of individuals with TBI often experience reduced life satisfaction in the first 2 years following their relatives' TBI. Psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems, such as drug use and depression, as well as motor dysfunction in survivors may be important contributors to decreased life satisfaction among their caregivers.
Decreased prevalence of Alzheimer disease associated with 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors.

CONTEXT Increasing evidence suggests that cholesterol plays a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). For instance, an elevated serum cholesterol level has been shown to be a risk factor for AD. OBJECTIVE To determine whether patients taking 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), which are a group of medicines that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, have a lower prevalence of probable AD. DESIGN The experiment uses a cross-sectional analysis comparing the prevalence of probable AD in 3 groups of patients from hospital records: the entire population, patients receiving 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (hereafter referred to as the statins), and patients receiving medications used to treat hypertension or cardiovascular disease. PATIENTS The subjects studied were those included in the computer databases of 3 different hospitals for the years October 1, 1996, through August 31, 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnosis of probable AD. RESULTS We find that the prevalence of probable AD in the cohort taking statins during the study interval is 60% to 73% (P < .001) lower than the total patient population or compared with patients taking other medications typically used in the treatment of hypertension or cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS There is a lower prevalence of diagnosed probable AD in patients taking 2 different 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors-lovastatin and pravastatin. While one cannot infer causative mechanisms based on these data, this study reveals an interesting association in the data, which warrants further study. Arch Neurol. 2000;57:1439-1443
The Ethical Leadership Challenge: Creating a Culture of Patient- and Family-Centered Care in the Hospital Setting

The growing number of medical errors and resulting preventable deaths in hospitals presents an ethical dilemma that must be addressed by health care leaders and managers. These medical errors and deaths raise questions about safety and quality issues resulting in rising public mistrust and patient dissatisfaction. Many of these medical errors and deaths could have been avoided by including the patient and family in the care. The ethical challenge for leadership is creating a culture of patient- and family-centered care as a means to improve quality, safety, patient satisfaction, and public trust. This article addresses ways to improve safety, quality, patient satisfaction, and cost and thereby reduce medical errors and deaths by implementing a patient- and family-centered care culture. The first critical step for improvement is for hospital leaders and managers to answer the ethical call to create a culture centered on patient- and family-centered care in the hospital setting.
Does the level of family dysfunction moderate the impact of genetic factors on the personality trait of neuroticism?

Background. While the family environment can directly influence later risk for psychopathology, dysfunction in the family of origin may also moderate the impact of genetic factors on liability for psychiatric disorders. Can a similar pattern be seen for the personality trait of Neuroticism (N) – which is a risk factor for many psychiatric conditions? Method. Our sample of 957 complete female–female twin pairs from a population-based register had measures of self-reported N and multiple reporters (twin, co-twin, mother, father) for family dysfunction (FD). Statistical analysis was conducted by traditional regression analysis and a moderator structural equation twin model operationalized in the computer program Mx. Results. Dividing the sample into quartiles based on increasing levels of FD, the mean of N increased substantially while correlations of N in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins were relatively constant. Regression analyses did not suggest greater twin resemblance for N with increasing levels of FD. The best-fit structural equation model was the standard un-moderated model in which the proportion of variance in N due to genetic (39%) and unique environmental effects (61%) remained constant across values of FD. Conclusions. Although a false-negative result due to limited power cannot be excluded, these analyses do not support the hypothesis that FD moderates the impact of genetic factors on levels of N.
The human circadian system adapts to prior photic history

Non‐technical summary The human biological clock organizes and regulates the timing of many biochemical and physiological processes, including the timing of sleep, on a daily basis. Light is the strongest time cue to the circadian clock that keeps these rhythms entrained to the 24 h day. Light exposure at night results in ‘resetting’ of the clock (phase shifting). In the current study, we examined the effects of exposing subjects to two different light levels (very dim light vs. typical room light) before exposure to a 6.5 h light exposure at night. Results showed that the very dim light level, compared to the typical room light level, prior to the light exposure at night caused a substantially greater phase shift of the melatonin rhythm and substantially greater acute melatonin suppression. Thus, prior dim light history sensitizes the human biological clock to the effect of a subsequent light exposure.
Salient object detection in hyperspectral imagery using spectral gradient contrast

Salient object detection in hyperspectral imagery has drawn people's attention in recent years. Some detection methods which focus on extending Itti's visual saliency model into spectral domain have been proposed. However, these methods are sensitive to high-contrast edges and cannot preserve boundary of salient object well. To address these shortcomings, we propose a region-based spectral gradient contrast method for salient object detection in this paper. First, we calculate gradient along each spectral vector of the input hyperspectral imagery. Then over segmentation and clustering methods are applied on gradient data to get a group of image regions. Finally, center prior and local contrast are employed to compute the saliency score of each region, with which the salient object can be obtained. Experimental results on four datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms several competing methods on detection accuracy.