Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors Related to Operative Duration and Their Relationship With Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy

Background: Operative duration might be important for perioperative morbidity, and its involvement has not been fully characterized in pediatric patients. We identified perioperative variables associated with operative duration and determined their influence on clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 701 patients who underwent elective removal of choledochal cysts followed by Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The patients were separated into the long operative time group (>165 min) and short operative time group (<165 min) based on the median operative time (165 min). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for any potential selection bias. The independent risk factors for operative time were determined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: The operative time was often increased by excision difficulty caused by a larger choledochal cyst size (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09–2.23; p < 0.001), a greater BMI (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.15; p = 0.018), and older age (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02–1.39; p = 0.012) in the multivariate analysis. A long surgical duration was associated with delayed gastrointestinal functional recovery, as measured using the time to first defecation (p = 0.027) and first bowel movement (p = 0.019). Significantly lower levels of serum albumin were found in the long operative time group than in the short operative time group (p = 0.0035). The total length of postoperative hospital stay was longer in patients in the long operative time group (7.51 ± 2.03 days) than in those in the short operative time group (6.72 ± 1.54 days, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that a short operative time was associated with favorable postoperative results. The influencing factors of operative time should be ameliorated to achieve better outcomes.
Modeling Detonation Initiation on the Microsecond Time Scale

Spatially resolved thermal power deposition of limited duration into a finite volume of reactive gas is the initiator for a deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) on the microsecond time scale. Numerical solutions of the reactive Euler equations with one-step chemistry are used to describe the sequence of reactive gasdynamic processes leading to an overdriven planar detonation far from the power deposition location. Results are presented for deposition into a region isolated from the boundary of the reactive gas. The role of compressions and shocks reflected from the boundary into the partially reacted hot gas is described.
Diterpene and other constituents from Stemodia maritima (Scrophulariaceae)

A new diterpene, (5S*,8S*,9R*,10S*)-11β,12β-epoxy-9α-hydroxy-19(4→3) abeo-abieta-3,13-diene-19,18-olide, together with the known compounds stemodin, D-mannitol, betulinic acid, a mixture of 3β-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol and 3β-O-β-D-glucopyranosylstigmasterol and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,8,3'-trimethoxyflavone were isolated from the leaves and stems of Stemodia maritima. Structural elucidation of all compounds was based on interpretation of spectral data, mainly NMR (1D and 2D) and MS, including comparison with values described in the literature.
Application of olefin metathesis in oleochemistry: an example of green chemistry

The metathesis of natural oils and fats and their derivatives is a clean catalytic reaction that can be considered as an example of green chemistry. Using this reaction, oleochemical feedstocks can be converted into valuable chemical products, directly or in only a few reaction steps. With the development of catalysts that are active and highly selective under mild reaction conditions, there are favourable perspectives for the application of the metathesis reaction in the oleochemical industry.
Hydraulic gradient and wetting rate effects on the hydraulic conductivity of two calcium vertisols

Understanding the combined role of intrinsic (e.g., clay content) and extrinsic soil conditions in determining the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) is a key factor in improving soil and irrigation management. Hydraulic gradient effects on K have been investigated on two Ca vertisols (Chromic Haploxerert) from Yizreel and Kedma, Israel. Samples were packed in columns and subjected to two prewetting rates (4.5 and 70 mm h(-1)) and two hydraulic gradients (2.8 and 11.6 for Yizreel; 3.1 and 13.6 for Kedma). Saturated K was determined during leaching with CaCl2 solutions having total electrolyte concentrations (TEC) of 0.5, 0.01 M Cl-, and deionized water (DW). The average hydraulic conductivity at the end of the leaching with the 0.5 M solution ((K) over bar(0.5)) Of the two vertisols increased with a decrease in prewetting rate. The effect of prewetting rate was more pronounced in Yizreel, where the high clay content (70.3% clay) resulted in a more stable structure. Upon leaching with the 0.01 M solution, (K) over bar(r0.01) first decreased and then increased. This increase in (K) over bar(r0.01) was explained by cohesive bond formation, which increased with an increase in soil clay content and,vith increased proximity between the clay particles. High hydraulic gradient enhanced clay to clay contacts, and a steep increase in (K) over bar(r0.01). Following fast prewetting, the effect of the hydraulic gradient on cohesive bond formation was more pronounced in Yizreel than in Kedma (46.5% clay). Leaching with DW decreased the (K) over bar(rDW), regardless of the prewetting treatment or soil clay content, suggesting that swelling was the governing mechanism in the reduction of (K) over bar(rDW).
Daily Mortality Analysis by Using Different Regression Models in Philadelphia County, 1973–1990

AbstractEarlier investigators found that in the city of Philadelphia there exists an association between daily levels of particulate matter and mortality (Schwartz & Dockety, 7992a). To more fully explore this result, we analyzed the daily mortality data in Philadelphia using a host of independent variables including air quality indicators such as total suspended particulates CrSP), SO2, and O3, and weather factors such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation for the years 1973–1990. A wide variety of appropriate statistical models was applied to the data, including Poisson, multiple, and autoregression models. Our major findings on the association between mortality and daily pollution levels are that (1) the estimates of this association are related to the selection of the type of statistical model and the variables included in the model, and (2) this relationship differs across age groups, causes of death, and seasons of the year. These results are not consistent with a unique p.
Colorant properties and stability of Amaranthus Betacyanin pigments

Color, spectral characteristics, and stability of betacyanin pigments of 21 genotypes from 7 Amaranthus species were evaluated. Wide variation in color characteristics and significant differences in pigment stability were found as much within as between Amaranthus species. Amaranthus betacyanins, like red beet pigments, were susceptible to temperature and also affected by pH, light, air, and water activity, with better pigment stability at lower temperatures (≤14 °C) in the dark and in the absence of air. Storage stability at 25 °C of dried Amaranthus pigments (t1/2 = 23.3 months) was longer than that of aqueous pigment extracts (t1/2 = 1.04 months), indicating that the dried pigments were stable enough to be used as commercial colorants. The betacyanins from some better pigment genotypes (Cr015, Sheng07, Tr010, Cr072, Cr017, etc.) exhibited brighter red-violet color characteristics and were similar in stability to red radish anthocyanins under selected conditions. These characteristics of Amaranthus pigm.
Are existing dementia risk prediction models reliable?

Numerous dementia risk prediction models have been developed in the past, however only a few are recommended for clinical use (Stephan et al., 2015; Tang et al., 2015). This might be due to methodological limitations that hamper their reliability and accuracy. Here we summarize and critically discuss the employed methodological approaches to develop dementia risk prediction models.
Generation and Reactions of CH2 and C2H5 Species on Mo2C/Mo(111) Surface

The adsorption and dissociation of CH2I2 and C2H5I on Mo2C/Mo(111) surface have been investigated with the purpose of producing adsorbed CH2 and C2H5 species. Methods used include high resolution electron energy loss, X-ray photoelectron, Auger electron, and temperature programmed desorption spectroscopies. Independently of the coverage, CH2I2 adsorbs molecularly at 90–100 K. The dissociation of an adsorbed layer starts around 180–190 K. The primary products of thermal dissociation are adsorbed CH2 and I. The species CH2 undergoes self-hydrogenation to CH4 at Tp=300 K and dimerization into C2H4 at and above 222–280 K. Ethylene formed desorbs above 400 K. C2H5I also adsorbs molecularly on Mo2C at 90–100 K and dissociates to C2H5 and I above 150 K. The reaction of C2H5 on Mo2C/Mo(111) surface yielding C2H6 and C2H4 proceeds at a much lower temperature, above 180 K, than that of CH2. Neither the cleavage of the C–C bond nor the coupling of C2 compounds occurred to detectable extent under the reaction conditions. The ethylene formed in the reactions of both CHx species exhibited the same features as observed following C2H4 adsorption on Mo2C: the stable di-σ-bonded ethylene is transformed into ethylidyne at higher temperature. The results are discussed in relevance to the conversion of methane into benzene on Mo2C deposited on ZSM-5.
Characterization and comparison of memory and affective behavior in common transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive decline, yet over 90% of patients also develop behavioral symptoms during disease progression. While a few studies have identified some aberrant behaviors in transgenic mouse models of AD, rigorous characterization and comparison of AD models for memory and affective behavior has yet to be done.
Linking electronic dementia care records to national inpatient data in dementia with Lewy bodies: Frequency, duration and cost implications of hospitalization and recording of delirium episodes

Increased hospitalization is a major component of dementia impact on individuals and cost but has rarely been studied in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In particular episodes of delirium and related hospitalizations have been described as a prodrome of dementia with Lewy bodies. Our aims were to harness a novel linkage between dementia/mental health care records and national hospitalization data in England to (1) describe risk and duration of hospital admissions in patients with DLB and (2) to assess the incidence of delirium recording before and after a diagnosis of dementia is established in patients with DLB and compare findings to a matched cohort of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Change in CAIDE Dementia Risk Score and Neuroimaging Biomarkers During a 2-Year Multidomain Lifestyle Randomized Controlled Trial: Results of a Post-Hoc Subgroup Analysis

The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) risk score was the first validated risk score estimating dementia risk based on a midlife risk profile. This exploratory study investigated associations of change in CAIDE score with change in neuroimaging biomarkers: brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Pittsburgh compound B‐positron emission tomography (PiB‐PET) measures during the 2‐year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to prevent cognitive impairment and disability (FINGER).
Visualization of planar stress distributions in cucumber cultivars using a multiple‐point sheet sensor

Planar stress distribution of cucumber fruits was visualized for four cultivars. The planer stress distribution of a cross-sectional sample was measured using a multiple-point sheet sensor during uniaxial compression by an Instron universal testing machine. The concentric distribution pattern of stress gradients was the common characteristic for all cultivars. The correspondence between the tissue and its mechanical properties was estimated by comparing the stress distribution and a sample photograph. The stress property differed among different tissues within the cross-section. The center of the cross-sectional slice, where the seed cavity occupies formed the lower stress region, the surrounded area, where the flesh locates showed the middle-range stress, and the exterior skin exhibited the highest stress. The wider distribution of the lower stress was statistically significant for two cultivars. This visualization method provided qualitative information about the geometrical and mechanical distribution of the cucumber and allowed the breed specificity of the cucumber cultivar to be characterized. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of ion exchange and intercalation of organic bases in layered substrates by vibrational spectroscopy. Inelastic neutron scattering, infrared and Raman spectroscopies of aniline-inserted α-and γ-zirconium hydrogen phosphates

The intercalation of aniline into layered zirconium phosphate of both α and γ structural modifications has been studied using powder X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. The intercalate stoichiometries differ (two molecules aniline per atom Zr in α; one molecule aniline per atom Zr in γ) because of inherent structural differences in the internal surfaces of the phosphate layers. X-Ray diffraction indicates the α and γ-type zirconium phosphate layers to be retained in the respective compounds, with expanded interlayer distances. Infrared and Raman spectroscopies show that the anilinium ion is formed in the interlayer zone, but that proton transfer in the α-structured intercalate is incomplete. Incoherent inelastic neutron scattering has allowed the identification of all vibrations of the phenyl ring and, in particular, of the torsional mode of occluded anilinium. The relative frequencies of this mode in intercalates derived from α- and γ-zirconium phosphate suggest that the N—H⋯O hydrogen bond is stronger in the former, for reasons probably related to the lower basicity of the ‘half-exchanged’γ-ZrPO4·HPO4·C6H5NH3, compared with α-Zr(PO4)2·2C6H5NH3.
Validation and Normative Data of the Spanish Version of the Face Name Associative Memory Exam (S-FNAME)

Abstract Objective: The relevance of the episodic memory in the prediction of brain aging is well known. The Face Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME) is a valued associative memory measure related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, such as amyloid-β deposition preclinical AD individuals. Previous validation of the Spanish version of the FNAME test (S-FNAME) provided normative data and psychometric characteristics. The study was limited to subjects attending a memory clinic and included a reduced sample with gender inequality distribution. The purpose of this study was to assess S-FNAME psychometric properties and provide normative data in a larger independent sample of cognitively healthy individuals. Method: S-FNAME was administered to 511 cognitively healthy volunteers (242 women, aged 41–65 years) participating in the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative cohort study. Results: Factor analysis supported construct validity revealing two underlying components: face-name and face-occupation and explaining 95.34% of the total variance, with satisfactory goodness of fit. Correlations between S-FNAME and Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test were statistically significant and confirmed its convergent validity. We also found weak correlations with non-memory tests supporting divergent validity. Women showed better scores, and S-FNAME was positively correlated with education and negatively with age. Finally, we generated normative data. Conclusions: The S-FNAME test exhibits good psychometric properties, consistent with previous findings, resulting in a valid and reliable tool to assess episodic memory in cognitively healthy middle-aged adults. It is a promising test for the early detection of subtle memory dysfunction associated with abnormal brain aging.
Synthesis of Star Polymers by a Combination of ATRP and the “Click” Coupling Method

Three-arm and four-arm star polystyrene (PS) polymers were synthesized by a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click coupling chemistry. The click reaction between an azido-terminated PS (PS−N3) and an alkyne-containing multifunctional compound proved to be fast and efficient. All coupling reactions were finished within 3 h, proven by the disappearance of signals from the azido groups in NMR spectra and the high yields of the coupled products by GPC analysis. For the model coupling reaction between a PS−N3 polymer and a dialkyne-containing compound, the final yield of the coupled PS−PS polymer was ca. 95%. When a PS−N3 polymer was reacted with a trialkyne-containing or tetraalkyne-containing compound, the yields of 3-arm star and 4-arm star polymers were around 90% and 83%, respectively. The influence of several parameters on the efficiency of the click coupling reaction was studied, including the molecular weight of the PS−N3 polymer, the presence of an added reducing agent, C.
Studies on the Development of Intragastric Floating and Sustained Release Preparation. I. Application of Calcium Silicate as a Floating Carrier

We prepared an intragastric floating preparation using porous calcium silicate (Florite[○! R] RE, FLR) as a floating carrier, which has floating ability due to the air included in the pores when they are covered with a polymer, it also has a sustained drug release property. Floating granules were prepared by dropping a 5 or 10% (w/v) ethanol solution of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and ethylcellulose (EC) in 4 different concentration ratios while the FLR was being agitated in a beaker. After the mixture was dried in vacuo and sieved, we regarded the granules obtained as primary coated granules (PCG). After drying, the ethanol solution of the polymer was dropped and dried in vacuo again, and sieving was carried out to obtain secondary coated granules (SCG). The floating property and surface and inner structures of PCG and SCG were studies. Further, we prepared PCG and SCG including diclofenac sodium (DS) (DS-PCG, DS-SCG) as a model drug, and the drug release profile from these granules was observed.The floating property of SCG was better than that of PCG. A longer floating time was observed with a higher polymer concentration and a lower HPC composition ratio. It was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the pore size distribution that more pores of FLR in SCG were covered with polymer than those in PCG. DS-SCG showed a smaller release rate than DS-PCG. These results suggest that FLR is a useful floating carrier for the development of floating and sustained release preparations.
Cognitive leisure activities in later older adulthood may protect against accelerated rates of memory decline

The effects of mental activities in early and midlife (e.g., educational attainment, occupational complexity) may be associated with delayed onset and faster rates of cognitive decline afterwards, as predicted by the cognitive reserve hypothesis (Stern, 2002, 2009). Importantly, continued mental activities in later life may help protect cognitive abilities from further decline (Use it or lose it hypothesis). The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of late‐life cognitive leisure activity on rates of cognitive decline over and above the effects of education and occupational complexity.
The Atlas of Retinal Imaging in Alzheimer’s Study (ARIAS): Study design and objectives

The development of widely accessible, minimally invasive, cost‐effective Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers is a global public health imperative. There is a definite need for a multi‐stage neurodiagnostic screening system that is sensitive and specific to identify high risk individuals prior to cognitive decline. There is rapidly growing evidence that retinal biomarkers have the potential to serve as diagnostic or prognostic AD biomarkers. However, some results have been discordant due to variations in methodology, equipment, and study populations. Moreover, longitudinal data is sparse, and there is lack of insight as to which retinal biomarkers are relevant for each disease stage. Finally, the field needs to understand how structural, functional/metabolic, and angiographic retinal biomarkers interact in the AD process, and whether or not these interactions reflect cerebral pathophysiology. We propose a multi‐site longitudinal, prospective, observational study evaluating the natural history of retinal imaging biomarkers associated with AD disease risk, disease burden, and disease progression. The study objective is to create a ‘gold standard’ reference database of structural anatomic and functional imaging of the retina, in order to enable the identification and development of both sensitive and reliable markers of disease risk and/or disease progression.
Clinical implications of white matter hyperintensities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are commonly found on the fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) or T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in elderly people. Most recent studies have shown that increased volume of WMHs has been linked to both late life depression and functional impairment such as impaired mobility, gait and motor disturbance, and poor balance in elderly. In this analysis, we examined the relationship among depressive symptoms, physical disability, quality of life and WMH severity in Alzheimer`s disease (AD).
Structure and dynamics of water in aqueous methanol

We have performed classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structure and dynamics of water clusters in aqueous methanol across a range of solution compositions. Investigation of the effect of different model potentials and cluster membership criteria indicates that the qualitative trends in cluster size distributions are preserved. Characterization of the water molecules on the interior of such clusters using a tetrahedral order parameter previously used to study pure water suggests that they are over-structured compared to the pure liquid for a broad range of cluster sizes and at different compositions. Calculation of the hydrogen-bond dynamics indicates that the water–water hydrogen-bonds in the solution are longer lived than those in the pure liquid for all solutions studied and increase almost linearly as a function of methanol concentration.
Estimating Fine-Root Production and Mortality in the Biomass Plantations

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.), and cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) are short-rotation woody crops with potential use for biomass plantations. The study of fine-root production and mortality in these intensively managed crops is important to understand carbon and nutrient cycling in these systems. We used minirhizotrons to measure monthly fine-root production and mortality of each species in a biomass plantation during the second growing season in Collins, Arkansas, USA. Images were taken and digitized on a monthly basis from March 2008 to February 2009 to calculate volumes and were converted into dry-weight biomass. Data analysis showed that net fine-root production varied among the species and the time of year. Loblolly pine had significantly greater net fine-root production and mortality than others. Overall fine-root production was greatest during fall months, whereas fine-root mortality showed no seasonal difference.