Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador.

BACKGROUND Newfoundland and Labrador, like other health care jurisdictions, is faced with widening gaps between the demands for health care and a strained ability to supply the necessary resources. The authors carried out a study to determine the rates of appropriate and inappropriate coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the province and the waiting times for this surgery. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was performed in the tertiary care hospital that receives all referrals for coronary angiography and coronary artery revascularization for Newfoundland and Labrador. By reviewing the hospital records, the authors identified 2 groups of patients: those in whom critical coronary artery disease was diagnosed on the basis of coronary angiography and who were referred for CABG between Apr. 1, 1994, and Mar. 31, 1995, and those who actually underwent the procedure during that period. By applying specific criteria developed by the RAND Corporation, the authors determined the appropriateness and necessity of CABG in each case. They also compared waiting times for CABG with optimal waiting times; as determined by a consensus-based priority score. RESULTS A total of 338 patients underwent CABG during the study period. The cases were characterized by multivessel disease and late-stage angina symptoms. Almost all of the patients had high appropriateness scores (7-9), and nearly 95% had high necessity scores (7-9). However, during the study period, the waiting list increased by about 20%, because a total of 391 patients were referred by the weekly cardiovascular surgery conference; the authors identified these and an additional 31 patients as having necessity scores of 7 or more. Only 7 (23%) of 31 patients for whom CABG was considered very urgent underwent surgery within the recommended 24 hours, and only 30 (24%) of the 122 patients for whom CABG was considered urgent underwent surgery within the recommended 72 hours. INTERPRETATION These results provide evidence that the cardiac surgery program in Newfoundland and Labrador is performing CABG in patients for whom surgical revascularization is highly appropriate and necessary. Access to CABG is less than ideal, however, since the waiting list continues to expand, and many patients wait beyond the recommended time for surgery.
Job-Search Strategies and the Unemployment of University Graduates in Morocco

This paper studies the situation in the Moroccan labor market where unemployment is widespread among educated workers, especially among university graduates. The latter crave public jobs, a behavior which may be one of the determinants of their unemployment. To create a better understanding of the workers behavior, we develop a model of endogenous choice of employment sector in an intertemporal context for a dual labor market. We show how unemployment duration while awaiting employment in the high-wage sector is an increasing function of the wage differential between sectors, a decreasing function of the expected unemployment durations differential and a decreasing function of the individual discount rate. We test this argument empirically using data from a sample of 1609 university graduates drawn from the 1998 Moroccan labor force survey. We estimate (1) the decision to work (seek employment) in the public versus private sector, (2) the wage equation in each sector, and (3) the unemployment duration equation per sector. Structural estimates indicate that earnings and unemployment durations significantly influence the choice of employment sector. The other main empirical results are that the individual intertemporal discount rate is 2.3%, and that the wage premium of the Moroccan public sector measured by the starting hourly wages gap exceeds 42.5%. Consequently, workers rationally consider risking long periods of unemployment in their desire to obtain jobs in the public sector.
Glutamine: recent developments in research on the clinical significance of glutamine

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to describe the clinical relevance of supplementation of glutamine from the recent literature. First, new basic research is examined and subsequently recent clinical trials and a metaanalysis are illustrated. Recent findingsGlutamine has a major impact on the functionality of the immune system. It has recently been established that glutamine not only has a protective effect on cells of the immune system, but also on other cells of the body, for instance cardiomyocytes. Evidence is accumulating for an effect of glutamine via glutathione, heat shock proteins as well as taurine. Another area of interest is the way glutamine enhances gut barrier function. More and more research is concentrating on the positive effect of glutamine on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. SummaryBased on a recent meta-analysis and up-to-date clinical trials, we may conclude that glutamine has a beneficial effect on infectious complications and reduces hospital stay. In critically ill patients glutamine supplementation may reduce morbidity and mortality. The greatest effect was observed in patients receiving high dose parenteral glutamine. A recent study with high dose enteral glutamine demonstrated a reduced mortality in the glutamine supplemented group. In the future more trials with larger numbers of participants are needed, especially with high dose enteral glutamine in the perioperatively and the intensive care unit setting.
Effect of quantitative trait loci for seed shattering on abscission layer formation in Asian wild rice Oryza rufipogon

Asian cultivated rice Oryza sativa L. was domesticated from its wild ancestor, O. rufipogon. During domestication, the cultivated rice lost its seed-shattering behaviour. Previous studies have shown that two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs; qSH1 and sh4) are responsible for the seed-shattering degree. Here, we produced introgression lines carrying non-functional alleles from O. sativa ‘Nipponbare’ at the two major QTLs in the genetic background of wild rice O. rufipogon W630, and examined the effects of the two QTLs on seed shattering and abscission layer formation. The introgression lines, with Nipponbare alleles at either or both loci, showed complete or partial abscission layer formation, respectively, indicating that other unknown loci might be involved in enhancing seed shattering in wild rice. We detected a single QTL named qSH3 regulating seed-shattering degree using an F2 population between Nipponbare and the introgression line carrying Nipponbare alleles at the two QTLs. Although we generated an introgression line for qSH3 alone, no effects on seed shattering were observed. However, a significant effect on seed-shattering degree was observed for the introgression line carrying Nipponbare alleles at qSH3 and the two QTLs, suggesting an important role of qSH3 on seed shattering in coordination with the two QTLs.
Man woman detection in surveillance images

Human gender detection from body profile is an important task for surveillance. Most surveillance cameras are placed at a distance such that it is not possible to see people's face clearly. In this paper, we report the comparison between fast-feature pyramids and deep region-based convolutional neural network (RCNN) to detect a person in surveillance images. Since RCNN performs better in detecting a person, further training is applied to the RCNN to detect man and woman. Transfer learning strategy is used due to a small number of training images. The result shows that the trained RCNN can detect man and woman with promising result.
BoxFlow: Unsupervised Face Detector Adaptation from Images to Videos

Face detectors are usually trained on static images but deployed in the wild such as surveillance videos. Due to the domain shift between images and videos, directly applying the image-based face detectors onto videos usually gives unsatisfactory performance. In this paper, we introduce the BoxFlow – a new unsupervised detector adaptation method that can effectively adapt a face detector pre-trained on static images to videos. BoxFlow unsupervisedly adapts face detectors through fully exploiting the motion contexts across video frames. In particular, BoxFlow introduces three novel components: (1) generalized heat map representation of face locations with augmented shape flexibility; (2) motion based temporal contextual regularization among adjacent frames for unsupervised face detection refinement; (3) a self-paced learning strategy that adapts face detectors from easy data samples to challenging ones progressively. With these key components, we develop a systematic unsupervised face detector adaptation framework to help face detectors adapt to various deployed environments. Extensive experiments on the IDA dataset clearly demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method. Without utilizing any annotation, the BoxFlow achieves about 10%-20% performance gain in terms of Average Precision than directly applying image-based face detectors.
The apportionment of human diversity revisited.

OBJECTIVES Studies of the apportionment of human genetic diversity have found that local populations harbor nearly as much diversity as the species as a whole. These studies have been a valuable cornerstone in rejecting race as a biological framework in anthropology. The current study presents new analyses that use updated statistical methods based on bifurcating trees to assess the structure of human genetic diversity and its implications for the existence of canonical biological races. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examine patterns of both goodness-of-fit and lack-of-fit of two bifurcating trees to patterns of diversity determined from autosomal short tandem repeat genotypes in 1,037 people representing 52 populations with worldwide distribution. RESULTS From goodness-of-fit, we infer a root for the tree within Africa, and we recapitulate a pattern of decreasing genetic diversity with increasing geographic distance from Africa. From lack-of-fit, we present tentative evidence for admixture events with archaic hominins. We do not find evidence that long-range migration or local gene flow have contributed appreciably to the lack of fit at a global scale. CONCLUSION This is the first study to find a root for a tree of human populations without comparison to a nonhuman out-group, and it is one of the first studies to identify a signature of admixture with archaic hominins without reference to ancient DNA. Our findings complement previous studies of the apportionment of human diversity and provide a more solid evolutionary foundation for the rejection of biological race. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:561-569, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HEPATIC RELEASE OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR IN THE ENDOTOXIN-TREATED CONSCIOUS DOG

The effects of a 4 h intraportal infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, .21 iu,g/kg/effects of a 4 h intraportal infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, .21 iu,g/kg/min) on the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by hepatic and nonhepatic splanchnic tissues was assessed in the chronically catheterized conscious dog (n=7) using arteriovenous difference techniques. TNF levels were measured using both a WEHI-164 cytotoxicity assay (WEHI) and a h-TNF-a EIA kit (ELISA; Biosource, Camarillo, CA). Using WEHI, arterial TNF levels increased from 10 ±6 pg/mL to a peak of 4667 ±1442 pg/mL -100 min after LPS and fell to 443 ±199 pg/mL by 240 min. Using ELISA, arterial TNF levels increased from 5 ±5 pg/mL to a peak of 12,234 ±2046 pg/mLat~ 100 min and fell to 3511 & plusmn;991 pg/mL by 240 min. WEHI could not be used to assess organ TNF release due to excessive assay variability. Based upon ELISA, net hepatic TNF output increased from undetectable release at basal to 23.0±10.7 ng/kg/min at 60 min and returned toward basal by 240 min (4.7 ±3.8 ng/kg/min). Net release of TNF by the nonhepatic splanchnic bed was not observed. One compartment analysis of the arterial TNF response indicated that net release of TNF by the liver accounted for the majority of the increase in the arterial TNF levels. In summary, after intraportal LPS infusion, it was determined that 1) both assays predict similar qualitative TNF response, while the quantitative response differs, 2) the liver is the major site of TNF production, and 3) the nonhepatic splanchnic bed is not a net producer of TNF. kg/min) on the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by hepatic and nonhepatic splanchnic tissues was assessed in the chronically catheterized conscious dog (n =7) using arteriovenous difference techniques. TNF levels were measured using both a WEHI-164 cytotoxicity assay (WEHI) and a h-TNF-a EIA kit (ELISA; Biosource, Camarillo, CA). Using WEHI, arterial TNF levels increased from 10 ±6 pg/mL to a peak of 4667 ±1442 pg/mL -100 min after LPS and fell to 443 ±119pg/mL by 240 min. Using ELISA, arterial TNF levels increased from 5 ±5 pg/mL to a peak of 12,234 ±2046 pg/mLat~ 100 min and fell to 3511±991 pg/mL by 240 min. WEHI could not be used to assess organ TNF release due to excessive assay variability. Based upon ELISA, net hepatic TNF output increased from undetectable release at basal to 23.0 ±10.7 ng/kg/min at 60 min and returned toward basal by 240 min (4.7 ±3.8 ng/kg/min). Net release of TNF by the nonhepatic splanchnic bed was not observed. One compartment analysis of the arterial TNF response indicated that net release of TNF by the liver accounted for the majojgrity of the increase in the arterial TNF levels. In summary, after intraportal LPS infusion, it was determined that 1) both assays predict similar qualitative TNF response, while the quantitative response differs, 2) the liver is the major site of TNF production, and 3) the nonhepatic splanchnic bed is not a net producer of TNF.
Neutrophil adherence to endothelium is enhanced via adenosine A1 receptors and inhibited via adenosine A2 receptors.

We have recently demonstrated that human neutrophils (PMN) possess two different classes of adenosine receptors (A1 and A2) that, when occupied, promote chemotaxis and inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., O2- and H2O2), respectively. We have previously demonstrated that adenosine protects endothelial cells (EC) from injury by stimulated neutrophils (PMN) both by diminishing generation of H2O2 and inhibiting adherence of PMN to EC. We therefore determined whether occupancy of A1 or A2 adenosine receptors regulated adherence of PMN to EC. At concentrations similar to those required to inhibit release of O2- by ligation of A2 receptors, both adenosine (IC50 = 56 nM) and 5'N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, IC50 = 8 nM), the most potent A2 agonist, inhibited adherence to EC by stimulated PMN (FMLP, 0.1 microM). In direct contrast, the specific A1 agonists N6-phenylisopropyladenosine and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) promoted PMN adherence to EC at concentrations of 1-100 nM. To further investigate the mechanisms by which adenosine receptor agonists affected the adherence of stimulated PMN we examined the effect of NECA (A2) and CPA (A1) on the adherence of PMN to fibrinogen (a ligand for the beta 2 integrin CD11b/CD18) and to gelatin. In a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 2 nM), NECA inhibited the adherence of FMLP-treated PMN to fibrinogen- but not gelatin-coated plates. In contrast, CPA (A1) promoted adherence of stimulated PMN to gelatin-(EC50 = 13 pM) but not fibrinogen-coated plates. Theophylline (10 microM), an adenosine receptor antagonist, reversed the inhibition by NECA (0.3 microM) of stimulated neutrophil adherence to fibrinogen. These observations not only confirm the presence of A1 and A2 receptors on PMN but also suggest two opposing roles for adenosine in inflammation. Occupancy of A1 receptors promotes neutrophil adherence to endothelium and chemotaxis (a proinflammatory role) whereas occupancy of A2 receptors inhibits adherence and generation of toxic oxygen metabolites (an antiinflammatory role).
Mutations of the β myosin heavy chain gene in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: critical functional sites determine prognosis

Objectives: To assess patients with different types of mutations of the β myosin heavy chain (β MHC) gene causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to determine the prognosis of patients according to the affected functional domain of β MHC. Design and setting: Cohort study of subjects referred to an HCM clinic at an academic hospital. Patients: 70 probands from the HCM clinic were screened for mutations of the β MHC gene and 148 family members of the genotype positive probands were further assessed. The control group for the genetic studies consisted of 106 healthy subjects. Main outcome measures: Direct DNA sequencing was used to screen 70 probands for mutations of the β MHC gene. Family members underwent genotypic and detailed clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic assessments. The survival of genotype positive subjects was evaluated according to the type of functional domain affected by the missense mutation and according to phenotypic characteristics. Results: A mutation of the β MHC gene was detected in 15 of 70 probands (21%). Of 148 family members studied in these 15 families, 74 were identified with a β MHC defect. Eleven mutations were detected, including four novel mutations: Ala196Thr, Pro211Leu, Val404Leu, and Arg870Cys. Median survival was 66 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 64 to 77 years) in all affected subjects. There was a significant difference in survival between subjects according to the affected functional domain (p = 0.02). Significant independent predictors of decreased survival were the non-conservative (that is, associated with a change in the amino acid charge) missense mutations that affected the actin binding site (hazard ratio 4.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 11.8; p = 0.003) and those that affected the rod portion of β MHC (hazard ratio 4.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 19.4; p = 0.03). No phenotypic characteristics were associated with decreased survival or cardiovascular morbidity. Conclusions: The type of β MHC functional domain affected by the missense mutation is predictive of overall prognosis in HCM.
Are Foreign Internet Infringers beyond the Reach of the Law

One of the major challenges posed by the Internet for legal regulation is that it is a borderless medium and a particular problem arises where a party creates a website that is physically located outside a particular country but infringes that country's laws. In such a situation, a court faces a conflict between the interests of the local resident and the needs of international business and users worldwide.
Structural features that influence the ability of lipid A and its analogs to abolish expression of suppressor T cell activity

Lipid A preparations derived from the lipopolysaccharides of several gram-negative bacteria, as well as chemically defined synthetic lipid A's and their analogs (both glucosamine mono- and disaccharides), were used to establish the chemical structures required for (i) abolishing the expression of suppressor T cell (Ts) function and (ii) inducing polyclonal activation of B cells. Salmonella minnesota R595 lipid A (diphosphoryl lipid A) possesses both of these activities. Decreasing the number of phosphate groups in lipid A from two to one (monophosphoryl lipid A) as well as decreasing the fatty acyl content, primarily by removing the residue at the 3 position, resulted in a progressive reduction in toxicity; however, these structural modifications did not influence its ability to abolish the expression of Ts function. Reducing the fatty acyl content from five to four (lipid A precursor IVA or Ia) eliminated the capacity to influence Ts function but not to induce polyclonal activation of B cells. None of the monosaccharide analogs of lipid A examined influenced the expression of Ts activity, although some were able to activate B cells polyclonally. Thus, in order to be able to abolish the expression of Ts function, lipid A (i) must be a glucosamine disaccharide, (ii) may have either one or two phosphate groups, and (iii) must have at least five fatty acyl groups. Also, the chain length of the nonhydroxylated fatty acid, as well as the location of acyloxyacyl groups (2' versus 3' position), may play an important role. These findings indicate that the chemical structures responsible for the toxicity of lipid A differ from those that influence its capacity to abolish the expression of Ts function and to induce polyclonal activation of B cells.
Interaction and conformational dynamics of membrane‐spanning protein helices

Within 1 or 2 decades, the reputation of membrane‐spanning α‐helices has changed dramatically. Once mostly regarded as dull membrane anchors, transmembrane domains are now recognized as major instigators of protein–protein interaction. These interactions may be of exquisite specificity in mediating assembly of stable membrane protein complexes from cognate subunits. Further, they can be reversible and regulatable by external factors to allow for dynamic changes of protein conformation in biological function. Finally, these helices are increasingly regarded as dynamic domains. These domains can move relative to each other in different functional protein conformations. In addition, small‐scale backbone fluctuations may affect their function and their impact on surrounding lipid shells. Elucidating the ways by which these intricate structural features are encoded by the amino acid sequences will be a fascinating subject of research for years to come.
Angiotensin type 1A receptor expression in C1 neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla contributes to the development of angiotensin‐dependent hypertension

What is the central question of this study? This study addresses the mechanism by which deletion of angiotensin II type 1A receptors from catecholaminergic neurons reduces angiotensin‐dependent hypertension, as well as the identity of the cells involved. What is the main finding and its importance? Deletion of angiotensin II type 1A receptors from catecholaminergic neurons results in reduced sympathetic nerve activation and fluid and electrolyte retention during angiotensin infusion. The C1 neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla are involved in the later phase of the hypertension. We demonstrate that at least two different populations of catecholaminergic neurons are involved in the sympathetic nerve activation required for the full development of angiotensin‐dependent hypertension.