Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urinary potassium excretion and risk of cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND Observational studies on dietary potassium and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have reported weak-to-modest inverse associations. Long-term prospective studies with multiple 24-h urinary samples for accurate estimation of habitual potassium intake, however, are scarce. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between urinary potassium excretion and risk of blood pressure-related cardiovascular outcomes. DESIGN We studied 7795 subjects free of cardiovascular events at baseline in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease study, a prospective, observational cohort with oversampling of subjects with albuminuria at baseline. Main cardiovascular outcomes were CVD [including ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and vascular interventions], IHD, stroke, and new-onset heart failure (HF). Potassium excretion was measured in two 24-h urine specimens at the start of the study (1997-1998) and midway through follow-up (2001-2003). RESULTS Baseline median urinary potassium excretion was 70 mmol/24 h (IQR: 56-84 mmol/24 h). During a median follow-up of 10.5 y (IQR: 9.9-10.8 y), a total of 641 CVD, 465 IHD, 172 stroke, and 265 HF events occurred. After adjustment for age and sex, inverse associations were observed between potassium excretion and risk [HR per each 26-mmol/24-h (1-g/d) increase; 95% CI] of CVD (0.87; 0.78, 0.97) and IHD (0.86; 0.75, 0.97), as well as nonsignificant inverse associations for risk of stroke (0.85; 0.68, 1.06) and HF (0.94; 0.80, 1.10). After further adjustment for body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and urinary sodium and magnesium excretion, urinary potassium excretion was not statistically significantly associated with risk (multivariable-adjusted HR per 1-g/d increment; 95% CI) of CVD (0.96; 0.85, 1.09), IHD (0.90; 0.81, 1.04), stroke (1.09; 0.86, 1.39), or HF (0.99; 0.83, 1.18). No associations were observed between the sodium-to-potassium excretion ratio and risk of CVD, IHD, stroke, or HF. CONCLUSION In this cohort with oversampling of subjects with albuminuria at baseline, urinary potassium excretion was not independently associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
Shift of monocyte function toward cellular immunity during sleep.

BACKGROUND Sleep is considered to strengthen immune defense. We hypothesized that sleep achieves this effect by shifting the balance between types 1 and 2 cytokine activity toward increased type 1 activity, thereby supporting adaptive cellular immune responses. METHODS We analyzed monocyte-derived type 1 (interleukin 12 [IL-12]) and type 2 (IL-10) cytokines by means of multiparametric flow cytometry in healthy human subjects (n = 11) during a regular sleep-wake cycle and 24 hours of wakefulness. RESULTS Sleep increased the number of IL-12-producing monocytes and concurrently decreased the number of IL-10-producing monocytes, thereby inducing clear rhythms in these cells, with maximum numbers at 2:20 and 11:30 am, respectively. The rhythms were completely absent during continuous wakefulness. Correlation analyses and supplementary in vitro studies suggest that high prolactin and low cortisol levels are factors contributing to the shift in the IL-12/IL-10 ratio toward increased IL-12 activity during sleep. CONCLUSIONS Monocyte-derived IL-12 and IL-10 play a critical role for tuning the synapse between antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes. By preferentially supporting type 1 IL-12 activity, sleep induces a 24-hour oscillation between predominant types 1 and 2 cytokines and, in this way, acts to globally increase the efficacy of adaptive immune responses. Improving sleep could represent a therapeutic option to enhance the success of vaccinations and success in the treatment of diseases (eg, atopic dermatitis and human immunodeficiency virus infection) that are characterized by type 2 cytokine overactivity.
Evaluation of normal abdominal aortic diameters in the Indian population using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to establish normal diameters for the suprarenal and infrarenal abdominal aorta measured at T12 and L3 vertebral levels in the Indian population and to study the variation in aortic diameters with age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and forty-two patients who underwent helical contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen for non-cardiovascular reasons were recruited. The mean internal diameters of the suprarenal and infrarenal abdominal aorta (maximum anteroposterior and transverse diameter) were measured at T12 and L3 vertebral levels and tabulated according to various age groups for both men and women. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between aortic diameters, height, weight, BSA, and BMI. RESULTS The mean diameters of the suprarenal and infrarenal abdominal aorta measured at T12 and L3 vertebral levels, in men were 19.0 ± 2.3 and 13.8 ± 1.9 mm and in women 17.1 ± 2.3 and 12.0 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The aortic diameter progressively increased in caliber with increasing age of the patients and was smaller in women than men. A significant positive correlation was found in men between the suprarenal and infrarenal aortic diameters and weight, BSA, and BMI. In women, this correlation was significant in the infrarenal aorta but not in the suprarenal aorta. CONCLUSION We obtained a set of normal values for the abdominal aorta in the Indian population. The aortic diameters correlated with age, gender, and body size of the patients as seen with previously published data in the Western population. A brief comparison of data between Indian and Western population showed that the values obtained were less than published elsewhere and hence, this should be considered while formulating intervention protocols.
Simultaneous radioimmunoassay of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol and 5alpha-androstane-3beta, 17beta-diol unconjugated and conjugated in human serum.

The simultaneous determinations of both 3alpha and 3beta epimers of 5alpha-androstane-3,17beta-diol as their glucuronides, sulfates and in their unconjugated forms are described. The diol estimation is carried out by radioimmunoassay with two specific immune sera after purification of the serum by use of chromatography on Sephadex LH-20. The values obtained (mean +/- S.D.) in pg/ml for the unconjugated 3alpha and 3beta epimers were, respectively, 267 +/- 67 and 816 +/- 76 for men; 114 +/- 33 and 515 +/- 177 for women; 142+/- 77 and 779 +/- 200 for hirsute women. Among the conjugates, the most important were the sulfoconjugates, their rates being, respectively (men +/- S.D. in ng/ml 41.6 +/- 9.5 and 103+/- 40 for men; 12.4 +/- 3.1 and 51.2 +/- 14.9 for women and 36 +/- 22 and 72 +/- 36 for hirsute women. Differences in the conjugation of both epimers were also noticed.
P‐selectin in haemostasis

During the past decade, interrelationships between inflammation and thrombosis have been the subject of extensive works, and it is now commonly recognized that inflammation (notably leucocyte recruitment) directly affects thrombosis, and that thrombosis also constitutes a pro‐inflammatory event. This tight link is partly attributable to P‐selectin, which is functional not only when expressed on the surface of activated platelets and endothelial cells, but also when shed, generating its soluble form, termed sP‐selectin. In this review, we will provide an overview of the relative roles of the different compartments of P‐selectin (platelet, endothelial cell, plasma) in haemostasis and vascular pathologies, and the potential therapeutic benefits achievable in targeting this molecule.
Treatment and prevention of community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections

ABSTRACT: Community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) has emerged as a pathogen in the community with a range of clinical manifestations. Although skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common presentation, invasive and more virulent disease has been observed. Colonization and infection with CA‐MRSA can occur in individuals with no prior healthcare exposures but also in distinct groups whose common characteristic appears to be close person‐to‐person contact. Outbreaks with CA‐MRSA have occurred in day care centers, athletic teams, and prisons, and transmission has been documented among family members and within the hospital. Treatment of SSTIs involves incision and drainage, oral or parenteral antibiotic therapy, or topical therapy. Healthcare practitioners in outpatient and inpatient settings need to be familiar with prevention and treatment strategies for CA‐MRSA.
Resource Configuration, Competitive Strategies, and Corporate Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Examination of Small Firms

Relationships between firm resources and strategic orientations in small firms were explored in a study of 660 small firms. By using a resource-based view of the firm, we considered entrepreneurship and small business management as firm behavior—in contrast to focusing only on decisions and characteristics of the small business manager. “Managerial firms” were analyzers and used market strategies. “Technological firms” were prospectors and used product and growth strategies. “Traditional firms” avoided growth or risk-taking strategies. Firms having few resources lacked strategic orientation and were stuck in the middle.
Chicken keratin‐19: Cloning of cDNA and analysis of expression in the chicken embryonic gut

From many recent studies, it has been argued that keratins (cytokeratins) play important roles in the morphogenesis and differentiation of organ development. To learn the role of keratin in digestive tract development, a cDNA of the chicken homolog of keratin‐19 (GK‐19) was cloned and its expression pattern was analyzed in the digestive tract of chicken embryos. The GK‐19 full‐length sequence was approximately 1.6 kb and showed more than 80% similarity to human and mouse keratin‐19. The result of in situ hybridization with the proventriculus (glandular stomach) of different developmental stages showed that GK‐19 expression disappeared specifically in the glandular epithelium from day 6 to day 9 of incubation. Furthermore, GK‐19 was localized in the notochord, floor plate, anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and mesonephros. These results suggest the possibility that GK‐19 may have multiple roles in organogenesis during embryogenesis.
Molecular Basis of the Recruitment of the SH2 Domain-containing Inositol 5-Phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2 by FcγRIIB*

FcγRIIB are single-chain low affinity receptors for IgG that negatively regulate immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-dependent cell activation. They bear one immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) that becomes tyrosyl-phosphorylated upon coaggregation of FcγRIIB with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-bearing receptors and that recruits SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases (SHIPs)in vivo. Synthetic FcγRIIB ITIM phosphopeptides, however, also bind SH2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases (SHPs)in vitro. To identify SHIP-binding sites, we exchanged residues between the FcγRIIB ITIM and the N-terminal ITIM of a killer cell Ig-like receptor that does not bind SHIPs. Loss of function and gain of function substitutions identified the Y+2 leucine, in the FcγRIIB ITIM, as determining the binding of both SHIP1 and SHIP2, but not the binding of SHP-1 or SHP-2. Conversely, the Y−2 isoleucine that determines the in vitro binding of SHP-1 and SHP-2 affected neither the binding nor the recruitment of SHIP1 or SHIP2. One hydrophobic residue, in the ITIM of FcγRIIB therefore determines the affinity for SHIPs. This residue is symmetrical to the hydrophobic residue that determines the affinity of all ITIMs for SHPs. It defines a SHIP-binding site, distinct from a SHP-binding site, that enables FcγRIIB to recruit SHIP1 and SHIP2 and that is preferentially usedin vivo.
Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging using balanced SSFP

It is generally accepted that signal formation in balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) is a simple function of relaxation times and flip angle only. This can be confirmed for fluids, but for more complex substances, magnetization transfer (MT) can lead to a considerable loss of steady‐state signal. Thus, especially in tissues, the analytical description of bSSFP requires a revision to fully take observed effects into account. In the first part of this work, an extended bSSFP signal equation is derived based on a binary spin‐bath model. Based on this new model of bSSFP signal formation, quantitative MT parameters such as the fractional pool size, corresponding magnetization exchange rates, and relaxation times can be explored. In the second part of this work, model parameters are derived in normal appearing human brain. Factors that may influence the quality of the model, such as B1 field inhomogeneities or off‐resonances, are discussed. Overall, good correspondence between parameters derived from two‐pool bSSFP and common quantitative MT models is observed. Short repetition times in combination with high signal‐to‐noise ratios make bSSFP an ideal candidate for the acquisition of high resolution isotropic quantitative MT maps, as for the human brain, within clinically feasible acquisition times. Magn Reson Med 60:691–700, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal placement, replacement and sizing of capacitor Banks in distorted distribution networks by genetic algorithms

This paper presents a new genetic algorithm (GA)-based approach for the simultaneous power quality improvement and optimal placement and sizing of fixed capacitor banks in radial distribution networks in the presence of voltage and current harmonics. The objective function includes the cost of power losses, energy losses and that of the capacitor banks. Constraints include voltage limits, number/size and locations of installed capacitors (at each bus and the entire feeder) and the power quality limits of standard IEEE-519. Candidate buses for capacitor placement are selected based on an initial generation of chromosomes. Using a proposed fitness function, a suitable combination of objective and constraints is defined as a criterion to select (among the candidates) the most suitable buses for capacitor placement. A genetic algorithm computes improved generations of chromosomes and candidate buses until the solution is obtained. Simulation results for two IEEE distorted networks are presented and solutions of the genetic algorithm are compared with those of the maximum-sensitivities-selection (MSS), the maximum sensitivities selection-local variations (MSS-LV), and the fuzzy set algorithms. The main contribution of this paper is the computation of the near global solution, with weak dependency on initial conditions.
The Dangers of Gastritis: A Case of Clarithromycin-Associated Brief Psychotic Episode

Abstract We present a rare occurrence of brief psychotic episode associated with clarithromycin treatment. This 49-year-old lady with no psychiatric history commenced “triple therapy” for gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection. After 1 week, a dispensing error became obvious; she was advised to start taking the drug missing for the first week—clarithromycin. Twenty-four hours later, she started acting irrationally and became increasingly disorganized, irritable, and delusional and wrote a 16-page letter to her employer, incoherent but focused on persecutory delusions. She developed auditory and visual hallucinations linked to the death of a neighbor’s child. After 6 days, she deteriorated to the point where family sought professional help, and voluntary admission was arranged. The only pharmacological intervention needed was one dose of lorazepam and haloperidol for acute agitation. Twenty-four hours after last clarithromycin dose, she had improved dramatically. In 48 hours, she was “unrecognizable” (her “old self”) and was discharged. Follow-up at 1 week showed no active psychosis. For the next 6 months, she did not come again to the attention of mental health services. Clarithromycin-induced psychosis is an extremely rare but recognized side effect with yet unclear pathogenesis. Raising awareness is important in both psychiatric and general practice.
The Impact of Workers' remittances on Economic Growth: Evidence From Kenya

Over the past decades, the levels of workers' remittances have grown to become one of the largest sources of foreign income to developing countries. It is an important source of income for households in the developing countries. Economists do agree that workers' remittances are crucial in the long run growth of a country. Empirical studies have been done for various countries and although most results show a positive relationship between workers' remittances and economic growth, other studies reveal negative and neutral relationships. In many of these studies, majority of which have been done from a regional or global perspective panel data has been used to estimate the impact of workers' remittances on economic growth with a few studies done using time series to cover a specific country. This study employs time series econometric techniques to investigate the impact of workers' remittances on economic growth in Kenya using annual time series data for the periods 1970 to 2010.Time series regressions results show a positive and highly significant impact of workers' remittances on economic growth, indicating that higher economic growth in Kenya is related with higher flow of workers' remittances in to the country. In addition the results indicate that gross capital formation and change of exchange rate regime from fixed to floating has a positive and significant impact on economic growth in Kenya. However, exports, private capital flows, final government consumption and elections appear not to have meaningful impact on the economic growth in Kenya. The government should therefore formulate policies which create incentives for Kenyans in the diaspora to continue investing in the country and also a conducive macroeconomic environment to support investment and growth.
Competitive coevolutionary training of simple soccer agents from zero knowledge

A new competitive coevolutionary team-based particle swarm optimisation (CCPSO) algorithm is developed to train multi-agent teams from zero knowledge. The CCPSO algorithm uses the charged particle swarm optimiser to train neural network controllers for simple soccer agents. The training performance of the CCPSO algorithm is analysed. The analysis identifies a critical weakness of the CCPSO algorithm in the form of outliers in the measured performance of the trained players. A hypothesis is presented that explains the presence of the outliers, followed by a detailed discussion of various biased and unbiased relative fitness functions. A new relative fitness function based on FIFA's league ranking system is presented. The performance of the unbiased relative fitness functions is evaluated and discussed. The final results show that the FIFA league ranking relative fitness function outperforms the other unbiased relative fitness functions, leading to consistent training results.
Angiotensin II receptors and functional correlates.

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is the primary mediator of the renin-angiotensin system, which has an important functional role in cardiovascular homeostasis. The angiotensin receptor and its functional correlates have been redefined by the cloning of angiotensin receptors and the discovery and widespread study of specific nonpeptide ANG II-receptor antagonists losartan (AT1 selective) and PD123177 (AT2 selective). With these antagonists, it has been possible to extend the concept of ANG II-receptor heterogeneity to virtually every tissue and species. The losartan-sensitive sites have been shown to mediate all of the major ANG II-induced biologic effects, including vasoconstriction, aldosterone and catecholamine release, and central, ANG II-induced drinking behavior. The function of the AT2 site is not fully understood, but it may be involved in neuronal ion channel modulation and in fibroblast collagen metabolism. The presence of AT2 sites in fetal tissues and in discrete locations in the brain has encouraged continued research. Losartan, which represents the first of a new class of therapeutic agents, is currently undergoing clinical trials. A growing number of other AT1-selective ANG II-receptor antagonists are under development, including L-158,809, SKF 108566, and GR117285. Rat AT1-receptor subtypes have been cloned and sequenced (AT1A and AT1B). Human ANG II receptors have also been cloned and shown to have high affinity for losartan. A number of atypical angiotensin-binding sites have been identified from mycoplasma, amphibians, and mouse neuroblastoma, which are not sensitive to either losartan or PD123177. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Continuous-Wave Frequency-Shifted Interferometry Cavity Ring-Down Gas Sensing With Differential Optical Absorption

This paper proposes a novel frequency-shifted interferometry (FSI) fiber cavity ring-down (CRD) gas sensing with dual-wavelength differential optical absorption that requires no modulation to a continuous-wave source or without fast detection and switching electronics. The fiber cavity is constructed from standard fiber optical components that include a micro-optical gas cell. FSI-CRD experiments are carried out with two wavelengths at 1531.770 and 1532.000 nm. The technique is successfully carried out by measuring acetylene-nitrogen mixtures with acetylene concentrations varying from 0% to 1.0%. A resolution of 7.8125%/dB is obtained. A minimum detectable acetylene concentration of 105.25 ppm was achieved with a 48-mm gas cell. The results show a good linear relationship between acetylene concentration and absorption loss and are in good agreement with existing theories. Dual-wavelength differential optical absorption can enhance measurement precision efficiently and eliminate the influence of various external factors. The relative deviation of measured concentration is less than ±0.29%, measured at 1.0% acetylene concentration over 70 min.
Short Sale Constraints and Corporate Investment

We investigate the effect of short selling constraints on stock prices and corporate investment. We use as source of identification countries that adopted new regulations to permit short selling for the first time. We find that stock prices drop and price efficiency increases after the rule change. Corporate investment also drops, and capital allocation efficiency increases. Investment drops proportionately to the drop in overvaluation brought about by the rule change. Our results suggest that short selling constraints have a causal effect on the level and efficiency of stock prices and level and efficiency of corporate investment.
Modal analysis of measured inter-area oscillations in the Mexican Interconnected System: The July 31, 2008 event

On July 31st 2008 at 8:46 a.m. local time a combination of system events involving operational changes and a weak transmission system resulted in wide-spread system oscillations in the Mexican Interconnected System. The events were captured by the CFE wide-area measurement system and used to investigate various features of the observed oscillations. Following the event of July 2008, studies were conducted to analyze system dynamic behavior as well as to compare real power grid performance to predicted system models. This paper discusses the practical experience with the analysis of the observed data. Procedures for assessment and quantification of system motion are reviewed and improvements in modeling tools and techniques to characterize system oscillations are investigated and tested. Field experience gained from the readjustment of power system stabilizers is also described. Finally, challenges of incorporating wide-area measurements into proper real-time warning systems are addressed.