Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The net portal and hepatic flux of metabolites and oxygen consumption in growing beef steers given postruminal casein.

Changes in net portal and hepatic nutrient flux and oxygen consumption in response to 3-d abomasal casein infusions were studied in seven multicatheterized beef steers. Steers were fed 4.3 kg DM/d of a high-concentrate diet in 12 equal meals. Blood flow (para-aminohippurate dilution) and net flux (venoarterial concentration difference x blood flow) across portal-drained viscera (PDV) and hepatic tissues were measured on d 3 of the abomasal infusions. In two experiments, the response to 300 (300C) and 150 (150C) g casein/d were compared, respectively, to a control water infusion. The 300C increased (P less than .05) arterial blood concentrations of alpha-amino N (AAN), urea N and ammonia; 150C increased (P less than .05) arterial urea N. Urinary urea N excretion was increased (P less than .01) by 300C and 150C. Although 300C increased net PDV release of AAN (P less than .07) and alanine (P less than .10), there was no net change in total splanchnic (TSP) flux due to an increased net hepatic uptake of AAN (P less than .01) and alanine (P less than .05). Net PDV glucose flux was decreased (P less than .05) by 300C, but net hepatic glucose flux was not affected by either level of casein. The 150C increased TSP oxygen consumption (P less than .05) and hepatic oxygen extraction (P less than .10). Approximately 26 and 30% of the casein N infused abomasally appeared in the portal blood as AAN for 150C and 300C, respectively. The sum of net PDV ammonia and AAN fluxes accounted for 47 and 88% of the N infused for 150C and 300C, respectively. These data emphasize the importance of intestinal and liver tissues in regulating the flux of nitrogenous compounds absorbed from the diet.
Simulated Z-Tests in Multinomial Probit Models

Within the framework of Monte Carlo experiments, this paper systematically compares different versions of the simulated z-test (using the GHK simulator) in one- and multiperiod multinomial probit models. One important finding is that, in the flexible probit models, the tests on parameters of explanatory variables mostly provide robust results in contrast to the tests on variance-covariance parameters. Overall, neither the amount of random draws in the GHK simulator nor the choice of a certain version of the simulated z-test have a strong influence on the test results. This finding refers to the conformity between the shares of type I errors and the basic significance levels as well as to the number of type II errors. In contrast, the number of type II errors in the simulated z-tests on variance-covariance parameters is reduced by increasing the sample size. Effects of misspecifications on simulated z-tests only appear in the multiperiod multinomial probit model. In this case, the inclusion of the concept of the quasi maximum likelihood theory in the simulated z-test provides comparatively more favourable results.
A comparative study of membrane properties of innervated and chronically denervated fast and slow skeletal muscles of the rat.

The electrophysiological properties of the innervated extensor and soleus muscles are in most aspects similar. In low [Na]o, however, the rate of rise and the amplitude of the action potential were lower in the soleus than in the extensor muscle. The ACh sensitivity in the innervated extensor muscle is limited to the end-plate region, while in the soleus the sensitivity extends beyond the end-plate towards the tendon. Denervation brought a marked change in membrane properties. The electrical time constant of the membrane increased in both muscles almost threefold, and the calculated transverse resistance of unit are of the membrane in the extensor from 372 Σ cm2 to 759 Σ cm2, while in the soleus the values were 393 Σ cm2 to 458 Σ cm2. Denervation increased the threshold for action potential generation and reduced significantly the rate of rise and the amplitude of the spike. These changes were more apparent in the soleus. It is suggested that the decrease in excitability may reflect the lengthening of the time constant and possibly a reduction in the number of membrane sites connected with the passive ionic transport. The ACh sensitivity of denervated muscles covered the entire membrane surface and was similar in both muscles.
Intersibling Agreement for Goldberg's Big Five Adjective Markers

In a sample of 240 college students intersibling agreement was examined for Goldberg's 100 unipolar Big Five adjective markers. Participants showed self-enhancement by rating themselves more favorably on three of the five traits (Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Culture/Intellect); however, self-ratings on Neuroticism were higher than siblings' ratings. Correlations among raters were moderate (mean r = .41) and comparable to values obtained in studies using peer ratings. The type of the sibling relationship, based on ratings of relationship quality, moderated the rank-order measures but not the mean agreement.
Caregiving Tasks and Training Interest of Family Caregivers of Medically Ill Homebound Older Adults

Objectives: This study assessed the caregiving activities and training interests of family caregivers of medically ill older adults without dementia who receive home health care. Methods: Participants were 101 family caregivers of patients from the Training in the Assessment of Depression (TRIAD) study. Caregivers were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and measures of caregiver tasks and training interest. Results: Family caregivers provided a variety of caregiving tasks and their interest in training was independent of current provision of tasks. Black caregivers expressed greater overall interest in receiving training than did White caregivers, as did younger caregivers compared to same-generation caregivers. Discussion: Family caregivers in this study evidenced both a range of care provision and clear interest in improving caregiving skills through training. Research efforts should focus on meeting the specific training needs of family caregivers and determining the impact training can have on patient health outcomes.
Big Numeric Data Classification Using Grid-based Bayesian Inference in the MapReduce Framework

In the current era of data-intensive services, the handling of big data is a crucial issue that affects almost every discipline and industry. In this study, we propose a classification method for large volumes of numeric data, which is implemented in a distributed programming framework, i.e., MapReduce. The proposed method partitions the data space into a grid structure and it then models the probability distributions of classes for grid cells by collecting sufficient statistics using distributed MapReduce tasks. The class labeling of new data is achieved by k-nearest neighbor classification based on Bayesian inference.
Reliability study for large silicon interposers report on board

This paper presents a reliability study on a 15×15mm2 silicon interposer packages, 5 times larger surface than usual studies on wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP). Works were conducted in the frame of silicon platform developments for heterogeneous RF 3D modules, where the interconnections number is lower than in digital applications but the silicon interposer larger than conventional WLCSP. Several key parameters for Thermal Cycles on Board (TCoB) and Drop Test (DT) performances have been evaluated: ball type (standard SAC ball (stdb), polymer core solder balls (PCSB)), first and second passivation layers (mineral, polymers: ALX, PBO), die size (5×5, 10×10, 15×15 mm2), ball layout (full and partial matrix) and ball location (corner, main matrix). A 4-masks type test vehicle comprising copper routing, passivation and under bump metallization levels has been designed. The pitch is 800μm and the die thickness is 400μm. Different configurations have been manufactured and balled at wafer level. Reliability trials have been carried out following JEDEC recommendations for board design, TCoB and DT. Usual conditions for mobile applications have been used for reliability tests (-40°C/+125°C, 2 cycles per hour, and 1500g drops, 0.5ms half pulse duration) with continuous monitoring. With PCSB and ALX passivation, characteristic life was obtained above 300 drops and around 450 thermal cycles. Skipping balls in corner, TCoB first failure above 500 cycles is achieved with double polymer passivation and standard SAC balls. Finite element modelling is also presented to highlight the stressed areas in the different tested structures. For each factor of this extensive study, Weibull plot lifetime statistics and fracture mode analyses have been conducted, leading to a few guidelines in terms of layout, materials and structures for compliant interconnections of future large 2.5D and 3D silicon interposers reported on board.
Testing for white noise against locally stationary alternatives

Many real‐world systems have dynamics that evolve over time, yet stationary models still remain a popular choice in empirical time series studies. In this work, I show that one reason for seemingly correct stationary fits is a very low power of classic white noise tests against locally varying dynamics. In particular, if autocorrelations change over time but on average equal zero, standard white noise tests cannot detect this deviation from the null hypothesis due to their fundamental design. Here I introduce a moving‐window version of the Ljung–Box statistic with an asymptotic \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\chi^{2}$ \end{document} distribution under the null and much larger power facing processes with time‐varying autocorrelations. Simulations and a case study of tree‐ring data demonstrate the importance of the new test for applied time series studies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2012
Drift modeling and compensation for MEMS-based gyroscope using a Wiener-type recurrent neural network

This paper presents a self-designed wearable inertial sensing module and its associated drift modeling and compensation algorithm to obtain drift-removed signals for handwriting trajectory reconstruction. Users can utilize the wearable inertial sensing module to write numerals at normal speed, which consists of a microcontroller, a triaxial accelerometer, a uniaxial gyroscope, a biaxial gyroscope, and an RF wireless transmission module. The accelerations and angular velocities generated by the handwriting movements are transmitted to a computer via the RF module. In order to minimize the integral or cumulative errors caused by the intrinsic drift of the microelectro-mechanical-system (MEMS)-based gyroscopes, we have developed a drift modeling and compensation algorithm for removing the drift of the gyroscopes and increasing the accuracy of trajectory reconstruction. In the proposed drift modeling and compensation algorithm, a Wiener-type recurrent neural network (WRNN), which consists of a dynamic linear model cascaded by a static nonlinear model and can be expressed in a state-space representation, is used to model the drift of the gyroscopes. Our experimental results on handwriting trajectory reconstruction have successfully validated the effectiveness of the self-designed wearable inertial sensing module and its drift modeling and compensation algorithm.
Stress Fracture and Attrition in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Trainees

Abstract : The Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training program is a six-month rigorous program that prepares trainees for specialized instruction before being assigned to a SEAL team. Two major but separate issues affect this program: stress fractures and attrition. Stress fracture rates are around 5-9% and may lead to attrition or training delays. Ultimately, only about 25% of trainees complete the program. The purpose of this study was to examine both stress fractures and attrition outcomes among BUD/S trainees by evaluating a combination of administrative records and self-reported health behavior data.
A structured blood conservation programme reduces transfusions and costs in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES Transfusions of blood products can be lifesaving, but they are also associated with considerable risks and adverse effects, including immune response and infections. In cardiac surgery, transfusions have also been associated with increased mortality. We prospectively studied the effects of a structured programme to reduce transfusions and transfusion-associated costs in cardiac surgery. METHODS The programme included: (i) education of all staff about the risks and benefits of blood transfusions; (ii) revised guidelines for transfusions; and (iii) a transfusion log where indication for transfusion, status of the patient and prescribing physician were registered. Transfusion prevalence, complications and costs for blood products were registered for all acute and elective cardiac operations during a 12-month period before (n = 1128) and after (n = 1034) the programme was started. The two time periods were compared. In addition, the prevalence of transfusions was registered for 2 more years after the programme was initiated. RESULTS The first year after the programme was initiated the proportion of patients transfused with red blood cell concentrate decreased by 21.8% (from 58.2 to 45.5%, P <0.001), plasma by 37.4% (from 30.8 to 19.3%, P <0.001) and platelets by 21.0% (from 20.5 to 16.2%, P = 0.010). Reoperations for bleeding (5.8 vs 5.0%), early complication rate and 30-day mortality (2.5 vs 2.6%) were not significantly different before and after the start date. Based on the 2009 institutional prices for red blood cell concentrate (102 €/unit), plasma (35 €/unit) and platelets (290 €/unit), the savings on blood products were €161,623 during the first 12 months after the programme was launched. The proportion of patients transfused with any blood product was 60.9% before the programme was started and 48.3, 54.0 and 50.7% 1-3 years after its start (all P <0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS A structured blood conservation programme reduces transfusions and costs for blood products in cardiac surgery, without any signs of compromised medical safety. The effects of introducing such a programme are maintained over at least 3 years.
Antagonism of the chemokine Ccl 5 ameliorates experimental liver fibrosis in mice

1Medical Department III and 2Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany. 3Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany. 4Institute of Pathology and 5Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany. 6Merck Serono Geneva Research Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.
On the Principled Description of Human Movements

While the use of technology to provide accurate and objective measurements of human movement performance is presently an area of great interest, efforts to quantify the performance of movement are hampered by the lack of a principled model that describes how a subject goes about making a movement. We put forward a principled mathematical formalism that describes human movements using an optimal control model in which the subject controls the jerk of the movement. We construct the formalism by assuming that the movement a subject chooses to make is better than the alternatives. We quantify the relative quality of movements mathematically by specifying a cost functional that assigns a numerical value to every possible movement; the subject makes the movement that minimizes the cost functional. We develop the mathematical structure of movements that minimize a cost functional, and observe that this development parallels the development of analytical mechanics from the Principle of Least Action. We derive a constant of the motion for human movements that plays a role that is analogous to the role that the energy plays in classical mechanics. We apply the formalism to the description of two movements: (1) rapid, targeted movements of a computer mouse, and (2) finger-tapping, and show that the constant of the motion that we have derived provides a useful value with which we can characterize the performance of the movements. In the case of rapid, targeted movements of a computer mouse, we show how the model of human movement that we have developed can be made to agree with Fitts' law, and we show how Fitts' law is related to the constant of the motion that we have derived. We finally show that solutions exist within the model of human movements that exhibit an oscillatory character reminiscent of tremor.
Speaking Up in the Operating Room: How Team Leaders Promote Learning in Interdisciplinary Action Teams

This paper examines learning in interdisciplinary action teams. Research on team effectiveness has focused primarily on single-discipline teams engaged in routine production tasks and, less often, on interdisciplinary teams engaged in discussion and management rather than action. The resulting models do not explain differences in learning in interdisciplinary action teams. Members of these teams must coordinate action in uncertain, fast-paced situations, and the extent to which they are comfortable speaking up with observations, questions, and concerns may critically influence team outcomes. To explore what leaders of action teams do to promote speaking up and other proactive coordination behaviours - as well as how organizational context may affect these team processes and outcomes - I analysed qualitative and quantitative data from 16 operating room teams learning to use a new technology for cardiac surgery. Team leader coaching, ease of speaking up, and boundary spanning were associated with successful technology implementation. The most effective leaders helped teams learn by communicating a motivating rationale for change and by minimizing concerns about power and status differences to promote speaking up in the service of learning. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2003.
The effects of preexisting depression on cerebrovascular health outcomes in geriatric continuing care.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have investigated depression as the cause and outcome of vascular deficit in elderly persons. METHODS The authors wanted to determine whether baseline depression is predictive of subsequent cardiovascular events in very elderly persons residing in a continuing care retirement community (n = 181). RESULTS Controlling for demographic factors, both depression and the number of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) at baseline were strongly predictive of stroke, whereas only CVRFs strongly predicted myocardial infarctions. Depression accounted for 12% of the variance in stroke incidence, beyond the contribution of CVRFs. Path analysis indicated that depression was also a partial moderator of the effect of CVRFs. CONCLUSIONS In support of the vascular depression hypothesis, the study findings indicate that, for the oldest old, depression may be a strong predictor of future stroke. The presence of depression in elderly patients should alert physicians to carefully investigate other stroke risk factors and to integrate depression into an overall intervention regimen for reducing patients' risks for stroke.
Evaluation of maternal and umbilical serum TNFα levels in preeclamptic pregnancies in the intrauterine normal and growth-restricted fetus

Objective. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the maternal and umbilical cord TNFα serum levels in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia with normal intrauterine fetal growth, in preeclamptic pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and in normotensive pregnant patients. Patients and methods. The study was carried out on eight patients with severe preeclampsia complicated by IUGR and 18 preeclamptic patients with normal intrauterine fetal growth. The control group consisted of 18 healthy normotensive patients with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies. Maternal and umbilical serum TNFα concentrations were estimated using a sandwich ELISA assay. Results and conclusions. Pregnant women with severe preeclampsia had significantly higher maternal and umbilical serum TNFα levels than those in the normotensive controls. Our findings and other reports indicate that TNFα may participate in the pathogenesis and sequelae of preeclampsia with and without IUGR. The results of excessive umbilical serum activity of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in preeclamptic pregnancy complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may suggest additional changes and dysfunction of the placental–fetal unit and deterioration of placental function, leading to fetal hypotrophia in the course of preeclampsia.
Débruitage et séparation dans le plan temps-fréquence des contributions sonores de navires en mouvement

Cet article presente une methode de filtrage adaptee a l'ecoute passive monocapteur du bruit rayonne par des navires en mouvement dans un environnement oceanique petit fond. Elle permet d'ameliorer le rapport signal a bruit et de separer les contributions de deux navires dans le plan temps-frequence. La methode exploite le principe de l'invariant oceanique ainsi qu'une faible connaissance a priori des celerites du canal oceanique pour realiser le filtrage dans le domaine de la transformee de Fourier 2D du spectrogramme. La nature du bruit sur le spectrogramme est egalement prise en compte en incorporant une non-linearite au filtrage. Les performances du filtrage sont evaluees sur donnees simulees respectivement pour le debruitage et pour la separation de navires. Les resultats obtenus mettent en evidence les bonnes performances du debruitage et de la separation. Des exemples de resultats sur donnees reelles attestent de l'efficacite du filtrage.