Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medication Adherence Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Assessment of Beliefs and Attitudes

Background: The medication management of patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may include antiplatelet agents, β-blockers. angio-tensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins. However, poor adherence is common, and patient attitudes and beliefs ptay a role in adherence. Objective: To evaluate the association between self-reported adherence and the beliefs patients have about cardiovascular medicines used after CABG. Methods: Adults were surveyed 6–24 months following CABG. The validated Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) assessed attitudes concerning the Specific Necessity, Specific Concerns, General Harm, and General Overuse of medicines. The validated medication adherence scale assessed self-reported adherence. Analysis included univariate comparison (BMQ scales) and multivariate logistic regression (identification of adherence predictor variables). Results: Of 387 patients surveyed, 132 (34%) completed the questionnaire. Nonparticipants were more likely to be female and have undergone 1- or 2-vessel CABG procedures compared with 3- or 4-vessel procedures. Subjects were primarily English-speaking, white, and male. Adherent behavior was reported in 73 of 132 patients (55%). The average period between CABG and the survey was 16 months. Nonadherent patients were in stronger agreement on the General Overuse (p = 0.01) and General Harm (p = 0.04) scales. The adjusted odds of adherent behavior were significantly lower, with an increasing General Overuse score (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.95; p = 0.007); an annual income of $50,000 to $100,000 relative to less than $20,000 (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.91; p = 0.031), and a living status of “alone” compared with “with adults and no children” (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.65; p = 0.007). The odds ratio of self-reported adherence was higher with increasing age (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09; p = 0.023). Conclusions: In summary, patient beliefs and attitudes regarding medications, along with other social, economic, and demographic factors, help explain differences in self-reported adherence to standard drug therapy following CABG.
Metal flows of the circumgalactic medium, and the metal budget in galactic haloes

We present an analysis of the flow of metals through the circumgalactic medium (CGM) in the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) simulations of galaxy formation, ranging from isolated dwarfs to L* galaxies. We find that nearly all metals produced in high-redshift galaxies are carried out in winds that reach 0. 25R_(vir). When measured at 0. 25R_(vir) the metallicity of outflows is slightly higher than the interstellar medium (ISM) metallicity. Many metals thus reside in the CGM. Cooling and recycling from this reservoir determine the metal budget in the ISM. The outflowing metal flux decreases by a factor of ∼2–5 between 0. 25R_(vir) and R_(vir). Furthermore, outflow metallicity is typically lower at R_(vir) owing to dilution of the remaining outflow by metal-poor material swept up from the CGM. The inflow metallicity at R_(vir) is generally low, but outflow and inflow metallicities are similar in the inner halo. At low redshift, massive galaxies no longer generate outflows that reach the CGM, causing a divergence in CGM and ISM metallicity. Dwarf galaxies continue to generate outflows, although they preferentially retain metal ejecta. In all but the least massive galaxy considered, a majority of the metals are within the halo at z = 0. We measure the fraction of metals in CGM, ISM and stars, and quantify the thermal state of CGM metals in each halo. The total amount of metals in the low-redshift CGM of two simulated L* galaxies is consistent with estimates from the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph haloes survey, while for the other two it appears to be lower.
Diffusion Dynamics of Glycine Receptors Revealed by Single-Quantum Dot Tracking

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are nanometer-sized fluorescent probes suitable for advanced biological imaging. We used QDs to track individual glycine receptors (GlyRs) and analyze their lateral dynamics in the neuronal membrane of living cells for periods ranging from milliseconds to minutes. We characterized multiple diffusion domains in relation to the synaptic, perisynaptic, or extrasynaptic GlyR localization. The entry of GlyRs into the synapse by diffusion was observed and further confirmed by electron microscopy imaging of QD-tagged receptors.
Modeling and Layout Optimization for Tapered TSVs

Through-silicon-via (TSV) offers vertical connections for 3-D ICs. Due to its large dimensions and nonideal etching process, TSVs layout needs to be carefully optimized to balance peak current density and delay for digital circuit. This brief investigates the TSVs tapering effect (which is an inevitable byproduct of deep reactive Ion etching-based manufacturing) and its impact on the TSVs electrical properties. We show that the current crowding effect is more severe in realistic tapered TSVs than ideal cylindrical TSVs. We propose a nonuniform current density model for tapered TSVs, which achieves considerable accuracy and speedup in estimating the current density distribution, when compared with the existing models developed for cylindrical TSVs. We apply our model to perform a detailed study on: 1) impact of TSVs tapering on peak current density and 2) wire sizing problem to minimize TSV-involved path delay under second-order delay model while keeping the peak current density within tolerable levels. A new dynamic programming-based heuristic is proposed to find the optimal wire configuration, which reduces both peak current density and delay, thereby improving the reliability and performance.
Local Ras activation, PTEN pattern, and global actin flow in the chemotactic responses of oversized cells

ABSTRACT Chemotactic responses of eukaryotic cells require a signal processing system that translates an external gradient of attractant into directed motion. To challenge the response system to its limits, we increased the size of Dictyostelium discoideum cells by using electric-pulse-induced fusion. Large cells formed multiple protrusions at different sites along the gradient of chemoattractant, independently turned towards the gradient and competed with each other. Finally, these cells succeeded to re-establish polarity by coordinating front and tail activities. To analyse the responses, we combined two approaches, one aimed at local responses by visualising the dynamics of Ras activation at the front regions of reorientating cells, the other at global changes of polarity by monitoring front-to-tail-directed actin flow. Asymmetric Ras activation in turning protrusions underscores that gradients can be sensed locally and translated into orientation. Different to cells of normal size, the polarity of large cells is not linked to an increasing front-to-tail gradient of the PIP3-phosphatase PTEN. But even in large cells, the front communicates with the tail through an actin flow that might act as carrier of a protrusion inhibitor. Highlighted Article: The chemotactic response system of Dictyostelium cells can accommodate larger cells, in a way that involves asymmetric Ras activation in turning protrusions, unconventional PTEN patterns and tail-directed actin flow during the establishment of polarity.
Optimal design of axial flux permanent magnet motor using Cuckoo search

In this paper a cuckoo search based optimal design of axial flux permanent magnet motor (AFPMM) is proposed. This approach employs a Cuckoo search (CS) technique as a search tool for optimal design solution of a AFPMM based on the value of the objective function. Several optimisation solutions are analysed and a best solution is proposed based on the values of the optimisation parameters and the efficiency, as well as other important motor parameters. An overall comparison of the optimal solution and the prototype model of the motor is presented. Streszczenie. W niniejszej pracy zaproponowano projekt optymalnej konstrukcji osiowego strumienia silnika z magnesami trwałymi (AFPMM) oparty o wykorzystanie algorytmu kukułki. Projekt wykorzystuje algorytm kukułki (CS) jako narzędzie do wyszukiwania optymalnego rozwiązania projektowego AFPMM w oparciu o wartości funkcji celu. Autorzy przeanalizowali kilka rozwiązań optymalizacyjnych i zaproponowali najlepsze rozwiązanie oparte o wartości parametrów optymalizacji oraz wydajności, jak również innych ważnych parametrów silnika. Przedstawiono porównanie optymalnego rozwiązania projektowego z wynikami uzyskanymi dla prototypowego modelu silnika. (Optymalne projektowanie silnika z magnesem trwałym i osiowym strumieniem z wykorzystaniem algorytmu kukułki).
Human Myoblast and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Interactions Visualized by Videomicroscopy

Muscle-derived progenitor cell (myoblast) therapy has promise for the treatment of denervated, weakened, and fibrotic muscle. The best methods for injecting myoblasts to promote fusion and retention have yet to be determined, however. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells have also been reported to have beneficial effects in restoring damaged tissue, through increasing vascularization and reducing inflammation. The interactions between human primary skeletal myoblasts and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells were examined using time-lapse images put into video format. Of interest, there is a high degree of cell-to-cell interaction with microparticles transferring between both cell types, and formation of nanotubules to bridge cytoplasmic contents between the two types of cell. This model provides an in vitro platform for examining mechanisms for cell-to-cell interaction preceding myoblast fusion.
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of developing first-time acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been associated with serotonin depletion in platelets, potentially leading to abnormal aggregation and prolonged bleeding time. In view of the importance of serotonin in coronary thrombosis, and decreased platelet serotonin concentrations associated with SSRIs, the present study was performed to test the hypothesis of a decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with SSRIs. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control analysis using the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD). A total of 3319 patients aged 75 years or younger free of clinical conditions predisposing to ischaemic heart disease, with a first-time diagnosis of AMI between 1992 and 1997, and 13 139 controls without AMI matched to cases for age, sex, general practice attended, and calendar time were included. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate relative risks. RESULTS Adjusted odds ratios (with 95% CI) for current use of SSRIs, non-SSRIs, or other antidepressants, compared to the group of nonusers of antidepressants were 0.9 (95% CI 0.5,1.8), 0.9 (95% CI 0.7,1.2), and 1.3 (95% CI 0.6,2.8), respectively. As compared with nonuse of SSRIs, current use (regardless of any other antidepressants used) resulted in an adjusted OR of 1.1 (95% CI 0.7,1.6). CONCLUSIONS The current analysis provides evidence that SSRI exposure does not substantially decrease the risk of developing first-time AMI in patients free of factors predisposing to ischaemic heart disease. However, due to relatively small numbers of exposed subjects and the resulting wide confidence intervals, further studies may be needed to document a lack of effect of SSRIs in subjects without pre-existing diseases predisposing to AMI.
Type-II Endoleaks following Endovascular AAA Repair: Preoperative Predictors and Long-term Effects

Purpose: To determine the significance of persistent type-II endoleaks and whether they can be predicted preoperatively in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods: The charts of all AAA patients treated with the AneuRx stent-graft at a single center from 1996 to 1998 were reviewed. Patients with <12-month follow-up or type-I endoleaks were excluded. The presence or absence of type-II endoleaks was determined from duplex imaging and computed tomographic angiography. Three groups were identified and compared: 16 patients with persistent type-II endoleaks (PE), 14 patients with transient type-II endoleaks (TE), and 16 patients with no endoleak (NE). Results: The groups did not differ with regard to age, preoperative comorbidities, follow-up time, and AAA neck diameter and length. AAA diameters were 57.1 ± 9.0 mm for NE, 63.4 ± 11.4 mm for TE, and 55.6 ± 4.2 mm for PE. The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) was patent in 5 (31%) NE patients, 6 (43%) TE patients, and 13 (81%) PE patients (p < 0.01). The number of patent lumbar arteries visualized preoperatively was 0.5 ± 1.0 in NE, 1.3 ± 0.8 in TE, and 2.4 ± 0.6 in PE (p < 0.0001). Patent IMAs (RR 0.82, p<0.01) and >2 lumbar arteries (RR 0.40, p < 0.0001) were identified as independent preoperative risk factors for persistent endoleaks. There were no changes in mean diameter or volume in aneurysms with persistent endoleaks. Conclusions: No adverse clinical events were related to the presence of type-II endoleaks, but there was no decrease in aneurysm size in patients with persistent type-II leaks. Patients with a large, patent IMA, or >2 lumbar arteries on preoperative CT angiography are at higher risk for persistent type-II endoleaks.
The Electromagnetic Effects of Pulsed Horizontal Dipoles on a Thin Conductive Sheet: Time-Domain Analysis

The electromagnetic problem of calculating the pulsed radiation from a horizontal magnetic dipole in the presence of a planar thin conductive screen is solved analytically in the time domain via a modified Cagniard-de Hoop approach. The components of the relevant time-domain electric and magnetic dyadic Green's functions are expressed by simple one-dimensional integrals over a finite integration domain. Expressions for the transient electromagnetic fields can thus easily be obtained and numerical results are provided that illustrate the main time-domain shielding characteristics.
Calcium responses induced by acetylcholine in submucosal arterioles of the guinea‐pig small intestine

1 Calcium responses induced by brief stimulation with acetylcholine (ACh) were assessed from the fluorescence changes in fura‐2 loaded submucosal arterioles of the guinea‐pig small intestine. 2 Initially, 1–1.5 h after loading with fura‐2 (fresh tissues), ACh increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration‐dependent manner. This response diminished with time, and finally disappeared in 2–3 h (old tissues). 3 Ba2+ elevated [Ca2+]i to a similar extent in both fresh and old tissues. ACh further increased the Ba2+‐elevated [Ca2+]i in fresh tissues, but reduced it in old tissues. Responses were not affected by either indomethacin or nitroarginine. 4 In fresh mesenteric arteries, mechanical removal of endothelial cells abolished the ACh‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i, with no alteration of [Ca2+]i at rest and during elevation with Ba2+. 5 In the presence of indomethacin and nitroarginine, high‐K+ solution elevated [Ca2+]i in both fresh and old tissues. Subsequent addition of ACh further increased [Ca2+]i in fresh tissues without changing it in old tissues. 6 Proadifen, an inhibitor of the enzyme cytochrome P450 mono‐oxygenase, inhibited the ACh‐induced changes in [Ca2+]i in both fresh and Ba2+‐stimulated old tissues. It also inhibited the ACh‐induced hyperpolarization. 7 In fresh tissues, the ACh‐induced Ca2+ response was not changed by apamin, charybdotoxin (CTX), 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) or glibenclamide. In old tissues in which [Ca2+]i had previously been elevated with Ba2+, the ACh‐induced Ca2+ response was inhibited by CTX but not by apamin, 4‐AP or glibenclamide. 8 It is concluded that in submucosal arterioles, ACh elevates endothelial [Ca2+]i and reduces muscular [Ca2+]i, probably through the hyperpolarization of endothelial or smooth muscle membrane by activating CTX‐sensitive K+ channels.
Attachment style, attachment to God, religiosity, and moral disengagement: a study on offenders

ABSTRACT The present study investigates religiosity, moral disengagement, attachment to God, and interpersonal attachment in 30 offenders within Italian jails. We administered a semi-structured interview to collect data about family, social and medical history, and the manner in which the deviant act was carried out; the Moral Disengagement Scale; the Attachment to God Inventory; the Revised Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale; and the Attachment Style Questionnaire. Results show how intrinsic religiosity negatively predicts moral disengagement; the “Preoccupation with Relationships” Scale (anxious/ambivalent attachment) predicts avoidant attachment to God; and the “Secondariety for Relationship” Scale (dismissing attachment) predicts personal extrinsic religiosity and negatively predicts intrinsic religiosity. Studying these constructs in offenders is important not only to increase the literature but also to implement interventions aimed at reeducation focused on issues relevant to personal adjustment.
Wives of coronary high‐risk men — are they also at higher risk? The Tromsø Heart Study

Abstract. Blood lipids, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), smoking, dietary and exercise habits were studied in 911 wives of men with high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Following the 1979/80 Tromsø Survey, 1373 men, aged 30‐54 years, were identified as having high risk for CHD (HDL‐cholesterol/total cholesterol ≤ 17.6% and/or total cholesterol ≥ 7.86 mmol l−1). Of the 1373 men, 911 individuals had wives who also attended the screening. These wives were compared to age‐matched, married women in the general population. A significantly higher total cholesterol level (5.98 mmol l−1 vs. 5.78 mmol l−1), lower HDL‐cholesterol/total cholesterol (30.01% vs. 31.58%), higher BMI and higher coronary risk score (4.55 vs. 3.82) was found among the wives of the high‐risk men. Furthermore, a higher proportion of these individuals were daily cigarette smokers (47.3% vs. 42.1%), and had received fewer years of education. They also had more dietary habits associated with increased risk of CHD than other married women in the general population. Our findings support the hypothesis that members of the same household as a person with increased risk for CHD also have increased risk. This is most probably due to shared lifestyle.
Proteolytic Processing of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein Mediates Regulated Release of Its Intracellular Domain*

The low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multifunctional cell surface receptor that interacts through its cytoplasmic tail with adaptor and scaffold proteins that participate in cellular signaling. Its extracellular domain, like that of the signaling receptor Notch and of amyloid precursor protein (APP), is proteolytically processed at multiple positions. This similarity led us to investigate whether LRP, like APP and Notch, might also be cleaved at a third, intramembranous or cytoplasmic site, resulting in the release of its intracellular domain. Using independent experimental approaches we demonstrate that the cytoplasmic domain is released by a γ-secretase-like activity and that this event is modulated by protein kinase C. Furthermore, cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that bind to the LRP tail affect the subcellular localization of the free intracellular domain and may regulate putative signaling functions. Finally, we show that the degradation of the free tail fragment is mediated by the proteasome. These findings suggest a novel role for the intracellular domain of LRP that may involve the subcellular translocation of preassembled signaling complexes from the plasma membrane.
Influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms on the outcome of pediatric patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with high-dose methotrexate

Abstract High-dose methotrexate (MTX) is a key component of most treatment protocols for childhood and adolescent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Recent studies have suggested that the toxicity of antifolate drugs, such as MTX, is affected by inherited single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in folate metabolizing genes. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential influence of the C677T and A1298C genetic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on the clinical toxicity and efficacy of MTX in pediatric patients with NHL (n = 95) treated with therapeutic protocols Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) LNH-97 and EURO LB-02. We demonstrated that patients with the 677T genotype had an approximately six-fold greater risk of developing hematological toxicity compared with wild-type carriers, especially in the 1 g/m2 treatment group (p = 0.01). Moreover, we identified a correlation between the risk of relapse and the T genotype: T carriers had reduced disease-free survival compared with wild-type patients (67% vs. 100%). Our data suggest a pharmacogenetic influence on the adverse effects of high-dose MTX in the 1 g/m2 treatment group.
A software phase locked loop for unbalanced and distorted utility conditions

A software phase locked loop (PLL) for custom power devices is described in this paper. The PLL uses the previous and current samples of the 3-phase utility voltages and separates them into the sequence components. The phase angle and frequency of the estimated positive sequence component are tracked by the first two stages of the PLL. The third stage estimates the parameter /spl Delta//spl theta/ which is required by the first stage. Simulations of the performance of the PLL have been presented, as well as the performance of a dynamic voltage restorer incorporating the proposed PLL. The proposed PLL performs well under unbalanced and distorted utility conditions. It tracks the utility phase angle and frequency smoothly and also extracts the sequence components of the utility voltages. A DVR incorporating the PLL provides voltage support to sensitive loads and also acts as a harmonic filter.
Mortality Assessment for Pancreas Transplants

We determined and compared the mortality of pancreas transplant recipients and of patients on the pancreas waiting lists by using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and International Pancreas Transplant Registry (IPTR) data. From January 1, 1995, through May 31, 2003, a total of 12 478 patients were listed for a simultaneous pancreas‐kidney (SPK) transplant; 2942 for a pancreas after (previous) kidney transplant (PAK); and 1207 for a pancreas transplant alone (PTA). In this retrospective observational cohort study, patients with multiple listings at different transplant centers and patients who changed transplant centers were counted only once. The Social Security Death Master File (SSDMF) and the UNOS kidney transplant database were used to update mortality information.
COMBINED ENDOSCOPE‐ASSISTED TRANSCLIVAL CLIPPING AND ENDOVASCULAR STENTING OF A BASILAR TRUNK ANEURYSM: CASE REPORT

OBJECTIVE We describe a patient with a mid-basilar aneurysm treated with combined endoscope-assisted transsphenoidal clipping and endovascular stenting. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 28-year-old woman was transferred to the cranial base surgery center with an acute Grade III subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a small basilar trunk aneurysm that was not amenable to acute endovascular treatment. INTERVENTION The patient underwent sublabial transsphenoidal/transclival endoscope-assisted clipping of the aneurysm and subsequent stenting of the affected segment. The aneurysm was repaired with a low-profile Weck clip (Weck Closure Systems Research, Triangle Park, NC) that permitted a watertight closure of the clival dura using cardiac Medtronic U-clips (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN). Postoperatively, the patient had no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. CONCLUSION Watertight dural closure was possible due to the use of a low-profile aneurysm clip that did not protrude through the dural defect, as well as self-tying sutures.