Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A “throttle” mechanism in the central retinal vein in the region of the lamina cribrosa

Aims: To demonstrate a constriction in the central retinal vein in the region of the lamina cribrosa. Methods: A prospective comparative interventional study of 13 controls and 19 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) using colour Doppler imaging of the central retinal artery and vein in the region of the lamina cribrosa and optic nerve posterior to the globe. Results: In controls peak velocities in the vein were higher in the region of the lamina cribrosa than the optic nerve, mean 175 mm/second (mm/s) and 49 mm/s respectively, p<0.0001. The velocities in the artery were also higher in the region of the lamina cribrosa, mean 122 mm/s and 92 mm/s, p = 0.007. The variability of the velocities in the region of the lamina cribrosa was 7.4% in the artery and 15.2% in the vein. The mean ratio of the velocities in the vein (4.2 (SD 2.1)) was significantly higher than the mean ratio in the artery (1.4 (SD 0.4), p<0.0001). In CRVO, the mean ratio in the vein was lower in the affected eyes (2.2 (SD 1.9), p<0.01) and fellow unaffected eyes (2.2 (SD 1.0), p = 0.003) than controls. The values were stable in eight after radial optic neurotomy. Conclusion: The presence of a constriction of the vein in the region of the lamina cribrosa can be inferred from the presence of higher blood velocities at this site than further back in the optic nerve. In CRVO there may be a more uniform narrowing of the vein along its course in the nerve. Neurotomy did not affect the measurements.
Availability of microelements in recently weaned piglets fed diet supplemented with inulin

The effects of inulin-supplemented diet on Cu, Mn, and Zn bioavailability in recently weaned piglets raised at an experimental and a commercial farm were studied. Piglets were weaned at 28 days of age, when all of them were fed a barley-wheat based starter diet supplemented with a usual vitamin-mineral premix for piglets. The reference diet group received additional 50 mg of zinc per kg diet, while the experimental inulin diet group was supplemented with 1.5% inulin (no additional zinc). Both diets, low in inorganic copper (pro - vided only from forages), covered the demands for minerals of the growing piglets. Four piglets were sacrificed on days 28, 33, and 39 in each group at each farm and liver samples were collected and analyzed . The contents of Cu, Mn, and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The feeding experiments showed that the presence of inulin enhanced ( P 0.05) between experimental inulin diet group and reference diet group could be noticed for zinc and manganese concentrations in the liver. Biological availability of copper was higher in the piglets reared under high and standardized sanitary conditions than in those reared under commercial farm conditions ( P < 0.05).
Climatology, Variability, and Trends in the U.S. Vapor Pressure Deficit, an Important Fire-Related Meteorological Quantity*

AbstractUnlike the commonly used relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is an absolute measure of the difference between the water vapor content of the air and its saturation value and an accurate metric of the ability of the atmosphere to extract moisture from the land surface. VPD has been shown to be closely related to variability in burned forest areas in the western United States. Here, the climatology, variability, and trends in VPD across the United States are presented. VPD reaches its climatological maximum in summer in the interior southwest United States because of both high temperatures and low vapor pressure under the influence of the northerly, subsiding eastern flank of the Pacific subtropical anticyclone. Maxima of variance of VPD are identified in the Southwest and southern plains in spring and summer and are to a large extent driven by temperature variance, but vapor pressure variance is also important in the Southwest. La Nina–induced circulation anomalies cause subsiding, nort.
Refractive outcome of keratoconus treated by combined femtosecond laser and big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE To report 1-year follow-up in 11 of 13 eyes with keratoconus treated by deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with a combined femtosecond laser lamellar resection followed by a big-bubble dissection. METHODS Thirteen eyes with keratoconus were treated. Recipient and donor were prepared with the 60-kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics). In the recipient, the femtosecond laser, after performing a lamellar cut 100 μm above the thinnest corneal point (measured by Pentacam [Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH]), was used to make a mushroom-shaped resection (anterior diameter, 9 mm; posterior diameter, 8 mm) from the same depth. In the donor, the mushroom lamellar thickness was calculated according to an original model based on the recipient preoperative corneal thickness. Upon removal of the recipient lamella, air was injected into the residual stroma to achieve a big bubble. The keratectomy was continued up to Descemet membrane. The donor was fit into place and sutured using interrupted sutures, which were removed by 8 months postoperative. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and refractive astigmatism were calculated by manifest refraction, whereas topographic astigmatism and corneal thickness were measured by Pentacam. RESULTS A big bubble was successfully achieved in 11 eyes. Twelve months after surgery, mean CDVA was 0.52±1.2 (decimal), and refractive sphere and cylinder were -1.50±1.70 diopters (D) and 2.00±2.60 D, respectively. Three (27%) of 11 eyes at 1 year had a manifest refraction spherical equivalent within 1.00 D of emmetropia. Topographic astigmatism was 2.90±1.60 D. The thinnest corneal point was 519±27 μm. CONCLUSIONS This combination of a femtosecond laser lamellar dissection with a big-bubble technique can improve the standardization of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.
Generalization of Variants Identified by Genome‐Wide Association Studies for Electrocardiographic Traits in African Americans

Electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements vary by ancestry. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci that contribute to ECG measurements; however, most are performed in Europeans collected from population‐based cohorts or surveys. The strongest associations reported are in NOS1AP with QT interval and SCN10A with PR and QRS durations. The extent to which these associations can be generalized to African Americans has yet to be determined. Using electronic medical records, PR and QT intervals, QRS duration, and heart rate were determined in 455 African Americans as part of the Vanderbilt Genome‐Electronic Records Project and Northwestern University NUgene Project. We tested for an association between these ECG traits and >930K SNPs. We identified a total 36 novel associations with PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, and heart rate at p < 1.0 × 10−6. Using published GWAS data, we compared our results with those previously identified in other populations. Five associations originally identified in other populations generalized with respect to statistical significance and direction of effect. A total of 43 associations have a consistent direction of effect with European and/or Asian populations. This work provides a catalogue of generalized versus nongeneralized associations, a necessary step in prioritizing GWAS‐identified regions for further fine‐mapping in diverse populations.
Reviews: Activins and Related Proteins in the Establishment of Pregnancy

Activin A and related proteins (inhibins, follistatin [FS], follistatin-related gene [FLRG], endometrial bleeding associated factors [ebaf]) are involved in the complex mechanisms allowing the establishment and the maintenance of pregnancy. As a consequence of ovarian progesterone stimuli, activin A is expressed and secreted by the stromal endometrial cells, which locally induces the decidualization process, a prerequisite for implantation. Moreover, activin A does influence the implantation phase, also enhancing cytotrophoblast differentiation, indirectly, by increasing the expression of other molecules involved in embryo implantation, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The local derangement of activin A pathway in some pregnancy disorders (incomplete and complete miscarriages, recurrent abortion, and ectopic pregnancy [EP]) further sustains the hypothesis that activin A and its related proteins play a relevant role in the establishment of pregnancy.
Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Consider the following mental experiment. I stand behind a table that sits in front of you. On the table are two identical glasses, one filled with water and the other empty. I take the empty glass in my left hand and the filled glass in my right hand. Then, I pour half of the water from the filled glass into the empty glass. It follows that I now have a half-full glass in my left hand and a half-empty glass in my right hand.
The association of attributes of primary care with the delivery of clinical preventive services.

OBJECTIVES Evidence is building that primary care is associated with quality of care and cost effectiveness. Still, little is known of the contribution of specific attributes of primary care to important health outcomes, such as the delivery of preventive services. This study tests the association of specific attributes of primary care with a comprehensive measure of the delivery of preventive services. METHODS A cross-sectional multimethod study design was used to examine 2,889 patient visits to 138 community-based primary care physicians. Four primary care attributes were measured: patient preference for their regular physician, interpersonal communication, physician's accumulated knowledge of the patient, and coordination of care. Delivery of US Preventive Service Task Force-recommended services were based on data collected from direct observation and medical record review. Hierarchical linear regression models (HLM) were used to test the association of each of the primary care attributes with being up to date on screening, immunization, and health habit counseling preventive services. Each regression model was adjusted for patient age, race, health status, and insurance type. RESULTS Interpersonal communication and coordination of care scale scores were associated with being more up to date on screening services and health habit counseling. Accumulated knowledge and preference for regular physician were associated with being more up to date on immunizations. CONCLUSIONS The attributes of primary care measured in this study are associated with the receipt of preventive services. Fostering the tenets of primary care may have an impact on the delivery of preventive services and possibly other important health outcomes.
A Comparison of Spontaneous Platelet Aggregation in Whole Blood with Platelet Rich Plasma: Additional Evidence for the Role of ADP

Summary ADP, generated from red blood cells is believed to be responsible for the spontaneous aggregation of platelets in whole blood. This notion is based mainly on the use of enzymes which remove ADP. We have studied spontaneous platelet aggregation in whole blood and autologous platelet rich plasma obtained from 12 healthy male and female volunteers. Platelet aggregation was quantitated by measuring the fall in the number of single platelets counted using a whole blood platelet counter (Ultra Flo 100). In a rotating tube model, the mean fall in the number of platelets due to spontaneous aggregation was 56% in whole blood but, only 3% in platelet rich plasma prepared from the same blood samples. Spontaneous platelet aggregation in whole blood was unaffected by apyrase grade I, but was reduced to 15% by apyrase grade II, to 38% by creatine phosphokinase/creatine phosphate and to 9% by pyruvate kinase/phosphoenolpyruvate. The results of this study provide additional evidence that ADP generated in whole blood triggers the spontaneous aggregation of platelets.
Vero cytotoxin binding to polymorphonuclear leukocytes among households with children with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of acute renal failure in childhood, can be caused by different serotypes of vero cytotoxin (VT; i.e., Shiga toxin)-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). Recently, VT was shown to bind to polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in the systemic circulation of patients with HUS. This study investigated whether VT bound to PMNL could be detected in persons in households with patients with HUS. Serum antibodies against E. coli O157 and, when available, fecal samples from patients with HUS and household members were studied for the presence of VTEC infection. The circulating PMNL of 82% of the household members were positive for VT, whereas stool and/or serum examination showed only 21% positivity. Thus, current methods underestimate the number of infected persons in households with patients with HUS.
Landsat ETM+ classification of Fluxnet Canada flux stations

Changes in land use and cover and natural disturbance are thought to be major controls of the dynamic sink/source balance for the immense boreal terrestrial carbon stock. Fluxnet-Canada is a national research network developed to study the influence of climate and disturbance on terrestrial carbon cycling along an east-west transect of Canadian forest and peatlands. The purpose of the present work was to create large-area land cover classifications from satellite imagery to support Fluxnet scaling and modeling studies. The methodology presented in Cihlar et al. (2003) was implemented on seven Fluxnet monitoring sites across Canada. A Landsat ETM+ image covering each site was clustered to 1501 classes using unsupervised K-Means classification prior to 50-cluster merging through classification by generalization (CPG). The resulting clusters were merged to 16-class landcover maps through interactive labeling using cluster bitmaps to create spatial context for the 50 clusters. The bitmaps aided the analyst when ground data was scarce or nonexistent. The products were sent to Fluxnet-Canada site managers for ground validation and the classifications were refined according to the feedback provided. The final landcover maps were used in the calculation of leaf area index (LAI) for the Landsat ETM+ scenes, thus allowing for upscaling of carbon flux measurements based on the correlation of LAI to carbon flux.
Current epidemiology and accessibility to diet compliance in adult celiac disease.

BACKGROUND The widespread of serologic diagnosis for celiac disease has brought about an epidemiologic shift. Little up-to-date information is available on relevant epidemiologic issues regarding diagnosis, information, and therapy. OBJECTIVE To examine forms of presentation, diagnostic difficulties, follow-up, information sources, and treatment-related issues regarding celiac disease. METHOD A cross-sectional observational study using a self-completed questionnaire. RESULTS Seventy-three adult patients were included; 15.0% of cases were diagnosed over 60 years of age. Most were non-smokers (91.8%). The rate of first-degree relatives with celiac sprue was 10.9%. The disease had a classic presentation in only 54.7% of cases. A functional gastrointestinal disorder was initially suspected in 42.4% of patients. Diet adherence is adequate, with unintentional lack of compliance in 15.5% of patients. Diet results in absent or improved symptoms in virtually all patients, but most of them consider compliance a challenge. Forty percent had difficulty finding gluten-free food, and 50.8% had problems in labelling recognition. CONCLUSIONS Celiac disease presents at any age, has a great variety of manifestations, and responds very well to gluten-free diet. It is crucial that patients be highly motivated and informed, and that they know for certain which foods and manufactured products are to be to used. Therefore, adequate control will result from coordination and cooperation regarding all resources involved, including medical care, and information provided by associations and other sources such as the Web.
An Ounce of Prevention Saves Tons of Lives: Infection in Burns.

BACKGROUND Modern day burn care continues to wage an uphill battle against an enemy that evolves faster than we can develop weapons. Bacteria (bioburden) are everywhere and can infiltrate anywhere within our susceptible population of burn patients. This is why prevention of infection is key to improving their survival and outcome. PURPOSE To reduce the incidence of infection in the burn patient population. MATERIALS Review of pertinent recent literature regarding infection prevention and control in the intensive care unit setting. RESULTS We propose that bioburden is one of the central elements in the infectious cycle that is ever-present in burn units. The mechanism of bacterial entry into the unit and subsequent transmission and infection are delineated. Recommendations for mitigating this risk are provided to guide future clinicians in their care of burn patients. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of infection and sepsis against highly adaptable bacteria is often insurmountable by ill patients. In this process, bioburden needs to be corralled to have any success. Thus, preventing organisms from entering the unit and transferring onto other patients, and eliminating the bacteria dwelling in the unit are all necessary actions in this battle. Ultimately, maintaining a culture that is constantly wary of this risk only can achieve this goal.
Quantum simulator of an open quantum system using superconducting qubits: exciton transport in photosynthetic complexes

Open quantum system approaches are widely used in the description of physical, chemical and biological systems. A famous example is electronic excitation transfer in the initial stage of photosynthesis, where harvested energy is transferred with remarkably high efficiency to a reaction center. This transport is affected by the motion of a structured vibrational environment, which makes simulations on a classical computer very demanding. Here we propose an analog quantum simulator of complex open system dynamics with a precisely engineered quantum environment. Our setup is based on superconducting circuits, a well established technology. As an example, we demonstrate that it is feasible to simulate exciton transport in the Fenna–Matthews–Olson photosynthetic complex. Our approach allows for a controllable single-molecule simulation and the investigation of energy transfer pathways as well as non-Markovian noise-correlation effects.
A Theory of HR* Graph Conditions and their Application to Meta-Modeling

Graph transformation systems are an established visual modeling approach, using graphs to give an intuitive overview of a system. Structural system properties can be expressed by nested conditions (Habel, Pennemann 2009). However, nested conditions can not express non-local properties, like arbitrary-length paths, connectedness or circle-freeness. We propose HR* conditions, extending nested conditions with hyperedge replacement. The expressiveness of several variants HRs conditions is discussed. A method is presented to check the correctness of a specification consisting of a graph program with HR* pre- and postcondition, by utilizing basic transformations on the conditions. HR* conditions are used to generate instances of UML meta-models with OCL constraints. The type graph is transformed into a graph grammar. OCL constraints are transformed into HR* conditions, wich are then integrated into the graph grammar as application conditions to ensure the generation of valid instances.
Bacterial carbon content and the living and detrital bacterial contributions to suspended particulate organic carbon in the North Pacific Ocean

Carbon-normalized yields of amino acids in size-fractionated seawater samples and bacterial cultures were used in a novel application to estimate the carbon content of heterotrophic marine bacteria. The estimated carbon content (6.3 ± 1.6 fg C cell -1 ) of open ocean bacteria derived using this approach was lower than most values estimated in previous studies. Based on these values, living heterotrophic bacteria accounted for 6.8 ± 1.1 % of suspended particulate organic carbon (POC) in surface waters at Stn ALOHA in the North Pacific gyre. Living cyanobacteria accounted for 13.3 ± 2.2 % of suspended POC in surface waters. Carbon-normalized yields of muramic acid, D -alanine and D -glutamic acid, unique biomarkers of bacteria, were used to estimate that bacterial detritus accounted for 4.3 ± 2.9 % of suspended POC in surface waters. The relative contribution of bacterial detritus to suspended POC increased dramatically with increasing depth, indicating that some components of bacterial detritus are resistant to decomposition in the deep ocean. The total living and detrital bacterial contribution to suspended POC in surface waters was -25 %.
Finite-time synchronization of coupled switched impulsive neural networks

This article centers on the problem of the finite-time synchronization of coupled switched impulsive neural networks. Based on the method of Lyapunov functional, some criteria to ensure the finite-time synchronization of coupled switched neural networks with impulsive effects are derived. Numerical simulations are also given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Research and Preparation Method of Flexible Tactile Sensor Material

A kind of new material suitable for flexible tactile sensor and its preparation method will be introduced. The tactile sensor applied this new material and method can be used in many kinds of occasions which contacting pressure measurement such as humanoid robot sensitive skin, medicine and so on. This material is composite of carbon black and silicone rubber filled nano-SiO2 as the main raw material, with a view to obtain sensitive material of flexible tactile sensor with both flexibility and tactile function. In this chapter, based on the new flexible tactile sensor material, the effect that the material filled nano-SiO2 has made to electrical and mechanical performance of pressure sensitive conductive rubber is investigated so as to theoretically analyze the property of nano-SiO2 and the mechanism of modified by nano-SiO2. Meanwhile, through the experiments of doping nano-particles into the flexible tactile sensor sensitive materials, the effect of nanoSiO2 on the conductivity, resistance creep behavior and temperature stability of the sensitive materials were researched, as well as analyses are made on improving linearity, hysteresis and repeatability of tactile sensor. Moreover, the performance comparison produced by filled different content nano-SiO2 and unfilled nano-SiO2 into the new flexible tactile sensor material. Thereby, the optimum filled weight percent of nano-SiO2 was obtained. The results showed that nano-SiO2 has good modified role for flexible tactile sensor. The preparation method will be used liquid silicone rubber solution blending molding. At room temperature and under normal pressure, the pressure sensitive liquid silicone rubber solution is filled into the arbitrary tactile sensor structure model and cured into molding. This method is suitable for various structures of the tactile sensor array.