Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carotid recanalization in nonacute internal carotid artery occlusion: a therapeutic option for ischemic stroke.

Ipsilateral chronic carotid occlusion (CCO) can be found in up to 15% of patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes. 1,2 Cervical occlusion is a morbid diagnosis with a high risk (6%-20%) of recurrent strokes and ipsilateral strokes (2%-9.5%). 3-5 The subgroup of patients with severe hemodynamic compromise with CCO is at a higher risk for such events. 6 The effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the extracranial carotid artery is improving as a result of the development of autoexpandable prostheses and new systems of cerebral protection. 7 Currently, this technique constitutes a true alternative to carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of a severe degree of carotid stenosis with a minimum risk of cerebral embolization. 8-10 We attempted endovascular recanalization in select patients with CCO and retrograde ophthalmic artery flow. 11 We present an early report on the safety and efficacy of endovascular recanalization in symptomatic CCO. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular recanalization in CCO with severe hemodynamic compromise. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients with symptomatic CCO. We identified 39 patients with CCO who were admitted to our institution after suffering an ischemic event, stroke, or TIA. Neurological evaluation included preprocedural and postprocedural clinical examination and neuropsychological tests. 12 In addition to routine neurological examinations, we focused on cognitive function. We used the Rankin Scale to measures disability scores, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to detect focal disorder, and the Barthel Scale to evaluate functional incapacity. Minor stroke was defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ,3 with complete resolution or no significant disability at 30 days. Major stroke was defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of $ 3 with significant disability at 30 days. Neuropsychological tests included global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination of Folstein,
A comparison of the effects of dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination versus latanoprost on intraocular pressure and pulsatile ocular blood flow in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (D/T) compared to latanoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS Thirty patients with POAG were randomized in an open-label, cross-over study. Intraocular pressure reduction was achieved by 4 weeks medical therapy with D/T twice daily or latanoprost 0.005% dosed once in the evening. During a 4-week run-in and a 4-week wash-out period between study arms, patients ceased use of all other glaucoma medications and used timolol maleate 0.5% twice daily. Primary efficacy variables were IOP and POBF. RESULTS There was no difference in baseline IOP and POBF parameters between the two study arms. Both D/T and latanoprost statistically significantly reduced IOP by 4.6 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and 3.75 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and increased POBF by 2.048 microl/second (p = 0.0030) and 2.147 microl/second (p = 0.0009), respectively. Repeated measures anova detected significant changes in POBF with treatment (p = 0.0361). Dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination statistically significantly increased pulse volume by 0.767 microl (p = 0.0087), while latanoprost therapy had no significant effect (p = 0.2407). CONCLUSIONS Both drugs had similar effects in terms of IOP reduction. Dorzolamide/timolol significantly increased pulse volume while latanoprost had no effect. Further studies are necessary to establish whether the enhancement of choroidal blood flow can prevent glaucoma progression.
Layer-by-layer films of graphene and ionic liquids for highly selective gas sensing.

The best of both worlds: Graphene/ionic liquid (G–IL) layered films were obtained by direct reduction of graphene oxide in the presence of ionic liquids, followed by reassembly through electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) adsorption (see picture). The layer spacing of the graphene sheets is regularly expanded upon insertion of ionic liquid molecules (green discs). Selective sensing of aromatic compounds (red spheres) by using the G–IL LbL films was also achieved.
Interleukin‐15 up‐regulates interleukin‐2 receptor α chain but down‐regulates its own high‐affinity binding sites on human T and B cells

The cytokines interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐15 share many biological activities as a consequence of their utilization of the β and γ chains of the IL‐2 receptor. However, each cytokine binds to a specific receptor α chain; IL‐2 with low affinity and IL‐15 with high affinity. Here, we demonstrate that IL‐15, like IL‐2, up‐regulates expression of IL‐2Rα on human T and B cells, but rapidly down‐regulates IL‐15 high‐affinity binding sites, which represent IL‐15Rα. This leads to a decreased responsiveness to IL‐15 as measured by induction of Jak3 tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest a mechanism by which IL‐15, a product of activated macrophages, may cooperate with IL‐2 at the initiation of an immune response and enhance subsequent IL‐2 responsiveness during T cell expansion.
Scheduling Multi-Class Real-Time Transactions : A Performance Evaluation

than traditional real-time scheduling in the sense that certain aspects of transactions may not integrate well with real-time scheduling. This paper introduces a dynamic admission control and parametrable priority based scheduling algorithm called H/M/L. It is based on the transaction importance, an attribute given by the programmer. We consider a multi-class transaction workload consisting of high, medium, and low importance classes. The H/M/L algorithm makes the transactions with higher importance to be executed first even in overload situations. Simulation results confirm the H/M/L behaviour compared to EDF, an optimal scheduling algorithm. I. RESEARCH CONTEXT ASED on definitions from [1]–[10], we place real-time transactions into three categories: transactions with hard, firm and soft deadlines. A hard deadline transaction has hard timing constraints that must absolutely be met. Firm deadline transactions should also be met but may be missed occasionally, e.g. during transient overloads. A firm transaction that misses its deadline adds no value to the system. Thus, it is discarded as soon as its deadline is missed. A soft transaction is not interrupted once its deadline missed because some systems tolerate imprecise results and less quality of service. Real-time database transactions are usually in either firm deadline or soft deadline class. In this paper, we restrict our attention on real-time database systems that execute firm deadline transactions. Applications include e-commerce applications, stock trading and internet bids. Real-time database systems received a lot of attention the last fifteen years. Many efforts have been made in the design of suitable concurrency and commitment protocols. However, there are few works on transaction scheduling. Indeed, often DBMS do not apply explicit scheduling algorithms. Our transaction model is multi-class, each class representing a different transaction importance. The importance attribute is given by the application developer to indicate how critical to the system is that the transaction meets its deadline. We adopt three levels of importance: high, medium and low. A high importance means that the transaction is critical and should be executed even if other transactions of less importance are discarded. A medium importance means that the transaction should satisfy its deadline. A low importance is the default importance and signifies that a deadline miss for this transaction is tolerated. In this paper we introduce a parametrable algorithm for the scheduling of real-time transactions called H/M/L and present some experiments of H/M/L and EDF, the most famous scheduling algorithm [8]. The related work in real-time transaction …
The new galaxy evolution paradigm revealed by the Herschel surveys

The Herschel Space Observatory has revealed a very different galaxyscape from that shown by optical surveys which presents a challenge for galaxy-evolution models. The Herschel surveys reveal (1) that there was rapid galaxy evolution in the very recent past and (2) that galaxies lie on a single Galaxy Sequence (GS) rather than a star-forming ‘main sequence’ and a separate region of ‘passive’ or ‘red-and-dead’ galaxies. The form of the GS is now clearer because far-infrared surveys such as the Herschel ATLAS pick up a population of optically red starforming galaxies that would have been classified as passive using most optical criteria. The space-density of this population is at least as high as the traditional star-forming population. By stacking spectra of H-ATLAS galaxies over the redshift range 0.001 < z < 0.4, we show that the galaxies responsible for the rapid low-redshift evolution have high stellar masses, high star-formation rates but, even several billion years in the past, old stellar populations – they are thus likely to be relatively recent ancestors of early-type galaxies in the Universe today. The form of the GS is inconsistent with rapid quenching models and neither the analytic bathtub model nor the hydrodynamical EAGLE simulation can reproduce the rapid cosmic evolution. We propose a new gentler model of galaxy evolution that can explain the new Herschel results and other key properties of the galaxy population.
Elliptic function filters designed in LTCC

A 35GHz elliptic function four poles bandpass filter that is compatible with multi-layer substrate integrated wave-guide (MSIW) technique based on low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) is presented. The filter consists of four MSIW cavities in a multi-layer design, with evanescent-mode coupling between adjacent cavities and a cross coupling between the first and last cavities, and are fed by micro-strip lines through slot apertures. The simulated filter response has a bandwidth of 1.6% centered at 35 GHz with an insertion loss of 1dB, and two poles at 34.39 GHz and 35.73 GHz, respectively.
Design of a prototype ANSI/SPARC three-schema data base system*

This paper has three objectives. First, it describes briefly how an ANSI/SPARC three-schema data base system prototype could be constructed, using wherever possible available data models, system software, and research results. Second, it lists data models selected for each of the three levels; it also explains these selections. We find no existing proposal for an external schema facility to be adequate; therefore, our third objective is to develop specifications for the external level. A user interface based upon simple hierarchical user records is proposed, the necessary theory is described and a mapping language for the definition of external schemata is proposed.
A comparison between dead-beat and predictive control for a 7-level back-to-back Cascaded H-Bridge under fault conditions

Nowadays the interest in active networks is significant as a result of to the larger penetration of renewable energy sources connected to the grid. In this scenario, multilevel power converters and, in particular, Cascaded H-Bridge converters allow the required flexibility and reliability to be considered as a building block for active nodes for the future electrical grid. The control of the power converters is a key factor to obtain the desired performance in terms of grid current THD and reliability under fault conditions. In this paper two promising model based control techniques, respectively Dead-Beat and Predictive control, are compared under non-ideal conditions in order to evaluate control performance.
Future Directions in Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Future therapy options for multiple myeloma may be directed at asymptomatic disease, as only symptomatic myeloma is treated currently. Additional genetic information from gene array analysis will mean that the identification of cases with poor prognosis will become more sophisticated. New markers are being discovered constantly, and these continuously change the picture regarding prognostic factors. More intensive treatment options increase the depth of remissions, thereby improving outcomes. In pilot studies, cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone (CTD) was a highly effective, well-tolerated regimen for patients refractory to initial therapy with VAD or with relapsed disease. It is being further evaluated as induction therapy in the current MRC Myeloma IX trial. Also under investigation is a small molecule derivative of thalidomide, CC-4047 (Actimid). It has between 1,000 and 10,000 times more potent antitumour necrosis factor alpha activity, with an additional immunomodulatory effect. It has been shown to be between 50 and 2,000 times more potent in the stimulation of T-cell proliferation and 50–100 times more potent in augmenting interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production. With many possible approaches to study and work through, future strategies will revolve around exploration of the effectiveness of combinations that incorporate new agents in various disease and treatment settings. The use of genetic profiles to further delineate groups for different treatment approaches should enable the introduction of patient-specific treatment programmes in the future.
Advances in treatment of complex regional pain syndrome: recent insights on a perplexing disease

Purpose of review The paper is a critical appraisal of recent advances in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. Rapidly changing concepts related to the pathophysiology of this disease has transformed its current management and necessitates an updated review of the literature. Recent findings Chronic regional pain syndrome is a perplexing disease that continues to challenge researchers with respect to its cause and treatment. Recent modification to diagnostic criteria has enabled clinicians to diagnose this disease in a more consistent fashion. Emerging data indicate a possible role of inflammation in the overall pathophysiology and have led to treatment trials with newer anti-inflammatory medications. Certain ‘conventional’ interventional techniques have been recently scrutinized. A few novel therapeutic options like graded imagery are also outlined. Summary Enhanced insight into the pathophysiology of chronic regional pain syndrome has modified current clinical practice and the focus of research. Certain ‘standard’ therapeutic options for chronic regional pain syndrome have failed the test of time while others have prevailed. New options have recently been evaluated and have shown promising early results. Knowledge of recent advances in chronic regional pain syndrome will help pain physicians provide optimal care to these patients.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation differentially regulates platelet‐derived growth factor's actions in hepatic stellate cells, and is induced by In Vivo liver injury in the rat

Upon liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) show increased proliferation, motility, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) control different functions in a cell‐specific manner. In this study, we evaluated the role of ERK activation in cultured HSC stimulated with platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and after induction of liver injuryin vivo. HSC were isolated from normal human liver tissue, cultured on plastic, and used in their myofibroblast‐like phenotype. Inin vivoexperiments, HSC were isolated from normal rats or at different time points after a single intragastric administration of CCl4 . Nontoxic concentrations of PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK activation, reduced PDGF‐induced activation of ERK in a dose‐dependent fashion. Suppression of ERK activation was associated with complete inhibition of HSC proliferation and with a 57% reduction in chemotaxis. In the presence of the ERK inhibitor, binding of the AP‐1 complex and of STAT1 to the related regulatory elements was inhibited. The inhibition of the DNA binding activity of STAT1 was mediated by a reduction in PDGF‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Expression ofc‐fosin response to PDGF was also reduced, but not suppressed, by treatment with PD98059. In HSC isolated from CCl4 ‐treated rats, ERK activity increased as early as 6 hours following liver damage, and declined thereafter. The results of this study indicate that ERK activation regulates proliferation and chemotaxis of HSC, and modulates nuclear signaling. Acute liver damage in vivoleads to activation of ERK in HSC.
Isolated hepatic sarcoidosis Izolovana sarkoidoza jetre

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Although hepatic granulomas occur in 50–65% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis, isolated liver sarcoidosis is rare. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to manifest. The diagnosis is based on a characteristic histopathological finding of liver biopsy. Case report. We reported a 69-year old man was admitted due to abdominal swelling and abdominal pain. Laboratory studies detected: cholestasis, pancytopenia and elevaton of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Abdominal imaging techniques showed liver cirrhosis, splenomegaly and ascites. The diagnosis of the hepatic sarcoidosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of liver biopsy. The patient was treated with corticosteroids. After 18 months the patient was without any subjective symptoms, and with biochemical and clinical improvement. Conclusion. Isolated hepatic sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic or simptomatic patients with hepatosplenomegaly and changes in liver functional tests. Only the timely diagnosis and proper treatment can lead to subjective and objective improvement of patients.
Amiodarone in restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation after unsuccessful direct‐current cardioversion

Background: When direct‐current (DC) cardioversion is used, sinus rhythm can be restored, at least temporarily, in 80–90% of patients with atrial fibrillation. However, there is a small but significant group of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation in whom DC cardioversion has failed to restore sinus rhythm. The value of antiarrhythmic drug pretreatment before DC cardioversion is still controversial.
Research on the average effect of information diffusion in the venture capital network

Venture capital for the leading role of the economy has become increasingly evident. However, a single venture capital have relatively little information available, can not fully meet the demand for investment, Therefore need to join other venture capitals to conduct a joint investment, Pairs of joint investment relations constitute an invisible network. This paper, we with the results of information diffusion in the venture capital network as research object. The end result of information diffusion is the amount of information every venture capital grasp equal by the way of establishment mathematical model.
Quantifying herbivory across a coral reef depth gradient

Despite the widely accepted importance of herbivory as a determinant of reef benthic community structure, few studies have examined the relative contributions of individual species to ecosystem processes at the whole reef scale. This study quantifies the grazing impact of individual species of roving herbivorous fishes across an inner shelf fringing reef at Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Estimates of roving herbivore impact based on dawn to dusk observations of feeding rates, measurement of bite sizes and relative abundance revealed that the Orpheus Island system was dominated by 3 species: Scarus rivulatus, Chlorurus microrhinos and Siganus doliatus. The estimated impact of all 3 species varied significantly across the reef depth gradient, with the rate of disturbance peaking at the crest and decreasing significantly down the slope and across the reef flat. The estimated species-specific disturbance levels suggested that during the course of a single month 104% of a square metre area of the reef crest is grazed by S. rivulatus while 40% is subject to grazing by C. microrhinos. A total of 26 cm3 of algal material is removed from the same area by S. doliatus. Overall, there was a 240-fold decrease in grazing activity across the reef flat from that at the crest. The pattern of grazing impact of the numerically dominant siganid and scarid fishes was negatively correlated with the distribution of macroalgae across the same reef gradient. The results of the current study provide support for the hypothesis that algal community structure is shaped by levels of herbivory.
A Study on Barreling Behavior during Upsetting Process using Artificial Neural Networks with Levenberg Algorithm

In this paper back-propagation artificial neural network (BPANN )with Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is employed to predict the deformation of the upsetting process. To prepare a training set for BPANN, some finite element simulations were carried out. The input data for the artificial neural network are a set of parameters generated randomly (aspect ratio d/h, material properties, temperature and coefficient of friction). The output data are the coefficient of polynomial that fitted on barreling curves. Neural network was trained using barreling curves generated by finite element simulations of the upsetting and the corresponding material parameters. This technique was tested for three different specimens and can be successfully employed to predict the deformation of the upsetting process Keywords—Back-propagation artificial neural network (BPANN), prediction, upsetting
Using literature to create cultural competence.

PURPOSE To describe how literature can be used to promote cultural competence. Cultural competence is essential for nurses who practice in diverse societies like the United States. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK Cultural competence is viewed as a dynamic process of framing assumptions, knowledge, and meanings from a culture other than one's own. Selected excerpts from "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker are used to illustrate the method. Isler's readers' response theory serves as a guide for imaginative engagement and reflective discussion of the concept of health. CONCLUSIONS Literature helps to dispel the false notion of a monolithic culture. Reflecting on reputable literature helps us hear the stories of those we hope to help and heal.
Probabilistic Analysis of a Generalized Perturb and Observe Algorithm Featuring Robust Operation in the Presence of Power Curve Traps

Local maxima in the measured power curve of a photovoltaic (PV) panel, called traps, are caused by switching transients and other deterministic phenomena in PV power converters. Traps exist even in the absence of shading, and degrade the performance of perturb and observe (PO) maximum power point trackers. A generalized PO (GPO) algorithm is proposed which eliminates this degradation. PO/GPO algorithms in the presence of random noise are shown to be modeled by multidimensional Markov chains. These models quantify the tendency for PO at low random noise levels to become stuck in traps following insolation changes, thereby decreasing tracking performance and reducing harvested power. By contrast, GPO tracks insolation changes unhindered by traps. All theoretical results are experimentally verified using a hardware PV converter.