Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability of a Multisensor Armband in Estimating Energy Expenditure According to Degree of Obesity

Resting energy expenditure (REE) represents the amount of calories required by the body to maintain vital body functions. One of the most commonly used methods for estimating REE is indirect calorimetry. Recent studies on different populations have validated a highly innovative instrument, the SenseWear® Armband (SWA), which evaluates total energy expenditure and, when used in resting conditions, could also evaluate REE. The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement of the SWA in assessing REE in obese subjects and, see how this agreement varies with different obesity degree. 89 obese subjects (59 women and 30 men), with an age range from 35-65 years and body mass index (BMI) 34.5 4.5 kg/m 2 were studied. REE was measured by IC Sensor Medics Vmax (SM-29N) and by SWA. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) was determined by anthropometry and bio-impedance measurements. No statistical difference was found between REE measured by SWA (1693±276) and REE measured by SM-29N (1627±293). The two methods showed similar assessments (r=0.8, p 35 kg/m 2 ), the agreement decreases (r = 0.6 p <0.0001). FFM, measured using different methods, and REE measured using SWA and SM-29N are very closely correlated. The accuracy of the SWA is affected by BMI, in fact it appears to be good in obese subjects with a BMI range of 30 to 35, but this accuracy decreases with higher BMIs (BMI> 35).
Do beta-blockers reduce short-term mortality following acute myocardial infarction? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a major cause of death and beta-blockers are known to reduce long-term mortality in post-AMI patients. We sought to determine whether patients receiving beta-blockers acutely (within 72 h) following AMI had a lower mortality rate at 6 weeks than patients receiving placebo. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials that assessed 6-week mortality and compared beta-blockers with placebo in patients randomized within the first 72 hours following AMI. We searched these databases: MEDLINE (1966-2006), EMBASE (1980-2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Health Star (1966-2007), Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club (1991-2007), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effect (< 1st quarter 2007) and Conference Papers Index (1984-2007). Two blinded reviewers extracted the data and rated study quality using the Jadad score and the adequacy of allocation concealment score, which was adopted by the Cochrane group. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) using a random effect model and performed sensitivity analyses to explore the stability of the overall treatment effect. RESULTS We included 18 studies (13 were rated high-quality) with 74 643 enrolled participants and had 5095 deaths. Compared with placebo, adding beta-blockers to other interventions within 72 hours after AMI did not result in a statistically significant reduction in 6-week mortality (OR 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-1.01). When restricted to high quality studies, the OR for 6-week mortality reduction was 0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1.02). We found similar results including studies that enrolled patients within 24 hours after AMI. However, a subgroup analysis that excluded high-risk patients with Killip class III and above showed that beta-blockers resulted in a significant reduction in short-term mortality (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99). CONCLUSION Acute intervention with beta-blockers does not result in a statistically significant short-term survival benefit following AMI but may be beneficial for low-risk (Killip class I) patients.
On Groups and Rings Definable In O–Minimal Expansions of Real Closed Fields

Let 〈R,<,+, ·〉 be a real closed field and let M be an o-minimal expansion of R. We prove here several results regarding rings and groups which are definable in M. We show that every M-definable ring without zero divisors is definably isomorphic to R, R( √ −1) or the ring of quaternions over R. One corollary is that no model of Texp is interpretable in a model of Tan.
Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters for the management of hepatic hydrothorax

Purpose of review Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of end-stage liver disease that may have significant associated morbidity. Sodium restriction and diuretic therapy are the mainstays of treatment, though up to a quarter of patients will become refractory to this and will require a pleural drainage procedure. Thoracentesis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and chemical pleurodesis all have variable success rates and associated complications in the management of hepatic hydrothorax. Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters (ITPC) have been successfully used to manage recurrent symptomatic malignant pleural effusions, and there is growing interest regarding their use in the management of hepatic hydrothorax. Recent findings Evidence regarding the use of ITPC for nonmalignant pleural effusions has been limited to retrospective studies and small feasibility trials. A recent meta-analysis regarding the use of IPTC for nonmalignant pleural effusions demonstrated a rate of spontaneous pleurodesis of 51%, whereas a small, prospective study demonstrated spontaneous pleurodesis rates of 33% and an infection rate of 16.7% in 24 patients with ITPC placed for hepatic hydrothorax in patients suitable for liver transplant evaluation. Summary ITPC may be an acceptable treatment option for the management of hepatic hydrothorax which are refractory to conventional medical management. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of these catheters for the management of nonmalignant pleural effusions.
De nouvelles « super-lentilles » pour s’affranchir de la limite de la diffraction

Les ondes, quelle que soit leur nature, acoustique ou electromagnetique, sont soumises aux phenomenes de refraction et de diffraction lorsqu’elles se propagent. La diffraction, en particulier, impose une contrainte fondamentale a tout systeme d’imagerie : deux objets ne peuvent etre distingues que s’ils sont separes d’une distance superieure a la demi-longueur d’onde. Ce principe porte le nom de limite de la diffraction. Dans cet article nous rappellerons tout d’abord l’origine de cette limite, en introduisant notamment la notion d’onde evanescente. Puis nous discuterons la proposition de super-lentille faite par John Pendry en 2000, et nous montrerons en quoi elle se revele inefficace dans la pratique. Nous detaillerons alors diverses nouvelles approches de super-lentilles, plus a meme de vaincre la limite de la diffraction, en essayant d’en souligner les avantages et inconvenients.
Modeling synthetic aperture radar computation with Aspen

This case study presents an analytical performance model for the DARPA UHPC streaming sensor challenge problem developed using Aspen, a domain-specific language for performance modeling. The model focuses on the exploration of algorithmic tradeoffs, data structures and storage, and the impact of an important tiling factor in the image formation kernel of a synthetic aperture radar image-processing computation.
Type-Safe linking with recursive DLLs and shared libraries

Component-based programming is an increasingly prevalent theme in software development, motivating the need for expressive and safe module interconnection languages. Dynamic linking is an important requirement for module interconnection languages, as exemplified by dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and class loaders in operating systems and Java, respectively. A semantics is given for a type-safe module interconnection language that supports shared libraries and dynamic linking, as well as circular import dependencies (recursive modules). The core language requirements of the module interconnection language are compatible with programming languages such as Java and C#.
Many actions of cyclooxygenase‐2 in cellular dynamics and in cancer

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that catalyzes the rate‐limiting step in prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid. Various prostaglandins are produced in a cell type‐specific manner, and they elicit cellular functions via signaling through G‐protein coupled membrane receptors, and in some cases, through the nuclear receptor PPAR. COX‐2 utilization of arachidonic acid also perturbs the level of intracellular free arachidonic acid and subsequently affects cellular functions. In a number of cell and animal models, induction of COX‐2 has been shown to promote cell growth, inhibit apoptosis and enhance cell motility and adhesion. The mechanisms behind these multiple actions of COX‐2 are largely unknown. Compelling evidence from genetic and clinical studies indicates that COX‐2 upregulation is a key step in carcinogenesis. Overexpression of COX‐2 is sufficient to cause tumorigenesis in animal models and inhibition of the COX‐2 pathway results in reduction in tumor incidence and progression. Therefore, the potential for application of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs as well as the recently developed COX‐2 specific inhibitors in cancer clinical practice has drawn tremendous attention in the past few years. Inhibition of COX‐2 promises to be an effective approach in the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 190: 279–286, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bacillary angiomatosis and bacillary peliosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Drs. Koehler and Tappero have extensively reviewed the problem of rochalimaea infection in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Species of this genus cause trench fever and cat-scratch disease and are now also identified as the etiologic agents of cutaneous, visceral, osseous, and bacteremic disease in HIV-1-infected individuals. The major consideration in the differential diagnosis for HIV-1-infected persons is Kaposi's sarcoma. These authors provide a useful approach to diagnosis and antibiotic management of this relatively uncommon infectious complication of immunosuppression. It is important to recognize this infection, as it appears to respond to prolonged (possibly lifelong) antibiotic therapy
Intervention Educational intervention for older people with asthma : A randomised controlled trial

Objectives: To improve the asthma control and adherence to asthma preventer medication of older people using the Patient Asthma Concerns Tool (PACT) to identify and address unmet needs and patient concerns. Methods: Community dwelling adults over 55 years, living in Victoria or New South Wales were recruited into a single-blind, parallel design, randomised-controlled trial comparing person-centred education including device technique, versus written information-only education. Fifty-eight participants randomised to the intervention group and 56 to the control completed participation. Outcome measures: asthma control, adherence to preventer medication, asthma related quality of life, asthma exacerbations and written action plan ownership were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 12 months post intervention. Results: Intervention participants experienced improvements in asthma control, adherence to asthma preventer medication, reduced exacerbations, improved quality of life and an increase in asthma action plan ownership at 3 and 12 months. Conclusion: Asthma outcomes in older people can be significantly improved by delivering tailored education that identifies specific patient concerns and unmet needs. Practical implications: Use of the PACT to identify patient concerns and unmet needs will assist health professionals to improve the health literacy of patients by addressing gaps in their knowledge and perceptions of asthma control. 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Phototoxicity of azaarene isomers to the marine flagellate Dunaliella tertiolecta

Many studies have shown that narcosis or baseline toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is strongly related to their lipophilicity. For azaarenes, such relationships have also been demonstrated, but for some compounds, deviations from these relationships have been observed, even for closely related compounds such as isomers. In the present study, the toxicity of four azaarene isomer pairs to the marine flagellate Dunaliella tertiolecta was determined. For quinoline, isoquinoline, acridine, phenanthridine, benz[a]acridine, and benz[c]acridine, the 72‐h median effective concentrations for growth were 571, 464, 2.10, 14.7, 0.50, and 0.11 μM, respectively. For the five‐ringed isomers dibenz[a,i]acridine and dibenz[c,h]acridine, no effects were observed at the highest concentration tested (0.1 and 0.005 μM, respectively). Growth inhibition by the two‐, three‐, and fourringed isomer pairs to D. tertiolecta was well described by molecular volume and log Kow, indicating a narcotic mode of action. However, the toxicity of acridine and benz[c]acridine was much higher than that of their respective isomers, phenanthridine and benz[a]acridine, suggesting an additional specific mode of action. Based on the differences in energies between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, acridine and benz[c]acridine are susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in contrast to the other tested compounds. Because UV was present, it is therefore argued that the toxicity of both compounds was photoenhanced. Photoenhanced toxicity may increase the environmental hazard of azaarenes, indicating the importance of enlarging the present monitoring of PAHs with phototoxic N‐heterocyclic PAHs and incorporating this mode of action in water‐quality criteria.
Financial Barriers to Implementing Combination Vaccines: Perspectives From Pediatricians and Policy Makers

To describe the factors that affect the use of new combination vaccines, the authors conducted qualitative interviews with pediatricians (n = 7), state immunization program managers (n = 7), and health insurance plan representatives (n = 6 plans). Respondents from each group identified reduction in pain and potentially increased immunization coverage as key benefits of new combination vaccines. For several pediatricians, low reimbursement for cost of vaccine doses and potential loss of fees for vaccine administration were barriers to using combination vaccines. For most state immunization programs, the higher cost of combination vaccines relative to separate vaccines was an important consideration but not a barrier to adoption. Most insurers were not aware of the financial issues for providers, but some had changed or were willing to change reimbursement to support the use of new combination vaccines. Financial issues for pediatric practices that purchase and provide vaccines for children may be an important barrier to offering combination vaccines.
An S/X-band CMOS power amplifier using a transformer-based reconfigurable output matching network

A dual-band power amplifier (PA) with an integrated reconfigurable transformer is presented. The PA operating in the S/X-band is fully integrated using a 0.18-µm RF CMOS process. The switchable transformer is designed by tuning its primary winding and a shunt capacitor at 50Ω load with passive efficiency more than 62%/67% for S/X-band. The measurement results show saturated output power (PSAT) of 24.3/21.2 dBm with peak drain efficiency (DE) of 34.8%/12.2% at 3.1/8.0 GHz, respectively. The 1-dB bandwidth is 0.7/1.25 GHz (2.8–3.5/7.5–8.75 GHz) for the S/X-band. This amplifier with the proposed transformer is suitable for use in an integrated dual-band high-resolution radar transceiver.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus on Hospital Surfaces

Abstract Background. Health care workers continued to contract severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), even after barrier precautions were widely implemented. Methods. We explored the possible contribution of contaminated hospital surfaces to SARS transmission by swabbing surfaces in 2 hospitals and testing the swab samples by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral culture. Results. Twenty-six of 94 swab samples tested positive for viral RNA. Swab samples of respiratory secretions from each of the 4 patients examined tested positive by RT-PCR, as were 12 of 43 swabs from patient rooms and 10 of 47 swabs from other parts of the hospital, including the computer mouses at 2 nursing stations and the handrail of the public elevator. Specimens from areas with patients with SARS in the most infectious phase of illness (days 5–15 after onset) were more likely to be RNA positive than were swab specimens from elsewhere (24 of 63 samples vs. 2 of 31 samples; P = .001). All cultures showed no growth. Conclusions. Although the viruses identified may have been noninfectious, health care workers should be aware that SARS coronavirus can contaminate environmental surfaces in the hospital, and fomites should be considered to be a possible mode of transmission of SARS.
Stress Sensors and Signal Transducers in Cyanobacteria

In living cells, the perception of environmental stress and the subsequent transduction of stress signals are primary events in the acclimation to changes in the environment. Some molecular sensors and transducers of environmental stress cannot be identified by traditional and conventional methods. Based on genomic information, a systematic approach has been applied to the solution of this problem in cyanobacteria, involving mutagenesis of potential sensors and signal transducers in combination with DNA microarray analyses for the genome-wide expression of genes. Forty-five genes for the histidine kinases (Hiks), 12 genes for serine-threonine protein kinases (Spks), 42 genes for response regulators (Rres), seven genes for RNA polymerase sigma factors, and nearly 70 genes for transcription factors have been successfully inactivated by targeted mutagenesis in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Screening of mutant libraries by genome-wide DNA microarray analysis under various stress and non-stress conditions has allowed identification of proteins that perceive and transduce signals of environmental stress. Here we summarize recent progress in the identification of sensory and regulatory systems, including Hiks, Rres, Spks, sigma factors, transcription factors, and the role of genomic DNA supercoiling in the regulation of the responses of cyanobacterial cells to various types of stress.
Lewis Acid Properties of Tetrel Tetrafluorides—The Coincidence of the σ-Hole Concept with the QTAIM Approach

Tetrel bond is analysed for a series of ZF4 (Z = C, Si, Ge) complexes with one and two NH3 or AsH3 ligands. The MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations were performed and supported by results of the Quantum Theory of “Atoms in Molecules” (QTAIM) and the Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) approaches. The Z-tetrel atoms of complexes analysed interact through their σ-holes with nitrogen or arsenic Lewis base centres; these interactions correspond to the Z…N/As bond paths according to the QTAIM approach. The QTAIM and NBO results show that these interactions are relatively strong and they possess numerous characteristics of covalent bonds. The theoretical analysis is supported by the discussion on crystal structures which are characterized by the same type interactions.
Statistical Modeling for Perception of Images in Stereoscopic Displays

Most of the training processes in the stereoscopic displays are performed within the virtual reality environment. Perception analysis of virtual space and operator interaction with the objects being in this space plays a special role when designing and realizing virtual reality systems. The analysis of human factors with further synthesis of the required characteristics will allow providing an optimal way in efficient application of technical capabilities of the complex of virtual reality operational systems and individual operator’s peculiarities. In this paper, four main factors were studied to investigate their influence on the degree of efficiency of transfer and perception of information. The four main factors are: resolution, image form, operator’s interaction, and control method. A fractional factorial design was utilized to build the experiment. The data was analyzed, and a statistical model explaining the effect(s) of different parameters as well as their interaction, was obtained. It was clear that the 3-D image with high resolution would increase the efficiency of information perception.
Sensory integration in the hydrodynamic world of rainbow trout

Water movements, of both abiotic and biotic origin, provide a wealth of information for fishes. They detect these water movements by arrays of hydrodynamic sensors located on the surface of the body as superficial neuromasts and embedded in subdermal lateral line canals. Recently, the anatomical dichotomy between superficial and canal neuromasts has been matched by demonstrations of a corresponding functional dichotomy. Superficial neuromasts are sensitive to water flows over the surface of the fish and are the sub-modality that participates in orientation to water currents, a behaviour known as rheotaxis. The canal neuromasts are sensitive to water vibration and it is this sub-modality that determines the localization of artificial prey. Recently, however, it has been shown that the complex behaviour of natural prey capture in the dark requires input from both lateral line sensory submodalities and here we show that the ability of trout to hold station behind a stationary object in fast flowing water also requires integration of information from both sub-modalities.
Inventory of interpersonal problems: psychometric properties and clinical applications.

Un nouvel instrument mesurant la detresse provenant des situations interpersonnelles, le «inventory of Interpersonal Problems» (IIP), est decrit dans ses proprietes psychometriques et dans ses applications cliniques, en particulier dans l'evaluation des effets de la psychotherapie
Mesenteric adipose tissue alterations resulting from experimental reactivated colitis

Background: Adipose tissue secretes a large number of hormones that act either locally or at distant sites, modulating immune responses, inflammation, and many endocrine and metabolic functions. Abnormalities of fat in the mesentery have been long recognized in surgical specimens as characteristic features of Crohn's disease; however, the importance of this in chronic inflammatory disease is unknown. Additionally, adipocytes in depots that enclose lymph nodes or other dense masses of lymphoid tissue have many site‐specific physiological properties. Methods: In this study, the alterations of mesenteric and perinodal mesenteric adipose tissue during experimental colitis, induced by repeated intracolonic trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid instillations, were evaluated, focusing on morphological and activity alterations and the adipocytokine production profile. Results: After a 35‐day protocol, the colitis animals presented greater mesenteric fat masses despite their lower body weights. Another adipose tissue depot, epididymal adipose tissue, was also evaluated and no change in mass was observed. The mesenteric adipocyte from colitis animals had a reduced diameter, normal PPAR‐&ggr;‐2 expression, and higher basal lipolysis and TNF‐&agr; production when compared to normal rats. Perinodal mesenteric adipocytes present normal diameters, downregulated levels of PPAR‐&ggr;‐2, higher basal lipolysis and TNF‐&agr;, and leptin and adiponectin production. Conclusions: The findings suggest that mesenteric adipose tissue has a site‐specific response during experimental inflammation, where perinodal adipose tissue retains the ability to produce different adipocytokines. These substances may interfere in many lymph node aspects, while mesenteric adipose tissue produces substances that could contribute directly to aggravate the inflammatory process.