Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variance and Convergence Analysis of Monte Carlo Line and Segment Sampling

Recently researchers have started employing Monte Carlo‐like line sample estimators in rendering, demonstrating dramatic reductions in variance (visible noise) for effects such as soft shadows, defocus blur, and participating media. Unfortunately, there is currently no formal theoretical framework to predict and analyze Monte Carlo variance using line and segment samples which have inherently anisotropic Fourier power spectra. In this work, we propose a theoretical formulation for lines and finite‐length segment samples in the frequency domain that allows analyzing their anisotropic power spectra using previous isotropic variance and convergence tools. Our analysis shows that judiciously oriented line samples not only reduce the dimensionality but also pre‐filter C0 discontinuities, resulting in further improvement in variance and convergence rates. Our theoretical insights also explain how finite‐length segment samples impact variance and convergence rates only by pre‐filtering discontinuities. We further extend our analysis to consider (uncorrelated) multi‐directional line (segment) sampling, showing that such schemes can increase variance compared to unidirectional sampling. We validate our theoretical results with a set of experiments including direct lighting, ambient occlusion, and volumetric caustics using points, lines, and segment samples.
microRNA-34a and microRNA 199a-5p in COPD and their control of HIF-1α expression in pulmonary vasucular endothelial cells

Rationale: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncording RNAs that silence target gene expression post-transcriptionally, and their impact on gene expression has been reported in various diseases. In the lungs from COPD patients, increased expression of tumor suppressor p53 and decreased expression of HIF-1α have been reported. However, the regulatory roles of these miRNAs in COPD lungs have not been evaluated. Objective: To assess the expression of miRNAs known to be associated with p53 and HIF-1α expression in lung tissues from patients with COPD/emphysema. Methods: Lung tissue samples from 55 patients were included in this study. Total RNA and miRNA extracted from lung tissues were used for RT-PCR analysis focused on miR-20b, miR-34a, miR-107, miR-199a-5p and miR-210. HIF-1α and p53 protein expression, AKT phosphorylation was measured by Western blot analysis. Gene silencing of HIF-1α and transfection of miR34a and miR-199a-5p precursor RNAs were performed in cultured human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVEC). Measurements and main results: miR-34a and miR-199a-5p expression was increased and the phosphorylation of AKT was decreased in COPD lungs. Transfection of the miR34a precursor decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, and transfection of the miR-199a-5p precursor decreased HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression in HPMVEC. Conclusions: These data indicate that miR-34a and miR-199a-5p contribute to the pathogenesis of emphysema, via decreasing the expression of HIF-1α and increasing the expression of p53 in the lung and thereby affecting the HIF-1a/VEGF-dependent lung structure maintenance program.
Risk factors for traumatic injury findings on thoracic computed tomography among patients with blunt trauma having a normal chest radiograph.

HYPOTHESIS We sought to identify risk factors that might predict acute traumatic injury findings on thoracic computed tomography (TCT) among patients having a normal initial chest radiograph (CR). DESIGN In this retrospective analysis, Abbreviated Injury Score cutoffs were chosen to correspond with obvious physical examination findings. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors predicting acute traumatic injury findings. SETTING Urban level I trauma center. PATIENTS All patients with blunt trauma having both CR and TCT between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2007. Patients with abnormalities on their CR were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Finding of any acute traumatic abnormality on TCT, despite a normal CR. RESULTS A total of 2435 patients with blunt trauma were identified; 1744 (71.6%) had a normal initial CR, and 394 (22.6%) of these had acute traumatic findings on TCT. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that an abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score of 3 or higher (P = .001; odds ratio, 2.6), a pelvic or extremity Abbreviated Injury Score of 2 or higher (P < .001; odds ratio, 2.0), age older than 30 years (P = .004; odds ratio, 1.4), and male sex (P = .04; odds ratio, 1.3) were significantly associated with traumatic findings on TCT. No aortic injuries were diagnosed in patients with a normal CR. Limiting TCT to patients with 1 or more risk factors predicting acute traumatic injury findings would have resulted in reduced radiation exposure and in a cost savings of almost $250,000 over the 2-year period. Limiting TCT to this degree would not have missed any clinically significant vertebral fractures or vascular injuries. CONCLUSION Among patients with a normal screening CR, reserving TCT for older male patients with abdominal or extremity blunt trauma seems safe and cost-effective.
Maneuvers to decrease laparoscopy-induced shoulder and upper abdominal pain: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) and intraperitoneal normal saline infusion (INSI) in removing postlaparoscopic carbon dioxide from the abdominal cavity to decrease laparoscopy-induced abdominal or shoulder pain after surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, from August 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. One hundred fifty-eight women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic lesions were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the PRM group (n = 53), the INSI group (n = 54), and the control group (n = 51). INTERVENTIONS Postoperative maneuvers included PRM and INSI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Evaluation of pain, including abdominal pain and shoulder pain, was performed at 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS The frequency of postoperative shoulder pain at 24 and 48 hours was significantly decreased in the INSI group compared with that of either the PRM or control group (40.7% and 24.1% in the INSI group vs 66.0% and 50.9% in the PRM group [P = .009 and .004, respectively] or vs 72.5% and 54.9% in the control group [both P < .001]). Both methods significantly reduced the frequency of upper abdominal pain compared with the control condition (73.6% in the PRM group at 24 hours [P = .03] or 72.2% at 24 hours [P .02] and 44.4% at 48 hours [P = .01] in the INSI group vs 90.2% at 24 hours and 68.6% at 48 hours in the control group). CONCLUSIONS Both PRM and INSI could effectively reduce pain after laparoscopic surgery, but INSI might be better for both upper abdominal and shoulder pain.
Trends in central line-associated bloodstream infections in a trauma-surgical intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE To report the impact of hospital-wide interventions on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in a 24-bed trauma-surgical intensive care unit. DESIGN Data were gathered retrospectively from January 1, 2001, through June 30, 2009. Interventions to reduce CLABSI rates during this period included standardization of line insertion and maintenance processes, development of a mandatory education program incorporating practical line insertion simulation sessions, frequent audits, and intensive care unit staffing modifications. We used the χ(2) test and analysis of variance to analyze the data where appropriate. SETTING Urban tertiary referral center providing level I trauma services. PATIENTS Eight thousand four hundred eighty-one trauma-surgical intensive care unit admissions, of which 76% were owing to trauma. RESULTS During this period, the incidence of CLABSI declined from 6.1 to 0.3 per 1000 line-days. No CLABSIs occurred for 8 of the last 10 quarters (January 2007 to June 2009). Internal jugular sites were associated with a higher CLABSI rate than subclavian sites (P = .03). The central line utilization ratio remained high for most of the study period. When compared with the 2006-2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, the trauma-surgical intensive care unit was at the 10th percentile in CLABSIs and at the 75th to 90th percentile in central line utilization ratios. CONCLUSIONS The significant decline in the incidence of CLABSIs, which reflected the national trend, could be attributed to multiple interventions. The high central line utilization ratio compared with nationally available data represents a potential target for further improvement.
Sayımsal Gerçek Zamanlı-Polimer Zincir Reaksiyonu ve Hematolojik Gen Anlatım Analizleri

Turkiye Klinikleri J Med Sci 2004, 24 653 Sayımsal ‘Gerçek Zamanlı-Polimer Zincir Reaksiyonu (RT-PZR)’ Nedir? loresan ı ıma tekniklerinin kullanıma girmesiyle kinetik RT-PZR’de bir devrim ya anmaktadır. Sayımsal RT-PZR, bilinen PZR teknolojisinin geli tirilmi bir biçimidir denilebilir. Son yıllarda bilimsel gündeme heyecan veren bu geli im sayesinde artık gen kopya ürünlerinin düzeylerini sayısal de erlere dönü türerek ölçmek mümkün olmaktadır. Üstelik süregelen PZR reaksiyonunu ekranda izleyerek gerçek zamanlı “Real Time (RT)” olarak reaksiyonun gidi ine müdahale etmek ve PZR döngülerinin sayısıyla oynayabilmek de mümkündür. Birçok adlandırmayla anılan bu teknolojiye floresan okuma yapması nedeniyle yabancı yayınlarda Floresan Sayımsal RT-PZR, F DERLEME / REVIEW.
Perioperative Caregiver Burden in the Geriatric Urogynecologic Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background: Currently, there is a paucity of literature on caregiver burden among postoperative geriatric patients. This is of particular interest to the field of urogynecology, as many of these patients are 65 or older. Objective: Given the growing volume of geriatric patients and their utilization of health care resources, this study was conducted to characterize the burden of geriatric urogynecologic surgery patients on their caregivers. Materials and Methods: Using a prospective double cohort design for the study, researchers enrolled female patients (≥65 years) undergoing pelvic surgery and their caregivers. Patients were administered questionnaires, including the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12) consisting of physical (PCS) and mental composites (MCS) at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Caregivers received the SF-12, Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) at the same intervals. Results: Forty-eight pairs were analyzed. The majority of caregivers w.
Endocrine therapy in cancer.

A proportion of cancers in endocrine target tissues can show the presence of specific receptors for either steroid or polypetide hormones. Manipulation of the controlling hormones does not guarantee regression. A third of cancers in endocrine target organs (breast uterine endometrium and prostate) show a 50% reduction in size of lesions after hormonal therapy. If regression resulting from an aggressive form of therapy lasts a short while and the tumor reactivates by the time the unpleasant effects of the therapy wear off the treatment is not palliative. Endocrine therapy in prostatic cancer is palliative but there is no evidence that is increases survival. 11 different progestational agents in endometrial cancer therapy in the past 25 years resulted in a 30-35% response. Response must be maintained by continual treatment and may last from 12 months to 7-8 years. In breast cancer tumors with a significant level of estrogen receptor (ER+) have about a 60% chance of regression vs. tumors without estrogen receptors (ER-) 10%. Advanced cancers of the thyroid of the papillary or follicular type regress when the patient is treated by thyroxine . 3 mg daily. Leukemia and lymphoma are frequently treated with varying degrees of success with corticosteroid therapy which may also predispose the patient to intercurrent infection. Renal cancer has been often treated by medroxyprogesterone acetate or testosterone propionate with little success.
Analysis of the International and US Response to the Haiti Earthquake: Recommendations for Change

ABSTRACT The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was unprecedented in its impact. The dual loss of the Haitian government and United Nations (UN) leadership led to an atypical disaster response driven by the US government and military. Although the response was massive, the leadership and logistical support were initially insufficient, and the UN cluster system struggled with the overwhelming influx of nontraditional agencies and individuals, which complicated the health care response. Moreover, the provision of care was beyond the country's health care standards. The management of the US government resembled a whole-of-government domestic response, combined with a massive military presence that went beyond logistical support. Among the most important lessons learned were the management of the response and how it could be strengthened by adapting a structure such as the domestic National Response Framework. Also, mechanisms were needed to increase the limited personnel to surge in a major response. One obvious pool has been the military, but the military needs to increase integration with the humanitarian community and improve its own humanitarian response expertise. In addition, information management needs standardized tools and analysis to improve its use of independent agencies. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:200–208)
Role of CCR2 in immunobiology and neurobiology

Chemokines and their receptors play crucial roles in the trafficking of leukocytes and are of particular interest in the context of the unique inflammatory responses elicited in the central nervous system (CNS). The chemokine receptor CCR2 and its ligand CCL2 have been implicated in a wide range of immunobiological processes and neuropathologies, including recruitment of monocytes and regulation of bone marrow homeostasis, as well as multiple sclerosis, HIV‐associated dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and neuropathic pain. Recently, powerful biological tools (CCR2‐red fluorescent protein [RFP] knock‐in mice) have been developed to analyze the functions of CCR2 in different cell populations, and intriguing results have emerged from those mice. The present review emphasizes CCR2/CCL2 as a key chemokine/chemokine receptor pair that controls the recruitment or retention of a key subset of mononuclear phagocytes in inflammation associated with host defense or disease. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2011.00024.x, January 2012)
Author's Personal Copy Games and Economic Behavior the Framing of Games and the Psychology of Play

In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Psychological game theory can provide rational-choice-based framing effects; frames influence beliefs, beliefs influence motivations. We explain this theoretically and explore empirical relevance experimentally. In a 2 × 2 design of one-shot public good games we show that frames affect subject's first-and second-order beliefs and contributions. From a psychological game-theoretic framework we derive two mutually compatible hypotheses about guilt aversion and reciprocity under which contributions are related to second-and first-order beliefs, respectively. Our results are consistent with either.
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of Acute Methamphetamine-Related Disorders and Toxicity

Abstract Consumption of methamphetamine (“crystal”) has spread dramatically over several European countries. The management of methamphetamine-induced acute disorders has become a growing challenge to the health system. Pharmacological treatment strategies for methamphetamine-induced intoxication syndromes, acute withdrawal symptoms, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis are particularly important. The development of interdisciplinary and evidence- and consensus-based (S3) German Guidelines was based on a systematic literature and guideline search on therapeutic interventions in methamphetamine-related disorders (April, June 2015). Consideration was given to 9 guidelines and 103 publications. Recommendations on pharmacological treatment strategies were drawn up using the nominal group technique. Overall, only limited evidence is available. Benzodiazepines are first-line medication for methamphetamine-induced intoxication syndromes, particularly when they present with acute agitation and aggressive behavior. There is no evidence-based medication for the treatment of methamphetamine-related withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When treating methamphetamine-induced psychosis, second-generation antipsychotics should be favored, given their more favorable side-effect profile. The indication for continuation of antipsychotic medication must be reviewed regularly. In most cases, the antipsychotic should be tapered off within 6 months.
[Psychological Stress in Hospital Nursing Staff: Effects of Status and Organizational Structures].

OBJECTIVE The study investigates the impact of organizational structures in hospitals on nursing staff's psychological stress. The stress level that is caused by the specific working conditions of a major hospital is presented in a cross-sectional analysis differentiated by organizational categories with regard to effects of structure and status. METHODS Data were collected via Impuls-Test and by a context-specific supplementary questionnaire among the registered nursing staff of a major maximum care hospital. For analysis of the data, we used the effort-reward-imbalance and the job-demand-control model as well as an average calculation of 13 different dimensions of working conditions, differentiated by organizational categories. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results show that the nursing staff's level of psychological stress can only be understood against the background of their organizational involvement and position in the hospital. The effects clearly vary in terms of organizational unit, working hour model and status and position occupied.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas: Impact of Intervention

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) among patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and the post-surgery outcome on pituitary gonadotropins secretion (PGS); to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) on male patients with NFPA, to evaluate the impact of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in those with HH. Methods Retrospective evaluation of gonadal function in 109 NFPA patients (45 males), with a mean age of 51.8 years, diagnosed on the last 10 years. ED questionnaire applied to 34 male patients. Results Male patients with NFPA were significantly older (males 58.1±15.8 vs. females 47.4±16.94; p=0.001). Most patients had macroadenomas (67%; p=0.001) and only a minority were incidentalomas (19%; p<0.001). Prevalence of HH was 40% (60% on males, 25% on females; p<0.001). Surgery was performed in 54% of all patients (71% of males, 42% of females; p<0.003). After intervention, 14% became HH, 69% maintained previous function and 17% improved. On the questionnaire, 76% reported having ED, 54% of which had HH and 21% were under TRT. Of the patients under TRT, 79% still had ED. Median age of patients with ED was significantly higher [with ED 65 vs. without 49 years; p=0.012). There was no BMI difference between patients with or without TRT (28.0 vs. 27.4 Kg/m2). Conclusions NFPA was more frequent in older rather than younger patients. Males were older, had more HH and surgery. There was no significant improvement of pituitary function with surgery (17%) and 13% became iatrogenic HH. TRT had a low efficacy to improve ED in these patients.
Ongoing Crestal Bone Loss around Implants Subjected to Computer-Guided Flapless Surgery and Immediate Loading Using the All-on-4® Concept.

BACKGROUND The All-on-4(®) concept is widely applied for full-arch rehabilitations, using two tilted and two axially loaded implants in order to overcome anatomical constraints. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the survival and individual success of implants immediately loaded with an All-on-4 full-arch screw-retained prosthetic bridge in fully edentulous mandibles or maxillae over up to 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 20 patients with atrophic jaws (9 maxillae, 11 mandibles) were treated with computer-guided flapless surgery and immediately provided with a provisional bridge. The final prosthesis was delivered after 6 months. In total, 80 TiUnite(™) Brånemark implants were placed. Radiographs were taken after surgery and 1 and 3 years later. RESULTS A 3-year survival rate of 100% was seen for all implants, both in lower and in upper jaw. None of the temporary or definite prostheses were lost over the follow-up period of 3 years. After 1 year, the mean bone loss was 1.13 mm (SD 0.94; range -0.1 to 3.8), and after 3 years, it was 1.61 mm (SD 1.40; range 0 to 5). The mean bone loss between the 1-year and 3-year follow-ups was 0.48 mm (SD 0.66; range -1.2 to 3.6). This difference was statistically significant (p < .001), indicative of ongoing bone loss. Twenty-six percent of the implants had bone loss above 1.5 mm after 1 year, but after 3 years, 30% of the implants had already lost more than 1.9 mm. CONCLUSION The implant and prosthetic survival was 100%, and patients benefited from the All-on-4 treatment. However, unacceptable ongoing bone loss was seen in 49.2% of the patients; this may be a warning sign for future problems and needs clinical attention. Overloading and surgery-related aspects need to be investigated as potential explanations.