Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHRONIC LEAD POISONING IN CHILDREN: A REVIEW OF 90 CHILDREN DIAGNOSED IN SYDNEY, 1948–1967 *

In the past 20 years, 90 children with chronic lead poisoning, mostly due to the ingestion of peeling paint, have been diagnosed in Sydney. Eleven of the children died and at least 30% have serious neurological or renal sequelae. The aim of this brief review is to renew interest amongst the medical profession in this hazard, for only by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will this sad picture be improved. It is also hoped to stimulate measures to rid our society of a preventable disease.
Confounding Factors May Affect Mean Platelet Volume in Chronic Urticaria

I read the article by Isiksacan et al with interest. They assessed the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and chronic urticaria. Mean platelet volume in patients with chronic urticaria was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. There were no significant differences in platelet distribution width and platelet counts between the groups. There are some methodological limitations in this study from the aspect of platelet indices. Previous studies showed that many cardiovascular (CV) risk factors affect the MPV, such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, atrial fibrillation, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and rheumatic and inflammatory chronic diseases. Although the authors excluded patients with CV diseases, these factors should be taken into account for accurate MPV assessment. The MPV is included within a full blood count. Larger platelets aggregate more with collagen, have more granules, express more glycoprotein Ib and IIb/IIIa receptors, and have greater thromboxane A2 release. Previous studies showed that many CV risk factors and CV diseases can affect MPV. These confounding factors should be considered.
Genetic diversity of Kenyan native oyster mushroom (Pleurotus)

Members of the genus Pleurotus, also commonly known as oyster mushroom, are well known for their socioeconomic and biotechnological potentials. Despite being one of the most important edible fungi, the scarce information about the genetic diversity of the species in natural populations has limited their sustainable utilization. A total of 71 isolates of Pleurotus species were collected from three natural populations: 25 isolates were obtained from Kakamega forest, 34 isolates from Arabuko Sokoke forest and 12 isolates from Mount Kenya forest. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was applied to thirteen isolates of locally grown Pleurotus species obtained from laboratory samples using five primer pair combinations. AFLP markers and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the ribosomal DNA were used to estimate the genetic diversity and evaluate phylogenetic relationships, respectively, among and within populations. The five primer pair combinations generated 293 polymorphic loci across the 84 isolates. The mean genetic diversity among the populations was 0.25 with the population from Arabuko Sokoke having higher (0.27) diversity estimates compared to Mount Kenya population (0.24). Diversity between the isolates from the natural population (0.25) and commercial cultivars (0.24) did not differ significantly. However, diversity was greater within (89%; P > 0.001) populations than among populations. Homology search analysis against the GenBank database using 16 rDNA ITS sequences randomly selected from the two clades of AFLP dendrogram revealed three mushroom species: P. djamor, P. floridanus and P. sapidus; the three mushrooms form part of the diversity of Pleurotus species in Kenya. The broad diversity within the Kenyan Pleurotus species suggests the possibility of obtaining native strains suitable for commercial cultivation.
Killing of Gram‐positive cocci by fatty acids and monoglycerides Note

The susceptibilities of three Gram‐positive cocci to medium‐chain saturated and long‐chain unsaturated fatty acids and their one‐monoglycerides were studied. The bacteria were incubated with equal volumes of lipid solutions for 10 min. Lauric acid, palmitoleic acid and monocaprin reduced the number of CFU by 6.0 log10 or greater at 5 mM concentration for streptococci of group A (GAS) and group B (GBS). When further compared at lower concentrations and after longer incubation time monocaprin proved to be the most active. Capric acid showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 10 mM. However, at lower concentrations monocaprin was the only lipid that showed significant activity against S. aureus. The mode of action of monocaprin against GBS was studied by a novel two‐color fluorescent assay of bacterial viability and by electron microscopy. The results indicate that the bacteria are killed by disintegration of the cell membrane by the lipid, leaving the bacterial cell wall intact. The highly lethal effect of monocaprin indicates that this lipid might be useful as a microbicidal agent for prevention and treatment of infections caused by these bacteria.
A Recommender Agent to Support Virtual Learning Activities

: This article describes the implementation of an intelligent agent that provides recommendations for educational resources in a virtual learning environment (VLE). It aims to support pending (undeveloped) student learning activities. It begins by analyzing the proposed VLE data model entities in the recommender process. The pending student activities are then identified, which constitutes the input information for the agent. By using the attribute-based recommender technique, the information can be processed and resource recommendations can be obtained. These serve as a support for pending activity development in the course. To integrate this technique, we used an ontology. This serves as support for the semantic annotation of attributes and recommended files recovery.
Results of Surgery for Perforated Gastroduodenal Ulcers in a Dutch Population

Objective: Despite improvements in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine, mortality for perforated gastroduodenal ulcer disease remains high. This study was designed to evaluate the results of surgery for perforated ulcer disease and to identify prognostic factors for mortality in order to optimize treatment. Patients and Methods: The medical records of 272 patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated ulcer disease from 2000 to 2005 in two large teaching hospitals and one university hospital in the Netherlands were retrospectively analyzed. Information on 89 pre-, peri- and postoperative data were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 16%. Variables associated with 30-day mortality were age, shock, tachycardia, anemia and ASA class. Conclusions: A relatively low 30-day mortality rate was achieved. Age, shock, tachycardia and anemia were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Finding that shock, tachycardia and anemia are independently associated with 30-day mortality could indicate that patients are septic upon admission. Improvements in survival might be achieved by early sepsis treatment.
Reduced-cost Bayesian support vector regression modeling and optimization of planar slot antennas

Bayesian support vector regression (BSVR) modeling of coplanar waveguide-fed slot antennas with reduced training sets for computational efficiency is presented. Coarse-discretization electromagnetic (EM) simulations are exploited in order to find a reduced number of training points used to establish a high-fidelity BSVR model of the antenna. As demonstrated using two antenna examples, the proposed technique allows substantial reduction (up to 48%) of the computational effort necessary to set up the high-fidelity models as compared to conventional approximation-based models, with negligible loss in accuracy. Application of the reduced BSVR models to antenna design is demonstrated.
Complementation between Sindbis viral RNAs produces infectious particles with a bipartite genome.

Sindbis virus, the type member of the alpha-viruses, is an enveloped virus containing a nonsegmented positive-strand RNA genome. We show that the nonstructural and the structural genes can function to produce infectious virus particles when they are expressed on two different RNA segments. The nonstructural genes are translated from an RNA in which the structural genes have been replaced by the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene [Xiong, C. , Levis, R. , Shen, P., Schlesinger, S. , Rice, C. M. & Huang, H. V. (1989) Science 243, 1188-1191]. The structural genes are encoded in a defective-interfering RNA but are translated from a subgenomic RNA. Both segments contain the cis-acting sequences required for replication and packaging and are copackaged. This type of genome provides a model for an ancestral intermediate between alphaviruses and the multipartite positive-strand RNA viruses of plants. These different viruses show sequence similarities in their replicative proteins and are thought to have evolved from a common ancestor.
Part A : Ice sheet – ocean atmosphere interactions on millennial timescales during the late Neogene – Quaternary using a PAC for the North Atlantic Introduction Following

1 Preface . 1
A Hybrid Scheme of Feed-forward / Feedback Control for Vibration Suppression of Flexible Spacecraft with On-Off actuators during Attitude Maneuver

This investigation is to apply the so-called component synthesis vibration suppression (CSVS) based feed-forward control and the conventional PD feedback control to the vibration control of a flexible spacecraft. The proposed control design process is two fold: design of the attitude controller followed by the design of a flexible vibration attenuator, the feed-forward controller. The Lyapunov technique is applied in the design of the attitude controller, which is able to asymptotically stabilize the flexible spacecraft system. The feed-forward controller based on CSVS method is designed for the reduction of flexible vibration by modifying the command input, which only requires information about the natural frequency and damping of the closed-loop system including the attitude controller. Additionally, to extend the CSVS method to the system with the on-off actuators, the pulsewidth pulse-frequency (PWPF) modulation is introduced to control the thruster firing and integrated with the CSVS method. PWPF modulation is a control method that provides pseudo-linear operation for an on-off thruster. The proposed control strategy has been implemented on a flexible spacecraft, which is a hub with symmetric cantilever flexible beam appendage and can undergo a single axis rotation. The results have been proven the potential of this technique to control flexible spacecraft.
The standardised admission ratio for measuring widening participation in medical schools: analysis of UK medical school admissions by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sex

Ethnic minorities and women are no longer under-represented in UK medical schools, but lower socioeconomic groups still are.1 Given the strong political pressure on higher education institutions to develop “widening participation” programmes,2 3 a valid quantitative index of the impact of such programmes is needed urgently. Such an index should be derived from robust and accessible primary data, reflect the impact of multiple independent variables in different population subgroups, allow comparisons across institutions and over time, and be readily understandable by non-statisticians. Statistics on the entry profile of UK medical schools are usually expressed as the selection ratio (the proportion of admissions to applications4). We propose that the standardised admission ratio (see box), which expresses the number of pupils admitted to medical school as a proportion of the number who would do so if places were allocated equitably across all socioeconomic and ethnic groups and equally by sex, should become the standard measure of widening participation. It would not, of course, be an index of discrimination at selection stage. …
Sensorless vector control of a permanent magnet synchronous generator for micro hydro power

In vector controlled operation of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), the rotor position must be known at all times. As position sensors are expensive and vulnerable in harsh environment, sensorless strategies are becoming more and more popular. The paper gives a short overview over common sensorless position estimation strategies and shows a MATLAB/Simulink simulation for the sensorless methods Flux Estimation and Sliding Mode Observer. Furthermore, a vector control on a PMSG including a sliding mode observer model for sensorless rotor position estimation is implemented on a TI Concerto processor (Cortex M3 and C28x DSP dualcore) for a frequency inverter for micro hydro power generation. A new approach is the utilization of a dualcore processor in this application: the Cortex M3 runs communication and general system tasks in a micro hydro power generation site, whereas the C28x DSP focuses on the generator control task. TI's real-time operating system SYS/BIOS runs on both cores, guaranteeing easy extension of functionality.
Efficacy of low-dose cyclosporine in severe atopic skin disease.

To the Editor. — Cyclosporine is a drug that is new to dermatology and, therefore, awaits further study. 1,2 Its use, however, must be closely monitored because of possible side effects. 1 Recently, in psoriasis the favorable effect of low-dose cyclosporine (≤5 mg/ kg/d) treatment in patients with severe drug-resistant psoriasis has been reported. 3,4 Studies on cyclosporine therapy in severe cases of drug-resistant atopic dermatitis have not yet been reported, to our knowledge. Report of a Case. — We have observed the temporary effect of short-term cyclosporine treatment in two women (Table), with severe, drug-resistant, pruritic, activedisseminated, chronic prurigolike lesions and eczema. Case 1 was classified as atopic dermatitis with serum IgE levels greater than or equal to 20000 IU/mL (≥48000 μg/L). Clinical Data on Cyclosporine Treatment in Two Patients With Severe Drug Resistant Atopic Dermatitis Body Area Affected, % Improve-Patient ment Cyclosporine No./ After 4 After 4 Blood Age, y/ Start
Low-noise amplifier with sample & hold for high-density stimulation and recording of neural signals

In this paper, the design of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) for a 32×32 pixel microelectrode array (MEA) is presented. Its gain and noise amount to 50 dB and 10μVrms, respectively, at a bandwidth of 66kHz. The LNA consumes less than 85μW. The integrated offset compensation circuit makes the system less sensitive to mismatch and variations in the culture medium biasing voltage. A sample& hold (S&H) buffer stores the amplified input signals locally, thereby realising an electronic shutter function. This allows for simultaneous acquisition of all pixels. The on-chip logic permits individual selection of every single pixel at any time. As a result, regions of interest (ROIs) of any size can be defined. Accordingly, the entire cell culture or subregions can be observed at a high sampling rate. Moreover, each pixel is equipped with a stimulation circuitry. Centered around a programmable SRAM cell, it offers the creation of complex stimulation patterns on the MEA. The entire circuit has been layouted in 180 nm, 3.3V CMOS technology and covers an area of 60×60 μm2.
Guideline for designing haptic master hands based on dynamic Multi-fingered Manipulability

In this paper we apply the concept of dynamic manipulability measure to multi-fingered hands and propose Dynamic Multi-fingered Manipulability measure. The proposed measure considers the internal force and the dynamics of a grasped object as well as the finger dynamics. We then extend Dynamic Multi-fingered Manipulability to a guideline for designing haptic master hands or master-slave hands. Based on the proposed guideline, several joint configurations are evaluated and an optimal link length is determined.
Pain in hand osteoarthritis is associated with inflammation: the value of ultrasound

Objectives To investigate the association of ultrasound (US) features—grey scale (GS) synovitis, synovial thickening, effusion and power Doppler signal (PDS)—with symptoms in hand osteoarthritis (HOA). Methods Fifty-five consecutive patients (mean age 62 years, 87% women) with HOA, fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria, were assessed for pain upon palpation and filled in Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN) scores, visual analogue scale pain and Short Form-36 (SF-36). US was performed in all metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal, first interphalangeal and first carpometacarpal joints, and features were semiquantitatively scored (0–3). Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate OR (95% CI) for the association between US features and pain per joint adjusted for relevant confounders. The association between US features summated scores and self-reported outcomes was studied by linear regression analysis. Results GS synovitis, effusion, synovial thickening and PDS were shown in 96%, 91%, 73% and 86% of patients, respectively. US features were dose-dependently associated with pain upon palpation (OR 4.5 (95% CI 2.2 to 9.0), 4.4 (2.0 to 9.4), 4.9 (2.2 to 11.0) and 4.1 (2.2 to 7.9)). GS synovitis was associated with AUSCAN pain, stiffness and SF-36, and effusion with AUSCAN pain. Conclusions GS synovitis, effusion, synovial thickening and PDS are associated with pain in HOA, suggesting a role for inflammation. Further follow-up studies are warranted.
Regulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 2C11 by glucocorticoids.

Previous studies have shown that the expression of cytochrome P450 2C11 is increased in primary hepatocyte culture in the presence of 10(-8) M dexamethasone (DEX). We and others have demonstrated that injection of rats with DEX resulted in 2C11 repression. In the present study, we show that regulation of 2C11 expression in hepatocytes by glucocorticoids is biphasic. Low concentrations (<10(-8) M) of DEX activate 2C11 expression, while higher concentrations of (>10(-7) M) suppress it. Corticosterone has a similar biphasic effect, although this physiological glucocorticoid was less potent than DEX. The transition between activation and suppression of 2C11 expression happens at glucocorticoid concentrations relevant to the transition between normal and stress levels of the hormones. Both the inductive and suppressive effects of glucocorticoids are blocked by RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. We postulate that the biphasic nature of the 2C11 response to glucocorticoids may result in a high sensitivity of this P450 to stressful stimuli.
The Perception of Distance in Simulated Visual Displays:A Comparison of the Effectiveness and Accuracy of Multiple Depth Cues Across Viewing Distances

The ability effectively and accurately to simulate distance in virtual and augmented reality systems is a challenge currently facing R&D. To examine this issue, we separately tested each of seven visual depth cues (relative brightness, relative size, relative height, linear perspective, foreshortening, texture gradient, and stereopsis) as well as the condition in which all seven of these cues were present and simultaneously providing distance information in a simulated display. The viewing distances were 1 and 2 m. In developing simulated displays to convey distance and depth there are three questions that arise. First, which cues provide effective depth information (so that only a small change in the depth cue results in a perceived change in depth)? Second, which cues provide accurate depth information (so that the perceived distance of two equidistant objects perceptually matches)? Finally, how does the effectiveness and accuracy of these depth cues change as a function of the viewing distance? Ten college-aged subjects were tested with each depth-cue condition at both viewing distances. They were tested using a method of constant stimuli procedure and a modified Wheat-stone stereoscopic display. The perspective cues (linear perspective, foreshortening, and texture gradient) were found to be more effective than other depth cues, while effectiveness of relative brightness was vastly inferior. Moreover, relative brightness, relative height, and relative size all significantly decreased in effectiveness with an increase in viewing distance. The depth cues did not differ in terms of accuracy at either viewing distance. Finally, some subjects experienced difficulty in rapidly perceiving distance information provided by stereopsis, but no subjects had difficulty in effectively and accurately perceiving distance with the perspective information used in our experiment. A second experiment demonstrated that a previously stereo-anomalous subject could be trained to perceive stereoscopic depth in a binocular display. We conclude that the use of perspective cues in simulated displays may be more important than the other depth cues tested because these cues are the most effective and accurate cues at both viewing distances, can be easily perceived by all subjects, and can be readily incorporated into simpler, less complex displays (e.g., biocular HMDs) or more complex ones (e.g., binocular or see-through HMDs).
Feasibility and safety of regional myocardial hypothermia during myocardial ischemia and infarction in pigs

ObjectiveMild systemic hypothermia has been shown to be feasible and safe in patients during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Regional myocardial hypothermia of the ischemic myocardium only may be more effective in myocardial salvage with fewer side effects compared with systemic hypothermia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of regional myocardial hypothermia in pigs. MethodsOpen-chest pigs with (n=5) or without (n=4) myocardial infarction underwent left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation followed by intracoronary infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (at room temperature and at 15°C between 20–35 ml/min for 3 min) via the central lumen of a specially designed balloon catheter at the time of reperfusion. Intramyocardial temperatures via thermocouples at the ischemic zone (LAD territory) and non-ischemic zone (circumflex territory) as well as systemic temperature were constantly recorded, as were the hemodynamics. Each pig acted as its control regarding the myocardial temperature response to both solutions. In addition, intracoronary versus intramyocardial temperatures were compared with thermocouples in both territories during infusion. ResultsThere was no hemodynamic compromise or arrhythmia seen during the intracoronary infusion of either temperature solution. There was a linear relationship between the infusion solution temperature and infusion rate versus intramyocardial temperature response, with the cooled solution providing 2°C lower temperature and faster infusion resulting in lower intramyocardial temperature. There was no change in the non-ischemic zone or systemic temperature. On average, 6–8°C reduction in tissue temperature, potential target temperature range for hypothermic therapy, was achieved in all animals. In addition, intracoronary temperature in distal LAD measured by intracoronary thermocouples correlated with the intramyocardial temperature (2°C lower temperature in the coronary artery). ConclusionIt is feasible and safe to achieve regional myocardial hypothermia by intracoronary infusion of cooled solution in pigs.