Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Design Method for a Novel Dual-Band Unequal Coupler With Four Arbitrary Terminated Resistances

A new design concept of a generalized dual-band branch-line coupler with unequal power division and four arbitrary terminated resistances is proposed in this paper. By using an external frequency-dependent impedance transformer, a novel dual-band branch-line coupler is obtained with a detailed analytical design method. For ease of design, maximum power-dividing ratio with varying frequency ratio for different terminated impedance values is provided. Owing to the additional design freedom, the calculation of parameters becomes much more flexible. Finally, for experimental validation and convenient measurement, a dual-band unequal microstrip branch-line coupler with four standard ports is designed, fabricated, and measured. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results can be observed.
TOPK inhibitor induces complete tumor regression in xenograft models of human cancer through inhibition of cytokinesis

TOPK inhibitor kills cancer cells by causing a cytokinesis defect and promotes tumor regression in mouse models. Anticancer Drug Coming Out on TOPK TOPK (T–lymphokine-activated killer cell–originated protein kinase) is a protein that is found in a wide range of human cancers and is believed to work as an oncogene, promoting tumor growth. Now, Matsuo et al. have developed a drug that can inhibit TOPK and can be delivered by multiple routes. The oral form of this drug was well tolerated by mice and allowed convenient and effective treatment. An intravenous form was even more effective, and providing it as a liposomal formulation was successful in eliminating hematological side effects while simultaneously promoting complete regression of the tumors. These results suggest that the TOPK inhibitor may be a viable anticancer agent, although human trials will be required before this drug can be used in the clinic. TOPK (T–lymphokine-activated killer cell–originated protein kinase) is highly and frequently transactivated in various cancer tissues, including lung and triple-negative breast cancers, and plays an indispensable role in the mitosis of cancer cells. We report the development of a potent TOPK inhibitor, OTS964 {(R)-9-(4-(1-(dimethylamino)propan-2-yl)phenyl)-8-hydroxy-6-methylthieno[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one}, which inhibits TOPK kinase activity with high affinity and selectivity. Similar to the knockdown effect of TOPK small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), this inhibitor causes a cytokinesis defect and the subsequent apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro as well as in xenograft models of human lung cancer. Although administration of the free compound induced hematopoietic adverse reactions (leukocytopenia associated with thrombocytosis), the drug delivered in a liposomal formulation effectively caused complete regression of transplanted tumors without showing any adverse reactions in mice. Our results suggest that the inhibition of TOPK activity may be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of various human cancers.
Clindamycin is neuroprotective in experimental Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis compared with ceftriaxone

In animal models of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, rifampin is neuroprotective in comparison to ceftriaxone. So far it is not clear whether this can be generalized for other protein synthesis‐inhibiting antimicrobial agents. We examined the effects of the bactericidal protein synthesis‐inhibiting clindamycin (n = 12) on the release of proinflammatory bacterial components, the formation of neurotoxic compounds and neuronal injury compared with the standard therapy with ceftriaxone (n = 12) in a rabbit model of pneumococcal meningitis. Analysis of the CSF and histological evaluation were combined with microdialysis from the hippocampal formation and the neocortex. Compared with ceftriaxone, clindamycin reduced the release of lipoteichoic acids from the bacteria (p = 0.004) into the CSF and the CSF leucocyte count (p = 0.011). This led to lower extracellular concentrations of hydroxyl radicals (p = 0.034) and glutamate (p = 0.016) in the hippocampal formation and a subsequent reduction of extracellular glycerol levels (p = 0.018) and neuronal apoptosis in the dentate gyrus (p = 0.008). The present data document beneficial effects of clindamycin compared with ceftriaxone on various parameters linked with the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis and development of neuronal injury. This study suggests neuroprotection to be a group effect of bactericidal protein synthesis‐inhibiting antimicrobial agents compared with the standard therapy with β‐lactam antibiotics in meningitis.
The acute:chronic workload ratio predicts injury: high chronic workload may decrease injury risk in elite rugby league players

Aim Investigate whether acute workload (1 week total distance) and chronic workload (4-week average acute workload) predict injury in elite rugby league players. Methods Data were collected from 53 elite players over two rugby league seasons. The ‘acute:chronic workload ratio’ was calculated by dividing acute workload by chronic workload. A value of greater than 1 represented an acute workload greater than chronic workload. All workload data were classified into discrete ranges by z-scores. Results Compared with all other ratios, a very-high acute:chronic workload ratio (≥2.11) demonstrated the greatest risk of injury in the current week (16.7% injury risk) and subsequent week (11.8% injury risk). High chronic workload (>16 095 m) combined with a very-high 2-week average acute:chronic workload ratio (≥1.54) was associated with the greatest risk of injury (28.6% injury risk). High chronic workload combined with a moderate workload ratio (1.02–1.18) had a smaller risk of injury than low chronic workload combined with several workload ratios (relative risk range from 0.3 to 0.7×/÷1.4 to 4.4; likelihood range=88–94%, likely). Considering acute and chronic workloads in isolation (ie, not as ratios) did not consistently predict injury risk. Conclusions Higher workloads can have either positive or negative influences on injury risk in elite rugby league players. Specifically, compared with players who have a low chronic workload, players with a high chronic workload are more resistant to injury with moderate-low through moderate-high (0.85–1.35) acute:chronic workload ratios and less resistant to injury when subjected to ‘spikes’ in acute workload, that is, very-high acute:chronic workload ratios ∼1.5.
Alterations in Binding Sites for Atrial Natriuretic Factor in Kidneys and Adrenal Glands of Dahl Hypertension‐Sensitive Rats

Binding sites for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) were studied in kidneys and adrenal glands of 7− and 10-week-old male Dahl hypertension-sensitive (S/JR) and hypertension-resistant (R/JR) rats by quantitative autoradiography. Binding sites for 125I-ANF-28 in kidney were highly localized and of high density in the glomeruli; binding sites were less concentrated in the renal papilla. In adrenal gland, binding sites for 125I-ANF-28 were highly concentrated in the zona glomerulosa, but were of a very low density in the inner adrenal cortex. At 7 weeks of age, the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) for 125I-ANF-28 in kidney glomeruli was increased by 21% in S/JR rats compared with R/JR rats. From 7 to 10 weeks of age, decreases in Bmax for 125I-ANF-28 in glomeruli occurred, with no apparent difference between strains. Strain or age differences in the affinity constant (Ka) for 125I-ANF did not occur in the kidney. In adrenal zona glomerulosa, the Bmax for 125I-ANF-28 binding was similar for S/JR and R/JR rats at 7 weeks of age. At 10 weeks of age, however, Bmax for 125I-ANF-28 in adrenal zona glomerulosa was increased by 19% in S/JR rats compared with age-matched R/JR controls. These findings suggest that alterations may occur in ANF binding sites in kidney and adrenal gland of S/JR rats in response to the sharp increase in blood pressure that is characteristic of rats of this strain.
Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Dysfunction

Neurologic diseases may variably affect the function of the lower gastrointestinal tract and, irrespective of their etiology, manifest themselves with similar clinical features. Constipation and anal incontinence, the two most frequent disabling lower gastrointestinal manifestations of neurologic diseases, occur in patients with traumatic brain injury,' cerebrovascular accident,'. Parkinson's disease,4 lesions' and diseases"6 of the spinal cord, and peripheral neuropathies.7. 8 Different neurologic disorders may display lower gastrointestinal dysfunction with clinically identical symptoms-constipation
The effect of tension in prolonging the active state in a twitch

During an isometric twitch the heat production continues as long as the tension does. But if the tension, when near its peak, is suddenly reduced to zero by a short quick release the heat production stops. The energy liberated is then 15 to 20% less than in the isometric contraction. It seems as though a kind of weak positive feed-back occurs, tension prolonging activity and activity prolonging tension with the liberation of extra energy.
Winnicott: An Introduction

“Health is much more difficult to deal with than disease. ” D. W. Winnicott I In a talk given in 1945 to the sixth form of St Paul's School, Donald Winnicott described his experience, as a schoolboy, of discovering Darwin's Origin of Species: “I could not leave off reading it. At the time I did not know why it was so important to me, but I see now that the main thing was that it showed that living things could be examined scientifically with the corollary that gaps in knowledge and understanding need not scare me. For me this idea meant a great lessening of tension and consequently a release of energy for work and play. ” (Quoted in Davis & Wallbridge, 1983, p. 24.)
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma of the posterior neck: case report and review of the literature

Although primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents an extremely common malignancy, metastases derived from BCC are exceedingly rare. The prognosis for metastatic BCC is poor, and little consensus exists regarding predictive factors or optimal treatment strategies. Here, we present the case of a 63‐year‐old man with BCC of the neck who subsequently developed multiple metastases to subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes, and the parotid gland. Risk factors and clinical features of metastatic BCC are reviewed, as is the relationship of histopathologic subtype to metastatic behavior. Current chemotherapeutic and targeted therapies also are discussed in the context of recent advances in molecular biology.
Évolution de la fonction ventriculaire droite dans les 3 premiers jours d’un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë : une étude pilote

Pres de 30% des patients en syndrome de detresse respiratoire aigu (SDRA) developpent un cœur pulmonaire aigu (CPA), facteur pronostic pejoratif. Le monitorage hemodynamique par echocardiographie transoesophagienne (ETO) permet le diagnostic et l’adaptation des therapeutiques afin d’en limiter les consequences. La cinetique de cette dysfonction droite est peu connue. L’objectif de notre etude etait de rapporter l’evolution de la fonction ventriculaire droite au cours des 3 premiers jours du SDRA a l’aide d’une sonde d’ETO a usage unique. Etude prospective observationnelle de soins courants sur 3 centres. Une evaluation systematique etait faite a H0, H6, H12, H18, H36, H48, H60 et H72 suivant l’inclusion. Etaient notes la presence d’une dilatation du ventricule droit (VD), d’un septum paradoxal, d’un CPA, d’une dysfonction ventriculaire gauche et d’une variation respiratoire de la veine cave superieure. Les parametres hemodynamiques, respiratoires et gazometriques et les modifications therapeutiques apres l’ETO etaient notes. Vingt-huit patients ont ete inclus. On retrouve 43% de CPA avec un pic a la 48e heure. La dilatation VD est retrouvee chez 71% des patients a un moment du suivi mais ne semble pas predire la survenue d’un CPA. Environ 1 patient sur 2 a beneficie de modification therapeutique a l’issue des evaluations echocardiographiques. La survenue d’un CPA est frequente et aleatoire a la phase initiale du SDRA severe, et justifie un monitorage ETO repete pour optimisation therapeutique.
COLLOIDAL BISMUTH NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS AND UV-VIS ABSORPTION

Quantum-confined Bi structures (quantum wells and quantum wires) are currently being studied for their varies novel properties. We now pursue the next level of quantum confinement in bismuth, quantum dots. In this work, we present a technique for the synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles using an inverse microemulsion method. To prevent air-oxidation in the characterization stage, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) was used as protecting agent. Our characterizations reveal that single rhombohedral phase of bismuth can be formed with ultrafine particle in size by following this synthetic route. The optical absorption spectrum of the aqueous nanoparticle colloids shows an absorption band centered at ~268 nm.
Early genomics of learning and memory: a review

The characterization of the molecular mechanisms whereby our brain codes, stores and retrieves memories remains a fundamental puzzle in neuroscience. Despite the knowledge that memory storage involves gene induction, the identification and characterization of the effector genes has remained elusive. The completion of the Human Genome Project and a variety of new technologies are revolutionizing the way these mechanisms can be explored. This review will examine how a genomic approach can be used to dissect and analyze the complex dynamic interactions involved in gene regulation during learning and memory. This innovative approach is providing information on a new class of genes associated with learning and memory in health and disease and is elucidating new molecular targets and pathways whose pharmacological modulation may allow new therapeutic approaches for improving cognition.
Mind-body interventions during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To examine published evidence on the effectiveness of mind-body interventions during pregnancy on perceived stress, mood, and perinatal outcomes. DATA SOURCES Computerized searches of PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION Twelve out of 64 published intervention studies between 1980 and February 2007 of healthy, adult pregnant women met criteria for review. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Studies were categorized by type of mind-body modality used. Progressive muscle relaxation was the most common intervention. Other studies used a multimodal psychoeducation approach or a yoga and meditation intervention. The research contained methodological problems, primarily absence of a randomized control group or failure to adequately control confounding variables. Nonetheless, there was modest evidence for the efficacy of mind-body modalities during pregnancy. Treatment group outcomes included higher birthweight, shorter length of labor, fewer instrument-assisted births, and reduced perceived stress and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that pregnant women have health benefits from mind-body therapies used in conjunction with conventional prenatal care. Further research is necessary to build on these studies in order to predict characteristics of subgroups that might benefit from mind-body practices and examine cost effectiveness of these interventions on perinatal outcomes.
In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of the Biological Activity of Novel Arylimidamides against Trypanosoma cruzi

ABSTRACT Fifteen novel arylimidamides (AIAs) (6 bis-amidino and 9 mono-amidino analogues) were assayed against Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. All the bis-AIAs were more effective than the mono-AIAs, and two analogues, DB1967 and DB1989, were further evaluated in vivo. Although both of them reduced parasitemia, protection against mortality was not achieved. Our results show that the number of amidino-terminal units affects the efficacy of arylimidamides against T. cruzi.
Passive sampling in contaminated sediment assessment: Building consensus to improve decision making

Contaminated sediments pose an ongoing, pervasive, global challenge to environmental managers, because sediments can reflect a legacy of pollution that can impair the beneficial uses of water bodies. A formidable challenge in assessing the risks of contaminated sediments has been the elucidation and measurement of contaminant bioavailability, expressed as the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) in interstitial water, which serves as a surrogate measure of the substances' chemical activity. Recent advances in passive sampling methods (PSMs) enable Cfree of sediment‐associated contaminants to be quantified at trace levels, thereby overcoming current limitations of predictive models. As a result, PSMs afford the opportunity for a paradigm shift from traditional practice that can effectively reduce uncertainty in risk assessment and bolster confidence in the science used to support management of contaminated sediments. This paper provides a brief overview of the 5 subsequent papers in this series that review literature on PSM use in sediments for both organic and metal(loid) contaminants, outline the technical rationale for using PSMs as a preferred basis for risk assessment over conventional chemical analyses, describe practical considerations for and uncertainties associated with laboratory and field deployment of PSMs, discuss management application of PSMs, including illustrative case studies in which PSMs have been used in decision making, and highlight future research and communication needs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:163–166. © 2013 SETAC
Workflow interruptions and stress atwork: a mixed-methods study among physicians and nurses of a multidisciplinary emergency department

Objectives Dealing with multiple workflow interruptions is a major challenge in emergency department (ED) work. This study aimed to establish a taxonomy of workflow interruptions that takes into account the content and purpose of interruptive communication. It further aimed to identify associations of workflow interruptions with ED professionals’ work stress. Design Combined data from expert observation sessions and concomitant self-evaluations of ED providers. Setting ED of an academic community hospital in Germany. Participants Multidisciplinary sample of ED physicians and nurses. 77 matched observation sessions of interruptions and self-evaluations of work stress were obtained on 20 randomly selected days. Outcome measures ED professionals’ stress evaluations were based on standardised measures. ED workload data on patient load, patient acuity and staffing were included as control variables in regression analyses. Results Overall mean rate was 7.51 interruptions/hour. Interruptions were most frequently caused by ED colleagues of another profession (27.1%; mean interruptions/hour rate: 2.04), by ED colleagues of the same profession (24.1%; 1.81) and by telephone/beeper (21%; 1.57). Concerning the contents of interruption events, interruptions most frequently occurred referring to a parallel case under care (30.3%, 2.07), concerning the current case (19.1%; 1.28), or related to coordination activities (18.2%, 1.24). Regression analyses revealed that interruptive communication related to parallel cases significantly increased ED providers’ stress levels (β=0.24, P=0.03). This association remained significant after controlling for ED workload. Discussion Interruptions that refer to parallel cases under care were associated with increased stress among ED physicians and nurses. Our approach to distinguish between sources and contents of interruptions contributes to an improved understanding of potential benefits and risks of workflow interruptions in ED work environments. Despite some limitations, our findings add to future research on the implications of interruptions for effective and safe patient care and work in complex and dynamic care environments.
Visual Function and Quality of Life Among Visually Impaired and Cataract Operated Adults. The Pakistan National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey

Purpose: To assess visual functioning and quality of life in a representative sample of normally sighted, visually impaired and cataract operated individuals aged ≥ 30 years in Pakistan. Methods: As part of the Pakistan National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, visual functioning (VF) and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires were administered to participants with presenting visual acuity less than 6/60 in either eye, aphakes/pseudophakes and a phakic sample with normal acuity (≥ 6/12 both eyes). Results: Of 16,507 adults included in the survey, 2329 questionnaires were administered. There were strong correlations between visual acuity and VF/QOL. Mean VF and median QOL scores in normally sighted phakic individuals were 81.1 and 88.9, respectively, but were only 34.8 and 64.9 in blind unoperated individuals. In the cataract operated population overall mean VF and median QOL scores were 49.3 and 75.0. Both VF and QOL scores were lower in operated individuals than unoperated individuals (p < 0.001). Among operated individuals, rural dwelling and illiteracy were associated with lower VF and QOL scores (p all < 0.02). Although in multivariable analysis bilateral pseudophakes had similar VF scores to bilateral aphakes they had significantly better QOL scores (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Cataract surgery in Pakistan has not led to VF and QOL scores equivalent to those in unoperated individuals with the same levels of visual acuity. The higher proportion of intraocular lens surgery in recent years is likely to improve QOL following cataract surgery. Further focus is needed on rural and illiterate populations, to ensure that they achieve comparable VF/QOL outcomes following surgery.
insuffisance rénale Transradial approach and kidney disease

Les insuffisants rénaux chroniques constituent une population à très hauts risques cardiovasculaires grevée d’une forte morbimortalité. Il s’agit ’un problème croissant du fait du vieillissement de la population et de la prévalence du diabète. La voie radiale est contre-indiquée de façon lassique du fait du traumatisme infligé à cette artère, menaçant ainsi la possibilité de création ou la pérennité d’une fistule artérioveineuse. aradoxalement, le surcroît de complications vasculaires majeures de la voie fémorale dans cette population incite à transgresser cette règle. En ffet, l’approche radiale, en réduisant de façon drastique les complications vasculaires hémorragiques, permettrait de diminuer significativement la orbimortalité dans la population générale et dans les sous-groupes à haut-risque cardiovasculaire. Le choix de la voie d’abord chez un insuffisant énal devrait donc mettre en balance le risque de complication vasculaire potentiellement grave et mortel avec celui de traumatiser le capital artériel écessaire à la création d’une fistule artérioveineuse. Ainsi, l’insuffisance rénale chronique même sévère au stade de dialyse ne doit pas être une ontre-indication absolue à l’abord radial qui peut être pratiqué par une équipe entraînée au cas par cas et dans un esprit mini-invasif. Une large tude randomisée comparant les voies d’abord radiale et fémorale dans cette population est nécessaire. 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits réservés.