Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Twenty-year follow-up of acquired renal cystic disease.

AIMS Since 1979 the diseased kidneys of 96 patients on replacement therapy with chronic renal failure due to chronic glomerulonephritis have been followed to investigate the development of acquired cysts and tumors. This is a report of the 20-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-six patients were followed using periodic CT scan and were divided into hemodialysis, renal transplantation, bilateral nephrectomy and deceased groups during the follow-up. In the hemodialysis group, 36 patients (19 males, 17 females) were followed for 20 years. RESULTS Kidney volumes which were 57.8 (1.51) (geometric mean (geometric SD)) ml at start of the follow-up had become 185.3 (2.03) ml 20 years later in males, and in females, 57.3 (1.64) ml had become 99.7 (2.36) ml. The increased rate was 3.2 (2.06) fold in males and 1.7 (2.57) fold in females. This enlargement of the kidneys was due to acquired cysts. Kidney volumes at the 20-year follow-up had increased more significantly than those at the 15-year follow-up in males; however, kidney volumes at the 20-year follow-up had not changed in females, if compared with data at the 15-year follow-up. Kidney volumes in males at 20-year follow-up were significantly larger than those in females (p = 0.0232). Males with more than 3.2-fold in kidney volume increase at the 20-year follow-up were under the age of 40 at entry into this study (p = 0.0055), although the correlation between the degree of kidney volume increase and age was not significant (p = 0.0910). Kidney volumes in the transplantation group remained small. There was no new renal cell carcinoma development after 15-year follow-up except for the local recurrence of a previous operated case. Although 7 of 44 patients died during the past 20 years due to malignancy, no patient died of renal cell carcinoma because of early detection and treatment. One patient died of retroperitoneal bleeding, which is a complication of acquired renal cystic disease. CONCLUSION Male preponderance of acquired cysts was maintained at the 20-year follow-up. There was a tendency for the rate of increase in acquired renal cystic disease to be larger in young males. No one died of renal cell carcinoma, although the incidence of renal cell carcinoma was high.
The characterisation of blood rotation in a human heart chamber based on statistical analysis of vorticity maps

Modelling of non-stationary cardiac structures is complicated by the complexity of their intrinsic and extrinsic motion. The first known study of haemodynamics due to the beating of heart was made by Leonardo Da Vinci, giving the idea of fluid-solid interaction by describing how vortices develop during cardiac structural interaction with the blood. Heart morphology affects in changes of cardio dynamics during the systolic and diastolic phrases. In a chamber of the heart, vortices are discovered to exist as the result of the unique morphological changes of the cardiac chamber wall by using flow-imaging techniques such as phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The first part of this paper attempts to quantify vortex characteristics by means of calculating vorticity numerically and devising two dimensional vortical flow maps. The technique relies on determining the properties of vorticity using a statistical quantification of the flow maps and comparison of these quantities based on different scenarios. As the characteristics of our vorticity maps vary depending on the phase of a cardiac cycle, there is a need for robust quantification method to analyse vorticity. In the second part of the paper, the approach is then utilised for examining vortices within the human right atrium. Our study has shown that a proper quantification of vorticity for the flow field can indicate the strength and number of vortices within a heart chamber.
Models of interprofessional learning in Canada

This article provides an overview of interprofessional education in Canada, with a view to defining programs at all levels in terms of what models have been employed. The available information implies that the lack of convincing evidence of the effectiveness of existing programs is probably the most serious problem for the expansion of interprofessional education. The objectives of the programs are both to increase the knowledge about the other professions and their scope of practice, and to improve team function, and there are a number of well-established interprofessional programs in Canada that are designed to achieve these objectives, and many other examples of programs that are partial or planned. Despite this, the present interprofessional education initiatives tend to involve only a small proportion of the total health work trainees. There is a need for programs that are more widespread. The most frequent model involves a mandatory experience, which is case-based, involves all the students registered in Health Faculties, and where the students form interprofessional student teams. In addition to examining believable cases, the students also learn some specific information about interacting with the other professions and gain knowledge about the roles, knowledge and contributions that can be made by professions other than their own.
Reconfigurable FIR filter coefficient optimization in post-silicon validation to improve eye diagram for optical interconnects

Enhanced small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) is a specification for a new generation of optical modular transceivers. The devices are designed for use with small form factor (SFF) connectors, and offer high speed and physical compactness. SFP+ modules require high-quality ASIC/SerDes transmitters (Tx) because IEEE and fibre channel standards place strict requirements on the optical interface, and linear/limiting SFP+ module types have Tx paths that do not correct for timing jitter. This introduces a design challenge to guarantee performance over process, temperature, and voltage (PVT) conditions. Adjusting the Tx equalization across PVT and different interconnect channels can be a time-consuming task in post-silicon validation. In order to overcome this problem, this paper proposes a direct optimization method based on a suitable objective function formulation to efficiently tune the Tx equalizer and optimize the eye diagram to successfully comply with industrial specifications.
Mini‐F encoded proteins: identification of a new 10.5 kilodalton species.

The elements which ensure the maintenance of the F plasmid are located in its f5 EcoRI restriction fragment. This f5 fragment constitutes a mini‐F plasmid showing the same stability and copy number control as the entire F plasmid. The proteins expressed in minicells by wild‐type or mutated f5 fragments were analysed by pH gradient two‐dimensional electrophoresis. We identified seven f5‐encoded polypeptides and located their genes on the F map. Among them, H1, an acidic polypeptide of mol. wt. 10.5 K, had not been detected before. It is in fact the most abundant f5‐encoded polypeptide identified so far. In addition, we showed that both 10.5‐K and 12‐K protein bands detected by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are, respectively, composed of two polypeptides, H1 and H2, G1 and G2, of different isoelectric points. Polypeptides H2 and G2, respectively, share common coding sequences with polypeptides H1 and G1. Their possible biological significance is discussed. The sequences coding for polypeptides H1/H2 and G1/G2 are clustered in a 800‐bp long region located between the two mini‐F origin sites and are proposed to be organized as an operon. The results reported in the accompanying paper point out the importance of polypeptides G1/G2 and H1/H2 in the relationship between the F plasmid and its host.
Effects of continuous versus cyclical oral contraception: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT Continuous oral contraception may better suppress the ovary and endometrium, lending itself to the treatment of other medical conditions. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the effects of continuous vs. cyclical oral contraception. DESIGN This was a randomized double-blind trial. SETTING This trial was performed at an academic medical center in Pennsylvania. PATIENTS A total of 62 healthy women with regular menses were included in the study. INTERVENTION Cyclical oral contraception (21-d active/7-d placebo given for six consecutive 28-d cycles) vs. continuous (168-d active pill) therapy using a monophasic pill (20 microg ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone acetate) was examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was vaginal bleeding, and secondary outcomes included hormonal, pelvic ultrasound, quality of life, and safety measures. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in the number of total bleeding days between groups, but moderate/heavy bleeding was significantly greater with the cyclical regimen [mean 11.0 d (sd 8.5) vs. continuous 5.2 d (sd 6.8); P = 0.005], with both groups decreasing over time. Endogenous serum and urinary estrogens measured over six cycles were significantly lower (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) in the continuous group than the cyclical group. Women in the continuous group also had a smaller ovarian volume and lead follicle size over the course of the trial by serial ultrasound examinations. The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire showed that women on continuous therapy had less associated menstrual pain (P = 0.01) and favorable improvements in behavior (P = 0.04) during the premenstrual period. CONCLUSIONS Continuous oral contraception does not result in a reduction of bleeding days over a 168-d period of observation but provides greater suppression of the ovary and endometrium. These effects are associated with improved patient symptomatology.
Towards an Ultimate Battery Thermal Management System: A Review

The prevailing standards and scientific literature offer a wide range of options for the construction of a battery thermal management system (BTMS). The design of an innovative yet well-functioning BTMS requires strict supervision, quality audit and continuous improvement of the whole process. It must address all the current quality and safety (Q&S) standards. In this review article, an effective battery thermal management is sought considering the existing battery Q&S standards and scientific literature. The article contains a broad overview of the current existing standards and literature on a generic compliant BTMS. The aim is to assist in the design of a novel compatible BTMS. Additionally, the article delivers a set of recommendations to make an effective BTMS.
On the Generation of Rapid Eye Movements in Three Dimensions

Lesion studies and single cell recording in the alert monkey have localized two generators for rapid eye movements. Horizontal saccades in the ipsilateral direction are generated in the paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF). ’. ’ Vertical saccades are bilaterally represented in the rostra1 interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF)3*4 and are abolished only by bilateral 1esiom5 However, Robinson and Zee6 have conjectured that vertical burst neurons fall into four functionally different populations with on-directions close to those of the vertical semicircular canals. Based on evidence from recording burst neuron activity in the riMLF and from studying the effects of focal chemical inactivation of neuron populations a t the recording sites, we have postulated that burst neurons in the riMLF should have their on-directions close to those of the vertical motoneurons on the ipsilateral side or, equivalently, close to those of the vertical semicircular canals on the ipsilateral side. ’. * To discuss eye position in three dimensions and the on-directions of motoneurons and burst neurons, one needs a precisely defined coordinate system. In FIGURE 1 the Fick, Helmholtz, and Listing coordinates for eye position are shown. Every eye position can be characterized by its rotation matrix, R, which rotates the eye into its present position starting from the primary position. Every rotation in the oculomotor range is uniquely characterized by a three-dimensional rotation vector, r, where r/ I rl is the axis of R defined by the right hand rule, and ( r ( is the rotation angle. In this paper we shall examine only first-order effects and use the linear approximation of R(r) acting on any vector q; R ( r ) q = q + r A q (A: vector product). With respect to the craniotopic system in FIGURE 1 we decompose r = te, vez he3, so that in the linear approximation h = 3, v = cp. and t = 9 holds. The change in eye position from R ( r , ) with components (t,, v,, h,) to R(r2) with (t2, v2, h2) is described by the saccade vector (At, hv, Ah) = (t2 ti , v2 v , , h2 hi ) . In what follows we shall use this vector description for rapid eye movements and neglect important eye-position-dependent higher-order effects, in particular those that have implication for Listing’s law in eccentric eye positions? The unit vectors that describe the direction of activation of the semicircular canals
Asthma comorbidities and making progress with food allergy

Asthma is a challenging long-term condition for patients, even more so when they have coexisting conditions. In this month’s issue of the Journal, Weatherburn et al aim to assess the prevalence of coexisting physical and mental health problems in adults with asthma. They used a United Kingdom primary care records data set. Records for over a million adults were analysed with adjustments being made for age, sex, social deprivation and smoking status. Almost all the 39 coexisting conditions assessed were more common in adults with asthma. The majority had at least one coexisting problem. Hypertension, pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and dyspepsia were the commonest, all seen significantly more frequently in adults with asthma. Given that most of these will directly impact on a patient’s quality of life, we need to be aware of these co-existing issues and ensure that patients have a holistic management plan that deals with the breadth of their illnesses. We can now really dissect both the humeral and cellular immune responses allowing research groups to look at the similarities and differences between the various compartments. Seppo et al have found different epitope specificity between specific IgE to cow’s milk in mothers’ breastmilk and sera (Figure 1). Epitope-specific IgA was seen in their infants’ sera at less than 3 months of age. Mothers with cow’s milk allergy had sera with higher binding of epitopespecific IgA to cow’s milk proteins than those with a non-allergic infant. So it seems that maternal milk has a different antibody repertoire to cow’s milk compared to peripheral blood IgA, and difference repertoires may also be associated with the development of cow’s milk allergy in offspring. Continuing with food allergy, Lozano-Ojalvo et al have looked at an ovalbumin hydrolysate selected for its low IgE reactivity but Th-2 stimulating activity. The hydrolysate failed to induce sensitisation in a BALB/c mouse model. In an egg allergy mouse model, the hydrolysate induced Treg cells and upregulated TGF-b, IL-10, IL-17, Foxp3 and RORct in the intestine resulting in more effective desensitisation than with intact ovalbumin (Figure 2). This is a promising as a novel potential approach for food allergy oral immunotherapy. Finally, I hope that you are enjoying the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) annual meeting in Telford, UK. F IGURE 2 Symptom scores after challenge in mouse egg allergy model with cholera toxin (CT), egg white (EW) or hydrolysate of OVA with pepsin (OP) [see Figure 2 in Lozano-Ojalvo et al (pp. 1342-1354)]
Tourist-Transport Center: A Platform of Integrating Tour Resources

Tourist-transport center (TTC), first emerged in 1998, has became an important service pattern for individual tourist in some areas of China. For its exclusiveness in a district and monopolizing the resource of individual tourist, TTC become the core travel organization locally. Through its monopolistic impact in one area, TTC provides a platform for other local travel organizations, such as travel agencies, resorts, hotels, restaurants and so on, to form a cooperation-competition mechanism between themselves. So, TTC, as a platform of integrating tour resources, enhanced the competitive power of regional tourism. In addition, the cooperation between TTCs helps to increase the levels of cooperation between the tourisms of different regions
Identification of the Endodermal Vacuole as the Iron Storage Compartment in the Arabidopsis Embryo1

Deciphering how cellular iron (Fe) pools are formed, where they are localized, and which ones are remobilized represents an important challenge to better understand Fe homeostasis. The recent development of imaging techniques, adapted to plants, has helped gain insight into these events. We have analyzed the localization of Fe during embryo development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with an improved histochemical staining based on Perls coloration intensified by a second reaction with diaminobenzidine and hydrogen peroxide. The procedure, quick to set up and specific for Fe, was applied directly on histological sections, which dramatically increased its subcellular resolution. We have thus unambiguously shown that in dry seeds Fe is primarily stored in the endodermis cell layer, within the vacuoles, from which it is remobilized during germination. In the vit1-1 mutant, in which the Fe pattern is disturbed, Fe is stored in vacuoles of cortex cells of the hypocotyl/radicle axis and in a single subepidermal cell layer in the cotyledons. During the early stages of embryo development, Fe is evenly distributed in the cells of both wild-type and vit1-1 mutants. Fe eventually accumulates in endodermal cells as the vascular system develops, a process that is impaired in vit1-1. Our results have uncovered a new role for the endodermis in Fe storage in the embryo and have established that the Perls/diaminobenzidine staining is a method of choice to detect Fe in plant tissues and cells.
Interpolation of intermolecular potentials using Gaussian processes.

A procedure is proposed to produce intermolecular potential energy surfaces from limited data. The procedure involves generation of geometrical configurations using a Latin hypercube design, with a maximin criterion, based on inverse internuclear distances. Gaussian processes are used to interpolate the data, using over-specified inverse molecular distances as covariates, greatly improving the interpolation. Symmetric covariance functions are specified so that the interpolation surface obeys all relevant symmetries, reducing prediction errors. The interpolation scheme can be applied to many important molecular interactions with trivial modifications. Results are presented for three systems involving CO2, a system with a deep energy minimum (HF-HF), and a system with 48 symmetries (CH4-N2). In each case, the procedure accurately predicts an independent test set. Training this method with high-precision ab initio evaluations of the CO2-CO interaction enables a parameter-free, first-principles prediction of the CO2-CO cross virial coefficient that agrees very well with experiments.
A review on comparing two commonly used rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins as induction therapy in solid organ transplantation

Introduction: Two rabbit anti-thymocyte globulins (ATGs) (Thymoglobulin™ and ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F)™) have been used commonly for induction immunosuppression and treatment of acute rejection in solid organ transplantation. Therefore, literature review on comparative efficacy and side-effect profile of them would be of clinical interest. Areas covered: This review evaluated all comparative studies in English language, focusing on the solid organ transplant patients who received Thymoglobulin or ATG-F as induction therapy. This review concluded that compared to ATG-F, Thymoglobulin possibly provides better protection against acute rejection and improves patient and graft survival but may result in more cytomegalovirus infection and post-transplant malignancy. Thymoglobulin produced more leukocyte depletion with a greater delay to recover, while ATG-F had more reduction effects on platelet and erythrocyte counts with an increased need to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. Expert opinion: The benefits of induction therapy with ATGs must be weighed against the costs and post-transplant complications. It is suggest that there is no substantial clinical difference between these two rabbit ATGs and each may be considered as induction therapy for solid organ transplantation based on availability and drug cost. Of special importance is adding antiviral therapy to the treatment regimen of patients who receive ATGs as induction therapy.
Diurnal variations in the outcomes of instrumented gait and quiet standing balance assessments and their association with falls history

One in three adults aged over 65 falls every year, resulting in enormous costs to society. Incidents of falling vary with time of day, peaking in the early morning. The aim of this study was to determine if the ability of instrumented gait and balance assessments to discriminate between participants based on their falls history varies diurnally. Body-worn sensors were used during a 3 m gait assessment and a series of quiet standing balance tests. Each assessment was performed four times during a single day under supervised conditions in the participant's homes. 40 adults aged over 60 years (19 fallers) participated in this study. A range of parameters were derived for each assessment, and the ability of each parameter to discriminate between fallers and non-fallers at each recording time was examined. The effect of falls history on single support time varied significantly with recording time, with a significantly reduced single support time observed at the first and last recording session of the day. Differences were observed between fallers and non-fallers for a range of other gait parameters; however, these effects did not vary with assessment time. The quiet standing assessments examined in this study revealed significant variations with falls history; however, the sensitivity of the examined quiet standing assessments to falls risk does not appear to be time dependent. These results indicate that, with the exception of single support time, the association of gait and quiet standing balance parameters with falls risk does not vary diurnally.
Measurement of DNA damage by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase reaction

An improved terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method for the quantification of DNA damage in tissues and cultured cells was developed. Many reports have revealed that histochemistry of DNA damage can be visualized using immunohistochemistry for the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase reaction in tissue sections. However, few reports have described quantification of DNA damage in tissues or cells. In this study, to estimate the degree of DNA damage, the confirmed method for histochemistry using biotinylated dUTP and deoxynucleotidyl transferase was applied to label the cleaved DNA ends caused by DNA damage in tissues or cells. After end-labeling, avidin-conjugated peroxidase was reacted. A significant correlation was observed between numbers of cleaved DNA ends and peroxidase activity after the reaction. The obtained signals for presented method showed higher than those for ordinary method, and correlate with degree of DNA damage caused by serum deprivation and chemical dose. In addition, DNA damage caused by apoptosis in cells treated with 6-hydroxydopamine or Cu and in the tissues of rats administered a diet containing no Zn could be evaluated quantitatively using the present method.