Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term metered-dose inhaler adherence in a clinical trial. The Lung Health Study Research Group.

Poor adherence to medication regimens is a well-documented phenomenon in clinical practice and an ever-present concern in clinical trials. Little is known about adherence to inhaled medication regimens over extended periods. The present paper describes the 2-yr results of the Lung Health Study (LHS) program, which was developed to maintain long-term adherence to an inhaled medication regimen in 3,923 special intervention participants (as measured by self-report and medication canister weight). The LHS is a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial of smoking intervention and bronchodilator therapy (ipratropium bromide or placebo) for early intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At the first 4-mo follow-up visit, nearly 70% of participants reported satisfactory or better adherence. Over the next 18 mo, self-reported satisfactory or better adherence declined to about 60%. Canister weight classified adherence as satisfactory or better in 72% of participants returning all canisters at 1 yr, and in 70% of the participants returning all canisters at the 2-yr follow-up. Self-reporting confirmed by canister weight classified 48% of participants at 1 yr as showing satisfactory or better adherence. Overusers were 50% more likely than others to misrepresent their true smoking status, suggesting that canister weights indicating overuse may be deceptive. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicate that the best compliance was found in participants who were married, older, white, had more severe airways obstruction, less shortness of breath, and fewer hospitalizations, and who had not been confined to bed for respiratory illnesses. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Complement Activation in Extracorporeal Circuits

Clinical studies performed with various types of hemodialyzers provide a data base and conceptual framework for understanding blood-material interactions that result in complement activation. Current findings suggest that the complement-activating potential of biomaterials may be defined by quantitating either fluid-phase C3a antigen or measurement of surface-bound C3 fragments. Furthermore, systematic studies can reveal material properties that regulate both the production and distribution of the human anaphylatoxins. Assessing the fate of the C5a anaphylatoxin is particularly important because it is likely that generation of this bioactive molecule in extracorporeal circuits initially triggers granulocyte responses and may produce cardiopulmonary manifestations if the C5a is formed in sufficient quantities. It seems likely that detailed knowledge of these varied phenomena will permit rational design of newer "biocompatible" materials and membranes.
Adjuvant MAGE-A3 immunotherapy in resected non-small-cell lung cancer: phase II randomized study results.

PURPOSE The MAGE-A3 protein is expressed in approximately 35% of patients with resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several immunization approaches against the MAGE-A3 antigen have shown few, but often long-lasting, clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study was performed assessing clinical activity, immunologic response, and safety following immunization with recombinant MAGE-A3 protein combined with an immunostimulant (13 doses over 27 months) in completely resected MAGE-A3-positive stage IB to II NSCLC. The primary end point was disease-free interval (DFI). RESULTS Patients were randomly assigned to either MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic (n = 122) or placebo (n = 60). After a median postresection period of 44 months, recurrence was observed in 35% of patients in the MAGE-A3 arm and 43% in the placebo arm. No statistically significant improvement in DFI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75, 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.23; two-sided P = .254), disease-free survival (DFS; HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.21; P = .248), or overall survival (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.40; P = .454) was observed. Corresponding analysis after a median of 70 months of follow-up revealed a similar trend for DFI and DFS. All patients receiving the active treatment showed a humoral immune response to the MAGE-A3 antigen, although no correlation was observed with outcome. No significant toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION In this early development study with a limited number of patients, postoperative MAGE-A3 immunization proved to be feasible with minimal toxicity. These results are being investigated further in a large phase III study.
The Role of von Willebrand Factor and Fibrinogen in the Initiation of Platelet Adhesion to Thrombogenic Surfaces

Platelets respond rapidly to alterations of endothelial cells by attaching firmly to the site of lesion, where exposure of subendothelial components may have occurred. The first layer of platelets is in contact with the thrombogenic surface (adhesion), whereas subsequent growth of the hemostatic plug depends on platelet-to-platelet interactions (aggregation). Both aspects of platelet function are influenced by von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen interaction with specific platelet membrane receptors. Multiple domains of von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen are involved in securing initiation and growth of platelet thrombi.
The influence of concentration of HEMA on degree of conversion and cytotoxicity of a dental bonding resin.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the influence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) on the degree of conversion (DC) and cytotoxicity of a dental bonding resin (DBR). METHODS A monomer mixture based on 61.9 wt% of bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA), 36.9 wt% of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and photoactivated using a binary system based on camphoroquinone (0.4 wt%) and ethyl 4-dimethylamine benzoate (0.8 wt%) was used as DBR. Different groups were obtained with addition of HEMA in crescent concentrations. DC was accessed by Real time Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was evaluated with MTT assay. The DC and cytotoxicity were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's Test (P<0.05). RESULTS A decrease in the DC was observed in the group with higher amount of HEMA. All tested-extracts were cytotoxic and there was an increased cytotoxic effect with higher HEMA addition. CONCLUSIONS Higher amount of HEMA in the DBR resulted in adverse effects, with more cell toxicity and lower degree of conversion.
Estudo cinético da remoção do corante vermelho 4B por dolomita termicamente modificada.

RESUMO – O impacto ambiental provocado pelo setor têxtil, através da geração de efluentes líquidos, aumenta de acordo com as necessidades exigidas pelas indústrias, crescendo a demanda de corantes têxteis utilizadas nos processos industriais, produzindo cada vez mais efluentes sem tratamentos e danos ambientais. Pois os corantes têxteis apresentam um alto grau de toxicidade e a sua grande maioria é considerada carcinogênico. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um estudo cinético do processo de remoção de cor de efluente têxtil modelo, contendo corante reativo vermelho 4B, utilizando como adsorvente a dolomita tratada termicamente, cedida pela Armil Mineradora do Nordeste. Os resultados do monitoramento cinético mostraram que o material em questão é altamente eficiente para a remoção do corante, visto que em apenas 30 segundos apresentou aproximadamente 90% de remoção e o processo de remoção do corante pela dolomita segue uma cinética de pseudo-segunda ordem.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Effect of Free Volatile Compounds From Satureja montana L.

As a part of an investigation of natural antioxidants from Dalmatian aromatic plants, in this paper we report a study of the antioxidant activity related to the chemical composition of savory free volatile compounds. Twenty-one compounds were identified in the essential oil without fractionation, representing 97.4% of the total oil. The major compound was phenolic monoterpene thymol (45.2%). Other important compounds were monoterpenic hydrocarbons p-cymene (6.4%) and γ-terpinene (5.9%) and oxygen-containing compounds carvacrol methyl ether (5.8%), thymol methyl ether (5.1%), carvacrol (5.3%), geraniol (5.0%) and borneol (3.9%). The evaluation of antioxidant power was performed in vitro by the β-carotene bleaching and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods. As determined with both methods, the total savory essential oil as well as different fractions or pure constituents containing hydroxyl group exhibited relatively strong antioxidant effect. The hydrocarbons, when isolated as CH fraction, showed the poorest effectiveness in spite the fact that this fraction contained γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, p-cymene and terpinolene which previously were identified as potential antioxidants.
Mitofusin-2 Maintains Mitochondrial Structure and Contributes to Stress-Induced Permeability Transition in Cardiac Myocytes

ABSTRACT Mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) is a dynamin-like protein that is involved in the rearrangement of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Research using various experimental systems has shown that Mfn-2 is a mediator of mitochondrial fusion, an evolutionarily conserved process responsible for the surveillance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, we find that cardiac myocyte mitochondria lacking Mfn-2 are pleiomorphic and have the propensity to become enlarged. Consistent with an underlying mild mitochondrial dysfunction, Mfn-2-deficient mice display modest cardiac hypertrophy accompanied by slight functional deterioration. The absence of Mfn-2 is associated with a marked delay in mitochondrial permeability transition downstream of Ca2+ stimulation or due to local generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, Mfn-2-deficient adult cardiomyocytes are protected from a number of cell death-inducing stimuli and Mfn-2 knockout hearts display better recovery following reperfusion injury. We conclude that in cardiac myocytes, Mfn-2 controls mitochondrial morphogenesis and serves to predispose cells to mitochondrial permeability transition and to trigger cell death.
Effective dose to a patient undergoing coronary angiography.

Detailed data relating to patient dose have been acquired for 18, randomly chosen, patients undergoing coronary angiographies. During the procedure, dose-area product (DAP), kV and beam collimation were recorded for each projection. Total DAP, fluoroscopy time and number of cine frames were also noted. Patient effective doses were calculated using two different methods. Mean and median DAP values were 58 and 56 Gy.cm2 respectively, with a range between 26 and 125 Gy.cm2, screening time ranged from 3 to 37 min and cine frames from 1013 to 2344, depending on patient size, examination protocol and complexity of procedure. Our results correspond well with those obtained by other authors. Differences in the estimation of effective doses, due to the calculation method used and the approximation made, are discussed.
Einfluss der unteren Schichten von Schutzbekleidung auf die Erwärmung durch Infrarotstrahlung

Mit einer Thermopuppe wurde die Erwarmung durch langwellige Warmestrahlung beim Tragen von Schutzkleidung erfasst, wobei Material und Anzahl der Schichten der Unterbekleidung variiert wurden. Die Unterbekleidung minderte die durch Strahlungs-Absorption hervorgerufene Erwarmung. Die dabei beobachtete hohe negative Korrelation mit der thermischen Isolation zeigt Moglichkeiten zur Berucksichtigung von Effekt modifizierenden Eigenschaften wie Materialdichte oder -dicke bei der Modellierung auf.
Asymptotic unbounded root loci - Formulae and computation

We study the asymptotic behavior of the dosed loop eigenvalues (root loci) of a strictly proper linear time-invariant control system as loop gain goes to \infty . The formulas are stated in terms of the eigenvalues of nested restricted linear maps of the form A(\mod S_{2})|_{S_{1}} where S 1 and S 2 are subspaces of complementary dimension. Additional geometrical insight into the formulas is obtained by mechanizing the formulas using orthogonal projections. Our method and formulas are useful in other asymptotic calculations as well, e.g., hierarchical multiple-time scales aggregation of Markov chains with some infrequent transitions.
Global Sea Ice Coverage from Satellite Data: Annual Cycle and 35-Yr Trends

AbstractWell-established satellite-derived Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extents are combined to create the global picture of sea ice extents and their changes over the 35-yr period 1979–2013. Results yield a global annual sea ice cycle more in line with the high-amplitude Antarctic annual cycle than the lower-amplitude Arctic annual cycle but trends more in line with the high-magnitude negative Arctic trends than the lower-magnitude positive Antarctic trends. Globally, monthly sea ice extent reaches a minimum in February and a maximum generally in October or November. All 12 months show negative trends over the 35-yr period, with the largest magnitude monthly trend being the September trend, at −68 200 ± 10 500 km2 yr−1 (−2.62% ± 0.40% decade−1), and the yearly average trend being −35 000 ± 5900 km2 yr−1 (−1.47% ± 0.25% decade−1).
The offline feature extraction of four-class motor imagery EEG based on ICA and Wavelet-CSP

The signal processing of electroencephalogram (EEG) is the key technology in a brain-computer interface (BCI) system. A widely used method is to purify the raw EEG with an 8-30Hz band-pass filter and extract features by common spatial patterns (CSP). However its results for BCI Competition IV are not very satisfactory. To improve the classification success rate, this paper proposed a novel Wavelet-CSP with ICA-filter method. For the data sets from BCI Competition IV, the features of the four-class motor imagery were trained and tested using the Support Vector Machines (SVM). The experimental results showed that the proposed method had a higher average kappa coefficient of 0.68 than 0.52 of the general method.
APPLICATIONS OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC MELODY EXTRACTION INTERFACE FOR INDIAN MUSIC

Automatic extraction of the melody from polyphonic music recordings is a challenging problem for which no general solutions currently exist. We present a novel interface for semi-automatic melody extraction with the goal to provide highly accurate pitch tracks of the lead voice with minimal user intervention. Audio-visual feedback facilitates the validation of the obtained melodic contour, and user control of the analysis parameters enables direct and effective control over the voice pitch detection module by an intelligent user. This paper describes the interface and also an application of the interface for note-level representation of the vocal melody extracted from polyphonic audio in a query-by-humming system. In such a system, the continuous melodic contour needs to be further processed to obtain a suitable note sequence-like representation for more efficient search.
Tradition and technology

The Journal of Sports Sciences is 30. Born at a time that saw the dawn of the personal computer age with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh, and arguably with it, the democritisation of technology. Since then, the Journal has matured into one of the most respected in the sport and exercise sciences. However, along with maturity and advancing age often comes a natural regression to conservative thinking and the embracing of traditional values and ways of working. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Yet since the birth of the Journal, we have witnessed both rapid and fundamental changes in the way we communicate science, mostly because of the advent of the World Wide Web. In 1983, manuscripts submitted to the Journal were received through the post, often taking weeks to reach the office of our first Editor-in-Chief, the late Tom Reilly, in Liverpool. The peer-review process was conducted in the same way, often taking between 6 and 12 months for authors to receive feedback on their manuscripts. Now, in 2014, manuscripts are managed through a wholly online process that takes a matter of weeks, sometimes only days, from submission to first decision. While these changes to how we handle manuscripts have been welcomed by authors, reviewers, and editors, it is the way that research is shared, discussed, and consumed that will see the next wave of innovation and change. Given that a majority of research is undertaken by publicly funded universities, yet is published by privately owned companies who ask the reader to pay for access, there is a growing movement for this research to be given a wider audience, particularly to the general public who both pay for the research and are likely to be the beneficiaries of such research. This movement is being propelled by Web 2.0 technologies that have emerged over the past few years, with platforms like Twitter and Facebook getting most of the headlines. The common threads connecting these technologies are that they are always on, connected via the cloud, are increasingly mobile, and they are social. The challenge for academics tasked with overseeing the publication of peer-reviewed research is how to exploit these new social media platforms for the communication of science while retaining the traditional values of peer review and rigour, which are still seen as worthy attributes by academics (Frass, Cross, & Gardner, 2013). If we are to use these new platforms to communicate science to a wider audience then how should we do that? Here are my suggestions for effective use of social media:
A Novel Splicing Factor, Yju2, Is Associated with NTC and Acts after Prp2 in Promoting the First Catalytic Reaction of Pre-mRNA Splicing

ABSTRACT The Prp19-associated complex (NTC) is essential for pre-mRNA splicing and is associated with the spliceosome during spliceosome activation. NTC is required for specifying interactions of U5 and U6 with pre-mRNA to stabilize their association with the spliceosome after dissociation of U4. Here, we show that a novel splicing factor, Yju2, is associated with components of NTC, and that it is required for pre-mRNA splicing both in vivo and in vitro. During spliceosome assembly, Yju2 is associated with the spliceosome at nearly the same time as NTC but is destabilized after the first catalytic reaction, whereas other NTC components remain associated until the reaction is complete. Extracts depleted of Yju2 could be complemented by recombinant Yju2, suggesting that Yju2 and NTC are not entirely in association with each other. Yju2 is not required for the binding of NTC to the spliceosome or for NTC-mediated spliceosome activation. Complementation analysis of the affinity-isolated spliceosome formed in Yju2-depleted extracts demonstrated that Yju2 acts in concert with an unidentified heat-resistant factor(s) in an ATP-independent manner to promote the first catalytic reaction of pre-mRNA splicing after Prp2-mediated structural rearrangement of the spliceosome.
Managing Barrett's oesophagus

In Barrett's oesophagus the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal oesophagus is replaced by an abnormal columnar epithelium that has intestinal features.1 The abnormal epithelium (called specialised intestinal metaplasia) usually shows evidence of DNA damage that predisposes to malignancy,2 and most oesophageal adenocarcinomas seem to arise from this metaplastic tissue.3 Barrett's oesophagus affects mainly white men, among whom the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has more than quadrupled over the past few decades.4 The quandary is to know what to do to prevent Barrett's oesophagus from turning into oesophageal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus develops as a consequence of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and is usually discovered during endoscopy performed to evaluate the symptoms of reflux disease. Endoscopists recognise Barrett's oesophagus because the dull red of the metaplastic columnar epithelium contrasts sharply with the pale glossy normal squamous lining (figure). Long segment Barrett's oesophagus. The dull red of the metaplastic columnar epithelium contrasts with the pale, glossy appearance of the normal squamous lining Barrett's oesophagus is classified as long segment or short segment, depending on whether or not the specialised intestinal metaplasia extends 3 cm or more above the gastro-oesophageal junction.5 Among patients who have endoscopy for symptoms of reflux, long segment Barrett's oesophagus is found in 3-5% and short segment disease in 10-15%. 1 Although it is not clear whether long and short …
Producción de información y el comovimiento de retornos accionarios en países emergentes

Este estudio evalua empiricamente si la produccion de informacion en los mercados de capitales puede explicar las fluctuaciones en el comovimiento de los retornos accionarios en paises emergentes. Se plantean y prueban dos hipotesis: (1) el comovimiento aumenta durante recesiones y cae durante expansiones con mayor intensidad en paises de bajos ingresos, y (2) mientras mayor sea la variabilidad en la produccion de informacion, mas fuerte es la conexion entre comovimiento y actividad economica. Con informacion de 88 mil acciones en 36 paises, durante el periodo 1980-2007, los resultados respaldan ambas hipotesis y esto tiene importantes efectos practicos para inversionistas y organismos reguladores en paises emergentes. Los beneficios de la diversificacion varian mas a traves del tiempo en estos paises y ello aumenta la incertidumbre, el retorno minimo requerido por potenciales inversionistas y el costo de capital corporativo. La promocion de instituciones que garanticen un flujo constante de informacion entre companias e inversionistas es una condicion necesaria para mejorar el acceso a capitales externos de bajo costo, lo que constituye un pilar esencial para el futuro desarrollo economico de los paises emergentes.
A multiscale colour texture model

A fast recursive model-based algorithm for realistic colour texture synthesis is proposed. The algorithm starts with a colour texture image decomposition into a multiresolution grid. Each band pass colour factors are independently modelled by their dedicated 3D causal autoregressive random field models (CAR). We estimate an optimal contextual neighbourhood and parameters for each of the CAR submodel. Finally, the synthesized multiresolution colour texture pyramid is collapsed into the required fine resolution colour texture. The benefit of the multi-grid approach is the replacement of a large neighbourhood CAR model with a set of several simpler CAR models which are easy to synthesize and widen the application areas of these multigrid models capable of reproducing realistic textures for enhancing realism in various texture application areas.
Premedication with atropine or glycopyrrolate in children Effects on heart rate and rhythm during induction and maintenance of anaesthesia

Atropine 15 μg/kg and glycopyrrolate 5 or 10 μg/kg were studied as anticholinergic premedicants in groups of 20 children each. A control group of 20 children did not receive anticholinergic premedication. Both atropine and the higher dose of glycopyrrolate produced significant increases in heart rate prior to induction of anaesthesia. The subsequent increase during the process of induction was less than in those who had not received an anticholinergic drug or glycopyrrolate 5 μg/kg. Dysrhythmias during induction of anaesthesia occurred slightly less frequently in the patients given atropine or the higher dose of glycopyrrolate. Although the incidence was similar in these two groups, ventricular ectopic beats occurred less frequently following the use of glycopyrrolate. The control of secretions was also superior with this anticholinergic premedicant.