Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T-cell-based assays on cerebrospinal fluid and PBMCs for rapid diagnosis of TB meningitis in non-HIV patients

To the Editors: Recently, two studies have shown that an ELISPOT assay using mononuclear cells (MCs) compartmentalised in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an accurate and rapid rule-out or rule-in test for tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) in conjunction with other rapid tests [1, 2]. However, these two studies had limitations: the majority (94%) of enrolled patients were infected with HIV in one study [2], and the CSF-MC ELISPOT assay was performed on a relatively small number of patients in the other [1]. This study builds on our earlier publication [1] and evaluates the clinical utility for the diagnosis of TBM of simultaneous testing with the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and CSF-MC ELISPOT assays in a larger number of non-HIV-infected patients, by using the standardised diagnostic criteria for TBM [3]. Adult patients (aged ≥16 yrs) with suspected TBM admitted to Asan Medical Center, a 2,700-bed tertiary hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea, were enrolled prospectively from April 2008 to October 2010. The results of the ELISPOT assays were concealed from the attending physicians to avoid bias because the results of the ELISPOT assays might have affected the attending physicians' decisions on empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy. Patients with suspected TBM were categorised as definite TBM, probable TBM, possible TBM, not TBM or indeterminate meningitis, according to a recently proposed uniform case definition, with some modifications (tables s1 and s2) [3]. We excluded patients with possible TBM or indeterminate meningitis from the …
Magnetic hysteresis phenomena in electromagnetic actuation systems

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Involvement of N-terminal-extended Form of Sphingosine Kinase 2 in Serum-dependent Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis*

Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) 1 is implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic processes by catalyzing the formation of an important bioactive messenger, sphingosine 1-phosphate. Unlike the proliferative action of SPHK1, another isozyme, SPHK2, has been shown to possess anti-proliferative or pro-apoptotic action. Molecular mechanisms of SPHK2 action, however, are largely unknown. The present studies were undertaken to characterize the N-terminal-extended form of SPHK2 (SPHK2-L) by comparing it with the originally reported form, SPHK2-S. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that SPHK2-L mRNA is the major form in several human cell lines and tissues. From sequence analyses it was concluded that SPHK2-L is a species-specific isoform that is expressed in human but not in mouse. At the protein level it has been demonstrated by immunoprecipitation studies that SPHK2-L is the major isoform in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. SPHK2-L, when expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, did not show any inhibition of DNA synthesis in the presence of serum, whereas it showed marked inhibition in the absence of serum. Moreover, serum deprivation resulted in the translocation of SPHK2-L into the nuclei. In addition, serum deprivation induced SPHK2-L expression in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, suppression of SPHK2 by small interfering RNA treatment prevented serum deprivation- or drug-induced apoptosis in HEK293 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that a major form of SPHK2 splice variant, SPHK2-L, in human cells does not inhibit DNA synthesis under normal conditions and that SPHK2-L accumulation in the nucleus induced by serum deprivation may be involved in the cessation of cell proliferation or apoptosis depending on the cell type.
Analysis of ColE1 expression in vitro after chromosome fragmentation

The RNA and protein products synthesized from ColE1 DNA were observed before and after cutting the DNA with different restriction enzymes. Synthesis was carried out in the DNA-directed coupled transcription translation system. The S-30 extracts used to catalyze synthesis were prepared from a recB mutant in which the linear DNA fragments resulting from restriction enzyme cleavage were spared from the usual degradation by exonucleolytic attack. By correlating the observed in vitro synthesized products with the location of the cleavage sites in the plasmid chromosome, it was possible to identify specific gene products. The col gene catalyzes the synthesis of numerous peptides in addition to the 56-kilodalton colicin protein encoded by this gene. Most of the subsidiary products appear to arise as the result of premature termination by a mechanism(s) which remains to be determined. A unique RNA and protein were characterized as products of the imm gene. The RNA has an estimated mass of 150 kilodaltons, and the protein has an estimated mass of 13 kilodaltons. From the DNA sequence of the chromosome, it was concluded that the transcripts from the imm and col genes must crisscross each other over a region of about 75 base pairs. Such a pattern of transcription might lead to interference of transcription of one gene by the other gene. Consistent with this hypothesis, it was found that imm gene transcription increased severalfold in vitro when the chromosome was cleaved in a way that eliminated transcription originating at the col gene promoter. Surprisingly, the increase in transcription by this mechanism did not result in a significant increase in the synthesis of the imm gene-encoded protein.
An evaluation of local improvement operators for genetic algorithms

Genetic algorithms have demonstrated considerable success in providing good solutions to many NP-hard optimization problems. For such problems, exact algorithms that always find an optimal solution are only useful for small toy problems, so heuristic algorithms such as the genetic algorithm must be used in practice. In this paper, we apply the genetic algorithm to the NP-hard problem of multiple fault diagnosis (MFD). We compare a pure genetic algorithm with several variants that include local improvement operators. These operators, which are often domain-specific, are used to accelerate the genetic algorithm in converging on optimal solutions. Our empirical results indicate that by using the appropriate local improvement operator, the genetic algorithm is able to find an optimal solution in all but a tiny fraction of the cases and at a speed orders of magnitude faster than exact algorithms. >
Evaluation of a Theater-Based Youth Violence Prevention Program for Elementary School Children

Abstract The present study evaluated the impact of Urban Improv (UI), a theater-based youth violence prevention (YVP) program developed for inner-city youth, on three behavioral and psychological outcome domains: aggressive behaviors, prosocial behaviors, and scholastic attention and engagement. This study compared outcomes for 77 elementary school students in classrooms designated to receive UI with those of 63 students from matched control classrooms. Findings revealed that students who received UI were superior to matched controls on all outcome domains. Findings support UI as a promising practice for YVP with urban elementary school students and suggest that greater attention should be focused on application of theater-based programs in YVP.
Five Dimensions of European Identity: A Contribution to the Italian Adaptation and Validation of the In-Group Identification Scale

Recent approaches define collective identity as a multi-component construct. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research about the dimensionality of in-group identification in relation to European Identity. Leach and colleagues (2008) proposed a framework of in-group identification, in which they distinguish five main components integrated into two higher-order dimensions. In two studies we examined the validity of the Italian version of the In-Group Identification Scale by Leach et al., with a focus on European identity. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the hierarchical model of in-group identification fitted the data well (Study 1); the measure was shown to have satisfactory convergent and divergent validity. In Study 2, the relations between European identification and several possible antecedents and outcomes were examined.
Hypothermic retrograde jugular perfusion reduces brain damage in rats with heatstroke

ObjectiveTo determine whether direct retrograde ice saline infusion in the jugular vein without cardiopulmonary bypass protects rat brains after heatstroke. DesignRandomized, controlled, prospective study. SettingUniversity physiology research laboratory. SubjectsSprague-Dawley rats (270–320 g, males). InterventionsRats were randomized into three groups and given a) no resuscitation after onset of heat stroke (HS, n = 8); b) ice saline infusion in the femoral vein after onset of heat stroke (HS + F, n = 8); or c) retrograde ice saline infusion in the external jugular vein after onset of heat stroke (HS + J, n = 8). Rats were exposed to an ambient temperature of 43°C after vessel cannulation. Their mean arterial pressure, heart rate, colonic temperature, and brain temperature were continuously recorded. Survival time and brain pathology were checked. Measurements and Main ResultsAlthough colonic temperature decreased 0.8–1.0°C 15 mins after heatstroke in all groups, no treatment-related changes in colonic temperature were noted in any group. However, significant changes were observed in brain temperature. Fifteen minutes after heatstroke, brain temperature was 37.6 ± 0.4°C, 36.1 ± 0.4°C, and 33.6 ± 0.8°C in HS, HS + F, and HS + J, respectively. Survival time was 16.1 ± 2.1, 33.0 ± 3.8, and >120 mins in these groups, respectively. Neuron damage score was significantly lower in HS + J and without lateralization. ConclusionsWe successfully demonstrated that direct retrograde hypothermic perfusion via the jugular vein without cardiopulmonary bypass protected the brain after heat stroke. This technique cooled the brain but did not significantly interfere with body temperature.
Strategies to Improve Influenza Vaccination in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Through Education and Access

Background:Influenza vaccine uptake remains low in patients with inflammatory bowel disease despite an increased risk of complications from infection. We studied barriers to vaccination and evaluated the impact of an educational intervention and vaccine provision in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods:A prospective cohort study was completed over 2 successive influenza seasons. In year 1, we surveyed parents and patients aged 14 years or older regarding influenza vaccination. In year 2, before the influenza season, patients were provided with an educational module. After influenza vaccine availability, patients were offered both education and vaccine in clinic. Chi-squared analysis was used to identify significant differences in vaccination rates in each intervention group. Demographic factors were associated with vaccination status. Results:In year 1, 180 parents and 183 adolescents completed the survey. In year 1, 47% of patients obtained the influenza vaccine and 34% of patients reported obtaining the vaccine annually. Top reasons for nonvaccination were perceived lack of benefit (28%) and concerns about adverse events (19%). In year 2 (n = 228), the vaccination rate in patients who received the education alone was 75.0%, compared with 89.5% of patients who received both education and vaccine access in clinic (P = 0.0043). Among the patients who took part in both study years (n = 129), influenza vaccination rates increased from 45% in year 1 to 82% in year 2 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions:The educational intervention was associated with improved influenza vaccination rates. Additional vaccine uptake was achieved with provision of influenza vaccination during clinic visits.
Evaluation of X Chromosome Inactivation with Respect to HLA Genetic Susceptibility in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Sclerosis

Background Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are characterized by a strong genetic susceptibility from the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) locus. Additionally, disorders of epigenetic processes, in particular non-random X chromosome inactivation (XCI), have been reported in many female-predominant autoimmune diseases. Here we test the hypothesis that women with RA or SSc who are strongly genetically predisposed are less susceptible to XCI bias. Methods Using methylation sensitive genotyping of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, XCI profiles were performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 161 women with RA, 96 women with SSc and 100 healthy women. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 were genotyped. Presence of specific autoantibodies was documented for patients. XCI skewing was defined as having a ratio ≥ 80:20 of cells inactivating the same X chromosome. Results 110 women with RA, 68 women with SSc, and 69 controls were informative for the AR polymorphism. Among them 40.9% of RA patients and 36.8% of SSc patients had skewed XCI compared to 17.4% of healthy women (P = 0.002 and 0.018, respectively). Presence of RA-susceptibility alleles coding for the “shared epitope” correlated with higher skewing among RA patients (P = 0.002) and such correlation was not observed in other women, healthy or with SSc. Presence of SSc-susceptibility alleles did not correlate with XCI patterns among SSc patients. Conclusion Data demonstrate XCI skewing in both RA and SSc compared to healthy women. Unexpectedly, skewed XCI occurs more often in women with RA carrying the shared epitope, which usually reflects severe disease. This reinforces the view that loss of mosaicism in peripheral blood may be a consequence of chronic autoimmunity.
Turning 802.11 inside-out

The past decade has seen communication revolution in the form of cellular telephony as well as the Internet, but much of it has been restricted to the developed world and metro pockets in the developing world. While the use of cellular technologies can cut down on the time to deploy access networks, the cost economics make this non-viable in growing telecom economies. In the Digital Gangetic Plains (DGP) project, we are exploring the use of 802.11 as a long-distance access technology. 802.11 is currently cost-priced due to competitive mass production and hence is attractive for low cost and rapid deployment in rural areas.We have built an extensive testbed in a rural setting consisting of multi-hop directional 802.11 links, the testbed spanning up to 80km at its longest. To our knowledge such a long-distance, multi-hop testbed based on 802.11 is unique thus far. While 802.11 is attractive in terms of cost economics, it was inherently designed for indoor use. Our novel use of the technology for outdoor, long-distance access links presents several challenges. Our experience with the testbed has brought several research as well as operational issues to the fore. In this paper, we describe the novel technical challenges that lie ahead in using 802.11 to bridge the digital divide.
MS prevalence in New Zealand, an ethnically and latitudinally diverse country

Background: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not uniform, with a latitudinal gradient of prevalence present in most studies. Understanding the drivers of this gradient may allow a better understanding of the environmental factors involved in MS pathogenesis. Method: The New Zealand national MS prevalence study (NZMSPS) is a cross-sectional study of people with definite MS (DMS) (McDonald criteria 2005) resident in New Zealand on census night, 7 March 2006, utilizing multiple sources of notification. Capture—recapture analysis (CRA) was used to estimate missing cases. Results: Of 2917 people with DMS identified, the crude prevalence was 72.4 per 100,000 population, and 73.1 per 100,000 when age-standardized to the European population. CRA estimated that 96.7% of cases were identified. A latitudinal gradient was seen with MS prevalence increasing three-fold from the North (35°S) to the South (48°S). The gradient was non-uniform; females with relapsing—remitting/secondary-progressive (RRMS/SPMS) disease have a gradient 11 times greater than males with primary-progressive MS (p < 1 × 10-7). DMS was significantly less common among those of Māori ethnicity. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of a robust latitudinal gradient of MS prevalence in New Zealand. This gradient is largely driven by European females with the RRMS/SPMS phenotype. These results indicate that the environmental factors that underlie the latitudinal gradient act differentially by gender, ethnicity and MS phenotype. A better understanding of these factors may allow more targeted MS therapies aimed at modifiable environmental triggers at the population level.
Proceedings of Meetings on Acoustics

​ *Corresponding author's address: Linguistics, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, H3C 3P8, Quebec, Canada, menard.lucie@uqam.ca The role of auditory feedback in speech development was investigated through a study of compensation strategies for a lip-tube perturbation. Acoustic, articulatory, and perceptual analyses of the vowels /i/, /y/, and /u/ produced by ten 4-year-old French speakers and ten adult French speakers were conducted under two conditions: normal and with a 15-mm-diameter tube (for /y/ and /u/) or a 5-mm-diameter tube (for /i/) inserted between the lips. Ultrasound and acoustic recordings of isolated vowels were made in normal condition before any perturbation (N1), for each of the 20 trials in the perturbed condition (P), and in normal condition after the perturbed trials (N2). Data reveal that adult participants moved their tongue in the P condition more than children subjects, to compensate for F1 and F2 alteration induced by the tube. Except for /y/, the perturbation was generally at least partly compensated during the perturbed trials in adults and children, but children did not show a typical learning effect. Results are analyzed from the perspective of (i) goal specification in speech production in the acoustic and/or somatosensory domain, and (ii) the maturity of representations of the motor apparatus in the brain.
Condition number-free query and active learning of linear families

We consider the problem of learning a function from samples with $\ell_2$-bounded noise. In the simplest agnostic learning setting, the number of samples required for robust estimation depends on a condition number that can be arbitrarily large. We show how to improve this dependence in two natural extensions of the setting: a query access setting, where we can estimate the function at arbitrary points, and an active learning setting, where we get a large number of unlabeled points and choose a small subset to label. For linear spaces of functions, such as the family of $n$-variate degree-$d$ polynomials, this eliminates the dependence on the condition number. The technique can also yield improvements for nonlinear spaces, as we demonstrate for the family of $k$-Fourier-sparse signals with continuous frequencies.
Forced expression of laminin β1 in podocytes prevents nephrotic syndrome in mice lacking laminin β2, a model for Pierson syndrome

Pierson syndrome is a congenital nephrotic syndrome with ocular and neurological defects caused by mutations in LAMB2, the gene encoding the basement membrane protein laminin β2 (Lamβ2). It is the kidney glomerular basement membrane (GBM) that is defective in Pierson syndrome, as Lamβ2 is a component of laminin-521 (LM-521; α5β2γ1), the major laminin in the mature GBM. In both Pierson syndrome and the Lamb2−/− mouse model for this disease, laminin β1 (Lamβ1), a structurally similar homolog of Lamβ2, is marginally increased in the GBM, but it fails to fully compensate for the loss of Lamβ2, leading to the filtration barrier defects and nephrotic syndrome. Here we generated several lines of Lamβ1 transgenic mice and used them to show that podocyte-specific Lamβ1 expression in Lamb2−/− mice abrogates the development of nephrotic syndrome, correlating with a greatly extended lifespan. In addition, the more Lamβ1 was expressed, the less urinary albumin was excreted. Transgenic Lamβ1 expression increased the level of Lamα5 in the GBM of rescued mice, consistent with the desired increased deposition of laminin-511 (α5β1γ1) trimers. Ultrastructural analysis revealed occasional knob-like subepithelial GBM thickening but intact podocyte foot processes in aged rescued mice. These results suggest the possibility that up-regulation of LAMB1 in podocytes, should it become achievable, would likely lessen the severity of nephrotic syndrome in patients carrying LAMB2 mutations.
Selection of superior bifidobacteria in the presence of rotavirus

The main purpose of this study was to investigate bifidobacteria flora in fecal samples from children with rotavirus infection and determine the significance of their selected probiotic properties for improvement of health status. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify rotavirus antigen in fecal samples from 94 patients with gastroenteritis and from 30 without gastroenteritis. Bifidobacteria were identified by selective media, gram reaction, colony morphology, fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase enzyme activity and classical identification tests. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was identified by phenol-sulphuric acid method. The modified method was then used to identify the quantity of taurocholic and glycocholic acid deconjugation and cholesterol elimination of the strains. Thirty-five of the 94 fecal samples were found positive for rotavirus antigen (37.23%). Bifidobacteria were identified in 59 of the samples. The EPS production ranges were 29.56-102.21 mg/L. The cholesterol elimination rates ranged between 8.36-39.22%. Furthermore, a positive and strong correlation was determined between EPS production and the presence of cholesterol (r=0.984, P<0.001). The deconjugation rates for the sodium glycocholate group was higher than the sodium taurocholate group. Rotavirus (+) bifidobacteria strains had higher EPS production, deconjugation rate and cholesterol elimination compared to bifidobacteria strains isolated from children in the rotavirus (-) sample and without gastroenteritis. Significant differences were observed among groups in all parameters (P<0.05). Given the increased number of rotavirus cases in Turkey and worldwide, it is very important to add superior bifidobacteria in the diets of infected children to improve the intestinal and vital functions.
Effect of Performance Feedback and Goal Setting on Productivity and Satisfaction in an Organizational Setting.

A quasi-experimental design (W=113) was employed to investigate the effect of evaluative and nonevaluative feedback and goal setting on performance and satisfaction in a large telephone company. Three experimental groups received either extrinsic feedback, intrinsic feedback, or extrinsic and intrinsic feedback in addition to goal setting, while a fourth group received only goal-setting instructions. The results show that it is possible for goal setting alone to enhance performance without a formal-knowledge-of-results program, and thus yield external validity for Locke's theory of goal setting. However, when evaluative and nonevaluative feedback was added to a goal-setting program, performance was generally enhanced beyond that found in the goal-settingonly group.