Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electron Probe Analysis of Sodium and Other Elements in Hypertrophied and Sodium‐Loaded Smooth Muscle

The composition of normal, hypertrophied, or sodium-loaded rabbit portal anterior mesenteric vein and of normal and sodium-loaded guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle was measured in cryosections with electron probe analysis, and the effects of wash with cold sodium-free (Lithium) solutions were determined. There was no significant difference in the cytoplasmic, nuclear, or mitochondrial concentrations of any of the measured elements (sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur) between hypertrophied, sham-operated, or control veins. The cytoplasmic potassium:sodium:chloride ratio in rabbit portal anterior mesenteric vein was 1:0.26:0.46, and the average sodium concentration (198 mmol/kg dry cytoplasmic weight) was nearly twice as high as estimated from ion flux measurements. The cytoplasmic sodium concentration of normal guinea pig taenia coli was 61 mmol/kg dry weight. The existence of a rapidly exchanging, relatively low affinity, and temperature-insensitive component of cytoplasmic sodium efflux was indicated by the reduction in cytoplasmic sodium after washout in cold, sodium-free (lithium or Tris-substituted) solutions. This reduction, by 62% in normal, 71% in sodium-loaded portal anterior mesenteric vein, and 36% in sodium-loaded guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle, suggests that the lithium wash method can underestimate cell sodium. In sodium-loaded guinea pig taenia coli and portal anterior mesenteric vein smooth muscles, the cytopiasmic sodium analyzed in individual cells showed a bimodal distribution; in cryosections, the cells having the highest sodium and lowest potassium and phosphorus content also had a more electronlucent (light cell) appearance.
Screening US in patients with mammographically dense breasts: initial experience with Connecticut Public Act 09-41.

PURPOSE To determine performance and utilization of screening breast ultrasonography (US) in women with dense breast tissue who underwent additional screening breast US in the 1st year since implementation of Connecticut Public Act 09-41 requiring radiologists to inform patients with heterogeneous or extremely dense breasts at mammography that they may benefit from such examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Informed consent was waived for this institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective review of 935 women with dense breasts at mammography who subsequently underwent handheld screening and whole-breast US from October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. RESULTS Of 935 women, 614 (65.7%) were at low risk, 149 (15.9%) were at intermediate risk, and 87 (9.3%) were at high risk for breast cancer. Of the screening breast US examinations, in 701 (75.0%), results were classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 1 or 2; in 187 (20.0%), results were classified as BI-RADS category 3; and in 47 (5.0%), results were classified as BI-RADS category 4. Of 63 aspirations or biopsies recommended and performed in 53 patients, in nine, lesions were BI-RADS category 3, and in 54, lesions were BI-RADS category 4. Among 63 biopsies and aspirations, three lesions were malignant (all BI-RADS category 4, diagnosed with biopsy). All three cancers were smaller than 1 cm, were found in postmenopausal patients, and were solid masses. One cancer was found in each risk group. In 44 of 935 (4.7%) patients, examination results were false-positive. Overall positive predictive value (PPV) for biopsy or aspirations performed in patients with BI-RADS category 4 masses was 6.5% (three of 46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%, 19%). Overall cancer detection rate was 3.2 cancers per 1000 women screened (three of 935; 95% CI: 0.8 cancers per 1000 women screened, 10 cancers per 1000 women screened). CONCLUSION Technologist-performed handheld screening breast US offered to women in the general population with dense breasts can aid detection of small mammographically occult breast cancers (cancer detection rate, 0.8-10 cancers per 1000 women screened), although the overall PPV is low.
Live Imaging of Influenza Infection of the Trachea Reveals Dynamic Regulation of CD8+ T Cell Motility by Antigen

During a primary influenza infection, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells need to infiltrate the infected airways and engage virus-infected epithelial cells. The factors that regulate T cell motility in the infected airway tissue are not well known. To more precisely study T cell infiltration of the airways, we developed an experimental model system using the trachea as a site where live imaging can be performed. CD8+ T cell motility was dynamic with marked changes in motility on different days of the infection. In particular, significant changes in average cell velocity and confinement were evident on days 8–10 during which the T cells abruptly but transiently increase velocity on day 9. Experiments to distinguish whether infection itself or antigen affect motility revealed that it is antigen, not active infection per se that likely affects these changes as blockade of peptide/MHC resulted in increased velocity. These observations demonstrate that influenza tracheitis provides a robust experimental foundation to study molecular regulation of T cell motility during acute virus infection.
Job Burnout, Mood State, and Cardiovascular Variable Changes of Doctors and Nurses in a Children's Hospital in China

Aims. This study examines mood and cardiovascular variables related to job stress and burnout in hospital personnel. Main Methods. 400 nurses and physicians from a children's hospital in China were recruited. Participants completed job stress, burnout, and mood state questionnaires. Cardiovascular variables such as body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured. Key Findings. Job stress and burnout were significantly associated with mood state. Statistically significant correlations were found between triglyceride levels and job stress scores (r = 0.175, P < 0.01), BMI and job stress scores (r = 0.121, P < 0.05), and HDL levels and job stress scores (r = −0.117, P < 0.05). Significance. Mood state changes may be related to job stress and job burnout, in turn, associated with triglycerides and HDL levels. Public health implications and interventions are discussed.
The significance of neonatal thymectomy for shaping the immune system in children with congenital heart defects

The thymus plays an important role in the development of the immune cell pool; it serves as the primary location for T-lymphocyte maturation. Early cardiac surgical interventions for congenital heart defects are necessarily associated with thymectomy, i.e. the partial or complete removal of the thymus. A newborn infant already has a functioning thymus and developed cells of the immune system. However, thymectomy eliminates the primary location where T cells differentiate and mature. This study summarizes the current knowledge of the cellular disturbances and potential clinical consequences associated with performing thymectomy in children treated surgically for congenital heart defects.
SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBER REINFORCED ECC BEAMS WITH VARYING SHEAR REINFORCEMENT RATIOS

1Non-member of JSCE, PhD Candidate, Dept. of Civil Eng., Tokyo Institute of Technology (2-12-1-M1-17, O-okayama, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan) E-mail: zhang.r. ab@m.titech. ac.jp 2Member of JSCE, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Eng., Tokyo Institute of Technology (2-12-1-M1-17, O-okayama, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan) E-mail: matsumoto.k. ar@m.titech. ac.jp 3Member of JSCE, Research Engineer, Construction System and Materials Department, Technical Research Institute Technology Division, Obayashi Corporation (640, Shimokiyoto 4-chome, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo 204-8558, Japan) E-mail: hirata.takayoshi@obayashi.co.jp 4Member of JSCE, Research Engineer, Construction System and Materials Department, Technical Research Institute Technology Division, Obayashi Corporation (640, Shimokiyoto 4-chome, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo 204-8558, Japan) E-mail: ishizeki.yoshikazu@obayashi.co.jp 5Fellow of JSCE, Professor, Dept. of Civil Eng., Tokyo Institute of Technology (2-12-1-M1-17, O-okayama, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan) E-mail: jniwa@cv.titech. ac.jp
Thermus aquaticus ATCC 33923 Amylomaltase Gene Cloning and Expression and Enzyme Characterization: Production of Cycloamylose

ABSTRACT The amylomaltase gene of the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus ATCC 33923 was cloned and sequenced. The open reading frame of this gene consisted of 1,503 nucleotides and encoded a polypeptide that was 500 amino acids long and had a calculated molecular mass of 57,221 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of the amylomaltase exhibited a high level of homology with the amino acid sequence of potato disproportionating enzyme (D-enzyme) (41%) but a low level of homology with the amino acid sequence of theEscherichia coli amylomaltase (19%). The amylomaltase gene was overexpressed in E. coli, and the enzyme was purified. This enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 75°C in a 10-min reaction with maltotriose and was stable at temperatures up to 85°C. When the enzyme acted on amylose, it catalyzed an intramolecular transglycosylation (cyclization) reaction which produced cyclic α-1,4-glucan (cycloamylose), like potato D-enzyme. The yield of cycloamylose produced from synthetic amylose with an average molecular mass of 110 kDa was 84%. However, the minimum degree of polymerization (DP) of the cycloamylose produced by T. aquaticus enzyme was 22, whereas the minimum DP of the cycloamylose produced by potato D-enzyme was 17. The T. aquaticus enzyme also catalyzed intermolecular transglycosylation of maltooligosaccharides. A detailed analysis of the activity of T. aquaticus ATCC 33923 amylomaltase with maltooligosaccharides indicated that the catalytic properties of this enzyme differ from those of E. coliamylomaltase and the plant D-enzyme.
Harmonic generation in carbon nanotubes: quantum-mechanical approach

The nonlinear optical response of a ingle-wall carbon nanotube (CNT)due to the interaction with femtosecond laser pulses is investigated. The analysis utilizes the quantum kinetic equations for π-electrons with both intra-band and inter-band transitions accounted. In the regime of weak driving fields the kinetic equations have been solved by the perturbation method and the third-order nonlinear usceptibility of different achiral CNTs has been calculated. In the strong driving field regime,a non-perturbative approach using the numerical solution of the quantum kinetic equations in the time domain has been developed and the density of the axial electric current in CNT has been calculated. The amplitude of this current and the conversion efficiency in dependence on the number of the high-order harmonics, the CNT type, the frequency and the intensity of the driving field have been predicted.
Reliability and Validity of Instruments for Assessing Perinatal Depression in African Settings: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background A major barrier to improving perinatal mental health in Africa is the lack of locally validated tools for identifying probable cases of perinatal depression or for measuring changes in depression symptom severity. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the reliability and validity of instruments to assess perinatal depression in African settings. Methods and Findings Of 1,027 records identified through searching 7 electronic databases, we reviewed 126 full-text reports. We included 25 unique studies, which were disseminated in 26 journal articles and 1 doctoral dissertation. These enrolled 12,544 women living in nine different North and sub-Saharan African countries. Only three studies (12%) used instruments developed specifically for use in a given cultural setting. Most studies provided evidence of criterion-related validity (20 [80%]) or reliability (15 [60%]), while fewer studies provided evidence of construct validity, content validity, or internal structure. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), assessed in 16 studies (64%), was the most frequently used instrument in our sample. Ten studies estimated the internal consistency of the EPDS (median estimated coefficient alpha, 0.84; interquartile range, 0.71-0.87). For the 14 studies that estimated sensitivity and specificity for the EPDS, we constructed 2 x 2 tables for each cut-off score. Using a bivariate random-effects model, we estimated a pooled sensitivity of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.99) and a pooled specificity of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.59-0.88) at a cut-off score of ≥9, with higher cut-off scores yielding greater specificity at the cost of lower sensitivity. Conclusions The EPDS can reliably and validly measure perinatal depression symptom severity or screen for probable postnatal depression in African countries, but more validation studies on other instruments are needed. In addition, more qualitative research is needed to adequately characterize local understandings of perinatal depression-like syndromes in different African contexts.
p68 RNA Helicase Is an Essential Human Splicing Factor That Acts at the U1 snRNA-5′ Splice Site Duplex

ABSTRACT Modulation of the interaction between U1 snRNP and the 5′ splice site (5′ss) is a key event that governs 5′ss recognition and spliceosome assembly. Using the methylene blue-mediated cross-linking method (Z. R. Liu, A. M. Wilkie, M. J. Clemens, and C. W. Smith, RNA 2:611-621, 1996), a 65-kDa protein (p65) was shown to interact with the U1-5′ss duplex during spliceosome assembly (Z. R. Liu, B. Sargueil, and C. W. Smith, Mol. Cell. Biol. 18:6910-6920, 1998). In this report, p65 was identified as p68 RNA helicase and shown to be essential for in vitro pre-mRNA splicing. Depletion of endogenous p68 RNA helicase does not affect the loading of the U1 snRNP to the 5′ss during early stage of splicing. However, dissociation of the U1 from the 5′ss is largely inhibited. The data suggest that p68 RNA helicase functions in destabilizing the U1-5′ss interactions. Furthermore, depletion of p68 RNA helicase arrested spliceosome assembly at the prespliceosome stage, suggesting that p68 may play a role in the transition from prespliceosome to spliceosome.
Emergence of Vowel Systems Through Self-Organisation

This paper describes a model for explaining the emergence and the universal structural tendencies of vowel systems. Both are considered as the result of self-organisation in a population of language users. The language users try to imitate each other and to learn each other’s vowel systems as well as possible under constraints of production and perception, while at the same time maximising the number of available speech sounds. It is shown through computer simulations that coherent and natural sound systems can indeed emerge in populations of artificial agents. It is also shown that the mechanism that is responsible for the emergence of sound systems can be used for learning existing sound systems as well. Finally, it is argued that the simulation of agents that can only produce isolated vowels is not enough. More complex utterances are needed for other interesting universals of sound systems and for explaining realistic sound change. Work in progress on implementing agents that can produce and perceive complex utterances is reported.
Architecture and design of a high performance SRAM for SOC design

Critical issues in designing a high speed, low power static RAM in deep submicron technologies are described along with the design techniques used to overcome them. With appropriate circuit partitioning, transistor sizing, choice of a suitable sense amplifier, a good resetting technique and judicial use of dual V/sub th/ transistors, we have achieved a high speed memory without dissipating too much power. We begin by giving the specifications of the memory that was the design target. We then describe the key design techniques. Finally, we present the implementation on a test chip, and silicon measured results, which (we believe) to be the best in class of embedded SRAM compliers available from various vendors in the world at the time of writing this paper. Also, this architecture has achieved yields well over 95% in 0.18 /spl mu/m technology.
Investigation of associations of ARMS2, CD14, and TLR4 gene polymorphisms with wet age-related macular degeneration in a Greek population

BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degenerative ocular disease that leads to loss of central vision. Functional gene polymorphisms have already been associated with the disease (for example, ARMS2 A69S, rs10490924). AIM The goal of our study was to verify the correlation of the aforementioned ARMS2 variation with the disease, to examine, for the first time, the role of the CD14 C260T variation (rs2569190), and to investigate the association of two TLR4 polymorphisms (Asp299Gly or rs4986790 and Thr399Ile or rs4986791) in a Greek population with the wet form of AMD. PATIENTS AND METHODS Genomic DNAs were isolated from blood samples of 103 healthy controls and 120 Greek patients with wet AMD who were age- and sex-matched, and all of whom were clinically evaluated. For the genotyping of all selected polymorphisms, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the association between the ARMS2 variation and AMD, detecting the T risk allele in a significantly higher frequency in the patient group, compared with the control subjects (45% vs 29.13%, P<0.001, odds ratio [OR] 1.99, confidence interval 1.34-2.95). For the CD14 polymorphism, no statistically significant correlation was observed. As for the TLR4 polymorphisms, the percentage of heterozygotes increased from 2.9% to 11.7% in the patient population for Asp299Gly and from 1.9% to 10% for the Thr399Ile polymorphism (ORs 4.40 [P=0.01] and 5.61 [P=0.0088], respectively). Although our ARMS2 and CD14 results provided definite conclusions, the role of innate immunity TLR4 gene awaits further investigation in larger AMD populations with more clinical data collected on past microbial infections.
Measuring physical activity during pregnancy - Cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) and assessment of its reliability in Polish conditions.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The assessment of physical activity during pregnancy is crucial in perinatal care and it is an important research topic. Unfortunately, in Poland there is a lack of one commonly accepted questionnaire of physical activity during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to adapt the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to Polish conditions and assess the reliability of its Polish version (PPAQ-PL). MATERIAL AND METHODS The PPAQ was translated from English into Polish and its reliability tested. 64 correctly completed (twice, one week apart) questionnaires were qualified for analysis. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS As a result of the adaptation and psychometric assessment, in the Polish version of the questionnaire the number of questions was reduced from 36 to 35 by removing the question concerning 'mowing lawn while on a riding mower'. The ICC value for total activity was 0.75, which confirms a substantial level of reliability. The ICC values for subscales of intensity ranged from 0.53 (light) - 0.86 (vigorous). For subscales of type, ICC values ranged from 0.59 (transportation) - 0.89 (household/caregiving). CONCLUSIONS The PPAQ-PL can be accepted as a reliable tool for the assessing physical activity of pregnant women in Poland. Information obtained using the questionnaire might be helpful in monitoring health behaviours, preventing obesity, as well as designing and promoting physical activity programmes for pregnant women.
Subject preference in Korean

Long-distance dependencies have long been at the center of linguists’ attention, and have played an important role in the ongoing dialogue between theoreticians and experimentalists, who share an interest in the motivation for empty categories and in the nature of filler-gap relationships. In this paper, we address certain issues that arise with regard to Korean relative clauses from both a theoretical and an experimental perspective. Theoretically, the data that we present shed additional light on—but do not entirely resolve—long-standing controversies pertaining to the appropriate analysis of Korean relative clauses. Experimentally, we present robust evidence that even in head-final languages like Korean, subject gaps of all types enjoy a processing advantage. Long-distance dependencies between two clausal positions have two crucial characteristics. First, a more articulated expression in one of these positions determines the referential identity of the linguistic expression in the other position. This latter expression typically has less descriptive content and may even be null. For example, a lexically specified noun phrase can serve as the antecedent of a pronoun (including a null pronoun) (1a), an epithet (1b), or a hypothetical null element (1c). Second, the relationship between the lexically specified antecedent (filler) and the less elaborated expression or null element (gap) is established at a distance, across other linguistic expressions that separate them. This distance between the two positions imposes a burden on working memory: the first linguistic position has to be held in (or retrieved from) working memory so that it can be associated with the second.
The International Journal on Advances in Internet Technology is published by IARIA

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