Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contaminated Product Water as the Source of Phialemonium curvatum Bloodstream Infection among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Objective. We investigated a cluster of cases of bloodstream infection (BSI) due to the mold Phialemonium at a hemodialysis center in Illinois and conducted a cohort study to identify risk factors. Design. Environmental assessment and cohort study. Setting. A hemodialysis center in a tertiary care hospital. Methods. A case patient was defined as a person who underwent dialysis at the center and had a blood sample that tested positive for Phialemonium curvatum on culture. We reviewed microbiology and medical records and tested water, surface, and dialysate samples by culture. Molds isolated from environmental and clinical specimens were identified by their morphological features and confirmed by sequencing DNA. Results. We identified 2 case patients with BSI due to P. curvatum. Both became febrile and hypotensive while undergoing dialysis on the same machine at the same treatment station, although on different days. Dialysis machines were equipped with waste handling option ports that are used to discard dialyzer priming fluid. We isolated P. curvatum from the product water (ie, water used for dialysis purposes) at 2 of 19 treatment stations, one of which was the implicated station. Conclusion. The source of P. curvatum was likely the water distribution system. To our knowledge, this is the first report of patients acquiring a mold BSI from contaminated product water. The route of exposure in these cases of BSI due to P. curvatum may be related to the malfunction and improper maintenance of the waste handling option ports. Waste handling option ports have been previously implicated as the source of bacterial BSI due to the backflow of waste fluid into a patient's blood line. No additional cases of infection were noted after remediation of the water distribution system and after discontinuing use of waste handling option ports at the facility.
The Amino-Terminal Part of the Needle-Tip Translocator LcrV of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Is Required for Early Targeting of YopH and In vivo Virulence

Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are dedicated to targeting anti-host effector proteins into the cytosol of the host cell to promote bacterial infection. Delivery of the effectors requires three specific translocator proteins, of which the hydrophilic translocator, LcrV, is located at the tip of the T3SS needle and is believed to facilitate insertion of the two hydrophobic translocators into the host cell membrane. Here we used Yersinia as a model to study the role of LcrV in T3SS mediated intracellular effector targeting. Intriguingly, we identified N-terminal lcrV mutants that, similar to the wild-type protein, efficiently promoted expression, secretion and intracellular levels of Yop effectors, yet they were impaired in their ability to inhibit phagocytosis by J774 cells. In line with this, the YopH mediated dephosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase early after infection was compromised when compared to the wild type strain. This suggests that the mutants are unable to promote efficient delivery of effectors to their molecular targets inside the host cell upon host cell contact. The significance of this was borne out by the fact that the mutants were highly attenuated for virulence in the systemic mouse infection model. Our study provides both novel and significant findings that establish a role for LcrV in early targeting of effectors in the host cell.
Early Effects of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on Glomerular Filtration Rate and Determining the Potential Risk Factors Responsible for Acute Postoperative Renal Function Impairment

Background: In this study, the early effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was assessed in different postoperative times and likewise, we determined the correlation of different variables with significant postoperative GFR drop after PCNL. M aterials and Methods: Patient records of 486 cases that had undergone PCNL from January 2010 to October 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. GFR in six hours, one, two and three days after PCNL and in the discharge day were calculated and then compared with preoperative level. Correlation between different variables (Perioperative hemorrhage, co-morbidities, previous stone surgery, renal anomaly, number of access, stone burden and location) and risk of acute postoperative renal function impairment (GFR drop greater than 25%) were assessed. R es ults: Mean preoperative GFR was 87.85±29.41ml/min/1. 73m² which decreased to 86.18±28.77, 78.45±28.74, 78.79±26.94, 84.24±29.71 and 86.18±28.77 in 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery and discharge day post PCNL, respectively. GFR significantly decreased in one and two days after surgery (p value<0.0001 and p value <0.05) but returned to near preoperative values in 3th post PCNL day. Among different variables, only perioperative bleeding (Cut-off point for serum hemoglobin drop was 2.8 mg/dL) was concomitant with significant postoperative renal function impairment. C onclusion: Our findings revealed that co-morbidities, large or multiple stones, multiple punctures and previous history of stone surgery have no significant impact on surgical outcomes. Postoperative GFR returned to near preoperative values in a few days after operation. Avoidance of significant perioperative bleeding is an important point to prevent post PCNL renal insufficiency.
eScience for molecular-scale simulations and the eMinerals project

We review the work carried out within the eMinerals project to develop eScience solutions that facilitate a new generation of molecular-scale simulation work. Technological developments include integration of compute and data systems, developing of collaborative frameworks and new researcher-friendly tools for grid job submission, XML data representation, information delivery, metadata harvesting and metadata management. A number of diverse science applications will illustrate how these tools are being used for large parameter-sweep studies, an emerging type of study for which the integration of computing, data and collaboration is essential.
Remodeling of the Endocrine Pancreas: The Central Role of Amylin and Insulin Resistance

Background. Remodeling of the endocrine pancreas, caused by the deleterious effects of amylin as it is co-synthesized, co-packaged, and co-secreted with insulin, gives clinicians and researchers cause to ponder. Methods. A literature search was done, and relevant publications and texts on amylin and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) were reviewed. Results. The mechanisms and clinical consequences attributed to the remodeling of the endocrine pancreas, along with proposals for reevaluating the methods of treating patients who have type 2 diabetes are illustrated and discussed. Conclusions. In addition to controlling the devastating effects of glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and hypertension, we should consider the newer hypoglycemic agents with regard to their effects on the remodeling of the endocrine pancreas. This remodeling results in structural and subsequent functional changes, causing continued elevations of hemoglobin A1C. Studies are indicated to determine whether amylin (IAPP) may be implicated in the remodeling of the arterial vessel wall, the glomerulus of the kidney, and the cardiac interstitium.
A randomised controlled study of non-closure of peritoneum at caesarean section in a Nigerian population

Summary A prospective randomised study of 54 patients undergoing caesarean section was carried out to determine if non-closure of peritoneum at lower segment caesarean section has advantages over suture peritonisation with regard to postoperative morbidity. A total of 27 women were randomised to closure and 27 to non-closure of peritoneum. Management decisions were made without reference to treatment groups. Statistical analysis compared the outcome between the two groups. The results revealed that anaesthesia and operating times were significantly shorter in patients that had the peritoneum left open. The incidence of febrile morbidity, wound infection, duration of postoperative and duration of hospital stay were not significantly different in both groups ( p < 0.05). The study concludes that non-closure of peritoneum is associated with significantly reduced operation and anaesthesia time with a non-significant difference in immediate postoperative outcome. Non-closure of peritoneum should be adopted at caesarean delivery.
Achieving the same for less: Improving mood depletes blood glucose for people with poor (but not good) emotion control

Previous studies have found that acts of self-control like emotion regulation deplete blood glucose levels. The present experiment investigated the hypothesis that the extent to which people's blood glucose levels decline during emotion regulation attempts is influenced by whether they believe themselves to be good or poor at emotion control. We found that although good and poor emotion regulators were equally able to achieve positive and negative moods, the blood glucose of poor emotion regulators was reduced after performing an affect-improving task, whereas the blood glucose of good emotion regulators remained unchanged. As evidence suggests that glucose is a limited energy resource upon which self-control relies, the implication is that good emotion regulators are able to achieve the same positive mood with less cost to their self-regulatory resource. Thus, depletion may not be an inevitable consequence of engaging in emotion regulation.
The Challenge of Individuality in Cultural- Historical Activity Theory: “Collectividual” Dialectics from a Transformative Activist Stance

In addressing the persistent challenge of fully integrating individual dimensions and human subjectivity within the cultural-historical activity theory, this paper suggests several steps to revise its core onto-epistemology in an expansive approach termed the transformative activist stance. This approach outlines the subtle dialectics of individual and collective planes of human praxis whereby each individual is shaped by collective history and collaborative practices while at the same time shaping and real-izing them through contributing to their collective, dynamic materiality in moving beyond the status quo. In capitalizing on people always transcending what exists in ‘the here and now,’ in a non-adaptive fashion, based in a commitment and vision to how the world “ought to be,” the individual subjectivity is reclaimed as itself a fully social, embodied, material-discursive process. Individual subjectivity and agency gain status through contributing to changes in “collectividual” practices as the primary onto-epistemology of a unitary realm that is individual and social/collective at the same time.
The Computation of Associative Responses to Multiword Stimuli

It is shown that the behaviour of test persons as observed in association experiments can be simulated statistically on the basis of the common occurrences of words in large text corpora, thereby applying the law of association by contiguity which is well known from psychological learning theory. In particular, the focus of this work is on the prediction of the word associations as obtained from subjects on presentation of multiword stimuli. Results are presented for applications as diverse as crossword puzzle solving and the identification of word translations based on non-parallel texts.
Investigating the Relationship between IS Project Risk and Project Performance

In the digital economy, IS projects play an increasingly important role for creating value and organizations have grown more heavily dependant on IS to help them solve problems and overcome challenges. However, lots of IS projects end in failure. The failed projects waste businesses millions of dollars every year and often prevent key business objectives from being met. Failing to identify and manage project risk is often regarded as a critical problem of IS project management. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between project risk and project performance. A survey was conducted to the corporate IS managers and professionals in Taiwan. From the responses of 196 respondents, the analysis confirmed that project risk had a significantly negative impact on project performance. The results of this study can provide IS project managers with insights on how project risk factors may affect project performance.
Changing Patterns of Delinquent Behavior Among Americans 13 Through 16 Years Old: 1967-1972. National Survey of Youth Report No. 1.

DOCU8211T 215082 IC 071 878 Gold, Martin; Reimer, David J. Changing Patterns of Delinquent Behavior Among Americans 13 Through 16 Years Old: 1967-1972. National Survey of Youth Report No. 1. HichiganiUniv. , Ann Arbor. Research Center for Group Dynamics. National Inst. of Mental Health (DHEW), Rockville, Rd. Center for Studies of Crime and Delinquency. [72] 74p. MP-SO.76 HC-$3.32 PLUS POSTAGE Adolescents; Behavior Patterns; *Delinquency Causes; *Delinquents; *Drug Abuse; Emotionally Disturbed; Exceptional Child Research; *Marihuana; *National SurvPys; Parent Attitudes; Peer Acceptance; Sex Differences Compared was the self-reported delinquent behavior among representative samples of approximately 1,400 American Boys and girls (13-to 16-years-old) during national surveys in 1967 and 1972. Adolescent Ss from 48 states were individually interviewed by a young adult of the same sex. Results indicated an increase in illicit drug (primarily marijuana) use, while the incidence of other kinds of . delinquency declined among boys and remained stable among girls. The marked increase in drug use form 1967 to 1972 appeared to be a function of variables such as greater autonomy granted to adolescents by their parents, growing parental tolerance of marijuana use, and perceptions among teenagers of drug use as a more normal peer activity. (Appended are footnotes, explanations of survey items and correlational statistical tables). (Author/LH)
Survey of transition skills instruction for youth with emotional and behavioral disorders

The current study, based solely on teacher-report, provides descriptive data regarding current transition-related instructional practices among Kansas special educators of secondaryaged youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Students with E/BD are the least likely of all students with disabilities to gain and maintain positive post-school outcomes in the areas of employment, personal-social skills, and community and independent living. Students who demonstrate functional life skills and self-determination skills independent of instruction and directive generally report a higher quality of life than those who are unable. Transition-related instruction specifically addressing functional life skills and self-determination skills may assist these students in their quest for positive post-school outcomes. Research indicating what, if any, transition skills instruction these students receive is not available. Teachers (N = 165) reported a desire to provide transition skills instruction to youth with E/BD (N = 1,076) yet reported having very little transition training (fewer than eight clock hours) and providing very little instruction (less than two hours weekly). Teachers reported that many students with E/BD do not demonstrate life skills and self-determination skills independent of instruction or directive, yet fewer than 11% of the student population had, within their IEP, a goal addressing the specified transition skills. IDEA 2004 regulations mandate that teachers address the transition needs of students with disabilities within a statement of needed transition services, which is not happening with any regularity. The self-determination skills of demonstrating positive social interactions, making appropriate choices and decisions, and employing self-regulation, though often deficits of youth with E/BD, were among the skills mentioned least frequently within the goals of these students. Based on the Pearson r correlation-coefficient analysis no significant relationship was indicated between the number of years of experience of the teachers and the number of minutes of transition instruction teachers provided to this student population. Very few significant relationships existed between the level of independence students reportedly demonstrate each life skill and self-determination skill and a) the amount of transition training the teacher had received and, b) the amount of transition-related instruction teachers reportedly provide. The teacher’s focus has frequently shifted from transition to educational reform. SURVEY OF TRANSITION SKILLS INSTRUCTION FOR YOUTH WITH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS
Trust network analysis with subjective logic

Trust networks consist of transitive trust relationships between people, organisations and software agents connected through a medium for communication and interaction. By formalising trust relationships, e.g. as reputation scores or as subjective trust measures, trust between parties within the community can be derived by analysing the trust paths linking the parties together. This article describes a method for trust network analysis using subjective logic (TNA-SL). It provides a simple notation for expressing transitive trust relationships, and defines a method for simplifying complex trust networks so that they can be expressed in a concise form and be computationally analysed. Trust measures are expressed as beliefs, and subjective logic is used to compute trust between arbitrary parties in the network. We show that TNA-SL is efficient, and illustrate possible applications with examples.
Improving Grid-based SLAM with Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filters by Adaptive Proposals and Selective Resampling

Recently Rao-Blackwellized particle filters have been introduced as effective means to solve the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem. This approach uses a particle filter in which each particle carries an individual map of the environment. Accordingly, a key question is how to reduce the number of particles. In this paper we present adaptive techniques to reduce the number of particles in a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter for learning grid maps. We propose an approach to compute an accurate proposal distribution taking into account not only the movement of the robot but also the most recent observation. This drastically decrease the uncertainty about the robot's pose in the prediction step of the filter. Furthermore, we present an approach to selectively carry out re-sampling operations which seriously reduces the problem of particle depletion. Experimental results carried out with mobile robots in large-scale indoor as well as in outdoor environments illustrate the advantages of our methods over previous approaches.
Observations on one hundred cases of heatstroke.

• One hundred cases of heatstroke were selected for analysis from more than 1,000 hospital admissions during three exceptionally hot summers in a large city. These patients had the hot, dry skin that distinguishes heatstroke from other syndromes caused by high environmental temperatures. They also had symptoms referable to the central nervous system and temperatures usually exceeding 41.1 C (106 F). The greatest risk of life was in those patients with the severest central nervous system abnormalities; there were 12 deaths among the 53 patients who were comatos when admitted. Temperatures over 41.1 C, uremia, hypotension, and hyperpotassemia were also poor prognostic signs; all of the four patients with hyperpotassemia died. Treatment began with prompt total immersion and vigorous massage in an ice bath; this was followed by attention to cardiovascular status, electrolyte-fluid balance, oxygen requirements, and concurrent disease. Some of the data from laboratory studies on blood and cerebrospinal fluid supplied valuable therapeutic guidance, and a comparison with past mortality figures indicated that both prophylaxis and treatment have become more effective.
Tektin 3 is required for progressive sperm motility in mice

Tektins are evolutionarily conserved flagellar (and ciliary) filamentous proteins present in the axoneme and peri‐axonemal structures in diverse metazoan species. We have previously shown that tektin 3 (TEKT3) and tektin 4 (TEKT4) are male germ cell‐enriched proteins, and that TEKT4 is essential for coordinated and progressive sperm motility in mice. Here we report that male mice null for TEKT3 produce sperm with reduced motility (47.2% motility) and forward progression, and increased flagellar structural bending defects. Male TEKT3‐null mice however maintain normal fertility in two different genetic backgrounds tested, in contrast to TEKT4‐null mice. Furthermore, male mice null for both TEKT3 and TEKT4 show subfertility on a mixed B6;129 genetic background, significantly different from either single knockouts, suggesting partial nonredundant roles for these two proteins in sperm physiology. Our results suggest that tektins are potential candidate genes for nonsyndromic asthenozoospermia in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 453–459, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time Perspective and Self-Esteem: Negative Temporality Affects... the Way We Judge Ourselves

Time Perspective is the process by which people categorize, archive and recover personal and social experiences through temporal frames (past, present, and future), influencing various aspects of human behaviour and cognition. It was proposed that it is related to self-esteem, though until now the main approach when exploring this relation was correlational. In this study, we explore a structural equation model of Time Perspective’s association with Self-Esteem. The sample was composed of 474 undergraduate students with a mean age of 19 years. The final model presented a high predictive power of Self-Esteem ( R 2 = .39, p < .001) and good fit indices ( x 2 / df = 2.1, CFI = .94, GFI = .91, RMSEA = .05) with two temporal dimensions entering the model: Past Negative ( β Self-Esteem.PastNegative = -.52, p < .001) and Future-Negative ( β Self-Esteem.FutureNegative = -.17, p < .001) showing that negative affects of time dimensions (rather than positive ones) are more related to Self-Esteem. Results are discussed in relation to Self-Esteem and TP literature.
Molecular genetic analysis of FIH-1, FH, and SDHB candidate tumour suppressor genes in renal cell carcinoma

Background: Overexpression of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and HIF-2 transcription factors and the consequent upregulation of hypoxia inducible mRNAs is a feature of many human cancers and may be unrelated to tissue hypoxia. Thus, the VHL (von Hippel-Lindau) tumour suppressor gene (TSG) regulates HIF-1 and HIF-2 expression in normoxia by targeting the α subunits for ubiquitination and proteolysis. Inactivation of the VHL TSG in VHL tumours and in sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) results in overexpression of HIF-1 and HIF-2. However, RCC without VHL inactivation may demonstrate HIF upregulation, suggesting that VHL independent pathways for HIF activation also exist. In RCC, three candidate HIF activating genes exist—FIH-1 (factor inhibiting HIF), SDHB, and FH—which may be dependent or independent of VHL inactivation. Aims: To investigate FIH-1, SDHB, and FH for somatic mutations in sporadic RCC. Methods: Gene mutation was analysed in primary RCCs (clear cell RCCs, papillary RCCs, and oncocytomas) and RCC cell lines. SDHB mutation analysis was performed by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography followed by direct sequencing of aberrant PCR products. FH and FIH-1 mutation analysis were performed by single stranded conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing of PCR products. Results: No mutations were identified in the three genes investigated. Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that somatic mutations occur in the FH, FIH-1, or SDHB TSGs in sporadic RCCs.