Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric disorders among adults seeking emergency disaster assistance after a wildland-urban interface fire.

OBJECTIVE This study estimated the prevalence of psychopathology at a three-month follow-up among persons seeking emergency relief services after a wildfire and identified a practical screener for use in these disaster assistance settings to aid early identification of persons at risk of subsequent psychopathology. METHODS During the October 2003 California firestorm that occurred at the wildland-urban interface, 357 persons who were seeking assistance from adjacent American Red Cross and government relief centers were recruited for this study. Within days of mandatory evacuation, participants completed baseline self-administered questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, initial subjective reactions, and degree of fire exposure. At the three-month follow-up, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression were measured via a mailed survey. RESULTS At follow-up 33% showed evidence of probable major depression; 24% exhibited probable PTSD. On a bivariate basis, seven initial reaction and fire exposure items were significantly associated with subsequent psychopathology. Best-subsets logistic regression analyses revealed that property damage and physical injury were the best multivariate predictors of psychopathology at follow-up. No additional items provided a significant incremental improvement in prediction. CONCLUSIONS Individuals seeking immediate emergency assistance related to the wildland-urban interface fire were at elevated risk of psychopathology in the weeks after the fire. A short, easily administered, two-item screener, composed of items assessing fire exposure severity, appears to hold promise for aiding early identification of persons at risk of postfire psychopathology. These findings may also have implications for other mass disasters.
Effects of acute social stress on the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA in adolescent and adult mice

Exposure to social defeat stress increases the rewarding effects of psychostimulants in animal models, but its effect on 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) reward has received little attention. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of social defeat on the rewarding effects of MDMA in adolescent [postnatal day (PND) 29–40] and adult (PND 50–61) male mice using the conditioned place preference paradigm. Experimental mice were exposed to social defeat in an agonistic encounter before each session of conditioning with 1.25 or 10 mg/kg of MDMA. The effects of social defeat on corticosterone levels and the motor or the anxiogenic effects of MDMA were also evaluated. Mice exposed to social defeat during adulthood did not show conditioned place preference after conditioning with either dose of MDMA. Conversely, social defeat did not affect the anxiogenic and motor effects of MDMA. Adult mice exposed to social defeat showed higher levels of corticosterone than their controls and adolescent mice. Social stress did not induce behavioural effects in adolescent mice. Our results show that stress induced by social defeat decreases the sensitivity of adult mice to the rewarding effects of MDMA.
The ArgR Regulatory Protein, a Helper to the Anaerobic Regulator ANR during Transcriptional Activation of thearcD Promoter in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa, when deprived of oxygen, generates ATP from arginine catabolism by enzymes of the arginine deiminase pathway, encoded by the arcDABC operon. Under conditions of low oxygen tension, the transcriptional activator ANR binds to a site centered 41.5 bp upstream of the arcDtranscriptional start. ANR-mediated anaerobic induction was enhanced two- to threefold by extracellular arginine. This arginine effect depended, in trans, on the transcriptional regulator ArgR and, in cis, on an ArgR binding site centered at −73.5 bp in the arcD promoter. Binding of purified ArgR protein to this site was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting. This ArgR recognition site contained a sequence, 5′-TGACGC-3′, which deviated in only 1 base from the common sequence motif 5′-TGTCGC-3′ found in other ArgR binding sites of P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, an alignment of all known ArgR binding sites confirmed that they consist of two directly repeated half-sites. In the absence of ANR, arginine did not induce thearc operon, suggesting that ArgR alone does not activate the arcD promoter. According to a model proposed, ArgR makes physical contact with ANR and thereby facilitates initiation ofarc transcription.
On the Role of Entrepreneurial Experience for Start-Up Financing - An Empirical Investigation for Germany

Entrepreneurs are often faced with problems regarding start-up financing. But compared to novice entrepreneurs, experienced entrepreneurs should have both more knowledge and better contacts, which should potentially reduce the occurrence of problems and affect finance composition. However, experience of business failure might result in additional effects. This analysis therefore investigates the effects of experience on several aspects of start-up financing. It is based on data from the KfW Start-up Monitor, a representative annual survey of the German population. The results show that experience affects several financing issues. Yet the impacts depend on the kind of experience. With regard to previously failed entrepreneurs, who are of particular interest, the findings indicate that they cut back their financing demand and are more likely faced with problems satisfying this demand. However, previously failed entrepreneurs do not significantly differ in the sources they use to finance their businesses.
National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and IFCC Committee for Standardization of Markers of Cardiac Damage Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines: analytical issues for biomarkers of heart failure.

I. Overview of Analytical Issues for Heart Failure Biomarkers . e95 A. Background. e95 II. Analytical Biomarker Issues . e96 A. Issues Related to B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-Terminal proB-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) Measurement. e96 1. Scope of BNP and NT-proBNP Assays . e96 2. Biological Implications for Assays of BNP and NT-proBNP . e97 3. Specimen Collection for BNP and NT-proBNP Measurement . e97 4. Clinical Impact of BNP and NT-proBNP Metabolism . e97 5. Other Effects and Considerations for BNP and NT-proBNP Values . e97 III. References . e98
Uniaxial and Multiaxial Cyclic Deformation Behaviors of SiCp/6061Al Alloy Composites

The uniaxial/multiaxial cyclic deformation behaviors of SiCp/6061Al alloy composites with various particulate volume fractions were studied by uniaxial and multiaxial cyclic straining or stressing tests at room temperature. The cyclic softening/hardening features and ratcheting behaviors of T6-treated composites and un-reinforced matrix were discussed in different loading conditions. It is shown that the ratcheting also occurs in the composites under uniaxial and multiaxial asymmetrical cyclic stressing, and the ratcheting strain increases with stress amplitude and mean stress; however, the addition of SiC particulates into the matrix increases the resistance of the composite to ratcheting. The ratcheting depends greatly on the shapes of loading paths and mainly occurs in the direction of non-zero mean stress.
A Generalized Profile Syntax for Biomolecular Sequence Motifs and its Function in Automatic Sequence Interpretation

A general syntax for expressing biomolecular sequence motifs is described, which will be used in future releases of the PROSITE data bank and in a similar collection of nucleic acid sequence motifs currently under development. The central part of the syntax is a regular structure which can be viewed as a generalization of the profiles introduced by Gribskov and coworkers. Accessory features implement specific motif search strategies and provide information helpful for the interpretation of predicted matches. Two contrasting examples, representing E. coli promoters and SH3 domains respectively, are shown to demonstrate the versatility of the syntax, and its compatibility with diverse motif search methods. It is argued, that a comprehensive machine-readable motif collection based on the new syntax, in conjunction with a standard search program, can serve as a general-purpose sequence interpretation and function prediction tool.
Cortical Bone Stem Cell Therapy Preserves Cardiac Structure and Function After Myocardial Infarction

Rationale: Cortical bone stem cells (CBSCs) have been shown to reduce ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function in a murine myocardial infarction (MI) model. These effects were superior to other stem cell types that have been used in recent early-stage clinical trials. However, CBSC efficacy has not been tested in a preclinical large animal model using approaches that could be applied to patients. Objective: To determine whether post-MI transendocardial injection of allogeneic CBSCs reduces pathological structural and functional remodeling and prevents the development of heart failure in a swine MI model. Methods and Results: Female Göttingen swine underwent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, followed by reperfusion (ischemia–reperfusion MI). Animals received, in a randomized, blinded manner, 1:1 ratio, CBSCs (n=9; 2×107 cells total) or placebo (vehicle; n=9) through NOGA-guided transendocardial injections. 5–ethynyl–2′deoxyuridine (EdU)—a thymidine analog—containing minipumps were inserted at the time of MI induction. At 72 hours (n=8), initial injury and cell retention were assessed. At 3 months post-MI, cardiac structure and function were evaluated by serial echocardiography and terminal invasive hemodynamics. CBSCs were present in the MI border zone and proliferating at 72 hours post-MI but had no effect on initial cardiac injury or structure. At 3 months, CBSC-treated hearts had significantly reduced scar size, smaller myocytes, and increased myocyte nuclear density. Noninvasive echocardiographic measurements showed that left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction were significantly more preserved in CBSC-treated hearts, and invasive hemodynamic measurements documented improved cardiac structure and functional reserve. The number of EdU+ cardiac myocytes was increased in CBSC- versus vehicle- treated animals. Conclusions: CBSC administration into the MI border zone reduces pathological cardiac structural and functional remodeling and improves left ventricular functional reserve. These effects reduce those processes that can lead to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
On the time complexity of 2-tag systems and small universal Turing machines

We show that 2-tag systems efficiently simulate Turing machines. As a corollary we find that the small universal Turing machines of Rogozhin, Minsky and others simulate Turing machines in polynomial time. This is an exponential improvement on the previously known simulation time overhead and improves a forty year old result in the area of small universal Turing machines
The Structure and Properties of HDPE/EAA-Hydrotalcite Master Batch Nanocomposites

The High-density polyethylene (HDPE) / the ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) - layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending with EAA)/ LDH master batch; and the structure and properties of this nanocomposite were studied. The results showed that the EAA acted as an effective compatibilizer for the nanocomposites can enhance the interfacial adhesion between LDH and HDPE obviously, promote the dispersion of LDH in the matrix, increase both the tensile strength and toughness of nanocomposites, and improve the thermal stability and delay the onset decomposition temperature of nanocomposites.
Effect of processing on the proximate and mineral compositions of Trachurus Trachurus : a fish commonly consumed in Nigeria

The present study assessed the effect of processing on the sensory qualities, proximate and mineral compositions in the fillet and SHB (skin, head and bone) of Trachurus trachurus. The fish samples were prepared by smoking (wood and coal) or poaching while proximate and mineral analysis was done by standard methods. A sensory quality of the processed fish was conducted via categorical ranking. All processing methods significantly (p Ca > Na > Mg while that of SHB was Ca > K > Na > Mg. The trace elements in both samples increased in this order Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr. Wood and charcoal smoked fish samples were found most palatable by the panelists. The data obtained from this study demonstrated that processed SHB and fillet could be a veritable source of valuable ingredients for human consumption and animal feeds.
Rescue, Combined, and Stand-Alone Thrombectomy in the Management of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Using the Solitaire Device: A Prospective 50-Patient Single-Center Study Timing, Safety, and Efficacy

Background and Purpose— Large vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke is associated with a high degree of morbidity. When intravenous thrombolysis fails, mechanical thrombectomy can provide an alternative and synergistic method for flow restoration. In this study we evaluate the safety and efficacy of our stroke management protocol (RECOST study). Methods— Fifty consecutive ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion were included. After clinical and MRI imaging assessment, 3 treatment strategies were selected according to time of symptom onset and location of vessel occlusion: rescue therapy; combined therapy; and stand-alone thrombectomy (RECOST study). MRI ASPECT score <5 was the main exclusion criterion. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed exclusively with the Solitaire flow restoration device. Clinical outcome was assessed after treatment, on day 1, and at discharge. Results— Mean patient age was 67.6 years, mean NIHSS score was 14.7, and mean ASPECT score was 6 on presentation. Vessel occlusions were in the middle cerebral artery (40%), the internal carotid artery (28%), and the basilar artery (32%). Rescue treatment represented 24%, combined therapy represented 56%, and stand-alone thrombectomy represented 20%. Mean recanalization time from symptoms onset was 377 minutes, with overall recanalization rate TICI 3 of 84%. NIHSS score at discharge was 6.5, with 60% of patients demonstrating NIHSS score 0 to 1 or an improvement of >9 points. Symptomatic complication rate was 10%. At 3 months, 54% of patients had a modififed Rankin scale score of 0 to 2, with an overall mortality rate of 12%. Conclusions— The present integrated stroke management protocol (RECOST study) demonstrated rapid, safe, and effective recanalization. We postulate that the Solitaire device contributed to high recanalization and patient selection using MRI ASPECT score to low and complication rates, therefore avoiding futile and dangerous interventions.
Improved function of rat islets upon co-microencapsulation with Sertoli's cells in alginate/poly-L-ornithine

The purpose of this study was to assess whether Sertolis cells would improve functional performance of homologous pancreatic islets within microcapsules. Purified rat Sertoli's cells were co-enveloped with islets in microcapsules that had been fabricated with alginic acid and poly-L-ornithine Confocal laser microscopy was used to determine any mitogenic effects of Sertoli's cells on islets ß-cells. Insulin secretion from islets, with or without Sertoli's cells, was examined and grafts of Sertoli's cells with islets in microcapsules into diabetic mice were carried out. Co-incubation of Sertoli's cells with islets resulted in a significant increase in the islet ß-cell mitotic rate, which was coupled with significantly higher insulin release under glucose stimulation, as compared to controls. Grafts of co-microencapsulated Sertoli's cells with islets resulted in prolongation of the achieved normoglycemia in the animals receiving Sertoli's cells with islets as compared to controls that received islets only. Sertoli's cells do promote mitogenic activities upon in vitro co-incubation with islets, whose in vitro functional and in vivo post-transplant consequences were evident. Sertoli's cells could, therefore, be comicroencapsulated with islets for transplantation in diabetic recipients.
Esterification of fatty acids with short-chain alcohols over commercial acid clays in a semi-continuous reactor.

Production of fatty acid esters from stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids and short-chain alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol) for the production of biodiesel was investigated in this work. A series of montmorillonite-based clays catalysts (KSF, KSF/0, KP10, and K10) were used as acidic catalysts. The influence of the specific surface area and the acidity of the catalysts on the esterification rate were investigated. The best catalytic activities were obtained with KSF/0 catalyst. The esterification reaction has been carried out efficiently in a semi-continuous reactor at 150°C temperature higher than the boiling points of water and alcohol. The reactor used enabled the continuous removal of water and esterification with hydrated alcohol (ethanol 95%) without affecting the original activity of the clay.
Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness

A large body of evidence, including longitudinal analyses of personality change, suggests that core personality traits are predominantly stable after age 30. To our knowledge, no study has demonstrated changes in personality in healthy adults after an experimentally manipulated discrete event. Intriguingly, double-blind controlled studies have shown that the classic hallucinogen psilocybin occasions personally and spiritually significant mystical experiences that predict long-term changes in behaviors, attitudes and values. In the present report we assessed the effect of psilocybin on changes in the five broad domains of personality – Neuroticism, Extroversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Consistent with participant claims of hallucinogen-occasioned increases in aesthetic appreciation, imagination, and creativity, we found significant increases in Openness following a high-dose psilocybin session. In participants who had mystical experiences during their psilocybin session, Openness remained significantly higher than baseline more than 1 year after the session. The findings suggest a specific role for psilocybin and mystical-type experiences in adult personality change.
Improved parallel integer sorting without concurrent writing

We show that <italic>n</italic> integers in the range 1. <italic>n</italic> can be stably sorted on an EREW PRAM using <italic>O</italic>((log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>1/2</supscrpt>) time, <italic>O</italic>(<italic>n</italic>(log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>1/2</supscrpt>(log log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>1/2</supscrpt>) operations and <italic>O</italic>(<italic>n</italic>) space. In addition, we are able to stably sort <italic>n</italic> integers in the range 1. <italic>n</italic> on a deterministic CREW PRAM in <italic>O</italic>((log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>3/2</supscrpt>) time with <italic>O</italic>(<italic>n</italic>(log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>1/2</supscrpt>) operations and <italic>O</italic>(<italic>n</italic>) space and to stably sort <italic>n</italic> arbitrary integers on a randomized CREW PRAM within the same complexity bounds with high probability. In each case our algorithm is closer to optimality than all previous algorithms for the stated problem in the stated model, and our third result matches the operation count of the best known sequential algorithm. We also show that <italic>m</italic> integers in the range 1. <italic>m</italic> can be sorted in <italic>O</italic>((log <italic>n</italic>)<supscrpt>2</supscrpt>) time with <italic>O</italic>(<italic>n</italic>) operations on an EREW PRAM using a nonstandard word length of <italic>O</italic>(log <italic>n</italic> log log <italic>n</italic> log <italic>m</italic>) bits, thereby greatly improving the upper bound on the word length necessary to sort integers with a linear time-processor product, even sequentially. Our algorithms were inspired by, and in one case directly use, the fusion trees recently introduced by Fredman and Willard.
Microstructure and Wear Behavior of TIG Surface-Alloyed AISI 4140 Steel

In this study, AISI 4140 steel surfaces were alloyed with preplaced SiC/C powders using a tungsten–inert gas (TIG) heat source. The effects of different production parameters on the microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of the alloyed surfaces were investigated. Following the surface alloying, conventional characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the microstructure of the alloyed surfaces. Hardness measurements were performed across the alloyed zones, and wear properties of the alloyed surfaces were evaluated using a block-on-disc wear test method. The collected data suggest that alloyed zones solidify into different microstructures depending on the production parameters. The alloyed surfaces exhibited an increase in hardness and wear resistance; this was attributed to the presence of harder phases and graphite. Lamellar or layered crystal structures of graphite have good lubricity and decrease coefficient of friction. Hardness values of the alloyed surfaces varied between 670 and 1165 HV. The minimum mass loss was observed in the sample that was alloyed with a 0.0581 cm/s process speed, 0.5/0.2 g/s powder feed rate, and a 29.1 kJ/cm heat input. The exhibited mass loss ratio was attributed to M3C, M7C3, and FeSiC carbides in the microstructure. The results conclude that TIG can be used effectively for surface alloying with SiC/C powders to improve the wear resistance of the AISI 4140 steel surface.
Effects of potassium on isolated canine coronary arteries. Modulation of adrenergic responsiveness and release of norepinephrine.

+ ),,, arteries exhibited calcium- induced relaxations and verapamil-induced contractions; (3) at |K* |,, between 5 and 15 mM there was a steep rise in force which was increased by isoproterenol (/3-adrenergic contraction), almost completely blocked by L-propranolol, but not attenuated by a-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine; (4) at |K' )« > 30 mM, effects of /3-adrenergic stimulation and blockade became very small. Steady increases in force elicited by isoproterenol and by sudden increases in (K + )o were preceded by transient relaxations. Effects of exogenous and endogenous (tyramine, nerve stimulation) norepinephrine paralleled those of isoproterenol and were blocked by propranolol but not attenuated by phentolamine. In contrast, modulation of the effects of phenylephrine by potassium consisted of monotonicaUy increasing constrictor responses over the whole range of |K'|0 tested. Arteries labeled with ( 3