Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using unilateral endobronchial valve: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) can be suggested as an alternative for surgical lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema patients. This article intends to evaluate by systematic review the safety and effectiveness of BLVR using a one-way endobronchial valve. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, as well as eight domestic databases up to December 2013, was performed. Two reviewers independently screened all references according to selection criteria. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criterion was used to assess quality of literature. Data from randomized controlled trials were combined and meta-analysis was performed. Results This review included 15 studies. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (mean difference [MD]=6.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.31–10.11). Six-minute walking distance (MD=15.66, 95% CI: 1.69–29.64) and cycle workload (MD=4.43, 95% CI: 1.80–7.07) also improved. In addition, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score decreased (MD=4.29, 95% CI: −6.87 to −1.71) in the intervention group. In a subgroup analysis of patients with complete fissure, the FEV1 change from baseline was higher in the BLVR group than in the control group for both 6 months (MD=15.28, P<0.001) and 12 months (MD=17.65, P<0.001), whereas for patients with incomplete fissure, FEV1 and 6-minute walking distance showed no change. One-year follow-up randomized controlled trials reported deaths, although the cause of death was not related to BLVR. Respiratory failure and pneumothorax incidence rates were relatively higher in the BLVR group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion BLVR may be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of severe COPD patients with emphysema, based on existing studies.
Somatic Markers and Frequency Effects : Does Emotion Really Play a Role on Decision Making in the Iowa Gambling Task ?

The role of the frequency of wins and losses in the Iowa Gambling Task (Bechara, A., Damasio, A., Damasio, H., & Anderson, S. 1994. Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex. Cognition, 50, 7–15) was investigated in 2 experiments manipulating the long-term expected value of the decks participants had to choose from. The first experiment adopted the typical setting of the task in which every card selection was followed by a monetary win, while losses happened only occasionally. In the second experiment every decision led to a loss while the contingent event was represented by wins. In both experiments the long-term expected value of the decks did not seem to influence the participants’ choices that were, however, sensitive to the frequency with which the decks produced the contingent event. Immediate gains or losses associated with the decks exerted their effect on the first few choices only. The relevance of these findings for Damasio's Somatic Markers Hypothesis are discussed.
Long-Lasting Amelioration of Walking Trajectory in Neglect after Prismatic Adaptation

In the present study we explored the effect of prismatic adaptation (PA) applied to the upper right limb on the walking trajectory of a neglect patient with more severe neglect in far than in near space. The patient was asked to bisect a line fixed to the floor by walking across it before and after four sessions of PA distributed over a time frame of 67 days. Gait path was analyzed by means of an optoelectronic motion analysis system. The walking trajectory improved following PA and the result was maintained at follow-up, 15 months after treatment. The improvement was greater for the predicted bisection error (estimated on the basis of the trajectory extrapolated from the first walking step) than for the observed bisection error (measured at line bisection). These results show that PA may act on high level spatial representation of gait trajectory rather than on lower level sensory-motor gait components and suggest that PA may have a long-lasting rehabilitative effect on neglect patients showing a deviated walking trajectory.
Alteration of the Cortical Actin Cytoskeleton Deregulates Ca2+ Signaling, Monospermic Fertilization, and Sperm Entry

Background When preparing for fertilization, oocytes undergo meiotic maturation during which structural changes occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that lead to a more efficient calcium response. During meiotic maturation and subsequent fertilization, the actin cytoskeleton also undergoes dramatic restructuring. We have recently observed that rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton induced by actin-depolymerizing agents, or by actin-binding proteins, strongly modulate intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signals during the maturation process. However, the significance of the dynamic changes in F-actin within the fertilized egg has been largely unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings We have measured changes in intracellular Ca2+ signals and F-actin structures during fertilization. We also report the unexpected observation that the conventional antagonist of the InsP3 receptor, heparin, hyperpolymerizes the cortical actin cytoskeleton in postmeiotic eggs. Using heparin and other pharmacological agents that either hypo- or hyperpolymerize the cortical actin, we demonstrate that nearly all aspects of the fertilization process are profoundly affected by the dynamic restructuring of the egg cortical actin cytoskeleton. Conclusions/Significance Our findings identify important roles for subplasmalemmal actin fibers in the process of sperm-egg interaction and in the subsequent events related to fertilization: the generation of Ca2+ signals, sperm penetration, cortical granule exocytosis, and the block to polyspermy.
Remineralization of Artificial Caries in Primary Teeth by Grape Seed Extract: An In Vitro Study

Background and aims. Promoting remineralization is the ultimate goal of clinical prevention of caries lesion. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on artificial enamel caries in primary human teeth. Materials and methods. Seventeen human sound primary incisors were sectioned mesiodistally. The tooth slices were placed in a demineralizing solution for 96 hours at 37ºC and 50% relative humidity to create lesions. The demineralized fragments of each tooth were randomly divided into two case (immersed in GSE solution in phosphate buffer for 8 days) and control (immersed in distilled water) groups. The samples were subsequently evaluated using a scanning electron microscope and a micro-hardness tester. Data were analyzed using independent t-test. Results. The mean ± SD micro-hardness values for the case and control groups were 358.6±83.42 and 296.51± 69.41, respectively. Grape seed extract significantly increased the micro-hardness of the lesions (P=0.03). The morphology of GSE treated enamel was clearly different from that in the control group, and there were deposits of scaffolding insoluble complexes on the enamel surface. Conclusion. GSE enhanced the remineralization process of artificial enamel lesions of primary teeth, and thus, might be considered an effective natural agent in non-invasive dentistry.
New Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Living Donor versus Deceased Donor Liver Transplant Recipients: Analysis of the UNOS/OPTN Database

New onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) occurs less frequently in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients than in deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and predictive factors for NODAT in LDLT versus DDLT recipients. The Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database was reviewed from 2004 to 2010, and 902 LDLT and 19,582 DDLT nondiabetic recipients were included. The overall incidence of NODAT was 12.2% at 1 year after liver transplantation. At 1, 3, and 5 years after transplant, the incidence of NODAT in LDLT recipients was 7.4, 2.1, and 2.6%, respectively, compared to 12.5, 3.4, and 1.9%, respectively, in DDLT recipients. LDLT recipients have a lower risk of NODAT compared to DDLT recipients (hazard ratio = 0.63 (0.52–0.75), P < 0.001). Predictors for NODAT in LDLT recipients were hepatitis C (HCV) and treated acute cellular rejection (ACR). Risk factors in DDLT recipients were recipient male gender, recipient age, body mass index, donor age, donor diabetes, HCV, and treated ACR. LDLT recipients have a lower incidence and fewer risk factors for NODAT compared to DDLT recipients. Early identification of risk factors will assist timely clinical interventions to prevent NODAT complications.
Exploring a new theory of successful aging among low-income older adults in an independent and assisted living community.

EXPLORING A NEW THEORY OF SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS IN AN INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Valerie Lander McCarthy July 29, 2009 BACKGROUND: Current successful aging theory excludes individuals with disease or disability, limits the potential for successful aging in minority and lower socioeconomic populations, focuses on behavioral determinants of health rather than social and environmental determinants, and fails to consider older adults' own criteria for successful aging. A recent mid-range nursing theory (Flood, 2005) proposed that two factors adaptation and gerotranscendence are primary contributors to a new view of successful aging that may address these problems. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to investigate relationships among adaptation, transcendence, and successful aging to explore the potential of Flood's (2005) theory to serve as a guide to nursing research, practice, and policy. METHODS: A cross-sectional slirvey study was conducted among a stratified, random sample (N= 112) of non-demented older adults living independently or receiving assisted living services in an urban low-income continuing care retirement community.
Predictive control with imposed sinusoidal source and load currents of an indirect matrix converter operating at fixed switching frequency and without weighting factors

In this paper a predictive control technique for an indirect matrix converter is proposed. The control strategy allows to impose a sinusoidal waveform in both the input and output current of the converter without any weighting factor in the controller and, at the same time, the operation at fixed switching frequency. Simulation results validate the proposal under both steady and transient states which are also compared with the predictive current control strategy with minimization of the reactive input power.
Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus Strains Circulating in Environmental Water and Bivalve Shellfish in Thailand

Rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea in young children worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characterization of rotavirus in environmental water and oyster samples in Thailand. A total of 114 water samples and 110 oyster samples were collected and tested for group A rotavirus using RT-nested PCR. Rotavirus genotype was identified by phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 genetic sequences. Group A rotavirus was detected in 21 water samples (18.4%) and six oyster samples (5.4%). Twenty five rotavirus strains were successfully sequenced and classified into four genotypes; G1, G2, G3, and G9. Rotavirus G1 (three strains), G2 (three strains), and G9 (two strains) demonstrated the genetic sequences similar to human strains (90%–99% nucleotide identity), whereas G3 (17 strains) was closely related to animal strains (84%–98% nucleotide identity). G1 strains belonged to lineages I (sub-lineage c) and II. G2 strains belonged to lineage II. G9 strains belonged to lineages III (sub-lineage b) and IV. G3 strains belonged to lineages I, III (sub-lineage c), and IV with a predominance of lineage I. The present study provides important information on the rotavirus strains circulating in the environment.
Factors Predicting Adherence with Psychiatric Follow-up Appointments for Patients Assessed by the Liaison Psychiatric Team in the Emergency Department

Background: Several factors may predict adherence with psychiatric follow-up appointment for patients seen in the emergency department (ED) by liaison psychiatric teams. Awareness of these factors would allow for interventions targeted at vulnerable groups. Aim: To examine the factors which could predict adherence with psychiatric follow-up appointments for patients assessed in the ED by the liaison psychiatric team. Methods: The records of all patients assessed over a 3-month period by the liaison psychiatric team in the emergency department of Beaumont Hospital who were then referred for follow-up to their community mental health team were examined for relevant demographic and clinical variables. Phone contact was then made with the teams to which patients had been referred, to confirm the appointments made and if the patients had attended for their follow-up appointment. The data was analyzed with SPSS (version 17) using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Overall, 56% of the patients were found to have attended their follow-up appointments. Being previously known to psychiatric services was the only statistically significant predictor of adherence with out-patient appointments; with an odds ratio of 7 and p-value of 0.034 when controlling for other variables. Conclusion: Patients who are not known to psychiatric services prior to assessment in the emergency department may need a more proactive outreach if compliance with psychiatric follow-up appointments is to be improved.
Simulations of the implosion and stagnation of compact wire arrays

Wire array z-pinches have been used successfully for many years as a powerful x-ray source, as a dynamic hohlraum, and as an intense K-shell radiation source. Significant progress has been made in the effective modeling of these three-dimensional (3D) resistive plasmas. However, successful modeling also requires an accurate representation of the power delivered to these loads from the generator, which is an uncertainty potentially as large as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) implosion dynamics. We present 3D resistive MHD simulations of wire arrays that are coupled to transmission line equivalent models of the Z generator, driven by voltage sources derived directly from electrical measurements. Significant (multi-mega-ampere) current losses are shown to occur in both the convolute and the final feed. This limits the array performance and must be correctly accounted for to accurately represent the generator response to the load. Our simulations are validated against data for compact: 20 mm diameter, 10 mm lon.
Robot-assisted upper and lower limb rehabilitation after stroke: walking and arm/hand function.

INTRODUCTION Robots help to intensify motor rehabilitation of the upper and lower limbs after stroke. This article presents controlled studies relating to this topic, and an overview. METHODS A search was carried out for relevant randomized controlled trials, published between 1980 and 2007, on Medline (PubMed), Embase, and CINHAL. RESULTS Two studies showed benefit for an electromechanical gait trainer, with significantly more patients resuming walking as compared to conventional physiotherapy. Two studies showed no evidence of benefit for an exoskeleton-based system. A pooled analysis was not conducted due to the small numbers of studies and high heterogeneity. In arm/hand rehabilitation a number of unilateral or bilateral end-effector based systems proved effective in patients with stroke, and a simple one-dimensional system and a passive exoskeleton system proved effective in patients with chronic symptoms. DISCUSSION Robot-assisted motor rehabilitation after stroke appears promising. More trials, including comparative studies, are mandatory. The robot cannot be considered a substitute for the patient-therapist relationship.
Masking of a Nuclear Signal Motif by Monoubiquitination Leads to Mislocalization and Degradation of the Regulatory Enzyme Cytidylyltransferase

ABSTRACT Monoubiquitination aids in the nuclear export and entrance of proteins into the lysosomal degradative pathway, although the mechanisms are unknown. Cytidylyltransferase (CCTα) is a proteolytically sensitive lipogenic enzyme containing an NH2-terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS). We show here that CCTα is monoubiquitinated at a molecular site (K57) juxtaposed near its NLS, resulting in disruption of its interaction with importin-α, nuclear exclusion, and subsequent degradation within the lysosome. Cellular expression of a CCTα-ubiquitin fusion protein that mimics the monoubiquitinated enzyme resulted in cytoplasmic retention. A CCTα K57R mutant exhibited an extended half-life, was retained in the nucleus, and displayed proteolytic resistance. Importantly, by using CCTα-ubiquitin hybrid constructs that vary in the intermolecular distance between ubiquitin and the NLS, we show that CCTα monoubiquitination masks its NLS, resulting in cytoplasmic retention. These results unravel a unique molecular mechanism whereby monoubiquitination governs the trafficking and life span of a critical regulatory enzyme in vivo.
Proteomic analysis of chicory root identifies proteins typically involved in cold acclimation

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots contain high amounts of inulin, a fructose polymer used as a storage carbohydrate by the plant and as a human dietary and prebiotic compound. We performed 2‐D electrophoretic analysis of proteins from root material before the first freezing period. The proteins were digested with trypsin and the peptides analyzed by MS (MALDI‐TOF/TOF). From the 881 protein spots analyzed, 714 proteins corresponded to a database accession, 619 of which were classified into functional categories. Besides expected proteins (e.g. related to metabolism, energy, protein synthesis, or cell structure), other well‐represented categories were proteins related to folding and stability (49 spots), proteolysis (49 spots), and the stress response (67 spots). The importance of abiotic stress response was confirmed by the observation that 7 of the 21 most intense protein spots are known to be involved in cold acclimation. These results suggest a major effect of the low temperature period that preceded root harvesting.
Economic Sociology: State, Market, and Society in Modern Capitalism

Preface. Introduction: What is Economic Sociology? Part I: The Classics and the Sociology of Capitalism: 1. From Classical Economics to Economic Sociology. 2. The Origins and Developments of Capitalism: Simmel and Sombart. 3. Capitalism and the Western Civilization: Max Weber. 4. The Social Consequences of Capitalism: Durkheim and Veblen. 5. The Great Depression and the Decline of Liberal Capitalism: Polanyi and Schumpeter. Part II: Themes and Routes of Contemporary Economic Sociology: 6. The Legacy of the Classics and the New Boundaries between Economics and Sociology. 7. Modernization and Development of Backward Areas. 8. The Keynesian Welfare State and Comparative Political Economy. 9. The Crisis of Fordism and New Economic Sociology. 10. Globalization and the Diversity of Capitalisms. Notes. References.
A New Low-Voltage Current Mirror Circuit with Enhanced Bandwidth

In this paper low-voltage current mirror circuit is proposed. The proposed circuit is developed by using four p-type and five n-type MOSFET's. The proposed circuit is operated at the supply voltage of +1.3 volt. The bandwidth of this circuit has also been enhanced using bandwidth enhancement technique. The proposed circuit has been simulated using Cadence Design Environment in the UMC 0.18 µm CMOS technology. The simulation results have been presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed circuit.
Distinct Roles of Myosin Va in Membrane Remodeling and Exocytosis of Secretory Granules

Hormone‐ and neuropeptide‐containing secretory granules (SGs) of neuroendocrine PC12 cells are formed at the trans‐ Golgi network as immature SGs. These intermediates are converted to mature SGs in a complex maturation process, including matrix condensation, processing of cargo proteins and removal of proteins and membrane in clathrin‐coated vesicles. The resulting mature SGs undergo Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis upon an appropriate stimulus. We here show that the motor protein myosin Va is implicated in a maturation step of SGs, their binding to F‐actin and their stimulated exocytosis. Interference with myosin Va function blocked the removal of the transmembrane protein furin from maturing SGs without affecting condensation and processing of proteins of the SG lumen. Furthermore, the ATP‐inhibited binding of SGs to F‐actin decreased with progressive maturation and upon interference with myosin Va function. Moreover, the expression of a dominant‐negative myosin Va‐tail or shRNA‐based downregulation of myosin Va interfered with stimulated exocytosis of SGs. In summary, our data suggest an essential function of myosin Va in the membrane remodeling of SGs during maturation and a role in their exocytosis.
Association of prior stroke with cognitive function and cognitive impairment: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND Defining the nature of the contribution of stroke to cognitive impairment remains challenging. OBJECTIVE To describe associations between stroke history, APOE genotype, and subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS We randomly selected residents from Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 70 to 89 years on October 1, 2004, and invited eligible subjects without documented dementia to participate. Participants (n = 2050) were evaluated through an informant interview, a neurological evaluation, and neuropsychological testing. Neuropsychological testing included 9 tests to assess memory, attention, executive function, visuospatial cognition, and language. Subjects were diagnosed by consensus as cognitively normal or as having MCI (either amnestic or nonamnestic) or dementia. A history of stroke was obtained from the subjects and confirmed in their medical records. We computed the odds ratios (ORs) for a clinical diagnosis of MCI or for scoring in the lowest quartile on each cognitive domain. RESULTS There were 1640 cognitively normal subjects and 329 subjects with MCI: 241 with amnestic MCI and 88 with nonamnestic MCI. In fully adjusted models with only subjects without dementia, a history of stroke was associated with a higher OR of nonamnestic MCI (OR, 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-5.04) than amnestic MCI (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.14-2.74). A history of stroke was also associated with impaired function in each cognitive domain except memory. The association was strongest for attention and executive function (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.73-3.53). APOE epsilon4 genotype was associated only with amnestic MCI and with impaired memory function. CONCLUSIONS In this population-based sample of persons without dementia, a history of stroke was particularly associated with nonamnestic MCI and impairment in nonmemory cognition. The APOE epsilon4 genotype was associated with memory impairment and amnestic MCI.