Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognosis of acute stroke

We evaluated factors affecting mortality and quality of life in 1,013 patients with acute stroke followed for 2 to 8 years. In cerebral infarction, the major determinants for short-term mortality were impaired consciousness, leg weakness, and increasing age. The major determinants for long-term mortality were low level of activity at hospital discharge, advanced age, male sex, heart disease, and hypertension.
Nicotine Induces Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor by &agr;1 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor–Mediated Activation in PC9 Cells

Introduction: Nicotine, the major component among the 4000 identified chemicals in cigarette smoke, binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and regulates cellular proliferation by activating mitogen-activated protein kinases [AQ: MAPK has been expanded to mitogen-activated protein kinases. Please approve. ]and PI3K/Akt pathways. In patients with smoking-related lung cancer who continue smoking, the anticancer effect of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) is weaker than that in nonsmokers; however, the precise reason for this difference remains unclear. We investigated the role of &agr;1 nAChR subunit in this phenomenon. Methods: We screened for &agr;1 nAChR mRNA in three NSCLC cell lines and analyzed the protein in resected primary NSCLC tissues. We used Western blot and RNA interference (siRNA) methodology to confirm the results. Results: We determined that &agr;1 nAChR plays an essential role in nicotine-induced cell signaling and nicotine-induced resistance to EGFR-TKI. In addition, we showed that silencing of &agr;1 nAChR subunit in NSCLC may suppress the nicotine-induced resistance to EGFR-TKI. Conclusions: These results further implicate nicotine in lung carcinogenesis, and suggest that &agr;1 nAChR may be a biomarker for EGFR-TKI treatment and also a personalizing target molecule for patients with smoking-related lung cancer.
Overreaction of Dow stocks

Abstract Several studies have found mean reversion in monthly stock returns over long horizons. However, these studies can be challenged for several reasons, including the neglect or possible misspecification of risk premia. The current paper analyzes daily Dow returns over short horizons, which obviates the most serious issues in long-horizon studies using monthly data. There is strong evidence of overreaction in that large positive and (especially) negative returns tend to be followed by persistent, substantial, and statistically persuasive reversals over the next 10 days.
An adaptive delineator for photoplethysmography waveforms

Abstract Photoplethysmography (PPG) waveforms are rich in cardiovascular information, and hence, their analysis is significant in the diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The second derivative of photoplethysmography (SDPPG) analysis for the accurate detection of significant points in characterising the PPG waveform is challenging. In this paper, a SDPPG analysis algorithm is proposed based on a resampling technique which normalises the signal and ensures the presence of all significant points of interest in all its recurrences. The proposed delineator detects a, b and e waves in SDPPG, which are based on the combined analysis of PPG waveforms and their second derivatives, characterising them beat-by-beat by electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Experiments have been conducted on 46 PPG signal records, each of 10-s duration with low and varying amplitudes, and regular and irregular heart rhythms for healthy adults, as well as unhealthy and aged patients obtained from the large-scale openly available database PhysioNet. Based on the experiments conducted, it is found that the proposed algorithm performs better than existing methods in terms of sensitivity and positive predictivity with a highest sensitivity of 99.84% with respect to a (onset) and b waves, 99.67% for e waves (dicrotic notch), and 100% of positive predictivity for a and b waves and 99.82% in case of e waves.
Prevalence of 2314delG mutation in Spanish patients with Usher syndrome type II (USH2)

The Usher syndrome (USH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa. Three clinically distinct forms of Usher syndrome have so far been recognized and can be distinguished from one another by assessing auditory and vestibular function. Usher syndrome type II (USH2) patients have congenital moderate-to-severe nonprogressive hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa, and normal vestibular function. Genetic linkage studies have revealed genetic heterogeneity among the three types of USH, with the majority of USH2 families showing linkage to the USH2A locus in 1q41. The USH2A gene (MIM 276901) has been identified: three mutations, 2314delG, 2913delG, and 4353-54delC, were initially reported in USH2A patients, the most frequent of which is the 2314delG mutation. It has been reported that this mutation can give rise to typical and atypical USH2 phenotypes. USH2 cases represent 62% of all USH cases in the Spanish population, and 95% of these cases have provided evidence of linkage to the USH2A locus. In the present study, the three reported mutations were analyzed in 59 Spanish families with a diagnosis of USH type II. The 2314delG was the only mutation identified in our population: it was detected in 25% of families and 16% of USH2 chromosomes analyzed. This study attempts to estimate the prevalence of this common mutation in a homogeneous Spanish population.
Prevalence and Correlates of Persistent HIV-1 RNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid During Antiretroviral Therapy

Background. Neurocognitive disorders remain common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive adults, perhaps owing to persistent HIV-1 RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods. Using a single-copy assay, we measured HIV-1 RNA levels in CSF and plasma specimens from 220 HIV-positive adults who were taking suppressive ART. Fifty-five participants were tested twice. Results. HIV-1 RNA was detected in 42.3% of CSF and 65.2% of plasma samples. Correlates of higher CSF HIV-1 RNA levels included higher nadir and current CD4+ T-cell counts, a plasma HIV-1 RNA level of ≥ 1 copy/mL, and a lower central nervous system penetration-effectiveness score (model P < .001). Worse neurocognitive performance was associated with discordance in HIV-1 RNA detection between plasma and CSF, lower overall CSF HIV-1 RNA level, and longer ART duration, among others (model P < .001). In the longitudinal subgroup, CSF HIV-1 RNA persisted in most participants (69%) over 7 months. Conclusions. Low-level HIV-1 RNA in CSF is common during suppressive ART and is associated with low-level HIV-1 RNA in blood, better immune status, and lower ART drug distribution into CSF. The association between HIV-1 RNA discordance and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) may reflect compartmentalization. The relationship between HAND, lower HIV-1 RNA levels in CSF, and lower CD4+ T-cell counts may reflect disturbances in the immune response to HIV-1 in the CNS.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Virulent Strain, Streptococcus iniae ISET0901, Isolated from Diseased Tilapia

ABSTRACT Streptococcus iniae ISET0901 is a virulent strain isolated in 2007 from diseased tilapia. Its full genome is 2,070,856 bp. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify virulence genes important for the pathogenesis of streptococcosis caused by S. iniae, as well as possible immunogens for vaccine development.
Clinical results with Resovist: a phase 2 clinical trial.

PURPOSE To investigate the superparamagnetic iron oxide (Resovist) designed for contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS A phase 2 trial was performed in 33 patients with no more than five known focal solid liver lesions. Resovist was administered intravenously at doses of 4, 8, and 16 mumol of iron per kilogram of body weight. Postcontrast 1.0-T imaging was started 30 minutes after injection. RESULTS Resovist significantly (P < or = .05) decreased liver signal intensity and increased lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) and the number of detectable liver lesions: fast spin-echo (SE) (echo time, 90 msec) precontrast C/N, 11.7 +/- 7.9 [standard deviation]; postcontrast [8-mumol Fe/Kg] C/N, 29.2 +/- 14.2). The dose of 8 mumol Fe/kg was sufficient for the detection of focal liver lesions, and T2-weighted fast SE with an echo time of 90 msec was the overall best pulse sequence. CONCLUSION Resovist is a safe contrast agent, and a dose of 8 mumol Fe/kg is sufficient to enhance detection of focal liver lesions at T2-weighted fast SE MR imaging.
Political Investment Cycle of State-Owned Enterprises

Research has documented a significant difference in efficiency between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs (e.g., Megginson and Netter, 2001). The main explanation for this difference is that SOEs have multiple objectives, and politicians’ control over SOEs enables them to meet their own political goals (Shleifer, 1998). Using a large international panel sample of SOEs, this study finds that SOEs make significant increases in corporate investment and employment during national election years. This pattern is particularly strong in countries with state-dominated banking systems. Taken together, this study provides strong evidence that politicians use SOEs to achieve their political goals.
G Protein Coupling and Signaling Pathway Activation by M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists

The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor is among a growing number of G protein-coupled receptors that are able to activate multiple signaling cascades. AC-42 (4-n-butyl-1-[4-(2-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-1-butyl] piperidine) is an allosteric agonist that can selectively activate the M1 mACh receptor in the absence of an orthosteric ligand. Allosteric agonists have the potential to stabilize unique receptor conformations, which may in turn cause differential activation of signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we have investigated the signaling pathways activated by AC-42, its analog 77-LH-28-1 (1-[3-(4-butyl-1-piperidinyl)propyl]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone), and a range of orthosteric muscarinic agonists [oxotremorine-M (oxo-M), arecoline, and pilocarpine] in Chinese hamster ovary cells recombinantly expressing the human M1 mACh receptor. Each agonist was able to activate Gαq/11-dependent signaling, as demonstrated by an increase in guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPγS) binding to Gαq/11 proteins and total [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation assays in intact cells. All three orthosteric agonists caused significant enhancements in [35S]GTPγS binding to Gαi1/2 subunits over basal; however, neither allosteric ligand produced a significant response. In contrast, both orthosteric and allosteric agonists are able to couple to the Gαs/cAMP pathway, enhancing forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. These data provide support for the concept that allosteric and orthosteric mACh receptor agonists both stabilize receptor conformations associated with Gαq/11- and Gαs-dependent signaling; however, AC-42 and 77-LH-28-1, unlike oxo-M, arecoline, and pilocarpine, do not seem to promote M1 mACh receptor-Gαi1/2 coupling, suggesting that allosteric agonists have the potential to activate distinct subsets of downstream effectors.
Reliability of hybrid bond interconnects

Hybrid bonding, with wafer-level bonding to form oxide-oxide bonds and Cu-Cu bonds, is a promising technology for 3D integrated circuits. In this study, we describe the design, processing. and characterization of test structures formed using hybrid bonding for wafers built in two different technologies; a 180 nm Al BEOL technology and a 110nm Cu BEOL technology. The reliability evaluation shows good results for package level and wafer level stresses.
Cerebrovascular reactivity and dynamic autoregulation in ischaemic subcortical white matter disease

Background: It has been suggested that impaired cerebral autoregulation and vasodilatory capacity may play in role in the pathogenesis of the leukoaraiosis seen in small vessel disease. Adequate perfusion of the deep white matter of the brain depends on the relationships between blood pressure (BP), cerebral vasoreactivity and autoregulation. Methods: 24 h ambulatory BP measurement, quantitative volumetric MRI analysis of white matter lesion (WML) volume and transcranial Doppler ultrasound assessments of CO2 reactivity in response to hypercapnia and dynamic cerebral autoregulatory index (ARI) were undertaken in 64 patients with cerebral small vessel disease. Results: Subjects had mean 24 h BP 133/76 mm Hg (SD 13/9), median WML volume 7169 (IQR 20497) mm3, mean CO2 reactivity 83.6 (SD 37.4)% and mean ARI 5.6 (SD 1.4) (range 0–9). In multivariate models, after adjusting for age, gender, vascular risk profile and WML volume, ARI correlated with 24 h mean BP levels (R2 = 0.127, t = 2.440, p = 0.019) and CO2 reactivity correlated with duration of hypertension (R2 = 0.085, t = −2.244, p = 0.029). In individuals with hypertension for more than 10 years, ARI also correlated with nocturnal BP dipping (r = 0.806, p = 0.002). ARI and CO2 reactivity were unaffected by WML volumes, and ARI and CO2 reactivity were unrelated. Conclusion: Cerebral autoregulation and CO2 reactivity are two distinct processes which are not related to WML volume but are related to BP levels and duration of hypertension, respectively. Greater nocturnal dipping was associated with higher ARI values, suggesting preservation of autoregulation in patients with increased vulnerability to reduced cerebral perfusion.
Estimation the uniformity of a polygraphene coating on copper (GCC)

CVD technique from a gas mixture of methane, hydrogen and argon were used for graphene coatings formation on copper foils. A rapid method of analysis the structure of polygraphene layers at different stages of their preparation was proposed. The method bases on computer processing of optical images and includes the idea of multi-threshold sections for evaluation the fractal dimension of boundaries depending on the process duration. Furthermore, the definition of the specific area and the use of color contrast, as the main characteristics of the type of graphene coatings were carried out. A model of the initial stages of formation poly-graphene coating on a copper substrate was proposed based on these results.
Identification of a Chemoreceptor for Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates

We report the identification of McpS as the specific chemoreceptor for 6 tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and butyrate in Pseudomonas putida. The analysis of the bacterial mutant deficient in mcpS and complementation assays demonstrate that McpS is the only chemoreceptor of TCA cycle intermediates in the strain under study. TCA cycle intermediates are abundantly present in root exudates, and taxis toward these compounds is proposed to facilitate the access to carbon sources. McpS has an unusually large ligand-binding domain (LBD) that is un-annotated in InterPro and is predicted to contain 6 helices. The ligand profile of McpS was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry of purified recombinant LBD (McpS-LBD). McpS recognizes TCA cycle intermediates but does not bind very close structural homologues and derivatives like maleate, aspartate, or tricarballylate. This implies that functional similarity of ligands, such as being part of the same pathway, and not structural similarity is the primary element, which has driven the evolution of receptor specificity. The magnitude of chemotactic responses toward these 7 chemoattractants, as determined by qualitative and quantitative chemotaxis assays, differed largely. Ligands that cause a strong chemotactic response (malate, succinate, and fumarate) were found by differential scanning calorimetry to increase significantly the midpoint of protein unfolding (Tm) and unfolding enthalpy (ΔH) of McpS-LBD. Equilibrium sedimentation studies show that malate, the chemoattractant that causes the strongest chemotactic response, stabilizes the dimeric state of McpS-LBD. In this respect clear parallels exist to the Tar receptor and other eukaryotic receptors, which are discussed.
Validity and reliability of existing and modified clinical methods of measuring femoral and tibiofibular torsion in healthy subjects: Use of different reference axes may improve reliability

Previous studies have evaluated reliability and validity of clinical measurements of femoral and tibiofibular torsion, however, the results are conflicting, warranting an alternative method. The authors developed modified methods of measuring femoral and tibiofibular torsion using different reference axes, and validity and reliability of the modified and existing methods were examined in healthy subjects. Reference values were established using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the validity study. There were significant differences between all clinical methods and corresponding MRI outcomes (P < 0.05), whereas Pearson's correlation coefficients between the clinical methods and MRI ranged from 0.67–0.92. For modified methods, intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.89–0.97, whereas those of existing methods were 0.75–0.81. Modified methods were more precise, with standard error of measurements (SEM) of 1.5–2.9°, compared to existing methods (SEM = 4.0–5.1°). These results indicate that clinical methods available currently do not accurately measure true torsion of the femur and tibia. Nevertheless, the clinical methods may be useful for screening and descriptive purposes as indices of true torsion, and use of different reference axes could improve their reliability. Clin. Anat. 18:46–55, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liquidity Risk and Time‐Varying Correlation between Equity and Currency Returns

Using the data of 20 major Organization for Economic Co&#8208;operation and Development countries over time, this article documents new evidence on real equity and real currency prices: higher real returns in the home equity market relative to its foreign counterparts are generally associated with real home currency depreciation at monthly frequency, but this negative correlation breaks down or even reverses during times of relatively higher aggregate economic uncertainty or volatility. This article also argues that a long&#8208;run risks&#8208;type model with time&#8208;varying liquidity risk in stock markets can provide one plausible explanation for the time&#8208;varying correlation structure.
Self-Compassion and Confucian Coping as a Predictor of Depression and Anxiety in Impoverished Chinese Undergraduates

The ability of self-compassion and Confucian coping to predict anxiety and depression were examined in impoverished Chinese undergraduate students. Three hundred and thirty impoverished undergraduates completed measures of self-compassion, Confucian coping, depression, and anxiety. Results showed that higher self-compassion predicted lower depression and anxiety in impoverished undergraduates. Higher pro-setback thinking and responsibility thinking of Confucian coping were related with lower depression and anxiety. Higher fate thinking of Confucian coping was related with higher depression and anxiety. The predictive ability for depression and anxiety of self-compassion combined with fate thinking was better than self-compassion alone. Intervention to enhance self-compassion and reduce fate thinking may be beneficial to mental health in impoverished undergraduates.
Aboriginal Healing: Regaining Balance and Culture

This ethnographic study explored the question, How do urban-based First Nations peoples use healing traditions to address their health issues? The objectives were to examine how Aboriginal traditions addressed health issues and explore the link between such traditions and holism in nursing practice. Data collection consisted of individual interviews, participant observations, and field notes. Three major categories that emerged from the data analysis were: following a cultural path, gaining balance, and sharing in the circle of life. The global theme of healing holistically included following a cultural path by regaining culture through the use of healing traditions; gaining balance in the four realms of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health; and sharing in the circle of life by cultural interactions between Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal health professionals. Implications for practice include incorporating the concepts of balance, holism, and cultural healing into the health care services for diverse Aboriginal peoples.
Weather Radar Data Interpolation Using a Kernel-Based Lagrangian Nowcasting Technique

The Dynamic Radar Tracking of Storms (DARTS) model is a Lagrangian persistence-based nowcasting model that has previously shown utility in nowcasting a variety of weather radar data in severe weather and aviation decision support applications. DARTS is based on the discrete Fourier transform and thus provides an inherent means to perform interpolation. In this context, the model is modified such that interpolation can be accurately and efficiently performed by appropriately windowing the input data and evaluating an interpolating polynomial using the fast Fourier transform. The utility of this interpolation methodology for operational use is demonstrated, and its performance is compared with linear and cubic spline interpolation methods. The use of the original DARTS model to perform advection-based interpolation is also investigated. Rainfall rates derived from data collected by the Weather Service Radar-1988 Doppler S-band radar and the X-band radar at the Dallas-Fort Worth test bed were used for the analyses. The results show that the modified DARTS technique yielded normalized standard error values that were close to those of the forward-backward advection approach using the original DARTS model and ran about 2-4 orders of magnitude faster in terms of computation time. The error structure of the interpolation methods in the context of spatial variability and sampling of atmospheric scales represented by the data is also presented. In this sense, utility of the 1-2-km scales was shown, and the modified DARTS-based approach showed the ability to effectively utilize the value in these scales.
Development and Implementation of a Medication Adherence Training Instrument for Persons Living With HIV

Recent advances in the medical management of HIV offer the potential for increased longevity, improved quality of life, and the treatment of HIV as a chronic, rather than terminal, illness. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has required the necessity of strict adherence to complex medication regimens. As a vital factor in the successful outcome of HAART therapy, adherence-focused treatment represents a teaching opportunity for practitioners involved in the care and management of persons who are HIV positive. Scores of articles have been published regarding nonadherence, and numerous strategies have been employed to encourage adherence. Despite these efforts, medication adherence continues to present problems for patients and health care providers. This article discusses prior and existing adherence interventions for people living with HIV and outlines the rationale related to the development of a structured protocol, the Medication Adherence Training Instrument (MATI), for the evaluation and enhancement of HIV medication adherence by health care providers. The key components to the MATI throughout all sessions are to provide information, enhance motivation, and assess current levels of adherence and HIV-related knowledge.