Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of macrophage phagosomes containing infectious and heat-inactivated Chlamydia psittaci: two phagosomes with different intracellular behaviors

Infectious Chlamydia psittaci enters macrophages via a cytochalasin B-insensitive pathway in which chlamydia-containing phagosomes do not fuse with lysosomes; heat-inactivated C. psittaci enters macrophages via a route in which phagosomes do fuse with lysosomes. In an attempt to explain these differences, phagosomes containing infectious and heated chlamydiae were isolated from mouse macrophages by a procedure developed to isolate L-cell chlamydial phagosomes by rate zonal centrifugation. Macrophage phagosomes acted similarly to L-cell phagosomes on dextran and discontinuous sucrose gradients and exhibited similar detergent sensitivities. Total proteins of the two phagosomes were compared with each other, L-cell proteins, and surface-labeled proteins from macrophages. Both macrophage phagosome membranes had at least nine proteins with equal sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis mobilities; some were the same as L-cell phagosome proteins. Each phagosome had at least one protein not seen in the other. Only two phagosome proteins had mobilities equal to macrophage plasma membrane proteins. Macrophage phagosomes containing infectious and heat-inactivated C. psittaci, although created by different entry mechanisms and destined for different intracellular fates, exhibited only a few differences in their proteins.
Impact of Routine Follow-Up Examinations on Life Expectancy in Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Simulation Study

Objective The clinical benefit of routine follow-up in patients treated for ovarian cancer is subject to debate. In this study, the magnitude of the potential survival benefit of routine examinations was evaluated by Markov modeling. Methods The clinical course of ovarian cancer was simulated using a 4-state nonstationary Markov model. Risk of recurrence and mortality probabilities were derived from individual patient data and Statistics Netherlands. The life expectancy was simulated for 3 follow-up scenarios: a current, withholding (all recurrences detected symptomatically), and perfect follow-up program (all recurrences detected asymptomatically). The impact of effective recurrence treatment in the future was modeled by varying the mortality ratio between patients with asymptomatically versus symptomatically detected recurrences. The model was validated using empirical data. Results The mean life expectancy of patients, aged 58 years and in complete clinical remission after primary treatment, was 10.8 years. Varying the transition probabilities with ±25% changed the life expectancy by up to 1.1 years. The modeled life expectancy for the withholding and perfect follow-up scenarios was also 10.8 years and insensitive to model assumptions. In patients with stages IIB to IV, the life expectancy was 7.0 years, irrespective of follow-up strategy. A mortality ratio of 0.8 for patients with asymptomatically versus symptomatically detected recurrences resulted in a gain in life expectancy of 5 months for withholding versus perfect follow-up. Conclusions Routine follow-up in ovarian cancer patients is not expected to improve the life expectancy. The timing of detection of recurrent ovarian cancer is immaterial until markedly improved treatment options become available.
Students’ Midprogram Content Area Performance as a Predictor of End-of-Program NCLEX Readiness

Many programs have implemented end-of-program predictive testing to identify students at risk of NCLEX-RN failure. Unfortunately, for many students, end-of-program testing comes too late. Regression and relative importance analysis were used to explore relationships between 9 content area assessments and an end-of-program assessment shown to be predictive of NCLEX-RN success. Results indicate that scores on assessments for content areas such as medical surgical nursing and care of children are predictive of end-of-program test scores, suggesting that instructors should provide remediation at the first sign of lagging performance.
Rhizoctonia solani and Bacterial Inoculants Stimulate Root Exudation of Antifungal Compounds in Lettuce in a Soil-Type Specific Manner

Previous studies conducted on a unique field site comprising three contrasting soils (diluvial sand DS, alluvial loam AL, loess loam LL) under identical cropping history, demonstrated soil type-dependent differences in biocontrol efficiency against Rhizoctonia solani-induced bottom rot disease in lettuce by two bacterial inoculants (Pseudomonas jessenii RU47 and Serratia plymuthica 3Re-4-18). Disease severity declined in the order DS > AL > LL. These differences were confirmed under controlled conditions, using the same soils in minirhizotron experiments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of rhizosphere soil solutions revealed benzoic and lauric acids as antifungal compounds; previously identified in root exudates of lettuce. Pathogen inoculation and pre-inoculation with bacterial inoculants significantly increased the release of antifungal root exudates in a soil type-specific manner; with the highest absolute levels detected on the least-affected LL soil. Soil type-dependent differences were also recorded for the biocontrol effects of the two bacterial inoculants; showing the highest efficiency after double-inoculation on the AL soil. However, this was associated with a reduction of shoot growth and root hair development and a limited micronutrient status of the host plants. Obviously, disease severity and the expression of biocontrol effects are influenced by soil properties with potential impact on reproducibility of practical applications.
A Test of Interspecific Effects of Introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis , on Douglas's Squirrels, Tamiasciurus douglasii , in Vancouver, British Columbia

We compared the effects of absence and presence introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) on the demography of native Douglas’s Squirrels ( Tamiasciurus douglasii ) in two urban parks in Vancouver, British Columbia: Ecological Reserve #74 in Pacific Spirit Regional Park (Douglas’s Squirrel only) and Stanley Park (Douglas’s and Eastern Grey squirrels). Based on the exploitative competition hypothesis, we predicted that in the presence of introduced Eastern Grey squirrels, Douglas’s Squirrels would occur at lower densities, have larger home ranges, lower body mass, and poorer reproduction. Using mark-recapture methods, we found no differences in density, home range, or body mass of Douglas’s Squirrel between parks. However, the proportion of breeding Douglas’s Squirrels was higher in Ecological Reserve #74 in the absence of Eastern Grey Squirrel, than in Stanley Park. We found no evidence that Eastern Grey Squirrels are displacing Douglas’s Squirrels in Stanley Park, but less conspicuous negative effects such as reduced breeding propensity may still reflect the competitive interactions of the two squirrel species.
Cross-Cultural Software Production and Use: A Structurational Analysis

This paper focuses on cross-cultural software production and use, which is increasingly common in today's more globalized world. A theoretical basis for analysis is developed, using concepts drawn from structuration theory. The theory is illustrated using two cross-cultural case studies. It is argued that structurational analysis provides a deeper examination of cross-cultural working and IS than is found in the current literature, which is dominated by Hofstede-type studies. In particular, the theoretical approach can be used to analyze cross-cultural conflict and contradiction, cultural heterogeneity, detailed work patterns, and the dynamic nature of culture. The paper contributes to the growing body of literature that emphasizes the essential role of cross-cultural understanding in contemporary society.
Occupational skin disease in hospital cleaning and kitchen workers

Skin disorders were reported in 33% of catering staff mid >5% of women cleaners who returned a questionnaire, and were employed in a large hospital. Hand dermatitis occurred in 15% of the caterers and 12% of the cleaners. In the majority, the dermatitis was irritant in origin and related to their wet work occupations. Cleaners had a high prevalence of jewellery dermatitis. Limited patch testing revealed a majority positive to nickel, but a third were negative, indicating that jewellery reactions often but not invariably predict nickel sensitivity. Few subjects were atopic, hut some psoriatic patients with hand problems were encountered. Most workers were able to carry on in their Occupations despite having hand dermatitis.
A Novel Method for Rapid Micropropagation of Pineapple

A novel micropropagation method for pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), based on shoot elongation induced in vitro, was demonstrated for two cultivars. Decapitated in vitro plantlets were used as explants. Shoot etiolation was induced by placing explants in a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing NAA (10 μM) and incubating in darkness at 28C for 30 to 40 days. The mean number of the regenerated etiolated shoots per explant was 2.6 ± 0.29. The etiolated shoots were placed into N6 medium supplemented with kinetin or BA (25 or 20 μM, respectively). After 4 to 6 weeks, shoots regenerated along the nodes. The highest regeneration rate was 15 and 13 plantlets per node with 25 μM kinetin and 20 μM BA, respectively. Regenerated plantlets were rooted on a growth-regulator-free MS medium. Residual shoots of the initial explants could be recycled by rooting on a growth- regulator-free MS medium. This procedure enables the regeneration of several thousand plantlets per year. Chemical names used: naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); benzyladenine (BA).
The quadratic B-spline finite-element method for the coupled Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations

In this paper, a quadratic B-spline finite-element method is proposed for solving the coupled Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations numerically. A semi-discrete finite-element scheme is constructed for this system. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical solutions and the convergence of the discrete scheme are discussed. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method is accurate and efficient.
Visual Gaze Behavior of Near-Expert and Expert Fast Pitch Softball Umpires Calling a Pitch

Abstract Millslagle, DG. , Smith, MS, and Hines, BB. Visual gaze behavior of near-expert and expert fast pitch softball umpires calling a pitch. J Strength Cond Res 27(5): 1188–1195, 2013—The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in visual gaze behavior between near expert (NE) and expert (E) umpires in a simulated pitch-hit situation in fast pitch softball. An Applied Science Laboratory mobile eye tracker was worn by 4 NE and 4 E fast pitch umpires and recorded their visual gaze behavior while following pitches (internal view). A digital camera located behind the pitcher recorded the external view of the pitcher, hitter, catcher, and umpire actions for each pitch. The internal and external video clips of 10 representative pitches—5 balls and 5 strikes—were synchronized and displayed in a split screen and were then coded for statistical analyses using Quiet eye solution software. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance statistical analyses of the umpires' gaze behavior during onset, duration, offset, and frequency (fixation/pursuit tracking, saccades, and blinks) were conducted between and within the 5 stages (pitcher's preparation, delivery and release, ball in flight, and umpire call) by umpire's skill level. Significant differences (p < 0.05) observed for combined gaze behavior frequency, type of gaze by phase, quiet eye duration and onset, and ball duration tracking indicated that E umpires' visual control was more stable and economical than NE umpires. Quiet eye significant results indicated that E umpires had an earlier onset (mean = 50.0 ± 13.9% vs. 56 ± 9.5%) and longer duration (mean = 15.1 ± 11.3% vs. 9.3 ± 6.5%) of the pitcher's release area than NE umpires. These findings suggest that gaze behavior of expert fast pitch umpires was more economical, fixated earlier and for a longer period of time on the area where the ball would be released, and was able to track the ball earlier and for a longer period of time.
The Lucky Electron Model for TDDB in Low-k Dielectrics

At the present time, there are at least six models to describe time dependent dielectric breakdown in low-k dielectrics. They all agree with highly accelerated test data quite well and are difficult if not nearly impossible to differentiate experimentally. However, two of the models appear to fit long term test data (more than 2 years duration) and have survived detailed statistical analysis better than the others. These two models differ considerably in the physical description. This paper describes in detail one of the models known as the “impact damage” model or the “lucky electron” model. Because of the particular physical model described, certain predictions can be made compared to the other contender, the “power law” model that may lead to suggestions for experiments to determine which if either of these models is correct, thereby suggesting further steps that may be taken to mitigate or discount the associated reliability problem.
Carbon fibre tips for scanning probe microscopy based on quartz tuning fork force sensors

We report the fabrication and the characterization of carbon fibre tips for use in combined scanning tunnelling and force microscopy based on piezoelectric quartz tuning fork force sensors. We find that the use of carbon fibre tips results in a minimum impact on the dynamics of quartz tuning fork force sensors, yielding a high quality factor and, consequently, a high force gradient sensitivity. This high force sensitivity, in combination with high electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance of carbon fibre tips, make them very convenient for combined and simultaneous scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements. Interestingly, these tips are quite robust against occasionally occurring tip crashes. An electrochemical fabrication procedure to etch the tips is presented that produces a sub-100-nm apex radius in a reproducible way which can yield high resolution images.
Quantum key distribution with passive decoy state selection

We propose a quantum key distribution scheme which closely matches the performance of a perfect single photon source. It nearly attains the physical upper bound in terms of key generation rate and maximally achievable distance. Our scheme relies on a practical setup based on a parametric downconversion source and present day, nonideal photon-number detection. Arbitrary experimental imperfections which lead to bit errors are included. We select decoy states by classical postprocessing. This allows one to improve the effective signal statistics and achievable distance.
Radial polydactyly.

Excessive longitudinal segmentation of the radial portion of the limb bud results in the clinical presentation of duplicated and triphalangeal thumbs. These are common congenital problems with various possible associated anomalies and variable inheritance patterns. Reconstruction of a thumb with stable joints, muscle balance, and good alignment requires attention to each tissue component at the time of the initial surgery.
Establishment of an assay to determine adenovirus-induced endosome rupture required for receptor-mediated gene delivery

Department of General and Experimental Pathology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA Boehringer Ingelheim RD Fax: +43-1-40-4005130; E-mail: renate.fuchs@akh-wien.ac. at
Understanding cross-national differences in depression prevalence

Background. Previous epidemiological studies indicate large cross-national differences in prevalence of depression. Methods. At 15 centres in 14 countries, 25916 primary care patients were screened for common mental disorders. A stratified random sample of 5447 primary care patients completed a baseline diagnostic assessment and 3197 completed a 12-month follow-up assessment. Psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Interviewer-rated disability was assessed using the Social Disability Schedule (SDS). Results. Prevalence of current major depression varied 15-fold across centres. When centres were divided into three groups according to prevalence rates, the symptom pattern or latent structure of depressive illness was generally similar at low-, medium-, and high-prevalence centres. Depression was universally associated with disability, but this association varied significantly (t = 3·51, P = 0·0005) across centres. At higher-prevalence centres, depression was associated with lower levels of impairment. At 1 year follow-up, higher prevalence centres had both significantly higher rates of depression onset (t = 3·11, P = 0·002) and higher rates of persistence among those depressed at baseline (t = 2·49, P = 0·013). Conclusions. Large cross-national variations in depression prevalence cannot be attributed to ‘category fallacy’ (cross-national differences in the nature or validity of depressive disorder). Use of identical measures and diagnostic criteria may actually identify different levels of depression severity in different countries or cultures. Cross-national differences in the onset and outcome of depression may reflect either true prevalence differences or differences in diagnostic threshold.
Pairing Symmetry and Multiple Energy Gaps in Multi-Orbital Iron-Pnictide Superconductors

Since the new high-Tc superconducting family based on iron pnictides was discovered Kamihara et al. (2008); Chen et al. (2008a;b), and the critical temperature was lifted to 56 K under high pressure Wu et al. (2009) which is considerably larger than the McMillan Limit McMillan (1968), the superconductive pairing mechanism and properties have attracted great interests experimentally and theoretically. These newly-found superconductors also provide a potential application prospect in two respects: on the one hand, simple components and rich resource of the FeAs-based compounds show the most possibility of large-scale applications; on the other hand, extremely large upper critical fields Hc2Wen et al. (2008) in FeAs superconductors imply realistic applications in the near future. To find higher Tc FeAs superconductors in further experiments and to improve their critical currrent density, it is essentially important to theoretically understand various normal and superconducting properties of iron pnictides, especially the superconducting pairing symmetry and its microscopic pairing mechanism. Once the pairing symmetry is known, many superconducting properties could be qualitatively understood.
Accommodation and the relationship to subjective symptoms with near work for young school children

The aim of this work was to study the relation between subjective symptoms at near and ocular accommodation in terms of the amplitude of accommodation and the relative accommodation. A secondary aim was to discuss the diagnosis of accommodative insufficiency. The chosen cohort was examined on two occasions with 1.8 years in between. The first examination included 72 children, 43 boys (mean age 8.1 years, ranging from 5.8 to 9.8) and 29 girls (mean age 8.3 years, ranging from 6.2 to 10.0). The second examination included 59 of these children, 34 boys (mean age 9.9 years, ranging from 7.8 to 11.7) and 25 girls (mean age 10.1 ranging from 8.0 to 11.8). Subjective symptoms at near work (headache, asthenopia, floating text, facility problems) were recorded and the amplitude and the relative accommodation, both positive and negative, were measured. The result from the questionnaire showed that at the first examination more than one‐third of the children (34.7%) reported at least one subjective symptom when doing near work and 42.4% at the second examination. No symptoms were found among children younger than 7.5 years, but for children between 7.5 and 10 years old at the first examination, the prevalence of at least one symptom was 47.2%. At the second examination, symptoms were reported also for the youngest children, i.e. from the age of 8 years. The discrimination ability for the amplitude of accommodation, both monocular and binocular, was significant. In the first examination the difference between the mean for the two groups (i.e. with and without at least one symptom) was around 2.00 D monocular and 3.00 D binocular. Corresponding figures from the second examination was a difference between the mean for the two groups of around 3.50 D monocular and nearly 4.00 D binocular. We suggest that accommodation measurements should be performed more routinely and regularly, maybe as screening, especially in children over 8 years of age.
Differential Reorganization of Fusiform Gyrus in Two Types of Alexia after Stroke

Lesions affecting the left fusiform gyrus (FG) commonly result in dyslexia and recovery largely depends on efficient reorganization of the reading network. We performed a follow-up fMRI study to elucidate the reorganization patterns of the FG according to the recovery of reading ability in two patients (MH with pure alexia and KM with alexia with agraphia) after stroke involving the left FG. Initially, MH was an effortful letter-by-letter (LBL) reader, and she improved to become a proficient LBL reader. The initial fMRI results showed scattered activation on occipital and ventral temporal cortex during reading, which was localized to right FG in the follow-up study. KM's severe alexia with agraphia did not improve, even after 6 months had passed since the onset of the alexia. The initial and follow-up fMRI results showed no significant activation in the bilateral FG or central higher language areas during word reading. Our results suggest that the reorganization of the FG is different according to the type of alexia and the amount of clinical recovery in each patient. Also, the successful reorganization of the visual component of reading in the right FG is responsible for the recovery of LBL reading in pure alexia.
Review : Electrophysiologic and Antiarrhythmic Effects of Propafenone: Focus on Atrial Fibrillation

From the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of West Los Angeles and UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California. Reprint requests: Miguel Valderrdbano, MD, Section of Cardiology 111, VA Medical Center of West Los Angeles, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90073. In general, cardiac arrhythmias are treated for two specific reasons. The first is to ameliorate or, if possible, to eliminate troublesome symptoms such as palpitations, presyncope, and syncope, or complications such as heart failure and systemic emboli that might result from persistent arrhythmias in patients with cardiac disease of varying severity. Certain patients are known to have a proclivity for the development of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias that may result in sudden death. In turn, this may shorten life span if not promptly terminated, especially in individuals with severely compromised ventricular function. Thus, the second objective of arrhythmia suppression or prevention is to prevent arrhythmic deaths, thereby prolonging survival (1). Relief of symptoms is accomplished in most patients either by slowing the rate of the arrhythmia or by preventing its recurrences. This is particularly so in the case of atrial fibrillation. Thus, over the years