Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep brain stimulation lead-contact heating during 3T MRI: single- versus dual-channel pulse generator configurations

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after deep brain stimulation (DBS) carries the risk of heating at the lead-contacts within the brain. Objective/Hypothesis: To compare the effect of single- and dual-channel DBS implantable pulse generator (IPG) configurations on brain lead-contact heating during 3T MRI. Methods: A phantom with bilateral brain leads and extensions connected to two single-channel IPGs or a dual-channel right or left IPG was utilized. Using a transmit/receive head coil, seven scan sequences were conducted yielding a range of head-specific absorption rates (SAR-H). Temperature changes (ΔT) at the bilateral 0 and 3 lead-contacts were recorded, and normalized temperatures (ΔT/SAR-H) and slopes defining the ΔT/SAR-H over the SAR-H range were compared. Results: Greater heating was strongly correlated with higher SAR-H in all configurations. For each scan sequence, the ΔT/SAR-H of single-channel left lead-contacts was significantly greater than the ΔT/SAR-H of either dual-channel configuration. The slope defining the relationship between ΔT and SAR-H for the single-channel left lead (1.68°C/SAR-H) was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) than the ΔT/SAR-H slope for the single-channel right lead (0.97°C/SAR-H), both of which were significantly greater (p < 0.0001) than the ΔT/SAR-H slopes of left or right leads (range 0.68 to 0.70°C/SAR-H) in the dual-channel configurations. There were no significant differences in ΔT/SAR-H slope values between the dual-channel configurations. Conclusion: DBS hardware configuration using bilateral single-channel versus unilateral dual-channel IPGs significantly affects DBS lead-contact heating during 3T MRI brain scanning.
A single scale for comparing dose-intensity of all chemotherapy regimens in breast cancer: summation dose-intensity.

PURPOSE To construct a single scale for comparing the dose-intensity of all chemotherapy regimens in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS First-line single-agent trials in metastatic disease were reviewed. The unit dose-intensity (UDI) that was required to produce a 30% complete response plus partial response (CR + PR) rate was determined for each drug. Randomized trials were then analyzed that prospectively tested dose-intensity. The dose-intensities of the drugs in each arm were expressed as fractions of their UDIs and added together. This yielded each arm's summation dose-intensity (SDI), which was then correlated with treatment outcomes. RESULTS In the single-agent trials, dose-response relationships were linear when the studies covered a range of dose-intensities. In the randomized trials that tested dose-intensity in metastatic disease, response rates and median survival correlated linearly with the SDIs of the treatment arms. An increment of one SDI unit increased CR + PR rate by approximately 30%, CR rate by 10%, and median survival by 3.75 months. Metastatic disease trials were negative if the difference between the arms was less than 0.54 SDI units. Adjuvant trials that tested a dose-intensity difference of less than 0.65 SDI units were also negative. CONCLUSION A single-agent dose-response database can be derived from historic literature that enables comparison of the dose-intensity of all combination regimens on one scale. The dose-intensity increase required to improve outcome can then be identified in earlier trials that tested that variable. SDI methodology should be tested prospectively in contemporary patients, and may be useful in guiding dosage increases beyond the conventional range.
Assessing Sleep Architecture in Dementia Caregivers at Home Using an Ambulatory Polysomnographic System

Findings from previous research assessing sleep quality in caregivers are inconsistent due to differences in sleep assessment methods. This study evaluated sleep in dementia caregivers using a comprehensive sleep assessment utilizing an ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) device. A total of 20 caregivers and 20 noncaregivers rated their perceived sleep quality, stress, and depressive symptoms; provided samples of cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers; and completed an objective sleep assessment using a portable PSG device. Caregivers reported greater perceived stress than noncaregivers. Next, the groups had different sleep architecture: caregivers spent less proportion of their sleep in restorative sleep stages compared to noncaregivers. Further, levels of C-reactive protein and awakening salivary cortisol were greater in caregivers than in noncaregivers, and these measures were related to sleep quality. Our findings indicate that sleep disruption is a significant concomitant of caregiving and may affect caregiver’s health. Sleep quality of caregivers might be a useful target for a clinical intervention.
Germination sensitivity to water stress in four shrubby species across the Mediterranean Basin.

Mediterranean shrublands are generally water-limited and fire-driven ecosystems. Seed-based post-fire regeneration may be affected by varying rainfall patterns, depending on species sensitivity to germinate under water stress. In our study, we considered the germination response to water stress in four species from several sites across the Mediterranean Basin. Seeds of species with a hard coat (Cistus monspeliensis, C. salviifolius, Cistaceae, Calicotome villosa, Fabaceae) or soft coat (Erica arborea, Ericaceae), which were exposed or not to a heat shock and smoke (fire cues), were made to germinate under water stress. Final germination percentage, germination speed and viability of seeds were recorded. Germination was modelled using hydrotime analysis and correlated to the water balance characteristics of seed provenance. Water stress was found to decrease final germination in the three hard-seeded species, as well as reduce germination speed. Moreover, an interaction between fire cues and water stress was found, whereby fire cues increased sensitivity to water stress. Seed viability after germination under water stress also declined in two hard-seeded species. Conversely, E. arborea showed little sensitivity to water stress, independent of fire cues. Germination responses varied among populations of all species, and hydrotime parameters were not correlated to site water balance, except in E. arborea when not exposed to fire cues. In conclusion, the species studied differed in germination sensitivity to water stress; furthermore, fire cues increased this sensitivity in the three hard-seeded species, but not in E. arborea. Moreover, populations within species consistently differed among themselves, but these differences could only be related to the provenance locality in E. arborea in seeds not exposed to fire cues.
Captopril inhibits in vitro and in vivo the proliferation of primitive haematopoietic cells induced into cell cycle by cytotoxic drug administration or irradiation but has no effect on myeloid leukaemia cell proliferation

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown to be involved in the catabolism of the tetrapeptide acetyl‐Ser–Asp–Lys–Pro (AcSDKP). As AcSDKP is a physiological inhibitor of haematopoietic stem cell proliferation, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of captopril, one of the specific inhibitors of ACE, on the proliferation of primitive haematopoietic cells. Regenerating bone marrow cells obtained from mice given one injection of cytosine arabinoside (100 mg/kg) as well as SA2 myeloid leukaemia cells were incubated in vitro for 24 h with 10−6 m captopril. Captopril significantly reduced the proportion of high proliferative potential colony‐forming cells (HPP‐CFC‐1) in S‐phase, whereas it had no effect on the proportion of SA2 leukaemic colony‐forming cells in S‐phase. When given in vivo to mice 1 h after 2 Gy γ‐irradiation or cytosine arabinoside (AraC) injection, captopril (100 mg/kg) was shown to prevent HPP‐CFC‐1 entry into S‐phase induced by these cytotoxic treatments. The observed effects correlated with a reduction in ACE degradative activity and an increase in the level of endogenous AcSDKP both in the supernatants of captopril‐treated bone marrow cells and in plasma of treated animals. The present findings suggest that AcSDKP might mediate the observed in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of captopril on primitive haematopoietic cell proliferation.
On the Impact of Inclination-dependent Attenuation on Derived Star Formation Histories: Results from Disk Galaxies in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey Fields

We develop and implement an inclination-dependent attenuation prescription for spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting and study its impact on derived star formation histories. We apply our prescription within the SED fitting code Lightning to a clean sample of 82, z = 0.21–1.35 disk-dominated galaxies in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey North and South fields. To compare our inclination-dependent attenuation prescription with more traditional fitting prescriptions, we also fit the SEDs with the inclination-independent Calzetti et al. (2000) attenuation curve. From this comparison, we find that fits to a subset of 58, z < 0.7 galaxies in our sample, utilizing the Calzetti et al. (2000) prescription, recover similar trends with inclination as the inclination-dependent fits for the far-UV-band attenuation and recent star formation rates. However, we find a difference between prescriptions in the optical attenuation (A V ) that is strongly correlated with inclination (p‐value < 10−11). For more face-on galaxies, with i ≲ 50°, (edge-on, i ≈ 90°), the average derived A V is 0.31 ± 0.11 magnitudes lower (0.56 ± 0.16 magnitudes higher) for the inclination-dependent model compared to traditional methods. Further, the ratio of stellar masses between prescriptions also has a significant (p‐value < 10−2) trend with inclination. For i = 0°–65°, stellar masses are systematically consistent between fits, with log10(M⋆inc/M⋆Calzetti)=−0.05±0.03 dex and scatter of 0.11 dex. However, for i ≈ 80°–90°, the derived stellar masses are lower for the Calzetti et al. (2000) fits by an average factor of 0.17 ± 0.03 dex and scatter of 0.13 dex. Therefore, these results suggest that SED fitting assuming the Calzetti et al. (2000) attenuation law potentially underestimates stellar masses in highly inclined disk-dominated galaxies.
Seasonal dynamics of the cestode fauna in spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias (Squaliformes: Squalidae)

SUMMARY This study furthers understanding of cestode infections in a marine environment through time and space by following seasonal fluctuations in infection parameters of three cestode species (Gilquinia squali, Trilocularia gracilis and Phyllobothrium squali) parasitizing spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in the northwest Atlantic and comparing them to work previously published from the northeast Atlantic on T. gracilis. For each cestode species, host size, season and presence of the other cestode species were analysed using generalized linear models to determine if they were good predictors of prevalence and intensity. Infection parameters differed across season for the three cestode species. However, within T. gracilis seasonal trends were found to be remarkably similar on both sides of the Atlantic, differing only in a somewhat delayed decline in prevalence in the northwest Atlantic. The differences seen in infection measures across cestode species likely reflect the unique life history strategies of different parasite species. While general trends appear to be maintained across disparate localities, variation seen is likely due to differences in accessibility to intermediate hosts and host diet across sites. The knowledge gained from understanding cestode infections in the vast ocean environment allows us to speculate about the factors driving fluctuations in parasite infections in elasmobranchs.
[Acute confusional syndrome in elderly patients hospitalized due to medical condition].

INTRODUCTION Delirium or acute confusional syndrome (ACS) is a frequent problem during hospitalization of elderly patients. We study the appearance of delirium and its characteristics in patients admitted to an internal medicine service. METHODS Prospective study of 148 patients over 64 years admitted due to medical condition (non-surgical) in the internal medicine service of the University Hospital of Bellvitge. Functionality was quantified with the Barthel index (BI) and comorbidity with the Charlson index (CI). The Confusional Assessment Method was used for the diagnosis of the ACS. RESULTS Seventy-seven (77) (52%) of the 148 patients were women, with a mean age of 78.5 years. The CI was 2.2. Mean of previous BI was 81.7. Mortality during admission was 8% (12 patients). A total of 42.5% of the patients (63) had ACS (30% prevalent). It was hyperactive in 68%, hypoactive in 16% and mixed in 16%. In 38% of the patients, the ACS had morning predominance and 62% it appeared after the evening. Advanced age was the only significant differences between patients with or without ACS (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the ACS percentage between patients who survived or who died (p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS Frequency of appearance of the confusional picture is high in patients admitted to acute hospitals, it being more frequent in the elderly. Measures to prevent the confusional picture in elderly patients who are hospitalized should be increased.
LSTM for punctuation restoration in speech transcripts

The output of automatic speech recognition systems is generally an unpunctuated stream of words which is hard to process for both humans and machines. We present a two-stage recurrent neural network based model using long short-term memory units to restore punctuation in speech transcripts. In the ﬁrst stage, textual features are learned on a large text corpus. The second stage combines textual features with pause durations and adapts the model to speech domain. Our approach reduces the number of punctuation errors by up to 16.9% when compared to a decision tree that combines hidden-event language model posteriors with inter-word pause information, having largest improvements in period restoration
Murine Kupffer Cells Are Protective in Total Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury with Bowel Congestion through IL-10

Kupffer cells (KCs) are thought to mediate hepatocyte injury via their production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in response to stress. In this study, we depleted KCs from the liver to examine their role in total warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury with bowel congestion. We injected 8-wk-old C57BL/10J mice with liposome-encapsulated clodronate 48 h before 35 min of hepatic ischemia with bowel congestion, followed by 6 or 24 h of reperfusion. KC-depleted animals had a higher mortality rate than diluent-treated animals and a 10-fold elevation in transaminase levels that correlated with increases in centrilobular necrosis. There was extensive LPS binding to the endothelial cells, which correlated with an upregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules in the KC-depleted animals versus diluent-treated animals. There was an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in KC-depleted animals, and a concomitant decrease in IL-10 levels. When KC-depleted mice were treated with recombinant IL-10, their liver damage profile in response to I/R was similar to diluent-treated animals, and endothelial cell adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokine levels decreased. KCs are protective in the liver subjected to total I/R with associated bowel congestion and are not deleterious as previously thought. This protection appears to be due to KC secretion of the potent anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Cloning and Characterization of ADAMTS-14, a Novel ADAMTS Displaying High Homology with ADAMTS-2 and ADAMTS-3*

The processing of amino- and carboxyl-propeptides of fibrillar collagens is required to generate collagen monomers that correctly assemble into fibrils. Mutations in the ADAMTS2gene, the aminopropeptidase of procollagen I and II, result in the accumulation of non-fully processed type I procollagen, causing human Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VIIC and animal dermatosparaxis. In this study, we show that the aminopropeptide of type I procollagen can be cleaved in vivo in absence of ADAMTS-2 activity and that this processing is performed at the cleavage site for ADAMTS-2. In an attempt to identify the enzyme responsible for this alternative aminoprocollagen peptidase activity, we have cloned the cDNA and determined the primary structure of human and mouse ADAMTS-14, a novel ADAMTS displaying striking homologies with ADAMTS-2 and -3. The structure of the human gene, which maps to 10q21.3, and the mechanisms of generation of the various transcripts are described. The existence of two sites of initiation of transcription, in two different promoter contexts, suggests that transcripts resulting from these two sites can be differently regulated. The tissue distribution of ADAMTS-14, the regulation of the gene expression by various cytokines and the activity of the recombinant enzyme are evaluated. The potential function of ADAMTS-14 as a physiological aminoprocollagen peptidase in vivo is discussed.
Involuntary Unemployment and the Labor Market Returns to Interim Jobs

I investigate the wage and employment effects of taking up interim jobs after displacement. Proposing a novel approach, I decompose the wage losses along the distribution into a channel due to the take up of interim employment and a channel which accounts for all other factors. I find that being employed in an interim job has negative effects on future wages over the whole distribution. I provide evidence that this is due to a trade-off between the probability of finding stable employment and higher wages. Assessing the sensitivity of my results, I show that they are robust to specific failures of my identifying assumptions.
Microconidia of Neurospora crassa.

Neurospora crassa produces two types of vegetative spores-relatively small numbers of uninucleate microconidia and very large numbers of multinucleate macroconidia (blastoconidia and arthroconidia). The microconidia can function either as spermatia (male gametes) or as asexual reproductive structures or both. In nature they probably function exclusively in fertilization of protoperithecia. The environmental conditions favoring their formation and the pattern of their development are quite distinct from those of macroconidia. Mutants of N. crassa have been isolated in which macroconidiation is selectively blocked without affecting microconidiation, showing that these two types of conidial differentiation involve distinct developmental pathways. Unlike microconidia of some related ascomycetes, those of Neurospora are capable of germination, providing viable uninucleate haploid cells which are desired in several types of investigations. A technique of selectively removing macroconidia from culture initiated on cellophane overlying agar medium allows pure microconidia to be obtained even from the wild-type strains of Neurospora. The conditional microcyclic strain, mcm, allows either macroconidia or microconidia to be obtained at will, depending on the conditions of culture. The new methods of obtaining pure microconidia from normal laboratory strains will make it quick and easy to purify heterokaryotic transformants following introduction of DNA into multinucleate protoplasts. Moreover, these methods allow the detection of genetic variability that remains hidden within an individual fungus and the estimation of the frequency of nuclear types in laboratory-constructed heterokaryons. The discovery, function, and development of microconidia are described and their research applications are discussed in this review.
Family Involvement and Sustainable Family Business: Analysing Their Effects on Diversification Strategies

Recent studies have noted that traditional agency theory and risk attitudes differ when firms are small and have a family character. In this work, we provide new insights with respect to the effect that the family role and the different types of risk exert on diversification strategies. We provide a different view on the effect that the number of generations and having a family manager exert on diversification attitudes and we analyse the concept of family involvement for small family firms and the moderating role it has in the relationship between the different types of risk and diversification decisions. By using a behavioural model analysis and a set of fishing firms to test our hypotheses, our results corroborate the importance of family variables on the behaviour of small family firms and how these firms avoid risk under certain stable conditions while take riskier decisions when sustainability and survivability is menaced by unstable environments. We not only provide theoretical reasons that help to the understanding of diversification decisions of small family firms but we also draw some specific conclusions that will help fishery managers to achieve more sustainable fisheries by a better understanding of fishers behaviours.
Improved Beta Cell Function, with Reduction in Secretion of Intact and 32/33 Split Proinsulin, after Dietary Intervention in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diet in Type 2 diabetes often reduces both hyperglycaemia and weight and both these factors may contribute to improvement in beta cell function. Sixty‐nine subjects with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes had their glucose, insulin, intact and 32/33 split proinsulin measured at diagnosis, and after 16 (12–20) weeks of conventional diet. In the whole group following diet there was reduction in weight (p < 0.0001), Haemoglobin A1 (p < 0.0001), and fasting glucose (p < 0.0001). There was a fall in fasting intact proinsulin (p < 0.03), 32/33 split proinsulin (p < 0.0001), and the percentage of fasting proinsulin to total insulin‐like molecules (p < 0.0001). Subjects were separated according to weight loss (group 1 < 0.5 kg, group 2 0.5–4 kg, group 3 > 4 kg). Only subjects in group 3 (mean weight loss 6.2 kg) had a fall in fasting insulin (p < 0.04). The fasting glucose achieved following diet was positively correlated with the initial fasting glucose (r = 0.7) and negatively correlated with the degree of insulin deficiency at diagnosis (with the initial 30 min insulin r = −0.62). The effect of diet on the final concentration of insulin, 32/33 split proinsulin and intact proinsulin was examined using multiple regression. The final insulin concentration was determined by the initial BMI and absolute weight loss, 32/33 split proinsulin concentration by the initial fasting glucose and absolute glucose fall, and intact proinsulin concentration by a combination of both weight loss and glucose reduction. We conclude that diet without weight loss increases the insulin secreted relative to the glucose concentration and reduces the concentration of proinsulin‐like molecules. Weight loss reduces insulin resistance thereby lowering the insulin and intact proinsulin concentrations.
Contributions Toward a Theory of Lodging

Theory building is a scholarly pursuit that requires rigor in the process of observation, classification, and then defining relationships. The first step of observation in exploring a potential theory of lodging began with the initial perspectives offered by Roberts and Shea, where the behavior of the guest was noticed as different while at home versus during an overnight stay at a commercial lodging establishment. In this article, the next step of model building is explored.