Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scaling analysis of narrow necks in curvature models of fluid lipid-bilayer vesicles.

Under appropriate conditions fluid lipid-bilayer vesicles in aqueous solution take the form of two (or more) compact shapes connected by a narrow neck (or necks). We study the limit (termed "vesiculation") in which the neck radius a approaches zero. On the basis of elastic equations, derived originally by Deuling and Helfrich [J. Phys. (Paris) 37, 1335 (1976)] for a bending-energy model (the spontaneous-curvature model), we show analytically that, at vesiculation, the local curvatures of the two regions joined by the neck satisfy a simple, universal "kissing" (osculation) condition. Furthermore, for points near but not at the vesiculation limit, a is small but nonzero and there is characteristic scaling behavior. For example, in the surface tension (σ) and pressure (p) variables, the vesiculation boundary is a line in the (σ,p) plane, and the quantity a lna scales linearly with the distance (Δσ,Δp) from the boundary. These relations have been observed numerically, but no analytic discussion has previously appeared in the literature. Results for the spontaneous-curvature model generalize easily to other (more physical) bending-energy models.
Antigen‐specific suppression of cytotoxic T cell responses in mice. I. Suppressor T cells are not cytotoxic cells

The main conclusion from these experiments is that the antigen‐specific suppressor T cell of mice which inhibits the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes is not itself a cytotoxic T cell. This conclusion is supported by two main observations: first, a certain cell number from first‐step cultures which was suppressive in the presence of a high dose of antigen actually helped the cytotoxic response at a lower antigen dose. This observation is difficult to reconcile with the hypothesis that suppression is due to the killing of the stimulator or the responder cells in the second‐step culture by cytotoxic T cells. Second, cells from first‐step cultures of cortisone‐treated mice displayed cytotoxic activity but had no suppressive effect on the generation of killer cells. It was further demonstrated that these cells failed to influence in any way the suppressive effect, however weak, of cells from first‐step cultures of normal spleen. We therefore favor the view that the suppression observed in this system is due to a regulatory signal which occurs as a result of the ability of both inhibitory cells and responder cells to recognize and respond to allogeneic determinants expressed on the surface of stimulator cells.
Fast Cooperative Sensing with Low Overhead in Cognitive Radios

As is well known, cooperative sensing can significantly improve the sensing accuracy as compared to local sensing in cognitive radio networks (CRNs). However, a large number of cooperative secondary users (SUs) reporting their local detection results to the fusion center (FC) would cause much overhead, such as sensing delay and energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a fast cooperative sensing scheme, called double threshold fusion (DTF), to reduce the sensing overhead while satisfying a given sensing accuracy requirement. In DTF, FC respectively compares the number of successfully received local decisions and that of failed receptions with two different thresholds to make a final decision in each reporting sub-slot during a sensing process, where cooperative SUs sequentially report their local decisions in a selective fashion to reduce the reporting overhead. By jointly considering sequential detection and selective reporting techniques in DTF, the overhead of cooperative sensing can be significantly reduced. Besides, we study the performance optimization problems with different objectives for DTF and develop three optimum fusion rules accordingly. Simulation results reveal that DTF shows evident performance gains over an existing scheme.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels and its Correlates Among Adults with Diabetes

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report cardiorespiratory fitness levels among adults with diabetes and report differences by demographic (eg, body mass index) and behavioral (eg, physical activity) variables. Methods: Data from the 1999‐2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used in the analyses. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a non‐exercise prediction equation and through a submaximal treadmillbased test using heart rate extrapolation. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess various demographic and behavior variables. Seventy eight participants met inclusion criteria and constituted the analyzed sample. Results: The majority (55.1%) of participants were estimated as having low or moderate cardiorespiratory fitness. Results showed that for both methods normal weight individuals had greater cardiorespiratory fitness than obese individuals, and for the non‐exercise prediction equation, participants who sat during the day and did not walk very much had lower cardiorespiratory fitness (mean = 26.1 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 18.9‐33.4]) than those doing heavy work or carrying heavy loads (mean = 34.6 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 30.2‐39.1]). Conclusion: These results suggest that obese and inactive adults with diabetes may be at an increased risk for morbidities and mortality associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness. Physical therapists are encouraged to apply evidence‐based principles for exercise prescription and physical activity counseling to help patients with diabetes regulate their blood glucose control and improve cardiorespiratory fitness.
Evidence that protein constituents of postsynaptic membrane specializations are locally synthesized: Time course of appearance of recently synthesized proteins in synaptic junctions

Previous studies have led to the hypothesis that some protein constituents of postsynaptic membrane specializations are locally synthesized near postsynaptic sites. The present study focuses on one prediction of this hypothesis, specifically, that if some proteins of the postsynaptic membrane specialization are locally synthesized, then the delay between synthesis and assembly into synaptic junctional membrane could be short. We evaluate the time course of appearance of recently synthesized protein in synaptic junctions by pulse‐labeling hippocampal slices maintained in vitro with radiolabeled protein precursors, and then isolating subcellular fractions enriched in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and synaptic junctional complexes (SJC). We report that there is no evidence of a delay in the appearance of recently synthesized proteins in SPM and SJC fractions. Labeled proteins could be detected as early as 15 min after the initiation of the pulse‐labeling period, and the extent of labeling increased monotonically thereafter. The labeling could not be accounted for by contamination of synaptic membrane fractions with other membranes, because the relative specific activity of the SPM and SJC fractions was the same or higher than that of the less pure fractions from which these synaptic fractions were derived. One‐dimensional PAGE‐fluorography was used to provide an initial characterization of which proteins were labeled in SJC fractions. We found that the most prominent labeled bands were at apparent molecular weights of approximately 43–44, 55–56, and 60 kd, with more lightly labeled bands at about 38 and 116 kd. In some preparations, there was a labeled doublet at about 36–38 kd. There were also other lightly labeled bands at other molecular weights. These bands were much less heavily labeled than the bands at 43–44, 55–56, and 60 kd, however. There was little labeling in the molecular weight range of the “major psd protein” (the alpha subunit of CAM‐kinase), although there was diffuse labeling throughout the 45–52 kd region. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that some of the protein constituents of the postsynaptic junctional complex are synthesized by polyribosomes which are selectively localized beneath synaptic junctions.
Formalizing plane graph theory: towards a formalized proof of the Kepler conjecture

In 1998, Thomas Hales published a proof of the Kepler Conjecture, which states that the cubic close packing is the densest possible packing of equallysized spheres. The proof is by exhaustion on a set of 3050 plane graphs satisfying certain properties, called tame plane graphs. The enumeration of this set has been generated by a computer program, hence the completeness of this enumeration is essential for the proof. In this thesis, we formalize a theory of plane graphs defined as an inductive set in the theorem prover Isabelle/HOL: a plane graph is constructed starting with one face and repeatedly adding new faces. Based on this theory, we formalize one part of the proof of the Kepler Conjecture, the completeness of the enumeration of tame plane graphs.
Atypical presentation of a hormonally active adrenocortical tumor in an adolescent leading to delayed diagnosis

AbstractAdrenocortical tumors are rare in children and present with variable signs depending on the type of hormone excess. We herein describe the unusual presentation of a child with adrenocortical tumor and introduce the concept of in vitro chemosensitivity testing.CASE REPORTA 10.5-year-old girl presented with hypertrichosis/hirsutism and weight loss. The weight loss and behavioral problems, associated with halted puberty and growth, led to the initial diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. However, subsequent weight gain but persisting arrest in growth and puberty and the appearance of central fat distribution prompted further evaluation.RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP24h-urine free cortisol was elevated. Morning plasma ACTH was undetectable, while cortisol was elevated and circadian rhythmicity was absent. Thus a hormonally active adrenal cortical tumor (ACT) was suspected. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a unilateral, encapsulated tumor was found which was subsequently removed surgically. Tissue was investigated histologically and for chemosensitivity in primary cell cultures. Although there were some risk factors for malignancy, the tumor was found to be a typical adenoma. Despite this histology, tumor cells survived in culture and were sensitive to cisplatin in combination with gemcitabine or paclitaxel. At surgery, the patient was started on hydrocortisone replacement which was unsuccessfully tapered over 3 months. Full recovery of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis occurred only after 3 years.CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of a hormonally active adrenocortical tumor is often delayed because of atypical presentation. Cortisol replacement following unilateral tumor excision is mandatory and may be required for months or years. Individualized chemosensitivity studies carried out on primary cultures established from the tumor tissue itself may provide a tool in evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs in the event that the adrenocortical tumor may prove to be carcinoma.
Anti‐CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab) for the Treatment of Recurrent Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Patient

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) remains the most common histologic entity associated with adult‐onset nephrotic syndrome. The therapy for IMN is challenging. Steroids and various other immunosuppressive agents have been tried in IMN; however, current agents have not altered the course of IMN, are nonspecific and can be very toxic. In native kidneys affected by IMN, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the B‐cell surface antigen CD20, has been shown to reduce proteinuria and prevent disease progression. In this report, we describe a 39‐year‐old white male with end‐stage renal disease secondary to IMN that, 4 months post living unrelated kidney transplant, developed recurrent IMN with 18 g/day of proteinuria. In addition to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and statins, the patient was treated with 4 weekly doses of 375 mg/m2 of rituximab with significant reduction in proteinuria, a corresponding increase in serum albumin and improvement in hypercholesterolemia. At 3 years post‐transplant, his kidney function remains stable with 0.5 g/day of proteinuria.
Determinants of internet-based corporate governance disclosure by Spanish listed companies

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse the corporate governance information disclosed by Spanish listed companies on the internet, with the objective of assessing the extent and the influence of several corporate characteristics on the level of information voluntarily disclosed. Design/methodology/approach - The study took as its reference the existing literature on the examination of the quality of web sites and the importance of content as a key variable in determining web site quality. To quantify the corporate governance information disclosed by Spanish listed companies, three transparency indexes were designed. To contrast which variables determine the information provided online, the investigation based itself on studies about voluntary disclosure in companies, and three lineal regressions models and an ANOVA analysis were performed. Findings - The empirical evidence obtained reveals that the firms that score highest for transparency are also those that are most likely to use the internet as a channel for the disclosure of corporate governance information. The results show that disclosure levels depend on the degree to which firms are followed by analysts, their listing age, their "visibility" and the fact of belonging to the communications and information services industry. Practical implications - The need for this study was clear in view of the increasing interest shown by supervisory authorities for the oversight of the European and US capital markets in regulating not only the content but also the manner in which corporate governance information is disclosed over the internet. During the coming years, regulatory stock market agencies will have to strive to take advantage of the opportunities that the internet offers to increase both the relational and informational capacity of company web sites. Originality/value - Corporate governance research has focused mainly on the analysis of the information that firms ought to disclose and the effects of disclosure generally, without considering the media involved. This paper suggests a new approach that examines the relevance of technology, particularly the internet, and orients supervisory authorities in the direction to follow for improving corporate governance transparency in listed companies.
Effects of dopamine D1 receptor full agonists in rats trained to discriminate SKF 38393

Although the dopaminergic pharmacology of the D1 receptor full agonists, dinapsoline, dihydrexidine and the prodrug ABT-431 have been studied, no information is available on the ability of these agonists to substitute for the D1 agonist SKF 38393 in rats trained to discriminate this compound from vehicle. The present study was designed to characterize the potential D1 discriminative stimulus effects of these compounds. The selective dopamine D1-receptor agonists dihydrexidine [(±)-trans-10,11-dihydroxy-5,6,6a,7,8,12b-hexahydrobenzo[a] phenanthridine hydrochloride], ABT-431 [(−)-trans-9,10-diacetyloxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-thia-5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride], the diacetyl prodrug derivative of A-86929, and dinapsoline [9-dihydroxy-2,3,7,11b-tetrahydro-1H-naph[1,2,3-de]isoquinoline] were studied in rats trained to discriminate racemic SKF 38393 [(±)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol], a selective D1 receptor partial agonist from vehicle. All of the agonists substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of SKF 38393. The rank order of potency for substitution was ABT-431 > dinapsoline > dihydrexidine > SKF 38393. The D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of SKF 38393. The D3/D2-receptor agonist PD 128,907 [S(+)-(4aR,10bR)-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol] did not substitute up to doses that produced profound rate-suppressant effects. Thus, consistent with their D1 receptor pharmacology, the full D1-receptor agonists substituted completely for the discriminative stimulus of SKF 38393.
Day and night blood pressure values in normotensive and essential hypertensive subjects assessed by twenty-four-hour ambulatory monitoring.

Circadian blood pressure variations were studied in 110 normotensive (blood pressure less than or equal to 140/90 mmHg) and 142 untreated essential hypertensive (blood pressure greater than or equal to 160/95 mmHg) subjects. Measurements were carried out under full ambulatory conditions by the oscillometric method, using an automatic device (SpaceLabs 5200). Readings taken between 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. were defined as daytime values (activity), and those taken between 11.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. as night-time values (sleep). Blood pressure was significantly higher during the day than at night. The day-night differences were significantly higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects. There was a significant correlation for both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the day-night differences and DBP values at rest. The difference between the normotensives and hypertensives was smaller when the day-night difference was calculated as a percentage of the daytime blood pressure, but the SBP difference remained significantly higher in the hypertensives. The number of subjects without a nocturnal blood pressure decrease or with a decrease of less than 5-10 mmHg was not statistically different between the normotensives and the hypertensives. These results are a contribution towards an understanding of day-night blood pressure differences in hypertensive and in normotensive subjects. A knowledge of the 24-h blood pressure profile in the individual patient is important because abnormal profiles may be linked with various etiologies responsible for dysregulation, and might have prognostic implications.
Escherichia coli Strains from Pregnant Women and Neonates: Intraspecies Genetic Distribution and Prevalence of Virulence Factors

ABSTRACT To determine the extent to which the vagina, endocervix, and amniotic fluid screen the Escherichia coli strains responsible for neonatal infections, we studied the genetic relationships among 105 E. coli strains isolated from all of the ecosystems involved in this infectious process. Twenty-four strains were isolated from the intestinal flora, and 25 strains were isolated from the vaginas of pregnant women. Twenty-seven strains were isolated from the amniotic fluid, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of infected neonates. The intraspecies genetic characteristics of all of the isolates were determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, PCR ECOR (E. coli reference) grouping, and PCR virulence genotyping. A correlation was found between the intraspecies distributions of the strains in the A, B1, B2, and D ECOR groups and in the two major RAPD groups (I and II). Nevertheless, the distribution of the E. coli strains in the RAPD groups according to their anatomical origins was more significant than their distribution in the ECOR groups. This may be explained by the existence of an E. coli subpopulation, defined by the RAPD I group, within the ECOR B2 group. This RAPD I group presents a major risk for neonates: 75% of the strains isolated from patients with meningitis and 100% of the strains isolated from patients with bacteremia were in this group. The vagina and the amniotic fluid are two barriers that favor colonization by highly infectious strains. Indeed, only 17% of fecal strains belonged to the RAPD I group, whereas 52% of vaginal strains and 67% of amniotic fluid strains belonged to this subpopulation. The ibeA and iucC genes were significantly associated with CSF strains, whereas the hly and sfa/foc genes were more frequent in blood strains. These findings could serve as a basis for developing tools to recognize vaginal strains, which present a high risk for neonates, for use in prophylaxis programs.
Cross-Validation of the Suicidal Intent Scale

This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Suicidal Intent Scale as a measure of the seriousness of a suicide attempt. 194 completed suicides had higher scores on the scale than 231 attempters (nonfatal). In addition, 19 attempters who reattempted suicide within 1 yr. of discharge had greater suicidal intent than attempters who did not.
CT colonography: a systematic review of standard of reporting for studies of computer-aided detection.

PURPOSE To determine objectively the current standard of reporting for studies of computer-aided detection (CAD) for computed tomographic (CT) colonography by systematically reviewing published articles. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE was searched to identify study articles meeting the inclusion criteria for describing CAD for CT colonography in human subjects. Data were extracted from eligible articles, grouped into five domains: technical description of CAD algorithm, description of subjects, acquisition of data, evaluation strategy used, and presentation of results. Primary studies were scored for each domain and overall findings plotted as star plots. RESULTS Although 21 (91%) of the 23 studies included presented technical details of the CAD algorithm, methodologic details used for model development and validity were generally poor. Investigators in six (26%) studies described the evaluation data set sufficiently for replication; investigators in eight (35%) studies described age and sex demographics for subjects in whom CAD was tested. Investigators in 11 (48%) studies presented polyps per subject. Investigators in 12 (52%) studies described the reference standard against which CAD was judged; 11 (48%) studies explicitly distinguished between development and evaluation data. In nine (39%) studies, the evaluation strategy used to test CAD could not be deduced at all. Description of subjects included for CAD development and evaluation was most poorly reported, with an average score per study of 33% in this domain. CONCLUSION The reporting quality for studies of CAD for CT colonography is highly variable; key methodologic details needed for informed assessment of the generalizability of results are frequently omitted, for which a minimum data set based on the observations is proposed.
Low-kilovoltage, high-tube-current MDCT of liver in thin adults: pilot study evaluating radiation dose, image quality, and display settings.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of a low tube voltage-high tube current-time product technique for portal phase abdominal CT of thin adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This study included 25 patients who had undergone portal phase abdominal CT at 120 kVp in the preceding 6 months. All were scanned using 80 kVp and high tube-current time products. We assessed the estimated effective dose (ED), image noise, attenuation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit of the liver and portal vein. Two radiologists evaluated the quality of scans for image contrast and streak artifacts at 80 kVp, 120 kVp, and 80 kVp with wide window width display presets (W-80). RESULTS The estimated ED was 33% lower at 80 than at 120 kVp. CNR of the portal vein was 36.8% higher at 80 than 120 kVp, and for the liver it was 17.7% higher at 80 than 120 kVp. The visual score of image contrast was significantly higher for W-80 than for 120 kVp; however, there was no significant difference in the visual score of streak artifacts. CONCLUSION At portal phase abdominal CT, 80 kVp and a high tube current-time product setting significantly improved image quality and reduced the radiation dose compared with 120 kVp.