Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multicenter Study Comparing the ProSealTM and ClassicTM Laryngeal Mask Airway in Anesthetized, Nonparalyzed Patients

Background The laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™ (PLMA™), a new laryngeal mask device, was compared with the laryngeal mask airway Classic™ (LMA™) with respect to: (1) insertion success rates and times; (2) efficacy of seal; (3) fiberoptically determined anatomic position; (4) orogastric tube insertion success rates and times; (5) total intraoperative complications; and (6) postoperative sore throat in nonparalyzed adult patients undergoing general anesthesia, hypothesizing that these would be different. Methods Three hundred eighty-four nonparalyzed anesthetized adult patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II) were randomly allocated to the PLMA™ or LMA™ for airway management. In addition, 50% of patients were randomized for orogastric tube placement. Unblinded observers collected intraoperative data, and blinded observers collected postoperative data. Results First-attempt insertion success rates (91 vs. 82%, P = 0.015) were higher for the LMA™, but after three attempts success rates were similar (LMA™, 100%;PLMA™, 98%). Less time was required to achieve an effective airway with the LMA™ (31 ± 30 vs. 41 ± 49 s;P = 0.02). The PLMA™ formed a more effective seal (27 ± 7 vs. 22 ± 6 cm H2O;P < 0.0001). Fiberoptically determined anatomic position was better with the LMA™ (P < 0.0001). Orogastric tube insertion was more successful after two attempts (88 vs. 55%;P < 0.0001) and quicker (22 ± 18 vs. 38 ± 56 s) with the PLMA™. During maintenance, the PLMA™ failed twice (leak, stridor) and the LMA™ failed once (laryngospasm). Total intraoperative complications were similar for both groups. The incidence of postoperative sore throat was similar. Conclusion In anesthetized, nonparalyzed patients, the LMA™ is easier and quicker to insert, but the PLMA™ forms a better seal and facilitates easier and quicker orogastric tube placement. The incidence of total intraoperative complications and postoperative sore throat are similar.
Crystal structure of a bacterial family‐III cellulose‐binding domain: a general mechanism for attachment to cellulose.

The crystal structure of a family‐III cellulose‐binding domain (CBD) from the cellulosomal scaffoldin subunit of Clostridium thermocellum has been determined at 1.75 A resolution. The protein forms a nine‐stranded beta sandwich with a jelly roll topology and binds a calcium ion. conserved, surface‐exposed residues map into two defined surfaces located on opposite sides of the molecule. One of these faces is dominated by a planar linear strip of aromatic and polar residues which are proposed to interact with crystalline cellulose. The other conserved residues are contained in a shallow groove, the function of which is currently unknown, and which has not been observed previously in other families of CBDs. On the basis of modeling studies combined with comparisons of recently determined NMR structures for other CBDs, a general model for the binding of CBDs to cellulose is presented. Although the proposed binding of the CBD to cellulose is essentially a surface interaction, specific types and combinations of amino acids appear to interact selectively with glucose moieties positioned on three adjacent chains of the cellulose surface. The major interaction is characterized by the planar strip of aromatic residues, which align along one of the chains. In addition, polar amino acid residues are proposed to anchor the CBD molecule to two other adjacent chains of crystalline cellulose.
Fast erasing and highly reliable MONOS type memory with HfO2 high-k trapping layer and Si3N4/SiO2 tunneling stack

A Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> double-tunneling layer is incorporated in a MONOS memory device structure with high-k HfO <sub>2</sub> charge storage layer for NAND-type memory application. Fast erasure of charges trapped in the high-k layer is enabled by enhanced hole current, accomplishing a large memory window of 2.9 V with electrical stress at 17.5 V for 100 (as and at -18 V for 5 ms. Incorporation of 1.6-1.8 nm thick Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> in place of a part of the SiO<sub>2</sub> tunneling layer resulted in fast program and erase (P/E) speed and small V<sub>th</sub> shift over 104 endurance cycles
Neural Networks for Distinguishing the Performance of Two Hip Joint Implants on the Basis of Hip Implant Side and Ground Reaction Force

— In this research work, neural networks were applied to classify two types of hip joint implants based on the relative hip joint implant side speed and three components of each ground reaction force. The condition of walking gait at normal velocity was used and carried out with each of the two hip joint implants assessed. Ground reaction forces’ kinetic temporal changes were considered in the first approach followed but discarded in the second one. Ground reaction force components were obtained from eighteen patients under such gait condition, half of which had a hip implant type I-II, whilst the other half had the hip implant, defined as type III by Orthoload®. After pre-processing raw gait kinetic data and selecting the time frames needed for the analysis, the ground reaction force components were used to train a MLP neural network, which learnt to distinguish the two hip joint implants in the abovementioned condition. Further to training, unknown hip implant side and ground reaction force components were presented to the neural networks, which assigned those features into the right class with a reasonably high accuracy for the hip implant type I-II and the type III. The results suggest that neural networks could be successfully applied in the performance assessment of hip joint implants.
Political Uncertainty and Public Financing Costs: Evidence from U.S. Municipal Bond Markets

This paper investigates the impact of political uncertainty induced by U.S. gubernatorial elections on the borrowing cost of municipal bonds in the past twenty years. We find that the offering yields of municipal bonds issued during election periods are six to eight basis points higher than that of bonds issued during non-election periods. Bonds issued in states with an incumbent governor facing term limits or retirement are associated with offering yields of additional three basis points higher. To provide a scale for these results, the average yield difference between investment-grade and non-investment-grade municipal bonds is nine basis points among general obligation bonds, and sixteen basis points among all bonds. The impact of elections on borrowing cost of municipal bonds is more pronounced during local economic downturns and among states with more outstanding debt. Several state fiscal and budgetary institutions such as GAAP-based budgeting, spending-limits, and tax-raise-limits mitigate the adverse impact of political uncertainty on the borrowing cost. Evidence from the transactions of municipal bonds in the secondary market suggests that the declining demand due to investors' uncertainty aversion is the driving force behind the escalated offering yield during the election periods.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of low‐intensity extremely high‐frequency electromagnetic radiation: Frequency and power dependence

Using a model of acute zymosan‐induced footpad edema in NMRI mice, the frequency and power dependence of anti‐inflammatory effect of low‐intensity extremely high‐frequency electromagnetic radiation (EHF EMR) was found. Single whole‐body exposure of animals to EHF EMR at the intensity of 0.1 mW/cm2 for 20 min at 1 h after zymosan injection reduced both the footpad edema and local hyperthermia on average by 20% at the frequencies of 42.2, 51.8, and 65 GHz. Some other frequencies from the frequency range of 37.5–70 GHz were less effective or not effective at all. At fixed frequency of 42.2 GHz and intensity of 0.1 mW/cm2, the effect had bell‐shaped dependence on exposure duration with a maximum at 20–40 min. Reduction of intensity to 0.01 mW/cm2 resulted in a change of the effect dependence on exposure duration to a linear one. Combined action of cyclooxygenase inhibitor sodium diclofenac and EHF EMR exposure caused a partial additive effect of decrease in footpad edema. Combined action of antihistamine clemastine and EHF EMR exposure caused a dose‐dependent abolishment of the anti‐inflammatory effect of EHF EMR. The results obtained suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites and histamine are involved in realization of anti‐inflammatory effects of low‐intensity EHF EMR. Bioelectromagnetics 29:197–206, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Recombinant Azotobacter vinelandii Mannuronan C-5-Epimerase AlgE4 Epimerizes Alginate by a Nonrandom Attack Mechanism*

The Ca2+-dependent mannuronan C-5-epimerase AlgE4 is a representative of a family ofAzotobacter vinelandii enzymes catalyzing the polymer level epimerization of β-d-mannuronic acid (M) to α-l-guluronic acid (G) in the commercially important polysaccharide alginate. The reaction product of recombinantly produced AlgE4 is predominantly characterized by an alternating sequence distribution of the M and G residues (MG blocks). AlgE4 was purified after intracellular overexpression in Escherichia coli, and the activity was shown to be optimal at pH values between 6.5 and 7.0, in the presence of 1–3 mm Ca2+, and at temperatures near 37 °C. Sr2+ was found to substitute reasonably well for Ca2+ in activation, whereas Zn2+ strongly inhibited the activity. During epimerization of alginate, the fraction of GMG blocks increased linearly as a function of the total fraction of G residues and comparably much faster than that of MMG blocks. These experimental data could not be accounted for by a random attack mechanism, suggesting that the enzyme either slides along the alginate chain during catalysis or recognizes a pre-existing G residue as a preferred substrate in its consecutive attacks.
The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin.

AIM To evaluate the testosterone mimetic properties of icariin. METHODS Forty-eight healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats at the age of 15 months were randomly divided into four groups with 12 rats each: the control group (C), the model group (M), the icariin group (ICA) and the testosterone group (T). The reproductive system was damaged by cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection, 20 mg/kg x day) for 5 consecutive days for groups M, ICA and T, at the sixth day, ICA (gastric gavage, 200 mg/kg x day) for the ICA group and sterandryl (subcutaneous injection, 5 mg/rat . day) for the T group for 7 consecutive days, respectively. The levels of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum bone Gla-protein (BGP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in serum (StrACP) were determined. The histological changes of the testis and the penis were observed by microscope with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP-X nick end labeling (TUNEL), respectively. RESULTS (1) Icariin improved the condition of reproductive organs and increased the circulating levels of testosterone. (2) Icariin treatment also improved the steady-state serum BGP and might have promoted bone formation. At the same time, it decreased the serum levels of StrACP and might have reduced the bone resorption. (3) Icarrin suppressed the extent of apoptosis of penile cavernosal smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION Icariin has testosterone mimetic properties and has therapeutic potential in the management of hypoandrogenism.
The two DNA‐binding domains of yeast transcription factor tau as observed by scanning transmission electron microscopy.

Yeast transcription factor tau interacts with the intragenic promoter of tRNA genes, binding to both the A and B block elements. Affinity‐purified tau factor and tau‐tDNA complexes were examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy to analyze the structural features of free and DNA bound factor. The free factor appeared as two tightly associated globular domains of roughly similar size (10 nm in diameter) and mass (approximately 300 kd). A combination of these two domains results in a mass for the factor of 510‐670 kd. When tau was allowed to interact with recombinant tRNA(3Leu) genes with variable A block‐B block spacing, different structures were observed. With short genes, the two globular domains were not resolved and tau appeared as a large particle covering the A and B block region. On the other hand, with genes having a larger A‐B distance (53 or 74 bp), mostly dumb‐bell‐shaped complexes were formed with individualized factor domains bound separately to the A and B blocks. A smaller proportion of the complexes appeared to consist of a large particle bound at only one site, essentially on the B block. Mapping of the binding domains in the DNA showed a good correlation with the respective positions of the A and B promoter elements. Factor binding did not induce a noticeable DNA bending, although with extended genes apparent DNA shortening and cases of DNA looping were observed. Upon cleavage of the tRNA(3Leu) gene between the A and B blocks after or prior to complex formation, the two factor domains remained attached to the same DNA fragment (mostly the B‐DNA fragment). In addition, images of protein‐linked, reconstituted full‐length genes were also observed. These different conformational states of the tau‐tDNA complexes probably reflect the dynamic aspect of the interaction of the factor with its DNA target.
T cell epitopes of insulin defined in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice are derived from preproinsulin and proinsulin.

Approximately one-half of Caucasians with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) have autoantibodies to insulin, and the majority of those express the HLA-DR4 genotype [Ziegler, R. , Alper, C. A. , Awdeh, Z. L. , Castano, L. , Brink, S. J., Soeldner, J. S. , Jackson, R. A. & Eisenbarth, G. S. (1991) Diabetes 40, 709-714]. However, it has been difficult to demonstrate T cell proliferative responses to human insulin in IDDM patients [Durinovic-Bello, I. , Hummel, M. & Ziegler, A. G. (1996) Diabetes 45, 795-800]. We have immunized transgenic mice expressing the susceptible HLA-DR (alpha1*0101,beta1*0401) (hereafter called DRB1*0401) and human CD4 molecules on a murine major histocompatibility complex class II null background, with human preproinsulin (PPI), proinsulin (PI), and insulin and derived large panels of T cell hybridomas to determine the immunogenic epitopes of these proteins. These results show that the prohormones PI or PPI carry the major immunogenic T cell epitope in the DRB1*0401 transgenic mice. The PPI/PI immunodominant epitope LALEGSLQK was localized at the C-peptide/A-chain junction. This T cell epitope PPI/PI LALEGSLQK is unusual because, normally, it is proteolytically destroyed during the maturation of the insulin molecule. Additionally, this T cell epitope is both processed and presented by human DRB1*0401-positive Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cells, and it can also stimulate T cells from the peripheral blood of HLA-DR4-positive patients with type 1 diabetes. These findings may partly explain why susceptibility to type 1 diabetes is associated with HLA-DR4-positive individuals and why T cell responses to the mature insulin protein are rarely detected in IDDM patients.
Evaluation of the decellularized pulmonary valve homograft (SynerGraft).

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Rejection is thought to contribute to the degeneration of valved homografts. A novel cryopreserved decellularized homograft valve (SynerGraft; CryoLife, Inc.) offers the unique opportunity to gain new insight into the immunology of homograft implantation and its significance for valve function. METHODS Twenty-four patients (group I; mean age 37 +/- 11 years) underwent implantation of a pulmonary SynerGraft and were examined at one and six months postoperatively; 22 patients (group II; mean age 41 +/- 17 years) with conventional homografts served as controls. Temperature, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood cell count (WBC) were studied perioperatively. Follow up included echocardiography and anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibody determination. RESULTS Significantly lower temperatures were measured in group I (p = 0.019). CRP level and WBC each increased postoperatively, but did not differ between groups. During follow up, none of the SynerGraft patients became positive for anti-HLA antibodies, compared with 66% of controls (p = 0.011). Homograft diameter and valve orifice area were decreased significantly at one month after surgery in groups I and II (25 +/- 1 versus 18 +/- 3 mm; 25 +/- 1 versus 19 +/- 2 mm, respectively; p <0.001 both groups). Transvalvular pressure gradients significantly increased during follow up. CONCLUSION Implantation of the SynerGraft pulmonary homograft appeared safe, and though evidence was found of a reduced immunologic response after SynerGraft implantation this (unexpectedly) did not translate into any hemodynamic advantage. Hence, factors other than rejection appear as the main contributions to the observed functional changes.
A Comparison of Patient Risk for Pressure Ulcer Development with Nursing Use of Preventive Interventions

Objective: (1) Determine if the Braden scale or Norton scale predicted the same patients to be at risk for pressure ulcer development as were receiving preventive nursing interventions. (2) Identify the items on the Braden and Norton risk assessment scales that the nurses used intuitively to determine a patient's need for a preventive intervention.
The association of meteorological factors and mortality in rural Bangladesh, 1983–2009

Introduction : While the association of weather and mortality has been well documented for moderate climate zones, little is known about sub-tropical zones, particularly Bangladesh. This study aims to assess the short-term relationship of temperature and rainfall on daily mortality after controlling for seasonality and time-trends. The study used data from Matlab, Bangladesh, where a rigorous health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) has been operational since 1966. Material and methods : Matlab HDSS data on mortality and population for the period 1983–2009 were used. Weather data for the same period were obtained from a nearby government weather station. Time series Poisson regression with cubic spline functions was applied allowing for lagged effects of weather and extreme weather events on mortality, and controlling for time trends and seasonal patterns. Analysis was carried out using R statistical software. Results : Both temperature and rainfall showed strong seasonal patterns, explaining a significant part of mortality in all age groups. After adjusting for seasonality and trend, mortality and temperature show a U-shaped pattern; below a temperature of around 29°C, a decrease in temperature resulted in an increase in mortality, whereas above 29°C, increased temperature resulted in increased mortality. The strongest negative mortality temperature association was observed in the elderly (5.4% increase with every 1°C decrease in temperature at temperatures below 23°C), and the opposite trend was observed in the age groups 1–4 and 5–19 years old. At aggregate level, the rainfall–mortality association is statistically weak. However in the age group 5–19, a 0.6% increase in mortality per 1 mm additional rainfall was found, at rainfall levels over 100 mm per day. Multivariate analysis showed high mortality risks for women aged 20–59 years of age during cyclone episodes. Discussion : Weather and extreme weather were associated with mortality with differential impacts in age and sex sub-groups. Further studies should investigate these findings more closely and develop policy recommendations targeted at improving public health and protecting population groups susceptible to environmental stressors.
Adjustment modes in the trajectory of progressive multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study and conceptual model

Objective: We examined cognitive and behavioural challenges and adaptations for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and developed a preliminary conceptual model of changes in adjustment over time. Design: Using theoretical sampling, 34 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with MS. Participants were between 41 and 77 years of age. Thirteen were diagnosed with primary progressive MS and 21 with secondary progressive MS. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Participants described initially bracketing the illness off and carrying on their usual activities but this became problematic as the condition progressed and they employed different adjustment modes to cope with increased disabilities. Some scaled back their activities to live a more comfortable life, others identified new activities or adapted old ones, whereas at times, people disengaged from the adjustment process altogether and resigned to their condition. Relationships with partners, emotional reactions, environment and perception of the environment influenced adjustment, while people were often flexible and shifted among modes. Conclusions: Adjusting to a progressive condition is a fluid process. Future interventions can be tailored to address modifiable factors at different stages of the condition and may involve addressing emotional reactions concealing/revealing the condition and perceptions of the environment.
Clinical profile, aetiology and outcome of afebrile seizures in children.

INTRODUCTION Clinical and outcome profiles of childhood seizures can be different in resource limited settings where neurologists face lots of challenges in diagnosis and management of seizure. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical profile, causes and outcome of afebrile seizures in children in resource limited settings. METHODS This was a prospective hospital based study. Children with afebrile seizures were followed up with exclusion of febrile and acute provoked seizures. Clinical, investigation, treatment and outcome parameters were analyzed. RESULTS Study included 308 (age one month to 20 years) children. Median age at first seizure was 39 (inter quartile range 12-96) months. History of status epilepticus was present in 26.0%. Cause of seizure was known in 44.2%. Seizure was generalized in 79.2%, partial in 14.0% and unclassified in 6.8%. Common causes of seizure were - birth asphyxia (12.3%), neurocysticercosis (8.8%), sequel of nervous system infection (6.5%) and structural brain abnormalities (7.1%). Neurological examination, electroencephalography and computed tomography (CT) were abnormal in 24.4%, 70.5% and 27.9% cases respectively. Seizure control was achieved in 79.3% and by monotherapy in 85.0 % cases. Seizure control with single drug, seizure without recurrence and idiopathic seizure were associated with favourable outcome. CONCLUSIONS Prevention and control of birth asphyxia, neurocysticercosis and nervous system infections are needed to reduce the burden of afebrile seizures in this area. CT is a valuable diagnostic tool and response to monotherapy is good. Seizure control with single drug, seizure without recurrence and idiopathic seizure are favourable prognostic factors.
Educational Jobs: Youth and Employability in the Social Economy. Investigations in Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom

In Europe the social economy employs almost 15 million workers. During the crisis years, unlike other sectors, it has often generated an increase in jobs. The aim of this comparative study is to investigate how to allow the supply and demand for young people to meet in the different types of social economy bodies. In particular, it concentrates on the problem of how to bring into line initial university training and the skills required by these organizations. The focus is placed on the varied family of training workers present in at least 75% of the organizations, whose professionalism is nevertheless rarely acknowledged. The papers proposed in this book try to identify the most suitable solutions at the level of curriculum, career development and accompanying measures, while drawing solutions from objective findings and not from training system needs or convictions.