Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postoperative peak serum C-reactive protein is a predictor of outcome following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Context: C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, may correlate with prognosis in several malignancies. Objective: To investigate the prognostic impact of early postoperative peak serum levels of CRP on tumor-specific outcome in 106 liver transplant patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods and results: In multivariate Cox regression analysis, a posttransplant elevated peak CRP level (>versus ≤ 3.5 mg/dl) was identified as an independent predictor of poor recurrence-free survival (p = 0.01; HR = 4.04; CI = 1.399–11.640). Conclusion: Early postoperative serum CRP may serve as a useful inflammation-based biomarker of outcome in liver transplant patients with HCC.
A Novel Particulate Form of Ca2+/CaMKII-Dependent Protein Kinase II in Neurons

Cytoskeletal and postsynaptic density (PSD) fractions from forebrain contain discrete spherical structures that are immunopositive for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Spherical structures viewed by rotary shadow electron microscopy have an average diameter of ∼100 nm and, in distinction to postsynaptic densities, do not immunolabel for PSD-95. These structures were purified to near homogeneity by extraction with the detergentN-lauryl sarcosinate. Biochemical analysis revealed that CaMKII accounts for virtually all of the protein in the purified preparation, suggesting that spherical structures are clusters of self-associated CaMKII. Exposure of cultured hippocampal neurons to a mitochondrial uncoupler in glucose-free medium promotes the formation of numerous CaMKII-immunopositive structures identical in size and shape to the CaMKII clusters observed in subcellular fractions. Clustering of CaMKII would reduce its kinase function by preventing its access to fixed substrates. On the other hand, clustering would not affect the ability of the large cellular pool of CaMKII to act as a calmodulin sink, as demonstrated by the Ca2+-dependent binding of gold-conjugated calmodulin to CaMKII clusters. We propose that the observed clustering of CaMKII into spherical structures is a protective mechanism preventing excessive protein phosphorylation upon loss of Ca2+homeostasis, without compromising calmodulin regulation.
Analysis of astrovirus serotype 1 RNA, identification of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motif, and expression of a viral structural protein

We report the results from sequence analysis and expression studies of the gastroenteritis agent astrovirus serotype 1. We have cloned and sequenced 5,944 nucleotides (nt) of the estimated 7.2-kb RNA genome and have identified three open reading frames (ORFs). ORF-3, at the 3' end, is 2,361 nt in length and is fully encoded in both the genomic and subgenomic viral RNAs. Expression of ORF-3 in vitro yields an 87-kDa protein that is immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody specific for viral capsids. This protein comigrates with an authentic 87-kDa astrovirus protein immunoprecipitated from infected cells, indicating that this region encodes a viral structural protein. The adjacent upstream ORF (ORF-2) is 1,557 nt in length and contains a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motif. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase motifs from four astrovirus serotypes are compared. Partial sequence (2,018 nt) of the most 5' ORF (ORF-1) reveals a 3C-like serine protease motif. The ORF-1 sequence is incomplete. These results indicate that the astrovirus genome is organized with nonstructural proteins encoded at the 5' end and structural proteins at the 3' end. ORF-2 has no start methionine and is in the -1 frame compared with ORF-1. We present sequence evidence for a ribosomal frameshift mechanism for expression of the viral polymerase.
Spatial awareness in immersive virtual environments revealed in open-loop walking

People are able to walk without vision to previously viewed targets in the real world. This ability to update one’s position in space has been attributed to a path integration system that uses internally generated self-motion signals together with the perceived object-to-self distance of the target. In a previous study using an immersive virtual environment (VE), we found that many subjects were unable to walk without vision to a previously viewed target located 4 m away. Their walking paths were influenced by the room structure that varied trial to trial. In this study we investigated whether the phenomenon is specific to a VE by testing subjects in a real world and a VE. The real world was viewed with field restricting goggles and via cameras using the same head-mounted display as in the VE. The results showed that only in the VE were walking paths influenced by the room structure. Women were more affected than men, and the effect decreased over trials and after subjects performed the task in the real world. The results also showed that a brief (<0.5 s) exposure to the visual scene during self-motion was sufficient to reduce the influence of the room structure on walking paths. The results are consistent with the idea that without visual experience within the VE, the path integration system is unable to effectively update one’s spatial position. As a result, people rely on other cues to define their position in space. Women, unlike men, choose to use visual cues about environmental structure to reorient.
Can Macroeconomic Indicators Predict a Currency Crisis? Evidence from Selected Southeast Asian Countries

This paper examines the probability of currency crises using a signal approach and a multivariate probit model. The results indicate that the signal approach can provide an effective warning system despite its nonparametric nature. The top three indicators that are useful in anticipating crises include international reserves, stock market indices, and gross domestic product (GDP), in that order. Excess money balances and the ratio of domestic credit to GDP are significant and have positive correlation with the probability of a crisis. The growth rate of exports and the stock indices are significant and have a negative relationship with a crisis probability. Overall, the results indicate that government policies, the macroeconomic environment, and investor panic/self-fulfilling expectations all play a role in the making of a crisis.
Recognition of serogroup A Neisseria meningitidis serotype antigens by human antisera

The antigens of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A which were recognized by human antisera were identified by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The components of six prototype strains used for serotyping serogroup A meningococci were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then transferred to nitrocellulose for immunoperoxidase staining with sera collected from 10 acute-phase and 14 convalescent-phase patients. Six acute-phase sera detected six major antigens having apparent molecular weights between 14,000 and 82,000. In addition to recognizing these antigens, the convalescent-phase sera detected a protease-sensitive antigen with an apparent molecular weight of 20,000 for one strain and 27,000 for five strains, lipopolysaccharide, and the heat-modifiable proteins. The sera recognized lipopolysaccharide in a serotype-specific manner, whereas their reactions with the heat-modifiable protein were not serotype specific. Convalescent-phase sera recognized components from eight meningococcal serogroups. The concentrations of immunoglobulin G directed to capsular polysaccharide were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; seven acute-phase sera had less than 0.39 micrograms of antibody per ml, whereas the average concentration in convalescent-phase sera was 3.22 micrograms/ml and the range was 0.40 to 7.50 micrograms/ml.
Stereotypes : From an illusory stability to an illusory belief account

The categorization literature has shown that concepts are unstable and context-dependent knowledge structures (e.g., Barsalou, 1987; 1989). Three studies show similar findings for stereotypes. Study 1 revealed only moderate levels of within-participants stability in the content of social categories. Study 2 showed that irrelevant attributes of social groups are incorporated into the groups’ stereotype as long as they are contextually salient. Study 3 provided preliminary evidence suggesting that stereotype context sensitivity may be accounted for a belief illusion account.
A Computational Analysis of Detonation of Buried Mines

A nonlinear‐dynamics transient computational analysis of the explosion phenomena associated with detonation of 100g of C4 high‐energy explosive buried at different depths in sand is carried out using the AUTODYN computer program. The results obtained are compared with the corresponding experimental results obtained in Ref. [1]. To validate the computational procedure and the materials constitutive models used in the present work, a number of detonation‐related phenomena such as the temporal evolutions of the shape and size of the over‐burden sand bubbles and of the detonation‐products gas clouds, the temporal evolutions of the side‐on pressures in the sand and in air, etc. are determined and compared with their experimental counterparts. The results obtained suggest that the agreement between the computational and the experimental results is reasonable at short postdetonation times. At longer post‐detonation times, on the other hand, the agreement is less satisfactory primarily with respect to the size and shape of the sand crater, i.e. with respect to the volume of the sand ejected during explosion. It is argued that the observed discrepancy is, at least partly, the result of an inadequacy of the generic materials constitutive model for the sand which does not explicitly include the important effects of the sand particle size and the particle size distribution, as well as the effects of moisture‐level controlled inter‐particle friction and cohesion. It is further shown that by a relatively small adjustment of the present materials model for sand to include the potential effect of moisture on inter‐particle friction can yield a significantly improved agreement between the computed and the experimentally determined sand crater shapes and sizes.
Job Satisfaction and Mobility of Nursing Educators: In Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in the West

In a study to determine nursing educators' perceptions of the general importance of given job characteristics to job satisfaction, a three-part questionnaire was sent to nursing educators in the 13 western states. The first section collected data on demographic variables, such as age and sex, which were correlated with perception of importance of job characteristics and job satisfaction. In the second section, the respondent rated the importance of job factors to job satisfaction and indicated his satisfaction with each factor in his present position. Section three contained open-ended questions about how nursing educators learn about available teaching positions, what job characteristics are given the most consideration before accepting a position, and reasons for resignations. Analysis of the data was accomplished through the use of Cooley and Lohnes' multivariate analysis of data package. Findings included: Personal contact with the institution and friends were frequent means of learning about positions in general and the position obtained in particular. Salary and geographic location were given the most consideration when choosing a job. Factor analysis showed that nursing educators ranked intrinsic factors such as responsibility, achievement, academic freedom, and autonomy as more important than extrinsic factors such as faculty club, lounge, and dining room. They tended to be more satisfied with the reputation of the school and their job security and less satisfied with promotion policies and class size. An open organizational climate was correlated with satisfaction with numerous job characteristics. Conversely, a closed organizational climate was correlated with dissatisfaction with those variables. The more generally satisfied a person was, the more likely that person was to remain with the institution. Conversely, one tended to be generally dissatisfied, if he was not satisfied with the variables, and was more likely to leave the institution. The characteristics of being a young, junior faculty member were correlated with planning to leave a first position because of dissatisfaction. Several canonical correlations indicated that educators tended to be dissatisfied with what they felt was important and satisfied with what they did not feel was important.
Changes in load-bearing area after Ganz periacetabular osteotomy evaluated by multislice CT scanning and stereology

Background We used a stereologic method based on 3D CT scanning to estimate the projected load-bearing surface in the hip joint.Patients and methods 6 normal hip joints and 6 dysplastic hips were examined. The latter were CT-scanned before and after periacetabular osteotomy.Results We found that the average area of the projected load-bearing surface of the femoral head preoperatively was 7.4 (6.5–8.4) cm2and postoperatively 11 (9.8–14) cm2, which was similar to the load-bearing surface in the normal control group. We performed double measurements and the coefficient of error of the mean was estimated at 1.6%. Due to overprojection, an overestimation of about 3.8% on the projected loadbearing surface occurred. Consequently, the stereologic method proved to be precise and unbiased.Interpretation Our findings indicate that this method is of value for monitoring the load-bearing area in the hip joint of patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy.
Prospective memory: The relative effects of encoding, retrieval, and the match between encoding and retrieval

Previous prospective memory studies have revealed some important features of encoding, retrieval, and the match between the encoding and the retrieval that contribute to prospective memory performance. However, these studies have not provided evidence concerning the relative importance of these three factors because no study has investigated all three in a single design. We developed a laboratory-based paradigm that allowed us to manipulate different characteristics of encoding, retrieval, and the match between encoding and retrieval simultaneously in a single experiment. The results of eight experiments showed that all three factors have an influence on prospective memory performance, but that the match between encoding and retrieval has a significantly larger influence than either encoding or retrieval factors.
Dissociation of Semliki Forest virus into biologically active components.

Summary Treatment of Semliki Forest virus with Nonidet-P40, sodium deoxycholate or Tween 80 + ether destroyed virus infectivity but preserved complement fixing, haem-agglutinating and neutralizing antibody blocking activities. All treatments split the virus into intact cores and fragments of envelope, but Nonidet gave the best separation of these components. Only the virus envelope had haemagglutinating and neutralizing antibody-blocking activities. Immunodiffusion tests showed that the envelope and core proteins were serologically distinct. Further treatment of envelope fragments with dilute trypsin liberated at least three antigens, which could be separated by column chromatography. In immuno-diffusion tests, antigens 2 and 3 were serologically distinct, but both gave reactions of partial identity with antigen 1. All antigens fixed complement, but only antigen 1 was associated with haemagglutinating and neutralizing antibody-blocking activities. Sephadex gel filtration indicated that antigen 1 had a particle weight greater than 200,000 daltons, that antigen 3 had a molecular weight of about 9000, and that antigen 2 was intermediate in size.
Active Testing Strategy to Predict the Best Classification Algorithm via Sampling and Metalearning

Currently many classification algorithms exist and there is no algorithm that would outperform all the others in all tasks. Therefore it is of interest to determine which classification algorithm is the best one for a given task. Although direct comparisons can be made for any given problem using a cross-validation evaluation, it is desirable to avoid this, as the computational costs are significant. We describe a method which relies on relatively fast pairwise comparisons involving two algorithms. This method exploits sampling landmarks, that is information about learning curves besides classical data characteristics. One key feature of this method is an iterative procedure for extending the series of experiments used to gather new information in the form of sampling landmarks. Metalearning plays also a vital role. The comparisons between various pairs of algorithm are repeated and the result is represented in the form of a partially ordered ranking. Evaluation is done by comparing the partial order of algorithm that has been predicted to the partial order representing the supposedly correct result. The results of our analysis show that the method has good performance and could be of help in practical applications.
How well is Helicobacter pylori treated in usual practice?

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is a WHO class I carcinogen also associated with nonmalignant gastrointestinal diseases. Effective treatment exists, and all persons infected with H pylori should receive treatment. However, data regarding the rates of treatment prescription in clinical practice are lacking. OBJECTIVE To determine the rates of H pylori treatment in usual practice. METHODS Patients with histological evidence of H pylori infection between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario) were identified. Charts were reviewed to determine the rates of H pylori treatment and confirmation of eradication, when indicated. Questionnaires were subsequently sent to endoscopists of patients identified as not having received treatment to determine the reasons for lack of treatment. RESULTS A total of 102 patients were H pylori positive and were appropriate candidates for treatment, of whom 58 (57%) were male and 78 (76%) were outpatients, with 92 (90%) receiving eradication therapy. When indicated, 15 of 22 (68%) patients received confirmation of eradication, 13 of 18 (72%) patients underwent repeat endoscopy and 86% received complete therapy. Outpatients were more likely to receive eradication therapy (OR 10.3 [95% CI 2.6 to 40.4]; P=0.001) and complete therapy (OR 13.2 [95% CI 3.8 to 45.7]; P=0.0001) compared with inpatients. Having a follow-up appointment resulted in higher treatment rates (OR 12.0 [95% CI 3.0 to 47.5]; P=0.001). CONCLUSION During the time period studied, adequate rates of H pylori treatment were achieved in outpatients and patients who had formal follow-up at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. However, some aspects of care remain suboptimal including treatment of inpatients and care following treatment. Additional studies are required to identify strategies to improve the care of patients infected with H pylori.
Randomised placebo controlled double blind study of two low dose aprotinin regimens in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether two low dose aprotinin regimens produce clinically significant reductions in postoperative blood loss compared with a control group. DESIGN--A randomised double blind placebo controlled study. SETTING--A regional cardiothoracic unit in London. PATIENTS--79 patients were consecutively allocated to one of three groups. All patients had primary elective surgery with standard anaesthetic and surgical techniques, and no patients were withdrawn from the study. INTERVENTIONS--Group K patients (n = 27) received aprotinin (10(6) kallikrein inactivator units (KIU) into the pump prime whereas group L patients (n = 27) received an intravenous bolus of aprotinin (0.5 x 10(6) KIU) after induction of anaesthesia and 10(6) KIU was added to the pump prime. A third group (group J, n = 25) received 0.9% saline placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--After insertion of the chest drains at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, blood losses were measured hourly until the drains were removed 18 to 24 h later. Total haemoglobin loss into the chest drains was calculated. RESULTS--Both aprotinin treated groups showed significantly less postoperative blood loss than controls (medians: group K, 400 ml; group L, 400 ml; v controls 780 ml; p < 0.001) and there was even less measured postoperative haemoglobin loss within the chest drains in both the aprotinin treated groups than in the controls (medians: group K, 16 g; group L, 19 g; v controls, 47 g; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION--In primary cardiac surgery the dose of aprotinin may be reduced by about 80% from the recommended high dose schedule and still significantly reduce postoperative blood loss compared with placebo.
Baltic Sea Ice Concentration Estimation Based on C-Band HH-Polarized SAR Data

Ice concentration measurements are important information e.g., for navigation, ice modeling, and climate change research. Here we present an algorithm for estimating ice concentration from C-band SAR data. The resolution of SAR data is significantly higher than the resolution of the current operational ice concentration products based on radiometer data. Our algorithm is based on segment-wise autocorrelation distributions. The algorithm results were compared with two reference data sets: ice concentrations from the Finnish Ice Service (FIS) ice charts, and ice concentrations from the radiometer-based operational ice concentration algorithm of University of Bremen. The new algorithm gives reasonable ice concentration estimates in a high resolution (500 m) for an arbitrary segmentation.
Antihypertensive Effect of Oxprenolol and Chlorthalidone in Fixed Combination, Given Once Daily

In a multicentre, single-blind, within-patient study, the effectiveness and tolerability of the fixed combination oxprenolol 80 mg + chlorthalidone 10 mg per tablet given once daily, compared to the well established b.i. d. schedule, has been investigated in forty out-patients with mild to moderate hypertension. After a two-weeks placebo wash-out, twenty patients were given 1 tablet b.i. d. of the fixed combination for 4 weeks and thereafter 2 tablets once-daily for a further 4 weeks; the remaining twenty patients were given the fixed combination in the reverse order. There was no significant difference in clinical response between the two treatment regimes, which were equally effective and well tolerated. However, patient compliance might be considerably improved with the once-daily dosage schedule of the fixed combination.