Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarimetry of near-infrared flares from Sagittarius A*

Context. We report new polarization measurements of the variable near-infrared emission of the SgrA* counterpart associated with the massive 3–$4\times10^6$ $M_{\odot}$ Black Hole at the Galactic Center. Aims. We investigate the physical processes responsible for the variable emission from SgrA*. Methods. The observations have been carried out using the NACO adaptive optics (AO) instrument at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. Results. We find that the variable NIR emission of SgrA* is highly polarized and consists of a contribution of a non- or weakly polarized main flare with highly polarized sub-flares. The flare activity shows a possible quasi-periodicity of $20\pm3$ min consistent with previous observations. Conclusions. The highly variable and polarized emission supports that the NIR emission is non-thermal. The observations can be interpreted in a jet or temporary disk model. In the disk model the quasi-periodic flux density variations can be explained by spots on relativistic orbits around the central MBH. Alternative explanations for the high central mass concentration involving boson or fermion balls are increasingly unlikely.
Consultation—Liaison Psychiatry in General Practice

Objective:This paper describes the characteristics of 303 consecutive referrals, over a 12-month period, to a consultation—liaison (C—L) psychiatry service provided to eight group general practices in Newcastle, Australia. Method:A purpose designed service audit form was used throughout the evaluation period to collect information about demographic characteristics, reasons for referral, service contacts, psychiatric diagnoses and clinical management. In addition, patients were invited to participate in a separate, prospective outcome evaluation study, which involved structured interviews and questionnaires. Results:The most common reasons for referral were: depression (33%); anxiety (12%); diagnostic assessment (9%); and impaired relationships (8%). The most common psychiatric diagnoses were: mood disorders (29%); mild, transient conditions (29%); anxiety (14%); and substance abuse disorders (12%). Following the psychiatric consultation(s), GPs were actively involved in patients’ treatment in 53% of cases. However, there was a higher than expected rate of referral (44%) to another mental health agency. Selected comparisons are also reported between patients referred to the C—L service (n = 303) and a sample of non-referred GP attenders (n = 535). Conclusions:As expected, the diagnostic profiles of patients attending the C—L service differed in several respects from those using similar services in general hospitals. There were comparatively low rates of organic brain syndromes, suicide risk evaluations, and problems of differential diagnosis of somatic symptoms. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on more formal psychiatric education for GPs, on ways of screening out from the referral process those patients with mild, transient conditions who do not require specialist expertise, and on the development of strategies to help GPs manage such conditions.
Organization of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein into Membrane Microdomains Occurs Independently of Intracellular Viral Components

ABSTRACT The glycoprotein (G protein) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is primarily organized in plasma membranes of infected cells into membrane microdomains with diameters of 100 to 150 nm, with smaller amounts organized into microdomains of larger sizes. This organization has been observed in areas of the infected-cell plasma membrane that are outside of virus budding sites as well as in the envelopes of budding virions. These observations raise the question of whether the intracellular virion components play a role in organizing the G protein into membrane microdomains. Immunogold-labeling electron microscopy was used to analyze the distribution of the G protein in arbitrarily chosen areas of plasma membranes of transfected cells that expressed the G protein in the absence of other viral components. Similar to the results with virus-infected cells, the G protein was organized predominantly into membrane microdomains with diameters of approximately 100 to 150 nm. These results indicate that internal virion components are not required to concentrate the G protein into membrane microdomains with a density similar to that of virus envelopes. To determine if interactions between the G protein cytoplasmic domain and internal virion components were required to create a virus budding site, cells infected with recombinant VSVs encoding truncation mutations of the G protein cytoplasmic domain were analyzed by immunogold-labeling electron microscopy. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of the G protein did not alter its partitioning into the 100- to 150-nm microdomains, nor did it affect the incorporation of the G protein into virus envelopes. These data support a model for virus assembly in which the G protein has the inherent property of partitioning into membrane microdomains that then serve as the sites of assembly of internal virion components.
Fault Detection for Robot Manipulators via Second-Order Sliding Modes

This paper presents a model-based fault detection (FD) and isolation scheme for rigid manipulators. A single fault acting on a specific actuator or on a specific sensor of the manipulator is detected (and, if possible, the exact location of the fault), and an estimation of the fault signal is performed. Input-signal estimator and output observers are considered in order to make the FD procedure possible. By using the suboptimal second-order sliding-mode (SOSM) algorithm to design the input laws of the observers, satisfactory stability properties of the observation error are established. The proposed algorithm is verified in simulation and experimentally on a COMAU SMART3-S2 robot manipulator.
Combined Coronary Arterial Bypass Graft and Thyroidectomy in a Patient with Giant Goiter: How Reliable Is It?

A 47-year-old male was admitted to our clinic with the complaints of chest pain, limitation of cervical movements, progressive dyspnea, and painless cervical mass. The cervical mass dimensions were approximately 15 x 20 x 25 cm. Laboratory studies revealed a recurrent hyperthyroid state. After the thyroid hormones were maintained in a euthyroid condition, a coronary angiogram was made. It revealed progressive ischemic heart disease. Combined cardiac surgery and total thyroidectomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful without any of the problems associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Combined thyroid and cardiac surgery is feasible with little risk for both operations if the perioperative levels of the thyroid hormone are maintained in a euthyroid or hypothyroid state.
Predictors of long-term response to high-dose interferon therapy in type II cryoglobulinemia associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

We have prospectively studied patients with type II cryoglobulinemia since 1985 to assess the efficacy of treatment with interferon-alpha at cumulative doses ranging from 234 to 849 MU. In the present study we retrospectively evaluated in this cohort parameters associated with complete response to therapy in 31 consecutive patients with type II cryoglobulinemia associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Prevalence of complete response of cryoglobulinemia (disappearance of symptoms and signs of vasculitis and decrease of cryocrit below 10% of the initial value) was 62%, with a median response duration of 33 months and a range of 3 to 100 months. Three patients were putatively cured, as they remained in complete remission for more than 5 years off therapy. Eighteen patients (58%) had liver disease evidenced by histopathology and/or raised transaminase levels. Prevalence of normalization of transaminase levels was 100%, with a median response duration of 36 months. Relapse of hypertransaminasemia occurred in 100% and 8% of patients receiving less than or greater than 621 MU, respectively. By logistic regression analysis, the only pretherapy parameter that associated significantly (P = .0393) with complete response of cryoglobulinemia was the solitary anti-C22 (HCV core) antibody pattern, which was observed in 29% of patients. Association with older age and low cryocrit approached statistical significance (P = . 06), while no significant correlations were found with serum IgM levels, duration of disease, HCV genotype, NS5a gene mutations, liver histology, HLA-DR phenotype, or WA cross-idiotype. Complete responses were also associated, on univariate statistical analysis, with low pretherapy HCV viremia. Responses were accompanied by decrease of viremia, of anti-HCV antibody levels and cryocrit. The usefulness of a high dose regimen is underscored by the higher rates of sustained responses of cryoglobulinemia and transaminase levels compared with previous studies.
Does losartan prevent cerebral edema? A preliminary study using a vascular compartment model.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of Losartan, a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist used for the treatment of hypertension, on the movement of proteins and fluids across the vascular compartment in ischemic cat brains. MATERIAL/METHODS The experiments were carried out on anesthetized cats under artificial ventilation and autohemoperfusion of the brain with a stable volume of blood with the help of a resistograph. Cerebral ischemia was induced by a 15-minute arrest of the autohemoperfusion pump, tying various anastomoses in the neck region, and reducing arterial pressure to 40-30 mm Hg by hemorrhage with subsequent reinfusion of the lost blood. RESULTS In the postischemic period in the cat brain, control experiments showed the onset of metabolic acidosis and an increase in permeability of the brain capillaries to fluids and protein molecules. Intravenous introduction of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, at a dose of 3 mg x kg(-1) 10 minutes into the postischaemic period, enhanced the normalization of metabolic and transcapillary exchange. Thus vector permeability was reversed from blood-to-tissue in the control situation (without losartan) to tissue-to-blood during losartan administration. CONCLUSIONS The results provide strong evidence that losartan may play a role in preventing cerebral edema, and that the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in postischemic cerebrovascular events.
A population-based survey of multiple sclerosis in Shanghai, China

Objective: To conduct a large population-based survey on multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Shanghai, China. Methods: We established a network of physicians, mainly neurologists, for identifying prevalent patients with MS and systematically checked inpatient registers at each hospital in the study area for patients with a diagnosis of MS, neuromyelitis optica, or other demyelinating disorders. MS diagnosis in patients was validated by senior neurologists according to the McDonald criteria. Results: In total, 123 patients with a validated MS diagnosis from the study population, 8.86 million inhabitants with permanent residence in Shanghai, were alive on the prevalence day. The crude MS prevalence rate was 1.39 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.66 cases) in the study population in Shanghai. There were 79 female and 44 male patients with MS, a female-to-male ratio of 1.8. Nearly all (96%) of the patients with validated MS had been examined by MRI. Conclusion: Multiple sclerosis prevalence in Shanghai is in line with that reported for other Asian populations.
Human CHD2 Is a Chromatin Assembly ATPase Regulated by Its Chromo- and DNA-binding Domains

Background: CHD2 is a conserved ATPase and deletions of CHD2 have been linked to developmental and neurological disorders. Results: The regions flanking the ATPase domain of CHD2 confer substrate specificity and couple ATP hydrolysis to remodeling. Conclusion: CHD2 possesses nucleosome assembly activity regulated by its accessory domains. Significance: Understanding the mechanisms of chromatin remodeling is crucial for delineating how remodeling defects contribute to human diseases. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 2 (CHD2) is an ATPase and a member of the SNF2-like family of helicase-related enzymes. Although deletions of CHD2 have been linked to developmental defects in mice and epileptic disorders in humans, little is known about its biochemical and cellular activities. In this study, we investigate the ATP-dependent activity of CHD2 and show that CHD2 catalyzes the assembly of chromatin into periodic arrays. We also show that the N-terminal region of CHD2, which contains tandem chromodomains, serves an auto-inhibitory role in both the DNA-binding and ATPase activities of CHD2. While loss of the N-terminal region leads to enhanced chromatin-stimulated ATPase activity, the N-terminal region is required for ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling by CHD2. In contrast, the C-terminal region, which contains a putative DNA-binding domain, selectively senses double-stranded DNA of at least 40 base pairs in length and enhances the ATPase and chromatin remodeling activities of CHD2. Our study shows that the accessory domains of CHD2 play central roles in both regulating the ATPase domain and conferring selectivity to chromatin substrates.
Pathogenesis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: An update

Genus Mycoplasma, belonging to the class Mollicutes, encompasses unique lifeforms comprising of a small genome of 8,00,000 base pairs and the inability to produce a cell wall under any circumstances. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogenic species infecting humans. It is an atypical respiratory bacteria causing community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children and adults of all ages. Although atypical pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae can be managed in outpatient settings, complications affecting multiple organ systems can lead to hospitalization in vulnerable population. M. pneumoniae infection has also been associated with chronic lung disease and bronchial asthma. With the advent of molecular methods of diagnosis and genetic, immunological and ultrastructural assays that study infectious disease pathogenesis at subcellular level, newer virulence factors of M. pneumoniae have been recognized by researchers. Structure of the attachment organelle of the organism, that mediates the crucial initial step of cytadherence to respiratory tract epithelium through complex interaction between different adhesins and accessory adhesion proteins, has been decoded. Several subsequent virulence mechanisms like intracellular localization, direct cytotoxicity and activation of the inflammatory cascade through toll-like receptors (TLRs) leading to inflammatory cytokine mediated tissue injury, have also been demonstrated to play an essential role in pathogenesis. The most significant update in the knowledge of pathogenesis has been the discovery of Community-Acquired Respiratory Distress Syndrome toxin (CARDS toxin) of M. pneumoniae and its ability of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation and inflammosome activation, thus initiating airway inflammation. Advances have also been made in terms of the different pathways behind the genesis of extrapulmonary complications. This article aims to comprehensively review the recent advances in the knowledge of pathogenesis of this organism, that had remained elusive during the era of serological diagnosis. Elucidation of virulence mechanisms of M. pneumoniae will help researchers to design effective vaccine candidates and newer therapeutic targets against this agent.
Effects of FOV and aircraft bank on pilot head movement and reversal errors during simulated flight.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that while flying under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) pilots tilt their head to keep the horizon stabilized on their fovea. This reflex, referred to as Opto-Kinetic Cervical Reflex (OKCR), may improve spatial awareness by establishing the horizon retinal image as a stabilized primary visual-spatial cue. Since the limited field of view (FOV) provided by helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) significantly decreases visual stimuli, the purpose of this research was to determine how reduced FOV affects head movements. HYPOTHESES As FOV is decreased, there will be a significant reduction in OKCR-induced head movement. Reduced FOV will also increase control reversal errors. METHODS Twelve pilots completed simulated flight tasks in a stationary dome. Head tilt, pitch, and yaw were examined as a function of aircraft bank and FOV (40 degrees, 60 degrees and 100 degrees circular). The number of control reversal errors was analyzed to investigate signs of spatial disorientation. RESULTS During VMC manuevers pilots exhibited significant OKCR; however there were no significant differences among the three levels of FOV. FOV significantly affected head pitch movements under both VMC and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Pilots yawed their heads in the direction of aircraft bank under VMC. Pilots committed 22 reversal errors out of 72 trials (30.55%). The magnitude of the error was largest for the 40 degrees FOV condition. CONCLUSIONS Pilots exhibit the OKCR under all tested levels of FOV and also make head yaw movements in order to keep the way point in sight during banking maneuvers. Pilots demonstrated stick reversal errors when transitioning from following a lead aircraft under both VMC and IMC conditions.
A Hamilton Path for the Sigma-Tau Problem

Nijenhuis and Wilf asked the following question in their Combinatorial Algorithms textbook from 1975: Can the permutations of {1, 2,. ,n} be ordered so that each permutation is transformed into the next by applying either the operation σ, a rotation to the left, or τ, a transposition of the first two symbols? Knuth rated the challenge of finding a cyclic solution for odd n (cycles do not exist for even n > 2) at 48/50 in The Art of Computer Programming, which makes it Volume 4's hardest open problem since the 'middle levels' problem was solved by Mutze. In this paper we solve the 40 year-old question by Nijenhuis and Wilf, by providing a simple successor rule to generate each successive permutation. We also present insights into how our solution can be modified to find a Hamilton cycle for odd n.
Cognitive Load Hypothesis of Item-Method Directed Forgetting

This study examined the effect of the processing demands of to-be-remembered (TBR) words on item-method directed forgetting. Experiment 1 found that a standard memory group remembered fewer to-be-forgotten (TBF) words than a naming group, in which participants simply named the TBR words during the study phase, even though both groups were equally instructed to forget the TBF words. Experiment 2 manipulated the number of TBR words in the study list, keeping the number of TBF words constant, and found that TBF word forgetting was more difficult in the few TBR words condition than the more TBR words condition. The same pattern was found in the result of Experiment 3 when a cued recall test, instead of a free recall test, was used. In all the experiments, participants were asked to recall the TBF words before the TBR words. These findings are consistent with the cognitive load hypothesis that it is easier to forget when there are fewer cognitive resources available during encoding.
The three‐dimensional cytoarchitecture and pattern of motor innervation of branched striated myotubes

Three‐dimensional reconstructions of “regenerating” myotubes in the “degeneration‐regeneration” regions and in the “regenerative” foci of the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the C57BL6J/dy2J myopathic mutant mouse were made from spaced serial ultrathin section. Complex branching and recombination occurred, involving myotubes which for extensive regions along their length appeared to be independent. No accumulation of specialized organelles occurred at the branching site. Continuous branches displayed multiple discrete motor endplates.
Influence of Seasonal Variation on Pregnancy‐induced Hypertension and/or Preeclampsia

Seasonal variation of temperature and humidity are said to influence the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine if temperature and humidity exert any influence on the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension and preeclampsia in Kuwait. This is a retrospective study performed in the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait (MHK) in the years 1992–1994. Monthly distribution of all deliveries and those in which the patients had pregnancy‐induced hypertension and preeclampsia were recorded. There are some studies including ours which do not show any significant correlation between meteorological factors and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We found that the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertension per 1,000 deliveries was high in June when the temperature was very high and the humidity at its lowest. The reverse was true for the incidence of preeclampsia per 1,000 deliveries, which was high in November when the temperature was low and the humidity high.
Food allergy guidelines and assessing allergic reaction risks: a regulatory perspective

Purpose of reviewTo review information in food allergy guidelines and the literature on assessing and understanding food allergic reaction risks. Recent findingsCurrent food allergy guidelines have focused on tools for better diagnosis of food allergy and treatment of reactions. These guidelines have not addressed the growing body of literature on risk assessment and diagnostic tools being used to assess dose–response relationships in relation to food-allergen exposures. The literature includes substantial data from food-allergen challenges performed in sensitive individuals, and probabilistic modeling of these data may help to elucidate the relationship between allergen dose exposures, including thresholds, and reaction risk in allergic individuals. Understanding this relationship has potential to improve the health-related quality of life of allergic consumers. SummaryRecent findings in the literature have highlighted improved diagnostic tools and other information that can be used to assess risks for allergic reaction to low-dose allergen exposures (thresholds) and reaction severity in food allergic consumers. Recommendations to better define and stratify allergic reaction risks for consumers could be adopted into guidelines for the diagnosis and clinical management of food allergy.