Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suprachiasmatic nucleus of the human brain: An immunocytochemical and morphometric analysis

The present paper describes the immunocytochemical and morphometric characteristics of two major cell groups of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the human hypothalamus: the vasopressin (VP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neuronal subdivisions. The dimensions (volume and length) and the number of neurons expressing each peptide in the two subdivisions were obtained, as well as the mean diameter of the cell nuclei. All morphometric parameters were studied in relation to sex and age.
Outcomes of ICU Patients With a Discharge Diagnosis of Critical Illness Polyneuromyopathy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Objectives: To assess the impact of a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuromyopathy on health-related outcomes in a large cohort of patients requiring ICU admission. Design: Retrospective cohort with propensity score–matched analysis. Setting: Analysis of a large multihospital database. Patients: Adult ICU patients without preexisting neuromuscular abnormalities and a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy along with adult ICU propensity-matched control patients. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Of 3,567 ICU patients with a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy, we matched 3,436 of these patients to 3,436 ICU patients who did not have a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy. After propensity matching and adjusting for unbalanced covariates, we used conditional logistic regression and a repeated measures model to compare patient outcomes. Compared to patients without a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy, patients with a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy had fewer 28-day hospital-free days (6 [0.1] vs 7.4 [0.1] d; p < 0.0001), had fewer 28-day ventilator-free days (15.7 [0.2] vs 17.5 [0.2] d; p < 0.0001), had higher hospitalization charges (313,508 [4,853] vs 256,288 [4,470] dollars; p < 0.0001), and were less likely to be discharged home (15.3% vs 32.8%; p < 0.0001) but had lower in-hospital mortality (13.7% vs 18.3%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In a propensity-matched analysis of a large national database, a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy is strongly associated with deleterious outcomes including fewer hospital-free days, fewer ventilator-free days, higher hospital charges, and reduced discharge home but also an unexpectedly lower in-hospital mortality. This study demonstrates the clinical importance of a discharge diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy and/or myopathy and the need for effective preventive interventions.
Head and neck cancers, the neglected malignancies: present and future treatment strategies

Head and neck cancers are the most prevalent cancers in Asia and result in 50% of deaths due to all cancers in that region. However, treatment regimen has not changed in the past two decades and there are no specific drugs for this cancer. As a result of this, treatment outcomes remain poor. Furthermore, there are no new breakthrough therapies on the horizon, in part, due to low commercial interest in these cancers. What is needed is new thinking, which combines targeted and risk mitigation approaches to develop novel drugs. This editorial will focus on summarising the present approaches to treatment and propose new targets for these cancers.
The overlap of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with other common mental disorders

The literature on the overlap (co‐morbidity) of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with conduct disorder, specific learning disability, and anxiety disorders was reviewed to examine: (i) the evidence for ADHD being a syndrome distinct from the other conditions; and (ii) the evidence for co‐morbid patterns representing meaningful subtypes of ADHD.
Double and Triple Langmuir Probes Measurements in Inductively Coupled Nitrogen Plasma

The double and triple Langmuir probe diagnostic systems with their necessary driving circuits are developed successfully for the characterization of laboratory built low pressure inductively coupled nitrogen plasma, generated by 13.56MHz radio frequency (RF) power supply along with an automatic impedance matching network. Using the DC properties of these two probes, the discharge plasma parameters like ion saturation current (Iio), electron temperature (kTe) and electron number density (ne) are measured at the input RF power ranging from 250 to 400W and fllling gas pressures ranging from 0.3 to 0.6mbar. An increasing trend is observed in kTe and ne with the increase of input RF power at a flxed fllling gas pressure of 0.3mbar, while a decreasing trend is observed in kTe and ne with the increase of fllling gas pressure at a flxed input RF power of 250W.
The Impact of Revenue Sharing Contracts on a Retailer's Shelf-Space and Pricing Decisions

It is well known that retailers can often increase product sales by offering a price discount or allocating more shelf or display space. The retailer’s shelf-space and pricing decisions affect not only the retailer’s profitability but also the manufacturer’s profitability. This research studies how a manufacturer can use revenue sharing contracts to influence the retailer’s shelf-space and pricing decisions. We model a twoechelon supply chain with a manufacturer supplying a certain product to a retailer facing demand that depends on both the price of the product and the shelf space allocated. Under a wholesale-price-only contract, the retailer’s shelf-space allocation and pricing decisions and their impact on the manufacturer’s decision and the supply chain efficiency are addressed as a benchmark. We then consider the case where the manufacturer replenishes the retailer’s shelf under a revenue sharing contract. It is shown that a properly designed revenue sharing contract can increase the profit of the manufacture, comparing to the benchmark case. We further explore whether such a supply contract can coordinate the supply chain. KeywordsRevenue Sharing Contract; Shelf-Space Allocation; Pricing
The Chlamydia trachomatis Plasmid Is a Transcriptional Regulator of Chromosomal Genes and a Virulence Factor

ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis possesses a cryptic 7.5-kb plasmid of unknown function. Here, we describe a comprehensive molecular and biological characterization of the naturally occurring plasmidless human C. trachomatis strain L2(25667R). We found that despite minimal chromosomal polymorphisms, the LGV strain L2(25667R) was indistinguishable from plasmid-positive strain L2(434) with regard to its in vitro infectivity characteristics such as growth kinetics, plaquing efficiency, and plaque size. The only in vitro phenotypic differences between L2(434) and L2(25667R) were the accumulation of glycogen granules in the inclusion matrix and the lack of the typical intrainclusion Brownian-like movement characteristic of C. trachomatis strains. Conversely, we observed a marked difference between the two strains in their abilities to colonize and infect the female mouse genital tract. The 50% infective dose of plasmidless strain L2(25667R) was 400-fold greater (4 × 106 inclusion-forming units [IFU]) than that of plasmid-bearing strain L2(434) (1 × 104 IFU). Transcriptome analysis of the two strains demonstrated a decrease in the transcript levels of a subset of chromosomal genes for strain L2(25667R). Among those genes was glgA, encoding glycogen synthase, a finding consistent with the failure of L2(25667R) to accumulate glycogen granules. These findings support a primary role for the plasmid in in vivo infectivity and suggest that virulence is controlled, at least in part, by the plasmid's ability to regulate the expression of chromosomal genes. Our findings have important implications in understanding a role for the plasmid in the pathogenesis of human infection and disease.
Distinguishing Cartesian powers of graphs

The distinguishing number D(G) of a graph is the least integer d such that there is a d-labeling of the vertices of G that is not preserved by any nontrivial automorphism of G. We show that the distinguishing number of the square and higher powers of a connected graph G ≠ K2, K3 with respect to the Cartesian product is 2. This result strengthens results of Albertson [Electron J Combin, 12 (2005), nN17] on powers of prime graphs, and results of KlavŽar and Zhu [Eu J Combin, to appear]. More generally, we also prove that d(G s H) = 2 if G and H are relatively prime and |H| ≤ |G| < 2|H| - |H|. Under additional conditions similar results hold for powers of graphs with respect to the strong and the direct product. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 53: 250260, 2006
A situated classification solution of a resource allocation task represented in a visual language

Abstract The Sisyphus room allocation problem-solving example has been solved using a situated classification approach. A solution was developed from the protocol provided in terms of three heuristic classification systems, one classifying people, another rooms, and another tasks on an agenda of recommended room allocations. The domain ontology, problem data, problem-solving method, and domain-specific classification rules, have each been represented in a visual language. These knowledge structures compile to statements in a term-subsumption knowledge representation language, and are loaded and run in a knowledge representation server to solve the problem. The user interface has been designed to provide support for human intervention in under-determined and over-determined situations, allowing advantage to be taken of the additional choices available in the first case, and a compromise solution to be developed in the second.
Antipsychotic-induced sudden cardiac death: examination of an atypical reaction

Following the publication of a recent study, which linked antipsychotics to sudden cardiac death, the safety of both typical and atypical antipsychotics has once again been questioned. Sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular arrhythmias remains a significant public health concern, with over 300,000 deaths per year in the US alone. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an important cause of sudden cardiac death in which both congenital and acquired lesions in cardiac ionic channels impair myocardial repolarization and predispose the heart to developing lethal ventricular rhythms, including torsade de pointes, which may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation. Congenital LQTS is a relatively rare condition; however, acquired LQTS and arrhythmogenesis occurring through the unwanted pharmacological effects of a wide range of medications has become one of the largest problems facing the pharmaceutical industry today. This article examines recent findings linking antipsychotics to ventricular arrhythmias and explores potential new strategies to reduce the incidence of drug-induced sudden cardiac death.
Tumor-selective, adenoviral-mediated GFP genetic labeling of human cancer in the live mouse reports future recurrence after resection

We have previously developed a telomerase-specific replicating adenovirus expressing GFP (OBP-401), which can selectively label tumors in vivo with GFP. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of OBP-401 specifically labeled peritoneal tumors with GFP, enabling fluorescence visualization of the disseminated disease and real-time fluorescence surgical navigation. However, the technical problems with removing all cancer cells still remain, even with fluorescence-guided surgery. In this study, we report imaging of tumor recurrence after fluorescence-guided surgery of tumors labeled in vivo with the telomerase-dependent, GFP-containing adenovirus OBP-401. Recurrent tumor nodules brightly expressed GFP, indicating that initial OBP-401-GFP labeling of peritoneal disease was genetically stable, such that proliferating residual cancer cells still express GFP. In situ tumor labeling with a genetic reporter has important advantages over antibody and other non-genetic labeling of tumors, since residual disease remains labeled during recurrence and can be further resected under fluorescence guidance.
Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population in Spain

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy individuals in Spain and its relationship with different epidemiological features. Patients and methods: The study was conducted on a large group of healthy individuals without ulcer disease antecedents or other gastrointestinal disease; moreover, information was obtained on symptoms attributable to the gastrointestinal tract, smoking, alcohol consumption, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use as well as the presence of peptic ulcer disease antecedents among first-degree relatives. The H. pylori infection status was ascertained by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody determination, using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Three hundred and eighty-one individuals (138 males and 243 females) were included in the study (mean age: 34.3±12.9 years; range: 5–77). Two hundred and two individuals (53%) were positive for H. pylori IgG antibodies. A consistent increase in H. pylori infection seroprevalence with increasing age was observed. No association was observed between H. pylori infection and consumption of alcohol, NSAID use or smoking. On the other hand, the presence of digestive symptoms and peptic ulcer disease antecedents among first-degree relatives were associated with a higher prevalence of infection in a given individual (P<0.05). Conclusion: H. pylori infection seroprevalence in healthy individuals in Spain is similar to that in countries with high socio-economic standards and other Western countries. Digestive symptoms and previous antecedents of peptic ulcer disease in first-degree relatives were associated with a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 1996, 8:1165–1168
Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Academic Self-Efficacy Among College Students in China: Evidence From a Cross-Lagged Model

The present study aimed to investigate the associations between self-esteem and academic self-efficacy among Chinese college students. Descriptive statistics showed that on average, students’ academic self-efficacy experienced a downward trend in the first 3 years before rising slightly in the graduation year, and that male students had higher academic self-efficacy than females in the first 2 years, whereas female students’ academic self-efficacy surpassed their male counterparts in the latter years. There were significant, positive associations between the two variables. With cross-lagged analysis, we found that students’ self-esteem significantly predicted their subsequent academic self-efficacy from the freshman to the junior years, and the effects among male students endured longer and stronger. Implications of the findings were discussed.
Antimicrobial effects of hydrophilic extracts of Pelargonium species (Geraniaceae)

Methanolic extracts of representative species and cultivars of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) were assessed for activity against 25 different species of bacteria and Aspergillus niger. All samples were active against at least 18 bacterial species and some were active against all 25 species, although there was very poor antifungal action. Antioxidant action was very pronounced, and this together with the strong antibacterial activity indicates that there is a potential usage in the food or other industry for Pelargonium extracts.
Risk of Second Cancers After Photon and Proton Radiotherapy: A Review of the Data

AbstractControl rates for pediatric and adult malignancies are now approximately 80 and 60%, respectively, due to dramatic improvements in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy is responsible for many of the adverse late effects of treatment, which is now well documented in the literature. The most serious and life threatening side effect of radiotherapy that affects both children and adults is radiation-induced second primary cancers.
No image lag photodiode structure in the interline CCD image sensor

An undesirable image lag with a long time constant was found in the interline CCD image sensor having N+P-junction photodiode (PD). This paper clarifies the image lag mechanism and proposes a new photodiode structure having no image lag. The image lag measurement method and the experimental results are also given. The experimental results quantitatively agreed with the analytical model, in which signal electrons are assumed to be transferred from the PD to the vertical CCD as a small subthreshold current. To eliminate the image lag, a P+NP-structure PD with low donor concentration was proposed, where all the signal electrons can be quickly transferred before the subthreshold condition begins. As a result, the decay lag values of the 1st and the 2nd fields were reduced to half and the decay lags after the 3rd field were not observed.
Multi-band 700MHz/ 2.4GHz/ 60GHz RF front-end for radio-over-fiber base stations

A radio-over-fiber RF front end is being developed for multi-band operation covering 700 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 60 GHz. The RF front-end of the system was implemented on FR4 substrate and the optical part of the system was implemented using commercial components. Initially, a 700 MHz system based on 2.4GHz WLAN was demonstrated and achieved a 6-Mbps data rate transmission over a 4-km optical link and a 2.5-meter wireless link with transmit power of only 1mW at the base station. Meanwhile, various blocks for the 60 GHz band require further development, and an example of our efforts is a low noise amplifier (LNA) that was designed and developed in CMOS technology, the amplifier achieved noise figure less than 5 dB and a gain of 10 dB over 8 GHz bandwidth covering the frequency range of 50–58GHz and will be presented here. These developed components are well suited for RF front-ends in radio-over-fiber (RoF) communication systems.
A STUDY ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF NEONATAL TRANSPORT TO A SPECIAL NEWBORN CARE UNIT

Introduction: Neonatal care in India has witnessed a revolution in the last 10 years under the auspices of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The major causes of neonatal mortality in developing countries are Prematurity, Birth asphyxia and Sepsis. Institutional delivery and in utero transport of newborn is the safest way to transport a sick neonate. But unfortunately preterm delivery and many other perinatal illnesses cannot be always anticipated. Hence we undertook this study to analyse the profile of newborn babies referred to our SNCU. Study design: This is a cross sectional study of neonates admitted in SNCU of Govt Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu from April’2016 to June’2016. Results: About 75% of neonates were transported by neonatal ambulance service. About 25% of the neonates were transported by self arranged conveyance. On analysis of TOPS scores, about 26% of neonates had hypoglycemia, 14% had low oxygen saturation, 15% had prolonged capillary refill time and 19% had hypoglycemia. In the self arranged transport group, the TOPS score was significantly abnormal. During the study period 23(6.6%) neonates died. Conclusion: Though almost all the neonates are safely transported in neonatal ambulances in the government sector, there has been a paucity of neonatal ambulances in the private sector. Most of the available ambulances now are not adequately equipped to handle sick new born babies. So extension of neonatal ambulance services to all babies referred to SNCU will improve the survival of neonates.
Lateral moving of an artificial flapping-wing insect driven by low voltage electromagnetic actuator

We present an artificial flapping-wing insect driven by a low voltage electromagnetic actuator to move laterally along a horizontal guide rail for the first time. Three distinctive achievements have been accomplished: (1) only 90mg in weight with wing span of 3 cm for the prototype; (2) high peak to peak flapping amplitude of 100.4° at 51.3Hz under a low driving voltage of 5V; and (3) measured 116.5 μΝ average lift force to move the prototype on a horizontal guide rail. As such, this work opens a new class of drive methodology for artificial flapping-wing insects.
Alleviation of carer strain during the use of the NeuroPage device by people with acquired brain injury

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of a paging system, NeuroPage (Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust Corporation, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, UK), in compensating for memory and planning dysfunctions in people with acquired brain injury (ABI; mainly stroke or traumatic brain injury). In this study, the degree to which this efficacy is accompanied by a reduced experience of strain among carers of patients with ABI was investigated. Methods: Carers of 99 people with ABI completed a questionnaire concerning strain resulting from caring for the injured individual. The questionnaire was completed at the following three time points: before the use of NeuroPage, at the end of a 7-week period of use, and, for one subgroup, a further 7 weeks after withdrawal of NeuroPage. Results: There were significant reductions in strain reported by carers following the 7-week period of NeuroPage use (Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.4). This finding persisted when the carer was a spouse or a parent. The reduced strain among carers continued even after withdrawal of NeuroPage. Conclusion: The efficacy of the NeuroPage paging system for people with ABI appears to result in reduced strain for their carers.
Phenotypic plasticity of elytron length in wingless two-spot ladybird beetles, Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Winglessness in the two-spot ladybird beetle Adalia bipunctata (L.) is determined by a single locus with the wingless allele recessive to the winged wildtype allele. The expression of the wingless trait is highly variable, with individuals missing a vari- able part of elytra and flight wings; the elytra and wings appear to be truncated rather than miniature in form. The degree of wing- lessness is partly determined genetically. Here we report on the phenotypic plasticity of the degree of winglessness. The environmental effect on elytron length relative to maximal elytron length in wingless phenotypes was studied by rearing offspring of single pair crosses of this form at a low (19°C) or high (29°C) temperature. Offspring reared at 19°C showed relatively longer elytra than those reared at 29°C.
Efficacy of Aspergillus galactomannan‐directed preemptive therapy for the prevention of invasive aspergillosis in organ transplant recipients

Editor's comment: This letter from Marino et al. represents confirmation of an important principle: a preemptive antimicrobial strategy based on a reliable laboratory finding is an excellent way to prevent clinical disease due to an important pathogen. We hope this approach can be expanded as useful early diagnostic techniques become more available. It is my belief that a therapeutic prescription based on a laboratory marker is a more robust approach than “empiric therapy,” where therapy is prescribed by algorithm rather than measurable laboratory findings ( 3 ).