Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impaired target site penetration of &bgr; -lactams may account for therapeutic failure in patients with septic shock

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines for adjusting antimicrobial therapy regimens commonly are based on drug concentrations measured in plasma. In septic patients, however, the interstitial space of soft tissues in addition to the central compartment represents the target site of infection. We thus hypothesized that one explanation for therapeutic failure during antibiotic treatment might be the inability to achieve effective antimicrobial concentrations in the interstitial space fluid of soft tissues. This is corroborated by the fact that piperacillin, a frequently administered &bgr;-lactam antibiotic, often fails to be effective despite documented susceptibility of the causative pathogen in vitro. DesignProspective comparative study of two groups. SettingThe intensive care unit and research ward of an university hospital. SubjectsSix patients with septic shock and a control group of six gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers. InterventionsTo measure piperacillin penetration into the interstitial space fluid of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue, we employed microdialysis after a single intravenous administration of 4.0 g of piperacillin to patients and healthy volunteers. Piperacillin concentrations were assayed by using reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Measurements and Main Results In septic shock patients, interstitial piperacillin concentrations in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were five- to ten-fold lower than corresponding free plasma concentrations (p < .03). Mean piperacillin concentrations in subcutaneous adipose tissue never exceeded 11 &mgr;g/mL, which is below the minimal inhibitory concentration for a range of relevant pathogens in patients with septic shock. ConclusionThe results of the present study demonstrate that in septic shock patients, piperacillin concentrations in the interstitial space may be subinhibitory, even though effective concentrations are attained in plasma. The lack of success of antimicrobial therapy in these patients thus might be attributable to inadequate target site penetration of antibiotics.
Pulmonary function tests in saw mill factory workers.

The prevalence of pneumoconiosis varies from 15–30% in various parts of India (1). Occupational asthma may account for about 10% of adult asthma (2). Asthma associated with work is being recognized with increased f requency in carpenters , saw mi l l workers and furn i tu re makers . The cause for occupa t iona l as thma i s wood/saw dus t . Ear l ie r s tud ies have documented increased incidence of asthma, chronic bronchitis and hypersensi t ivi ty pneumonia in wood cut ters and saw mil l workers (3 , 4) . Reduct ion in pulmonary function indices are known to be associated with these respiratory condit ions (5) . S tud ies o f resp i ra to ry morb id i ty and lung func t ion assessment have been per formed among workers f rom var ious occupat ions but there are very few studies among saw mi l l workers . Hence , we have conduc ted the p resen t s tudy to assess the pulmonary func t ion tes t s in saw mi l l workers , to t es t the hypothes i s tha t inha la t ion of wooden dus t decreases pulmonary funct ion in saw mil l workers .
Solution Modeling Using Postfix Genetic Programming

This article introduces Postfix Genetic Programming (GP), a postfix notation-based GP, approach to symbolic regression for solving empirical modeling problems. The main features of Postfix-GP are presented. These features include (1) postfix-based, variable-length individual-representation and its stack-based evaluation and (2) subtree crossover operator and semantic-aware subtree crossover operator. The article also presents two different constant creation approaches to evolve useful numeric constants for symbolic regression problems. The first approach uses an explicit list of constants and the second allows the Postfix-GP algorithm to evolve constants. Use of Postfix-GP as a solution modeling tool is demonstrated by solving two function identification problems and two deterministic chaotic time series modeling problems. Effectiveness of the evolved models is tested by statistically analyzing their performance on training and out-of-sample datasets of the problems. Experimental results on test problems suggest that Postfix-GP offers a new possibility for solving empirical modeling problems. We also compared the performance of Postfix-GP with the lil-GP system for all four problems. The results suggest that the quality of solutions found by Postfix-GP was better than that found by lil-GP, for the tested problems.
Local and asynchronous beta-reduction (an analysis of Girard's execution formula)

The authors build a confluent, local, asynchronous reduction on lambda -terms, using infinite objects (partial injections of Girard's (1988) algebra L*), which is simple (only one move), intelligible (semantic setting of the reduction), and general (based on a large-scale decomposition of beta ), and may be mechanized. <<ETX>>
Allergy: when does it begin and where will it end?

Although established allergic immune responses have been well characterized, relatively little is known about how or why these develop. There is also still no definitive explanation for the enormous increase in affected individuals. The manifestation of allergic symptoms within months (or even weeks) of life strongly suggests that early events (possibly during gestation) are contributing to this. However, although expanding research in this area has provided some important information about early immune development, the most critical questions remain unanswered. These issues are discussed here, in the context of our existing knowledge and the new observation by Kihlström et al. published in this issue (1) that sensitization to inhaled allergen (birch pollen) is not related to antenatal exposure to this allergen.
Chasma Boreale , Mars : Topographic Characterization from MOLA Data and Implications for Mechanisms of Formation

Chasma Boreale, a large reentrant in the North Polar cap of Mars, is distinct in scale, detailed topography, and orientation from the spiraling troughs that characterize the majority of the polar cap. We use new, high-resolution MOLA data and MOC and Viking images of the chasma region to assess hypotheses of origin of Chasma Boreale. These hypotheses include formation by glacial flow and ablation, by eolian processes (such as katabatic winds) and sublimation, by outflow of meltwater, or by a combination of two or more of these processes. We find that these new data support initial formation by outflow of meltwater with later modification by katabatic winds and sublimation. On the basis of our analysis, we suggest a possible scenario in which outflow has occurred in several stages. The outflow appears to have begun near an enclosed depression at the head of the chasma; meltwater migrated within and below the ice down the regional slope and eventually broke out to the surface. Removal of material by melting caused subsidence and erosion of the polar deposits forming the chasma, which has subsequently undergone modification by eolian and sublimation processes. The outflow deposited most of its sediment in the form of a lobe which stratigraphically overlies the polygonal plains mapped at the mouth of the chasma and scoured some of the circumpolar sediment mantle in the surrounding region. The lowest portions of the North Polar Basin received the rest of the sediment as a deposit a few meters thick. MOLA data also reveal evidence for similar events of smaller magnitude elsewhere on the margins of the polar cap.
The Impact of Carrier Flow Rate and Infusion Set Dead-Volume on the Dynamics of Intravenous Drug Delivery

The dynamics of IV drug delivery resulting from drug infusions connected to main-line crystalloid carriers can be complex and depend on infusion set dead-volume, drug flow rate, and carrier flow rate. While the concept of dead-volume is intuitive, a lack of appreciation of the interaction with the carrier and drug flow rates can lead to unintended clinical effects resulting from large variations in the delivery rate of potent drugs. We derived mathematical models to quantify these interactions. Experimental simulation with methylene blue infusions tested these predictions. The models predict a lag in response time to changes in carrier or drug flow, which is proportional to the dead-volume and inversely related to the total flow rate. Increasing the carrier rate provides an acute drug bolus. Temporary reduction or cessation of carrier flow decreases the rate of drug delivery, potentially for prolonged periods. Furthermore, a drug bolus results from restoration of the carrier flow. The method of connecting an infusion to a carrier and the use history affects the dynamics of drug delivery. Thus, although complex, the impact of infusion set architecture and changes in carrier and drug flow rates are predictable. These quantitative studies may help optimize the safe use of IV drug infusion systems.
Characterization of trophoblast cell isolations by a modified flow cytometry assay.

The purity of isolated trophoblast cells is an important checkpoint in in vitro studies on the human placenta. Maintaining viability of primary cells for a prolonged period, or achieving cell proliferation in primary cell cultures, is often a matter of concern. In this paper we present a method for characterizing the purity of isolated trophoblast cells based on the expression of cytoskeletal proteins, as well as for assessing their cell cycle status, by flow cytometry. We show that after a simple permeabilization and fixation step in 70 per cent methanol, staining for cytokeratin 7 and vimentin could discriminate between trophoblast cells and contaminating populations. The method was applicable to trophoblast cells both from villous and extravillous origin. By staining the proliferation-related antigen Ki-67 and DNA, information was gained about the cell cycle status and viability of freshly isolated and cultured villous trophoblast cells. This method may help to quickly and quantitatively characterize preparations of isolated trophoblast, as well as to search for culture conditions favouring long-term survival and proliferation.
Feeling addressed! The role of body orientation and co‐speech gesture in social communication

During face‐to‐face communication, body orientation and coverbal gestures influence how information is conveyed. The neural pathways underpinning the comprehension of such nonverbal social cues in everyday interaction are to some part still unknown. During fMRI data acquisition, 37 participants were presented with video clips showing an actor speaking short sentences. The actor produced speech‐associated iconic gestures (IC) or no gestures (NG) while he was visible either from an egocentric (ego) or from an allocentric (allo) position. Participants were asked to indicate via button press whether they felt addressed or not. We found a significant interaction of body orientation and gesture in addressment evaluations, indicating that participants evaluated IC‐ego conditions as most addressing. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left fusiform gyrus were stronger activated for egocentric versus allocentric actor position in gesture context. Activation increase in the ACC for IC‐ego>IC‐allo further correlated positively with increased addressment ratings in the egocentric gesture condition. Gesture‐related activation increase in the supplementary motor area, left inferior frontal gyrus and right insula correlated positively with gesture‐related increase of addressment evaluations in the egocentric context. Results indicate that gesture use and body‐orientation contribute to the feeling of being addressed and together influence neural processing in brain regions involved in motor simulation, empathy and mentalizing. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1925–1936, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of transfected DNA in avian cells can be enhanced in trans by retroviral infection

Using a quantitative S1 nuclease protection assay, we demonstrated that acute or chronic infection of avian cells enhances expression of an exogenously introduced rat preproinsulin II gene by approximately equal to 50-fold. The degree of enhancement is shown to vary with the transfection technique used but is independent of the transcription control region of the transfected gene. We conclude that retroviral infection of avian cells enhances expression of transfected DNA in trans by facilitating the uptake of DNA rather than by activating the transfected promoter.
Recent trends in precipitation and streamflow in the Aconcagua River basin, central Chile

In this paper, trends in streamflow and precipitation at the annual, seasonal and monthly timescales for different periods of records are analysed for the Aconcagua River basin in central Chile. In this mountainous basin in the dry Andes, water resources originate mainly from glaciers and seasonal snowcovers. The Mann-Kendall nonparametric test is used, and statistically significant trends are identified for each station on an annual, seasonal and monthly basis. Trends in streamflow are examined together with changes in precipitation and temperature. Analysis of correlation of the hydroclimatic variables with large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns such as the Southern Oscillation is also carried out. The main identified trend is a decrease in streamflow in the upper section of the basin, which is consistent at both the annual and seasonal scale. Changes in precipitation are not sufficient to explain the observed trend in runoff. Precipitation patterns, however, seem to have changed in the last 30 years, and results of seasonal trend analysis seem to indicate that there has been a shift in precipitation seasonality. Temperature at one station in the basin shows increasing trends at all temporal resolution. We argue that the decreasing trend in runoff might be explained by a decrease in glaciers and snowcover contribution to the total streamflow in the upper basin. Analysis of correlation reveals that both streamflow and precipitation are affected by ENSO events, and in particular that warm ENSO events are associated with an increase in winter and autumn precipitation, and an increase in summer streamflow.
The influence of graded levels of atmospheric ammonia on chickens. II. Effects on the performance of laying hens.

Synopsis Studies have been carried out to ascertain the effects of ammonia on the performance of White Leghorn hens housed in various environments of defined temperature and humidity. At 18° C. and 67 per cent relative humidity, the use of atmospheres containing 105 p.p.m. of ammonia by volume, significantly reduced egg production after 10 weeks’ exposure. No effects were observed on egg quality. However voluntary food intake was reduced in ammoniated atmospheres and live‐weight gain was lower. No recovery in production occurred when the treated groups were maintained for a further 12 weeks in an atmosphere free of ammonia. When White Leghorn hens were housed at an environmental temperature of 28° C. , body weight declined. The decrease in live‐weight was greatest at the high ammonia concentration of 102 p.p.m. , and was significant after only 1 week's exposure to ammonia. Food intake of the controls was approximately 25 per cent lower at 28° C. than at 18° C. , whilst 100 p.p.m. of ammonia further reduced f.
MR Imaging Monitoring of Iron-Labeled Pancreatic Islets in a Small Series of Patients: Islet Fate in Successful, Unsuccessful, and Autotransplantation

Islet transplantation is one of the most promising and effective therapies for restoring normoglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, but islet engraftment is one of the main obstacles hampering long-term success. Monitoring graft loss, caused either by immunological or nonimmunological events, occurring in the first phase after transplantation and at later stages of a patient's life is a very important issue. Among the imaging approaches previously applied, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring of islet fate following labeling with superparamagnetic iron oxide agents yielded promising results. The aim of this study was to translate into patients the method of islet labeling and MRI monitoring developed in our preclinical setting and to compare imaging results with graft clinical outcome. Three T1D patients and one nondiabetic patient undergoing autotransplantation following subtotal pancreatectomy received Endorem®-labeled islets. Patients were monitored by MRI and metabolically (HbA1c, exogenous insulin requirement, and C-peptide, TEF) at 1, 3, and 7 days following transplantation and once a month up to 10 months. Labeled transplanted islets appeared as hypointense areas scattered within the liver parenchyma, whose absolute number at 24 h after transplantation reflected the labeling efficiency. In patients #1 and #3 with good midterm graft function, MRI follow-up showed an important early loss of hypointense spots followed by a slow and progressive disappearance at later timepoints. Graft loss of function in patient #2 4 weeks after transplantation was associated with the complete disappearance of all hypointense signals. The autotransplanted patient, stably insulin free, showed no significant signal reduction during the first 3 days, followed by loss of spots similar to a patient with good midterm graft function. These results suggest that MRI monitoring of islet transplantation at early time points could represent a meaningful readout for helping in predicting transplant failure or success, but its relevance for mid/long-term islet function assessment appears evanescent.
A simple method to determine the need for glacial acetic acid treatment of bloody ThinPrep Pap tests before slide processing

ThinPrep (TP) Papanicolaou (Pap) samples containing excessive blood often result in unsatisfactory preparations, possibly leading to undetected gynecologic disease, and added inconvenience to patients and clinicians. Reprocessing of these samples with a glacial acetic acid wash is effective at eliminating blood, providing satisfactory preparation and detection of lesions. However, it increases laboratory costs and decreases work flow efficiency. We report the use of a color standard for gauging the necessity of performing a glacial acetic acid wash before TP processing. This “preprocessing” was found to reduce the costs associated with reprocessing by 48%, while maintaining high preparation quality by improved sample adequacy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:321–325. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetocaloric effect and its relation to shape-memory properties in ferromagnetic Heusler alloys

Magnetic Heusler alloys which undergo a martensitic transition display interesting functional properties. In the present review, we survey the magnetocaloric effects of Ni–Mn-based Heusler alloys and discuss their relation with the magnetic shape-memory and magnetic superelasticity reported in these materials. We show that all these effects are a consequence of a strong coupling between structure and magnetism which enables a magnetic field to rearrange martensitic variants as well as to provide the possibility to induce the martensitic transition. These two features are respectively controlled by the magnetic anisotropy of the martensitic phase and by the difference in magnetic moments between the structural phases. The relevance of each of these contributions to the magnetocaloric properties is analysed.
Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as predictor of mortality in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: 5-year follow-up data from the Linz Peripheral Arterial Disease Study.

BACKGROUND Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has emerged as predictor of mortality endpoints in cardiac disease. In contrast, the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the capability of NT-proBNP as a marker for long-term prognosis in atherosclerotic PAD. METHODS We obtained NT-proBNP serum concentrations in 487 consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD admitted to a tertiary-care hospital. The endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality, and the study participants were followed for 5 years. RESULTS Of the 487 patients enrolled, 114 died and 373 survived during follow-up. The median NT-proBNP concentration was higher among decedents than survivors (692 vs 143 ng/L; P < 0.001). Using the median NT-proBNP concentration of the entire cohort (213 ng/L) as threshold level, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis demonstrated that the survival probability was lower in patients with NT-proBNP above the median (log-rank test, P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, NT-proBNP >213 ng/L had a risk ratio of 2.27 (95% CI 1.27-4.03; P = 0.005) independent of age, sex, glomerular filtration rate, clinical stage of PAD, cardiovascular comorbidity, and other potential confounders. Further analyses showed that NT-proBNP added significantly to the value of established and emerging outcome predictors of PAD. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a NT-proBNP serum concentration >213 ng/L was a robust and independent predictor of 5-year all-cause mortality in patients with symptomatic PAD. Thus, NT-proBNP measurements can be considered a valuable tool for risk stratification in these patients.
Myosin activity drives actomyosin bundle formation and organization in contractile cells of the Caenorhabditis elegans spermatheca

The contractile myoepithelial cells of the Caenorhabditis elegans somatic gonad are stretched by oocyte entry and subsequently contract to expel the fertilized embryo into the uterus. Formation of aligned, parallel actomyosin bundles during the first ovulation is triggered by oocyte entry and regulated by myosin contractility.
The Cytokinin Requirement for Cell Division in Cultured Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Cells Can Be Satisfied by Yeast Cdc25 Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase. Implications for Mechanisms of Cytokinin Response and Plant Development

Cultured cells of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia, when deprived of exogenous cytokinin, arrest in G2 phase prior to mitosis and then contain cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) that is inactive because phosphorylated on tyrosine (Tyr). The action of cytokinin in stimulating the activation of CDK by removal of inhibitory phosphorylation from Tyr is not a secondary downstream consequence of other hormone actions but is the key primary effect of the hormone in its stimulation of cell proliferation, since cytokinin could be replaced by expression of cdc25, which encodes the main Cdc2 (CDK)-Tyr dephosphorylating enzyme of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The cdc25 gene, under control of a steroid-inducible promoter, induced a rise in cdc25 mRNA, accumulation of p67Cdc25 protein, and increase in Cdc25 phosphatase activity that was measured in vitro with Tyr-phosphorylated Cdc2 as substrate. Cdc25 phosphatase activity peaked during mitotic prophase at the time CDK activation was most rapid. Mitosis that was induced by cytokinin also involved increase in endogenous plant CDK Tyr phosphatase activity during prophase, therefore indicating that this is a normal part of plant mitosis. These results suggest a biochemical mechanism for several previously described transgene phenotypes in whole plants and suggest that a primary signal from cytokinin leading to progression through mitosis is the activation of CDK by dephosphorylation of Tyr.