Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: A Murine, IL-12-Independent Pathway of IFN-γ Induction by Gram-Negative Bacteria Based on STAT4 Activation by Type I IFN and IL-18 Signaling1

IFN-αβ is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine involved in the defense against viral and bacterial infections. In this study, we describe an as yet undefined IFN-αβ-dependent pathway of IFN-γ induction in mice. This pathway is based on a synergism of IFN-αβ and IL-18, and is independent of IL-12 signaling yet dependent on STAT4. In contradiction to current dogma, we show further that IFN-αβ alone induces tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT4 in murine splenocytes of different mouse strains. This pathway participates in the induction of IFN-γ by Gram-negative bacteria and is therefore expected to play a role whenever IFN-α or IFN-β and IL-18 are produced concomitantly during bacterial, viral, or other infections.
Mechanistic Aspects of Autism Involving Electron Transfer , Reactive Oxygen Species , Oxidative Stress , Pollutants , Antioxidants , Cell Signaling and Genes

Autism has attracted much attention in recent years, both in research and in the media. This review summarizes evidence for important involvement of electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress (OS), antioxidants (AOs) and genes. Evidence points to a key role for pollution. The fetus is the stage most susceptible to damaging effects, mostly to the brain and central nervous system. The unifying mechanistic theme has been widely applied previously as set forth as follows:
The dating of the Indian tradition

It is argued here that the religion of the Rgveda reflects Mesopotamian religion of the 3rd millenium B. C. Even specific epithets and literary allusions can be found to apply to certain of the deities that can be seen to be comparable in the respective traditions. The Rgveda is seen to end at the time of the first period of doubt in Mesopotamia around 1500 B.C., which coincides with the end of Indus Valley civilization. Roughly 1500 B. C. or shortly thereafter is also the time of the development of monotheism in the Ancient Near East, and this development can be seen in the Rgveda. In general, it is argued that it is not conceivable that there should be a lapse of roughly 1500, or 1800 years between two comparable religions with comparable developments in areas which it has been demonstrated had trade with one another. Indian religion, though, survived the crises which racked Mesopotamian religion.
Continuous improvement of a system quality management: accelerating thawing process of poultry meat by using a microwave oven.

The present work aims to validate the application of accelerating thawing process (microwave oven 20 kW/60 seconds) for poultry meat chicken. Hence, several criteria, such as microbiological, organoleptic, nutritional, thawing time and cost, were evaluated by accelerated and slow processes (48 h during 4°C, reference method). After 5 weeks, and according to the microbiological criteria the results of counting organisms (Total mesophilic flora, (TMF); Fecal coliforms, Sulphite reducing anaerobic (SRA); Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. ) under the two processes are satisfying and meet the standards. However, we noted that the obtained TMF’s averages by the accelerate process are lower than those obtained by the slow process from the upper boxes (1.02 102 < 5.82 102 CFU/g) or from the boxes of the bottom (0.84 102 < 3.24 102 CFU/g). Yet, by the rapid process organoleptic and nutritional qualities of meat are better preserved. Moreover, the rapid process reduces the thawing time (saving time 33h). The organoleptic study indicates that the quality of the poultry meat chicken should be treated in details. Therefore, this new technology needs further investigations to be validated.
Effects of pharmacologically manipulated amplitude and starting point on edinger-westphal-stimulated accommodative dynamics in rhesus monkeys.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine whether pharmacologically manipulated resting refraction, amplitude, and starting point affect accommodative and disaccommodative dynamics in anesthetized adolescent rhesus monkeys. METHODS Pilocarpine and atropine were applied topically to manipulate resting refraction, accommodative amplitude, starting point, and end point in two monkeys with permanent electrodes in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Accommodation was centrally stimulated with submaximal and maximal current amplitudes. Dynamic accommodative responses were measured with infrared photorefraction before and during the course of action of the drugs. Accommodative and disaccommodative dynamics were analyzed in terms of peak velocity as a function of amplitude, starting point, and end point. RESULTS Pilocarpine caused a myopic shift in resting refraction of 11.62 +/- 1.17 D. Centrally stimulated accommodative amplitude was 10.08 +/- 1.15 D before pilocarpine and 0.68 +/- 0.29 D after pilocarpine. Changes were found in accommodative dynamics as a function of starting point and in disaccommodative dynamics as a function of amplitude and end point. Accommodative amplitude was 11.25 +/- 0.18 D before atropine administration and 0.52 +/- 0.11 D after atropine administration. Accommodative dynamics as a function of amplitude were not substantially altered during the course of pilocarpine-induced accommodation or atropine-induced cycloplegia. CONCLUSIONS Accommodative response amplitude is reduced with pilocarpine by shifting the eye to a more myopic state and with atropine by cycloplegia. Pharmacologic manipulations showed that accommodative and disaccommodative dynamics in anesthetized monkeys depend on amplitude, starting point, and end point of the response and on the contributions of neural and receptor activity.
Distribution Pattern of Rare Earth Ions between Water and Montmorillonite and Its Relation to the Sorbed Species of the Ions

REE (rare earth element) distribution coefficients ( K _d) between the aqueous phase and montmorillonite surface were obtained to investigate the relation between the REE distribution patterns and the species of REE sorbed on the solid-water interface. It was shown that the features in the REE patterns, such as the slope of the REE patterns, the tetrad effect, and the Y/Ho ratio, were closely related to the REE species at the montmorillonite-water interface. In a binary system (REE-montmorillonite) below pH 5, three features (a larger K _d value for a lighter REE, the absence of the tetrad effect, and the Y/Ho ratio being unchanged from its initial value) suggest that hydrated REE are directly sorbed as an outer-sphere complex at the montmorillonite-water interface. Above pH 5.5, the features in the REE patterns, the larger K _d value for heavier REE, the M-type tetrad effect, and the reduced Y/Ho ratio, showed the formation of an inner-sphere complex of REE with–OH group at the montmorillonite surface. In addition, the REE patterns in the presence of humic acid at pH 5.9 were also studied, where the REE patterns became flat, suggesting that the humate complex is dominant as both dissolved and sorbed species of REE in the ternary system. All of these results were consistent with the spectroscopic data (laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy) showing the local structure of Eu(III) conducted in the same experimental system. The present results suggest that the features in the REE distribution patterns include information on the REE species at the solid-water interface.
Efficient 2D shape orientation

In this paper, we study the reorientation of 2D shapes. We describe an algorithm that removes orientational ambiguity from arbitrarily oriented 2D shapes. The algorithm is robust to error in pixel locations as well as in the presence of occluded or added pixels. After reorientation, the resulting shape is in a normalized orientation and can then be used effectively in post-processing stages of such applications as pattern detection, recognition, and registration. The algorithm combines a new measure of shape orientation, the variable-size window orientation indicator index (/spl Delta/-OII), and the point-based reorientation algorithm (PRA) that we presented before. We test the new algorithm against an extensive database of complex 2D shapes.
Explaining Support for the UK Independence Party at the 2009 European Parliament Elections

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) achieved its best result in the 2009 European elections, beating the governing Labour Party into second place. Despite its recent success we still know relatively little about who votes for the party and how these supporters compare with those of UKIP's competitors. This article analyses support for UKIP at the 2009 European elections first at the aggregate level, to understand the social and economic context in which the party performs best, and second at the individual level using a YouGov survey of over 32,000 voters, more than 4,000 of whom were UKIP supporters. We show that Euroscepticism is the biggest explanatory factor but that UKIP voters are also concerned about immigration and show dissatisfaction with and a lack of trust in the political system. Our findings add credence to the argument that views on European integration matter in voters' decisions at European elections and we show how the balance of attitudinal explanations of UKIP support makes its voters distinct from those voting for far right parties.
Effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic fields emitted from a cellular phone on the T3, T4, and cortisol levels in Syrian hamsters

The effects of exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) on the serum cortisol and triiodothyronine–thyroxin (T3–T4) levels in adult male Syrian hamsters were evaluated. Seventy two hamsters were used in three independent groups: 24 served as controls (without exposure to stress and EMF), 24 were exposed to a 900 MHz EMF for 10 d, and 24 were exposed to a 900 MHz EMF for 50 d. The exposures were performed 1 h/d to a 900 MHz EMF emitted by cellular phones. The levels of cortisol and T3–T4 were measured by using an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) method. The results revealed the cortisol values of the group, which was exposed to 900 MHz EMF for 50 d, were higher than those of the other groups (P<0.01). The levels of T3 in the control group were higher than that of the long-term exposure group (P<0.01), and levels of T4 in the 900 MHz EMF group for the long-term and short-term exposure groups, were higher than that of the control group (P <0.01). These results indicate that a 900 MHz EMF emitted by cellular phones, especially in the case of long-term exposure, increased the serum cortisol and T4 levels and decreased the T3 level, and suggest that it can destroy the endocrine system in general.
Analysis of suprapubic and transrectal measurements in assessment of prostate dimensions and volume: is transrectal ultrasonography really necessary for prostate measurements?

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of suprapubic ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography in measurements of prostate dimension and volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred consecutive patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were examined by suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography modalities in a same session. Measurements of the 3 dimensions of the prostate (anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal) and its volume performed by suprapubic ultrasonography were compared with the corresponding measurements by transrectal ultrasonography in order to determine the correlation of the measurements. Prostate volumes were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Data were further analyzed in subgroups according to prostate volumes smaller or larger than 50 mL, measured by suprapubic ultrasonography. RESULTS The mean prostate volume of the 100 patients, measured by suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography were 65.9 +/- 35.8 mL and 62.5 +/- 32.0 mL, respectively (r = 0.94; P < .001). The craniocaudal diameters had the strongest correlation among dimension measurements (r = 0.89; P < .001). Suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography measurements also showed significant correlations for both prostates smaller or larger than 50 mL. Eighty-five percent of the patients had both volume measurements under or above this limit. CONCLUSION There was strong correlation between suprapubic and transrectal ultrasonography measurements of the prostate sizes, including both for volume or specific dimension measurements.
Frontotemporal dementia: treatment response to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors.

BACKGROUND Patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) present initially with primarily behavioral rather than cognitive symptoms. Decreased serotonin receptor binding has been reported in the frontal lobes, temporal lobes, and hypothalamus in autopsy-proven FTD cases. This study tests the hypothesis that many of the behavioral symptoms of FTD (including disinhibition, depressive symptoms, carbohydrate craving, and compulsions) will respond to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHOD Eleven subjects meeting the Lund-Manchester clinical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging criteria for FTD were treated with SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine). After 3 months, treatment responses for disinhibition, depressive symptoms, carbohydrate craving, and compulsions were evaluated prospectively without placebo control. RESULTS After treatment, disinhibition, depressive symptoms, carbohydrate craving, and compulsions all showed improvement in at least half the subjects in which they had been present. One subject stopped sertraline treatment because of diarrhea, while another stopped paroxetine treatment due to increased anxiety. The presence of individual behavioral symptoms and also the response of each symptom to SSRIs were unrelated to cognitive impairment as measured by baseline Mini-Mental Status Examination (.07 < or = p < or = 1.00) [corrected]. CONCLUSION The behavioral symptoms of FTD may improve after treatment with SSRIs. Future neurochemical studies and controlled pharmacologic trials may improve available treatments.
Geriatric Assessment as a Predictor of Delirium and Other Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Cancer.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the implementation of preoperative geriatric assessment (GA) in patients undergoing major cancer surgery and to determine predictors of postoperative delirium. BACKGROUND Geriatric surgical patients have unique vulnerabilities and are at increased risk of developing postoperative delirium. METHODS Geriatricians at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk-stratify surgical patients with solid tumors, ages 75 years and older, using preoperative GA, which includes basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs, IADLs), cognition (Mini-Cog test), history of falls, nutritional state, and comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index). The Geriatrics Service evaluates patients for postoperative delirium using the confusion assessment method. A retrospective review was performed. The associations between GA and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of GA for postoperative delirium, and a multivariate model was built. RESULTS In total, 416 patients who received preoperative evaluation by the Geriatrics Service between September 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, were included. Delirium occurred in 19% of patients. Patients with delirium had longer length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and greater likelihood of discharge to a rehabilitation facility (P < 0.001). Charlson Comorbidity Index score, history of falls, dependent on IADL, and abnormal Mini-Cog test results predicted postoperative delirium on univariate analysis. Developed using a stepwise selection method, a multivariate model to predict delirium is presented including Charlson Comorbidity Index score (P = 0.032), dependence IADLs (P = 0.011), and falls history (P = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative GA is feasible and may achieve a better understanding of older patients' perioperative risks, including delirium.
Implementing a Continuous Quality Improvement Program for Reducing Pressure Prevalence in a Teaching Hospital in China

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a continuous quality improvement program would reduce pressure ulcer prevalence. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study sample comprised 2913 patients who were used as a baseline comparison group and 3019 patients who acted as the intervention group. The research setting was a 3000-bed teaching hospital with 61 nursing units located in Wuhan, China. DESIGN: This prospective study compared pressure ulcer prevalence of patients admitted to hospital before and after implementation of a continuous quality improvement program designed to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The program was implemented after baseline data were collected in April and the comparison prevalence survey was completed in October of the same year. Pressure ulcer prevalence data were collected on a single day. RESULTS: The overall pressure ulcer prevalence (combining ulcers that were hospital acquired and present on admission) was 1.8% at baseline as compared to 1.4% following implementation of the quality improvement program. The prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers was 1.5% at baseline; it was 1.1% following the intervention. Excluding stage 1 pressure ulcers, the prevalence was 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively. No stage 4 pressure ulcers were identified when prevalence was measured after initiation of the prevention project. CONCLUSION: Pressure ulcer prevalence, which was low at baseline measurement, did not statistically significantly decrease, despite a comprehensive quality improvement program.
Self-Distancing From Trauma Memories Reduces Physiological but Not Subjective Emotional Reactivity Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Self-distancing, or viewing oneself from a third-person perspective, reduces reactivity when analyzing one’s feelings. Self-distancing may have important effects among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who have heightened emotional and physiological reactivity to trauma memories, but the effects of self-distancing in this group are unclear. We randomly assigned 48 veterans diagnosed with PTSD to analyze their trauma-related feelings from an immersed (first-person) or distanced (third-person) perspective, and measured physiological and subjective emotional reactivity. Self-distancing during trauma analysis protected against increases in physiological reactivity, such that participants in the immersed condition showed a significant increase in heart rate and skin conductance responses not seen in the distanced condition. However, self-distancing had no effect on self-reported emotional reactivity. Our findings suggest that the effects of self-distancing on subjective emotions may not extend to trauma memories. However, self-distancing during trauma analysis did change physiological reactivity, suggesting at least a short-term benefit for individuals with PTSD.
Acute effects of acetazolamide on cerebral blood flow in man.

We have followed the time course of the effect of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide injected i.v. in unanesthetized healthy human beings. The dose administered was 500 mg as a bolus. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured continuously before, during and after the injection, using a pulsed ultrasound doppler system, which measured the instantaneous mean velocity across the lumen of the internal carotid artery, just below its entrance into the skull. Ventilation, heart-rate, end-expiratory PCO2, arterial PCO2, pH and systemic blood pressure was also measured. We found that acetazolamide caused a rise in CBF which could be detected as early as 2 min after the injection. A maximal average response of 75% increase in CBF was seen after 25 min. The half-time of the declining phase of the response was 95 min. There were no systematic differences in the CO2 reactivities, given as delta CBF/delta PACO2 in % of CBF at normocapnia, before and after acetazolamide injection, regardless of the absolute PACO2 level. The present dose of the drug caused no change in ventilation, alveolar and arterial PCO2 or in arterial blood pH indicating that the carbonic anhydrase was not fully inhibited. Our observations show that acetazolamide nevertheless caused a rapid vasodilation in the brain and over a wide range of PCO2's. We suggest that this agent has a local vasodilator effect on the cerebral arterioles, unrelated to its specific effects as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.
Progressive gait deterioration in adolescents with Dravet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To characterize changes in gait by age in patients with Dravet syndrome. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING Tertiary children's hospital. PATIENTS Twenty-six subjects with Dravet syndrome, aged 2 to 34 years. Twenty-three patients had mutations of the sodium channel α1 subunit gene, SCN1A. INTERVENTIONS Assessment via video gait analysis, physical examination of the lower limbs, use of the Functional Mobility Scale, and radiographs of the pelvis and feet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Classification of the sagittal gait pattern and foot posture, assessment of muscle extensibility and joint range, and rating of functional mobility. RESULTS Children aged 0 to 5 years had a normal or near-normal gait, whereas 5 of 10 children aged 6 to 12 years and 8 of 9 children aged 13 years or older had crouch gait. Physical examination showed that with increasing age, passive knee extension (P = .008) and hip extension (P = .003) decreased, external tibial torsion (P = .007) and pes planovalgus (P = .05) increased, and increased hip internal rotation did not show age-related change (P = .27). The Functional Mobility Scale showed universal independent walking over 5 and 50 m; however, adolescents showed wide variation in their ratings over 500 m, indicating mobility ranging from wheelchair use to independent walking (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Children with Dravet syndrome show progressive gait deterioration in the second decade of life, with crouch gait and skeletal malalignment comprising increased femoral neck anteversion, external tibial torsion, and pes valgus. These age-related changes have a significant impact on mobility and independence in the community setting.
On the ontological expressiveness of information systems analysis and design grammars

Abstract. Information systems analysis and design (ISAD) methodologies provide facilities for describing existing or conceived real‐world systems. These facilities are ontologically expressive if they are capable of describing all real‐world phenomena completely and clearly. In this paper we formally examine the notion of the ontological expressiveness of a grammar and discuss some of its implications for the design and use of ISAD methodologies. We identify some generic ways in which ontological expressiveness may be undermined in a grammar and some potential consequences of these violations. We also examine ontological expressiveness within the context of some other desirable features that might be considered in the design of ISAD methodologies.