Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty reduction in the volume measurement of Si spheres by an optical interferometer to determine the Avogadro constant

In the determination of the Avogadro constant using the x-ray crystal density method, volume measurements of Si spheres by optical interferometry play a crucial role. For the accurate volume determination, geometrical shape of the optical components of the interferometer has been evaluated by using ray-tracing method. To reduce the noise in the interference fringes, a new etalon has been developed. An optical frequency comb has been also introduced in the interferometer as the optical frequency standard for more reliable and precise volume measurement. Details of the improvements are described.
Functional and Structural Analysis of the Siderophore Synthetase AsbB through Reconstitution of the Petrobactin Biosynthetic Pathway from Bacillus anthracis*

Background: asbABCDEF mediates petrobactin production and facilitates anthrax virulence. Results: Purified AsbA-E proteins reconstituted petrobactin assembly in vitro. The crystal structure and enzymatic studies of AsbB highlight its function and role in the siderophore pathway. Conclusion: AsbB characterization demonstrated reaction flexibility and substrate positions in the binding pocket. Significance: Siderophore synthetases represent promising antimicrobial targets, and characterization of these versatile enzymes enables creation of novel compounds. Petrobactin, a mixed catechol-carboxylate siderophore, is required for full virulence of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. The asbABCDEF operon encodes the biosynthetic machinery for this secondary metabolite. Here, we show that the function of five gene products encoded by the asb operon is necessary and sufficient for conversion of endogenous precursors to petrobactin using an in vitro system. In this pathway, the siderophore synthetase AsbB catalyzes formation of amide bonds crucial for petrobactin assembly through use of biosynthetic intermediates, as opposed to primary metabolites, as carboxylate donors. In solving the crystal structure of the B. anthracis siderophore biosynthesis protein B (AsbB), we disclose a three-dimensional model of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore (NIS) synthetase. Structural characteristics provide new insight into how this bifunctional condensing enzyme can bind and adenylate multiple citrate-containing substrates followed by incorporation of both natural and unnatural polyamine nucleophiles. This activity enables formation of multiple end-stage products leading to final assembly of petrobactin. Subsequent enzymatic assays with the nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like AsbC, AsbD, and AsbE polypeptides show that the alternative products of AsbB are further converted to petrobactin, verifying previously proposed convergent routes to formation of this siderophore. These studies identify potential therapeutic targets to halt deadly infections caused by B. anthracis and other pathogenic bacteria and suggest new avenues for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of novel compounds.
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult Version in Patients with Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions: Symptom Levels and Relationship to Emotional Distress

Abstract Objectives: The present study explored the level of self-and informant reported executive functioning in daily living using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a large sample comprising healthy adults and patient cohorts with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The relationship to neuropsychological test performance and self-reported emotional distress was explored, as well as the applicability of U.S. normative data. Methods: Scores on the self- and informant reported BRIEF-A are presented, along with scores on standardized cognitive tests, and on rating scales of self-reported emotional distress in a Norwegian healthy comparison group (n=115), patients with severe traumatic brain injury (n=125), focal frontal lobe damage (n=29), focal cerebellar lesion (n=24), Parkinson’s disease (n=42), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n=34), type II bipolar disorder (n=21), and borderline personality disorder (n=18). Results: Strong associations were observed between the BRIEF-A and emotional distress in both the healthy group and in neurological groups, while no or weak relationships with IQ and performance-based tests of executive function were seen. The relationship between BRIEF-A and emotional distress was weaker in the neuropsychiatric patient groups, despite high symptom load in both domains. Healthy participants tended to have BRIEF-A scores 1/2–3/4 SD below the U.S. normative mean of T score=50. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad differential diagnostic context, where measures of psychological distress are included in addition to neuropsychological tests. Uncertainty about the appropriateness of U.S. normative data in non-U.S. countries adds to the need for interpretive caution. (JINS, 2016, 22, 682–694)
Belt-positioning booster seats and reduction in risk of injury among children in vehicle crashes.

CONTEXT Although more than a dozen states have ratified laws that require booster seats for children older than 4 years, most states continue to have child restraint laws that only cover children through age 4 years. Lack of booster seat effectiveness data may be a barrier to passage of stronger child restraint laws. OBJECTIVES To quantify the association of belt-positioning booster seats compared with seat belts alone and risk of injury among 4- to 7-year-old children and to assess patterns of injury among children in booster seats vs seat belts. DESIGN, SETTING, AND POPULATION Cross-sectional study of children aged 4 to 7 years in crashes of insured vehicles in 15 states, with data collected via insurance claims records and a telephone survey. A probability sample of 3616 crashes involving 4243 children, weighted to represent 56 593 children in 48 257 crashes was collected between December 1, 1998, and May 31, 2002. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Parent report of clinically significant injuries. RESULTS Injuries occurred among 1.81% of all 4- to 7-year-olds, including 1.95% of those in seat belts and 0.77% of those in belt-positioning booster seats. The odds of injury, adjusting for child, driver, crash, and vehicle characteristics, were 59% lower for children aged 4 to 7 years in belt-positioning boosters than in seat belts (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.86). Children in belt-positioning booster seats had no injuries to the abdomen, neck/spine/back, or lower extremities, while children in seat belts alone had injuries to all body regions. CONCLUSION Belt-positioning booster seats were associated with added safety benefits compared with seat belts to children through age 7 years, including reduction of injuries classically associated with improper seat belt fit in children.
Stress-Dependent Hysteresis Modeling and Tracking Control of Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator for Periodic Reference Input

Abstract The tracking control accuracy of giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) is limited due to its inherent hysteresis nonlinearity. Hysteresis characteristic of GMA is stress-dependent. This paper proposes a stress-dependent Prandtl-Ishlinskii (SDPI) hysteresis model for GMA by extending the modified Prandtl-Ishlinskii (MPI) model to account for the hysteresis of GMA at varying compressive stress. It is shown experimentally that the weights of play operators is non-sensitive to the compressive stress applied in longitudinal direction of GMA and the relationships between weights of deadzone operators and compressive stress could be modeled by quadratic functions. Then the inverse of SDPI model is established and implemented in open-loop feedforward controller for real-time tracking control for periodic reference input. Comparisons are made between feedforward controller with stress-dependent hysteresis model and stress-independent model. Experimental results show that tracking performance is noticeably improved by using SDPI model.
The ‘Safety Snare’ - A Ligature-Placing Snare to Prevent Haemorrhage after Transection of Large Pedunculated Polyps

A modified snare has been fabricated in prototype form which permits the placement of a tightenable nylon loop ligature around the stalk of large polyps, which is then left in situ after withdrawal of the snare handle and endoscope. The clinical application of the safety snare is likely to be the prevention of immediate or delayed haemorrhage from the stalks of unusually large polyps, or after polypectomy in patients with bleeding diathesis. The use of the snare has proved practicable in preliminary clinical trials.
Injuries sustained by caregivers of disabled elderly people.

OBJECTIVE to investigate the occurrence of physical injury experienced by informal caregivers whilst moving and lifting their disabled elderly dependents at home. DESIGN a descriptive study using in-depth interviews. SETTING departments of elderly medicine at two teaching hospitals and one district general hospital. SUBJECTS 46 informal caregivers of elderly patients admitted under a regular hospital respite care scheme, 41 of whom were interviewed. RESULTS most caregivers were elderly (median age 70 years), 21 having a medical condition which restricted their physical activity. Thirty one caregivers had injured themselves whilst lifting and handling their dependents. Most sustained back injuries. Eight caregivers were temporarily unable to continue caring as a result of the injuries they sustained. Sixteen patients had been injured whilst being moved by their caregivers. Only 19 caregivers had received instruction in manual handling. CONCLUSION informal caregivers are often poorly trained and equipped and at risk of injury. To enable them to continue providing optimal care at home, their physical health should be assessed and they should be trained in safe lifting and handling techniques.
An adverse lipid profile and increased levels of adiposity significantly predict clinical course after a first demyelinating event

Objective To investigate the prospective associations between adiposity and lipid-related variables and conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS), time to subsequent relapse and progression in disability. Methods A cohort of 279 participants with a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination was prospectively followed to 5-year review. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured, and serum samples taken for measurement of lipids and apolipoproteins. Survival analysis was used for conversion to MS and time to relapse, and linear regression for annualised change in disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Results Higher body mass index (BMI; adjusted HR (aHR): 1.22 (1.04 to 1.44) per 5 kg/m2 increase), hip circumference (aHR: 1.32 (1.12 to 1.56) per 10 cm increase) and triglyceride levels (aHR: 1.20 (1.03 to 1.40) per unit increase) were associated with increased risk of subsequent relapse, while adiposity and lipid-related measures were not associated with conversion to MS. In addition, higher BMI (β: 0.04 (0.01 to 0.07) per 5 kg/m2 increase), hip circumference (β: 0.04 (0.02 to 0.08) per 10 cm increase), waist circumference (β: 0.04 (0.02 to 0.07) per 10 cm increase), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDL ratio; β: 0.05 (0.001 to 0.10) and non-HDL; β: 0.04 (0.001 to 0.08) at study entry) were associated with a higher subsequent annual change in disability. Conclusions Higher levels of adiposity, non-HDL and TC/HDL ratio were prospectively associated with a higher rate of disability progression, and higher adiposity and triglycerides were associated with relapse but not with conversion to MS. Improving the lipid profile and losing weight into the healthy range could reduce the accumulation of disability.
A novel technique for permittivity and moisture measurements using a planar hybrid junction

A novel technique for permittivity and moisture measurements overcoming the main limitations of conventional methods is introduced. The technique employs a simple measuring device consisting of a planar hybrid junction with the direct and coupled ports terminated by two identical open-ended transmission lines, one being loaded with the Material Under Test (MUT). The complex permittivity of the MUT is evaluated by simply measuring the amplitudes of the reflected and the transmitted signals of the measuring device. The proposed technique can be adopted to estimate the relative moisture content of solid samples, a simple linear fitting being sufficient to model the relation between tandelta and the moisture percentage. A prototype has been fabricated in microstrip technology employing a multi branch line coupler as hybrid junction. Measured permittivities at 3.5 GHz have been compared with data from the literature, resulting in a good agreement for both epsivr and tandelta.
Screening drought tolerant genotypes in wheat using multivariate and stress tolerance score methods

In order to study the response of bread wheat genotypes to drought stress, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed and irrigated conditions during the growing season 2012-2013. In this study, drought tolerance indices including stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity index (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL) and harmonic mean productivity (HMP) were calculated and adjusted based on grain yield under drought (Ys) and irrigated conditions (Yp). Drought tolerance indices discriminated genotypes 11, 13, 8 and 2 as the most drought tolerant, hence they are recommended to be used as parents for genetic analysis, gene mapping and improvement of drought tolerance in common wheat. Principal component analysis (PCA), exhibited that first and second PCA accounted for 97.66% of the variation. The result of stress tolerance score (STS) was the same as multivariate analysis, but STS equation was much easier. Therefor it can be introduced as a suitable screening technique for identification of drought tolerant genotypes.
Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in a child with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We report a 5‐year‐old female who presented with unexplained acute renal failure (ARF) and hyperuricemia and who was subsequently diagnosed of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Peripheral smear was initially unremarkable. She required hemodialysis. Two weeks later, peripheral smear showed 40% blasts and bone marrow demonstrated T‐cell ALL. Our case was the fifth and the youngest case of ALL with spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome. However, in contrast to previous reports in ALL or acute myeloid leukemia, our patient did not have blasts noted on periphereal blood smear and her white blood cell count and serum lactate dehydrogenase level were normal on admission, a time when dialysis‐dependent ARF and severe hyperuricemia were present. Occult hematologic malignancy should be considered in cases of ARF and hyperuricemia of unknown etiology even when peripheral hematologic findings are not informative. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:773–775. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triangulating qualitative research and computer transaction logs in health information studies

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to outline a triangulated methodology for studying usage of electronic health information systems which combines the quantitative data accrued from computer logs with qualitative data from in‐depth interviews and observation.Design/methodology/approach – The appropriate methods and inherent issues are reviewed from the literature, with an emphasis on qualitative research. The work of the authors is then highlighted, showing how qualitative methods can inform log analysis.Findings – The paper suggests from the review that it is not only possible but also extremely fruitful to combine quantitative and qualitative data to interpret user behaviour.Originality/value – The methods used by the group, known as “deep log analysis”, are innovative, and the attempt both to discuss these and to provide concrete examples from this research provides its originality.
The hexapeptide KP-102 (D-ala-D-beta-Nal-ala-trp-D-phe-lys-NH(2)) stimulates growth hormone release in a cichlid fish (Ooreochromis mossambicus).

Abstract Studies in mammals have shown that synthetic Met-enkephalin derivatives, called growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), stimulate growth hormone (GH) release. The present study was conducted to determine whether the GHRP, KP-102, specifically stimulates GH release in a teleost. Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of KP-102 (D-Ala-D-beta;-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH(2)) or bovine GHRH(1-29)-amide or vehicle and blood was sampled at 1, 6 and 12 h after injection. KP-102 was administered at two doses of 1 ng/g and 10 ng/g body weight, whereas GHRH (positive control) was administered at a single dose of 10 ng/g body weight. Plasma levels of tilapia GH and prolactins (tPRL(177) and tPRL(188)) were determined by radioimmunoassay. As expected, GHRH injection significantly (P<0.001) elevated plasma GH levels (ng/ml) in tilapia at 6 h post-injection. KP-102 also significantly elevated GH levels (at the low dose) at 6 (P<0.05) and 12 (P<0.01) hours post-injection. There were no significant effects on plasma PRL(s) levels, although mean levels of both PRLs were elevated at 6 h post-injection. These results show for the first time that GHRPs stimulate GH release in teleosts and suggest that the GHRP receptor and possibly a "Ghrelin-like" ligand are also present in lower vertebrates.
Neuroprotective effect of reduced glutathione on cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE We performed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glutathione (GSH) in the prevention of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced neurotoxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with a weekly CDDP-based regimen were included in this study. In patients randomized to receive GSH, GSH was given at a dose of 1.5 g/m2 in 100 mL of normal saline solution over a 15-minute period immediately before CDDP administration, and at a dose of 600 mg by intramuscular injection on days 2 to 5. Normal saline solution was administered to placebo-randomized patients. Clinical neurologic evaluation and electrophysiologic investigations have been performed at baseline and after 9 (CDDP dose, 360 mg/m2) and 15 (CDDP dose, 600 mg/m2) weeks of treatment. RESULTS At the 9th week, no patients showed clinically evident neuropathy in the GSH arm, whereas 16 patients in the placebo arm did. After the 15th week, four of 24 assessable patients in the GSH arm suffered from neurotoxicity versus 16 of 18 in the placebo arm (P = .0001). In confirmation of this neuroprotective effect, the neurophisiologic investigations, based on the evaluation of the median, ulnar, and sural sensory nerve conduction, showed a statistically significant reduction of these values in the placebo arm but not in the GSH arm, above all considering potential amplitude. In this trial, GSH also reduced hemotransfusion requirements (32 v 62 hemotransfusions) and treatment delay (55 v 94 weeks). The response rate was 76% (20% complete response) in the GSH group and 52% (12% complete response) in the placebo arm, confirming preliminary reports about the lack of reduction in activity of cytotoxic drugs induced by GSH. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that GSH is a promising and effective new drug for the prevention of CDDP-induced neuropathy, and that it does not reduce the clinical activity of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Nervous discharges from the olfactory organs of fish

WE are still extremely ignorant of the way in which sensations of smell are produced, but recently two lines of enquiry have given promising results. Elsberg and his colleagues [1935] have introduced a new method for applying measured olfactory stimuli to man and have used it in clinical investigations, and Hasama [1934] has made string galvanometer records from the olfactory parts of the rabbit's brain and shown that they become electrically negative when a smell reaches the nose. In the present work we have tried to make a more detailed analysis by electro-physiological methods. One way of securing further information would be to separate the fibres in the olfactory nerve and record the impulses in them; but attempts to do this have failed hitherto because the fibres are nonmedullated and too delicate to survive the dissection. There is, however, a much greater chance of recording the olfactory discharges after they have been relayed through the synaptic region of the olfactory bulb. In certain fish the bulb is connected with the forebrain by a slender "olfactory stalk" no thicker than a small nerve trunk and composed of medullated fibres. Impulses passing up the fibres of the stalk give measurable action potentials, and we have recorded the action potentials set up by various stimuli applied to the olfactory organ. The stalk resembles the optic nerve in that its fibres are not directly connected with the receptor cells of the sense organ, but the impulses in it, like those of the optic nerve, should be a reasonably faithful index of the sensory excitation. The connexion with the receptors is in fact closer in the olfactory system than in the optic, for the mitral cells from which the olfactory stalk fibres arise are separated by only one synapse from the receptors in the nose. Records from the olfactory stalk may
Lung volumes 24 h after laparoscopic cholecystectomy--justification for early discharge.

OBJECTIVE To compare lung volumes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and open cholecystectomy (OC). DESIGN Prospective study with matched historical controls. SETTING Referral teaching hospital. SUBJECTS Twenty-six healthy female subjects (age 20 to 40 years), 13 of whom had LC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Vital capacity (VC, % predicted), functional residual capacity (FRC, % predicted) and analgesic frequency (mean +/- SD) over the first 24 h. RESULTS Immediately after operation, FRC was similarly depressed to 80.4 +/- 1.8% in the OC group and 80.8 +/- 2.3% in the LC group. After 24 h FRC fell to 70.5 +/- 1.9% in the OC group and increased to 91.3 +/- 2.4% in the LC group. VC fell immediately postoperation to 41.4 +/- 4.8% in the OC group but to only 62.2 +/- 1.9% in the LC group. By 24 h, VC improved slightly to 52.5 +/- 2.7% in the OC group but returned to normal, 99.0 +/- 3.2%, in the LC group. Postoperative analgesic frequency over 24 h was less in the LC group, 3.3 +/- 0.8 versus 5.0 +/- 0.8. CONCLUSION Depression in lung volume is less with LC. A VC that returned to normal and a FRC level not usually associated with pulmonary complications support the practice of discharging LC patients by 24 h postoperation.