Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The aids dementia complex: Some current questions

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex (ADC) commonly complicates the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS. Although many of its clinical aspects have recently been brought into clearer focus, and pathogenetic evidence has accrued implicating direct HIV brain infection, there remain a number of fundamental aspects of ADC and HIV nervous system infection that require clarification. These include clearer definition of the clinical syndrome and its variants; development of instrumentation for diagnosis and monitoring the disorder; definition of the epidemiology and natural history of both central nervous system HIV infection and ADC, which may seemingly be discordant; and understanding of both the viral pathogenesis and the biology of resultant brain dysfunction. Elucidation of these fundamental issues will enhance rational development and evaluation of therapy.
Conserved spatial learning in cooled rats in spite of slowing of dentate field potentials

Behaviorally induced brain temperature changes have significant effects on field potentials recorded in the hippocampal formation. All components of the field potential are slowed during cooling. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (f-EPSPs) are often reduced, while the population spike is increased in this state. To investigate whether such synaptic alterations affect hippocampus-dependent learning, we have compared the effects of reduced brain temperature on dentate field potentials and spatial learning in a Morris water maze. Rats were implanted with thermistors in the brain. A subset of the rats received electrodes for field potential recording in the perforant path-granule cell synapses of the dentate gyrus. After recovery, the rats were cooled by swimming in a pool of water. This invariably led to a brain temperature reduction of several degrees centigrade and a delay of the extracellular response. In addition, the field potential changed as described above. The effect of these changes on spatial learning in a second pool, the water maze, was determined by first cooling and then reheating each rat to a given level of brain temperature prior to each spatial training session. In spite of marked changes in dentate field potentials, all rats trained at brain temperatures above 30 degrees C learned to find the submerged platform similarly well. The speed of acquisition and the final precision of search behavior were also similar in these rats. Only rats that had been cooled below 30 degrees C failed to locate the hidden target. These animals also showed clear evidence of motor impairment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A new calibration technique for multi-camera systems of limited overlapping field-of-views

State-of-the-art calibration methods typically choose to use a checkerboard as the calibration target for its simplicity and robustness. They however require the complete checkerboard be captured to break symmetry. More recent multi-camera systems such as Google Jump, Jaunt, and camera arrays have limited overlapping field-of-view (FoV) and having all cameras viewing the complete checkerboard is extremely difficult in reality. Tailored patterns such as CALTag [1] introduce new image features within the checker blocks for breaking symmetry but they also break the grid topology. We present a new technique using such patterned calibration targets for a broad range of multi-camera systems. Our key observation is that applying directional gradient filters yields to heterogeneous responses on grid vs. non-grid features: the former are isolated and the latter are highly inter-connected. We therefore apply a simple but highly efficient technique to eliminate non-grid outliers based on connected component analysis and gradient histograms. Finally, we recover the complete grid by approximating each local checkerboard as a parallelogram and imposing the topology constraint. We conduct comprehensive experiments on a number of recent multi-camera systems and our technique significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art in accuracy and robustness.
Perception of Mobile Phone and Base Station Risks

Perceptions of risks associated with mobile phones, base stations, and other sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF) were examined. Data from a telephone survey conducted in the German‐ and French‐speaking parts of Switzerland are presented (N= 1,015). Participants assessed both risks and benefits associated with nine different sources of EMF. Trust in the authorities regulating these hazards was assessed as well. In addition, participants answered a set of questions related to attitudes toward EMF and toward mobile phone base stations. According to respondents' assessments, high‐voltage transmission lines are the most risky source of EMF. Mobile phones and mobile phone base stations received lower risk ratings. Results showed that trust in authorities was positively associated with perceived benefits and negatively associated with perceived risks. People who use their mobile phones frequently perceived lower risks and higher benefits than people who use their mobile phones infrequently. People who believed they lived close to a base station did not significantly differ in their level of risks associated with mobile phone base stations from people who did not believe they lived close to a base station. Regarding risk regulation, a majority of participants were in favor of fixing limiting values based on the worst‐case scenario. Correlations suggest that belief in paranormal phenomena is related to level of perceived risks associated with EMF. Furthermore, people who believed that most chemical substances cause cancer also worried more about EMF than people who did not believe that chemical substances are that harmful. Practical implications of the results are discussed.
In utero exposure to antiretroviral therapy: feasibility of long-term follow-up

Abstract Most uninfected children born to diagnosed HIV-infected women in the United Kingdom (UK) are exposed to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in utero and neonatally, and concerns exist about potential adverse effects of such exposure. We explored the feasibility of using national clinic-based follow-up to investigate the association between ART exposure and adverse health events occurring after the neonatal period. Active surveillance of obstetric and paediatric HIV infection is conducted through the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC). Between 2002 and 2005, health professionals enrolled previously notified uninfected children in a consented follow-up study (the CHildren exposed to AntiRetroviral Therapy (CHART) study). Follow-up information was collected opportunistically using a standard questionnaire. Of 2104 eligible uninfected children born in the UK between 1996 and 2004, 704 (33.5%) were enrolled in CHART; parents of 4.8% (100/2104) declined, 2.8% (59/2104) had gone abroad, 21.6% (455/2104) were not contactable, and the remaining 37.3% (786/2104) were not enrolled mainly because of lack of clinic resources or unwillingness of health professionals to approach the families. Demographic characteristics and type of ART exposure for enrolled and non-enrolled children were similar. Latest information on enrolled children was available at a median age of 24 months. Minor childhood ailments were reported in the majority of children, febrile seizures in 1.6% (11/704), and major health problems in 3.8% (27/704). It was reassuring that prevalence of these outcomes was within UK norms, but numbers were small and duration of follow-up was limited. The difficulties encountered in enrolling and retaining children in this study indicate that comprehensive clinic-based follow-up of ART-exposed uninfected children is not practical. Alternative approaches are required; a robust, secure data linkage protocol would provide a more feasible and sustainable system for long-term monitoring of in utero ART exposure.
A rapid and simple procedure for high‐efficiency lithium acetate transformation of cryopreserved Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells

A rapid, simple, convenient, and highly efficient transformation of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has been developed. Freezing fission yeast cells in glycerol, a permeating cryoprotectant, with lithium acetate improved remarkably the transformation efficiency by one to two orders of magnitude. The optimum concentration of glycerol was found to be 30%, which is higher than that (10–15%) in the conventional cryopreservation of yeast cells. Glycerol not only played a role in cryopreserving the competent cells but also improved the transformation efficiency of the process. The thawed cell suspension with glycerol and lithium acetate was immediately mixed with carrier DNA, plasmid DNA and polyethylene glycol. Next, the mixture was heat shocked and directly spread on a selection plate. This simple procedure yielded more than 106 transformants/µg plasmid DNA, reducing the time required to only 20 min in total, including the thawing time. Furthermore, the frozen competent cells were stored long‐term for more than 3 months without any significant loss of efficiency. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Right ventricular long‐axis function in relation to left ventricular systolic function

A decrease in left ventricular (LV) systolic function is accompanied by a decrease in maximal relaxation velocity in LV long‐axis direction, but is it also accompanied by a decrease in right ventricular (RV) long‐axis function? To study this 35 consecutive patients were examined by echocardiography. Ejection fraction (LVEF) and mitral annulus motion (MAM) were used as indices of LV systolic function and tricuspid annulus motion (TAM), that is the systolic shortening in RV long‐axis direction, was used as an index of RV systolic long‐axis function. In the same way the maximal relaxation velocity in LV long‐axis direction, that is the maximal diastolic velocity of MAM (MDV MAM), has been suggested as an index of LV diastolic function the maximal diastolic velocity of TAM (MDV TAM) can be supposed to be an index of RV diastolic function measuring the maximal relaxation velocity in the RV long‐axis direction. A significant positive correlation was found between MDV TAM and MAM (r = 0·64, P<0001) and LVEF (r = 0·54, P = 0·001) and between TAM and the two studied indices of LV systolic function, with the highest correlation to MAM (r = 0·68, P<0·001) and the lowest to LVEF (r = 0·57, P<0·001). Thus, a decrease in LV systolic function is accompanied by a decrease in both systolic and diastolic RV long‐axis function, findings that probably are due to the close anatomical connection between the ventricles and to changes that occur in afterload of the RV secondary to LV systolic dysfunction.
Diabetes self-management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life over time in Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the patterns of diabetes self-management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life over time in a cohort of Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes and to determine the relationships between these variables over time. BACKGROUND Nurses have an important role in facilitating optimal self-management and health outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes. Only a few studies have focused on patterns of diabetes adaptation over time in youth with type 1 diabetes, especially in China. Understanding changes in diabetes self-management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life can facilitate assessment and intervention. DESIGN This is a multi-site longitudinal descriptive study. Data for this report were collected at baseline with 136 eligible Chinese youth and 86 of them were followed up for the second time, 6-12 months after baseline data collection. METHODS Instruments to measure diabetes self-management, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life were collected at two time points. The data were collected from July 2009-October 2010. Linear mixed model analysis was used to analyse the longitudinal data. RESULTS Self-management decreased over time; however, depressive symptoms, metabolic control and satisfaction with quality of life did not change from baseline to 6-12 months in this sample of Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes. A decrease in diabetes self-management over time was associated with worse metabolic control, while an increase in depressive symptoms over time was associated with poorer quality of life satisfaction in this sample. CONCLUSIONS Chinese youth faced difficulties with diabetes adaptation, especially with the deterioration of diabetes self-management. Improving self-management and decreasing depressive symptoms may enhance diabetes adaptation with respect to metabolic control and quality of life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The deterioration of diabetes self-management over time in youth with type 1 diabetes in China deserves nurses' careful surveillance. Clinical interventions appropriate to the Chinese culture and health care system are needed to improve self-management and depressive symptoms in Chinese youth with type 1 diabetes.
Amino acid rating method for evaluating protein adequacy of infant formulas.

Amino acid profiles and/or protein digestibility (by the rat balance method) were determined for various forms (powder, ready-to-use, liquid concentrate, etc.) of cow's milk- and soy-based infant formulas obtained from 4 manufacturers. The essential amino acid data of the formulas were compared with that of human milk for the calculation of amino acid scores (based on the single most limiting amino acid). The product of amino acid score and total protein (g/100 kcal) was then termed "amino acid rating. " Amino acid scores for the milk- and soy-based formulas ranged from 59 to 90 and from 59 to 81%, respectively, due to deficiencies in sulfur amino acids and/or tryptophan. Because of significantly higher total protein contents (g/100 kcal) of soy- (2.65-3.68) and milk-based (2.20-2.95) infant formulas compared to human milk (1.5), the relative amino acid ratings (human milk = 100) for all infant formulas except 2 liquid concentrates (having values of 87%) were above 100%. Values for true digestibility of protein in milk- and soy-based formulas ranged from 87 to 97 and from 92 to 95%, respectively. When corrected for protein digestibility, the relative amino acid ratings for all the milk-based liquid concentrates were below 100% (77-98%).
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor ‐1 and ‐2 Double Deficiency Reduces Graft Arterial Disease in Murine Cardiac Allografts

Graft arterial disease (GAD) remains the leading cause of long‐term solid organ allograft failure. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) promotes multiple aspects of allograft rejection via binding to type 1 (p55) and type 2 (p75) receptors. We used TNF type 1 receptor deficient (TNFR1KO), type 2 receptor deficient (TNFR2KO) and receptor double‐deficient (TNFRDKO) mice to assess the relative roles of TNFR in acute rejection and GAD. Heterotopic cardiac transplantation was performed between C57BL/6 (B/6) and Balb/c (B/c) mice (total allomismatches) to assess the effects on graft survival; B/6 and Bm12 mice (class II mismatches) were used to assess the effects on GAD 8 weeks after transplantation. We found that graft survival in the total allomismatch combinations was the same regardless of TNFR status. In class II mismatches, wild‐type (WT) combinations showed severe GAD, and GAD was not diminished when WT hearts were transplanted into TNFRDKO hosts. TNFR1KO donors or TNFR2KO donors had GAD comparable to WT donors, however, GAD was significantly diminished in B/6 TNFRDKO donor hearts. We conclude that both p55 and p75 signals on donor vascular wall cells are involved in the development of GAD, and either TNFR is capable of mediating a response that will culminate in GAD.
Therapeutic bronchoscopy for malignant airway stenoses: choice of modality and survival.

BACKGROUND There are no data regarding the factors influencing the choice of therapeutic bronchoscopic modality in the management of malignant airway stenoses. OBJECTIVES To assess the choice of therapeutic bronchoscopy modality and analyze factors influencing survival in patients with malignant central airway obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed 167 procedures in 130 consecutive patients, for malignant central airway obstruction, over six years. RESULTS Laser was used either alone or in combination with stent insertion in 76% procedures. Laser only was used in 53% procedures for lesions below the main bronchi. Stents alone were used for extrinsic compression or stump insufficiency. Combined laser and stent insertion was most frequently used for lesions involving the trachea plus both main bronchi or only the main bronchi. The Dumon stent was preferred in lesions of the trachea and the right bronchial tree, the Ultraflex stent for lesions on the left side and stenoses below the main bronchi. Survival was better in patients with lung cancer, lesions restricted to one lung and when laser alone was used compared to esophageal cancer, metastases and tracheal involvement. CONCLUSION The choice of different airway stents can be made based on the nature and site of the lesion. Dumon stents are suited for lesions in trachea and right main bronchus and the Ultraflex stents on the left side and stenoses beyond the main bronchi. Survival can be estimated based on the diagnosis, site of the lesion and treatment modality used.
Demand for Reserves Under International Capital Mobility

In this research, I assess the determinants of foreign exchange reserves under endogenous capital flows. I consider a model where reserves represent collateral to international borrowing, which is endogenously determined by risk averse foreign investors. This is a departure from usual models of reserve accumulation, that focus solely on the portfolio decision of a central bank along the lines of optimal inventory control models or precautionary saving. In contrast to this view, I find that the expected effect on reserves of changes in the international interest rate or the volatility of the terms of trade is ambiguous if actions are simultaneous. However, if foreign investors and the central bank act sequentially, this ambiguity breaks down. Empirical evidence from OECD and non-OECD economies is suggestive: while LIBOR and terms of trade volatility positively affects the demand for reserves in OECD economies, the effects are reversed in non-OECD countries. This indicates that commitment issues are an important factor in the determination of reserves in non-OECD countries.
Prognostic significance of intrahepatic lymphatic invasion in patients with hepatic resection due to metastases from colorectal carcinoma

Intrahepatic spread from liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma has been well described; however, its prognostic value after hepatectomy is controversial. To clearly determine factors predicting survival after hepatectomy in such patients, the authors evaluated 14 clinicopathologic factors of liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma with special reference to intrahepatic lymphatic invasion.
An FPGA implementation of shift converter block technique on FIFO for RS232 to universal serial bus converter

To meet the standard modern system communication demands, the paper represents the implementation of bidirectional shift converter technique for the embedded converter RS232 to Universal Serial Bus circuit block within FPGA using Verilog HDL language to be applied in a system wireless communication within Zigbee protocol. Utilizing the ModelSim-Altera, RTL model of the shift converter was developed and synthesized then stimulated using TimeQuest Timing Analyzer to observe its functionality.
The majority of newly generated cells in the adult mouse substantia nigra express low levels of Doublecortin, but their proliferation is unaffected by 6‐OHDA‐induced nigral lesion or Minocycline‐mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, whether regenerative endogenous neurogenesis is taking place in the mammalian SN of parkinsonian and non‐parkinsonian brains remains of debate. Here, we tested whether proliferating cells in the SN and their neurogenic potential would be affected by anti‐inflammatory treatment under physiological conditions and in the 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine (6‐OHDA) Parkinson's disease mouse model. We report that the majority of newly generated nigral cells are positive for Doublecortin (Dcx), which is an often used marker for neural progenitor cells. Yet, Dcx expression levels in these cells were much lower than in neural progenitor cells of the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, these newly generated nigral cells are negative for neuronal lineage markers such as TuJ1 and NeuN. Therefore, their neuronal commitment is questionable. Instead, we found evidence for oligodendrogenesis and astrogliosis in the SN. Finally, neither short‐term nor long‐term inhibition of neuroinflammation by Minocycline‐ or 6‐OHDA‐induced lesion affected the numbers of newly generated cells in our disease paradigm. Our findings of adult generated Dcx+ cells in the SN add important data for understanding the cellular composition and consequently the regenerative capacity of the SN.
Geographical clustering and the effectiveness of public innovation programs

The paper analyses how geographical clustering of beneficiaries might affect the effectiveness of public innovation support programs. The geographical proximity of firms operating in the same industry or field of technology is expected to facilitate innovation through knowledge spillovers and other localization advantages. Public innovation support programs may leverage these advantages by focusing on firms that operate in a cluster. We investigate this link using data from a large German program that co-funds R&D projects of SMEs in key technology areas called ‘Innovative SMEs’. We employ three alternative cluster measures which capture industry, technology and knowledge dimensions of clusters. Regardless of the measure, firms located in a geographical cluster are more likely to participate in the program. Firms being part of a knowledge-based cluster significantly increase their chance of receiving public financial support. We find no effects, however, of geographical clustering on the program’s effectiveness in terms of input or output additionality.
The effects of mild traumatic brain injury on confrontation naming in adults

Primary objective: To compare confrontation-naming in adults with MTBI to a group of normal adults under increased processing load conditions. Research design: A randomized block, repeated measures design was used to examine confrontation-naming response latency and accuracy using a computerized experimental program. Methods and procedures: Twenty-four adults having sustained a MTBI (aged 18–53) and 24 age-matched controls named pictures from three levels of vocabulary as quickly and accurately as possible. All MTBI participants were assessed with the Scales of Cognitive Ability for Traumatic Brain Injury(SCATBI) for later comparison. Main outcomes and results: The results revealed a main effect of group ( p ≤ 0.001) for the latency data and a group by vocabulary level interaction ( p = 0.043) for the accuracy data. No significant correlations were found between response latency and accuracy with performance on the SCATBI. Reaction time measures may reveal inefficiencies not tapped by traditional measures.