Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Congenital Cystic Lung Lesions

Congenital cystic lung lesions are a group of rare pathologies that are usually diagnosed in the prenatal period. The majority of these lesions are diagnosed at pathology examination as congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) and bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS). These lesions are typically managed by surgical intervention within the first year of life and have an excellent prognosis. We examined the evolution of imaging appearances from prenatal diagnosis to postnatal work-up of these lesions and correlate imaging and pathological findings. An 8-year retrospective review of the perinatal and pathology database of a single tertiary care center identified 42 cases of congenital cystic lung lesions of which 36 had known prenatal ultrasound and prenatal course available. Final pathologic diagnoses were 15 CPAM (41%), 7 BPS (19%), and 9 hybrid BPS and CPAM lesions (25%). Five cases with bronchial atresia were also identified (either in isolation or associated with CPAM or BPS). The overall characteristics of these lesions by prenatal ultrasound, postnatal imaging, and ultimate histopathologic diagnosis are described.
Intrarenal Hemodynamics in Low- and High‐Output Cardiac Failure in Rats

Cardiac failure is multifactorial in causation, and the underlying physiologic mechanisms are variable, yet their renal effects have been considered more homogeneous. To investigate and compare the intrarenal hemodynamic characteristics in two experimental types (low-and high-output) of cardiac failure, renal micro-puncture studies were performed in rats after myocardial infarction (MI) and arteriovenous fistula, respectively. Myocardial infarction was produced by ligation of the left main coronary artery and arteriovenous fistula by direct puncture of the aorta and inferior vena cava below the renal arteries. Pressures and interrenal and glomerular dynamics were obtained using classic micropuncture techniques. Both forms of cardiac failure were characterized by elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), reduced mean arterial pressure, and increased cardiac mass. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was higher in MI rats, and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) tended to be reduced in both forms of cardiac failure. There were no apparent differences in effective renal plasma flow between two models. In addition, single-nephron plasma flow and single-nephron glomerular filtration rate were reduced, and single-nephron filtration fraction and glomerular capillary pressure (PG) were increased in both models. These changes were associated with higher afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances and lower ultrafiltration coefficients. Despite these similarities, PQ was higher in MI rats, yet LVEDP correlated directly with PG (r = 0.73; P < 0.001) and efferent arteriolar resistances (r = 0.72; P < 0.01). Therefore, although systemic arterial pressure and effective renal plasma flow were similar in both models of cardiac failure, PG was significantly higher in MI rats with higher LVEDP than in arteriovenous fistula rats. Base on these findings, it is suggested that LVEDP may provide the most sensitive cardiac and systemic hemodynamic determinants of altered intrarenal hemodynamics in cardiac failure.
Effects of Pay and Work Environment on Employee Retention: A Study of Hotel Industry in Mombasa County

Travel and Tourism Industry is one of the fastest growing industry in the world contributing a colossal US $6 trillion dollars in 2011 and creating 5 million new jobs (Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Report, 2012). Hospitality sector is one of the main pillars of this industry in Kenya which has generally continued to experience phenomenal growth both in terms of revenues generated and infrastructure to support the industry. Its phenomenal growth has come along with fierce competition among the players in the industry for the limited human resource available. Increased ability to retain their current employees has therefore become a very important objective for most employers in this sector. This study seeked to identify the effects of the pay and work environment on the retention of employees in the Hotel Industry in Mombasa County. Findings revealed that pay had a weak influence on employee retention while work environment had the strongest influence which was significant at (p = .005) 2-tailed. While it was evident from the results that work environment plays a major role in employee retention, to remain competitive it was recommended that employers in the industry also need to re-evaluate the current weaknesses associated with pay.
Adenovirus E1B 55-Kilodalton Oncoprotein Inhibits p53 Acetylation by PCAF

ABSTRACT The adenovirus E1B 55-kDa protein binds to cellular tumor suppressor p53 and inactivates its transcriptional transactivation function. p53 transactivation activity is dependent upon its ability to bind to specific DNA sequences near the promoters of its target genes. It was shown recently that p53 is acetylated by transcriptional coactivators p300, CREB bidning protein (CBP), and PCAF and that acetylation of p53 by these proteins enhances p53 sequence-specific DNA binding. Here we show that the E1B 55-kDa protein specifically inhibits p53 acetylation by PCAF in vivo and in vitro, while acetylation of histones and PCAF autoacetylation is not affected. Furthermore, the DNA-binding activity of p53 is diminished in cells expressing the E1B 55-kDa protein. PCAF binds to the E1B 55-kDa protein and to a region near the C terminus of p53 encompassing Lys-320, the specific PCAF acetylation site. We further show that the E1B 55-kDa protein interferes with the physical interaction between PCAF and p53, suggesting that the E1B 55-kDa protein inhibits PCAF acetylase function on p53 by preventing enzyme-substrate interaction. These results underscore the importance of p53 acetylation for its function and suggest that inhibition of p53 acetylation by viral oncoproteins prevent its activation, thereby contributing to viral transformation.
Learning an appearance-based gaze estimator from one million synthesised images

Learning-based methods for appearance-based gaze estimation achieve state-of-the-art performance in challenging real-world settings but require large amounts of labelled training data. Learning-by-synthesis was proposed as a promising solution to this problem but current methods are limited with respect to speed, appearance variability, and the head pose and gaze angle distribution they can synthesize. We present UnityEyes, a novel method to rapidly synthesize large amounts of variable eye region images as training data. Our method combines a novel generative 3D model of the human eye region with a real-time rendering framework. The model is based on high-resolution 3D face scans and uses real-time approximations for complex eyeball materials and structures as well as anatomically inspired procedural geometry methods for eyelid animation. We show that these synthesized images can be used to estimate gaze in difficult in-the-wild scenarios, even for extreme gaze angles or in cases in which the pupil is fully occluded. We also demonstrate competitive gaze estimation results on a benchmark in-the-wild dataset, despite only using a light-weight nearest-neighbor algorithm. We are making our UnityEyes synthesis framework available online for the benefit of the research community.
Selective bias in retrospective self-reports of negative mood states

Abstract Retrospective self-report questionnaires of negative mood states experienced in the past (e.g., the most recent two weeks) tend to be exaggerated in a negative direction relative to the average ratings given to the moods contemporaneously. The present study used three measures that decomposed mood states into their constituent elements to examine whether certain components selectively contributed to this negative bias or all components contributed to this bias equally. Fifty-three participants responded to the questionnaires via the Internet every evening for two weeks. On the final day, participants recalled and retrospectively evaluated their mood state over the previous two weeks as a whole. The results revealed that memory bias occurred selectively for negative mood states. Anxiety, depression, and helplessness were exaggerated in the global compared with the daily ratings. None of the positive mood components showed any bias in the retrospective global ratings. A regression analysis indicated that the difference in daily and global ratings for negative mood was partly explained by peak and final scores. Higher peak scores led to greater overestimation whereas final scores had smaller effects; the higher the final score was, the less participants overestimated their negative mood in the global ratings.
Iterative Separation of Sections in Tomographic Scintigrams

Summary An iteration procedure is described that calculates and displays without superposition the three-dimensional activity distribution in tomographic scintigrams of voluminous objects. The procedure is applied to scintigrams of the symmetric positron camera. The activity content of 9216 cells in 9 plane sections between the detectors is calculated. The procedure begins with the formation of so-callled direction sums, that means, sums over cell contents along different directions, and it consists on the iterative correction of the cell contents up to the correct representation of the measured direction sums. Uniqueness and convergence as well as applicability of the procedure are discussed. Examples for the improved image quality are shown.
First Version : March 1998 This Version : July 1999 DOES INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE REALLY MATTER ? INFLATION TARGETS , CENTRAL BANK REFORM AND INTEREST RATE POLICY IN THE OECD COUNTRIES

We estimate forward-looking interest-rate reaction functions for the G3 economies and for a group of countries which recently adopted inflation targets. Some significant shifts in the conduct of monetary policy are detected in the G3 countries, especially in the USA and Japan. In contrast with popular wisdom, it is only since the 1990s that policies in these countries begin to look consistent with an inflation-targeting regime. In addition, the introduction of inflation targeting and central bank reforms in countries like Sweden, Canada and New Zealand has not led to major changes in the way in which central banks react to the objectives of economic policy. In all cases changes in policy behaviour pre-date the introduction of inflation targets and central bank reforms. The paper challenges the one-size-fits-all attitude towards modern central bank policymaking which permeates a great deal of the current literature. JEL Codes: E58, F41:
PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR PROFILING OF INDIGENOUS CHICKPEA RHIZOBIA IN INDIA

Development of rhizobial inoculants requires selection of isolates that are symbiotically efficient and well adapted to local edapho-climatic conditions. Our aim is to identify, characterize and improve indigenous chickpea rhizobia isolated from different agro-ecological regions of India. In this endeavor, 28 chickpea rhizobial strains were isolated and characterized in relation to two reference strains representing Mesorhizobium ciceri. Preliminary characterization of twenty eight chickpea rhizobial isolates done on the basis of phenotypic traits and growth kinetics revealed tremendous diversity. Molecular profiling by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) further supported this heterogeneity. The results establish that India has a wide rhizobial diversity which can be used to develop efficient and suitable inoculants for chickpea.
Comparison of FP-7 and S-2 Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in refractory glaucoma patients for short-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGV) has been used for decades, but there is no detailed report about the efficacy of AGV in Chinese glaucoma patients. This study aimed to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy and side effects of S-2 polypropylene and PF-7 silicone AGV implantation in Chinese refractory glaucoma patients. METHODS Patients were divided into S-2 model AGV group and FP-7 model AGV group. The complete and qualified surgical success rate, change of IOP, number of anti-glaucoma medications used and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS Average follow-up time was comparable between two groups. IOP was reduced from (37.9 ± 12.7) mmHg preoperatively to (17.3 ± 5.3) mmHg at the last follow-up in S-2 group and reduced from (39.9 ± 14.4) mmHg to (17.7 ± 4.9) mmHg in FP-7 group. Anti-glaucoma medications were reduced from 3.8 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 in S-2 group, and 3.5 ± 0.2 to 0.7 ± 0.2 in FP-7 groups. The cumulative success rates were comparable in two groups, which were 61.2% and 72.1% in S-2 group and FP-7 group respectively. When IOP reduction criteria was used, complete success rates were 30.6% and 51.2% for S-2 and FP-7 groups, and qualified success rates were 86.1% and 92.7% separately. In both groups, the major complication was hypotony, and the previous trabeculectomy of patients was the major risk factor for surgery failure. CONCLUSIONS In this short-term retrospective study, S-2 AGV is showed at least as effective as FP-7 AGV in IOP reduction, but associated with higher rate of complications. Previous trabeculectomy is a principle risk factor for AGV implantation failure. These clinical outcomes are important for converting use of the FP-7 silicon AGV in Chinese refractory glaucoma patients.
Autism screening tools: An evaluation of the Social Communication Questionnaire and the Developmental Behaviour Checklist–Autism Screening Algorithm

Abstract Background This study is the first to evaluate the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Developmental Behaviour Checklist–Autism Screening Algorithm (DBC‐ASA) in the same sample of school‐aged children with intellectual disability (ID) with and without Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). Method Parents of 49 children (36 with PDDs and 13 with ID) completed a survey that included a demographic form, a measure of adaptive behaviour (the SIB‐R), the SCQ, and the DBC‐ASA. Results According to established cut‐offs, the SCQ's sensitivity was . 92 and specificity was . 62, and the DBC‐ASA's sensitivity was . 94 and specificity was . 46. Six of the seven false positives on the DBC‐ASA had DBC Total Problem Behaviour scores above the clinical cut‐off. By contrast, all six true negatives had Total Problem Behaviour scores below the clinical cut‐off. No such pattern was noted for the SCQ. Conclusion While both instruments have good psychometric properties, the results of this study suggest that clinicians and researchers should exercise caution when utilising the DBC‐ASA to screen for PDDs in individuals with significant behaviour problems, as this could decrease its diagnostic validity.
Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Mannanase from Bacillus subtilis MAN-511

A bacterium, MAN-511 that produced extracellular mannanase, was isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis on the basis of 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis. The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity by precipitasi ammonium sulfat 70% and Sephadex G-75 chromatography procedures. The mannanase was purified 7.6 fold and specificity of 9.3 U/mg protein. SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme showed a single protein band of molecular mass 45.08 kDa. The mannanase activity from this strain had optimum pH of 7.0, stable at a pH 6-7, optimum temperature at 30oC and stable at 30-40oC. In addition, crude mannanase preparation were successfully employed for the degradation of glucomanan which has been proved by reduce of viscosity.
Caudal and Penile Blocks Demonstrate Similar Reliability and Efficacy in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Circumcision: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Circumcision is one of the most common surgeries performed in the pediatric population. Multiple regional analgesic techniques, including caudal (CB) and penile block (PB), have championed as offering optimal analgesia for circumcision in the post-neonatal pediatric population without clear consensus. This meta-analysis sought to investigate CB and PB’s analgesic efficacy and the impact on postoperative analgesic requirements in pediatric circumcisions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library (1966-2016) was completed to identify all published randomized control trials (RCTs). Keywords searched included “circumcision”, “caudal block”, “penile block”, and “analgesia”. Inclusion criteria were limited to the comparison of PB versus CB in children less than 18 years of age and its efficacy towards circumcision. The efficacy, time to first additive analgesia, time to first micturition, duration of prolonged motor blockade, incidence of vomiting, and length of stay were analyzed. Results: 9 RCTs involving 574 children (N = 287 in CB and PB) were included. No differences in analgesic efficacy (relative risk (RR) = 0.983, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95 to 1.02; p = 0.328) or time to first additive analgesia were observed (standardized difference in mean (SDM) = 0.438, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.92; p = 0.073). Time to first micturition (SDM = 0.680, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.96; p < 0.001) and motor block duration (SDM = 0.707, 95% CI = 0.19 to 1.22; p = 0.007) were significantly prolonged in patients receiving CB. No differences were observed between groups in regards to the incidence of vomiting (RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.91 to 2.67; p = 0.107) and length of stay (SDM = 0.741, 95% CI = -0.05 to 1.53; p = 0.066). Conclusion: CB and PB offer similar analgesic success rates for pediatric patients (age 18 months to 16 years) undergoing circumcision. CB is associated with a trend towards longer duration of analgesia, but is associated with prolonged urinary retention and delayed ambulation. CB use is recommended in non-ambulatory children, whereas PB is recommended in ambulatory children.
New directions in cardiac stem cell therapy: An update for clinicians

The emergence of cardiac stem cell therapy can be traced to late 2001, when studies in small animal models of myocardial infarction suggested that stem cells could engraft, proliferate, and regenerate myo-cardium. Subsequent animal laboratory studies showed improved cardiac function, perfusion and survival compared to controls (Figure 1). Within two years, the first clinical trials of stem cell therapy began to appear, and we now have several trials of intracoronary infusion of bone marrow cells with more than one year follow-up. Although this clinical therapy has proven to be safe, the magnitude of improvement in objective measures like ejection fraction has been modest, and the therapy has not entered clinical practice. In the absence of a large prospective randomized trial, the field has moved back to the laboratory. This manuscript aims to provide clinicians with a broad overview of this complex field by briefly reviewing the existing status of clinical myocardial regeneration therapy, then describing selected examples from the laboratory research approaches that may provide a platform for new and potentially increasingly effective clinical strategies.
A Self-determination Theory Approach to the Study of Body Image Concerns, Self-presentation and Self-perceptions in a Sample of Aerobic Instructors

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Protective murine monoclonal antibodies to Cryptococcus neoformans

Several murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the capsular glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans were studied for their capacity to confer protection when passively administered to lethally infected mice. The MAb group studied recognized at least three distinct epitopes and included immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG3, IgG1, and IgA isotypes. The protection model used A/J and BALB/c mice infected intraperitoneally with 10(8) cryptococci. The MAbs were administered either immediately preceding or, in one experiment, 24 to 48 h prior to infection. Protective efficacy was assessed by the ability of passively administered MAbs to prolong the survival of lethally infected mice. Three IgM MAbs, each of which recognized a distinct epitope, were able to prolong survival of lethally infected mice to different extents. A set of IgM, IgG3, IgG1 and IgA MAbs which utilize the same immunoglobulin gene elements and were derived from the same B-cell clone exhibited significant class differences in protective efficacy with IgA, IgG1 > IgM > IgG3. The results confirm that protective MAbs against C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide exist and strongly suggest that both epitope specificity and isotype are important determinants of protective efficacy.
Cutting Edge: A NK Complex-Linked Locus Governs Acute Versus Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection of Neurons1

Herpes simplex causes latent infections that periodically reactivate. Specific immunization attempts are failing to control herpes, prompting a fresh look at which host responses predominate. We report a NK complex-linked genetic locus, Rhs1, whose alleles influence the magnitude of experimental herpes simplex. Rhs1 provided rapid control of primary infection but caused a reciprocal increase in the number of latently infected neurons. Thus, in principle, establishment of latency is a consequence of efficient front line defense against herpesvirus infection. Based on conservation between human and mouse NK complexes, the data predict the presence of a human Rhs1 orthologue on chromosome 12p12–13.
G and P Genotyping of Rotavirus Strains Circulating in France over a Three-Year Period: Detection of G9 and P[6] Strains at Low Frequencies

ABSTRACT Rotavirus G and P types from 716 children with acute diarrhea in Dijon from 1995 to 1998 and throughout France during the winter of 1997-1998 were analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR. P[8],G1 predominated, followed by P[8],G4, which emerged during the last winter. G9 and P[6] strains were detected at low frequencies.