Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgery Upregulates High Mobility Group Box‐1 and Disrupts the Blood–Brain Barrier causing Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Rats

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a growing and largely underestimated problem without defined etiology. Herein, we sought to determine the relationship between cognitive decline, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and inflammation, namely high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), after surgery in aged rats.
Influence of type and severity of pure forms of age-related cataract on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Italian American Cataract Study Group.

PURPOSE To compare the relationship between logMAR visual acuity (VA) and cataract severity and between contrast sensitivity (CS) and cataract severity in pure types of age-related lens opacities. METHODS Analysis included patients followed in the ongoing Italian-American Study of the Natural History of Age-Related Cataract. Lens opacities were classified and graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II). Visual acuity was measured with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Chart. Contrast sensitivity was measured with the Pelli-Robson chart. RESULTS Data from 1,076 eyes were used for the analysis (366 clear lenses; 550, 124, and 36 eyes with cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract, respectively). In age-adjusted analyses, increasing severity of all three cataract types was associated with progressively higher logMAR VA, which translates into poorer acuity, and lower CS scores. For both VA and CS, the effect of increasing severity was greatest for nuclear and least for cortical opacities. After adjusting for age and VA, CS scores were no longer associated with cataract type and severity, with the exception of advanced cortical opacities. CONCLUSIONS Increased cataract severity, as determined by LOCS II grading, is strongly associated with both VA and CS scores. Contrast sensitivity scores obtained from testing at low spatial frequency do not seem to offer additional information over standard VA testing in early cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities nor in nuclear cataracts.
Heterogeneity of antigen‐specific CD4+ T cell clones from a patient with Schistosomiasis mansoni

Two subsets of differentiated murine helper T cells, Th1 and Th2, based on secretion products in response to antigen have been described (Cher & Mosmann 1987, Coffman et al. 1988, Lopez et al. 1988, Paliard et al. 1988, Patel et al. 1988, Mosmann & Coffman 1989). To analyse immunological function of antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells in human schistosomiasis, we produced schistosomal egg antigenspecific T cell clones from a former patient. We identified four different types of CD4+ T cell clones by analysis of cytokine production. Two of the four types of the clones corresponded to murine Th1 or Th2 subsets; a third type was of the Th0 subset (Th1 + 2) and a fourth type produced IL‐5 dissociated from IL‐4. Analysis of the antigen(s) recognized by these T cell clones showed that all of the clones proliferated in response to soluble egg antigen(s) (SEA) found within a pl fraction whose pH was 5·2. T cell Western blot analysis of the stimulatory pl fraction demonstrated that the apparent Mr of the relevant antigens recognized by the clones were 38 kDafor the Th2 homologue, and 45–55 kDa for the Th1 homologue.
Indwelling pleural catheters reduce inpatient days over pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND Patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) have limited prognoses. They require long-lasting symptom relief with minimal hospitalization. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) and talc pleurodesis are approved treatments for MPE. Establishing the implications of IPC and talc pleurodesis on subsequent hospital stay will influence patient choice of treatment. Therefore, our objective was to compare patients with MPE treated with IPC vs pleurodesis in terms of hospital bed days (from procedure to death or end of follow-up) and safety. METHODS In this prospective, 12-month, multicenter study, patients with MPE were treated with IPC or talc pleurodesis, based on patient choice. Key end points were hospital bed days from procedure to death (total and effusion-related). Complications, including infection and protein depletion, were monitored longitudinally. RESULTS One hundred sixty patients with MPE were recruited, and 65 required definitive fluid control; 34 chose IPCs and 31 pleurodesis. Total hospital bed days (from any causes) were significantly fewer in patients with IPCs (median, 6.5 days; interquartile range [IQR] = 3.75-13.0 vs pleurodesis, mean, 18.0; IQR, 8.0-26.0; P = .002). Effusion-related hospital bed days were significantly fewer with IPCs (median, 3.0 days; IQR, 1.8-8.3 vs pleurodesis, median, 10.0 days; IQR, 6.0-18.0; P < .001). Patients with IPCs spent significantly fewer of their remaining days of life in hospital (8.0% vs 11.2%, P < .001, χ(2) = 28.25). Fewer patients with IPCs required further pleural procedures (13.5% vs 32.3% in pleurodesis group). There was no difference in rates of pleural infection (P = .68) and protein (P = .65) or albumin loss (P = .22). More patients treated with IPC reported immediate (within 7 days) improvements in quality of life and dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with IPCs required significantly fewer days in hospital and fewer additional pleural procedures than those who received pleurodesis. Safety profiles and symptom control were comparable.
Reconceptualizing the measurement of multidimensional salesperson job satisfaction

Abstract Job satisfaction is a key construct in many models examining salesperson attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. Job satisfaction has often been conceptualized and measured as a multidimensional construct – often via the INDSALES scale. Yet many researchers have not utilized this scale due to its length. Further, extant versions of reduced INDSALES scales are lengthy and have been questioned about whether they accurately represent the dimensions measured. The current research revisits the INDSALES scale and provides a reduced version based on more-advanced techniques than used previously. The proposed reduced scale is of benefit to subsequent research using a multidimensional measure of job satisfaction.
Posture-induced intraocular pressure changes in eyes with open-angle glaucoma, primary angle closure with or without glaucoma medications, and control eyes.

PURPOSE To compare the posture-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), primary angle closure (PAC) with or without glaucoma medications, and healthy control eyes with normal IOPs. METHODS The IOP was measured in the sitting position (SP) and the lateral decubitus position (LDP) with a rebound tonometer. The IOP in the LDP was measured in the upper eyes 5 minutes after assuming this posture. RESULTS Fifty-two patients with OAG, 52 with PAC, and 52 controls with normal IOPs were studied. The IOP in the SP measured with the rebound tonometer was 14.3 ± 4.0 mm Hg in eyes with OAG, 15.8 ± 4.5 mm Hg in eyes with PAC, and 13.9 ± 3.7 mm Hg in eyes with normal IOPs. None of these differences was significant (P = 0.060; ANOVA). The IOP in the LDP was significantly increased to 18.3 ± 4.6 mm Hg in eyes with OAG, 19.3 ± 4.4 mm Hg in eyes with PAC, and 17.3 ± 3.5 mm Hg in eyes with normal IOPs (P = 0.000 for all; paired t-tests). The postural IOP difference was +4.0 ± 2.2 mm Hg in OAG eyes, +3.5 ± 2.2 mm Hg in PAC eyes, and +3.4 ± 1.8 mm Hg in normal eyes, and these increases were not significantly different among the three groups (P = 0.309; ANOVA). The correlation between the posture-induced IOP changes and the axial length was not significant in each group. CONCLUSIONS Postural IOP changes are comparable among eyes with OAG, PAC with and without glaucoma medications, and control eyes.
Experimental characterization of EC-CPW transmission lines and passive components for 60-GHz CMOS radios

In this work, we propose the use of elevated center coplanar waveguide (EC-CPW) transmission lines in CMOS technology to alleviate the technology limitations of achieving extreme impedances with conventional CPW lines, particularly, high impedances. High impedance lines are required to facilitate the design of matching networks and to reduce the size of the passive components by utilizing capacitively loaded high-impedance lines. This paper presents the measured and simulated performance of these lines and their implementation in building a 60 GHz reduced-size 90° coupler. The coupler's size is 0.102 mm2 and it is well suited for use in the design of radio front-ends of 60 GHz high data-rate wireless systems.
Dopaminergic and noradrenergic gene polymorphisms and response to methylphenidate in korean children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: is there an interaction?

OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the independent and interaction effects of dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4), alpha-2A adrenergic receptor gene (ADRA2A), and norepinephrine transporter gene (NET1), with regard to treatment response to methylphenidate (MPH) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS The participants of the study were 103 children and adolescents (ages 9.1±2.1 years) diagnosed as having ADHD according to American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV) criteria. They were enrolled in an 8-week, open-label trial of MPH. The good responder group was defined as subjects having an ≥50% decrease in the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS) total score from the baseline, and at the same time a Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale (CGI-I) score of 1 or 2, both at the 8th week of MPH treatment. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was performed to examine the independent and interaction effects of genotypes on the dichotomized MPH treatment response. RESULTS Significant interaction effects on MPH response were detected between the genotypes of the DRD4 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms and those of either the ADRA2A DraI or the NET1 -3081(A/T) polymorphisms; significant interaction effects were also detected between the genotypes of the ADRA2A DraI polymorphisms and those of either the NET1 G1287A or the NET1 -3081(A/T) polymorphisms (Nagelkerke R(2)=0.40). No significant independent effect of a genotype was detected according to the stepwise logistic regression results. CONCLUSION The results suggest that genes involved in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems might interact to form important predictors of short-term response to MPH.
Space-Partition-Based Target Detection for Distributed MIMO Radar

We address the radar target detection problem for distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar whose diversity receiving channels may receive partially correlated target returns. Based on a method to estimate the target correlation coefficient, we can estimate the detection probabilities of the coherent accumulation detector and noncoherent accumulation detector. Based on their detection probability estimates, the surveillance space of a distributed MIMO radar system is then partitioned into two sections, one using the coherent accumulation detector, and the other using the noncoherent accumulation detector. The detection performance of the algorithm is verified via numerical results.
Evaluating the usability of virtual reality user interfaces

A walkthrough method for evaluating virtual reality (VR) user interfaces is described and illustrated with a usability assessment of a virtual business park application. The method is based on a theory of interaction that extends Norman's model of action. A walkthrough analysis method uses three models derived from the theory. The first model describes goal-oriented task action, the second exploration and navigation in virtual worlds, while the third covers interaction in response to system initiative. Each stage of the model is associated with generic design properties that specify the necessary support from the system for successful interaction. The evaluation method consists of a checklist of questions using the properties and following the model cycle. Use of the method uncovered several usability problems. Approaches to evaluation of VR applications and future work are discussed.
Time-dependent expression of cytochrome p450 epoxygenases during human prenatal development

There is growing evidence that some members of cytochrome P450 enzymes contribute to regulation of normal prenatal development. CYP epoxygenases (CYP2C and CYP2J subfamilies) convert arachidonic acid into four regioisomeric epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), biologically active molecules involved in mitogenesis and cell signaling. Almost nothing is known about localization of their expression in tissues during human prenatal development. The spatio-temporal expression pattern of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 in human embryonic/fetal intestines, liver, and kidney was investigated by immunohistochemical method. CYP epoxygenases are expressed already in early stages of development in these embryonic/fetal tissues (as early as 7th week of IUD in the intestines, 5th week of IUD in the liver, and 6th week of IUD in the kidney). In kidney, CYP epoxygenases are expressed in the metanephrogenic blastema (but not in the uninduced mesenchyme) and in the tubular system. In the intestines, diverse CYP epoxygenases distribution along crypt-villus axis could suggest role in cell differentiation. Moreover, we detected higher CYP2J2 level in these organs than in adult tissue samples.
Analysing Dynamical Systems - Towards Computing Complete Lyapunov Functions

Ordinary differential equations arise in a variety of applications, including e.g. climate systems, and can exhibit complicated dynamical behaviour. Complete Lyapunov functions can capture this behaviour by dividing the phase space into the chain-recurrent set, determining the long-time behaviour, and the transient part, where solutions pass through. In this paper, we present an algorithm to construct complete Lyapunov functions. It is based on mesh-free numerical approximation and uses the failure of convergence in certain areas to determine the chain-recurrent set. The algorithm is applied to three examples and is able to determine attractors and repellers, including periodic orbits and homoclinic orbits.
The use and nature of grapheme coding during sub-lexical processing and lexical access

This work aimed to investigate grapheme coding during sub-lexical processing and lexical access. Using the letter detection task in Experiment 1, we compared letter pairs that could be considered as a grapheme unit or not depending on context (referred to as weakly cohesive complex, e.g., an in chant vs cane) to real two-letter graphemes (highly cohesive complex, e.g., au in chaud) and single-letter graphemes (simple, e.g., a in place). Three experimental conditions were used, one of which was designed to prevent phonological influences. Data revealed that only highly cohesive complex graphemes were processed as units, not the weakly cohesive ones. The same pattern was found across experimental conditions in favor of an orthographic mechanism. In Experiments 2 and 3, a primed lexical decision task was used with two stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) and two different ranges of lexical frequency. We manipulated the number of graphemes removed from partial primes (d**che vs do**he-DOUCHE) and relatedness. In contrast to Experiment 1, no evidence was provided in favor of a role of graphemes during lexical access. We suggest that graphemes can be conceived as sub-lexical orthographic units per se but can only be captured within a sub-lexical route to reading.
Times and Places: Process Evaluation of a Peer-Led HIV Prevention Intervention

Here we present results from a process evaluation of a peer-led HIV prevention intervention. The Risk Avoidance Partnership, conducted from 2001 to 2005, trained active drug users to be peer health advocates (PHAs) to provide harm reduction materials and information to their peers. Results indicate that PHAs actively conducted harm reduction outreach both when partnered with staff and on their own time. Although PHAs conducted most of their outreach in public locations, they also provided drug users with harm reduction materials at critical moments in places where HIV risky behaviors were likely to occur. PHAs were credible and trusted sources of information to their drug-using peers who sought PHAs out for HIV prevention materials. Process evaluations of successful HIV prevention interventions are necessary to understand how and why such interventions work for further intervention refinement.
Quantitation of viral DNA in renal allograft tissue from patients with BK virus nephropathy1

Background. BK virus (BKV) allograft nephropathy (BKVAN) is a complication in renal transplantation recipients. Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for renal biopsy has not been evaluated as a diagnostic test. Determination of renal BKV load may identify patients at risk for disease before histologic nephropathy. Methods. Quantitative PCR assay for BKV DNA was performed in 28 biopsies of patients with BKVAN; 50 biopsies were performed before a diagnosis of BKVAN, and 126 control biopsies were from patients without a history of BKVAN. Results. BKV DNA was present in 19 of 50 (38%) biopsies performed 1 to 164 weeks before diagnosis of BKVAN. The viral load (mean 216 copies/cell) was lower than in biopsies of patients with BKVAN (mean 6063 viral copies/cell, P <0.05). In 10 of 127 (7.8%) control biopsies, a low level of BKV DNA (mean 3.8 copies/cell) was found in three biopsies from chronic allograft nephropathy patients; two biopsies with acute rejection; four biopsies with borderline change; and one biopsy with cytomegalovirus nephritis. Conclusion. BKV load exceeding 59 copies per cell identified all cases of BKVAN. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of quantitative PCR were 100%, 92.1%, 73.6%, and 100%, respectively. Lower levels of BKV DNA were identified in biopsies performed before viral nephropathy development. Future research will determine if earlier recognition of at-risk patients allows application of antiviral strategies to improve graft outcome.
Impact of Market Competition on Continuity of Care and Hospital Admissions for Asthmatic Children: A Longitudinal Analysis of Nationwide Health Insurance Data 2009-2013

Background Ambulatory care-sensitive conditions, including asthma, can be managed with timely and effective outpatient care, thereby reducing the need for hospitalization. Objective This study assessed the relationship between market competition, continuity of care (COC), and hospital admissions in asthmatic children according to their health care provider. Methods A longitudinal design was employed with a 5-year follow-up period, between 2009 and 2013, under a Korean universal health insurance program. A total of 253 geographical regions were included in the analysis, according to data from the Korean Statistical Office. Data from 9,997 patients, aged ≤ 12 years, were included. We measured the COC over a 5-year period using the Usual Provider Continuity (UPC) index. Random intercept models were calculated to assess the temporal and multilevel relationship between market competition, COC, and hospital admission rate. Results Of the 9,997 patients, 243 (2.4%) were admitted to the hospital in 2009. In the multilevel regression analysis, as the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index increased by 1,000 points (denoting decreased competitiveness), UPC scores also increased (ß = 0.001; p < 0.0001). In multilevel logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hospital admissions for individuals with lower COC scores (≥ 2 ambulatory visits and a UPC index score of < 1) was 3.61 (95% CI: 2.98–4.38) relative to the reference group (≥ 2 ambulatory visits and a UPC index score of 1). Conclusions Market competition appears to reduce COC; decreased COC was associated with a higher OR for hospital admissions.
Distance-based-decoding of block turbo codes

List-based algorithms for. decoding block turbo Codes (BTC) have gained popularity due to their low computational complexity. The normal way to calculate the soft outputs involves searching for a decision code word D and a competing codeword B. In addition, a scaling factor /spl alpha/ and an estimated reliability value /spl beta/ are used. In this letter, we present a new approach that does not require /spl alpha/ and /spl beta/. Soft outputs are generated based on the Euclidean distance property of decision code words. By using the new algorithm, we achieve better error performance with even less complexity-for certain BTCs.
A squid that glows in the night: development of an animal-bacterial mutualism

The field of microbiology has traditionally shown considerable interest in the association of bacteria with higher plant and animal life. The fundamental question that has driven this interest is, How do certain bacterial species effectively utilize the tissues of other organisms as their preferred (and sometimes required) growth environment? This question has been successfully addressed over the last several decades through studies of a number of model systems that have uncovered the physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations that underlie specific bacterial-host associations. Remarkable progress has been achieved with two classes of symbioses: the pathogenic associations of bacterial species with animal and plant tissues and the cooperative associations between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and root nodule-forming plants. Examination of the onset and development of a number of animal (primarily mammalian) and plant infections has produced striking examples of the extent to which an "arms race" exists between a pathogen and its host. The resulting association exhibits a complex pattern of adjustments between specific biochemical attacks by the bacterium and the more generalized compensating defenses of the host (47). While the specific patterns that characterize such diverse pathogens as Vibrio cholerae (12), Bordetella pertussis (68), andAgrobacterium tumefaciens (69) vary considerably, they all involve a programmed series of changes in virulence gene expression aimed at promoting the growth of the bacterium at the expense of the host (20). In contrast, the root nodule symbiosis induced by species of Rhizobium and related genera is an example of an exquisitely cooperative interaction between the bacterium and its plant host (28). These mutualistic associations are highly sophisticated in their pattern of interspecies "cross-talk," with both partners employing specific regulatory and recognition signals to modulate their own, as well as their partner's, pattern of gene expression (10, 34). As a result, coordinated changes in the metabolism and morphology of both partners occur, culminating in the formation of novel, differentiated plant tissues whose sole function is to support and enhance the symbiotic activities of its nitrogen-fixing bacteria (36). In comparison to current knowledge about either animal and plant pathogenic associations or plant mutualistic symbioses, our understanding of the development of cooperative associations between any animal species and its beneficial bacterial symbionts is as yet rudimentary. However, might we not anticipate that bacterial-animal mutualistic symbio-