Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Polarization Analysis, Lipid Composition, and Na+, K+‐ATPase Kinetics of Synaptosomal Membranes in Feline GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidosis

Abstract: Neurochemical studies were performed on synaptosomal membranes from cats with GM1 or GM2 gangliosidosis to examine possible mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in these disorders. The basic hypothesis tested was that deficient ganglioside catabolism causes increased ganglioside content of synaptosomal plasma membrane which in turn disrupts normal function. Fluidity characteristics of synaptosomal membranes were examined using fluorescence polarization. Results showed markedly reduced membrane fluidity in both GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis. These results were supported by a second study which revealed that isolated synaptosomal membranes of GM1 gangliosidosis cats had a 24‐fold increase in total ganglioside content caused predominantly by excess GM1, a 2.3‐fold increased cholesterol content, and a 1.4‐fold increased phospholipid content. Finally, kinetic analysis of synaptosomal plasma membrane Na+, K+‐ATPase from cats with GM1 gangliosidosis showed negligible differences in kinetic parameters compared with controls. Thus, the enzyme appeared protected from the global membrane changes in fluidity and composition. These observations provide evidence for a pathogenetic mechanism of neuronal dysfunction in the gangliosidoses while demonstrating protection of certain vital functional components, such as Na+, K+‐ATPase.
Bone induction by Escherichia coli -derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 compared with Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

Most recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) is currently obtained from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. If rhBMP with more activity could be derived from Escherichia coli (E. coli), a large quantity of rhBMP could be produced at low cost. The bone-inducing ability of an E. coli -derived rhBMP-2 (ErhBMP-2) variant with an N-terminal sequence was examined and compared with CHO cell-derived rhBMP-2 (CrhBMP-2). Two, 10, or 50 microgram of ErhBMP-2 or CrhBMP-2 was mixed with 3mg of atelopeptide type I collagen as the carrier, and specimens were implanted into the calf muscle pouches of Wistar rats (n= 5 in each group). Three weeks later, new bone had formed in all the ErhBMP-2-implanted and CrhBMP-2-implanted muscles. Radiographic and histological examinations showed that the bone induced by ErhBMP-2 had a large hollow bone matrix with more fatty marrow than the bone induced by CrhBMP-2. Quantitative analysis indicated that the activity of ErhBMP-2 was similar to that of CrhBMP-2, so ErhBMP-2 may be useful for inducing bone formation.
Flight control of tethered honeybees using neural electrical stimulation

This paper presents an insect-machine interface for controlling the flight behavior of tethered honeybees. Flight initiation and cessation can be reproducibly generated using electrical pulses between two wire electrodes implanted into the honeybee's brain. Experiments are conducted to compare the effect of different stimulus patterns on the honeybee's behavior by parameters including success rate, response time and flight duration. The preliminary results enable us to carry out further research works on the control of complex flight behaviors or the neural mechanism of insect flight.
Staff nurse perceptions of nurse manager leadership styles and outcomes.

AIM To explore the correlations of leadership styles of nurse managers (NMs) and outcomes. BACKGROUND Little is known about the linkages among leadership styles [transformational (TFL), transactional (TRL)] of NMs and outcomes [a leader's extra effort (LEE), leadership satisfaction (LS) and effectiveness (LE)] using the full-range leadership theory. Methods An exploratory correlational design was employed using data from a 2007 study in which staff nurses (n = 278) from four hospitals in the Northeastern US were asked to rate the leadership styles of NMs (n = 37) and outcomes using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form 5x-Short. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS TFL leadership has strong correlations to LEE, LS and LE, and was a predictor for leadership outcomes. Conversely, TRL leadership has week correlations to LEE, LS and LE and did not predict leadership outcomes. CONCLUSION NMs who frequently display TFL leadership styles will probably achieve goals in a satisfying manner, warranting further research. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT TFL leadership training should be a basic competency requirement of NMs. Placing successful and effective TFL leaders in nursing units are the professional and moral obligations of nurse executives.
Predictors of Subjective Well-Being Among College Youth in Lebanon

The authors investigated the prevalence and predictors of subjective well-being (SWB) in a particular Middle Eastern culture: that of Lebanon. The authors examined personality constructs of self-esteem, optimism, and positive affect in relation to SWB. The authors surveyed a sample of 689 individuals between the ages of 17 and 24 by using four instruments with established cross-cultural validity: (a) the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; E. Diener, R. Emmons, R. J. Larsen, & S. Griffin, 1985), (b) the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; D. Watson, L. A. Clark, & A. Tellegen, 1988), (c) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; M. Rosenberg, 1965), and (d) the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R; M. F. Scheier, C. S. Carver, & M. W. Bridges, 1994). The results indicated that college youth's SWB was positively correlated with self-esteem, optimism, and positive affect. Examining the demographic variable of gender, the authors found that men had higher scores on positive affect than did women. A trend emerged that suggested that language dominance and socioeconomic status were associated with SWB levels. The results suggest that internal personality constructs are more predictive of satisfaction with life than are demographic variables.
Bacterial Flora in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves an interaction between host susceptibility (which is partly genetically determined), mucosal immunity and the intestinal milieu. Micro-organisms have physiological effects on mucosal structure, epithelial turnover, the intestinal immune cells and, thus, on many intestinal functions. Toll-like receptors and nucleotide oligomerisation-binding domain proteins in host cells recognise specific bacterial molecules and modify the immune response. Human studies have repeatedly shown that the microbiota of patients with IBD differs from that of controls and is unstable, both in the intestinal lumen and at the surface of the mucosa. A single pathogen has not been identified, but potentially pro-inflammatory micro-organisms have been found in samples from IBD patients more often than from healthy controls. These include Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, and enteroadherent and invasive Escherichia coli in Crohn’s disease (CD). Ecological descriptions of the microbiota present in patients with IBD (either in the faeces or adherent to the mucosa) have repeatedly reported a decrease in usually dominant bacteria, especially those from the dominant phylum Firmicutes. A decrease in the biodiversity of Firmicutes has been observed in CD, while a recent study has shown that a decrease in Firmicutes, especially Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, was associated with CD and the post-operative recurrence of CD lesions in the ileum. Taken together, these results suggest that dysbiosis, or an imbalance within the (dominant) intestinal microbiota, may favour IBD.
State-of-the Art Therapy for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Until recently, there were few effective therapeutic options for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Most patients undergoing even potentially curative resection for early-stage disease recurred if followed for a sufficiently long period, and treatment of advanced tumors with systemic chemotherapy was ineffective. Imatinib mesylate, a molecularly targeted agent that inhibits the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, has now been demonstrated to be highly effective at inducing objective responses in GIST patients, and it improves overall survival. In locoregional disease, ongoing studies are assessing the use of imatinib pre-or postsurgery. In addition, other agents possessing activity against a variety of molecular targets are being tested in advanced disease. Questions remain about the optimal dose of imatinib, whether to continue drug in the setting of progressive disease, and how best to prevent or overcome resistance.
Antibiotic Prescription Practices of Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents in Hospital Care in Greece.

INTRODUCTION The administration of antibiotics for the treatment of pediatric illnesses is common, reaching one third of pediatric patients. This paper aims to identify the antibiotic prescription practices of pediatricians and to explore the associations between prescribing practices and a series of socio-demographic and professional determinants in Greece. MATERIAL AND METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals providing secondary and tertiary pediatric care from January to July 2012. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and tested in a pilot study, focusing on respondents' characteristics, their practices and attitudes related to prescribing antibiotics in common childhood diseases, diagnostic uncertainty, and parental demand. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 275 physicians responded to the questionnaire (61% response rate). The majority of the physicians prescribed antibiotics empirically in possible group A streptococcus infections (56.9%) and implemented the "watchful waiting" approach in acute otitis media (65.5%); further, they did not feel diagnostic uncertainty (74%) and were not affected by parental demand (81%). Finally, when prescribing, they did not take into consideration the drug cost (64.4%). Gender, physicians' experience, and the type of hospital (specialized or general hospital) were identified as prognostic factors of prescribing practices. CONCLUSION Our findings could provide decision-makers with insights into how to manage physicians' prescription practices in order to reduce the high rates of antibiotic consumption that Greece is facing nowadays.
Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the carotid artery: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Since 1996, several preliminary studies have shown the usefulness of contrast material-enhanced MR angiography for imaging supraaortic vessels. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis. METHODS A blinded comparison of first-pass contrast-enhanced MR angiography with conventional DSA was performed in 120 patients (240 arteries). MR angiography was performed with a 1.5-T magnet with gradient overdrive equipment, by using a coronal radiofrequency-spoiled 3D fast low-angle-shot sequence after the intravenous injection of gadodiamide. The guidelines of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial for measuring stenosis of the internal carotid artery were applied on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images and conventional catheter angiograms. RESULTS Grading of stenoses on MR angiograms agreed with grading of stenoses on DSA images in 89% of arteries. In the severe stenosis group (70-99%), agreement was 93%. All internal carotid occlusions (n = 28) and seven of nine pseudo-occlusions were accurately detected with contrast-enhanced MR angiography. The correlation between MR angiography and DSA for determination of minimal, moderate, and severe stenoses and occlusion was statistically significant (r = 0.91, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS This investigation with a large number of patients confirms that contrast-enhanced MR angiography could become a diagnostic alternative to DSA in the treatment of patients with carotid artery disease.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei in Hong Kong, 1986 to 1995

ABSTRACT Three hundred and thirty-three Shigella isolates obtained in 1986 to 1995 were tested for their susceptibilities to 19 antimicrobial agents. Nalidixic acid resistance had emerged in 59.6% of Shigella flexneri isolates during 1994 to 1995, with all tested resistant isolates having the mutation in gyrAencoding the Ser-83 alteration. Multiresistance (resistance to four or more agents) was more common in S. flexneri than inShigella sonnei.
Long-term survival in paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Objective: To establish whether improved tumor survival in patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) was due to known prognostic risk factors or an effect of LEMS independently, perhaps as a result of circulating factors. Methods: We undertook a prospective observational cohort study of patients with LEMS attending Nottingham University Hospitals, UK, or via the British Neurological Surveillance Unit. In parallel, patients with a new diagnosis of biopsy-proven SCLC were enrolled, examined for neurologic illness, and followed up until death or study end. Results: Between May 2005 and November 2014, we recruited 31 patients with LEMS and SCLC and 279 patients with SCLC without neurologic illness. Allowing for known SCLC survival prognostic factors of disease extent, age, sex, performance status, and sodium values, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of LEMS with SCLC conferred a significant survival advantage independently of the other prognostic variables (hazard ratio 1.756, 95% confidence interval 1.137–2.709, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Improved SCLC tumor survival seen in patients with LEMS and SCLC may not be due solely to lead time bias, given that survival advantage remains after allowing for other prognostic factors and that the same degree of survival advantage is not seen in patients with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes other than LEMS presenting before SCLC diagnosis.
Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Behçet Disease

Abstract Purpose: Investigation of subfoveal choroidal thickness in Behçet disease (BD) with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: The study included 35 patients with posterior uveitis (PU) associated with BD, 35 patients with BD without ocular involvement, and 30 healthy controls. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, axial length, or spherical equivalent refractive error. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was thinner in eyes with PU than in eyes without PU and healthy controls (p = 0.026). Conclusion: EDI-OCT is a beneficial test for evaluating choroid morphology in BD. Thinning of the subfoveal choroidal tissue has been observed in patients with BD-associated PU.
In vitro susceptibility of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains to N-formimidoyl thienamycin

A total of 82 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 21 isolates of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus were studied for in vitro susceptibility to N-forminidoyl thienamycin at incubation temperatures of 30 and 35 degrees C. The disk diffusion test results were correlated with the macrobroth dilution test by means of the error rate-bounded method of analysis. Both methicillin-susceptible and (to a lesser degree) methicillin-resistant strains were generally susceptible to the antibiotic as judged from their minimum inhibitory concentrations. The discrepancy between in vitro results obtained at 30 and at 35 degrees C was not very remarkable. However, tolerance of N-formimidoyl thienamycin was observed in 37% of methicillin-resistant strains and 24% of methicillin-susceptible strains at an incubation temperature of 30 degrees C; at 35 degrees C, the values were 54% (methicillin-resistant strains) and 14% (methicillin-susceptible strains).
Mimetic behaviour and institutional persistence: A two-armed bandit experiment

Institutions are the result of many individual decisions. Understanding how agents filter available information concerning the behaviour of others is therefore crucial. In this paper we investigate whether and how agents' self-efficacy beliefs affect mimetic behaviour and thus, implicitly the evolution of institutions. We propose an experimental task, which is a modified version of the two-armed bandit with finite time horizon. In the first treatment, we study in detail individual learning. In the second treatment, we measure how individuals use the information they gather while observing a randomly selected group leader. We find a negative relation between self-efficacy beliefs and the propensity to emulate a peer. This might ultimately affect the likelihood of institutional change.
Differential activity of DNA methyltransferase in the life cycle of Chlamydomonas reinhardi.

Two molecular weight forms of DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase [S-adenosyl-L-methionine:DNA (cytosine-5-)- methyltransferase, EC 2.1. 1.37], both active in assays in vitro, were isolated from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardi at various stages of the life cycle. The enzyme with Mr 60,000 was found in vegetative cells and gametes of both male (mt-) and female (mt+) mating types. The enzyme with Mr 200,000 was specific to gametic cells and zygotes, which are the only stages at which methylation of chloroplast DNA occurs in vivo. Chloroplast DNA from gametes was shown to be methylated on both strands at most if not all methylation sites and the Mr 200,000 enzyme was shown to methylate both unmethylated and hemimethylated sites, the latter at an elevated rate. Micrococcus luteus DNA showed the same nearest-neighbor frequencies of methylation after methylation by each molecular weight component. The data suggest strongly that the Mr 200,000 enzyme is the active multimeric form of the Mr 60,000 enzyme and that it acts as both initiation and maintenance methylase. It is proposed that methylation of chloroplast DNA in female gametes and zygotes is regulated by assembly of the multimeric Mr 200,000 active enzyme, which in turm determines the maternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA.
Fc‐Signalling in the Modulation of Immune Responses by Passive Antibody

Passive antibody can both suppress and augment immune responses. Until recently, there was virtual unanimity on the importance of the interaction of the Fc portion of modulating antibody with Fc‐receptors (Fc‐signalling), especially in experiments involving the suppression by antibody. Experiments reported in the last few years, that do not demonstrate the range of Fc‐portion/Fc‐receptor influences on the suppression of immune responses by passive antibody, have introduced new uncertainty into this field. The purpose of this paper is to review how the initial controversy on the influence of Fc‐signalling in inhibition by passive antibody was resolved. Old and new approaches are suggested that may help in resolving the current uncertainty engendered by recent experimental results that were interpreted to mean that passive suppressive antibody does not utilize the inhibitory FcγRIIB receptor. An understanding of the factors that influence negative Fc‐signalling is needed in order to optimize clinical therapies whose action depends on the suppressive property of antibody.
Promoting Participation in Schoolwork: Assistive Technology Use by Children With Physical Disabilities

Assistive technology items are frequently prescribed to assist children with physical disabilities to minimise the barriers they experience in undertaking schoolwork. A range of items are recommended from computers to access systems and specialised software. However, it is not known what the range of items that children with physical disabilities utilize, the patterns of use and perceptions of satisfaction with these items. The aim of this study is to determine the range of assistive technology items used by children with physical disabilities aged 8–18 years for participation in schoolwork. A mailed survey to a convenience sample of 703 children with physical disabilities was undertaken. Questionnaires identified the items of assistive technology in use, and their frequency, source, and location of use and gained ratings of importance and satisfaction. 158 responses (22.5% response rate) gave 130 valid surveys indicating assistive technology use (82.3%). 433 items were reported, 177 text-generating devices, 105 alternative access solutions, and 151 software items to support participation with schoolwork. High levels of importance and satisfaction were reported, with items mostly being used more than once a week. Variations between children with different diagnoses are highlighted.
Granular Cell Tumor of the Thyroid: A Case Report

We report a rare case of granular cell tumor (GCT) arising within the thyroid parenchyma. The differential diagnosis of GCT in thyroid includes all oncocytic/Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid, medullary carcinoma and metastasis. The classic histomorphologic features and immunohistochemistry are helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Optimal Bin Covering with Items of Random Size

Consider a probability measure $\mu $ on $[0,1]$ and independent random variables $X_1 , \cdots ,X_n $ distributed according to $\mu $. Let $Q_n = Q_n (X_1 , \cdots ,X_n )$ be the largest number of unit-size bins that can be covered by items of size $X_1 , \cdots ,X_n $. The properties of $Q_n $ are investigated in the spirit of our work on optimal bin packing with items of random sizes. While the covering problem has many similarities with the packing problem, it turns out to be significantly harder.
Building a Concept Hierarchy by Hierarchical Clustering with Join/Merge Decision

Concept hierarchies are important for generalization in many data mining applications. We propose a method to automatically build a concept hierarchy from a provided distance matrix. The method is a modification of traditional agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm. When two closest clusters are selected for combining into a new cluster, the algorithm either creates a new cluster with the two original clusters as its sub-clusters, or let a cluster join the other without creating a new cluster at the higher level of the hierarchy. For the purpose of algorithm evaluation, a distance matrix is derived from the concept hierarchy built by algorithm. Root mean squared error between the provided distant matrix and the derived distance matrix is used as evaluation criterion. Empirical results show that the traditional algorithm under complete link strategy performs better than the other strategies, our algorithms perform almost the same under the three strategies, and our algorithms perform better than the traditional algorithms under various situations.
Inactivation of swmA Results in the Loss of an Outer Cell Layer in a Swimming Synechococcus Strain

ABSTRACT The mechanism of nonflagellar swimming of marine unicellular cyanobacteria remains poorly understood. SwmA is an abundant cell surface-associated 130-kDa glycoprotein that is required for the generation of thrust in Synechococcus sp. strain WH8102. Ultrastructural comparisons of wild-type cells to a mutant strain in which the gene encoding SwmA has been insertionally inactivated reveal that the mutant lacks a layer external to the outer membrane. Cryofixation and freeze-substitution are required for the preservation of this external layer. Freeze fracturing and etching reveal that this additional layer is an S-layer. How the S-layer might function in motility remains elusive; however, this work describes an ultrastructural component required for this unique type of swimming. In addition, the work presented here describes the envelope structure of a model swimming cyanobacterium.