Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pro-inflammatory interleukins in patients operated on for proximal femur fracture

Abstract Objectives. The aims of this study were to measure plasma IL 6 and IL 8 in patients with proximal femoral fracture (PFF) during the early phases of trauma and operation and to find out if there was any correlation between these ILs and the post-operative lower limb oedema. Material and methods. Thirty patients with a median age of 81 years were grouped into pertrochanteric fracture (PTF) (n = 16) and femoral cervical fracture (FCF) (n = 14). Plasma interleukin levels were determined on blood samples obtained from the common femoral vein, immediately after hospital admission, 1 h before operation, and post-operatively at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 h and on the 7th day. Thigh oedema was calculated by the frustum method. Results. In the patients with PTF, maximum mean plasma IL-6 and IL-8 values were found, respectively at 24 h (45.12 pg/mL) and 6 hours (21.7 pg/mL) postoperatively. Whereas, in the patients with FCF, it was respectively, at 12 h (33.1 pg/mL) and 6 h (17.0 pg/mL), for IL-6 and IL-8 post operatively. The patients with PTF and FCF had respectively, 34.1% and 27.4% more thigh oedema in the operated limb on the 7th post-operative day as compared to the preoperative oedema volume (p<0.001). No significant correlation could be found between the plasma IL-6 and IL-8 levels and oedema in the operated limb. Conclusion: Increased levels of IL 6 and IL 8 suggest ongoing inflammation.
Silicide as diffusion source for dopant segregation in 70-nm MOSFETs with PtSi Schottky-barrier source/drain on ultrathin-body SOI

In this paper, dopant segregation (DS) method is adopted to enhance device performance of PtSi-based Schottky-barrier source/drain MOSFETs (SB-MOSFETs) fabricated on ultrathin silicon-on-insulator. The DS formation is realized by means of Silicide As Diffusion Source. Without DS treatment, the devices are typically p-type, but with a rather large electron branch at positive gate bias. Dopant segregation with As is found to turn the devices to well-performing n-MOSFETs, and DS with B to greatly enhance the hole conduction in the p-MOSFETs. A large threshold voltage (Vt) shift is however observed in the p-MOSFET due to B lateral spread caused during the drive-in process for the DS formation. By reducing the drive-in temperature, this problem is partially addressed with a smaller Vt shift and a much better control of short channel effect.
X-SRAM: Enabling In-Memory Boolean Computations in CMOS Static Random Access Memories

Silicon-based static random access memories (SRAM) and digital Boolean logic have been the workhorse of the state-of-the-art computing platforms. Despite tremendous strides in scaling the ubiquitous metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor, the underlying von-Neumann computing architecture has remained unchanged. The limited throughput and energy-efficiency of the state-of-the-art computing systems, to a large extent, result from the well-known von-Neumann bottleneck. The energy and throughput inefficiency of the von-Neumann machines have been accentuated in recent times due to the present emphasis on data-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography. A possible approach towards mitigating the overhead associated with the von-Neumann bottleneck is to enable in-memory Boolean computations. In this paper, we present an augmented version of the conventional SRAM bit-cells, called the X-SRAM, with the ability to perform in-memory, vector Boolean computations, in addition to the usual memory storage operations. We propose at least six different schemes for enabling in-memory vector computations, including NAND, NOR, IMP (implication), XOR logic gates, with respect to different bit-cell topologies − the 8T cell and the 8+T Differential cell. In addition, we also present a novel ‘read-compute-store’ scheme, wherein the computed Boolean function can be directly stored in the memory without the need of latching the data and carrying out a subsequent write operation. The feasibility of the proposed schemes has been verified using the predictive transistor models and detailed Monte-Carlo variation analysis. As an illustration, we also present the efficacy of the proposed in-memory computations by implementing advanced encryption standard algorithm on a non-standard von-Neumann machine wherein the conventional SRAM is replaced by X-SRAM. Our simulations indicated that up to 75% of memory accesses can be saved using the proposed techniques.
Possibilistic-Scenario Model for DG Impact Assessment on Distribution Networks in an Uncertain Environment

The distribution network operators (DNOs) are responsible for securing a diverse and viable energy supply for their customers so the technical and economical impacts of distributed generation (DG) units are of great concerns. Traditionally, the DNOs try to maximize the technical performance of the distribution network, but it is evident that the first step in optimizing a quantity is being able to calculate it. The DG investment/operation which is performed by distributed generation operators/owners (DGOs) (under unbundling rules) has made this task more complicated. This is mainly because the DNO is faced with the uncertainties related to the decisions of DG investors/operators where some of them can be probabilistically modeled while the others are possibilistically treated. This paper proposes a hybrid possibilistic-probabilistic DG impact assessment tool which takes into account the uncertainties associated with investment and operation of renewable and conventional DG units on distribution networks. This tool would be useful for DNOs to deal with the uncertainties which some of them can be modeled probabilistically and some of them are described possibilistically. The proposed method has been tested on a test system and a large-scale real distribution network to demonstrate its strength and flexibility.
PAK Is Essential for RAS-Induced Upregulation of Cyclin D1 During the G1 to S Transition

Oncogenic RAS mutants such as v-Ha-RAS induce cell cycling, in particular the G1 to S transition, by up-regulating cyclin D1 and down-regulating p27, an inhibitor for cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). PI-3 kinase appears to be involved in the regulation of both cyclin D1 and p27. In this report, using two distinct inhibitors specific for PAK1-3 (CEP-1347 and WR-PAK18), we present the first evidence indicating that the PIX/Rac/CDC42-dependent Ser/Thr kinases PAK1-3, acting downstream of PI-3 kinase and up-stream of the Raf/MEK/ERKs kinase cascade, is essential for RAS-induced up-regulation of cyclin D1, but not down-regulation of p27. Since these PAK-inhibitors block selectively the malignant growth of RAS transformants, in which PAK1 is constitutively activated, but not normal cell growth, it is suggested that RAS transformants are addicted to the high levels of PAK1 for their malignant entry to S phase.
Demonstrating HuddleLamp: Spatially-Aware Mobile Displays for Ad-hoc Around-the-Table Collaboration

We present HuddleLamp, a desk lamp with an integrated RGB-D camera that precisely tracks the movements and positions of mobile displays and hands on a table. This enables a new breed of spatially-aware multi-user and multi-device applications for around-the-table collaboration without an interactive tabletop. At any time users can add or remove displays and reconfigure them in space in an ad-hoc manner without the need of installing any software or attaching markers. Additionally, hands are tracked to detect interactions above and between displays, enabling fluent cross-device interactions. The demo consists of the technical implementation of HuddleLamp's hybrid sensing and a Web-based architecture for installation-free ad-hoc collaboration. We demonstrate our implementation by showing a variety of possible interaction techniques.
Predictors of burnout and health status in Samaritans’ listening volunteers

Abstract Samaritan listening volunteers provide emotional support to people in distress or suicidal. Samaritans’ has high volunteer turnover, which may be due to burnout. This study evaluated the role of demographic and psychosocial factors in predicting Samaritans listening volunteers’ burnout and health status. Samaritans’ listening volunteers (n = 216) from seven branches across UK completed an online survey to assess their levels of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment), subjective health status, coping, empathy and social support. Overall, listeners showed low levels of burnout and good health. Regression analysis revealed that higher emotional exhaustion was predicted by younger age and avoidant coping style; higher depersonalisation was predicted by lower empathy fantasy and higher avoidant coping style; lower personal accomplishment scores were predicted by higher empathy personal distress and worse health status was predicted by more hours per week spent on listening duties, lower social support and higher avoidant coping style. Overall, different factors influenced different facets of burnout. However, higher use of avoidant coping style consistently predicted higher burnout and worse health status, suggesting avoidant coping is an important target for intervention.
Clinical impact of the troponin 99th percentile cut-off and clinical utility of myoglobin measurement in the early management of chest pain patients admitted to the Emergency Cardiology Department

ObjectiveTo verify the clinical impact of different low cut-offs for troponin I/cardiac troponin I (99th percentile to 10% CV) and for myoglobin, in early risk stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. MethodsA total of 516 consecutive non-ST-elevation patients admitted to hospital were followed. The first measurement of cardiac markers was performed at the point-of-care in the Emergency Cardiology Department, using Stratus CS. The lowest cardiac troponin I concentration with a CV≤10% (cardiac troponin I concentration=0.07 μg/l) was used to perform an early diagnosis of cardiac damage and to admit non-ST-elevation patients to the Intensive Cardiac Unit. Final diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was assessed according to European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology diagnostic criteria: cardiac marker follow-up after hospital admission was performed in central laboratory. We retrospectively assessed how the diagnostic accuracy of an early diagnosis of myocardiac damage in the same population might have changed if different lower cardiac troponin I cut-offs had been used upon admitting patients in the Emergency Cardiology Department, independently from the analytical imprecision of the method. ResultsA diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was performed on 110 (21.3%) of 516 non-ST-elevation-patients admitted to hospital. Seventy (13.6%) patients had cardiac troponin I >0.07 μg/l in the Emergency Cardiology Department (P>0.05). Using lowering cut-off values, the difference between the fraction of patients that was positive compared with the diagnosis according to European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology criteria and had remained statistically significant (P<0.05) up to 0.03 μg/l (99th percentile upper reference limit) was considered (85 patients, 16.5%, n.s.). Relative operating characteristic analysis confirmed that the best clinical cut-off was related to the cardiac troponin I concentration that meets the 99th percentile upper reference limit. The diagnostic accuracy of myoglobin in detecting the minimum cardiac damage was significantly lower, independently from the cut-offs considered. ConclusionThe diagnostic accuracy in detecting myocardial damage early in the Emergency Cardiology Department improves when the 99th percentile is used as a decisional value of cardiac troponin I; the use of this cut-off makes the measurement of myoglobin unnecessary.
In search of meaning: Semantic effects on past-tense inflection

Within single-mechanism connectionist models of inflectional morphology, generating the past-tense form of a verb depends upon the interaction of semantic and phonological representations, with semantic information being particularly important for irregular or exception verbs. We assessed this hypothesis in two experiments requiring normal speakers to produce the past tense from a verb stem that takes a regular or exceptional past tense. Experiment 1 revealed significant latency advantages for high- over low-imageability words for both regular verbs (e.g., “lunged” faster than “loved”) and exception items (e.g., “drank” faster than “dealt”); but critically, this effect was significantly larger for exceptions than for regulars. Experiment 2 employed a semantic priming paradigm where participants inflected verb stems (e.g., sit) preceded by related (e.g., chair) or unrelated primes (e.g., jug) and revealed a priming effect in accuracy that was confined to the exception items. Our results are consistent with predictions from single-mechanism connectionist models of inflectional morphology and converge with findings from neurological patients and studies of reading aloud.
Validation of the Chinese SF-36 for quality of life assessment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We studied the reliability and validity of the Chinese Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) in a cross sectional study of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Sixty-nine consecutive subjects completed a questionnaire containing the Chinese SF-36 twice within 14 d. Disease activity and damage were assessed using the British Isles Lupus Activity Group (BILAG) and SLICC/ACR Damage Index (DI) scales, respectively. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, reliability using Spearman's correlation and repeatability coefficients, and relationships between SF-36, BILAG and DI scores using Spearman's correlation. The Chinese SF-36 showed high internal consistency (ά =0.72– 0.91) and good reliability, with correlations exceeding 0.70 for 7 scales and mean scale score differences of < 2 points for 6 scales. SF-36 scores correlated weakly with BILAG scores (–0.27 to –0.41) and DI scores (–0.24 to –0.35), and subjects' mean SF-36 scores were 6 – 24 points lower than the general population, supporting construct validity of the SP-36. These data suggest that the Chinese SF-36 is a reliable and valid measure of quality of life in patients with SLE.
Multiple bHLH proteins regulate CIT2 expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) proteins comprise a eukaryotic transcription factor family involved in multiple biological processes. They have the ability to form multiple dimer combinations and most of them also bind a 6 bp site (E‐box) with limited specificity. These properties make them ideal for combinatorial regulation of gene expression. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CIT2 gene, which encodes citrate synthase, was previously known to be induced by the bHLH proteins Rtg1p and Rtg3p in response to mitochondrial damage. Rtg1p–Rtg3p dimers bind two R‐boxes (modified E‐boxes) in the CIT2 promoter. The current study tested the ability of all nine S. cerevisiae bHLH proteins to regulate the CIT2 gene. The results showed that expression of CIT2–lacZ reporter was induced in a ρ0 strain by the presence of inositol via the Ino2p and Ino4p bHLH proteins, which are known regulators of phospholipid synthesis. Promoter mutations revealed that inositol induction required a distal E‐box in the CIT2 promoter. Interestingly, deleting the INO2, INO4 genes or the cognate E‐box revealed phosphate induction of CIT2 expression. This layer of expression required the two R‐boxes and the Pho4p bHLH protein, which is known to be required for phosphate‐specific regulation. Lastly, the data show that the Hms1p and Sgc1p bHLH proteins also play important roles in repression of CIT2–lacZ expression. Collectively, these results support the model that yeast bHLH proteins coordinate different biological pathways. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Concentrations of p-Cresyl Sulfate and Indoxyl Sulfate, but Not Inflammatory Markers, Increase in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in Parallel with Loss of Residual Renal Function

♦ Background: High serum concentrations of the protein-bound uremic retention solutes p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IndS) and inflammation are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease. Renal clearance contributes to up to 80% of the total clearance of PCS and IndS in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Cross-sectional studies evaluating the impact of residual renal function (RRF) on serum concentrations of PCS, IndS, and circulating inflammatory markers have yielded conflicting results. ♦ Methods: To clarify this issue, we carried out a prospective observational cohort study in incident PD patients (n = 35; 19 men; mean age: 55 ± 17 years). Midday blood samples were collected and analyzed for total serum PCS, IndS, C-reactive protein, and high-sensitivity interleukin 6. Peritoneal and renal clearances were calculated from urine and dialysate collections, and RRF was calculated as the mean of renal urea nitrogen and creatinine clearances. Patients were assessed 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after PD start. Differences between time points were analyzed using linear mixed models (LMMs). ♦ Results: Residual renal function declined significantly over time (LMM p < 0.0001). Peritoneal clearances of both toxins tended to increase, but did not compensate for the declining renal clearances. Serum concentrations of PCS and IndS increased significantly over time (LMM p = 0.01; p = 0.0009). In contrast, total mass removal of both toxins remained stable. Circulating inflammatory markers did not change over time. ♦ Conclusions: Our data indicate that serum concentrations of PCS and IndS, but not inflammatory markers, increase in incident PD patients in parallel with loss of RRF.
Value of Duke treadmill score in predicting coronary artery lesion and the need for revascularisation.

BACKGROUND Exercise electrocardiography is a long-standing method for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD), and it remains the initial test for most patients who can exercise adequately with a baseline interpretable electrocardiogram. However, there is little information about the relationship between Duke treadmill test score (DTS) and severity of coronary artery lesion, as well as estimating the need for revascularisation. AIM The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the DTS could be an efficient parameter in choosing coronary revascularisation in different DTS groups. METHODS Two hundred and fifty-eight (n = 258) patients had positive exercise testing for CAD and underwent coronary angiography. The patients were divided into three groups according to the DTS: low-risk (with a score of ≥ +5), moderate-risk (with scores ranging from -10 to +4), and high-risk (with a score of ≤ -11). Coronary angiography was done by the Judkins technique. A coronary lesion was considered significant when stenosis of the coronary artery was ≥ 70% and stenosis of the trunk was ≥ 50%. The SYNTAX score was determined. RESULTS The study group included 258 patients with mean age 62.66 ± 9.6 years, and most of them were men (72.8%). Patients with high- and intermediate-risk DTS had the same SYNTAX score (16.35 ± 7.3, 15.09 ± 10.08 and 11.80 ± 9.88, respectively; p = 0.064) compared to low-risk DTS. A negative correlation between DTS and significant coronary artery stenosis (r = -0.181; p = 0.005), SYNTAX score (r = -0.173; p = 0.007), and cardiac revascularisations (r = -0.213; p = 0.001) were found. In multiple linear regressions to predict coronary revascularisation the SYNTAX score (B = 0.018; p = 0.0001), DTS (B = -0.014, p = 0.008) and previous myocardial infarction (B = -0.143; p = 0.047) were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS The DTS alone is a useful tool in suspecting a significant coronary artery stenosis, but it is not accurate enough for revascularisation. Thus, by adding clinical information, its value may be maximised.
In situ electron microscopical observation of cells infected with herpes simplex virus.

Transport and release of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in an African green monkey kidney cell line (CV-1) was followed by electron microscopy for up to 24 h p.i. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed. For the former approach, electron microscopical autoradiography of whole cultured cells and in situ thin section techniques were used. The following new observations were made. (1) Except in peripheral parts of the cells, where the cytoplasmic membrane could make a ruffling movement relatively freely, virus particles were found only on the dorsal surface of the cell and not on the surface facing the substratum. By observation of thin section in situ, it was confirmed that the virus particles within intracytoplasmic vacuoles were apparently released by a reverse phagocytic process from the cell surface adjacent to microvillus projections. (2) Progeny virus particles in the nucleus moved to the cell surface within 2 h after maturation.
Tumorigenesis and Neoplastic Progression Regulation of Hepatocyte Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression by Androgen and Oncogenic Transformation in the Prostate

Beatrice S. Knudsen,* Jared M. Lucas, Ladan Fazli, Sarah Hawley,* Seth Falcon,* Ilsa M. Coleman, Dan B. Martin, Chang Xu,* Lawrence D. True, Martin E. Gleave, Peter S. Nelson, and Gustavo E. Ayala From the Divisions of Public Health Sciences,* Human Biology, and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; the Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; the Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; and the Prostate Center at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Compliance of the interstitial space in rats. I. Studies on hindlimb skeletal muscle.

Interstitial compliance, defined as the ratio between changes in interstitial fluid volume (delta IFV) and interstitial fluid pressure (delta IFP), was determined for rat skeletal muscle. IFV was measured as the extravascular distribution space for 51Cr-EDTA, while sharpened micropipettes connected to a servo-controlled counterpressure system were used to measure IFP. The experimental protocol was designed to bring about acute (2-4 h) and chronic (24-28h) tissue over- and dehydration. During dehydration, the average compliance was 0.056 ml/g dry weight . mmHg, corresponding to 1.40 ml/100 g wet tissue . mmHg, and was not significantly different in acute and chronic experiments. In hydration (acute and chronic), compliance increased several-fold when IFV increased. Even at greatly increased IFV, IFP did not rise more than 1 to 1.5 mmHg above control level. Since control IFV amounts to 10 ml/100 g wet tissue, IFV will decrease by 14% when IFP falls by 1 mmHg from this control level. Provided unchanged interstitial protein mass the dehydration will cause interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure to increase by somewhat more than 1 mmHg--from a control level of 9 mmHg. Furthermore, since IFP was not increased by more than 1 to 1.5 mmHg during hydration, an increase in IFP plays a minor role in edema-prevention compared to dilution and/or washout of interstitial proteins.