Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Illness perception in patients with differentiated epithelial cell thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually have a good prognosis but may experience a decline in quality of life (QOL). The way patients perceive their illness may have a major impact on their QOL. Our hypothesis was that patients with DTC frequently perceive their illness as much more severe than its objective clinical characteristics indicate. The aim of the study was to investigate how patients with DTC perceive their illness and to correlate these findings to various demographic parameters as well as objective indices of disease severity. METHODS The self-administered Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) was completed by consecutive patients with DTC during routine follow-up at the endocrine clinic. The questionnaire consists of three parts that measure different aspects of illness perception. The patients' medical records were reviewed for data on demographic parameters (sex, age) and indices of disease severity (duration of DTC, disease stage at diagnosis, number of operations, number of radioactive iodine treatments, and evidence of disease persistence/recurrence). The patients were also asked for additional data on family status, level of education, and employment status. Pearson and Spearman correlations and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The study group included 110 patients (91 women) of mean age 53.5 years. Level of education was the only demographic factor found to affect the patients' perception of their illness. There was no correlation of patient illness perception and cancer stage. Among the disease-severity parameters, time since last treatment, evidence of disease persistence, and number of iodine treatments were significantly associated with a negative disease perception. Number of iodine treatments was the most broadly affecting factor. There was a high correlation of scores among the various illness perception subscales. CONCLUSIONS Patients with DTC perceive their illness on a subjective, emotional basis unrelated to its actual severity. To improve patients' illness representations and, consequently, their QOL, a trained psychologist should be included in the multidisciplinary team that manages patients with DTC. Attention should be particularly directed to less-educated patients and patients who require repeated iodine treatments.
Nutritional Immunity: S100 Proteins at the Host-Pathogen Interface*

The S100 family of EF-hand calcium (Ca2+)-binding proteins is essential for a wide range of cellular functions. During infection, certain S100 proteins act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and interact with pattern recognition receptors to modulate inflammatory responses. In addition, these inflammatory S100 proteins have potent antimicrobial properties and are essential components of the immune response to invading pathogens. In this review, we focus on S100 proteins that exhibit antimicrobial properties through the process of metal limitation, termed nutritional immunity, and discuss several recent advances in our understanding of S100 protein-mediated metal sequestration at the site of infection.
Epstein-Barr virus nuclear protein 2 is a critical determinant for tumor growth in SCID mice and for transformation in vitro

Injection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed human lymphoblastoid B cells into immunodeficient SCID mice results in the appearance of rapidly growing, fatal human B-cell tumors. To evaluate the role of EBV nuclear protein 2 (EBNA-2) in this process, we generated lymphoblastoid cell lines transformed by several EBV mutants which were identical except for deletions in the EBNA-2 gene (J. I. Cohen, F. Wang, and E. Kieff, J. Virol. 65:2545-2554, 1991). These cell lines were injected intraperitoneally into SCID mice, and the interval until tumor detection was determined. Cell lines transformed with EBV type 1 (strain W91) or with EBV type 2 (strain P3HR-1) with an inserted type 1 EBNA-2 gene grew at the same rapid rate, indicating the potential importance of EBNA-2 for tumor formation in vivo. Cell lines derived from three different EBV mutants with deletions in the amino half of EBNA-2 produced tumors more slowly than cell lines transformed by wild-type W91 virus. In contrast, a cell line transformed with an EBV mutant with a deletion in the carboxy terminus of EBNA-2 grew more rapidly than cell lines transformed by wild-type virus. EBV mutants with deletions in the amino half of EBNA-2 had had reduced transforming activity in vitro, while the carboxy-terminal EBNA-2 mutant had had transforming activity greater than or equal to that of the wild type. These data indicate that EBNA-2 plays a critical role both for B-cell tumor growth in SCID mice and for B-lymphocyte transformation in vitro.
Activation of Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Mediates Attractive Growth Cone Guidance through Regulation of Growth Cone Actin and Adhesion Receptors

The development of a functioning neural network relies on responses of axonal growth cones to molecular guidance cues that are encountered en route to their target tissue. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 serve as attractive cues for chick embryo sensory growth cones in vitro and in vivo, but little is known about the actin-binding proteins necessary to mediate this response. The evolutionarily conserved ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of proteins can tether actin filaments to the cell membrane when phosphorylated at a conserved threonine residue. Here we show that acute neurotrophin stimulation rapidly increases active phospho-ERM levels in chick sensory neuron growth cone filopodia, coincident with an increase in filopodial L1 and β-integrin. Disrupting ERM function with a dominant-negative construct (DN-ERM) results in smaller and less motile growth cones with disorganized actin filaments. Previously, we found that NGF treatment increases actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin activity and growth cone F-actin (Marsick et al., 2010). Here, we show this F-actin increase, as well as attractive turning to NGF, is blocked when ERM function is disrupted despite normal activation of ADF/cofilin. We further show that DN-ERM expression disrupts leading edge localization of active ADF/cofilin and free F-actin barbed ends. Moreover, filopodial phospho-ERM levels are increased by incorporation of active ADF/cofilin and reduced by knockdown of L1CAM.Together, these data suggest that ERM proteins organize actin filaments in sensory neuron growth cones and are crucial for neurotrophin-induced remodeling of F-actin and redistribution of adhesion receptors.
Psychophysiological Responses to Robotic Rehabilitation Tasks in Stroke

This paper presents the analysis of four psychophysiological responses in post-stroke upper extremity rehabilitation. The goal was to determine which psychophysiological responses would provide the most reliable information about subjects' psychological states during rehabilitation. Heart rate, skin conductance, respiration, and skin temperature were recorded in a stroke group and a control group during two difficulty levels of a pick-and-place task performed in a virtual environment using a haptic robot and during a cognitive task. Psychophysiological measurements were correlated with results of a self-report questionnaire. All four responses showed significant changes in response to the different tasks. Skin conductance differentiated between the two difficulty levels and was correlated with self-reported arousal in both stroke and control groups. Skin temperature differentiated between the two difficulty levels for the control group, but provided poor results for the stroke group. Heart rate and respiration increased during tasks, but their connection to psychological state was unclear. Results suggest that, of the four measured responses, skin conductance offers the most potential as a psychological state indicator, with other measures providing supplementary information. Psychophysiological measurements could thus be used in closed-loop biocooperative systems that would detect the user's psychological state and change the course of therapy accordingly.
Under-sampling trajectory design for compressed sensing based DCE-MRI

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) needs high temporal and spatial resolution to accurately estimate quantitative parameters and characterize tumor vasculature. Compressed Sensing (CS) has the potential to accomplish this mutual importance. However, the randomness in CS under-sampling trajectory designed using the traditional variable density (VD) scheme may translate to uncertainty in kinetic parameter estimation when high reduction factors are used. Therefore, accurate parameter estimation using VD scheme usually needs multiple adjustments on parameters of Probability Density Function (PDF), and multiple reconstructions even with fixed PDF, which is inapplicable for DCE-MRI. In this paper, an under-sampling trajectory design which is robust to the change on PDF parameters and randomness with fixed PDF is studied. The strategy is to adaptively segment k-space into low-and high frequency domain, and only apply VD scheme in high-frequency domain. Simulation results demonstrate high accuracy and robustness comparing to VD design.
Clot growth under periodically fluctuating shear rate.

To control the morphology of a clot formed on an artificial flow path in pulsatile blood flow, the hydrodynamic effect of periodically fluctuating shear rate on clot growth has been quantitatively investigated in vitro. Uniform shear rates were applied to a sample of beagle blood in the concave-convex cones system. These shear rates were sinusoidally fluctuated between a maximum and a minimum in one direction at frequencies between 0.1 and 0.6 Hz. Evaluation of clot growth was derived from a clot ratio, which was experimentally determined from the rate of increase of frictional torque between the two cones. The results show that clot growth is controlled so as not to occupy a large space when the minimum shear rate is higher than 100 s-1, or when the time of application of lower (< 100 s-1) shear rates is modified by the intermittent application of higher (> 500 s-1) shear rates as long as the frequency is less than 0.6 Hz.
DNA Recognition by Hybrid Oligoether-Oligodeoxynucleotide Macrocycles.

The sequence-specific binding of RNA and DNA by synthetic oligonucleotides and analogues is important as a diagnostic tool in the study of naturally ocurring polynucleotides and is the subject of intense research as a potential therapeutic strategy as well. [1–3] Two limitations of natural DNA oligomers in these applications are their low binding affinity[2] and also their limited stability, due to cleavage by exo-and endonucleases which occur in natural systems. [4, 5] We report here the construction of circular hybrid molecules which contain two oligonucleotide domains bridged by two oligoethylene glycol chains. These molecules bind with high affinity to complementary strands of RNA and DNA and display exceptional resistance to degradation by nucleases.
Offline web application and quiz synchronization for e-learning activity for mobile browser

Rapid growing of internet applications and users has led the improvement of mobile web browser technology and standards such as HTML5. Recently, HTML5 is turning to be a de facto standard after some of its features has been implemented in major mobile web browsers. Moodle as a web based Learning Management System (LMS) has been popular in academic environment for supporting learning activities and allows teacher giving quiz online. However, some schools do not have an such expensive infrastructure to bring their LMS to the Internet. In addition, at home, some students may have difficulties to get online access. To address such problem, In this paper, we propose a prototype of offline web application and task synchronization in e-learning activity. This system utilizes the offline application capability and web storage of HTML5 enabled mobile web browser to bring an offline user interface to students. Using this system students are able synchronize their mobile phone with campus moodle for task retrieval/submission during their time in campus. and later doing the task at home without having to get online. Besides giving the concept, a prototype has been implemented to show its functionality.
Considerations on a new approach of the confidence interval for population mean

In statistical analysis the usefulness of confidence intervals is undeniable. Taking into account the uncertainty associated with samples, the estimation of the population parameters can be performed by confidence intervals. In other words, as long as there is randomness and finite sample size (which define the reality) estimation of statistical indicators will be done by confidence intervals. Inspired by the methods used for proportions (frequency of an event), we propose and study a new confidence interval for the mean of a continuous random variable. The main idea comes from the Wilson interval and we shape a similar formula for computing the mean bounds. Numerical simulation results show advantages but also limitations of the newly proposed method.
Poly[[tetraaquadi-μ4-oxalato-μ2-oxalato-dineodymium(III)] dihydrate]

The title compound, {[Nd2(C2O4)3(H2O)4]·2H2O}n, was synthesized hydrothermally in the presence of bis(carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide. It is isostructural with the corresponding Pr compound [Yang et al. (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, m1152–m1153]. The Nd3+ cation is nine-coordinated and its coordination polyhedron can be described as a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. Two Nd3+ ions are connected by two O atoms from two oxalate ions to give a dinuclear Nd2 unit. The unit is further linked to four others via four oxalate ions yielding a layerparallel to (0-11). The linkages between the layers by neighbouring oxalate anions lead to a three-dimensional framework with channels along the c axis. The coordinating and free water molecules are located in the channels and make contact with each other and the host framework by weak O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Correcting the axial shrinkage of skeletal muscle thick sections visualized by confocal microscopy

Confocal microscopy is a suitable method for measurements and visualization of skeletal muscle fibres and the neighbouring capillaries. When using 3D images of thick sections the tissue deformation effects should be avoided. We studied the deformation in thick sections of the rat skeletal muscle from complete stacks of images captured with confocal microscope. We measured the apparent thickness of the stacks and compared it to the slice thickness deduced from calibrated microtome settings. The ratio of both values yielded the axial scaling factor for every image stack. Careful sample preparation and treatment of the tissue cryosections with cold Ringer solution minimize the tissue deformation. We conclude that rescaling by the inverse of the axial scaling factor of the stack of optical slices in the direction of the microscope optical axis satisfactorily corrects the axial deformation of skeletal muscle samples.
Graduate nurses’ experience of feedback, support and anxiety: a pilot study

Objective The aims of this study were to investigate the association between feedback and anxiety, while also exploring the feedback and support experiences of graduate nurses. Design This study used a mixed methods approach. Setting Participants completed an online survey. Subjects The study included 107 Australian graduate nurses. Main outcome measures Anxiety and feedback. Results Using bivariate regression a negative relationship was identified between feedback and anxiety. Further analysis using one‐way analysis of variance revealed that participants who received regular and quality feedback and support, reported the lowest anxiety. The second aim was assessed by reviewing participants’ subjective comments regarding their experiences as graduate nurses. Results revealed high variability in feedback and support experiences. The data gathered suggests graduate nurses experience anxiety during their transition from university to professional nursing. Conclusion The provision of regular feedback and support was associated with reduced anxiety in graduate nurses. These preliminary findings highlight the importance of regular and appropriate feedback and support to facilitate learning, successful role transition and improved patient outcomes.
Hemodilution, vasopressin suppression, and diuresis during water immersion in man.

We hypothesize that hemodilution in the early stages of water immersion plays an important role in vasopressin (AVP) suppression and subsequent diuresis. Ten men (19-24 years) were immersed to the neck in a semireclining position for 8 h in 34.6 degree C tap water. After 8 h of immersion there were decreases (p less than 0.05) in plasma volume (PV) of 15.6%, extracellular volume (ECV) of 18.8%, interstitial volume (ISV) of 19.6%, and red cell volume of 10.7%. Hemodilution (hyposmotem years) were immersed to the neck in a semireclining position for 8 h in 34.6 degree C tap water. After 8 h of immersion there were decreases (p less than 0.05) in plasma volume (PV) of 15.6%, extracellular volume (ECV) of 18.8%, interstitial volume (ISV) of 19.6%, and red cell volume of 10.7%. Hemodilution (hyposmotem years) were immersed to the neck in a semireclining position for 8 h in 34.6 degree C tap water. After 8 h of immersion there were decreases (p less than 0.05) in plasma volume (PV) of 15.6%, extracellular volume (ECV) of 18.8%, interstitial volume (ISV) of 19.6%, and red cell volume of 10.7%. Hemodilution (hyposmotem of 4 mosmol/kg H2O) and near maximal suppression of AVP (to 0.5 pg/ml) and plasma renin activity (to 0.4 ng Ang 1 .ml-1.h-1) were evident by hour 2 of immersion. The early hemodilution (2-2 h) was due to a slight increase in PV with no change in plasma Na+ or osmotic content, even though urine volume and UosmV increased significantly. The hyposmotemia and PRA suppression continued throughout immersion in spite of the progressively increasing diuresis and decreasing PV. These findings suggest the transfer of hypotonic fluid into the vascular system; this fluid does not appear to come from the intracellular volume. We conclude that hyposmotemia is an important part of the mechanism contributing to AVP suppression during water immersion.
Human endogenous retrovirus-K contributes to motor neuron disease

Human endogenous retrovirus-K is activated in the cortical neurons of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and expression of the viral envelope protein in mouse brain reproduces the clinical and pathological phenotype of this disease. A viral endgame A large number of viral sequences are present in the human genome but remain silent. However, under pathological conditions, these viruses can get expressed. Li et al. now report that one such virus, human endogenous retrovirus-K, is expressed in neurons of a subpopulation of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The envelope protein of this virus causes degeneration of neurons, and transgenic animals expressing this protein develop an ALS-like syndrome caused by nucleolar dysfunction in motor neurons. Reactivation of the virus is regulated by the transcription factor TDP-43. Thus, therapeutic approaches against this virus could potentially alter the course of the disease. The role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in disease pathogenesis is unclear. We show that HERV-K is activated in a subpopulation of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and that its envelope (env) protein may contribute to neurodegeneration. The virus was expressed in cortical and spinal neurons of ALS patients, but not in neurons from control healthy individuals. Expression of HERV-K or its env protein in human neurons caused retraction and beading of neurites. Transgenic animals expressing the env gene developed progressive motor dysfunction accompanied by selective loss of volume of the motor cortex, decreased synaptic activity in pyramidal neurons, dendritic spine abnormalities, nucleolar dysfunction, and DNA damage. Injury to anterior horn cells in the spinal cord was manifested by muscle atrophy and pathological changes consistent with nerve fiber denervation and reinnervation. Expression of HERV-K was regulated by TAR (trans-activation responsive) DNA binding protein 43, which binds to the long terminal repeat region of the virus. Thus, HERV-K expression within neurons of patients with ALS may contribute to neurodegeneration and disease pathogenesis.
OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIODIICOLA DERMATITIS IN EIGHT FREE-RANGING TIMBER RATTLESNAKES (CROTALUS HORRIDUS) FROM MASSACHUSETTS

Abstract: Eight free-ranging timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from two geographically isolated Massachusetts populations were observed with skin lesions located primarily on the head but occasionally also on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the body. The snakes underwent health assessments that included physical examination, clinical pathology, full body radiographs, and full thickness biopsies of skin lesions. Each snake had fungal elements present histologically in tissue sections from skin lesions. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola was identified from skin lesions using polymerase chain reaction in all eight snakes.
The mass media in Vietnam

its job. In fact, because Le's story is noticeably void of any sort of systematic physical violence or abuse toward prisoners, readers can only assume that the communists did not have to revert to such tactics, because their psychological maneuverings were so successful. However, Le's memoir is deficient when it comes to moving beyond the "mind games" theme and offering readers a fuller, more in-depth picture of his life and times in the prison camps. For instance, the best he can do when giving us tidbits of what he is feeling or thinking is usually nothing more than a superficial: " Today I feel tired," " I am hungry," or "I feel sick. " In short, we come to know very little about Le himself, not to mention other prisoners and cadres. In addition, and more understandable given the very essence of imprisonment, not much seems to happen. Of course, Le does not want to invent situations simply to entertain readers; on the other hand, he does not want to turn his telling into an extravagant listing of routines and repetitions (of getting up, eating, being counted by the guards, walking off to work in the fields, returning to the camp, again being counted by the guards, eating, going to sleep, etc.). Although readers can see how an environment of bland routine, of day after day, week after week of mindless repetition would be fertile ground for the stuff of rumor, so much of Le's telling becomes bogged down with the dull repetition of prison life, that readers end up asking themselves, "Why are we being told this—again? "
Impact of Proximity and Management Interventions on Knowledge Transfer in Technology-based Mergers and Acquisitions TITRE DE LA THESE / TITLE OF THESIS

The present study proposes a conceptual framework for investigation of how various dimensions of proximity (i.e. geographical, cognitive, organizational) and management interventions influence knowledge transfer and innovation in technology M&A. This research objective is achieved through a qualitative multiple case study, which included three M&A cases involving technology-based companies. Evidence supports the links between various dimensions of proximity and knowledge transfer, and subsequently, between knowledge transfer and innovation. The study also confirms the importance of management interventions, especially in retaining key employees to preserve and transfer knowledge. The study contributes to the literature by illuminating the relationship between various dimensions of proximity and M&A knowledge transfer, which so far has not been well researched and established by prior studies, and by providing a new perspective to view cognitive proximity. In addition, it provides directions for managerial practices to select M&A partners and to manage post-M&A knowledge transfer.