Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Guanylate binding proteins promote caspase-11–dependent pyroptosis in response to cytoplasmic LPS

Significance A major component of the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria is LPS, also known as endotoxin. LPS produced during bacterial infections triggers inflammation, which can lead to septic shock and death. Our immune system can recognize LPS both outside and inside of cells. The recognition of extracellular and vacuolar LPS by LPS binding proteins is well described, but little is known about the recognition of cytoplasmic LPS. Here, we show that cytoplasmic LPS derived from the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella activated a proinflammatory immune response. We further identified host guanylate binding proteins as critical mediators of immunity triggered by cytoplasmic LPS. These findings are likely to advance our understanding of how cells can sense intracellular LPS. IFN receptor signaling induces cell-autonomous immunity to infections with intracellular bacterial pathogens. Here, we demonstrate that IFN-inducible guanylate binding protein (Gbp) proteins stimulate caspase-11–dependent, cell-autonomous immunity in response to cytoplasmic LPS. Caspase-11–dependent pyroptosis is triggered in IFN-activated macrophages infected with the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila. The rapid induction of pyroptosis in IFN-activated macrophages required a cluster of IFN-inducible Gbp proteins encoded on mouse chromosome 3 (Gbpchr3). Induction of pyroptosis in naive macrophages by infections with the cytosol-invading ΔsdhA L. pneumophila mutant was similarly dependent on Gbpchr3, suggesting that these Gbp proteins play a role in the detection of bacteria accessing the cytosol. Cytoplasmic LPS derived from Salmonella ssp. or Escherichia coli has recently been shown to trigger caspase-11 activation and pyroptosis, but the cytoplasmic sensor for LPS and components of the caspase-11 inflammasome are not yet defined. We found that the induction of caspase-11–dependent pyroptosis by cytoplasmic L. pneumophila-derived LPS required Gbpchr3 proteins. Similarly, pyroptosis induced by cytoplasmic LPS isolated from Salmonella was diminished in Gbpchr3-deficient macrophages. These data suggest a role for Gbpchr3 proteins in the detection of cytoplasmic LPS and the activation of the noncanonical inflammasome.
A new software maintainability evaluation model based on multiple classifiers combination

A Software Maintainability Evaluation Model based on Multiple Classifiers Combination (SMEM-MCC) is proposed, which is a software metrics based evaluation method. The model includes three parts: attributes selection, model training and model interpretation. Attributes are selected using a classifying selection method based on Genetic Algorithm (GA). The sub-classifiers of the integrated model are assembled by a BP NN. A rule extracting algorithm based on decision tree is used to interpret the results of the integrated model. A Software maintainability experiments is conducted, and a dataset which includes 300 software's class design metrics is achieved. The SMEM-MCC is trained and evaluated based on the dataset. The predication results show that the model proposed in this paper work better than any other single classifier, such as BPNN, SMO or decision tree.
Measurement Issues for the Characterization of Medium Voltage Grids Communications

This paper is focused on the measurement issues and procedures for the characterization of medium voltage grids for narrowband power line communications (NB-PLCs), in the perspective of the use and integration of such technology into smart grids communication networks. The fundamentals are given for the characterization of the PLC channel, by means of noise and attenuation measurements. Suitable procedures are also developed for the characterization and modeling of the power system components in the frequency range of interest. Furthermore, the complete model of the PLC system is experimentally validated in a real case study.
Bridging the gap between corporate social responsibility and new green product success: The role of green organizational identity

In this study we explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility and new green product success based on organizational identity theory. The hypotheses are tested on a sample of 150 companies in China. The results indicate that corporate social responsibility positively affects both green organizational identity and green adaptive ability. We also find that green organizational identity and green adaptive ability are positively influences on new green product success. In addition, we find that green organizational identity partially mediates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and green adaptive ability. Moreover, green organizational identity fully mediates the link between corporate social responsibility and new green product success. This means that corporate social responsibility indirectly and positively affects new green product success through green organizational identity. These results suggest that managers should seek to enhance their organizational sense of green identity and improve their organizational green adaptive ability, which will facilitate their firm's sustainable development. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings for environmental policy are also discussed.
The effect of a short integrated study skills programme for first-year medical students at risk of failure: A randomised controlled trial

Background: There is a need for outcome-based studies on strategies for supporting at-risk medical students that use long-term follow-up and contemporaneous controls. Aim: To measure the effect of a short integrated study skills programme (SSP) on the study progress of at-risk medical students. Methods: First-year students identified as at-risk of academic failure at 7 months after enrolment were invited to participate in the randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the SSP group or to a control group receiving standard academic support. Effects of SSP were measured on the short (passed first exam after intervention), medium (obtained enough credits to proceed to second year) and long term (completed first-year curriculum within 2 years). Results: SSP participants (n = 43) more often passed the first exam after the intervention than controls (n = 41; 30% versus 12%; X2(1) = 4.06, p < 0.005, effect size = 0.22), in particular those who had previously passed at least one exam. No medium or long-term effect was found. Participants who had attended four or five SSP sessions outperformed those who had attended fewer sessions on all outcome measures. Conclusion: A short, integrated SSP benefited some, but not all students. Our advice is to focus support efforts on at-risk students who have demonstrated commitment and academic potential.
Experiences of ethical dilemmas in rehabilitation: Swedish occupational therapists’ perspectives

The aim of this study was to describe Swedish occupational therapists’ experiences of encountering ethical dilemmas in rehabilitation and strategies they used to handle the situations. Twelve occupational therapists who work with adults with developmental disabilities were interviewed using a semi-structured interview design. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that ethical dilemmas were common in the occupational therapists’ daily work within rehabilitation. Many situations that created ethical dilemmas were related to occupational therapists who worked with clients and their relatives, and other healthcare providers. The results showed further that occupational therapists found it difficult to make decisions and to optimize clients’ participation in decision-making, to set limits and act professionally, and to best handle the situation for the client and avoid ethical dilemmas. This study indicates the importance of illustrating experiences of ethical dilemmas within occupational therapy praxis and the meaning of discussing ethical dilemmas with different healthcare providers to reach a divided view of the client in order to develop successful and healthy strategies that will optimize the rehabilitation of clients with developmental disabilities.
Subject-independent, SSVEP-based BCI: Trading off among accuracy, responsiveness and complexity

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) can provide users with an alternative/augmentative interaction path, based on the interpretation of their brain activity. Steady State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) is a good candidate for BCI-enabled communication/control applications. In this paper, we compare different reference signal processing methods, including two we developed ad hoc, assessing how they perform with respect to different indicators (not necessarily convergent, such as accuracy, computational effort and responsiveness). All the tests are performed on the subject population as a whole, in an effort to produce subject-independent methods. We also discuss a strategy for improving the classification accuracy by introducing an indicator related to the prediction confidence. Finally, a method for adaptively changing the length of the observed EEG window is presented.
The borderline patient's intolerance of aloneness: insecure attachments and therapist availability.

OBJECTIVE This article describes the clinical and theoretical significance of intolerance of aloneness for patients with borderline personality disorder. It is intended to make their treatment more effective and less burdensome. METHOD Clinical observations from the author's more than 9,000 hours of psychotherapeutic work and 500 psychotherapy consultations with borderline patients are synthesized with findings of relevant empirical studies and attachment theory. RESULTS Intolerance of aloneness is a deficit that is associated with the borderline patient's typical clinging and attention-seeking or detached forms of attachment. Suggestions are given for ways in which clinicians can respond to these dysfunctional attachment behaviors to diminish the patient's feared aloneness without encouraging unnecessary regressions. A framework for understanding the long-term attachment processes required to correct this deficit is offered. CONCLUSIONS Intolerance of aloneness is a core deficit in borderline patients that can become less handicapping with reliable, but not excessive, responsiveness of the therapist.
Rapid cell blocks improve accuracy of breast FNAs beyond that provided by conventional cell blocks regardless of immediate adequacy evaluation

A new “rapid cell block” technique (RCB; the predecessor of Cellient™ Automated Cell Block System) is efficient at recovering sparse material. We previously found that RCBs of breast fine‐needle aspirations (FNAs) frequently allow histologic classification of problematic ductal proliferative lesions. Previous studies that did not emphasize cell blocks found that on‐site evaluation (OSE) of breast FNAs improves diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine if RCB could replace the utility of OSE of breast FNAs. The study included 604 consecutive ultrasound‐guided noncyst breast FNAs composed of three cohorts based on the presence or absence of immediate adequacy assessment, conventional (collodion bag) cell blocks (CCB), and RCB. The cohort with OSE together with CCB did not perform as well as the cohort without OSE but with RCB. In a third cohort, performance characteristics of RCBs and CCBs were compared in an independent review by two cytopathologists blinded to the final cytology and follow‐up histology diagnosis. By itself, the RCB histologic section was diagnostic 97% of the time, and it provided a diagnostic accuracy superior to CCB by itself and comparable to that provided by the combination of the smears with CCB. Highest accuracy was obtained by combining smears/monolayer preparations and RCB. Replacing OSE with RCBs provided substantial cost savings and savings of time for cytopathologists, radiologists, and their assistants. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:523–529. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of a new index for estimating arterial stiffness: Measurement of the QPV interval by doppler ultrasound

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a relevant indicator of arterial stiffness, can be measured noninvasively with a variety of automatic devices, but most are complexly equipped. We developed a novel index for estimating arterial stiffness as “QPV interval,” which was determined by means of surface electrocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound of the brachial artery simultaneously.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using polyetheretherketone oblique cages with and without a titanium coating: A RANDOMISED CLINICAL PILOT STUDY

Aims We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of using a polyetheretherketone cage with (TiPEEK) and without a titanium coating (PEEK) for instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Materials and Methods We conducted a randomised clinical pilot trial of 40 patients who were scheduled to undergo a TLIF procedure at one or two levels between L2 and L5. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), EuroQoL‐5D, and back and leg pain were determined pre‐operatively, and at three, six, and 12 months post‐operatively. Fusion rates were assessed by thin slice CT at three months and by functional radiography at 12 months. Results At final follow‐up, one patient in each group had been lost to follow‐up. Two patients in each of the PEEK and TiPEEK groups were revised for pseudarthrosis (p = 1.00). The rate of complete or partial fusion at three months was 91.7% in both groups. Overall, there were no significant differences in ODI or in radiological outcomes between the groups. Conclusion Favourable results with identical clinical outcomes and a high rate of fusion was seen in both groups. The titanium coating appears to have no negative effects on outcome or safety in the short term. A future study to determine the effect of titanium coating is warranted.
Parent-reported language skills in relation to otitis media during the first 3 years of life.

As part of a larger study of the potential impact of early-life otitis media (OM) on speech, language, cognition, and behavior, we studied the degree of association between parent-reported language scores at ages 1, 2, and 3 years and the cumulative duration of middle-ear effusion (MEE) during the first 3 years of life in a demographically diverse sample of 621 children. We estimated the cumulative percentage of days with MEE from prospective monthly observations of middle-ear status and interpolations for periods between visits. For each child, parents completed the appropriate inventory of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDI; L. Fenson et al., 1993) at ages 1, 2, and 3 years. We also evaluated the contribution of maternal education, as a proxy for socioeconomic status, to scores on the parent reports. Scores on the new CDI-III (B. Oliver et al., in press) varied positively with sociodemographic variables and were significantly correlated with scores from the CDI used when the children were younger. Unadjusted correlations between scores at ages 1 and 2 years and the percentages of days with MEE in the respective antecedent periods were statistically nonsignificant or of questionable clinical importance. The correlations between parent-reported scores at age 3 years and children's cumulative percentage of days with MEE in Years 1, 2, and 3 combined ranged from -. 187 to -. 248 (all p values < .001). The percentage of days with MEE and maternal education each contributed independently to scores at age 3 years. In the light of other findings from the larger study, we think it likely that the negative associations between language measures and MEE reflect confounding factors that contribute, on the one hand, to the duration of OM in young children and, on the other hand, to slow development of their language skills.
Phase II study of vinorelbine with protracted fluorouracil infusion as a second- or third-line approach for advanced breast cancer patients previously treated with anthracyclines.

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility and activity of vinorelbine in association with protracted infusional fluorouracil in patients with advanced breast cancer who were previously treated with anthracycline-containing regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighty-three consecutive patients were entered onto the study. Forty-three patients experienced treatment failure or relapse after anthracycline-based, first-line chemotherapy for advanced disease and 29 experienced treatment failure or relapse after first- and second-line approaches; 11 patients experienced progressive disease within 6 months of completion of adjuvant anthracycline therapy. Sites of involvement were as follows: liver involvement, 42 patients (50.6%); lung 24 (28.9%); bone, 49 (59.0%); and skin/lymph nodes, 21 (25.3%). Treatment consisted of vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) administered on days 1 and 15 every 28 days and fluorouracil 200 mg/m(2)/d given continuously over a 24-hour period. RESULTS Toxicity was recorded for 441 cycles. The scheme was well tolerated: grade 1/2 nausea/vomiting occurred in 13 patients (15.6%), grade 1/2 diarrhea in nine (10.8%), and grade 2/3 stomatitis in six (7.2%). Three patients (3.6%) experienced grade 3/4 leukopenia and four (4.8%) experienced grade 2/3 anemia. Grade 2/3 neurologic toxicity was observed in three cases (3.6%), and grade 2/3 hand-foot syndrome was observed in three (3.6%). The median relative dose-intensity was 92% and 100% for vinorelbine and fluorouracil, respectively. Six patients (7.2%) attained a complete clinical response and 45 (54.2%) attained a partial response, for an overall response rate of 61.4% (95% confidence interval, 50.9% to 71.9%). Twenty-one patients (25.3%) obtained disease stabilization, and 11 (13.3%) experienced disease progression. Median time to progression in responding patients was 15 months; median overall survival of the entire population was 22 months. CONCLUSION Vinorelbine associated with protracted infusional fluorouracil is an active and manageable scheme in advanced breast cancer patients previously treated with anthracyclines. The response obtained is durable.
Development of a one-dimensional sharing block detector using dual PMTs for PET

We propose and test a one-dimensional (1-D) sharing block detector using dual photo-multiplier tubes (PMT). The detector consists of scintillator blocks and dual PMTs. The dual PMTs are optically coupled on the scintillator blocks and overlap in one dimensional. With this configuration, the scintillator size of the block detector can be reduced to half that of a conventional block detector in one direction, and isotropic spatial resolution can be obtained in transaxial and axial directions using commercially available dual PMTs. First, we measure the position and energy response for minimum configuration; one GSO block and two dual PMTs. The size of a single GSO is 2.9 mm/spl times/2.9 mm/spl times/20 mm. The scintillators are arranged in an 8/spl times/8 matrix with multi-layer optical film inserted partly between scintillators to obtain the resolved position response. We obtain good position and energy responses with this configuration. Next, we fabricate a 1-D sharing block detector with five GSO blocks and six dual PMTs. With this configuration, we also obtain reasonable position and energy responses. These results indicate that the proposed 1-D sharing block detector is a promising solution for developing high-resolution and low cost PET systems.
Enhanced UF-OFDM for Long-Delay Multipath Fading Environment

In this paper, we propose an enhanced universal filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (eUF- OFDM) to achieve low out-of-band emission (OOBE) while maintaining high communication quality under the long-delay multipath fading environment by combinedly using a cyclic prefix (CP) and a filter with short-transition time. The proposed eUF- OFDM can suppress the OOBE at channel-edge by 25 dB compared to the conventional OFDM. Furthermore, the proposed eUFOFDM improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to achieve block-error-rate (BLER) = 10⁻³ by 1.3 dB compared to the conventional UF-OFDM under the long- delay multipath fading mobile environment.
Needle path detection for brachytherapy dosimetry based on lateral power imaging and template matching

Brachytherapy is a treatment for prostate cancer with highly successful outcomes. During brachytherapy, radioactive seeds are implanted in and around the prostate based on a designed plan. Accurate detection of the implanted seeds and their position relative to prostate are important for dosimetry during and after brachytherapy. We propose a method to identify the needle paths in ultrasound images based on reflected power imaging and matching the temporal profile of the potential seeds with that of a set of template seed images. These needle tracks are used for line to line registration to needle tracks extracted from five fluoroscopy images. The needle tracks in fluoroscopy data are extracted based on the random sample consensus algorithm. Very accurate results in phantom studies and a promising patient study are reported. In the patient study, 16 out of 22 needle tracks were successfully extracted from ultrasound data.
Transcriptional and physiological adaptation to defective protein‐O‐mannosylation in Candida albicans

Five Pmt isoforms O‐mannosylate secretory proteins in Candida albicans. Comparisons of genome‐wide transcript patterns of each pmt mutant revealed commonly downregulated genes involved in glycolysis and glycerol production. Increased phosphorylation of the Cek1p‐ but not the Mkc1p‐MAP kinase, as well as increased transcript levels for some stress‐related genes were detected in the pmt1 strain but not in the other pmt mutants. The transcriptomal pattern after short‐term inhibition of Pmt1p activity confirmed stress responses, but did not indicate an alteration of glycolytic flow. Short‐ but not long‐term adaptation to Pmt1p inhibition required signalling components Cek1p, Mkc1p, Efg1p and Tpk1p. Cna1p (calcineurin) but not its downstream effectors Crz1p and Crz2p was generally essential to allow growth during Pmt1p inhibition; accordingly, cyclosporin A strongly inhibited growth of the pmt1 mutant. The lack of Pmt isoforms influenced transcript levels for the remaining isoforms both positively and negatively, suggesting complex cross‐regulation among PMT genes. These results confirm individual functions of Pmt isoforms but suggest a common biphasic adaptation response to Pmt deficiency. While known signalling pathways modulate adaptation for a short‐term, long‐term adaptation requires calcineurin, adjustments of remaining Pmt activities and of glycolytic flow.