Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomised trial of peri‐operative positive airway pressure for postoperative delirium in patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnoea after regional anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia for joint arthroplasty

Previous pilot work has established an association between obstructive sleep apnoea and the development of acute postoperative delirium , but it remains unclear to what extent this risk factor is modifiable in the ‘real world’ peri‐operative setting. In a single‐blind randomised controlled trial, 135 elderly surgical patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnoea were randomly assigned to receive peri‐operative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or routine care. Of the 114 patients who completed the study, 21 (18.4%) experienced delirium. Delirium was equally common in both groups: 21% (12 of 58 subjects) in the CPAP group and 16% (9 of 56 subjects) in the routine care group (OR = 1.36 [95%CI 0.52–3.54], p = 0.53). Delirious subjects were slightly older – mean (SD) age 68.9 (10.7) vs. 64.9 (8.2), p = 0.07 – but had nearly identical pre‐operative STOP‐Bang scores (4.19 (1.1) versus 4.27 (1.3), p = 0.79). Subjects in the CPAP group used their devices for a median (IQR [range]) of 3 (0.25–5 [0–12]) nights pre‐operatively (2.9 (0.1–4.8 [0.0–12.7]) hours per night) and 1 (0–2 [0–2]) nights postoperatively (1.4 (0.0–5.1 [0.0–11.6]) hours per night). Among the CPAP subjects, the residual pre‐operative apnoea–hypopnea index had a significant effect on delirium severity (p = 0.0002). Although we confirm that apnoea is associated with postoperative delirium, we did not find that providing a short‐course of auto‐titrating CPAP affected its likelihood or severity. Voluntary adherence to CPAP is particularly poor during the initiation of therapy.
T‐cell stimulating protein A (TspA) of Neisseria meningitidis is required for optimal adhesion to human cells

T‐cell stimulating protein A (TspA) is an immunogenic, T‐cell and B‐cell stimulating protein of Neisseria meningitidis. Sequence similarity between TspA and FimV, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa protein involved in twitching motility, suggested a link between TspA and type IV pili (Tfp). To determine the role of TspA an isogenic deletion mutant was created. Loss of TspA did not affect twitching motility or piliation indicating that there are functional differences between TspA and FimV. Mutation of tspA led to a significant reduction in adhesion of meningococci to meningothelial and HEp‐2 cells, which was not due to a lack of transcription of adjacent genes or pilC1. Other Tfp‐mediated phenotypes (i.e. auto‐aggregation and transformation competence) were not altered. Our results indicate that the role of TspA in adhesion is unlikely to be directly linked to the function of Tfp. TspA was expressed by all N. meningitidis and Neisseria polysaccharea strains examined but not by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Neisseria lactamica, although sequences with homology to tspA were present in their genomes. In summary, TspA is a highly conserved antigen that is required for optimal adhesion of meningococci to human cells.
Compressive Sensing with Sparse Measurement Matrices

This paper discusses compressive sensing with sparse measurement matrices. Sparse matrices have several attractive properties, like low computational complexity in both encoding and recovery, easy incremental updates to signals, and low storage requirement, etc. Typical examples of existing algorithms for sparse signal recovery with sparse measurement matrices include convex relaxation, matching pursuit, and Bayesian framework based approaches. In this paper, we propose an alternative technique to this problem. The proposed technique has a linear recovery complexity and relatively good empirical behavior. In this technique, we employ a permutation-based multi-dimensional measurement matrix, which is composed of several sub-matrices, each consisting of a block-diagonal matrix and a random permutation matrix. The measurement symbols generated from the same permutation matrix are referred to as a dimension. Such a measurement matrix brings some useful features to the measurement symbols. Fully exploiting these features enables us to design a simple and effective recovery algorithm. The proposed recovery algorithm employs an iterative process. In each iteration, the algorithm looks for measurement symbols with certain features, and uses such features to recover the source symbols related to these measurements. An iterative process is then applied, along with an interference cancellation operation, to reconstruct all source symbols gradually. The complexity of the proposed algorithm is relatively low, which grows linearly with the source signal length. Numerical results show that the proposed technique empirically offers a much lower sketch length than ℓ1-minimization-based convex relaxation and Bayesian framework based algorithms. It achieves the empirical lower bound of sketch length and linear recovery complexity at the same time.
Triple-Rule-Out Computed Tomography Angiography With 256-Slice Computed Tomography Scanners: Patient-Specific Assessment of Radiation Burden and Associated Cancer Risk

Objectives:Risk-benefit analysis of triple-rule-out 256-slice computed tomography angiography (TRO-CTA) requires data on associated cancer risks, currently not available. The aim of the current study was to provide estimates of patient radiation burden and lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of radiation-induced cancer in patients undergoing typical 256-slice TRO-CTA. Materials and Methods:Standard step-and-shoot 256-slice TRO-CTA exposures were simulated on 31 male and 31 female individual-specific voxelized phantoms using a Monte Carlo CT dosimetry software. Dose images were generated depicting the dose deposition on the exposed body region of the patient. Organ doses were obtained for all primarily irradiated radiosensitive organs. Organ doses were correlated to patient body size. TRO-CTA effective dose was estimated from (a) organ doses and (b) dose-length product data. Recently published sex-, age-, and organ-specific cancer risk factors were used to estimate the total LAR of radiation-induced cancer. The theoretical risks of radiation-induced cancer to the lung and breast following a 256-slice TRO-CTA were compared with the corresponding nominal risks for each of the studied patients. Results:The highest organ doses were observed for the breast, heart, esophagus, and lung. Mean effective dose estimated using organ dose data was found to be 6.5 ± 1.0 mSv for female and 3.8 ± 0.7 mSv for male individuals subjected to 256-slice TRO-CTA. The associated mean LARs of cancer was found to be 41 per 105 female and 17 per 105 male patients. The total radiation-induced cancer risk was found to markedly decrease with patient age. TRO-CTA exposure was found to increase the intrinsic risks of developing lung or breast cancer during the remaining lifetime by less than 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively. Conclusions:The mean theoretical risk of radiation-induced cancer for a patient cohort subjected to step-and-shoot 256-slice TRO-CTA may be considered to be low compared with the intrinsic risk of developing cancer.
Expression of Sar1b Enhances Chylomicron Assembly and Key Components of the Coat Protein Complex II System Driving Vesicle Budding

Objective—SAR1b plays a significant role in the assembly, organization, and function of the coat protein complex II, a critical complex for the transport of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. Recently, mutations in SARA2 have been associated with lipid absorption disorders. However, functional studies on Sar1b-mediated lipid synthesis pathways and lipoprotein packaging have not been performed. Methods and Results—Sar1b was overexpressed in Caco-2/15 cells and resulted in significantly augmented triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester, and phospholipid esterification and secretion and markedly enhanced chylomicron production. It also stimulated monoacylglycerol acyltransferase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity and enhanced apolipoprotein B-48 protein synthesis, as well as elevated microsomal triglyceride transfer protein activity. Along with the enhanced chylomicrons, microsomes were characterized by abundant Sec12, the guanine exchange factor that promotes the localization of Sar1b in the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed high levels of the complex components Sec23/Sec24 and p125, the Sec23-interacting protein. Finally, a pronounced interaction of Sec23/Sec24 with sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein and SREBP-1c was noted, thereby permitting the transfer of the transcription factor SREBP-1c to the nucleus for the activation of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Conclusion—Our data suggest that Sar1b expression may promote intestinal lipid transport with the involvement of the coat protein complex II network and the processing of SREBP-1c.
A common sequence variation of the CLCNKB gene strongly activates ClC-Kb chloride channel activity.

BACKGROUND Tubular transepithelial reabsorption of chloride along the nephron is a major determinant of body salt and water homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. About 40% of the glomerulary filtered sodium chloride are reabsorbed in the distal nephrons. Vectorial transepithelial sodium chloride transport is critically dependent on the function of basolateral ClC-K type chloride channels there. Modulation of ClC-Kb chloride channel activity by polymorphic variations of the CLCNKB gene, thus, could form a molecular basis for salt sensitivity of blood pressure regulation. In this study we tested the effect of several polymorphic variants on ClC-Kb chloride channel activity. METHODS After heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, ClC-Kb channel activity and surface expression in presence of the ClC-K beta subunit barttin were determined by two-electrode voltage-clamp analysis, immunofluorescence, and ClC-Kb surface enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Chloride currents induced by the ClC-Kb variants L27R, G214A, I419V, T562M, and E578K were not significantly different from wild-type currents. The ClC-KbT481S variation, however, which showed a frequency of 20% in our control population, dramatically activated chloride conductance by a factor of 20. Activation of chloride currents was also observed after introducing homologous mutations in ClC-Ka and ClC-K1, but not in ClC-2 and ClC-5 chloride channels. ClC-Kb activation by the T481S mutation did not change intrinsic ion channel pore properties and did not require increased surface expression of ClC-KbT481S. CONCLUSION Genetic heterogeneity of ClC-Kb chloride channels correlates with functional heterogeneity, which assigns ClC-Kb to a set of genes potentially relevant for polygenic salt-sensitivity of blood pressure regulation.
Argininosuccinate lyase deficiency: mutational spectrum in Italian patients and identification of a novel ASL pseudogene

Argininosuccinic aciduria (ASAuria) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in the argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) gene, which leads to the accumulation of argininosuccinic acid (ASA) in body fluids and severe hyperammonemia. A severe neonatal form and a milder late‐onset variant are described. We report a novel ASL pseudogene located in the centromeric region of chromosome 7, 14 novel mutations in the ASL gene, and a novel intronic polymorphism found in a cohort of Italian patients. Our approach relied exclusively on genomic DNA analysis. We found seven missense mutations, two nonsense, three small insertions/deletions, and two splicing mutations. Only two patients harbored previously described mutations, and among the novel variants only two were present in more than one kindred. The pathogenicity of the splicing mutations was demonstrated by a functional splicing assay that employed a hybrid minigene. We also performed molecular modeling using the reported three‐dimensional structure of ASL to predict the functional consequences of the missense mutations. There was no genotype–phenotype correlation. Patients with neonatal onset display developmental delay and seizures despite adequate metabolic control. Moreover, hepatomegaly, fibrosis, and abnormal liver function tests are common complications in these patients, but not in patients with the late infancy form. We stress the importance of mutation analysis in patients with ASAuria, to confirm the clinical diagnosis, and to perform DNA‐based prenatal diagnosis in future pregnancies of these families. Hum Mutat 28(7), 694–702, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictable and efficient carbon sequestration in the North Pacific Ocean supported by symbiotic nitrogen fixation

The atmospheric and deep sea reservoirs of carbon dioxide are linked via physical, chemical, and biological processes. The last of these include photosynthesis, particle settling, and organic matter remineralization, and are collectively termed the “biological carbon pump. ” Herein, we present results from a 13-y (1992–2004) sediment trap experiment conducted in the permanently oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre that document a large, rapid, and predictable summertime (July 15–August 15) pulse in particulate matter export to the deep sea (4,000 m). Peak daily fluxes of particulate matter during the summer export pulse (SEP) average 408, 283, 24.1, 1.1, and 67.5 μmol·m−2·d−1 for total carbon, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus (PP), and biogenic silica, respectively. The SEP is approximately threefold greater than mean wintertime particle fluxes and fuels more efficient carbon sequestration because of low remineralization during downward transit that leads to elevated total carbon/PP and organic carbon/PP particle stoichiometry (371:1 and 250:1, respectively). Our long-term observations suggest that seasonal changes in the microbial assemblage, namely, summertime increases in the biomass and productivity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in association with diatoms, are the main cause of the prominent SEP. The recurrent SEP is enigmatic because it is focused in time despite the absence of any obvious predictable stimulus or habitat condition. We hypothesize that changes in day length (photoperiodism) may be an important environmental cue to initiate aggregation and subsequent export of organic matter to the deep sea.
Enlargement in chara studied with a turgor clamp : growth rate is not determined by turgor.

A new method, the turgor clamp, was developed to test the effects of turgor on cell enlargement. The method used a pressure probe to remove or inject cell solution and change the turgor without altering the external environment of the cell walls. After the injections, the cells were permanently at the new turgor and required no further manipulation. Internode cells of Chara corallina grew rapidly with the pressure probe in place when growth was monitored with a position transducer. Growth-induced water potentials were negligible and turgor effects could be studied simply. As turgor was decreased, there was a threshold below which no growth occurred, and only reversible elastic/viscoelastic changes could be seen. Above the threshold, growth was superimposed on the elastic/viscoelastic effects. The rate of growth did not depend on turgor. Instead, the rate was highly dependent on energy metabolism as shown by inhibitors that rapidly abolished growth without changing the turgor. However, turgors could be driven above the maximum normally attainable by the cell, and these caused growth to respond as though plastic deformation of the walls was beginning, but the deformation caused wounding. Growth was inhibited when turgor was changed with osmotica but not inhibited when similar changes were made with the turgor clamp. It was concluded that osmotica caused side effects that could be mistaken for turgor effects. The presence of a turgor threshold indicates that turgor was required for growth. However, because turgor did not control the rate, it appears incorrect to consider the rate to be determined by a turgor-dependent plastic deformation of wall polymers. Instead, above the turgor threshold, the rapid response to energy inhibitors suggests a control by metabolic reactions causing synthesis and/or extension of wall polymers.
Glycemic Effect of Oat and Barley Beta-glucan When Incorporated into a Snack Bar: A Dose Escalation Study

Background: The blood glucose-lowering effects of β-glucan from oats and barley depend on the amounts consumed and their rheological properties. This has been recently challenged with growing evidence that the food matrix may also be an important factor in predicting its physiological response. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of varying doses of β-glucan from oats and barley and added to a snack bar on postprandial glycemia. Design: In a randomized crossover study, 12 healthy males and females consumed one of 8 snack bars containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3, and 6 g of β-glucan derived from oats or barley or 3 white bread controls. All treatments contained 50 g of available carbohydrate. Blood glucose concentrations were measured after ingestion of the treatments over 2 hours. Results: Incorporation of 1.5 to 6 g of β-glucan into snack bars had no additional glucose-lowering benefits irrespective of dose and source compared to the control bars (0 g β-glucan), suggesting that both the solid food matrix and composition of the bars may play a role in their effects on glycemic response. All bars reduced blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) by an average of 25% (p < 0.05) compared to the mean of the 3 white bread controls. Conclusion: Adding β-glucan from oats and barley to the snack bar formulation used in this study did not yield any additional benefits beyond the glucose-lowering effects of the snack bars themselves.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Distinct Critically Important Bone Morphogenetic Protein-specific Response Elements in the Id1 Promoter*

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members, which include bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and TGF-βs, elicit their cellular effects by activating specific Smad proteins, which control the transcription of target genes. BMPs and TGF-βs have overlapping as well as specific effects on mesenchymal cell differentiation for which the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we report that Id1, a dominant negative inhibitor of basic helix-loop-helix proteins, is a direct target gene for BMP. BMP, but not TGF-β, strongly activates the Id1 promoter in an Smad-dependent manner. We identified two BMP-responsive regions in the mouse Id1 promoter, which contain three distinct sequence elements; one region contains two Smad binding elements (SBEs), and the other region contains a GGCGCC palindromic sequence flanked by two CAGC and two CGCC motifs. Whereas SBEs and GGCGCC sequence are critically important, the CAGC and CGCC motifs are needed for efficient BMP-induced Id1 promoter activation. Smads are part of nuclear transcription factor complexes that specifically bind to SBEs and GGCGCC sequence in response to BMP but not TGF-β. Multimerization of the all three distinct sequence motifs is needed to generate a highly sensitive and BMP/Smad-dependent specific enhancer. Our results provide important new insights into how the BMP/Smad pathway can specifically activate target genes.
The effect of life events and exercise program format on the adoption and maintenance of exercise behavior.

This study prospectively investigated the effects of major life events on subsequent exercise adherence rates of individuals (N = 173) participating in a 2-year, randomized, controlled clinical trial of 3 different exercise conditions (higher-intensity home-based; lower-intensity home-based; and higher-intensity class-based). For 3 of 4 6-month exercise-adherence periods, an analysis of variance indicated a significant main effect (p < .05) for major life events. Compared with participants reporting 0 or 1 major life event, exercise adherence in the maintenance phase was significantly lower for those reporting 3 or 4 major life events regardless of the exercise condition. No significant life-event-exercise-adherence relationship was found in the adoption phase of exercise participation (i.e., Months 1 to 6). The deleterious effect of life events emphasizes the importance of instruction regarding how to prepare for high-risk situations that can lead to missed exercise sessions or to program attrition.
Implementation of a MOSFET-based active differential mode EMI filter in DC/DC converter

A switching mode power supply will easily cause serious electro-magnetic interference (EMI) because of the high frequency operation of the power devices. The traditional passive EMI filter (PEF) is bulky and also not efficient in low frequency range. A differential mode active EMI filter (AEF) for DC/DC converter is proposed in this paper. With the analysis and modeling of the full bridge DC/DC converter, a voltage feedback differential mode active EMI filter based on MOSFET is established. The experimental result shows that this AEF has a good differential mode noise attenuation quality.
Zero Torque Control for EV Coasting Considering Cross-Coupling Inductance

Coasting is a deceleration driving mode not recurring to an active braking while sustaining rolling as much as possible. In an electric vehicle (EV), coasting should be realized in theory by letting the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math></inline-formula>-axis current set to zero. However, unintentional braking takes place at high speeds when the gas pedal is tapped off. The reason is that negative torque is developed even when the <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math></inline-formula>-axis current is equal to zero. Such a braking reduces the coasting distance. To prevent undesirable braking, positive <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math></inline-formula>-axis current is often utilized in practice. In this paper, we focus on a braking torque component caused by a cross-coupling inductance <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L_{qd}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. It is produced only by the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$d$</tex-math></inline-formula>-axis current, and is normally small. However, its magnitude becomes noticeable in a deep field-weakening region. As a curing method, it is suggested to shift the angle of the reference frame clockwise. The magnitude of compensation angle is derived analytically using two different methods. The proposed compensation method was demonstrated by simulation and experiments.