Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interval Neurophysiological Changes in Non Septic Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Summary: Peripheral nerve changes in critically ill patients are common, sepsis being the most important risk factor. The aim of our study is to investigate interval neurophysiological changes in non septic mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, a group who has not been the focus of previous studies. Consecutive non septic mechanically ventilated critically ill patients were included. Baseline nerve conduction studies (NCS) were done within 3 days of intensive care unit admission, and 48 hours after the initiation of mechanical ventilation, and were followed up 7–8 days later. Sural and ulnar sensory, and median and peroneal motor nerves were tested. Nine patients were studied, five (56%) showed significant changes in their NCS compared to baseline. The peroneal and sural nerve amplitudes significantly dropped in all of the five affected patients, with drop of those of the median motor nerves in two, and ulnar sensory nerves in three patients. In conclusion, interval changes in peripheral nerves can exist in critically ill mechanically ventilated non septic patients. The pattern is similar to critically ill patients with sepsis. Theories of possible pathophysiology of critical illness neuropathy should not merely depend on the presence of sepsis as a trigger and other mechanisms should be investigated.
Effect of IT and Quality Management on Performance

Purpose – The present study aims to draw on operations management and information technology literature to examine the effect of three information technology resources (electronic data interchange (EDI), computer‐aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems) and three related quality management capabilities (customer and supplier relations, product and process management, and quality data and workforce management) and their effect on a firm's quality performance.Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses derived from the key features of quality management and information technology presented by previous authors are tested using structural equation modeling through field research on a sample of 229 manufacturing companies in Spain.Findings – Findings from this study indicate that there is significant evidence to support the hypothesized model in which information technology resources (EDI, ERP systems, and CAD/CAM systems) have a direct impact on related quality ma.
A Hardware-Efficient Sigmoid Function With Adjustable Precision for a Neural Network System

A hardware-efficient sigmoid function calculator with adjustable precision for neural network and deep-learning applications is proposed in this brief. By adopting the bit-plane format of the input and output values, the computational latency of the processing time can be dynamically reduced according to the user configuration. To reduce the hardware cost, the coefficients used to calculate the sigmoid value can be shared for multiple calculators without any structural hazard. In addition, the restricted constraint is applied in the coefficients' training stage to further simplify the computation in the calculation stage with a negligible quality loss. A test module is designed for the proposal and operated at 300 MHz to achieve 75 million sigmoid calculations per second. Implemented in 90-nm CMOS technology, the core of the calculator costs 1663 gates, and a 1-kb globally shared memory is used to store the coefficients.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other predictors of mortality and morbidity in young children with cystic fibrosis

We conducted a registry‐based study to determine prognostic indicators of 8‐year mortality and morbidity in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients ages 1–5 years from the 1990 U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) National Patient Registry served as the study cohort (N = 3,323). Registry data provided information on baseline characteristics in 1990, 8‐year mortality, and clinical outcomes in 1998.
CXC Chemokine Ligand 9/Monokine Induced by IFN-γ Production by Tumor Cells Is Critical for T Cell-Mediated Suppression of Cutaneous Tumors1

The role of tumor-produced chemokines in the growth of malignancies remains poorly understood. We retrieved an in vivo growing MCA205 fibrosarcoma and isolated tumor cell clones that produce both CXCL9/monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig) and CXCL10/IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 following stimulation with IFN-γ and clones that produce IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 but not Mig. The Mig-deficient variants grew more aggressively as cutaneous tumors in wild-type mice than the Mig-producing tumor cells. The growth of Mig-expressing, but not Mig-deficient, tumor cells was suppressed by NK and T cell activity. Transduction of Mig-negative variants to generate constitutive tumor cell production of Mig resulted in T cell-dependent rejection of the tumors and in induction of protective tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses to Mig-deficient tumors. The results indicate a critical role for tumor-derived Mig in T cell-mediated responses to cutaneous fibrosarcomas and suggest the loss of Mig expression as a mechanism used by tumor cells to evade these responses.
Inuit attitudes toward deviant behavior: a vignette study.

Attitudes toward deviant behavior that might indicate psychiatric disorder were investigated among the Inuit of Northern Québec (Nunavik). In a convenience sample of 137 Inuit adults, respondents were randomly presented with one of six different vignettes that described a man with "strange" behavior who was either threatening or withdrawn and whose problem was labeled either "isumaluttuq" ("burdened or weighed down by thoughts"), "demon possession," or "mental illness. " Respondents rated their willingness to live, work, or hunt with this person and allow him into their family on a social distance scale. Significant predictors of greater social distance were female gender, more education, less familiarity with the behavior, and perception of the person as less likely to recover. There were no significant effects of vignette behavior or label on social distance ratings. Rating of likelihood of recovery was influenced by the vignette label, with isumaluttuq associated with less chance of recovery. Ascribing strange behavior to morally wrong action and to spirits or demons were highly inter-correlated and each was associated with perception of greater likelihood of recovery. Results suggest that Inuit attitudes toward deviant behavior are influenced more by perceived familiarity and likelihood of recovery than by labels, causal attributions, or explanations. The indigenous psychological concept of isumaluttuq does not serve to reduce social stigma. Efforts to promote the community integration of psychiatric patients through education should aim to increase familiarity with the problematic behavior and emphasize potential for recovery.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer detected by scanning near‐field optical microscopy

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between excited fluorescent donor and acceptor molecules occurs via the Förster mechanism over a range of 1–10 nm. Because of the strong (sixth power) distance dependence of the signal, FRET has been used to assess the proximity of molecules in biological systems. We used a scanning near‐field optical microscope (SNOM) operated in the shared‐aperture mode using uncoated glass fibre tips to detect FRET between dye molecules embedded in polyvinyl alcohol films and bound to cell surfaces. FRET was detected by selective photobleaching of donor and acceptor fluorophores. We also present preliminary results on pixel‐by‐pixel energy transfer efficiency measurements using SNOM.
Inhibition of Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase Activity Restores Expression of the INO1 Gene in a snf1Mutant Strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SNF1 gene affect a number of cellular processes, including the expression of genes involved in carbon source utilization and phospholipid biosynthesis. To identify targets of the Snf1 kinase that modulate expression of INO1, a gene required for an early, rate-limiting step in phospholipid biosynthesis, we performed a genetic selection for suppressors of the inositol auxotrophy ofsnf1Δ strains. We identified mutations inACC1 and FAS1, two genes important for fatty acid biosynthesis in yeast; ACC1 encodes acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (Acc1), and FAS1 encodes the β subunit of fatty acid synthase. Acc1 was shown previously to be phosphorylated and inactivated by Snf1. Here we show thatsnf1Δ strains with increased Acc1 activity exhibit decreased INO1 transcription. Strains carrying theACC1 suppressor mutation have reduced Acc1 activity in vitro and in vivo, as revealed by enzymatic assays and increased sensitivity to the Acc1-specific inhibitor soraphen A. Moreover, a reduction in Acc1 activity, caused by addition of soraphen A, provision of exogenous fatty acid, or conditional expression ofACC1, suppresses the inositol auxotrophy ofsnf1Δ strains. Together, these findings indicate that the inositol auxotrophy of snf1Δ strains arises in part from elevated Acc1 activity and that a reduction in this activity restores INO1 expression in these strains. These results reveal a Snf1-dependent connection between fatty acid production and phospholipid biosynthesis, identify Acc1 as a Snf1 target important forINO1 transcription, and suggest models in which metabolites that are generated or utilized during fatty acid biosynthesis can significantly influence gene expression in yeast.
Leukemia inhibitor factor promotes functional recovery and oligodendrocyte survival in rat models of focal ischemia

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells have shown efficacy in rodent models of focal ischemia and in vitro systems that recapitulate stroke conditions. One potential mechanism of protection is through secretion of soluble factors that protect neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs) from oxidative stress. To overcome practical issues with cellular therapies, identification of soluble factors released by HUCB and other stem cells may pave the way for treatment modalities that are safer for a larger percentage of stroke patients. Among these soluble factors is leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cytokine that exerts pleiotropic effects on cell survival. Here, data show that LIF effectively reduced infarct volume, reduced white matter injury and improved functional outcomes when administered to rats following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. To further explore downstream signaling, primary oligodendrocyte cultures were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation to mimic stroke conditions. LIF significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase release from OLs, reduced superoxide dismutase activity and induced peroxiredoxin 4 (Prdx4) transcript. Additionally, the protective and antioxidant capacity of LIF was negated by both Akt inhibition and co‐incubation with Prdx4‐neutralising antibodies, establishing a role for the Akt signaling pathway and Prdx4‐mediated antioxidation in LIF protection.
Esophageal contractions, bolus transit and perception of transit after swallows of liquid and solid boluses in normal subjects.

CONTEXT Esophageal dysphagia is the sensation that the ingested material has a slow transit or blockage in its normal passage to the stomach. It is not always associated with motility or transit alterations. OBJECTIVES To evaluate in normal volunteers the possibility of perception of bolus transit through the esophagus after swallows of liquid and solid boluses, the differences in esophageal contraction and transit with these boluses, and the association of transit perception with alteration of esophageal contraction and/or transit. METHODS The investigation included 11 asymptomatic volunteers, 4 men and 7 women aged 19-58 years. The subjects were evaluated in the sitting position. They performed swallows of the same volume of liquid (isotonic drink) and solid (macaroni) boluses in a random order and in duplicate. After each swallow they were asked about the sensation of bolus passage through the esophagus. Contractions and transit were evaluated simultaneously by solid state manometry and impedance. RESULTS Perception of bolus transit occurred only with the solid bolus. The amplitude and area under the curve of contractions were higher with swallows of the solid bolus than with swallows of the liquid bolus. The difference was more evident in swallows with no perception of transit (n = 12) than in swallows with perception (n = 10). The total bolus transit time was longer for the solid bolus than for the liquid bolus only with swallows followed by no perception of transit. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the perception of esophageal transit may be the consequence of inadequate adaptation of esophageal transit and contraction to the characteristics of the swallowed bolus.
Isolation and Regulation of Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 Loci Induced by Oxygen Limitation

ABSTRACT Eleven Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 loci whose expression was induced under low oxygen concentrations were identified in a collection of 5,000 strains carrying Tn5-1063 (luxAB) transcriptional reporter gene fusions. The 11 Tn5-1063-tagged loci were cloned and characterized. The dependence of the expression of the tagged loci on the FixL/FixJ oxygen-sensing two-component regulatory system was examined. Three of the loci were found to be dependent uponfixL and fixJ for their expression, while one locus showed a partial dependence. The remaining seven loci showedfixL- and fixJ-independent induction of expression in response to oxygen limitation. This suggests that inS. meliloti, additional regulatory system(s) exist that respond either directly or indirectly to oxygen limitation conditions.
Grass: A server for the graphical representation and analysis of structures

GRASS (Graphical Representation and Analysis of Structures Server), a new web‐based server, is described. GRASS exploits many of the features of the GRASP program and is designed to provide interactive molecular graphics and quantitative analysis tools with a simple interface over the World‐Wide Web. Using GRASS, it is now possible to view many surface features of biological macromolecules on either standard workstations used in macromolecular analysis or personal computers. The result is a World‐Wide Web‐based, platform‐independent, easily used tool for macromolecular visualization and structure analysis.
Bridging the Digital Divide in HIV Care

Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) need practical tools to self-manage their condition. Methods: We conducted a proof-of-concept study among PLWH to assess whether patients could learn to use a personal health record (PHR) on a hand-held device (iPod Touch) to manage their condition. We began individual trainings and later adapted this to group training. We assessed usability, acceptability and also effects on self-efficacy for treatment adherence using the HIV Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (HIV-ASES). Results: Nine PLWH participated in the individual training and 29 participated in the group sessions. The participants were largely middle aged, low-income and of racial/ethnic minorities. The sessions were well attended and participants fully engaged in tasks and shared learning. Most participants stated they intended to use the PHR and reported improved self-efficacy in treatment adherence (P = .05) particularly on the integration of treatment adherence into one's routine (P < .02). Conclusions: Training PLWH in use of a handheld PHR shows promise.
Aromatase expression and cell proliferation following injury of the adult zebra finch hippocampus

Estrogens can be neuroprotective following traumatic brain injury. Immediately after trauma to the zebra finch hippocampus, the estrogen‐synthetic enzyme aromatase is rapidly upregulated in astrocytes and radial glia around the lesion site. Brain injury also induces high levels of cell proliferation. Estrogens promote neuronal differentiation, migration, and survival naturally in the avian brain. We suspect that glia are a source of estrogens promoting cell proliferation after neural injury. To explore this hypothesis, we examined the spatial and temporal relationship between glial aromatase expression and cell proliferation after neural injury in adult female zebra finches. Birds were ovariectomized and given a blank implant or one filled with estradiol; some birds were also administered an aromatase inhibitor or vehicle. All birds received penetrating injuries to the right hippocampus. Twenty‐four hours after lesioning, birds were injected once with BrdU to label mitotically active cells and euthanized 2 h, 24 h, or 7 days later. The brains were processed for double‐label BrdU and aromatase immunocytochemistry. Injury‐induced glial aromatase expression was unaffected by survival time and aromatase inhibition. BrdU labeling was significantly reduced at 24 h by ovariectomy and by aromatase inhibition; effects were partially reversed by E2 replacement. Irrespective of ovariectomy, the densities of aromatase immunoreactive astrocytes and BrdU‐labeled cells at known distances from the lesion site were highly correlated. These data suggest that injury‐induced glial aromatization may influence the reorganization of injured tissue by providing a rich estrogenic environment available to influence cellular incorporation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Infinite stairs: simulating stairs in virtual reality based on visuo-haptic interaction

In the field of virtual reality, a few methods exist that allow a user to walk up and down the stairs in a virtual environment (VE); however, most of them are based on a complicated device system that generates physical steps using actuators. Because it is difficult for users wearing head mounted displays (HMDs) to keep track of the surrounding environment, walking on physical steps could prove to be very dangerous and lead to injuries. Further, these systems have disadvantages in that the user cannot walk naturally. Therefore, we present "Infinite Stairs," which is a novel technique to simulate the sensation of walking up and down the stairs in a VE based on visuo-haptic interaction. The haptic stimuli provided by a small bump under the feet of the users correspond to the edge of the stair in the VE, and the visual stimuli of the stairs and shoes, provided by the HMD, evoke visuo-haptic interaction for the user. "Infinite Stairs" enables the user to experience any type of virtual stairs, including Penrose stairs, in a virtual reality setting.
Persistence of regional entrepreneurship: Causes, effects, and directions for future research

This paper reviews the empirical evidence of persistent levels of regional self-employment and new business formation and the effect this persistence has on development. It is argued that a regional culture of entrepreneurship plays an important role in explaining persistence of entrepreneurship. We discuss possible explanations for the emergence of a culture of entrepreneurship, and how it becomes self-perpetuating over time. Finally, we draw policy implications and identify some promising avenues for further research.
Molecular Alterations in Hepatocyte Transport Mechanisms in Acquired Cholestatic Liver Disorders

Recent advances in the molecular cloning of membrane transport systems that determine bile formation have facilitated studies of the molecular mechanisms of cholestatic liver disease. The present review summarizes what has been learned about the molecular alterations of these membrane transporters in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in acquired cholestatic liver disorders. Much of this information has been obtained from the study of animal models of cholestasis and from more limited studies in clinical cholestatic liver diseases. Many of these responses may be interpreted as adaptations that serve to diminish cholestatic liver injury.
Cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein is associated with risk stratification of mantle cell lymphoma

Aim To investigate the association of C-MYC protein expression and risk stratification in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and to evaluate the utility of C-MYC protein as a prognostic biomarker in clinical practice. Methods We conducted immunohistochemical staining of C-MYC, Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD8, Ki-67, p53 and SRY (sex determining region Y) -11 (SOX11) to investigate their expression in 64 patients with MCL. The staining results and other clinical data were evaluated for their roles in risk stratification of MCL cases using ANOVA, Chi-square, and Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient analysis. Results Immunohistochemical staining in our study indicated that SOX11, Ki-67 and p53 presented nuclear positivity of tumor cells, CD8 showed membrane positivity in infiltrating T lymphocytes while PD-L1 showed membrane and cytoplasmic positivity mainly in macrophage cells and little in tumor cells. We observed positive staining of C-MYC either in the nucleus or cytoplasm or in both subcellular locations. There were significant differences in cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 proliferative index of tumor cells, and CD8 positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+TIL) among three risk groups (P = 0.000, P = 0.037 and P=0.020, respectively). However, no significant differences existed in the expression of nuclear C-MYC, SOX11, p53, and PD-L1 in MCL patients with low-, intermediate-, and high risks. In addition, patient age and serum LDH level were also significantly different among 3 groups of patients (P = 0.006 and P = 0.000, respectively). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis indicated that cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 index, age, WBC, as well as LDH level had significantly positive correlations with risk stratification (P = 0.000, 0.015, 0.000, 0.029 and 0.000, respectively), while CD8+TIL in tumor microenvironment negatively correlated with risk stratification of patients (P = 0.006). Patients with increased positive cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein and decreased CD8+TIL appeared to be associated with a poor response to chemotherapy, but the correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion Our study suggested that assessment of cytoplasmic C-MYC overexpression and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by immunohistochemical staining might be helpful for MCL risk stratification and outcome prediction. However, large cohort studies of MCL patients with complete follow up are needed to validate our speculation.