Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Biochemical Tests in the Rapid Diagnosis of Gallstone‐Related Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study

Real-time ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and biochemical tests were prospectively performed to detect gallstones in 88 consecutive patients immediately after the onset of an attack of acute pancreatitis. The sensitivity of biochemical tests was 84.6% when the patients had three or more positives of five parameters [including serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alanine transaminase-aspartate transaminase (ALT-AST) ratio]. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.8, 98.0, and 86.4% for US, and 52.9%, 100%, and 79.5% for CT. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were improved to 82.1, 100, and 93.2% by the combination of US and CT, and 94.9, 100, and 97.7% by the combination of US and biochemical tests. Adding CT to the combination of US and biochemical tests resulted in only a slight improvement in sensitivity and accuracy. In conclusion, a combination of US and biochemical tests can provide the best noninvasive method in rapidly detecting gallstones as an etiological factor in acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography is not cost-effective. A positive result of biochemical tests despite a negative finding in US calls for an intensive search for gallstones by further investigation with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or repeated US examinations.
Intrathecal sufentanil (5 vs. 10 microg) for labor analgesia: efficacy and side effects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite growing popularity, there are few studies examining the relative efficacy of different doses of intrathecal sufentanil for labor analgesia. This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy and side effects of 5 and 10 microg intrathecal sufentanil. METHODS Sixty-three healthy, laboring, term parturients < or =5 cm cervical dilation participated in this study. In a randomized, double-blind fashion, patients received 5 or 10 microg intrathecal sufentanil as part of a combined spinal epidural technique. Patients rated pain, itching, nausea, and sedation on verbal analog scales before and every 10 minutes after drug injection. We also recorded maternal blood pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation before and every 10 minutes after drug injection. Before and 30 and 60 minutes after drug injection, we measured maternal end-tidal CO2. RESULTS Both doses of sufentanil provided adequate analgesia. Although 10 microg sufentanil produced slightly more profound analgesia, the duration of pain relief did not differ between the two groups. Both drug doses were associated with significant increases in itching and end-tidal CO2. The 10-microg dose was associated with more sedation and a greater decrease in SaO2. CONCLUSIONS Both 5 and 10 microg intrathecal sufentanil provided adequate labor analgesia. Both doses were associated with measurable spinal (itching) and supraspinal (sedation, respiratory depression) side effects.
Firm-specific factors and entry mode choice

The Chinese hotel sector has experienced spectacular growth in recent years. Furthermore, it is expected that Chinese hotel chains will increase their presence abroad in the future. One of the key decisions in the internationalization process of hotel firms is the choice of entry mode into a foreign country. Many different factors influence this strategic decision. From a sample of 185 entries carried out by the largest Chinese hotel firms, this study analyses some of the main firm factors that might influence entry mode choice. The results support the relationship between the entry mode of Chinese hotel chains and firm size, previous international experience and asset intangibility.
Home Literacy Environment and English Language Learners’ Literacy Development: What Can We Learn from the Literature?

Intended for educators and researchers in the field of early childhood education working with children from immigrant families, this article first briefly addresses the relationship between home literacy environment and English language learners’ literacy development in both their heritage language and English. Second, through surveying the literature, I identify three different areas in which a home literacy environment influences English language learners’ literacy development: (a) through language attitudes and parental beliefs; (b) through identity formation; and (c) through literacy behaviour of immigrant parents. Some helpful strategies learned from the literature are provided for educators to use with newcomer families in support of children’s literacy development.
Inhibition of the SOS response of Escherichia coli by the Ada protein

Induction of the adaptive response by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) caused a decrease in the UV-mediated expression of both recA and sfiA genes but not of the umuDC gene. On the other hand, the adaptive response did not affect the temperature-promoted induction of SOS response in a RecA441 mutant. The inhibitory effect on the UV-triggered expression of the recA and sfiA genes was not dependent on either the alkA gene or the basal level of RecA protein, but rather required the ada gene. Furthermore, an increase in the level of the Ada protein, caused by the runaway plasmid pYN3059 in which the ada gene is regulated by the lac promoter, inhibited UV-mediated recA gene expression even in cells to which the MNNG-adaptive treatment had not been applied. This inhibitory effect of the adaptive pretreatment was not observed either in RecBC- strains or in RecBC mutants lacking exonuclease V-related nuclease activity. However, RecF- mutants showed an adaptive response-mediated decrease in UV-promoted induction of the recA gene.
The Effect of Schooling on Teenage Fertility: Evidence from the 1994 Education Reform in Ethiopia

We investigate the effect of female schooling on teenage fertility using an education reform in Ethiopia in 1994 as a natural experiment that led to a jump in female school enrollment and about 0.74 years of additional schooling for the first two exposed cohorts. Using a regression discontinuity approach we find that each additional year of schooling lowers the probability of both teenage marriage and teenage childbearing by about six percentage points. This casual estimate is consistent with the steep gradient of teenage marriage and fertility with education observed in the data. JEL Codes:
Overexpression of human S100B exacerbates cerebral amyloidosis and gliosis in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive dementia and is pathologically characterized by brain deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide as senile plaques. Inflammatory and immune response pathways are chronically activated in AD patient brains at low levels, and likely play a role in disease progression. Like microglia, activated astrocytes produce numerous acute‐phase reactants and proinflammatory molecules in the AD brain. One such molecule, S100B, is highly expressed by reactive astrocytes in close vicinity of β‐amyloid deposits. We have previously shown that augmented and prolonged activation of astrocytes has a detrimental impact on neuronal survival. Furthermore, we have implicated astrocyte‐derived S100B as a candidate molecule responsible for this deleterious effect. To evaluate a putative relationship between S100B and AD pathogenesis, we crossed transgenic mice overexpressing human S100B (TghuS100B mice) with the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, and examined AD‐like pathology. Brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular β‐amyloid deposits and Aβ levels were increased in bigenic Tg2576‐huS100B mice. These effects were associated with increased cleavage of the β‐C‐terminal fragment of amyloid precursor protein (APP), elevation of the N‐terminal APP cleavage product (soluble APPβ), and activation of β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1. In addition, double transgenic mice showed augmented reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis, high levels of S100 expression, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines as early as 7–9 months of age. These results provide evidence that (over)‐expression of S100B acts to accelerate AD‐like pathology, and suggest that inhibiting astrocytic activation by blocking S100B biosynthesis may be a promising therapeutic strategy to delay AD progression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential Role for IKKβ in Production of Type 1 Interferons by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells*

Background: The role of IKKβ in the production of type 1 interferons by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is unknown. Results: Inhibition of IKKβ and its activator TAK1 prevents the production of IFNβ in pDCs, and hence the production of IFNα. Conclusion: Toll-like receptor 7/9-stimulated production of interferons in pDCs requires the canonical IKKs and TAK1. Significance: IKKβ inhibitors may have potential for the treatment of autoimmunity. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are characterized by their ability to produce high levels of type 1 interferons in response to ligands that activate TLR7 and TLR9, but the signaling pathways required for IFN production are incompletely understood. Here we exploit the human pDC cell line Gen2.2 and improved pharmacological inhibitors of protein kinases to address this issue. We demonstrate that ligands that activate TLR7 and TLR9 require the TAK1-IKKβ signaling pathway to induce the production of IFNβ via a pathway that is independent of the degradation of IκBα. We also show that IKKβ activity, as well as the subsequent IFNβ-stimulated activation of the JAK-STAT1/2 signaling pathway, are essential for the production of IFNα by TLR9 ligands. We further show that TLR7 ligands CL097 and R848 fail to produce significant amounts of IFNα because the activation of IKKβ is not sustained for a sufficient length of time. The TLR7/9-stimulated production of type 1 IFNs is inhibited by much lower concentrations of IKKβ inhibitors than those needed to suppress the production of NFκB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, suggesting that drugs that inhibit IKKβ may have a potential for the treatment of forms of lupus that are driven by self-RNA and self-DNA-induced activation of TLR7 and TLR9, respectively.
Conjoined twins--past, present, and future.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Conjoined twins are rare and complex anomalies of the newborn. They require a highly experienced team and a center equipped to deal with such challenging anatomy. METHOD A review of 31 sets of conjoined twins was managed by one team over a 15-year period. The spectrum of the anomalies, management strategies, and outcomes will be analyzed with future recommendations. RESULTS Ten sets of complete conjoined twins and two sets of parasitic conjoined twins were successfully separated. Tissue expanders and prosthetic meshes were not required. A separation of one set of craniopagus parasiticus conjoined twins was attempted, but abandoned owing to major vascular and brain sharing. The remaining 18 sets were not separable owing to major cardiac anomalies and/or sharing, and all died within several weeks of birth. CONCLUSION Careful planning, a multidisciplinary approach, rehearsal, and experience are important factors in dealing with conjoined twins. Tissue expanders and prosthetic meshes are not required in most cases. Selective abortion or fetal intervention may play a role in the future.
Effect of Fluoride-Containing Toothpastes on Enamel Demineralization and Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Architecture

This study aimed to explore the effect of fluoridated toothpastes on biofilm architecture and enamel demineralization in an in vitro biofilm model. Streptococcus mutans was grown on enamel and treated with slurries of commercial toothpastes, containing SnF2 or NaF. Water and chlorhexidine were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The developed biofilms were imaged and enamel demineralization was measured. SnF2 and NaF toothpaste treatments significantly reduced enamel demineralization, but SnF2 toothpaste was more effective. Only SnF2 toothpaste and chlorhexidine treatments caused reductions on biofilm mass and thickness. In conclusion, this biofilm model was able to differentiate the effects of the SnF2 and NaF toothpastes on biofilm architecture and enamel demineralization.
Nortriptyline versus amitriptyline in postherpetic neuralgia

Objective (Background): Amitriptyline (AT) is a standard therapy for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Our hypothesis was that nortriptyline (NT), a noradrenergic metabolite of AT, may be more effective. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial of AT versus NT was conducted in 33 patients. Results: Thirty-one patients completed the trial. Twenty-one of 31 (67.7%) had at least a good response to AT or NT, or both. We found no difference with regard to relief of steady, brief, or skin pain by visual analog scales for pain and pain relief; mood; disability; satisfaction; or preference between the two drugs. Intolerable side effects were more common with AT. Most patients (26/33) were not depressed, and most responding showed no change in rating scales for depression despite the occurrence of pain relief. Conclusions: We concluded that this study provides a scientific basis for an analgesic action of NT in PHN because pain relief occurred without an antidepressant effect, and that although there were fewer side effects with NT, AT and NT appear to have a similar analgesic action for most individuals.
Brachyury-Related Transcription Factor Tbx2 and Repression of the Melanocyte-Specific TRP-1 Promoter

ABSTRACT Previous work has demonstrated that two key melanocyte-specific elements termed the MSEu and MSEi play critical roles in the expression of the melanocyte-specific tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) promoter. Both the MSEu and MSEi, located at position −237 and at the initiator, respectively, bind a melanocyte-specific factor termed MSF but are also recognized by a previously uncharacterized repressor, since mutations affecting either of these elements result in strong up-regulation of TRP-1 promoter activity in melanoma cells. Here we demonstrate that repression mediated by the MSEu and MSEi also operates in melanocytes. We also report that both the MSEu and MSEi are recognized by the brachyury-related transcription factor Tbx2, a member of the recently described T-box family, and that Tbx2 is expressed in melanocyte and melanoblast cell lines but not in melanoblast precursor cells. Although Tbx2 and MSF each recognize the TRP-1 MSEu and MSEi motifs, it is binding by Tbx-2, not binding by MSF, that correlates with repression. Several lines of evidence tend to point to the brachyury-related transcription factor Tbx2 as being the repressor of TRP-1 expression: both the MSEu and MSEi bind Tbx2, and mutations in either element that result in derepression of the TRP-1 promoter diminish binding by Tbx2; the TRP-1 promoter, but not the tyrosinase, microphthalmia, or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) promoter, is repressed by Tbx2 in cotransfection assays; a high-affinity consensus brachyury/Tbx2-binding site is able to constitutively repress expression of the heterologous IE110 promoter; and a low-affinity brachyury/Tbx2 binding site is able to mediate Tbx2-dependent repression of the G3PDH promoter. Although we cannot rule out the presence of an additional, as yet unidentified factor playing a role in the negative regulation of TRP-1 in vivo, the evidence presented here suggests that Tbx2 most likely is the previously unidentified repressor of TRP-1 expression and as such is likely to represent the first example of transcriptional repression by a T-box family member.
The Crystal Structure of Escherichia coli MoaB Suggests a Probable Role in Molybdenum Cofactor Synthesis*

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli MoaB was determined by multiwavelength anomalous diffraction phasing and refined at 1.6-Å resolution. The molecule displayed a modified Rossman fold. MoaB is assembled into a hexamer composed of two trimers. The monomers have high structural similarity with two proteins, MogA and MoeA, from the molybdenum cofactor synthesis pathway in E. coli, as well as with domains of mammalian gephyrin and plant Cnx1, which are also involved in molybdopterin synthesis. Structural comparison between these proteins and the amino acid conservation patterns revealed a putative active site in MoaB. The structural analysis of this site allowed to advance several hypothesis that can be tested in further studies.
Detergent–salt resistance of LAP2α in interphase nuclei and phosphorylation‐dependent association with chromosomes early in nuclear assembly implies functions in nuclear structure dynamics

Lamina‐associated polypeptide (LAP) 2 of the inner nuclear membrane (now LAP2β) and LAP2α are related proteins produced by alternative splicing, and contain a common 187 amino acid N‐terminal domain. We show here that, unlike LAP2β, LAP2α behaved like a nuclear non‐membrane protein in subcellular fractionation studies and was localized throughout the nuclear interior in interphase cells. It co‐fractionated with LAP2β in nuclear lamina/matrix‐enriched fractions upon extraction of nuclei with detergent, salt and nucleases. During metaphase LAP2α dissociated from chromosomes and became concentrated around the spindle poles. Furthermore, LAP2α was mitotically phosphorylated, and phosphorylation correlated with increased LAP2α solubility upon extraction of cells in physiological buffers. LAP2α relocated to distinct sites around chromosomes at early stages of nuclear reassembly and intermediarily co‐localized with peripheral lamin B and intranuclear lamin A structures at telophase. During in vitro nuclear assembly LAP2α was dephosphorylated and assembled into insoluble chromatin‐associated structures, and recombinant LAP2α was found to interact with chromosomes in vitro. Some LAP2α may also associate with membranes prior to chromatin attachment. Altogether the data suggest a role of LAP2α in post‐mitotic nuclear assembly and in the dynamic structural organization of the nucleus.
Novel dual band hybrid rat-race coupler with CRLH and D-CRLH transmission lines

A new dual band rat-race coupler with left handed transmission lines is presented in this paper. The main advantage of this novel coupler is that there are used a reduced number of cells, meanwhile the performances improve. In order to reduce the dimensions of the coupler, the 3λ/4 CRLH transmission line has been replaced with a D-CRLH transmission line, and moreover there have been introduced a new method to design quarter wavelengths CRLH/D-CRLH transmission lines with minimum number of cells. Also, the dual version of this hybrid coupler, that is made of three identical CRLH transmission lines and one D-CRLH is the hybrid coupler that has three identical D-CRLH transmission lines and only one CRLH transmission line. In fact, the main idea of the hybrid rat-race coupler is to use the duality between the CRLH and D-CRLH transmission lines, which implies in this particular case, to replace a transmission line that introduces a phase shift of 2700° with a transmission line introducing a phase shift of −90°, and vice versa. It is important to notice, that this coupler can be designed to operate at two arbitrary frequencies like all microwave devices that use LH transmission lines.
Childbirth, abortion and subsequent substance use in young women: a population-based longitudinal study.

AIMS To investigate the possible linkages between deliveries, abortions and subsequent nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs from the ages of 15-27 years. METHODS Data were gathered as part of the Young in Norway Longitudinal Study, an 11-year follow-up of a representative sample of Norwegian adolescents and young adults. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Information was obtained on (i) the history of childbirths and induced abortions for the participants between the ages of 15-27 years; (ii) measures of nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs; and (iii) socio-demographic, family and individual confounding factors. RESULTS Those who had had an abortion had elevated rates of substance use and problems. Those who gave birth to a child had reduced rates of alcohol problems and cannabis use. These associations persisted after control for confounders. However, those women who still lived with the father of the aborted fetus were not at increased risk. CONCLUSIONS Abortion in women may, under some circumstances, be associated with increased risk of nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs. The birth of a child may reduce the use of some substances.
A novel framework for low-light colour image enhancement and denoising

This article describes a novel framework for low-light colour image enhancement and denoising. To avoid influences from different colour channels, noise reduction and brightness/contrast enhancement are performed in different colour spaces. In the HSI space, the Bilateral filter is used for illumination- and reflection-component separation, and is effective for edge-preservation, halo removal and noise suppression. Brightness/contrast are extrapolated by using a newly designed histogram, where a suppression term based on the statistics of mathematical expectation and standard deviation was added to improve the algorithm's adaptability. Meanwhile, a saturation enhancement function was proposed to ensure more natural colours. In the YCbCr space, based on noise characteristics in low-light images, Gaussian and Median filters were adopted to reduce the noise. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm is effective for low illumination compensation, colour restoration and noise reduction.
Augmenting IoT networks with backscatter-enabled passive sensor tags

The sensing modalities available in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) network are usually fixed before deployment, when the operator selects a suitable IoT platform. Retrofitting a deployment with additional sensors can be cumbersome, because it requires either modifying the deployed hardware or adding new devices that then have to be maintained. In this paper, we present our vision and work towards passive sensor tags: battery-free devices that allow to augment existing IoT deployments with additional sensing capabilities without the need to modify the existing deployment. Our passive sensor tags use backscatter transmissions to communicate with the deployed network. Crucially, they do this in a way that is compatible with the deployed network's radio protocol, and without the need for additional infrastructure. We present an FPGA-based prototype of a passive sensor tag that can communicate with unmodified 802.15. 4 IoT devices. Our initial experiments with the prototype support the feasibility of our approach. We also lay out the next steps towards fully realizing the vision of passive sensor tags.