Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mucormycosis Caused by Unusual Mucormycetes, Non-Rhizopus, -Mucor, and -Lichtheimia Species

SUMMARY Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lichtheimia (formerly Absidia) species are the most common members of the order Mucorales that cause mucormycosis, accounting for 70 to 80% of all cases. In contrast, Cunninghamella, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Rhizomucor, Cokeromyces, Actinomucor, and Syncephalastrum species individually are responsible for fewer than 1 to 5% of reported cases of mucormycosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis of, treatment of, and prognosis for unusual Mucormycetes infections (non-Rhizopus, -Mucor, and -Lichtheimia species). The infections caused by these less frequent members of the order Mucorales frequently differ in their epidemiology, geographic distribution, and disease manifestations. Cunninghamella bertholletiae and Rhizomucor pusillus affect primarily immunocompromised hosts, mostly resulting from spore inhalation, causing pulmonary and disseminated infections with high mortality rates. R. pusillus infections are nosocomial or health care related in a large proportion of cases. While Apophysomyces elegans and Saksenaea vasiformis are occasionally responsible for infections in immunocompromised individuals, most cases are encountered in immunocompetent individuals as a result of trauma, leading to soft tissue infections with relatively low mortality rates. Increased knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical presentations of these unusual Mucormycetes infections may improve early diagnosis and treatment.
Reporting proceedings and debates in the British commons

Using the organizational pattern developed by Zon Robinson's 1942 congressional study, this paper examines textual factors operating for accuracy and inaccuracy in HANSARD'S OFFICIAL REPORT of the proceedings and debates in the British House of Commons. The study concludes with a comparison of HANSARD and the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.
BGP Route Reflection An alternative to full mesh IBGP

The Border Gateway Protocol [1] is an inter-autonomous system routing protocol designed for TCP/IP internets. Currently in the Internet BGP deployments are configured such that that all BGP speakers within a single AS must be fully meshed so that any external routing information must be re-distributed to all other routers within that AS. This represents a serious scaling problem that has been well documented with several alternatives proposed [2,3].
MIMO systems properties preservation under SPR substitutions

The preservation of some control-oriented positive real properties (passivity, positivity, bounded realness, as well as input-output behavior) in multi-input multi-output transfer functions is studied, when performing substitutions (of the complex Laplace variable s) by a particular class of rational strictly positive real (SPR) functions, the so-called SPR functions of zero relative degree (SPR0 functions). We also consider here the preservation of stability properties of a class of unforced linear time-invariant systems with memoryless (possibly time-varying nonlinear) input depending on the system output.
Re-inventing Diversion

This article reviews recent developments in the area of ‘out of court’ disposals in youth justice in England and Wales, highlighting the emergence of recent trends towards decreased use of formal procedures to deal with the reported offences of young people. The idea considers possible explanations for these developments and assesses the contribution of a number of recent practice initiatives with a diversionary orientation. The article reflects on the varying rationales underpinning these developments, and wider influences in the form of economically driven pragmatism, before concluding that in order to sustain recent achievements, diversion must demonstrably strengthen its claims to legitimacy.
American Society of Clinical Oncology/College Of American Pathologists guideline recommendations for immunohistochemical testing of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer.

PURPOSE To develop a guideline to improve the accuracy of immunohistochemical (IHC) estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) testing in breast cancer and the utility of these receptors as predictive markers. METHODS The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists convened an international Expert Panel that conducted a systematic review and evaluation of the literature in partnership with Cancer Care Ontario and developed recommendations for optimal IHC ER/PgR testing performance. RESULTS Up to 20% of current IHC determinations of ER and PgR testing worldwide may be inaccurate (false negative or false positive). Most of the issues with testing have occurred because of variation in preanalytic variables, thresholds for positivity, and interpretation criteria. RECOMMENDATIONS The Panel recommends that ER and PgR status be determined on all invasive breast cancers and breast cancer recurrences. A testing algorithm that relies on accurate, reproducible assay performance is proposed. Elements to reliably reduce assay variation are specified. It is recommended that ER and PgR assays be considered positive if there are at least 1% positive tumor nuclei in the sample on testing in the presence of expected reactivity of internal (normal epithelial elements) and external controls. The absence of benefit from endocrine therapy for women with ER-negative invasive breast cancers has been confirmed in large overviews of randomized clinical trials.
An attribution analysis of the effect of communicator characteristics on opinion change: The case of communicator attractiveness.

This study tested the attribution hypothesis that message persuasiveness decreases to the extent that the position the communicator advocates is expected on the basis of a characteristic he possesses. Some subjects read a message by an attractive or unattractive communicator who espoused a desirable or undesirable position on one of two topics, while others, without reading the message, estimated the likelihood that the communicator would advocate each position. On expectancies, undesirable positions were judged more likely than desirable ones, and a Source Attractiveness X Position Desirability interaction showed attractive-desirable and unattractive-undesirable communicator-position pairings judged likelier than attractive-undesirable and unattractive-desirable pairings. On opinions, main effects showed attractive communicators more persuasive than unattractive communicators and desirable positions more persuasive than undesirable positions. However, a Source Attractiveness X Position Desirability interaction indicated that attractive communicators were more persuasive than unattractive ones given undesirable positions but only equally persuasive given desirable positions. The attractiveness main effect on opinions was interpreted in terms of communicator likability, while the parallelism between expectancies and opinions (and other responses) with regard to the other effects supported the attribution interpretation. Choice or no choice about receiving a message had only a marginal effect on opinion change.
Assessing service quality on the Web: evidence from business‐to‐consumer portals

The article explores the quality dimensions that the visitors of national and foreign business‐to‐consumer portals use to assess the performance of their service offering. Based on the SERVQUAL model and previous research on Web site evaluation and quality, the paper identified three quality dimensions that proved to be stable across sites’ nationality and user profiles. Several implications are drawn from these results for both Web site marketers and future academic research.
A Review on Biomaterials : Scope , Applications & Human Anatomy Significance

Biomaterials in the form of implants (sutures, bone plates, joint replacements, etc.) and medical devices (pacemakers, artificial hearts, blood tubes, etc.) are widely used to replace and/or restore the function of traumatized or degenerated tissues or organs, and thus improve the quality of life of the patients. The first and foremost requirement for the choice of the biomaterial is its acceptability by the human body. A biomaterial used for implant should possess some important properties in order to long-term usage in the body without rejection. The most common classes of materials used as biomedical materials are Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, and Composite. These four classes are used singly and in combination to form most of the implantation devices available today. This review should be of value to researchers who are interested in the state of the art of biomaterial evaluation and selection of biomaterials. Keywords—Application, Biomaterials, Human Anatomy
Maternal Attribution of Child Noncompliance in Children with Mental Retardation: Down Syndrome Versus Other Causes

ABSTRACT. This study examined mothers’ attributions of the causality of noncompliance in their children with Down syndrome (n = 37) compared with children with other causes of mental retardation (n = 22). Mothers rated two vignettes of simple noncompliance and completed questionnaires about their child’s personality and maladaptive behaviors. Instead of attributing causality along the “classical” categories of locus, controllability, and stability, mothers in both groups used normalizing-temporary and excuse-making attributions. Higher ratings of normalizing-temporary compared with excuse-making occurred in both groups. There was also an interaction effect such that, compared with mothers in the mixed group, mothers in the Down syndrome group showed higher normalizing-temporary versus excuse-making attributions. In the Down syndrome group, normalizing-temporary attributions correlated negatively with children’s internalizing behaviors and positively with children’s personality. Excuse-making attributions correlated with children’s externalizing behaviors in the Down syndrome group and with children’s internalizing problems in the mixed group. Our results highlight the importance of understanding parental attributions for noncompliant behavior among children with different causes of mental retardation.
TLR4 Hyperresponsiveness via Cell Surface Expression of Heat Shock Protein gp96 Potentiates Suppressive Function of Regulatory T Cells1

As one of the main mediators of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response, heat shock protein gp96 is also an obligate chaperone for multiple TLRs including TLR4. We demonstrated recently that enforced cell surface expression of gp96 in a transgenic (Tg) mouse (96tm-Tg) conferred hyperresponsiveness to LPS and induced TLR4-dependent lupus-like autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the function of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in these mice in light of the important roles of Treg in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance against self-Ag as well as the increasing appreciation of TLR signaling on the regulation of Treg. We found that the development of Treg was not impaired in 96tm-Tg mice. Contrary to the prediction of dampened Treg activity, we discovered that the suppressive functions of Treg were increased in 96tm-Tg mice. Inactivation of Treg during the neonatal stage of life exacerbated not only organ-specific diseases but also systemic autoimmune diseases. By crossing 96tm-Tg mice into the TLR4 null background, we demonstrated the critical roles of TLR4 in the amplification of Treg suppressive function. These findings illustrate that gp96 plays dual roles in regulating immune responses by augmenting proinflammatory responses and inducing Treg function, both of which are dependent on its ability to chaperone TLR4. Our study provides strong support to the notion of compensatory Treg activation by TLR ligation to dampen inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
A missense single-nucleotide polymorphism in a gene encoding a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN22) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease, affecting approximately 1% of the adult population worldwide, with an estimated heritability of 60%. To identify genes involved in RA susceptibility, we investigated the association between putative functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and RA among white individuals by use of a case-control study design; a second sample was tested for replication. Here we report the association of RA susceptibility with the minor allele of a missense SNP in PTPN22 (discovery-study allelic P=6.6 x 10(-4); replication-study allelic P=5.6 x 10(-8)), which encodes a hematopoietic-specific protein tyrosine phosphatase also known as "Lyp. " We show that the risk allele, which is present in approximately 17% of white individuals from the general population and in approximately 28% of white individuals with RA, disrupts the P1 proline-rich motif that is important for interaction with Csk, potentially altering these proteins' normal function as negative regulators of T-cell activation. The minor allele of this SNP recently was implicated in type 1 diabetes, suggesting that the variant phosphatase may increase overall reactivity of the immune system and may heighten an individual carrier's risk for autoimmune disease.
Comparison of Alaris AEP index and bispectral index during propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND The Alaris AEP monitor(TM) (Alaris, UK, version 1.4) is the first commercially available auditory evoked potential (AEP) monitor designed to estimate the depth of anaesthesia. It generates an "Alaris AEP index" (AAI), which is a dimensionless number scaled from 100 (awake) to 0. This study was designed to compare AAI and BIS(TM) (Aspect, USA, version XP) values at different levels of anaesthesia. METHODS Adult female patients were premedicated with diazepam 0.15 mg kg(-1) orally on the morning of surgery. Electrodes for BIS and Alaris AEP monitoring and a headphone to give auditory stimuli were applied as recommended by the manufacturers. Anaesthesia was induced with remifentanil (0.4 microg kg(-1) min(-1)) and a propofol target-controlled infusion (Diprifusor(TM) TCI, AstraZeneca, Germany) to obtain a predicted concentration of initially 3.5 microg ml(-1). After loss of consciousness the patients were given 0.5 mg kg(-1) of atracurium. After tracheal intubation, remifentanil was given at 0.2 microg kg(-1) min(-1) and the propofol infusion was adjusted to obtain BIS target values of 30, 40, 50, and 60. AAI and BIS values were recorded and matched with the predicted propofol effect-site concentrations. Prediction probability was calculated for consciousness vs unconsciousness. Values are mean (SD). RESULTS Fifty female patients, 53 (15), range 18-78 yr, ASA I or II were studied. Mean values before induction of anaesthesia were 95 (4), range 99-82 for BIS and 85 (12), range 99-55 for AAI. With loss of eyelash reflex both values were significantly reduced to 64 (13), range 83-39 for BIS (P<0.05) and 61 (22), range 99-15 for AAI (P<0.05). The prediction probability P(K) for consciousness vs unconsciousness (i.e. loss of eyelash reflex) was better for BIS (P(K)=0.99) than for AAI (P(K)=0.79). At a BIS of 30, 40, 50, and 60 the corresponding AAI values were 15 (6), 20 (8), 28 (11), and 40 (16), and these were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS During propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia a decrease of the depth of anaesthesia as indicated by BIS monitoring is accompanied by corresponding effects shown by the AAI. However, wide variation in the awake values and considerable overlap of AAI values between consciousness and unconsciousness, suggests further improvement of the AAI system is required.
“Learnership” in complex organisational textures

This paper focuses on developing an integrative view of leadership and organisational learning in the context of dynamic and non‐linear organisational complexity. The outcome of this development is a new conceptualisation termed “learnership”. The concept and process of “learnership” is seen as an evolving meld of leadership and learning where responsibility for learning and for leading is progressively diffused from a few central individuals to a critical mass of organisational members, all of whom become mutually embedded in the learning process, leading where needed, following where needed, but always with a sensitive eye on the complex texture of the learning environment they inhabit. The usefulness of the concept of “learnership” for organisations is discussed and some diagnostic trigger questions for sensing readiness and capability for “learnership” diffusion are presented.
A fully differential CMOS potentiostat

A CMOS potentiostat for chemical sensing in a noisy environment is presented. The potentiostat measures bidirectional electrochemical redox currents proportional to the concentration of a chemical down to pico-ampere range. The fully differential architecture with differential recording electrodes suppresses the common mode interference. A 200µm×200µm prototype was fabricated in a standard 0. 35µm standard CMOS technology and yields a 70dB dynamic range. The in-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) performs 16-bit current-to-frequency quantization. The integrated potentiostat functionality is validated in electrical and electrochemical experiments.
Heat production by ruminal bacteria in continuous culture and its relationship to maintenance energy

Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 and Bacteroides ruminicola B(1)4 were grown in continuous culture with glucose as the energy source, and heat production was measured continuously with a microcalorimeter. Because the bacteria were grown under steady-state conditions, it was possible to calculate complete energy balances for substrate utilization and product formation (cells, fermentation acids, and heat). As the dilution rate increased from 0.04 to 0.60 per h, the heat of fermentation declined from 19 to 2% and from 34 to 8% for S. ruminantium and B. ruminicola, respectively. At slow dilution rates the specific rate of heat production remained relatively constant (135 mW/g [dry weight] or 190 mW/g of protein for S. ruminantium and 247 mW/g [dry weight] or 467 mW/g of protein for B. ruminicola). Since the heat due to growth-related functions was small compared to maintenance expenditures, total heat production provided a reasonable estimate of maintenance under glucose-limiting conditions. As the dilution rate was increased, glucose eventually accumulated in the chemostat vessel and the specific rates of heat production increased more than twofold. Pulses of glucose added to glucose-limited cultures (0.167 per h) caused an immediate doubling of heat production and little increase in cell protein. These experiments indicate that bacterial maintenance energy is not necessarily a constant and that energy source accumulation was associated with an increase in heat production.
Details of Lymphedema, Upper Limb Morbidity, and Self Management in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE To examine the details of lymphedema, upper limb morbidity, and its self management in women after breast cancer treatment. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey design, 81 women were recruited from a university hospital. Lymphedema was detected by a nurse as a 2-cm difference between arm circumferences at 6 different points on the arm. Degrees of pain, stiffness, and numbness were scored using a drawing of upper limb on a 0~10 point scale. Aggravating conditions and self-management for lymphedema were also recorded. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 52.5 years; the average time since breast surgery was 29.7 months. Histories of modified radical mastectomy (55%) and lymph node dissection (81%) were noted. Lymphedema was found in 59% of women, then pain and stiffness were prevalent most at upper arm while numbness was apparentat fingers, and the symptom distress scores ranged 3.9~6.7. Women experienced aggravated arm swelling after routine housework with greatly varied duration. Self-management was conservative with a wide range of times for the relief of symptoms. CONCLUSION Lymphedema education for women with breast cancer should be incorporated into the oncologic nursing care system to prevent its occurrence and arm morbidity. Risk reduction guidelines, individually tailored self-care strategies, and self-awareness for early detection need to be refined in clinical nursing practices.
1a/1b Subtype Profiling of Nonnucleoside Polymerase Inhibitors of Hepatitis C Virus

ABSTRACT The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an unusually attractive target for drug discovery since it contains five distinct drugable sites. The success of novel antiviral therapies will require nonnucleoside inhibitors to be active in at least patients infected with HCV of subtypes 1a and 1b. Therefore, the genotypic assessment of these agents against clinical isolates derived from genotype 1-infected patients is an important prerequisite for the selection of suitable candidates for clinical development. Here we report the 1a/1b subtype profiling of polymerase inhibitors that bind at each of the four known nonnucleoside binding sites. We show that inhibition of all of the clinical isolates tested is maintained, except for inhibitors that bind at the palm-1 binding site. Subtype coverage varies across chemotypes within this class of inhibitors, and inhibition of genotype 1a improves when hydrophobic contact with the polymerase is increased. We investigated if the polymorphism of the palm-1 binding site is the sole cause of the reduced susceptibility of subtype 1a to inhibition by 1,5-benzodiazepines by using reverse genetics, X-ray crystallography, and surface plasmon resonance studies. We showed Y415F to be a key determinant in conferring resistance on subtype 1a, with this effect being mediated through an inhibitor- and enzyme-bound water molecule. Binding studies revealed that the mechanism of subtype 1a resistance is faster dissociation of the inhibitor from the enzyme.
Estimating individual contributions to population growth: evolutionary fitness in ecological time

Ecological and evolutionary change is generated by variation in individual performance. Biologists have consequently long been interested in decomposing change measured at the population level into contributions from individuals, the traits they express and the alleles they carry. We present a novel method of estimating individual contributions to population growth and changes in distributions of quantitative traits and alleles. An individual's contribution to population growth is an individual's realized annual fitness. We demonstrate how the quantities we develop can be used to address a range of empirical questions, and provide an application to a detailed dataset of Soay sheep. The approach provides results that are consistent with those obtained using lifetime estimates of individual performance, yet is substantially more powerful as it allows lifetime performance to be decomposed into annual survival and fecundity contributions.