Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relative systemic hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease is associated with risk of pulmonary hypertension and renal insufficiency

We analyzed entry data from 163 adult hemoglobin SS and Sβ0 thalassemia patients enrolled in the prospective Sickle Cell Pulmonary Hypertension Screening Study and stratified their ECHO‐determined tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) and serum creatinine concentration according to three systemic blood pressure categories. TRV was ≥≥2.5 m/sec in 27% of the patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <70 mmHg, in 37% with SBP 120–139 mmHg or DBP 70–89 mmHg, and in 93% with SBP 140 mmHg or DBP 90 mmHg or higher (P < 0.0005 for trend). Serum creatinine concentration was 1.0 mg/dL or higher in 7% of patients with SBP < 120 mmHg and DBP < 70 mmHg, in 17% with SBP 120–139 mmHg or DBP 70–89 mmHg and 50% with SBP 140 mmHg or DBP 90 mmHg or higher (P < 0.0005 for trend). Over 2 years of follow‐up, there were trends for more frequent progression to elevated TRV (P = 0.073) or creatinine (P = 0.037) values according to the higher systemic blood pressure categories. Our findings suggest that systemic SBP 120–139 mmHg or DBP 70–89 mmHg defines a category of relative systemic hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease that is associated with increased risk for pulmonary hypertension and renal dysfunction. Whether antihypertensive and/or nitric oxide donor therapy in sickle cell disease patients with relative hypertension prevents these and other complications should be determined by clinical trials. Am. J. Hematol. , 2008. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Which Birds of a Feather Flock Together? Assessing Attitudes About Descriptive Representation Among Latinos and Asian Americans

This study assesses preferences for descriptive representation among Latinos and Asian Americans. The findings are consistent across data sets, measurement strategies, and panethnic groups: Latinos and Asian Americans who do not think of themselves primarily as American, who think that their fate is tied to that of the group, and who are less acculturated are more likely than others to prefer coethnic representatives. The implications of these findings are discussed, with a focus on the conditions under which the nation’s rapidly diversifying population could promote competing views about political representation in the United States.
Labour market position of women during the current recession in the Netherlands.

Throughout this paper, an attempt is made to outline the difference between men and women on the labour market during the current recession in the Netherlands. At the end of 2008 a strong economic downturn set in in the Netherlands. This economic downturn has not been without consequences for the labour market. The aim of this research is to get insight in the factors that play a role in the possible disadvantages of women on the labour market and how to deal with this possible arrear. The transitional labour market (TLM) concept, which is based on observed changes in the composition and dynamics of the labour market over the last years, is used to investigate exclusionary transitions of men and women. Data have been gathered from 2008-2012 on the five important life domains of the TLM-framework: (1) Employment, (2) unemployment, (3) education, (4) private households and (5) labour disability. These data have given insight in the developments on these domains and about exclusionary transitions of men and women. The most striking findings are as follows: the unemployment rate for men has been rising faster than for women during the current recession, due to the different working areas of men and women. Also it can be seen that the unemployment rate of the youth is much higher in comparison with the elderly. During the current crisis more people decide to study in all levels of education. Women are less likely to get unemployed after their study than men because of their higher education level. Concluding women seem to do relatively well during this recession. However, there still is a big gap between men and women on the labour market. An important issue for politicians is the economic dependency of women. To ensure the growth of women and to prevent a decline in the employment rate of women, the politicians in the Netherlands have to ensure that childcare costs are more fairly distributed between the government, employers and parents. Thereby an environment must be created so that women can return to the labour market after their maternity leave without any consequences for their career so that their talent is not lost, or worse that they are making an exclusionary transition out of the labour market.
A newly identified N‐terminal amino acid sequence of human eIF4G binds poly(A)‐binding protein and functions in poly(A)‐dependent translation

Most eukaryotic mRNAs possess a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly(A) tail, both of which are required for efficient translation. In yeast and plants, binding of eIF4G to poly(A)‐binding protein (PABP) was implicated in poly(A)‐dependent translation. In mammals, however, there has been no evidence that eIF4G binds PABP. Using 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA, we have extended the known human eIF4GI open reading frame from the N‐terminus by 156 amino acids. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the extended eIF4GI binds PABP, while the N‐terminally truncated original eIF4GI cannot. Deletion analysis identified a 29 amino acid sequence in the new N‐terminal region as the PABP‐binding site. The 29 amino acid stretch is almost identical in eIF4GI and eIF4GII, and the full‐length eIF4GII also binds PABP. As previously shown for yeast, human eIF4G binds to a fragment composed of RRM1 and RRM2 of PABP. In an in vitro translation system, an N‐terminal fragment which includes the PABP‐binding site inhibits poly(A)‐dependent translation, but has no effect on translation of a deadenylated mRNA. These results indicate that, in addition to a recently identified mammalian PABP‐binding protein, PAIP‐1, eIF4G binds PABP and probably functions in poly(A)‐dependent translation in mammalian cells.
How Did the Horned Lizard Get Its Horns?

IN THEIR BREVIA “HOW THE HORNED LIZARD got its horns,” K. V. Young et al. present an important example of natural selection in the wild, suggesting that loggerhead shrike predation drove the evolution of elongated horns in the flat-tailed horned lizard (2 Apr., p. 65). Although the authors acknowledge that selective forces other than shrike predation may also be involved, they make no mention of the possibility that one of these potential forces could have been the first instigator of the directional selection for horn elongation. Under this hypothetical scenario, the horns would have then only subsequently served to reduce shrike predation. Other likely cases of preadaptation [or exaptation (1)] have been described in vertebrates (2–5), some of which involve important transitions in evolutionary history. Perhaps the role of preadaptation in evolution is of great importance and is deserving of more widespread appreciation. Given the possibility of a preadaptation scenario in the evolution of crown horns in horned lizards, I find it ironic that Young et al. commented on the weakness of “just-so stories” (6) and also chose a title that reads remarkably like the titles of Kipling’s stories. Until presented with evidence suggesting that the horns were mere nubs until the onset of shrike predation, I will remain convinced that “How the horned lizard got its horns” is a poor choice for what is presumably meant to be an informative title. WILLIAM R. FOUTS Department of Biology, Nevada State College, 1125 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89015, USA.
Micro gas chromatography sample injector for the analysis of natural gas

This paper reports on a gas sample injection system for gas chromatography, with the specificity of being potentially able to sustain the harsh environment of natural gas. This device integrates six low-leak microvalves made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) membranes on silicon substrates. We report on the design, operation principle, fabrication, and intrinsic characteristics of the micro injector as well as its measured behavior in a compact gas chromatograph. The overall size of the micro injector - 7 mm × 3 mm × 1.2 mm - is among the smallest reported in the literature, and it permits the injection of a 250-nL sample volume. Characterization revealed a transition time of less than 35 ms between the sampling mode and the injection mode of the microinjector, with an expected potential of high precision on injection sample volume, owing to the very low leakage levels. Continuous operation and reproducible measurements are demonstrated when using the micro injector in a miniaturized chromatographic system. Comparison with commercially available injectors revealed similar quality of gas sample injection.
Collapsing Ordered Outcome Categories : A Note of Concern

When analyzing and interpreting data from an epidemiologic study where ordinal (ordered categorical) outcomes have been measured in different exposure groups, an effect parameter of interest is the common odds ratio implied by the proportional odds model. This model can sometimes be applied to a collapsed outcome variable, instead of the measured variable, without reducing efficiency considerably. However, in a given data set, changing the outcome categories can affect the effect estimate as well as the inference being drawn from the data, even if the true effect itself has not changed. In particular, one should be careful in dichotomizing the measured outcome variable. Am J Epidemiol 1996;144:421-4.
Novel E2 Glycoprotein Tetramer Detects Hepatitis C Virus–Specific Memory B Cells

Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection culminates in viral persistence in the majority of cases. Abs that recognize the envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 are generated during the late stages of acute infection, yet their contribution to spontaneous viral clearance remains controversial. Investigation of the humoral responses during acute HCV infection have been limited by the inability to directly identify and characterize HCV-specific B cells. In this study we describe the development of a novel tetramer of the E2 glycoprotein ectodomain (J6, genotype 2a strain), which allowed us to visualize E2-specific B cells longitudinally in the peripheral blood of HCV-infected individuals. HCV-specific class-switched memory B cells were detected in 3 out of 7 participants during late acute infection, with a mean frequency of 0.63% for positive samples (range 0.16–0.67%) and in 7 out of 7 participants with chronic infection with a mean frequency of 0.47% (range 0.20–0.78%). In a cross-sectional study, E2 tetramer positive population was detected in 28 out of 31 chronically infected individuals. Deep sequencing of the BCR from E2-specific class-switched memory B cells sorted from two independent participants revealed a focused repertoire suggestive of clonal selection. Tetramer-specific B cells exhibited skewed CDR3 length distribution and increased mutation frequency compared with naive B cells. This BCR profile is indicative of clonal expansion and affinity maturation. E2 tetramer allows for specific and sensitive ex vivo characterization of rare HCV-specific B cells in infected individuals, and will enable researchers to gain a better understanding of humoral immunity in HCV infection.
Fault Detection Algorithm Based on Filters Bank Derived from Wavelet Packets

The fault detection and isolation (FDI) are of particular importance in industry. In fact, the early fault detection in industrial systems can reduce the personal damages and economical losses. Basically, model-based and data-based methods can be distinguished. Model-based techniques require a sufficiently accurate mathematical model of the process and compare the measured data with the estimations provided by the model in order to detect and isolate the faults that disturb the process. Parity space approach, observers design and parameters estimators are well known examples of model-based methods (Patton et al, 2000), (Zwingelstein, 1995), (Blanke et al., 2003), (Maquin & Ragot, 2000). In contrast, data-based methods require a lot of measurements and can also be divided into signal processing methods and artificial intelligence approaches. Many researchers have performed fault detection by using vibration analysis for mechanical systems, or current and voltage signature analysis for electromechanical systems (Awadallah & Morcos 2003), (Benbouzid et al., 1999). Other researchers use the artificial intelligence (AI) tools for faults diagnosis (Awadallah & Morcos 2003) and the frequency methods for faults detection and isolation (Benbouzid et al., 1999). This study continues our research in frequency domain, concerning fault detection by means of filters bank (Mustapha et al-a, 2007), (Mustapha et al-b, 2007). The aim of this article is to propose a method for the on-line detection of changes applied after a modeling of the original signal. This modeling is based on a filters bank decomposition that is needed to explore the frequency and energy components of the signal. The filters coefficients are derived from the wavelet packets, so the wavelet packets characteristics are approximately conserved and this leads to both filtering and reconstruction of the signal. This work is a continuity of our previous works for deriving a filters-bank from wavelet packets because the wavelet packets offer more flexibility for signal analysis and offer a lot of bases to represent the signal. The main contributions are to derive the filters and to evaluate the error between filters bank and wavelet packets response curves. Filters bank is preferred in comparison with wavelet O pe n A cc es s D at ab as e w w w . ite ch on lin e. co m
Exchange Rate Dynamics and Financial Market Integration

Imperfect capital mobility is modelled in a two-country intertemporal general equilibrium framework by assuming that agents face costs of adjusting asset stocks in foreign asset markets. Goods markets are imperfectly competitive and goods prices are subject to sluggish adjustment. Simulation experiments show that increasing financial market integration (represented by reducing the cost of transacting in foreign asset markets) increases the volatility of a number of variables when shocks originate from the money market, but decreases the volatility of most variables when shocks originate from real demand or supply.
The Determinants of Islamic Banks’ Efficiency Changes: Empirical Evidence from the World Banking Sectors

The article investigates the efficiency of the Islamic banking sectors in 25 countries during the period 1992–2009 consisting of 78 Islamic banks. The efficiency estimates of individual banks are evaluated using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The empirical findings seem to suggest that the World Islamic banks have exhibited high pure technical efficiency. During the period of study we find that pure technical inefficiency has greater influence in determining the total technical inefficiency of the World Islamic banking sectors. Second, further analysis into the investigation of the World Islamic banking sector efficiency is suggested to consider specific factors that contribute to high-income countries leading efficiency over the years compared to banks operated in medium- and low-income countries. Based on Table 3, it is consistently stated that most of the efficient banks over the years were from high-income countries. We find a positive relationship between bank efficiency and loan intensity, size, capitalization and profitability. Empirical results show that technically more efficient banks are those that have higher market share and a low non-performing loan ratio. A multivariate analysis based on the Tobit model reinforces these findings.
ANCHOR-BASED ALIGNMENT METHOD FOR THE SEQUENCE VS . SEQUENCE AND PROFILE VS . SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT

Sunyaev Sh.R. , Bogopolsky G.A. , Oleynikova N.V. , Vlasov P.K. , Finkelstein A.V. , Roytberg M.A. 1 Institute of Molecular Biology, RAS, Moscow, Russia 2 European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Germany 3 Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia 4 Institute of Mathematical Problems in Biology, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia 5 Institute of Protein Research, RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia e-mail: roytberg@impb.psn. ru Corresponding author
Strategies to overcome biofilm resistance

Biofilm have been found to be involved in a wide variety of microbial infections in the body, by one estimate 80% of all infections. A number of anti-biofilm strategies have emerged to prevent the colonization and formation of biofilms. However, there are four main intervention strategies in clinical practice for biofilm-associated infections. The first strategy is to prevent the initial microbial cell attachment through the material surface modification of the medical devices. Second, for an established infection, removal of the infected device is the definitive treatment strategy that is common usually; nevertheless this can cause adverse collateral effects in the patient. Third, agents such as liposomes, polymer-based and nanoparticles are used to penetrate and enhance the antimicrobial transport into the biofilm matrix in order to kill the embedded organisms. Lastly, therapies that can prevent more than one biofilms mechanism simultaneously, as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) that being a multi-target process, there is no development of microbial resistance. So, this review will focus on the mechanisms of biofilm resistance and the therapeutic strategies to overcome that.
Boater Speed Compliance in Manatee Zones: Examining a Proposed Predictive Model

In Florida, recreational watercraft strikes are the single greatest cause of mortality among the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Vessel speed reduction zones are meant to minimize this threat, although boater compliance studies suggest that the current reliance on waterway signage and voluntary observance may be somewhat ineffective. Based on observation of vessels on the St. Johns River in Florida, and subsequent mail survey of observed boaters, this study attempted to better understand attitude importance and subjective norms with respect to boating behavior within the context of a predictive model. Fifty five percent of observed vessels were noncompliant with the posted zone speeds. In general, observed and self-reported compliance behaviors were only partially consistent with the tested model. Findings suggest that messages to compel boaters to comply should foster an attachment to personally important attitudes and appropriate desires of family members, other boaters and law enforcement officers.
Preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin is cardioprotective in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

AIM The cardioprotective effects afforded by volatile anesthetics, i.e. isoflurane, during heart surgery may be due to preconditioning of the myocardium through the activation of KATP channels. The aims of this study were to establish whether glibenclamide prevents the isoflurane-induced cardioprotection in diabetic patients undergoing coronary surgery (CABG) and whether this cardioprotective effect can be restored by preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin therapy. METHODS We enrolled 60 patients undergoing CABG. Twenty consecutive non-diabetic patients were randomized to receive conventional anesthesia (CA) or conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane (ISO) (added to the inspired oxygen before starting cardiopulmonary bypass); 40 consecutive diabetic patients in chronic treatment with oral glibenclamide were randomized to conventional anesthesia (G-CA), conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane (G-ISO), conventional anesthesia after shifting to insulin (I-CA) or conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane after shifting to insulin (I-ISO). Serum levels of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and CK-MB, as markers of ischemic injury, were obtained 1, 24, 48 and 96 hours, postoperatively. RESULTS Postoperative peak levels of CTnI and CK-MB were lower in ISO than in CA (0.5+/-0.3 vs 2.8+/-2.2 ng/ml, p<0.05 and 61+/-27 vs 79+/-28 U/L, p<0.05, respectively), as well as in I-CA and I-ISO than G-CA and G-ISO groups (0.5+/-0.7 and 0.7+/-0.9 vs 3.5+/-3 and 2.7+/-2.5 ng/ml, p<0.05; 47+/-7 and 41+/-5 vs 85+/-28 and 50+/-23 U/L, p<0.05, respectively). No significant differences were detected in postoperative hemodynamic variables or in-hospital outcome. CONCLUSION This prospective randomized study shows a cardioprotective effect of preoperative administration of isoflurane during CABG. Such an effect is prevented by glibenclamide, but can be restored in diabetic patients by preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin.
Anti‐Thy‐1‐mediated T cell activation. Role of soluble factors and expression of interleukin 2 receptors on T cells

Rabbit anti‐Thy‐1 antibody bound to T cells induces the appearance of T cell growth factor (interleukin 2, IL 2) receptors and the production of IL 2. IL2 receptors induction by this means occurs within a short time span, and independent of any demonstrable accessory cell. A source of exogenous or endogenous IL 2 is apparently the only requirement for proliferation after these receptors are expressed. IL 2 production, on the other hand, is accessory cell‐dependent, and this help is mediated via Fc receptors on the accessory cell. IL 2 production in this model is demonstrable at 4–6 h, or earlier, and is proliferation‐independent. X‐irradiation actually augments apparent IL 2 production. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that a differentiated subset of T cells in any mixed population is responsible for IL 2 production.
Posterolateral Endoscopic Excision for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Surgical Technique, Outcome, and Complications in 307 Consecutive Cases

Study Design. A retrospective review involving 307 consecutive cases of lumbar disc herniation managed by posterolateral endoscopic discectomy was conducted. Objectives. To describe a contemporary posterolateral endoscopic decompression technique for radiculopathy secondary to lumbar disc herniation; to evaluate the efficacy of the technique as it is applied to lumbar disc herniation including primary herniation, reherniation, intracanal herniation, and extracanal herniation; and to report outcome and complications. Summary of Background Data. The concept of percutaneous posterolateral nucleotomy was introduced in 1973. The development of the related equipment and technique had witnessed a slow and lengthy evolution. Method. A retrospective assessment of 307 patients was performed at least 1 year after their index operation. The outcome was graded according to a modified MacNab method. A patient-based outcome questionnaire also was incorporated into the study. Results. The surgeon-performed assessment showed satisfactory results in 89.3% of the cases. The rate of response to the questionnaire was 91%. The responses indicated that 90.7% of the respondents were satisfied with their surgical outcome and would undergo the same endoscopic procedure again if faced with a similar herniation in the future. The poor outcome occurred in 10.7% of the primary group and 9.7% of the questionnaire group. The combined major and minor complication rate was 3.5%. Conclusions. The surgical outcome of posterolateral endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation is comparable with that for the traditional open transcanal microdiscectomy. Intracanal and extracanal herniations, reherniations, and incidental lateral recess stenosis can be addressed by the same approach.