Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage account for almost 20% of all stroke cases. Both forms of stroke are associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage increases with the age and certain ethnical groups are more affected. Subarachnoid hemorrhage tends to occur in a much younger population than other types of strokes. Outcome predictors for intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage have been extensively discussed in the literature. Based on the current literature, we review the morbidity and mortality rates and predictors of outcome for these two life-threatening diseases. Initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, hematoma volume, and presence of ventricular blood are the most prominent predictors of outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage. Age and initial severity of neurologic deficits on presentation, measured by GCS, Hunt and Hess Scale or the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Scale, are the most important predictors of outcome following subarachnoid hemorrhage. [Neurol Res 2002; 24: S58-S62]
Dose-related effects of epinephrine on glucose production in conscious dogs.

The effects of increases in plasma epinephrine from 78 +/- 32 to 447 +/- 75, 1,812 +/- 97, or 2,495 +/- 427 pg/ml on glucose production, including gluconeogenesis, were determined in the conscious, overnight-fasted dog, using a combination of tracer [( 3-3H]glucose and [U-14C]alanine) and arteriovenous difference techniques. Insulin and glucagon were fixed at basal levels using a pancreatic clamp. Plasma glucose levels rose during the 180-min epinephrine infusion by 47 +/- 7, 42 +/- 22, and 74 +/- 25 mg/dl, respectively, in association with increases in hepatic glucose output of 1.04 +/- 0.22, 1.87 +/- 0.23, and 3.70 +/- 0.83 mg.kg-1.min-1 (at 15 min). Blood lactate levels rose by 1.52 +/- 0.24, 4.29 +/- 0.49, and 4.60 +/- 0.45 mmol/l, respectively, by 180 min, despite increases in hepatic uptake of lactate of 3.47 +/- 5.73, 12.83 +/- 3.46, and 37.00 +/- 4.20 mumol.kg-1.min-1. The intrahepatic gluconeogenic efficiency with which the liver converted the incoming alanine to glucose had risen by 84 +/- 40, 77 +/- 24, and 136 +/- 34% at 180 min, respectively. The latter effect plus the effect on net hepatic lactate uptake point to an intrahepatic action of high levels of the hormone in vivo. In conclusion, epinephrine produces dose-dependent increments in overall glucose production, which involve a progressive stimulation of both glycogenolysis (as assessed by glucose production at 15 min) and gluconeogenesis (assessed in the last 30 min of the study). The latter involves a peripheral action of the catecholamine to increase gluconeogenic substrate supply to the liver and may also involve a hepatic effect when high epinephrine levels are present.
HARQ based Scheduling for Wireless Network

Link adaptation, scheduling, and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) are indispensable technology for wireless networks to provide high speed packet data services. While prior scheduling algorithms based on the instantaneous data rate to determine the user to be served in each scheduling interval are useful, they do not fully take into account transmission errors and the impact of retransmission techniques to recover those errors. We propose a more accurate measure of users' effective Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) that accounts for the reliability as well as retransmissions when scheduling transmissions to users. Extensive simulation results comparing performance of the proposed method to conventional methods are presented.
Inhibition of fibroblast cell adhesion on substrate by coating with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymers.

Fibroblast adhesion and growth behavior were examined on various polymers coated on a poly(ethylene telephthalate) (PET) substrate. The polymers are poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylatel copolymer (PMB)s with different MPC unit compositions, and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Surface analysis by dynamic contact angle measurement revealed that the mobility of the polymer chain on the PET substrate depended on the MPC unit composition, but there was no significant difference between the PMBs with 3-10 mol% MPC units and poly(HEMA). Fibronectin adsorption on the polymer surface from a cell culture medium was determined by immunoassay. The adsorbed fibronection was evenly distrubuted in every polymer, however, the amount was reduced with an increase in the MPC unit composition in the PMB. This result suggested that the MPC unit could weaken the interaction between the polymer surface and proteins. When fibroblast L-929 cells, were cultured on the polymers, the cells adhered and the number of cells increased on not only the hydrophobic poly(BMA) but also on the hydrophilic poly(HEMA). However, the number of cells that adhered on the PMB surface decreased with an increase in the MPC unit composition. This was a result of the fibronectin adsorption behavior. Thus, it could be concluded that since the PMB could suppress cell adhesion proteins e.g. fibronectin, the PMB showed excellent cell adhesive resistance properties.
STRESS ANALYSIS ON 3 D CORONARY ARTERIAL TREE AND PLAQUE SUBJECT TO CYCLIC FLEXION

Plaque rupture with superimposed thrombosis is the main cause of the acute coronary syndromes of unstable angina myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Previous studies have shown that endothelial disruption may relate to mechanical fatigue associated with the number of cyclic flexion on plaques [1,2]. A novel method is proposed to analyze and quantify local stress on in vivo patientspecific coronary vascular structures and plaque reconstructed from a pair of cine angiograms subject to cardiac motion. We hypothesize that mechanical stress on coronary arterial wall and plaque depends on the magnitude of deformation and the artery geometry in terms of vessel diameter, narrowing percentage, and lesion length. This work is of significance in facilitating evaluation of a moving coronary arterial tree attached to the myocardium and assessment of arterial mechanical stress.
Why Do Nurse Managers Stay? Building a Model of Engagement: Part 2, Cultures of Engagement

The short tenure of nurse mangers is an urgent aspect of the leadership vacuum within the nursing shortage. The authors, who sought to build a model of nurse manager engagement in contrast to a retention model, continue to report data from a national qualitative study funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of 30 outstanding and longtime nurse managers in 6 settings. Part 1 (March 2008) described the dimensions and applications of individual engagement. In this article (part 2), the authors describe the organizational factors that contribute to engagement for nurse managers and the applications for building cultures of engagement.
Complementary Roles of Farnesoid X Receptor, Pregnane X Receptor, and Constitutive Androstane Receptor in Protection against Bile Acid Toxicity*

The nuclear receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), are important in maintaining bile acid homeostasis. Deletion of both FXR and PXR in vivo by cross-breeding B6;129-Fxrtm1Gonz (FXR-null) and B6;129-Pxrtm1Glaxo-Wellcome (PXR-null) mice revealed a more severe disruption of bile acid, cholesterol, and lipid homeostasis in B6;129-Fxrtm1Gonz Pxrtm1Glaxo-Wellcome (FXR-PXR double null or FPXR-null) mice fed a 1% cholic acid (CA) diet. Hepatic expression of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and its target genes was induced in FXR- and FPXR-null mice fed the CA diet. To test whether up-regulation of CAR represents a means of protection against bile acid toxicity to compensate for the loss of FXR and PXR, animals were pretreated with CAR activators, phenobarbital or 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichlorpyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), followed by the CA diet. A role for CAR in protection against bile acid toxicity was confirmed by a marked reduction of serum bile acid and bilirubin concentrations, with an elevation of the expression of the hepatic genes involved in bile acid and/or bilirubin metabolism and excretion (CYP2B, CYP3A, MRP2, MRP3, UGT1A, and glutathione S-transferase α), following pretreatment with phenobarbital or TCPOBOP. In summary, the current study demonstrates a critical and combined role of FXR and PXR in maintaining not only bile acid but also cholesterol and lipid homeostasis in vivo. Furthermore, FXR, PXR, and CAR protect against hepatic bile acid toxicity in a complementary manner, suggesting that they serve as redundant but distinct layers of defense to prevent overt hepatic damage by bile acids during cholestasis.
Specific IgA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in severe COPD

Background The bronchial mucosa is protected by a specialized immune system focused on the prevention of colonization and infection by potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the principal antibody involved in this mechanism. A defective immune barrier may facilitate the recurrent presence of PPMs in COPD. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine IgA-mediated bronchial specific immune responses against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in stable patients with severe disease. Methods COPD patients with good-quality sputum samples obtained during stability were included and classified according to the presence or absence of chronic bronchial colonization by P. aeruginosa. Levels of specific IgA for P. aeruginosa in sputum were determined by ELISA and expressed as ratios, using the pooled level of 10 healthy subjects as reference (optical density450 patient/control). Results Thirty-six stable COPD patients were included, 15 of whom had chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa. Levels of specific IgA against P. aeruginosa in stable non-colonized patients were lower than those in healthy subjects (IgA ratio: median =0.15 [interquartile range {IQR} 0.05–0.36]). Colonized patients had higher levels, (1.56 [IQR 0.59–2.79]) (p<0.001, Mann–Whitney U test), with figures equivalent but not exceeding the reference value. Conclusion IgA-based immune response against P. aeruginosa was low in severe COPD patients. Levels of specific IgA against this microorganism were higher in colonized patients, but did not attain clear-cut levels above the reference. An impaired local response against P. aeruginosa may favor chronic colonization and recurrent infections in severe COPD.
Identification of phorbol ester response elements in the promoter of Epstein-Barr virus putative lytic switch gene BZLF1

The product of the Epstein-Barr virus BZLF1 gene encodes a protein which is related to c-fos, it has been shown to bind specifically to a consensus AP-1 site, and its expression in latently Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphocytes is sufficient to trigger the viral lytic cycle. We identified several elements within the BZLF1 promoter (Zp) which are responsive to the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), an inducer of the viral lytic cycle. These elements fall into two classes based on the factors which bind to these sequences and their resulting functional behavior. Four of the elements are homologous (ZI elements) and share homology to a protein-binding domain in the promoter region of the coordinately expressed BRLF1 gene. When cloned upstream of heterologous promoters, the ZI elements function as silencers which exhibit TPA-inducible enhancer activity. A distinct TPA-responsive element (ZII) is located near the TATA box and shares homology with the AP-1-binding site in the c-jun promoter. A synthetic oligonucleotide with a sequence corresponding to the ZII element effectively competes for binding of nuclear factors to the c-jun AP-1 site. Furthermore, we found that a complex of c-jun and c-fos bound to the ZII domain.
Finite time H∞ controller design based on finite time H∞ functional filter for linear continuous systems

In this paper we investigate the problem of the design of a controller based on H∞ functional filter, in a finite time stability context for linear continuous time-invariant systems affected by norm bounded disturbances. The finite-time H∞ boundedness criterion of the closed-loop system is investigated. The order of the controller is reduced since the designed functional filter has the same order than the dimension of the control input of the system. The design conditions are expressed as linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is provided to show the validity of the proposed approach.
No Relation between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Pseudoexfoliation

Aims: To determine the association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and pseudoexfoliation (PEX) in Turkish patients. Methods: This prospective study consisted of 89 patients with PEX, and 120 controls. The I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene was measured with the use of the polymerase chain reaction method. Results: The distribution of the polymorphism was not significantly different in cases with PEX and controls. The frequencies of the I and D alleles were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: According to our findings, I/D polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene does not play any role in the pathogenesis of PEX.
On the approximate maximum likelihood estimation in stochastic model of SQL injection attacks

SQL injection is one of vulnerabilities of web application and there is a risk of an unauthorized access if web application has this vulnerability. A lot of heuristic prevention and detection methods of SQL injection attacks have been developed, however, theoretical performance analysis is difficult about them. In this paper, an approximate maximum likelihood estimation of parameter of a stochastic model which imitates the property of SQL injection attacks would be proposed. Furthermore, its effectiveness would be considered by investigating relationships between our proposed method and linear classification methods such as soft confidence weighted learning (SCW) and support vector machine (SVM).
Mechanically induced osteogenic differentiation – the role of RhoA, ROCKII and cytoskeletal dynamics

Many biochemical factors regulating progenitor cell differentiation have been examined in detail; however, the role of the local mechanical environment on stem cell fate has only recently been investigated. In this study, we examined whether oscillatory fluid flow, an exogenous mechanical signal within bone, regulates osteogenic, adipogenic or chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal stem cells by measuring Runx2, PPARγ and SOX9 gene expression, respectively. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the small GTPase RhoA and isometric tension within the actin cytoskeleton are essential in flow-induced differentiation. We found that oscillatory fluid flow induces the upregulation of Runx2, Sox9 and PPARγ, indicating that it has the potential to regulate transcription factors involved in multiple unique lineage pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the small GTPase RhoA and its effector protein ROCKII regulate fluid-flow-induced osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, activated RhoA and fluid flow have an additive effect on Runx2 expression. Finally, we show RhoA activation and actin tension are negative regulators of both adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. However, an intact, dynamic actin cytoskeleton under tension is necessary for flow-induced gene expression.
Use of [3-3H]glucose and [6-14C]glucose to measure glucose turnover and glucose metabolism in humans.

[3-3H]glucose is frequently used to measure glucose turnover in humans. If fructose 6-phosphate-fructose 1,6-diphosphate cycling (Fpc) is negligible in both liver and muscle, then [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose (corrected for Cori cycle activity) should provide equivalent measures of glucose turnover. In addition, if glycogenolysis is fully suppressed, then [14C]lactate specific activity should equal that of [6-14C]glucose from which it was derived, and oxidation of [6-14C]glucose, as measured by rate of generation of 14CO2, should equal total glucose oxidation (i.e., that derived from intra- and extracellular pools) as measured by indirect calorimetry. To address these questions, glucose turnover was measured simultaneously with [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose in the basal state and in presence of low (approximately 200 pM) and high (approximately 750 pM) insulin concentrations. Glucose turnover rates measured with [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose were equivalent at all insulin concentrations, indicating that Fpc had no detectable effect on measurement of glucose appearance. [14C]lactate specific activity was lower (P less than 0.01) than that of [6-14C]glucose in the basal state but not during either low- or high-dose insulin infusion, implying that all lactate was derived from extracellular glucose. On the other hand, glucose oxidation as measured by rate of generation of 14CO2 was lower (P less than 0.05) than glucose oxidation as measured by indirect calorimetry during both insulin infusions, implying either that suppression of glycogenolysis was not complete in all tissues or that one or both of these techniques do not accurately measure glucose oxidation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exhaled ethane and antioxidant vitamin supplements in active smokers.

To determine the effect of nutritional agents on lipid peroxidation, 10 smokers were given 6 mg beta carotene, 200 IU vitamin E, and 250 mg vitamin C 4 times daily for 3 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring baseline and postsupplementation levels of exhaled ethane. There was a 29% decrease in mean (+/-SD) exhaled ethane (4.06 +/- 1.49 vs 2.90 +/- 1.29 pmol.kg-1.min-1), with individual levels decreasing in 8 of the 10 smokers (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon sign rank test). Three nonsmokers had very low baseline levels of ethane that did not change with supplementation. Ethane production correlated with active (packs per day) and lifelong (pack-years) tobacco consumption. Also, a strong correlation was found between the decline in ethane output after micronutrient supplementation and the presupplement FEV1. Therefore, antioxidant vitamin supplementation resulted in attenuation of smoking-related lipid peroxidation, and the decreases in ethane production appears to be associated with preserved lung function.
The Regulation of Tumor Cell Invasion and Metastasis by Endoplasmic Reticulum-to-Mitochondrial Ca2+ Transfer

Cell migration is one of the many processes orchestrated by calcium (Ca2+) signaling, and its dysregulation drives the increased invasive and metastatic potential of cancer cells. The ability of Ca2+ to function effectively as a regulator of migration requires the generation of temporally complex signals within spatially restricted microdomains. The generation and maintenance of these Ca2+ signals require a specific structural architecture and tightly regulated communication between the extracellular space, intracellular organelles, and cytoplasmic compartments. New insights into how Ca2+ microdomains are shaped by interorganellar Ca2+ communication have shed light on how Ca2+ coordinates cell migration by directing cellular polarization and the rearrangement of structural proteins. Importantly, we are beginning to understand how cancer subverts normal migration through the activity of oncogenes and tumor suppressors that impinge directly on the physiological function or expression levels of Ca2+ signaling proteins. In this review, we present and discuss research at the forefront of interorganellar Ca2+ signaling as it relates to cell migration, metastasis, and cancer progression, with special focus on endoplasmic reticulum-to-mitochondrial Ca2+ transfer.
Follow‐up of treated coeliac patients: sugar absorption test and intestinal biopsies compared

Objective: To determine whether the sugar absorption test (SAT) during follow-up of patients with coeliac disease on a gluten-free diet (GFD) correlates with improvement of the villous architecture of the small intestine. Methods: The SAT was performed in coeliacs at diagnosis and during follow-up with GFD. For the SAT, a solution of lactulose (L) and mannitol (M) was given to the fasting patient and the L-M ratio calculated in a 5-hour urine sample by gas chromatography: ratios >0.089 are considered abnormal. The solution was made hyperosmolar by adding sucrose (1560 mmol/l). Results: The L-M ratio was 2–3 times higher at diagnosis than either at 8 months to 2 years gluten free, or beyond 2 years gluten free, consecutively. The L-M ratio (mean, range) was significantly higher in cases of biopsies with (sub)total villous atrophy (VA) (0.388, 0.062–0.804, n = 28), partial VA (0.240, 0.062–0.841, n=18) and villous irregularity (0.143, 0.017–0.322, n = 29) than in case of normalized histology after GFD (0.085, 0.021–0.230, n = 19). The rate of normalization of functional integrity was slower in adults than in children, demonstrated by a combination of histology and SAT. Conclusion: The SAT correlates well with the degree of VA. It is important for daily clinical practice that the simple and non-invasive SAT can be used as an indicator of intestinal damage, thus influencing need for and timing of intestinal biopsies.
Mainstreaming Corporate Social Responsibility at the Core of the Business School Curriculum

Extant literature has highlighted that business schools have been accused of promoting an educational ethos that emphasizes shareholder value and the pursuit of short-term profits, thereby preparing overly competitive future generations interested in profit maximization. This chapter highlights the importance of integrating CSR into the mainstream of business schools’ curricula, arguing for the responsible role that business schools should play and emphasizing the strategic case for such integration. The chapter analyzes the main challenges and opportunities that both hinder and facilitate mainstreaming of CSR at the heart of the business school curriculum and the role that the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) can potentially play as a facilitating factor and driving force. The chapter illustrates these drivers and constraints in the context of one specific business school in Lebanon that has successfully experimented with CSR mainstreaming in recent years.
Small‐field neurons associated with oculomotor and optomotor control in muscoid flies: Functional organization

In fleshflies, Sarcophaga bullata, intracellular recording and Lucifer yellow dye‐filling have revealed small‐field elements of sexually isomorphic retinotopic arrays in the lobula and lobula plate, the axons of which project to premotor channels in the deutocerebrum that supply head‐turning and flight‐steering motor neurons. The dendrites of the small‐field elements visit very restricted oval areas of the retinotopic mosaic, comprising fields that are typically 6–8 input columns wide and 12–20 high. Their physiologically determined receptive fields are also small, typically 20° or less in diameter. The neurons are hyperpolarized in stationary illumination and are transiently depolarized by light OFF and to a lesser degree by light ON. Motion of a striped grating elicits a periodic excitation at the fundamental or second harmonic of the stimulus temporal contrast frequency. The arrangement of these elements in retinotopic arrays with their small receptive fields and flicker‐sensitive dynamic properties make these neurons well suited for the position‐dependent, direction‐insensitive detection of small objects in the fly's visual field, which, is known to drive fixation and tracking.