Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear Interstitial Keratitis: A Distinct Clinical Entity Revisited

Purpose: Few reports in the ophthalmic literature describe rare corneal lesions of the stroma that present in a horizontal linear fashion. Although some differences exist among the small number of reported cases, we believe that all these cases represent a distinct clinical entity appropriately titled linear interstitial keratitis. In an attempt to expand the knowledge of this condition of unknown etiology, we present 3 cases of linear interstitial keratitis. Methods: Case series (3 cases are presented) and literature review. Results: All 3 patients (aged 21–22 years) presented with horizontal linear stromal infiltrates. One patient presented with a corneal perforation, requiring a closure with 3 interrupted sutures. Another patient required a penetrating keratoplasty because of a visually significant central scar. All 3 patients responded to topical steroids. Conclusions: Linear interstitial keratitis is a rare clinical entity and its histopathologic etiology remains undetermined. Current available technology including specular microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and more sensitive serological testing may permit a better understanding of this disease.
Chain Resolution In Hebrew V(P)-fronting

Abstract. The copy theory of movement receives the strongest form of support from instances of movement leaving phonetically visible copies. Such is the case in Hebrew V(P)-fronting, where the fronted verb surfaces as an infinitive, and its “trace” is pronounced as an inflected verbal copy. This paper argues that V-doubling is explained by the same algorithm that determines pronunciation of single copies in canonical chains. The phonetic resolution of chains is PF-internal, strictly local, and need not appeal to cross-interface recoverability constraints. Crosslinguistic variation in predicate clefts largely reflects different morpho-phonological strategies of realizing the fronted predicate head.
Modified Nodal Analysis-Based Determination of Transfer Functions for Multi-Inputs Multi-Outputs Linear Circuits

A generalized method for determination of transfer functions of circuits with multi-inputs multi-outputs is introduced. The paper proposes a systematic and efficient formulation for generating the transfer matrix containing transfer functions, necessary to model these kinds of circuits. The modified nodal analysis, whose application is simpler than the state-space analysis, is used in obtaining the system equations. The method is a matrix-based approach. It is suitable for both symbolic manipulation and numeric processes. Furthermore, the frequency domain analysis is realized using the system model. Application examples are included to illustrate the method.
cAMP receptor proteins and protein kinases in human lymphocytes: fundamental alterations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

To study the significance of cAMP receptor proteins and protein kinase activities in tumor dys-differentiation peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal donors and from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation, and analyzed, Both normal and tumor lymphocyte populations were devoid of cell proliferation. Normal human lymphocytes contained about equal activities of histone kinase and ‘casein kinase’, Of the total histone kinase, cAMP-dependent activity in normal and tumor lymphocytes comprised about 50% as shown by the use of the heat-stable inhibitor. The tumor lymphocytes, however, exhibited drastically reduced values of all three protein kinase activities, the most pronounced decrease (to 7% of the normal control cells) being observed with the ‘casein kinase’. Total high-affinity camp-binding sites (= regulatory subunits R of camp-dependent protein kinases type I and II) in leukemic lymphocytes were also strongly reduced (to <20%) Immunotitration with specific antibodies raised against rabbit muscle RI regulatory subunits in both normal and leukemic lymphocytes. Immuno-reactive RII components comprised about 40% of total binding sites in lymphocytes o chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but only 20% in normal cells, the residual 20% being represented by RI protein of low immunoreactivity. Combination of gel elctrophoretic analysis of the camp-binding proteins labeled with [32P]n3camp and binding to the R-specific antibodies allowed the identification fo individual type I and type II R proteins: Besides the regulatory subunit RI of 49 kDa present in both cell types, additional isoproteins wwere found, the predominat RII form being a 52kDa subunit in normal lymphocytes and a 50-kDa subunit in leukemic lymphocytes. The findings in lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cannot be explained by the fact that they are B-type lymphocytes.Control experiments reveled that normal B cell do not differ significantly from total blood lymphocytes with respect to the parameters mentioned above. Biochemical correlates of the dys-differentiated status of these non-proliferating (G0) cell from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, then, are represented by reduced levels of protein kinases, of basal cAMP as well as by changes of the R-protein pattern. The data indicate that both protein kinases type I and type II may relate to the state of differentiation, independently from cell proliferation.
Flap Transfer for Complications of Major Limb Replantation

Our experience in the management of necrotizing and suppurating wound complications after major upper extremity replantation is presented. Seven patients underwent wound debridement and coverage with flaps. Of these, 6 were reconstructed with latissimus dorsi flaps and 1 with the scapular flap. In 3 of these patients, concomitant hemorrhage (2 patients) or thrombosis (1 patient) was simultaneously corrected by vein grafting. In all cases there was survival of both the flap and the replanted extremity.
Natural History of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation Observed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Minimum 7 Years

Objective: The aim of this work was to elucidate the relation between the clinical course and morphologic changes of lumbar disc herniation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Twenty-one patients with lumbar disc herniation treated nonsurgically were followed for a minimum of 7 years and investigated with regard to their clinical outcome and the initial, 2-year, and final stage MRI findings. The space-occupying ratio of herniation to the spinal canal and the degree of disc degeneration were evaluated on serial MRI. Results: The mean space-occupying ratio of herniation showed significant reduction both on the 2-year and on the final scans. Progression of degeneration of the intervertebral disc was seen in all patients at the final investigation. Comparing patients with and without symptoms, no factors were detected on the initial and 2-year MR images capable of distinguishing patients who were and were not destined to develop lumbago and/or sciatica in the future. Morphologic changes of lumbar disc herniation continued to occur even after 2 years. Conclusions: Clinical outcome did not depend on the size of herniation or the grade of degeneration of the intervertebral disc in the minimum 7-year follow-up.
Holistic and Algebraic Data Cube Computation Using MapReduce

As an important method of accelerating large data analysis, data cube computing has been a hot area. At present, the researches based on MapReduce mainly focus on algebraic data cube. In this paper, we use MapReduce as the basis of the algorithm. For the algebraic data cube, data cube lattice is divided into several regions, according to different types of regions, different calculation algorithms are adopted. In this paper, for holistic measures, the data cube computation of Count Distinct measure by using Bitmap is proposed, and then the applicability of the algorithm to incremental computation and the combination with algebraic metric are discussed. The final experimental results show that the methods are more efficient and show good practicability.
Parenting Stress Among Parents of Deaf and Hearing Children: Associations with Language Delays and Behavior Problems

SYNOPSIS Objective. This study evaluates predictors of both general and context-specific parenting stress in a cross-sectional sample of hearing parents of young deaf and hearing children. Design. Participants were 181 children who were deaf and 92 children with normal hearing. Perceived parenting stress was measured using both general and context-specific measures. Predictors of parenting stress included parent-reported and observed child behavior problems and language delays. Results. After control for maternal education and family income, parents of deaf children reported more context-specific but not general parenting stress than parents of hearing children. Both parent-reported and observed behavior problems were higher in the deaf group compared with that in the hearing group. Children's hearing status related to child behavior problems by way of oral language delays. Furthermore, hearing status related to parenting stress by way of language delays and child behavior difficulties. Conclusions. Context-specific measures of parenting stress reflect unique challenges of this population. Both language delays and child behavior problems are associated with increased parenting stress. Identification of specific stressors related to parenting a deaf child helps to inform the development of early interventions.
Determination of worker physiological cost in workspace reach envelopes

Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR) and myoelectric activity (EMG) were measured while performing a repetitive task in the normal, maximum and extreme workspace reach envelopes. The VO2 and HR increased significantly from the normal to the maximum to the extreme workspace reach envelope. The average increases in VO2 when compared to the normal workspace were 19 and 52%, respectively. The corresponding average increases in HR were 6 and 14%, respectively. The increase in EMG for anterior deltoid, upper trapezious and erector spinae showed a significant increase from normal to maximum and from maximum to extreme workspaces. The average increases in EMG for anterior deltoid, upper trapezious and erector spinae, compared to the normal workspace were 96, 37 and 48% respectively for the maximum workspace and 193, 95 and 106% for the extreme workspace, respectively. The research indicated for the first time that during task performance, worker physiological cost would increase significantly with the increase in workspace reach levels.
Oxygen in the critically ill: friend or foe?

Purpose of review To examine the potential harmful effects of hyperoxia and summarize the results of most recent clinical studies evaluating oxygen therapy in critically ill patients. Recent findings Excessive oxygen supplementation may have detrimental pulmonary and systemic effects because of enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. Hyperoxia-induced lung injury includes altered surfactant protein composition, reduced mucociliary clearance and histological damage, resulting in atelectasis, reduced lung compliance and increased risk of infections. Hyperoxemia causes vasoconstriction, reduction in coronary blood flow and cardiac output and may alter microvascular perfusion. Observational studies showed a close relationship between hyperoxemia and increased mortality in several subsets of critically ill patients. In absence of hypoxemia, the routine use of oxygen therapy in patients with myocardial infarction, stroke, traumatic brain injury, cardiac arrest and sepsis, showed no benefit but rather it seems to be harmful. In patients admitted to intensive care unit, a conservative oxygen therapy aimed to maintain arterial oxygenation within physiological range has been proved to be well tolerated and may improve outcome. Summary Liberal O2 use and unnecessary hyperoxia may be detrimental in critically ill patients. The current evidence supports the use of a conservative strategy in O2 therapy to avoid patient exposure to unnecessary hyperoxemia.
The Game Research between a Direct Internet Marketer and N Retailers in Hybrid Marketing

More and more enterprises adopt the hybrid marketing channels which are the coexistence of traditional retailers channel and direct Internet channel. Taking into account the discomfort cost of the product for Internet channel and the implementation degree of the e-commerce, this paper analyzes the vertical Nash game, direct Internet marketer-Stackelberg game and traditional retailers-Stackelberg game between direct Internet marketer and N retailers in non-cooperative case and investigates the above two parameters.
High-frequency pulsating DC-link three-phase inverter without electrolytic capacitor

In this work it is presented a generalized converter configuration for a high-frequency pulsating DC-link inverter for three-phase applications. The configuration consists of a DC/DC-pulsating converter cascaded with a DC-link capacitor-less three-phase inverter. Due to the absence of a DC-link electrolytic capacitor, the presented inverter guarantees a long life-time and high power density. The DC/DC-pulsating converter aims to generate the high-frequency pulsating DC-link waveform profile which has to be synchronized with the three-phase inverter PWM. Comparing to the conventional PWM, the harmonic spectrum of voltages is the same, but the pulsating DC-link three-phase inverter presents reduced switching losses due to the fact that only one leg commutes during a switching period while the other two legs keep clamped in high or low. Details of control strategy and modulation are presented. Experimental results of a 1.6 kW prototype are presented to validate the effective operation of the proposed structure.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: A Promising Medication for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

ABSTRACT Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disorder that primarily affects the lungs and is characterized not only by local pulmonary, but also by systemic inflammation which promotes the development of extrapulmonary and cardiovascular co-morbidities. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are widely used drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, with growing evidence suggesting potential benefits in COPD patients. The purpose of this review is to describe the correlation of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) with COPD pathophysiology and to present the latest data regarding the potential role of RAS blockers in COPD.
GTPases Rho distribution in intraepithelial and invasive neoplasias of the uterine cervix.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION To evaluate the distribution of GTPases RhoA, RhoB, and Cdc42 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and invasive neoplasias of the uterine cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS samples of neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix of 44 patients were classified in: CIN I (n = 10), CIN II (n = 10), CIN III (n = 09), and invasive carcinoma (n = 15). Antibodies anti-RhoA, anti-RhoB, and anti-Cdc42 were used and staining was classified as: negative, mild, moderate, and intense positive. RESULTS When compared with dysplastic cells, superficial cells showed: higher expression of RhoB in CIN I (p = 0.0018), and lower expression of Cdc42 in CIN I (p = 0.0225). The authors observed higher expression of RhoA (p = 0.0002) and RhoB (p = 0.0046) in CIN dysplastic cells when compared with invasive carcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS GTPases Rho may be involved with the regulation of biological processes, important to the progression of cervical neoplasias. Probably, RhoA is important for maintenance of cell differentiation and RhoB protects cells from malignant cervical neoplasia.
Distributional Replication

A function which transforms a continuous random variable such that it has a specified distribution is called a replicating function. We suppose that functions may be assigned a price, and study an optimization problem in which the cheapest approximation to a replicating function is sought. Under suitable regularity conditions, including a bound on the entropy of the set of candidate approximations, we show that the optimal approximation comes close to achieving distributional replication, and close to achieving the minimum cost among replicating functions. We discuss the relevance of our results to the financial literature on hedge fund replication; in this case, the optimal approximation corresponds to the cheapest portfolio of market index options which delivers the hedge fund return distribution.
Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Outbreak Investigation: Application of the FAO‐OIE‐WHO Four‐way Linking Framework in Indonesia

WHO, FAO and OIE developed a ‘four‐way linking’ framework to enhance the cross‐sectoral sharing of epidemiological and virological information in responding to zoonotic disease outbreaks. In Indonesia, outbreak response challenges include completeness of data shared between human and animal health authorities. The four‐way linking framework (human health laboratory/epidemiology and animal health laboratory/epidemiology) was applied in the investigation of the 193rd human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. As recommended by the framework, outbreak investigation and risk assessment findings were shared. On 18 June 2013, a hospital in West Java Province reported a suspect H5N1 case in a 2‐year‐old male. The case was laboratory‐confirmed that evening, and the information was immediately shared with the Ministry of Agriculture. The human health epidemiology/laboratory team investigated the outbreak and conducted an initial risk assessment on 19 June. The likelihood of secondary cases was deemed low as none of the case contacts were sick. By 3 July, no secondary cases associated with the outbreak were identified. The animal health epidemiology/laboratory investigation was conducted on 19–25 June and found that a live bird market visited by the case was positive for H5N1 virus. Once both human and market virus isolates were sequenced, a second risk assessment was conducted jointly by the human health and animal health epidemiology/laboratory teams. This assessment concluded that the likelihood of additional human cases associated with this outbreak was low but that future sporadic human infections could not be ruled out because of challenges in controlling H5N1 virus contamination in markets. Findings from the outbreak investigation and risk assessments were shared with stakeholders at both Ministries. The four‐way linking framework clarified the type of data to be shared. Both human health and animal health teams made ample data available, and there was cooperation to achieve risk assessment objectives.
A Framework to Analyze the Alignment of E-Government Projects

Alignment is perceived as a key factor for profiting from the implementation of information system and technology IS/IT. However, studies in the domain of e-government and alignment, particularly in developing countries are scarce. In this research, the authors examine the significant impact that IS/IT alignment can have on e-government project implementation success. Through inspecting e-government projects, the authors capture the role of alignment in e-government and discuss strategies that can be adopted to improve implementation success. An empirical enquiry based on case studies of e-government projects by Tunisian public administration reveals that a dynamic approach to alignment can be adopted and consequently supported through partial alignment of horizontal integration. This empirical enquiry also reveals that political support can be seen as a key influencing factor that impacted success. Finally, the findings are used to propose a framework to analyze the alignment of e-government projects.
Notch Signaling Activates Stem Cell Properties of Müller Glia through Transcriptional Regulation and Skp2-mediated Degradation of p27Kip1

Müller glia (MG), the sole glial cells generated by retinal progenitors, have emerged as a viable cellular target for therapeutic regeneration in degenerative blinding diseases, as they possess dormant stem cell properties. However, the mammalian MG does not display the neurogenic potential of their lower vertebrate counterparts, precluding their practical clinical use. The answer to this barrier may be found in two interlinked processes underlying the neurogenic potential, i.e., the activation of the dormant stem cell properties of MG and their differentiation along the neuronal lineage. Here, we have focused on the former and examined Notch signaling-mediated activation of MG. We demonstrate that one of the targets of Notch signaling is the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI), p27Kip1, which is highly expressed in quiescent MG. Notch signaling facilitates the activation of MG by inhibiting p27Kip1 expression. This is likely achieved through the Notch- p27Kip1 and Notch-Skp2-p27Kip1 axes, the former inhibiting the expression of p27Kip1 transcripts and the latter levels of p27Kip1 proteins by Skp2-mediated proteasomal degradation. Thus, Notch signaling may facilitate re-entry of MG into the cell cycle by inhibiting p27Kip1 expression both transcriptionally and post-translationally.
Molecular characterization of plasmids encoding CTX-M-15 beta-lactamases from Escherichia coli strains in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES The UK, like other countries worldwide, has a growing problem with CTX-M beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. Five major clonally related strains have been identified among CTX-M-15 producers. We characterize here the plasmids from clonal strains A and D. METHODS Plasmids were extracted and transformed into E. coli DH5alpha; conjugative mating was attempted on agar. MICs were determined by agar dilution. beta-Lactamases were typed by isoelectric focusing; antibiotic resistance genes and integrons were identified by PCR and sequenced. Plasmid incompatibility groups were determined by replicon PCR. RESULTS bla(CTX-M-15) was carried by a 150 kb plasmid in strain A and a 70 kb plasmid in strain D. Conjugative transfer of cefotaxime resistance was only achieved from strain D; plasmids from both strains were transferred by transformation. The plasmid from strain A additionally carried bla(TEM-1) (variably), bla(OXA-1), aac(6')-Ib-cr and tet(A), as well as a class 1 integron with the gene cassettes aadA5 and dfr(17); the plasmid from strain D carried bla(TEM-1) consistently, also bla(OXA-1), aac(6')-Ib-cr, aac3-IIa and tet(A). Both plasmids belonged to incompatibility group FII. CONCLUSIONS bla(CTX-M-15) was plasmid-mediated in both strains A and D and was linked to other antibiotic resistance genes including aac(6')-Ib-cr, which encodes an acetyltransferase, not previously found in Europe, acting on both aminoglycosides and some fluoroquinolones. Although the plasmids from the two strains differed in size, both were related and conferred similar multi-drug resistance phenotypes, suggesting that they may share a similar genetic scaffold. Both shared features with plasmids encoding CTX-M-15 beta-lactamases in E. coli from Canada and India.