Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of West Nile encephalitis

Purpose of reviewThis article reviews recent developments in West Nile encephalitis. Because of the large number of individuals infected in the United States, an expanded spectrum of the disease has been recognized. Flaccid paralysis presenting as poliomyelitis-like syndrome is being increasingly recognized. Recent findingsSince 1999, West Nile encephalitis in the United States has involved thousands of patients providing an opportunity to observe the protean manifestations of the virus. Recently, ophthalmological manifestations have been described that appear to be common and specific for the virus. Clinicians in endemic areas should be careful to distinguish between West Nile encephalitis and its mimics. The virus may occur in patients with underlying disorders that have encephalopathy as a clinical feature, and clinicians should test for the virus during the mosquito season, even in patients that appear to have an explanation for their encephalopathy. West Nile encephalitis may present as viral aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, or encephalitis. Muscle weakness may or may not accompany any of these clinical variants. This virus may be transmitted via blood transfusion. SummaryClinical manifestations of West Nile encephalitis continue to expand following each year's outbreaks. New neurologic and ophthalmologic manifestations continue to be described. Because of the protean manifestations, testing should be carried out during mosquito season, even in patients that have another explanation for their encephalopathy. There is no effective therapy. Flaccid paralysis may be prolonged/permanent. Prognosis may be related to the degree of relative lymphopenia on presentation, the degree of elevation of serum ferritin levels and advanced age. The course of West Nile encephalitis and its clinical manifestations are the same in normal and compromised hosts.
PHOTOCATALYSIS : FUNDAMENTALS AND APPLICATIONS IN JEP 2011 , BORDEAUX Transition metal-modified zinc oxides for UV and visible light photocatalysis

In order to use photocatalysis with solar light, finding more active and especially visible light active photocatalysts is a very important challenge. Also, studies of these photocatalysts should employ a standardized test procedure so that their results can be accurately compared and evaluated with one another. A systematic study of transition metal-modified zinc oxide was conducted to determine whether they are suitable as visible light photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO modified with eight different transition metals (Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ru, Ti, Zr) in three different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1at.%) was investigated under irradiation with UV as well as with visible light. The employed activity test is the gas-phase degradation of acetaldehyde as described by the ISO standard 22197-2. The results suggest that the UV activity can be improved with almost any modification element and that there exists an optimal modification ratio at about 0.1 at. %. Additionally, Mnand Ru-modified ZnO display visible light activity. Especially the Ru-modified ZnO is highly active and surpasses the visible light activity of all studied titania standards. These findings suggest that modified zinc oxides may be a viable alternative to titanium dioxide-based catalysts for visible light photocatalysis. Eventually, possible underlying mechanisms are proposed and discussed.
DNA fingerprinting reveals female preference for male parental care in savannah sparrows

According to sexual selection theory, females choose mates to ensure access to high quality resources, male parental care, or good genes. This last hypothesis has been hotly debated on both theoretical and empirical grounds. In contrast, female preference for male parental care has received less attention, primarily because the potential benefits of paternal effort seem obvious. The fitness relations are less clear in double-brood species, however, because females can base mating decisions on their prior experience with male parental care. Here, the extent of male parental care delivered to first-brood offspring may indicate male genetic quality and/or be the target of female manipulation via her subsequent mating fidelity. In Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), multi-locus DNA fingerprinting of 203 adults and young revealed substantial female infidelity in first and second broods: overall, 24 of 80 first-brood young (30%) and 13 of 80 second-brood young (16.3%) were the product of extra-pair fertilizations. Among 12 females altering fidelity between broods, absolute male feeding rate to first-brood offspring was a strong, positive predictor of change in female fidelity. Because the extent of male parental care reflects a male’s viability, the data support a ‘good-genes’ interpretation.
Factors Related to Homophobia Among Nursing Students

A convenience sample of 90 nursing students participated in an online survey measuring homophobia or sexual prejudice. Significantly higher scores were seen among those who endorsed the belief that being gay was a matter of personal choice, did not have a friend or family member who was gay or lesbian, and endorsed religiosity. A significantly higher level of sexual prejudice was seen among those who identified as non-Catholic Christians when compared to other religions. Asian/Pacific Islanders showed significantly higher scores on the scales compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian students. Nursing education should focus on those aspects of homophobia amenable to change.
A Spatial Anomaly Points and Regions Detection Method Using Multi‐Constrained Graphs and Local Density

Spatial anomalies may be single points or small regions whose non‐spatial attribute values are significantly inconsistent with those of their spatial neighborhoods. In this article, a Spatial Anomaly Points and Regions Detection method using multi‐constrained graphs and local density (SAPRD for short) is proposed. The SAPRD algorithm first models spatial proximity relationships between spatial entities by constructing a Delaunay triangulation, the edges of which provide certain statistical characteristics. By considering the difference in non‐spatial attributes of adjacent spatial entities, two levels of non‐spatial attribute distance constraints are imposed to improve the proximity graph. This produces a series of sub‐graphs, and those with very few entities are identified as candidate spatial anomalies. Moreover, the spatial anomaly degree of each entity is calculated based on the local density. A spatial interpolation surface of the spatial anomaly degree is generated using the inverse distance weight, and this is utilized to reveal potential spatial anomalies and reflect their whole areal distribution. Experiments on both simulated and real‐life spatial databases demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of the SAPRD algorithm.
Coronary CT angiography findings in patients without coronary calcification.

OBJECTIVE Coronary calcification detected by CT is a marker for atherosclerotic disease with prognostic significance. However, potentially unstable plaque is characterized by a high lipid content rather than calcification, which may make detection using the calcium score difficult. To assess the prevalence and severity of atherosclerotic disease in patients without coronary calcification, we evaluated findings in patients with a normal calcium score undergoing coronary CT angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 794 consecutive coronary CTA examinations performed between February 2005 and May 2007 were reviewed. The calcium scores were determined as part of coronary CTA examinations, and calcium was quantified according to the Agatston method. Patients underwent coronary CTA because of high risk for coronary artery disease (53%) or atypical symptoms or abnormal stress test results (47%). On coronary CTA, plaque was characterized as mild disease without hemodynamically significant stenosis, moderate disease without hemodynamically significant stenosis, moderate stenosis (50-70% luminal narrowing), or severe stenosis (> 70% luminal narrowing). RESULTS Of the 729 patients included in the study, 325 (45%) had a normal calcium score. Of these, 167 (51%) had noncalcified plaque on coronary CTA. Twelve (3.7%) of those with a normal calcium score had at least moderate stenosis, five (1.5%) of whom had severe stenosis. Eight of the 12 patients with significant stenosis underwent invasive angiography and coronary stenting. CONCLUSION A considerable atheroma burden including significant stenoses may be present in patients with no coronary calcification. Although the calcium score does add prognostic value to standard risk factors and serum markers, imaging the vessel wall directly may be helpful to identify noncalcified plaque and guide therapy.
Identification of Label‐Retaining Cells in Mouse Endometrium

Human and mouse endometrium (lining of the uterus) undergo cycles of growth and regression as part of each reproductive cycle. A well‐known method to identify somatic stem/progenitor cells and their location in the stem cell niche is the label‐retaining cell (LRC) approach. We hypothesized that mouse endometrium contains small populations of both epithelial and stromal somatic stem/progenitor cells that may be detected by the LRC technique. The overall objective of this study was to identify and quantify LRCs in mouse endometrium, to determine their location, and to identify their niche in this highly regenerative tissue. Endometrium was labeled for 3 days with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in postnatal day 3 (P3) mice prior to gland development and prepubertal (P19) mice after glands had formed, followed by chase periods of up to 12 weeks. After an 8‐week chase, 3% of epithelial nuclei immunostained with BrdU antibody and were considered epithelial LRCs. These were primarily located in the luminal epithelium. Epithelial LRCs did not express estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α). Stromal LRCs (6%) were found adjacent to luminal epithelium, at the endometrial‐myometrial junction, and near blood vessels after a 12‐week chase. Stromal LRCs were stem cell antigen‐1, CD45−, and some (16%) expressed ER‐α, indicating their capacity to respond to estrogen and transmit paracrine signals to epithelial cells for endometrial epithelium regeneration. Both epithelial LRCs and some stromal LRCs, mainly located at the endometrial‐myometrial junction, were recruited into the cell cycle after estrogen‐stimulated endometrial regeneration, indicating a functional response to proliferative signals. This study has demonstrated for the first time the presence of both epithelial and stromal LRCs in mouse endometrium, suggesting that these stem‐like cells may be responsible for endometrial regeneration.
Functional Analysis of the Ferric Uptake Regulator Gene fur in Xanthomonas vesicatoria

Iron is essential for the growth and survival of many organisms. Intracellular iron homeostasis must be maintained for cell survival and protection against iron toxicity. The ferric uptake regulator protein (Fur) regulates the high-affinity ferric uptake system in many bacteria. To investigate the function of the fur gene in Xanthomonas vesicatoria (Xv), we generated a fur mutant strain, fur-m, by site-directed mutagenesis. Whereas siderophore production increased in the Xv fur mutant, extracellular polysaccharide production, biofilm formation, swimming ability and quorum sensing signals were all significantly decreased. The fur mutant also had significantly reduced virulence in tomato leaves. The above-mentioned phenotypes significantly recovered when the Xv fur mutation allele was complemented with a wild-type fur gene. Thus, Fur either negatively or positively regulates multiple important physiological functions in Xv.
“Wing Flaps”: Perforator-Based Pedicled Paraumbilical Flaps for Skin Defects in Hand and Forearm

Background:Single large-area or 2 small- to moderate-sized raw areas in the hand and forearm are difficult to cover with conventional groin or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. Though abdomen is a favorable donor site for a pedicled distant flap for soft tissue coverage of the hand and forearm, pedicle flaps based on paraumbilical perforators are not commonly used. Methods:We herein describe a method of soft tissue coverage using 2 flaps based on 1 paraumbilical perforator in certain difficult clinical situations, unsuitable to be covered with groin or SIEA flaps. By virtue of having a very narrow common pedicle for 2 substantially large flaps close to the chosen paraumbilical perforator, the configuration of it prompted us to call these twin flaps “wing flaps,” or a winged version of paraumbilical pedicle flaps. The wing flap described was used to cover twin raw areas (in 6 cases) and a large area (in 1 case) in the hand and forearm. Results:All 7 flaps went on to heal very well and served the purpose. The only complication observed was a minor thumb web contracture in one case, which improved with physiotherapy. Conclusion:The winged version of pedicled paraumbilical perforator flaps should find a place in the surgical armamentarium for soft tissue coverage in the hand and forearm in difficult situations. The advantages and simplicity of these flaps have been described, based on our experience in a small series of 7 cases.
Reduction of Disruptive Mealtime Behavior by Facial Screening

This study examined the effectiveness of facial screening as a treatment to reduce repetitive spoon banging by an 8-year-old, severely mentally retarded girl during meal time. In baseline, each episode of spoon banging was terminated by the behavioral observer saying "no bang" while gently grasping the subject's wrist, and returning her hand to a scoop dish. Treatment consisted of saying "no bang" and pulling a terry-cloth bib over the subject's entire face for 5 seconds. Results of an A-B-A-B design showed high frequencies of spoon banging during nontreatment conditions, which rapidly decelerated when facial screening was in effect. Follow-up data at 6-, 10-, 15-, and 19-month intervals indicated long lasting treatment benefits. Facial screening research was extended to a new experimental setting: a public school classroom.
Diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes: Who decides?

See related research article by Retnakaran and colleagues on page [1353][1] and at [www.cmaj. ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.111154][2] When we hear of an 11-pound baby being delivered, maternal diabetes comes to mind. This link between the mother’s glucose levels and macrosomia provides the main
Correlation Study between Individual Risk Models and Collective Risk Models for a Single Period

It is proved that the individual risk models for a single period are equivalent to the collective risk models for a single period when the number-of-claim random variable has 0-1 distribution. Furthermore, the individual risk model is close to a compound Poisson distribution when the number-of-claim random variable has a Poisson distribution with small parameter. Applying the Panjer iteration as calculation tool, the paper provides a novel solution to the problem for random variable calculating distribution of aggregate claims.
Information Technology and Pricing Decisions: Price Adjustments in Online Computer Markets

Determining prices is a key management task for a merchant. IT-enabled electronic markets facilitate price discovery by both buyers and sellers compared to traditional, physical markets. Recent research on electronic markets has revealed that IT has increased market transparency due to increased accessibility and availability of market information. How ever, what online sellers do in terms of strategic pricing decisions, in particular price adjustment behavior over time, has not been fully investigated. Due to the ease of making price changes, electronic sellers can execute a number of dif ferent pricing strategies, including setting the frequency and
An active nitrogen cycle on Mars sufficient to support a subsurface biosphere

Abstract Mars' total atmospheric nitrogen content is 0.2 mbar. One-dimensional (1D) photochemical simulations of Mars' atmosphere show that nitric acid (HNO3(g)), the most soluble nitrogen oxide, is the principal reservoir species for nitrogen in its lower atmosphere, which amounts to a steady-state value of 6×10−2 kg or 4 moles, conditions of severe nitrogen deficiency. Mars could, however, support ∼1015 kg of biomass (∼1 kg N m−2) from its current atmospheric nitrogen inventory. The terrestrial mass ratio of nitrogen in biomass to that in the atmosphere is ∼10−5; applying this ratio to Mars yields ∼1010 kg of total biomass – also, conditions of severe nitrogen deficiency. These amounts, however, are lower limits as the maximum surface-sink of atmospheric nitrogen is 2.8 mbar (9×1015 kg of N), which indicates, in contradistinction to the Klingler et al. (1989), that biological metabolism would not be inhibited in the subsurface of Mars. Within this context, we explore HNO3 deposition on Mars' surface (i.e. soil and ice-covered regions) on pure water metastable thin liquid films. We show for the first time that the negative change in Gibbs free energy increases with decreasing HNO3(g) (NO3−(aq)) in metastable thin liquid films that may exist on Mars' surface. We also show that additional reaction pathways are exergonic and may proceed spontaneously, thus providing an ample source of energy for nitrogen fixation on Mars. Lastly, we explore the dissociation of HNO3(g) to form NO3−(aq) in metastable thin liquid films on the Martian surface via condensed phase simulations. These simulations show that photochemically produced fixed nitrogen species are not only released from the Martian surface to the gas-phase, but more importantly, transported to lower depths from the Martian surface in transient thin liquid films. A putative biotic layer at 10 m depth would produce HNO3 and N2 sinks of −54 and −5×1012 molecules cm−2 s−1, respectively, which is an ample supply of available nitrogen that can be efficiently transported to the subsurface. The downward transport as well as the release to the atmosphere of photochemically produced fixed nitrogen species (e.g. NO2−, NO and NO2) suggests the existence of a transient but active nitrogen cycle on Mars.
A case report of parenchymal hematoma after intravenous thrombolysis in a rivaroxaban-treated patient

Rationale: To date, the only treatment approved for acute ischemic strokes is thrombolysis. Whether intravenous thrombolysis may be safe in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is currently a matter of debate. Patient concerns: A 74-year-old woman, who was on rivaroxaban 20 mg/d for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, was admitted to our stroke unit with left-sided hemiparesis and aphasia. The onset of neurologic deficits had occurred 5 hours after the last rivaroxaban dose. Diagnosis: An acute ischemic stroke was diagnosed. Interventions: The patient was administered thrombolytic treatment with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) 3 hours and 20 minutes after symptoms onset. Seven hours post-r-TPA treatment, the neurological deficit had worsened, and a type I intraparenchymal hematoma was detected on a computed tomography brain scan. Outcomes: The clinical/neuroradiological picture improved significantly in the following days. The patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility after 3 weeks. Lessons: In this case, factor ten activated (Xa) inhibitor, rivaroxaban might have increased the risk of hemorrhagic transformation of the ischemic stroke. However, this risk was overweighed by the benefit of thrombolysis, as the patient's clinical condition had improved significantly in the following weeks. The current guidelines discourage the use of thrombolytic treatment in patients with DOACs administered within the last 24(48) hours. However, the case reported herein and other world experiences, even though limited, suggest that an ongoing DOAC medication could no longer be considered a barrier to r-TPA treatment which may be a reasonable and valuable option, at least in selected acute stroke patients taking factor Xa inhibitors.
Unified Control Strategy Covering CCM and DCM for a Synchronous Buck Converter

In general, transfer functions of switch-mode converters are treated differently when operating in continuous-conduction mode (CCM) or discontinuous-conduction mode (DCM). This complicates the development of a control algorithm for a converter operating in both operating modes. To solve this problem, a control algorithm is developed, which is applicable for CCM and DCM. Since the developed control algorithm is based on linear equations instead of differential equations, it is easy to implement and its calculation effort is minor. It is based on equating the volt-seconds across the inductor for both operating modes and adjusting the duty cycle d. All necessary equations are derived and the functionality of the developed algorithm is shown by means of simulation and measurements.
Airborne measurements of laser backscatter from the ocean surface.

Laser backscatter data for the ocean surface near nadir have been acquired from an airborne lidar platform. The unique capability of this lidar instrument to scan both transmitted laser beam and receiver field of view up to 15° off nadir have made these data sets possible. Backscatter data were collected on eight separate missions using laser wavelengths at 337 and 532 nm and 9.5 μm. Statistics of the mean, standard deviation, and probability density function of backscatter were computed and analyzed in terms of prior analytical work that relates backscatter to wind speed and mean-square wave-slope statistics. We found the full width at half-maximum of the Gaussian-shaped mean backscatter pattern to range from 11 to 24° and the normalized standard deviation at a nadir-viewing angle to range from 0.1 to 0.6. We calibrated mean backscatter at nadir for the ocean surface in terms of an effective Lambertian reflectance by comparison of beach sand and ocean backscatter. Results were 16 and 24% reflectance on two missions where calibration was possible. Our data are compared with prior laser backscatter measurements and the general literature on optical scattering from the ocean surface.
The Spacious Active Site of a Y-Family DNA Polymerase Facilitates Promiscuous Nucleotide Incorporation Opposite a Bulky Carcinogen-DNA Adduct

Y-family DNA polymerases lack some of the mechanisms that replicative DNA polymerases employ to ensure fidelity, resulting in higher error rates during replication of undamaged DNA templates and the ability to bypass certain aberrant bases, such as those produced by exposure to carcinogens, including benzo[a]pyrene (BP). A tumorigenic metabolite of BP, (+)-anti-benzo-[a]pyrene diol epoxide, attacks DNA to form the major 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct, which has been shown to be mutagenic in a number of prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct can cause all three base substitution mutations, and the SOS response in Escherichia coli increases bypass of bulky adducts, suggesting that Y-family DNA polymerases are involved in the bypass of such lesions. Dpo4 belongs to the DinB branch of the Y-family, which also includes E. coli pol IV and eukaryotic pol κ. We carried out primer extension assays in conjunction with molecular modeling and molecular dynamics studies in order to elucidate the structure-function relationship involved in nucleotide incorporation opposite the bulky 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct by Dpo4. Dpo4 is able to bypass the 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG adduct, albeit to a lesser extent than unmodified guanine, and the Vmax values for insertion of all four nucleotides opposite the adduct by Dpo4 are similar. Computational studies suggest that 10S (+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG can be accommodated in the active site of Dpo4 in either the anti or syn conformation due to the limited protein-DNA contacts and the open nature of both the minor and major groove sides of the nascent base pair, which can contribute to the promiscuous nucleotide incorporation opposite this lesion.