Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning from Death: A Hospital Mortality Reduction Programme

Problem There are wide variations in hospital mortality. Much of this variation remains unexplained and may reflect quality of care. Setting A large acute hospital in an urban district in the North of England. Design Before and after evaluation of a hospital mortality reduction programme. Strategies for change Audit of hospital deaths to inform an evidence-based approach to identify processes of care to target for the hospital strategy. Establishment of a hospital mortality reduction group with senior leadership and support to ensure the alignment of the hospital departments to achieve a common goal. Robust measurement and regular feedback of hospital deaths using statistical process control charts and summaries of death certificates and routine hospital data. Whole system working across a health community to provide appropriate end of life care. Training and awareness in processes of high quality care such as clinical observation, medication safety and infection control. Effects Hospital standardized mortality ratios fell significantly in the 3 years following the start of the programme from 94.6 (95% confidence interval 89.4, 99.9) in 2001 to 77.5 (95% CI 73.1, 82.1) in 2005. This translates as 905 fewer hospital deaths than expected during the period 2002–2005. Lessons learnt Improving the safety of hospital care and reducing hospital deaths provides a clear and well supported goal from clinicians, managers and patients. Good leadership, good information, a quality improvement strategy based on good local evidence and a community-wide approach may be effective in improving the quality of processes of care sufficiently to reduce hospital mortality.
Perinatal Asphyxia Induces Long-Term Changes in Dopamine D1, D2, and D3Receptor Binding in the Rat Brain

We have investigated the long-term effects of 15-16 min or 19-20 min of perinatal asphyxia on D1, D2, and D3 receptors (analyzed by quantitative autoradiography) in the mesotelencephalic dopamine systems of the 4-week-old rat. Perinatal asphyxia reduced D1 antagonist binding ([3H]SCH 23390 in the presence of ketanserine) in the accumbens nucleus, the olfactory tubercle, and the substantia nigra and increased D1 agonist binding ([3H]dopamine in the presence of spiperone) in the accumbens nucleus and the olfactory tubercle. No changes in D2 antagonist binding ([123]iodosulpride) were found, whereas D2 agonist binding ([3H]N-propylnorapomorphine, [3H]NPA) was reduced in the posterior part of the caudate-putamen, and following 19-20 min of asphyxia it was also reduced in the accumbens nucleus. D3 agonist binding (R/S-(+/-)-2-(N,N-di[2,3(n)-3H] propylamino)-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, [3H]7-OH-DPAT) was increased in the anterior part of the caudate-putamen following 15-16 min but not 19-20 min of asphyxia. The results indicate that perinatal asphyxia reduced the number of D1 receptors and increased D1 agonist affinity in the accumbens nucleus and the olfactory tubercle and reduced the number of D1 receptors in the substantia nigra. The number of D2 receptors was unchanged by asphyxia, whereas the D2 agonist affinity was reduced in the caudate-putamen and in the accumbens nucleus. D3 agonist binding was increased in the caudate-putamen selectively following 15-16 min of asphyxia. In conclusion, asphyxia during birth induces long-term changes in the binding characteristics of dopamine receptors in the mesotelencephalic dopamine systems, which may contribute to previously reported behavioral changes.
An examination of restaurant firm financing and the cost of borrowing

ABSTRACT The use of debt is prevalent in the restaurant industry. While there have been numerous studies on restaurant capital structure, this study examines the relationship between firm performance and effective interest rate on debt used by restaurant firms. This study uses a sample of 56 publicly traded U.S. restaurant firms for the years 2012–2014. We examine the relationship between effective interest rates and firm performance as measured by approximate Tobin’s Q, return on assets, and return on equity. We find a significant and positive relationship between effective interest rates and return on equity.
Nonlinearity and fractional integration in the world crude oil prices

ABSTRACT This article investigates the time-series behavior of the world crude oil prices over the period from January 1997 to May 2011 by taking into account nonlinearity and fractional integration in the same framework. As a first step, the author examines the nonlinear behavior of the data through the estimation of a two-regime threshold autoregressive model and find that world crude oil prices exhibit a nonlinear behavior. After finding nonlinearity, the author also allows disturbances to be fractionally integrated. The results point to a stationary process with long memory.
DOES SEMINAL FLUID VISCOSITY INFLUENCE SPERM CHROMATIN INTEGRITY?

A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate whether viscosity alters sperm chromatin integrity. Semen samples were obtained from 269 men attending the infertility clinic. The viscosity was measured quantitatively by needle and syringe method and the viscosity ratio was calculated against distilled water. The chromatin integrity was evaluated by in vitro decondensation test using 1% SDS and 6 mM EDTA. According to the viscosity ratios the samples were divided into 2 groups: I, normal (ratio < 9, n = 239); and II, abnormal (ratio > 9, n = 30) viscosity. Chromatin integrity was significantly lower in the group with higher viscosity. Significant decrease in sperm count and motility were seen in group II as compared to group I. Thus, hyperviscosity of seminal fluid alters the sperm chromatin integrity.
Cell‐free synthesis and maturation of [FeFe] hydrogenases

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze the reversible reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen (Adams (1990); Biochim Biophys Acta 1020(2): 115–145) and are of significant interest for the biological production of hydrogen fuel. They are complex proteins with active sites containing iron, sulfur, and carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands (Peters et al. (1998); Science 282(5395): 1853–1858). Maturation enzymes for [FeFe] hydrogenases have been identified (Posewitz et al. (2004); J Biol Chem 279(24): 25711–25720), but complete mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. The study of [FeFe] hydrogenases has been impeded by the lack of an easily manipulated expression/activation system capable of producing these complex and extremely oxygen‐sensitive enzymes. Here we show the first expression of functional [FeFe] hydrogenases in an Escherichia coli‐based cell‐free transcription/translation system. We have produced and matured both algal and bacterial hydrogenases using E. coli cell extracts containing the HydG, HydE, and HydF proteins from Shewanella oneidensis. The current system produces ∼22 µg/mL of active protein, constituting ∼44% of the total protein produced. Active protein yield is greatly enhanced by pre‐incubation of the maturation enzyme‐containing extract with inorganic iron and sulfur for reconstitution of the [Fe‐S] clusters in HydG, HydE, and HydF. The absence of cell walls permits direct addition of cofactors and substrates, enabling rapid production of active protein and providing control over the maturation conditions. These new capabilities will enhance the investigation of complex proteins requiring helper proteins for maturation and move us closer to the development of improved hydrogenases for biological production of hydrogen as a clean, renewable alternative fuel. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 59–67. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perfusion–diffusion mismatch in MRI to indicate endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Introduction Endovascular treatments such as transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial nimodipine represent rescue therapy for cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Both indication and data regarding its efficacy in the prevention of cerebral infarct are, however, inconsistent. Therefore, an MR based perfusion weighted imaging/diffusion weighted imaging (PWI/DWI) mismatch was used to indicate this treatment and to characterise its effectiveness. Methods MRI was performed for suspicion of CVS. For quantitative evaluation, the brain was partitioned into 19 arbitrary segments of comparable volume. Segments with PWI/DWI mismatch were defined as ‘segment at risk (SR)’. In these cases, MRI was followed by angiography (digital subtraction angiography (DSA)) including endovascular treatment. 48±12 h after treatment, a second MRI was performed and the treatment was repeated if new or remaining SR were observed. Efficacy was classified as the percentage of reduced diameter of the proximal cerebral arteries on DSA following the treatment: mild (≥33%), moderate (34–66%) or severe (≥67%). Results 48 treatment cycles, each consisting of MRI, DSA and a second MRI, were performed in 25 patients. During these cycles, 95 SR were identified. The infarct rate was significantly higher in SR (37%) compared with segments without risk (4%). The infarct rate in SR was significantly reduced if mild proximal CVS could be achieved. In the case of persistent severe CVS, infarcts occurred in all SR. Conclusion The present series suggests that PWI/DWI mismatch is predictive of the development of infarct in the case of CVS. The infarct rate could, however, be improved if proximal CVS was sufficiently reduced.
3D Cultivation Techniques for Primary Human Hepatocytes

One of the main challenges in drug development is the prediction of in vivo toxicity based on in vitro data. The standard cultivation system for primary human hepatocytes is based on monolayer cultures, even if it is known that these conditions result in a loss of hepatocyte morphology and of liver-specific functions, such as drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. As it has been demonstrated that hepatocytes embedded between two sheets of collagen maintain their function, various hydrogels and scaffolds for the 3D cultivation of hepatocytes have been developed. To further improve or maintain hepatic functions, 3D cultivation has been combined with perfusion. In this manuscript, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of different 3D microfluidic devices. For most systems that are currently available, the main issues are the requirement of large cell numbers, the low throughput, and expensive equipment, which render these devices unattractive for research and the drug-developing industry. A higher acceptance of these devices could be achieved by their simplification and their compatibility with high-throughput, as both aspects are of major importance for a user-friendly device.
Protection Against Acute MPTP‐Induced Dopamine Depletion in Mice by Adenosine A1 Agonist

Abstract: The effects of the adenosine A1 agonist N6‐cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) on MPTP‐induced dopamine (DA) depletion in the striatum of C57BL/6 mice were studied. Twenty hours after a single injection of MPTP (30 mg/kg, s.c.), the toxin caused 62% depletion of striatal DA. CHA (0.2–3 mg/kg, s.c.), when given together with MPTP, prevented the toxin‐induced DA depletion in a dose‐dependent manner. This protective action was apparently mediated by the A1 receptors, because this effect was selectively antagonized by pretreating the animals with the A1 antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (25 mg/kg, i.p.) but not with the A2 antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐7‐methylxanthine (25 mg/kg, i.p.). When CHA (3 mg/kg) was injected 5 h after MPTP administration, at which point striatal DA levels were already reduced significantly, a rapid and complete recovery of the striatal DA levels occurred. These neurochemical data suggest that the A1 agonist CHA is potentially useful as a neuroprotective agent against MPTP‐induced toxicity.
Control in belief space with Temporal Logic specifications

In this paper, we present a sampling-based algorithm to synthesize control policies with temporal and uncertainty constraints. We introduce a specification language called Gaussian Distribution Temporal Logic (GDTL), an extension of Boolean logic that allows us to incorporate temporal evolution and noise mitigation directly into the task specifications, e.g. “Go to region A and reduce the variance of your state estimate below 0.1 m2. ” Our algorithm generates a transition system in the belief space and uses local feedback controllers to break the curse of history associated with belief space planning. Furthermore, conventional automata-based methods become tractable. Switching control policies are then computed using a product Markov Decision Process (MDP) between the transition system and the Rabin automaton encoding the task specification. We present algorithms to translate a GDTL formula to a Rabin automaton and to efficiently construct the product MDP by leveraging recent results from incremental computing. Our approach is evaluated in hardware experiments using a camera network and ground robot.
Characterization of DNA Complexes Formed by the Nuclear Receptor Constitutive Androstane Receptor*

The nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) acts as a xenobiotic sensor and regulates the expression of enzymes, such as several cytochromes P450s and the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) type 1A1. CAR binds as a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) to specific DNA sites, called response elements (REs). Clusters of CAR REs, referred to as phenobarbital response enhancer modules (PBREMs), have been identified in several CAR target genes. In this study we confirm that REs formed by direct repeats of two AGTTCA hexamers with 4 spacing nucleotides are optimal for the binding of CAR-RXR heterodimers. In addition, we found that the heterodimers also form complexes on everted repeat-type arrangements with 8 spacing nucleotides. We also observed that CAR is able to bind DNA as a monomer and to interact in this form with different coregulators even in the presence of RXR. Systematic variation of the nucleotides 5′-flanking to both AGTTCA hexamers showed that the dinucleotide sequence modulates the DNA complex formation of CAR monomers and CAR-RXR heterodimer by a factor of up to 20. The highest preference was found for the sequence AG and lowest for CC. The increased DNA affinity of CAR is mediated by the positively charged arginines 90 and 91 located in the carboxyl-terminal extension of the DNA-binding domain of the receptor. Furthermore, we show that one of the three CAR REs of the human UGT1A1 PBREM is exclusively bound by CAR monomers and this is regulated by ligands that bind to this nuclear receptor. This points to a physiological role for CAR monomers. Therefore, both CAR-RXR heterodimers and CAR monomers can contribute to the gene activating function of PBREMs in CAR target genes.
Self-reported Memory Compensation: Similar Patterns in Alzheimer's Disease and Very Old Adult Samples

Evidence pertaining to self-reported use of memory compensation techniques was collected using the Memory Compensation Questionnaire (MCQ). Five forms of everyday memory compensation were evaluated: (a) external memory aids, (b) internal mnemonic strategies, (c) investing and managing processing time, (d) applying more effort, and (e) reliance on human memory aids. The sample was derived from the Kungsholmen Project in Stockholm, Sweden, and consisted of (n =85) healthy older adults (M age=81.80 years; M MMSE=28.34) and (n =21) diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients (M age=81.80 years; M MMSE=23.55). Participants were tested on two occasions, 6 months apart. Results showed that the MCQ was a largely reliable instrument in these two groups. Moreover, we observed substantial sample similarity in frequency of using the five forms of everyday memory compensation techniques. The healthy sample reported using the external techniques more than the AD sample. Over the 6-month interval, however, AD patients differentially increased their use of others to assist them in everyday memory performance. Results are interpreted in terms of insight into changes in memory skills and in the implementation of effective memory support systems.
Multimerization of the adenovirus DNA‐binding protein is the driving force for ATP‐independent DNA unwinding during strand displacement synthesis

In contrast to other replication systems, adenovirus DNA replication does not require a DNA helicase to unwind the double‐stranded template. Elongation is dependent on the adenovirus DNA‐binding protein (DBP) which has helix‐destabilizing properties. DBP binds cooperatively to single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a non‐sequence‐specific manner. The crystal structure of DBP shows that the protein has a C‐terminal extension that hooks on to an adjacent monomer which results in the formation of long protein chains. We show that deletion of this C‐terminal arm results in a monomeric protein. The mutant binds with a greatly reduced affinity to ssDNA. The deletion mutant still stimulates initiation of DNA replication like the intact DBP. This shows that a high affinity of DBP for ssDNA is not required for initiation. On a single‐stranded template, elongation is also observed in the absence of DBP. Addition of DBP or the deletion mutant has no effect on elongation, although both proteins stimulate initiation on this template. Strand displacement synthesis on a double‐stranded template is only observed in the presence of DBP. The mutant, however, does not support elongation on a double‐stranded template. The unwinding activity of the mutant is highly reduced compared with intact DBP. These data suggest that protein chain formation by DBP and high affinity binding to the displaced strand drive the ATP‐independent unwinding of the template during adenovirus DNA replication.
Resonant-tunneling-diodeterahertz oscillator integrated with slot-coupled patch antenna

We proposed and fabricated resonant-tunneling-diode (RTD) terahertz oscillators integrated with slot-coupled patch antennas for extraction of output power without the use of Si lenses. By eliminating a usually used bulky Si lens, we obtained a compact room-temperature terahertz oscillator. A 170-μm square patch antenna was fabricated on a 7-μm-thick BCB layer stacked on an RTD with a slot resonator. The RTD oscillated at 500 GHz, and the output power of ~40 μW was radiated in the upward direction at the resonance of patch antenna coupled to the RTD and slot resonator. The measured radiation pattern reasonably agreed with theoretical analysis.
Screening of sunflower cultivars for metal phytoextraction in a contaminated field prior to mutagenesis

Sunflower can be used for the remediation of metal-contaminated soils. Its high biomass production makes this plant species interesting for phytoextraction and using sunflower oil for a technical purpose may improve the economic balance of phytoremediation. The aim of the present field study was to screen 15 commercial cultivars of Helianthus annuus L. , grown on metal-contaminated soil, to find out the variety with the highest metal extraction, which can be further improved by mutation or in vitro breeding procedures. Two different fertilizers (ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate) were also used to enhance the bioavailability of metals in soil. Highly significant differences were observed within tested varieties for metal accumulation and extraction efficiency. Furthermore, ammonium nitrate increased cadmium extraction, whereas ammonium sulphate enhanced zinc and lead uptake in most tested cultivars. In this field-based sunflower screening, we found enhanced cumulative Cd, Zn, and Pb extraction efficiency by a factor 4.4 for Salut cultivar. We therefore emphasize that prior to any classical breeding or genetic engineering enhancing metal uptake potential, a careful screening of various genotypes should be done to select the cultivar with the naturally highest metal uptake and to start the genetic improvement with the best available plant material.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: symptom profiles in men and women

SUMMARY Objective: To investigate the symptom frequencies of a relatively large sample of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers and compare male and female symptom profiles. Research design and methods: A total of 103 consecutive attendees at a clinic for PTSD were examined using a checklist of DSM-IV PTSD characteristics. The presence and absence of all symptoms was evaluated in a research interview. Some additional symptoms were also routinely asked about, such as mood lability, substance use, sex drive or libido. Symptom profiles of male and female sufferers of PTSD were compared using the chi-squared statistical test. Main outcome measures: Structured interview using checklist of DSM-IV PTSD characteristics. Results: Certain symptoms were present in more than 30% of sufferers. Symptom frequencies for anxiety, insomnia, distressing and recurrent dreams, flashback imagery and intrusive thoughts, irritability, poor concentration, avoidance behaviour and detachment all reached frequencies above 70%. Some symptoms (such as inability to recall parts of the trauma and restricted affect) occurred in no more than 35% of sufferers. Conclusions: Men are significantly more likely than women to suffer with irritability (p < 0.05) and to use alcohol to excess (p < 0.05). Symptoms tend to follow an acute stress reaction, occur early and persist for many months. A case is made for restricting the diagnosis to the most prevalent symptoms and for including some often overlooked symptoms in the diagnostic guidelines, namely low mood, mood lability, and impaired libido.
Renal impairment during the treatment of telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Renal damage has been reported as an important complication during combination treatment of peginterferon (PEG IFN), ribavirin (RBV) and telaprevir (TVR) for chronic hepatitis C. However, very little is known about this complication. We investigated the role TVR plays in renal damage during this triple therapy.
Mesenchymal stem cells in autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders: pitfalls and potential promises

Abstract Objectives. In this conceptual review, the authors discuss the promises and pitfalls in the use of mesenchymal stem cells as a potential experimental therapeutic for autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods. The relevant literature in autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders regarding immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation and relevant therapeutics with mesenchymal stem cell infusion is reviewed. The relevant literature pertaining to mesenchymal stem cells and their clinical applications is also reviewed. Results. It is proposed that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to have immune-modulating capabilities and are neuroprotective. There are three international studies that have utilized mesenchymal stem cell infusions as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders, all of which demonstrated improvement in autism rating scale scores, although each study has limitations which are described. Conclusions. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders is a novel approach that deserves further investigation, however substantial methodological and theoretical challenges and pitfalls remain before this can be considered a viable therapeutic option.