Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between OCT Angiography Temporal Peripapillary Vessel-Density and Octopus Perimeter Paracentral Cluster Mean Defect

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between optical coherence tomography angiography angioflow vessel-density (PAFD) measured in the retinal nerve fiber layer in the temporal peripapillary sector and the average of the spatially corresponding superior and inferior paracentral cluster mean defect values (mean paracentral MD) measured with Octopus perimetry. Materials and Methods: Spaerman’s correlation between temporal peripapillary PAFD acquired with the Angiovue OCT and mean paracentral MD measured with the Normal and tendency-oriented perimetry strategy of Octopus G2 perimetry, respectively, was determined on 1 eye of 13 healthy participants, 22 medically controlled ocular hypertensive, and 27 stable early to moderate glaucoma patients. Octopus perimetry was made within 3 months from optical coherence tomography angiography imaging. Results: Strong negative relationship was found irrespective to Octopus test strategy between temporal sector peripapillary PAFD and mean paracentral MD for the total population (r-values: −0.5525 and −0.4496, respectively, P⩽0.002), the glaucoma group (r-values: −0.4901 and −0.4936, respectively, P<0.01) and the ocular hypertensive group (r-values: −0.4445 and −0.4496, P⩽0.0382). For the healthy eyes, and for all groups when correction for the diffuse defect component of global MD was made using the perimeter’s software, no significant relationship was found. Conclusions: Strong negative relationship exists between the temporal peripapillary sector PAFD measured with Angiovue OCT angiography in the retinal nerve fiber layer and mean paracentral cluster MD determined with uncorrected Normal and tendency-oriented perimetry strategies of Octopus perimetry. This relationship may be usefully applied in research when eyes with paracentral scotomas are investigated.
The impact of social media on library and information studies students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

The significance of social media in the teaching and learning process cannot be overemphasized. However the excessive use of the same can result into inefficiency and poor academic performance. The study examines the impact of social media (SM) on Library and Information Studies students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Questionnaire was used for data collection. 100 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the librarians in training at the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University of Ibadan. 99 copies were filled and returned, given a response rate of 99%. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that Whatsapp was the most preferred social media platform used more frequently by the LIS undergraduates. Majority of the students make use of SM more for other activities than academics, they spend 7 hours each day on the SM on general activities other than course work as against 5 hours spent each day for course work on the media, and as a result this undoubtedly affects their performance.
Detection of Species-Specific Helicobacter Ribosomal DNA in Intestinal Biopsy Samples from a Population-Based Cohort of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

ABSTRACT The inflammatory bowel diseases are considered an abnormal host immune response to an environmental stimulus. Evidence suggests a role for intestinal bacteria in initiating and/or providing an ongoing stimulus for inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Helicobacter pylori is the major cause of active chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers in humans and has been linked to gastric carcinoma and lymphoma. Studies in various animal models, particularly mice, have identified enterohepatic Helicobacter species that are capable of causing hepatitis and enterocolitis. We hypothesize that Helicobacter species may have a role in maintaining inflammation in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. In order to investigate this, biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease. DNA was extracted from the tissues and subjected to PCR with primers designed to detect the ribosomal DNA of members of the Helicobacter species. DNA from six biopsy samples from 60 inflammatory bowel disease patients tested positive. This included 5 of 33 ulcerative colitis patients that were positive compared to 0 of 29 age-matched controls (P < 0.04). Sequencing of the bands produced by PCR amplification revealed ≥99% homology with H. pylori. These results indicate that a member of the Helicobacter species may be involved in some cases of ulcerative colitis.
Personality correlates of passive-aggressiveness: a NEO-PI-R domain and facet analysis of the HDS Leisurely scale

Abstract Background: This study looked at the relationship between “bright-side” and “dark-side” personality variables by focusing on the controversial trait of Passive-Aggressiveness. Around 4800 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain and the Facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) which has a measure of Passive-Aggressiveness called Leisurely. Aim: To determine to what extent the well-established Big Five traits measured at both domain and facet level can account for the variance in a measure of passive-aggressiveness. Findings: Correlations and regressions indicated that Leisurely individuals are introverted, closed-minded Neurotics, with particular needs for order and deliberation. Neuroticism facets accounted for most of the variance. Overall, the Big Five measured at Domain and Facet level accounted for relatively small amounts of variance, suggesting the divergent validity of this measure of PAPD. Conclusions: This scale measures something that is not captured by comprehensive taxonomies of personality. Limitations and implications for clinical practice are noted.
Periodic signal suppression in a concurrent fault simulator

Clock suppression has been proposed to take advantage of the periodic signals such as the clock present in synchronous designs. In clock suppression, no events due to the clock input are generated, but the information can be reconstructed as needed. In this paper, the authors present periodic signal suppression, which is a generalized form of clock suppression, as a means to suppress predictable events of all periodic signals throughout the circuit. To do this, a special signal state labeled P is introduced. P states indicate that signals are periodic, but cause no unnecessary activity in an event driven simulator. At any time, the original waveform can be reconstructed from the periodic signal. This general implementation allows clock suppression to work on divided or gated clocks and on signals that may alternate periodic and non-periodic behavior in addition to the clock tree. Moreover, concurrent simulation of faults on the suppressed signal wires including the clock tree is possible. <<ETX>>
A matrix converter with dead time commutation by simple bidirectional switch

A novel bidirectional switch structure is proposed for high power matrix converter applications. The proposed circuit includes a simple RC circuit as commutation aid. No extra sensing information is needed during commutation, making it possible to perform conventional dead time commutation. Hence, the operation of the proposed circuit is very stable, reliable and robust. In this paper, Basic knowledge of bidirectional switches and commutation techniques for matrix converters are reviewed. Detailed commutation procedure of the proposed circuit is performed, and the choice of specific semiconductor switches and devices is also derived and given. Finally, experimental results show the validity and verification of the proposed structure and circuit.
Methadone-Nicotine Interactions in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients

Smoking is highly prevalent (85%-98%) in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. Methadone has been shown to increase cigarette smoking in a dose-dependent manner, whereas smoking/nicotine has been shown to increase methadone self-administration and reinforcing properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate methadone-nicotine interactions in MMT patients during trough and peak methadone effect conditions. Subjective effects of nicotine (administered by cigarette smoking, 4 mg of nicotine gum and placebo gum) and methadone and their combination were assessed in 40 regularly smoking, stabilized MMT patients using a randomized, placebo-controlled, within-subject study design. Subjects responded to a battery of subjective assessments before and after nicotine administration both before methadone administration (cycles 1 and 2) and 3 hours after methadone administration (cycles 3 and 4). There was a main effect of methadone on the decrease of opioid withdrawal scores (P < 0.001), and cigarette smoking enhanced this effect (day × methadone interaction, P = 0.031). Both nicotine and methadone had main effects on the decrease of nicotine withdrawal scores (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively); this was associated with the cigarette day (day × nicotine interaction, P = 0.003, and day × methadone interaction, P = 0.004). Nicotine plasma levels were highest on the cigarette smoking day (P < 0.001). Methadone and nicotine shared main effects on the increase of ratings of euphoria and drug liking and on the decrease of restlessness, irritability, and depression. The overall results may help to explain high smoking rates in the MMT population and may account for reports of increased positive effects of methadone when the drugs are taken together.
Higher authority organizational stressors among higher education deans: a multiple case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans. Design/methodology/approach This current research employed a qualitative approach utilizing a contextual paradigm with a multiple case study methodology. Findings Out of ten investigated deans in a public higher education institution in Malaysia, nine reported experiences of organizational stressor elements arising from higher authority. Three non-overlapping subthemes were systematically discovered. Practical implications Successful identification of these higher authority organizational stressors has implications for higher education management policies. Policies that reduce or eliminate these stressors may create a positive and progressive environment for deans and the higher education field. Originality/value This study will thus serve to promote a deeper understanding of higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.
In Vivo Anergized T Cells Form Altered Immunological Synapses In Vitro

T cells contact allogeneic antigen presenting cells (APCs) and assemble, at their contact interface, a molecular platform called the immunological synapse. Synapse‐based molecules provide directional signals for the T cell—either positive signals, resulting in T‐cell activation, or negative signals causing T‐cell inactivation or anergy. To better understand the molecular basis of in vivo T‐cell anergy we analyzed the contacts made between in vivo anergized T cells and APCs, and determined which signaling molecules were included or excluded from their immunological synapses. Anergy was induced in TCR transgenic mice by the intravenous injection of semiallogeneic donor spleen cells. T cells from anergized mice were mixed with APCs, the T‐cell/APC synapses imaged using deconvolution microscopy, and their molecular compositions were determined. T cells from anergic mice formed unstable immunological synapses in vitro with allogeneic APCs and failed to recruit the signaling proteins necessary to initiate T‐cell activation. These findings suggest that T‐cell anergy induced by exposure to semiallogeneic donor cells is associated with defects in the earliest events of T‐cell activation, immunological synapse formation and recruitment of TCR‐mediated signaling proteins.
Uncompacted Myelin Lamellae and Nodal Ion Channel Disruption in POEMS Syndrome

Abstract To elucidate the significance of uncompacted myelin lamellae (UML) and ion channel disruption at the nodes of Ranvier in the polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, we evaluated sural nerve biopsy specimens from 33 patients with POEMS syndrome and from 7 control patients. Uncompacted myelin lamellae distribution was assessed by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. In the POEMS patient biopsies, UML were seen more frequently in small versus large myelinated fibers. Paranodes and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures, where normal physiologic UM is located, were frequently associated with UM. Widening of the nodes of Ranvier (i.e. segmental demyelination) was not associated with UML. There was axonal hollowing with neurofilament condensation at Schmidt-Lanterman incisures with abnormal UML, suggesting axonal damage at those sites in the POEMS patient biopsies. Myelin sheath irregularity was conspicuous in large myelinated fibers and was associated with abnormally widened bizarrely shaped Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. Indirect immunofluorescent studies revealed abnormalities of sodium (pan sodium) and potassium (KCNQ2) channels, even at nonwidened nodes of Ranvier. Thus, UML was not apparently associated with segmental demyelination but seemed to be associated with axonal damage. These observations suggest that nodal ion channel disruption may be associated with functional deficits in POEMS syndrome patient nerves.
Analysis of cell‐mediated mineralization in culture of bone‐derived embryonic cells with neurofibromatosis

von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder associated with congenital pseudoarthrosis and with short stature. To examine whether the NF1 phenotype includes functional osteogenic defects, embryonic bone‐derived cells affected with NF1 were tested in culture for specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell‐mediated mineralization and compared with other embryonic bone derived cells. NF1 showed a relatively higher specific ALP activity, which has further increased in response to dexamethasone + β‐glycerophosphate (βGP) (Dex medium) coordinately with a decrease in cell proliferation. In the control group, two samples showed increased ALP activity, one showed decreased activity and the forth one did not show any change in ALP. NF1 cells were distinguished from other cells regarding day 21 mineralization, they did not mineralize when cultured with ascorbate alone in the absence of Dex medium, whereas control cells did mineralize. Adding βGP resulted in mineralization by NF1 cells but less than in other cells. In addition, NF1 cells responded to dexamethasone by increasing the βGP‐induced mineralization, as opposed to cells from other embryonic bones, which either did not respond or have even decreased mineralization under dexamethasone. Upon cis‐hydroxyproline exposure, Dex medium has also distinguished NF1 cell ALP activity from that of other cell origins. Inhibition of respiratory complex II by malonate showed that most embryonic bone‐derived cells of 12 weeks gestation are malonate resistant; thus, malonate selection was ineffective. This is in contrast to rat marrow stromal cells previously shown to undergo mineralizing cell enrichment in response to malonate. Exposure to levamisole, of Dex‐treated cells, at days 0–11 has inhibited day 21 mineralization in all tested cultures in spite of the increase in day 11‐specific ALP activity. Both malonate and levamisole did not distinguish NF1 cells from the osteogenic phenotype of other cells. Essentially embryonic bone‐derived cells from 12 weeks gestation, cultured in the absence of βGP, retained their mineralization capacity, which does not increase under dexamethasone, as distinguished from NF1 cells which require βGP for mineralization and positively respond to dexamethasone. Therefore, bone‐derived NF1 cells may be useful for studying the regulation of the mineralization process.
Concept of synthesizing modular power supply for interfacing diverse energy sources and loads

Multiport converter (MPC) can be identified as an effective conversion structure due to their higher power density and reduced component count. In traditional multiple-stage converter system, each input source and output load are interconnected through a DC bus using independent converters to exchange power. When the number of the input sources and output loads increases, the number of converters increases, thus resulting in more complicated structure. As a prominent alternative, MPC can be introduced to simplify the multiple-stage converter system. This paper presents some simple methods for deriving MPCs based on conventional two-port converters. By decomposing the two-port converters into pulsating source cells (PSCs) and output filter cells (OFCs), MPCs can be synthesized with multiple of those cells.
Characterization of a necrotizing enterocolitis model in newborn mice.

BACKGROUND Necrotizingenterocolitis (NEC) is a major health concern for premature infants and its patho-genesis remains poorly understood. The current mouse NEC model has not well been characterized. OBJECTIVES In this study, we develop a simple mouse model of NEC and determine the role of several factors modulating human NEC (i.e., breast milk, birth weight, cesarean section and bacteria) on intestinal injury. METHODS In a first experiment, pups born naturally and dam fed for <12 hours were gavaged with adult commensal bacteria or E. Fecalis, and exposed to hypoxia-cold stress-formula feeding, and compared with controls without bacteria inoculation. 72-hour mortality was recorded, and small intestines were examined histologically. In a second experiment, we compared the incidence of NEC in mice dam fed for <12 hours to those dam fed for 12 to 24 hours or delivered by cesarean section prior to being submitted to the NEC protocol. RESULTS In pups inoculated with 10(7) CFU of a standardized preparation of adult commensal bacteria or 10(5) CFU of E. Fecalis, the incidence of severe NEC (>grade 2) was 70% and 37% respectively vs 6% in the controls (no bacteria)(p<0.05). In pups dam fed for 12 to 24 hours, NEC incidence was 44(±12)% lower vs those dam fed less than 12 hours (p<0.05). We did not find any difference in the NEC incidence between naturally-born pups dam fed for less than 12 hours and these born by cesarean section. The incidence of severe NEC was higher in pups with low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS we have simplified and characterized a neonatal mouse NEC model that shares several risk factors with human NEC. Now that transgenic mice are available, this model will be useful to study the role played by specific proteins in vivo in NEC development.
The inaction effect in the psychology of regret.

Previous research showed that decisions to act (i.e., actions) produce more regret than decisions not to act (i.e., inactions). This previous research focused on decisions made in isolation and ignored that decisions are often made in response to earlier outcomes. The authors show in 4 experiments that these prior outcomes may promote action and hence make inaction more abnormal. They manipulated information about a prior outcome. As hypothesized, when prior outcomes were positive or absent, people attributed more regret to action than to inaction. However, as predicted and counter to previous research, following negative prior outcomes, more regret was attributed to inaction, a finding that the authors label the inaction effect. Experiment 4, showing differential effects for regret and disappointment, demonstrates the need for emotion-specific predictions.
Single Cell Analysis of Complex Thymus Stromal Cell Populations: Rapid Thymic Epithelia Preparation Characterizes Radiation Injury

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and dendritic cells are essential for the maintenance of thymopoiesis. Because these stromal elements define the progenitor niche, provide critical survival signals and growth factors, and direct positive and negative selection, detailed study of these populations is necessary to understand important elements for thymic renewal after cytotoxic injury. Study of TEC is currently hindered by lengthy enzymatic separation techniques with decreased viability. We present a new rapid separation technique that yields consistent viable TEC numbers in a quarter of the prior preparation time. Using this new procedure, we identify changes in stromal populations following total body irradiation (TBI). By flow cytometry, we show that TBI significantly depletes UEA+ medullary TEC, while sparing Ly51+ CD45− cells. Further characterization of the Ly51+ subset reveals enrichment of fibroblasts (CD45− Ly51+ MHCII−), while cortical TECs (CD45− Ly51+ MHCII+) were markedly reduced. Dendritic cells (CD11c+ CD45+) were also decreased following TBI. These data suggest that cytotoxic preparative regimens may impair thymic renewal by reducing critical populations of cortical and medullary TEC, and that such thymic damage can be assessed by this new rapid separation technique, thereby providing a means of assessing optimal conditioning pretransplant for enhancing thymic‐dependent immune reconstitution posttransplant.
Pentoxifylline reduces venular leukocyte adherence ("reflow paradox") but not microvascular "no reflow" in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion.

Postischemic reperfusion injury is caused by microcirculatory disturbances, including both nutritive perfusion failure (no reflow) and leukocyte activation (reflow paradox). Recent studies brought evidence that pentoxifylline (PTX) reduces tissue injury, decreases enzyme release, and improves survival after normothermic liver ischemia/reperfusion. The mechanisms of action, however, by which PTX protects postischemic tissue from injury have not been elucidated yet. With the use of fluorescence microscopy in a rat hepatic ischemia/reperfusion model, we studied in vivo the action of PTX on the manifestation of postischemic sinusoidal perfusion failure and microvascular leukocyte adherence. Microvascular reperfusion after 20 min portal triad cross-clamping was characterized by the cessation of blood flow within individual sinusoids (no reflow) and accumulation of leukocytes within the hepatic microvasculature, with stasis in sinusoids and rolling and firm adherence in postsinusoidal venules. PTX (20 mg/kg x hr i.v.) significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated microvascular leukocyte accumulation (44,600 +/- 1833 mm(-3) vs 67,684 +/- 2620 mm(-3) in saline-treated controls) and firm adherence of leukocytes in postsinusoidal venules (316.9 +/- 40.9 mm(-2) vs 522.9 +/- 95.0 mm(-2)); however, PTX did not influence manifestation of individual sinusoidal perfusion failure. Since reperfusion-induced parenchymal cell damage was found reduced in treated animals, we conclude that PTX attenuates postischemic injury in rat liver by reduction of leukocytic/inflammatory response but not by prevention of nutritive perfusion failure.