Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Update on the status of 89 drug information centers in the United States.

PURPOSE Previously identified U.S. drug information centers (DICs) were surveyed to determine whether they were still in existence and whether changes had occurred in the DICs since 2003. METHODS Eighty-nine DICs identified in a 2003 survey were surveyed in April 2008. For DICs still in existence, questions were designed to determine whether there were changes in the mission, time spent on activities, staffing, and drug information questions (number, complexity, and time required to answer) compared with five years earlier. Respondents' projected need for their DIC over the next five years was also surveyed. RESULTS Seventy-five (84%) of the 89 DICs were still active. The most notable changes in activities were increases in time spent on educating health-professions students (53%), supporting the institution's medication safety program (44%), and providing information-systems support (36%). The majority of respondents (73%) reported no change in the number of employed drug information personnel. The percentages of DICs reporting an increase, decrease, and no change in the number of drug information requests received were 29%, 42%, and 29%, respectively. Seventy percent reported an increase in the number of complex questions, while 53% reported an increase in the time required to answer each question. Ninety-seven percent of respondents projected no change or an increase in the need for their DIC over the next five years. CONCLUSION Eighty-four percent of the previously identified DICs were still in existence. The most notable changes in these DICs were increases in the number of DICs focusing on educating health-professions students, the complexity of drug information questions, and the amount of time required to answer each request.
Immune–neural connections: how the immune system’s response to infectious agents influences behavior

Summary Humans and animals use the classical five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste to monitor their environment. The very survival of feral animals depends on these sensory perception systems, which is a central theme in scholarly research on comparative aspects of anatomy and physiology. But how do all of us sense and respond to an infection? We cannot see, hear, feel, smell or taste bacterial and viral pathogens, but humans and animals alike are fully aware of symptoms of sickness that are caused by these microbes. Pain, fatigue, altered sleep pattern, anorexia and fever are common symptoms in both sick animals and humans. Many of these physiological changes represent adaptive responses that are considered to promote animal survival, and this constellation of events results in sickness behavior. Infectious agents display a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These PRR are expressed on both the surface [e.g. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4] and in the cytoplasm [e.g. nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors] of cells of the innate immune system, primarily macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells initiate and propagate an inflammatory response by stimulating the synthesis and release of a variety of cytokines. Once an infection has occurred in the periphery, both cytokines and bacterial toxins deliver this information to the brain using both humoral and neuronal routes of communication. For example, binding of PRR can lead to activation of the afferent vagus nerve, which communicates neuronal signals via the lower brain stem (nucleus tractus solitarius) to higher brain centers such as the hypothalamus and amygdala. Blood-borne cytokines initiate a cytokine response from vascular endothelial cells that form the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Cytokines can also reach the brain directly by leakage through the BBB via circumventricular organs or by being synthesized within the brain, thus forming a mirror image of the cytokine milieu in the periphery. Although all cells within the brain are capable of initiating cytokine secretion, microglia have an early response to incoming neuronal and humoral stimuli. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines that are induced following bacterial infection blocks the appearance of sickness behaviors. Collectively, these data are consistent with the notion that the immune system communicates with the brain to regulate behavior in a way that is consistent with animal survival.
0-80GHz 0.15 μm GaAs PHEMT Distributed Amplifier for Optic-Fiber Transmission Systems

In this paper, the available gain of 7.7 dB with bandwidth over 80 GHz distributed amplifier based on OMMIC 0.15 μm GaAs PHEMT is presented. The cascode structure is adopted to enhance the bandwidth and to keep the circuit stability. The circuit includes four cascode cells, and the area of chip is 2.2×0.7 mm2.
Human Cytomegalovirus Encodes an MHC Class I-Like Molecule (UL142) That Functions to Inhibit NK Cell Lysis1

Clinical and low passage strains of human CMV (HCMV) encode an additional MHC class I-related molecule UL142, in addition to the previously described UL18. The UL142 open reading frame is encoded within the ULb′ region which is missing from a number of common high passage laboratory strains. Cells expressing UL142 following transfection, and fibroblasts infected with a recombinant adenovirus-expressing UL142, were used to screen both polyclonal NK cells and NK cell clones, in a completely autologous system. Analysis of 100 NK cell clones derived from five donors, revealed 23 clones that were inhibited by fibroblasts expressing UL142 alone. Small-interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of UL142 mRNA expression in HCMV-infected cells resulted in increased sensitivity to lysis. From these data we conclude that UL142 is a novel HCMV-encoded MHC class I-related molecule which inhibits NK cell killing in a clonally dependent manner.
Kulturelle Unterschiede im online Blickverhalten: Nutzungs-Schnittstellen für interkulturelle Nutzergruppen

Forschungsprojekte an internationalen Universitäten hinken den praktischen Anwendungen der Usability-Forschung oftmals hinterher. Während Firmen in der Praxis für viele internationale Unternehmen internationale Studien mit einem hohen Forschungsanteil durchführen müssen, um die Business-Modelle der Firmen zum Erfolg zu führen, erforschen die Universitäten sehr enge, theoretische Modelle, die in der Praxis oft untauglich und/oder veraltet sind. Praktische Erfahrungswerte gehen weit über die sogenannte „anectodal reference“ hinaus, weil sich Firmen in der Praxis Tag für Tag mit der interkulturellen Nutzung von Websites, Desktop-Applikationen, Mobile Apps und ganz allgemein mit der gesamten Mensch Computer Interaktion (MCI) auseinandersetzen. Eine im Frühjahr 2012 mit 500 Probanden aus 17 Ländern durchgeführte Blickmessungsstudie hat aufgezeigt, dass länderspezifische Unterschiede im Verhaltensmuster in Bezug auf die erste Wahrnehmung, dem Lese-, Scrollund Klick-Verhalten, sowie der Fixationsdauer im allgemeinen vorliegen. Trotz der Globalisierung von Informationen und weltweit greifenden Technologiemustern haben kulturelle Nutzungsmerkmale in der Folge einen signifikanten (p<0.001) Einfluss auf Vorlieben, Verhaltensund Navigationsmuster. Das für die Studie ausgearbeitete Framework geht über die in der DIN EN ISO TR 16982 (Ergonomie der Mensch-System-Interaktion Methoden zur Gewährleistung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit, die eine benutzerorientierte Gestaltung unterstützen) aufgeführten Methoden hinaus und sollte bei weiteren Arbeiten im Bereich der interkulturellen Forschung angewandt werden.
Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband peak power and power spectral density analysis

The paper presents methodology for analyzing compliance of Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) communications systems with regulatory limits specified by US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). First, discrete spectral component that reduce Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) in IR-UWB spectrum are analyzed in an exemplary IRUWB system. After that, a minimal Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) in an IR-UWB system at which EIRP spectrum level does not have to be reduced in order to meet peek power regulatory constrain is derived for two different modulations; namely, On-Off Keying (OOK) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK).
Baculovirus-mediated expression of bacterial genes in dipteran and mammalian cells

A recombinant baculovirus containing the Escherichia coli chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene under the control of the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat promoter and the E. coli beta-galactosidase gene under the control of the very late baculoviral polyhedrin promoter was used to determine if Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, a baculovirus of Lepidoptera, can enter and express viral DNA in dipteran (Drosophila sp.) and mammalian (Mus sp.) cells that are considered refractory to baculovirus replication. Following infection, CAT gene expression was observed in both dipteran and mammalian cells, but expression in the mammalian cell line was less than 0.05% of that observed in either dipteran or lepidopteran cells. Although the level of CAT gene expression was similar in permissive lepidopteran and nonpermissive dipteran cells, expression of beta-galactosidase activity from the late polyhedrin promoter in dipteran or mammalian cells was less than 0.3% of the levels observed in lepidopteran cells. These results indicate that foreign gene expression in nonpermissive cells is promoter dependent and that late viral gene expression is restricted in these cells. The Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat allows substantial CAT gene expression in both a D. melanogaster cell line and Aedes aegypti midgut cells. Baculovirus DNA undergoes a limited number of replications in Drosophila cells. The results are relevant to baculovirus host range, the safety of baculoviruses as pesticides, and the development of baculovirus pesticides with expanded host ranges.
Immune monitoring in renal transplantation: The search for biomarkers

It is now widely accepted that in order to improve long‐term graft function and survival, a more personalized immunosuppressive treatment of transplant patients according to the individual anti‐donor immune response status is needed. This applies to the identification of potentially “high‐risk” patients likely to develop acute rejection episodes or display an accelerated decline of graft function, patients who might need immunosuppression intensification, and operationally tolerant patients suitable for immunosuppression minimization or weaning off. Such a patient stratification would benefit from biomarkers, which enable categorization into low and high risk or, ideally, identification of operational tolerant patients. Here, we report on recent developments regarding identification and performance analysis of noninvasive biomarkers such as mRNA and miRNA expression profiles, chemokines, or changes in immune cell subsets in either blood or urine of renal transplant patients. We will also discuss which future steps are needed to accelerate their clinical implementation.
Coronary artery bypass grafts: evaluation of patency with cine MR imaging.

This report describes our first experiences in using cine MR imaging to assess the status of a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This technique uses a low flip angle, a fast repetition rate, and gradient-refocused echoes to produce images in which the signal of flowing blood within even small vascular structures (e.g., CABGs) is enhanced. Twenty-eight CABGs were evaluated by using both cine MR imaging and coronary angiography (as "gold standard"), and the MR images were interpreted blindly for determination of patency or occlusion of the CABGs. The sensitivity of cine MR imaging for determination of CABG patency was 93%, the specificity was 86%, and the overall predictive accuracy was 89%. Because cine MR imaging facilitates the identification of patent vascular structures by enhancing the signal intensity of flowing blood, this technique seems particularly attractive for noninvasively determining CABG patency.
The Effect of Osteogenic Protein-1 on the Healing of Segmental Bone Defects Treated with Autograft or Allograft Bone

Background: Large amounts of bone graft are frequently used to elicit the healing of bone defects resulting from reconstructive procedures. Autograft and allograft bone are often used, but each has its limitations. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) improve the healing of segmental bone defects treated with autograft or allograft. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of implantation of a recombinant osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) in combination with bone graft on the healing of a critical-sized (2.5-cm) segmental defect in canine ulnae. Methods: Either autograft bone, allograft bone, osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) mixed with type-1 bovine collagen, or various combinations of OP-1 and collagen (OP-1 device) mixed with allograft or autograft were implanted in the segmental bone defects. The combinations included 67% bone graft with 33% OP-1 device and 33% bone graft with 67% OP-1 device. The healing of the defects was assessed with radiographic, biomechanical, and histological studies. The animals were killed at twelve weeks postoperatively. Results: The use of the OP-1 device alone or any combination of autograft or allograft bone and the OP-1 device demonstrated improved healing on radiographic, mechanical, and histological studies compared with that demonstrated after use of autograft or allograft bone alone. The highest radiographic and histological grades and the greatest mechanical strength were achieved with the use of 33% allograft and 67% OP-1 device, although no significant differences were observed among the different groups containing the OP-1 device. At twelve weeks postoperatively, the defects treated with any amount of the OP-1 device obtained greater mechanical strength than that obtained by autograft bone alone. Conclusions: Major bone defects may be treated with allograft bone combined with the OP-1 device, instead of autograft alone, to avoid complications associated with the use of autograft. The combination of allograft bone and the OP-1 device resulted in optimum healing of the defect, according to the radiographic, mechanical, and histological parameters measured in this study. Clinical Relevance: The combination of freeze-dried allograft bone with the OP-1 device is an attractive graft material for the treatment of large bone defects. Although similar results were observed when autogenous bone graft was used in combination with the OP-1 device, the results of the present study suggest that allograft, because of its relatively unlimited supply, can be substituted without reduced efficacy. In addition, avoiding the need to harvest autogenous bone eliminates the additional operative time and risk associated with a second surgical procedure.
Differential Regulation of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Synthesis in Neurons and Astrocytes by Glucocorticoid Hormones

Glucocorticoid hormones are important regulators of brain development and ageing. Here we show that dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, differentially affects the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in cultured neurons and astrocytes. Dexamethasone increased the levels of NGF mRNA in cultured hippocampal neurons in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, whereas it down‐regulated the NGF mRNA levels in astrocytes. However, dexamethasone had no effect on the mRNA levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampal neurons. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, in higher concentrations also up‐regulated NGF mRNA levels in the hippocampal neurons. Dexamethasone increased the levels of NGF mRNA in the rat hippocampus in vivo, but not to the same extent as observed with kainic acid, a glutamate receptor agonist. There is no apparent diurnal rhythm in the hippocampal NGF protein levels corresponding to circadian variations in the levels of glucocorticoid hormones in serum. The increase in NGF mRNA in the hippocampus in vivo following dexamethasone treatments may reflect the physiological response of hippocampal neurons to high glucocorticoid levels reached under conditions of stress.
Urodynamic and neurophysiological evaluation in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy.

AIMS: To determine whether Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy each has a distinct pattern of micturition abnormalities and whether a urodynamic evaluation could be useful in the differential diagnosis between the two diseases. METHODS: Sixty two patients (30 with Parkinson's disease and 32 with multiple system atrophy) underwent a complete urodynamic evaluation and neurophysiological testing. RESULTS: Of the parkinsonian patients 36.6% had normal micturition findings with normal bladder sensitivity; 26.7% had delayed or incomplete pelvic floor relaxation; 26.7% had hyperreflexia with vesicosphincteric synergy; and 10% had hyperreflexia with vesicosphincteric synergy associated with incomplete pelvic floor relaxation. Parkinsonian patients with a normal urodynamic pattern had significantly less severe disease and a shorter duration of disease in years than those who had abnormal patterns. Patients with hyperreflexia had significantly higher severity of disease. All the patients with multiple system atrophy had hyperreflexia with synergy. Two urodynamic patterns were identified: hyperreflexia with vesicosphincteric synergy (90.6% of patients), and hyperreflexia with vesicosphincteric synergy and incomplete pelvic floor relaxation (in 9.4%). Hyperreflexia with synergy correlated neither with the severity nor with the duration of disease. Sphincter EMG analysis showed that all the parkinsonian patients had normal sphincter EMG whereas 24 of the 32 patients with multiple system atrophy had neurogenic signs. CONCLUSIONS: Urodynamic evaluation and sphincter EMG are both useful tests in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. Urodynamic findings may be abnormal before patients with multiple system atrophy reach an advanced stage of the disease. Recordings of EMGs from perineal muscles become abnormal as the disease progresses in multiple system atrophy but not in Parkinson's disease.
Role of calcium in the thermal inactivation of calcium transport proteins.

Using purified sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes as model systems, the role of calcium ion in the thermal inactivation of membrane calcium transport was investigated. Hyperthermia induces calcium release from the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum. This calcium channel related calcium release was inhibited by the presence of glycerol and enhanced by the presence of ethanol. Calcium was found to protect the thermal-induced calcium transport inactivation of CaATPase in the light fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Both glycerol and cholesterol protect the thermal inactivation of CaATPase. Yet their effects on the calcium-induced protection kinetics were rather different, i.e., the glycerol inserts its protection effect by increasing the degree of cooperativity of calcium binding, while cholesterol increases the calcium-binding affinity. The calcium protection effect was attributed to the ability of calcium to enhance the thermal stability of the protein. This was demonstrated by an upshift (30-39 degrees C) of the transition temperature of the rotational parameter of the native tryptophans of CaATPase in the presence of calcium.
Reliability and Electrical Properties of Gate Oxide Shorts in CMOS ICs

This paper examines the reliability of gate oxide shorts in CMOS ICs. Gate oxide shorts cause increased quiescent IDD but may not initially affect functionality. These shorts can subsequently change due to thermal and electric field stress during operation and cause functional failure. Therefore, gate oxide defects can significantly degrade CMOS IC reliability. 14 refs.
The afferent path of the milk-ejection reflex in the brain of the rabbit.

The afferent path of the milk-ejection reflex has been studied in the brain of the anaesthetized lactating rabbit. Electrical stimulation was applied between a monopolar electrode in the brain and an indifferent electrode in the scalp. The brain was transected at the mid-cerebellar level to eliminate sympathetico-adrenal activation, and intramammary pressure and arterial blood pressure were monitored to detect release of neurohypophysial hor-
Virtual reality training for surgical trainees in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND Surgical training has traditionally been one of apprenticeship, where the surgical trainee learns to perform surgery under the supervision of a trained surgeon. This is time consuming, costly, and of variable effectiveness. Training using a virtual reality simulator is an option to supplement standard training. OBJECTIVES To determine whether virtual reality training can supplement or replace conventional laparoscopic surgical training (apprenticeship) in surgical trainees with limited or no prior laparoscopic experience. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and grey literature until March 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised clinical trials comparing virtual reality training versus other forms of training including video trainer training, no training, or standard laparoscopic training in surgical trainees with little or no prior laparoscopic experience. We also included trials comparing different methods of virtual reality training. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We collected the data on the characteristics of the trial, methodological quality of the trials, mortality, morbidity, conversion rate, operating time, and hospital stay. We analysed the data with both the fixed-effect and the random-effects models using RevMan Analysis. For each outcome we calculated the standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals based on intention-to-treat analysis. MAIN RESULTS We included 23 trials with 612 participants. Four trials compared virtual reality versus video trainer training. Twelve trials compared virtual reality versus no training or standard laparoscopic training. Four trials compared virtual reality, video trainer training and no training, or standard laparoscopic training. Three trials compared different methods of virtual reality training. Most of the trials were of high risk of bias. In trainees without prior surgical experience, virtual reality training decreased the time taken to complete a task, increased accuracy, and decreased errors compared with no training; virtual reality group was more accurate than video trainer training group. In the participants with limited laparoscopic experience, virtual reality training reduces operating time and error better than standard in the laparoscopic training group; composite operative performance score was better in the virtual reality group than in the video trainer group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Virtual reality training can supplement standard laparoscopic surgical training of apprenticeship and is at least as effective as video trainer training in supplementing standard laparoscopic training. Further research of better methodological quality and more patient-relevant outcomes are needed.