Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative ‘No Go’ Donor Hepatectomies in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Donor safety is the paramount concern of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Although LDLT is employed worldwide, there is little data on rates and causes of ‘no go’ hepatectomies—patients brought to the operating room for possible donor hepatectomy whose procedure was aborted. We performed a single‐center, retrospective review of all patients brought to the operating room for donor hepatectomy between October 2000 and November 2008. Of 257 right lobe donors, the donor operation was aborted in 12 cases (4.7%). The main reasons for stopping the operation were aberrant ductal or vascular anatomy (seven cases), unsuitable liver quality (three cases) or unexpected intraoperative events (two cases). Over the median period of follow‐up of 23 months, there were no long‐term complications of patients with aborted donor procedures. This report focuses exclusively on an important issue: the frequency and causes of no go decisions at a single large volume North American LDLT center. The rate of no go donor hepatectomies should be as low as possible without compromising donor safety—however, even with rigorous preoperative evaluation the rate of donor abortions will be significant. The default surgical position should always be to abort the donor operation if there is an unexpected finding that places the donor at increased risk.
The Detachment Process and Release Efficiency of Polypyrrole/Gold Bilayer Actuators

Polypyrrole/gold (PPy/Au) bilayer actuators are used in a wide variety of applications, from microrobotics to drug delivery. In this paper, we demonstrate that the operation efficiency of PPy/Au bilayer actuators is influenced by the actuators' geometry. During actuation, the outer edges of the actuators detached first and the subsequent release progressed toward the center of the actuators. Rectangular-, circular-, and trapezoidal-shaped actuators were fabricated, and for a given area, actuators with a larger perimeter exhibited faster release than actuators with a smaller perimeter. In addition to experimental work, finite-element analysis was performed to model the interfacial stress responsible for bilayer release. Insights gained in this paper besides PPy/Au actuators can be applied to other types of detachable actuators.
The burden of chronic spontaneous urticaria is substantial: Real‐world evidence from ASSURE‐CSU

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be debilitating, difficult to treat, and frustrating for patients and physicians. Real‐world evidence for the burden of CSU is limited. The objective of this study was to document disease duration, treatment history, and disease activity, as well as impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and work among patients with inadequately controlled CSU, and to describe its humanistic, societal, and economic burden.
Risk Factors of Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) After AF Surgery in Patients With AF and Mitral Valve Disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine the 22-year experience of the relationship between preoperative left atrial diameter (LAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after AF surgery. Between November 1993 and April 2015, 244 patients underwent AF surgery concomitant with mitral valve surgery, and were completely followed up in our institute. The full-maze procedure was performed in 231 patients and pulmonary vein isolation in 13. Three quartiles divided the list of sorted LAD data into 4 groups: group Q1: LAD = 40.5 ± 4.3 (n = 55), group Q2: LAD = 47.9 ± 2.0 (n = 61), group Q3: LAD = 54.2 ± 1.6 (n = 66), and group Q4: LAD = 64.2 ± 5.6 (n = 62). The AF cure rates for 22 years were verified between the groups. Although the AF cure rate of the full-maze procedure was 94%, 80%, 63%, and 51% at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years after AF surgery, respectively, it was 100% at 5 and 10 years after the pulmonary vein isolation (P = 0.088). Although there were no significant differences in the AF cure rate between groups Q1-Q3, the AF cure rate was significantly lower in group Q4 than the other groups (P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the preoperative LAD and cardiothoracic ratio were significant risk factors of AF recurrence (hazard ratio 1.063 per 1-mm increase, P = 0.003, and hazard ratio 1.064 per 1% increase, P = 0.043, respectively). AF surgery was effective for 22 years after surgery for AF concomitant with mitral valve disease. A preoperative LAD of ≥58.0 mm and the cardiothoracic ratio were risk factors of AF recurrence after AF surgery.
Geometric morphometric study of the regional variation of modern human craniofacial form.

The regional variability of the modern human craniofacial form is of importance to debates about human origins. The study of craniofacial form has generally been carried out either by interlandmark distance measurement and analysis or by observation and character scoring. In this study of four modern human groups (Eskimo/Inuit, African, Australian, and Romano-British), nine craniofacial landmark coordinates were recorded by extraction from laser scans. The coordinates were studied by geometric morphometrics, and a regression analysis was used to investigate the dominant variability in shape within and between groups. Statistical tests of shape difference between groups were carried out. By these methods, the statistical patterns of shape variability and their geometric interpretations were studied on a common basis. The results were found to be in agreement with the classic studies of Howells ([1989:189] Pap Peabody Mus 79), and show the potential of this approach for future research.
A fast, single-vesicle fusion assay mimics physiological SNARE requirements

Almost all known intracellular fusion reactions are driven by formation of trans-SNARE complexes through pairing of vesicle-associated v-SNAREs with complementary t-SNAREs on target membranes. However, the number of SNARE complexes required for fusion is unknown, and there is controversy about whether additional proteins are required to explain the fast fusion which can occur in cells. Here we show that single vesicles containing the synaptic/exocytic v-SNAREs VAMP/synaptobrevin fuse rapidly with planar, supported bilayers containing the synaptic/exocytic t-SNAREs syntaxin-SNAP25. Fusion rates decreased dramatically when the number of externally oriented v-SNAREs per vesicle was reduced below 5–10, directly establishing this as the minimum number required for rapid fusion. Docking-to-fusion delay time distributions were consistent with a requirement that 5–11 t-SNAREs be recruited to achieve fusion, closely matching the v-SNARE requirement.
The Geography of Occupational Concentration Among Low-Skilled Immigrants

Employment concentration among low-skilled immigrants is a well-documented phenomenon in the U.S. labor market though its temporal and spatial patterns are less well examined. With Census microdata, the authors trace detailed occupational niches from 1990 to 2010 for all immigrants, as well as Asian and Latino immigrants separately, to understand how these niches have evolved over the past two decades. Using the Herfindahl−Hirschman Index measure, the authors further capture the geographic variation in relative occupational concentration across metropolitan statistical areas and test what metropolitan-level contexts and policies help explain such differences. The authors find that metropolitan areas with larger total and immigrant populations, greater human capital, higher residential mobility, and more diverse economies have expanded low-skilled immigrants’ occupational choices. Conversely, policies such as higher minimum wages and greater union membership may, in fact, increase occupational concentration, at least for some groups.
Transcription-Induced CAG Repeat Contraction in Human Cells Is Mediated in Part by Transcription-Coupled Nucleotide Excision Repair

ABSTRACT Expansions of CAG repeat tracts in the germ line underlie several neurological diseases. In human patients and mouse models, CAG repeat tracts display an ongoing instability in neurons, which may exacerbate disease symptoms. It is unclear how repeats are destabilized in nondividing cells, but it cannot involve DNA replication. We showed previously that transcription through CAG repeats induces their instability (Y. Lin, V. Dion, and J. H. Wilson, Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 13:179-180). Here, we present a genetic analysis of the link between transcription-induced repeat instability and nucleotide excision repair (NER) in human cells. We show that short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of CSB, a component specifically required for transcription-coupled NER (TC-NER), and knockdowns of ERCC1 and XPG, which incise DNA adjacent to damage, stabilize CAG repeat tracts. These results suggest that TC-NER is involved in the pathway for transcription-induced CAG repeat instability. In contrast, knockdowns of OGG1 and APEX1, key components involved in base excision repair, did not affect repeat instability. In addition, repeats are stabilized by knockdown of transcription factor IIS, consistent with a requirement for RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) to backtrack from a transcription block. Repeats also are stabilized by knockdown of either BRCA1 or BARD1, which together function as an E3 ligase that can ubiquitinate arrested RNAPII. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, which stabilizes repeats, confirms proteasome involvement. We integrate these observations into a tentative pathway for transcription-induced CAG repeat instability that can account for the contractions observed here and potentially for the contractions and expansions seen with human diseases.
Higher Education – the Last Bastion? Distance and e-Learning Policy and Development – The Role of e-Learning and Distance Education in the Modernisation Process of Economies, Societies and Education Systems

We offer a review of recent research and opinions. We include more formal research-based and “grey” literature around transformation in education – at a watershed moment of challenge, change and turmoil – for the UK Higher Education sector and its relationship with Europe. Juxtaposed on the changes in the UK and European political and educational ecologies, is the turbulence of the morphing of Open and Distance Learning into the much higher profile Online and Digital Education, and its place and contribution to achieving preferred and viable futures in the world. We explore the wicked problem of defence and stasis in the university sector despite the huge drivers for change. We explore ways in which learning with and from the future can be encouraged. We anticipate opportunities for universities to reimagine and adopt their roles in changing environments and to make challenging, developing and disruptive contributions to the online world and to offer advantage, benefit and foresight to their students and staff. Abstract in German Der Aufsatz setzt sich kritisch auseinander mit neueren Forschungsergebnissen und Interpretationen und schließt in die Betrachtung auch „graue” Literatur ein, die sich auf die Veränderungsprozesse in den Hochschulen beziehen, besonders an einem Wendepunkt mit den damit verbundenen Unsicherheiten, die sich für das britische Hochschulsystem in seiner Beziehung zum kontinentaleuropäischen abzeichnen.in German Der Aufsatz setzt sich kritisch auseinander mit neueren Forschungsergebnissen und Interpretationen und schließt in die Betrachtung auch „graue” Literatur ein, die sich auf die Veränderungsprozesse in den Hochschulen beziehen, besonders an einem Wendepunkt mit den damit verbundenen Unsicherheiten, die sich für das britische Hochschulsystem in seiner Beziehung zum kontinentaleuropäischen abzeichnen. In enger Verbindung mit den allgemeinen Veränderungen in den Hochschulsystemen im Vereinigten Königreich und in der Europäischen Union stellt sich die Frage nach Erschütterungen und den Wandlungen, denen offene Lernsysteme und Fernstudium unterliegen angesichts neuer online und digitaler Lehrund Lernangebote mit den damit verbundenen neuen viel versprechenden Realitäten. Wir untersuchen die auf Gefahren gerichteten Abschottungen in den Hochschulen gegen die mächtigen Herausfordungen für Veränderungen und setzen uns damit auseinander, wie Lernen zukunftsweisend gefördert werden kann. So schauen wir voraus, welche Gelegenheiten sich für Universitäten ergeben, wenn sie sich Veränderungen stellen und mit Traditionen brechen, um sich in der online Welt wieder zu finden mit ihren Vorteilen für Lehrende, Lernende und Mitarbeitende.
Untangling the psychiatric comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder in a sample of flood survivors.

This report empirically examines multiple explanations for the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity seen with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred sixty-two St. Louis area survivors of the 1993 Great Midwest Floods were interviewed a few months after the flood subsided using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) and its Disaster Supplement to assess psychiatric history relative to PTSD and five other psychiatric disorders. Thirty-five subjects (23%) met criteria for PTSD related to the flood. PTSD was frequently comorbid with other disorders. Seventeen subjects (10%) developed a new, non-PTSD psychiatric disorder after the flood. New non-PTSD disorders were rare in the absence of PTSD symptoms. Though prior psychiatric history was predictive of developing PTSD, no support was found that prior psychiatric history contributed to PTSD through social vulnerability. Thus, support was found for a model in which PTSD contributes to the development of other disorders following trauma, whereas no evidence was found to suggest that comorbid disorders develop independently of PTSD following trauma, or that comorbidity was due to symptom overlap among disorders. The lack of support for models in which psychosocial resources mediate the effect of psychiatric history on the development of PTSD indirectly confirms models of physiological vulnerability to PTSD development.
Peritubular organic cation transport in isolated rabbit proximal tubules.

The physiological characteristics of peritubular organic cation transport were examined by measuring the transport of the organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) in rabbit renal proximal tubule suspensions and isolated nonperfused rabbit renal proximal tubules. Peritubular organic cation transport in both single S2 segments and suspensions of isolated renal proximal tubules was found to be a high-capacity, high-affinity, carrier-mediated process. For tubule suspensions, the maximal capacity of the carrier for TEA (Jmax) and the concentration of TEA at 1/2 Jmax (Kt) (1.49 +/- 0.21 nmol.min-1.mg dry wt-1 and 131 +/- 16 microM, respectively), did not differ significantly from those measured in single S2 segments (Jmax, 1.16 +/- 0.075 nmol.min-1.mg dry wt-1; Kt, 108 +/- 10 microM). In addition, the pattern of inhibition of peritubular TEA transport by long-chain n-tetraalkylammonium compounds (n = 1-5) was both qualitatively and quantitatively similar in single S2 segments and tubule suspensions, exhibiting an increase in inhibitory potency with increasing alkyl chain length. For example, in tubule suspensions, apparent Michaelis constants for inhibition of TEA uptake ranged from 1.3 mM for tetramethylammonium (TMA) to 0.8 microM for tetrapentylammonium (TPeA). To determine whether these compounds were substrates for the peritubular organic cation transporter, their effect on the efflux of [14C]TEA from tubule suspensions was examined. A concentration of 0.5 mM of the short-chain tetraalkyls TMA or TEA increased the efflux of [14C]TEA (i.e., trans-stimulated) from tubules in suspension. The longer-chain tetraalkyls tetrapropylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, and TPeA all decreased the efflux of [14C]TEA from tubules in suspension; TPeA completely blocked efflux. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Physiologic electrical stimulation provokes intracellular calcium increase mediated by phospholipase C activation in human osteoblasts

Strong exogenous electrical stimulation (ES) can induce changes in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i). It remains to be elucidated, however, whether physiologically relevant ES (e.g., 1–2 V/cm) could alter [Ca2+]i. We have used fluorescence microscopy to quantify [Ca2+]i changes in response to direct current (dc) ES in human fetal osteoblasts. Increases in [Ca2+]i in response to 2 V/cm ES show a noticeable (20‐min) time delay, followed by a 45‐fold rise from the baseline of 40 nM to 1.8 μM. Treatment of cells with verapamil does not affect ES‐ induced [Ca2+]i increases, but inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) does prevent such increases, which suggests that receptor‐regulated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is likely to be involved. Treatment of cells with the stretch‐activated cation channel (SACC) blocker Gd3+ partially inhibits ES‐induced [Ca2+]i increases, as does chelation of intracellular Ca2+. These results are consistent with a model in which physiologically relevant ES does not activate voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) directly, but rather stimulates PLC‐coupled cell surface receptors that induce [Ca2+]i increases by activating IP3‐dependent intracellular processes. The Ca2+ influx that follows PLC activation is likely mediated by activation of mechanically operated SACCs.
Baseband digital predistortion of a 10 W GaN power amplifier

In this paper, two different models for the baseband digital predistortion of a GaN power amplifier have been applied: the widely-used Memory Polynomial (MP) model and the recently proposed Behavioral Model with Dynamic Deviation Reduction for Wideband Amplifiers (DVBW). Their performance has been experimentally compared in terms of Adjacent Channel Power Ratio, Error Vector Magnitude and Power Added Efficiency. The DVBW model outperformed in general the MP model, exhibiting also good generalization characteristics.
Phospholipase C- (cid:1) Modulates Epithelial Tight Junction Permeability through Hyperphosphorylation of Tight Junction Proteins*

Phospholipase C- (cid:1) (PLC- (cid:1) ) is stimulated by epidermal growth factor via activation of the epidermal growth factor receptors. The PLC inhibitor, 3-nitrocoumarin (3-NC), selectively inhibited PLC- (cid:1) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells without affecting the activity of PLC- (cid:2) . In contrast, inhibitors of PLC- (cid:2) , hexadecylphosphocholine and U73122, had no effect on the activity of PLC- (cid:1) . Inhibition of PLC- (cid:1) by 3-NC was associated with an increase in tight junction permeability across Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers, as evidenced by 3-NC-in-duced decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and increase in mannitol flux over a concentration range that was inhibitory to PLC- (cid:1) . An analog of 3-NC, 7-hydroxy-3-NC (7-OH-3-NC), which was inactive as an inhibitor of PLC- (cid:1) , also had no effect on tight junction permeability. Treatment with 3-NC C]mannitol the cells the mean (cid:1) three experiments ( n (cid:2) 3) 10 (cid:3)
Cloning, primary structure and properties of a novel human integrin beta subunit.

The originally described integrin beta subunits that define the three subfamilies of integrin heterodimers are beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3. In this paper, we describe the isolation of a cDNA coding for a novel human integrin beta subunit, designated as beta 5. The beta 5 cDNA was isolated from a human thymic epithelial cell library, using oligonucleotide probes that were designed from a region highly conserved among the known beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 sequences. The beta 5 cDNA codes for 799 (or 796) amino acids, including a 23 amino acid leader sequence. There are 776 (or 773) amino acids in the mature protein, which includes a long extracellular domain of 696 amino acids, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular C‐terminal domain of 57 amino acids. The beta 5 sequence resembled the known beta 3, beta 1 and beta 2 sequences by 55, 43 and 38%, respectively, including conservation of 56/56 cysteines. Rabbit antiserum was prepared against a 20 amino acid synthetic peptide predicted from the beta 5 C‐terminal sequence. This serum immunoprecipitated a beta 5 protein that was 100,000 Mr (reduced) and 95,000 Mr (nonreduced). Only a single alpha subunit was detected in association with beta 5, and that alpha subunit was immunochemically indistinguishable from the alpha v subunit previously found as part of the vitronectin receptor complex. By immunoprecipitation, beta 5 was most prevalent on carcinoma cell lines, was also present on hepatoma and fibroblast cell lines, and was absent from lymphoblastoid cells and platelets.
REGULATION OF HEPATIC CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN CETP+/–/LDLr+/– MICE BY CHOLESTEROL FEEDING AND BY DRUGS (CHOLESTYRAMINE AND LOVASTATIN) THAT LOWER PLASMA CHOLESTEROL

1 The hepatic mechanisms involved in the simultaneous regulation of plasma cholesterol concentration and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity were investigated by sharply modifying the hepatic rates of cholesterol synthesis. This was accomplished by cholestyramine, lovastatin and cholesterol feeding in human CETP transgenic mice cross‐bred with low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)‐knockout mice, generating CETP+/–/LDLr+/– mice, which present a plasma lipoprotein profile resembling that of humans. 2 Analyses of pooled data showed that the plasma CETP activity correlated positively with plasma total cholesterol concentration, hepatic CETP mRNA and the liver microsomal cholesterol content; a negative correlation was found between plasma CETP activity and the liver 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase and LDLr mRNA levels. These coordinated events represent an efficient control system that stabilizes the cell cholesterol content. 3 Nonetheless, not all cholesterol metabolism regulatory systems seem to fit into a coherent pattern of responses, suggesting that other unknown cellular mechanisms play roles depending on the type of pharmacological intervention. 4 For example, microsomal cholesterol content was not affected by cholestyramine, but was increased on cholesterol feeding (as predicted), and, surprisingly, on lovastatin treatment. Furthermore, although both plasma cholesterol‐lowering drugs increased CYP7A1 mRNA and had no effect on CYP27 mRNA, other metabolic components were differentially modified. Cholestyramine and lovastatin, respectively, did not modify and increased both HMG‐CoA and sterol responsive element binding protein 1c mRNA, did not modify and lowered liver X receptor α mRNA, lowered and increased ATP binding cassette A1 mRNA and lowered and did not modify scavenger receptor B1 mRNA. 5 That is, different to unabsorbed cholestyramine, lovastatin, as an absorbed plasma cholesterol‐lowering drug, may have modified the activity of other unknown genes that play roles in the interaction of CETP with the metabolism of hepatic cholesterol.
2D cognitive optical data processing with phase change materials

We demonstrate high-density, multi-level crystallization of a Ge<sub>2</sub>Sb<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>5</sub> thin film using tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses. The optical reflectivity in each distinct phase states level is characterized for applications in ultra-fast cognitive parallel data processing.
Use of electrolysis as an adjunct to liver resection

Patients with hepatic metastases are potentially curable if all the diseased tissue can be resected. Unfortunately, only 10–20 per cent of patients are suitable for curative resection. Electrolysis is a novel non‐thermal method of tissue ablation. When used in conjunction with surgery it may increase the number of resectable liver tumours with curative treatment.