Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective role of mouse MBL-C on intestinal mucosa during Shigella flexneri invasion

Abstract Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a C-type serum lectin, which is believed to play an important role in the innate immunity against a variety of pathogens. MBL can bind to sugar determinants of a wide variety of microorganisms, neutralize them and inhibit infection by complement activation through the lectin pathway and opsonization by collectin receptors. Given that small intestine is a predominant site of extrahepatic expression of MBL, here we addressed the question whether MBL is involved in mucosal innate immunity. The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) genes of mouse MBL-C (mMBL-C) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant mMBL-C-CRD binds to Shigella flexneri 2a in a calcium-dependent manner and that interaction could be blocked by the anti-mMBL-C-CRD antibody. mMBL-C-CRD protein could inhibit the adhesion of S. flexneri 2a to intestinal mucosa, while administration of anti-mMBL-C-CRD antibody caused an increased level of bacteria adhesion in vitro. Administration of recombinant mMBL-C-CRD protein reduced the secretion of IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 from primary intestinal epithelial cells stimulated with S. flexneri 2a. Furthermore, neutralization of MBL activity by anti-MBL-C-CRD resulted in a significant increase in the number of S. flexneri 2a that colonized the intestines of BALB/c mice and attenuated the severity of inflammation seen in the areas of bacterial invasion. These findings suggest that mMBL-C may protect host intestinal mucosa by directly binding to the bacteria.
Glacial Refugia: Hotspots But Not Melting Pots of Genetic Diversity

Glacial refuge areas are expected to harbor a large fraction of the intraspecific biodiversity of the temperate biota. To test this hypothesis, we studied chloroplast DNA variation in 22 widespread European trees and shrubs sampled in the same forests. Most species had genetically divergent populations in Mediterranean regions, especially those with low seed dispersal abilities. However, the genetically most diverse populations were not located in the south but at intermediate latitudes, a likely consequence of the admixture of divergent lineages colonizing the continent from separate refugia.
Regression equations for predicting scores of persons over 65 on the rey auditory verbal learning test, the mini-mental state examination, the trail making test and semantic fluency measures.

OBJECTIVES Scores on neuropsychological tests are often used to detect abnormal changes in cognition in older persons. Accordingly, it is important to have normative data that allow the abnormality of a test score to be determined precisely and accurately. Regression equations that estimate an expected score based on demographic or premorbid factors can be an efficient method of making normative comparisons. Our aim was to compute regression equations with age, gender and estimated premorbid IQ as predictors of scores on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), the Trail Making Test (TMT), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and measures of semantic fluency. DESIGN All measures were administered to a group of 272 healthy older persons aged between 65 and 90 during the pre-treatment phase of a study evaluating the effect of nutritional supplements on cognition. Premorbid IQ was estimated using the National Ault Reading Test (NART). Stepwise multiple regression procedures were used to determine the weights to be applied to the predictor variables. RESULTS Age and premorbid IQ were found to be significantly correlated with all test variables; gender correlated significantly with most scores. Regression equations based on the 3 predictor variables explained between 10% and 30% of the variance of the range of test scores. The use of these equations in clinical practice was illustrated. CONCLUSION The significant correlations between the predictor variables and test scores justified computing a set of equations for use in interpreting data from older persons. The abnormality of the difference between predicted and obtained scores provides a convenient index of an individual's current level of neuropsychological functioning.
Risk Model and Quality of Audit Committee towards Quality of Financial Reporting in Indonesia

Accounting scandal has become a very complex problem in the manufacturing industry. This study aims to determine the effect of the litigation risk, the risk of distrust of investors, the risk of default and the effect of legal expertise of the audit committee on the quality of financial reporting. Data taken from the population of manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI). Test Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) was used to test the research hypothesis. The results of the study informed that the risk of investor distrust affects the quality of financial reporting, while the litigation risk, default risk and audit committee of legal knowledge does not affect the quality of financial reporting. The results also informed that the legal knowledge of the audit committee as moderating variables that influence the risk of strengthening relations investor distrust of the quality of financial reporting. This study contributes to the regulator in Indonesia to make regulations that protect and guarantee investor confidence in the quality of financial information company.
Modèles de polymères dirigés en milieux aléatoires

Nous etudions plusieurs modeles de polymeres diriges en milieux aleatoires. Pour le modele classique sur Z^d, nous etudions la convergence de l'environnement vu par la particule dans la region de faible desordre. Nous donnons des resultats tres forts pour de tres hautes valeurs de la temperature. Nous donnons ensuite un traitement complet de la fonction de partition pour un modele de polymeres diriges en milieux aleatoires sur le reseau hierarchique en diamant. Finalement, nous etudions l'energie libre des polymeres diriges en milieux aleatoires sur Z^d dans des boites tres asymetriques. Nous parvenons a prouver que, dans un regime approprie, elle coincide avec l'energie libre d'un modele en temps continu dans un environnement Brownien. En dimension 1, la valeur exacte de cette energie libre est connue. Nous etudions egalement des polymeres diriges en dimension 1 avec un drift qui tend vers l'infini. Nous donnons la valeur exacte de l'energie libre et l'ordre des fluctuations de la fonction de partition.
XTbx1 is a transcriptional activator involved in head and pharyngeal arch development in Xenopus laevis

The development of pharyngeal arch derivatives in mouse and zebrafish embryos depends on the activity of the transcription factor Tbx1. We cloned the Xenopus laevis orthologue of Tbx1 (XTbx1) and show that the pattern of expression is similar to that in other vertebrate species. Zygotic transcripts are first detected shortly after the mid‐blastula transition and are localized to the presumptive mesoderm at mid‐gastrula stages. XTbx1 expression persists in the lateral plate mesoderm at neurula stages and is found in the pharyngeal arches and otic vesicles from early tail bud stages onward. We demonstrate that XTbx1 is a transcriptional activator and that this trans‐activation requires the C‐terminal region of the protein. A dominant interfering mutant of XTbx1 disrupts the development of Xenopus head structures and pharyngeal arch derivatives. Lineage labeling reveals a requirement for XTbx1 function in cells that contribute to the pharyngeal mesoderm and for fgf8 expression. Developmental Dynamics 232:979–991, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proliferative index in breast carcinoma determined in situ by Ki67 immunostaining and its relationship to clinical and pathological variables

Sixty cases of primary breast carcinoma have been studied using a monoclonal antibody, Ki67, which recognizes an antigen expressed by cells in G1, S, G2, and M phases of the cell cycle but not Go. A Ki67 score (positive cells/total tumour cells) was determined, and possible relationships between this index of cellular proliferation and a number of clinical and pathological parameters were investigated. There was a strong positive correlation between the Ki67 score and mitotic index (p < 0.001), a weak negative correlation with age (p < 0.02), and weak positive correlations with histological tumour grade (p < 0.03), tumour necrosis (p < 0.01), and cellular reaction (p < 0.01). No relationship was noted between the Ki67 score and tumour size, nodal status, tumour oestrogen receptor levels, or menopausal status. The Ki67 score may prove to be an objective indicator of biological behaviour and thus be of clinical significance, particularly since it is not strongly related to other clinical and pathological parameters used in predicting outcome in breast carcinoma.
The Impact Of Financial Leverage On Performance Of Trade In Serbia

The capital structure, i.e. financial leverage is one of the significant factors of (trade) companies' performance. Financial leverage affects liquidity, profitability and other segments of performance of trading companies. Application of the correlation analysis in empirical research of trade sector in Serbia for the period 2008-2013 showed that financial leverage positively affects return of assets and return on equity while negatively affects current liquidity, quick liquidity and return on revenue. Concerning the statistical significance, the impact of financial leverage in trade of Serbia is significant in quick liquidity and return on equity (sig.
Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults: From oral hypoglycemic agents to early insulin

Approximately 10% of phenotypic type 2 diabetics have islet autoantibodies and are referred to as having latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), and they land on early sulfonylurea failure and require insulin. Diagnosing LADA has treatment implications because of high risk of progression to insulin dependency. But often there is delay in insulin therapy, as there are no recommendations for islet antibody testing in adult-onset diabetes currently. LADA clinical risk score can identify adults at high risk who may benefit from antibody testing. The optimal treatment of LADA is not established. Early insulin therapy helps to achieve good metabolic control and better long-term outcomes by preserving β-cells and endogenous C-peptide secretion. Sulfonylureas are better avoided as they exhaust β-cells; glitazones and exenatide have favorable outcomes, whereas metformin needs to be used with caution. Understanding LADA will also bring new windows in managing type 1 diabetes. Information acquisition was done by reviewing the medical literature published since 1987, with particular attention to the natural history, genetic factors, and treatment of LADA.
Racial Disparities in Service Use among Medicaid Beneficiaries after Mandatory Enrollment in Managed Care: A Difference-in-Differences Approach

Managed care may improve access to health care to previously underserved populations when providers need plan enrollees. However, capitation and utilization management often give providers the incentive to withhold care. Managed care organizations have yet to demonstrate that racial disparities in treatment are not exacerbated. Using Medicaid eligibility, claims, and managed care encounter data, we examine racial disparities in service use among Medicaid beneficiaries after mandatory enrollment in managed care. We use count data models adjusted for nonrandom selection within difference-in-differences econometric approaches. The results show that mandatory enrollment has disproportionately reduced the relative use of physician and inpatient services among African-American beneficiaries.
Modélisation électrothermique de l'I. G. B. T. (Transistor bipolaire à grille isolée) : application à la simulation du court-circuit

Un composant de puissance en pleine expansion de nos jours est l'IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). L'une des caracteristiques de ce composant, qui le rend attractif pour les utilisateurs, est sa tenue aux courts-circuits. Le travail propose a ete d'etudier la faisabilite de la modelisation et de la simulation des phases de destruction de l'IGBT. Ce travail a permis d'estimer, par la simulation, les risques de defaillance d'un composant soumis a des sollicitations severes et accidentelles dans un systeme electrique. L'etude des modes de destruction a commence par des observations experimentales du fonctionnement et de la phase de destruction (tests destructifs) de quelques IGBT soumis a des courts-circuits provoques par des perturbations multiples. L'a1nalyse de quelques modeles thermiques et de leurs precisions respectives vis-a-vis des surcharges de courtes durees a ete faite. Elle montre un net avantage de la methode des elements finis sur la methode des differences finies, pourtant largement utilisee dans les simulations de circuits pour les modeles thermiques. Une nouvelle methode pour l'estimation experimentale de la temperature maximale dans I'IGBT a ete presentee. Elle repose sur la mesure du courant de saturation pour une tension de grille legerement superieure au seuil. Enfin, des simulations des phenomenes electrothermiques ont permis d'analyser le comportement critique de l'IGBT. Pour cela, plusieurs outils de modelisations et de simulations (ATLAS 2D. PACTE. SABER, etc. . . . ) ont ete utilises afin de reproduire les differents comportements de I'TGBT. La modelisation electrique de l'IGBT a reposee sur le modele d'A. Hefner. La confrontation des resultats de simulations avec ceux de l'experience a permis d'ajuster les parametres technologiques des modeles developpes pour reproduire au mieux le comportement du composant et de valider aussi les modeles developpes.
Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation versus general stimulation programs for post-coma persons with multiple disabilities

Abstract Objective: Assessing the impact of microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation on response engagement (Study I) and post-session alertness (Study II) of post-coma participants with multiple disabilities. Method: Study I included three participants whose scores on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) were 11 or 13. Study II included three participants whose CRS-R scores were 19, 13, and 14. In both studies, the participants received sessions with contingent stimulation (i.e., sessions in which activation of a microswitch with an eyelid or hand response produced 15 s of preferred stimulation) and sessions with general, non-contingent stimulation (i.e., stimulation lasted throughout the sessions). Results: Study I showed an increase in response engagement/frequencies only during the contingent stimulation sessions. Study II showed that the participants’ level of vigilance after those sessions was higher than after non-contingent stimulation sessions. Conclusion: Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation would be more beneficial than programs with general/non-contingent stimulation.
Temporal blood pressure patterns and cardiovascular events: 'good night' or 'good morning'?

The notion that having a high blood pressure is not healthy is far from being surprising to doctors and most patients. It is supported by robust scientific evidence showing that blood pressure is in a linear, direct relationship with adverse cardiac (coronary heart disease, heart failure) and cerebral (ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, transient ischaemia) consequences. Initially, blood pressure was only estimated based on office measurements but, over time, technological progress has led to the development of techniques that allow discontinuous automated ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over extended periods of time (typically 24 h). The information on average blood pressure obtained by ABPM demonstrated a closer correlation with cardiovascular outcome compared to traditional office measurements [1,2]. An additional advantage of ABPM compared to isolated office readings is its ability not only to provide information on average blood pressure levels, but also to quantify blood pressure changes over time. A number of studies have shown that at least three main patterns of blood pressure variability are prognostically relevant: (i) nocturnal blood pressure fall [2]; (ii) morning blood pressure surge [3,4]; and (iii) overall blood pressure variability (quantified by its standard deviation) [5,6]. Although this evidence has raised interest towards blood pressure variability phoenomena, the precise mechanisms responsible for their prognostic consequences remain a matter of debate. In particular, it is still unclear whether the amplitudes and temporal patterns of changes in blood pressure themselves contribute to cardiovascular damage, or whether the latter depends more on concomitant differences in the average blood pressure levels.
Association for Information Systems AIS Electronic Library ( AISeL ) All Sprouts Content Sprouts 9-22-2008 Virtual Baby Visit Going Mobile

Applications of Information Technologies (ITs) are increasing in the healthcare domain. ITs have been proven to be a support for the dissemination of knowledge and training amongst specialists in the use of computer-aided surgery [2]. The development of new technologies advances care opportunities for patients, e.g., improving patient well-being by reducing pain through clinical investigation [6]. Recent developments in ITs towards a digital hospital [8] address medical practitioners and patients within the walls of the hospital. Little attention has been given to crossing these walls, for example, supporting relatives of hospitalized patients. This column presents an example of traditional boundaries of the hospital disappearing by the use of standard ITs. It explores the potential benefit brought by external system integration in the connecting area of Health Informatics/Telematics.
Rapidly adapting pulmonary receptor afferents: II. Fine structure and synaptic organization of central terminal processes in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius

The nucleus of the tractus solitarius (nTS) is a site for termination of primary afferents originating from a variety of different visceral sensory endings (Kalia and Mesulam: J. Comp. Neurol. 193:523–553, '80). The light and electron microscopic evaluation of bouton terminals of slowly adapting lung stretch (SAR afferent fibers originating from the tracheobronchial tree has been described previously (Kalia and Richter: J. Comp. Neurol. 241:503–520, 521–535, '85. The companion article (Kalia and Richter: J. Comp. Neurol. 273:000‐000, '88) describes details of the light microscopic organization of a second group of pulmonary afferents, the rapidly adapting receptors (RARs), that are known to signal transient volume changes in airways (Sellick and Widdicombe: J. Physiol. (Lond. 203: 359–381, '69; Q.J. Exp. Physiol. 55:153–163, '70. Terminals from RAR afferents are concentrated within two specific subnuclear groups of the nTS (dnTS and nI) and are distributed over 4 mm of the medulla oblongata rostrocaudally. Within the nTS, axon collaterals of RAR afferents remain myelinated up to a diameter of 0.4–1.0 μm. Preterminal processes are always unmyelinated and range in diameter from 0.15 to 0.3 μm. Bouton terminals (1.0–2.0 μm) are of both the en passant and end terminal varieties.
Inflammatory manifestations of HTLV-1 and their therapeutic options

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is one of the most intriguing retroviruses infecting humans. Most commonly, infection remains undetected, since it does not cause obvious harm, yet in 4–9% of patients, this infection can be devastating, causing adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and/or HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). This review concentrates on all inflammatory aspects of HTLV-1 infection: HAM/TSP, HTLV-1 associated uveitis, HTLV-1 associated conjunctivitis, sicca syndrome and interstitial keratitis, HTLV-1 associated Sjögren’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, HTLV-1 associated pulmonary disease, infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1, HTLV-1 associated inflammatory myositis and HTLV-1 associated arthritis. With the exception of HAM/TSP treatment, studies of these conditions are sparse and even for HAM/TSP, the level of evidence is limited. While control or elimination of infection remains a goal, most therapy beyond symptomatic management is directed at the immune response to HTLV-1.
Mechanisms of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction

Objectives:To review mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction in general and intrinsic myocardial depression in particular. Data Source:MEDLINE database. Data Synthesis:Myocardial depression is a well-recognized manifestation of organ dysfunction in sepsis. Due to the lack of a generally accepted definition and the absence of large epidemiologic studies, its frequency is uncertain. Echocardiographic studies suggest that 40% to 50% of patients with prolonged septic shock develop myocardial depression, as defined by a reduced ejection fraction. Sepsis-related changes in circulating volume and vessel tone inevitably affect cardiac performance. Although the coronary circulation during sepsis is maintained or even increased, alterations in the microcirculation are likely. Mitochondrial dysfunction, another feature of sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, will also place the cardiomyocytes at risk of adenosine triphosphate depletion. However, clinical studies have demonstrated that myocardial cell death is rare and that cardiac function is fully reversible in survivors. Hence, functional rather than structural changes seem to be responsible for intrinsic myocardial depression during sepsis. The underlying mechanisms include down-regulation of &bgr;-adrenergic receptors, depressed postreceptor signaling pathways, impaired calcium liberation from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and impaired electromechanical coupling at the myofibrillar level. Most, if not all, of these changes are regulated by cytokines and nitric oxide. Conclusions:Integrative studies are needed to distinguish the hierarchy of the various mechanisms underlying septic cardiac dysfunction. As many of these changes are related to severe inflammation and not to infection per se, a better understanding of septic myocardial dysfunction may be usefully extended to other systemic inflammatory conditions encountered in the critically ill. Myocardial depression may be arguably viewed as an adaptive event by reducing energy expenditure in a situation when energy generation is limited, thereby preventing activation of cell death pathways and allowing the potential for full functional recovery.
Using Fuzzy Logic in Evaluating User Tabled Correlation Rules for COMINT May 17 , 2000

This paper presents a methodology for performing level-1 fusion involving organizational structures and for determining which structures, if any, can be recognized. Available data consists of contact reports received via various communications circuits. Information for correlation arises from three main sources: parametric signature data such as radio frequency, nominative categorical information such as unit identifier, and location information such as intercept position. Both individual and aggregations of such data separately give rise to correlation sub-scores. Each sub-score provides evidence about whether a new report correlates with an existing entity. The paper identifies methods and reports some preliminary results correlation, which use the operators of fuzzy logic, and adaptive weighting to enforce analysts specified correlation rules.