Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The TWIST Algorithm Predicts Time to Walking Independently After Stroke

Background and Objective. The likelihood of regaining independent walking after stroke is of concern to patients and their families and influences hospital discharge planning. The objective of this study was to explore factors that could be combined in an algorithm for predicting whether and when a patient will walk independently after stroke. Methods. Adults with new lower limb weakness were recruited within 3 days of having a stroke. Clinical assessment, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and magnetic resonance imaging were completed 1 to 2 weeks poststroke. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to identify factors that predicted whether a patient achieved independent walking by 6 or 12 weeks, or remained dependent at 12 weeks. Results. We recruited 41 patients (24 women; median age 72 years, range 43-96 years). The CART analysis results were used to create the Time to Walking Independently after STroke (TWIST) algorithm, which made accurate predictions for 95% of patients. Patients with a trunk control test score >40 at 1 week walked independently within 6 weeks. Patients with a trunk control test score <40 only achieved independent walking by 12 weeks if they also had hip extension strength of Medical Research Council grade 3 or more. Neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures did not predict independent walking after stroke. Conclusions. In this exploratory study, the TWIST algorithm accurately predicted whether and when an individual patient walked independently after stroke using simple bedside measures 1 week poststroke. Further work is required to develop and validate this algorithm in a larger study.
Cell type and tissue distribution of the fibroblast growth factor receptor

A receptor for fibroblast growth factor (aFGF, bFGF) was partially characterized in intact cell cultures, cell plasma membranes, and tissue plasma membrane preparations. Analysis of 24 different cell types from four species identified a 165‐kDa FGF receptor present on the cell surface of most mesodermal and neuroectodermal cells. Chemical crosslinking of 125I‐aFGF to its cell surface receptor was specifically blocked by a 100‐fold molar excess of either aFGF or bFGF. In contrast to the similar molecular weight of FGF receptors, different cell types exhibited significant variations in binding of 125I‐aFGF to intact cultures with low values of 8 pM and 700, to high values of 60 pM and 30,000, for the Kd and receptor number per cell, respectively. A binding assay was developed for quantitation of 125I‐aFGF binding to cell‐ and tissue‐derived membrane preparations. Membranes prepared from baby hamster kidney cells exhibited a Kd of 55 pM, while a similar Kd of 67 pM was determined for intact baby hamster kidney cells. Although ten different adult bovine tissue membrane preparations and human term placental membranes exhibited no specific binding of 125I‐aFGF, FGF receptor was detected in embryonic murine tissues (17 days gestation). These results support the existence, in a variety of cells, of either a common FGF receptor that binds both aFGF and bFGF or closely related FGF receptors that cannot be distinguished by molecular weight. The differential binding of FGF to its receptor in embryonic vs. adult tissues suggests a potentially broad role for FGF in embryonic development and a more restrictive role in the adult.
Transferencia embrionaria ipsilateral y contralateral a la posición del cuerpo lúteo y supervivencia embrionaria en llamas

El presente trabajo se realizo con el proposito de evaluar el efecto de la transferencia embrionaria ipsilateral y contralateral a la posicion del cuerpo luteo (CL), asi como el tamano del CL sobre la tasa de supervivencia embrionaria en llamas. Se utilizaron 43 llamas receptoras, adultas, distribuidas aleatoriamente en 4 grupos: G1 (n=10): CL en ovario derecho y transferencia ipsilateral, G2 (n=10): CL en ovario derecho y transferencia contralateral, G3 (n=15): CL en ovario izquierdo y transferencia ipsilateral y G4 (n=8): CL en ovario izquierdo y transferencia contralateral. Se usaron 10 llamas como donadoras de embriones, que fueron sincronizadas con LH (1 ml) (Dia 0=D0), superovuladas con 1000 UI de eCG en el D3, a las que se les provoco luteolisis con PGF2αen el D7 y se les empadro en el D8. Ese dia, las receptoras se trataron con LH para sincronizarlas con las donadoras. En el D14 se colecto, evaluo y transfirio los embriones. El 60 (G1) y 75% (G3) de las hembras prenaron con transferencia ipsilateral derecha e izquierda, respectivamente, mientras solo el 30 (G2) y 25% (G4) prenaron con transferencia contralateral derecha e izquierda, respectivamente. Sin embargo, solo se encontro diferencia significativa entre el grupo G3 con los grupos G2 y G4 (p<0.05). Los resultados indican una mayor tasa de supervivencia embrionaria en llamas al realizar la transferencia en el cuerno ipsilateral a la posicion del CL ubicado en el ovario izquierdo.
ARMO: Augmented Reality based Reconfigurable MOck-up

Rapid prototyping allows for evaluation of design product in a short period of time. Designers or CEOs may perceive the size and appearance of the product by touching the automatically constructed physical objects produced through rapid prototyping. In this paper, we introduce 'augmented reality based reconfigurable mock-up', which enables interactive changes of shapes of products as well as colors, textures, and user interfaces. The shapes of the physical objects are reconfigurable by assembling different parts to the main body of the mock-up. Augmented reality technologies were used to alter the appearance of the mock-up by rendering the 3D models, colors, and interfaces accordingly. Developed AR-based reconfigurable mock-up is expected to be used for realistic design evaluation and CEO presentations.
Demonstration of High-Performance PMOSFETs Using $ \hbox{Si}$–$\hbox{Si}_{x}\hbox{Ge}_{1 - x}$ –$\hbox{Si}$ Quantum Wells With High- $\kappa$/Metal-Gate Stacks

Through a systematic approach, PMOSFETs with strained quantum wells (QWs) in the Si-Ge system exhibiting high performance and low off-state leakage currents comparable to optimized gate stacks on Si are demonstrated. The encouraging results are due to selectively depositing Si-SixGe1-x-Si heterostructure QWs, where it appears that the critical thickness requirements for these thin films based on the lattice constant mismatch are relaxed. Furthermore, the use of optimal advanced high-k dielectric and metal-gate electrode helped realize the good device characteristics.
Enhancement of Postoperative Desaturation in Heavy Snorers

The risk of postoperative decreases of arterial saturation in oxygen (SpO (2)) could be enhanced in patients with previous history of sleep-induced respiratory impairment. To test this hypothesis, patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery were classified preoperatively as heavy snorers, light snorers, and nonsnorers, according to their answers to a questionnaire. During the first postoperative night, the patients were breathing room air and both the arterial saturation and the tracheal sounds were monitored. Although the cumulated duration of snore was similar in the three groups, the number of desaturations (decrease in SpO2 >or=to 4%) was more in the heavy snorers (14.9 +/- 27.9) than in the light snorers (0.1 +/- 0.3) and the nonsnorers (0.2 +/- 0.3) (P < 0.05). The percent duration of recording at SpO2 < 90% was longer in the heavy snorers (52.0% +/- 41.9% of the recording time) than in the two other groups: 9.3% +/- 12.4% (light snorers) and 17.5% +/- 21.8% (nonsnorers) (P < 0.05). Patients with a previous history of sleep-disordered breathing risked postoperative desaturation and could be detected preoperatively by the answers to certain questions. (Anesth Analg 1995;81:389-92)
Influenza Vaccination in Adults with Asthma: Safety of an Inactivated Trivalent Influenza Vaccine

Despite recommendations in most countries for giving inactivated influenza vaccine to people with asthma, only a minority currently receive it. One reason for low vaccine coverage has been concern that vaccination may induce exacerbations of asthma. In this randomized trial, 291 patients between 18 and 65 years of age received either an inactivated influenza vaccine followed 14 days later by a saline placebo or placebo followed by the vaccine. Each patient received 1 dose of vaccine and 1 dose of placebo. The percentage of patients reporting at least one asthma exacerbation within 14 days after injection was similar following vaccine or placebo (28.3% and 25.5%, respectively). The combined exacerbation rate during the first 14-day interval was higher (31.5%) than that during the second 14-day interval (22.4%, P = 0.0135), indicating that the occurrence of exacerbations was not likely to be related to the sequence of injections. The percentages of individuals with solicited systemic symptoms were 56.6% and 44.8% after vaccine or placebo injection, respectively. We conclude that influenza vaccination did not increase the incidence of asthma exacerbations compared to placebo in this study and the vaccine was well tolerated. The results thus support annual influenza vaccination in patients with asthma.
Extremely divergent histone H4 sequence from trypanosoma cruzi: Evolutionary implications

Trypanosoma cruzi presents six histones electrophoretically resolved in three gel systems. Indirect evidence shows that one of these histones, name, corresponds to H4 in other species. We present evidence that histones is H4 by sequencing its amino terminal end. The amino terminal of T. cruzi histone H4, unlike that of other H4s examined thus far is not blocked. Moreover, this protein presents two variants. This partial amino acid sequence of T. cruzi histone H4 differs greatly from homologous sequences of human, yeast, or Tetrahymena.
Actualités dans la prise en charge du VIH-1

Les traitements antiretroviraux ont, au cours de la derniere decennie, profondement change le cours de la maladie VIH. En effet, a partir de 1996, les « tritherapies » ont reduit de plus de 80 % a la fois la mortalite et la morbidite liees a cette infection ; cette derniere est a present consideree comme une maladie chronique et non plus comme une maladie constamment mortelle. Depuis 1996, l’arsenal therapeutique n’a cesse de s’enrichir avec la commercialisation de nouvelles formes galeniques pour les molecules « anciennes » mais aussi la mise sur le marche de nouvelles molecules appartenant a de nouvelles classes antiretrovirales ciblant de nouvelles etapes du cycle du VIH. Aujourd’hui, 22 antiretroviraux sont disponibles. L’objectif de cet article est d’abord d’exposer les differentes molecules antiretrovirales actuellement disponibles, de detailler les dernieres recommandations d’initiation du traitement et de guider le therapeute dans la composition de la combinaison antiretrovirale, le choix devant etre individualise pour chaque patient.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Used Alone and in Combination with Antifungal Agents, in Mice with Systemic Candida albicans Infection

ABSTRACT We examined the in vivo activity of human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hM-CSF) against lethal Candida albicans infection in mice. In C. albicans-infected mice which had been immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide, treatment with hM-CSF at a daily dose of 8 × 105 units/kg of body weight or greater slightly but significantly prolonged survival. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of amphotericin B (AMPH-B) in infected mice was enhanced by its combined use with hM-CSF, while that of fluconazole (FLCZ) was not. The activities of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils from mice administered hM-CSF plus AMPH-B in combination for inhibition of hyphal growth of C. albicanscells and intracellular phagocytosis and killing of the cells were greater than those of comparable phagocytic cells from control mice to which hM-CSF plus AMPH-B was not administered. These results suggest that intravenous administration of hM-CSF augments the efficacy of AMPH-B by enhancing the antifungal activities of macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, it is expected that therapy with the combination AMPH-B and hM-CSF could improve the efficacy of AMPH-B and reduce the therapeutic dose of the antifungal drug that is required.
Clinical and postmortem examination of sows culled for lameness.

Sow lameness can be an important cause of economic loss for pig producers. The cost associated with purchasing additional gilts to replace lame sows can contribute significantly to the overall production cost of producing a weaned pig. The number of pigs produced per litter from first parity animals is less than older sows; therefore, premature culling of sows may reduce the number of pigs weaned per litter (1). Veterinarians are frequently requested to investigate lameness problems in breeding-age swine. A herd study of lameness can be difficult. The average yearly culling rate due to lameness is approximately five percent, although in some herds the incidence may be five times this level (1,2). An investigation may require several months to allow time for the examination of a sufficient number of lame sows to determine the major cause of lameness on a herd basis. Clinical examinations of the musculoskeletal system of swine is of limited usefulness, due to the uncooperative nature of the patient, and a postmortem examination may be necessary to differentiate the various causes of lameness in sows. The differential diagnosis of lameness in breedingage swine includes footrot, leg injuries, osteochondrosis (epiphysiolysis, osteochondritis dissecans), leg weakness, osteomalacia, fractures, and arthritis (3-5). Outbreaks of footrot occur in breeding herds, where up to 100% of the sows can be affected (4). In several studies, osteochondrosis, which is a generalized dyschondroplasia of growing pigs, was found to be the most common cause of lameness in culled breedingstock animals (6-8). The definitive diagnosis of osteochondrosis is made by histological examination of affected joints (3,9,10). The purposes of this study were to diagnose the causes of lameness in sows that were culled for lameness and to determine if the gross postmortem lesions found in these sows were also present in sows culled for reasons other than lameness. The relationships among the parity of the sows, the clinical lameness scores, and the cause of lameness were determined. The annual culling rate due to lameness in one breeding stock herd and the 16 farms stocked by it ranged from 0% to 38% (2). The owners of these 17 farms were asked to submit all of the sows culled
Tracking butterfly movements with harmonic radar reveals an effect of population age on movement distance

We used harmonic radar to track freely flying Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) females within an area of 30 ha. Butterflies originated from large and continuous populations in China and Estonia, and from newly established or old (> 5 years) small local populations in a highly fragmented landscape in Finland. Caterpillars were raised under common garden conditions and unmated females were tested soon after eclosion. The reconstructed flight paths for 66 individuals comprised a total distance of 51 km with high spatial resolution. Butterflies originating from large continuous populations and from old local populations in Finland exhibited similar movement behaviors, whereas butterflies originating from newly established local populations in the fragmented landscape in Finland moved significantly more than the others. There was no difference in the lengths of individual flight bouts, but the new-population females flew more frequently, resulting in longer daily movement tracks. The flight activity of all individuals was affected by environmental conditions, peaking at 19–23°C (depending on population type), in the early afternoon, and during calm weather. Butterflies from all population types showed a strong tendency to follow habitat edges between the open study area and the neighboring woodlands.
Critical incidents in paediatric anaesthesia: an audit of 10 000 anaesthetics in Singapore

Background: We undertook an audit of paediatric perioperative incidents in the first 10000 anaesthetics administered in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore between May 1997 and April 1999. The spectrum of surgery performed ranged from simple ambulatory surgery to open heart surgery for complicated congenital heart diseases.
Environmental regulation of the long polar fimbriae 2 of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

The molecular mechanisms controlling expression of the long polar fimbriae 2 (Lpf2) of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 were evaluated. Primer extension was used to locate the lpfA2 transcriptional start site in EHEC strain EDL933 at 171 bp upstream of the lpfA2 start codon. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that the highest lpfA2 expression occurs between an OD600 of 1.0 and 1.2 in DMEM at pH 6.5 and 37 °C. The level of lpfA2 transcription at OD600 1.2 and pH 6.5 was four times greater than that at pH 7.2. Although lpfA2 expression was decreased under iron-depleted conditions, its expression was increased in a ferric-uptake-regulator (Fur) mutant strain. The lpfA2 transcript was 0.7 and 2 times more abundant in wt EHEC grown in DMEM pH 6.5 plus iron and MacConkey broth at 25 °C, respectively, than in DMEM at pH 6.5. The lpf2 expression in DMEM pH 6.5 plus iron and bile salts was 2.7 times more abundant than baseline conditions. Further, transcription in the EDL933∆fur was 0.6 and 0.8 times higher as compared with the wt strain grown in DMEM pH 6.5 plus iron and MacConkey broth, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that purified Fur interacts with the lpf2 regulatory region, indicating that Fur repression is exerted by direct binding to the promoter region. In summary, we demonstrated that the EHEC lpf2 operon is regulated in response to temperature, pH, bile salts and iron, during the exponential phase of growth, and is controlled by Fur.
An RNA pseudoknot is an essential structural element of the internal ribosome entry site located within the hepatitis C virus 5' noncoding region.

Translation of the human hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome occurs by a mechanism known as "internal ribosome entry. " This unusual strategy of translation is employed by naturally uncapped picornaviral genomic RNAs and several cellular mRNAs. A common feature of these RNAs is a relatively long 5' noncoding region (NCR) that folds into a complex secondary structure harboring an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Evidence derived from the use of dicistronic expression systems, combined with an extensive mutational analysis, demonstrated the presence of an IRES within the HCV 5'NCR. The results of our continued mutational analysis to map the critical structural elements of the HCV IRES has led to the identification of a pseudoknot structure upstream of the initiator AUG. The evidence presented in this study is based upon the mutational analysis of the putative pseudoknot structure. This is further substantiated by biochemical and enzymatic probing of the wild-type and mutant 5'NCR. Further, the thermodynamic calculations, based upon a modified RNAKNOT program, are consistent with the presence of a pseudoknot structure located upstream of the initiator AUG. Maintenance of this structural element is critical for internal initiation of translation. The pseudoknot structure in the 5'NCR represents a highly conserved feature of all HCV subtypes and members of the pestivirus family, including hog cholera virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus.
Alkaloids from Juglans Mandshurica maxim induce distinctive cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Abstract The aim of this work was to further investigate the anticancer potential of Juglans mandshurica Maxim, including the separation of active constituents and their anti-proliferative effects with underlying mechanism of action. Five alkaloids (1–5) were isolated from the bark of J. mandshurica. Among them, 1 showed the highest cytotoxic activities against Hep3B and HepG2 cells with an IC50 values of 61.80 and 56.24 μM, respectively. Therefore, the cellular mechanism involved 1 was subsequently studied. Our results showed that 1 markedly caused apoptosis and autophagy, but without cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, only autophagic cell death was induced in 1-treated Hep3B cells. It is concluded that the isolated alkaloids exerted a certain anti-hepatoma potential, and our results may provide a basis for the further investigation of the alkaloids extracted from J. mandshurica.
Plaque burden, microstructures and compositions underachieving very low LDL-C levels

Purpose of review To summarize the impact of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions. Recent findings Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major therapeutic target to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Intravascular imaging has elucidated antiatherosclerotic effects of lowering LDL-C in vivo. Intensive control of LDL-C with a statin has been shown to slow plaque progression and induce its regression if very low LDL-C level is achieved. This therapeutic approach has been also demonstrated to modulate plaque microstructures and compositions. These mechanistic insights on intravascular imaging support the benefit of lowering LDL-C in achieving better cardiovascular outcomes. Summary Lowering LDL-C level has become the first-line therapy in the primary and secondary prevention settings. The effects of lowering LDL-C on plaque progression, microstructures and compositions will be reviewed in this article.
Agricultural impacts of glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivation in South America.

In the 2009/2010 growing season, Brazil was the second largest world soybean producer, followed by Argentina. Glyphosate-resistant soybeans (GRS) are being cultivated in most of the soybean area in South America. Overall, the GRS system is beneficial to the environment when compared to conventional soybean. GRS resulted in a significant shift toward no-tillage practices in Brazil and Argentina, but weed resistance may reduce this trend. Probably the highest agricultural risk in adopting GRS in Brazil and South America is related to weed resistance due to use of glyphosate. Weed species in GRS fields have shifted in Brazil to those that can more successfully withstand glyphosate or to those that avoid the time of its application. Five weed species, in order of importance, Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Lolium multiflorum Lam. , Digitaria insularis (L.) Mez ex Ekman, and Euphorbia heterophylla L. , have evolved resistance to glyphosate in GRS in Brazil. Conyza spp. are the most difficult to control. A glyphosate-resistant biotype of Sorghum halepense L. has evolved in GRS in Argentina and one of D. insularis in Paraguay. The following actions are proposed to minimize weed resistance problem: (a) rotation of GRS with conventional soybeans in order to rotate herbicide modes of action; (b) avoidance of lower than recommended glyphosate rates; (c) keeping soil covered with a crop or legume at intercrop intervals; (d) keeping machinery free of weed seeds; and (d) use of a preplant nonselective herbicide plus residuals to eliminate early weed interference with the crop and to minimize escapes from later applications of glyphosate due to natural resistance of older weeds and/or incomplete glyphosate coverage.
Protracted cutaneous disorders in association with low CD4+ lymphocyte counts

Summary We report two patients with skin disorders usually associated with severe immunosuppression, who had low CD4+ lymphocyte counts but normal immunoglobulin levels. The patients were HIV negative, and had CD4+ lymphocyte counts just above 300/mm3, but they presented with cutaneous manifestations of profound immunodeficiency. Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocyte deficiency is a recently described syndrome which may present with dermatological disease. We discuss the symptom complex of our patients in relationship to the diagnosis of idiopathic CD4+ lymphocyte deficiency.