Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurologic complications of cerebral angiography: prospective analysis of 2,899 procedures and review of the literature.

PURPOSE To prospectively identify risk factors for neurologic complications related to cerebral angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 2,899 consecutive cerebral digital subtraction angiograms obtained with nonionic contrast material were prospectively evaluated. Neurologic complications were categorized as transient (<24 hours), reversible (24 hours to 7 days), and permanent (>7 days). The neurologic complication rate was correlated with patient age, type of indication for catheter angiography, medical history, fluoroscopic time, number and size of catheters, type and number of vessels injected, operator experience, and the quartile in which the study was performed. The correlations were statistically analyzed with Fisher exact tests and a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS There were 39 (1.3%) neurologic complications in 2,899 procedures; 20 were transient (0.7%), five (0.2%) were reversible, and 14 (0.5%) were permanent. Neurologic complications were significantly more common in patients 55 years of age or older (25 of 1,361; 1.8%) (P =.035), in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (20 of 862; 2.3%) (P =.004), and when fluoroscopic times were 10 minutes or longer (24 of 1,238; 1.9%) (P =.022). The neurologic complication rate was higher in procedures performed by fellows alone (24 of 1,878; 1.3%) compared with that when staff alone performed the procedures (three of 598; 0.5%), but the difference was not significant (P =.172). Neurologic complications were lower in the fourth quartile of the study (six of 171; 0.9%) compared with the first quartile (16 of 776; 2.1%), which was likely due to fewer patients being examined for carotid stenosis or ischemic stroke and fewer patients with CVD (P =.085). CONCLUSION Age-related vascular disease accounted for the failure to lower the neurologic complication rate of cerebral angiography despite technical advances.
Implementation of advanced manufacturing technology in Pakistani small and medium enterprises: An empirical analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a framework/model for the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach has been applied. This approach is subjective, as is the data collected and compared in detailed, and the outcome is only as good as the questions developed. The research methodology employed here is based on a literature survey, a model/framework and an empirical analysis using the data collection from the structured questionnaire from SMEs located in the Province of Sindh in Pakistan.Findings – There is a lack of engineering orientation, in‐house expertise and organizations long‐term vision to accept new technologies. The surveyed companies are giving less importance to arranging training and education facilities either in‐house or out side of the companies to their employees. Also, there is a lack of incentives and rewards scheme inside the surveyed companies.Originality/va.
Role of stem cells in kidney repair

End-stage renal disease and acute renal failure are the most important issues of practical and clinical nephrology, bearing in mind their high mortality rate, solely symptomatic treatment, and overall economic impact on society. The advances in stem cell biology opened the door for the new era in treatment of many disorders, including renal, offering new therapeutical solutions. Findings suggesting that the adult kidney contains stem cells and that stem cells from bone marrow have potential to differentiate into renal cells focused research on the possible application of these cells in therapy of kidney disorders. The other promising candidates for stem cell therapy for the kidney are embryonic stem cells and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells. This article focuses on the characteristics and possible application of these types of stem cells.
Voriconazole in the treatment of aspergillosis, scedosporiosis and other invasive fungal infections in children

Objective. To describe the safety and efficacy of voriconazole in children treated within the compassionate release program. Methods. Children received voriconazole on a compassionate basis for treatment of an invasive fungal infection if they were refractory to or intolerant of conventional antifungal therapy. Voriconazole was administered as a loading dose of 6 mg/kg every 12 h iv on Day 1 followed by 4 mg/kg every 12 h iv thereafter. When feasible the route of administration of voriconazole was changed from iv to oral (100 or 200 mg twice a day for patients weighing <40 or ≥40 kg, respectively). Outcome was assessed by investigators at the end of therapy or at the last visit as success (complete or partial response), stable infection, or failure, based on protocol-defined criteria. Results. Sixty-nine children (ages 9 months to 15 years; median, 7 years) received voriconazole; 58 had a proven or probable fungal infection. Among these 58 patients 27 had hematologic malignancies and 13 had chronic granulomatous disease as the most frequent underlying conditions. Forty-two patients had aspergillosis, 8 had scedosporiosis, 4 had invasive candidiasis and 4 had other invasive fungal infections. The median duration of voriconazole therapy was 93 days. At the end of therapy 26 patients (45%) had a complete or partial response. Four patients (7%) had a stable response, 25 (43%) failed therapy and 4 (7%) were discontinued from voriconazole because of intolerance. Success rates were highest in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (62%) and lowest in patients with hematologic malignancies (33%). Two patients experienced treatment-related serious adverse events (ulcerated lips with rash, elevated hepatic transaminases or bilirubin). A total of 23 patients had voriconazole-related adverse events, 3 (13%) of which caused discontinuation of voriconazole therapy. The most commonly reported adverse events included elevation in hepatic transaminases or bilirubin (n = 8), skin rash (n = 8), abnormal vision (n = 3) and a photosensitivity reaction (n = 3). Conclusion. These data support the use of voriconazole for treatment of invasive fungal infections in pediatric patients who are intolerant of or refractory to conventional antifungal therapy.
Is late-onset multiple sclerosis associated with a worse outcome?

Objective: To describe the characteristics of late-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) (LOMS, 50+ years) vs adult-onset MS (AOMS, 16 to <50 years) and examine prognosis and associated risk factors. Methods: Patients with definite MS, onset prior to July 1988, registered with a BCMS clinic before July 1998, with at least one Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, were selected from the longitudinal population-based British Columbian (BC) MS database. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between LO and AOMS. Progression was measured as time to reach sustained EDSS 6 and potential risk factors examined were sex, disease course (primary progressive [PP] vs relapsing [R]), and onset symptoms. Results: Of those eligible (n = 2,837), LOMS comprised 132 (4.7%), with PPMS predominating (54.5% vs 10.6% in AOMS, p < 0.0005). Motor onset symptoms were more prevalent in LOMS and sensory and optic neuropathy more prevalent in AOMS (p < 0.0005). AOMS averaged 27.7 years (95% CI: 26.3 to 29.1) to EDSS 6 from onset vs 16.9 years (95% CI: 9.0 to 24.8) in LOMS, p < 0.0005. However, AOMS was associated with a younger age at EDSS 6 (58.4 years [95% CI: 57.1 to 59.6] vs 71.2 years [95% CI: 65.2 to 77.3] in LOMS, p < 0.0005). There were no differences in progression between AO or LO for those with PPMS (p = 0.373) or R-MS (p = 0.438), although considerable variation was observed. Conclusions: Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS) is not necessarily associated with a worse outcome: first, progression in the primary progressive or relapsing patients differed little between late-onset vs adult-onset; secondly, those with LOMS were older when reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale 6. The disease course has a far greater implication for disease prognosis than the presence of LOMS.
Breakage of the nuclear envelope by an extending mitotic nucleus occurs during anaphase in Schizosaccharomyces japonicus

During open mitosis in higher eukaryotic cells, the nuclear envelope completely breaks down and then mitotic chromosomes are exposed in the cytoplasm. By contrast, mitosis in lower eukaryotes, including fungi, proceeds with the nucleus enclosed in an intact nuclear envelope. The mechanism of mitosis has been studied extensively in yeast, a closed mitosis organism. Here, we describe a form of mitosis in which the nuclear envelope is torn by elongation of the nucleus in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus. The mitotic nucleus of Sz. japonicus adopted a fusiform shape in anaphase, and its following extension caused separation. Finally, a tear in the nuclear envelope occurred in late anaphase. At the same time, a polarized‐biased localization of nuclear pores was seen in the fusiform‐shaped nuclear envelope, suggesting a compromise in the mechanical integrity of the lipid membrane. It has been known that nuclear membrane remains intact in some metazoan mitosis. We found that a similar tear of the nuclear envelope was also observed in late mitosis of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. These findings provide insight into the diversity of mitosis and the biological significance of breakdown of the nuclear envelope.
Detection of Waves in the Solar Corona: Kink or Alfvén?

Recently, the omnipresence of waves has been discovered in the corona using the CoMP instrument. We demonstrate that the observational findings can be explained in terms of guided kink magnetoacoustic modes. The interpretation of the observations in terms of Alfvén waves is shown to be inconsistent with MHD wave theory. The implications of the interpretation in terms of kink waves are discussed.
Intracellular redistribution and modification of proteins of the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 DNA repair complex following irradiation and heat‐shock

Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1form a tight complex which is homogeneously distributed throughout the nuclei of mammalian cells. However, after irradiation, the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (M/R/N) complex rapidly migrates to sites of double strand breaks (DSBs), forming foci which remain until DSB repair is complete. Mre11 and Rad50 play direct roles in DSB repair, while Nbs1 appears to be involved in damage signaling. Hyperthermia sensitizes mammalian cells to ionizing radiation. Radiosensitization by heat shock is believed to be mediated by an inhibition of DSB repair. While the mechanism of inhibition of repair by heat shock remains to be elucidated, recent reports suggest that the M/R/N complex may be a target for inhibition of DSB repair and radiosensitization by heat. We now demonstrate that when human U‐1 melanoma cells are heated at 42.5 or 45.5°C, Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 are rapidly translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, when cells were exposed to ionizing radiation (12 Gy of X‐rays) prior to heat treatment, the extent and kinetics of translocation were increased when nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of protein were analyzed immediately after treatment. The kinetics of the translocation and subsequent relocalization back into the nucleus when cells were incubated at 37°C from 30 min to 7 h following treatment were different for each protein, which suggests that the proteins redistribute independently. However, a significant fraction of the translocated proteins exist as a triple complex in the cytoplasm. Treatment with leptomycin B (LMB) inhibits the translocation of Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 to the cytoplasm, leading us to speculate that the relocalization of the proteins to the cytoplasm occurs via CRM1‐mediated nuclear export. In addition, while Nbs1 is rapidly phosphorylated in the nuclei of irradiated cells and is critical for a normal DNA damage response, we have found that Nbs1 is rapidly phosphorylated in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus, of heated irradiated cells. The phosphorylation of cytoplasmic Nbs1, which cannot be inhibited by wortmannin, appears to be a unique post‐translational modification in heated, irradiated cells, and coupled with our novel observations that Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 translocate to the cytoplasm, lend further support for a role of the M/R/N complex in thermal radiosensitization and inhibition of DSB repair. J. Cell. Physiol. 199: 157–170, 2004© 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing protein oxidation by inorganic nanoparticles with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Growth in the nanotechnology industry is leading to increased production of engineered nanoparticles (NPs). This has given rise to concerns about the potential adverse and toxic effects to biological system and the environment. An important mechanism of NP toxicity is oxidative stress caused by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or via direct oxidation of biomolecules. In this study, a protein oxidation assay was developed as an indicator of biomolecule oxidation by NPs. The oxidation of the protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was evaluated with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the protein carbonyl derivatives formed from protein oxidation. The results showed that some NPs such as Cu(0), CuO, Mn2O3, and Fe(0) caused oxidation of BSA; whereas, many of the other NPs tested were not reactive or very slowly reactive with BSA. The mechanisms involved in the oxidation of BSA protein by the reactive NPs could be attributed to the combined effects of ROS‐dependent and direct protein oxidation mechanisms. The ELISA assay is a promising method for the assessment of protein oxidation by NPs, which can provide insights on NP toxicity mechanisms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 694–701. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constrained length minimum inductance gradient coil design

A gradient coil design algorithm capable of controlling the position of the homogeneous region of interest (ROI) with respect to the current‐carrying wires is required for many advanced imaging and spectroscopy applications. A modified minimum inductance target field method that allows the placement of a set of constraints on the final current density is presented. This constrained current minimum inductance method is derived in the context of previous target field methods. Complete details are shown and all equations required for implementation of the algorithm are given. The method has been implemented on computer and applied to the design of both a 1:1 aspect ratio (length:diameter) central ROI and a 2:1 aspect ratio edge ROI gradient coil. The 1:1 design demonstrates that a general analytic method can be used to easily obtain very short gradient coil designs for use with specialized magnet systems. The edge gradient design demonstrates that designs that allow imaging of the neck region with a head‐sized gradient coil can be obtained, as well as other applications requiring edge‐of‐cylinder regions of uniformity.
Quantitative analysis of promoter hypermethylation in multiple genes in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common solid malignant diseases of childhood, occurring in approximately 6 children per million annually; however, to the authors' knowledge to date, the cause of osteosarcoma has remained mostly unknown. Genetic alterations of genes that are specific for osteosarcoma have not been identified. Genetic alternations in the status of DNA methylation, known as epigenetic alterations, are the most common molecular alterations in human neoplasia. Aberrant methylation in the promoter region of tumor‐related genes is associated closely with epigenetically mediated gene silencing, which is a common feature in human tumors.
Efficient four-stage frequency compensation for low-voltage amplifiers

This paper proposes a simple and efficient frequency compensation scheme, targeted at low-voltage amplifiers. An amplifier is correspondingly designed in 0.12-mum standard digital CMOS technology. When the supply voltage is IV and the load is 500 pF, post-layout simulation results show that the amplifier attains a gain-bandwidth product of 40.2 MHz, an average slew-rate of 17.52 V/mus and a current consumption of 1.4 mA. The stability of the amplifier is confirmed by sufficient phase margin and fast settling behavior. The efficiency of the proposed compensation approach is also highlighted by a comparison of figures of merit (FOM) with recent designs. In addition, four new FOMs are developed to evaluate the compensation efficiency in a more accurate manner.
Microfluidically supported biochip design for culture of endothelial cell layers with improved perfusion conditions

Hemodynamic forces generated by the blood flow are of central importance for the function of endothelial cells (ECs), which form a biologically active cellular monolayer in blood vessels and serve as a selective barrier for macromolecular permeability. Mechanical stimulation of the endothelial monolayer induces morphological remodeling in its cytoskeleton. For in vitro studies on EC biology culture devices are desirable that simulate conditions of flow in blood vessels and allow flow-based adhesion/permeability assays under optimal perfusion conditions. With this aim we designed a biochip comprising a perfusable membrane that serves as cell culture platform multi-organ-tissue-flow (MOTiF biochip). This biochip allows an effective supply with nutrition medium, discharge of catabolic cell metabolites and defined application of shear stress to ECs under laminar flow conditions. To characterize EC layers cultured in the MOTiF biochip we investigated cell viability, expression of EC marker proteins and cell adhesion molecules of ECs dynamically cultured under low and high shear stress, and compared them with an endothelial culture in established two-dimensionally perfused flow chambers and under static conditions. We show that ECs cultured in the MOTiF biochip form a tight EC monolayer with increased cellular density, enhanced cell layer thickness, presumably as the result of a rapid and effective adaption to shear stress by remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Moreover, endothelial layers in the MOTiF biochip express higher amounts of EC marker proteins von-Willebrand-factor and PECAM-1. EC layers were highly responsive to stimulation with TNFα as detected at the level of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression and modulation of endothelial permeability in response to TNFα/IFNγ treatment under flow conditions. Compared to static and two-dimensionally perfused cell culture condition we consider MOTiF biochips as a valuable tool for studying EC biology in vitro under advanced culture conditions more closely resembling the in vivo situation.
Potentials and limitations of ventricular torsion as indicator of cardiac function

New non-invasive imaging techniques allow quantification of torsion of the left ventricle (LV). Presently, it is not well know what torsion can add as an indicator of left ventricular pump function. A frame work for understanding of cardiac motion has been designed that is based on general principles of mechanics. In this frame work experimental and clinical findings on torsion were related to various indices of LV function. The time courses of torsion and volume have much information in common. However, the rate of torsion during isovolumic relaxation provides important information on rate of LV pressure decay. Most importantly, assessment of the relation between torsion and the changing inner diameter during ejection renders unique information about the transmural gradient of contractile performance of the LV myocardium.
Reminder effects – reconsolidation or retrieval deficit? Pharmacological dissection with protein synthesis inhibitors following reminder for a passive‐avoidance task in young chicks

It is generally accepted that memory formation involves an irreversible passage via labile phases to the stable form of ‘long‐term memory’ impervious to amnestic agents such as protein synthesis inhibitors. However, recent experiments demonstrate that reactivation of memory by way of a reminder renders it labile to such inhibitors, suggesting that such retrieval is followed by a so‐called reconsolidation process similar or identical in its cellular and molecular correlates to that occurring during the initial consolidation. We compared the effects of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin and the glycoprotein synthesis inhibitor 2‐deoxygalactose on the temporal dynamics and pharmacological sensitivity of initial consolidation and memory expression following a reminder in a one‐trial passive‐avoidance task in day‐old chicks. This comparison revealed three differences between the action of the inhibitors on newly formed compared with reactivated memory. First, the recall deficit after the reminder was temporary, whilst the amnesia following inhibitor treatment during training was stable. Second, the sensitive period for the effect of anisomycin was shorter in the reminder than in the training situation. Third, the effective dose for either inhibitor for reminder‐associated amnesia was several times lower than for amnesia developing after training. Thus though like initial consolidation, memory expression at delayed periods following reminder depends on protein and glycoprotein synthesis, the differences between the temporal and pharmacological dynamics in the two situations point to the distinct character of the molecular processes involved in postreminder effects.
Ultrafast Dynamic Piezoresistive Response of Graphene‐Based Cellular Elastomers

Ultralight graphene-based cellular elastomers are found to exhibit nearly frequency-independent piezoresistive behaviors. Surpassing the mechanoreceptors in the human skin, these graphene elastomers can provide an instantaneous and high-fidelity electrical response to dynamic pressures ranging from quasi-static up to 2000 Hz, and are capable of detecting ultralow pressures as small as 0.082 Pa.
Approaches to supporting local and community development: The view from Zambia

Mining is the largest sector of the Zambian economy but, as has been the case elsewhere, the relationship between mining companies and their host communities has been fractious, without a clear path towards sustainability. The severe social, economic, and environmental impacts of mining have been compounded by perceived shortcomings in corporate social and environmental responsibility programming by the industry, and by fragile regulatory capacity on the part of the government. This paper examines the modalities and results of mining community development programmes in Zambia as part of the broader discussion on how large international mining companies can, and do, contribute to local and community development. It narrates the approaches adopted by five multinational mining corporates, two of which are Chinese-owned, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Socio-economic and demographic determinants of crime by panel count data analysis: the case of EU 28 and Turkey

Purpose- Aim of this paper is to examine factors that affect the total number of crimes recorded by the police for EU 28 and Turkey in 2001-2010, which is not used previously in the literature dealing with the developments and changes during a certain period in this study. Methodology- We used panel count data in analysis of this paper. Count data models are appropriate to determine factors on the number of crimes because of the nature of the dependent variable. Findings- we used growth rate, GDP per capita, inflation, unemployment rate, urban overpopulation, enrollment rate and the number of the police variables to examine effect on crimes. The results demonstrate that GDP per capita, inflation, unemployment rate and urban overpopulation has a positive on the number of crimes. The increases on the enrollment rate and the number of police decrease the number of crimes. Conclusion- We observe higher crime rates in highly urbanized areas.