Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation in Critical Illness: Innocent Bystander or Guilty Party?

2254 www.ccmjournal. org October 2015 • Volume 43 • Number 10 REFERENCES 1. ARISE Investigators; ANZICS Clinical Trials Group; Peake SL; Delaney A; Bailey M; et al: Goal-directed resuscitation for patients with early septic shock. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:1496–1506 2. Mouncey PR, Osborn TM, Power GS, et al; ProMISe Trial Investigators: Trial of early, goal-directed resuscitation for septic shock. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1301–1311 3. Flexner S: Peritonitis caused by the invasion of micrococcus lanceolatus from the intestine. John Hopkins Hosp Bull 1895; 49:64–67 4. Deitch EA: Gut-origin sepsis: Evolution of a concept. Surgeon 2012; 10:350–356 5. de Jonge E, Schultz MJ, Spanjaard L, et al: Effects of selective decontamination of digestive tract on mortality and acquisition of resistant bacteria in intensive care: A randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2003; 362:1011–1016 6. Alhamdi Y, Abrams ST, Cheng Z, et al: Circulating Histones Are Major Mediators of Cardiac Injury in Patients With Sepsis. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:2094–2103 7. Abrams ST, Zhang N, Manson J, et al: Circulating histones are mediators of trauma-associated lung injury. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 187:160–169 8. Morelli A, Ertmer C, Westphal M, et al: Effect of heart rate control with esmolol on hemodynamic and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2013; 310:1683–1691 9. Xu J, Zhang X, Pelayo R, et al: Extracellular histones are major mediators of death in sepsis. Nat Med 2009; 15:1318–1321 10. Bernard GR, Vincent JL, Laterre PF, et al; Recombinant human protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis (PROWESS) study group: Efficacy and safety of recombinant human activated protein C for severe sepsis. N Engl J Med 2001; 344:699–709
Genetic organization, nucleotide sequence and regulation of expression of genes encoding phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250

We have mutated Acinetobacter calcoaceticus NCIB8250 to growth deficiency on phenol as sole carbon source and isolated genes with similarity to phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase by complementation. Sequence analysis reveals the presence of six open reading frames (ORFs) with similarities to a Pseudomonas multicomponent phenol hydroxylase which are followed by an ORF with similarity to catA from A. calcoaceticus ADP1. Transformation of these genes to ADP1 confers the ability to grow at the expense of phenol as sole carbon source. Primer extension analysis indicates phenol‐inducible transcription from an RpoN‐dependent promoter sharing sequence similarity with the σ54 consensus promoter sequence, except that the −12 box is GG instead of GC. A catA::lacZ transcriptional fusion shows the same induction profile for β‐galactosidase expression as transcription from the σ54‐dependent promoter. This result suggests that catA is cotranscribed in the same operon with the phenol hydroxylase‐encoding genes and is consistent with the fact that no apparent additional promoter is found for catA by sequence analysis or primer extension. Catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase activity is induced in NCIB8250 by benzoate, whereas β‐galactosidase expression from the catA::lacZ fusion is not. This observation leads to the hypothesis that two differentially regulated catA genes should be present in that strain.
A DNA sequence conferring high postmeiotic segregation frequency to heterozygous deletions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is related to sequences associated with eucaryotic recombination hotspots

The meiotic behavior of two graded series of deletion mutations in the ADE8 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was analyzed to investigate the molecular basis of meiotic recombination. Postmeiotic segregation (PMS) was observed for a subset of the deletion heterozygosities, including deletions of 38 to 93 base pairs. There was no clear relationship between deletion length and PMS frequency. A common sequence characterized the novel joint region in the alleles which displayed PMS. This sequence is related to repeated sequences recently identified in association with recombination hotspots in the human and mouse genomes. We propose that these particular deletion heterozygosities escape heteroduplex DNA repair because of fortuitous homology to a binding site for a protein.
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant enzyme activity regulates radioresistance in human pancreatic cancer cells

In recent years, cellular redox environment gained significant attention as a critical regulator of cellular responses to oxidative stress. Cellular redox environment is a balance between production of reactive oxygen species and their removal by antioxidant enzymes. We investigated the hypothesis that mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity regulates radioresistance in human pancreatic cancer cells. Vector-control and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) overexpressing human pancreatic cancer cells were irradiated and assayed for cell survival and activation of the G2-checkpoint pathway. Increased MnSOD activity significantly increased cell survival following irradiation with 6 Gy of gamma-radiation (p < 0.05). The MnSOD overexpressing irradiated cells also revealed 3-4 folds increase in the percentage of G2 cells compared to irradiated vector-control. Furthermore, MnSOD overexpressing irradiated cells exhibited increased loss of phosphorylated histone H2AX protein levels. The radiation-induced increase in cyclin B1 protein levels in irradiated vector-control cells was suppressed in irradiated MnSOD overexpressing cells. Mitochondria-targeted catalase overexpression increased the survival of irradiated cells. These results support the hypothesis that mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species-signaling (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) could regulate radiation-induced G2 checkpoint activation and radioresistance in human pancreatic cancer cells.
Within-subject comparison of two rigid bar designs connecting two interforaminal implants: patients' satisfaction and prosthetic results.

BACKGROUND There is evidence for the superiority of two-implant overdentures over complete dentures in the mandible. Various anchorage devices were used to provide stability to overdentures. The aim of the present study was to compare two designs of a rigid bar connecting two mandibular implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Completely edentulous patients received a new denture in the maxilla and an implant-supported overdenture in the mandible. They were randomly allocated to two groups (A or B) with regard to the bar design. A standard U-shaped bar (Dolder bar) was used connecting the two implants in a straight line. For comparison, precision attachments were soldered distal to the bar copings. Group A started the study with the standard bar (S-bar), while group B started with the attachment-bar (A-bar). After 3 months, they had to answer a questionnaire (visual analogue scale [VAS]); then the bar design was changed in both groups. After a period of another 3 months, the patients had to answer the same questions; then they had the choice to keep their preferred bar. Now the study period was extended to another year of observation, and the patients answered again the same questionnaire. In vivo force measurements were carried out with both bar types at the end of the test periods. The prosthetic maintenance service carried out during the 6-month period was recorded for both bar types in both groups. Statistical analysis as performed with the SPSS statistical package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS Satisfaction was high in both groups. Group B, who had entered the study with the attachment bar, gave slightly better ratings to this type for four items, while in group A, no differences were found. At the end of the 6-month comparison period, all but one patient wished to continue to wear the attachment bar. Prosthetic service was equal in groups A and B, but the total number of interventions is significantly higher in the attachment bar. Force patterns of maximum biting were similar in both bar designs, but exhibited significantly higher axial forces in the attachment bar. CONCLUSIONS Both bar designs provide good retention and functional comfort. High stability appears to be an important factor for the patients' satisfaction and oral comfort. Rigid retention results in a higher force impact and appears to evoke the need for the retightening of occlusal screws, resulting in more maintenance service.
Distribution and development of calretinin‐like immunoreactivity in the telencephalon of the brown trout, Salmo trutta fario

Immunocytochemical techniques were used to investigate the distribution of calretinin (CR) in the telencephalon of adult and developing brown trout (Salmo trutta fario L.). Previous immunoblotting analysis of trout brain extracts with a CR antibody revealed a single protein band of 29 kDa, similar to that observed in rat brain extracts. In the forebrain of adult trout, CR immunoreactivity was distributed in well‐defined cell groups, which allowed us to analyze the CR‐immunoreactive (ir) neuronal populations in terms of their respective regions of origin. Our results show that the CR‐ir populations of the dorsal and ventral telencephalon are differentially distributed along the rostrocaudal axis, indicating the existence of four main populations of pallial origin and several ventral (subpallial) populations. A highly specific pattern of innervation by CR‐ir fibers of different telencephalic regions was observed from alevins to adults. The first CR‐ir cell groups of the telencephalic hemispheres were observed in the ventral telencephalic area and preoptic region of 7–8‐mm embryos. In later embryos and in alevins, further CR‐ir cell groups appeared in the ventral and dorsal telencephalic areas, showing a dorsoventrally banded pattern at precommissural levels. Study of CR expression provided new criteria for understanding the organization of the telencephalon of trout, and hence of teleosts. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:254–269, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Family of Multiport Buck–Boost Converters Based on DC-Link-Inductors (DLIs)

A systematic method for derivation of a multiport converter (MPC) based on the dc-link inductor (DLI) concept is proposed in this paper. The MPC is generated by interconnecting multiple pulsating voltage cells (PVCs) through the DLIs. The PVCs can be input type, output type, and bidirectional type, and bidirectional MPC topologies can be harvested if all the PVCs are bidirectional type. As a result, a family of novel MPCs, including multiinput converters, multioutput converters, and bidirectional MPCs, are derived. With the proposed MPCs, step-up and step-down voltage conversion between any two of the ports can be implemented. As an example, the three-port bidirectional buck-boost (TP-B 3) converter is analyzed and applied to a stand-alone renewable power system for interconnection of three dc subsystems. The operation principles, pulse width modulation, and feed-back control strategies are presented and analyzed in depth. The analysis indicates that, compared to the traditional common dc-bus-based solution, bulky dc-link capacitor is eliminated and single-stage conversion between any two of the three dc-buses are achieved with the TP-B 3 converter, which is beneficial for higher efficiency, power density, and reliability. Experimental results are given to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the developed TP-B 3 converter.
The Hispanic-White Achievement Gap in Math and Reading in the Elementary Grades

This article describes the developmental patterns of Hispanic-White math and reading achievement gaps in elementary school, paying attention to variation in these patterns among Hispanic subgroups. Compared to non-Hispanic White students, Hispanic students enter kindergarten with much lower average math and reading skills. The gaps narrow by roughly a third in the first 2 years of schooling but remain relatively stable for the next 4 years. The development of achievement gaps varies considerably among Hispanic subgroups. Students with Mexican and Central American origins—particularly first- and second-generation immigrants—and those from homes where English is not spoken have the lowest math and reading skill levels at kindergarten entry but show the greatest achievement gains in the early years of schooling.
Genetic and epitopic analysis of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies: markers of the human thyroid autoimmune response

TPO autoantibodies, the hallmark of human autoimmune thyroid disease, are of IgG class and are associated with thyroid destruction and hypothyroidism. Using the immunoglobulin gene combinatorial library approach, a panel of human monoclonal TPO autoantibodies (expressed as Fab) has been generated from thyroid tissue‐infiltrating B cells. TPO‐specific Fab closely resemble patients' serum autoantibodies in terms of L chain type, IgG subclass, affinities for TPO as well as epitopes recognized by > 80% of TPO autoantibodies in an individual's serum. TPO autoantibody V region genes are not unique; H chain V genes are usually mutated, while L chain V genes are sometimes in germ‐line conformation. The autoantibodies recognize an immunodominant region involving conformational, overlapping epitopes in domains A and B. Finally, TPO autoantibody epitopic fingerprints are distinctive for individual sera, are not associated with hypothyroidism, but are conserved over time (indicating a lack of B cell epitope spreading). Evidence for conservation as well as inheritance of the fingerprints in some families, together with VH gene polymorphisms, may provide insight into the genetic basis of human autoimmune thyroid disease. Furthermore, monoclonal human TPO autoantibodies will be invaluable for B cell presentation of TPO to determine the T cell epitopes involved in TPO autoantibody production.
Scan Testing for Complete Coverage of Path Delay Faults with Reduced Test Data Volume, Test Application Time, and Hardware Cost

A new scan architecture, called enhanced scan forest, is proposed to detect path delay faults and reduce test stimulus data volume, test response data volume, and test application time. The enhanced scan forest architecture groups scan flip- flops together, where all scan flip-flops in the same group are assigned the same value for all test vectors. All scan flip- flops in the same group share the same hold latch, and the enhanced scan forest architecture makes the circuit work in the same way as a conventional enhanced scan design. The area overhead of the proposed enhanced scan forest is greatly reduced compared to that for enhanced scan design. A low- area-overhead zero-aliasing test response compactor is designed for path delay faults. Experimental results for the IS- CAS benchmark circuits are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Area-effective programmable FSM-based MBIST for synchronous SRAM

As the memory enters submicron technology, new test algorithms that are able to give a better fault coverage such as to detect single-cell fault and all intra-word coupling fault (CF) have been widely developed. In order to implement this algorithm to the memory, test techniques such as BIST are utilized. Common types of programmable memory built-in-self tests (PMBIST) are microcode-based PMBIST and FSM-based PMBIST. The popular approaches of designing various kinds of PMBIST architectures are either by targeting to reach specific testing requirement such as full speed and at speed or by considering the cost-constraint and area overhead for low-cost or low-area design. In this paper, FSM-based BIST is designed to enable detecting both single-cell dynamic fault such as read destructive fault (RDF), deceptive read destructive fault (DRDF), and all intra-word coupling faults (CF) in a synchronous SRAM under low-area constraint of test requirement.
Evaluation of the Activity of Gamma-Emitting Natural Radionuclides in Seafood and Estimation of the Annual Effective Dose for Different Age Groups in KSA

Twenty-six brands of canned tuna and sardines imported from several countries in Southeast Asia to consume in the KSA. All samples were prepared and analyzed by using a High Pure Germanium Detector of 40% efficiency. Natural radionuclides 40K, 238U (226Ra) and 232Th(228Ra) series were observed with a varying range in all analyzed samples. The values found to be 192.3 ± 14.6, 1.5 ± 0.8 and 1.0 ± 0.6 Bq kg-1 for canned tuna and 219.8 ± 15.8, 0.37 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.3 Bq kg-1 for canned sardines, respectively. Cesium-137 was not detected at any sample. The comparison between the average activity concentrations of 40K, 238U(226Ra) and 232Th(228Ra) in both canned tuna and sardines was performed and discussed. The dose assessment due to consume/ingestion of seafood was calculated and observed that the calculated committed effective dose is within the global internal dose (290 μSv/y).
A structural sketch of RcdA, a transcription factor controlling the master regulator of biofilm formation

RcdA is a regulator of curlin subunit gene D, the master regulator of biofilm formation in Escherichia coli. Here, we determined the X‐ray structure of RcdA at 2.55 Å resolution. RcdA consists of an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain (DBD) containing a helix‐turn‐helix (HTH) motif and a C‐terminal dimerization domain, and forms a homodimer in crystals. A computational docking model of the RcdA‐DNA complex allowed prediction of the candidate residues responsible for DNA binding. Our structure‐guided mutagenesis, in combination with gel shift assay, atomic force microscopic observation, and reporter assay, indicate that R32 in α2 of the HTH motif plays an essential role in the recognition and binding of target DNA while T46 in α3 influences the mode of oligomerization. These results provide insights into the DNA‐binding mode of RcdA.
Shift from IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy to food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome in 2 infants

A 1-month-old male infant, only breastfed from birth, developed a localized edema of the hands and feet a few minutes after his first ingestion of a cow's milk (CM) formula. A complete allergy work-up showed positive skin prick test (SPT) to CM (7-mm wheal) and serum-specific IgE (s-IgE) (ImmunoCAP, Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden) to CM and CM proteins (s-IgE to CM 62.3 kUA/l, alpha-lactoalbumin 79.1 kUA/ml, beta-lactoglobulin 34.7 kUA/l, casein 98.7 kUA/l, total serum IgE 501 kU/l), allowing for a reliable diagnosis of IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA). The infant started a diet based on an extensive hydrolysate formula (eHF). At 4 months of age, a follow-up examination showed negative SPT to CM and s-IgE to CM and CM proteins (s-IgE to CM 0.27 kUA/l, alpha-lactoalbumin 0.03 kUA/ml, beta-lactoglobulin 0.03 kUA/l, casein 0.24 kUA/l, total IgE 8 kU/l). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Optimization of Extract Method for Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. by Response Surface Methodology

The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. from different producing areas, which is an edible, holoparasitic, and desert plant that has been used in traditional medicine for improving immunity and kidney function and treating constipation. We optimized the extract conditions by response surface methodology (RSM) and determined the content of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and catechin of C. songaricum simultaneously from different producing areas by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It is the first study in which the RSM was used to optimize the extract condition of C. songaricum with multiple evaluation factors, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the study. The results were analyzed by principal component analysis, and they showed that the quality of C. songaricum from Qinghai Province was the best, while the quality of C. songaricum from Gansu Province was the worst. For the first time, the two ecotypes of C. songaricum, including Outside Great Wall type and Inside Great Wall type, were discovered and identified by the chemical marker protocatechuic acid. This study is the scientific basis for quality evaluation, especially for food safety.
The Tools of the Qualitative Research Trade.

References: 1. Chen C, Teherani A. Common qualitative methodologies and research designs in health professions education. Acad Med. 2016;91. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000001392. 2. Green J, Thorogood N. Qualitative Research Methods for Health Research. 3rd ed. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE; 2014. 3. Brinkmann S, Kvale S. InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE; 2015. 4. Stalmeijer RE, McNaughton N, Van Mook WN. Using focus groups in medical education research: AMEE guide no. 91. Med Teach. 2014;36:923–939. 5. Mays N, Pope C. Observational methods in health care settings. BMJ. 1995;311:182–184. 6. Kuper A, Whitehead C, Hodges BD. Looking back to move forward: Using history, discourse and text in medical education research: AMEE guide no. 73. Med Teach. 2013;35:e849–e860. Author contact: elise.paradis@utoronto.ca Choosing the right qualitative research method is like choosing the right tool: When trying to cut a plank, a hammer is mostly useless. A key question to ask when attempting to choose the right qualitative research method is thus, What are you trying to do? Identifying your goal should help you choose the right method. Remember, however, that (1) your tools will be more useful if carried in the right toolbox (i.e., methodology or approach),1 (2) your research will be more impactful if you join a scholarly conversation by using theory and relating your work to that of others, and (3) each method has pros and cons.
Practical m-k-Anonymization for Collaborative Data Publishing without Trusted Third Party

In collaborative data publishing (CDP), an -adversary attack refers to a scenario where up to malicious data providers collude to infer data records contributed by other providers. Existing solutions either rely on a trusted third party (TTP) or introduce expensive computation and communication overheads. In this paper, we present a practical distributed -anonymization scheme, --anonymization, designed to defend against -adversary attacks without relying on any TTPs. We then prove its security in the semihonest adversary model and demonstrate how an extension of the scheme can also be proven secure in a stronger adversary model. We also evaluate its efficiency using a commonly used dataset.
How to perform Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)

Abstract “How to perform contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)” provides general advice on the use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) for clinical decision-making and reviews technical parameters for optimal CEUS performance. CEUS techniques vary between centers, therefore, experts from EFSUMB, WFUMB and from the CEUS LI-RADS working group created a discussion forum to standardize the CEUS examination technique according to published evidence and best personal experience. The goal is to standardise the use and administration of UCAs to facilitate correct diagnoses and ultimately to improve the management and outcomes of patients.