Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of apoptosis by the retinoblastoma gene product.

Tissue homeostasis and the prevention of neoplasia require regulatory co‐ordination between cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Several cellular proteins, including c‐myc and E2F, as well as viral proteins such as E1A, have dual functions as positive regulators of apoptosis and proliferation. The product of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene, pRb, binds these proteins and is known to function in growth suppression. To examine whether pRb may function as a negative regulator of both proliferation and apoptosis, we analyzed apoptosis induced in transfected derivatives of the human osteosarcoma cell line SAOS‐2. Ionizing radiation induced apoptosis in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in SAOS‐2 cells, which lack pRb expression. In both a transient and stable transfection assay, SAOS‐2 derivatives expressing wild‐type (wt) pRb exhibited increased viability and decreased apoptosis following treatment at a variety of radiation doses. Expression in SAOS‐2 of a mutant pRb that fails to complex with several known binding partners of pRb, including E1A and E2F, did not protect SAOS‐2 cells from apoptosis. Radiation exposure induced a G2 arrest in SAOS‐2 and in derivatives expressing pRb. Inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression by aphidicolin treatment failed to protect SAOS‐2 cells or pRb‐expressing isolates from undergoing apoptosis. Our data document a novel function for pRb in suppressing apoptosis and suggest that several proteins shown to induce apoptosis, including E1A, E2F and c‐myc, may do so by interfering with the protective function of pRb.
The sensitive [SWI+] prion

Yeast prions are heritable protein-based genetic elements which rely on molecular chaperone proteins for stable transmission to cell progeny. Within the past few years, five new prions have been validated and 18 additional putative prions identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The exploration of the physical and biological properties of these “nouveau prions” has begun to reveal the extent of prion diversity in yeast. We recently reported that one such prion, [SWI+], differs from the best studied, archetypal prion [PSI+] in several significant ways.1 Notably, [SWI+] is highly sensitive to alterations in Hsp70 system chaperone activity and is lost upon growth at elevated temperatures. In that report we briefly noted a correlation amongst prions regarding amino acid composition, seed number and sensitivity to the activity of the Hsp70 chaperone system. Here we extend that analysis and put forth the idea that [SWI+] may be representative of a class of asparagine-rich yeast prions which also includes [URE3], [MOT3+] and [ISP+], distinct from the glutamine-rich prions such as [PSI+] and [RNQ+]. While much work remains, it is apparent that our understanding of the extent of the diversity of prion characteristics is in its infancy.
Evidence Based Management for Learning: An Experiment

In this study we combine an immersive learning environment, an evidence based management method and the knowledge management SECI mindset to investigate students’ learning from scientific journal articles. The study entailed the use of a web-based peer to peer system (P2PS) that, gives an identified subject matter, engages students in extracting knowledge from a source, processes that knowledge to create new knowledge, assesses each other’s works, and then creates a test on the subject matter. We found that the immersive learning environment engaged students and improved their examination performance. However, comparing two groups, exposed versus not exposed to scientific journal article, both focused on keywords alone for the knowledge processing. This was not a desirable outcome from the knowledge management process and the tool. We believe this outcome is a result of engrained traditional learning and driven by our wish to make a change in educational practice, we propose our e-pedagogy methodology as a learning foundation for knowledge processing.
Resting Measures and Physiological Responses to Exercise for the Determination of Prognosis in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Useful Tools for Clinical Decision-Making

Despite recent advances in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF), the prognosis of many of these patients remains dire. The need for an accurate prognosis in these patients has led to the identification of several indicators purported to represent the impact of the disease. Such indicators often are obtained at rest and are not always accurate at determining the clinical status of CHF patients. As a result, the relationship between prognostic indicators and clinical outcomes is frequently weak. On the other hand, physiological responses to acute exercise may unmask patients with the worst clinical status and identify those at increased risk of poor outcomes. Therefore, the present review appraises the value of several prognostic indicators for patients with CHF collected at rest and in response to exercise. In particular, it contrasts the value and accuracy of predictors of mortality widely used in clinical settings, such as oxygen uptake, ventilatory efficiency, and left ventricular ejection fraction, with new and more direct indicators of ventricular systolic and diastolic function.
Three scenarios for the Qatar crisis: regime change, resolution or Cold War in the Gulf

On 5 June 2017 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and a number of allied states broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a partial blockade. Their stated demand was for Qatar to cease its support for “terrorist” groups and its policy of “destabilising” other countries. With Qatar rejecting the charges as baseless, the prospects for resolution appear thin. The most conceivable scenarios are forcible replacement of the Qatari leadership, peaceful resolution between the parties, or consolidation of the rift between two camps in the Gulf. Germany and other European states should avoid taking sides, but should assert three fundamental demands: the conflict parties must respect national sovereignty and the proportionality required by international law, refrain from instrumentalising the fight against terrorism, and prevent the dispute spilling over into other conflicts in the region.
Efficacy of rituximab in systemic manifestations of primary Sjögren's syndrome: results in 78 patients of the AutoImmune and Rituximab registry

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods The AutoImmune and Rituximab registry has included 86 patients with pSS treated with rituximab, prospectivey followed up every 6 months for 5 years. Results Seventy-eight patients with pSS (11 men, 67 women), who already had at least one follow-up visit, were analysed. Median age was 59.8 years (29–83), median duration of disease was 11.9 years (3–32). Indications for treatment were systemic involvement for 74 patients and only severe glandular involvement in four patients. The median European Sjögren's Syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) was 11 (2–31). 17 patients were concomitantly treated with another immunosuppressant agent. Median follow-up was 34.9 months (6–81.4) (226 patient-years). Overall efficacy according to the treating physician was observed in 47 patients (60%) after the first cycle of rituximab. Median ESSDAI decreased from 11 (2–31) to 7.5 (0–26) (p<0.0001). Median dosage of corticosteroid decreased from 17.6 mg/day (3–60) to 10.8 mg/day (p=0.1). Forty-one patients were retreated with rituximab. Four infusion reactions and one delayed serum sickness-like disease resulted in rituximab discontinuation. Three serious infections (1.3/100 patient-years) and two cancer-related deaths occurred. Conclusions In common practice, the use of rituximab in pSS is mostly restricted to patients with systemic involvement. This prospective study shows good efficacy and tolerance of rituximab in patients with pSS and systemic involvement.
Calculation of Radial Forces in Cage Induction Motors at Start—The Effect of Rotor Differential

In this paper, the radial forces in an induction motor are calculated using finite element analysis. These radial forces (or unbalanced magnetic pull-UMP) are generated when the rotor is eccentric. The work illustrates the importance of higher winding harmonics and rotor differential leakage in the starting UMP. Examples of a 6 pole machine with 26 and 40 bar rotors show that increasing the bar number and air-gap length will reduce the UMP. Further studies are carried out using parameter variation and a 10-pole machine is also addressed, where experimental results exist, in order to validate the calculation.
Technology Leadership Perceptions of Utah Elementary School Principals

Abstract The rapidly expanding use of technology in education requires principals to be prepared as technology leaders; however, many are not currently prepared for this role. It is crucial that principals are prepared in order to lead schools in successful technology integration and support. The primary purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the perceived level of technology leadership preparation of Utah elementary principals using the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Administrators. The data for this study was collected from 129 Utah elementary school principals and the survey used the ISTE Standards for Administrators as the framework, and findings provide evidence that Utah elementary school principals are not adequately prepared to lead as technology leaders. (Keywords: technology leadership, principal, ISTE Standards for Administrators).
Les marchés financiers: de la rationalité à la complexité (Financial Markets: From Rationality to Complexity)

<b>French Abstract:</b> Les phénomènes financiers sont de plus en plus complexes. Les comportements des agents semblent s’écarter du paradigme naguère dominant de rationalité. Les crises économiques et la poussée régulatrice sont révélatrices des fissures dans l'édifice néoclassique. L'objectif de ce papier est de présenter un bref état des lieux des paradigmes qui gouvernent la finance. L'accent est mis sur la dynamique des marchés financiers et la notion d'information. Les théories de rationalité limitée, d'hétérogénéité et d'apprentissage des agents et de microstructure des marchés sont analysées à côté des anticipations rationnelles et de l'efficience informationnelle, plus représentatives de l'équilibre walrasien. <b>English Abstract:</b> Financial phenomena are becoming increasingly complex. The behavior of agents seems to deviate from the dominant paradigm of rationality. Economic crises and regulatory pressures reveal cracks in the neoclassical edifice. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of the paradigms that govern finance. The focus is on the dynamics of financial markets and the concept of information. Theories of bounded rationality, heterogeneity, agents learning, and market microstructure are analyzed alongside rational expectations and information efficiency, which are more representative of the Walrasian equilibrium.
Complex I, Iron, and ferritin in Parkinson's disease substantia nigra

Elevated iron levels, enhanced oxidative damage, and complex I deficiency have been identified in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients. To understand the interrelationship of these abnormalities, we analyzed iron levels, ferritin levels, and complex I activity in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease. Total iron levels were increased significantly, ferritin levels were unchanged, and complex I activities were decreased significantly in the substantia nigra samples. The failure of ferritin levels to increase with elevated iron concentrations suggests that the amount of reactive iron may increase in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients. There was no correlation between the iron levels and complex I activity or the iron‐ferritin ratio and complex I activity in the substantia nigra samples.
The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex: wandering on a new treatment paradigm for systemic inflammation and sepsis.

BACKGROUND The immune system protects the host against dangerous pathogens and toxins. The central nervous system is charged with monitoring and coordinating appropriate responses to internal and external stimuli. The inflammatory reflex sits at the crossroads of these crucial homeostatic systems. This review highlights how the vagus nerve-mediated inflammatory reflex facilitates rapid and specific exchange of information between the nervous and immune systems to prevent tissue injury and infection. METHODS Review of the pertinent English-language literature. Nearly two decades of research has elucidated some of the essential anatomic, physiologic, and molecular connections of the inflammatory reflex. The original descriptions of how these key components contribute to afferent and efferent anti-inflammatory vagus nerve signaling are summarized. RESULTS The central nervous system recognizes peripheral inflammation via afferent vagus nerve signaling. The brain can attenuate peripheral innate immune responses, including pro-inflammatory cytokine production, leukocyte recruitment, and nuclear factor kappa β activation via α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit-dependent, T-lymphocyte-dependent, vagus nerve signaling to spleen. This efferent arm of the inflammatory reflex is referred to as the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. " Activation of this pathway via vagus nerve stimulation or pharmacologic α7 agonists prevents tissue injury in multiple models of systemic inflammation, shock, and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS The vagus nerve-mediated inflammatory reflex is a powerful ally in the fight against lethal tissue damage after injury and infection. Further studies will help translate the beneficial effects of this pathway into clinical use for our surgical patients.
Utility of illness severity scoring for prediction of prolonged surgical critical care.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether APACHE III and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome scores can predict a prolonged length of stay for critically ill surgical patients in the intensive care unit. DESIGN Prospective, inception-cohort study. SETTING Surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of an urban, tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS 2,295 consecutive admissions for critical surgical illness, postoperative complications, or postoperative monitoring in 2,058 patients. INTERVENTIONS Calculation of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and APACHE III scores 24 hours after admission to the SICU. Serial quantitation of organ dysfunction for the duration of hospitalization according to the multiple organ dysfunction score. Patients were stratified by survival and time intervals for the duration of critical care, and followed until discharge or death. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospital mortality and length of stay in the SICU. RESULTS The mean APACHE II and APACHE III scores were 14.0 +/- 0.2 and 45.2 +/- 0.6 points, respectively (mean +/- SEM). The incidence of organ dysfunction was 43%, and the hospital mortality was 9.7%. The mean ICU length of stay was 6.1 +/- 0.2 days, but decreased progressively from 6.8 +/- 0.5 days in 1991 to 5.3 +/- 0.6 days in 1995 (p < 0.01) with no change in either illness severity or the number of admissions. By univariate analysis, increased length of stay in the ICU was associated with increasing APACHE scores, an increased incidence of emergency admissions, and the incidence and magnitude of organ dysfunction (all p < 0.01). Severity indices appeared to plateau in magnitude in patients whose ICU stay ultimately exceeded 21 days. By multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), independent predictors of a prolonged stay in the SICU were APACHE III (p = 0.0023), emergency admission (p = 0.0007), and the magnitude of organ dysfunction (p < 0.00001), but not APACHE II. Only an emergency admission (p = 0.0005) and the magnitude of organ dysfunction (p < 0.00001) predicted a prolonged stay independently in survivors. In contrast, only the admission APACHE III score(p = < 0.0001) and the magnitude of organ dysfunction (p = 0.0001) were independently predictive of mortality by MANOVA. CONCLUSIONS The development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is a powerful predictor of a prolonged ICU course in critical surgical illness, even in survivors. Increased risk of a prolonged stay in the ICU plateaued at 21 days, making 21 days an appropriate definition of prolonged care for future studies. Predictive models should account for organ dysfunction and very long stays in future estimations. The combined use of APACHE III and the multiple organ dysfunction score may provide improved prediction of a prolonged stay in the ICU, but further enhancements are needed before prediction of outcome in individual patients is reliable.
3D LiDAR-based point cloud map registration: Using spatial location of visual features

In this paper, a novel approach for the registration method of 3D point cloud maps is presented. During the operation of unmanned system, the construction of 3D maps for the environment is an important prerequisite for many navigation tasks. Generally 3D maps are widely utilized to recognize the location of the unmanned agent. Traditional map aligning techniques that use ICP (Iterative Closest Point) method relate points having the closest distance in different cloud maps in order to combine and extend the 3D maps. The method can be easily adopted in registration among sparse point cloud maps or consecutive scanning problems. However, this approach takes long computation time when aligning large scale maps including a lot of points. Therefore, an improved 3D point cloud map registration method is proposed to register precisely and effectively two maps using low-cost cameras. By combining odometry information derived from the SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) procedure and the 3D position of the selected image feature points, location of the coexisting places in both maps are extracted. Then, the estimation of rigid body transform between the origins of each map is achieved. The effectiveness of the presented method is quantitatively validated by experiment on challenging instances of the merging problem and comparison with an existing registration method.
[Advantages of off-pump coronary bypass surgery in high-risk patients].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass has been shown to reduce operative morbi-mortality. We report our recent experience with this novel technique in order to evaluate its theoretical advantages in comparison with conventional surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective analysis included 547 consecutive patients undergoing isolated myocardial revascularization from December 1997 through November 2000. One hundred twenty-one off-pump patients were compared to 426 undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find predictors of mortality, transfusion, postoperative atrial fibrillation and length of hospital stay. RESULTS Off-pump patients were at greater risk: they were older, with a lower ejection fraction and a higher prevalence of unstable angina, heart failure and associated comorbidity. Off-pump surgery reduced transfusions (1 1 vs 1,9 2 blood units; p < 0.0001) and postoperative hospital stays (8.9 5 vs 11,3 7 days; p < 0.001). The off-pump group showed a trend toward reduced morbidity but the technique did not decrease hospital mortality. Cardiopulmonary bypass was an independent predictor of blood transfusion and longer hospital stay. Short-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in recurring angina or patency rates. CONCLUSIONS Off-pump coronary bypass surgery is a good option in high-risk patients because it reduces the incidence of perioperative transfusion and the length of hospitalization. Furthermore, it showed a trend toward reduced morbidity. Mortality was not significantly higher in spite of the higher risk of the patients. Long-term longitudinal follow-up is mandatory to assess the true effectiveness of this technique.
A Brief Comparison of Two Enterprise-Class RDBMSs

This paper is an extended version of a report from a student-developed study to compare Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL, two widely-used enterprise-class relational database management systems (RDBMSs). The study followed an introductory undergraduate course in relational systems and was designed to help gain practical understanding of specific DBMSs. During this study, we implemented three non-trivial schemas in each system, identified 26 common database design, development, and administration activities while implementing the schemas, and compared the support each system offers to carry out the identified activities. Where relevant, we also compared each system against the SQL standard. In this report, we present a summary of the similarities and differences we found between the two systems, and we provide a quantitative measure ranking both systems' implementations of the 26 activities. We also briefly discuss the "technical suitability" of PostgreSQL to enterprise applications. Although this report is not comprehensive and is too general to comment on the suitability of either system to a specific enterprise application, it can nevertheless provide an initial set of considerations and criteria to choose a system for most enterprise applications.
Quantitative morphological analysis of subicular terminals in the rat entorhinal cortex

In the present report, we describe a morphological and quantitative analysis of subicular synapses in layer V of the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEA) of the rat. Projections from the dorsal subiculum were labeled anterogradely, and areas in LEA showing high terminal density were randomly selected for ultrathin sectioning. More than 400 terminals in LEA were photographed in the electron microscope, and synapse types and postsynaptic targets were identified and, subsequently, quantified with the unbiased disector method. Most subicular terminals appeared to form asymmetrical synapses. A majority of asymmetrical synapses terminated on spines (67.5%), whereas a smaller fraction of asymmetrical synapses (23.5%) terminated on dendritic shafts. A small fraction of the terminals (7%) had symmetrical features. These symmetrical synapses had an almost equal percentage of spines and dendritic shafts as postsynaptic elements. Labeled synapses on somata or axons were never observed. The findings of this study in conjunction with relevant electrophysiological observations (Jones [1987] Neurosci Lett 81:209–214) leads to the conclusion that the subiculo‐entorhinal pathway comprises a large excitatory and a smaller inhibitory projection, both making synaptic contacts with presumed principal neurons and interneurons in the entorhinal cortex. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.