Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Delta‐MELD Score Does Not Independently Predict Mortality After Liver Transplantation

Changes in model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score of ≥5 points over 30 days (delta‐MELD) is an independent predictor for death in patients awaiting liver transplantation. The aim of the current study was to determine if a positive change in MELD score occurring over the 30 days immediately prior to liver transplantation was predictive of posttransplant mortality. MELD scores from the day of transplantation and 30 days prior to transplantation were calculated for 1510 UNOS patients and used to compute a delta‐MELD score. Multivariate modeling determined predictors of posttransplant mortality. Patients with a preoperative delta‐MELD ≥ 5 had higher absolute MELD scores at transplant, shorter mean posttransplant survival and higher mortality. However, multivariate analysis showed that none of the excess mortality was attributable to the high delta‐MELD score (p = 0.43 for delta‐MELD ≥ 5) and the majority of the excess risk was attributable to absolute MELD score (p < 0.001) at the time of transplantation. Mortality of patients with rapidly worsening chronic liver disease who undergo transplantation depends substantially on absolute MELD score at the time of transplantation but not the rate of change immediately preceding transplant. Allocation policymakers should consider that a high delta‐MELD in the immediate pretransplant period does not indicate greater posttransplant mortality.
How Phosphotransferase System-Related Protein Phosphorylation Regulates Carbohydrate Metabolism in Bacteria

SUMMARY The phosphoenolpyruvate(PEP):carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is found only in bacteria, where it catalyzes the transport and phosphorylation of numerous monosaccharides, disaccharides, amino sugars, polyols, and other sugar derivatives. To carry out its catalytic function in sugar transport and phosphorylation, the PTS uses PEP as an energy source and phosphoryl donor. The phosphoryl group of PEP is usually transferred via four distinct proteins (domains) to the transported sugar bound to the respective membrane component(s) (EIIC and EIID) of the PTS. The organization of the PTS as a four-step phosphoryl transfer system, in which all P derivatives exhibit similar energy (phosphorylation occurs at histidyl or cysteyl residues), is surprising, as a single protein (or domain) coupling energy transfer and sugar phosphorylation would be sufficient for PTS function. A possible explanation for the complexity of the PTS was provided by the discovery that the PTS also carries out numerous regulatory functions. Depending on their phosphorylation state, the four proteins (domains) forming the PTS phosphorylation cascade (EI, HPr, EIIA, and EIIB) can phosphorylate or interact with numerous non-PTS proteins and thereby regulate their activity. In addition, in certain bacteria, one of the PTS components (HPr) is phosphorylated by ATP at a seryl residue, which increases the complexity of PTS-mediated regulation. In this review, we try to summarize the known protein phosphorylation-related regulatory functions of the PTS. As we shall see, the PTS regulation network not only controls carbohydrate uptake and metabolism but also interferes with the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus and the virulence of certain pathogens.
The Elicitation of Plant Innate Immunity by Lipooligosaccharide of Xanthomonas campestris*[boxs]

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and lipooligosaccharides (LOSs) are major components of the cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria with diverse roles in bacterial pathogenesis of animals and plants that include elicitation of host defenses. Little is known about the mechanisms of perception of these molecules by plants and about the associated signal transduction pathways that trigger plant immunity. Here we address the issue of the molecular basis of elicitation of plant defenses through the structural determination of the LOS of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris strain 8004 and examination of the effects of LOS and fragments obtained by chemical treatments on the immune response in Arabidopsis thaliana. The structure shows a strong accumulation of negatively charged groups in the lipid A-inner core region and has a number of novel features, including a galacturonyl phosphate attached at a 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid residue and a unique phosphoramide group in the inner core region. Intact LOS and the lipid A and core oligosaccharides derived from it were all able to induce the defense-related genes PR1 and PR2 in Arabidopsis and to prevent the hypersensitive response caused by avirulent bacteria. Although LOS induced defense-related gene transcription in two temporal phases, the core oligosaccharide induced only the earlier phase, and lipid A induced only the later phase. These findings suggest that plant cells can recognize lipid A and core oligosaccharide structures within LOS to trigger defensive cellular responses and that this may occur via two distinct recognition events.
Building coordination capacity: Post-disaster organizational Twitter networks

Effective coordination is essential for post-disaster reconstruction. Presently, however, there are relatively few tools to help organizations manage coordination and communication of post-disaster construction activities. Given the recent increase in use of social media platforms, we examine the use of Twitter following Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines. A network of organizations in the infrastructure sector is created to capture the coordination structure, as depicted through social media, analyze organizational messaging and determine key actors. A content analysis of tweets further examined emergent themes in the distribution of information through Twitter. This network perspective lends insight into future applications of how organizations can leverage social media as a means of sustained coordination for long-term, on the ground efforts extending past initial emergency relief phases.
The Problem of Shared Victory: War-Winning Coalitions and Postwar Peace

War-winning coalitions face a unique problem of ensuring multilaterally credible commitments to the distribution and defense of a new postwar status quo. Some sustain cooperation for years or decades, yet others collapse into intramural violence. Why do some victorious coalitions collapse into war, while others do not? I analyze data on war-winning coalitions from 1816 to 2007, using an event history framework to model the duration of postwar peace between their members. Increasing coalition size is associated with less durable postwar peace, while more extensive prewar alliance commitments are associated with less durable peace and great power participation is associated with more durable peace. These results have implications for the survival of postwar settlements, for the role of alliances and great powers in preserving world order, and for assessing the implications of modern theories of war.
Stability of the first order singular system under two classes of feedback control

Stability of the singular system is an important research subject in the system analysis and control. In this paper, the stability of the first order singular system is discussed under two classes of feedback control, and two methods for seeking feedback control law are given by the matrix decomposition and the subnegative definite matrix. Two numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of oral irinotecan given once daily for 5 days every 3 weeks in combination with capecitabine in patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE To assess the maximum tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of oral irinotecan given in combination with capecitabine to patients with advanced, refractory solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were treated from day 1 with irinotecan capsules given once daily for 5 consecutive days (50 to 60 mg/m2/d) concomitantly with capecitabine given twice daily for 14 consecutive days (800 to 1,000 mg/m2); cycles were repeated every 21 days. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients were enrolled and received 155 cycles of therapy (median, five cycles; range, one to 18 cycles). With irinotecan 60 mg/m2/d and capecitabine 2 x 800 mg/m2/d, grade 3 delayed diarrhea in combination with grade 2 nausea (despite maximal antiemetic support) and grade 3 anorexia and colitis, were the first-cycle dose-limiting toxicities in two of six patients, respectively. At the recommended doses (irinotecan 50 mg/m2/d; capecitabine 2 x 1,000 mg/m2/d), side effects were mostly mild to moderate and uniformly reversible. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that there was no interaction between oral irinotecan and capecitabine, and that body-surface area was not significantly contributing to the observed pharmacokinetic variability. Confirmed partial responses were observed in two patients with gallbladder carcinoma and in one patient with melanoma. Disease stabilization was noted in 16 patients. CONCLUSION The recommended phase II doses for oral irinotecan and capecitabine are 50 mg/m2/d for 5 consecutive days, and 2 x 1,000 mg/m2/d for 14 consecutive days repeated every 3 weeks, respectively.
Recruitment of Armitage and Yb to a transcript triggers its phased processing into primary piRNAs in Drosophila ovaries

Small RNAs called PIWI -interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are essential for transposon control and fertility in animals. Primary processing is the small RNA biogenesis pathway that uses long single-stranded RNA precursors to generate millions of individual piRNAs, but the molecular mechanisms that identify a transcript as a precursor are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that artificial tethering of the piRNA biogenesis factor, Armi, to a transcript is sufficient to direct it into primary processing in Drosophila ovaries and in an ovarian cell culture model. In the fly ovarian somatic follicle cells, the transcript becomes cleaved in a stepwise manner, with a 5′→3′ directionality, liberating U1-containing ~24 nt piRNAs that are loaded into Piwi. Although uridines are preferred for generation of piRNA 5′ ends, processing takes place even in their absence, albeit at a lower efficiency. We show that recombinant Armi has 5′→3′ helicase activity, and mutations that abolish this activity also reduce piRNA processing in vivo. Another somatic piRNA pathway factor Yb, an interactor of Armi, is also able to trigger piRNA biogenesis when tethered to a transcript. Tethering-mediated primary piRNA biogenesis is also functional in the fly ovarian germline and loads all the three PIWI proteins present in this environment. Our study finds a broad correlation between piRNA processing and localization of the tethered factors to the cytoplasmic perinuclear ribonucleoprotein granules called germline nuage or somatic Yb bodies. We conclude that transcripts bound by Armi and Yb are identified as piRNA precursors, resulting in localization to cytoplasmic processing granules and their subsequent engagement by the resident piRNA biogenesis machinery.
Modulation of potassium conductances by an endogenous neuropeptide in neurones of Aplysia californica.

1. Macroscopic and single‐channel currents were recorded from voltage‐clamped neurones in the abdominal and pleural ganglia of Aplysia californica in order to investigate conductance changes elicited by application of the endogenous peptide FMRFamide (Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐NH2) and related neuropeptides to the cell surface. 2. The Ca‐dependent K current, IK(Ca), when elicited at a constant voltage by intracellular injection of Ca2+, was insensitive to FMRFamide or its derivative YGG‐FMRFamide (Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐NH2). 3. Under steady voltage clamp, certain cells responded to a brief puff of FMRFamide or YGG‐FMRFamide with a transient outward current lasting about 1 min. Unclamped cells responded with a corresponding hyperpolarization. These responses reversed at about ‐75 mV. Ion substitution indicated that the current is carried by K+. 4. FMRFamide and YGG‐FMRFamide were equally effective in activating the outward current, whereas FMRF, met‐enkephalin and leu‐enkephalin were ineffective. 5. At voltages negative to ‐30 mV and, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, also at more positive potentials, the FMRFamide‐sensitive current showed no voltage dependence beyond that predicted from constant‐field considerations. 6. The response to FMRFamide was relatively insensitive to extracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA, KD approximately 75 mM) and 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, KD approximately 6 mM). It was suppressed in Ba‐containing solutions, but was unaffected by injection of the Ca chelating agent EGTA. The response was blocked by serotonin and other agents known to elevate intracellular adenosine 3',5'‐phosphate (cyclic AMP) levels, and by direct injection of cyclic AMP into the cell. 7. In its pharmacological properties and lack of voltage dependence, the FMRFamide‐activated current resembles the 'S' current, IK(S), a K current suppressed by application of serotonin in Aplysia neurones. 8. The similarity between the FMRFamide‐sensitive current and the 'S' current was confirmed in cell‐attached patch‐clamp studies, in which activity of 'S' channels was found to be reduced by serotonin, and enhanced by FMRFamide. 9. Thus, FMRFamide may function in Aplysia to counteract the serotonergic modulation of 'S' channels, which has been proposed as a mechanism of presynaptic plasticity in this mollusc.
Analysis of a new compound-excited doubly salient brushless DC generator with power tracking rectification

A new compound-excited doubly salient brushless dc (DSBLDC) generator with power tracking rectification is proposed, which is constituted by a doubly salient electromagnetic machine (DSEM) with split field windings and a simple switched-mode rectifier. The configuration and operation principle are introduced. The inductance features of the generator are analyzed for the utilization of series field winding in switched-mode rectifier. Then the performance with the power tracking rectification method for variable speed operation is investigated by finite element (FE) analysis. The comparison between the proposed generator with power tracking rectification and conventional rectification is conducted, and the results show that the output power for low speed operation is improved substantially and the required field power is reduced. A 20kW prototype is designed and constructed. The preliminary experimental result agrees well with the simulated data. The new DSBLDC generator, with merits of simple configuration and flexible control, is a promising option for the automotive onboard power generation system.
Four‐dimensional analysis of cyclic changes in coronary artery shape

The objective of this study was to derive a method for quantifying the dynamic geometry of coronary arteries. Coronary artery geometry plays an important role in atherosclerosis. Coronary artery geometry also influences the performance of coronary interventions. Conversely, implantation of stents may alter coronary artery geometry. Clinical tools to define vessel shape have not been readily available. Using a Frenet‐Serret curvature analysis applied to 3D reconstruction data derived from standard coronary angiograms, 21 coronary arteries were analyzed at end‐diastole (ED) and end‐systole (ES). Vessels were divided anatomically: type 1 consisted of vessels lying in the AV groove (left circumflex, right coronary) and type 2 consisted of vessels overlying actively contracting myocardium (left anterior descending, diagonal, obtuse marginal, right ventricular marginal, posterior descending, posterolateral). Vessel segments were analyzed by assessing the changes in curvature, torsion, and discrete flexion points (FPs), areas of systolic bending in the arterial contour. The curvature from ED to ES of type 1 vessels was unchanged (−0.02 ± 0.03 cm−1), while the curvature change of type 2 vessels showed a 38% increase (0.33 ± 0.04 cm−1; P < 0.001). Type 1 vessels had fewer FPs per vessel than type 2 vessels (0.38 ± 0.18 and 2.40 ± 0.23 FP/vessel, respectively; P < 0.001). FPs were more common in distal segments and branch vessels. A method to quantify cyclic changes in coronary artery shape was applied to 3D data sets derived from standard coronary angiograms. Coronary arteries undergo a cyclic change in shape resulting in changes in overall curvature as well as formation of discrete flexion points. These changes in vessel shape are asymmetrically distributed in coronary arteries. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:344–354. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No Influence of Surgical Stress on Postoperative Leptin Gene Expression in Different Adipose Tissues and Soluble Leptin Receptor Plasma Levels

As part of the postsurgical stress response, plasma leptin levels increase in-between 12 h postoperatively. Objective: To study the kinetics of leptin gene expression in different adipose tissues before and after severe surgical trauma in children and adults. Methods: In 22 adults and 23 children with cardiac and 19 adult patients with abdominal surgery, we measured plasma leptin concentrations preoperatively, 4 and 10–17 h postoperatively and quantified leptin mRNA expression by TaqMan real-time PCR in adipose tissue taken at the beginning and the end of surgery from subcutaneous, intrathoracic, omental and mesenteric fat. Plasma-soluble leptin receptor levels were measured in 23 children after cardiosurgery. Results: Plasma leptin levels doubled between 4 and 10–17 h postoperatively in adults (p < 0.001) as well as in children (p = 0.0002) with cardiac surgery. After abdominal surgery, 10–17 h postoperatively, plasma leptin concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.05). During the operation, leptin gene expression did not change in neither of the patient groups. Plasma-soluble leptin receptor levels decreased immediately after the onset of surgery and remained unchanged thereafter. Conclusions: Leptin gene expression is not up-regulated during surgery. The measured increase in plasma leptin after surgery does not result from elevated levels of soluble leptin receptor but may follow an up-regulation of leptin gene expression later after the operation due to postsurgical metabolic changes.
Correlation of wavefront data and corneal asphericity with contrast sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between contrast sensitivity (CS), Zernike wavefront aberrations (WFA), and asphericity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. METHODS LASIK was performed using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with custom aspheric transition zone (CATz) ablations. Total and high order (HO) WFA of 71 eyes (37 patients) undergoing LASIK in March 2003 were measured before and at 1 month postoperatively with the Nidek OPD-Scan aberrometer at a 4-mm pupil entrance; asphericity was measured at 6 mm (Q index). Preoperative and 1 to 3-month postoperative contrast sensitivity were evaluated with the Vector Vision CSV-1000 at 3, 6, 12, and 18 CPD; the Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function (AULCSF) was calculated. Uncorrected-visual acuity (UCVA) was evaluated. RESULTS One month after LASIK, CS decreased significantly at 6 CPD and above (P<.05), then returned to normal at 3 months (P=.33). Postoperative AULCSF correlated with patient age (P=.04) but not with total WFA (P=.13), HO WFA (P=.50), or asphericity (P=.22). Postoperative Logmar UCVA correlated with postoperative total and HO WFA (P<.05). Postoperative total WFA correlated with spherical equivalent refraction (P<.0001); HO WFA correlated with Strehl ratio (P=.004) and asphericity (P=.03). The HO WFA increase was 0.065 microm (P<.05) and did not correlate with preoperative refraction (P=.40). Increase in asphericity correlated with corneal refractive change and was predicted by the parabolic Munnerlyn equation (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS After LASIK, AULCSF was not dependent on WFA, but mainly on patient age. WFA results correlated well with postoperative spherical equivalent refraction, asphericity, and Strehl ratio. These conclusions support a published hypothesis that postoperative low amount of WFA does not completely fit contrast sensitivity measurements.
Estrogen receptor α is essential for induction of oxytocin receptor by estrogen

THE induction of oxytocin receptor (OTR) synthesis in the periphery and in the brain by estrogen is critical for reproductive success. Oxytocin receptors are involved in the control of parturition, milk ejection, and sexual and maternal behaviors. The discovery of a second estrogen receptor (ERβ) in the brain and the failure of in vitro transcription studies using OTR promoter constructs to replicate the in vivo transcriptional regulation have raised questions regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of the OTR gene by estrogen. Using mice genetically deficient in estrogen receptor a (ERα), we demonstrate that ERα is not necessary for basal OTR synthesis, but is absolutely necessary for the induction of OTR binding in the brain by estrogen.
The Political Economy of Rural-Urban Interfaces around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The study aims to assess the political economy of rural-urban interfaces in the pace of rapid urbanization of Addis Ababa City, the capital of Ethiopia. It seeks to understand the rural-urban interfaces employing the political economy lens of dependency theory. Primary data were collected through qualitative techniques, such as KIIs and observation methods. 20 randomly selected rural and urban dwellers were interviewed to capture their views, experiences and reflections regarding the prevailing rural-urban interfaces such as people, environment and culture. Also, quantitative data were gathered from secondary sources. The data collections and analyses were carried out between February 2013 and February, 2014. It was observed that despite there are major shifts in development policies and strategies in poverty reduction in Ethiopia, the majority of the endeavours are urban centred but rhetorically rural focused. The rural-urban interfaces in Ethiopia, as explained and underpinned by dependency view, the urban-the metropolis extracted and exploited the ruralsatellite for self-development and flourishing which left the latter at the heart of underdevelopment economically, socially, politically, and contaminated the rural landscapes and environments. The find concurred with the fact that urban are dependent on rural for economic growth, environmental services and sink of waste, political instruments, and aesthetic values. As dependency perspective dictates, against the Growth Pole theory, the bias to urban metropolis is evident that caused the underdevelopment of rural satellite or periphery and flourishing urban. Thus, there is a premium Original Research Article Hailu; AJAEES, 13(1): 1-15, 2016; Article no.AJAEES. 28328 2 need to examine the pro-rural policies of Ethiopia as it seems pseudo-concern and paternalistic promulgation but systematic, structural and technical biased towards urban in practices.
Understanding the Complexity of Capital Structure Decisions under Risk and Uncertainty

Capital structure decisions have assumed strategic importance in the changing business risk complexion. The changing paradigms in the financial markets, financial institutions, regulatory frameworks and objectives of a firm influence the capital structure decisions. The determinants of the capital structure decision vary across borders. The micro and macro economic variables which influence the decision making process have rendered the past theories irrelevant. The paper focuses on the scholarly works which highlight the importance, determinants and developments in capital structure decision-making process.