Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ozone depletion, related UVB changes and increased skin cancer incidence

Stratospheric ozone at middle latitudes shows a seasonal variation of about ±20%, a quasi-biennial oscillation of 1–10% range and a long-term variation in which the level was almost steady up to about 1979 and declined thereafter to the present day by about 10%. These variations are expected to be reflected in solar UVB observed at the ground, but in an opposite direction. Thus UVB should have had a long-term increase of about 10–20%, which should cause an increase in skin cancer incidence of about 20–40%. Skin cancer incidence has increased all over the world, e.g. about 90% in USA during 1974–1990. It is popularly believed that this increase in skin cancer incidence is related to the recent ozone depletion. This seems to be incorrect, for two reasons. Firstly, the observed skin cancer increase is too large (90%) compared with the expected value (40%) from ozone depletion. Secondly, cancer does not develop immediately after exposure to solar UVB. The sunburns may occur within hours; but cancer development and detection may take years, even decades. Hence the observed skin cancer increase since 1974 (no data available for earlier periods) must have occurred due to exposure to solar UVB in the 1950s and 1960s, when there was no ozone depletion. Thus, the skin cancer increase must be attributed to harmful solar UVB levels existing even in the 1960s, accentuated later not by ozone depletion (which started only much later, by 1979) but by other causes, such as a longer human life span, better screening, increasing tendencies of sunbathing at beaches, etc., in affluent societies. On the other hand, the recent ozone depletion and the associated UVB increases will certainly take their toll; only that the effects will not be noticed now but years or decades from now. The concern for the future expressed in the Montreal Protocol for reducing ozone depletion by controlling CFC production is certainly justified, especially because increased UVB is harmful to animal and plant life also. However, because the increased cancer incidence observed so far may not be (entirely) due to ozone depletion, other causes need to be investigated urgently and, if possible, remedied. Otherwise, deaths due to skin cancer will continue even after CFC production is controlled and ozone levels are recovered. There is no room for complacency. If nothing else is possible, use of protective screens and creams and avoiding exposure to sunlight during peak hours (10:00–15:00 h) should be strongly recommended. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Certification for vision impairment: researching perceptions, processes and practicalities in health and social care professionals and patients

Objectives To explore the patient experience, and the role of ophthalmologists and other health and social care professionals in the certification and registration processes and examine the main barriers to the timely certification of patients. Design Qualitative study. Setting Telephone interviews with health and social care professionals and patients in three areas in England. Participants 43 health and social care professionals who are part of the certification or registration process. 46 patients certified as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) within the previous 12 months. Results Certification and registration are life changing for patients and the help they receive can substantially improve their lives. Despite this, ophthalmologists often found it difficult to ascertain when it is appropriate to certify patients, particularly for people with long-term conditions. Ophthalmologists varied in their comprehension of the certification process and many regarded certification as the ‘final stage’ in treatment. Administrative procedures meant the process of certification and registration could vary from a few weeks to many months. The avoidable delays in completing certification can be helped by Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLO). Conclusions A better understanding of the certification and registration processes can help improve standards of support and service provision for people who are severely sighted impaired or sight impaired. Better education and support are required for ophthalmologists in recognising the importance of timely referral for rehabilitative support through certification and registration. ECLOs can improve the process of certification and registration. Finally, better education is needed for patients on the benefits of certification and registration.
3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors Decrease Fas Ligand Expression and Cytotoxicity in Activated Human T Lymphocytes

Background—HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality, although the mechanisms of action have not been completely elucidated. The presence of T cells and apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques is well established, the reduction of cellular content being a marker of their vulnerability. One of the main mechanisms of cell death activation is the Fas-Fas ligand (FasL) system. Methods and Results—We studied whether HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors can regulate FasL expression and cytotoxicity in human T cells (Jurkat cells). Activation of Jurkat cells with phorbol esters and ionomycin increased FasL expression, an effect prevented by atorvastatin or simvastatin. Mevalonate and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate but not farnesylpyrophosphate prevented the effect of atorvastatin, indicating that protein geranylation was involved in FasL expression. The C3 exotoxin, which selectively inactivates Rho proteins, also decreased FasL expression on T cells. Overexpression of constitutively active RhoA increased FasL expression in Jurkat cells, and dominant-negative RhoA decreased FasL expression in activated cells, indicating that RhoA is implicated in FasL expression. Atorvastatin also decreased cytotoxic activity of activated Jurkat cells on FasL-sensitive cells. Finally, atorvastatin treatment reduced FasL expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusions—Atorvastatin regulates FasL expression in T cells, probably because of the inhibition of RhoA prenylation. These results provide novel information by which atorvastatin may regulate the cytotoxic activity of T cells and the number of cells in the atherosclerotic plaque.
Development and characterization of a rapidly proliferating, well‐differentiated cell line derived from normal adult human osteoblast‐like cells transfected with SV40 large T antigen

A new bone cell line was established by transfecting normal adult human osteoblast‐like (hOB) cells, derived from a 68‐year‐old woman, with the plasmid pSV3 neo. The plasmid included coding sequences and promotors for the large and small T antigens of the SV40 virus as well as resistance to the antibiotics neomycin and G418. A single antibiotic‐resistant colony was located and cloned. Large tumor antigen production in the clonal cell line was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence study. Treatment with 1,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D3 increased steady‐state concentrations of protein and mRNA for osteocalcin and for alkaline phosphatase. Northern blot analyses also demonstrated the presence of mRNAs for α(I)‐procollagen, osteopontin 1a, transforming growth factor β, and interleukin‐1β. The plasma membrane calcium pump and osteonectin were identified by immunocytochemical analysis. These cells produced a matrix that mineralized when β‐glycerophosphate was added to their cultures. As assessed by functional receptor assays, both estrogen and androgen receptors were present and functional, although at low concentrations. Treatment with parathyroid hormone did not stimulate adenylate cyclase activity. Thus, these cells are a well‐differentiated, steroid‐responsive clonal cell line that closely approximates the phenotype of the mature osteoblast. They should serve as an excellent model for the study of osteoblast biology.
Correlation analysis of heart rate variability between PPG and ECG for wearable devices in different postures

In this study, correlation of heart rate variability (HRV) results in different postures between ECG-based and PPG-based cardiac measurement devices is explored. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the best indicators for the assessment of physical health and heart function, while photoplethysmography (PPG) uses light sensor to detect the change of blood volume in the vessel, and is thus less susceptible to power supply noise and electromagnetic interference. Our wearable prototype Z1 Wristband and commercially available Mio Alpha HR watch are chosen as the target PPG-based devices, while the medical 12-lead Poly-Spectrum-12/E ECG monitor is chosen as the target (benchmark) ECG-based device. The experimental results shows that in different postures, the HRV results of our Z1 prototype are of significant positive correlation with the HRV results of the ECG device (r>0.861, p<0.01) where r and p represent the correlation coefficient and p-value in Pearson's correlation analysis. The performance of the Mio Alpha is slightly worse than our Z1 prototype. The HRV results of our Z1 prototype on the right hand and left hand also show a significant positive correlation (r>0.970, p<0.01) which shows the feasibility of measurement with our Z1 via either right hand or left hand. The performance with the posture with hands in the same height of the heart is slightly better than that with hands drooping.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF A HIGH COSMIC-RAY IONIZATION RATE IN DIFFUSE INTERSTELLAR CLOUDS

Diffuse interstellar clouds show large abundances of H+3 which can only be maintained by a high ionization rate of H2. Cosmic rays are the dominant ionization mechanism in this environment, so the large ionization rate implies a high cosmic-ray flux, and a large amount of energy residing in cosmic rays. In this paper, we find that the standard propagated cosmic-ray spectrum predicts an ionization rate much lower than that inferred from H+3. Low-energy (∼10 MeV) cosmic rays are the most efficient at ionizing hydrogen, but cannot be directly detected; consequently, an otherwise unobservable enhancement of the low-energy cosmic-ray flux offers a plausible explanation for the H+3 results. Beyond ionization, cosmic rays also interact with the interstellar medium by spalling atomic nuclei and exciting atomic nuclear states. These processes produce the light elements Li, Be, and B, as well as gamma-ray lines. To test the consequences of an enhanced low-energy cosmic-ray flux, we adopt two physically motivated cosmic-ray spectra which by construction reproduce the ionization rate inferred in diffuse clouds, and investigate the implications of these spectra on dense cloud ionization rates, light-element abundances, gamma-ray fluxes, and energetics. One spectrum proposed here provides an explanation for the high ionization rate seen in diffuse clouds while still appearing to be broadly consistent with other observables, but the shape of this spectrum suggests that supernovae remnants may not be the predominant accelerators of low-energy cosmic rays.
Influence of Layer Thickness and Raster Angle on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed PEEK and a Comparative Mechanical Study between PEEK and ABS

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a rapidly growing 3D printing technology. However, printing materials are restricted to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or poly (lactic acid) (PLA) in most Fused deposition modeling (FDM) equipment. Here, we report on a new high-performance printing material, polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), which could surmount these shortcomings. This paper is devoted to studying the influence of layer thickness and raster angle on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PEEK. Samples with three different layer thicknesses (200, 300 and 400 μm) and raster angles (0°, 30° and 45°) were built using a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) 3D printing system and their tensile, compressive and bending strengths were tested. The optimal mechanical properties of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) samples were found at a layer thickness of 300 μm and a raster angle of 0°. To evaluate the printing performance of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) samples, a comparison was made between the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts. The results suggest that the average tensile strengths of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) parts were 108% higher than those for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and compressive strengths were 114% and bending strengths were 115%. However, the modulus of elasticity for both materials was similar. These results indicate that the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) are superior to 3D-printed ABS.
A Rapidly Convergent Descent Method for Minimization

A powerful iterative descent method for finding a local minimum of a function of several variables is described. A number of theorems are proved to show that it always converges and that it converges rapidly. Numerical tests on a variety of functions confirm these theorems. The method has been used to solve a system of one hundred non-linear simultaneous equations.
Autism spectrum disorders and neuropathology of the cerebellum

The cerebellum contains the largest number of neurons and synapses of any structure in the central nervous system. The concept that the cerebellum is solely involved in fine motor function has become outdated; substantial evidence has accumulated linking the cerebellum with higher cognitive functions including language. Cerebellar deficits have been implicated in autism for more than two decades. The computational power of the cerebellum is essential for many, if not most of the processes that are perturbed in autism including language and communication, social interactions, stereotyped behavior, motor activity and motor coordination, and higher cognitive functions. The link between autism and cerebellar dysfunction should not be surprising to those who study its cellular, physiological, and functional properties. Postmortem studies have revealed neuropathological abnormalities in cerebellar cellular architecture while studies on mouse lines with cell loss or mutations in single genes restricted to cerebellar Purkinje cells have also strongly implicated this brain structure in contributing to the autistic phenotype. This connection has been further substantiated by studies investigating brain damage in humans restricted to the cerebellum. In this review, we summarize advances in research on idiopathic autism and three genetic forms of autism that highlight the key roles that the cerebellum plays in this spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Carotid-Bulb Atypical Fibromuscular Dysplasia in Young Afro-Caribbean Patients With Stroke

Background and Purpose— An atypical form of fibromuscular dysplasia located in the internal carotid-bulb (CaFMD) is thought to be uncommon and is poorly described as a cause of ischemic stroke in the young. This study aimed to obtain a better description of CaFMD in Afro-Caribbean population, who could be particularly affected by it. Methods— This study included consecutive patients <55 years consulting at Fort-de-France University Hospital Stroke Center (Martinique, FWI) found to have CaFMD as the only cause after a comprehensive work-up. CaFMD was diagnosed when computed tomographic angiography showed a bulbar spur without calcification. Results— Twenty-five patients with stroke and CaFMD were identified. Computed tomographic angiography showed 2 CaFMD patterns: a thin (n=15) or thick (n=10) spur. Three patients initial computed tomographic angiography images showed a mural thrombus overlying the CaFMD. CaFMD was surgically removed from 7 of 25 and 20 of 25 patients who received antiplatelet therapy; after mean follow-up of 25.3±19.5 months, their respective recurrence rates were 0% and 30%. Conclusions— CaFMD could be a common condition in young Afro-Caribbeans with carotid-territory ischemic stroke. Recurrences were frequent under antiplatelet treatment, while surgical CaFMD removal seemed more effective.
Studies of the effect of fiber surface and matrix rheological properties on nonwoven reinforced elastomer composites

The influence of fiber type and fiber-surface properties on matrix flow behavior was investigated using structural reaction injection-molding (SRIM). The influence of fiber type, fiber-surface properties, and matrix type on strength properties in elastomeric composites reinforced with nonwoven fibrous structures was investigated using tensile tests on elastomer composite samples from SRIM and latex coagulation (LC) fabrication methods and the microbond strength method on individual fibers. The fibers used were PET, LLDPE, and p-aramid. Fibers were treated with epoxy, styrene, and isocyanate derivatives, which make the surface chemically reactive. Treatments were also made with NaOH and a copolymer of polyester and polyol ether, causing a change in the fiber surface energy. The matrix types were polyurethane elastomer and natural rubber. The results show that the surface treatments which produced a change in the surface energy influenced the flow rate of the matrix polymer during the composite fabrication process. The treatments resulted in chemically reactive fiber surfaces which improved the fiber-matrix bond strength without affecting the Young's modulus of the composite material. Good correlation was found between bond strength and surface energy including the dispersive component of surface energy in the case of polyurethane elastomer and surface-modified PET fibers. The age of the polyurethane matrix has a marked influence on the bond strength. The fiber volume fraction in composites has a strong influence on the Young's modulus of the elastomer composite. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Concurrent Maturation of Inner Hair Cell Synaptic Ca2+ Influx and Auditory Nerve Spontaneous Activity around Hearing Onset in Mice

Hearing over a wide range of sound intensities is thought to require complementary coding by functionally diverse spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), each changing activity only over a subrange. The foundations of SGN diversity are not well understood but likely include differences among their inputs: the presynaptic active zones (AZs) of inner hair cells (IHCs). Here we studied one candidate mechanism for causing SGN diversity—heterogeneity of Ca2+ influx among the AZs of IHCs—during postnatal development of the mouse cochlea. Ca2+ imaging revealed a change from regenerative to graded synaptic Ca2+ signaling after the onset of hearing, when in vivo SGN spike timing changed from patterned to Poissonian. Furthermore, we detected the concurrent emergence of stronger synaptic Ca2+ signals in IHCs and higher spontaneous spike rates in SGNs. The strengthening of Ca2+ signaling at a subset of AZs primarily reflected a gain of Ca2+ channels. We hypothesize that the number of Ca2+ channels at each IHC AZ critically determines the firing properties of its corresponding SGN and propose that AZ heterogeneity enables IHCs to decompose auditory information into functionally diverse SGNs.
HerMES: SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS OF SUBMILLIMETER GALAXIES AT z > 4

We present a study of the infrared properties for a sample of seven spectroscopically confirmed submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) at z > 4.0. By combining ground-based near-infrared, Spitzer IRAC and MIPS, Herschel SPIRE, and ground-based submillimeter/millimeter photometry, we construct their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and a composite model to fit the SEDs. The model includes a stellar emission component at λrest < 3.5 μm, a hot dust component peaking at λrest ∼ 5 μm, and cold dust component which becomes significant for λrest > 50 μm. Six objects in the sample are detected at 250 and 350 μm. The dust temperatures for the sources in this sample are in the range of 40–80 K, and their LFIR ∼ 1013 L☉ qualifies them as hyper-luminous infrared galaxies. The mean FIR-radio index for this sample is around 〈q〉 = 2.2 indicating no radio excess in their radio emission. Most sources in the sample have 24 μm detections corresponding to a rest-frame 4.5 μm luminosity of Log10(L4.5/L☉) = 11 ∼ 11.5. Their L4.5/LFIR ratios are very similar to those of starburst-dominated SMGs at z ∼ 2. The LCO − LFIR relation for this sample is consistent with that determined for local ULIRGs and SMGs at z ∼ 2. We conclude that SMGs at z > 4 are hotter and more luminous in the FIR but otherwise very similar to those at z ∼ 2. None of these sources show any sign of the strong QSO phase being triggered.
Dietary quality indices vary with sociodemographic variables and anthropometric status among Mexican adults: a cross-sectional study. Results from the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey

Abstract Objective To evaluate the dietary quality of Mexican adults’ diet, we constructed three dietary quality indices: a cardioprotective index (CPI), a micronutrient adequacy index (MAI) and a dietary diversity index (DDI). Design Data were derived from the 2006 National Health and Nutrition Survey, which is a national survey representative of the Mexican population with a stratified, multistage, probabilistic sample design. Dietary intake was assessed from an FFQ with 101 different foods and daily nutrient intakes were computed. The CPI evaluated compliance with seven WHO recommendations for the prevention of CVD, the MAI evaluated the intake of six micronutrients based on the estimated average requirements from the US Institute of Medicine and the DDI was constructed based on the consumption of thirty different food groups. Settings Mexico. Subjects Mexican adults aged 19–59 years old. Results We evaluated the diet of 15 675 males and females. Adjusted means and adjusted proportions by age and sex were computed to predict adherence to dietary recommendations. Rural inhabitants, those living in the South and those from the lowest socio-economic status reported a significantly higher CPI (4·5 (se 0·08), 4·3 (se 0·08) and 4·2 (se 0·09), respectively; P < 0·05), but a significantly lower MAI and DDI, compared with urban inhabitants, those from the North and those of upper socio-economic status (P < 0·05). Conclusions The constructed diet quality indices identify nutrients and foods whose recommended intakes are not adequately consumed by the population. Given the epidemiological and nutritional transition that Mexico is experiencing, the CPI is the most relevant index and its components should be considered in Mexican dietary guidelines as well as in any food and nutrition programmes developed.
Arrhythmogenesis and Contractile Dysfunction in Heart Failure: Roles of Sodium-Calcium Exchange, Inward Rectifier Potassium Current, and Residual &bgr;-Adrenergic Responsiveness

Abstract— Ventricular arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction are the main causes of death in human heart failure (HF). In a rabbit HF model reproducing these same aspects of human HF, we demonstrate that a 2-fold functional upregulation of Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NaCaX) unloads sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ stores, reducing Ca2+ transients and contractile function. Whereas &bgr;-adrenergic receptors (&bgr;-ARs) are progressively downregulated in HF, residual &bgr;-AR responsiveness at this critical HF stage allows SR Ca2+ load to increase, causing spontaneous SR Ca2+ release and transient inward current carried by NaCaX. A given Ca2+ release produces greater arrhythmogenic inward current in HF (as a result of NaCaX upregulation), and ≈50% less Ca2+ release is required to trigger an action potential in HF. The inward rectifier potassium current (IK1) is reduced by 49% in HF, and this allows greater depolarization for a given NaCaX current. Partially blocking IK1 in control cells with barium mimics the greater depolarization for a given current injection seen in HF. Thus, we present data to support a novel paradigm in which changes in NaCaX and IK1, and residual &bgr;-AR responsiveness, conspire to greatly increase the propensity for triggered arrhythmias in HF. In addition, NaCaX upregulation appears to be a critical link between contractile dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis.