Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Necrotizing Enteritis and Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Associated With Equine Coronavirus Infection in Equids

Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a Betacoronavirus recently associated clinically and epidemiologically with emerging outbreaks of pyrogenic, enteric, and/or neurologic disease in horses in the United States, Japan, and Europe. We describe the pathologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular findings in 2 horses and 1 donkey that succumbed to natural infection with ECoV. One horse and the donkey (case Nos. 1, 3) had severe diffuse necrotizing enteritis with marked villous attenuation, epithelial cell necrosis at the tips of the villi, neutrophilic and fibrinous extravasation into the small intestinal lumen (pseudomembrane formation), as well as crypt necrosis, microthrombosis, and hemorrhage. The other horse (case No. 2) had hyperammonemic encephalopathy with Alzheimer type II astrocytosis throughout the cerebral cortex. ECoV was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in small intestinal tissue, contents, and/or feces, and coronavirus antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in the small intestine in all cases. Coronavirus-like particles characterized by spherical, moderately electron lucent, enveloped virions with distinct peplomer-like structures projecting from the surface were detected by negatively stained transmission electron microscopy in small intestine in case No. 1, and transmission electron microscopy of fixed small intestinal tissue from the same case revealed similar 85- to 100-nm intracytoplasmic particles located in vacuoles and free in the cytoplasm of unidentified (presumably epithelial) cells. Sequence comparison showed 97.9% to 99.0% sequence identity with the ECoV-NC99 and Tokachi09 strains. All together, these results indicate that ECoV is associated with necrotizing enteritis and hyperammonemic encephalopathy in equids.
Chapter One. North American Buddhists: A Field Of Study?

The literatures of academia and Buddhist studies sometimes elide the concepts of ? field of study? and ? discipline. This chapter considers a discipline to be the broader entity within which fields of study can be distinguished. For instance, religion is a field of study within the discipline of sociology. The chapter argues that, at present, the topic of North American Buddhists draws primarily bi-disciplinary interest from scholars in the humanities and the social sciences, and that these scholars have yet to achieve significant interdisciplinarity in their combined body of work. Of course, in an important sense, this topic necessarily crosses disciplinary lines in that it concerns a contemporary lived religious tradition. Finally, the chapter presents an overview of the chapters in this book.Keywords: humanities; North American Buddhists; social sciences
Long Term Outcome in Adolescents with Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Poor Results using Regimens Designed for Adults

It is unclear whether the outcome in adolescents with Hodgkin's lymphoma is as good as that in children and there are no prospective randomized trials comparing regimes used in children and adults in this setting. We have therefore performed an analysis of 210 adolescent patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma between 1970-1997 and registered on the database held by the British National Lymphoma Investigation. Patients were treated according to adult regimens current at the time of their diagnosis. The complete response rate recorded in 209 patients was 76%. This was highly dependent on disease stage being 95% in patients with localized disease but 63% in those with advanced disease. The 5 year event free survival for the whole cohort was 50% falling to 41% at 20 years with overall survival of 81% falling to 68% at 5 and 20 years respectively. There is no significant difference in the 3 decades pertaining to this analysis. Of the 62 deaths in this cohort, 70% were due to Hodgkin's lymphoma but of the 13 deaths occurring beyond 10 years, only 3 were due to Hodgkin's lymphoma, the reminder being attributable to the late effects of therapy. Results from paediatric groups have been much more encouraging than those presented from this cohort. It seems the use of risk-adjusted combined modality therapy with minimization of radiation fields and doses and reduction of anthracycline and alkylator exposure has been successful in children and should be used in adolescents.
Immediate effect of exercise on achilles tendon properties: systematic review.

INTRODUCTION Understanding the mechanical and morphological adaptation of the Achilles tendon (AT) in response to acute exercise could have important implications for athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and critical evaluation of the literature to determine the immediate effect of a single bout of exercise on the mechanical and morphological properties of the AT in vivo. METHODS Five electronic research databases were systematically searched for intervention-based studies reporting mechanical and morphological properties of the AT after a single bout of exercise. RESULTS Searches revealed 3292 possible articles; 21 met the inclusion criteria. There is evidence that maximal isometric contractions and prolonged static stretching (>5 min) of the triceps surae complex cause an immediate decrease in AT stiffness, whereas prolonged running and hopping have minimal effect. Limited but consistent evidence exists, indicating that AT hysteresis is reduced after prolonged static stretching. Consistent evidence supports a reduction in free AT diameter (anterior-posterior) after dynamic ankle exercise, and this change appears most pronounced in the healthy tendon and after eccentric exercise. CONCLUSIONS The mechanical and morphological properties of the AT in vivo are affected by acute exercise in a mode- and dose-dependent manner. Transient changes in AT stiffness, hysteresis, and diameter after unaccustomed exercise modes and doses may expose the tendon to increased risk of strain injury and impact on the mechanical function of the triceps surae muscle-tendon unit.
The Paradigm Shift in Understanding the Bias Temperature Instability: From Reaction–Diffusion to Switching Oxide Traps

One of the most important degradation modes in CMOS technologies, the bias temperature instability (BTI) has been known since the 1960s. Already in early interpretations, charge trapping in the oxide was considered an important aspect of the degradation. In their 1977 paper, Jeppson and Svensson suggested a hydrogen-diffusion controlled mechanism for the creation of interface states. Their reaction-diffusion model subsequently became the dominant explanation of the phenomenon. While Jeppson and Svensson gave a preliminary study of the recovery of the degradation, this issue received only limited attention for many years. In the last decade, however, a large number of detailed recovery studies have been published, showing clearly that the reaction-diffusion mechanism is inconsistent with the data. As a consequence, the research focus shifted back toward charge trapping. Currently available advanced charge-trapping theories based on switching oxide traps are now able to explain the bulk of the experimental data. We give a review of our perspective on some selected developments in this area.
Structural Encoding of Body and Face in Human Infants and Adults

Most studies on visual perception of human beings have focused on perception of faces. However, bodies are another important visual element, which help us to identify a member of our species in the visual scene. In order to study whether similar configural information processing is used in body and face perception, we recorded high-density even-related potentials (ERPs) to normal and distorted faces and bodies in adults and 3-month-old infants. In adults, the N1 responses evoked by bodies and faces were similar in amplitude but differed slightly in latency. The voltage topography of N1 also differed in concordance with fMRI data showing that two distinct areas are involved in face and body perception. Distortion affected ERPs to faces and bodies similarly from N1 on, although the effect was significant earlier for bodies than for faces. These results suggest that fast processing of configural information is not specific to faces but it also occurs for bodies. In 3-month-old infants, distortion decreased the amplitude of P400 around 450 msec, showing no interaction with image category. This result demonstrates that infants are not only able to recognize the normal configuration of faces, but also that of bodies. This could either be related to an innate knowledge of this particular type of biological object, or to fast learning through intense exposure during the first months of life.
Quality of life, stage severity and COPD

For a long time now, arbitrary boundaries have been used in the severity grading of chronic airflow limitation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The lack of validation of these severity cut-points has been widely criticised, predominantly because they are based on clinical impressions and simplistic metrics. This is acknowledged by the Global Initiative of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, which state that “There is only an imperfect relationship between the degree of airflow limitation and the presence of symptoms. Spirometric staging, therefore, is a pragmatic approach aimed at practical implementation and should only be regarded as an educational tool and a general indication to the initial management” 1. Evidence that the GOLD cut-points are inappropriate, however, has not been forthcoming despite the strongly held views that the divisions for airflow limitation into a convenient gradation from mild to very severe may only relate very loosely to the degree of functional impairment and the prognosis of COPD 2, 3. We should ask why clinicians consider it important to determine clinical disease severity. The most obvious answer is to assess disease severity in order to optimise treatment, compare management with recommended best practice, help patients plan for the increasing disability associated with COPD and, when appropriate, to facilitate timely discussion of end-of-life issues 4–6. Prior to the availability of spirometry, clinicians might have determined severity on the basis of the severity of breathlessness, chest radiographical changes and/or the development of complications, such as polycythaemia and cor pulmonale. These outcomes, defined as “consequences of the …
Erythropoietin in traumatic brain injury: the "golden bullet" on the horizon?

The study by Liao and colleagues investigated the cellular and molecular events of erythropoietin (EPO)-mediated neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury (TBI). [1] Using the “classic” Feeney cortical contusion model, the authors performed an experimental study on 130 Wistar rats, designed to elucidate in more detail the established antiapoptotic effects of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). Animals were randomly assigned to either a treatment group with rhEPO, applied by intraperitoneal injection once a day for seven days after TBI, or a vehicle-injection control group managed under identical conditions. Outcome parameters consisted of quantification of neuronal cell death by TUNEL histochemistry and assessment of gene (RT-PCR) and protein (Western blot) expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bax. The data revealed that the treatment with rhEPO led to a decrease of TUNEL-positive neurons, associated with attenuated Bax mRNA and protein expression after TBI, compared to the vehicle control group. The authors concluded that EPO represents an effective neuroprotective treatment in experimental TBI by reducing Bax expression and associated apoptotic neuronal cell death. These findings confirm a previous report from the same group[2] and shed some further light onto the EPO-mediated regulation of the molecular events leading to neuronal cell death and secondary brain injury.
Seed Heteromorphism and Effects of Light and Abiotic Stress on Germination of a Typical Annual Halophyte Salsola ferganica in Cold Desert

Seed heteromorphism is a common characteristic of halophyte and an adaptation to the spatial and temporal variations of natural habitats. Differences in dormancy and germination requirements have been documented in heteromorphic seeds of many species, but the mechanisms for maintenance between different status in various populations have not been well-understood. Salsola ferganica is a typical annual halophyte in Chenopodiaceae distributed in cold desert, in the present study, we found that it could produce three distinct types of seed according to the shape and size of winged perianth (WP), which differed in dispersal ability, dormancy and germination behaviors. Our further investigation revealed that light could significantly promote germination of heteromorphic seeds of S. ferganica, and WP inhibited while GA3 enhanced germination, which suggests that S. ferganica seeds possessed a photo-sensitive combined with morphological and non-deep physiological dormancy type, in which light was the dominant factor. Not like other desert plant species, the germinability of heteromorphic seeds of S. ferganica could not sustain for long (only 1–2 years), especially the small seeds, and was affected by storage time, temperature, salinity, even the environmental conditions of the maternal plant. Thus, the differences of characteristics existed among heteromorphic seeds and variations of heteromorphic ratio among different calendar years were presumed as diverse adaptation strategies integrated in the individual mother plant, and might apply important ecological significance for successful reproduction of the species in the unpredictable cold desert.
Prehospital cervical spinal immobilization after trauma.

S pinal immobilization of all trauma patients with a cervical spine or spinal cord injury or with a mechanism of injury having the potential to cause cervical spinal injury is recommended. • Triage of patients with potential spinal injury at the scene by trained and experienced emergency medical services personnel to determine the need for immobilization during transport is recommended. • Immobilization of trauma patients who are awake, alert, and are not intoxicated; who are without neck pain or tenderness; who do not have an abnormal motor or sensory examination; and who do not have any significant associated injury that might detract from their general evaluation is not recommended.
Collagen Gene Expression and the Altered Accumulation of Scleral Collagen during the Development of High Myopia*

The development of high myopia is associated with reduced scleral collagen accumulation, scleral thinning, and loss of scleral tissue, in both humans and animal models. Reduced collagen fibril diameter is also observed in the sclera of eyes with high myopia. The present study investigated aspects of scleral collagen synthesis and degradation, in a mammalian model of high myopia, to elucidate the factors underlying scleral changes. General synthesis and degradation of scleral collagen was investigated in monocularly deprived tree shrews, through the in vivoadministration of [3H]proline and subsequent assay of scleral tissue for [3H]collagen. In addition, PCR enriched cDNA, produced from tree shrew scleral mRNA, was used to synthesize probes for hybridization to custom gene arrays consisting of partial sequences for 11 collagen subtypes. Finally, real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR was employed to investigate collagen type I, III, and V mRNA expression in the sclera of myopic, contralateral control, and normal tree shrew eyes. Scleral [3H]proline incorporation was reduced at the posterior pole of myopic eyes following 5 days of monocular deprivation (−36 ± 4%), whereas [3H]proline content was similar in treated and control eyes before myopia induction (−1 ± 8%) but was reduced in myopic eyes following 5 (−8 ± 2%), 12 (−15 ± 4%), and 24 (−10 ± 4%) days of myopia induction. The majority of the collagens investigated were found to be expressed in the sclera, with 11 subtypes being identified. Collagen type I mRNA expression was reduced in the sclera of myopic eyes (−20 ± 7%), however, collagen type III (+2 ± 9%) and type V (−1 ± 6%) expression was unchanged relative to control, resulting in a net increase in the ratio of expression of collagen type III/type I and collagen type V/type I (22 and 25%, respectively). These results show that reduced scleral collagen accumulation in myopic eyes is a result of both decreased collagen synthesis and accelerated collagen degradation. Furthermore, changes in collagen synthesis are driven by reduced type I collagen production. Short term increases in the ratio of newly synthesized collagen type III/type I and type V/type I are likely to be important in the increasing frequency of small diameter scleral collagen fibrils observed in high myopia and may be important in the subsequent development of posterior staphyloma in humans with pathological myopia.
Interaction of Cadmium with Glutathione and Photosynthesis in Developing Leaves and Chloroplasts of Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel1

We investigated how the presence of cadmium (Cd) at the emergence of Phragmites australis Trin. (Cav.) ex Steudel plants from rhizomes interacted with leaf and chloroplast physiological and biochemical processes. About 8.5 nmol Cd mg–1 chlorophyll was found in leaves, and 0.83 nmol Cd mg–1 chlorophyll was found in chloroplasts of plants treated with 50 μm Cd. As a result, a 30% loss of chlorophyll was measured concomitantly with a comparable percentage reduction in light-saturated photosynthesis. Rubisco content and activity were lowered by 10% and 60%, respectively. Antioxidant activity was stimulated by Cd treatment and was associated with an increase in the glutathione and pyridine pools, and with a larger pool of reduced glutathione. It is suggested that the glutathione pool and its predominance in the reduced state protected the activity of many key photosynthetic enzymes against the thiophilic binding of Cd. Chloroplast ultrastructure was not significantly altered with 50 μm treatment and the efficiency of photosystem II, measured as the fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm, remained high because F0 and Fm were proportionally decreased. In plants treated with 100 μm Cd, all effects were exacerbated, but Fv/Fm remained close to that of control leaves and the glutathione and pyridine nucleotides pools were lowered. The results suggest that glutathione exerted a direct important protective role on photosynthesis in the presence of Cd.
A 0.6-V 82-dB 28.6- $\mu$W Continuous-Time Audio Delta-Sigma Modulator

The design of a low-voltage low-power fourth-order single-bit continuous-time Delta-Sigma modulator is presented in this paper for audio applications. The modulator employs an input-feedforward topology in order to reduce internal signal swings, thus relaxes the linearity and slew rate requirements on amplifiers leading to low-voltage operation and low-power consumption. The energy efficiency is further improved by embedding the summation of feedforward paths into the quantizer. For low-voltage operation, a gain-enhanced fully-differential amplifier and a body-driven rail-to-rail input CMFB circuit are developed. The modulator, implemented in a 0.13-μm standard CMOS technology with a core area of 0.11 mm2, achieves an 82-dB dynamic range (DR), and a 79.1-dB peak signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) over a 20-kHz signal bandwidth. The power consumption of the modulator is 28.6 μW under a 0.6-V supply voltage. The achieved performance make it one of the best among state-of-the-art sub-1-V modulators in terms of two widely used figures of merit.
Substructures in cold dark matter haloes

We analyse the properties of substructures within dark matter haloes (subhaloes) using a set of high-resolution numerical simulations of the formation of structure in a ACDM universe. Our simulation set includes 11 high-resolution simulations of massive clusters as well as a region of mean density, allowing us to study the spatial and mass distribution of substructures down to a mass resolution limit of 10 9 h -1 M ○. We also investigate how the properties of substructures vary as a function of the mass of the 'parent' halo in which they are located. We find that the substructure mass function depends at most weakly on the mass of the parent halo and is well described by a power law. The radial number density profiles of substructures are steeper in low mass haloes than in high-mass haloes. More massive substructures tend to avoid the centres of haloes and are preferentially located in the external regions of their parent haloes. We also study the mass accretion and merging histories of substructures, which we find to be largely independent of environment. We find that a significant fraction of the substructures residing in clusters at the present day were accreted at redshifts z < 1. This implies that a significant fraction of present-day 'passive' cluster galaxies were still outside the cluster progenitor and were more active at z ∼ 1.
Asynchronous prefetching streaming for quick-scene access in mobile video delivery

This paper proposes a new video delivery system with a lightweight, smooth, and quick-response accessibility to video scenes without interference by unstable mobile network conditions and also without consuming mobile device storage. This can avoid a video scene access delay brought on by mobile-network-specific delay and instability. We proposed an innovative streaming technology that consists of a view-context-aware asynchronous prefetching and streaming scheme and a seamless media assembly and media synchronization scheme. As an additional powerful extension for this system, we present a hierarchical prefetching asynchronous streaming technology that considers a video-scene structure. This can provide access to a general view through the whole content as well as to a detailed view around playback position by consideration of the video-scene structure and the user's viewing position. The implementation details on mobile phones and preliminary evaluation results are described, and its feasibility is also shown.