Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fatigue, vertical leg stiffness, and stiffness control strategies in males and females.

CONTEXT Fatigue appears to influence musculoskeletal injury rates during athletic activities, but whether males and females respond differently to fatigue is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of fatigue on vertical leg stiffness (K (VERT)) and muscle activation and joint movement strategies and whether healthy males and females respond similarly to fatigue. DESIGN Repeated-measures design with all data collected during a single laboratory session. SETTING Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Physically active males (n = 11) and females (n = 10). INTERVENTION(S) Subjects performed hopping protocols at 2 frequencies before and after fatigue, which was induced by repeated squatting at submaximal loads. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We measured K (VERT) with a forceplate and peak muscle activity of the quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, soleus, and anterior tibialis muscles with surface electromyography. Sagittal-plane kinematics at the knee and ankle were recorded with an electrogoniometer. RESULTS After fatigue, K (VERT) was unchanged for all subjects. However, both males and females demonstrated reduced peak hamstrings ( P = .002) and anterior tibialis ( P = .001) activation, coupled with increased gastrocnemius ( P = .005) and soleus ( P = .001) peak activity, as well as increased quadriceps-hamstrings ( P = .005) and gastrocnemius/soleus-anterior tibialis coactivation ratios ( P = .03) after fatigue. Overall, females demonstrated greater quadriceps-hamstrings coactivation ratios than males, regardless of the fatigue condition ( P = .026). Only females showed increased knee flexion at initial contact after fatigue during hopping ( P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Although K (VERT) was unaffected, the peak muscle activation and joint movement strategies used to modulate K (VERT) were affected after fatigue. Once fatigued, both males and females used an ankle-dominant strategy, with greater reliance on the ankle musculature and less on the knee musculature. Also, once fatigued, all subjects used an antagonist inhibition strategy by minimizing antagonist coactivation. Overall, females used a more quadriceps-dominant strategy than males, showing greater quadriceps activity and a larger quadriceps-hamstrings coactivation ratio. Changes in muscle activation and coactivation ratios because of fatigue and sex are suggested to alter knee joint stability and increase anterior cruciate ligament injury risk.
HBP1-mediated Regulation of p21 Protein through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2 Pathways and Its Impact on Cell Senescence and Tumorigenesis

The activity of the CDK inhibitor p21 is associated with diverse biological activities, including cell proliferation, senescence, and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms governing transcription of p21 need to be extensively studied. In this study, we demonstrate that the high-mobility group box-containing protein 1 (HBP1) transcription factor is a novel activator of p21 that works as part of a complex mechanism during senescence and tumorigenesis. We found that HBP1 activates the p21 gene through enhancing p53 stability by inhibiting Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of p53, a well known positive regulator of p21. HBP1 was also found to enhance p21 transcription by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We identified histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2, as a target of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. HBP1-mediated repression of EZH2 through Wnt/β-catenin signaling decreased the level of trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 of overall and specific histone on the p21 promoter, resulting in p21 transactivation. Although intricate, the reciprocal partnership of HBP1 and p21 has exceptional importance. HBP1-mediated elevation of p21 through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2 pathways contributes to both cellular senescence and tumor inhibition. Together, our results suggest that the HBP1 transcription factor orchestrates a complex regulation of key genes during cellular senescence and tumorigenesis with an impact on protein ubiquitination and overall histone methylation state.
Biomechanical Analysis of Biodegradable Interbody Fusion Cages Augmented With Poly(Propylene Glycol-co-Fumaric Acid)

Study Design. Three different types of biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) cages with and without augmentation of a biodegradable poly(propylene glycol-cofumaric acid) scaffold were compared with autograft and metallic cages of the same design and size by determining the stiffness and failure load of the L4–L5 motion segment of cadaveric human spines. Objectives. To determine how these devices limit the range of motion in the lumbar spine compared with a metallic cage. If biomechanically equivalent, biodegradable spinal fusion systems ultimately could reduce local stress shielding and diminish the incidence of clinical complications, including device-related osteopenia, implant loosening, and breakage. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies in dogs and humans have demonstrated vertebral body osteopenia as a result of instrumented spine fusions. To the authors’ knowledge, neither an in vitro nor an in vivo biomechanical analysis of a biodegradable interbody fusion system has been performed. Methods. Forty-eight L4–L5 motion segments were isolated from 22 male and 26 female human donors with an average age of 49.6 ± 2.7 years (range 36–55 years). Cages of similar dimensions and design, including a threaded, hollow, porous titanium BAK cage and three different BIO cages (BIO cage 1, pure polymer; BIO cage 2, polymer plus hydroxyapatite buffer; BIO cage 3, polymer plus nano-sized hydroxyapatite), produced from the same poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) polymer were tested in a comparative analysis to intact motion segment, interbody implantation of autograft, and a BIO cage augmented with an expandable biodegradable foam-scaffold fashioned from poly(propylene glycol-cofumaric acid). Results. All cages were able to increase stiffness and failure load of the unstable motion segment significantly (P < 0.01). In comparison with the bone graft, the BAK cage (P < 0.01) and BIO cages 1 and 3 (P < 0.05) were able to increase stiffness and failure load. There was no significant difference between BIO cage 2 and the bone graft. Augmentation of BIO cage 1 with the foaming PPF scaffold resulted in higher stiffness and similar failure load as seen with the BAK cage. Conclusion. By comparison, the in vitro lumbar spinal motion segment stiffness and failure load produced by implantation of a biodegradable interbody fusion cage augmented with an expandable PPF scaffold is similar to that of the titanium BAK cage. This suggests that biodegradable anterior interbody fusion systems could be further developed for clinical applications.
Cosmic ménage à trois: the origin of satellite galaxies on extreme orbits

We examine the orbits of satellite galaxies identified in a suite of N-body/gasdynamical simulations of the formation of L* galaxies in a Lambda cold dark matter universe. The numerical resolution of the simulations allows us to track in detail the orbits of the ∼10 brightest satellites around each primary. Most satellites follow conventional orbits; after turning around, they accrete into their host halo and settle on orbits whose apocentric radii are steadily eroded by dynamical friction. As a result, satellites associated with the primary are typically found within its virial radius, r vir , and have velocities consistent with a Gaussian distribution with mild radial anisotropy. However, a number of outliers are also present. We find that a surprising number (about one-third) of satellites identified at z = 0 are on unorthodox orbits, with apocentres that exceed their turnaround radii. These include a number of objects with extreme velocities and apocentric radii at times exceeding ∼3.5 r vir (or, e.g. ≥1 Mpc when scaled to the Milky Way). This population of satellites on extreme orbits consists typically of the faint member of a satellite pair whose kinship is severed by the tidal field of the primary during first approach. Under the right circumstances, the heavier member of the pair remains bound to the primary, whilst the lighter companion is ejected on to a highly energetic orbit. Since the concurrent accretion of multiple satellite systems is a defining feature of hierarchical models of galaxy formation, a fairly robust prediction of this scenario is that at least some of these extreme objects should be present in the Local Group. We speculate that this three-body ejection mechanism may be the origin of (i) some of the newly discovered high-speed satellites around M31 (such as Andromeda XIV); (ii) some of the distant fast-receding Local Group members, such as Leo I and (iii) the oddly isolated dwarf spheroidals Cetus and Tucana in the outskirts of the Local Group. Our results suggest that care must be exercised when using the orbits of the most weakly bound satellites to place constraints on the total mass of the Local Group.
Parametric optimisation of stress relief groove shape in flat ends of boilers

Flat ends of boilers with stress relief grooves have been used for many years. The existing standards set the value for the endplate thickness and admissible range of values for radius of the groove and the minimum thickness of the endplate under the relief groove. However, the codes do not specify the optimal parameters values for the endplate with stress relief groove. In this paper, the authors study the optimal choice of parameters for circular groove, and then propose its shape modification to elliptical, which considerably decreases stress concentration appearing in the zone of the groove. In the next step, the elliptical shape is replaced by the groove modelled by two spline functions, which results in further reduction of stress concentration. Finally, the groove with shape including several spline functions is proposed as an optimal one. In the performed study, the finite element modelling and the simple search method in optimisation procedures are used.
Predicting System Success using the Technology Acceptance Model: A Case Study

Determining what makes an Information System (IS) successful is an ongoing concern for both researchers and practitioners alike. Arriving at an answer to this problem is compounded by the subjective nature of success and therefore trying to make judgements of what is and is not a success is problematic. Despite these difficulties system use has become more accepted as a measure of system success. Following this logic if a system is accepted it will have a higher likelihood of being used and therefore impact positively on success. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is one of the more widely accepted theoretical frameworks that has been used to measure system acceptance. This paper combines the TAM, as the theoretical framework, with case study research to provide a more holistic account of why a specific IS, an online assignment submission system, has become successful. Initial findings suggest that the TAM measures of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are effective predictors of systems success.
Detection of Interstellar Acetone toward the Orion-KL Hot Core

We present the first detection of interstellar acetone [(CH3)2CO] toward the high-mass star-forming region Orion-KL and the first detection of vibrationally excited (CH3)2CO in the interstellar medium (ISM). Using the BIMA array, 28 emission features that can be assigned to 54 acetone transitions were detected. Furthermore, 37 of these transitions have not been previously observed in the ISM. The observations also show that the acetone emission is concentrated toward the hot core region of Orion-KL, contrary to the distribution of other large oxygen-bearing molecules. From our rotational temperature diagram, we find a beam-averaged (CH3)2CO column density of [2.0(0.3)-8.0(1.2)] × 1016 cm-2 and a rotational temperature of 176(48)-194(66) K.
Large induced forests in sparse graphs

For a graph G, let a(G) denote the maximum size of a subset of vertices that induces a forest. Suppose that G is connected with n vertices, e edges, and maximum degree Δ. Our results include: (a) if Δ ≤ 3, and G ≠ K4, then a(G) ≥ n − e/4 − 1/4 and this is sharp for all permissible e ≡ 3 (mod 4); and (b) if Δ ≥ 3, then a(G) ≥ α(G) + (n − α(G))/(Δ − 1)2. Several problems remain open. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 38: 113–123, 2001
Exact and Approximate Algorithms for Finding k-Shortest Paths with Limited Overlap

Shortest path computation is a fundamental problem in road networks with various applications in research and industry. However, returning only the shortest path is often not satisfying. Users might also be interested in alternative paths that are slightly longer but have other desired properties, e.g., less frequent traffic congestion. In this paper, we study alternative routing and, in particular, the k-Shortest Paths with Limited Overlap (k-SPwLO) query, which aims at computing paths that are (a) sufficiently dissimilar to each other, and (b) as short as possible. First, we propose MultiPass, an exact algorithm which traverses the network k−1 times and employs two pruning criteria to reduce the number of paths that have to be examined. To achieve better performance and scalability, we also propose two approximate algorithms that trade accuracy for efficiency. OnePass employs the same pruning criteria as MultiPass, but traverses the network only once. Therefore, some paths might be lost that otherwise would be part of the solution. ESX computes alternative paths by incrementally removing edges from the road network and running shortest path queries on the updated network. An extensive experimental analysis on real road networks shows that: (a) MultiPass outperforms state-of-the-art exact algorithms for computing k-SPwLO queries, (b) OnePass runs significantly faster than MultiPass and its result is close to the exact solution, and (c) ESX is faster than OnePass (though slightly less accurate) and scales for large road networks and large values of k.
Physiological evaluation of the provisional side-branch intervention strategy for bifurcation lesions using fractional flow reserve.

AIMS This study was performed to evaluate the functional outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided jailed side-branch (SB) intervention strategy. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and ten patients treated by provisional strategy were consecutively enrolled and SB FFR was measured in 91 patients. SB intervention was allowed when FFR was <0.75. FFR measurement was repeated after SB intervention and at 6-month follow-up angiography. In 26 of 28 SB lesions with FFR <0.75, balloon angioplasty (SB balloon/artery ratio = 0.84 +/- 0.14) was performed and FFR >or=0.75 was achieved in 92% of the lesions although the mean residual stenosis was 69 +/- 10%. During follow-up, there were no changes in SB FFR in lesions with (0.86 +/- 0.05 to 0.84 +/- 0.01, P = 0.4) and without SB angioplasty (0.87 +/- 0.06 to 0.89 +/- 0.07, P = 0.1). Functional restenosis (FFR <0.75) rate was only 8% (5/65). When clinical outcomes of these patients were compared with 110 patients with similar bifurcation lesions treated without FFR-guidance, there was no difference in 9-month cardiac event rates (4.6 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.7) between the two groups. CONCLUSION In conclusion, FFR-guided SB intervention strategy resulted in good functional outcomes.
Histogenesis of the Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease: An Immunohistochemical Study

The aim of this study was to characterize by immunohistochemistry the histogenesis of cysts in acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD). Thirty renal tissues fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin from 20 cases of ACKD were studied. Vimentin was used to stain the Bowman's capsule epithelium, Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA) and Leu M1 (CD15) for proximal tubules; Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) for distal tubules; epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Arachis hypogea agglutinin (PNA), and Glycine maximum agglutinin (SBA) for distal tubules and collecting ducts; and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-I) and Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) for collecting ducts. A histologically normal kidney, free of cystic disease, was used as a control for all the markers. Most of the cysts showed strong reactivity to LTA and CD15, an immunophenotype more characteristic of proximal tubules.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Children in an Urban Slum of Karachi

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic worldwide and have been described as constituting the greatest single worldwide cause of illness and disease. Poverty, illiteracy, poor hygiene, lack of access to potable water and hot and humid tropical climate are the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The study aimed to estimate prevalence and identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among 1 to 5 years old children residing in an urban slum of Karachi Pakistan. Methods and Principal Findings A cross sectional survey was conducted from February to June 2006 in Ghosia Colony Gulshan Town Karachi, Pakistan. A simple random sample of 350 children aged 1–5 years was collected. The study used structured pre-tested questionnaire, anthropometric tools and stool tests to obtain epidemiological and disease data. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic regression methods. The mean age of participants was 2.8 years and 53% were male. The proportions of wasted, stunted and underweight children were 10.4%, 58.9% and 32.7% respectively. The prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections was estimated to be 52.8% (95% CI: 46.1; 59.4). Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite followed by Ascaris lumbricoides, Blastocystis hominis and Hymenolepis nana. About 43% children were infected with single parasite and 10% with multiple parasites. Age {Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9}, living in rented households (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.0; 3.9) and history of excessive crying (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0; 3.4) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusions Intestinal parasites are highly prevalent in this setting and poverty was implicated as an important risk factor for infection. Effective poverty reduction programmes and promotion of deworming could reduce intestinal parasite carriage. There is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness about health and hygiene.
Inferring transcriptional regulatory networks from high-throughput data

MOTIVATION Inferring the relationships between transcription factors (TFs) and their targets has utmost importance for understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms in cellular systems. However, the transcription factor activities (TFAs) cannot be measured directly by standard microarray experiment owing to various post-translational modifications. In particular, cooperative mechanism and combinatorial control are common in gene regulation, e.g. TFs usually recruit other proteins cooperatively to facilitate transcriptional reaction processes. RESULTS In this article, we propose a novel method for inferring transcriptional regulatory networks (TRN) from gene expression data based on protein transcription complexes and mass action law. With gene expression data and TFAs estimated from transcription complex information, the inference of TRN is formulated as a linear programming (LP) problem which has a globally optimal solution in terms of L(1) norm error. The proposed method not only can easily incorporate ChIP-Chip data as prior knowledge, but also can integrate multiple gene expression datasets from different experiments simultaneously. A unique feature of our method is to take into account protein cooperation in transcription process. We tested our method by using both synthetic data and several experimental datasets in yeast. The extensive results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for predicting transcription regulatory relationships between TFs with co-regulators and target genes.
High Rate of MCR-1–Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among Pigs, Portugal

The mcr-1 (mobile colistin resistance 1) gene, which encodes phosphoethanolamine transferase, has been recently identified as a source of acquired resistance to polymyxins in Escherichia coli. Using the SuperPolymyxin selective medium, we prospectively screened 100 pigs at 2 farms in Portugal for polymyxin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and recovered 98 plasmid-mediated MCR-1–producing isolates. Most isolates corresponded to nonclonally related E. coli belonging to many sequence types; we also found 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence types. The mcr-1 gene was carried on IncHI2 or IncP plasmid backbones. Our finding of a high rate of MCR-1 producers on 2 pig farms in Portugal highlights the diffusion of that colistin-resistance determinant at the farm level. The fact that the pigs received colistin as metaphylaxis in their feed during the 6 weeks before sampling suggests selective pressure.
Role of Multiparameter Analysis of AgNORs in FNA Smears of Thyroid Swellings in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Lesions

Background. The aim of this study is to assess the role of multiparameter analysis of silver (Ag)-stained nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) technique on aspiration smears of thyroid swellings to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. Materials and Methods. Aspiration smears from 166 cases of thyroid swellings were examined. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 61 cases. AgNOR staining was done on FNA smears according to silver-staining protocol proposed by the International Committee for AgNOR quantification. Multiparameter analysis of AgNORs such as mAgNOR, pAgNOR, and AgNOR size grade was done on 50–100 cells under oil immersion lens. Results. AgNOR parameter of benign and malignant thyroid lesions was compared and was found to be statistically significant. Out of 157 satisfactory AgNOR stained cases, 148 (94.3%) were benign lesions and 9 (5.7%) cases were malignant lesions. In AgNOR analysis, sensitivity was found to be 83.33%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 98.21%, and accuracy was 98.36%. Conclusions. AgNOR analysis in the FNA smears is a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid swellings.
Delay in Trade Networks

We study decentralized markets involving producers and consumers that are facilitated by middlemen. We do this by analyzing a noncooperative networked bargaining game. We assume a complete information setup wherein all the agents know the structure of the network, the values of the consumers, and the transaction costs involved but allow for some search friction when either producers or consumers trade with middlemen. In such a setting, we show that sunk cost problems and a heterogeneous network can give rise to delay or failure in negotiation, and therefore reduce the total trade capacity of the network. In the limiting regime of extremely patient agents, we provide a sharp characterization of the trade pattern and the segmentation of these markets.
Drilling of composite laminates with solid and hollow drill point geometries

Drilling is one of the most important method for hole making in composite materials. Drilling of polymer matrix composites causes substantial damage around the drilled hole. Damage free holes can be made using modified drill geometry. The present research investigation focuses on the drill geometry as candidate parameter that influence drilling forces and drilling-induced damage. The four different drill geometries (solid and hollow in shape) are used for drilling in composite materials. The cutting mechanism of these drill geometries is substantially different, and therefore influences the drilling-induced damage. The experimental results suggest a strong relationship between the drill point geometry and the drilling-induced damage.