Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreas Atrophy and Islet Amyloid Deposition in Patients With Elderly‐Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Context: With prolonged life expectancy, we often encounter patients with elderly‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (eT2DM). Although the clinical features of eT2DM are suggested to be different from those in patients with middle‐age‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (mT2DM), the islet pathologic features in eT2DM have not been addressed. Objective: We attempted to characterize the pancreatic pathology in eT2DM and sought its clinical implications. Materials and Methods: Pancreata from 13 young nondiabetic (age, 20 to 29 years), 27 patients with mT2DM (age, 45 to 87 years), 22 middle‐age subjects without T2DM, 15 subjects with eT2DM (age, 85 to 100 years), and 30 elderly subjects without T2DM were investigated. Together with conventional microscopic observations, morphometric analysis on the islet, islet endocrine cells, and amyloid deposition was conducted on immunostained sections. Results: The estimated age of diabetes onset was 80.8 ± 1.4 years (mean ± standard error) in the eT2DM group and that of the mT2DM group was 48.3 ± 2.4 years. The pancreatic weight was nearly 50% less in the eT2DM group than in the other groups, showing duct obstruction with epithelial hyperplasia, marked acinar atrophy, fibrosis, and amyloid deposition in the islet. The islet mass was significantly reduced in the eT2DM group. The amyloid volume density correlated inversely with the &bgr;‐cell volume density but not with the body mass index in the eT2DM group. Laboratory data showed mild elevation of serum amylase in the eT2DM group, although clinical signs and symptoms of pancreatitis were not apparent. Conclusions: eT2DM is distinct from mT2DM and characterized by pancreas atrophy, ductal lesions, and amyloid deposition.
Personality and Sleep Quality: Evidence From Four Prospective Studies

Objective: The present study examined the longitudinal association between personality traits and sleep quality in 4 samples of middle-aged and older adults. Method: Participants (N > 22,000) were adults aged 30 to 107 years old from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS), the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and the Midlife in Japan Study (MIDJA). Personality and sleep quality were assessed at baseline and again 4 to 10 years later. Results: Scoring lower on neuroticism and higher on extraversion was associated with better sleep quality at baseline and over time, with effect sizes larger than those of demographic factors. Low conscientiousness was associated with a worsening of sleep quality over time. Openness and agreeableness were unrelated to sleep quality. Poor sleep quality at baseline was associated with steeper declines in extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and a smaller decrease in neuroticism over time. Conclusion: Replicable findings across samples support longitudinal associations between personality and sleep quality. This study identified specific personality traits that are associated with poor and worsening sleep quality, and substantiated previous findings that poor sleep quality is associated with detrimental personality trajectories.
Variation and covariation in strongyle infection in East African shorthorn zebu calves

SUMMARY Parasite burden varies widely between individuals within a population, and can covary with multiple aspects of individual phenotype. Here we investigate the sources of variation in faecal strongyle eggs counts, and its association with body weight and a suite of haematological measures, in a cohort of indigenous zebu calves in Western Kenya, using relatedness matrices reconstructed from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. Strongyle egg count was heritable (h 2 = 23·9%, s.e. = 11·8%) and we also found heritability of white blood cell counts (WBC) (h 2 = 27·6%, s.e. = 10·6%). All the traits investigated showed negative phenotypic covariances with strongyle egg count throughout the first year: high worm counts were associated with low values of WBC, red blood cell count, total serum protein and absolute eosinophil count. Furthermore, calf body weight at 1 week old was a significant predictor of strongyle EPG at 16–51 weeks, with smaller calves having a higher strongyle egg count later in life. Our results indicate a genetic basis to strongyle EPG in this population, and also reveal consistently strong negative associations between strongyle infection and other important aspects of the multivariate phenotype.
Obesity and synergistic risk factors for chronic kidney disease in African American adults: the Jackson Heart Study

Background African Americans are at high risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Obesity may increase the risk for CKD by exacerbating features of the metabolic syndrome and promoting glomerular hyperfiltration. Whether other factors also affecting these pathways may amplify or mitigate obesity-CKD associations has not been investigated. Methods We studied interactions between obesity and these candidate factors in 2043 African Americans without baseline kidney disease enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study. We quantified obesity as body mass index (BMI), sex-normalized waist circumference and visceral adipose volume measured by abdominal computed tomography at an interim study visit. Interactions were hypothesized with (i) metabolic risk factors (dietary quality and physical activity, both quantified by concordance with American Heart Association guidelines) and (ii) factors exacerbating or mitigating hyperfiltration (dietary protein intake, APOL1 risk status and use of renin-angiotensin system blocking medications). Using multivariable regression, we evaluated associations between obesity measures and incident CKD over the follow-up period, as well as interactions with metabolic and hyperfiltration factors. Results Assessed after a median of 8 years (range 6-11 years), baseline BMI and waist circumference were not associated with incident CKD. Higher visceral adipose volume was independently associated with incident CKD (P = 0.008) in a nonlinear fashion, but this effect was limited to those with lower dietary quality (P = 0.001; P-interaction = 0.04). In additional interaction models, higher waist circumference was associated with greater risk of incident CKD among those with the low-risk APOL1 genotype (P = 0.04) but not those with a high-risk genotype (P-interaction = 0.02). Other proposed factors did not modify obesity-CKD associations. Conclusions. Higher risks associated with metabolically active visceral adipose volume and interactions with dietary quality suggest that metabolic factors may be key determinants of obesity-associated CKD risk. Interactions between obesity and APOL1 genotype should be considered in studies of African Americans.
Cognitive and Physical Function in Relation to the Risk of Injurious Falls in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study

Background We aimed to quantify the independent effect of cognitive and physical deficits on the risk of injurious falls, to verify whether this risk is modified by global cognitive impairment, and to explore whether risk varies by follow-up time. Methods Data on 2,495 participants (≥60 years) from the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) study were analyzed using flexible parametric survival models. Two cognitive domains (processing speed and executive function) were assessed with standard tests. Physical function tests included balance (one-leg-stands), walking speed, chair stands, and grip strength. Global cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results A total of 167 people experienced an injurious fall over 3 years of follow-up, 310 over 5 years, and 571 over 10 years. Each standard deviation worse balance, slower walking speed, and longer chair stand time increased the risk of injurious falls over 3 years by 43%, 38%, and 23%, respectively (p < .05). Each standard deviation worse processing speed and executive function was significantly associated with 10% increased risk of injurious falls over 10 years (p < .05). In stratified analyses, deficits in physical functioning were associated with injurious falls only in people with cognitive impairment, whereas deficits in processing speed and executive function were associated with injurious falls only in people without cognitive impairment. Conclusions Deficits in specific cognitive domains, such as processing speed and executive function, appear to predict injurious falls in the long term. Deficits in physical function predict falls in the short term, especially in people with global cognitive impairment.
GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE AND FREE-RANGING BIRDS AND POTENTIAL CROSS-TRANSMISSION IN A ZOO ENVIRONMENT

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are commonly reported in wild birds, but transmission amongst avifauna in zoological settings, and between these captive birds and wild birds in surrounding areas, remains poorly understood. A survey was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-ranging birds at Bristol Zoo Gardens between May and July 2016. A total of 348 fecal samples from 32 avian species were examined using the Mini-FLOTAC flotation method. Parasites were detected in 31% (45/145) of samples from captive birds and in 65.5% (133/203) of samples from free-ranging birds. Parasites of captive individuals included ascarids (Heterakis spp. and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles, a trematode, and protozoans (Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Caryospora sp., and Entamoeba spp.). Parasites of free-ranging birds included ascarids (Ascaridia spp., Porrocaecum spp., and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles (Syngamus spp. and other morphotypes), cestodes (Choanotaenia spp., Hymenolepis spp., and other morphotypes), a trematode, and protozoans (Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Entamoeba spp.). Similar types of parasites were detected in captive and free-ranging birds, but capillarid ova morphology was similar only between closely related species, eg in corvids (captive azure-winged magpies [Cyanipica cyana] and wild jackdaws [Corvus monedula]) and between wild columbids (collared doves [Streptopelia decaocto], rock doves [Columba livia], and wood pigeons [Columba palumbus]). The prevalence and intensity of nematodes and coccidia in birds housed outdoors did not differ statistically from species housed indoors. Results indicate that captive and free-ranging birds may share parasites when closely related, but this would need to be confirmed by the study of adult specimens and molecular tests. Determining which parasites are present in captive and free-ranging species in zoological parks will support the establishment of effective husbandry practices to maintain the health status of managed species.
Accurate determination of screw position in treating fifth metatarsal base fractures to shorten radiation exposure time.

INTRODUCTION Anatomical markers can help to guide lag screw placement during surgery for internal fixation of fifth metatarsal base fractures. This study aimed to identify the optimal anatomical markers and thus reduce radiation exposure. METHODS A total of 50 patients in Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, China, who underwent oblique foot radiography in the lateral position were randomly selected. The angles between the fifth metatarsal axis and cuboid articular surface were measured to determine the optimal lag screw placement relative to anatomical markers. RESULTS The line connecting the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal base with the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint intersected with the fifth metatarsal base fracture line at an angle of 86.85° ± 5.44°. The line connecting the fifth metatarsal base styloid with the third and fourth MTP joints intersected with the fracture line at angles of 93.28° ± 5.24° and 100.95° ± 5.00°, respectively. The proximal articular surface of the fifth metatarsal base intersected with the line connecting the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal base with the second, third and fourth MTP joints at angles of 24.02° ± 4.77°, 30.79° ± 4.53° and 38.08° ± 4.54°, respectively. CONCLUSION The fifth metatarsal base styloid and third MTP joint can be used as anatomical markers for lag screw placement in fractures involving the fifth tarsometatarsal joint. The connection line, which is normally perpendicular to the fracture line, provides sufficient mechanical stability to facilitate accurate screw placement. The use of these anatomical markers could help to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure for patients and medical staff.
A Low-power Low-cost Optical Router for Optical Networks-on-Chip in Multiprocessor Systems-on-Chip

Networks-on-chip (NoCs) can improve the communication bandwidth and power efficiency of multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoC). However, traditional metallic interconnects consume significant amount of power to deliver even higher communication bandwidth required in the near future. Optical NoCs are based on optical interconnects and optical routers, and have significant bandwidth and power advantages. This paper proposed a high-performance low-power low-cost optical router, Cygnus, for optical NoCs. Cygnus is non-blocking and based on silicon microresonators. We compared Cygnus with other microresonator-based routers, and analyzed their power consumption, optical power insertion loss, and the number of microresonators used in detail. The results show that Cygnus has the lowest power consumption and losses, and requires the lowest number of microresonators. For example, Cygnus has 50% less power consumption, 51% less optical power insertion loss, and 20% less microresonators than the optimized traditional optical crossbar router. Comparing to a high-performance 45nm electronic router, Cygnus consumes 96% less power. Moreover, the passive routing feature of Cygnus guarantees that, while using dimension order routing algorithm, the maximum power consumption to route a packet through a network is a small constant number, regardless of the network size. For example, the maximum power consumption is 4.80fJ/bit under current technologies. We simulated and analyzed an 8x8 2D mesh NoC built from Cygnus and showed the end-to-end delay and network throughput under different offered loads and packet sizes.
The Advantage of Doubling: A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach to Studying the Double Team in the NBA

During the 2017 NBA playoffs, Celtics coach Brad Stevens was faced with a difficult decision when defending against the Cavaliers: "Do you double and risk giving up easy shots, or stay at home and do the best you can? " It's a tough call, but finding a good defensive strategy that effectively incorporates doubling can make all the difference in the NBA. In this paper, we analyze double teaming in the NBA, quantifying the trade-off between risk and reward. Using player trajectory data pertaining to over 643,000 possessions, we identified when the ball handler was double teamed. Given these data and the corresponding outcome (i.e., was the defense successful), we used deep reinforcement learning to estimate the quality of the defensive actions. We present qualitative and quantitative results summarizing our learned defensive strategy for defending. We show that our policy value estimates are predictive of points per possession and win percentage. Overall, the proposed framework represents a step toward a more comprehensive understanding of defensive strategies in the NBA.
Increasing Trajectories of Multimorbidity Over Time: Birth Cohort Differences and the Role of Changes in Obesity and Income

Objectives Chronic conditions and multimorbidity are increasing worldwide. Yet, understanding longitudinal changes in multimorbidity over the lifecourse is limited. We compared the age-trajectory of multimorbidity by birth cohort and examined effects of socio-demographic (e.g., sex, income) and behavioral risk (e.g., obesity) factors in multimorbidity. Methods Using data from the Canadian Longitudinal National Population Health Survey (1994-2010), we examined 10,186 participants born 1925-1974 grouped in 5 birth cohorts. Data on the number of chronic conditions (up to 17), income, education, and behavioral risk factors were collected biannually. We used multilevel logistic growth modeling techniques for analyses of multimorbidity defined as the presence of 2+ chronic conditions versus 1 or none. Results We found significant cohort differences in the age-trajectory of multimorbidity: at corresponding ages, each succeeding recent cohort had higher odds of reporting multimorbidity than their predecessors. Access to healthcare did not fully explain these differences. Women, having lower income, being obese, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle had increased odds of reporting multimorbidity. Obese individuals, particularly Gen Xers and younger boomers, reported multimorbidity at an earlier age than those of normal weight. We observed divergent trajectories of greater multimorbidity for lower than higher income individuals. Furthermore, after accounting for age and risk factors there was an apparent increase in reporting multimorbidity over time (period effect) across all ages. Discussion Our findings indicate that multimorbidity is not only becoming the norm, but is emerging earlier in the lifecourse and particularly for low income and obese individuals from more recent cohorts. The findings point to the importance of planning interventions and policies to deal with more recent birth cohorts entering into older age with worse health than their predecessors.
Immunochemical Technology for Environmental Applications

Inevitably, reading is one of the requirements to be undergone. To improve the performance and quality, someone needs to have something new every day. It will suggest you to have more inspirations, then. However, the needs of inspirations will make you searching for some sources. Even from the other people experience, internet, and many books. Books and internet are the recommended media to help you improving your quality and performance.
Glutamine Administration After Sublethal Lower Limb Ischemia Reduces Inflammatory Reaction and Offers Organ Protection in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND This study investigated the effects of intravenous glutamine (GLN) administration on the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators in a mice model of hind limb ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS There were 3 IR groups and 1 normal control (NC) group. The NC group did not undergo the IR procedure. Mice in the IR groups underwent 90 minutes of limb ischemia followed by a variable period of reperfusion. Ischemia was performed by applying a 4.5-oz orthodontic rubber band to the left thigh. Mice in one IR group were sacrificed immediately after reperfusion. The other 2 IR groups were injected once with either 0.75 g GLN/kg body weight (G group) or an equal volume of saline (S group) via tail vein before reperfusion. Mice in the S and G groups were subdivided and sacrificed at 4 or 24 hours after reperfusion. RESULTS IR enhanced the inflammatory cytokine gene expressions in muscle. Also, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels, blood neutrophil percentage, and the adhesion molecule and chemokine receptors expressed by leukocytes were upregulated after reperfusion. The IR-induced muscle inflammatory mediator gene expressions, blood macrophage percentage, and plasma IL-6 concentration had declined at an early or a late phase of reperfusion when GLN was administered. Histologic findings also found that remote lung injury was attenuated during IR insult. CONCLUSIONS A single dose of GLN administration immediately after sublethal lower limb ischemia reduces the inflammatory reaction locally and systemically; this may offer local and distant organ protection in hind limb IR injury.
Mexican-Hat-Like Response in a Flexible Tactile Sensor Using a Magnetorheological Elastomer

A significant challenge in robotics is providing a sense of touch to robots. Even though several types of flexible tactile sensors have been proposed, they still have various technical issues such as a large amount of deformation that fractures the sensing elements, a poor maintainability and a deterioration in the sensitivity caused by the presence of a thick and soft covering. As one solution for these issues, we proposed a flexible tactile sensor composed of a magnet, magnetic transducer and dual-layer elastomer, which consists of a magnetorheological and nonmagnetic elastomer sheet. In this study, we first investigated the sensitivity of the sensor, which was found to be high (approximately 161 mV/N with a signal-to-noise ratio of 42.2 dB); however, the sensor has a speed-dependent hysteresis in its sensor response curve. Then, we investigated the spatial response and observed the following results: (1) the sensor response was a distorted Mexican-hat-like bipolar shape, namely a negative response area was observed around the positive response area; (2) the negative response area disappeared when we used a compressible sponge sheet instead of the incompressible nonmagnetic elastomer. We concluded that the characteristic negative response in the Mexican-hat-like response is derived from the incompressibility of the nonmagnetic elastomer.
Nanodiamond: A New Tool for Artificial Pinning Center Introduction in YBCO Films Obtained Through Chemical Solution Deposition

The ex situ chemical solution deposition route for YBa2Cu3O ${}_{\text{7-}\Delta}$ (YBCO) epitaxial nanocomposite films’ growth is one of the most promising approaches for low-cost and large-scale production of coated conductors for high magnetic field applications. A key advantage of this method is that the nanoparticle (NP) dimension, concentration, and composition can be finely controlled and defined before the deposition process. However, in order to scale up the ex situ process, important and challenging problems remain to be solved, because NPs coalescence, precipitation, and reactivity can cause film-quality degradation. With the aim of overcoming these issues, the possibility of improving YBCO properties by the use of nanodiamond (ND) as artificial pinning center (APC) has been investigated. ND and, in general, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBN) are certainly among the most promising materials developed in the recent years due to their unique mechanical and electronic properties. Among the many proposed applications for CBN, their use in the field of high critical temperature superconductors has not still been fully developed, despite the undoubted advantages in terms of stability and size control of NP. In the present work, the effect of ND addition to YBCO precursor solution on structural and morphological film properties has been estimated and preliminary results have been used to understand if ND can be considered a reliable new tool for APC introduction.