Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection and untreated coeliac disease on gastric histological pattern

Objective. Helicobacter pylori infection is the major agent of gastric damage. Coeliac disease may affect the morphology and function of the entire gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the colon. The aim of this study was to assess the gastric histological pattern in patients with H. pylori and untreated coeliac disease. Material and methods. We retrospectively enrolled 183 H. pylori-positive patients with (85, group A) and without (98, group B) untreated coeliac disease. The groups were similar for age, gender and smoking habit, and all the patients came from the same geographical area. Histological evaluation of gastric pattern was performed on 4 biopsies (2 in the antrum, 2 in the corpus). Gastric damage was classified according to the modified Sydney System. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on positivity to histology. The chi-square test was used to assess differences between groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results. Group A showed a significantly higher prevalence of follicular gastritis than group B (23.5% versus 12.2%, p=0.045). A significantly lower prevalence of atrophic gastritis was observed in group A compared with that in group B (6% versus 22.5%, p=0.002). The prevalence of chronic superficial gastritis, activity degree and intestinal metaplasia was similar between the two groups. Conclusions. In patients with H. pylori infection, untreated coeliac disease could represent a risk factor for follicular gastritis and is associated with a lower prevalence of atrophic gastritis. The complex interaction between H. pylori and untreated coeliac disease on Th-1/Th-2 balance in the gastric mucosa could explain these results.
Effect of Laminate Orientation on the Thermomechanical Fatigue Behavior of a Titanium Matrix Composite

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests were conducted on the silicon carbide fiber and titanium alloy matrix composite, SCS-6/TIMETAL®21S. Three different laminate orientations were considered: [0]4, [0/90]s, and [0/±45/90]s. Both in-phase and out-of-phase stress-controlled tests were conducted under a temperature cycle of 150° to 650°C and a stress ratio of 0.1. The fatigue lives for these different orientations can be consolidated within a factor of 3 by normalizing the maximum applied stress (Smax) by the ultimate tensile strength at the Smax temperature of the TMF cycle. For all laminate orientations, the maximum and minimum strain increase during in-phase cycling, whereas only maximum strain increases during out-of-phase cycling. Damage accumulation under inphase cycling is attributed to a combination of the increasing stress carried by the [0] fibers due to cyclic matrix stress relaxation and the gradual breakage of [0] fibers. The damage during out-of-phase cycling is attributed to matrix cracks which initiate at the surface with the aid of the environment and/or initiate internally at the transverse fibers in [0/90]s and [0/±45/90]s composites. A simple model to compute cyclic strain accumulation based on the proposed mechanisms successfully captures the experimentally observed behavior. TMF life is shown to be sensitive to fiber volume fraction under inphase cycling, but not under out-of-phase cycling. TMF conditions are shown to be more severe than isothermal fatigue.
An experimental approach for studying creep behavior of model planar interfaces

Abstract : An apparatus for measuring the steady state creep behavior of interfaces in aluminum-silicon-aluminum multilayered specimens has been assembled. In the experiment scheme, a double-shear specimen geometry was used to load the interfaces in a state of nominally constant shear. The deformation kinetics for interfacial sliding during constant shear stress creep experiments were measured for various applied interfacial shear Stress levels and temperatures. Interfacial shear strain rates were measured using displacement and capacitance gauges. The planar interfaces between the aluminum and silicon layers were prepared by diffusion bonding. Preliminary results indicate that that interfacial sliding occurs via time-dependent relaxation mechanisms and that there is a threshold stress for interfacial sliding, in agreement with previous work on lead-Quartz and lead- nickel interfaces.
Evidence for protein damage at environmental temperatures: seasonal changes in levels of ubiquitin conjugates and hsp70 in the intertidal mussel Mytilus trossulus

We examined the seasonal variation in environmentally induced protein damage in natural populations of the intertidal mussel Mytilus trossulus. In order to compare the state of protein pools during seasonal variations in environmental temperature, we used solid-phase immunochemical analysis to quantify ubiquitin conjugate concentrations and relative levels of the stress protein hsp70. The two biochemical indices were selected for their cellular roles in irreversible and reversible protein denaturation, respectively. Proteins that are ubiquitinated are irreversibly damaged and are degraded by intracellular proteases; stress proteins act as molecular chaperones to re-fold thermally denatured proteins and, thus, indicate degrees of reversible protein damage. Comparisons involved mussels collected in February and August from two study sites: an intertidal site which subjected animals to a wide range of body temperatures (from approximately 10 to 35 C in summer), and a subtidal site where animals remained submerged throughout the tidal cycle. Our results show that quantities of ubiquitin conjugates and hsp70 were greater in gill tissue from summer-collected mussels than in gills of winter-collected specimens. Ubiquitin conjugate and hsp70 levels were also greater in mussels collected from an intertidal location than in mussels from a submerged population. Our results show that the high summer temperatures normally experienced in the field are sufficient to cause increased denaturation of cellular proteins. Despite increases in the concentrations of heat shock proteins in summer-acclimatized mussels, elevated levels of irreversibly denatured, i.e. ubiquitinated, proteins were still observed, which indicates that the heat shock response may not be able to rescue all heat-damaged proteins. The energy costs associated with replacing heat-damaged proteins and with maintaining the concentrations and activities of heat shock proteins may contribute substantially to cellular energy demands. These increased energy demands may have an impact on the ecological energetic relationships of species, e.g. in the allocations of energy for growth and reproduction, and, as a consequence, may contribute to determining their distribution limits.
The Use of Dexamethasone in Primary Lumbar Disc Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Corticosteroids have been used by many spine surgeons in the postoperative management of lumbar disc surgery patients. The potential side effects of these medications are significant, and yet there is little information available either supporting or contraindicating their use in the postoperative setting. This prospective, randomized double-blind study was designed to assess the effectiveness of the corticosteroid dexamethasone in decreasing postoperative pain and hospital stay after primary lumbar disc surgery. The patients' pain status was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatlvely by a standard pain questionnaire and pain drawing. Each patient's response to the questionnaire and pain drawing, as well as his usage of narcotics and days of postoperative hospitalizatlon, were recorded and analyzed. Dexamethasone was shown to have a significant and selective effect on reducing leg pain postoperatively, while also significantly reducing the usage of injectable narcotics and shortening the postoperative hospital stay.
The effects of the GABA agonist, baclofen, on sleep and breathing.

The gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B agonist, baclofen, is a centrally-acting, anti-spasmodic agent and muscle relaxant used in spinal cord lesions, multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. In a previous pilot study of quadriplegic patients, 75% of whom were treated with baclofen, we found a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing. Because of the depressant effects of GABA on the central nervous system, we hypothesized that baclofen might aggravate sleep-disordered breathing in susceptible individuals by depressing central ventilatory drive, increasing upper airway obstruction and/or increasing the arousal threshold to apnoea. We therefore conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of baclofen 25 mg, administered before sleep in 10 snorers with mild sleep-disordered breathing (respiratory disturbance index < 30 events per sleep hour). Each subject underwent two standard polysomnographic assessments, one week apart. Total sleep time was significantly prolonged by baclofen (placebo 356 +/- 9.9 SEM min; baclofen 386 +/- 9.9 min). Both nonrapid eye movement(REM) and REM sleep duration were increased (nonREM: placebo 295 +/- 6.8 min; baclofen 311 +/- 8.9 min; REM: placebo 61 +/- 7.5 min; baclofen 76 +/- 9.0 min). Time spent awake after sleep onset was reduced after baclofen (placebo 71 +/- 10.3 min; baclofen 51 +/- 9.7 min). There was a slight reduction in mean overnight oxygen saturation (placebo 95.2 +/- 0.5%; baclofen 94.4 +/- 0.7%). The frequency of apnoeas plus hypopnoeas (respiratory disturbance index (RDI)) did not change significantly (placebo 9 +/- 1.8 events.h-1; baclofen 13 +/- 3.4 events.h-1). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coordinated refresh: Energy efficient techniques for DRAM refresh scheduling

As the size and speed of DRAM devices increase, the performance and energy overheads due to refresh become more significant. To reduce refresh penalty we propose techniques referred collectively as “Coordinated Refresh”, in which scheduling of low power modes and refresh commands are coordinated so that most of the required refreshes are issued when the DRAM device is in the deepest low power Self Refresh (SR) mode. Our approach saves DRAM background power because the peripheral circuitry and clocks are turned off in the SR mode. Our proposed solutions improve DRAM energy efficiency by 10% as compared to baseline, averaged across all the SPEC CPU 2006 benchmarks.
Precise BER Formulas for Asynchronous QPSK-Modulated DS-CDMA Systems Using Random Quaternary Spreading Over Rayleigh Channels

Precise bit-error-ratio (BER) analysis of an asynchronous QPSK-modulated direct-sequence code-division multiple-access system using random quaternary spreading sequences for transmission over Rayleigh channels is performed based on the characteristic-function approach. Its accuracy is verified by our numerical simulation results and also compared with those of the Gaussian approximation.
Signs and symptoms of the myofascial pain syndrome: a national survey of pain management providers.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to assess clinical consensus regarding whether myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a legitimate and distinct diagnosis as well as the signs and symptoms characterizing MPS. DESIGN A standardized mailed survey with return postage provided. SUBJECTS A total of 1,663 American Pain Society members in medically related disciplines listed in the 1996/1997 directory. OUTCOME MEASURES A standardized survey assessing clinical opinion regarding whether MPS is a legitimate diagnosis, whether MPS is a clinical entity distinct from fibromyalgia, and the signs and symptoms believed to be "essential to," "associated with," or "irrelevant to" to the diagnosis of MPS. RESULTS Of the 403 surveys returned, 88.5% respondents reported that MPS was a legitimate diagnosis, with 81% describing MPS as distinct from fibromyalgia. The only signs and symptoms described as essential to the diagnosis of MPS by greater than 50% of the sample were regional location, presence of trigger points, and a normal neurologic examination. Regarding the signs and symptoms considered to be essential or associated with MPS, more than 80% of respondents agreed on regional location, trigger points, normal neurologic examination, reduced pain with local anesthetic or "spray and stretch," taut bands, tender points, palpable nodules, muscle ropiness, decreased range of motion, pain exacerbated by stress, and regional pain described as "dull," "achy," or "deep. " Sensory or reflex abnormalities, scar tissue, and most test results were considered to be irrelevant to the diagnosis of MPS by a large proportion of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS There was general agreement across specialties that MPS is a legitimate diagnosis distinct from fibromyalgia. There was a high level of agreement regarding the signs and symptoms essential or associated with a diagnosis of MPS. Differences across specialties are discussed. This survey provides a first step toward the development of consensus-based diagnostic criteria for MPS, which can then be validated empirically.
Thermal Effect of TSVs in 3D Die-Stacked Integrated Circuits

Shorter interconnects and higher integration are among the benefits that 3D die-stacking is expected to bring to future integrated circuits. However, when stacking power-dissipating dies one on top of the other, the total power density increases accordingly. As a result, temperatures in 3DICs are exacerbated. TSVs are regarded as a solution since they are made of copper and have a high thermal conductivity. In this paper, both the global and the local thermal effects of TSVs are evaluated by means of a framework based on FEM. By using a TSV grid covering a whole IC, it is shown that, on a global scale, TSVs make the overall average temperature drop slightly. Furthermore, on a local scale, it is shown that the insertion of TSVs near a hotspot has an effect that not only depends on the density of the TSVs but also on how they are arranged. Our experiments have also revealed that other parameters, such as the thermal conductivity of the material in which the hotspot is located, may influence the cooling efficiency of the TSVs.
Beyond the Mediterranean peninsulas: evidence of central European glacial refugia for a temperate forest mammal species, the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus)

This study details the phylogeographic pattern of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, a European rodent species strongly associated with forest habitat. We used sequences of 1011 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene from 207 bank voles collected in 62 localities spread throughout its distribution area. Our results reveal the presence of three Mediterranean (Spanish, Italian and Balkan) and three continental (western, eastern and ‘Ural’) phylogroups. The endemic Mediterranean phylogroups did not contribute to the postglacial recolonization of much of the Palaearctic range of species. Instead, the major part of this region was apparently recolonized by bank voles that survived in glacial refugia in central Europe. Moreover, our phylogeographic analyses also reveal differentiated populations of bank voles in the Ural mountains and elsewhere, which carry the mitochondrial DNA of another related vole species, the ruddy vole (Clethrionomys rutilus). In conclusion, this study demonstrates a complex phylogeographic history for a forest species in Europe which is sufficiently adaptable that, facing climate change, survives in relict southern and northern habitats. The high level of genetic diversity characterizing vole populations from parts of central Europe also highlights the importance of such regions as a source of intraspecific genetic biodiversity.
Improved model for the adhesion of μcantilevers: theory and experiments

A nonlinear method is proposed to calculate the adhesion energy (strain energy release rate) of stiction-failed μcantilever beams with large deflections. The proposed method uses a nonlinear theory for the deflection of a beam and an energy method for calculating the beam’s strain energy. It is shown that current models used to predict μcantilevers’ profile breakdown when the beam deflection exceeds 27% of the thickness due to the onset of longitudinal stresses in the μcantilevers. Because the present model captures longitudinal stresses in the μcantilevers and consequently their contribution to the strain energy, mode I and mode II contributions to the adhesion energy can be discerned. A set of experiments are performed using the peel test scheme with poly-Si μcantilever stiction failed on a poly-Si substrate. Results processed using the present model indicate that the adhesion energy of the μcantilevers actually increases with increased height of the μcantilever’s base. This increase in the adhesion energy is attributed to the manner of loading that the μcantilevers experience which leads to increased contact area and the concomitant increase of adhesion.
High dose growth hormone exerts an anabolic effect at rest and during exercise in endurance-trained athletes.

The anabolic actions of GH in GH-deficient adults and children are well documented. Replacement with GH in such individuals promotes protein synthesis and reduces irreversible loss of protein through oxidation. Although GH is known to be self-administered by athletes, its protein metabolic effects in this context are unknown. This study was designed to determine whether 4 wk of high dose recombinant human GH (r-hGH) administration altered whole body leucine kinetics in endurance-trained athletes at rest and during and after 30 min of exercise at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake. Eleven endurance-trained male athletes were studied, six randomized to receive r-hGH (0.067 mg/kg.d), and five to receive placebo. Whole body leucine turnover was measured at rest and during and after exercise, using a 5-h primed constant infusion of 1-[(13)C]leucine, from which rates of leucine appearance (an index of protein breakdown), leucine oxidation, and nonoxidative leucine disposal (an index of protein synthesis) were estimated. Under resting conditions, r-hGH administration increased rate of leucine appearance and nonoxidative leucine disposal, and reduced leucine oxidation (P < 0.01). This effect was apparent after 1 wk, and was accentuated after 4 wk, of r-hGH administration (P < 0.05). During and after exercise, GH attenuated the exercise-induced increase in leucine oxidation (P < 0.05). There were no changes observed in placebo-treated subjects compared with the baseline study. We conclude that GH administration to endurance-trained male athletes has a net anabolic effect on whole body protein metabolism at rest and during and after exercise.
A global synthesis of the effects of diversified farming systems on arthropod diversity within fields and across agricultural landscapes

Agricultural intensification is a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, which can reduce the provisioning of ecosystem services in managed ecosystems. Organic farming and plant diversification are farm management schemes that may mitigate potential ecological harm by increasing species richness and boosting related ecosystem services to agroecosystems. What remains unclear is the extent to which farm management schemes affect biodiversity components other than species richness, and whether impacts differ across spatial scales and landscape contexts. Using a global metadataset, we quantified the effects of organic farming and plant diversification on abundance, local diversity (communities within fields), and regional diversity (communities across fields) of arthropod pollinators, predators, herbivores, and detritivores. Both organic farming and higher in‐field plant diversity enhanced arthropod abundance, particularly for rare taxa. This resulted in increased richness but decreased evenness. While these responses were stronger at local relative to regional scales, richness and abundance increased at both scales, and richness on farms embedded in complex relative to simple landscapes. Overall, both organic farming and in‐field plant diversification exerted the strongest effects on pollinators and predators, suggesting these management schemes can facilitate ecosystem service providers without augmenting herbivore (pest) populations. Our results suggest that organic farming and plant diversification promote diverse arthropod metacommunities that may provide temporal and spatial stability of ecosystem service provisioning. Conserving diverse plant and arthropod communities in farming systems therefore requires sustainable practices that operate both within fields and across landscapes.
Imaging Genetic Heterogeneity in Glioblastoma and Other Glial Tumors: Review of Current Methods and Future Directions.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to summarize advances in the molecular analysis of gliomas, the role genetics plays in MRI features, and how machine-learning approaches can be used to survey the tumoral environment. CONCLUSION The genetic profile of gliomas influences the course of treatment and clinical outcomes. Though biopsy is the reference standard for determining tumor genetics, it can suffer diagnostic delays due to surgical planning and pathologic assessment. Radiogenomics may allow rapid, low-risk characterization of genetic heterogeneity.
Comparative formation, distribution, and elimination kinetics of diphenylmethoxyacetic acid (a diphenhydramine metabolite) in maternal and fetal sheep.

Deamination to diphenylmethoxyacetic acid (DPMA) is the major route of diphenhydramine (DPHM) clearance in many species. In this study, we assessed the contribution of this pathway to nonplacental DPHM elimination and disposition of DPMA in maternal and fetal sheep. Paired maternal-fetal experiments were conducted in five chronically catheterized pregnant sheep (124-140 days gestation) with an appropriate washout period in between. Both maternal and fetal dosing experiments involved administration of an i.v bolus of deuterium-labeled DPMA ([2H10]-DPMA) combined with a 6-h infusion of DPHM (or a bolus of unlabeled DPMA with an infusion of deuterium-labeled DPHM). Maternal and fetal arterial plasma and urine samples were collected and analyzed for DPMA, [2H10]-DPMA, DPHM, and deuterium-labeled DPHM concentrations using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The preformed DPMA (or [2H10]-DPMA) had a substantially lower clearance (maternal: 0.55 +/- 0.18 versus 40.9 +/- 14.0 ml/min/kg; fetal: 0.37 +/- 0.11 versus 285. 6 +/- 122.2 ml/min/kg) and steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss, maternal: 0.10 +/- 0.02 versus 2.1 +/- 1.1 l/kg; fetal: 0.40 +/- 0. 06 versus 13.1 +/- 3.1 l/kg) as compared with the parent drug. The contribution of DPMA formation to maternal and fetal DPHM nonplacental clearance in vivo was 1.78 +/- 2.12% and 0.87 +/- 0.56%, respectively, indicating that DPMA formation is not a major route of DPHM clearance in fetal or maternal sheep. The recoveries of DPMA (or [2H10]-DPMA) in maternal urine were 88.0 +/- 6.5 and 92.1 +/- 7. 4% of the administered dose during maternal and fetal dosing experiments, respectively. Thus, this metabolite does not appear to be secondarily metabolized in fetal or maternal sheep. These findings are in contrast to other species (dog, rhesus monkey, human) where DPMA and its conjugates constitute approximately 40 to 60% of the total DPHM metabolites.