Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Work and health: A comparison between Norwegian onshore and offshore employees.

OBJECTIVE The effect of work-related variables on self reported health complaints were examined among Norwegian onshore and offshore oil workers. Differences in work and health perceptions were also examined as part of the paper. PARTICIPANTS Employees working onshore and offshore in the maintenance and modification division of a large contractor company took part in the study (N=414, response rate 47.1%). METHODS The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire was distributed to onshore personnel while at work - in cooperation with the personnel safety representative - and sent to the home addresses of the offshore personnel. RESULTS Offshore workers perceived significantly more hazards associated with the work and experienced less control over the work pace compared to onshore workers. Onshore workers experienced significantly more pressure at work and their work tasks as more repetitive. Differences in health perceptions were identified in terms of job type in the onshore and offshore groups respectively. Different work-related factors influenced the self-reported health complaints among onshore and offshore workers. CONCLUSION Workers in different work environments and in different job types encounter different type of threats to employee health, indicating that job type must be taken into account when studying the relationship between work-related factors and employee health.
Clinical Classification of Positional Plagiocephaly

Positional plagiocephaly deformities have increased dramatically in all craniofacial clinics in the United States. There are multiple methods for evaluating the degree of deformity, all of which are expensive, time consuming, and have poor reproducibility. We present a clinical classification of plagiocephaly deformities that we have employed since 1998. The classification allows us to quantitate the degree of deformity in these children at any given time, to reliably determine quantitative changes from evaluation to evaluation. The technique is highly reproducible, cost effective and readily understandable to the family, as well as referring physicians.
The importance of lizards as frugivores and seed dispersers. En Seed Disersal: Theory and its Applications in a Changing World.

Despite the accumulation of a considerable body of literature about frugivory and seed dispersal of fleshy-fruited plants by vertebrates during the last decades (e.g. reviews in Howe and Smallwood, 1982; van der Pijl, 1982; Janzen, 1983; Howe, 1986; Howe and Westley, 1988; Stiles, 1989; Jordano, 2000; Herrera, 2002), and also previous editions of the Frugivores and Seed Dispersal: International Symposium/Workshop series (namely Estrada and Fleming, 1986; Fleming and Estrada, 1993; Levey et al., 2002), the habits of reptiles as frugivorous animals and their role as seed dispersers have rarely been considered. At most, they are regarded as agents of the past (Labandeira, 2002; Tiffney, 2004). Understandably, the literature has been dominated by studies on frugivorous birds, primates, ungulates and bats, which behave as important seed dispersers of vascular plants in many habitats. However, the pulp of fleshy fruits is also an important food resource for tortoises and turtles (MacDonald and Mushinsky, 1988; Milton, 1992; Jerozolimski, 2003) and for herbivorous and omnivorous lizards (Schoener et al., 1982; Dearing and Schall, 1992; Valido et al., 2003). Thus, one might expect that species included in both reptile groups would act as potential seed dispersers, but this has hardly ever been seriously considered. The exceptions are classic studies demonstrating the importance of herbivorous chelonians as seed dispersers (see Beccari, 1877; Borzí, 1911; Ridley, 1930; Rick and Bowman, 1961) and also some more recent publications (e.g. Racine and Downhower, 1974; Hnatiuk, 1978; Rust and Roth, 1981; Cobo and Andreu, 1988; Milton, 1992; Moll and Jansen, 1995; Varela and Bucher, 2002; Liu et al. 2004). In contrast to these animals, the reptile group upon which we focus in this chapter – the lizards (order Squamata: suborder Sauria), including around 4800 species worldwide – have received little attention as modern
X-Band High-Power Microstrip AlGaN/GaN HEMT Amplifier MMICs

This work describes AlGaN/GaN power amplifier MMICs in microstrip line technology on s.i. SiC substrate for X-band frequencies with output power levels well beyond 15 W. A dual-stage design supplies 18 dB of gain at 10 GHz with a pulsed output power of 20 W at VDS= 40 V. Further, a single-stage MMIC with 6 mm gate width provides a P-1dB of 14.5 W and a maximum output power of 22.4 W, also at 10 GHz
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced increase in signalling in hippocampus is abrogated by IL‐10 – a role for IL‐1β?

Parenterally administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases the concentration of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the rat hippocampus and evidence suggests that this effect plays a significant role in inhibiting long‐term potentiation (LTP). The anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, antagonizes certain effects of IL‐1β, so if the effects of LPS are mediated through an increase in IL‐1β, it might be predicted that IL‐10 would also abrogate the effect of LPS. Here, we report that IL‐10 reversed the inhibitory effect of LPS on LTP and the data couple this with an inhibitory effect on the LPS‐induced increase in IL‐1β. LPS treatment increased hippocampal expression of IL‐1 receptor Type I protein. Consistent with the LPS‐induced increases in IL‐1β concentration and receptor expression, were downstream changes which included enhanced phosphorylation of IRAK and the stress‐activated kinases, JNK and p38; these LPS‐induced changes were reversed by IL‐10, which concurs with the idea that these events are triggered by increased activation of IL‐1RI by IL‐1β. We provide evidence which indicates that LPS treatment leads to evidence of cell death and this was reversed in hippocampus prepared from LPS‐treated rats which received IL‐10. The evidence is therefore consistent with the idea that IL‐10 acts to protect neuronal tissue from the detrimental effects induced by LPS.
Impact of utilizing a women-based formula for determining adequacy of the chronotropic response during exercise treadmill testing.

BACKGROUND A women-based formula for calculation of age-predicted maximum heart rate [age-predicted maximum heart rate=206-(0.88×age)] was established in asymptomatic volunteer women undergoing treadmill exercise tolerance testing (ETT). We sought to perform a comparison of the performance of this women-based formula for prediction of peak heart rate to the traditional formula [220-age] and our own database-generated prediction formula in a large database of women undergoing ETT. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive women who underwent symptom-limited Bruce protocol ETT at the Mayo Clinic from 1994 to 2010. Women with known cardiovascular disease or those using beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digitalis were excluded. Separate analyses were performed according to symptomatic status. RESULTS The study included 11,029 women (89.4% Caucasian) with a mean age 52±12 years; 3,632 (33%) were referred specifically for evaluation of symptoms. Age-predicted maximum heart rate calculated by the traditional formula was achieved by 49.7% of women versus 69.9% by the women-based formula with most of the underestimation observed in older women. Average absolute deviation between achieved and predicted peak heart rate (HR) was 10.85±9.18 bpm for traditional versus 11.98±9.00 for women-based formulas (dependent t=-16.64, p<0.0001). The linear regression line calculated from our population [HR=201-(0.67×age)] was closer to the women-based formula, both in terms of intercept and slope than the traditional formula. Peak HR was shown to be slightly affected (-2.5 bpm) by symptom status at referral, whereas smoking and diabetes more significantly reduced achieved peak HR. CONCLUSIONS The women-based formula underestimated peak HR, especially in older women, but was observed to be closer in both intercept and slope to the regression line determined from our study in this large population of female patients. These sex-unique observations should be taken into account when determining adequacy and targets for ETT in women.
Anchorage of Large-Diameter Reinforcing Bars in Ducts

One method of connecting a column to a cap beam in bridge bents is to precast the column with projecting bars, which are then grouted into ducts in the cap beam. Bar-duct systems can be assembled rapidly if a few large bars and ducts are used to connect the column and cap beam. However, the required anchorage lengths for the large bars can exceed the length available. This study evaluates the anchorage requirements for this situation by performing 14 pullout tests on bars with sizes up to No. 18. The tests and a nonlinear finite element model showed that, under conditions similar to those tested, large bars can develop their yield strength in as few as six bar diameters and fracture strengths in as few as 10 bar diameters. In all the tests, failure occurred either by formation of a cone near the grout surface combined with shearing along the confined bar-grout interface or by bar fracture. The specimens did not fail by duct pullout or concrete splitting. Polypropylene fiber reinforcement typically lowered the peak pullout strength of the bar and had mixed impact on the post-peak response.
Msx1 is required for the induction of Patched by Sonic hedgehog in the mammalian tooth germ

We have used the mouse developing tooth germ as a model system to explore the transmission of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signal in the induction of Patched (Ptc). In the early developing molar tooth germ, Shh is expressed in the dental epithelium, and the transcripts of Shh downstream target genes Ptc and Gli1 are expressed in dental epithelium as well as adjacent mesenchymal tissue. The homeobox gene Msx1 is also expressed in the dental mesenchyme of the molar tooth germ at this time. We show here that the expression of Ptc, but not Gli1, was downregulated in the dental mesenchyme of Msx1 mutants. In wild‐type E11.0 molar tooth mesenchyme SHH‐soaked beads induced the expression of Ptc and Gli1. However, in Msx1 mutant dental mesenchyme SHH‐soaked beads were able to induce Gli1 but failed to induce Ptc expression, indicating a requirement for Msx1 in the induction of Ptc by SHH. Moreover, we show that another signaling molecule, BMP4, was able to induce Ptc expression in wild‐type dental mesenchyme, but induced a distinct expression pattern of Ptc in the Msx1 mutant molar mesenchyme. We conclude that in the context of the tooth germ Msx1 is a component of the Shh signaling pathway that leads to Ptc induction. Our results also suggest that the precise pattern of Ptc expression in the prospective tooth‐forming region is controlled and coordinated by at least two inductive signaling pathways. Dev Dyn 1999;215:45–53. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abundant Gene-by-Environment Interactions in Gene Expression Reaction Norms to Copper within Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genetic variation for plastic phenotypes potentially contributes phenotypic variation to populations that can be selected during adaptation to novel ecological contexts. However, the basis and extent of plastic variation that manifests in diverse environments remains elusive. Here, we characterize copper reaction norms for mRNA abundance among five Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to 1) describe population variation across the full range of ecologically relevant copper concentrations, from starvation to toxicity, and 2) to test the hypothesis that plastic networks exhibit increased population variation for gene expression. We find that although the vast majority of the variation is small in magnitude (considerably <2-fold), not just some, but most genes demonstrate variable expression across environments, across genetic backgrounds, or both. Plastically expressed genes included both genes regulated directly by copper-binding transcription factors Mac1 and Ace1 and genes indirectly responding to the downstream metabolic consequences of the copper gradient, particularly genes involved in copper, iron, and sulfur homeostasis. Copper-regulated gene networks exhibited more similar behavior within the population in environments where those networks have a large impact on fitness. Nevertheless, expression variation in genes like Cup1, important to surviving copper stress, was linked with variation in mitotic fitness and in the breadth of differential expression across the genome. By revealing a broader and deeper range of population variation, our results provide further evidence for the interconnectedness of genome-wide mRNA levels, their dependence on environmental context and genetic background, and the abundance of variation in gene expression that can contribute to future evolution.
Defect dynamics in active nematics

Topological defects are distinctive signatures of liquid crystals. They profoundly affect the viscoelastic behaviour of the fluid by constraining the orientational structure in a way that inevitably requires global changes not achievable with any set of local deformations. In active nematic liquid crystals, topological defects not only dictate the global structure of the director, but also act as local sources of motion, behaving as self-propelled particles. In this article, we present a detailed analytical and numerical study of the mechanics of topological defects in active nematic liquid crystals.
Profiling safety of intravitreal injections for retinoblastoma using an anti-reflux procedure and sterilisation of the needle track

Background The preservation of globe integrity has always been a major concern during the treatment of retinoblastoma for fear of extraocular or metastatic spread. Intravitreal chemotherapy has been attempted as a desperate salvage therapy only for eyes with refractory retinoblastoma. Published data on the safety and efficacy of this route are, however, limited. Methods A modified technique of intravitreal injection in eyes with retinoblastoma is described. All children with retinoblastoma who received one or more intravitreal injections using this technique were retrospectively reviewed concerning ocular complications of the injection procedure as well as clinical or histopathological evidence of tumour spread. Results 30 eyes of 30 children with retinoblastoma received a total of 135 intravitreal injections, with a median follw-up duration of 13.5 months. No extraocular spread was seen on clinical follow-up in any patients and there was no tumour contamination of the retrieved entry sites histopathologically analysed among the five enucleated eyes. No significant ocular side effects were observed except transient localised vitreous haemorrhage (3/135). Conclusion This technique is potentially safe and effective at a low cost and may play a promising role, especially in the treatment of recurrent and/or resistant vitreous disease in retinoblastoma, as an alternative to enucleation and/or external beam radiotherapy. However, this treatment should not replace the primary standard of care of retinoblastoma and should not be considered in group E eyes. Its application should be approved by an ophthalmological-oncological team and it should be performed by an experienced eye surgeon in a tertiary referral centre after careful selection of a tumour-free injection site.
Reduction and reconstruction for self-similar dynamical systems

We present a general method for analysing and numerically solving partial differential equations with self-similar solutions. The method employs ideas from symmetry reduction in geometric mechanics, and involves separating the dynamics on the shape space (which determines the overall shape of the solution) from those on the group space (which determines the size and scale of the solution). The method is computationally tractable as well, allowing one to compute self-similar solutions by evolving a dynamical system to a steady state, in a scaled reference frame where the self-similarity has been factored out. More generally, bifurcation techniques can be used to find self-similar solutions, and determine their behaviour as parameters in the equations are varied. The method is given for an arbitrary Lie group, providing equations for the dynamics on the reduced space, for reconstructing the full dynamics and for determining the resulting scaling laws for self-similar solutions. We illustrate the technique with a numerical example, computing self-similar solutions of the Burgers equation.
Neuromuscular Junction Dismantling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Neuromuscular junction assembly and plasticity during embryonic, postnatal, and adult life are tightly regulated by the continuous cross-talk among motor nerve endings, muscle fibers, and glial cells. Altered communications among these components is thought to be responsible for the physiological age-related changes at this synapse and possibly for its destruction in pathological states. Neuromuscular junction dismantling plays a crucial role in the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is characterized by the degeneration and death of motor neurons leading to skeletal muscle denervation, atrophy and, most often, death of the patient within five years from diagnosis. ALS is a non-cell autonomous disease as, besides motor neuron degeneration, glial cells, and possibly muscle fibers, play a role in its onset and progression. Here, we will review the recent literature regarding the mechanisms leading to neuromuscular junction disassembly and muscle denervation focusing on the role of the three players of this peripheral tripartite synapse.
O R I G I N a L a R T I C L E Open Access

Relationship between adult height and body weight and risk of carotid atherosclerosis assessed in terms of carotid intima-media thickness: The Nagasaki Islands study Abstract Background: Previous studies have reported an inverse association between height and risk of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence is limited for the association between risk of atherosclerosis and height. Further, although the association between atherosclerosis and body mass index (BMI) is reportedly positive, there have been no reports of studies on associations between height and atherosclerosis in relation to BMI. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Japanese men aged 30 to 89 years undergoing general health checkups .
Voltage-dependent Gating of Single Wild-Type and S4 Mutant KAT1 Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels

The voltage-dependent gating mechanism of KAT1 inward rectifier potassium channels was studied using single channel current recordings from Xenopus oocytes injected with KAT1 mRNA. The inward rectification properties of KAT1 result from an intrinsic gating mechanism in the KAT1 channel protein, not from pore block by an extrinsic cation species. KAT1 channels activate with hyperpolarizing potentials from −110 through −190 mV with a slow voltage-dependent time course. Transitions before first opening are voltage dependent and account for much of the voltage dependence of activation, while transitions after first opening are only slightly voltage dependent. Using burst analysis, transitions near the open state were analyzed in detail. A kinetic model with multiple closed states before first opening, a single open state, a single closed state after first opening, and a closed-state inactivation pathway accurately describes the single channel and macroscopic data. Two mutations neutralizing charged residues in the S4 region (R177Q and R176L) were introduced, and their effects on single channel gating properties were examined. Both mutations resulted in depolarizing shifts in the steady state conductance–voltage relationship, shortened first latencies to opening, decreased probability of terminating bursts, and increased burst durations. These effects on gating were well described by changes in the rate constants in the kinetic model describing KAT1 channel gating. All transitions before the open state were affected by the mutations, while the transitions after the open state were unaffected, implying that the S4 region contributes to the early steps in gating for KAT1 channels.
A RCT of peer-mentoring for first-time mothers in socially disadvantaged areas (The MOMENTS Study)

Objective Interventions to reduce health inequalities for young children and their mothers are important: involving peers is recommended, but evidence of value for this approach is limited. The authors aimed to examine the effect of an innovative tailored peer-mentoring programme, based on perceived needs, for first-time mothers in socio-economically deprived communities. Design Randomised controlled trial; parallel qualitative study with purposive samples using semistructured interviews. Setting Socio-economically disadvantaged areas, Belfast. Participants Primigravidae, aged 16–30 years, without significant co-morbidity. Intervention Peer-mentoring by a lay-worker fortnightly during pregnancy and monthly for the following year, tailored to participants' wishes (home visits/telephone contacts), additional to usual care. Main outcome measures Infant psychomotor and mental development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II)) at 1 year, assessed by an observer blinded to group allocation. Mothers' health at 1 year postnatal (SF-36). Results Of 534 women invited, 343(64%) participated; 85%, with their children, completed outcome assessments (140 of 172 intervention; 152 of 171 controls). Intervention and control groups did not differ in BSID-II psychomotor (mean difference 1.64, 95% CI −0.94 to 4.21) or mental (−0.81, −2.78 to 1.16) scores, nor SF-36 physical functioning (−5.4, −11.6 to 0.7) or mental health (−1.8, −6.1 to 2.6). Women valued advice given in context of personal experience of child-rearing. Mentors gained health-related knowledge, personal skills and new employment opportunities. Conclusions Despite possible longer-term social advantage, this peer-mentoring programme showed no benefit for infant development or maternal health at 1 year. Further rigorous evaluation of important outcomes of complex interventions promoting health for children in socially disadvantaged communities is warranted. Trial registration no ISRCTN 55055030
Scars of recession: the long-term costs of the Finnish economic crisis

This study evaluates the long-term cost of unemployment in Finland by focusing on the deep recession period of the early 1990s. The number of plant closures increased sharply during the recession and the unemployment rate rose by more than 13 percentage points. In the analysis, prime working-age men who face unemployment due to plant closure are matched to those who remained employed during the recession. The average effect of being unemployed during the recession is estimated for a 6 year follow-up period. After 6 years, there is a 25% annual earnings penalty for being unemployed. Months in employment recover steadily after the recession but are still 10% lower after 6 years. The estimated wage loss is 14%.
A case of ruptured renal cortical arteriovenous malformation of the right testicular vein in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, hemorrhage, and renal failure. Among the various hemorrhagic complications of HFRS, the spontaneous rupture of an arteriovenous malformation of the testicular vessels with a retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare finding. Here, we report a case of HFRS complicated by a massive retroperitoneal hematoma that was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization.