Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The three years results of tension free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in Thai women.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the three years result of TVT procedure in Thai women with genuine stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIAL AND METHOD Sixty three women, aged 35 - 71 years attending the gynecology clinic at King Chulalongkorn Hospital from February 2000 to May 2001 were recruited in the present study. Pre-operative evaluation included history taking and physical examination. All had stress urinary incontinence urodynamically confirmed genuine stress urinary incontinence and were treated with TVT Follow up at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months were scheduled after surgery. RESULTS The mean +/- SD of operative time for TVT was 32.3 +/- 10.0 min the mean +/- SD of hospitalization was 1.8 +/- 2.0 days. Two patients had bladder perforations by the trocar without severe bleeding and needed no reparation. No healing defect or rejection of the prolene mesh was found. The cure rate and improved rate were 95.2% and 4.8% respectively (60 from 63 cases) at 3 years follow up. CONCLUSION The three years results revealed that TVT was effective and safe in the treatment of SUI in Thai women.
Analytical and numerical computations of heat transfer in pulsed thermography applied to porous CFRP

In this paper we show a detailed verification of an analytical thermal diffusivity model using finite element simulations. The real pore morphology for the simulation models are obtained by computed tomography measurements. The heat transfer by conduction is simulated in transient analyses. The thermal diffusivity values are calculated from the temperature field on the front (reflection mode) and on the back sides (transmission mode). Investigations show that the analytical model correlates well with the thermal diffusivity values calculated in transmission mode. Furthermore, the simulations show a discrepancy in the reflection mode measurements due to the stronger influence of the pore morphology. These findings are similar to those seen in pulsed thermography experiments. In conclusion, the analytical thermal diffusivity model allows a precise quantification of porosity in carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures using transmission mode measurements.
Neuromuscular block after intra-arterially injected acetylcholine

It has been suggested that the effect of ACTH in myasthenia gravis may be ascribed to an action involving neuromuscular transmission which favours repolarization processes, with a tendency towards hyperpolarization of the membranes of muscle fibres and motor nerve endings. A similar mechanism has been postulated for the action of ACTH in epilepsy (Klein, 1970). A direct or indirect action on nerve membrane would interfere with depolarization. There is evidence of raised concentration of intracellular potassium and increased outflow of sodium ions which would cause hyperpolarization of the membrane. This paper studies the effect of ACTH on the late block of neuromuscular transmission caused by acetylcholine (ACTH).
On the Impact of Dynamic Memory Management on Software Transactional Memory Performance

Although dynamic memory management accounts for a significant part of the execution time on many modern software systems, its impact on the performance of transactional memory systems has been mostly overlooked. In order to shed some light into this subject, this paper reports our first attempt at evaluating the effects of memory allocators on the performance of transactional applications. In general, our results indicate a strong influence of the allocators on the overall performance. In particular, we observed differences ranging from 4% to 171% in the STAMP applications. Our results point to the importance of reporting the allocator utilized in the performance evaluation of transactional memory systems, as the conclusions might change from one allocator to another.
Social learning among Congo Basin hunter–gatherers

This paper explores childhood social learning among Aka and Bofi hunter–gatherers in Central Africa. Existing literature suggests that hunter–gatherer social learning is primarily vertical (parent-to-child) and that teaching is rare. We use behavioural observations, open-ended and semi-structured interviews, and informal and anecdotal observations to examine the modes (e.g. vertical versus horizontal/oblique) and processes (e.g. teaching versus observation and imitation) of cultural transmission. Cultural and demographic contexts of social learning associated with the modes and processes of cultural transmission are described. Hunter–gatherer social learning occurred early, was relatively rapid, primarily vertical under age 5 and oblique and horizontal between the ages of 6 and 12. Pedagogy and other forms of teaching existed as early as 12 months of age, but were relatively infrequent by comparison to other processes of social learning such as observation and imitation.
Resting‐state functional connectivity of the striatum in early‐stage Parkinson's disease: Cognitive decline and motor symptomatology

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by changes to dopaminergic function in the striatum and a range of cognitive and motor deficits. Neuroimaging studies have repeatedly shown differences in activation and functional connectivity patterns of the striatum between symptomatic individuals with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls. However, the presence and severity of cognitive and motor symptoms seem to differ dramatically among individuals with Parkinson's disease at the early‐stages. To investigate the neural basis of such heterogeneity, we examined the resting state functional connectivity patterns of caudate and putamen subdivisions in relation to cognitive and motor impairments among 62 early‐stage individuals with Parkinson's disease (21 females, 23 drug naive, ages 39–77 years, average UPDRS motor scores off medication = 18.56, average H&Y stage = 1.66). We also explored how changes in striatal connectivity relate to changes in symptomatology over a year. There are two main findings. First, higher motor deficit rating was associated with weaker coupling between anterior putamen and midbrain including substantia nigra. Intriguingly, steeper declines in functional connectivity between these regions were associated with greater declines in motor function over the course of 1 year. Second, decline in cognitive function, particularly in the memory and visuospatial domains, was associated with stronger coupling between the dorsal caudate and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. These findings remained significant after controlling for age, medication, gender, and education. In sum, our findings suggest that cognitive decline and motor deficit are each associated with a differentiable pattern of functional connectivity of striatal subregions. Hum Brain Mapp 37:648–662, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scaling and root planing treatment for periodontitis to reduce preterm birth and low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) in reducing the preterm-birth and low-birth-weight risks to analyze important subgroups and to further explore heterogeneity and bias risks in the pooled studies. METHODS The entire Cochrane Library was searched (from 1990 to September 2011), MEDLINE (from 1950 to September 2011), CINAHL (from 1980 to September 2011), University of Michigan School of Dentistry "Dentistry and Oral Sciences" database (from 1990 to September 2011), conference proceedings, and the ClinicalTrials.gov database. Authors were contacted when clarification was needed. Selection criteria included the following: 1) RCTs that reported preterm-birth risk (<37 weeks) outcomes, 2) compared SRP treatment to either placebo or no treatment in pregnant patients with periodontitis, and 3) had a probing depth >4 mm or clinical attachment loss >2 mm for ≥ 1 site. Reviewers independently extracted data from each included study using a standardized, piloted form and assessed quality using a risk-of-bias tool modeled after Cochrane, and discrepancies were resolved. A random-effects model was used to calculate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled data. For subgroup analysis with heterogeneity <50%, a fixed-effects model was used. RESULTS After abstract review, 12 studies were identified by the search, and 11 were included in the main meta-analysis (preterm birth <37 weeks). Overall quality and design of included studies was fair or good. For the main meta-analysis, results ranged from risk ratio with periodontal treatment 0.14 (95% CI = 0.01, 2.55) to 1.24 (95% CI = 0.93, 1.67) for an overall risk ratio of 0.81 (95% CI = 0.64, 1.02). When analyzed separately by subgroup for excess prematurity risk, the high-risk group (overall prematurity of 22.2% to 62.8%) showed combined risk ratios of 0.66 (95% CI = 0.54, 0.80). Remaining studies (overall prematurity of 4.0% to 10.4%) showed combined risk ratio of 0.97 (95% CI = 0.75, 1.24). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates statistically significant effect in reducing risk of preterm birth for SRP in pregnant women with periodontitis for groups with high risks of preterm birth only. Future research should attempt to confirm these findings and further define groups in which risk reduction may be effective.
Experimental Results for H2 Formation from H− and H and Implications for First Star Formation

Early Rising Hydrogen Formation of molecular hydrogen through electron-expelling collisions of H atoms and H− anions is regarded as a key step in the cooling process that led to assembly of the first stars in the early universe. Kreckel et al. (p. 69; see the Perspective by Bromm) performed highly precise laboratory measurements of the rate of this reaction at a range of different energies. The study required construction of a dedicated apparatus to carefully tune the relative velocity of merged atom and ion beams. The data validated prior theoretically calculated reaction cross sections, which were then extended for use in cosmological models. Precise measurements of molecular hydrogen formation rates help improve models of star assembly in the early universe. During the epoch of first star formation, molecular hydrogen (H2) generated via associative detachment (AD) of H− and H is believed to have been the main coolant of primordial gas for temperatures below 104 kelvin. The uncertainty in the cross section for this reaction has limited our understanding of protogalaxy formation during this epoch and of the characteristic masses and cooling times for the first stars. We report precise energy-resolved measurements of the AD reaction, made with the use of a specially constructed merged-beams apparatus. Our results agreed well with the most recent theoretically calculated cross section, which we then used in cosmological simulations to demonstrate how the reduced AD uncertainty improves constraints of the predicted masses for Population III stars.
Only One Splice Variant of the Human TAZ Gene Encodes a Functional Protein with a Role in Cardiolipin Metabolism*

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TAZ gene and is characterized by cardiomyopathy, short stature, neutropenia, and 3-methylglutaconic aciduria. Recently it was found that BTHS patients exhibit a profound cardiolipin deficiency although the biosynthetic capacity to synthesize this lipid from its precursor phosphatidylglycerol is entirely normal. Like BTHS patients, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, in which the yeast orthologue of the human TAZ gene has been disrupted, exhibits an abnormal cardiolipin profile as determined by tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, this yeast strain grows poorly on non-fermentable carbon sources. We have used both properties of this yeast disruptant as a read-out system to test the physiological functionality of each of 12 different splice variants that have been reported for the human TAZ gene. Our results demonstrate that only the splice variant lacking exon 5 was able to complement the retarded growth of the yeast disruptant on selective plates and restore the cardiolipin profile to the wild type pattern. We conclude that this splice variant most likely represents the only physiologically important mRNA, at least with regard to cardiolipin metabolism.
Computer Science Education in Secondary Schools -- The Introduction of a New Compulsory Subject

In 2004 the German state of Bavaria introduced a new compulsory subject of computer science (CS) in its grammar schools (Gymnasium). The subject is based on a comprehensive teaching concept that was developed by the author and his colleagues during the years 1995--2000. It comprises mandatory courses in grades 6/7 for all students of grammar schools and in grade 9/10 for the students of the science and technology track of this school type. In grades 11 and 12 there are elective courses that qualify for an optional graduation exam in CS. The first students that have attended the course in total graduated in 2011. This article describes the whole project in the form of an extensive case study that is guided by the Darmstadt Model, which was developed as a category system for computer science education in secondary schools by a working group at ITiCSE 2011. This case study is the first (nearly) all-embracing discussion of the whole project that describes the long way from the original concept to the first graduates as well as the internal structure of the subject and the first results.
Suppression of Ca 2 + syntillas increases spontaneous exocytosis in mouse adrenal chromaffin cells

Since the work of Katz, Douglas, and their collaborators almost half a century ago (Katz, 1969), a central concept in the physiology of neurosecretion is that a rise in cytosolic [Ca], resulting from Ca influx, triggers exocytosis. More recently it has become clear that the rise in [Ca] occurs in a microdomain within the vicinity (i.e., at a distance of 200–300 nm in chromaffin cells) of plasmalemmal Ca channels (García et al., 2006; Neher and Sakaba, 2008). This finding raises the possibility of other microdomains where a rise in focal [Ca] might mediate other processes, allowing Ca to subserve several functions without cross talk. This possibility receives further support from the study of Ca sparks in smooth muscle cells. Ca sparks are focal Ca transients found in striated and smooth muscle and mediated by RYRs (Cheng and Lederer, 2008). In striated muscle, they are the quanta or building blocks that make up a global increase in [Ca] to trigger contraction (Csernoch, 2007). However, in smooth muscle, Ca sparks have quite a different function. They activate large conductance Ca-activated K channels (BK channels) located within 150–300 nm of the spark site (ZhuGe et al., 2002); the resulting K efflux and hyperpolarization deactivates
Metal Ion Concentrations in Body Fluids after Implantation of Hip Replacements with Metal-on-Metal Bearing – Systematic Review of Clinical and Epidemiological Studies

Introduction The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) increased in the last decades. A release of metal products (i.e. particles, ions, metallo-organic compounds) in these implants may cause local and/or systemic adverse reactions. Metal ion concentrations in body fluids are surrogate measures of metal exposure. Objective To systematically summarize and critically appraise published studies concerning metal ion concentrations after MoM THA. Methods Systematic review of clinical trials (RCTs) and epidemiological studies with assessment of metal ion levels (cobalt, chromium, titanium, nickel, molybdenum) in body fluids after implantation of metalliferous hip replacements. Systematic search in PubMed and Embase in January 2012 supplemented by hand search. Standardized abstraction of pre- and postoperative metal ion concentrations stratified by type of bearing (primary explanatory factor), patient characteristics as well as study quality characteristics (secondary explanatory factors). Results Overall, 104 studies (11 RCTs, 93 epidemiological studies) totaling 9.957 patients with measurement of metal ions in body fluids were identified and analyzed. Consistently, median metal ion concentrations were persistently elevated after implantation of MoM-bearings in all investigated mediums (whole blood, serum, plasma, erythrocytes, urine) irrespective of patient characteristics and study characteristics. In several studies very high serum cobalt concentrations above 50 µg/L were measured (detection limit typically 0.3 µg/L). Highest metal ion concentrations were observed after treatment with stemmed large-head MoM-implants and hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Discussion Due to the risk of local and systemic accumulation of metallic products after treatment with MoM-bearing, risk and benefits should be carefully balanced preoperatively. The authors support a proposed „time out“ for stemmed large-head MoM-THA and recommend a restricted indication for hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Patients with implanted MoM-bearing should receive regular and standardized monitoring of metal ion concentrations. Further research is indicated especially with regard to potential systemic reactions due to accumulation of metal products.
The Value of Medical History and Physical Examination in Diagnosing Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Study Design This prospective study evaluated the diagnostic utility of historically accepted sacroiliac joint tests. A multidisciplinary expert panel recommended 12 of the “best” sacroiliac joint tests to be evaluated against a criterion standard of unequivocal pain relief after an intra‐articular injection of local anesthetic into the sacroiliac joint. Objectives To identify a single sacroiliac joint test or ensemble of tests that are sufficiently useful in diagnosing sacroiliac joint disorders to be clinically valuable. Summary of Background Data No previous research has been done to evaluate any physical test of sacroiliac joint pain against an accepted criterion standard. Methods Historical data was obtained, and the 12 tests were performed by two examiners on 85 patients who subsequently underwent sacroiliac joint blocks. Ninety percent or more relief was considered a positive response, and less then 90% relief was considered a negative response. Results There were 45 positive and 40 negative responses. No historical feature, none of the 12 sacroiliac joint tests, and no ensemble of these 12 tests demonstrated worthwhile diagnostic value. Conclusion Sacroiliac joint pain is resistant to identification by the historical and physical examination data from tests evaluated in this study.
Detection of several serum factors in neonatal gonococcal conjunctivitis and its clinical significance

Objective: To investigate the changes of the levels of serum inflammatory factors, high sensitivity CReactive Protein (hs-CRP) and complement Component 3 (C3) and Component 4 (C4) in neonates with Neonatal Gonococcal Conjunctivitis (NGC), and to explore the clinical significance. Methods: Thirty-two neonates with NGC including 14 boys and 18 girls (3 d to 6 d old) were selected in the Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University to serve as experimental group, at the same time 32 healthy neonates (16 boys and 16 girls) with the same age distribution were also selected to serve as control group. There were no significant differences in age, gender and other basic information between two groups. Venous blood (2 ml) was extracted from all neonates with NGC and healthy neonates before and 3 d after the beginning of treatment, and on the day of discharge to prepare serum sample. Levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, C3 and C4 were detected by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Before treatment, levels of serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, C3 and C4 in neonates with NGC were significantly higher than those in healthy neonates. With the progress of treatment, levels of hs- CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, C3 and C4 were gradually reduced to reach normal level. Correlation analysis showed that levels of serum IL-6, C3 and C4 were positively correlated with the serum levels of hs-CRP. Conclusion: Levels of serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, C3 and C4 were closely correlated with the development of NGC, and the detection of those factors can provide valuable information for the treatment of NGC.
Postinjury thromboprophylaxis

Purpose of reviewIn trauma patients, pulmonary embolism occurs in up to 4% of cases and carries a mortality of 20–50%. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) varies from 5 to 63% depending on patients' risk factors, modality of prophylaxis, and methods of detection. For these reasons, trauma patients require adequate DVT prophylaxis. Recent findingsSpinal fracture or cord injury patients are at particular risk. Increasing injury severity, head injury, older age, lower limb injuries, and obesity are other risk factors. The current standard of care for DVT prophylaxis is enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin) as long as anticoagulation is not contraindicated. Unfractionated heparin alone does not provide sufficient protection against DVT. Selective factor Xa inhibitors such as fondaparinux are showing promising results. Other strategies for pulmonary embolism prevention include: graduated compression stockings, sequential compression devices, continuous passive motion, and prophylactic inferior vena cava filter. There is lack of consensus regarding the optimal DVT prophylaxis in trauma patients and few level I recommendations exist. SummaryBest practice in thromboprophylaxis for trauma patients will remain on the basis of recommendations until definitive risk–benefit ratios are determined to justify the use of various mechanical and pharmacological measures, in combination or alone.
High temperature mechanical properties of Inconel 718 pulsed Nd–YAG laser welds

Abstract Bead-on-plate full-penetration pulsed Nd –YAG laser welds were produced in 2 mm thick sheets of Inconel 718 and were subjected to aging treatment with and without post-weld solution treatment at 980°C. Weld microstructures, high temperature tensile and stress rupture properties were evaluated. The tensile and stress rupture properties of the welds after post-weld aging treatment were found to be inferior in relation to the base metal due to the presence of Nb-rich brittle intermetallic Laves phase in weld microstructure; however, the weld properties were found to satisfy the minimum property requirements generally specified for alloy 718 sheet products (AMS 5596). Post-weld solution treatment at 980°C was found to result in considerable Laves dissolution and reduction in Nb segregation, leading to improvement in weld properties, although not to the level of base metal.