Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acrosomal biogenesis in human globozoospermia: immunocytochemical, ultrastructural and proteomic studies.

BACKGROUND Acrosome biogenesis is a key event in sperm differentiation that depends on the proper interaction between the Golgi complex and the nuclear envelope of early spermatids. We studied the development, structure and biochemical characteristics of human acrosomes in germ cells and spermatozoa from testicular biopsies and semen samples of fertile men and patients with acrosomeless spermatozoa (globozoospermia). A set of proteins collectively known as the perinuclear theca (PT), which has been related to acrosomal development in many mammalian species, were also investigated. METHODS We evaluated spermatozoa from five males with globozoospermia and six fertile men, and immature germ cells from testicular biopsies of one globozoospermic patient and three men with obstructive azoospermia. Samples were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy, ultrastructural immunocytochemistry and proteomic analysis by western blot. RESULTS In normal spermiogenesis, the development of the acrosome depends on the correct formation of Golgi-derived proacrosomal vesicles and simultaneous modifications in the nuclear envelope. PT proteins are consistently found in proacrosomic vesicles, localize underneath the acrosome and expand over the nuclear surface along acrosome biogenesis. In fertile men, the PT is composed of six proteins, similar to those previously described for other mammals (16, 22, 29, 34, 50 and 68 kDa). In globozoospermia, abnormal proacrosomal vesicles and paranuclear multivesicular and multilamellar structures were observed that resulted in acrosomes insufficiently developed or detached from the nuclear envelope. PT proteins, dissociated from the acrosomes, were ectopically localized in the cytoplasm. Proteomic analysis showed a significant decrease in all six PT proteins. CONCLUSIONS The alterations observed during early acrosome biogenesis in globozoospermia are due to anomalous development of Golgi-derived proacrosomic vesicles, failure of PT proteins to properly associate with the nuclear surface and significant deficiencies in specific PT components that are necessary for proper acrosome formation, implantation and expansion over the spermatid nucleus.
Yield Accumulation, Leaf Area Index, and Light Interception of Smooth Bromegrass

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inemis Leyss.) is a cool-season grass used extensively in the midwestern USA for spring and fall grazing. Smooth bromegrass has limited production in this region during the summer. This study was conducted to document the growth characteristics and yield accumulation of smooth bromegrass under various levels of N fertilizer. Live yield (dry matter yield of living herbage), leaf area index (LAI), light interception (LI), and crop growth rate (CGR) were determined on an established stand of 'Lincoln' smooth bromegrass grown on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudolls) in eastern Nebraska. Zero, medium, and high N levels were maintained at each growth period. Irrigated spring, summer, and fall growths of smooth bromegrass were sampled at 1- or 2-week intervals in 1981 and 1982 depending on growth rate. Live yield, LAI, and CGR were all highest in the spring. Live yield reached a maximum of 10.3 Mg ha-', CGR reached a maximum of 190 kg ha-' day-', and LA1 reached a maximum of 6.8, which intercepted up to 99% of the incoming photosynthetic photon flux density during the spring growth period. Summer values for maximum live yield, LAI, and LI were 3.2 Mg ha-', 4.1, and 73%, respectively. Maximum values of live yield, LAI, and LI for the fall growth period were 2.8 Mg ha-', 5.2, and 9796, respectively. Smooth bromegrass has different growth and canopy characteristics at different seasons of the year. Growth models should consider seasonal differences in canopy characteristics as well as environmental parameters.
Why are people with high self-control happier? The effect of trait self-control on happiness as mediated by regulatory focus

Background: While self-control has often been related to positive outcomes in life such as higher academic achievements and better health, recent insights reveal that people with high trait self-control (TSC) may even experience greater life satisfaction or happiness. Objective: The current study further scrutinizes this potential association between TSC and happiness, and examines how regulatory focus, defined as the way people frame and direct their goal pursuit strategies, plays a role in this relationship. Accordingly, the present study examines the mediating role of regulatory-focus (promotion and prevention focus) on the relationship between TSC and happiness. Method: Data was collected from 545 individuals (65.9% female, Mage = 27.52 years) regarding their TSC, regulatory focus, and happiness. Results: Mediation analyses demonstrate that TSC positively predicts happiness, while this effect was partially mediated by relatively more promotion focus and less prevention focus. Conclusion: Results suggest that people with higher TSC are happier possibly because they are: (1) more promotion-focused on acquiring positive gains thereby facilitating more approach-oriented behaviors, and (2) less prevention-focused on avoiding losses thereby reducing avoidance-oriented behaviors. These findings are relevant for topical scientific debates regarding the underlying mechanisms of self-control regarding initiatory and inhibitory behaviors.
Synergistic promotion of breast cancer cells death by targeting molecular chaperone GRP78 and heat shock protein 70

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is frequently overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies and protects cancer cells against apoptosis in response to various stresses. The bioflavonoid quercetin inhibits HSP70 expression and induces cancer cells apoptosis. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of HSP70 down‐regulation on the unfolded protein response (UPR) and addressed a novel strategy to enhance the proapoptotic effect of quercetin by suppressing GRP78 induction simultaneously. Treatment of human breast cancer cells with quercetin down‐regulates HSP70 expression, but up‐regulates GRP78 expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Down‐regulation of HSP70 by small interfering RNA also leads to induction of GRP78. Moreover, our studies reveal that HSP70 knockdown or quercetin induces other typical components of the UPR, including CHOP expression, eIF2α and JNK phosphorylation, caspases activation and XBP‐1 splicing. Abrogating the induction of pro‐survival chaperone GRP78 by small interfering RNA sensitizes breast cancer cells to quercetin. Colony survival assays demonstrate that treatment of breast cancer cells with green tea (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which binds to the ATP‐binding domain of GRP78 and blocks its protective function, synergistically promoted quercetin‐induced cell death. These studies reveal that HSP70 down‐regulation leads to the induction of UPR. The pro‐survival GRP78 induction contributes to quercetin resistance. Abrogation of GRP78 induction or inhibition of GRP78 activity increases the effectiveness of quercetin. These findings indicate that combinational administration of flavonoids capable of suppressing HSP70 and GRP78 such as quercetin and EGCG might represent a novel approach for cancer therapy or chemoprevention.
Coordinated ground forces exerted by buttocks and feet are adequately programmed for weight transfer during sit-to-stand.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whether weight transfer during sit-to-stand (STS) is the result of coordinated ground forces exerted by buttocks and feet before seat-off. Whole-body kinematics and three-dimensional ground forces from left and right buttock as well as from left and right foot were recorded for seven adults during STS. We defined a preparatory phase from onset of the first detectable anterior/posterior (A/P) force to seat-off (buttock forces fell to 0) and a rising phase from seat-off to the decrease of center of mass (CoM) vertical velocity to zero. STS was induced by an increase of vertical and backward directed ground forces exerted by the buttocks that significantly preceded the onset of any trunk movement. All ground forces peaked before or around the moment of seat-off, whereas all kinematic variables, except trunk forward rotation and hip flexion, peaked after seat-off, during or after the rising phase. The present study suggests that the weight transfer from sit to stand is induced by ground forces exerted by buttocks and feet before seat-off, i.e., during the preparatory phase. The buttocks generate the isometric "rising forces," e.g., the propulsive impulse for the forward acceleration of the body, while the feet apply adequate damping control before seat-off. This indicates that the rising movement is a result of these coordinated forces, targeted to match the subject's weight and support base distance between buttocks and feet. The single peaked, bell-shaped profiles peaking before seat-off, were seen beneath buttocks for the "rising drive," i.e., between the time of peak backward directed force and seat-off, as well as beneath the feet for the "damping drive," i.e., from onset to the peak of forward-directed force and for CoM A/P velocity. This suggests that both beginning and end of the weight transfer process are programmed before seat-off. The peak deceleration of A/P CoM took place shortly ( approximately 100 ms) after CoM peak velocity, resulting in a well controlled CoM deceleration before seat-off. In contrast to the view of other authors, this suggests that body equilibrium is controlled during weight transfer.
Comparison of intrathecal clonidine and fentanyl in hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries

Background: There are many adjuvant used along with bupivacaine for subarachnoid block, but fentanyl and clonidine are commonly used as adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine for prolonging both sensory and motor blockade as well as postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. Objective: There is a paucity of studies comparing the efficacy of fentanyl and clonidine as adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine for improving intraoperative effect and postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries instigated us compare the effect of these drugs. Methods: This prospective, randomized study is conducted on 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II patients between 18 and 65 years of age divided into two groups of 50 each. The patients were given 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with either 50 μg of clonidine (BC Group) or 25 μg of fentanyl (BF Group) intrathecally. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, sedation score, hemodynamic parameters, total analgesia time, and potential side effects were recorded and compared. Results: Both the groups were comparable in demographic data, onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic parameters, but the duration of analgesia is significantly longer in clonidine group when compared with fentanyl group. Sedation score is more in clonidine group. Conclusion: Addition of clonidine to intrathecal bupivacaine offers longer duration of postoperative analgesia than fentanyl but with higher sedation.
The yeast S phase checkpoint enables replicating chromosomes to bi-orient and restrain spindle extension during S phase distress

The budding yeast S phase checkpoint responds to hydroxyurea-induced nucleotide depletion by preventing replication fork collapse and the segregation of unreplicated chromosomes. Although the block to chromosome segregation has been thought to occur by inhibiting anaphase, we show checkpoint-defective rad53 mutants undergo cycles of spindle extension and collapse after hydroxyurea treatment that are distinct from anaphase cells. Furthermore, chromatid cohesion, whose dissolution triggers anaphase, is dispensable for S phase checkpoint arrest. Kinetochore–spindle attachments are required to prevent spindle extension during replication blocks, and chromosomes with two centromeres or an origin of replication juxtaposed to a centromere rescue the rad53 checkpoint defect. These observations suggest that checkpoint signaling is required to generate an inward force involved in maintaining preanaphase spindle integrity during DNA replication distress. We propose that by promoting replication fork integrity under these conditions Rad53 ensures centromere duplication. Replicating chromosomes can then bi-orient in a cohesin-independent manner to restrain untimely spindle extension.
Incidental Findings on CT Scans in the Emergency Department

Objectives. Incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) scans are common. We sought to examine rates of findings and disclosure among discharged patients who received a CT scan in the ED. Methods. Retrospective chart review (Aug-Oct 2009) of 600 patients age 18 and older discharged home from an urban Level 1 trauma center. CT reports were used to identify incidental findings and discharge paperwork was used to determine whether the patient was informed of these findings. Results. There were 682 CT scans among 600 patients: 199 Abdomen & Pelvis, 405 Head, and 78 Thorax. A total of 348 incidental findings were documented in 228/682 (33.4%) of the scans, of which 34 (9.8%) were reported to patients in discharge paperwork. Patients with 1 incidental finding were less likely to receive disclosure than patients with 2 or more (P = .010). Patients age <60 were less likely to have incidental findings (P < .001). There was no significant disclosure or incidental finding difference by gender. Conclusions. While previous research suggests that CT incidental findings are often benign, reporting to patients is recommended but this is rarely happening.
Online least-squares estimation of time varying systems with sparse temporal evolution and application to traffic estimation

Using least-squares with an l1-norm penalty is well-known to encourage sparse solutions. In this article, we propose an algorithm that performs online least-squares estimation of a time varying system with a l1-norm penalty on the variations of the state estimate, leading to state estimates that exhibit few “jumps” over time. The algorithm analytically computes a path to update the state estimate as a new observation becomes available. The algorithm performs computationally efficient and numerically robust state estimation for time varying systems in which the dynamics are slow compared to the sampling rate. We use the algorithm for arterial traffic estimation with streaming probe vehicle data provided by the Mobile Millennium system and show a significant improvement in the estimation capabilities compared to a baseline model of traffic estimation. The estimation framework filters out the inherent noise of traffic dynamics and improves the interpretability and accuracy of the results. Results from an implementation in San Francisco on a network of more than 800 links using a fleet of 500 taxis sending their location every minute illustrate the possibility to use the algorithm to solve important practical estimation problems.
Bringing Internet-based education and intervention into mental health practice: afterdeployment.org

Background Internet-facilitated interventions may offer numerous advantages in reaching the large numbers of military service men and women exposed to traumatic events. The Internet is now a primary source of health-related information for consumers and research has shown the effectiveness of web-based interventions in addressing a range of mental health problems. Objective Clinicians can learn how to bring Internet education and intervention into routine care, to help clients better understand mental health issues and learn skills for self-management of problems. Method The Afterdeployment.org (AD) Internet site can be used by health care professionals serving U.S. military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. The site currently addresses 18 key domains of functioning, including post-traumatic stress, sleep, anger, alcohol and drugs, and military sexual trauma. It provides an extensive amount of client and family education that is suitable for immediate use by clients and providers, as well as the kinds of interactive workshop content and self-assessment tools that have been shown to be helpful in other treatment contexts. Results AD can be utilized in clinical practice in a variety of ways: as an adjunct to treatment for PTSD, to supplement existing treatments for a range of post-deployment problems, or as the primary focus of treatment for a client. Conclusions AD represents a kind of service that is likely to become increasingly available in coming years and that is important for mental health providers to actively explore as a tool for extending their reach, improving their efficiency, and improving quality of care. For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files under Reading Tools online.
Anatomical Structures of Thermally Compressed Poplar (Populus Spp.) Wood

The combined effects of press temperature and pressure on the anatomical structure of solidwood panels produced by European poplar (Populus tremula L.) wood were evaluated. The solid wood panels with dimensions of 100mm by 500mm by 25mm were hot-pressed by using a laboratory hot press at a temperature of either 150°C or 170°C and pressure of either 1MPa or 2MPa, respectively, for 45min. Changes in the anatomical structure were detected by using a light microscope. The microscopic investigations revealed that the wood exhibited much degradation in 170oC / 2MPa process condition, and the distribution of deformation was not uniform in the growth rings of the two treatment groups. The results indicated that it is important to know the behavior of wood under different process conditions.
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

OBJECTIVE Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are neural crest cell tumors associated with catecholamine production and assessed by a metanephrine/methoxytyramine measurement. This review summarizes the genetics of these tumors. METHODS Case presentation, review of the relevant literature, and bullet point conclusions. RESULTS Genetic research over the past 10 years has led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these tumors, currently associated with 20 susceptibility genes (both somatic and germ-line mutations). Although most of these genes can be divided into two clusters (clusters 1 and 2), recent data suggest that all mutations converge on the hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway. Most of the susceptibility genes are well characterized and associated with specific clinical presentations, including biochemical phenotype, tumor location and behavior, as well as neoplasms or similar characteristics. Correct and early detection of hereditary PHEO/PGL is paramount, as early diagnosis leads to improved and focused treatment, along with better outcomes. However, missed or delayed diagnosis of hereditary PHEO/PGL forestalls proper treatment and results in multiple, recurrent, or metastatic tumors and avoidable complications in some patients. CONCLUSION Early diagnosis allows prompt screening for potentially lethal cancers associated with specific gene mutations and makes genetic testing more readily available to first-degree and other relatives of an index patient. Thus, understanding the genetics of these tumors is an essential part of endocrinology.
Adaptive Power Loading for OFDM-Based Cognitive Radio Systems with Statistical Interference Constraint

In this letter, we develop an optimal power allocation algorithm for the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based cognitive radio (CR) systems with different statistical interference constraints imposed by different primary users (PUs). Given the fact that the interference constraints are met in a statistical manner, the CR transmitter does not require the instantaneous channel quality feedback from the PU receivers. A suboptimal algorithm with reduced complexity has been proposed and the performance has been investigated. Presented numerical results show that with our proposed optimal power allocation algorithm CR user can achieve significantly higher transmission capacity for given statistical interference constraints and a given power budget compared to the classical power allocation algorithms namely, uniform and water-filling power allocation algorithms. The suboptimal algorithm outperforms both water-filling algorithm and uniform power loading algorithm. The proposed suboptimal algorithm give an option of using a low complexity power allocation algorithm where complexity is an issue with a certain amount of transmission rate degradation.
Comparing Aortic Valve Replacement through Right Anterolateral Thoracotomy with Median Sternotomy

Background Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) is usually done through median sternotomy. The present study aimed to compare the right anterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy approaches for AVR. Materials and Methods The present prospective study was conducted on 60 patients who had aortic valve disease and were subjected to AVR. Thirty patients underwent aortic valve replacement via right anterolateral thoracotomy (study group) and thirty patients via median sternotomy (control group). Statistical analysis was done using Mann Whitney U test and Fischer’s Exact test. Statistical Package SPSS 17 was used for data analysis. Results The mean length of the incision was 18.7±1.8 cm in the patients who had undergone AVR through median sternotomy, while 7.8±0.9 cm in the study group patients. Besides, the mean bypass time was 121.8±18.6 minutes for the patients who had undergone AVR through median sternotomy, while 122.1±20.8 minutes for the study group. In addition, the mean aortic cross clamp time was 67.7±13.4 minutes for the patients who had undergone AVR through median sternotomy, while 68.0±8.9 minutes for the study group. The mean operating time was 181.6±31.5 minutes for the patients who had undergone AVR through median sternotomy, while 190.8±29.8 minutes for the study group. Patient satisfaction with respect to cosmesis was higher in the study group. Only 50% of the patients who had undergone AVR through median sternotomy in comparison to 73.3% of those in the study group were satisfied with the cosmesis. Conclusions The right anterolateral thoracotomy approach for aortic valve replacement proved to be easy to perform whilst maintaining the maximum security for the patients. Besides its better cosmetic result especially in female patients, this approach proved to have several advantages.