Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures and Fracture‐Dislocations

Thirty-eight patients with unstable thoracolumbar and lumbar (T12–L5) spine fractures were treated with Cotrel-Dubousset pedicle screw instrumentation. They were followed for an average of 22.73 months (range 12–39). Measurements of canal compromise. wedge index, and kyphosis correction at follow-up examination were made. Thirty-three (86%) patients responded to a questionnaire concerning overall satisfaction, use of pain medication and return to work. There was an overall correction of kyphosis at follow-up of only one degree after a loss of six degrees from operative correction. There were nine cases of bent or broken screws that occurred at the thoracolumbar junction. Only one patient with instrumentation required continued pain medication and most had returned to work. Thirty-two of thirty-three patients were satisfied with the overall surgical result and twenty-eight of thirty-three patients had returned to work.
Endoderm and mesoderm reciprocal signaling mediated by CXCL12 and CXCR4 regulates the migration of angioblasts and establishes the pancreatic fate

We have discovered that angioblasts trigger an early inductive event in pancreatic differentiation. This event occurs soon after gastrulation, before the formation of blood vessels. Morphological studies revealed that Lmo2-expressing angioblasts reside in proximity to the somitic mesoderm and the gut endoderm from which pancreatic progenitors arise. The chemokine ligand CXCL12 expressed in the gut endoderm functions to attract the angioblasts that express its receptor CXCR4. Angioblasts then signal back to the gut endoderm to induce Pdx1 expression. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments for CXCL12 and CXCR4 were performed to test their function in blood vessel formation and pancreatic differentiation. The ectopic expression of Cxcl12 in the endoderm attracted the angioblasts and induced ectopic Pdx1 expression, resulting in an expanded pancreatic bud and an increased area of insulin-expressing cells. By contrast, in chick embryos treated with beads soaked in AMD3100, an inhibitor of CXCR4, the migration of angioblasts towards the Cxcl12-expressing gut endoderm was arrested, causing a malformation of blood vessels. This led to the generation of a smaller pancreatic bud and a reduced area of insulin-expressing cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the gut endoderm and angioblasts attract each other through reciprocal CXCL12 and CXCR4 signaling. This has a pivotal role in the fate establishment of the pancreatic progenitor cells and in the potentiation of further differentiation into endocrine β-cells.
Planar GeOI TFET Performance Improvement With Back Biasing

Reverse back biasing of a planar germanium-on-insulator tunneling field-effect transistor provides for significant improvement in <i>I</i><sub>ON</sub>/<i>I</i><sub>OFF</sub>, by over an order of magnitude for 0.25 V operating voltage. Optimization of the gate-to-source overlap and source doping gradient is key to maximizing the benefit of back biasing.
Asymmetric Density Dependence Shapes Species Abundances in a Tropical Tree Community

Too Close to Home? Why are some species common while others are exceedingly rare? Attempts to answer this question have met limited success, particularly in hyperdiverse communities, such as tropical forests. Comita et al. (p. 330, published online 24 June; see the cover) reveal a previously overlooked explanation. A large data set on seedling dynamics of 180 tree species on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, combined with Bayesian statistical techniques, revealed that species abundance is shaped by the degree to which species negatively impact their own regeneration. Rare species regenerated far less well than common species in the proximity of conspecific neighbors, suggesting a mechanism determining the relative abundances of tree species in highly diverse tropical forest communities. Seedling survival in a tropical forest shows that species abundance is related to a species’ sensitivity to conspecific neighbors. The factors determining species commonness and rarity are poorly understood, particularly in highly diverse communities. Theory predicts that interactions with neighbors of the same (conspecific) and other (heterospecific) species can influence a species’ relative abundance, but empirical tests are lacking. By using a hierarchical model of survival for more than 30,000 seedlings of 180 tropical tree species on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, we tested whether species’ sensitivity to neighboring individuals relates to their relative abundance in the community. We found wide variation among species in the effect of conspecific, but not heterospecific, neighbors on survival, and we found a significant relationship between the strength of conspecific neighbor effects and species abundance. Specifically, rare species suffered more from the presence of conspecific neighbors than common species did, suggesting that conspecific density dependence shapes species abundances in diverse communities.
Stigma, race and mental illness : African-American clinicians' perceptions of how these factors influence help-seeking behaviors in African Americans

This qualitative study explored the stigma of mental illness within the African American community from the perspective of African American clinicians. Nine clinicians were interviewed and were asked to discuss personal messages received about mental illness within their family, community, and religious organizations. They also shared their perceptions of African American attitudes, based upon client interactions, towards mental illness and whether a change has occurred within the past 5-10 years; identifiable stigmas within the African American community; inhibitors to help-seeking behaviors; variables that influences help-seeking behaviors; and their recommendations for improving African Americans’ comfort with disclosure within the therapeutic setting. The findings from the study revealed that negative stigma about mental illness remains dominant within the African American community and that many of its members also hold negative attitudes about mental illness. However, the findings did also show that a slight positive shift in stigma and attitudes has occurred. Additional findings addressed the key role that family plays in messages received about mental illness, the association between mental illness and religion/spirituality for many African Americans, and the importance of establishing rapport as being central to the therapeutic relationship in improving African Americans’ comfort with disclosure within the therapeutic setting. Future research should focus on the further development of recommendations to decrease the negative attitudes and stigmas regarding mental illness within the African American community, as well as further exploring the role of the African American family as it relates to mental illness symptom identification and seeking mental health services. STIGMA, RACE AND MENTAL ILLNESS: AFRICAN AMERICAN CLINICIANS’ PERCEPTION OF HOW THESE FACTORS INFLUENCE HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIORS IN AFRICAN AMERICANS A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work
Regulation of EphA2 Receptor Endocytosis by SHIP2 Lipid Phosphatase via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-dependent Rac1 Activation*

Endocytosis of Eph receptors is critical for a number of biological processes, including modulating axon growth cone collapse response and regulating cell surface levels of receptor in epithelial cells. In particular, ephrin-A ligand stimulation of tumor cells induces EphA2 receptor internalization and degradation, a process that has been explored as a means to reduce tumor malignancy. However, the mechanism and regulation of ligand-induced Eph receptor internalization are not well understood. Here we show that SHIP2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphoinositide 5-phosphatase 2) is recruited to activated EphA2 via a heterotypic sterile α motif (SAM)-SAM domain interaction, leading to regulation of EphA2 internalization. Overexpression of SHIP2 inhibits EphA2 receptor endocytosis, whereas suppression of SHIP2 expression by small interfering RNA-mediated gene silencing promotes ligand-induced EphA2 internalization and degradation. SHIP2 regulates EphA2 endocytosis via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent Rac1 activation. Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate levels are significantly elevated in SHIP2 knockdown cells, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor decreases phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate levels and suppresses increased EphA2 endocytosis. Ephrin-A1 stimulation activates Rac1 GTPase, and the Rac1-GTP levels are further increased in SHIP2 knockdown cells. A dominant negative Rac1 GTPase effectively inhibited ephrin-A1-induced EphA2 endocytosis. Together, our findings provide evidence that recruitment of SHIP2 to EphA2 attenuates a positive signal to receptor endocytosis mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Rac1 GTPase.
Reciprocal connections between olfactory structures and the cortex of the rostral superior temporal sulcus in the Macaca fascicularis monkey

Convergence of sensory modalities in the nonhuman primate cerebral cortex is still poorly understood. We present an anatomical tracing study in which polysensory association cortex located at the fundus and upper bank of the rostral superior temporal sulcus presents reciprocal connections with primary olfactory structures. At the same time, projections from this polysensory area reach multiple primary olfactory centres. Retrograde (Fast Blue) and anterograde (biotinylated dextran–amine and 3H‐amino acids) tracers were injected into primary olfactory structures and rostral superior temporal sulcus. Retrograde tracers restricted to the anterior olfactory nucleus resulted in labelled neurons in the rostral portion of the upper bank and fundus of superior temporal sulcus. Injections of biotinylated dextran–amine at the fundus and upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus confirmed this projection by labelling axons in the dorsal and lateral portions of the anterior olfactory nucleus, as well as piriform, periamygdaloid and entorhinal cortices. Retrograde tracer injections at the rostral superior temporal sulcus resulted in neuronal labelling in the anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform, periamygdaloid and entorhinal cortices, thus providing confirmation of the reciprocity between primary olfactory structures and the cortex at the rostral superior temporal sulcus. The reciprocal connections between the rostral part of superior temporal sulcus and primary olfactory structures represent a convergence for olfactory and other sensory modalities at the cortex of the rostral temporal lobe.
Harmonic tidal analysis methods on time and frequency domains: similarities and differences for the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, and Paranaguá Bay, Brazil

Two years of sea level data obtained at Trieste, Italy, and Paranaguá, Brazil, were used to compare the performances of two tidal analysis methodologies, one in the time domain (HMB) and other in the frequency domain (HMF). For each station, the first year was analyzed to estimate the tidal constituents while the second year was used to compare observations against forecasted sea levels. With respect to tidal dynamics, results from both methods showed that the semi-diurnal atmospheric tide S2p is disturbing the sea constituent S2 as well as other frequencies, particularly in the diurnal species in the subtropical case of Paranaguá. These results are in agreement with theoretical development and numerical simulations available in the literature. On the methodological side, both methods showed equivalent performances although HMF is more user-friendly and offers better and more comprehensive results. The main reason seems to be linked to the deepen exploitation of astronomical and physical aspects of the tidal constituents generation and discrimination, considering that HMF can estimate more than 170 while HMB estimates around 110. Also, HMF showed better results for shallow water and long term components. However, the residuals showed that a significant amount of oscillating energy is left behind by both methods, suggesting that other deterministic signals not present in the astronomic tidal frequencies of sea water have to be considered. It is concluded that a better stochastic model for tidal analysis and forecast needs to be formulated in order to better represent the physics of sea level: while tidal forecast with the usual methods seems to work well in many practical cases, the high dependence of numerical models on initial and boundary conditions suggests that sea level harmonic constituents estimation has to be improved.
Comparison of the Retinomax autorefractor with hand‐held retinoscopy in 1‐year‐old infants

This study aimed to determine the accuracy (and usability) of the Retinomax, a hand‐held autorefractor, compared to measurements taken from hand‐held retinoscopy (HHR) in a sample of normal 1‐year‐old children. The study was a method comparison set at four Community Child Health Clinics. Infants (n = 2079) of approximately 1 year of age were identified from birth/immunization records and their caregivers were contacted by mail. A total of 327 infants ranging in age from 46 weeks to 81 weeks (mean 61 weeks) participated in the study. The children underwent a full ophthalmic examination. Under cycloplegia, refraction was measured in each eye by streak retinoscopy (HHR) and then re‐measured using the Retinomax autorefractor. Sphere, cylinder, axis of cylinder and spherical equivalent measurements were recorded for HHR and Retinomax instruments, and compared. Across the range of refractive errors measured, there was generally close agreement between the two examination methods, although the Retinomax consistently read around 0.3 D less hyperopic than HHR. Significantly more girls (72 infants, 47.7%), struggled during examination with the Retinomax than boys (52 infants, 29.5%) (P < 0.001). Agreement deteriorated between the two instruments if the patient struggled during the examination (P < 0.001). In general, the Retinomax would appear to be a useful screening instrument in early childhood. However, patient cooperation affects the accuracy of results and is an important consideration in determining whether this screening instrument should be adopted for measuring refractive errors in early infancy.
Exogenous enzymes for pigs and poultry

Abstract Many feed ingredients in use in monogastric diets contain significant quantities of antinutritional factors (ANF) which limit both their feed value and their use. Almost all enzymes currently being used address such factors to varying degrees, allowing for more economic utilization of raw materials. However, animal response to xylanase, β-glucanase and even phytase utilization reported in the literature tends to vary. Factors such as enzyme source, ingredient variety and environment under which the ingredient was grown, stored and processed into animal feed, age of animal, interaction with other dietary ingredients, and health status are shown to affect significantly the response obtained. As a result, the mode of action of xylanases and β-glucanases is still debated due to too much emphasis being placed on interpretation of individual trial results without regard to the interactive factors or the literature dataset as a whole. Better understanding of such factors will improve data interpretation. While results with phytase are not subject to such extreme variation, they are nevertheless inconsistent in the degree to which inorganic phosphorus can be replaced by this enzyme. Greater understanding of the ANF and factors which interact to govern the response to added exogenous enzymes will undoubtedly improve the economic return and confidence in their use. Improved knowledge of ANF structure will result in development of enzymes directed towards far more specific targets, which enhances the likelihood of success and should reduce the overall enzyme usage.
RANK‐Fc: A therapeutic antagonist for RANK‐L in myeloma

Severe bone destruction due to inappropriate osteoclastogenesis is a prominent feature of multiple myeloma (MM). MM increases bone loss by disrupting the checks that normally control signaling by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANK‐L, also called TRANCE [tumor necrosis factor‐related, activation‐induced cytokine], osteoprotegerin ligand [OPG‐L], osteoclast differentiation factor [ODF], and tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 11 [TNFSF11]), a TNF‐family cytokine required for osteoclast differentiation and activation. RANK‐L binds to its functional receptor RANK (TNF receptor superfamily member 11a [TNF RSF11a]) to stimulate osteoclastogenesis. Osteotropic cytokines regulate this process by controlling bone marrow stromal expression of RANK‐L. Further control over osteoclastogenesis is maintained by regulated expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG, also called osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor and TNFRSF11b), a soluble decoy receptor for RANK‐L. In normal bone marrow, abundant stores of OPG in stroma, megakaryocytes, and myeloid cells provide a natural buffer against increased RANK‐L. MM disrupts these controls by increasing expression of RANK‐L and decreasing expression of OPG. Concurrent deregulation of RANK‐L and OPG expression is found in bone marrow biopsies from patients with MM but not in specimens from patients with non‐MM hematologic malignancies.
Long-term Follow up of Diclofenac Sodium 3% in 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid Gel for Actinic Keratosis: One-year Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term effects of treatment with diclofenac sodium 3% in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel on clinically diagnosed actinic keratosis lesions in well-defined skin areas. DESIGN A one-year extension of a Phase 4, single-arm, multicenter, open-label study was conducted. Patients in the original study received diclofenac sodium 3% gel twice daily for 90 days. The extension study consisted of a single evaluation approximately one year post-treatment. SETTING Five US centers. PARTICIPANTS Patients who had completed the initial treatment phase with no further treatment for actinic keratosis in the designated treatment blocks. MEASUREMENTS The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 75-percent clearance of actinic keratosis lesions at one-year follow up based on percent change from baseline in target lesion number score or cumulative lesion number score. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving 100-percent actinic keratosis lesion clearance and change in investigator's global improvement index scores. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of patients reported no additional treatment for actinic keratosis lesions for one year after completing treatment with diclofenac sodium 3% gel. The proportion of patients with 75-percent clearance after one year was 91 percent (95% CI, 84-99%) for target lesions and 70 percent (95% CI, 57-83%) for cumulative lesions. The proportion of patients with 100-percent clearance at one year was 79 percent (95% CI, 67-90%) for target lesions and 30 percent (95% CI, 17-43%) for cumulative lesions. Investigator's global improvement index severity scores showed that the majority (96%) of patients improved from baseline after one year. CONCLUSION The efficacy of a single, 90-day course of diclofenac sodium 3% gel persisted in the majority of patients at one year. (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(7):20-25. ).
Differential vulnerability of oculomotor, facial, and hypoglossal nuclei in G86R superoxide dismutase transgenic mice

In recent years, several mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been developed. One, caused by a G86R mutation in the superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD‐1) gene associated with familial ALS, has been subjected to extensive quantitative analyses in the spinal cord. However, the human form of ALS includes pathology elsewhere in the nervous system. In the present study, analyses were extended to three motor nuclei in the brainstem. Mutant mice and control littermates were evaluated daily, and mutants, along with their littermate controls, were killed when they were severely affected. Brains were removed after perfusion and processed for Nissl staining, the samples were randomized, and the investigators were blinded to their genetic status. Stereologic methods were used to estimate the number of neurons, mean neuronal volumes, and nuclear volume in three brainstem motor nuclei known to be differetially involved in the human form of the disease, the oculomotor, facial, and hypoglossal nuclei. In the facial nucleus, neuron number consistently declined (48%), an effect that was correlated with disease severity. The nuclear volume of the facial nucleus was smaller in the SOD‐1 mutant mice (45.7% difference from control mice) and correlated significantly with neuron number. The oculomotor and hypoglossal nuclei showed less extreme involvement (<10% neuronal loss overall), with a trend toward fewer neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus of animals with severe facial nucleus involvement. In the oculomotor nucleus, neuronal loss was seen only once in five mice, associated with very severe disease. There was no significant change in the volume of individual neurons in any of these three nuclei in any transgenic mouse. These results suggest that different brainstem motor nuclei are differentially affected in this SOD‐1 mutant model of ALS. The relatively moderate and late involvement of the hypoglossal nucleus indicates that, although the general patterns of neuronal pathology match closely those seen in ALS patients, some differences exist in this transgenic model compared with the progression of the disease in humans. However, these patterns of cellular vulnerability may provide clues for understanding the differential susceptibility of neural structures in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. J. Comp. Neurol. 416:112–125, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autocratic political cycle and international conflict

This article reveals a temporal pattern of conflict behavior over the course of autocratic leaders’ tenure. By identifying a commonly observed domestic political cycle in autocracies, I discuss how the level of domestic constraints on autocrats’ conflict behavior changes over time in three distinct periods: (1) power struggle in the early period of tenure; (2) power consolidation; and (3) power dissipation in the later period of power transition. The empirical analysis on autocratic conflict cycle reveals that the likelihood of autocratic crisis initiation significantly increases during the early years of autocratic leadership tenure, after which it moderately decreases over time. This finding suggests that autocrats’ tenure is a substantively important predictor of autocratic leaders’ conflict behavior.