Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three dimensional analysis of chest wall motion during breathing in healthy individuals and patients with scoliosis using an ultrasonography-based system.

UNLABELLED The mechanical inefficiency during respiration in scoliosis remains unclear. AIM To study the three-dimensional motion of the chest wall during deep breathing in healthy and scoliotic individuals. MATERIALS & METHODS Three-dimensional chest wall motion during breathing was studied in 17 scoliotic patients (right thoracic curvature) and 9 healthy individuals. Measurements were performed using a Zebris CMS 70P system (Zebris Medizintechnik Gmbll, Isny, Germany) which analyzes the time delay of ultrasound pulses emitted from markers placed on the chest wall. Nine markers were attached on the upper, the middle and the lower chest wall. Subjects were seated on a chair and asked to breathe deeply and slowly with no elevation of the shoulders for one minute. RESULTS The amplitudes were symmetric between the two sides in healthy individuals while scoliotic patients exhibited asymmetric chest wall motion. The amplitudes of the right convex side of the chest wall exhibited less motion than those of the left concave side, especially on the lower chest wall. CONCLUSION Chest wall motion was asymmetric in the scoliotic patients with diminished motion of the right lower chest wall. This locally diminished ventilation may cause ventilation-perfusion inequality and result in hypoxemia.
Temperature dependence of the programmed states in GST-based multilevel phase-change memories

In this paper, the temperature dependence of the programmed resistance states in GST-based (GST, Ge2Sb2Te5) phase-change memories is analyzed. Memory cells were programmed over the available current range and were measured at different temperatures. The purpose was to determine a relationship between the temperature behaviour of the cell resistance and the programmed current level. Measurements were carried out in a temperature range from -10degC to 85degC, considering cells programmed to the fully crystalline and the fully amorphous state of the active GST portion, as well as cells programmed to eight intermediate current levels (i.e., levels corresponding to partial crystalline states). Experimental results allowed us to find out the dependence of the activation energy of the cell resistance variation upon the programmed state.
Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control--continued disparities in adults: United States, 2005-2006.

KEY FINDINGS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. In 2005-2006, 29% of all U.S. adults 18 years and older were hypertensive (systolic BP =/> 140 mmHg or diastolic BP =/> 90 mmHg or taking medications for hypertension). The prevalence of hypertension was nearly equal between men and women. In 2005-2006, an additional 28% of U.S. adults had prehypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80-89 mm Hg, and not pharmacologically treated for high BP). In 2005-2006, 7% of the total U.S. adult population had a systolic BP =/> 140 mmHg or diastolic BP =/> 90 mmHg, but had never been told by a health care provider that they had high BP. Among hypertensive adults, 78% were aware of their condition. Overall, 68% of adults with hypertension were using anti-hypertensive medication. Over 64% of adults who were taking antihypertensive medication achieved BP less than 140/90 mm Hg.
Ten Steps for Promoting and Protecting Breastfeeding for Vulnerable Infants

Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including ill and preterm infants. Ensuring skilled and comprehensive breastfeeding support for these vulnerable infants requires a specialized approach. The author outlines 10 steps for promoting and protecting breastfeeding in vulnerable infants. The steps include providing the parents with information necessary to make an informed decision to breastfeed; assisting the mother with the establishment and maintenance of a milk supply; ensuring correct breast milk management (storage and handling) techniques; developing procedures and approaches to feeding the infant breast milk; providing skin-to-skin care (kangaroo care) and opportunities for nonnutritive sucking at the breast; managing the transition to the breast; measuring milk transfer; preparing the infant and the family for infant hospital discharge; and providing appropriate follow-up care. Material and examples are drawn from the author's research and clinical work at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Current research is utilized, and the role of the nurse is emphasized throughout.
Origins of alphavirus-derived small RNAs in mosquitoes

The continual transmission in nature of many arthropod-borne viruses depends on the establishment of a persistent, nonpathogenic infection in a mosquito vector. The importance of antiviral immunity directed by small RNAs in the mechanism by which alphaviruses establish a persistent, nonpathogenic infection in the mosquito vector has recently been demonstrated. The origin of the small RNAs central to this RNA silencing response has recently been the subject of debate. Here we briefly summarize what is known about the mechanism of small RNA-directed immunity in invertebrates, and discuss current models for the viral triggers of this response. Finally, we summarize evidence indicating that alphavirus double-stranded replicative intermediates trigger an exogenous-siRNA pathway in mosquitoes resulting in the biogenesis of virus-derived siRNAs.
Motor Performance and Anatomic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Basal Ganglia in Autism

This study was conducted to examine the volume of the basal ganglia in individuals with autism and to evaluate whether performance on specific motor tasks correlated with the volume of these structures. Volumetric measurements of the caudate nucleus and putamen were obtained from magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 40 non—mentally retarded individuals with autism and 41 healthy controls. Motor performance was assessed in these subjects by using the Finger Tapping Test, the Grooved Pegboard Test, and the measurement of Grip Strength. No volumetric differences of the basal ganglia were found between the two groups after adjusting for brain volume. The autistic subjects' performance was slower on the Grooved Pegboard Test and weaker on Grip Strength. Our findings suggest that the motor deficits observed in autism may not be related to structural abnormalities of the basal ganglia, and other brain regions, such as the cerebellum and the frontal lobe, may be involved in the pathophysiology of motor disturbances in autism. (J Child Neurol 2003;18:317—324).
Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Psoriasis affects an estimated 2% of the world's population, with higher rates in developed countries. 80% have mild-to-moderate disease and 50 to 80% have scalp involvement. Topical treatments are the mainstay of treatment. Areas covered: Two-compound calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate (BD) is a common topical combination therapy consisting of a vitamin D analogue and a corticosteroid. It comes in ointment, gel/suspension, and foam formulations. Phase II and III clinical trials have consistently shown the two-compound formulation to be effective and safe, with no clinically significant skin atrophy, calcium level changes, or adrenal suppression were seen. Topical scalp solution was also safe and effective in treating scalp psoriasis in pediatric populations. Expert commentary: Calcipotriene plus BD is more effective and safer than the individual ingredients in the same vehicle for treating body and scalp psoriasis. It should be considered a first line therapy for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
Constitutive and conditional cadherin expression in cultured human ovarian surface epithelium: Influence of family history of ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian carcinomas arise in a simple mesothelium (ovarian surface epithelium, OSE) but exhibit properties of oviductal and endometrial epithelia. Thus, during malignant progression, their differentiation proceeds from simple to complex, in contrast to carcinomas in other tissues. Related changes in OSE of women with a history of familial ovarian cancer indicate that this aberrant differentiation is initiated very early in neoplastic progression. The mechanisms underlying this process are not understood. Because cadherins are known regulators of differentiation, we investigated the relationship of the cadherins E, N and P to OSE morphology, growth patterns and differentiation in cultures of normal and metaplastic OSE from women with (FH‐OSE) and without (NFH‐OSE) a family history of ovarian cancer and in the ovarian carcinoma lines OVCAR‐3 and CaOV3. We used immunofluorescence, RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization and Western blotting. Our results define N‐cadherin as the constitutively expressed cadherin of normal and metaplastic OSE and indicate that P‐cadherin is undetectable while E‐cadherin expression is conditional and related to genotype, stage of neoplastic progression and growth pattern. The altered expression of E‐cadherin in apparently normal OSE of women with hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes in conjunction with the known capacity of E‐cadherin to induce epithelial characteristics implicates this adhesion molecule as a possible inducer of the aberrant Mullerian differentiation which characterizes epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Abnormal differentiation in such (pre)‐neoplastic tissues may represent an early, irreversible, non‐mutational step in ovarian epithelial neoplastic progression. Int. J. Cancer 81:180–188, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Compatibility Between Sociological and Cognitive Neuroscientific Ideas on Consciousness : Is a Neurosociology of Consciousness Possible ?

This article considers the possibility of integrating sociological and cognitive neuroscience ideas on consciousness and developing a new research area: neurosociology of consciousnesses. Research was conducted taking into account the limited knowledge on consciousness produced in these disciplines and the necessity of finding ways to study the social roles concerning the neural correlates of consciousness. Applying several ideas on consciousness from these disciplines (intersubjectivity, close connection with collective forms representations, deriving awareness from the brain’s processes, and so on), I show that it is difficult to reconcile the differences in the treatment of consciousness through the simple combination of the different ideas. The integration should be pursued in light of the neuroscientific findings concerning consciousness in different social contexts (role behavior, social interactions, and so on). In integrating the concepts, I predicted the role of time delay in conscious awareness in decision making, synchronization of neural oscillations under conscious perception, and the activations of certain brain zones in correspondence to different conscious cognitive processes for understanding in face-to-face situations. The study reveals that the optimal path for neurosociological research on consciousness is in its primary development without a rigid binding to either sociology or neuroscience.
A multi-country comparison of caries-associated microflora in demographically diverse children.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this formative international collaborative research on childhood dental caries was to undertake an initial investigation comparing the dental plaque of young children from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds with and without dental caries. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN The following four null hypotheses were investigated. There were no differences in numbers of individual taxa when comparing plaque samples from: 1) caries-free children from deprived and non-deprived backgrounds; 2) children from deprived and non-deprived backgrounds with at least 3 decayed teeth; 3) children from non-deprived backgrounds who are caries free with those from similar backgrounds with at least 3 decayed teeth; and, 4) children from deprived backgrounds who are caries free with those from similar backgrounds with at least 3 decayed teeth. PARTICIPANTS 277 children aged 3-4 years from 5 countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A sample of interproximal plaque from anterior teeth was collected using sterile dental floss, and cultured according to accepted international standards. RESULTS Analysis of the data found that the first null hypothesis was accepted and that the fourth was rejected. Unexpectedly, the second null hypothesis was rejected as the children with caries from deprived and non-deprived backgrounds had a different caries-associated flora. In particular, children living in deprivation harbored more caries-associated bacteria [mutans streptococci and lactobacilli]. This greater microbial challenge was associated with a higher level of cavitated carious lesions and with more frequent consumption of confectionery. Conclusions Children from deprived backgrounds with caries may be further disadvantaged by having higher levels of caries-associated microflora.
Sub-chronic psychotomimetic phencyclidine induces deficits in reversal learning and alterations in parvalbumin-immunoreactive expression in the rat

Acute administration of the psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) can mimic some features of schizophrenia, while a repeated treatment regimen of PCP may provide a more effective way to model in animals the enduring cognitive dysfunction observed in many schizophrenic patients. The present study aims to investigate behavioural and neuropathological effects of sub-chronic PCP administration. The cognitive deficit induced by sub-chronic PCP was examined using a previously established operant reversal-learning paradigm. Subsequently, the effect of sub-chronic PCP on parvalbumin-immunoreactive (parvalbumin-IR) neurons was assessed using immunohistochemical techniques. Rats were trained to respond for food in an operant reversal-learning paradigm for approximately 6 weeks, followed by sub-chronic administration of PCP (2mg/kg) or vehicle twice daily for 7 days followed 7 days later by behavioural testing. Six weeks post PCP, brains were analysed using immunohistochemical techniques to determine the size and density of parvalbumin-IR in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Sub-chronic PCP significantly reduced (p <0.001) percentage correct responding in the reversal phase relative to the initial phase, an effect that persisted throughout the experimental period (4 weeks). The density of parvalbumin-IR neurons was reduced in the hippocampus, with significant reductions in the dentate gyrus and CA2/3 regions (p <0.001). There were significant changes in the frontal cortex, with a reduction (p <0.01) in the M1 (motor area 1) region and increases in the M2 (motor area 2) region and cingulate cortex (p <0.01-p <0.001). These results parallel findings of profound hippocampal and more subtle cortical deficits of parvalbumin-IR neurons in schizophrenia, and provide evidence to suggest that sub-chronic PCP can induce a lasting cognitive deficit, an effect that may be related to the observed neuronal deficits.
Should we use criteria or eyeballing to reject post‐interruption tracings?

During the analysis of interrupter resistance (Rint)‐measurements, most authors reject post‐interruption tracings based on the shape of the pressure‐time and flow‐time curves. However, objective criteria for rejection are lacking. We aimed to formulate explicit rejection criteria that correspond to eyeballing the curve pattern (daily practice), in order to simplify the analysis. Inter‐observer agreement within and between both methods was studied. Results obtained with the developed rejection criteria were compared to those of current practice (eyeballing) using 54 measurements (807 interruptions) of children with severe neurological impairment. Inter‐observer agreement on rejection was similar using the criteria or eyeballing (85.6% vs. 82.8%). Using the criteria, more individual interruptions were rejected (43.4% vs. 29.8% using eyeballing), while discarding total measurements (<5 remaining interruptions) was similar (9.2% vs. 7.4% using eyeballing). Results using only the criteria for pressure‐time curves were comparable to eyeballing. Outcome values were comparable between any of the used rejection methods and not rejecting at all. In this first detailed study on rejection of post‐interruption tracings, explicit rejection criteria were developed. None of the rejection methods influenced the outcome value relevantly. However, rejection criteria can contribute to the standardization of the Rint technique and simplify decision‐making in daily practice. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:937–946. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of Risk Stratification in the Early Management of a Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVE To review the literature on early management of myocardial infarction. DATA SOURCES Papers published or referenced in major English-language cardiology journals for the last 15 years. STUDY SELECTION Large recent multicenter studies and the guidelines for early management of patients with acute myocardial infarction (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force) were emphasized. DATA SYNTHESIS A strategy for risk stratification was developed from information available in the emergency department, from the first days of the hospitalization, and before discharge to identify patients in whom intervention might improve prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of myocardial infarction requires establishing patency of the infarct-related artery, usually with thrombolysis. Risk stratification begins in the emergency department (phase 1) using clinical (primarily the electrocardiogram) and historical data to identify patients at risk for massive infarction. For patients at highest risk, the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy must be assured and, if not effective, emergency angiography and mechanical reperfusion should be considered. During days 2 to 5, (phase 2), patients with large amounts of ischemic myocardium, postinfarction angina, "flash" pulmonary edema, or anterior non-Q infarctions are identified and studied. Predischarge (phase 3) stratification identifies those patients at risk for early death. A previous infarction, an ejection fraction less than 0.40, pulmonary congestion during the hospitalization, delayed afterpotentials on signal-averaged electrocardiography, symptomatic ventricular ectopic beats, decreased heart rate variability, limited exercise tolerance, or ischemia on exercise testing identifies patients at high risk. Patients with jeopardized myocardium must be identified for revascularization to try to improve survival. More data are needed to determine whether angioplasty or bypass surgery will improve prognosis in these patients.
Grb2 Promotes Integrin-Induced Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) Autophosphorylation and Directs the Phosphorylation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase α by the Src-FAK Kinase Complex

ABSTRACT The integrin-activated Src-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) kinase complex phosphorylates PTPα at Tyr789, initiating PTPα-mediated signaling that promotes cell migration. Recruitment of the BCAR3-Cas complex by PTPα-phospho-Tyr789 at focal adhesions is one mechanism of PTPα signaling. The adaptor protein Grb2 is also recruited by PTPα-phospho-Tyr789, although the role of the PTPα-Grb2 complex in integrin signaling is unknown. We show that silencing Grb2 expression in fibroblasts abolishes PTPα-Tyr789 phosphorylation and that this is due to two unexpected actions of Grb2. First, Grb2 promotes integrin-induced autophosphorylation of FAK-Tyr397. This is impaired in Grb2-depleted cells and prohibits FAK activation and formation of the Src-FAK complex. Grb2-depleted cells contain less paxillin, and paxillin overexpression rescues FAK-Tyr397 phosphorylation, suggesting that the FAK-activating action of Grb2 involves paxillin. A second distinct role for Grb2 in PTPα-Tyr789 phosphorylation involves Grb2-mediated coupling of Src-FAK and PTPα. This requires two phosphosites, FAK-Tyr925 and PTPα-Tyr789, for Grb2-Src homology 2 (SH2) binding. We propose that a Grb2 dimer links FAK and PTPα, and this positions active Src-FAK in proximity with other, perhaps integrin-clustered, molecules of PTPα to enable maximal PTPα-Tyr789 phosphorylation. These findings identify Grb2 as a new FAK activator and reveal its essential role in coordinating PTPα tyrosine phosphorylation to enable downstream integrin signaling and migration.
Direct Concentration Approach of Moisture Diffusion and Whole-Field Vapor Pressure Modeling for Reflow Process — Part II : Application to 3 D Ultrathin Stacked-Die Chip Scale Packages

In the present study, the direct concentration approach (DCA) and the whole-field vapor pressure model developed in Part I of this work (Xie et al., 2009 “Direct Concentration Approach of Moisture Diffusion and Whole Field Vapor Pressure Modeling for Reflow Process: Part I–Theory and Numerical Implementation,” ASME J. Electron. Packag., 131, p. 031010) is applied to 3D ultrathin stacked-die chip scale packages to investigate wafer-level die-attach film cohesive failures during the reflow process. Oversaturation, which refers to the film that absorbs more moisture when reflow process begins, is observed using the DCA. The modeling results suggest that the moisture transport and escape through the substrate during the reflow is responsible for the film rupture. A small reduction in substrate thickness could result in a significant decrease in moisture concentration and vapor pressure in bottom layer film and therefore reduce failure rate greatly. A slight improvement in reflow profile while still meeting specification allows a significant amount of moisture loss during the reflow; hence failure rate could also be reduced greatly. The mechanism of soft film rupture at reflow due to moisture is discussed in detail. The simulation results are consistent with the published experimental data. DOI: 10.1115/1.3144154
Expression of Transforming Growth Factor and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Core Protein of Proteoglycan in Human Vertebral Cartilaginous Endplate of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. To compare the expression of cytokines and core protein of proteoglycan in the scoliotic concave and convex cartilaginous endplate using immunohistochemical staining. Objectives. To define the possible role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and core protein of proteoglycan in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. Changes in the endplate composition have been implicated as possible etiologic factors in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Cytokines have exclusive effects on cartilage. Thus comparing the expression of the cytokines and matrix on the convex and concave sides of scoliotic endplate tissues may help to understand the role of endplate tissues in the induction and/or progression of idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. The convex and concave half of cartilage endplate was collected at the apex and end vertebrae from 12 patients. The expression of TGFβ1, bFGF, and core protein on both sides was examined with the immunohistochemistry method, and results were analyzed with the image analysis system. Results. TGFβ1, bFGF, and core protein of proteoglycan were all expressed in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes in the cartilaginous endplate. The area density and quantity density of TGFβ1 and bFGF on the concave side are expressed in an even significantly higher level than that on the convex side (P ≥ 0.05). The expression of the core protein of proteoglycan on the convex side is higher than that on the concave side, the difference is not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion. There was a significantly higher expression of TGFβ1 and bFGF, although a lower expression of the core protein on the concave side, which suggests a possible etiological factor or a secondary change in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.