Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of different rates and forms of applied sulphur on nutrient composition of planted crops

a three-year field experiment was conducted from 2000 to 2002 in north-East Poland. Each year three sulphur fertilization rates in the form of sulphate (S-So4 2–) and pure sulphur (S-S0) were applied: 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha. The most beneficial effect on the yields of cabbage, onion and barley was produced by the rates of 40 and 80 kg S/ha, while the dose of 120 kg S/ha (especially when applied as S-So4 2–) reduced the yields of these crops. increasing rates of sulphur used as a fertilizer caused increased concentration of sulphates in plants up to their luxury accumulation. irrespective of the test crop species or form of sulphur applied, once the crops terminated their vegetative season, the plants fertilized with sulphur typically contained more total n than those fertilized only with nPK. The S-So4 2– fertilization tended to raise the accumulation of n-no3 – in the crops, especially during the juvenile phase. The application of 120 kg S-So4 2–/kg caused depressed amounts of potassium in cabbage, onion and in barley during the heading phase.
Audiological Status of Chinese Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate

Objective To review the audiological and otoscopic status of Chinese children and young adults seen at a cleft lip and palate clinic in Hong Kong and compare with previous studies of Western clinical populations. Design The hearing health status of the patients was analyzed on the basis of the results of their otoscopic, pure tone audiometric, and tympanometric examinations. The patients’ sex, age, race, and type of cleft pathology were examined for their potential relationship to hearing health status. Participants The records of 180 predominantly Chinese patients attending the Cleft Lip and Palate Centre, Prince Philip Dental Hospital/University of Hong Kong from July 1977 to December 1999 were reviewed. Results and Conclusion The results indicated 13.4% of patient ears failed the audiometric screening and 23.7% of patient ears yielded abnormal tympanometric results. Patients’ sex, age, and type of cleft pathology were found not to be related to hearing screening results. The prevalence of hearing disorder was in contrast with Western studies that show a much higher rate of audiological problems in children and young adults with cleft lip/palate. Racial factors were considered to be possible reasons for this disparity. Other factors, such as timely medical and surgical intervention, including early cleft palate repair and the insertion of ventilation tubes in cases of middle ear effusion, do not convincingly account for the study findings.
The topography and variability of the primary visual cortex in man.

✓ The topographical anatomy of the primary visual cortex in man was studied by macroscopic identification and measurement of the line of Gennari on coronal sections from 52 hemispheres collected at autopsy. Computer analysis of these data provided detailed, quantitative information concerning the amount, variability, and distribution of the striate area on the surface of the occipital lobe, and within the calcarine fissure and other sulci. This information is particularly applicable to the development of a functional visual prosthesis for the blind based on stimulation of the visual cortex. Taking conservative values for two-point discrimination (3 mm) on the cortex based on previous observations made during neurosurgical operations, and the surgically accessible areas available for stimulation reported in this study, it seems clear that a useful number of electrodes could be implanted in virtually every patient.
Maternal depression, behavioral profile and school performance in school-age children

The aim of this study was to compare behavioral profile and school performance of school-age children living with a mother who presents clinical history of recurrent depression, diagnosed according to CID-10 criteria in order to verify the influences of such adversity. Thirty-eight mother-child dyads were evaluated using tests, interviews and questionnaires. Approximately two-thirds of the children presented behavioral and school performance difficulties with predominance of emotional and relationship problems, and impairment in the three areas of school performance which were assessed (writing, arithmetic and reading). Such difficulties may be associated with the negative impact of maternal depression. One-third of the children did not present difficulties, which suggests the use of protective mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of considering differences in children's profiles for the planning of mental health practices.
Role of dispersion of atrial refractoriness in the recurrence of clinical atrial fibrillation; a manifestation of atrial electrical remodelling in humans?

AIMS The mechanism of atrial fibrillation recurrence following cardioversion is unknown, although experimental studies have indicated that changes in dispersion of atrial refractoriness may play a role. The aims of this study were to assess (1) if dispersion of atrial refractoriness is relevant to atrial fibrillation recurrence and (2) if dispersion of refractoriness is part of the atrial electrical remodelling process in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-seven consecutive patients underwent internal cardioversion (CV1) of persistent atrial fibrillation. Patients were monitored by daily transtelephonic recordings following discharge and if there was spontaneous atrial fibrillation recurrence they were rapidly admitted for repeat cardioversion (CV2). We used the 5th percentile of 100 consecutive atrial fibrillation cycle lengths (AFCL(P5)) and the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) as measures of atrial refractoriness at four different atrial sites. Dispersion of AFCL(P5)at CV1 was significantly higher in those who had subsequent recurrence of atrial fibrillation than in those who remained in sinus rhythm for at least 1 month after cardioversion (35+/-17 ms vs 9+/-13 ms;P<0.02). Dispersion of AFCL(P5)measured at CV2 was significantly lower than that measured in the same patients at CV1 (19+/-8 ms vs 35+/-11 ms;P=0.02). i.e. dispersion of AFCL(P5)had reduced following a period of sinus rhythm. In contrast, there was no difference in dispersion of AERP between the recurrers and non-recurrers. Dispersion of AERP between CV1 and CV2 did not change following a period of sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION Dispersion of AFCL is relevant to atrial fibrillation recurrence and may represent a manifestation of atrial electrical remodelling in humans. Treatment directed at AFCL dispersion may be useful in the suppression of atrial fibrillation recurrence following cardioversion.
Acute Effects of Various Whole-Body Vibration Frequencies on Lower-Body Power in Trained and Untrained Subjects

Rønnestad, BR. Acute effects of various whole-body vibration frequencies on lower-body power in trained and untrained subjects. J Strength Cond Res 23(4): 1309-1315, 2009-The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) with different vibration frequencies on power production during squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with submaximal external loads in strength trained and untrained subjects. Subjects were randomly exposed to WBV with frequencies of 20, 35, or 50 Hz (amplitude: 3 mm), or no vibration. Peak average power during SJ and CMJ was assessed on a Smith machine while standing on a vibration platform. Both the trained and untrained group increased peak average power during SJ at an WBV frequency of 50 Hz (6.8 ± 1.9 and 7.3 ± 1.7%, respectively; p < 0.05). This increase was larger than in the other test conditions, in which no changes occurred (p < 0.05). Untrained subjects increased peak average power during CMJ with 4.4 ± 1.3% (p < 0.05) while vibrating at a frequency of 50 Hz, but there was no difference for the strength trained subjects. Furthermore, there was no difference in peak average power in CMJ and SJ while vibrating at frequencies of 20 and 35 Hz compared with no vibration in either of the groups. In conclusion, WBV with a frequency of 50 Hz increases peak average power in both trained and untrained subjects, whereas vibration frequencies of 20 and 35 Hz do not have this effect. Thus, if the purpose of using WBV is to increase the stimulus to the neuromuscular system to a greater extent than traditional explosive strength/power training, the WBV frequency should be 50 Hz and the exercises should be explosive and submaximally loaded (like traditional explosive strength/power training).
Effects of acetylbergenin against D -galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The hepatoprotective effects of acetylbergenin were examined against D -galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver damage in rats, compared with that of bergenin reported previously. Acetylbergenin was synthesized from acetylation of bergenin, isolated from Mallotus japonicus, to increase lipophilic and physiological activities. Acetylbergenin was administered orally once daily for 7 days and then GalN (400 mg kg(-1), i.p.) was injected at 24 h and 96 h after the final administration of acetylbergenin. Acetylbergenin reduced the elevated serum enzyme activities of alanine/aspartate aminotransferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma -glutamyltransferase and the formation of hepatic malondialdehyde induced by GalN. Acetylbergenin also significantly restored towards normalization the decreased levels of glutathione and the decreased activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase induced by GalN. Therefore, these results suggest that acetylbergenin has hepatoprotective effects against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and maintaining an adequate level of GSH for the detoxification of xenobiotics as underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms. In addition, lipophilic acetylbergenin showed more activity in the hepatoprotection than that of the much less lipophilic bergenin reported previously.
Slip modelling and aided inertial navigation of an LHD

This paper describes the theoretical development and experimental evaluation of a guidance system for an autonomous load, haul and dump truck (LHD) for use in underground mining. The particular contributions of this paper are in designing the navigation system to be able to cope with vehicle slip in rough uneven terrain using information from an inertial navigation system (INS) and a bearing only laser. Results are presented using data obtained during field trials.
MIL 03443, a dunite from asteroid 4 Vesta: Evidence for its classification and cumulate origin

Abstract– The absence of dunite (>90 vol% olivine) in the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorite suite, when viewed with respect to spectroscopic and petrologic evidence for olivine on Vesta, is problematic. Herein, we present petrologic, geochemical, and isotopic evidence confirming that Miller Range (MIL) 03443, containing 91 vol% olivine, should be classified with the HED clan rather than with mesosiderites. Similarities in olivine and pyroxene FeO/MnO ratios, mineral compositions, and unusual mineral inclusions between MIL 03443 and the diogenites support their formation on a common parent body. This hypothesis is bolstered by oxygen isotopic and bulk geochemical data. Beyond evidence for its reclassification, we present observations and interpretations that MIL 03443 is probably a crustal cumulate rock like the diogenites, rather than a sample of the Vestan mantle.
Effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation intervention on the return to work and employment of persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that frequently affects adults of working age, resulting in a range of physical, cognitive and psychosocial deficits that impact on workforce participation. Although, the literature supports vocational rehabilitation (VR) approaches in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), the evidence for its effectiveness is yet to be established. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of VR programs compared to alternative programs or care as usual on return to work, workability and employment in pwMS; to evaluate the cost effectiveness of these programs. SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic searches included: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials "CENTRAL" 2008 issue 3, MEDLINE (PubMed) (1966- 2008), EMBASE (1988- 2008), CINAHL (1982- 2008), PEDro (1990- 2008), the Cochrane Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field trials Register and the National Health Service National Research Register. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized and controlled clinical trials, including before - after controlled trials, that compare VR rehabilitation with alternative intervention such as standard or a lesser form of intervention or waitlist controls. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers selected trials and rated their methodological quality independently. A 'best evidence' synthesis was performed, based on methodological quality. Trials were grouped in terms of type and setting of VR programs. MAIN RESULTS Two trials (one RCT and one CCT) (total 80 participants) met the review criteria. Both trials scored poorly on the methodological quality assessment. There was 'insufficient evidence' for VR programs for (a)'competitive employment', in altering rates of job retention, changes in employment, improvement in rates of re-entry into the labour force; (b) for altering 'work ability' by improving participants' confidence in the accommodation request process, or employability maturity or job seeking activity. No evidence could be assimilated for changes in proportions of persons in supported employment or on disability pensions, nor for cost-effectiveness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was inconclusive evidence to support VR for pwMS. However, the review highlights some of the challenges in providing VR for pwMS. Clinicians need to be aware of vocational issues, and to understand and manage barriers for maintaining employment. Proactive and timely VR programs should incorporate practical solutions to deal with work disability, workplace accommodation and educate employers, and the wider community. Liaison with policy makers is imperative for government initiatives that encourage work focused VR programs. Future research in VR should focus on improving methodological and scientific rigour of clinical trials; on the development of appropriate and valid outcome measures; and on cost effectiveness of VR programs.
Characteristics of spatial memory in pigeons.

Pigeons learned a delayed-alteration (DA) task in a T-maze. Very few trials were needed prior to accurate performance. Similarly, after little training the birds performed accurately with delays of 8-16 min. End-of-delay cues, possibly provided by the experimenter, response-based cues, and intramaze cues were all experimentally examined and rejected as bases for the birds' performances; pigeons appear to rely on spatial (extramaze) cues. Long-delay performances were undisturbed by changes in delay-interval stimuli (illumination shifts and transportation around the laboratory). Finally, birds were shown to acquire DA so quickly because of a potent tendency to avoid recently visited locations (i.e., a preexisting "win-shift" tendency). Characteristics of pigeon spatial memory thus include temporal persistence, resistance to retroactive interference, and a win-shift bias. In these respects spatial memory of pigeons parallels spatial memory of rats.
pH of semen in normal and abnormal ejaculates.

Sir. The motility and viability of spermatozoa is known to be affected by changes in the hydrogen ion concentration of surrounding media. Studies with animal semen (bulls and rams) have shown that increased seminal pH is associated with absence of or low density of sperm and often accompanies with low fertility (I). Similarly the motility and fertility of animal (rams and rabbit) spermatozoa is affected in vitro by changes in the pH of incubating media (2,3). Usual laboratory methods of semen analysis describe the reaction of semen as either acidic or alkaline. Further no study has so far becn conducted on pH and seminogram characteristics except that of Raboch and Skachova (4), who studied pH in patients with known genital tract and chromosomal pathologies without any consideration to other features of seminogram viz sperm motility and morphology. In the present study we have attempted to find the relationship between seminal fluid pH and seminogram abnor­ malities.
Molecular typing of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis

The etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, has been isolated from many biologic sources in North America and Eurasia, and isolates have been divided into three distinct genospecies (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii). In order to explore the possible association of genospecies with disease manifestation, 60 isolates of B. burgdorferi sensu lato were subjected to 5S rDNA-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The results confirmed earlier studies which indicated that virtually all North American isolates are B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, whereas Eurasian strains fall into all three genospecies. Thirty-five isolates were further characterized by PCR amplification of a region of the 16S-23S rDNA spacer and HinfI digestion of the products. This method resulted in the subdivision of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto into two distinct PCR-RFLP types. In contrast, B. garinii isolates all displayed an identical pattern. Additionally, a number of previously unclassified North American isolates (25015, DN127, 19857, 24330) showed distinctively different PCR-RFLP patterns. The application of this method for the typing of uncultured B. burgdorferi directly in biologic samples was demonstrated by analysis of several field-collected Ixodes scapularis tick specimens. The described PCR-RFLP technique should allow for the direct and rapid molecular typing of B. burgdorferi-containing samples and facilitate studies of the relationship between spirochete genotype and clinical disease.
Structural polymorphism of the mannose‐binding lectin 2 (MBL2 ) gene in HCV‐infected patients with a serological marker for thyroid autoimmunity

We studied the association of the mannose‐binding lectin‐2 (MBL2) polymorphism with anti‐thyroid antibodies (ATA) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected Brazilian patients (n = 162) and 124 healthy volunteers screened for ATA. Our results showed that patients with ATA had higher frequency of genotype 00 than controls. MBL may play a role as disease modifier in HCV infection.
JAK1 and Tyk2 Activation by the Homologous Polycythemia Vera JAK2 V617F Mutation

The majority of polycythemia vera (PV) patients harbor a unique somatic mutation (V617F) in the pseudokinase domain of JAK2, which leads to constitutive signaling. Here we show that the homologous mutations in JAK1 (V658F) and in Tyk2 (V678F) lead to constitutive activation of these kinases. Their expression induces autonomous growth of cytokine-dependent cells and constitutive activation of STAT5, STAT3, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Akt signaling in Ba/F3 cells. The mutant JAKs exhibit constitutive signaling also when expressed in fibrosarcoma cells deficient in JAK proteins. Expression of the JAK2 V617F mutant renders Ba/F3 cells hypersensitive to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which is a hallmark of PV erythroid progenitors. Upon selection of Ba/F3 cells for autonomous growth induced by the JAK2 V617F mutant, cells respond to IGF1 by activating STAT5, STAT3, Erk1/2, and Akt on top of the constitutive activation characteristic of autonomous cells. The synergic effect on proliferation and STAT activation appears specific to the JAK2 V617F mutant. Our results show that the homologous V617F mutation induces activation of JAK1 and Tyk2, suggesting a common mechanism of activation for the JAK1, JAK2, and Tyk2 mutants. JAK3 is not activated by the homologous mutation M592F, despite the presence of the conserved GVC preceding sequence. We suggest that mutations in the JAK1 and Tyk2 genes may be identified as initial molecular defects in human cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Distinct Transcriptional Profiles and Phenotypes Exhibited by Escherichia coli O157:H7 Isolates Related to the 2006 Spinach-Associated Outbreak

ABSTRACT In 2006, a large outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was linked to the consumption of ready-to-eat bagged baby spinach in the United States. The likely sources of preharvest spinach contamination were soil and water that became contaminated via cattle or feral pigs in the proximity of the spinach fields. In this study, we compared the transcriptional profiles of 12 E. coli O157:H7 isolates that possess the same two-enzyme pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profile and are related temporally or geographically to the above outbreak. These E. coli O157:H7 isolates included three clinical isolates, five isolates from separate bags of spinach, and single isolates from pasture soil, river water, cow feces, and a feral pig. The three clinical isolates and two spinach bag isolates grown in cultures to stationary phase showed decreased expression of many σS-regulated genes, including gadA, osmE, osmY, and katE, compared with the soil, water, cow, feral pig, and the other three spinach bag isolates. The decreased expression of these σS-regulated genes was correlated with the decreased resistance of the isolates to acid stress, osmotic stress, and oxidative stress but increases in scavenging ability. We also observed that intraisolate variability was much more pronounced among the clinical and spinach isolates than among the environmental isolates. Together, the transcriptional and phenotypic differences of the spinach outbreak isolates of E. coli O157:H7 support the hypothesis that some variants within the spinach bag retained characteristics of the preharvest isolates, whereas other variants with altered gene expression and phenotypes infected the human host.
Odors regulate Arc expression in neuronal ensembles engaged in odor processing

Synaptic activity is critical to developmental and plastic processes that produce long-term changes in neuronal connectivity and function. Genes expressed by neurons in an activity-dependent fashion are of particular interest since the proteins they encode may mediate neuronal plasticity. One such gene encodes the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein, Arc. The present study evaluated the effects of odor stimulation on Arc expression in rat olfactory bulb. Arc mRNA was rapidly increased in functionally linked cohorts of neurons topographically activated by odor stimuli. These included neurons surrounding individual glomeruli, mitral cells and transynaptically activated granule cells. Dendritic Arc immunoreactivity was also increased in odor-activated glomeruli. Our results suggest that odor regulation of Arc expression may contribute to activity-dependent structural changes associated with olfactory experience.
Translating an Evidence-Based Intervention for Pediatric Overweight to a Primary Care Setting

The objective of this study was to train pediatric providers to address weight, body mass index (BMI), diet, and physical activity with parents. Children aged 8 to 12 years with BMI of ≥85th percentile were eligible if accompanied by a parent. The intervention was a family-based, 11-session behavioral program focusing on healthy eating and physical activity. Outcome measures were weight and BMI. Seventy-three child—parent dyads enrolled. Children who attended at least 6 of 8 intervention sessions and 1 of 3 follow-up sessions (completers) lost an average of 2.84 lb; change in BMI z scores was statistically significant at 5 months (P < .001). Primary care providers can acquire skills to increase their confidence in approaching children and parents regarding weight and BMI. Parents and children will attend an intervention targeting healthy weight in the pediatric practice. Professional office staff can be trained to provide an evidence-informed intervention that promotes healthy weight.