Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solving the common problem: matching ATP synthesis to ATP demand during exercise.

Biologists have long known that rates of adenosine triphosphate utilization and production need to be extremely closely balanced in all cells at all work rates. To put it in molecular rather than molar terms, in human muscle engaged in a 15-min work protocol, some 3.3 x 10(20) ATP molecules g-1 are used and resynthesized at close to 100 times the resting cycling rates before fatigue occurs. However, during this interval only a 20-25% decrease in the ATP pool is sustained. Review of recent studies as to how such remarkable regulatory precision is achieved suggests that in resting muscle, myosin behaves as a latent catalyst for which the full catalytic capacity is (a) realized with the arrival of its activator signal (Ca2+) and (b) attenuated with reaction products. These proactive controls, initiated at the onset of ATP utilization, set the required flux through ATP-producing pathways. For any given enzyme step in ATP-producing pathways, reaction velocity (upsilon) becomes the independent parameter, whereas substrate concentration ([s], the dependent parameter) must be adjusted accordingly. Because the dynamic range for muscles (change from resting to maximum ATP turnover rates) can exceed 100-fold, in many studies of working muscle the percentage change in ATP turnover rate usually greatly exceeds the percentage change in substrate concentrations. These kinds of observations are not easily explained by current metabolic regulation models, but are consistent with pathway enzymes behaving as latent catalysts in resting muscle. In this view, the unmasking of such latent catalytic potential is the main explanation for how large changes in upsilon can be achieved with modest (sometimes immeasurable) changes in [s]. In terms of the basic enzyme velocity equation, Vmax = kcat.e0 for pathways of ATP utilization and of ATP synthesis, the dominant (coarse level) regulation is achieved through e0 adjustments, whereas fine-tuning of flux is achieved by effective kcat adjustment.
Aortic Baroreceptors Exert a Tonically Active Restraining Influence on Centrally Mediated Depressor Responses

Summary This study tested the hypothesis that aortic baroreceptors exert a central restraining influence on centrally mediated depressor responses and that this mechanism is tonically active and is independent of their modulation of basal arterial pressure. The effects of short-term (48–72 h) aortic baroreceptor deafferentation (ABD) on the acute hemodynamic (peripherally mediated pressor and centrally mediated depressor) effects of clonidine were investigated in conscious and anesthetized normotensive rats. ABD caused an immediate increase in basal arterial pressure and heart rate and a significant attenuation of the baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate. Since only arterial pressure subsided to control levels by 48–72 h, the data suggest that central reorganizational changes were potent enough to overcome the tonically active restraining influence of aortic baroreceptors on basal arterial pressure but not heart rate. Clonidine produced a similar pressor effect in conscious ABD and sham rats but its depressor effect was significantly greater in ABD rats whose baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate was significantly attenuated. Intracisternal (i.e.) administration of 0.1 μg of clonidine, a dose that had no effect when administered i.v. , produced a near-maximal depressor effect in conscious ABD rats vs. no effect in sham rats (- 16.7 ± 4.1 vs. −0.3 + 2 mm Hg; p < 0.001). The depressor effect of clonidine was also enhanced in chloralose-anesthetized rats and coincided with an anesthesia-induced attenuation of the baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate. It is concluded that aortic baroreceptors exert a potent restraining influence on the centrally mediated depressor effect of clonidine. Since ABD had no significant effect on the depressor response to nitroprusside, but enhanced the depressor response to ganglion blockade by hexamethonium, the data suggest that a higher peripheral sympathetic neural activity existed in ABD rats. The reorganizational changes that occurred within 48–72 h after ABD were potent enough to overcome the tonically active restraining influence of aortic baroreceptors on basal arterial pressure but not on the centrally mediated depressor responses. Thus, the buffering influence of aortic baroreceptors and their central projections on centrally mediated depressor responses seems to be tonically involved in blood pressure control.
Perceived Behavioral Changes in Early Multiple Sclerosis

Acquired behavioral changes have essentially been described in advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study was designed to determine whether behavioral modifications specifically related to the MS pathological process could be identified in the initial phase of the disease, as compared to control patients with chronic, relapsing and progressive inflammatory disorders not involving the central nervous system (CNS). Eighty-eight early MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 2.5) and 48 controls were tested. Perceived changes by informants in behavioral control, goal-directed behavior, decision making, emotional expression, insight and interpersonal relationships were assessed using the Iowa Scale of Personality Change (ISPC). Executive behavioral disturbances were screened using the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). The mean change between the premorbid and postmorbid ISPC ratings was similar in the MS [12.2 (SD 15.6)] and in the control [11.5 (SD 15.1)] group. The perceived behavioral changes (PBCs) most frequently reported in both groups were lack of stamina, lability/moodiness, anxiety, vulnerability to stress and irritability. Pathological scores in the DEX were also similar in both groups. Correlations between PBCs and DEX scores were different in MS and control groups. MS patients with cognitive impairment had a marginally higher number of PBCs than control patients (p = 0.056) and a significantly higher DEXp score (p = 0.04). These results suggest that (1) PBCs occurring in early MS patients were not different from those induced by comparable chronic non-CNS disorders, (2) qualitative differences in the relationship between behavioral symptoms and executive-behavioral changes may exist between MS and control groups, and (3) behavioral symptoms seem associated with cognitive deficits in MS. We further plan to assess these observations longitudinally.
Three-dimensional bone-implant integration profiling using micro-computed tomography.

PURPOSE The capability of micro-computed tomography (microCT) for quantitative analysis of peri-implant bone has not been previously addressed. This study aimed to establish and validate a method to use this technique for 3-dimensional bone-implant integration profiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unthreaded cylindric implants with a dual acid-etched surface were placed into the right femurs of 7 Sprague-Dawley rats. Two weeks postimplantation, the femurs were harvested and measured with a desktop micro-tomographic scanner with an isotropic resolution of 8 microm. To validate the microCT outcome, ground histologic sections and corresponding CT slices were compared with respect to bone morphometry. RESULTS Bone-implant integration profiles assessed by microCT revealed that the percentage of cancellous bone gradually increased with proximity to the implant surface, while the percentage of cortical bone was not affected by proximity to the implant. Using the optimized segmentation threshold, the bone configuration in the microCT images corresponded to that observed in the histologic sections. The correlation between microCT and histology was significant for cortical (r = 0.65; P < .05) and cancellous bone (r = 0.92; P < .05) at distances of 24 to 240 microm from the implant surface, but no significant correlation was found for the area from 0 to 24 microm from the surface. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results support the usefulness of microCT assessment as a rapid, nondestructive method for 3-dimensional bone ratio measurements around implants, which may provide new perspectives for osseointegration research. Further study is necessary, however, to address the inherent metallic halation artifact, which potentially confounds peri-implant bone assessment.
A study of factors influencing drug disposition in chronic liver disease, using the model drug (+)-propranolol.

The pharmacokinetics, following i.v. administration of (+)-propranolol (40 mg) have been compared to in vitro measurement of protein binding and biochemical parameters of liver function in six normal subjects and twenty patients with stable chronic liver disease. The clearance of (+)-propranolol decreased with evidence of increasing severity of impairment of liver function correlating significantly with a fall in serum albumin, a rise in bilirubin and a prolongation in prothrombin index. The clearance of (+)-propranolol correlated with and was numerically similar to the clearance of indocyanine green in normal subjects and also in patients with chronic liver disease. Protein binding was decreased in chronic liver disease, but this change was not related to changes in plasma proteins. In normal subjects and patients without ascites the volume of distribution increased with decreases in protein binding. Ascites was associated with a further increase in the volume of distribution. The considerable variation in half-life largely depends on changes in liver blood flow, the degree of protein binding and the plasma protein pool size.
Shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy

Background and purpose Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is a painful condition and there are often unsatisfactory results with conservative treatment. Extracorporal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) has been introduced for the management of various soft tissue conditions. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of supplementing conservative treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with ESWT or placebo. Patients and methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients assigned to nonoperative treatment of chronic achilles tendinopathy were randomized to receive either active ESWT or sham ESWT over 4 weeks. There were 48 patients (28 men) with a mean age of 47 (19–80) years. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and pain were assessed before treatment, during the 4-week treatment period, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of follow-up. Results Both groups improved during the treatment and follow-up period. The mean AOFAS score increased from 74 (SD 12) to 81 (16) in the placebo group and from 70 (6.8) to 88 (10) in the intervention group (p = 0.05). Better results were seen in the intervention group at 8 and 12 weeks of follow-up (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). Interpretation Extracorporal shock-wave therapy appears to be a supplement for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
White Rock Oneota Chipped Stone Tools

Abstract A standardized approach to descriptive analysis of chipped stone artifacts from the White Rock site (14JW1) in north-central Kansas allows comparison with Oneota lithic assemblages. These comparisons reinforce the interpretation of the White Rock phase as the remains of a late prehistoric Oneota population in the Central Plains. White Rock peoples made tool forms (e.g., small triangular points) similar to those recovered from Oneota sites in the Midwest. Informal tools are well represented, reflecting an Oneota lithic technology. Despite continuity in chipped stone tool production, regional adaptation is evident in the selection of lithic raw materials from the Central Plains, production of blades and blade tools, and an abundance of scrapers. The latter, along with beveled knives, reveals extensive processing of bison hides and meat, a reflection of Oneota adaptation to the Plains.
Comparison of Magnitude of Astigmatism Induced by Lateral Rectus Recession

Purpose. To study the relationship between the amount of surgical recession with magnitude and axis of induced astigmatism. Methods. From March 2003 to April 2007, 62 patients with intermittent exotropia who had undergone unilateral or bilateral lateral rectus recession were identified retrospectively. The subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 (34 eyes, 34 patients) with a lateral rectus recession ≤9.5 mm and group 2 (56 eyes, 28 patients) with a recession ≤8 mm. Induced astigmatism was defined as the difference between preoperative and postoperative astigmatism, which was calculated using double-angle vector analysis. Cylinder power and axis of induced astigmatism were analyzed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Results. Larger changes in induced astigmatism were found in group 1 than in group 2 at 1 week after recession (0.8 D cylinder, axis 91° vs. 0.3 D cylinder, axis 88°, Student's t-test, p < 0.01). There was a statistically meaningful correlation between the amount of recession and the cylinder power of induced astigmatism at 1 week after recession (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.27, p < 0.01). However, this significant difference between the two groups was not maintained thereafter. Relaxation of astigmatism was observed toward the preoperative value over time in both groups; however, there was a statistically significant difference in the cylinder power of induced astigmatism compared with that of preoperative astigmatism in both groups until the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The larger recessions had more induced astigmatism during the first week after surgery. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of induced astigmatism thereafter between the two groups. Large lateral rectus recession does not seem to produce a sustained astigmatic change compared with moderate recession.
Circumcision and genital dermatoses.

CONTEXT It is well recognized that the presence of a foreskin predisposes to penile carcinoma and sexually transmitted infections. We have investigated the relationship between the presence or absence of the foreskin and penile dermatoses. OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an association between circumcision and penile dermatoses. DESIGN A retrospective case control study of patients attending the department of dermatology with genital skin conditions. SUBJECTS The study population consisted of 357 male patients referred for diagnosis and management of genital skin disease. The control population consisted of 305 male patients without genital skin disease attending the general dermatology clinics over a 4-month period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relationship between circumcision and the presence or absence of skin disease involving the penis was investigated. The rate of circumcision in the general male dermatology population was determined. RESULTS The most common diagnoses were psoriasis (n = 94), penile infections (n = 58), lichen sclerosus (n = 52), lichen planus (n = 39), seborrheic dermatitis (n = 29), and Zoon balanitis (n = 27). Less common diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4), bowenoid papulosis (n = 3), and Bowen disease (n = 3). The age-adjusted odds ratio for all penile skin diseases associated with presence of the foreskin was 3.24 (95% confidence interval, 2.26-4.64). All patients with Zoon balanitis, bowenoid papulosis, and nonspecific balanoposthitis were uncircumcised. Lichen sclerosus was diagnosed in only 1 circumcised patient. Most patients with psoriasis, lichen planus, and seborrheic eczema (72%, 69%, and 72%, respectively) were uncircumcised at presentation. The majority of men with penile infections (84%) were uncircumcised. CONCLUSIONS Most cases of inflammatory dermatoses were diagnosed in uncircumcised men, suggesting that circumcision protects against inflammatory dermatoses. The presence of the foreskin may promote inflammation by a köebnerization phenomenon, or the presence of infectious agents, as yet unidentified, may induce inflammation. The data suggest that circumcision prevents or protects against common infective penile dermatoses.
Occurrence of drug-resistant bacteria in communal well water around Port Harcourt, Nigeria

SUMMARY A total of 108 raw water samples was collected from 36 wells at nine shanty settlements around Port Harcourt, Nigeria, over a period of 7 months. Samples were analysed for their bacteriological quality. Selected bacterial strains isolated from the samples were tested for their susceptibility to ten commonly used antibiotics. The organisms isolated include Pseudomonas spp. , Klebsieila spp. , Staphylococcus spp. , Proteus spp. , Enterococcus faecalis, Aeromonas spp. , Escherichia coli, Chromobacterium spp. , Flavobacterium spp. , and Serratia spp. Out of 300 strains tested, 23 (6·9%) were susceptible to all the antibiotics, 277 (92·3%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 232 (77·3%) were resistant to two or more antibiotics. The epidemiological significance of these results is discussed.
Subjective health complaints in adolescence: dimensional structure and variation across gender and age.

AIMS The aim of this study is to investigate dimensional structures in subjective health complaints in adolescents and to examine the variation in levels and dimensionality across gender and age groups. METHODS Data from two studies were used: (1) a study based on a convenience sample, consisting of 1427 Norwegian students (11- to 15-year-olds) from schools participating in the European Network of Health Promoting Schools; (2) a nationwide survey amongst 7,059 Norwegian students (aged 11, 13, 15, and 16) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Subjective health complaints were measured by revised versions of the HBSC symptoms checklist (HBSC-SCL). RESULTS In study 1 confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a model of two highly correlated factors, which can be labelled somatic and psychological, fitted the data reasonably well (CFI = 0.91). This two-factor model was applied in study 2 and latent means were tested across sub-samples defined by gender and age. The results indicate that girls show higher mean levels compared with boys on both factors. There is also an indication of an increase in these factors with age amongst girls, while amongst boys there is less, if any, difference across age groups. The correlation between the somatic and psychological factors was virtually constant across age groups and gender. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a somatic and a psychological factor indicates the existence of two different dimensions that may have different aetiologies. The gender difference in latent means across age groups may suggest a different developmental pattern amongst girls and boys.
Improving OR-PCA via smoothed spatially-consistent low-rank modeling for background subtraction

Background subtraction is a powerful mechanism for moving object detection. In addition to the most popular dynamic background scenes and abrupt lighting condition limitations for designing robust background subtraction mechanism, jitter-induced motion also poses a great challenge. In this case background subtraction becomes more challenging. Although, robust principal component analysis (RPCA) provides a potential solution for moving object detection but many existing RPCA methods for background subtraction still produce abundant false positives in the presence of these challenges. In this paper, we propose background subtraction algorithm based on continuous learning of low-rank matrix using image pixels represented on a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST). First, efficient MST is constructed to estimate minimax path among the spatial pixels of input image. Then, robust smoothing constraint is employed on these pixels for outlier removal. The low-rank matrix is updated using MST-based observed pixels. Finally, we apply the markov random field (MRF) to label the absolute value of the sparse error. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm achieves promising results on dynamic background and camera jitter sequences compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Leveraging Standard Electronic Business Interfaces to Enable Adaptive Supply Chain Partnerships

Adaptive supply chain partnerships are a key factor in driving the ability of extended enterprise partners to achieve long-term goals in an environment characterized by disruptive environmental shifts. Adaptive extended enterprise arrangements allow participating enterprises to leverage their combined assets for collective exploration and exploitation. In the context of extended enterprises, where significant investments have been directed toward instituting common interfaces, this study examines the question: How does the use of standard electronic business interfaces (SEBIs) enable supply chain partnerships to become more adaptive? This study conceptualizes the use of SEBIs as a boundary-spanning mechanism that helps overcome boundaries that impede knowledge transfer between enterprises in supply chains. SEBIs enables partners to gain insight into their broader environments, enriching each partner's perspective (enhanced bridging). SEBIs also help strengthen the cooperative ties between partners, motivating each partner to adapt for collective gain (enhanced bonding). Our research model is empirically tested using data collected from 41 demand-side supply chain partnerships (between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and retailers) in the information technology (IT) industry. The results show that collaborative information exchange (CIE) between supply chain partners mediates the relationship between use of SEBIs and mutual adaptation (MA) and adaptive knowledge creation between supply chain partners. Interestingly, the use of SEBIs is found to be directly associated with MA but only indirectly associated with adaptive knowledge creation. The study points out that the strategic impacts of SEBIs go well beyond the exchange of transaction information and process integration. It also shows that multilateral, quasi-open, and information exchange--and process linkage--oriented SEBIs can result in both bonding and bridging across supply chain partners without binding them inflexibly to specific partners. Based on the model and results, the study offers practical implications for how SEBIs should be developed, adopted, and used.