Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of a complex-shaped underwater vehicle

A control-oriented modeling approach is proposed for a low-speed semi-AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) CISCREA, which has complex-shaped structures. Due to the geometry of this AUV, it is very difficult to identify its dynamic and hydrodynamic parameters. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to find an efficient modeling approach to tune acceptable control design models. The presented solution uses cost efficient CFD (computational fluid dynamic) softwares predicting the two hydrodynamic key parameters: The added mass matrix and the damping matrix. A complete model is built for CISCREA from CFD and verified through experimental results. The results indicate that the proposed computational approach seems to be desirable for the robust control scheme of many complex-shaped AUVs. Finally, Numerical and experimental results are compared.
Pattern of Limb Amputations in Male Patients in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Most amputation surgeries worldwide are carried out in male patients. This negatively affects the socio-economic fortunes of the individual, family and society especially in places were rehabilitative and prosthetic facilities are lacking. The aim of this study is to highlight the pattern of limb amputation surgeries in male patients in our centre with a view to suggesting possible ways of prevention and improvement in the functionality and quality of life of amputees. Patients and Methods: Case notes of male patients who had amputation surgeries during the study period in the centre were retrieved from the records department and relevant information extracted. The extracted data were analysed accordingly. Results: Sixty three male patients had 69 limb amputation surgeries in the centre during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 48.7 + 20.6 years. The most frequent level of amputation was at below knee level in 46% of cases followed by above knee in 17.4% of cases. The lower limb was involved in 74.5% of cases, the rest 25.5% involving the upper limb. Diabetic foot disease was the commonest indication for amputation in 37.7% of cases followed by trauma in 30.4% of cases. Wound infection was the most frequent post-operative complication occurring in 43.5% of wounds in this study. Conclusion: Limb amputation surgeries frequently involve male patients with diabetic foot disease and trauma ranking as the most common indications here. Preventive measures such education of diabetic patients on foot car and, public enlightenment on accident and trauma prevention strategies will go a long way in reducing the burden of amputation. Making prosthesis available and affordable to amputees is also suggested as a way of improving on the quality of life and functionality of amputees.
Auxological, Clinical and MRI Findings in Taiwanese Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may be classified into partial isolated GHD (partial IGHD), severe IGHD or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) by the severity of GHD or associated with deficiency of one or more other anterior pituitary hormones during provocative tests. Morphological alterations on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with GHD include pituitary hypoplasia, absence or interruption of pituitary stalk, and absence or ectopic posterior lobe. This study investigated the auxological, clinical severity, and anatomical characteristics of the pituitary hypothalamic region by MRI and correlated their relationships. We evaluated these parameters in 45 Taiwanese children with GHD (31 males and 14 females), aged from 3.13 to 17.91 years (10.5+/-2.5), who were divided into diagnostic subgroups of partial IGHD (18 patients), severe IGHD (13 patients), and MPHD (14 patients). We found that BA-CA, peak GH, IGF-I, IGF-I SDS, and height SDS were significantly different among these three groups. The partial IGHD group had significantly higher IGF-I than the MPHD group. There was no significant difference in prematurity, cesarean delivery, birth order, neonatal jaundice, and target height among these three groups. On MRI, patients with MPHD had significantly smaller pituitary height (PHt) SDS (p = 0.0012) and higher frequency of pituitary hypoplasia, pituitary stalk interruption, and ectopic posterior lobe (p = 0.026, 0.008, 0.005, respectively) than the other two groups. Furthermore, PHt SDS was correlated not only with peak GH (r = 0.40, p = 0.0058), but also with basal IGF-I SDS (r = 0.49, p = 0.0007) and body height SDS (r = 0.44, p = 0.025). In conclusion, morphological alterations on MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary area are correlated with the severity of hypopituitarism. Meticulous evaluation of auxological, clinical and MRI findings can help evaluation of the severity of hypopituitarism and facilitate appropriate treatment in children with GHD.
EFFECTS ON NERVE ACTION POTENTIAL IN VITRO

VINCENT COLUCCI,* GARY STRICHARTZ,y FERENC JOLESZ,* NATALIA VYKHODTSEVA,* and KULLERVO HYNYNEN*z *Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; yDepartment of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; and zSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Imaging Research, and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
The significance of body weight change in non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight changes after completion of chemotherapy on the prognosis and survival of patients with intermediate and high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of data on patients from the TCOG T1488 protocol, a phase II study using CHOP in the treatment of intermediate and high grade lymphoma. From September, 1988 to December 1994, 138 adult patients had complete weight data for analysis. Weight gain in lymphoma patients after therapy significantly correlated with improved survival (Logrank test p = .0031). In patients with initial B symptoms, weight gain after therapy correlated with survival (Logrank test p = .0039), female patients (odds ratio = 6.2) were less likely to gain weight on treatment. CONCLUSION Weight gain after chemotherapy for lymphoma is a significant positive prognostic factor for survival.
A Research of E-Government Website Performance and its Relations with Economic Development

The e-government websites (EGWS) provide comprehensive government information contents and online services for residents and become an important interactive platform between province authorities and residents. In this article, we construct a set of systematic, objective, effective, and service-oriented EGWS performance evaluation model, and utilize the quantization methods, analytic hierarchy process(AHP) to evaluate Chinese province EGWS. We have shown the applicability of the EGWS evaluating method using 31 provincial case study. The results indicate that there remains significant variation in the extent to which EGWS deliver government information, online service, interact with residents and using information technology. Furthermore, we utilized correlation analysis to determine whether the EGWS performance has any relations with the economic development level. This research provide e-government policy makers with the ability to make more informed decisions on these issues so residents can be better served.
Apolipoprotein A 5 Polymorphisms Interact with Total Dietary Fat Intake in Association with Markers of Metabolic Syndrome in Puerto Rican Older Adults 1 – 3

APOA5 -1131T . C and S19W single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been consistently associated with plasma lipid concentration and metabolic syndrome (MetS), alone and in modulation by dietary factors. Puerto Ricans have a high prevalence of metabolic conditions and highminor allele frequency for these SNP, suggesting a possible role in disease for this population.We aimed to determine the association ofAPOA5 -1131T.C and S19Wwith plasma lipids andmarkers of MetS, alone and in interaction with total fat intake, as a percent of total energy intake, in Puerto Ricans. Anthropometric and demographic data, FFQ, and blood samples were collected at baseline from participants in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (n = 802, 45–75 y). APOA5 S19W was associated with plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.044); minor allele carriers had lower HDL-C [1.126 0.03 (mean6 SE)] than thosewith the common variant (1.186 0.01mmol/L), even after adjustment for plasma triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.012). Neither polymorphism was associated with TG or other lipids. Interaction of the -1131T.C SNPwith total fat energy intakewas observed for plasma TG (P = 0.032) and total cholesterol (P = 0.034). APOA5 S19W interacted with total fat intake in association with systolic (P = 0.002) and diastolic (P = 0.007) blood pressure. Neither SNP was associated with MetS in the overall analysis or after stratifying by total energy intake as fat. In conclusion, Puerto Ricans present a distinctive lipid profile in association with APOA5 polymorphisms. Dietary fat intake seems to modulate these associations. The results contribute to the understanding of health disparities in this population. J. Nutr. 139: 2301–2308, 2009.
Risk of cancer in relatives of prostate cancer probands.

BACKGROUND It is estimated that there will be more than 244,000 new prostate cancer cases diagnosed and that more than 40,000 men will die of this disease during 1995. Evidence exists for a hereditary predisposition to prostate cancer, but the proportion of cases attributable to the inheritance of a specific gene or genes is not large. Some hereditary cancer syndromes involve more than one tumor site, and some studies have reported a familial association between prostate cancer and other cancers. The presence of other cancers in prostate cancer families may indicate a specific type of hereditary predisposition. PURPOSE We studied families that were selected because of the presence of prostate cancer to determine whether hereditary prostate cancer is associated with cancers at other sites and possibly with other heritable cancer syndromes. METHODS Data from two distinct study populations were studied retrospectively. The first population consisted of 690 case patients undergoing radical prostatectomy who were not selected for family history of prostate cancer and 640 control subjects who were the spouses or female companions of the case patients. The second population consisted of 75 multiplex families (i.e., families with multiple cases of prostate cancer) referred because they fulfilled the criteria for hereditary prostate cancer. A comparison between case and control populations for the occurrence of 14 aggregated groups of cancer was performed. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression, and relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Brothers and fathers of prostate cancer probands have a statistically significant higher risk of prostate cancer than the male first-degree relatives of control subjects (RR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.28-2.43). Therefore, the risk for prostate cancer is 76% higher among first-degree relatives of prostate cancer patients compared with first-degree relatives of control subjects. This higher risk was not modified by an occurrence of breast cancer in the pedigree. Also, a statistically significant higher risk was found for tumors of the central nervous system in hereditary families (RR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.08-8.41). Statistically significant higher risks of cancer at other major sites, such as breast, ovary, or endometrium were not observed in these families. CONCLUSIONS Even among families that were specifically selected because of the presence of prostate cancer, risks for cancer at other sites appeared not to be increased. Therefore, hereditary prostate cancer appears to be a relatively site-specific disease, and it does not seem to be a part of other hereditary cancer syndromes.
The Innate Antiretroviral Factor APOBEC3G Does Not Affect Human LINE-1 Retrotransposition in a Cell Culture Assay*

APOBEC3G (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3G) is an innate intracellular antiretroviral factor that can inhibit viral retroelements such as retroviruses and hepadnaviruses. However, it is unknown whether it can act on non-viral substrates. Retrotransposons are transposable elements that cumulatively account for about one third of the human genome. They are commonly classified in long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, which are strongly homologous to retroviruses, and non-LTR retrotransposons also known as L1 elements or LINE-1 (long interspersed nucleotide element-1) elements. Most of the L1 elements are defective and only a small number are very active in vivo, but they are responsible for nearby all of the retrotransposition in the human population. The cloning of active human L1 elements has allowed the development of tissue culture-based assays for measuring their retrotransposition potential. We used such an assay to demonstrate that APOBEC3G, which impairs the replication of exogenous retroelements, does not affect the replication of endogenous L1 retrotransposons.
Hybrid evolutionary algorithm for multilayer perceptron networks with competitive performance

Hybrid models combining neural networks and genetic algorithms have been studied recently with the goal of achieving either better performance of the resulting network or faster training. In this paper we deal with variants of genetic learning applied for the structure optimization and weights evolution of multi-layer perceptron networks. Several genetic operators are tested, including memetic-type local search, that produce good results in terms of network performace. It is shown, that combining evolutionary algorithms with neural networks can lead to better results than relying on neural networks alone in terms of the quality of the solution (both training and generalization error). Comparison to gradient algorithms in terms of time complexity is discussed which does not bring overly optimistic results sometimes met in literature.
Disruption of N‐linked glycosylation enhances ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation of the human ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG2

The human ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter, ABCG2 (BCRP/MXR/ABCP), is a plasma membrane protein containing intramolecular and intermolecular disulfide bonds and an N‐linked glycan at Asn596. We have recently reported that the intramolecular disulfide bond is a critical checkpoint for determining the degradation fates of ABCG2. In the present study, we aimed to analyze quantitatively the impact of the N‐linked glycan on the protein stability of ABCG2. For this purpose, we incorporated one single copy of ABCG2 cDNA into a designated site of genomic DNA in Flp‐In‐293 cells to stably express ABCG2 or its variant proteins. When ABCG2 wild type‐expressing cells were incubated with various N‐linked glycosylation inhibitors, tunicamycin profoundly suppressed the protein expression level of ABCG2 and, accordingly, reduced the ABCG2‐mediated cellular resistance to the cancer chemotherapeutic SN‐38. When Asn596 was converted to Gln596, the resulting variant protein was not glycosylated, and its protein level was about one‐third of the wild type level in Flp‐In‐293 cells. Treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, increased the level of the variant protein. Immunoblotting with anti‐ubiquitin IgG1k after immunoprecipitation of ABCG2 revealed that the N596Q protein was ubiquitinated at levels that were significantly enhanced by treatment with MG132. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that treatment with MG132 increased the level of ABCG2 N596Q protein both in intracellular compartments and in the plasma membrane. In conclusion, we propose that the N‐linked glycan at Asn596 is important for stabilizing de novo‐synthesized ABCG2 and that disruption of this linkage results in protein destabilization and enhanced ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation.
A mismatch between supply and demand of social support in dementia care: a qualitative study on the perspectives of spousal caregivers and their social network members

ABSTRACT Background: Access to social support contributes to feelings of independence and better social health. This qualitative study aims to investigate multi-informant perspectives on informal social support in dementia care networks. Methods: Ten spousal caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) completed an ecogram, a social network card and a semi-structured interview. The ecogram aimed to trigger subjective experiences regarding social support. Subsequently, 17 network members were interviewed. The qualitative analyses identified codes, categories, and themes. Results: Sixth themes emerged: (1) barriers to ask for support; (2) facilitators to ask for support; (3) barriers to offer support; (4) facilitators to offer support; (5) a mismatch between supply and demand of social support; and (6) openness in communication to repair the imbalance. Discussion: Integrating social network perspectives resulted in a novel model identifying a mismatch between the supply and demand of social support, strengthened by a cognitive bias: caregivers reported to think for other social network members and vice versa. Openness in communication in formal and informal care systems might repair this mismatch.
Molecular cloning of Bacillus sphaericus penicillin V amidase gene and its expression in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

The Bacillus sphaericus gene coding for penicillin V amidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of penicillin V to yield 6-aminopenicillanic acid and phenoxyacetic acid, has been isolated by molecular cloning in Escherichia coli. The gene is contained within a 2.2-kilobase HindIII-PstI fragment and is expressed when transferred into E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. The expression in B. subtilis carrying the recombinant plasmid is approximately two times higher than in the original B. sphaericus strain. A comparison of the purified enzyme from B. sphaericus and the expressed gene product in E. coli minicells suggests that the native enzyme consists of four identical subunits, each with a molecular weight of 35,000.
Left Ventricular Geometry and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Patients With Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background Recent reports indicate that specific left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns predict recurrent ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, this relationship has not been evaluated among patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the general population. Methods and Results Adult SCA cases from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study were compared with geographic controls with no prior history of SCA. Archived echocardiograms performed closest and prior to the SCA event were reviewed. LV geometry was defined as normal (normal LV mass index [LVMI] and relative wall thickness [RWT]), concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and RWT), or eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and normal RWT). Analysis was restricted to those with LVEF ≤40%. A total of 246 subjects were included in the analysis. SCA cases (n=172, 68.6±13.3 years, 78% male), compared to controls (n=74, 66.8±12.1 years, 73% male), had lower LVEF (29.4±7.9% vs 30.8±6.3%, P=0.021). Fewer cases presented with normal LV geometry (30.2% vs 43.2%, P=0.048) and more with eccentric hypertrophy (40.7% vs 25.7%, P=0.025). In a multivariate model, eccentric hypertrophy was independently predictive of SCA (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.08–4.29, P=0.03). Conclusions Eccentric LV hypertrophy was independently associated with increased risk of SCA in subjects with EF ≤40%. These findings, now consistent between device‐implanted and non‐implanted populations, indicate the potential of improving SCA risk stratification from the same noninvasive echocardiogram at no additional cost.
Pharyngo-cutaneous fistulae in totally laryngectomized patients

IN totally laryngectomized patients post-operative pharyngo-cutaneous fistulae constitute the most troublesome complication. They prolong the stay in hospital, as one or several operations may be required to close the fistula. According to the literature, the incidence of this complication varies from 20 per cent to 70 per cent (Baclesse, 1967; Cachin et al., 1965; Cachin et al., 1969; Debain et al., 1969; Debina, 1965; Goldman et al., 1967; Harris et al., 1969; Jensen and Balslev, 1967; J0rgensen and Sell, 1971; Lalanne et al., 1971; Lavelle and Maw, 1972; Myers, 1972; Portmann et al., 1968; Radziminski, 1966; Silverstone et al., 1963; Svane-Knudsen, i960). The cause of fistula formation has not received much attention in the literature, but a few authors have tried to explain their origin. Svane-Knudsen (i960) and Myers (1972) have held previous irradiation responsible, but this could not be confirmed by Lavelle and Maw (1972). On the other hand, they found a relationship to a lowered haemoglobin level post-operatively, pre-operative tracheotomy, and simultaneous neck dissection. Radziminski (1966) has pointed out the importance of a correct surgical technique, and in Myers' (1972) opinion too little mucous membrane left behind will cause tension on the sutures which again results in fistula formation. Debain et al. (1969) found a relationship between the serum globulin level and fistula formation. In the E.N. T. Department of the Finsen Institute, Copenhagen, quite some difficulty has been experienced, especially during recent years, on account of difficult and long-lasting fistulae. We have, therefore, anafysed our material in an effort to contribute to solving this problem.
Consumo e comercialização de carnes silvestres: potencial econômico para a Amazônia Ocidental

Com o objetivo de verificar a demanda e a potencialidade de comercializacao de carnes silvestres no Municipio de Rio Branco – Acre / Brasil, 550 pessoas foram entrevistadas e o consumo de carnes silvestres mensurado de acordo com sexo, idade, grau de escolaridade, principais tipos de carnes silvestres consumidas e a maneira de obte-las. Dos entrevistados, 78% consomem ou consumiram carne de animal silvestre. A paca ( Cuniculus paca ) e o do tatu (Genero Euphractus ) sao as especies mais procuradas. Proprietarios dos boxes dos mercados (91%) e de restaurantes (85%), tiveram interesse em vender carne de animais silvestres legalizadas, enquanto 94,6% dos donos de acougues nao demonstraram interesse. Pratos preparados a base de carnes silvestres em restaurantes apresentaram uma aceitabilidade de 100%. A alta aceitacao da carne de animais selvagens observada neste estudo estimula a criacao em cativeiro de animais silvestres, com potencial economico, para o consumo humano na Amazonia Ocidental.