Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nerve Growth Factor Content in Dorsal Root Ganglion as Related to Changes in Pain Behavior in a Rat Model of Experimental Lumbar Disc Herniation

Study Design. The time courses of nerve growth factor content and pain-related behavior were examined using experimental disc herniation models. Objectives. To investigate a relationship between nerve growth factor level and pain behavior. Summary of Background Data. An induction of nerve growth factor in the periphery is regarded as a major contributor of inflammatory hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain. However, it has not been clarified quantitatively whether disc herniation induces changes in nerve growth factor levels in the dorsal root ganglion in relation to pain-related behavior. Methods. A total of 140 rats were used in this study. The animals had their left L4 nerve roots and associated dorsal root ganglion exposed and were equally divided into 4 groups: L4–L5 disc puncture, displacement of L4 nerve roots/dorsal root ganglion, the combination of disc puncture and displacement, and sham exposure. The content of nerve growth factor in the affected dorsal root ganglion was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as pain behavior during a postoperative 21-day period. Results. Disc puncture resulted in nerve growth factor induction at postoperative day 3, but not apparent behavioral changes. Mechanical displacement induced nerve growth factor at postoperative day 1 and mechanical allodynia at postoperative day 3, respectively (P < 0.05). In the combination model, there were more pronounced changes in nerve growth factor induction and both mechanical and thermal threshold during 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusions. These data suggest the possibilities that elevated nerve growth factor level is partly involved in pain behavior and further the combined model mimicking the clinical situation, which causes the marked neuronal responses, is helpful to advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation.
A Practical Split-Window Algorithm for Retrieving Land Surface Temperature from Landsat-8 Data and a Case Study of an Urban Area in China

This paper proposes a practical split-window algorithm (SWA) for retrieving land surface temperature (LST) from Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data. This SWA has a universal applicability and a set of parameters that can be applied when retrieving LSTs year-round. The atmospheric transmittance and the land surface emissivity (LSE), the essential SWA input parameters, of the Landsat-8 TIRS data are determined in this paper. We also analysed the error sensitivity of these SWA input parameters. The accuracy evaluation of the proposed SWA in this paper was conducted using the software MODTRAN 4.0. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the simulated LST using the mid-latitude summer atmospheric profile is 0.51 K, improving on the result of 0.93 K from Rozenstein (2014). Among the 90 simulated data points, the maximum absolute error is 0.99 °C, and the minimum absolute error is 0.02 °C. Under the Tropical model and 1976 US standard atmospheric conditions, the RMSE of the LST errors are 0.70 K and 0.63 K, respectively. The accuracy results indicate that the SWA provides an LST retrieval method that features not only high accuracy but also a certain universality. Additionally, the SWA was applied to retrieve the LST of an urban area using two Landsat-8 images. The SWA presented in this paper should promote the application of Landsat-8 data in the study of environmental evolution.
Visual Calibration of Posture in Normal and Motor Retarded Down's Syndrome Infants

Infants with Down's syndrome are delayed in achieving motor milestones. When they first sit unsupported a discrepancy between visual and mechanical-vestibular indices of postural stability is less disruptive of their balance than in normal infants. Yet when they first stand unsupported, the same discrepancy disrupts balance more in these infants than in the normal infants. The effect of discrepant visual feedback also differs systematically as a function of the infants' experience of the posture. Monitoring posture in relation to a stable visual surround appears to be fundamental to the normal development of motor control.
Measurement of Streptococcal Antigen Synthesis with Fluorescent Antibody.∗

Summary and conclusion The amount of specific antibody adsorbed by streptococci during the process of de novo somatic antigen synthesis was a function of the amount of antigen on the cell. The fluorescent technic when compared with acid extraction demonstrated that considerably fewer cells were required to observe the progress of synthesis and, in addition, there was obtained a value more quantitative than the estimation of the degree of precipitation in capillary tubes. Controls with fluorescein-conjugated normal globulin indicated the degree of nonspecific binding of conjugated protein by the streptococcal cells. The basal limit of nonspecific adsorption was considerably higher when fluorescein-labeled whole sera were employed rather than the globulin fractions. Standard curves obtained with buffered fluorescein solutions were linear within the total range of the instrument. These values were between 0.02 and 2.0 μg of fluorescein per ml. The fluorescent values of Fig. 1 were within a range of 0.04 to 0.25 μg of fluorescein per ml. An alternative method proved effective. This was the “sandwich” technic of Weller and Coons(7) in which the cells were first incubated with specific antibody and then reacted with fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit globulin (Microbiological Associates). However, comparatively large amounts of the latter reagent were required to attain a saturation plateau. It is conceivable that the aforementioned technics with streptococci may be applicable to other systems where quantitative data are desired with limited amounts of particulate antigenic materials. Summary. A technic is described for fluorometric estimation of the somatic M antigen of group A streptococci. The amount of fluorescein-conjugated antibody adsorbed and eluted from cells was a function of the amount of antigen present during the process of antigenic protein synthesis.
Validation of population‐based ADHD subtypes and identification of three clinically impaired subtypes

Statistically based classification methods have successfully refined ADHD into homogenous and heritable subtypes. External validity and impairment of these subtypes was examined using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We compared mean CBCL syndrome and competency t‐scores across ADHD subtypes defined by latent class analysis in a sample of 1,346 individual twins from Missouri. The potential for comorbidity with conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or major depression (MD) to increase impairment in specific ADHD subtypes was also examined. CBCL profiles confirm differences in severity, with more severe classes having increased syndrome scale and decreased competency scale CBCL scores. Clinically significant impairment was found for severe inattentive and combined subtypes and the mild combined subtype. Overall, the presence of comorbid CD, ODD, or MD did not result in increased ADHD subtype impairment. CBCL scores distinguish impairment in ADHD subtypes created through LCA. Comorbidity with CD, ODD, or MD does not significantly increase impairment among ADHD subtypes. The mild combined ADHD subtype represents a clinically significant but under‐studied form of ADHD. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation on the electrical properties of palm oil and coconut oil based TiO2 nanofluids

This paper presents an examination on the electrical properties of Palm Oil (PO) and Coconut Oil (CO) under the presence of semi-conductive nanoparticle, Titanium (IV) Oxide (TiO2). The type of PO used in this study was Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein. TiO2 was dispersed into RBDPO and CO at volume concentrations ranging from 0.001% to 0.05%. The effect of surfactant, Cetrimonium Bromide (CTAB) was also examined and the morphology of RBDPO and CO based TiO2 nanofluid was observed through Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). A number of measurements were carried out including the AC/lightning breakdown voltages, dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity and resistivity. Statistical analysis was carried out through Weibull distribution to determine the AC and lightning withstand voltages at 1% probability for RBDPO and CO. It is found that without CTAB, there are only slight improvements on the AC breakdown voltages of the RBDPO and CO with introduction of TiO2 but could decrease with presence of CTAB. The same pattern is found for lightning breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO under non-uniform field where the highest percentages of increments decrease with introduction of CTAB while the effect is not apparent under quasi-uniform field. Significant effect of CTAB is found on the dielectric dissipation factors and resistivity of RBDPO and CO based TiO2 nanofluid while the relative permittivity are not affected. The statistical analyses reveal that RBDPO and CO experience apparent increments of the AC breakdown voltages at 1% probability after the introduction of TiO2 regardless with or without CTAB. The improvements done by TiO2 on the lightning breakdown voltages at 1% probability for all samples with CTAB under quasi-uniform field are more apparent than non-uniform field.
Religiousness among at-risk drinkers: is it prospectively associated with the development or maintenance of an alcohol-use disorder?

OBJECTIVE This study examined whether particular dimensions of religiousness are prospectively associated with the development or maintenance of an alcohol-use disorder (AUD) among at-risk drinkers or persons with a history of problem drinking. METHOD A prospective cohort study was conducted among at-risk drinkers identified through a population-based telephone survey of adults residing in the southeastern United States. The cohort was stratified by baseline AUD status to determine how several dimensions of religiousness (organized religious attendance, religious self-ranking, religious influence on one's life, coping through prayer, and talking with a religious leader) were associated with the development and, separately, the maintenance or remission of an AUD over 6 months. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the odds of developing versus not developing an AUD and maintaining versus remitting from an AUD while adjusting for measures of social support and other covariates. RESULTS Among persons without an AUD at baseline, more frequent organized religious attendance, adjusted odds ratio (OR(adj)) = 0.73, 95% CI [0.55, 0.96], and coping through prayer, OR(adj) = 0.63, 95% CI [0.45, 0.87], were associated with lower adjusted odds of developing an AUD. In contrast, among persons with an AUD at baseline, no dimension of religiousness was associated with the maintenance or remission of an AUD. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that religious attendance and coping through prayer may protect against the development of an AUD among at-risk drinkers. Further research is warranted to ascertain whether these or other religious activities and practices should be promoted among at-risk drinkers.
Serum markers of macrophage activation in pre‐eclampsia: no predictive value of soluble CD163 and neopterin

Background. Alternatively activated macrophages expressing the CD163 and CD206 surface receptors are the dominant immune‐cell type found in the placenta. The placental number and distribution of macrophages is altered in pre‐eclampsia, and the generalised inflammatory reaction associated with pre‐eclampsia might lead to shedding of soluble CD163 into the circulation. Methods. Serum samples from 18 women with pre‐eclampsia and 90 normal pregnancies were obtained from a longitudinal study of 955 pregnant women at Randers County Hospital, Denmark. sCD163 and Neopterin were measured by ELISA on samples collected in weeks 18, 28, 32, and 38 of pregnancy. Results. sCD163 levels in pregnancy (2–3 mg/l) were similar to previously measured levels in non‐pregnant women, and did not increase from week 18 to 38. There was a tendency towards higher sCD163 in week 38 in pre‐eclamptic women compared to healthy women. Neopterin increased throughout pregnancy in both healthy (from median 5.4 to 6.7 nmol/l, p<0.0001) and pre‐eclamptic women (from 5.0 to 8.0 nmol/l, p<0.0001), but there were no differences between groups at any time‐point. sCD163 correlated to neopterin in both the control (r = 0.25, p<0.0001) and in the pre‐eclampsia group (r = 0.32, p = 0.011). C‐reactive protein was higher in pre‐eclampsia than in healthy pregnancies by week 38 (159 versus 91 nmol/l, p = 0.0189). Conclusions. The macrophage serum‐markers sCD163 and neopterin are not pre‐symptomatic nor prognostic markers for pre‐eclampsia.
Low Back Pain in Primary Care: Costs of Care and Prediction of Future Health Care Utilization

Study Design. Cost of illness study alongside a randomized controlled trial. Objective. To describe the costs of care for patients with low back pain (1) and to identify patient characteristics as predictors for high health care cost during a 1-year follow-up (2). Summary of Background Data. Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of high health care costs in industrialized countries (Life time prevalence, 70%). A lot of research has been done to improve primary health care and patients′ prognosis. However, the cost of health care does not necessarily follow changes in patient outcomes. Methods. General practitioners (n = 126) recruited 1378 patients consulting for LBP. Sociodemographic data, pain characteristics, and LBP-related cost data were collected by interview at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Costs were evaluated from the societal perspective. Predictors of high cost during the subsequent year were studied using logistic regression analysis. Results. Mean direct and indirect costs for LBP care are about twice as high for patients with chronic LBP compared to acutely ill patients. Indirect costs account for more than 52% to 54% of total costs. About 25% of direct costs refer to therapeutic procedures and hospital or rehabilitational care. Patients with high disability and limitations in daily living show a 2- to 5-fold change for subsequent high health care costs. Depression seems to be highly relevant for direct health care utilization. Conclusion. Interventions designed to reduce high health care costs for LBP should focus on patients with severe LBP and depressive comorbidity. Our results add to the economic understanding of LBP care and may give guidance for future actions on health care improvement and cost reduction.
A 3D Virtual Environment Rod and Frame Test: The Reliability and Validity of Four Traditional Scoring Methods for Older Adults

This study introduced a 3D rod-and-frame test in a virtual environment (VERF) and evaluated its reliability and concurrent validity according to four scoring methods previously used with 2D tests. Thirty nonimpaired older adults (15 men; 15 women) aged 64-86 (M = 73.6) manipulated a rod in a semi-immersive 3D virtual environment. Results suggested that the conventional 2D scoring method of absolute deviation from vertical was the most reliable method (alpha = .79; gamma = .89). This approach also had higher correlations with traditional neuropsychological measures of spatial ability than three other methods. Given the availability of a reliable and valid scoring method, the VERF may result in previously unavailable insights through the measurement of visuospatial abilities in 3D.
Capabilities and Governance: The Rebirth of Production in the Theory of Economic Organization

We argue that since Coase’s seminal 1937 paper on “The Nature of the Firm,” there has been an odd and unjustified separation between price theory and the economics of organization. For example, matters of production has been the domain of the former exclusively. However, a new approach to economic organization, here called “the capabilities approach,” that places production center-stage in the explanation of economic organization, is now emerging. We discuss the sources of this approach and its relation to the mainstream economics of organization.
ISCHEMIC STROKE IN AN ADOLESCENT WITH ARTERIAL TORTUOSITY SYNDROME

I read with interest the article by Oishi et al.1 They report a patient with a right frontal tumor who was strongly right handed (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory) but had aphasic seizures and was dominant for speech on the right hemisphere by Wada test. They inserted subdural electrodes and were able to show that during electrical stimulation of one electrode placed over the right inferior frontal gyrus the patient was unable to speak (count numbers, speak spontaneously, or name objects) with totally intact auditory comprehension (he was able to point at requested objects). They concluded that the electrode was placed over Broca area, in a case of crossed aphasia. Unfortunately, the evidence presented by the authors is not sufficient to conclude that they localized language by cortical stimulation. In a high percentage of cases, electrical stimulation in the inferior frontal area immediately anterior to the primary motor area (MI) of the face produces negative motor signs with inability to move the tongue, the eyes, or other distal muscles of the face or extremities. Negative motor areas exist on the dominant and on the nondominant frontal lobes.2,3 A negative motor effect on tongue movements always is associated with inability to speak but intact comprehension. Therefore, in cases where stimulation of the inferior frontal gyrus produces inability to …
Asset Purchase Programmes and Financial Markets: Lessons from the Euro Area

We evaluate the effects on asset prices of the ECB asset purchase programme (APP) announced in January 2015 and assess its main transmission channels. We do so by first extending a term structure model with bond supply effects to account for assets with different types of risk premia. We then derive model-based predictions for cross-asset price movements associated with the transmission channels identified in the model. We finally validate empirically these predictions by means of an event- study methodology, reaching the following conclusions: The impact of the APP on asset prices is sizeable albeit the programme was announced at a time of low financial distress. This may appear puzzling in light of existing literature that finds a large impact of asset purchases only in periods of high financial distress. Consistent with the model, we explain this apparent puzzle by showing how the low financial distress, while indeed weakening certain transmission channels, has reinforced other channels because of its interplay with the asset composition of the programme. Targeting assets at long maturity and spanning the investment-grade space have supported the duration and the credit channels. At the same time, the low degree of financial stress prevailing at announcement of the programme, while weakening the local supply channel, has facilitated spill-overs to non-targeted assets. JEL Classification: E43, E44, E52, E58, E65, G14
Non-Physical Violence

This research study assessed the extent to which non-physical violence is a risk factor for physical violence against workers in health care settings. More than 600 nursing staff, other clinical providers, and non-clinical staff in two health care settings completed a cross-sectional survey. For the preceding 12-month period, 72.8% of workers reported at least one incident of non-physical violence and 21.3% reported at least one incident of physical violence. Workers who had experienced non-physical violence were 7.17 times more likely to experience physical violence than those who had not. Both patients and employees were perpetrators of non-physical and physical violence. These results indicate efforts to prevent or reduce physical violence against health care workers need to focus on non-physical as well as physical violence and employee as well as patient perpetrators.
Analytic calculations of the E‐fields induced by time‐varying magnetic fields generated by cylindrical gradient coils

Analytic expressions which allow the direct calculation of the electric field generated inside an infinite conducting cylinder by varying the current through the wires of any cylindrical coil are presented. These expressions provide some general insight into the spatial characteristics of the electric field generated inside the body by switched gradients and can be used to evaluate the locations where nerve stimulation by rapid gradient switching is likely to occur. They may also be employed at the design stage to produce gradient coils which can provide higher gradient switching rates without causing nerve stimulation. Using these expressions the electric field patterns produced by transverse and longitudinal, whole‐body gradient coils were calculated. Example data are presented along with the associated magnetic field patterns. The effect on the induced electric field pattern of varying the body size and the size of the region of gradient linearity was explored. Magn Reson Med 44:782–790, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Chlorophenol 4-Monooxygenase (TftD) and NADH:Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Oxidoreductase (TftC) of Burkholderia cepacia AC1100

ABSTRACT Burkholderia cepacia AC1100 uses 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, an environmental pollutant, as a sole carbon and energy source. Chlorophenol 4-monooxygenase is a key enzyme in the degradation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and it was originally characterized as a two-component enzyme (TftC and TftD). Sequence analysis suggests that they are separate enzymes. The two proteins were separately produced in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. TftC was an NADH:flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) oxidoreductase. A C-terminally His-tagged fusion TftC used NADH to reduce either FAD or flavin mononucleotide (FMN) but did not use NADPH or riboflavin as a substrate. Kinetic and binding property analysis showed that FAD was a better substrate than FMN. TftD was a reduced FAD (FADH2)-utilizing monooxygenase, and FADH2 was supplied by TftC. It converted 2,4,5-trichlorophenol to 2,5-dichloro-p-quinol and then to 5-chlorohydroxyquinol but converted 2,4,6-trichlorophenol only to 2,6-dichloro-p-quinol as the final product. TftD interacted with FADH2 and retarded its rapid oxidation by O2. A spectrum of possible TftD-bound FAD-peroxide was identified, indicating that the peroxide is likely the active oxygen species attacking the aromatic substrates. The reclassification of the two enzymes further supports the new discovery of FADH2-utilizing enzymes, which have homologues in the domains Bacteria and Archaea.