Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negative feedback control model of proximal convergence and accommodation

A comprehensive model has been developed to illustrate the interactions between the observer and the surrounding environment in the control of oculomotor responses to distance or 3‐D space. Accommodation and vergence respond to both spatiotopic (body referenced) proximal percepts and retinotopic (eye referenced) physical stimuli of blur and disparity. Both spatiotopic and retinotopic stimuli are derived respectively from perceptual and physical correlates of negative feedback for eye position. The spatiotopic and retinotopic stimulus errors are combined in the feed forward path and drive a common occulomotor controller which has a phasic‐tonic organization. Spatiotopic and retinotopic stimuli are shown to be effective over complementary operating ranges. Perceptual spatiotopic errors of gaze provide optimal stimuli for near responses to large depth intervals whereas physical‐retinotopic cues of blur and disparity provide quantitative information about small binocular fixation errors. Small dynamic variations of target distance are sensed both spatiotopically and retinotopically. Coarse and fine spatiotopic errors of gaze are processed differently. Large spatiotopic errors are sampled intermittently al the beginning of the near response, whereas small retinotopic position errors and spatiotopic velocity errors are sampled continuously throughout the near response. Former reports of empirically observed higher velocity of vergence responses to very large depth intervals is explained in terms of stimulus sampling modes rather than in terms of separate oculomotor control mechanisms. The model demonstrates a complementary function of top‐down spatiotopic cues, which are used to initiate the near response, and bottom‐up retinotopic cues, which are used to refine and complete the near response. Cross‐couplings by vergence‐accommodation and accommodative‐vergence serve to coordinate the components of the near response when feedback from the sensed response of one motor system (i.e. vergence) is more accurate than that of the other motor system (i.e. accommodation). The model presented here is concerned primarily with the near response mediated by accommodation and disjunctive eye movements and not by the independent vergence mediated by non‐conjugate or yoked saccades of unequal amplitude.
An Economic History of Fertility in the U.S.: 1826-1960

Aqueous structured surfactants, e.g., lamellar, or preferably spherulitic systems optionally containing suspended solids are used as functional fluids, such as drilling fluids, cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, construction muds and lubricants. A composition consisting essentially of: water; a surfactant or mixture of surfactants present in a concentration sufficient to form a mobile spherulitic or dispersed lamellar phase in the absence of an electrolyte; and a substantially water insoluble functional material, suspended in the composition, the composition being substantially free from electrolyte.
Standardized total tract digestible phosphorus requirement of 6 to 13 kg pigs fed diets without or with phytase.

Dietary phosphorus concentration greatly affects pig's growth performance, environmental impact and diet cost. A total of 1080 pigs (initially 5.9 ± 1.08 kg) from three commercial research rooms were used to determine the effects of increasing standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P concentrations in diets without and with phytase on growth performance and percentage bone ash. Pens (10 pigs/pen, 9 pens/treatment) were balanced for equal weights and randomly allotted to 12 treatments. Treatments were arranged in two dose titrations (without or with 2000 units of phytase) with six levels of STTD P each. The STTD P levels were expressed as a percentage of NRC (2012) requirement estimates (% of NRC; 0.45 and 0.40% for phases 1 and 2, respectively) and were: 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 125% and 140% of NRC in diets without phytase and 100%, 110%, 125%, 140%, 155% and 170% of NRC in diets with phytase. Diets were provided in three phases, with experimental diets fed during phases 1 (days 0 to 11) and 2 (days 11 to 25), followed by a common diet from days 25 to 46. On day 25, radius samples from one median-weight gilt per pen were collected for analysis of bone ash. During the treatment period, increasing STTD P from 80% to 140% of NRC in diets without phytase improved average daily gain (ADG; quadratic, P 140% of NRC for maximum G : F using BLL, broken-line quadratic and linear models, respectively. When diets contained phytase, increasing STTD P from 100% to 170% of NRC improved ADG (quadratic, P 140% of NRC (0.41% to >0.63% of phase 1 diet and 0.36% to >0.56% of phase 2 diet) in diets without phytase, and from 116% to >170% of NRC (0.52% to >0.77% of phase 1 diet and 0.46% to >0.68% of phase 2 diet) for diets containing phytase. Phytase exerted an extra-phosphoric effect on promoting pig's growth and improved the P dose-responses for ADG and G : F.
Differential gene methylation patterns in cancerous and non-cancerous cells

Large-scale projects, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Epigenome Project (HEP) and Human Epigenome Atlas (HEA), provide an insight into DNA methylation and histone modification markers. Changes in the epigenome significantly contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. The goal of the present study was to characterize the prostate cancer malignant transformation model using the CpG island methylation pattern. The Human Prostate Cancer EpiTect Methyl II Signature PCR Array was used to evaluate the methylation status of 22 genes in prostate cancer cell lines: PC3, PC3M, PC3MPro4 and PC3MLN4, each representing different metastatic potential in vivo. Subsequently, it was ascertained whether DNA methylation plays a role in the expression of these genes in prostate cancer cells. Hypermethylation of APC, DKK3, GPX3, GSTP1, MGMT, PTGS2, RASSF1, TIMP2 and TNFRSF10D resulted in downregulation of their expression in prostate cancer cell lines as compared to WT fibroblasts. Mining of the TCGA data deposited in the MetHC database found increases in the methylation status of these 9 genes in prostate cancer patients, further supporting the role of methylation in altering the expression of these genes in prostate cancer. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of these proteins in prostate cancer development.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on Patients with Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Background: More epidemiological data about lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) are required to define follow-up guidelines. The study focused on recurrence, progression, and overall survival of LMM managed with primary wide local excision. Methods: In a 23-year retrospective study (1994 to 2016), a cohort of patients with LMM was evaluated by collecting data about the tumor location, the Breslow depth, the presence of ulceration, and patients’ age and sex. Local recurrences, locoregional and distant metastases, and disease-free and overall survival were additionally assessed. Results: Overall, 150 cases (84 male, 66 female, mean age 71.3 ± 11.3 years) of single, localized, primary LMM with a mean follow-up of 6.6 ± 4.4 years were included. A total of 33 (22.2%) patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during surgical excision. However, positive SLNB was detected in none of them. The multivariable Cox analysis indicated that age of diagnosis and male gender significantly influenced the overall survival, while a shorter disease-free survival could be correlated with a greater Breslow thickness. The metastatic potential turned out to be low, entailing 7 deaths in the context of the LMM. Conclusion: Male gender, age over 70 at diagnosis, and a Breslow thickness greater than 0.75 mm were associated with a statistically significant decrease in overall disease-free survival in the current study. The results of the study confirm the favorable outcome of LMM. However, diagnosed patients should undertake regular follow-ups. The intensity of follow-up in these patients can be individualized based on the probability of recurrence/metastasis and overall survival. Furthermore, the study showed that SLNB might not be a necessary staging procedure in patients with LMM.
Levofloxacin for NIH Category II Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: A Real-Life Study

Background: Mounting worldwide resistance trends make the use of fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibacterial agents increasingly difficult. This is felt more acutely in the case of urogenital infections, which are mainly caused by Gram-negative pathogens. For years, levofloxacin and other FQs have been the first-line drugs for treating National Institutes of Health (NIH) category II chronic bacteria prostatitis (CBP). Eradication rates achieved by levofloxacin in the frame of randomized trials vary greatly, ranging between 71 and 86%. Objectives: This was a retrospective observational study to investigate the efficacy of levofloxacin against CBP in a real-life setting (urological outpatient wards). Methods: A database including the clinical records of >2,500 CBP patients was reviewed. Patients were selected based on strict inclusion criteria. They were treated for 4 weeks with 500 mg levofloxacin per day, alone or combined with other antibacterials. Besides standard urological procedures including the 4-glass test for pathogen isolation, international symptom questionnaires (the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index [NIH-CPSI] and International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]) were administered. Results: Pathogen eradication was achieved in 79% of the cases treated with levofloxacin as a single agent and 87.8% of patients who received a combination of levofloxacin and azithromycin. The 11% increase in the eradication rate in the latter group is statistically significant. In addition, the levofloxacin-azithromycin combination caused a significant decrease in prostate volume and significantly increased the bladder-voided volume. IPSS and NIH-CPSI values and the urinary peak flow rate decreased to a similar extent in both treatment groups. No adverse effects were reported by patients belonging to either treatment group. Conclusion: Levofloxacin retained its therapeutic efficacy in patients assessed in a real-life setting, and high eradication rates were attained when it was administered as a single agent. A combination of an FQ with azithromycin induced a significant improvement of eradication rates. This strategy may be an interesting option in both first-referral and relapsing cases, although caution should be exercised when patients are at risk of developing arrhythmias, tendinitis, or other adverse effects.
LncRNA CCAT1 promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via negative modulation of miRNA-218 in human DPSCs.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) CCAT1 and potential functions in promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, via miRNA-218 in human adult Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs). PATIENTS AND METHODS CCAT1 expressions in Periodontal Ligament Cells (PDLCs), DPSCs, differentiated main population (MP) cells and stem-cell-enriched Side Population (SP) cells in DPSCs were detected by qRT-PCR. MTT assay and ELISA assay were performed to evaluate the DPSCs cell proliferation and differentiation. The correlation between miR-218 and CCAT1 was detected by statistical analysis. The bioinformatics and luciferase assay were performed to explore the interaction and binding site of CCAT1 and miR-218. RESULTS Results showed the CCAT1 expression was up-regulated in DPSCs cells. And the expression level in MP cell was higher than SP cell. MTT assay and showed overexpression CCAT1 significantly increased cell proliferation of DPSCs. ELISA assay showed the expressions of collagen I, Osteopontin (OPN) and Osteocalcin (OCN) were significantly increased in DPSCs compared with control (p<0.05). The bioinformatics and luciferase assay showed that the CCAT1 directly interacted with miR-218. In addition, miR-218 expression was negatively correlated with CCAT1 expression in DPSCs CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we found that lncRNA-CCAT1 was upregulated in DPSCs, which could promote cell proliferation and differentiation by repressing the expression of miR-218.
Neurological abnormalities in 97 dogs with detectable pituitary masses

Abstract Background: Pituitary tumours are common neoplasms of the sellar region in small animals. However, detailed information regarding the spectrum and severity of possible neurological signs are lacking. Objective: To retrospectively describe the neurological abnormalities in a population of dogs with a detectable pituitary mass (DPM) and relate them with the size of the mass and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of brain compression (BC). Client-owned dogs were included in the study if they had MRI showing a DPM and a detailed neurological examination. The neurological signs were evaluated in relation to the pituitary height/brain ratio (P:B ratio) and the presence/absence of brain compression. Results: Ninety-seven dogs were enrolled. Besides abnormal mentation and behaviour (77%), gait (61%) and cranial nerve abnormalities (44%), other unreported neurological signs observed included postural abnormalities (21%), pain and/or hyperesthesia (25%) and abnormal postural and proprioceptive reactions (49%). The majority of dogs with DPM had signs of BC. The presence of a high pituitary height/brain area and BC represented a risk factor for developing mental status abnormalities. Conclusion: Neurological signs recorded in DPM-affected dogs include not only the typical forebrain signs but also gait disturbances and hyperesthesia. Neurological signs are positively associated with increased P:B ratio and MRI signs of brain compression.
The relationship between plasma microRNAs and serum trace elements levels in primary hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between plasma microRNA expression levels, which are associated with lipid metabolism and serum trace element levels in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. METHODS This study was performed on 46 (21M / 25F) primary hyperlipidemia patients aged 25-65 years and 37 (18 M/19 F) healthy people aged 25-65 years. RESULTS The following miRNAs were upregulated: miR-33a-5p, miR-370-5p, miR-378a-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27a-5p and miR-335-5p. Additionally, the levels of Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p < 0.01), Cd (p < 0.001) were significantly higher and the level of Cr (p < 0.01), Fe (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.01), Se (p < 0.001) and Mo (p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the primary hyperlipidemic patients compared to the healthy people . Also, miR-33a-5p was negatively correlated with serum Cr levels in patients with primary hyperlipidemia (r = -0.376, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that miR-33a-5p and Cr element may regulate abnormal lipid homeostasis. Also, miR-370, miR-378, miR-27-a and miR-335 might aid in the identification of new therapies to treat patients with primary hyperlipidemia (Tab. 3, Ref. 36).
Organic–mineral interfacial chemistry drives heterogeneous nucleation of Sr-rich (Bax, Sr1−x)SO4 from undersaturated solution

Significance The wide occurrence of Sr-rich marine barite in undersaturated seawater presents a paradox. Here, in undersaturated solution, we observe barite nucleation on organic films and show it is enabled by cation enrichment. In supersaturated solution, this enrichment generates nanometer-sized Sr-rich nuclei on organic films, while Sr-poor barite grows quickly to micrometer-sized crystals in bulk solutions. Theoretical solid-solution calculations explain the distinct Sr incorporation in barites on organic films and in bulk solutions. The findings resolve the barite paradox and provide insights into manipulating solid-solution nucleation and growth through the unique chemical environment near organic–mineral interfaces, which may revise our understanding of many biomineralization processes and allow strategies for tailoring material synthesis to achieve desired sizes and compositions. Sr-bearing marine barite [(Bax, Sr1−x)SO4] cycling has been widely used to reconstruct geochemical evolutions of paleoenvironments. However, an understanding of barite precipitation in the ocean, which is globally undersaturated with respect to barite, is missing. Moreover, the reason for the occurrence of higher Sr content in marine barites than expected for classical crystal growth processes remains unknown. Field data analyses suggested that organic molecules may regulate the formation and composition of marine barites; however, the specific organic–mineral interactions are unclear. Using in situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), size and total volume evolutions of barite precipitates on organic films were characterized. The results show that barite forms on organic films from undersaturated solutions. Moreover, from a single supersaturated solution with respect to barite, Sr-rich barite nanoparticles formed on organics, while micrometer-size Sr-poor barites formed in bulk solutions. Ion adsorption experiments showed that organic films can enrich cation concentrations in the adjacent solution, thus increasing the local supersaturation and promoting barite nucleation on organic films, even when the bulk solution was undersaturated. The Sr enrichment in barites formed on organic films was found to be controlled by solid-solution nucleation rates; instead, the Sr-poor barite formation in bulk solution was found to be controlled by solid-solution growth rates. This study provides a mechanistic explanation for Sr-rich marine barite formation and offers insights for understanding and controlling the compositions of solid solutions by separately tuning their nucleation and growth rates via the unique chemistry of solution–organic interfaces.
Serological evidence of Toscana virus infection in Portuguese patients

SUMMARY Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging Phlebovirus of growing interest as a human pathogen in the Mediterranean Basin. In Portugal, however, little is known about the prevalence of TOSV infection. The aim of this work was to perform a seroprevalence study in patients with requests for laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne viruses. A total of 538 patients with and without neurological signs from 2004 to 2008 were studied by in-house indirect immunofluorescence assay and commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A prevalence of 4·2% for IgG antibodies was found in the group of patients with neurological signs. Five (3%) of these had recent infections. In the group with no neurological signs, the IgG prevalence was 1·3%. Two samples, belonging to two patients, were also confirmed with plaque reduction neutralization tests with the TOSV ISS. Phl.3 Italian strain. This work showed that TOSV is present and causing disease from north to south in Portugal. The probable circulation of different phlebovirus serotypes in Portugal emphasizes the need for further studies.
Effect of the variability in implantation depth of intracorneal ring segments using the femtosecond laser technology in corneal ectasia

Purpose: To analyze the impact of the depth of implantation of intracorneal ring segments on morphological, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes in ectatic corneas. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 40 eyes of 29 patients (age 20–51 years) with corneal ectasia that underwent intracorneal ring segments implantation (KeraRing, Mediphacos). Changes in visual acuity, refraction, corneal tomography, and corneal biomechanics (Ocular Response Analyzer, Reichert) were evaluated during a 6 month follow-up. Likewise, changes in ring segment implantation depth measured by optical coherence tomography (Visante OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec) were also evaluated. Results: Mean relative depth of implantation was 71.6 ± 5.8%, 71.5 ± 6.5%, and 71.9 ± 6.3% at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively (p = 0.827). The difference between the real relative depth of implantation and the theoretical attempted value of 70% was not statistically significant (p = 0.072). Differences in spherical equivalent during the follow-up changed significantly depending on the level of relative depth of implantation (p = 0.036), with an increase of 0.114 D per each 1% increase in relative depth of implantation. Likewise, a decrease of –0.194 D in the steepest keratometric reading was found per each decrease of 1% in relative depth of implantation (p = 0.026). Changes in corneal thickness (p = 0.092) and biomechanics (p = 0.080) were not related to relative depth of implantation. Conclusion: The effect on visual acuity and refraction of intracorneal ring segments when implanted in corneal ectasia is less clinically relevant when the implantation is done at a very deep plane. The variability of the depth of intracorneal ring segments implantation when using femtosecond laser technology is minimal and with no clinically significant effect on clinical outcomes.
Noninvasive indicators predict advanced liver fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis patients

Liver biopsy is the criterion standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis, but it is not widely used to monitor liver fibrosis because of the invasiveness, risk of complications, and sample errors. Therefore, it is necessary to involve other techniques to monitor liver fibrosis or cirrhosis during clinical practice. The objective was to explore noninvasive indicators to predict advanced liver fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients.
Development of an audio and computer cognitive behavioral therapy for depression in older adults

Abstract Background: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of two novel technology-based interventions for depression in older adults while comparing older adults’ preferences for audio-based and computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depressive symptoms. The audio program consisted of eight compact discs and a workbook while the computer program consisted of 11 modules of similar duration provided on a tablet PC. Both interventions consisted of the following topics: 1) introduction, 2) identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, 3) addressing feelings, 4) relaxation, 5) engaging in pleasant events, 6) assertiveness, and 7) problem-solving. Methods: Fifty-one older adults were recruited from medical settings and rural communities and randomly assigned to an immediate treatment group (computer or audio) with minimal contact or a four-week minimal contact delayed treatment control condition. Results: Participants rated computer-based and audio-based cognitive behavioral therapy fairly equally, with 75% of those who received audio treatment and 85% of those who received computer-based treatment indicating benefits to their mood. Discussion: Computer-based or audio-based cognitive behavioral treatments may be valuable, low-cost modalities to deliver psychotherapy to older adults with depressive symptoms within a health care setting. Both modalities seem to be accepted by older adults.