Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human lumbar apophyseal joint damage and intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVES--To record the extent and location of lumbar apophyseal cartilage damage, and to ascertain if the extent of damage is correlated with the grade of disc degeneration, age, or both. METHODS--The extent and location of fibrillated areas of the apophyseal cartilage of the joint surfaces of 29 lumbar motion segments were examined using computer aided image processing of Indian ink stained areas, and degeneration of the associated intervertebral discs graded using the method of Nachemson. RESULTS--It was found that these joints showed a greater extent and prevalence of cartilage fibrillation than the knee, hip or ankle, with significant damage in specimens younger than 30 years. Damage was predominantly located peripherally, superiorly, and posteriorly in the concave superior apophyseal surfaces, and was predominantly peripheral and posterior in the inferior surfaces, with a tendency to be located inferiorly. There was a weak correlation between apophyseal joint damage and the intervertebral disc degenerative grade, but this was inconclusive, as both increased with age. CONCLUSIONS--The pattern of damage exhibited by superior joint surfaces is most probably caused by tension on collagenous joint capsule fibres which insert into the surfaces posteriorly, so producing an area of fibrocartilage unsuited to loadbearing. Tension on such fibres would be greatest during spinal flexion. The pattern of damage of the inferior surfaces lends some support to the hypothesis that their apices impact the laminae of the lumbar vertebra inferior to them, consequent upon the degeneration and narrowing of the associated intervertebral disc. The predominantly peripheral location of fibrillation of both superior and inferior surfaces may be associated with inadequate mechanical conditioning of marginal joint areas. Disc degeneration cannot be the initial cause of apophyseal fibrillation in most specimens. The study indicates a need for regular spinal exercise, starting at a young age.
Allergen induced Treg response in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND Nasal polyposis (NP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal cavity and sinuses regulated by T cells. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are involved in controlling immune responses and inhibiting the allergen-specific effector cell response. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether NP patients had defects in Treg cells after specific allergen exposure and the possible correlation between atopy and Treg cells. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated from NP patients and controls, were cultured with allergen+phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA stimulation for 48h. The frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells was measured by flow cytometry. The level of Foxp3 was measured by Real-time PCR. Concentrations of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-5 (IL-5), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. RESULTS Both atopic and non-atopic NP patients had a significantly decreased frequency of Treg cells and Foxp3 level in allergen stimulated PBMCs, also significantly decreased TGF-β level in culture supernatants. The decrease was even more striking in the atopic group. Also, there were significantly negative correlations between Treg cells and IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5. Moreover, inthe atopic group, allergen stimulation downregulated Treg cells and increased IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 levels, while upregulating Treg cells and decreasing IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 levels in controls. CONCLUSIONS Patients with NP have a defective Treg cell response after allergen stimulation which is related to excessive Th1 and Th2 responses to specific allergens. Atopy may increase the impairment of Treg and exacerbate NP through the defective suppression of Treg on Th1 and Th2.
A Multi-Objective Evolutionary approach for linear antenna array design and synthesis

The linear antenna array design problem is one of the most important in electromagnetism. While designing a linear antenna array, the goal of the designer is to achieve the “minimum average side lobe level” and a “null control” in specific directions. In contrast to the existing methods that attempt to minimize a weighted sum of these two objectives considered here, in this paper our contribution is twofold. First, we have considered these as two distinct objectives which are optimized simultaneously in a multi-objective framework. Second, for directivity purposes, we have introduced another objective called the “maximum side lobe level” in the design formulation. The resulting multi-objective optimization problem is solved by using the recently-proposed decomposition-based Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimizer (dMOPSO). Our experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is able to obtain results which are better than those obtained by two other state-of-the-art Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs). Additionally, the individual minima reached by dMOPSO outperform those achieved by two single-objective evolutionary algorithms.
Pharmacokinetics of Nifedipine Slow Release Tablet in Mexican Subjects: Further Evidence for an Oxidation Polymorphism

Nifedipine kinetics after ingestion of 20 mg slow release tablets were studied in 12 young, healthy, Mexican subjects. Plasma levels were determined by a nifedipine‐specific HPLC assay. Levels rose after drug administration reaching a maximum concentration of 48.7 ± 7.3 ng/ml in 2.1 ± 0.7 h (mean ± SEM). Concentrations then decayed with a terminal half‐life of 16.9 ± 3.1 hours. AUC was 526 ± 62 ng h/ml. Five individuals were fast and seven were slow nifedipine metabolizers, according to the AUC criterion proposed by Kleinbioesem and coworkers. Individual AUC/Dose values from this and from other two studies on oral nifedipine kinetics in Mexicans were cumulated and the frequency histogram and probit analyses were performed (N = 30). A bimodal distribution was clearly observed. Fast and slow metabolizers were distinguished as those subjects with AUC/Dose values either lower or higher than 22.5 ng h/ml mg. Unlike European populations, it appears that slow metabolization is more frequent in Mexicans. Data strongly support the hypothesis of the existence of a polymorphism concerning nifedipine disposition kinetics due to genetic basis.
Long-term follow-up of surgically treated gallbladder cancer patients.

AIMS Palliative attempts have traditionally led treatment of gallbladder cancer but resection offers the only chance for long-term survival. This study investigates the impact of surgery with curative intent in gallbladder cancer treatment and evaluates prognostic factors for survival. METHODS Two hundred and sixty-seven patients were admitted for surgical therapy. Sixty received resection with curative intent and form the basis of this analysis. RESULTS R0 resection (n=45) was a highly significant independent survival predictor (P<0.001). All 5-year survivors (n=10) had tumour-free resection margins. Early T stage (P=0.017) and highly differentiated cancer (P=0.008) had a significant better outcome. Nodal spreading increased by local tumour extension and lymphatic involvement decreased patient survival (P=0.018). Patients' age (>75 years) was without influence on long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS Long-term survival is possible both in elderly patients and in advanced cancer.
A model for the dynamics of sandpile surfaces

We propose a new continuum description of the dynamics of sandpile surfaces, which recognizes the existence of two populations of grains: immobile and rolling. The rolling grains are carried down the slope with a constant drift velocity and have a certain dispersion constant. We introduce a simple bilinear approximation for the interconversion process, which represents both the random sticking of rolling grains (below the angle of repose), and the dislodgement of immobile grains by rolling ones (for greater slopes). We predict that the mean downhill motion of rolling grains causes surface features to move uphill; shocks can arise at large amplitudes
Isolation of a Regulatory Gene of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Tuberous Roots of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato[OA]

Many transcriptional factors harboring the R2R3-MYB domain, basic helix-loop-helix domain, or WD40 repeats have been identified in various plant species as regulators of flavonoid biosynthesis in flowers, seeds, and fruits. However, the regulatory elements of flavonoid biosynthesis in underground organs have not yet been elucidated. We isolated the novel MYB genes IbMYB1 and IbMYB2s from purple-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam. cv Ayamurasaki). IbMYB1 was predominantly expressed in the purple flesh of tuberous roots but was not detected (or only scarcely) in other anthocyanin-containing tissues such as nontuberous roots, stems, leaves, or flowers. IbMYB1 was also expressed in the tuberous roots of other purple-fleshed cultivars but not in those of orange-, yellow-, or white-fleshed cultivars. Although the orange- or yellow-fleshed cultivars contained anthocyanins in the skins of their tuberous roots, we could not detect IbMYB1 transcripts in these tissues. These results suggest that IbMYB1 controls anthocyanin biosynthesis specifically in the flesh of tuberous roots. The results of transient and stable transformation experiments indicated that expression of IbMYB1 alone was sufficient for induction of all structural anthocyanin genes and anthocyanin accumulation in the flesh of tuberous roots, as well as in heterologous tissues or heterologous plant species.
Cooperation of proto‐signals for nuclear accumulation of estrogen and progesterone receptors.

Multiple proto‐signals (p‐NLSs) for nuclear targeting, none of which suffices on its own, cooperate in the estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors. In the ER, an estrogen‐inducible p‐NLS was found in the hormone binding domain (HBD), in addition to three lysine/arginine‐rich motifs resembling prototype constitutive nuclear localization signals (NLSs). The inducible and the constitutive ER p‐NLSs cooperate in the presence of estrogen and hydroxy‐tamoxifen, but not in the presence of ICI 164,384. In the PR, three p‐NLSs, two of which are located within and directly adjacent to the second zinc finger, cooperate with each other and a weak hormone‐inducible p‐NLS in the PR HBD. No ‘masking’ of p‐NLSs by the HBD was observed for ER and PR, while the ligand‐free glucocorticoid receptor HBD inhibited the activity of both homologous and heterologous NLSs. Nuclear co‐translocation experiments indicated that in vivo the stability of ER and PR dimers is hormonally controlled, but that, in the absence of the cognate ligand, ER dimers are more stable than PR dimers. This is likely to account for the differential hormone requirement of ER and PR DNA binding in vitro.
Experiment Setup for Calorimetric Measurements of Losses in HTS Coils Due to AC Current and External Magnetic Fields

We present a design and details of construction of two calorimetric systems that allow us to measure the total loss in high temperature superconducting coils or linear samples carrying alternating current while exposed to a strong alternating magnetic field. This measurement technique is based on the boil-off of liquid nitrogen. The first system is designed to measure ac losses in superconducting coils in self-field generated by AC transport current. The second system contains a permanent magnet rotor and simulates the environment of an electric motor or generator. The sensitivity of the system is such that it can measure low losses from a few milliwatts to several hundred milliwatts, in either a static or dynamic magnetic field.
Impact of dental implant length on early failure rates: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

AIM To test the null hypothesis of no difference in failure rates of short (minimum length: 7 mm) and longer dental implants (≥ 10 mm), a meta-analysis was performed on prospective observational trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic electronic and hand search was performed to identify eligible studies. Having additional data supplied by the authors, 54 publications were included (19,083 implants). RESULTS In case of mandibular implants, the null hypothesis of no impact of reduced implant length on failure within the first year of prosthetic loading could not be rejected. A significant impact of implant length could be substantiated for short machined implants in the anterior [odds ratio (OR) 5.4] and posterior maxilla (OR 3.4), while short rough-surfaced implants demonstrated increased failure rates in the anterior maxillary sites. No influence of implant diameter and denture type on the failure rate of short implants could be revealed. CONCLUSION In areas of reduced alveolar bone height the use of short dental implants may reduce the need for invasive bone augmentation procedures.
Effect of different types of organic compounds on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

The effect of different types of organic compounds (humic acid, oxalate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, phenol) on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) with illuminated TiO2 was studied in this work with variation of the solution pH, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration and type of organic compounds. As the pH increased, the removal efficiency for Cr(VI) decreased. The increase in Cr(VI) removal by UV/TiO2 with decreasing solution pH was due to the increased potential difference between the conduction band of TiO2 and Cr(VI)/Cr(III) as well as the anionic-type adsorption of Cr(VI) on to the TiO2 surface. Removal efficiency for Cr(VI) increased in the presence of organic compound compared with that without organic compound because positive holes in the TiO2 were scavenged by organic additives. The reduction pattern of Cr(VI) was better described by the first-order kinetic model. Finally photocatalytic reaction with illuminated TiO2 can be effectively applied to treat wastewater contaminated with Cr(VI).
Characteristic Behaviors of Students with LD Who Have Teacher-Identified Math Weaknesses

Mathematics learning disabilities (LD) have gained increased attention over the last decade from both researchers and practitioners. A large percentage of students receiving learning disability services experience difficulties with mathematics, but little research has examined the specific mathematics behaviors of students with LD who have teacher-identified math weaknesses. This study examines the literature on mathematics LD and identifies specific behaviors from that body of research for the purpose of determining the extent to which those behaviors are observed in students with LD. Data are presented from observations of 391 special education professionals on 1724 students with LD, 870 of whom had identified math weaknesses and 854 of whom did not. Our results validate the existing literature and provide implications for teachers, researchers, and others interested in studying mathematics LD.
Cells found in non-infected and staphylococcus-infected bovine mammary quarters and their ability to phagocytose fluorescent microspheres.

Summary The total number of cells, including polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL), macrophages and lymphocytes, was determined in milk of cows during late lactation from quarters which were either non-infected or infected with Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative staphylococci. All three cell types were more abundant in infected mammary quarters than in non-infected ones, the most marked increases occurring in the numbers of PMNL and lymphocytes. The capacity of phagocytes to engulf fluorescent microspheres was determined in vitro. The highest percentage of phagocytic cells was found among those originating from mammary quarters infected by Staphylococcus aureus (52%). The cells from quarters infected by coagulase-negative staphylococci also showed a higher phagocytic capacity (38%) than the cells from non-infected quarters (14%). In late lactation an increased number of cells was found; however, there was no significant difference between the phagocytic capacities of mid-lactation and late lactation cells. Zusammenfassung Zellen aus nicht-infizierten und mit Staphylokokkus-infizierten, bovinen Eutervierteln und ihre Fahigkeit fluoreszierende Mikropartikel zu phagozytieren Die Gesamtzellzahl, einschlieslich der polymorphkernigen Leukozyten (PMNL), Makrophagen und Lymphozyten, wurde in Kuhmilch bestimmt, die am Ende der Laktation aus nicht-infizierten, mit Staphylokokkus aureus oder koagulase-negativen Staphylokokken infizierten Eutervierteln gewonnen wurde. Alle drei Zelltypen wurden vermehrt in den infizierten Eutervierteln nachgewiesen, wobei der Anstieg der Anzahl der PMNL und Lymphozyten am deutlichsten war. Die Fahigkeit von Phagozyten fluoreszierende Mikropartikel aufzunehmen wurde in vitro bestimmt. Der hochste Prozentsatz an phagozytierenden Zellen wurde unter den Zellen gefunden, die aus den mit Staphylokokkus aureus infizierten Eutervierteln stammten (52%). Die Zellen aus den mit koagulase-negativen Staphylokokken infizierten Vierteln zeigten ebenso eine hohere Phagozytosefahigkeit (38%) als die Zellen aus den nicht-infizierten Vierteln (14%). Am Ende der Laktationsperiode wurde eine erhohte Anzahl von Zellen nachgewiesen, es bestand jedoch hinsichtlich der Phagozytosefahigkeit kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Zellen aus der Mitte und denen am Ende der Laktationsperiode.
Fish Oil Inhibits Development of Atherosclerosis in Rhesus Monkeys

The effect of feeding fish oil (Menhaden) on the progression of rhesus monkey atherosclerosis was determined by feeding diets containing 2% cholesterol and either 25% coconut oil (Group I), 25% fish oillcoconut oil (1:1) (Group II), or 25% fish oillcoconut oil (3: 1) (Group III) for 12 months (n =8/group). The average serum cholesterol levels were 875 mg/dl for Group I, 463 mg/dl for Group II, and 405 mg/dl for Group III. HDL cholesterol levels were 49 mgldl for Group I, 29 mg/dl for Group II, and 20 mg/dl for Group III. An average of 79% of the aortic intima was involved with atherosclerosis in Group I, 48% in Group II, and 36% in Group III. The aortas of both fish-oil groups (II or 111) contained significantly less cholesterol (total, free, and esterified), as well as less acid lipase, cholesteryl esterase, and ACAT activities when compared to the coconutoil group (I) (p < 0.05). Microscopically, the aortic and carotid artery lesions were smaller in cross-sectional area and in thickness, and contained less macrophages in the fish-oil groups (II and 111) when compared to the coconut-oil group (I) (p < 0.05). This protective effect was not consistently enhanced by increasing the proportion of fish oil to 3: 1 (Group III) over 1:1 (Group II). The results indicate that fish oilcontaining diets reduce serum cholesterol levels and inhibit atherosclerosis even in the face of lowered HDL cholesterol levels when compared to a pure coconut oillcholesterol diet in rhesus monkeys. Therefore, fish-oil diets exert effective protective control of progression of atherosclerosis during severe atherogenic stimuli.
CLOSED-FORM SOLUTIONS OF LARGE DEFLECTION FOR A GUYED CANTILEVER COLUMN PULLED BY AN INCLINATION CABLE

Geometric non-linearity becomes an issue of great concern that cannot be overlooked in the analysis of cable-supported structures since their material properties may be in an elastic range but they exhibit nonlinear behavior when loaded. This study intends to present an analytical approach for analyzing the large deflection behavior of a guyed column pulled by a pre-tensioned cable at different stages of installation. The column is assumed to be naturally straight and inextensible, and each cable is modeled as an equivalent tensile bar neglecting the sag effect due to self-weight. Based on an elliptic integral formulation, closed-form solutions are derived for the large deflection of a guyed column pulled by a pre-tensioned cable with different deformed configurations. The interaction between the nonlinear deflection of the guyed column and the sequentially applied cable forces are fully taken into account. The analytical result indicates that the larger aspect ratio (h/l) of the cable anchor distance (h) to the column height (l) may result in smaller critical tip slope.
A technique for incorporating large‐scale climate information in basin‐scale ensemble streamflow forecasts

Water managers throughout the western United States depend on seasonal forecasts to assist with operations and planning. In this study, we develop a seasonal forecasting model to aid water resources decision making in the Truckee‐Carson River System. We analyze large‐scale climate information that has a direct impact on our basin of interest to develop predictors to spring runoff. The predictors are snow water equivalent (SWE) and 500 mbar geopotential height and sea surface temperature (SST) “indices” developed in this study. We use local regression methods to provide ensemble (probabilistic) forecasts. Results show that the incorporation of climate information, particularly the 500 mbar geopotential height index, improves the skills of forecasts at longer lead times when compared with forecasts based on snowpack information alone. The technique is general and could be used to incorporate large‐scale climate information into ensemble streamflow forecasts for other river basins.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Pain — More Than Simple Nociception

Pain is a very common and sometimes limiting symptom in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Nonetheless, there remain many unanswered questions regarding pain perception in JIA and the neurobiology of pain in this disease. In this edition of The Journal , Leegaard, et al 1 report their findings of lowered pain threshold in patients with JIA that add to our understanding of a fundamental aspect of this disease manifestation in JIA. The disease pattern for JIA tends to follow a course of quiescent periods with disease activity flares superimposed. Some children have unrelenting disease activity that may be resistant to therapeutic interventions. Treatment of JIA is often complex and relies on medications, allied health interventions, and multidisciplinary expertise, ideally delivered in a coordinated manner in a predominantly ambulatory setting. JIA may have a profound influence on children’s lives and their experience of pain may be central to this2,3. Studies have found that reduced quality of life and functional outcome (social, emotional, and physical), lowered mood, and poor sleep are all associated with higher levels of pain perception in JIA4,5,6. Pain in JIA has historically been underreported, under-recognized, and underresearched, with clinical and research focus on inflammation, damage, and function. There are few specific or multidimensional and reliable pain assessment tools7, which has limited clinical research. Thus, the evidence base for pain management has traditionally relied upon extrapolation from adult medicine8. By enriching our understanding of the neurobiology of pain pathways in JIA, the predictive factors for those young people most vulnerable to pain, in conjunction with a focus on developing effective treatments, we will make inroads into one of the most significant symptoms for our patients with JIA. While there are many studies … Address correspondence to Dr. Singh-Grewal; E-mail: davinder.singhgrewal{at}health.nsw. gov.au