Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The vascularization of long bones in the human foetus.

It is generally held that periosteal arteries play some part in the vascularization of tubular bone cortex, because of a free anastomosis between nutrient and periosteal arterial systems within Haversian canals (Clark, 1952). Estimates of the degree of periosteal nutrition of the compactum usually vary between a half and one-third (Johnson, 1927; Marneffe, 1951). Recently, Brookes & Harrison (1957), using a microradiographic technique, concluded that periosteal arteries play no part in the vascularization of compact bone in the adult rabbit. In this paper the vascular arrangements within tubular bone and the participation of periosteal arteries in compact bone nutrition have been determined in the human foetus. The opportunity was also taken to observe the pattern of vascular cartilage canals in epiphyseal primordia.
Structures of human-infecting Thogotovirus fusogens support a common ancestor with insect baculovirus

Significance Thogotoviruses belong to Orthomyxoviridae family and infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. The emergence of these viruses poses great threats to public health and the economy. In this work, we performed structural and phylogenic analyses on the fusogenic glycoproteins of Thogoto and Dhori viruses, two representatives of the Thogotovirus genus that cause severe human infections. Previous studies have shown that thogotovirus glycoproteins share ∼28% sequence identity with baculovirus Gp64s. Our structural analysis confirmed their homology in evolution and identified them as class III viral fusogens, in contrast to class I members of influenza viruses. Our studies provide structural evidence to help us to understand the evolution of these viruses and indicate a potential target for antiviral drug design. Thogotoviruses are emerging tick-borne zoonotic orthomyxoviruses infecting both humans and domestic animals with severe clinical consequences. These viruses utilize a single-envelope glycoprotein (Gp) to facilitate their entry into host cells. Here, we present the Gp structures of Thogoto and Dhori viruses, both of which are members of the Thogotovirus genus in the family Orthomyxoviridae. These structures, determined in the postfusion conformation, identified them as class III viral fusion proteins. It is intriguing that the Gp structures are similar to the envelope protein of baculovirus, although sharing a low sequence identity of ∼28%. Detailed structural and phylogenic analyses demonstrated that these Gps originated from a common ancestor. Among the structures, domain I is the most conserved region, particularly the fusion loops. Domain II showed the highest variability among different viruses, which might be related to their distinct host tropism. These findings increase our understanding of the divergent evolution processes of various orthomyxoviruses and indicate potential targets for developing antiviral therapeutics by intercepting virus entry.
Consciousness and Criterion: On Block's Case for Unconscious Seeing

Block (2012) highlights two experimental studies of neglect patients which, he contends, provide ‘dramatic evidence’ for unconscious seeing. In Block's hands this is the highly non-trivial thesis that seeing of the same fundamental kind as ordinary conscious seeing can occur outside of phenomenal consciousness. Block's case for it provides an excellent opportunity to consider a large body of research on clinical syndromes widely held to evidence unconscious perception. I begin by considering in detail the two studies of neglect to which Block appeals. I show why their interpretation as evidence of unconscious seeing faces a series of local difficulties. I then explain how, even bracketing these issues, a long-standing but overlooked problem concerning our criterion for consciousness problematizes the appeal to both studies. I explain why this problem is especially pressing for Block given his view that phenomenal consciousness overflows access consciousness. I further show that it is epidemic—not only affecting all report-based studies of unconscious seeing in neglect, but also analogous studies of the condition most often alleged to show unconscious seeing, namely blindsight.
Evaluation of a tapered polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent in porcine coronary arteries

Background: No stent is yet available for tapering coronary arteries. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the applicability, efficacy and safety of a novel tapered, polymer-free sirolimus eluting stent (t-PFSES) specifically designed for tapering coronary arteries. Methods: 28 pigs underwent the placement of 56 oversized stents (control, n = 28, t-PFSES, n = 28), and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and histopathologic analysis were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months follow-up. Results: In proximal segments, both the t-PFSES and control stents lead to similar results, while, in distal segments, the t-PFSES stent was associated with significantly improved angiographic outcomes. Compared with the control stents, t-PFSES exhibited a greater inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia in all stented segments, but the magnitude of the neointimal area was lower in the proximal segments than in the distal segments, (1.15 vs. 1.48 mm2, 0.33 vs. 0.8 mm2, 0.3 vs. 1.14 mm2 at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively, P > 0.05). Complete re-endothelialization was observed with both stents at 1 month post-procedure, but the t-PFSES stented distal segments had numerically lower inflammation scores (P = NS). Conclusion: The t-PFSES stent is applicable to coronary artery segments with marked tapering (10% tapering or 0.45 mm). Compared with the conventional bare metal stent, t-PFSES appeared to be safer and lead to superior angiographic outcomes, especially in the distal segments of tapering coronary arteries.
In Vitro Metabolism of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)–Derived Metabolites GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide in Mouse and Human Hepatocytes

Previous studies have revealed that the glucoincretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)(7-36)amide is metabolized by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) to yield GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide, respectively, as the principal metabolites. Contrary to the previous notion that GLP-1(7-36)amide metabolites are pharmacologically inactive, recent studies have demonstrated cardioprotective and insulinomimetic effects with both GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide in animals and humans. In the present work, we examined the metabolic stability of the two GLP-1(7-36)amide metabolites in cryopreserved hepatocytes, which have been used to demonstrate the in vitro insulin-like effects of GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide on gluconeogenesis. To examine the metabolic stability of the GLP-1(7-36)amide metabolites, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay was developed for the quantitation of the intact peptides in hepatocyte incubations. GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide were rapidly metabolized in mouse [GLP-1(9-36)amide: t1/2 = 52 minutes; GLP-1(28-36)amide: t1/2 = 13 minutes] and human hepatocytes [GLP-1(9-36)amide: t1/2 = 180 minutes; GLP-1(28-36)amide: t1/2 = 24 minutes), yielding a variety of N-terminal cleavage products that were characterized using mass spectrometry. Metabolism at the C terminus was not observed for either peptides. The DPP-IV and NEP inhibitors diprotin A and phosphoramidon, respectively, did not induce resistance in the two peptides toward proteolytic cleavage. Overall, our in vitro findings raise the intriguing possibility that the insulinomimetic effects of GLP-1(9-36)amide and GLP-1(28-36)amide on gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress might be due, at least in part, to the actions of additional downstream metabolites, which are obtained from the enzymatic cleavage of the peptide backbone in the parent compounds.
The Soma Mat and Breathing Light

We present the experience of using the prototypes Soma Mat and Breathing Light. These are designed with a somaesthetic approach to support a meditative bodily introspection. We use light and heat as modalities to subtly guide participants to turn their gaze inwards, to their own bodies. People trying our prototypes reports on a feeling of relaxation, softer movements, and an increased awareness of their own breathing.
Beam hardening artefacts in computed tomography with photon counting, charge integrating and energy weighting detectors: a simulation study

Photon counting x-ray imaging provides efficient rejection of the electronics noise, no pulse height (Swank) noise, less noise due to optimal photon energy weighting and the possibility of energy resolved image acquisition. These advantages apply also to CT when projection data are acquired using a photon counting detector. However, photon counting detectors assign a weighting factor of 1 to all detected photons whereas the weighting factor of a charge integrating detector is proportional to the energy of the detected photon. Therefore, data collected by photon counting and charge integrating detectors represent the ‘hardening’ of the photon beam passed through the object differently. This affects the beam hardening artefacts in the reconstructed CT images. This work represents the first comparative evaluation of the effect of photon counting, charge integrating and energy weighting photon detectors on beam hardening artefacts in CT. Beam hardening artefacts in CT images were evaluated for 20 cm and 14 cm diameter water cylinders with bone and low contrast inserts, at 120 kVp and 90 kVp x-ray tube voltages, respectively. It was shown that charge integrating results in 1.8% less beam hardening artefacts from bone inserts (i.e., CT numbers in the ‘shadow’ of the bone are less by 1.8% as compared to CT numbers over the periphery of the image), as compared to photon counting. However, optimal photon energy weighting, which provides highest SNR, results in 7.7% higher beam hardening artefacts from bone inserts as compared to photon counting. The magnitude of the ‘cupping’ artefacts was lower by 1% for charge integrating and higher by 6.1% for energy weighting acquisitions as compared to photon counting. Only the photon counting systems provide an accurate representation of the beam hardening effect due to its flat energy weighting. Because of their energy dependent weighting factors, the charge integrating and energy weighting systems do not provide accurate representation of the beam hardening effect.
Values of T/QRS ratios measured during normal and post-term pregnancies

Abstract Aim: To evaluate values and variability of T/QRS ratios between 28 and 42 weeks’ gestation in term and post-term pregnancies using non-invasive methods with electrodes placed over the maternal abdomen. Methods: Fetal electrocardiograms were recorded from 657 women with singleton pregnancies. Recorded signals were analyzed by KOMPOREL software from ITAM (Zabrze, Poland) and the T/QRS ratios were automatically calculated. The analyses were performed in subgroups according to gestational age. The T/QRS ratio variables were calculated; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA test) and linear regression were carried out. Results: The T/QRS ratio was successfully measured in 95.4% (n=627) of patients during 30 min recordings. Values of T/QRS ratio variables changed during pregnancy. The mean T/QRS ratio ranged between 0.134 in the 41st gestational week and 0.178 in the 35th gestational week. Mean minimal and maximum values of the T/QRS ratio ranged between 0.02 and 0.29 [x=0.09; standard deviation (SD)=0.05] and 0.08 and 0.5 (x=0.27; SD=0.1), respectively. The highest values occurred in pre-term and post-term pregnancies. Conclusions: Measurement of the T/QRS ratio is one of the techniques used for non-invasive fetal distress assessment that can be used in antepartum fetal monitoring. Values of T/QRS ratio variables changed during pregnancy from higher in pre-term pregnancies, lower in the peripartum period and rose again in post-term pregnancies. The study provides more insight into the values of T/QRS ratios during pregnancy; however, additional research is required.
Relative Efficacy of Three Different Baits for Trapping Pond-dwelling Turtles in East-central Kansas

Acknowledgments. —We thank Richard Bothner for advice and helping to find the original sites. We are greatly indebted to the following people for help in the field: Joshua Daigler, Dan Kinsey, Gary Klock, Brian Landahl, Holly Morehouse, Noelle Rayman, Heather Warner, and numerous others we may have unintentionally missed. Thanks to Chris Pennuto for field advice and manuscript review. Thanks also to Chris Phillips and two anonymous reviewers. This project was supported in part by State Wildlife Grant T-2-1 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and administered by Buffalo State College. Field work was conducted under a protocol approved August 2, 2004 by Buffalo State College’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
An exact local conservation theorem for finite-amplitude disturbances to non-parallel shear flows, with remarks on Hamiltonian structure and on Arnol'd's stability theorems

Disturbances of arbitrary amplitude are superposed on a basic flow which is assumed to be steady and either (a) two-dimensional, homogeneous, and incompressible (rotating or non-rotating) or (b) stably stratified and quasi-geostrophic. Flow over shallow topography is allowed in either case. The basic flow, as well as the disturbance, is assumed to be subject neither to external forcing nor to dissipative processes like viscosity. An exact, local ‘wave-activity conservation theorem’ is derived in which the density A and flux F are second-order ‘wave properties’ or ‘disturbance properties’, meaning that they are O(a2) in magnitude as disturbance amplitude a → 0, and that they are evaluable correct to O(a2) from linear theory, to O(a3) from second-order theory, and so on to higher orders in a. For a disturbance in the form of a single, slowly varying, non-stationary Rossby wavetrain, $\overline{F}/\overline{A}$ reduces approximately to the Rossby-wave group velocity, where (${}^{-}$) is an appropriate averaging operator. F and A have the formal appearance of Eulerian quantities, but generally involve a multivalued function the correct branch of which requires a certain amount of Lagrangian information for its determination. It is shown that, in a certain sense, the construction of conservable, quasi-Eulerian wave properties like A is unique and that the multivaluedness is inescapable in general. The connection with the concepts of pseudoenergy (quasi-energy), pseudomomentum (quasi-momentum), and ‘Eliassen-Palm wave activity’ is noted. The relationship of this and similar conservation theorems to dynamical fundamentals and to Arnol'd's nonlinear stability theorems is discussed in the light of recent advances in Hamiltonian dynamics. These show where such conservation theorems come from and how to construct them in other cases. An elementary proof of the Hamiltonian structure of two-dimensional Eulerian vortex dynamics is put on record, with explicit attention to the boundary conditions. The connection between Arnol'd's second stability theorem and the suppression of shear and self-tuning resonant instabilities by boundary constraints is discussed, and a finite-amplitude counterpart to Rayleigh's inflection-point theorem noted.
Role of shear stress patterns in the TNF-α-induced atherogenic protein expression and monocytic cell adhesion to endothelium.

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaques develop at arterial regions subjected to non-uniform shear stress, and are initiated by increased leukocyte-endothelial interactions. In this study, we investigated the effects of distinct shear stress patterns on endothelial recruitment of monocytic cells. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed to laminar or non-uniform shear stress in bifurcating flow-through slides, followed by 2 h stimulation with TNF-α. To study cell adhesion, ECs were perfused with medium containing THP-1 monocytic cells for 1 h. Endothelial protein expression was determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Exposure to non-uniform shear stress and TNF-α lead to progressive induction of adhesion molecules and increase in monocytic cell adhesion observed over 0.5-3 h. To investigate the relative role of the shear stress patterns in monocytic cell recruitment, ECs were exposed to reduced levels of shear stress, resulting in a reduced gradient steepness in the non-uniform shear stress regions. Lowering the shear stress from 10 to 5 and 2 dyne/cm2 resulted in increased monocytic cell adhesion under laminar shear stress. However, in these conditions, adherent monocytic cells under non-uniform shear stress were strongly reduced. Moreover, in the region exposed to shear stress gradient parallel to flow direction, monocytic cell adhesion was significantly lower than in the region of non-uniform shear stress, characterized by transversal gradient. CONCLUSION Exposure to non-uniform shear stress results in progressive induction of adhesion molecules and monocytic cell recruitment in response to circulating TNF-α. Enhanced monocytic cell recruitment at bifurcations is affected not only by the magnitude and steepness of shear stress gradient, but also by its direction in relation to the flow.
FLT 3 Internal Tandem Duplication and D 835 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

1 Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania 3 Pediatric Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania 4 Hematology Clinic 2, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania 5 Hematology Clinic 1, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
Does Oxygen Saturation or Distance Walked Predict Rehospitalization in Heart Failure?

Background: Hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients experience high rehospitalization rates. Predicting early rehospitalization risk in HF patients may enable better decision making at time of hospital discharge. It is known that sex and ethnicity influence rehospitalization rates. Several measures easily and conveniently obtained before discharge are arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and distance walked during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Research Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to examine sociodemographic (sex and ethnicity) and clinical (oxygenation and distance walked) variables obtained during a predischarge 6MWT that could indicate increased risk of cardiac rehospitalization within 90 days. Methods: Within 24 hours of discharge, 44 hospitalized HF patients underwent 6MWT with continuous SaO2 and heart rate monitoring. Demographic data, past medical history, and medication use were collected from the patients' charts. Results: Participants' mean (SD) age was 59.6 (18.6) years, with half (n = 22) being Caucasian/white and one-quarter (n = 11) being married. Half (n = 22) were anemic on admission. Mean (SD) SaO2 was 94.2% (3.6%), mean (SD) minimum SaO2 was 89.1% (6.1%), and mean (SD) 6MWT was 220.8 (111.6) m. More than half (n = 23) were rehospitalized for cardiac reasons. Women had a 2.5 times greater risk of rehospitalization than men did. Women were significantly more anemic and walked shorter distances. There was no relation between distance walked or SaO2 and rehospitalization risk. Conclusion: Although there was no relation between SaO2 and rehospitalization risk, women had a greater risk of rehospitalization, were more frail, and were more often anemic. This study is novel because it establishes a link between sex, anemia, functional status, and rehospitalization risk in patients hospitalized for HF. More research is needed to better understand the influence of anemia, functional status, and sex in relation to rehospitalization risk.
Cornea-reflection-based Extrinsic Camera Calibration without a Direct View

In this paper, we propose a novel method to extrinsically calibrate a camera to a 3D reference object that is not directly visible from the camera. We use the spherical human cornea as a mirror and calibrate the extrinsic parameters from the reflections of the reference points. The main contribution of this paper is to present a cornea-reflection-based calibration algorithm with minimal configuration; there are five reference points on a single plane and one mirror pose. In this paper, we derive a linear equation and obtain a closed-form solution of extrinsic calibration by introducing two key ideas. The first is to model the cornea as a virtual sphere, which enables us to estimate the center of the cornea sphere from its projection. The second idea is to use basis vectors to represent the position of the reference points, which enables us to deal with 3D information of reference points compactly. Besides, in order to make our method robust to observation noise, we minimize the reprojection error while maintaining the valid 3D geometry of the solution based on the derived linear equation. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method with qualitative and quantitative evaluations using synthesized and real data.
Jet Breaks in Short Gamma-Ray Bursts. II. The Collimated Afterglow of GRB 051221A

We report the best evidence to date of a jet break in a short gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow, using Chandra and Swift XRT observations of the X-ray afterglow of GRB 051221A. The combined X-ray light curve, which has three breaks, is similar to those commonly observed in Swift observations of long GRBs. A flat segment of the light curve at ~0.1 days after the burst represents the first clear case of strong energy injection in the external shock of a short GRB afterglow. The last break in the light curve occurs at ~4 days postburst and breaks to a power-law decay index of ~2. We interpret this as a jet break, with important implications for models of short GRBs, since it requires collimation of the afterglow into a jet with an initial opening angle θ0 ~ 4°-8° and implies a total jet kinetic energy of Ejet ~ (1-5) × 1049 ergs. Combined with the lack of a jet break in GRB 050724, this suggests a wide range in jet collimation in short GRBs, with at least some having collimation similar to that found in long GRBs, although with significantly lower jet energies.