Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibronexus Junctions Associated with In Vivo Human Endothelium

The fibronexus is recognized as a characteristic marker of the myofibroblast. However, it is not completely specific for this cell, having been seen in aortic smooth muscle (in attenuated form) and endothelium in experimental animals. This paper documents fibronexus junctions in human in vivo endothelium. Ultrastructural observations were made on the vasculature of a desmoplastic and focally neurotropic malignant melanoma. Cross-sectioned fibronectin fibrils were seen outside the stromal surface of the endothelial plasmalemma. Often, they were positioned directly opposite the actin-filament bundles in the peripheral cytoplasm. Neoplastic and in vitro cultured cells apart, endothelium is the only nonmyofibroblastic cell type to show well-developed fibronexus junctions. Mostly, they have been documented in aortic endothelium in experimental animals, where they possibly constitute an adaptation to hemodynamic stress, and where they might more securely anchor endothelium on to subjacent connective tissue. They might also function as mechanotransducers of extracellular stress in the extracellular milieu. The present observations constitute a further, rare example of endothelium-associated fibronexuses in reactive human vessels.
A long-term serological survey on Aujeszky's disease virus infections in wild boar in East Germany

SUMMARY Between 1985 and 2008, a total of 102 387 wild boar sera originating from Eastern Germany covering an area of 108 589 km2 were tested for the presence of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV)-specific antibodies. From 1985 until 1991 and from 1992 until 2008, wild boar sera were exclusively investigated using either conventional seroneutralization assays (n=39 621) or commercial gB and full antigen ELISAs (n=62 766), respectively. Spatial-temporal analysis revealed an increasing ADV seroprevalence from 0·4% to 15·9%, on average, during the 24-year observation period that went along with a continuous spread of the infection in a western direction. During 2006 and 2008, 18% of the 66 affected districts had ADV seroprevalences >30%. There was a significant correlation between ADV seroprevalence and the hunting index of population density (HIPD) of wild boar in the entire study area, although this did not hold true for some regions. Seroprevalences did not differ between sexes but were age-dependent. East Germany has been officially free of Aujeszky's disease (pseudorabies) in domestic pigs since 1985. Although a risk for domestic pigs cannot be completely ruled out, experience has shown that ADV in domestic pigs could be eliminated although the virus was present in the wild boar population. Despite increasing ADV seroprevalence in the East German wild boar population no spillover infections from wild boar to domestic pigs have been reported. To further trace ADV infections in the wild boar population in Germany, a nationwide serological monitoring programme should be implemented.
Free choice of sickness funds in social health insurance-theoretical foundation and empirical findings in Germany

Problem/Question to be Addressed: During the 1990s, government has introduced free choice of sickness funds and a new risk-adjustment scheme in the social health insurance scheme of Germany. Price competition is supposed to increase incentives for sickness funds to act as prudent buyers of health services on behalf of their enrollees. A crucial precondition for effective price competition is that consumers are inclined to search for lower-priced substitutes. We examined whether this precondition is fulfilled in Germany. Therefore, we estimated to what extent consumers are sensitive to contribution rate differences among sickness funds. Data and Methods Used: We estimated price elasticities of choice for individual funds as well as for types of funds (over the period 1996-2001). Five different types of sickness funds can be distinguished: regional funds (AOK), company-based funds (BKK), guild-based funds (IKK) and two types of substitute funds (EAN and EAR)). We constructed a set of panel data from the 5 types of German sickness funds (including aggregated data of all sickness funds per type) and from 46 individual German sickness funds. Basically we estimated price elasticities using the following parameters: Number of subscribers per individual or type of fund, contribution rate, dummy per individual or type of fund, dummy per year. Results: Price elasticity of sickness fund choice in Germany is quite high and rapidly increasing over time. Several exit surveys of enrolees support this result. Enrolees state that difference in contribution rates are their primary reason to switch to another fund. Conclusions: Contribution rate differences are very high in Germany and consumers are used to switching because some freedom of choice existed prior to the reforms. Furthermore, employers play an important role in facilitating and encouraging consumer choice since they pay half of contribution rates. Price competition among German sickness funds is strong but motivates German sickness funds to focus on selecting favorable risks rather than on improving efficiency, because of an inadequate risk-adjustment methods and very limited tools to manage care.
The influence of trailed vorticity on flutter speed estimations

This paper briefly describes the implementation of a coupled near and far wake model for wind turbine rotor induction in the aeroelastic code HAWC2 and its application for flutter analysis of the NREL 5 MW wind turbine. The model consists of a far wake part based on Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory, which is coupled with Beddoes' near wake model for trailed vorticity. The first part of this work outlines the implementation in HAWC2, with a focus on the interaction of the induction from the blade based near wake model with the induction from the polar grid based BEM model in HAWC2. The influence of the near wake model on the aeroelastic stability of the blades of the NREL 5 MW turbine in overspeed conditions is investigated in the second part of the paper. The analysis is based on a runaway case in which the turbine is free to speed up without generator torque and vibrations start building up at a critical rotor speed. Blades with modified torsional and flapwise stiffness are also investigated. A flutter analysis is often part of the stability investigations for new blades but is normally carried out with engineering models that do not include the influence of unsteady trailed vorticity. Including this influence results in a slightly increased safety margin against classical flutter in all simulated cases.
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: An Assessment of Antioxidant Levels in Plasma and Saliva.

Introduction Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder that affects 20% of the population worldwide. Factors such as trauma, stress, genetic, hypersensitivity, nutrition, immune disturbance and hormonal imbalance may disturb the oxidant and antioxidant balance of an organism and precipitate RAS, but the relationships are poorly understood. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma and saliva of patients with RAS. Materials and Methods Forty patients with RAS and forty healthy individuals were included in the study. The levels of antioxidants such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSHPx) Catalase (CAT) and Uric Acid (UA) were measured in plasma and saliva. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the two groups using independent t-test and ANOVA. Results Decreased SOD levels were observed in plasma amongst RAS patients (p < 0.03) whereas, increased levels were observed in their saliva (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was noticed in GSHPx levels: RAS patients exhibited higher levels in plasma but decreased in saliva compared to the control group. CAT activities and UA levels in saliva (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001 respectively) were observed to be significantly higher in RAS patients. Within the RAS group elevated plasma SOD level (p < 0.006) was found in patients with major ulcers whereas, an increased plasma UA (p < 0.01) level was observed in patients with minor ulcers. Conclusion The non-equilibrium antioxidant levels observed in both plasma and saliva indicate the antioxidant status of the body is disturbed in patients with RAS.
The host Integrator complex acts in transcription-independent maturation of herpesvirus microRNA 3′ ends

In this study, Xie et al. identify a novel Integrator cleavage step in a noncanonical microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis pathway. They found that this cleavage step occurs at the 3′ ends of HVS pre-miRNAs, which is regulated by a specific 3′ end processing signal, the miRNA 3′ box. The findings here provide further insight into the structure and function of the Integrator complex.
Long-term results of simple hemiresection arthroplasty in the rheumatoid distal radio-ulnar joint

We retrospectively studied the radiological and clinical results of a simple hemiresection arthroplasty, a modification of previous oblique distal ulnar resections, in 62 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (68 wrists) over a mean follow-up of 103 (range 60–173) months. Fourteen wrists (20%) became fused at the radiocarpal joint and 28 wrists fused (41%) at the midcarpal joints during follow-up. Severe ulnar translocation of the carpus was observed in two wrists (3%), radio-ulnar convergence in five wrists (7%), as well as a significant decrease of carpal height ratio, without any radiological findings of stylocarpal impingement. Improvements in forearm pronation and supination, and reduction in pain were maintained at the last follow-up. Grip strength was not significantly improved. The Jebsen–Taylor hand function test showed improvements in writing, card turning, and simulated feeding. Fifty-two patients (58 wrists, 85%) were satisfied with the results at the last follow-up. Simple hemiresection arthroplasty showed good long-term results with few complications.
New Insights Into the Circadian Rhythm and Its Related Diseases

Circadian rhythms (CR) are a series of endogenous autonomous oscillators generated by the molecular circadian clock which acting on coordinating internal time with the external environment in a 24-h daily cycle. The circadian clock system is a major regulatory factor for nearly all physiological activities and its disorder has severe consequences on human health. CR disruption is a common issue in modern society, and researches about people with jet lag or shift works have revealed that CR disruption can cause cognitive impairment, psychiatric illness, metabolic syndrome, dysplasia, and cancer. In this review, we summarized the synchronizers and the synchronization methods used in experimental research, and introduced CR monitoring and detection methods. Moreover, we evaluated conventional CR databases, and analyzed experiments that characterized the underlying causes of CR disorder. Finally, we further discussed the latest developments in understanding of CR disruption, and how it may be relevant to health and disease. Briefly, this review aimed to synthesize previous studies to aid in future studies of CR and CR-related diseases.
Trends in hospital-based childbirth care: the role of health insurance.

OBJECTIVES Childbirth is the leading reason for hospitalization in the United States, and maternity related expenditures are substantial for many health insurance programs, including Medicaid. We studied the relationship between primary payer and trends in hospital-based childbirth care. STUDY DESIGNS Retrospective analysis of hospital discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, a 20% stratified sample of US hospitals. METHODS Data on 6,717,486 hospital-based births for the years 2002 through 2009 came from the NIS. We used generalized estimating equations to measure associations over time between primary payer (Medicaid, private insurance, or self) and cesarean delivery, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), labor induction, and episiotomy. RESULTS Controlling for clinical, demographic, and hospital factors, births covered by Medicaid had lower odds of cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.91), labor induction (AOR, 0.73), and episiotomy (AOR, 0.62) and higher odds of VBAC (AOR, 1.20; P <.001 for all AORs) compared with privately insured births. Cesarean rates increased 6% annually among births paid by private insurance (AOR, 1.06; P <.001) and less rapidly (5% annually) among those covered by Medicaid. CONCLUSIONS US hospital-based births covered by private insurance were associated with higher rates of obstetric intervention than births paid for by Medicaid. After controlling for clinical, demographic, and hospital factors, cesarean delivery rates increased more rapidly among births covered by private insurance, compared with Medicaid. Changes in insurance coverage associated with healthcare reform may impact costs and quality of care for women giving birth in US hospitals.
Relationships Between Pharmacokinetics and Rate of Bone Turnover After Intravenous Bisphosphonate (Olpadronate) in Patients With Paget's Disease of Bone

Bisphosphonates are the treatment of choice of Paget's disease, but variable responses have been reported, and despite the availability of potent bisphosphonates, biochemical remission is not achieved in a substantial number of patients. This may, in part at least, be because of the influence of pharmacokinetics of bisphosphonates on their pharmacodynamics. That is the response of bone turnover to treatment. To address this issue, we examined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the bisphosphonate olpadronate given intravenously to 75 patients with Paget's disease, using a specific assay for olpadronate concentrations in serum and urine. The skeletal uptake of olpadronate varied greatly among patients and ranged between 10% and 90% of the administered dose. The two major determinants of skeletal uptake were renal function and prevalent rate of bone turnover. Serum and urinary data were well described by a physiology‐based four‐compartment pharmacokinetic model that takes into account the distribution of the bisphosphonate in the bone and its subsequent elimination. Bone turnover was suppressed to well within the normal range in virtually all patients. This, together with the absence of resolution of effect during 1 year, does not allow the construction of an adequate integrated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. However, the pharmacokinetic model, described for the first time in Paget's disease, can accurately simulate the amount of bisphosphonate delivered to the skeleton with different dose regimens as well as the amount still present in bone after 1 year. Such approaches can lead to improved patient care and individualization of treatment of Paget's disease with bisphosphonates.
Audio Matching for the Philological Analysis of Electroacoustic Music

The analysis of electroacoustic music may benefit from the design and development of tools for automatic audio matching, allowing musicologists to compare different versions of the same work and to draw the artistic path from the synthesis of fragments to the creation of a complete work. Music alignment has been explored as a tool in many areas, from score following to music information retrieval. This paper presents a tool for the analysis of electroacoustic music based on the comparison of two audio sources. The tool has been applied to a relevant case study: Stria by John Chowning.
Practice Profiles, Procedures, and Personal Rewards According to the Sex of the Physician

Background The objective of this study was to explore physician and practice characteristics according to sex. Method All graduates of a southeastern state's family practice residency programs were surveyed. Results Seven hundred fourteen (53.5%; 79.7% men, 20.3% women) surveys were returned and analyzed. Practice arrangements and practice settings did not differ significantly between the two study groups. Male graduates saw a significantly higher percentage of geriatric patients (28.9% versus 24.7%; P = 0.008) and made significantly more nursing home visits (50.6% versus 35.5%; P = 0.002) and home visits (49.0% versus 33.8%; P = 0.001) than female graduates. With the exception of skin biopsies, a greater percentage of male physicians performed procedures than female physicians. Female graduates and male graduates had the same initial salary but had a significantly different current salary range. No significant differences were seen in personal or career satisfaction. Conclusion Practice patterns of male and female physicians were generally similar. However, significant differences were noted in geriatric care, procedures, and salary.
Symbolic Models for Nonlinear Time-Varying Time-Delay Systems via Alternating Approximate Bisimulation

Time-delay systems are an important class of dynamical systems that provide a solid mathematical framework to deal with many application domains of interest. In this paper we focus on nonlinear control systems with unknown and time-varying delay signals and we propose one approach to the control design of such systems, which is based on the construction of symbolic models. Symbolic models are abstract descriptions of dynamical systems where one symbolic state and one symbolic input correspond to an aggregate of states and an aggregate of inputs. We first introduce the notion of incremental input-delay-to-state stability and characterize it by means of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals. We then derive sufficient conditions for the existence of symbolic models that are shown to be alternating approximately bisimilar to the original system. Further results are also derived which prove the computability of the proposed symbolic models in a finite number of steps.
Information Systems Effectiveness in Small Businesses: Extending a Singaporean Model in Canada

This study examines the applicability of the Thong, Yap, and Raman (1996) model of information systems (IS) effectiveness tested among Singaporean small businesses in a Canadian context. The model evaluates the importance of managerial support and external expertise (vendors and consultants) for IS effectiveness. This study extends the Thong et al. model by adding an intention of expansion construct. The sample included 105 small business users of IS in a small city in western Canada. The results show that both managerial and vendor support are essential for effective IS in Canadian small businesses, and supported part of the relations between IS effectiveness and intention of expansion. Overall, the results suggest that managers should engage quality vendors to obtain IS that contribute to the specific goals of the small business. The results of the Canadian study were, for the most part, similar to the results reported in the Singaporean study; however, a few notable differences appear to exist.
Genomic Sequence and Transcriptional Analysis of a 23-Kilobase Mycobacterial Linear Plasmid: Evidence for Horizontal Transfer and Identification of Plasmid Maintenance Systems

ABSTRACT Linear plasmids were unknown in mycobacteria until recently. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of 23-kb linear plasmid pCLP from Mycobacterium celatum, an opportunistic pathogen. The sequence of pCLP revealed at least 19 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Expression of pCLP genes in exponential-phase cultures was determined by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Twelve ORFs were expressed, whereas no transcription of the 7 other ORFs of pCLP was detected. Five of the 12 transcribed ORFs detected by RT-PCR are of unknown function. Sequence analysis revealed similar loci in bothM. celatum pCLP and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis chromosome, including transposase-related sequences. This result suggests horizontal transfer between these two organisms. pCLP also contains ORFs that are similar to genes of bacterial circular plasmids involved in partition (par operon) and postsegregational (pem operon) mechanisms. Functional analysis of these ORFs suggests that they probably carry out similar maintenance roles in pCLP.
Cochlear Implantation in China: Review of 1,237 Cases with an Emphasis on Complications

Objective: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review the complications of patients who underwent cochlear implantation at 51 hospitals in mainland China over a decade. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1,237 patients who underwent cochlear implantation from February 1998 to December 2008. The patients were reviewed for demographic information, type of hearing loss, abnormal findings on temporal CT scans, cochlear implant device, procedure time, and complications that included meningitis, hematoma (intracranial and extracranial), wound infection and implant extrusion, cerebrospinal fluid leak and facial palsy. Results: A total of 1,237 patient records were identified, and pertinent clinical information was reviewed. Of the patients, 59.6% were male, and 98.9% were prelingually deaf. The most common etiologies of hearing loss were: ototoxicity (28.1%), non-syndromic congenital hearing loss (14.8%), and inner ear malformation (18.5%). Inner ear malformations included: enlarged vestibular aqueduct (9.4%), Mondini defect (5.4%), common cavity (2.8%), cochlear ossification (3.9%), round window dysplasia (0.4%), and narrow internal auditory meatus (1.2%). The most common intraoperative complications were: gusher (5%) and electrode kinking (2.3%). The most common postoperative complications were hematoma (1.7%), wound infection and implant extrusion (0.5%), and device failure (0.9%). No CSF leakage or permanent facial palsy occurred. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation is a safe and reliable otosurgical procedure in China, and the rate of complications is similar to developed countries. Carefully preoperative preparation and standardization of the procedure are important for the development of cochlear implant programs in developing countries.
Constitutive activation of Jak‐2 and Tyk‐2 in a v‐Src‐transformed human gallbladder adenocarcinoma cell line

It is well known that v‐Src phosphorylates various substrates on tyrosine residue and associates with tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins as well as proline‐rich ligands through its SH2 and SH3 domains, respectively, thereby inducing oncogenic transformation. A signal pathway from the cell surface to genes in the nucleus, the Jak/STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathway, has been shown to be involved in the signal transduction mechanism mediated by many cytokines and growth factors. Although a member of the STAT family, STAT3 has been reported to be constitutively activated in several v‐Src‐transformed cells, and it still remains unknown whether Jak molecules, which act upstream of STATs, are involved in the v‐Src‐induced activation mechanism of STAT3. In this study, we analyzed activations of both Jak and STAT molecules using v‐Src‐transformed HAG‐1 cells derived from a human gallbladder adenocarcinoma. STAT3 was found to be constitutively activated in v‐Src‐transformed HAG‐1 cells, but not in either non‐transformed mock‐transfected or activated c‐H‐ras‐transfected HAG‐1 cells, even though the other known STAT molecules are expressed. Furthermore, both Jak‐2 and Tyk‐2 were constitutively activated only in v‐Src‐transformed HAG‐1 cells. Association of v‐Src with either STAT3 or the Jak molecules was not observed. No change of this activation was detected by either interferon (IFN)‐α2a or IFN‐γ, which had shown inhibitory effects on the growth of v‐Src‐transformed HAG‐1 cells. These results raise the possibility that Jak‐2 and Tyk‐2 are both activated by v‐Src, thereby contributing to the constitutive activation of STAT3 in the v‐Src‐transformed cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 175:220–228, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.