Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cataract Surgical Outcome and Predictors of Outcome in Lumbini Zone and Chitwan District of Nepal

Purpose: To evaluate visual acuity outcome from cataract surgery based on a population-based survey among people aged 50 years and older in Lumbini Zone and Chitwan District of Nepal. Methods: A randomly selected, population-based cross sectional epidemiological study of blindness, visual impairment and cataract surgical outcome was conducted. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ocular examination by an ophthalmic assistant, while people with visual impairment (visual acuity less than 6/18) after refraction and all cataract surgical cases underwent dilated fundus examination by an ophthalmologist. Results: 5,916 people were enumerated and 5,141 (86.9%) examined. Among the 359 people who had cataract surgery, 485 eyes were included in the study. First eye surgery was before 2000 in 84 (23%), between 2000 and 2003 in 130 (36%), and after 2003 in 145 (41%). A presenting visual acuity ≥ 6/18 was achieved in 298 (61.4%) eyes (10 [17.8%] and 288 [67.1%] of aphakic and pseudophakic eyes, respectively) and best corrected vision ≥ 6/18 in 411 (84.7%) in all eyes. A presenting visual acuity less than 6/60 was found in 27 (6.3%) pseudophakic eyes. There was no significant difference in visual outcome based on age, sex, literacy, or institution. Uncorrected refractive error was the main cause (72.9%) of visual impairment in pseudophakic eyes. Conclusions: Visual acuity outcome after cataract surgery requires further improvement to meet World Health Organization standards, particularly improvement in preoperative biometry and refractive services. The same quality cataract surgery was provided in and equitably distributed throughout Lumbini Zone and Chitwan District independent of age, sex, literacy or location.
LLC‐PK1 cysts: A model for the study of epithelial polarity

In the present work, we have taken advantage of the properties of two recently isolated clonal subpopulations of the pig kidney‐derived LLC‐PK1 cell line to study aspects of the establishment of epithelial polarity. When grown in suspension, LLC‐PK1/D + Sc cells reaggregated within a few hours and, during the following days of culture, formed free‐floating, hollow spheres or cysts, lined by a monolayer of polarized cells. In contrast, LLC‐PK1/D ‐ cells were unable to develop such polarized structures even upon prolonged culture in suspension. The polarity of the LLC‐PK1/D + Sc cells lining the cysts was inverted compared to that in intact renal tubules, the microvilli‐rich “apical” pole being oriented toward the external medium. However, upon embedding these preformed cysts in collagen gels, a reversal of polarity was observed within hours, the microvilli‐rich pole now facing the cyst cavity. Thus, in the same clonally derived cell population, cell‐to‐cell contact and interaction with the extracellular matrix differentially affect the orientation of cellular polarity. The LLC‐PK1/D + Sc cysts provide a suitable in vitro model system for further study of the sequential events by which extracellular matrix components induce an appropriately oriented polarization. In addition, the comparison between LLC‐PK1/D + Sc and D ‐ cells, which differ in their ability to polarize in response to cell‐to‐cell contact, should help define some of the cellular determinants involved in epithelial organization.
Validating the MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI) with ground chlorophyll content data at MERIS spatial resolution

The Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI), a standard level 2 European Space Agency (ESA) product, provides information on the chlorophyll content of vegetation (amount of chlorophyll per unit area of ground). This is a combination of information on Leaf Area Index (LAI, area of leaves per unit area of ground) and the chlorophyll concentration of those leaves. The MTCI correlates strongly with chlorophyll content when using model, laboratory and field spectrometry data. However, MTCI calculated with MERIS data has only been correlated with surrogate chlorophyll content data. This is because of the logistical difficulties of determining the chlorophyll content of the area covered by a MERIS pixel (9 × 104 m2). This paper reports the first attempt to determine the relationship between MTCI and chlorophyll content using actual MERIS data and actual chlorophyll content data. During the summer of 2006 LAI and chlorophyll concentration data were collected for eight large (> 25 ha) fields around Dorchester in southern England. The fields contained six crops (beans, linseed, wheat, grass, oats and maize) at different stages of maturity and with different canopy structures, LAIs and chlorophyll concentrations. A stratified sampling method was used in which each field contained sampling units in proportion to the spatial variability of the crop. Within each unit 25 random points were sampled. This approach captured the variability of the field and reduced the potential bias introduced by the planting pattern or later agricultural treatments (e.g. pesticides or herbicides). At each random point LAI was estimated using an LAI-2000 plant canopy analyser and chlorophyll concentration was estimated using a Minolta-SPAD chlorophyll meter. In addition, for each field a calibration set of 30 contiguous SPAD measurements and associated leaf samples were collected. The relationship between MTCI and chlorophyll content was positive. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.62, root mean square error (RMSE) was 244 g per MERIS pixel and accuracy of estimation (in relation to the mean) was 65%. However, one field included a high proportion of seed heads, which artificially increased the measured LAI and thus chlorophyll content. Removal of this field from the dataset resulted in a stronger relationship between MTCI and chlorophyll content with an R2 of 0.8, an RMSE of 192 g per MERIS pixel and accuracy of estimation (in relation to the mean) of 71%.
Comparison of arachnoiditis produced by meglumine iocarmate and metrizamide myelography in an animal model.

Myelography in monkeys was performed with either meglumine iocarmate or metrizamide. The severity of resultant arachnoiditis in each animal 12 weeks later was evaluated by repeat myelography and by histologic study of the arachnoid. Three of the four animals examined with meglumine iocarmate had severe arachnoiditis; none of the four animals examined with metrizamide had as severe changes. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P less than .05).
A meta-analysis to determine the dose response for strength development.

PURPOSE The identification of a quantifiable dose-response relationship for strength training is important to the prescription of proper training programs. Although much research has been performed examining strength increases with training, taken individually, they provide little insight into the magnitude of strength gains along the continuum of training intensities, frequencies, and volumes. A meta-analysis of 140 studies with a total of 1433 effect sizes (ES) was carried out to identify the dose-response relationship. METHODS Studies employing a strength-training intervention and containing data necessary to calculate ES were included in the analysis. RESULTS ES demonstrated different responses based on the training status of the participants. Training with a mean intensity of 60% of one repetition maximum elicits maximal gains in untrained individuals, whereas 80% is most effective in those who are trained. Untrained participants experience maximal gains by training each muscle group 3 d.wk and trained individuals 2 d.wk. Four sets per muscle group elicited maximal gains in both trained and untrained individuals. CONCLUSION The dose-response trends identified in this analysis support the theory of progression in resistance program design and can be useful in the development of training programs designed to optimize the effort to benefit ratio.
Sleep patterns and fatigue in parents of twins.

OBJECTIVE To examine patterns of postpartum parental sleep and levels of fatigue at 2, 12, and 20 weeks following hospital discharge of newborn twins. DESIGN Descriptive longitudinal pilot study. SETTING Recruitment from 2 hospital postpartum units. Data collected in parents' homes. PARTICIPANTS Eight primiparous parents caring for twins delivered at 33 to 38 weeks gestation. METHODS Home visits to deliver and retrieve study equipment: wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries to measure sleep, standardized instrument to measure fatigue, and an investigator-developed form to measure demographics and related variables. RESULTS Fathers had significantly less night sleep (5.4 hours) and less 24 hour sleep (5.8 hours) than mothers (6.2 and 6.9 hours, respectively) at 2 weeks after twins were discharged. Sleep efficiency increased significantly over time in a linear fashion for both parents. Morning and evening fatigue levels were not significantly different between parents and remained constant over time. CONCLUSION Pilot data suggest that mothers and especially fathers of twins experience sleep disturbances after discharge of their twins. Further study is needed to more fully describe the evolution of sleep patterns and clarify factors that influence sleep in parents of twins.
The Effect of Different Training Programs on Eccentric Energy Utilization in College-Aged Males

Hawkins, SB, Doyle, TLA, and McGuigan, MR. The effect of different training programs on eccentric energy utilization in college-aged males. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 1996-2002, 2009-The Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR), which is the ratio of countermovement jump (CMJ) to squat jump (SJ) performance measures, is a useful indicator of training status in elite athletes and their utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle. This investigation sought to determine if EUR was sensitive to different types of resistance training in untrained college-aged males. Twenty-nine college-aged males completed 8 weeks of training and were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 training programs: weight training (n = 10), plyometrics (n = 10), or weightlifting (n = 9). Testing occurred 3 times (pre, mid, post) with a CMJ and SJ conducted on a force plate integrated with a position transducer. Height, weight, and a 1RM (repetition maximum) squat also were measured. Weightlifting significantly (p < 0.05) helped subjects jump higher and produce more power than plyometrics for height and power for both CMJ and SJ results. This investigation indicated EUR did not significantly change, suggesting that this type of performance indicator may not be useful in a recreationally active population. Alternatively, an 8-week training program might not be a long enough time period to see changes in this group of participants. Results did indicate that high-velocity and high-force training programs, consisting of weightlifting and plyometrics, improved lower-body performance, especially in the areas of jump height and power.
Motion processing in autism: evidence for a dorsal stream deficiency

We report that motion coherence thresholds in children with autism are significantly higher than in matched controls. No corresponding difference in form coherence thresholds was found. We interpret this as a specific deficit in dorsal stream function in autism. To examine the possibility of a neural basis for the perceptual and motor related abnormalities frequently cited in autism we tested 23 children diagnosed with autistic disorder, on two tasks specific to dorsal and ventral cortical stream functions. The results provide evidence that autistic individuals have a specific impairment in dorsal stream functioning. We conclude that autism may have common features with other developmental disorders and with early stages of normal development, perhaps reflecting a greater vulnerability of the dorsal system.
Parametric Amplification of Images: From Time Gating to Noiseless Amplification

Image parametric amplification and its applications are reviewed in this paper. Phase matching conditions allow the resolution to be determined and spatial frequency filtering to be performed. The phase conjugate idler image can be used to cancel aberrations. Then, time gating properties are applied to ultrafast imaging, imaging through diffusing media, and lifetime fluorescence imaging. Degenerate schemes permit polychromatic amplification as well as phase-sensitive amplification, which is proved to be noiseless with respect to spatial fluctuations at the quantum level. Finally, it is shown that the spatial fluctuations of the signal and the idler are subshot noise correlated.
Transmyometrial embryo transfer and junctional zone contractions.

BACKGROUND Embryo transfer is a crucial step in IVF-embryo transfer cycles. Several studies have explored transmyometrial embryo transfer, but although this procedure has several favourable characteristics, its role in assisted reproduction has not yet been established. Junctional zone (JZ) contractions during embryo transfer are associated with a negative outcome and factors which increase JZ contractions should be avoided. METHODS In this study, we have investigated the effect of transmyometrial embryo transfer on JZ contractions. Ten patients with a previously difficult embryo transfer, or a difficult mock embryo transfer, underwent transmyometrial embryo transfer. Before and after this procedure a transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed and this was recorded on videotape for 5 min. The recordings were digitized and then analysed for JZ contractions. RESULTS Transmyometrial embryo transfer causes a significant increase in JZ contractions. CONCLUSION The increase in JZ contractions after transmyometrial embryo transfer forms a theoretical objection to this procedure. However, its alternative, a difficult transcervical embryo transfer, is also associated with an increase in JZ contractions. We therefore suggest a large prospective study to investigate the most effective method of embryo transfer in cases where a difficult transcervical embryo transfer is anticipated due to cervical factors.
School adjustment, school membership and adolescents' future expectations.

Two studies investigated how students' school adjustment and sense of school membership relates to their future expectations. In Study 1 measures of future expectations, school membership and school adjustment were administered to a random sample of 307 5th-12th grade (male and female) students in 16 schools. Correlations among the measures were significant, and no meaningful grade differences were found on these variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that students' social acceptance in school predicted future expectations. Study 2 replicated Study 1 using 164 female students (i.e. the entire student population of one high school) as subjects. Findings of Study 2 also support the conclusion that students' school experiences, particularly with peers, shape their future expectations.
Cardiovascular Risk of Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

Recently, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (coxibs), a class of drugs intended to be painkillers, have created unprecedented controversy because of their cardiovascular risk profile. The controversy has affected the patients, health-care providers, the Food and Drug Administration, and the manufacturers of these agents alike. We summarize the mechanisms of actions of this class of agents, their cardiovascular risk as evident in multiple trials, the basis of their adverse risk profile, and our views on this issue.
Phenotype of the Obese Koletsky (f) Rat Due to Tyr763Stop Mutation in the Extracellular Domain of the Leptin Receptor (Lepr): Evidence for Deficient Plasma-to-CSF Transport of Leptin in Both the Zucker and Koletsky Obese Rat

The obese phenotypes of the diabetes (db) mouse and fatty (fa) rat are due to functional null mutations of the leptin receptor (Lepr). The recessive mutation in the Koletsky (f) obese rat maps to the same genetic intervals as db and fa and fails to complement the fa mutation. Comparison of the sequence of brain Lepr cDNA from +/+ and f/f animals reveals a T2349A transversion resulting in a Tyr763Stop nonsense mutation in the gene just before the transmembrane domain. Virtual absence of Lepr mRNA in whole brain from f/f animals is consistent with the presence of a null mutation. The predicted reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport of leptin in both f/f and fa/fa mutants is reflected in the ∼10-fold lower ratio of CSF/plasma leptin concentration in the obese versus lean animals. However, equivalent CSF leptin concentration between lean and obese rats (fa/fa, f/f) indicates that leptin can enter the CSF through a non–Lepr-mediated mechanism, which may be saturated at normal physiological plasma leptin concentration.
Analysis of Escherichia coli TonB membrane topology by use of PhoA fusions

Alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) fusions to TonB amino acids 32, 60, 125, 207, and 239 (the carboxy terminus) all showed high PhoA activity; a PhoA fusion to TonB amino acid 12 was inactive. The full-length TonB-PhoA fusion protein was associated with the cytoplasmic membrane and retained partial TonB function. These results support a model in which TonB is anchored in the cytoplasmic membrane by its hydrophobic amino terminus, with the remainder of the protein, including its hydrophobic carboxy terminus, extending into the periplasm.
Sucrose Production Mediated by Lipid Metabolism Suppresses the Physical Interaction of Peroxisomes and Oil Bodies during Germination of Arabidopsis thaliana*

Physical interaction between organelles is a flexible event and essential for cells to adapt rapidly to environmental stimuli. Germinating plants utilize oil bodies and peroxisomes to mobilize storage lipids for the generation of sucrose as the main energy source. Although membrane interaction between oil bodies and peroxisomes has been widely observed, its underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Here we present genetic evidence for control of the physical interaction between oil bodies and peroxisomes. We identified alleles of the sdp1 mutant altered in oil body morphology. This mutant accumulates bigger and more oil body aggregates compared with the wild type and showed defects in lipid mobilization during germination. SUGAR DEPENDENT 1 (SDP1) encodes major triacylglycerol lipase in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, sdp1 seedlings show enhanced physical interaction between oil bodies and peroxisomes compared with the wild type, whereas exogenous sucrose supplementation greatly suppresses the interaction. The same phenomenon occurs in the peroxisomal defective 1 (ped1) mutant, defective in lipid mobilization because of impaired peroxisomal β-oxidation, indicating that sucrose production is a key factor for oil body-peroxisomal dissociation. Peroxisomal dissociation and subsequent release from oil bodies is dependent on actin filaments. We also show that a peroxisomal ATP binding cassette transporter, PED3, is the potential anchor protein to the membranes of these organelles. Our results provide novel components linking lipid metabolism and oil body-peroxisome interaction whereby sucrose may act as a negative signal for the interaction of oil bodies and peroxisomes to fine-tune lipolysis.
A cytological study of the effect of reinnervation and cross-innervation on rat striated muscle.

The changes of rat muscle fiber structure and fiber types after the reunification of the nerve and cross-innervation between the nerve to M. soleus (SOL) and M. extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were cytologically studied and the following results were obtained: 1. After the reunification of the nerve, the tendency toward grouping to a single fiber type was observed, although in normal muscle, the red, white and intermediate fibers were distributed in mosaic pattern. 2. After the cross innervation, the changes of fiber types occurred; namely, in SOL, normally composed of red and intermediate fibers, the three types of fibers appeared after the cross- innervation with the nerve to EDL, which originally was composed of the red, white and intermediate muscle fibers, and vice versa. These changes were observed not only in histochemical sections, but also in the ultrastructural level by electron microscope.
Visual Decodification of Some Facial Expressions through Microimitation

We examined the level of muscular tension of mentalis muscle of 36 students in graphic design at rest and during the presentation of three slides reproducing facial expressions. Analysis showed an increase in the myographic level of mentalis muscle from the third second of measurement onwards after the presentation of the slide in which contraction of the chin was involved. We interpret this result by hypothesizing that the decodification of some facial expressions is realized through a microreproduction of the stimulus from the decodifying subject.
Contact patterns and their implied basic reproductive numbers: an illustration for varicella-zoster virus

SUMMARY The WAIFW matrix (Who Acquires Infection From Whom) is a central parameter in modelling the spread of infectious diseases. The calculation of the basic reproductive number (R0) depends on the assumptions made about the transmission within and between age groups through the structure of the WAIFW matrix and different structures might lead to different estimates for R0 and hence different estimates for the minimal immunization coverage needed for the elimination of the infection in the population. In this paper, we estimate R0 for varicella in Belgium. The force of infection is estimated from seroprevalence data using fractional polynomials and we show how the estimate of R0 is heavily influenced by the structure of the WAIFW matrix.
A linguistic approach to concurrent design

This paper outlines a concurrent design methodology for multidisciplinary systems, which employs tools of fuzzy theory for the tradeoff in the design space. This methodology enhances communication between designers from various disciplines through introducing the universal notion of satisfaction and expressing the behaviour of multidisciplinary systems using the notion of energy. It employs fuzzy rule-bases, membership functions and parametric connectives in fuzzy logic to formalize subjective aspects of design, resulting in a two-phase simplification of the multi-objective constrained optimization of a design process. The methodology attempts to find a pareto-optimal solution for the design problem. In the primary phase of the methodology, a fuzzy-logic model is utilized to identify a region in the design space that contains the pareto-optimal design state, and a proper initial state is suggested for the optimization in the secondary phase, where the pareto-optimal solution is found. Finally, the impact of the designer's subjective attitude on the design is adjusted based on a system performance by utilizing an energy-based model of multidisciplinary systems. As an application, it is shown that the design of a five-degree-of-freedom industrial robot manipulator can be enhanced by using the methodology.