Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods in meniscal lesions.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of clinical and MRI diagnosis in comparison with arthroscopy for detection of meniscal lesions. Also, to answer if MRI diagnosis impacts on the decision of the surgeon for the choice of treatment (operative or conservative). MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 70 patients with knee injuries. Clinical diagnosis was established using the case-history of the patient and positive clinical tests for meniscal injuries (McMurray and Aplay). All patients underwent MRI on a 1.5 T magnet for MRI diagnosis. This was followed by arthroscopy for final diagnosis. Clinical and MRI diagnoses were correlated with the arthroscopic diagnosis which was used as a gold standard. RESULTS Of 70 patients with knee injuries, 55 had a clinical diagnosis of meniscal lesions out of whom 44 patients had a medial meniscal lesion and 11 had a lateral meniscal lesion. Arthroscopy confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 32 patients (72.72%) (44 vs 32) in medial meniscal lesion, and 8 patients (72.7%) (11 vs 8) with a lateral meniscal lesion. In MRI diagnosis of 56 patients with medial meniscal lesion arthroscopy confirmed the diagnosis in 34 patients (60.7%) (56 vs 34) and pf 10 patients with lateral meniscal lesion arthroscopy confirmed the diagnosis in 6 patients (60%) (10 vs 6). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of clinical diagnosis versus MRI for medial meniscus were (79.9% vs 79.5%); (58.1% vs 38.1%); (69.8% vs 69.6%); (69.2% vs 69.2%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of clinical diagnosis versus MRI for lateral meniscus were (50% vs 40%); (92.7% vs 92.7%); (63.6% vs 60%); (87.9% vs 85.5%). CONCLUSIONS Carefully performed clinical examination can give an equal or better diagnosis of meniscal lesions in comparison with MRI diagnosis. Any experienced orthopaedic surgeon can trust his clinical diagnosis as an indication of arthroscopy. When the clinical diagnosis is established, with no doubts due to positivity of the clinical tests, the MRI is not essential. In suspected cases where there is a dilemma, MRI is very helpful in making a decision for arthroscopy. The diagnostic accuracy of clinical and MRI diagnosis of meniscal lesions is high. Their reliability in diagnosing meniscal lesions is evident. lesion, clinical diagnosis, MRI, arthroscopy.
Self-Compatibility of Two Apricot Selections Is Associated with Two Pollen-Part Mutations of Different Nature1[W]

Loss of pollen-S function in Prunus self-compatible mutants has recently been associated with deletions or insertions in S-haplotype-specific F-box (SFB) genes. We have studied two self-compatible cultivars of apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Currot (SCSC) and Canino (S2SC), sharing the naturally occurring self-compatible (SC)-haplotype. Sequence analysis showed that whereas the SC-RNase is unaltered, a 358-bp insertion is found in the SFBC gene, resulting in the expression of a truncated protein. The alteration of this gene is associated with self-incompatibility (SI) breakdown, supporting previous evidence that points to SFB being the pollen-S gene of the Prunus SI S-locus. On the other hand, PCR analysis of progenies derived from Canino showed that pollen grains carrying the S2-haplotype were also able to overcome the incompatibility barrier. However, alterations in the SFB2 gene or evidence of pollen-S duplications were not detected. A new class of F-box genes encoding a previously uncharacterized protein with high sequence similarity (approximately 62%) to Prunus SFB proteins was identified in this work, but the available data rules them out of producing S-heteroallelic pollen and thus the cause of the pollen-part mutation. These results suggest that cv Canino has an additional mutation, not linked to the S-locus, which causes a loss of pollen-S activity when present in pollen. As a whole, these findings support the proposal that the S-locus products besides other S-locus independent factors are required for gametophytic SI in Prunus.
A 5GHz/1.8V CMOS active balun integrated with LNA

An RF active balun integrated with LNA was presented. The total circuit is fully integrated in a low cost CMOS process with total area of 1mm2. Simulations show that under a 1.8V power supply the circuit has a 23 dB differential gain at 5 GHz with 8mA current consumption. The overall circuit presents a well balanced broadband behavior, since the balun exhibits low differential phase and magnitude errors. It also achieves better performance in S21, ldBCPO, OIP3 and power consumption.
Flow cytometric analysis of rodent epididymal spermatozoal chromatin condensation and loss of free sulfhydryl groups

Flow cytometric measurements were made on acridine orange (AO) and 7‐diethylamino‐3‐(4′‐maleimidylphenyl)‐4‐methylcoumarin (CPM)‐stained epididymal‐ and vas deferens‐derived spermatozoal nuclei to follow the course of chromatin condensation and oxidation of free sulfhydryl groups, respectively, during passage through mouse and rat posttesticular reproductive tracts. Alterations of mouse and rat spermatozoal chromatin during transition from a testicular elongated spermatids to epididymal caput spermatozoc resulted in a threefold loss of DNA stainability with AO. Passage of spermatozoa from the caput to corpus epididymis was accompanied by an approximate 15% loss of DNA stainability, which was maintained at that level throughout passage into the vas deferens. AO stainability of epididymal spermatozoal nuclei was generally independent of –SH group stainability. CPM stanability of rat spermatozoal nuclei free –SH groups was 83%, 18%, and 11% of caput spermatozoal values for corpus, cauda epididymis, and vas deferens, respectively. Comparable values for mice were 69%, 20%, and 18%. CPM stainability was relatively homogeneous for these mouse and rat reproductive tract regions, except mouse corpus epididymis spermatozoal nuclei stained very heterogeneously. Rat spermatozoa detained by ligature up to 7 days in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymi had CPM staining values equal to or below those of normal vas spermatozoa, indicating that disulfide (S‐S) bonding is intrinsic to the spermatozoa and is independent of the epididymal environment. These data suggest that chromatin condensation and loss of spermatozoal DNA stainability during passage from the testis to the vas deferens are independent of S‐S bonding. Furthermore, the results are in agreement with previous findings suggesting that autoxidation of SH groups occurs independently of movement through the epididymis.
Technology Transfer and Productivity Growth : Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Industries

Based on an industry-level data set for Chinese largeand medium-size manufacturing enterprises over the period of 1996–2006, the paper investigates the impacts of three technology acquisition channels, i.e. in-house R&D, foreign technology transfer and domestic technology transfer, on the productivity growth by using both the output elasticity and the rate of return methods. We find that in-house R&D makes substantial and significant contributions to productivity growth in Chinese manufacturing industries, and that technology transfers, whether foreign or domestic, have no significantly positive effects on productivity growth. When the productivity growth is decomposed into technical efficiency change and technological progress by using Data Envelopment Analysis, we also find that the important role of R&D in improving industry performance is mainly attributable to the contributions of R&D to technical efficiency change.
3‐Deaza‐Adenosine Inhibition of Stimulus‐Response Coupling in Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

In an effort to define better the functional role of S‐adenosyl‐methionine‐mediated methylation reactions in modulating polymorphonuclear (PMN) functional responses to chemotactic stimuli, we investigated the effects of 3‐deaza‐adenosine (3‐DZA), a known inhibitor of methylation reactions in phagocytic cells, on formyl methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP)‐induced responses in human PMN leukocytes. Using the fluorescent cyanine dye 3,3'‐dipropylthiocarbocyanine (di‐S‐C3‐(5)) as an optical probe of membrane potential we observed that 3‐DZA at concentrations that inhibit FMLP‐induced O2− production does not significantly alter FMLP‐induced changes in transmembrane potential. Additional studies showed an inhibitory effect of 3‐DZA on FMLP‐induced PMN pinocytosis and to a lesser degree on FMLP‐induced degranulation. However, pretreatment of PMNs with 3‐DZA did not alter FMLP‐induced changes in Quin‐2 fluorescence, an indicator of changes in intracellular calcium levels. These findings demonstrate a dissociation between chemotactic factor‐induced cell membrane depolarization, changes in intracellular calcium, and specific neutrophil functional responses and suggest that chemotactic factor‐induced changes in transmembrane potential and intracellular calcium are independent of chemotactic factor‐induced methylation reactions. Furthermore, 3‐DZA did not alter phorbol myristate acetate induced O2− production or fluid pinocytosis indicating a stimulus specificity for the inhibitory effects of this agent on O2− production.
Limitations of applying summary results of clinical trials to individual patients: the need for risk stratification.

THERE IS GROWING AWARENESS THAT THE RESULTS OF randomized clinical trials might not apply in a straightforward way to individual patients, even those within the trial. Although randomization theoretically ensures the comparability of treatment groups overall, there remain important differences between individuals in each treatment group that can dramatically affect the likelihood of benefiting from or being harmed by a therapy. Averaging effects across such different patients can give misleading results to physicians who care for individual, not average, patients. The limitations of subgroup analyses—the conventional means for exploring differences in treatment effect based on patient characteristics—are well-appreciated. Because patients in trials, as in clinical practice, have many attributes that can affect the likelihood of treatment being beneficial or harmful, exploring each of these attributes “one variable at a time” (eg, male vs female, old vs young) risks spurious false-positive subgroup results from chance fluctuations. Furthermore, although patients have simultaneous multiple characteristics that can affect the likelihood of the outcome and the effect of therapy, one-variable-at-a-time comparisons are fundamentally limited because they compare groups that vary only on a single factor, usually resulting in the subgroups being more similar than different.
Spatial Distribution and Seasonal Variation of Heavy Metals in Water and Sediments of Taihu Lake

Heavy metal distribution in aquatic ecosystems can be influenced by a variety of factors. In this study, the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb) in lake water and sediments of different lake zones of a large, shallow, eutrophic freshwater lake, Taihu Lake, were investigated. Metal concentrations in the river water, bloom assemblages, and macrophyte materials were also determined. The results demonstrated that metal distribution in Taihu Lake showed distinct patterns in different seasons. Metal concentrations in rivers around Taihu Lake showed some peaks that may contribute to the elevated metal concentrations in lake water and sediments. However, the metal concentrations in the river water did not fluctuate significantly with months (March, July, and December). The dissolved metal concentrations in the phytoplankton-dominated zone of the lake were significantly higher than those in the macrophyte-dominated lake zone in summer, which could be attributed to the different dominated primary producers in the two lake zones. Statistical analysis results demonstrated that the dissolved metal concentrations were positively correlated with water turbidity for all metals in July. However, the positive correlations disappeared for most metals of March and December samples. The results of this study could provide useful information for further understanding of the transportation and fates of heavy metals in different freshwater lake ecosystems.
Endomembrane HRas controls vascular endothelial growth factor-induced nitric oxide synthase-mediated endothelial cell migration.

We demonstrate for the first time that endomembrane-delimited HRas mediates VEGF-induced activation of eNOS and migratory response of human endothelial cells. Using thiol labeling strategies and immunofluorescent cell staining, we found that only 31% of total HRas is S -palmitoylated, tethering the small GTPase to the plasma membrane, but leaving the function of the large majority of endomembrane-localized HRas unexplained. Knock-down of HRas blocked VEGF-induced PI3K-dependent Akt (S473) and eNOS (S1177) phosphorylation and nitric oxide-dependent cell migration, demonstrating the essential role of HRas. Activation of endogenous HRas led to recruitment and phosphorylation of eNOS at endomembranes. The loss of migratory response in cells lacking endogenous HRas was fully restored by modest over-expression of an endomembrane-delimited HRas palmitoylation mutant. These studies define a newly recognized role for endomembrane-localized HRas in mediating nitric oxide-dependent pro-angiogenic signaling.
Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System Mediates Fatty 2 Acid-Induced ER Stress in the Kidney 3 4

Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen 8 University, Guangzhou, China 510080 9 Department of Orthopedics, The 5 Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 10 Zhuhai, China 519000 11 Department of Medicine, Division of Hypertension and Renal Diseases, 12 University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA 80010 13 Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, 14 University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA 84132 15
Mitochondrial phylogeny reveals cryptic genetic diversity in the genus Niviventer (Rodentia, Muroidea)

Abstract Niviventer is a muroid genus with 17 species widely distributed in East and Southeast Asia. These animals are important components of both extant and fossil small mammal communities, and they are among the most common infectious agents in humans. In this study, we employed partitioned Bayesian and relaxed clock divergence dating analyses and included the Niviventer mitochondrial cytochrome b genes of from GenBank (n = 223). Although the intra-generic relationships were not fully resolved, we recognized four major clades/subclades that could support further division of the genus. Paraphyletic and polyphyletic species were discovered, and 21 putative species were recognized through species delimitation analysis, which indicated an imperfect taxonomy and the existent of cryptic species. Molecular dating supported Niviventer origination in the late Miocene, and relatively higher diversification rates were observed in the late Pliocene and the Pleistocene, which might correlate with climate fluctuations.
Introductory Game Programming Instruction with OOP - What is required, How is it addressed, and Which language wins?

This paper analyzes three popular programming languages (Adobe/Macromedia Flash, Java and Visual Basic.net), used to teach introductory 2D game programming courses. Presented in this paper is a discussion on the parameters required for the course, followed by a comparison on how each language addresses these parameters, and a suggestion on which language is the winner in this race. This paper analyzes three popular programming languages (Adobe/Macromedia Flash, Java and Visual Basic.net), used to teach introductory 2D game programming courses. A discussion on the parameters required for the course is followed by comparing how each language addresses these parameters, and ends with a suggestion on which language is the winner in this race.
Comparison of multivariate adaptive regression splines with coupled wavelet transform artificial neural networks for runoff forecasting in Himalayan micro-watersheds with limited data

Himalayan watersheds are characterized by mountainous topography and a lack of available data. Due to the complexity of rainfall–runoff relationships in mountainous watersheds and the lack of hydrological data in many of these watersheds, process-based models have limited applicability for runoff forecasting in these areas. In light of this, accurate forecasting methods that do not necessitate extensive data sets are required for runoff forecasting in mountainous watersheds. In this study, multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), wavelet transform artificial neural network (WA-ANN), and regular artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed and compared for runoff forecasting applications in the mountainous watershed of Sainji in the Himalayas, an area with limited data for runoff forecasting. To develop and test the models, three micro-watersheds were gauged in the Sainji watershed in Uttaranchal State in India and data were recorded from July 1 2001 to June 30 2003. It was determined that the best WA-ANN and MARS models were comparable in terms of forecasting accuracy, with both providing very accurate runoff forecasts compared to the best ANN model. The results indicate that the WA-ANN and MARS methods are promising new methods of short-term runoff forecasting in mountainous watersheds with limited data, and warrant additional study.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Massage and Aromatherapy Massage With Geranium on Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Clinical Trial

Background: Depression exacerbates the physical problems in menopause in addition to influencing the individual, occupational and social functioning of women. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy massage on depression in menopausal women. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 120 menopausal women were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into three groups namely control, aromatherapy massage and massage group. Data collection tool in this study was demographics questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In aromatherapy massage group, essential oil of geranium (2%) in almond oil was used. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks, once a week for 30 minutes and their depression rate was assessed before and after the intervention and were compared with the control group. ANOVA and t-test were used for data analysis. Results: Aromatherapy massage reduced the mean depression score (MD: 0.51, 95%CI). Massage therapy also reduced depression score (MD: 0.20, 95%CI) (P < 0.001). To detect the effects of aromatherapy and massage therapy separately, the mean depression score was compared and aromatherapy massage reduced the depression score more than massage therapy (MD: -0.31, 95%CI). Conclusions: The results of this study consider aromatherapy massage beneficial in improving symptoms of depression and recommend it as a complementary therapy.
Tetramer‐dimer equilibrium of oxyhemoglobin mutants determined from auto‐oxidation rates

One of the main difficulties with blood substitutes based on hemoglobin (Hb) solutions is the auto‐oxidation of the hemes, a problem aggravated by the dimerization of Hb tetramers. We have employed a method to study the oxyHb tetramer‐dimer equilibrium based on the rate of auto‐oxidation as a function of protein concentration. The 16‐fold difference in dimer and tetramer auto‐oxidation rates (in 20 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.0, 37°C) was exploited to determine the fraction dimer. The results show a transition of the auto‐oxidation rate from low to high protein concentrations, allowing the determination of the tetramer‐dimer dissociation coefficient K4,2 = [Dimer]2/[Tetramer]. A 14‐fold increase in K4,2 was observed for addition of 10 mM of the allosteric effector inositol hexaphosphate (IHP). Recombinant hemoglobins (rHb) were genetically engineered to obtain Hb with a lower oxygen affinity than native Hb (Hb A). The rHb α2β2 [(C7) F41Y/(G4) N102Y] shows a fivefold increase in K4,2 at pH 7.0, 37°C. An atmosphere of pure oxygen is necessary in this case to insure fully oxygenated Hb. When this condition is satisfied, this method provides an efficient technique to characterize both the tetramer‐dimer equilibrium and the auto‐oxidation rates of various oxyHb. For low oxygen affinity Hb equilibrated under air, the presence of deoxy subunits accelerates the auto‐oxidation. Although a full analysis is complicated, the auto‐oxidation studies for air equilibrated samples are more relevant to the development of a blood substitute based on Hb solutions. The double mutants, rHb α2β2 [(C7) F41Y/(G4) N102A] and rHb α2β2 [(C7) F41Y/(E10) K66T], show a lower oxygen affinity and a higher rate of oxidation than Hb A. Simulations of the auto‐oxidation rate versus Hb concentration indicate that very high protein concentrations are required to observe the tetramer auto‐oxidation rate. Because the dimers oxidize much more rapidly, even a small fraction dimer will influence the observed oxidation rate.
Decision‐making heuristics and biases across the life span

We outline a contextual and motivational model of judgment and decision‐making (JDM) biases across the life span. Our model focuses on abilities and skills that correspond to deliberative, experiential, and affective decision‐making processes. We review research that addresses links between JDM biases and these processes as represented by individual differences in specific abilities and skills (e.g., fluid and crystallized intelligence, executive functioning, emotion regulation, personality traits). We focus on two JDM biases—the sunk‐cost fallacy (SCF) and the framing effect. We trace the developmental trajectory of each bias from preschool through middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and later adulthood. We conclude that life‐span developmental trajectories differ depending on the bias investigated. Existing research suggests relative stability in the framing effect across the life span and decreases in the SCF with age, including in later life. We highlight directions for future research on JDM biases across the life span, emphasizing the need for process‐oriented research and research that increases our understanding of JDM biases in people's everyday lives.
Clinical Experience of Non-Invasive Prenatal Chromosomal Aneuploidy Testing in 190,277 Patient Samples.

OBJECTIVES To detect trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in 190,277 clinical samples from the medical diagnostic laboratories of ten hospitals. METHODS The study assessed the clinical performance of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in 190,277 clinical samples using semiconductor sequencing technology. RESULTS NIPT participants were at a mean gestation of 17.79 weeks (range, 9-36) and age of 31.12 years (range, 18-46) at the time of testing on average. There were 1,543 (0.81%) positive cases, including 1050 for trisomy 21, 316 for trisomy 18, and 177 for trisomy, 13. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting trisomy 21, 18 and 13 combined were 99.61% and 99.91% respectively, and the overall positive predictive value and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) were 89.74% and 99.99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This was the first large clinical study for semiconductor sequencing technologies in NIPT application. Our findings indicate that NIPT has the potential to replace serum biochemistry screening and could be performed at the early gestational age of 9~12 weeks.