Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Exposure to Ciprofloxacin Reduces Proteoglycan Loss in Tendon Explants

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are associated with increased risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture, which can occur well after cessation of treatment. We have previously reported that the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (CPX) reduced proteoglycan synthesis in equine tendon explants. This study aimed to determine the effects of CPX on proteoglycan catabolism and whether any observed effects are reversible. Equine superficial digital flexor tendon explant cultures were treated for 4 days with 1, 10, 100 or 300 µg/mL CPX followed by 8 days without CPX. The loss of [35S]-labelled proteoglycans and chemical pool of aggrecan and versican was studied as well as the gene expression levels of matrix-degrading enzymes responsible for proteoglycan catabolism. CPX suppressed [35S]-labelled proteoglycan and total aggrecan loss from the explants, although not in a dose-dependent manner, which coincided with downregulation of mRNA expression of MMP-9, -13, ADAMTS-4, -5. The suppressed loss of proteoglycans was reversed upon removal of the fluoroquinolone with concurrent recovery of MMP and ADAMTS mRNA expression, and downregulated TIMP-2 and upregulated TIMP-1 expression. No changes in MMP-3 expression by CPX was observed at any stage. These findings suggest that CPX suppresses proteoglycan catabolism in tendon, and this is partially attributable to downregulation of matrix-degrading enzymes.
A Chandra Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer Observation of V4743 Sagittarii: A Supersoft X-Ray Source and a Violently Variable Light Curve

V4743 Sagittarii (Nova Sgr 2002 No. 3) was discovered on 2002 September 20. We obtained a 5 ks ACIS-S spectrum in 2002 November and found that the nova was faint in X-rays. We then obtained a 25 ks Chandra Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) observation on 2003 March 19. By this time, it had evolved into the supersoft X-ray phase exhibiting a continuous spectrum with deep absorption features. The light curve from the observation showed large-amplitude oscillations with a period of 1325 s (22 minutes) followed by a decline in the total count rate after ~13 ks of observations. The count rate dropped from ~40 counts s-1 to practically zero within ~6 ks and stayed low for the rest of the observation (~6 ks). The spectral hardness ratio changed from maxima to minima in correlation with the oscillations and then became significantly softer during the decay. Strong H-like and He-like lines of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon were found in absorption during the bright phase, indicating temperatures between 1 and 2 MK, but they were shifted in wavelength corresponding to a Doppler velocity of -2400 km s-1. The spectrum obtained after the decline in count rate showed emission lines of C VI, N VI, and N VII, suggesting that we were seeing expanding gas ejected during the outburst, probably originating from CNO-cycled material. An XMM-Newton Target of Opportunity observation, obtained on 2002 April 4 and a later LETGS observation from 2003 July 18 also showed oscillations, but with smaller amplitudes.
Oscillation Criteria for Second Order Nonlinear Differential Equations with Damping

Oscillation criteria are given for second order nonlinear differential equations with damping of the form (a(t) y (x ) \dot x)\dot{}+ p(t) \dot x + q (t) f (x ) = 0,\quad t\geq t0, where p and q are allowed to change signs on [t0,\infty). We employ the averaging technique to obtain sufficient conditions for oscillation of solutions of the above equation. Our results generalize and extend some known oscillation criteria in the literature.
Spatiotemporal gait patterns in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation: A hierarchical cluster analysis

Gait pattern classification in individuals with lower-limb amputation could help in developing personalized prosthetic prescriptions and tailored gait rehabilitation. However, systematic classifications of gait patterns in this population have been scarcely explored. This study aimed to determine whether the gait patterns in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (UTFA) can be clustered into homogeneous subgroups using spatiotemporal parameters across a range of walking speeds. We examined spatiotemporal gait parameters, including step length and cadence, in 25 individuals with UTFA (functional level K3 or K4, all non-vascular amputations) while they walked on a split-belt instrumented treadmill at eight speeds. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to identify clusters with homogeneous gait patterns based on the relationships between step length and cadence. Furthermore, after cluster formation, post-hoc analyses were performed to compare the spatiotemporal parameters and demographic data among the clusters. HCA identified three homogeneous gait pattern clusters, suggesting that individuals with UTFA have several gait patterns. Further, we found significant differences in the participants’ body height, sex ratio, and their prosthetic knee component among the clusters. Therefore, gait rehabilitation should be individualized based on body size and prosthetic prescription.
A survey of caregiver burden for stroke survivors in non-teaching hospitals in Western China

The social factors that moderate stroke caregiver burden have been found to be culture- and gender-specific. We examined the factors that influence the social support and self-efficacy of caregivers of stroke survivors and the burden of caregiving in China. To determine the caregiver burden of stroke survivors, their social support, and their self-efficacy. A total of 328 stroke survivors and their caregivers were recruited from 4 tertiary medical centers to participate in this cross-sectional study. The sociodemographic and stroke-related characteristics of the participants were obtained. Perceived social support and self-efficacy were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale, respectively. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview Scale. Relationships between the variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation, the chi-square test, and a paired t test. A total of 27.4% of the caregivers reported receiving adequate social support, while 20.7% reported high levels of self-efficacy. A total of 67.1% of the caregivers experienced varying degrees of care burden, while the remaining 32.9% felt no burden. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, daily care time, self-rated health, and financial situation) were significantly related to caregiver burden, social support, and self-efficacy (P < .001). The findings indicate an inverse relationship between caregiver burden, social support and self-efficacy. Adequate social support and self-efficacy can reduce stroke caregivers’ burden. Hospital departments should provide assistance to stroke caregivers through educational programs and group training to increase their social support and self-efficacy, thereby alleviating their burden.
Association of Surgical Margin Status with Oncologic Outcome in Patients Treated with Breast-Conserving Surgery

We aimed to compare the prognosis of patients with close resection margins after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with that of patients with negative margins and identified predictors of residual disease. A total of 542 patients with breast cancer who underwent BCS between 2003 and 2019 were selected and divided into the close margin (114 patients) and negative margin (428 patients) groups. The median follow-up period was 72 (interquartile range, 42–113) months. Most patients received radiation therapy (RTx) and systemic therapy according to their stage and molecular subtype. The 10-year locoregional recurrence-free survival rates of the close and negative margin groups were 88.2% and 95.5%, respectively (p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that adjuvant RTx and margin status after definitive surgery were significantly associated with locoregional recurrence. Of the 57 patients who underwent re-excision, 34 (59.6%) had residual disease. Multivariable analysis revealed that a histological type of positive or close margins and multifocality were independent predictive factors for residual disease. Although the current guidelines suggest that no ink on tumor is an adequate margin after BCS, a close resection margin may be associated with locoregional failure. The treatment strategy for close resection margins after BCS should be based on individual clinicopathological features.
Statistical mechanics of low-density parity-check codes

We review recent theoretical progress on the statistical mechanics of error correcting codes, focusing on low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes in general, and on Gallager and MacKay–Neal codes in particular. By exploiting the relation between LDPC codes and Ising spin systems with multi-spin interactions, one can carry out a statistical mechanics based analysis that determines the practical and theoretical limitations of various code constructions, corresponding to dynamical and thermodynamical transitions, respectively, as well as the behaviour of error-exponents averaged over the corresponding code ensemble as a function of channel noise. We also contrast the results obtained using methods of statistical mechanics with those derived in the information theory literature, and show how these methods can be generalized to include other channel types and related communication problems.
Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa

Simple Summary This review describes the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin mammalian sperm motility as well as the mechanisms by which various agents influence the motility of ram spermatozoa. Furthermore, current methods of motility assessment used, or intended for use, in the sheep livestock production industry are explored in relation to ram semen quality control and prediction of artificial insemination success. Such methods include mass motility assessment, subjective motility evaluation and computer-assisted sperm analysis as well as newly developed methods of motility assessment which enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters, including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment and molecular assays. Improving the understanding of sperm motility and the methods used in its assessment will facilitate optimisation of ram semen processing and quality assessment for use in ovine artificial breeding programs. Abstract For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
The single pregnancy predicting model of 1 minute Apgar score less than 7 after preterm birth: A retrospective study

Preterm delivery is greatly associated with perinatal mortality and morbidity, while there is no objective way to identify high-risk newborns currently. This study aimed at discovering the risk factor for Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute of preterm neonates born with vaginal delivery. A retrospective study was performed in single pregnancy women with a vaginal delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. All the preterm infants were categorized into three types: very preterm birth (28 to 32 weeks), moderate preterm birth (32 to 34 weeks) and late preterm birth (34 to 37 weeks). Risk factors were identified through logistic regression analysis in every category of newborns mentioned above. And the receiver operating characteristic analysis was used in continuous variables to determine the best threshold of the outcome. On the basis of the selected factors, the predicting models are created and its prognosticating ability is compared by the area under the curve. A nomogram was established for the proved best model. A total of 981 cases were investigated, of whom 55 were found with 1 min Apgar scores less than 7. The nomogram was set for the predicting model with larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, of which is 0.742(95% confidence interval = 0.670–0.805) in very preterm birth, with the variables of first and second labor stage(> = 1.6 hours), birthweight and MgSO4(magnesium sulfate), and is 0.807(95% confidence interval = 0.776–0.837) in late preterm birth, with the variables of second labor stage(> = 1.23 hours), birthweight, a history of previous cesarean delivery, fetal distress and placental abruption. The combination of first and second labor stage, newborn weight and MgSO4 use can predict 74.2% of 1 minute Apgar score < 7 in very preterm neonates. And 80.7% high-risk infants can be identified when second labor stage, newborn weight, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and the occur of placental abruption and fetal distress were combined in the predicting model for late preterm birth. These predicting models would bring out great assistance towards obstetricians and reduce unnecessary adverse fetal outcomes.
Ancestral risk modification for multiple sclerosis susceptibility detected across the Major Histocompatibility Complex in a multi-ethnic population

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) makes the largest genetic contribution to multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, with 32 independent effects across the region explaining 20% of the heritability in European populations. Variation is high across populations with allele frequency differences and population-specific risk alleles identified. We sought to identify MHC-specific MS susceptibility variants and assess the effect of ancestral risk modification within 2652 Latinx and Hispanic individuals as well as 2435 Black and African American individuals. We have identified several novel susceptibility alleles which are rare in European populations including HLA-B*53:01, and we have utilized the differing linkage disequilibrium patterns inherent to these populations to identify an independent role for HLA-DRB1*15:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02 on MS risk. We found a decrease in Native American ancestry in MS cases vs controls across the MHC, peaking near the previously identified MICB locus with a decrease of ~5.5% in Hispanics and ~0.4% in African Americans. We have identified several susceptibility variants, including within the MICB gene region, which show global ancestry risk modification and indicate ancestral differences which may be due in part to correlated environmental factors. We have also identified several susceptibility variants for which MS risk is modified by local ancestry and indicate true ancestral genetic differences; including HLA-DQB1*06:02 for which MS risk for European allele carriers is almost two times the risk for African allele carriers. These results validate the importance of investigating MS susceptibility at an ancestral level and offer insight into the epidemiology of MS phenotypic diversity.
Fast ignitor target studies for the HiPER project

Target studies for the proposed High Power Laser Energy Research (HiPER) facility [M. Dunne, Nature Phys. 2, 2 (2006)] are outlined and discussed. HiPER will deliver a 3ω (wavelength λ=0.35μm), multibeam, multi-ns pulse of about 250kJ and a 2ω or 3ω pulse of 70–100kJ in about 15ps. Its goal is the demonstration of laser driven inertial fusion via fast ignition. The baseline target concept is a direct-drive single shell capsule, ignited by hot electrons generated by a conically guided ultraintense laser beam. The paper first discusses ignition and compression requirements, and presents gain curves, based on an integrated model including ablative drive, compression, ignition and burn, and taking the coupling efficiency ηig of the igniting beam as a parameter. It turns out that ignition and moderate gain (up to 100) can be achieved, provided that adiabat shaping is used in the compression, and the efficiency ηig exceeds 20%. Using a standard ponderomotive scaling for the hot electron temperature, a 2ω or 3ω .
A Study about a New Standardized Method of Home-Based Exercise in Elderly People Aged 65 and Older to Improve Motor Abilities and Well-Being: Feasibility, Functional Abilities and Strength Improvements

Background: To verify the effects in terms of feasibility, strength and functional abilities of a standardized exercise training method that is partially supported (home training), with the aim of improving motor abilities and well-being. Methods: A total of 67 participants underwent two sessions per week for 12 weeks for the program, based on 8 sequences with specific body part targets, with each sequence made up of 9 exercises. Outcome measures: Recording of training session data, Chair Test, Hand Grip Test, Timed Up-and-Go Test, Stork Balance Test, Sit-and-Reach Test, VAS, Perceived Physical Exertion. Results: In total, 97% of the sample were “adherent” (more than 70% of the prescribed treatments performed). The rate of adverse events was infrequent (only 8). Chair Test +31%, Hand Grip Test +6%, Timed Up-and-Go Test −17%, Stork Balance Test +65%, Sit-and-Reach Test +55%, VAS −34%, Perceived Physical Exertion −69%. Conclusions: Home training has good feasibility (adherence, tolerability, safety) and cost-effectiveness ratio and improves both strength and functional abilities, which, in turns, helps to improve motor abilities and well-being.
Soliton reflection in a negative ion containing plasma: Effect of magnetic field and ion temperature

Considering an inhomogeneous plasma having negative ions, positive ions, and electrons, relevant modified Korteweg-de Vries equations are derived and solved for obtaining the expressions of amplitudes and widths of the incident and reflected solitons together with the reflection coefficient under the combined effect of magnetic field, obliqueness (angle θ between the magnetic field and the direction of wave propagation) and ion temperature. A limit is found on the obliqueness θ for the reflection of incident soliton, which shows a dependence on the density, temperature, and drift velocity of both the ions. The incident solitons are observed to reflect more strongly under the effects of weak magnetic field, higher negative ion density, higher ion temperature, stronger density gradient and smaller angle θ. It is inferred that whereas the incident solitons show faster change in their characteristics with the ion density, the reflected solitons are more sensitive to the ion temperature.
On the composition of Caribbean maritime aerosol particles measured during RICO

Observations of aerosol‐particle (AP) composition obtained via volatility measurements during the ‘Rain In Cumulus over the Ocean’ (RICO) experiment are presented. The measurements show that sub‐cloud APs with a radius rp ≤ 0.2 µm are composed mainly of ammonium sulphate, while APs with a radius rp ≥ 0.2 µm are composed mainly of sea salt. The AP distribution also contains an indeterminate non‐volatile component (rp ≤ 0.4 µm), which could be either elemental carbon or mineral dust. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Ideals and Maximal Commutative Subrings of Graded Rings

This thesis is mainly concerned with the intersection between ideals and (maximal commutative) subrings of graded rings. The motivation for this investigation originates in the theory of C*-crossed product algebras associated to topological dynamical systems, where connections between intersection properties of ideals and maximal commutativity of certain subalgebras are well-known. In the last few years, algebraic analogues of these C*-algebra theorems have been proven by C. Svensson, S. Silvestrov and M. de Jeu for different kinds of skew group algebras arising from actions of the group Z. This raised the question whether or not this could be further generalized to other types of (strongly) graded rings. In this thesis we show that it can indeed be done for many other types of graded rings and actions! Given any (category) graded ring, there is a canonical subring which is referred to as the neutral component or the coefficient subring. Through this thesis we successively show that for algebraic crossed products, crystalline graded rings, general strongly graded rings and (under some conditions) groupoid crossed products, each nonzero ideal of the ring has a nonzero intersection with the commutant of the center of the neutral component subring. In particular, if the neutral component subring is maximal commutative in the ring this yields that each nonzero ideal of the ring has a nonzero intersection with the neutral component subring. Not only are ideal intersection properties interesting in their own right, they also play a key role when investigating simplicity of the ring itself. For strongly group graded rings, there is a canonical action such that the grading group acts as automorphisms of certain subrings of the graded ring. By using the previously mentioned ideal intersection properties we are able to relate G-simplicity of these subrings to simplicity of the ring itself. It turns out that maximal commutativity of the subrings plays a key role here! Necessary and sufficient conditions for simplicity of a general skew group ring are not known. In this thesis we resolve this problem for skew group rings with commutative coefficient rings. (Less)