Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal study of skeletal muscle adaptations during immobilization and rehabilitation

This study describes the metabolic, morphologic, neurologic, and functional adaptations observed in the plantar flexors during 8 weeks of lower leg immobilization and 10 weeks of physical therapy following ankle surgery. A combination of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, isokinetic and isometric muscle testing, and simple functional tests revealed many adaptive changes due to immobilization, including atrophy, loss of muscle strength, reduced central activation, increase in fatigue resistance, and an increase in inorganic phosphate content. After 10 weeks of physical therapy all alterations were reversed, with the exception of a remaining 5.5% deficit in total muscle cross‐sectional area. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21:1006–1012, 1998.
Practice parameters for the use of actigraphy in the assessment of sleep and sleep disorders: an update for 2007.

BACKGROUND Actigraphy is increasingly used in sleep research and the clinical care of patients with sleep and circadian rhythm abnormalities. The following practice parameters update the previous practice parameters published in 2003 for the use of actigraphy in the study of sleep and circadian rhythms. METHODS Based upon a systematic grading of evidence, members of the Standards of Practice Committee, including those with expertise in the use of actigraphy, developed these practice parameters as a guide to the appropriate use of actigraphy, both as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of sleep disorders and as an outcome measure of treatment efficacy in clinical settings with appropriate patient populations. RECOMMENDATIONS Actigraphy provides an acceptably accurate estimate of sleep patterns in normal, healthy adult populations and inpatients suspected of certain sleep disorders. More specifically, actigraphy is indicated to assist in the evaluation of patients with advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS), delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), and shift work disorder. Additionally, there is some evidence to support the use of actigraphy in the evaluation of patients suspected of jet lag disorder and non-24hr sleep/wake syndrome (including that associated with blindness). When polysomnography is not available, actigraphy is indicated to estimate total sleep time in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. In patients with insomnia and hypersomnia, there is evidence to support the use of actigraphy in the characterization of circadian rhythms and sleep patterns/disturbances. In assessing response to therapy, actigraphy has proven useful as an outcome measure in patients with circadian rhythm disorders and insomnia. In older adults (including older nursing home residents), in whom traditional sleep monitoring can be difficult, actigraphy is indicated for characterizing sleep and circadian patterns and to document treatment responses. Similarly, in normal infants and children, as well as special pediatric populations, actigraphy has proven useful for delineating sleep patterns and documenting treatment responses. CONCLUSIONS Recent research utilizing actigraphy in the assessment and management of sleep disorders has allowed the development of evidence-based recommendations for the use of actigraphy in the clinical setting. Additional research is warranted to further refine and broaden its clinical value.
The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE): a review

Background and aims: The IQCODE is widely used as a screening test for dementia, particularly where the subject is unable to undergo direct cognitive testing or for screening in populations with low levels of education and literacy. This review draws together research on the psychometric properties and validity of the IQCODE. Method: A systematic search of the literature was carried out using three databases. Results: The review shows that the questionnaire has high reliability and measures a single general factor of cognitive decline. It validly reflects past cognitive decline, performs at least as well at screening as conventional cognitive screening tests, predicts incident dementia, and correlates with a wide range of cognitive tests. A particular strength is that the IQCODE is relatively unaffected by education and pre-morbid ability or by proficiency in the culture's dominant language. The disadvantage of the IQCODE is that it is affected by informant characteristics such as depression and anxiety in the informant and the quality of the relationship between the informant and the subject. Conclusions: Because the IQCODE provides information complementary to brief cognitive tests, harnessing them together can improve screening accuracy.
Microstrip bandpass filters with dissimilar resonators for suppression of spurious responses

Microstrip bandpass filters with an extended rejection bandwidth are proposed, using dissimilar resonators for spurious suppression. The combination of dissimilar resonator structures with same fundamental frequency but with different spurious frequencies may improve the stopband rejection of a bandpass filter by the partially mutual cancellation of spurious responses. Specifically, a 4th-order coupled-resonator microstrip bandpass filter, centered at f/sub 0/=1.97GHz, with better than 21.48 dB stopband rejection up to 9.72 GHz (4.93f/sub 0/) is implemented and investigated.
The gene expression index c-myc x E2F-1/p21 is highly predictive of malignant phenotype in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Recent methodological developments allow expression measurement of many genes simultaneously, thereby revealing patterns of gene expression that can be related to phenotype. We hypothesized that through the use of such methods we could identify patterns of gene expression associated with the malignant phenotype in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEC). To test this hypothesis, a recently developed quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method was used to assess simultaneously expression of 15 genes mechanistically associated with cell-cycle control (c-myc, E2F-1, p21, rb, PCNA, cyclin D2, cyclin D3, cyclin E, cdc2, CDK2, CDK4, mad, max p21, max p22, and p53) in normal cell cultures from five individuals and in nine different malignant BEC lines. Relative to the mean expression levels in cultured normal cell populations, expression of c-myc, E2F-1, PCNA, cyclin E, and CDK4 messenger RNA (mRNA) were significantly increased and expression of p21 and p53 mRNA were significantly decreased in one or two, but not all three subtypes (squamous, adenocarcinoma and small cell) of carcinoma cell lines evaluated. No single cell-cycle control gene discriminated all three subtypes from normal cell populations. In contrast, the gene expression index c-myc x E2F-1/p21 separated all carcinoma cell lines from all normal cell populations initially evaluated. This malignancy index was validated in an additional three cultured normal BEC and three carcinoma cell lines, as well as three pairs of matched primary normal bronchial epithelial and primary bronchogenic carcinoma samples, and three pairs of matched primary normal lung parenchyma and primary bronchogenic carcinoma tissue. Again, the c-myc x E2F-1/ p21 index successfully discriminated all cultured and primary normal from malignant samples and thereby had a predictive value of 1 (no false positives and no false negatives). We hypothesize that because of functional mutations in cell-cycle regulatory genes (e.g., p53 and/or rb), cells lose the ability to maintain a pattern of gene expression mechanistically associated with normal, division-limited homeostatic equilibrium. Because the c-myc x E2F-1/p21 gene expression index has high specificity for malignant tissue, it will allow confirmation that there is a significant amount of tumor tissue present in small (e.g., fine-needle) biopsy specimens prior to evaluating them for expression of other genes, such as those involved in chemoresistance or radioresistance. In addition, the goal of most gene therapy efforts is to alter levels of gene expression quantitatively. This index and others derived in a similar manner may better define potential gene therapy targets as well as response of targeted genes to therapy.
An Analytical Approach to Design the PM in PMAREL Motors Robust Toward the Demagnetization

In the permanent magnet (PM)-assisted reluctance motors, low-energy PM, such as Ferrite PM, is used to get a cheap rotor. As far as the design choices are concerned, the PM width has to be selected so as to achieve the desired air-gap flux density at no-load condition and the PM thickness has to be selected to avoid the demagnetization of the PM under full-load conditions. This paper presents a practical analytical approach to compute PM width and thickness according to a given air-gap flux density and stress on the PM itself. Two approaches based on a complete model and a simplified model are considered and compared. As an example, a 36-slot 4-pole machine is designed. Finite element analysis confirms the results achieved by means of both analytical analyses.
rhVEGF and Experimental Rat Skin Flaps: Systemic or Local Administration and Morphological Characteristics

Skin flap survival is a significant problem in skin surgery; in particular, inadequate arterial or venous blood supply results in necrosis of the distalmost portion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) of modifying the morphological features of skin flaps. Bilateral epigastric skin flaps were raised in 16 Wistar male rats. The epigastric artery and vein of the left flaps were clamped and then injected with rhVEGF (8 rats) or saline (8 rats). The right flaps were not clamped and received rhVEGF or saline systemically. The rats were euthanized on the seventh day and flap skin samples collected. Tissue fragments were subject to immunohistochemical (rhVEGF, VEGFr, VIII factor, CD34 antibodies), ultrastructural and morphostructural investigations. The results showed that rhVEGF improved the condition of flaps and that systemic administration was effective in promoting the development of an adequate vascular network.
Hybrid Testing of Lumbar CHARITÉ Discs Versus Fusions

Study Design. An in vitro human cadaveric biomechanical study. Objectives. To quantify effects on operated and other levels, including adjacent levels, due to CHARITÉ disc implantations versus simulated fusions, using follower load and the new hybrid test method in flexion-extension and bilateral torsion. Summary of Background Data. Spinal fusion has been associated with long-term accelerated degeneration at adjacent levels. As opposed to the fusion, artificial discs are designed to preserve motion and diminish the adjacent-level effects. Methods. Five fresh human cadaveric lumbar specimens (T12–S1) underwent multidirectional testing in flexion-extension and bilateral torsion with 400 N follower load. Intact specimen total ranges of motion were determined with ±10 Nm unconstrained pure moments. The intact range of motion was used as input for the hybrid tests of 5 constructs: 1) CHARITÉ disc at L5–S1; 2) fusion at L5–S1; 3) CHARITÉ discs at L4–L5 and L5–S1; 4) CHARITÉ disc at L4–L5 and fusion at L5–S1; and 5) 2-level fusion at L4–L5–S1. Using repeated-measures single factor analysis of variance and Bonferroni statistical tests (P < 0.05), intervertebral motion redistribution of each construct was compared with the intact. Results. In flexion-extension, 1-level CHARITÉ disc preserved motion at the operated and other levels, while 2-level CHARITÉ showed some amount of other-level effects. In contrast, 1- and 2-level fusions increased other-level motions (average, 21.0% and 61.9%, respectively). In torsion, both 1- and 2-level discs preserved motions at all levels. The 2-level simulated fusion increased motions at proximal levels (22.9%), while the 1-level fusion produced no significant changes. Conclusions. In general, CHARITÉ discs preserved operated- and other-level motions. Fusion simulations affected motion redistribution at other levels, including adjacent levels.
Beyond Class: Class Party Programmatic Responses to Globalization Pressures and Cleavage Change

This paper examines possible party strategies in response to underlying changes in traditional cleavage structures. Specifically, the paper explores how parties originally tied to Rokkan-ian cleavage structures have adapted their programmatic supply in response to continually disappearing class-based constituencies and the rising salience of new issues linked to globalization. The paper proposes that parties can choose between two strategies: obscuring their programmatic supply in an attempt to reach constituencies that have more heterogeneous policy interests or to diversify their manifestos in order to take up new issues while retaining older ones. Using a new measure of programmatic clarity, the analysis includes two time series cross section models - one for each strategy. The data are from the Manifesto Project database and cover the period from 1960-2010. The findings are mixed but do make two important contributions to the literature: first, that traditional center parties on the left and right adopt different strategies with left parties choosing to obscure their manifesto positions while right parties choose higher clarity. Additionally, the findings suggest that, regardless of whether they are class based or not, parties facing a declining vote shares and decreasing levels of voter turnout, are more likely to obscure their manifesto positions.
UVA irradiation induces relocalisation of the DNA repair protein hOGG1 to nuclear speckles

The DNA glycosylase hOGG1 initiates base excision repair (BER) of oxidised purines in cellular DNA. Using confocal microscopy and biochemical cell fractionation experiments we show that, upon UVA irradiation of human cells, hOGG1 is recruited from a soluble nucleoplasmic localisation to the nuclear matrix. More specifically, after irradiation, hOGG1 forms foci colocalising with the nuclear speckles, organelles that are interspersed between chromatin domains and that have been associated with transcription and RNA-splicing processes. The use of mutant forms of hOGG1 unable to bind the substrate showed that relocalisation of hOGG1 does not depend on the recognition of the DNA lesion by the enzyme. The recruitment of hOGG1 to the nuclear speckles is prevented by the presence of antioxidant compounds during UVA irradiation, implicating reactive oxygen species as signals for the relocalisation of hOGG1. Furthermore, APE1, the second enzyme in the BER pathway, is also present in nuclear speckles in UVA-irradiated cells. The recruitment of DNA repair proteins to nuclear speckles after oxidative stress implicates these organelles in the cellular stress response.
Composite Indicators measuring structural change, to monitor the progress towards a more knowledge-intensive economy in Europe

This report is the deliverable of the second work package (WP2) of the feasibility study entitled ERA MONITORING and financed by DG RTD. The objective of this work package is to explore the possibility to develop a composite indicator of structural change towards a more knowledge-intensive economy in Europe, coherently with the orientations of the EU 2020 strategy and the Innovation Union initiative. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. L B -N A -2 5 2 7 9 -E N -N
Low Walk-Off Kerr-Shutter Using a Dispersion-Shifted Lead Silicate Holey Fiber

We present, for the first time to our knowledge, the use of a dispersion-shifted soft-glass holey fiber (HF) in a Kerr-shutter configuration. Wavelength conversion of 10-Gb/s data pulses is achieved in the C-band using just 2.1 m of a lead-silicate HF with a nonlinear parameter ¿ of 164 W-1 · km-1. The low dispersion and the short length of the fiber enable short switching windows to be realized.
Effect of luteinizing hormone on the steroidogenic pathway in prostate cancer

Recent data has shown that prostate cancer (PCA) cells are capable of producing testosterone directly from cholesterol, which may contribute to the development of castration resistance. While up‐regulation of steroidogenic enzymes has been previously described during castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression, regulation of this process is poorly defined. These data examine the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the regulation of steroidogenic machinery in PCA cells.
Neutrophil swarming: an essential process of the neutrophil tissue response

Neutrophil infiltration into inflamed and infected tissues is a fundamental process of the innate immune response. While neutrophil interactions with the blood vessel wall have been intensely studied over the last decades, neutrophil dynamics beyond the vasculature have for a long time remained poorly investigated. Recent intravital microscopy studies of neutrophil populations directly at the site of tissue damage or microbial invasion have changed our perspective on neutrophil responses within tissues. Swarm‐like migration patterns of neutrophils, referred to as ‘neutrophil swarming’, have been detected in diverse tissues under conditions of sterile inflammation and infection with various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Current work has begun to unravel the molecular pathways choreographing the sequential phases of highly coordinated chemotaxis followed by neutrophil accumulation and the formation of substantial neutrophil clusters. It is now clear that intercellular communication among neutrophils amplifies their recruitment in a feed‐forward manner, which provides them with a level of self‐organization during neutrophil swarming. This review will summarize recent developments and current concepts on neutrophil swarming, an important process of the neutrophil tissue response with a critical role in maintaining the balance between host protection and inflammation‐driven tissue destruction.
An Assessment of Sites Where Persons Go to Meet Sexual Partners in St. James, Jamaica, Using the PLACE Method

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess sexual behavior of persons at risk of HIV infection. Goal: The goal of this study was to identify sites where HIV prevention is needed. Study Design: Customers at sites where persons meet new sex partners in St. James, Jamaica, were surveyed. Results: Of 421 sites, 282 men and 200 women (random sample, 23 sites) and 320 men and 265 women (special sample, 26 sites) were interviewed. Over one fourth of men and 14% (special) and 4% (random) of women had one or more new sex partners in the last 4 weeks. Seventy-eight percent of men reported condom use at last sex with a new partner compared with 66% of women. Approximately 50% of respondents reported condom use at last sex with a regular partner. Conclusion: Sites at which people meet new sex partners were diverse with significant opportunities for prevention. Commercial and transactional sex are features at many sites.
Acquired Thermotolerance and Stressed-Phase Growth of the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedula in Continuous Culture

The response of an extremely thermoacidophilic archaeon, Metallosphaera sedula (growth temperature range, 50 to 79(deg)C; optimum temperature, 74(deg)C; optimum pH, 2.0), to thermal stress was investigated by using a 10-liter continuous cultivation system. M. sedula, growing at 74(deg)C, pH 2.0, and a dilution rate of 0.04 hr(sup-1), was subjected to both abrupt and gradual temperature shifts in continuous culture to determine the responses of cell density levels and protein synthesis patterns. An abrupt temperature shift from 74 to 79(deg)C resulted in little, if any, changes in cell density and a small increase in total protein per cell. When the culture temperature was shifted further to 80.5(deg)C, cell density dropped to below 5 x 10(sup6) cells/ml from 10(sup8) cells/ml, leading to washout of the culture. Operation at this temperature and slightly higher temperatures, however, could be achieved by exposing the culture to thermal stress more gradually (0.5(deg)C increments). As a result, stable operation could be maintained at temperatures of up to 81(deg)C, and the washout temperature could be increased to 82.5(deg)C. Continuous culture operation at 81(deg)C for 100 h (stressed phase) led to an approximately sevenfold lower steady-state cell density than that observed for operation at or below 79(deg)C. However, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis (both one and two dimensional) revealed significantly higher levels (sixfold increase) of a 66-kDa stress response protein (MseHSP60), immunologically related to Thermophilic Factor 55 from Sulfolobus shibatae (J. D. Trent, J. Osipiuk, and T. Pinkau, J. Bacteriol. 172:1478-1484, 1990). If the acclimated culture was returned to a lower temperature (i.e., 74(deg)C), the amount of MseHSP60 returned to levels observed prior to thermal acclimation. Furthermore, when the previously acclimated culture (at 81(deg)C) was shifted back from 74 to 81(deg)C, without going through gradual acclimation steps, the result was the immediate onset of washout, suggesting no residual thermotolerance. This study shows that gradual thermal acclimation of M. sedula could only extend the temperature range of stable growth for this organism by 2(deg)C above its maximal growth temperature, albeit at reduced cell densities. Also, this investigation illustrates the utility of continuous culture for characterizing heat shock response and assessing maximum growth temperatures for extremely thermophilic microorganisms.
Yoga Breathing, Meditation, and Longevity

Yoga breathing is an important part of health and spiritual practices in Indo‐Tibetan traditions. Considered fundamental for the development of physical well‐being, meditation, awareness, and enlightenment, it is both a form of meditation in itself and a preparation for deep meditation. Yoga breathing (pranayama) can rapidly bring the mind to the present moment and reduce stress. In this paper, we review data indicating how breath work can affect longevity mechanisms in some ways that overlap with meditation and in other ways that are different from, but that synergistically enhance, the effects of meditation. We also provide clinical evidence for the use of yoga breathing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and for victims of mass disasters. By inducing stress resilience, breath work enables us to rapidly and compassionately relieve many forms of suffering.