Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Taping on Spinal Pain and Disability: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Background Taping is a widely used therapeutic tool for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, nevertheless its effectiveness is still uncertain. Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the effects of elastic and nonelastic taping on spinal pain and disability. Data Sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Study Selection All published RCTs on symptomatic adults with a diagnosis of specific or nonspecific spinal pain, myofascial pain syndrome, or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) were considered. Data Extraction Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the results. The quality of individual studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. Data Synthesis Eight RCTs were included. Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs on low back pain demonstrated that elastic taping does not significantly reduce pain or disability immediately posttreatment, with a standardized mean difference of −0.31 (95% confidence interval=−0.64, 0.02) and −0.23 (95% confidence interval=−0.49, 0.03), respectively. Results from single trials indicated that both elastic and nonelastic taping are not better than placebo or no treatment on spinal disability. Positive results were found only for elastic taping and only for short-term pain reduction in WAD or specific neck pain. Generally, the effect sizes were very small or not clinically relevant, and all results were supported by low-quality evidence. Limitations The paucity of studies does not permit us to draw any final conclusions. Conclusion Although different types of taping were investigated, the results of this systematic review did not show any firm support for their effectiveness.
Cine CT during coughing for assessment of tracheomalacia: preliminary experience with 64-MDCT.

OBJECTIVE 64-MDCT is advantageous for functional imaging because of its high spatial and temporal resolution combined with its length of coverage. Our purpose is to describe the technical aspects of using 64-MDCT for cine CT during coughing and to share our preliminary clinical experience using this method. CONCLUSION This method is technically feasible and offers a promising alternative to previous cine CT methods for diagnosing tracheomalacia.
Situation-based process guiding and supervision assistance system for semi-automated manufacturing processes

Human-centered engineering is a main concern regarding reliability issues in automation of complex processes. However, even recent automation devices are not capable to automate processes with an advanced cross linkage of process technique and manufacturing skills as occurring in traditional handcrafting processes. Analyzing handcrafting applications for automation approaches regarding human factors on the one hand and economical goals on the other hand sometimes lead to a necessity of the human worker being integrated in the process. Thus, a role mapping becomes necessary, transferring the human worker from an ideal multivariable sensory and actuatory process “element” into a process guiding and supervision role. Based on the Situation-Operator-Modeling approach, the process procedure is modeled by a set of situations. The established action space represented by a network of discrete situations is used for the implementation of a situation-based process guidance and supervision assistance system improving the situation awareness of the human worker and offering situation-based, contextual information as support for the decision making and selection process of necessary and additional available process actions. The analysis of a handcrafted molding process using No-Bake-Technique is given as an illustrative example.
Transcriptome and Metabolite Profiling of the Infection Cycle of Zymoseptoria tritici on Wheat Reveals a Biphasic Interaction with Plant Immunity Involving Differential Pathogen Chromosomal Contributions and a Variation on the Hemibiotrophic Lifestyle Definition1[OPEN]

The temporal dynamics of Zymoseptoria tritici reproduction on Triticum aestivum involves a biphasic manipulation of plant defense responses. The hemibiotrophic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Pathogen reproduction on wheat occurs without cell penetration, suggesting that dynamic and intimate intercellular communication occurs between fungus and plant throughout the disease cycle. We used deep RNA sequencing and metabolomics to investigate the physiology of plant and pathogen throughout an asexual reproductive cycle of Z. tritici on wheat leaves. Over 3,000 pathogen genes, more than 7,000 wheat genes, and more than 300 metabolites were differentially regulated. Intriguingly, individual fungal chromosomes contributed unequally to the overall gene expression changes. Early transcriptional down-regulation of putative host defense genes was detected in inoculated leaves. There was little evidence for fungal nutrient acquisition from the plant throughout symptomless colonization by Z. tritici, which may instead be utilizing lipid and fatty acid stores for growth. However, the fungus then subsequently manipulated specific plant carbohydrates, including fructan metabolites, during the switch to necrotrophic growth and reproduction. This switch coincided with increased expression of jasmonic acid biosynthesis genes and large-scale activation of other plant defense responses. Fungal genes encoding putative secondary metabolite clusters and secreted effector proteins were identified with distinct infection phase-specific expression patterns, although functional analysis suggested that many have overlapping/redundant functions in virulence. The pathogenic lifestyle of Z. tritici on wheat revealed through this study, involving initial defense suppression by a slow-growing extracellular and nutritionally limited pathogen followed by defense (hyper) activation during reproduction, reveals a subtle modification of the conceptual definition of hemibiotrophic plant infection.
Generating surrogate data for time series with several simultaneously measured variables.

We propose an extension to multivariate time series of the phase-randomized Fourier-transform algorithm for generating surrogate data. Such surrogate data sets must mimic not only the autoncorrelations of each of the variables in the original data set, they must minic the cross-correlations between all the variables as well. The method is applied both to a simulated example (the three componets of the Lorenz equations) and to data from a multichannel electronencephalogram. PACS numbers: 05.45+b, 02.50. SK, 02.70. Lq, 87.80. +s
Any Monotone Function Is Realized by Interlocked Polygons

Suppose there is a collection of n simple polygons in the plane, none of which overlap each other. The polygons are interlocked if no subset can be separated arbitrarily far from the rest. It is natural to ask the characterization of the subsets that makes the set of interlocked polygons free (not interlocked). This abstracts the essence of a kind of sliding block puzzle. We show that any monotone Boolean function f on n variables can be described by m = O(n) interlocked polygons. We also show that the decision problem that asks if given polygons are interlocked is PSPACE-complete.
Research and implementation of SEC-DED Hamming code algorithm

For the space application, error detection and correction (EDAC) technique is often adopted to protect memory cells against Single Event Upset (SEU) errors. To improve the EDAC ability and in view of the parity memory having 8 bits width, a single error correction and double error detection (SEC-DED) (40,32) Hamming code is proposed. This scheme is on the base of (39,32) Hsiao code, adding a check bit to minimize the probability of 3 bits faults corrected in error. To optimize the EDAC circuit area, an algorithm solving mutual expressions is proposed. Experimental results indicate that, compared with the (39,32) Hsiao code method, the critical path delay of the encoder and that of the decoder are not increased, the EDAC circuit area only adds 297.044982 um2, and if the 2GB external memory is protected by the two schemes respectively, the SEU failure rate using the (40,32) Hamming code method can be lower by one order of magnitude. By using the proposed algorithm solving mutual expressions, the circuit area of the encoder and decoder of the (40,32) Hamming code scheme all reduce 72.988199 um2, and the encoder area decreases by 5.9%.
Management of Tremor in Medieval Persia

Tremor has been described in traditional systems of medicine throughout history. Persian medicine was one of those systems in medieval times and in it neurology and neurosurgery were also widely practiced and accepted. Based on the main Persian medical manuscripts, the current study focuses on the medieval concept of tremor as an important neurological disorder in order to clarify the development of neurology. Accordingly, three main approaches to the control and treatment of tremor in traditional Persian medicine are considered. First is lifestyle modification. The administration of simple medicines is the second, and the last is the application of compound medicines. Our study shows how much was known about tremor in traditional Persian medicine.
A supply chain improvement methodology for the process industries

IV TABLE OF CONTENTS VI LIST OF FIGURES X LIST OF TABLES XIV ABBREVIATIONS XV 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Aims and Objectives 5 1.3 Philosophy 6 1.4 Scope 7 1.5 Layout of Thesis 8 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 10 2.
CpG island methylator phenotype of myelodysplastic syndrome identified through genome‐wide profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression

The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is an epigenetic phenomenon and plays an important role in tumourigenesis in various cancers. The identification of aberrant DNA methylation can be exploited for early diagnosis and risk assessment of patients. We identified a CIMP in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Genes were screened for hypermethylation and transcription downregulation through genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling and gene expression microarrays. Methylation‐specific, real‐time, and bisulfite‐sequencing polymerase chain reaction were performed to validate selected genes. The hypermethylation of genes as a diagnostic tool for the detection of MDS was evaluated. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were performed. A draft of an MDS CIMP was established and revised to 6 genes after validation in 20 patients and 20 controls. Further large‐scale analysis showed that the majority of 211 MDS patients were hypermethylated in 6 genes. The area under the curve of CIMP was 0·9768 (95% confidence interval 0·9609–0·9928). A combination of 5 or more of the methylated genes showed a specificity of 95% and sensitivity of 91% for the diagnosis of MDS. We found CIMP positivity to be a significantly unfavourable prognostic factor for MDS. These results indicate that the newly established CIMP may improve diagnostic accuracy and prognosis assessment in MDS.
Mainstream Rebels: Informalization and Regulation in a Virtual World

This paper discusses the relation between informalization and regulation with respect to work related social interaction on the Internet. At focus are the dynamics and tensions between informal and standardized codes of conduct. We question the idea that virtual, mediated, communication differs substantially from ‘real’, face-to-face communication. One way to approach this tension between informality and standardization is to further investigate the relation between the virtualities achieved through electronic means, and the “real life” situation of those people creating these virtual worlds. These investigations have been made through fieldwork at Apple computer in Sweden, California, US, and France, where online and offline communication among professional software engineers and other Apple employees was studied. To grasp how computer professionals communicate while forming the basic structures of the Internet, participant observation has been made at meetings arranged by organizations involved in the process of defining and organizing the Internet, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Society (ISOC) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Ibuprofen upregulates expressions of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐13 without affecting expressions of types I and III collagen in tendon cells

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are widely used to treat sports‐related tendon injuries or tendinopathy. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ibuprofen on expressions of types I and III collagen, as well as collagen‐degrading enzymes including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, ‐2, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐13. Rat Achilles tendon cells were treated with ibuprofen and then underwent MTT [3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate mRNA expressions of types I and III collagen, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐13. Protein expressions of types I and III collagen, MMP‐1, ‐8, and ‐13 were determined by Western blot analysis. Gelatin zymography was used to evaluate the enzymatic activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. The results revealed that ibuprofen upregulated expressions of MMP‐1, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐13, both at mRNA and protein levels. There was no effect of ibuprofen on mRNA and protein expressions of types I and III collagen. Gelatin zymography revealed that the enzymatic activity of MMP‐9 was upregulated after ibuprofen treatment. In conclusion, ibuprofen upregulates the expressions of collagenases including MMP‐1, ‐8, ‐9, and ‐13 without affecting the expressions of types I and III collagen. These findings suggest a molecular mechanism potentially accounting for the inhibition of tendon healing by ibuprofen. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:487–491, 2010
Prediction of Postoperative Hypoxemia in Smokers and Non‐smokers

Age, weight, spirometric variables, peak expiratory flow and airway closure assessments were rorrelated to postoperative gas exchange in 40 cholecystectomized subjects grouped according to smoking history. Pao2 was significantly lower in the smoking group both pre‐ and postoperatively, but the decrease in Pao2 following operation was of the same magnitude irrespective of smoking history. In non‐smokers, the preoperative relationship between expiratory reserve volume and closing volume (ERV‐CV) showed the highest correlation to postoperative alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference P(A‐a)o2 (r = ‐0.88, P <0.001) and to the increase of P(A‐a)o2 following operation (r = ‐0.67, P<0.001), whereas age was found to be the best preoperative predictor of postoperative gas exchange in smokers.
New Common Proper-Motion Pairs From the PPMX Catalog

We use data mining techniques for finding 82 previously unreported common proper motion pairs from the PPM-Extended catalogue. Special-purpose software automating the different phases of the process has been developed. The software simplifies the detection of the new pairs by integrating a set of basic operations over catalogues. The operations can be combined by the user in scripts representing different filtering criteria. This procedure facilitates testing the software and employing the same scripts for different projects.
Exploring the linkages between high performance work systems and organizational performance : the role of relational coordination in the banking sector of Pakistan

This study sets out to determine the process through which high performance work systems (HPWS) affect organizational performance. Previous research in the field of HRM has mainly supported the view that properly designed high performance work systems can enhance organizational performance. There is a growing debate, however, with regard to understanding the “mechanism” linking HPWS and organizational performance. Based on the theory of relational coordination, this study tested a model that examines the linkages and uses relational coordination among employees as a path way through which HPWS influence organizational performance in highly interdependent work settings.
Allele Specificity of Gamma Interferon Responses to the Carboxyl-Terminal Region of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 by Kenyan Adults with Naturally Acquired Immunity to Malaria

ABSTRACT Cross-sectional seroepidemiological studies of populations naturally exposed to Plasmodium falciparum suggest an association between protection from malaria and circulating antibodies to the carboxyl terminus of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1). Questions remain regarding the significance of cell-mediated immunity to MSP1 in conferring protection and inducing immunologic memory. Vaccine constructs have been based on the 42-kDa recombinant MSP1 protein (MSP142), which includes the 19-kDa (MSP119) and 33-kDa (MSP133) fragments containing the major B- and T-cell epitopes, respectively. To evaluate T-cell responses to the MSP133 fragment, two libraries of overlapping 18-mer peptides from the 3D7 and FVO MSP133 regions were used to screen a cohort of asymptomatic Kenyan adults. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) measured by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) at multiple time points assessed the magnitude and stability of these responses. The percentage of individuals with IFN-γ responses to single MSP133 peptides ranged from nil to 24%, were clustered among a subset of peptides, and were not consistently recalled over time. In comparison to peptide responses, IFN-γ ELISPOT responses to recombinant MSP142 were more prevalent, more frequently elicited by the 3D7 as opposed to the FVO allele, and more stable over time. The prevailing MSP133 genotype infection was 3D7, with few mixed infections and no sole FVO infections. This study demonstrates that immunity against MSP133 after cumulative natural infections consists of low-magnitude and difficult-to-detect IFN-γ responses. Although immunity against MSP1 alone will not confer protection against malaria, demonstrating a relative and sustained increase in T-cell immunity to MSP1 after vaccination would be a reasonable measurement of vaccine responsiveness.
Effect of the CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin on the pharmacokinetics of lignocaine and its pharmacologically active metabolites in subjects with normal and impaired liver function.

AIMS The objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effect of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitor, erythromycin, on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous lignocaine and its two pharmacologically active metabolites, monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX); (ii) to assess whether the effects of the erythromycin inhibitory action on lignocaine clearance and the results of the MEGX liver function test depend on liver functional status; and (iii) to determine the effects of both moderate and severe liver dysfunction on the disposition kinetics of lignocaine. METHODS The study was carried out on 10 healthy volunteers, and 10 Child's class A and 10 class C cirrhotic patients, according to a double-blind, randomized, two-way crossover design. On day 1 of the investigation, all subjects received three oral doses of erythromycin (600 mg of the ethylsuccinate ester) or placebo, and two further doses on day 2. One hour after the fourth dose, subjects were given 1 mg kg-1 lignocaine intravenously. Timed plasma samples were then obtained until 12 h for determination of the concentrations of lignocaine, MEGX and GX. RESULTS Erythromycin caused statistically significant, although limited, modifications of lignocaine and MEGX pharmacokinetic parameters. In healthy volunteers, lignocaine clearance was decreased from 9.93 to 8.15 ml kg-1 min-1[mean percentage ratio (95% CI), 82 (65-98)] and the half-life was prolonged from 2.23 to 02.80 h [mean percentage ratio (95% CI), 130 (109-151)]; MEGX area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to 12 h was increased from 665 to 886 ng ml-1 h [mean percentage ratio (95% CI), 129 (102-156)]. Quantitatively similar modifications were observed in the two cirrhotic groups. GX concentrations were lowered in all study groups, although not to statistically significant extents. Erythromycin coadministration caused no appreciable interference with the results of the MEGX test. Only in patients with Child's grade C liver cirrhosis were lignocaine kinetic parameters significantly altered with respect to healthy volunteers. Thus, clearance was approximately halved, steady-state volume of distribution was increased, and terminal half-life was more than doubled. CONCLUSIONS Although erythromycin only modestly decreases lignocaine clearance, it causes a concomitant elevation of the concentrations of its pharmacologically active metabolite MEGX. A pharmacodynamic study following lignocaine infusion to steady state appears necessary to assess the actual clinical relevance of these combined effects. The degree of liver dysfunction has no influence on the extent of the erythromycin-lignocaine interaction, whereas it markedly influences the extent of the changes in lignocaine pharmacokinetics. These findings indicate that no dose adjustment is needed in patients with moderate liver cirrhosis, whereas the lignocaine dose should be halved in patients with severe cirrhosis.
Matrix Gla Protein Synthesis and Gamma-carboxylation in the Aortic Vessel Wall and Proliferating Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Summary Matrix GLA protein (MGP) is an inhibitor of calcification in the arterial wall and its activity is dependent upon vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylation. This modification is carried out by a warfarin sensitive enzyme system that converts specific Glu residues to γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA) residues. Recent studies have demonstrated that the γ-carboxylation system in the arterial wall, in contrast to that in the liver, is unable to use vitamin K as an antidote to warfarin. By use of immunohistochemistry we demonstrate that MGP is expressed in the arterial wall and immunocytochemistry localized the MGP precursors to the endoplasmic reticulum in vascular smooth muscle cells. Resting smooth vascular muscle cells in the aortic wall and proliferating cells from explants of the aorta have all the enzymes needed for γ-carboxylation of MGP. However, when compared to the liver system, expression of the enzymes of the γ-carboxylation system in vascular smooth muscle cells is different. Of particular interest is the finding that the specific activity of the warfarin sensitive enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase is 3-fold higher in vascular smooth muscle cells than in liver. DT-diaphorase, which catalyses the antidotal pathway for vitamin K reduction in liver, is 100-fold less active in resting vascular smooth muscle cells than in liver. Data obtained from an in vitro γ-carboxylation system suggest that the antidotal pathway catalyzed by DT-diaphorase in the vessel wall is unable to provide the carboxylase with enough reduced vitamin K to trigger γ-carboxylation of MGP. This finding provides an explanation to the inability of vitamin K to work as an antidote to warfarin intoxication of the arterial wall. Therefore the vitamin K dependent γ-carboxylation system in the arterial wall share a common feature with the system in bone cells by being unable to utilize vitamin K as an antidote.