Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Effects of Disc Degeneration and Hybrid Fixation on the Transition and Adjacent Lumbar Segments: Trade-off Between Junctional Problem, Motion Preservation, and Load Protection

Study Design. The biomechanical effects of disc degeneration and hybrid fixation on the transition and adjacent segments were evaluated using a numerical approach. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the rigidity-rising effects of the dehydrated disc and bridged fixator on the kinematic and mechanical redistribution of the transition and adjacent segments. Summary of Background Data. After static fixation, a dynamic fixator can be used to preserve motion and share loads for the transition segments. However, the hybrid use of both static and dynamic fixators and its effects on the biomechanical behavior of the transition and adjacent segments were not investigated extensively. Methods. A nonlinear and osseoligamentous lumbar model from L1 vertebra to S1 vertebrae was developed. Ligament interconnection, muscular contraction, and weight compression were all used to simulate lumbar flexion. The static fixator was instrumented at the degenerative L4–L5 segment and the dynamic fixators (Dynesys system) with different stiffness were subsequently applied to the degenerative or healthy L3–L4 segment. A healthy lumbar model was used as a reference point for further comparison and evaluation. The predicted results were validated with the cadaveric and numerical values of the literature studies. Among the 21 models, the junctional problem at the adjacent (L2/L3 and L5/S1) discs as well as the motion preservation and stress distribution at the transition (L3/L4) disc were compared. Results. Static fixation and the degenerative disc deteriorated the junctional problem at adjacent segments. On average, the hybrid fixation of the original Dynesys cord constrained the range of motion (ROM) by 65%. Furthermore, it shared 43% of the stress on the transition disc. However, this resulted in the adjacent discs increasing about 50% ROM and 40% stress. The term “trade-off stiffness” was used to express the concept that the decreased stiffness of the original cord could balance the junctional problem, motion preservation, and load protection of the transition and adjacent segments. The trade-off stiffness of the degenerative transition disc was higher than that of the healthy disc. Compared with the original design, the increased ROM and stress of the adjacent segments can be reduced by about 43% using the trade-off stiffness. Conclusion. The use of the hybrid fixator should involve a certain trade-off between the protection of the transition segment and the deterioration of the adjacent segments. This trade-off stiffness, which largely depends on both fixator design and disc degeneration, provides the improved rigidity and flexibility of the transition and adjacent segments.
[Liposome-mediated gene transfer into retina].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficiency of liposome mediated gene transfer to retina, the time of gene expression in retinal cells, retinal damage caused by liposome and the possibility of using liposome mediated gene transfer to retina for treating fundus diseases. METHODS The ratio of cationic liposome to green fluorescein protein (GFP) expression plasmid for high efficacy of transfection was tested in vitro. Then optimal liposome-plasmid mixture was injected into the subretinal space of Sprague-Dawley (SD) or Royal college of surgeon (RCS) rats. The GFP expression was observed by using fluorescence microscopy, and morphological changes were examined by using paraffin embedded sections, HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The GFP expression in retinal cells was observed lasting more than 4 weeks. However, upon 4 weeks of transfection the swelling and degeneration in outer segment of photoreceptors could be observed. The aggravated degeneration with disappearance of outer segments, only one layer of photoreceptor nucleus surviving, apoptotic inner granular layer cells and neovascularization were observed 8 weeks after transfection. But no inflammatory cells were observed. Three of 5 RCS rats that received plasmid pCNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) delivery at 4 weeks old showed more surviving nuclei of photoreceptors after 3 to 5 weeks of transfection. CONCLUSION Liposome is able to deliver genes to retinal cells with efficacy, and the expression of therapeutic gene such as CNTF in retinal cells can rescue photoreceptors from degeneration. But liposome used here is to some extent harmful to photoreceptors.
Reduced resolution transit delay prescan for quantitative continuous arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging

Arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI can suffer from artifacts and quantification errors when the time delay between labeling and arrival of labeled blood in the tissue is uncertain. This transit delay is particularly uncertain in broad clinical populations, where reduced or collateral flow may occur. Measurement of transit delay by acquisition of the arterial spin labeling signal at many different time delays typically extends the imaging time and degrades the sensitivity of the resulting perfusion images. Acquisition of transit delay maps at the same spatial resolution as perfusion images may not be necessary, however, because transit delay maps tend to contain little high spatial resolution information. Here, we propose the use of a reduced spatial resolution arterial spin labeling prescan for the rapid measurement of transit delay. Approaches to using the derived transit delay information to optimize and quantify higher resolution continuous arterial spin labeling perfusion images are described. Results in normal volunteers demonstrate heterogeneity of transit delay across different brain regions that lead to quantification errors without the transit maps and demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to perfusion and transit delay quantification. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
[Effects of ginseng total saponins on nerve growth factor expression in rat with estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovaries].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of ginseng total saponins (GTS) on expression of nerve growth factor in rat with polycystic ovaries. METHODS A total of thirty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, untreated group and GTS group. Polycystic ovaries were induced by a single intramuscular injection of 4 mg estradiol valerate (EV) in rats of the untreated group and GTS group. The rats in the GTS group were administered 50 mg/kg GTS every other day by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days after the EV injection. The expressions of NGF in the ovaries, pituitary and hippocampus were observed by method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Comparison with the normal control group revealed that the expressions of NGF in ovaries, pituitary and hippocampus of rats in the untreated group were increased (P<0.05). The ovarian morphology of the GTS group was almost as normal as that of the normal control group. As compared with the untreated group, the expression of NGF in ovaries of the rats in GTS group was obviously decreased (P<0.05), while the expression of NGF in pituitary and hippocampus showed on difference. CONCLUSION GTS can decrease the expression of NGF in ovary tissue in rats with polycystic ovaries induced by EV, which may be its mechanism in lessening the polycystic ovary.
Beta fibrinogen gene polymorphisms are associated with plasma fibrinogen and coronary artery disease in patients with myocardial infarction. The ECTIM Study. Etude Cas-Temoins sur l'Infarctus du Myocarde.

BACKGROUND Polymorphisms of the beta fibrinogen gene have been shown to affect plasma fibrinogen levels and the risk of peripheral arterial disease. We now present the results of a detailed analysis of the beta fibrinogen gene in relation to plasma fibrinogen and to the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in the ECTIM Study. METHODS AND RESULTS Ten polymorphisms of the beta fibrinogen gene, including five new polymorphisms identified by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, and one polymorphism in the 3' flanking region of the alpha fibrinogen gene were investigated in 565 patients with MI and 668 control subjects. The polymorphisms were in tight linkage disequilibrium and the genotype frequencies were similar in patients with MI and control subjects. In the multivariate analysis, only two polymorphisms, beta Hae III (P < .0003) and beta-854 (P < .01), were independently associated with plasma fibrinogen. The significant association between beta fibrinogen polymorphisms and plasma fibrinogen was present in smokers but not in nonsmokers. In French MI patients, the number of coronary arteries with > 50% stenosis was estimated by angiography and used as a criterion for severity of CAD. Presence of the less frequent allele of the beta Bcl I (P < .0003) and of other polymorphisms was positively associated with the severity of CAD. CONCLUSIONS Genetic variants of the beta fibrinogen gene are associated with an increased plasma level of fibrinogen, especially in smokers. The association with CAD appears to be the consequence of an increased risk of MI in subjects with severe CAD who carry the predisposing beta fibrinogen genotypes.
Proteomics in free‐living Mus spretus to monitor terrestrial ecosystems

We evaluated the suitability of high‐throughput proteomic methods to monitor terrestrial ecosystems. Free‐living Mus spretus from three sites along the “Domingo Rubio” (DR) stream were compared with mice from Doñana Biological Reserve (“Santa Olalla” lagoon (SOL) negative control), using specimens from an industrial settlement (phosphogypsum stacks (PS)) and rice fields (“Matochal” rice fields (ARZ)) as positive controls. Our 2‐DE analysis showed 36 spots with significantly altered expression. Sixteen were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐PMF and peptide matching with Mus musculus databases. Identified proteins play different roles: cytoskeletal dynamics, proteolysis, biotransformation, oxidative‐stress adaptation, and metabolism. Animals from different polluted environments showed contrasting differences in their proteomes, with specific increases and decreases in selected groups of proteins that seem to be co‐ordinately regulated. Proteomic data were consistent with metal biomonitoring and conventional biomarker responses, indicating that DR (and PS/ARZ) animals sustained a heavier pollutant burden than SOL specimens and suffered a chronic oxidative stress. Whereas some protein expression differences may protect mice from pollutant toxicity, others should make them more susceptible. Transcript expression signatures agree with the documented lack of correlation between mRNA and protein levels. Nonetheless, a positive significant correlation was found between the gpx1 mRNA molecules and the intensity of one of the two identified GPX1 isospots.
Toll-like Receptor-4 Mediates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Signal Transduction*

TLR4 is a member of the recently identified Toll-like receptor family of proteins and has been putatively identified as Lps, the gene necessary for potent responses to lipopolysaccharide in mammals. In order to determine whether TLR4 is involved in lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, HEK 293 cells were transiently transfected with human TLR4 cDNA and an NF-κB-dependent luciferase reporter plasmid followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide/CD14 complexes. The results demonstrate that lipopolysaccharide stimulates NF-κB-mediated gene expression in cells transfected with the TLR4 gene in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, E5531, a lipopolysaccharide antagonist, blocked TLR4-mediated transgene activation in a dose-dependent manner (IC50∼30 nm). These data demonstrate that TLR4 is involved in lipopolysaccharide signaling and serves as a cell-surface co-receptor for CD14, leading to lipopolysaccharide-mediated NF-κB activation and subsequent cellular events.
ESPRIT-Like Two-Dimensional DOA Estimation for Coherent Signals

A second-order statistics-based algorithm is proposed for two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of coherent signals. The problem is solved by arranging the elements of the correlation matrix of the signal received from a uniform rectangular array to a block Hankel matrix. In noiseless cases, it is shown that the rank of the block Hankel matrix equals the number of the DOAs and is independent of the coherency of the incoming waves. Therefore, the signal subspace of the block Hankel matrix can be estimated properly and spans the same column space as the array response matrix. Two matrix pencil pairs containing the DOA parameters are extracted from the signal subspace. This matrix pencil-based estimation problem is then resolved using our previously proposed pairing-free 2D parameter estimation algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the spatial smoothing method in terms of mean square error (MSE).
Coronavirus Diversity, Phylogeny and Interspecies Jumping

The SARS epidemic has boosted interest in research on coronavirus biodiversity and genomics. Before 2003, there were only 10 coronaviruses with complete genomes available. After the SARS epidemic, up to December 2008, there was an addition of 16 coronaviruses with complete genomes sequenced. These include two human coronaviruses (human coronavirus NL63 and human coronavirus HKU1), 10 other mammalian coronaviruses [bat SARS coronavirus, bat coronavirus (bat-CoV) HKU2, bat-CoV HKU4, bat-CoV HKU5, bat-CoV HKU8, bat-CoV HKU9, bat-CoV 512/2005, bat-CoV 1A, equine coronavirus, and beluga whale coronavirus] and four avian coronaviruses (turkey coronavirus, bulbul coronavirus HKU11, thrush coronavirus HKU12, and munia coronavirus HKU13). Two novel subgroups in group 2 coronavirus (groups 2c and 2d) and two novel subgroups in group 3 coronavirus (groups 3b and 3c) have been proposed. The diversity of coronaviruses is a result of the infidelity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, high frequency of homologous RNA recombination, and the large genomes of coronaviruses. Among all hosts, the diversity of coronaviruses is most evidenced in bats and birds, which may be a result of their species diversity, ability to fly, environmental pressures, and habits of roosting and flocking. The present evidence supports that bat coronaviruses are the gene pools of group 1 and 2 coronaviruses, whereas bird coronaviruses are the gene pools of group 3 coronaviruses. With the increasing number of coronaviruses, more and more closely related coronaviruses from distantly related animals have been observed, which were results of recent interspecies jumping and may be the cause of disastrous outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
Parkinsonian Gait Motor Impairment Detection Using Decision Tree

In this study the potential of decision tree (DT)specifically Classification and Regression Tree (CART) isinvestigated in classifying Parkinsononian gait pattern due to motor impairment. Firstly, gait features extracted duringwalking experiments namely basic spatiotemporal parameters,kinetic parameters and kinematic parameters by twelve PDpatients and twenty control group are acquired as database.Next, CART is chosen as classifier for identifying the distinct features between these two groups. Initial results attained proven that three kinematic gait features namely maximum flexion of ankle angle, maximum extension of knee angle as well as maximum extension of hip angle contributed as distinct features for detection of motor impairment in PD patients due to perfect success rate attained. Thus, these three distinct features could be used for early diagnosis of Parkinsonian gait.
Genes with Aberrant Expression in Murine Preneoplastic Intestine Show Epigenetic and Expression Changes in Normal Mucosa of Colon Cancer Patients

An understanding of early genetic/epigenetic changes in colorectal cancer would aid in diagnosis and prognosis. To identify these changes in human preneoplastic tissue, we first studied our mouse model in which Mthfr+/− BALB/c mice fed folate-deficient diets develop intestinal tumors in contrast to Mthfr+/+ BALB/c mice fed control diets. Transcriptome profiling was performed in normal intestine from mice with low or high tumor susceptibility. We identified 12 upregulated and 51 downregulated genes in tumor-prone mice. Affected pathways included retinoid acid synthesis, lipid and glucose metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. We compared murine candidates from this microarray analysis, and murine candidates from an earlier strain-based comparison, with a set of human genes that we had identified in previous methylome profiling of normal human colonic mucosa, from colorectal cancer patients and controls. From the extensive list of human methylome candidates, our approach uncovered five orthologous genes that had shown changes in murine expression profiles (PDK4, SPRR1A, SPRR2A, NR1H4, and PYCARD). The human orthologs were assayed by bisulfite-pyrosequencing for methylation at 14 CpGs. All CpGs exhibited significant methylation differences in normal mucosa between colorectal cancer patients and controls; expression differences for these genes were also observed. PYCARD and NR1H4 methylation differences showed promise as markers for presence of polyps in controls. We conclude that common pathways are disturbed in preneoplastic intestine in our animal model and morphologically normal mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer, and present an initial version of a DNA methylation-based signature for human preneoplastic colon. Cancer Prev Res; 6(11); 1171–81. ©2013 AACR.
Logic gate-based evolutionary algorithm for the multidimensional knapsack problem

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are powerful techniques for solving continuous optimization problems in different domains. However, research on the binary form of the EAs is currently not massive. In this paper, a logic gate-based evolutionary algorithm (LGEA) is introduced. The proposed LGEA has the following features. First, it replaces common space transformation rules and classic recombination and mutation methods by the logic operation. Second, it is based on exploiting various logic gates to find the best solution. The variety among these logic tools will eventually lead to intensify diversity in the search space and enhance global search abilities. Thereby, the LGEA represents a new technique to combine the logic gates into the process of producing offspring in an evolutionary context. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, we have solved the NP-hard multidimensional knapsack problem. Experimental results show that the proposed LGEA is promising.
Vitamin A intake of captive rhesus monkeys exceeds national research council recommendations

The specific vitamin A (VA) requirements of nonhuman primates have not been adequately determined via species‐specific scientific experimentation. Recommendations are considered to be similar to human requirements, particularly for Old World monkeys. Manufacturers of primate diets add an excess of most nutrients in order to compensate for losses that occur during storage and handling. Moreover, the form of VA used in these diets is synthetic VA esters, which are readily absorbed and stored. Primates in the wild obtain much of their VA from provitamin A carotenoids, which are cleaved as needed to form active VA and are considered nontoxic, unlike preformed VA. The purpose of this study was to determine what types of feed are used at the National Primate Centers and to estimate the amount of VA that rhesus macaques are consuming. Five of the eight centers responded to a short survey that was administered through telephone and electronic mail contacts. VA intakes are well above those that are considered adequate for humans, and VA concentrations in commercially prepared standard primate diets exceed National Research Council (NRC) recommendations by as much as four times. Thus, the VA provided in primate diets should be reevaluated with regard to the concentration and form of the vitamin used. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1114–1119, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What is it That Entrepreneurs Learn from Experience?

The issue of whether or not entrepreneurs really learn from experience has been one of the key themes of entrepreneurship research. If they do learn from experience, what do they learn? The importance of knowledge and learning to the performance of a business has been highlighted by many authors, who emphasize the role of life cycle, learning from mentors, experience and/or critical incidents. This paper reports on a series of interviews with mature and experienced entrepreneurs in Scotland who have been directly involved, for a substantial time, with significant business successes and failures. It is argued that prior knowledge and ongoing learning play a key role in the founder's ability to deal with the changing role they have and to acquire the necessary skills to grow the business. The crucial issue is how learning can be supported in the context of start-up and existing entrepreneurial businesses. To address this, the authors present a conceptual model made up of four elements: experience, learning, knowledge and business performance. It is concluded that entrepreneurs take time to develop their skills and need to be given the opportunity to do so if successful start-ups are to be achieved. In the main, the skills they develop in people selection and team building seem to be key determinants of their success.
Why engage in co-production of public services? Mixing theory and empirical evidence

Through processes of co-production, citizens collaborate with public service agents in the provision of public services. Despite the research attention given to co-production, some major gaps in our knowledge remain. One of these concerns the question why citizens engage in processes of co-production of public services. In this article, a theoretical model is built that brings the human factor into the study of co-production. The model explains citizens’ engagement in co-production referring to citizens’ perceptions of the co-production task and of their competency to contribute to the public service delivery process, citizens’ individual characteristics, and their self-interested and community-focused motivations. Empirical evidence from four co-production cases in the Netherlands and Belgium is used to demonstrate the model’s usefulness. The academic and practical relevance of the findings and suggestions for further research are discussed. Points for practitioners Governments seek ways to engage a broad range of citizens, especially as only a limited number of citizens respond to government’s initiatives to involve citizens. Insights about citizens’ engagement are tested in four cases: Client councils in health care organizations for elderly persons and in organizations for disabled people, representative advisory councils at primary schools, and neighborhood watches. Practitioners can learn more about what drives citizens to engage in co-production. This enables them to improve their methods of participant recruitment.
The role of the SV40 ST antigen in cell growth promotion and transformation.

The simian virus 40 small-t (ST) antigen plays a key role in permissive and nonpermissive infections, increasing virus yields in lytic cycles of primate cells and enhancing the ability of large-T (LT) to transform rodent or even human cells. In the absence of ST, tumors in rodent model systems appear primarily in lymphoid and other proliferative tissues and transformation is reduced in several in vitro systems. The functions of ST largely reflect its binding and inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A, although a recently described dnaJ domain also contributes to its biology. The dnaJ domain is present in LT and a third early gene product, the 17kT protein, for which a potential role in transformation deserves further evaluation.