Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exacerbation of Ischemic Brain Damage by Localized Striatal Injection of Interleukin-1β in the Rat

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has been implicated in ischemic brain damage. The site of action of IL-1β in such damage is not known, but we have demonstrated previously that injection of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in the striatum but not the cortex of rats inhibits damage caused by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The present study investigated the site of action of IL-1β on ischemic damage by examining the effects of intracerebroventricular, striatal, or cortical injection of recombinant IL-1β at the onset of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat. Intracerebroventricular injection of IL-1β (2.5 ng) significantly increased infarct volume in the striatum (35%, P < 0.0001) and in the cortex (44%, P < 0.0001) compared with vehicle treatment. Direct injection of IL-1β into the striatum also increased infarct volume in both the striatum (36%, P < 0.0001) and the cortex (38%, P < 0.0001), whereas injection of IL-1β into the cortex failed to affect infarct volume in either the striatum or the cortex. Cortical injection of a higher dose of IL-1β (20 ng) also failed to affect ischemic damage in either the striatum or the cortex. Injection of IL-1β into the striatum contralateral to the infarction had no effect on striatal damage in the ischemic hemisphere, but did increase cortical damage by 18% (P < 0.0001). In separate groups of animals, IL-1β (2.5 ng) was injected into either the striatum or the cortex, and body temperature was recorded continuously in conscious free-moving animals by remote telemetry. Injection of IL-1β at either site failed to influence body temperature, suggesting that exacerbation of brain damage by striatal injection of IL-1β is not caused by effects on body temperature. These results imply that IL-1β exacerbates ischemic damage by specific actions in the striatum where it can influence damage at distant sites in the cortex.
Secret-key generation with correlated sources and noisy channels

A joint-source-channel setup for secret-key generation between remote terminals is considered. The sender communicates to the receiver over a discrete memoryless wiretap channel and the sender and receiver observe a pair of correlated discrete memoryless sources. Lower and upper bounds for the secret-key rate are presented and shown to coincide for the case when the underlying channel is a reversely degraded parallel channel. Our setup also provides an operational significance to the rate-equivocation tradeoff of the wiretap channel, and this is illustrated in detail for the Gaussian case.
Structural Constraints on the Performance of Symmetrical Bimanual Movements with Different Amplitudes

In bimanual movements the amplitude of each hand's movement often depends on the concurrent amplitude of the other hand's movement such that both amplitudes become similar (amplitude coupling). We tested the hypothesis that the strength of amplitude coupling depends on the tempo of performance of a movement sequence, a hypothesis based on a model of bimanual coordination that holds that cross-talk occurs at the execution level as well as at the programming level. Subjects performed bimanual periodic arm movements on two digitizers. In nine conditions constant small, constant large, and alternating small and large amplitudes of each arm were orthogonally combined. Overall tempo was varied by instructing subjects to increase the tempo progressively by 10%. Clear tempo-dependent modulations of the amplitude were observed in movements with instructed constant amplitude when the other hand performed alternating amplitudes. The effect of the size of constant-amplitude movements on the mean amplitude of the other hand indicated cross-talk at the execution level. Cross-talk at the programming level was revealed by the dependence of the current amplitude on the change in the amplitude of the other hand in the preceding cycle. Finally, asymmetric cross-manual effects were observed.
Perspective Error Correction using Registration for Blockface Volume Reconstruction of Serial Histological Sections of the Human Brain

For accurate registration of histological sections blockface images are frequently used as three dimensional reference. However, due to the use of endocentric lenses the images suffer from perspective errors such as scaling and seemingly relative movement of planes which are located in different distances parallel to the imaging sensor. The suggested correction of those errors is based on the estimation of scaling factors derived from image registration of regions characterized by differing distances to the point of view in neighboring sections. The correction allows the generation of a consistent three dimensional blockface volume.
Temporal color correlograms for video retrieval

This paper presents a novel method to retrieve segmented video shots based on their color content. The temporal color correlogram captures the spatiotemporal relationship of colors in a video shot using cooccurrence statistics. The temporal color correlogram extends the HSV color correlogram that has been found to be very effective in content-based image retrieval. Temporal color correlograms compute the autocorrelation of quantized HSV color values from a set of frame samples taken from a video shot. In this paper, the efficiency of the temporal color correlogram and HSV color correlograms are evaluated against other retrieval systems participating the TREC video track evaluation and against color histograms used commonly in content-based retrieval. We used queries and relevance judgments on the I I hours of segmented MPEG-1 video provided to track participants. Tests are executed using our content-based multimedia retrieval system that was specifically developed for multimedia information retrieval applications.
Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty With MAVERICK Disc Versus Stand-Alone Interbody Fusion: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Investigational Device Exemption Trial

Study Design. Randomized, controlled, multicenter, investigational device exemption trial. Objective. To investigate the safety and effectiveness of the first two-piece, metal-on-metal lumbar disc prosthesis for treating patients with single-level degenerative disc disease. Summary of Background Data. For patients with degenerative disc disease unresponsive to conservative measures, lumbar disc arthroplasty provides an alternative to fusion designed to relieve persistent discogenic pain and maintain motion. Methods. After 2:1 randomization, 577 patients were treated in either the investigational group (405), receiving lumbar disc arthroplasty, or the control group (172), receiving anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at surgery/discharge, and at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The primary study endpoint was overall success, a composite measure of safety and effectiveness as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and defined in the protocol. Results. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements compared with preoperative status. The investigational group had statistically superior outcomes (P < 0.05) at all postoperative evaluations in Oswestry Disability Index, back pain, and Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary scores as well as patient satisfaction. Investigational patients had longer surgical times (P < 0.001) and greater blood loss (P < 0.001) than did control patients; however, hospitalization stays were similar for both groups. Investigational patients had fewer implant or implant/surgical procedure-related adverse events (P < 0.001). Return-to-work intervals were reduced for investigational patients. Disc height and segmental angular motion were maintained throughout the study in the investigational group. In the investigational group, overall success superiority was found when compared to the control group as defined by the Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption protocol. Conclusion. The investigational group consistently demonstrated statistical superiority versus fusion on key clinical outcomes including improved physical function, reduced pain, and earlier return to work.
Synaptic Properties of the Mammillary and Cortical Afferents to the Anterodorsal Thalamic Nucleus in the Mouse

Input to sensory thalamic nuclei can be classified as either driver or modulator, based on whether or not the information conveyed determines basic postsynaptic receptive field properties. Here we demonstrate that this distinction can also be applied to inputs received by nonsensory thalamic areas. Using flavoprotein autofluorescence imaging, we developed two slice preparations that contain the afferents to the anterodorsal thalamic nucleus (AD) from the lateral mammillary body and the cortical afferents arriving through the internal capsule, respectively. We examined the synaptic properties of these inputs and found that the mammillothalamic pathway exhibits paired-pulse depression, lack of a metabotropic glutamate component, and an all-or-none response pattern, which are all signatures of a driver pathway. On the other hand, the cortical input exhibits graded paired-pulse facilitation and the capacity to activate metabotropic glutamatergic responses, all features of a modulatory pathway. Our results extend the notion of driving and modulating inputs to the AD, indicating that it is a first-order relay nucleus and suggesting that these criteria may be general to the whole of thalamus.
Transition from interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) to IL-1 alpha production during maturation of inflammatory macrophages in vivo

In situ production of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-1 beta was investigated in Peyer's patches (PP) of mice undergoing an acute bacterial infection with Yersinia enterocolitica O8. Synthesis of IL-1 beta, as determined by immunohistochemistry, was found primarily in monocytes migrating into the inflamed PP. In comparison, synthesis of IL-1 alpha was temporarily delayed by at least 24 h and was only found in mature macrophages, which did not produce detectable levels of IL-1 beta. This indicates a transition from IL-1 beta to IL-1 alpha production during maturation of monocytes into inflammatory macrophages, and further emphasizes a dichotomy between IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta.
Trainability of Children

C hildren need to participate regularly in physical activities that enhance and maintain cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. While children have traditionally been encouraged to participate in aerobic activities such as swimming and bicycling, a compelling body of evidence indicates that strength training can be a safe and effective method of conditioning for boys and girls, provided that appropriate training guidelines are followed (Faigenbaum, Kraemer, et al., 1996; Falk & Tenenbaum, 1996; Hamill, 1994). In addition to enhancing motor skills and sports performance, regular participation in a strength-training program has the potential to positively influence several measurable indices of health for children. It helps strengthen bone, facilitate weight control, enhance psychosocial well-being, and improve one’s cardiovascular risk profile. Furthermore, a stronger musculoskeletal system will enable children to perform daily activities with more energy and may increase their resistance to sports-related injuries. This article will provide an overview of the potential health benefits associated with strength training for youths, and will highlight design considerations for such programs. The focus will be on musculoskeletal adap tations to strength training that are observable in healthy children. This information is particularly relevant because of the increasing number of children who engage in various forms of strength-training activities and the current emphasis on making physical education more engaging, inclusive, and health-oriented. For the purposes of this article, the term “strength training” is defined as A W R Y D. FAICENBAUM
Type 2 diabetes care for patients in a tertiary care setting in UAE: a retrospective cohort study

Objective We aimed to examine the quality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) care in Al-Ain, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design A retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2010. Setting A diabetes centre located in a tertiary care hospital in Al-Ain, UAE. Participants People with T2DM receiving care from the diabetes centre. Results 382 Emirates patients with T2DM were included in the analysis. Overall in 2010, proportions of people with T2DM reaching the following targets were: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 41%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 72%, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) 47% and 73%, respectively. There was a significant improvement from 2008 to 2010, respectively, in the mean for the following: (1) HbA1c (8.5% [95% confidence interval, CI: 8.33–8.67] versus 7.5% [95% CI: 7.36–7.63]); (2) LDL (2.60 mmol/L [95% CI: 2.51–2.70] versus 2.27 mmol/L [95% CI: 2.21–2.33]); and (3) SBP (133.1 mmHg [95% CI: 131.7–134.4] versus 131.0 [95% CI: 130.1–131.9]). Glycaemic and lipid control were similar in men and women; however, HbA1c levels in men and women aged 60+ years were significantly lower by (0.7% [P = 0.01] versus 0.8% [P < 0.001], respectively) than for those aged between 18 and 39 years. Conclusion This study demonstrates that there is encouraging progress in diabetes care in Al-Ain, UAE as reflected by the overall improvement in the mean of HbA1c, LDL and SBP, and the increase in the number of people reaching the target for the same indicators from 2008 to 2010. The results however show that there is scope for additional enhancement of care, especially for better glycaemic control among young patients and better SBP control among men.
CHITINOCLASTIC BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH SHELL DISEASE IN Penaeus SHRIMP AND THE BLUE CRAB (Callinectes sapidus)*

The occurrence of shell disease in three species of penaeid shrimp is reported. Chitinoclastic bacteria isolated from lesions on these shrimp and from lesions on the blue crab were classified as members of the genera Beneckea, Vibrio, and Pseudomonas. One type of Beneckea was present in all cases of shell disease encountered, making this organism suspect of being the causative agent.
Viral Envelope Is a Major Determinant of Enhanced Fitness of a Multidrug-Resistant HIV-1 Variant

Abstract:Multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 viruses are thought to be less pathogenic than wild-type viruses because of the fitness costs of drug-resistance mutations. However, we identified an individual infected with MDR virus associated with rapid disease progression referred to as MDR-1. To study the contribution of virologic factors to rapid disease progression, we constructed molecular clones that demonstrated high replication fitness and cytopathicity. To dissect determinants of enhanced fitness of a cytopathic clone, pMDR-1c, we divided its genome into 2 parts: the envelope (gp160) and the remaining backbone genome, and constructed mutual chimeric viruses with a reference, wild-type virus clone, pNL4-3. The growth competition assay indicated that pMDR-1c has high fitness (1.62), although its envelope confers remarkably enhanced fitness (2.29) and its backbone confers reduced fitness (0.56) as compared with pNL4-3. We also performed a similar study with a less cytopathic pMDR-5a, a molecular clone derived from another subject MDR-5, infected with MDR HIV-1, and associated with slower clinical progression. The results indicated that pMDR-5a has reduced fitness (0.82), although its envelope confers enhanced fitness (1.64) and its backbone confers reduced fitness (0.49), a fitness pattern compatible with envelope-mediated fitness compensation. These results suggest that the viral envelope may be a major determinant of the enhanced fitness of the MDR HIV-1 variant isolated from a patient with rapid disease progression. Furthermore, we speculate that compensation conferred by envelope may be a mechanism by which MDR HIV-1 maintains overall fitness despite the presence of changes in pol, which reduce replication capacity.
Management of heparin resistance in an emergency cardiac surgical patient

of the arm: A complication of noninvasive blood pressure monitoring during thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction. J Clin Monit Comput 2002;17:163-6. 8. Baetz MD, Pylypchuk G, Baetz M. A complication of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Letter. Ann Intern Med 1994;121:468-9. 9. Bickler PE, Schapera A, Bainton CR. Acute radial nerve injury from use of an automatic blood pressure monitor. Anesthesiology 1990;73:186-8. 10. Estebe, Jean-Pierre, Davies, Joanna M, Richebe, Philippe. The pneumatic tourniquet: Mechanical, ischemia-reperfusion and systemic effects. EJA 2011:28:404-11. 11. Mc Ewen. J.A. Surgical tourniquets. Available from: http:// www.tourniquets. org. [Last updated June 2012]. 12. Devbhandari MP, Shariff Z, Duncan AJ. Skin necrosis in a critically ill patient due to a blood pressure cuff. J Postgrad Med 2006;52:136-8.
How good is the turbid medium-based approach for accounting for light partitioning in contrasted grass--legume intercropping systems?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Most studies dealing with light partitioning in intercropping systems have used statistical models based on the turbid medium approach, thus assuming homogeneous canopies. However, these models could not be directly validated although spatial heterogeneities could arise in such canopies. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of the turbid medium approach to accurately estimate light partitioning within grass-legume mixed canopies. METHODS Three contrasted mixtures of wheat-pea, tall fescue-alfalfa and tall fescue-clover were sown according to various patterns and densities. Three-dimensional plant mock-ups were derived from magnetic digitizations carried out at different stages of development. The benchmarks for light interception efficiency (LIE) estimates were provided by the combination of a light projective model and plant mock-ups, which also provided the inputs of a turbid medium model (SIRASCA), i.e. leaf area index and inclination. SIRASCA was set to gradually account for vertical heterogeneity of the foliage, i.e. the canopy was described as one, two or ten horizontal layers of leaves. KEY RESULTS Mixtures exhibited various and heterogeneous profiles of foliar distribution, leaf inclination and component species height. Nevertheless, most of the LIE was satisfactorily predicted by SIRASCA. Biased estimations were, however, observed for (1) grass species and (2) tall fescue-alfalfa mixtures grown at high density. Most of the discrepancies were due to vertical heterogeneities and were corrected by increasing the vertical description of canopies although, in practice, this would require time-consuming measurements. CONCLUSIONS The turbid medium analogy could be successfully used in a wide range of canopies. However, a more detailed description of the canopy is required for mixtures exhibiting vertical stratifications and inter-/intra-species foliage overlapping. Architectural models remain a relevant tool for studying light partitioning in intercropping systems that exhibit strong vertical heterogeneities. Moreover, these models offer the possibility to integrate the effects of microclimate variations on plant growth.
Inclusive, Democratic Family–Professional Partnerships

Family–professional partnerships are vital to the provision of appropriate and effective special education services for young children. Despite the recognized need, teacher educators in early childhood and early childhood special education have faced challenges in preparing their students to partner with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In this article, we assert that for pre-service early childhood/early childhood special education teachers to prepare for cross-cultural family–professional partnerships, teacher educators can take a democratic, inclusive perspective and address conceptualizations of culture and language. To this end, we first explain meanings of inclusive education and democratic partnerships. We then focus on conceptualizations of culture and language in developing cross-cultural partnerships. Finally, we provide recommendations to prepare pre-service teachers to form more democratic and inclusive cross-cultural partnerships with families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Preparing drivers for dangerous situations: A critical reflection on continuous shared control

Shared control (also known as continuous haptic guidance or haptically active controls) has recently been introduced in car driving. With shared control, the driver receives continuous force feedback on the gas pedal or steering wheel, so that human and machine conduct the driving task simultaneously. Experiments in driving simulators have shown that shared control reduces control variability and mental workload, and improves accuracy in path tracking and car following. Crucial to road safety, however, is not whether shared control improves performance in routine driving tasks, but what happens in dangerous situations when a conflict of authority occurs, or when the force feedback cannot be relied upon or is suddenly disengaged. Drawing on research into transfer of training, it is shown that shared control may induce aftereffects and may hamper retention of robust driving skills. Supplementary information should not be provided continuously, but on an as-needed basis, warning or assisting drivers only when deviations from acceptable tolerance limits arise.
An examination of parental homophobia: the creation and validation of the parental homophobic affect scale

AN EXAMINATION OF PARENTAL HOMOPHOBIA: THE CREATION AND VALIDATION OF THE PARENTAL HOMOPHOBIC AFFECT SCALE Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face many challenges in their lives. Currently, schools are implementing anti-bullying campaigns, Gay Straight Alliance programs, and staff education to support LGBTQ students. Previous studies of LGBTQ students have provided empirical information regarding bullying, school safety, educational achievement, and risky behavior. However, research investigating parental perceptions of LGBTQ youth and how parents may react when discovering their child is LGBTQ, is lacking. In this study, a 29-item survey was developed to identify parental homophobia and explore demographic differences. A total of 142 parents completed the survey packet. Results indicated that the Parental Homophobic Affect Scale yielded high internal consistency and reliability. Republicans scored significantly higher on the parental homophobia scale than Democrats. This study presents the first instrument in assessing parental homophobic affect, which can facilitate in providing supportive programs for families and LGBTQ students. Cy Masaru Hiyane August 2012 AN EXAMINATION OF PARENTAL HOMOPHOBIA: THE CREATION AND VALIDATION OF THE PARENTAL HOMOPHOBIC AFFECT SCALE