Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity

Objectives: Deficiency of vitamin D has been involved in the pathogenesis of many auto-immune diseases, as diabetes mellitus type 1 and multiple sclerosis. Reduction of the intake of vitamin D has been associated with high susceptibility of the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and also with increased disease activity in patients with RA. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of vitamin D in patients with RA, assess the correlation between serum level of vitamin D and disease activity and its association to the pathogenesis of RA. Methods: 60 female patients with RA, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels, Para-thyroid hormone levels, Creactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. Disease activity was evaluated by calculating the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). A control group (n=30), matched for age, was evaluated as well. Results: There is a significant decrease in the mean vitamin D serum levels in RA patients compared to control group (F test, p 0.031). We did not find any correlation between DAS28 score and vitamin D levels in controls (p=0.871), low active RA patients (p=0.722) and high active RA patients (P=0.428). Conclusion: No association was found between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the deficiency of vitamin D may have a negative impact on bone health in patients in the course of the disease. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed to prevent the osteoporosis and for the relief of pain in patients with RA.
Incremental Development of RBAC-Controlled E-Marking System Using the B Method

Role Based Access Control (RBAC) models are access policies that associate access rights to roles of subjects on objects. The incremental development of software by adding new features and the insertion of new access rules potentially render the model inconsistent and create security flaws. This paper proposes modeling RBAC models using the B language such that it is possible to reevaluate the consistency of the models following model changes. It shows the mechanism of formalizing RBAC policies of an Electronic Marking System (EMS) using B specifications and illustrates the verification of the consistency of the RBAC specification, using model checking and proof obligations.
Animal Health and Welfare Planning in Organic Dairy Cattle Farms

Continuous development is needed within the farm to reach the goal of good animal health and welfare in organic livestock farming. The very different conditions between countries call for models that are relevant for different farming types and can be integrated into local practice and be relevant for each type of farming context. This article reviews frameworks, principles and practices for animal health and welfare planning which are relevant for organic livestock farming. This review is based on preliminary analyses carried out within a European project (acronym ANIPLAN) with participants from seven countries. The process begins with gathering knowledge about the current status within a given herd as background for making decisions and planning future improvements as well as evaluating already implemented improvements. Respectful communication between the owner of the herd and other farmers as well as animal health and welfare professionals (veterinarians and advisors) is paramount. This paper provides an overview of some current animal health and welfare planning initiatives and explains the principles of animal health and welfare planning which are being implemented in ANIPLAN partner countries, in collaboration with groups of organic farmers and organisations.
Robustness of Burst Firing in Dissociated Purkinje Neurons with Acute or Long-Term Reductions in Sodium Conductance

Cerebellar Purkinje neurons often generate all-or-none burst firing in response to depolarizing stimuli. Voltage-clamp experiments using action potential waveforms show that burst firing depends on small net inward currents that flow after spikes and reflect the net balance between multiple large currents. Given this, burst firing is surprisingly robust in the face of changes in the magnitude of the underlying currents from cell to cell. We explored the basis of this robustness by examining the effects of reducing the sodium current, the major contributor to the postspike inward current. Burst firing persisted in concentrations of tetrodotoxin that produced half-block of sodium current. This robustness of bursting reflects an acute feedback mechanism whereby waveform changes from the reduced sodium current (reduced spike height and a hyperpolarizing shift in postspike voltage) cause compensatory decreases in postspike potassium currents. In particular, reduced spike height reduces calcium entry and subsequent calcium-activated potassium current, and the hyperpolarizing shift in postspike voltage speeds deactivation of Kv3-like potassium channels. Other experiments examined bursting in Nav1.6-/- mice, in which sodium current density is reduced in the long term. Under these circumstances, there was upregulation of both T-type and P-type calcium current and a change in the balance of calcium current and calcium-activated potassium current such that their net influence shifted from being inhibitory during bursts in wild-type neurons to excitatory during bursts from Nav1.6-/- mutant neurons. Thus, Purkinje neurons have both acute and long-term feedback mechanisms that serve to maintain burst firing when voltage-dependent sodium conductance is reduced.
LIFTING ELLIPTIC CUSP FORMS TO MAASS FORMS WITH AN APPLICATION TO PARTITIONS

Abstract. For 2 < k ∈ 1 2 Z, we define lifts of cuspidal Poincaré series in Sk(Γ0(N)) to weight 2 − k harmonic weak Maass forms. This construction answers a question of Dyson by providing the general framework “explaining” Ramanujan’s mock theta functions. As an application, we show that the number of partitions of a positive integer n is the “trace” of singular moduli of a Maass form arising from the lift of a weight 4 cusp form corresponding to a Calabi-Yau threefold.
Intergalactic Globular Clusters and the Faint End of the Galaxy Number Counts in A1656 (Coma)

The existence of an intergalactic globular cluster population in the Coma cluster of galaxies has been tested using surface brightness fluctuations. The main result is that the intergalactic globular cluster surface density (NIGC) does not correlate with the distance to the center of Coma and hence with the environment. Furthermore, comparing these results with different Coma mass distribution model predictions, it is suggested that NIGC must in fact be zero all over Coma. On the other hand, the results for NIGC and the faint end of the galaxy number counts (beyond mR = 23.5) are connected. So NIGC = 0 settles the slope of this function, which turns out to be γ = 0.36 ± 0.01 down to mR = 26.5. The fact that NIGC = 0 all over Coma suggests that globular clusters were formed only, or almost only, from protogalactic clouds. None, or perhaps very few, could have formed in isolated regions. It also seems inappropriate to advocate a relationship between intergalactic globular clusters and dark matter distributions, although it is true that the relationship could still exist but not be strong enough to have been detected. Finally, since our conclusion is that intergalactic globular clusters do not exist in Coma, accretion of intergalactic globular clusters might not be significant in galaxy formation and evolutionary processes in the Coma galaxies.
Synchronization of Distant Optical Clocks at the Femtosecond Level

The use of optical clocks/oscillators in future ultra-precise navigation, gravitational sensing, coherent arrays, and relativity experiments will require time comparison and synchronization over terrestrial or satellite free-space links. Here we demonstrate full unambiguous synchronization of two optical timescales across a free-space link. The time deviation between synchronized timescales is below 1 fs over durations from 0.1 s to 6500 s, despite atmospheric turbulence and kilometer-scale path length variations. Over several days, the time wander is 40 fs peak-to-peak. Our approach relies on the two-way reciprocity of a single-spatial-mode optical link, valid to below 225 attoseconds across a turbulent 4-km path. This femtosecond level of time-frequency transfer should enable optical networks using state-of-the-art optical clocks/oscillators.
Switching to Sirolimus-Based Immune Suppression After Liver Transplantation Is Safe and Effective: A Single-Center Experience

Background. Sirolimus is unlicensed for use in liver transplantation because of concerns over safety, particularly in regard to hepatic artery thrombosis and excess mortality. However, sirolimus offers potential advantages over calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression, relating to its renal sparing and antiproliferative properties. Methods. A review was undertaken of 148 liver transplant patients converted to sirolimus over 10 years at a single center. Results. The main indications for sirolimus were renal impairment and hepatitis C virus fibrosis. One hundred eleven (75%) patients remained on sirolimus after median follow-up of 1006 days. Mean (±standard deviation) glomerular filtration rate improved significantly from 59±29 mL/min preconversion to 72±39 mL/min at censor point (P<0.05). Improvement in glomerular filtration rate was most marked in patients converted for renal impairment. Liver function tests remained stable or improved, particularly in patients transplanted for hepatitis C virus. Side effects attributed to sirolimus occurred in 101 (68%) patients requiring withdrawal in 20 patients (14%). Moderate increases in serum lipids were observed and controlled effectively with statins. The incidence of proteinuria increased postconversion but had no deleterious impact on renal function. No episodes of hepatic artery thrombosis were observed. Conclusions. Sirolimus was safe and may improve outcome in selected patients after liver transplantation.
The process of recovery from schizophrenia

To facilitate future research on recovery from schizophrenia a qualitative, longitudinal analysis was conducted with individuals participating in rehabilitation to identify themes associated with improvement in functioning and subjective experience. Twelve individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly selected from a just concluded two-year study of psychiatric rehabilitation. Each individual was followed for an additional four years. Every four to eight months each person participated in a semistructured,audiotaped interview about his or her current life experiences. Tapes were evaluated independently by three assessors for themes and phases that emerged from these life experiences. The qualitative analysis characterized the process of recovery as having phases, dimensions, indicators, and barriers to recovery. This empirically derived description of the process of recovery, from the perspective of people who are experiencing it, can be used to generate research hypotheses for future studies to further our understanding and to promote recovery from schizophrenia.
Chemokine Requirements for B Cell Entry to Lymph Nodes and Peyer's Patches

B cell entry to lymph nodes and Peyer's patches depends on chemokine receptor signaling, but the principal chemokine involved has not been defined. Here we show that the homing of CXCR4−/− B cells is suppressed in CCL19 (ELC)- and CCL21 (SLC)-deficient paucity of lymph node T cells mice, but not in wild-type mice. We also find that CXCR4 can contribute to T cell homing. Using intravital microscopy, we find that B cell adhesion to high endothelial venules (HEVs) is disrupted when CCR7 and CXCR4 are predesensitized. In Peyer's patches, B cell entry is dependent on CXCR5 in addition to CCR7/CXCR4. CXCL12 (SDF1) is displayed broadly on HEVs, whereas CXCL13 (BLC) is found selectively on Peyer's patch follicular HEVs. These findings establish the principal chemokine and chemokine receptor requirements for B cell entry to lymph nodes and Peyer's patches.
Does self-assessment in a group help students to learn?

'One of the greatest misconceptions about self-assessment is that it can be undertaken in isolation from others' [Boud (1995) Enhanced Learning through Self-assessment (London, Kogan Page), p. 200]. Social work practice - the experience from which we learn in social work education [Boud et al. (1985) Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning (London, Kogan Page)] - operates in the context of social relationships. This means that learning develops within its social environment, be it a student group, workshop, team or project. If self-assessment is to be an effective aspect of reflective learning in social work education, then it is important that social work students develop skills in self-assessment in group contexts. This paper charts an exploration of self-assessment in a group setting in order to reach some conclusions about how self-assessment can be encouraged amongst social work students as they carry out group assignments.
Bionic learning strategy applied on snake robot motion control

To solve the problems that the control parameters are difficult to be made certain and the non-ideal motion performance of snake robot, we develop a bionic autonomous strategy based on operant conditioning mechanism, which can realise autonomously and optimise adjust control parameters. The designed strategy is a 5-tuple and mainly contains: 1) state space; 2) action space; 3) state transfer function, meaning the consequence after action; 4) tendency function; 5) action selection strategy, adjusting the selected probability of each action. The designed bionic strategy is applied to motion control of snake robot. The experiment analysis is carried out combined with Webots robot simulation software. The results of the simulation experiment indicate that the skill of autonomous optimisation adjustment control parameters will gradually be enhanced with the learning proceeding.
The new Finnish workplace development programme (TYKES-FWDP) as an approach to innovation

The paper surveys the background, aims, and content of the Finnish Government’s new working-life development initiative for the period 2004 to 2009. The aim of the new Finnish Workplace Development Program (TYKES-FWDP) is sustainable productivity growth, where increases in productivity are combined with improvements in the quality of working life. In addition to funding development projects in both companies and public-sector organizations, the program will promote method development, learning networks, and continuing education for researchers on working life. As an innovation policy approach, TYKES-FWDP represents a "broad systemic innovation policy" that focuses equally on all sectors of the economy and on the interaction and combination of technological, organizational, and other kinds of social innovations.
Muscle fatigue: what, why and how it influences muscle function

Much is known about the physiological impairments that can cause muscle fatigue. It is known that fatigue can be caused by many different mechanisms, ranging from the accumulation of metabolites within muscle fibres to the generation of an inadequate motor command in the motor cortex, and that there is no global mechanism responsible for muscle fatigue. Rather, the mechanisms that cause fatigue are specific to the task being performed. The development of muscle fatigue is typically quantified as a decline in the maximal force or power capacity of muscle, which means that submaximal contractions can be sustained after the onset of muscle fatigue. There is even evidence that the duration of some sustained tasks is not limited by fatigue of the principal muscles. Here we review experimental approaches that focus on identifying the mechanisms that limit task failure rather than those that cause muscle fatigue. Selected comparisons of tasks, groups of individuals and interventions with the task‐failure approach can provide insight into the rate‐limiting adjustments that constrain muscle function during fatiguing contractions.
Which intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay criterion best predicts operative success? A study of 352 consecutive patients.

HYPOTHESIS The 6 published criteria for predicting curative parathyroid resection by means of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) assay are not equivalent. DESIGN Retrospective review of 352 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2004. We evaluated 6-month postoperative IOPTH values and serum calcium levels. SETTING Tertiary referral center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The IOPTH values at baseline (preincision and preexcision) and at 5 and 10 minutes after parathyroidectomy were reviewed according to the Miami criterion (>50% drop from highest baseline IOPTH level at 10 minutes after excision), criterion 1 (>50% drop from preincision IOPTH level at 10 minutes), criterion 2 (>50% drop from highest baseline IOPTH level at 10 minutes and final IOPTH level within the reference range), criterion 3 (>50% drop from highest baseline IOPTH level at 10 minutes and final IOPTH level less than the preincision value), criterion 4 (>50% drop from highest baseline IOPTH level at 5 minutes), and criterion 5 (>50% drop from preexcision IOPTH level at 10 minutes). RESULTS Criterion 2 had sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 22%, positive predictive value of 97%, and negative predictive value of 6%. Criterion 2 had good agreement with criteria 1 and 3. Of patients whose IOPTH level drop satisfied criterion 2 but not criterion 1, 14% had postoperative hypercalcemia at 6 months. When criterion 2 was not satisfied but criteria 1, 3, 4, and 5 and the Miami criterion were, failure rates were 0%, 4%, 7%, 6%, and 9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Satisfying criterion 2 had a high operative success but resulted in additional unnecessary surgical exploration. Criterion 1 was better at predicting postoperative normocalcemia than criterion 2.
Self-Disclosure and Touching: A Study of Two Modes of Interpersonal Encounter and Their Inter-Relation

IF contemporary Western man lives alienated from his fellows, his body,and nature, it behooves psychologists to investigate alienation in any of its manifestations, including its opposite -encounter. To encounter another person means, among other things, to confirm him as a being who experiences. This means seeking to experience his experience. I can experience your experience most directly if you disclose it to me. You can, if you wish, conceal or misrepresent your self, in which case my experience of you will be autistic. I will then believe things about your being that you know are untrue. But if you wish me to know you as you know yourself, you will have disclosed your experiencing authentically to me, in dialogue, throughout the duration of our relationship. A more direct, even literal, way for us to encounter one another, is for us to touch -my hand on some part of your body, and yours on mine. In touching you, I perceive you "haptically," as Gibson puts it (1966, pp. 132-133). I know that you exist in a way that hearing you or seeing you cannot confirm. I may not know much about you and your experiencing in touching you, but I surely know that you are, that you are there in the flesh, so to speak. Indeed, Professor John Macmurray (1957, pp. 107-126) has provided an astute analysis of the way in which we of the West, since Descartes' time, have come to use the visual field as a model for knowing, while neglecting the kind of knowing that comes from direct touching. Visual knowing is contact at a distance. You have to be near to touch, taste, or smell another person. It would probably be appropriate to change the old saw, "Seeing is believing," into the more fundamental source of truth about existence: "Touching is believing. " Indeed, if it is true that modern man lives out of his body, in a state of relative "unembodiment" -as Laing (1960) insiststhen I can surely awaken your experience of your body by touching you. And if Being discloses itself to our consciousness via our several sensory channels, then I can inquire into the means by which you disclose your being to me. How do you let me perceive you? Via my eyes? Ears? My touch receptors? Truly, for you to let me know you by touching you, you have let me get "closer" to you than if you limit yourself to verbal disclosure. When you let me touch you, you are disclosing your embodied being to my consciousness, by means of my tactual sense.
Effects of microwave cookery on the bacterial counts of food.

A method is described by which foods drawn from the normal hospital kitchen can be reheated with infrared and microwave irradiation before it is served to patients in an “ultraclean”unit. A considerable reduction in bacterial content has been achieved in all the samples tested and sterility was obtained in some. There was no obvious effect on the palatability of the foodstuffs tested.
Molecular Basis of the Isoform-specific Ligand-binding Affinity of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors*

Three isoforms of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R), IP3R1, IP3R2, and IP3R3, have different IP3-binding affinities and cooperativities. Here we report that the amino-terminal 604 residues of three mouse IP3R types exhibited Kd values of 49.5 ± 10.5, 14.0 ± 3.5, and 163.0 ± 44.4 nm, which are close to the intrinsic IP3-binding affinity previously estimated from the analysis of full-length IP3Rs. In contrast, residues 224–604 of IP3R1 and IP3R2 and residues 225–604 of IP3R3, which contain the IP3-binding core domain but not the suppressor domain, displayed an almost identical IP3-binding affinity with a Kd value of ∼2 nm. Addition of 100-fold excess of the suppressor domain did not alter the IP3-binding affinity of the IP3-binding core domain. Artificial chimeric proteins in which the suppressor domain was fused to the IP3-binding core domain from different isoforms exhibited IP3-binding affinity significantly different from those of the proteins composed of the native combination of the suppressor domain and the IP3-binding core domain. Systematic mutagenesis analyses showed that amino acid residues critical for type-3 receptor-specific IP3-binding affinity are involved in Glu-39, Ala-41, Asp-46, Met-127, Ala-154, Thr-155, Leu-162, Trp-168, Asn-173, Asn-176, and Val-179. These results indicate that the IP3-binding affinity of IP3Rs is specifically tuned through the intramolecular attenuation of IP3-binding affinity of the IP3-binding core domain by the amino-terminal suppressor domain. Moreover, the functional diversity in ligand sensitivity among IP3R isoforms originates from at least the structural difference identified on the suppressor domain.
International continence society guidelines on urodynamic equipment performance

These guidelines provide benchmarks for the performance of urodynamic equipment, and have been developed by the International Continence Society to assist purchasing decisions, design requirements, and performance checks. The guidelines suggest ranges of specification for uroflowmetry, volume, pressure, and EMG measurement, along with recommendations for user interfaces and performance tests. Factors affecting measurement relating to the different technologies used are also described. Summary tables of essential and desirable features are included for ease of reference. It is emphasized that these guidelines can only contribute to good urodynamics if equipment is used properly, in accordance with good practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:370–379, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Popular Front and the Progressive Tradition: Socialists, Liberals and the Quest for Unity, 1884-1939

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Notes on the text Introduction 1. The progressive side of politics 2. The colours of the rainbow 3. Imperialism and war 4. The pilgrims' progress 5. Inside the left 6. Fascism, unity, and loyalty: 1932-1937 7. The Popular Front Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index.