Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organotin Exposure and Vertebrate Reproduction: A Review

Organotin (OTs) compounds are organometallic compounds that are widely used in industry, such as in the manufacture of plastics, pesticides, paints, and others. OTs are released into the environment by anthropogenic actions, leading to contact with aquatic and terrestrial organisms that occur in animal feeding. Although OTs are degraded environmentally, reports have shown the effects of this contamination over the years because it can affect organisms of different trophic levels. OTs act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can lead to several abnormalities in organisms. In male animals, OTs decrease the weights of the testis and epididymis and reduce the spermatid count, among other dysfunctions. In female animals, OTs alter the weights of the ovaries and uteri and induce damage to the ovaries. In addition, OTs prevent fetal implantation and reduce mammalian pregnancy rates. OTs cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the placental and fetal tissues. Exposure to OTs in utero leads to the accumulation of lipid droplets in the Sertoli cells and gonocytes of male offspring in addition to inducing early puberty in females. In both genders, this damage is associated with the imbalance of sex hormones and the modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Here, we report that OTs act as reproductive disruptors in vertebrate studies; among the compounds are tetrabutyltin, tributyltin chloride, tributyltin acetate, triphenyltin chloride, triphenyltin hydroxide, dibutyltin chloride, dibutyltin dichloride, diphenyltin dichloride, monobutyltin, and azocyclotin.
On Achieving Predictable Adaptive Control Response for Uncertain Dynamical Systems with Large Domains of Operation

While adaptive control has been used in numerous applications, the ability to obtain ap redictable transient and steady-state system response is still an open problem for dynamical systems with large system uncertainties and without ap rioriknowledge of a conservative upper bound on their unknown ideal weights. In order to address this problem, recently a novel command governor architecture was constructed for adaptive stabilization and command following. It was shown that by choosing the design parameter of the command governor, the controlled nonlinear uncertain dynamical system can approach aH urwitz linear time-invariant dynamical system withL1 input-output signals without resorting to high-gain learning rates in the adaptation law. Even though the proposed architecture was shown to be e↵ective and can operate in larger domains with predictable transient and steady-state system response as compared with the standard adaptive controllers, it may result in control signals having high-frequency oscillations as the magnitude of the tracking commands gets larger. This is due to the fact that the controlled uncertain dynamical system subject to a large tracking command behaves as a controlled uncertain dynamical system having high-gain learning rates, although the learning rate of the command governor-based adaptive controller is chosen to be low-gain. To that end, this paper proposes a novel modification to the weight update law that couples the command governor with the adaptive controller. Specifically, this modification filters out the high-frequency content contained in the weight update law while preserving the asymptotic stability of the system error dynamics, and hence, it enables the proposed command governor-based adaptive controller to maintain its performance in the face of applied tracking commands operating the uncertain dynamical system in large domains and/or subject to high-gain learning rates.
Endoscopic management of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract Objective: Despite the therapeutic and surgical interventions for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), yet the high cost and the post-operative complications had led to a significant socioeconomic burden. The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in the management of refractory GERD. Methods: A total of 150 patients with refractory GERD were assigned to an EBL group (banding was done at four quadrants just at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (n = 75) or to a control group (optimized dose of PPI, n = 75). Follow-up for both groups by upper GI endoscopy to evaluate the site of the Z line from the incisors, the width of the GEJ and the coaptation of GEJ around the endoscope on retroflection. PH monitoring was performed every 3 months with GERD- QoL assessment monthly for 1 year. Results: In EBL group; 58 patients (77.3%) needed 1 session, 17 patients (22.7%) needed 2 sessions. 4 rubber bands were utilized in 44 patients (58.7%), 3 rubber bands in 31 patients (41.3%). Follow-up for 1 year revealed a highly significant improvement of the GERD- QoL score, the site of Z line with significant reduction of reflux episodes and symptom index when compared to the medical treatment group. In EBL group; there were no major adverse events including bleeding, post band ulcers, stenosis at one year follow up. Conclusion: The current study provides a novel endoscopic intervention to treat refractory GERD, which is safe, cost-effective, with no major adverse effects at one year follow up.
Lacking Benefit of Intraoperative High-Dose Dexamethasone in Instrumented Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Abstract Background Our objective was to investigate the effect of intraoperative dexamethasone administration on wound healing, complications, and clinical outcome in patients with posterior surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients with CSM undergoing dorsal instrumentation and decompression of the cervical spine. The senior surgeon decided if administration of dexamethasone (40 mg intravenously) was indicated. Patients were divided into two groups: dexamethasone group (DG) and non-dexamethasone group (nDG). All patients were monitored for pre- and postoperative neurologic symptoms and complications. Clinical follow-up was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Results A total of 49 patients were included (DG, 25; nDG, 24). DG and nDG patients showed no significant differences in pre- and postoperative findings. Five patients in the DG had wound healing complications compared with patients in the nDG (p = 0.021), and one died due to infection. Apart from that, we did not observe any significant differences between the two groups regarding complications, neurologic symptoms, and follow-up (NDI and mJOA). Conclusion Intraoperative dexamethasone administration had no influence on the postoperative outcome and follow-up. A significantly higher rate of wound infections was detected in the DG. These data support the hypothesis that intraoperative dexamethasone bolus application in CSM lacks benefit.
Experimental Verifications of REBCO Layer Winding Aimed at Persistent Current Operation

Recent development in the superconducting REBCO joints is an encouraging prospect for realizing an HTS magnet in persistent current mode operation. In our ongoing project, we are developing a cryocooled 1 T REBCO magnet system with joints to demonstrate the joint performance in an operating condition expected, for example, for an MRI. Preliminarily, the small test coils have been fabricated to verify the winding method. Additionally, we have designed and manufactured the new leads structures for feeding the conductor from the winding to the joints.
Colorectal carcinomas with high microsatellite instability: defining a distinct immunologic and molecular entity with respect to prognostic markers.

Molecular analysis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinomas (HNPCC) has identified DNA mismatch repair deficiencies with resulting microsatellite instability (MSI) as a pathway of carcinogenesis that appears to be relevant for prognosis, treatment, and possibly prevention. In this study, expression of cell cycle proteins and other known prognostic markers is correlated with the microsatellite status of colorectal cancers (CRC). One hundred consecutive cases from the CRC Registry at Thomas Jefferson University were analyzed for MSI. Immunohistochemistry was performed for the mismatch repair proteins hMLH1 and hMSH2, tumor suppressor p53, apoptosis inhibitor bcl-2, cell cycle proteins p21(WAF1/CIP1), and p27 and the proliferation markers Ki-67 and topoisomerase II. High MSI (MSI-H) is significantly correlated with loss of either hMLH1 or hMSH2, presence of bcl-2, and absence of p53. p21(WAF1/CIP1) is positive in all tumors with MSI-H. Previous findings of a lower proliferation rate were confirmed with a topoisomerase II stain. Microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors generally express both MSH2 and MLH1. Other highly significant differences are positive p53 in 56% of MSS cases and negative bcl-2 in 98% of MSS cases. p27 expression is found in approximately 50% of all CRCs irrespective of the microsatellite status. MSI-H tumors follow the mutator pathway, with loss of expression of one mismatch repair protein, wild-type p53, lower proliferation, and positivity for p21(WAF1/CIP1). MSS tumors follow the suppressor pathway, characterized by p53 overexpression, higher proliferation, and absence of bcl-2 expression; p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression can be variable. These data provide a molecular basis for the clinical observation that patients with HNPCC appear to have a more favorable prognosis. HUM PATHOL 31:1506-1514.
The Proinflammatory Response Induced by Wild-Type Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Infection Inhibits Survival of yop Mutants in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Peyer's Patches

ABSTRACT Single-strain infections and coinfections are frequently used to assess roles of virulence factors in infected tissues. After oral inoculation of mice, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis yopE and yopH mutants colonize the intestines and Peyer's patches in single-strain infections but fail to persist in competition with wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis, indicating that these two infection models provide different insights into the roles of Yops. To determine how wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis hinders yop mutant survival, yop mutant colonization and host responses were investigated in several different infection models that isolated specific features of wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis infection. Infection with wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis caused significantly more inflammation than yop mutants. Results from coinfections of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)−/− mice revealed that IFN-γ-regulated defenses target these mutants, suggesting that YopE and YopH protect Y. pseudotuberculosis from these defenses in BALB/c mice. We developed an oral-intraperitoneal infection model to evaluate the effects of spleen and liver colonization by Y. pseudotuberculosis on yop mutants in the intestines. Spleen and liver infection increased inflammation and decreased yop mutant survival in the intestines, indicating that infection of these organs has consequences in intestinal tissues. Finally, competition infections with Y. pseudotuberculosis mutants with various abilities to induce inflammation demonstrated that survival of the yopE, but not the yopH, mutant was consistently decreased in inflamed tissues. In summary, infection with Y. pseudotuberculosis in intestinal and systemic sites induces intestinal inflammation, which decreases yop mutant survival. Thus, competition studies with wild-type yersiniae reveal critical roles of Yops in combating host responses to a normal virulent infection.
Aspects on implementation of coronary heart disease prevention in clinical practice

Prevention of first time disease or recurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major task for the health service. Guidelines regarding CHD prevention have been issued but studies have shown that treatment goals are inadequately met in clinical practice and there is urgent need for improved methods of implementation of guidelines. There is also a need for better risk stratification tools in order to identify asymptomatic subjects with a high risk for future CHD. This thesis has shown that: A structured, one-year, hospital-based secondary prevention programme after CHD, mainly led by specialist nurses with physician backup, could positively influence the use of lipid-lowering drugs and serum cholesterol levels several years after the end of the programme. A quality control system based on patient empowerment and education with continuous feedback to patients, nurses and physicians seemed to be welcomed by both patients and participating health care professionals. However, our system based on voluntary participation and report cards did not seem to be feasible at this time due to a high dropout rate. Reasons why targets for serum lipids were not met in the EUROASPIRE II study were that too few patients received lipid-lowering drugs, and that of those who did receive such treatment many were treated with sub-optimal doses. Ambulatory ECG with ST-analysis could add significant information on which healthy subjects with a certain accumulation of risk factors who would suffer from a major coronary event (death, AMI or revascularisation) over a 15-year time period. (Less)
Problems of Machine Translation Evaluation

In this article we deal with general aspects of machine translation evaluation. We describe several commonly used methods of the evaluation and discuss their problems and shortcomings. Then we outline a few thoughts and ideas which try to solve mentioned problems and stand behind a design of a new method of machine translation evaluation.
The Effects on Muscle Strength and Visual Analog Scale Pain of Aquatic Therapy for individuals with Low Back Pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ten weeks of aquatic therapy exercise would increase low back muscle strength and reduce low back pain in 19 elderly subjects. [Subjects] Nineteen low back disorder patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an aquatic therapy exercise group (n=9), and a control group (n=10). [Methods] The aquatic therapy group participated five times a week for ten weeks in an aquatic exercise designed to strengthen the low back muscles. Data collection was done using a Cybex-770 system. [Results] The results show that the aquatic exercise significantly reduced visual analog scale pain by 52.1%. Significant improvements in low back muscle strength were found in the aquatic therapy group on peak torque of flexor in 180/sec by 48.31% and on peak torque of extensor in 180/sec by 152.85% . [Conclusion] Based on the results, we conclude that the ten weeks of aquatic therapy exercise can enhance low back muscle strength and reduce low back pain in elderly women.
Incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after acute pulmonary embolism: a contemporary view of the published literature

The incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary embolism (PE) is relevant for management decisions but is currently unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of studies including consecutive PE patients followed for CTEPH. Study cohorts were predefined as “all comers”, “survivors” or “survivors without major comorbidities”. CTEPH incidences were calculated using random effects models. We selected 16 studies totalling 4047 PE patients who were mostly followed up for >2-years. In 1186 all comers (two studies), the pooled CTEPH incidence was 0.56% (95% CI 0.1–1.0). In 999 survivors (four studies) CTEPH incidence was 3.2% (95% CI 2.0–4.4). In 1775 survivors without major comorbidities (nine studies), CTEPH incidence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5–4.1). Both recurrent venous thromboembolism and unprovoked PE were significantly associated with a higher risk of CTEPH, with odds ratios of 3.2 (95% CI 1.7–5.9) and 4.1 (95% CI 2.1–8.2) respectively. The pooled CTEPH incidence in 12 studies that did not use right heart catheterisation as the diagnostic standard was 6.3% (95% CI 4.1–8.4). The 0.56% incidence in the all-comer group probably provides the best reflection of the incidence of CTEPH after PE on the population level. The ∼3% incidences in the survivor categories may be more relevant for daily clinical practice. Studies that assessed CTEPH diagnosis by tests other than right heart catheterisation provide overestimated CTEPH incidences. The incidence of CTEPH is 0.56% in all comers and ∼3% in survivors of acute pulmonary embolism http://ow.ly/PVEh306iNoD
Buoyancy Control as a Function of the Spermaceti Organ in the Sperm Whale

This paper will discuss the buoyancy of the sperm whale throughout its range and show that the whale probably has some control over its own buoyancy. Evidence will then be presented in support of the hypothesis that the whale can attain neutral buoyancy at depths greater than 200 m by control of the temperature of the spermaceti oil in its head. As a basis for this, papers describing the detailed structure and proportions of the whale (Clarke, 1978a) and some physical properties of spermaceti oil (Clarke, 1978b) have already been published.
Identification of STOP1-Like Proteins Associated With Aluminum Tolerance in Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils affects crop production worldwide. C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor STOP1/ART1-mediated expression of Al tolerance genes has been shown to be important for Al resistance in Arabidopsis, rice and other crop plants. Here, we identified and characterized four STOP1-like proteins (SbSTOP1a, SbSTOP1b, SbSTOP1c, and SbSTOP1d) in sweet sorghum, a variant of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Al induced the transcription of the four SbSTOP1 genes in both time- and Al concentration-dependent manners. All SbSTOP1 proteins localized to the cell nucleus, and they showed transcriptional activity in a yeast expression system. In the HEK 293 coexpression system, SbSTOP1d showed transcriptional regulation of SbSTAR2 and SbMATE, indicating the possible existence of another SbSTOP1 and SbSTAR2-dependent Al tolerance mechanism in sorghum apart from the reported SbMATE-mediated Al exclusion mechanism. A transgenic complementation assay showed that SbSTOP1d significantly rescued the Al-sensitivity characteristic of the Atstop1 mutant. Additionally, yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that SbSTOP1d interacted with SbSTOP1b and SbSTOP1d itself, suggesting that SbSTOP1 may function as a homodimer and/or heterodimer. These results indicate that STOP1 plays an important role in Al tolerance in sweet sorghum and extend our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms of STOP1-like proteins in response to Al toxicity.
The accuracy of anatomical landmarks for locating the carotid sinus.

BACKGROUND carotid sinus massage (CSM) is a valuable clinical test for carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) and relies on accurately locating the carotid sinus (CS). OBJECTIVE in this study, we sought to examine the accuracy of using anatomical landmarks for locating the CS. METHODS consecutive patients (n = 20) were recruited prospectively. Two clinicians, trained in CSM, were asked to locate the CS using anatomical landmarks. A point on the skin overlying the CS was then marked by a vascular technician using ultrasound. Accuracy of techniques was compared using intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman statistics. RESULTS anatomical landmarks underestimated the CS location by 1.5 ± 1.3 cm. Error extremes ranged from 4 cm below to 2 cm above CS using anatomical landmarks. A moderate correlation between ultrasound and anatomical landmarks was found, r = 0.371 (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION this is the first study to characterise the accuracy of standard anatomical landmarks used in CSM. Results suggest that the point of maximal pulsation has the lowest associated error. Future work should examine CSM yield across this and a range of other methodological factors.
Touch Screens for the Older User

It has been 20 years since Ben Schneiderman predicted that there would be an increase in the use of touch screen applications yet it has been only in recent years that this prediction has come to pass. The concept of a touch screen computer was first introduced in 1965 by E.A. Johnson who described the possibilities of touch screen technology to support air traffic controllers. In this article Johnson describes how “the touch display coupled to a computer can be considered as a keyboard”, a novel approach at the time. Touch screens were brought into the public domain in 1971 by Elographics, Inc. which instigated the development of public touch screen technology such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and information kiosks (Brown et al., 2011). Another milestone in the history of touch technology was the introduction of the personal touch screen computer, HP-150, developed by Hewlett-Packard in 1983 (Sukumar, 1984). The purpose of this early design was to offer individuals an intuitive technology option. Although touch screen systems have maintained this intuitiveness and ease of use over the years, problems that existed with early systems still provide challenges for designers and developers to this day.
Addressing issues associated with evaluating prediction models for survival endpoints based on the concordance statistic

Prediction models for disease risk and prognosis play an important role in biomedical research, and evaluating their predictive accuracy in the presence of censored data is of substantial interest. The standard concordance (c) statistic has been extended to provide a summary measure of predictive accuracy for survival models. Motivated by a prostate cancer study, we address several issues associated with evaluating survival prediction models based on c− statistic with a focus on estimators using the technique of inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW). Compared to the existing work, we provide complete results on the asymptotic properties of the IPCW estimators under the assumption of coarsening at random (CAR), and propose a sensitivity analysis under the mechanism of noncoarsening at random (NCAR). In addition, we extend the IPCW approach as well as the sensitivity analysis to high‐dimensional settings. The predictive accuracy of prediction models for cancer recurrence after prostatectomy is assessed by applying the proposed approaches. We find that the estimated predictive accuracy for the models in consideration is sensitive to NCAR assumption, and thus identify the best predictive model. Finally, we further evaluate the performance of the proposed methods in both settings of low‐dimensional and high‐dimensional data under CAR and NCAR through simulations.