Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cooperative international neuromuscular research group Duchenne natural history study: Glucocorticoid treatment preserves clinically meaningful functional milestones and reduces rate of disease progression as measured by manual muscle testing and other commonly used clinical trial outcome measur

Introduction: Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has altered disease progression, necessitating contemporary natural history studies. Methods: The Cooperative Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) DMD Natural History Study (DMD‐NHS) enrolled 340 DMD males, ages 2–28 years. A comprehensive battery of measures was obtained. Results: A novel composite functional “milestone” scale scale showed clinically meaningful mobility and upper limb abilities were significantly preserved in GC‐treated adolescents/young adults. Manual muscle test (MMT)‐based calculations of global strength showed that those patients <10 years of age treated with steroids declined by 0.4±0.39 MMT unit/year, compared with −0.4±0.39 MMT unit/year in historical steroid‐naive subjects. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were relatively preserved in steroid‐treated adolescents. The linearity and magnitude of decline in measures were affected by maturational changes and functional status. Conclusions: In DMD, long‐term use of GCs showed reduced strength loss and preserved functional capabilities and PFTs compared with previous natural history studies performed prior to the widespread use of GC therapy. Muscle Nerve, 2013
The Cytoskeleton of Primary Astrocytes in Culture Contains Actin, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, and the Fibroblast‐Type Filament Protein, Vimentin

Abstract: Primary astrocytes were cultured from the forebrains of 1‐day‐old rats. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that approximately 80% of the cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and >80% were stained with an antiserum to the molecular weight 58,000 fibroblast intermediate filament protein (vimentin). Gel electrophoresis of Triton‐insoluble cytoskeleton preparations from these cultures revealed three major bands having molecular weights of 58,000, 51,000, and 42,000, together with some prominent lower‐molecular‐weight species. The protein of molecular weight 51,000 was not present in preparations from fibroblasts. Each of the three major astrocyte proteins was subjected to limited proteolysis, while two of the proteins were cleaved by cyanogen bromide. The electrophoretic peptide patterns of the 58,000 protein were similar to those of vimentin isolated from NIL‐8 fibroblasts, and the patterns of the 51,000 protein were similar to those of GFAP isolated from rat spinal cord. The patterns of the protein of molecular weight 42,000 resembled those of muscle actin. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis showed that the 51,000 astrocyte protein reacted with an antiserum to bovine GFAP, but the 58,000 and 42,000 proteins failed to react. We conclude that the major proteins of cytoskeleton preparations from cultured primary astrocytes are vimentin (58,000), GFAP (51,000), and actin (42,000), and that our data show no obvious structural relationship among them.
Greek-origin royal jelly improves the lipid profile of postmenopausal women

Abstract Aim: Menopause transition is associated with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Concerns about the long-term safety of menopausal hormone therapy make alternative natural methods an appealing approach to management. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of royal jelly (RJ) on cardiovascular and bone turnover markers in clinically healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 36 postmenopausal healthy women were studied in a prospective follow-up study. Participants received 150 mg of RJ daily for three months. Circulating cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, antithrombin-III (ATIII), Protein C, Protein S, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] and bone turnover parameters [Total calcium, phosphate (P), parathormone (PTH), total type-1 Procollagen N-terminal (P1NP), Osteocalcin and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX)] were compared between the baseline and the three-month visit. Results: The RJ used in this study was particularly rich in medium chain fatty acids, compounds with hypolipidemic properties, which comprised 63% of the dry weight fatty content. RJ treatment resulted in a significant increase in high density lipoprotein – cholesterol (HDL-C 60.2 mg/dL ± 12.3 versus 64.7 mg/dL ± 13.9, 7.7% increase, p = 0.0003), as well as in a significant decrease in low density lipoprotein – cholesterol (LDL-C, 143.9 ± 37.5 versus 136.2 ± 32, 4.1% decrease, p = 0.011) and in total cholesterol (224.4 ± 38.6 to 216.1 ± 36.5, 3.09% decrease, p = 0.018). No statistical significant changes were found in the remaining cardiovascular or the bone turnover parameters. Conclusions: The intake of RJ 150 mg for three months is associated with significant improvements of the lipid profile of postmenopausal women. RJ supplementation may offer an alternative method of controlling the menopause – associated dyslipidemia.
From Households to National Statistics: Macroeconomic Effects of Women's Empowerment

How do shifts in intra-household gender dynamics affect the economy at large? This paper parametrizes intra-household gender-powered decision-making and endogenous distributions of income to allow for the aggregation of key macroeconomic variables. In equilibrium, we find that greater women's empowerment increases precautionary savings to offset low endowment realizations. The effect is stronger among poor households who hedge against hitting a subsistence bound. Given the boost in savings at the bottom of the distribution, more empowerment leads to less poverty and lower income inequality. Another equilibrium prediction of the model is an increase in the household's food intake regardless of income, reflecting women's greater preference for food compared to men. The model's predictions are mapped to Mexico's 2014 National Household Income and Expenditure Survey which identifies the gender of the head of the household. These predictions have policy implications in the areas of monetary policy, social policy, financial intermediation and banking.
Cryopreservation and plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis using shoot apical domes of mature Pinus roxburghii sarg, trees

SummaryThe present investigation reports optimized parameters for somatic embryogenesis and cryopreservation of embryogenic cultures using shoot apical domes from mature trees of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Embryogenic tissue of P. roxburghii Sarg. was cryopreserved for 24 h, 10 d, and 8 wk using sorbitol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotectants. Results indicate that 0.2M sorbitol and 5% DMSO had the best cryoprotecting effect. The recovered tissue showed luxuriant growth on maintenance medium (II). Partial desiccation of thawed embryogenic tissue for 24 h prior to transfer to maturation medium enhanced the maturation of somatic embryos. Maturation frequency increased from 1.3 to 18.3% after 12 h desiccation treatment, and from 18.3 to 61.8% after 24 h of desiccation. However, non-desiccated embryogenic tissue produced the least number of somatic embryos (1.3%) on the maturation medium with the same abscisic acid and Gellan gum concentration. All the three embryogenic lines produced plantlets and had the same appearance and normal growth as compared to unfrozen controls.
A spread spectrum clock generator using phase/frequency boosting with a peak power reduction 14.9dB, RMS jitter 1.40ps and power 4.8mW/GHz for USB 3.0

A 2.5 GHz spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) is proposed for USB 3.0. The low jitter is achieved by setting the normal loop bandwidth to an optimum value, considering both the VCO noise and the quantization noise of ΔΣ modulator. A large peak power reduction is achieved by maintaining a sharp triangular frequency profile through phase/frequency boosting when the phase error between two inputs of PFD exceeds a limit (2π× 2/9 rad). The peak power reduction and the RMS jitter are measured to be -14.9dB at the RBW of 100 KHz and 1.40ps, respectively. The chip area is 0.34mm × 0.36mm in a 0.13um process.
Monetary Policy in a World of Cryptocurrencies

Can currency competition affect central banks’ control of interest rates and prices? Yes, it can. In a two-currency world with competing cash (material or digital), the growth rate of the cryptocurrency sets an upper bound on the nominal interest rate and the attainable inflation rate, if the government currency is to retain its role as medium of exchange. In any case, the government has full control of the inflation rate. With an interest-bearing digital currency, equilibria in which government currency loses medium-of-exchange property are ruled out. This benefit comes at the cost of relinquishing control over the inflation rate.
La qualité des services d’aide à domicile dispensés aux personnes âgées dépendantes : les perspectives des différents acteurs

iii Table des matières . v Liste des tableaux . ix Liste des figures et graphiques . x Liste des sigles. xi Liste des abréviations . xiii Remerciements. xv Chapitre 1 : INTRODUCTION GÉNÉRALE . 1 1.
Intraphagosomal Peroxynitrite as a Macrophage-derived Cytotoxin against Internalized Trypanosoma cruzi

Macrophage-derived radicals generated by the NADPH oxidase complex and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) participate in cytotoxic mechanisms against microorganisms. Nitric oxide (•NO) plays a central role in the control of acute infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and we have proposed that much of its action relies on macrophage-derived peroxynitrite (ONOO− + ONOOH) formation, a strong oxidant arising from the reaction of •NO with superoxide radical (O2̇̄). Herein, we have shown that internalization of T. cruzi trypomastigotes by macrophages triggers the assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex to yield O2̇̄ during a 60–90-min period. This does not interfere with IFN-γ-dependent iNOS induction and a sustained •NO production (∼24 h). The major mechanism for infection control via reactive species formation occurred when •NO and O2̇̄ were produced simultaneously, generating intraphagosomal peroxynitrite levels compatible with microbial killing. Moreover, biochemical and ultrastructural analysis confirmed cellular oxidative damage and morphological disruption in internalized parasites. Overexpression of cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase in T. cruzi neutralized macrophage-derived peroxynitrite-dependent cytotoxicity to parasites and favored the infection in an animal model. Collectively, the data provide, for the first time, direct support for the action of peroxynitrite as an intraphagosomal cytotoxin against pathogens and the premise that microbial peroxiredoxins facilitate infectivity via decomposition of macrophage-derived peroxynitrite.
Cancer statistics, 2013

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected in the United States in the current year and compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival based on incidence data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. A total of 1,660,290 new cancer cases and 580,350 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States in 2013. During the most recent 5 years for which there are data (2005‐2009), delay‐adjusted cancer incidence rates declined slightly in men (by 0.6% per year) and were stable in women, while cancer death rates decreased by 1.8% per year in men and by 1.5% per year in women. Overall, cancer death rates have declined 20% from their peak in 1991 (215.1 per 100,000 population) to 2009 (173.1 per 100,000 population). Death rates continue to decline for all 4 major cancer sites (lung, colorectum, breast, and prostate). Over the past 10 years of data (2000‐2009), the largest annual declines in death rates were for chronic myeloid leukemia (8.4%), cancers of the stomach (3.1%) and colorectum (3.0%), and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (3.0%). The reduction in overall cancer death rates since 1990 in men and 1991 in women translates to the avoidance of approximately 1.18 million deaths from cancer, with 152,900 of these deaths averted in 2009 alone. Further progress can be accelerated by applying existing cancer control knowledge across all segments of the population, with an emphasis on those groups in the lowest socioeconomic bracket and other underserved populations. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
First diagnosis of septic arthritis in a dinosaur

Identification and interpretation of pathologies in the fossil record allows for unique insights into the life histories of extinct organisms. However, the rarity of such finds limits not only the sample size for palaeopathologic studies, but also the types of analyses that may be performed. In this study, we present the first occurrence of a palaeopathology in a vertebrate from the Mesozoic of the East Coast of North America (Appalachia), a pathologic ulna and radius of an indeterminate hadrosaur from the Navesink Formation (New Jersey). X-ray microtomography allowed for both detailed and more accurate diagnosis of the pathologic condition as well as virtual conservation of the specimen. Based on extant archosaurian comparisons, the hadrosaur was diagnosed with severe septic arthritis affecting the proximal ulna and radius. Diagnosis was based on erosion of the joint and highly reactive periosteal bone growth and fusion of the elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded account of septic arthritis in dinosaurs. The severity of the pathology suggests the animal suffered with this condition for some time before death. Unfortunately, only the ulna and radius were found. Thus, the extent to which the condition spread to other parts of the body is unknown.
Above-knee versus below-knee stockings in total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION Graduated compression stockings are frequently used following arthroplasty surgery for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis. There are often strongly held beliefs regarding whether below-knee or above-knee stockings should be used in total knee joint replacement. Many surgeons argue that below-knee stockings are more likely to induce wound complications because of increased swelling above the stocking and the elastic causing localised pressure on the wound. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study is a prospective comparison of above and below-knee stockings in patients undergoing total knee joint replacement. A total of 50 patients were recruited and studied - 23 patients in the above-knee stocking group and 24 in the below-knee group. Swelling around the knee was measured over the course of an in-patient stay, together with wound complication rates and patients' preference. RESULTS No statistical difference was found between the groups and no difference in wound complication rates was determined. CONCLUSIONS Below-knee stockings are safe following total knee replacement and are preferred by patients.
Psychological Problems of the Deaf

Although hearing is known to play a major role in the psychological development of human beings and their interactions in the society and culture, very little research on the effects of hearing loss on the psyche and its development has been undertaken. This paper discusses the problems of deafness as they impinge upon personality, its development and social adjustment, acquisition of language, and parenting. The physician's role as it relates to the deaf patient and to the parents is described.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Incidence and Respiratory Dysfunction During Sleep in Infants: Treatment with Cisapride

We studied the effects of positional treatment and cisapride (a new prokinetic agent) on the incidence and duration of gastroesophageal reflux in 22 infants (4–26 weeks old) in asleep, awake, fasted, and postcibal periods. In addition to gastroesophageal reflux (assessed by 24-h continuous esophageal pH monitoring), all infants presented with a disrupted irregular sleep pattern (“respiratory dysfunction”) (assessed by a simultaneously performed cardiopneumogram). Reflux was particularly prominent during the sleep and fasted periods. Investigations (cardiopneumogram and esophageal pH monitoring) in the study population were repeated under treatment conditions (cisapride) after 13–16 days. All pH monitoring data with regard to the total investigation time decreased significantly (p < 0.001). The treatment-related differences were largest in the asleep and fasted periods, but treatment data were not completely within normal ranges (established in age-matched asymptomatic infants), as they were for the awake periods. Associated symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (belching, cough, nocturnal wheezing, irritability, and restlessness at night) were evaluated before and during treatment by history. A combination of positional treatment and cisapride seemed effective (objectivated by pH monitoring data and clinical improvement); cisapride did not cause adverse reactions. The disrupted sleep pattern improved significantly or disappeared (p < 0.001) in all infants. These data suggest that in a number of young infants, gastroesophageal reflux may be associated with a disturbed, irregular sleep of poor quality, which is characterized by a typical breathing pattern (multiple, irregularly repeated, short apneas).
Transcriptional Induction of MKP-1 in Response to Stress Is Associated with Histone H3 Phosphorylation-Acetylation

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) has been shown to play a critical role in mediating the feedback control of MAP kinase cascades in a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation and stress responsiveness. Although MKP-1expression is induced by a broad array of extracellular stimuli, the mechanisms mediating its induction remain poorly understood. Here we show that MKP-1 mRNA was potently induced by arsenite and ultraviolet light and modestly increased by heat shock and hydrogen peroxide. Interestingly, arsenite also dramatically induces phosphorylation-acetylation of histone H3 at a global level which precedes the induction of MKP-1 mRNA. The transcriptional induction of MKP-1, histone H3 modification, and elevation in MKP-1 mRNA in response to arsenite are all partially prevented by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580, suggesting that the p38 pathway is involved in these processes. Finally, analysis of the DNA brought down by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) reveals that arsenite induces phosphorylation-acetylation of histone H3 associated with the MKP-1 gene and enhances binding of RNA polymerase II to MKP-1 chromatin. ChIP assays following exposure to other stress agents reveal various degrees of histone H3 modification at the MKP-1 chromatin. The differential contribution of p38 and ERK MAP kinases in mediating MKP-1 induction by different stress agents further illustrates the complexity and versatility of stress-induced MKP-1 expression. Our results strongly suggest that chromatin remodeling after stress contributes to the transcriptional induction of MKP-1.
Events at the end of mitosis in the budding and fission yeasts

The mitotic exit network (MEN) and the septation initiation network (SIN) control events at the end of mitosis in S. cerevisiae and S. pombe, respectively. SIN initiates contraction of the actin ring and synthesis of the division septum, thereby bringing about cytokinesis. The MEN is also required for cytokinesis, but its main role is to control inactivation of mitotic cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) at the end of mitosis, and thereby regulate mitotic exit. Each revolves around a Ras-family GTPase and involves several protein kinases, and SIN and MEN proteins are localised to the spindle pole body. In S. cerevisiae, a second network, known as FEAR, cooperates with the MEN to bring about mitotic exit, and a third, AMEN, contributes to switching the MEN off. Some of the central components of the FEAR, SIN and MEN have been conserved through evolution, which suggests that aspects of their function in controlling events at the end of mitosis might be conserved in higher eukaryotes.
Plasma viscosity, functional fibrinogen, and platelet reactivity in vascular surgery patients.

BACKGROUND Platelet reactivity changes with shear stress, which in turn depends on whole blood and plasma viscosity (PV). Platelets interact with fibrinogen during thrombus formation, and fibrinogen is a determinant of PV. The respective role of PV and fibrinogen on platelet function is still unclear. METHODS 30 patients undergoing vascular surgery were admitted to this study. In each patient we measured PV using a cone-on-plate viscosimeter, functional fibrinogen using thromboelastometry, and platelet reactivity to thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) stimulation using multi-electrode aggregometry. Routine coagulation parameter were measured. RESULTS At the univariate analysis, platelet reactivity was positively associated with mean platelet volume (R2 = 0.15, P = 0.033) and PV (R2 = 0.35, P = 0.0006), and negatively associated with serum bilirubin (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.013) and international normalized ratio (INR) (R2 = 0.19, P = 0.017). At the multivariable analysis, only PV (P = 0.001) and INR (P = 0.019) remained independent predictors of platelet reactivity. CONCLUSION PV is directly and independently associated with platelet reactivity, whereas functional fibrinogen is not. Aspirin treatment is inadequate to correct thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. In presence of hyperviscosity, patients at high cardiovascular risk, may benefit from more aggressive anti-platelet treatments.
Miniaturization of small resonant aperture using a modified ridge structure and its application to FSS design

A miniaturization of the small resonant aperture is presented in this paper. For this purpose, we modified the structure of the resonant aperture. The resonance characteristic of the modified apertures were investigated through that the resonant frequency was decreased. And we applied the modified aperture to the miniaturization of FSS unit cell.
A De-embedding technique for diode-incorporated reconfigurable antenna simulation

This paper presents a de-embedding technique for diode-incorporated reconfigurable antenna simulation. Bias-T is used to switch on or off the diode when measuring the S-parameters using vector network analyzer (VNA). The S-parameters of the input and output fixtures to be de-embedded are simulated by commercial full-wave solver. The S-parameters of diode after de-embedding can be used for simulating the diode-incorporated antenna. A polarization reconfigurable antenna with two diodes incorporated is simulated and the result agrees well with the measured result.
Transaction Hazards and Governance Mechanisms in Public-Private Partnerships: A Comparative Study of Two Cases

Abstract Public–private partnerships (PPPs), although widely used to build infrastructure and deliver public services around the world, have confronted transaction hazards of uncertainty, asset specificity, information asymmetry, and contract incompleteness. Drawing from contracting theories, this article takes a holistic approach to identifying eight governance mechanisms to address transaction hazards: cognition and flexibility for uncertainty, safeguards and credibility for asset specificity, transparency and competition for information asymmetry, and reputation and trust for contract incompleteness. We then conduct a comparative study of two PPP power projects, one successful in China and the other failed in India, to illustrate how governance mechanisms function to address those transaction hazards. Among eight governance mechanisms, flexibility, credibility, and competition are especially critical to determine the success or failure of PPP projects.