Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Distribution of Tissue Damage in the Spinal Cord Is Influenced by the Contusion Velocity

Study Design. A rat model of thoracic spinal cord contusion was used to examine the effect of velocity on the primary injury. Objectives. The overall objective of this study was to determine the effect of the contusion velocity (slow vs. fast) on damage to the spinal cord immediately following mechanical injury. Secondary objectives were to demarcate between damage in the gray and white matters and to observe damage to the mechanical elements of the neurons (i.e., neurofilaments). Summary of Background Data. Although studies have explored the effect of impact velocity on spinal cord damage and functional deficits, no study has addressed regional tissue damage of the primary injury (e.g., between the gray and white matter) as a function of velocity. Methods. A modified Spinal Cord Injury Research System generated 1 mm contusions in 24 male, Sprague-Dawley rats (210–320 g) at T10, using slow (3 mm/s) and fast (300 mm/s) velocities. The primary lesion (<2 minutes postinjury) was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining for hemorrhage volume and immunostaining for nonphosphorylated heavy neurofilament damage. Results. The volume of hemorrhage in the white matter was significantly increased following fast impact (fast = 0.61 mm3, slow = 0.24 mm3, P = 0.013) whereas the total hemorrhage volume (fast = 1.51 mm3, slow = 1.21 mm3, P = 0.22) showed no effect. Complete axonal disruption was evident in the fast injury group around the injury epicenter. A significant increase in nonphosphorylated neurofilament staining (P = 0.013) was observed for fast impacts. Hemorrhage in the gray matter was similar between the slow and fast groups, but an increase in neurofilament dephosphorylation was observed in the gray matter following fast contusion (P = 0.03). Conclusion. We conclude that contusion velocity has an effect on the magnitude of injury within the white matter during spinal cord injury and the amount of neur-onal damage in the gray matter. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of including high impact velocity as a variable in models of spinal cord injury.
The concentration of proteins in human gingival crevicular fluid.

The amount and concentration of protein present in fluid obtained from individual healthy and inflamed gingival crevices have been examined. It was found that an artefactual hyperbolic relationship existed between protein concentration and fluid volume in fluid originating from healthy crevices, resulting in over-estimation of protein content. In fluid originating from inflamed crevices, no statistically significant correlation existed between protein concentration and fluid volume, which is to be expected for an inflammatory exudate. The fluid dynamics of the crevicular region is therefore probably similar to that of the rest of the body.
Depression vs. Dementia: A comparative analysis of neuropsychological functions

The aim of this study is the establishing of differences between neuropsychological profiles of depression and dementia. The sample included three groups: the first group represented the patients with endogenous depression, the second – the patients with dementia, and the third one – healthy individuals. The participants have been tested by a neuropsychological battery. Two patient groups were tested during the stage of remission/adequate mood. Abilities most susceptible to depression are: attention, executive functions and memory. Cognitive flexibility and general cognitive ability are preserved in depressive patients. Depressive patients express cognitive disorders of moderate degree during the remission stage. Impairment pattern in the group of depressive patients does not indicate intellectual degradation of the dementia type. Neuropsychological deficiencies of the patients with endogenous depression suggest frontal limbic dysfunction. Еxcesses in cognitive functioning of demented patients are more serious and massive in comparison with cognitive difficulties in depressive patients.
Comparison of self-reported versus accelerometer-measured physical activity.

INTRODUCTION The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is one of the most widely used questionnaires to assess physical activity (PA). Validation studies for the IPAQ have been executed, but still there is a need for studies comparing absolute values between IPAQ and accelerometer in large population studies. PURPOSE To compare PA and sedentary time from the self-administered, short version of the IPAQ with data from ActiGraph accelerometer in a large national sample. METHODS A total of 1751 adults (19-84 yr) wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT1M) for seven consecutive days and completed the IPAQ-Short Form. Sedentary time, total PA, and time spent in moderate to vigorous activity were compared in relation to sex, age, and education. RESULTS Men and women reported, on average, 131 min·d (SE = 4 min·d) less sedentary time compared with the accelerometer measurements. The difference between self-reported and measured sedentary time and vigorous-intensity PA was greatest among men with a lower education level and for men 65 yr and older. Although men reported 47% more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared with women, there were no differences between sexes in accelerometer-determined MVPA. Accelerometer-determined moderate PA was reduced from 110 to 42 min·d (62%) when analyzed in blocks of 10 min (P < 0.0001) compared with 1-min blocks. The main correlation coefficients between self-reported variables and accelerometer measures of physical activity were between 0.20 and 0.46. CONCLUSIONS The participants report through IPAQ-Short Form more vigorous PA and less sedentary time compared with the accelerometer. The difference between self-reported and accelerometer-measured MVPA increased with higher activity and intensity levels. Associations between the methods were affected by sex, age, and education, but not body mass index.
Effects of Field of View on Judgments of Self-Location: Distortions in Distance Estimations Even When the Image Geometry Exactly Fits the Field of View

This research stems from the casual observation that the image of a television screen with 18 geometric eld of view (FOVg) as seen on a real television with 17 real FOV appears much nearer than the real television<Eth>as much as 98 closer. Does the image appear nearer because the distance to the real television is misjudged or is a mental model of a virtual subjective self-location created? Either way, all the projective mapping in the world, whether only in the z plane or in all x, y, and z planes, is irrelevant to explain this powerful perceptual or cognitive effect that the neglected variable of FOV has on self-location in virtual space. Accurate perception of the scene and precise self-location in virtual environments is the goal of accurate perspective geometries, scene computation, and helmet-mounted display (HMD) optics. Yet, as research has already clearly shown, accurate geometric projection is no guarantee of accurate perception: for instance, images viewed exactly at their proper projection points have repeatedly been seen at distorted distances or inaccurate directions. In addition to precise engineering, it is important to understand the psychology of selflocation, also called egocenters, to obtain an understanding of virtual space. A new theory, Cognitive Frame Theory, is proposed to deal with cognitive modications of perception in a way that emphasizes the importance of self-location. Cognitive Frame Theory builds on the phenomenal geometry underlying self-location perceptions: the localization of objects in space requires a combination of perceived distance, perceived direction, and the perception of the position or motion of the self. A fundamentally novel component of the theory suggests that observers use their natural elds of view of 120 vertical by 180 horizontal as the primary standard for interpreting visual displays and their self-location in the space of those displays.
Optimizing Antenna Con fi guration for MIMO Systems with Imperfect Channel Estimation

We study the optimal antenna configuration (i.e. number of transmit and receive antennas) for multiple-input multiple-output systems in pilot-symbol-assisted modulation schemes with imperfect channel estimation. We assume block flat-fading channels and focus on a practical range of high signalto-noise ratio. An ergodic capacity lower bound is used as the objective function to be maximized. We analytically study the capacity gain from adding extra antennas to the transmitter or to the receiver in two different scenarios. Our numerical results show that the optimal antenna configuration under imperfect channel estimation can be significantly different from that under perfect channel estimation assumption. In addition, we investigate the capacity gain from optimizing antenna configuration and find that the gain can be larger than that achieved by optimizing transmit power over pilot and data symbols, particularly for large block lengths.
A history of oxygen usage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The history of O2 usage with particular emphasis on COPD was reviewed and included therapy, administration, work performance, cor pulmonale, acute respiratory failure, and toxicity. Notable contributors to this field include Lavoisier, Beddoes, Bert, Lorrain Smith, Haldane, Barach, Campbell and Poulton, Comroe, and Campbell. It was concluded that in patients with COPD, clear indications for O2 therapy and administration exist, but better portable and domiciliary devices need to be developed and assessment of toxicity to short- and long-term exposures needs to be studied further.
Predicting cancer-control outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Purpose of review An increasing number of models are becoming available for patients with either suspected or established renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of various stages. In this review, we propose a systematic approach to the assessment of the quantity of the existing predictive and prognostic models. Recent findings Only one model was designed to distinguish between malignant or benign histology prior to nephrectomy and another tool attempts to discriminate between low-grade and high-grade histology. Four tools predict the natural history of RCC using preoperative tumor characteristics. Postnephrectomy recurrence can be predicted with four tools. Finally, mortality predictions can be quantified with 21 predictive tools. Although several of these tools are validated, formal tests were performed in surprisingly few such models. Summary Multiple models can be applied to nephrectomy candidates, to patients treated with nephrectomy, or to individuals with metastatic RCC regardless of nephrectomy status. For newly diagnosed and untreated patients, these tools can guide the clinician with respect to treatment selection. For patients treated with nephrectomy, they can assess the risk of recurrence and/or mortality and can guide the type and frequency of follow-up considerations. Finally, for patients with metastatic RCC, the models can provide the best estimate of remaining life expectancy. Unfortunately, virtually no data are available to model the prognosis of patients subjected to surveillance or nonextirpative treatment models.
Single versus complementary switches: a discussion of clock feedthrough in S.C. circuits

The switches of a S.C. circuit can be built either with one single MOS transistor, or by having one NMOS and one PMOS transistor connected together (complementary switches). In this paper, the two alternatives are compared with respect to clock feedthrough; it is shown, both by simulations and measurements, that single switches result in lower offset than complementary switches.
Reconstruction of Rabbit Experimental Mandibular Defect with rhBMP-2 and Atelocollagen Gel —μCT Observation in Vivo and Histological Examination—

A rabbit experimental mandibular defect was reconstructed with rhBMP-2 and atelocollagen gel, and examined using μCT (R_mCT, Rigaku Mechatronics, Tokyo) in vivo and histological techniques. Using eight rabbits, we made an experimental mandibular defect and filled it with 1% atelocollagen gel including rhBMP-2 10ig (Astellas Pharma Inc.). In μCT observation, the density was slightly elevated at the bone marrow side at one week, and the phenomenon gradually expanded during the course of this experiment. Histologically, mesenchymal cell proliferation and immature bone formation occurred at one week, and mature bone gradually increased and filled in at four weeks.
Elevated plasma factor VIII and D-dimer levels as predictors of poor outcomes of thrombosis in children.

BACKGROUND Elevated levels of plasma factor VIII and D-dimer predict recurrent venous thromboembolism in adults. We sought to determine whether an elevation of factor VIII, D-dimer, or both at diagnosis and persistence of the laboratory abnormality after three to six months of anticoagulant therapy correlate with poor outcomes of thrombosis in children. METHODS We evaluated levels of factor VIII and D-dimer and additional components of an extensive laboratory thrombophilia (i.e., hypercoagulability) panel at the time of diagnosis in 144 children with a radiologically confirmed acute thrombotic event. All patients were treated initially with heparin and then with either warfarin or low-molecular-weight heparin for at least three to six months, according to the current standard of care. Patients were examined at follow-up visits 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis and then annually, at which times testing was repeated in children with previously abnormal factor VIII and D-dimer test results and a uniform evaluation for the post-thrombotic syndrome was performed. RESULTS Among 82 children for whom complete data were available regarding laboratory test results at diagnosis and thrombotic outcomes during follow-up, 67 percent had factor VIII levels above the cutoff value of 150 IU per deciliter, D-dimer levels above 500 ng per milliliter, or both at diagnosis, and at least one of the two laboratory values was persistently elevated in 43 percent of the 75 patients in whom testing was performed after three to six months of anticoagulant therapy. Fifty-one percent of the 82 patients had a poor outcome (i.e., a lack of thrombus resolution, recurrent thrombosis, or the post-thrombotic syndrome) during a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 3 months to 5 years). Elevated levels of factor VIII, D-dimer, or both at diagnosis were highly predictive of a poor outcome (odds ratio, 6.1; P=0.008), as was the persistence of at least one laboratory abnormality at three to six months (odds ratio, 4.7; P=0.002). The combination of a factor VIII level above 150 IU per deciliter and a D-dimer level above 500 ng per milliliter at diagnosis was 91 percent specific for a poor outcome, and after three to six months of standard anticoagulation, the combination was 88 percent specific. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of plasma factor VIII, D-dimer, or both at diagnosis and a persistent elevation of at least one of these factors after standard-duration anticoagulant therapy predict a poor outcome in children with thrombosis.
The influence of calcium on phosphorus utilization by chicks.

Abstract STUDIES on calcium and phosphorus in animal nutrition have been conducted by scientists for half a century. Much of the emphasis of this has been on the optimum calcium to phosphorus ratio for the animal. The balance of these elements is especially important when either or both is present in the diet in deficient amounts. On the other hand, an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus will cause adverse effects when both of these elements are present in adequate amounts. This was shown in data published by Smith and Taylor (1961), Nugara and Edwards (1962) and Wadroup et al. (1963) where calcium to phosphorus ratios as wide as 4 to 1 depressed the weight gains of chicks. An optimum calcium to phosphorus ratio determined when both of these elements are deficient can be influenced by the level of vitamin D in the diet. Bethke et al. (1923) found that increased increments…
Population Dynamics of Persistent Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from the Airways of Cystic Fibrosis Patients during a 6-Year Prospective Study

ABSTRACT Molecular typing of normal (n = 456) and small-colony-variant (SCV; n = 239) Staphylococcus aureus isolates cultured from the airways of 52 of 72 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (72.2%) during a 6-year prospective study revealed a median long-term persistence of 37 months (range, 6 to 70). SCV persisted longer in the airways than the normal S. aureus (statistically not significant). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis identified six prevalent clonal lineages, which were cultured from more than one patient (3 to 12 patients), and 39 individual clones, which were isolated only from single patients. The SCV phenotype was not restricted to a distinct clonal lineage but occurred in many different clones. Most patients (33 of 52, 63.46%) harbored single clones. This study provides a basis for improved understanding of S. aureus colonization and infection dynamics in CF patients.
Application of DNA pooling to large studies of disease

Large collections of individuals are required to investigate the association of commonly occurring genetic variation with disease. The laboratory assessment of one form of variation, single nucleotide polymorphisms, is costly in time and DNA. Robust statistical approaches are developed to allow the successful implementation of a recently described laboratory method for rapidly estimating allele frequency using pools of DNA. A substantial reduction in Type I error is demonstrated using simulation, through the incorporation of measurement error into confidence limits for a case–control study, illustrated on a case–control study of acute leukaemia in adults. A method for creating multiple sub‐pools is described which will allow large studies, such as the proposed U.K. Biobank, to take advantage of this method. Furthermore, a set‐based logistic regression is presented which allows the investigation of joint effects and interactions with other genes or environmental factors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepcidin is not useful as a biomarker for iron needs in haemodialysis patients on maintenance erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that hepcidin may be useful as a tool for managing iron therapy in haemodialysis (HD) patients on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). METHODS We used SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry assay to measure serum hepcidin-25 (Hep-25) and hepcidin-20 (Hep-20) in 56 adult HD patients on maintenance ESA to assess their ability to predict haemoglobin (Hb) response after 1 g intravenous iron (62.5 mg ferric gluconate at 16 consecutive dialysis sessions) and their relationship with markers of iron status, inflammation and erythropoietic activity. RESULTS At multivariate analysis (in a model that also included Hb, reticulocyte, ESA dose, HFE genotype, soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR] and C-reactive protein), Hep-25 independently correlated with ferritin (β = 0.03, P = 0.01) and the percentage of hypochromic red blood cells [%Hypo] (β = 1.84, P = 0.01), suggesting that Hep-25 may be a useful biomarker for iron stores and bone marrow iron availability. Hep-20 correlated independently with Hep-25 (β = 0.159, P < 0.001) and ferritin (β = 0.006, P = 0.05), suggesting that it may be a useful additional biomarker for iron stores. On receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, neither Hep-25 nor Hep-20 significantly predicted who will increase their Hb after iron loading (AUC = 0.52 ± 0.09 and 0.54 ± 0.08, P = 0.612), and the same applied to ferritin and transferrin saturation (AUC = 0.55 ± 0.08 and 0.59 ± 0.08, P = 0.250), whereas %Hypo and reticulocyte Hb content were significant predictors (AUC = 0.84 ± 0.05 and 0.70 ± 0.08, P < 0.01). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, %Hypo was the only biomarker independently associated with iron responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS Although our study suggests an important role for hepcidin in regulating iron homeostasis in HD patients on ESA, our findings do not support its utility as a predictor of iron needs, offering no advantage over established markers of iron status.
Oligodendrocyte development and myelination in GFP‐transgenic zebrafish

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic zebrafish technology has been employed to directly visualize and analyze dynamic developmental processes, such as cell migration and morphogenesis. Stable transgenic zebrafish that express GFP in oligodendrocytes can be a valuable tool to visualize complex myelination processes in vivo, as well as to conduct rapid mutagenesis screens for defective myelination mutants. We investigated whether two myelin gene promoters, the zebrafish P0 promoter and the mouse proteolipid protein (PLP) promoter, drive GFP expression in zebrafish oligodendrocytes. Transiently, both promoters drive enhanced GFP (EGFP) expression in morphologically identifiable oligodendrocytes, premyelinating oligodendrocytes, and possible oligodendrocyte precursors. We have established a stable transgenic zebrafish line, tg(plp:EGFP) zebrafish, at the F1 generation, which expresses enhanced GFP (EGFP) driven by the mouse PLP promoter. In this transgenic line, EGFP‐expressing cells are visually detectable around 24‐hr postfertilization (hpf), and later at 54 hpf, these cells start exhibiting the clear morphologic characteristics of oligodendrocytes. Shortly afterward, EGFP‐expressing oligodendrocytes establish a ventral dominant distribution pattern throughout the central nervous system. This transgenic zebrafish line is likely to serve as a useful tool, in which normal myelination as well as abnormal myelination can be recorded under time‐lapse confocal microscopy. Furthermore, it has the potential to greatly facilitate mutagenesis screening for novel dysmyelinating mutants. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint

preventing disability and disease-related morbidity (Tanaka et al., 2008). If such information were available, it would enable dentists to manage patients with TMJ disorders correctly at earlier stages, such that the necessity for surgical treatment would decrease. In the field of orthopedics, a three-dimensional reconstruction system has already been developed as a powerful tool for diagnosis and treatment planning of bone fracture (Glitsch and Baumann, 1997; McLean et al., 2003). The latter, for instance, successfully developed a subject-specific threedimensional model of the lower extremity from an individual MRI and used it to predict neuromuscular control effects on three-dimensional knee joint loading during movements that can potentially cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. These investigators also demonstrated that this modeling was successful in simulating injuries caused by perturbed neuromuscular control, which can contribute to the prevention of damage to the locomotory system. The goal of TMJ research should be the development of a system to diagnose TMJ disorders and their etiology. This would include three-dimensional reconstruction of individual TMJs for application in a person-specific biomechanical model aimed at predicting TMJ loading and stress analysis during mandibular movements under normal or abnormal neuromuscular control. Furthermore, the effects of intended treatment could be predicted. Before such a system can be realized, many difficulties will have to be overcome. This is the present challenge for researchers in the field of biomechanics of the TMJ.