Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When does rheumatoid arthritis start and can it be stopped before it does?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by a persistent and often destructive polyarticular synovitis involving large and small joints not infrequently associated with extra-articular features. This construct was classified by the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) 1987 classification criteria for RA.1 However, RA probably has a long prodrome with an asymptomatic phase followed by a period of unclassifiable musculoskeletal symptoms and signs before fully manifesting four out of seven of these criteria. Current concepts of pathogenesis presume that environmental triggers interact with genes such as those from the histocompatibility complex where an arthritogenic peptide triggers the innate immune response followed by upregulation of adaptive immunity.2 This would represent the preclinical phase of RA during which anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) and then IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) are generated. During this adaptive immune response, profound changes occur in the synovial membrane, leading to an influx of immune and inflammatory cells and increased vascularity of the joints followed by a destructive synovitis.2 Ultimately, patients develop a sufficient burden of synovitis that it is classifiable as RA. It is not easy to identify when RA actually starts clinically but it may be important to recognise preclinical RA at a much earlier time point in order to prevent progression to full-blown classifiable disease which becomes persistent and destructive. Starting from the presence of early arthritis or undifferentiated arthritis (UA) several prediction models to predict the development of RA—however, defined—have been derived. In all models the presence of ACPAs is an independent strong predictor of the development of RA.3,–,6 Recently, researchers have attempted to identify patients in the prodromal phase during a period of very early inflammatory arthritis (VEIA) to determine if there are predictors that may indicate which patients go on to develop RA and if there is any treatment …
Circulatory status and response to cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND We recently reported that some patients with heart failure and exercise intolerance exhibit severe hemodynamic dysfunction during exercise, whereas others have normal cardiac output responses to exercise. We postulated that patients with preserved cardiac output responses to exercise are limited by deconditioning and would respond to exercise training, whereas patients with reduced cardiac output responses are limited by skeletal muscle underperfusion and would not improve with exercise training. The present study was undertaken to test this hypothesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-two patients with heart failure were studied. Hemodynamic response to maximal treadmill exercise was measured; then patients were enrolled in a standard 3-month cardiac rehabilitation program. Peak exercise VO2, lactate threshold, and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 months. Twenty-one patients had normal cardiac output responses to exercise. All 21 patients participated in the rehabilitation program without difficulty, and 9 (43%) responded to rehabilitation, defined as a > 10% increase in both peak exercise VO2 and the anaerobic threshold. Of the 11 patients with reduced cardiac output responses to exercise, 3 discontinued rehabilitation because of severe exhaustion, and only 1 qualified as a responder (9%; P < .04 versus preserved cardiac output). CONCLUSIONS Patients with heart failure and normal cardiac output responses to exercise frequently improve with exercise training. Patients with severe hemodynamic dysfunction during exercise usually do not improve with training, which suggests that they are limited primarily by circulatory factors.
Identification of two poly (A) Polymerases in Bacillus subtilis

Two poly(A) polymerase activities were identified in extracts of a strain of Bacillus subtilis in which the gene for polynucleotide phosphorylase was disrupted. Gel filtration studies showed a large difference in the molecular size of the two poly(A) polymerases. On the other hand, the two enzymes resembled the two major poly(A) polymerases of Escherichia coli both with respect to size and in many of their catalytic properties. The observation that both B. subtilis and E. coli have two poly(A) polymerases with many common properties suggest interesting parallels in the processing of the 3′‐ends of mRNA in gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria.
Evidence for a function‐specific mutation in the neurotoxin, parabutoxin 3

Parabutoxin 3 (PBTx3), a short‐chain α‐K+ neurotoxin from the scorpion, Parabuthus transvaalicus, is a 37‐residue polypeptide cross‐linked by three disulphide bridges. The affinity towards Kv1 channels is very weak (Kd ≈ 79 µm for Kv1.1 channels), or moderate (Kd ≈ 500 nm for Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 channels). In an effort to generate a more potent K+ channel blocker, we recombinantly produced a mutant PBTx3 by the introduction of an aromatic amino acid, fenylalanine in close proximity of the crucial lysine 26 residue, to create a functional diad similar to subfamily three α‐K+ toxins. The mutant was tested for his ability to block Kv1.1, Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes: a hundred‐fold higher affinity towards Kv1.1 channels and a fivefold increase in affinity towards Kv1.3 channels was observed, when compared to the wild‐type toxin. The effect on Kv1.2 channels was similar to the wild‐type toxin, indicating a specific interaction site for the mutated residue onto the different Kv‐type channels.
Visual Analysis of Geo-spatial Data in 3D Terrain Environments using Focus+Context

Visual analysis of geo-spatial data represented within a three-dimensional frame of reference is a challenging task. Focus+Context is a common concept that aids this process. This paper addresses the question, how Focus+Context can be applied to a visualization of multivariate weather data along with 3D terrain data. For this purpose, the focus can be speciﬁed with regard to both, the terrain and the weather data, utilizing different strategies. Based on the speciﬁed focus, the associated context is derived automatically. Data within focus is emphasized, whereas context information is shown with less detail. To this end, various rendering strategies are proposed. We demonstrate our approach by several examples that were generated by the Focus+Context functionality of our visual analytics tool TedaVis.
Telerobot control system based on dual-virtual model and virtual force

The virtual-reality technology and robot virtual force feedback technology are researched both on theory and experiment. The telerobot control system based on dual-virtual model and virtual force is presented. The 3D visualized virtual operation platform is developed combined with 3DS Max, OpenGL and Visual C++ with the six DOF MOTOMAN robot. System architecture is analyzed and the synchronization relationship between virtual environment dynamics model and real solid model is also researched. Coming to the conclusion that the virtual environment dynamics model must be compatible with real solid model, in order to realize teleoperation develop circumstance based on virtual reality prediction technology. A spring-damping virtual predicted force model that can be easy achieved is built, combined with which the visual predicted control of the remote robot via virtual reality technology. based on dual-virtual model and spring-damping virtual predicted force, simulation and Experiment test and verify the availability of the telerobot control system.
Perception of effort in Exercise Science: Definition, measurement and perspectives

Abstract Perception of effort, also known as perceived exertion or sense of effort, can be described as a cognitive feeling of work associated with voluntary actions. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of what is perception of effort in Exercise Science. Due to the addition of sensations other than effort in its definition, the neurophysiology of perceived exertion remains poorly understood. As humans have the ability to dissociate effort from other sensations related to physical exercise, the need to use a narrower definition is emphasised. Consequently, a definition and some brief guidelines for its measurement are provided. Finally, an overview of the models present in the literature aiming to explain its neurophysiology, and some perspectives for future research are offered.
Zebrafish neural induction and patterning

Formation of a functional nervous system requires that distinct types of cells develop at quite precise times and places. A goal of developmental neurobiologists is to understand the nature of the patterning mechanisms that specify neural cells for particular fates. In recent years, zebrafish has emerged as new model system for investigating vertebrate neural development, offering a unique combination of genetic, cellular, and molecular tools. Studies using zebrafish provide important new insights concerning the source and nature of molecular signals that induce and pattern the central nervous system. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of key enzymes of sucrose biosynthesis in soybean leaves : effect of dark and light conditions and role of gibberellins and abscisic Acid.

An important part in the understanding of the regulation of carbon partitioning within the leaf is to investigate the endogenous variations of parameters related to carbon metabolism. This study of diurnal changes in the activities of sucrose-synthesizing enzymes and levels of nonstructural carbohydrates in intact leaves of field-grown soybean plants (Glycine max [L.]) showed pronounced diurnal fluctuations in sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity. However, there was no distinct diurnal change in the activity of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (F1,6BPase). SPS activity in leaves from plants grown in controlled environments presented two peaks during the light period. In contrast to field-grown plants, F1,6BPase activity in leaves from growth chamber-grown plants manifested one peak during the first half of the light period. In plants grown under both conditions, sucrose and starch accumulation rates were highest during early hours of the light period. By the end of the dark period, most of the starch was depleted. A pattern of diurnal fluctuations of abscisic acid (ABA) levels in leaves was also observed under all growing conditions. Either imposition of water stress or exogenous applications of ABA inhibited F1,6BPase activity. However, SPS-extractable activity increased following water deficit but did not change in response to ABA treatment. Gibberellin application to intact soybean leaves increased levels of both starch and sucrose. Both gibberellic acid (10(-6)m) and gibberellins 4 and 7 (10(-5)m) increased the activity of SPS but had an inconsistent effect on F1,6BPase. Correlation studies between the activities of SPS and F1,6BPase suggest that these two enzymes are coordinated in their function, but the factors that regulate them may be distinct because they respond differently to certain environmental and physiological changes.
Hemolysin of Streptococcus faecalis subspecies zymogenes contributes to virulence in mice

The conjugative plasmid pAD1 (56.7 kilobases) in Streptococcus faecalis confers hemolysin-bacteriocin (Hly-Bcn) expression and a mating response to the sex pheromone cAD1 excreted by recipient cells. We examined the contribution of hemolysin to pathogenicity in intraperitoneally infected mice by using Tn916 and Tn917 insertion mutants altered in hemolysin expression. Strains exhibiting the normal hemolysin phenotype were significantly more virulent than the nonhemolytic insertion mutants. A mutant plasmid with an increased copy number which gave rise to a larger-than-normal zone of hemolysis on blood agar rendered host strains more virulent than the wild-type streptococci in mice.
Artificial Intelligence and the Modern Productivity Paradox: A Clash of Expectations and Statistics

We live in an age of paradox. Systems using artificial intelligence match or surpass human level performance in more and more domains, leveraging rapid advances in other technologies and driving soaring stock prices. Yet measured productivity growth has declined by half over the past decade, and real income has stagnated since the late 1990s for a majority of Americans. We describe four potential explanations for this clash of expectations and statistics: false hopes, mismeasurement, redistribution, and implementation lags. While a case can be made for each, we argue that lags have likely been the biggest contributor to the paradox. The most impressive capabilities of AI, particularly those based on machine learning, have not yet diffused widely. More importantly, like other general purpose technologies, their full effects won’t be realized until waves of complementary innovations are developed and implemented. The required adjustment costs, organizational changes, and new skills can be modeled as a kind of intangible capital. A portion of the value of this intangible capital is already reflected in the market value of firms. However, going forward, national statistics could fail to measure the full benefits of the new technologies and some may even have the wrong sign.
Lens-based Ka-band antenna system using planar feed

This paper presents a simple, low-cost and compact mobile ground terminal antenna for Ka-band satellite communications that operates in the downlink band (19.7-20.2 GHz). The antenna is composed of a shaped dielectric lens which tilts in front of a planar feed to direct the beam. The planar feed is a circularly polarized patch antenna placed inside a cavity. The lens allows a mechanical beam steering from 0° to 57° in relation to zenith with a scan loss of 4.5 dB. In order to show the potential of a planar antenna as a feeder for this application, the proposed system is compared with a previous solution composed of the same dielectric lens and a horn antenna as feeder.
A dual-conversion zero-IF design for DVB-H RF tuner applications

This paper presents the RFIC design that uses TSMC 0.18µm CMOS process to implement a DVB-H RF tuner. The design is based on a dual-conversion zero-IF architecture. Compared to the conventional up-down architecture, this adopted architecture has the advantages of no IF SAW filter but still can easily reject the image signal. To pass the protection-ratio specification, the most challenging one in DVB-H tuner specifications, this RFIC design is featured with a broadband LNA with a variable gain, a highly linear up-converting mixer with a double-balanced resistive FET architecture, and a high-linearity quadrature demodulator with the transconductance linearization technique. The important CW measured results is summarized as follows: The DC power consumption is 70.2 mW. From 50 to 860 MHz, the maximum gain varies from 19.7 to 29.2 dB with an adjustable attenuation more than 50 dB. Under the maximum-gain condition, the noise figure varies from 4.6 to 12 dB, and the OIP3 varies from 0.1 to 2.2 dBm. The CW test results agree quite well with the link-budget analysis results.
Educativa riginal evelopment of the social brain during adolescence

This article describes recent research which informs our understanding of changes in social cognition during adolescence. The focus will be on mentalising, the ability to attribute and manipulate mental states in the self and others. Mentalising is supported by the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and both anterior and posterior regions of the temporal lobes. In the past decade, studies have demonstrated development during adolescence of white and grey matter brain structure, with most protracted changes observed in frontal and temporal lobes, including those regions supporting mentalising. This article presents evidence that certain aspects of social cognition continue to change during adolescence, highlighting results from recent research investigating the use of theory of mind information in a communicative context. The findings highlight how adolescence, and not only childhood, is a time of continued maturation of brain and behaviour, when education and the environment can have an impact on cognitive development. © 2015 Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid. Published by Elsevier España, S.L. U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Desarrollo del cerebro social durante la adolescencia
International Entrepreneurship in Latin America : Development Challenges 1

This research analyzes in an exploratory way the phenomenon of companies that since their origin are orientated to international markets, also known as born globals. For this purpose, a model that integrates variables with regard to business environment and to entrepreneurs has been developed. It has the leanings to internationalization in an entrepreneur show of Latin American countries. Analysis data was obtained from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM, years 2008 and 2009 from 13 Latin American countries. It was used an ordinal regression model (n=4756). Results show that 10.8% of entrepreneurs have a high tendency to internationalization, but these entrepreneurs are not too competitive in terms of innovation (technological and business models). Factors like relative competitiveness are significant regarding the tendency to internationalization, but others as business industrial sector are not. Finally, practical implications and future research are discussed.
Electromyographic pattern in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Part II. Electromyographic pattern in Becker muscular dystrophy in comparison with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic pattern in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) with that found in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). MATERIAL AND METHOD Fourteen men with BMD and 51 boys with DMD were investigated. Proximal muscles were examined: m. biceps brachii (BB) and m. rectus femoris (RF). They were divided according to the clinical criteria in two groups: of those with slight changes (group AB) and of those with severe abnormalities (CD). As in the Part I of the paper our own method of Functional-QEMG was applied in the CNEMG examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous activity (fibrillations, complex repetitive discharges) was equally frequent in BMD and DMD. Linked potentials were rather frequent in either group. Myopathic features such as MUAPs low amplitude and area, polyphasic shape were seen in either condition, but more marked in DMD than in BMD. Evaluation of IP recordings revealed that IP amplitude (amplitude size) is low in DMD already at the early stage of lesion but normal or only slightly diminished in BMD. It might perhaps suggest different degrees of lesion in type II MUs between the compared types of muscular dystrophy.
Trends in job satisfaction among German nurses from 1990 to 2012

Objective Improving the job satisfaction of nurses is essential to enhance their productivity and retention and to improve patient care. Our aim was to analyse trends in German nurses' job satisfaction to enhance understanding of the nursing labour market and inform future policies. Methods We used 1990–2012 German Socioeconomic Panel data for trends in nurses' job satisfaction. Comparisons were drawn with doctors, other health care workers, and employees in other sectors of employment. Analysis explored associations between job satisfaction trends and other aspects of employment, such as whether full time or part time and pay. To account for fluctuations across the period of analysis, linear trends were generated using ordinary least squares. Results Over 23 years, job satisfaction of German nurses underwent a steady and gradual decline, dropping by an average 7.5%, whereas that of doctors and other health care workers increased by 14.4% and 1%, respectively. The decline for part-time nurses (13%) was more pronounced than that for full-time nurses (3%). At the same time, nurses' pay rose by only 3.8% compared to a 23.8% increase for doctors. Conclusions The steady decline in nurses' job satisfaction over the last two decades may be attributable to the multiple reforms and associated policy changes that generally disadvantaged nurses. Contributing factors to job satisfaction decline include lower pay and the demanding and strenuous work environment. Irrespective of the reason, health services researchers, leaders, and policy makers should investigate the reasons for this decline given the forecast growth in work load and complexity of care. Supportive policies for nurses would help enhance the quality and sustainability of German health care.
A universal‐input high‐power‐factor power supply without electrolytic capacitor for multiple lighting LED lamps

The AC–DC power supply for LED lighting application requires a long lifetime while maintaining high‐efficiency, high power factor and low cost. However, a typical design uses electrolytic capacitor as storage capacitor, which is not only bulky but also with short life span, thus hampering performance improvement of the entire LED lighting system. In this article, a SEPIC‐derived power factor correction topology is proposed as the first stage for driving multiple lighting LED lamps. Along with a relatively large voltage ripple allowable in a two‐stage design, the proposal of LED lamp driver is able to eliminate the electrolytic capacitor while maintaining high power factor and high efficiency. To further increase the efficiency of LED driver, we introduced and used the twin‐bus buck converter as the second‐stage current regulator with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming function. The basic operating principle and the deign consideration are discussed in detail. A 50‐W prototype has been built and tested to verify the proposal. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vinblastine plus ifosfamide plus cisplatin as initial salvage therapy in recurrent germ cell tumor.

PURPOSE This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VeIP) as second-line therapy in patients with recurrent germ cell tumors with previous treatment with cisplatin plus etoposide, usually in combination with bleomycin. PATIENTS AND METHODS From July 1984 through December 1989, 135 patients with progressive, disseminated germ cell tumors after cisplatin-etoposide-based combination therapy induction chemotherapy were treated with VeIP. Patients who progressed within 3 weeks of previous cisplatin therapy were not eligible. Progression was documented by biopsy or increasing serum markers. No exclusion was made on the basis of metastatic site or performance status. The dosages were vinblastine 0.11 mg/kg/d (days 1 and 2), ifosfamide 1.2 gm/m2/d (days 1 through 5), and cisplatin 20 mg/m2/d (days 1 through 5), with courses repeated every 21 days for four cycles. RESULTS Sixty-seven (49.6%) patients achieved a disease-free status after chemotherapy with or without surgical resection of residual carcinoma or teratoma. Overall, 42 (32%) patients are alive and 32 (23.7%) are continuously free of disease. None of the 32 patients with nonseminomatous extragonadal tumors are disease-free compared with 30 of 100 patients with gonadal primaries. Two of three extragonadal seminomas are continuously disease-free. CONCLUSION VeIP is capable of producing durable complete remissions in patients with disseminated germ cell cancer who relapse after cisplatin-etoposide-based induction therapy. Long-term disease-free survival is not seen in those patients with extragonadal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.