Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve injuries in a population of patients with multiple injuries.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, cause, severity, and patterns of associated injuries of limb peripheral nerve injuries sustained by patients with multiple injuries seen at a regional Level 1 trauma center. METHODS Patients sustaining injuries to the radial, median, ulnar, sciatic, femoral, peroneal, or tibial nerves were identified using a prospectively collected computerized database, maintained by Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, and a detailed chart review was undertaken. RESULTS From a trauma population of 5,777 patients treated between January 1, 1986, and November 30, 1996, 162 patients were identified as having an injury to at least one of the peripheral nerves of interest, yielding a prevalence of 2.8%. These 162 patients sustained a total of 200 peripheral nerve injuries, 121 of which were in the upper extremity. The mean patient age was 34.6 years (SEM +/- 1.1 year), and 83% of patients were male. The mean injury severity score was 23.1 (+/-0.90), and the mean length of hospital stay was 28 days (+/-1.8). CONCLUSIONS Motor vehicles crashes predominated (46%) as the cause of injury. The most frequently injured nerve was the radial nerve (58 injuries), and in the lower limb, the peroneal nerve was most commonly injured (39 injuries). Diagnosis of a peripheral nerve injury was made within 4 days of admission to Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in 78% of the cases. Surgery was required to treat 54% of patients. Head injuries were the most common associated injury, occurring in 60% of patients. Other common associated injuries included fractures and dislocations. The present report aims to aid in identification and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
Allele‐dependent changes of olivocerebellar circuit properties in the absence of the voltage‐gated potassium channels Kv3.1 and Kv3.3

Double‐mutant mice (DKO) lacking the two voltage‐gated K+ channels Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 display a series of phenotypic alterations that include ataxia, myoclonus, tremor and alcohol hypersensitivity. The prominent cerebellar expression of mRNAs encoding Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits raised the question as to whether altered electrical activity resulting from the lack of these K+ channels might be related to the dramatic motor changes. We used the tremorogenic agent harmaline to probe mutant mice lacking different K+ channel alleles for altered olivocerebellar circuit properties. Harmaline induced the characteristic 13‐Hz tremor in wildtype mice (WT); however, no tremor was observed in DKO suggesting that the ensemble properties of the olivocerebellar circuitry are altered in the absence of Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits. Harmaline induced tremor in Kv3.1‐single mutants, but it was of smaller amplitude and at a lower frequency indicating the participation of Kv3.1 subunits in normal olivocerebellar system function. In contrast, harmaline tremor was virtually absent in Kv3.3‐single mutants indicating an essential role for Kv3.3 subunits in tremor induction by harmaline. Immunohistochemical staining for Kv3.3 showed clear expression in the somata and proximal dendrites of Purkinje cells and in their axonal projections to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). In DCN, both Kv3.1 and Kv3.3 subunits are expressed. Action potential duration is increased by ≈ 100% in Purkinje cells from Kv3.3‐single mutants compared to WT or Kv3.1‐single mutants. We conclude that Kv3.3 channel subunits are essential for the olivocerebellar system to generate and sustain normal harmaline tremor whereas Kv3.1 subunits influence tremor amplitude and frequency.
Control devices development of residential single-phase PV-ESS microgrid

With the fast proliferation of residential microgrids integrated into the power grid, it is crucial to develop a low cost and high efficiency microgrid central control (MGCC) for promoting the large-scale application of residential microgrids. Considering various users' demand, we develop a novel MGCC based on the multi-level communication model. The MGCC integrates many functional modules, including black start, seamless transfer, power prediction, operation optimization control, and energy management. The experiment based on the CETLAB microgrid platform verifies the proposed MGCC and strategies. The control device development of the residential microgrids with the photovoltaic and energy storage system (PV-ESS), promotes the smart grid construction, electric power market reform, and national energy policy.
Higher Order Recurrent Networks and Grammatical Inference

A higher order single layer recursive network easily learns to simulate a deterministic finite state machine and recognize regular grammars. When an enhanced version of this neural net state machine is connected through a common error term to an external analog stack memory, the combination can be interpreted as a neural net pushdown automata. The neural net finite state machine is given the primitives, push and POP, and is able to read the top of the stack. Through a gradient descent learning rule derived from the common error function, the hybrid network learns to effectively use the stack actions to manipulate the stack memory and to learn simple contextfree grammars.
Insulin, physical activity, and caloric intake in postmenopausal women: breast cancer implications.

PURPOSE Increased physical activity and programs to reduce body mass index (BMI) with both increased physical activity and decreased caloric intake have been proposed to reduce insulin as a potential mediator of breast cancer and other chronic diseases. However, there are few data on the relative contribution of physical activity, caloric intake, and BMI to fasting insulin levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ethnically diverse subsample of 2,996 mostly healthy postmenopausal women with no prior cancer history was randomly identified from the 161,809 participants in the Women's Health Initiative clinical trials and observational study. Information was collected on diet, recreational physical activity, and anthropometrics including BMI. Fasting insulin levels were determined. Using a cross-sectional design, insulin levels were then compared across quintiles of caloric intake and physical activity in linear regression model analyses controlled for BMI and other factors. RESULTS Lower BMI (P < .0001), higher levels of physical activity (P < .0001), and lower caloric intake (P < .02) were all independently associated with significantly lower mean fasting insulin levels throughout the range of observed values. Insulin levels of 8.74 microU/mL +/- 4.16 SD were seen in the highest physical activity and lowest caloric intake quintile compared with insulin levels of 15.08 microU/mL +/- 16.32 SD in the lowest physical activity and highest caloric intake quintile (P < .0001). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that reduction in BMI achieved by increasing physical activity, reducing caloric intake, or both, should lower insulin levels, providing support for clinical trials evaluating insulin level change and breast cancer risk.
Un système de formation à l’enseignement des sciences dans le contexte éducatif marocain : des conditions pour une évolution possible

Des enjeux et des problematiques actuels et futurs vont constituer des facteurs puissants de changement, de modulation et de regulation des modes de pensees, des modes de consommation, et des relations interpersonnelles et intercommunautaires. Une evolution parallele devrait concerner le systeme de la formation, plus particulierement la formation a l’enseignement des sciences. Cependant, par incompetence ou par peur de transgresser les regles etablies, dictees par les programmes officiels de formation, la majorite des formateurs perpetuent une tradition de formation et adopteraient exceptionnellement une posture critique par rapport a leurs pratiques de formation. Le systeme de formation a l’enseignement des sciences au Maroc ne semble pas evoluer en depit des intentions de reforme manifestees concernant l’amelioration de l’enseignement des sciences. Ce texte relate quelques obstacles et des conditions d'une evolution possible du systeme de formation a l'enseignement des sciences de la vie et de la terre au Maroc. En fait, cet article essaye d’articuler deux questions principales a savoir les obstacles a l’evolution du systeme de formation a l’enseignement des sciences et celle relative aux conditions de possibilite de la conception, d’elaboration et de la mise en œuvre de nouveaux modules de formation relativement a l'enseignement des sciences de la vie et de la terre.
Transformer Models for Transient Studies Based on Field Measurements

A variety of models has been developed to represent transformers in switching surge studies. However, there is a paucity of data on the characteristics of large power transformers to provide parameters for utilization in the models. This paper describes a low power field method of saturating large transformers and plotting the instantaneous magnetization curve. Results on a 25 MVA unit allowed the accuracy of several equivalent circuits to be compared. Minor hysteresis loops were observed to obey simple relationships from which two magnetizing inductance models were developed
Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties

This paper reviews the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties of Echinacea species used medicinally. The Echinacea species Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea have a long history of medicinal use for a variety of conditions, particularly infections, and today echinacea products are among the best‐selling herbal preparations in several developed countries. Modern interest in echinacea is focused on its immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. The chemistry of Echinacea species is well documented, and several groups of constituents, including alkamides and caffeic acid derivatives, are considered important for activity. There are, however, differences in the constituent profile of the three species. Commercial echinacea samples and marketed echinacea products may contain one or more of the three species, and analysis of samples of raw material and products has shown that some do not meet recognized standards for pharmaceutical quality. Evidence from preclinical studies supports some of the traditional and modern uses for echinacea, particularly the reputed immunostimulant (or immunomodulatory) properties. Several, but not all, clinical trials of echinacea preparations have reported effects superior to those of placebo in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. However, evidence of efficacy is not definitive as studies have included different patient groups and tested various different preparations and dosage regimens of echinacea. On the basis of the available limited safety data, echinacea appears to be well tolerated. However, further investigation and surveillance are required to establish the safety profiles of different echinacea preparations. Safety issues include the possibility of allergic reactions, the use of echinacea by patients with autoimmune diseases and the potential for echinacea preparations to interact with conventional medicines.
CYP86B1 Is Required for Very Long Chain ω-Hydroxyacid and α,ω-Dicarboxylic Acid Synthesis in Root and Seed Suberin Polyester1[W][OA]

Suberin composition of various plants including Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has shown the presence of very long chain fatty acid derivatives C20 in addition to the C16 and C18 series. Phylogenetic studies and plant genome mining have led to the identification of putative aliphatic hydroxylases belonging to the CYP86B subfamily of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. In Arabidopsis, this subfamily is represented by CYP86B1 and CYP86B2, which share about 45% identity with CYP86A1, a fatty acid ω-hydroxylase implicated in root suberin monomer synthesis. Here, we show that CYP86B1 is located to the endoplasmic reticulum and is highly expressed in roots. Indeed, CYP86B1 promoter-driven β-glucuronidase expression indicated strong reporter activities at known sites of suberin production such as the endodermis. These observations, together with the fact that proteins of the CYP86B type are widespread among plant species, suggested a role of CYP86B1 in suberin biogenesis. To investigate the involvement of CYP86B1 in suberin biogenesis, we characterized an allelic series of cyp86B1 mutants of which two strong alleles were knockouts and two weak ones were RNA interference-silenced lines. These root aliphatic plant hydroxylase lines had a root and a seed coat aliphatic polyester composition in which C22- and C24-hydroxyacids and α,ω-dicarboxylic acids were strongly reduced. However, these changes did not affect seed coat permeability and ion content in leaves. The presumed precursors, C22 and C24 fatty acids, accumulated in the suberin polyester. These results demonstrate that CYP86B1 is a very long chain fatty acid hydroxylase specifically involved in polyester monomer biosynthesis during the course of plant development.
Innervation of the larynx, pharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter of the rat

We identified a ‘semicircular’ compartment of the rat thyropharyngeus muscle at the pharyngoesophageal junction and used the glycogen depletion method to determine how the fibers of this muscle (as well as all others of the pharynx and larynx) are innervated by different cranial nerve branches. The semicircular compartment appears anatomically homologous to the human cricopharyngeus muscle, an important component of the upper esophageal sphincter. While we found very little overlap in the muscle targets of the pharyngeal, superior laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal nerves within the pharynx and larynx, the semicircular muscle receives a dual, interdigitating innervation from two vagal branches: the pharyngeal nerve and a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve we call the dorsal accessory branch. After applying horseradish peroxidase to either of these two nerves, we compared the distribution and number of cells labeled in the brainstem. The dorsal accessory branch conveys a more heterogeneous set of efferent fibers than does the pharyngeal nerve, including the axons of pharyngeal and esophageal motor neurons and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons. The observed distribution of labeled motor neurons in nucleus ambiguus also leads us to suggest that the semicircular compartment is innervated by two subsets of motor neurons, one of which is displaced ventrolateral to the main pharyngeal motor column. This arrangement raises the possibility of functional differences among semicircular compartment motor neurons correlated with the observed differences in brainstem location of cell bodies. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Effects of anti-edema drugs on diffuse cerebral edema in rats: experimental study].

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain edema is one of the most common problems encountered in neurosurgical practice and it leads to morbidity and mortality via increased intracranial pressure. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hypertonic saline on traumatic brain edema in comparison to mannitol. METHODS Eighty adult male Sprauge-Dawley rats weighting 300-350 g were used in this experimental study. Rats were randomly divided into control (C); trauma (T); mannitol only trauma+mannitol; NaCl 3% only; Trauma+NaCl 3%; NaCl 7.5% only; trauma+NaCl 7.5%; NaCl 23.4% only and trauma+NaCl 23.4% groups. All medications were given intraperitoneally. Rats were sacrificed and decapitated 24 hours after trauma with or without medications and the brains were examined histopatologically. RESULTS Although no difference was observed with regard to hemorrhage between trauma only and trauma+NaCl 23.4% groups, there was a statistically significant difference in brain edema within these two groups (p=0.003). There were no statistically significant differences within groups with respect to plasma osmolarity and serum sodium levels. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that 23.4% NaCl is more effective than other concentrations of hypertonic saline or mannitol in the prevention of posttraumatic brain edema. Further clinical studies with different dosages and concentrations of hypertonic saline are required.
The potential impact of climate change and ultraviolet radiation on vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and immunization service delivery system

Climate change and solar ultraviolet radiation may affect vaccine-preventable infectious diseases (VPID), the human immune response process and the immunization service delivery system. We systematically reviewed the scientific literature and identified 37 relevant publications. Our study shows that climate variability and ultraviolet radiation may potentially affect VPID and the immunization delivery system through modulating vector reproduction and vaccination effectiveness, possibly influencing human immune response systems to the vaccination, and disturbing immunization service delivery. Further research is needed to determine these affects on climate-sensitive VPID and on human immune response to common vaccines. Such research will facilitate the development and delivery of optimal vaccination programs for target populations, to meet the goal of disease control and elimination.
Post-Exercise Cardiac Troponin Release is Related to Exercise Training History

Abstract Marathon running can increase circulating cardiac troponin above the diagnostic criteria for myocardial infarction. We determined whether prior-exercise experience (training history) might be related to the magnitude of immediate post-race troponin release following completion of the London Marathon in a group of non-elite runners. Using a prospective study design, 52 runners were recruited into either HIGH T-E (trained-experience) (n=27) or LOW T-E (n=25) groups. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release following race completion was compared between these 2 groups. To examine relationships between cTnI release and participant demographic and indices of prior training experience an additional 52 runners who did not meet the criteria for either the HIGH T-E or LOW T-E groups were also recruited. The combined data from all 104 runners was analysed using multivariate linear regression analysis. The results revealed a significant difference in post marathon circulating cTnI between LOW T-E runners (median: 0.11 µg/L; interquartile range [IQR]: 0.03–0.18 µg/L) and HIGH T-E runners (median: 0.03 µg/L; IQR 0.02–0.057 µg/L) (p<0.05). Average miles run per week in the last 3 years, a marker of total training experience, encompassing training volume and duration, was negatively associated with post-marathon cTnI release (p<0.001). In conclusion, exercise-induced cTnI release is strongly related to previous training experience.
New probabilistic reliability model describing the risk of chip fracture in the chip-on-board technology

Due to increased demands for the integration density of electronics, a turnaround in packaging technology has taken place, away from packaged constructions towards chip-onboard technology. A particular challenge of this technology is the avoidance of chip fracture during processing and subsequent use. In the present study a method was worked out which combines the two relevant factors for chip fracture. On the one hand it is the stress during packaging and subsequent use while on the other hand it is the stress resistance of the chips. For this reason various dicing technologies were studied and the corresponding fracture strength of the chips was analysed. Damages induced by the dicing were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Also the chip size effect was investigated. All obtained results were used to develop a probabilistic reliability model for the chip-on-board technology which describes the risk of chip fracture during the die attachment.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates.

BACKGROUND Birth anoxia remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Hypoxia/ischemia can lead to permanent brain damage and also affects other tissues of the body. It results from lack of oxygen before, during or after birth. The study was designed to assess the risk factors of birth asphyxia, common presentations and association of Apgar score with grades of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. METHODS The study is descriptive, prospective and carried out in the Paediatric Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from September 2007 till September 2008. A total number of 181 neonates (144 males and 37 females) who showed the neurological signs of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were included in the study. Maternal history was taken, Apgar scoring was done and neurological grading was done for the assessment of brain damage. RESULTS Out of 181 neonates 77.9% were full term, 8.8% were premature, 5.2% were having intra uterine growth retardation and 6.1% were post mature. 38.7% were diagnosed as having grade-3, 38.7% as grade-2 and 22.6% as grade-1 encephalopathy. Mortality due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in our unit was 16%. 52.5% of the mothers were primigravida, 50% of the multigravid mothers had history of perinatal deaths, and 6.1% had ante-natal examination. Antenatal factors like lack of antenatal examinations, toxaemia of pregnancy and prolonged labour were major contributors to the mortality of neonates. CONCLUSION Primigravid mothers, maternal anaemia, lack of antenatal examination, toxaemia of pregnancy and prolonged labour were the major contributors to the hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Early recognition of the risk factors and public health awareness needs to be addressed. Improvements in maternal health and regular antenatal checkups should be emphasised.
P granules in the germ cells of Caenorhabditis elegans adults are associated with clusters of nuclear pores and contain RNA.

The germ cells, and germ cell precursors, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contain distinctive granules called P granules. During early embryogenesis, P granules are segregated asymmetrically into those blastomeres that eventually produce the germ line. Because of the correlation between P granule distribution and the development of the germ line, P granules are widely thought to function in some aspect of germ line specification or differentiation. Most of the analysis of P granule structure and localization has focused on the early embryo, when P granules are located in the cytoplasm. However, during most of development P granules are associated with germ cell nuclei. We report here an ultrastructural analysis of the nuclear-associated P granules in the germ cells of the adult hermaphrodite gonad. We show that P granules are tightly associated with nuclear pores and that the positions of certain structures within the P granules correspond to the positions of pores on the nuclear envelope. We present immunocytochemical and ultrastructural data suggesting that P granules can associate, or remain associated, with pore-like structures even after they detach from the nuclear envelope during oogenesis. Finally, we show that nuclear-associated P granules in the gonad contain RNA, complementing previous studies showing that cytoplasmic P granules in embryos contain RNA.