Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of disability pension: a prospective population based study in Finnish men

Background: Early retiring is a major social problem in many western countries. Aim: To investigate whether good cardiorespiratory fitness prevents disability pensioning in Finnish middle-aged men. Methods: Subjects were a random population based sample of 1307 men who were 42−60 years old at baseline, had not retired before baseline or died during follow up, and had undergone a cycle ergometer test at baseline. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed at baseline with a maximal but symptom limited exercise test on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. Results: During a follow up of 11 years on average, 790 (60.4%) men were awarded a disability pension, only 254 (19.4%) men reached the old-age pension without previous early pension, and 263 (20.1%) men were still working at the end of follow up. After adjustment for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, education, occupation, and baseline chronic diseases, an inverse association was observed between cardiorespiratory fitness and the risk of disability pension. Men with VO2max <25.98 ml/kg/min (lowest fifth) had a 3.28-fold (95% CI 1.70 to 6.32) and men with the duration of exercise test <9.54 minutes (lowest fifth) had a 4.66-fold (95% CI 2.43 to 8.92) risk of disability pension due to cardiovascular diseases compared with men in the highest fifths. Men with lowest fitness level also had an increased risk of disability pension due to musculoskeletal disorders, or all reasons combined. Conclusions: Physical fitness is inversely associated with the risk of disability pension and especially with the risk of disability due to cardiovascular diseases.
R-Ras Glucosylation and Transient RhoA Activation Determine the Cytopathic Effect Produced by Toxin B Variants from Toxin A-negative Strains of Clostridium difficile *

Clostridium difficile induces antibiotic-associated diarrhea through the production of toxin A and toxin B; the former toxin has been assumed to be responsible for the symptoms of the disease. Several toxin A-negative strains from C. difficile have recently been isolated from clinical cases and have been reported to produce toxin B variants eliciting an atypical cytopathic effect. Ultrastructural analysis indicated these toxins induce a rounding cytopathic effect and filopodia-like structures. Toxin B variants glucosylated R-Ras, and transfection with a constitutively active mutant of this GTPase protected cells against their cytopathic effect. Treatment of cells with toxin B variants induced detachment from the extracellular matrix and blockade of the epidermal growth factor-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases, demonstrating a deleterious effect on the R-Ras-controlled avidity of integrins. Treatment with toxin B variants also induced a transient activation of RhoA probably because of inactivation of Rac1. Altogether, these data indicate that the cytopathic effect induced by toxin B variants is because of cell rounding and detachment mediated by R-Ras glucosylation, and the induction of filopodia-like structures is mediated by RhoA activation. Implications for the pathophysiology of C. difficile-induced diarrhea are discussed.
Invadosomes at a glance

This article is part of a Minifocus on invadopodia and podosomes. For further reading, please see related articles: `Matrix invasion by tumour cells: a focus on MT1-MMP trafficking to invadopodia' by Renaud Poincloux et al. (J. Cell Sci. 122 , [3015-3024][1]), \`Mechanisms for transcellular
The Graduate Writing Institute: Overcoming Risk, Embracing Strategies, and Appreciating Skills.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the results from the Graduate Writing Institute, a week-long graduate writing workshop at a research-intensive HSI university in the southwest. Sixty-three graduate students who worked on large writing projects, such as theses or dissertations, volunteered to attend one of four separate Writing Institutes. These students took a preand postWriting Inventory of Skills and Preferences (WISP) with significant increases in the WISP scores from pre-test to post-test, which indicated that the non-contextualized, cross-disciplinary content and structure of the Writing Institute successfully increased students’ knowledge of academic writing skills, including higher order concerns and lower order concerns. Additionally, evaluation survey results confirmed that attending the Graduate Writing Institute helped students overcome feelings of “academic risk. ” Providing graduate students working on their thesis/dissertation with this type of specialized learning assistance (non-course based, interdisciplinary, non-contextualized holistic approach to addressing lower order concerns, higher order concerns, and academic risk) in a week long intensive institute with instructional time, peer interaction, individual writing time, and one-on-one writing consultations should be replicated for the benefit of graduate students at other institutions. The Graduate Writing Institute: Overcoming Risk, Embracing Strategies, and
Impulse UWB Radio System Architecture for Body Area Networks

This paper describes a low complexity, low data rate ultra-wideband system suited for use in body area network (BAN) applications. The described system has lower complexity and power consumption compared to similar systems for BAN applications. System architecture is defined and expected results in BAN communication channel are presented. Main building blocks like analog RF front-end IC and small size antennas suitable for applications on the human body have been developed and produced. Some measurement results of the implementation are presented.
Slow-light microcavities

Optical microcavities with high quality factors Q are of great interest in integrated micro- and nanophotonics. Their narrow resonance and long photon lifetime (τ<inf>cav</inf>) can be used in fundamental physics, sensing applications, microwave signal optical processing or for optical delay line and memory miniaturization [1]. Considering a Lorentzian resonance profile, the quality factor and the photon lifetime of a microcavity with a resonant angular frequency ωο = 2·πε/λ<inf>0</inf> reads: Q = ω<inf>0</inf> τ<inf>cab</inf> = n<inf>G</inf>(ω<inf>0</inf>)LF/λ<inf>0</inf>, (1) where n<inf>g</inf> is the group index of the material constituting the microcavity, F is the finesse and L is the cavity round-trip length. The usual method to obtain ultra-high quality factors consists in optimizing the manufacturing process to reach high finesse values. Following this approach record quality factors up to 10<sup>11</sup> have been measured in millimetric CaF2 whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators [2]. Otherwise, Eq. (1) shows that for a given finesse, the use of resonators made with slow-light materials displaying high group indices can also increase the quality factor. This method has already been successfully implemented in bulky resonators including a highly dispersive slow-light medium [3]. We have recently demonstrated that this approach can be applied to solid-state optical micro-resonators [4]. The slow-light effect was introduced thanks to population oscillations in an Er<sup>3+</sup> doped WGM fluoride glass microsphere (diameter 100 μm). Since the lifetime of the <sup>4</sup>I<inf>13/2</inf> level is very long (T ≈ 10 ms) strong group index up to 10<sup>6</sup> can be obtained. Using a cavity-ring-down method (see Fig. 1) in a pump probe configuration, we have measured a photon lifetime of 2.5 ms at 1530 nm corresponding to a quality factor of 3 × 10<sup>12</sup> [4].
Regional differences in the morphology of a shrub Damnacanthus indicus: An induced resistance to deer herbivory?

We report here the possibility of an induced resistance of a spiny shrub Damnacanthus indicus against deer herbivory. Six characters of D. indicus were compared between regions with and without deer herbivory on the Boso Peninsula. We found that D. indicus in browsed areas produced smaller leaves, thicker spines, and shorter internode distances between spines than those in unbrowsed areas whereas the length of spines and the angle of a pair of spines did not differ significantly. It is likely that D. indicus shows an induced resistance by producing smaller leaves, and by increasing stoutness of spines and spine density.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor inhibits retinal and choroidal neovascularization

In this study, we investigated whether overexpression of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) by gene transfer can inhibit neovascularization by testing its effect in three different models of ocular neovascularization. Intravitreous injection of an adenoviral vector encoding PEDF resulted in expression of PEDF mRNA in the eye measured by RT‐PCR and increased immunohistochemical staining for PEDF protein throughout the retina. In mice with laser‐induced rupture of Bruch's membrane, choroidal neovascularization was significantly reduced after intravitreous injection of PEDF vector compared to injection of null vector or no injection. Subretinal injection of the PEDF vector resulted in prominent staining for PEDF in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and strong inhibition of choroidal neovascularization. In two models of retinal neovascularization (transgenic mice with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in photoreceptors and mice with oxygen‐induced ischemic retinopathy), intravitreous injection of null vector resulted in decreased neovascularization compared to no injection, but intravitreous injection of PEDF vector resulted in further inhibition of neovascularization that was statistically significant. These data suggest that sustained increased intraocular expression of PEDF by gene therapy might provide a promising approach for treatment of ocular neovascularization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic vaccines based on genetically modified Salmonella: a novel strategy in cancer immunotherapy.

In the course of evolution, bacteria from the genus Salmonella adapted to survive and multiply in a vertebrate host. Skillful use of bacterial interactions with the host immune system became the basis for the development of modified Salmonella-based therapeutic vaccines. Bacterial genome can be modified to reduce toxicity and to develop or enhance therapeutic activity. Salmonella-based therapeutic vaccines are an attractive and novel alternative for conventional cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and passive immunotherapy). Live bacteria have the natural ability to sense external environment and penetrate the target tissue. Appropriate strains of Salmonella, infused into experimental animal tumor model, accumulate selectively in solid tumors and inhibit their growth. Moreover, the bacteria can reach tumor areas that are inaccessible for other, passively diffusing therapeutics, e.g., ischemic areas. Thus, bacteria can produce and locally release a natural or recombinant anticancer agent, which enhances their therapeutic effect. S. typhimurium VNP20009 strain is safe, which has been documented in clinical trials. However, the expected therapeutic benefit has not been observed, presumably due to insufficient tumor colonization by bacteria. To enhance colonization of solid tumors, VNP20009 bacteria have been equipped with the ability to express on the surface an antibody fragment specific for carcinoembryonic antigen present on human tumor cells. Additionally, to potentiate antitumor activity, the genetic material of VNP20009 has been engineered to overproduce an endogenous proapoptotic protein, which targets cancer and immune cells promoting tumor growth.
Opiate-induced Analgesia Is Increased and Prolonged in Mice Lacking P-glycoprotein

Background P-glycoprotein is a transmembrane protein expressed by multiple mammalian cell types, including the endothelial cells that comprise the blood–brain-barrier. P-glycoprotein functions to actively pump a diverse array of xenobiotics out of the cells in which it is expressed. The purpose of this study was to determine if P-glycoprotein alters the analgesic efficacy of clinically useful opioids. Methods Using a standard hot-plate method, the magnitude and duration of analgesia from morphine, morphine-6-glucuronide, methadone, meperidine, and fentanyl were assessed in wild-type Friends virus B (FVB) mice and in FVB mice lacking P-glycoprotein [mdr1a/b (−/−)]. Analgesia was expressed as the percent maximal possible effect (%MPE) over time, and these data were used to calculate the area under the analgesia versus time curves (AUC) for all opioids studied. In addition, the effect of a P-glycoprotein inhibitor (cyclosporine, 100 mg/kg) on morphine analgesia in both wild-type and mdr knockout mice was also determined. Results Morphine induced greater analgesia in knockout mice compared with wild-type mice (AUC 6,450 %MPE min vs. 1,610 %MPE min at 3 mg/kg), and morphine brain concentrations were greater in knockout mice. Analgesia was also greater in knockout mice treated with methadone and fentanyl but not meperidine or morphine-6-glucuronide. Cyclosporine pretreatment markedly increased morphine analgesia in wild-type mice but had no effect in knockout mice. Conclusions These results suggest that P-glycoprotein acts to limit the entry of some opiates into the brain and that acute administration of P-glycoprotein inhibitors can increase the sensitivity to these opiates.
WHIPS Seat and Occupant Motions During Simulated Rear Crashes

Objective: Objectives of this study were to investigate the motions of Volvo's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seat and occupant during simulated rear crashes of a human model of the neck (HUMON). Methods: HUMON consisted of a human neck specimen (n = 6) mounted to the torso of BioRID II and carrying an anthropometric head stabilized with muscle force replication. HUMON was seated and secured in a 2005 Volvo XC90 minivan seat that included WHIPS and a fixed head restraint. Rear crashes of 9.9 g (ΔV 9.2 kph), 12.0 g (ΔV 11.4 kph), and 13.3 g (ΔV 13.4 kph) were simulated and WHIPS and occupant motions were monitored. Linear regression analyses (P < .05) were used to determine relationships between WHIPS and occupant motion peaks using data from all crashes combined. Results: WHIPS motions consisted of simultaneous rearward and downward translations and extension of the seatback and plastic deformation of the bilateral WHIPS energy-absorbing components. Peak WHIPS motions were linearly correlated only with peak rearward occupant translations. Less rearward pelvis translation was required to cause WHIPS activation as compared to T1 translation. Conclusions: WHIPS reduced peak T1 horizontal acceleration by 39 percent compared to sled acceleration. This was within the range previously reported for WHIPS, between 30 and 60 percent, but higher than the 16 percent reduction previously reported due to active head restraint. Absorption of crash energy occurred during the initial 75 ms and the onset of head support occurred at 114 ms. Differential head–torso motions occurred prior to and during head support, indicating the potential for neck injury even with WHIPS.
Experimental characterization of a prototype detector system for carbon ion radiography and tomography

Ion beams exhibit a finite range and an inverted depth–dose profile, the Bragg peak. These favorable physical properties allow excellent tumor–dose conformality. However, they introduce sensitivity to range uncertainties. Although these uncertainties are typically taken into account in treatment planning, delivery of the intended dose to the patient has to be ensured daily to prevent underdosage of the tumor or overdosage of surrounding critical structures. Thus, imaging techniques play an increasingly important role for treatment planning and in situ monitoring in ion beam therapy. At the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy (HIT) center, a prototype detector system based on a stack of 61 ionization chambers has been assembled for the purpose of radiographic and tomographic imaging of transmitted energetic ions. Its applicability to ion-based transmission imaging was investigated experimentally. An extensive characterization of the set-up in terms of beam parameters and settings of the read-out electronics was performed. Overall, the findings of this work support the potential of an efficient experimental set-up as the range telescope equipped with high sensitivity and fast electronics to perform heavy ion radiography and tomography at HIT.
A murine model for oral infection with a primate rotavirus (simian SA11)

Simian rotavirus SA11 was shown to replicate in the gastrointestinal tracts of infant mice after oral inoculation. Clinical symptoms, histopathological changes in the small intestinal mucosa, and the type-specific humoral immune response were all characteristic of rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis. The availability of this small animal model for the study of a primate rotavirus infection should expedite analysis of the immune response necessary for protection against challenge.
Liposomes as carriers for allergy immunotherapy

With the aim of obtaining an efficient but safer vaccine for allergy immunotherapy, the possibility of using liposomes as adjuvants has been considered given their proven low toxicity, adjuvant properties and ability to maintain the encapsulated substance in their interior for sonic time in vivo. Different methods of encapsulating allergenic extracts into neutral, positively, and negatively charged DPPC: cholesterol liposomes have been investigated and the immune response provoked by these in mice was studied and compared to the immune response to free allergen or other adjuvants such as aluminium hydroxide. The results obtained show that allergen encapsulated in all three types of liposomes elicit an increase in specific IgG levels higher than that provoked by free allergen, however, both encapsulation efficiency and specific FgG litre were higher when positively charged (DPPC.‐cholesterol steurylamine) liposomes were used. Specific IgF. levels to allergen in positive and neutral liposomes was lower than to allergen in negative liposomes or adsorbed to A1(OH)3 No differences were found in the behaviour of liposomes prepared by different methods (the results were obtained from pooled sera from different groups of mice so there is no statistical data). These results confirm the immunoadjuvanl effect of liposomes for allergy immunotherapy. Further studies to determine their lack of toxicity, pharmacokinetic studies and human clinical studies are necessary to confirm their adequacy for human use and advantage over current immunotherapy methods.
Increased early morbidity and mortality with acceptable long‐term function in severely obese patients undergoing liver transplantation

The effect of obesity on outcomes following liver transplantation remains unclear. We reviewed our experience with 302 liver transplants in 277 patients from September 1989 to September 1996 to determine the effect of body mass on outcome. Two hundred and seventeen transplants were performed in patients with a body mass index (BMI)<30 kg/m2, 55 in patients with a BMI of 30–34 kg/m2 (obese), and 30 in patients with a BMI>35 kg/m2 (severely obese). Non‐weight related pre‐operative demographics were similar between groups with the exception of an increased frequency of cryptogenic cirrhosis among the obese and severely obese patients. Intra‐operative transfusion requirements were greater for the severely obese group (16.2±3.5 units versus 9.1±0.8 units for the non‐obese, p=0.0004), though not when normalized to body weight (0.14±0.03 units/kg versus 0.13±0.01 units/kg, p>0.05). Post‐operatively, severely obese patients had a higher rate of wound infection (20 versus 4%, p=0.0001) and death attributed to multisystem organ failure (15 versus 2%, p=0.0001), although overall mortality prior to discharge and total complications were not different between groups. Actual 1‐yr graft survival showed a negative trend in the severely obese group (67 versus 81% for non‐obese, p=0.07), but both 3‐yr graft survival and patient survival were similar to non‐obese patients (p=0.12 and 0.17, respectively by the Cox–Mantel test). Liver transplantation in severely obese patients is associated with wound infection and early death from multisystem organ failure, but has similar long‐term outcomes when compared to non‐obese controls.
Modal decomposition of output field for holographic mode field generation in a multimode fiber channel

Recent adaptive holographic equalization experiments in multimode fiber demonstrate the advantage of the rapid reconfiguration speed of the spatial light modulator in mitigating modal dispersion, the principal source of bandwidth limitation in MMF. Despite the suppression of a large number of modes, power modal coupling still manifests within the channel. In this paper, a noninterferometric modal decomposition technique was adapted for quantifying the amount of power modal coupling between the modes, for a holographic equalization experiment with a priori modal electric field input. The derivation of the objective function, simulation of binarized holograms and experimental work on intensity measurements at the MMF output are presented.
Parameter tuning of evolutionary algorithm by Meta-EAs for WCET analysis

Testing is the most important Quality Assurance (QA) measure which consumes a significant portion of budget, time and effort in the development process. For real time systems, temporal testing is as crucial as functional testing. An important activity in dynamic testing is the test case design. Evolutionary testing has shown promising results for the automation of test case design process at a reasonable computational cost. The disadvantage of evolutionary testing is that its time consuming and it depends on the parameter settings. Evolutionary algorithms can be used to find the optimal parameter settings of another evolutionary algorithm. In this research paper, a Meta level Evolutionary Algorithm (Meta-EA) is utilized to tune the parameters of evolutionary algorithm for Worst Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis. A number of experiments have been conducted for analysis using X32 (32-bit soft processor core implemented on FPGA) as the target hardware. Famous sorting algorithms have been used as programs under test for these experiments. Results have shown an average improvement of 25% in finding WCET by an evolutionary algorithm with tuned parameters compared to evolutionary algorithm with standard parameters. Furthermore, performance gap was found to be increasing with increase in test input size