Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Drug Treatment Outcomes for African American and White Male Federal Prisoners: Results from the TRIAD Study

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of family background and preincarceration socioenvironmental variables on three‐year post‐release drug use for African American and white prison‐based drug treatment participants in order to explain the previously found disparities in rates of three‐year post‐release drug use between the two groups. There were two hypotheses: 1) for both groups, family background and preincarceration socioenvironmental variables would predict postrelease drug use more strongly than sociodemographic characteristics and preincarceration behaviors, and 2) the predictors would be different for each group. The sample included 279 African American and 512 white male treatment participants who were supervised by a U.S. probation officer following incarceration. Event history analyses were used to model time to first drug use during postrelease supervision. The results indicated that none of the family background factors or socioenvironmental variables predicted postrelease drug use. The variables predictive of drug use for one or both racial groups were limited to sociodemographic characteristics and preincarceration behaviors such as age at release, prior commitments, and preincarceration employment. Yet, there were no significant between‐group differences for these predictors. The authors concluded that future assessment of the effects of socioenvironmental variables on postrelease drug use likely requires evaluation of the postrelease social environment at the time of release.
Climate‐driven range shifts explain the distribution of extant gene pools and predict future loss of unique lineages in a marine brown alga

The climate‐driven dynamics of species ranges is a critical research question in evolutionary ecology. We ask whether present intraspecific diversity is determined by the imprint of past climate. This is an ongoing debate requiring interdisciplinary examination of population genetic pools and persistence patterns across global ranges. Previously, contrasting inferences and predictions have resulted from distinct genomic coverage and/or geographical information. We aim to describe and explain the causes of geographical contrasts in genetic diversity and their consequences for the future baseline of the global genetic pool, by comparing present geographical distribution of genetic diversity and differentiation with predictive species distribution modelling (SDM) during past extremes, present time and future climate scenarios for a brown alga, Fucus vesiculosus. SDM showed that both atmospheric and oceanic variables shape the global distribution of intertidal species, revealing regions of persistence, extinction and expansion during glacial and postglacial periods. These explained the distribution and structure of present genetic diversity, consisting of differentiated genetic pools with maximal diversity in areas of long‐term persistence. Most of the present species range comprises postglacial expansion zones and, in contrast to highly dispersive marine organisms, expansions involved only local fronts, leaving distinct genetic pools at rear edges. Besides unravelling a complex phylogeographical history and showing congruence between genetic diversity and persistent distribution zones, supporting the hypothesis of niche conservatism, range shifts and loss of unique genetic diversity at the rear edge were predicted for future climate scenarios, impoverishing the global gene pool.
Analysis of propagation in metamaterial-lined circular waveguides

This paper studies the propagation characteristics of circular waveguides whose interior surface is coated with a thin metamaterial liner possessing dispersive, negative, and near-zero permittivity. Treating the waveguide as inhomogeneously filled, a field analysis of this system produces the dispersion of complex modes, and reveals intriguing phenomena such as below-cutoff propagation and field collimation.
Long-term effects of chemotherapy in patients with testicular cancer.

PURPOSE Combination chemotherapy regimens that include cisplatin (CDDP) and bleomycin (BLE) result in the cure of the majority of patients with malignant germ cell tumors of the testis. We investigated the long-term damage of such chemotherapy to renal, pulmonary, and hearing function. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-three patients with disseminated testicular carcinoma were studied 1.5 to 9.3 years (median, 4.1 years) after completion of chemotherapy. All 43 patients received CDDP; of these, 39 also received BLE, 27 vinblastine (VLB), and 27 etoposide (VP-16). Mean cumulative doses of individual cytotoxic drugs administered were CDDP 483 mg/m2 (range, 189 to 1,173 mg/m2), BLE 160 mg/m2 (range, 81 to 311 mg/m2), VLB 31 mg/m2 (range, 19 to 158 mg/m2), and VP-16 667 mg/m2 (range, 242 to 1,455 mg/m2). RESULTS In the majority of cases, values of renal, pulmonary, and hearing function were within the normal range before treatment. An initial decrease in renal, pulmonary, and hearing function was observed, with recovery of pulmonary function at late follow-up. On average, a decrease of 15% in creatinine clearance rates was observed at late follow-up. Long-term effect on audiometric function was considerable, but frequencies affected were outside the range of conversational speech. With multivariate analysis, no overall relation between the cumulative doses of the individual drugs and the loss in organ function was found; the cumulative doses of CDDP and BLE only contributed approximately 30% to the loss in renal function and vital capacity, respectively. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy-induced pulmonary toxicity is reversible, whereas nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are not. However, the long-term effects of chemotherapy in testicular cancer patients were minor and not invalidating.
Aedes aegypti as a Vector of Flavivirus

Aedes aegypti, is an invasive black and white striped day biting mosquito which bites human and animals with the potential to transmit various arboviruses including flaviviruses. It is believed to be originated from Africa before it spreads to other part of the world. Only the female mosquito is capable of transmitting these viruses, since it primarily feeds on human blood. Over the past decades, there is dramatic increment of these flaviviruses due to geographical expansion of Aedes aegypti. Flavivirus is a single-stranded, RNA virus genus involving dengue, zika and yellow fever viruses. These flavivirus are transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti, consequently, the control and regulation of these mosquitos have paramount significance in the prevention of these diseases. These days, there are various mosquito controlling methods including chemical, physical and biological means, according to the regional context. However, the dispersed and transient egg laying pattern of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito and its effective adaptation to the urban habitat, make the control of these mosquitoes challenging. Therefore, further research should be conducted and encouraged to come up with innovative solution such as gene modification of vector mosquito while intensifying the battle against individual flavivirus through vaccine development.
Detailed microsatellite analysis of chromosome 3p region in non‐papillary renal cell carcinomas

Multiple hemi‐ and homozygous interstitial deletions at chromosome 3p have been found in different types of cancer, including non‐papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To determine the frequency and size of deletions, we have analyzed paired normal and tumor DNA obtained from short‐term cultures of 104 non‐papillary RCCs with 29 microsatellite markers covering the entire chromosome 3p region. Deletion mapping provided evidence for terminal deletion, with the most distal breakpoint between loci D3S1606 and D3S3666 in 94 cases, whereas constitutional heterozygosity was retained at all loci in 4 RCCs. In 6 cases, interstitial deletions were detected. Deletion mapping detected the smallest overlapping region between loci D3S3666 and D3S1560, which corresponds to an approx. 55 cM genetic distance. Int. J. Cancer 73:225–229, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Operating-margin-improved SRAM with column-at-a-time body-bias control technique

This paper describes a column-at-a-time body bias control technique to improve SRAM operating margins. This technique controls the body bias of the load MOS in SRAM memory cells according to SRAM operation. A 90-nm prototype chip using this technique demonstrates an improved operating margin, and the SRAM with this technique can endure 0.7-sigma more Vth variation.
Porphyromonas gingivalis decreases osteoblast proliferation through IL-6-RANKL/OPG and MMP-9/TIMPs pathways.

BACKGROUND Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important periodontal pathogen, is closely associated with inflammatory alveolar bone resorption. This bacterium exerts its pathogenic effect indirectly through multiple virulence factors, such as lipopolysaccharides, fimbriae, and proteases. Another possible pathogenic path may be through a direct interaction with the host's soft and hard tissues (e.g., alveolar bone), which could lead to periodontitis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the direct effect of live and heat-inactivated P gingivalis on bone resorption, using an in vitro osteoblast culture model. RESULTS Optical microscopy and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide MTT assay revealed that live P gingivalis induced osteoblast detachment and reduced their proliferation. This effect was specific to live bacteria and was dependent on their concentration. Live P gingivalis increased IL-6 mRNA expression and protein production and downregulated RANKL and OPG mRNA expression. The effect of live P gingivalis on bone resorption was strengthened by an increase in MMP-9 expression and its activity. This increase was accompanied by an increase in TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression and protein production by osteoblasts infected with live P gingivalis. CONCLUSION Overall, the results suggest that direct contact of P gingivalis with osteoblasts induces bone resorption through an inflammatory pathway that involves IL-6, RANKL/OPG, and MMP-9/TIMPs.
A Multimodal Approach to Rejuvenation of the Lower Face

BACKGROUND Facial aging is multifactorial, including changes in all the anatomical layers of the face including bone, fat, connective tissues and skin. METHODS An evaluation of the multifactorial causation of facial aging pointed to the need for a multifactorial approach to restoration and rejuvenation of the aging human face. RESULTS The varied aetiologies of the expressions of facial aging require more interventions than a unipolar approach. Combinations of neuromodulators, three and two-dimensional fillers and energy based devices were discussed. Surgical interventions were also discussed but were not addressed in this paper. CONCLUSIONS A multimodal approach to lower facial rejuvenation and restoration is discussed as the most effective and appropriate method to achieve noninvasive aesthetic treatment success.
Breastfeeding: an appeal.

Factors that hinder breast feeding include the lack of knowledge of health personnel about the uniqueness of breast milk and the ease with which they and mothers have accepted formula feeding. These factors prevailed in Europe and North America until the 1960s, and they prevail today in developing countries. It is crucial to persuade health workers of the merits of breast feeding in order to promote it. Baby milk formula was developed in 1919 to provide a substitute for infants afflicted by the lack of their mothers milk. The search for the perfect human milk formula continues, but formula feeding is an experiment whose long-term effects are unknown. Its putative benefits are convenience, creation of employment, decreased perinatal mortality in affluent societies, and increased weight gain of premature low-birth-weight babies. However, formula feeding encourages less frequent child-mother contact. Employment opportunities in the manufacture of formula milk are only generated in the developed countries. The decline in perinatal mortality in developed countries since the advent of bottle feeding has been attributable to better obstetric care and improved management of such conditions as respiratory distress syndrome in infants. Most of the weight gain associated with formula use is caused by water and solute retention, which may be harmful to immature kidneys. On the other hand, the indisputable benefits of breast feeding include 1) prevention of infant malnutrition in the poor and obesity in the affluent 2) reduction in infection owing to protective factors in breast milk 3) reduced exposure to foreign allergens leading to a lower incidence of atopic conditions 4) convenience 5) enhancing the emotional bond between mother and child; and 6) helping to regulate appetite and satiety. Developing countries need health workers who are committed to encouraging exclusive breast feeding for 4 months, followed by breast feeding with supplements for at least 12 months.
Review of experimental and quasi-experimental studies finds that mindfulness-based interventions are more effective than standard care for reducing depressive symptoms in adults with mental disorders

Commentary on: Klainin-Yobas P, Cho MA, Creedy D . Efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on depressive symptoms among people with mental disorders: a meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2012;49:109–21. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders and is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric conditions. Mindfulness-based interventions have become increasingly popular mainstays of treatment and adjuncts to empirically established therapies. The authors performed a meta-analysis of 39 studies across nine countries involving 1847 participants with … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DInternational%2Bjournal%2Bof%2Bnursing%2Bstudies%26rft.stitle%253DInt%2BJ%2BNurs%2BStud%26rft.aulast%253DKlainin-Yobas%26rft.auinit1%253DP. %26rft.volume%253D49%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D109%26rft.epage%253D121%26rft.atitle%253DEfficacy%2Bof%2Bmindfulness-based%2Binterventions%2Bon%2Bdepressive%2Bsymptoms%2Bamong%2Bpeople%2Bwith%2Bmental%2Bdisorders%253A%2Ba%2Bmeta-analysis. %26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252Fj.ijnurstu. 2011.08. 014%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F21963234%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=10.1016/j.ijnurstu. 2011.08. 014&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref? access_num=21963234&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F16%2F1%2F12.atom
Pedicle Screw‐based Posterior Dynamic Stabilization in the Lumbar Spine

Abstract Traditionally, management of spinal pathology has centered on decompression, correction of deformity, and stabilization. Deformity correction and stabilization have been accomplished largely by spinal fusion at the pathologic levels. In addition to the risks and potential complications, there are sequelae to a successful fusion. Therefore, attention is being directed toward disk replacement in the lumbar spine. In addition to their preserving motion in the anterior column, several posterior motion‐preservation devices have been developed in an effort to prevent pathologic motion at both a decompressed level and a segment adjacent to a fusion. Initial studies suggest that the results of posterior dynamic stabilization may be comparable to those of fusion; however, longer periods of clinical and radiographic follow‐up are required to fully define the role these devices may play in the management of the degenerative lumbar spine.
Development and Clinical Evaluation of sdaA Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with an Approach To Prevent Carryover Contamination

ABSTRACT A rapid and sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the sdaA gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was developed using a dUTP-uracil-N-glycosylase (dUTP-UNG) strategy to prevent carryover contamination. Evaluation of the assay using clinical specimens (n = 648) showed high specificity (97.2%) and sensitivity (100%), demonstrating its potential as a diagnostic test for tuberculosis, especially in resource-limited settings.
Specific Absorption Rate Assessment Using Simultaneous Electric Field and Temperature Measurements

In this letter, the temperature measurement ability of an electrooptic probe as well as specific absorption rate (SAR) assessments via simultaneous in situ temperature and electric field characterization are reported. The measurements are carried out at 1800 MHz in a Petri dish filled with a water solution and placed in a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell. From the temperature sensitivity measurements, a standard deviation of 27 mK is obtained. The SAR values obtained both via temperature and electric field are also compared to finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulated numerical results. A difference of 5% is obtained between the two experimental SAR values. These measured SAR values are consistent with those obtained by the numerical simulations.
P2X7 Receptor-Mediated Release of Cathepsins from Macrophages Is a Cytokine-Independent Mechanism Potentially Involved in Joint Diseases

The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a promising therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases with highly specific antagonists currently under clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory actions of P2X7R antagonists are considered to result from inhibition of P2X7R-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines from activated macrophages. However, P2X7Rs are also expressed in resting macrophages, suggesting that P2X7R may also signal via cytokine-independent mechanisms involved in joint disease. In this study, we examined P2X7R function in resting human lung macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and found that ATP induced rapid release of the lysosomal cysteine proteases cathepsin B, K, L, and S and that was independent of the presence of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Cathepsins released into the medium were effective to degrade collagen extracellular matrix. ATP-induced cathepsin release was abolished by P2X7R antagonists, absent from P2X7R−/− mouse macrophages, and not associated with cell death. Our results suggest P2X7R activation may play a novel and direct role in tissue damage through release of cathepsins independently of its proinflammatory actions via IL-1 cytokines.
Fatal Accident Resulting from Methyl Bromide Poisoning after Fumigation of a Neighbouring House; Leakage through Sewage Pipes

An intoxication after using methyl bromide (CH3Br) in fumigation is reported. The accident resulted in the death of a newborn infant within 12–13 h after exposure, as well as clinical intoxication of the infant's parents. The concentration of bromide ion in the infant's blood was 170 mg l−1 and in the parents blood it was 130 and 110 mg l−1. Autopsy showed that the cause of death was acute pneumonia due to aspiration, most likely resulting from vomiting and aspiration after inhalation of CH3Br. The clinical symptoms of the parents are reported, as well as a brief survey on the kinetics and CH3Br toxicity in animals and humans. Reconstruction of the events prior to the intoxication revealed that the sewage pipes serving the two houses had been sucked empty only 1–2 h prior to the start of fumigation, resulting in an open sewage connection between the houses and permitting CH3Br to leak from the treated house into the house of the affected family.
Decapacitation factor purification with lipid solvents.

In 1957, Chang reported the presence of a substance in the seminal plasma of several mammalian species which had the ability to reverse the capacitation process (decapacitation factor or DF). Bedford & Chang (1962) were partially able to purify DF by ultra-centrifugation. Since that time, a great deal of effort has been given to the purification, isolation and identification of this substance (Chernoff, Pinsker, Dukelow 8c Williams, 1966; Dukelow, Chernoff & Williams, 1966a, b, 1967a, b; Pinsker & Williams, 1967; Williams, Abney, Chernoff, Dukelow & Pinsker, 1967; Dukelow & Chernoff, 1968). These reports have demonstrated that DF can be destroyed by crude amylase pre¬ parations but is stable to neuraminidase, pronase and glucose oxidase; that it exists in a wide variety of species but is not present in all mammalian seminal plasma; that it can be reduced in molecular size with pronase without de¬ stroying DF activity, and that it is resistant to destruction by heat and cold. Semen was collected from rabbits with an artificial vagina. These samples
Progressive Kyphoscoliosis Associated With Tethered Cord Treated by Posterior Vertebral Column Resection: A Case Report

Study Design. A case report. Objectives. To report a case of progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord that was corrected by posterior vertebral column resection after complicated untethering surgery. Summary of Background Data. There have been few clinical reports on posterior vertebral column resection conducted for severe deformity associated with a tethered cord. Methods. A patient with progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord first underwent untethering surgery, resulting in neurologic deterioration. Posterior vertebral column resection was performed to correct the kyphoscoliosis while shortening the spinal column to prevent the spinal cord from stretch injury. Results. Good correction of kyphoscoliosis was obtained without further neurologic deterioration. The Cobb angles of scoliosis was 103° before surgery and 25° after surgery (correction rate; 75.7%), and that of kyphosis was 90° and 36°, respectively (correction rate; 60.0%). Conclusion. Correction of progressive kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord can be achieved successfully by posterior vertebral column resection even after complicated untethering surgery.
Continuous semiempirical model for the current-voltage characteristics of tunnel fets

A simple analytic model based on the Kane-Sze formula is proposed to describe the current-voltage characteristics of tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs). This model captures the unique features of the TFET including the decrease in subthreshold swing with drain current and the superlinear onset of the output characteristic. The model has fairly general validity and is not specific to a particular TFET geometry. Good agreement is shown with published atomistic simulations of an InAs double-gate TFET with gate perpendicular to the tunnel junction and with numerical simulations of a broken-gap AlGaSb/InAs TFET with gate in parallel with the tunnel junction.
Homology modeling of the Abl‐SH3 domain

A tertiary structure model of the Abl‐SH3 domain is predicted by using homology modeling techniques coupled to molecular dynamics simulations. Two template proteins were used, Fyn‐SH3 and Spc‐SH3. The refined model was extensively checked for errors using criteria based on stereochemistry, packing, solvation free‐energy, accessible surface areas, and contact analyses. The different checking methods do not totally agree, as each one evaluates a different characteristic of protein structures. Several zones of the protein are more susceptible to incorporating errors. These include residues 13, 15, 35, 39, 45, 46, 50, and 60. An interesting finding is that the measurement of the Cα chirality correlated well with the rest of the criteria, suggesting that this parameter might be a good indicator of correct local conformation. Deviations of more than 4 degrees may be indicative of poor local structure. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.