Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Displacement Sensor With Centimeter Dynamic Range and Submicrometer Resolution Based on an Optical Interferometer

We report a low cost and extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer-based optical fiber displacement sensor with a wide dynamic range, up to 2.0 cm, and $0.270~\mu \text{m}$ resolution. The fundamental design principle includes an inclined mirror, mounted on a translational stage, that combines with the end face of a single mode fiber to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The user-configurable triangle geometry-based displacement transfer mechanism makes the sensor capable of measuring a wide displacement range. A fiber ceramic ferrule is used to support and orient the optical fiber, and a metal shell is used to package and protect the principal sensor elements. The novel sensor was employed to monitor shrinkage during the drying/curing stage of a square brick of mortar. The robust and easy-to-manufacture sensor can be easily commercialized and has great potential for applications in the chemical-oil industry, construction industry, and other industries with harsh environments.
The Management of the 2009 pandemic Influenza A H1N1 virus infection.

By far the most important step in the management of a new pandemic viral illness is the availability of a rapid and accurate diagnostic test. Within 1 week of the announcement by the Word Health Organization of the outbreak in Mexico, rapid diagnostic tests based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was designed to differentiate this novel influenza A H1N1 virus from the lately circulating seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 virus, and the sporadic avian H5N1 and H9N2 virus (1).
Diuresis Toll-like receptors and hypertension

Singh MV, Abboud FM. Toll-like receptors and hypertension. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 307: R501–R504, 2014. First published June 11, 2014; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00194. 2014. —Hypertension and associated inflammatory processes that accelerate cardiovascular damage are regulated by the innate immune system. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are major components of the innate immune system that recognize endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns to activate prominent inflammatory signaling including activation of nuclear factorB (NFB). However, the role of TLR in the etiology of hypertension is not well understood. TLR signaling is dependent on adaptor proteins that, along with the TLR expression patterns, confer specificity of the inflammatory response and its pathological targets. Here we review the conceptual framework of how TLR and their adaptor proteins may differentially affect hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy by different stimuli.
Insurer and employer views on pediatric obesity treatment: A qualitative study

The effectiveness of group‐based comprehensive, multidisciplinary (stage 3) pediatric weight management programs is backed by a growing body of literature, yet insurance coverage of these programs is scarce to nonexistent, limiting their reach and long‐term survival. The objective of this study was to better understand the perspectives of insurers and large employers on the issue of group‐based treatment coverage.
Strategies to Optimize the Impact of Supplies Distribution in Post-disaster Operations

We consider the problem of setting a supplies distribution system in a post-disaster context. The primary decision variables correspond to the site opening schedule and the secondary variables focus on the supplies distribution to the population zones. The objective is to optimize the supply delivery to the population, while satisfying some logistics restrictions, both human and financial. We present a non-linear model and we propose a decomposition approach. The master level problem is addressed by NOMAD solver. The slave subproblem is treated as a black-box and it is solved by a combination of two heuristics and a VND local search. Numerical results on both random instances and on one realistic instance, using several scenarios, shows our approach provides satisfactory results.
Morphology of the Developing Visual Cortex of the Human Infant: A Quantitative and Qualitative Golgi Study

A renaissance of the Golgi impregnation method has focused interest on the dendritic aspects of neuronal development. The visual cortices of 39 “neurologi-cally normal” infants from 14 weeks' gestation to 6 months of age were prepared at postmortem for rapid Golgi impregnation studies. These were stained and duplicated with camera lucida drawings. The total number of cells in defined columns of the visual cortex was counted on cresyl violet-stained sections, and differentiated neurons were identified. The number of spines on the apical and basal dendrites of selected cells was counted for a given interval along the dendrites. The camera lucida drawings, cell counts, and spine counts were used to illustrate the normal ontogeny of the visual cortex.
Complete hydatidiform mole in twin pregnancy

Six cases of hydatidiform mole associated with normal chorionic villi and a normal embryo/fetus (in five cases) were investigated with interphase cytogenetic and DNA cytometric analyses for diagnostic purposes. DNA probes specific for the pericentromeric regions of chromosomes 1 and X and for the long arm of chromosome Y were used. In four cases a dizygotic twin pregnancy could be proven. In these cases, the histologically normal chorionic villi showed an XY DNA‐diploid pattern, consistent with a normal male conceptus, and the molar chorionic villi a XX pattern. In the other two cases an identical sex chromosomal pattern was found in the normal and in the molar villi (XX/XX and XY/XY respectively). In all six cases the molar placental tissues showed prominent trophoblastic hyperplasia with DNA‐polyploidy, consistent with a complete hydatidiform mole. In two cases persistent gestational trophoblastic disease developed. It is emphasized that twin pregnancies composed of a normal conceptus and a complete mole have a relatively high risk for the development of persistent trophoblastic disease and therefore, should be carefully differentiated from triploid partial moles with a relatively low risk of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. These case reports indicate that additional interphase cytogenetic and DNA cytometric analyses are useful in this differential diagnosis.
Cloning and expression of the streptococcal C5a peptidase gene in Escherichia coli: linkage to the type 12 M protein gene

A genomic library of Streptococcus pyogenes CS24 DNA was constructed by cloning streptococcal DNA partially digested with Sau3A into the lambda replacement vector EMBL3. The expression of streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP) was analyzed by radioimmunoassay with hyperimmune rabbit serum. Two clones, lambda 4.1 and lambda 4.2, were found to express the desired antigen, and various DNA fragments from the hybrid bacteriophage lambda 4.1 were subcloned into the plasmid vector pUC9 in Escherichia coli. One of the recombinant plasmids, designated pTT1, contained a 5.8-kilobase (kb) streptococcal DNA insert. Analysis of total cellular protein from this E. coli clone by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western (immuno-) blotting identified a 140,000-Mr protein, similar in size to the native protein purified from S. pyogenes. Cloned SCP was functionally active, as shown by its ability to inhibit C5a-mediated chemotaxis. By deletion analysis with both restriction endonucleases and BAL 31 nuclease, the SCP gene was localized to a 4.3-kb segment of DNA. Southern hybridization experiments showed that the type 12 M protein-coding sequence is also present in the hybrid phage lambda 4.1, at approximately 2 kb upstream of the SCP structural gene. Western blot analysis indicated that the cloned streptococcal DNA in lambda 4.1 directed the expression of both SCP and M12 protein.
Variable cirrus shading during CSIP IOP 5. I: Effects on the initiation of convection

Observations from the Convective Storm Initiation Project (CSIP) show that on 29 June 2005 (Intensive Observation Period 5) cirrus patches left over from previous thunderstorms reduced surface sensible and latent heat fluxes in the CSIP area. Large‐eddy model (LEM) simulations, using moving positive surface‐flux anomalies, show that we expect the observed moving gaps in the cirrus cover to significantly aid convective initiation. In these simulations, the timing of the CI is largely determined by the amount of heat added to the boundary layer, but weak convergence at the rear edge of the moving anomalies is also significant.
Ganglioneuroblastic transformation of olfactory neuroblastoma

MENV~LLE JG. Simple dermoid cysts of the breast. Ann Surg. 1936; 103; 49-56. SALM R. Epidermoid metaplasia in mammary fibroadenoma with formation of keratin cysts. J. Pathol. Bacteriol. 1957; 74; 221-222. SALM R. Massive epidermoid metaplasia with keratin cyst formation in a giant fibro-adenoma ofbreast. J Pathol. Bacteriol. 1958; 77; 297-299. SHOUSHA S . Squamous metaplasia in fibroadenomas ofthe breast. Hiszopathology 1986; 10; 1001-1002. J. 1984; 131; 217-219.
Proton pump inhibitor for non-erosive reflux disease: a meta-analysis.

AIM To evaluate the efficacy, safety and influential factors of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment for non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2013 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that probed into the efficacy, safety and influential factors of PPI treatment for NERD. The rates of symptomatic relief and adverse events were measured as the outcomes. After RCT selection, assessment and data collection, the pooled RRs and 95%CI were calculated. This meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 12.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, United States). The level of evidence was estimated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS Seventeen RCTs including 6072 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that PPI treatment was significantly superior to H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) treatment (RR = 1.629, 95%CI: 1.422-1.867, P = 0.000) and placebo (RR = 1.903, 95%CI: 1.573-2.302, P = 0.000) for the symptomatic relief of NERD. However, there were no obvious differences between PPI and H2RA (RR = 0.928, 95%CI: 0.776-1.110, P = 0.414) or PPI and the placebo (RR = 1.000, 95%CI: 0.896-1.116, P = 0.997) regarding the rate of adverse events. The overall rate of symptomatic relief of PPI against NERD was 51.4% (95%CI: 0.433-0.595, P = 0.000), and relief was influenced by hiatal hernia (P = 0.030). The adverse rate of PPI against NERD was 21.0% (95%CI: 0.152-0.208, P = 0.000), and was affected by hiatal hernia (P = 0.081) and drinking (P = 0.053). CONCLUSION PPI overmatched H2RA on symptomatic relief rate but not on adverse rate for NERD. Its relief rate and adverse rate were influenced by hiatal hernia and drinking.
Serological Differentiation between HCV Subtypes 1a and 1b by a Recombinant Immunoblot Assay

Until now, no serological assay has been available for the differentiation of HCV subtypes. Since there is evidence that the subtypes differently influence the clinical course of HCV infection and the outcome of interferon therapy, we established a strip immunoblot assay (NS‐4 IBA) with recombinant HCV proteins of the nonstructural 4 (NS‐4) region propagated in Escherichia coli. Using this NS‐4 IBA, we were able to distinguish HCV subtypes la and 1b, which are the most prevalent subtypes in Europe and the U.S.A. The results of the serotyping assay were compared with those obtained by nucleotide sequencing from the NS‐5 region. Concordant results were observed to match 94.9% (n = 100) by the NS‐4 IBA and nucleotide sequencing. Discrepant results were obtained in only 5.1% (n = 6). These data indicate that HCV subtypes can be serologically distinguished, providing the possibility for easier identification of infection with different KCV subtypes.
Global impact of protein arginine phosphorylation on the physiology of Bacillus subtilis

Reversible protein phosphorylation is an important and ubiquitous protein modification in all living cells. Here we report that protein phosphorylation on arginine residues plays a physiologically significant role. We detected 121 arginine phosphorylation sites in 87 proteins in the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis in vivo. Moreover, we provide evidence that protein arginine phosphorylation has a functional role and is involved in the regulation of many critical cellular processes, such as protein degradation, motility, competence, and stringent and stress responses. Our results suggest that in B. subtilis the combined activity of a protein arginine kinase and phosphatase allows a rapid and reversible regulation of protein activity and that protein arginine phosphorylation can play a physiologically important and regulatory role in bacteria.
Dual-focus versus conventional magnification endoscopy for the diagnosis of superficial squamous neoplasms in the pharynx and esophagus: a randomized trial

Background and study aims: Conventional magnification narrow-band imaging (CM-NBI) endoscopy has demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for superficial squamous neoplasms in the pharynx and esophagus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the newly developed dual-focus NBI (DF-NBI) compared with that of CM-NBI. Patients and methods: We recruited patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck, or esophagus, or with a history of SCC. The primary endpoint of this prospective controlled non-inferiority trial was the sensitivity of DF-NBI and CM-NBI for detecting superficial carcinoma in the pharynx and esophagus. Secondary endpoints included other diagnostic values and the resolving power of each endoscope. Superficial carcinoma was defined as high grade dysplasia and SCC invading up to the submucosal layer. Results: The study included 93 patients. A total of 28 superficial carcinomas were detected in the pharynx and esophagus. The sensitivities of DF-NBI and CM-NBI for superficial carcinoma were 82 % and 71 %, respectively. The lower limit of the 90 % confidence interval for the difference between the sensitivities exceeded the non-inferiority threshold. The specificity and overall accuracy of DF-NBI vs. CM-NBI were 93 % vs. 90 % and 91 % vs. 86 %, respectively (both non-significant differences). The maximum resolving power of a conventional magnification endoscope was significantly higher than a dual-focus endoscope (7.2 µm vs. 11.6 µm: P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicate the non-inferiority of DF-NBI versus CM-NBI in detecting superficial carcinoma in the pharynx and esophagus. DF-NBI appears to have a resolving power that, although significantly lower, is sufficient to achieve high diagnostic accuracy, comparable to that of CM-NBI. University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN, No. 000007585).
Branched-chain amino acid supplementation attenuates muscle soreness, muscle damage and inflammation during an intensive training program.

AIM The aim of this paper was to assess the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on muscle soreness, muscle damage and inflammation during an intensive training program. METHODS Twelve long-distance runners (20 + or - 1 year-old) participated in a double-blinded crossover designed study conducted during two intensive training periods (three-day). The subjects were provided either a drink containing BCAA (0.8% BCAA in a 3.5% carbohydrate solution; 2,500 mL/day) or an isocaloric placebo drink during each training period. All subjects completed the same training program (total running distance: males: 86 km, females: 64 km), and ate the same meals during the training period. Whole body muscle soreness and fatigue sensation were measured in the morning before and during the training period by Visual Analogue Scale method. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and granulocyte elastase (GEL) levels were measured as indicators of muscle damage and inflammation before and after the training period. RESULTS Muscle soreness and fatigue sensation during the training period in the BCAA trial were lower than those in the placebo trial (-32% and -24%, respectively; P<0.05). The plasma CK, LDH, and GEL levels after the training program in the BCAA trial were lower than those in the placebo trial (-21%, -6%, and -15%, respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that BCAA supplementation during an intensive training program effectively reduces the muscle soreness and fatigue sensation, and that the perceived changes could be attributed to the attenuation of muscle damage and inflammation.
Classification and General Considerations of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy in endocrine system, composed of four major types; papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and medullary thyroid carcinoma. The incidence of thyroid cancer, especially differentiated thyroid cancer, is increasing in developed countries. Growing body of studies on molecular pathogenesis in thyroid cancer provide clues for further research and diagnostic/therapeutic targets. The general pathological classifications and clinical features of follicular cell derived thyroid carcinomas are overviewed, and recent advances of genetic alterations are discussed in this review.
Toxicity of antidepressants

SIR: Beaumont (Journal, April 1989, 154, 454-458) has contributed in an imaginative way to the debate concerning the prescription of antidepressant medi cation. The principal issue reviewed in his article is that of toxicity in overdose. A number of authors have addressed the issue of calculating the relative risk of fatal poisoning associ ated with antidepressants, notably Leonard (1986) and Cassidy & Henry (1987). While there is no defini tive way of arriving at a calculation which will precisely predict the pattern of fatalities following overdosage with antidepressant agents (since the necessary data is unavailable), these authors provide a â€ ̃¿ fatal oxicity index' which attempts to predict the number of deaths per million prescriptions of each drug. The results are striking, and perhaps can be illus trated even more clearly by the extrapolations below. The total number of prescriptions for antidepressant medications in 1987, in the UK, was around 7009000 (Pers. Comm., IC! Pharmaceuticals). We can therefore use Cassidy & Henry's formula to pre dict that if only a single antidepressant agent were to be administered throughout the UK, we could expect the following consequences: exclusive use of dothiepin would result in 350 deaths per annum; amitriptyline, 326; and doxepin, 219. In contrast, use of the â€ ̃¿ newer' antidepressants would compare as fol lows: trazodone, 95 deaths per annum; and lofepra mine, 0. Since the body of evidence available would suggest little difference in efficacy between the spec trum of antidepressant agents, the justification for using the older, more toxic antidepressants seems tenuous. Additionally, the newer compounds have superior adverse effect profiles. In the light of current political developments, we are likely to be subjected to progressively greater pressure to â€ ̃¿ rationalise' our prescribing habits. Our fear is that this will involve the production of Regional Health Board and hospital formularies which will attempt to restrict our antidepressant pre scribing to that of the cheapest products available. Already, in the Grampian area, we are being urged to use amitriptyline, imipramine, and doxepin. We agree that there seems little need to use other than a small fraction of the antidepressant medi cations available to us. However, we suggest that restricting our clinical freedom to the use of lofepra mine, trazodone, one of the serotonin re-uptake blockers, and a single MAO! (for example phenel zinc) might substantially reduce the â€ ̃¿ human cost' of our prescribing. We are faced with balancing financial consider ations against those of fatality in overdose. Since doctors are generally poor at predicting suicide at tempts (Barraclough eta! , 1974), it is currently inevi table that our patients will continue to kill themselves with the tools which we supply. Which is the greater cost?
Plasma amino acid response to graded levels of escape protein.

A trial was conducted to examine the potential of using plasma amino acid responses to graded levels of escape protein to determine limiting amino acids in cattle. Growing calves (n = 120; mean BW = 220 +/- 21 kg) were fed a basal diet of corncob:sorghum silage (61:39) and were individually supplemented with distillers' dried grains (DDG), heat-damaged DDG (H-DDG), feather meal (FTH), or urea. The urea supplement was mixed with DDG and H-DDG to allow 0, 20, 35, 50, 65, or 80% of the supplemental CP to come from distillers' protein and maintain an 11.5% CP diet. Urea supplement was mixed with FTH to allow 0, 22, 39, 56, 73, or 90% of the supplemental CP to come from FTH. Dietary CP ranged from 11.5% at the 0% level to 17.3% at the 90% level. Plasma concentration of most essential plasma amino acids responded (P less than .10) linearly and(or) quadratically to increased escape protein. The broken-line response of plasma methionine at low DDG intake suggested that methionine was limiting at low levels of escape protein. An initial decrease followed by a plateau fit by a broken line indicated that histidine became limiting in FTH diets, and lysine eventually became limiting for DDG, H-DDG, and FTH diets before maximum BW gain was reached. Results indicate that plasma amino acid responses may identify amino acids that become limiting with increasing escape protein.
Focal Cartilage Defects in the Knee Impair Quality of Life as Much as Severe Osteoarthritis

Background Patients with focal cartilage defects in the knee may suffer from both pain and functional impairment. Treatment options are often insufficient. It is not known, however, to what extent their complaints affect quality of life, compared with other knee disorders. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a validated global knee score suitable for comparison of patients with knee complaints attributable to different causes. Hypothesis Complaints because of localized cartilage defects in the knee reduce quality of life measured by KOOS to a different extent than those due to anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and osteoarthritis, when comparing patients within the working population scheduled for surgery. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Previously registered KOOS baseline data on patients enrolled in different knee treatment studies were included in the present study; the patients were 18 to 67 years of age (working population) at data registration. The different patient categories were (1) patients with knee osteoarthritis enrolled for knee arthroplasty, (2) patients with knee osteoarthritis enrolled for osteotomies around the knee, (3) patients with focal cartilage lesions enrolled for cartilage repair, and (4) patients with anterior cruciate ligament—deficient knees enrolled for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The KOOS subscale quality of life was the main parameter for comparison of complaints. Results At preoperative baseline, patients with focal cartilage defects in the knee scored 27.5 on the KOOS subscale quality of life, not significantly different from the 28.8 and 27.2 in the patients with osteoarthritis enrolled for knee osteotomies and arthroplasties, respectively. For all the subscales of KOOS, the cartilage patients scored significantly lower than the patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Conclusion Patients with focal cartilage lesions have major problems with pain and functional impairment. Their complaints are worse than those of patients with anterior cruciate ligament—deficient knees, and quality of life is affected to the same extent as in patients scheduled for knee replacement.