Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of seroprevalence for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Washington, Oregon, and California.

BACKGROUND In the US little spatially defined information regarding exposure to most vector-borne pathogens in dogs is available for the states of California (CA), Oregon (OR), and Washington (WA). OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of seroprevalence for 4 vector-borne pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Dirofilaria immitis, across the 3 western coastal states of the contiguous United States that extend from the northern Mexican to the southern Canadian border. METHODS A convenience sample, targeting blood from 20 pet dogs per county across CA, OR, and WA, was evaluated using a canine point-of-care ELISA kit. Geographic coordinates of home zip code were displayed using a geographic information system. A total of 2431 dogs from CA, OR, and WA were tested. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was highest for A. phagocytophilum (2.4%), followed by B. burgdorferi (1.2%), and E. canis (0.7%). The prevalence of infection with D. immitis was 0.7%. At the individual dog level, there was a significant association between seropositivity to B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum (odds ratio=18.7, 95% confidence interval=6.8-47.1). For most positive results, prevalence tended to decrease with increasing latitude; thus, the highest rates of seropositivity occurred in CA, followed by OR, and then WA; one exception was seropositivity for B. burgdorferi, which was higher in WA (0.38%) than in OR (0.15%), but considerably lower than in CA (2.00%). In WA, dogs that tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, E. canis, and B. burgdorferi were in the southern Puget Sound area. For D. immitis, none of the dogs in WA was positive. CONCLUSIONS Seropositivity for vector-borne pathogens is broadly but patchily distributed in dogs in CA, OR, and WA.
Random Coefficient Model of Basal Area Growth for Longitudinal Data

Basal Area Growth model play an important role in forest management. In the permanent forest plots, the measures of BA growth are taken repeatedly over time, each stand has its individual trajectory. It is necessary to model both main response and individual trajectory of forest stands BA. In this paper, we show how a new random coefficient model of stands Basal Area Growth, which is developed based on longitudinal data. Through comparing the goodness of fit Statistics for different error structures, the optimal model is with AR(1) error structure.
Bronchoalveolar lavage and response to cyclophosphamide in scleroderma alveolitis

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by abnormal fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, particularly the lungs. Recent reports have revealed a lack of correlation between bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) variations and response to cyclophosphamide (CYC) in patients with scleroderma-related alveolitis. Our study aimed to evaluate whether the normalization of BAL cellularity correlates with long-term response to CYC. Methods: We retrospectively studied 26 consecutive SSc patients with alveolitis diagnosed by BAL and treated with CYC therapy (cumulative dosage 26.5 ± 11.7 g; 21.1 ± 8.9 months of treatment). We evaluated high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), forced vital capacity (FVC), and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) variations before and after CYC. Radiological and functional parameters were re-evaluated in 23 patients after 1-year follow-up. Results: BAL cellularity normalized after CYC therapy in 12/26 (46.2%) patients (group 1), while it remained abnormal in 14/26 (53.8%) (group 2). FVC and DLCO of group 1 slightly increased after CYC (p = 0.014 and p = 0.07, respectively) and remained stable at follow-up, whereas in group 2 they did not change after CYC and at follow-up (p = not significant). Moreover, at the end of CYC, FVC and/or DLCO showed a clinical improvement/stabilization in all patients of group 1 versus 8/14 of group 2, while at the re-evaluation 1 year after completing CYC, 2/11 patients of group 1 worsened versus 5/12 of group 2. HRCT progression was observed in 1/11 of group 1 and 8/12 of group 2 (p = 0.009). Conclusions: BAL fluid normalization after CYC therapy correlated with long-term response to treatment, contrary to what is observed in individuals with persistent alveolitis.
Frugal Innovations for the 'Unserved' Customer: An Assessment of India's Attractiveness as a Lead Market for Cost-Effective Products

This study builds on our previous work (Tiwari and Herstatt, 2012), which had questioned the validity of certain assumptions of the lead market theory in the face of changing ground realities in a globalized world. Sustained economic growth and proven technological capabilities in some “emerging economies” like China and India call for a reassessment of the appropriateness of the “conventional wisdom” that had held true until recently. While our previous study had “re-built” a theoretical background of the lead market model by introducing some new elements, and doing away with certain others, with the help of two in-depth case studies; the purpose of the present study is to specifically assess India's potential as a lead market for cost-effective frugal innovations. The study crystallizes the inherent characteristics of frugal innovations, their development process and market success in the domestic and overseas markets by analyzing four successful product innovations from selected industries in India. The factors identified thus are then incorporated in the theoretic model to derive propositions about India's lead market potential. Whereas affordability and economies of scale have traditionally constituted the primary concern for frugal innovations, an increasing shift towards “value proposition” is identified. Intensifying competition and growing customer aspirations are changing the nature of frugal innovations. The hitherto unserved customer demands attractive designs and modern technologies to come out of his shell of “non-consumption”. Our research confirms that frugal innovations can benefit end-consumers and firms, simultaneously. Better-designed products also have positive impact on the lead market potential, creating a virtuous cycle. The study also discovered that the increasing need for sophistication coupled with continued cost pressures is shifting the product development processes into the domain of “open global innovation”, which also helps reduce the negative country-of-origin effects faced by developing countries. The research would have implications for location decisions in setting up global innovation/R&D activities.
Osteosarcoma incidence and survival rates from 1973 to 2004

Osteosarcoma, which is the most common primary bone tumor, occurs most frequently in adolescents, but there is a second incidence peak among individuals aged >60 years. Most osteosarcoma epidemiology studies have been embedded in large analyses of all bone tumors or focused on cases occurring in adolescence. Detailed descriptions of osteosarcoma incidence and survival with direct comparisons among patients of all ages and ethnicities are not available.
Primate Retina: Duplex Function of Dark-Adapted Ganglion Cells

Certain ganglion cells from the central region of dark-adapted retina of the rhesus monkey respond to stimulation of both rod and cone receptors. With dim stimuli the function of these ganglion cells is determined entirely by the rods; with brighter stimuli that affect both dark-adapted rods and cones, little evidence of rod function is detectable because a cone mechanism appears to determine both the latency and frequency of ganglion-cell firing.
A 30 W Cartesian Feedback Transmitter with 40 % Efficiency Incorporating an Inverted Doherty Amplifier

We present a 30 W Cartesian feedback transmitter with an efficiency of 40 % and an adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) of -51 dBc for 859 MHz band pi/4-DQPSK applications. The high efficiency of the system was achieved by a significant efficiency improvement for the final amplifier stage using a load modulation technique. The implemented Cartesian feedback transmitter, using a Doherty power amplifier, exhibited a 3rd order inter-modulation distortion (IMD3) improvement of 27 dB for a two-tone signal at an output power level of 45 dBm. It also had ACLR improvement of 16.2 dB for the pi/4-DQPSK signal at an output power level of 45 dBm. The system performed with an efficiency as high as 40 % which was an improved value by about 7 % points as a consequence of the high efficiency characteristics of the inverted Doherty amplifier.
Burden of stress urinary incontinence for community-dwelling women.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to better understand the subjective bothersomeness of stress urinary incontinence symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of community-dwelling women. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a mail survey of 605 women in the United States who reported symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. RESULTS More than three fourths of the respondents reported their symptoms to be bothersome, with approximately 29% reporting their symptoms to be moderately to extremely bothersome. The odds of moderate-to-extreme bother decreased with age and increased with symptom severity. Concerns about social embarrassment were evident. CONCLUSION Stress urinary incontinence symptoms can impose a significant burden on the women who have them. The results reinforce the need for health care professionals to be proactive in questioning and educating patients about this common lower urinary tract symptom.
Pitx1 and Pitx2c are required for ectopic cement gland formation in xenopus laevis

Summary: The mucus secreting cement gland is the anterior‐most ectodermal organ of the Xenopus embryo. The homeobox genes Pltx1 and Pitx2c are expressed in the cement gland primordium. Misexpression of both genes induced ectopic cement gland tissue in whole embryos and transcription of the marker genes Xag1 and Xag2 in animal cap explant cultures. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides against Pitx1 and Pitx2c inhibited ectopic cement gland formation induced by otx2. Gene knock downs generated by morpholino oligonucleotides were specific and could be rescued by coinjection of Pitx mRNAs. These data demonstrate for the first time the requirement of specific genes for cement gland formation by loss‐of‐function experiments. genesis 30:144–148, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
L'apparition des médias sociaux dans l'e-GRH: gestion de la marque employeur et e-recrutement

De plus en plus d'organisations mobilisent des sites comme Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin ou Viadeo dans leur politique de Recrutement. Toutefois ces nouvelles pratiques sont peu etudiees. L'objectif de cette communication est de mieux comprendre ce phenomene a l'aide de quatre cas concrets. Il apparait au terme d'une analyse de contenu, quatre principaux resultats. Les outils web de type BDD sont incontournables mais desormais relies aux medias sociaux. Deux categories de medias sociaux se distinguent: ceux utilises afin de gerer la marque employeur et ceux utilises davantage dans le cadre du processus d'e-recrutement. Enfin, leur utilisation entraine le developpement de nouvelles interfaces entre les cabinets, les entreprises et les candidats.
The use of Sermorelin and GHRP ’ s for Somatopause

It well known that somatotrophin or human growth hormone (hGH) secretion declines significantly in healthy individuals during aging contributing to increased central obesity, reduced muscle mass and bone mineral content, as well as to decay of psychological perception of well being (Rosen et al, 1993). This age-associated deficiency is sometimes called the somatopause. By causing maladaptive changes in body composition and metabolism, progressive hGH insufficiency also increases the risk for development of intrinsic diseases of aging that are the common cause of death after the age of 50 years. However, expanding knowledge of neuroendocrine function and how it may be modulated with pharmacological agents brings enthusiastic support for the use of such molecules to prolong health and vitality in the elderly. Heretofore, recombinant hormone growth hormone was used to replace declining concentrations of the naturally occurring molecule. While this approach was effective in reversing certain somatic and metabolic deficiencies associated with the somatopause, it lacked the ability to simulate naturally occurring profiles of hGH secretion that are an essential part of its action, and the pharmacological approach brought with it the possibility of side effects and abuse. Thus, more effective and desirable methods for opposing effects of the somatopause would be to restore waning functions within the neuroendocrine system by specifically targeting the pituitary gland. This holistic approach would not only meet the objective of reversing age-related growth hormone insufficiency, but would avoid the undersirable effects previously mentioned since feedback relationships would prevent excessive release of the hormone.
Effect of pupil size on uncorrected visual acuity in pseudophakic eyes with astigmatism.

PURPOSE To study the effect of pupil size on the relationship between refractive astigmatism and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and pseudoaccommodation in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS Thirty-six eyes from 36 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included. All eyes were divided into two groups based on the presence of postoperative-with-the-rule astigmatism or against-the-rule astigmatism. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive astigmatism, subjective accommodation amplitude, and pupil sizes under photopic and mesopic conditions were measured 1 month postoperatively. The effects of pupil size on the relationship between refractive astigmatism and UDVA were investigated. RESULTS Against-the-rule astigmatism had a moderate but significant negative linear correlation with UDVA irrespective of the pupil size (R(2)=0.60, P<. 01). A moderate but significant negative linear correlation was found when the pupil diameter exceeded 2.9 mm in eyes with with-the-rule astigmatism (R(2)=0.46, P=. 04). Refractive astigmatism was not significantly correlated with pseudoaccommodation regardless of the pupil diameter in either group. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study suggest that pupil size may have an impact on postoperative UDVA in eyes having against-the-rule astigmatism and in eyes with a large pupil diameter and with-the-rule astigmatism.
Effects of Simvastatin on Lung Injury Induced by Ischaemia–Reperfusion of the Hind Limbs in Rats

We investigated whether simvastatin reduces lung injury caused by ischaemia–reperfusion of the hind limbs in rats. The control group underwent dissection of bilateral femoral arteries; another group (I/R group) underwent ischaemia of bilateral hind limbs for 2 h followed by 3 h reperfusion; and two other groups were pretreated with 5 or 10 mg/kg per day simvastatin for 3 days and then underwent ischaemia–reperfusion. The control and I/R group rats received placebo (water) instead of simvastatin. The lungs of the I/R rats showed marked histopathological changes compared with the other groups. Lung tissue myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, neutrophil count and lung injury scores in both simvastatin groups were significantly lower than in the I/R group; 10 mg/kg per day simvastatin significantly reduced lung water content although 5 mg/kg per day did not. Expression of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein in lung tissue was significantly greater in the simvastatin groups than in the I/R group. Simvastatin protects against lung injury associated with lower extremity ischaemia–reperfusion by reduction of neutrophil aggregation and oxidative damage, and upregulation of HO-1 expression in the injured lung.
Aggressive T-cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia Presenting as an EBV Negative Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

A 33 year-old man, a renal transplant recipient, developed an aggressive T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL) that presented as a soft-tissue lesion, mimicking an abscess. The tumor cells showed cytological features of large granular lymphocytes, immunophenotypically characterized as mature T-cells expressing CD2, CD5, CD4, CD56, and TIA-1. About 80% of tumor cells were positive for Ki-67 and p53. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated trisomy 8, trisomy 15, and trisomy 21. There was no evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection. The patient died 14 days after diagnosis with multiple organ failure and extensive bone marrow and visceral involvement.
The importance of the mucopolysaccharides in intraocular pressure regulation.

prove important for this and other questions about amacrine cell function. Efferent innervation of amacrine cells is a classic anatomic finding which cries for functional interpretation, and it lias been reported that antidromic stimulation of the optic nerve evokes an excitatory postsynaptic potential in amacrine cells. Work in avian retinas, known to have a well-developed amacrine cell population and efferent system, may give more insight into how the brain uses amacrine cells to communicate with the retina. Looking at the present state of the electrophysiology of amacrine cells, Cajal and Walls would certainly perceive the elements of remarkable progress along with the seeds of an exciting future in which painstaking research may deprive the amacrine cells of much of their remaining mystery.
The canonical class of a symplectic 4-manifold

There are several interesting questions which arise: 1. Let X be a symplectic 4-manifold whose canonical class is represented by a disjoint collection of symplectic surfaces of genera and multiplicities {gi, mi} as above. Suppose also that each gi > 1. Are these numbers a symplectic invariant of X? 2. Let CK(X) be the number of components of a symplectic representative K of the canonical class of a symplectic 4-manifold X, and let C(X) be the maximum of CK(X) over all K. Is it true that c1(X) ≥ χh(X) − (2 + C(X))? This question should be compared with the conjecture of [9] which states that c1(X) ≥ χh(X) − 2b− 1 where b represents the number of Seiberg-Witten basic classes up to sign. For the manifolds in Theorem 1.1 this would read c1(X) ≥ χh(X) − 2c−1 − 1
Exploring Dexterous Manipulation Workspaces with the iHY Hand

In the past several years, standards in experimental robotics have risen significantly. Robots are increasingly expected to be mobile, self-contained, and robust to the accidental collisions that inevitably accompany work in the real world. These requirements have placed particularly harsh constraints on robot hands. Fingers are also among the smallest and most fragile articulated links in a robot, as well as those most likely to make contact with the environment. In an effort to improve the capabilities of practical hands for experimentation, the authors have developed the iRobot-Harvard-Yale (iHY) hand in collaboration with iRobot Corporation and the Harvard BioRobotics Laboratory [1]. Aside from good grasping performance, which is present in a number of simplified or underactuated hands [2]~[7], one key design goal of the iHY Hand was to enable dexterous, within-hand manipulation of grasped objects. In this paper, we demonstrate some of this functionality, and in particular present experimental results characterizing the space of object configurations that can be reached by varying the hand’s flexor tendon excursion from an initial tripod grasp, and without the need for sensoryintensive feedback control. The iHY Hand, shown in Fig. 1, is a three-fingered hand with five actuators. Each finger is capable of rotating about the proximal pin joint, which is connected to a spring that returns the finger to a fully open configuration when unactuated. The distal joint of each finger is a compliant bending beam that principally moves in flexion, but also admits somewhat stiffer motion in twisting and out-of-plane bending. These added three-
Involvement of autolysis of cytoplasmic membranes in the process of autolysis of Bacillus cereus.

SUMMARY: When exponentially growing Bacillus cereus organisms were suspended in buffer or buffered hypertonic sucrose solution and incubated at 37°, a rapid decrease in turbidity of the suspension was observed (autolysis). During autolysis ultraviolet-absorbing substances leaked from the bacteria and over 50% of the total phospholipids was released. Of the amino sugars, main components of the cell walls of this organism, less than 20% was released. Phase-contrast microscopy showed the empty rod-shaped ghosts which increased in number, while the total counts were constant during autolysis. Mg2+ and Mn2+ inhibited the autolysis; these cations either prevented leakage of ultraviolet absorbing substances or release of phospholipids. Isolated cytoplasmic membranes autolysed when the membranes were incubated at 37° in buffer solution (pH 7.0 to 7.5). It could be assumed, therefore, that the cytoplasmic membranes of Bacillus cereus were lysed faster than the cell walls during autolysis and that the autolysis of the membranes was inhibited by Mg2+ and Mn2+.
Mass antimicrobial treatment in pregnancy. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in a population with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are highly prevalent in pregnant women in many developing countries and have been associated with poor obstetric outcomes. Case detection and treatment of STDs in women is problematic and expensive, underscoring the need for other strategies. To explore the potential benefits of routine antimicrobial therapy on pregnancy outcome, we carried out a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial in one of the antenatal clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. Four hundred pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks' gestation were given a single dose of 250 mg ceftriaxone intramuscularly or a placebo. There was a significant difference between ceftriaxone and placebo-treated women in infant birth weight (3,209 versus 3,056 g, P = .01). In addition, there was a trend toward lower rates of birth weight < 2,500 g (4.0% versus 9.2%, P = .08) and postpartum endometritis (3.8% versus 10.4%, P = .05) in the intervention than in the placebo group. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated from the cervixes of postpartum women in 1.8% of the intervention group as compared to 4.2% of the control group. These data suggest a beneficial effect of antimicrobial prophylaxis on pregnancy outcome. Larger studies should be carried out to examine the public health impact of this intervention.