Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental variables and mobility performance in adults with low vision.

BACKGROUND Surveys and empirical studies of visually impaired (VI) persons suggest that avoidance of objects while walking may depend on type of vision loss and be influenced by light level, object contrast, and object type. METHODS Mobility performance in 88 VI adults was assessed on an indoor obstacle course under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions. Subjects were divided into three categories: primarily an acuity loss, primarily a peripheral field restriction, and a combination of the two. Performance measures were time to walk the course and total number of contacts with objects in the course. RESULTS Decreasing light level from photopic to mesopic resulted in a significant increase (roughly double) in the time required to complete the course and in the total number of contacts, regardless of type of vision loss. Under photopic illumination, subjects with acuity loss took less time on average to complete the course and contacted fewer objects than the other two groups. At mesopic levels, acuity loss subjects performed better than those in the other categories. Low contrast obstacles were contacted more frequently than high contrast ones at both light levels. Finally, floor level walk-around objects were contacted significantly less often than either step-over or head level objects, regardless of type of vision loss and light level. CONCLUSIONS The ability of VI persons to avoid obstacles is significantly impaired under mesopic illumination. Object contrast and location are significant factors in determining the success of VI persons in avoiding obstacles in the travel path.
Long-term Follow-up for Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis

Patients treated in Peru for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were followed-up for a median of 67 months. Among 86 patients considered cured after completion of treatment, 97% remain healthy; 1 patient relapsed. Employment increased from 34% before treatment to 71%. We observed favorable long-term outcomes among MDR-TB patients.
The effect of dynamic versus isometric resistance training on pain and functioning among adults with osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE To compare 16 weeks of isometric versus dynamic resistance training versus a control on knee pain and functioning among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. SETTING Outpatient setting. PARTICIPANTS A total of 102 volunteer subjects with OA of the knee randomized to isometric (n=32) and dynamic (n=35) resistance training groups or a control (n=35). INTERVENTIONS Strength exercises for the legs, 3 times weekly for 16 weeks. Dynamic group: exercises across a functional range of motion; isometric: exercises at discrete joint angles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The time to descend and ascend a flight of 27 stairs and to get down and up off of the floor. Knee pain was assessed immediately after each functional task. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was used to assess perceived pain, stiffness, and functional ability. RESULTS In the isometric group, time to perform all 4 functional tasks decreased (P<.05) by 16% to 23%. In the dynamic group, time to descend and ascend stairs decreased by 13% to 17%. Both groups decreased knee pain while performing the functional tasks by 28% to 58%. Other measures of pain and functioning were significantly and favorably affected in the training groups. The improvements in the 2 training groups as a result of their respective therapies were not significantly different. The control group did not change over the duration of the study. CONCLUSION Dynamic or isometric resistance training improves functional ability and reduces knee joint pain of patients with knee OA.
Meat Intake Increases Risk of Weight Gain in Women: A Prospective Cohort Investigation

Purpose. Examine the extent to which meat consumption influences risk of weight gain in women during a 20-month period. Additionally, to determine the extent to which demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors influence the meat-weight gain association. Design. Prospective cohort. Setting. Two metropolitan areas of the Mountain West. Subjects. Two hundred thirty-seven middle-aged women. Measures. Diet was assessed by using 7-day weighed food records, and physical activity was measured by using accelerometers. Other potential confounders included age; initial body weight; energy intake; percentage of energy from fat, protein, and carbohydrate; dietary fiber intake per 1000 kcal; and time in the investigation. Two meat variables were studied: very lean meat (VLM) and other meat (Meat). Analysis. Multiple regression, partial correlation, and relative risk. Results. Each additional serving (1 ounce) of Meat consumed at baseline per 1000 kcal was associated with a 1.19-kg gain in weight over time (F = 7.3, p = .0073). Controlling for physical activity, fiber, and macronutrient intake, individually, strengthened the relationship. Servings of VLM per 1000 kcal were not predictive of weight change (F= .00, p = .9576). With all potential confounders controlled, the relative risk of gaining weight (>5 pounds) for women with Low Meat intake was . 36 (95% confidence interval = .17–.76) compared to women with High Meat intake. Conclusion. Consuming meats other than those in the VLM category is associated with increased risk of weight gain over time.
Apolipoprotein E and diets: a case of gene‐nutrient interaction?

&NA; Apolipoprotein E has key functions in lipoprotein metabolism, and polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E gene are associated with distinct lipoprotein patterns. The possibility of gene‐nutrient interactions for apolipoprotein E has been addressed in many studies. Although results have generally been mixed, the indications for such an interaction have been more common in studies employing a metabolic challenge. Studies directly designed to examine apolipoprotein E gene‐nutrient interactions are needed.
Practical limits of resolution in confocal and non‐linear microscopy

Calculated and measured resolution figures are presented for confocal microscopes with different pinhole sizes and for nonlinear (2‐photon and second harmonic) microscopes. A modest degree of super‐resolution is predicted for a confocal microscope but in practice this is not achievable and confocal fluorescence gives little resolution improvement over widefield. However, practical non‐linear microscopes do approach their theoretical resolution and therefore show no resolution disadvantage relative to confocal microscopes in spite of the longer excitation wavelength. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:18–22, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of cardiac and extracardiac target organ damage in refractory hypertension

Objective Target organ damage (TOD) in chronically treated hypertensives is related to effective blood pressure (BP) control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac and extracardiac TOD in patients with refractory hypertension (RH) compared with well-controlled treated hypertensives (C). Methods Fifty-four consecutive patients with RH (57 ± 10 years), selected according to WHO/ISH guidelines definition, and 51 essential hypertensives (55 ± 10 years) with satisfactory BP control obtained by association therapy, underwent the following procedures: (1) clinic BP measurement; (2) blood sampling for routine chemistry examinations; (3) 24 h urine collection for microalbuminuria; (4) non-mydriatic retinography; (5) echocardiogram; (6) carotid ultrasonogram. In order to exclude ‘office resistance’ (defined as clinic BP > 140/90 mmHg and average 24 h BP ⩽ 125/79 mmHg), all patients with RH were subjected to 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Results Both groups were similar for age, gender, body surface area, smoking habit and duration of hypertension, glucose, creatinine and lipid levels. By definition, clinic BP was significantly higher in RH than C (161 ± 19/96 ± 9 versus 127 ± 6/80 ± 5 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.01). The increased prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and carotid intima–media (IM) thickening (40 versus 12%, P < 0.01, according to a non-gender-specific partition value of 125 g/m2 ; and 36 versus 14%, P < 0.01, according to IM thickness ⩾1.0 mm, respectively); a higher prevalence of carotid plaques (65 versus 32%, P < 0.05), a more advanced retinal involvement (grade II and III, 73 and 5% versus 38 and 0%, P < 0.01) and a greater albumin urinary excretion (22 ± 32 mg/24 h versus 11 ± 13 mg/24 h, P < 0.01) were found in RH compared to C. Conclusions Our study suggests that RH is a clinical condition associated with a high prevalence of TOD at cardiac, macro- and microvascular level and consequently with high absolute cardiovascular risk, which needs a particularly intensive therapeutic approach aimed to normalize BP levels and to induce TOD regression.
SpFGFR, a New Member of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Family, Is Developmentally Regulated during Early Sea Urchin Development*

We describe the cloning of a new fibroblast growth factor receptor, SpFGFR1, that is differentially regulated at the level of transcript abundance during sea urchin embryogenesis. Sequence representing the conserved tyrosine kinase domain was obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using degenerate primers, and the entire open reading frame was obtained by standard cDNA library screening methods. SpFGFR contains a series of domains characteristic of FGFRs: three immunoglobulin-like motifs, an acid box, a transmembrane domain, a relatively long juxtamembrane sequence, a split tyrosine kinase domain, and two conserved intracellular tyrosine residues. Alternative splicing of SpFGFR generates two variants (Ig3L and Ig3S), which differ by insertion in the center of the Ig3 domain of 34 extra amino acids, encoded by an additional exon. Transcripts encoding both variants accumulate when morphogenesis begins with mesenchyme cell ingression and gastrulation. SpFGFR transcripts accumulate in all cell types of the embryo, although in situ hybridization shows that they are somewhat enriched in cells of oral ectoderm and endoderm. Transcripts encoding the Ig3S variant, whose structure resembles more closely that of vertebrate receptors, are enriched in endomesoderm, suggesting that the SpFGFR variants could play distinct roles in the sea urchin embryo.
A two-dimensional surface potential based subthreshold-slope model for short-channel MOS transistors

An analytical model for the subthreshold-slope (SS) of short-channel MOS transistors is presented in this paper. The expression for the subthreshold current, which is the basis of the subthreshold-slope, utilizes the concept of splitting of quasi- Fermi levels along the channel. The current model is based on the surface potential for short-channel devices where two- dimensional effects are incorporated by solving a pseudo-2D Poisson's equation. To arrive at a simple analytical expression, some approximations with proper explanation are made. The model results are compared with that of two-dimensional numerical simulation results using DESSIS of ISE TCAD, and a very good agreement between the two is found.
Elevated platelet-monocyte complexes ın patıents wıth psorıatıc arthrıtıs

We evaluated platelet and endothelial activation parameters in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a disease reported to be associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction and increased atherosclerotic complications. Twenty patients with PsA, eight psoriasis and 20 healthy controls were included into the study. The patients’ clinical features and acute phase parameters were assessed. In all patients and controls, platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC), platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNC), and basal and ADP-stimulated P-selectin expression were determined with flow cytometry; soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble CD40L (sCD40L) were determined with ELISA. Patterns of joint involvement and degrees of skin involvement in PsA patients were assessed. PMC in PsA patients were significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.02). PNC were not significantly different among the three groups (p values > 0.05). sE-selectin levels in both PsA and psoriasis groups were significantly higher than in healthy controls (p values, respectively, <0.001 and 0.023). Basal and ADP-stimulated CD62P expression and sCD40L level were similar in all groups (p values > 0.05). Polyarticular PsA patients had significantly higher sCD40L than oligoarticular plus spondylitic PsA groups (p = 0.04). sCD40L level was higher in active PsA group than in inactive PsA group (p = 0.03). Groups with limited and extensive skin involvement did not differ significantly in the evaluated parameters. C-reactive protein (CRP) level in PsA patients correlated with sCD40L (r = 0.69, p = 0.012), basal CD62P expression (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) and ADP-stimulated CD62P expression (r = 0.73, p = 0.001). Endothelial activation might be have a role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and PsA. Among parameters of platelet activation, only PMC might play a role in the pathogenesis of PsA.
Comparison of retinoblastoma reduction for chemotherapy vs external beam radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the time course and extent of tumor reduction associated with systemic chemotherapy or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in the treatment of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma. METHODS Retrospective review of children with Reese-Ellsworth stages IV and V retinoblastoma undergoing primary globe-conserving therapy with either systemic chemoreduction or EBRT. Study variables were recorded at baseline, at monthly intervals for the first 6 months, and at 12 months after the initiation of treatment. Tumor volumes were calculated using basal area and height values determined by ultrasonography, physical examination, and fundus photographic review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures included tumor volume, tumor reduction, regression pattern, treatment-related complications, metastases, and survival. RESULTS Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients were evaluated for tumor response; 18 patients were treated with systemic chemotherapy and 8 patients were treated with EBRT. Median follow-up was 36 months. A mean 68% reduction in tumor volume occurred after 1 cycle of chemotherapy compared with a 12% reduction at a similar time point (1 month) after initiation of EBRT (P<.004). There was no statistically significant difference in tumor volume reduction between treatment modalities at the 12-month follow-up visit. Both systemic chemoreduction and EBRT achieved 100% globe conservation and 100% patient survival in this series. CONCLUSIONS Retinoblastoma reduction exhibits a differential time course based on the applied primary treatment. Systemic chemotherapy is associated with earlier tumor reduction than EBRT.
Masters of the ‘masters of the universe’? Monetary, fiscal and financial dominance in the Eurozone

The rise of central bankers to the status of new ‘masters of the universe’ has been matched by mounting allegations of political overreach. In the Eurozone, for instance, the European Central Bank has increasingly been accused of straying into the fiscal realm. Why do politically independent central banks engage intensely and publicly with government policies, thereby threatening the neat separation between monetary and fiscal policy that was meant to protect central banks themselves from interference? While existing political economy accounts have focused squarely on the issues of government debt and central bankers’ fears of fiscal dominance, we argue for the emerging role of ‘financial dominance’ throughout the crisis, thereby shedding light on the structural forces that master the new masters of the universe. To this end, we pursue a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative text analysis techniques with a qualitative understanding of the context in which central banks communicate on fiscal policy.
Five‐year mortality in patients treated for severe community‐acquired pneumonia – a retrospective study

The mortality rate in patients with severe community‐acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is high. We investigated the 5‐year mortality rate and causes of death in a patient population treated for SCAP in our intensive care unit (ICU), and compared the mortality rate in patients with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as comorbidity.
c-IAP1 Is Cleaved by Caspases to Produce a Proapoptotic C-terminal Fragment*

Although human c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 have been reported to possess antiapoptotic activity against a variety of stimuli in several mammalian cell types, we observed that full-length c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 failed to protect cells from apoptosis induced by Bax overexpression, tumor necrosis factor α treatment or Sindbis virus infection. However, deletion of the C-terminal RING domains of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 restored antiapoptotic activity, indicating that this region negatively regulates the antiapoptotic function of the N-terminal BIR domain. This finding is consistent with the observation by others that the spacer region and RING domain of c-IAP1 functions as an E3 ligase, promoting autoubiquitination and degradation of c-IAP1. In addition, we found that c-IAP1 is cleaved during apoptosis to 52- and 35-kDa fragments. Both fragments contain the C-terminal end of c-IAP1 including the RING finger. In vitro cleavage of c-IAP1 with apoptotic cell extracts or with purified recombinant caspase-3 produced similar fragments. Furthermore, transfection of cells with the spacer-RING domain alone suppressed the antiapoptotic function of the N-terminal BIR domain of c-IAP1 and induced apoptosis. Optimal death-inducing activity of the spacer-RING required both the spacer region and the zinc-binding RING domain of c-IAP1 but did not require the caspase recruitment domain located within the spacer region. To the contrary, deletion of the caspase recruitment domain increased proapoptotic activity, apparently by stabilizing the C-terminal fragment.
Investigation of electric field and charge multiplication in silicon detectors by Edge-TCT

A Transient Current Technique (TCT) utilizing IR laser with 100 ps pulse width and beam diameter of FWHM=8 ¿m was used to evaluate non-irradiated and irradiated p-type silicon micro-strip detectors. The beam was parallel with the surface and perpendicular to the strips (Edge-TCT) so that the electron hole pairs were created at known depth in the detector. Induced current pulses were measured in one of the strips. The pulse shapes were analysed in a new way, which does not require the knowledge of effective trapping times, determine drift velocity, charge collection and electric field profiles in heavily irradiated silicon detectors. The profiles were studied at different laser beam positions (depth of carrier generation), voltages and fluences up to 5 · 1015 neutrons cm-2. A strong evidence for charge multiplication at high voltages was found with detector irradiated to the highest fluence.
Effects of short-term exercise on adiponectin and adiponectin receptor levels in rats.

AIM Adiponectin reportedly reduces insulin resistance. Exercise has also been shown to lessen insulin resistance, although it is not well known whether exercise increases levels of adiponectin and/or its receptors nor whether it effects are dependent on exercise intensity and/or period. We previously reported that blood adiponectin levels increased by 150% in animals that exercised at a rate of 30 m/min for 60 minutes, 2 days per week, and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) mRNA levels in muscle increased up to 4 times in response to exercise at a rate of 25 m/min for 30 min, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. METHODS In light of this information, we examined the effects of short-term exercise on adiponectin, and adiponectin receptor levels in rats, using ELISA and real-time PCR. RESULTS Our data showed that adiponectin mRNA levels in adipose tissue increased by 280% in rats exercised at a rate of 30 m/min for 60 minutes for 2 weeks and correlated with the exercise time periods. No effects of short-term exercise on adiponectin receptor 1 mRNA in muscle were observed. CONCLUSION Thus, long-term exercise may be required to regulate adiponectin receptor 1 mRNA expression in muscle and adiponectin mRNA expression in adipose tissue.
The Neurobiology of Schwann Cells

This selective review of Schwann cell biology focuses on questions relating to the origins, development and differentiation of Schwann cells and the signals that control these processes. The importance of neuregulins and their receptors in controlling Schwann cell precursor survival and generation of Schwann cells, and the role of these molecules in Schwann cell biology is addressed. The reciprocal signalling between peripheral glial cells and neurons in development and adult life revealed in recent years is highlighted, and the profound change in survival regulation from neuron‐dependent Schwann cell precursors to adult Schwann cells that depend on autocrine survival signals is discussed. Besides providing neuronal and autocrine signals, Schwann cells signal to mesenchymal cells and influence the development of the connective tissue sheaths of peripheral nerves. The importance of Desert Hedgehog in this process is described. The control of gene expression during Schwann cell development and differentiation by transcription factors is reviewed. Knockout of Oct‐6 and Krox‐20 leads to delay or absence of myelination, and these results are related to morphological or physiological observations on knockout or mutation of myelin‐related genes. Finally, the relationship between selected extracellular matrix components, integrins and the cytoskeleton is explored and related to disease.
A Regularized Hotelling’s T2 Test for Pathway Analysis in Proteomic Studies

Recent proteomic studies have identified proteins related to specific phenotypes. In addition to marginal association analysis for individual proteins, analyzing pathways (functionally related sets of proteins) may yield additional valuable insights. Identifying pathways that differ between phenotypes can be conceptualized as a multivariate hypothesis testing problem: whether the mean vector μ of a p-dimensional random vector X is μ0. Proteins within the same biological pathway may correlate with one another in a complicated way, and Type I error rates can be inflated if such correlations are incorrectly assumed to be absent. The inflation tends to be more pronounced when the sample size is very small or there is a large amount of missingness in the data, as is frequently the case in proteomic discovery studies. To tackle these challenges, we propose a regularized Hotelling’s T2 (RHT) statistic together with a nonparametric testing procedure, which effectively controls the Type I error rate and maintains good power in the presence of complex correlation structures and missing data patterns. We investigate asymptotic properties of the RHT statistic under pertinent assumptions and compare the test performance with four existing methods through simulation examples. We apply the RHT test to a hormone therapy proteomics dataset, and identify several interesting biological pathways for which blood serum concentrations changed following hormone therapy initiation. This article has supplementary material online.