Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Spatial CGRP Innervation in Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein Induced Spinal Fusion in Rabbits

Study Design. Animal experiment using a rabbit posterolateral intertransverse process fusion model. Objective. To explore the temporal and spatial distribution of sensory nerve fibers expressing calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) during spinal fusion induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-4 and the role of the CGRP innervation in ectopic bone formation and remodeling. Summary of Background Data. Sensory neuropeptide CGRP involved in local bone turnover has been evidenced but its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Knowledge in the CGRP innervation in ectopic bone induced by bone morphogenetic proteins can help us to understand its role in bone turnover. Methods. Twenty-seven New Zealand white rabbits underwent single level posterolateral intertransverse process fusion of the lumbar vertebrae with implantation of porous poly-d,l-lactic acid blocks loaded with 1.25 &mgr;g recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-4 solution. Animals were killed and the operated lumbar vertebrae were harvested for histomorphological evaluation at 3 days (n = 3), 1 week (n = 6), 3 weeks (n = 6), 7 weeks (n = 6), and 12 weeks (n = 6) following surgery, respectively. Results. New cartilage presented at 1 week postimplantation adjacent to the implant, reached a peak volume at week 3 followed by a drop till week 12 after its ossification. Trabeculae-like woven bone structure presented at week 3. CGRP-positive nerve fibers regenerated already at 3 days postimplantation, reached its peak density at week 3. The CGRP-positive fibers presented both in fibrous tissues adjacent to proliferating cartilages and in bone marrow of newly formed trabecular bone. Conclusions. The observed spatial and temporal regeneration of CGRP-positive nerve fibers in ectopic bone formation suggested CGRP innervation is associated with ectopic osteogenesis.
Static γ‐motoneurones couple group Ia and II afferents of single muscle spindles in anaesthetised and decerebrate cats

Ideas about the functions of static γ‐motoneurones are based on the responses of primary and secondary endings to electrical stimulation of single static γ‐axons, usually at high frequencies. We compared these effects with the actions of spontaneously active γ‐motoneurones. In anaesthetised cats, afferents and efferents were recorded in intramuscular nerve branches to single muscle spindles. The occurrence of γ‐spikes, identified by a spike shape recognition system, was linked to video‐taped contractions of type‐identified intrafusal fibres in the dissected muscle spindles. When some static γ‐motoneurones were active at low frequency (< 15 Hz) they coupled the firing of group Ia and II afferents. Activity of other static γ‐motoneurones which tensed the intrafusal fibres appeared to enhance this effect. Under these conditions the secondary ending responded at shorter latency than the primary ending. In another series of experiments on decerebrate cats, responses of primary and secondary endings of single muscle spindles to activation of γ‐motoneurones by natural stimuli were compared with their responses to electrical stimulation of single γ‐axons supplying the same spindle. Electrical stimulation mimicked the natural actions of γ‐motoneurones on either the primary or the secondary ending, but not on both together. However, γ‐activity evoked by natural stimuli coupled the firing of afferents with the muscle at constant length, and also when it was stretched. Analysis showed that the timing and tightness of this coupling determined the degree of summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by each afferent in α‐motoneurones and interneurones contacted by terminals of both endings, and thus the degree of facilitation of reflex actions of group II afferents.
Detection and quantification of HIV-1 in semen: identification of a subpopulation of men at high potential risk of viral sexual transmission.

BACKGROUND To assess HIV burden in both acellular and cellular fractions of semen in men with different levels of blood plasma HIV RNA by a cross-sectional study. PATIENTS Fifty-two HIV-1-seropositive men (21 receiving antiretroviral therapy) with CD4 cell counts ranging from 1 to 1170 x 10(6)/l. METHODS Semen was separated into seminal plasma and fractions enriched in motile spermatozoa or non-spermatozoal cells. HIV RNA was quantified by the HIV-Monitor technique (Roche) in blood plasma, seminal plasma and spermatozoa fractions. HIV DNA or infectious virions in cellular fractions were detected by either PCR or qualitative viral culture. RESULTS HIV RNA was detected in 86.5% of seminal plasma specimens and in 14.6% of spermatozoa fractions; HIV DNA was detected in 57.1% of non-spermatozoal cell fractions. HIV RNA levels in blood plasma and seminal plasma were correlated (r5 = 0.56, P < 0.0001, Spearman's rank test). A majority of men had lower levels in seminal plasma than in blood plasma: one-third had HIV-positive seminal cell fractions. However, 20 men (38.5%) with HIV RNA levels in seminal plasma (median: 4.65 log10 copies/ml) comparable to or higher than those in blood plasma had all HIV-positive non-spermatozoal cells or spermatozoa fractions with a high frequency of positive cultures. CONCLUSION A high frequency of men had detectable HIV in semen. We identified a subpopulation demonstrating high levels of HIV RNA in seminal plasma, comparable to or higher than those in blood plasma, frequently associated with a substantial viral shedding in seminal cells, raising the possibility of viral production within the genital tract and suggesting heterogeneity in the potential of HIV sexual transmission among infected men.
Run time adaptation of UMTS services to available resources

The UMTS is setting forth new challenges in terms of integration of end-to-end QoS management. Our approach consists of providing an end-to-end adaptation frame to UMTS commercial services. A commercial service provided to the user should be adapted when selected as well as during its transfer through the different parts of the network. These adaptations are due to the fluctuation of the parameters of the network and the need to adapt the QoS parameters. We then improve QoS management in respect with the contractual commitments, decrease dropped calls rate and optimize resources use by avoiding call rejections and application flow blocking. The four steps of adaptation of our model are guaranteed by an "adaptation bearer service (ABS)" which provides technologies to adapt the media to available resources according to the adaptation mode and the localization of resource limitation. At connection time, the service provider or ASP may ask the ABS to adapt the requested service according to the user contract, profile and preferences. At the border of the DiffServ network, the router asks for ABS to adapt the waiting flow of the commercial service according to network resource availabilities and the same at the border of radio network and finally to the terminal according to available CPU, memory, etc. Our approach is intended to take into account the requirements of mastering the degradation of multimedia services to avoid bad renderings and process a degradation as early as possible. In this paper, we will develop our model, the intended extension and our preliminary ongoing developments. In another respect, those control points constitute a cornerstone to set up the verification of fundamental properties such as synchronisation.
Vacuum‐assisted closure for skin necrosis after revision total knee arthroplasty

Although skin necrosis following total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty is rare, it may cause severe complications. Skin changes begin with superficial infections and may result in removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of skin necrosis is an important factor, which determines the prognosis of the prosthesis. Several techniques have been defined for sufficient closure. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was treated for skin necrosis that developed after knee revision arthroplasty, using serial debridement, convergence sutures and an intermittent vacuum‐assisted closure device (KCI Inc., San Antonio, TX).
A pilot and feasibility study of virtual reality as a distraction for children with cancer.

OBJECTIVE To pilot and test the feasibility of a novel technology to reduce anxiety and pain associated with an invasive medical procedure in children with cancer. METHOD Children with cancer (ages 7-19) whose treatment protocols required access of their subcutaneous venous port device (port access) were randomly assigned to a virtual reality distraction intervention, a non-virtual reality distraction, or treatment as usual without a distraction. The researchers obtained assessments of the child's pain and anxiety from the parent, child, and unblinded nurses. Pulse rate was monitored throughout the procedure, and behavioral indices of distress were recorded, as observed by the researchers. RESULTS Reductions in pain and anxiety were found for children who used the virtual reality distraction in comparison with the no distraction condition as evidenced by lower pulse rate and reports of pain by nurses. No significant differences were found for the non-virtual reality condition versus the no distraction condition on pulse rate. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that virtual reality may be a useful tool for distraction during painful medical procedures, but further studies are needed to test potential efficacy and feasibility during other, more distressing medical procedures with larger sample sizes.
Tailoring Database Training for End Users

Lack of familiarity with database design methods could prevent many end users from effectively implementing their database management system packages. An inexpensive solution would be for end users to learn required database design skills from software tutors tailored to their needs. This research describes two tutors developed to teach these skills to end users. The tutors were based on a modified Entity-Relationship database design method. They improved an end user's natural learning process by incorporating design principles and facilitators. Empirical comparison of the tutors tested the teaching effectiveness of the facilitators. The results lead to recommendations for closing the gap between skills required and skills learned by end users in database design. Development of tutors that teach specific database design skills irrespective of the software package used in implementation has important implications for practitioners and researchers.
Deficiency of invariant Vα14 natural killer T cells decreases atherosclerosis in LDL receptor null mice

Abstract Aims CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells function by regulating numerous immune responses during innate and adaptive immunity. Depletion of all populations of CD1d-dependent NKT cells has been shown by several groups to reduce atherosclerosis in two different mouse models of the disease. In this study, we determined if removal of a single (Vα14) NKT cell population protects mice from the disease. Methods and results Targeted deletion of the Jα18 gene results in selective depletion of CD1d-dependent Vα14 NKT cells in C57BL/6 mice without affecting the population of other NKT, NK, and conventional T cells. Therefore, to study the effect of Vα14 NKT cell depletion on the progression of atherosclerosis, we examined the extent of lesion formation using paired littermate LDL receptor null mice that were either +/+ or −/− for the Jα18 gene following the feeding of these mice a cholesterol- and fat-enriched diet for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, we found no difference in either serum total- or lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions between groups. However, quantification of atherosclerosis revealed that Vα14 NKT cell deficiency significantly decreased lesion size in the aortic root (20–28%) and arch (28–38%) in both genders of mice. By coupling the techniques of laser capture microdissection with quantitative real-time RT–PCR, we found that expression of the proatherogenic cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ was significantly reduced in lesions from Jα18−/− mice. Conclusion This study is the first to identify a specific subpopulation of NKT cells that promotes atherosclerosis via a mechanism appearing to involve IFN-γ expression.
Ecological Dynamics Across the Arctic Associated with Recent Climate Change

Assessing the Arctic The Arctic is experiencing some of the most rapid climate change currently under way across the globe, but consequent ecological responses have not been widely reported. At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, Post et al. (p. 1355) review observations on ecological impacts in this sensitive region. The widespread changes occurring in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, presage changes at lower latitudes that will affect natural resources, food production, and future climate buffering. At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, we take stock of the ecological consequences of recent climate change in the Arctic, focusing on effects at population, community, and ecosystem scales. Despite the buffering effect of landscape heterogeneity, Arctic ecosystems and the trophic relationships that structure them have been severely perturbed. These rapid changes may be a bellwether of changes to come at lower latitudes and have the potential to affect ecosystem services related to natural resources, food production, climate regulation, and cultural integrity. We highlight areas of ecological research that deserve priority as the Arctic continues to warm.
An empirical study of the effect of customer satisfaction and its two Dimensions on Online Customer Loyalty

This paper focused on the building of customer loyalty model. Structural equation model has shown that both product satisfaction and service satisfaction have positive effects on customer satisfaction; the latter one also has a positive effect on customer loyalty. Then this paper analyzed the reasons of insignificant effects of product satisfaction and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty. Last, the author came up with three suggestions on improvement of customer loyalty in internet environment, to provide scientific, empirical evidence on promoting the development of online shopping.
Tree‐grass competition in space and time: Insights from a simple cellular automata model based on ecohydrological dynamics

Water is a key resource in determining the composition and structure of savanna ecosystems. In this study we present a simple cellular automata model in which death and reproduction chances of trees and grasses are based on the dynamical description of plant water stress by a probabilistic ecohydrological point model, using the parameterization for a Texas savanna. The results show that the model behavior, despite its simplicity, can be linked to ecological reality: the model yields a dynamic tree‐grass coexistence driven by the annual rainfall, and the space‐time behavior shows that both random and clustered tree distributions for periods up to 100 years can be observed. Both temporal and spatial model output display fractal characteristics suggesting the possibility of a self‐organized critical dynamics. Thus power law behavior is observed in both the spectral density function and the cluster size distribution. The presence of spatial fractal characteristic opens avenues for more thorough model testing.
Myosin II Regulatory Light Chain Is Required for Trafficking of Bile Salt Export Protein to the Apical Membrane in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells*

BSEP, MDR1, and MDR2 ATP binding cassette transporters are targeted to the apical (canalicular) membrane of hepatocytes, where they mediate ATP-dependent secretion of bile acids, drugs, and phospholipids, respectively. Sorting to the apical membrane is essential for transporter function; however, little is known regarding cellular proteins that bind ATP binding cassette proteins and regulate their trafficking. A yeast two-hybrid screen of a rat liver cDNA library identified the myosin II regulatory light chain, MLC2, as a binding partner for BSEP, MDR1, and MDR2. The interactions were confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation assays. BSEP and MLC2 were overrepresented in a rat liver subcellular fraction enriched in canalicular membrane vesicles, and MLC2 colocalized with BSEP in the apical domain of hepatocytes and polarized WifB, HepG2, and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Expression of a dominant negative, non-phosphorylatable MLC2 mutant reduced steady state BSEP levels in the apical domain of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Pulse-chase studies revealed that Blebbistatin, a specific myosin II inhibitor, severely impaired delivery of newly synthesized BSEP to the apical surface. These findings indicate that myosin II is required for BSEP trafficking to the apical membrane.
Efficient Weighted Model Integration via SMT-Based Predicate Abstraction

Weighted model integration (WMI) is a recent formalism generalizing weighted model counting (WMC) to run probabilistic inference over hybrid domains, characterized by both discrete and continuous variables and relationships between them. Albeit powerful, the original formulation of WMI suffers from some theoretical limitations, and it is computationally very demanding as it requires to explicitly enumerate all possible models to be integrated over. In this paper we present a novel general notion of WMI, which ﬁxes the theoretical limitations and allows for exploiting the power of SMT-based predicate abstraction techniques. A novel al-gorithm combines a strong reduction in the number of models to be integrated over with their ef-ﬁcient enumeration. Experimental results on synthetic and real-world data show drastic computational improvements over the original WMI formulation as well as existing alternatives for hybrid inference.
Polarization reconfigurable antenna on RF-MEMS packaging platform

In this paper, circular polarization (CP) and linear polarization (LP) reconfigurable antenna is presented by using an RF MEMS switch. The proposed antenna is fed through ring slot aperture coupling. In order to achieve CP, the additional stub which is orthogonal to the feed line is added on a ring slot. The radius of the ring slot is similar to 1/8λg where in-phase quadrature is occurred. Therefore, perpendicular field components with 90° lag phase delay generated CP. In order to switch from CP to LP, the RF MEMS switch is employed between the stub and the ring slot. In addition, the proposed antenna is built on the RF MEMS packaging platform where the packaging materials can be recycled to the antenna's dielectric material. Therefore, the fabrication process is simplified.
Stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor by cobalt chloride can alter renal epithelial transport

Given the importance of the transcriptional regulator hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) for adaptive hypoxia responses, we examined the effect of stabilized HIF‐1α on renal epithelial permeability and directed sodium transport. This study was motivated by histological analysis of cystic kidneys showing increased expression levels of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α. We hypothesize that compression induced localized ischemia‐hypoxia of normal epithelia near a cyst leads to local stabilization of HIF‐1α, leading to altered transepithelial transport that encourages cyst expansion. We found that stabilized HIF‐1α alters both transcellular and paracellular transport through renal epithelial monolayers in a manner consistent with secretory behavior, indicating localized ischemia‐hypoxia may lead to altered salt and water transport through kidney epithelial monolayers. A quantity of 100 μmol/L Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was used acutely to stabilize HIF‐1α in confluent cultures of mouse renal epithelia. We measured increased transepithelial permeability and decreased transepithelial resistance (TER) when HIF‐1α was stabilized. Most interestingly, we measured a change in the direction of sodium current, most likely corresponding to abnormal secretory function, supporting our positive‐feedback hypothesis.
Motor Imagery in Physical Therapist Practice

Motor imagery is the mental representation of movement without any body movement. Abundant evidence on the positive effects of motor imagery practice on motor performance and learning in athletes, people who are healthy, and people with neurological conditions (eg, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease) has been published. The purpose of this update is to synthesize the relevant literature about motor imagery in order to facilitate its integration into physical therapist practice. This update also will discuss visual and kinesthetic motor imagery, factors that modify motor imagery practice, the design of motor imagery protocols, and potential applications of motor imagery.
Single-beat Estimation of Ventricular End-systolic Elastance–Effective Arterial Elastance as an Index of Ventricular Mechanoenergetic Performance

Background The ratio of ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees) to effective arterial elastance (Ea) is known to reflect not only ventricular mechanical performance but also energetic performance. Despite these useful features, technical difficulties associated with estimating Ees make the clinical application of Ees/Ea impractical. We developed a framework to estimate Ees/Ea without measuring ventricular volume or altering the loading condition. Methods To achieve this goal, we approximated the ventricular time-varying elastance curve with two straight lines, one for the isovolumic phase and the other for the ejection phase, and characterized the curve with the slope ratio, k, of these two straight lines. Using the concept of the pressure–volume relationship, Ees/Ea is algebraically expressed as Ees/Ea = Pad/Pes (1 + k · ET/PEP) − 1, where Pes is end-systolic pressure, Pad is aortic diastolic pressure, ET is ejection time, and PEP is pre-ejection period. In 11 anesthetized dogs, we recorded arterial and ventricular pressures and ventricular volume and estimated Ees and Ea under various contractile states and loading conditions. Results An empirical relation between k and Ees/Ea was found as k = 0.53 (Ees/Ea)0.51. Simultaneous solution of these two equations yielded Ees/Ea as a function of Pad/Pes and ET/PEP. The estimated Ees/Ea values correlated well with the measured Ees/Ea values ([Measured Ees/Ea] = 0.96 [Estimated Ees/Ea] + 0.098, r = 0.925, SEE = 0.051). Conclusions The proposed framework is capable of estimating Ees/Ea from ventricular and aortic pressure.
The Measurement of the Drag Characteristics of Tin-free Self-polishing Co-polymers and Fouling Release Coatings Using a Rotor Apparatus

An experimental study was carried out to compare the drag characteristics of a tin-free self-polishing co-polymer (SPC) and a foul release coating. Rotor measurements were carried out using different cylinders coated with both paint types. The experiments showed that the frictional resistance for the foul release test cylinders was lower than for the tin-free SPC cylinders. The drag characteristics were related to the roughness parameters of the tested surfaces measured with an optical measurement system. The measurements indicated that the texture of the foul release surface was significantly different from SPC systems. The findings show that the drag of a foul release coating will only correlate with a characteristic roughness measure that takes both the amplitude and the texture of the surface into account, and that is calculated at bandwidth parameters which depend on the degree of roughness.