Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new approach to determining net impulse and identification of its characteristics in countermovement jumping: reliability and validity

Examining a countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time curve related to net impulse might be useful in monitoring athletes' performance. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of alternative net impulse calculation and net impulse characteristics (height, width, rate of force development, shape factor, and proportion) and validate against the traditional calculation in the CMJ. Twelve participants performed the CMJ in two sessions (48 hours apart) for test–retest reliability. Twenty participants were involved for the validity assessment. Results indicated intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of ≥ 0.89 and coefficient of variation (CV) of ≤ 5.1% for all of the variables except for rate of force development (ICC = 0.78 and CV = 22.3%). The relationship between the criterion and alternative calculations was r = 1.00. While the difference between them was statistically significant (245.96 ± 63.83 vs. 247.14 ± 64.08 N s, p < 0.0001), the effect size was trivial and deemed practically minimal (d = 0.02). In conclusion, variability of rate of force development will pose a greater challenge in detecting performance changes. Also, the alternative calculation can be used practically in place of the traditional calculation to identify net impulse characteristics and monitor and study athletes' performance in greater depth.
Viral DNA synthesis in cells infected with temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1

Temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 representing eight DNA-negative complementation groups were grouped into the following three categories based on the viral DNA synthesis patterns after shift-up from the permissive to the nonpermissive temperature and after shift-down from the nonpermissive to the permissive temperature in the presence and absence of inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis. (i) Viral DNA synthesis was inhibited after shift-up in cells infected with tsB, tsH, and tsJ. After shift-down, tsB- and tsH-infected cells synthesized viral DNA in the absence of de novo RNA and protein synthesis whereas tsJ-infected cells synthesized no viral DNA in the absence of protein synthesis. The B, H, and J proteins appear to be continuously required for the synthesis of viral DNA. (ii) Viral DNA synthesis continued after shift-up in cells infected with tsD and tsK whereas no viral DNA was synthesized after shift-down in the absence of RNA and protein synthesis. Mutants tsD and tsK appear to be defective in early regulatory functions. (iii) Cells infected with tsL, tsS, and tsU synthesized viral DNA after shift-up and after shift-down in the absence of RNA and protein synthesis. The functions of the L, S, and U proteins cannot yet be determined.
PROSTAGLANDIN E1 ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL SAFETY IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AND PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), the active ingredient of the drug alprostadil-α-cyclodextrin, has been effective in mitigating the clinical manifestations of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). PGE1 often is administered to patients with the potential for developing serious arrhythmias, presenting potential safety hazards if the drug caused or potentiated arrhythmias. However, PGE1 has antiadrenergic properties and, theoretically, might have an antiarrhythmic action. Therefore, the effect of PGE1 on frequency and severity of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated from 48-hour electrocardiographic recordings in patients receiving PGE1 therapy for severe PAOD. No significant effects on arrhythmia frequency or severity, and no evidence of proarrhythmia, was apparent after PGE1 administration.
National consensus on management of peptic ulcer bleeding in Denmark 2014.

DESCRIPTION The Danish Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology have compiled a national guideline for the management of peptic ulcer bleeding. Sources of data included published studies up to June 2014. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations have been graded. The guideline was approved by the Danish Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology September 4, 2011. The current version is revised June 2014. RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS emphasize the importance of early and efficient resuscitation. Use of a restrictive blood transfusion policy is recommended in haemodynamically stable patients without serious ischaemic disease. Endoscopy should generally be performed within 24 hours, reducing operation rate, rebleeding rate and duration of in-patient stay. When serious ulcer bleeding is suspected and blood found in gastric aspirate, endoscopy within 12 hours will result in faster discharge and reduced need for transfusions. Endoscopic hemostasis remains indicated for high-risk lesions. Hemoclips, thermocoagulation, and epinephrine injection are effective in achieving endoscopic hemostasis. Use of endoscopic monotherapy with epinephrine injection is not recommended. Intravenous high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for 72 hours after successful endoscopic hemostasis is recommended even though the evidence is questionable. Although selected patients can be discharged promptly after endoscopy, high-risk patients should be hospitalized for at least three days after endoscopic hemostasis. Patients with peptic ulcer bleeding who require secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis should start receiving acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) within 24 hours from primary endoscopy. Patients in need of continued treatment with ASA or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug should be put on prophylactic treatment with PPI at standard dosage. The combination of 75 mg ASA and PPI should be preferred to monotherapy with clopidogrel in patients needing anti-platelet therapy on the basis of indications other than coronary stents. Low-risk patients without clinical suspicion of peptic ulcer bleeding who have a Glasgow Blatchford score ≤ 1 can be offered out-patient care, unless hospital admission is required for other reasons.
DEVELOPMENT AND INTENSITY DEPENDENCE OF ORNITHODIPLOSTOMUM PTYCHOCHEILUS METACERCARIAE IN FATHEAD MINNOWS (PIMEPHALES PROMELAS)

Intensity-dependent development of Ornithodiplostomum ptychocheilus metacercariae was studied in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to 0, 20, or 120 cercariae. Subsamples of hosts were necropsied at 2-wk intervals to monitor parasite recruitment, growth, and time to encystment. The complex development of metacercariae within the cranium of minnows involved growth, encystment, and consolidation phases, each of which were affected by intensity. At the end of the growth phase, metacercariae from low-dose fish were 20% longer than those from high-dose fish and the latter took 2–4 wk longer to encyst. At the end of the postencystment consolidation phase (6–8 wk postinfection), the size of metacercariae decreased by approximately 50%. The rate of consolidation was slower in high-dose fish. Our results show that time, intensity, and temperature affect development of O. ptychocheilus. Because metacercariae development and differentiation are linked to infectivity, events occurring in intermediate hosts can potentially impact the structure and size of trematode suprapopulations.
EFIE Solution of Transmitted Electromagnetic Field Through a Perforated Metallic Shield by a Marching-on-in-Degree Approach

An accurate modeling technique is proposed to solve the problem of the penetrated transient field through a perforated metallic shield. In this technique, the method of moments (MoMs) is adopted to treat the governing time-domain electric field integral equation for the unknown electric current density on the metallic surface of the shield. The weighted Laguerre polynomials are used as entire-domain temporal basis functions in the MoM-based technique to set the solution approach by the marching-on-in-degree (MOD) method. To examine the accuracy of the proposed modeling technique, simulated results are presented for a finite and an infinite perfect electric conductor (PEC) plates as well as for a metallic box illuminated by a modulated/unmodulated incident wave. The accuracy of the proposed technique is demonstrated by comparing the simulated results with those obtained using the well-known Computer Simulation Technology (CST) finite integration technique and FEKO frequency-domain MoM.
Lessons Learned from National Food Fortification Projects: Experiences from Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam

Background Fortification of staple foods has been repeatedly recommended as an effective approach to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. With the increased number of fortification projects globally, there is a need to share practical lessons learned relating to their implementation and responses to project-related and external challenges. Objective To document the achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and management responses associated with national fortification projects in Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Methods Independent end-of-project evaluations conducted for each project served as the primary data source and contain the history of, and project activities undertaken for, each fortification project. Other sources, including national policy documents, project reports from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and other stakeholders, industry assessments, and peer-reviewed articles, were used to document the current responses to challenges and future project plans. Results All projects had key achievements related to the development of fortification standards and the procurement of equipment for participating industry partners. Mandatory fortification of wheat flour was a key success in Morocco and Uzbekistan. Ensuring the quality of fortified foods was a common challenge experienced across the projects, as were shifts in consumption patterns and market structures. Adjustments were made to the projects' design to address the challenges faced. Conclusions National fortification projects are dynamic and must be continually modified in response to specific performance issues and broader shifts in market structure and consumption patterns.
Calcium, phosphate and the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in a population with stable coronary heart disease

Objective High serum calcium and phosphate levels have been linked to cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality but evidence from longitudinal studies is scarce, especially among patients with pre-existing coronary heart disease. The association between baseline calcium and phosphate and prognosis was examined in a cohort study of patients with stable coronary heart disease. Methods Serum calcium and phosphate were measured in a cohort of initially 1206 patients undergoing a 3 week rehabilitation programme after an acute cardiovascular event and subsequently being followed-up for 8 years. Multivariate Cox regression was employed to assess the association of quartiles and continuous levels of calcium and phosphate with secondary cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Results No significant risk elevations were observed for secondary cardiovascular event incidence in models adjusted for a variety of potential confounders. High calcium levels, however, were strongly associated with mortality risk in adjusted models (HRQ4vsQ1=2.39 (1.22 to 4.66)). In additional multivariable analyses, the calcium/albumin ratio was predictive for all-cause mortality (HRQ4vsQ1=2.66 (1.35 to 5.22)) and marginally predictive for cardiovascular event incidence (HRQ4vsQ1=1.74 (1.00 to 3.05)). Conclusions Calcium and the ratio of calcium with albumin, its major binding protein, were strongly associated with all-cause mortality among patients with coronary heart disease. The underlying mechanisms and the clinical implications of these findings deserve further study.
Actin, α‐actinin, and spectrin with specific associations with the postacrosomal and acrosomal domains of bovine spermatozoa

Background: Characteristic membrane changes in spermatozoa culminating in acrosome reaction and sperm‐egg fusion, and suspected involvement of actin‐containing cytoskeleton in membrane changes in general, prompted us to investigate subcellular distribution of actin and actin‐binding proteins in bovine spermatozoa subjected to various extractions which sequentially denude the sperm investments.
Hierarchy of immunosuppressive strength among myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subsets is determined by GM‐CSF

CD11b+/Gr‐1+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) contribute to tumor immune evasion by restraining the activity of CD8+ T‐cells. Two major MDSC subsets were recently shown to play an equal role in MDSC‐induced immune dysfunctions: monocytic‐ and granulocytic‐like. We isolated three fractions of MDSC, i.e. CD11b+/Gr‐1high, CD11b+/Gr‐1int, and CD11b+/Gr‐1low populations that were characterized morphologically, phenotypically and functionally in different tumor models. In vitro assays showed that CD11b+/Gr‐1int cell subset, mainly comprising monocytes and myeloid precursors, was always capable to suppress CD8+ T‐cell activation, while CD11b+/Gr‐1high cells, mostly granulocytes, exerted appreciable suppression only in some tumor models and when present in high numbers. The CD11b+/Gr‐1int but not CD11b+/Gr‐1high cells were also immunosuppressive in vivo following adoptive transfer. CD11b+/Gr‐1low cells retained the immunosuppressive potential in most tumor models. Gene silencing experiments indicated that GM‐CSF was necessary to induce preferential expansion of both CD11b+/Gr‐1int and CD11b+/Gr‐1low subsets in the spleen of tumor‐bearing mice and mediate tumor‐induced tolerance whereas G‐CSF, which preferentially expanded CD11b+/Gr‐1high cells, did not create such immunosuppressive environment. GM‐CSF also acted on granulocyte–macrophage progenitors in the bone marrow inducing local expansion of CD11b+/Gr‐1low cells. These data unveil a hierarchy of immunoregulatory activity among MDSC subsets that is controlled by tumor‐released GM‐CSF.
Design of a 9-bit 1GS/s CMOS folding A/D converter with a boundary error reduction technique

In this paper, design of a 9-bit 1GS/s CMOS folding A/D converter with a boundary error reduction technique is described. In order to reduce the asymmetrical boundary error of the folding ADCs, a new circuit is proposed. Further, an enhanced digital architecture is discussed to support the boundary error reduction technique. The fabricated ADC has a novel digital logic to minimize device mismatching and many errors. The chip has been implemented with 1.1V 45nm Samsung CMOS technology. The effective chip area is 2.99mm2 and the power dissipation is 120mW. The measured result of SNDR is 45.35dB, when the input frequency is 150MHz at the sampling frequency of 1GHz. The measured INL is within +5LSB/-3LSB and DNL is within +1.5LSB/-1LSB.
The impact of gate-driver parameters variation and device degradation in the PV-inverter lifetime

This paper introduces a reliability-oriented design tool for a new generation of grid connected PV-inverters. The proposed design tool consists of a real field Mission Profile (MP) model (for one year operation in USA-Arizona), a PV-panel model, a grid connected PV-inverter model, an Electro-Thermal model and the lifetime model of the power semiconductor devices. A simulation model able to consider a one year real field operation conditions (solar irradiance and ambient temperature) is developed. Thus, one year estimation of the converter devices thermal loading distribution is achieved and is further used as an input to a lifetime model. The proposed reliability oriented design tool is used to study the impact of MP-variation, Gate-Driver (GD) parameters variation and device degradation in the PV-inverter lifetime. The obtained results indicate that in order to improve the accuracy of the lifetime estimation it is crucial to consider also the device degradation feedback. Moreover the MP of the field where the PV-inverter is operating and the GD-parameters selection has an important impact in the converter reliability and it should be considered from the design stage to better optimize the converter design margin.
Predictors of time to requiring dopaminergic treatment in 2 Parkinson's disease cohorts

The rate of progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly variable. Knowledge of factors associated with disease milestones and commonly used research outcome measures helps with patient counseling and guides the design and interpretation of clinical studies. The objective of the study was to identify prognostic factors for time to acquiring disability requiring dopaminergic therapy that are reproducible within 2 large prospectively followed cohorts. Potential prognostic factors were identified using data from the Deprenyl and Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy of Parkinsonism (DATATOP) trial, and their reproducibility was examined using data from the Parkinson Research Examination of CEP‐1347 trial (PRECEPT). In multivariable analyses of the DATATOP cohort, higher baseline Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, full‐time employment, a lesser smoking history, and onset on the left side were associated with a shorter time to disability requiring dopaminergic therapy. PRECEPT data confirmed the associations of higher baseline UPDRS scores and full‐time employment with shorter time to requiring treatment. Any clinical trial using the end point of time to disability requiring dopaminergic therapy should ensure that groups are well balanced with respect to baseline UPDRS scores and the proportion of subjects employed full time and should consider including these variables as covariates in the statistical model for primary analysis of treatment effects. We suspect that individuals employed full time may have a lower threshold for requiring dopaminergic therapy because of occupational demands. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
RESIDUAL VITREOUS CORTEX AT THE FOVEA DURING VITRECTOMY FOR PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of residual cortex and the effectiveness of removal of residual cortex in the fovea during vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and the operative videos of the 80 patients (80 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy for repair and who were observed for more than 6 months. After triamcinolone acetonide injection, we observed residual cortex on the surface of the retina. Residual cortex was removed with a diamond-dusted scraper. After surgery, we watched for the occurrence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) for at least 6 months. We graded ERM according to the postoperative visual acuity (thin membranes that did not affect vision vs. thick membranes that reduced vision). Results: Of the 80 eyes, 60 eyes (75%) showed macular residual cortex, which we removed with a scraper, and 20 eyes (25%) did not have visible cortical remnants. Postoperative ERM occurred in 30% of eyes (24/80). The rate of postoperative ERM was 35% (21/60) in eyes with residual cortex and 15% (3/20) in eyes without residual cortex (P = 0.091). In the 60 eyes with residual cortex during vitrectomy, a thin membrane occurred in 18 eyes (30%) and a thick membrane occurred in 3 eyes (5%). In the 20 eyes without residual cortex, however, a thin membrane occurred in 3 eyes (15%) and no thick membrane was found. Conclusion: Eyes with residual cortex have a higher rate of ERM than eyes with no residual cortex after vitrectomy for primary repair. It is uncertain whether removing the cortex reduces the rate of postoperative ERM. The residual cortex may have already started the pathogenesis of ERM, or surgical trauma may have played a role.
Smart Graphics: A New Approach to Meeting User Needs

A convergence of computer graphics and other technologies such as artificial intelligence is leading to the development of smart graphics, which recognize application requirements, user characteristics, host-machine capabilities, and target usage, and adapt themselves accordingly. These new, dynamic capabilities extend the utility of computer graphics across a broad range of uses and potential applications. They may also engender the creation of new applications. For example, smart-graphics bar charts could change in accordance with fluctuating stock-market conditions. Developers could use smart graphics to customize GUIs and thus make them more useful. In addition, the technology has the potential to revolutionize graphics use in training, simulation, business productivity, and other applications.
3-D organization of ribosomal transcription units after DRB inhibition of RNA polymerase II transcription.

In each bead of the nucleolar necklace, using adenosine analog DRB-treated PtK1 cells, we investigated the three components of rDNA transcription, i.e. the gene, transcription factor UBF and transcripts. In situ hybridization revealed the unraveling and 3-D dispersion of most of the rDNA coding sequences within the nucleus. The signals were small, of similar intensity and tandemly organized in the necklace. This observation is compatible with the fact that they might correspond to single gene units. Active transcription was visualized in these units, demonstrating that they were active functional units. Transcript labeling was not similar for each unit, contrary to UBF labeling. UBF and rRNA transcripts were only partially colocalized, as demonstrated by 3-D image analysis and quantification. As visualized by electron microscopy, the necklace was composed of a small fibrillar center partially surrounded by a dense fibrillar component. The 3-D arrangement of this individual unit in the necklace, investigated both by confocal and electron microscopy in the same cells, showed that the individual beads were linked by a dense fibrillar component. The reversibility of this organization after removal of DRB indicated that the beads in the necklace are certainly the elementary functional domain of the nucleolus. In addition, these results lead us to suggest that the organization of a functional domain, presumably corresponding to a single gene, can be studied by in situ approaches.
The poliovirus 135S particle is infectious

The molecular mechanism of cell entry by unenveloped viruses is poorly understood. The picornaviruses poliovirus, human rhinovirus, and coxsackievirus convert to an altered form (the 135S or A particle) upon interaction with receptors on susceptible cells at 37 degrees C. The 135S particle is thought to be a necessary intermediate because it accumulates inside susceptible cells soon after infection and drugs which inhibit conversion of the virus to this form also prevent infection. However, since a variable fraction of the altered 135S particles is reported to elute unproductively from the surface of susceptible cells, their precise role remains unclear. We have found that poliovirus 135S particles can infect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and murine L cells, neither of which are susceptible to infection by native poliovirus. The infectivity of the particles in tissue culture appears to be between 10(3) to 10(5) times less than that of poliovirus on HeLa cells. The 135S particle infectivity was not sensitive to RNase but was greatly reduced by proteolytic treatment. Proteolysis specifically removed the newly exposed N terminus of VP1, a feature which has previously been shown to mediate interactions of the particle with lipid membranes. These results demonstrate that although the infectivity of the 135S particle appears to be receptor independent, it nonetheless requires some property associated with the protein coat. In particular, the N terminus of VP1 plays an important role in the infection process. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the 135S particle is an intermediate in the normal cell entry pathway of poliovirus infection.