Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Progression of Clock Face Drawing in Children

The clock drawing test has been routinely administered by many neuropsychologists as part of their testing battery with the adult population. Our study investigated the development of clock face drawing in normal children ages 6 to 12 years. Conceptualization of time and construction of the clock face were assessed by an adapted scoring system developed as part of the investigation. As a group, the results indicated an upward progression with regard to the concept of time through age 8 and clock construction through age 12. Results further demonstrated that number reversals were more frequent among left-handers but were no longer evident by age 7 regardless of handedness. It also was determined that left visuospatial neglect specific to the upper quadrant was relatively common in 6- and 7-year olds but not evidenced by age 8. Given the pattern of the findings, it is likely that the neglect was secondary to poor planning and not a visuo-spatial deficit. In general, development of clock face drawing most closely paralleled that of frontal lobe maturation. Implications of these findings and the usefulness of clock face drawing with the pediatric population are presented.
Mechanism of Hydrogen Sensing by AlGaN/GaN Pt-Gate Field Effect Transistors: Magnetoresistance Studies

Physical mechanism responsible for hydrogen sensing by AlGaN/GaN transistors was investigated. Original resistance studies versus magnetic fields (up to 8 T) were used to determine precisely hydrogen-induced change of carrier mobility and density. Results clearly show that the carrier mobility change is responsible for <;5% and that the hydrogen sensitivity is mainly related (more than 95%) to the carrier density change. These results support the physical model that relates hydrogen sensing with a change of surface charges resulting in modification of the GaN depletion layer.
An evaluation of the revised seven‐point checklist for the early diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma

Summary The seven‐point checklist has been widely advocated as a sensitive screening test for malignant melanoma. A number of groups have questioned the sensitivity of this system, especially in the detection of early lesions. We have assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the revised seven‐point checklist when applied to lesions seen in our department over a 26‐month period and compared it with the American ABCDE evaluation system. All melanomas (n= 65) were detected using the revised seven‐point checklist and all were found to have at least one of the three major criteria defined by that system. Five (7·7%) melanomas were not picked up by the ABCDE checklist. Of 100 randomly selected patients who attended the clinic during the same period, with clinically diagnosed benign pigmented lesions, 63 had at least one major feature of the revised seven‐point checklist. Forty (62%) of the melanomas, compared with only (4%) of the benign lesions, had more than one major feature. This study confirms the sensitivity of the revised seven‐point checklist in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Expression Is Linked to Functional Properties of Primitive Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells From Human Umbilical Cord Blood

We have previously shown that the most primitive human hematopoietic cells are included within a cell subpopulation expressing high levels of CD34 and low or undetectable levels of CD45RA and CD71. In this study, cord blood cells with this phenotype were sorted and further separated based on their expression of the Thy-l antigen. The proliferation and differentiation of the purified cell fractions in response t o a mixture of hematopoietic cytokines was analyzed in serumand stroma-free liquid cultures. Thy-l+ cells (25% of CD34' CD45RA'O Cb71'" cells) were particularly enriched for high proliferative potential colony-forming cells (HPP-CFC; up t o 45% of the clonogenic cells), whereas Thy-lcells were enriched for multipotential colony-forming cells (CFU-MIX; up to 4690 of the clonogenic cells). When both subpopulations were cultured in serum-free liquid cultures supplemented with a cytokine mixture that included steel factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6). granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)/IL-3 fusion protein, M-CSF, G-CSF, and erythropoietin, Thy-l+ cells showed a much higher numerical
Selection and fading of resistance mutations in women and infants receiving nevirapine to prevent HIV-1 vertical transmission (HIVNET 012)

ObjectiveTo examine the emergence and fading of NVP resistance (NVPR) mutations in HIV-1-infected Ugandan women and infants who received single dose NVP to prevent HIV-1 vertical transmission. DesignWe examined NVPR in women and infants who received NVP in the HIVNET 012 clinical trial, including 41 out of 48 women with infected infants, 70 randomly-selected women with uninfected infants, and 33 out of 49 infected infants. MethodsPlasma HIV-1 was analyzed using the Applied Biosystems ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System. ResultsNVPR mutations were detected in 21 out of 111 (19%) women tested 6–8 weeks after delivery. The rate of NVPR was similar among women whose infants were or were not HIV-1 infected. K103N was the most common mutation detected. NVPR mutations faded from detection within 12–24 months in all 11 evaluable women. High baseline viral load and low baseline CD4 cell count were associated with development of NVPR. NVPR mutations were detected in 11 out of 24 (46%) evaluable infants who were infected by 6–8 weeks of age. The most common NVPR mutation detected in infants was Y181C. Those mutations faded from detection by 12 months of age in all seven evaluable infants. Of nine evaluable infants with late HIV-1 infection, only one had evidence of NVPR. ConclusionsNVPR was detected more frequently in infants than women following NVP prophylaxis, and different patterns of NVPR mutations were detected in women versus infants. NVPR was detected infrequently in infants with late HIV-1 infection. NVP-resistant HIV-1 faded from detection in women and infants over time.
High frequency nonlinear B-scan imaging of microbubble contrast agents

It was previously shown that it is possible to produce nonlinear scattering from microbubble contrast agents using transmit frequencies in the 14-32 MHz range, suggesting the possibility of performing high-frequency, nonlinear microbubble imaging. In this study, we describe the development of nonlinear microbubble B-scan imaging instrumentation capable of operating at transmit center frequencies between 10 and 50 MHz. The system underwent validation experiments using transmit frequencies of 20 and 30 MHz. Agent characterization experiments demonstrate the presence of nonlinear scattering for the conditions used in this study. Using wall-less vessel phantoms, nonlinear B-scan imaging is performed using energy in one of the subharmonic, ultraharmonic, and second harmonic frequency regions for transmit frequencies of 20 and 30 MHz. Both subharmonic and ultraharmonic imaging modes achieved suppression of tissue signals to below the noise floor while achieving contrast to noise ratios of up to 26 and 17 dB, respectively. The performance of second harmonic imaging was compromised by nonlinear propagation and offered no significant contrast improvement over fundamental mode imaging. In vivo experiments using the subharmonic of a 20 MHz transmit pulse show the successful detection of microvessels in the rabbit ear and in the mouse heart. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of nonlinear microbubble imaging at high frequencies
Regulation of β‐cell mass and function by the Akt/protein kinase B signalling pathway

The insulin receptor substrate‐2/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of β‐cell mass and function, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The serine threonine kinase Akt is one of the promising downstream molecules of this pathway that has been identified as a potential target to regulate function and induce proliferation and survival of β cells. Here we summarize some of the molecular mechanisms, downstream signalling pathways and critical components involved in the regulation of β‐cell mass and function by Akt.
Review Article: Osteochondral Reconstruction and Grafting

ABSTRACT Osteochondral defects are a challenging problem. Osteochondral reconstruction and grafting techniques potentially benefit both young athletes and elderly osteoarthritis patients. Research on the treatment of osteochondral defects has been carried out, particularly on surgical options, but none shows lasting benefit. More objective evaluation of cartilage injuries and outcomes is needed. We present a review of surgical and non-surgical treatments for osteochondral defects, and their outcomes and costs.
Human Shortcut Performance in a Computer-Simulated Maze: A Comparative Study

Participants explored a real-time, computer-simulated, three-dimensional environment modelled on a kite-shaped maze used to study the shortcut ability of hamsters by Chapuis, Durup, and Thinus-Blanc (1987). They were then asked to take the shortest routes between selected locations. The results were similar to those of Chapuis et al., showing that in humans also, exploration of two parallel outer paths that connected four target locations (e.g., A-B, and C-D) was not sufficient to support later shortcut performance between locations A and D; successful shortcut performance required exploratory experience of a connecting path between the explored sub-spaces (B-C). These results add to the evidence suggesting similarities in the spatial knowledge acquired by humans and animals, and suggest a limitation on an analysis of spatial location learning based only on exposure to configurations of landmarks.
[Association of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis in children].

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-308G/A gene polymorphisms with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children. METHODS Using the direct DNA sequencing method, polymorphisms in the TNF-α promoter region (-308) were genotyped in 110 Han children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP group), including 52 children with nephritis and 58 children without nephritis. Plasma TNF-α levels were measured using ELISA. Ninety ethnically matched healthy children were used as the control group. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the polymorphisms of TNF-α (-308G/A) between the HSP and control groups (P>0.05). The GA genotype (29% vs 10%) and A allele frequency (18% vs 7%) in HSP children with nephritis (HSPN) were more common than in those without nephritis (P<0.05). Plasma TNF-α levels in HSPN children with GA+AA genotype (7.1±2.3 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those with GG genotype (5.7±1.5 pg/mL) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TNF-α-308GA genotype and A allele may contribute to the increased risk for the development of nephritis in children with HSP.
Andrology: Comparison between fluorescent peanut agglutinin lectin and GB24 antibody techniques for the assessment of acrosomal status

In order to compare fluorescent peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin lectin and GB24 antibody (specific for the inner acrosomal membrane) techniques for the assessment of acrosome reaction, both methods were applied on semen specimens obtained from patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The acrosome status was evaluated after a 4 h incubation in B2 medium with and without calcium ionophore A23187. Results obtained with both techniques were compared and studied as a function of IVF outcome. The percentage of spontaneous acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was higher when assessed by lectin than by GB24 (19 +/- 2% versus 11 +/- 1%; P < 0.001). The difference between the two methods (lectins minus GB24) was significantly higher in abnormal than in normal spermatozoa (10 +/- 2% versus 4 +/- 2%; P < 0.05), but did not significantly correlate with the percentage of acrosomes with abnormal morphology (r = 0.28; NS). When studied in relation to the IVF results, the response to A23187 was higher in successes than in failures (45 +/- 2% versus 34 +/- 4%; P < 0.05) but there was no significant difference between methods. Thus the assessment of acrosome reaction is strongly influenced by the method used, particularly in abnormal spermatozoa. Since the results obtained with lectins were higher in abnormal spermatozoa, GB24 seems to be more effective for assessment of true acrosome reaction.
Several issues on the use of independent coding lines for time-to-digital conversion

One of the recent methods to increase the precision of time-to-digital (T/D) conversion is based on the use of multiple independent time coding lines (TCLs). The number and configuration of TCLs influence the resolution and precision of conversion. We considered and tested 14 different variants of such lines involving up to 16 TCLs. Obtained results indicate the optimal way of using independent coding lines, which leads to significant improvement in equivalent resolution (up to 11 times) and precision (above 2 times) of T/D conversion in comparison with traditional technique based on a single TCL.
An alternative scheme for adaptive backstepping control

In this paper, we present a new adaptive backstepping control design method to solve the overparametrization problem in parameter estimation. Unlike the existing schemes, the concept of tuning functions is not introduced. However, the number of parameter estimates is reduced to be minimal, which is exactly the same as that of unknown parameters. The parametric strict-feedback system is employed to illustrate our design procedure.
Elastic modulus determination of normal and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork.

PURPOSE Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for glaucoma. The principal outflow pathway for aqueous humor in the human eye is through the trabecular meshwork (HTM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). The junction between the HTM and SC is thought to have a significant role in the regulation of IOP. A possible mechanism for the increased resistance to flow in glaucomatous eyes is an increase in stiffness (increased elastic modulus) of the HTM. In this study, the stiffness of the HTM in normal and glaucomatous tissue was compared, and a mathematical model was developed to predict the impact of changes in stiffness of the juxtacanalicular layer of HTM on flow dynamics through this region. METHODS Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the elastic modulus of normal and glaucomatous HTM. According to these results, a model was developed that simulated the juxtacanalicular layer of the HTM as a flexible membrane with embedded pores. RESULTS The mean elastic modulus increased substantially in the glaucomatous HTM (mean = 80.8 kPa) compared with that in the normal HTM (mean = 4.0 kPa). Regional variation was identified across the glaucomatous HTM, possibly corresponding to the disease state. Mathematical modeling suggested an increased flow resistance with increasing HTM modulus. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that the stiffness of glaucomatous HTM is significantly increased compared with that of normal HTM. Modeling exercises support substantial impairment in outflow facility with increased HTM stiffness. Alterations in the biophysical attributes of the HTM may participate directly in the onset and progression of glaucoma.
Combined Clinical and Pathologic Study of Diabetic and Nondiabetic Peripheral Arterial Disease

The results of a combined clinical and pathologic study of large and small arteries in ihe diabetic and nondiabetic patient show that the diabetic has the same incidence of occlusion in the femoral-popliteal system but a higher incidence below the knee. A specific lesion of small arteries and arterioles which distinguishes the diabetic from the nondiabetic was not observed in this study. The results of this investigation provide no support for the concept that a specific disease of small arteries and arterioles in diabetic patients contributes to the ischemic process. We believe the ischemic lesions found in the diabetic patient can adequately be explained on the basis of arteriosclerotic obstruction of the major arteries, and those ulcers occurring in the absence of major artery disease are attributable to peripheral neuropathy.
Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model.

OBJECTIVE Apart from its claims for improvement of sexual functions in men, the puncturevine plant (Tribulus terrestris: TT) has long been considered as an energizer and vitalizer in the indigenous system of medicine. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements were taken in rats to scientifically validate the claim of TT [containing protodioscin (PTN)] as an aphrodisiac. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each. Group I served as a control group and groups II, III, and IV were treated with three different doses of TT extract (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively), orally, once daily for 8 weeks. Weight was recorded and the rats from all four groups were subjected to sexual behavior studies with primed females and various parameters namely mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF, respectively), mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies (ML, IL, and EL, respectively) as well as postejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded. In addition, blood pressure and ICP were recorded for all rats at the end of study. RESULTS Increases in body weight (by 9, 23, and 18% for groups II, III & IV) and ICP (by 43% and 26% for groups III and IV) were statistically significant compared to the control group. Increases in MF (by 27% and 24%) and IF (by 19% and 22%) for the groups III and IV were statistically significant. Decreases in ML (by 16%, 23%, and 22% for groups II, III, and IV) and PEI (by 20% for group III) were statistically significant compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS The weight gain and improvement in sexual behavior parameters observed in rats could be secondary to the androgen increasing property of TT (PTN) that was observed in our earlier study on primates. The increase in ICP which confirms the proerectile aphrodisiac property of TT could possibly be the result of an increase in androgen and subsequent release of nitric oxide from the nerve endings innervating the corpus cavernosum.
Pulmonary effects of in utero tracheal occlusion are dependent on gestational age in a rabbit model of diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE The authors investigated the effect of gestational age on lung development and maturation after in utero tracheal occlusion (TO) in a rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS In 46 fetal rabbits, CDH was created at 23 days' gestational age (GA; term, 31 days), corresponding to the pseudoglandular phase of lung development. A second intervention was performed at either 26, 27, or 28 days on 6 fetuses in each GA group. At that time, either TO (CDH + TO), or a sham operation (CDH + sham) was performed. Nonoperated littermates served as internal normal controls (CTR). All fetuses were delivered by cesarean section at 30 days GA to assess lung response by lung-to-body-weight ratio, pulmonary morphometry, and the density of type II pneumocytes. RESULTS After TO, the lungs were significantly larger than in CDH animals; their weight was proportional to the duration of TO. Pulmonary morphometry in TO fetuses was comparable with that of controls. The density of type II cells was inversely related to the gestational age at which TO was performed, with normal values with TO at GA at 28 days. CONCLUSION Timing of TO is critical to subsequent pulmonary development: early in gestation TO leads to pulmonary overgrowth and type II pneumocyte depletion, whereas normal values are obtained when TO is delayed till 28 of 32 days.
Hypolipidemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) fruit extracts.

Bottle gourd [(Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Stand. ] fruit is ascribed with many therapeutic effects. The present study was undertaken to explore the antihyperlipidemic effect of four different extracts viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from bottle gourd in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats and their hypolipidemic effects in normocholesteremic rats. The study is comprised preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts. Oral administration of the extracts, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in rats, dose-dependently inhibited the total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins level, and significantly increased the high density lipoproteins level. However, petroleum ether extract did not show the significant effects. Both the chloroform and alcoholic extract exhibited more significant effects in lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins along with increase in HDL as compared to the others. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, cucurbitacin saponins, polyphenolics, proteins, and carbohydrates. The results obtained suggest marked antihyperlipidemic and hypolipidemic activity of the extracts.
Mechanisms of Dopamine-Induced Cell Death in Cultured Rat Forebrain Neurons: Interactions with and Differences from Glutamate-Induced Cell Death

Injury to the brain, whether by ischemia or trauma, results in the uncontrolled release of many neurotransmitters, including glutamate and dopamine. Both of these neurotransmitters are neurotoxic in high concentrations, and the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species generation has been implicated in the mechanism of neurotoxicity. In this study, we used cultured rat forebrain neurons to characterize cell death caused by exposure to dopamine and/or glutamate and to investigate potential acute mechanisms of toxicity. Dopamine exposure (250 microM for 2 h) reduced cell viability to 34. 3 +/- 5.5% of untreated control 20 h later and increased the number of neurons with apoptotic morphology. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (100 microM) inhibited dopamine-induced toxicity and prevented the covalent binding of dopamine quinones to protein. In contrast, glutamate toxicity lacked the hallmark characteristics of apoptosis. When neurons were exposed successively to sublethal concentrations of dopamine and glutamate, cell viability at 20 h was reduced to 62.3 +/- 5.2% of untreated control. Apoptosis was not evident, and N-acetylcysteine blocked the potentiating effect of dopamine on glutamate-induced toxicity. We used single-cell fluorescence assays to measure changes in intraneuronal glutathione, intraneuronal Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity as potential acute inducers of neuronal injury. While changes in these parameters could be demonstrated, none were identified as the sole acute inducer of cell death caused by dopamine. In summary, we have characterized a number of neuronal responses to lethal dopamine injury. Also, we have demonstrated that dopamine and glutamate can interact in vitro to potentiate cell death and that the potentiation appears to be induced by oxidative stress.