Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intercostal muscles of COPD patients

Muscle dysfunction is a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies suggest that cytokines may operate as local regulators of both muscle function and regeneration. The aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of different cytokines in the external intercostal muscle of COPD. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 25 stable COPD patients and eight healthy controls. Local tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, -6 and -10 expressions (real-time PCR and ELISA), sarcolemmal damage (immunohistochemistry), and the transcript levels of CD18 were assessed. Muscle TNF-α and IL-6 transcripts were significantly higher in COPD patients compared with controls, and IL-1β and sarcolemmal damage showed a strong tendency in the same direction. Similar results were observed at protein level. The CD18 panleukocyte marker was similar in COPD and controls. Respiratory muscle function was impaired in COPD patients and it correlated to both the severity of lung function impairment and TNF-α muscle expression. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intercostal muscles. This phenomenon might be involved in respiratory muscle dysfunction.
Arp 194: Evidence of Tidal Stripping of Gas and Cross-Fueling

We present new imaging and spectroscopic observations of the interacting system Arp 194 (≡UGC 6945 ≡ VV 126). The northern component (A194N) is a distorted spiral or ring galaxy likely disrupted by a collision or close encounter with a southern galaxy (A194S). There is evidence that a third galaxy with similar recession velocity is projected on A194N, but its role is likely secondary. A194S is connected to A194N by a string of emission knots, which motivates our interpretation that the former was the intruder. Three of the knots are easily discernible in B, R, and Hα images and are assumed to trace the path of the intruder following the encounter, which we estimate occurred a few times 108 yr ago. Both A194S and A194N are experiencing strong bursts of star formation: the Hα luminosity indicates a total star formation rate ∼10 M⊙ yr-1. The lack of detectable J and K emission from the blobs, along with strong Hα emission, indicates that an evolved stellar population is not likely to be present. The brightest knot (closest to A194S) shows a star formation rate of ≈1.2 M⊙ yr-1, which, if sustained over a time ≈7 × 107 yr, could explain the spectral energy distribution. This suggests that the stripped matter was originally predominantly gaseous. The brightest knot is detected as a FIRST radio source, and this is likely the signature of supernova remnants related to enhanced star formation. Motions in the gas between the brightest knot and A194S, traced by an emission line link of increasing radial velocity, suggests infall toward the center of the intruder. Arp 194 is therefore one of the few galaxies where evidence of "cross-fueling" is observed.
Frictional Behavior of Input Sediments to the Hikurangi Trench, New Zealand

The Hikurangi subduction zone hosts shallow slow‐slip events, possibly extending to the seafloor. The mechanisms allowing for this behavior are poorly understood but are likely a function of the frictional properties of the downgoing seafloor sediments. We conducted friction experiments at a large range of effective stresses, temperatures, and velocities on incoming sediment to the Hikurangi subduction zone to explore the possible connection of frictional properties to slow‐slip events. These experiments were conducted on multiple apparatuses, allowing us to access a wider range of deformation conditions than is available on any one machine. We find that the material frictionally weakens and becomes less velocity strengthening with increasing effective stress, whereas temperature has only a small effect on both friction and frictional stability. When driven at the plate convergence rate, the sediment exhibits velocity‐weakening behavior. These results imply that the frictional properties of the sediment package subducting at Hikurangi could promote slow‐slip events at the pressures, temperatures, and strain rates expected along the plate boundary thrust up to 10‐km depth without requiring elevated pore fluid pressures. The transition to velocity‐strengthening behavior at faster slip rates could provide a mechanism for limiting unstable slip to slow‐sliding velocities, rather than accommodating deformation through ordinary earthquakes.
How accurate must an in-car information system be?: consequences of accurate and inaccurate information in cars

Driving requires focused attention and timely decision making for appropriate maneuvers. This relies on well-timed and accurate information. Designing an in-vehicle information system it is important to ensure that the information for the driver does not negatively affect cognitive processing and driving performance. This study investigates levels of information accuracy necessary in in-vehicle information systems to elicit positive behavioral and attitudinal responses from the driver. In a 2 (gender) by 5 (accuracy: 100%, 88%, 76%, 64% and no system) between-participants study, 100 participants drove in a driving simulator for 25 minutes with an in-vehicle information system designed to inform the driver of hazard and traffic events. Results show that decreasing the accuracy of the system decreased both driving performance and trust and liking of car and in-vehicle system. Female drivers in particular benefit from the in-vehicle system and show higher tolerance of inaccuracies. Design implications for in-vehicle systems are discussed.
Flux Tube Entropy and Specific Entropy in Saturn's Magnetosphere

The motivation of this paper is to discuss the dynamical processes in Saturn's magnetosphere from the plasma entropy perspective. Saturn's magnetosphere is stabilized by a radially increasing profile of flux tube entropy and destabilized by a radially decreasing profile of flux tube content. The traditional radial transport scenario suggested that the magnetic flux with heavy flux tube content moves from the inner magnetosphere to the outer magnetosphere, stretching the magnetic field into a magnetodisc configuration. Subsequently, magnetic flux with low flux tube entropy generated by magnetodisc reconnection circulates back to the inner magnetosphere. However, the low‐specific entropy plasma with a narrow distribution in Saturn's inner magnetosphere suggests a significant nonadiabatic cooling process during the inward motion. The flux tube entropy analysis suggests that energetic particles dominate the total flux tube entropy in the magnetodisc region, and newly closed field lines generated by magnetodisc reconnection are likely to be transported into the inner magnetosphere. Based on the flux tube entropy constraint, this study demonstrates that the radial transport process in Saturn's magnetosphere can also be achieved via middle‐latitude double reconnection, driven by a low‐latitude interchange instability. This process does not involve significant latitudinal convection of magnetic flux in the ionosphere nor does it significantly modify the radial flux tube entropy profile.
Sodium butyrate induces apoptosis in human colonic tumour cell lines in a p53‐independent pathway: Implications for the possible role of dietary fibre in the prevention of large‐bowel cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cultured colonic adenoma and carcinoma cells undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) in vitro and whether specific growth and dietary factors, thought to be involved in the control of growth and differentiation of human colonic cells, could induce cell death through apoptosis. In cell lines originating from 6 colorectal adenomas and 7 carcinomas, spontaneous apoptosis was observed. Sodium butyrate, a naturally occurring fatty acid, is present in the human large bowel in millimolar amounts as a result of bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre. Sodium butyrate, at physiological concentrations, induced apoptosis in 2 adenoma cell lines, RG/C2 and AA/C1, and in the carcinoma cell line PC/JW/F1. In contrast, transforming growth factor β1, which is thought to have an important role in the control of growth in colonic epithelium, did not induce apoptosis. Neither RG/C2 nor PC/JW/F1 contain wild‐type p53, therefore this tumour‐suppressor gene is not required to mediate signals for the induction of apoptosis in colonic tumour cells. Our studies report the induction of apoptosis in colonic tumour cells by the naturally occurring fatty acid sodium butyrate. Since sodium butyrate is produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre, the observation that this fatty acid can induce apoptosis could, in part, explain why a high‐fibre diet appears to be protective against colon cancer. Escape from the induction of programmed cell death may be an important event in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Rehabilitation of individuals on long-term sick leave due to sustained stress-related symptoms: A comparative follow-up study

Aims: Nature-assisted therapy for mental health problems receives increased attention. However, quantitative evaluations are rare. This study evaluates the effects of an all-outdoors vocational rehabilitation program for individuals on long-term sick leave due to sustained stress-related symptoms. Methods: In a comparative pre–post intervention design the intervention group contained 48 participants from Mariendal Gardens (MG), while 45 participants at Stress- & Jobmanagement (SJ) formed the comparison group. At MG all activities took place outdoors, while activities at SJ were mainly indoors. Questionnaires were completed at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow-up. Outcomes included Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and measures of sleep, mindfulness, self-efficacy, daily functioning, and work ability. Data were analyzed using mixed model repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: At baseline the MG-group PSS-10 mean score was 25.15 points (SD=7.20), while the SJ-group mean score was 23.91 (SD=7.48). At 3-months the MG within-group score dropped 4.61 [2.71; 6.52] points (p<0.01), corresponding to at standardized mean difference (Cohen’s d) of d=0.64 [0.38; 0.91], while the SJ within-group score dropped 4.16 [1.73; 6.59] points (p<0.01), corresponding to d=0.56 [0.23; 0.88]. The between-group mean difference was not significant (p=0.77). Similarly, results for sleep, mindfulness, self-efficacy, daily functioning, and work ability demonstrated significant within-group effects and minimal between-group differences. Conclusions: Both interventions demonstrated small to large pre–post effect sizes. Negligible differences were observed between the effects of the two interventions, indicating no added effect of the all-outdoors setting. Results should be interpreted with caution as unequal lost to follow-up rates threatens the comparability of changes in the two groups.
Enhanced Plasticity in Zincergic, Cortical Circuits after Exposure to Enriched Environments

Despite the plethora of reports that demonstrate plasticity in the mammalian cerebral cortex, the characterization of the cellular mechanisms that mediate it is sparse. Here, we show that the magnitude of the experience-dependent regulation of vesicular zinc is significantly increased through enriched-environment housing. Mice were reared either in a deprived environment and subsequently housed in deprived, minimally enriched, or enriched conditions after the removal of the c-row of vibrissae or reared in an enriched environment before and after vibrissae removal. Levels of vesicular zinc were assessed in deprived and nondeprived barrels 6 h to 14 d after vibrissae removal. We found that housing in enriched environmental conditions resulted in a greater change in vesicular zinc levels than did other housing conditions; however, this effect was dependent on both the magnitude and duration of enrichment. Our data indicate that enriched-environment housing has profound effects on the regulation of vesicular zinc that occurs concurrently with experience-dependent plasticity, suggesting a role for zinc in the multitude of cortical modifications associated with enriched environments.
William Osler's Legacy and his Contribution to Haematology

William Osler (1849–1919) is generally regarded as one of the greatest and most admired physicians in the history of medicine. An outstanding clinician, he possessed extraordinary charm which inspired many pupils. Osler stressed bedside teaching, hard work, medical history and lifelong learning. As Professor of Medicine at four institutions in three countries, he exerted a profound influence on medical education. A prolific writer, his textbook became the most popular and widely read treatise on medicine in the world. His humanistic philosophy was reflected in all aspects of his life. Osler blended the art and science of medicine perhaps better than anyone else and remains a valuable role model for students and physicians. Osler’s early experience with the microscope as a schoolboy led to important contributions to haematology. He was among the first to recognize platelets as the third formed element of the blood; he documented their importance in thrombosis. His early studies on pernicious anaemia have been largely neglected, but his thorough descriptions of polycythaemia vera and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia popularized both entities. Most significant of all, Osler brought the microscope to the clinic and emphasized the value of examination of the blood in clinical diagnosis.
CAUSALITY ANALYSIS OF MONEY AND INFLATION IN THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM THE PERIOD 1960 TO 2020

<p>This work aimed to investigate the causal relationship between money and inflation (proxy by CPI) in the Philippines using Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Analysis and the Granger Causality Test. The results showed that both series are stationary in levels; hence, VAR in levels was utilized. The results of VAR(2) show a link between the two variables. The current inflation rate in the Philippines is affected by a one-year lag in money supply. The Granger causality test revealed the unidirectional connection between inflation and money. Furthermore, past levels of price stability can be used to forecast monetary stability in the Philippines. Technically, CPI Granger causes M2. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: E31, E52, C32, C53, C58</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
The organization of the human cerebral cortex estimated by intrinsic functional connectivity

B. T. Thomas Yeo,* Fenna M. Krienen,* Jorge Sepulcre, Mert R. Sabuncu, Danial Lashkari, Marisa Hollinshead, Joshua L. Roffman, Jordan W. Smoller, Lilla Zöllei, Jonathan R. Polimeni, Bruce Fischl, Hesheng Liu, and Randy L. Buckner Harvard University Department of Psychology, Center for Brain Science, Cambridge; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge; Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; and Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Derivative-free methods for nonlinear programming with general lower-level constraints

Augmented Lagrangian methods for derivative-free continuous optimization with constraints are introduced in this paper. The algorithms inherit the convergence results obtained by Andreani, Birgin, Martinez and Schuverdt for the case in which analytic derivatives exist and are available. In particular, feasible limit points satisfy KKT conditions under the Constant Positive Linear Dependence (CPLD) constraint qualification. The form of our main algorithm allows us to employ well established derivative-free subalgorithms for solving lower-level constrained subproblems. Numerical experiments are presented.
UVA, UVB and UVC Light Enhances the Biosynthesis of Phenolic Antioxidants in Fresh-Cut Carrot through a Synergistic Effect with Wounding

Previously, we found that phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AOX) in carrots increased with wounding intensity. It was also reported that UV radiation may trigger the phenylpropanoid metabolism in plant tissues. Here, we determined the combined effect of wounding intensity and UV radiation on phenolic compounds, AOX, and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity of carrots. Accordingly, phenolic content, AOX, and PAL activity increased in cut carrots with the duration of UVC radiation, whereas whole carrots showed no increase. Carrot pies showed a higher increase compared to slices and shreds. Phenolics, AOX, and PAL activity also increased in cut carrots exposed to UVA or UVB. The major phenolics were chlorogenic acid and its isomers, ferulic acid, and isocoumarin. The type of UV radiation affected phenolic profiles. Chlorogenic acid was induced by all UV radiations but mostly by UVB and UVC, ferulic acid was induced by all UV lights to comparable levels, while isocoumarin and 4,5-diCQA was induced mainly by UVB and UVC compared to UVA. In general, total phenolics correlated linearly with AOX for all treatments. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated hypothetical mechanism explaining the synergistic effect of wounding and different UV radiation stresses on phenolics accumulation in plants is herein proposed.
Laparoscopic Surgery In The Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Background and Aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions are characterized by different levels of malignancy. Only radical surgery offers a chance of curing the disease. The aim of this study is to present the results of gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment with minimally invasive surgery. Material and Methods: The study group included 27 patients operated laparoscopically on for gastrointestinal stromal tumor with laparoscopic surgery between September 2009 and December 2013. The most common location of the tumor was the stomach (21 patients, 77.8%) and the small intestine (4 patients, 14.8%). We analyzed early surgery results, the number and character of complications, lengths of hospital stays, histological types of the removed tumors, and long-term results of treatment. Results: There was no need for conversion to open surgery in any patient from the study group. Post-surgery complications occurred in 2 patients (7.4%). The median duration of the hospital stay was 4.5 days; none of the patients had to be readmitted to the hospital in the first 30 days after the procedure. In 26 out of 27 patients, microscopic examination confirmed the radicality of the surgical procedure (R0 resection). The mean size of the removed lesions was 4.1 cm. Using the Joensuu malignancy classification model, it was established that in 6 (22.2%) patients gastrointestinal stromal tumor was characterized by a very low level of malignancy, in 11 patients (40.7%) a low level, in 4 (14.9%) a medium level, and in 6 (22.2%) a high level. The average duration of follow-up was 13 months. During the observation period, there was no recurrence of the disease. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors is possible and allows for satisfactory results both in terms of the postoperative course and the oncological quality of the procedure.
Kernel Change-point Analysis

We introduce a kernel-based method for change-point analysis within a sequence of temporal observations. Change-point analysis of an unlabelled sample of observations consists in, first, testing whether a change in the distribution occurs within the sample, and second, if a change occurs, estimating the change-point instant after which the distribution of the observations switches from one distribution to another different distribution. We propose a test statistic based upon the maximum kernel Fisher discriminant ratio as a measure of homogeneity between segments. We derive its limiting distribution under the null hypothesis (no change occurs), and establish the consistency under the alternative hypothesis (a change occurs). This allows to build a statistical hypothesis testing procedure for testing the presence of a change-point, with a prescribed false-alarm probability and detection probability tending to one in the large-sample setting. If a change actually occurs, the test statistic also yields an estimator of the change-point location. Promising experimental results in temporal segmentation of mental tasks from BCI data and pop song indexation are presented.
Survival in trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 cases ascertained from population based registers

A lthough long term survivors are well documented, infants with the autosomal trisomies 18 (Edwards syndrome) or 13 (Patau syndrome) usually die in the first few days or weeks of life. Accurate estimates of life expectancy are few, particularly in the case of trisomy 13. There have been six population surveys of survival in trisomy 18, comprising 430 unselected cases.1–6 In contrast there have been only two such studies of trisomy 13 involving 35 cases.4,7 A reliable estimate of survival time is important when counselling parents following a pre- or postnatal diagnosis. The fact that a significant proportion of infants succumb within the first 24 hours is a major contributing factor to the short median survival time. Given this fact, a means of revising the estimate of survival when an infant is already several days old is important. Using information available on infants with trisomy 13 or 18 born in Scotland from 1974 to 1997, we have calculated median survival times in this population and prepared revised figures which take into account continued survival. Cases were ascertained from two sources, the Scottish Trisomy Register 1989-1997 and the Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies 1974-1989. The Scottish Trisomy Register was established in 1989 and is a database of autosomal trisomies in Scotland; information is collected from the Scottish service laboratories and includes name, date of birth, type of sample, karyotype, and whether liveborn.8,9 Dates of death are ascertained separately. The Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies is a multisource, population based congenital anomaly database of offspring of mothers resident in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area. Diagnostic validation by trained registry workers is performed on all notified cases. Only liveborn, non-mosaic free trisomies, both pre- and postnatally ascertained, were included in this study. These two sources provide …
Life satisfaction and feeling in control: Indicators of successful aging predict mortality in old age

Life satisfaction and control beliefs are established indicators of successful aging and predict mortality. However, it has not yet been examined whether they independently predict mortality or interact. We examined main and interaction effects using Cox proportional hazards models in a sample of older adults (N = 1402; age range: 65–91). Only the interaction of life satisfaction and control beliefs significantly predicted mortality when controlling for socio-demographic variables and health. These findings suggest that detrimental effects of low control beliefs can be buffered by life satisfaction, and unexpectedly, that high levels of both factors are not most protective against mortality.