Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of lipid-lowering therapy with rosuvastatin on kidney function and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

AIM We aimed to assess the effects of rosuvastatin treatment on lipid levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress, albuminuria, and kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. METHODS We conducted a prospective, open-label, parallel group, controlled study of 104 patients with diabetic nephropathy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of > 120 mg/dL, and well-controlled blood pressure who were undergoing treatment with renin angiotensin system inhibitors. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the rosuvastatin group (n = 52; 2.5 mg/day rosuvastatin, increased to 10 mg/day) and the control group (n = 52; no rosuvastatin administered). We determined the efficacy of rosuvastatin by monitoring serum lipid profiles, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL), and cystatin C levels. In addition, urinary albumin, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) levels were measured before and 6 months after rosuvastatin was added to the treatment. RESULTS Rosuvastatin effectively reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels, and the LDL-C/ HDL-C ratio in the rosuvastatin group. These parameters remained unchanged in patients who were not treated with rosuvastatin. Although there was no significant change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate level, serum cystatin C levels and urinary albumin excretion rates were significantly decreased in the rosuvastatin group. In addition, rosuvastatin significantly reduced hs-CRP and MDA-LDL levels. Moreover, urinary 8-OHdG and L-FABP levels at baseline (13.5±5.1 and 41.7±26.1 ng/mgCr, respectively) decreased significantly at 6 months (11.5±4.0 and 26.9±13.4 ng/mgCr, respectively), and there was a significant correlation (r = 0.48, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that albuminuria was significantly correlated with only rosuvastatin use (p = 0.0006, R(2)= 0.53). CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin administration reduced albuminuria, oxidative stress, and serum cystatin C levels, independent of blood pressure and lipid levels.
Reduction Mammaplasty: A Prospective Study of Symptom Relief and Alterations of Skin Sensibility

&NA; The aim of the present study was to evaluate the alterations of symptoms and tactile sensibility of the breast after reduction mammaplasty. In a prospective study, 10 women were operated on using the inferior pedicle technique. The patients were examined and interviewed preoperatively and at 2 weeks and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Tactile sensibility was assessed by Somedic monofilaments applied on nine points on each breast: the nipple, four points on the areola, and in four quadrants of the skin. Preoperative tactile sensibility was compared with tactile sensibility in 10 normal controls. A median of 744 g of tissue was removed. All patients reported relief of shoulder and neck discomfort and improvement of skin sensibility 1 year after the operation. Two weeks after the operation, the sensibility of the areola was reduced (p < 0.05), but the skin sensibility of two quadrants was improved (p < 0.05). The sensibility of the areola was restored to preoperative values during the observation period. At 12 months, sensibility was improved compared with preoperative values both in the upper part of the areola and in three quadrants of the skin (p < 0.05). Significant improvement of skin sensibility was found between 3 and 12 months postoperatively in two quadrants of the breast. Also, the erectile function of the nipple was not altered by the operation. In conclusion, the sensibility of the breast was improved or unchanged 1 year after reduction mammaplasty using the Robbins technique. Continuous improvement of sensibility was found during the 1‐year observation period. The evidence provided by this prospective study rules out the common misconception that a reduction mammaplasty gives the patient reduced areola sensibility and altered erectile function. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 111: 103, 2003.)
Comparative accuracy of CT perfusion in diagnosing acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review of 27 trials

Objective To systematically evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of CT perfusion (CTP), non-enhanced computed tomography (NCCT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in detecting acute ischemic stroke. Methods We searched seven databases and screened the reference lists of the included studies. The risk of bias in the study quality was assessed using QUADASII. We produced paired forest plots in RevMan to show the variation of the sensitivity and specificity estimates together with their 95% CI. We used a hierarchical summary ROC model to summarize the sensitivity and specificity of CTP in detecting ischemic stroke. Results We identified 27 studies with a total of 2168 patients. The pooled sensitivity of CTP for acute ischemic stroke was 82% (95% CI 75–88%), and the specificity was 96% (95% CI 89–99%). CTP was more sensitive than NCCT and had a similar accuracy with CTA. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity and specificity between patients who underwent CTP within 6 hours of symptom onset and beyond 6 hours after symptom onset. No adverse events were reported in the included studies. Conclusions CTP is more accurate than NCCT and has similar accuracy to CTA in detecting acute ischemic stroke. However, the evidence is not strong. There is potential benefit of using CTP to select stroke patients for treatment, but more high-quality evidence is needed to confirm this result.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis of Two Contrasting Brassica rapa Doubled Haploid Lines under Cold-Stresses Using Br135K Oligomeric Chip

Genome wide transcription analysis in response to stresses is important to provide a basis of effective engineering strategies to improve stress tolerance in crop plants. We assembled a Brassica rapa oligomeric microarray (Br135K microarray) using sequence information from 41,173 unigenes and analyzed the transcription profiles of two contrasting doubled haploid (DH) lines, Chiifu and Kenshin, under cold-treatments. The two DH lines showed great differences in electrolyte leakage below −4°C, but similar patterns from 4°C to −2°C. Cold-treatments induced 885 and 858 genes in Chiifu and Kenshin, respectively. Overall, 134, and 56 genes showed an intrinsic difference in expression in Chiifu and Kenshin, respectively. Among 5,349 genes that showed no hit found (NHF) in public databases, 61 and 24 were specifically expressed in Chiifu and Kenshin, respectively. Many transcription factor genes (TFs) also showed various characteristics of expression. BrMYB12, BrMYBL2, BrbHLHs, BrbHLH038, a C2H2, a WRKY, BrDREB19 and a integrase-type TF were induced in a Chiifu-specific fashion, while a bHLH (Bra001826/AT3G21330), bHLH, cycling Dof factor and two Dof type TFs were Kenshin specific. Similar to previous studies, a large number of genes were differently induced or regulated among the two genotypes, but many genes, including NHFs, were specifically or intrinsically expressed with genotype specificity. Expression patterns of known-cold responsive genes in plants resulted in discrepancy to membrane leakage in the two DH lines, indicating that timing of gene expression is more important to conferring freezing tolerance rather than expression levels. Otherwise, the tolerance will be related to the levels of transcripts before cold-treatment or regulated by other mechanisms. Overall, these results indicate common signaling pathways and various transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are working together during cold-treatment of B. rapa. Our newly developed Br135K oligomeric microarray will be useful for transcriptome profiling, and will deliver valuable insight into cold stresses in B. rapa.
A comparative performance study of load adaptive energy saving schemes for IP-over-WDM networks

Load adaptive energy saving schemes for backbone IP networks use dynamic transport circuit services to adapt the active network resources to the current traffic demand in order to reduce the network's energy consumption. Recently, several approaches, categorized as Switch-off schemes, have been proposed which attempt to reduce the energy consumption of already existing networks by switching off IP ports and links during periods of low traffic. Although it has been shown that these schemes can notably decrease the network's energy consumption, they are prone to instabilities in the IP routing service and decreased resilience due to reduced connectivity, and they may induce monitoring reconfigurations. To address these challenges, we propose the Switch-On scheme in an IP-over-WDM network, where the network is designed so that the essential IP connectivity is maintained during low traffic periods while dynamic circuits are switched on in the optical layer to boost network capacity during periods of high traffic demand. Switching on the optical links during peak network loads can address some of the challenges associated with switching off IP ports and links during the low traffic periods. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of load adaptive energy saving schemes and present a discussion of the trade-off between energy efficiency and routing stability. The performance results and analytical study show that the multilayer approaches in IP-over-WDM networks carry significant potential for improvement in energy efficiency.
Academic underachievement: Relationship with cognitive motivation, achievement motivation, and conscientiousness

In this study, the role of need for cognition, achievement motivation, and conscientiousness on academic underachievement was investigated. Forty-seven male and 46 female students in Grades 7 to 10 participated in the study. Student attributes were assessed by self-report measures, school performance by academic grades, and intellectual abilities by a standardized structure of intelligence test. A regression analytic model (prediction of grade point average by general intelligence) was used to operationally define underachievement. A categorical cutoff definition as well as a continuous definition was investigated. All relationships between underachievement scores and need for cognition, achievement motivation scales, and conscientiousness showed linearity. This warranted the use of a continuous definition of underachievement. Results revealed that need for cognition as well as facilitating anxiety contributed the most to the explanation of underachievement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 401–411, 2006.
The impact of cage ventilation on rats housed in IVC systems

Today the use of individually ventilated cage systems (IVC systems) is common, especially for housing transgenic rodents. Typically, in each cage a ventilation rate of 40 to 50 air changes per hour is applied, but in some systems even up to 120 air changes per hour is applied. To reach this rate, the air is blown into the cage at a relatively high speed. However, at the animal's level most systems ventilate with an air speed of approximately 0.2 m/s. In the present paper, two studies were conducted, one analysing whether an air speed below 0.2 m/s or just above 0.5 m/s affects the rats, and another study analysing whether air changes of 50, 80 and 120 times per hour affect the rats. In both studies, monitoring of preferences as well as physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure, was used to show the ability of the animals to register the different parameters and to avoid them if possible. Air speeds inside the cage of as high as 0.5 m/s could not be shown to affect the rats, while the number of air changes in each cage should be kept below 80 times per hour to avoid impacts on physiology (heart rate and systolic blood pressure). Also the rats prefer cages with air changes below 80 times per hour if they have the opportunity of choosing, as shown in the preference test.
Modelling basin-wide variations in Amazon forest productivity – Part 1: Model calibration, evaluation and upscaling functions for canopy photosynthesis

Abstract. Given the importance of Amazon rainforest in the global carbon and hydrological cycles, there is a need to parameterize and validate ecosystem gas exchange and vegetation models for this region in order to adequately simulate present and future carbon and water balances. In this study, a sun and shade canopy gas exchange model is calibrated and evaluated at five rainforest sites using eddy correlation measurements of carbon and energy fluxes. Results from the model-data evaluation suggest that with adequate parameterisation, photosynthesis models taking into account the separation of diffuse and direct irradiance and the dynamics of sunlit and shaded leaves can accurately represent photosynthesis in these forests. Also, stomatal conductance formulations that only take into account atmospheric demand fail to correctly simulate moisture and CO2 fluxes in forests with a pronounced dry season, particularly during afternoon conditions. Nevertheless, it is also the case that large uncertainties are associated not only with the eddy correlation data, but also with the estimates of ecosystem respiration required for model validation. To accurately simulate Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and energy partitioning the most critical parameters and model processes are the quantum yield of photosynthetic uptake, the maximum carboxylation capacity of Rubisco, and simulation of stomatal conductance. Using this model-data synergy, we developed scaling functions to provide estimates of canopy photosynthetic parameters for a range of diverse forests across the Amazon region, utilising the best fitted parameter for maximum carboxylation capacity of Rubisco, and foliar nutrients (N and P) for all sites.
Good Leavers and Bad Stayers: Exploring the Influence of Defining Student Success Outcomes with a Composite Measure of Performance and Persistence

OF DISSERTATION GOOD LEAVERS AND BAD STAYERS: EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF DEFINING STUDENT SUCCESS OUTCOMES WITH A COMPOSITE MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE AND PERSISTENCE Not all college “stayers” and “leavers” stay or leave for the same reason or with the same experience. However, traditional measures and studies of academic success have limited their scope to either performance or persistence as individual variables. This study explored whether a more nuanced definition of success as a composite of both performance and persistence (GPA and retention) produced different results than when using the variables separately. The influence of academic self‐efficacy on student success served as the context for this exploration. The study used an existing incoming student survey dataset from a small private liberal arts college. Subjects were grouped into one of five categories based on academic performance and persistence after two terms: Good Performing Leavers, Good Performing Stayers, Bad Performing Leavers, Bad Performing Stayers, and Early Leavers. The relationship between academic self‐efficacy and student success, using the individual and composite outcome variables, were explored. The results of the study were inconclusive with the composite measure resulting in only a slight increase in the number of significant relationship with self‐efficacy items. Post hoc exploratory analysis that controlled for high school GPA and removed subjects who did not appear to have engaged in the survey resulted in some support for the original hypothesis. These and other suggestions are made for future investigations of this question.
Traditional and Health-Related Philanthropy: The Role of Resources and Personality

I study the relationships of resources and personality characteristics to charitable giving, postmortem organ donation, and blood donation in a nationwide sample of persons in households in the Netherlands. I find that specific personality characteristics are related to specific types of giving: agreeableness to blood donation, empathic concern to charitable giving, and prosocial value orientation to postmortem organ donation. I find that giving has a consistently stronger relation to human and social capital than to personality. Human capital increases giving; social capital increases giving only when it is approved by others. Effects of prosocial personality characteristics decline at higher levels of these characteristics. Effects of empathic concern, helpfulness, and social value orientations on generosity are mediated by verbal proficiency and church attendance.
An International Experience for Social Work Students: Self-Reflection Through Poetry and Journal Writing Exercises

ABSTRACT This descriptive article explores the uses of poetry and journaling exercises as means of helping students develop their self-reflective capacities within the context of international social work. First, self-reflection and its importance to social work practice and education is discussed. Second, the importance of self-reflection in international and cross-cultural work is highlighted. Third, the application of poetry and other journal writing exercises as a means of facilitating self-reflection is explored. Poems written in response to structured exercises by students who took part in an international experience in social work education in Leon, Nicaragua, are presented as examples. The exercises presented can be used by educators in various helping professions who seek to help their students expand their self-reflective skills and engage in cross-cultural and international practice.
2014 International Conference on Lightning Protection ( ICLP ) , Shanghai , China Implementation of Leader Development Models in ATP-EMTP Using a Type-94 Circuit Component

Evaluation of the dielectric strength of transmission line insulation subjected to fast-front overvoltages is of major importance for the insulation coordination of overhead lines and the connected substations. Among models proposed in literature for the prediction of the dielectric behavior of air gaps and insulators, leader development models have a greater physical significance. In this study several leader development models are implemented in a new model in ATP-EMTP using MODELS simulation language. The new model is solved simultaneously with the rest of simulated system interacting with it as a circuit element; this is accomplished by using the model with a type-94 circuit component. The developed model is verified against literature data referring to breakdown of long air gaps. Shielding failure and backflashover simulations are conducted for a 150 kV and a 400 kV overhead transmission line to demonstrate the effects of modeling of the predischarge current flowing during leader propagation phase on the estimated critical currents. Keywords-ATP-EMTP; breakdown; insulator flashover; leader development models; MODELS language; overhead transmission lines; predischarge current
Boosting Regulatory T Cells Limits Neuroinflammation in Permanent Cortical Stroke

Inflammatory mechanisms contribute substantially to secondary tissue injury after brain ischemia. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key endogenous modulators of postischemic neuroinflammation. We investigated the potential of histone deacetylase inhibition (HDACi) to enhance Treg potency for experimental stroke in mice. HDACi using trichostatin A increased the number of Tregs and boosted their immunosuppressive capacity and interleukin (IL)-10 expression. In vivo treatment reduced infarct volumes and behavioral deficits after cortical brain ischemia, attenuated cerebral proinflammatory cytokine expression, and increased numbers of brain-invading Tregs. A similar effect was obtained using tubastatin, a specific inhibitor of HDAC6 and a key HDAC in Foxp3 regulation. The neuroprotective effect of HDACi depended on the presence of Foxp3+ Tregs, and in vivo and in vitro studies showed that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was their main mediator. In summary, modulation of Treg function by HDACi is a novel and potent target to intervene at the center of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, this novel concept of modulating endogenous immune mechanisms might be translated to a broad spectrum of diseases, including primary neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
Biogeography of Discontinuously Distributed Hydrophytes: A Molecular Appraisal of Intercontinental Disjunctions

The extraordinarily wide distributional ranges of aquatic flowering plants have long stimulated phytogeographical discussion. Although aquatic plants occur rarely among the angiosperms, they represent a disproportionately large number of taxa with broad distributions including various intercontinental disjunctions that are manifest even at the species level. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, long‐range dispersal by waterfowl was the prevailing explanation for widespread aquatic plant distributions. This explanation gradually fell into disfavor as biologists raised doubts as to the ability of waterfowl to transport propagules across the extensive transoceanic distances between the continents on which an assortment of aquatic taxa now reside. During the twentieth century, the development of biogeographical displacement theory, i.e., “continental drift,” steadily began to supplant dispersal as the preferred explanation for discontinuous angiosperm distributions. Our study assesses the dispersal/displacement hypotheses from a temporal standpoint using molecular estimates of divergence time for a diverse sample of phylogenetically related aquatic taxa that exhibit discontinuous intercontinental distributions. With few exceptions, we found divergence times that are far too recent to implicate continental drift as a major determinant of discontinuous distributions in aquatic plants. We suggest that long‐distance dispersal by birds should continue to be regarded as a viable explanation for widely disjunct aquatic plant distributions, although such dispersal is likely to have involved a combination of overland as well as transoceanic migratory routes.
Electrical restitution in the endocardium of the intact human right ventricle.

OBJECTIVE--To characterise electrical restitution in the intact human heart. PATIENTS AND METHODS--A series of monophasic action potential electrical restitution curves were constructed from a single right ventricular endocardial site in eight patients (three men) without structural heart disease aged 52-68 (mean 55 years). A combination pacing/monophasic action potential electrode was used to pace and record monophasic action potentials at drive cycle lengths of from 350 ms to 1500 ms. Ventricular extrastimuli were delivered at 20 cycle intervals and decreased from the longest coupling interval attainable without escape beats. RESULTS--Restitution curves shifted downward and towards the left; steady state action potential duration shifted from the restitution plateau and descended the curve, the amount of shift being linearly related to drive cycle length in two patients in whom the relation could be assessed; the amount of monophasic action potential shortening was a function of the degree of prematurity and that relation was unaffected by drive rate; the magnitude of restitution and the time constant of the restitution curve were not changed significantly by altered drive cycle length. CONCLUSION--In the intact heart in vivo, electrical restitution (of the monophasic action potential) has similar characteristics to those (of the transmembrane action potential) in cellular preparations in vitro. Thus the alteration of action potential plateau currents by instantaneous rate change or drug effects, which can be directly observed by techniques available to the cellular electrophysiologist, may be indirectly assessed in vivo by characterisation of the effect of these on electrical restitution.