Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapped infinite elements for the solution of open electric and magnetic field problems

In the analysis of field problems, cases with open boundaries often arise. The finite element method, frequently used for the numerical solution of field problems, is naturally adequate for closed boundary problems; however, the definition of infinite elements can overcome such limitation. In this paper, mapped infinite elements are used to solve open boundary field problems defined in terms of a scalar potential in two dimensions. The details of the computer implementation are presented, as well as alternatives for the automatic extension of the mesh; the scheme is applied to the solution of a magnetostatic problem in open space.
The novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BGT226 displays cytotoxic activity in both normoxic and hypoxic hepatocarcinoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common lethal human malignancies worldwide and its advanced status is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the orally bioavailable dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, NVP-BGT226, on a panel of HCC cell lines, since hyperactivated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway could represent a biomolecular target for Small Inhibitor Molecules in this neoplasia. We analyzed the drug activity in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions, the latter playing often a relevant role in the induction of chemoresistance and angiogenesis. In normoxia NVP-BGT226 caused cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, induced apoptosis and autophagy at low concentrations. Interestingly the drug inactivated p-Akt and p-S6 at < 10 nM concentration. In hypoxia NVP-BGT226 maintained its cytotoxic efficacy at the same concentration as documented by MTT assays and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the drug showed in hypoxia inhibitory properties against angiogenesis by lowering the expression of the transcription factor HIF-1α and of VEGF. Our results indicate that NVP-BGT226 has a potent cytotoxic effect on HCC cell lines also in hypoxia condition, thus emerging as a potential candidate for cancer treatment in HCC targeted therapy.
Hemodynamic and Organ Blood Flow Responses to Halothane and Sevoflurane Anesthesia During Spontaneous Ventilation

This study compared systemic hemodynamic and organ blood flow responses to equipotent concentrations of halothane and sevoflurane during spontaneous ventilation in the rat. The MAC values for halothane and sevoflurane were determined. Cardiac output and organ blood flows were measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Measurements were obtained in awake rats (control values) and at 1.0 MAC halothane or sevoflurane. The MAC values (mean ± SEM) for halothane and sevoflurane were 1.10% ± 0.05% and 2.40% ± 0.05%, respectively. The Paco2increased to a similar extent in both groups compared with control values. During halothane anesthesia, heart rate decreased by 12% (P < 0.01), cardiac index by 26% (P < 0.01), and mean arterial blood pressure by 18% (P < 0.01) compared with control values. Stroke volume index and systemic vascular resistance did not change. During sevoflurane anesthesia, hemodynamic variables remained unchanged compared with control values. Coronary blood flow decreased by 21% (P < 0.01) and renal blood flow by 18% (P < 0.01) at 1.0 MAC halothane, whereas both remained unchanged at 1.0 MAC sevoflurane. Cerebral blood flow increased to a greater extent with halothane (63%; P < 0.01) than with sevoflurane (35%; P < 0.05). During halothane anesthesia, hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 48% (P < 0.01), whereas portal tributary blood flow decreased by 28% (P < 0.01). During sevoflurane anesthesia, hepatic arterial blood flow increased by 70% (P < 0.01) without a concomitant reduction in portal tributary blood flow. Total liver blood flow decreased only with halothane (16%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, for comparable increases in Paco2, systemic hemodynamic and organ blood flow responses to halothane are significantly greater than the responses to sevoflurane at an equipotent concentration of 1.0 MAC in the spontaneously ventilating rat.
Prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas in incident hemodialysis patients: correlation with patient factors that may be associated with maturation failure.

BACKGROUND Lok et al previously reported a risk equation for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure. It is unclear whether this model or a more comprehensive model correlates with incident AVF use in the US hemodialysis population. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 195,756 adult patients initiating outpatient hemodialysis therapy in the United States between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, with 6 months or more prior nephrology care. PREDICTOR Patient characteristics (age, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, and race) populating the AVF maturation failure risk equation and other demographic and clinical variables from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medical Evidence Report (CMS 2728). OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS AVF use at first outpatient dialysis treatment as recorded on the CMS 2728. RESULTS Using the risk categories defined by Lok et al, AVF use varied from 19.0% (very high risk) to 25.6% (low risk). In a model using only these risk categories, logistic regression showed lower ORs for moderate-, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93); high-, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.78-0.83); and very high-risk patients, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.63-0.73) compared with low risk. In the expanded model, odds were lower for women, blacks, Hispanics, age older than 85 years, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, other cardiac disease, and underweight. Odds were higher for hypertension, overweight, obesity, 12 months or more nephrologist care, most insurance types, and each successive year after 2005. Despite associations, the C statistic for the expanded model was 0.64. LIMITATIONS This analysis is limited by lack of access creation history before dialysis therapy initiation and minimal external validation of CMS 2728 data. CONCLUSIONS Clinical risk factors identified by Lok and expanded in this analysis have limited ability to predict incident AVF use. Even patients judged at highest risk can have successful AVF construction and initiate dialysis therapy through a functioning AVF.
Fixed Costs of Capital Adjustment in a Two Country Real Business Cycle Model

The present paper analyzes the role of non-convex adjustment costs to capital in a stylized two country model of real business cycles. In contrast to the closed economy case, we find fixed adjustment costs to have a significant influence on investment decisions for each of the countries just as for the aggregated world economy. Like convex costs, fixed adjustment costs substantially limit capital re-allocation across countries. Because of this, they drive up the correlation of domestic investment and domestic saving, increase the correlation of output between countries, and decrease the variability of the trade balance. All this brings the model more in line with observed data. For the aggregated world economy, non-convex adjustment costs limit the variability of investment compared to the no-cost case, but the effect on the world economy is far less pronounced than on the individual economies.
Role of the White Collar 1 Photoreceptor in Carotenogenesis, UV Resistance, Hydrophobicity, and Virulence of Fusarium oxysporum

ABSTRACT Knockout mutants of Fusarium oxysporum lacking the putative photoreceptor Wc1 were impaired in aerial hyphae, surface hydrophobicity, light-induced carotenogenesis, photoreactivation after UV treatment, and upregulation of photolyase gene transcription. Infection experiments with tomato plants and immunodepressed mice revealed that Wc1 is dispensable for pathogenicity on plants but required for full virulence on mammals.
The role of leptin in human lipid and glucose metabolism: the effects of acute recombinant human leptin infusion in young healthy males.

BACKGROUND Obese and lean humans treated with leptin have not experienced convincing weight-loss results compared with the dramatic weight losses observed in obese rodents. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the effect of acutely elevating leptin to concentrations observed in obese individuals on muscle and adipose tissue metabolism and muscle signaling in healthy lean males. DESIGN Healthy, lean, postabsorptive males were infused with either recombinant human leptin (rhleptin; n = 8) or saline (control; n = 8) for 4 h, which elicited leptin concentrations of ~ 20 and ~ 1 ng/mL, respectively. Systemic, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue fat and glucose metabolism in vivo were assessed before, during, and 2 h after cessation of the infusion. Skeletal muscle biopsy specimens were obtained to quantify changes in signal transducers and activators of transcription-5'AMP-activated protein kinase (STAT-AMPK) signaling. RESULTS During the infusion of rhleptin, no differences in either systemic, skeletal muscle, or adipose tissue glucose or fat metabolism were observed. These observations were made despite increased activation of STAT (~ 17-fold) and AMPK (1.43-fold) after 1 h of rhleptin infusion. After the rhleptin infusion, an increase in systemic palmitate and fat oxidation was observed (P < 0.0003), which likely was caused by a concomitant increase in skeletal muscle palmitate oxidation (P < 0.02). This was observed despite lowered leptin concentrations and basal skeletal muscle STAT-AMPK signaling. CONCLUSIONS Elevating circulating leptin concentrations to concentrations comparable with those of obese individuals increases human in vivo skeletal muscle signaling through the AMPK pathway and causes an increase in skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation. Abdominal adipose tissue was unaffected by the acute physiologic increase in leptin concentrations.
Pediatric transplantation, 1994–2003

This article uses OPTN/SRTR data to review trends in pediatric transplantation over the last decade. In 2003, children younger than 18 made up 3% of the 82,885 candidates for organ transplantation and 7% of the 25,469 organ transplant recipients. Children accounted for 14% of the 6,455 deceased organ donors. Pediatric organ transplant recipients differ from their adult counterparts in several important aspects, including the underlying etiology of organ failure, the complexity of the surgical procedures, the pharmacokinetic properties of common immunosuppressants, the immune response following transplantation, the number and degree of comorbid conditions, and the susceptibility to post‐transplant complications, especially infectious diseases. Specialized pediatric organ transplant programs have been developed to address these special problems, The transplant community has responded to the particular needs of children and has provided them special consideration in the allocation of deceased donor organs. As a result of these programs and protocols, children are now frequently the most successful recipients of organ transplantation; their outcomes following kidney, liver, and heart transplantation rank among the best. This article demonstrates that substantial improvement is needed in several areas: adolescent outcomes, outcomes following intestine transplants, and waiting list mortality among pediatric heart and lung candidates,
An Exploration of how Secondary Schools Promote a Sense of Belonging with Pupils who are International New Arrivals (INA)

A ? sense of belonging? has been found to have positive effects for all children in school. However, it may be difficult to promote with INA pupils who face cultural, language and systemic barriers. To date, there has been little attempt at investigating the factors in school that can promote a sense of belonging for these pupils. This research attempts to fill some of the gaps in the research that have been identified. Unlike the other research that does exist in this field, the current study focuses on the experience of secondary school aged pupils specifically in UK schools.Two secondary schools were identified to take part in the research through purposive sampling. One a mixed school and the other an all-boys school, both schools have experience of supporting INA pupils. Young people in Year 8-10 were selected as the focus of this research to avoid exam and transition periods. In total 5 INA pupils, 11 peers and 13 staff members contributed to the research. A case study design was used that involved 5 semi-structured interviews, 2 peer focus groups and 2 staff focus groups. The data were partially transcribed and thematic analysis was used to highlight key themes.The findings revealed that ? belonging? is a complex, dynamic construct which may also have different cultural connotations. There are many shared themes in relation to conceptualizing belonging and the strategies that are used by the two schools. These findings have wide implications for schools? practice in relation to supporting INA pupils to foster a sense of belonging and acculturate to their new home.
Anomalous scaling of fracture surfaces

We argue that fracture surfaces may exhibit anomalous dynamic scaling properties akin to what occurs in some models of kinetic roughening. We determine the complete scaling behavior of the local fluctuations of a brittle fracture in a granite block from experimental data. We obtain a global roughness exponent $\ensuremath{\chi}=1.2$ which differs from the local one, ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{loc}}=0.79$. Implications on fracture physics are discussed.
Predictors of quality of life among multiple sclerosis patients: a comprehensive analysis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease of young people with substantial consequences on patients' quality of life (QOL). A variety of QOL instruments have been used to evaluate the efficacy of treatments. However, no study assessed the role of the different demographic, clinical, physical, social, economic and psychological parameters in the perception of patients with MS of their QOL.
Absolute risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in thrombophilic families is not increased by high thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels

Summary High levels of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) are a supposed risk factor for thrombosis. However, results from previous studies are conflicting. We assessed the absolute risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in subjects with high TAFI levels (>126 U/dl) versus subjects with normal levels, and the contribution of other concomitant thrombophilic defects. Relatives from four identical cohort studies in families with either deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C or protein S, prothrombin 20210A, high factor VIII levels, or hyperhomocysteinemia were pooled. Probands were excluded. Of 1,940 relatives, 187 had high TAFI levels. Annual incidences of venous thromboembolism were 0.23% in relatives with high TAFI levels versus 0.26% in relatives with normal TAFI levels (adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–1.3). For arterial thrombosis these were 0.31% versus 0.23% (adjusted RR 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9–2.2). High levels of factor VIII, IX and XI were observed more frequently in relatives with high TAFI levels. Only high factor VIII levels were associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, independently of TAFI levels. None of these concomitant defects showed interaction with high TAFI levels. High TAFI levels were not associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in thrombophilic families.
Senior women managers’ transition to entrepreneurship

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the phenomenon of senior women managers leaving corporate organisations to start their own companies. Women's advancement to senior management roles is facilitated by the acquisition of human capital and social capital. Female ex‐corporate managers leverage personal accumulations of knowledge, skills, relationships and networks when starting and growing new ventures. A conceptual framework of “embedded career capital” accrued during past experiences and transferable to the individuals’ new entrepreneurial ventures is put forward.Design/methodology/approach – Structured, in‐depth interviews with ten female entrepreneurs who recently left senior management positions in large UK corporations to start their own ventures support a spectrum from embedded career capital which is transferable and value‐creating to embodied career capital consisting of immobile, non‐rent‐generating accumulations.Findings – Senior women managers leverage “embedded career capital”, human capital .
Facial cooling enhances exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

PURPOSE Exercising in cold air enhances bronchial responsiveness (BR) as compared with exercising in warm air. This may be due to intrathoracic cooling or to increased vagal activity caused by facial cooling. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on BR of cold air inhalation and of facial exposure to cold air, as well as the combined effect of both. METHODS Fourteen children with asthma (eight girls) performed four exercise challenge tests in a climatic chamber, under one of the following conditions: 1) inhaling warm air while the face was exposed to warm air (WW, 21 degrees C, 25% relative humidity (RH)); 2) inhaling warm air while the face was exposed to cold air (WC, 0 degrees C, 80% RH); 3) inhaling cold air while the face was exposed to cold air (CC); and 4) inhaling cold air while the face was exposed to warm air (CW). The study was analyzed, using a one- and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS Postexercise forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) values as percent predicted (% pred) showed significant reductions over time (P < 0.001), significant differences among the four experimental conditions (P < 0.001) and a significant condition x time interaction (FEV1:P < 0.001, MMEF:P < 0.01). FEV1 was significantly lower for CC and WC, as compared with WW and CW at 5 and 10 min postexercise. The lowest postexercise values for FEV1 occurred in the CC and WC sessions (76% predicted in both). A similar pattern was obtained for MMEF. CONCLUSION Facial cooling combined with either cold or warm air inhalation causes the greatest EIB, as compared with the isolated challenge with cold air inhalation. We suggest that vagal mechanisms play a major role in exercise and cold-induced bronchoconstriction.
miR-4443 Participates in the Malignancy of Breast Cancer

Purpose Chemo-resistance is the leading cause of failure in cancer therapy, however, much remains to be understood about the intrinsic mechanisms. In the present study, we discovered the novel miR-4443 that regulated malignancy of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Methods We examined the expression of miR-4443 in MDA-MB-231/S and MDA-MB-231 Epirubicin-resistant cell lines with 76 breast cancer formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by real-time PCR. Also, we investigated the loss- and gain-functions of miR-4443 by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Furthermore, we detected miR-4443 mediated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 expression in cells by TargetScan, RT-qPCR and western blot. Results We identified the up-regulated expression of miR-4443 in Epi-resistant cell lines versus MDA-MB-231/S cell(Epi versus S) and in post-chemotherapy FFPE tissues, along with statistically differential expressions in PR(partial response) versus SD(stable disease)/PD(progressive disease) patients. Overexpression of miR-4443 increased the IC50 value of Epi for the target cells transfected, while inhibition of miR-4443 could restored sensitivity of the target cells to Epi. Besides, down-regulation of endogenous miR-4443 by miRNA-inhibitors significantly enhanced Epi-induced apoptosis while up-regulation of miR-4443 by miRNA-mimics lead to less Epi-induced apoptotic cells. Consequently, changes in TIMP2 mRNA and protein expression revealed that miR-4443 mimics suppressed expression of TIMP2 and induced migration in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, TIMP2 expression associated with better prognosis(HR = 0.721, 95%CI: 0.529–0.983). Conclusions We revealed that miR-4443 induced malignancy of breast cancer mainly in chemo-resistance aspect for the very first time, providing a novel biomarker in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
RESEARCH REPORT

This paper argues for the integration of metacognitive thinking into the content of school science. It describes the ‘metacognitive instances’ approach of implanting metacognitive activities, such as classroom discussions, annotated drawing, keeping diary-like notes and concept-mapping, at selected points of the teaching procedure, in an attempt to extend the durability of children's science understanding, which is often short-lived. The approach was tested with 60 Year 5 pupils in Cyprus studying ‘Current Electricity’, following a quasiexperimental design with one experimental and one comparative group. Following the teaching of the unit, participants were tested on their understanding of electricity three times in one school year. The research showed that the practice of metacognition is feasible with primary school pupils and that children who experienced situated metacognition retained taught concepts for a longer period of time. Although no significant difference was recorded initially in the amount of subject matter learned by the two groups, children who engaged in metacognitive activities appeared to have achieved more permanent re-structuring of their understandings.
Neuropsychological Predictors of Trauma Centrality in OIF/OEF Veterans

This study examined whether reduced performance on two neuropsychological tasks, cognitive flexibility and working memory, were associated with higher levels of trauma centrality. A growing body of research has shown that trauma centrality, the extent to which a person believes a potentially traumatic event has become central to their self-identity and life story, is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, PTSD is often associated with alterations in neuropsychological functioning. The relationship between neuropsychological processes and trauma centrality, however, has yet to be explored. OEF/OIF combat veterans (N = 41) completed the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Centrality of Event Scale (CES), and on-line measures of cognitive flexibility and working memory assessed via WebNeuro. Bivariate Pearson correlations showed that CES scores were positively correlated with PDS and BDI scores, and negatively correlated with cognitive flexibility and working memory. Linear regressions revealed that working memory significantly predicted CES when controlling for depression and PTSD severity while cognitive flexibility approached significance when controlling for these same variables. This study employed a cross-sectional design, precluding causality. The small sample size, entirely male sample, and use of an online neuropsychological assessment warrant follow-up research. Although numerous studies have found an association between CES and PTSD, this is the first to suggest that neuropsychological processes underlie the construct of trauma centrality. Given the importance of maladaptive cognitive processes underlying the pathogenesis of PTSD, these data suggest that future studies aimed at examining the link between neuropsychological processes and maladaptive cognitive processes, such as trauma centrality, may help to characterize and treat PTSD.