Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promotes Pericyte Coverage of Brain Capillaries, Improves Cerebral Blood Flow During Subsequent Focal Cerebral Ischemia, and Preserves the Metabolic Penumbra

Background and Purpose— Therapeutic angiogenesis aims at improving cerebral blood flow by amplification of vascular sprouting, thus promoting tissue survival under conditions of subsequent ischemia. It remains unknown whether induced angiogenesis leads to the formation of functional vessels that indeed result in hemodynamic improvements. Observations of hemodynamic steal phenomena and disturbed neurovascular integrity after vascular endothelial growth factor delivery questioned the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis. Methods— Mice were treated with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (0.02 &mgr;g/d; intracerebroventricular) for 3 to 21 days and subsequently exposed to 90-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Angiogenesis, histological brain injury, IgG extravasation, cerebral blood flow, protein synthesis and energy state, and pericyte coverage on brain capillaries were evaluated in a multiparametric approach combining histochemical, autoradiographic, and regional bioluminescence techniques. Results— Vascular endothelial growth factor increased brain capillary density within 10 days and reduced infarct volume and inflammation after subsequent middle cerebral artery occlusion, and, when delivered for prolonged periods of 21 days, enhanced postischemic blood–brain barrier integrity. Increased cerebral blood flow was noted in ischemic brain areas exhibiting enhanced angiogenesis and was associated with preservation of the metabolic penumbra, defined as brain tissue in which protein synthesis has been suppressed but ATP preserved. Vascular endothelial growth factor enhanced pericyte coverage of brain endothelial cells via mechanisms involving increased N-cadherin expression on cerebral microvessels. Conclusions— That cerebral blood flow is increased during subsequent ischemic episodes, leading to the stabilization of cerebral energy state, fosters hope that by promoting new vessel formation brain tissue survival may be improved.
Assessment of community awareness and participation in ecotourism in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria

Abstract This study assessed the level of community awareness and participation in ecotourism in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. Data were collected in communities located in four ranges (i.e. administrative and protection zones) of Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. The ranges are Tede, Marguba, Sepeteri, and Oyo-Ile. Seven (7) communities out of 27 that are in Tede range were selected, eight (8) were selected from 12 communities in Marguba range, eight (8) were selected from 17 communities in Sepeteri range while eight (8) were selected from 30 communities in Oyo Ile range. The study was a questionnaire survey involving 150 respondents that were randomly selected from communities in the four (4) ranges of the Park. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s HSD, t-test and logistic regression. Results revealed that 48% of the respondents were aware of ecotourism while 52% were not. Also, 46% participated in ecotourism while 54% did not participate. A relationship exists between ecotourism awareness and participation (p<0.01). Community type (p<0.01) was the only predictor of community awareness of ecotourism while community type (p<0.01) and awareness (p<0.01) were the predictors of participation in ecotourism in the park. Awareness, active involvement of communities in stakeholder meetings, decision-making and provision of start-up capital are important for ecotourism development in the park.
A Formal Introduction to Business Artifacts with Guard-Stage-Milestone Lifecycles

A promising approach to managing business operations is based on business artifacts(a.k.a. business entities with lifecycles). These are key conceptual entities that are central to guid ing the operations of a business, and whose content changes as they move through those operations. An artifact type includes both an information modelthat captures, in either materialized or virtual form, all o f the business-relevant data about entities of that type, and a lifecycle model, that specifies the possible ways an entity of that type might progress through the business by responding to events and invoking services, including human activities. While most previous work on artifacts has focused on the use of lifecycle models based on variants of finite state machines, two recent papers have i ntroduced and studied the Guard-StageMilestone (GSM) meta-model for artifact lifecycles. GSM lifecycles are su bstantially more declarative than the finite state machine variants, and support hierarch y and parallelism within a single artifact instance. This report presents in detail the formal operational semantics of GSM. This report is intended to serve as the authoritative source on the semantics of GSM; implementation efforts such as the Barcelona prototype engine may use this document as a reference manual. The flow of activity, and interactions between artifact instances, are supported both throu gh testing of conditions against the artifact instances, and through events coming from an external environment or resulting from changes in artifact instances. The core of the operational semantics is based on the use of rules that are inspired by the Event-Condition-Action (ECA) rules paradigm. A key result here shows the equivalence of three different formulations of the GSM operational semantics. One formulation is based on incremental application
Apocynin attenuates oxidative stress and hypertension in young spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of ADMA/NO pathway

Both NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are increased in hypertension. Apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, could inhibit ROS, thus we tested whether apocynin can block NADPH oxidase and prevent increases of ADMA and blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, aged 4 weeks, were assigned to four groups: untreated SHRs and WKY rats, SHRs and WKY rats that received 2.5 mM apocynin for 8 weeks. BP was significantly higher in SHRs compared to WKY rats, which was attenuated by apocynin. Apocynin prevented p47phox translocation in SHR kidneys, but not the increase of superoxide and H2O2. Additionally, apocynin did not protect SHRs against increased ADMA. Apocynin blocks NADPH oxidase to attenuate hypertension, but has little effect on the ADMA/nitric oxide (NO) pathway in young SHRs. The reduction of ROS and the preservation of NO simultaneously might be a better approach to restoring ROS–NO balance to prevent hypertension.
Time-Optimum Packet Scheduling for Many-to-One Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper studies the WSN application scenario with periodical traffic from all sensors to a sink. We present a time-optimum and energy-efficient packet scheduling algorithm and its distributed implementation. We first give a general many-to-one packet scheduling algorithm for wireless networks, and then prove that it is time-optimum and costs max (2N(u1)-1, N(u0)-1) time slots, assuming each node reports one unit of data in each round. Here N(u0) is the total number of sensors, while N(u1) denotes the number of sensors in a sink's largest branch subtree. With a few adjustments, we then show that our algorithm also achieves time-optimum scheduling in heterogeneous scenarios, where each sensor reports a heterogeneous amount of data in each round. Then we give a distributed implementation to let each node calculate its duty-cycle locally and maximize efficiency globally. In this packet scheduling algorithm, each node goes to sleep whenever it is not transceiving, so that the energy waste of idle listening is also eliminated. Finally, simulations are conducted to evaluate network performance using the Qualnet simulator. Among other contributions, our study also identifies the maximum reporting frequency that a deployed sensor network can handle
Sphingomyelin synthase-related protein SMSr is a suppressor of ceramide-induced mitochondrial apoptosis

ABSTRACT Cells synthesize ceramides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as precursors for sphingolipids to form an impermeable plasma membrane. As ceramides are engaged in apoptotic pathways, cells would need to monitor their levels closely to avoid killing themselves during sphingolipid biosynthesis. How this is accomplished remains to be established. Here we identify SMSr (SAMD8), an ER-resident ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) synthase, as a suppressor of ceramide-mediated cell death. Disruption of SMSr catalytic activity causes a rise in ER ceramides and their mislocalization to mitochondria, triggering a mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Blocking de novo ceramide synthesis, stimulating ceramide export from the ER or targeting a bacterial ceramidase to mitochondria rescues SMSr-deficient cells from apoptosis. We also show that SMSr-catalyzed CPE production, although essential, is not sufficient to suppress ceramide-induced cell death and that SMSr-mediated ceramide homeostasis requires the N-terminal sterile &agr;-motif, or SAM domain, of the enzyme. These results define ER ceramides as bona fide transducers of mitochondrial apoptosis and indicate a primary role of SMSr in monitoring ER ceramide levels to prevent inappropriate cell death during sphingolipid biosynthesis.
Multiple Life-History Stage Competition and its Effect on Coexistence

Explaining the long-term coexistence of many species in a complex ecosystem has been an important topic in both ALife and ecology for several decades. Neutral and niche theories have been developed in parallel to explain ecological patterns of coexistence. Among the niche theories, trade-offs between species seem to play important roles in the mechanism of most models proposed so far. One of the many trade-off approaches to explain coexistence within trophic levels explores the scenario of species having two developmental stages existing in different ecological niches. Previous work has shown that such multi-stage models can sustain many species with inter-specific competitive coefficients larger than intra-specific ones for one of the stages, but the effect of such scenarios on the possible combinations for coexistence in the parameter space has not been explored. Here, we build on previous work by considering the effect of adding more stages to the competition model and analysing the relative sizes of the basins of attraction leading to coexistence. Computational simulations and Monte Carlo methods were used to analyse each number-of-life-stages case. The results show an increase in the number of coexistence cases between one and three stages. For more than three stages coexistence cases are reduced in relation to the parameter space due to the averaging effect of multiple competitive coefficients. The implications of such results could offer a potential explanation for coexistence patterns in ecology and adaptive ones in evolutionary biology.
Quantity and Quality of Vision Using Tinted Filters in Patients with Low Vision Due to Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose: To investigate the effect of tinted filters on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction in diabetic retinopathy associated with low vision. Methods: In a prospective study, 51 patients with diabetic retinopathy and low vision were assessed. We chose a simple random sampling method and used the patient's files for data collection. LogMAR notations were applied for assessing VA and a contrast sensitivity chart (CSV-1000) was employed for measuring contrast sensitivity. First, measurements were performed without tinted filters and then using them. Appropriate lenses were given to the patients for 2 days, and they were questioned about their satisfaction using them in different places. Results: A total of 20 male and 31 female patients with mean age of 57.3 years participated in the study. With a 527 ± 10 nm filter, mean VA improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Using the 527 ± 10 nm and 511 ± 10 nm filters, mean contrast sensitivity was improved significantly at 3 and 6 cycles/degree frequencies (P < 0.05). The effect of other filters on VA and contrast sensitivity was not significant. Patient satisfaction rate was generally high. Conclusion: Tinted filters are able to rehabilitate low-vision patients due to diabetic retinopathy. The 527 ± 10 and 511 ± 10 nm wavelength filters improved contrast sensitivity and the 527 ± 10 nm filter improved VA to some extent. Further investigations are recommended to assess the effect of these filters in patients with other causes of low-vision.
SPARLS: The Sparse RLS Algorithm

We develop a recursive L1-regularized least squares (SPARLS) algorithm for the estimation of a sparse tap-weight vector in the adaptive filtering setting. The SPARLS algorithm exploits noisy observations of the tap-weight vector output stream and produces its estimate using an expectation-maximization type algorithm. We prove the convergence of the SPARLS algorithm to a near-optimal estimate in a stationary environment and present analytical results for the steady state error. Simulation studies in the context of channel estimation, employing multipath wireless channels, show that the SPARLS algorithm has significant improvement over the conventional widely used recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm in terms of mean squared error (MSE). Moreover, these simulation studies suggest that the SPARLS algorithm (with slight modifications) can operate with lower computational requirements than the RLS algorithm, when applied to tap-weight vectors with fixed support.
Knowledge Organizations

IntroductIon An important endeavor within the field of knowledge management (KM) is to better understand the nature of knowledge organizations. These are variously called knowledge-based organizations, knowledge-centric organizations, knowledge-intensive organizations, knowledge-oriented organizations, and so forth. One approach to doing so is to study the characteristics of specific organizations of this type such as Chaparral Steel A complementary approach is to study various frameworks that have been advanced for systematically characterizing the elements, processes, and relationships that are found in knowledge organizations. Here, we examine three such frameworks that are representative of the variety in perspectives that have been advocated for understanding the nature of knowledge organizations. These frameworks share a view that sees knowledge as a key organizational asset that enables action. However, they differ in emphases (e.g., asset vs. action) and constructs. This article is organized as a systematic review of the three frameworks. The content relies heavily on the original presentations found in the referenced publications. Space limitations do not permit a comparative analysis or synthesis of the frameworks. Nevertheless, taken together, the reviews do offer valuable vantage points for studying knowledge organizations and useful departure points for more detailed consideration of these as well as other frameworks concerned with knowledge organizations. The Intangible Assets Framework of Knowledge Organizations, as developed by Karl Sveiby (1997), is considered first. It relies on the concept of intangible assets and characterizes companies for whom these assets are important. Second, the Knowledge Management Cycle Framework 2037 Knowledge Organizations introduced by Wiig, de Hoog, and van der Spek (1997) emphasizes the cyclical nature and means of managing an organization's knowledge assets. Third, the Knowledge Flow Framework advanced by Newman (2003) emphasizes flows of knowledge assets in the sense of agents performing transformations on knowledge-bearing artifacts. Each framework description starts with a brief overview of the framework from the perspective of its creator(s). It continues by describing and defining the elements, processes, and relationships of the framework in encyclopedic format. Additional references to related works by other authors also are provided for readers who wish to further explore the framework's perspective. Where pictorial renditions of a framework are available, they are reproduced to visually tie together the concepts.
Eosinophil infiltration and activation in nasal polyposis

Conclusions. Infiltration and activation of eosinophils is a characteristic of nasal polyposis. Allergic reaction is a risk factor for the accumulation of eosinophils in this disease. T-cell-derived interleukin 5 (IL-5) and autosecretion of IL-5 from activated eosinophils may be causative reasons for the extension and persistence of eosinophil inflammation. Objectives. To investigate whether eosinophils were accumulated and activated in nasal polyposis, and the roles of IL-5, eotaxin, and T cells in this process. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 17 tissue samples from patients with nasal polyposis with allergy and 26 cases of non-allergic polyposis. Immunohistochemical staining by specific antibodies was carried out using the alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase method and the avidin-biotin complex technique.Results. The number of EG1-positive cells (pan eosinophil marker) was similar to the number of EG2-positive cells (activated eosinophil marker) in all tissue samples, although EG1- and EG2-positive cells were richer in allergic patients than those in non-allergic patients. Both EG1- and EG2-positive cells were correlated with CD3-positive cells (pan T cell marker) and IL-5-producing cells in allergic or non-allergic polyposis. A large proportion of IL-5 producing cells were eosinophils. Eotaxin protein was detected in all tissue samples and dominantly located in epithelial cells. Eotaxin expression between allergic and non-allergic subjects was not significantly different.
Prognostic indicators in alcoholic cirrhotic men

The relationships between portal pressure, liver function and clinical variables on one hand and development of variceal hemorrhage and death on the other were investigated in 58 men with newly diagnosed alcoholic cirrhosis. Portal pressure was determined during hepatic vein catheterization as wedged minus free hepatic vein pressure, and median pressure was 14 mm Hg (range = 3 to 26 mm Hg). Fourteen of 31 patients (45%) had esophageal varices at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (the size being considered large in nine patients).
Radiographic and histological evaluation of ectopic application of deproteinized bovine bone matrix

Objective: To evaluate, through radiographic and histological analysis, the tissue reaction induced by a biomaterial based on deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM) in the muscle of sheep. sMaterials and Methods: Sixteen sheep were used. The animals underwent surgery to insert polyethylene tubes containing the biomaterial in the muscle of the lower back (ectopic site) and were euthanized after 3 and 6 months. Each sheep received three tubes: Group 1 - sham group (negative control - tube without biomaterial), Group 2 - particulate autogenous bone (positive control), and Group 3 - DBBM biomaterial (GenOx Inorg). The material removed was evaluated by radiographic, macroscopic, and microscopic analysis, descriptively. Results: Macroscopic analysis showed that Group 3 had a greater tissue volume maintenance. Microscopic analysis indicated that Group 1 had a higher concentration of dense, thin collagen fibers (3 and 6 months); in Group 2, there was a decrease in the inflammatory process and the deposition of dense, thin collagen fibers (3 and 6 months); in Group 3, the presence of a dense connective tissue was noted, in which the DBBM particles (3 months) were found. On the periphery of these particles, a deposition of basophilic material was found, indicating the formation of mineral particles and the formation of tissues with osteoid characteristics (6 months). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the biomaterial based on DBBM led to the formation of tissue with similar characteristics to an osteoid matrix in a postoperative period of 6 months. However, none of the groups evaluated showed ectopic bone neoformation.
Effortless inhibition: habit mediates the relation between self-control and unhealthy snack consumption

In contrast to prevailing beliefs, recent research suggests that trait self-control promotes health behavior not because those high in self-control are more successful at resisting single temptations, but rather because they develop adaptive habits. The present paper presents a first empirical test of this novel suggestion by investigating the mediating role of habit in explaining the relation between self-control and unhealthy snacking behavior. Results showed that self-control was negatively associated with unhealthy snack consumption and unhealthy snacking habits. As hypothesized, the relation between self-control and unhealthy snack intake was mediated by habit strength. Self-control was not associated with fruit consumption or fruit consumption habits. These results provide the first evidence for the notion that high self-control may influence the formation of habits and in turn affect behavior. Moreover, results imply that self-control may be particularly influential in case of inhibiting unhealthy food intake rather than promoting healthy food intake.
Coronary Plaque Morphology and the Anti-Inflammatory Impact of Atorvastatin

Background—Nonobstructive coronary plaques manifesting high-risk morphology (HRM) associate with an increased risk of adverse clinical cardiovascular events. We sought to test the hypothesis that statins have a greater anti-inflammatory effect within coronary plaques containing HRM. Methods and Results—In this prospective multicenter study, 55 subjects with or at high risk for atherosclerosis underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic/computed tomographic imaging at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin. Coronary arterial inflammation (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, expressed as target-to-background ratio) was assessed in the left main coronary artery (LMCA). While blinded to the PET findings, contrast-enhanced computed tomographic angiography was performed to characterize the presence of HRM (defined as noncalcified or partially calcified plaques) in the LMCA. Arterial inflammation (target-to-background ratio) was higher in LMCA segments with HRM than those without HRM (mean±SEM: 1.95±0.43 versus 1.67±0.32 for LMCA with versus without HRM, respectively; P=0.04). Moreover, atorvastatin treatment for 12 weeks reduced target-to-background ratio more in LMCA segments with HRM than those without HRM (12 week-baseline &Dgr;target-to-background ratio [95% confidence interval]: −0.18 [−0.35 to −0.004] versus 0.09 [−0.06 to 0.26]; P=0.02). Furthermore, this relationship between coronary plaque morphology and change in LMCA inflammatory activity remained significant after adjusting for baseline low-density lipoprotein and statin dose (&bgr;=−0.27; P=0.038). Conclusions—In this first study to evaluate the impact of statins on coronary inflammation, we observed that the anti-inflammatory impact of statins is substantially greater within coronary plaques that contain HRM features. These findings suggest an additional mechanism by which statins disproportionately benefit individuals with more advanced atherosclerotic disease. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00703261.