Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy Turnover and Mechanical Properties of Resting and Contracting Aortas and Portal Veins from Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Aortas and portal veins from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied with respect to their energy turnover and mechanical properties. Relaxed aortas from SHR 16-17 weeks and 20-25 weeks of age were stiffer, had smaller circumference, and greater maximal active wall tension compared to WKY aortas. Active stress (force/area) was not different. Passive and active length-force relations of portal veins from 16 to 17-week-old SHR and WKY were not different. O2 consumption (Joj) and lactate production (Jm) were studied in aortas and portal veins from 20- to 25-week-old rats. In relaxed aortas, Jo, was 0.63 ± 0.03 (n = 11) and 0.54 ± 0.03 (n = 10) μnol/min per g dry wt in SHR and WKY, respectively (P < 0.05). On activation by high-K+ solution, JCH increased with tension in a similar way in both groups. In contrast, JLA, about 0.85 jumol/min per g, did not differ, and decreased with tension development. Jo, of relaxed portal veins, about 1.5 jumol/min per g dry wt, and the increase in Jo2 with contraction were not different between SHR and WKY, but the J<>2-active stress relation was steeper in spontaneous activity than in Kv+ contractures. JLA was similar in SHR and WKY portal veins, about 1 /μmol/min per g, and unlike behavior of the aortas, it increased with tension. Thus it is evident that SHR show increased arterial metabolism, which is not accounted for by an increased energy demand of the contractile system. Circ Res 48: 539-548, 1981
School Board Member Definitions of Accountability: What Are They, and Do They Impact District Outcomes?

ABSTRACT Recent reforms in K–12 education governance shift the accountability responsibility in public education away from the democratic governance provided by school boards, but little is known about how school board members define accountability. In this article, survey data from school board members in Wisconsin is combined with school district demographic and performance variables to determine how board members define accountability, and how those definitions relate to outcomes. The analysis finds no connection between any single accountability definition and school district outcomes, but does find a significant positive relationship between board member agreement on accountability definitions and academic performance indicators.
Loan Covenants and Relationship Banking in MBOs

Abstract This paper examines the role of accounting-based covenants and other sources of information in signalling financial distress in UK MBOs. Using an in-depth questionnaire and follow-up interviews to investigate the perceptions of senior UK MBO lenders, we find that: MBO loan agreements contain more covenants than general corporate lending agreements; monthly management accounts and telephone communication are more frequent first indicators of distress than are accounting-based covenant breaches; lenders with specialist MBO lending units are more likely to waive covenant breaches and less likely to recall loans in default than those without such units; syndicate members find both information flows prior to breach and subsequent action taken to be less effective than do syndicate leaders or sole lenders; and the presence of a specialist MBO lending unit provides the skills and reputation needed to establish a high degree of trust between the banks on the one hand and the MBOs and the equity houses on.
Abciximab for Treatment of Thromboembolic Complications during Endovascular Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thromboembolism is a recognized complication occurring during endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Recently, there has been much interest in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors to treat such complications, but the evidence is limited. We reviewed our use of one such agent, abciximab, which we commonly administer and believe to be a safe and suitable rescue agent in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases in which abciximab was administered in our institution between 2001 and 2007. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months. Good outcome was defined as no significant clinical sequelae compared with baseline status or clinical improvement (mRS < 2). Poor outcome was defined as no resolution of a new clinical deficit that developed postprocedure at 6 months (mRS > 2). Angiographic appearance of thromboembolic phenomena and posttreatment outcome was assessed with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scale. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included, with good outcome observed in 30 (79%) and poor outcome in 8 (21%) patients. Angiographic improvement based on TIMI scoring was seen in 24 (63%) patients, and no improvement was seen in 14 (37%). In 4 patients (11%), good outcome was obtained at 6 months despite no angiographic improvement on TIMI. No cases of intracranial rebleed or additional neurologic deficit following administration of abciximab were encountered. CONCLUSION: In this small retrospective series, abciximab was safe and effective when used as a rescue agent for thromboembolic complications encountered during coiling of intracerebral aneurysms.
Relationship between the intensity of heparin anticoagulation and clinical outcomes in patients receiving glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction

We sought to determine the impact of the activated clotting time (ACT) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI).
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy : Retrieval of the Gallbladder Specimen and Spilled Gallstones, Inside a Sterile Male Condom as an Endobag, Reduces the Septic Complications

Department of Surgery, AL-Karama Teaching Hospital, Medical College/ Wasit University / Wasit Iraq . Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be performed by single, two, three or four port (3,5 and 10mm size) technique depending on the surgeon’s choice. Endoscopes and long handle instruments are introduced into the body through an insertion port site. At the end of the procedure, proper positioning of instruments (rail roading) and orientation are required for retrieval of gallbladder specimen [2] . ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: During the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy . the gallbladder specimen and the spilled stones are retieved by the formal endobag , which is not available in Iraq , or directly through the umbilical or the epigastric port . Direct retrieval of the gallbladder specimen and the spilled stones may cause contamination of the port site . OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the safety,cost effectiveness and incidence rates of intraperitoneal and port site infections when using a sterile male condom as an endobag for retrieval of gallbladder specimen and spilled gallstones . METHODS : This is a prospective study performed in AL-Karama Teaching Hospital, Medical College / Wasit University, Iraq . A total of 306 patients, with symptomatic cholelithiasis underwent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC), were included in this study performed during the period from April 2011 to June 2014. A sterile male condom was inserted through 10 mm epigastric port. The gallbladder specimen / spilled gallstones of every patient were retrieved inside a sterile male condom. Patients less than 15 years old and those with liver cirrhosis, gallbladder carcinoma and obstructive jaundice, were excluded. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 42 months. RESULTS: Dissected gallbladders / spilled gallstones of the 306 patients; 279 (91.2%) were females and 27(8.8%) were males with a mean age of 39±12.5 SD (range 16-75) years, were safely retrieved through 10 mm epigastric port inside male condoms. Incidental perforation of gallbladders ,during their dissection from the hepatic bed, was observed11(3.6 %) patients. Perforation of the condom during retrieval of the gallbladder specimens/spilled stones occurred in 12(3.8%) patients. This study had no intraperitoneal nor port site infections. No mortality occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Use of a sterile male condom as endobag for retrieval of gallbladder specimen and spilled stones is simple, inexpensive and safe technique. It also reduces the intraperitoneal and port site septic complications .
Military Expenditure and Growth in Less Developed Countries

This article analyzes the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in less developed countries using cross-sectional evidence in a macrostatistical framework. Within the context of a fully specified empirical model it is found that military expenditure has a negative effect on growth and thus retards development. Specification sensitivity analysis is conducted to show that the results are robust.
Trade Liberalisation and the Trade‐Off Between Growth and the Balance of Payments in Latin America

Abstract The broad purpose of trade liberalisation is to raise the rate of growth of countries on a sustainable basis, consistent with the achievement of other macroeconomic objectives. In this article we consider whether trade liberalisation in 17 countries of Latin America has improved the trade‐off between gross domestic product (GDP) growth and the trade balance, allowing the countries to grow faster without sacrificing foreign exchange. We find that in the aftermath of liberalisation, the majority of countries did grow faster, but at the expense of a deteriorating trade balance. Testing formally for the impact of trade liberalisation in a full model of trade balance determination, we find that only in Chile and Venezuela has the trade‐off unequivocally improved. In other countries there has been a significant deterioration or no change. Nine out of the 17 countries have grown faster post‐liberalisation than pre‐liberalisation but, except for Chile and Venezuela, at the expense of a wider trade or current account deficit.
Low-dose levodopa therapy in Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and the rate of adverse events of chronic low-dose levodopa-carbidopa therapy in Japanese patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 92 Japanese PD patients treated with low doses of levodopa from the outset were studied. Both disease-specific motor disabilities and quality of life (QOL) in the patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Parkinson's Disease 39 Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ39), respectively. RESULTS In the overall patient group, the mean duration of treatment, the mean daily dose of levodopa, the disability scores and the motor scores of UPDRS were 6.2 years, 186.4 mg, 8.0 and 19.2, respectively. The rates of motor fluctuations, dyskinesias and hallucinations were 8.7%, 6.5% and 14.1%, respectively. The mean summary index of PDQ39 scores was 23.1. Patients with motor fluctuations showed a significantly earlier disease onset. Dose of levodopa, age at onset, and treatment duration were not associated with the occurrence of dyskinesias. Patients with hallucination had higher doses of levodopa and dopamine agonist. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that chronic administration of a low-dose levodopa preparation can provide satisfactory benefit with a low incidence of motor complications, and can result in good QOL in Japanese patients with PD. The concomitant use of a small amount of dopamine agonist and amantadine from the outset has partly contributed to a reduced dose of levodopa and the lesser occurrence of motor complications.
Multinational Corporations and Knowledge Flows: Evidence from Patent Citations

This study investigates whether foreign direct investment (FDI) by a multinational corporation increases the likelihood that knowledge about new technologies and production processes will be exchanged between foreign and domestic firms. This could be an important channel for knowledge diffusion since such flows have proven to be highly geographically localized. I develop a framework for measuring the degree to which the close proximity of a multinational subsidiary can enhance flows of knowledge between firms of different countries. I use an original data set on the innovative activity of firms of more than 30 countries and find a strong positive effect of both inward and outward FDI on knowledge flows. Interestingly, I find that countries that are technological followers gain three times as much knowledge from inward FDI as leaders.
The Linkage between Speculative Attack and Target Zone Models of Exchange Rates

In this paper we generalize the target zone exchange rate as model formalized by Krugman (1988b) to include finite-sized interventions in defense of the zone. The main contributions of these pages consist of linking the recent developments in the theory of target zones to the mirror-image theory of speculative attacks on asset price fixing regimes and in using aspects of that linkage to give an intuitive interpretation to the smooth pasting" condition usually invoked as a terminal condition.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) blunts liver injury by conversion to protective lipid mediators: protectin D1 and 17S‐hydroxy‐DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a ω‐3 essential fatty acid that reduces the incidence and severity of a number of diseases. Recently, a novel series of DHA‐derived lipid mediators with potent protective actions has been identified. In this study we demonstrate that dietary amplification of these DHA‐derived products protects the liver from necroinflammatory injury. In vitro, supplementation of hepatocytes with DHA significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide‐induced DNA damage, evaluated by the “comet assay,” and oxidative stress, determined by measurement of malondialdehyde levels. In vivo, dietary supplementation of mice with DHA ameliorated carbon tetrachloride‐induced necroinflammatory damage. In addition, hepatic cyclooxygenase‐2 expression and PGE2 levels were significantly reduced in mice fed DHA‐enriched diets. In these animals, increased hepatic formation of DHA‐derived lipid mediators (i.e., 17S‐hydroxy‐DHA (17S‐HDHA) and protectin D1) was detected by HPLC‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Consistent with these findings, synthetic 17‐HDHA abrogated genotoxic and oxidative damage in hepatocytes and decreased TNF‐α release and 5‐lipoxygenase expression in macrophages. In a transactivation assay, 17‐ HDHA acted in a concentration‐dependent manner as a PPARγ agonist. Taken together, these findings identify a potential role for DHA‐derived products, specifically 17S‐HDHA and protectin D1, in mediating the protective effects of dietary DHA in necroinflammatory liver injury. —González‐Périz, A. , Planagumà, A. , Gronert, K. , Miquel, R. , López‐Parra, M. , Titos, E. , Horrillo, R. , Ferré, N. , Deulofeu, R. , Arroyo, V. , Rodés, J., Clària, J. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) blunts liver injury by conversion to protective lipid mediators: protectin D1 and 17S‐hydroxy‐DHA. FASEB J. 20, E1844–E1855 (2006)
Predictive Validity of Global Deficit Scores in Detecting Neuropsychological Impairment in HIV Infection

The current study explored the predictive validity of the Global Deficit Score (GDS) approach in summarizing neuropsychological (NP) test results, and specifically in detecting HIV-associated cognitive impairment. A comprehensive NP test battery was administered to 88 HIV+ subjects and 61 healthy HIV− controls comparable for age, education, and ethnicity. Demographically corrected test data were converted to a GDS, which simulates clinicians' ratings by quantifying the number and degree of impaired performances throughout the test battery while attaching relatively less significance to superior performances and/or those within normal limits. Our results indicated that the GDS approach effectively discriminated HIV+ and normal control groups, and accurately classified HIV+ individuals with NP impairment based on the "gold standard" clinical rating approach. Consistent with previous studies using different subject samples and different NP test batteries, the GDS cutpoint of ≥0.50 yielded optimal balance between sensitivity and specificity in classifying NP impairment, thus supporting the generalizability of the method. Moreover, the ability of the GDS to predict NP impairment across several cutpoints was quite strong, with positive predictive power values ranging from 0.71 to 1.00. These findings support the validity of the GDS as a clinically useful way of summarizing results on NP testing.
Pilot Study on the Bioactivity of Vitamin D in the Skin after Oral Supplementation

Laboratory studies suggest that vitamin D (VD) supplementation inhibits skin carcinogenesis. However, epidemiologic studies report mixed findings in the association between circulating VD levels and skin cancer risk. We conducted a clinical study to determine whether oral cholecalciferol supplementation would exert direct bioactivity in human skin through modulation of the VD receptor (VDR). We enrolled 25 individuals with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels <30 ng/mL and with skin photodamage to take 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol biweekly for 8 to 9 weeks. Then, we obtained baseline and end-of-study skin biopsies from photodamaged (PD) and photoprotected (PP) skin, and from benign nevi (BN) and tested for mRNA expression of VDR and cytochrome P450-24 (CYP24), and markers of keratinocytic differentiation. High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation significantly elevated circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (P < 0.0001) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D (P < 0.0001). VDR expression in PD- and PP-skin showed minimum changes after supplementation. CYP24 expression in PD- and PP-skin was increased after supplementation by 186%, P = 0.08, and 134%, P = 0.07, respectively. In BNs from 11 participants, a trend for higher VDR and CYP24 expression was observed (average of 20%, P = 0.08, and 544%, P = 0.09, respectively). Caspase-14 expression at the basal layer in PD skin samples was the only epidermal differentiation marker that was significantly increased (49%, P < 0.0001). High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation raised serum VD metabolite levels concurrently with CYP24 mRNA and caspase-14 levels in the skin. Our findings of significant variability in the range of VDR and CYP24 expression across study samples represent an important consideration in studies evaluating the role of VD as a skin cancer chemopreventive agent. Cancer Prev Res; 8(6); 563–9. ©2015 AACR.
Growth Surprises and Synchronized Slowdowns in Emerging Markets - An Empirical Investigation

Output growth has slowed in several emerging markets since 2011—a remarkable feature for a non-crisis period in EMs. Such synchronized slowdowns were largely unanticipated by scholars and forecasters alike. In this paper we attempt to shed light on the main drivers of growth surprises and synchronized slowdowns in emerging markets post-global financial crisis. We find that lower trading partner demand was a key external factor in explaining these events during 2011–13, and that changes in external financing conditions have yet to play a role in EMs’ growth. On the domestic front, the withdrawal of the fiscal stimulus put in place right after the Lehman collapse is a relevant aspect in these episodes, compounding the effect of the weaker external demand. Idiosyncratic factors, such as structural bottlenecks with the potential to impair growth in a more lasting fashion, also seem to partly explain these events, as reflected in the larger residuals found in regression-based estimates for certain countries.
Intelligent MANET Routing Protocol Selector

Currently, in any Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), one routing protocol routes the packets to their destination no matter what the network's context is! This 'one size fits all' approach is far from optimum. This paper introduces a novel intelligent routing protocol selector for MANET. The intelligent selector learns the network's performance and behaviour then chooses the optimum routing protocol according to the network's context, e.g.: number of nodes and mobility. The selector recommends the optimum network context depending on the current network situation. The selector is adaptable to the variations in the network environment by predicting four important parameters that indicate the changes in the network context. The intelligent selector system can deploy any protocol to its best advantages by testing the network's context and employing the most suitable protocol for that situation.
ALK-gene rearrangement: a comparative analysis on circulating tumour cells and tumour tissue from patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND A subgroup of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged lung tumours can respond to ALK inhibitors. Until now, the ALK status in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) isolated from patients with lung cancer has not been characterised. We assessed the ALK status in CTCs detected in patients with lung cancer and correlated the results to the ALK status defined in the corresponding tumour tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 87 patients with lung adenocarcinoma showing CTCs isolated using the isolation by size of epithelial tumour cell method were screened for their ALK status both in tumour samples and in CTCs. ALK break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunoreactivity analyses using an anti-ALK antibody (5A4 clone) were carried out on CTCs and compared with the results obtained in the corresponding tissue specimens. RESULTS A total of five patients showed ALK-gene rearrangement and strong ALK protein expression in CTCs and in the corresponding tumour samples. Both ALK-FISH and ALK immunoreactivity analyses show negative results in CTCs and corresponding tumour samples for 82 patients. Conclusions We demonstrated that the ALK status can be determined in CTCs isolated from patients with lung cancer by immunocytochemistry and FISH analyses. These results favour non-invasive, ALK-gene status pre-screening on a routine basis on CTCs isolated from patients with lung cancer and open new avenues for real-time monitoring for adapted targeted therapy.
Evaluation of saturation labelling two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis fluorescent dyes

Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE) enables an increased confidence in detection of protein differences. However, due to the nature of the minimal labelling where only approximately 5% of a given protein is labelled, spots cannot be directly excised for mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and detection sensitivity could be further enhanced. Amersham Biosciences have developed a second set of CyDye™ DIGE Cy™3 and Cy5 dyes, which aim to overcome these limitations through saturation‐labelling of cysteine residues. The dyes were evaluated in relation to their sensitivity and dynamic range, their useability as multiplexing reagents and the possibility of direct spot picking from saturation‐labelled gels for MS analysis. The saturation‐labelling dyes were superior in sensitivity to their minimal‐labelling counterparts, silver stain and Sypro Ruby, however, the resulting 2‐D spot pattern was significantly altered from that of unlabelled or minimal‐labelled protein. The dyes were found to be useful as multiplexing reagents although preferential labelling of proteins with one dye over another was observed but was controlled for through experimental design. Protein identities were successfully obtained from material directly excised from saturation‐labelled gels eliminating the need for post‐stained preparative gels.