Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disc haemorrhages and glaucoma in a general ophthalmic practice

Abstract. The composition of the clientele from an ophthalmological practioner's office is described with special reference to the occurrence of glaucoma and disc haemorrhages (h in singular; hh in plural). This study could not be planned as an epidemiological survey and gives no clue to sensitivity or specificity of hh in glaucoma. During a period of about 10 years ending with 1986 there were 731 patients with h and/or glaucoma. When detected, 185 patients had h but no glaucoma, 33 had both h and glaucoma and 513 had glaucoma but no h. During the follow‐up period hh were detected in 83 cases of glaucoma. and glaucoma developed in 27 cases with hh. The detection rate of hh among glaucoma wqs low but steady, indicating that hh may occur at any stage of the glaucoma process. This study shows no predilection for hh in cases with general hypertension or diabetes, nor is the frequency of hh among pseudoexfoliation cases significantly lower than among cases without this stigma.
In the Best Interests of Battered Women: Reconceptualizing Allegations of Failure to Protect

There is substantial evidence that domestic violence and child maltreatment coexist in some families. It is essential for child maltreatment professionals to understand child neglect as it occurs in the context of domestic violence. A common but mistaken approach is to allege in a child maltreatment petition that the battered woman failed to protect her child or children. The article explores the conceptual and practical difficulties with the concept of failure to protect. Two erroneous assumptions that lead to a finding of failure to protect are that witnessing domestic violence is inherently child maltreatment and believing that the battered woman and her children must leave to be safe. The behavior of battered women toward their children likely falls along a continuum from nonabusive to abusive. Child maltreatment professionals should move beyond labels and examine the complexity of the situation confronting a battered woman and her children. Suggestions for training, legislation, research, and practice are offered.
Sparse random graphs: Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

In this paper, we prove the semi‐circular law for the eigenvalues of regular random graph Gn,d in the case d →∞, complementing a previous result of McKay for fixed d. We also obtain a upper bound on the infinity norm of eigenvectors of Erdős–Rényi random graph G(n,p), answering a question raised by Dekel–Lee–Linial. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2012
Mechanism of Divergent Growth Factor Effects in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation

Closely related signals often lead to very different cellular outcomes. We found that the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into bone-forming cells is stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) but not platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). We used mass spectrometry–based proteomics to comprehensively compare proteins that were tyrosine phosphorylated in response to EGF and PDGF and their associated partners. More than 90% of these signaling proteins were used by both ligands, whereas the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway was exclusively activated by PDGF, implicating it as a possible control point. Indeed, chemical inhibition of PI3K in PDGF-stimulated cells removed the differential effect of the two growth factors, bestowing full differentiation effect onto PDGF. Thus, quantitative proteomics can directly compare entire signaling networks and discover critical differences capable of changing cell fate.
Oxidative Stress-Dependent Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Obese Mice

Obesity is involved in several cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease and endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial Endothelium vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agonists play a key role in regulation of vascular tone. In this study, we evaluated coronary vascular response in an 8 weeks diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice model. Coronary perfusion pressure in response to acetylcholine in isolated hearts from obese mice showed increased vasoconstriction and reduced vasodilation responses compared with control mice. Vascular nitric oxide assessed in situ with DAF-2 DA showed diminished levels in coronary arteries from obese mice in both basal and acetylcholine-stimulated conditions. Also, released prostacyclin was decreased in heart perfusates from obese mice, along with plasma tetrahydrobiopterin level and endothelium nitric oxide synthase dimer/monomer ratio. Obesity increased thromboxane A2 synthesis and oxidative stress evaluated by superoxide and peroxynitrite levels, compared with control mice. Obese mice treated with apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, reversed all parameters to normal levels. These results suggest that after 8 weeks on a high-fat diet, the increase in oxidative stress lead to imbalance in vasoactive substances and consequently to endothelial dysfunction in coronary arteries.
The politics of international league tables: PISA in Japan’s achievement crisis debate

Using the political‐economic analysis of globalisation and education as well as a culturalist approach to education policy borrowing, the paper analyses the role of local actors, specifically, national newspapers and the Ministry of Education, in mediating the potentially homogenising curricular policy pressure of globalisation exerted through the PISA league tables. Using the recent Japanese education policy debate as a case study, the author demonstrates how the Japanese media interpreted the PISA 2003 findings in a way that resonated with the specific cultural, political, and economic context of the time and how the Ministry used the findings to legitimise otherwise highly contentious policy measures. Questioning the conventional interpretation that the PISA 2003 shock caused the Ministry to redirect its controversial yutori (low pressure) curricular policy, the paper reconstitutes the Ministry as an active agent that capitalised on an external reference (PISA) to re‐establish its political legitimacy in a time of increasing neo‐liberal state‐restructuring.
Study on Building a High-Quality Homepage Collection from the Web Considering Page Group Structures

This disseration is devoted to investigate the method for building a high-quality homepage collection from the web efficiently by considering the page group structures. We mainly investigate in researchers’ homepages and homepages of other categories partly. A web page collection with a guaranteed high quality (i.e., high recall and high precision) is required for implementing high quality web-based information services. Building such a collection demands a large amount of human work, however, because of the diversity, vastness and sparseness of web pages. Even though many researchers have investigated methods for searching and classifying web pages, etc., most of the methods are best-effort types and pay no attention to quality assurance. We are therefore investigating a method for building a homepage collection efficiently while assuring a given high quality, with the expectation that the investigated method can be applicable to the collection of various categories of homepages. This dissertation consists of seven chapters. Chapter 1 gives the introduction, and Chapter 2 presents the related work. Chapter 3 describes the objectives, the overall performance goal of the investigated system, and the scheme of the system. Chapters 4 and 5 discuss the two parts of our two-step-processing method in detail respectively. Chapter 6 discusses the method for reducing the processing cost of the system, and Chapter 7 concludes the dissertation by summarizing it and discussing future work. Chapter 3, taking into account the enormous size of the real web, introduces a two-step-processing method comprising rough filtering and accurate classification. The former is for narrowing down the amount of candidate pages efficiently with the required high recall and the latter is for accurately classifying the candidate pages into three classes—assured positive, assured negative, and uncertain—while assuring the required recall and precision.
Processing of Pre-microRNAs by the Dicer-1–Loquacious Complex in Drosophila Cells

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of 21- to 22-nucleotide non-coding RNAs that interact with target mRNAs at specific sites to induce cleavage of the message or inhibit translation. miRNAs are excised in a stepwise process from primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts. The Drosha-Pasha/DGCR8 complex in the nucleus cleaves pri-miRNAs to release hairpin-shaped precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). These pre-miRNAs are then exported to the cytoplasm and further processed by Dicer to mature miRNAs. Here we show that Drosophila Dicer-1 interacts with Loquacious, a double-stranded RNA-binding domain protein. Depletion of Loquacious results in pre-miRNA accumulation in Drosophila S2 cells, as is the case for depletion of Dicer-1. Immuno-affinity purification experiments revealed that along with Dicer-1, Loquacious resides in a functional pre-miRNA processing complex, and stimulates and directs the specific pre-miRNA processing activity. These results support a model in which Loquacious mediates miRNA biogenesis and, thereby, the expression of genes regulated by miRNAs.
Considerations from the IQ Induction Working Group in Response to Drug-Drug Interaction Guidance from Regulatory Agencies: Focus on Downregulation, CYP2C Induction, and CYP2B6 Positive Control

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued guidelines for the conduct of drug-drug interaction studies. To examine the applicability of these regulatory recommendations specifically for induction, a group of scientists, under the auspices of the Drug Metabolism Leadership Group of the Innovation and Quality (IQ) Consortium, formed the Induction Working Group (IWG). A team of 19 scientists, from 16 of the 39 pharmaceutical companies that are members of the IQ Consortium and two Contract Research Organizations reviewed the recommendations, focusing initially on the current EMA guidelines. Questions were collated from IQ member companies as to which aspects of the guidelines require further evaluation. The EMA was then approached to provide insights into their recommendations on the following: 1) evaluation of downregulation, 2) in vitro assessment of CYP2C induction, 3) the use of CITCO as the positive control for CYP2B6 induction by CAR, 4) data interpretation (a 2-fold increase in mRNA as evidence of induction), and 5) the duration of incubation of hepatocytes with test article. The IWG conducted an anonymous survey among IQ member companies to query current practices, focusing specifically on the aforementioned key points. Responses were received from 19 companies. All data and information were blinded before being shared with the IWG. The results of the survey are presented, together with consensus recommendations on downregulation, CYP2C induction, and CYP2B6 positive control. Results and recommendations related to data interpretation and induction time course will be reported in subsequent articles.
Role of the Atrium in Determining the Functional and Effective Refractory Periods and the Conductivity of the Atrioventricular Transmission System

Relative contributions of the atria and the atrioventricular (AV) node to AV conduction were studied in isolated, blood-perfused dog hearts. The functional refractory period of the atria, although shorter than that of the AV node, determined the functional refractory period of the entire transmission system in 50% of the hearts. Slow atrial conduction of early beats greatly influenced the shape of the curve used to determine the functional refractory period of the transmission system. The atrial effective refractory period was also shorter than the effective refractory period of the AV node. However, the effective refractory period of the entire transmission system was equal to that of the atrium when the driving interval was longer than 320 msec, and it decreased as the driving interval was shortened. At driving intervals of 320 msec or less, the effective refractory period of the AV transmission system abruptly increased and became equal to the effective refractory period of the node. Conduction of early premature responses from near the sinoatrial node to the AV node was supernormal in 50% of the hearts. Supernormal conduction of premature atrial responses in the ventricles was also observed. The period of supernormal conduction in both tissues shifted toward greater prematurity as heart rate increased. The importance of the atrium in determining the functional properties of the AV transmission system has been previously underestimated.
Inhibitory effect of picroside II on hepatocyte apoptosis

AbstractAim:To investigate the influence of picroside II on hepatocyte apoptosis and its mechanism.Methods:Morphological changes and quantification of apoptotic cells were determined under transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry respectively. DNA fragmentation was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of bcl-2 and bax genes. The content of manganese-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver mitochondria was detected by the Marland method. The content of malonic aldehyde (MDA) and the protein level in liver tissue were determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetry and Lowry method.Results:Picroside II decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the serum resulting from acute-liver injured mice induced with D-GalN and LPS; it also reduced the content of MDA, and thus, enhanced the activity of SOD. Picroside II 10 mg/kg was found to protect hepatocytes against apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner; it up-regulated the expression of bcl-2 genes, thus increased the bcl-2/bax ratio.Conclusion:Picroside II can protect hepatocytes against injury and prevent hepatocytes from apoptosis. It might by upregulating the bcl-2 gene expression and antioxidation.
Multi-robot learning with particle swarm optimization

We apply an adapted version of Particle Swarm Optimization to distributed unsupervised robotic learning in groups of robots with only local information. The performance of the learning technique for a simple task is compared across robot groups of various sizes, with the maximum group size allowing each robot to individually contain and manage a single PSO particle. Different PSO neighborhoods based on limitations of real robotic communication are tested in this scenario, and the effect of varying communication power is explored. The algorithms are then applied to a group learning scenario to explore their susceptibility to the credit assignment problem. Results are discussed and future work is proposed.
Comparison of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation as energy sources for mammalian sperm motility, using the combination of fluorescence imaging, laser tweezers, and real‐time automated tracking and trapping

The combination of laser tweezers, fluorescent imaging, and real‐time automated tracking and trapping (RATTS) can measure sperm swimming speed and swimming force simultaneously with mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). This approach is used to study the roles of two sources of ATP in sperm motility: oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs in the mitochondria located in the sperm midpiece and glycolysis, which occurs along the length of the sperm tail (flagellum). The relationships between (a) swimming speed and MMP and (b) swimming force and MMP are studied in dog and human sperm. The effects of glucose, oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors and glycolytic inhibitors on human sperm motility are examined. The results indicate that oxidative phosphorylation does contribute some ATP for human sperm motility, but not enough to sustain high motility. The glycolytic pathway is shown to be a primary source of energy for human sperm motility. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 745–751, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Criminological Theories : Introduction, Evaluation, and Application

With a focus on empirical evaluation and practical application, Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application, Sixth Edition, helps students draw connections between criminological theory and practical applications. In clear, engaging language, authors Ronald L. Akers and Christine S. Sellers explore each principal criminological theory using a three-part analysis * An Introduction presents a succinct exposition of the theory's central concepts, assertions, and hypotheses. * Next, an Evaluation provides a detailed critique of the theory, with an emphasis on empirical validity. * Finally, an Application extends the evaluation to determine each theory's relevance, as well as its potential for controlling and preventing crime and delinquency.
PUBLICS, PATIENTS, CITIZENS, CONSUMERS? POWER AND DECISION MAKING IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

This article uses theoretical approaches to the discussion of power in order to consider the role of public and patient participation in primary health care organizations in the UK. There is considerable evidence to suggest that, despite major national initiatives to extend participation in health services, the role of participation in decision making remains underdeveloped. The primary purpose of this article is to understand how and why this should be the case. Using findings from qualitative research that explored approaches taken by the dominant professional groups on primary care groups (PCGs) to involving patients and the public, we consider how these approaches reflect the exercise of different forms and levels of power. The explanation combines Lukes' categorization of three forms of power with Bourdieu's dynamic conceptualization of the relations of habitus and field. It is argued that the models observed represent different opportunities for the operation of power with implications for the role that participation can play.
IN VIVO QUANTIFICATION OF 18F-FDG UPTAKE IN HUMAN PLACENTA DURING EARLY PREGNANCY

18F-FDG is the most widely used PET radiopharmaceutical. Nevertheless, no data for 18F-FDG uptake in the human placenta have been reported. We recently reported on embryo dosimetry in a woman who underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan during early pregnancy. In the present work we attempt an in vivo quantification of the 18F-FDG uptake by the placenta. The 27-y-old woman received 320 MBq of 18F-FDG for a follow-up study for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was later discovered to be pregnant (embryo age = 8 wk). Imaging started 1 h after injection. The maximum placental tissue uptake (SUVmax) was 2.5. This value was conservatively attributed to the entire placental volume, i.e., 45 mL, a value representative of the average dimensions of a normal placenta at 8 wk. On the basis of these measurements, placenta 18F-FDG uptake in our patient was 0.19% of the injected activity. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to derive the photon dose to the embryo from the placenta (0.022 × 10−2 mGy per MBq of injected 18F-FDG) and from the surrounding amniotic fluid (0.017 × 10−2 mGy MBq−1). This increases our previously calculated dose (3.3 × 10−2 mGy MBq−1) by only a small fraction (1.18%), which does not justify modifying the previous estimate given the overall uncertainties.
A novel, model-based insulin and nutrition delivery controller for glycemic regulation in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND Critically ill patients are often hyperglycemic and insulin resistant, as well as highly dynamic. Tight glucose control has been shown to significantly reduce mortality in critical care. A physiological model of the glucose-insulin regulatory system is improved and used to develop an adaptive control protocol utilizing both nutritional and insulin inputs to control hyperglycemia. The approach is clinically verified in a critical care patient cohort. METHODS A simple two-compartment model for glucose rate of appearance in plasma due to stepwise enteral glucose fluxes is developed and incorporated into a previously validated system model. A control protocol modulating intravenous insulin infusion and bolus, with an enteral feed rate, is developed, enabling tight and predictive glycemic regulation to preset targets. The control protocol is adaptive to patient time-variant effective insulin resistance. The model and protocol are verified in seven 10-h and one 24-h proof-of-concept clinical trials. Ethics approval was granted by the Canterbury Ethics Committee. RESULTS Insulin requirements varied widely following acute changes in patient physiology. The algorithm developed successfully adapted to patient metabolic status and insulin sensitivity, achieving an average target acquisition error of 9.3% with 90.7% of all targets achieved within +/-20%. Prediction errors may not be distinguishable from sensor measurement errors. Large errors (>20%) are attributable to highly dynamic and unpredictable changes in patient condition. CONCLUSIONS Tight, targeted stepwise regulation was exhibited in all trials. Overall, tight glycemic regulation is achieved in a broad critical care cohort with optimized insulin and nutrition delivery, effectively managing glycemia even with high effective insulin resistance.
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition of Horizontally Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

A plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition reactor has been developed to synthesis horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes. The width of the aligning sheath was modelled based on a collisionless, quasi-neutral, Child’s law ion sheath where these estimates were empirically validated by direct Langmuir probe measurements, thereby confirming the proposed reactors ability to extend the existing sheath fields by up to 7 mm. A 7 mbar growth atmosphere combined with a 25 W plasma permitted the concurrent growth and alignment of carbon nanotubes with electric fields of the order of 0.04 V μm−1 with linear packing densities of up to ~5 × 104 cm−1. These results open up the potential for multi-directional in situ alignment of carbon nanotubes providing one viable route to the fabrication of many novel optoelectronic devices.
EXTRACELLULAR POTENTIALS FROM SINGLE SPINAL MOTONEURONS

Extracellular action potentials found close to the surface of motoneurons are related to the intracellular spikes. Evidence is cited to support the assumption that the extracellular spikes have the same time course as the membrane current at the site of recording. Simultaneously recorded intracellular and extracellular spikes are compared. Intracellular spikes are transformed, by means of a circuit which is equivalent to the extracellular recording situation, into transients that are like those appearing extracellularly. Evidence is given that the recordings are from the cell bodies of motoneurons. The results show that the membrane at the extracellular recording site does not produce a spike since the time course of the extracellular potentials is determined by the passive properties of the membrane.