Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of a role for neuropeptide Y and monoamines in mediating the appetite-suppressive effect of GH.

Among the many responses to GH administration is suppression of voluntary feed intake (FI) in some species, attributed to improvement in the efficiency of nutrient utilization and, therefore, reduced need for ingested substrates. Commercial broiler chickens have been genetically selected for generations for rapid growth, realized largely via the major correlated response of increased voluntary feed consumption. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and monoamines play very important roles in the central regulation of feeding. Preliminary studies from our laboratory suggest that the appetite-suppressive effect of GH may be independent of its actions as a repartitioning agent, and may involve alterations in NPY expression at the pre-translational level. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the dose-response nature of the appetite-suppressive effect of GH in juvenile broilers, and the possible involvement of NPY and monoamines in this process. A GH dose-response study was conducted using 8-week-old female broilers infused i.v. with GH in a pulsatile pattern for 7 days at 0, 10, 50, 100 or 200 microgram/kg body weight per day. Hypothalamic NPY and epinephrine (EP) concentrations decreased in a dose-related manner with GH. At the highest dosage, voluntary FI decreased 19% (P<0.05) and hypothalamic NPY mRNA decreased approximately 50% in the infundibular nuclei and midline region (P<0.0001). In contrast, birds pairfed to the high-GH dosage group did not differ from controls, verifying that changes in NPY and monoamines were not secondary to reduced FI. We conclude that hypothalamic NPY and EP are likely candidates to explore further as mediators of the appetite-suppressive effect of GH.
One year follow-up after cryoballoon isolation of the pulmonary veins in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Aims Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with cryoenergy delivered through a balloon is a new approach in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but long-term follow-up is lacking. The aim of this study was to provide insight in the success rate and the incidence of recurrences. Methods and results Patients with symptomatic AF despite anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) were treated with cryoballoon PVI. Daily transtelephonic ECG monitoring, 24 h Holter-ECG, and an arrhythmia-focused questionnaire were used to document AF. One hundred and forty-one patients completed a follow-up of 457 ± 252 days. Before ablation, Holter-ECG showed AF in 45%, including 16% continuous AF throughout the recording. Event recording revealed a median AF burden of 26%. The questionnaire showed a median of weekly AF complaints lasting for hours. All but one patient had successful PVI with a single procedure. After ablation, AF (defined as lasting for more than 30 s) was seen in 11% of Holter-ECGs, with 1% continuous AF. The event recording showed an AF burden of 9%. The median patient reported no more AF-related symptoms. Recurrence during the first 3 months was predictive for later recurrence. A second procedure was performed in 24 patients. The freedom of AF was 59% without AADs after 1,2 procedures. Four right phrenic nerve paralyses occurred, all resolving within 6 months. No PV stenoses were observed. Conclusion Pulmonary vein isolation with a cryothermal balloon is an effective treatment for paroxysmal AF, resulting in a clinical success rate comparable to studies involving radiofrequency ablation. Temporary right phrenic nerve paralysis is the most important complication.
Estradiol-type activity of coumestrol in mature and immature ovariectomized rat uterotrophic assays.

Makaverich et al. [Environ Health Perspect 103:574-581 (1995)] reported that the uterotrophic activity of the phytoestrogen coumestrol in the immature ovariectomized rat was atypical in that it was not associated with increased uterine hyperplasia and DNA content. We previously reported that coumestrol gave a typical estradiol-type uterotrophic response in the immature intact rat, yielding increases in uterine epithelial cell height, glandular formation, cell labeling, and DNA content. These papers did not answer the question of whether there is a basic difference between the ovariectomized and the intact rat uterotrophic assays. In this paper, we report that coumestrol gives a typical estradiol-type uterotrophic response in uterotrophic assays using immature intact, immature ovariectomized, and mature ovariectomized rats. We concluded that the uterotrophic activity of coumestrol is typical of the natural estrogen estradiol. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3
Agent programming with priorities and deadlines

We present AgentSpeak(RT), a real-time BDI agent programming language based on AgentSpeak(L). AgentSpeak(RT) extends AgentSpeak intentions with deadlines which specify the time by which the agent should respond to an event, and priorities which specify the relative importance of responding to a particular event. The AgentSpeak(RT) interpreter commits to a priority-maximal set of intentions: a set of intentions which is maximally feasible while preferring higher priority intentions. We prove some properties of the language, such as guaranteed reactivity delay of the AgentSpeak(RT) interpreter and probabilistic guarantees of successful execution of intentions by their deadlines.
T cell-activating properties of an anti-Thy-1 monoclonal antibody. Possible analogy to OKT3/Leu-4

We have identified a single rat monoclonal antibody, G7, that is a potent inducer of interleukin (IL-2) production from all functioning T cell hybridomas as well as from normal T cells. G7 is also mitogenic for normal T cells and is a very effective inducer of IL-2 receptor expression. On fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, G7 recognized a pan-T cell antigen. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that G7 recognized a cell surface molecule of 28-32 kD that appeared to be identical to Thy-1 in coprecipitation studies. In addition, G7 precipitated a protein of 50 kD. The possible relationship of the putative molecular complex identified by G7 on murine cells to the molecular complex identified on human T cells with anti-T3 reagents is discussed. In addition, G7 should prove to be a very useful reagent for studying the early events of lymphocyte activation as well as an inducer of lymphokine-rich supernatants.
Generally Applicable Self-Masked Dry Etching Technique for Nanotip Array Fabrication

Well-aligned nanotip arrays were fabricated by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma process using gas mixtures of silane, methane, argon, and hydrogen. The resultant tips have nanoscale apexes (∼1 nm) with high aspect ratios (∼50), which were achieved by simultaneous SiC nanomask formation and dry etching during ECR plasma process. This technique was applied to a variety of substrates such as silicon, polycrystalline silicon, gallium nitride, gallium phosphide, sapphire, and aluminum, indicating its general applicability. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Auger depth profile analyses revealed that the SiC cap, with Si:C ratio of 1:1, exhibited 3C−SiC and 2H−SiC structure on Si and GaP, respectively, with heteroepitaxial relationship. This one-step self-masked dry etching technique enables the fabrication of uniform nanotip arrays on various substrates over large area at low process temperatures, thereby demonstrating a high potential for practical industrial application.
Establishment and Characterization of a New Cell Line of Canine Inflammatory Mammary Cancer: IPC-366

Canine inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) shares epidemiologic, histopathological and clinical characteristics with the disease in humans and has been proposed as a natural model for human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The aim of this study was to characterize a new cell line from IMC (IPC-366) for the comparative study of both IMC and IBC. Tumors cells from a female dog with clinical IMC were collected. The cells were grown under adherent conditions. The growth, cytological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics of IPC-366 were evaluated. Ten female Balb/SCID mice were inoculated with IPC-366 cells to assess their tumorigenicity and metastatic potential. Chromosome aberration test and Karyotype revealed the presence of structural aberration, numerical and neutral rearrangements, demonstrating a chromosomal instability. Microscopic examination of tumor revealed an epithelial morphology with marked anysocytosis. Cytological and histological examination of smears and ultrathin sections by electron microscopy revealed that IPC-366 is formed by highly malignant large round or polygonal cells characterized by marked atypia and prominent nucleoli and frequent multinucleated cells. Some cells had cytoplasmic empty spaces covered by cytoplasmic membrane resembling capillary endothelial cells, a phenomenon that has been related to s vasculogenic mimicry. IHC characterization of IPC-366 was basal-like: epithelial cells (AE1/AE3+, CK14+, vimentin+, actin-, p63-, ER-, PR-, HER-2, E-cadherin, overexpressed COX-2 and high Ki-67 proliferation index (87.15 %). At 2 weeks after inoculating the IPC-366 cells, a tumor mass was found in 100 % of mice. At 4 weeks metastases in lung and lymph nodes were found. Xenograph tumors maintained the original IHC characteristics of the female dog tumor. In summary, the cell line IPC-366 is a fast growing malignant triple negative cell line model of inflammatory mammary carcinoma that can be used for the comparative study of both IMC and IBC.
Embedded memories in system design - from technology to systems architecture

Summary form only given. The term system-on-silicon has been used to denote the integration of random logic, processor cores, SRAMs, ROMs, and analog ccimponents on the same die. But up to recently, one major component had been missing: high-density DRAMS. Today? s technologies allow the integration of such as data buffering, picture storage, and prograddata storage. In quarter-micron technology, chips with up to 128 Mbit of DRAM and 500 kgates of logic are eminently feasible. This enlarges the system design space tremendously since system architects arc no more restricted to standard commodity DRAMS. We will discuss the market for embedded DRAM applications as well as the associated challenges.
Understanding continuance intention of knowledge creation using extended expectation–confirmation theory: an empirical study of Taiwan and China online communities

Grounded on expectation–confirmation theory (ECT), this study proposes an integrated model aiming to understand how participants' continuance intention of knowledge creation and satisfaction are affected by their perceived identity verification (PIV) and performance expectancy in an online community. To assess the theoretical model, we surveyed two online communities – Baidu (China) and Yahoo knowledge+ (Taiwan), including 213 and 216 useable responses, respectively. Both PIV and performance expectancy are positively associated with continuance intention of knowledge creation. In Baidu community, satisfaction is affected either directly by performance expectancy or indirectly by PIV (through performance expectancy). Our findings have implications for both practice and theory.
Response Sensitivity for Probabilistic Damage Assessment of Coastal Bridges under Surge and Wave Loading

The susceptibility of coastal bridges to damage during hurricane-induced storm surge has been illustrated along the U.S. Gulf Coast in several hurricane events. This factor poses a significant threat to the safety of nationwide transportation systems, effectiveness of postevent emergency response and recovery activities, and socioeconomic stability further afforded by functioning transportation infrastructure. Nationwide risk and loss assessment packages currently lack any reliable input models of bridge fragility to assess the risk to the transportation infrastructure posed by hurricane-induced storm surge and wave. However, these tools are essential for comparing the vulnerability of different bridge types, conducting regional risk assessment or loss estimates, and supporting decision making on risk mitigation activities. As a first step in the development of probabilistic models of bridge vulnerability subjected to hurricane scenarios, sensitivity studies are conducted to assess the significance of varying hazard and bridge parameters on the dynamic response of coastal bridges. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element models are used to assess these demands under varying input modeling parameters, and an analysis of variance is conducted to evaluate the significance of each parameter. The sensitivity study reveals that the potential variation in wave parameters has the most statistically significant impact on the response of the bridge. Additionally, a second-level sensitivity study reveals that the most critical structural parameter is the deck mass followed by connection modeling parameters. The results of this study provide insight into modeling parameters that should receive careful treatment in probabilistic analysis of bridge vulnerability.
Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy after Immediate Two-Stage Tissue Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction: A University of British Columbia Perspective

Background: An increasing number of women who undergo immediate two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction will require postmastectomy radiation therapy. An important variable is the timing of radiotherapy relative to surgery. The authors report their experience treating a large consecutive series of patients who underwent postmastectomy radiation therapy to the tissue expander before exchange for a permanent implant. Methods: Patients who had their tissue expander irradiated before implant exchange were identified. Complications, capsular contracture, revision surgery, and autologous salvage rates of irradiated patients were compared with a control group of nonirradiated patients. Results: Immediate two-stage tissue expander/implant reconstruction was initiated in 604 patients, with 113 irradiated breasts meeting inclusion criteria. Three hundred thirty-nine nonirradiated breasts constituted the control group. There was a 4.2 increased odds of major complications in the irradiated group, after adjusting for plastic surgeon, age, body mass index, smoking, chemotherapy, and cancerous breast (OR, 4.2; p = 0.001). The grade III and IV capsular contracture rate was significantly higher in the irradiated group compared with the control group (21.7 percent versus 10 percent; p < 0.008). The revision rate in the control group was higher compared with the irradiated group (30.2 percent versus 20.9 percent; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postmastectomy irradiation to the tissue expander is associated with high complications; however, these patients have an acceptable capsular contracture rate that compares favorably with other implant-based radiotherapy algorithms. Revision rates were less than expected in irradiated breasts. This study suggests that immediate tissue expander/implant reconstruction is a reasonable surgical option in the setting of postmastectomy radiation therapy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.
Skeletal Muscle Myofibrillar and Sarcoplasmic Protein Synthesis Rates Are Affected Differently by Altitude-Induced Hypoxia in Native Lowlanders

As a consequence to hypobaric hypoxic exposure skeletal muscle atrophy is often reported. The underlying mechanism has been suggested to involve a decrease in protein synthesis in order to conserve O2. With the aim to challenge this hypothesis, we applied a primed, constant infusion of 1-13C-leucine in nine healthy male subjects at sea level and subsequently at high-altitude (4559 m) after 7–9 days of acclimatization. Physical activity levels and food and energy intake were controlled prior to the two experimental conditions with the aim to standardize these confounding factors. Blood samples and expired breath samples were collected hourly during the 4 hour trial and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies obtained at 1 and 4 hours after tracer priming in the overnight fasted state. Myofibrillar protein synthesis rate was doubled; 0.041±0.018 at sea-level to 0.080±0.018%⋅hr−1 (p<0.05) when acclimatized to high altitude. The sarcoplasmic protein synthesis rate was in contrast unaffected by altitude exposure; 0.052±0.019 at sea-level to 0.059±0.010%⋅hr−1 (p>0.05). Trends to increments in whole body protein kinetics were seen: Degradation rate elevated from 2.51±0.21 at sea level to 2.73±0.13 µmol⋅kg−1⋅min−1 (p = 0.05) at high altitude and synthesis rate similar; 2.24±0.20 at sea level and 2.43±0.13 µmol⋅kg−1⋅min−1 (p>0.05) at altitude. We conclude that whole body amino acid flux is increased due to an elevated protein turnover rate. Resting skeletal muscle myocontractile protein synthesis rate was concomitantly elevated by high-altitude induced hypoxia, whereas the sarcoplasmic protein synthesis rate was unaffected by hypoxia. These changed responses may lead to divergent adaptation over the course of prolonged exposure.
Atrophy responses to muscle inactivity

Haddad, F. , R. R. Roy, H. Zhong, V. R. Edgerton, and K. M. Baldwin. Atrophy responses to muscle inactivity. I. Cellular markers of protein deficits. J Appl Physiol 95: 781–790, 2003. First published April 25, 2003; 10.1152/ japplphysiol.00317. 2003. —The goal of this study was to use the model of spinal cord isolation (SI), which blocks nearly all neuromuscular activity while leaving the motoneuron muscle-fiber connections intact, to characterize the cellular processes linked to marked muscle atrophy. Rats randomly assigned to normal control and SI groups were studied at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 15 days after SI surgery. The slow soleus muscle atrophied by 50%, with the greatest degree of loss occurring during the first 8 days. Throughout the SI duration, muscle protein concentration was maintained at the control level, whereas myofibrillar protein concentration steadily decreased between 4 and 15 days of SI, and this was associated with a 50% decrease in myosin heavy chain (MHC) normalized to total protein. Actin relative to the total protein was maintained at the control level. Marked reductions occurred in total RNA and DNA content and in total MHC and actin mRNA expressed relative to 18S ribosomal RNA. These findings suggest that two key factors contributing to the muscle atrophy in the SI model are 1) a reduction in ribosomal RNA that is consistent with a reduction in protein translational capacity, and 2) insufficient mRNA substrate for translating key sarcomeric proteins comprising the myofibril fraction, such as MHC and actin. In addition, the marked selective depletion of MHC protein in the muscles of SI rats suggests that this protein is more vulnerable to inactivity than actin protein. This selective MHC loss could be a major contributor for the previously reported loss in the functional integrity of SI muscles. Collectively, these data are consistent with the involvement of pretranslational and translational processes in muscle atrophy due to SI.
Central auditory neurons have composite receptive fields

Significance How neurons are selective for complex natural stimuli remains poorly understood, in part because standard statistical tools only identify one or two features of stimuli but not complete sets. Here, using a statistical method that overcomes these difficulties, we demonstrate that a set of multiple distinct acoustical features exists in individual auditory neurons in songbirds. We then use birdsongs to train an unsupervised neural network constrained by two common properties of biological neural circuits. The network rediscovers the same stimulus features observed in vivo. These results demonstrate that individual high-level auditory neurons respond not to single, but to multiple features of natural stimuli. This enables a robust, statistically optimal, representation of complex, real-world signals such as birdsong, speech, or music. High-level neurons processing complex, behaviorally relevant signals are sensitive to conjunctions of features. Characterizing the receptive fields of such neurons is difficult with standard statistical tools, however, and the principles governing their organization remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate multiple distinct receptive-field features in individual high-level auditory neurons in a songbird, European starling, in response to natural vocal signals (songs). We then show that receptive fields with similar characteristics can be reproduced by an unsupervised neural network trained to represent starling songs with a single learning rule that enforces sparseness and divisive normalization. We conclude that central auditory neurons have composite receptive fields that can arise through a combination of sparseness and normalization in neural circuits. Our results, along with descriptions of random, discontinuous receptive fields in the central olfactory neurons in mammals and insects, suggest general principles of neural computation across sensory systems and animal classes.
Inference in Long Horizon Event Studies: A Bayesian Approach with Application to Initial Public Offerings

Statistical inference in long-horizon event studies has been hampered by the fact that abnormal returns are neither normally distributed nor independent. This study presents a new approach to inference that overcomes these difficulties and dominates other popular testing methods. I illustrate the use of the methodology by examining the long-horizon returns of initial public offerings (IPOs). I find that the Fama and French (1993) three-factor model is inconsistent with the observed long-horizon price performance of these IPOs, whereas a characteristic-based model cannot be rejected. Copyright The American Finance Association 2000.
Influence of Residual Stress on the Predicted Fatigue Life of Weldments

A model was developed that predicts the influence of residual stress and stress ratio on the total fatigue life of a weld. The total fatigue life of a weld was considered to be composed of both crack initiation and crack propagation. Weld toe residual stresses were considered to influence the crack initiation life but not the crack propagation life. The crack initiation life was estimated using cumulative damage concepts. Actual weld material properties (weld metal and heat-affected zone) were considered in the initiation life estimation. Neuber's rule was used to determine the local cyclic stress-strain behavior at the weld toe, and the fatigue notch factor was evaluated by using Peterson's equation. Residual stresses were introduced into the analysis as a simulated pre-stressing of the weld. Cyclic relaxation of the mean stress established during the set-up cycle was modeled by a power function and allowed relaxation to be considered in the life estimates. Fatigue tests of steel weldments and aluminum butt welds having tensile and compressive residual stresses were conducted to verify the analytically predicted total fatigue life predictions. Agreement between analytical predictions and experimental results was quite good.