Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling the observed proton aurora and ionospheric convection responses to changes in the IMF clock angle: 2. Persistence of ionospheric convection

mapped to the ionosphere, of the form Enosin 4 (q/2) and estimate the peak value, Eno ,b y matching observed and modeled variations of both the latitude, LOCB, of the dayside OCB (as inferred from the equatorward edge of cusp proton emissions seen by FUV) and the transpolar voltage FPC (as derived using the mapped potential technique from SuperDARN HF radar data). This analysis also yields the time constant tOCB with which the open-closed boundary relaxes back toward its equilibrium configuration. For the case studied here, we find tOCB = 9.7 ± 1.3 min, consistent with previous inferences from the observed response of ionospheric flow to southward turnings of the IMF. The analysis confirms quantitatively the concepts of ionospheric flow excitation on which the model is based and explains some otherwise anomalous features of the cusp precipitation morphology.
Characterization of Cell Lines Carrying Self-Replicating Hepatitis C Virus RNAs

ABSTRACT Subgenomic selectable RNAs of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have recently been shown to self-replicate to high levels in the human hepatoma cell line Huh-7 (V. Lohmann, F. Körner, J. O. Koch, U. Herian, L. Theilmann, and R. Bartenschlager, Science 285:110–113, 1999). Taking advantage of this cell culture system that allows analyses of the interplay between HCV replication and the host cell, in this study we characterized two replicon-harboring cell lines that have been cultivated for more than 1 year. During this time, we observed no signs of cytopathogenicity such as reduction of growth rates or ultrastructural changes. High levels of HCV RNAs were preserved in cells passaged under continuous selection. When selective pressure was omitted replicon levels dropped, but depending on culture conditions the RNAs persisted for more than 10 months. A tight coupling of the amounts of HCV RNA and proteins to host cell growth was observed. Highest levels were found in exponentially growing cells, followed by a sharp decline in resting cells, suggesting that cellular factors required for RNA replication and/or translation vary in abundance and become limiting in resting cells. Studies of polyprotein processing revealed rapid cleavages at the NS3/4A and NS5A/B sites resulting in a rather stable NS4AB5A precursor that was processed slowly into individual products. Half-lives (t 1/2s) of mature proteins ranged from 10 to 16 h, with the exception of the hyperphosphorylated form of NS5A, which was less stable (t1/2, ∼7 h). Results of immunoelectron microscopy revealed an association of the majority of viral proteins with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that this is the site of RNA replication. In summary, replicon-bearing cells are a good model for viral persistence, and they allow the study of various aspects of the HCV life cycle.
Prolonged Ischemic Time, Delayed Graft Function, and Graft and Patient Outcomes in Live Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients

The association between prolonged cold ischemic time (CIT) and graft and patient outcomes in live donor kidney transplant recipients remains unclear. The aims of this study were to examine the association of CIT with delayed graft function and graft loss in live donor kidney transplant recipients and those who participated in the Australian Paired Kidney Exchange program using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) registry. Of 3717 live donor transplant recipients between 1997 and 2012 who were followed for a median of 6.6 years (25 977 person‐years), 224 (25%) experienced CIT >4–8 h. Donor age was an effect modifier between CIT and graft outcomes. In recipients who received kidneys from older donors aged >50 years, every hour of increase in CIT was associated with adjusted odds of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.53, p = 0.007) for delayed graft function, whereas CIT >4–8 h was associated with adjusted hazards of 1.93 (95% CI 1.21–3.09, p = 0.006) and 1.91 (95% CI 1.05–3.49, p = 0.035) for overall and death‐censored graft loss, respectively, compared with CIT of 1–2 h. Attempts to reduce CIT in live donor kidney transplants involving older donor kidneys may lead to improvement of graft outcomes.
Preliminary Evaluation of an After-School Resistance Training Program for Improving Physical Fitness in Middle School-Age Boys

Most after-school physical activity programs for youth focus on aerobic games and activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an after-school resistance training program on improving the physical fitness of middle school-age boys. 22 boys (M = 13.9 yr., SD = .4 yr.) participated in a periodized, multiple-set, 9-wk. (2x/week) resistance training program. All subjects were pre- and post-tested on their 10-repetition maximum squat, 10-repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, medicine ball toss, flexibility, and also percentage of body fat and the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER). Statistical analysis indicated that subjects significantly improved performance on the squat (19%), bench press (15%), flexibility (10%), vertical jump (5%), medicine ball toss (12%), and the PACER (36%). Although this design minus a control group limits interpretation, this after-school resistance-training program can improve muscular fitness and cardiovascular fitness in boys and should be replicated with appropriate experimental controls.
[Effect of Epimedium extract on osteoprotegerin and RANKL mRNA expressions in glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid on the expression levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNAs in rat femoral head and the antagonistic effect of Epimedium, and explore the mechanism of Epimedium in preventing glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis. METHODS Forty-eight adult SD rats were randomized into glucocorticoid group, Epimedium group and control group. In the former two groups, the rats received intramuscular injection of 12.5 mg prednisolone twice a week, and in Epimedium group, additional 1 ml/100 g aqueous Epimedium extract (equivalent to 0.1 g/ml of the crude drug) was administered intragastrically once daily. The control group received only intramuscular saline injection. After 4 weeks of treatment, osteonecrosis of the left femoral head was detected by HE staining, and the right femoral head was sampled for detection of OPG and RANKL mRNA expressions using real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS In glucocorticoid, Epimedium and control groups, the mortality rate of the rats was 12.5% (2/16), 6.25% (1/16), 0 (0/16), and femoral head necrosis occurred at a rate of 71.43% (10/14), 26.67% (4/15), and 0 (0/16), respectively. In glucocorticoid group, the expression level of OPG mRNA was significantly lower, RANKL expression significantly higher, and OPG/RANKL ratio significantly lower than those in Epimedium and control groups (P<0.05). OPG, RANKL and their ratios showed no significant differences between Epimedium group and the control group. CONCLUSION Epimedium can prevent glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis probably by antagonizing glucocorticiod-induced abnormal expressions of OPG and RANKL mRNA.
The need for preclinical research on pelvic floor reconstruction

reconstruction J Deprest, A Feola a Research Unit Biomechanics, Bioimplants and Tissue Engineering, Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, b Pelvic Floor Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Correspondence: Prof J Deprest, Department of Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Pelvic Floor Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Email Jan.Deprest@uzleuven.be
Topical Administration of Prostaglandin E1 with Iontophoresis for Skin Flap Viability

This study was performed to investigate the capability of iontophoretic delivery of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and the effect of this treatment on the viability of skin flaps on the rat dorsum model as described by Hammond and Ronald in 1993. The PGE1 level in the tissue sample under the electrode was assessed with radio-immunoassay. The iontophoretic treatment (for 20 minutes at 4 mA) with PGE1 solution (20 μg PGE1 in 2 ml saline) showed a significant increase of PGE1 in the flap tissue under the negative electrode (p < 0.05). Very little increase was observed after the iontophoresis of saline alone. This was not statistically significant. Iontophoretic treatment was given for 5 consecutive days following flap elevation. The survival area on the seventh postoperative day was significantly greater in the PGE1-treated flaps than that of either the control or saline-treated flaps. These results confirm the beneficial effect of iontophoretic treatment with PGE1 on the augmentation of skin flap viability.
The Respiratory Response to Carbon Dioxide in Humans with Unilateral and Bilateral Resections of the Carotid Bodies

The acute hypercapnic ventilatory response (AHCVR) arises from both peripheral and central chemoreflexes. In humans, one technique for identifying the separate contributions of these chemoreflexes to AHCVR has been to associate the rapid component of AHCVR with the peripheral chemoreflex and the slow component with the central chemoreflex. Our first aim was to validate this technique further by determining whether a single slow component was sufficient to describe AHCVR in patients with bilateral carotid body resections (BR) for glomus cell tumours. Our second aim was to determine whether the slow component of AHCVR was diminished following carotid body resection as has been suggested by studies in experimental animals. Seven BR subjects were studied together with seven subjects with unilateral resections (UR) and seven healthy controls. A multifrequency binary sequence in end‐tidal PCO2 was employed to stimulate ventilation dynamically under conditions of both euoxia and mild hypoxia. Both two‐ and one‐compartment models of AHCVR were fitted to the data. For BR subjects, the two‐compartment model fitted significantly better on 1 out of 13 occasions compared with 22 out of 28 occasions for the other subjects. Average values for the chemoreflex sensitivity of the slow component of AHCVR differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the groups and were 0.95, 1.38 and 1.50 l min−1 Torr−1 for BR, UR and control subjects, respectively. We conclude that, without the peripheral chemoreflex, AHCVR is adequately described by a single slow component and that BR subjects have sensitivities for the slow component that are lower than those of control subjects.
Metabolic adaptations in rat hepatomas: some properties of apo-tryptophan pyrrolase of rat liver and two hepatocellular carcinomas.

The enzyme, tryptophan pyrrolase, has been purified from the Morris Hepatoma 7793 by a technic essentially the same as that utilized in the purification of rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase. The Michaelis constant for tryptophan as well as the inhibition constants of several tryptophan analogs were essentially the same for tryptophan pyrrolase isolated from rat liver and from the Morris Hepatoma 7793. The degree of inhibition of enzyme activity by reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide, an allosteric effector of the enzyme, has been found to be essentially identical in the enzyme from both normal and neoplastic sources. By means of diffusion analysis in agar gel utilizing antibodies prepared in rabbits to the highly purified rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase, a single precipitin band was found with the liver enzymes and tryptophan pyrrolase of Morris Hepatoma 7793 and the Reuber Hepatoma H-35. Thus, it would appear that both the antigenic and kinetic properties of the enzyme from the 7793 Hepatoma and liver are quite similar if not identical. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the genetic versus epigenetic origin of rat liver neoplasms.
Age and Second Language Acquisition in Adulthood: The Learning Experiences and Perceptions of Women Immigrants

Although considerable evidence indicates that age of onset for second language acquisition is related to second-language proficiency outcomes among adult learners Jew studies have actually looked at how adult learners of different ages experience and perceive second language acquisition. This study presents 30 women immigrant learners' accounts of their experiences and perceptions of learning English as a second language in the Canadian context. Findings from this study reveal the complexity of adult L2 acquisition, which involves factors pertaining not only to the learners themselves, but also to the social context in which the second language is learned. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the second language curriculum development and classroom practice.
INCREASING THE CALCIUM CONTENT OF MEALWORMS (TENEBRIO MOLITOR) TO IMPROVE THEIR NUTRITIONAL VALUE FOR BONE MINERALIZATION OF GROWING CHICKS

Abstract The purpose of these studies was to determine the husbandry variables that optimize the Ca content of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and to determine the bioavailability of this Ca for bone mineralization in chicks that consume the mealworms. To determine the optimal level of Ca in the substrates used in short-term (<14 days) holding of mealworms and to determine the length of time that mealworms should be exposed to high-Ca substrates, mealworms were placed in either a wheat bran or a chicken starter substrate supplemented with 0, 4, 8, or 12% Ca from CaCO3. The mealworms were harvested after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 14 days. The Ca content of the mealworms was greatest with the use of chicken starter and increased linearly with the Ca content of the substrate. In general, the Ca content of the mealworms increased during the first 24 hr and decreased after ≥1 wk, especially at the higher levels of Ca supplementation. The chicken starter also resulted in higher levels of vitamin D in mealworms. Mealworms held in wheat bran with 8% Ca were fed to growing chicks. Ca bioavailability was calculated from the chicks' bone ash. The Ca in these mealworms was 76% as bioavailable as the Ca in oyster shell.
Expression of intercellular adhesive molecule-1 in liver cancer tissues andliver cancer metastasis.

AIM:To study the relationship between intercellular adhesive molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and liver cancer metastasis and to search for factors to predict metastasis of liver cancer.METHODS:ICAM-1 expression in fresh tissues of normal liver and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) was examined by immunoperoxidase staining.The expression of ICAM-1 in human hepatoma,tumor surrounding tissues and normal livers were semiquantitatively analyzed by Dot immuno blot. Tissue ICAM-1 expression at mRNA level was detected by Northern blot.RESULTS:All 6 cases of normal liver samples were negative in anti-ICAM-1 immunohistochemical staining, 80.0% (36/45) of HCC presented various ICAM-1 expression. The number of positive cells was a little higher in large tumors,tumors with intact capsule and metastasis, but there was no significant difference. Two cases with cancer embolus also had high ICAM-1 expression.ICAM-1 concentration in HCC (13.43 ± 0.09) was higher than that in tumor surrounding tissues (5.89 ± 0.17,P <0.01) and normal livers (4.27 ± 0.21,P <0.01). It was also higher in metastasis group (20.24 ± 0.30) than in nonmetastasis group (10.23 ± 0.12,P <0.05). Northern blot analysis revealed that ICAM-1 expression at mRNA level was also higher in HCC and cancer embolus than that in tumor surrounding tissues and normal livers.CONCLUSION:Tissue ICAM-1 could indicate the growth and metastasis of HCC, and may be an index that can predict liver cancer metastasis.
A PILOT STUDY TO MEASURE THE CARING EFFICACY of Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Caring in professional nursing, often described as the essence of nursing, has gained increasing attention over the past several decades. Many programs claim to be based on a caring philosophy and practice. Despite the expectation that graduates of nursing programs will develop relationships with their patients and practice within a caring framework, evaluation of caring competencies is not well developed. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the self-reported caring competency of baccalaureate nursing students using the Coates Caring Efficacy Scale (CES) (1). Students from prenursing courses to final semester seniors completed the CES (N = 193). Mean scores in this cross-section of students were higher than those reported by Coates for novice student nurses, but slightly lower than those Coates reported for comparable baccalaureate seniors. Final semester seniors identified their families as making the greatest contribution to their development of caring; only a few reported the influence of the nursing curriculum. This study, while limited to students in one program, provides beginning evaluative data of self-reported caring competencies of nursing students.
Assessing the influence of switching barriers on patients' expectations and tolerance zone.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to look at the influence of switching barriers on patients' private general practitioner (GP) service expectations and tolerance zone DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH From 750 questionnaires distributed to a convenience sample, 257 were completed and returned, yielding a 34 per cent response rate. FINDINGS There was a significant association between switching barriers and what patients expected from their GPs. Switching barriers did not have a significant association with the tolerance zone. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Private GPs can develop strategies to overcome switching barriers. For example, they can develop personal relationships with their patients, re-familiarise themselves with the patient's medical history before the consultation and provide better services to patients who perceive high switching barriers and hence higher adequate expectations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study contributes to the existing literature relating to healthcare service quality.
Reduction of Cardiac Cell Death after Helium Postconditioning in Rats: Transcriptional Analysis of Cell Death and Survival Pathways

Helium, a noble gas, has been used safely in humans. In animal models of regional myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) it was shown that helium conditioning reduces infarct size. Currently, it is not known how helium exerts its cytoprotective effects and which cell death/survival pathways are affected. The objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate the cell protective effects of helium postconditioning by PCR array analysis of genes involved in necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy. Male rats were subjected to 25 min of ischemia and 5, 15 or 30 min of reperfusion. Semiquantitative histological analysis revealed that 15 min of helium postconditioning reduced the extent of I/R-induced cell damage. This effect was not observed after 5 and 30 min of helium postconditioning. Analysis of the differential expression of genes showed that 15 min of helium postconditioning mainly caused upregulation of genes involved in autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis versus I/R alone. The results suggest that the cytoprotective effects of helium inhalation may be caused by a switch from pro-cell-death signaling to activation of cell survival mechanisms, which appears to affect a wide range of pathways.
Incidence and Prevalence of Systemic Sclerosis in a Healthcare Plan in Buenos Aires

Background:Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is an infrequent disease. Data on incidence and prevalence are scarce and conflictive. There are no such data in Latin America or in Argentina in particular. Objectives:We undertook to examine the incidence and prevalence of systemic sclerosis in the prepaid health maintenance organization of our hospital, in the city of Buenos Aires. Methods:Members of the plan between 1999 and 2004 were followed up for incident cases, and prevalence was calculated at the end of the period. Results:A total of 98,642 persons were followed up for a total of 32,9534 person-years. Density of incidence overall was 21.2 per million person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-37). Density of incidence for diffuse disease was 6.1 per million person-years (95% CI, 2.3-14.5), and for limited disease, it was 15.2 per million person-years (95% CI, 2-28). Prevalence was 296 per million people (95% CI, 193-434); females, 477 per million people (95% CI, 309-704); and males, 28 per million people (95% CI, 7-157). Prevalence for diffuse disease was 57 per million people (95% CI, 18-133), and for limited disease, it was 240 per million people (95% CI, 148-365). Conclusions:Despite potential biases, these data are in agreement with others from different parts of the world and the first obtained in Argentina and, to our knowledge, in Latin America.
Fault slip rates from three‐dimensional models of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, California

We present results from the first mechanical model of active tectonics in the Los Angeles region to use non‐planar, geologically representative fault surfaces compiled by the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Fault Model. The fault slip rates from our three‐dimensional model match well the available geologic slip rates. Discrepancies in reverse slip along the Upper Elysian Park fault and strike‐slip along the Raymond fault may reflect imprecise knowledge of local fault geometry. Discrepancy in the average dip slip rate along the Palos Verdes fault reveals variations in dip slip along that surface; model predictions at the location of the geological investigation have good match to geologic data. The validated model is used to estimate dip and strike slip rates for 26 active faults in the Los Angeles metropolitan region, many of which are otherwise unconstrained by geologic evidence.
A microbiological study in relation to the presence of caries and calculus

Abstract Objective. To examine whether oral microflora in individuals with caries differs from that of individuals with calculus in Thai adolescents with poor oral hygiene. Material and methods. One hundred 13-year-old schoolchildren from Southern Thailand were examined for the presence of caries, calculus and plaque and saliva pH was also determined. Saliva samples were analysed by culture and approximal supragingival plaque samples were analysed with the DNA–DNA hybridization method (‘checkerboard’). Results. Among the 100 children, mean DMFS was 3.43 [standard deviation (SD) 2.82] and 90% had calculus. The correlation between DMFS and the calculus index was 0.064. A total of 36 children were caries-free and 56 had calculus including teeth other than those in the lower anterior region (calculus score ≥3). A total of 23 caries-free children with a high calculus score (≥3) were compared with 22 children with the highest DMFS [mean 11.19 (SD 5.58)] and a calculus score < 3. No significant difference was obtained for saliva and plaque pH. The salivary levels of mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli were low. Significantly more children in the caries group had high levels of glycolytic Prevotella nigrescens and Filifactor alocis in plaque compared with the calculus group. Calculus cases had a significantly higher total viable count in saliva. Conclusions. There was no inverse correlation between the presence of caries and calculus at a population level and a high calculus score only marginally reduced the individual likelihood of having caries. Several glycolytic bacteria were related to caries, while no specific bacteria could be related to calculus formation. Calculus seemed to be more closely related to poor oral hygiene.