Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of vitamin A administration on resistance of rat heart against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and lethality.

The peroxyl radical-scavenging activity of vitamin A has been exploited to obtain protection against peroxidative damages induced in rat heart by administration of an acute dose of doxorubicin (10 mg/kg, in vein). Peroxidative lesions were evaluated by both biochemical and histological assays, 48 hr after the injection of doxorubicin. Heart tissue from rats receiving doxorubicin showed a marked increase of protein carbonyl levels, and of membrane conjugated dienes, as well as a decrease of membrane protein thiols. Abnormal chemistries, including a large increase of the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase, an index of the myocardial damage caused by doxorubicin, were also observed. Pretreatment of rats with 25 I.U. /kg b.wt. of vitamin A, once a day for 2 days, before injecting doxorubicin, substantially reduced the peroxidative damage to heart lipids and proteins, and markedly lowered the serum values of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase to values close to those of control rats. The significant prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by vitamin A was evident from the histopathological pattern observed after light microscopy. The dosage of vitamin A useful to obtain the protective effect appears safe and does not injure the liver, as indicated by light microscopy of the tissue. A survival study, carried out by injecting rats with a single injection of 10 mg/kg of doxorubicin, showed that pretreatment with 25 I.U. of vitamin A per kg significantly increased survival rate of the animals. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The vibrations of texture

The Pacinian channel has been implicated in the perception of fine textures (Hollins et al. , Somatosens Mot Res 18: 253-262, 2001a). In the present study, we investigate candidate codes for Pacinian-mediated roughness perception. We use a Hall effect transducer to record the vibrations elicited in the skin when a set of textured surfaces is passively presented to the index finger. The peak frequency of the vibrations is found to decrease systematically as spatial period increases. The power of the vibrations--weighted according to the spectral sensitivity of the Pacinian system--increases with spatial period for all but the coarsest surfaces. By varying the scanning velocity, we manipulate the temporal and intensive characteristics of the texture-induced vibrations and assess the effect of the manipulation on perceived roughness. We find that doubling the scanning velocity does not result in the substantial decrease in roughness predicted by a frequency theory of vibrotactile roughness perception. On the other hand, the effects of speed on roughness match those of speed on power. We propose that the roughness of a fine surface (spatial period<200 7 m) is a function of the Pacinian-weighted power of the vibrations it elicits.
Low-complexity channel estimation for superimposed pilots in distributed OFDMA systems

In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, the requirement for orthogonal pilot sets grows linearly with the number of transmit antennas. The channel estimators based on multiplexed pilot subcarriers used in the current systems such as WiMAX and LTE consume bandwidth allocated for data transmission. An alternative approach based on superimposing the pilots onto the data subcarriers offers a good solution for channel estimation in systems where the maximum data rate can not be sacrificed for the cost of channel estimation accuracy. The concept of using superimposed pilots for channel estimation in a distributed multiple antenna transmission system is studied here with simple and low-complexity algorithms suitable for hardware implementation. The complexity and performance of the system are compared with a conventional multiplexed pilot system. The bit error rate (BER) simulation results demonstrate that superimposed pilots can be used to achieve tolerable performance in adaptive high-data rate systems with up to four transmitting antennas.
A bucket of static vestibular function

Objective: Validation of a bedside test to measure the monocular and binocular subjective visual vertical (SVV). Methods: Monocular and binocular measurements of the SVV were made in 30 healthy subjects (mean age 46.1 ± 16.4 years) and 30 patients with acute peripheral or central vestibular lesions (mean age 51.3 ± 17.1 years). The established method uses a hemispheric dome (adjustment of a bar to the vertical without spatial orientation clues in a motor-driven, hemispheric dome randomly covered with colored dots). It was compared to a simple, self-made bucket method, in which the subject estimates true verticality by attempting to properly align a straight line visible on the bottom of a bucket that is rotated at random by the examiner. Results: Comparative measurements of the whole group (n = 60) showed no difference in the distribution of monocular or binocular SVV values while using the hemispheric dome or the bucket method. Intertest reliability was 89% for monocular and 90% for binocular SVV measurements. Intratest reliability of the bucket method in 10 repetitions was 92% for binocular and monocular SVV determinations. With the bucket method, the range of absolute deviations of SVV values from true verticality in healthy subjects was 1.1 ± 0.7° for monocular and 0.9 ± 0.7° for binocular measurements (mean ± SD). There was no significant effect of age or gender. Conclusions: The bucket method is an easily performed and reliable bedside test for determining monocular and binocular subjective visual vertical. The bucket can be modified within 1 hour and costs less than $5.
A Functional Role for TorsinA in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Nuclear Egress

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) capsids leave the nucleus by a process of envelopment and de-envelopment at the nuclear envelope (NE) that is accompanied by structural alterations of the NE. As capsids translocate across the NE, transient primary enveloped virions form in the perinuclear space. Here, we provide evidence that torsinA (TA), a ubiquitously expressed ATPase, has a role in HSV-1 nuclear egress. TA resides within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/NE and functions in maintaining normal NE architecture. We show that perturbation of TA normal function by overexpressing torsinA wild type (TAwt) inhibits HSV-1 production. Ultrastructural analysis of infected cells overexpressing TAwt revealed reduced levels of surface virions in addition to accumulation of novel, double-membrane structures called virus-like vesicles (VLVs). Although mainly found in the cytoplasm, VLVs resemble primary virions in their size, by the appearance of the inner membrane, and by the presence of pUL34, a structural component of primary virions. Collectively, our data suggest a model in which interference of TA normal function by overexpression impairs de-envelopment of the primary virions leading to their accumulation in a cytoplasmic membrane compartment. This implies novel functions for TA at the NE.
Impact of a Continuing Education Program on Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Attitudes toward Asthma Patient Care

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an asthma continuing education program on pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes related to asthma pharmaceutical care. Subjects and Methods: A 20-hour continuing education program was conducted by the joint efforts of the Taipei City Government, Taiwan Association of Asthma Education and Taipei Medical University Wan Fang Hospital, in a series of 4 days afternoon sessions from June 26 to July 4, 2004. One hundred and twenty-five pharmacists participated. The Asthma Knowledge Test in Mandarin and the Asthma Attitude Scale in Mandarin were developed by adapting the scale used to evaluate the impact of pharmacist continuing education programs on diabetic care. The results before and after the intervention were compared to evaluate the impact of the program. Results: Of the 125 participants, 105 returned both the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, for a response rate of 84.0%. The total score of the attitude section increased significantly from 40.04 ± 3.35 to 42.54 ± 2.98 (full score = 50, p < 0.001). The total score of the knowledge section also increased significantly from 7.18 ± 1.31 to 7.56 ± 1.15 (p = 0.008). Improvement in the attitude score was found in 70 (67.0%) subjects, and in the knowledge score in 45 (43.5%) subjects. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that attitude and knowledge toward asthma care improved after the continuing education program. Further study of long-term impact and direct changes in asthma pharmaceutical care practice will be necessary.
Preventive effect of Ganfujian granule on experimental hepatocarcinoma in rats.

AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of dietary and medicinal formula Ganfujian granule on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats. METHODS Male SD rats had free access to water containing 0.1 g/L DEN for 16 weeks, during which the rats fed with standard diet or administration of Ganfujian granule (30.4 g/Kg in diet). At weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 of hepatocarcinogenesis 5 rats of each group were sacrificed, and at week 20 another 30 rats were sacrificed from each group. The end point for survival observation was at week 28. Immunochemistry methods were used to examine the effect of Ganfujian granule on the process of hepatocarcinogenesis including proliferation of hepatocytes and cell cycle modulation. RESULTS Ganfujian granule could reduce and delay the incidence of hepatocarcinoma in rats and prolong the survival of animals. In addition, Ganfujian granule had a marked inhibitory effect on high expression of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK4) during the whole process of hepatocarcinogenesis and cyclin D1 at week 16 and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells in different stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSION Ganfujian granule can reduce and delay the incidence of hepatocarcinoma in rats by exerting direct or indirect effects on cell cycle and inhibiting uncontrolled proliferation of hepatocytes.
Enabling Software Development Team Performance During Requirements Definition: A Behavioral Versus Technical Approach

As software development projects continue to be over budget and behind schedule, researchers continue to look for ways to improve the likelihood of project success. In this research we juxtapose two different views of what influences software development team performance during the requirements development phase. In an examination of 66 teams from 15 companies we found that team skill, managerial involvement, and little variance in team experience enable more effective team processes than do software development tools and methods. Further, we found that development teams exhibit both positive and negative boundary-spanning behaviors. Team members promote and champion their projects to the outside environment, which is considered valuable by project stakeholders. They also, however, guard themselves from their environments; keeping important information a secret from stakeholders negatively predicts performance.
Variation in restorer genes and primary sexual investment in gynodioecious Plantago coronopus: the trade-off between male and female function

In many gynodioecious species the nuclear inheritance of male fertility is complex and involves multiple (restorer) genes. In addition to restoring plants from the female (male sterile) to the hermaphrodite (male fertile) state, these genes are also thought to play a role in the determination of the quantity of pollen produced by hermaphrodites. The more restorer alleles a hermaphroditic plant possesses, the higher the pollen production. To test this hypothesis I combined the results of crossing studies of the genetics of male sterility with phenotypic data on investment in stamens and ovules among the progeny of plants involved in these studies. The sex ratio (i.e. the frequency of hermaphrodites among the progeny), being a measure of the number of restorer alleles of the maternal plant, was positively related to the investment in pollen (male function), but negatively related to the investment in ovules (female function), in both field and greenhouse experiments. Consequently, a negative correlation between male and female function was observed (trade–off) and it is suggested that antagonistic pleiotropic effects of restorer genes might be the cause. Phenotypic gender, a measure combining investment in both pollen and ovules, was highly repeatable between field and greenhouse, indicating genetic determination of a more male– or female–biased allocation pattern among the studied plants.
A new butterfly species from south Russia revealed through chromosomal and molecular analysis of the Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) damonides complex (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

Abstract Finding a new species is a rare event in easy-to-see and well-studied organisms like butterflies, especially if they inhabit well-explored areas such as the Western Palaearctic. However, even in this region, gaps in taxonomic knowledge still exist and here we report such a discovery. Using a combined analysis of chromosomal and molecular markers we demonstrate that Polyommatus blue populations from Daghestan (South Russia), previously identified as P. aserbeidschanus, represent in fact a new species which is described here as P. australorossicus sp. n. We also show that the enigmatic Polyommatus damonides described as a form of Polyommatus damone and later considered as an entity similar to P. poseidon or P. ninae is conspecific with a taxon previously known as P. elbursicus. As a result of our study, we propose several taxonomic changes within the P. damonides species complex and suggest the following new combinations: P. damonides elbursicus Forster, 1956, comb. n. and P. damonides gilanensis Eckweiler, 2002, comb. n.
Endovascular vs medical management of acute ischemic stroke

In the article “Endovascular vs medical management of acute ischemic stroke” by C. -J. Chen et al. (Neurology 2015;85:1980–1990), there is an error in figure 1, panel C. The total number of patients in the “Medical Management” group for the SWIFT PRIME trial should read 97, rather than 98 as originally published. The authors regret the error.
Spectral analysis of Korotkoff sounds.

Korotkoff sounds were recorded and spectrally analyzed for five adult males at rest, during exercise, and immediately after exercise. The spectrum representing the average over the five subjects was calculated for each of the four Korotkoff sound phases under each condition. The average spectra thus obtained are presented so as to provide a comparison between the different phases and exercise conditions. The results provide a quantitative picture of the criteria by which the various phases and endpoints are distinguished. They should be useful in the design of filters for indirect blood pressure monitoring equipment.
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-induced methylation of DNA bases in various rat organs and the effect of pretreatment with disulfiram.

The extent and persistence of methylated purines were determined in DNA of various rat organs following a single s.c. injection of 1,2-di[14C]methylhydrazine. Maximum alkylation of purine bases occurred within 12 hr, with highest concentrations in liver, followed by colon, ileum, and kidney. Over a period of 3 days, O6-methylguanine was removed much more slowly from colon, the principal target organ for carcinogenesis, than from ileum or liver DNA. Dietary pretreatment of rats with disulfiram is known to prevent 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis and was found to reduce DNA alkylation to less than 1% of that detected in animals treated with 1,2- di[14C]methylhydrazine alone.
Incidence of acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia in operated lung cancer: institutional report and review.

PURPOSE Several small studies have reported that acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) can occur after lung resection for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, though the incidence rate is unclear. METHODS We examined our institutional data and performed a search of the MEDLINE database for publications regarding AE of IIP following surgery for lung cancer. Studies reporting the incidence rates of IIP and AE were included. RESULTS Eleven studies including our institutional data were determined to be eligible. Seven studies designated the incidence of IIP. Of 4749 patients (from 7 studies) who underwent lung resection for NSCLC, 277 had IIP, for an incidence rate of 5.8% (range 1.1%-11.7%). Eleven studies designated the incidence of AE from IIP patient, 67 (15.8%) of 424 IIP patients (from 11 studies) developed AE after surgery, of whom 38 (56.7%) died during the postoperative course. CONCLUSION Coexistent IIP in patients with lung cancer increases the risk of lung cancer surgery. Furthermore, AE of IIP may be a major cause of operation-related death.
Output Formulation for Symmetrically Excited One-to-$N$  Multimode Interference Coupler

In this paper, we present a closed form formulation for the output signals of one-to-N multimode interference coupler under symmetric excitation. We derive the output ports phases and show that the output phase has a quadratic dependence on the output port number. Using beam propagation simulations, we compare the analytical phase profile with the simulation results for different waveguiding structures. In the case of Si/SiO2 structures, our formulation predicts the output phase profile with errors not more than about 1°. Finally, we show that nonideal effects, such as limited number of guided modes, modal phase errors, and extension of the field profile into the cladding layers have minimal effects on the phase profile in comparison with the output amplitudes. These results can be used in variety of optoelectronic applications, where the knowledge of the phase profile is crucial, such as optical phased arrays.
Clustering the consumers on the basis of their perceptions of the Internet banking services

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore Internet banking services (IBS), consumers availing the services and the potential development possibilities of the services in the challenging operational environment.Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of exploratory interviews, previous Internet banking studies and relating literature, seven dimensions of IBS ranging from very practical to more hedonic are developed and explored. The users of IBS are examined by clustering them on the basis of differences in perceptions of the proposed service dimensions. Data set comprised of 300 computer‐supported interviews.Findings – The major finding is that three of the consumer clusters do not value service dimensions containing experiential features, whereas the fourth cluster, comprising mainly of youngsters, perceived those service dimensions very appealing.Practical implications – Two alternative approaches are suggested to the developing and designing IBS. The cost‐effective strategy for serving curren.
Gene flow among populations of Anopheles gambiae: a critical review

The success of genetic-control programmes aimed at introducing genes into wild Anopheles gambiae populations depends on our understanding of the genetic structure of these populations. Population-genetic studies are required for identifying discrete population groups across Africa, determining their geographical distribution and evaluating the degree to which they may be reproductively isolated. Population studies are also needed to estimate the rate at which genes may spread within and between populations at various spatial scales and to identify biological and physical features of the environment that may interfere with their movement. Studies of the mechanisms of reproductive isolation between molecular/chromosomal forms of An. gambiae can be used to validate the results of population-genetic approaches and aid in the development of reproductively competitive laboratory strains. In the following, we review past and recent studies that cover these aspects of An. gambiae population genetics and ecology. We critically discuss the validity of the designs and methodologies involved in an attempt to provide a sound basis for future undertakings. We also discuss new directions and priorities in the light of the recent developments toward a genetic-control strategy for An. gambiae
Industry specialization, learning effect and audit firms' management model

Audit firm is an important entity in capital market, and its management model influence its function. According to the development experience of foreign large audit firm and the guidelines of new audit standard in China, our audit firm should implement the industry specialization management model. This study wants to research the relationship between industry specialization of management model and audit quality in China. The empirical result shows: industry specialization not only has positive influence for audit quality in China's capital market, but also, interestingly, the industry specialization implemented by China's audit firm has a “very fast” learning effect, which can improve the audit quality more effectively. We believe that this study provide the empirical evidence for the future management model of our audit firm and the future policy of regulator in China.
The comparative value of emetine and chloroquine in amebic liver abscess.

Summary Patients in whom the presence of an amebic liver abscess was confirmed by the aspiration of characteristic pus were treated in two groups with emetine or chloroquine. Of 19 cases given emetine all responded well initially and none relapsed. Sixteen patients were treated with chloroquine. Initial response was poor in 2 and they were given emetine with a satisfactory result. Four of the remaining 14 patients returned within six weeks with a recurrence of the abscess.
Predicting Neurally Mediated Syncope Based on Pulse Arrival Time: Algorithm Development and Preliminary Results

Prediction of Neurally Mediated Syncope. Background: Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is a common disorder that is triggered by orthostatic stress. The circulatory adjustments to orthostatic stress occur just prior to a sudden loss of consciousness. NMS prediction would protect patients from falls or accidents.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of Adolescent Civic Engagement: Comparing Italian and American Community-Oriented and Political Involvement

The purpose of this study was to investigate community-oriented and political civic engagement activities and intentions among youth in Italy and the United States. Adolescents (N = 566) from academically rigorous schools in both countries completed surveys assessing frequency of civic activity participation, motivation for activity, evaluations of activity, and intentions for future civic engagement. Results suggest that youth in both countries were more likely to participate in community-oriented than political civic activities and that youth in both countries found their civic experiences to be meaningful. American youth reported more past civic activities of both types and higher intentions for future community-oriented civic engagement compared to Italian youth. Finally, a model was tested to examine links between peer and school contexts and civic activities and intentions. Findings highlighted that, in both countries, peer and school contexts had a stronger impact on community-oriented than on political civic activity.