Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What MEG can reveal about inference making: The case of if...then sentences

Characterizing the neural substrate of reasoning has been investigated with regularity over the last 10 years or so while relying on measures that come primarily from positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. To some extent, these techniques—as well as those from electroencephalography—have shown that time course is equally worthwhile for revealing the way reasoning processes work in the brain. In this work, we employ magnetoencephalography while investigating Modus Ponens (If P then Q; P//Therefore, Q) in order to simultaneously derive time course and the source of this fundamental logical inference. The present results show that conditional reasoning involves several successive cognitive processes, each of which engages a distinct cerebral network over the course of inference making, and as soon as a conditional sentence is processed. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
xecutive function mediates effects of white matter hyperintensities on episodic emory

This study examined the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and executive functioning on episodic memory in a group of older adults who were cognitively normal or diagnosed with MCI or dementia. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of total brain volume, white matter hyperintensity volume, and hippocampal volume along with age, education, and gender were evaluated as predictors of episodic memory. WMH were found to influence both episodic memory and
Simulation of Superconductive Fault Current Limiter (SFCL) Using Modular Neural Networks

Modular neural networks have had significant success in a wide range of applications because of their superiority over single non-modular ones in terms of proper data representation, feasibility of hardware implementation and faster learning. This paper presents a constructive multilayer neural network (CMNN) in conjunction with a Hopfield model using a new cost function to simulate the behavior of superconductive fault current limiters (SFCLs). The results show that the proposed approach can efficiently simulate the behavior of SFCLs
High Intensity ERK Signal Mediates Hepatocyte Growth Factor-induced Proliferation Inhibition of the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2*

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces growth stimulation of a variety of cell types, but it also induces growth inhibition of several types of tumor cell lines. The molecular mechanism of the HGF-induced growth inhibition of tumor cells remains obscure. We have investigated the intracellular signaling pathway involved in the antiproliferative effect of HGF on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. HGF induced strong activation of ERK in HepG2 cells. Although the serum-dependent proliferation of HepG2 cells was inhibited by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 in a dose-dependent manner, 10 μmPD98059 reduced the HGF-induced strong activation of ERK to a weak activation; and as a result, the proliferation inhibited by HGF was completely restored. Above or below this specific concentration, the restoration was incomplete. Expression of constitutively activated Ha-Ras, which induces strong activation of ERK, led to the proliferation inhibition of HepG2 cells, as was observed in HGF-treated HepG2 cells. This inhibition was suppressed by the MEK inhibitor. Furthermore, HGF treatment and expression of constitutively activated Ha-Ras changed the hyperphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product pRb to the hypophosphorylated form. This change was inhibited by the same concentration of MEK inhibitor needed to suppress the proliferation inhibition. These results suggest that ERK activity is required for both the stimulation and inhibition of proliferation of HepG2 cells; that the level of ERK activity determines the opposing proliferation responses; and that HGF-induced proliferation inhibition is caused by cell cycle arrest, which results from pRb being maintained in its active hypophosphorylated form via a high-intensity ERK signal in HepG2 cells.
COX-2 inhibitors--lessons in drug safety.

Approximately six years after the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors were approved for use in the United States, the results of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials provide new evidence about the cardiovascular risks of rofecoxib, celecoxib, and valdecoxib.1–3 The Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx (APPROVe) trial, a study of patients with a history of colorectal adenomas, was stopped early because rofecoxib doubled the risk of major cardiovascular events (relative risk, 1.92; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.19 to 3.11). These findings confirmed the increased risk of myocardial infarction previously seen in the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trial4 and some observational studies.5 The .
Hepatic Loss of Borealin Impairs Postnatal Liver Development, Regeneration, and Hepatocarcinogenesis*

Borealin, a member of the chromosomal passenger complex, plays a key regulatory role at centromeres and the central spindle during mitosis. Loss of Borealin leads to defective cell proliferation and early embryonic lethality. The in vivo functions of Borealin in mammalian postnatal development, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis remain elusive. We specifically analyzed the role of Borealin in regulating postnatal liver development, damage-induced liver regeneration, and liver carcinogenesis using mice carrying conditional Borealin alleles. Perinatal loss of Borealin caused increased genome ploidy and enlarged cell size in hepatocytes, likely due to the impaired function of the chromosomal passenger complex in mitosis. Borealin deletion also showed attenuated expansion of Sox9+HNF4α+ progenitor-like cells in liver regeneration during 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet-induced liver injury. Moreover, ΔN90-β-Catenin and c-Met-induced hepatocarcinogenesis development was largely impeded by Borealin deletion. These findings indicate that Borealin plays a key role in liver development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis and suggests that Borealin could be a potential target for related liver diseases.
Acute‐phase protein haptoglobin is a cell migration factor involved in arterial restructuring

Collagen turnover and cell migration are fundamental aspects of arterial restructuring. To identify mRNAs involved in blood flow‐induced arterial restructuring, we performed subtraction polymerase chain reaction and found expression of haptoglobin mRNA in adventitial fibroblasts of rabbit arteries. Haptoglobin is highly expressed in liver, but its arterial expression and function are unknown. In vitro studies revealed that stimulation of haptoglobin expression by lipopolysaccharides in mice fibroblasts stimulated migration of wild‐type fibroblasts but had no effect on migration of haptoglobin knockout fibroblasts. In vivo studies showed that flow‐induced arterial restructuring was delayed in haptoglobin knockout mice. This new function of haptoglobin might be explained by facilitating cell migration through accumulation of a temporary gelatin matrix because cell culture showed that haptoglobin is involved in the breakdown of gelatin. We conclude that haptoglobin is highly expressed in arterial tissue and is involved in arterial restructuring. This new haptoglobin function may also apply to other functional and pathological restructuring processes such as angiogenesis, tissue repair, and tumor cell invasion.
Compression for venous leg ulcers.

OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of compression bandaging and stockings in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches of 19 databases, hand searching of journals, conference proceedings and bibliographies. Manufacturers of compression bandages and stockings and an Advisory Panel were contacted for unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Trials that evaluated compression bandaging or stockings, as a treatment for venous leg ulcers. There was no restriction on date or language. Ulcer healing was the primary endpoint. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Details of eligible studies were extracted and summarised using a data extraction sheet. Data extraction was verified by two reviewers independently. MAIN RESULTS Twenty two trials reporting 24 comparisons were identified. Compression was more effective than no compression (4/6 trials). When multi-layered systems were compared, elastic compression was more effective than non-elastic compression (5 trials). There was no difference in healing rates between 4-layer bandaging and other high compression multi-layered systems (3 trials). There was no difference in healing rates between elastomeric multi-layered systems (4 trials). Multi-layered high compression was more effective than single layer compression (4 trials). Compression stockings were evaluated in two trials. One found a high compression stocking plus a thrombo stocking to be more effective than a short stretch bandage. The second small trial reported no difference between the compression stockings and Unna's boot. There was insufficient data to draw conclusion about the relative cost-effectiveness of different regimens. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Compression increases ulcer healing rates compared with no compression. Multi-layered systems are more effective than single-layered systems. High compression is more effective than low compression but there are no clear differences in the effectiveness of different types of high compression.
Vinorelbine in Combination with Interleukin-2 as Second-Line Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma. A Phase II Study of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of vinorelbine and interleukin (IL)-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma as second-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients with histologically confirmed stage IV melanoma previously treated with temozolomide-based chemotherapy—only one regimen of chemotherapy for disseminated disease was allowed—were treated with vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15 and IL-2 subcutaneous 9 × 106 once daily on days 2–6 and 16–19 every 4 weeks for maximum of six cycles. Results: From January 2000 to July 2001, 22 patients entered the study; the median age was 56 years. Among 20 evaluable patients there were 2 (9.1%) objective responses including 1 complete response and 1 partial response. Five (22.7%) had stabilization of their disease, and 13 (59.1%) progressed. The median time to progression (TTP) was 2.9 months and the median overall survival was 9.1 months. There was a significant difference in TTP in patients who responded or remained stable (median TTP 10.75 months) and those who progressed (median TTP 2.1 months) (p < 0.05). There was also a difference in survival in the two groups (p < 0.05 (28 vs. 8 months). The most common side effects were flulike symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, and injection site reaction. Grade 3 hematological toxicity rarely occurred. One patient discontinued therapy because of fatigue and anorexia. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: The combination of vinorelbine and IL-2 provides clinical benefit in patients recurring or progressing on first-line chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma, with manageable toxicity.
Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Inhibits Endothelium-dependent Vasodilation by an Antioxidant-sensitive, Lysophosphatidylcholine-independent Mechanism

Previous studies have shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can impair endothelial function and that this can be overcome in vivo by administration of vitamin E. However, it is unclear whether this effect of oxidized LDL is due to lysophosphatidylcholine or other components of oxidized LDL, and it is also uncertain if the protective effect of vitamin E is related to its antioxidant action. The objectives of the current study were to define how much of the effect of extensively oxidized LDL on endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) was in fact due to lysophosphatidylcholine, to determine if the effect of oxidized LDL involved oxidant stress to the endothelium, and, if so, to ascertain if this could be blocked by oxyradical scavengers or antioxidants. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring vasodilation in preconstricted rat mesenteric artery rings in response to acetylcholine. In the presence of 100 &mgr;g/mL oxidized LDL, 25-fold higher concentrations of acetylcholine were required for the same degree of vasorelaxation. Similar concentrations of native LDL or acetyl LDL had no effect, but 100 &mgr;g/mL phospholipase A2–treated LDL or 20 &mgr;M lysophosphatidylcholine produced a similar inhibition of EDR. Removal of more than 90% of lysophosphatidylcholine from oxidized LDL did not affect its ability to inhibit EDR, nor did treatment of oxidized LDL with borohydride. This effect of oxidized LDL was blocked by preincubation of arterial rings with vitamin E, probucol, or BO-653 (a potent lipophilic antioxidant), but not by superoxide dismutase. In contrast, the inhibition of EDR by lysophosphatidylcholine was unaffected by antioxidants. Calphostin C prevented the inhibition of EDR by oxidized LDL and lysophosphatidylcholine. These studies demonstrate that at least part of the effect of oxidized LDL on EDR is independent of lysophosphatidylcholine, lipid peroxides, and superoxide release but appears to involve intracellular oxidative stress and protein kinase C activation.
Role of fatty acid elongases in determination of de novo synthesized monounsaturated fatty acid species[S]

Enhanced production of monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) derived from carbohydrate-enriched diets has been implicated in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The FA elongases Elovl-5 and Elovl-6 are regulated by nutrient and hormone status, and have been shown using intact yeast and mammalian microsome fractions to be involved in the synthesis of monounsaturated FAs (MUFA). Herein, targeted knockdown and overexpression of Elovl-5 or Elovl-6 was used to determine their roles in de novo synthesis of specific MUFA species in mammalian cells. Treatment of rat insulinoma (INS)-1 cells with elevated glucose increased de novo FA synthesis and the ratio of MUFAs to saturated FAs. Elovl-5 knockdown decreased elongation of 16:1,n-7. Elovl-5 overexpression increased synthesis of 18:1,n-7; however, this increase was dependent on stearoyl-CoA desaturase–driven 16:1,n-7 availability. Knockdown of Elovl-6 decreased elongation of 16:0 and 16:1,n-7, resulting in accumulation of 16:1,n-7. Elovl-6 overexpression preferentially drove synthesis of 16:0 elongation products 18:0 and 18:1,n-9 but not 18:1,n-7. These findings demonstrate that coordinated induction of FA elongase and desaturase activity is required for balanced synthesis of specific n-7 versus n-9 MUFA species. Given the relative abundance of 16:0 to 16:1,n-7 and the specificity of Elovl-6 for 16:0, Elovl-6 is a major elongase for 18:1,n-9 production.
Elevated Endometrial Androgen Receptor Expression in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome1

Abstract Androgen receptors (AR) have been identified in human endometrium; however, their role in endometrial cyclic development and function remains poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the profile of endometrial AR in normal menstrual cycles and in the endometrium of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome is characterized by chronic hyperandrogenism and oligo-ovulation, and it is often associated with poor reproductive performance. Using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we found that women with PCOS exhibited elevated endometrial AR expression compared to normal, fertile controls. This increase was most apparent in glandular and luminal epithelium. Furthermore, when compared to endometrium from fertile women, PCOS endometrium showed other abnormalities in endometrial development, including delay or absence of the αvβ3 integrin, a well-characterized biomarker of uterine receptivity described previously (Lessey et al., JCI 1992; 90:188–195). To better understand and to gain insights regarding these findings, we used in vitro cell-culture models to study the regulation of AR in primary endometrial stromal and the well-differentiated epithelial cell line (Ishikawa). Based on Western blot analysis, epithelial AR is up-regulated by estrogens and androgens and is inhibited by progestins and epidermal growth factor (EGF). On the other hand, EGF significantly induced the expression of αvβ3, whereas estrogen and androgen treatment inhibited its expression. Collectively, these results suggest that the poor reproductive performance observed in women with PCOS may be due, in part, to the concomitant increase in both serum androgens and elevations in endometrial AR. This combination may reduce endometrial receptivity as judged by the down-regulation of αvβ3 integrin.
Modeling and Forecasting Norway Mortality Rates using the Lee Carter Model

In the fields of actuarial science, health, epidemiology and national planning, mortality data is an important element. Mortality levels reflect the quality of life within quantity. Population forecasting is essential for all long term planning for the provision of services of a nation. Therefore, developing a model for forecasting mortality rate can facilitate a nation to develop their quality of life [1].
Opportunistic screening for chlamydia infection in general practice: can we reach young women?

Objective To study opportunistic screening in primary care, in such a way that would include teenage women. Setting Screening for chlamydia infection was offered opportunistically in eight general practices in Edinburgh to women aged ≤ 35 years attending for cervical smear, and women aged ≤ 20 years attending for contraception. The numbers of women eligible to be offered screening were 901 in the cervical smear group, and 595 in the contraception group. Results Effective screening rate (offered test, consented, and urine sample returned) was 30% for the cervical smear group compared with 23% for the contraception group. Among those tested, chlamydia prevalence was strongly associated with young age, ranging from 11.8% in those <18 years, to 0% in those >25 years. Number of sexual partners in past year did not improve prediction of infection. Conclusion These findings raise concerns regarding the feasibility of opportunistic screening in general practice, particularly for those with highest prevalence of chlamydia—teenage women.
The metabolism and fate of tritiated thymidine in man.

The metabolism and fate of tritiated thymidine were studied in two patients in hemopoietic equilibrium. Plasma clearance of H/sup 3/-thymidine commences in the first circulation time and becomes exponential following apparent equilibrium with total body water. Two components with halftimes of 0.2 minute and 1.0 minute were identified and discussed. The rapid plasma clearance of H/sup 3/-thymidine was associated with incorporation of this compound into newly formed DNA of proliferating cells as early as one minute after injection. Labeling of proliferative cells of the bone marrow was nearly complete within ten minutes after injection, and thereafter the label appeared to remain in these cells or their progeny for their life span, diluted only by successive mitoses. This short availability time of intravenous H/sup 3/-thymidine simplifies the analyses of the time parameters of labeled proliferating cell populations. About one-third of the H/sup 3/-thymidine was catabolized to THO within a few hours after injection. Small amounts of urine nonvolatile H/sup 3/ activity were excreted in the urine during the first day after injection. H/sup 3/- beta aminoisobutyric acid was identified in these urines as a catabolic product of H/ sup 3/-thymidine. Degradation and possible reutilization of the H/sup 3/ label is discussed.more » Severe malnutrition resulted in greater degradation of H/sup 3/ thymidine to THO and urine nonvolatile H/sup 3/ activity. (auth)« less
Humans versus dogs; a comparison of methods for the detection of bumble bee nests

Summary This study investigates alternative approaches to locating bumble bee nests for scientific research. We present results from three trials designed to assess: 1. The comparative efficiency of two detection dogs; 2. The ability of a dog to locate nests when carrying out repeat searches of agricultural habitats through the season; 3. The efficiency of a dog compared with human volunteers at finding nests in woodland, with the human volunteers using two methods: ‘fixed searches’ and ‘free searches’. The two dogs varied in their efficiency in finding buried portions of bumble bee nest material (62.5% and 100% correct indications). Searching for real nests in rural habitats, a detection dog located nine nests of four bumble bee species, in a range of habitats, at a rate of one nest for 19 h 24 min of searching time. A comparison of ‘free searches’ using human volunteers and the dog in woodland found that they located nests at similar rates, one nest for 1 h 20 min of searching time. Fixed searches located nests more slowly (one nest for 3 h 18 min of searching time), but probably provide a reliable estimate of nest density. Experienced volunteers performed no better than novices. Given the investment required to train and maintain a detection dog, we conclude that this is not a cost effective method for locating bumble bee nests. If the aim is to estimate density, then fixed searches are appropriate, whereas if the aim is to find many nests, free searches using volunteers provide the most cost effective method.
Post‐ischemic changes in the expression of Alzheimer's APP isoforms in rat cerebral cortex

A significant porportion (25%) of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) also shows vascular pathology. Recent ultrastructural studies demonstrated characteristic and extensive angio-architectural distortions of cerebral capillaries in AD brains. We examined the expression of APP mRNA isoforms of cerebral cortex after transient ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion, using RT-PCR. Neuronal damage and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry were also examined histologically. After transient ischemia, the Kunitz protease inhibitor-bearing isoforms (KPI-APP) were increased whereas APP 695, which lacks KPI domain, was decreased. Neuronal damage and GFAP- immunoreactive astrocytes were also observed. These results show that focal, transient ischemia alters KPIAPP/APP 695 ratio in cerebral cortex and this shift in APP isoforms could be related to neurodegeneration and/or activation of astrocytes during the ischemic process.
Quark matter droplets in neutron stars.

We show that, for physically reasonable bulk and surface properties, the lowest energy state of dense matter consists of quark matter coexisting with nuclear matter in the presence of an essentially uniform background of electrons. We estimate the size and nature of spatial structure in this phase, and show that at the lowest densities the quark matter forms droplets embedded in nuclear matter, whereas at higher densities it can exhibit a variety of different topologies. A finite fraction of the interior of neutron stars could consist of matter in this new phase, which would provide new mechanisms for glitches and cooling.
PROPIEDADES FÍSICO-MECÁNICAS DE LA MADERA DE CINCO ESPECIES DE ENCINO DEL ESTADO DE GUANAJUATO

La utilizacion eficiente de los encinos mexicanos depende, en parte, de un mejor conocimiento de las propiedades y caracteristicas de su madera. En este estudio se evaluaron y caracterizaron las propiedades fisicas y mecanicas de cinco especies del estado de Guanajuato.
Pregravid body mass index as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus

Aims It has been well documented that overweight or obesity before pregnancy is a strong predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to assess the risk of GDM in women who were classified on the basis of pregravid body mass index (BMI) as normal weight and underweight.