Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mouse Hepatic Portal Venoconstrictive Response to Vasoconstrictors Is Much Weaker Than That in Rat

We previously reported that the portal venous pressure (PPV) response of perfused mouse livers to various vasoactive agents was much weaker than that of other mammals such as rat, rabbit, and guinea pigs. The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of PPV in in vivo BALB/c mouse to intraportal injections of the 3 major vasoconstrictors of angiotensin II, norepinephrine, and endothelin-1 in comparison with that in Sprague-Dawley rats. In anesthetized spontaneously breathing animals, PPV, systemic arterial pressure, and central venous pressure were directly and continuously measured. The above-mentioned vasoconstrictors were injected into the portal vein as a bolus repetitively at the doses ranging 0.01-100 nmol/kg. A dose-dependent increase in systemic arterial pressure in response to each vasoconstrictor was observed similarly in both mice and rats. All vasoconstrictors also caused a dose-dependent increase in PPV in both species, but the peak levels in mouse did not reach higher than 7 mm Hg, whereas it reached as high as 15-24 mm Hg in rats. Immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin revealed that smooth muscles were distributed substantially in portal venules of rat but scarcely in that of mouse. In conclusion, PPV response to various vasoconstrictors was limited in anesthetized BALB/c mice, as compared with the anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, presumably due to small amount of vascular smooth muscle in mouse portal venules.
Recommendations for accurate numerical blood flow simulations of stented intracranial aneurysms

Abstract The number of scientific publications dealing with stented intracranial aneurysms is rapidly increasing. Powerful computational facilities are now available; an accurate computational modeling of hemodynamics in patient-specific configurations is, however, still being sought. Furthermore, there is still no general agreement on the quantities that should be computed and on the most adequate analysis for intervention support. In this article, the accurate representation of patient geometry is first discussed, involving successive improvements. Concerning the second step, the mesh required for the numerical simulation is especially challenging when deploying a stent with very fine wire structures. Third, the description of the fluid properties is a major challenge. Finally, a founded quantitative analysis of the simulation results is obviously needed to support interventional decisions. In the present work, an attempt has been made to review the most important steps for a high-quality computational fluid dynamics computation of virtually stented intracranial aneurysms. In consequence, this leads to concrete recommendations, whereby the obtained results are not discussed for their medical relevance but for the evaluation of their quality. This investigation might hopefully be helpful for further studies considering stent deployment in patient-specific geometries, in particular regarding the generation of the most appropriate computational model.
Analysis of diffuse optical wireless channels employing spot-diffusing techniques, diversity receivers, and combining schemes

In this letter, the performance of an indoor optical wireless spot-diffusing system using various multibeam transmitter configurations, in association with direction diversity and combining techniques, is assessed and compared under the impact of multipath dispersion and ambient light noise through theoretical analysis and computer simulation. Computer simulation for three different multibeam transmitter configurations and a conventional diffuse transmitter is carried out. Diversity receiver and wide field-of-view (FOV) receiver configurations are evaluated in conjunction with the proposed configurations. For the diversity-detection case, a receiver comprising an array of narrow FOV detectors (three and seven segments) oriented in different directions is used to maximize the collected signals and minimize noise. A novel line-strip multibeam system (LSMS) is investigated with single and diversity receiver configurations, and is compared with other spot-diffusing methods. Combining schemes, including selection combining, maximum ratio combining, and equal gain combining are employed for the presented configurations. Our results indicate that the performance improvement obtained through the use of LSMS with a three-direction diversity receiver is about 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio enhancement over the conventional diffuse system, and 26 dB when combining techniques are used. Root mean square delay-spread performance for the proposed configurations, at different positions on the communication floor, are also evaluated and compared.
Predictive Value of Early EEG after Epilepsy Surgery

To determine whether EEG performed within few months after epilepsy surgery is predictive of seizure outcome, 58 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for presumptive temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who had clinical follow-up of at least 2 years and EEG data available both pre- and postoperatively were analyzed. Patients were classified by preoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging into lesional, cryptogenic, and hippocampal sclerosis groups. Seizure outcome was classified according to Engel's outcome scale. Comparison was made between the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in the postoperative EEG and seizure outcome. Patients who experienced seizures within 2 months after surgery were considered to have early recurrence. The mean follow-up period was 3 years. Sixty percent of patients achieved a class I seizure outcome. Almost all (95%) postoperative EEGs were obtained within 4 months after surgery. IEDs were present in 26% of postoperative EEGs, but were significantly less frequent in EEGs recorded after the first two postoperative months (P = 0.011). The presence of IEDs on postoperative EEGs was not predictive of seizure outcome either in the whole cohort or in any of the subgroups, regardless of whether it was performed within or after the first two postoperative months. It was also not predictive of outcome in the 44 patients (76%) who did not suffer early recurrence. The authors conclude that EEG performed a few months after epilepsy surgery is not useful as a predictor of long-term seizure outcome.
No Sex-Related Differences in Mortality in Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Exposed to Deltamethrin, and Surviving Bed Bugs Can Recover

ABSTRACT Exposure of a pyrethroid-susceptible strain of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to varying concentrations of deltamethrin for 24 h indicated no significant difference in mortality between males, females, and nymphs at 24 nor at 168 h postexposure when bed bugs were removed to untreated surfaces at 24 h. In addition, many bed bugs classified as morbid or moribund at 24 h and removed to untreated surfaces at this time, recovered by 336 h (2 wk) and were capable of feeding when given the opportunity. Adult female bed bugs that survived were able to lay eggs and the resulting nymphs blood-fed. By contrast, all bed bugs classified as morbid or moribund at 24 h that remained on deltamethrin-treated surfaces for 336 h either died or were still classified as morbid or moribund at the end of this time. No bed bugs classified as morbid or moribund blood-fed when given the opportunity at 2 wk, regardless of whether they remained on the treated surfaces or were removed to untreated surfaces. A power analysis demonstrated we would have detected even moderate differences in mortality between males and females, had differences existed. Therefore, using males exclusively in efficacy assays is a suitable strategy to preserve females for laboratory colony purposes. Results also indicated there is little reason to assess efficacy beyond 1 wk, even when bed bugs are exposed for only 24 h.
Cbl-mediated Negative Regulation of Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptor-dependent Cell Proliferation

The Cbl proto-oncogene product has emerged as a novel negative regulator of receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Our previous observations that Cbl overexpression in NIH3T3 cells enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) and that the expression of oncogenic Cbl mutants up-regulated the PDGFRα signaling machinery strongly suggested that Cbl negatively regulates PDGFRα signaling. Here, we show that, similar to PDGFRα, selective stimulation of PDGFRβ induces Cbl phosphorylation, and its physical association with the receptor. Overexpression of wild type Cbl in NIH3T3 cells led to an enhancement of the ligand-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the PDGFRβ, as observed with PDGFRα. We show that Cbl-dependent negative regulation of PDGFRα and β results in a reduction of PDGF-induced cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis. A point mutation (G306E) that inactivates the tyrosine kinase binding domain in the N-terminal transforming region of Cbl compromised the PDGF-inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl although this mutant could still associate with the PDGFR. More importantly, the G306E mutation abrogated the ability of Cbl to enhance the ligand-induced ubiquitination and degradation of the PDGFR and to inhibit the PDGF-dependent cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis. These results demonstrate that Cbl can negatively regulate PDGFR-dependent biological responses and that this function requires the conserved tyrosine kinase binding domain of Cbl.
A convergent validity test within the payment card format using simulation techniques

ABSTRACT A convergent validity test is performed between two groups of versions of the payment card format. The first group, the classic payment card (CPC), asks respondents to report their willingness to pay (WTP) as a point from a list of amounts, and then treats each WTP response as an interval. The second group generates WTP data that may contain both single point and interval values. It includes the two-way-payment ladder (TWPL) (respondents have to tick amounts they would definitely pay and cross amounts they would definitely not pay), and point-interval payment card (PIPC) (respondents have to tick their WTP as either a point or an interval). The test is conducted using data from one TWPL study and two PIPC studies. For each study, we use WTP values stated to simulate 200 CPC WTP datasets, which allows controlling for any behavioral biases likely to confound the outcome of the test. The results challenge the conventional way of eliciting WTP under the CPC and the typical way of treating WTP data from this PC version. Although convergent validity holds between the TWPL/PIPC and CPC, parameter and mean WTP estimates from the TWPL and PIPC are more stable as PC intervals widths increase.
DTIC vs. IFN-alpha plus DTIC in the treatment of patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.

In our study we evaluated and compared the therapeutic success in 70 patients with cutaneous metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) treated at the Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana during the period 1985-1994. Twenty-nine patients received DTIC in a single 800 mg/m2 i.v. dose (Group 1) and 41 patients were receiving i.m. applications of IFN-alpha in 2 MU daily doses from days 1 to 4, completing the treatment with a DTIC application on day 5, given at the same dosage as in Group 1 (Group 2). The applications were repeated in three-week intervals until progression, or-in the case of a complete response-for up to 6 months. The rate and median duration of treatment response were higher in the group of patients treated by IFN-alpha plus DTIC (17% vs. 27%; 2.7 vs. 6.1 months), though the difference was not statistically significant. The survival of responders was either significantly higher (Group 2: p = 0.0007) or borderline-significantly higher (Group 1; p = 0.078) than that of non-responders. These patients also had significantly longer median survival (Group 1: 13.7 vs. 5.1 months, p = 0.019; Group 2: 19.3 vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.0003). The patients treated with IFN-alpha plus DTIC survived significantly better than those treated with DTIC alone (p = 0.043). There were no differences in the median duration of survival between both groups (6.6 vs. 6.7 months), and neither in the median duration of survival of responders (13.7 vs. 19.3 months) or non-responders (5.1 vs. 4.9 months) from both groups. The toxicity of combined therapy was higher than that of chemotherapy alone, though it was still moderate and acceptable. In view of our results, the addition of IFN-alpha to DTIC has shown an advantage over DTIC along.
The Mystery of Handprints: Assesment and Correlation of Dermatoglyphics with Early Childhood Caries A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND It has been acknowledged that genetics play a significant role in determination of dermatoglyphic patterns. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, this study was undertaken to assess dermatoglyphic patterns and correlate them with early childhood caries. AIM The aim of the study was to determine the association and correlation of dermatoglyphic patterns with early childhood caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 100 children aged between 3 and 6 years, divided into two groups of 50 children each. The deft score was evaluated to select the experimental group and control group. Finger and palm prints were recorded using the ink method described by Cummins and Midlo. The handprints obtained were checked for their clarity with a magnifying glass (×2) and coded. The presence of core and the triradii of the dermatoglyphic pattern were checked thoroughly to include the handprint in the study. A total of 1000 digital prints and 200 palmar prints were obtained. RESULTS The presence of whorls in the index finger of the right hand predicts significantly lower risk of caries in children (male and female; combined). Presence of whorls in the ring finger of the right hand predicts significantly lower risk of caries in female children. Statistically no correlation between atd angle and early childhood caries was obtained from the present data. CONCLUSION The results obtained from the present study creates a notion on the validity of the results of the previous studies and point them to be chance findings. Due to increasing acceptability of dermatoglyphics as a diagnostic tool for congenital diseases, further large scale extensive research should be undertaken to evaluate the role of the same in children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
The Effects of Desflurane on Cardiac Function as Measured by Conductance Volumetry in Swine

The purpose of the investigation was to assess the effects of desflurane (DES) on left ventricular heart function during basal barbiturate anesthesia in a closed-pericardium, closed-chest acute swine model. The study was performed in 11 normoventilated adult pigs. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained using arterial, central venous, and pulmonary artery catheters, as well as a conductance volumetry and tip manometry catheter placed in the left ventricle. Hemodynamic measurements were recorded during basal pentobarbital anesthesia and with the addition of 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% DES. DES dose-dependently decreased mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, left ventricular end-systolic pressure, dP/dtMAX and dP/dtMIN. At doses >1%, decreases in CO, stroke volume, ejection fraction, end-systolic elastance, preload recruitable stroke work, preload adjusted maximal power, and peak filling rate were observed. Heart rate decreased at 4% and 6% DES. Isovolumetric relaxation time increased only at 6% DES. We conclude that smaller doses of DES have a significant cardiodepressive effect in the setting of barbiturate infusion, as measured by conductance volumetry. Implications: Desflurane, in very small doses, depressed cardiac function during pentobarbital anesthesia with ketamine and benzodiazepine premedication in swine, as assessed by conductance volumetry and left ventricular pressure and volume relationship analysis. These results suggest that desflurane, in combination with certain anesthetics, can be cardiodepressive even in very small doses. (Anesth Analg 1998;87:522-8)
Inflammation Research Association: 12th international conference

The Inflammation Research Association held its 12th international meeting at the Sagamore at Bolton Landing in New York State (3 – 7 O-ctober 2004). These meetings were originally intended for scientists from the pharmaceutical industry to get together and discuss the latest developments in inflammation drug discovery, and it remains an industry-dominated affair. The conference covered some highly topical issues such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (rofecoxib/Vioxx® [Merck & Co., Inc.] was withdrawn from the market only a few days before the conference), along with areas of ongoing interest to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, including p38 MAPK inhibitors, nuclear hormone receptor modulators and prostaglandin receptor antagonists. This review will cover the main themes that emerged during the meeting.
Past Managerial Guidance and Returns to Variance Trading Around Earnings Announcements

I investigate the relationship between past managerial guidance and realized variance risk premiums (VRPs) – i.e., the difference between implied and realized variance – in equity options around earnings announcements. I find that implied variances are lower before earnings announcements but VRPs are higher when firms provide guidance. I also find higher option‐implied jump risk when firms issue surprising guidance. Further tests suggest a portion of the higher VRPs are due to changes in perceived higher‐order risks, but traders also underreact to the precision of information in short‐term guidance. These results are attenuated for firms with a better information environment.
EQUAL VOLUMES OF HIGH AND LOW INTENSITY OF ECCENTRIC EXERCISE IN RELATION TO MUSCLE DAMAGE AND PERFORMANCE

We examined differences in muscle damage and muscle performance perturbations in relation to the same volumes of high (HI) and low intensity (LI) of eccentric exercise. Untrained young healthy men (n = 12) underwent 2 isokinetic quadriceps eccentric exercise sessions, 1 on each randomly selected leg, separated by a 2-week interval. In the first session subjects performed HI exercise (i.e., 12 sets of 10 maximal voluntary efforts). In the second session, volunteers were subjected to continuous exercise of LI (50% of peak torque) until the total work done was approximately equal to that generated during HI. Muscle damage (serum creatine kinase concentration [CK], delayed onset of muscle soreness, and range of motion) and muscle performance (eccentric [EPT] and isometric peak torque [IPT]) indicators were assessed pre-exercise and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours postexercise. Compared to baseline data, changes in muscle damage indicators were significantly different (p < 0.05) at almost all post-exercise time points in both conditions. However, apart from the significant elevation of CK at 24 hours after HI (p < 0.05), no other significant differences were observed between the 2 exercise conditions (p > 0.05). The main finding in relation to muscle performance was that decrements following HI exercise were significantly greater (p < 0.05) compared to LI. Compared with baseline data, the EPT values following HI and LI exercise were as follows: 24 hours, 72.1% vs. 92%; 48 hours, 81.9% vs. 94.8%; 72 hours, 77.7% vs. 100.6%; 96 hours, 86.8% vs. 107.9%. The corresponding data for IPT were as follows: 24 hours, 86.4% vs. 102.8%; 48 hours, 84.2% vs. 107%; 72 hours, 84.8% vs. 109.2%; 96 hours, 86.8% vs. 114.4%. These results indicate that matching volumes of HI and LI eccentric exercise have similar effects on muscle damage, but HI has a more prominent effect on muscle performance.
Improved petroleum refinery wastewater treatment and seawater desalination performance by combining osmotic microbial fuel cell and up-flow microbial desalination cell

ABSTRACT The petroleum refinery wastewater which is a product of petroleum refinery has a high organic content. This study explores the utilization of petroleum refinery wastewater collected from petroleum refinery as a resource for bioelectricity generation and using this energy for salt removal from seawater in a hydraulically connected osmotic microbial fuel cell (OsMFC) and up flow microbial desalination cell (UMDC). Anaerobic mixed sludge was used in the anodic chamber of OsMFC and UMDC. Petroleum refinery wastewater was fed first into the OsMFC and then transferred to the UMDC. The OsMFC and UMDC were connected to 1000 and 100 Ω external resistance respectively. Experimental results showed that the combined system could remove 93% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from the petroleum refinery wastewater whilst 48% salts were removed from the seawater. Experimental results showed that this complex wastewater can be treated and produce bioelectricity, with COD removal and salt removal. The hydraulically connected OsMFC and up flow MDC provide a suitable platform for wastewater treatment and seawater desalination.
Response Burden and Data Quality in Business Surveys

Abstract Response burden has long been a concern for data producers. In this article, we investigate the relationship between some measures of actual and perceived burden and we provide empirical evidence of their association with data quality. We draw on two business surveys conducted by Banca d’Italia since 1970, which provide a very rich and unique source of information. We find evidence that the perceived burden is affected by actual burden but the latter is not the only driver. Our results also show a clear link between a respondent’s perceived effort and the probability of not answering some important questions (such as those relating to expectations of future investments and turnover) or of dropping out of the survey. On the contrary, we do not find significant effects on the quality of answers to quantitative questions such as business turnover and investments. Overall, these findings have implications for data producers that should target the perceived burden, besides the actual burden, to increase data quality.
Auditory magnetic fields from the human cerebral cortex: Location and strength of an equivalent current dipole

Auditory evoked cortical magnetic fields are recorded from human subjects by means of a SQUID gradiometer. The spatial and temporal distributions of the averaged evoked fields normal to the surface of the skull are measured from both hemispheres in response to contra‐ and ipsilateral 1 kHz stimulation. The evoked magnetic response can be separated into a dominant and a ‘residual’signal and the former is analysed with a particular source model consisting of a single equivalent current dipole in each hemisphere. We find that the equivalent current dipoles are located near the superior surface of the temporal lobes approximately 20 mm below the surface of the skull. The dipoles are oriented in the superior‐inferior direction. In the left hemisphere the dipole is located approximately 14 mm posterior to that in the right hemisphere, but otherwise no hemisphere/ear difference in dipole location or orientation is found. The strength of the dipole in the left hemisphere is found to be twice as great as that in the right hemisphere when stimulating the right ear, whereas no difference is found when stimulating the left ear. The strength of the dipole is greater in response to contralateral than ipsilateral stimulation. By means of a statistical experiment and using estimates of the variance of the recorded evoked fields we show that the model suggested is adequate to describe the experimental data and that the overall confidence of the extracted dipole parameters can be estimated.