Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and distribution of histamine H1- and H2-receptors in precapillary vessels.

Selective H1- and H2-receptor agonists and antagonists are available to characterize histaminergic receptors and their distribution in the vasculature. Histamine can contract isolated vessels by acting on H1-receptors (i.e., mepyramine-sensitive) and induce relaxation (after inducing tone by, e.g., an alpha-adrenergic agonist) through H2-receptors (i.e., antagonized by burimamide, metiamide, or cimetidine) and H1-receptors. There are relatively few studies in which histamine receptors have been characterized using selective agonists to minimize problems arising from the coexistence of both types of receptor in the same tissue. The histamine H1- and H2-receptors in precapillary vessels may be similar to those in the guinea pig ileum and atria, respectively, but there are many results that appear to be at variance with this conclusion. The effect of histamine in vivo may be complicated by several factors, including distribution (e.g., leading to modification of transmission at sympathetic ganglia and post-ganglionic nerve terminals) and the method of administration. Intravenous injection of histamine produces hypotension, mediated predominantly by H1-receptors. After histamine infusion, the fall in blood pressure is mediated initially through H1-receptors, but there is also a sustained hypotensive effect (with a slower rate of onset) mediated by H2-receptors. In contrast to the systemic circulation, in the pulmonary circulation, histamine generally elicits vasoconstriction mediated by H1-receptors and vasodilatation by H2-receptors.
L2 Learner Individual Differences: An Integrative and Contextualist Perspective

In the literature of learner characteristics in applied linguistics, learning attitudes, strategies and motivation have received most attention. These learner individual difference variables have usually been seen as background learner variables that modify and personalize the overall trajectory of the language acquisition processes (Dörnyei, 2009). Embedded within a mainly psycholinguistic perspective on L2 acquisition, previous research on these background learner variables tended to examine one variable independently of other variables, and of the learning contexts in which L2 learners are situated (Ellis, 2004). For example, early studies on good language learners focused largely on learning strategies. Consequently much less attention has been given to the interplay between various individual difference factors as well as interaction between learner individual and contextual factors. This case study set out to investigate how the contextualized learner learning attitudes, strategies, and motivation might differentiate successful and less successful ESL learners. Data were collected through interviews, diaries, and follow-up email correspondence with both successful and less successful second-year university ESL students. Analysis of the data suggests that learners’ psychological relation to the English language learning process depends in large measure upon the social, institutional, and interpersonal contexts “in which individuals find themselves, the purposes for their being there, and their personal biographies” (Duff & Uchida, 1997, p. 452). Learners’ investment in English language learning and different levels of success as ESL learners could thus be the outcome of dynamic interactions of different learner factors situated in the particular learning contexts. Implications of the results for how institutions and teachers may empower ESL students in their investment in learning the target language are discussed.
Computational Algorithms for Induction-Motor Equivalent Circuit Parameter Determination—Part I: Resistances and Leakage Reactances

This paper deals with methods and algorithms for the estimation of induction-motor equivalent circuit parameters starting from the geometrical and electrical data generally available after an electromagnetic design. The main aim of this paper is to help the readers pass from the theoretical analysis to the numerical code suitable to be included in its own design software. For this reason, the step-by-step algorithms are included in this paper. Some of the methods are based on well-known approaches while the other ones are original. For the latter ones, a complete discussion of the theoretical analysis is reported and discussed. The first part deals with the stator- and rotor-resistance computations and the determination of the leakage inductances based on an original flux classification. Finally, the skewing slot effects on the machine parameters are provided. The comparison between computed and measured values confirms the accuracy of the proposed computational algorithms.
Failure of hypophyseal growth hormone to produce nitrogen storage in a girl with hypophyseal dwarfism.

THE isolation of the hypophyseal growth hormone in a pure form by Li, Evans and Simpson (1) has made possible the use of the purified hormone in clinical experiments. This pure hormone was first administered in the spring of 1947 to a girl judged clinically to be a hypopituitary dwarf. At a dose level approaching 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight it was without effect upon nitrogen balance. It is the purpose of this paper to report these balance studies: the complete long-term study of the patient which includes the administration of growth hormone for four months will be reported subsequently. Case Presentation and Method of Study The patient (F. H.) was a girl, aged 16½ years, with a bone age of 13 years and dental age of 1.2 years. She weighed 70½ lbs. (32 Kg.), was 49.8 inches (127 cm.) in height, and had an I.Q. of 130. Her early development was said to have been normal; retarded growth was first apparent at the age of 5. After the age of 12 years she had grown approximately one inch in height.
Clinical studies on the radioimmunodetection of tumors containing alpha‐fetoprotein

This study reports the use of radiolabeled antibodies to alpha‐fetoprotein for the detection and localization of hepatocellular and germ cell carcinomas. Twelve patients with histories of histologicallyconfirmed neoplasia received a total dose between 1.0 and 4.4 mCi of 131I‐labeled goat IgG prepared against human alpha‐fetoprotein. Total‐body photoscans were taken with a gamma scintillation camera at various intervals after injection of the radioactive antibody. Computer subtraction of radioactive technetium background images from the antibody 131I scans permitted the visualization of all tumor sites known to be present in 4 patients with either primary hepatocellular cancer or metastatic germ cell carcinoma of the testis. In contrast to the results with the specific antibody, radioactive normal goat IgG given to one of these patients with metastatic embryonal carcinoma of the testis failed to show equivalent localization. Among 8 patients with diverse neoplasms not believed to contain alpha‐fetoprotein, 5 of 19 tumor sites showed radioactive antibody accretion, although significantly less than in the patients with liver or testicular cancer. Circulating antigen levels of up to 15,000 ng per milliliter did not prevent successful tumor imaging after intravenous injection of the radioantibody. This investigation indicates that alpha‐fetoprotein‐containing tumors can be detected and localized in vivo by the method of radioimmunodetection.
THE DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM IN HYPERTENSION

Dopamine exerts cardiovascular and renal actions mediated through interaction with specific dopamine receptors. Dopamine receptors are cell surface receptors coupled to G-proteins and classified into two main super families based on biochemical, pharmacological and molecular characteristics. The dopamine D1-like receptor super family includes D1 and D5 receptors, known also in rodents as D1A and D1B sites. These receptors are linked to stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The dopamine D2-like receptor super family includes D2, D3 and D4 receptors. These receptors are linked to inhibition of adenylate cylase or not related with this enzyme activity. They also interfere with opening of Ca+2 channels and are linked to stimulation of K+ receptors. Dopamine receptor subtypes are expressed in brain as well as in extracerebral structures such as the heart, blood vessels, carotid body, kidney, adrenal gland, parathyroid gland and gastrointestinal tract. In the kidney, which represents the peripheral organ where dopamine receptors were more extensively investigated, dopamine receptors are involved in regulation of hemodynamic, electrolyte and water transport, as well as renin secretion. Hypertension-related dopamine receptor changes were also investigated primarily in the kidney. Defective renal dopamine production and/or dopamine receptor function have been reported in human primary hypertension as well as in genetic models of animal hypertension. There may be a primary defect in D1-like receptors and an altered signalling system in the proximal tubules that lead to reduced dopamine-mediated effects on renal sodium excretion in hypertension. Studies on the influence of hypertension on dopamine D2-like receptors are sparse Disruption of either D1A or D3 receptors at the gene level causes hypertension in mice. Using peripheral blood lymphocytes as possible markers of the status of dopamine receptors in essential hypertension, no changes of dopamine D1-like receptors were noticeable, whereas an increase of dopamine D2-like receptors likely representing an up-regulation mechanism was reported. Available information collectively indicates an involvement of peripheral dopaminergic system in hypertension consisting either in impaired receptor transduction mechanisms and/or in receptor loss. A better knowledge of molecular bases of these changes may contribute to the development of specific therapeutic approaches in the future.
Artificial Intelligence to Win the Nobel Prize and Beyond: Creating the Engine for Scientific Discovery

This article proposes a new grand challenge for AI reasearch: to develop AI system to make major scientific discoveries in biomedical sciences that worth Nobel Prize. There are a series of human cognitive limitations that prevents us from making accerlated scientific discoveries, particularity in biomedical sciences. As a result, scientific discoveries are left behind at the level of cottage industry. AI systems can transform scientific discoveries into highly efficient practice, thereby enable us to expand our knowledge in unprecedented way. Such system may out-compute all possible hypotheses and may redefine the nature of scientific intuition, hence scientific discovery process.
A measurement based evaluation of feedback-less MTC using FBMC-OQAM

Massive Machine-Type Communication (MTC) is one of the main challenges for current and future cellular mobile communication systems as 5G. To overcome the controlling overhead issue of Machine-Type Devices (MTD) with low data rates and long duty cycles, we propose a feedback-less communication scheme with a pure ALOHA channel access scheme. Theoretical analysis of the user capacity of pure ALOHA have been conducted under the assumption that each collision of two or more packets renders all packets undecodable. In this contribution, we investigate the accuracy of this assumption for a Filter Bank Multi Carrier with Offset-QAM subcarrier modulation (FBMC-OQAM) system. Therefore, the effects of a 2 packet collision are measured and the influence of different Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR) and packet length values are analyzed. Based on these results, a model for an N-user scenario is developed and validated by measurements. For the investigated scenario the measurement results show, that the capacity of a practical pure ALOHA channel access scheme is up to ≈ 75% higher than theoretically predicted, which renders this scheme a promising approach for massive MTC in 5G.
Establishing a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team in a large tertiary hospital: a workshop

Every year, over 1 million people with diabetes lose a leg due to diabetic foot disease. Most amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. Causes for the development of foot ulcers are generally multifactorial and may include neuropathy, peripheral vasculopathy, abnormal foot mechanics and infection. Multidisciplinary approach to the patient with acute diabetic foot is mandatory and has been shown to reduce amputation rate. In our article we describe the establishment of a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team in a large tertiary hospital and its outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of a spirolactone derivative, sodium canrenoate, on mechanical and electrical activities of isolated rat myocardium.

The effects of sodium canrenoate (CRN), 0.5 to 1600 µg/ml, on isolated rat atria and ventricular strips and on isolated perfused hearts were studied. CRN produced a rapid, dose-dependent and reversible negative inotropic effect on isolated atria and ventricular strips. On perfused hearts, the effect was similar, although at low concentrations, the initial depression was sometimes followed by a small positive inotropic effect which could be related to the decrease in coronary resistance produced by CRN. CRN produced a rapid, reversible and dose-dependent increase in the amplitude and duration of the action potential plateau and reduced the rate of rise of the response. Abnormal rhythms were often diminished or suppressed by CRN. During CRN perfusion the inotropic effect of ouabain and various effects of acetylcholine (such as inotropic and chronotropic effects and action potential shortening) were decreased or suppressed. The CRN-induced lengthening of the action potential persisted during anoxia, cyanide, iodoacetate or ouabain perfusion. The uptake of 42 K reversibly increased during CRN perfusion. In view of the electrophysiological results, CRN would appear to decrease potassium and sodium conductances of rat myocardium membranes, the latter effect being probably related to an increased inactivation of sodium conductance.
Familial aggregation of low birth weight among whites and blacks in the United States.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that the birth weight of infants is correlated with the birth weights of their siblings and their mothers. We investigated whether the birth weights of mothers and index children were jointly associated with the risk of low birth weight in the siblings of the index children. METHODS We used data on the live-birth cohort of the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. The analysis included 1691 white and 1461 black mothers, each of whom had two or more live-born, singleton children. Multiple logistic regression with generalized-estimation equations was used to assess the risk of low birth weight among an index child's siblings. Four groups were studied: that in which neither the mother nor the index child had low birth weight (group 1), that in which only the mother had low birth weight (group 2), that in which only the index child had low birth weight (group 3), and that in which both the mother and the index child had low birth weight (group 4). There was adjustment for other maternal and infant covariates. RESULTS Among white siblings in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, 3.6, 8.3, 21.2, and 38.9 percent, respectively, had low birth weight, as compared with 8.0, 19.0, 31.1, and 57.1 percent of black siblings. When group 1 was used as the reference group, the adjusted odds ratios (and 95 percent confidence intervals) for low birth weight in groups 2, 3, and 4 were 2.5 (1.4 to 4.3), 6.8 (4.7 to 9.8), and 15.4 (9.2 to 25.5), respectively, among white siblings and 2.6 (1.8 to 3.8), 4.7 (3.5 to 6.4), and 13.9 (9.2 to 20.9) among black siblings. These associations were consistently found for birth weights below 1500 g and those ranging from 1500 to 2499 g in both races and after stratification for the mother's age, parity, education, cigarette-smoking status, and weight and height before pregnancy and the infant's sex. CONCLUSIONS Although selection and recall biases cannot be excluded with certainty, our data suggest a strong familial aggregation of low birth weight among both whites and blacks in the United States.
Comparison of automated volumetry of the hippocampus using NeuroQuant® and visual assessment of the medial temporal lobe in Alzheimer’s disease

Background Different clinically feasible methods for evaluation of medial temporal lobe atrophy exists and are useful in diagnostic work-up of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Purpose To compare the diagnostic properties of two clinically available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based methods—an automated volumetric software, NeuroQuant® (NQ) (evaluation of hippocampus volume) and the Scheltens scale (visual evaluation of medial temporal lobe atrophy [MTA])—in patients with AD dementia, and subjective and mild cognitive impairment (non-dementia). Material and Methods MRIs from 56 patients (31 AD, 25 non-dementia) were assessed with both methods. Correlations between the methods were calculated and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses that yield area under the curve (AUC) statistics were conducted. Results High correlations were found between the two MRI assessments for the total hippocampal volume measured with NQ and mean MTA score (–0.753, P < 0.001), for the right (–0.767, P < 0.001), and for the left (–0.675, P < 0.001) sides. The NQ total measure yielded somewhat higher AUC (0.88, “good”) compared to the MTA mean measure (0.80, “good”) in the comparison of patients with AD and non-dementia, but the accuracy was in favor of the MTA scale. Conclusion The two methods correlated highly and both methods reached equally “good” power.
Failure to Launch: Critical Mass in Platform Businesses

Platform businesses add value by facilitating interactions between customers who are attracted in part by network externalities. Two-sided platform businesses with low costs of reversing participation status have become more important with the rise of the Internet. This essay is concerned with new businesses of this sort and the initial critical mass hurdle that they generally seem to face. In a very general model, we show how this hurdle depends on the nature of network effects, the dynamics of customer behavior, and the distribution of customer tastes. Weak, plausible assumptions about adjustment processes imply that platforms must get a sufficient number of members of both sides on board to launch successfully.
Controlled-Release Oxycodone Admissions in Public and Private Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract Although non-medical use of controlled-release (CR) oxycodone is increasing, little is known about the substance abuse treatment facilities serving individuals dependent on this medication. This study examines the associations between the characteristics of treatment organizations and two dependent variables: any CR-oxycodone admissions and the number of CR-oxycodone admissions in the past six months. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with administrators of 363 publicly funded and 401 privately funded treatment centers in the US. Publicly funded non-profit organizations were less likely to have treated this population than government-owned, privately funded non-profit, and for-profit treatment centers. Some evidence indicated the availability of pharmacotherapies and detoxification services were associated with the dependent variables. Twelve-step programs were more likely to have treated oxycodone-dependent clients. Rural facilities treated significantly more clients than those in metropolitan areas. The high prevalence of CR-oxycodone admissions suggests the need for widespread training of treatment providers regarding treatment for CR-oxycodone dependence.
AT1 and AT2-Receptor Antagonists Inhibit Ang II-Mediated Facilitation of Noradrenaline Release in Human Atria

It is generally accepted that regulation of blood pressure and sympathetic neurotransmission by angiotensin (Ang) II is brought about through activation of AT1-receptors. Since recent studies demonstrated a high proportion of AT2-receptors in the human heart, the aim of our study was to investigate whether Ang II modulates noradrenaline release also through activation of AT2-receptors in this tissue. Human atrial appendages were prelabeled with [3H]-noradrenaline and electrically field-stimulated. Stimulation-induced outflow of radioactivity was taken as an index of endogenous noradrenaline release. Ang I and II enhanced noradrenaline release in a dose-dependent manner up to 55 and 72%, respectively. These effects were blocked by the selective AT1-receptor antagonists EXP3174 and irbesartan (10nmol/L). Moreover, the selective AT2-receptor antagonists PD123319 and CGP42112A (0.1 and 1&mgr;mol/L) also inhibited Ang II-induced facilitation of noradrenaline release. Captopril (5 &mgr;mol/L) shifted the dose response curve for Ang I less potent to the right than EXP3174 (10 nmol/L). Ang I and II enhanced the stimulation-induced noradrenaline release significantly more potent in tissues of patients pretreated with ACE inhibitors than without. In conclusion, both AT1- and AT2-receptors seem to play a role in Ang II-mediated facilitation of noradrenaline release in the human heart. Chronic treatment with ACE inhibitors appears to affect cardiac sympathetic neurotransmission possibly by upregulation of presynaptic Ang II receptors.
Comparison of the use and accuracy of methods for determining pleural fluid pH.

BACKGROUND The blood gas analyzer (BGA) has been considered the "gold standard" for pleural fluid pH determination. METHODS We report the various methods used to measure pleural fluid pH by 277 acute care institutions who responded to a mailed questionnaire. The techniques used included the BGA (32%), dip stick or pH indicator paper (56%), and a pH meter (12%). We tested 36 consecutive exudative pleural fluid samples using each method. RESULTS The alternative methods were incomparable to accurately measuring pleural fluid pH by the BGA, with a mean difference of 0.16 pH unit. With a delay in testing, the pH of the pleural fluid was more alkalotic and variable, with a mean difference of 0.039 pH unit. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be encouraged to test selected samples for pleural fluid pH by the BGA when accurate measurements will influence therapy.
Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in northwest Greece 1982-2001.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency, distribution, and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a defined area of northwest Greece. METHODS Cases were recorded from 3 sources: inpatients and outpatients referred to the rheumatology clinic of the Ioannina University Hospital; inpatients and outpatients referred to the rheumatology clinic of Ioannina General Hospital; and patients referred to private rheumatologists practicing in the study area. All patients identified between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 2001, resident in the study area were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by the 1982 revised criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Incidence and prevalence rates were calculated as number of cases per hundred thousand inhabitants. Population data were based on the 1981, 1991, and 2001 National Census. RESULTS A total of 178 cases of SLE were diagnosed during the study period, giving a mean annual incidence rate of 1.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 1.49-2.31). The female/male ratio was 7.4. A significant variation of SLE rates among different districts of the study area was observed. Incidence rates were higher for the urban population. The peak of incidence was observed in the 30-49 age group for both sexes. There was a slight increase in the incidence of SLE during the study period. The 5 year survival rate was 96.8% and the 10 year survival rate was 90.3%. CONCLUSION We found a relatively low frequency of SLE in northwest Greece. Age at diagnosis was younger than expected.