Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endothelial function evaluation in patients with anorexia nervosa

Introduction: This study evaluated endothelial function in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) using Endothelial Pulse Amplitude Testing (Endo-PAT) and correlated findings with the patients’ history and biochemical data. Method: Twenty-one patients age 13-21 years diagnosed with AN by the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York between 6/1/2012 and 5/31/2013 were studied along with 19 healthy controls similar in age and gender distribution. Digital pulse amplitude was examined using Endo-PAT. Raw data were automatically transferred into a reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and the natural log transformation of RHI (LnRHI). Subjects’ and controls’ electrocardiograms and biochemical markers were obtained. Results: AN and controls had similar RHI (P=0.7542) and LnRHI (P=0.9497). AN had lower mean weight (P<0.0001), height (P=0.0207), BMI (P<0.0001), resting HR (P<0.0001), systolic (P<0.0001) and diastolic BP (P=0.0141). AN also had lower mean HR during EndoPAT testing (P<0.0001), triiodothyronine (T3) (P<0.0001), luteinizing hormone (LH) (P=0.0055) and estradiol (E2) (P=0.0052). Total cholesterol (Chol) (P=0.0004) was higher in AN subjects. No correlation was observed between RHI and other parameters. Conclusion: No significant differences in RHI or LnRHI were found between the two groups. There were significantly higher Chol and lower HR, T3, LH and E2 levels in the AN group compared to controls. There were no correlations of these parameters to RHI. Abbreviations: AN: anorexia nervosa; BMI: body mass index; Chol: total cholesterol; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; E2: estradiol; ECG: electrocardiogram; Endo-PAT: Endothelial Pulse Amplitude Testing; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; Hcy: homocysteine; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; LH: luteinizing hormone; LnRHI: natural logarithm transformation of Reactive Hyperemia Index; ln(Lp(a)): natural logarithm transformation of lipoprotein A; Lp(a): lipoprotein A; PAT: Peripheral Arterial Tone; PRL: prolactin; RHI: Reactive Hyperemia Index; SBP: systemic blood pressure; T3: triiodothyronine; TG: triglyceride; TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone
Therapy of Peritoneally Disseminated Colon Cancer by TAP-Deficient Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Macrophages in Allogeneic Recipients

We established a method to generate a large quantity of myeloid lineage cells from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, termed ES cell–derived proliferating myeloid cell lines (ES-ML). ES-ML continuously proliferated in the presence of M-CSF and GM-CSF. ES-ML genetically modified to express an anti-HER2 (neu) mAb single-chain V region fragment reduced the number of cocultured mouse Colon-26 cancer cells expressing HER2. Stimulation of ES-ML with IFN-γ plus LPS or TNF resulted in almost complete killing of the Colon-26 cells by the ES-ML, and the cytotoxicity was mediated, in part, by NO produced by ES-ML. When ES-ML were injected into mice with i.p. established Colon-26 tumors, they efficiently infiltrated the tumor tissues. Injection of ES-ML with rIFN-γ and LPS inhibited cancer progression in the mouse peritoneal cavity. Coinjection of TNF-transfected or untransfected ES-ML with rIFN-γ inhibited cancer growth and resulted in prolonged survival of the treated mice. In this experiment, transporter associated with Ag processing (TAP)1-deficient ES-ML exhibited therapeutic activity in MHC-mismatched allogeneic recipient mice. Despite the proliferative capacity of ES-ML, malignancy never developed from the transferred ES-ML in the recipient mice. In summary, TAP-deficient ES-ML with anticancer properties exhibited a therapeutic effect in allogeneic recipients, suggesting the possible use of TAP-deficient human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived proliferating myeloid cell lines in cancer therapy.
Relative peripheral refractive error and the risk of onset and progression of myopia in children.

PURPOSE To investigate whether relative peripheral hyperopia is a risk factor for either the onset of myopia in children or the rate of myopic progression. METHODS The risk of myopia onset was assessed in 2043 nonmyopic third-grade children (mean age ± SD = 8.8 ± 0.52 years) participating in the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Ethnicity and Refractive Error (CLEERE) Study between 1995 and 2007, 324 of whom became myopic by the eighth grade. Progression analyses used data from 774 myopic children in grades 1 to 8. Foveal and relative peripheral refractive error 30° in the nasal visual field was measured annually by using cycloplegic autorefraction. Axial length was measured by A-scan ultrasonography. RESULTS The association between more hyperopic relative peripheral refractive error in the third grade and the risk of the onset of myopia by the eighth grade varied by ethnic group (Asian children odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.30; African-American children OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58-0.96; Hispanics, Native Americans, and whites showed no significant association). Myopia progression was greater per diopter of more hyperopic relative peripheral refractive error, but only by a small amount (-0.024 D per year; P = 0.02). Axial elongation was unrelated to the average relative peripheral refractive error (P = 0.77), regardless of ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Relative peripheral hyperopia appears to exert little consistent influence on the risk of the onset of myopic refractive error, on the rate of myopia progression, or on axial elongation.
Secreted Hsp90 Is a Novel Regulator of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Prostate Cancer*

Background: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) correlates with increased metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Results: Secreted eHsp90 induces EMT, matrix metalloproteinase activity and cell motility. Conclusion: EMT inducing activity of eHsp90 provides a mechanistic basis for its tumorigenic and metastatic function. Significance: The requirement for eHsp90 in supporting tumorigenic events indicates that targeting eHsp90 may represent a therapeutic approach to improve prostate cancer patient survival. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men, and the second highest contributor of male cancer related lethality. Disease mortality is due primarily to metastatic spread, highlighting the urgent need to identify factors involved in this progression. Activation of the genetic epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is implicated as a major contributor of PCa progression. Initiation of EMT confers invasive and metastatic behavior in preclinical models and is correlated with poor clinical prognosis. Extracellular Hsp90 (eHsp90) promotes cell motility and invasion in cancer cells and metastasis in preclinical models, however, the mechanistic basis for its widespread tumorigenic function remains unclear. We have identified a novel and pivotal role for eHsp90 in driving EMT events in PCa. In support of this notion, more metastatic PCa lines exhibited increased eHsp90 expression relative to their lineage-related nonmetastatic counterparts. We demonstrate that eHsp90 promoted cell motility in an ERK and matrix metalloproteinase-2/9-dependent manner, and shifted cellular morphology toward a mesenchymal phenotype. Conversely, inhibition of eHsp90 attenuated pro-motility signaling, blocked PCa migration, and shifted cell morphology toward an epithelial phenotype. Last, we report that surface eHsp90 was found in primary PCa tumor specimens, and elevated eHsp90 expression was associated with increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 transcripts. We conclude that eHsp90 serves as a driver of EMT events, providing a mechanistic basis for its ability to promote cancer progression and metastasis in preclinical models. Furthermore, its newly identified expression in PCa specimens, and potential regulation of pro-metastatic genes, supports a putative clinical role for eHsp90 in PCa progression.
In vivo monitoring of rat brain metabolites during vigabatrin treatment using localized 2D‐COSY

A two‐dimensional COSY‐based localization sequence was designed to allow the in vivo monitoring of proton metabolites in rat brain [particularly γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamine, taurine and myo‐inositol]. The sequence incorporated OSIRIS signal localization, B1‐insensitive water suppression and phase‐sensitive COSY acquisition. The method was used to study the effects of the GABA‐transaminase inhibitor vigabatrin on rat brain metabolite concentrations. Wistar rats were treated daily for 3 days with an oral dose of vigabatrin (200 mg/kg, n = 4). Localized COSY spectra were obtained during a 120 min acquisition from a 270 µl central brain voxel and compared with nine untreated control animals. Significant elevations were observed in GABA (267% of control, p < 0.005, Mann–Witney test), glutamine (130% of control, p < 0.005) and taurine (113% of control, p < 0.05). Changes in GABA and taurine were consistent with previous data on the action of Vigabatrin, and support a previously hypothesized link between these compounds. The increase in glutamine was more surprising and may reflect the balance between the level and/or site of GABA‐transaminase inhibition and downregulation of GABA synthesis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing Effective Campaign Messages to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: A Qualitative Assessment of Women's Reactions to Advertising Concepts

The incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs), serious birth defects of the brain and spine that affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies in the United States each year, can be reduced by 50–70% with daily periconceptional consumption of the B vitamin folic acid. Two studies were designed to assess college women's reactions to and perceptions of potential campaign advertising concepts derived from preproduction formative research to increase folic acid consumption through the use of a daily multivitamin. Study one assessed draft advertising concepts in eight focus groups (N = 71) composed of college-enrolled women in four cities geographically dispersed across the United States. Based on study one results, the concepts were revised and reassessed in study two with a different sample (eight focus groups; N = 73) of college women in the same four cities. Results indicated that participants generally responded favorably to concepts in each of the two studies, and provided insight into individual concepts to increase their overall appeal and effectiveness. The specific findings and implications of these results are discussed.
Speedup Potential of Climate-Based Daylight Modelling on GPUs

Architects must consider an entire year's worth of solar positions and climate data to design buildings with adequate daylight and minimal glare. However, annual simulations are time-consuming and computationally expensive, which makes them difficult to integrate into iterative design processes. In this paper, we compare the performance of several R ADIANCE -based dynamic daylighting simulation methods, DAYSIM and the three-and five-phase methods and, perhaps more importantly, the potential to speed them up using parallel implementations on graphic processors. Using a model of a generic office, we achieve speedups of ten times with DAYSIM and twenty-five times with the five-phase method. Parallel implementations of three-and five-phase methods provide better scaling to multi-GPU environments and more accurate results for complex fenestration systems than parallelized DAYSIM.
Evaluation of tributyltin subchronic effects in tropical freshwater fish (Astyanax bimaculatus, Linnaeus, 1758).

Tributyltin (TBT) is widely used as a biocide in antifouling paints. Astyanax bimaculatus adult fish were acclimatized in a laboratory and isolated in groups of eight individuals. Two groups were used as a control (similar handling and corn oil control) and one group was exposed to TBTCI dissolved in corn oil (0.0688 +/- 0.0031 microg TBT.g(-1)) every 6 days for 32 days. Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphological effects on liver. A muscle fragment was excised for the determination of the acetylcholinesterase activity and blood smears were obtained for differential white cell counts. The results indicated nuclear irregular shapes, chromatin condensation, presence of intranuclear lipid bodies, and degenerative nuclei. Acetylcholinesterase activity was not affected by TBT exposure. The increasing number of neutrophils may represent cytotoxic and stress conditions facilitating the invasion of opportunist organisms. According to the authors' data, TBT was confirmed as a powerful aquatic contaminant to fish in tropical ecosystem.
Interactions of Mitochondria-targeted and Untargeted Ubiquinones with the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain and Reactive Oxygen Species

Antioxidants, such as ubiquinones, are widely used in mitochondrial studies as both potential therapies and useful research tools. However, the effects of exogenous ubiquinones can be difficult to interpret because they can also be pro-oxidants or electron carriers that facilitate respiration. Recently we developed a mitochondria-targeted ubiquinone (MitoQ10) that accumulates within mitochondria. MitoQ10 has been used to prevent mitochondrial oxidative damage and to infer the involvement of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in signaling pathways. However, uncertainties remain about the mitochondrial reduction of MitoQ10, its oxidation by the respiratory chain, and its pro-oxidant potential. Therefore, we compared MitoQ analogs of varying alkyl chain lengths (MitoQn, n = 3–15) with untargeted exogenous ubiquinones. We found that MitoQ10 could not restore respiration in ubiquinone-deficient mitochondria because oxidation of MitoQ analogs by complex III was minimal. Complex II and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase reduced MitoQ analogs, and the rate depended on chain length. Because of its rapid reduction and negligible oxidation, MitoQ10 is a more effective antioxidant against lipid peroxidation, peroxynitrite and superoxide. Paradoxically, exogenous ubiquinols also autoxidize to generate superoxide, but this requires their deprotonation in the aqueous phase. Consequently, in the presence of phospholipid bilayers, the rate of autoxidation is proportional to ubiquinol hydrophilicity. Superoxide production by MitoQ10 was insufficient to damage aconitase but did lead to hydrogen peroxide production and nitric oxide consumption, both of which may affect cell signaling pathways. Our results comprehensively describe the interaction of exogenous ubiquinones with mitochondria and have implications for their rational design and use as therapies and as research tools to probe mitochondrial function.
The Dynamic Structure of Management Support Systems: Theory Development, Research Focus, and Direction

Using a systems perspective, a conceptual model is developed that encompasses a broad class of systems whose fundamental purpose is the support of managerial actions and decision making. The term management support systems (MSS) is used to label this broad class. This model is based on an extensive review of the relevant literature and available research. The result provides an integrated systems model of the phenomena involved and points to gaps in the research that arise largely from the attempts to examine various classes of MSS as separate entities. The research presented here is based on the premise that there are fundamental core consistencies or similarities among various types of systems that have evolved in the past several decades to support decision making. It presents a conceptual, theoretical model drawn from findings about various types of support systems described in the literature such as decision support systems (DSS), executive information systems (EIS), knowledge management systems (KMS), and business intelligence (BI). Pragmatic insights are provided by the conceptual model and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Dynamic Modeling of a Hybrid Energy Source Combined of PEM Fuel Cell and Ultracapacitor

Fuel cell technologies are expected to become a suitable substitution for conventional power generators and grid utility for residential applications, as they are more efficient and environmentally friendly in comparison with other conventional power generators. However, in order to provide power demand of a residential load, it may be required to over design fuel cell power module which is not economically advisable. Furthermore, due to the sluggish dynamic response of fuel cell in transient events, there will be load following problem. In such cases, it is recommended to combine fuel cell with other electrical energy storage devices to satisfy sustained load demand and transient events. While batteries have low power densities and limited lifetime in highly cyclic application, ultracapacitors can be used. An ultracapacitor (UC) bank can supply a large burst of power but cannot store much energy. By operating the FC and UC in parallel, both steady state and peak power demands can be satisfied. In this paper an improved dynamic model of Nexttrade PEM fuel cell power module is developed; in addition, it is used to design a hybrid energy source consisting of FC and UC for residential applications. The proposed dynamic model is presented in Matlab/Simulinkreg and SimPowerSystemsreg environment.
Evoked Potential Correlates of Auditory Signal Detection

A long-latency comnponent of the averaged evoked potential recorded from the human scalp varied in close relationship with subjects' perceptual reports in an auditory signal detection task. Detected signals evoked potentials several times larger than did undetected signals, falsely reported signals, or correctly reported nonsignals. The threshold signal intensity at which detection perfornmance exceeded chance levels was identical with concurrently obtained electro-physiological measures of threshold.
A heuristic look at plasmon resonances in graphene nanodisks

Plasmon resonances in graphene nanodisks were analyzed by examining plasmon modes resulted from a boundary integral equation method applied to disks of finite thickness. The main resonance modes are identified for both electric field polarizations: parallel and perpendicular to the nanodisk plane. Using physical arguments resulted from our method we show: (a) the scaling of plasmon frequency with the diameter of the nanodisk for parallel polarization, and (b) the disappearance of the plasmon mode induced by fields with perpendicular polarization in the case of infinitesimally thin disks. Numerical calculations performed with our method agree very well with results obtained using commercial programs.
The Personal Journal as a Learning and Evaluation Tool in Geology Field-Trip Courses.

Some pedagogical problems in extended geology field-trip courses are caused by a diverse student clientele, a spatial rather than thematic course organization, and an interdisciplinary course content. These problems are mitigated by the use of the “Learning Log,” an instructional tool that provides focus and continuity, and permits fair evaluation of students with dissimilar backgrounds. The Learning Log is a structured personal journal divided into five sections. The “Noting” section functions as a typical notebook, that is, as a place to record notes from lectures, discussions, and readings. In the “Relating” section, students integrate what they are experiencing on the trip with what they have learned in other courses or situations. The “Creating” section is a place for students to express themselves in ways not typically solicited in science courses, for example, poetry, drawing and photography. Students use the “Telling” section to answer examination questions and write other assignments that may be .
Association Between Long-term Exposure to Air Pollution and Biomarkers Related to Insulin Resistance, Subclinical Inflammation, and Adipokines

Insulin resistance (IR) is present long before the onset of type 2 diabetes and results not only from inherited and lifestyle factors but also likely from environmental conditions. We investigated the association between modeled long-term exposure to air pollution at residence and biomarkers related to IR, subclinical inflammation, and adipokines. Data were based on 2,944 participants of the KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region Augsburg) F4 study conducted in southern Germany (2006–2008). We analyzed associations between individual air pollution concentration estimated by land use regression and HOMA-IR, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels from fasting samples using multivariable linear regression models. Effect estimates were calculated for the whole study population and subgroups of individuals who did not have diabetes, had prediabetes, or had diabetes. Among all participants, a 7.9 μg/m3 increment in particulate matter of <10 μm was associated with higher HOMA-IR (15.6% [95% CI 4.0; 28.6]) and insulin (14.5% [3.6; 26.5]). Nitrogen dioxide was associated with HOMA-IR, glucose, insulin, and leptin. Effect estimates for individuals with prediabetes were much larger and highly statistically significant, whereas individuals who did not have diabetes or had diabetes showed rather weak associations. No association was seen for HbA1c level. Our results suggested an association between long-term exposure to air pollution and IR in the general population that was attributable mainly to individuals with prediabetes.
Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing.
Adult polycystic liver and kidney diseases are separate entities

In 22 cases of either adult polycystic liver (PLD) or polycystic kidney (APCD) disease, considered as one dominantly inherited entity, both diseases occurred together only once. Early microscopical cystic lesions that are typical of PLD were found in another case of APCD. In this medicolegal autopsy series the incidence of PLD was 0.05% and that of APCD 0.08%.