Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant sterol or stanol esters retard lesion formation in LDL receptor-deficient mice independent of changes in serum plant sterols Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 6, 2006.

Statins do not always decrease coronary heart disease mortality, which was speculated based on increased serum plant sterols observed during statin treatment. To evaluate plant sterol atherogenicity, we fed low density lipoprotein-receptor deficient (LDLr+/−) mice for 35 weeks with Western diets (control) alone or enriched with atorvastatin or atorvastatin plus plant sterols or stanols. Atorvastatin decreased serum cholesterol by 22% and lesion area by 57%. Adding plant sterols or stanols to atorvastatin decreased serum cholesterol by 39% and 41%. Cholesterol-standardized serum plant sterol concentrations increased by 4- to 11-fold during sterol plus atorvastatin treatment versus stanol plus atorvastatin treatment. However, lesion size decreased similarly in the sterol plus atorvastatin (−99% vs. control) and the stanol plus atorvastatin (−98%) groups, with comparable serum cholesterol levels, suggesting that increased plant sterol concentrations are not atherogenic. Our second study confirms this conclusion. Compared with lesions after a 33 week atherogenic period, lesion size further increased in controls (+97%) during 12 more weeks on the diet, whereas 12 weeks with the addition of plant sterols or stanols decreased lesion size (66% and 64%). These findings indicate that in LDLr+/− mice 1) increased cholesterol-standardized serum plant sterol concentrations are not atherogenic, 2) adding plant sterols/stanols to atorvastatin further inhibits lesion formation, and 3) plant sterols/stanols inhibit the progression or even induce the regression of existing lesions.
Nanoanalytical Characterization of Breakdown Spots in Ultrathin Gate Dielectrics

The electrical properties of breakdown spots in ultrathin gate dielectrics are studied using a newly developed percolation path resistance measurement method [1]. Post-breakdown characterization of the nanometer size breakdown path shows that the breakdown path degrades rapidly during the initial stage of progressive breakdown, and exhibit Schottky-like characteristics in poly-Si/SiNxOy, poly-Si/HfO2and TiN/TaN/HfO2gate stacks. Physical and chemical analysis using transmission electron microscopy provides useful information about the nature of the breakdown induced defects. In order to better characterize the breakdown path within the gate dielectrics matrix, we propose to use ultrahigh energy resolution monochromator-based transmission electron microscopy. This technique allows us to study the chemistry and electronic structures of the percolation path itself, and the percolation path/Si substrate interface and the percolation path/gate electrode interface. The ultimate goal is to understand the materials and electrical properties, and chemistry of breakdown paths in advanced gate stack structures at atomic resolution.
Band residual difference algorithm for retrieval of SO/sub 2/ from the aura ozone monitoring instrument (OMI)

The Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on EOS/Aura offers unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution, coupled with global coverage, for space-based UV measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/). This paper describes an OMI SO/sub 2/ algorithm (the band residual difference) that uses calibrated residuals at SO/sub 2/ absorption band centers produced by the NASA operational ozone algorithm (OMTO3). By using optimum wavelengths for retrieval of SO/sub 2/, the retrieval sensitivity is improved over NASA predecessor Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) by factors of 10 to 20, depending on location. The ground footprint of OMI is eight times smaller than TOMS. These factors produce two orders of magnitude improvement in the minimum detectable mass of SO/sub 2/. Thus, the diffuse boundaries of volcanic clouds can be imaged better and the clouds can be tracked longer. More significantly, the improved sensitivity now permits daily global measurement of passive volcanic degassing of SO/sub 2/ and of heavy anthropogenic SO/sub 2/ pollution to provide new information on the relative importance of these sources for climate studies.
Role of Cannabinoids in the Development of Fatty Liver (Steatosis)

Emerging evidence suggests that cannabinoids play an important role in the modulation of fatty liver, which appears to be mediated via activation of cannabinoid receptors. Steatogenic agents such as ethanol and high-fat diet can upregulate the activity of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors via increasing synthesis of endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and anandamide. CB1 receptors can also be upregulated by obesity. CB1 receptor activation results in upregulation of lipogenic transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and its target enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1, and fatty acid synthase and concomitantly, downregulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. This leads to increased de novo fatty acid synthesis as well as decreased fatty acid oxidation, culminating into the development of fatty liver. High-fat diet, in addition to CB1 receptor activation, appears to activate CB2 receptors that may also contribute to fatty liver. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, CB2 receptor activation is associated with the development of fatty liver. Cannabis smoking can increase the severity of fatty liver in hepatitis C patients although the precise mechanism is unknown. As the mechanisms involved in endocannabinoid receptor signaling are being increasingly well understood and the biosynthetic regulatory elements elucidated, these present good opportunity for the pharmaceutical scientists to design drugs to treat liver diseases, including steatosis, based on the cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and related templates.
Potential role of p62 in tumor development

p62 is a ubiquitously expressed cellular protein conserved in metazoa but not in plants and fungi, and is known as one of the selective substrates for autophagy. This protein is localized at the autophagosome formation site and directly interacts with LC3, an autophagosome-localizing protein, and it is incorporated subsequently into the autophagosome and finally degraded. Impaired autophagy is accompanied by the accumulation of p62, followed by the formation of aggregates positive for p62 and ubiquitinated proteins because of the nature of both self-oligomerization and the ubiquitin-binding capacity of p62. The p62-positive aggregates observed in hepatocytes of liver-specific Atg7-deficient mice are completely dispersed by additional loss of p62, suggesting the involvement of p62 in the formation of disease-related inclusion bodies. Importantly, similar aggregates known as Mallory bodies and intracellular hyaline bodies have been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the pathophysiological significance of such aggregates remains unclear. Recently, we identified the role of p62-positive aggregates in human HCC and autophagy-deficient tumors in tumor development through persistent activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor responsible for stress response.
Secular Stagnation in the Open Economy

Conditions of secular stagnation - low interest rates, below target inflation, and sluggish output growth – now characterize much of the global economy. We consider a simple two-country textbook model to examine how capital markets transmit secular stagnation and to study policy externalities across countries. We find capital flows transmit recessions in a world with low interest rates and that policies that trigger current account surpluses are beggar-thy-neighbor. Monetary expansion cannot eliminate a secular stagnation and may have beggar-thy-neighbor effects, while sufficiently large fiscal interventions can eliminate a secular stagnation and carry positive externalities.
Resistance of Some Cultivated Brassicaceae to Infestations by Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Abstract Selecting insect-resistant plant varieties is a key component of integrated management programs of oligophagous pests such as diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), but rigorous research on important life history parameters of P. xylostella in relation to host plant resistance is rare. We evaluated six conventional brassicaceous species, namely, Brassica napus L. ‘Q2’, B. rapa L. , B. juncea (L.) Czern. , B. carinata L. , B. oleracea L. , and Sinapis alba L. , and two herbicide-tolerant cultivars, namely, B. napus ‘Liberty’ and B. napus ‘Conquest’ for their resistance against P. xylostella. Brassicaceae species and cultivars varied considerably in their susceptibilities as hosts for P. xylostella. Sinapis alba and B. rapa plants were highly preferred by ovipositing females and trichome density on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces had nonsignificant effects on P. xylostella oviposition. Larval survival was similar on the genotypes we tested, but host plants significantly affected larval and pupal developmental time, herbivory, pupal weight, silk weight, adult body weight, forewing area and longevity (without food) of both male and female P. xylostella. Larval and pupal development of females was fastest on B. juncea and S. alba, respectively. Specimens reared on B. napus Liberty and B. oleracea, respectively, produced the lightest female and male pupae. Defoliation by both female and male larvae was highest on B. rapa, whereas least herbivory occurred on S. alba. Females reared on S. alba were heavier and lived longer in the absence of food than their counterparts raised on other tested host plants. Brassica oleracea could not compensate for larval feeding to the level of the other species we evaluated. B. napus Conquest, B. napus Q2, B. carinata, B. rapa, and S. alba produced, respectively, 1.6-, 1.8-, 1.8-, 3.9-, and 5.5-fold heavier root systems when infested than their uninfested counterparts, suggesting that these species were better able to tolerate P. xylostella infestations.
Performance of the HarmonyTM behind-the-ear processor with the first generation of Advanced BionicsTM implant systems

Abstract Objectives When new cochlear implant (CI) sound processors are being introduced by the manufacturers, usually the newest generation implants benefit first from the new technology in order to release the full potential of the new hardware. Subsequently, for the Advanced Bionics system the Harmony behind-the-ear processor was only compatible to the newer generation implants, i.e. the CII and HiRes90K, at the time of market release. After further development of a new Digital Signal Processing code the Harmony could also support the first implant generation, the ‘C1’ (Clarion 1.0 and 1.2). This study reports on a field trial with a new sound processor designed to be used with older generation CIs from Advanced Bionics, focussing on ergonomic and performance benefits. Methods Speech perception tests (Freiburger monosyllables, HSM sentence tests) were performed at a baseline appointment with the subject's clinical processor, followed by the fitting of the Harmony. After a 1 month take-home period the tests were repeated with the Harmony. Additionally, subjective evaluation through questionnaires and a structured interview were administered after upgrading to the sound processor ‘C1 Harmony’. Adult users of Advanced Bionics C1 series CIs (n = 29) participated in this study. Results The new processor provided superior performance in many, though not all, of the speech recognition measurements. Subjective reports indicated certain practical benefits from the new processor, particularly for previous users of body-worn processors. Overall, 80% of the subjects preferred the new processor. Conclusion The positive outcomes from this trial have resulted in the decision to make the new C1 Harmony processor available to all existing users of the early C1 devices.
Effect of Non-Tradable-Share Reform in Listed Companies: An Empirical Study

Non-tradable-share structure is a big obstacle to stable and sound development of Chinese stock market. April 29th 2005 witnessed the non-tradable-share reform. The market effect of the non-tradable-share reform on Chinese stock market can be investigated with e-vent study and regression analysis. Results show that there exists a positive effect on the stock market. Non-tradable-share owners get the droid of stock circulation in the form of the consideration offering, as is favored by the medium and small investors and tradable-share owners as well. Consequently, this practice prepares for a successful reform of non-tradable shares. Along with the completion of the non-tradable-share reform, cumulative average abnormal returns of most of companies turn to be stable after a temporary downward trend. This proves that Chinese stock market has already realized quasi-strong efficiency.
Management of person with dementia with aggressive and violent behaviour: a systematic literature review.

AIM Studies indicate that physical and pharmacological restraints are still often in the frontline of aggression management in a large number of nursing homes. In the present literature review the aim was to describe, from a nursing perspective, aggressive and violent behaviour in people with dementia living in nursing home units and to find alternative approaches to the management of dementia related aggression as a substitute to physical and chemical restraints. METHODS A systematic literature review in three phases, including a content analysis of 21 articles published between 1999 and August 2009 has been conducted. RESULTS The results could be summarised in two themes: 'origins that may trigger violence' and 'activities that decrease the amount of violent behaviour'. Together, the themes showed that violence was a phenomenon that could be described as being connected to a premorbid personality and often related to the residents' personal care. It was found that if the origin of violent actions was the residents' pain, it was possible to minimise it through nursing activities. This review also indicated that an organisation in special care units for residents who exhibit aggressive and violent behaviour led to the lesser use of mechanical restraints, but also an increased use of non-mechanical techniques. CONCLUSION The optimal management of aggressive and violent actions from residents with dementia living in nursing homes was a person-centred approach to the resident. Qualitative studies focusing on violence were sparsely found, and this underlines the importance of further research in this area to elucidate how violence and aggressiveness is experienced and understood by both staff and patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE To communicate with people with dementia provides a challenge for nurses and other health caregivers. To satisfy the needs of good nursing care, an important aspect is therefore to get knowledge and understanding about aggressive and violent behaviour and its management.
Bone mineral density in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, and systemic vasculitis: relationship to disease duration, cumulative corticosteroid dose, calcium intake, and exercise.

OBJECTIVE To describe the frequency of abnormal bone mineralization in a population of children with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and systemic vasculitis; and to investigate the relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) to cumulative corticosteroid dose, disease duration, Tanner stage, calcium intake, and exercise in these patients. METHODS A retrospective chart review of children attending the pediatric rheumatology clinic at British Columbia's Children's Hospital was conducted to obtain demographic data (sex, ethnicity, disease duration, cumulative corticosteroid dose, and mean daily corticosteroid dose). All patients had at least one BMD measurement by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at lumbar spine, hip, and total body. BMD was expressed as g/cm2 and Z scores; an abnormal Z score was defined as </= -1.5. Daily calcium intake was calculated. Physical activity was scored using a validated 7 day physical activities questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 36 patients were studied. Twenty-five patients had SLE, 7 had JDM, and 4 had systemic vasculitis. Fourteen subjects were Caucasian, 13 Asian, 6 East Indian, and 3 Canadian First Nations. An abnormal Z score at one or more sites was found in 10/25 (40%) with JSLE, and in 3/11 (27%) JDM/vasculitis patients. The mean Z scores (+/- SD) for lumbar spine were -1.02 (+/- 1.2), for hip -0.88 (+/- 1.3), and for total body -0.77 (+/- 1.5). Compared to children with normal bone densities, those with lower bone density tended to be younger (13.5 +/- 2.2 vs 15.5 +/- 1.7 yrs), received higher corticosteroid dosages at the time of the study (0.78 +/- 0.6 vs 0.35 +/- 0.2 mg/kg), and were more often prepubertal (OR for total body scores 5, 95% CI 0.7-46). CONCLUSION Decreased bone density is common in children with SLE and other systemic rheumatic diseases. Age, corticosteroid dose, and pubertal stage all appear to have some influence on bone mass in these children.
Midget ganglion cells of the parafovea of the human retina: A Study by electron microscopy and serial section reconstructions

In this study we used serial section electron microscopy and three‐dimensional reconstructions to examine four midget ganglion cells of the human retina. The four cells were located in the parafoveal retina 2.5 mm or 8° from the foveal center. Both type a (with dendritic trees in distal inner plexiform layer) and type b (with dendritic trees in proximal inner plexiform layer) midget ganglion cells have been studied. These culls have dendritic trees of 7–9 μm diameter, and their complete dendritic trees in the neuropil of the inner plexiform layer can be analyzed, as well as the bipolar cell axon terminals having synaptic input, by a study of 100–150 serial ultrathin sections. Type a midget ganglion cells appear to be in a one‐to‐one relationship with fiat midget bipolar cell axon terminals ending in distal inner plexiform layer. Type b midget ganglion cells are in a one‐to‐one synaptic relationship with invaginating midget bipolar cell axon terminals in proximal inner plexiform layer. The midget bipolar cells primarily involved with the midget ganglion cells do not contact other ganglion cell dendrites. In other words, midget bipolar cells appear to be in exclusive contact with single midget ganglion cells in the human retina.
UV-induced DNA damage is an intermediate step in UV-induced expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, collagenase, c-fos, and metallothionein

UV irradiation of human and murine cells enhances the transcription of several genes. Here we report on the primary target of relevant UV absorption, on pathways leading to gene activation, and on the elements receiving the UV-induced signal in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat, in the gene coding for collagenase, and in the cellular oncogene fos. In order to induce the expression of genes. UV radiation needs to be absorbed by DNA and to cause DNA damage of the kind that cannot be repaired by cells from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum group A. UV-induced activation of the three genes is mediated by the major enhancer elements (located between nucleotide positions -105 and -79 of HIV-1, between positions -72 and -65 of the collagenase gene, and between positions -320 and -299 of fos). These elements share no apparent sequence motif and bind different trans-acting proteins; a member of the NF kappa B family binds to the HIV-1 enhancer, the heterodimer of Jun and Fos (AP-1) binds to the collagenase enhancer, and the serum response factors p67 and p62 bind to fos. DNA-binding activities of the factors recognizing the HIV-1 and collagenase enhancers are augmented in extracts from UV-treated cells. The increase in activity is due to posttranslational modification. While AP-1 resides in the nucleus and must be modulated there, NF kappa B is activated in the cytoplasm, indicating the existence of a cytoplasmic signal transduction pathway triggered by UV-induced DNA damage. In addition to activation, new synthesis of AP-1 is induced by UV radiation.
A review of correlates of physical activity of children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Understanding the factors that influence physical activity can aid the design of more effective interventions. Previous reviews of correlates of youth physical activity have produced conflicting results. METHODS A comprehensive review of correlates of physical activity was conducted, and semiquantitative results were summarized separately for children (ages 3-12) and adolescents (ages 13-18). The 108 studies evaluated 40 variables for children and 48 variables for adolescents. RESULTS About 60% of all reported associations with physical activity were statistically significant. Variables that were consistently associated with children's physical activity were sex (male), parental overweight status, physical activity preferences, intention to be active, perceived barriers (inverse), previous physical activity, healthy diet, program/facility access, and time spent outdoors. Variables that were consistently associated with adolescents' physical activity were sex (male), ethnicity (white), age (inverse), perceived activity competence, intentions, depression (inverse), previous physical activity, community sports, sensation seeking, sedentary after school and on weekends (inverse), parent support, support from others, sibling physical activity, direct help from parents, and opportunities to exercise. CONCLUSION These consistently related variables should be confirmed in prospective studies, and interventions to improve the modifiable variables should be developed and evaluated.
Relationship between sympathetic nervous system activity, baroreflex and cardiovascular effects after acute nitric oxide synthesis inhibition in humans

Objective: To examine the cardiovascular effects of acute systemic nitric oxide synthesis inhibition in humans in relation to the possible involvement of changes in sympathetic nervous system activity or in the baroreceptor reflex. Design: Placebo or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (250 mg by intravenous infusion for 5min) was administered to seven healthy male volunteers according to a random, double-blind sequence. Methods: Blood pressure and heart rate were measured non-invasively using a Finapres device from 20min before to 80min after starting infusion; beat-to-beat variability of blood pressure, pulse interval and systolic blood pressure and pulse interval covariation were assessed by means of spectral and sequence analysis methods. Under basal conditions and 15min and 60min after infusion, we measured stroke volume and indices of cardiac systolic and diastolic function by echocardiography, forearm blood flow by strain-gauge venous occlusion plethysmography, and plasma catecholamine levels. Results: Compared with placebo, administration of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine caused a transient increase in blood pressure and reduction in heart rate. Stroke volume and indices of cardiac function did not change significantly, whereas cardiac index and forearm blood flow were significantly reduced after 15min. Spectral analysis of blood pressure and pulse interval showed a significant reduction of power spectral density in the low frequencies (0.03-0.15 Hz) that persisted 60min after infusion. The plasma noradrenaline level was significantly reduced after 15min. No change in baroreflex engagement or sensitivity was detected by the cross-spectral or the sequence method. Conclusions: Acute systemic nitric oxide synthesis inhibition transiently increases blood pressure and reduces heart rate and cardiac index. The acute hypertensive response to Nc-monomethyl-L-arginine is dependent neither on sympathetic nervous system activity, which is probably reduced as a consequence of baroreceptor reflex activation, nor on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, which is not impaired.