Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AMovingMeshMethod for Kinetic / Hydrodynamic 2 Coupling 3

This paper deals with the application of a moving mesh method for kinetic/hydrodynamic coupling model in two dimensions. With some criteria, the domain is dynamically decomposed into three parts: kinetic regions where fluids are far from equilibrium, hydrodynamic regions where fluids are near thermodynamical equilibrium and buffer regions which are used as a smooth transition. Boltzmann-BGK equation is solved in kinetic regions, while Euler equations in hydrodynamic regions and both equations in buffer regions. By a well defined monitor function, our moving mesh method smoothly concentrate the mesh grids to the regions containing rapid variation of the solutions. In each step of the mesh moving, the solutions are conservatively updated to the new mesh and the cut-off function is rebuilt first to consist with the region decomposition after the mesh moving. In such a framework, the evolution of the hybrid model and the moving mesh procedure can be implemented independently, therefore keep the advantages of both. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate validation and efficiency of the method. AMS subject classifications: to be provided by author 10
Purification and characterization of an extracellular α‐glucosidase protein from Trichoderma viride which degrades a phytotoxin associated with sheath blight disease in rice

Aims: To purify and characterize an extracellular α‐glucosidase from Trichoderma viride capable of inactivating a host‐specific phytotoxin, designated RS toxin, produced by the rice sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani Kühn.
Reduced incidence and prevalence of atopy in rheumatoid arthritis. Results of a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the cumulative incidence and the point prevalence of atopy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PATIENTS AND METHODS A standardized questionnaire was sent to 300 RA patients. Questions concerned previous or present characteristics of atopy (hay fever, asthma and constitutive eczema) and RA. RA patients were matched with genetically unrelated controls (sister- or brother-in-law, neighbour or friend). The same questionnaire (except for questions about RA) was sent to the control subjects. In cases of atopy, patients, controls and the treating physicians were contacted by a physician to check the validity of the responses. RESULTS Paired responses were obtained in 173 cases. Information about atopy was obtained for 69 other RA patients. The characteristics of RA were similar for patients who responded and those who did not respond. The frequency of atopy was significantly lower in RA patients than in controls, both for cumulative incidence (RA 7.5%, controls 18.8%; P: < 0.01) and point prevalence (RA 3.5%, controls 16.2%; P: < 0.0001). The clinical manifestations of atopy stopped before the onset of RA in eight of the 17 RA patients with an allergic condition, and there was no subsequent relapse. No effect of RA treatment could account for the remission of atopy. CONCLUSION These data support the concept that atopy protects against the future development of RA and that the two diseases could counterbalance one another.
The levels of the neutrophil elastase in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women whose infants develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract Objective: To clarify the association between amniotic neutrophil elastase levels and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: The database between July 2001 and December 2012 was reviewed for women with amniocentesis on admission for amniotic fluid neutrophil elastase levels and with singleton deliveries between 22 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks of gestation. Following deliveries, placentas were examined for histologic chorioamnionitis. The peripheral blood of the neonates was analyzed for acute phase reactants. Results: Among 294 infants, no, mild, moderate or severe BPD was observed in 126, 89, 40 and 39 infants, respectively. The medians of gestational age on admission, at premature rupture of membranes and at delivery were significantly smaller in BPD (+) when compared with BPD (−) (p < 0.001). The median level of amniotic neutrophil elastase on admission was significantly greater in BPD (+) than that in BPD (−). Histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis were both detected more frequently in BPD (+) patients than in BPD (−) patients. In a logistic regression model, the only variable that affected an increased chance of BPD was the gestational age at delivery (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.92; p = 0.021). Conclusions: The level of amniotic neutrophil elastase cannot be a definitive risk factor for BPD.
S 26948

OBJECTIVE—Rosiglitazone displays powerful antidiabetes benefits but is associated with increased body weight and adipogenesis. Keeping in mind the concept of selective peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)γ modulator, the aim of this study was to characterize the properties of a new PPARγ ligand, S 26948, with special attention in body-weight gain. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used transient transfection and binding assays to characterized the binding characteristics of S 26948 and GST pull-down experiments to investigate its pattern of coactivator recruitment compared with rosiglitazone. We also assessed its adipogenic capacity in vitro using the 3T3-F442A cell line and its in vivo effects in ob/ob mice (for antidiabetes and antiobesity properties), as well as the homozygous human apolipoprotein E2 knockin mice (E2-KI) (for antiatherogenic capacity). RESULTS—S 26948 displayed pharmacological features of a high selective ligand for PPARγ with low potency in promoting adipocyte differentiation. It also displayed a different coactivator recruitment profile compared with rosiglitazone, being unable to recruit DRIP205 or PPARγ coactivator-1α. In vivo experiments showed that S 26948 was as efficient in ameliorating glucose and lipid homeostasis as rosiglitazone, but it did not increase body and white adipose tissue weights and improved lipid oxidation in liver. In addition, S 26948 represented one of the few molecules of the PPARγ ligand class able to decrease atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS—These findings establish S 26948 as a selective PPARγ ligand with distinctive coactivator recruitment and gene expression profile, reduced adipogenic effect, and improved biological responses in vivo.
Heat-Labile Enterotoxins as Adjuvants or Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae produce structurally related AB5-type heat-labile enterotoxins, which are classified into two major types. The Type I subfamily includes cholera toxin and E. coli LT-I, whereas the Type II subfamily comprises LT-IIa and LT‐IIb. In addition to their roles in microbial pathogenesis, the enterotoxins are widely and intensively studied for their exceptionally strong adjuvant and immunomodulatory activities, which are not necessarily dependent upon their abilities to elevate intracellular cAMP levels. Despite general structural similarities, these molecules, in intact or derivative form, display notable differences in their interactions with gangliosides or Toll-like receptors. This divergence results in differential immune response outcomes, the underlying mechanisms of which remain largely uncharacterized. Whereas the study of these molecules has been pivotal in understanding basic mechanisms of immune regulation, a formidable challenge is to dissociate toxicity from useful properties that can be exploited in vaccine development or for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Medicinal plant used for the treatment of skin diseases in Edo State, Nigeria

Article Type: Full Length Research Article An ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants used by the people of Umelu village, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State in the treatment of skin diseases was conducted. Information and data were collected through the use of personal interviews with healers and the local dwellers during various field trips as well as the use of relevant literature. A total of 21 indigenous plants belonging to 18 families, 21 genera and 21 species were identified and documented. The various plant habits range from trees (52.38%) which were found to be most frequently used; followed by herbs, (33.33%) and shrubs (14.29%). Notable skin diseases identified included measles, eczema, ringworm, scabies, leprosy, boil, small pox and guinea worm. Jatropha curcus L. , Carica papaya L. and Psidium guajava L. were among the different plants commonly used for the treatment of these skin diseases. Decoction, infusion, squeezing of the various plant parts was the mode of preparation while administration was majorly by topical application on affected regions of the body. Most of these plants have some bioactive and biological activities and can provide remarkable basis of information for drug industries. The knowledge of effectiveness of these plants can enhance the healthcare system of Umelu people and Edo State at large. ©2016 BluePen Journals Ltd. All rights reserved
The Spiritual Revolution: Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality

List of Plates.Preface. Introduction.1. Distinguishing Religion and Spirituality: Findings from Kendal.2. Testing the Spiritual Revolution Claim in Kendal.3. Evidence for a Spiritual Revolution: Britain and USA.4. Bringing the Sacred to Life: Explaining Secularization and Sacralization.5. Looking to the Future.Appendices. References.Index.
Measurement of skeletal muscle collagen breakdown by microdialysis

Exercise increases the synthesis of collagen in the extracellular matrix of skeletal muscle. Breakdown of skeletal muscle collagen has not yet been determined because of technical limitations. The purpose of the present study was to use local sampling to determine skeletal muscle collagen breakdown. Microdialysis fibers were tested in vitro to predict bath hydroxyproline (OHP) concentrations. We used an N‐methyl‐N‐[tert‐butyldimethyl‐silyl]trifluoroacetimide derivative to analyze OHP using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and compared the results with a colorimetric OHP assay. Ten young, healthy male subjects performed a bout of resistance exercise with one leg, followed 17–21 h later by in vivo skeletal muscle sampling by microdialysis in exercised (EX) and control (CON) legs. Microdialysis reliably predicted [OHP] in vitro (R2=0.90). Analysis with GC–MS was strongly correlated to traditional analysis methods (CON: slope=1.03, R2=0.896, and P<0.05, EX: slope=0.795, R2=0.896, and P<0.05). We conclude that in vitro, microdialysis fibers were able to measure OHP concentrations and were sensitive to changes in concentrations, a strenuous bout of exercise did not increase skeletal muscle collagen breakdown 17–21 h post‐exercise, and our measurement of OHP using GC–MS was in agreement with traditional assays.
Minimally Invasive Retroperitoneal Pancreatic Necrosectomy

Introduction: Open surgery for pancreatic necrosis is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We report the results of a recently developed minimally invasive technique that we adopted in 1998. Methods: A descriptive explanation of the approach is given together with the results of a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent a minimally invasive retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (MIRP) between August 1998 and April 2002. Patients: There were 24 patients with a median (range) age of 61 (29–75) years. The initial median (range) APACHE II score was 8 (2–21). All patients had infected pancreatic necrosis with at least 50% pancreatic necrosis. In three patients it was not possible to complete the first MIRP because of technical reasons. Results: A total of 88 procedures were performed with a median (range) of 4 (0–8) per patient. Twenty-one (88%) patients developed 36 complications during the course of their illness. Five patients required an additional open procedure: 2 for subsequent distant collections, 2 for bleeding and 1 for persisting sepsis and a distant abscess. Six (25%) patients who had MIRP died. The median (range) post-operative hospital stay was 51 (5–200) days. Conclusions: MIRP is a new technique that has shown promising results, and could be preferable to open pancreatic necrosectomy in selected patients. However, unresolved issues remain to be overcome and the exact role of MIRP in the management of pancreatic necrosis has yet to be defined.
Streptozotocin‐induced diabetes modulates action potentials and ion channel currents from the rat atrioventricular node

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether experimentally induced type 1 diabetes results in alterations to atrioventricular nodal (AVN) electrophysiology at the cellular level. Spontaneous action potentials (APs) and ionic currents were recorded from AVN myocytes isolated from the hearts of control rats and from those with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Perforated patch‐clamp recordings were used to assess changes in cellular AP parameters and in ionic currents. Type 1 diabetes significantly increased AP duration, whilst reducing AP firing rate, upstroke velocity and rate of diastolic depolarization. The diabetes‐induced changes in AP parameters were accompanied by a significant leftward shift in the zero current potential under voltage clamp, a reduction in peak L‐type Ca2+ current density and reduced amplitude of delayed rectifier and hyperpolarization‐activated currents. These findings demonstrate that experimentally induced type 1 diabetes can lead to remodelling of AVN cellular electrophysiology.
The Relationship between Quality of Sleep during Pregnancy and Birth Outcome among Primiparae

Sleep is a multidimensional, bio-behavioral process that is essential to human health and function. Sleep disturbances are a harbinger of sleep disorders if they are not recognized and treated, and they can have significant negative impacts on theparturient woman and her fetus. This study aimed to identify the relation between quality of sleep during pregnancy andbirth outcomes among primiparae. A descriptive correlation methodology was used, whereby a convenience sample of 200 parturient women in their latent phase of the first stage of laborwere selected from labor unitat El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria. Three toolswere used to collect data: Tool I - basic data structure interview schedule; Tool II - Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) interview schedule; and Tool III - pregnancy outcome assessment checklist.The resultsclarified that 52.5% and 39% of the subjects had mild and poor sleep quality, respectively.Among women with poor sleep quality, 28.2% complained of gestational hypertension, 19.2% of pre-eclampsia,24.4% of gestational diabetes mellitus and 65.5% of prolonged 1 st stage labor.Statistically significant differenceswere found between the level of sleep quality and birth outcome (P=.0.022*). It was evident that 55.1% of the study subjects with poor quality of sleep had small gestation newborns. Parturient women with poor sleep quality had greater prevalence of intra-uterine growth restriction(IUGR),fetal distress, mild and severasphyxia, meconium aspiration, and they needed resuscitation more often than those with mild and good quality of sleep, all with statistically significant differences.In conclusion, parturient women who reported mild and poor sleep quality during pregnancy were more prone to gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus and prolonged labor than those with good sleep quality. Moreover, they had the highest percentage ofintra-uterine growth restriction and small of gestational age of newborns. In light of the study results, developingpoliciesto improve health educational communication to raise awareness and promote women's health during pregnancy
Neutrophil extracellular traps capture and kill Candida albicans yeast and hyphal forms

Neutrophils phagocytose and kill microbes upon phagolysosomal fusion. Recently we found that activated neutrophils form extracellular fibres that consist of granule proteins and chromatin. These neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) degrade virulence factors and kill Gram positive and negative bacteria. Here we show for the first time that Candida albicans, a eukaryotic pathogen, induces NET‐formation and is susceptible to NET‐mediated killing. C. albicans is the predominant aetiologic agent of fungal infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. One major virulence trait of C. albicans is its ability to reversibly switch from singular budding cells to filamentous hyphae. We demonstrate that NETs kill both yeast‐form and hyphal cells, and that granule components mediate fungal killing. Taken together our data indicate that neutrophils trap and kill ascomycetous yeasts by forming NETs.
Shyness and Social Conflict Reduce Young Children's Social Helpfulness.

This study examined social influences on 3-year-old children's decisions to help an experimenter gain another person's attention (N = 32). Children were slower to help the experimenter when the target had previously expressed disinterest in attending to her. Shy children were less likely to support the experimenter's attempts to communicate with the target; however, this association was not influenced by children's knowledge of the target's disinterest, and there was no relation between shyness and children's support for a separate physical goal. Therefore, young children's decisions to act helpfully incorporate consideration for others beyond a focal person with an unmet need, and they are further constrained by children's own comfort with the actions required to help.
Evaluation of apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in chinese corn by-products for growing-finishing pigs

Twelve crossbred barrows (BW 47 ± 2.81 kg) were fitted with a T-cannula in the terminal ileum and fed one of ten diets containing corn gluten meal, dried distillers grain or dried distillers grain with solubles as the sole protein source, according to a 6 × 6 Latin Square design. Lysine, tryptophan and methionine were, the first, second and third limiting amino acids in these by-products. The ileal apparent digestibility of methionine, tyrosine, leucine and phenylalanine in corn gluten meal was high. The ileal apparent digestibility of tryptophan, tyrosine and leucine differed significantly in corn gluten meal. The ileal apparent digestibility of amino acids was higher in dried distillers grain with solubles than in dried distillers grain. To predict the ileal apparent digestibility of tryptophan, methionine and threonine linear regression equations were derived. The results suggested that processing technique can influence the ileal apparent digestibility of amino acids in corn by-products. It was concluded that the direct technique cannot accurately determine the ileal apparent digestibility of tryptophan in dried distillers grain with solubles and dried distillers grain, due to its low content. The content of an amino acid in a feedstuff used as the sole source of protein must meet the minimum requirement of pigs when the ileal apparent digestibility of constituent amino acids is determined using the direct technique.
Phase I trial of O6-benzylguanine for patients undergoing surgery for malignant glioma.

PURPOSE The major mechanism of resistance to alkylnitrosourea therapy is the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT), which removes chlorethylation or methylation damage from the O6-position of guanine. O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG) is an AGT substrate that inhibits AGT by suicide inactivation. We conducted a phase I trial to define the presurgical dose required for depletion of tumor AGT activity in patients with malignant glioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were to be treated 18 hours before craniotomy with intravenous doses that ranged between 40 and 100 mg/m2 given over 1 hour. Resected tumor was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and AGT activity analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Up to 13 patients were treated at a specific dose of O6-BG, with a target end point of > or = 11 of 13 patients with undetectable tumor AGT levels (< 10 fmol/mg protein). RESULTS Thirty patients with malignant gliomas were enrolled, with 11 of 11 patients treated at 100 mg/m2 O6-BG demonstrating tumor AGT levels less than 10 fmol/mg protein. No toxicity was noted in any patient treated. CONCLUSION These results indicate that 100 mg/m2 of O6-BG can maintain tumor AGT levels less than 10 fmol/mg protein for at least 18 hours after treatment, a time interval in which bis(2-chloroethyl)nitrosourea (BCNU)-induced chloroethyl adducts are fully converted into interstrand cross-links. A 100-mg/m2 dose of O6-BG will be used in combination with BCNU in another phase I trial designed to determine the maximal-tolerated dose of BCNU.
A magnetization‐driven gradient echo pulse sequence for the study of myocardial perfusion

A T1‐weighted imaging pulse sequence for contrast‐based studies of myocardial perfusion is presented and evaluated in phantoms and in vivo. The sequence is similar to spoiled gradient‐recalled echo equences except that nonselective preparatory RF pulses drive magnetization to steady state prior to image acquisition. Steady state is thus obtained in both tissue and blood resulting in a stable, homogeneous, and dark pre‐contrast baseline. Tip angles and timings are chosen so that pixel intensity approximates a linear relation to 1/T1. The dynamic range of signal response to contrast agent concentration is greater than that of an inversion‐recovery fast low angle shot sequence. The sequence proposed should be useful for myocardial perfusion studies.
Minimizing dilutional coagulopathy in exsanguinating hemorrhage: a computer simulation.

BACKGROUND Current massive transfusion guidelines are derived from washout equations that may not apply to bleeding trauma patients. Our aim was to analyze these guidelines using a computer simulation. METHODS A combined hemodilution and hemodynamic model of an exsanguinating patient was developed to calculate the changes in prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, and platelets with bleeding. The model was calibrated to data from 44 patients. Time intervals to subhemostatic values of each coagulation test were calculated for a range of replacement options. RESULTS Prolongation of PT is the sentinel event of dilutional coagulopathy and occurs early in the operation. The key to preventing coagulopathy is plasma infusion before PT becomes subhemostatic. The optimal replacement ratios were 2:3 for plasma and 8:10 for platelets. Concurrent transfusion of plasma with blood is another effective strategy for minimizing coagulopathy. CONCLUSION Existing protocols underestimate the dilution of clotting factors in severely bleeding patients. The model presents an innovative approach to optimizing component replacement in exsanguinating hemorrhage.
Peran Penalaran dalam Pemecahan Masalah Matematik

KTSP mengamanatkan penalaran dan Pemecahan masalah sebagai dua dari lima kompetensi yang harus dipunyai anak didik dan menegaskan agar pembelajaran matematika fokus pada pemecahan masalah. Dalam proses pemecahan masalah diperlukan setidaknya tiga komponen kognitif penting yaitu pemahaman, penalaran, dan metakognitif. Tulisan ini menyoroti apa penalaran dan bagaimana peranannya dalam proses pemecahan masalah. Obyek matematika berkarakteristik abstrak dan penalaranlah alat utama untuk memahami dan melakukan absraksi. Oleh karena itu penalaran memiliki peran sentral dalam proses pemecahan masalah. Kata kunci: Penalaran, pemecahan masalah
1.5-mW single-mode operation of wafer-fused 1550-nm VCSELs

We demonstrate 1.5-/spl mu/m waveband wafer-fused InGaAlAs-InP-AlGaAs-GaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting high single-mode power of 1.5 mW at room temperature with sidemode suppression ratio of over 30 dB and a full-width at half-maximum far field angle of 9/spl deg/. These devices have thermal resistance value below 1.5 K/mW and are emitting 0.2 mW at 70/spl deg/C. VCSELs with a wavelength span of 40-nm emission are produced from the same active cavity material, which shows the potential of realizing multiple-wavelength VCSEL arrays.