Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronan efflux from canine lung with increased hydrostatic pressure and saline loading.

Although lymphatic washout of hyaluronan during lung hydration has been postulated to deplete lung interstitial hyaluronan content and thereby contribute to the decreased interstitial exclusion of albumin observed under these conditions, this hypothesis has not been directly tested. In anesthetized, ventilated mongrel dogs, a prenodal lung lymphatic was cannulated for measurement of lymph flow and hyaluronan concentration. Following baseline measurements, Pla was increased in four steps of 5 cm H2O in Group 1 or set to one pressure ranging between 6 and 32 cm H2O in Group 2. In Group 3, saline (15% body weight) was infused over 30 min and then Pla increased as in Group 2. Invariably, as lymph flow increased in Groups 1 through 3, lymph hyaluronan concentration and hyaluronan flux increased significantly (p < 0.05). In a separate control group, there were no changes in lymph flow, hyaluronan concentration, or hyaluronan flux. In Group 3, lung hyaluronan content at 5 h (0.76 +/- 0.08 mg/g dry weight) was not significantly less than that during baseline (0.88 +/- 0.05 mg/g dry weight), although total uronic acid content actually increased by 38% over the same time course. In contrast, in the control group, both lung hyaluronan and uronic acid content remained stable over the experimental period. From these data, approximately 2 to 3% of lung hyaluronan is predicted to leave the interstitium via lymphatic flux per day under baseline conditions. The daily turnover of interstitial hyaluronan by this route increased to 15 to 18% of total content when Pla was elevated and to 54% following saline infusion. Thus, lung hyaluronan can be rapidly mobilized with increased lymph flow. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Disentangling the Roles of History and Local Selection in Shaping Clinal Variation of Allele Frequencies and Gene Expression in Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Understanding the genetic basis of local adaptation is challenging due to the subtle balance among conflicting evolutionary forces that are involved in its establishment and maintenance. One system with which to tease apart these difficulties is clines in adaptive characters. Here we analyzed genetic and phenotypic variation in bud set, a highly heritable and adaptive trait, among 18 populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies), arrayed along a latitudinal gradient ranging from 47°N to 68°N. We confirmed that variation in bud set is strongly clinal, using a subset of five populations. Genotypes for 137 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chosen from 18 candidate genes putatively affecting bud set and 308 control SNPs chosen from 264 random genes were analyzed for patterns of genetic structure and correlation to environment. Population genetic structure was low (FST = 0.05), but latitudinal patterns were apparent among Scandinavian populations. Hence, part of the observed clinal variation should be attributable to population demography. Conditional on patterns of genetic structure, there was enrichment of SNPs within candidate genes for correlations with latitude. Twenty-nine SNPs were also outliers with respect to FST. The enrichment for clinal variation at SNPs within candidate genes (i.e., SNPs in PaGI, PaPhyP, PaPhyN, PaPRR7, and PaFTL2) indicated that local selection in the 18 populations, and/or selection in the ancestral populations from which they were recently derived, shaped the observed cline. Validation of these genes using expression studies also revealed that PaFTL2 expression is significantly associated with latitude, thereby confirming the central role played by this gene in the control of phenology in plants.
Bohl exponents for time-varying linear differential-algebraic equations∗

We study stability of linear time-varying differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). The Bohl exponent is introduced and finiteness of the Bohl exponent is characterized, the equivalence of exponential stability and a negative Bohl exponent is shown and shift properties are derived. We also show that the Bohl exponent is invariant under the set of Bohl transformations. For the class of DAEs which possess a transition matrix introduced in this paper, the Bohl exponent is exploited to characterize boundedness of solutions of a Cauchy problem and robustness of exponential stability.
Identi fi cation of Shared and Unique Serum Lipid Pro fi les in Diabetes Mellitus and Myocardial Infarction

Methods and Results-—We used shotgun mass spectrometry to determine serum levels of 255 molecular lipids in 316 controls, 171 DM, and 99 myocardial infarction (MI) events from a cohort derived from the Malm€o Diet and Cancer study. Orthogonal projections to latent structures analyses were conducted between the lipids and clinical parameters describing DM or MI. Fatty acid desaturases (FADS) and elongation of very long chain fatty acid protein 5 (ELOVL5) activities were estimated by calculating product to precursor ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids in complex lipids. FADS genotypes encoding these desaturases were then tested for association with lipid levels and ratios. Differences in the levels of lipids belonging to the phosphatidylcholine and triacylglyceride (TAG) classes contributed the most to separating DM from controls. TAGs also played a dominating role in discriminating MI from controls. Levels of C18:2 fatty acids in complex lipids were lower both in DM and MI versus controls (DM, P=0.004; MI, P=6.0E-06) at least due to an acceleration in the metabolic flux from C18:2 to C20:4 (eg, increased estimated ELOVL5: DM, P=0.02; MI, P=0.04, and combined elongase-desaturase activities: DM, P=3.0E-06; MI, P=2.0E-06). Minor allele carriers of FADS genotypes were associated with increased levels of C18:2 (P≤0.007) and lower desaturase activity (P≤0.002).
CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS): benchmark values from a clinical screening program.

OBJECTIVE The CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS) is a well-recognized standard for reporting findings at CT colonography (CTC). However, few data on benchmark values for clinical performance have been published to date, especially for screening. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline C-RADS values for CTC screening. SUBJECTS AND METHODS From 2005 to 2011, 6769 asymptomatic adults (3110 men and 3659 women) 50-79 years old (mean [± SD] age, 56.7 ± 6.1 years) were enrolled for first-time CTC screening at a single center. CTC results were prospectively classified according to C-RADS for both colorectal and extracolonic findings. C-RADS classification rates and outcomes for positive patients were analyzed. RESULTS C-RADS classification rates for colorectal evaluation were C0 (0.7%), C1 (85.0%), C2 (8.6%), C3 (5.2%), and C4 (0.6%). Overall, 14.3% of subjects were positive (C2-C4), and positive findings were more frequent among men (17.5%) than women (11.6%; p < 0.0001). Positivity also increased with age, from 13.4% of patients 50-64 years old to 21.8% of patients 65-79 years old (p < 0.0001). Regarding extracolonic evaluation, 86.6% of patients were either negative for extracolonic findings or had unimportant extracolonic findings (E1 or E2). Likely unimportant but indeterminate extracolonic findings where further workup might be indicated (E3) were found in 11.3% of patients, whereas 2.1% had likely important extracolonic findings (E4). Overall, E3 and E4 rates were increased for older (p < 0.0001) and female (p = 0.008) cohorts. CONCLUSION C-RADS results from our initial experience with CTC screening may serve as an initial benchmark for program comparison and quality assurance measures.
A survey on cancer-related nutritional information in Iranian popular magazines

Background: Due to the wide influence of public media, they become important communication channels for changing health beliefs and behaviors. One of the areas that have gained increased attention in public media is nutritional information. Cancer is one among the diseases related to nutrition. The goal of this study is to do a content analysis of the popular magazines in Iran for nutritional information related to cancer in year 2012–2013. Materials and Methods: This is an applied survey performed using content analysis method. The data gathering tool is a checklist designed by the researcher. The statistical population consisted of all of the messages printed in 173 volumes of eight most popular magazines which were selected based on their characteristics by searching the Iranian publication database using certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample size calculated using non-probability – purposive sampling was 295 messages from 96 magazine volumes. Results: Findings showed that prevention trends had the highest (86.8%) and treatment had the lowest (4.7%) frequency in the messages. Pomegranate was the most commonly mentioned preventive food, while mayonnaises were the most commonly mentioned carcinogen and tangerine was the most commonly mentioned food used for cancer treatment. Among the different types of cancer, more than half of the messages (51.2%) mentioned “cancer” as a general term. After that, breast cancer (13.2%) and prostate cancer (10.51%) were the most commonly motioned cancers and messages regarding pancreatic cancer and hormone-related cancers were the least frequent (0.3%). Conclusions: The findings of this study show that the main goal of these messages was to increase the information provided to the readers, although some doubts regarding the scientific credibility of the claims made in these messages still remain.
Three-Dimensional HAP-MIMO Channels: Modeling and Analysis of Space-Time Correlation

High-altitude platforms (HAPs) are one of the most promising alternative infrastructures for realizing next-generation high-data-rate wireless networks. This paper investigates the application of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to HAP-based systems and proposes a 3-D geometry-based single-bounce reference model for Ricean fading channels. From this model, the space-time correlation function is derived for a 3-D nonisotropic scattering environment. The statistical properties of the reference model are analytically studied in terms of various parameters such as the elevation angle of the platform, the array configuration, the Doppler spread, and the distribution of the scatterers. Using the theoretical expressions, one can easily numerically evaluate the HAP antenna interelement spacing required to achieve uncorrelated responses in the HAP-MIMO channel matrix. The proposed model provides guidelines for the system design and performance analysis of HAP-MIMO communication systems with line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) connections at the L and S frequency bands.
Bmp2 in osteoblasts of periosteum and trabecular bone links bone formation to vascularization and mesenchymal stem cells

Summary We generated a new Bmp2 conditional-knockout allele without a neo cassette that removes the Bmp2 gene from osteoblasts (Bmp2-cKOob) using the 3.6Col1a1-Cre transgenic model. Bones of Bmp2-cKOob mice are thinner, with increased brittleness. Osteoblast activity is reduced as reflected in a reduced bone formation rate and failure to differentiate to a mature mineralizing stage. Bmp2 in osteoblasts also indirectly controls angiogenesis in the periosteum and bone marrow. VegfA production is reduced in Bmp2-cKOob osteoblasts. Deletion of Bmp2 in osteoblasts also leads to defective mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which correlates with the reduced microvascular bed in the periosteum and trabecular bones. Expression of several MSC marker genes (&agr;-SMA, CD146 and Angiopoietin-1) in vivo, in vitro CFU assays and deletion of Bmp2 in vitro in &agr;-SMA+ MSCs support our conclusions. Critical roles of Bmp2 in osteoblasts and MSCs are a vital link between bone formation, vascularization and mesenchymal stem cells.
An Axonemal Dynein Particularly Important for Flagellar Movement at High Viscosity

Ciliary and flagellar axonemes contain multiple inner arm dyneins of which the functional difference is largely unknown. In this study, a Chlamydomonas mutant, ida9, lacking inner arm dynein c was isolated and shown to carry a mutation in the DHC9 dynein heavy chain gene. The cDNA sequence of DHC9 was determined, and its information was used to show that >80% of it is lost in the mutant. Electron microscopy and image analysis showed that the ida9 axoneme lacked electron density near the base of the S2 radial spoke, indicating that dynein c localizes to this site. The mutant ida9 swam only slightly slower than the wild type in normal media. However, swimming velocity was greatly reduced when medium viscosity was modestly increased. Thus, dynein c in wild type axonemes must produce a significant force when flagella are beating in viscous media. Because motility analyses in vitro have shown that dynein c is the fastest among all the inner arm dyneins, we can regard this dynein as a fast yet powerful motor.
ELECTROPHORETIC CHANGES IN THE SERUM PROTEIN PATTERNS OF PATIENTS WITH SCARLET FEVER AND RHEUMATIC FEVER.

the 59th day. The patient was selected for study to illustrate the effect of a purulent complication of scarlet fever in a non-rheumatic subject. Bacteriology. The original type of streptococcus was found in weekly nose and throat cultures to the 34th day and in the purulent sinus exudate on the 15th day. No hemolytic streptococci were found in nose and throat cultures after the 34th day.
Efficacy and safety of a phospholipid emulsion (GR270773) in Gram-negative severe sepsis: Results of a phase II multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding clinical trial

Objective:To assess the survival benefit and safety profile of low-dose (850 mg/kg) and high-dose (1350 mg/kg) phospholipid emulsion vs. placebo administered as a continuous 3-day infusion in patients with confirmed or suspected Gram-negative severe sepsis. Preclinical and ex vivo studies show that lipoproteins bind and neutralize endotoxin, and experimental animal studies demonstrate protection from septic death when lipoproteins are administered. Endotoxin neutralization correlates with the amount of phospholipid in the lipoprotein particles. Design:A three-arm, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Setting:Conducted at 235 centers worldwide between September 2004 and April 2006. Patients:A total of 1379 patients participated in the study, 598 patients received low-dose phospholipid emulsion, and 599 patients received placebo. The high-dose phospholipid emulsion arm was stopped, on the recommendation of the Independent Data Monitoring Committee, due to an increase in life-threatening serious adverse events at the fourth interim analysis and included 182 patients. Measurements and Main Results:A 28-day all-cause mortality and new-onset organ failure. There was no significant treatment benefit for low- or high-dose phospholipid emulsion vs. placebo for 28-day all-cause mortality, with rates of 25.8% (p = .329), 31.3% (p = .879), and 26.9%, respectively. The rate of new-onset organ failure was not statistically different among groups at 26.3%, 31.3%, 20.4% with low- and high-dose phospholipid emulsion, and placebo, respectively (one-sided p = .992, low vs. placebo; p = .999, high vs. placebo). Of the subjects treated, 45% had microbiologically confirmed Gram-negative infections. Maximal changes in mean hemoglobin levels were reached on day 10 (−1.04 g/dL) and day 5 (−1.36 g/dL) with low- and high-dose phospholipid emulsion, respectively, and on day 14 (−0.82 g/dL) with placebo. Conclusions:Treatment with phospholipid emulsion did not reduce 28-day all-cause mortality, or reduce the onset of new organ failure in patients with suspected or confirmed Gram-negative severe sepsis.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Survival in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization

Purpose: To evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after transarterial chemoembolization treatment. Materials and Methods: Clinical and laboratory data for 145 consecutive patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable HCC during 2001–2004 were analyzed retrospectively. The NLR was recorded before and 3 days after treatment. Results: The pretreatment mean NLR was 3.3; 59 (40.7%) patients had an elevated NLR ( 3.3). The median survival of patients with a high NLR was 8 months (range 1–28 months) compared with 12 months (range 2–41 months) for patients with a normal NLR; a significant difference was found in overall survival (log-rank test, P .001). The NLR was increased in 127 (87.6%) patients after transarterial chemoembolization and was decreased in 18 patients; the increase indicated better outcomes (log-rank test, P .006). Age ( 49 y), high NLR, decreased NLR after treatment, large tumor ( 5 cm), vascular invasion, and elevated serum -fetoprotein (AFP) level all were predictors of poor survival. Multivariate analysis showed that a high NLR (P .041) and vascular invasion (P .040) were independent factors for predicting worse survival. Conclusions: A high NLR independently predicts poor survival in patients with unresectable HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization treatment, and an increased NLR indicates a better outcome than a decreased NLR for patients after transarterial chemoembolization.
INCREASED RISK OF PRETERM DELIVERY IN AREAS WITH AIR POLLUTION FROM A PETROLEUM REFINERY PLANT IN TAIWAN

The petrochemical and petroleum industries are among the main sources of industrial air pollution in Taiwan. Data in this study concern outdoor air pollution and the health of individuals living in communities in close proximity to a petroleum refinery plant. The prevalence of delivery of preterm birth infants was significantly higher in mothers living in a petroleum refinery area compared to controls in Taiwan. After controlling for several possible confounders (including maternal age, season, marital status, maternal education, and infant sex), the adjusted odds ratio was 1.41 (95% CI = 1.08-1.82) for delivery of preterm infants in the polluted region. Data support the view that air pollution can affect the outcome of pregnancy.
Extraction of attributes for visual object recognition and DNA microarray analysis

We introduce a new model formalizing selection of features from a large dictionary of variables that can be computed from a signal or an image. Features are extracted according to an efficiency criterion, on the basis of specified classification tasks. We estimate a probability distribution P on the complete dictionary, which distributes its mass over the more efficient or informative components. The method is then tested on several problems of signal processing like face detection, handwritten digit recognition and DNA microarray analysis
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cardiac disorder associated with high rates of mortality that occurs during the peripartum period. PPCM is recognized as a distinct entity, separate from preexisting cardiomyopathies that are worsened by the stressors of pregnancy. To date, its etiology is unknown, although several theories are under investigation in an effort to provide more information regarding available treatment options. A multidisciplinary review of PPCM held by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, in conjunction with the Office of Rare Disease of the National Institutes of Health, in April 1997 reviewed the current knowledge and developed recommendations for areas of further research and education about PPCM. Since then, there have been some promising research testing hypotheses regarding the etiology of PPCM and advancements in possible treatment options. However, despite these efforts, knowledge and treatment recommendations about PPCM are still generally unchanged, whereas mortality rates remain high. This article attempts to provide an updated, comprehensive review about PPCM and draw attention to areas in need of further research.
Hycanthone-induced hepatic changes in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Fifty-four to 104 weeks after infection of female mice with cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni , hepatic hyperplasia was observed in 29% of the animals. Cessation of egg production and elimination of the worms, brought about by the administration of the schistosomicidal drug SQ 18,506 55 days after infection, resulted in a lower incidence of hepatic hyperplasias. By contrast, administration of a single dose of hycanthone, another antischistosomal drug, produced a significant increase in the incidence of hepatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, in contrast to SQ 18,506-treated controls, the appearance of hepatocellular carcinomas was observed in hycanthone-treated infected mice, even after the adult worms had been killed and the deposition of eggs had been eliminated. In uninfected mice administration of a single dose of hycanthone produced neither hepatic hyperplasia nor hepatomas. It is concluded that the hepatic hyperplasia, induced by the deposition of schistosome eggs in the liver and enhanced by hycanthone, is a predisposing factor for a hepatocarcinogenic effect of this drug.
Common Therapeutic Factors in Bereavement Groups

Group therapy remains a popular treatment format for individuals experiencing bereavement. Although many innovative group treatments for grief are being developed, common therapeutic factors can also contribute to outcomes. The author integrates research on group therapy processes and treatment for grief, and examines evidence regarding group therapeutic factors that may influence bereavement group outcomes. Specifically, research on therapeutic factors related to sharing and support, interpersonal learning, and meaning-making is highlighted where it has relevance to bereavement groups. Potential research examining the interactions of these processes, their effects on group functioning and outcomes, and the moderators of these effects are discussed.
Aromatic hydroxylation of estrogens.

The metabolism of an endogenous steroid hormone has traditionally been viewed as a means of terminating its activity and facilitating its excretion. In recent years, however, examples have accumulated (18,50,76) in which such biotransformations have been shown to have activating rather than inactivating functions, placing the role of metabolism in the expression of hormonal action into a new context. The mammalian metabolism of the female sex hormone is almost exclusively oxidative in nature and is domi­ nated by three pathways, of which the largest and fastest is the oxidation of the 17 ,B-hydroxy function to the 17 ketone (23). This process in revers­ ible, but the equilibrium greatly favors the oxidized estrone form, which is the principal substrate for the other two main oxidative transformations, hydroxylation at the C-2 or C-16a positions of the molecule. The 16a-hydroxylative pathway, whose most noted product is estriol, was rec­ ognized early (59), but the hydroxylation at the C-2 position of the aromatic ring has been detected only relatively recently (52). This biotransformation of estrogens and the even more recently discovered hydroxylation at the isomeric C-4 position (83) have attracted much interest and have generated a substantial literature. The nature of these transformations and the biologi­ cal properties of their polyphenolic products, the catechol estrogens, are reviewed in this chapter. This review is selective. The reader seeking more detailed information is directed to an exhaustive survey of the field (6), which covers the available information through 1979.