Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunological characterization of a recombinant 27-kilodalton antigenic protein from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

We report the expression in Escherichia coli of a 27-kDa antigenic protein from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. When analyzed by immunoblotting, this recombinant antigenic protein was recognized by antibodies present in the sera of 40 of the 44 paracoccidioidomycosis patients studied. No cross-reactions were observed with sera from patients with other mycoses (histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, sporotrichosis, and chromoblastomycosis) or with tuberculosis.
The role of perceptions and attributions for response-outcome noncontingency in learned helplessness: a commentary and discussion.

Three papers in the Journal of Personality (Oakes & Curtis, 1982; Tennen, Drum, Gillen, & Stanton, 1982; Tennen, Gillen, & Drum, 1982) report that behavioral deficits characteristic of learned helplessness occur independently of perceptions of and attributions for noncontingency. The present article discusses the problems for the cognitive mediational component of helplessness theory raised by these three papers. It is argued that while these papers do not seriously challenge helplessness theory because they fail to test adequately the central proposition of the model, they point to the theory's need for greater elaboration of the processes or mechanisms linking objective experiences, perceptions, attributions, expectations, and behavioral effects of uncontrollability. Suggestions for some of the additional mediational processes a revised helplessness theory should incorporate are offered, followed by a discussion of the role of these processes in leading to the relatively greater support found for perceptions and attributions as mediators of behavioral helplessness in natural vs. laboratory environments.
Design concept of K-DEMO for near-term implementation

A Korean fusion energy development promotion law (FEDPL) was enacted in 2007. As a following step, a conceptual design study for a steady-state Korean fusion demonstration reactor (K-DEMO) was initiated in 2012. After the thorough 0D system analysis, the parameters of the main machine characterized by the major and minor radii of 6.8 and 2.1 m, respectively, were chosen for further study. The analyses of heating and current drives were performed for the development of the plasma operation scenarios. Preliminary results on lower hybrid and neutral beam current drive are included herein. A high performance Nb3Sn-based superconducting conductor is adopted, providing a peak magnetic field approaching 16 T with the magnetic field at the plasma centre above 7 T. Pressurized water is the prominent choice for the main coolant of K-DEMO when the balance of plant development details is considered. The blanket system adopts a ceramic pebble type breeder. Considering plasma performance, a double-null divertor is the reference configuration choice of K-DEMO. For a high availability operation, K-DEMO incorporates a design with vertical maintenance. A design concept for K-DEMO is presented together with the preliminary design parameters.
Effects of a very short-term preseason training procedure on the fitness of soccer players.

AIM The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a very short-term training program on the immediate and late changes in the fitness level of young soccer players during the pre-season period. METHODS Twenty-four young (17-18 years) soccer players were randomly assigned to either an interval (9 to 5 X 1000 m) or continuous (9000 to 5000 m) training group, matched for total running distance. While the number of intervals or total distance was reduced every day, speed was increased in each session throughout the five days of both training programs. Each group performed 20 m shuttle run, 10 m sprint, 5 X 10 m run, 250 m run and vertical jump test, before (pre), immediately after (post) and 10 days after (late) completion of five successive training days during the preseason period for the upcoming soccer season. RESULTS There was a significant increase in aerobic capacity both immediately post-training and in the late test, in both training groups. We found a significantly greater reduced performance in the 250 m run immediately following training in the interval compared to the continuous training group. In addition, there was a decrease in vertical jump that was significantly greater in the interval compared to the continuous training group, both immediately post-training and in the late test. CONCLUSION Very short interval or continuous preseason training programs induce significant improvement in aerobic fitness but lead to stagnation or deterioration in anaerobic performance. Considering the opposing effects of both training modes (positive on the aerobic power but negative on the anaerobic performance), coaches should make their choices based on the relevant conditions at hand.
Nitric oxide is not permissive for cutaneous active vasodilatation in humans

The precise role of nitric oxide (NO) in cutaneous active vasodilatation in humans is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that NO is necessary to permit the action of an unknown vasodilator. Specifically, we investigated whether a low‐dose infusion of exogenous NO, in the form of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), would fully restore vasodilatation in an area of skin in which endogenous NO was inhibited during hyperthermia. This finding would suggest a ‘permissive’ role for NO in active vasodilatation. Eight subjects were instrumented with three microdialysis fibres in forearm skin. Sites were randomly assigned to (1) Site A: control site; (2) Site B: NO synthase (NOS) inhibition during established hyperthermia; or (3) Site C: NOS inhibition throughout the protocol. Red blood cell flux was measured using laser‐Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; LDF/mean arterial pressure) was normalized to maximal vasodilatation at each site. In Site B, NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) infusion during hyperthermia reduced CVC by ∼32 % (65 ± 4 % CVCmaxvs. 45 ± 4 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). Vasodilatation was not restored to pre‐NOS inhibition values in this site following low‐dose SNP infusion (55 ± 4 % CVCmaxvs. 65 ± 4 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). CVC remained significantly lower than the control site with low‐dose SNP infusion in Site C (P < 0.05). The rise in CVC with low‐dose SNP (ΔCVC) was significantly greater in Site B and Site C during hyperthermia compared to normothermia (P < 0.05). No difference in ΔCVC was observed between hyperthermia and normothermia in the control site (Site A). Thus, NO does not act permissively in cutaneous active vasodilatation in humans but may directly mediate vasodilatation and enhance the effect of an unknown active vasodilator.
Age changes in neuromuscular junctions of masseter muscle

There is little information regarding the relationship between aging and ensuing morphological changes in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of the masticatory muscle. The masseter of C57BL/6J male mice at three different ages (young adult, 6 months; mature adult, 12 months; and old, 30 months) was studied. Morphological measurements were taken from zinc iodide osmium stained NMJ. Camera lucida drawings were superimposed on a computer monitor via a video camera and traced using a digitizer. The data were treated statistically using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). No difference was found between 6 and 12 months of age, but a significant decrease in morphological parameters in NMJ from 30‐month‐old animals was found when compared with mature adult animals. Nerve terminal areas, perimeters, longitudinal extent lengths, and fiber diameters were reduced by 24%, 21%, 15.5% and 23%, respectively. Nerve terminal branches and incidence of sprouts were significantly increased in older animals. Age changes in the NMJ morphology are probably associated with altered balance between degeneration and regeneration of nerve terminals. This view is supported by increased terminal sprouting in old mice which is indicative of the plasticity or remodelling of NMJ during aging. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Association of IL-13 rs20541 and rs1295686 variants with symptomatic asthma in a Saudi Arabian population

ABSTRACT Objective: Interleukin 13 (IL-13) plays a critical pro-inflammatory role in asthma. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with asthma susceptibility in specific populations; however, further replicative studies in other ethnic groups are mandatory. Methods: The association between IL-13 SNPs rs762534, rs20541, rs1295686, and rs1800925 (risk alleles A, A, T, and A, respectively) and asthma predisposition in a Saudi Arabian cohort was examined via a case–control cross-sectional study. Results: The frequencies of alleles between asthmatics and control populations were significantly different for rs20541 and rs1295686 SNPs (p < 0.001), whereas the frequencies of genotypes between asthmatics and controls were significantly different only for rs20541. The association of the risk (minor) alleles with asthma was examined using the dominant genetic model. Individuals with at least one copy of the risk alleles A (for rs20541) and T (for rs1295686) had significantly greater odds of being asthmatic (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.39–3.26, p < 0.0001; OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.12–2.54, p = 0.008) relative to their most common homozygous genotypes. On the other hand, the minor A alleles for rs762534 and rs1800925 were not significantly associated with asthma risk. Regarding haplotype association analysis, individuals with at least one copy of the minor “risk” allele for both rs20541 and rs1295686 (CATG and CATA, respectively) had greater odds of being asthmatic relative to CGCG haplotype; however, this trend was not statistically significant (p > 0.3). Conclusions: IL-13 minor T and A alleles for rs1295686 and rs20541, respectively, were associated with significantly higher risk of asthma in the Saudi Arabian population.
Inhibition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth by RTA‐expressing baculovirus vectors containing oriP

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Activation of latent EBV into lytic replication by introducing viral lytic gene BRLF1 (RTA) has been shown to be a potential approach to suppress the growth of EBV‐associated NPC tumor.
F-Fluoride for Management of Patients with Prostate Cancer 18 PET/CT with Sodium

Published online: March 3, 2014. 2014;55:531-533. J Nucl Med. George M. Segall F-Fluoride for Management of Patients with Prostate Cancer 18 PET/CT with Sodium http://jnm.snmjournals. org/content/55/4/531 This article and updated information are available at: http://jnm.snmjournals. org/site/subscriptions/online.xhtml Information about subscriptions to JNM can be found at: http://jnm.snmjournals. org/site/misc/permission.xhtml Information about reproducing figures, tables, or other portions of this article can be found online at:
Leukocyte Telomere Length and Serum Levels of High-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Could Reflect Distinct Aspects of Longevity in Japanese Centenarians

Leukocyte telomere length and serum levels of high-molecular-weight adiponectin and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were assessed in association with nutrition and performance status (PS) in Japanese centenarians. Twenty-three centenarians (five men, 18 women) were classified according to their PS 1 (nearly fully ambulatory, n = 2), 2 (in bed less than 50% of daytime, n = 10), 3 (in bed greater than 50%, n = 6), and 4 (completely bedridden, n = 5). Leukocyte telomere length was determined by the hybridization protection assay, and the adiponectin and DHEA-S levels were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Among variables of PS, body mass index (BMI), albumin, adiponectin, DHEA-S, and telomere length, there were significant correlations between PS and albumin (r = −.694, p < .01), between telomere length and BMI (r = .522, p < .05), between adiponectin and BMI (r = −.574, p < .01), and between DHEA-S and albumin (r = .530, p < .01). When excluding two cancer-bearing centenarians with short telomere, telomere length significantly correlated with PS (r = −.632, p < .01). It was indicated that the short leukocyte telomere was associated with poor PS and cancer development and that the adiponectin or DHEA-S was associated with adiposity or nutritional status. Despite a small number of subjects, these biomarkers seemed to reflect distinct aspects of longevity in Japanese centenarians.
Integrated Metal-Frame Antenna for Smartwatch Wearable Device

A design concept of integrating the loop antenna into the front metal frame of a smartwatch Bluetooth device is introduced. The antenna was constructed from a 0.3-mm-thick, rectangular metal frame with a dimension of 5 mm × 40 mm × 50 mm, which encircled the system circuit board of the watch. A separation distance of 2 mm between the loop and the system ground plane was also set to alleviate the strong coupling between the antenna and the ground. With the signal feeding fixed in the middle of either one of the frame's longer edges and followed by shorting the loop in a proper location, the antenna can easily cover the 2.4-GHz band (2400-2485 MHz) for Bluetooth operation. The design and the results thereof are described and discussed in the article.
The potential of volunteers to implement non-pharmacological interventions to reduce agitation associated with dementia in nursing home residents

ABSTRACT Background: Advanced dementia may be accompanied by behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD stemming from pain, depression, or psychosis benefit from treatment with drugs, but in other cases, medications have limited efficacy and may elicit adverse effects. Therefore, more attention has been paid to non-pharmacological interventions, which have fewer risks and can be successful in reducing agitation and negative mood. However, these interventions are frequently not implemented in nursing homes due to staffing constraints. This study explores the potential of volunteers to further assist staff. Methods: We interviewed 18 staff members and 39 volunteers in 17 aged care facilities in southeast Melbourne, Australia. Results: Three-quarters of the facilities in this region worked with at least one regular volunteer. Both self-interest and altruistic reasons were identified as motives for volunteering. Volunteers were perceived by facility representatives as helpful to residents through provision of stimulation and company. However, they were discouraged from engaging with individuals with prominent BPSD. A majority of facility representatives and volunteers had experienced some difficulties in negotiating working relationships but most were easily resolved. A large majority of volunteers expressed an interest in learning new methods of interacting with residents. Conclusion: Despite their beneficial effects for agitated residents, non-pharmacological interventions are often not implemented in aged care facilities. Staff members often lack time but current volunteers in the sector are available, experienced, and interested in learning new methods of interacting. Volunteers therefore potentially are a valuable resource to assist with the application of new treatments.
Troponin Levels Help Predict New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Ischaemic Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Study

Background: Elevated levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) have been reported in acute stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested a hypothesis in which the result of an initial cTnI assay helps predict new-onset AF (NAF) early in the course of ischaemic stroke in patients with sinus rhythm on admission. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients admitted to our unit for acute ischaemic stroke between January 2006 and December 2007 (n = 402). NAF was defined as AF discovered during cardiac monitoring in patients with sinus rhythm on admission. Elevated cTnI was defined as a value ≧0.03 µg/l. Results: 27 (6.7%) patients had NAF. In a univariate analysis, age (70.8 in patients with NAF vs. 64.6 years in patients without NAF, respectively; p = 0.024), smoking status (3.5 vs. 25.3%; p = 0.009), total anterior circulation infarcts (18.5 vs. 5.9%; p = 0.03) and elevated cTnI levels (63.0 vs. 29.9%; p = 0.001) were associated with NAF. Stepwise logistic regression identified elevated cTnI levels (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.81–9.33; p = 0.001)and active smoking (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01–0.82; p = 0.03) as independent factors for NAF. Conclusion: Moderately elevated troponin levels in acute ischaemic stroke are independently associated with NAF.
A three-dimensional breast software phantom for mammography simulation

This paper presents a methodology for three-dimensional (3D) computer modelling of the breast, using a combination of 3D geometrical primitives and voxel matrices that can be further subjected to simulated x-ray imaging, to produce synthetic mammograms. The breast phantom is a composite model of the breast and includes the breast surface, the duct system and terminal ductal lobular units, Cooper's ligaments, the pectoral muscle, the 3D mammographic background and breast abnormalities. A second analytical x-ray matter interaction modelling module is used to generate synthetic images from monoenergetic fan beams. Mammographic images of various synthesized breast models differing in size, shape and composition were produced. A preliminary qualitative assessment performed by three radiologists and a quantitative evaluation study using fractal and grey-level histogram analysis were conducted. A comparative study of extracted features with published data has also been performed. The evaluation results indicated good correlation of characteristics between synthetic and actual radiographs. Applications foreseen are not only in the area of breast imaging experimentation but also in education and training.
Why Do Managers Avoid EPS Dilution ?

Survey and empirical evidence reveals that managers prefer to avoid earnings dilution, though financial theory suggests that it is irrelevant in firm valuation. We explore contracting and behavioral explanations for this apparent paradox. Using a large sample of debt/equity issuers, we report evidence that managers only avoid earnings dilution when their bonus compensation explicitly depends upon earnings per share (EPS) performance; we further find that this effect is increasing in the magnitude of EPS-contingent bonus compensation. Our results are robust to controlling for endogeneity in compensation contract design, behavioral explanations including clientele and investor sentiment theories, and corporate governance policies. Our findings provide new evidence on the implications of the contracting role of accounting in firm decision-making.
Reduced exercise capacity in systemic sclerosis patients without pulmonary involvement

Objective: To evaluate the exercise capacity of women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without pulmonary involvement using a cardiopulmonary stress test. Methods: Thirteen consecutive female SSc patients [mean age 40.8±14 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 25.5±3.7 kg/m2] without pulmonary and cardiac involvement and 13 healthy sedentary female controls (mean age 41.6±9.1 years, mean BMI 23.7±3.8 kg/m2) matched by age and BMI underwent a maximum cardiopulmonary stress test (Bruce protocol). The following parameters were analysed: peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and metabolic equivalent (MET) of the VO2peak. Comparisons between groups were analysed using the Student t‐test. Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC; 92.2±14.2% predicted) and carbon monoxide diffusion lung capacity (DLCO; 85.8±5.8% predicted) were within the normal range in SSc patients. VO2peak of SSc patients was significantly reduced in comparison to the control group (19.8±4.6 vs. 23.7±4.5 mL/kg/min, p = 0.04). SSc patients also had a significant reduction in MET at peak exercise (5.6±1.3 vs. 6.7±1.3 MET, p = 0.04) and a significant shorter time interval between AT and RCP compared to the control group (112.6±95.6 vs. 164.0±65.3 s, p = 0.03). Conclusion: SSc patients without pulmonary impairment have reduced exercise capacity. Abnormal vascular response to exercise may account for this finding, as the vascular system is one of the major target organs in this pathological condition.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Efficacy on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Dysfunction With a Focus on the Role of Comorbidities

We evaluated the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on metabolic/cardiovascular parameters according to weight loss, visceral fat area (VFA), and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)–insulin resistance index; we also assessed the influence of SG on comorbidities (diabetes/hypertension). At baseline and 10 to 12 months after SG, we assessed anthropometric and biochemical parameters, bioimpedentiometry, ultrasonographic VFA, liver steatosis, flow-mediated dilation, and echocardiography in 110 patients with obesity. We found that 23 (21%) patients had diabetes. Diabetic patients who normalized their glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) level experienced greater total weight loss (TWL), and the probability of normalizing HbA1C levels directly correlated with TWL. Diabetic patients experienced a greater improvement in systolic blood pressure, VFA, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than nondiabetics, while patients with hypertension experienced a greater improvement in VFA, triglycerides, HOMA, and HbA1C than nonhypertensive patients. The most important determinant of glucose control in diabetic patients was weight loss. Patients with diabetes and hypertension experienced a greater improvement in vascular and metabolic status after SG.
Evaluation of native mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and local tissue in an atrophic nonunion model.

INTRODUCTION It has been reported that cells or growth factors might improve bone regeneration in nonunion. However, the intrinsic potential of the nonunion tissue to regenerate bone is still unclear; in particular, it is not known whether there are progenitor cells within the nonunion. Thus, in this study, a clinically relevant model has been developed to investigate the nature of the cells in atrophic nonunion tissue and to assess their regenerative potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen Wistar rats underwent the procedure to induce an atrophic nonunion at the tibial midshaft by stripping the periosteum and endosteum as well as creating a small (1.0 mm) noncritical gap. The fracture was stabilized with an external fixator. The proliferation ability of bone marrow-derived cells and nonunion tissue-derived cells was determined using colony forming assays. The differentiation potential of nonunion tissue-derived cells was also investigated. RESULTS Noncritical size defect nonunions were successfully induced in all of the animals. The typical characteristics of atrophic nonunions were demonstrated by radiography, micro-CT, and histology. An atrophic nonunion stimulated a systemic response in the bone marrow with an increase in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast, cells derived from the nonunion gap were not able to form colonies. This indicated that the quiescent or inactive cells in the tissue at the atrophic nonunion gap could be induced to differentiate under osteogenic and chondrogenic conditions, but not under adipogenic conditions. Thus, these cells had the characteristics of osteochondral progenitor cells. DISCUSSION Although there was an increase in the systemic response in the atrophic nonunion model, the intrinsic potential of local tissue from the atrophic nonunion site was impaired. The cells derived from nonunion tissue could be stimulated to differentiate into bone under appropriate conditions. This suggested that there are progenitor cells in atrophic nonunion tissue, which have an intrinsic ability to regenerate bone, but the microenvironment in the atrophic nonunion site might be retarding their function. Consequently, physical or biological agents (such as growth factors or cells) are needed to reactivate the endogenous progenitor cells to make them regenerate bone in atrophic nonunions.