Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CFTR negatively regulates cyclooxygenase‐2‐PGE2 positive feedback loop in inflammation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP‐dependent anion channel mostly expressed in epithelia. Accumulating evidence suggests that CF airway epithelia are overwhelmed by excessive inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins (PGs), which eventually lead to the over‐inflammatory condition observed in CF lung disease. However, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we observed increased cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression and over‐production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in human CF bronchial epithelia cell line (CFBE41o−) with elevated NF‐κB activity compared to a wild‐type airway epithelial cell line (16HBE14o−). Moreover, we demonstrated that CFTR knockout mice had inherently higher levels of COX‐2 and NF‐κB activity, supporting the notion that lack of CFTR results in hyper‐inflammatory signaling. In addition, we identified a positive feedback loop for production of PGE2 involving PKA and transcription factor, CREB. More importantly, overexpression of wild‐type CFTR significantly suppressed COX‐2 expression in CFBE41o− cells, and wild‐type CFTR protein expression was significantly increased when 16HBE14o− cells were challenged with LPS as well as PGE2, indicating possible involvement of CFTR in negative regulation of COX‐2/PGE2. In conclusion, CFTR is a negative regulator of PGE2‐mediated inflammatory response, defect of which may result in excessive activation of NF‐κB, leading to over production of PGE2 as seen in inflammatory CF tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2759–2766, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Truncated Regression In Empirical Estimation

In this paper we illustrate the use of alternative truncated regression estimators for the general linear model. These include variations of maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and maximum entropy estimators in which the error distributions are doubly truncated. To evaluate the performance of the estimators (e.g., efficiency) for a range of sample sizes, Monte Carlo sampling experiments are performed. We then apply each estimator to a factor demand equation for wheat-by-class.
The clinical features of Sjögren's syndrome in Japanese children

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is thought to be uncommon in children. An epidemiological study to describe the clinical features distinguishing SS in Japanese children was performed by sending questionnaires to hospitals. A total of 61 cases of SS were reported from 1290 hospitals. The diagnosis of SS was based on histopathological changes and/or sialographic changes in the salivary glands. Forty‐two cases had primary SS and 19 were secondary SS with other autoimmune disorders. Fourteen cases (65%) of secondary SS were associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. In primary SS, the initial symptoms were systemic manifestations (fever, exanthema, arthralgia, etc) except for sicca symptoms. In laboratory studies, antinuclear antibodies, elevated serum IgG, rheumatoid factor, anti‐Ro/SS‐A antibodies and anti‐La/SS‐B antibodies were frequently observed.
Can venous and arterial leg ulcers be differentiated by the characteristics of the pain they produce?

AIM To explore the characteristics of venous and arterial leg ulcer pain among people cared for in the community. BACKGROUND There is little information available concerning the different characteristics of pain resulting from venous and arterial leg ulcers. The identification of clear differences in pain experience might aid recognition of arterial deterioration and provide a useful adjunct for existing diagnostic procedures. DESIGN This was a prospective interview-based survey. METHOD Structured interviews were conducted with each of the participants in their home. Ulcer history, pain (McGill pain questionnaire and verbal rating scale) and factors influencing pain were assessed. RESULTS Fifty-two women and 27 men aged 77.7 (SD 8.9) took part. Pain scores for least, average, worst and present pain varied widely, and arterial ulcers were associated with the highest average pain scores. Pain tended to be worst at night and least in the afternoon; arterial ulcers were more painful than venous ulcers on lying down. Venous leg ulcers were frequently described as throbbing, burning and itchy, while arterial ulcer pain tended to be described as sharp and hurting. CONCLUSIONS Some characteristics of pain appeared to be suggestive of the leg ulcer type. Differences were found in the words chosen to describe the pain as well as the temporal and postural aspects of arterial and venous leg ulcer pain. More research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Patients' descriptions of pain have the potential to supplement other methods of differentiating between types of leg ulcer and provide an early-warning indicator for transition from venous to arterial ulceration.
Probabilistic assessment of financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags - part II: practical implementation

The second part of this paper presents a practical implementation and application of the methodology for the stochastic assessment of the annual financial losses due to interruptions and voltage sags discussed in the first part of this paper. The costs of interruptions and voltage sags are determined separately and then combined in order to estimate the total financial losses in the network. The methodology is illustrated on a generic realistic distribution network with all relevant network components modeled appropriately. Finally, different network topologies are compared taking into account total financial losses in the network. It is shown that the inclusion of the financial losses due to voltage sags that may account for up to about 20% of the interruption costs may alter the network topology ranking.
Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Indomethacin-Induced Rat Gastric Ulcer

The restoration of functional connective tissue is a major goal of the wound healing process. The 72- and 92-kD gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are known to degrade type IV and V collagens and gelatin, and have a potential role in wound healing. The spatial and temporal gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed as a function of ulcer age, in homogenates of rat, indomethacin-induced, chronic gastric ulcers. The rats were sacrificed on 1, 3, 7, 12, 18, 24 and 28 days after subcutaneous indomethacin injections. Zymographic analyses revealed elevated activation of MMP-9 and latent and active MMP-2 in gastric ulcers, when compared to gastric tissue from non-indomethacin-treated rats. The intact tissue and tissue from ulcerous lesions contained MMP-2. The highest activity of MMP-2 was found in 3 day gastric ulcers and returned to the control level by day 24. MMP-9 was not present in the intact tissue and the highest gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 was also observed on the 3rd day after administration of indomethacin. The activity thereafter decreased and returned to the control level by day 24. In situ hybridization was used to evaluate which cells synthesize MMP-2 and MMP-9. MMP-2 was seen mostly in fibroblast-like cells in the submucosa and MMP-9 in macrophage-like cells in the mucosa on the margins of the ulcers. Thus, we conclude that these two MMPs seem to have different functions during the gastric ulcer injury/healing process. MMP-2 may participate in the physiological turnover of the gastric extracellular matrix, whereas MMP-9 may be important in the early phase of gastric ulcer formation and also in the healing process.
Snakin-2, an Antimicrobial Peptide from Potato Whose Gene Is Locally Induced by Wounding and Responds to Pathogen Infection1

The peptide snakin-2 (StSN2) has been isolated from potato (Solanum tuberosum cv Jaerla) tubers and found to be active (EC50 = 1–20 μm) against fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. It causes a rapid aggregation of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The correspondingStSN2 cDNA encodes a signal sequence followed by a 15-residue acidic sequence that precedes the mature StSN2 peptide, which is basic (isoelectric point = 9.16) and 66 amino acid residues long (molecular weight of 7,025). The StSN2gene is developmentally expressed in tubers, stems, flowers, shoot apex, and leaves, but not in roots, or stolons, and is locally up-regulated by wounding and by abscisic acid treatment. Expression of this gene is also up-regulated after infection of potato tubers with the compatible fungus Botritys cinerea and down-regulated by the virulent bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum and Erwinia chrysanthemi. These observations are congruent with the hypothesis that the StSN2 is a component of both constitutive and inducible defense barriers.
Economic diversification: Explaining the pattern of diversification in the global economy and its implications for fostering diversification in poorer countries

Economic diversification is very relevant for poorer developing countries to create jobs and foster economic development. That need has been recognised in key internationally agreed development goals. The empirical economic literature has identified several stylised facts about the pattern of diversification of economies, but the development of explanations for those patterns in general has been only loosely associated with economic theory on growth, trade, technology change and structural transformation. Making that connection is relevant because it could inform policymakers in developing countries in designing and implementing policies for promoting diversification. This paper presents a model of structural economic dynamics and endogenous technological change that is able to replicate empirical regularities related to economic diversification. The model is used to study strategies to foster diversification in poorer countries, which could help to better target action in the implementation of internationally agreed goals related to the economic diversification of these countries.
Horse metacarpal bone: age, ash content, cortical area and failure stress interrelationships.

In a study of interrelationships among the parameters of ash content, failure stress and cortical area of the horse metacarpal bone, bones from 41 horses aged 1 day to 33 years were analyzed. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in bone ash at all ages ranged from 35 to 39, 14 to 17 and . 32 to . 85%, respectively; range of calcium to phosphorus ratios was 2.1 to 2.6. There was no correlation between age and either percentage calcium or phosphorus in the ash or calcium to phosphorus ratio. Ash content of the bone reached a maximum at 4 years of age which was maintained through age 7 years, then declined. Area of the cortical portion of the bone increased sharply between 1 day and 1 year, from 4.6 + 1.2 to 6.7 + 2.4 cm2; highest values, averaging 8.8 + 1.5 cm 2, were found at 4 to 7 years of age. Failure stress values of the fresh bones increased sharply between 8 months and 1 year of age, with a maximum of 2328 kg/cm 2 reached at 4 to 7 years of age. A positive correlation was found between age and: ash content (r 2 = .57, P<.01); cortical area (r 2 = .63, P<.01); failure stress (r 2 = .51, P<.01). A lower positive correlation was found between failure stress and cortical area (r 2 = .40, P<.05), and a linear regression analysis of failure stress relative to ash content showed a positive correlation (r 2 = .58, P<.O1). Findings indicate that the metacarpal bone reaches maximum ash content, cortex area and failure stress resistance at age 4 to 7 years. (
Clinical implications of the Third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction

The definition of myocardial infarction (MI) continues to evolve as refined ECG criteria, more advanced imaging, and more sensitive and specific biomarkers are developed. The acceptance globally of a clinically practical standard definition for everyday practice would allow for better comparisons across clinical experiences and further facilitate research in this critical area. Because of the evolution of better diagnostic tools and more information about the value and limitations of previous definitions, there was a need to update the Universal Definition of MI published in 20071 and this has recently been accomplished.2 Great efforts were made by the taskforce that developed these guidelines to establish clinical criteria which correspond to the contemporary management of patients suspected of having MI. Therefore, a combination of clinical symptoms, cardiac biomarkers, and ECG changes indicative of myocardial ischaemia are central to the 2012 Third Universal Definition of MI. It stresses the importance of a careful clinical history of 20 min of ischaemic symptoms which may not be classical chest discomfort in all instances, an appreciation of the clinical setting (eg, in the critically ill), and careful interpretation of the ECG. Biomarkers are central to the diagnosis, and imaging has received more emphasis (box 1). Box 1 ### Definition of myocardial infarction (MI)
Inhibition of ovulation by administration of estetrol in combination with drospirenone or levonorgestrel: Results of a phase II dose-finding pilot study

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of different dosages of estetrol (E4) combined with one of two progestins in suppressing the pituitary–ovarian axis and ovulation in healthy premenopausal women. Methods This was an open, parallel, phase II, dose-finding, pilot study performed in healthy women aged 18 to 35 years with a documented ovulatory cycle before treatment. For three consecutive cycles in a 24/4-day regimen, participants received 5 mg or 10 mg E4/3 mg drospirenone (DRSP); 5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg E4/150 μg levonorgestrel; or 20 μg ethinylestradiol (EE)/3 mg DRSP as comparator. Pituitary–ovarian axis activity and the occurrence of ovulation were evaluated by monitoring follicular size, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol and progesterone during treatment cycles 1 and 3. Endometrial thickness was evaluated throughout the trial, and the return of ovulation was evaluated after the last intake of medication. Results A total of 109 women were included in the trial. No ovulation occurred in any treatment group. Ovarian activity inhibition seemed proportional to the E4 dosage: the highest suppression was observed in the 20 mg E4 group and was very similar to that observed with EE/DRSP. Endometrial thickness was suppressed to the same extent in all groups. Post-treatment ovulation occurred in all participants between 17 and 21 days after the last active treatment. The study combinations were well tolerated and safe. Conclusions Combined with a progestin, E4 adequately suppresses ovarian activity, particularly when given at a dosage above 10 mg/day. Chinese Abstract 摘要 目的 这项研究的目的是评估不同剂量的雌四醇联合两种孕激素中的其中一种对垂体-卵巢轴以及健康的绝经前妇女的排卵方面的抑制疗效。 方法 这是一个在18到35岁的健康女性中进行的开放的、平行的，关于II期药物剂量探索的初步研究，这些女性均有治疗前的排卵周期记录。 连续三个周期的24/4-天方案,参与者接受5毫克或10毫克的雌四醇/3毫克屈螺酮;5毫克,10毫克或20毫克的雌四醇/150 μg左炔诺孕酮;或用20 μg炔雌醇/3毫克屈螺酮作比较。 在第1和第3个治疗周期，通过监测卵泡的大小,血清促卵泡激素、黄体生成素、雌二醇和孕激素的水平对垂体-卵巢轴的活动和排卵进行评估。 对子宫内膜厚度的评估贯穿于整个试验过程中，对排卵抑制的评估在用完药物之后。 结果 总共有109名妇女参与试验。 任何一个治疗组都没有出现排卵。 对卵巢活动的抑制似乎与雌四醇的剂量成正比：最严重的抑制出现在20毫克的雌四醇组，与在炔雌醇/屈螺酮组观察到的情况非常相似。 所有组的子宫内膜厚度的抑制程度是相同的。 在最后一次积极治疗后的第17到21天之间，所有参与者均出现了治疗后的排卵。 所有的试验组合均有良好的耐受性和安全性。 结论 雌四醇联合一种雌激素能够充分的抑制卵巢活动，尤其是当雌四醇的剂量大于10毫克/天的时候。 关键词 雌四醇；雌激素；口服避孕药；排卵抑制；孕激素
Prospective Comparison of the Pneumatic Cuff and Manual Compression Methods in Diagnosing Lower Extremity Venous Reflux

Aim: To compare pneumatic cuff with manual compression in diagnosing reflux in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients (Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic [CEAP 2-5], median Venous Clinical Severity Score [VCSS 6.5]) were studied. The VenaPulse device (ACI Medical, San Marcos, California) was used for cuff inflation. The hemodynamic performance of the 2 methods was tested in the first 9 patients, while their diagnostic value was tested in the last 9 patients. Results: Both methods induced equal compression with median peak velocity of the antegrade flow (PVA) being 86 cm/s (P = .65). Coefficient of variation (CV) for PVA in the superficial veins was significantly higher with the manual method (16.8%) compared to the VenaPulse method (9.5%, P <.001), while sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 100%, and 78% (κ .68, P <.001) and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Pneumatic cuff and manual compression were shown to be equally effective in diagnosing venous reflux. Cost-effectiveness and ease-of-use studies comparing these methods are justified.
EMOTIONS AND EMPATHY: A BRIDGE BETWEEN NATURE AND SOCIETY?

For over a decade neuroscience has uncovered that appropriate decision-making in daily life decisions results from a strong interplay between cognition and covert biases produced by emotional processes. This interplay is particularly important in social contexts: lesions in the pathways supporting these processes provoke serious impairments on social behavior. One important mechanism in social contexts is empathy, fundamental for appropriate social behavior. This paper presents arguments supporting this connection between cognition and emotion, in individual as well as in social contexts. The central claim of this paper is that biologically inspired cognitive architectures ought to include these mechanisms. A taxonomy of computational models addressing emotions is presented, together with a brief survey of the research published in this area. The Prisoner Dilemma game is used as a case study exposing the trade-off between individual rationality and cooperative behavior. Experiments using a simple implementation of empathy and emotion expression, employing an Iterated Prisoner Dilemma setup, illustrate the emergence of a cooperative behavior mutually beneficial for both players.
DIURNAL VARIATIONS IN THE CONCENTRATIONS OF BLOOD ACETOACETATE, 3‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE AND GLUCOSE IN NORMAL PERSONS

The blood concentration of acetoacetate (AA), 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐HB) and glucose has been determined over a 24‐hour period in 16 normal subjects, 22–39 years old. The mean fasting concentration of AA was 29 ± 10 μmol/l (S.D.). The mean fasting concentration of 3‐HB was 38 ± 31 μmol/l (S.D.). During the evening there was a characteristic rise in the concentration of AA and 3‐HB to a peak at midnight, where mean concentration were 4 times greater than mean fasting concentration. In most of the subjects a ketone body peak was also found at 5 p.m. and in seven also at noon. In connection with the rise in blood glucose following lunch and dinner an inverse relationship was seen between the concentrations of blood ketone bodies and blood glucose. There was a considerable positive correlation between blood AA and blood 3‐HB.
Age-related differences in knee extension rate of isometric force development and vertical jumping performance in women.

AIM The purpose of this study was to compare knee extension rate of isometric force development and vertical jumping performance characteristics in young, middle-aged and elderly women. METHODS Unilateral knee extension maximal rate of isometric force development (RFD) was measured by a dynamometer. Maximal squat (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ) were performed on a force platform. Twelve young (21- to 24-year-old), 12 middle-aged (50- to 58-year-old) and 13 elderly (70- to 76-year-old) women participated. RESULTS Young women had greater (p<0.05) maximal isometric RFD as compared to older groups. No significant differences in maximal isometric RFD between middle-aged and elderly women have been found. The jumping height in SJ and CMJ was greater in young women as compared to older groups, and in middle-aged women greater as compared to elderly women. Absolute and body mass-related values of CMJ height was greater as compared to SJ height only in young women. Young women had greater jumping height relative to body mass in SJ and CMJ than the other groups. CONCLUSION The ability to develop isometric force of the knee extensor muscles rapidly did not differ significantly in middle-aged and elderly women. Middle-aged and elderly women had a reduced ability to use the potentiating effect of stretch-shortening cycle to vertical jumping performance during CMJ.
Fibrinogen gene variation and ischemic stroke

Summary. Background: Plasma fibrinogen level and fibrin clot structure are heritable traits that may be of importance in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Objectives: To investigate associations between variation in the fibrinogen gamma (FGG), alpha (FGA) and beta (FGB) genes, fibrinogen level, and ischemic stroke. Methods: The Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke comprises 600 cases and 600 matched population controls. Stroke subtypes were defined according to TOAST criteria. Plasma fibrinogen level was measured by an automated clot‐rate assay. Eight tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected to capture genetic variation in the FGA, FGG, and FGB genes. Results: Plasma fibrinogen was independently associated with overall ischemic stroke and all subtypes, both in the acute stage (P < 0.001) and at three‐month follow‐up (P < 0.05). SNPs belonged to two haplotype blocks, one containing the FGB gene and the other the FGG and FGA genes. FGB haplotypes were associated with fibrinogen level (P < 0.01), but not with ischemic stroke. In contrast, FGG/FGA haplotypes showed independent association to ischemic stroke but not to fibrinogen level. In an additive model with the most common FGG/FGA haplotype (A1) as reference, the adjusted odds ratios of ischemic stroke were 1.4 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1–1.8], P < 0.01, 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.8), P < 0.05, and 1.5 (95% CI 1.0–2.1), P < 0.05 for the A2, A3, and A4 FGG/FGA haplotypes, respectively. Conclusion: FGG/FGA haplotypes show association to ischemic stroke. This association is independent of fibrinogen level, thus suggesting that the association between ischemic stroke and variation at the FGG/FGA genes is mediated by qualitative rather than quantitative effects on fibrin(ogen).
An exploration of the application and implementation of growth mindset principles within a primary school

BACKGROUND A growth mindset is a significant factor in the motivation and achievement of learners. Previous research has shown one-off interventions do encourage growth mindset thinking but only improvements are only short-lived. A sustainable and embedded approach may therefore be the only way to engender long-term changes to an individual's mindset. AIMS This research explores the application and implementation of growth mindset approaches to teaching and learning within a primary school, aiming to identify the strengths of the application and implementation of the growth mindset principles as well as areas for improvement. SAMPLE Participants were the head teacher, five teachers, and 28 pupils at a primary school in Scotland. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with members of staff, focus groups were undertaken with the pupils, and six observations were undertaken across three different classes. The data were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. RESULTS The analysis of the data produced four overarching themes important to the implementation and application of growth mindset teaching and learning: embarking on the process; classroom culture and teaching; outside the classroom; and pupil approach to learning. CONCLUSIONS Among the strengths of the implementation was the collaborative approach that had been taken in the school and the understanding that staff had of the evidence base of growth mindset teaching and learning. Areas for development included the planning of the implementation such as the lack of a readiness assessment being undertaken.