Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Donor Graft Steatosis Influences Immunity to Hepatitis C Virus and Allograft Outcome After Liver Transplantation

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is universal, often with accelerated allograft fibrosis. Donor liver steatosis is frequently encountered and often associated with poor early postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that allograft steatosis alters immune responses to HCV and self-antigens promoting allograft fibrosis. Methods. Forty-eight HCV OLT recipients (OLTr) were enrolled and classified based on amount of allograft macrovesicular steatosis at time of OLT. Group 1: no steatosis (0%–5% steatosis, n=21), group 2: mild (5%–35%, n=16), and group 3: moderate (>35%, n=11). Cells secreting interleukin (IL)-17, IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-&ggr;) in response to HCV antigens were enumerated by Enzyme Linked Immunospot Assay. Serum cytokines were measured by Luminex, antibodies to Collagen I, II, III, IV, and V by ELISA. Results. OLTr of moderate steatotic grafts had the highest incidence of advanced fibrosis in protocol 1 year post-OLT biopsy (10.8% vs. 15.8% vs. 36.6%, r=0.157, P<0.05). OLTr from groups 2 and 3 had increased HCV-specific IL-17 (P<0.05) and IL-10 (P<0.05) with reduced IFN-&ggr; (P<0.05) secreting cells when compared with group 1. This was associated with increase in serum IL-17, IL-10, IL-1&bgr;, IL-6, IL-5, and decreased IFN-&ggr;. In addition, there was development of antibodies to Collagen I, II, III and V in OLTr with increased steatosis (P<0.05). Conclusion. The results demonstrate that allograft steatosis influences post-OLT HCV-specific immune responses leading to an IL-17 T-helper response and activation of humoral immune responses to liver-associated self-antigens that may contribute to allograft fibrosis and poor outcome.
Connectivity and cladoceran species richness in a metacommunity of shallow lakes

SUMMARY 1. The shallow ponds of the nature reserve ‘De Maten’ form a metacommunity, in which individual ponds are highly interconnected via a system of overflows and rivulets. This study reports on the relations between cladoceran species richness and (a) connectivity patterns and (b) local environmental variables. 2. No relation was found between local species richness and three connectivity variables or dispersal pathways. 3. Spatial configuration was related to richness, but was confounded by environmental variables for 2 of 3 years. In those 2 years, there was a significant linear relation between Secchi disc depth and species richness, suggesting an important impact of the clearwater ⁄ turbid state alternative equilibria in shallow lakes in determining cladoceran richness. Only in the year in which environmental variables were unimportant did connectivity between the ponds influence species richness. 4. These results suggest that local environmental variables related to the clearwater ⁄ turbid state alternative equilibria in shallow lakes are important in determining cladoceran species richness. Connectivity and dispersal of individuals between the different ponds only act secondarily by increasing the general species richness within a pond through dispersal from ponds with different environmental conditions.
Invasive Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: Proposal for a New Pattern-based Classification System With Significant Clinical Implications: A Multi-institutional Study

The management of endocervical adenocarcinoma is largely based on tumor size and depth of invasion (DOI); however, DOI is difficult to measure accurately. The surgical treatment includes resection of regional lymph nodes, even though most lymph nodes are negative and lymphadenectomies can cause significant morbidity. We have investigated alternative parameters to better identify patients at risk of node metastases. Cases of invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma from 12 institutions were reviewed, and clinical/pathologic features assessed: patients’ age, tumor size, DOI, differentiation, lymph-vascular invasion, lymph node metastases, recurrences, and stage. Cases were classified according to a new pattern-based system into Pattern A (well-demarcated glands), B (early destructive stromal invasion arising from well-demarcated glands), and C (diffuse destructive invasion). In total, 352 cases (FIGO Stages I–IV) were identified. Patients’ age ranged from 20 to 83 years (mean 45), DOI ranged from 0.2 to 27 mm (mean 6.73), and lymph-vascular invasion was present in 141 cases. Forty-nine (13.9%) demonstrated lymph node metastases. Using this new system, 73 patients (20.7%) with Pattern A tumors (all Stage I) were identified. None had lymph node metastases and/or recurrences. Ninety patients (25.6%) had Pattern B tumors, of which 4 (4.4%) had positive nodes; whereas 189 (53.7%) had Pattern C tumors, of which 45 (23.8%) had metastatic nodes. The proposed classification system can spare 20.7% of patients (Pattern A) of unnecessary lymphadenectomy. Patients with Pattern B rarely present with positive nodes. An aggressive approach is justified in patients with Pattern C. This classification system is simple, easy to apply, and clinically significant.
Relationship Between Ambient Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Diseases in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

This study was undertaken to determine whether there is an association between air pollutants levels and increased number of hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Hospital admissions records for CVD and ambient air contaminant data collected from monitoring station in Kaohsiung were obtained for the period 1997–2000. The relative risk of hospital admission for CVD was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. In the single-pollutant model, on warm days (≥ 25°C) statistically significant positive associations were found between levels of particular matter of <10 μm aerodynamic diameter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). On cool days (<25°C), all pollutants except O3 were significantly associated with increased CVD admissions. For the two-pollutant model, CO and O3 were both significant in combination with each of the other four contaminants on warm days. PM10 and NO2 remained significantly associated with elevated CVD admissions on warm days. On cool days, CO and NO2 remained statistically significant in all the two-pollutant models. This study provides evidence that higher levels of ambient contaminants, particularly CO, increase the risk of increased hospital admissions for CVD.
Secondary genomic rearrangements involving immunoglobulin or MYC loci show similar prevalences in hyperdiploid and nonhyperdiploid myeloma tumors

The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) is thought to involve at least two pathways, which generate hyperdiploid (HRD) or nonhyperdiploid (NHRD) tumors, respectively. Apart from chromosome content, the two pathways are distinguished by five primary immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) rearrangements (4p16, FGFR3, and MMSET; 6p21, CCND3; 11q13, CCND1; 16q23, MAF; 20q12, MAFB) that are present mainly in NHRD tumors. To determine the prevalence and structures of IGH, immunoglobulin (IG) light chain, and MYC genomic rearrangements in MM, we have done comprehensive metaphase fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses on 48 advanced MM tumors and 47 MM cell lines. As expected, the prevalence of the five primary IGH rearrangements was nearly 70% in NHRD tumors, but only 12% in HRD tumors. However, IGH rearrangements not involving one of the five primary partners, and IG light chain rearrangements, have a similar prevalence in HRD and NHRD tumors. In addition, MYC rearrangements, which are thought to be late progression events that sometimes do not involve an IG heavy or light chain locus, also have a similar prevalence in HRD and NHRD tumors. In contrast to the primary IGH rearrangements, which usually are simple balanced translocations, these other IG rearrangements usually have complex structures, as previously described for MYC rearrangements in MM. We conclude that IG light chain and MYC rearrangements, as well as secondary IGH rearrangements, make similar contributions to the progression of both HRD and NHRD MM tumors. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of growth conditions on cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

The effect of cultural conditions on cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata was tested. C. albicans cells grown at room temperature were more hydrophobic than cells grown at 37 degrees C. No consistent pattern was observed with C. glabrata. Relative hydrophobicity was found to vary with the growth phase and growth medium for both species. The implications for pathogenesis studies are discussed.
The endocrin control of seasonal reproductive function in the ewe: a marked change in response to the negative feedback action of estradiol on luteinizing hormone secretion.

A group of 6 ewes was ovariectomized and treated sc for 20 months with Silastic capsules containing estradiol-17β. Although this treatment maintained serum estradiol concentrations relatively constant at mid-luteal levels (3–5 pg/ml), there was a dramatic seasonal variation in serum LH concentrations. Throughout anestrus, LH levels remained undetectable. At the onset of the breeding season, there was a striking increase in LH concentrations to levels which approached those in untreated ovariectomized ewes. Mean LH concentrations remained high until the beginning of the next anestrous season, when they decreased precipitously to undetectable levels where they remained until the subsequent breeding season. These biannual changes in the negative feedback action of estradiol occurred within 2–3 weeks in each ewe and coincided with the transitions between the breeding season and anestrus in intact ewes. In contrast to the biphasic annual pattern in LH secretion observed in estradiol-treated ovariectomized ewes.
Comparative Activities of Telithromycin (HMR 3647), Levofloxacin, and Other Antimicrobial Agents against Human Mycoplasmas

ABSTRACT The activities of telithromycin and levofloxacin against 99 mycoplasma strains were compared to those of several macrolides, ofloxacin, and doxycycline. Telithromycin MICs of ≤0.25 μg/ml were found for all isolates, except for Mycoplasma hominis, while levofloxacin was active at concentrations of ≤1 μg/ml against all species studied.
Experimental human endotoxemia increases cardiac regularity: results from a prospective, randomized, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether human endotoxemia is associated with a loss of the physiologic beat-to-beat variability of heart rate. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, crossover, single-blind study. SETTING Clinical research center in a federal, nonuniversity hospital. SUBJECTS Healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS Intravenous administration of reference (Escherichia coli) endotoxin or saline placebo, with or without previous administration of oral ibuprofen. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Electrocardiograms were continuously recorded and digitized using series of 1000 beat epochs of R-R intervals over 8 hrs. Analyses included measures in the time domain (standard deviation), frequency domain (power spectra), and a measure of regularity (approximate entropy). Endotoxin administration was associated with loss of variability by all measures. This loss of variability remained significant even with administration of ibuprofen, which blocked the development of fever and endotoxin-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Infusion of endotoxin into human volunteers causes loss of heart rate variability, as measured by standard deviation and power spectra, as well as an increase in heart rate regularity, as measured by approximate entropy. Changes in approximate entropy occurred earlier than changes in other heart rate variability measures and may be a useful means of detecting early sepsis. This reduction in regularity is consistent with a model in which the pathogenesis of multiple organ system dysfunction syndrome involves the physiologic uncoupling of vital organ systems.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Effects of Apology and Perspective Taking on Forgiveness

Guided by Robinson’s general belief that polite language yields trust from others, the authors examined the likelihood of apology acceptance in two cultures (Japan and the United States). Prior to reading a scenario in which they were to imagine being mistreated by their classmates, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three perspective-taking conditions: (a) recall times when they mistreated or hurt others in the past; (b) imagine how the victimized classmate would think, feel, and behave in the scenario; or (c) imagine the situation as the personal victim. Participants then read the scenario, which was followed by an elaborate apology from the classmate. Results from both cultures indicated that, compared with the participants in the control condition, the participants in the recall-self-as-wrongdoer condition were significantly more likely to accept the apology from the classmate and forgive the transgression. Expected and unexpected cultural differences also were found.
Soft-start polymerization and marginal gap formation in vitro.

PURPOSE To determine the effect of soft-start polymerization of resin-based composites on the marginal gap formation in dentin cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cylindrical cavities were prepared in dentin in extracted human molars. The cavities were distributed into 8 groups. The teeth in groups 1-4 were treated with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and restored with Z100, and the teeth in groups 5-8 were treated with OptiBond FL and restored with Herculite XRV. The restorations were light-cured for 40 s by four different curing modes. The marginal gap formation was measured in a light microscope after a 20 min water-storage, and the wall-to-wall contraction was calculated as the widest gap in percent of the cavity diameter. RESULTS Soft-start light curing did not influence wall-to-wall contraction in dentin cavities. OptiBond FL and Herculite XRV showed less wall-to-wall contraction than did Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Z100. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The soft-start polymerization procedures studied did not improve the marginal adaptation of two resin composites bonded to dentin cavities compared with conventional polymerization.
Vibrational spectrum of amorphous silicon: Experiment and computer simulation.

The dynamical structure factor S(Q,\ensuremath{\omega}) and the vibrational density of states g(\ensuremath{\omega}) for amorphous silicon have been measured by neutron scattering methods. Computer simulations of S(Q,\ensuremath{\omega}), based on a 216-atom structural model, are in substantial agreement with experiment.
Filtering reading sets for improved occupancy grid mapping

The performance of an autonomous mobile robot in acquiring a meaningful spatial model of its operating environment depends greatly on the accuracy of its perceptual capabilities. A key challenge in the field arises from handling sensor measurements and in particular the handling of measurement noise. The current prevailing approach used when attempting to deal with the problem of noisy readings is to tune the sensory model to explicitly accommodate this sensory noise. An alternative approach, however, is to consider the issue of noisy readings as a separate problem and address accordingly. In this paper such an approach is outlined. Experimental evaluation illustrate the associated improvement in map quality across a number of established paradigms.
Shock-induced mixing of a light-gas cylinder

Experiments have been carried out to quantify the mixing induced by the interaction of a weak shock wave with a cylindrical volume of a gas (helium) that is lighter than its surroundings (air). In these experiments a round laminar jet was used to produce the light-gas cylinder, and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) , utilizing a fluorescent tracer (biacetyl) mixed with the helium, was used to visualize the flow. These techniques provide a higher quality of flow visualization than that obtained in previous investigations. In addition, the PLIF technique could be used for the measurement of species concentration. The distortion of the helium cylinder produced by the passing shock wave was found to be similar to that displayed by images from previous experimental and computational investigations. The downstream displacement of several points on the boundary of the light-gas cylinder are measured and agree reasonably well with the results of earlier experimental and theoretical studies as well. Because the mixing process causes the helium originally contained within the cylinder to be dispersed into the surrounding air, the PLIF image area inside the contour at one half the maximum concentration of the fluorescent tracer decreases as the two gases mixed. The change in this area is used as a measure of the mixing rate, and it is found that the time rate of change of this area divided by the area of the initial jet is approximately -0.7 x lo3 s-l.
Ubiquity and dominance of oxygenated species in organic aerosols in anthropogenically‐influenced Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes

Organic aerosol (OA) data acquired by the Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) in 37 field campaigns were deconvolved into hydrocarbon‐like OA (HOA) and several types of oxygenated OA (OOA) components. HOA has been linked to primary combustion emissions (mainly from fossil fuel) and other primary sources such as meat cooking. OOA is ubiquitous in various atmospheric environments, on average accounting for 64%, 83% and 95% of the total OA in urban, urban downwind, and rural/remote sites, respectively. A case study analysis of a rural site shows that the OOA concentration is much greater than the advected HOA, indicating that HOA oxidation is not an important source of OOA, and that OOA increases are mainly due to SOA. Most global models lack an explicit representation of SOA which may lead to significant biases in the magnitude, spatial and temporal distributions of OA, and in aerosol hygroscopic properties.
The angiogenic “vascular endothelial growth factor/flk‐1(KDR) receptor” pathway in patients with endometrial carcinoma

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important endothelial cell mitogen associated with increased angiogenesis and aggressive tumor behavior. Its stimulating effect on endothelial cells basically is dependent on the presence of specific VEGF receptors, such as the flk‐1(KDR) receptor. This study investigates the roles of VEGF and of a functionally intact angiogenic pathway, “VEGF/flk‐1(KDR),” in patients with endometrial carcinoma and their significance in prognosis and therapy.
The effect of authentic metallic implants on the SAR distribution of the head exposed to 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz dipole near field

As the use of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) fields has increased along with increased use of wireless communication, the possible related health risks have also been widely discussed. One safety aspect is the interaction of medical implants and RF devices like mobile phones. In the literature, effects on active implants like pacemakers have been discussed but the studies of passive metallic (i.e. conductive) implants are rare. However, some studies have shown that the EM power absorption in tissues may be enhanced due to metallic implants. In this study, the effect of authentic passive metallic implants in the head region was examined. A half-wave dipole antenna was used as an exposure source and the specific absorption rate (SAR, W kg−1) in the near field was studied numerically. The idea was to model the presumably worst cases of most common implants in an accurate MRI-based phantom. As exposure frequencies GSM (900 and 1800 MHz) and UMTS (2450 MHz) regions were considered. The implants studied were skull plates, fixtures, bone plates and ear rings. The results indicate that some of the implants, under very rare exposure conditions, may cause a notable enhancement in peak mass averaged SAR.
Diurnal variation of sex hormone binding globulin and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine (1) the diurnal variation In SHBG and (2) the Inter‐relatlonshlps of Insulin, IGF‐I, SHBG and IGFBP‐1 over 24 hours In 10 women with anovulatory PCOS and compare them with weight‐matched ovulatory controls.
P Wave Dispersion in Hypertensive Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

It is important to assess the risk of developing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in hypertensive patients since hypertension is a common disorder predisposing to PAF. We sought to determine if patients with hypertension at risk of PAF can be identified while in sinus rhythm by measurements of P wave dispersion. Twelve‐lead surface electrocardiograms were recorded in 44 hypertensive patients with history of PAF (group I, mean age = 60) and in 50 hypertensive patients without history of AF (group II, mean age = 57). The maximum P wave duration, the minimum P wave duration, and P wave dispersion (Pd = Pmax ‐Pmin) were calculated from 12‐lead surface ECGs. Left atrial dimension (LAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by echocardiography. P wave dispersion was significantly greater in group I than group II (50 ± 12 vs 38 ± 8 ms, P = 0.001). P minimum (75 ± 13 vs 87 ± 11 ms, P = 0.001) and LVEF (0.63 ± 0.05 vs 0.67 ± 0.04, P = 0.03) were significantly lower in group I than group II. However P maximum and LAD were not significantly different in group I than group II (P > 0.05). In univariate analysis, P minimum, P wave dispersion, and LVEF were significant predictors of PAF, whereas only P wave dispersion remained a significant independent predictor of PAF in a multivariate analysis. Measurement of P wave dispersion in sinus rhythm may be a useful noninvasive clinical tool to identify patients with hypertension at risk of developing atrial electrical instability and atrial fibrillation.
Overland flow velocity and roughness properties in peatlands

Overland flow is an important component of peatland hydrology. Hydrological models of peatlands are being developed that require estimates of flow velocity and its controls. However, surprisingly little is known about overland flow velocities in peatlands. Some peatlands have also been drained using open ditches, and these need to be incorporated into flow models. This paper presents field data on the velocity of overland flow and drain flow in upland peatlands. The relationships between flow velocity, vegetation cover, slope, and water depth are explored. Sphagnum provided a significantly greater effective hydraulic roughness to overland flow than peatland grasses. In all cases, a significant break in process occurred for flows with water depths of around 1 cm so that there were two components of the roughness curve. This is consistent with partial submergence theory for very shallow flows where resistance increases with depth as the soil surface first becomes fully submerged. While each surface cover type should be considered separately, the results also suggest that a first‐order estimate of Darcy‐Weisbach roughness and mean velocity can be based on a single parameter for each surface cover. This paper presents an empirical overland flow velocity forecasting model that can be applied to peatlands. The model combines the partially submerged component for flows with water depths below 1 cm with the fully submerged component for flows with depths up to 5 cm, which are representative of the depths of flows that occur across peatlands.