Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastric hairballs in rabbits: Significance in developmental toxicity study

We surveyed 1053 pregnant rabbits of the Kbl:NZW strain collected from 27 developmental toxicity studies to reveal the prevalence and significance of gastric hairballs. The incidence of hairballs was 2/525 (0.4%) in the control group and 17/528 (3.2%) in the high dose group. In the high dose group, 16 dams resulted in abortion or death. In addition, decreases in body weight and food consumption were more severe in dams with hairballs than in their group‐mates without hairballs.
A Sociocybernetics Data Analysis Using Causality in Tourism Networks

The aim of this paper is to propose a mathematical model to determine invariant sets, set covering, orbits and, in particular, attractors in the set of tourism variables. Analysis was carried out based on a pre-designed algorithm and applying our interpretation of chaos theory developed in the context of General Systems Theory. This article sets out the causal relationships associated with tourist flows in order to enable the formulation of appropriate strategies. Our results can be applied to numerous cases. For example, in the analysis of tourist flows, these findings can be used to determine whether the behaviour of certain groups affects that of other groups and to analyse tourist behaviour in terms of the most relevant variables. Unlike statistical analyses that merely provide information on current data, our method uses orbit analysis to forecast, if attractors are found, the behaviour of tourist variables in the immediate future. Keywords—Attractor, invariant set, orbits, tourist variables.
Expression of 5‐HT1A receptor mRNA in rat dorsal raphe nucleus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray neurons after peripheral inflammation

In the present study we observed the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A receptor mRNA in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (v1PAG) neurons, especially in 5-HT immunoreactive neurons (5-HT-IR), using in situ hybridization (ISH) and double staining with fluorescent ISH (FISH) and immunohistochemical (FIH) techniques. The findings of this study demonstrated that 5-HT1A receptor mRNA was expressed with moderate to high level in the DRN and v1PAG neurons. Following carrageenan inflammation, the expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the DRN and bilateral VIPAG neurons was significantly increased. The peak occurred at 3–8 h followed by a clear decrease at 24 h, which basically corresponded to the time-course of behavioral hyperalgesia. Moderate 5-HT1A receptor mRNA and 5-HT immunoreactive (5-HT-IR) double-labeled cells were observed in the DRN and v1PAG, suggesting that some of 5-HT1A receptors in the DRN and v1PAG may be autoreceptors. Eight hours after carrageenan injection, the number of the double labeled cells was significantly increased. These results suggest that the synthesis of 5-HT1A receptors, including autoreceptors, is increased in the DRN and v1PAG during peripheral inflammation.
Effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors and inducers on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of ospemifene

Purpose: The objectives were to determine the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes involved in the metabolism of ospemifene and its main hydroxylated metabolites and to examine the effects of CYP inhibitors and inducers on ospemifene pharmacokinetics. Methods: In vitro metabolism studies were conducted using human liver microsomes; CYP‐selective inhibitors and CYP‐specific substrates were used to determine the roles of nine CYP isoforms in ospemifene metabolism. Two Phase 1 clinical trials were conducted in healthy postmenopausal women; crossover designs examined the effects of pretreatment with the CYP modulators rifampicin, ketoconazole, fluconazole and omeprazole on ospemifene pharmacokinetics. Results: Although several CYP inhibitors decreased the in vitro formation of ospemifene metabolites, none of them completely blocked metabolism. Roles for CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 in the metabolism of ospemifene and its two main metabolites, 4‐hydroxyospemifene and 4′‐hydroxyospemifene, were confirmed. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that ospemifene serum concentrations were decreased by rifampicin pretreatment, increased by ketoconazole or fluconazole pretreatment, and minimally affected by omeprazole pretreatment. Conclusions: The clinical pharmacokinetic findings and in vitro data suggest that CYP3A4 is important for ospemifene metabolism, but other CYP isoforms and metabolic pathways also contribute. Strong CYP3A or CYP2C9 inducers (e.g. rifampicin) would be expected to decrease the exposure to ospemifene. Ospemifene should be used with caution when coadministered with the modest CYP3A inhibitor ketoconazole and should not be coadministered with the potent CYP3A/CYP2C9/CYP2C19 inhibitor fluconazole. The potent CYP2C19 inhibitor omeprazole is unlikely to cause clinically significant changes in ospemifene pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic et modélisation d'une décharge à barrière diélectrique pour le contrôle d'écoulement

Surface plasmas can modify the boundary layer of a flow along an airfoil. Several types of plasma actuators are being studied in different laboratories. In aerodynamic applications, these plasma actuators could be used to increase performance and reduce energy consumption, by controlling the transition between laminar and turbulent regimes, reducing drag, controlling lift and reducing noise. The advantages of plasma actuators are their simplicity and the possibility to electrically control the actuator, without moving mechanical pieces. In this work, we have focused on plasma actuators based on surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBDs). The goal was to develop self-consistent discharge models and simple experiments under controlled conditions to understand in detail the physics of the surface DBDs and of the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force generated in these discharges. We have shown that the EHD force in surface DBDs is of the same nature as the force associated with the "ion wind" in corona discharge. Results show that the EHD force is due to the development of ion clouds generated above the dielectric surface and drifting in the large electric field. The contribution of the current peaks associated with periodic breakdown above the surface to the EHD force is negligible. Both positive and negative ions contribute to the force: positive ions during the positive part of the cycle (when the electrode above the dielectric surface is the anode), negative ions during the negative part of the cycle (cathode above the dielectric surface). The average EHD force per unit length in a surface DBD is on the order of 50 mN/m, with an efficiency of about 0. 2 mN/W. Experiments developed in this work confirm the physical description of the surface DBD provided by the model. The trends predicted by the simulation results are in excellent agreement with available experimental results.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid hormones are involved in the regulation of basal metabolic state and in oxidative metabolism [1]. They can cause many changes in the number and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain components. This may result in the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [2,3]. Oxidative stress is a general term used to describe a state of damage caused by ROS [4]. ROS have a high reactivity potential, therefore they are toxic and can lead to oxidative damage in cellular macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA [5].
Revised Jones Criteria For The Diagnosis of Acute Rheumatic Fever (AHA 2015) - An Indian Perspective

Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is still a major problem in some developing and low middle income countries though the incidence and prevalence has remarkably reduced in North America and Europe. Ever since T. Duckett Jones in 1944 proposed the Jones criteria, it was modified and later revised by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 1992. This was reconfirmed in and AHA sponsored Work shop in 2002. No modification or change was suggested after the introduction of Doppler Echocardiography (DE) for the diagnosis of clinical and “subclinical carditis”. When a clinical diagnosis by the clinician fails to show evidence of carditis, DE ay pick up cases of “subclinical carditis”. Also previous recommendations did not include the Classification of Recommendations (Class I, II a, II b, and III) and Levels of Evidence (Levels A, B and C). Recently, however, a scientific statement from the AHA has published an update to the Jones criteria including the use of DE in the diagnosis of ARF.
A Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies on the Effect and Timing of β-Blocker Administration in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract The utility of β-blockers during an evolving ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has substantial theoretic physiological backing. This coupled with early successes using β-blockers in STEMI promulgated multiple guidelines expanding the use of this class of medication to all patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, recent studies have questioned the utility of β-blockers in the emergency department in these patients. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence behind the use of β-blockers in the emergency department for STEMI patients.
Fit indices in covariance structure modeling : Sensitivity to underparameterized model misspecification

This study evaluated the sensitivity of maximum likelihood (ML)-, generalized least squares (GLS)-, and asymptotic distribution-free (ADF)-based fit indices to model misspecification, under conditions that varied sample size and distribution. The effect of violating assumptions of asymptotic robustness theory also was examined. Standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) was the most sensitive index to models with misspecified factor covariance(s), and Tucker-Lewis Index (1973; TLI), Bollen's fit index (1989; BL89), relative noncentrality index (RNI), comparative fit index (CFI), and the MLand GLS-based gamma hat, McDonald's centrality index (1989; Me), and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) were the most sensitive indices to models with misspecified factor loadings. With ML and GLS methods, we recommend the use of SRMR, supplemented by TLI, BL89, RNI, CFI, gamma hat, Me, or RMSEA (TLI, Me, and RMSEA are less preferable at small sample sizes). With the ADF method, we recommend the use of SRMR, supplemented by TLI, BL89, RNI, or CFI. Finally, most of the ML-based fit indices outperformed those obtained from GLS and ADF and are preferable for evaluating model fit.
Heat Shock-Induced Apoptosis in Preimplantation Bovine Embryos Is a Developmentally Regulated Phenomenon1

Abstract Apoptosis is a form of cell death that can function to eliminate cells damaged by environmental stress. One stress that can compromise embryonic development is elevated temperature (i.e., heat shock). For the current studies, we hypothesized that heat shock induces apoptosis in bovine embryos in a developmentally regulated manner. Studies were performed to 1) determine whether heat shock can induce apoptosis in preimplantation embryos, 2) test whether heat-induced apoptosis is developmentally regulated, 3) evaluate whether heat shock-induced changes in caspase activity parallel patterns of apoptosis, and 4) ascertain whether exposure to a mild heat shock can protect embryos from heat-induced apoptosis. As determined by TUNEL reaction, exposure of bovine embryos ≥16 cells on Day 5 after insemination to 41 or 42°C for 9 h increased the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. In addition, there was a duration-dependent increase in the proportion of blastomeres that were apoptotic when embryos were exposed to temperatures of 40 or 41°C, which are more characteristic of temperatures experienced by heat-stressed cows. Heat shock also increased caspase activity in Day 5 embryos. However, heat shock did not induce apoptosis in 2- or 4-cell embryos, nor did it increase caspase activity in 2-cell embryos. The apoptotic response of 8- to 16-cell-stage bovine embryos to heat shock depended upon the day after insemination that heat shock occurred. When 8- to 16-cell embryos were collected on Day 3 after insemination, heat shock of 41°C for 9 h did not induce apoptosis. In contrast, when 8- to 16-cell embryos were collected on Day 4 after insemination and exposed to heat shock, there was an increase in the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. Exposure of 8- to 16-cell embryos at Day 4 to a mild heat shock of 40°C for 80 min blocked the apoptotic response to a subsequent, more-severe heat shock of 41°C for 9 h. In conclusion, apoptosis is a developmentally acquired phenomenon that occurs in embryos exposed to elevated temperature, and it can be prevented by induced thermotolerance.
Quality of life after coronary angioplasty.

OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on perceived quality of life and health-related quality of life. DESIGN One-group, pretest-posttest design. Pretest data were collected the evening before PTCA and posttest data were collected 4 to 6 weeks after PTCA. Data were collected from medical records, structured interview, and mailed questionnaire. SETTING University-affiliated, Midwestern medical center. PATIENTS Forty patients undergoing PTCA. OUTCOME MEASURES Perceived quality of life was assessed by use of the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index. Health-related quality of life was assessed in terms of cardiac symptoms, tolerance of physical activity, exercise capacity, perceived general health, return to work, and lifestyle changes. INTERVENTION PTCA. RESULTS Perceived quality of life increased significantly due to increased satisfaction with health and functioning rather than changes in other areas of life. Significant improvements were found in cardiac symptoms (decreased incidence of chest pain and frequency of cardiac symptoms), tolerance of physical activity (decrease in symptoms with activity, increase in number of blocks able to walk, and decrease in interference with recreational activities because of symptoms), treadmill tests, and perceived general health. Regarding lifestyle changes, significant numbers of subjects quit smoking and increased their frequency of exercise, but the majority reported cheating on their prescribed diets. CONCLUSIONS PTCA was found to result in significant improvements in perceived quality of life and health-related quality of life.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Resiliency-Based Preschool Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Project

The Resilient Children Making Healthy Choices (RCMHC) Project is an early childhood prevention initiative designed to promote health and social competence in young children by training their teachers in skills aimed at nurturing children's resilient development. Through a model program implemented in ten Head Start and other community-based preschool classrooms, teachers were trained in the use and integration of resiliency-based substance abuse/violence prevention strategies in their teaching practices. Analysis of outcome data from a pre-post comparison group design revealed increases in teacher interactional skills designed to enhance children's resiliency, and improvements in children's prosocial behaviors.
Isolation and Identification of Actinobacteria from Surface-Sterilized Wheat Roots

ABSTRACT This is the first report of filamentous actinobacteria isolated from surface-sterilized root tissues of healthy wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Wheat roots from a range of sites across South Australia were used as the source material for the isolation of the endophytic actinobacteria. Roots were surface-sterilized by using ethanol and sodium hypochlorite prior to the isolation of the actinobacteria. Forty-nine of these isolates were identified by using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing and found to belong to a small group of actinobacterial genera including Streptomyces, Microbispora, Micromonospora, and Nocardiodes spp. Many of the Streptomyces spp. were found to be similar, on the basis of their 16S rDNA gene sequence, to Streptomyces spp. that had been isolated from potato scabs. In particular, several isolates exhibited high 16S rDNA gene sequence homology to Streptomyces caviscabies and S. setonii. None of these isolates, nor the S. caviscabies and S. setonii type strains, were found to carry the nec1 pathogenicity-associated gene or to produce the toxin thaxtomin, indicating that they were nonpathogenic. These isolates were recovered from healthy plants over a range of geographically and temporally isolated sampling events and constitute an important plant-microbe interaction.
Identification and deconvolution of multichannel linear non-Gaussian processes using higher order statistics and inverse filter criteria

This paper is concerned with the problem of estimation and deconvolution of the matrix impulse response function of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system given only the measurements of the vector output of the system. The system is assumed to be driven by a temporally i.i. d. and spatially independent non-Gaussian vector sequence (which is not observed). An iterative, inverse filter criteria-based approach is developed using the third-order or the fourth-order normalized cumulants of the inverse filtered data at zero lag. Stationary points of the proposed cost functions are investigated. The approach is input iterative, i.e., the input sequences are extracted and removed one by one. The matrix impulse response is then obtained by cross correlating the extracted inputs with the observed outputs. Identifiability conditions are analyzed. The strong consistency of the proposed approach is also briefly discussed. Computer simulation examples are presented to illustrate the proposed approaches.
Fast Iterative Learning Control for Delay Systems: A Predictive Approach

Abstract In a previous paper (Li et al. (2005)), an iterative learning control (ILC) law, proposed for linear continuous systems with a single time delay, has the ability to drive the output tracking error to zero only after one learning iteration. The convergence result is quite attractive; however, it requires unavailable system state. The aim of this paper is to provide a predictive approach to not only reach this result, but also extend it to linear continuous systems with multiple time delays. To this end, that unavailable system state is predicted and its corresponding equivalent form is obtained, based on which new ILC laws with fully available information are determined, ensuring the zero output tracking only after one learning iteration. The numerical simulation shows that this kind of ILC design is available, and furthermore the extension of the results from systems with a single time delay to those with multiple time delays is feasible.
α‐Defensin expression during myelopoiesis: identification of cis and trans elements that regulate expression of NP‐3 in rat promyelocytes

α‐Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that contribute to innate‐immune functions of neutrophils and intestinal Paneth cells. Transcription of α‐defensin genes occurs early in neutrophilic myelopoeisis. To examine the mechanisms that regulate α‐defensin gene expression, we analyzed transcription of rat neutrophil α‐defensin NP‐3 in D4 cells, a subclone of the promyelocytic cell lne IPC‐81. Northern blot analysis showed that D4 cells express fivefold higher levels of α‐defensin mRNA than the parental cell line in a manner relatively independent of passage number. Increased levels of steady‐state mRNA in D4 cells correlated with markedly elevated peptide levels detected by immunocytochemical staining. To identify the cis‐acting DNA elements involved in tissue‐specific expression, D4 cells were transfected with luciferase reporter constructs containing NP‐3 gene 5′‐flanking sequences. Analyses of transfected D4 cells demonstrated that the proximal 87 base pair (bp) sequence contained cis‐acting DNA elements necessary for optimal promoter activity. Mutational analyses within the 87‐bp region suggested the involvement of the CAAT box and a putative polyoma enhancer‐binding protein 2/core‐binding factor (PEBP2/CBF) site in defensin gene transcription. Transient transfection analyses using tandem repeats of oligonucleotides containing these sequences demonstrated that proximity of the CAAT box and PEBP2/CBF site was important for defensin promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that PEBP2/CBF or a PEBP2/CBF‐related protein was involved in a specific protein‐DNA interaction occurring within a DNA fragment containing the CAAT and PEBP2/CBF sequences. These data identify functional trans‐ and cis‐elements that regulate rat defensin gene expression in high defensin‐expressing promyelocytic cells.
Tableau-Based Model Generation for Relational Syllogistic Logics

I present an analytic tableau system for a small fragment of natural language called RC. RC is an extension of the classical Aristotelian syllogisms (“All computer-scientists are mathematicians”) to include relations in the form of transitive verbs (“All who hate all logic programmers know some who hate all proof theoreticians”) and to permit the negation of nouns (“Some non-linguists love all set-theorists.”) This logic is big enough to be interesting, but it’s small enough that we can actually get some results. In this case, the results are that my tableau system (with an appropriate growth strategy) can be used to generate finite models for any satisfiable set of formulas from RC in a finite amount of time. And if a set is unsatisfiable, then the strategy will, in finite time, result in a closed tableau, proving its unsatisfiability. I also discuss RC-tabModG, an implementation of the tableau system in MiniKanren (a relational programming system embedded in Scheme).
Clinical significance of respiratory isolates for Mycobacterium abscessus complex from pediatric patients

Mycobacterium abscessus complex is the most virulent of rapidly growing mycobacteria causing invasive lung disease. To better delineate clinical pediatric experience and outcomes with M. abscessus complex, we retrospectively gathered 5‐year data on M. abscessus complex infection and outcomes in a large, hospital‐based pediatric pulmonary center. Patients were selected from the database of the microbiology department at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Patients had at least one positive pulmonary isolate for M. abscessus complex from February 2006 to May 2011. Treatment modality data were collected and successful therapy of disease was determined as clearance of M. abscessus complex infection after antibiotics proven by culture negative respiratory isolate within at least 12 months of therapy initiation. Two cystic fibrosis patients with M. abscessus complex were identified, one with failed therapy and the other with stable pulmonary status despite persistent isolation. One primary ciliary dyskinesia patient had successful clearance of M. abscessus complex, however is now growing M. avium intracellulare. A patient with no prior medical history was successfully treated with antimycobacterial therapy. Eleven patients with neuromuscular disorders had tracheal aspirates positive for M. abscessus complex. None were treated due to stable lung status and all but two had spontaneous clearance of the mycobacteria. The two remaining persist with sporadic isolation of M. abscessus complex without clinical significance. We concluded that patients with tracheostomy associated M. abscessus complex infections do not appear to require treatment and often have spontaneous resolution. Cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia patients may have clinical disease warranting treatment, but current antimycobacterial therapy has not proven to be completely successful. As M. abscessus complex gains prevalence, standardized guidelines for diagnosis and therapy are needed in the pediatric population. Multicenter cohort analysis is necessary to achieve such guidelines. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:470–480. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.