Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kupffer cells generate superoxide anions and modulate reperfusion injury in rat livers after cold preservation

This study was designed to determine the source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and whether Kupffer cells modulate the injury of perfused rat liver after cold preservation. The livers of male Lewis rats pretreated with schizophyllan glucan (SPG) (10 mg/kg, SPG group) or gadolinium chloride (5 mg/kg; Gd group) and untreated rats (control group) were preserved in University of Wisconsin solution for 0, 12, and 24 hours at 4 degrees C and then perfused for 60 minutes with oxygenated Krebs‐Henseleit bicarbonate buffer. Real‐time chemiluminescence (CL) of the liver during perfusion was measured using a sensitive photomultiplier, and reperfusion injury was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase release. CL intensity reached a peak within 5 minutes of reperfusion, and superoxide dismutase completely inhibited this CL in all groups. In the control group, the total CL intensity was high after 24 hours of preservation. It significantly (P < .05 vs. control group) increased in the SPG group, while it decreased in the Gd group after 12 and 24 hours of preservation. The total CL intensity decreased by 70% (when diphenyliodonium chloride (100 micromol/L; an NADPH oxidase inhibitor) was added to the perfusate before preservation of untreated rats. Lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase release significantly (P < .05) deteriorated in the SPG group, while they ameliorated in the Gd group after 24 hours of preservation. These results demonstrate that Kupffer cells primarily generate superoxide anions and modulate the organ injury in the initial phase of reperfusion after cold preservation.
High resolution crystallographic studies of α‐hemolysin–phospholipid complexes define heptamer–lipid head group interactions: Implication for understanding protein–lipid interactions

The α‐hemolysin is an archetypal pore‐forming protein that is secreted from Staphylococcus aureus as a water‐soluble monomer. When the monomer binds to the membrane of a susceptible cell, the membrane‐bound molecules assemble into the lytic heptamer. Although a bilayer or a bilayer‐like environment are essential to toxin assembly, there is no high resolution information on toxin–phospholipid complexes. We have determined the structures of detergent‐solubilized α‐hemolysin heptamer bound to glycerophospho‐choline or dipropanoyl glycerophosphocholine at 1.75–1.80 Å resolution and 110 K. The phosphocholine head group binds to each subunit in a crevice between the rim and the stem domains. The quaternary ammonium group interacts primarily with aromatic residues, whereas the phosphodiester moiety interacts with a conserved arginine residue. These structures provide a molecular basis for understanding why α‐hemolysin preferentially assembles on membranes comprised of phosphocholine lipids.
Observational constraints on the physics behind the evolution of active galactic nuclei since z∼ 1

We explore the evolution with redshift of the rest-frame colours and space densities of active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosts (relative to normal galaxies) to shed light on the dominant mechanism that triggers accretion on to supermassive black holes as a function of cosmic time. Data from serendipitous wide-area XMM surveys of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) footprint (XMM/SDSS; Needles in the Haystack Survey) are combined with Chandra deep observations in the All-wavelength Extended Groth Strip International Survey (AEGIS), GOODS-North and GOODS-South to compile uniformly selected samples of moderate-luminosity X-ray AGN [LX(2–10 keV) = 1041–1044 erg s−1] at redshifts 0.1, 0.3 and 0.8. It is found that the fraction of AGN hosted by red versus blue galaxies does not change with redshift. Also, the X-ray luminosity density associated with either red or blue AGN hosts remains nearly constant since z= 0.8. X-ray AGN represent a roughly fixed fraction of the space density of galaxies of given optical luminosity at all redshifts probed by our samples. In contrast the fraction of X-ray AGN among galaxies of a given stellar mass decreases with decreasing redshift. These findings suggest that the same process or combination of processes for fuelling supermassive black holes is in operation in the last 5 Gyr of cosmic time. The data are consistent with a picture in which the drop of the accretion power during that period (1 dex since z= 0.8) is related to the decline of the space density of available AGN hosts, as a result of the evolution of the specific star formation rate of the overall galaxy population. Scenarios which attribute the evolution of moderate-luminosity AGN since z≈ 1 to changes in the suppermassive black hole accretion mode are not favoured by our results.
Serum folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine in major depressive disorder, Part 1: predictors of clinical response in fluoxetine-resistant depression.

OBJECTIVE In the present study, we assessed the relationship between serum folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine levels and clinical response in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who had previously failed to respond to open treatment with fluoxetine 20 mg/day and were enrolled in a 4-week, double-blind trial of either (1) fluoxetine dose increase, (2) lithium augmentation of fluoxetine, or (3) desipramine augmentation of fluoxetine. METHOD Fifty-five outpatients (mean +/- SD age = 41.7 +/- 10.6 years; 50.9% women) with MDD as assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R who were enrolled in the double-blind trial had serum folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine measurements completed at baseline (prior to fluoxetine treatment initiation). Folate levels were classified as either low (< or = 2.5 ng/mL) or normal. Vitamin B12 levels were classified as either low (< or = 200 pg/mL) or normal. Homocysteine levels were classified as either elevated (> or = 13.2 micromol/L) or normal. With the use of a logistic regression, we then assessed the relationship between (1) low or normal folate levels, (2) normal or low B12 levels, and (3) elevated or normal homocysteine levels and clinical response to double-blind treatment. The study was conducted from November 1992 to January 1999. RESULTS Low serum folate levels (chi2=3.626, p =.04), but not elevated homocysteine (p >.05) or low vitamin B12 levels (p >.05), were associated with poorer response to treatment. The response rates for patients with (N = 14) and without (N = 38) low folate levels were 7.1% versus 44.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION Low serum folate levels were found to be associated with further treatment resistance among patients with fluoxetine-resistant MDD.
Improving Automatic English Writing Assessment Using Regression Trees and Error-Weighting

The proposed automated scoring system for English writing tests provides an assessment result including a score and diagnostic feedback to test-takers without human's efforts. The system analyzes an input sentence and detects errors related to spelling, syntax and content similarity. The scoring model has adopted one of the statistical approaches, a regression tree. A scoring model in general calculates a score based on the count and the types of automatically detected errors. Accordingly, a system with higher accuracy in detecting errors raises the accuracy in scoring a test. The accuracy of the system, however, cannot be fully guaranteed for several reasons, such as parsing failure, incompleteness of knowledge bases, and ambiguous nature of natural language. In this paper, we introduce an error-weighting technique, which is similar to term-weighting widely used in information retrieval. The error-weighting technique is applied to judge reliability of the errors detected by the system. The score calculated with the technique is proven to be more accurate than the score without it.
The effect of socio–demographic factors on the utilization of maternal health care services in Uganda

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of demographic and socio-economic factors on the utilization of maternal health care services using the 2006 Uganda Demographic Health Survey. Three measures of maternal health care services are examined, namely visits to antenatal clinic, tetanus toxoid injection and place of delivery. Using binary logistic regression model, we found that urban women are more likely than their rural counterparts to use antenatal care services, receive tetanus toxoid injection and deliver their babies in public health facilities. The same positive association was observed between a woman’s educational attainment and visit to antenatal care clinic, place of delivery and tetanus toxoid injection. The policy implications of general socio-economic empowerment of women are discussed.
Dilatation of the Virchow-Robin space is a sensitive indicator of cerebral microvascular disease: study in elderly patients with dementia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Virchow-Robin spaces (VRSs) are CSF spaces that accompany blood vessels as they perforate the brain substance. Dilatation of VRS is associated with microangiopathy. Microvascular disease has a major etiologic and pathogenetic role in dementias. To our knowledge, no investigators have looked at the relationship between dilated VRS on MR imaging and cerebral microvascular disease. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that dilatation of VRS is associated with subcortical vascular dementia. METHODS We recruited 75 patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 35), ischemic vascular dementia (n = 24), or frontotemporal dementia (n = 16) and 35 healthy volunteers. We assessed deep white matter and periventricular hyperintensities and the severity of VRS dilatation, as scored on MR images. Statistical group comparisons and multiple regression analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between imaging features and diagnoses. RESULTS White matter lesions were more common in patients with ischemic vascular dementia than in those with Alzheimer's disease or healthy volunteers (P < .01). VRS scores were significantly higher in patients with vascular dementia than in patients with AD (P < .001), patients with FTD (P < .01), or healthy volunteers (P < .001). VRS scores accounted for 29% of the variance in the regression model, and scores for periventricular hyperintensity accounted for 2%. CONCLUSION VRS dilatation is common in diseases associated with microvascular abnormality and can be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate vascular dementias from degenerative dementias.
An approach to software maintenance education

The majority of courses in software engineering concentrate on educating students in the methods applicable to the development stage of the software lifecycle. Software maintenance is recognised as the most expensive phase of the software lifecycle, and yet it receives very little attention from those involved in software engineering education. This paper describes a novel approach to software maintenance education which is being undertaken at the University of Durham.
The Role of Trust and Commitment in Continuous Knowledge Contribution Intention within Business Online Communities

The success of an online community relies on the willingness of its members to be a part of and continuously participate within the community. In other words, online communities are successful if members continuously contribute knowledge to the community. In Information System research, few studies exist examining the determinants of continuous knowledge contribution. This paper fills the gap by examining the influence of identity trust and affective commitment on this behavioural intention. This paper investigates continuous knowledge contribution intention within the context of business online communities. The research model is analyzed using Partial Least Square. The research findings reveal that, besides user‟s level of satisfaction, continuous knowledge contribution intention is mediated by affective commitment and identity trust. This study also provides some insights on how to encourage continuous knowledge contribution intention within business online communities.
Normal Development of the Tibiofemoral Angle in Children: A Clinical Study of 590 Normal Subjects From 3 to 17 Years of Age

In evaluation of genu varum–genu valgum, tibiofemoral (TF) angle and intercondylar (IC) or intermalleolar (IM) distance are commonly measured. In this study, we determined mean values and normal limits for TF angle and IC/IM distance in 590 normal Turkish children (287 girls and 303 boys) aged from 3 to 17 years using clinical methods. We noted a significantly higher degree of valgus angle than that in previous reports. The maximal mean valgus angle was 9.6 degrees at 7 years for boys and 9.8 degrees at 6 years for girls. These differences were considered racial differences between Turkish children and those of other races. Turkish children, aged between 3 and 17 years, exhibited ≤11 degrees physiologic valgus. A measurable varus angle or a valgus higher than 11 degrees during this period should be considered abnormal.
Relative antiviral efficacy should not be inferred from cross‐trial comparisons

a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of raltegravir (MK-0518), a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, in patients with triple-class resistant virus. 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Los Angeles, CA, February 2007 [Abstract 105aLB]. 11 Zolopa A, Mullen M, Berger D et al. The HIV integrase inhibitor GS-9137 has potent antiretroviral activity in treatmentexperienced patients. 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Los Angeles, CA, February 2007 [Abstract 143LB]. 12 Phillips A. Trial and error: cross-trial comparisons of antiretroviral regimens. AIDS 2003; 17: 619–623. 13 Piantadosi S. Treatment allocation. In: Lurie SJ, ed. Clinical Trials: A Methodological Perspective. New York: Wiley Series Eds, 1997: 204.
Detection of 11 Common Viral and Bacterial Pathogens Causing Community-Acquired Pneumonia or Sepsis in Asymptomatic Patients by Using a Multiplex Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay with Manual (Enzyme Hybridization) or Automated (Electronic Microarray) Detection

ABSTRACT Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and sepsis are important causes of morbidity and mortality. We describe the development of two molecular assays for the detection of 11 common viral and bacterial agents of CAP and sepsis: influenza virus A, influenza virus B, respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV A), RSV B, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Legionella micdadei, Bordetella pertussis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Further, we report the prevalence of carriage of these pathogens in respiratory, skin, and serum specimens from 243 asymptomatic children and adults. The detection of pathogens was done using both a manual enzyme hybridization assay and an automated electronic microarray following reverse transcription and PCR amplification. The analytical sensitivities ranged between 0.01 and 100 50% tissue culture infective doses, cells, or CFU per ml for both detection methods. Analytical specificity testing demonstrated no significant cross-reactivity among 19 other common respiratory organisms. One hundred spiked “surrogate” clinical specimens were all correctly identified with 100% specificity (95% confidence interval, 100%). Overall, 28 (21.7%) of 129 nasopharyngeal specimens, 11 of 100 skin specimens, and 2 of 100 serum specimens from asymptomatic subjects tested positive for one or more pathogens, with S. pneumoniae and S. aureus giving 89% of the positive results. Our data suggest that asymptomatic carriage makes the use of molecular assays problematic for the detection of S. pneumoniae or S. aureus in upper respiratory tract secretions; however, the specimens tested showed virtually no carriage of the other nine viral and bacterial pathogens, and the detection of these pathogens should not be a significant diagnostic problem. In addition, slightly less sensitive molecular assays may have better correlation with clinical disease in the case of CAP.
PEER RELATIONSHIPS OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER: HOMOPHILY AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

Children undergoing treatment for malignancies may be at risk for adjustment difficulties as a result of physical symptoms or treatments related to their condition (e.g., missed school, lack of participation in extracurricular activities or sports, changes in appearance, fatigue). Children generally associate with peers who have similar social characteristics (e.g., aggressive children often befriend other aggressive children). By interrupting children's participation in social activities, cancer may disrupt these typical patterns of friendship. This study compared 84 children with cancer, ages 8-15 years, to 84 behaviorally similar, gender-, race-, and sex-matched, non-chronically peers, with regard to differences in patterns of peer affiliation, social acceptance and friendships. Sociometric data (Like Rating Scale, Revised Class Play, 3 Best Friends) were collected in children's classrooms from peers. Results did not confirm our hypothesis that the friendships of children with cancer would be less homophilious than friendships of non-chronically ill children with regard to gender, social acceptance, or behavioral reputation. There were group differences in similarity for gender, sensitive-isolated behavior, and friend nominations. However, in all instances, homophily was greater for children with cancer. Results provided mixed support for the hypothesis that children with cancer would have more social problems than comparisons. Children with cancer were more well liked than comparisons, but received fewer friend nominations and had fewer reciprocated friendships. Overall, these results suggest that children undergoing treatment for cancer have difficulty maintaining friendships during treatment and that friendships they do maintain are primarily with peers who are more similar to them.
NOS isoform‐specific regulation of basal but not exercise‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis in mouse skeletal muscle

Nitric oxide is a potential regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, we investigated if mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS−/−) or neuronal NOS (nNOS−/−) have attenuated activation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in response to exercise. eNOS−/−, nNOS−/− and C57Bl/6 (CON) mice (16.3 ± 0.2 weeks old) either remained in their cages (basal) or ran on a treadmill (16 m min−1, 5% grade) for 60 min (n= 8 per group) and were killed 6 h after exercise. Other eNOS−/−, nNOS−/− and CON mice exercise trained for 9 days (60 min per day) and were killed 24 h after the last bout of exercise training. eNOS−/− mice had significantly higher nNOS protein and nNOS−/− mice had significantly higher eNOS protein in the EDL, but not the soleus. The basal mitochondrial biogenesis markers NRF1, NRF2α and mtTFA mRNA were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the soleus and EDL of nNOS−/− mice whilst basal citrate synthase activity was higher in the soleus and basal PGC‐1α mRNA higher in the EDL. Also, eNOS−/− mice had significantly higher basal citrate synthase activity in the soleus but not the EDL. Acute exercise increased (P< 0.05) PGC‐1α mRNA in soleus and EDL and NRF2α mRNA in the EDL to a similar extent in all genotypes. In addition, short‐term exercise training significantly increased cytochrome c protein in all genotypes (P< 0.05) in the EDL. In conclusion, eNOS and nNOS are differentially involved in the basal regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle but are not critical for exercise‐induced increases in mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle.
The inclusion of distiller’s dried corn grains with solubles in the feed of laying hens during the production stage

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of distiller’s dried corn grains with solubles (DDGS) in the diet of laying hens on their productive parameters (live weight, laying percentage, and feed intake) and egg quality (egg weight, mass, yolk color and shell thickness). This study was conducted in the Andes Mountains in Parral, Chile. It covered a span of 13 weeks of productive egg laying, ranging from the 31st to the 44th week of life of the hens. The experimental design was a random complete block using 225 Hy-Line Brown breed hens, distributed in 5 treatments, where each treatment consisted of three repetitions in 15 hens. The treatments included replacing soybean concentrate with DDGS at levels that corresponded to inclusion in the diet of 5, 10, 15 and 20%. The laying percentage, feed intake and feed conversion did not decrease with increasing levels of DDGS in the diet, but there was a slight decrease in egg weight and a lower egg mass. Yolk color increased with increasing levels of DDGS. The use of DDGS is possible as a replacement for soybean bran in levels up to 20% in the diet of laying hens without affecting their production, as demonstrated by the lack of significant differences among treatments in measured egg laying parameters. El objetivo de este ensayo fue evaluar el uso de granos secos de destileria con solubles (DDGS) en la dieta de gallinas de postura en relacion a los parametros productivos (peso vivo, porcentaje de postura, consumo de alimento) y calidad del huevo (peso de huevo, masa, color de yema y grosor de la cascara). Este estudio fue realizado en la Cordillera de los Andes, Comuna de Parral, Chile. Tuvo una duracion de 13 semanas de postura, desde la semana 31 a la 44 de vida de las aves. El diseno experimental fue bloques completos al azar, usando 225 gallinas de la raza Hy-Line Brown, distribuidas en 5 tratamientos, donde cada uno tuvo 15 repeticiones de 15 gallinas. El tratamiento consistio en el reemplazo en diferentes niveles del concentrado de soya por DDGS, que correspondieron a niveles de inclusion en la dieta de 5, 10, 15 y 20%. El color de la yema fue mayor con aportes incrementales de DDGS. Se concluye que el uso de DDGS es posible como reemplazo del afrecho de soya en niveles de hasta 20% en la dieta de gallinas de postura, debido a la falta de diferencias estadisticas entre tratamientos postura de huevos.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance in schizophrenia: remediation of a stubborn deficit.

OBJECTIVE Schizophrenic patients typically perform poorly on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which is a putative index of prefrontal functioning. The authors attempted to remediate the deficits of schizophrenic patients on this measure by giving detailed instructions and monetary reinforcement. METHOD Forty-six inpatients with chronic schizophrenia and 20 control subjects with other psychiatric illnesses were given the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test under four conditions that varied in monetary reinforcement and level of instructions. The schizophrenic patients were given the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and three information processing measures (the Continuous Performance Test, Span of Apprehension, and Pin Test). RESULTS Schizophrenic patients performed worse than psychiatric control subjects across most conditions. Monetary reinforcement had little effect on performance, but detailed instructions significantly improved the scores for both groups. When instructions were withdrawn and monetary reinforcement was maintained, both groups continued to show improved performance over baseline. Symptoms were not significantly associated with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance. One measure (the Pin Test) correlated significantly with performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest the importance of combining motivational with instructional factors for training psychiatric patients in problem solving.