Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Reforms in Chinese Educational System

This paper focuses on the impacts of the reforms in Chinese educational system. Education is part of China’s overall development and it is known that the last recent decades the whole Chinese educational system has been the subject of unprecedented reforms. The increased impact of educational reforms has provided significant human resources and innovation, which facilitated progress in the economic, political, cultural, and social development. The development of China's education system has been a major factor in its economic and social growth. This article aims to examine some of the effects that the reforms have generated on the entire Chinese education system and provide guidelines for minimizing limitations and weaknesses of the education system in its reforms. Using a qualitative approach to collect the data drawn from articles and materials, this paper aims to discuss educational reforms and how they affect the Chinese education system by exploiting the readings related to the subject. Some progress has been achieved in the extent to which transformations are perceptible. Gains have been made through educational policies supported by good economic health for years. Despite the progress, education seems to be the field of some contradictions and there is a need to overcome certain shortcomings and weaknesses of educative practices that the Chinese educational system is still facing. Possible solutions are proposed in conclusion and recommendation.
Dynamic indexing for Content-Based Image Retrieval systems using hierarchical and topological network

Over the past decade, Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) has been an active research approach to retrieve images based on their visual contents such as color, texture and shape. Image indexing is an important task to ensure the efficiency of CBIR systems. In this paper, we present a new stochastic clustering algorithm which allows automatic image indexing and quick neighbor search of similar images. Using a hierarchical and topological structure, this dynamic algorithm offers extensibility by handling new arrival images and training them without redoing the whole learning process again. The proposed structure provides advantages in improving the accuracy of retrieval results and reducing searching time with different kinds of search, i.e. searching in term of topological and hierarchical relationships. Dynamic indexing results are presented with the application of our proposed structure on a real-world image dataset.
Immediate-early genes of murine cytomegalovirus: location, transcripts, and translation products

Cloned genomic fragments from the region (0.769 to 0.818 map units) coding for immediate-early (IE) transcripts of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) were used to analyze the physical organization of this region, the direction of transcription, and the proteins synthesized in vitro. Three IE transcription units could be identified. From IE coding region 1 (ie1; 0.781 to 0.796 map units) a dominant 2.75-kilobase (kb) RNA was transcribed from right to left on the prototype arrangement of the MCMV genome which directed the synthesis of an 89,000-molecular-weight polypeptide (89K polypeptide), the major IE protein. This phosphoprotein (pp89) has been shown to be active in the regulation of transcription. Upstream of ie1 and separated by the MCMV enhancer sequence was a second IE coding region, ie2, which was mapped at 0.803 to 0.817 map units. From ie2 a 1.75-kb RNA of moderate abundance was transcribed in the direction opposite to that of the ie1 RNA. After hybrid selection of the ie2 transcript, a 43,000-molecular-weight translation product was detected. A third coding region, ie3, was located directly downstream of ie1 (0.773 to 0.781 map units). The series of RNAs with low abundance, terminating in ie3, probably used the ie1 transcription start site and ranged from 1.0 to 5.1 kb in size. The 5.1-kb RNA apparently represents the nonspliced transcript from both coding regions ie1 and ie3. A 15K polypeptide was translated in vitro from RNA that was hybrid selected by ie3 sequences. Immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibody revealed that 31K to 67K polypeptides were related to pp89. Some of these proteins were translated from RNAs that were smaller than 2.75 kb. Polypeptides related to pp89 were also synthesized in vivo. Because polypeptides unrelated to pp89 that were translated from RNA that was selected by ie2 and ie3 sequences were not immunoprecipitated by murine antisera, we assumed that the amount of these proteins synthesized in vivo during infection was probably very low.
Variability in on-treatment platelet reactivity explained by CYP2C19*2 genotype is modest in clopidogrel pretreated patients undergoing coronary stenting

Background An inadequate response to clopidogrel is mainly attributable to the variable formation of its active metabolite. The CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function polymorphism leads to reduced generation of the active metabolite and is, similarly to high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR), associated with recurrent atherothrombotic events following coronary stent implantation. Aim To determine the relative contribution of CYP2C19*2 genotype to HPR. Methods and results CYP2C19*2 genotyping and platelet function testing using 5 and 20 μmol/l ADP-induced light transmittance aggregometry (LTA), the PlateletWorks assay and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, were performed in 1069 clopidogrel pretreated patients undergoing elective coronary stenting (POPular study, http://clinicalTrials.gov/ NCT00352014). The relative contributions of CYP2C19*2 genotype and clinical variables to the interindividual variability of on-treatment platelet reactivity and the occurrence of HPR were established using multivariate regression models. CYP2C19*2 carrier status was associated with a more frequent occurrence of HPR. CYP2C19*2 genotype alone could explain 5.0%, 6.2%, 4.4% and 3.7% of the variability in 5 and 20 μmol/l ADP-induced LTA, the PlateletWorks assay and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, respectively, which increased to 13.0%, 15.2%, 5.6% and 20.6% when clinical variables were considered as well. Besides the CYP2C19*2 genotype, multiple clinical variables could be identified as independent predictors of HPR, including age, gender, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, clopidogrel loading dose regimen, use of amlodipine and platelet count. Conclusion The CYP2C19*2 loss-of-function polymorphism is associated with a more frequent occurrence of HPR. However, the part of the interindividual variability in on-treatment platelet reactivity explained by CYP2C19*2 genotype is modest.
The paradox of energy regulation: The inefficiency of nuclear production

ABSTRACT The main objective of this research is to assess the levels of technical efficiency of European electricity companies depending on whether energy is generated through nuclear or other sources in their country of origin. To this end, stochastic frontier models were used to analyze the period from 2005 to 2014. The results show a significant negative effect of nuclear energy production compared to other alternatives in the country in which the company undertakes its electricity generation activity. We believe that this negative effect may be due to regulations which impose the maximum levels for nuclear production which are significantly lower than the installed capacity at nuclear plants.
Atubular glomeruli in a rat model of polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is associated with a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that often leads to end-stage renal disease. The basis for this decline in GFR is poorly understood. METHODS Glomeruli in heterozygous Han:SPRD rats with ADPKD and their normal litter mates were studied by light microscopy, using serial sectioning techniques. The connections of the renal corpuscles to proximal tubules were classified as normal, atrophied, or absent (atubular glomerulus). Renal corpuscles also were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Single nephron glomerular blood flows were determined using microspheres. RESULTS In the kidneys of six-month-old rats with ADPKD, 50% of the glomeruli were atubular and another 26% were associated with atrophied neck segments; these glomeruli were most often smaller in size than normal. About 16% of the glomeruli were hypertrophied and had normal connections to proximal tubules. Sclerotic changes in cystic kidney glomeruli were usually mild or moderate, and belied the failure of glomerular function. Glomerular blood flow in the cystic kidneys averaged half of normal and was markedly heterogeneous; the majority of small glomeruli displayed very low blood flows and a few showed relatively high blood flows. Fewer glomerular abnormalities were found in rats treated for five months with potassium citrate in their drinking water. CONCLUSIONS The diminished GFR in the rat with ADPKD can be accounted for largely by the formation of atubular glomeruli. Compensatory glomerular hypertrophy also is present and may contribute to the progression of the renal disease.
Ablation of atrial fibrillation with cryoballoon or duty-cycled radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablation catheter: a randomized controlled study comparing the clinical outcome and safety; the AF-COR study.

AIMS The urge to facilitate the atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure has led to the development of new ablation catheters specifically designed as 'one-shot tools' for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and procedure times for two such catheters using different energy sources. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and ten patients, referred for ablation of paroxysmal or persistent AF, were randomized to treatment with either the cryoballoon or the circular multipolar duty-cycled radiofrequency-based pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC). Complete PVI was achieved in 98 vs. 93% patients in the cryoballoon and PVAC group, respectively, with complication rates of 8 vs. 2% (P = 0.2). Complete freedom from AF, without antiarrhythmic drugs, after one single ablation procedure was seen in 46% in the cryoballoon vs. 34% after 12 months (P = 0.2). Procedure times were comparable, but fluoroscopy time was shorter for the cryoballoon (32 ± 16 min) than for the PVAC procedures (47 ± 17 min) (P < 0.001). A significant improvement of quality of life (QoL) and arrhythmia-related symptoms was seen in both groups after ablation. CONCLUSION Both catheters proved comparably effective and safe in achieving acute PVI, apart from the shorter fluoroscopy times achieved with the cryoballoon. At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding freedom from AF and clinical success. The QoL increased to the same levels as for the general Swedish population in both groups.
Signaling molecules and cytokine production in T cells of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: long-term effects of fludarabine and alemtuzumab treatment

Fludarabine and alemtuzumab are routinely used for treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The present study aimed to compare the expression of signaling molecules and cytokine production by T cells of B-CLL patients in long-term unmaintained remission/plateau phase following fludarabine or alemtuzumab treatment with that of indolent/untreated B-CLL patients and healthy donors. The frequency and intensity of TCR-CD3ζ chain, p56lck, p59fyn, ZAP-70, PI3-kinase and interferon (IFN)-γ/interleukin (IL)-4 production in CD4 and CD8 T cells was examined by flow cytometry. T-cell function was assessed by stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Despite a reduction in number, the expression of IFN-γ/IL-4 in T-cells in patients was significantly higher than in healthy donors. The intensity of most signaling molecules in treated patients was relatively unaffected vs. healthy donors but lower than untreated-indolent patients. However, the total number of T cells which expressed each of the signaling molecules was decreased in patients, with no difference between fludarabine- and alemtuzumab-treated patients. The T-cell response to PHA but not PPD was reduced in treated patients. The results suggest that, despite some alterations in signaling molecules and a reduction in T-cell number, overall T-cell functions may be relatively well preserved long-term after treatment with fludarabine and alemtuzumab.
A family of congenital atransferrinemia.

An 8-yr-old boy with familial congenital atransferrinemia was studied. He had marked hypochromic anemia but did not respond to administration of iron. The patient responded favorably to parenteral "Eisen-mangel" human serum transferrin. One gram of transferrin was infused intravenously; it disappeared almost completely from the serum within a week. However, the hemoglobin and erythrocytes increased, and there was general improvement in the color and activity of the patient. After 3-6 mo, his clinical picture had returned to that seen prior to treatment. Thus, it appeared that the hemopoiesis was stimulated by transferrin and that the clinical effectiveness of transferrin was related to the resultant increased red cell production and the duration of the effect to the life-span of the erythrocyte. Neither side effects nor reduction in the effectiveness of transferrin administration was noticed during a year and a half of treatment.
Smokers' Expectations Toward the Engagement of Their General Practitioner in Discussing Lifestyle Behaviors

Barriers associated with the sparse engagement of general practitioners (GPs) in lifestyle counseling are well investigated. The aim of the study was (a) to explore to what extent smoking patients want to discuss about lifestyle; and (b) to investigate whether patient characteristics might influence the expectations to discuss smoking, alcohol, nutrition, or physical activity. Data were collected during the 24-month follow-up of a smoking cessation efficacy study. Participants were 1,029 patients. More than half of the patients expected that their GP should address smoking, alcohol, and nutrition in a proactive way. Patients who preferred to address the issue of smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity only for themselves were more likely to be female. Older patients were more likely to reject a discussion concerning these three lifestyle habits in general. Regarding smoking and alcohol, higher age predicted a lower readiness to use an extra appointment. There are some reservations among several patient groups to accept a GP–initiated offer for a discussion about lifestyle habits. Therefore, the improvement of skills and a high sensitivity to address lifestyle habits conveniently can have a large effect on public health.
A New Division of Schizophrenia Revealed Expanded Bilateral Brain Structural Abnormalities of the Association Cortices

The phenomenological and, consequently, pathophysiological heterogeneity of schizophrenia may be substantially decreased by determining etiologically valid subgroups. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed the brain structural impairments of outpatients with schizophrenia using concurrent subgrouping methods, partly to enhance the extensity of exploration, and partly to estimate the validation of the divisions. High resolution T1-weighted MR images were obtained for 21 patients and 13 healthy controls. Localized gray matter volumetric deficits were defined with optimized voxel-based morphometry. Employing two concurrent methods (i.e., the widely known deficit-non-deficit division vs. the neurocognitive clusters we identified earlier) the patient group was iteratively divided into two subgroups, and their volumetric peculiarities were compared with one another and with healthy controls. Our division revealed more significant differences demonstrating bilateral brain structural deficits, which affected the association cortices, primarily the heteromodal fields and partly the unimodal fields. This is the first study that showed that abnormalities of the association cortices can be bihemispherial and expanded in schizophrenia, even in the cases of outpatients living integrated in society. Our result suggests that the extended association cortex abnormalities could constitute substantial and determining neurological substrates in the phenomenology and aetiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, at least in a subgroup of patients with more unfavorable neurocognitive characteristics.
Pharmacokinetics of Trifluralin in Blood and Heart Tissue of Mice

Background: Trifluralin displays anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity and a potential therapeutic effect for the treatment of Chagas disease. We assessed peroral and intramuscular trifluralin pharmacokinetics in mouse blood and heart tissue. Methods: A parallel experimental design was used. Healthy adult male CF1 albino mice (n = 108, 25–35 g bw) received a single peroral or intramuscular trifluralin dose (50 mg/kg in peanut oil). Blood and heart tissue samples were taken at set times after intramuscular and peroral trifluralin administration. Feces and tissue samples were taken 12 h after intramuscular trifluralin administration. Trifluralin concentrations in whole blood, feces and tissues were determined by HPLC. Results: After intramuscular and peroral administration, maximum whole blood concentration (Cmax) was attained at 30 min and 2.0 h (tmax) (28.2 ± 0.7 and 7.8 ± 0.033 μg/ml; p < 0.05). Cmax in heart tissue was attained at 1.0 and 2.0 h (0.6 ± 0.004 and 0.2 ± 0.002 μg/g; p < 0.05). Liver, perirenal and subcutaneous fat concentrations were 55.1, 66.3 and 59.7 ng/mg tissue protein. Peroral and intramuscular penetration ratios determined by comparing heart tissue areas under the curve were 6.3 and 4.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Intramuscular trifluralin could be a new alternative for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Vesicular glutamate transporters, VGluT1 and VGluT2, in the trigeminal ganglion neurons of the rat, with special reference to coexpression

Vesicular glutamate transporters are responsible for glutamate transport into synaptic vesicles. In the present study, we examined immunohistochemically the expression of vesicular glutamate transporters, VGluT1 and VGluT2, in trigeminal ganglion neurons of the rat. Immunohistochemistry for VGluT1 and VGluT2 indicated that more than 80% of trigeminal ganglion neurons express VGluT1 and/or VGluT2 in their cell bodies. It also indicated that large and small trigeminal ganglion neurons express VGluT2 more frequently than VGluT1. Dual immunofluorescence histochemistry for VGluT1 and VGluT2 indicated that trigeminal ganglion neurons express VGluT2 more frequently than VGluT1 and that more than 80% of VGluT‐expressing trigeminal ganglion neurons express VGluT1 and VGluT2. Many axon terminals in the superficial layers of the medullary dorsal horn also showed VGluT1 and VGluT2 immunoreactivities. Some of these axon terminals were confirmed to form the central core of the synaptic glomerulus. These results indicated that VGluT1 and VGluT2 are coexpressed in the cell bodies and axon terminals in most trigeminal ganglion neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 463:212–220, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strain-Encoded MRI for Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function and Transmurality in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background—Strain-encoded imaging (SENC) is a new technique for myocardial deformation analysis in cardiac MRI. The aim of the study was, therefore, to evaluate whether myocardial deformation imaging performed by SENC allows for quantification of regional left ventricular function and is related to transmurality states of infarcted tissue in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results—Cardiac MRI was performed in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction 3±1 days after successful reperfusion using a clinical 1.5-T MRI scanner. Ten healthy volunteers served as controls. SENC is a technique that directly measures peak circumferential strain from long-axis views and peak longitudinal strain from short-axis views. Measurements were obtained for each segment in a modified 17-segment model. Wall motion and infarcted tissue were evaluated semiquantitatively from steady-state free-precession cine sequences and contrast-enhanced MR images and were then related to myocardial strain. Comparison of peak circumferential strain assessed by SENC and MR tagging was performed. In total, 456 segments were analyzed. Peak circumferential and longitudinal strain calculated from SENC images was significantly different in regions defined as normokinetic, hypokinetic, or akinetic (P<0.001). A cutoff peak systolic circumferential strain value of −10% differentiated nontransmural from transmural infarcted myocardium, with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 94%. Strain analysis of SENC and MR tagging correlated well (r=0.76) with narrow limits of agreement (−9.9% to 8.5%). Conclusions—SENC provides rapid and objective quantification of regional myocardial function and allows discrimination between different transmurality states in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
The Growth of Large-Scale Industry to 1947

Industrial development in India has been part of the very broad movement which had its origins in Western Europe. This chapter describes the growth of India's modern industries, the forms within which they developed and the character of the labour force that emerged. During the first half of the nineteenth century the industrialization process was taking deep hold in Britain and in other parts of the North Atlantic region but in India the new technology and novel processes had only a trifling impact. Most of what was introduced came as a product of official concern, civilian and military. The history of large-scale private factory enterprise between 1850 and the First World War is associated almost entirely with developments in three industries such as jute, cotton, and iron and steel industries. The development of the three industries reveals a great deal about the complexity of economic response on the sub-continent.
The Dual Nature of the Wheat Xylanase Protein Inhibitor XIP-I

The xylanase inhibitor protein I (XIP-I) from wheat Triticum aestivum is the prototype of a novel class of cereal protein inhibitors that inhibit fungal xylanases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 10 (GH10) and 11 (GH11). The crystal structures of XIP-I in complex with Aspergillus nidulans (GH10) and Penicillium funiculosum (GH11) xylanases have been solved at 1.7 and 2.5 Å resolution, respectively. The inhibition strategy is novel because XIP-I possesses two independent enzyme-binding sites, allowing binding to two glycoside hydrolases that display a different fold. Inhibition of the GH11 xylanase is mediated by the insertion of an XIP-I Π-shaped loop (Lα4β5) into the enzyme active site, whereas residues in the helix α7 of XIP-I, pointing into the four central active site subsites, are mainly responsible for the reversible inactivation of GH10 xylanases. The XIP-I strategy for inhibition of xylanases involves substrate-mimetic contacts and interactions occluding the active site. The structural determinants of XIP-I specificity demonstrate that the inhibitor is able to interact with GH10 and GH11 xylanases of both fungal and bacterial origin. The biological role of the xylanase inhibitors is discussed in light of the present structural data.