Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decellularized aorta of fetal pigs as a potential scaffold for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft.

BACKGROUND For cardiovascular tissue engineering, acellularized biomaterials from pig have been widely investigated. Our purpose was to study mechanical properties and biocompatibility of decellularized aorta of fetal pigs (DAFP) to determine its potential as scaffold for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft. METHODS Descending aorta of fetal pigs was removed cells using trypsin, ribonuclease and desoxyribonuclease. Mechanical properties of DAFP were evaluated by tensile stress-strain and burst pressure analysis. Assessment of cell adhesion and compatibility was conducted by seeding porcine aortic endothelial cells. To evaluate biocompatibility in vivo, DAFP was implanted subcutaneously into adult male Sprague Dawley rats for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS Histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy examination of DAFP revealed well-preserved extracellular matrix proteins and porous three-dimensional structures. Compared with fresh aorta, DAFP had similar ultimate tensile strength, axial compliance and burst pressure. Cell culture studies in vitro showed that porcine aortic endothelial cells adhered and proliferated on the surfaces of DAFP with excellent cell viability. Subdermal implantation demonstrated that the DAFP did not show almost any immunological reaction and exhibited minimal calcification during the whole follow-up period. CONCLUSION The DAFP has the potential to serve as scaffolds for small diameter tissue engineered vascular graft.
Comparison of Artificial Neural Network Architecture in Solving Ordinary Differential Equations

This paper investigates the solution of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) with initial conditions using Regression Based Algorithm (RBA) and compares the results with arbitrary- and regression-based initial weights for different numbers of nodes in hidden layer. Here, we have used feed forward neural network and error back propagation method for minimizing the error function and for the modification of the parameters (weights and biases). Initial weights are taken as combination of randomas well as by the proposed regression based model. We present the method for solving a variety of problems and the results are compared. Here, the number of nodes in hidden layer has been fixed according to the degree of polynomial in the regression fitting. For this, the input and output data are fitted first with various degree polynomials using regression analysis and the coefficients involved are taken as initial weights to start with the neural training. Fixing of the hidden nodes depends upon the degree of the polynomial. For the example problems, the analytical results have been compared with neural results with arbitrary and regression based weights with four, five, and six nodes in hidden layer and are found to be in good agreement.
Charting our Course through Reframing - Library Leadership in a Sea of Change

Research shows that academic leaders fail for two primary reasons. One, they see a limited or inaccurate picture and as a result, set the wrong course, and two, they fail to take people with them – implement change too fast, act too unilaterally and/or without an appreciation of the culture of the organization. Reframing is an intentional process of changing conceptual viewpoints, or frames of reference, in relation to a situation that uncovers additional perspectives, realities, and meanings. In their book Reframing Academic Leadership Bolman and Gallos (2011), two well-regarded researchers of organizational behaviour, have addressed the complexity of leadership in higher education and have identified four frames through which leaders can examine situations: a structural frame, a human resources frame, a political frame, and a symbolic frame. In our paper, we applied the four frames to the Western Libraries change initiative. This initiative has three parts: the strategic planning process, the workforce analysis, and the organizational renewal process. We have completed the strategic planning process and the workforce analysis, and have applied the concepts in the frames to these to components of the change initiative. We are in the early stages of the third component, the organizational renewal process. We have used the four frames to help us through this change and to help reduce barriers as we lead this change.
Lessons from Science Communication Training

Alan I. Leshner's Editorial “Outreach training needed” (12 Jan., p. 161) calls for increased communication training for science graduate students. In March, a bill was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives (HR1453), requesting funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to
Analysis of microsatellite markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes for susceptibility to bipolar affective disorder in the chromosome 12Q24.31 region

Previous results from our genetic analyses using pedigrees from a French Canadian population suggested that the interval delimited by markers D12S86 and D12S378 on chromosome 12 was the most probable genomic region to contain a susceptibility gene for affective disorders. Here we present a more detailed genetic analysis of a 7.7 Mb genomic region located on 12q24.31. This region was saturated with 20 microsatellite markers to refine the candidate region and linkage analysis performed in 41 families from the Saguenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean (SLSJ) region of Quebec. The results of two point parametric analysis using MFLINK supported the presence of a susceptibility locus on chromosome 12q24.31. Association studies with microsatellite markers using a case/control sample from the same population (n = 401) and analyzed with CLUMP revealed significant allelic associations between the bipolar phenotype and markers NBG6 (P = 0.008) and NBG12 (P < 10−3). According to these results, we investigated candidate genes in the NBG12 area. We analyzed 32 genes for the presence of polymorphisms in coding sequences and intron/exon junctions and genotyped 22 non‐synonymous SNPs in the SLSJ case/control sample. Two uncommon polymorphisms (minor allele frequency ≤ 0.03) found in KIAA1595 and FLJ22471 genes, gave P‐values below 0.05 with the T1 statistic. Moreover, using haplotype analysis, a nearly significant haplotypic association was observed at the HM74 gene. These results do not give strong support for a role in the susceptibility to bipolar disorder of any of these genes analyzed. However, the significance of rare polymorphisms should be explored by further analyses. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs and cats

Dear Sir, I would like to offer some comments on the recent article “Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs and cats“ by W. Off and U. Matis. Although I cannot criticise the results of this report, and have the utmost respect for my good friend Prof. Matis, I have a different slant on the conclusions. I have made these comments for 45 years, since my first report of my early cases. The thing about this procedure that seems to elude many is that it is a 'quality of life' procedure that needs to be evaluated by other than objective measurements. Of course there is measurable loss of function, but that is not the question that should be asked. Rather, it should be whether the animal leads a pain free life of moderate activity and is a satisfactory pet. If these criteria are used the results are virtually always positive. Rather than concluding that the efficacy of this surgical treatment should not be determined by a questionnaire, in this situation that is exactly what should be evaluated. There a relatively few clients who can consider total hip replacement based purely on economic considerations. Without excision arthroplasty many of these pets would be euthanatized. Some loss of function is a minor issue for these owners. I have never regretted performing this procedure, even on giant breeds, as long as the owner is well educated about the procedure and expected long-term function. Keep up the good work. I continue to enjoy the journal, even in retirement, as it is marvelous to see the progress we have made over the course of my career. Best regards,
Breakdown of Navier-Stokes Solutions (Short Version)

We have proved that there are initial velocities u^0 (x) and forces F(x,t) such that there is no solution to the Navier-Stokes equations, which corresponds to the cases (C) and (D) of the problem relating to Navier-Stokes equations available on the website of the Clay Institute.
MSH6 germline mutations are rare in colorectal cancer families

Germline mutations in MSH6 can cause HNPCC, which is associated with a tumor phenotype featuring MSI. However, tumors arising in persons with disease‐causing mutations of MSH6 may or may not exhibit MSI. We used D‐HPLC to screen for germline mutations in the promoter region, the coding region and the 3′‐UTR of MSH6. Eighty‐four families, enrolled on the basis of Amsterdam I and II criteria (HNPCC families) and less stringent criteria (HNPCC‐like families), were tested for MMR gene mutations; 27 families had a disease‐causing mutation in MLH1 or MSH2, and the remaining 57 families were tested for mutations in MSH6. Two protein‐truncating mutations were identified in each of 2 families fulfilling the Amsterdam I criteria, being present in persons affected with early‐onset colorectal cancers exhibiting MSI. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of both MSH2 and MSH6 proteins was lost in the cancer cells of the 2 mutation carriers but only MSH6 protein expression was lost in 2 adenomatous polyps. A third possibly disease‐causing mutation was found in a person affected with a tumor that did not exhibit MSI. In addition, we found 4 new polymorphisms and determined that neither of the 2 studied by association analysis conferred susceptibility to colorectal or endometrial cancer. Altogether, our results indicate that disease‐causing germline mutations of MSH6 are rare in HNPCC and HNPCC‐like families. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Privacy Broker: Message Oriented Middleware to Implement Privacy Controls in Schibsted's Ecosystem of Services

—Schibsted is a global media and classiﬁed ads conglomerate with more than 200 million unique users per month, operating mainly from Europe. The company is currently being transformed away from traditional paper media and siloed sites towards a uniﬁed global media giant. As part of this transformation, Schibsted needs to collect a wide variety of datasets such as proﬁle, behavior, location, payment and communication messages about the user in order to provide personalized content and target advertisements to the end users. With the new EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) taking effect from May 25 2018, each user using our products has a right to decide how his/her datasets should be governed or used in our products. To this end, we are building some privacy controls for the end users. These privacy controls are realized by a message-oriented middleware. In this paper, we present a case study of design of a centralized topic based pub/sub style of middleware towards implementing the privacy controls in Schibsted’s ecosystem of services.
GaN Widening Possibilties for PAs : Wide-band GaN Power Amplifiers Utilize the Technology's Special Properties

Applications for space technology, test equipment, electronic warfare systems, and digital radio have made wide-band power amplifiers (WBPAs) the subject of research since 1948 [1], [2]. More recently, the advent of gallium nitride (GaN) technology with its special features, such as wide bandgap, high output power capability, and high electron velocity, has attracted researchers' attention for using such technology in WBPAs [3].
Recovery after 5 years of unremitting major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND The long-term course of depression in patients who present for treatment carries prognostic and therapeutic implications. This study presents prospective data on the time to recovery from an episode of major depressive disorder of 5 years' duration among patients followed up since 1978 in the National Institutes of Mental Health Collaborative Program on the Psychobiology of Depression. METHODS Survival analysis was used to examine the 10-year course of the 431 probands with major depressive disorder with a specific focus on the 35 probands who were observed to be continuously ill for the first 5 years. Univariate analytic techniques were used to describe the demographic and clinical variables in the group that recovered and the group that did not. By study design, somatic treatment was assessed but not controlled by the investigators. RESULTS By year 10, 93% (Kaplan-Meier estimate) of probands had recovered from their intake episode of major depressive disorder. In those ill for the first 5 years, 38% had recovered within the next 5 years. Shorter duration of illness prior to intake and being married were associated with the group that recovered. Pharmacological treatment dosages averaged 100 mg of imipramine hydrochloride equivalent in the chronically ill group. CONCLUSIONS Despite lengthy periods of illness, people continued to recover from major depressive disorder for up to 10 years of prospective follow-up. Few demographic and clinical variables distinguished those who recovered from those who did not. Treatment, as observed in this naturalistic study, was at a low level despite lengthy illness.
Establishment of a preference by the newborn lamb for its mother: the role of opioids.

Mother-young relationships in sheep are characterized by individual recognition and a rapidly developing exclusive bond. The authors examined the role of opioids in establishment of the lamb's preference for its mother. Newborn lambs received the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (0.0, 1.5, or 3.0 mg/kg i.p.), and lambs were tested at 24 hr and 48 hr of age. At 24 hr, controls spent significantly more time near the mother than near an alien ewe; no significant difference was obtained for the naltrexone-treated groups. The effect of naltrexone persisted at 48 hr. No other significant behavioral difference was observed. Results support the hypothesis that opioids mediate the establishment of mother preference and the view that positive affect associated with social attachment and maternal care may be modulated by opioids.
Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase type 2 attenuates vasodilatory action of nitroglycerin in human veins

Recent studies suggest that the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)2 is involved in vascular bioactivation of nitroglycerin (GTN). However, neither expression of ALDH2 nor its functional role in GTN bioactivation has been reported for the main drug target in humans, namely capacitance vessels. We investigated whether ALDH2 is expressed in human veins and whether inhibition of the enzyme attenuates nitroglycerin effects in these vessels. We determined expression of ALDH2 and dehydrogenase activity in human veins by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. In vitro contraction experiments were performed in the presence or absence of the ALDH inhibitors chloral hydrate, cyanamide, and ethoxycyclopropanol. Concentration response curves were determined for the α‐agonist phenylephrine, nitroglycerin, and the direct NO donor diethylamine NONOate (DEA‐NONOate). ALDH2 expression was largely confined to smooth muscle cells as determined by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Contractile responses to phenylephrine were unaffected by all ALDH inhibitors tested. In clear contrast, the ALDH inhibitors significantly reduced the potency of nitroglycerin by approximately 1 order of magnitude (T<0.01). Neither of the inhibitors affected the potency of the direct NO donor DEA‐NONOate, which ruled out nonspecific effects on the NO signaling cascade. In human capacitance vessels, ALDH2 is a key enzyme in the biotransformation of the frequently used antianginal drug nitroglycerin. —Huellner, M. W. , Schrepfer, S. , Weyand, M. , Weiner, H. , Wimplinger, I. , Eschenhagen, T. , Rau, T. Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase type 2 attenuates vasodilatory action of nitroglycerin in human veins. FASEB J. 22, 2561–2568 (2008)
Insulin Sensitivity Is Not Impaired In Mexican-American Women Without a Family History Of Diabetes

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to compare insulin sensitivity in Mexican-Americans and non-Hispanic whites without a family history of diabetes to establish whether insulin resistance is a defect intrinsically related to subjects of Mexican origin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In study A, we compared insulin sensitivity in 12 Mexican-American and 12 non-Hispanic white women with normal glucose tolerance and no family history of diabetes. In study B, we compared insulin sensitivity in two groups of normal glucose-tolerant Mexican-Americans, nine with a positive (FHD+) and nine with a negative (FHD−) family history of diabetes. In both studies, the groups were closely matched for age, total body fat content, and fat topography. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with the euglycemic insulin clamp (20 mU·min−1·m2 surface area) which was performed in combination with tritiated glucose infusion and indirect calorimetry. Total fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by a tritiated water dilution technique, and regional fat distribution was evaluated by anthropometry and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS During a 4-h euglycemic insulin clamp (study A), rates (mg·min−1·kg FFM−1) of total (6.32 ± 0.64 vs. 6.62 ± 0.81), oxidative (3.54 ± 0.24 vs. 3.51 ± 0.19), and nonoxidative (2.78 ± 0.48 vs. 3.11 ± 0.75) glucose utilization were similar in Mexican-Americans and non-Hispanic whites; hepatic glucose production (0.33 ± 0.13 vs. 0.35 ± 0.13) was suppressed similarly in both groups. During a 2-h euglycemic insulin clamp (study B), Mexican-Americans with FHD+ had lower rates of insulin-mediated total (3.55 ± 0.39 vs. 5.93 ± 0.59, P < 0.001), oxidative (3.31 ± 0.25 vs. 4.32 ± 0.17, P < 0.01), and nonoxidative (0.24 ± 0.28 vs. 1.61 ± 0.49, P < 0.01) glucose disposal than subjects with FHD− suppression of hepatic glucose production (0.24 ± 0.14 vs. 0.18 ± 0.12) was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that in the absence of a family history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Mexican-American women are not less sensitive to insulin than non-Hispanic white women.
Geometry optimization of half-bridge converter with symmetrical busbar structure

This paper describes possible geometry of half-bridge converter, with symmetrical busbars structure, for parasitic inductance reduction. The possibility of a compact layout and cooling system also considered. Applying design of symmetrical busbars structure it is possible to achieve the following: reduction of stray inductance, reduction of losses, reduction of cooling system dimensions, increase of commutation frequency and reduction of size of elements. Later cost efficiency of different models is estimated and compared.
Enhanced renal cortical vascularization in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND Experimental hypercholesterolemia is associated with pro-inflammatory changes and impaired regulation of tissue perfusion, which may lead to neovascularization. However, it is yet unknown whether such changes take place in the kidney. In this study, using a novel three-dimensional (3-D) micro computed-tomography technique we tested the hypothesis that hypercholesterolemia was associated with increased microvascular density in the renal cortex. METHODS Kidneys were excised from pigs after 12 weeks of either a normal (N = 6) or high cholesterol (HC; N = 5) diet, histology slides processed, and a segmental renal artery injected with a radio-opaque intravascular silicone polymer. Renal samples were scanned with micro computed-tomography, transverse and three-dimensional images were reconstructed, and microvessels (80 to 360 microm in diameter) counted in situ. RESULTS Serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic compared to normal pigs (383 +/- 76 vs. 81 +/- 7 mg/dL, P < 0.01), and microvascular spatial density was significantly higher in their inner and middle renal cortex (189 +/- 7 vs. 126 +/- 6 microvessels/cm2, P < 0.0001). Hypercholesterolemic kidneys also showed mild interstitial mononuclear infiltration and heavier immunostaining of vascular endothelial growth factor, but no other signs of morphological damage. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that early diet-induced hypercholesterolemia is associated with increased microvascular density in the renal cortex, which precedes signs of overt renal morphological damage. These alterations may potentially affect regulation and/or spatial distribution of intrarenal blood flow in hypercholesterolemia, and may participate in renal disease progression.
Comparison of activities of daily living after proximal row carpectomy or wrist four-corner fusion

Proximal row carpectomy and four-corner fusion are commonly used in the patients with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or scapholunate advanced collapse. We compared activities of daily living of the 24 patients after proximal row carpectomy with 24 patients with four-corner fusion procedures using the modified Sollerman hand function test and Michigan Hand Questionnaire. Most tasks were performed significantly quicker by the patients after proximal row carpectomy. The patients after proximal row carpectomy reported better function during activities of daily living. Level of Evidence: Level III, Therapeutic Study.
Application of reverse scattering bar for memory device, combined with model-based OPC

The generation methodology for reverse-scattering bar(RSB) is introduced, combined with model-based OPC(optical proximity correction) for memory devices. Unlike well-known scattering bar(SB) generation for poly or metal layers or RSB for contact layers, RSB application for active layer, accompanied by model-based OPC needs more complicated and elaborate layout handling. Besides the generation methodology, pattern fidelity of RSB on mask level is checked. In the end, effect of RSB on process windows have been evaluated with typical circuit pattern of memory devices.
Challenges in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics

During the last decade, protein analysis and proteomics have been established as new tools for understanding various biological problems. As the identification of proteins after classical separation techniques, such as two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, have become standard methods, new challenges arise in the field of proteomics. The development of “functional proteomics” combines functional characterization, like regulation, localization and modification, with the identification of proteins for deeper insight into cellular functions. Therefore, different mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, have been established as well as isolation and separation methods for the analysis of highly complex samples, e.g. protein complexes or cell organelles. Furthermore, quantification of protein levels within cells is becoming a focus of interest as mass spectrometric methods for relative or even absolute quantification have currently not been available.
Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

424 British Journal of Hospital Medicine, July 2015, Vol 76, No 7 © 2 01 5 M A H ea lth ca re L td Introduction This article presents the case of a 42-yearold man who presented with abdominal pain and had an incidental finding of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. On computed tomography imaging this was demonstrated to be a type II (splenorenal) shunt. His ammonia level was elevated, but he had no features of encephalopathy. Ultrasound imaging of his liver with Doppler assessment of the portal vein was within normal limits. A thrombophilia screen was found to be negative. He was managed symptomatically and discharged home with regular outpatient follow up. This article reviews the literature regarding this rare phenomenon, its classification and symptom profile, and discusses its sequelae.