Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic hemodynamics and cell functions in human and experimental sepsis.

The liver plays a major role in modulating the systemic response in severe sepsis because it contains most of the macrophages of the body (Kupffer cells) able to clear the endotoxin and bacteria that may stimulate the systemic inflammatory response (1–3). Hepatocytes synthesize the acute phase proteins and the enzymes required to modulate the inflammatory response (4–5). Additionally, during bacterial translocation from the gut, the liver limits the access of proinflammatory substances into the systemic circulation (6). Modifications of hepatic blood flow have been extensively studied in experimental sepsis, but these findings are difficult to extrapolate to humans. In human sepsis, hepatic dysfunction is usually mild and is defined by modifications of biochemical tests. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate criteria to define and quantify hepatic dysfunction, and these criteria do not reflect the full spectrum of alterations in hepatic cell functions encountered in experimental sepsis. Although several articles have reviewed the numerous alterations of hepatic cell functions encountered in these experimental models, none has addressed the modifications of hepatic blood flow and hepatic function observed in humans sepsis. We review these alterations as reported in both clinical and experimental studies. Although all published clinical studies are included in the text, because of the large number of experimental studies, only the most illustrative experimental data are discussed. We hope that this text will contribute to a better understanding of the role of the liver in human sepsis. Modifications of Hepatic Hemodynamics in Sepsis Hepatic Vessels and Cells
Management of Postpartum Reproductive Performance with Administration of GNRH or PGF2α in Cross Bred Dairy Cows

The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of administration ofGnRH orPGF2α during early postpartum (PP) on uterine involution (UI), postpartum period (PPP), days open (DP) number of services per conception and calving interval (CI) in cross-bred dairy cows. A total of 45 cross-bred dairy cows (4 - 8 years) were recruited to determine the influence of administration of GnRH orPGF2αduring early PP on the above mentioned traits. The cows were divided randomly into three equal groups A, B and C (15 cows each). Group A and B were injected intra muscularly (i.m) withGnRH orPGF2α 200 microgram and 500 microgram respectively on day 21 PP. while cows in group C were employed as untreated control. The result of the current study showed that injection of GnRH or PGF2αthree week post calving had no significant difference on the time taken for UI compared to the control. However, the PPP of cows treated either with GnRH orPGF2αas early as 21 days PP was significantly (P < 0.005) shortened when compared to the control. The number of services per conception was significantly (P < 004) improved for the treated cows as compared to the control.Moreover, the DO and CI were significantly (P < 001) minimized compared to the control. It is concluded that the PP reproductive performance in dairy cows could be managed with injection of GnRH or PGF2αas early as three weeks Reproductive trait, postpartum, GnRH, PGF2α , Dairy cow
Synergic Effect of Trimebutine Combined with Mosapride on Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Visceral Pain Induced in Stress Models

The present study was undertaken to determine whether combined treatment with prokinetic trimebutine and mosapride has a synergic effect on gastrointestinal motility and visceral pain associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. To develop effective gastroprokinetic agents with greater potencies than trimebutine or mosapride for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease, a mixture of trimebutine and mosapride was designed and prepared. In the present study, treatment with trimebutine alone showed a dose-dependent effect on propelling movements of normal small and large intestine in mice, whereas mosapride effected only small intestine motility. Co-administration of trimebutine with mosapride, a well-established prokinetic drug, produced a synergistic infl uence on normal small intestine motility, but demonstrated an unclear effect on large intestine motility, with a slight tendency to reduce the propelling time. In a stress model, the small and large intestine motilities were signifi cantly decreased. The reduction of intestine motility was restored to a normal level and the restoring effect was more pronounced in the combined treatment with trimebutine plus mosapride than treatment with trimebutine or mosapride alone. Furthermore, treatment with trimebutine plus mosapride signifi cantly decreased acute visceral pain which was not controlled by trimebutine or mosapride alone. These data suggest that combination therapy with trimebutine plus mosapride has a synergic effect on small and large intestine motility and visceral pain control in gastrointestinal disorders.
Application-Specific Low-Power Multipliers

In this paper we propose techniques for decreasing the power consumption of multipliers. The proposed techniques exploit data statistics. Specifically we propose two architectures for two-input signed multipliers, namely selective activation multiplier and partitioned multiplier. To illustrate the benefits achieved by the proposed architectures, their application in the implementation of multipliers used in DCT and DWT is detailed. The power reduction reported is up to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$20.7$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="sakellariou-ieq1-2516016.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> percent for cases of practical interest. The proposed multipliers can be easily implemented, adapted, and combined with prior-art low-power techniques with a moderate area and time overhead.
Changes in the tissue and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in a burned rat model.

To examine whether thermal injury alters the superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in various types of tissue or plasma, we studied the plasma and tissue Mn- and Cu/Zn-SOD levels in a rodent burn model. The animals were resuscitated with saline (50 mg/kg, i.p.) immediately following thermal injury and thereafter were sacrificed at either 6 or 24 hours post-burn. The Mn- and Cu/Zn-SOD levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The plasma Mn- and Cu/Zn-SOD concentrations significantly increased 6 hours after the injury and positively correlated with the burn size. The kidney Mn-SOD concentrations were significantly higher 24 hours after the injury in the animals with 30% burns than in those with either sham or 50% burn injuries. The lung Cu/Zn-SOD concentrations were also significantly higher 6 hours after the injury in animals with 30% burns than in the other two types above. These findings suggest that the changes in the SOD concentrations after burn injury vary according to the type of SOD and also the type of tissue. As a result, the SOD concentrations may play some role in the early response to thermal trauma.
A novel universal battery charger for NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and Li-polymer

A universal monolithic battery charger is presented, capable of automatically detecting the number and type of battery cells, NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion and Li-polymer. Different charging modes are supported from constant-current voltage-limited to constant-voltage current-limited with a wide range of charging rates, current or voltage limitations. A novel control using continuous and switched loops regulates the current and voltage concurrently during the various phases of the charging process. In addition, various end-of-charge detections are available, namely the detection of residual charging current for Lithium batteries, peak voltage for Nickel batteries, and safety detections including under and over voltage and temperature, and time-out detection. The charger IC is implemented in a 5V, 0.5/spl mu/m triple-metal standard CMOS process, requiring 8 pins and a total silicon area of 3mm/sup 2/. Three external resistors and a charging transistor complete the charger.
Drosophila DLis 1 Is Required for Nuclear Migration Isolation of EMS Alleles for DLis 1

Nuclear movement is critical for several developmental processes in eukaryotes. Drosophila oogenesis provides a aradigmatic example in which localization of the nucleus generates a source of cellular asymmetry that is used in atterning both the anterior–posterior and the dorsal–ventral axes of the oocyte. In this study we show that mutations in he Drosophila Lissencephaly1 (DLis1) gene result in partial ventralization of the eggshell. DLis1 mutations affect the ocalization of gurken mRNA and protein in the oocyte. These defects are correlated with incorrect positioning of the oocyte ucleus, suggesting that DLis1 is required for nuclear migration. DLis1 shows significant sequence conservation across the volutionary spectrum. Fungal cognates of DLis1 are involved in nuclear migration while homologs in humans and mice are mplicated in neuronal migration. DLis1 shows genetic interactions with the Glued and Dynein heavy chain subunits of the ynein/dynactin complex, supporting the idea that the Lis1 family of proteins plays a role in microtubule motor-based uclear motility. © 2000 Academic Press
Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) on Leaf Diurnal Photosynthetic Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity in Pear (Pyrus Pyrifolia Nakai)

Photosynthesis is the basis of fruit growth and development. The higher photosynthetic efficiency of tree leaves, the more photosynthate is accumulated, which is beneficial to tree growth, root development, flower bud initialization, and the ultimate guarantee of quality and yield of fruits. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a key precursor of all porphyrin compounds, such as chlorophyll (Chl), heme, and phytochrome (von Wettstein et al., 1995). Exogenous application of ALA at low concentrations was found to promote growth and yield of several crops and vegetables (Hotta et al., 1997a). It also improved chlorophyll content and gas exchange capacity of melon seedlings under low light and chilling conditions (Wang et al., 2004), increased CO2 fixation in the light, and suppressed the release of CO2 in darkness (Hotta et al., 1997a), and promoted salt tolerance of cotton plants by manipulating the Na+ uptake (Watanabe et al., 2000). ALA-based fertilizer also enhanced the photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance in spinach and date palm seedlings under salinity (Nishihara et al., 2003; Youssef and Awad, 2008). However when the plant was treated with exogenous ALA at high concentrations (such as ≥1000 mg/L), it was assumed that the induced chlorophyll intermediate accumulation acted as a photosensitizer for the formation of 1O2, triggering photodynamic damage in ALA-treated plants (Chakrabory et al., 1992). Thus, ALA could be used as a natural bioherbicide. ALA has been suggested to be a new natural and environmental friendly regulator, which can be widely used in agriculture (Wang et al., 2003). However, whether it can be used in woody trees such as pear has not been reported, and the mechanisms of ALA regulation on plant growth have not yet been elucidated. In the work, we found ALA promotion on pear photosynthesis might be related with the increase of antioxidant enzyme activities, and well as H2O2, which might act as signaling molecules involved in the regulation process.
A History of Psychosis in Bipolar Disorder is Associated With Gray Matter Volume Reduction

Psychotic symptoms are prevalent in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric and neurological disorders, yet the neurobiological underpinnings of psychosis remain obscure. In the last decade, a large number of magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown differences in local gray matter volume between patients with different psychiatric syndromes and healthy controls. Few studies have focused on the symptoms, which these syndromes are constituted of. Here, we test the association between psychosis and gray matter volume by using a sample of 167 subjects with bipolar disorder, with and without a history of psychosis, and 102 healthy controls. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed on group level using a voxel-wise mass univariate analysis (Voxel-Based Morphometry). We found that patients with a history of psychosis had smaller gray matter volume in left fusiform gyrus, the right rostral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the left inferior frontal gyrus compared with patients without psychosis and with healthy controls. There was no volume difference in these areas between the no-psychosis group and healthy controls. These areas have previously been structurally and functionally coupled to delusions and hallucinations. Our finding adds further evidence to the probability of these regions as key areas in the development of psychotic symptoms.
A 1536-Well 3D Viability Assay to Assess the Cytotoxic Effect of Drugs on Spheroids

Evaluation of drug cytotoxicity traditionally relies on use of cell monolayers, which are easily miniaturized to the 1536-well plate format. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have recently gained popularity thanks to their ability to better mimic the complexity of in vivo systems. Despite growing interest in these more physiologically relevant and highly predictive cell-based models for compound profiling and drug discovery, 3D assays are currently performed in a medium- to low-throughput format, either in 96-well or 384-well plates. Here, we describe the design and implementation of a novel high-throughput screening (HTS)–compatible 1536-well plate assay that enables the parallel formation, size monitoring and viability assessment of 3D spheroids in a highly consistent manner. Custom-made plates featuring an ultra-low-attachment surface and round-bottom wells were evaluated for their compatibility with HTS requirements through a luminescence-based cytotoxicity pilot screen of ~3300 drugs from approved drug and National Cancer Institute (NCI) collections. As anticipated, results from this screen were significantly different from a parallel screen performed on cell monolayers. With the ability to achieve an average Z′ factor greater than 0.5, this automation-friendly assay can be implemented to either profile lead compounds in a more economical plate format or to interrogate large compound libraries by ultra-HTS (uHTS).
Hydrostatic level system for slow ground motion studies at Fermilab and SLAC

A series of new ground motion studies using an upgraded hydrostatic level system are planned at Fermilab and SLAC in collaboration with BINP. To better characterize both the spatial and temporal characteristics of slow ground motion, these studies will use large number of probes and will also be performed in several geologically different locations. The hydrostatic level system used in ongoing measurements near Fermilab [1] suffers from uncertainty of temperature fluctuation effects. This paper presents improvements to be incorporated into the upgraded hydrostatic level system, present status, and the plan for experimental studies.
Cardiovascular effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone in chronic left ventricular failure in the rat.

BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) appears to have favorable cardiac effects associated with left ventricular remodeling early after myocardial infarction in the rat. The present study was designed to determine whether IGF-1 combined with growth hormone would be beneficial later as well, when infarct healing and cardiac remodeling have occurred. METHODS AND RESULTS Four weeks after coronary occlusion, 36 rats were randomized to IGF-1 (3 mg.kg-1.d-1) plus growth hormone (0.1 mg BID) or to placebo for 4 weeks. Treated rats had significant increases in body weight (22%), while the ratio of heart weight to body weight was unchanged. Under anesthesia, cardiac output (fluorescent microspheres) increased 46%, and systemic vascular resistance decreased by 21% (P < .001) in the treated group; a significant (22%) increase of the cardiac index was limited to treated rats with large myocardial infarctions. Small increases in the reduced left ventricular ejection fractions and left ventricular dP/dt(max) values with treatment were not significant. Treated rats showed a borderline (16%) increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (angiography), whereas the ratio of left ventricular end-diastolic volume to body weight was reduced in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS IGF-1 plus growth hormone administered to rats with left ventricular failure starting 1 month after MI was associated with substantial body growth, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output. The failing heart also underwent treatment-induced increases in left and right ventricular weights in proportion to body growth, but left ventricular remodeling was minor, and a decrease in the ratio of left ventricular end-diastolic volume to body weight reflected relatively less chamber dilation compared with controls. A significant interaction between size of the myocardial infarction and treatment was observed for several variables, and IGF-1 and growth hormone increased the cardia index (P < .035) in rats with a large myocardial infarction.
Abandonment of germ cells in the embryonic chick ovary: TEM and SEM studies

Background: Embryonic chick ovary forms medulla and cortex successively in early developmental stages. Unlike the cortex, which is a functioning tissue in the adult, the medulla regresses as development advances. Although germ cells are included in these respective regions, their behavior within these regions is different. This study focuses on the fate of germ cells in the medulla of both ovaries.
Molecular Detection of Norwalk-Like Caliciviruses in Sewage

ABSTRACT In this study, Norwalk-like virus (NLV) RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in sewage water concentrates. Sequence analysis of the RT-PCR products revealed identical sequences in stools of patients and related sewage samples. In 6 of 11 outbreak-unrelated follow-up samples, multiple NLV genotypes were present. Levels as high as 107 RNA-containing particles per liter were found. These data show that high loads of NLVs may be present in sewage and warrant further studies addressing the efficacy of NLV removal by sewage water treatment processes.
Hypvrtvnsion Laboratory Studies The Differential Effect of Aldosterone and Dexamethasone on Pressor Responses in Adrenaiectomized Rats

The effect of selective glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid replacement on pressor responses to angiotensin I and II and norepinephrine was studied in adrenaiectomized rats given high salt intake. Four groups were prepared by 1) adrenalectomy only (n = 5); 2) adrenalectomy plus aldosterone, 6 /ig/24 hr i.p. (n = 5); or 3) adrenalectomy plus dexamethasone, 10 /ig/24 hr i.p. (n = 5), using miniosmotk pumps; and 4) sham adrenalectomy (controls; n = 5). Plasma corticosterone was undetectable in all three adrenaiectomized groups. Plasma aldosterone concentration was similar in aldosterone-replaced and sham-operated controls. Pressor responses to various doses of angiotensin I, angiotensin H, and norepinephrine were determined in unanesthetized, undisturbed rats. Compared with both control and dexamethasone-replaced rats, pressor responses to all three agonists were significantly reduced in both nonreplaced adrenaiectomized and aldosterone-replaced groups. Comparing the ratios of the pressor responses to angiotensin I and angiotensin II in the four groups over the entire dose range suggests that a greater fraction of injected angiotensin I was converted to angiotensin II in nonreplaced adrenaiectomized rats than in the other three groups. We conclude that glucocorticoid action markedly contributes to the systemic pressor effect of angiotensin and norepinephrine. However, glucocorticoid deficiency does not impair in vivo conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin H. (Hypertension 11: 174-178, 1988)
Development of the Outflow Tract

One of the points that has aroused much controversy among heart researchers through the years is the development of the outflow tract. This conflict stems from several areas. First, there is not a widely accepted terminology that can identify similar structures with identical names. This is not simply a semantic question: it originates, at least in part, from profound differences in the understanding of the fate of the different parts of the heart tube. Another major obstacle to the unification of concepts on outflow tract development is the use of different species to complement partial observations. Although cellular and subcellular mechanisms may be similar in different species, the contribution of the different structures to the definitive heart shape may not be identical. Another difficulty is the identification of changing structures (and their external and internal limits) as they progress through the different developmental stages. Finally, the task is complicated by the involvement of the different structures that have to join together in the course of normal morphogenesis. Formation of the outflow tract results from coordinated development in three different regions of the embryonic heart. It involves formation of the aorticopulmonary (A-P) septum, septation of the bulbus cordis, and formation of the aortic vestibulum. As a result of the coordination of these three developmental events, the ventricles attain independent arterial connections. In this presentation, I shall attempt to describe the development of the outflow tract and to discuss possible morphogenetic mechanisms. The terminology employed here is similar to the one used in the past,'. ' and it is basically that of previous author^. ^-^ The study focuses on two different species, chick and mouse. The inbred strain of mice, iv/iv, is used, which presents situs inversus in 50% of the cases6. '
Linear Transformations and the k-Means Clustering Algorithm

Functional data can be clustered by plugging estimated regression coefficients from individual curves into the k-means algorithm. Clustering results can differ depending on how the curves are fit to the data. Estimating curves using different sets of basis functions corresponds to different linear transformations of the data. k-means clustering is not invariant to linear transformations of the data. The optimal linear transformation for clustering will stretch the distribution so that the primary direction of variability aligns with actual differences in the clusters. It is shown that clustering the raw data will often give results similar to clustering regression coefficients obtained using an orthogonal design matrix. Clustering functional data using an L2 metric on function space can be achieved by clustering a suitable linear transformation of the regression coefficients. An example where depressed individuals are treated with an antidepressant is used for illustration.
A simple autonomous current-sharing control strategy for fast dynamic response of parallel inverters in islanded microgrids

This paper proposed a novel control strategy based on a virtual resistance and a phase locked loop for parallel three-phase inverters. The proposed controller can overcome the drawbacks of the conventional droop control such as slow transient response, complex design, and limited stability margins. The load sharing capability can be also obtained under asymmetrical output impedances in which the conventional droop controller was not properly working. The proposed approach has been verified by means of simulations and experimental results in a laboratory-scale prototype.