Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myocardial blood flow mapping in mice using high‐resolution spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging: Influence of ketamine/xylazine and isoflurane anesthesia

Genetically modified mouse models of many human diseases reflecting cardiovascular alterations are currently available. To date, little information on absolute myocardial perfusion in mice is found in the literature. High‐resolution quantitative myocardial blood flow maps (in‐plane resolution 156 × 312 μm2, slice thickness 1.5 mm) have been obtained noninvasively within 25 min at 4.7 T in 30 freely breathing C57/Bl6J mice using electrocardiogram‐ and respiration‐gated spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Regional myocardial blood flow measurements were carried out, and the effects of isoflurane at two different concentrations and ketamine/xylazine anesthesia were assessed. The mean blood flow value in the left ventricular myocardium was 6.0 ± 1.9 mL g−1 min−1 under ketamine/xylazine and 6.9 ± 1.7 mL g−1 min−1 (group average ± SD) under isoflurane (1.25%). Under the influence of higher isoflurane concentration (2.00%), myocardial blood flow increased dramatically to 16.9 ± 1.8 mL g−1min−1 with no significant change in heart rate. This work illustrates the feasibility of noninvasive quantitative myocardial perfusion mapping in mice using MRI. The study of the influence of anesthesia shows that myocardial blood flow is highly sensitive to isoflurane concentration. The method employed offers a noninvasive approach to longitudinal studies of murine models of cardiac disease. Magn Reson Med 53:601–606, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contingent Valuation Method of New and Renewable Energy as a Future Alternative in Korea

Environmental awareness is increasing all over the world. Concerns about the effects of global warming, such as rising sea levels, are inspiring growing interest in clean energy. The Fukushima nuclear disaster made renewable energy appear to be the main energy source of the future. This paper estimates the value of renewable energy as a substitute for nuclear energy by inferring Korean customers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for it. We use the contingent valuation methodology (CVM) to determine the WTP of renewable energy and thereby estimate its value. We also identify the direct and social factors that influence the WTP and study the relationships between them through multiple regression analysis. The per capita value of renewable energy is found to be 38,921 won, and renewable energy was found to be affected chiefly by ethical factors. Moreover, constructing renewable energy facilities instead of nuclear facilities would require an additional 40 trillion won (approximately), complicating the promotion of renewable energy generation in view of Korea’s public debt.
The research on steady-state control of flexible DC transmission based on MMC

Modular Multilevel Converter, as a new member of VSC, has been used for DC transmission field for its special modular topology structure. Based on the research of traditional voltage source inverter control mode, MMC mathematical model is derived and it is pointed out that MMC — HVDC can adopt the traditional control strategy of VSC — HVDC, considering that station-level control strategy has direct action on HVDC steady state operation, this paper focus on the design of station-level control strategy, and finally by using PSCAD/EMTDC software to build 9 level model of HVDC based on MMC, and through the simulation results the validity of the station-level control strategy design is verified.
Searching for polymorphisms that affect gene expression and mRNA processing: Example ABCB1 (MDR1)

Cis-acting genetic variations can affect the amount and structure of mRNA/protein. Genomic surveys indicate that polymorphisms affecting transcription and mRNA processing, including splicing and turnover, may account for main share of genetic factors in human phenotypic variability; however, most of these polymorphisms remain yet to be discovered. We use allelic expression imbalance (AEI) as a quantitative phenotype in the search for functionalcis-acting polymorphisms in many genes includingABCB1 (multidrug resistance 1 gene, MDR1, Pgp). Previous studies have shown that ABCB1 activity correlates with a synonymous polymorphism. C3435T; however, the functional polymorphism and molecular mechanisms underlying this clinical association remained unknown. Analysis of allele-specific expression in liver autopsy samples and in vitro expression experiments showed that C3435T represents a main functional polymorphism, accounting for 1.5-to 2-fold changes in mRNA levels. The mechanism appears to involve increased mRNA turnover, probably as a result of different folding structures calculated for mRNA with the Mfold program. Other examples of the successful application of AEI analysis for studying functional polymorphism include5-HTT (serotonin transporter, SLC6A4) andOPRM1 (μ opioid receptor). AEI is therefore a powerful approach for detectingcis-acting polymorphisms affecting gene expression and mRNA processing.
Technique for Studying Arthropod and Microbial Communities within Tree Tissues

Phloem tissues of pine are habitats for many thousands of organisms. Arthropods and microbes use phloem and cambium tissues to seek mates, lay eggs, rear young, feed, or hide from natural enemies or harsh environmental conditions outside of the tree. Organisms that persist within the phloem habitat are difficult to observe given their location under bark. We provide a technique to preserve intact phloem and prepare it for experimentation with invertebrates and microorganisms. The apparatus is called a ‘phloem sandwich’ and allows for the introduction and observation of arthropods, microbes, and other organisms. This technique has resulted in a better understanding of the feeding behaviors, life-history traits, reproduction, development, and interactions of organisms within tree phloem. The strengths of this technique include the use of inexpensive materials, variability in sandwich size, flexibility to re-open the sandwich or introduce multiple organisms through drilled holes, and the preservation and maintenance of phloem integrity. The phloem sandwich is an excellent educational tool for scientific discovery in both K-12 science courses and university research laboratories.
Bringing Good Teaching Cases “To Life”: A Simulator-Based Medical Education Service

Realistic medical simulation has expanded worldwide over the last decade. Such technology is playing an increasing role in medical education not merely because simulator sessions are enjoyable, but because they can provide an enhanced environment for experiential learning and reflective thought. High-fidelity patient simulators allow students of all levels to “practice” medicine without risk, providing a natural framework for the integration of basic and clinical science in a safe environment. Often described as “flight simulation for doctors,” the rationale, utility, and range of medical simulations have been described elsewhere, yet the challenges of integrating this technology into the medical school curriculum have received little attention. The authors report how Harvard Medical School established an on-campus simulator program for students in 2001, building on the work of the Center for Medical Simulation in Boston. As an overarching structure for the process, faculty and residents developed a simulator-based “medical education service”—like any other medical teaching service, but designed exclusively to help students learn on the simulator alongside a clinician-mentor, on demand. Initial evaluations among both preclinical and clinical students suggest that simulation is highly accepted and increasingly demanded. For some learners, simulation may allow complex information to be understood and retained more efficiently than can occur with traditional methods. Moreover, the process outlined here suggests that simulation can be integrated into existing curricula of almost any medical school or teaching hospital in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Sorting and Peer Effects

The effect of sorting students based on their academic performances depends not only on direct peer effects but also on indirect peer effects through teachers' efforts. Standard assumptions in the literature are insufficient to determine the effect of sorting on the performances of students and so are silent on the effect of policies such as tracking, implementing school choice, and voucher programs. We show that the effect of such policies depends on the curvature of teachers' marginal utility of effort. We characterize conditions under which sorting increases (decreases) the total effort of teachers and the average performance of students.
Functioning and utility for current health of patients with depression or chronic medical conditions in managed, primary care practices.

BACKGROUND Health utility is the recommended outcome metric for medical cost-effectiveness studies. We compared health utility and quality of life for primary care patients with depression or chronic medical conditions. METHODS Respondents were outpatients (N = 17 558) of primary care clinicians (N = 181) in 7 managed care organizations. Utility was assessed by time tradeoff, or the years of life that patients would exchange for perfect health, and standard gamble, or the required chance of success to accept a treatment that can cause immediate death or survival in perfect health. Probable 12-month depressive disorder and affective syndromes were assessed through self-report items from a diagnostic interview. Medical conditions were assessed with self-report. Quality of life was assessed by the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Regression models were used to compare quality of life and utility for patients with depression vs chronic medical conditions. RESULTS Patients with probable 12-month depressive disorder had worse mental health and role-emotional and social functioning and lower utility for their current health than patients with each chronic medical condition (for most comparisons, P<.001). Depressed patients had worse physical functioning than patients with 4 common chronic conditions but better physical functioning than patients with 4 other conditions (each P<.001). Patients with lifetime bipolar illness and 12-month double depression had the poorest quality of life and lowest utility. CONCLUSIONS Primary care patients with depressive conditions have poorer mental, role-emotional, and social functioning than patients with common chronic medical conditions, and physical functioning in the midrange. The low utility of depressed patients relative to patients with chronic medical conditions suggests that recovery from depression should be a high practice priority.
Ineffective family participation in professional care: a concept analysis of a proposed nursing diagnosis.

PURPOSE To discuss the label, definition, defining characteristics, and related factors of a proposed nursing diagnosis, "ineffective family participation in professional care. " DATA SOURCES Published research articles, clinical handbooks, textbooks. DATA SYNTHESIS Although a number of family-related nursing diagnoses exist, none really addresses the problems encountered if family members are unwilling or unable to participate in patient care. This is critical because the bulk of care occurs outside the hospital setting. CONCLUSIONS A new nursing diagnosis, "Ineffective family participation in professional care" is needed. This diagnosis has been submitted to the Nursing Diagnosis Extension and Classification for consideration. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS With this diagnosis nurses could encourage family participation in care more effectively by focusing on assessment and interventions.
Review of Treatment Modalities for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

This review summarizes and updates data presented at recent annual Southern Medical Association conferences on postmenopausal osteoporosis. As part of any osteoporosis treatment program, it is important to maintain adequate calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels either through diet or supplementation. Among the available pharmacologic therapies, the bisphosphonates alendronate and risedronate have demonstrated the most robust fracture risk reductions—approximately 40 to 50% reduction in vertebral fracture risk, 30 to 40% in nonvertebral fracture risk, and 40 to 60% in hip fracture risk. Ibandronate, a new bisphosphonate, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing vertebral fracture risk. Salmon calcitonin nasal spray and raloxifene demonstrated significant reductions in vertebral fracture risk in pivotal studies. Teriparatide significantly reduced vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk. Drugs on the horizon include strontium ranelate, which has been shown to reduce vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk, and zoledronic acid, an injectable bisphosphonate that increased bone density with once-yearly administration.
Effects of Cycling vs. Running Training on Endurance Performance in Preparation for Inline Speed Skating

Abstract Stangier, C, Abel, T, Hesse, C, Claßen, S, Mierau, J, Hollmann, W, and Strüder, HK. Effects of cycling vs. running training on endurance performance in preparation for inline speed skating. J Strength Cond Res 30(6): 1597–1606, 2016—Winter weather conditions restrict regular sport-specific endurance training in inline speed skating. As a result, this study was designed to compare the effects of cycling and running training programs on inline speed skaters' endurance performance. Sixteen (8 men, 8 women) high-level athletes (mean ± SD 24 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (running and cycling). Both groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks, one group on a treadmill and the other on a cycle ergometer. Training intensity and duration was individually calculated (maximal fat oxidation: ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak: 500 kcal per session). Before and after the training intervention, all athletes performed an incremental specific (inline speed skating) and 1 nonspecific (cycling or running) step test according to the group affiliation. In addition to blood lactate concentration, oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), ventilatory equivalent (VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate were measured. The specific posttest revealed significantly increased absolute V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values (2.9 ± 0.4, 3.4 ± 0.7, p = 0.01) and submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values (p ⩽ 0.01). VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and RER significantly decreased at maximal (46.6 ± 6.6, 38.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.005; 1.1 ± 0.03, 1.0 ± 0.04, p = 0.001) and submaximal intensities (p ⩽ 0.04). None of the analysis revealed a significant group effect (p ≥ 0.15). The results indicate that both cycling vs. running exercise at ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak had a positive effect on the athletes' endurance performance. The increased submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values indicate a reduction in athletes' inline speed skating technique. Therefore, athletes would benefit from a focus on technique training in the subsequent period.
Applying the Concept of Europeanization to the Study of Foreign Policy: Dimensions and Mechanisms

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in applying the Europeanization concept to the study of foreign policy. Discussing how foreign policy Europeanization relates to Europeanization research in other areas of EU governance as well as to traditional approaches from the International Relations discipline, we examine the added value of studying foreign policy through the lens of Europeanization. As there is by now a considerable diversity of explanations for EU-induced changes of the national foreign policies of EU Member States, we propose important conceptual refinements, providing a clear distinction between the dimensions of Europeanization, their respective outcomes and particularly the mechanisms that drive Europeanization in these different dimensions. Overall, this working paper illustrates that Europeanization research addresses important shortcomings of International Relations approaches dominant in the field of European foreign policy analysis. By focusing on the interplay of “top-down” and “bottom-up” dynamics between the EU and national levels, which have been previously considered as isolated phenomena, the Europeanization concept contributes to a better understanding of the complex nature of European foreign policy-making.
Drugs of Dependence Though Not of Abuse: Fenfluramine and Imipramine

Measures of subjective feeling used by five patients indicated that depression of mood occurred about four days after fenfluramine withdrawal. An experiment in which another 11 patients took fenfluramine 80 mg for 28 days confirmed the depression, maximal on the fourth withdrawal day. It also indicated that in the first week of administration there was some mood elevation, but with feelings of impaired ability to concentrate. The drug reduced appetite and weight. A comparison is drawn with imipramine, which was found to induce initial and withdrawal changes of subjective experience (of dreaming) in six volunteers. It is suggested that certain mood-influencing drugs may not be drugs of abuse because of some unpleasant initial effects, though they can be drugs of dependence.
An Analysis of the Dynamics of French Firms' Exports from 2000 to 2009: lessons for the Recovery

This chapter draws on yearly data for the period 2000-09 relating to individual French exporters to analyse the changes in France's overall export value in response to demand shocks and to shed light on the debate surrounding trade elasticities. Over the medium term, two-thirds of the increase in overall exports witnessed during the observation period was accounted for by an expansion in existing trade flows, thereby leaving scope for new flows. Over the very short term, by contrast, trade flows adjust mainly at the intensive margin to large swings in demand. All this underlines the potential role of sunk costs, which introduce irreversibility into export decisions.
1.56 µm sub-microjoule femtosecond pulse delivery through low-loss microstructured revolver hollow-core fiber

We report for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, on ~1 MW peak power femtosecond pulse delivery through ≈10 m-long air-filled microstructured revolver hollow-core fiber (RHCF) in the telecom spectral band near 1.56 µm wavelength. We have developed a high-power all-fiber master oscillator power amplifier source based on the novel large-mode area erbium-doped double-clad fiber with 980 nm multi-mode diode pumping that emits up to 530 nJ pulses shorter than 400 fs with 1.42 W maximum average power. These pulses have been further launched into low-loss (<30 dB km−1) RHCF with eight non-touched cylindrical capillaries-based cladding and 61 µm core size with more than 80% efficiency. Owing to low dispersion and nonlinearity of the RHCF developed, the output pulse characteristics (spectral and temporal) are close to the input ones for low and moderate pulse energies. However, we have observed significant nonlinear spectral filtering together with pulse shortening (down to 353 fs) at the maximum output average power of 0.94 W. We believe that the system developed may be highly promising for high-precision material processing and other high-energy and high-power laser applications.
Beta cyclodextrins bind, stabilize, and remove lipofuscin bisretinoids from retinal pigment epithelium

Significance Lipofuscin accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a hallmark of aging. High lipofuscin levels in the RPE have been associated with retinal degeneration and blindness in Stargardt disease patients and animal models. Currently, there is no treatment to prevent and/or revert lipofuscin-driven retinal degenerative changes. In this study, we report that beta cyclodextrins, cyclic sugars composed of seven glucose units, can bind retinal lipofuscin, prevent its oxidation and remove it from RPE. This study opens an avenue to develop small drugs against, currently untreatable, lipofuscin-associated blinding disorders. Accumulation of lipofuscin bisretinoids (LBs) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the alleged cause of retinal degeneration in genetic blinding diseases (e.g., Stargardt) and a possible etiological agent for age-related macular degeneration. Currently, there are no approved treatments for these diseases; hence, agents that efficiently remove LBs from RPE would be valuable therapeutic candidates. Here, we show that beta cyclodextrins (β-CDs) bind LBs and protect them against oxidation. Computer modeling and biochemical data are consistent with the encapsulation of the retinoid arms of LBs within the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD. Importantly, β-CD treatment reduced by 73% and 48% the LB content of RPE cell cultures and of eyecups obtained from Abca4-Rdh8 double knock-out (DKO) mice, respectively. Furthermore, intravitreal administration of β-CDs reduced significantly the content of bisretinoids in the RPE of DKO animals. Thus, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of β-CDs to complex and remove LB deposits from RPE cells and provide crucial data to develop novel prophylactic approaches for retinal disorders elicited by LBs.
Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Stock Exchange Prices: Evidence from USA Japan and China

This paper investigates the long run relationship between macroeconomic indicators of terms of trade, oil prices, rate of interest, money supply (M3), index of industrial production and stock exchange prices indices for the USA Japan and China by focusing on the global financial recession. This study examines whether the same model can explain USA, Japanese and Chinese stock markets, while yielding consistent factors loading. Using monthly time series data of the respective variables of the range 2005-1 to 2010-5 Autoregressive Distributive Lag ARDL co-integration approach used for data analysis. Our results vary from one country to another. An explanation of the difference in behavior between the three stock markets may lie as USA economy is most affected by financial crises, 2007 and Japanese economy slump after 1990, china is least affected economy by financial crises, 2007. In the context of recent global financial recession, no study has so far been traced which explains the causal relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock markets of USA, Japan and China. Our results are helpful for investors, national policy makers and corporate managers etc.
Global and Fast Receiver Antenna Selection for MIMO Systems

For a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system with more antennas at the receiver than the transmitter, selecting the same number of receiver antennas as the number of transmit antennas captures most of the advantages of MIMO capacity performance and reduces the system hardware and computational cost at the same time. In this paper, a fast and global-search receive antenna selection algorithm is proposed for this MIMO array configuration. Different from many existing fast but `local' antenna selection algorithms which obtain the sub-optimal channel submatrix by adding or removing one row per step, our algorithm acquires the near-optimal channel matrix by {directly} and {rapidly} searching the maximum-volume submatrix of the original channel matrix. Due to its "globally searching" property, our antenna selection algorithm leads to a substantial improvement in the capacity optimality for moderate to high SNRs, and obtains almost the same capacity performance as that of the exhaustive-search-based optimal antenna selection algorithm. Furthermore, the computational load and memory requirement for our antenna selection method are still comparable to those of the existing sub-optimal antenna selection methods. Numerical results are provided to verify the validity of the proposed methods.