Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wu-Chia-Pi Solution Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Injury through the Antioxidative Abilities of Its Components Acteoside and Quercetin

Wu-Chia-Pi medicated wine, composed nine Chinese medicines soaked in 35% alcohol, is widely used in Asia for its health-promoting functions. However, long-term consumption of alcohol could result in liver dysfunction. In this study, Wu-Chia-Pi solution (WCPS) and extract (WCPE) were prepared by modification of the principals given by the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of WCPS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and to clarify its active component(s). Antioxidative effects of the test samples were evaluated via MDA inhibition, catalase activity and DPPH-scavenging assays. HPLC was used to analysis the active components. Results showed that WCPS (1 and 5 mL/kg) significantly prevented CCl4-induced liver injury without chronic liver toxicity. Referring to the antioxidative activities, WCPE displayed significant MDA inhibitory and DPPH-scavenging activities with IC50 values of 0.91 ± 0.03 and 0.60 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Catalase activity was also enhanced by treatment of WCPE, acteoside and quercetin. Therefore, we suggest that acteoside and quercetin are the major contributors to the antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of WCPS, and a possible mechanism could be mediated through reduction of oxidative stress.
Changes in prevalence of parent-reported autism spectrum disorder in school-aged U.S. children: 2007 to 2011-2012.

OBJECTIVES This report presents data on the prevalence of diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as reported by parents of school-aged children (ages 6-17 years) in 2011-2012. Prevalence changes from 2007 to 2011-2012 were evaluated using cohort analyses that examine the consistency in the 2007 and 2011-2012 estimates for children whose diagnoses could have been reported in both surveys (i.e., those born in 1994-2005 and diagnosed in or before 2007). DATA SOURCES Data were drawn from the 2007 and 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), which are independent nationally representative telephone surveys of households with children. The surveys were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics with funding and direction from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. RESULTS The prevalence of parent-reported ASD among children aged 6-17 was 2.00% in 2011-2012, a significant increase from 2007 (1.16%). The magnitude of the increase was greatest for boys and for adolescents aged 14-17. Cohort analyses revealed consistent estimates of both the prevalence of parent-reported ASD and autism severity ratings over time. Children who were first diagnosed in or after 2008 accounted for much of the observed prevalence increase among school-aged children (those aged 6-17). School-aged children diagnosed in or after 2008 were more likely to have milder ASD and less likely to have severe ASD than those diagnosed in or before 2007. CONCLUSIONS The results of the cohort analyses increase confidence that differential survey measurement error over time was not a major contributor to observed changes in the prevalence of parent-reported ASD. Rather, much of the prevalence increase from 2007 to 2011-2012 for school-aged children was the result of diagnoses of children with previously unrecognized ASD.
Comments on L. M. Dunn's Bilingual Hispanic Children on the U.S. Mainland: A Review of Research on Their Cognitive, Linguistic, and Scholastic Development

Dunn's arguments are flawed and his conclusions inadequate. The genetic position, which attempts to explain academic differences among students of different ethnolinguistic backgrounds, is scientifically unfounded. The implications of IQ test results must be re-examined in light of socioeconomic and cultural differences in a broader historical perspective; such tests have already been determined biased and inaccurate as measures of ability, even among Anglo students. Dunn appears unaware that many minority group members have done well despite prejudicial educational practices. Historically, xenophobia has strong roots in this country, and Dunn has contributed to increase it. He has taken an arrogant position attempting to give credence to genetic arguments without really understanding genetics or anthropology.
On the Assignment of Structure in Music Performance

Cues for listeners9 assignment of melodic structure are investigated in music performance. Performers9 interpretations of musical structure can influence listeners9 perceptions, especially when structural relations among musical events are ambiguous. Performances recorded on a computermonitored acoustic piano were compared with each performer9s notated interpretations of melody. Small timing changes (20-50 ms) marked performers9 melodic intentions; events interpreted as melody (the most important voice) preceded other events in chords (melody lead). The emergence of melody leads was investigated in successive performances of unfamiliar music: melody leads were larger in experts9 than in students9 performances, but students showed more increase with practice. In additional experiments, performances of the same music with different melodic interpretations displayed the melody lead in different amounts, which subsequently affected listeners9 perceptions of melodic intentions. Subtle expressive cues in music performance arise from individual interpretations and can aid listeners in determining musical structure.
Integrins and the extracellular matrix: Key mediators of development and regeneration of the sensory nervous system

The somatosensory nervous system is responsible for the transmission of a multitude of sensory information from specialized receptors in the periphery to the central nervous system. Sensory afferents can potentially be damaged at several sites: in the peripheral nerve; the dorsal root; or the dorsal columns of the spinal cord; and the success of regeneration depends on the site of injury. The regeneration of peripheral nerve branches following injury is relatively successful compared to central branches. This is largely attributed to the presence of neurotrophic factors and a Schwann cell basement membrane rich in permissive extracellular matrix (ECM) components which promote axonal regeneration in the peripheral nerve. Modulation of the ECM environment and/or neuronal integrins may enhance regenerative potential of sensory neurons following peripheral or central nerve injury or disease. This review describes the interactions between integrins and ECM molecules (particularly the growth supportive ligands, laminin, and fibronectin; and the growth inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs)) during development and regeneration of sensory neurons following physical injury or neuropathy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1054‐1072, 2011
Analytical Performance of ELISA Assays in Urine: One More Bottleneck towards Biomarker Validation and Clinical Implementation

ELISA is the main approach for the sensitive quantification of protein biomarkers in body fluids and is currently employed in clinical laboratories for the measurement of clinical markers. As such, it also constitutes the main methodological approach for biomarker validation and further qualification. For the latter, specific assay performance requirements have to be met, as described in respective guidelines of regulatory agencies. Even though many clinical ELISA assays in serum are regularly used, ELISA clinical applications in urine are significantly less. The scope of our study was to evaluate ELISA assay analytical performance in urine for a series of potential biomarkers for bladder cancer, as a first step towards their large scale clinical validation. Seven biomarkers (Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, Survivin, Slit homolog 2 protein, NRC-Interacting Factor 1, Histone 2B, Proteinase-3 and Profilin-1) previously described in the literature as having differential expression in bladder cancer were included in the study. A total of 11 commercially available ELISA tests for these markers were tested by standard curve analysis, assay reproducibility, linearity and spiking experiments. The results show disappointing performance with coefficients of variation>20% for the vast majority of the tests performed. Only 3 assays (for Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, Survivin and Slit homolog 2 protein) passed the accuracy thresholds and were found suitable for further application in marker quantification. These results collectively reflect the difficulties in developing urine-based ELISA assays of sufficient analytical performance for clinical application, presumably attributed to the urine matrix itself and/or presence of markers in various isoforms.
Percorrendo o processo de identificação da oportunidade dentro do Framework para a IHC centrada em valores

This paper presents a brief report about the first attempts to develop websites for two computing courses of the Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina -- Campus de São Miguel do Oeste, using the Value-Centred HCI Framework proposed by Gilbert Cockton. On this very beginning, the research has used the first framework process called Opportunity Identification. The methodology to develop this work consisted of: 1) Interviewing and observing students from computing courses while using the Internet and the current computing courses websites, and 2) Applying a Content Analysis on the compiled interview reports. At last, 6 (six) values were identified and selected to be used on the next websites development stages.
Cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during circulatory arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

We measured cerebral oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during an unexpected cardiac arrest and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A 4-yr-old girl with cyanotic congenital heart disease developed an arrhythmia during cardiac catheterization with subsequent circulatory arrest. Continuous monitoring of cerebral oxygenation showed marked changes in oxygen status immediately after the beginning of the tachyarrhythmia. After 1 min of circulatory arrest, a decrease in oxygenated haemoglobin concentration and cytochrome oxidase signal indicated a critical reduction of oxygen tension. With the beginning of CPR, a rapid increase in cytochrome oxidase oxygenation was observed. Previous values, however, were only restored when sinus rhythm was obtained after successful cardiac defibrillation. Our observations suggest that non-invasive cerebral NIRS measurement gives useful additional real-time information on cerebral oxygenation during cardiac arrest and CPR.
Advancements in Understanding Immunogenicity of Biotherapeutics in the Intraocular Space

Therapeutic breakthroughs in a number of retinal degenerative diseases have come about through the development of biotherapeutics administered directly into the eye. As a consequence of their use, we have gained more insight into the immune privileged status of the eye and the various considerations that development, manufacturing, and use of these drugs require. It has been observed that therapeutic proteins injected into the vitreous can elicit an immune response resulting in the production of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) which can have clinical consequences. This review includes discussion of the anatomy, physiology, and specific area of the eye that are targeted for drug administration. The various immunologic mechanisms involved in the immune responses to intraocularly administered protein are discussed. This review entails discussion on chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) and formulation-related issues that may influence the risk of immunogenicity. Based on the available immunogenicity profile of the marketed intraocular drugs and their reported adverse events, the animal models and the translational gap from animals to human are discussed. Thus, the objective of this review article is to assess the factors that influence immunogenicity in relation to intraocular administration and the steps taken for mitigating immunogenicity risks.
Broadband Printed-Circuit-Board Characterization Using Multimode Substrate-Integrated- Waveguide Resonator

Broadband printed-circuit-board characterization using a multimode substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) resonator is proposed and investigated in this paper. The resonator sample is fed by two closed rectangular waveguides through two coupling slots positioned at two ends of the cavity. A series of TE<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\mathrm {10}{k}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> resonant modes with large mode index can be excited sequentially in the cavity. This design is able to perform an effective control of the frequency interval (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Delta f$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) between two neighboring modes. Besides, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Delta f$ </tex-math></inline-formula> approaches to be a constant with a large mode index <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. This feature is important to test dielectric materials at small and approximately uniform frequency intervals. The detailed design process is introduced to synthesize the dimensions of the resonator sample and the feeding structure for a given operation frequency band. As an example, the Taconic TLY-5 substrate is measured at <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Ka$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band firstly to validate the accuracy of this method. Two types of samples with different thicknesses are fabricated and tested to calibrate the conductor loss. After that, this SIW multimode measurement is employed to accurately test the same substrates over the whole <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$W$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band with approximately uniform frequency intervals. This task cannot be implemented by conventional resonance methods based on microstrip lines because of the selection of resonant modes and the radiation leakage.
Turnover Poseidon : Incremental Learning in Clustering Methods for Anomaly based Intrusion Detection

Methods in Anomaly based Intrusion Detection are currently focused on detecting intrusions on static networks and do not adapt to changes in network traffic. Since real-life computer networks are dynamic, these methods do not suffice since they generate too many false positives. This paper presents Turnover Poseidon, a modification to the Poseidon method enabling it to learn incrementally to adapt to changes in network traffic. The Turnover Poseidon method performs equally well compared to the original Poseidon method on a static network and surpasses it on a dynamic network, reducing the number of false positives by a factor 70 to 80. This reduction shows the Poseidon method can successfully be modified to adapt to changes in network traffic.
Fault decoupling via generalized output injection

This paper deals with the problem of fault (or disturbance) decoupling in nonlinear systems. A new method is proposed to increase dimension of state subspace which is insensitive to fault (or disturbance). This method is based on a nonlinear filter defined by means of the generalized output injection. An example is presented which illustrates results.
Active knee joint flexibility and sports activity

The aim of the study was to estimate active knee flexion and active knee extension in athletes and to investigate the potential association of each to different types of sports activity. Active knee extension and active knee flexion was measured in 339 athletes. Active knee extension was significantly higher in women than in men and significantly positively associated with weekly hours of swimming and weekly hours of competitive gymnastics. Active knee flexion was significantly positively associated with participation in basketball, and significantly negatively associated with age and weekly hours of soccer. European team handball and swimming. The results point to sport‐specific adaptation of active knee flexion and active knee extension.
Histological and Functional Changes of the Testis Tissue During GnRH Agonist Treatment of Prostatic Cancer

The purpose of this study was to examine long-term effects of GnRH agonists on human testicular histology and endocrine function. Patients with advanced prostate cancer (n = 7) were treated with the potent GnRH agonist analogue buserelin (Bu, Hoechst), 600 micrograms X 3/day intranasally. After 6 months, the patients were orchiectomized, and the testis tissue was used for histological studies and measurements of endocrine function in vitro. Fourteen other patients with matching ages and extent of the disease were castrated as the first form of therapy, and their testis tissue was used as controls (C). Severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules was seen in light microscopy in the testes of the Bu treated patients. Many tubules showed only Sertoli cells, and the seminiferous epithelium was frequently absent. In contrast, no clear changes were seen in the number of Leydig cells. Testicular content of testosterone (T) decreased greater than 95% by Bu treatment: C = 1.5 +/- 0.2 nmol/g wet wt (x +/- SE); Bu = 0.070 +/- 0.019 nmol/g. Likewise, a drop of 80% occurred in testicular high affinity receptors for FSH: C = 0.37 +/- 0.019 pmol/g; Bu = 0.067 +/- 0.009 pmol/g. In contrast, the number of LH receptors was unaffected by the treatment, C = 0.18 +/- 0.033; Bu = 0.18 +/- 0.032 pmol/g. When testis slices were incubated in the presence of maximally stimulating concentration of hCG (100 ng/ml), both groups of tissue responded similarly with a 50% increase in T production, albeit the absolute production rate was reduced by 95% in the Bu group. When several steroid precursors of T were analyzed in the incubation media, it appeared that decreased androgen synthesis was most clearly due to decreased 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. It is concluded that long-term treatment with GnRH agonists in prostatic cancer patients brings about dramatic damage of seminiferous tubular function and reduces testicular androgen producing capacity, but has no effect on testicular capability of responding immediately to LH stimulation.
ISSLS Prize Winner: The Innervation of the Intervertebral Disc: A Quantitative Analysis

Objective. The first quantitative analysis of the innervation of the lumbar intervertebral disc is presented. Methods. A sheep model was used allowing evaluation of the whole motion segment. Four sheep spines were used. One was processed for PGP 9.5 immunofluorescence and three were processed for PGP 9.5 immunoperoxidase histochemistry. A count was made of the densities of innervation of the endplate and anulus, and these were compared. Results. There is no significant difference between endplate and anulus innervation densities. The endplate innervation is concentrated centrally adjoining the nucleus. The richest area of innervation is in the perianular connective tissue. Discussion. The lumbar intervertebral disc has a meager innervation. This is concentrated in the perianular connective tissue and the central endplate. Although receptor threshold is more closely related to nociceptive function than innervation density, these findings have important implications for any treatment of discogenic pain.
A Productivity Test of Statistical Machine Translation Post-Editing in a Typical Localisation Context

A Productivity Test of Statistical Machine Translation Post-Editing in a Typical Localisation Context We evaluated the productivity increase of statistical MT post-editing as compared to traditional translation in a two-day test involving twelve participants translating from English to French, Italian, German, and Spanish. The test setup followed an empirical methodology. A random subset of the entire new content produced in our company during a given year was translated with statistical MT engines trained on data from the previous year. The translation environment recorded translation and post-editing times for each sentence. The results show a productivity increase for each participant, with significant variance across inviduals.
Barriers to recovery in communities exposed to disasters: Sri Lankan voices speak

Abstract Disasters experienced by a community place all members at risk for physical and psychological harm. While natural resilience may help many to recover, there may be barriers that hinder the recovery process. This qualitative study was conducted to examine barriers to recovery in a community impacted by both war and the tsunami. A group of 43 ethnically diverse Sri Lankans (F = 63%) participated in six focus groups and provided their perspectives on barriers they perceived to impede their recovery from traumatic events. Grounded-theory-based data analysis revealed culture-general and culture-specific socio-economic, environmental, sociocultural, and individual barriers that participants identified as impeding their recovery. Interventions and health policies targeting these groups could focus on helping communities to overcome these barriers as a means of facilitating recovery in these beleaguered communities.
Mechanisms of Intron Loss and Gain in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces

The fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is an important model species with a low intron density. Previous studies showed extensive intron losses during its evolution. To test the models of intron loss and gain in fission yeasts, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis in four Schizosaccharomyces species. Both intronization and de-intronization were observed, although both were at a low frequency. A de-intronization event was caused by a degenerative mutation in the branch site. Four cases of imprecise intron losses were identified, indicating that genomic deletion is not a negligible mechanism of intron loss. Most intron losses were precise deletions of introns, and were significantly biased to the 3′ sides of genes. Adjacent introns tended to be lost simultaneously. These observations indicated that the main force shaping the exon-intron structures of fission yeasts was precise intron losses mediated by reverse transcriptase. We found two cases of intron gains caused by tandem genomic duplication, but failed to identify the mechanisms for the majority of the intron gain events observed. In addition, we found that intron-lost and intron-gained genes had certain similar features, such as similar Gene Ontology categories and expression levels.