Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of an Acute Model for the Study of Chloromethanediphosphonate Nephrotoxicity

Chloromethanediphosphonate (Cl2MDP), a cation chelator, is used as a therapeutic for hypercalcemia of malignancy. Cl2MDP exhibits nephrotoxic potential. Thus, a useful model has been developed to study the mechanism of injury. Intraperitoneal administration of highly exaggerated dosages, specifically 200 mg/kg b.i. d. , resulted in a consistent mild to moderate extent of kidney damage after the third day of treatment in rats. Proteinuria and lowered serum phosphorus levels occur prior to onset of histopathologic changes. Injury was characterized as necrosis of proximal tubular epithelium with predilection for pars recta. Unlike many renal toxicity models, the necrosis occurs as cell lysis only after 24 to 48 hours of treatment. However, this model significantly reduces the time required to induce renal toxicity observed in routine toxicity studies from months of treatment to less than 1 week and will, thus, serve as a baseline for subsequent pathogenetic studies.
Reliable software architecture design with EtherCAT for a rescue robot

Modern robot researches focus on disaster response to carry out several missions by a robot itself. Robot software should handle a large number of calculation under real-time constraints. And also, the software design should be complex to process a lot of sensors, which increases a number of factors to consider for the system performance. In this paper, we present the software architecture design for the rescue robot which rescues a wounded person and moves dangerous objects in disaster situations. The software architecture is designed with real-time APIs from a Xenomai real-time kernel patch. The architecture uses EtherCAT which is an Ethernet-based real-time network to communicate with all joint controllers. The processors in the architecture communicate each other by the shared memory. We study two considerations to improve the performance and reliability. First, we present a method to minimize the memory synchronization procedure which is a drawback of the shared memory communication. We also consider processor affinity for all real-time tasks in the architecture to stabilize execution time of high priority tasks.
Improving network lifetime & reporting delay in wireless sensor networks using multiple mobile sinks

Sensor networks have emerged a very dynamic and effective field in wireless communication for low cost and ultra low power regime. Efficient deployment, relocation of sink, routing topology and energy management of sensor nodes are very essential for reliable and uniform energy utilization in the network. The fixed sink topology has a limitation of fast energy depletion of nearby nodes to the sink. Therefore, concept of sink mobility gets attention in WSNs. But, designing routing path to a mobile sink for guaranteed data delivery in energy-efficient way becomes challenging objective. Nodes in network require updates from sinks as they roam in network. Location updates from mobile sinks increase traffic in network which consume more energy and increase reporting delay. In this paper, we presented a novel ring routing for multiple mobile sinks (RRMMS), suitable for real time applications. Simulation results showing that RRMMS has better results in terms of network life time and reporting data delay as compared to ring routing for single mobile sink.
Functional variability of platelet response to clopidogrel correlates with P2Y12 receptor occupancy

Summary Summary Interindividual variability of response to clopidogrel is currently a subject of much interest. We tested the hypothesis that functional variability in the platelet response to clopidogrel correlates with occupancy of the platelet P2Y12 receptor by clopidogrel active metabolite. Healthy subjects were screened after seven days’ treatment with clopidogrel 75 mg/day to select three clopidogrel-response groups (n=12/group), defined as ‘average’ (40–60% inhibition of platelet aggregation [IPA]), ‘low’ (<10% IPA) or ‘high’ (>80% IPA) responders. After a two- to six-week wash-out period, subjects were randomized (double-blind) to clopidogrel 75 mg/day (n=10/group) for 10 days, followed by clopidogrel 300 mg on day 11, or placebo (n=2/group). IPA induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and P2Y12 receptor occupancy were measured repeatedly. The incidence of low responders was 3.7%, and low responses to clopidogrel were maintained during the randomized evaluation phase. Treatment with clopidogrel for 10 days induced a significant increase in P2Y12 receptor occupancy in each group of responders versus placebo; receptor affinity was unchanged. This reduction correlated with IPA response (r=0.54). The additional 300 mg dose of clopidogrel on top of 75 mg chronic treatment increased IPA and P2Y12 receptor occupancy in all groups, but relatively more in low responders. Variability in the response to clopidogrel appears to be linked to differences in P2Y12 receptor occupancy. An additional 300 mg dose of clopidogrel improves both IPA and P2Y12 receptor occupancy mostly in the subset of ‘low’ responders.
Low power beamforming for underwater acoustic sensing using a 5-element circular hydrophone array

In this paper we present a technique for underwater acoustic beamforming based on soundfield recording that encodes both the temporal and spatial characteristics of a signal. Here, we introduce the basic theory behind soundfield recording and present a first-order beamformer that beamforms the encoded data in a specific direction (θ,φ) and with a variable polar pattern, p. The appeal of this beamformer being that a 2-dimensional beam can be created using only 4 multiplications and 2 additions. A method for implementing a wideband, planar soundfield recorder using a 5-element array is then discussed. Results from underwater experimental trials using this 5-element array are then presented that compare the measured beam patterns and frequency response of the physical beamformer to the ideal, theoretical beam patterns and frequency response.
Semiautomatic Lymph Node Segmentation in Multislice Computed Tomography: Impact of Slice Thickness on Segmentation Quality, Measurement Precision, and Interobserver Variability

Objectives:To determine the impact of slice thickness on semiautomatic lymph node analysis. Materials and Methods:Thoracic multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of 46 patients with NSCLC were reconstructed at 1.0-, 3.0-, and 5.0-mm slice thickness. Two radiologists independently determined long and short axis diameter and volume of 299 thoracic lymph nodes by semiautomatic segmentation software. Necessity of manual correction (= relative difference between uncorrected and corrected segmented lymph node volume) and relative interobserver differences were determined. The precision of segmentation was expressed by relative measurement deviations (RMD) from the reference standard (mean of 1.0 mm datasets). Statistical analysis encompassed t test and Bland-Altman plots. Results:Necessity of manual correction was significantly higher for 5.0 mm than for 3.0 (P = 0.042) or 1.0 mm (P = 0.0012). The RMD for long and short axis diameter were found to be independent of slice thickness, whereas the RMD for lymph node volume significantly (P = 0.021) increased from 4.0% at 1.0 mm (95% CI: 1.0%–3.5%) to 35% at 5.0 mm (95% CI: 10.5%–60.5%). The relative interobserver differences was consistently low for metric and volumetric parameters (eg, volume 2.3%, 95% CI: −7.4%–10.8% at 5.0 mm) with no difference in any of the slice thicknesses (P > 0.064). Conclusions:Significant deviations in lymph node volume together with excessive manual corrections suggest reconstruction of the data for semiautomatic lymph node assessment at a slice thickness of 1.0 mm but not exceeding 3.0 mm.
CHRFAM7A, a human‐specific and partially duplicated α7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene with the potential to specify a human‐specific inflammatory response to injury

Conventional wisdom presumes that the α7nAChR product of CHRNA7 expression mediates the ability of the vagus nerve to regulate the inflammatory response to injury and infection. Yet, 15 years ago, a 2nd structurally distinct and human‐specific α7nAChR gene was discovered that has largely escaped attention of the inflammation research community. The gene, originally called dupα7nAChR but now known as CHRFAM7A, has been studied exhaustively in psychiatric research because of its association with mental illness. However, dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A expression is relatively low in human brain but elevated in human leukocytes. Furthermore, α7nAChR research in human tissues has been confounded by cross‐reacting antibodies and nonspecific oligonucleotide primers that crossreact in immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐PCR. Yet, 3 independent reports show the human‐specific CHRFAM7A changes cell responsiveness to the canonical α7nAChR/CHRNA7 ion‐gated channel. Because of its potential for the injury research community, its possible significance to human leukocyte biology, and its relevance to human inflammation, we review the discovery and structure of the dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A gene, the distribution of its mRNA, and its biologic activities and then discuss its possible role(s) in specifying human inflammation and injury. In light of emerging concepts that point to a role for human‐specific genes in complex human disease, the existence of a human‐specific α7nAChR regulating inflammatory responses in injury underscores the need for caution in extrapolating findings in the α7nAChR literature to man. To this end, we discuss the translational implications of a uniquely human α7nAChR‐like gene on new drug target discovery and therapeutics development for injury, infection, and inflammation.
A comparison between interlitter and intralitter variation in rats with respect to the healing of rachitic bones by vitamin D.

MANY workers consider that good experimentation demands the variation of only one condition at a time. This is impossible in most experiments and especially in biological assays. In these, large numbers of animals are needed and they vary greatly in many ways, even when the colony (e.g. of rats) has been fed and housed in as nearly as possible the same surroundings for many years. In order to reduce the variation to a minimum, workers have generally chosen their animals within exactly defined limits of age, weight, etc. in a vain endeavour to vary only-one condition in their experiment. Fisher [1937] has forcefully pointed out the futility of this in his 'Design of Experiments' and has shown not only how information on more than one point may be obtained from a carefully planned experiment, but also how information on the interaction of influences may be obtained. We have lately applied his teaching to the arrangement of two of our experiments, one of which was primarily intended as a comparison between two preparations of irradiated ergosterol and the other as a vitamin D determination of three separate preparations. We so arranged the allocation of the doses to the rats that we were able eventually to compare interlitter with intralitter variation, a point on which most workers hold strong views without any direct evidence.
Functional assessment of immediate task planning and execution by adults with acquired brain injury.

BACKGROUND Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) often struggle planning and executing tasks outside daily routines. Given the pervasive effects executive functioning challenges have on independent living, professionals need methods of assessing these skills. OBJECTIVE This study's purpose was to evaluate an ecologically-valid procedure to assess novel task planning and execution by adults with ABI. METHODS The researchers implemented a single group design across two phases. Participants included nine adults with severe ABI. In the first experimental phase, participants created a plan for executing tasks that required adherence to pre-determined rules; in the second phase, participants executed the tasks. The researchers tallied information units recorded during the planning phase, performed momentary time-sampling to document observations about participant behaviors, and collected speed, accuracy, and rule violation data about task completion. RESULTS Planning strategies implemented by most participants were limited to word-for-word copying of some or all of the specified tasks. On average, participants attempted and accurately performed less than half the required tasks and exhibited high rule violation rates. CONCLUSIONS Given further development and refinement, the implemented procedures may serve as a basis for developing an ecologically-valid tool for evaluating executive functioning in adults with ABI.
Smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy affects preterm infants' docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status

This study investigated the effect of alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy on the fatty acid composition of the infants. A total of 40 very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants, weighing between 750 and 1500g, were enrolled in the study after being hospitalized and ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Maternal and infant demographic information was recorded. Questions regarding maternal smoking (none, <10 and ≥10 cigarettes/d) and alcohol consumption (none, occasionally, moderate and severe) were recorded. Erythrocyte membrane (EMB; n= 40) total fatty acid analyses were performed at birth (baseline) and on days 14 and 28 postnatally. During pregnancy, 42% of mothers consumed alcohol and 50% smoked. At birth, infants of mothers who smoked and consumed alcohol during pregnancy, had significantly higher blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; p < 0.05) than infants of mothers who abstained from both alcohol and smoking. The consequences of this finding remain unknown. Alcohol, essential fatty acids, pregnancy, smoking, very‐low‐birthweight infants
PHOSPHORUS IN PIG NUTRITION

In order to reduce P excreted by pigs, P dietary supply should be better adjusted to the requirements and strategies to improve P availability should be implemented. The use of a feeding system relying on P apparent digestibility is recommended. This allows the reduction of safety margins when formulating pig diets, resulting in a decrease in P excretion. Low digestibility of P in feed ingredients remains the main problem for reducing P excretion. It can be alleviated by the use of highly digestible feed phosphates, such as monocalcium P, and the supplementation of diets with microbial phytase. Substantial reduction of P excretion can also be achieved through phase feeding. This requires a precise evaluation of P requirements. The bases for the factorial determination of apparent digestible P requirements by weaned piglets, fattening pigs and lactating and gestating sows according to their characteristics and performance are updated. A reduction of P supply to sows is still possible, but new experimental data regarding the management of bone stores throughout lactation and gestation are required.
The Distribution of Low and High-risk HPV Types in Vulvar and Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN and VaIN)

It has been proposed that low-grade vulvar and vaginal lesions (VIN 1 and VaIN 1) are flat condylomas and should be designated as such. Moreover, their relationship to high-grade lesions (VIN 3 and VaIN 3) is unclear. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to address these issues by comparing the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial lesions. We identified 33 cases of VIN 1, 34 cases of VIN 3, 17 cases of VaIN 1, and 16 cases of VaIN 3. In addition, 36 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in the cervix and 116 cases of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were used for comparison. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed using both the Roche PGMY and DDL SPF 10 systems. In cases where HPV was detected, the majority of low-grade and high-grade lesions contained a single HPV type. However, a minority of cases were found to have multiple HPV types. Of the VIN 1 cases, a low-risk virus was seen in 22 (67%), with HPV 6 or 11 accounting for 14 (42%). A high-risk virus was detected in 14 (42%) of cases of which 2 (6%) contained HPV 16. Of the VIN 3 cases, all had high-risk HPV of which 31 (91%) were found to have HPV 16. Of the VaIN 1 cases, 6 (35%) were found to have low-risk HPV types. HPV 6 or 11 were not found in these cases. High-risk virus was seen in 13 (76%) VaIN 1 cases, with 1 (6%) containing HPV 16. HPV was detected in 15 of 16 (94%) VaIN 3 lesions, all of which had high-risk types. HPV 16 was found in 8 (50%). In contrast, 2 (6%) of cervical LSIL had low-risk HPV (HPV 6 and 11), whereas 34 (94%) of LSIL cases had high-risk HPVs. Of the cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cases, 100% had high-risk HPVs of which 87 (75%) were found to have HPV 16. The findings demonstrate that a significant number of low-grade vulvar and vaginal lesions contain high-risk HPV types, supporting their designation as low-grade intraepithelial lesions rather than flat condylomas. The low frequency of HPV 16 in VIN 1 compared with VIN 3 suggests they are distinct lesions or that HPV 16 is critical in the progression to VIN 3. Finally, comparison of the distribution of HPV in the vagina and vulva suggests that VaIN is more closely related to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia than to VIN.
SERUM GAMMA GLUTAMYLTRANSFERASE , A MARKER OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND CORONARY DISEASE LIKELIHOOD

Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), present on the surface of most cells and in serum, mediates cellular glutathione uptake which is an important element of intracellular protective antioxidant mechanisms, but at the same time is also regarded as a “pro-oxidant” [1]. Serum GGT is partly adsorbed on LDL particles by which it may be delivered into the plaques [2]. Elevation in serum GGT activity can predict morbidity and mortality independent of alcohol intake or liver disease. Modest increases within normal range may be an early marker of cellular oxidative stress [3] and explain the strong associations of serum GGT with many cardiovascular risk factors and disease. Hypertension, incident diabetes, all-cause mortality, and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality were shown to be predicted by elevated GGT activity independent of alcohol intake or liver disease. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was also found to be associated with increased GGT activity in both genders cross-sectionally [4] and in a prospective study in men [5]. In the cohort of the Turkish Adult Risk Factor Study, a prospective survey on the prevalence of cardiac disease and risk factors in a representative sample of adults in Turkey carried out periodically since 1990 throughout all geographical regions of the country [6], serum GGT concentrations were determined among 1,881 participants, aged ≥ 33 years in the course of the 2003/2004 screening. After exclusions (17%) were made for frequent alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy, use of lipid lowering drugs, diabetes, recent myocardial infarction, known hepatic disease, individuals with GGT values over 100 U/L, 1,556 nondiabetic persons (754 men and 802 women) remained for analysis [7]. Metabolic syndrome was identified according to the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III), modified for pre-diabetes, abdominal obesity (cutpoints of ≥ 95 cm in men and ≥ 91 cm women), and HDL-cholesterol (in women < 45 mg/dl). Diabetes was diagnosed with the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Drinking alcohol once a month to 4 times per week was considered as moderate user.
Investigating the Complexity of Organizational Digitization and Firm Performance: A Set-Theoretic Configurational Approach

This study investigates the causal complexity and diversity of the relationship between organizational digitization and firm performance. Digitization – defined as the penetration of IT in the organization – is a complex organizational phenomenon in that it involves changes in organizational strategy, business processes, organizational knowledge and eventually the whole socio-technical organizational system, thus influencing organizational performance. We adopt a holistic configuration theory lens and a set-theoretic method, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explain how such interdependent relationships among digitization and organizational strategic elements result in high firm performance. We apply the set-theoretic method to a longitudinal field data set collected from 1816 Canadian firms. We found multiple equifinal configurations that result in high performance. By comparing the similarities and differences within and between the configurations, we could explain the multifaceted roles that digitization plays in achieving high performance together with organizational strategies.
Quantitative determination of pravastatin and its metabolite 3α-hydroxy pravastatin in plasma and urine of pregnant patients by LC-MS/MS.

This report describes the development and validation of a chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of pravastatin and its metabolite (3α-hydroxy pravastatin) in plasma and urine of pregnant patients under treatment with pravastatin, as part of a clinical trial. The method includes a one-step sample preparation by liquid-liquid extraction. The extraction recovery of the analytes ranged between 93.8 and 99.5% in plasma. The lower limits of quantitation of the analytes in plasma samples were 0.106 ng/mL for pravastatin and 0.105 ng/mL for 3α-hydroxy pravastatin, while in urine samples they were 19.7 ng/mL for pravastatin and 2.00 ng/mL for 3α-hydroxy pravastatin. The relative deviation of this method was <10% for intra- and interday assays in plasma and urine samples, and the accuracy ranged between 97.2 and 106% in plasma, and between 98.2 and 105% in urine. The method described in this report was successfully utilized for determining the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in pregnant patients enrolled in a pilot clinical trial for prevention of preeclampsia.
CNS Regeneration After Chronic Injury Using a Self-assembled Nano Material

To speed up the process of central nervous system (CNS) recovery after injury, the need for real-time measurement of axon regeneration in vivo is essential to assess the extent of injury, as well as the optimal timing and delivery of therapeutics and rehabilitation. It was necessary to develop a chronic animal model with an in vivo measurement technique to provide a real-time monitoring and feedback system. Using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a manganese (MnCl2) contrast agent we show a successful chronic injury model to measure CNS regeneration. We also show that a chronic optic tract (OT) lesion is able to heal, and axons are able to regenerate, when treated with a self-assembling nanofiber peptide scaffold (SAPNS). With the combination of the injury model and the time series of scans we were able to show how they can be combined to produce a system that can be used to follow regenerationin vivo to provide realtime feedback during every stage of the regeneration process. We also were able to show that rengeration can be effected 100 days post injury when applied to the chronic wound.