Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Immunosurveillance against Chemically Induced Rat Tumors

The concept of immune surveillance against neoplasia requires transformed cells to express at the cell surface neoantigens which are capable of recognition by the host (Bumet 1971). This criterion has been verified with almost all carcinogen-induced as well as spontaneously arising rat tumours that have been examined (Baldwin 1973, Baldwin & Price 1975). But there are differences, either qualitative or quantitative, between the types of neoantigen associated with timiours of diJBEerent aetiologies and histological types. Many chemically-induced tumours, such as aminoazo dye-induced hepatomas and polycyclic hydrocarbon-induced sarcomas, express cell surface neoantigens with a high degree of specificity, in most instances being characteristic for individual tumours (Baldwin 1973). Similar types of neoantigen may also be demonstrated upon cells transformed in vitro by exposure to chemical carcinogens (Mondal et al. 1970, Embleton & Heidelberger 1972, Embleton 1975), but this is not an obligatory response to chemical carcinogens. Rat hepatic neoplasms induced by 2-acetylaminofiuorene generally do not exhibit, at least at detectable levels, the individually distinct types of neoantigens, although these are almost always demonstrated on histologically sinular tumours induced by aminoazo dyes (Baldwin 1973). There is also variability in the expression of this type of neoantigen on cells transformed either in vivo or in vitro by exposure to potent carcinogens such as 3-methylcholanthrene (Bartlett 1972, Mondal et al. 1971). Chemically-induced tumours also express cell-surface-associated neoantigens showing a high degree of cross-reactivity, often between tumours
Prolactin: a new therapeutic target in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum/postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening disease of uncertain aetiology in previously healthy women. Clinical and experimental data suggested inflammation, autoimmune processes, apoptosis and endothelial dysfunction as typical pathophysiological features of PPCM. Recent data discovered that unbalanced peri/postpartum oxidative stress linked to proteolytic cleavage of the nursing hormone prolactin into a potent anti-angiogenic, pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory 16-kDa subform as a potential pathomechanism for the development of PPCM. Consistent with these idea, blockade of prolactin by bromocriptine, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, prevented the onset of disease in an experimental model of PPCM and appeared successful in small pilot trials with respect to prevention or treatment of PPCM in patients. Here we highlight the current state of knowledge on diagnosis of PPCM, provide novel insights into the pathophysiology behind the disease and outline potential consequences for the clinical management and treatment options for patients at risk for or with PPCM.
Evidence-based drinking and driving policies in Brazil: using evidence to guide policy changes

A new traffic law introduced in in Brazil in 2008, which lowered the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.06 per cent to 0.02 per cent. This law resulted in significant reductions in traffic accident rates but also revealed the limitations of using research-derived evidence to guide policy changes in developing regions. This paper analyses the current situation regarding drinking and driving policies in Brazil based on the most recent research conducted on this topic. Data obtained from peer-reviewed journals and public discussions since the main enactment implemented in 2008 were reviewed and compared to similar strategies that were demonstrated to be effective in reducing alcohol-related traffic accidents in developed countries. Lowering the BAC limit for drivers, which is a well-known effective evidence-based policy change, reduced the number of traffic accidents and the frequency of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Brazil. However, policy makers have ignored relevant features concerning the effectiveness of this type of policy, such as the level of enforcement and the perceived risk of DUI sanctioning. Additionally, the lack of evidence able to support the creation and maintenance of drinking and driving policies is considered a great barrier to enhancing the effectiveness of these policies. Further investigation into the effects of measures derived from high-income countries to control alcohol-impaired driving should be promoted in developing countries. Moreover, searching for the best way to translate evidence into policy should be a priority in these countries, where policies emerging from research may hold the key to improving the effectiveness of actions aimed at reducing alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Cardiac Saphenous Vein Bypass Graft Disease

Coronary artery bypass grafting is an effective treatment for myocardial ischaemia and is particularly important in patients with multivessel disease and diabetes. However, up to 40% of saphenous vein grafts will occlude within 10 years of surgery. The predominant mechanisms for saphenous vein graft disease are thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and accelerated atherosclerosis. The pathology of these changes and the role of key factors such as nitric oxide, cellular proliferation, and the role of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, are reviewed. Saphenous vein graft disease is among the first cardiovascular conditions to show significant benefit from gene therapy and promises to show remarkable developments in the near future.
Local government autonomy and development of localities in Nigeria: Issues, problems and suggestions

The topical issue of local government (LG) autonomy in Nigeria in relation to the development of the localities, the raison d’etre of LGs, has been examined in this paper. Proceeding from theoretical framework and conceptualizations for clearer understanding, the paper discusses some dominant autonomy issues. These include representative LGs, the size of LGs, revenue, and personnel. The paper found that inadequate handling of virtually all the above issues has posed some challenges for LGs’ developmental efforts in the localities. Inadequate autonomy has been found to be the independent variable in the challenges. Other challenges include inadequate finances, weak intergovernmental relations, fledging democracy and grand corruption. These must be adequately tackled for LGs to make more positive impact in the localities. Some pertinent recommendations are as follows. LGs need adequate autonomy, hard work rather than verbal institutionalization, democratic consolidation, reduced corruption, increased discipline and application of the rule of law.
Remote sensing image classification based on convolutional neural networks with two-fold sparse regularization

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown great potential for remote sensing image classification. As the features obtained from a deep CNN generally exhibit high generalization capacity, the subsequent classifier is normally able to provide good results without the need for careful optimization. However it is well-known that, in the pursuit of high classification results, it is generally difficult to acquire a large number of training samples for the learning stage of the CNN. Therefore, it is important to exploit not only the feature generalization ability, but also the machine generalization ability for accurate classification with limited training samples. In this work, we introduce a new two-fold sparse regularization method (based on the deep CNN learning framework) for remote sensing image classification. Our proposed method, called TFCNN (for two-fold CNN), exploits the fact that the sparseness of features leads to increased linear class-separability. It also relies on the fact that the sparseness of the activation function collaborates with those features in a straightforward manner. As a result, the proposed TFCNN naturally achieves (for the first time in the literature) both feature and machine generalization, in complementary fashion. Our experimental results are conducted with three types of remote sensing data: hyperspectral images, multispectral images and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), suggesting that the proposed framework achieves excellent classification performance in all cases.
Scene Transition Nets Simulator for Multi-aspect Modeling of Discrete-continuous Hybrid Systems

Scene Transition Nets (STN) are graphical modeling tools and simulators for discrete-continuous hybrid systems. Designers have previously built complex STN models of large-scale systems on the basis of a single aspect. However, many large-scale systems consist of several sub-systems designed for different purposes and based on different aspects. In addition, these subsystems are complexly intertwined with each one another. For verifying the behavior of such complex systems in simulations, it is necessary to construct multiple STN models of the subsystems, integrate them by taking into account the relationships among the subsystems, and simulate them in parallel. Kawata has proposed ”multi-aspect modelingh using STNs in order to realize abovementioned modeling concepts. However, the interaction of the sub-STN models with other models is difficult according to the basic STN concepts. This shortcoming interferes with the practical implementation of multiaspect modeling. The authors overcome this shortcoming by enabling the sharing of the state variables of the actors (actors correspond to tokens in Petri nets). Called ”actor-link”, the simple concept enables to construct complex layered and parallel structures of STNs and perform multi-aspect modeling. The experimental results for the modeling and simulation of certain complex industrial systems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and simulation tool.
Improving the Regulation Range of EV Battery Chargers With L3C2 Resonant Converters

The demand for electric vehicles has expanded rapidly for both industrial and transportation applications. In parallel, new battery technologies capable of deeply discharging and powering electric vehicles over long periods of time have been introduced and made available in the market. Due to the increasing complexity of charging algorithms, battery chargers are exposed to demanding operating requirements. Chargers should not only work under different loading conditions (from absolutely zero to maximum output power) but also regulate a wide output voltage range (from near zero to 1.5 times nominal voltage). In this paper, a multiresonant L3C2 resonant converter is introduced that can cover nearly all of the regions in the battery V-I plane, from near zero output voltage, zero output current to maximum output power. By adding one capacitor, the topology is able to extend the operating frequency beyond the LLC topology and achieve significant regulation improvements. Near free-ripple charging current for batteries charging is achieved in different states of charge without using burst mode operation, effectively increasing the battery life cycle. In addition, soft transitions are obtained for all the switches (MOSFETs and diodes) resulting in high efficiency, reliability, power density, and low-noise operation of the charger. A complete set of simulation and experimental results, extracted from a 96-VDC 950-W L3C2 resonant converter, demonstrates the characteristic features of the proposed topology for battery charger applications, while providing a comparative example with the LLC topology.
Germ Cell Specification in Mice

Specification of germ cells in mice occurs relatively late in embryonic development. It is initiated by signals that induce expression of Blimp1, a key regulator of the germ cell, in a few epiblast cells of early postimplantation embryos. Blimp1 represses the incipient somatic program in these cells and promotes progression toward the germ cell fate. Blimp1 may also have a role in the maintenance of early germ cell characteristics by ensuring their escape from the somatic fate as well as possible reversion to pluripotent stem cells.
Applicability and Effects of Physical Exercise on Physical and Cognitive Functions and Activities of Daily Living Among People With Dementia: A Systematic Review

Objective:The aim of this study was to systematically review the applicability (attendance, achieved intensity, adverse events) and effects of physical exercise on physical functions, cognitive functions, and activities of daily living among people with dementia. Design:Randomized controlled trials were identified in PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Cochrane Library on August 30 and September 1, 2010, according to predefined inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted predetermined data and assessed methodologic quality. Results:A qualitative analysis was performed, including ten studies. Most participants were people with Alzheimer disease in residential care facilities. Four studies reached "moderate" methodologic quality, and six reached "low. " The studies of moderate quality evaluated the effects of combined functional weight-bearing exercise, combined functional and nonfunctional exercise, and walking exercise. Conclusions:Among older people with Alzheimer disease in residential care facilities, combined functional weight-bearing exercise seems applicable for use regarding attendance and adverse events, and there is some evidence that exercise improves walking performance and reduces the decline in activities of daily living. Furthermore, there is some evidence that walking exercise performed individually reduces decline in walking performance, but adverse events need to be evaluated. Among older people with various types of dementia disorders who are staying in a hospital, there is some evidence that combined functional and nonfunctional exercise over 2 wks has no effect on mobility. It seems important that the interventions last for at least a few months and that the exercises are task-specific and are intended to challenge the individual's physical capacity. Among older people with unspecified dementia disorders in residential care facilities, there is some evidence that walking exercise performed at a self-selected speed has no effect on cognitive functions. Whether physical exercise can improve cognitive functions among people with dementia remains unclear because studies evaluating this have either been of low methodologic quality or used an intervention of presumably insufficient intensity. There is a need for more studies of high methodologic quality, especially among people with dementia disorders other than Alzheimer disease.
Mechanism of the prolyl hydroxylase reaction. 2. Kinetic analysis of the reaction sequence.

The kinetics of the prolyl hydroxylase reaction were studied with pure enzyme from chick embryos by varying the concentration of one substrate in the presence of different fixed concentrations of the second substrate, while the concentrations of the other substrates were held constant. Intersecting lines were obtained in double-reciprocal plots for all possible pairs of Fe2+, 2-oxoglutarate, O2 and the polypeptide substrate, whereas parallel lines were obtained for pairs involving ascorbate with each substrate. In addition, parallel lines were obtained when the polypeptide substrate concentration was varied at different fixed 2-oxoglutarate concentrations in the presence of saturating O2 concentration. Poly(L-proline) was a competitive inhibitor with respect to the polypeptide substrate, but uncompetitive with respect to Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate. High concentrations of the polypeptide substrate inhibited the reaction, this substrate inhibition being competitive with respect to Fe2- and 2-oxoglutarate. Succinate, CO2 and collagen were product inhibitors, succinate inhibiting the reaction competitively with respect to 2-oxoglutarate, but noncompetitively with respect to the other substrates, and collagen noncompetitively with respect to all substrates. The apparent Km and Ks values for the substrates and Ki values for the inhibitors are given. These and additional data would be consistent with a tentative reaction scheme involving an ordered binding of Fe2+, 2-oxoglutarate, O2 and the polypeptide substrate to the enzyme in this order, the binding of Fe2+ being at thermodynamic equilibrium. The enzyme can also react directly with the polypeptide substrate or its analogue poly(L-proline) under certain conditions, forming dead-end complexes. The products are released only after the hydroxylation, possibly in the order: the hydroxylated polypeptide, CO2 and succinate. Ascorbate may react either with enzyme·Fe before the release of Fe2+ or with free enzyme before the binding of Fe2+, but a reaction with ascorbate at any stage after the release of the first product is not excluded. The mechanism proposed is not entirely identical with either of the main two previous suggestions for the mechanism of 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenases.
Serosal involvement in gastrointestinal cancer: its assessment and significance

There is an increasing burden upon diagnostic histopathologists to identify accurately factors of prognostic and therapeutic implication in gastrointestinal cancer. It is perhaps partly because of the use of rigid sequential staging systems, such as the Dukes' classification, that some factors, perhaps most notably involvement of surgical margins (especially in rectal cancer) and serosal involvement (particularly in oesophageal, colonic and rectal cancer), have been relatively neglected until more recently. This is surprising and concerning because both of these pathologically derived parameters strongly correlate with subsequent locoregional recurrence and, ultimately, with prognosis. Whilst the occurrence and significance of serosal involvement have been well recognized in gastric cancer for many years, relatively little attention has been paid to the phenomenon in oesophageal cancer and yet both pleural and peritoneal involvement may be comparatively commonly identified in oesophageal cancer. Serosal involvement and transperitoneal spread are also of considerable prognostic importance in primary appendiceal carcinoma. Only more recently has the significance of serosal involvement been appreciated in colonic and rectal cancer. In the colon, the phenomenon is now recognized to be one of the most important factors in predicting transperitoneal spread and overall prognosis. Furthermore, there is increasing interest in alternative novel strategies, including intraperitoneal chemotherapy and radical peritoneal surgery, as legitimate therapeutic options in many gastrointestinal cancers.
Use of preferred music to decrease agitated behaviours in older people with dementia: a review of the literature.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This paper reviews study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours for older people with dementia and provides implications for future research and practice. BACKGROUND Music has been suggested as a feasible and less costly intervention to manage agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. However, no review of the literature focusing on study findings of preferred music on agitated behaviours in older people with dementia had been reported. METHODS A review was undertaken using electronic databases with specified search terms for the period of 1993-2005. The references listed in the publications selected were also searched for additional studies. RESULTS Eight research-based articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The preferred music intervention demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing the occurrence of some types of agitated behaviours in older people with dementia. The findings from these studies were relatively consistent in finding improvement in agitated behaviours although the findings in one study did not reach statistical significance. The small sample sizes and some variations in the application of the preferred music intervention mean that caution is needed in drawing conclusions from these studies. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights that preferred music has positive effects on decreasing agitated behaviours in older people with dementia; however, the methodological limitations indicate the need for further research. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Findings from the review highlight the beneficial outcomes of preferred music in reducing agitated behaviours for older people with dementia. The incorporation of preferred music has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to the care of older people with dementia.
The natural history of lower urinary tract dysfunction in men: minimum 10‐year urodynamic follow‐up of untreated detrusor underactivity

There are two papers from Bristol on the natural history of lower urinary tract dysfunction in men, in both cases with a minimum 10‐year follow‐up. The first of these is a urodynamic study of neurologically untreated men with untreated detrusor underactivity, most of whom remained untreated with a mean follow‐up of 13.6 years. The results provide important information on the natural history of this condition, and show that there are minimal symptomatic and urodynamic changes with time.
Muscle oxygenation after downhill walking‐induced muscle damage

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle oxygenation and blood flow within vastus lateralis after an exhaustive session of downhill walking (DW). Nine healthy males performed 40‐min DW on a treadmill with a gradient of −25% and at walking velocity of 6·4 km h−1. To increase the likelihood that DW would induce muscle damage, subjects were loaded with 5% of their body weight carried in a back pack. Before and after DW exercise on day 1 and over the next 4 days, maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs), subjects’ perception of muscle soreness (SOR), plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity and myoglobin (Mb) concentrations, and muscle oxygenation (using near infrared spectroscopy; NIRS) within vastus lateralis were assessed. Repeated‐measures anova revealed that MVC decreased while SOR and Mb concentration increase significantly (P<0·05) after DW, consistent with its effectiveness to evoke muscle damage. Resting tissue oxygen saturation increased immediately after DW, but recovered within 24 h. During isometric contractions at 30%, 50% and 80% of MVC, oxygen desaturation and re‐saturation kinetics became significantly faster than pre‐exercise values. The possible mechanism responsible for these changes might be increased resting muscle oxygen utilization after muscle damage because of an increased requirement for aerobic energy‐demanding repair processes.
The OnForumS corpus from the Shared Task on Online Forum Summarisation at MultiLing 2015

In this paper we present the OnForumS corpus developed for the shared task of the same name on Online Forum Summarisation (OnForumS at MultiLing’15). The corpus consists of a set of news articles with associated readers’ comments from The Guardian (English) and La Repubblica (Italian). It comes with four levels of annotation: argument structure, comment-article linking, sentiment and coreference. The former three were produced through crowdsourcing, whereas the latter, by an experienced annotator using a mature annotation scheme. Given its annotation breadth, we believe the corpus will prove a useful resource in stimulating and furthering research in the areas of Argumentation Mining, Summarisation, Sentiment, Coreference and the interlinks therein.