Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘Warm-up’ phenomenon in diabetic patients with stable angina treated with diet or sulfonylureas

BackgroundClassic sulfonyloureas (SUs) are known to attenuate ischaemic preconditioning. Gliclazide is an SU agent believed to be more protective. We assessed the effects of diet, glibenclamide, or gliclazide on the warm-up effect in type 2 diabetic patients with stable angina. MethodsThe study group consisted of 64 men, aged 54±5 years: 17 patients without diabetes (G I) and 47 diabetic patients: 16 patients treated with glibenclamide (G II), 16 with gliclazide (G III) and 15 patients treated with diet (G IV). After the baseline positive exercise test (ET1), all patients reexercised after 30-min rest (ET2). We analysed exercise duration (ED, s), time to 1 mm ST depression (T-STD, s), max STD (mm), heart rate–systolic blood pressure product at 1 mm STD, or ischaemic threshold (mmHg/min×100) and the total ischaemic time (s). ResultsIn G I, all analysed variables improved significantly during ET2 relative to ET1. Glibenclamide (G II) completely abolished the protective effect of exercise-induced ischaemia because only ED increased during ET2 (431 vs. 451, P<0.05). In G III, however, ED (486 vs. 537, P<0.001), T-STD (364 vs. 388, P<0.05) and max STD (2.5 vs. 2.0, P<0.05) improved significantly during ET2, whereas ischaemic threshold and total ischaemic time did not (PNS). In G IV, similar to G I, all variables improved significantly during ET2 relative to ET1. ConclusionWarm-up effect is preserved in diabetic patients with stable angina treated with diet, partially preserved in gliclazide-treated and abolished in glibenclamide-treated patients.
Messages interchange protocol based on routing information protocol in a virtual world

As the network transmission is prevailing in many applications, an entity in a network virtual environment (NVE) can deliver data to other entities under peer-to-peer architecture. This paper proposes a message interchange protocol based on routing information protocol (RIP). In this message interchange protocol, every entity can know that it is in some entities' area of interest (AOI). In this way, every entity can deliver data to other entities without via server. Furthermore, according to the group in four quadrants, every entity can get the information of other entities' by interchanging data of each others'. Based on this message interchange protocol, every entity can still work in the NVE when the server is crashed. Even if there is an entity crashes, other entities can also work in the NVE.
Detection of the onset of numerical chaotic instabilities by lyapunov exponents

It is commonly found in the fixed-step numerical integration of nonlinear differential equations that the size of the integration step is opposite related to the numerical stability of the scheme and to the speed of computation. We present a procedure that establishes a criterion to select the largest possible step size before the onset of chaotic numerical instabilities, based upon the observation that computational chaos does not occur in a smooth, continuous way, but rather abruptly, as detected by examining the largest Lyapunov exponent as a function of the step size. For completeness, examination of the bifurcation diagrams with the step reveals the complexity imposed by the algorithmic discretization, showing the robustness of a scheme to numerical instabilities, illustrated here for explicit and implicit Euler schemes. An example of numerical suppression of chaos is also provided.
A services-marketing perspective on e-retailing: implications for e-retailers and directions for further research

There has been an explosion in the number of retail Web sites since 1995, e‐retail offering shares a few common elements specifically a product search facility (often augmented by a product evaluation facility), an on‐line purchase function and a product delivery capability. There is a body of theory and empirical research in the study of customer loyalty drivers in the services sector, which demonstrates that customers evaluate services on the basis of tangibles, responsiveness, empathy, assurance, reliability and control. These service qualities depend on the customer’s perception of the overall service experience. The most influential element in the service experience is the relationship between the service provider and the customer. The Internet is a poor service delivery medium, it lacks the capacity for direct personal interaction enjoyed by non‐Internet based services. Sets out a number of marketing and Website design implications for e‐retailers and suggests means by which e‐retailers can manage c.
Surveillance of duodenal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis reveals high cumulative risk of advanced disease.

PURPOSE The development of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) on duodenal or jejunal adenomas and of late-stage (stage IV) duodenal polyposis are major clinical events for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Our aim was to determine their respective frequency, risk factors, and cumulative risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective, optimized, endoscopic surveillance protocol was applied to 58 FAP patients in a university hospital. The number, size, and histology of duodenojejunal polyps were assessed, and the Spigelman's score was calculated at each endoscopy. Cox regression and linear regression analysis were used to determine risk factors for HGD development and the cumulative risk of stage IV duodenal polyposis, respectively. RESULTS During a median (+/- standard deviation) follow-up of 47.9 +/- 15.6 months, 35 patients with at least two consecutive examinations had 107 duodenojejunal examinations. The Spigelman's score increased in 21 patients (60.0%), and HGD developed in 12 patients (34.2%). High initial Spigelman's score (> 7 points), but not age or APC mutation site, was a risk factor for HGD development. Estimated cumulative risk of developing stage IV duodenal polyposis was of 42.9% at age 60 (95% CI, 35.7% to 50.0%) and 50.0% at age 70 (95% CI, 42.9% to 57.1%). CONCLUSION This prospective series shows a higher duodenal polyposis progression rate and cumulative risk of late-stage (stage IV) duodenal polyposis in FAP patients compared with previous series. These results suggest that current modalities for surveillance and management of these patients need revision.
Inhibitory FcγRIIb-Mediated Soluble Antigen Clearance from Plasma by a pH-Dependent Antigen-Binding Antibody and Its Enhancement by Fc Engineering

Fc engineering can modulate the Fc–FcγR interaction and thus enhance the potency of Abs that target membrane-bound Ags, but it has not been applied to Abs that target soluble Ags. In this study, we revealed a previously unknown function of inhibitory FcγRII in vivo and, using an Ab that binds to Ag pH dependently, demonstrated that the function can be exploited to target soluble Ag. Because pH-dependent Ab dissociates Ag in acidic endosome, its Ag clearance from circulation reflects the cellular uptake rate of Ag/Ab complexes. In vivo studies showed that FcγR but not neonatal FcR contributes to Ag clearance by the pH-dependent Ab, and when Fc binding to mouse FcγRII and III was increased, Ag clearance was markedly accelerated in wild-type mice and FcR γ-chain knockout mice, but the effect was diminished in FcγRII knockout mice. This demonstrates that mouse FcγRII efficiently promotes Ab uptake into the cell and its subsequent recycling back to the cell surface. Furthermore, when a human IgG1 Fc variant with selectively increased binding to human FcγRIIb was tested in human FcγRIIb transgenic mice, Ag clearance was accelerated without compromising the Ab half-life. Taken together, inhibitory FcγRIIb was found to play a prominent role in the cellular uptake of monomeric Ag/Ab immune complexes in vivo, and when the Fc of a pH-dependent Ab was engineered to selectively enhance human FcγRIIb binding, the Ab could accelerate soluble Ag clearance from circulation. We assume such a function would enhance the therapeutic potency of Abs that target soluble Ags.
Endocrine dynamics associated with follicle development in pigs: a review.

A significant increase in growth of follicles that are selected for ovulation seems to occur on days 14-17 of the estrous cycle. In pigs there is a continuous growth of follicles without appearance of dominant follicles or follicle waves during the estrous cycle. There is a general consensus that a decrease of FSH during the follicular phase is accompanied with the selection of ovulatory follicles and changing from FSH to LH dependence. Development of preovulatory follicles is prevented during lactation mainly due to the inhibition of LH secretion. FSH is not inhibited during lactation and temporary increase in FSH is associated with wave-like follicular growth. Weaning of piglets normally results in increased secretion of LH, which is characterized by a high pulse frequency and low pulse amplitude. The duration of weaning-to-estrus interval is associated with plasma changes in gonadotropins, steroids, inhibin, leptin, IGF-I and insulin. Evidence for a positive role of short elevations in cortisol on LH secretion and ovarian function are accumulating but further studies are still needed to elucidate this issue. The aim of this review was to summarize our current knowledge of endocrinological changes in relation to follicular development during estrous cycle, lactation and after weaning in pigs.
Inductive battery charging system for electric vehicles

For pure electric vehicles can reach the expected development and have become an alternative to conventional or hybrid vehicles, it is still necessary to solve various problems. The most important are to increase the autonomy of the vehicle and make charging process as quick and clean as possible. Inductive power transfer systems (IPT) can be the solution to these problems, on the one hand, the weight and size limitations of the batteries required for adequate autonomy can be solved with sufficient load points on public roads that allow "recharge" more frequently batteries or even the possibility that these are loaded by dedicated lanes moving. This is only feasible if the loading process requires no human intervention the maneuver faster and safe for the driver. Furthermore, the ability to recharge the batteries of a contactless EV is now a reality, as evidenced by the high number of patents and published papers, however, for these systems to be part of our daily lives, we need to meet strict international standards for human exposure to electromagnetic fields and, for this, the vehicle must be properly shielded. This paper shows the experimental development of a 30 kW inductive charger with shielding system and the results obtained.
Lysophosphatidic acid‐LPA1 receptor–Rho–Rho kinase‐induced up‐regulation of Nav1.7 sodium channel mRNA and protein in adrenal chromaffin cells: enhancement of 22Na+ influx, 45Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion

In cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, chronic (≥ 24 h) treatment with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) augmented veratridine‐induced 22Na+ influx via Nav1.7 by ∼22% (EC50 = 1 nmol/L), without changing nicotine‐induced 22Na+ influx via nicotinic receptor‐associated channel. LPA enhanced veratridine (but not nicotine)‐induced 45Ca2+ influx via voltage‐dependent calcium channel and catecholamine secretion. LPA shifted concentration–response curve of veratridine for 22Na+ influx upward, without altering the EC50 of veratridine. Ptychodiscus brevis toxin‐3 allosterically enhanced veratridine‐induced 22Na+ influx by twofold in non‐treated and LPA‐treated cells. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp analysis showed that peak Na+ current amplitude was greater by 39% in LPA (100 nmol/L for 36 h)‐treated cells; however, I–V curve and steady‐state inactivation/activation curves were comparable between non‐treated and LPA‐treated cells. LPA treatment (≥ 24 h) increased cell surface [3H]saxitoxin binding by ∼28%, without altering the Kd value; the increase was prevented by cycloheximide, actinomycin D, or Ki16425, dioctylglycerol pyrophosphate 8:0 (two inhibitors of LPA1 and LPA3 receptors), or botulinum toxin C3 (Rho inhibitor), Y27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor), consistent with LPA1 receptor expression in adrenal chromaffin cells. LPA raised Nav1.7 mRNA level by ∼37%. Thus, LPA–LPA1 receptor–Rho/Rho kinase pathway up‐regulated cell surface Nav1.7 and Nav1.7 mRNA levels, enhancing veratridine‐induced Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion.
Actual evapotranspiration and its relation with floristic composition and topographical features in an arid watershed

Actual evapotranspiration (ET) represents an ecosystem key functional variable, directly related with vegetation properties, particularly in water limited environments. The present study aims to map ET using a surface energy fluxes modelling approach, and explore its relation with topographical and floristic composition features, in an arid watershed of Central Chile. Several topographical and vegetation variables were significantly related to ET, however the most important were altitude, northing, easting, the height of herbaceous plants and tree species richness. The patterns of ET rate of the selected variables were explained by the singular eco-hydrological condition of the watershed. These variables were used in a multivariate linear model which allowed an accurate prediction of daily ET for a spring day corresponding to a critical growing vegetation condition.
Prevalence and predictors of human papillomavirus infection in women in Ontario, Canada. Survey of HPV in Ontario Women (SHOW) Group.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) is thought to be the primary cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. We determined the age-specific prevalence of HPV infection and its risk factors in Ontario women. METHODS We obtained 2 cervical specimens from randomly selected women (in 5-year age categories, from 15 to 49 years) who were being seen in 32 family practices for cytologic screening. The specimens were tested for carcinogenic HPV by the hybrid capture II assay (Digene Corp., Silver Spring, Md.) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyping. RESULTS Of 1004 women eligible to participate, samples were obtained from 955 (95.1%). The prevalence of HPV (as determined by the hybrid capture II method) was highest, at 24.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.5% to 31.5%), among women 20 to 24 years of age and was progressively lower in older age groups, reaching 3.4% (95% CI 0.1% to 6.7%) in women 45 to 49 years old. The prevalence of HPV (any type) as determined by PCR showed a similar pattern but was significantly higher (p = 0.01) among women 45 to 49 years old than among those 40 to 44 years old (13.0% [95% CI 6.4% to 19.6%] v. 3.3% [95% CI 0.1% to 6.5%]). Risk factors for positivity with the hybrid capture II method were never-married status, divorced or separated status, more than 3 lifetime partners, more than 1 partner in the preceding year, cigarette smoking and current use of oral contraceptives. The presence of squamous intraepithelial lesions on cytologic examination was strongly associated with positivity with the hybrid capture II assay (odds ratio 96.0, 95% CI 22.3 to 413.4; p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION The highest prevalence of HPV was 24.0%, in women 20 to 24 years old. Risk factors supported a sexual mode of transmission, and there was a strong association between HPV and abnormal cervical cytologic results.
Metal-loaded organic scintillators for neutrino physics

Organic liquid scintillators are used in many neutrino physics experiments of the past and present. In particular for low energy neutrinos when realtime and energy information are required, liquid scintillators have several advantages compared to other technologies. In many cases the organic liquid needs to be loaded with metal to enhance the neutrino signal over background events. Several metal loaded scintillators of the past suffered from chemical and optical instabilities, limiting the performance of these neutrino detectors. Different ways of metal loading are described in the article with a focus on recent techniques providing metal loaded scintillators that can be used under stable conditions for many years even in ton scale experiments. Applications of metal loaded scintillators in neutrino experiments are reviewed and the performance as well as the prospects of different scintillator types are compared.
A multi-bit sigma-delta modulator and new DWA used in an audio DAC

Sigma-Delta Modulator plays an important part in the Sigma-Delta DAC. This paper describes a high order multi-bit low-pass Sigma-Delta modulator and a DEM (Dynamic Element Matching) applied in a 24-bit audio DAC. We apply a new array DWA in the DEM to reduce the influence of DAC nonlinearity error. The low-pass modulator can transfer the noise out of the audio band, so that it can improve the in-band SFDR. The modulator is a 4-order 4-bit optimized CIFF (Cascade Integrators Feed Forward) structure, the in-band SFDR and THD can get to about 137dB and −129dB in the ideal situation 114dB and −104dB in the worst situation. We design it aided by the Matlab&Simulink and have done some optimizations before the implementation. The performance of this modulator can meet the audio specifications.
Postoperative radiotherapy in high-risk premenopausal women with breast cancer who receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group 82b Trial.

BACKGROUND Irradiation after mastectomy can reduce locoregional recurrences in women with breast cancer, but whether it prolongs survival remains controversial. We conducted a randomized trial of radiotherapy after mastectomy in high-risk premenopausal women, all of whom also received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF). METHODS A total of 1708 women who had undergone mastectomy for pathological stage II or III breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive eight cycles of CMF plus irradiation of the chest wall and regional lymph nodes (852 women) or nine cycles of CMF alone (856 women). The median length of follow-up was 114 months. The end points were locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, disease-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS The frequency of locoregional recurrence alone or with distant metastases was 9 percent among the women who received radiotherapy plus CMF and 32 percent among those who received CMF alone (P<0.001). The probability of survival free of disease after 10 years was 48 percent among the women assigned to radiotherapy plus CMF and 34 percent among those treated only with CMF (P<0.001). Overall survival at 10 years was 54 percent among those given radiotherapy and CMF and 45 percent among those who received CMF alone (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that irradiation after mastectomy significantly improved disease-free survival and overall survival, irrespective of tumor size, the number of positive nodes, or the histopathological grade. CONCLUSIONS The addition of postoperative irradiation to mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy reduces locoregional recurrences and prolongs survival in high-risk premenopausal women with breast cancer.
A Human-Specific Gene in Microglia

Recent studies have shown multiple differences between humans and apes in sialic acid (Sia) biology, including Siglecs (Sia-recognizing-Ig-superfamily lectins). Comparisons with the chimpanzee genome indicate that human SIGLEC11 emerged through human-specific gene conversion by an adjacent pseudogene. Conversion involved 5� untranslated sequences and the Sia-recognition domain. This human protein shows reduced binding relative to the ancestral form but recognizes oligosialic acids, which are enriched in the brain. SIGLEC11 is expressed in human but not in chimpanzee brain microglia. Further studies will determine if this event was related to the evolution of Homo.
Comparative metabolism of radionuclides in mammals: a review.

Abstract An extensive review of animal and human metabolism data for selected radionuclides is presented in an attempt to assess the value of animal research and subsequent extrapolation of the results to man. Since isotopes of related elements generally follow similar metabolic pathways, radionuclides of biological importance were selected and grouped by their respective chemical families. Criteria for selection included world-wide atmospheric contamination, general use in medicine and industry, contribution to the natural radiation environment and their radiotoxicity. In this review, reported results, supplemented by original work, were compiled for the following radionuclides: 137Cs for the alkali metals; 90Sr and 226Ra for the alkaline earths; 65Zn; 239Pu for the lanthanides and actinides; sail for the halides; 210Po and 210Pb for the transitional elements; and 106Ru for the transition metals. An appraisal of biological effects and of therapeutic or preventive methods for each radionuclide is also given. Comparative studies of hazardous radionuclides in animals are necessary since they provide basic data useful for assessment of their metabolic pathways and response in man. Animal data are especially valid when values are obtained for several species from different mammalian sub-families with life spans of different duration. In certain cases, however, the data suggest species specific metabolic pathways for individual isotopes. The authors conclude that extrapolation to man from animal data is admittedly difficult and sometimes inaccurate; however, the risks in not extrapolating are unquestionably greater.
Serum Antibody Response to Lytic and Latent Epstein-Barr Virus Antigens in Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients from an Area of Nonendemicity

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal type (UCNT) is highly prevalent in southeast China, where immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies to viral capsid antigen and early antigen (EA) represent important markers, routinely used to assist in diagnosing this malignancy. Our study aimed at determining the EBV serological profiles of 78 UCNT patients from Italy, an area of nonendemicity for this tumor, using different assays specific for both lytic and latent EBV antigens. Serum IgA against both EA and EBNA1 and IgG and IgA to the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), to EA, and to the EBV transactivator ZEBRA protein were assessed. These serological responses were then evaluated according to the clinicopathologic parameters at diagnosis. The sensitivities of the IgG assays were 37.7% for LMP1, 73.6% for EA, and 61.0% for ZEBRA. EA/EBNA1 IgA reactivity was 84.4%, and a high association (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to 4.0) with UCNT was observed. When EBV serological reactivities were analyzed according to the tumor, node, and metastasis staging system (TNM), a statistically significant association was found between N stage and IgG antibody rates for EA (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 10.9) and ZEBRA (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.5) and between M stage and IgG antibody rates for ZEBRA (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 3.2 to 16.0) and LMP1 (OR, 14.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 110.9). Our results show that no single serological marker allows the detection of all UCNT cases. EA/EBNA1 IgA represents a reliable marker for diagnosis, with a high predictive value also in areas where UCNT is not endemic, such as Italy. The analysis of serological results according to TNM classification is consistent with a progressive impairment of humoral immune response to EBV as the disease advances and may be used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.