Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control of adrenocorticotropin secretion and adrenocortical sensitivity in neurohypophysectomized conscious dogs: effects of acute and chronic vasopressin replacement.

We examined the effect of neurohypophysectomy with and without vasopressin replacement on the ACTH response to hypotension and ovine CRF infusion and on the adrenocortical response to ACTH and angiotensin II infusion in conscious dogs. Nitroprusside hypotension (decrease in mean arterial pressure of 25 mm Hg) in the intact state resulted in large increases in plasma arginine vasopressin (pAVP; from 2.6 +/- 0.3 to 296 +/- 63 pg/ml) and ACTH (from 35 +/- 6 to 395 +/- 92 pg/ml). Neurohypophysectomy resulted in greatly attenuated pAVP (8.4 +/- 1.6 pg/ml) and ACTH (80 +/- 10 pg/ml) responses to hypotension which were not normalized by physiological low dose vasopressin replacement (6-18 pg/kg.min continuously, iv, for 2 weeks). However, acute administration of vasopressin (4-6 ng/kg.min) simultaneously with hypotension in the neurohypophysectomized (neurohypox) dog, which produced pAVP levels equivalent to the hypotensive response to intact dogs, almost completely normalized the ACTH response to hypotension (to 248 +/- 74 pg/ml). The ACTH response to 20 ng/kg.min ovine CRF, iv (from 43 +/- 8 to 268 +/- 77 pg/ml), was not attenuated by neurohypophysectomy. The cortisol responses to infusion of 0.5 and 2 ng/kg.min ACTH-(1-24), iv, were essentially normal in neurohypox dogs. However, the ACTH and aldosterone responses to 5 ng/kg.min angiotensin II infusion iv were attenuated in neurohypox dogs off AVP replacement. Histological examination revealed normal adrenal glands and anterior pituitaries in neurohypox dogs. Immunocytochemical staining for vasopressin and neurophysin revealed normal cell bodies in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalami from neurohypox dogs. However, median eminence staining for AVP and neurophysin was greatly diminished in neurohypox dogs. In summary, neurohypophysectomy 1) attenuated the ACTH response to hypotension and angiotensin II, but not to CRF, and 2) attenuated the aldosterone response to high dose angiotensin II. Furthermore, the deficit in ACTH secretion was almost completely normalized by increasing plasma AVP levels to those observed in the intact dogs. We conclude that an action of circulating pAVP increases ACTH secretion by a direct effect at the pituitary and by activating afferent input to the hypothalamus.
New radiographic bone erosions in the wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are detectable with magnetic resonance imaging a median of two years earlier.

OBJECTIVE In a 5-year followup study, we investigated the temporal relationship between development of wrist joint erosions as visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus conventional radiography (CR), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We also evaluated the risk of erosive progression on CR associated with the presence of MRI erosions. METHODS In 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, MRI and CR of the dominant wrist were performed annually for 5 years. In each image set, each wrist bone (metacarpal bases, carpal bones, radius, and ulna) was assessed for the absence or presence of bone erosions. RESULTS Nine bones showed radiographic erosions at baseline. Twenty-seven new radiographic erosions developed during the 5-year followup period. Of these 27 new erosions, 21 were detected 1-5 years earlier by MRI than by CR, 3 were simultaneously detected by both methods, 2 were detected 1-2 years later by MRI than by CR, and 1 erosion (radiographically detected at 5-year followup) was not visualized with MRI. MRI detection of new radiographic erosions preceded CR detection by a median of 2 years. In bones with MRI erosions at baseline, the relative risk of radiographic erosions at 5-year followup was 4.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.6-7.6), compared with bones without baseline MRI erosions. If bones with baseline radiographic erosions were excluded from the analysis, the relative risk was 4.1 (95% CI 2.2-7.5). CONCLUSION Most new radiographic bone erosions (78%) were visualized at least 1 year earlier by MRI than by CR. This illustrates that the information on joint destruction provided by CR is considerably delayed compared with that provided by MRI. A significantly increased risk of progression of radiographic erosion in bones with baseline MRI erosions was observed, demonstrating a prognostic value of MRI with respect to long-term radiographic outcome.
OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY CATTLE BREEDERS ON HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONS AND THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH ANIMALS ARE KEPT

The survey included 69 Polish farmers running private farms which focus on cattle breeding. Based on the survey results, and answers given by dairy and beef cattle breeders, it was found that the majority of respondents present the right attitude towards animals, and that they understand the influence of the person being in charge of a herd on the behaviour of animals and production results. The majority of the surveyed breeders continue to keep their cattle in stall barns, with more than 70% believing that this system provides good conditions for animals, and approximately 10% believe this is the best system possible. Approximately 80% of breeders is of the opinion that the animal housing system used has an effect on the condition of animals’ legs. The majority of breeders say that their animals are kept in either good or very good environmental conditions.
Age of transfused blood: an independent predictor of mortality despite universal leukoreduction.

BACKGROUND The transfusion of relatively older stored blood has been associated with an increased risk of multiple organ failure, infection, and death. It remains unknown whether this phenomenon is mitigated by transfusion of leukoreduced red cell units. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of stored blood age on mortality in injured patients who universally received leukoreduced blood. METHODS Trauma patients who received > or = 1 unit of blood during the first 24 hours after hospital arrival were selected for inclusion. Patients were stratified both according to total units and "old" units (> or = 14 days) versus "young" units (< 14 days) received in the initial 24 hours. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the association between mortality and the age and amount of blood transfused, adjusted for age, sex, injury severity, injury mechanism, number of units transfused, and length of stay. RESULTS Over 7.5 years, 1,813 patients met study criteria. Among patients who received a total of 1 to 2 or 3 to 5 units in the first 24 hours, there was no association between the amount and age of transfused blood and mortality. For patients who received a total of > or = 6 units, the presence of > or = 3 units of young blood was associated with a 3.8-fold increased odds of death (CI: 1.1-12.7), compared with a 7.8-fold (CI: 2.3-26.3) increased odds of death associated with the presence of > or = 3 units of old blood (p = 0.0024). CONCLUSION Although larger volumes of blood, irrespective of age, are associated with increased odds of mortality, the transfusion of blood stored beyond 2 weeks appears to potentiate this association despite a practice of universal leukoreduction. For patients who receive relatively smaller transfusion volumes, blood age appears to have no effect on mortality.
Subdivision surface fitting to a range of points

The objective of this research is to apply the subdivision surface for surface fitting problems when generating surfaces from data points or polyhedral models. The basic idea is to use the subdivision limit position (SLP) to adapt the control mesh of the subdivision surface to the data points. This method is not a time consuming process involving global optimization. It does, however, fail to capture local characteristics of data points. Consequently, the proposed method is not suitable for generating a surface that precisely interpolates the data points, but it will be useful for quickly generating a surface that captures the overall shape constituted by the data points. A prototype system hers been developed to demonstrate several examples for purposes of evaluating the proposed method.
Naturally Occurring Mutations within 39 Amino Acids in the Envelope Glycoprotein of Maedi-Visna Virus Alter the Neutralization Phenotype

ABSTRACT Infectious molecular clones have been isolated from two maedi-visna virus (MVV) strains, one of which (KV1772kv72/67) is an antigenic escape mutant of the other (LV1-1KS1). To map the type-specific neutralization epitope, we constructed viruses containing chimeric envelope genes by using KV1772kv72/67 as a backbone and replacing various parts of the envelope gene with equivalent sequences from LV1-1KS1. The neutralization phenotype was found to map to a region in the envelope gene containing two deletions and four amino acid changes within 39 amino acids (positions 559 to 597 of Env). Serum obtained from a lamb infected with a chimeric virus, VR1, containing only the 39 amino acids from LV1-1KS1 in the KV1772kv72/67 backbone neutralized LV1-1KS1 but not KV1772kv72/67. The region in the envelope gene that we had thus shown to be involved in escape from neutralization was cloned into pGEX-3X expression vectors, and the resulting fusion peptides from both molecular clones were tested in immunoblots for reactivity with the KV1772kv72/67 and VR1 type-specific antisera. The type-specific KV1772kv72/67 antiserum reacted only with the fusion peptide from KV1772kv72/67 and not with that from LV1-1KS1, and the type-specific VR1 antiserum reacted only with the fusion peptide from LV1-1KS1 and not with that from KV1772kv72/67. Pepscan analysis showed that the region contained two linear epitopes, one of which was specific to each of the molecularly cloned viruses. This linear epitope was not bound by all type-specific neutralizing antisera, however, which indicates that it is not by itself the neutralization epitope but may be a part of it. These findings show that mutations within amino acids 559 to 597 in the envelope gene of MVV virus result in escape from neutralization. Furthermore, the region contains one or more parts of a discontinuous neutralization epitope.
Biofeedback in Epileptics: Equivocal Relationship of Reinforced EEG Frequency to Seizure Reduction

It has been reported that biofeedback training of 12‐ to 14‐Hz activity recorded over Rolandic cortex was accompanied by a reduction in seizure incidence in four human epileptics (Sterman et al., 1974). Biofeedback training of 12‐ to 14‐Hz activity was provided for two epileptics and had no effect on clinical EEGs, seizure incidence, or proportion of EEG spectral power in the frequency range being trained. Subsequently, biofeedback training of 6‐ to 12‐Hz Rolandic activity was provided for three epileptics. Two patients experienced reductions in seizure not accompanied by medication changes. Since no learning‐ of 6‐ to 12‐Hz activity was detected, the changes in seizure incidence are not attributed to EEG biofeedback. It is suggested that the experience in the feedback setting provided these two patients with new techniques of relaxation. In view of the lack of statistical evidence of EEG changes following EEG biofeedback and the small number of patients trained to date, it appears wise to maintain a cautious attitude until the issue of causality is clear.
Grammatical evolution guided by reinforcement

Grammatical evolution is an evolutionary algorithm able to develop, starting from a grammar, programs in any language. Starting from the point that individual learning can improve evolution, in this paper it is proposed an extension of Grammatical evolution that looks at learning by reinforcement as a learning method for individuals. This way, it is possible to incorporate the Baldwinian mechanism to the evolutionary process. The effect is widened with the introduction of the Lamarck hypothesis. The system is tested in two different domains: a symbolic regression problem and an even parity Boolean function. Results show that for these domains, a system which includes learning obtains better results than a grammatical evolution basic system.
Studies on the role of serotonin and mast cells in anaphylaxis of the mouse produced with soluble antigen-antibody complexes.

The influence of various treatments on the anaphylactic response of the Swiss-Webster mouse to challenge with a soluble antigen-antibody complex composed of bovine serum albumin-antibovine serum albumin was studied. Protection against anaphylaxis was afforded by prechallenge treatment with either reserpine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, histamine and sodium salicylate or with the “serotonin antagonists” lysergic acid diethylamide, its bromine analogue and chlorpromazine. The antihistamine agent, pyrilamine maleate, was without effect. The protective effect of reserpine can be abolished with 5-hydroxytryptophan but not with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. Histamine or sodium salicylate did not affect the response to intravenous challenge with serotonin or histamine. Prechallenge treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-hydroxytryptophan increased the susceptibility of the animals to anaphylaxis. The highly sensitive pertussis-vaccinated mouse was protected against anaphylaxis by prechallenge treatment with epinephrine but not by prechallenge treatment with reserpine, the bromine analogue of lysergic acid diethylamide or dopamine. The refractory state induced by prior sublethal doses of antigen-antibody complex was not reversed by the administration of mouse complement or 5-hydroxytryptophan or a combination of both substances. Mice of the DBA/2 strain show only mild symptoms of anaphylaxis following doses of antigen-antibody complex three times those necessary to produce fatal anaphylaxis in a high percentage of Swiss-Webster mice. Examination of various tissues following anaphylactic death produced with the complex gave no indication that morphologic changes in mast cells accompany anaphylaxis.
Alterations in Regional Pulmonary Blood Flow in Mitral Valve Disease Studied by Radioisotope Scanning: A Simple Nontraumatic Technique for Estimation of Left Atrial Pressure

The distribution of pulmonary blood flow was studied by external scintillation scanning of intravenously injected 131I-labeled macroaggregates of human serum albumin. The technique, its validation, and the underlying considerations are discussed in detail.In 13 normal subjects, in whom the indicator was injected while they were in the erect position, the ratio of concentration of radioactivity per unit of lung volume in the upper third of the right lung to that in the lower third (U/L) averaged 0.43±0.08 SD. When 131I-MAA was injected with the subjects in the supine position, this ratio averaged 0.92±0.05. In 35 patients with mitral valve disease in whom the injections were made while they were in the erect position, varying abnormalities of the distribution of the pulmonary arterial blood flow were observed, U/L averaging 1.01±0.34. The extent of the abnormality of distribution was found to be a function of the hemodynamic severity of the mitral valve disease, and U/L correlated more closely with the mean left atrial pressure than with any other hemodynamic variable. The potential applicability of the 131I-MAA technique in the detection and assessment of mitral valve disease was discussed.
Techniques for robust energy efficient subthreshold domino CMOS circuits

Body biasing, inverter topology, and charge restoring techniques for subthreshold domino circuits are evaluated for speed, energy, and noise immunity. Forward body-biasing minimizes energy, whereas dynamic body-biasing, effective in minimizing leakage, exacerbates clock feedthrough. At low frequencies, the traditional "keeper" scheme is energy efficient and solves problems related to leakage and charge-sharing. Pre-charging internal nodes minimizes charge-sharing but increases delay and power, particularly for large fan-in gates. For these gates at moderate frequencies, the two methods together strike a judicious balance among power, delay, and robustness
The role of monocytes in thrombotic disorders

Summary Although, the main physiological role of monocytes is attributed to innate immunity (that is, phagocytosis) and the development of tissue macrophages and dendritic cells, the pathophysiological role of these goes far behind these (simplistic) limits. Indeed, monocytes constitute a major source of blood tissue factor, a key element of the extrinsic coagulation cascade. Monocytes actively bind to platelets, thus forming very prothrombotic monocyte-platelet aggregates. Additionally, these cells link inflammation and the procoagulant state observed in various prothrombotic conditions. However, monocytes are also crucial for successful thrombus recanalisation. In this article, we review the available data on potential mechanisms that link monocytes with thrombosis-related processes.
Axial vibration of an artificial muscle

Significant number of muscles can be assumed to be of longitudinal type where the length is much higher than its cross-section. Usual motion of the longitudinal muscles is axial due to its contraction and dilatation. Our aim is to investigate the axial vibration of such muscles. The artificial muscle is formed whose physical model is a clamped-free beam. Characteristics of the muscle material are obtained experimentally and the data are applied for the rheological model. It is obvious that the stress-strain properties are strong nonlinear. The beam is assumed to be fixed at one end and free for axial motion at the other end. Mathematical model of motion is supposed as a partial truly strong nonlinear differential equation. In the paper an analytical procedure for approximate solving of the equation is developed. Using a suitable transformation the equation is rewritten into two strong nonlinear ordinary second order differential equations. Analyzing the solution, the influence of the geometric properties, but also of material properties and boundary conditions on the motion is considered. Special attention is given to frequency of vibration of the beam. Effect of the order of nonlinearity and of the initial conditions on the frequencies is widely analyzed.
Management of Musculoskeletal Complications of Hemophilia

Prophylactic treatment from ages 2 to 18 years could prevent the development of hemophilic arthropathy if the concentration of the patient's deficient factor is kept from falling below 1% of normal. Early treatment is of paramount importance because the immature skeleton is very sensitive to the complications of hemophilia. Major hemarthrosis and chronic hemophilic synovitis should be treated aggressively to prevent hemophilic arthropathy. When advanced hemophilic arthropathy is present with severe disability, the aim should be to restore function while minimizing the risk to the patient. Joint debridement is an effective method to achieve this goal, especially around the elbow or ankle, and can be considered an alternative to knee replacement in the younger age groups. Proximal tibial valgus osteotomy is a reliable treatment method for painful genu varum of the mobile hemophilic knee. Supramalleolar tibial varus osteotomy is an attractive alternative to the more commonly used surgical option of arthrodesis. Finally, joint replacement can usually be relied on to restore both mobility and function in a diseased joint. The potential benefits of joint replacement must always be weighed against the long-term sequelae, however, especially loosening and consequent revision surgery.
Frères ennemis : la participation à l’épreuve des factions en Amazonie brésilienne

La participation a le vent en poupe et s’est construite, dans le champ scientifique, avec la restitution des resultats comme un pre-requis pour toute etude demandant un travail de terrain et une interaction avec des populations. Il s’agit de legitimer le processus de recherche en utilisant une methodologie qui restituerait les positions de l’objet d’etude. Bien entendu, le bon deroulement des techniques participatives, qui reposent sur la pratique de la democratie directe, suggere certains pre-requis dans le groupe etudie, comme, par exemple, la possibilite pour chaque participant d’exprimer son opinion. Nous proposons, dans cet article, de presenter une experience realisee en Amazonie bresilienne, aupres de groupes ruraux de la region de Santarem (Etat du Para). L’Etat y a lance recemment un vaste chantier de reconfigurations territoriales destinees a regulariser la situation fonciere de certains groupes sociaux ruraux. C’est en accompagnant ces processus que nous avons ete amenes a penser les implications des techniques participatives dans un tissu social domine par des systemes factionnels.
Sentiment Classification for Movie Reviews in Chinese by Improved Semantic Oriented Approach

Sentiment classification aims at mining reviews of customers for a certain product by automatic classifying the reviews into positive or negative opinions. With the fast developing of World Wide Web applications, sentiment classification would have huge opportunity to help people automatic analysis of customers’ opinions from the web information. Automatic opinion mining will benefit to both consumers and sellers. Up to now, it is still a complicated task with great challenge. There are mainly two types of approaches for sentiment classification, machine learning methods and semantic orientation methods. Though some pioneer researches explored the approaches for English movie review classification, few jobs have been done on sentiment classification for Chinese reviews. The improved semantic approach for sentiment classification on movie reviews written in Chinese was proposed in this paper. Data experiment shows the capability of this approach.
Dimensionality Reduction and Classification through PCA and LDA

formation explosion has occurred in most of the sciences and researches due to advances in data collection and storage capacity in last few decades. Advance datasets with large number of observations present new challenges in data, mining, analysis and classification. Traditional statistical method breaks down partly because of the increase in the number of variables associated with each observation which is known as high dimensional data. Much of the data is highly redundant which can be ignored to extract features of dataset. The process of mapping of high dimensional data to lower dimensional space in such a way to discard uninformative variance from the dataset or finding subspace in which data can be easily detected is known as Dimensionality Reduction. In this paper, well known techniques of Dimensionality Reduction namely Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) are studied. Performance analysis is carried out on high dimensional data set UMIST, COIL and YALE which consists of images of objects and human faces. Classify the objects using knn classifier and naive bayes classifier to compare performance of these techniques. Difference between supervised and unsupervised learning is also inferred using these results. KeywordsDimensionality reduction, KNN, LDA, PCA, naive bayes.