Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The regulation of liver regeneration by the plasmin/alpha 2-antiplasmin system.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The regeneration after liver injury is regulated by the release and activation of several growth factors. The role of the plasmin/alpha(2)-antiplasmin (alpha(2)-AP) system in liver regeneration was investigated. METHODS CCl(4) was injected intraperitoneally into the mice deficient (-/-) in fibrinolytic factors: alpha(2)-AP-/-, plasminogen (Plg) -/-, and Plg-/-. alpha(2)-AP-/-, and wild-type (WT) mice. The liver tissue was examined for its microscopic appearance, fibrinolytic activity, and fibronectin levels. RESULTS In the gene deficient and WT mice, the livers exhibited the same extent of necrosis 2 days after the CCl(4) injection. The livers of the WT mice normalized after 7 days, and the alpha(2)-AP-/- mice normalized after 5 days. In contrast, the livers of the Plg-/- and Plg-/-. alpha(2)-AP-/- mice remained in the damaged state until 14 days after the liver injury. The injection of anti-alpha(2)-AP antibody in the WT mice improved the regeneration after the liver injury, and the injection of tranexamic acid in the alpha(2)-AP-/- mice reduced. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the plasmin/alpha(2)-AP system played an important role in hepatic repair via clearance from the injury area.
The Lifecycle of the North Atlantic Storm Track

AbstractThe North Atlantic eddy-driven jet exhibits latitudinal variability with evidence of three preferred latitudinal locations: south, middle, and north. Here the authors examine the drivers of this variability and the variability of the associated storm track. The authors investigate the changes in the storm-track characteristics for the three jet locations and propose a mechanism by which enhanced storm-track activity, as measured by upstream heat flux, is responsible for cyclical downstream latitudinal shifts in the jet. This mechanism is based on a nonlinear oscillator relationship between the enhanced meridional temperature gradient (and thus baroclinicity) and the meridional high-frequency (periods of shorter than 10 days) eddy heat flux. Such oscillations in baroclinicity and heat flux induce variability in eddy anisotropy, which is associated with the changes in the dominant type of wave breaking and a different latitudinal deflection of the jet. The authors’ results suggest that high heat flu.
A experiência da maternidade pela primeira vez: as mudanças vivenciadas no tornar-se mãe

Este estudo buscou conhecer as mudancas percebidas pelas maes primiparas em si, em seus relacionamentos e na rede de apoio a partir da vivencia da maternidade. Integraram o estudo seis maes primiparas, cujos bebes tinham entre sete e 12 meses de idade, participantes do Programa da Crianca de uma Unidade Basica de Saude de uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). A pesquisa teve carater qualitativo, utilizando-se de uma entrevista semiestruturada como instrumento de coleta de dados. Os resultados obtidos pela analise de conteudo apontaram o predominio de sentimentos de insatisfacao diante das mudancas percebidas no corpo e a presenca de mudancas positivas no modo de ser da mulher apos a maternidade. Alem disso, destaca-se a presenca de uma rede de apoio e o papel desempenhado pelo pai do bebe como suporte tanto instrumental como emocional a mae. Palavras-chave: Relacoes mae-crianca. Relacoes familiares. Maternidade.
Phase II clinical trial of N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)retinamide and tamoxifen administration before definitive surgery for breast neoplasia.

PURPOSE Surrogate end point biomarkers (SEBs) that can be measured in ductal carcinoma in situ or early-stage invasive cancer are needed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of chemoprevention trials. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We conducted a prospective study to develop SEBs for tamoxifen and N-[4-hydroxyphenyl]retinamide by administering either a placebo or both drugs for 2-4 weeks to women with ductal carcinoma in situ or early invasive cancers in the interval between the initial diagnostic core biopsy and definitive surgery. The major statistical end point of the study was pre- versus posttreatment change in cell proliferation, as measured by changes in Ki67 labeling indices. In addition, estrogen receptor (ER), HER2/neu, p53, retinoid receptors, and DNA index were measured. RESULTS Between February 1997 and April 200, 52 patients were registered on the study, and 36 (20 in the placebo arm and 16 in the treatment arm) were available for analysis. No statistically significant pre- versus posttreatment differences in Ki67 labeling index or in the other markers were observed in the treatment arm compared with the placebo arm. There was a trend toward increased treatment response in ER-positive versus ER-negative patients, but this could not be rigorously analyzed because of the low sample size and the unequal distribution of ER-positive patients in the two study arms. CONCLUSION Future SEB trials for breast carcinoma must (a) incorporate information about patient hormonal status into the study design and (b) resolve problems in patient accrual.
Dielectric frequency response of oil-paper composite insulation modified by nanoparticles

The research on dielectric frequency response of oil-paper composite insulation modified by nanoparticles has been carried out in order to seek possible way to improve insulation properties thereof. Before and after nanoparticles being added, the dielectric frequency responses of oil-paper composite insulation with different moisture contents at different temperatures have been measured within the frequency from 0.1 mHz to 1 MHz. The Cole-Cole relaxation model has been used to analyzing the measured data. The results show that the variation rules of insulation condition can be indicated by the parameters of relaxation model. By adding nanoparticles, a new low frequency relaxation appeared.
Correspondence between adolescent report and parent report of psychiatric diagnostic data.

OBJECTIVE To examine the degree of agreement between parent and adolescent report of major psychiatric disorders in the adolescent (14 to 18 years of age). METHOD A total of 281 parent-adolescent pairs were interviewed separately regarding psychopathology in the adolescent. RESULTS The kappa values for parent-adolescent agreement on the disorders ranged from . 19 for alcohol abuse/dependence to . 79 for conduct disorder, with an average kappa of . 42. Excellent agreement was found for conduct disorder and the core symptom of anorexia; good agreement was found for separation anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, substance abuse/dependence, and the core symptom for bulimia; poor agreement was found for major depression, dysthymia, anxiety disorders other than separation anxiety, alcohol abuse/dependence, and the infrequent core symptoms of bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Parent-adolescent agreement was not influenced by gender, current adolescent age, parental education level, disorder onset age, or severity of disorder. CONCLUSIONS For detecting cases of adolescent psychopathology, there are clear advantages to the current consensus position that combines adolescent and parent report, especially for externalizing disorders. However, if forced to choose one informant, assessing the adolescent will result in the detection of more diagnosed cases.
When the Medium Is the Message

The present experiment investigated (a) if exposure to a high profile politician’s Twitter page (vs. newspaper interview) affects the participants’ evaluations of him and his policies and (b) how their proclivity to get deeply immersed in a narrative and identify with the story characters (i.e., transportability) moderates such effects. Even though the messages were identical, exposure to the candidate’s Twitter page heightened the sense of direct conversation with him (i.e., social presence), which in turn induced more favorable impressions of and a stronger intention to vote for him among those high in transportability. Increased social presence also led to stronger agreement with the candidate’s policy statements among those espousing favorable attitudes toward him. However, those presented with the newspaper interview better recognized the issues mentioned and had fewer thoughts about the candidate, suggesting that people adopt medium-specific processing strategies, focusing more or less on the source (vs. issue).
The Tree of Knowledge Project: Organic Designs as Virtual Learning Spaces

The virtual Department of English at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, also known as the Tree of Knowledge, is a project premised upon using ecology and organic forms to promote language learning in Second Life SL. Inspired by Salmon's 2010 Tree of Learning concept this study examines how an interactive ecological environment-in this case, a tree-might offer numerous learning possibilities via every segment of the structure. Third-party billboard and sculpt modeling techniques, SL building tools and mega prim applications which are more effective for organic shapes were used to develop a three dimensional textured trunk, two-faced layered leaves and size-locked branches, crown, and roots. Preliminary student survey responses to the various elements of the virtual department architecture included an appreciation for creativity, innovation, and attractiveness in the design; challenges included a sense of dizziness when maneuvering around, difficulty in controlling the avatar, slow computer system responses, and lack of instruction in how to navigate through the structure.
First In Vitro and In Vivo Experiences with Stay·Safe Balance, A pH-Neutral Solution in a Dual-Chambered Bag

In addition to low pH and high osmolarity, glucose degradation products (GDPs) are considered to play a major role in the bioincompatibility of peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs). The formation of GDPs can be reduced by separating the glucose component of the solution (kept at very low pH) from the lactate component of the solution (kept at alkaline pH) during sterilization and storage. This development has been achieved by the use of a dual-chambered bag. Immediately before infusion, the seam between the two chambers is opened, and the contents are mixed. The result is a fluid with a more physiologic pH in the range 6.8 – 7.4. Concentrations of 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), methyl-glyoxal (MG), acetaldehyde (AA), and formaldehyde (FA) in Stay·Safe Balance (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) were remarkably reduced when compared to conventional PD solution [conventional PDF (1.5% glucose): 172 μmol/L, 6 μmol/L, 152 μmol/L, and 7 μmol/L respectively; Stay·Safe Balance (1.5% glucose): 42 μmolL, < 1 μmol/L, < 2 μmol/L, and < 3 μmol/L respectively; conventional PDF (4.25% glucose): 324 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L, 182 μmol/L, and 13 μmol/L respectively; Stay·Safe Balance (4.25% glucose): 60 μmol/L, < 1 μmol/L, < 2 μmol/L, and < 3 μmol/L respectively). Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) were exposed to a control solution, a conventional PDF [CAPD 2, 1.5% glucose (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany)], and Stay·Safe Balance, either in a co-incubation model (24-hour PDF exposure) or in a pre-incubation model (30-min PDF exposure), followed by 24-hour recovery in culture medium. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)–stimulated (1 ng/mL) IL-6 secretion from HPMCs was assessed by ELISA. Exposure of HPMCs to conventional PDF resulted in a significant reduction in IL-6 release, which was fully restored following exposure to Stay·Safe Balance. In addition to the short-term investigations, long-term in vitro studies were also carried out. All fluids had near-neutral pH and were changed every second day. After 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 13 days of exposure, cell viability was assessed. Whereas exposure to conventional PDF resulted in a significant reduction in HPMC viability after just 3 – 5 days, no significant toxicity of filter-sterilized or dual-chambered fluid was observed for up to 13 days. An observational study with 9 patients suggested that the efficacy of Stay·Safe Balance is equivalent to that of conventional solution. However, even short-term treatment (8 ± 1 weeks) with this more biocompatible solution seems to improve mesothelial cell mass as indicated by a rise in cancer antigen 125 (CA125) from a baseline of 47 ± 37 U/ min to 172 ± 90 U/min. Our data indicate that Stay·Safe Balance may help to better preserve peritoneal membrane cell function. An ongoing European multicenter study is expected to confirm these results.
Myogenesis in human denervated muscle biopsies

Electron microscopic studies of long‐term denervated rat muscles have identified very small, immature myofibers that are believed to arise from detached satellite cells that have fused to form new fibers within the interstitial space. At present, it is unknown whether and to what extent equivalent fibers exist in denervated human muscle. Serial sections of muscle biopsies from 66 patients diagnosed with polyneuropathy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were immunolabeled with anti‐NCAM and anti‐neonatal myosin heavy chain monoclonal antibodies that are both neurally and developmentally regulated. We evaluated 200 myofibers in each section. Of the biopsy specimens, 75% contained small myofibers that showed a thin perinuclear cytoplasmic rim. Small fibers expressing neonatal myosin heavy chain (MHCn+) were found in all of these biopsies (100%) and NCAM+ fibers in 98%. The percentage of MHCn+ small fibers averaged 82% and NCAM+ small myofibers averaged 40%. The percentage of NCAM+ small fibers was significantly lower than that of MHCn+ fibers. In contrast, the percentage of MHCn+ vs. NCAM+ angular atrophic fibers did not show a significant difference. A substantial subset of neurogenic biopsies showed small fibers that differ from angular atrophic fibers both in size and expression pattern of MHCn and NCAM. Myogenesis appears to be a frequent finding in neurogenic atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
A 1-subcycle parallel thinning algorithm for producing perfect 8-curves and obtaining isotropic skeleton of an L-shape pattern

The authors review their pseudo-one-subcycle parallel thinning algorithm. They present two improved versions of this algorithm, and describe a two-stage structure to realize the one-subcycle parallel algorithm. The first stage is to produce a perfect 8-curve excluding T-junction thin line. The second is to obtain the isotropic skeleton of an L-shaped pattern. The two stage structure consists of a thinning table and a control unit. The thinning table is used to provide the attributions for an input 3*3 local pattern. The control unit is used to check the removal of the center pixel of this local pattern, and the inputs of the control unit also comprise the outputs of other neighboring thinning tables. This structure can exactly implement the proposed one-subcycle parallel algorithms. The two improved algorithms have been implemented. Experiments confirm that the improved algorithms can produce the desired effective thin line and also show that the structure realized is feasible and practicable. <<ETX>>
Effect of core suture technique and type on the gliding resistance during cyclic motion following flexor tendon repair: A cadaveric study

We investigated the effects of two suture techniques using three suture types in a human model in vitro. We obtained 60 flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons from cadavers and measured the gliding resistance during 1,000 cycles of simulated flexion–extension motion and load to failure of six groups: the modified Kessler (MK) repair using 3‐0 coated, braided polyester (Ethibond, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ), 3‐0 coated, braided polyester/monofilament polyethylene composite (FiberWire®; Arthrex, Naples, FL), or 4‐0 FiberWire; and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) repair using 3‐0 Ethibond, 3‐0 FiberWire, or 4‐0 FiberWire. The 3‐0 Ethibond MGH suture had significantly higher ultimate load to failure than the 3‐0 or 4‐0 FiberWire MK suture. The 3‐0 and 4‐0 FiberWire MGH sutures had significantly higher load to failure than the three MK groups. The gliding resistances of the three MGH groups were significantly higher than that of the three corresponding MK groups. The MGH repair had more gliding resistance than an MK repair, even when comparing large diameter suture in the MK repair with smaller diameter suture in the MGH repair. In this study, suture technique was more important in predicting repair load to failure and gliding resistance than the nature or caliber of the suture material that was used. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1475–1481, 2010
Brain nuclear factor-kappa B activation contributes to neurohumoral excitation in angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

AIMS Angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress responses contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. In this study, we determined whether nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) increases oxidative stress and contributes to the ANG II-induced hypertensive response. METHODS AND RESULTS Rats were infused intravenously with ANG II (10 ng/kg per min) or saline for 4 weeks. These rats received either vehicle or losartan (LOS, 20 microg/h), an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R) antagonist; pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 5 microg/h), a NF-kappaB inhibitor; tempol (TEMP, 80 microg/h), a superoxide scavenger; LOS (20 microg/h), and PDTC (5 microg/h); or TEMP (80 microg/h) and PDTC (5 microg/h), given intracerebroventricularly (ICV) via osmotic minipump. ANG II infusion resulted in increased mean arterial pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity, plasma proinflammatory cytokines (PIC), norepinephrine, and aldosterone. These rats also had higher levels of Fra-LI (an indicator of chronic neuronal activation), PIC, phosphorylated IKKbeta, NF-kappaB subunits, AT1-R, superoxide, and gp91phox (a subunit of NADP(H) oxidase) and lower levels of IkappaBalpha in the PVN than control animals. ICV treatment with LOS, PDTC, or TEMP attenuated these changes, and combined treatment with ICV LOS and PDTC, or ICV TEMP and PDTC prevented these ANG II-induced hypertensive responses. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that an ANG II-induced increase in the brain renin-angiotensin system activates NF-kappaB in the PVN and contributes to sympathoexcitation in hypertension. The increased superoxide in the PVN contributes to NF-kappaB activation and neurohumoral excitation in hypertension.
Intermittent Claudication in Hypertensive Men

Intermittent claudication is an important cause of morbidity in middle-aged and older members of the community (Hughson et al., 1978a, b). Smoking is the strongest risk factor and is associated with an eightfold chance of developing claudication (Gordon and Kannel, 1972; Hughson et al., 1978a). Raised blood pressure also confers an increased (threefold) risk of developing intermittent claudication (Gordon and Kannel, 1972; Hughson et al., 1978a), which may therefore be regarded as a vascular complication of hypertension. As such it has
Quantum waveguides with corners

The simplest modeling of planar quantum waveguides is the Dirichlet eigenproblem for the Laplace operator in unbounded open sets which are uniformly thin in one direction. Here we consider V-shaped guides. Their spectral properties depend essentially on a sole parameter, the opening of the V. The free energy band is a semi-infinite interval bounded from below. As soon as the V is not flat, there are bound states below the free energy band. There are a finite number of them, depending on the opening. This number tends to infinity as the opening tends to 0 (sharply bent V). In this situation, the eigenfunctions concentrate and become self-similar. In contrast, when the opening gets large (almost flat V), the eigenfunctions spread and enjoy a different self-similar structure. We explain all these facts and illustrate them by numerical simulations.
P3A-4 Compounding of Strain Data Non-Invasively Obtained at Large Beam Steered Angles

Non-invasive vulnerable plaque detection is beneficial for prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction. A recent study [1] has shown, that non-invasive vulnerable plaque detection in the carotid arteries is feasible by ultrasound elastography. However, the quality of the strain images is low, because contrary to intravascular strain imaging, lateral strain input is required for reconstructing radial and circumferential strain images. This study focuses on reducing the distortion caused by the lateral component by constructing radial and circumferential strain images from mainly axial strain data acquired at multiple insonification angles. Beam steering techniques [2] were applied to achieve insonification angles of up to 45deg. Most of the compound radial and circumferential strain images were estimated by projecting axial strain data in radial direction. A segment calculated by principal component analysis was added to obtain full 360deg compound strain images. Compound radial and circumferential strain images were constructed for three gelatin vessel phantoms; a homogeneous phantom with a concentric lumen, a homogeneous phantom with an eccentric lumen, and a heterogeneous phantom with an eccentric soft plaque. Three radial and circumferential strain images were constructed for the concentric phantom. The first was constructed by principal component analysis of 0deg data only. The second consisted of data obtained at -45, 0 and 45 degrees beam steering, and the third was made up of data acquired at -45, -30, -22, -15, 0, 15, 22, 30, and 45 degrees beam steering. Assuming a radial strain decay, elastographic signal-to-noise ratio's (SNRe), and contrast-to-noise ratio's (CNRe) of these images were determined and compared. Finally, compound radial and circumferential strain images of the two eccentric phantoms were constructed from data acquired at the complete range of insonification angles, and compared. The image quality of the radial and circumferential compound strain images improved considerably compared to the radial and circumferential strain image constructed from 0deg information only. SNRe and CNRe, increases of up to 4.4 dB and 9.9 dB were measured respectively. Image quality of the elastogram improved with the number of beam steered angles used for the compounding. By comparing the strain images of the two eccentric phantoms the soft plaque region could be identified.
Contribution of the functional dyad of animal toxins acting on voltage‐gated Kv1‐type channels

The ‘functional dyad’, a well‐defined pair of amino acid residues (basic and hydrophobic residues), is a key molecular determinant present in most animal toxins acting on voltage‐gated Kv1 channels. It is increasingly used as a working concept to explain how toxins are able to recognize and block their specific ion channel targets. However, other crucial toxin determinants are emerging and the actual role of this ‘functional dyad’ ought to be clarified, which is the object of the present mini‐review. Copyright © 2004 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.