Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma Lipoprotein Composition and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer from High Density Lipoproteins to Very Low Density and Low Density Lipoproteins in Patients with Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus

We have examined cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) from HDL to low density and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) and lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity in plasma from 28 men with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) treated with diet alone or diet and sulphonylurea drugs and in 27 healthy non‐diabetic controls. Patients and healthy subjects had similar LCAT activity, but CET was significantly higher in NIDDM 26.1 ± 11.5 μmol l−1 h−1) than in healthy men (17.8 ± 6.5 μmol l−1 h−1) (p = 0.001). Diabetic men also had higher CET compared to 15 healthy non‐diabetic men (18.7 ± 5.6 μmol l−1 h−1) (p = 0.001) with similar serum lipids. CET activity was similar in patients treated with diet alone (24.8 ± μmol l−1 h−1) or with sulphonylureas (27.7 ± 15.8 μmol l−1 h−1). The Sf 0–12 fraction was significantly enriched with total cholesterol (p = 0.0001) and free cholesterol (p = 0.006) in diabetic subjects whether treated with diet alone or on sulphonylureas compared to the 15 non‐diabetic controls matched for serum triglycerides. The free cholesterol/phospholipid, the free cholesterol/total protein and the free cholesterol/mass ratios were increased in the Sf 0–12 fraction in diabetic subjects (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that CET is accelerated in patients with NIDDM and that this may be due to the altered composition of acceptor lipoproteins.
Supervised re-segmentation for very high-resolution satellite images

In this paper, we proposed a supervised methodology to enhance an existing segmentation in which we assume that objects of interest are mainly fragmented. We used a SVM classifier to classify edges from the adjacency graph of the initial segmentation, described with features on the pair of segments and their relationship. Pairs of segments are then merged sequentially according to the classifier decision. We also proposed three methods for efficient supervision by the end user.
Mixed CNT bundle interconnects for subthreshold circuits

Performance of mixed carbon nanotube bundle interconnects are analyzed for subthreshold circuits. As voltage scaling in ULSI ICs lead to performance challenges in delay, power dissipation and the overall performance of interconnects, we simulate two mixed CNT bundle configurations, MCB-1 and MCB-2, to analyze their propagation delay, power dissipated and energy delay product for 500μm interconnect length and at 20nm technology noce. Further, we do crosstalk analysis of the proposed bundles using a driver-interconnect-load model. One line is aggressor and another line is victim. Simulated results shows that MCB that has MWCNTs at the periphery and SWCNTs at the core is ideal for intermediate level interconnect applications.
Preliminary study of themes of meaning and psychosocial service use among informal cancer caregivers

Abstract Objective: The burden experienced by informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with advanced cancer is well documented. ICs are at risk for anxiety and depression, as well as existential concerns that arise when a loved one is facing a terminal illness. Few psychosocial interventions focus on existential concerns of ICs. However, a growing body of literature indicates that finding meaning in the experience of being an IC for a person with cancer has the potential to buffer against burden. The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary descriptive data regarding caregiver burden, meaning, and psychosocial service use to inform the adaptation of a meaning-centered intervention for ICs. Method: Twenty-five caregivers and 32 patients completed brief, anonymous questionnaires that asked about their role as a caregiver or their perception of their loved one as a caregiver, caregiver burden, and psychosocial service use. Results: Caregivers and patients identified anxiety and depression as top correlates of burden experienced by caregivers, whereas guilt, issues with role/sense of identity, and self-care were additional areas of concern. The majority of caregivers were not receiving psychosocial services, although they almost unanimously reported desiring services. A greater proportion of patients than caregivers believed that an intervention designed to enhance meaning would ameliorate burden, but, nevertheless, close to three quarters of caregivers reported interest in participating in such an intervention. Significance of results: These study findings provide further support for, at a minimum, engaging ICs of persons with advanced cancer in interventions that address existential issues, mental health, self-care, and service use. Such interventions are likely to improve the quality of life of both patients with cancer and their ICs.
Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of iron chelators on human cervical carcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVE Cervical carcinoma is a human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer for which treatment options still mainly rely on surgical procedures, with or without adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As iron may participate in the pathogenesis of viral infections and cancer in several ways, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of iron chelation on HPV-16- and HPV-18-positive cervical carcinoma cell lines. METHODS Desferrioxamine and deferiprone, two chemically unrelated iron chelators, were used to investigate the effect of iron chelation on SiHa and HeLa cells. Proliferation was investigated by cells counts, by [(3)H]thymidine uptake assay, and by immunostaining with Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Apoptosis was determined by morphological analysis, by a TUNEL assay, and by flow cytometry detecting FITC-conjugated annexin-V. RESULTS Desferrioxamine and deferiprone induced a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of SiHa and HeLa cell growth. The inhibition of cell growth was associated with a decrease in the expression of both stable and total PCNA and Ki-67, a proliferation marker whose expression may predict survival in uterine cervical carcinoma. TUNEL assay, flow cytometry with annexin-V-fluorescein, and morphological analysis indicated that iron chelation also induced a time- and dose-dependent apoptosis of both cell lines. This apoptotic effect was prevented by the addition of exogenous iron. CONCLUSION These results show that iron chelation inhibits the growth and induces the apoptosis of HPV-positive carcinoma cells. This suggests that iron chelators may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the management of cervical carcinoma.
In vitro bioactivity of silicon-substituted hydroxyapatites.

Silicon-containing hydroxyapatites were synthesized by the controlled crystallization method. Chemical analysis, N(2) adsorption, Hg porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the hydroxyapatite and to monitor the development of a calcium phosphate layer onto the surface of the substrate immersed in a simulated body fluid, that is, in vitro bioactivity tests. The influence of the silicon content and the nature of the starting calcium and phosphorus sources on the in vitro bioactivity of the resulting materials were studied. A sample of silicocarnotite, whose structure is related to that of hydroxyapatite and contains isolated SiO(4) (4-) anions that isomorphically substitute some PO(4) (3-) anions, was prepared and used as reference material for XPS studies. An increase of the unit cell parameters with the Si content was observed, which indicated that SiO(4) (4-) units are present in lattice positions, replacing some PO(4) (3-) groups. By using XPS it was possible to assess the presence of monomeric SiO(4) (4-) units in the surface of apatite samples containing 0.8 wt % of silicon, regardless the nature of the starting raw materials, either Ca(NO(3))(2)/(NH(4))(2)HPO(4)/Si(OCOCH(3))(4) or Ca(OH)(2)/H(3)PO(4)/Si(OCOCH(3))(4). However, an increase of the silicon content up to 1.6 wt % leads to the polymerization of the silicate species at the surface. This technique shows silicon enrichment at the surface of the three samples. The in vitro bioactivity assays showed that the formation of an apatite-like layer onto the surface of silicon-containing substrates is strongly enhanced as compared with pure silicon-free hydroxyapatite. The samples containing monomeric silicate species showed higher in vitro bioactivity than that of silicon-rich sample containing polymeric silicate species. The use of calcium and phosphate salts as precursors lead to materials with higher bioactivity.
Acute exercise activates nuclear factor (NF)‐ΚB signaling pathway in rat skeletal muscle

Two studies were performed to investigate the effects of an acute bout of physical exercise on the nuclear protein κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway in rat skeletal muscle. In Study 1, a group of rats (n=6) was run on the treadmill at 25 m/min, 5% grade, for 1 h or until exhaustion (Ex), and compared with a second group (n=6) injected with two doses of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 and 1 h prior to the acute exercise bout. Three additional groups of rats (n=6) were injected with either 8 mg/kg (i.p.) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1 mmol/kg (i.p.) i‐butylhydroperoxide (tBHP), or saline (C) and killed at resting condition. Ex rats showed higher levels of NF‐κB binding and P50 protein content in muscle nuclear extracts compared with C rats. Cytosolic IκBα and IκB kinase (IKK) contents were decreased, whereas phospho‐IκBα and phospho‐IKK contents were increased, comparing Ex vs. C. The exercise‐induced activation of NF‐κB signaling cascade was partially abolished by PDTC treatment. LPS, but not tBHP, treatment mimicked and exaggerated the effects observed in Ex rats. In Study 2, the time course of exercise‐induced NF‐κB activation was examined. Highest levels of NF‐κB binding were observed at 2 h postexercise. Decreased cytosolic IκBα and increased phosphor‐IκBα content were found 0–1 h postexercise whereas P65 reached peak levels at 2–4 h. These data suggest that the NF‐κB signaling pathway can be activated in a redox‐sensitive manner during muscular contraction, presumably due to increased oxidant production. The cascade of intracellular events may be the overture to elevated gene expression of manganese superoxide dismutase reported earlier (Pfluegers Arch. 442, 426–434, 2001). —Ji, L. L. , Gomez‐Cabrera, M. ‐C. , Steinhafel, Ν. , Vina, J. Acute exercise activates nuclear factor (NF) κB signaling pathway in rat skeletal muscle. FASEB J. 18, 1499–1506 (2004)
Morphologic Changes in the Rat Uterus Following Natural Mating and Embryo Transfer

ABSTRACT: In order to gain some insight into the putative immune suppression that may be induced at the placental implantation sites, the morphological changes at these sites following natural matings and following the transfer of embryos fertilized in vivo were studied. The only histologic parameter that showed a significant difference was the number of granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells. More GMG cells were present in allogeneic than in syngeneic pregnancies, and more GMG cells were present following embryo transfer into an allogeneic female than following the comparable natural mating. The role of the GMG cells in pregnancy is, however, still unresolved.
Postgraduate trainees as simulated patients in psychiatric training: Role players and interviewers perceptions

Background Teaching skills to enhance competence in clinical settings need to have a focus on learning how to do. This paper describes the subjective experiences and feedback of trainees who participated in a teaching technique using postgraduate trainees as simulated patients. Materials and Methods The Objective Structured Clinical Assessment and Feedback was employed for training using trainees as simulated patients and interviewers. This exercise is performed in front of consultants and peers who subsequently provide feedback about the content and process using a structured format. In order to assess the subjective experience of the interviewer and the role players they were requested to provide structured feedback on several aspects. The trainee role player provided feedback on comfort in playing the role, need for further inputs, satisfaction regarding role play, satisfaction with the interview, and the overall effect of the activity. The trainee interviewer gave feedback on his/her level of comfort performing in front of a peer group, being watched, and evaluated in a group. Results The feedback forms from 15 sessions were analyzed. Only two of the role players indicated that they felt very uncomfortable while the rest reported comfort. Twelve of the 15 trainees who simulated patients felt they needed more inputs to improve the clarity of the role play; however they all reported feeling satisfied with the role play or interview. The feedback from the interviewers indicated that most were comfortable in all aspects, i.e. conducting the interview, performing in front of a group, being evaluated, and given feedback in front of a group. Conclusion The trainees report indicates that those simulating patients need more clarity on their roles and majority had no discomfort performing in front of a group. Interviewers were satisfied and comfortable with all aspects. On the whole, simulated interviews and role plays were found to be an acceptable teaching method by postgraduate psychiatry trainees.
Local revenue structure under economic hardship: reliance on alternative revenue sources in California counties

ABSTRACT This article investigates how a worsening economy affects local revenue structure, and whether the impact is moderated by the fiscal relationship within higher levels of government. The revenue potential of nontax sources – fees/charges and fines/forfeitures – is considerable for local governments under economic hardship. With the panel data from California counties over a period of 11 years (2000–2010), this article shows that reliance on nontax revenue largely depends on the economic and fiscal factors that vary across counties, and the effect of economy is contingent on local dependence on intergovernmental transfers. Counties are likely to raise nontax revenue when the economy worsens and their transfer-dependence increases, while the marginal effect of the economic indicators changes from negative to positive as transfer dependence increases. This article illuminates the characteristics of the two types of nontax sources in terms of the mechanisms of incentivising human behaviour and concludes with policy implications for researchers and practitioners.
Nosocomial Pseudomonas pickettii colonization associated with a contaminated respiratory therapy solution in a special care nursery

Pseudomonas pickettii caused respiratory tract colonization in five infants in the special care nursery of a Chicago hospital. All organisms had the same antimicrobial susceptibilities. Endotracheal suctioning with saline from 5-ml unit-dose vials was identified by epidemiologic investigation as a risk factor for colonization. The vials of saline were contaminated with a strain of P. pickettii having the same antimicrobial susceptibility pattern as the isolates from patients. As part of an investigation of the manufacturing plant where the saline solution was produced, P. pickettii was recovered from deionized water used to make the product and from several sites in the processing line. Bypassing of a 180 degrees F (ca. 82 degrees C) water-holding tank appeared to be temporally related to product contamination. The ability of P. pickettii to survive and grow in this solution has been demonstrated in the laboratory. This outbreak demonstrates that, despite pertinent Food and Drug Administration regulations and company programs for identifying such contamination, intrinsically contaminated solutions can occasionally reach the bedside of the patient.
Investigations into the relationship of selected blood components to nutrition and fertility of the dairy cow under commercial farm conditions

Blood chemistry, nutrition, productivity and fertility were monitored and their interrelationship examined in groups of cows from 15 commercial dairy herds. Plasma urea, albumin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), acetone, calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus (IP), blood copper, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were examined in relation to the intakes of starch equivalent (SE) digestible crude protein (DCP), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper and manganese. The most consistent correlations were found for the regressions of SE intake as a percentage of requirements (I/R per cent) on plasma non-esterified fatty acids, the ratio of SE intake over DCP intake on plasma urea, DCP I/R per cent on plasma urea and phosphorus I/R per cent on plasma IP, but factors other than nutrition accounted for a large part of the variation in all cases. The mean plasma glucose concentration within +/- three days before or after first service of cows which held was higher than that of cows which returned, but the difference was only approaching significance at the 5% level and it is doubtful whether it could be of practical value. No other differences in blood component levels were demonstrated for first or second service. It is concluded that, within the nutritional ranges encountered, the levels of the selected blood components did not show a consistent relationship to nutrient balance or potential fertility. In this context a multiple analytical scheme employing these components would appear to be of limited value, particularly if samples are taken on only one occasion. The technique is more appropriately regarded as an aid to the conventional approach involving the examination of feeding systems and feedstuffs, herd records, management and clinical conditions.
Excretory overexpression of Paenibacillus pabuli US132 cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) in Escherichia coli: gene cloning and optimization of the culture conditions using experimental design

The gene encoding the cyclodextrin glucanotransferase of Paenibacillus pabuli US132 was connected to the amylase signal peptide of Bacillus stearothermophilus. This leads to an efficient secretion of the recombinant enzyme into the culture medium of Escherichia coli as an active form contrasting with the native construction leading to a periplasmic production. The optimum cultivation conditions for the maximum expression were optimized, using a Box-Behnken design under the response surface methodology, and found to be a post-induction temperature of 24°C, an induction-starting A600 nm of 0.85, an isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside level of 0.045 mM and a post-induction time of 3.9 h. The screening of media components and their concentration were achieved using a Plackett-Burman and a Box-Behnken designs sequentially. Under the optimized conditions selected and in agreement with the predicted model, an activity of 6.03 U/mL was attained. This CGTase production was three-times higher than that using the non-optimized culture conditions (2 U/mL).
Cognitive Rehabilitation: How it is and how it might be

This paper suggests there are, at present, four main kinds of cognitive rehabilitation programs for brain injured people. The first attempts to rehabilitate cognitive deficits through drills and exercises. The second uses theoretical models from cognitive psychology to identify deficits in order to remediate them. The third is primarily a patient-driven approach that uses a combination of learning theory, cognitive psychology, and neuropsychology to identify and remediate cognitive difficulties. The fourth is the holistic approach that has, as its basic philosophy, a belief that cognitive functions cannot be divorced from emotion, motivation, or other noncognitive functions, and consequently all aspects of functioning should be addressed in rehabilitation programs. Despite some overlap between these approaches, there are major differences. The two main arguments offered in this paper are (1) that the first two approaches do not lead to good clinical rehabilitation practice; and (2) that a synthesis of the second two approaches would result in the best cognitive rehabilitation model. (JINS, 1997, 3, 487–496.)
Relationship of insulin clearance and secretion to insulin sensitivity in non‐diabetic Mexican Americans

Abstract. The antecedents of type II diabetes, while still controversial, are thought to involve decreased insulin sensitivity and compensatory hypersecretion of insulin. Mexican Americans have a three‐fold excess risk of type II diabetes and non‐diabetic Mexican Americans are characterized by hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Few data exist, however, on whether there are defects in insulin secretion and/or clearance in this population. We examined insulin sensitivity, secretion and clearance using combined insulin and C‐peptide measurements analysed by the minimal model technique of Bergman and colleagues in 10 non‐obese, normoglycaemic Mexican Americans and 11 age, sex and obesity‐matched non‐Hispanic whites. Mexican Americans had significantly decreased insulin sensitivity (S1 4.06 s. 7.56, P= 0.017), higher first phase insulin secretion (1.03 nM vs. 0.72 nM) and decreased insulin clearance (0.099 vs. 0.161) than non‐Hispanic whites. Thus, normal Mexican Americans have higher rather than lower insulin secretion suggesting that lower insulin sensitivity may be an early defect in this ethnic group. In addition, they have reduced insulin clearance. Moreover, insulin sensitivity and insulin clearance were positively correlated. We thus speculate that decreased insulin clearance may represent a further autoregulatory mechanism in addition to increased insulin secretion to compensate for decreased insulin sensitivity.
Maternal education and child health: Is there a strong causal relationship?

Using data from the first round of Demographic and Health Surveys for 22 developing countries, we examine the effect of maternal education on three markers of child health: infant mortality, children s height-for-age, and immunization status. In contrast to other studies, we argue that although there is a strong correlation between maternal education and markers of child health, a causal relationship is far from established. Education acts as a proxy for the socioeconomic status of the family and geographic area of residence. Introducing controls for husband’s education and access to piped water and toilet attenuate the impact of maternal education on infant mortality and children’s height-for-age. This effect is further reduced by controlling for area of residence through the use of fixed-effects models. In the final model. maternal education has a statistically significant impact on infant mortality and height-forage in only a handful of countries. In contrast. maternal education remains statistically significant for chidren’s immunization status in about one-half of the countries even after individual-level and community-level controls are introduced.