Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Ca(2+) action potential channels by the MEK inhibitor PD98059.

In a previous study involving the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation during fertilization of the marine worm Urechis caupo, we found that PD98059, but not U0126, caused multiple sperm penetrations in oocytes (Gould and Stephano, 1999, Dev. Biol. 216, 348-358). Since these oocytes are protected against polyspermy by a positive shift in membrane potential at fertilization (Gould-Somero et al., 1979, J. Cell Biol. 82, 426-440), we investigated the effects of PD98059 on the electrical properties of the oocyte membrane. PD98059, but not U0126, selectively blocked the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels that participate in the electrical polyspermy block. We also noted previously that PD98059 had more serious effects than U0126 on chromosome behavior during meiosis. This, too, could be explained by the effect on Ca(2+) channels, since when U0126-treated eggs were fertilized in low Ca(2+) seawater to reduce Ca(2+) uptake, similar effects were produced. These results show that PD98059 has side effects unrelated to the inhibition of MAPK activation and underscores the need for caution in interpreting the results of experiments with this widely used MEK inhibitor.
Issue on Latino Physical Health : Disparities , Paradoxes , and Future Directions

Los Latinos son el grupo racial y étnico más grande en la nación y aun el conocimiento de la salud física de este grupo no es tan bien documentada o entendida en relación con otros grupos raciales/étnicos. Al igual que otras minorías raciales/étnicas, los Latinos experimentan retos educativos, económicos, ambientales sociales, y salud física, así como acceso a la salud y los problemas de calidad. A pesar de estos desafíos, los Latinos parecen tener mejor salud y viven más tiempo que los no-Hispanos, incluyendo los Blancos no-Hispanos; un fenómeno epidemiológico comúnmente conocido como la paradoja Hispana o paradoja de salud de los Latinos. Estos hallazgos contradictorios ponen en duda la generalización de varios preceptos de las disparidades de salud y de la salud psicosocial, estimulan nuevas preguntas acerca de la naturaleza de riesgo y la causa de dicha resistencia, y generan oportunidades para los psicólogos para contribuir a mejorar la comprensión de las formas en cuales los factores sociocultural determinan la salud. El objetivo de este número especial es proporcionar el estado de la ciencia, sintetizar los conocimientos actuales y futuras orientaciones sobre temas clave. Aquí se introduce el tema, se identifica los temas clave, se discute el estado actual de la hipótesis emergente sociocultural, y se ofrece consideraciones para las direcciones futuras.
Recurrent non-small cell lung cancer: evaluation of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation as salvage therapy

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a potential application as a salvage tool after failure of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although several studies have evaluated the use of RFA in primary NSCLC, there is little literature on its potential application as a salvage tool. Purpose To evaluate CT-guided RFA employed as a salvage therapy for pulmonary recurrences of NSCLC after prior treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. Material and Methods A retrospective computer database search yielded 33 patients with biopsy proven primary NSCLC who underwent CT-guided RFA of 39 recurrent tumors following surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Follow-up imaging was performed with CT and PET-CT. The endpoints of interest were progression-free survival (PFS) and time to local progression (TTLP). PFS and TTLP were compared by lesion size (<3 cm, ≥3 cm). Results The median PFS was 8 months. For patients with a tumor size <3 cm median PFS was 11 months, whereas the median PFS of patients with a tumor size ≥3 cm was 5 months. The difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09). The median TTLP of all tumors was 14 months. TTLP of ablated tumors <3 cm in size was 24 months, compared to 8 months for ablated tumors ≥3 cm in size. The difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). Conclusion RFA of recurrent NSCLC may be a valuable salvage tool to achieve local tumor control, especially in tumors measuring <3 cm in size.
Effects of benfluorex on serum triacylglycerols and insulin sensitivity in the corpulent rat.

The JCR:LA-cp rat is obese, insulin resistant, and hyperlipidemic, and the males develop atherosclerosis and ischemic myocardial disease. Benfluorex at 35-40 mg.kg-1 body weight was administered in the food from 10 to 14 weeks of age and resulted in an initial 50% decrease in food consumption. Body weights of male and female rats initially decreased by about 7% and thereafter remained relatively constant, whereas control animals gained about 28% in weight over the treatment period. Pair-fed rats showed body weights virtually identical with those of benfluorex-treated animals. Benfluorex treatment and pair feeding decreased serum triacylglycerol concentrations by about 50%; there was a preferential loss of triacylglycerols containing longer chain fatty acids in the males, whereas this selectivity was not seen in the females. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic insulin clamp studies were performed using [1-3H]glucose, a tracer that allows for the measurement of total glucose turnover, including hepatic uptake and release. In male cp/cp rats, hyperinsulinemia does not stimulate total glucose turnover, reflecting the very severe insulin resistance, and neither benfluorex treatment nor pair feeding increased total glucose turnover. Hyperinsulinemia in male cp/cp rats decreases hepatic glucose output, and benfluorex treatment or pair feeding reduced this insulin-mediated diversion of glucose to hepatic lipid synthesis. Hyperinsulinemia increases total glucose turnover in female cp/cp rats, and this was not increased further by benfluorex treatment or pair feeding. These effects emphasize the sex-specific differences in metabolic response of the rats to hyperinsulinemia and benfluorex treatment. Benfluorex ameliorates the obesity-insulin resistance-hyperlipidemia syndrome in this experimental model mainly by decreasing hyperphagia, with an accompanying improvement in hepatic glucose metabolism and a related reduction in hypertriglyceridemia.
A computational model of the relationship between musical rhythm and heart rhythm

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of variation in the heart rate. Over the last 25 years, HRV analysis has became utilized more often as a non-invasive research and clinical tool for indirectly investigating both cardiac and autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions in health and disease. In our experiment, 22 healthy subjects and four testing rhythm patterns are studied. How the three musical-rhythmic characteristics of tempo, complexity and drum sample affect the performance of HRV is discussed and a computational model with four factors is proposed. This relationship can help us to improve our life and health by music.
Regulation of distribution network voltage using dispersed battery storage systems: A case study of a rural network

The drive for power networks throughout the world to utilize clean, green renewable generation poses a number of issues for distribution and transmission companies. Two of the most popular forms of renewable generation, wind and photovoltaic (PV) face large fluctuations in their generation profile. This variation means that peak generation and peak customer demand are often greatly divergent. Battery energy storage can help to buffer wind and PV generation, capturing a portion of the energy produced during light load and exporting it back onto the network as required. Moreover, energy storage can be utilized to load shift and regulate network voltage. This paper investigates the use of battery storage in regulating network voltage, in particular, the different strategies which may be employed in controlling the storage unit. Simulations are coupled with real data, taken from a rural single wire earth return (SWER) network, showing that battery storage is capable of boosting the network voltage.
A comparison of single‐sample estimators of effective population sizes from genetic marker data

In molecular ecology and conservation genetics studies, the important parameter of effective population size (Ne) is increasingly estimated from a single sample of individuals taken at random from a population and genotyped at a number of marker loci. Several estimators are developed, based on the information of linkage disequilibrium (LD), heterozygote excess (HE), molecular coancestry (MC) and sibship frequency (SF) in marker data. The most popular is the LD estimator, because it is more accurate than HE and MC estimators and is simpler to calculate than SF estimator. However, little is known about the accuracy of LD estimator relative to that of SF and about the robustness of all single‐sample estimators when some simplifying assumptions (e.g. random mating, no linkage, no genotyping errors) are violated. This study fills the gaps and uses extensive simulations to compare the biases and accuracies of the four estimators for different population properties (e.g. bottlenecks, nonrandom mating, haplodiploid), marker properties (e.g. linkage, polymorphisms) and sample properties (e.g. numbers of individuals and markers) and to compare the robustness of the four estimators when marker data are imperfect (with allelic dropouts). Extensive simulations show that SF estimator is more accurate, has a much wider application scope (e.g. suitable to nonrandom mating such as selfing, haplodiploid species, dominant markers) and is more robust (e.g. to the presence of linkage and genotyping errors of markers) than the other estimators. An empirical data set from a Yellowstone grizzly bear population was analysed to demonstrate the use of the SF estimator in practice.
Evaluating `Diaspora': Beyond Ethnicity?

This paper evaluates the use of the concept of `diaspora' as an alternative way of thinking about transnational migration and ethnic relations to those ways that rely on `race' and `ethnicity'. It examines the heuristic potential of the concept, as a descriptive typological tool and as a social condition and societal process. Both approaches are described and key elements within each are assessed. It is argued that although very different in emphasis, and though containing different strengths and weaknesses, both approaches are problematised by their reliance on a notion of deterritorialised ethnicity which references the primordial bonds of `homeland'. It is also argued that both approaches are unable to attend fully to `intersectionality', that is to issues of class, gender and trans-ethnic alliances. It is concluded that although potentially enabling a broader sweep of questions that can relate to the transnational aspects of population movements and settlement, the concept of `diaspora', as it has been articulated so far, does not overcome fully some of the problems identified with the `ethnicity' problematic.
Monoclonal Antibody Studies of Mammalian Epithelial Keratins: A Review a

Significant progress has been made during the past decade with regard to the biochemistry and immunology of keratin filaments. The results indicate that keratin represents a family of more than 17 water-insoluble, cytoskeletal proteins,"2 that keratins are restricted to epithelia and their derivatives;d that different subsets of 210 keratins are expressed in different epithelia,1~2~7-12 that at least two keratin species are required for filament a~sembly,'". '~ and that keratin molecules consist of a central helical domain with two nonhelical end^. ^^-^^ Despite these advances, however, it remains a puzzle as to why such a large number of keratin species have evolved to form tonofilaments, while other morphologically similar, intermediate-sized filaments are characterized by a much simpler protein composition with only one to three subunits (for reviews, see Lazaridesl' and other chapters in this volume). To address this fundamental question, we have prepared several monoclonal antikeratin antibodies2' and used them as a tool for studying keratin expression. In this
Construction of a 100 kVA high temperature superconducting synchronous generator

This paper reports on the design and construction of the 100 kVA High Temperature Superconducting generator which is successfully built at the University of Southampton. The generator is a 2-pole synchronous machine with a conventional 3-phase stator and a HTS rotor which is constructed from stacks of 9 wt% Ni steel plates. The rotor winding is made of ten single vacuum impregnated pancake coils connected in series and operated in the temperature range 73-77 K. The relatively high operating temperatures are made possible by the use of metallic core as well as flux diverters between the coils. These coils have been successfully manufactured and tested over several cooling cycles. These provide the necessary mechanical support whilst minimizing the heat intake to the rotor core. The coils generate an air gap flux density of about 0.6 T at 77 K, while producing a perpendicular magnetic field of only 0.038 T to board face of the superconducting tape. Furthermore, the design and construction of two novel fiberglass torque tubes is also presented.
Improved dynamic predictions from joint models of longitudinal and survival data with time‐varying effects using P‐splines

In the field of cardio‐thoracic surgery, valve function is monitored over time after surgery. The motivation for our research comes from a study which includes patients who received a human tissue valve in the aortic position. These patients are followed prospectively over time by standardized echocardiographic assessment of valve function. Loss of follow‐up could be caused by valve intervention or the death of the patient. One of the main characteristics of the human valve is that its durability is limited. Therefore, it is of interest to obtain a prognostic model in order for the physicians to scan trends in valve function over time and plan their next intervention, accounting for the characteristics of the data. Several authors have focused on deriving predictions under the standard joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data framework that assumes a constant effect for the coefficient that links the longitudinal and survival outcomes. However, in our case, this may be a restrictive assumption. Since the valve degenerates, the association between the biomarker with survival may change over time. To improve dynamic predictions, we propose a Bayesian joint model that allows a time‐varying coefficient to link the longitudinal and the survival processes, using P‐splines. We evaluate the performance of the model in terms of discrimination and calibration, while accounting for censoring.
Replication of an E 1 B 55-Kilodalton Protein-Deficient Adenovirus ( ONYX-015 ) Is Restored by Gain-of-Function Rather than Loss-of-Function p 53 Mutants

ONYX-015 (dl1520) is an E1B 55-kilodalton protein-deficient replicating adenovirus that is currently in clinical trials as an antitumor agent. On the basis of the observation that the E1B 55kD gene product is able to bind to and inactivate p53, ONYX-015’s mechanism of action is proposed to involve selective replication in and killing of p53-deficient cells. While its efficacy as a therapeutic agent appears evident, the virus’s mechanism of cellular selectivity, including a possible role of p53 in this regard, is less clear. Indeed, there have been a number of recent reports suggesting that the p53 status of target cells does not reliably predict ONYX-015 replication or cell killing. To address the role of p53 in ONYX-015 selectivity, we have undertaken a rigorous analysis of the behavior of this virus in small airway-derived primary human epithelial cells expressing either dominant-negative or gain-of-function mutant p53 genes. Examination of small airway epithelial cells expressing a variety of p53 mutant alleles revealed that while all were able to inhibit endogenous p53 activity, only one allele examined, 248W, demonstrated a markedly increased ability to facilitate ONYX-015 replication. This allele is a member of a group of p53 mutants (know as class I mutants) characterized by retention of global structural conformation but loss of DNA-binding activity. These observations indicate that the nature of the p53 mutation affects ONYX-015 replication, help reconcile disparate published findings, and may provide criteria by which to direct clinical application of ONYX-015.
Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems ( PACIS ) Summer 6-27-2016 ROOT CAUSES OF ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE PROBLEMS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Enterprise architecture (EA) is a holistic approach that aligns IT resources with business processes and strategies. Thus, EA has been used in the public sector to improve services and service processes. However, when EA programs are initiated, the organization faces several challenges, such as lack of resources or understanding, and radical changes in the organizational structures. In this paper, we study these problems in the public sector context and identify their root causes. We conduct a multiple-case study by deriving qualitative data from three provinces; each has different experiences, backgrounds, and skills. The findings highlight eight generic root causes and several public sector–specific problems. These findings help researchers and practitioners understand and promote EA, and avoid as many challenges as possible as the root causes are known.
浅谈to the exclusion of的意义和用法

to the exclusion of为一比较常用的英语短语(成语)属于正式用语。 多数中外出版的大中型英英、英汉、英日、英俄词典均将其收录。 现代高级英汉双解辞典(ALD)(1974年香港版)及牛津现代高级英汉双解辞典(OLD)(1984年香港版及
Degradation alters the lubrication of articular cartilage by high viscosity, hyaluronic acid‐based lubricants

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely injected as a viscosupplement in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Despite its extensive use, it is not currently known if cartilage degradation alters how HA‐based solutions lubricate the articular surface. In this study we utilized a model of cartilage degradation by IL‐1β along with a recently developed framework to study role of cartilage degradation on lubrication by clinically‐approved HA‐based lubricants with high viscosities. Cartilage explants were cultured up to 8 days with 10 ng/ml IL‐1β. After culture, samples were examined histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically, mechanically, topographically, and tribologically. The tribological testing analyzed both boundary and mixed lubrication modes to assess individual effects of viscosity and boundary lubricating ability. Friction testing was carried out using PBS and two clinically approved HA‐based viscosupplements in a cartilage‐glass configuration. After culture with IL‐1β, boundary mode friction was elevated after both 4 and 8 days. Additionally, friction in mixed mode lubrication, where HA is most effective as a lubricant, was significantly elevated after 8 days of culture. As cartilage became rougher, softer, and more permeable after culture, the boundary mode plateau was extended, and as a result, significantly increased lubricant viscosities or sliding speeds were necessary to achieve effective mixed lubrication. Overall, this study revealed that lubrication of cartilage by HA is degradation‐dependent and coincides with changes in mechanics and roughness. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1456–1464, 2018.
Experimental evaluation of UWB transmission waveform for short-range wireless networks

In this paper, UWB transmission waveform is modeled by using multi-ray technique. There are three case studies. The first case concerns only the normal direct path. The second one considers two rays that consist of the direct and ground reflection path. And the last case considers the direct, ground and ceiling reflection path. These cases are used to approximately model the UWB channel in the anechoic chamber, outdoor and indoor environment, respectively. The transmitted and received antenna use the trapezoidal antenna and perform the same characteristics. The impulse responses of these antenna at each specific pointing angle are calculated by using FDTD transformation method to the far field region that are shown. The channel of this experiment is the free space and applies in the Friis' transmission formula. The UWB channel impulse responses of each case are illustrated. After that, the transmitted signal is set to be a modulated Gaussian pulse within frequency ranges between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz. The matched filter reception is considered to maximize the SNR at the receiver for the evaluation. The received signal of each UWB model are shown. The effects of each UWB channel are described from the results.
Relationships between oestrogen receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, ER‐D5, and P24 oestrogen regulated protein in human breast cancer

Proteins regulated by or related to the oestrogen receptor (ER) may prove to be more reliable indicators of prognosis and hormone sensitivity then expression of the receptor itself. It has been shown recently that expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer. In a series of 60 breast cancers, we have studied relationships between ER, ER‐D5 oestrogen receptor related protein, P24 oestrogen regulated protein, and EGFR using an immunohistochemical technique employing monoclonal antibodies in each case. In addition, radioligand binding assays for ER and EGFR were carried out and tumour histological grade was determined. Seventy‐one per cent and forty‐three per cent of tumours stained for ER‐D5 and P24, respectively, but there was no relationship between staining for these and ER or EGFR status. There was a significant correlation between staining for ER and EGFR, and the respective biochemical assays. Relating ER to EGFR, very few ER‐positive cases expressed EGFR, but this relationship fell short of significance. The prognostic significance of expression of the epitopes recognized by the ERD5 and P24 antibodies must await assessment of clinical outcome.
Dual Competition between the Basal Ganglia and the Cortex: from Action-Outcome to Stimulus-Response

Action-outcome (A-O) and stimulus-response (S-R) processes that are two forms of instrumental conditioning that are important components of decision making and action selection. The former adapts its response according to the outcome while the latter is insensitive to the outcome. An unsolved question is how these two processes emerge, cooperate and interact inside the brain in order to issue a unique behavioral answer. Here we propose a model of the interaction between the cortex, the basal ganglia and the thalamus based on a dual competition. We hypothesize that the striatum, the subthalamic nucleus, the internal pallidum (GPi), the thalamus, and the cortex are involved in closed feedback loops through the hyperdirect and direct pathways. These loops support a competition process that results in the ability for the basal ganglia to make a cognitive decision followed by a motor decision. Considering lateral cortical interactions (short range excitation, long range inhibition), another competition takes place inside the cortex allowing this latter to make a cognitive and a motor decision. We show how this dual competition endows the model with two regimes. One is oriented towards action-outcome and is driven by reinforcement learning, the other is oriented towards stimulus-response and is driven by Hebbian learning. The final decision is made according to a combination of these two mechanisms with a gradual transfer from the former to the latter. We confirmed these theoretical results on primates using a two-armed bandit task and a reversible bilateral inactivation of the internal part of the globus pallidus.