Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colocalization of Hyaluronan and Water in Rabbit Corneas After Photorefractive Keratectomy by Specific Staining for Hyaluronan and by Quantitative Microradiography

Purpose Endogenous hyaluronan (HA) has previously been shown to be a part of corneal wound healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). HA is known to bind considerable amounts of water. This study aimed to show whether HA co-localized with water in the wound area after PRK. Methods Five New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to PRK in one eye each. After 4 weeks, the rabbits were killed and the corneas were freeze-sectioned. The freeze-dried sections were exposed to soft x-rays generated at 3 kV and the microradiographs were evaluated densitometrically. The same sections were then stained for the presence of HA using the HA-binding region of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycans linked to biotin. Results The microradiographs showed, in a zone underlying the epithelium, that the water content was increased. In the corresponding zone, the cornea stained positive for HA. Conclusion HA that is reactively formed in the corneal wound after PRK colocalized to the hydrated area of the corresponding location as revealed by quantitative microradiography. The findings suggest that HA causes local shifts in water content in the corneal wound and thereby also local shifts in transparency.
Regulated β-Cell Regeneration in the Adult Mouse Pancreas

Several studies have shown that the adult pancreas possesses a limited potential for β-cell regeneration upon tissue injury. One of the difficulties in studying β-cell regeneration has been the lack of a robust, synchronized animal model system that would allow controlled regulation of β-cell loss and subsequent proliferation in adult pancreas. Here we present a transgenic mouse regeneration model in which the c-Myc transcription factor/mutant estrogen receptor (cMycERTAM) fusion protein can be specifically activated in mature β-cells. We have studied these transgenic mice by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to assess the ablation and posterior regeneration of β-cells. Activation of the cMycERTAM fusion protein results in synchronous and selective β-cell apoptosis followed by the onset of acute diabetes. Inactivation of c-Myc leads to gradual regeneration of insulin-expressing cells and reversal of diabetes. Our results demonstrate that the mature pancreas has the ability to fully recover from almost complete ablation of all existing β-cells. Our results also suggest the regeneration of β-cells is mediated by replication of β-cells rather than neogenesis from pancreatic ducts.
Efficacy of Atropine as a Chronotropic Agent in Heart Transplant Patients Undergoing Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Background: After heart transplant (HTX), the heart is completely denervated. While sympathetic reinnervation is likely to occur, there is conflicting evidence regarding parasympathetic reinnervation. Accordingly, it is unclear if atropine is efficacious as a chronotropic agent in HTX patients undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), since cholinergic cardiac stimulation is required for atropine to exert its effect. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that atropine can sufficiently increase the heart rate (HR) in HTX patients undergoing DSE. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 68 HTX patients who underwent DSE as part of their routine annual HTX follow‐ups. Dobutamine was administered in the standard fashion of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mcg/kg per minute with blood pressure and electrocardiographic monitoring. If target HR was not attained, atropine was administered to aid in achieving 85% of maximum age‐predicted HR. Results: Mean patient age was 58 ± 10 years. Mean period since transplant was 9 ± 4 years. Forty‐seven (69%) patients received dobutamine only, and 21 (31%) required additional atropine to reach target HR. Of the 21 patients who received atropine, 10 (48%) reached target HR. Neither time from transplant, age, gender, resting HR, medications, nor atherosclerotic risk factors predicted responsiveness to atropine. Those responding to dobutamine had a significantly greater resting HR than those receiving additional atropine. Conclusions: The adjunctive use of atropine in HTX patients during DSE aids in reaching 85% of maximum predicted HR in some patients. Furthermore, resting HR may predict the additional need of atropine during DSE.
Weighted Normality‐Based Estimator in Correcting Correlation Coefficient Estimation Between Incomplete Nutrient Measurements

Summary. Consider the problem of estimating the correlation between two nutrient measurements, such as the percent energy from fat obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and that from repeated food records or 24‐hour recalls. Under a classical additive model for repeated food records, it is known that there is an attenuation effect on the correlation estimation if the sample average of repeated food records for each subject is used to estimate the underlying long‐term average. This paper considers the case in which the selection probability of a subject for participation in the calibration study, in which repeated food records are measured, depends on the corresponding FFQ value, and the repeated longitudinal measurement errors have an autoregressive structure. This paper investigates a normality‐based estimator and compares it with a simple method of moments. Both methods are consistent if the first two moments of nutrient measurements exist. Furthermore, joint estimating equations are applied to estimate the correlation coefficient and related nuisance parameters simultaneously. This approach provides a simple sandwich formula for the covariance estimation of the estimator. Finite sample performance is examined via a simulation study, and the proposed weighted normality‐based estimator performs well under various distributional assumptions. The methods are applied to real data from a dietary assessment study.
B cells engineered to express Fas ligand suppress pre‐sensitized antigen‐specific T cell responses in vivo

Inducing apoptosis of activated lymphocytes via Fas ligand (FasL, CD95) may be a useful strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases mediated by pathogenic T cells. We propose that B cells may be ideal tools for effective delivery of a FasL‐mediated apoptotic signal to pathogenic T cells for a variety of reasons, including their unique ability to efficiently take up and present antigen to T cells that share the same specificity. Here, we demonstrate that B cell clones engineered to express CD95 can effectively suppress a systemic primed antigen‐specific T cell response in vivo. Intravenous injection of antigen‐pulsed FasL‐expressing B cells eliminated antigen‐specific (TCR transgenic) T cells from the draining lymph nodes within 12–60 h, and suppressed a delayed‐type hypersensitivity response in an antigen‐specific manner. These results indicate that B cells can be engineered to express FasL, and used to impair T cell function in vivo, suggesting that FasL‐expressing B cells may be an effective tool for the treatment of established T cell‐mediated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The Nature of Hypnotic Analgesia and Placebo Response to Experimental Pain

&NA; The effects of hypnotically induced analgesia and placebo response to “a powerful analgesic drug” were investigated. Highly motivated Ss, who were either very responsive or essentially insusceptible to hypnosis, performed a task which induced ischemic muscle pain. Special procedures and a modified double‐blind condition were adopted to establish plausible expectations in both groups that the two treatments effectively reduce pain intensity. Changes in pain threshold and tolerance following hypnotic and placebo analgesia (compared to an initial baselevel performance), were evaluated and were related to changes in the Ss' subjective ratings of pain intensity. The results support the hypothesis that there are two components involved in hypnotic analgesia: One component can be accounted for by the nonspecific or placebo effects of using hypnosis as a method of treatment; the other may be conceptualized as a distortion of perception specifically induced during deep hypnosis.
Obesity and associated complications in patients with severe mental illnesses: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND This naturalistic cross-sectional survey of patients with severe mental illnesses explores the association between important variables and obesity, extreme obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in the clinical environment. METHOD Weight and height were obtained from 560 patients with severe mental illnesses (including DSM-IV schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) at central Kentucky inpatient and outpatient facilities to estimate their body mass index (BMI). Chart diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were obtained. RESULTS When comparing the patients with severe mental illnesses with Kentucky adults from the general population, the odds ratio (OR) of obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2 to 3.0), and the OR of diabetes mellitus was 2.9 (95% CI = 2.3 to 3.6). Female gender, African American race, early start of psychiatric medication, and long psychiatric medication duration were significantly associated with obesity. Current alcohol and nicotine use exhibited significant ORs of obesity lower than 1, particularly in males. Obesity was closely associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. These complications were closely associated with each other and may indicate a further progression of obesity after aging. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a complex pattern of variables that may influence the development of obesity and its complications in patients with severe mental illnesses, but they need replication. The major factors associated with obesity appear to be a long-term illness or treatment duration and substance use. The former may be more important in females, while the latter may be more important in males. Clinical diagnoses (schizophrenic or mood disorders) or current treatment did not appear to be fundamental factors.
People with an intellectual disability and their health problems: a review of comparative studies

Background: The transition of people with intellectual disability (ID) from care institutions to the community – according to Western policy – results in a shift of responsibility towards primary health care services. In order to provide optimal care to people with ID living in the community, GPs need to be aware of the specific health problems of this patient category. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of recent studies on the specific health problems of people with ID, in particular health problems of people with ID in the community, compared to those of the general population. Method: To reliably compare health problems of individuals with and without ID, this review is limited to comparative research using a control group of individuals without ID. The focus of the review concentrates on international literature, published between 1995 and 2002. Results: Most comparative research among people with ID presents higher prevalence rates for epilepsy, diseases of the skin, sensory loss and (increased risk of) fractures. These health problems are specific for people with ID, both in general and living in the community in particular. Conclusions: there are only few studies focusing on health problems in people with ID in which a control group of individuals without ID is included. Most comparative studies on health problems in people with ID are based on comparison with reported prevalence rates of general health surveys.
What makes parents act and react? Parental views and considerations relating to ‘child health’ during infancy

Lifestyle factors and behaviours are adopted very early in life and tend to persist throughout life. Considering that the parents are the primary gatekeepers for their child’s health, there is a need to gain more knowledge and deeper understanding about what causes parents to act and react in order for early preventive efforts to have any effect. The aim was to explore the parental views and considerations concerning ‘child health’ among parents with infants 8–10 months old. The sample was strategic and 16 parents (aged 23–41) were recruited from three child health centres in Sweden. Open-ended interviews were conducted and a qualitative, manifest content analysis approach was utilized. The parents described the subject ‘child health’ as a large, multifaceted concept. Three categories emerged during data analysis: developing a sixth sense, being affected by perceptions and believing health and ill health as a continuum. The parents perceived food and feeding issues as one of the most worrying aspects and a significant indicator of ‘child health’. In order to meet the parents on their turf, the ‘healthy health message’ conveyed needs to take the parental perspective into consideration rather than attempting to educate the parents from predetermined assumption, belief and values.
"Blanket" approaches to promoting ICT in small firms: some lessons from the DTI ladder adoption model in the UK

The current push for small firms to be “wired up to the digital marketplace” is evidenced by the number of initiatives targeting small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote this activity. Like other governments worldwide, UK Online’s SME targets (together with the supporting DTI adoption ladder) exemplify the “conventional wisdom” view of a homogeneous small business sector, within which firms take an ordered, sequential progression on the route to Internet technology adoption. This approach is questioned by grounding the official rhetoric in the reality of organisational and operational complexity of this important sector of the UK economy. These initiatives are compared and contrasted with similar models of small firm development, most of which neglected to address the diverse nature of small firm needs. The authors recommend a more discriminant approach, focused upon factors such as firm size, age, managerial structure and information and communications technology adoption stages.
Explaining the Structure of the Archean Mass-Independent Sulfur Isotope Record

Modeling suggests that volcanic output and microorganisms created a distinctive profile of sulfur isotopes on early Earth. Sulfur isotopes in ancient sediments provide a record of past environmental conditions. The long–time-scale variability and apparent asymmetry in the magnitude of minor sulfur isotope fractionation in Archean sediments remain unexplained. Using an integrated biogeochemical model of the Archean sulfur cycle, we find that the preservation of mass-independent sulfur is influenced by a variety of extra-atmospheric mechanisms, including biological activity and continental crust formation. Preservation of atmospherically produced mass-independent sulfur implies limited metabolic sulfur cycling before ~2500 million years ago; the asymmetry in the record indicates that bacterial sulfate reduction was geochemically unimportant at this time. Our results suggest that the large-scale structure of the record reflects variability in the oxidation state of volcanic sulfur volatiles.
Prevalence and determinants of mastitis and milk-borne zoonoses in smallholder dairy farming sector in Kibaha and Morogoro districts in Eastern Tanzania.

Summary A study was carried out to establish the prevalence and determinants of mastitis and milk-borne zoonoses in smallholder dairy farms in Kibaha and Morogoro districts (Tanzania). A total of 57 herds comprising 114 milking cows in Kibaha and 48 herds consisting of 96 milking animals in Morogoro were included in the study. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the socio-economic determinants of mastitis, whereas California mastitis test (CMT) and microbiological assessment of milk was carried out to establish the status of mastitis and responsible aetiological agents. Seroconversion for brucellosis was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Animals were also tuberculin-tested using a single comparative intradermal method and milk samples were cultured for isolation of Mycobacterium species. Based on CMT, the cow-based prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 82.4% in Kibaha and 62.4% in Morogoro. Of the 919-quarter milk samples cultured, 8.2% were positive for aerobic bacteria with predominant isolates being Staphylococcus epidermidis (2.8%), Staph. aureus (1.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (1.2%) and Staph. intermedius (1.1%). There was a strong association between CMT positivity and bacteriological isolation [relative risk (RR) = 2.60; P = 0.02]. Fungal growth was observed in 21.8% (n = 881) of the samples and the isolates were yeast (19.2%), Mucor (2.5%) and Aspergillus (0.1%). Bucket feeding of calves was associated with increased risk of a quarter being CMT positive (RR = 1.24; P = 0.000), while residual calf suckling was associated with decreased risk of positivity (RR = 0.86; P = 0.015). Earth floor was associated with increased risk of CMT positivity at quarter level (RR = 1.13; P = 0.041) and Jersey breed was identified as a risk factor to mastitis. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was 0.4% (n = 259) and 1.7% (n = 181) in Kibaha and Morogoro, respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of brucellosis was 1% (n = 208) in Kibaha and 1.9% (n = 104) in Morogoro. Findings from this study have demonstrated a high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and existence of health risks to milk consumers despite the low prevalence of tuberculosis and brucellosis in the study herds.
Betas calculated with Garch models provides new parameters for a Portfolio selection with an Efficient Frontier

This paper is a summary of the appliance of the Arch models in the selection of as best Portfolio. Assumed that the returns not follows the behavior of the classical hypothesis applied to the capital markets, I consider the application of non-linear models to the CAPM to detect the presence of the heterocedasticity in the series with the objective to obtain robust estimators for calculate the best Portfolio with maximum benefit and minimum volatility. The model of a selection a portfolio using the excess on beta, with beta estimated with traditional econometric model and betas estimated with the intervention of Garch effects. The comparison analysis with an Efficient Frontier is presented in this paper.
An empirical study about the status of business process management

Purpose – Recently, business process management (BPM) is among the most important managerial topics because it allows companies an agile adaptation to changing business requirements. Consultants and researchers are regularly proposing new methods and concepts based on BPM for further increasing the efficiency of corporate processes. However, from an empirical point of view it is crucial to determine the current status in practice and derive goals for research and technology transfer. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – For this reason the survey “Status Quto Business Process Management” is carried out in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland on a yearly basis. This survey aims at identifying current trends and strategic plans of companies as well as its realization in practice and highlights the remaining steps towards the process (‐focused) organization (PFO). The paper summarizes the results of the survey carried out in 2006 among 185 decision makers and shows a comparison .
A Distance-Based Maximum Likelihood Estimation Method for Sensor Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Node localization is an important supporting technology in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Traditional maximum likelihood estimation based localization methods (MLE) assume that measurement errors are independent of the distance between the anchor node and a target node. However, such an assumption may not reflect the physical characteristics of existing measurement techniques, such as the widely used received signal strength indicator. To address this issue, we propose a distance-based MLE that considers measurement errors that depend on distance values in this paper. The proposed distance-based MLE is formulated as a complicated nonlinear optimization problem. An exact solution is developed based on first-order optimal condition to improve the efficiency of search. In addition, a two-dimensional search method is also presented. Simulation experiments are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this localization. The simulation results show that the distance-based localization method has better localization accuracy compared to other range-based localization methods.
Basal metabolic adaptation of the Evenki reindeer herders of Central Siberia

Previous research has suggested that basal metabolic rates (BMRs of indigenous circumpolar populations are elevated, perhaps as an adaptation to chronic, severe cold stress. This study examines variation in BMR among indigenous (Evenki) and nonindigenous (Russian immigrant) populations living in Central Siberia to determine: 1) whether the Evenki show evidence of increased metabolic rates, and 2) whether the metabolic responses of the Evenki are different from those of the recent Russian migrants (“controls”). BMRs were measured among 58 Evenki (19 men, 39 women) and 24 Russian (8 men, 16 women) adults (18–56 years of age) from three Siberian villages. Measured BMRs were compared to those predicted based on body weight and body SA (Consolazio et al., 1963; Schofield, 1985a,b). BMRs per unit weight and FFM were similar in Evenki and Russian men, whereas Evenki women had higher BMRs than their Russian peers. Relative to the Schofield (body weight) norms, Evenki men and women and Russian men all showed modest elevations in BMR, whereas Russian women had lower than expected BMRs. Compared to the Consolazio (surface area) estimates, both Evenki men and women showed significant elevations in BMR. Russian men also showed higher than expected BMRs, while those of Russian women were slightly below predicted levels. Age‐related declines in BMR were evident among the women of both ethnic groups, but not among the men. Additionally, residence location was an important predictor of metabolic variation in the Evenki, with those of the more traditional village showing greater elevations in BMR. These results suggest that the Evenki display elevated metabolic needs, and this long‐term adaptation reflects the interaction of genetics and level of acculturation. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:75–87, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Family of Two-Switch Boosting Switched-Capacitor Converters

A family of “Two-Switch Boosting Switched-Capacitor Converters (TBSC)” is introduced, which distinguishes itself from the prior arts by symmetrically interleaved operation, reduced output ripple, low yet even voltage stress on components, and systematic expandability. Along with the topologies, a modeling method is formulated, which provokes the converter regulation method through duty cycle and frequency adjustment. In addition, the paper also provides guidance for circuit components and parameter selection. A 1-kW 3X TBSC was built to demonstrate the converter feasibility, regulation capability via duty cycle and frequency, which achieved a peak efficiency of 97.5% at the rated power.
A genetic algorithm for determining multiple routes and its applications

This paper presents a genetic algorithm approach for routing applications. The genetic algorithm produces many possible solutions in its search process. By utilizing this feature, our method determines both the shortest route and multiple semi-shortest routes in one search. Existing methods, such as Dijkstra's algorithm, search only for the shortest route, and cannot determine any other short routes. Therefore the proposed algorithm is useful for this kind of routing. Furthermore, the method can determine the routes which are short and not similar depending on geographical conditions since the genotype structure of our method has a weighting factor which controls route length.