Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loci of neurogenic and metabolic effects on precapillary vessels of skeletal muscle.

Folkow, B. , R. R. Sonnenschein, and D. L. Wright, Loci of neurogenic and metabolic effects on precapillary vessels of skeletal muscle. Acta physiol. scand. 1971. 81. 459–471. By cannulation of a branch of the proximally clamped sural artery of the anesthetized cat, distal arterial pressure (DAP) in the gastrocnemius muscle was recorded. Measurement of blood flow, femoral arterial pressure and DAP allowed calculation of total resistance (Rt) and its partition into a distal component (Rd) which included precapillary sphincters and the smaller arterioles, and a proximal component (RP) which included the larger arteries. With sympathetic vasoconstriction, the initial increase in Rt was accounted for mainly by constriction of the distal vessels which then tended to relax; progressive constriction of proximal vessels accounted for most of the elevated Rt during the steady state; subsequent reactive hyperemia mainly involved distal vessels. Rt was less affected by sympathetic stimulation during exercise than when the muscle was at rest; constriction of distal vessels was more markedly reduced than that of proximal vessels. Ascending dilatation was evident during exercise. Sympathetic cholinergic vasodilatation mainly involved vessels more proximal to those which were dilated early in exercise. The findings are compatible with the concept that capillary flow distribution, as a function of terminal arterioles and precapillary sphincters, is adjusted by local factors towards an optimum for the prevailing metabolic level of the tissue.
A brief introduction to tacit knowledge and the current research topics

Computational awareness (CA) is proposed to give awareness capability to a machine. For implementing CA, a direct way is to simulate human awareness. Since tacit knowledge is an important component for human awareness, this work tries to give a brief introduction of the current research topics. First, several consensuses that have been achieved are identified. Then we identify three research topics, including tacit knowledge sharing, tacit knowledge quantization and tacit knowledge generation. Finally, in an attempt to provide a mathematical definition, we present an abstract computational model of tacit knowledge. By this work, we hope to contribute to the research community by clarifying the state-of-the-art of tacit knowledge.
The PMSM efficiency at variable speed for pumping applications

The paper presents a comparative study between two operating modes for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) at variable speed, in order to obtain a better efficiency. The aim is to find the best operating mode for a pumped storage system supplied by variable renewable energy sources (RES) energy based source. The study includes several PMSMs with rated speed of 1000 rpm, from power ranged between 5 and 75 kW at variable speed. Through simulations the paper shows that the yield can be improved at low speeds.
Improvement in Glaucoma Patient Quality of Life by Therapy Switch to Preservative-Free Timolol/Dorzolamide Fixed Combination

Purpose: To assess a change in visual-related quality of life (QoL) in glaucoma patients after switching from preservative-containing medical therapy to preservative-free unit dose timolol/dorzolamide fixed combination (TDFC UD). Methods: Prospective, noninterventional, multicenter 8-week study. Primary outcome was a change in visual symptoms at week 8, as assessed by the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS). Results: 80 patients completed the study. There was a clinically significant increase in the scores of all GSS-related categories at week 8 when compared to baseline (GSS symptom week 8: +21.15 ± 37.9%, GSS function week 8: +10.3 ± 31.6%, both p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Comparison between patients taking only TDFC UD and patients taking TDFC UD plus concomitant medications did not detect differences in any GSS category (p > 0.50 in all comparisons). Conclusions: Switching to TDFC UD significantly improved the self-reported QoL of glaucoma patients. This can be seen even in patients who are taking concomitant ocular treatments.
Mucosal IgM Antibody with d-Mannose Affinity in Fugu Takifugu rubripes Is Utilized by a Monogenean Parasite Heterobothrium okamotoi for Host Recognition

How parasites recognize their definitive hosts is a mystery; however, parasitism is reportedly initiated by recognition of certain molecules on host surfaces. Fish ectoparasites make initial contact with their hosts at body surfaces, such as skin and gills, which are covered with mucosa that are similar to those of mammalian guts. Fish are among the most primitive vertebrates with immune systems that are equivalent to those in mammals, and they produce and secrete IgM into mucus. In this study, we showed that the monogenean parasite Heterobothrium okamotoi utilizes IgM to recognize its host, fugu Takifugu rubripes. Oncomiracidia are infective larvae of H. okamotoi that shed their cilia and metamorphose into juveniles when exposed to purified d-mannose–binding fractions from fugu mucus. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, proteins contained in the fraction were identified as d-mannose–specific IgM with two d-mannose–binding lectins. However, although deciliation was significantly induced by IgM and was inhibited by d-mannose or a specific Ab against fugu IgM, other lectins had no effect, and IgM without d-mannose affinity induced deciliation to a limited degree. Subsequent immunofluorescent staining experiments showed that fugu d-mannose–specific IgM binds ciliated epidermal cells of oncomiracidium. These observations suggest that deciliation is triggered by binding of fugu IgM to cell surface Ags via Ag binding sites. Moreover, concentrations of d-mannose–binding IgM in gill mucus were sufficient to induce deciliation in vitro, indicating that H. okamotoi parasites initially use host Abs to colonize host gills.
Living arrangements and the transition to adulthood

The sharp decline with age in the percent of young adults who live with their parents is usually attributed to other concurrent life-cycle changes in the “transition to adulthood. ” We investigate this presumption using data tracking high school seniors seven years after graduation. Although marriage and military service strongly reduce residential dependence on parents, other life-cycle changes such as employment and parenthood are only weakly associated with living arrangements and often affect returning home more than leaving. “Leaving home” is often independent of other transition events and should be studied directly to understand recent patterns of family change.
Effects of Interleukin-6 on Depression Risk in Dialysis Patients

Background/Aims: Depression represents the most frequent psychiatric disorder in nephrology. Cytokines, and especially IL-6, were found to be elevated in depressed patients with normal renal function. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the relationship between depression and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Methods: We studied 44 stable patients with ESKD for 71 ± 66 months (32 males; 64 ± 13 years; 27 on hemodialysis and 17 on peritoneal dialysis). The control group included 20 healthy age- and gender-matched individuals (12 males; 60 ± 12 years). Depression was assessed by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZS). Nephelometry for high-sensitivity CRP and ELISA kits for IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were used. Results: Compared to controls, patients with ESKD had higher ZS scores (56.8 ± 16.8 vs. 44 ± 12.7, p < 0.01), WBC (7,987 ± 2,347 vs. 6,413 ± 870/mm3, p < 0.01), ESR (36.3 ± 15.8 vs. 9.4 ± 3.3 mm, p < 0.001), TNF-α (52 ± 18.4 vs. 10.7 ± 2.8 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (6.3 ± 4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001). No differences in high-sensitivity CRP and IL-10 were noted between the ESKD and control groups. Serum IL-6 levels were the only parameter positively correlated with the values of the ZS score in ESKD patients (r = 0.34, p < 0.02). Conclusions: IL-6 may play a role in the pathogenesis of depression in patients with ESKD.
Tumor-suppressor genes: news about the interferon connection.

The interferons are a family of secreted, multifunctional proteins which are components of the defenses of vertebrates against viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections and certain tumors. They exert their various activities by inducing the synthesis of a large variety of proteins. There are direct and indirect indications that several of these proteins may have tumor-suppressor activities. The interferon-inducible proteins implicated include: (i) a double-stranded RNA-activatable protein kinase that can phosphorylate and thereby inactivate the eukaryotic peptide chain initiation factor eIF-2; (ii) the interferon regulatory factors IRF-1 and IRF-2, which can modulate the expression of the interferons and of some interferon-inducible proteins; and (iii) RNase L, a latent endoribonuclease which can be activated by (2'-5')oligoadenylates, the products of a family of enzymes which are also interferon-inducible. It is note-worthy that some of the proteins encoded by tumor virus oncogenes (e.g., E1A from adenovirus, EBNA-2 from Epstein-Barr virus, and terminal protein from hepatitis B virus) impair the induction of at least some proteins by interferons.
Acquired resistance to the anticancer drug paclitaxel is associated with induction of cytochrome P450 2C8.

INTRODUCTION We have previously shown that human colorectal cancer tissue is able to inactivate the anticancer drug paclitaxel through cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C8 and CYP3A4 metabolisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes in the expression levels of genes coding for such enzymes are related to anticancer drug resistance after long-term exposure to the drug. METHODS Human colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2) that are sensitive to paclitaxel were exposed to increasing concentrations of the drug from 0-250 nM during one year, in order to select paclitaxel-resistant cells. Subsequently, we compared the sensitivity to paclitaxel and the extent of expression of the CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genes in original and resistant cells. RESULTS Resistant cancer cells displayed a 246-fold increased lethal dose (LD)50 to paclitaxel (p < 0.004) as compared with original cancer cells. A 4.4-fold (p = 0.005) enhancement of CYP2C8 expression and a 5.6-fold (p = 0.001) increase of multidrug resistance (MDR)1 expression was observed in resistant cells exposed to paclitaxel. When paclitaxel was removed from the culture medium, CYP2C8, but not MDR1 expression, reverted to basal levels and the resistance to paclitaxel decreased 3.2-fold (p = 0.005). No major changes in the expression levels of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 were observed. CONCLUSIONS Caco-2 cells are capable of increasing the expression levels of CYP2C8 as a response to long-term exposure to paclitaxel. This study provides evidence for a mechanism of acquired resistance to anticancer therapy based on the induction of anticancer-metabolizing enzymes.
Development and Evaluation of Case Method Teaching Materials using Manga on Tablet PCs - A Trial with Pointing Type Annotations

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a system that could be used to support university students and graduate school students desiring to become teachers by providing the knowledge and skills necessary for them to provide instructions for scientific experiments; the system involved sharing awareness of issues using easy to use tablet PCs. The system required learners to perform touch operations by pointing at locations with pins of four colors, at which time they became aware of issues within the scenes of the experiments involving the pupils depicted in the manga displayed on the screen. The learners mutually shared the things they noticed using the sharing function. The manga displayed on the screen is a case method learning material, developed for the purpose of educating teachers. It is embedded with a diverse amount of knowledge and skills necessary to become a science teacher, while enabling learners to acquire the observation skills of teachers. The sharing function and the color-sorted frame advancing function of this system were rated positively by the students. Furthermore, learners suggested that the system could be improved by adding a memo function as well as a function for an overall view and for viewing arbitrary
Linking TEM Analytical Spectroscopies for an Assumptionless Compositional Analysis

Abstract The classical implementation for putting quantitative figures on maps to reveal elemental compositions in transmission electron microscopy is by analytical methods like X-ray and energy-loss spectroscopy. Typically, the technique in use often depends on whether lighter or heavier elements are present and—more practically—which calibrations are available or sample-related properties are known. A framework linking electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) signals such that absolute volumetric concentrations can be derived without assumptions made a priori about the unknown sample, is largely missing. In order to combine both techniques and harness their respective potentials for a light and heavy element analysis, we have set up a powerful hardware configuration and implemented an experimental approach, which reduces the need for estimates on many parameters needed for quantitative work such as densities, absolute thicknesses, theoretical ionization cross-sections, etc. Calibrations on specimens with known geometry allow the measurement of inelastic mean free paths. As a consequence, mass-thicknesses obtained from the EDX ζ-factor approach can be broken up and quantities like concentrations and partial energy-differential ionization cross-sections become accessible. ζ-factors can then be used for conversion into EELS cross-sections that are hard to determine otherwise, or conversely, connecting EDXS and EELS in a quantitative manner quite effectively.
TOA data association based on peak detection of reconnaissance region

To solve the problem that the permutation and combination in the traditional data association algorithms result in a high computational cost, this paper proposed a novel TOA data association algorithm based on the peak detection of reconnaissance region. Firstly, some samples of the TOA curves can be obtained by azimuth searching, and then the data association problem can be transformed into a 2-dimensional detection problem by blurring and adding the curves. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the computational efficiency with hardly reduce of the correct association probabilities, implying good application prospect.
Female sexual dysfunction: A primary care perspective

Purpose: To discuss the incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women, some common etiologies, and patient‐provider relationships that seem to inhibit successful resolution of female sexual dysfunction. Data sources: A selective review of the literature on female sexual dysfunction, and an overview of assessment tools that can be used to evaluate and monitor its treatment. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction in women is a health issue often overlooked by medical personnel, but it is a topic of great importance to both the patient and her sexual partner(s). It has been well established that quality of sex, that is, satisfaction with one's sex life, is a major quality‐of‐life indicator. But specifically as concerns the female patient, the issue has been overlooked by much of the healthcare community, perhaps because the topic of female sexual dysfunction is multifaceted and complex in nature. Implications for practice: Clinicians have an obligation to develop self‐awareness and clinical intuition to address the topic in the utmost professional manner.
Natural emotion elicitation for emotion modeling in child-robot interactions

Obtaining spontaneous emotional expressions is the very first and vital step in affective computing studies, for both psychologists and computer scientists. However, it is quite challenging to record them in real life, especially when certain modalities are required (e.g. 3D representation of the body). Traditional elicitation and capturing protocols either introduce the awareness of the recording, which may impair the naturalness of the behaviors, or cause too much information loss. In this paper, we present natural emotion elicitation and recording experiments, which were set in child-robot interaction scenarios. Several state-of-the-art technologies were employed to acquire the multi-modal expressive data that will be further used for emotion modeling and recognition studies. The obtained recordings exhibit the expected emotional expressions.
Plasma levels of estrogens, androgens and progesterone during normal and dexamethasone-treated cycles.

ABSTRACT Concentrations of estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in peripheral blood were measured simultaneously in the same samples taken at frequent intervals during 5 normal and 3 dexamethasone-treated (0.5 mg, 4 times daily) menstrual cycles. In the normal cycles, mean concentrations and patterns of LH, E2, E1 and P were similar to those previously reported. Although cyclic patterns of plasma T were less marked than A, mean concentrations were significantly higher at midcycle than at other times of the cycle. The plasma A levels demonstrated random daily fluctuation; however, a progressive increase in concentrations occurred during the follicular period (121 ± 27 ng/100 ml), reaching maximum concentrations (167 ± 34 ng/100 ml) during the midcycle period. Dexamethasone treatment apparently did not affect ovulation and, although the luteal phase was of normal length, a prolongation of the follicular phase (18–21 days vs 13–16 .
Structure of the singularity inside a realistic rotating black hole.

We present the structure and results of an analysis of the asymptotic behavior of nonlinear, asymmetric, metric perturbations near the Cauchy horizon inside a Kerr black hole. This analysis suggests that metric perturbations, to all orders in the perturbation expansion, are finite and small at the Cauchy horizon, even though their gradients (and the curvature) diverge there. Accordingly, objects which fall into a realistic rotating black hole a long time after the collapse will not be crushed by a tidal gravitational deformation as they approach the curvature singularity.
Design, modeling and fabrication of piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers

An analytical model based on the clamped plate theory has been used to design the Bimorph pMUT (i.e. frequency). This model gives a good prediction of the experimental frequency of the 5-layers pMUT plate resonance. Our calculation show that central electrodes need to cover 58% and 33% of the membrane surface for a long rectangular and circular membrane respectively to achieve optimal coupling. The electromechanical coupling coefficient (k) and quality factor (Q) were measured as k=4.4% and Q=145 in air for a low frequency transducer (250 kHz). d. The 17 MHz version yielded values of Q=25 and k=3%.
Motion estimation using adaptive matching and multiscale methods

Past approaches on motion estimation use iterative algorithm to produce dense motion fields, which is modeled by the energy functions. The optimization strategy such as simulated annealing or iterated conditional mode reorganize the motion fields slowly. This paper introduces adaptive block matching and multiscale smoothing as an initial motion fields for bayesian based motion estimation. The adaptive block matching is a local intensity matching procedure, which gives a unique matching results. The results are smoothed by multiscale smoothing algorithm. This algorithm is based on kalman filter, but the time domain of this filter becomes the scale domain. The result shows that this strategy can give a more global motion fields than the result of single resolution bayesian motion estimation method. This multiscale smoothing algorithm have numerous possibility to enhance the speed as well as strategy to produce better motion fields.
Effect of Adding Edges to Consensus Networks With Directed Acyclic Graphs

Consensus of a network with a directed acyclic graph, a directed graph with no directed cycles, is always guaranteed if it contains a spanning tree. This paper studies the effect of adding edges to a directed acyclic graph that may result in a directed cycle. It is shown that the effect on consensus performance of the whole network is only determined by a local subnetwork containing all the added edges. More specifically, both a one-dimensional (1-D) chain network and a 2-D grid network are investigated in this paper. It is proved that, when a reverse edge is added, the consensus performance is degraded by the amount only determined by the edge range, that is, independent of the network size or the location of the added edge.
GIS-supported investigation of human EHEC and cattle VTEC O157 infections in Sweden: Geographical distribution, spatial variation and possible risk factors

This article describes the spatial and temporal distribution of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli among humans (EHEC) and cattle (VTEC) in Sweden, in order to evaluate relationships between the incidence of EHEC in humans, prevalence of VTEC O157 in livestock and agricultural structure by an ecological study. The spatial patterns of the distribution of human infections were described and compared with spatial patterns of occurrence in cattle, using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The findings implicate a concentration of human infection and cattle prevalence in the southwest of Sweden. The use of probability mapping confirmed unusual patterns of infection rates. The comparison of human and cattle infection indicated a spatial and statistical association. The correlation between variables of the agricultural structure and human EHEC incidence was high, indicating a significant statistical association of cattle and farm density with human infection. The explained variation of a multiple linear regression model was 0·56.