Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Free Radical Activity Depends on Underlying Vasoconstrictors in Renal Microcirculation

We examined the role of free radicals in renal microvascular tone induced by various vasoactive stimuli. Isolated perfused rat hydronephrotic kidneys were used for direct visualization of renal microcirculation. The effect of tempol on angiotensin II‐, norepinephrine‐, KCl‐, and pressure‐induced afferent arteriolar constriction was evaluated. Under angiotensin II‐induced constriction, tempol (3 mmol/L) caused 57 ± 8% dilation of afferent arterioles. In contrast, tempol elicited only 38 ± 8% and 26 ± 9% dilation of norepinephrine‐ and KCl‐induced constriction. Similarly, myogenic response induced by elevating renal arterial pressure from 80 to180 mmHg was resistant to the vasodilator action of tempol (22 ± 7% inhibition). Furthermore, tempol failed to reverse nitro‐L‐arginine methylester‐induced afferent constriction, nor had vasodilator effect on the angiotensin II‐induced constriction in the presence of nitro‐L‐arginine methylester. In contrast, nitroprusside elicited marked vasodilation of angiotensin II‐ (97 ± 5% reversal) and norepinephrine‐induced afferent constriction (89 ± 6% reversal), but had less effect on KCl‐ (46 ± 8% reversal) and pressure‐induced constriction (26 ± 9% reversal). These different actions were also observed when polyethylene‐glycolated superoxide dismutase was used as an antioxidant. In conclusion, the role of free radicals in afferent arteriolar tone varies, depending on the underlying vasoconstrictor stimuli, with greater contribution of free radicals to angiotensin II‐induced constriction. The heterogeneity in the responsiveness to free radical scavengers is attributed to both magnitude of free radicals produced and sensitivity of the underlying vasoconstrictors to nitric oxide.
EXTRACTION OF RULES BY CLASSIFICATION FROM WEATHER STATION DATA TO HELP IN THE FORECAST OF TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY INDEX FOR DAIRY CATTLE

A extracao de regras sobre o comportamento meteorologico pode auxiliar na previsao do conforto animal, principalmente para aqueles que estao em ambientes desprotegidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia para a extracao de regras de previsao das condicoes de estresse por calor em bovinos de leite. A analise foi realizada com o banco de dados do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), referente as medias horarias durante o periodo de 15 de Setembro a 13 de Novembro de 2013 em Santa Maria – RS, Brasil. As variaveis de entrada foram: hora do dia, temperatura do ar, temperatura de ponto de orvalho, umidade relativa do ar e o Indice de temperatura e umidade. A extracao das regras foi realizada pela tecnica de Mineracao de Dados, sendo utilizada a tarefa de classificacao com a construcao de arvore de decisao pelo algoritmo J48. A classificacao do Indice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) baseou-se em duas classes, sendo NORMAL, para valores de ITU menores ou iguais que 74, e ALERTA, para valores acima de 74, considerado como promotor de estresse. A mineracao dos dados resultou na descricao de 11 regras da relacao da temperatura, umidade relativa e hora do dia com o ITU. A mineracao de dados permitiu a compreensao das variaveis analisadas e as regras geradas podem auxiliar em previsoes baseados em temperatura e umidade relativa do ar.
Male circumcision for protection against HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa: The evidence in favour justifies the implementation now in progress

This article responds to a recent ‘controversy study’ in Global Public Health by de Camargo et al. directed at three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of male circumcision (MC) for HIV prevention. These trials were conducted in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and published in 2005 and 2007. The RCTs confirmed observational data that had accumulated over the preceding two decades showing that MC reduces by 60% the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men. Based on the RCT results, MC was adopted by global and national HIV policy-makers as an additional intervention for HIV prevention. Voluntary medical MC (VMMC) is now being implemented in 14 SSA countries. Thus referring to MC for HIV prevention as ‘debate’ and viewing MC through a lens of controversy seems mistaken. In their criticism, de Camargo et al. misrepresent and misinterpret current science supporting MC for HIV prevention, omit previous denunciations of arguments similar to theirs, and ignore evidence from ongoing scientific research. Here we point out the flaws in three areas de Camargo et al. find contentious. In doing so, we direct readers to growing evidence of MC as an efficacious, safe, acceptable, relatively low-cost one-off biomedical intervention for HIV prevention.
Alkaline phosphatase in pre-decidual cells of the human endometrium.

During the menstrual cycle, the human endometrium shows alterations in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in respect of both localization and amount. The changes in enzyme activity in the epithelial cells of the glands, and in the endothelium of blood vessels, have been consistently demonstrated histo-chemically (Atkinson & Engle, 1947; McKay, Hertig, Bardawil & Velardo, 1956) and are well known. Enzyme activity in the stromal cells of the endometrium is denied by all published work except that of Mookerjea (1961), who described a peak of alkaline phosphatase activity in these cells at the end of the follicular phase of the cycle. Because most studies of alkaline phosphatase in the endometrium have used tissue fixation, which is known to destroy much of the enzyme, it was decided to examine fresh tissue for alkaline phosphatase activity. Endometrium was obtained by curettage from sixty-four women at varying stages in the menstrual cycle, and was immediately frozen in thick-walled glass tubes kept in equilibrium with solid carbon dioxide. The tissue was sectioned at 10 \g=m\ in a cryostat with the chamber temperature between \m=-\25\s=deg\ C and \m=-\ 35\s=deg\C and with the knife cooled to about \m=-\ 60\s=deg\C. Sections mounted on warm slides were stained by a modified Gomori method (Pearse, 1960) without fixation, the incubation time being 1 hr at 37\s=deg\ C, and then mounted in glycerine jelly. Histological examination of all specimens showed a normal appearance for the cycle date. The findings in the endometrial gland cells and in the blood vessels were similar in every way to the description given by McKay
Pre-operative pulmonary evaluation in the patient with suspected respiratory disease

Post-operative pulmonary complications (POPC) occur frequently, especially in patients with pre-existing pulmonary disease and have a significant effect on post-surgical morbidity and mortality. By understanding the patient's existing pulmonary diseases that have a significant effect on post-operative morbidities a combination of information has to be gathered from a thorough history and physical exam as well as selected laboratory and diagnostic tests. Evidence based scores can then be employed to predict the risk of significant POPC. Numbers and testing alone, however, such as diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on spirometry, may not provide as clear a picture as of the true risk of POPC that is determined by a combination of estimations of the patient's functional status, (b) measured by the patient's estimates of activity and (c) confirmed by the patient's ability to perform simple tasks such as the 6-minute walk test. This information can then be used to rationalize perioperative interventions and improve the safety of the perioperative experience.
One-year treatment continuation in patients prescribed risperidone long-acting injection in New Zealand: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE Treatment discontinuation is a major problem in routine clinical settings and is associated with poorer outcomes for conditions like schizophrenia. Risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) has shown low discontinuation and good tolerability in long-term clinical trials. This retrospective study investigated RLAI continuation in a naturalistic clinical setting in New Zealand. METHODS Those starting publicly funded RLAI between October 1, 2005 and October 31, 2006 in five public mental health services were included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected for 443 patients 12 months pre- and post-RLAI initiation. Patient demographics, diagnosis, antipsychotic treatment and treatment setting were obtained from clinical files and patient information systems. RESULTS Patients were mostly male (64%), the mean age was 35.9 years, and were predominantly European (43%) or Māori (29%). Most started RLAI due to adherence issues (77%). Adverse events due to RLAI were reported by 39%; most commonly, extrapyramidal side effects. Fifty-eight percent of patients continued treatment 12 months after starting; patient choice (either refusal or failure to turn up) was the most common reason for discontinuation (54%), followed by lack of efficacy (29%). Alternative antipsychotic treatment was prescribed for 79% of those who discontinued. Regression analysis found continuation was more common for people started in the community, on a compulsory treatment order, with a dose of >25 mg and for non-Māori. CONCLUSIONS RLAI appears well-tolerated and over half the patients continued treatment for one year or more. Using treatment continuation as an indicator of effectiveness, RLAI appears to be an effective treatment for people with adherence problems in this real world practice setting.
Bevacizumab: An Angiogenesis Inhibitor with Efficacy in Colorectal and Other Malignancies

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pivotal clinical trials for bevacizumab, emphasizing its use in colorectal cancer. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted (1966—April 2004) using the following terms: bevacizumab, Avastin, anti-VEGF, anti-angiogenesis, and colorectal cancer. Additional data sources included meeting abstracts, bibliographies from identified articles, and information from the manufacturer. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Preclinical and clinical trials that used bevacizumab for the treatment of colorectal cancer and other malignancies were selected from the data sources. All published, randomized clinical trials evaluating bevacizumab in colorectal cancer were included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Despite advances in chemotherapy, current therapeutic options for metastatic disease provide only temporary benefit for most patients. Bevacizumab is the first anti-cancer agent shown to provide benefit for patients with cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis. Bevacizumab has shown significant activity in the treatment of many cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer. When used in combination with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, bevacizumab improves overall response rates, time to progression, and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Common toxicities associated with bevacizumab include hypertension, bleeding episodes, and thrombotic events. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinical knowledge on the effectiveness of bevacizumab is limited, early data indicate that it is a promising agent, with a novel mechanism of action, for patients with metastatic cancer, including colorectal cancer.
The myth of the Xia Dynasty

Was there a Xia Dynasty? By the mid-nineteen thirties, the works of Henri Maspero and other scholars in the West and of Gu Jiegang and his compatriots in China had clearly established the originally mythological character of the founder of the Xia Dynasty (traditionally ca. 2200–1760 B.C.) and of the rulers who preceded him in traditional Chinese historiography. The excavations near Anyang of late Shang palaces, tombs and inscribed oracle bones had also established the authenticity of the Shang Dynasty which followed the Xia, or at least of the latter part of it. In 1936, Chen Mengjia published an article in which he related the Xia king list to the Shang and argued that the two periods were the same. For the next forty years, the question of the authenticity of the Xia was left largely in abeyance although most scholars did continue to assume that the Xia Dynasty, which was hereditary like the Shang, would some day be authenticated by archaeological excavation.
Caries prevalence, severity, and 3-year increment, and their impact upon New Zealand adolescents' oral-health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE To examine dental caries experience among New Zealand adolescents and determine the nature of caries-associated differences in oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents. METHOD Follow-up was conducted of a random sample of 430 children first examined in 2003 at age 13, when they completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ(11-14) ). At age 16, 255 (59.3% of the baseline sample) were re-examined and again completed the CPQ(11-14) . RESULTS Caries prevalence (1 + DMFS) rose from 68% to 79.2%; mean DMFS rose from 2.9 (SD 4.7) to 3.6 (SD 4.8), and the prevalence of high caries experience (5 + DMFS) rose from 20.0% to 40.8%. The 3-year mean net caries increment of 0.5 surfaces (SD 2.6) was dominated by occlusal surfaces. At both ages, overall CPQ(11-14 ) scores, as well as emotional well-being subscale scores, were significantly higher for those with DMFS values of 5 or more. CONCLUSION Caries experience increased over the three years; this age group is caries-active. Dental caries affects adolescents' OHRQoL, although not as strongly as maybe expected.
Boundary Control of a Coupled Nonlinear Flexible Marine Riser

In this paper, boundary control for a coupled nonlinear flexible marine riser with two actuators in transverse and longitudinal directions is developed to reduce the riser's vibrations. The dynamic behavior of the flexible riser is represented by a distributed parameter system with partial differential equations (PDEs) and the control is applied at the top boundary of the riser based on Lyapunov's direct method to regulate the riser's vibrations. With the proposed boundary control, uniform boundedness under ocean current disturbance, and exponential stability under free vibration condition can be achieved. The proposed control is independent of system parameters, which ensures the robustness of the system to variations in parameters. Numerical simulations for demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed control are presented.
Short term blood pressure and metabolic effects of tibolone in postmenopausal women with non‐insulin dependent diabetes

Introduction Oestrogen replacement therapy (HRT) is widely prescribed for postmenopausal women in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and to prevent osteoporosis. The oestrogen-positive effects on lipids and lipoproteins have been proposed' as a potential mechanism for this improvement in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Data for these benefits have come from studies with differing oestrogen formulations in women from the general population. The diabetic woman is at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than matched nondiabetic subjects'. However, few studies have assessed the influence of HRT on cardiovascular risk factors in these patients. This study was designed to assess the short term effects on blood pressure and metabolism of tibolone, a synthetic steroid possessing weak oestrogenic, progestogenic and androgenic properties, in a group of postmenopausal women with stable noninsulin dependent diabetes melli tus (NIDDM).
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors and Epileptogenesis

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) often produces long-lasting effects on the excitability of cortical neurons. For example, mGluR stimulation induces long-term potentiation or depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Similarly, the effects of mGluRs on cortical epileptiform activities also are enduring. A transient application of group I mGluR agonists to hippocampal slices produces ictal-like discharges that persist for hours after the removal of the applied agonist. This action of group I mGluRs—transforming “normal” hippocampal slice into an “epileptic-like” one—may represent a form of epileptogenesis. The advent of such a model, in which epileptogenesis can be reliably induced in an in vitro preparation and the process is complete within hours, may facilitate the exploration of cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis.
Comparing distributions of polygenic risk scores of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease within different populations

Polygenic risk scores are gaining more and more attention for estimating genetic risks for liabilities, especially for noncommunicable diseases. They are now calculated using thousands of DNA markers. In this paper, we compare the score distributions of two previously published very large risk score models within different populations. We show that the risk score model together with its risk stratification thresholds, built upon the data of one population, cannot be applied to another population without taking into account the target population’s structure. We also show that if an individual is classified to the wrong population, his/her disease risk can be systematically incorrectly estimated.
Effect of hyperimmunization with an Escherichia coli J5 bacterin in adult lactating dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of hyperimmunization with an Escherichia coli J5 bacterin on serum IgG2 concentration, incidence of clinical mastitis, and rate of survival to the end of the lactation period (ie, day 305) in adult lactating dairy cattle. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS 1,012 Holstein cows in their second lactation and greater. PROCEDURES All cows were given 3 doses of the J5 bacterin; cows in the hyperimmunization group were given an additional 3 doses during the first 3 months of lactation. Blood was collected from a small sample of cows to determine anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations. RESULTS Cows in the hyperimmunization group had higher mean serum anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations than did control cows 28 days after administration of the fourth, fifth, and sixth doses of the J5 bacterin. However, mean serum anti-J5 concentrations during the subsequent lactation were not significantly different between groups. The proportions of cows that developed clinical mastitis were not significantly different between groups. However, control cows were more likely to have severe clinical mastitis than were cows in the hyperimmunization group. The percentage of control cows that remained in the herd to day 305 was significantly lower than the percentage of cows in the hyperimmunization group that did. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that hyperimmunization of mature lactating dairy cattle was associated with increased serum anti-J5 IgG2 concentrations and decreased incidence of severe clinical mastitis, but did not alter survival rate of cows that developed severe clinical mastitis.
Controlling The Magnetization Reversal Mechanism In Co/Pd Multilayers By Underlayer Processing

The effect of various process parameters on the magnetic properties of sputter deposited Co/Pd multilayered films is presented. The coercivity of the films was found to increase logarithmically with the thickness of the Pd underlayer. Various combinations of sputter gas (Ar) pressure during the deposition of the underlayer (P/sub ul/) and during the deposition of the multilayer (P/sub ml/) were studied. Coercivity was found to depend on both P/sub ul/ and P/sub ml/. When P/sub ml/ was kept constant at 3 mTorr, a decrease in coercivity with the increase in P/sub ul/ was observed. And, for a constant P/sub ul/ of 3 mTorr, an increase in coercivity was observed when P/sub ml/ was increased. The magnetization reversal mechanism of these films was found to change from domain wall motion to rotation when P/sub ul/ is increased from 3 mTorr to 18 mTorr or higher. However, the change in the reversal mechanism was not observed with the variation in the preparation conditions of the magnetic layer or the other underlayer process parameters such as the thickness or sputter power.
Nationwide trends in the age adjusted prevalence of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) across various races and gender in the USA

Abstract Background: Advances in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis have been dramatic. The goal of this study was to evaluate any decline in the age adjusted incidence of acute non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) using a large database. Method: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to calculate the age-adjusted rate for NSTEMI from 1988 to 2004 retrospectively. Specific ICD-9-CM codes for NSTEMI were used to compile the data. Patient demographic data was also analyzed from the database and adjusted for age. Results: The NIS database contained a total of 1 423 156 patients who had a diagnosis of NSTEMI from 1988 to 2004. The age-adjusted rate for all acute NSTEMI gradually increased from 1988 until 2000—26.21 per 100 000 (95% CI: 23.9–28.4) in 1988 and 92.6 per 100 000 (95% CI: 86.0–99.3, P <0.01 in 2000,). It remained unchanged from 2000 until 2004 (91.7 per 100 000 (95% CI: 85.3–98.0). This trend was similar across different race and gender. Conclusion: The increasing incidence of NSTEMI from 1988 until year 2000 has suddenly stabilized by the year 2000. The cause of this finding is unknown. It could be related to the recent adaptation of troponin testing or recent advancement in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Network Models for Power Grids: A Generative Approach

The inherent structure of the electrical network has a significant impact on its functioning and health. As power grids move towards becoming ‘smarter’ with increased demand response and decentralized control, the topological aspects of the grid have become even more important. Understanding the topology can thus lead to better strategies to control the smart grid as well as enable rapid identification and prevention of risks such as blackouts. This paper focuses on modeling and analyzing basic similarities in network structure of large power grids across America and Europe. It studies the topological characteristics of power grids and develops a generative model for them. Based on the typical small world characteristics, large scale test power systems can be developed to better study the working of new algorithms for smart grids.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in lamotrigine randomized‐controlled trials

Purpose: Nonrandomized studies of the relationship of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) may be susceptible to confounding by tonic–clonic seizure frequency, polypharmacy, and other potential risk factors for SUDEP. We evaluated the risk of SUDEP with lamotrigine (LTG) compared to active comparators and placebo in randomized controlled clinical trials conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) between 1984 and 2009.
Giant Slayer: Will You Let Software be David to Your Goliath System?

Modern aerospace systems are marvels of engineering. Their amazing achievements are due in large part to software, yet relatively few project personnel, especially project management staff, understand or appreciate the significance of it. The lack of understanding and attention to software often dooms large aerospace projects to significant delay if not outright failure. As a motivation, several software-related aerospace incidents, from benign to calamitous, are recounted here to demonstrate the extent of the problem. Frequently repeated oversights witnessed on many large aerospace projects are then reviewed, with an eye toward what can (and should) be done to avoid the pitfalls. The intent is to empower the reader with information and ideas to prevent software from slaying the giant systems that it is built to support.