jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
The Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb761, increases synaptosomal uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine: in-vitro and ex-vivo studies

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

Abstract The Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) added to a synaptosomal fraction prepared from mice cerebral cortex modified [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) uptake in a biphasic manner. Between 4 and 16 μg mL−1 EGb 761 increased significantly the [3H]-5-HT uptake (maximum + 23%). A similar increase was also obtained when synaptosomes were prepared from the cortex of mice treated orally with EGb 761, either acutely (100 mg kg−1, 14 h and 2 h before death) or semi-chronically (2× 100 mg−1 kg daily for 4 consecutive days). The in-vitro increase in [3H]5-HT uptake induced by EGb 761 was not observed in the presence of 10−6 m clomipramine, a 5-HT-uptake inhibitor. EGb 761 did not increase [3H]dopa-mine uptake by synaptosomes prepared from striatum of mice. We investigated different fractions of EGb 761 in order to determine the compounds inducing the increase in [3H]5-HT uptake. The BN 52063 extract (corresponding to the EGb 761 devoid of flavonoid substances) did not increase [3H]5-HT uptake. The Cp 202 extract (corresponding to the EGb 761 devoid of terpenic substances and containing mostly flavonoid substances) increased [3H]5-HT uptake. Among the flavonoids, quercetin has been tested and had no effect on the [3H]5-HT uptake. Since at the usual therapeutic doses of EGb 761, the effective concentrations of the components responsible for this increase are likely to be reached in the brain, one may suggest that this effect could contribute to the therapeutic effect of EGb 761.
P45 Impact of multidisciplinary standardisation of liver ultrasound surveillance on the rate of detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective audit

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Surveillance ultrasound scans (USS) are recommended in selected patients with cirrhosis for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The practicalities of the provision of the surveillance programme vary across the UK due to factors related to the patients and the hospitals. Such variations are likely to influence the outcome of surveillance. In June 2021, substantial changes were implemented to the HCC surveillance programme at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) within Hepatology and Radiology services with an aim to improve the HCC surveillance. The changes included the creation of cirrhosis registry, supervision of the surveillance by dedicated specialist nurses, standardisation of requesting, scanning and reporting of surveillance USS. Here we present the results of a retrospective audit assessing the outcomes of the HCC surveillance as a result of multidisciplinary standardisation of the surveillance practice at UHNM. A total of 794 patients with cirrhosis who were initiated on USS surveillance between January 2010 and December 2021 were included. Mean age was 61.7 years (range 20 to 90) and 464 (58.4%) were men. Most common cause of cirrhosis was alcohol (n=356, 44.8%), followed by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (n=296, 37.2%), autoimmune liver disease (n=55, 6.9%), viral hepatitis (n=53, 6.7%) and others (n=34, 4.3%). A total of 3482 surveillance USS results were assessed, of which 2642 were performed between January 2010 and May 2021, the time period before standardisation. The remaining 840 scans were performed between June 2021 and May 2022, in the time period after standardisation. Three cases of HCC were detected before standardisation (3 of 2642, 0.11%) whereas eight cases of HCC were diagnosed after standardisation (8 of 840, 0.84%). Using the Fisher's exact test, we demonstrated that the rate of detection of HCC was significantly higher with standardised surveillance (p = 0.003). Relative risk of detecting HCC with standardised surveillance was 7.34 (95% CL 1.9, 28.3) times higher compared to the rate before standardisation. All three patients with HCC detected prior to standardised surveillance underwent TACE treatment and were alive at a median survival of 16 months. Of the eight patients diagnosed with HCC after standardised surveillance, 2 were undergoing liver transplant assessment, 3 treated with TACE, one with ablation and one patient was awaiting a plan. Median survival in this group was 7 months. We conclude that the process of multidisciplinary standardisation of HCC surveillance programme at UHNM has resulted in higher rates of HCC detection, leading to earlier treatment.
Aberrant expression of miR-21, miR-376c and miR-145 and their target host genes in Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive non-small cell lung cancer

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus (MCPyV) infection has been associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Viruses can manipulate cellular miRNAs or have a profound impact on cellular miRNA expression to control host regulatory pathways. In this study, we evaluated the expression profiles of cancer-associated and virally affected host microRNAs miR-21, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-302c, miR-367 and miR-376c in a series of NSCLC tissue samples as well as in samples from "healthy" sites, distant from the tumour region that were either positive or negative for MCPyV DNA. miR-21 and miR-376c were significantly upregulated whereas miR-145 was significantly downregulated in the MCPyV+ve samples compared to the MCPyV-ve tumour samples. Overall, miR-21 and miR-376c expression was higher in tumour compared to healthy tissue samples. No association was observed between the miR-155, miR-146a, miR-302c and miR-367 levels and the presence of MCPyV. The expression of miR-21 target genes (Pten, Bcl-2, Daxx, Pkr, Timp3), miR-376c (Grb2, Alk7, Mmp9) and miR-145 (Oct-4, Sox2, Fascin1) and their associated pathways (Braf, Akt-1, Akt-2, Bax, Hif1a, p53) was altered between MCPyV+ve tumor samples and their corresponding controls. These results show a novel association between miR-21, miR-376c and miR-145 and their host target genes with the presence of MCPyV, suggesting a mechanism of virus-specific microRNA signature in NSCLC.
End-User Evaluation of SHARP for Analysis of Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

The DOE Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program is developing the SHARP toolkit to support growing reactor analysis needs in other programs. Although SHARP includes physics modules—especially the computational fluid dynamics code Nek5000 and the structural mechanics tools in Diablo—that have an existing user-base in other fields, most of the analysis and validation efforts for nuclear reactor applications have been performed by members of SHARP’s own development team. The SHARP development team includes engineers and computational scientists from a diverse set of backgrounds, including nuclear engineering. However, before the SHARP tools can be adopted by the Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) program to support the analysis of sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs), it would be beneficial for an outside set of analysts and engineers to begin using SHARP and providing feedback to both programs. The authors of this report were charged with learning to use SHARP, applying SHARP to SFR analyses of interest to ART, evaluating the tools, and providing a set of recommendations and requirements to guide future development efforts by the NEAMS program. The authors are engineers (nuclear, mechanical, and civil) by training; all have experience in modeling and simulation for nuclear energy applications; all have either supported ART directly or report to a supervisor who does. This report is a formal summary of the findings of this team of engineers—the potential end-users of SHARP for ART activities. In an informal way, this effort also opened up communication lines between the SHARP developers and ART engineers, which will continue beyond the scope of this effort.
Phytoestrogens of hops: From expectation to application

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

Phytoestrogens are compounds occurring in different plant species and in different plant parts, mainly leaves and flowers. These components exhibit an estrogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Chemically, they refer to the classes of isoflavones, flavanones, coumestrans and resorcylic acid lactones. Phytoestrogens are known for health beneficial effects in the prevention of breast cancer, post-menopausal syndrome, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. However, the potency of most of these compounds is relatively low compared to human estrogens (e.g. the 17-estradiol). Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is used for centuries as an essential raw material in beer brewing providing bitterness and flavor to beer. In the past few years, the plant has gained increasing attention as a source of prenylflavonoids, a subclass of polyphenols. These are present in the lupulin glands, found in the female hop cones. In this group, the prenylchalcones (mainly xanthohumol) and prenylflavanones, especially the 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) are among the most attractive due to their specific bioactive effects. The newly discovered 8-PN is thought to be the most potent phytoestrogen currently known. However, the preliminary studies on estrogenic potency of hop and its 8-PN showed contradictory results. Some studies revealed a strong estrogenic activity, while others found no or low estrogenic activity, possibly due to the varieties of extracts and the nature of performed used assays. Recent data indicate the possible bacterial production of 8-PN from spent hops, as well as the needs for encapsulation of 8-PN for its improved bioactivity and target delivery. Our paper aims at highlighting the current interests in hops prenylflavanones, the main challenges in isolation, quantification and encapsulation, as well as the future of application in different plant-based supplements and dietary products.
Participatory learning theories: a framework for early childhood pedagogy

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

This paper continues scholarly conversations about appropriate theories of development to underpin early childhood pedagogy. It focuses on sociocultural theoretical perspectives and proposes that participatory learning theories (PLTs) underpin pedagogy built on principles specified in three curricular documents. Further, the paper argues that the outcomes of participatory learning contest accepted understandings of knowledge outcomes and instead comprise notions such as funds of knowledge, dispositions and working theories. A ‘participation plus’ model of pedagogy is posited as emanating from PLTs and associated outcomes. Resulting challenges for research and pedagogy are discussed.
Abstract 3199: Factors Associated with Favorable Response to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy among Patients Presenting with Iatrogenic Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Background: Iatrogenic cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2 ) treatment is the only first line treatment for patients with CAGE presenting with acute neurological deficits. Methods: We reviewed medical records and neuroimaging of consecutive CAGE patients treated with HBO 2 at a state referral hyperbaric facility over a 22 year period. We analyzed the effect of demographics, source of intra-arterial gas, signs and symptoms, results of imaging studies, time between insult and HBO 2 treatment, and response to HBO 2 treatment in 36 consecutive patients. Favorable outcome was defined by complete resolution or improvement of CAGE signs and symptoms. Unfavorable outcome was defined by unchanged or worsened neurologic signs and symptoms or in hospital death. Results: A total of 26 (72%) of the 36 patients had favorable outcome. Patients with favorable outcome were younger compared to those with unfavorable outcome (mean age [years, SD] 44.7± 17.8 vs. 58.1 ± 24.1, p-value=0.08). Time-to-HBO 2 ≤ 6 hours was significantly associated with favorable outcome compared ≥ 6 hrs (p-value = 0.025). Cardiopulmonary symptoms associated with CAGE were significantly more common in venous source of gas compared to arterial (p-value = 0.024) but did not influence the rate of favorable outcomes. Two of 36 patients were treated with thrombolytics due to acute focal deficits and suspected ischemia - one with intravenous and the second one with intra-arterial thrombolysis. The later patient developed fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions: A high proportion of CAGE patients treated with HBO2 had favorable outcomes. Young age and time-to-HBO 2 ≤ 6 hours were associated with higher rate of favorable outcome. Timely diagnosis and differentiation from thrombo-embolic ischemic events is an important determinant of successful HBO2 treatment.
Expectations about and impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient in an Italian hospital

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

This study is aimed at exploring the expectations about and the impact on healthcare staff of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the dying patient (LCP) in an Italian hospital. Qualitative information was derived from four focus group (FG) meetings that were carried out separately by profession and scheduled before the beginning and after the end of the implementation process of the Italian version of LCP for hospitals (LCP-I). Interview topics concerned end-of-life care related problems and expectations about the impact of the LCP-I programme. Tape recordings of the FGs were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts analysed independently by two research psychologists using thematic analysis. Five major topics were identified: managing pain and discontinuing inappropriate treatments, communicating with patients, communicating with relatives, communicating between professionals and practical issues. As compared with those reported in the initial FGs, responses from the final FGs highlighted that physicians felt more confident with pain management and with discontinuing inappropriate treatment, and were more inclined to recognize the value of the nurses’ work. Nurses underlined advantages in using pro re nata medication, but stressed lack of personnel and time as obstacles in consistent improvement of end-of-life care. All participants seemed to acquire greater awareness of their difficulties in communication and, paradoxically, became more uncertain of their ability to liaise with dying patients and their families. LCP-I implementation may improve both knowledge about physical symptom management and professional awareness of the problems related to emotional and informative support in end-of-life care.
Science and International Agreements: The Case of Trade in GMOs

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

The role of science in international agreements is increasingly being contested. One reason for this is the growing number of high profile trade disputes. Some stakeholders continue to defend science as an independent source of objective knowledge that applies across international boundaries. Others argue that values and interests shape science in practice. Important insights into this problem come from examining the ways in which international agreements and institutions currently deal with trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Radar systems for rotating target imaging (a holographic approach)

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

The possibility of using the rotation of an object to resolve its scattering centres was, probably, first shown by W. M. Brown and R. J. Fredericks. Independently, microwave video imaging of rotating objects was demonstrated theoretically and experimentally by other researchers. An analysis of three approaches (in terms of the antenna, range-Doppler and cross-correlation theories) was made in References 104 and 146 for the imaging of rotating targets. Here we discuss this problem in terms of a holographic approach.
Digital printing of shape-morphing natural materials

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

Significance Most shape-morphing materials rely on nonrenewable fossil resources or finely extracted biomaterials, which need strict reaction control, elaborate processing equipment, or prefabricated templates to achieve controllable transformation. To circumvent these challenges, we developed an eco-friendly and scalable strategy for programmable shape evolution that integrates easy-to-process pollen biomass with cost-effective digital printing. Using this approach, specific geometrical features and architectures were customized to build complex materials with user-defined, shape-morphing abilities. These fabrication efforts were complemented by computational simulations to build quantitative and mechanistic insights into the biomaterial’s characteristics for creating complex shapes with methods that are suitable for scalable manufacturing.
Towards Indian Agricultural Information: A Need BasedInformation Flow Model

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Information is crucial for agriculture and rural development. ICT based services in agriculture
is gaining importance day by day. Paper proposes to study the nature of agricultural information its uniqueness
and problems of handling and organization. Agri informatics and use of different web portals for agriculture
also discussed. Paper also highlighted the ICAR and IARIs contribution towards development of NARS
(National Agricultural Research System) and models showing Information flow and strategic plan for
organization of agricultural information. Some recommendations for proper organization and dissemination of
agricultural information have been made to reach grass root level with desired agricultural information.
Double Inverted Pendulum Based on LQG Optimal Control

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

In order to achieve the stable control for a double inverted pendulum system, linear quadratic Gauss optimal control was applied.Based on separation principle of LQG, firstly, the control law was proposed by the optimal control, and then a state feedback was obtained; whereas, the states of a system can't be measured completely, and the system could be inevitably affected by the a number of noise.For this reason, based on the rule of value of the corresponding parameters, the optimal estimations of the system outputs were received by means of Kalmar filtering.The conclusive experiment shown that the designed controller steadily dominated a double inverted pendulum system, and the system had a good ability of noise abatement and anti-interference.
SCIENCE, NORMS, AND BRAINS On a Cognitive Approach to the Paradigm of Knowing

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Many advocates of a cognitive approach to science, a form of naturalism, claim that it possesses normative dimensions or yields normative insights. I critically examine such claims, focusing on P. M. Churchland's radical neurocomputational approach. I point out that his approach cannot provide an epistomic, but only a pragmatic, distinction between good and bad explanations and that particular claims of his-e. g., that simplicity is an epistemic virtue because “simple networks generalize better”-are hardly tenable. Before discussing such normative issues, I give a general and critical account of his views on scientific and other forms of cognition. I submit that his choice of neuroscientific and connectionist ideas is an a priori normative answer to the circularity problem, facing naturalistic approaches; that his elaboration of these ideas tends to transcend his eliminative materialism and, in fact, involves a dualism of neural mechanisms and learning algorithms.
Peripheral refraction: significance, current limitations and a new approach

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Peripheral refractive error has assumed considerable importance with the discovery that it can influence eye growth. The link between the peripheral state of the eye and myopia development demands rapid and accurate measurements at individual and population levels. Currently, the use of conventional refraction techniques requires time-consuming sequential re-alignments. The aims of this thesis were to identify and assess methodological limitations of current techniques, test new concepts and develop a method of obtaining more rapid and accurate peripheral refraction measurements. At first, the impact of pupil misalignment was investigated using a conventional autorefractor. As visual field angle increased, tolerance to pupil misalignment decreased significantly, making peripheral measurements particularly susceptible to this measurement error. It was also shown that the peripheral entrance pupil shape is not elliptical as currently assumed, adding further potential for pupil misalignment. Based on these findings, means to rectify pupil alignment-related errors when using conventional instruments were established and validated. Having ascertained limitations of current peripheral refractometry, a novel instrument concept was proposed, the EyeMapper. The EyeMapper was designed to perform a rapid peripheral (and central) refraction scan, from -50° to +50°, using 10 stationary deflecting prisms and a scanning mirror. Like most autorefractors, the operation was based on the ring-autorefraction principle. The optical design, consisting of 5 intertwined optical sub-systems was developed. Safety aspects and criteria for instrument components were assessed and the operation principle was verified experimentally. Experimental testing identified an obstacle relating to the ring-image analysis and it revealed that peripheral higher order aberrations have the potential to interfere with the sphero-cylindrical refraction readings obtained when applying this ring-autorefraction principle. A technique that segregates higher and lower order aberrations was thus deemed more suitable for measuring peripheral refraction. Hence, the EyeMapper design was updated to include wavefront measurements. The prototype instrument was then built and experimentally tested over a range of refractive errors. The EyeMapper uses an array of beam steering mirrors and a scanning mirror to perform a rapid peripheral refraction scan in one meridian. Three-dimensional power maps of the eye can be obtained by pivoting the instrument around its optical axis.
Pectic substances from babassu mesocarp flour: extraction and characterization

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

The Amazon region contains distinct fruit species, such as the babassu, which are still little known, but may have great scientific and technological potential. Oil and flour are extracted from babassu fruits. The oil is used industrially and is listed in the Codex Alimentarius as a commodity. Babassu mesocarp flour is consumed in the Amazon region but is little known technologically. For this purpose, the present work aimed to use babassu mesocarp flour to extract pectin, an important additive for the food industry. The yield was quantified and the titration quality of the extracted material was evaluated. In order to determine the best extraction conditions, were tested different extraction time (30, 60 and 90 min) and concentration of citric acid (3, 4.5 and 6%) at constant temperature (90°C). The best results of quality were found for Experiment 5. Yield was approximately 25% when operating conditions were 60 min and 4.5% citric acid. Titrimetric quality of pectic material extracted in these conditions (experiment 5) was better than the others, with highest concentration of galacturonic acids (50%) and the highest degree of esterification (71.4%). Results of this study showed that mesocarp of a fruit from the amazon region (babassu) proved to be a great alternative source for pectic substances extraction. Technological quality of its pectic substances still needs to be better evaluated.