Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor Derived from Injured Primary Afferent Induces Proliferation of Spinal Microglia and Neuropathic Pain in Rats

Peripheral nerve injury induces proliferation of microglia in the spinal cord, which can contribute to neuropathic pain conditions. However, candidate molecules for proliferation of spinal microglia after injury in rats remain unclear. We focused on the colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) and interleukin-34 (IL-34) that are involved in the proliferation of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage. We examined the expression of mRNAs for macrophage-CSF (M-CSF), granulocyte macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF), granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF) and IL-34 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord after spared nerve injury (SNI) in rats. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization revealed that M-CSF and IL-34, but not GM- or G-CSF, mRNAs were constitutively expressed in the DRG, and M-CSF robustly increased in injured-DRG neurons. M-CSF receptor mRNA was expressed in naive rats and increased in spinal microglia following SNI. Intrathecal injection of M-CSF receptor inhibitor partially but significantly reversed the proliferation of spinal microglia and in early phase of neuropathic pain induced by SNI. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of recombinant M-CSF induced microglial proliferation and mechanical allodynia. Here, we demonstrate that M-CSF is a candidate molecule derived from primary afferents that induces proliferation of microglia in the spinal cord and leads to induction of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury in rats.
Pargyline reduces renal damage associated with ischaemia-reperfusion and cyclosporin.

BACKGROUND The slow deterioration of the kidney graft is characterized histologically by interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). Immunological and non-immunological stress is the main cause of progression towards IFTA. Our study focused on the non-immunological injuries induced by ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) and cyclosporin (CsA) toxicity, which remain the two stress factors putting a damper on the outcome of the renal graft. Endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essentially produced by mitochondria, and we have previously shown that the blockage of the mitochondrial enzymes monoamine oxidases (MAOs) prevents H2O2 production in the early reperfusion stage following IR. METHODS We used a rat model of IFTA consisting in unilateral nephrectomy followed by IR and daily CsA administration. Four weeks after IR, we analysed renal function, histological alterations and a number of inflammatory and fibrotic genes. RESULTS We observed, 28 days after pargyline-mediated blockade of MAO (before or after IR), improved renal function as well as a net decrease in renal inflammation associated to lower IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression. However, significant reduction in apoptosis, necrosis and fibrosis was only observed when pargyline was administrated before IR. This protective effect was associated to decreased expression of TGF-β1, collagen types I, III and IV and also to the normalization of antioxidant (SOD1, catalase) and inflammatory (COX2, LOX5) gene expression. CONCLUSION It appears that the blockage of ROS produced by MAO and subsequent cell death might be an effective protective strategy against IFTA progression.
High Gain Rectangular Dielectric Resonator Antenna Using Uniaxial Material at Fundamental Mode

The use of uniaxial anisotropic materials in rectangular dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) increases the radiation from their side walls compared to their top walls due to the fundamental radiating mode, which leads to the improvement of boresight directivity. The different boundary conditions on the walls of DRA are also investigated. The main phenomenon of gain enhancement is also theoretically explained. The proposed method is validated by comparing the simulation results for the cases of isotropic DRAs and anisotropic DRAs (ADRAs). The measured results for an aperture-coupled uniaxial ADRA show an impedance bandwidth of 20.65% between 3.17 and 3.9 GHz and a peak broadside gain of 8.4 dB.
Characteristics of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism by kidney, liver and lung microsomal fractions from rodents and humans.

The time course of metabolism of benzo( a )pyrene by liver microsomes from rats given injections of corn oil, phenobarbital, or 3-methylcholanthrene was followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. This method showed nonlinear time courses of benzo( a )pyrene metabolism after 2 min of reaction at low protein concentrations. The formation of all of the benzo( a )pyrene metabolites measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography was not linear with time but was inducible upon pretreatment of rats with either phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. The benzo( a )pyrene metabolism activity of hamster liver was not inducible by pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene. Hamster and rat lung microsomal fractions metabolized benzo( a )pyrene at 0.5% of the rate of liver microsomal fractions, and the rate of formation of metabolites was increased only by animal pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene. The time course of metabolism by hamster and rat lung microsomes was linear up to 15 min. The metabolism of benzo( a )pyrene by microsomal fractions from kidney, liver, and lung of a number of human subjects was studied; the reaction conditions required to limit metabolism to mainly the primary metabolites were established. The microsomal fractions from human kidney and lung were stable to freezing and had metabolic activities which were 40 to 60% as large as those obtained with rodent lung. In addition, lung samples obtained either at resection or autopsy metabolized benzo( a )pyrene at rates which were not statistically different. The activity of human liver microsomes was 15 to 20% of that obtained with rodents. Subjects who had ingested large doses of barbiturates before death had significantly higher levels of benzo( a )pyrene metabolism activity; no correlation between liver or lung monooxygenase activity and smoking habits was readily discernible from the metabolic data. An analysis of the product distribution of the benzo-ring metabolites showed that the human liver and kidney had product ratios which were qualitatively similar to those obtained with rodent tissue. In addition, higher proportions of quinones were formed at the expense of the phenols which cochromatograph with 3-hydroxybenzo( a )pyrene. However, the human lung microsomal fractions catalyzed the formation of a significantly higher proportion of benzo-ring metabolites than did the other human or rodent organs, with the possible exception of hamster lung.
Studying the Relation between the Unified State Exam Points and Higher Education Performance

Tatiana Khavenson - Research Fellow at The International Laboratory for Education Policy Analysis at the HSE Graduate School of Education. E-mail: tkhavenson@hse.ruAnna Solovyova - Intern Research Fellow at The International Laboratory for Education Policy Analysis at the HSE Graduate School of Education. E-mail: soloveva.anna@gmail.comThis paper analyzes the possibility of predicting efficiency of learning in a higher education institution based on results of the Unified State Exam (USE). In particular, the authors test the hypothesis that USE results in different subjects are equally efficient predictors of further student performance. Methods of regression analysis have been used to assess how preliminary examinations (both total USE points and points in specific subjects) affect academic performance in higher education. The research involved about 19,000 students enrolled at five Russian higher education institutions between 2009 and 2011. As long as the sample included institutions of different profiles, individual regressions were calculated for each faculty. A meta-analysis of regression coefficients was performed later to bring the data together. Average firstyear grade was used as the key university performance factor. It was found out that USE points were only related to performance in the second and the subsequent years through performance in the first year, i. e. indirectly. The research results allow to conclude that predictive capacity of total USE points is high enough to accept this examination as a valid student selection tool. The explained variation in university performance varies from 15 to 35% in different faculties. Predictive capacity of particular subjects making the USE total points is relatively the same, but USE points in mathematics and Russian are often the best predictors of performance. The paper also analyzes the relation between USE points and another student selection tool - results of academic competitions in specific subjects.
Constitutive expression of MHC and adhesion molecules by alveolar epithelial cells (type II pneumocytes) isolated from human lung and comparison with immunocytochemical findings.

Highly purified populations of alveolar epithelial cells (type II pneumocytes) were isolated from human lung specimens. These cells were characterised histochemically, by demonstrating the presence of intracellular alkaline phosphatase, and morphologically, by electron microscopic demonstration of lamellar bodies and microvilli. Expression of the epithelial glycoprotein HEA-125, of MHC class I and class II (HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ) antigens and of the intercellular adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, LFA-3 and B7 was quantified by flow cytometry. Comparison was made between the expression of these molecules by isolated type II cells and by alveolar epithelium in normal human lung tissue after immunocytochemical staining of frozen sections of donor lung. Isolated type II pneumocytes expressed HEA-125 and class I MHC molecules and the class II MHC molecules HLA-DR and -DP; HLA-DQ was not detected. The intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 was expressed constitutively at low levels but there was minimal expression of VCAM-1, LFA-3 and B7. It was not possible to differentiate type II cells from the predominant type I pneumocytes on frozen sections. Alveolar epithelium expressed HEA-125, class I MHC antigens, the class II molecules HLA-DR, and -DP and the intercellular adhesion molecule LFA-3. Expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and B7 was variable. As with the isolates, HLA-DQ was not observed on alveolar epithelium. In conclusion, a reproducible method for the isolation of pure populations of human type II pneumocytes has been developed. These cells were not damaged by the isolation procedure. It is not known whether alveolar epithelium can present antigens to T lymphocytes. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diagnostic accuracy of des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin for hepatocellular carcinoma in a French cohort using the Lumipulse® G600 analyzer

The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Western countries requests reliable tumour markers for preclinical diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP), in comparison with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in a French cohort using a new analyser. One hundred and sixty‐two patients with virus‐related cirrhosis (46 HCC patients and 116 controls) were recruited in this retrospective proof‐of‐concept study. DCP was measured on new Lumipulse® G600 analyzer and AFP on usual Cobas e602 analyzer in serum samples that were collected at the time of HCC diagnosis for HCC patients or during follow‐up for controls. DCP and AFP levels were higher in HCC patients. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was larger for DCP than for AFP (0.89 vs 0.77, P=.03). At the cut‐off value of 128 mAU/mL, sensitivity and specificity for DCP were 74% and 92%. At the cut‐off value of 20 μg/L, sensitivity and specificity for AFP were 63% and 82%. NRI>0 for the association of “AFP+DCP” were 101%, P<. 0001, and 23%, P=. 03, compared to “AFP” or “DCP” alone, respectively. We conclude that DCP outperformed AFP for the detection of HCC.
Trading up and governing across: transnational governance and environmental protection

This article explores the adequacy of international governance mechanisms to address environmental issues. It examines the impact of increased global economic integration on national and regional environmental standards, the role of market mechanisms in facilitating the dissemination of environmental standards from greener nations to less green ones and the impact of international agreements on trans-border environmental problems. It argues that current regional and international governance mechanisms are adequate to enable nations which have the resources and the commitment to improve environmental quality to do so, either on their own or in cooperation with other nations with similar values and resources. Fears about a 'Delaware effect' regulatory race to the bottom are unwarranted: competition from nations with weaker environmental regulations has not prevented richer, greener nations - where the majority of world production occurs - from strengthening their own regulatory standards. On the contrary, t.
Precise broadband microwave material characterization of liquids

This paper presents a broadband material characterization method applicable to measure the complex dielectric properties of liquids at microwave frequencies. Material under test is filled into an artificial coaxial transmission line as a dielectric. An extraction algorithm is developed by which conductor losses are considered and the complex permittivity is determined precisely. Uncertainty analysis of the proposed method is carried out for errors in practice. Measured dielectric properties of isotropic and anisotropic samples are demonstrated for a frequency range of 1 GHz to 50 GHz in order to show the validation of the developed procedure.
Subcellular distribution and cytosolic receptors of progesterone and of estradiol-17 beta in the rabbit myometrium: effect of progesterone treatment.

The distribution and cytoplasmic receptors of progesterone (P) and of estradiol-17j3 (E2) in rabbit myometrium were studied before and after P treatment. Cytoplasmic P and E2 receptors in the myometrium of estrogenized rabbits decreased 24 h after a single injection of P. However, P concentration in the intact tissue as well as in the cytosol, as determined by radioimmunoassay, increased significantly. The increase in P concentration in other fractions (nuclear, mitochondrial + microsomal) was not significant. There was no change with progesterone treatment in the subcellular distribution of protein, but a marked change in the distribution of P occurred. An insignif
Autonomous Development: Humanizing the Landscape : An Excursion into Radical Thinking and Practice

* Contents * 1. The end of history * 2. Maldevelopment: coming to terms with terms * 3. Demystifying participation * 4. The ownership and creation of knowledge * 5. Political autonomy * 6. Cultural autonomy * 7. Entrepreneural autonomy and literacy * 8. Self-reliance or economics embedded in culture * 9. Challenging the given * 10. Humanising the landscape: An ethical imperative
Diagnosis and Beyond: Counselling Psychology Contributions to Understanding Human Distress

Human distress is sometimes thought of as 'psychopathology', a thing separate to the person, that affects people; a thing that can be diagnosed, treated and hopefully cured. This mindset leads psychiatrists, psychologists and other therapists to develop 'evidence bases' for specific 'disorders' and manualised forms of 'treatment'. While there are advantages to this way of seeing distress, it is clearly only one framework and sometimes leaves the client feeling depersonalised and unheard. It is also a view that has been critiqued and criticised by service users and professionals alike. Diagnosis and Beyond: Counselling psychology contributions to understanding human distress explores forms of distress such as depression, anxiety, phobias and personality disorder going beyond what can sometimes appear as meaningless and horribly painful experiences to describe the meanings that can be embedded within these difficulties. The book also considers ways in which therapists and clients can create meaning, hope and possibility through robust, relational therapeutic processes. By recognising the universality of human distress, the contributors also discuss the ways in which their own experiences and feelings are a legitimate, and central, part of the therapeutic process.
Indonesian Islam in a new era : how women negotiate their Muslim identities

Indonesian Islam in a new era examines the religious practices and identities of Indonesian Muslim women in the post-Suharto era. After 1998 Indonesian Islam changed socially and nationally as society underwent sweeping alterations. Based on new empirical research by sociologists, political scientists, and anthropologists from Indonesia and Australia, the book underscores the negotiations Muslim women have made in arenas such as schools, organisations, popular culture and village life. Whereas theology has until recently dominated studies of women and Islam in Indonesia, this book breaks new ground by examining from social science perspectives how Indonesian women negotiate their Muslim identities.
A method of reducing model space for dynamic causal modelling

An increasingly important concept in psychiatric neuroimaging is that of brai nconnectivity. Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) has been successfully usedto infer how spatially remote areas of the brain integrate to form functionalnetworks. A potential disadvantage to DCM is the need to predefine a modelbased on a hypothesis about the underlying connectivity. This requirementsmeans the results are dependent on the assumptions about model structure,and important features of the underlying network may be ignored. Here wepresent a method for identifying the model structure in a way t hat discardsthe a priori knowledge that is typically used to constrain model space. Thisallows DCM to be used in a more data-driven way, and allows the optimalmodel within a network of nodes to be identified. The thesis consists of 3studies that together provide a generic framework for a novel approach toDCM and validation that it works, and offers a significant computationaladvantage to traditional DCM.The first study demonstrates that the connectivity within a system of brainregions can be ascertained from inferring the connectivity within smallersystems, which consist of regions taken from the entire system. By analysingthe data in this fashion, we can effectively explore the entire networkstructure space, but estimate a much smaller number of models than wouldbe typical. The second study applies the method to a multicentre dataset andshows that Bayesian Model Selection (BMS) results are reproducible atdifferent centres and across different sessions. The findings show that DCMis robust enough to be used in multicentre studies and that our exploratoryapproach is just as effective as traditional approaches to DCM. The thirdstudy applies the method to a standard psychiatric imaging dataset; animplicit emotional processing face recognition task performed by patientswith major depressive disorder (MDD) vs healthy controls (HC). The MDDpatients perform a follow up scan having being treated with theantidepressant citalopram. The study shows that the developed method canbe used to identify the optimal model structure in order to make inferenceson effective connectivity parameters, and identify differences between patientand control groups, and before and after treatment.
Diversity of Mutations in the atpC Gene Coding for the c Subunit of F0F1 ATPase in Clinical Isolates of Optochin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae from Brazil

ABSTRACT We report the characteristics of four optochin-resistant (Optr) Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Brazil. All four Optr isolates presented mutations in the nucleotide sequence coding for the c subunit of F0F1 ATPase. Two isolates showed mutations in codons 23 (leading to the deduced amino acid substitution isoleucine instead of alanine) and 49 (serine instead of alanine, a novel type of mutation detected at this position), respectively. Two additional novel mutations, both located in codon 45, were detected in the other two isolates, corresponding to leucine or valine (instead of phenylalanine). The data indicate that three previously unrecognized alterations were detected in the atpC gene of S. pneumoniae and that Opt resistance among Brazilian pneumococcal isolates is not related to a specific pneumococcal serotype, antimicrobial-resistance profile, or clonal group.
Thalamic retrograde degeneration study of sensory cortex in opossum

Bodian's ('35, '42) studies have shown the general plan of the projection of the sensory thalamus to the cortex in the opossum: the lateral geniculate body projects to the striate area, the medial geniculate projects to the temporal area, the ventral nuclear group projects to the sensory-motor area
Screening donors for xenotransplantation. The potential for xenozoonoses.

Xenotransplantation is a potential solution to the current donor shortage for solid organ transplantation. The transmission of infectious agents from donor organs or bone marrow to the recipient is a well-recognized phenomenon following allotransplantation. Thus the prospect of xenotransplantation raises the issue of xenozoonoses--i.e., the transmission of animal infections to the human host. Anticipating an increasing number of baboon to human transplants, 31 adult male baboons (Papio cynocephalus) from a single colony in the United States were screened for the presence of antibody to microbial agents (principally viral) that may pose a significant risk of infection. Antibody to simian cytomegalovirus, simian agent 8 and Epstein-Barr virus, was found in 97% of animals tested. Antibody to simian retroviruses and Toxoplasma gondii was found in 30% and 32% respectively. Discordant results were found when paired samples were examined by two primate laboratories. This was particularly noted when methodologies were based on cross-reaction with human viral antigens. These results highlight the need to develop specific antibody tests against the species used for xenotransplantation.
Social exclusion and social capital in northern Adelaide: the role of social networks in reproducing social inequity

North American, European and Australian debates on the concepts of social exclusion and social inclusion have tended to address a Durkheimian argument that socially excluded sections of the community should be re-integrated into the social mainstream in the interests of social harmony. Durkheimian social inclusion has similarities with Putnam’s conception of social capital, which has received attention in Australia since Eva Cox’s 1995 Boyer lecture. In Bowling Alone and other works, Putnam equates civic engagement and reciprocal social networks with socially inclusive societies. This relationship has been appropriated by governments around the globe to justify "social integrationist" policies, of which the Federal Government’s Mutual Obligation agenda is a case in point. This paper argues that the virtuous relationship between social capital and social inclusion is contestable. Results from the University of Adelaide’s 2005 Northern Adelaide Social Inclusion Survey are critically assessed to address the nature of the relationship between social exclusion, social inclusion and social capital and the implications for social change. It is argued that in some communities indicators of civic engagement, social cohesion and social capital co-exist with indicators of social exclusion. Attention is drawn to Bourdieu’s discussion of the mediating role of the quality of social networks in reproducing social exclusion in otherwise socially engaged and cohesive communities.