Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellular High-Energy Cavitation Trauma – Description of a Novel In Vitro Trauma Model in Three Different Cell Types

The mechanisms involved in traumatic brain injury have yet to be fully characterized. One mechanism that, especially in high-energy trauma, could be of importance is cavitation. Cavitation can be described as a process of vaporization, bubble generation, and bubble implosion as a result of a decrease and subsequent increase in pressure. Cavitation as an injury mechanism is difficult to visualize and model due to its short duration and limited spatial distribution. One strategy to analyze the cellular response of cavitation is to employ suitable in vitro models. The flyer-plate model is an in vitro high-energy trauma model that includes cavitation as a trauma mechanism. A copper fragment is accelerated by means of a laser, hits the bottom of a cell culture well causing cavitation, and shock waves inside the well and cell medium. We have found the flyer-plate model to be efficient, reproducible, and easy to control. In this study, we have used the model to analyze the cellular response to microcavitation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma, Caco-2, and C6 glioma cell lines. Mitotic activity in neuroblastoma and glioma was investigated with BrdU staining, and cell numbers were calculated using automated time-lapse imaging. We found variations between cell types and between different zones surrounding the lesion with these methods. It was also shown that the injured cell cultures released S-100B in a dose-dependent manner. Using gene expression microarray, a number of gene families of potential interest were found to be strongly, but differently regulated in neuroblastoma and glioma at 24 h post trauma. The data from the gene expression arrays may be used to identify new candidates for biomarkers in cavitation trauma. We conclude that our model is useful for studies of trauma in vitro and that it could be applied in future treatment studies.
Fine dissection of a nine amino acid glycoprotein epitope, a major determinant recognized by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific class I-restricted H-2Db cytotoxic T lymphocytes

We define a nine-amino acid (aa) sequence of VAL-GLU-ASN-PRO-GLY-GLY- TYR-CYS-LEU as a major epitope for immunologic recognition of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) by H-2b-restricted CTL. The epitope was characterized using molecular genetics to bracket broadly and chemistry to precisely identify aa residues 278-286 of the viral glycoprotein. The epitope's composition is characteristic of a reverse (beta turn) but not an amphipathic alpha helix. A series of peptides with a single aa substitution in position 278 of VAL with other nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids (LEU, ILE, ALA, or GLY) coat targets that are recognized and lysed by CTL clones recognizing this epitope. In contrast, substitution of VAL with either large aromatic amino acids (that add bulk: PHE, TYR) or polar side chains (SER, THR) segregates CTL clones normally recognizing aa 278-286 into two groups, one that remains lytic (permissive) despite these changes and another that fails to lyse, indicating CTL can discriminate at a single aa. A change in charge at this position (VAL----ASP or GLU), in general, reduces CTL lysis while a change of VAL to LYS or ASN has minimal affect for four of the five CTL clones analyzed. CTL reactivity with the viral epitope is restricted by the Db but not the Kb of the murine MHC haplotype. A 16-aa peptide of Db that spans alpha 1 residues 37-52 blocks CTL lysis, whereas the corresponding Kb peptide that differs from Db in a single aa in position 50 does not.
Altitudinal Variations of Ground Tissue and Xylem Tissue in Terminal Shoot of Woody Species: Implications for Treeline Formation

1. The terminal shoot (or current-year shoot), as one of the most active parts on a woody plant, is a basic unit determining plant height and is potentially influenced by a variety of environmental factors. It has been predicted that tissues amount and their allocation in plant stems may play a critical role in determining plant size in alpine regions. The primary structure in terminal shoots is a key to our understanding treeline formation. The existing theories on treeline formation, however, are still largely lacking of evidence at the species level, much less from anatomy for the terminal shoot. 2. The primary structures within terminal shoot were measured quantitatively for 100 species from four elevation zones along the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain, southwestern China; one group was sampled from above the treeline. An allometric approach was employed to examine scaling relationships interspecifically, and a principal components analysis (PCA) was performed to test the relation among primary xylem, ground tissue, species growth form and altitude. 3. The results showed that xylem tissue size was closely correlated with ground tissue size isometrically across species, while undergoing significant y- or/and x-intercept shift in response to altitudinal belts. Further, a conspicuous characteristic of terminal shoot was its allocation of contrasting tissues between primary xylem and ground tissues with increasing elevation. The result of the PCA showed correlations between anatomical variation, species growth form/height classes and environment. 4. The current study presents a comparative assessment of the allocation of tissue in terminal shoot across phylogenically and ecologically diverse species, and analyzes tissue, function and climate associations with plant growth forms and height classes among species. The interspecific connection between primary xylem ratio and plant size along an elevation gradient suggests the importance of primary xylem in explaining the treeline formation.
Tutorial on Computational Complexity

Computational complexity measures how much work is required to solve different problems. It provides a useful classification tool for OR/MS practitioners, especially when tackling discrete deterministic problems. Use it to tell, in advance, whether a problem is easy or hard. Knowing this won't solve your problem, but it will help you to decide what kind of solution method is appropriate. Complexity analysis helps you to understand and deal with hard problems. It can pinpoint the nasty parts of your problem, alert you to a special structure you can take advantage of, and guide you to model more effectively. You will solve your problem better when you know the borders between hard and easy. Locating the difficulty can indicate where to aggregate, decompose, or simplify. To detect and prove computational difficulty, show that a known hard problem from the literature is embedded within your problem. Fix parameters of your problem to arrive at the known hard problem, or use specialization, padding, forcing, or the more difficult gadget proofs. Study contrasting pairs of easy and hard problems to develop your intuitive ability to assess complexity.
Normal and Tumoral Melanocytes Exhibit q-Gaussian Random Search Patterns

In multicellular organisms, cell motility is central in all morphogenetic processes, tissue maintenance, wound healing and immune surveillance. Hence, failures in its regulation potentiates numerous diseases. Here, cell migration assays on plastic 2D surfaces were performed using normal (Melan A) and tumoral (B16F10) murine melanocytes in random motility conditions. The trajectories of the centroids of the cell perimeters were tracked through time-lapse microscopy. The statistics of these trajectories was analyzed by building velocity and turn angle distributions, as well as velocity autocorrelations and the scaling of mean-squared displacements. We find that these cells exhibit a crossover from a normal to a super-diffusive motion without angular persistence at long time scales. Moreover, these melanocytes move with non-Gaussian velocity distributions. This major finding indicates that amongst those animal cells supposedly migrating through Lévy walks, some of them can instead perform q-Gaussian walks. Furthermore, our results reveal that B16F10 cells infected by mycoplasmas exhibit essentially the same diffusivity than their healthy counterparts. Finally, a q-Gaussian random walk model was proposed to account for these melanocytic migratory traits. Simulations based on this model correctly describe the crossover to super-diffusivity in the cell migration tracks.
Influence of laparoscopic carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on neonate circulation and respiration

Objective This study investigated the influence of laparoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on neonate circulation and respiration. Methods The study included neonates undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery. CO2 insufflation pressure was maintained within 8–14 mmHg for pneumoperitoneum creation. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) and maximum inspiratory pressure were monitored continuously. Arterial blood samples were collected: 5 min before pneumoperitoneum creation (baseline); 5, 10, and 20 min after CO2 insufflation; 10 min after CO2 exsufflation; 10 min after surgery. pH, partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were also measured. Results Thirty-six neonates were included. HR and MAP significantly increased after pneumoperitoneum creation, then decreased to baseline after CO2 exsufflation. PaCO2 and PETCO2 were significantly higher after pneumoperitoneum creation, whereas pH was significantly lower 20 min after pneumoperitoneum creation compared with baseline. No significant differences were observed in SpO2 and SaO2. Conclusion CO2 pneumoperitoneum had a significant effect on neonatal circulation and respiration, suggesting that the pneumoperitoneal pressure should be limited within a certain range in neonates undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
A Large-Scale Empirical Study on Software Reuse in Mobile Apps

In less than five years, the number of mobile apps has grown exponentially, with more than 1 million available in the largest mobile app stores. One explanation for this growth could be the adoption of well-proven software engineering practices--in particular, software reuse despite the often conjectured lack of training among mobile app developers. A study of hundreds of thousands of Android apps across 30 different categories found substantial software reuse, indicating that while these apps benefit from increased productivity, they're also more dependent on the quality of the apps and libraries that they reuse.
Strategies for Successful Marine Conservation: Integrating Socioeconomic, Political, and Scientific Factors

Abstract: As the process of marine‐protected‐area design and implementation evolves, the incorporation of new tools will advance our ability to create and maintain effective protected areas. We reviewed characteristics and approaches that contribute to successful global marine conservation efforts. One successful characteristic emphasized in most case studies is the importance of incorporating stakeholders at all phases of the process. Clearly defined goals and objectives at all stages of the design process are important for improved communication and standardized expectations of stakeholder groups. The inclusion of available science to guide the size and design of marine protected areas and to guide clear monitoring strategies that assess success at scientific, social, and economic levels is also an important tool in the process. Common shortcomings in marine conservation planning strategies include government instability and resultant limitations to monitoring and enforcement, particularly in developing nations. Transferring knowledge to local community members has also presented challenges in areas where in situ training, local capacity, and existing infrastructure are sparse. Inaccessible, unavailable, or outdated science is often a limitation to conservation projects in developed and developing nations. To develop and maintain successful marine protected areas, it is necessary to acknowledge that each case is unique, to apply tools and lessons learned from other marine protected areas, and to maintain flexibility to adjust to the individual circumstances of the case at hand.
Quality of life is decreased in female patients treated for microprolactinoma.

OBJECTIVE Most studies on treatment of microprolactinoma have focused on clinical and biochemical outcome rather than on functional and mental well-being. We evaluated this topic in female patients with microprolactinoma, because other pituitary adenomas are associated with decreased quality of life. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional study. PATIENTS AND METHODS To assess the impact of treatment for microprolactinoma on subjective well-being, quality of life was investigated in 55 female patients (mean age 45 +/- 10 years), treated for microprolactinoma in our center, using four validated, health-related questionnaires: Short-Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patient outcomes were compared with those of 183 female controls with equal age distributions. RESULTS Anxiety and depression scores were increased when compared with controls for all subscales as measured by HADS, and fatigue for all but one subscale as measured by MFI-20. Patients treated for microprolactinoma had worse scores on social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems (SF-36), energy, emotional reaction, and social isolation (NHP) when compared with control subjects. Important independent predictors of quality of life were reproductive status and anxiety and depression scores according to the HADS. CONCLUSION Quality of life is impaired in female patients treated for microprolactinoma, especially due to increased anxiety and depression. These increased anxious and depressive feelings might be due to possible effects of hyperprolactinemia on the central nervous system. Failure to recognize this association may adversely affect patient-doctor relationships.
Factors Associated with Post-Seasonal Serological Titer and Risk Factors for Infection with the Pandemic A/H1N1 Virus in the French General Population

The CoPanFlu-France cohort of households was set up in 2009 to study the risk factors for infection by the pandemic influenza virus (H1N1pdm) in the French general population. The authors developed an integrative data-driven approach to identify individual, collective and environmental factors associated with the post-seasonal serological H1N1pdm geometric mean titer, and derived a nested case-control analysis to identify risk factors for infection during the first season. This analysis included 1377 subjects (601 households). The GMT for the general population was 47.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1, 49.2). According to a multivariable analysis, pandemic vaccination, seasonal vaccination in 2009, recent history of influenza-like illness, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, social contacts at school and use of public transports by the local population were associated with a higher GMT, whereas history of smoking was associated with a lower GMT. Additionally, young age at inclusion and risk perception of exposure to the virus at work were identified as possible risk factors, whereas presence of an air humidifier in the living room was a possible protective factor. These findings will be interpreted in light of the longitudinal analyses of this ongoing cohort.
Levels and Changes of HDL Cholesterol and Apolipoprotein A-I in Relation to Risk of Cardiovascular Events Among Statin-Treated Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Background— It is unclear whether levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) remain inversely associated with cardiovascular risk among patients who achieve very low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on statin therapy. It is also unknown whether a rise in HDL-C or apoA-I after initiation of statin therapy is associated with a reduced cardiovascular risk. Methods and Results— We performed a meta-analysis of 8 statin trials in which lipids and apolipoproteins were determined in all study participants at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Individual patient data were obtained for 38 153 trial participants allocated to statin therapy, of whom 5387 suffered a major cardiovascular event. HDL-C levels were associated with a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–0.86 per 1 standard deviation increment), as were apoA-I levels (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.72–0.82). This association was also observed among patients achieving on-statin low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <50 mg/dL. An increase of HDL-C was not associated with reduced cardiovascular risk (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94–1.01 per 1 standard deviation increment), whereas a rise in apoA-I was (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90–0.97). Conclusions— Among patients treated with statin therapy, HDL-C and apoA-I levels were strongly associated with a reduced cardiovascular risk, even among those achieving very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. An apoA-I increase was associated with a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, whereas for HDL-C this was not the case. These findings suggest that therapies that increase apoA-I concentration require further exploration with regard to cardiovascular risk reduction.
Prediction of the rate of decline in FEV1 in smokers using quantitative computed tomography

Background: A study was undertaken to determine if quantitative CT estimates of lung parenchymal overinflation and airway dimensions in smokers with a normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) can predict the rapid decline in FEV1 that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Study participants (n = 143; age 45–72 years; 54% male) were part of a lung cancer screening trial, had a smoking history of >30 pack years and a normal FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) at baseline (mean (SD) FEV1 99.4 (12.8)%, range 80.2–140.7%; mean (SD) FEV1/FVC 77.9 (4.4), range 70.0–88.0%). An inspiratory multislice CT scan was acquired for each subject at baseline. Custom software was used to measure airway lumen and wall dimensions; the percentage of the lung inflated beyond a predicted maximal lung inflation, the low attenuation lung area with an x ray attenuation lower than −950 HU and the size distribution of the overinflated lung areas and the low attenuation area were described using a cluster analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis that these CT measurements combined with other baseline characteristics might identify those who would develop an excessive annual decline in FEV1. Results: The mean (SD) annual change in FEV1 was −2.3 (4.7)% predicted (range −23.0% to +8.3%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the annual change in FEV1%predicted was significantly associated with baseline percentage overinflated lung area measured on quantitative CT, FEV1%predicted, FEV1/FVC and gender. Conclusion: Quantitative CT scan evidence of overinflation of the lung predicts a rapid annual decline in FEV1 in smokers with normal FEV1.
Endoscopic Stent Therapy in Advanced Chronic Pancreatitis: Relationships Between Ductal Changes, Clinical Response, and Stent Patency

OBJECTIVE:Pancreatic duct stenting is now recognized as a treatment option for a number of pancreatic disorders. Although stent-induced ductal changes may result, there is little information regarding the frequency of these stent-induced changes in chronic pancreatitis and their relationship to stent occlusion and clinical response. Our objectives were to evaluate pancreatic ductal changes after endoscopic stenting in patients with preexisting radiographic evidence of chronic pancreatitis and to evaluate the relationships between ductal changes, pain response, and stent patency.METHODS:Twenty-five consecutive patients had 40 stent placement episodes. Main pancreatic duct diameter, pancreatitis grade, preexisting obstructive lesions, and stent-induced strictures were recorded. Pain response and stent patency were correlated with main pancreatic duct caliber change using χ2 analysis.RESULTS:In 28 (70%) of 40 episodes, main pancreatic duct caliber increased or was unchanged after stenting; pain improved in 20 (71%) of 28. Pain improved in six (50%) of 12 patients with smaller ducts after stenting. Stent patency was documented upon retrieval in 34 episodes; most stents were occluded. Stent-induced strictures developed in 18% of 40 stent episodes.CONCLUSION:Main pancreatic duct caliber after endoscopic stenting was not a good indicator of pain response or stent patency; main pancreatic duct was often larger, and even with stent occlusion, patients’ symptoms were frequently improved. Stent-induced strictures were infrequent, compared with values previously reported in the literature.
Effect of Weed Management Practices on The Growth and Yield of Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Field experiments on the effect of weed management practices on the growth, tuber yield and weed control efficiency in cassava were conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur under AICRP Tuber crops programme during the period 2010 – 2014 with an objective of identifying the suitable weed management strategies to improve growth, tuber yield and starch content of cassava. The cassava setts of var. CO (Tp) 4 were planted on ridges at a spacing of 90 x 75 cm. The experiment was planned with ten treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications with the combinations of hand weeding, herbicide application and its combinations which were compared with absolute control (unweeded plots). The growth parameters viz., plant height and stem girth, yield parameters viz., mean number of tubers plant -1 , tuber yield, starch content and weed parameters viz., weed density and weed control efficiency and benefit cost ratio were recorded. Among the different weed management practices adopted, the maximum tuber yield (38.40 t ha -1 ) was recorded in treatment with black polythene mulching. Different weed control measures do not influence the starch content of tubers. Invariably at all stages of the crop growth, polythene mulched plots were free from weeds and recorded 100 % weed control efficiency. The maximum B:C ratio was also obtained in black polythene mulching (4.2) when compared to other weed management practices. However, the lowest B:C ratio (1.9) was recorded in the unweeded check.
Scoring Method for Early Prediction of Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease Using Modified Respiratory Parameters

In our previous study, we have demonstrated that peak inspiratory pressure over birth weight (PIP/kg) and mean airway pressure over birth weight (MAP/kg) were more significant risk factors for the development of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) than PIP and MAP. We aimed to develop a scoring method using the modified respiratory variables (SMUMRV) to predict CLD at early postnatal period. From 1997 to 1999, a retrospective review was performed for 197 infants <1,500 g for the development of the SMUMRV based on statistical analysis. From 2000 to 2001, calculated scores on day 4, 7 and 10 of life were obtained prospectively for 107 infants <1,500 g. Predictive values and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were determined and compared with the result of the previous regression model. Gestational age, birth weight, 5 min Apgar score, PIP/kg at 12 hr of age, fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2), MAP/kg, modified oxygenation index and ventilatory mode were selected as parameters of SMUMRV. No significant differences of AUCs were found between the SMUMRV and the Yoder model. It is likely that our scoring method provides reliable values for predicting the development of CLD in very low birth weight infants.