Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Inducible Costimulator-B7 Homologous Protein Costimulatory Pathway in Murine Lupus Nephritis 1

Inducible costimulator (ICOS)-B7 homologous protein (B7h) is a new member of the CD28-B7 family of costimulatory molecules that regulates T cell-dependent humoral immune responses. In this study, we examined the involvement of this costimulatory pathway in the development and progression of lupus in NZB/W F1 mice. Expression of ICOS on T cells was enhanced with disease progression, whereas B7h expression on B cells was down-regulated. Administration of anti-B7h mAb before the onset of renal disease significantly delayed the onset of proteinuria and prolonged survival. Blockade of B7h effectively inhibited all subclasses of IgG autoantibody production and accumulation of both Th1 and Th2 cells. Hypercellularity and deposition of IgG and C3 in glomeruli were significantly reduced. B7h blockade after the onset of proteinuria prevented the disease progression and improved the renal pathology. Our results demonstrated the involvement of the ICOS-B7h costimulatory pathway in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis, and the blockade of this pathway may be beneficial for the treatment of human systemic lupus erythematosus.
Personality pathology in a forensic setting : prevalence, assessment, and prognostic value for treatment

Research on the prevalence, diagnostic and prognostic value for treatment of personality pathology – i.e., both personality disorders and problematic personality characteristics – was carried out within a mainly Dutch forensic mental health setting. Issues such as (dis)simulation and unintentional self-deception limit the utility of self-report instruments within a pre-trial setting. Personality disorders and psychopathic traits in suspected offenders in the Netherlands often lead to court rulings of enforced psychiatric treatment – an internationally unique situation. A prospective study on the predictive value of personality disorder isolated factors that can affect enforced treatment length, such as crime type and comorbidity, that can be a focus for policy makers and forensic mental health experts. Caution is advised when using self-report instruments within the forensic context, especially in the absence of response bias scales and in the case of (legal) incentives for certain outcomes. There is urgent need for international standardization of instruments and terminology and a test battery that is specifically designed for and validated within forensic populations. An increase in (detail of) digital registration of patient, treatment and risk characteristics is necessary for meaningful scientific research, a better assessment of personality and risks, fewer incidents, lower recidivism and shorter treatment.
Body mass index in male patients with COPD: correlation with low attenuation areas on CT

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by the presence of airflow limitation caused by loss of lung elasticity and/or airway narrowing. The pathological hallmark of loss of lung elasticity is emphysema, and airway wall remodelling contributes to the airway narrowing. Using CT, these lesions can be assessed by measuring low attenuation areas (LAA) and airway wall thickness/luminal area, respectively. As previously reported, COPD can be divided into airway dominant, emphysema dominant and mixed phenotypes using CT. In this study, it is postulated that a patient’s physique may be associated with the relative contribution of these lesions to airflow obstruction. Methods: CT was used to evaluate emphysema and airway dimensions in 201 patients with COPD. Emphysema was evaluated using percentage of LAA voxels (LAA%) and airway lesion was estimated by percentage wall area (WA%). Patients were divided into four phenotypes using LAA% and WA%. Results: Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the higher LAA% phenotype (ie, emphysema dominant and mixed phenotypes). BMI correlated with LAA% (ρ = −0.557, p<0.0001) but not with WA%. BMI was significantly lower in the emphysema dominant phenotype than in the airway dominant phenotype, while there was no difference in forced expiratory volume in 1 s %predicted between the two. Conclusion: A low BMI is associated with the presence of emphysema, but not with airway wall thickening, in male smokers who have COPD. These results support the concept of different COPD phenotypes and suggest that there may be different systemic manifestations of these phenotypes.
Drilling of Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminate (HTCL) with Electrical Discharge Machining

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the application of die sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM) as it applies to a hybrid titanium thermoplastic composite laminate material. Holes were drilled using a die sinker EDM. The effects of peak current, pulse time, and percent on-time on machinability of hybrid titanium composite material were evaluated in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and cut quality. Experimental models relating each process response to the input parameters were developed and optimum operating conditions with a short cutting time, achieving the highest workpiece MRR, with very little tool wear were determined to occur at a peak current value of 8.60 A, a percent on-time of 36.12%, and a pulse time of 258 microseconds. After observing data acquired from experimentation, it was determined that while use of EDM is possible, for desirable quality it is not fast enough for industrial application.
Identification of TENP as the Gene Encoding Chicken Egg White Ovoglobulin G2 and Demonstration of Its High Genetic Variability in Chickens

Ovoglobulin G2 (G2) has long been known as a major protein constituent of chicken egg white. However, little is known about the biochemical properties and biological functions of G2 because the gene encoding G2 has not been identified. Therefore, the identification of the gene encoding G2 and an analysis of its genetic variability is an important step toward the goal of understanding the biological functions of the G2 protein and its utility in poultry production. To identify and characterize the gene encoding G2, we separated G2 from egg white using electrophoresis on a non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. Two polymorphic forms of G2 protein (G2A and G2B), with different mobilities (fast and slow respectively), were detected by staining. The protein band corresponding to G2B was electro-eluted from the native gel, re-electrophoresed under denaturing conditions and its N-terminal sequence was determined by Edman degradation following transfer onto a membrane. Sequencing of the 47 kDa G2B band revealed it to be identical to TENP (transiently expressed in neural precursors), also known as BPI fold-containing family B, member 2 (BPIFB2), a protein with strong homology to a bacterial permeability-increasing protein family (BPI) in mammals. Full-length chicken TENP cDNA sequences were determined for 78 individuals across 29 chicken breeds, lines, and populations, and consequently eleven non-synonymous substitutions were detected in the coding region. Of the eleven non-synonymous substitutions, A329G leading to Arg110Gln was completely associated with the noted differential electrophoretic mobility of G2. Specifically G2B, with a slower mobility is encoded by A329 (Arg110), whereas G2A, with a faster mobility, is encoded by G329 (Gln110). The sequence data, derived from the coding region, also revealed that the gene encoding G2 demonstrates significant genetic variability across different chicken breeds/lines/populations. These variants, and how they correlate with egg white properties, may allow us to understand further G2’s functions.
A New Blood Collection Device Minimizes Cellular DNA Release During Sample Storage and Shipping When Compared to a Standard Device

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in blood is currently used for noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tests. Minimizing background DNA is vital for detection of low abundance cfDNA. We investigated whether a new blood collection device could reduce background levels of genomic DNA (gDNA) in plasma compared to K3EDTA tubes, when subjected to conditions that may occur during sample storage and shipping.
A theory of unique hues and colour categories in the human colour vision

A novel approach to assessing colour appearance is described. It is based on a new technique—partial hue-match- ing—which allows for measuring colour in terms of compo- nent hues objectively, without resorting to verbal definitions. The new method is believed to have a potential to be as exact as colorimetric techniques. In contrast to classical colour matching, which implies visual equivalence of lights, partial hue-matching is based on judgements of whether two lights that are different in colour have some hue in common. The major difference between classical colour matching and partial hue- matching is that the latter is intransitive, whereas the former is generally believed to be transitive (though see Logvinenko, Symposium on 75 years of the CIE Standard Colorimetric Observer, Vienna, Austria, 2006). Formally, partial hue-match- ing can be described as a reflexive and symmetric binary rela- tion (i.e., tolerance). The theoretical framework of tolerance spaces is used for developing a theory of partial hue- matching. 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 00, 000 - 000, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI
Theoretical insights into hybrid perovskites for photovoltaic applications

In this paper, we examine recent theoretical investigations on 3D hybrid perovskites (HOP) that combine concepts developed for classical bulk solid-state physics and empirical simulations of their optoelectronic properties. In fact, the complexity of HOP calls for a coherent global view that combines usually disconnected concepts. For the pseudocubic high temperature reference perovskite structure that plays a central role for 3D HOP, we introduce a new tight-binding Hamiltonian, which specifically includes spin-orbit coupling. The resultant electronic band structure is compared to that obtained using state of the art density functional theory (DFT). Next, recent experimental investigations of excitonic properties in HOP will be revisited within the scope of theoretical concepts already well implemented in the field of conventional semiconductors. Last, possible plastic crystal and orientational glass behaviors of HOP will be discussed, building on Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations.
3D-HST+CANDELS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE GALAXY SIZE–MASS DISTRIBUTION SINCE z = 3

Spectroscopic+photometric redshifts, stellar mass estimates, and rest-frame colors from the 3D-HST survey are combined with structural parameter measurements from CANDELS imaging to determine the galaxy size–mass distribution over the redshift range 0 < z < 3. Separating early- and late-type galaxies on the basis of star-formation activity, we confirm that early-type galaxies are on average smaller than late-type galaxies at all redshifts, and we find a significantly different rate of average size evolution at fixed galaxy mass, with fast evolution for the early-type population, Reff∝(1 + z)−1.48, and moderate evolution for the late-type population, Reff∝(1 + z)−0.75. The large sample size and dynamic range in both galaxy mass and redshift, in combination with the high fidelity of our measurements due to the extensive use of spectroscopic data, not only fortify previous results but also enable us to probe beyond simple average galaxy size measurements. At all redshifts the slope of the size–mass relation is shallow, , for late-type galaxies with stellar mass >3 × 109 M☉, and steep, , for early-type galaxies with stellar mass >2 × 1010 M☉. The intrinsic scatter is ≲0.2 dex for all galaxy types and redshifts. For late-type galaxies, the logarithmic size distribution is not symmetric but is skewed toward small sizes: at all redshifts and masses, a tail of small late-type galaxies exists that overlaps in size with the early-type galaxy population. The number density of massive (∼1011 M☉), compact (Reff < 2 kpc) early-type galaxies increases from z = 3 to z = 1.5–2 and then strongly decreases at later cosmic times.
The Donbass War: Outbreak and Deadlock

Abstract:Between 1997 and 2004, the Party of Regions (POR) became the dominant party in Eastern Ukraine by channeling social discontent to regionalist protests and grabbing the potentially pro-Communist vote. Yet, precisely because of this, the population of Eastern Ukraine lost an outlet for social discontent that it had had during the Communist dominance there in the 1990s. After the Euromaidan Revolution, aware that their position had been weakened by Yanukovych's flight, the POR leaders of Donets'k Oblast appeased the Novorussian movement to use it as a bargaining chip with the new Kyivan authorities. This appeasement gave the early Novorussian movement tremendous opportunity to consolidate itself. The Novorussian movement consolidated itself as the Donets'k and Luhans'k People's Republics, but Russia requested that these republics' leaders abandon their initial revolutionary targets and obey the Minsk Process if they wished Russia to help them.
What Can Surrogate Tissues Tell Us about the Oxidative Stress Status of the Prostate? A Hypothesis-Generating In-Vivo Study

Background Prostatic oxidative stress (OS) is androgen-regulated and a key event in the development of prostate cancer (PC). Thus, reducing prostatic OS is an attractive target for PC prevention strategies. We sought to determine if the individual's prostatic OS status can be determined by examining the OS in surrogate androgen regulated tissues from the same host. Methodology/Principal Findings Adult male rats were divided equally into three groups: (A−) underwent bilateral orchiectomy, (A+) received continuous testosterone supplementation or (C) were eugonadal. Serum testosterone, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and anti-oxidative capacity (AOC) were determined after 72 hrs and the prostate, salivary glands and the hair follicles' Dermal Papillary Cells (DPC) from each animal were harvested, embedded into tissue microarray and examined for the expression of 8-OHdG by immuno-staining. Multi-variate regression was used to analyze inter-individual differences in OS staining within each androgen group and if there was a correlation between serum testosterone, 8-OHdG or AOC and Prostatic OS in tissues of same host. At the group level, 8-OHdG staining intensity directly correlated with serum testosterone levels in all three target tissues (p>0.01, Mann-Whitney Test). Although different levels of prostatic OS were noted between rats with similar serum testosterone levels and similar systemic OS measurements (p<0.01), there were no intra-individual differences between the OS status of the prostate and DPC (p<0.05). Conclusions/Significance The level of prostatic OS is correlated with the OS of hair follicles and salivary glands, but not systemic OS. Moreover, systemic AOC negatively correlates with both prostatic and hair follicle OS. This suggests that hair follicle and salivary gland OS can serve as surrogate markers for the efficiency of OS reduction. This has tremendous potential for the rational evaluation of patient response to prevention strategies.
Comparative Analysis of Hepatic CD14 Expression between Two Different Endotoxin Shock Model Mice: Relation between Hepatic Injury and CD14 Expression

CD14 is a glycoprotein that recognizes gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and exists in both membrane-bound and soluble forms. Infectious and/or inflammatory diseases induce CD14 expression, which may be involved in the pathology of endotoxin shock. We previously found that the expression of CD14 protein differs among the endotoxin shock models used, although the reasons for these differences are unclear. We hypothesized that the differences in CD14 expression might be due to liver injury, because the hepatic tissue produces CD14 protein. We investigated CD14 expression in the plasma and liver in the carrageenan (CAR)-primed and D-galN-primed mouse models of endotoxin shock. Our results showed that severe liver injury was not induced in CAR-primed endotoxin shock model mice. In this CAR-primed model, the higher mRNA and protein expression of CD14 was observed in the liver, especially in the interlobular bile duct in contrast to D-galN-primed-endotoxin shock model mice. Our findings indicated that the molecular mechanism(s) underlying septic shock in CAR-primed and D-galN-primed endotoxin shock models are quite different. Because CD14 expression is correlated with clinical observations, the CAR-primed endotoxin shock model might be useful for studying the functions of CD14 during septic shock in vivo.
Deliberative Democracy and Complex Diversity. From Discourse Ethics to the Theory of Argumentation.

Can democracy accommodate contemporary diverse and complex societies? Is deliberation an appropiate means for these ends? Even in the face of violent conflict? What is the role of citizens? The central objetive of this thesis is to critically analyse the relationsship between complex diversity (Tully 2008, Kraus 2012) and deliberatibe democracy /Habermas 1996) from a systemic perspective (Masnbrige and Parkinson 2012). Thinking identity as complex diversity detaches identity from dichotomous categorisations either as public of private, civic or ethnic and, moral or political.
A Framework for Analyzing Patient-centered Mobile Applications for Mental Health

Mobile health (mHealth) is a key innovation area in health care. mHealth promises new capabilities for data collection, interactions between patients and healthcare professionals, and self-help. Despite the potential, research on mHealth innovation is in its infancy in mental health, whereas the increasing prevalence of mental illnesses worldwide urge for better care solutions. mHealth for mental health (mH 2 ) can support the delivery of patient-centered and decentralized care. Despite more than a decade of the existence of mobile technology, there is a lack of research on adoption of mH 2 as clinics, governments and insurance companies require evidence in order to transfer mH 2 into regular care. We therefore propose a framework for analyzing patient-centered mH 2 applications. This can help to indicate gaps for future design research, to leverage mHealth for patient engagement and to serve patients who suffer from additional diseases that accompany primary mental disorders in a better way.
Recognition of digital modulated signals based on statistical parameters

Automatic Modulation Recognition is considered significant in Communication Intelligence (COMINT) applications such as signal interception for mobile communication, defence, civil authority, and surveillance. It is also the key for threat analysis. Recently many algorithms have been proposed to distinguish digitally modulated signals. In this paper, we present and evaluate some problems related to automatic recognition of digital modulation. First of all, Azzouz and Nandi's algorithm has been discussed. Some new statistical parameters have been applied on that algorithm. Then a new method has been proposed and presented to recognize Orthogonal frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) signal, in presence of some other digital modulated signal and Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). Finally, many simulations have been carried out and presented for these modulation types, by using statistical approaches.
Selective Modulation of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Channel Subunits by Go-Protein Subunits

G-protein modulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channels in rat intrinsic cardiac ganglia was examined using dialyzed whole-cell and excised membrane patch-recording configurations. Cell dialysis with GTPγS increased the agonist affinity of nAChRs, resulting in a potentiation of nicotine-evoked whole-cell currents at low concentrations. ACh- and nicotine-evoked current amplitudes were increased approximately twofold in the presence of GTPγS. In inside-out membrane patches, the open probability (NPo) of nAChR-mediated unitary currents was reversibly increased fourfold after bath application of 0.2 mm GTPγS relative to control but was unchanged in the presence of GDPβS. The modulation of nAChR-mediated whole-cell currents was agonist specific; currents evoked by the cholinergic agonists ACh, nicotine, and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide, but not cytisine or choline, were potentiated in the presence of GTPγS. The direct interaction between G-protein subunits and nAChRs was examined by bath application of either Goα or Gβγ subunits to inside-out membrane patches and in glutathione S-transferase pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Bath application of 50 nm Gβγ increased the open probability of ACh-activated single-channel currents fivefold, whereas Goα (50 nm) produced no significant increase in NPo. Neuronal nAChR subunits α3-α5 and β2 exhibited a positive interaction with Goα and Gβγ, whereas β4 and α7 failed to interact with either of the G-protein subunits. These results provide evidence for a direct interaction between nAChR and G-protein subunits, underlying the increased open probability of ACh-activated single-channel currents and potentiation of nAChR-mediated whole-cell currents in parasympathetic neurons of rat intrinsic cardiac ganglia.
Irisin Stimulates Browning of White Adipocytes Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p38 MAP Kinase and ERK MAP Kinase Signaling

The number and activity of brown adipocytes are linked to the ability of mammals to resist body fat accumulation. In some conditions, certain white adipose tissue (WAT) depots are readily convertible to a ‘‘brown-like’’ state, which is associated with weight loss. Irisin, a newly identified hormone, is secreted by skeletal muscles into circulation and promotes WAT “browning” with unknown mechanisms. In the current study, we demonstrated in mice that recombinant irisin decreased the body weight and improved glucose homeostasis. We further showed that irisin upregulated uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1; a regulator of thermogenic capability of brown fat) expression. This effect was possibly mediated by irisin-induced phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Inhibition of the p38 MAPK by SB203580 and ERK by U0126 abolished the upregulatory effect of irisin on UCP-1. In addition, irisin also promoted the expression of betatrophin, another newly identified hormone that promotes pancreatic β-cell proliferation and improves glucose tolerance. In summary, our data suggest that irisin can potentially prevent obesity and associated type 2 diabetes by stimulating expression of WAT browning-specific genes via the p38 MAPK and ERK pathways.