Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinase 12-Deficiency Augments Extracellular Matrix Degrading Metalloproteinases and Attenuates IL-13–Dependent Fibrosis

Infection with the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni causes significant liver fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are important regulators of the ECM by regulating cellular inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, and tissue reorganization. MMP12 is a macrophage-secreted elastase that is highly induced in the liver and lung in response to S. mansoni eggs, confirmed by both DNA microarray and real-time PCR analysis. However, the function of MMP12 in chronic helminth-induced inflammation and fibrosis is unclear. In this study, we reveal that MMP12 acts as a potent inducer of inflammation and fibrosis after infection with the helminth parasite S. mansoni. Surprisingly, the reduction in liver and lung fibrosis in MMP12-deficient mice was not associated with significant changes in cytokine, chemokine, TGF-β1, or tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase expression. Instead, we observed marked increases in MMP2 and MMP13 expression, suggesting that Mmp12 was promoting fibrosis by limiting the expression of specific ECM-degrading MMPs. Interestingly, like MMP12, MMP13 expression was highly dependent on IL-13 and type II–IL-4 receptor signaling. However, in contrast to MMP12, expression of MMP13 was significantly suppressed by the endogenous IL-13 decoy receptor, IL-13Rα2. In the absence of MMP12, expression of IL-13Rα2 was significantly reduced, providing a possible explanation for the increased IL-13-driven MMP13 activity and reduced fibrosis. As such, these data suggest important counter-regulatory roles between MMP12 and ECM-degrading enzymes like MMP2, MMP9, and MMP13 in Th2 cytokine-driven fibrosis.
Role of the nerve in determining fetal skeletal muscle phenotype

To determine the role of the nerve on the establishment of myofiber diversity in skeletal muscles, the lumbosacral spinal cord of 14‐day gestation mice (E14) was laser ablated, and the accumulation of the myosin alkali light chains (MLC) mRNAs in crural (hindleg) muscles was evaluated just prior to birth with in situ hybridization. Numbers of molecules of each alkali MLC/ng total RNA in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles were determined with competitive polymerase chain reaction. Transcripts for all four alkali MLCs accumulate in aneural muscles. Data suggest that: (1) the absence of the nerve to either future fast or slow muscles results in less accumulation of MLC1V transcript. Moreover, the presence of the nerve is required for the enhanced accumulation of this transcript in future slow muscles; (2) the absence of innervation of future slow, but not fast, muscles decreases the accumulation of MLC1A transcript. Since increased accumulation of MLC1A and MLC1V transcripts are found in future slow muscles at birth, the nerve is necessary for the development of the slow phenotype during myogenesis; (3) MLC1F and MLC3F transcripts do not display any preferential accumulation in future fast muscles during the fetal period. Therefore, the establishment of the differential distribution of these mRNAs, based on fiber type, is a postnatal phenomenon. The nerve is required during the fetal period to allow accumulation of MLC3F messages above a basal level in future fast as well as slow muscles; whereas, the absence of the innervation to future fast, but not slow, muscles reduces the accumulation of MLC1F. Thus, the accumulation of the various alkali MLC mRNAs shows a differential, rather than coordinate, response to the absence of the nerve, and this response may vary depending on the future fiber type of the muscles. Dev. Dyn. 1998;211:177–190. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic gating at axonal branches, and sharp‐wave ripples with replay: a simulation study

Mechanisms of place cell replay occurring during sharp‐wave ripples (SPW‐Rs) remain obscure due to the fact that ripples in vitro depend on non‐synaptic mechanisms, presumably via axo‐axonal gap junctions between pyramidal cells. We suggest a model of in vivo SPW‐Rs in which synaptic excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (EPSPs) control the axonal spiking of cells in SPW‐Rs: ripple activity remains hidden in the network of axonal collaterals (connected by gap junctions) due to conduction failures, unless there is a sufficient dendritic EPSP. The EPSP brings the axonal branching point to threshold, and action potentials from the collateral start to propagate to the soma and to the distal axon. The model coherently explains multiple experimental data on SPW‐Rs, both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of synaptic gating leads to the following implication: a sequence of pyramidal cells can be replayed at ripple frequency by the superposition of subthreshold dendritic EPSPs and ripple activity in the axonal plexus. Replay is demonstrated in both forward and reverse directions. We discuss several testable predictions. In general, the mechanism of synaptic gating suggests that pyramidal cells under certain conditions can act like a transistor.
Technostress: measuring a new threat to well-being in later life

ABSTRACT Objectives: Technostress is stress induced by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use. Research on the topic has focused primarily on the workforce and tended to overlook senior citizens. This study presents the development of a new scale, which was designed to measure technostress specifically among older adults. Method: The scale explores five constructs: overload, invasion, complexity, privacy and inclusion. The initial 20-item measure was tested in a pilot study and then included in an online survey of 537 Internet users aged 60 years and over. Results: Based on the statistical analysis, the scale was reduced to 14 items. The constructs had good internal homogeneity, significant inter-construct correlations and high loadings on a single latent factor. The scores were well distributed along the range. Concurrent validity was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. A significant negative association was found between the two scales – a correlation that remained significant even after controlling for background variables. Conclusion: The new scale is useful for measuring technostress in older people, and technostress ought to be considered a particular threat to well-being in later life. Future research should explore its antecedents and consequences and identify interventions useful in alleviating its harmful effect on older ICT users.
Investigating the Adoption of eGovernment Services in Qatar Using the UTAUT Model

Electronic government (e-government) initiatives are in their early stages in many developing countries and faced with various issues pertaining to their implementation of e-government services. Like many other developing countries, the e-government initiative in the state of Qatar has faced a number of challenges since its inception in 2000. This study utilises the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of technology (UTAUT) model to explore the adoption and diffusion of e-government services in the state of Qatar. 1179 citizens were surveyed using the UTAUT model. The empirical data reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influences determine citizens’ behavioural intention. Additionally, facilitating conditions and behavioural intention determine citizens’ use of e-government services. Implications for practice and research are discussed. KEY Words: Adoption, Diffusion, E-government, UTAUT, Qatar
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography after primary transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

To assess the first post‐treatment positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in prediction of disease‐free survival after primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with or without adjuvant chemoradiation.
Physical-chemical modeling of the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293-2422

We present detailed gas-phase chemical models for the envelope of the low-mass star-forming region IRAS 16293-2422. By considering both time- and space-dependent chemistry, these models are used to study both the physical structure proposed by Schoier et al. ([CITE]), as well as the chemical evolution of this region. A new feature of our study is the use of a detailed, self-consistent radiative transfer model to translate the model abundances into line strengths and compare them directly with observations of a total of 76 transitions for 18 chemical species, and their isotopes. The model can reproduce many of the line strengths observed within 50%. The best fit is for times in the range of $3\times 10^3{-}3\times 10^4$ yrs and requires only minor modifications to our model for the high-mass star-forming region AFGL 2591. The ionization rate for the source may be higher than previously expected – either due to an enhanced cosmic-ray ionization rate, or, more probably, to the presence of X-ray induced ionization from the center. A significant fraction of the CO is found to desorb in the temperature range of 15-40 K; below this temperature ~90% or more of the CO is frozen out. The inability of the model to explain the HCS + , C 2 H, and OCS abundances suggests the importance of further laboratory studies of basic reaction rates. Finally, predictions of the abundances and spatial distributions of other species which could be observed by future facilities (e.g. Herschel-HIFI, SOFIA, millimeter arrays) are provided.
Face-memory and emotion: associations with major depression in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Studies in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) document abnormalities in both memory and face-emotion processing. The current study used a novel face-memory task to test the hypothesis that adolescent MDD is associated with a deficit in memory for face-emotions. The study also examines the relationship between parental MDD and memory performance in offspring. METHODS Subjects were 152 offspring (ages 9-19) of adults with either MDD, anxiety disorders, both MDD and anxiety, or no disorder. Parents and offspring were assessed for mental disorders. Collection of face-memory data was blind to offspring and parent diagnosis. A computerized task was developed that required rating of facial photographs depicting 'happy,"fearful,' or 'angry' emotions followed by a memory recall test. Recall accuracy was examined as a function of face-emotion type. RESULTS Age and gender independently predicted memory, with better recall in older and female subjects. Controlling for age and gender, offspring with a history of MDD (n = 19) demonstrated significant deficits in memory selectively for fearful faces, but not happy or angry faces. Parental MDD was not associated with face-memory accuracy. DISCUSSION This study found an association between MDD in childhood or adolescence and perturbed encoding of fearful faces. MDD in young individuals may predispose to subtle anomalies in a neural circuit encompassing the amygdala, a brain region implicated in the processing of fearful facial expressions. These findings suggest that brain imaging studies using similar face-emotion paradigms should test whether deficits in processing of fearful faces relate to amygdala dysfunction in children and adolescents with MDD.
Cytological differential diagnosis among adenocarcinoma, epithelial mesothelioma, and reactive mesothelial cells in serous effusions by immunocytochemistry

The objective of the study is to estimate the expression of some antibodies in the metastatic adenocarcinomas, malignant epithelial mesotheliomas, and reactive mesothelial cells in serous effusions and to choose effective panel to the differential diagnosis. Totally 113 effusion cytology samples (80 pleural fluid, 30 ascitic, and 3 pericardial fluid) from 60 cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma (ACA), 18 cases of malignant epithelial mesothelioma (MM), and 35 cases of reactive mesothelium (RM) were included in this study. The cytological diagnoses of these cases were confirmed by histopathology or clinical datas. Smears and cell blocks were prepared for each case. Immunocytochemical study was performed on the cell block sections. The sensitivity of E‐cadherin, CEA, MOC‐31, and Ber‐EP4 for adenocarcinoma was 86.7%, 80%, 70%, and 76.4%, respectively. The specificity was 98.1%, 96.2%, 92.5%, and 86.8%, respectively. The sensitivity of calretinin, HBME‐1, and thrombomodulin for RM/MM was 83%, 79.2%, and 47.2% respectively. The specificity was 88.3%, 21.7%, and 70%, respectively. The expression of E‐cadherin, CEA, MOC‐31, Ber‐EP4, calretinin, and thrombomodulin showed significant difference between ACA and RM/MM (P < 0.01). The reactivity of EMA and Des showed significant difference between RM and MM (P < 0.01). In our opinion, the antibody panel that consists of E‐cadherin, CEA, calretinin, and thrombomodulin should be the best for differential diagnosis between metastatic adenocarcinomas and RM/MM in serous effusions. EMA and Des should be used to differentiate malignant epithelial mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial cells. EMA positive and Des negative favor MM, while Des positive and EMA negative favor RM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011.
High Rates of Mortality and Technique Failure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients After Critical Illness

♦ Introduction: Little is known regarding the causes and outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We explored the outcomes of technique failure and mortality in a cohort of PD patients admitted to the ICU. ♦ Methods: Using a provincial database of 990 incident PD patients followed from January 1997 to June 2009, we identified 90 (9%) who were admitted to the ICU. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate to determine differences in baseline characteristics. The Cox proportional hazards and competing risk methods were used to investigate associations. ♦ Results: Compared with other patients, those admitted to the ICU had been on PD longer (p < 0.0001) and were more often on continuous ambulatory PD (74.2% vs 25.8%, p = 0.016). Cardiac problems were the most common admitting diagnosis (50%), followed by sepsis (23%), with peritonitis accounting for 69% of the sepsis admissions. The 1-year mortality was 53.3%, with 12% alive and converted to hemodialysis, and one third remaining alive on PD. In multivariate Cox modeling, age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99 to 1.03], white blood cell count (HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.04), temperature (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.92), and peritonitis (1.64; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.22) at admission to the ICU were associated with the composite outcome of technique failure or death. In a competing risk analysis, the risk for death was 30%, and for technique failure, 36% at 1 year. ♦ Conclusions: Patients on PD have high rates of death and technique failure after admission to the ICU.
A Volume-Based Heat-Diffusion Classifier

Heat-diffusion models have been successfully applied to various domains such as classification and dimensionality-reduction tasks in manifold learning. One critical local approximation technique is employed to weigh the edges in the graph constructed from data points. This approximation technique is based on an implicit assumption that the data are distributed evenly. However, this assumption is not valid in most cases, so the approximation is not accurate in these cases. To solve this challenging problem, we propose a volume-based heat-diffusion model (VHDM). In VHDM, the volume is theoretically justified by handling the input data that are unevenly distributed on an unknown manifold. We also propose a novel volume-based heat-diffusion classifier (VHDC) based on VHDM. One of the advantages of VHDC is that the computational complexity is linear on the number of edges given a constructed graph. Moreover, we give an analysis on the stability of VHDC with respect to its three free parameters, and we demonstrate the connection between VHDC and some other classifiers. Experiments show that VHDC performs better than Parzen window approach, K nearest neighbor, and the HDC without volumes in prediction accuracy and outperforms some recently proposed transductive-learning algorithms. The enhanced performance of VHDC shows the validity of introducing the volume. The experiments also confirm the stability of VHDC with respect to its three free parameters.
Organophosphate and phthalate esters in air and settled dust - a multi-location indoor study.

UNLABELLED This paper reports the abundance in indoor air and dust of eleven organophosphate esters and six phthalate esters. Both groups of these semi-volatile compounds are widely incorporated as additives into plastic materials used in the indoor environment, thus contributing to indoor exposure to industrial chemicals. Thirty sampling sites representing three different indoor environments (private homes, day care centers, and workplaces) in the Stockholm area, Sweden, were selected to obtain representative concentration profiles in both ambient air and settled dust. Eight of the target organophosphate esters and all six phthalate esters were found in both air and dust samples at all locations. The phthalate esters were more abundant than the organophosphate esters, typically ten times higher total concentrations. Especially interesting were the high levels of tributoxyethyl phosphate in the day care centers, the relatively high levels of chlorinated organophosphate esters in the air of workplaces and the overall high levels of diethylhexyl phthalate in dust. The air concentration profiles of the phosphate esters differed significantly between the three indoor environments, whereas the concentration profiles of the phthalate esters as well as their total concentrations were similar. The correlation between concentrations found in air and in dust was found to be weak. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Organophosphate esters and phthalate esters are commonly used as additives in numerous building materials and consumer products. The use of these compounds is increasing, and phosphate and phthalate esters are to be regarded as ubiquitous contaminants in the indoor environment. These compounds comprise a number of different compounds that have been associated with biologic effects in animal studies as well as in humans. Thus, it is of concern to increase the knowledge about human exposure of these compounds because of their presence in indoor air. In this paper, thirty indoor environments have been surveyed with respect to seventeen of the most abundant of these compounds.
Seropositivity for Anti-HCV Core Antigen is Independently Associated With Increased All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Liver Disease-Related Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Background It is not known whether chronic or past hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection contributes to the high mortality rate in hemodialysis patients. Methods This prospective study of 1077 adult hemodialysis patients without hepatitis B virus infection used Poisson regression analysis to estimate crude and sex- and age-adjusted rates (per 1000 patient-years) of all-cause, cardiovascular, infectious disease-related and liver disease-related mortality in patients negative for HCV antibody (group A), patients positive for HCV antibody and negative for anti-HCV core antigen (group B), and patients positive for anti-HCV core antigen (group C). The relative risks (RRs) for each cause of death in group B vs group C as compared with those in group A were also estimated by Poisson regression analysis after multivariate adjustment. Results A total of 407 patients died during the 5-year observation period. The sex- and age-adjusted mortality rate was 71.9 in group A, 80.4 in group B, and 156 in group C. The RRs (95% CI) for death in group B vs group C were 1.23 (0.72 to 2.12) vs 1.60 (1.13 to 2.28) for all-cause death, 0.75 (0.28 to 2.02) vs 1.64 (0.98 to 2.73) for cardiovascular death, 1.64 (0.65 to 4.15) vs 1.58 (0.81 to 3.07) for infectious disease-related death, and 15.3 (1.26 to 186) vs 28.8 (3.75 to 221) for liver disease-related death, respectively. Conclusions Anti-HCV core antigen seropositivity independently contributes to elevated risks of all-cause and cause-specific death. Chronic HCV infection, but not past HCV infection, is a risk for death among hemodialysis patients.
Opinion mining in legal blogs

We perform a survey into the scope and utility of opinion mining in legal Weblogs (a.k.a. blawgs). The number of 'blogs' in the legal domain is growing at a rapid pace and many potential applications for opinion detection and monitoring are arising as a result. We summarize current approaches to opinion mining before describing different categories of blawgs and their potential impact on the law and the legal profession. In addition to educating the community on recent developments in the legal blog space, we also conduct some introductory opinion mining trials. We first construct a Weblog test collection containing blog entries that discuss legal search tools. We subsequently examine the performance of a language modeling approach deployed for both subjectivity analysis (i.e., is the text subjective or objective? ) and polarity analysis (i.e., is the text affirmative or negative towards its subject? ). This work may thus help establish early baselines for these core opinion mining tasks.
Deploying FLAREs to Visualize Functional Outcomes of Host—Pathogen Encounters

One of the most exciting features of fluorescent probes is their rapid evolution from simple tracers to functional indicators in diverse research fields [1]. In mammalian cells, fluorescence has been coupled to synaptic transmission [2,3], neuronal differentiation [4], apoptotic cell death [5], fate mapping in different immune cells [6,7], and functional changes in cell physiology, for example, the induction of cytokines [8]. In microbial cells, fluorescence has long been utilized as a tracer for pathogenic microbes, revealing microbial localization, residence, and spread in host tissues [9]. However, measuring functional outcomes during individual encounters with host immune cells remains challenging. In this Pearl, we describe fluorescence-based approaches, which we term “functional microbial reporters,” designed to relay changes in microbial physiology that occur in host cell and tissue environments. This class of microbial reporters typically harnesses fluorescence emission at two wavelengths. One of these signals functions as an invariant tracer of microbial cells and is generally unaffected by hostile conditions that are encountered during interactions with host cells, such as reactive oxygen species or acidified compartments. The other signal varies according to a change in microbial physiology or residence in the host. This second signal may act as a ratiometric indicator (i.e., a shift in the excitation or emission spectrum) to reflect a continuous variable such as the microbial growth rate. Alternatively, the second signal may act as an on-off indicator (i.e., extinction in the emission spectrum) to reflect a binary variable such as microbial viability. Three specific types of functional microbial reporters will be discussed, including reporters that distinguish live and killed fungal cells [10], indicate the mode of host cell entry by an intracellular parasite [11], and measure bacterial growth rates in host tissues [12–14].