Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remote Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protects the Heart Against Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury

Cardioprotection can be evoked through extracardiac approaches. This prompted us to investigate whether remote transplantation of stem cells confers protection of the heart against ischemic injury. The cardioprotective effect of subcutaneous transplantation of naïve versus heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX‐1)‐overexpressing mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to mice was investigated in hearts subjected to ischemia‐reperfusion in a Langendorff perfusion system. Mice were transplanted into the interscapular region with naïve or HMOX‐1 transfected MSC isolated from transgenic luciferase reporter mice and compared to sham‐treated animals. The fate of transplanted cells was followed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging, revealing that MSC proliferated, but did not migrate detectably from the injection site. Ex vivo analysis of the hearts showed that remote transplantation of mouse adipose‐derived MSC (mASC) resulted in smaller infarcts and improved cardiac function after ischemia‐reperfusion compared to sham‐treated mice. Although HMOX‐1 overexpression conferred cytoprotective effects on mASC against oxidative stress in vitro, no additive beneficial effect of HMOX‐1 transfection was noted on the ischemic heart. Subcutaneous transplantation of MSC also improved left ventricular function when transplanted in vivo after myocardial infarction. Plasma analysis and gene expression profile of naïve‐ and HMOX‐1‐mASC after transplantation pointed toward pentraxin 3 as a possible factor involved in the remote cardioprotective effect of mASC. These results have significant implications for understanding the behavior of stem cells after transplantation and development of safe and noninvasive cellular therapies with clinical applications. Remote transplantation of MSC can be considered as an alternative procedure to induce cardioprotection. Stem Cells 2014;32:2123–2134
Genotoxic and hematological effects of chlorpyrifos exposure on freshwater fish Labeo rohita

Abstract Chlorpyrifos is a commonly used organophosphate insecticide that causes toxicological effects in aquatic organisms especially in fish. This study determined the effects of chlorpyrifos on the genotoxic and hematological parameters of freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. The genotoxic effects of different sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos were investigated in the erythrocytes of Labeo rohita (commonly known as Rohu) using the Micronucleus test. Effects of chlorpyrifos on the hematological parameters of the fish were also observed. Fish specimens were exposed to three sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos viz., sublethal I (SL-I, 1/6th of LC50 = ∼73.8 μg/L), sublethal II (SL-II, 1/4th of LC50 = ∼110.7 μg/L) and sublethal III (SL-III, 1/2nd of LC50 = ∼221.4 μg/L) for 96 h. Blood samples were collected at every 24 h and were subjected to the Micronucleus assay. The observed micronucleus frequencies were concentration and time-dependent. The MN induction was significantly highest (p < 0.01) at all the concentrations on 96-h exposure. During the experimental period, hematological parameters like total erythrocytes count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, whereas total leukocytes count (TLC) increased. This study indicated that the Micronucleus assay is a useful tool to detect genotoxic potential of chlorpyrifos in fish.
Effective treatment of severe facial dermatitis in lambs

tion of collagen types I, III and V (ab) in normal and atherosclerotic human aorta. Journial of Pathology 130, 45-55 MONTES, G. S. (1996) StruLctural biology of the fibres of the collagenous and elastic systems. Cell Biology Interniationial 20, 15-27 NMONTES, G. S. , BEZERRA, M. S. F. & JIUNQUEIRA, L. C. U (1984) Collagen distribution in tissues. In Ultrastructure of the Connective Tissue Matrix. Eds A. Ruggeri, P. M. Motta. The Hague, Martinus Nijhoff. pp 65-88 MORRIS, K. L. M. (1982) Plant induced calcinosis. Veteritiary atnd Human 7irocology 24, 34-48 MORRIS, K. L. M. , SIMONITE, J. P., PULLEN, L. & SIMPSON, J. A. (1979) Solantiti torvtuoit as a causative agent of enzootic calcinosis in Papua, New G(Linea. Researci in Veteritnary Science 27, 264-266 NORMAN, A. W. (1998) Sunlight, season, skin pigmentation, vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D: integral components of the vitamin D endocrine system. Amtierican Jotirnal of Clitical Nutritioni 67, 1108-1110 OKADA, K. A. , CARRILLO, B. J. & TILLEY, M. (1977) Solanuniiii mnalacoxylon Sendtner: A toxic plant in Argentina. Ecotnotoiic Botanly 31, 225-236 PUCHE, R. C. & BINGLEY, J. B. (1995) Calcinosis of Cattle in Argentina. 1st English edn. Rosario, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Editora PUCHE, R. C. , FAIENZA, H. Q. , VALENTI, J. L. , JUSTER, G. , OSMETTI, G. , HAYASE, J. & DRISTAS, J. A. (1980) On the nature of arterial and lung calcification induced by Solainut glaucopliyllutn. Calcified Tissue Research 40, 378-381 REGAL, D. S. (1982) Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur extraossauren Verkalkung bei der Hypervitaminose D3. I. Bedeutung der Proteoglykane im Fruhstadium der Verkalkung bei Ratten. Zentralblatt fuir VeterinirMedizini. A 29,658-678 ROACH, M. R. (1983) The pattern of elastin in the aorta and large arteries of mammals. In Development of the Vascular System. Ciba Foundation Symposium 100. London, Pitman Books. pp 37-55 WORKER, N. A. & CARRILLO, B. J. (1967) 'Enteque seco, calcification and wasting in grazing animals in Argentina. Nature 215, 72-74
A game with rules in the making – how the high probability of waiting games in nanomedicine is being mitigated through distributed regulation and responsible innovation

The potential benefits of nanotechnologies in healthcare are widely expected to be enormous and a considerable amount of investment is already pouring into public research in this area. These high expectations of benefits are coupled with uncertainty surrounding the potential risks of the prospective products containing nanomaterials, in addition to concerns about the adequacy of regulatory oversight. These challenges add another level of uncertainty for those deciding to invest in nanotechnology R&D and threaten to impede product development and commercialisation. Nanotechnology in healthcare (often labelled as nanomedicine) presents a situation where waiting games are a strong possibility; however, waiting games have been avoided (so far) through the unlocking of the dominant regulation regime. This paper describes how an innovation impasse in nanomedicine could have ensued if the traditional wait and watch strategies of legislators and regulators had been followed. We describe how waiting games were avoided through the opening up and distribution of regulatory approaches.
North Carolina macular dystrophy (MCDR1) caused by a novel tandem duplication of the PRDM13 gene

Purpose To identify the underlying cause of disease in a large family with North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD). Methods A large four-generation family (RFS355) with an autosomal dominant form of NCMD was ascertained. Family members underwent comprehensive visual function evaluations. Blood or saliva from six affected family members and three unaffected spouses was collected and DNA tested for linkage to the MCDR1 locus on chromosome 6q12. Three affected family members and two unaffected spouses underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) and subsequently, custom capture of the linkage region followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Standard PCR and dideoxy sequencing were used to further characterize the mutation. Results Of the 12 eyes examined in six affected individuals, all but two had Gass grade 3 macular degeneration features. Large central excavation of the retinal and choroid layers, referred to as a macular caldera, was seen in an age-independent manner in the grade 3 eyes. The calderas are unique to affected individuals with MCDR1. Genome-wide linkage mapping and haplotype analysis of markers from the chromosome 6q region were consistent with linkage to the MCDR1 locus. Whole exome sequencing and custom-capture NGS failed to reveal any rare coding variants segregating with the phenotype. Analysis of the custom-capture NGS sequencing data for copy number variants uncovered a tandem duplication of approximately 60 kb on chromosome 6q. This region contains two genes, CCNC and PRDM13. The duplication creates a partial copy of CCNC and a complete copy of PRDM13. The duplication was found in all affected members of the family and is not present in any unaffected members. The duplication was not seen in 200 ethnically matched normal chromosomes. Conclusions The cause of disease in the original family with MCDR1 and several others has been recently reported to be dysregulation of the PRDM13 gene, caused by either single base substitutions in a DNase 1 hypersensitive site upstream of the CCNC and PRDM13 genes or a tandem duplication of the PRDM13 gene. The duplication found in the RFS355 family is distinct from the previously reported duplication and provides additional support that dysregulation of PRDM13, not CCNC, is the cause of NCMD mapped to the MCDR1 locus.
Quercetin inhibits c‐fos, heat shock protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in injured astrocytes

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid, is found widely in many kinds of fruits and vegetables. It is known to engage in many bioactivities, such as interfering with of the progress of stress responses to injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of quercetin on some injury responses in primary cultures of astrocytes. These injury responses included the elevation of c‐fos protein, heat shock protein (HSP70), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). After heat shock insult, the levels of c‐fos protein and HSP70 in astrocytes increased. With quercetin treatment, these proteins were significantly reduced. The inhibition of these injury responses by quercetin in astrocytes indicated a dose dependency, with the highest effect at 100 μM. We have previously established a scratch injury model in a primary culture of astrocytes. In that model, astrocytes responded to the scratch injury by an elevation in their GFAP level and formation of hypertrophic cell processes, which extend into the scratch areas. Quercetin treatment reduced the number of hypertrophic cell processes being extended into the scratch areas. With 100 μM of quercetin, there was a complete inhibition of the formation of the hypertrophic cell process. Western blot analysis for GFAP indicated that quercetin significantly reduced the induction of GFAP in the scratch model. At 100 μM, the total GFAP content in the injured cultures was reduced to a level lower than that of the control. This implied that quercetin might possess an antigliotic property. J. Neurosci. Res. 62:730–736, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fundamentals of Thermal Expansion and Thermal Contraction

Thermal expansion is an important property of substances. Its theoretical prediction has been challenging, particularly in cases the volume decreases with temperature, i.e., thermal contraction or negative thermal expansion at high temperatures. In this paper, a new theory recently developed by the authors has been reviewed and further examined in the framework of fundamental thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Its applications to cerium with colossal thermal expansion and Fe3Pt with thermal contraction in certain temperature ranges are discussed. It is anticipated that this theory is not limited to volume only and can be used to predict a wide range of properties at finite temperatures.
Multigrid Methods

1 Linear Equation Systems in the Numerical Solution of PDE’s 3 1.1 Examples of PDE’s . 3 1.2 Weak Formulation of Poisson’s Equation . 6 1.3 Finite-Difference-Discretization of Poisson’s Equation . 7 1.4 FD Discretization for Convection-Diffusion . 8 1.5 Irreducible and Diagonal Dominant Matrices . 9 1.6 FE (Finite Element) Discretization . 11 1.7 Discretization Error and Algebraic Error . 14 1.8 Basic Theory . 14 1.9 Aim of a Multigrid Algorithm . 15 1.10 Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel Iteration . 15 1.10. 1 Ideas of Both Methods . 15 1.11 Convergence Rate of Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel Iteration . 18 1.11.1 Analysis of the Convergence of the Jacobi Method . 18 1.11.2 Iteration Method with Damping Parameter . 20 1.11.3 Damped Jacobi Method . 20 1.11.4 Analysis of the Damped Jacobi method . 20 1.11.5 Heuristic approach . 22
Birth of puppies after intrauterine and intratubal insemination with frozen-thawed canine semen

The present study was performed to assess the fertility of frozen-thawed dog semen prepared by freezing with 6% glycerol and thawing at 70℃ for 8 sec, and to evaluate the least number of post-thaw spermatozoa necessary to achieve pregnancy by intrauterine or intratubal artificial insemination. It was found that the pregnancy rate of intrauterine artificial insemination was 100% using 6% glycerol buffer and thawing at 70℃ for 8 sec with 5 × 107 spermatozoa. Even though the pregnancy rate (80%) and the whelping rate (24.5%) in the 5 × 106 spermatozoa inseminated group were lower than those of the 5 × 107 spermatozoa group, conception was confirmed with 5 × 106 spermatozoa. Although the pregnancy rate of intratubal insemination was low (20%) with 4 × 106 spermatozoa, this study is the first report to show the pregnancy rate of intratubal insemination with frozen-thawed ejaculated canine semen. In order to improve the pregnancy rate with intratubal insemination of canine spermatozoa, it is necessary to investigate the optimal insemination site of the uterine tube, the appropriate number of sperm, and the direct effect of buffer on oocytes.
Prompt GeV-TeV Emission of Gamma-Ray Bursts Due to High-Energy Protons, Muons, and Electron-Positron Pairs

In the framework of the internal shock scenario, we model the broadband prompt emission of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with emphasis on the GeV-TeV bands, utilizing Monte Carlo simulations that include various processes associated with electrons and protons accelerated to high energies. While inverse Compton emission from primary electrons is often dominant, different proton-induced mechanisms can also give rise to distinct high-energy components, such as synchrotron emission from protons, muons, or secondary electrons/positrons injected via photomeson interactions. In some cases, they give rise to double spectral breaks that can serve as unique signatures of ultra-high-energy protons. We discuss the conditions favorable for such emission, and how they are related to the production of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos in internal shocks. Ongoing and upcoming observations by the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes, and other facilities will test these expectations, and provide important information on the physical conditions in GRB outflows.
Impact of Salmonella Infection on Host Hormone Metabolism Revealed by Metabolomics

ABSTRACT The interplay between pathogens and their hosts has been studied for decades using targeted approaches, such as the analysis of mutants and host immunological responses. Although much has been learned from such studies, they focus on individual pathways and fail to reveal the global effects of infection on the host. To alleviate this issue, high-throughput methods, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, have been used to study host-pathogen interactions. Recently, metabolomics was established as a new method to study changes in the biochemical composition of host tissues. We report a metabolomic study of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection. Our results revealed that dozens of host metabolic pathways are affected by Salmonella in a murine infection model. In particular, multiple host hormone pathways are disrupted. Our results identify unappreciated effects of infection on host metabolism and shed light on mechanisms used by Salmonella to cause disease and by the host to counter infection.
Customer Loyalty in Social Virtual Worlds

Social virtual worlds (SVWs) are an emerging phenomenon in terms of numbers of users as well as business environments. When it comes to the economic viability of SVWs, keeping existing customers active, i.e. customer loyalty, is a sine qua non. In this paper we investigate customer loyalty with two key variables: continuous use intention and purchase intention. We apply the expanded expectation-confirmation model by Thong et al. (2006) and empirically test our research model with data collected from 965 Canadian SVW users. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. Perceived enjoyment was found to have the strongest impact on continuous use intentions whereas perceived critical mass was the main predictor of purchase intention. Finally, contrary to previous studies, satisfaction did not have a statistically significant impact on loyalty.
Procalcitonin in paediatric cancer patients: its diagnostic relevance is superior to that of C‐reactive protein, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, soluble interleukin 2 receptor and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor II

Sensitive parameters of inflammation are rare in neutropenic cancer patients. In this study, procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, the soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) and the soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor II (sTNFRII) were evaluated for their diagnostic relevance in febrile episodes of cancer patients. Plasma or serum levels of these parameters were determined in neutropenic children with febrile episodes (n = 122) classified according to both the kind of infection [60 cases of fever of unknown origin (FUO), 28 cases of localized infection, 13 cases of pneumonia, 20 cases of bacteraemia, one case of fungaemia] and the World Health Organization (WHO) score of chemotherapy‐induced mucositis. At baseline and during the febrile episodes, the highest levels of all parameters were observed in cases of gram‐negative bacteraemia. However, in FUO and localized infections, low or only slightly elevated median levels of all parameters were documented. The degree of chemotherapy‐induced mucositis did not influence the value of any parameter. In comparison with the other inflammatory parameters, PCT (optimum cut‐off level 0·5 μg/l) was a more sensitive and more specific parameter in the diagnosis of high‐risk (gram‐negative bacteraemia) and low‐risk (FUO) episodes, as well as in the sequential assessment of all febrile neutropenic episodes.
Modelling powder compaction and breakage of compacts

Modelling powder compaction and breakage of compacts Chenglong Shang, Ph.D. Experimental and numerical simulation studies were carried out to enhance the understanding of the compaction behaviour of powder materials and to study the breakage behaviour of tablets after compaction. In order to simulate powder compaction and post compaction behaviour an appropriate constitutive model is required. To calibrate the constitutive model (e.g. a Drucker-Prager Cap model) a series of experiments were carried out including closed die compaction, uniaxial and diametrical compression tests. A newly developed apparatus consisting of a die instrumented with radial stress sensors was used to determine constitutive parameters as well as friction properties between the powder and die wall. The calibration of constitutive models requires accurate stress-strain curves. During die compaction the deformation of the powder material is determined by considering the elastic deformation (or compliance) of the system. The effect of different compliance correction methods was evaluated with regards to the accuracy of models predicting the pressing forces. A method for accounting for non-homogeneous stress states in instrumented die compaction was also developed. A complete data extraction procedure was presented. The breakage behaviour of flat and curved faced tablets was investigated and the breakage patterns of tablets were examined by X-Ray computed tomography. An empirical equation that relates the material strength to the break force was proposed. The constitutive model was implemented into the finite element package Abaqus/Standard to simulate powder compaction and breakage. A range of failure criteria have been evaluated for predicting break force of flat and curved faced tablets under diametrical compression. Acknowledgement The work presented in this thesis has been carried out at the Mechanics of Materials group, Department of Engineering at the University of Leicester. First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Csaba Sinka. I really appreciate his understanding, encouragement and favors on every possible manner. I am also deeply impressed by his wide knowledge and inspiration. This work will not have been possible without his continuous guidance and support. I would like to thank Professor Jingze Pan for his support and persistence that make me believe in myself and complete this degree. I would also like to thank Dr. Simon Gill for his invaluable advice on writing my thesis. I am grateful for Dr.Simon Laws , Simon Millward, Barry Kirkland, Ian Bromley who contribute to my lab work. Special thanks go to Lifeng Ding, Xiaoxiao Han, Fan Li who gave me help in all aspects of my daily life. I would like thank all the faculties and staff for all the supporting which make my study at the University of Leicester a great experience. Finally, I would like to thank the University of Leicester for a partial PhD studentship as a support of this work.
Robustly detecting differential expression in RNA sequencing data using observation weights

A popular approach for comparing gene expression levels between (replicated) conditions of RNA sequencing data relies on counting reads that map to features of interest. Within such count-based methods, many flexible and advanced statistical approaches now exist and offer the ability to adjust for covariates (e.g. batch effects). Often, these methods include some sort of ‘sharing of information’ across features to improve inferences in small samples. It is important to achieve an appropriate tradeoff between statistical power and protection against outliers. Here, we study the robustness of existing approaches for count-based differential expression analysis and propose a new strategy based on observation weights that can be used within existing frameworks. The results suggest that outliers can have a global effect on differential analyses. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our new approach with real data and simulated data that reflects properties of real datasets (e.g. dispersion-mean trend) and develop an extensible framework for comprehensive testing of current and future methods. In addition, we explore the origin of such outliers, in some cases highlighting additional biological or technical factors within the experiment. Further details can be downloaded from the project website: http://imlspenticton.uzh. ch/robinson_lab/edgeR_robust/.