Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Melatonin administration reduces inflammatory pain in rats

In view of the broad range of effects attributed to melatonin, this study evaluated its analgesic effect on inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in Wistar rats. Inflammation was induced by intradermal CFA injection in the hind paw of all animals, which were then divided into two groups that received either 60 mg/kg of melatonin or vehicle (1% alcohol in saline), intraperitoneally, for three days. The analgesic effect of melatonin was assessed by the hot-plate test, immediately and thereafter at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the first administration and 24 hours after once-daily administration for 2 more days. After CFA injection, melatonin administration increased withdrawal latency at 60 minutes after the first dose. After the end of treatment, melatonin showed a significant analgesic effect on inflammatory pain. This study paves the way for exploration of how brief courses of treatment could improve this analgesic effect in the late phases of inflammatory pain.
An Approximation Algorithm for the Minimum-Cost k-Vertex Connected Subgraph

We present an approximation algorithm for the problem of finding a minimum-cost k-vertex connected spanning subgraph, assuming that the number of vertices is at least 6k 2 . The approximation guarantee is six times the kth harmonic number (which is O(log k)), and this is also an upper bound on the integrality ratio for a standard linear programming relaxation.
Tracking control for inverted orbital stabilization of inertia wheel pendulum—Trajectory generation, stability analysis, and experiments

A second order sliding mode control is developed to solve the tracking control problem for an inertia wheel pendulum. The desired trajectory is centered at the upright position where the open-loop system becomes a non-minimum-phase system. We have recently proved that a two relay controller produces oscillations at the scalar output of an underactuated system where the desired amplitude and frequency are reached by choosing its gains. In this paper we go much further and develop a reference model, based on two-relay controller, to generate a set of desired trajectories for the inertia wheel pendulumallowing us to design a robust tracking controller. Performance issues of the constructed controller are illustrated in an experimental study.
General-relativistic celestial mechanics. I. Method and definition of reference systems.

We present a new formalism for treating the general-relativistic celestial mechanics of systems of $N$ arbitrarily composed and shaped, weakly self-gravitating, rotating, deformable bodies. This formalism is aimed at yielding a complete description, at the first post-Newtonian approximation level, of (i) the global dynamics of such $N$-body systems ("external problem"), (ii) the local gravitational structure of each body ("internal problem"), and, (iii) the way the external and the internal problems fit together ("theory of reference systems"). This formalism uses in a complementary manner $N+1$ coordinate charts (or "reference systems"): one "global" chart for describing the overall dynamics of the $N$ bodies, and $N$ "local" charts adapted to the separate description of the structure and environment of each body. The main tool which allows us to develop, in an elegant manner, a constructive theory of these $N+1$ reference systems is a systematic use of a particular "exponential" parametrization of the metric tensor which has the effect of linearizing both the field equations, and the transformation laws under a change of reference system. This linearity allows a treatment of the first post-Newtonian relativistic celestial mechanics which is, from a structural point of view, nearly as simple and transparent as its Newtonian analogue. Our scheme differs from previous attempts in several other respects: the structure of the stress-energy tensor is left completely open; the spatial coordinate grid (in each system) is fixed by algebraic conditions while a convenient "gauge" flexibility is left open in the time coordinate [at the order $\ensuremath{\delta}t=O({c}^{\ensuremath{-}4})$]; the gravitational field locally generated by each body is skeletonized by particular relativistic multipole moments recently introduced by Blanchet and Damour, while the external gravitational field experienced by each body is expanded in terms of a particular new set of relativistic tidal moments. In this first paper we lay the foundations of our formalism, with special emphasis on the definition and properties of the $N$ local reference systems, and on the general structure and transformation properties of the gravitational field. As an illustration of our approach we treat in detail the simple case where each body can, in some approximation, be considered as generating a spherically symmetric gravitational field. This "monopole truncation" leads us to a new (and, in our opinion, improved) derivation of the Lorentz-Droste-Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann equations of motion. The detailed treatment of the relativistic motion of bodies endowed with arbitrary multipole structure will be the subject of subsequent publications.
Construction, emplacement, and geochemical evolution of deep-crustal intrusions: Tenpeak and Dirtyface plutons, North Cascades, western North America

Deep plutonic systems represent an important link between lowercrustal melt-generation sites and higher-level regions of magma accumulation, but models for these systems are limited by the relative scarcity of exposed weakly deformed, deep-crustal plutons. Exceptions include the ca. 92.3–89.7 Ma, dominantly tonalitic Tenpeak pluton and the smaller, nearby ca. 91 Ma Dirtyface pluton of the North Cascades (western North America), which represent deeply exposed crustal levels (~25–35 km) of a Cordilleran arc. Initial subduction-driven magmatism in the Tenpeak pluton was marked by co-magmatic hydrous mafic and felsic magmas, which formed gabbro, diorite, tonalite, and hornblendite within a heterogeneous mafic complex. High-MgO, Ni and Cr tonalitic magmas (Schaefer Lake subtype) with (eNd)0 of +4.8 to +5.8 accompanied or shortly followed this magmatism, and typify the Dirtyface intrusion. This early magmatism formed moderately to steeply dipping sheets, which are best developed in the southwestern margin of the Tenpeak pluton and in an internal zone with host rock rafts. As the system evolved, a different source was tapped to produce typical calc-alkaline magmas (Indian Creek subtype) that are more isotopically evolved (initial eNd = +3.0 to +4.0). Magmas of this subtype formed bodies that are elliptical in map view and that truncated internal magmatic contacts and more strongly deformed tonalite, compatible with removal of older solidified and magmatic materials. The Schaefer Lake subtype terminated or was overwhelmed by the Indian Creek subtype in the youngest, high-volume magmas of the Tenpeak pluton. Both plutons have moderately to steeply dipping contacts that define the shape of an elongate asymmetric funnel to wedge. During sheet emplacement, magma wedging isolated and rotated rafts and blocks of host meta-supracrustal rock. Vertical, mostly downward transport of host rock GEOSPHERE
National Approach to Premarital Diagnosis of Trait Thalassemia and Silent Carriers

Background: Major β-thalassemia occurs when impaired genes received by a neonate from the parents. In most of the parents, there are no apparent clinical manifestation and they just show some impairments in hematological indices. This study was designed to determine prevalence of minor and silent carries parents that have children suffering from major β-thalassemia, compare it with national protocol about prevention of thalassemia. Methods: A blood sample was taken from parents of all major thalassemic patients covered by TaleghaniHospitalin Gorgan (n = 195), CBC and Hemoglobin electrophoresis were done. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Amongst 196 parents one case have normal level of MCV, MCH, RBC, HbA, HbF and mentzer = 22.05 (0.51%) that diagnosed as alpha triplication/N by real time PCR, RFLP informative. The means of hematological indices were based on the national protocol. Conclusion: Present results showed that there are a few cases of thalassemia disorders with normal MCV, MCH, RBC, Mentzer index and Hb electrophoresis which could be missed in routine and pre-marital screening tests, resulted in a thalassemia child that it is possible in every screening test. Generally, indices were according to range of the national guideline.
Coseismic Slip Vectors of 24 August and 30 October 2016 Earthquakes in Central Italy: Oblique Slip and Regional Kinematic Implications

After 24 August and 30 October 2016 central Italy earthquakes (Mw 6.0 and 6.5, respectively), photogrammetry and geodetic survey were performed at various sites along a 6‐km‐long portion of the rupturing Monte Vettore fault system, providing very high‐resolution georeferenced 3‐D point clouds and imagery of the 24 August rupture and a data set of bedrock fault scarp before/after the 30 October earthquake. The maximum coseismic displacement for both events occurs near Scoglio dell' Aquila with an average normal dip slip of 22 ± 4 and 184 ± 6 cm, respectively. Coseismic slip vectors and meter‐scale corrugation axis are oriented N280 ± 10° on the ~N140° striking main Vettore fault involving oblique normal slip with a right‐lateral component and N205 ± 10° on ~N170° fault strands implying oblique normal slip with a left‐lateral component. We quantify the near‐field coseismic displacements of the Monte Vettore fault for the 30 October event: the footwall has been translated horizontally by 42 ± 2 cm toward the ENE and uplifted by 11 ± 2 cm. The hangingwall has moved horizontally by 26 ± 2 cm, toward the NW, in a direction parallel to the fault plane and subsided by 116 ± 2 cm. The fault geometry and our determined surface coseismic slip vectors are mechanically compatible with a σ3 = N65 ± 15°. This stress regime is consistent with the 30 October 2016 focal mechanism and the relative motion between the Adriatic microplate and the Tyrrhenian coastal region. The 30 October surface rupture results from seismic slip at depth and thus has a tectonic origin.
Clinical relevance of microvessel density in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas

The clinical implications of microvessel density (MVD) in head and neck tumors have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the clinicopathologic correlates and prognostic relevance of MVD in a series of 122 consecutive patients with surgically treated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma followed‐up for a mean of 79 months. MVD was evaluated after CD34 immunostaining in 3 250× microscopic fields representative of the “hot spot” area, and expressed as the mean value of the vessel counts per millimeter squared. The overall median value of the intratumoral vessel count was 69.5/mm2. In the 20 cases we analyzed, MVD increased significantly from normal to dysplastic mucosa and infiltrating carcinoma (p = 0.0001). Nineteen carcinomas (15.6%) had MVD values that were equal to or lower than the highest MVD value (52.7/mm2) observed in normal mucosa samples (in which the median MVD count was 34.5/mm2, range 16.6–52.7/mm2, mean 35.1 ± 11.5/mm2) and were therefore considered poorly vascularized. Periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining revealed intratumoral PAS‐positive connective tissue septa in 13 cases (10.7%). The patients with poorly vascularized tumors showed a tendency toward a better prognosis, but the anatomical site, tumor extension and clinical stage were the only variables significantly associated with disease‐free and overall survival. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical Responses in a Phase II Study Using Adoptive Transfer of Short-term Cultured Tumor Infiltration Lymphocytes in Metastatic Melanoma Patients

Purpose: Adoptive cell therapy with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in metastatic melanoma patients. Although objective response rates of over 50% have been reported, disadvantages of this approach are the labor-intensive TIL production and a very high drop-out rate of enrolled patients, limiting its widespread applicability. Previous studies showed a clear correlation between short TIL culture periods and clinical response. Therefore, we used a new TIL production technique using unselected, minimally cultured, bulk TIL (Young-TIL). The use of Young-TIL is not restricted to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 patients. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and toxicity of adoptively transferred Young-TIL following lympho-depleting chemotherapy in metastatic melanoma patients, refractory to interleukin-2 and chemotherapy. Experimental Design: Young-TIL cultures for 90% of the patients were successfully generated, enabling the treatment of most enrolled patients. We report here the results of 20 evaluated patients. Results: Fifty percent of the patients achieved an objective clinical response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, including two ongoing complete remissions (20+, 4+ months) and eight partial responses (progression-free survival: 18+, 13+, 10+, 9, 6+, 4, 3+, and 3 months). All responders are currently alive. Four additional patients showed disease stabilization. Side effects were transient and manageable. Conclusion: We showed that lympho-depleting chemotherapy followed by transfer of short-term cultured TIL can mediate tumor regression in 50% of metastatic melanoma with manageable toxicity. The convincing clinical results combined with the simplification of the process may thus have a major effect on cell therapy of cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 16(9); 2646–55. ©2010 AACR.
PYRIDINE: POTENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

The objective of medicinal chemistry is design and production of compounds that can be used as medicine for the prevention, treatment and cure of humans or animal diseases. It is concerned with the invention, discovery, design and identification of biologically active compounds, the study of their metabolism, interpretation of their mode of action at the molecular level and the construction of structure activity relationship (SAR), the relationship between chemical structure and pharmacological activity for a series of derivatives have been synthesized as target structures and evaluated for their biological activities. Amongst the wide range of pharmacologically active heterocyclic pyridines and some other pyridine fused ring systems have concerned great awareness as prospective chemotherapeutic agents. Since pyridine derivatives continue to be a focus for great concern due to the wide variety of biological activities, therefore they are generally screened for large number of activities such as anticancer, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiulcer activities.
On the appropriateness of negative selection for anomaly detection and network intrusion detection

The immune system is a complex system which protects humans and animals against diseases caused by foreign intruders such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. It appears as if the recognition and protection mechanism of the immune system can lead to the development of novel concepts and techniques for detecting intrusions in computer networks, particularly in the area of anomaly detection. In this thesis, the principle of "negative selection" as a paradigm for detecting intrusions in computer networks and anomaly detection is explored. Negative selection is a process of the immune system, which destroys immature antibodies which are capable of recognizing self-antigens. Antibodies which survive the negative selection process are self-tolerant and are capable of recognizing almost any foreign body substance. Roughly speaking one can say that the negative selection endows the immune system with an ability to distinguish between self and non-self. Abstracting the principle of negative selection, the coding antigens as bit-strings which represent network packets or as real-valued n-dimensional points and antibodies as binary detectors or as hyperspheres, one obtains an immune-inspired technique for use in the above mentioned areas of application. We are talking about artificial immune systems, when principles and processes of the immune system are abstracted and applied for solving problems. In this thesis, we explore the appropriateness of the artificial immune system negative selection for intrusion detection and anomaly detection problems. In the first instance, we describe the immune system negative selection principle, and the subsequent the artificial immune system negative selection principe. We then describe which network information are required to de- tect an intrusion. Results reveal that previous works that apply the negative selection for this application area, are not appropriate for real-world intrusion detection problems. Moreover we explore if a different antibody-antigen representations, i.e. real-valued n-dimensional points and high-dimensional hyperspheres are appropriate for anomaly detection problems. The results obtained, reveal that negative selection is not appropriate for anomaly detection problems, especially when compared to statistical anomaly detection methods. In summary, we can unfortunately state that negative selection, is not appropriate for network intrusion detection and anomaly detection problems.
Cross-Lingual Projection of LFG F-Structures : Building an F-Structure Bank for Polish

Various methods aim at overcoming the shortage of NLP resources, especially for resource-poor languages. We present a cross-lingual projection account that aims at inducing an annotated treebank to be used for parser induction for Polish. Our approach builds on Hwa et al.’s projection method [7] that we adapt to the LFG framework. The goal of the experiment is the induction of an LFG f-structure bank for Polish. The projection yields competitive results. The resulting f-structure bank may be used to train a dependency parser for Polish, or for automatic induction of a probabilistic LFG grammar.
Predictors of airway complications after thyroidectomy for substernal goiter.

HYPOTHESIS Airway complications after thyroidectomy for substernal goiter can be predicted by preoperative symptom profiles, radiologic findings, or other factors. DESIGN Retrospective review. Settings A university tertiary care center and a veterans' hospital. PATIENTS Sixty patients with substernal goiter who underwent thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2002. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms, preoperative radiologic findings, extent of thyroid resection, tumor size, and postoperative complications. RESULTS Dysphagia was the most common preoperative symptom (n = 26), followed by dyspnea (n = 21), orthopnea (n = 13), and hoarseness (n = 6); 18 patients (30%) had superior vena caval obstruction. Thirteen patients (22%) were asymptomatic. Preoperative imaging identified tracheal deviation or compression in 45 patients (75%). Substernal goiter was resected via a cervical approach in 59 patients (98%). Of 47 patients with preoperative symptoms, 41 (87%) reported improvement postoperatively. Seven patients (12%) had postoperative airway complications: 1 developed a neck hematoma requiring reoperation, and 6 could not be immediately extubated; all 6 were successfully extubated after 1 to 10 days. Patients with airway complications were older (mean +/- SEM, 70.3 +/- 3.6 years vs 61.5 +/- 2.2 years), had larger goiters (mean +/- SEM, 210.7 +/- 37.0 g vs 112.2 +/- 7.7 g), and were more likely to have tracheal compression on preoperative imaging than those who did not have complications (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Most patients with substernal goiters underwent thyroid resection via a cervical approach with an improvement in symptoms. The few patients who developed postoperative airway complications were older, had larger goiters, and were more likely to have tracheal compression on preoperative imaging than those without airway complications.
Gut Pathology and Responses to the Microsporidium Nosema ceranae in the Honey Bee Apis mellifera

The microsporidium Nosema ceranae is a newly prevalent parasite of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). Although this parasite is presently spreading across the world into its novel host, the mechanisms by it which affects the bees and how bees respond are not well understood. We therefore performed an extensive characterization of the parasite effects at the molecular level by using genetic and biochemical tools. The transcriptome modifications at the midgut level were characterized seven days post-infection with tiling microarrays. Then we tested the bee midgut response to infection by measuring activity of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes (superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase). At the gene-expression level, the bee midgut responded to N. ceranae infection by an increase in oxidative stress concurrent with the generation of antioxidant enzymes, defense and protective response specifically observed in the gut of mammals and insects. However, at the enzymatic level, the protective response was not confirmed, with only glutathione-S-transferase exhibiting a higher activity in infected bees. The oxidative stress was associated with a higher transcription of sugar transporter in the gut. Finally, a dramatic effect of the microsporidia infection was the inhibition of genes involved in the homeostasis and renewal of intestinal tissues (Wnt signaling pathway), a phenomenon that was confirmed at the histological level. This tissue degeneration and prevention of gut epithelium renewal may explain early bee death. In conclusion, our integrated approach not only gives new insights into the pathological effects of N. ceranae and the bee gut response, but also demonstrate that the honey bee gut is an interesting model system for studying host defense responses.
Adhesion of platelets to laminin in the absence of activation

The binding of platelets to components in the subendothelial matrix is an initial event in hemostasis and thrombosis. The glycoprotein components of the matrix are considered important in this interaction. Of these, collagen binds and activates platelets and induces their aggregation. In this study we demonstrate that substrate-bound laminin causes time- and concentration-dependent adherence of human platelets to the substrate. The binding of platelets to laminin was found to be similar in some respects, but different in others, to their binding to surfaces coated with fibronectin or collagen. The binding of platelets to laminin or fibronectin was not associated with their activation under conditions in which type I collagen activates the platelets as measured by [14C]serotonin secretion. Platelets bound to laminin and fibronectin differed in their appearance; they remained rounded on laminin whereas they flattened completely on fibronectin. Binding of platelets to fibronectin, but not laminin, is inhibited by a recently described peptide (Pierschbacher, M., and E. Ruoslahti, 1984, Nature (Lond.), 309:30-33) containing the cell-attachment tetrapeptide sequence of fibronectin, which suggests that separate receptors exist for laminin and fibronectin. These studies establish laminin as a platelet-binding protein and suggest that laminin can contribute to the adhesiveness of exposed tissue matrices to platelets. Since laminin and fibronectin do not activate platelets, whereas collagen does, and laminin differs from fibronectin in that it does not induce spreading of the attached platelets, all three proteins appear to confer different signals to the platelets. Some of these may be related to platelet functions other than those necessary for the formation of a hemostatic plug.