Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequential changes in the gene expression profile of murine retinal progenitor cells during the induction of differentiation

Purpose Following transplantation, cultured retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) integrate into the diseased host retina and exhibit morphologies and markers indicative of local cellular phenotypes. In vitro analysis of cultured RPCs allows detailed examination of marker gene expression during the initial phase of differentiation and can provide insight into the variables influencing this process. Methods Using cultured murine RPCs, this study compares the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS) with those of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), individually or in combination with epidermal growth factor (EGF). Differentiation was assessed by way of the relative expression of 17 genes using quantitative PCR (qPCR) at five time points over a seven-day period. Results Both CNTF and FBS rapidly altered the gene expression of RPCs, with very marked upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP; FBS>CNTF) and marked down-regulation of the proliferation marker Ki-67, consistent with the induction of differentiation. The evidence supports a preponderantly pro-glial influence for both the FBS and CNTF, however, neuronal markers were also upregulated to a lesser extent. Immunocytochemistry confirmed subpopulations labeling with neuronal markers, including rhodopsin. In the presence of sustained EGF stimulation, the differentiating influences of both FBS and CNTF remained perceptible as transient peaks of relative gene expression, but were markedly diminished overall. Conclusions This study shows that it is possible to compare the relative efficacy of in vitro differentiation protocols using murine RPCs and qPCR. The differentiating influences of both serum and CNTF were confirmed, but shown to be powerfully moderated by EGF. This suggests that EGF withdrawal is the dominant feature of these differentiation protocols and that exposure to either serum or CNTF is insufficient to irreversibly commit a cultured RPC population to terminal differentiation unless accompanied by concomitant cessation of mitogenic stimulation.
Destination Unknown: Walking Side-by-Side without Knowing the Goal

Walking side by side is a common situation when we go from one place to another with another person while talking. Our previous study reported a basic mechanism for side-by-side walking, but in the previous model it was crucial that each agent knew where he or she was going, i.e. the route to the destination. However, we have recognized the need to model the situation where one of the agents does not know the destination. The extended model presented in this work has two states: leader-follower state and collaborative state. Depending on whether the follower agent has obtained a reliable estimate of the route to follow, the walking agents transition between the two states. The model is calibrated with trajectories acquired from pairs of people walking side by side, and then it is tested in a human-robot interaction scenario. The results demonstrate that the new extended model achieves better side-by-side performance than a standard method without knowledge of the subgoal.
Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and CRP Levels in Neonates With Sepsis

Background: Thyroid hormone abnormalities are frequently encountered in patients with critical illness. Sepsis is an important cause of death of neonates in developing countries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic role of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TSH) in neonates specifically with sepsis and septic shock and to correlate their levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: Forty neonates with sepsis were included in the study as cases. Neonates with gestational age less than 37 weeks, body weight less than 2,500 grams or with congenital abnormalities were excluded from the study. Septic neonates were further divided into sepsis survivors (n = 19), shock-survivors (n = 9) and non-survivors. Forty full term neonates without sepsis served as controls. Thyroid hormones and CRP were estimated by chemiluminescent immunometric assay and immunoturbidimetric assay respectively. Results: The FT3 and FT4 hormones levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in neonates with sepsis as compared to controls. No significant difference was observed in TSH levels. Non survivors had lower FT3 and FT4 levels (P < 0.05) compared to sepsis-survivor group. There was also a significant negative correlation between CRP and FT3 level in non-survivor group (r = -0.60; P = 0.02) and septic shock survivor group (r = -0.78; P = 0.006). Conclusions: Low levels of FT3 and elevation in CRP correlate closely with decreased survival in septic neonates. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4021/jem167w
The impact of dual bronchodilation on cardiovascular serious adverse events and mortality in COPD: a quantitative synthesis

Objective Long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are burdened by the potential risk of inducing cardiovascular serious adverse events (SAEs) in COPD patients. Since the risk of combining a LABA with a LAMA could be greater, we have carried out a quantitative synthesis to investigate the cardiovascular safety profile of LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). Methods A pair-wise and network meta-analysis was performed by using the data of the repository database ClinicalTrials.gov concerning the impact of approved LABA/LAMA FDCs versus monocomponents and/or placebo on cardiovascular SAEs in COPD. Results Overall, LABA/LAMA FDCs did not significantly (P>0.05) modulate the risk of cardiovascular SAEs versus monocomponents. However, the network meta-analysis indicated that aclidinium/formoterol 400/12 µg and tiotropium/olodaterol 5/5 µg were the safest FDCs, followed by umeclidinium/vilanterol 62.5/25 µg which was as safe as placebo, whereas glycopyrronium/formoterol 14.9/9.6, glycopyrronium/indacaterol 15.6/27.5 µg, and glycopyrronium/indacaterol 50/110 µg were the least safe FDCs. No impact on mortality was detected for each specific FDC. Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that LABA/LAMA FDC therapy is characterized by an excellent cardiovascular safety profile in COPD patients. However, the findings of this quantitative synthesis have been obtained from populations that participated in randomized clinical trials, and were devoid of major cardiovascular diseases. Thus, post-marketing surveillance and observational studies may help to better define the real impact of specific FDCs with regard to the cardiovascular risk.
Reviving extinct Mediterranean forest communities may improve ecosystem potential in a warmer future

The Mediterranean Basin is the region of Europe most vulnerable to negative climate-change impacts, including forest decline, increased wildfire, and biodiversity loss. Because humans have affected Mediterranean ecosystems for millennia, it is unclear whether the region's native ecosystems were more resilient to climate change than current ecosystems, and whether they would provide sustainable management options if restored. We simulated vegetation with the LandClim model, using present-day climate as well as future climate-change scenarios, in three representative areas that encompass a broad range of Mediterranean conditions and vegetation types. Sedimentary pollen records that document now-extinct forests help to validate the simulations. Forests modeled under present climate closely resemble the extinct forests when human disturbance is limited; under future scenarios, characterized by increased temperatures and decreased precipitation, extinct forests are projected to re-emerge. When combined with modeling, paleoecological evidence reveals the potential of native vegetation to re-establish under current and future climate conditions, and provides a template for novel management strategies to maintain forest productivity and biodiversity in a warmer and drier future.
The Social Ecology of Health: Leverage Points and Linkages

Abstract The authors demonstrate the usefulness of social ecology theory for improving the treatment and prevention of poor health. The social ecology of health, unlike the topics of previous triptychs in Behavioral Medicine, is a field without a clearly defined body of literature. We begin with an overview of the ecological perspective and ecological theory as outlined by Bronfenbrenner and colleagues, provide examples of how ecological concepts have been demonstrated to influence health, and discuss how these concepts can be used by health professionals. We present a heuristic model illustrating leverage points and linkages (ie, socioeconomic status, family, work, and school), for health, and we conclude with a consideration of the benefits of social ecology to health professionals and a summary of the limitations of the ecological model.
ENHANCEMENT OF HEALING IN SELECTED PROBLEM WOUNDS

Problem wounds represent a significant and growing challenge to our healthcare system. The incidence and prevalence of these wounds are increasing in the population resulting in growing utilization of healthcare resources and dollars expended. Venous leg ulcers represent the most common lower extremity wound seen in ambulatory wound care centers with recurrences frequent and outcomes often less than satisfactory. Pressure ulcers are common in patients in long term institutional care settings adding significant increases in cost, disability, and liability. Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes contribute to over half of lower extremity amputations in the United States in a group at risk representing only 3 per cent of the population (1). In response to this challenge specialized programs have emerged designed to identify and manage these patients using a variety of new technology to improve outcomes. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been increasingly utilized in an adjunctive role in many of these patients coinciding with optimized patient and local wound care.
Oral Administration of Fermented Soymilk Products Protects the Skin of Hairless Mice against Ultraviolet Damage

The protective effect of isoflavones on skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and their bioavailability were investigated in ovariectomized hairless mice fed diets composed of fermented soymilk containing aglycone forms of isoflavones or control soymilk containing glucose-conjugated forms of isoflavones. The erythema intensity of dorsal skin was significantly higher in ovariectomized mice than in sham-operated mice (p < 0.05). The erythema intensity and epidermal thickness of dorsal skin were significantly lower in the fermented soymilk diet group than in the control diet group (each p < 0.05). Levels of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in dorsal skin were significantly lower in the fermented soymilk diet group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Serum and dorsal skin isoflavone concentrations were significantly higher in the fermented soymilk diet group than in the soymilk diet group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that oral administration of a fermented soymilk diet increases isoflavone concentrations in the blood and skin, effectively scavenging the reactive oxygen species generated by UV irradiation and exerting an estrogen-like activity, with a consequent protective effect on skin photodamage in hairless mice.
Identity-Based Mediated RSA ?

Identity-based encryption (IBE) [5] and digital signatures are important tools in modern secure communication. In general, identity-based cryptographic methods facilitate easy introduction of public key cryptography by allowing an entity’s public key to be derived from some arbitrary identification value such as an email address or a phone number. Identity-based cryptography greatly reduces the need for, and reliance on, public key certificates. Mediated RSA (mRSA) [4] is a simple and practical method of splitting RSA private keys between the user and the Security Mediator (SEM). Neither the user nor the SEM can cheat one another since each signature or decryption must involve both parties. mRSA allows fast and fine-grained control (revocation) over users’ security privileges. However, mRSA still relies on public key certificates to derive public keys. Current identity-based cryptographic methods do not support fine-grained revocation while mediated cryptography (such as mRSA) still relies on public key certificates to derive public keys. In this paper we present IB-mRSA, a variant of mRSA that combines identity-based and mediated cryptography. IB-mRSA is simple, secure and very efficient.
MDMX: a novel p53‐binding protein with some functional properties of MDM2.

Here we report the isolation of a cDNA encoding a new p53‐associating protein. This new protein has been called MDMX on the basis of its structural similarity to MDM2, which is especially notable in the p53‐binding domain. In addition, the putative metal binding domains in the C‐terminal part of MDM2 are completely conserved in MDMX. The middle part of the MDMX and MDM2 proteins shows a low degree of conservation. We can show by co‐immunoprecipitation that the MDMX protein interacts specifically with p53 in vivo. This interaction probably occurs with the N‐terminal part of p53, because the activity of the transcription activation domain of p53 was inhibited by co‐transfection of MDMX. Northern blotting showed that MDMX, like MDM2, is expressed in all tissues tested, and that several mRNAs for MDMX can be detected. Interestingly, the level of MDMX mRNA is unchanged after UV irradiation, in contrast to MDM2 transcription. This observation suggests that MDMX may be a differently regulated modifier of p53 activity in comparison with MDM2. Our study indicates that at least one additional member of the MDM protein family exists which can modulate p53 function.
Brachial artery hyperemic blood flow velocities are related to carotid atherosclerosis

Objective: Cardiovascular (CV) risk relates to the blood flow velocity pattern in the brachial artery during hyperemia, especially to the hyperaemic systolic to diastolic mean blood flow velocity (SDFV) ratio. Here, we investigated the relations between SDFV in the brachial artery and different characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis.
Schema Matching And Mapping-based Data Integration

We propose a flexible framework called MOMA for mapping-based object Object matching or object consolidation is a crucial task for data integration and 370, COMA A System for Flexible Combination of Schema Matching Approaches. Schema matching and mapping are an important tasks for many applications, such as data integration, data warehousing and e-commerce. First and foremost our approach is based on the paradigm Agent-based Modeling and Simulation.
Paving the Way for Lignin Valorisation: Recent Advances in Bioengineering, Biorefining and Catalysis

Abstract Lignin is an abundant biopolymer with a high carbon content and high aromaticity. Despite its potential as a raw material for the fuel and chemical industries, lignin remains the most poorly utilised of the lignocellulosic biopolymers. Effective valorisation of lignin requires careful fine‐tuning of multiple “upstream” (i.e., lignin bioengineering, lignin isolation and “early‐stage catalytic conversion of lignin”) and “downstream” (i.e., lignin depolymerisation and upgrading) process stages, demanding input and understanding from a broad array of scientific disciplines. This review provides a “beginning‐to‐end” analysis of the recent advances reported in lignin valorisation. Particular emphasis is placed on the improved understanding of lignin's biosynthesis and structure, differences in structure and chemical bonding between native and technical lignins, emerging catalytic valorisation strategies, and the relationships between lignin structure and catalyst performance.
Semantic Web Technologies and Data Management

The Semantic Web aims to build a common framework that allows data to be shared and reused across applications, enterprises, and community boundaries. It proposes to use RDF as a flexible data model and use ontology to represent data semantics. Currently, relational models and XML tree models are widely used to represent structured and semi-structured data. But they offer limited means to capture the semantics of data. An XML Schema defines a syntax-valid XML document and has no formal semantics, and an ER model can capture data semantics well but it is hard for end-users to use them when the ER model is transformed into a physical database model on which user queries are evaluated. RDFS and OWL ontologies can effectively capture data semantics and enable semantic query and matching, as well as efficient data integration. The following example illustrates the unique value of semantic web technologies for data management.
The morphosyntax of a created language of the Philippines: folk linguistic effects and the limits of relexification

The Eskaya people of Bohol in the southern Philippines use the Eskayan language and script in specific domains: schooling, church, speechmaking and literary transcription. Both language and script are attributed to an ancestral creator known as Pinay. At first glance, Eskayan appears to be a simple relexification of the regional Visayan language of which Eskaya people are mother-tongue speakers, as translations of the traditional literature into Visayan have the appearance of word-for-word calques. However, the ostensibly straightforward relationship between the two lects becomes more problematic at the level of morphology. The 24 Visayan verbal affixes and their allomorphs are handled by just five Eskayan counterparts and traditional texts are replete with ambiguities that cannot always be resolved by Eskayan speakers. The review of Eskayan morphosyntax, and its relationships to Visayan structures, brings into focus the analytical categories that the putative creator Pinay brought to the task of constructing the language. More broadly, it draws attention to the scope for grammatical innovation in engineered languages, as well as the inherent constraints.
Association analysis of the vitamin D receptor gene, the type I collagen gene COL1A1, and the estrogen receptor gene in idiopathic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE Evidence has accumulated supporting a role for genes in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA). Several candidates have been targeted as potential susceptibility loci including genes that are involved in the regulation of bone density. Genetic association analysis has suggested a role for the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and the estrogen receptor gene (ER) in susceptibility. Such findings must be tested in additional independent cohorts. We tested for association of these 2 genes, plus a third gene implicated in bone density, COL1A1, with idiopathic OA. METHODS A case-control cohort of 371 affected probands and 369 unaffected spouses was used. Association was tested using 4 intragenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), one each for the VDR and COL1A1 genes, and 2 for the ER gene. The VDR and ER SNP are the same SNP that have been associated with OA. All 4 SNP affect restriction enzyme sites and were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and enzyme digestion. Allele and genotype distributions for each SNP were compared between cases and controls and analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS There was no evidence of association of the VDR or the ER gene SNP to OA. There was weak evidence of association of the COL1A1 SNP in female cases (p = 0.017), reflected by a difference in the distribution of genotypes at this SNP between female cases and controls (p = 0.027). However, when corrected for multiple testing, these results were not significant. CONCLUSION If the VDR, ER, or COL1A1 genes do encode predisposition to OA then the 4 SNP tested are not associated with major susceptibility alleles at these 3 loci.
Nonpharmacological approaches for reducing serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Purpose of review To reinforce the key role of diet and lifestyle modification as the first-line treatment for the reduction of raised serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Also, to counter recent claims that the current dietary guidelines for the treatment of cardiovascular disease have misplaced emphasis on the importance of removing dietary saturated fat instead of sugar. Recent findings This review provides new insight into the effects of diet and lifestyle factors with established efficacy in lowering serum LDL-C. This includes energy-restricted weight loss and new findings on the effects of alternative day fasting; novel metabolic and molecular effects of replacing palmitic acid with oleic acid; evidence for a dose–response relationship between the intake of dietary stanols and LDL-C; and identification of a unique metabolic pathway for the excretion of cholesterol. Summary The review reports new evidence for the efficacy of alternate day fasting, reassurance that the current dietary guidelines are not misguided by recommending removal of saturated fat, that a high intake of dietary stanols can achieve a reduction in LDL-C of up to 18%, and describes a pathway of cholesterol excretion that may help to explain variation in the response of serum LDL-C to dietary fat and cholesterol.
Control of arterial PCO2 by somatic afferents in sheep

The ventilatory response to electrically induced rhythmic muscle contractions (ERCs) was studied in six urethane–chloralose‐anaesthetized sheep, while arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure (P a,O 2 and P a,CO 2) and perfusion pressure were maintained constant at the known chemoreception sites. With cephalic P a,CO 2 held constant, the response to inhaled CO2 was virtually abolished (0.03 ± 0.04 l min−1 Torr−1). During low‐current ERC, which doubled the metabolic rate ( increased from 192 ± 23 to 317 ± 84 ml min−1, P < 0.01), followed the change in closely (from 5.24 ± 1.81 to −9.27 ± 3.60 l min−1, P < 0.01) in the absence of any chemical error signal occurring at carotid and central chemoreceptor level (Δcephalic P a,CO 2=−0.75 ± 1 Torr). Systemic P a,CO 2 decreased by −2.47 ± 1.9 Torr (P < 0.01). Both heart rate and systemic blood pressure increased significantly by 18.6 ± 5.5 beats min−1 and 7.0 ± 9.3 mmHg, respectively. When the CO2 flow to the central circulation was reduced during ERC by blocking venous return ( decreased by 102 ± 45 l min−1, P < 0.01), ventilation was stimulated (from 11.99 ± 4.11 to 13.01 ± 4.63 l min−1, P < 0.05). The opposite effect was observed when the arterial supply was blocked. Finally, raising the CO2 content and flow in the systemic blood did not significantly stimulate ventilation provided that the peripheral and central chemoreceptors were unaware of the changes in blood CO2/H+ composition. Our results support the existence of a system capable of controlling blood P a,CO 2 homeostasis when the metabolism increases independently of peripheral and central respiratory chemoreceptors. Information from the skeletal muscles related to the local vascular response provides the central nervous system with a respiratory stimulus proportional to the rate at which gases are exchanged in the muscles, thereby coupling ventilation to the metabolic rate.