Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term clearance from small airways in patients with cystic fibrosis

Impaired mucociliary clearance is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF). Early morphological changes first appear in the small airways. Lung clearance was investigated in 11 young CF adults with mild-to-moderate lung disease using a method depositing particles mainly in the small airways. Radiolabelled Teflon particles (6 µm) were inhaled with an extremely slow inhalation flow, 0.05 L·s−1. Lung retention was measured immediately following inhalations and, on four occasions up to 21 days. The results were compared with data from healthy subjects. The lung retention at 24 h in % of deposition was 67% (95% confidence interval 58–76) in the CF patients, compared to 48% (42–53) in the healthy subjects. Clearance on days 1–7 was larger in the CF patients, 22% (15–29) compared to the healthy subjects, 14% (12–16). No difference was observed between the CF patients and the healthy subjects in the slow clearance phase at day 7 to day 21, representing small airway clearance. Impaired mucociliary clearance in CF patients results in increased 24-h retention and a prolonged rapid clearance phase. The results of the study do not support the current authors' hypothesis that clearance from small airways is slower in cystic fibrosis patients compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, the data suggest that mucociliary transport is not the dominant clearance mechanism in small airways.
Changing outcome in inflammatory neuropathies

Objectives: We performed responsiveness comparison between the patient-reported Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS) and the widely used clinician-reported Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment–Overall Neuropathy Limitation Scale (INCAT-ONLS) in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), and immunoglobulin M–monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance related polyneuropathy (IgM-MGUSP). Methods: One hundred thirty-seven patients (GBS: 55, CIDP: 59, IgM-MGUSP: 23) with a new diagnosis or clinical relapse assessed both scales. Patients with GBS/CIDP were examined at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; patients with IgM-MGUSP at 0, 3, and 12. We subjected all data to Rasch analyses, and calculated for each patient the magnitude of change on both scales using the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) related to the individual standard errors (SEs). A responder was defined as having an MCID-SE ≥1.96. Individual scores on both measures were correlated with the EuroQoL thermometer (heuristic responsiveness). Results: The I-RODS showed a significantly higher proportion of meaningful improvement compared with the INCAT-ONLS findings in GBS/CIDP. For IgM-MGUSP, the lack of responsiveness during the 1-year study did not allow a clear separation. Heuristic responsiveness was consistently higher with the I-RODS. Conclusion: The I-RODS more often captures clinically meaningful changes over time, with a greater magnitude of change, compared with the INCAT-ONLS disability scale in patients with GBS and CIDP. The I-RODS offers promise for being a more sensitive measure and its use is therefore suggested in future trials involving patients with GBS and CIDP.
Rethinking the Triggering Inflammatory Processes of Chronic Periaortitis

Chronic periaortitis (CP) is an uncommon inflammatory disease which primarily involves the infrarenal portion of the abdominal aorta. However, CP should be regarded as a generalized disease with three different pathophysiological entities, namely idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm and perianeurysmal RPF. These entities share similar histopathological characteristics and finally will lead to fibrosis of the retroperitoneal space. Beside fibrosis, an infiltrate with variable chronic inflammatory cell is present. The majority of these cells are lymphocytes and macrophages as well as vascular endothelial cells, most of which are HLA-DR-positive. B and T cells are present with a majority of T cells of the T-helper phenotype. Cytokine gene expression analysis shows the presence of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-4, interferon-γ and IL-2 receptors. Adhesion molecules such as E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were also found in aortic tissue, and may play a significant role in CP pathophysiology. Although CP pathogenesis remains unknown, an exaggeratedinflammatory response to advanced atherosclerosis (ATS) has been postulatedto be the main process. Autoimmunity has also beenproposed as a contributing factor based on immunohistochemical studies. The suspected allergen may be a component of ceroid, which is elaborated within the atheroma. We review the pathogenesis and the pathophysiology of CP, and its potential links with ATS. Clinically relevant issues are summarized in each section with regard to the current working hypothesis of this complex inflammatory disease.
Strategic Complementarities and Search Market Equilibrium

In this paper, we apply supermodular game theory to the equilibrium search literature with sequential search. We identify necessary and sufficient conditions for strategic complementarities and prove existence of search market equilibrium. When firms are identical, the Diamond Paradox obtains and is robust within the class of search cost densities that are small near zero and support strategic complementarities. Price dispersion is therefore inherently incompatible with strategic complementarities. Finally, we show that a major criticism of the literature, that agents act as if they know the distribution of prices, can be justified in the sense of convergent best response dynamics.
Personalized Web Information Recommendation Algorithm Based on Support Vector Machine

With the explosion of Web information, how to immediately and exactly find the needed information for each user has become a tough problem. To meet the personalized needs of users in information service, a new personalized recommendation algorithm based on support vector machine was proposed in the paper. First, user profile was organized hierarchically into field information and atomic information needs, considering similar information needs in the group users. Support vector machine was adopted for collaborative recommendation in classification mode, and then vector space model was used for content-based recommendation according to atomic information needs. The algorithm had overcome the demerit of using collaborative or content-based recommendation solely, which improved the precision and recall in a large degree. It also fits for large scale group recommendation. The algorithm was also used in personalized information recommendation service system. The system could support information recommendation better. The results manifested that the algorithm was effective.
Feature-based Decipherment for Large Vocabulary Machine Translation

Orthographic similarities across languages provide a strong signal for probabilistic decipherment, especially for closely related language pairs. The existing decipherment models, however, are not well-suited for exploiting these orthographic similarities. We propose a log-linear model with latent variables that incorporates orthographic similarity features. Maximum likelihood training is computationally expensive for the proposed log-linear model. To address this challenge, we perform approximate inference via MCMC sampling and contrastive divergence. Our results show that the proposed log-linear model with contrastive divergence scales to large vocabularies and outperforms the existing generative decipherment models by exploiting the orthographic features.
The Wick in the Candle of Learning

Curiosity has been described as a desire for learning and knowledge, but its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We scanned subjects with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they read trivia questions. The level of curiosity when reading questions was correlated with activity in caudate regions previously suggested to be involved in anticipated reward. This finding led to a behavioral study, which showed that subjects spent more scarce resources (either limited tokens or waiting time) to find out answers when they were more curious. The functional imaging also showed that curiosity increased activity in memory areas when subjects guessed incorrectly, which suggests that curiosity may enhance memory for surprising new information. This prediction about memory enhancement was confirmed in a behavioral study: Higher curiosity in an initial session was correlated with better recall of surprising answers 1 to 2 weeks later.
The functional influence of nicotinic cholinergic receptors on the visual responses of neurones in the superficial superior colliculus

In the rat, the superficial gray layer (SGS) of the superior colliculus receives glutamatergic projections from the contralateral retina and from the visual cortex. A few fibers from the ipsilateral retina also directly innervate the SGS, but most of the ipsilateral visual input is provided by cholinergic afferents from the opposing parabigeminal nucleus (PBG). Thus, visual input carried by cholinergic afferents may have a functional influence on the responses of SGS neurones. When single neuronal extracellular recording and iontophoretic drug application were employed to examine this possibility, cholinergic agonists were found to depress responses to visual stimulation. Lobeline and 1-acetyl-4-methylpiperazine both depressed visually evoked activity and had a tendency to reduce the background firing rate of the neurones. Carbachol depressed the visual responses without any significant effect on the ongoing activity, while the muscarinic receptor selective agonist methacholine increased the background activity of the neurones and reduced their visual responses. Lobeline was chosen for further studies on the role of nicotinic receptors in SGS. Given that nicotinic receptors are associated with retinal terminals in SGS, and that the activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors normally facilitates transmitter release (in this case glutamate release), the depressant effects of nicotinic agonists are intriguing. However, many retinal afferents contact inhibitory neurones in SGS; thus it is possible that the increase in glutamate release in turn facilitates the liberation of GABA which goes on to inhibit the visual responses. We therefore attempted to reverse the effects of lobeline with GABA receptor antagonists. The depressant effects of lobeline on the visual response could not be reversed by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, but the GABAB antagonist CGP 35348 reduced the effects of lobeline. We hypothesize that cholinergic drive from the parabigeminal nucleus may activate presynaptic nicotinic receptors on retinal terminals, thereby facilitating the release of glutamate onto inhibitory neurones. Consequently GABA is released, activating GABAB receptors, and thus the ultimate effect of nicotinic receptor activation is to depress visual responses.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the metal hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens

The metal hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens is an established model to study the adaptation of plants to metalliferous soils. Various comparators have been used in these studies. The choice of suitable comparators is important and depends on the hypothesis to be tested and methods to be used. In high-throughput analyses such as microarray, N. caerulescens has been compared to non-tolerant, non-accumulator plants like Arabidopsis thaliana or Thlaspi arvense rather than to the related hypertolerant or hyperaccumulator plants. An underutilized source is N. caerulescens populations with considerable variation in their capacity to accumulate and tolerate metals. Whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) is revealing interesting variation in their gene expression profiles. Combining physiological characteristics of N. caerulescens accessions with their RNA-Seq has a great potential to provide detailed insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms, including entirely new gene products. In this review we will critically consider comparative transcriptome analyses carried out to explore metal hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance of N. caerulescens, and demonstrate the potential of RNA-Seq analysis as a tool in evolutionary genomics.
Novel Complete Probabilistic Models of Random Variation in High Frequency Performance of Nanoscale MOSFET

The novel probabilistic models of the random variations in nanoscale MOSFET's high frequency performance defined in terms of gate capacitance and transition frequency have been proposed. As the transition frequency variation has also been considered, the proposed models are considered as complete unlike the previous one which take only the gate capacitance variation into account. The proposed models have been found to be both analytic and physical level oriented as they are the precise mathematical expressions in terms of physical parameters. Since the up-to-date model of variation in MOSFET's characteristic induced by physical level fluctuation has been used, part of the proposed models for gate capacitance is more accurate and physical level oriented than its predecessor. The proposed models have been verified based on the 65 nm CMOS technology by using the Monte-Carlo SPICE simulations of benchmark circuits and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests as highly accurate since they fit the Monte-Carlo-based analysis results with 99% confidence. Hence, these novel models have been found to be versatile for the statistical/variability aware analysis/design of nanoscale MOSFET-based analog/mixed signal circuits and systems.
ACID-BASE REGULATION IN THE ATLANTIC HAGFISH MYXINE GLUTINOSA

Blood acid-base status and net transfers of acidic equivalents to the external environment were studied in hagfish, Myxine glutinosa , infused with ammonium sulphate (4mequivkg − 1 NH 4 + ) or with sulphuric acid (3mequiv kg −1 H + ). Hagfish extracellular fluids (ECF) play a greater role in acid-base regulation than in teleosts. This is because hagfish have a much larger blood volume relative to teleosts, despite a relatively low blood buffering capacity. Consequently, infusion of ammonium sulphate produced only half of the acidosis produced in marine teleosts in comparable studies, and hagfish readily tolerated a threefold greater direct H + load. Furthermore, the H + load was largely retained and buffered in the extracellular space. Despite smaller acid-base disturbances, rates of net H + excretion to the external environment were, nonetheless, comparable to those of marine teleosts, and net acid excretion persisted until blood acid-base disturbances were corrected. We conclude that the gills of the hagfish are at least as competent for acid-base regulation as those of marine teleosts. The nature of the H + excretion mechanism is discussed.
Genotype analysis of hepatitis delta virus from hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients using PCR-RFLP in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis delta virus is a unique human pathogen responsible for some 20 million infections globally. This virus is dependent on hepatitis B virus for transmission and propagation. Currently, at least three genotypes of hepatitis delta virus with different geographic distribution and clinical manifestations are described. METHODS In this study, hepatitis delta virus RNA of 35 patients' sera were analyzed by RT- semi-nested polymerase chain reaction. Based on genomic differences of hepatitis delta antigen coding region of hepatitis delta virus RNA among hepatitis delta virus RNA-positive sera, the polymerase chain reaction products were digested with restriction enzymes and studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS Out of 35 samples, 13 (38.46%) were positive for hepatitis delta virus RNA by RT- semi-nested polymerase chain reaction. All polymorphisms were shown to be genotype I. Out of 13 hepatitis delta virus RNA-positive (13/35), eight were HBeAg negative. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that hepatitis delta virus isolates in Tehran are exclusively genotype I.
International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA): results from the Netherlands: El Inventario Internacional de Resultados para Auxiliares Auditivos (IOI-HA): resultados en los Países Bajos

This paper presents data on the Dutch translation of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA). The inventory was used as an additional postal tool in a nationwide study on the benefits of bilateral hearing aid fitting. Responses of 505 hearing aid users were analysed. Descriptive statistics and inter-item correlations are reported. Factor analysis resulted in the extraction of two factors. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and corrected item total correlations showed high internal consistency of the scales. Significant correlations were found between IOI Factor 2 and the Hearing Handicap and Disability Inventory and subscales of the Amsterdam Invcntory for Hearing Disability and Handicap. Sumario Este trabajo presenta los datos de la traducciócute;n al holandés del Inventario Internacional de Resultados para Auxiliares Auditivos (IOI-HA). El inventario fue usado como un instrumento postal adicional en un estudio nacional acerca de los beneficios de la adaptatiócute;n bilateral de auxiliares auditivos. Se analizaron las respuestas de 505 usuarios de auxiliares auditivos. Se reportan los datos estadisticos descriptivos y las correlaciones entre los items. El factor de analisis finalìzócute; en la extractiócute;n de dos factores. Los coeficientes alpha de Cronbach y las correlaciones totales de los items corregidos mostraron una alta consistencia interna de las escalas. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre el factor2 IOI, el Inventario de desventaja y discapacidad auditiva y las subescalas del Inventario Amsterdam para discapacidad y desventaja auditiva.
Connective tissue growth factor siRNA modulates mRNA levels for a subset of molecules in normal and TGF‐β1–stimulated porcine skin fibroblasts

Previous studies in a pig model of skin wound healing showed a coordinate expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and exposure of porcine skin fibroblasts in vitro to recombinant human CTGF significantly up‐regulated mRNA levels for a number of molecules. Therefore, based on recent reports that small interfering RNA (siRNA; double‐stranded RNA) can effect silencing of the expression of gene(s), this approach has now been used with CTGF‐specific siRNA to better understand the function of this growth factor in regulating matrix homeostasis and repair. Normal skin fibroblasts from Yorkshire pigs were treated with 0.1–0.8 µM CTGF siRNA, TGF‐β, or TGF‐β plus CTGF siRNA for 12–48 hours. Total RNA was isolated and quantified, and then mRNA levels for specific molecules were analyzed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels for CTGF and HSP47 were assessed by Western‐blot analysis. CTGF siRNA transfection led to significant decreases in mRNA and protein levels for CTGF in both a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. mRNA levels for types I and III procollagen, decorin, HSP47, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase ‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and basic fibroblast growth factor were also significantly and uniquely decreased following exposure of cells to CTGF siRNA. Addition of TGF‐β to the cells led to increases in CTGF mRNA levels that were blocked by CTGF siRNA. CTGF siRNA exposure also significantly and selectively down‐regulated TGF‐β–mediated increases in mRNA levels for types I and III procollagen. The results indicate that CTGF can regulate extracellular matrix molecule, growth factor, and proteinase inhibitor gene expression, and that some of the TGF‐β effects on skin fibroblasts are via a CTGF‐dependent pathway. (WOUND REP REG 2004;12:–)
Population structure of the wild soybean (Glycine soja) in China: implications from microsatellite analyses.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Wild soybean (Glycine soja), a native species of East Asia, is the closest wild relative of the cultivated soybean (G. max) and supplies valuable genetic resources for cultivar breeding. Analyses of the genetic variation and population structure of wild soybean are fundamental for effective conservation studies and utilization of this valuable genetic resource. METHODS In this study, 40 wild soybean populations from China were genotyped with 20 microsatellites to investigate the natural population structure and genetic diversity. These results were integrated with previous microsatellite analyses for 231 representative individuals from East Asia to investigate the genetic relationships of wild soybeans from China. KEY RESULTS Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 43·92 % of the molecular variance occurred within populations, although relatively low genetic diversity was detected for natural wild soybean populations. Most of the populations exhibited significant effects of a genetic bottleneck. Principal co-ordinate analysis, construction of a Neighbor-Joining tree and Bayesian clustering indicated two main genotypic clusters of wild soybean from China. The wild soybean populations, which are distributed in north-east and south China, separated by the Huang-Huai Valley, displayed similar genotypes, whereas those populations from the Huang-Huai Valley were different. CONCLUSIONS The previously unknown population structure of the natural populations of wild soybean distributed throughout China was determined. Two evolutionarily significant units were defined and further analysed by combining genetic diversity and structure analyses from Chinese populations with representative samples from Eastern Asia. The study suggests that during the glacial period there may have been an expansion route between south-east and north-east China, via the temperate forests in the East China Sea Land Bridge, which resulted in similar genotypes of wild soybean populations from these regions. Genetic diversity and bottleneck analysis supports that both extensive collection of germplasm resources and habitat management strategies should be undertaken for effective conservation studies of these important wild soybean resources.
A study on field distribution of thin film heads

The field distribution of a thin-film inductive head and its relationship to pole configurations are examined. Three components of the field distribution at high frequencies are measured using a newly developed electron beam tomography method. Focused ion beam etching is used for the processing of the pole configuration. A comparison between the measured field distribution and the results of three-dimensional computer simulation shows that a sharp field distribution suitable for high-density recording is produced to promote magnetization at the tip region. Furthermore, the optimum design of the pole configuration clarifies the feasibility of 1- mu m track recording. >
Semantics of negation in extensional higher-order logic programming

There exist two different extensional approaches to the semantics of positive higher-order logic programming, introduced by W. W. Wadge and M. Bezem respectively. We show that the two approaches coincide for a broad class of programs, but differ in general. Moreover, we adapt Bezems technique under the well-founded, stable model and infinite-valued semantics and show that only the latter succeeds in retaining extensionality in the general case. We analyse the reasons for the failure of the well-founded adaptation of Bezem’s technique, arguing that a three-valued setting cannot distinguish between certain predicates that appear to have a different behaviour inside a program context, but which happen to be identical as three-valued relations. Finally, we define for the first time the notions of stratification and local stratification for higher-order logic programs with negation and prove that every stratified program has a distinguished extensional model, which can be equivalently obtained through the well-founded, stable model or infinite-valued semantics.