Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SyStEmatIcS , morphology aNd phySIology New mariner Elements in Anastrepha Species ( Diptera : Tephritidae )

Mariner-like elements (MLE) are members from class II of transposable elements also known as DNA transposons. These elements have a wide distribution among different groups of organisms, including insects, which can be explained by horizontal and vertical gene-transfer. MLE families have been described in tephritid flies and other genera. During screening for Wolbachia bacteria in fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha, we discovered two sequences related to mariner-like elements. Based on these sequences, we designed primers that allowed us to isolate and characterize two new mariner-like elements (Anmar1 and Anmar2) in Anastrepha flies. These elements, which belong to the mellifera and rosa subfamilies have a low nucleotide diversity, and are probably inactive and acquired by vertical transfer. This is the first report of mariner-like transposons in flies found in South America.
Partial splenic embolization for the treatment of hypersplenism in cirrhosis

Hypersplenism is of great relevance in the management of cirrhosis because of the widespread use of myelodepressant drugs such as interferon or antineoplastic agents. Because no standard therapy exists for this complication, we have evaluated the efficacy and risks of splenic embolization in the treatment of hypersplenism in cirrhosis. Partial splenic embolization was performed in 40 consecutive patients with the following indications: 25 patients with active viral cirrhosis before interferon therapy, 8 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma before antineoplastic chemotherapy and 7 patients with thrombocytopenia associated with spontaneous bleeding events, with high risk of central nervous system hemorrhage or facing major surgery. After selective catheterization of the splenic artery, partial splenic embolization was performed by means of repeated injections of gelatin sponge until a 40% to 60% reduction in the splenic blood flow was achieved. After partial splenic embolization a significant and sustained increase in platelet and white blood cell count was observed during the follow‐up period (mean = 13.9 ± 2.2 mo; range = 1 to 36 mo). The goal of partial splenic embolization was achieved in all but two patients in whom a dose reduction of interferon was needed. Hypersplenism relapsed in only seven patients, and all of them exhibited an embolization of less than 50% of the splenic mass. Postembolization syndrome was the main side effect, but no life‐threatening complications were detected. In conclusion, partial splenic embolization is a safe and effective therapy of hypersplenism in cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;18:309–314).
Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 2 Augments cGMP and cAMP Signaling to Ameliorate Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure, remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, and right ventricular failure. Loss of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin contributes to PH pathogenesis, and current therapies are targeted to restore these pathways. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a family of enzymes that break down cGMP and cAMP, which underpin the bioactivity of NO and prostacyclin. PDE5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) are licensed for PH, but a role for PDE2 in lung physiology and disease has yet to be established. Herein, we investigated whether PDE2 inhibition modulates pulmonary cyclic nucleotide signaling and ameliorates experimental PH. Methods and Results— The selective PDE2 inhibitor BAY 60-7550 augmented atrial natriuretic peptide– and treprostinil-evoked pulmonary vascular relaxation in isolated arteries from chronically hypoxic rats. BAY 60-7550 prevented the onset of both hypoxia- and bleomycin-induced PH and produced a significantly greater reduction in disease severity when given in combination with a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor (enhances endogenous natriuretic peptides), trepostinil, inorganic nitrate (NO donor), or a PDE5 inhibitor. Proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension was reduced by BAY 60-7550, an effect further enhanced in the presence of atrial natriuretic peptide, NO, and treprostinil. Conclusions— PDE2 inhibition elicits pulmonary dilation, prevents pulmonary vascular remodeling, and reduces the right ventricular hypertrophy characteristic of PH. This favorable pharmacodynamic profile is dependent on natriuretic peptide bioactivity and is additive with prostacyclin analogues, PDE5 inhibitor, and NO. PDE2 inhibition represents a viable, orally active therapy for PH.
The feeding value of dry-rolled and steam-flaked corn in finishing diets for feedlot cattle: influence of protein supplementation.

We used 80 medium-framed yearling crossbred heifers (357 kg) in a 110-d trial to evaluate the influence of dietary protein level (11 vs 14%) on the feeding value of dry-rolled (DRC) and steam-flaked corn (SFC). All diets contained 1% urea; cottonseed meal (CSM) was the source of supplemental undegradable intake protein (UIP). Steam flaking corn reduced DMI (9%, P < .10) and increased (P < .01) feed efficiency (14%), dietary NEm (13%), and NEg (15%). Steam flaking increased the NEm by 17% and NEg by 19%. Supplemental CSM decreased (P < .10) feed efficiency (7%) and dietary NEm (4%) and NEg (6%). There were no treatment effects (P > .10) on carcass characteristics. Steam flaking corn increased (P < .05) fecal pH and reduced (P < .01) fecal starch. Supplemental CSM increased (P < .01) fecal pH and reduced (P < .01) fecal starch. Four Holstein steers (413 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate treatment effects on digestive function. Steam flaking corn increased (P < .05) flow of nonammonia N (11%, P < .05) and microbial N (15%, P < .01) to the duodenum. Supplemental CSM increased the flow of microbial N (6%, P < .01), feed N (21%, P < .10), and nonammonia N (12%, P < .05) to the duodenum. The UIP value of CSM was 28% for the DRC diet and 52% for the SFC diet. Steam flaking corn increased (P < .01) ruminal starch digestion (26%) and total tract digestibility of OM (17%), N (15%), starch (19%), and GE (17%). Steam flaking increased the DE value of corn by 21%. Supplemental CSM did not influence (P > .10) postruminal or total tract starch digestion. Supplemental CSM decreased (7%, P < .10) the DE value of the diet. We conclude that increasing the postruminal protein supply of a corn-based finishing diet beyond that provided by urea supplementation, alone, will not enhance starch digestion or the energy value of the diet.
Admission control for VoIP and data traffic in IEEE 802.11 WLANs

This paper presents an novel analytical model for calculation of throughput of the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) under variable packet length assuming ideal channel conditions. The proposed model considers basic access scheme but can be easily applied to RTS/CTS reservation scheme. Moreover, we use this model to present a simple algorithm to compute the voice capacity of an IEEE 802.11b WLAN and propose a simple admission control algorithm in order to maintain voice quality in a WLAN. Comparison of analytical results produced utilizing our proposed scheme against other admission control algorithms found in the literature shows that our model is fairly accurate.
Heat of hydration models of cementitious materials

Silica fume from certain metallurgical operations, granulated slag from metal industries and fly ash from the combustion of coal are industrial by-products that have been widely used as mineral admixtures in normal- and high-strength concrete. Due to the reaction between calcium hydroxide (CH) and mineral admixtures, the hydration of concrete containing mineral admixtures is much more complex compared with that of Portland cement. In this paper, the production of CH in cement hydration and its consumption due to the reaction of mineral admixtures is considered in order to develop a numerical model that simulates the hydration of concrete containing silica fume, fly ash or slag. The heat evolution rates of these admixture-blended concrete were determined by the contribution of both cement hydration and the reaction of the mineral admixtures. The proposed model was verified with experimental data on concrete with different water/cement ratios and mineral admixture substitution ratios.
On the Average Case Behavior of the Multidimensional Assignment Problem

Di-ethylcarbonato esters of the formula where R2 represents two identical alkyl groups, are prepared by esterifying an aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of a dihydroxyphenalkyl-dialkylamine with ethyl chlorocarbonate in an inert atmosphere. The esterification product is extracted preferably with ether, and finally precipitated in the form of a hydrochloride by reaction with hydrogen chloride. In examples (1) 3 : 4 - dihydroxyphenethyldimethylamine hydrochloride is treated in small amounts alternately with dilute sodium hydroxide and ethyl chloro-carbonate. The product is extracted with ether and finally precipitated with hydrochloric acid gas; (2) b -(3 : 4-dihydroxyphenyl) propyldimethylamine is treated as in example (1); (3) b -(3 : 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-isopropyldimethylamine is treated as in example (1). b - (3 : 4 - dihydroxyphenyl) propyldimethylamine is prepared from 3 : 4-dimethoxyacetophenone by condensation with ethylbromoacetate to form ethyl-b -(3 : 4-dimethoxyphenyl) b -hydroxybutyrate which is dehydrated, catalytically reduced and then saponified to form b -(3 : 4-dimethoxyphenyl) butyric acid. This is converted into the amide and treated with sodium hypochlorite, and methylated with formaldehyde. The required product is formed by a subsequent demethylation. b - (3 : 4 - dihydroxyphenyl) isopropyldimethylamine is prepared from veratric aldehyde, and ethyl propionate which form by the Chaisen reaction a - methyl - 3 : 4 - dimethoxycinnamic acid. This is reduced, converted into the amide, subjected to the Hoffmann reaction, and then an Eschweiler reaction and finally demethylated.
Immunologic response to recombinant hirudin in HIT type II patients during long‐term treatment

We prospectively investigated 27 patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II who were subsequently treated with r‐hirudin. Patients with venous or arterial thromboembolism were treated with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)‐controlled intravenous r‐hirudin (n = 19; mean 19.3 d) followed by subcutaneous r‐hirudin (n = 6; mean 22.5 d) and oral anticoagulation. Patients without thromboembolism were treated with subcutaneous r‐hirudin (n = 8; mean 25.9 d). Four patients were readmitted to subcutaneous r‐hirudin for a mean duration of 32 d. The incidence of r‐hirudin antibodies was 84% for intravenously treated patients and 50% in subcutaneously treated patients. The patients (n = 27) showed a 74% overall incidence of r‐hirudin antibodies, mainly of the IgG‐subclass, without seroconversion before day 6 and after day 32 of r‐hirudin treatment or during r‐hirudin treatment. None of the patients showed onset or recurrence of venous or arterial thromboembolism, systemic allergic reactions or IgE‐antibody development.
Input Impedance of the Systemic Circulation in Man

To determine the systemic input impedance, pulsatile pressure and flow were measured in the ascending aorta in 16 human subjects who were undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Blood flow was measured with a catheter-tip electromagnetic velocity meter, and pressure with an external transducer connected with the fluid-filled lumen of the catheter. Five subjects were found to have no evidence of cardiovascular disease (group A, mean age 32 ± 2 years, mean aortic pressure 97 ± 4 mm Hg). Seven had clinical and angiographic signs of coronary arterial disease, and mean pressures less than 100 mm Hg (group B, mean age 48 ± 2 years). Four subjects had signs of coronary disease and mean pressures greater than 100 mm Hg (group C, mean age 48 ± 3 years). The frequency spectra of impedance were qualitatively similar in all three groups and resembled those previously observed in the canine aorta. Characteristic impedance was lower in the normal subjects (group A, average 53 dyn sec cm−5) than in the subjects with coronary artery disease (groups B and C, average 129 dyn sec cm−5). Among the subjects with coronary disease, characteristic impedance was higher in the hypertensive subjects (group C, average 202 dyn sec cm−5) than in those with lower mean pressures (group B, average 95 dyn sec cm−5). External left ventricular work per unit time (hydraulic power) averaged 1715 milliwatts (mW) in group A, 1120 mW in group B, and 2372 mW in group C. Cardiac outputs were within normal limits in all subjects, but tended to be lower in group B than in group C. These results suggest that the subjects of group C were better able to meet the increased energy demands imposed by an abnormally high aortic input impedance. Further investigation is needed to learn whether the high impedances in subjects with coronary disease represent an increase with age and transmural pressure alone, or whether some additional factor is involved. The data on relatively normal subjects permit a tentative definition of the normal limits for aortic input impedance in man: 26-80 dyn sec cm−5.
Use of a Disulfide Cross-linking Strategy to Study Muscarinic Receptor Structure and Mechanisms of Activation*

To gain insight into the molecular architecture of the cytoplasmic surface of G protein-coupled receptors, we have developed a disulfide cross-linking strategy using the m3 muscarinic receptor as a model system. To facilitate the interpretation of disulfide cross-linking data, we initially generated a mutant m3 muscarinic receptor (referred to as m3′(3C)-Xa) in which most native Cys residues had been deleted or substituted with Ala or Ser (remaining Cys residues Cys-140, Cys-220, and Cys-532) and in which the central portion of the third intracellular loop had been replaced with a factor Xa cleavage site. Radioligand binding and second messenger assays showed that the m3′(3C)-Xa mutant receptor was fully functional. In the next step, pairs of Cys residues were reintroduced into the m3′(3C)-Xa construct, thus generating 10 double Cys mutant receptors. All 10 mutant receptors contained a Cys residue at position 169 at the beginning of the second intracellular loop and a second Cys within the C-terminal portion of the third intracellular loop, at positions 484–493. Radioligand binding studies and phosphatidylinositol assays indicated that all double Cys mutant receptors were properly folded. Membrane lysates prepared from COS-7 cells transfected with the different mutant receptor constructs were incubated with factor Xa protease and the oxidizing agent Cu(II)-(1,10-phenanthroline)3, and the formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds between juxtaposed Cys residues was monitored by using a combined immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting strategy. To our surprise, efficient disulfide cross-linking was observed with 8 of the 10 double Cys mutant receptors studied (Cys-169/Cys-484 to Cys-491), suggesting that the intracellular m3 receptor surface is characterized by pronounced backbone fluctuations. Moreover, [35S]guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding assays indicated that the formation of intramolecular disulfide cross-links prevented or strongly inhibited receptor-mediated G protein activation, suggesting that the highly dynamic character of the cytoplasmic receptor surface is a prerequisite for efficient receptor-G protein interactions. This is the first study using a disulfide mapping strategy to examine the three-dimensional structure of a hormone-activated G protein-coupled receptor.
Pathogenesis of Candida albicans Infections in the Alternative Chorio-Allantoic Membrane Chicken Embryo Model Resembles Systemic Murine Infections

Alternative models of microbial infections are increasingly used to screen virulence determinants of pathogens. In this study, we investigated the pathogenesis of Candida albicans and C. glabrata infections in chicken embryos infected via the chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) and analyzed the virulence of deletion mutants. The developing immune system of the host significantly influenced susceptibility: With increasing age, embryos became more resistant and mounted a more balanced immune response, characterized by lower induction of proinflammatory cytokines and increased transcription of regulatory cytokines, suggesting that immunopathology contributes to pathogenesis. While many aspects of the chicken embryo response resembled murine infections, we also observed significant differences: In contrast to systemic infections in mice, IL-10 had a beneficial effect in chicken embryos. IL-22 and IL-17A were only upregulated after the peak mortality in the chicken embryo model occurred; thus, the role of the Th17 response in this model remains unclear. Abscess formation occurs frequently in murine models, whereas the avian response was dominated by granuloma formation. Pathogenicity of the majority of 15 tested C. albicans deletion strains was comparable to the virulence in mouse models and reduced virulence was associated with significantly lower transcription of proinflammatory cytokines. However, fungal burden did not correlate with virulence and for few mutants like bcr1Δ and tec1Δ different outcomes in survival compared to murine infections were observed. C. albicans strains locked in the yeast stage disseminated significantly more often from the CAM into the embryo, supporting the hypothesis that the yeast morphology is responsible for dissemination in systemic infections. These data suggest that the pathogenesis of C. albicans infections in the chicken embryo model resembles systemic murine infections but also differs in some aspects. Despite its limitations, it presents a useful alternative tool to pre-screen C. albicans strains to select strains for subsequent testing in murine models.
Aspirin and Low-Dose Nitric Oxide–Donating Aspirin Increase Life Span in a Lynch Syndrome Mouse Model

Nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAID) appear to be effective cancer chemopreventives. Previous cellular studies showed that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid: ASA) and nitric oxide–donating ASA (NO-ASA) suppressed microsatellite instability (MSI) in mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cells linked to the common cancer predisposition syndrome hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome (LS/HNPCC), at doses 300- to 3,000-fold less than ASA. Using a mouse model that develops MMR-deficient intestinal tumors that appear pathologically identical to LS/HNPCC, we show that ASA (400 mg/kg) and low-dose NO-ASA (72 mg/kg) increased life span by 18% to 21%. We also note a trend where ASA treatment resulted in intestinal tumors with reduced high MSI (H-MSI) and increased low MSI (L-MSI) as defined by the Bethesda Criteria. Low-dose NO-ASA had a minimal effect on MSI status. In contrast to previous studies, high-dose NO-ASA (720/1,500 mg/kg) treatments increased tumor burden, decreased life span, and exacerbated MSI uniquely in the LS/HNPCC mouse model. These results suggest that MMR-deficient tissues/mice may be specifically sensitive to intrinsic pharmacokinetic features of this drug. It is likely that long-term treatment with ASA may represent a chemopreventive option for LS/HNPCC patients. Moreover, as low-dose NO-ASA shows equivalent life span increase at 10-fold lower doses than ASA, it may have the potential to significantly reduce the gastropathy associated with long-term ASA treatment. Cancer Prev Res; 4(5); 684–93. ©2011 AACR.
Human Computer Interactions in Next-Generation of Aircraft Smart Navigation Management Systems: Task Analysis and Architecture under an Agent-Oriented Methodological Approach

The limited efficiency of current air traffic systems will require a next-generation of Smart Air Traffic System (SATS) that relies on current technological advances. This challenge means a transition toward a new navigation and air-traffic procedures paradigm, where pilots and air traffic controllers perform and coordinate their activities according to new roles and technological supports. The design of new Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) for performing these activities is a key element of SATS. However efforts for developing such tools need to be inspired on a parallel characterization of hypothetical air traffic scenarios compatible with current ones. This paper is focused on airborne HCI into SATS where cockpit inputs came from aircraft navigation systems, surrounding traffic situation, controllers’ indications, etc. So the HCI is intended to enhance situation awareness and decision-making through pilot cockpit. This work approach considers SATS as a system distributed on a large-scale with uncertainty in a dynamic environment. Therefore, a multi-agent systems based approach is well suited for modeling such an environment. We demonstrate that current methodologies for designing multi-agent systems are a useful tool to characterize HCI. We specifically illustrate how the selected methodological approach provides enough guidelines to obtain a cockpit HCI design that complies with future SATS specifications.
Specific lysis of allogeneic cells after activation of CD3- lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte culture

Human CD3- lymphocyte populations were obtained by treating peripheral blood lymphocytes with mAbs directed to CD3, CD4, and CD8 surface antigens. The resulting populations were cultured with irradiated allogeneic cells; at day 4, 100 U/ml IL-2 were added and cultures continued for an additional 10 d. The resulting populations were CD3- CD2+CD7+ and displayed cytolytic activity against PHA-induced blast cells bearing the stimulating alloantigens but not against autologous or unrelated allogeneic blast cells. When CD3- populations were cultured with irradiated autologous cells, no cytolytic activity could be detected either against autologous or allogeneic blast cells. On the other hand, K562 target cells were lysed by both MLC-derived CD3- cell populations regardless of the origin (autologous or allogeneic) of the stimulating cells. CD3- clones were further derived from MLC-stimulated CD3- populations. These clones displayed a cytolytic pattern similar to the original MLC populations as only specific PHA blasts could be lysed. These clones did not express detectable surface TCR-alpha/beta or -gamma/delta molecules and lacked productive mRNA for TCR alpha and beta chains, while small amounts of TCR-gamma mRNA were detectable in one of four clones tested. Also mRNA for CD3 gamma and delta chains were undetectable in all clones, however, CD3 epsilon mRNA was consistently present.
A meta-circular language for active libraries

We present a new Java-like language design coupling disciplined meta-programming features with a composition language. That is, programmers can write meta expressions that combine class definitions, on top of a small set of composition operators, inspired by the seminal Bracha's Jigsaw framework. Moreover, such operators are deep, that is, they allow manipulation (e.g., renaming or duplication) of a nested class at any level of depth. This provides an effective language support for active libraries: namely, a (library) class can provide a method returning a customized version of a class, depending, e.g., on the execution platform. Since a class can contain nested classes, a whole library can be generated in this way. That is, deep operators allows the programmer to better exploit meta-programming capabilities, leading to a "meta-programming in the large" style. We adopt a mixed typechecking technique, which provides a good compromise between meta-programming systems with extreme expressiveness and no static type checking, and those with strong type system and only limited meta-programming capability. In particular, our technique ensures an important property, called meta-level soundness, stating that typing errors never originate from already compiled (meta-)code, that is, programmers can safely use (active) libraries.