Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of wavelet-like transforms in full-wave analysis of microstrip discontinuities

A full wave analysis of microstrip discontinuities is presented using both wavelet basis and wavelet transforms. In the method of solution, the exact spectral domain Green's function of the structure is used in the method of moments. The unknown higher order currents on the line are expanded in terms of cubic spline basis functions which belong to semi-orthogonal wavelet family. Application of moment method yields a set of linear algebraic equations. Change of bases through a wavelet-like transform produces the sparse matrix equation. In order to validate our proposed method, we have presented two examples; open-end and floating line. The approach has a proper edge current modeling and also leads to lower memory requirement and faster solve time. The accuracy of results are, also, demonstrated by comparison with the results of the other researchers.
New Integrated Strategy Emphasizing Infection Source Control to Curb Schistosomiasis japonica in a Marshland Area of Hubei Province, China: Findings from an Eight-Year Longitudinal Survey

Background Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in China. The major endemic foci are the lake and marshland regions of southern China, particularly the regions along the middle and lower reach of the Yangtze River in four provinces (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Anhui). The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of a new integrated strategy emphasizing infection source control to curb schistosomiasis in marshland regions. Methods In a longitudinal study, we implemented an integrated control strategy emphasizing infection source control in 16 villages from 2005 through 2012 in marshland regions of Hubei province. The interventions included removing cattle from snail-infested grasslands, providing farmers with mechanized farm equipment, improving sanitation by supplying tap water, building lavatories and latrines, praziquantel chemotherapy, controlling snails, and environmental modification. Results Following the integrated control strategy designed to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of Schistosoma japonicum infection, the prevalence of human S. japonicum infection declined from 1.7% in 2005 to 0.4% in 2012 (P<0.001). Reductions were also observed in both sexes, across all age groups, and among high risk occupations. Moreover, the prevalence of bovine S. japonicum infection decreased from 11.7% in 2005 to 0.6% in 2012 (P<0.001). In addition, all the 16 villages achieved the national criteria of infection control in 2008. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the integrated strategy was likely effective in controlling the transmission of S. japonicum in marshland regions in China.
Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Derived from Donors with Natural Rubber Latex Allergy Modulate Allergen-Specific T-Cell Responses and IgE Production

Natural rubber latex (NRL; Hevea brasiliensis) allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction to latex proteins. When latex glove exposure is the main sensitizing agent, Hev b 5 is one of the major allergens. Dendritic cells (DC), the main antigen presenting cells, modulated with pharmacological agents can restore tolerance in several experimental models, including allergy. In the current study, we aimed to generate DC with tolerogenic properties from NRL-allergic patients and evaluate their ability to modulate allergen-specific T and B cell responses. Here we show that dexamethasone-treated DC (dxDC) differentiated into a subset of DC, characterized by low expression of MHC class II, CD40, CD80, CD86 and CD83 molecules. Compared with LPS-matured DC, dxDC secreted lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 after CD40L activation, and induced lower alloantigenic T cell proliferation. We also show that dxDC pulsed with the dominant Hev b 5 T-cell epitope peptide, Hev b 546–65 , inhibited both proliferation of Hev b 5-specific T-cell lines and the production of Hev b 5-specific IgE. Additionally, dxDC induced a subpopulation of IL-10-producing regulatory T cells that suppressed proliferation of Hev b 5-primed T cells. In conclusion, dxDC generated from NRL-allergic patients can modulate allergen-specific T-cell responses and IgE production, supporting their potential use in allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Optimal Perfusion Pressure For Experimental Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion

We evaluated cerebral metabolism during retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) and circulatory arrest during profound hypothermia, and also investigated the effects of perfusion pressure on RCP. Twenty‐four adult mongrel dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and cooled to a nasopharyngeal temperature of 20°C. At this temperature, hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA; n = 6), and RCP with a perfusion pressure of 10 mmHg (RCP10; n = 6), 20 mmHg (RCPPO; n = 6), and 30 mmHg (RCPBO; n = 6) were carried out for 60 minutes. RCP was performed with oxygenated blood via the bilateral maxillary veins, and the retrograde flow rate was regulated to maintain a mean perfusion pressure of 10, 20, or 30 mmHg in the external jugular vein. At 60 minutes of RCP, we measured nasopharyngeal temperature; regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF); cerebral oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide excretion, and excess lactate; cerebral tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and energy charge; and cerebral tissue water content. In the RCP10 group, there was excess cerebral lactate, and ATP and energy charge were low. In the RCP30 group, the water content of cerebral tissue was significantly higher than in other groups. In the RCP20 group, temperature was maintained in a narrow range, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion could be observed, there was no excess lactate, and ATP and energy charge were significantly higher than In the HCA group. In conclusion, RCP can provide adequate metabolic support for the brain during circulatory arrest, and a perfusion pressure of 20 mmHg is most appropriate for RCP. (J Card Surg 1994;9:548–559)
Estimated Lean Body Mass Is More Appropriate than Body Surface Area for Scaling Glomerular Filtration Rate and Extracellular Fluid Volume

Background/Aims: To compare body surface area (BSA) with lean body mass (LBM) for scaling extracellular fluid volume (ECV) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methods:Phase 1: Total body water (TBW), bromide space and LBM were measured with 3H-water, 77Br and dual X-ray absorptiometry, respectively, in 6 healthy adults. Phase 2: ECV and GFR were measured with 51Cr-EDTA in 95 healthy adults and 56 children (0.5–13 years). ECV was calculated as GFR divided by GFR/ECV, both corrected for the one-compartment assumption. LBM was estimated (eLBM) in adults from height and weight and in children using a height/weight formula for estimating ECV and a constant derived from a separate adult population relating ECV to eLBM. Results:Phase 1: LBM and BSA correlated closely with TBW and bromide space. With LBM, the regressions passed through the origin, but with BSA, the intercepts were significantly below zero. Phase 2: GFR/BSA and ECV/BSA were higher in men than women but no difference was recorded in GFR/eLBM, GFR/ECV or ECV/eLBM. ECV showed a linear relation with eLBM and a non-linear relation with BSA. GFR/BSA and ECV/BSA correlated significantly with BSA but neither GFR/eLBM nor ECV/eLBM correlated with eLBM. Conclusion: eLBM is preferable to BSA for scaling GFR and ECV.
Similarity and Diversity in Macrophage Activation by Nematodes, Trematodes, and Cestodes

This review summarizes current knowledge of macrophages in helminth infections, with a focus not only on delineating the striking similarities in macrophage phenotype between diverse infections but also on highlighting the differences. Findings from many different labs illustrate that macrophages in helminth infection can act as anti-parasite effectors but can also act as powerful immune suppressors. The specific role for their alternative (Th2-mediated) activation in helminth killing or expulsion versus immune regulation remains to be determined. Meanwhile, the rapid growth in knowledge of alternatively activated macrophages will require an even more expansive view of their potential functions to include repair of host tissue and regulation of host metabolism.
Regression of Atherosclerosis in Monkeys Reduces Vascular Superoxide Levels

Superoxide (O2·−) in arteries may contribute to atherosclerosis in part by inactivation of nitric oxide. We hypothesized that regression of atherosclerosis in nonhuman primates is associated with a decrease in vascular NAD(P)H oxidase, decreased O2·− levels, and improved endothelium-dependent relaxation. Cynomolgus monkeys (n=28) were fed an atherogenic diet for 47±10 (mean±SE) months. In carotid arteries (containing advanced lesions), femoral arteries (moderate lesions), and saphena arteries (minimal lesions), we examined O2·− levels and vasomotor function. Compared with vessels from normal monkeys (n=8), O2·− levels (measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence) were 3.3-fold higher in carotid, 1.7-fold higher in femoral, and not different in saphena arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. Dihydroethidium staining also demonstrated increased O2·− levels throughout the vessel wall in femoral and carotid arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. Components of the NAD(P)H oxidase (p22phox and p47phox) were increased in atherosclerotic arteries, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated colocalization primarily to areas of macrophage infiltration. Relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired in carotid and femoral, but not saphena, arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. After 8 months of regression diet (n=9), serum cholesterol decreased to normal, and O2·− levels (basal and NAD(P)H-stimulated), as well as expression of NAD(P)H oxidase, returned toward normal. Relaxation to acetylcholine improved in femoral arteries, but not in the more diseased carotid arteries. We conclude that, in a primate model of moderately severe atherosclerosis and regression of atherosclerosis, changes in endothelial function are inversely related to O2·− and NAD(P)H oxidase levels. Reduction in vascular O2·− during regression of atherosclerosis may contribute to improvement in vasomotor function.
Maps of Time to Maximum and Time to Peak for Mismatch Definition in Clinical Stroke Studies Validated With Positron Emission Tomography

Background and Purpose— Perfusion-weighted imaging-derived maps of time-to-maximum (Tmax) are increasingly used to identify the tissue at risk in clinical stroke studies (eg, DEFUSE and EPITHET). Using quantitative positron emission tomography (PET), we evaluated Tmax to define the penumbral flow threshold in stroke patients and compared its performance to nondeconvolved time-to-peak (TTP) maps. Methods— Comparative perfusion-weighted imaging and quantitative 15O-water PET images of acute stroke patients were analyzed using cortical regions of interest. A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis described the threshold independent performance of Tmax (area under the curve) and identified the best threshold (equal sensitivity and specificity threshold) to identify penumbral flow (<20 mL/100 g/min on PET cerebral blood flow). The results were compared with nondeconvolved TTP and other current perfusion-weighted imaging maps using the Mann–Whitney rank-sum test. Results— In 26 patients (time delay between MRI and PET, 65 minutes), the best threshold for penumbral flow was 5.5 seconds for Tmax (median; interquartile range, 3.9–6.6; sensitivity/specificity, 88%/89%). The area under the curve value was 0.95 (median; interquartile range, 0.93–0.97). Deconvolved Tmax did not perform significantly better than TTP (P=0.34). Conclusion— Maps of Tmax detected penumbral flow but did not perform better than the easy-to-obtain maps of nondeconvolved TTP. Thus, “simple” TTP maps still remain suitable for clinical stroke studies if detailed postprocessing is not feasible.
Peer-to-Peer Networks as Collaborative Learning Environments

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of peer-to-peer networks in combination with collaborative learning. The learning environments used in computer based education are normally client-server based solutions with some addition al functionality developed for the collaboration needs. Peer -topeer (p2p) technology is often suggested as a better solutio n because the architectures of peer-to-peer networks and col laborative learning are similar. The paper examines the mos t common problems with collaborative learning. It analyses the possibilities of the p2p environment and compares them with the needs in the collaborative process. The p2p environ ment offers interesting possibilities for communities but the functionality is not particularly well suited to small grou ps and collaborative learning. To make p2p an efficient tool for collaborative learning some additional functionality or combination with existing messaging and group software is needed.
Real-time KD-tree construction on graphics hardware

We present an algorithm for constructing kd-trees on GPUs. This algorithm achieves real-time performance by exploiting the GPU's streaming architecture at all stages of kd-tree construction. Unlike previous parallel kd-tree algorithms, our method builds tree nodes completely in BFS (breadth-first search) order. We also develop a special strategy for large nodes at upper tree levels so as to further exploit the fine-grained parallelism of GPUs. For these nodes, we parallelize the computation over all geometric primitives instead of nodes at each level. Finally, in order to maintain kd-tree quality, we introduce novel schemes for fast evaluation of node split costs. As far as we know, ours is the first real-time kd-tree algorithm on the GPU. The kd-trees built by our algorithm are of comparable quality as those constructed by off-line CPU algorithms. In terms of speed, our algorithm is significantly faster than well-optimized single-core CPU algorithms and competitive with multi-core CPU algorithms. Our algorithm provides a general way for handling dynamic scenes on the GPU. We demonstrate the potential of our algorithm in applications involving dynamic scenes, including GPU ray tracing, interactive photon mapping, and point cloud modeling.
Restriction endonuclease analysis and ribotyping differentiate Pasteurella haemolytica serotype A1 isolates from cattle within a feedlot

Pasteurella haemolytica serotype A1 isolates were collected from cattle within a feedlot during an outbreak of bovine respiratory disease. Genetic heterogeneity among the isolates was examined by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA), ribotyping, and analysis of plasmid content. The susceptibilities of isolates to several antibiotics were also examined. Five different REA patterns and three different ribotypes were observed among the isolates. Fifty percent of the isolates had an identical REA type, ribotype, and plasmid profile. Examination of the plasmid content of the isolates revealed that most (73%) carry a single plasmid which encodes beta-lactamase, 13.5% carry two plasmids, and 13.5% carry no plasmid. The data reveal the presence of genetic differences among isolates of P. haemolytica A1, associated with shipping fever pneumonia within a closed feedlot, and suggest that a combination of REA, ribotyping, plasmid analysis, and antibiotic susceptibility determination will be useful in analyzing the molecular epidemiology of this disease.
A randomized, 5‐arm dose finding study with a mite allergoid SCIT in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients

The safety and tolerability of a mite allergoid subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) product was previously established. The aim of this study (EudraCT number: 2011–000393–61) was to find the optimally safe and effective allergoid dose by evaluating several dosages in patients with house dust mite (HDM)‐induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) using a titrated nasal provocation test (TNPT).
Reduced Number of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells Predicts Future Cardiovascular Events: Proof of Concept for the Clinical Importance of Endogenous Vascular Repair

Background—The maintenance of endothelial integrity plays a critical role in preventing atherosclerotic disease progression. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were experimentally shown to incorporate into sites of neovascularization and home to sites of endothelial denudation. Circulating EPCs may thus provide an endogenous repair mechanism to counteract ongoing risk factor–induced endothelial injury and to replace dysfunctional endothelium. Methods and Results—In 120 individuals (43 control subjects, 44 patients with stable coronary artery disease, and 33 patients with acute coronary syndromes), circulating EPCs were defined by the surface markers CD34+KDR+ and analyzed by flow cytometry. Cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, PTCA, CABG, or ischemic stroke) served as outcome variables over a median follow-up period of 10 months. Patients suffering from cardiovascular events had significantly lower numbers of EPCs (P<0.05). Reduced numbers of EPCs were associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular events by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P=0.0009). By multivariate analysis, reduced EPC levels were a significant, independent predictor of poor prognosis, even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease activity (hazard ratio, 3.9; P<0.05). Conclusions—Reduced levels of circulating EPCs independently predict atherosclerotic disease progression, thus supporting an important role for endogenous vascular repair to modulate the clinical course of coronary artery disease.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial Comparing the Effects of Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide on Glucose Tolerance in Patients With Essential Hypertension

Hypertension guidelines advise limiting the dose of thiazide diuretics and avoiding combination with &bgr;-blockade, because of increased risk of diabetes mellitus. We tested whether changes in the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test could be detected after 4 weeks of treatment with a thiazide and could be avoided by switching to amiloride. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were performed. In study 1 (41 patients), we found that changes in glucose during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test could be detected after 4 weeks of treatment with bendroflumethiazide. In study 2, 37 patients with essential hypertension received, in random order, 4 weeks of once-daily treatment with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 to 50 mg, nebivolol 5 to 10 mg, combination (HCTZ 25–50 mg+nebivolol 5–10 mg), amiloride (10–20 mg), and placebo. Each drug was force titrated at 2 weeks and separated by a 4-week placebo washout. At each visit, we recorded blood pressure and performed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Primary outcome was the difference in glucose (over the 2 hours of the oral glucose tolerance test) between 0 and 4 weeks, when HCTZ and amiloride were compared by repeated-measures analysis. For similar blood pressure reductions, there were opposite changes in glucose between the 2 diuretics (P<0.0001). Nebivolol did not impair glucose tolerance, either alone or in combination. There was a negative correlation between &Dgr;potassium and &Dgr;2-hour glucose (r=−0.28; P<0.0001). In 2 crossover studies, 4 weeks of treatment with a thiazide diuretic impaired glucose tolerance. No impairment was seen with K+-sparing diuretic or &bgr;1-selective blockade. Substitution or addition of amiloride may be the solution to preventing thiazide-induced diabetes mellitus.
A highly sensitive near‐infrared fluorescent detection method to analyze signalling pathways by reverse‐phase protein array

The comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the protein phosphorylation patterns in different cellular context is of considerable and general interest. The ability to quantify phosphorylation of discrete signalling proteins in large collections of biological samples would greatly favour the development of systems biology in the field of cell signalling. Reverse‐phase protein array (RPPA) potentially represents a very attractive approach to map signal transduction networks with high throughput. In the present report, we describe an improved detection method for RPPA combining near‐infrared with one or two rounds of tyramide‐based signal amplification. The LOQ was lowered from 6.84 attomoles with a direct detection protocol to 0.21 attomole with two amplification steps. We validated this method in the context of intracellular signal transduction triggered by follicle‐stimulating hormone in HEK293 cells. We consistently detected phosphorylated proteins in the sub‐attomole range from less than 1 ng of total cell extracts. Importantly, the method correlated with Western blot analysis of the same samples while displaying excellent intra‐ and inter‐slide reproducibility. We conclude that RPPA combined with amplified near‐infrared detection can be used to capture the subtle regulations intrinsic to signalling network dynamics at an unprecedented throughput, from minute amounts of biological samples.
A Study of the Relationship Between Protective Behaviors and Drinking Consequences Among Undergraduate College Students

The authors identified the number, type, and frequency of protective behaviors that undergraduate college students who consume alcohol use to prevent alcohol-related consequences. Their hypothesis was that students who engage in more types of protective behaviors with greater frequency would be less likely to experience alcohol-related consequences. Participants consisted of a randomly selected sample of 1,355 undergraduates aged 18 years and older at a large public university. Students completed a mailed questionnaire on alcohol and health behaviors in spring 2002. The findings (after adjustment for covariates) indicated that self-protective behaviors are inversely associated with alcohol-related problems for women but not for men. The influences of gender and racial and ethnic differences are considered in relation to prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing alcohol-related consequences on college campuses.
Effects of systemic hypoxia on human muscular adaptations to resistance exercise training

Hypoxia is an important modulator of endurance exercise‐induced oxidative adaptations in skeletal muscle. However, whether hypoxia affects resistance exercise‐induced muscle adaptations remains unknown. Here, we determined the effect of resistance exercise training under systemic hypoxia on muscular adaptations known to occur following both resistance and endurance exercise training, including muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), one‐repetition maximum (1RM), muscular endurance, and makers of mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), citrate synthase (CS) activity, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), and capillary‐to‐fiber ratio. Sixteen healthy male subjects were randomly assigned to either a normoxic resistance training group (NRT, n = 7) or a hypoxic (14.4% oxygen) resistance training group (HRT, n = 9) and performed 8 weeks of resistance training. Blood and muscle biopsy samples were obtained before and after training. After training muscle CSA of the femoral region, 1RM for bench‐press and leg‐press, muscular endurance, and skeletal muscle VEGF protein levels significantly increased in both groups. The increase in muscular endurance was significantly higher in the HRT group. Plasma VEGF concentration and skeletal muscle capillary‐to‐fiber ratio were significantly higher in the HRT group than the NRT group following training. Our results suggest that, in addition to increases in muscle size and strength, HRT may also lead to increased muscular endurance and the promotion of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle.