Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Release of Antimicrobial Defensins by Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) contain three antimicrobial and cytotoxic peptides which belong to a family of mammalian granulocyte peptides named defensins. To determine their potential availability for extracellular microbicidal or cytotoxic events, we quantified the extracellular release of defensins after stimulation of human PMN with phorbol myristate acetate and opsonized zymosan. As determined by enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and densitometry, 106 human PMN contained 4 to 5 ,ug of defensins. After stimulation with a high concentration of phorbol myristate acetate (1 ,ug/ml), about 8% of PMN defensins were found in the media. Release of defensins correlated best with the release of azurophil granule marker beta-glucuronidase or elastase and poorly with the release of either the specific granule marker lactoferrin or cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase. Phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan resulted in the extracellular release of less than 3% of PMN defensins. The factors responsible for less release of defensins into media relative to the release of other azurophil granule proteins may include heterogeneity of azurophil granules and the affinity of defensins for cellular surfaces and opsonized particles. In vivo, defensins are most likely to reach effective microbicidal or cytotoxic concentrations in PMN-rich exudates (pus), in confined environments of the phagolysosomes, or in intercellular clefts between PMN and their targets.
Routing Protocols in Wireless Ad-hoc Networks - A Simulation Study

Ad-hoc networking is a concept in computer communications, which means that users wanting to communicate with each other form a temporary network, without any form of centralized administration. Each node participating in the network acts both as host and a router and must therefore be willing to forward packets for other nodes. For this purpose, a routing protocol is needed. An ad-hoc network has certain characteristics, which imposes new demands on the routing protocol. The most important characteristic is the dynamic topology, which is a consequence of node mobility. Nodes can change position quite frequently, which means that we need a routing protocol that quickly adapts to topology changes. The nodes in an ad-hoc network can consist of laptops and personal digital assistants and are often very limited in resources such as CPU capacity, storage capacity, battery power and bandwidth. This means that the routing protocol should try to minimize control traffic, such as periodic update messages. Instead the routing protocol should be reactive, thus only calculate routes upon receiving a specific request. The Internet Engineering Task Force currently has a working group named Mobile Ad-hoc Networks that is working on routing specifications for ad-hoc networks. This master thesis evaluates some of the protocols put forth by the working group. This evaluation is done by means of simulation using Network simulator 2 from Berkeley. The simulations have shown that there certainly is a need for a special ad-hoc routing protocol when mobility increases. More conventional routing protocols like DSDV have a dramatic decrease in performance when mobility is high. Two of the proposed protocols are DSR and AODV. They perform very well when mobility is high. However, we have found that a routing protocol that entirely depends on messages at the IP-level will not perform well. Some sort of support from the lower layer, for instance link failure detection or neighbor discovery is necessary for high performance. The size of the network and the offered traffic load affects protocols based on source routing, like DSR, to some extent. A large network with many mobile nodes and high offered load will increase the overhead for DSR quite drastically. In these situations, a hop-by-hop based routing protocol like AODV is more desirable.
High Prevalence of Pineal Cysts in Healthy Adults Demonstrated by High-Resolution, Noncontrast Brain MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the prevalence of pineal cysts in autopsy series has been reported as being between 25% and 40%, MR studies have documented their frequency to range between 1.5% and 10.8%. The purpose of this high-resolution brain MR imaging study at 1.9T was to determine the prevalence of pineal cysts in healthy adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brain MR images of 100 healthy young volunteers were randomly selected from our International Consortium for Brain Mapping project data base. Cysts were detected as circular areas of isointensity relative to CSF on both 3D gradient-echo T1-weighted and 2D fast spin-echo T2-weighted images. The inner diameters of all visualized pineal cysts were measured, and a criterion of 2.0 mm of the largest inner cross-sectional diameter was used to categorize cysts as being either small cystic changes (<2.0-mm diameter) or pineal cysts (>2.0-mm diameter). RESULTS: Twenty-three percent (23/100) of the volunteers had pineal cysts with a mean largest inner cross-sectional diameter of 4.3 mm (range, 2–14 mm); 13% (13/100) demonstrated cystic changes involving the pineal gland with the largest inner cross-sectional diameter of less than 2.0 mm. There was a slight female predominance. Two subjects with long-term follow-up scans showed no symptoms or changes in the size of their pineal cysts. CONCLUSION: On high-resolution MR imaging, the prevalence of pineal cysts was 23% in our healthy group of adults, which is consistent with previous autopsy studies. Long-term follow-up studies of 2 cases demonstrated the stability of the cysts.
Effect of disk maturation on diffusion of low-molecular-weight gadolinium complexes: an experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE To measure the rate of enhancement in immature intervertebral disks in comparison with that of mature disks after intravenous administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media. METHODS Four rabbits were imaged with MR for 120 minutes after the injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadoteridol, or gadodiamide. Contrast enhancement was measured in the lumbar intervertebral disks on each image. The rate and magnitude of enhancement in the immature and mature disks were compared. RESULTS Contrast enhancement was detected in intervertebral disks with all three contrast media. Enhancement was significantly greater in immature than in mature animals. CONCLUSION Greater enhancement in immature disks is consistent with a lower concentration of fixed negative charges in the glycosaminoglycans of the disk.
A method for determining cell number in the undisturbed epithelium of the mouse lens

The anterior face of the mouse lens is covered by a layer of epithelial cells. The epithelial cells serve a barrier function at the lens surface and as a progenitor population from which lens fiber cells, the predominant cell type of the lens, are derived. Decreased epithelial cell density is commonly observed during aging and cataract formation in humans and animal models and may contribute directly to tissue opacification. However, the loss of cells from the epithelium is often not easy to quantify, in part because the cells are arrayed across a near-spherical surface and, as a consequence, are difficult to image and count. Here, we describe a technique for determining epithelial cell number in the undisturbed lens of the mouse, a popular cataract model. The method utilizes orthographic projections of confocal images collected from the anterior and equatorial regions of the lens. The overlapping projections are brought into register using the unique distribution of proliferating cells as fiduciary points. Cell counts are performed using a computer-assisted method. This approach offers several advantages over flat-mount methods employed previously.
2015 Ieee International Conference on Big Data (big Data) Concept Hierarchies and Human Navigation

—We are confronted with massive amounts of information at every turn. In order to efficiently reason about knowledge and information, humans have evolved efficient strategies for organizing complex concepts in order to form connections between and recall information. This behavior can be observed and codified when people search for objects within digital information networks. Current models of search behavior exhibit unnecessary or extraneous complexity. Minimal or simple modifications to well established algorithms yield valid models of human navigation by exploring hierarchical information inherent in networks. We explore and validate a new model of how humans navigate an information networks. To that end, we present a new path finding algorithm that approximates human navigation by leveraging the categorical classification of the nodes within the network. We compare our new model, CatPath, to existing graph distance measures when possible and show that the category paths are largely correlated with traces of human navigation.
An Institutional View of Local Entrepreneurial Climate

This paper proposes a conceptual framework on the role of formal and informal institutional factors at the sub-national level (e.g., city) in shaping the climate conducive for the growth and success of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Extant literature reveals that institutional analyses tend to focus on either formal or informal institutions, in narrow and fragmented ways. Likewise, previous studies focused their analysis on national or country-wide institutional frameworks, ignoring the institutional heterogeneity of regions and cities within a given country. This study attempts to develop an integrated institutional approach at the city-level and stretch the conceptual boundaries of formal and informal institutions as they shape the local entrepreneurial climate―the set of tangible and intangible institutional factors that are shaping the performance of entrepreneurial firms in a geographically and politically defined area such as a city.
Skeletal Maturation and Aerobic Performance in Young Soccer Players from Professional Academies

Abstract The contribution of chronological age, skeletal age (Fels method) and body size to variance in peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test was examined in 3 competitive age groups of Brazilian male soccer players: 10–11 years (U-12, n=15), 12–13 years (U-14, n=54) and 14–15 years (U-16, n=23). Body size and soccer-specific aerobic fitness were measured. Body composition was predicted from skinfolds. Analysis of variance and covariance (controlling for chronological age) were used to compare soccer players by age group and by skeletal maturity status within of each age group, respectively. Relative skeletal age (skeletal age minus chronological age), body size, estimated fat-free mass and performance on the Carminatti Test increased significantly with age. Carminatti Test performance did not differ among players of contrasting skeletal maturity status in the 3 age groups. Results of multiple linear regressions indicated fat mass (negative) and chronological age (positive) were significant predictors of peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test, whereas skeletal age was not a significant predictor. In conclusion, the Carminatti Test appears to be a potentially interesting field protocol to assess intermittent endurance running capacity in youth soccer programs since it is independent of biological maturity status.
Evaluation of a low dose, after a standard therapeutic dose, of agalsidase beta during enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease

Purpose: Fabry disease, a genetic deficiency of α-galactosidase A, is characterized by pathogenic cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. During clinical trials, recombinant human α-galactosidase A (agalsidase beta; Fabrazyme®, Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), infused intravenously at 1.0 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 6 months, cleared or reduced globotriaosylceramide in renal, cardiac, and dermal microvascular endothelia and other cells, with results sustained for up to 5 years in most patients evaluated. This study explored whether a lower dose could maintain globotriaosylceramide clearance achieved with 1.0 mg/kg.Methods: Cellular globotriaosylceramide levels were assessed histologically in kidney and skin biopsies from 21 adult Fabry males treated for 6 months at 1.0 mg/kg/2 weeks followed by 18 months at 0.3 mg/kg/2 weeks.Results: In kidney interstitial capillary endothelium, the primary endpoint, globotriaosylceramide clearance was achieved in 100% of patients with 1.0 mg/kg and maintained in 90% with 0.3 mg/kg. In seven other renal cell types and superficial dermal capillary endothelium, globotriaosylceramide reduction or clearance was maintained with 0.3 mg/kg in ∼70% of patients.Conclusions: A lower dose of agalsidase beta may be sufficient in some, but not all, patients with Fabry disease to maintain the cellular globotriaosylceramide clearance achieved with 1.0 mg/kg/2 weeks. Long-term clinical effects of transitioning to the lower dose have not been evaluated.
Combined influence of personality and leader member exchange on task and citizenship performance

As organizations continue to focus on improving their effectiveness, research suggests that employee performance should be an obvious consideration due to the significant influence employee behavior can have on organizational outcomes. The present study evaluated the relationship between the personality traits of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, Leader Member Exchange (LMX), and two basic types of performance: task performance and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Insights into how personality and LMX impacts employee performance has implications for both employee selection and organizational design. Using a sample composed of students and non-students (N = 215), results support a positive relationship between LMX, conscientiousness, and agreeableness and task performance as well as a positive relationship between conscientiousness and agreeableness and OCB. OCB was not related to LMX. Contrary to the hypotheses, LMX did not appear to moderate the relationship between personality and performance. Future research and practical implications are discussed.
Results from a national central auditory processing disorder service: a "real world" assessment of diagnostic practices and remediation for CAPD

This article describes the development and evaluation of a national service to diagnose and remediate central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Data was gathered from 38 participating Australian Hearing centres over an 18 month period from 666 individuals aged 6, 0 (yrs, mths) to 24, 8 (median 9, 0). A total of 408 clients were diagnosed with either a spatial processing disorder (n = 130), a verbal memory deficit (n = 174) or a binaural integration deficit (n = 104). A hierarchical test protocol was used so not all children were assessed on all tests in the battery. One hundred and fifty clients decided to proceed with deficit-specific training (LiSN & Learn or Memory Booster) and/or be fitted with a Frequency Modulation (FM) system. Families were provided with communication strategies targeted to a child’s specific listening difficulties and goals. Outcomes were measured using repeat assessment of the relevant diagnostic test, as well as the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI-C) measure and Listening Inventories for Education (LIFE) teacher questionnaire. Group analyses revealed significant improvements post-remediation for all training/management options. Individual post-training performance and results of outcome measures are also discussed. Cameron et al. National CAPD Service 4
Health effects of agrochemicals among farm workers in commercial farms of Kwekwe district, Zimbabwe

Introduction Farm workers are at a very high risk of occupational diseases due to exposure to pesticides resulting from inadequate education, training and safety systems. The farm worker spends a lot of time exposed to these harmful agrochemicals. Numerous acute cases with symptoms typical of agrochemical exposure were reported from the commercial farms. We assessed the health effects of agrochemicals in farm workers in commercial farms of Kwekwe District (Zimbabwe), in 2006. Methods An analytical cross sectional study was conducted amongst a sample of 246 farm workers who handled agrochemicals when discharging their duties in the commercial farms. Plasma cholinesterase activity in blood specimens obtained from farm workers was measured using spectrophotometry to establish levels of poisoning by organophosphate and/or carbamates. Information on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of farm workers on agrochemicals use was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors that were associated with abnormal cholinesterase activity. Results The prevalence of organophosphate poisoning, indicated by cholinesterase activity of 75% or less, was 24.1%. The median period of exposure to agrochemicals was 3 years (Q1:=1 year, Q3:=7 years). Ninety eight (41.5%) farm workers knew the triangle colour code for the most dangerous agrochemicals. Not being provided with personal protective equipment (OR 2.00; 95% CI: 1.07 – 3.68) and lack of knowledge of the triangle colour code for most dangerous agrochemicals (OR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.02 – 4.03) were significantly associated with abnormal cholinesterase activity. Conclusion There was organophosphate poisoning in the commercial farms. Factors that were significantly associated with the poisoning were lack of protective clothing and lack of knowledge of the triangle colour code for most dangerous agrochemicals. We recommended intensive health education and training of farm workers on the use of agrochemicals, provision of adequate and proper personal protective equipment as mitigation measures to this problem.
A PrfA‐regulated bile exclusion system (BilE) is a novel virulence factor in Listeria monocytogenes

The ability to colonize the gall bladder has recently been shown to be an important feature of virulent Listeria monocytogenes (J. Hardy, K. P. Francis, M. DeBoer, P. Chu, K. Gibbs, C. H. Contag. Science 303: 851–853, 2004). We suggest that the cytotoxic effects of bile may be increased upon release from the gall bladder into the upper small intestine, and report the identification of a novel bile exclusion system which plays an essential role in intestinal colonization and virulence of L. monocytogenes. In silico analysis of the L. monocytogenes EGDe genome revealed a two‐gene operon (formerly opuB) exhibiting significant sequence similarity to members of the betaine carnitine choline transporter (BCCT) family. The operon, herein designated bilE (bile Exclusion) is preceded by consensus σA‐ and σB‐dependent promoter‐binding sites and is transcriptionally upregulated at elevated osmolarities and reduced temperatures (stresses known to induce sigB). Furthermore, a significant reduction in the level of bilE transcription was observed in the absence of σB. In addition, we demonstrate an important role for PrfA, the master regulator of virulence potential in L. monocytogenes, in coordinating bilE expression. Computational structural analysis suggests that, rather than functioning as a compatible solute uptake system as was previously believed, BilE is more likely to be an exclusion system, a conclusion substantiated by radiolabelled bile accumulation studies. In addition, functionally inactivating BilE resulted in a five‐log reduction in the ability of the bacterium to tolerate lethal concentrations of bovine bile (oxgall) and also significantly increased sensitivity to physiological concentrations of human bile, a phenotype which translates to a significant reduction in virulence potential when administered to a murine model by the oral route. Thus, this novel bile exclusion locus bilE, coordinately regulated by σB and PrfA, represents a new and important virulence factor in L. monocytogenes.
Some Aspects in Mimicry of Lexical Pitch Accent by Children and Adults

This paper investigates whether the mimicry behavior of lexical pitch accent exhibits categorical production by children and adults of the different dialects in Korean. The current study used the resynthesized stimuli, and focused on the patterns of mimicry production appeared in the difference of f0 values at the mid point of the first and second syllable. On the basis of this measurement, the hypothesis in this paper is that native speakers of lexical pitch accent will exhibit the categorical production akin to categorical perception, and non-native speakers of lexical pitch accent will exhibit the continuous production or random production characterized by no sensitivity on the dimension of phonological contrast. The results revealed that North Kyungsang speakers imitated categorically the pitch movement of lexical pitch accent contrasts, though there were more or less continuous patterns for the pitch accent contrast such as HH-LH. Most of South Cholla speakers showed the random production which was not correspondent to the changes of f0 values, but there also appeared, for some individuals, or for HL-LH, some sensitivity similar to the change of f0 values. With respect to children’s mimicries regardless of the regional origins, there seemed to be the general tendency tracking the changes of f0 values on acoustic continua, although the end points of stimuli for the two pitch accent categories were statistically different. But there was less variability for children of the North Kyungsang region.
Potential Nociceptive Regulatory Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Mechanical Sensitivity in Diet-Induced Obesity Model

Treatments for obesity have been shown to reduce pain secondary to weight loss. Intestinal microbiota, as an endogenous factor, influences obesity and pain sensitivity but the effect of oral probiotic supplementation on musculoskeletal pain perception has not been studied systematically. The present study examined the effect of a single daily oral dose (1 × 109 CFU) of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01, DSM14870) supplement on mechanical pain thresholds in behaving diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and their normal weight (NW) controls. The mice (N = 24, 6-week-old male) were randomly divided into four groups on either standard or high fat diet with and without probiotic supplementation. Both DIO and NW groups with probiotic supplementation maintained an insignificant weight gain while the control groups gained significant weight (P < 0.05). Similarly, both DIO and NW probiotics supplemented groups demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.05) lower sensitivity to mechanical stimulation compared to their corresponding control. The results of this study suggest a protective effect of probiotics on nociception circuits, which propose a direct result of the weight reduction or an indirect result of anti-inflammatory properties of the probiotics. Deciphering the exact underlying mechanism of the weight loss and lowering nociception effect of the probiotic applied in this study require further investigation.