Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visualization of water drying in porous materials by X‐ray phase contrast imaging

We present in this study results from X‐ray tomographic microscopy with synchrotron radiation performed both in attenuation and phase contrast modes on a limestone sample during two stages of water drying. No contrast agent was used in order to increase the X‐ray attenuation by water. We show that only by using the phase contrast mode it is possible to achieve enough water content change resolution to investigate the drying process at the pore‐scale. We performed 3D image analysis of the time‐differential phase contrast tomogram. We show by the results of such analysis that it is possible to obtain a reliable characterization of the spatial redistribution of water in the resolved pore system in agreement with what expected from the theory of drying in porous media and from measurements performed with other approaches. We thus show the potential of X‐ray phase contrast imaging for pore‐scale investigations of reactive water transport processes which cannot be imaged by adding a contrast agent for exploiting the standard attenuation contrast imaging mode.
Integrin β4 Regulates SPARC Protein to Promote Invasion*

Background: Integrin α6β4 is an adhesion receptor for the laminins that promotes carcinoma invasion. Results: α6β4 ligation enhances SPARC translation, and its expression can repress a miRNA that inhibits invasion and targets SPARC. Conclusion: The regulation of SPARC by integrin-mediated mechanisms can facilitate invasion. Significance: These data enhance our understanding of how α6β4 contributes to the invasive process and demonstrate integrin regulation of miRNAs. The α6β4 integrin (referred to as “β4” integrin) is a receptor for laminins that promotes carcinoma invasion through its ability to regulate key signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics. An analysis of published Affymetrix GeneChip data to detect downstream effectors involved in β4-mediated invasion of breast carcinoma cells identified SPARC, or secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine. This glycoprotein has been shown to play an important role in matrix remodeling and invasion. Our analysis revealed that manipulation of β4 integrin expression and signaling impacted SPARC expression and that SPARC facilitates β4-mediated invasion. Expression of β4 in β4-deficient cells reduced the expression of a specific microRNA (miR-29a) that targets SPARC and impedes invasion. In cells that express endogenous β4, miR-29a expression is low and β4 ligation facilitates the translation of SPARC through a TOR-dependent mechanism. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that β4 can regulate SPARC expression and that SPARC is an effector of β4-mediated invasion. They also highlight a potential role for specific miRNAs in executing the functions of integrins.
Intergenerational Mobility of Earnings and Income Among Sons and Daughters in Vietnam

In this thesis, I investigate intergenerational mobility of earnings and income among sons and daughters in Vietnam. In particular, my objective is to estimate intergenerational elasticity (IGE) of sons’ and daughters’ individual earnings, individual income, and family income with respective to father’s individual earnings. The two-sample two-stage least squares (TS2SLS) estimation is employed to achieve the research objective using two primary samples of father-son pairs and father-daughter pairs from Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys (VHLSS) of 2012 and one secondary sample from Vietnam Living Standard Surveys (VLSS) of 1997-98. My results show that the baseline IGE estimates of Vietnamese sons are 0.361, 0.394 and 0.567 for individual earnings, individual income, and family income, respectively. For Vietnamese daughters, the baseline IGE estimates are 0.284, 0.333 and 0.522 for individual earnings, individual income, and family income, respectively. These IGE estimates explicitly reveal that Vietnam has the intermediate degrees of individual earnings and individual income mobility, and the low degree of family income mobility cross generations for both sons and daughters by the international comparison.
Normal or increased bile acid uptake in isolated mucosa from patients with bile acid malabsorption

Introduction Bile acid malabsorption as reflected by an abnormal 75Se-labelled homocholic acid-taurine (75SeHCAT) test is associated with diarrhoea, but the mechanisms and cause-and-effect relations are unclear. Objectives Primarily, to determine whether there is a reduced active bile acid uptake in the terminal ileum in patients with bile acid malabsorption. Secondarily, to study the linkage between bile acid malabsorption and hepatic bile acid synthesis. Methods Ileal biopsies were taken from patients with diarrhoea and from controls with normal bowel habits. Maximal active bile acid uptake was assessed in ileal biopsies using a previously validated technique based on uptake of 14C-labelled taurocholate. To monitor the hepatic synthesis, 7&agr;-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, a bile acid precursor, was assayed in blood. The 75SeHCAT-retention test was used to diagnose bile acid malabsorption. Results The taurocholate uptake in specimens from diarrhoea patients was higher compared with the controls [median, 7.7 (n=53) vs 6.1 μmol/g per min (n=17)] (P<0.01) but no difference was seen between those with bile acid malabsorption (n=18) versus diarrhoea with a normal 75SeHCAT test (n=23). The 75SeHCAT values and 7&agr;-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one were inversely correlated. Conclusions The data do not support bile acid malabsorption being due to a reduced active bile acid uptake capacity in the terminal ileum.
Quantitative confocal imaging of the retinal microvasculature in the human retina.

PURPOSE We investigated quantitatively the distribution of blood vessels in different neural layers of the human retina. METHODS A total of 16 human donor eyes was perfusion-fixed and labeled for endothelial f-actin. Retinal eccentricity located 3 mm superior to the optic disk was studied using confocal scanning laser microscopy. Immunohistochemical methods applied to whole-mount and transverse sections were used to colocalize capillary networks with neuronal elements. Capillary morphometry, diameter, and density measurements were compared among networks. RESULTS Four different capillary networks were identified and quantified in the following regions: Nerve fiber layer (NFL), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, border of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and superficial boundary of the inner nuclear layer (INL), and boundary of the deep INL and outer plexiform layer. The innermost and outermost capillary networks demonstrated a laminar configuration, while IPL and deep INL networks displayed a complex three-dimensional configuration. Capillary diameter in RGC and IPL networks were significantly less than in other networks. Capillary density was greatest in the RGC network (26.74%), and was significantly greater than in the NFL (13.69%), IPL (11.28%), and deep INL (16.12%) networks. CONCLUSIONS The unique metabolic demands of neuronal sub-compartments may influence the morphometric features of regional capillary networks. Differences in capillary diameter and density between networks may have important correlations with neuronal function in the human retina. These findings may be important for understanding pathogenic mechanisms in retinal vascular disease.
Allogeneic Transplantation of Fetal Membrane–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets Increases Neovascularization and Improves Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Background Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been pursued as a new method to repair damaged myocardium. We focused on the fetal membrane (FM) as an alternative source to bone marrow (BM)–derived MSCs. In this study, we investigated whether transplantation of allogeneic FM-MSC sheets could attenuate myocardial dysfunction in a rat chronic myocardial infarction (MI) model. Methods Sheets of allogeneic FM-MSC or autologous BM-MSC were transplanted into the scarred myocardium 4 weeks after coronary ligation. Results Four weeks after transplantation, both allogeneic FM-MSC and autologous BM-MSC sheets had significantly improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial fibrosis compared with the untreated MI group. In both MSC sheet-transplanted groups, the peri-infarct regional capillary density was increased. Some engrafted MSCs formed vascular structures and were positive for lectin I and &agr;-smooth muscle actin. The numbers of engrafted cells and differentiated cells were very low after both types of MSC sheet transplantation. CD3+ T cells did not increase in the transplantation site, but CD163+ M2 macrophages increased in the groups transplanted with allogeneic FM-MSC and autologous BM-MSC. Conclusions Transplantation of allogeneic FM-MSC or autologous BM-MSC sheets attenuated myocardial dysfunction in a rat MI model to a similar degree. The engraftment rate of transplanted cells and immune cell infiltration into the transplanted area did not differ between the two types of MSC transplants. M2 macrophage induction has possible involvement in the therapeutic effects of MSC transplantation. Allogeneic FM-MSC sheet transplantation might be a new therapeutic strategy after MI.
Autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy with negative electroretinogram.

AIMS--The negative electroretinogram (ERG) is observed in many hereditary retinal disorders. However, no reports have described a negative ERG in a family with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy. A Japanese family with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy with negative ERG is described. METHOD--Members of a Japanese family with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy were examined and evaluated with Goldmann and Humphrey perimetry, bright flash ERG with an intense white stimulus, rod, cone, and flicker ERGs, and fluorescein angiography. Molecular analysis of the rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS genes in the patients was also performed. RESULTS--A 45-year-old Japanese man (proband) presented with decreased visual acuity. His fundi revealed bull's eye maculopathy and his single flash bright ERG showed a negative configuration. Negative ERG responses also were found in his father, who had macular degeneration, and one of the proband's three children who showed no fundus changes. No irregularities were found in their rhodopsin or peripherin/RDS genes. CONCLUSION--The condition of this family is believed to represent a previously undescribed autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy.
The Effect of the 1997 Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law on Motorcycle Crash Fatalities

Objectives: This study seeks to determine the effect of the Texas motorcycle helmet law on fatalities since the repeal of the universal helmet law in 1997. Methods: Texas monthly motorcycle accident data between 1994 and 2004 were obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and supplemented with motorcycle registration data from the Texas Department of Transportation. An ARIMA model was used to estimate the impact of the law. Results: A sharp increase in fatality rates occurred immediately following the implementation of the law in September 1997. Deaths increased by 30%, fatality rates per motorcycle registrations increased by 15.2%, and fatality rates per vehicle miles traveled increased by 25% after repeal. Helmet use decreased from 77% in 1996 to 63% in 1997 and 36% in 1998 and thereafter. The parameter estimates of the ARIMA model (0,0,0) (0,1,1) show that the change in the law led to statistically significant increases of 2.3 fatalities and 1.18 fatality rate per 100 billion vehicle miles traveled. Conclusions: The repeal of the universal helmet law in Texas in 1997 has had a significant adverse effect on motorcyclist fatalities in Texas.
Assessing Accumulation and Sublethal Effects of Lead in a Unionid Mussel

ABSTRACT Lead (Pb) contamination of the environment remains a global problem. Previous studies have demonstrated that Pb deposited onto roadside sediments from the past use of leaded gasoline in vehicles may be mobilized into rivers and streams, thereby resulting in exposure to aquatic biota. The aims of this study were to conduct a 28-day laboratory toxicity test with Pb and adult Eastern Elliptio (Elliptio complanata; family Unionidae) mussels to determine uptake kinetics and to assess several potential non-lethal biomarkers of Pb exposure. Mussels were collected from a relatively uncontaminated reference site and exposed to a control and eight concentrations of Pb (as lead nitrate) ranging from 1 to 251 µg/L, as a static renewal test. There were five replicates per treatment with one mussel per replicate. The hemolymph of mussels from four of the replicates was repeatedly sampled (days 7, 14, 21, and 28) for analysis of Pb and ion (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+) concentrations. The mussels in the fifth replicate per treatment were only sampled on day 28 and served as a comparison to the repeatedly sampled mussels. The accumulation of Pb in mussel tissue was also evaluated during the study. No mussels died during the test. We found that measured concentrations of Pb in mussel hemolymph suggested regulation of the heavy metal up to 66 µg/L by day 14, whereas concentrations in tissue proved to be strongly correlated (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.0001) throughout the 28-day exposure, displaying concentration dependent uptake. The concentration of Pb in mussel hemolymph, which can be sampled and measured non-lethally, is a suitable marker of recent Pb exposure in mussels. In contrast, none of the ion concentrations measured in the hemolymph from the repeatedly sampled mussels was significantly changed with increasing concentrations of Pb, whereas the mussels from the fifth replicate sampled only on day 28 showed altered calcium concentrations. The activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), a demonstrated Pb-specific biomarker in vertebrates and some invertebrates, which was also evaluated as a potential endpoint in an initial evaluation for this study, proved to be an unsuitable biomarker in Elliptio complanata, with no detectable activity observed. This finding was in contrast to a second freshwater, but nonunionid bivalve tested, the Asian Clam Corbicula fluminea, which had detectable ALAD activity.
Alpha‐fetoprotein synthesis in relation to structural peculiarities in postnatal and regenerating mouse liver

The localization of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and of antigens of liver‐cell plasma membrane (Ag I, Ag II and Ag III) was studied in adult, postnatal and regenerating (CCI4 or paracetamol‐treated mouse liver). Ag I, Ag II and Ag III were solubilized by Triton X‐100 from ghosts of the mouse liver cells. The purification of antigens was performed by gel filtration on Sephadex G‐200 or Ultrogel ACA‐54 with subsequent treatment of antigenic fractions eluted from the column with 5% HCIO4. Ag I and Ag II are common for liver and some other mouse organs, but Ag III is strictly specific for liver. The Ag I is predominantly found in the region of the bile capillaries. Ag II and Ag III are mainly present on membrane adjoining blood sinusoids. The distribution of these three antigens in newborn mouse liver is quite different from that in adult liver and reflects the specific arrangement of hepatocytes at different stages of development — the acinar structure in newborn liver and the plate structure in the adult organ. During regeneration as well as during postnatal development, AFP has been found in areas of marked tissue rearrangement. In both cases, these areas lose the plasma membrane antigens, especially Ag I — the antigen of bile capillary. The reappearance of Ag I on the surface of liver cells coincides with cessation of AFP synthesis and establishment of definitive plate structure. The possible role of liver plate structure in the regulation of AFP synthesis is discussed.
Transformation of LQR Weights for Discretization Invariant Performance of PI/PID Dominant Pole Placement Controllers

Summary Linear quadratic regulator (LQR), a popular technique for designing optimal state feedback controller, is used to derive a mapping between continuous and discrete time inverse optimal equivalence of proportional integral derivative (PID) control problem via dominant pole placement. The aim is to derive transformation of the LQR weighting matrix for fixed weighting factor, using the discrete algebraic Riccati equation (DARE) to design a discrete time optimal PID controller producing similar time response to its continuous time counterpart. Continuous time LQR-based PID controller can be transformed to discrete time by establishing a relation between the respective LQR weighting matrices that will produce similar closed loop response, independent of the chosen sampling time. Simulation examples of first/second order and first-order integrating processes exhibiting stable/unstable and marginally stable open loop dynamics are provided, using the transformation of LQR weights. Time responses for set-point and disturbance inputs are compared for different sampling times as fraction of the desired closed loop time constant.
A prospective longitudinal model predicting early adult alcohol problems: evidence for a robust externalizing pathway

Background Risk factors for alcohol problems (AP) include biological and environmental factors that are relevant across development. The pathways through which these factors are related, and how they lead to AP, are optimally considered in the context of a comprehensive developmental model. Method Using data from a prospectively assessed, population-based UK cohort, we constructed a structural equation model that integrated risk factors reflecting individual, family and peer/community-level constructs across childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. These variables were used to predict AP at the age of 20 years. Results The final model explained over 30% of the variance in liability to age 20 years AP. Most prominent in the model was an externalizing pathway to AP, with conduct problems, sensation seeking, AP at age 17.5 years and illicit substance use acting as robust predictors. In conjunction with these individual-level risk factors, familial AP, peer relationships and low parental monitoring also predicted AP. Internalizing problems were less consistently associated with AP. Some risk factors previously identified were not associated with AP in the context of this comprehensive model. Conclusions The etiology of young adult AP is complex, influenced by risk factors that manifest across development. The most prominent pathway to AP is via externalizing and related behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of jointly assessing both biologically influenced and environmental risk factors for AP in a developmental context.
Resveratrol may reverse the effects of long-term occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields on workers of a power plant

High-voltage electricity lines are known to generate extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs). With the process of urbanization, increasing concerns has been focused on the potentially hazardous impacts of ELF-EMF on human health, and the conclusions are controversial. Little is known about the method of prevention against ELF-EMF induced healthy problems. A total of 186 male workers with occupational exposure to high-voltage electricity lines, and 154 male subjects with insignificant exposure as reference control were enrolled in this study. Resveratrol or placebo was given as dietary supplements (500 mg twice daily), and several inflammatory biomarkers and biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed. Workers who had long-term exposure to high-voltage electricity lines exhibited elevated urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) and F2-isoprostane, compared to the reference group. Lower plasma nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin (IL)-6 were observed in exposed workers compared to the reference group. Resveratrol significantly reversed the adverse impacts of ELF-EMF. Stimulated cytokine production by resveratrol was found in exposed workers but not in the reference group. This study supported that occupational and long-term exposure to high-voltage electricity lines has an adverse effect on homeostasis of human body, and resveratrol supplement could be an effective protection strategy against the adverse effects induced by ELF-EMFs.
A Single Dose of the DENV-1 Candidate Vaccine rDEN1Δ30 Is Strongly Immunogenic and Induces Resistance to a Second Dose in a Randomized Trial

Dengue is an emerging infectious disease that has become the most important arboviral infection worldwide. There are four serotypes of dengue virus, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, each capable of causing the full spectrum of disease. rDEN1Δ30 is a live attenuated investigational vaccine for the prevention of DENV-1 illness and is also a component of an investigational tetravalent DENV vaccine currently in Phase I evaluation. A single subcutaneous dose of rDEN1Δ30 was previously shown to be safe and immunogenic in healthy adults. In the current randomized placebo-controlled trial, 60 healthy flavivirus-naive adults were randomized to receive 2 doses of rDEN1Δ30 (N = 50) or placebo (N = 10), either on study days 0 and 120 (cohort 1) or 0 and 180 (cohort 2). We sought to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of this candidate vaccine in 50 additional vaccinees and to test whether the humoral immune response could be boosted by a second dose administered 4 or 6 months after the first dose. The first dose of vaccine was well tolerated, infected 47/50 vaccinees and induced seroconversion in 46/50 vaccinees. Irrespective of dosing interval, the second dose of vaccine was also well tolerated but did not induce any detectable viremia or ≥4-fold rise in serum neutralizing antibody titer.Only five subjects had an anamnestic antibody response detectable by ELISA following a second dose of vaccine, demonstrating that the vaccine induced sterilizing humoral immunity in most vaccinees for at least six months following primary vaccination.The promising safety and immunogenicity profile of this vaccine confirms its suitability for inclusion in a tetravalent dengue vaccine.
INCREASING CHOICE IN THE MARKET FOR SCHOOLS: RECENT REFORMS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Increased parental school choice has become a popular education reform strategy, but evidence of its effectiveness in improving student achievement is mixed. In this paper, we examine the rationale for school choice, obstacles to fulfilling its theoretical promise, and results observed to date. We supplement our discussion with data from a survey of Milwaukee principals. Survey findings suggest that school leaders feel competitive pressures from certain types of schools but tend to respond by improving their marketing efforts rather than their educational programs.
Unnatural and Unequal: Social Determinants of Gender Inequality and Health and Their Impact on Disaster Management Interventions in Bangladesh

Disaster vulnerability and health status are determined by the intersecting social identities individuals possess in a given context. Based on two months fieldwork in Bangladesh, this study employs a comparative exploratory case study methodology to understand the way in which the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Oxfam and Gonoshasthaya Kendra construct and deploy the concepts of gender, empowerment and women’s health within their disaster management policies and programs. It finds that disaster management interventions that fail to understand the intersectional nature of women’s vulnerability risk entrenching or creating forms of both privilege and oppression. Combining intersectionality, Moser’s Practical and Strategic Gender Needs and Sen’s Capability Approach, this study aims to deconstruct the embedded view of women in disaster management by suggesting that a social determinants of health approach, paired with intersectionality, could provide important insights into disaster management interventions and their effectiveness in addressing the gendered realities of women facing disasters.