Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional heterogeneity and differential priming of circulating neutrophils in human experimental endotoxemia

Neutrophils play an important role in host defense. However, deregulation of neutrophils contributes to tissue damage in severe systemic inflammation. In contrast to complications mediated by an overactive neutrophil compartment, severe systemic inflammation is a risk factor for development of immune suppression and as a result, infectious complications. The role of neutrophils in this clinical paradox is poorly understood, and in this study, we tested whether this paradox could be explained by distinct neutrophil subsets and their functionality. We studied the circulating neutrophil compartment immediately after induction of systemic inflammation by administering 2 ng/kg Escherichia coli LPS i.v. to healthy volunteers. Neutrophils were phenotyped by expression of membrane receptors visualized by flow cytometry, capacity to interact with fluorescently labeled microbes, and activation of the NADPH‐oxidase by oxidation of Amplex Red and dihydrorhodamine. After induction of systemic inflammation, expression of membrane receptors on neutrophils, such as CXCR1 and ‐2 (IL‐8Rs), C5aR, FcγRII, and TLR4, was decreased. Neutrophils were also refractory to fMLF‐induced up‐regulation of membrane receptors, and suppression of antimicrobial function was shown by decreased interaction with Staphylococcus epidermis. Simultaneously, activation of circulating neutrophils was demonstrated by a threefold increase in release of ROS. The paradoxical phenotype can be explained by the selective priming of the respiratory burst. In contrast, newly released, CD16dim banded neutrophils display decreased antimicrobial function. We conclude that systemic inflammation leads to a functionally heterogeneous neutrophil compartment, in which newly released refractory neutrophils can cause susceptibility to infections, and activated, differentiated neutrophils can mediate tissue damage.
Comprehension in Deaf Education : Comprehension Strategies to Support Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Because students who are deaf or hard of hearing often struggle with reading comprehension, this research study asks “what strategies can be used to successfully support the development or improvement of reading comprehension of students who are deaf or hard of hearing? ” Using data collected from questionnaires, focus groups, and student scores before and after interventions, the conclusion was that there are several different strategies that are currently being used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing to support their reading comprehension. The implications of this study can be used to educate teachers of the deaf about which strategies support reading comprehension for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Document Type Thesis Degree Name MS in Literacy Education Department Education First Supervisor Joellen Maples Subject Categories Education This thesis is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_ETD_masters/314 Reading Comprehension in Deaf Education: Comprehension Strategies to Support Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Modelling and simulation of electric urban transportation systems with energy storage

Electrified guided vehicles are normally equipped with regenerative braking devices, while traction lines are supplied by non-reversible substation, thus allowing braking energy recovery only if nearby other vehicles are absorbing power. To enhance the effectiveness of regenerative braking, some energy storage can be installed along the line. Evaluation of its cost effectiveness requires time domain simulations, performed creating simulation models using general-purpose or specialized simulation languages. In this paper, two simulation tools are used. Their respective characteristics compared. The results obtained from both of them are also useful to evaluate the effectiveness of energy storage in a real-life urban case study.
EVIDENCE THAT HYDROXYSAFFLOR YELLOW A PROTECTS THE HEART AGAINST ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY BY INHIBITING MITOCHONDRIAL PERMEABILITY TRANSITION PORE OPENING

1 The present study was conducted to investigate whether hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) has a protective effect against heart injury after ischaemia–reperfusion and to determine the possible mechanism involved. 2 Hearts isolated from male Sprague‐Dawley rats were perfused on a Langendorff apparatus and subjected to 30 min global ischaemia, followed by 120 min reperfusion. Infarct size and the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the coronary effluent were determined. In mitochondria from isolated perfused hearts, Ca2+‐induced swelling was observed. In isolated ventricular myocytes, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was determined by tetramethyl‐rhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) fluorescence. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein were measured by western blot. 3 Pretreatment with HSYA for 5 min before ischaemia reduced infarct size and the release of LDH. Administration of 20 µmol/L atractyloside, an opener of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and 10 µmol/L NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), an inhibitor of NOS, attenuated the protective effects of HSYA. In mitochondria isolated from hearts pretreated with 0.1 mmol/L HSYA for 5 min, a significant inhibition of Ca2+‐induced swelling was observed and this inhibition was attenuated by l‐NAME. In isolated ventricular myocytes, pretreatment with HSYA prevented ischaemia‐induced cell death and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, whereas atractyloside or l‐NAME attenuated the effects of HSYA. Levels of phosphorylated eNOS protein were significantly enhanced in the HSYA‐treated group. 4 The findings of the present study indicate that HSYA protects the myocardium against ischaemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. The effect of HSYA on mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening may be mediated through enhanced nitric oxide production by eNOS activation.
The relative deprivation of U.S. elderly households as judged by their housing problems.

A substantial number of U.S. elderly households have excessive housing costs or live in physically deficient dwellings. It is unclear, however, whether they are more likely than nonelderly households to experience these housing problems. Using American Housing Survey data, this study investigates whether elderly households are more likely than nonelderly households to have these problems after controlling for their owner-renter status, race, and income. The findings do not support the more deprived housing status of elderly households.
State IQ and Suicide Rates in the United States

Previous findings pertaining to the direction (positive or negative) of the ecological correlation between intelligence and suicide rates in the USA have been conflicting. Using novel state IQ estimates, derived from the Scholastic Assessment Test, the American College Test, these tests combined, or the National Assessment of Educational Progress state scores, these estimates were not consistently associated to state suicide rates. Whereas ACT-derived state IQ was significantly positively correlated with suicide rates, the correlation with composite ACT-SAT-derived state IQ was significantly negative and with both SAT-derived and NAEP-derived state IQ also negative but not significant. Validity checks pointed to possible methodological problems with the state IQ estimates. Currently available estimates of state IQ, therefore, seem not appropriate to resolve the question of the direction of the ecological correlation of intelligence and suicide mortality across the USA.
The relationship between insulin resistance and carotid artery intima-media thickness in obese and morbidly obese women

To compare insulin resistance and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) between obese, morbidly obese, and healthy women and demonstrate whether there is a relation between these parameters, focusing mainly on morbidly obese women. Materials and methods: Twenty-five morbidly obese women (body mass index (BMI) => 40 kg/m²), 25 obese women (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m²), and 25 age-matched healthy women (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) were recruited for the study. None of the subjects had diabetes mellitus. BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, lipid profiles, fasting glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance (by HOMA), and IMT (common carotid, internal carotid, and bifurcation measurements) were compared among the 3 groups and between obese and morbidly obese women. Results: IMT, HOMA, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were higher in obese and morbidly obese women. In the morbidly obese women, internal carotid IMT was positively correlated with fasting insulin. In the combined group of obese and morbidly obese women, internal carotid IMT was positively correlated with both fasting insulin and HOMA. Conclusion: Increased carotid IMT is an early sign of atherosclerosis in nondiabetic obese women as well and is related to both hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
MELANOTIC NONPSAMMOMATOUS TRIGEMINAL SCHWANNOMA AS THE FIRST MANIFESTATION OF CARNEY COMPLEX: CASE REPORT

OBJECTIVEMelanotic schwannoma is a rare neoplasm, classifiable as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and differentiated from a typical schwannoma by heavy pigmentation. Psammoma bodies can be visualized in more than 50% of melanotic schwannomas. Half of patients with such “psammomatous melanotic schwannomas” have Carney complex, a dominantly transmitted autosomal disorder. Most recently, the tumor suppressor gene, PRKAR1A, coding for the Type 1α regulatory subunit of protein kinase A was found to be mutated in approximately half of the known Carney complex families. Although cranial schwannomas have been described in patients with Carney complex, their numbers are too small to be considered a definite part of the syndrome. Furthermore, only melanotic schwannomas with psammoma bodies are included as diagnostic criteria for Carney complex. The objective of this report is to communicate a case of trigeminal nonpsammomatous melanotic schwannoma as the first manifestation of Carney complex. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONA 34-year-old woman presented with odontalgia, right V3 hypoesthesia, V2 paresthesia, and diplopia. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain revealed a small tumor with homogenous contrast in the right trigeminal pathway. INTERVENTIONWe performed an extradural approach to the right cavernous sinus by a middle fossa approach. The lateral wall was opened between the cranial nerves, and a soft and black tumor was resected in a piecemeal fashion. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor were compatible with melanotic schwannoma, but no psammomatous bodies were identified. Endocrine evaluation showed that this patient's symptoms fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Carney complex, with lentiginosis, multiple breast ductal adenomas, multiple hypoechoic nodules on thyroid ultrasonography, and a 4 × 5-cm asymptomatic atrial cardiac myxoma, which was removed 15 days after the neurosurgery. Three months later, a recurrence of melanotic schwannoma was identified. Molecular analyses of genomic and somatic deoxyribonucleic acid from the patient found a 578 to 579delTG mutation of PRKAR1A. CONCLUSIONWe present the unusual case of a nonpsammomatous trigeminal melanotic schwannoma associated with Carney complex, with confirmed PRKAR1A gene mutation. Our case highlights that neurosurgeons, in the presence of a melanotic schwannoma, should be aware of the features of the Carney complex because, in such cases, pre- and postoperative management is significantly affected. We also postulate that the absence of psammoma bodies or cranial localization do not exclude this diagnosis.
Power Loss Research on IGCT-applied NPC Three-level Converter

IGCT has a broad application prospects in high power conversion such as flexible DC transmission due to its characteristics of high voltage and large capacity. Compared with IGBT it has a voltage and current level of 4.5kV/4kA and its slope resistance is less than IGBT’s. In addition, due to the di/dt snubber circuit, IGCT’s opening loss will be reduced. Because of improvement of IGCT performance, the loss of IGCT-applied three-level converter will have some new characteristics, so it is necessary to model the IGCT-type three-level converter. Based on piecewise linear curve fitting method, the IGCT switching loss mathematical model is established firstly. With its use in IGCT-type three-level converter loss model, a IGCT-type three-level converter mathematical model is established. If the model is applied in the ±200kV flexible DC transmission’s calculation example, it can be concluded that the loss rate is 0.31%-0.78% when the power factor angle changes between 0 and π, while the loss rate of IGBT-type converter under same voltage level is 2%-3.5% ,so it can be concluded that IGCT is more suitable than IGBT for use in high voltage and large capacity situation such as frequency control of motor speed and flexible DC transmission.
Elicitation of plants and microbial cell systems

Plants show physiological and morphological responses to a range of physical and chemical factors known as ‘elicitors’. These responses have been considered as defence reactions ‘elicited’ by the plants’ biochemical factory to ensure their survival, persistence and competitiveness. Recently examples have been cited of elicitation in some fungal and bacterial cultures. Through a chronological survey, this Review considers examples of elicitors and elicitation and describes suggested mechanisms of elicitation in plants and microbial cell cultures. The majority of research in this field has been carried out on the plant systems using complex (undefined) biotic elicitors. Carbohydrates are the main class of compounds used as defined elicitors. This Review focuses on carbohydrates as compounds initiating a defence response in cell cultures. Physiological changes brought about on the plant and microbial cultures include expression of novel metabolites and overproduction of already known products. Recent reports confirming elicitation in microbial cultures are of potential importance, as the relative ease of fermentation and scale‐up could open an opportunity for the introduction of useful novel metabolites as well as enhancement of commercially useful bioproducts. In this context, a sound knowledge of the elicitor molecules’ structure–function relationships and mechanisms of elicitation is essential.
Secret key agreement for free-space optical communications over strong turbulence channels

Security issues of terrestrial free-space optical (FSO) communications over strong atmospheric turbulence are investigated. Based on a subcarrier intensity modulated FSO system model, we first study the scintillation reciprocity of the system from a coherence time perspective. A private secret key-based cryptosystem with key management is introduced to enhance FSO security, and a key agreement approach is proposed based on statistics of the random atmospheric turbulence-induced fading channel measurements. Secret key rate of the key agreement scheme is studied for the strong turbulence channel characterized by the K-distribution. Practical key agreement protocol is designed based on channel identification.
Spiral Computerized Tomography: a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Atypical Acute Appendicitis

Abstract This retrospective study aimed to estimate the value of spiral Computerized Tomography (sCT) in patients with suspected appendicitis who remained undiagnosed after 48 hours of expectant management. We assessed a cohort of 150 patients by focused unenhanced sCT. According to the clinical scenario we occasionally employed contrast media and extended the scanned area. The major radiological signs were appendiceal enlargement and inflammatory changes of periappendiceal tissue and mesenteric fat. Regarding acute appendicitis the examination was 95,8% sensitive, 97,4% specific, had a positive predictive value of 97,18%, a negative predictive value of 96,2% and an accuracy of 96,7%. It also provided alternative diagnoses in 55 patients leading correctly 31 of them to the theatre for a variety of abdominal surgical diseases. For abdominal surgical pathology in general, sCT was 97,1% sensitive, 95,7% specific, had a positive predictive value of 98% and a negative predictive value of 93,8%. The importance of good communication between the clinicians and radiologists was pointed out by the correct alternative diagnoses set by imaging in the 55 patients after modifying the sCT protocol and was highlighted by the unnecessary appendectomy of three patients with negative imaging. Our results verify the accuracy and value of unenhanced sCT in patients with a clinical picture which remains inconclusive after an initial period of expectant management.
Modeling of Al-Hadith Al-Shareef with TEI

The processing of Al-Hadith Al-Shareef is the interest not only for professional researchers but also for all Muslims in all over the world. Moreover, the language of Al-Hadith Al-Shareef is the Classical Arabic, which came out of the pre-Islamic era. It is the language, which preserved its sacred traditions and characterized with the nuance and the sophistication. In this paper, we present a model for normalizing Al-Hadith Al-Shareef with the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) standard in order to reduce structuring problems and make unify representation for Hadith corpus.
Increased mucosal inflammatory cytokines in children with Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastritis

The concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1‐β in tissue homogenates of gastric mucosal biopsy specimens, and in gastric juice samples from Helicobacter pylori‐positive and ‐negative children, were determined. The study population comprised 30 children with recurrent abdominal pain attending upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Of these patients 18 were infected with H. pylori. Cytokine concentrations in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants and in gastric juice were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF‐α levels in gastric juice and in gastric biopsy homogenate supernatants in patients with H. pylori‐positive gastritis were found to be significantly higher than those in children without H. pylori infection. IL‐6 levels were also higher in H. pylori‐infected subjects, but the difference in IL‐6 concentrations measured in gastric juice and biopsy homogenate supernatants did not reach statistical significance. IL‐1‐β concentrations in both specimens showed no significant difference between the two groups of children. It was suggested that increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF‐α and IL‐6 generated locally within the gastric mucosa might be implicated in the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐associated gastritis in childhood.
High‐Intensity Drinking Versus Heavy Episodic Drinking: Prevalence Rates and Relative Odds of Alcohol Use Disorder Across Adulthood

BACKGROUND Heavy episodic drinking (HED) or consuming 4+/5+ drinks in 1 occasion for women/men is linked consistently with alcohol-related harms. Recent research suggests that many individuals drink at levels more than twice this cutoff (8+/10+ drinks), commonly referred to as "high-intensity drinking. " Prevalence rates of high-intensity drinking and its dynamic association with alcohol use disorder (AUD) across all ages, however, remain unknown. The current study used data from a nationally representative sample to document age-varying prevalence rates of HED-only drinking and high-intensity drinking, prevalence rates of AUD for HED-only drinkers and high-intensity drinkers, and relative odds of experiencing an AUD for high-intensity drinkers as compared to HED-only drinkers. METHODS Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. The final analytic sample consisted of past-year drinkers aged 18 to 64 years (n = 22,776). RESULTS Time-varying effect modeling revealed that high-intensity drinking and HED-only drinking were equally prevalent during young adulthood and prevalence rates of both types of drinking generally became less common with increasing age. At all ages, high-intensity drinkers were at 3 or more times greater odds of meeting criteria for an AUD than HED-only drinkers. The association between high-intensity relative to HED-only drinking was strongest earlier in adulthood with approximately 83% of 18-year-old high-intensity drinkers having AUD relative to 42% of HED-only drinkers. CONCLUSIONS Future research aiming to identify drinkers most at risk of harms and in need of treatment may benefit from assessing the extent to which an individual exceeds the 8+/10+ threshold of drinking.
Prospective Long-term Outcomes of a Cohort of Ugandan Children With Laboratory Monitoring During Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: Treatment of HIV-1 infected Ugandan children with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is increasing, but few prospective long-term studies evaluating the treatment process have been reported. In this study, we sought to determine prospectively how consistent monitoring of HIV-1 RNA levels affects the ART treatment process. Methods: One hundred eight children initiating ART were enrolled into this study. These children had comprehensive laboratory monitoring, including HIV-1 RNA level determination and genotype analysis (where appropriate), CD4% plus absolute counts and safety laboratory measurements performed before starting therapy and at regular intervals after receiving ART. Kaplan-Meier statistics were used to examine predictors of survival and virologic failure. Viral genotype analysis was performed on samples obtained from children having virologic failure to determine the emergence of mutations. Results: Clinically, there was no difference in the 3-year survival between our cohort receiving consistent laboratory monitoring and a matched historical clinic cohort not routinely receiving laboratory monitoring. However, 34% of children receiving ART demonstrated virologic failure. Eleven of these children received second-line ART, and all responded with an undetectable HIV-1 RNA level and an increase in CD4 count. Children remaining on a failing antiretroviral regimen accumulated resistance mutations. Conclusions: Our prospective long-term findings support the general use of monitoring HIV-1 RNA levels for the management of children on ART and the adoption of a clearer definition for virologic failure and better guidelines for managing children with unsuppressed HIV-1 RNA levels.
Effect of exercise and nasal splinting on static and dynamic measures of nasal airflow

The main aim of this study was to assess the separate and combined effects of exercise and nasal splinting on static and dynamic measures of nasal airflow. In a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy participants (6 men, 6 women) performed static and dynamic spirometric nasal airflow assessment tests, with or without nasal splinting (Breathe-Right™), before and after a maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) treadmill test. At least 7 days later, the V O 2max and nasal airflow tests were repeated. The results showed that the measured variables were not significantly different with and without nasal splinting. We conclude that the absence of significantly enhanced nasal patency observed for nasal splinting and after exercise suggest that these factors have a minimal impact on nasal airflow volume and rate.