Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RANTES PRODUCTION DURING DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIAC ALLOGRAFT VASCULOPATHY

Background. RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) production has been shown to correlate with mononuclear cell recruitment and precede intimal thickening in cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). However, the cells that produce RANTES in CAV are undefined. Therefore, in an MHC II–mismatched murine model of CAV, we sought to (1) define the cellular sources of RANTES and (2) determine the role of CD4+ lymphocytes in RANTES production during CAV development. Methods. B6.CH-2bm12 strain donor hearts were transplanted heterotopically into wild-type (WT) or CD4 knockout (CD4KO) C57BL/6 mice (MHC II mismatch). No immunosuppression was used. Recipients were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 24 days. Intragraft RANTES gene expression and protein levels were determined with ribonuclease protection assay and ELISA, respectively. At days 7 and 24, RANTES production by graft-infiltrating cells was defined with intracellular RANTES staining and multicolor FACS analysis. Intimal thickening was quantitated morphometrically. In murine hearts and in six explanted human hearts with advanced CAV, RANTES was also localized immunohistochemically. Results. NK, NKT, and &ggr;&dgr;+ cells, in addition to CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, and CD11b+ macrophages, produced RANTES in early and late stages of CAV. RANTES-producing NK, NKT, and &ggr;&dgr;+ cells tripled in number during CAV development; by day 24, NK and &ggr;&dgr;+ cells each outnumbered CD4+ lymphocytes and CD11b+ macrophages. The presence of CD4+ lymphocytes was required for sustained RANTES production in allografts, which correlated with mononuclear cell recruitment and preceded intimal thickening. In murine and explanted human hearts with advanced CAV, RANTES immunolocalized with graft-infiltrating mononuclear cells and vessel wall cells. Conclusions. We present evidence that other cell types in addition to CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD11b+ macrophages contribute significantly to RANTES production in CAV. In this MHC II–mismatched murine model of CAV, sustained RANTES production requires CD4+ lymphocytes, correlates with mononuclear cell recruitment, and precedes intimal thickening. In experimental and human CAV, vessel wall cells may also produce RANTES. Interventions aimed at inhibiting RANTES production in CAV may need to target several types of cells, and neutralization of RANTES bioactivity may reduce mononuclear cell recruitment and CAV development.
Otago Glaucoma Surgery Outcome Study: cytology and immunohistochemistry of trabeculectomy blebs.

PURPOSE To describe findings of light microscopic examination of trabeculectomy blebs. METHODS Histologic and immunohistochemical features of blebs including cell types, and distribution of apoptotic cells and proapoptotic death messengers were examined in six eyes 6.0 to 25.9 years after trabeculectomy. RESULTS All specimens showed a channel opening into a rectangular cleft in the middle layer of sclera. The channels showed degenerative changes with disintegration and loss of collagen fibers and few pyknotic cells. Changes were extensive on the upper surface of the cleft forming irregular channels extending through and around the edges of the superficial scleral flap into moderately cellular and vascular oedematous conjunctiva covered by intact epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated migration of histiocytes from superficial blood vessels into the deeper layers where they apoptosed and disintegrated. Fas ligand+ proapoptotic death messengers were concentrated in the superficial conjunctival regions of blebs. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that the normal cell processes in functioning trabeculectomy blebs were similar to that of Molteno implant capsules. These processes involved migration of cells from superficial blood vessels into perivascular spaces and the deeper tissues where apoptosis occurred. Apoptosis was associated with breakdown of tissue matrix and release of proapoptotic death messengers that were transported by aqueous to the superficial layers where they suppressed collagen synthesis by inducing apoptosis in metabolically active cells.
A 12-month prospective survey of perinatal outcome of liveborn neonates in Julu County, China.

BACKGROUND Population based epidemiologic study on the main diseases and birth status of liveborn neonates remains scarce in China, especially in rural areas where a large number of neonates are born. The aim of this study was to establish an epidemiological basis of live births in Julu County, a representative of the northern and mid-western parts of China in terms of demography, disease pattern and women and children's health care infrastructure. METHODS The perinatal data of all live births were prospectively collected in three participating county-level hospitals from September 1, 2007 to August 30, 2008. RESULTS There were 5822 live births in these hospitals. Among all live births, 53.7% were male and 4.5% were born prematurely. Mean (SD) birth weight (BW) was (3348 ± 503) g. The low (< 2500 g) and very low BW (< 1500 g) infants accounted for 3.8% and 0.5% of the total births, with 6.5% as small for gestational age and 2.8% as multi-births. Cesarean section rate was 30.2%, of which 68.6% were elective. There were 745 infants (12.8% of the live births) admitted to local neonatal wards within 7 days of postnatal life, in which 48.3% and 19.3% were due to perinatal asphyxia and prematurity, respectively. The incidences of perinatal aspiration syndrome, transient tachypnea and respiratory distress syndrome were 4.9%, 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Neonatal mortality was 7.6‰ (44/5822), with 16 in delivery room and 28 in neonatal ward before discharge. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a population-based perinatal data of live births and neonatal mortality in a northern China county with limited resources. Neonatal disorders related to perinatal asphyxia remain a serious clinical problem, which calls for sustained education of advanced neonatal resuscitation and improvement in the quality of perinatal-neonatal care.
Kesalahan Mahasiswa dalam Pembuktian Matematik

Proofs are the key component in mathematics and mathematics learning. But in reality, there are still many students who make errors when constructing mathematical proofs. Therefore this study aimed to identify common errors when the students are constructing mathematical proofs. The participant of this study was 51 of 3rd year students of Mathematics Education Department who enrolled in Real Analysis course in the second semester of the 2017/2018 academic year. The data of the study were obtained by conducting a test consisting of five questions and interview guidelines. The errors identified in this study were (1) proving general statements using specific examples, (2) inappropriate algebraic manipulation in mathematical induction, (3) incorrect reasoning and assumptions in proving with contradictions, and (4) reasoning errors involving natural numbers in mathematical induction. Hence, further study can be developed learning models that promote the conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and mastery of mathematical proof techniques.
Cell elongation and division probability during the Escherichia coli growth cycle

A new method is presented for determining the growth rate and the probability of cell division (separation) during the cell cycle, using size distributions of cell populations grown under steady-state conditions. The method utilizes the cell life-length distribution, i.e., the probability that a cell will have any specific size during its life history. This method was used to analyze cell length distributions of six cultures of Escherichia coli, for which doubling times varied from 19 to 125 min. The results for each culture are in good agreement with a single model of growth and division kinetics: exponential elongation of cells during growth phase of the cycle, and normal distributions of length at birth and at division. The average value of the coefficient of variation was 13.5% for all strains and growth rates. These results, based upon 5,955 observations, support and extend earlier proposals that growth and division patterns of E. coli are similar at all growth rates and, in addition, identify the general growth pattern of these cells to be exponential.
Potential Pathological Effects of Blood Flukes (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) on Pen-Reared Marine Fishes

Sanguinicolids, or fish blood flukes, infect the vascular system of both marine and freshwater fishes, and some act as serious pathogens of hosts in aquaculture. Blood flukes typically possess a relatively benign relationship with wild fishes; however, cultured hosts near appropriate intermediate hosts (i.e., snail, bivalve, or polychaete) may accumulate heavy infections of the worms and their eggs. The resulting disease, sanguinicoliasis, has caused mass mortalities of fish reared in ponds and cages in North America, Europe, and Asia. In the life cycle, the cercaria emerges from the intermediate invertebrate host and penetrates into and matures in the definitive fish host, and the resulting adult releases eggs into the fish’s vascular system. These eggs may be sequestered in gill, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas, or other organs, where they cause inflammation and decrease the physiological and mechanical efficiency of these organs. In some cases, they kill the host. Treatment of debilitated fishes is difficult, and the combination of stock destruction and facility disinfection is a realistic option for managing cases in freshwater systems. However, because this is usually not possible in marine systems, early detection and identification of the parasite, careful site selection and construction of culture facilities, and elimination of infected hosts (definitive or intermediate) are important. Much information needs to be acquired about each parasite’s biology and geographic range, and imported fishes and fish products should be quarantined or examined fresh for infections prior to potential contamination of culture systems.
Human Apolipoprotein E Is Required for Infectivity and Production of Hepatitis C Virus in Cell Culture

ABSTRACT Recent advances in reverse genetics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) made it possible to determine the properties and biochemical compositions of HCV virions. Sedimentation analysis and characterization of HCV RNA-containing particles produced in the cultured cells revealed that HCV virions cover a large range of heterogeneous densities in sucrose gradient. The fractions of low densities are infectious, while the higher-density fractions containing the majority of HCV virion RNA are not. HCV core protein and apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein E (apoE) were detected in the infectious HCV virions. The level of apoE correlates very well with HCV infectivity. Both apoE- and HCV E2-specific monoclonal antibodies precipitated HCV, demonstrating that HCV virions contain apoE and E2 proteins. apoE-specific monoclonal antibodies efficiently neutralized HCV infectivity in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a reduction of infectious HCV by nearly 4 orders of magnitude. The knockdown of apoE expression by specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) remarkably reduced the levels of intracellular as well as secreted HCV virions. The apoE siRNA suppressed HCV production by more than 100-fold at 50 nM. These findings demonstrate that apoE is required for HCV virion infectivity and production, suggesting that HCV virions are assembled as apoE-enriched lipoprotein particles. Our findings also identified apoE as a novel target for discovery and development of antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies to suppress HCV virion formation and infection.
Sunk Decision Points: A Unified Theory of the Endowment Effect and Present Bias

This paper presents a simple, utility-based model in which situational cues compel an agent to consider the associated consumption decision. The premise gives rise to a unified account of the endowment effect and present bias that, unlike prevailing theories based on inconsistent preferences, captures both anomalies at once. The theory also fits with evidence that the endowment effect and present bias are often activated by cues (such as exposure to the good), the magnitude effect in discounting, as well as key properties of prospective memory — e.g. the effect of mere reminders and value in forgetting in that successful recall carries an opportunity cost. Stemming from the hypothesis that the anomalies are linked, the model offers testable new predictions, including a form of crowding out between the endowment effect and present bias. In addition, a method to counteract both anomalies is proposed, the viability of which fits with related evidence.
Genetic Study of Some Maize (Zea Mays L) Genotypes in Humid Tropic of Ethiopia

The current study was initiated to find out the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for different traits in 12 maize genotypes using randomized complete block designs in humid tropics of Ethiopia in 2015. Analysis of variance showed that the mean squares due to genotype were significant at (p<0.01) for maturity traits, plant and ear height, number of row per ear, thousand kernel weights and grain yield per hectare, indicating the existence of sufficient genetic variability and the potential for selection and improvement of the traits. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations were obtained from number of ear per plant, ear diameter, grain yield per hectare, number of row per ear and ear length, indicating less environmental influence on the traits. High heritability estimates were obtained from all traits except anthesis-silking interval depicting the traits respond positively due to selection. Estimates of genetic advances as percent of mean at 5% selection intensity ranged from 4.68% for 1000-kernel weights to 78.95% for number of ear per plant.
Evaluation of different operating strategies in small stand-alone power systems

This paper presents a sequential simulation technique to evaluate different operating strategies for small stand alone power systems (SSAPS) using wind and/or solar energy as well as storage facilities. Four types of operating strategies for SSAPS are discussed and evaluated. These are continuous diesel operation without storage, continuous diesel operation with storage, intermittent back-up diesel operation without storage and intermittent back-up diesel operation with storage. The advantage and disadvantage of these strategies are analyzed with reference to reliability, diesel fuel savings, back-up diesel average start-stop cycles and average running time etc. The probability distributions associated with these parameters are also constructed and analyzed.
The Development of Sensory Hypoesthesia After Whiplash Injury

Objectives(1) To investigate the development of hypoesthesia from soon after the whiplash injury to 6 months postinjury and (2) to determine differences in detection thresholds between those with initial features of poor recovery and those without these signs. MethodsFifty-two participants with acute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) (<1 mo) were classified as either “high-risk” (n=17; Neck Disability Index >30; sensory hypersensitivity) or “low risk” (n=35; without these signs). Detection thresholds to electrical, thermal, and vibration stimuli and psychological distress were prospectively measured within 1 month of injury and then 3 and 6 months postinjury. Detection thresholds were also measured in the 38 controls. ResultsBoth WAD groups showed hypoesthesia (vibration, electrical, and cold) at 1 month postinjury. Vibration and electrocutaneous hypoesthesia persisted to 3 and 6 months only in the high-risk WAD group. Heat detection thresholds were not different between the groups at 1 month postinjury but were elevated in the high-risk group at 3 and 6 months. Both WAD groups were distressed at 1 month but this decreased by 3 months in the low-risk group. The differences in the Impact of Event Scale did not impact on any of the sensory measures. DiscussionSensory hypoesthesia is a feature of acute WAD but persists only in those at higher risk of poor recovery. These findings suggest the involvement of the central inhibitory mechanisms that may be sustained by ongoing nociception.
Evolution of audiometric pattern in Meniere's disease: long-term survey of 380 cases evaluated according to the 1995 guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

OBJECTIVES Hearing loss in the early stages of Meniere's disease is characterized by a fluctuation in the audiometric pattern limited to the low frequencies, and then, during the disease's evolution, the hearing loss involves the medium and high frequencies. As far as the prevalence of different types of audiometric curves is concerned, there is no agreement among the various studies. The study of audiometric evolution in the course of the disease has been limited owing to the difficulties in following a relevant number of patients for a long period of time. The aim of the present study was to compare the auditory level and audiometric pattern evolution in a significant number of patients suffering from Meniere's disease who had undergone long-term follow-up (at least 10 years). METHODS The study considered 380 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Meniere's disease. The audiometric data were collected at the onset of the disease and after 5 and 10 years. Four patterns were considered: peak, rising, falling, and flat. Audiometric evolution analysis in four stages, defined by the guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, was evaluated. RESULTS At the onset, in 190 cases, the audiometric pattern was a peak curve, with fluctuation of the threshold in 68% of cases. The mean threshold shift for the 500 to 3000 Hz range was between 26 and 40 dB. After 5 years, a peak type (41.9%) or a flat type (42.9%) was observed; the pure-tone average (PTA) ranged between 26 and 40 dB in 47.9% and between 41 and 70 dB in 51.8% of cases. After 10 years, in most cases (57.9%), a flat curve was observed, and the PTA in 100% ranged between 41 and 70 dB. CONCLUSION The most common audiometric pattern at the onset of the disease is the peak type; long-term transformation of the initial audiometric pattern into a flat curve has been confirmed. High-frequency involvement seemed to be related more to Meniere's disease duration than to the influence of aging on hearing loss.
City Residents’ Perception of MICE City Brand Orientation and Their Brand Citizenship Behavior: A Case Study of Busan, South Korea

City branding is an important strategic asset in publicizing a city's values for building a competitive global city. Brand orientation plays a vital role in understanding the identity of the city as branded by city authorities. However, successful city branding needs to be built upon consensus on the identity and core values of the city between city authorities and internal stakeholders. The engagement of internal stakeholders is an essential determinant for creating a consistent city brand in the long term. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among brand orientation, brand commitment, brand citizenship behavior, and brand pride among city residents. The findings of this study extend the brand orientation model suggested by Hankinson [2012. The measurement of brand orientation, its performance impact, and the role of leadership in the context of destination branding: An exploratory study. Journal of Marketing Management, 28(7–8), 974–999. ] and provide empirical evidence for the tourism literature on brand orientation in the context of a city brand. A self-administered survey of residents (N = 240) was conducted at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), Busan, South Korea. The results for Hankinson's brand orientation model reveal that, among five dimensions, the brand reality is the most important brand orientation influencing the resident's brand commitment, followed by brand partnership, brand culture, and brand departmental coordination. In addition, the results of this study indicated that brand citizenship behavior was determined by brand commitment and led to brand pride. A utilization of the brand orientation can influence brand citizenship behavior through brand commitment, and brand citizenship behavior enhanced brand pride.
The Effect of Dietary Fat Content on Lactation Energetics in the European Hare (Lepus europaeus)

European hares selectively feed on plants with high fat and hence energy content. We hypothesized that these dietary requirements limit the ability of hares to adjust daily food intake during periods of high energy requirements, namely lactation. Our measurements in captive lactating females show that does kept on a low‐fat diet increased food intake compared to does on a high‐fat diet but assimilated significantly lower amounts of energy. Further, does fed a low‐fat diet showed a prolonged rise of food intake during lactation, reduced milk energy content and lower milk mass production at large litter sizes. We hypothesize that impaired milk production under suboptimal fat supply is due to the inability of females to increase the capacity of nutrient‐processing organs rapidly enough to meet the high energy demands of precocial juveniles with high metabolic costs. Thus, in hares, the production of precocial young may be viewed as a constraint, caused by their inability to dig thermally buffered burrows, rather than as an adaptive reproductive strategy. We suggest that the interaction of lactation energetics, dietary requirements, and reduced plant diversity in modern agricultural landscapes has facilitated the decline of hare populations across Europe over the last decades.
Granuloma formation is required to contain bacillus growth and delay mortality in mice chronically infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that mice with a gene disruption to the intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐K/O) express normal cell‐mediated immunity but cannot mount delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions following Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, even in the absence of any appreciable granuloma formation, these mice control bacterial growth for at least 90 days. While not required to control the infection initially, we hypothesized that granuloma formation was required to control chronic infection, acting by surrounding infected cells to prevent bacterial dissemination. To test this, ICAM‐1 knockout mice were infected with a low dose aerosol of M. tuberculosis Erdman and were found to succumb to infection 136±30 days later, displaying highly elevated bacterial loads compared to wild‐type mice. Lung tissue from ICAM‐K/O mice displayed extensive cellular infiltration and widespread tissue necrosis, but no organized granulomatous lesions were evident, whereas the control mice displayed organized compact granulomas. These data demonstrate that while a granulomatous response is not required initially to control M. tuberculosis infection, absence of granulomas during chronic infection leads to increased bacterial growth and host death. Thus these data support the hypothesis that granuloma formation is required to control chronic infection, acting by surrounding and walling off sites of infection to prevent bacterial dissemination and maintain a state of chronic infection.
Self-Generated Mnemonics for Number Recall in Young and Old Adults

Self-generated strategies for recall of number facts were examined in 164 adults who ranged in age from 20 to 86 years. Participants recalled a number list that included six 2-digit prices and six 4-digit phone numbers Following recall, participants reported their encoding strategies A larger percentage of the younger subjects (< 49 yr.) reported using a specific verbal mediator to facilitate encoding, and younger subjects recalled more 2-digit and 4-digit numbers. Across age groups, the self-reported use of encoding strategies facilitated recall.