Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Olfactory Signal Transduction in the Mouse Septal Organ

The septal organ, a distinct chemosensory organ observed in the mammalian nose, is essentially a small island of olfactory neuroepithelium located bilaterally at the ventral base of the nasal septum. Virtually nothing is known about its physiological properties and function. To understand the nature of the sensory neurons in this area, we studied the mechanisms underlying olfactory signal transduction in these neurons. The majority of the sensory neurons in the septal organ express olfactory-specific G-protein and adenylyl cyclase type III, suggesting that the cAMP signaling pathway plays a critical role in the septal organ as in the main olfactory epithelium (MOE). This is further supported by patch-clamp recordings from individual dendritic knobs of the sensory neurons in the septal organ. Odorant responses can be mimicked by an adenylyl cyclase activator and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and these responses can be blocked by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor. There is a small subset of cells in the septal organ expressing a cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (phosphodiesterase 2), a marker for the guanylyl cyclase-D subtype sensory neurons identified in the MOE. The results indicate that the septal organ resembles the MOE in major olfactory signal transduction pathways, odorant response properties, and projection to the main olfactory bulb. Molecular and functional analysis of the septal organ, which constitutes ∼1% of the olfactory epithelium, will provide new insights into the organization of the mammalian olfactory system and the unique function this enigmatic organ may serve.
Prognosis of atrial arrhythmias treated by electrical counter shock therapy. A three-year follow-up.

Since theintroduction ofclosed chest synchronizedDC shocktreatment foratrial fibrillation by Lownin1962(Lown, Amarasingham, andNewman, 1962a; Lownetal., 1962b) manythousands of patients haveundergone this treatment. Complications haveoccurred onoccasion. Arrhythmias, some fatal, havebeenreported byRoss(1964), Morris et al.(1964), Killip (1963), andTurner andTowers (1965). Inaddition, Lown,etal. (1963), Rabbino, Likoff, andDreifus (1964), OramandDavies (1964), andNavabandLaDue(1965) reported that arterial emboli might occur.Theincidence ofmyocardial damage hasbeendocumented bySussman, Woldenberg, andCohen(1964), Turner andTowers(1964), andResnekov andMcDonald(1965, 1967). Pulmonaryoedema hasbeenrepbrted byResnekov and McDonald(1965), Paloheimo (1965), andHoney, Nicholls, andTowers(1965); hypotension byTurner andTowers(1965); andtheemergence ofdigitalis toxicity after conversion by Gilbert andCuddy (1965). However, theover-all incidence ofserious sideeffects orpermanent sequelae isverylow. Recurrence ofthearrhythmia isfrequent. Inthefollowing paper theresults, complications, andfollow-up of149patients defibrillated between May1964andJuly 1967arepresented.
A New Hybrid Boosting Converter for Renewable Energy Applications

A hybrid boosting converter (HBC)with collective advantages of regulation capability from its boost structure and gain enhancement from its voltage multiplier structure is proposed in this paper. The new converter incorporates a bipolar voltage multiplier, featuring symmetrical configuration, single inductor and single switch, high gain capability with wide regulation range, low component stress, small output ripple and flexible extension, which make it suitable for front-end PV system and some other renewable energy applications. The operation principal, component stress, and voltage ripple are analyzed in this paper. Performance comparison and evaluation with a number of previous single-switch single-inductor converters are provided. A 200-W 35 to 380V second-order HBC prototype was built with peak efficiency at 95.44%. The experimental results confirms the feasibility of the proposed converter.
Divided Government Versus Incumbency Externality Effect: Quasi-Experimental Evidence on Multiple Voting Decisions

This paper explores the interdependency of political institutions from the voter's perspective. Specifically, we are interested in three questions: (1) Does the partisan identity of the local mayor influence the voter's decision in the subsequent town council election? ; (2) Does this partisan identity influence in ensuing higher level elections? ; and (3) Do voters condition their vote for the mayor on the result of the last council election? We collected a unique data set for Germany in which we link election results for different political institutions at the municipal level. To identify causal effects, we rely on a regression discontinuity design focusing on close election outcomes. We find that the party of the mayor receives a bonus of 4-5 percentage points in vote share in the subsequent town council elections if, and only if, mayoral and council elections are held simultaneously. With regard to higher level elections, we find no effect for the party identity of the mayor on federal and European election outcomes. Using run-off mayor races, which are held shortly after council elections, we show that voters punish parties that performed strongly in the council election. To explain our empirical findings, we explore two mechanisms from the theoretical literature. We conclude that there is evidence both for an incumbency externality effect as well as a preference for divided government effect in opposite directions.
An Approach to Solve Group-Decision-Making Problems With Ordinal Interval Numbers

The ordinal interval number is a form of uncertain preference information in group decision making (GDM), while it is seldom discussed in the existing research. This paper investigates how the ranking order of alternatives is determined based on preference information of ordinal interval numbers in GDM problems. When ranking a large quantity of ordinal interval numbers, the efficiency and accuracy of the ranking process are critical. A new approach is proposed to rank alternatives using ordinal interval numbers when every ranking ordinal in an ordinal interval number is thought to be uniformly and independently distributed in its interval. First, we give the definition of possibility degree on comparing two ordinal interval numbers and the related theory analysis. Then, to rank alternatives, by comparing multiple ordinal interval numbers, a collective expectation possibility degree matrix on pairwise comparisons of alternatives is built, and an optimization model based on this matrix is constructed. Furthermore, an algorithm is also presented to rank alternatives by solving the model. Finally, two examples are used to illustrate the use of the proposed approach.
Cell-matrix Interactions of Factor IX (FIX)-engineered human mesenchymal stromal cells encapsulated in RGD-alginate vs. Fibrinogen-alginate microcapsules

Abstract The success of cell microencapsulation technology in tissue engineering and protein delivery applications depends on the viability and functionality of the encapsulated cells, which in turn are dependent upon cell/matrix interactions. In this work, we compared the viability of cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CB MSCs), engineered to secrete factor IX (FIX) for hemophilia treatment, and encapsulated in arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-alginate versus fibrinogen-alginate microcapsules. We evaluated the effect of the biomimetic matrix on cell attachment, proliferation, and secretion of FIX. Compared with nonsupplemented alginate matrix, RGD-alginate significantly enhanced the viability of the encapsulated MSCs. Further, cells in RGD-alginate displayed distinct attachment morphology, thus suggesting that RGD-alginate can potentially be used for the encapsulation of MSCs in tissue engineering applications that require enhanced cell attachment and viability. However, our data also showed that RGD-alginate microcapsules, in contrast to fibrinogen-alginate microcapsules, did not significantly improve cell proliferation of or FIX secretion by encapsulated MSCs. Our findings suggest that evidence of cell attachment alone may not accurately predict the functionality of cells in biomimetic microcapsules.
A general packing algorithm based on single-sequence

The single-sequence (SS) is simply a sequence of integers 1, 2, 3, . , n. But it leads a unique set of ABLR-relations (above, below, left-of, right-of) that hold among n objects on a plane. The direct relation set (DRS) is used to represent the direct ABLR-relations among rooms. It can be reused for any packing under the same floorplan. In this paper we analyze the relation between DRS and SS, and propose a general packing algorithm based on SS. It can update each room's coordinates on the fly. As a feature of SS, this algorithm covers all possible placements, if our objective is in bounding-box area minimization. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm is pretty fast and efficient compared with the performance attained by conventional algorithms.
ASSOCIATION OF CELL PHONE RADIATIONS WITH VARIOUS DISEASE SYMPTOMS AMONG 370 SUBJECTS RESIDING IN PESHAWAR

A study to investigate various health hazards due to cell phone radiations was conducted from October, 2007 to February, 2008 among cell phone users residing in Peshawar district. A total of 370 subjects (271 female and 89 male) having age ranging from 16 to 60 years were subjected to in person interviews, and blood samples were taken from 100 most extensive users to examine any deviant effect of radiations on blood cell morphology. Among 370 subjects interviewed, the most commonly occurring symptom was warming of ears (57.03%). The prevalence of headache (29.41%) was highest among females, who kept their cell phones under pillow. Among male subjects, palpitation (53.33%) was reported to be the highest symptom due to keeping their cell phones in front pocket. The symptom felt in frequent episodes among the inspected subjects was palpitation (44.95%) and the symptom felt in infrequent episodes was migraine (72.72%). Change in behavior or irritation during receiving the call was documented in 38.92% of the people interviewed. Elevated level of anger was noticed in 29.46% of the subjects after their exposure to cell phone radiations. Stress/depression (40.45%) due to unknown reasons was found to occur more frequently among male subjects. On the basis of occupation, the businessmen were extensive users having most of the symptoms associated with electromagnetic radiation of cell phone. The data was also analyzed using Chi-square test, where occurrences of the symptoms were dependent on call duration. No relationship between abnormal blood cells morphology and radiations was observed. In addition to above symptoms, high and low blood pressure, loss in hearing capacity, nausea, heavy feelings in head and ear, laziness, & loss of appetite in mild degrees were also reported. This study suggested that extensive use of cell phone may be associated with chronic diseases or disorders.
Familial multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas associated with papillary renal cell cancer

Multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas is an autosomal dominant condition that results in benign smooth muscle tumours of the skin and, in females, uterine fibroids. This syndrome overlaps with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome in which affected individuals may develop the rare type II papillary renal cell cancer, in addition to skin leiomyomas. Recently, heterozygous mutations in the gene encoding fumarate hydratase have been found to underlie both conditions. Fumarate hydratase is an enzyme that catalyses the conversion of fumarate to malate in the Kreb's cycle and may also function as a tumour suppressor gene. We report a family with multiple leiomyomas, uterine fibroids and papillary renal cell cancer. The proband is a 77‐year‐old Polish woman who developed multiple cutaneous leiomyomas on her right upper arm in her thirties and subsequently underwent a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids in her forties. She has four offspring: her eldest daughter also has skin and uterine leiomyomas with a similar onset; her son has multiple skin leiomyomas and in addition was diagnosed with metastatic papillary renal cell cancer at the age of 50 years; the two youngest daughters are unaffected. DNA sequencing in all the affected individuals disclosed a heterozygous G→C substitution at nucleotide 173 of the fumarate hydratase gene, that converts an arginine residue (CGA) to proline (CCA). This missense mutation has not been reported previously and is designated R58P. Interestingly, the clinically asymptomatic 20‐year‐old son of the individual with renal cancer was also found to be heterozygous for R58P. It is likely that he will develop skin leiomyomas in the future but the risk of renal cancer is difficult to predict. Nevertheless, detection of this mutation has important implications for screening and genetic counselling in this and other family members.
Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Alternative Macrophages Display Low Cholesterol Handling but High Phagocytosis Because of Distinct Activities of the PPAR&ggr; and LXR&agr; Pathways

Rationale: A crucial step in atherogenesis is the infiltration of the subendothelial space of large arteries by monocytes where they differentiate into macrophages and transform into lipid-loaded foam cells. Macrophages are heterogeneous cells that adapt their response to environmental cytokines. Th1 cytokines promote monocyte differentiation into M1 macrophages, whereas Th2 cytokines trigger an “alternative” M2 phenotype. Objective: We previously reported the presence of CD68+ mannose receptor (MR)+ M2 macrophages in human atherosclerotic plaques. However, the function of these plaque CD68+MR+ macrophages is still unknown. Methods and Results: Histological analysis revealed that CD68+MR+ macrophages locate far from the lipid core of the plaque and contain smaller lipid droplets compared to CD68+MR− macrophages. Interleukin (IL)-4–polarized CD68+MR+ macrophages display a reduced capacity to handle and efflux cellular cholesterol because of low expression levels of the nuclear receptor liver x receptor (LXR)&agr; and its target genes, ABCA1 and apolipoprotein E, attributable to the high 15-lipoxygenase activity in CD68+MR+ macrophages. By contrast, CD68+MR+ macrophages highly express opsonins and receptors involved in phagocytosis, resulting in high phagocytic activity. In M2 macrophages, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)&ggr; activation enhances the phagocytic but not the cholesterol trafficking pathways. Conclusions: These data identify a distinct macrophage subpopulation with a low susceptibility to become foam cells but high phagocytic activity resulting from different regulatory activities of the PPAR&ggr;-LXR&agr; pathways.
Characterization of Anti-Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi Antibody Responses in Bacteremic Bangladeshi Patients by an Immunoaffinity Proteomics-Based Technology

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi is the cause of typhoid fever and a human-restricted pathogen. Currently available typhoid vaccines provide 50 to 90% protection for 2 to 5 years, and available practical diagnostic assays to identify individuals with typhoid fever lack sensitivity and/or specificity. Identifying immunogenic S. Typhi antigens expressed during human infection could lead to improved diagnostic assays and vaccines. Here we describe a platform immunoaffinity proteomics-based technology (IPT) that involves the use of columns charged with IgG, IgM, or IgA antibody fractions recovered from humans bacteremic with S. Typhi to capture S. Typhi proteins that were subsequently identified by mass spectrometry. This screening tool identifies immunogenic proteins recognized by antibodies from infected hosts. Using this technology and the plasma of patients with S. Typhi bacteremia in Bangladesh, we identified 57 proteins of S. Typhi, including proteins known to be immunogenic (PagC, HlyE, OmpA, and GroEL) and a number of proteins present in the human-restricted serotypes S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A but rarely found in broader-host-range Salmonella spp. (HlyE, CdtB, PltA, and STY1364). We categorized identified proteins into a number of major groupings, including those involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, iron homeostasis, and biosynthetic and metabolic functions and those predicted to localize to the outer membrane. We assessed systemic and mucosal anti-HlyE responses in S. Typhi-infected patients and detected anti-HlyE responses at the time of clinical presentation in patients but not in controls. These findings could assist in the development of improved diagnostic assays.
Serum paraoxonase and malondialdehyde levels in asymptomatic cholelithiasis

Moselhy et al., reported the inaccuracy for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays on quantifying MDA, and they stated that TBARS approach may limit the likelihood of detecting true differences in the level of lipid peroxidation in clinical studies. [3] The poor specificity of TBARS assays could lead to an overestimation of MDA levels in human plasma. [3] If a chromatographic assay that is accepted to have satisfactory analytic performance to determine MDA levels as a true indicator of lipid peroxidation in biological matrices was employed in this study, interpretation of the results would have been more reliable.
Glycine receptors in the retinas of normal and spastic mutant mice.

PURPOSE Spastic mutant mice have abnormal gait and righting behavior, and the responses of their retinal ganglion cells have recently been shown to be abnormal. The former defects have been linked to a reduction of glycine-receptor density in the spinal cord of spastic mutants, but the cause of the retinal defects has not yet been determined. The authors thus tested for reduced glycine-receptor density in the mutant retina by comparing the levels of glycine receptors in the retinas of spastic mutant mice with those found in normal mice. METHODS Indirect immunofluorescence histochemistry was employed, using monoclonal antibodies directed against the alpha- and beta-subunits of the receptor and against the 93-kd cytoplasmic receptor-associated protein, gephyrin. RESULTS In normal mice, all glycine-receptor antibodies labeled two laminae of the inner plexiform layer (IPL): a broad band in the distal third of the IPL and a narrow band in the middle of the IPL. Lighter labeling was also seen in the outer plexiform layer with these antibodies. In spastic mutant mice, the glycine-receptor labeling of the IPL was reduced markedly. However, the overall structure of the spastic mutant retina was not disrupted because the distribution and intensity of both a presynaptic marker (synaptophysin) and a marker for the rod bipolar cell (protein kinase C) in the mutant retina were indistinguishable from those in normal retinas. CONCLUSIONS The glycine-receptor distribution in normal mice was consistent with that previously reported for the rat and with the distribution of glycine responsiveness of dissociated rodent bipolar cells. The reduced levels of glycine receptors in spastic mice help explain the abnormal ganglion cell responses in the spastic mutant.
Associations of Specific Postoperative Complications With Outcomes After Elective Colon Resection: A Procedure-Targeted Approach Toward Surgical Quality Improvement

Importance Numerous quality initiatives have been implemented in an effort to minimize the onus of postoperative complications on clinical and economic outcomes after major surgery. It is unknown which complications have the greatest overall effect on these outcomes. Objective To quantify the associations of specific postoperative complications with outcomes after elective colon resection. Design, Setting, and Participants Patients undergoing elective colon resection between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, who were included in the Colectomy-Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were assessed for the development of specific types of postoperative complications. The overall contributions of these complications to subsequent clinical and resource use outcomes were assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were 30-day mortality, end-organ dysfunction, reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, nonroutine discharge status, and hospital readmission. Risk-adjusted population attributable fractions were estimated for each complication-outcome pair. The population attributable fractions for a specific complication represented the percentage reduction in a given outcome that would be expected if exposure to that complication was completely eliminated. Results A total of 26 682 patients undergoing elective colon resection were included for analysis; 13 870 patients were women (52.0%) and 15 088 (56.5%) were younger than 65 years. The most common index complications were ileus (n = 3140; 11.8%), bleeding (n = 2032; 7.6%), and incisional surgical site infection (n = 1873; 7.0%). Anastomotic leak was associated with the incidence of end-organ dysfunction, mortality, reoperation, and hospital readmission, with estimated population attributable fractions of 33.3% (95% CI, 29.6-36.8), 20.0% (95% CI, 14.0-25.7), 48.4% (95% CI, 45.7-51.0), and 20.6% (95% CI, 19.1-22.1) for each of these respective outcomes. The effect of complications, such as urinary tract infection, venous thromboembolism, and myocardial infarction, on these outcomes was comparatively small. Conclusions and Relevance Anastomotic leak has a large overall effect on 30-day clinical and economic outcomes after elective colon resection. The findings of our study support the adoption of a procedure-targeted approach to surgical quality improvement and describe a practical method for assessing complication effect.
Girls Most of the Time, Boys Some of the Time: Gender Differences in Toddlers' Use of Maternal Proximity and Comfort Seeking

How children experience, express, and regulate distress has important implications for adjustment. Factors influencing individual differences in these aspects of affective behavior include temperament, context of situation, and parents, to name a few. Gender differences in the expression of affective behaviors have also been implicated in past research. However, differences are not always found, especially before preschool ages. This study examined the presence of gender differences and moderating influences of gender on the expression of distress and mother-oriented behaviors (e.g., comfort seeking and proximity to mother) in 24-month-old toddlers during a series of situations designed to elicit either fear or frustration. Girls were more likely to seek contact from mother and stay in closer proximity to her compared to boys even after controlling for distress. However, the association between distress and contact seeking or proximity was significant for boys but not for girls. The discussion focuses on .
Surgical management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single centre's experience.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represent 85% of all mesenchymal neoplasms that affect the gastrointestinal track. Aim of this study is to report a case series of 18 GISTs treated surgically in a single centre and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic issues regarding these tumors. CASE SERIES A retrospective search of the unit's medical records from 2002 to 2014 was carried out, to collect all cases diagnosed and treated for GISTs. Demographics and clinical features was obtained for all relevant cases. RESULTS Eighteen cases (18) of GIST were identified. Eleven tumors were located in the stomach, 3 tumors in the duodenum and 4 tumors in the jejunum. The mean age at diagnosis was 62.5 (range 42-81) years, while the male to female ratio was 1.57/1 (11 males/7 females). Patients presented with a variety of symptoms and all underwent surgery. The 5-year-survival rate of these patients was 50%. CONCLUSION Due to non-specific presentation of GISTs, initial diagnosis of these tumors may be delayed. High clinical suspicion and knowledge of their characteristics are essentials in order to achieve an early diagnosis and lead patients to surgery as soon as possible. Hippokratia 2015, 19 (1): 73-75.