Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-interleukin-1 and anti-CD44 interventions producing significant inhibition of cartilage destruction in an in vitro model of cartilage invasion by rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro model for the investigation of destructive processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to study the interaction between fibroblasts, macrophages, and chondrocytes, and to evaluate strategies to inhibit joint destruction in RA. METHODS Human and bovine chondrocytes cultured in sponges pretreated with native bovine embryonic extracellular matrix produced a cartilaginous matrix reflected by the incorporation of 35S into proteoglycans. The 3-dimensional culture system was optimized for the number of chondrocytes (10(5) cells/sponge), the timing of 35S incorporation (day 21 after chondrocyte isolation), and the medium (20% fetal calf serum). RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF; 10(5)) were added, and the matrix destruction mediated by these RASF was monitored by the release of 35S. The system was modulated by the addition of monocytes (U937 cells), cytokines (interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha]), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and monoclonal antibodies against IL-1beta and CD44. RESULTS RASF destroyed the bovine cartilaginous matrix within 2 weeks (days 5-12) and the human cartilaginous matrix within 3 weeks (days 10-18). Compared with the effect of RASF alone (mean +/- SD 948 +/-180 counts per minute/week), the addition of U937 cells (a monocytic cell line), IL-1beta, or TNFalpha to the incubation medium increased the destruction of human cartilaginous matrix by at least 71% up to 90% (ranging from 1,618+/-204 cpm/week to 1,802+/-307 cpm/week). IL-1Ra and anti-IL-1beta monoclonal antibodies reduced the destruction of human matrix by 45% and 35%, respectively; this was partially reversed by the addition of U937 cells. The pretreatment of RASF with anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody (an adhesion molecule and receptor for hyaluronic acid) inhibited the destruction of the cartilaginous matrix by an average of 41% over 3 weeks. CONCLUSION This model is envisioned to study distinct aspects of human destructive joint diseases under in vitro conditions and to replace and/or supplement animal experiments in basic research and drug testing. Based on the fact that proinflammatory cytokines enhance destruction whereas IL-1Ra and antibodies against IL-1beta and CD44 inhibit the process, it is concluded that anti-IL-1- and anti-CD44-directed therapies may help prevent cartilage destruction in RA.
Gender Disparity in Pakistan : A Case of Middle and Secondary Education in Punjab

Using primary data from MICS 2007-08, this paper assesses the gender disparity at middle and high school levels in Punjab province Pakistan. Various special measures have been implemented to alleviate gender disparity in social and cultural contexts. Gender equality in education and empowerment of women was the goal that was set as Millennium Development goal. However, the gap due to differential treatment of parents with boys and girls under normal routine and social aspiration reflected the preference for males over females, specifically in rural areas. In urban areas, the importance of education proved dominating factor for eliminating distinction between male and female enrolment. The considered characteristics proved causes of gender disparity at rural level and the disparity level is so strong in rural areas that it vanish as the effect of obligation of parents for female education in urban areas and on overall basis and thus, there existed gender disparity in Punjab province of Pakistan.
Response of Old World climbing fern and native vegetation to repeated ground herbicide treatments

Old World climbing fern [Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. ; OWCF] is an invasive vine in Florida that alters natural area structure and composition, displacing native vegetation and altering fire regimes. In this study, we examined the use of repeated ground foliar herbicide treatments using glyphosate, metsulfuron methyl, triclopyr, and imazapic alone or in combinations with treatments applied at 6-mo intervals over 2 yr. OWCF was controlled to 4.4% cover for all treatments after four treatments over 2 yr. No treatment completely eliminated OWCF, indicating that follow-up treatments will be required for long-term control of this fern. OWCF can be managed at low levels with two herbicide treatments 6 mo apart, with monitoring and retreatment required as needed every 12 mo thereafter. Following herbicide treatment of OWCF, there was a shift toward early-successional, ruderal native species such as graminoids and forbs and a decline in native ferns. These results indicate that at least two initial herbicide treatments 6 mo apart followed by long-term spot treatments are required for greater than 95% control of OWCF, and native plant community recovery in heavily infested areas is slow and may take more than 2 yr to recover.
Psychological Consequences of Breast Cancer in Iran: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Breast cancer is known as one of the most common cancers among women and has severe psychological effects. This study aimed to identify the psychological consequences of breast cancer in previous studies based on meta-analysis. Methods: Meta-analytic procedures were conducted by Prisma guidelines. A literature search was conducted by using following electronic databases including scientific information databases (SID), Magiran, Medlib, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Medline from 1991 through 2017 regarding the psychological consequences associated with breast cancer in Iran. The content of all articles was evaluated by the Prisma checklist and analyzed meta-analysis in CMA software. Results: The final synthesis was carried out on 56 quantitative studies. Considering the findings of meta-analysis of the psychological consequences of patients with breast cancer in seven classes, anxiety (ES=−0.76), body image (ES=0.199), coping strategies (ES= 0.214), depression (ES=−0.700), fatigue (ES=0.322), quality of life (ES= 0.428), and sexual function (ES=0.355) were achieved. Conclusion: Based on the results of the high level of psychological consequences of breast cancer in women with breast cancer, it is necessary to formulate appropriate therapeutic protocols in order to adjust the psychological consequences.
Supine LBNP exercise maintains exercise capacity in male twins during 30-d bed rest.

INTRODUCTION Exercise capacity is reduced after both short- and long-duration exposures to microgravity. Previously, we have documented that supine treadmill exercise within lower-body negative pressure (LBNP(ex)) maintains upright exercise responses in men after 5 and 15 d of bed rest, as a simulation of microgravity. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether LBNP(ex) would protect against loss of upright exercise capacity (VO2peak) and sprint performance during a longer-duration bed rest. METHODS Eight sets of male twins participated in 30 d of bed rest. Within each twin pair, one was randomly assigned to a control group (CON) who performed no exercise, and the other was assigned to an exercise group (EX) that performed a 40-min interval (40-80% pre-bed rest VO2peak) LBNP(ex) (55 +/- 4 mm Hg) protocol, plus 5 min of resting LBNP, 6 d.wk(-1). LBNP produced footward force equivalent to 1.0-1.2 body weight. Before and after bed rest, subjects completed an upright graded exercise test to volitional fatigue and a sprint test of 30.5 m. RESULTS After bed rest, VO2peak was decreased significantly in the CON subjects (-23 +/- 4%, P < 0.01) but was maintained in the EX subjects (-3 +/- 3%). Sprint time was increased in the CON subjects (24 +/- 8%, P < 0.05) but was maintained in the EX group (8 +/- 2%). CONCLUSIONS This exercise countermeasure protocol may help prevent microgravity-induced deconditioning during long-duration space flight.
Are donors targeting the highest health needs ? Evidence from mining sites in the D . R . Congo

I examine the effectiveness of donors in targeting the highest malaria burden in an environment characterised by fragmented health information structure as in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the malaria programme in the country is mostly funded by donors, I rely on the stock value of antimalarial commodities in health facilities to estimate malaria funding at the local level. I exploit local variations in the malaria burden induced by mining activities to estimate the effects of mining areas on the stock value of antimalarial commodities. Using a regression discontinuity design, I find significant but quantitatively small variations in the stock value of antimalarial commodities in health facilities located within mining areas. These effects are mostly driven by one particular type of health commodity used for malaria prevention for pregnant women, while the effects on drugs for malaria treatment are not significant. ∗Address: 9 Mappin Street, S1 4DT Sheffield, United Kingdom, e-mail: Slordemus1@sheffield.ac. uk.
Drag Force Estimation of a Truck Trailer Model Using Artificial Neural Network

Prediction of the drag forces acting on a truck trailer with/without spoiler is carried out by using artificial neural network (ANN). ANN model data set include the experiments of spoiler positions which have zero level to trailer front corner, -2 mm, -4.5 mm, -9 mm, +4.5 mm and +9 mm and truck trailer without spoiler. The experiments were carried out in the wind tunnel in the range of the free stream velocity between 4.6 m/s and 19.3 m/s, corresponding the Re number range, 1.0×10 -5.0×10. Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for training, validation and testing is 2.24%, 3.75% and 4.58% in the prediction of the drag forces, respectively. Prediction performance of the developed ANN model has a very good accuracy. According to the drag coefficients results, Reynolds number independence for truck trailer model is obtained at Reynolds number between 1.97×10 and 4.89×10. For spoiler position cases, while minimum drag coefficient acting on truck trailer with spoiler is seen at – 2mm offset, maximum drag coefficient is seen at -9 mm offset.
THE VALUE OF RELIABILITY Gerard de Jong RAND Europe and ITS Leeds

Changes in the reliability of travel time are not incorporated in standard appraisals of infrastructure projects and transport policies in The Netherlands or in other countries. Nevertheless, many transport projects and policies will affect not only the average travel time, but also its spread. There are some indications that travellers, shippers and carriers have substantial valuations for an increase in reliability of transport time.
Seeing red: behavioral evidence of trichromatic color vision in strepsirrhine primates

Among primates, catarrhines (Old World monkeys and apes) and certain platyrrhines (New World monkeys) possess trichromatic color vision, which might confer important evolutionary advantages, particularly during foraging. Recently, a polymorphism has been shown to shift the spectral sensitivity of the X-linked opsin protein in certain strepsirrhines (e.g., Malagasy lemurs); however, its behavioral significance remains unknown. We assign genotypes at the X-linked variant to 45 lemurs, representing 4 species, and test if the genetic capacity for trichromacy impacts foraging performance, particularly under green camouflage conditions in which red detection can be advantageous. We confirm polymorphism at the critical site in sifakas and ruffed lemurs and fail to find this polymorphism in collared lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs. We show that this polymorphism may be linked to "behavioral trichromacy" in heterozygous ruffed lemurs but find no comparable evidence in a single heterozygous sifaka. Despite their putative dichromatic vision, female collared lemurs were surprisingly efficient at retrieving both red and green food items under camouflage conditions. Thus, species-specific feeding ecologies may be as important as trichromacy in influencing foraging behavior. Although the lemur opsin polymorphism produced measurable behavioral effects in at least one species, the ruffed lemur, these effects were modest, consistent with the modest shift in spectral sensitivity. Additionally, the magnitude of these effects varied across individuals of the same genotype, emphasizing the need for combined genetic and behavioral studies of trichromatic vision. We conclude that trichromacy may be only one of several routes toward increased foraging efficiency in visually complex environments. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal: an evaluation of a staging system.

OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to review a staging system proposed by the University of Pittsburgh for temporal bone cancer and to evaluate survival status according to stage, treatment, and certain prognostic factors. STUDY DESIGN The study was a retrospective case review. SETTING The study was conducted at a tertiary care medical center and specialty hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-two patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal were studied. INTERVENTION All patients underwent surgery of the temporal bone. Radiotherapy was given depending on tumor stage and histopathologic findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The 2-year survival rates of patients undergoing surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS The 2-year survival rates for primary squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone were as follows: T1 lesions 100%, T2 80%, T3 50%, and T4 7%. Survival for T3 tumors was 75% with postoperative radiotherapy, compared with 0% with surgery alone. CONCLUSIONS The 2-year survival data directly correlated with the staging system. The use of adjuvant radiotherapy increased survival rate in patients with a T3 lesion.
Reproduction in the heat-acclimatized female rat as affected by high ambient temperature.

The effect of continuous high environmental temperature (35\m=+-\1\s=deg\C) on various phases of the reproductive cycle was studied in heat-acclimatized female rats kept on an adequate diet. Results were compared with those of control animals maintained at 22 \m=+-\3\s=deg\C. Heat increased the irregularity and mean duration of the oestrous cycle thus reducing the number of cycles occurring during a given period of time. The number of cl produced was not affected although fewer ova could be recovered from the Fallopian tubes on the 1st day of pregnancy. The fertilization rate of ova recovered also remained unaffected. The number of ova degenerating by the 4th day of gestation increased, but there was no apparent adverse effect on the timing and the rate of implantation. During the postimplantation period, the rates of foetal resorption and perinatal death increased. The mean duration ofgestation did not seem to change. It is suggested that the process of parturition was affected since, in heat-treated rats, it lasted longer, was more irregular in timing and was inhibited completely in 29% of the animals examined.
Cross section measurement of alpha particle induced nuclear reactions on natural cadmium up to 52 MeV

Cross sections of alpha particle induced nuclear reactions have been measured on thin natural cadmium targets foils in the energy range from 11 to 51.2 MeV. This work was a part of our systematic study on excitation functions of light ion induced nuclear reactions on different target materials. Regarding the cross sections, the alpha induced reactions are not deeply enough investigated. Some of the produced isotopes are of medical interest, others have application in research and industry. The radioisotope 117mSn is a very important theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) radioisotope, so special care was taken to the results for that isotope. The well-established stacked foil technique followed by gamma-spectrometry with HPGe gamma spectrometers were used. The target and monitor foils in the stack were commercial high purity metal foils. From the irradiated targets 117mSn, 113Sn, 110Sn, 117m,gIn, 116mIn, 115mIn, 114mIn, 113mIn, 111In, 110m,gIn, 109mIn, 108mIn, 115gCd and 111mCd were identified and their excitation functions were derived. The results were compared with the data of the previous measurements from the literature and with the results of the theoretical nuclear reaction model code calculations TALYS 1.8 (TENDL-2015) and EMPIRE 3.2 (Malta). From the cross section curves thick target yields were calculated and compared with the available literature data.
Fabrication of Microstructures on RB-SiC by Ultrasonic Cavitation Assisted Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining

Ultrasonic cavitation assisted micro-electrical discharge machining was used to fabricate microstructures on reaction-bonded silicon carbide. To aid the removal of debris from the machining gap and to obtain a good surface finish, carbon nanofibers were added into the dielectric fluid. The suspension of carbon nanofibers in the dielectric fluid and the cavitation bubble effect induced by the vibration of the dielectric fluid proved to be effective in reducing the deposition of tool material on the workpiece surface. The tool material deposition rate was found to be significantly affected by the vibration amplitude and the distance between the oscillator and the workpiece. With a hemispherical electrode and inclined workpiece, high accuracy micro-dimples could be obtained within a short time. A nanometer-level surface finish was successfully obtained on a hard-brittle RB-SiCmoldmaterial.
Emerging Characterizing Techniques in the Fine Structure Observation of Metal Halide Perovskite Crystal

Driven by its appealing application in the energy harvesting industry, metal halide perovskite solar cells are attracting increasing attention from various fields, such as chemistry, materials, physics, and energy-related industries. While the energy conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell is being investigated often by various research groups, the relationship between the surface structure and the property is still ambiguous and, therefore, becomes an urgent topic due to its wide application in the real environment. Recently, the fine structure characterization of perovskite crystals has been analysed by varying techniques, such as XRD, synchrotron-based grazing incidence XRD, XAFS, and STM, in addition to others. In this review article, we will summarize recent progresses in the monitoring of fine nanostructures of the surface and crystal structures of perovskite films, mainly by XAFS, XRD, and STM, focusing on the discussion of the relationship between the properties and the stability of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, a prospective is given for the development of experimental approaches towards fine structure characterization.
Spatial Equilibrium, Search Frictions, and Dynamic Efficiency in the Taxi Industry

This article analyses the dynamic spatial equilibrium of taxicabs and shows how common taxi regulations lead to substantial inefficiencies as a result of search frictions and mis-allocation. To analyse the role of regulation on frictions and efficiency, I pose a dynamic model of spatial search and matching between taxis and passengers. Using a comprehensive dataset of New York City yellow medallion taxis, I use this model to compute the equilibrium spatial distribution of vacant taxis and estimate intraday demand given price and medallion regulations. My estimates show that the weekday New York market achieves about $\$$5.7 million in daily welfare or about $\$$27 per trip, but an additional 53 thousand customers fail to find cabs due to search frictions. Counterfactual analysis shows that implementing simple tariff pricing changes can enhance allocative efficiency and expand the market, offering daily consumer surplus gains of up to $\$$227 thousand and up to 49 thousand additional daily taxi-passenger matches, a similar magnitude to the gain in matches generated by adopting a perfect static matching technology.
SOLVATOCHROMIC PARAMETERS OF SOME ANTHOCYANIN DERIVATIVES CONCENTRATED FROM SELECTIVE NATURAL EXTRACTS

Anthocyanins are natural compounds with multiple functions and protective properties for both plants and other organisms. As natural pigments they exhibit excellent solvatochromic properties, in controlled purity conditions and under constant experimental and conservation conditions such as working temperature or pH value. This paper presents the experimental procedures related to the following objectives: obtaining the selective natural extracts of anthocyanins, glucoside derivatives of pelargonidin respectively, by solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction; purifying the resulted extract using adequate chromatographic methods; characterization of the quality of the concentrates obtained by spectral and HPLC methods. Based on the spectral data, correlations were established between the solvatochromic properties and their polarity parameters.
Auction Design for ROI-Constrained Buyers

We combine theory and empirics to (i) show that some buyers in online advertising markets are financially constrained and (ii) demonstrate how to design auctions that take into account such financial constraints. We use data from a field experiment where reserve prices were randomized on Google’s advertising exchange (AdX). We find that, contrary to the predictions of classical auction theory, a significant set of buyers lowers their bids when reserve prices go up. We show that this behavior can be explained if we assume buyers have constraints on their minimum return on investment (ROI). We proceed to design auctions for ROI-constrained buyers. We show that optimal auctions for symmetric ROI-constrained buyers are either second-price auctions with reduced reserve prices or subsidized second-price auctions. For asymmetric buyers, the optimal auction involves a modification of virtual values. Going back to the data, we show that using ROI-aware optimal auctions can lead to large revenue gains and large welfare gains for buyers.
ASSOCIATION OF LIPID PROFILE WITH DEPRESSIVE FEATURES IN YOUNG HYPERTENSIVES

Objectives: To find out (a) the correlation of various components of serum lipids with depression score; (b) whether severity of depression differ between the people with normal serum lipids & dyslipidemia; and (c) whether the lipid components differ between depressed and non-depressed people. Design: Cross Sectional Cohort study. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India from January 2001 to June 2002. Subjects and Methods: 100 young primary hypertensive subjects were included in this study. Their fasting blood lipid profile was ascertained and their depressive feelings were rated with the help of HAM-D. Results: In this study, total lipids, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoproteins and triglycerides were positively correlated with the HAM D score. Depressed subjects (HAMD>17) had higher levels of total lipids (P=0.002), HDL (P=0.04), VLDL (P=0.02) and TG (P=0.001). Similarly subjects with higher cholesterol levels (P=0.05), normal HDL (P=0.003), normal LDL (P<0.001); higher VLDL (P=0.002) and higher TGs (P<0.001) had higher scores on HAM-D. Conclusions: This study suggests that low HDL, high LDL protects from the depression. On the other hand, high cholesterol, VLDL and TG increase the risk of depression.