Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SCHWANN CELL MULTIPLICATION IN TREMBLER MICE

Peripheral nerves of the mutant mouse Trembler are characterized by a severe myelin deficit and an increased number of Schwann cells. On the basis of radioautographic and quantitative morphologic investigations, the present study documents: i an abnormal persistence of post‐natal Schwann cell proliferation in Trembler mouse nerves which, in unaffected animals, are composed of myelinated fibres; ii normal morphology, numbers and proliferation of Schwann cells in the unmyelinated (Remak) fibres of Trembler mice; and iii replication of the increased rate of Schwann cell multiplication as well as the myelin deficit, when segments of Trembler sciatic nerves are transplanted into the sciatic nerves of normal mice. Thus, the continued proliferation of Trembler Schwann cells must be related to the primary inability of these cells to produce and maintain a normal myelin sheath; axonal or general systemic abnormalities do not appear to play a major role in the pathogenesis of these disorders in the Trembler mouse.
Inhalation Exposure to Jet Fuel (JP8) Among U.S. Air Force Personnel

As jet fuel is a common occupational exposure among military and civilian populations, this study was conducted to characterize jet fuel (JP8) exposure among active duty U.S. Air Force personnel. Personnel (n = 24) were divided a priori into high, moderate, and low exposure groups. Questionnaires and personal air samples (breathing zone) were collected from each worker over 3 consecutive days (72 worker-days) and analyzed for total hydrocarbons (THC), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalene. Air samples were collected from inside the fuel tank and analyzed for the same analytes. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the exposure data. Our results show that the correlation of THC (a measure of overall JP8 inhalation exposure) with all other analytes was moderate to strong in the a priori high and moderate exposure groups combined. Inhalation exposure to all analytes varied significantly by self-reported JP8 exposure (THC levels higher among workers reporting JP8 exposure), a priori exposure group (THC levels in high group > moderate group > low group), and more specific job task groupings (THC levels among workers in fuel systems hangar group > refueling maintenance group > fuel systems office group > fuel handling group > clinic group), with task groupings explaining the most between-worker variability. Among highly exposed workers, statistically significant job task-related predictors of inhalation exposure to THC indicated that increased time in the hangar, working close to the fuel tank (inside > less than 25 ft > greater than 25 ft), primary job (entrant > attendant/runner/fireguard > outside hangar), and performing various tasks near the fuel tank, such as searching for a leak, resulted in higher JP8 exposure. This study shows that while a priori exposure groups were useful in distinguishing JP8 exposure levels, job task-based categories should be considered in epidemiologic study designs to improve exposure classification. Finally, the strong correlation of THC with naphthalene suggests that naphthalene may be an appropriate surrogate of JP8 exposure. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: a pdf file containing a table detailing concentrations of JP8 components. ]
Extreme sequence divergence between mitochondrial genomes of two subspecies of White-breasted Wood-wren (Henicorhina leucosticta, Cabanis, 1847) from western and central Panamá

Abstract Prior studies of mitochondrial variation in White-breasted Wood-Wrens (Henicorhina leucosticta) have suggested that populations in South American and Mesoamerica might represent multiple species. Here we report the complete mitochondrial genomes from two individuals of H. leucosticta, representing the Panamanian subspecies pittieri and alexandri. The two sequences were 16,721 and 16,726 base pairs in size with both genomes comprised of the usual 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and one displacement loop region in the standard avian order. Uncorrected pairwise divergence between mitogenome features was high, with the highest divergence occurring in protein-coding genes (average = 8.2%), followed by control region (6.7%). RNA features had lower pairwise divergences (average tRNA = 4.3%, average rRNA = 2.3%). The protein-coding ATPase 6 gene had a different stop codon between these two specimens. The high level of sequence variation between these subspecies suggests that Mesoamerican H. leucosticta might be comprised of multiple species. We urge a full phylogeographic survey of this widespread Neotropical forest bird.
Interspecies Pharmacokinetic Comparisons and Allometric Scaling of Napsagatran, a Low Molecular Weight Thrombin Inhibitor

The objective of this work was to assess the pharmacokinetics of napsagatran, a low molecular weight thrombin inhibitor, after intravenous administration in a variety of laboratory animals, and prospectively to help design the first pharmacokinetic studies in man. Napsagatran is actively excreted into the bile and urine of various species and pronounced species‐differences in its pharmacokinetics are observed. It is, therefore, an interesting compound to use in tests of the limitations of presently available inter‐species scaling methods.
Coverage-based node placement optimization in wireless sensor network with linear topology

Wireless sensor networks have become an attractive choice for many monitoring applications in an unattended setups; some of these applications such as pipeline, railroad and highways monitoring require the sensors to be placed in a linear topology. These sensors need to be placed as far apart while still maintaining a minimum required coverage in order to minimize the required node count and reduce cost. In this paper, we present three optimization models for determining the node density that varies in the objective. The first opts to achieve a desired level of detection fidelity while minimizing the number of deployed sensors. The second model considers the scenario with a constrained node count and determines the position of the available nodes such that the coverage is maximized. In the third model, we strive to minimize the number of deployed nodes when the desired fidelity is not uniform and some locations require higher coverage than others. The proposed optimization formulations are generic in nature and can be applied to any sensor coverage model. The three optimization models are validated through implementation using an attenuated disc coverage model where the detectability of a sensor is inversely proportional to the distance.
Local ventricular bulging after acute coronary occlusion.

In open-chest dogs, anesthetized with Nembutal, under positive pressure respiration, the coronary arteries were dissected out, and an umbilical ligature was placed about the left coronary artery, the anterior descendens, or the circumflex artery. Strain-gauge arches were sutured directly to the myocardium both in and out of the distribution of the occluded coronary artery. Blood pressure and ECG were also recorded before, during, and after arterial occlusion, which lasted for periods varying from 10 sec to 20 min. During occlusion of a large coronary artery the force of contraction of the affected myocardium decreased, and with continued occlusion the ischemic area no longer contracted but bulged during ventricular systole. Lead II of the ECG remained unchanged during ventricular bulging. After several successive occlusions, ventricular bulging became more pronounced and occurred more promptly after occlusion. A slight increase in blood pressure was noticed on the initial occlusion and could be abolished in a fresh preparation by bilateral vagotomy. Also, pulsus alternans was frequently noticed without electrical alternans. Restoration of contraction in the ischemic segment was observed in all instances of occlusion of 1 min or less. Upon release of occlusion, the force of contraction in the ischemic segment was markedly greater than control, with apparently complete recovery during the following 1–3 min.
Patient-Reported Expedited Partner Therapy for Gonorrhea in the United States: Findings of the STD Surveillance Network 2010–2012

Background Expedited partner therapy (EPT) has been shown to prevent reinfection in persons with gonorrhea and to plausibly reduce incidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends EPT as an option for treating sex partners of heterosexual patients. Few studies that examine how the reported use of this valuable intervention differs by patient and provider characteristics and by geography across multiple jurisdictions in the United States are currently available. Methods Case and patient interview data were obtained for a random sample of reported cases from 7 geographically disparate US jurisdictions participating in the Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Surveillance Network. These data were weighted to be representative of all reported gonorrhea cases in the 7 study sites. Patient receipt of EPT was estimated, and multivariate models were constructed separately to examine factors associated with receipt of EPT for heterosexuals and for men who have sex with men. Results Overall, 5.4% of patients diagnosed and reported as having gonorrhea reported receiving EPT to treat their sex partners. Heterosexual patients were more likely to have received EPT than men who have sex with men at 6.6% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. Receipt of EPT did not vary significantly by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or age for either group, although significant variation was observed in different provider settings, with patients from family planning/reproductive health and STD clinic settings more likely to report receiving EPT. Jurisdiction variations were also observed with heterosexual patients in Washington State most likely (35.5%), and those in New York City, Connecticut, and Philadelphia least likely to report receiving EPT (<2%). Conclusions With the exception of one jurisdiction in the STD Surveillance Network actively promoting EPT use, patient-reported receipt of the intervention remains suboptimal across the network. Additional efforts to promote EPT, especially for patients diagnosed in private provider and hospital settings, are needed to realize the full potential of this valuable gonorrhea control intervention.
The Effects of Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks (AmED) on Traffic Behaviors Among Brazilian College Students: A National Survey

Objective: Drinking alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) may be contributing to hazardous drinking practices and risk-taking behaviors among college students. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the frequency of AmED consumption in a national sample of Brazilian college students and to estimate the risk that energy drinks pose on drinking and traffic behaviors. Method: A sample of 12,711 college students from across the country was asked to complete a research questionnaire on the use of drugs and other behaviors. Students who reported drinking in the previous 12 months (N = 8672) were divided into 2 groups: (a) those who reported drinking only alcohol (N = 4192) and (b) those who reported drinking AmED (N = 1119). The college students who reported the use of at least one illicit drug were excluded from data analysis. Descriptive and inferential analyses were subsequently carried out using the R library survey software 2.15. 0. The null hypothesis was rejected at the level of P < . 05. Results: AmED users are more likely to be hazardous drinkers. Being male, single, and involved with high-risk drinking behaviors are associated to AmED. After adjusting for demographic and drinking variables, the odds of being involved in high-risk traffic behaviors—for example, driving at high speed (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; P < .001) and driving after binge drinking (OR = 2.8; P < .001)—were higher among AmED users than alcohol only users (AUs). Conclusion: The current findings are consistent with the results of previous studies. Drinking AmED may make college students more vulnerable to the occurrence of risky drinking and traffic behaviors. Educational campaigns targeted to young people should be developed warning them about the potential risks of mixing alcohol with energy drinks.
Quantitative measure of evolution of bright cluster galaxies at moderate redshifts

Using archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope, we study the quantitative morphological evolution of spectroscopically confirmed bright galaxies in the core regions of nine clusters ranging in redshift from z= 0.31 to 0.84. We use morphological parameters derived from two-dimensional bulge–disc decomposition to study the evolution. We find an increase in the mean bulge-to-total luminosity ratio as the Universe evolves. We also find a corresponding increase in the fraction of early-type galaxies and in the mean Sersic index. We discuss these results and their implications to physical mechanisms for evolution of galaxy morphology.
Fear of Pain Influences Outcomes After Exercise-induced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness at the Shoulder

ObjectivesThis study investigated whether anxiety, fear of pain, or pain catastrophizing were predictive of pain-related outcomes after induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) at the shoulder. MethodsHealthy participants (19 males and 23 females) were eligible for participation if they had (a) no history of neck or shoulder pain, (b) no sensory or motor impairments of the upper-extremity, (c) not regularly participating in upper-extremity weight training, (d) not currently or regularly taking pain medication, and (e) no history of upper-extremity surgery. Participants completed self-report measures for fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, and anxiety. Then, participants underwent a standard fatigue protocol to induce DOMS in the shoulder external rotator muscles. Participants were reassessed 24 hours after DOMS induction on clinical and evoked pressure pain reports, muscle force production, self-report of upper-extremity disability, and kinesiophobia. Stepwise regression models considered sex, anxiety, pain intensity, fear of pain, and pain catastrophizing as outcome predictors. ResultsFear of pain alone explained 16% (P=0.008) of the variance in clinical pain and 10% (P=0.047) evoked pressure pain intensity. Clinical pain intensity alone explained 11% (P<0.031) of the variance in muscle force production. Clinical pain intensity and fear of pain explained 50% (P<0.001) of the variance in upper-extremity disability, whereas fear of pain and sex accounted for 26% (P=0.005) of the variance in kinesiophobia. ConclusionsWith the exception of muscle force production, fear of pain had a consistent influence on shoulder DOMS outcomes, even after controlling for pain intensity. This study suggests fear of pain may be a relevant psychologic factor to consider in clinical studies investigating the development and treatment of chronic shoulder pain.
CMOS implementation of a fast 4-2 compressor for parallel accumulations

This paper discusses about the design of a novel and fast 4-2 compressor. To enhance the speed performance, some changes are performed in the truth table of conventional 4-2 compressor which leaded to reduction of gate level delay to 2 XOR logic gates plus 1 transistor for all parameters. Because of similar paths, there will be no need for extra buffers in low latency paths to equalize the delays. Therefore, the power dissipation will be decreased and the output waveforms will be free of any glitch. The delay of proposed architecture is 340ps which is simulated by HSPICE using TSMC 0. 35µm CMOS technology.
Horizontal And Vertical Intra-Industry Trade In The Processed Food Sector

For the first time in the food trade literature, the determinants of intra-industry trade (IIT) in horizontally differentiated products and vertically differentiated products are separately tested using the most recent theoretical models of IIT. For both 1980 and 1990, the econometric results confirm country- and industry- specific determinants proposed by these models for explaining horizontal and vertical IIT in the European processed food sector.
The challenge of epilepsy control in deprived settings: Low compliance and high fatality rates during a community‐based phenobarbital program in rural Laos

∗Institut de la Francophonie pour la Medecine Tropicale, Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic; †Kunming Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, China; ‡Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland; §Institut d’Epidemiologie Neurologique et de Neurologie Tropicale (EA 3174), Limoges, France; ¶Handicap International, Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic
Evaluating the Safety and Rationale for Cinacalcet Posttransplant Hyperparathyroidism and Hypercalcemia

Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease usually develop secondary hyperparathyroidism with concomitant parathyroid gland hyperplasia. Following renal transplantation, parathyroid glands usually undergo slow involution, resulting in lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and abatement of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. A subset of patients has more severe hyperparathyroidism posttransplant, and develops persistent and significant hypercalcemia.
A Multinational Review of Recent Trends and Reports in Dementia Caregiver Burden

This systematic review of the literature focuses on the influence of ethnic, cultural, and geographic factors on the caregivers of patients with dementia. In particular, we explore the impact of cultural expectations on five important questions: 1) Do the characteristics of dementia affect caregiver burden? 2) Do characteristics of the caregiver independently predict burden? 3) Does the caregiver affect patient outcomes? 4) Does support or intervention for caregiver result in reduced caregiver burden or improved patient outcomes? 5) Finally, do patient interventions result in reduced caregiver burden or improved patient outcomes? Our findings suggest that noncognitive, behavioral disturbances of patients with dementia result in increased caregiver burden and that female caregivers bear a particularly heavy burden across cultures, particularly in Asian societies. Caregiver burden influences time to medical presentation of patients with dementia, patient condition at presentation, and patient institutionalization. Moreover, interventions designed to reduce caregiver burden have been largely, although not universally, unsuccessful. Pharmacological treatments for symptoms of dementia were found to be beneficial in reducing caregiver burden. The consistency of findings across studies, geographic regions, cultural differences, and heathcare delivery systems is striking. Yet, there are critical differences in cultural expectations and social resources. Future interventions to reduce caregiver burden must consider these differences, identify patients and caregivers at greatest risk, and develop targeted programs that combine aspects of a number of interventional strategies.
TLR Signaling Mediated by MyD88 Is Required for a Protective Innate Immune Response by Neutrophils to Citrobacter rodentium1

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, and Citrobacter rodentium are classified as attaching and effacing pathogens based on their ability to adhere to intestinal epithelium via actin-filled membranous protrusions (pedestals). Infection of mice with C. rodentium causes breach of the colonic epithelial barrier, a vigorous Th1 inflammatory response, and colitis. Ultimately, an adaptive immune response leads to clearance of the bacteria. Whereas much is known about the adaptive response to C. rodentium, the role of the innate immune response remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the TLR adaptor MyD88 is essential for survival and optimal immunity following infection. MyD88−/− mice suffer from bacteremia, gangrenous mucosal necrosis, severe colitis, and death following infection. Although an adaptive response occurs, MyD88-dependent signaling is necessary for efficient clearance of the pathogen. Based on reciprocal bone marrow transplants in conjunction with assessment of intestinal mucosal pathology, repair, and cytokine production, our findings suggest a model in which TLR signaling in hemopoietic and nonhemopoietic cells mediate three distinct processes: 1) induction of an epithelial repair response that maintains the protective barrier and limits access of bacteria to the lamina propria; 2) production of KC or other chemokines that attract neutrophils and thus facilitate killing of bacteria; and 3) efficient activation of an adaptive response that facilitates Ab-mediated clearance of the infection. Taken together, these experiments provide evidence for a protective role of innate immune signaling in infections caused by attaching and effacing pathogens.
Hepatitis C core Ag and its clinical applicability: Potential advantages and disadvantages for diagnosis and follow‐up?

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is often a silent disease has resulted in a global epidemic. The diagnosis of hepatitis C virus often requires confirmation with molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction for detection of HCV RNA. Following laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, molecular techniques are routinely used to monitor HCV RNA levels, particularly in those undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, molecular tests are relatively expensive and their cost may be prohibitive in the developing world.
Effects of extrusion conditions on physical and nutritional properties of extruded whole grain red sorghum (sorghum spp)

Abstract In order to analyze the effects of extrusion temperature (T: 164, 182, 200 °C) and grits moisture content (g/100 g sample) (%M: 14, 16.5, 19) on textural and physicochemical properties of red sorghum extrudates, whole grain flour was extruded according to a factorial experimental design. The higher values for specific mechanical energy consumption (1006.98 J/g) and expansion (3.36) were obtained at 164 °C–14%M and for sensorial hardness at 164 °C–19%M. While for specific volume, the highest value (10.41 cm3/g) was obtained at 200 °C–14%M. Water solubility and water absorption were directly related with T and inversely with M. Microscopic observation of the samples indicates that the greatest cooking degree was obtained at 200 °C–4%M and the lowest at 164 °C–19%M. Extrusion at 182 °C–14%M allows obtaining an expanded product with good properties. Proximal composition did not show statistically significant differences with raw sample. Extruded sample showed a 25.4% reduction of available lysine and a 31% increase in protein digestibility.