Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of an Autologous Ligand for Mannan‐Binding Lectin on Human B Lymphocytes

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin and a major soluble pattern‐recognition protein. MBL can distinguish self from nonself and altered self using its C‐type carbohydrate recognition domain and may also interact via its collagen‐like region with autologous cells. Recently, it was found that MBL could bind to adherent cells (monocytes) and dendritic cells in a specific and sugar‐sensitive manner. We have now investigated the interaction of MBL with fresh human peripheral blood cells and report binding to B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The binding to B lymphocytes was studied in detail and was compared with the binding of MBL to monocytes and dendritic cells. Binding of MBL to B cells was evident at physiological MBL and calcium concentrations but was optimal at supraphysiological MBL concentrations. It was readily inhibited by autologous serum, mannan, mannose, GlcNAc and (to a lesser extent) galactose but not by C1q. A similar, but not identical, inhibition profile was observed with dendritic cells, but monocytes were not sensitive to mannose or mannan. We conclude that MBL is capable of binding to differently glycosylated ligands on several autologous cell types via its carbohydrate‐recognition domain. We speculate that this could have functional significance at extravascular sites, but perhaps only in individuals possessing MBL genotypes conferring MBL sufficiency.
The protective properties of melatonin against aluminium‐induced neuronal injury

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This experimental study investigated the neuroprotective effect of melatonin (Mel; 10 mg/kg bwt) on aluminium chloride (AlCl3; 34 mg/kg bwt) induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were injected with AlCl3 for 7 days. The effect on brain structure, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl‐2) and an apoptotic enzyme (caspase‐3) was investigated. No apparent changes occurred following the injection of melatonin. Melatonin pretreatment of the AlCl3‐administered rats reduced brain damage, and the tissues appeared like those of the control rats. Compared to treatment with AlCl3, pretreatment with melatonin decreased LPO and NO levels and increased the GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, melatonin increased the levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein, Bcl‐2, decreased the levels of the pro‐apoptotic protein, Bax, and inhibited caspase‐3 activity. Therefore, our results indicate that melatonin may provide therapeutic value against aluminium‐induced oxidative stress and histopathological alternations in the rat brain and that these effects may be related to anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant activities.
Multi-method based orthogonal experimental design algorithm for solving CEC2017 competition problems

Over the last two decades, many different evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have been proposed for solving optimization problems. However, no single EA has consistently been the best for solving a wide range of them. In the literature, this drawback has been tackled by using multiple EAs in a single framework. In this paper, a new multi-method based EA that utilizes the search ability of multi-operator differential evolution algorithm (MODE) and covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy CMA-ES algorithm in a single framework, has been presented, with the orthogonal experimental design (OED) and factor analysis (FA) used to select the proper combination of mutation strategies, control parameters adaptation strategies, and crossover operators. To judge the performance of this algorithm, 30 problems are solved from the CEC2017 competition and their results are analyzed.
Activation of platelets in young infants during cardiopulmonary bypass

Dear Sirs, In adults, blood circulation through an extracorporeal circulation (ECC) circuit with hypothermia, as used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgery, causes activation, consumption and dysfunction of platelets. This contributes to bleeding as well as thromboembolic events during cardiac surgery. Platelet activation is characterised by increased P-selectin expression on the cell surface, platelet aggregation, and decreased expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib, which mediates platelet adhesion at injured vessel walls (1–3). Platelets of preterm and term neonates are hyporesponsive upon stimulation in vitro. Around days 10–14 of life this neonatal platelet hyporeactivity improves significantly (4, 5). Only limited data exist about in vivo implications of neonatal platelet hyporeactivity in clinical settings such as during CPB. Primarily based on the absence of an increase in P-selectin expression, platelets of young infants (age 12 months (6). In this study we report our experience evaluating platelet activation in young infants during CPB.
Effects of Rule Structure and Reward Magnitude on the Acquisition and Adoption of Self-Reward Criteria

This study investigated the effects of rule structure and reward magnitude on children's acquisition and adoption of a self-reward criterion that a training agent had either displayed or imposed. A 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with two levels of rule structure, two levels of reward magnitude, two modes of training, and sex differentiation was employed. as predicted, high rule structuring resulted in less rule deviation and more self-rewarding verbalizations than did low rule structuring. However, contrary to prediction, high-reward Ss did not differ significantly from low-reward Ss with respect to the amount of rule violation committed in the training agent's absence.
Fabrication and characterization of a ferroelectric-gate FET With a ITO/PZT/SRO/Pt stacked structure

We have demonstrated nonvolatile memory operation of a ferroelectric-gate thin film transistor (FGT) using solution-processed indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as a channel layer with combination of a PZT/SrRuO3/Pt gate stacked structure. A well-defined ITO/PZT interface with atomically flat PZT surface and a negligibly compositional interdiffusion were obtained, which indicate that the use of a SrRuO3 (SRO) buffer layer between Pt and PZT provides a homogeneous crystal orientation as well as stable perovskite structure for PZT. Furthermore, the fabricated FGT exhibits a high “ON/OFF” current ratio (ION/IOFF) of 106 and a large memory window of 2.5 V. Such a high current ratio is due to large carrier modulation induced by ferroelectricity of PZT. This device with excellent operation can be a good candidate for nonvolatile memory applications.
A 3D nonlinear FEA model for simulation of microbubble behavior

Microbubbles provide the basis for perfusion measurement, early detection of molecular signatures of disease and as a vehicle for drug, or gene, delivery. Although the response of a single microbubble to ultrasound has been characterized by radially symmetric 1D models and high speed camera-based experiments, a plethora of mechanisms, such as bubble-bubble interaction, and adherent bubble response are poorly understood. With few exceptions, 1D model are generally valid at moderate acoustic pressures, but are incapable of predicting phenomena such as higher order mode oscillations or onset of bubble shell rupture. It has been hypothesized that second or higher order mode oscillations are a precursor to bubble shell rupture and subsequent cavitation. In addition, parameters, such as shell stress and shell strain may have threshold values related to bubble shell fracture. In this work, we propose a full 3D FEA (finite element analysis) model that can simulate temporal variations in asymmetric 3D radial, translational bubble motion, various shell parameters such as regional stress /strain, and bubble pulse echo response. Preliminary simulations were conducted to assess the performance of the model for broadband cases, including: 1) single cycle pulse excitation, 2) single cycle of free and wall-bound bubble, 3) predicting translational displacements in response to primary radiation force, and 4) tracking variations in shell stresses and strain for low (180 KPa) and high (330 KPa) peak negative pressure acoustic waveforms. For the acoustic and bubble parameters published by Dayton, the maximum displacement predicted using the 3D FEA model was within 10% of the previously published experimental data. For approximately similar bubble and acoustic parameters (using inverted pulses), the spectrum of the backscattered data from a free bubble was found to be similar to the experimental and simulated results The spectrum of the adherent bubble response was found to be downshifted with respect to that of a free bubble; similar results have been reported by Payne et al . The adherent bubble was found to oscillate asymmetrically in the planes orthogonal to the azimuth-elevation plane or the plane perpendicular to the face of the transducer (edge of the model where an external pulse is applied).
Evaluation of effects of the microwave oven (915 and 2450 MHz) and radar (2810 and 3050 MHz) electromagnetic radiation on noncompetitive cardiac pacemakers.

Using pacemakers implanted in canines with surgically induced atrioventricular blocks, the effects of the microwave-oven frequencies (915 and 2450 MHz) and two radar frequencies (2810 and 3050 MHz) were evaluated. Quantitative evaluation of these fields with respect to complete inhibition of pacemakers can be made. A narrow zone of inhibition during some exposures-a ``window'' effect-not previously described is reported. The following field parameters would be regarded as potential situations for complete pacemaker inhibition: 1) 915-MHz-fields continuous- and sine-wave modulation at 120 Hz in field strengths over 75 V/m, and 2) fields at either 2810 or 3050 MHz pulsed at a rate of 40 pulses per second (pps) or less with a field strength greater than 250 V/m.
Thromboembolic Events Associated with Bevacizumab plus Chemotherapy for Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody that hinders the proliferation of new blood vessels required for malignant progression. The drug is considered safe and tolerable; however, some controversy remains about whether it is linked to venous and arterial thromboembolic events (TEEs). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risk for overall, venous, and arterial TEEs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who are administered bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS We searched PubMed and CENTRAL databases to extract reports of relevant trials that were published in English between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2014. All RCTs in which bevacizumab plus chemotherapy was compared with standard chemotherapy or with placebo plus chemotherapy for the treatment of CRC, and TEEs were reported, were included in a meta-analysis. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of TEEs were calculated for each RCT. Because the between-study heterogeneities (I2) were insignificant, a fixed-effect model was used to determine the effect size of each TEE. A funnel plot was created to assess publication bias, and 2 forms of sensitivity analyses were performed for each outcome. RESULTS This meta-analysis included 22 RCTs with a total of 13,185 patients. Overall, compared with the control groups, patients with CRC who received bevacizumab were at significant risk for overall TEEs (RR, 1.334; 95% CI, 1.191-1.494; P <.001; I2 = 1.37%). Regarding venous TEEs, a significant risk was observed for patients who received bevacizumab versus control patients (RR, 1.244; 95% CI, 1.091-1.415; P = .001; I2 = 0.0%). Similarly, the risk for arterial TEEs was significant in bevacizumab-treated patients (RR, 1.627; 95% CI, 1.162-2.279; P = .005; I2 = 0.0%). Sensitivity analyses did not affect the level of significance of the effect size for each outcome, and no significant publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION In all the studies reviewed in this meta-analysis, the risk for venous or arterial TEEs was associated with bevacizumab use in patients with CRC. Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider thromboprophylaxis agents, periodically monitor their patients who receive bevacizumab, and carefully manage patients who are at increased risk for those complications.
Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with simvastatin: effect of PEG/glycerides on characterization, stability, cellular uptake efficiency and in vitro cytotoxicity

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of PEG/glycerides of different HLB; oleoyl macrogol-6-glycerides (Labrafil® M 1944 CS) and caprylocaproylmacrogol-8-glycerides (Labrasol®), compared to Labrafac lipophile® as PEG-free glyceride in the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). PEG/glycerides are suggested to perform a dual function; as the oily component, and as the PEG-containing substrate required for producing the PEGylated carriers without physical or chemical synthesis. Methods: Lipid nanocarriers were loaded with simvastatin (SV) as a promising anticancer drug. An optimization study of NLC fabrication variables was first conducted. The effect of lyophilization was investigated using cryoprotectants of various types and concentrations. The prepared NLCs were characterized in terms of particle size (PS), size distribution (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), drug entrapment, in vitro drug release, morphology and drug–excipient interactions. The influence of glycerides ± PEG on the cytotoxicity of SV was evaluated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, in addition to the cellular uptake of fluorescent blank NLCs. Results: The alteration between different oil types had a significant impact on PS, ZP and drug release. Both sucrose and trehalose showed the lowest increase in PS and PDI of the reconstituted lyophilized NLCs. The in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies indicated that SV showed the highest antitumor effect on MCF-7 cancer cells when loaded into Labrasol® NLCs demonstrating a high cellular uptake as well. Conclusion: The study confirms the applicability of PEG/glycerides in the development of NLCs. Encapsulating SV in Labrasol®-containing NLC could enhance the antitumor effect of the drug.
Downregulation of ATP synthase subunit-6, cytochrome c oxidase-III, and NADH dehydrogenase-3 by bright cyclic light in the rat retina.

PURPOSE Retinas of albino rats born and raised in bright cyclic light (300-800 lux) are less susceptible to light-induced apoptosis than retinas of animals born and raised in dim cyclic light (5 lux). In this study, the objective was to study the mechanisms of neuroprotection in the bright cyclic light-reared retina by identification of differentially expressed genes with differential display (DD)-PCR. METHODS Albino rats were born and raised in 5- or 400-lux cyclic light (12 hours on/off). At 6 to 8 weeks of age, animals were either killed to harvest retinas or exposed to 1700 lux illumination for 12 or 24 hours. The neuroprotection of 400-lux cyclic light rearing was evaluated by DNA fragmentation and quantitative histology. The differentially expressed candidate genes were identified by DD-PCR. Northern blot analysis was used to quantitate differential expression of selected genes. Differential expression of protein was determined by Western blot and enzyme activity analysis. Cellular localization of transcripts was determined by in situ hybridization. RESULTS DNA fragmentation and quantitative histology results indicated that 400-lux cyclic light rearing protected the retina from light-induced apoptosis compared with 5-lux cyclic light rearing. DD-PCR analysis showed that a 283-bp expressed sequence tag (EST) was downregulated in retinas of rats raised from birth in 400-lux cyclic light. A BLAST search identified the EST as the 3'-terminal sequence of mitochondria-encoded NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND-3). Northern blot analysis showed that the EST hybridized to two mRNA transcripts, the larger of which was confirmed to encompass the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit 6 (ATPase-6), cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (CO-III), ND-3, and tRNA-Gly. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that CO-III and ATPase-6 were downregulated 1.8- and 2.3-fold by 400-lux cyclic light compared with 5-lux cyclic light, respectively; however, there was no change in cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II (CO-I and -II) or in 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA), a mitochondrial housekeeping gene. Western blot analysis using anti-CO-III antibody showed more CO-III protein in retinal mitochondria from dim-light-raised rats. The enzyme activity of CO was two times higher in retinal homogenates from dim-light-raised rats than those from bright-light-raised rats. In situ hybridization using a (35)S-labeled CO-III probe showed that the CO-III transcript was present and downregulated in most of the retinal layers of bright-light-reared animals. CONCLUSIONS Rearing in cyclic light at 400-lux downregulates the expression of ATPase-6, CO-III, and ND-3 compared with rearing in 5-lux cyclic light. The authors hypothesize that these changes are adaptive responses to light stress that provide neuroprotection to retinal cells by elevating the level of stress-related factors and reducing the level of oxidized cytochrome c, the form that activates the apoptotic cascade of cell death.
Early events in crustacean innate immunity.

Immune systems have developed to protect multicellular organisms from foreign substances. During evolution, two types of immune systems have developed to detect foreign substances, namely innate (natural) immunity and adaptive (acquired) immunity. The innate immune system is phylogenetically a more ancient defence mechanism and can be found in all multicellular organisms. This system is the first line of defence that helps to limit infection at an early stage, and relies on germ line encoded receptors that recognise conserved molecular patterns present on micro-organisms [1–3]. The adaptive immune system evolved about 400 million years ago and is found only in vertebrates [4]. The immune response of vertebrates has developed more sophisticated and complicated mechanisms including an immunological memory with generation of a large repertoire of antigenrecognition receptors and innate immune systems such as phagocytosis, natural killer cells and complement system for both recognising and eliminating foreign invaders [5–7]. While adaptive immunity occurs only in vertebrates, invertebrates have a rapid and e$cient innate system to recognise and destroy non-self material, including pathogens. Although they cannot produce antibodies and hence have no immune memory, innate immune mechanisms are su$cient to protect and preserve themselves from intruding microorganisms. In addition to their rigid and wax-covered cuticle, which serves as a mechanical barrier, they can also rapidly produce e#ective innate immune responses during infection. Since the discovery of inducible antimicrobial peptides from the moth Hyalophora cecropia by Boman and associates in 1972 [8–10], great e#orts have been made to investigate the function and mechanism of the innate immune system not only in invertebrates, but also in all multicellular organisms ranging from humans to plants. It is now clear that the innate immune system is very important for self or non-self recognition in vertebrates and that it provides instruction that enable the adaptive immune response to enhance immunogenicity [1, 11, 12].
Transcription of the Toxin Genes Present within the Staphylococcal Phage φSa3ms Is Intimately Linked with the Phage's Life Cycle

ABSTRACT φSa3ms, a lysogenic bacteriophage encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA, SEG, and SEK and the fibrinolytic enzyme staphylokinase (Sak), was identified in the unannotated genome sequence of the hypervirulent community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus strain 476. We found that mitomycin C induction of φSa3ms led to increased transcription of all four virulence factors. The increase in sea and sak transcription was a result of read-through transcription from upstream latent phage promoters and an increase in phage copy number. The majority of the seg2 and sek2 transcripts were shown to initiate from the upstream phage cI promoter and hence were regulated by factors influencing cI transcription. The lysogeny module of φSa3ms was shown to have some λ-like features with divergent cI and cro genes. Band shift assays were used to identify binding sites for both CI and Cro within the region between these genes, suggesting a mechanism of control for the φSa3ms lytic-lysogenic switch. Our findings suggest that the production of phage-encoded virulence factors in S. aureus may be regulated by processes that govern lysogeny.
BLACK HOLE–NEUTRON STAR MERGERS WITH A HOT NUCLEAR EQUATION OF STATE: OUTFLOW AND NEUTRINO-COOLED DISK FOR A LOW-MASS, HIGH-SPIN CASE

Neutrino emission significantly affects the evolution of the accretion tori formed in black hole–neutron star mergers. It removes energy from the disk, alters its composition, and provides a potential power source for a gamma-ray burst. To study these effects, simulations in general relativity with a hot microphysical equation of state (EOS) and neutrino feedback are needed. We present the first such simulation, using a neutrino leakage scheme for cooling to capture the most essential effects and considering a moderate mass (1.4 M☉ neutron star, 5.6 M☉ black hole), high-spin (black hole J/M2 = 0.9) system with the K0 = 220 MeV Lattimer–Swesty EOS. We find that about 0.08 M☉ of nuclear matter is ejected from the system, while another 0.3 M☉ forms a hot, compact accretion disk. The primary effects of the escaping neutrinos are (1) to make the disk much denser and more compact, (2) to cause the average electron fraction Ye of the disk to rise to about 0.2 and then gradually decrease again, and (3) to gradually cool the disk. The disk is initially hot (T ∼ 6 MeV) and luminous in neutrinos (Lν ∼ 1054 erg s−1), but the neutrino luminosity decreases by an order of magnitude over 50 ms of post-merger evolution.
Input Saturated Visual Servoing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper presents an input saturated visual servoing controller for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The controller regulates relative pose between the vehicle and a planar horizontal visual target. In order to simplify the control design, the method uses a virtual camera to define a set of image moment features. The image feature kinematics is independent of roll and pitch motion. Since the image feature error is stabilized in the virtual camera, the visual target potentially leaves the real camera's field of view (FoV). To keep the visual target in the camera FoV, an input saturated law is proposed to sufficiently bound the roll and pitch of the vehicle. Furthermore, an adaptive input saturated control law is proposed to ensure positive thrust. Experimental and simulation results are provided to demonstrate controller performance.