Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro bioassay of inhibin in testes of normal and cryptorchid rats.

An in vitro inhibin bioassay method based on suppression of the FSH content in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells was applied to charcoal-treated testicular extracts of normal and bilaterally cryptorchid rats. The validity of the method was established from the statistical evidence of parallelism between dose-response curves of the rat testicular extract (RTE) and an ovine testicular lymph reference preparation. From 10 bioassays, an average index of precision of 0.11 and an interassay coefficient of variation of 16.3% were obtained. The specificity of the bioassay in the measurement of RTE was based on the following criteria: (1) the suppression of pituitary cell FSH content, but not LH; (2) the activity was not due to cytotoxic effects of RTE in the bioassay system,as assessed by a 51Cr release cytotoxicity test; (3) the activity was absent from kidney and liver extracts; (4) the active material in RTE was a proteinaceous macromolecule with a molecular weight above 17,000, as determined by gel filtra.
Nonoperative Management of Spleen and Liver Injuries

The spleen and liver are the 2 most commonly injured abdominal organs following trauma. Trends in management have changed over the years, and the majority of these injuries are now managed nonoperatively. Splenic injuries can be managed via simple observation or with angiography and embolization. Recent data suggest that there are few true contraindications in the setting of hemodynamic stability. Success rate of nonoperative management may be as high as 95%. Liver injuries can be approached similarly. In the setting of a hemodynamically stable patient, observation with or without angiography and embolization may similarly be used. As many as 80% of patients with liver injury can be successfully managed without laparotomy. This review will discuss current concepts in nonoperative management of liver and spleen, including diagnosis, patient selection, nonoperative management strategies, benefits, risks, and complications.
The Elusive T Cell Receptor

Less than five years ago, at the Cold Spring Harbor Symposium on Antibodies, there was no one to question the assumption that recognition of antigen by potentially reactive lymphocytes is effectuated by specific immunoglobulin receptors. Nothing but nodding approval from the audience could, for example, meet either Mitchison or Jeme when, each in their fashion, they made axiomatic this generally shared assumption. The thought of multipotential lymphocytes referred to by Jeme (1967) as heresy seems but mild revisionism compared to the suggestion that recognition structures may not be immunoglobulins after all. It is nevertheless towards the latter suggestion we are becoming inclined with regard to cell mediated immunity. The present paper wiU describe our own investigations of the receptor mechanism involved in the GVH reaction in chicken embryos and discuss the findings in relation to conflicting findings in the literature. The principal approach has been to try neutralizing the GVH reaction with specific heteroand isoimmune sera. As a concurrently pursued interest we have investigated the same antibodies for their ability to inhibit antigenbinding cells in their rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Many of the best experiments have combined these two reactions by employing for the GVH reaction donor animals which were pre-immunized with SRBC. Three principal groups of antisera have been used, namely a) rabbit anti chicken L-chain (anti-L), b) rabbit anti chicken thymus (ATS), or bursa (ABS), and c) isoimmune chicken sera raised by cross-immunizing homozygous B 1/1 and B 2/2 birds (anti-Bl and anti-B2). The latter group, of course, are antisera directed against alloantigens determined by the major histocompatibility and blood group locus of the chicken, the B locus.
Spontaneous Remission of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia with NRAS Mutation

We describe a 29-month-old boy who presented at 1 month of age because of fever and hepatosplenomegaly. He had no features related to neurofibromatosis-1, juvenile xanthogranuloma or Noonan syndrome. The initial complete blood count (CBC) showed a white blood cell (WBC) count of 67,430/uL, an absolute monocyte (AMC) count of 10,790/uL, a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 9.2 g/dL, and a platelet count of 142,000/uL with 4% blasts. Bone marrow morphology showed 100% cellularity with 12% blasts. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a normal 46,XY male karyotype with no clonal abnormality. FISH for the 7q31 deletion and the BCR/ABL fusion gene were negative. A skeletal survey, an echocardiogram, and brain MRI were unremarkable. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) was 22% at 2 months of age and 1% at 11 months. Testing for GM-CSF hypersensitivity of myeloid progenitors was not available. Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) molecular testing was performed on DNA extracted from unseparated peripheral blood leukocytes at Dr. Loh Lab (University of California, San Francisco). Our patient was found to have a heterozygous NRAS mutation at codon 12 of exon 1, causing amino acid change from glycine to serine (Gly12Ser). Therefore, our patient met the criteria for the diagnosis of JMML [1]. Testing for this mutation was not performed in other cells, e.g., fibroblasts so it is not possible to determine whether this mutation is constitutional or not. He has no human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched related donor. The child continued to improve clinically with a marked reduction in the sizes of the spleen and liver and a decrease in the WBC and AMC counts (Figure 1). Given the lack of an HLA-matched sibling and the reported occurrence of spontaneous remission in JMML in infants with the Gly12Ser NRAS mutation [2], we continued to observe him with no therapeutic intervention. His most recent CBC showed 12,900 WBCs/uL, 1500 AMCs/uL, Hb level of 11.2 g/dL, and a platelet count of 446,000/uL with no peripheral blasts. Most clinicians adopt a universal approach toward the treatment of JMML. However, the molecular-based risk stratification of JMML patients might be more predictive of the long-term outcome [3]. Our patient has a heterozygous NRAS Gly12Ser mutation and JMML. His chronic leukemia spontaneously regressed with no treatment over a follow-up duration of more than 2 years. A similar observation
Exploring the Bitcoin Network

This explorative paper focuses on descriptive statistics and network analysis of the Bitcoin transaction graph based on recent data using graph mining algorithms. The analysis is carried out on different aggregations and subgraphs of the network. One important result concerns the relationship of network usage and exchange rate, where a strong connection could be confirmed. Moreover, there are indicators that the Bitcoin system is a “small world” network and follows a scale-free degree distribution. Furthermore, an example of how important network entities could be deanonymized is presented. Our study can serve as a starting point in investigating anonymity and economic relationships in Bitcoin on a new structural level.
Polyphasic Characterization of a Thermotolerant Siderophilic Filamentous Cyanobacterium That Produces Intracellular Iron Deposits

ABSTRACT Despite the high potential for oxidative stress stimulated by reduced iron, contemporary iron-depositing hot springs with circum-neutral pH are intensively populated with cyanobacteria. Therefore, studies of the physiology, diversity, and phylogeny of cyanobacteria inhabiting iron-depositing hot springs may provide insights into the contribution of cyanobacteria to iron redox cycling in these environments and new mechanisms of oxidative stress mitigation. In this study the morphology, ultrastructure, physiology, and phylogeny of a novel cyanobacterial taxon, JSC-1, isolated from an iron-depositing hot spring, were determined. The JSC-1 strain has been deposited in ATCC under the name Marsacia ferruginose, accession number BAA-2121. Strain JSC-1 represents a new operational taxonomical unit (OTU) within Leptolyngbya sensu lato. Strain JSC-1 exhibited an unusually high ratio between photosystem (PS) I and PS II, was capable of complementary chromatic adaptation, and is apparently capable of nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, it synthesized a unique set of carotenoids, but only chlorophyll a. Strain JSC-1 not only required high levels of Fe for growth (≥40 μM), but it also accumulated large amounts of extracellular iron in the form of ferrihydrite and intracellular iron in the form of ferric phosphates. Collectively, these observations provide insights into the physiological strategies that might have allowed cyanobacteria to develop and proliferate in Fe-rich, circum-neutral environments.
Observations of equine animals under farm and feral conditions.

SUMMARY Observations are recorded on a herd of Connemara ponies over a period of 10 years and on the behaviour of three Irish draught mares and their progeny over a period of three years. These animals were maintained at liberty on a farm, and for periods of the year at extensive mountain grazing nearby. Perinatal and nursing behaviours are noted. Feeding, the order of diurnal activities, and socialization within the herd are discussed. Behaviour of three stallions during the period is recorded. Method of approach and handling are discussed. RESUME On rapporte ici un ensemble d'observations faites sur un troupeau de poneys Connemara durant une periode de dix annees et sur le comportement de 3 poulinieres Irlandaises de trait suitees, durant une periode de trois annees. Ces animaux furent laisses en liberte sur la ferme et beneficiaient durant les periodes favorables de l'annee de paturages extensifs dans les montagnes voisines. Le comportement maternel a ete observe. Les modes de nutritions, les rythmes d'activite diurne, le comportement social du groupe ont fait l'objet d'enquetes. On a egalement observe le comportement de trois etalons durant cette periode. Les moyens d'approche et de contention sont commentes. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Eine Herde von Connemara-Ponies wurde wahrend 10 Jahren beobachtet und auch das Verhalten von drei irischen Zugpferdestuten mit ihren Fohlen wurde wahrend drei Jahren verfolgt. Diese Tiere wurden auf einem Bauernbetrieb und wahrend bestimmter Jahreszeiten auf Bergweiden frei gehalten. Das Verhalten wahrend der Geburt und in der Saugezeit wird beschrieben. Das Verhalten wahrend der Futteraufnahme, die verschiedenen Aktivitaten wahrend des Tageslaufs und die Sozialisierung in der Herde werden diskutiert. Das Verhalten von drei Hengsten konnte wahrend dieser Zeit ebenfalls beobachtet werden. Annaherung und Umgang mit diesen Pferden werden diskutiert.
Arginine‐specific gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis deprive protective functions of secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor in periodontal tissue

Chronic periodontitis is correlated with Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. In this study, we found that the expression of secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an endogenous inhibitor for neutrophil‐derived proteases, was reduced in gingival tissues with chronic periodontitis associated with P. gingivalis infection. The addition of vesicles of P. gingivalis decreased the amount of SLPI in the media of primary human gingival keratinocytes compared to untreated cultures. We therefore investigated how arginine‐specific gingipains (Rgps) affect the functions of SLPI, because Rgps are the major virulence factors in the vesicles and cleave a wide range of in‐host proteins. We found that Rgps digest SLPI in vitro, suppressing the release of SLPI. Rgps proteolysis of SLPI disrupted SLPI functions, which normally suppresses neutrophil elastase and neutralizes pro‐inflammatory effects of bacterial cell wall compounds in cultured human gingival fibroblasts. The protease inhibitory action of SLPI was not exerted towards Rgps. These results suggest that Rgps reduce the protective effects of SLPI on neutrophil proteases and bacterial proinflammatory compounds, by which disease in gingival tissue may be accelerated at the sites with P. gingivalis infection.
Expression of glial markers in a retinal precursor cell line.

PURPOSE To determine glial characteristics of the retinal precursor cell line R28, which has previously been shown to express proteins immunoreactive with photoreceptor markers IRBP, S-Ag, recoverin, the ganglion cell marker 2G12, as well as the Muller cell marker RetG1. METHODS R28, an immortalized retinal precursor cell line derived from P6 rat retinal tissue, was analyzed to determine expression of glial cell markers. R28 cells were analyzed both immunocytochemically and by western immunoblot for GFAP, S-100, and vimentin. These results were compared with the primary postnatal day 6 retina. Double fluorescence immunolabelling was used to identify R28 cells which simultaneously expressed vimentin and the photoreceptor marker IRBP (interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein). RESULTS GFAP, S-100 and vimentin immunoreactive proteins were detected in R28 cells. Western blot analysis showed the GFAP immunoreactive band to migrate at a slightly higher apparent molecular weight for R28 than for P6 retina, and demonstrated a less fibrillary staining pattern than P6 retina, but appeared to be present to some degree in all R28 cells. Variations in molecular weight were seen for S-100, although the nuclear staining pattern was the same for both the R28 cell line and P6 retina. S-100 immunoreactivity was seen in approximately 50% of the R28 cell population. Vimentin was expressed by virtually all R28 cells, and to a greater degree than that seen in P6 retina (both in cell number and intensity). Double labelling studies revealed R28 cells which expressed both vimentin and IRBP simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS There is a very strong glial component to the R28 retinal precursor cell line, as evidenced by the expression of proteins immunoreactive to GFAP, S-100 and vimentin. However, even the most strongly immunoreactive marker vimentin was compatible with co-expression of the photoreceptor marker IRBP as evidence of the "multi-phenotypic" nature of the precursor-like R28 cells. Ongoing studies will assess the differentiation potential of R28 cells and applicability in future studies of retinal cell differentiation and gene expression.
A Single Packer Method for Characterizing Water Contributing Fractures in Crystalline Bedrock Wells

Water levels and water quality of open borehole wells in fractured bedrock are flow‐weighted averages that are a function of the hydraulic heads and transmissivities of water contributing fractures, properties that are rarely known. Without such knowledge using water levels and water quality data from fractured bedrock wells to assess groundwater flow and contaminant conditions can be highly misleading. This study demonstrates a cost‐effective single packer method to determine the hydraulic heads and transmissivities of water contributing fracture zones in crystalline bedrock wells. The method entails inflating a pipe plug to isolate sections of an open borehole at different depths and monitoring changes in the water level with time. At each depth, the change in water level with time was used to determine the sum of fracture transmissivities above the packer and then to solve for individual fracture transmissivity. Steady‐state wellbore heads along with the transmissivities were used to determine individual fracture heads using the weighted average head equation. The method was tested in five wells in crystalline bedrock located at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. The single packer head and transmissivity results were found to agree closely with those determined using conventional logging methods and the dissolved oxygen alteration method. The method appears to be a simple and cost‐effective alternative in obtaining important information on flow conditions in fractured crystalline bedrock wells.
The electroencephalogram in dementia with Lewy bodies

Objectives ‐ Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second commonest neurodegenerative cause of dementia. While there is consensus on the clinical diagnostic criteria for DLB, the use of EEG to increase the diagnostic sensitivity has not been substantiated. Material and methods ‐ We studied the resting EEG findings in 18 consecutive patients with DLB and compared them with a control group of 20 patients with "probable'' Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to evaluate the use of EEG in a representative sample of patients with DLB. Results ‐ All patients with DLB fulfilled accepted clinical criteria for DLB. The DLB group had a more severe dementia than the AD group, as measured by the Mini‐ Mental State Examination (MMSE) test (DLB meanMMSE 9.4 and AD mean MMSE 17.2) despite a similar duration of overall severity of illness. The EEG was slow in both groups, predominantly in the 4±7 Hz range. Although there was no statistically signifcant difference in the EEG findings between the DLB and AD groups, there was a correlation between the EEG score and MMSE score (Spearman Rank correlation rs=x0.61, < P0.001). Conclusion ‐ These findings suggest that although patients with DLB have a more aggressive course than AD, EEG abnormalities do not differ in the 2 groups. However, we believe the EEG provides important supporting diagnostic information in DLB.
Mapping the Corneal Subbasal Nerve Plexus in Keratoconus by In Vivo Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

METHODS. Four eyes of four subjects with keratoconus were examined by slit lamp biomicroscopy, Orbscan II slit-scanning elevation topography (Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Rochester, NY), and laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Corneal Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Subjects were asked to fixate on targets arranged in a grid to enable in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea in a wide range of positions.
An experimental simulation model for coated paper drying

Due to the lack of information regarding the phenomena of mass, heat, and momentum transfer in coated paper drying, substantial research work still needs to be done. A simulation model for coated paper drying is introduced which integrates heat and mass transfer mechanisms. In the model, the coated paper was assumed to have 3 layers (coated layer, wet and dry layers of the base paper), in which the thickness of each layer is a function of drying time and condition. The thickness of the wet layer of the base paper was considered to be a function of water permeability rate that in turn is a function of the moisture diffusion coefficient, time and drying rate. Movement of vapor resulting from evaporation in the middle layer was assumed to be a combination of laminar bulk flow and molecular diffusion. Radiation absorption was used as a diminishing exponential model, which depends on moisture content. Hot air and super heated vapor were used as drying fluids. Functional variables were temperature, drying fluid velocity and delay time. To verify the simulation results two compositions were applied for the coating suspension. The simulation results matched well with experimental outcomes.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Incremental Microforming of Thin Shell Pyramids of Metallic Foil

Single point incremental forming is used for rapid prototyping of sheet metal parts. This forming technology was applied to the fabrication of thin shell micropyramids of aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium foils. A single point tool used had a tip radius of 0.1 mm or 0.01 mm. An ultrasonic spindle with axial vibration was implemented for improving the shape accuracy of micropyramids formed on 5–12 micrometers-thick aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium foils. The formability was also investigated by comparing the forming limits of micropyramids of aluminum foil formed with and without ultrasonic vibration. The shapes of pyramids incrementally formed were truncated pyramids, twisted pyramids, stepwise pyramids, and star pyramids about 1 mm in size. A much smaller truncated pyramid was formed only for titanium foil for qualitative investigation of the size reduction on forming accuracy. It was found that the ultrasonic vibration improved the shape accuracy of the formed pyramids. In addition, laser heating increased the forming limit of aluminum foil and it is more effective when both the ultrasonic vibration and laser heating are applied.
Determination of the absolute configuration of two pairs of C-8 - C-9' linked neolignan enantiomers.

Two pairs of new neolignan enantiomers, (±)-torreyayunan A (1a/1b) and (±)-torreyayunan B (2a/2b), featuring a rare C-8 - C-9' linked skeleton, were isolated from leaves and twigs of Torreya yunnanensis. Their absolute configuration involving two chiral centers was determined by combined spectral and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. This is the first report of the absolute configuration of this group of neolignans.
Carotid endarterectomy improves haemodynamics on the contralateral side: implications for operating contralateral to an occluded carotid artery

The importance of the patency of the contralateral carotid artery on the haemodynamic effect of a carotid stenosis was investigated. The breath‐holding index was used to estimate cerebral perfusion reserve. The percentage rise in middle cerebral blood flow velocity, measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, occurring during breath‐holding was divided by the time of breath‐holding. In study 1, ten subjects with no carotid stenosis, 13 with unilateral and eight with bilateral stenosis were studied. For unilateral stenosis the breath‐holding index was reduced on the stenosed side compared with normal (0·85 versus 1·34 per cent per s, P <0·05). For bilateral disease, in the presence of severe stenosis on the side contralateral to that being examined, even a moderate stenosis (30–50 per cent) resulted in a much greater reduction in the breath‐holding index. In study 2, the breath‐holding index was measured before and after carotid endarterectomy in ten patients. The index increased significantly following operation, not only on the operated side (1·31 versus 0·79 per cent per s, P <0·01), but also on the contralateral side (1·23 versus 0·87 per cent per s, P <0·05). In three of four patients with contralateral stenosis >90 per cent or occlusion, operation improved the breath‐holding index markedly (>90 per cent) on the non‐operated side above the stenosis or occlusion. These results demonstrate the importance of patency of the contralateral carotid artery in determining the haemodynamic effect of a carotid stenosis. In addition, operating contralateral to an occlusion may improve haemodynamic status above the occlusion. Implications in selecting patients for carotid endarterectomy are discussed.