Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrode conditioning characteristics in vacuum under impulse voltage application in nonuniform electric field

In this paper, we quantitatively investigated the impulse conditioning mechanism under nonuniform electric field electrodes in a vacuum. A negative standard lightning impulse voltage was applied between rod and plane electrodes whose materials were Cu-Cr, stainless steel and Cu and the gap lengths were d=5 and 10 mm, respectively. Experimental results revealed the transition of the breakdown (BD) sport region on the rod electrode and the corresponding BD field strength in the conditioning process. As a result, we found that the BD spot region started at the tip of the rod electrode and moved to the wider region of the rod electrode with lower electric field as the shots of the voltage application increased before the saturation of the BD voltage. Finally, by analyzing the results with an electric field strength, we propose that "the conditioning degree" along the electrode surface distributed directly proportional to the electric field distribution under a nonuniform electric field in a vacuum, irrespective of the electrode materials
Plasticity in the brainstem vagal circuits controlling gastric motor function triggered by corticotropin releasing factor

The prototypical stress hormone, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and the prototypical anti‐stressor hormone, oxytocin (OXT), are known to modulate brainstem neurocircuits involved in visceral reflexes. We demonstrated recently that the brainstem neurocircuits through which OXT exerts its actions are modulated by vagal afferent fibres; however, it is unknown whether the OXT‐induced modulation of brainstem vagal neurocircuits is also regulated differentially by CRF. Here we elucidate the cellular mechanisms and the effects on gastric tone of OXT following exposure of vagal brainstem neurones to CRF and report that CRF induces short‐term plastic changes in OXT‐sensitive vagal neurocircuits. The results presented may represent a possible mechanism through which stress alters the central regulation of gastrointestinal functions and may reflect the vagal dysregulation occurring as a consequence of stress‐exacerbated functional dyspepsia.
Human retroviral sequences on the Y chromosome

Novel endogenous human retroviral sequences were cloned by low-stringency hybridization, using the pol gene of endogenous human retrovirus 51-1. One clone, lambda NP-2, contained gag, pol, env, and long terminal repeat sequences related to the corresponding portions of clone 51-1 and the closely related full-length endogenous human retrovirus 4-1. The sequence of the env gene of NP-2 was 73% homologous to that of 4-1. Genomic Southern blots of male and female DNAs showed that NP-2 is located on the Y chromosome and that the Y chromosome also contains one other sequence closely related to the env and 3' flanking regions of NP-2. Conservation of flanking DNA suggests that the second Y chromosome copy of the NP-2 env sequence arose by gene duplication rather than provirus insertion.
CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides stimulate immunoglobulin A secretion in intestinal mucosal B cells

Bacterial DNA motifs (such as CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides: CpG‐ODN) induce innate immune responses via binding to Toll‐like‐receptor‐9 (TLR‐9). In murine intestinal mucosa treatment with CpG‐ODN worsens chronic intestinal inflammation, whereas it prevents or ameliorates colitis when given in a prophylactic setting. In tonsils B cells have been reported to express TLR‐9, especially after activation. Whether B cells in the human intestinal mucosa also express TLR‐9 and whether their function can be influenced by CpG‐ODN is, so far, unknown. Mucosal B cells were isolated according to a new protocol from surgical specimens of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and from controls by collagenase digestion followed by magnetic cell sorting using anti‐CD19 antibody armed magnetic beads. TLR‐9 mRNA and protein expression were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay after stimulation of isolated B cells with CpG‐ODN, control GpC‐ODN or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Flow cytometric analysis of the isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells showed a purification of 73% (±22%) CD19+ cells. By quantitative reverse transcription–PCR and by Western blot TLR‐9 expression in this cell population was evident. IgA secretion was increased significantly by CpG‐ODN incubation compared with GpC‐ODN and LPS. Compared with unstimulated controls, CpG‐ODN up‐regulated IgA secretion to 139% (±21%). These data demonstrate that CD19+ mucosal B cells express TLR‐9 and secrete increased levels of IgA upon stimulation with CpG‐ODN, indicating an additional link between adaptive and innate intestinal immune responses.
Estudio de los mecanismos terapéuticos en la inducción de tolerancia inmunológica en un modelo animal de esclerosis múltiple

En una serie de estudios previos demostramos que la infusion de celulas de medula osea (MO) modificadas geneticamente para la expresion del autoantigeno MOG40-55 en ausencia de mieloablacion inducia tolerancia antigenoespecifica en un modelo murino de esclerosis multiple. Tambien observamos que este efecto terapeutico no requeria injerto hematopoyetico. Nos propusimos estudiar si el efecto tolerogenico esta inducido por una subpoblacion de celulas generadas durante la transduccion de la MO y el papel de las celulas T reguladoras en la induccion de la tolerancia. Las celulas de MO fueron cultivadas y transducidas usando medio complementado con 20% FCS y medios condicionados como fuente de stem cell factor (SCF) e IL-3 murinos. Las diferentes poblaciones celulares se separaron por citometria de flujo y se analizo la capacidad supresora de las poblaciones candidatas. Por otro lado se analizo la presencia de celulas T reguladoras en bazo y SNC de los ratones recuperados despues de la infusion de celulas de MO transducidas. A los cinco dias de cultivo, la mayoria de celulas presentaban fenotipo mieloide (Mac-1+Gr-1low/-:31,9+-10,2%; Mac-1+Gr-1high:26,0+-3,3%). Ambos fenotipos se corresponden con dos subpoblaciones de celulas mieloides supresoras (MDSC, tipo monoci¬tico y granulocitico respectivamente) descritas recientemente. Se estudio la capacidad de ambas poblaciones para suprimir la respuesta proliferativa especifica de esplenocitos frente a MOG40-55 in vitro, observando una mayor capacidad de supresion de las MDSC monociticas, que se correspondi¬a con niveles significativamente superiores de actividad de las enzimas arginasa-1 y sintasa de oxido nitrico (ambos mecanismos supresores caracteristicos de las MDSC). A los 7 dias del tratamiento no se observaron diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de celulas T reguladoras (Treg y Tr1) entre el grupo tratado (liM) y los grupos de control.
Seroprevalence of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Ljungan virus in Finnish patients with suspected neurological infections

Directly‐transmitted rodent‐borne zoonotic viruses, such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can cause nervous system infections. Rodent‐borne Ljungan virus (LV) is considered potentially zoonotic possibly causing neurological symptoms. Our objective was to understand the role of these two viruses compared to other pathogens in causing neurological infections in Finnish patients. Routine screening data were available for 400 patients aged 5‐50 years, collected from December 2013 to December 2014 with suspected neurological infection. Depending on symptoms, patients were variously tested for herpesviruses, enteroviruses, varicella zoster virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, while those suspected of tick bite were further tested for Borrelia spp. and tick‐borne encephalitis virus using antibody and/or nucleic acid tests. For 380 patients, we also screened the RNA and antibody prevalence of LCMV and LV in order to test if either of these viruses were the causative agent. Data collected indicated that the causative microbial agent was confirmed in only 15.5% of all Finnish patients with neurological symptoms, with M. pneumoniae (26 cases) being the most common causative agent found in sera, whereas Borrelia spp. (15), herpes simplex viruses (7), and enteroviruses (5) were the most common agents confirmed in the CSF. The seroprevalences for LV and LCMV were 33.8% and 5.0%, respectively, but no samples were PCR‐positive. In this study, M. pneumoniae and Borrelia spp. were the most common causative agents of neurological infections in Finland. No LCMV or LV infections were detected. We conclude there was no association of LV with neurological diseases in this patient cohort.
Field Dependence-Independence of Basketball Referees

This study examined the field dependence-independence of basketball referees. A total of 205 subjects (nonathletes, athletes active in individual or team sports, and referees) completed the Group Embedded Figures Test. Analysis indicated no significant differences among referees due to age, group, or number of years officiating. Statistically significant lower scores were obtained by team-sport players and referees than by nonathletes. Mean scores of team-sport players and referees did not differ significantly.
Dielectric Metamaterial-Based Impedance-Matched Elements for Broadband Reflectarray

A dielectric metamaterial-based broadband impedance-matched reflectarray element is presented. The dielectric metamaterial is composed of an impedance-matching layer and a phase-shifting layer. First, the impedance-matching layer is critical for achieving a linear reflection phase response in a broad bandwidth. Full 360° reflection phase variation can be derived by changing the effective permittivity of these two layers. Then the perforated dielectric structures are used to achieve the desired permittivity variation. The specific air hole sizes are accurately determined by treating the perforated structure as dielectric metamaterials. Finally, a reflectarray antenna with an aperture of 300 mm and operating frequency around 13.5 GHz is designed and validated. The measured results show that the proposed impedance-matched reflectarray can operate over a broad bandwidth with the measured maximum gain of 30.3 dBi with 1-dB bandwidth over 12.6–15.1 GHz or 18.1% as well as the measured aperture efficiency of higher than 40% over 11.3–14.2 GHz or 22.8% with a peak aperture efficiency 45.6% at 13.5 GHz.
Measles Virus Fusion Machinery Activated by Sialic Acid Binding Globular Domain

ABSTRACT Paramyxoviruses, including the human pathogen measles virus (MV) and the avian Newcastle disease virus (NDV), enter host cells through fusion of the viral envelope with the target cell membrane. This fusion is driven by the concerted action of two viral envelope glycoproteins: the receptor binding protein and the fusion protein (F). The MV receptor binding protein (hemagglutinin [H]) attaches to proteinaceous receptors on host cells, while the receptor binding protein of NDV (hemagglutinin-neuraminidase [HN]) interacts with sialic acid-containing receptors. The receptor-bound HN/H triggers F to undergo conformational changes that render it competent to mediate fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. The mechanism of fusion activation has been proposed to be different for sialic acid-binding viruses and proteinaceous receptor-binding viruses. We report that a chimeric protein containing the NDV HN receptor binding region and the MV H stalk domain can activate MV F to fuse, suggesting that the signal to the stalk of a protein-binding receptor binding molecule can be transmitted from a sialic acid binding domain. By engineering the NDV HN globular domain to interact with a proteinaceous receptor, the fusion activation signal was preserved. Our findings are consistent with a unified mechanism of fusion activation, at least for the Paramyxovirinae subfamily, in which the receptor binding domains of the receptor binding proteins are interchangeable and the stalk determines the specificity of F activation.
Impaired masticatory behavior in subjects with reduced periodontal tissue support.

BACKGROUND Mechanoreceptors situated in the periodontal ligament provide detailed information about intensive and spatial aspects of tooth loads, which support the neural control of masticatory forces. We asked whether a reduced periodontal ligament due to periodontitis, and, thus, an altered mechanoreceptive innervation of the teeth, would affect masticatory behavior when subjects used incisors to hold and split food. METHODS We tested 11 subjects with reduced periodontal tissue support that rendered 30% to 70% alveolar bone loss for at least one pair of opposing anterior incisors. Forces were recorded when subjects used their affected incisors to hold half of a peanut for approximately 4 seconds and then split it. Age- and gender-matched healthy subjects served as the control group. None of the participants showed acute oral symptoms or massive periodontal inflammation. RESULTS The test group used greater force when holding food between the teeth (1.1+/-0.4 N [ mean+/-1 SD]) compared to the control group (0.4+/-0.2 N). Hold forces used by subjects in the test group were also more variable, both within and between trials. The increase in bite force applied to split the peanut was slower and more hesitant for subjects in the test group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Reduced periodontal tissue support accompanies impaired regulation of masticatory forces. Faulty mechanoreceptive innervation of the periodontal ligament explains the elevated hold force, whereas a change in biting strategy due to the weakened support of the teeth may account for the more defensive food-splitting behavior.
Family study designs in the age of genome-wide association studies: experience from the Framingham Heart Study

Purpose of review The past year has seen the publication of many genome-wide association studies, most of which are case–control studies. These publications are at the forefront of current research into the examination of genetic effects for numerous diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Over the past 25 years the tour de force of genetics research has been in family studies, using segregation, linkage and association analyses. Are these approaches now passé? Here we discuss the role of family studies in modern genetics research, using results from the Framingham Heart Study as examples. Recent findings Family studies permit both linkage and association analyses. Importantly, family-based association tests that consider transmission of genetic variants within a family provide important information on the genetic etiology of disease traits and avoid the potential of false-positive findings due to population substructure. Summary Family-based study designs continue to contribute much to the modern era of genome-wide association studies.
Effects of Anisotropic Ionospheric Irregularities on Space-Borne SAR Imaging

This paper discusses the degradation of space-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging due to anisotropic ionospheric irregularities. In the case of the oblique incidence and anisotropy of ionospheric irregularities, two types of potential ionospheric effects on SAR imaging are derived from an improved transverse correlation function. First, in the range direction, the image shift due to both multiple scattering and dispersion of irregularities is considered. In addition, pulse broadening due to multiple scattering of the irregularities is also studied, which leads to degradation of the range resolution. Second, in the azimuthal direction, the decorrelation distance is obtained by the second moment of the generalized ambiguity function. Using the range Doppler algorithm (RDA), several degraded point target responses due to the ionospheric irregularities are evaluated. The simulation results show that the adverse effects of ionospheric irregularities on SAR imaging are worsened at lower frequencies and stronger ionospheric fluctuations.
Developmental regulation and modulation of apoptotic genes expression in sheep oocytes and embryos cultured in vitro with L-carnitine.

The objective of this study was to find out the impact of L-carnitine (10 mM) on developmental regulation of preimplantation sheep embryos cultured in vitro when supplemented in maturation medium and post-fertilization medium separately. Subsequent objective was to observe the L-carnitine-mediated alteration in expression of apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Bax, Casp3 and PCNA) in sheep oocytes and developing embryos produced in vitro. Oocytes matured with L-carnitine showed significantly (p < .05) higher cleavage (67.23% vs 43.12%), morula (47.65% vs 28.58%) and blastocysts (32.12% vs 13.24%) percentage as compared to presumptive zygotes cultured with L-carnitine during post-fertilization period. So it is suggested to use L-carnitine during maturation than post-fertilization period. Antiapoptotic and proliferative effects of L-carnitine were confirmed by inducing culture medium with actinomycin D (apoptotic agent) and TNFα (antiproliferative agent), respectively, with and without L-carnitine. Oocytes and embryos cultured with actinomycin D and TNFα showed developmental arrest with significant (p < .05) decrease in morula and blastocysts percentage but supplementation of L-carnitine to actinomycin D and TNFα induced culture medium showed similar result as that of control. L-carnitine supplementation during IVM significantly (p < .05) upregulated the expression of Bcl2 and PCNA genes in majority of the developmental stages. Although L-carnitine upregulated the expression of Bax in initial developmental stages but downregulated at latter part, whereas the expression of Casp3 was upregulated upto 16-cell stage but after that there was no difference in expression. Expression of GAPDH gene was not affected by L-carnitine supplementation. In conclusion, L-carnitine acted as an antiapoptotic and proliferative compound during embryo development and supplementation of L-carnitine during IVM altered the expression of apoptotic genes in the developmental stages of embryos.
Neurotoxic effects of neonatal injections of monosodium L‐glutamate (L‐MSG) on the retinal ganglion cell layer of the golden hamster: Anatomical and functional consequences on the circadian system

In rodents, daily injection of neurotoxic monosodium L‐glutamate (MSG) during the postnatal period induces retinal lesions, optic nerve degeneration with an alteration of visual pathway and an absence of the b‐wave in the electroretinogram. Despite this damage, electrophysiological responses subsist in the lateral geniculate bodies and synchronization of circadian rhythms to the light/dark cycle can still occur. Using two formal properties of the circadian system (entrainment and phase‐shift by light), we assessed the functionality of retinal projections to the circadian clock in MSG‐treated hamsters. Displaced amacrine and ganglion cell populations were quantified and retinal terminals in the suprachiasmatic nuclei were estimated. Animals received daily doses of glutamate during the first ten days after birth according to two protocols. The two treatments similarly destroyed 56% of the overall population of the ganglion cell layer: 30% of displaced amacrine and 89% of ganglion cells. Surviving ganglion neurons (7,500 cells) were evenly distributed across the entire retina except in one area of high cell density located in the temporoventral quadrant. Retinal projections of the “image‐forming” pathway were drastically reduced in the dorsal lateral geniculate bodies, less in their ventral part. The “nonimage‐forming” pathway was also affected since the volume of labeled terminals in the suprachiasmatic nuclei was reduced by one‐half to one‐third. Nevertheless, treated hamsters exhibited a free‐running locomotor activity rhythm after several months in constant darkness, could be entrained by the light/dark cycle and phase‐shifted by light pulses. These results suggest that a damaged retinohypothalamic tract can still assume the photic entrainment of the circadian clock. 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylation of a single intronic CpG mediates expression silencing of the PMP24 gene in prostate cancer

We previously demonstrated that a putative anti‐tumor gene, peroxisomal membrane protein 4, 24 kDa (PMP24 or PXMP4), is silenced via DNA methylation of a CpG island in its 5′ flanking region (5′‐CGI) in prostate cancer (PCa) cells.
Evaluation of mobile assessment in a learning management system

This article discusses the problem of using and delivering educational content from the Moodle learning management system to mobile devices. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the students' habits, motivations and technical possibilities in order to incorporate mobile-learning activities in the e-learning process. A mobile quiz has been chosen as an activity to be delivered on mobile devices. The developed mobile quiz application was integrated into Moodle. The application interface was tailored to various types of mobile devices aiming to foster mainstreaming of mobile technologies in e-learning. For the purposes of the evaluation, an experiment was conducted within the e-learning system at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, the University of Belgrade. Data were obtained from the students who attended e-learning courses in the area of e-business. Research findings have shown that integration of the mobile quiz application into Moodle improves students' results and increases satisfaction and motivation for using mobile devices in their learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Carotid Circulation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive method previously shown to improve measures of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the concomitant effects of EECP on large and small arterial properties have been poorly examined. In a randomized controlled study, we investigated whether arterial stiffness and resistance of the carotid circulation are altered by EECP. Methods: Thirty patients with angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease were randomized into two groups to receive either ‘sham’ or active EECP therapy for 35 1-hour sessions. The β stiffness index was calculated by the ln(Ps/Pd)/DD equation where Ps and Pd = systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and DD = the ratio between carotid pulse and diastolic diameter, measured by ultrasound sequential frames during the cardiac cycle. Carotid vascular resistance was calculated as the ratio between mean arterial pressure and mean common carotid blood flow. Results: No significant between-group differences were seen in clinical characteristics or carotid hemodynamics at baseline. The β stiffness index and carotid vascular resistance were significantly reduced after 35 h of active EECP (p < 0.01), and the decrease was significantly different when compared with controls (p < 0.05 for β stiffness index and p < 0.001 for carotid vascular resistance). These reductions persisted after multiple covariate adjustment. Conclusions: This study suggests that EECP exerts clear arterial effects on large and small vessels of the carotid circulation. The combined effects on arterial stiffness and vascular resistance are of particular interest in cardiovascular disease involving reduction in blood flow, in which techniques that increase regional blood flow may be beneficial.