Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double-pass measurements of the retinal-image quality with unequal entrance and exit pupil sizes and the reversibility of the eye's optical system.

We have used a modified double-pass apparatus with unequal entrance and exit pupil sizes to measure the optical transfer function in the human eye and have applied the technique to three different problems. First, we confirm that in the eye the double-pass spread function is the cross correlation of the input spread function with the output spread function [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 12, 195 (1995)]. Consequently, when entrance and exit pupil sizes are equal, phase information is lost from the double-pass images. Second, we show that in double-pass measurements the eye behaves like a reversible optical system. That is, when entrance and exit pupils are equal, the double-pass image results from two passes through an optical system having a transfer function that is the same in both directions. To test for reversibility in the living eye we have used a double-pass apparatus with different exit and entrance pupil sizes (one of them small enough to consider the eye diffraction limited), so that the ingoing and the outgoing transfer functions are different. The measured image quality was unchanged when the pupils were interchanged, i.e., when the first-pass entrance pupil size becomes the second-pass exit pupil size, and vice versa. Third, the technique provides a means for inferring the complete optical transfer function of the eye, including the phase transfer function, and the shape of the point-spread function.
Comparative proteomics of exosomes secreted by tumoral Jurkat T cells and normal human T cell blasts unravels a potential tumorigenic role for valosin-containing protein

We have previously characterized that FasL and Apo2L/TRAIL are stored in their bioactive form inside human T cell blasts in intraluminal vesicles present in multivesicular bodies. These vesicles are rapidly released to the supernatant in the form of exosomes upon re-activation of T cells. In this study we have compared for the first time proteomics of exosomes produced by normal human T cell blasts with those produced by tumoral Jurkat cells, with the objective of identify proteins associated with tumoral exosomes that could have a previously unrecognized role in malignancy. We have identified 359 and 418 proteins in exosomes from T cell blasts and Jurkat cells, respectively. Interestingly, only 145 (around a 40%) are common. The major proteins in both cases are actin and tubulin isoforms and the common interaction nodes correspond to these cytoskeleton and related proteins, as well as to ribosomal and mRNA granule proteins. We detected 14 membrane proteins that were especially enriched in exosomes from Jurkat cells as compared with T cell blasts. The most abundant of these proteins was valosin-containing protein (VCP), a membrane ATPase involved in ER homeostasis and ubiquitination. In this work, we also show that leukemic cells are more sensitive to cell death induced by the VCP inhibitor DBeQ than normal T cells. Furthermore, VCP inhibition prevents functional exosome secretion only in Jurkat cells, but not in T cell blasts. These results suggest VCP targeting as a new selective pathway to exploit in cancer treatment to prevent tumoral exosome secretion.
Raw soya-bean flour increases cholecystokinin release in man

1. The aim of the present study was to determine whether oral ingestion of raw soya-bean flour, which contains trypsin inhibitors, alters the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in man. 2. Eleven healthy volunteers ate two mixed meals: one with raw soya-bean flour and the other with soya-bean flour that had been heat-treated. The two flours inhibited 34 and 3 mg trypsin/g flour respectively. 3. CCK was measured in plasma using a bioassay based on the release of amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from dispersed rat pancreatic acini. 4. The peak CCK response was 168 (SE 8.1) pmol/l with raw soya-bean flour but 4.9 (SE 2.8) pmol/l with heat-treated flour (P < 0.05). 5. We conclude that ingestion of raw soya-bean flour increases CCK release in man and that heat treatment which reduces the trypsin inhibitor content of the flour also diminishes its CCK-releasing effect.
Pain induced by photodynamic therapy of warts

Background: Photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), followed by irradiation with red light (ALA‐PDT), is used for non‐melanoma skin cancer and other dermatological diseases. Pain during and after light exposure is a well‐known adverse advent that may be a limiting factor for treatment, particularly, in viral warts.
Use of mid-upper arm circumference in determining undernutrition and illness in rural adult Oraon men of Gumla District, Jharkhand, India.

INTRODUCTION Body mass index (BMI) is widely accepted as one of the best indicators of nutritional status in adults. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is another anthropometric measure that has also been used to evaluate adult nutritional status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of MUAC as a simpler and reliable alternative to BMI. A suitable cut-off value was also proposed for identification of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in relation to self-reported illness among the adult Oraon males of Jharkhand state in India. METHODS The study was based on a cross-sectional survey involving 205 rural adult men belonging to the Oraon tribal group of Jharkand State in India. Height and weight were measured for each participant. The BMI was calculated as kg/m2. The internationally accepted cut-off points of BMI and MUAC were utilised to determine nutritional status. An episode of illness was recorded for each subject if any working day was lost. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were undertaken to discover the most suitable values of MUAC both for CED and illness. RESULTS The MUAC values of 243 and 239 mm were identified as the best cut offs to identify CED (BMI<18.5) and illness, respectively. There were marked increases in both CED and illness prevalence rates at a MUAC level lower than 240 mm. Therefore, a MUAC value of close to 240 mm seemed appropriate as a simple and efficient cut-off point for the determination of undernutrition and higher rates of illness and loss of working days in adult Oraon males. CONCLUSION Because MUAC is a much simpler measure than BMI, the use of MUAC 240 mm as a cut-off point is predicted to have considerable public health implications, especially with respect to primary health care related to CED and morbidity.
Long-term outcome of children with steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

In children, the most frequent glomerular disease is idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, which is defined by the combination of a nephrotic syndrome and nonspecific histologic abnormalities of the kidney including minimal changes, FSGS, and diffuse mesangial proliferation. The term minimal-change disease has become synonymous with steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, although renal biopsy is usually not performed for patients who respond to steroid therapy. Indeed, the response to steroid therapy carries a greater prognostic weight than the histologic features seen on initial renal biopsy. Up to 80% of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond to corticosteroids, with a complete remission occurring within 30 d. Approximately one third of these patients have only one attack and are definitively cured after the course of corticosteroids. Ten to 20% of patients experience relapses several months after stopping the treatment and a cure takes place after three or four episodes, which respond to a standard course of corticosteroids. The remaining 40 to 50% of patients experience frequent relapses either as soon as steroid therapy is stopped (frequent relapsers) or when the dosage of steroids is decreased (steroid dependent). These steroid-dependent patients may have a prolonged course. In the long term, the risk for relapse and the …
Effect of Bubble‐Induced Surface Turbulence on Gas–Liquid Mass Transfer in Diffused Aeration Systems

Models that predict volatilization of organic compounds from wastewater treatment basins may underestimate emission rates if the surfaces are considered as quiescent. In reality, the water surface may be agitated by subsurface aeration, increasing mass transfer across the tank surface air–water interface. This study investigated the effect of turbulence, induced by diffused bubble aeration, on mass transfer at the water surface of a pilot aeration basin. The mass transfer of ammonia from an enclosed headspace over the basin to acidified water was measured when different diffuser types and airflow rates were applied. Oxygen‐transfer tests were conducted immediately following each ammonia‐transfer test. Increasing airflow rates through fine‐ and coarse‐bubble diffusers had a significant effect on the ammonia mass‐transfer rate. Experimental mass‐transfer parameters (KLa's) for surface volatilization derived with aeration present were up to 48% higher than the KLa values for quiescent conditions over the range of conditions tested. No effect of diffuser type on ammonia transfer could be determined. The study results infer an effect on oxygen transfer into the water at the surface and potential transfer of volatile organic compounds, if present, from the water. The results of the ammonia mass‐transfer experiments suggest that adjustments to the existing mass transfer correlations for surface volatilization from aeration basins may be in order. Such adjustments will have the greatest effect on predictions for the less volatile compounds, under conditions of low airflow rates.
Selective expression of the immediate early gene c-jun in axotomized rat medial septal neurons is not related to neuronal degeneration

In the present study, we use the anatomically well defined septohippocampal projection to study the molecular events involved in the reaction of neurons to axotomy. The expression of three immediate early genes (c-fos, c-jun, and jun B) was investigated in rat septohippocampal neurons after axotomy by bilateral fimbria-fornix transection (FFT). Moreover, the extent of retrograde degeneration in the septal complex was assessed by analyzing DNA fragmentation. In a postoperative time course analysis, a strong increase of c-jun immunoreactivity (IR) was observed in the nuclei of neurons in the medial septum/diagonal band complex (MSDB) 2 and 6 d postaxotomy, which was followed by a decline after 12 d and 3 weeks, respectively. Nine weeks after FFT, c-jun IR had disappeared. The c-jun-positive MS neurons were identified as former septohippocampal projection cells by double-labeling with the retrogradely transported tracer Fluoro-Gold injected into the hippocampus before axotomy. In line with the immunocytochemical data, there was a massive induction of c-jun mRNA in the axotomized MS neurons as visualized by in situ hybridization histochemistry. c-fos mRNA and c-fos or jun B IR were not detectable in either unoperated or lesioned medial septal neurons. Experiments using the TdT-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end-labeling technique, designed to detect nuclear DNA fragmentation in degenerating neurons, complemented this study. During the postoperative time range studied, MS neurons did not exhibit DNA fragmentation. We conclude that MSDB neurons survive axotomy by FFT and display characteristic changes in gene expression.
Antibiotic resistance and cagA gene correlation: a looming crisis of Helicobacter pylori.

AIM To determine antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Pakistan and its correlation with host and pathogen associated factors. METHODS A total of 178 strains of H. pylori were isolated from gastric biopsies of dyspeptic patients. Susceptibility patterns against first and second-line antibiotics were determined and trends of resistance were analyzed in relation to the sampling period, gastric conditions and cagA gene carriage. The effect of cagA gene on the acquisition of resistance was investigated by mutant selection assay. RESULTS The observations showed that monoresistant strains were prevalent with rates of 89% for metronidazole, 36% for clarithromycin, 37% for amoxicillin, 18.5% for ofloxacin and 12% for tetracycline. Furthermore, clarithromycin resistance was on the rise from 2005 to 2008 (32% vs 38%, P = 0.004) and it is significantly observed in non ulcerative dyspeptic patients compared to gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer cases (53% vs 20%, 18% and 19%, P = 0.000). On the contrary, metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance were more common in gastritis and gastric ulcer cases. Distribution analysis and frequencies of resistant mutants in vitro correlated with the absence of cagA gene with metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance. CONCLUSION The study confirms the alarming levels of antibiotic resistance associated with the degree of gastric inflammation and cagA gene carriage in H. pylori strains.
Cytotoxic Steroidal Saponins from the Rhizomes of Tacca integrifolia

Three new steroid saponins (3β,25R)‐spirost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1), (3β,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐hydroxyfurost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3), and (3β,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐hydroxyfurost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (5), as well as the new pregnane glycoside (3β,16β)‐3‐{[6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]oxy}‐20‐oxopregn‐5‐en‐16‐yl (4R)‐5‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐4‐methylpentanoate (6), were isolated from the rhizomes of Tacca integrifolia together with two known (25R) configurated steroid saponins (3β,25R)‐spirost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2) and (3β,22R,25R)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐methoxyfurost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐[6‐deoxy‐α‐L‐mannopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4). The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in HeLa cells and showed the highest cytotoxicity value for compound 2 with an IC50 of 1.2±0.4 μM. Intriguingly, while compounds 1–5 exhibited similar cytotoxic properties between 1.2±0.4 (2) and 4.0±0.6 μM (5), only compound 2 showed a significant microtubule‐stabilizing activity in vitro.
Site-specific mesenchymal control of inflammatory pain to yeast challenge in vulvodynia-afflicted and pain-free women

Abstract Fibroblast strains were derived from 2 regions of the lower genital tract of localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) cases and pain-free controls. Sixteen strains were derived from 4 cases and 4 controls, age and race matched, after presampling mechanical pain threshold assessments. Strains were challenged with 6 separate stimuli: live yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), yeast extract (zymosan), or inactive vehicle. Production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were proinflammatory response measures. Highest IL-6 and PGE2 occurred with vestibular strains after C albicans, C glabrata, and zymosan challenges, resulting in the ability to significantly predict IL-6 and PGE2 production by genital tract location. After C albicans and C glabrata challenge of all 16 fibroblast strains, adjusting for dual sampling of subjects, PGE2 and IL-6 production significantly predicted the presampling pain threshold from the genital tract site of sampling. At the same location of pain assessment and fibroblast sampling, in situ immunohistochemical (IHC)(+) fibroblasts for IL-6 and Cox-2 were quantified microscopically. The correlation between IL-6 production and IL-6 IHC(+) was statistically significant; however, biological significance is unknown because of the small number of IHC(+) IL-6 fibroblasts identified. A low fibroblast IL-6 IHC(+) count may result from most IL-6 produced by fibroblasts existing in a secreted extracellular state. Enhanced, site-specific, innate immune responsiveness to yeast pathogens by fibroblasts may be an early step in LPV pathogenesis. Fibroblast strain testing may offer an attractive and objective marker of LPV pathology in women with vulvodynia of inflammatory origin.
Ecosystem Management in the USDA Forest Service: A Discourse Analysis

Eleven executives of the USDA Forest Service were interviewed to explore the current status and meaning of ecosystem management (EM). The main method of inquiry was openended questions, but these questions were complemented by a questionnaire, designed to elicit further conversation about ideas often associated with EM. Participants indicated that EM is still practiced by managers but is seldom used in the agency’s environmental speech. The idea that EM is of declining importance to the agency’s discourse was also supported by the lack of agreement in participant definitions of EM, where the importance of ‘scale’ and ‘systems thinking’ were the only commonly included ideas in participant definitions of EM. Participants commonly noted the ambiguity and controversy surrounding objectives-oriented components of EM, while process-oriented components were widely accepted by our participants. Our analysis suggests that despite the reduced importance of the term ecosystem management, many of EM’s component ideas, particularly those addressing management processes, continue to compete in the agency’s broader environmental discourse.
The Spectrum of Encephalopathy in Critical Illness

Beyond the cerebral impact of cardiac arrest, recent research indicates a high prevalence of neurological disturbances such as delirium and coma among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). These disturbances, grouped here under the term "encephalopathy," may be overlooked while attention is devoted to reversing life-threatening imbalances in cardiac and pulmonary function. Nevertheless, there is ample evidence that encephalopathy is an independent predictor of mortality. Factors associated with encephalopathy include primary cerebral disorders such as stroke, trauma, and meningitis, or systemic derangements including sepsis, organ failure, and exposure to pharmacological agents and toxins. Although encephalopathy may resolve with treatment of the underlying disorder, there is mounting evidence that cerebral dysfunction persists beyond the acute phase of critical illness. ICU survivors often suffer chronic impairments in cognitive ability, suggesting occult brain injury. The pathogenesis and natural history of encephalopathy, still poorly understood, need further clarification to spur the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions.
CaMKII is differentially localized in synaptic regions of kenyon cells within the mushroom bodies of the honeybee brain

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been linked to neuronal plasticity associated with long‐term potentiation as well as structural synaptic plasticity. Previous work in adult honeybees has shown that a single CaMKII gene is strongly expressed in the mushroom bodies (MBs), brain centers associated with sensory integration, and learning and memory formation. To study a potential role of CaMKII in synaptic plasticity, the cellular and subcellular distribution of activated (phosphorylated) pCaMKII protein was investigated at various life stages of the honeybee using immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and western blot analyses. Whereas at pupal stages 3–4 most parts of the brain showed high levels of pCaMKII immunoreactivity, the protein was predominantly concentrated in the MBs in the adult brain. The results show that pCaMKII is present in a specific subpopulation of Kenyon cells, the noncompact cells. Within the olfactory (lip) and visual (collar) subregion of the MB calyx neuropil pCaMKII was colocalized with f‐actin in postsynaptic compartments of microglomeruli, indicating that it is enriched in Kenyon cell dendritic spines. This suggests a potential role of CaMKII in Kenyon cell dendritic plasticity. Interestingly, pCaMKII protein was absent in two other types of Kenyon cells, the inner compact cells associated with the multimodal basal ring and the outer compact cells. During adult behavioral maturation from nurse bees to foragers, pCaMKII distribution remained essentially similar at the qualitative level, suggesting a potential role in dendritic plasticity of Kenyon cells throughout the entire life span of a worker bee. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:3700‐3712, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of dentifrice in plaque removal: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND The precise role of dentifrice in plaque removal has been debatable. While a considerable volume of literature attributes several beneficial properties and glorifies the role of dentifrice, a small body of researchers questions its efficacy. Lingering doubts are emerging about the plaque removal efficacy of toothpastes and probably a time has come to reassess its role in plaque removal. AIM The present study is used to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of dentifrice alone during the manual brushing of teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a double blinded 2 Chi 2 crossover study design, 42 subjects had brushed randomly with or without dentifrice under supervision, with a standard dentifrice and toothbrush, after 48 hours of plaque accumulation, for two minutes. RESULTS Plaque reduction with dentifrice was 57.35% and without dentifrice was 66.19%. This 9% difference was statistically significant ( P < or = 0.001). CONCLUSION Dentifrice use does not enhance plaque removal when used in conjunction with a toothbrush, and instead, may marginally lessen the brushing effect. The role of a toothbrush appears to be more crucial in the maintenance of oral hygiene.
Pareto-Efficient Tax Breaks

We analyze Pareto-efficient tax breaks for personal taxation in a private information environment. In addition to a labor-leisure choice, the agents decide how to spend their money between consumption and work-related goods. We derive an efficiency condition that relates the rate of tax deductibility for work-related goods to the marginal tax rate at each income level. This condition holds irrespective of the skill distribution and the taste for redistribution. If the efficiency condition is violated (which it is almost generically), we characterize utility-neutral and incentive-compatible allocation perturbations that minimize resource costs. We apply our theory to study possible tax breaks for domestic services in the US economy. We find that this reform introduces marginal deduction rates for domestic services ranging from 60% to 90% combined with a small increase of the marginal tax rates on labor income. The implied annual resource gains are up to 50 Dollars per household.
How can European states respond to Russian information warfare? An analytical framework

ABSTRACT How can European democratic states respond to Russian information warfare? This article aims to enable and spur systematic research of how democracies can respond to the spread of distorted information as part of information warfare. The article proposes four ideal-type models representing different strategies that democratic governments can employ; blocking, confronting, naturalising and ignoring. Each strategy is illustrated by ways of empirical examples of strategies applied by European states in view of what is regarded as an unwelcome Russian strategic narrative that is spread as part of information warfare. We problematise each strategy and explore reasons for why states choose one strategy over another. We then explore how different strategies might contribute to destabilise or stabilise the security environment and how they resonate with democratic values. Finally, we contribute to theorising on strategic narratives by highlighting that the choice of strategy will influence states in their formation of strategic narratives. We thus further theorising on strategic narratives by highlighting the link between strategies and narratives, thus identifying one central dynamic in how narratives are formed.