Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of avalanche photodetector receivers for long-wavelength optical communications

We consider, in detail, the potential improvement in receiver sensitivity that can be realized using an avalanche photodiode (APD) rather than the conventional p-i-n diode in long-wavelength optical communications systems. Numerical computations are used to determine optimum gains and receiver sensitivities for several values of ionization coefficient ratios and dark currents. Sensitivities are considered for transmission bit rates of 45 Mb/s, 90 Mb/s, and 274 Mb/s — values characteristic of present long-wavelength systems. We find that general relationships and scaling laws between receiver sensitivity and the other critical parameters can be formulated if the sensitivity is calculated in units relative to the quantum limit. An important result is that the improvement in APD sensitivity depends strongly on dark current, but only weakly on the ionization coefficient ratio. Our calculations are compared with recent results obtained for In0.53Ga0. 47As/InP APDs sensitive in the λ = 0.95 μm to 1.6 μm wavelength region. We also include a brief discussion comparing APD sensitivities with those obtained using phototransistors and majority carrier devices.
Estrogen Receptor Distribution in the Normal and Pathologically Changed Human Cervix Uteri: An Immunohistochemical Study with Use of Monoclonal Anti‐ER Antibody

SummaryNormal and pathologically changed structures of human cervix uteri were examined for estrogen receptor (ER) content using monoclonal antiestrophilin antibody (H 222 SPμgM) and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method (PAP). The study was performed on fresh-frozen cervical specimens from 30 women; the staining was evaluated semiquantitatively. The ER expression in cervical mucosa was generally strong and comparable to the ER expression by proliferating endometria. The only exception was the endocer-vical stroma, which showed distinctly weaker specific staining than other cervical structures. This might account for ER concentration gradients observed in biochemical studies. The ER content in endocervical glands varied in different cases and in different areas of the same specimen, but no correlation to the functional activity of the genital tract or to the morphology of the glands could be found. The squamous epithelium of the portio vaginalis contained relatively large amounts of ER in the basal, parabasal, and intermediate layers. The superficial layer was ER-negative. The only factor we observed that strongly influenced the ER content in cervical mucosa was a local inflammatory process. Our results suggest that the synthesis of ER in cervical epithelium can be influenced by underlying stroma.
Does the diet of the Balearic population, a Mediterranean-type diet, ensure compliance with nutritional objectives for the Spanish population?

Abstract Objectives To assess the dietary habits of Balearic Islands' consumers who are successful in meeting current nutritional recommendations, to find clues for the development of future food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) that would be relevant to this population. Design Cross-sectional nutritional survey carried out in the Balearic Islands between 1999 and 2000. Subjects and methods Dietary habits were assessed by means of 24-hour recall (two non-consecutive days: warm and cold season) and a food-frequency questionnaire in a random sample (n = 1200, aged 16–65 years) living in private households. Differences in percentage of compliers with the intermediate nutritional objectives for the Spanish population and differences in food consumption patterns between genders and between high (above the upper quartile of intake) and low (below the lower quartile of intake) consumers of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), fibre, and fruit and vegetables were analysed. Results Gender differences were observed in nutrient and energy intakes, as well as in attainment of the recommendations. Less than 25% of the population reached the intermediate nutritional recommendations for iodine, fruit, carbohydrates, SFA, fibre and vegetables. Low fat/SFA and high fruit and vegetables/fibre consumers kept a diet in line with the traditional Balearic diet and prevailing dietary pyramids, which ensured better compliance with the nutritional goals. Conclusions The intermediate nutritional objectives for the Spanish population could be achieved through maintenance of the traditional Balearic diet, a Mediterranean-type diet in the Balearic population. Therefore, this dietary model could be used to develop FBDG relevant to this population.
Microtia: A Microform of Hemifacial Microsomia

An analysis of associated deformities in 74 patients with isolated microtia is reported. Microtia should be considered a microform of hemifacial microsomia because of similar (1) asymmetrical nature of the defects, (2) incidence and pattern of seventh nerve paresis, (3) correlation of the degree of seventh nerve weakness with grade of auricular deformity and not with the severity of mandibular hypoplasia, (4) right-sided preponderance, (5) incidence of associated cleft lip and palate, (6) male predilection, and (7) equivocal mode of inheritance. These clinical observations confirm the concept that microtia and hemifacial microsomia have the same etiopathogenesis which is not shared by mandibulofacial dysostosis.
Utrophin regulates modal gating of mechanosensitive ion channels in dystrophic skeletal muscle

Loss of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin leads to muscle degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The mdx mouse lacks dystrophin but muscle disease is mild, in part because upregulation of utrophin compensates for dystrophin. Evidence suggests that Ca2+ entry through mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels contributes to disease pathogenesis, but the role of utrophin in regulating Ca2+ entry has not been studied. Depletion of utrophin in mdx mice produces a gene dose‐dependent increase in MS channel open probability, single‐channel conductance in some patches, and an increase in the pressure required to MS channels. The overall effect of loss of utrophin is increased Ca2+ entry. The results suggest utrophin organizes local membrane microdomains containing MS channels. Disruption of these domains causes changes in membrane composition, which favour channel open states and subunit aggregation. Utrophin‐replacement therapies may act by correcting MS channel gating, and specific MS channel inhibitors have the potential to prevent disease progression.
Survey of risk factors contributed to lymphatic metastasis in patients with oral tongue cancer by immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to define the biomarkers of lymphatic spread which facilitate the appropriate therapy for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients at early stage. Here, we investigated the expression levels of seven biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues as well as their associations with the clinicopathologic features of OTSCC patients. METHODS The OTSCC samples were obtained from 138 patients undergoing tumor resection. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by using ColIA, ColIVA, Fn1, MMP-1, MMP-2, uPA, and D2-40 antibodies. Expression level of theses biomarkers in normal and tumor tissues were compared. Risk factors of lymphatic dissemination were evaluated by logistic regression equation. RESULTS LVD, MMP-1, MMP-2, and uPA in cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissue, and ColIA, ColIVA, and Fn1 in cancer tissue were significantly lower than those in normal tissue. Similar results were obtained from the comparison between metastatic tumor and non-metastatic tumor. All biomarker expressions were closely related with lymph node status and clinical stage. Additionally, the regression equation demonstrated that LVD is the risk factor of lymphatic metastasis in OTSCC patients (OR = 1.732; 95% CIs: 1.167-2.057; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of ColIA, ColIVA, and Fn1 and up-regulation of LVD, MMP-1, MMP-2, and uPA might be important features of OSCC progression, which may exert their functions and favorably predict lymphatic dissemination for OSCC patients at relatively early stage. Among these biomarkers, increased LVD is an independent risk factor of lymphatic metastasis, which could better predict whether metastasis will occur or not.
A retrospective study of zygomatico-orbital complex and/or zygomatic arch fractures over a 71-month period.

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the epidemiology, treatment, and complications of zygomatico-orbital complex (ZOC) and/or zygomatic arch (ZA) fractures either associated with other facial fractures or not over a 71-month period. MATERIAL AND METHODS This survey was performed in three hospitals of Ribeirao Preto in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from August 2002 to July 2008. The records of 1575 patients with facial trauma were reviewed. There were 140 cases of ZOC and ZA fractures either associated with other facial fractures or not. Data regarding gender, age, race, addictions, day of trauma, etiology, signs and symptoms, oral hygiene condition, day of initial evaluation, hospital admission, day of surgery, surgery approach, pattern of fractures, treatment performed, post-operative antibiotic therapy, day of hospital discharge, and post-operative complications were collected. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS The most frequent fractures affected Caucasian men and occurred during the fourth decade of life. The most frequent etiology was traffic accident, and symptoms and signs included pain and edema. Type I fractures were the main injury observed, and the treatment of choice was always rigid internal fixation. Post-operative antibiotic therapy was solely employed when there was an indication. Complications were observed in 13.1% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS The treatment protocol yielded suitable post-operative results and also showed success rates comparable to published data around the world.
Can Population Differences Explain the Contrasting Results of the Mwanza, Rakai, and Masaka HIV/Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention Trials?: A Modeling Study

Objective:To determine whether population differences can explain the contrasting impacts on HIV observed in the Mwanza trial of sexually transmitted disease (STD) syndromic treatment (ST), the Rakai trial of STD mass treatment (MT), and the Masaka trial of information, education, and communication (IEC) with and without ST as well as to predict the effectiveness of each intervention strategy in each population. Methods:Stochastic modeling of the transmission of HIV and 6 STDs was used with parameters fitted to demographic, sexual behavior, and epidemiological data from the trials and general review of STD/HIV biology. Results:The baseline trial populations could be simulated by assuming higher risk behavior in Uganda compared with Mwanza in the 1980s, followed by reductions in risk behavior in Uganda preceding the trials. In line with trial observations, the projected HIV impacts were larger for the ST intervention in Mwanza than for the MT intervention in Rakai or the IEC and IEC + ST interventions in Masaka. All 4 simulated intervention strategies were more effective in reducing incidence of HIV infection in Mwanza than in either Rakai or Masaka. Conclusions:Population differences in sexual behavior, curable STD rates, and HIV epidemic stage can explain most of the contrast in HIV impact observed between the 3 trials. This study supports the hypothesis that STD management is an effective HIV prevention strategy in populations with a high prevalence of curable STDs, particularly in an early HIV epidemic.
Rapid accumulation of trihydroxy oxylipins and resistance to the bean rust pathogen Uromyces fabae following wounding in Vicia faba.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Insect damage to plants leads to wound-activated responses directed to healing of damaged tissues, as well as activation of defences to prevent further insect damage. Negative cross-talk exists between the jasmonic acid-based signalling system that is activated upon insect attack and the salicylic acid-based system frequently activated following pathogen infection. Thus, insect attack may compromise the ability of the plant to defend itself against pathogens and vice versa. However, insect herbivory and mechanical wounding have been shown to reduce fungal infections on some plants, although the underlying mechanisms remain to be defined. This work examines the effects of mechanical wounding on rust infection both locally and systemically in the broad bean, Vicia faba and follows changes in oxylipins in wounded leaves and unwounded leaves on wounded plants. METHODS The lamina of first leaves was wounded by crushing with forceps, and first and second leaves were then inoculated, separately, with the rust Uromyces fabae at various times over a 24 h period. Wounded first leaves and unwounded second leaves were harvested at intervals over a 24 h period and used for analysis of oxylipin profiles. KEY RESULTS Mechanical wounding of first leaves of broad bean led to significantly reduced rust infection in the wounded first leaf as well as the unwounded second leaf. Increased resistance to infection was induced in plants inoculated with rust just 1 h after wounding and was accompanied by rapid and significant accumulation of jasmonic acid and two trihydroxy oxylipins in both wounded first leaves and unwounded second leaves. The two trihydroxy oxylipins were found to possess antifungal properties, reducing germination of rust spores. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the rapidity with which resistance to pathogen infection can be induced following wounding and provides a possible mechanism by which pathogen infection might be halted.
HuR Maintains a Replicative Life Span by Repressing the ARF Tumor Suppressor

ABSTRACT p19ARF plays an essential role in the senescence of mouse cells, and its expression is lost by methylation or deletion of the ARF locus; otherwise, p53 is inactivated to bypass senescence. ARF expression is tightly regulated, but little is known about its posttranscriptional regulation. Here, we show that an RNA-binding protein, HuR (human antigen R), represses ARF mRNA translation, thereby maintaining the replicative life span of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Loss of HuR results in premature senescence, with concomitant increases in p19ARF but not p16Ink4a levels, and this senescence is not observed in ARF-null MEFs that retain an intact Ink4a locus. HuR depletion does not alter ARF transcription or stability but enhances ribosome association with ARF mRNA. Under these conditions, ARF mRNA accumulates in nucleoli, where it associates with nucleolin. Furthermore, adipose-specific deletion of the HuR gene results in increased p19ARF expression in aged animals, which is accompanied by decreased insulin sensitivity. Together, our findings demonstrate that p19ARF is also regulated at the translational level, and this translational regulation restrains the cellular life span and tissue functions in vivo.
A quantitative study of C‐mechanoreceptors in hairy skin of the cat.

1. Single C‐mechanorecptor afferent units were examined by recording from fibres dissected from the saphenous nerves of cats anaesthetized with chloralose. The receptive fields, averaging 4 X 3 mm when 10‐50 X threshold stimuli were used, were in the hairy skin of the leg and foot. 2. The extent and excitability of receptor terminals was tested by two‐and three‐point field studies. The excitability of terminals in one part of the field of a unit could be depressed without affecting the excitability of terminals elsewhere in the field. 3. The afferent units could be excited by both inward and outward movement of the stimulus probe, in appropriate conditions; that is, there was non‐directional sensitivity. 4. After‐discharge was found to depend on restorative movements of the skin, not on a persistence of the response of the receptor to the original movement. 5. The response to mechanical stimulation was slowly adapting with two time constants and the stimulus‐response relationship was exactly described by a power function, with exponents ranging from 0‐6 to 1‐3. 6. The C‐mechanoreceptors could be depressed by rapidly repeated or prolonged mechanical stimulation and the effect was confined to the excited terminals.
Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Inhibits the MEQ, Ul49 and VP22 Expression of Marek's Disease Virus

Background Our previous studies have demonstrated that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a natural compound derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), could effectively inhibit Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection both in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The main objective of the study was to explore the effect of STS on the meq, ul49 and VP22 expression of MDV in vitro. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyse the effect of STS on meq and ul49 expression at both the DNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) level, and the effect of STS on VP22 was assessed by immunofluorescence assay and western blotting. Results The DNA and mRNA copy numbers of meq and ul49 significantly decreased in the groups treated with STS compared with MDV control (P<0.05), which indicated that STS could inhibit the expression of meq and ul49 at both the DNA and mRNA level. Moreover, the expression of VP22 encoded by ul49 was also significantly inhibited (P<0.05). Conclusions STS possessed anti-MDV activity in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Its antiviral mechanisms may be ascribed to inactivating MDV directly, disturbing meq and ul49 replication and inhibiting the expression of VP22 encoded by ul49. These results suggested that STS is a promising natural compound to be further developed as an antiviral agent against MDV infection.
Solute Size Effects on the Diffusion in Biofilms of Streptococcus mutans

The diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (MW varying between 200 and 10,000), and of three different types of micelles was examined in Streptococcus mutans biofilms using infrared spectroscopy. PEGs were used because they show limited interactions with biological materials and their weight can be selected in order to cover a wide range of size. The study showed that a considerable fraction at the base of the biofilm was not accessible to the diffusing solute molecules and this inaccessible fraction was very dependent on the size of the diffusing molecules. In parallel, it was found that the diffusion coefficients of these solutes in the biofilms were less than those in water and this reduction was less pronounced for large macromolecules, an effect proposed to be related to their limited penetration. Triton X-100, a neutral detergent, forms micelles that behave like PEG, suggesting that the behaviour observed for neutral macromolecules can be extrapolated to neutral macroassemblies. However, the diffusion, as well as the penetration of sodium dodecylsulphate micelles (a negatively charged surfactant) and cetylpyridinium chloride micelles (positively charged), in the biofilms appeared to be significantly influenced by electrostatic interactions with biofilm components. The present findings provide useful insights associated with the molecular parameters required to efficiently penetrate bacterial biofilms. The study suggests a rationale for the limited bactericidal power of some antibiotics (the large ones). The restricted accessibility of macromolecules and macroassemblies to biofilms must be examined carefully in order to offer guidelines in the development of novel antibacterial treatments.
Leukemia induction by a new strain of Friend mink cell focus-inducing virus: synergistic effect of Friend ecotropic murine leukemia virus

A new strain of Friend recombinant mink cell focus-inducing retrovirus, FMCF -1-E, was found to induce leukemias in NFS and IRW mice. Although the isolate was obtained from a stock of FMCF -1 ( Troxler et al., J. Exp. Med. 148:639-653, 1978), FMCF -1-E was distinguishable from FMCF -1 by oligonucleotide fingerprinting and antigenic analysis, using monoclonal antibodies. These analyses suggested that FMCF -1-E is a distinct FMCF isolate rather than a simple variant of FMCF -1. After neonatal inoculation, the latency for leukemia induction was 3 to 8 months. A similar long latency was also seen when Friend murine leukemia virus 57 was inoculated into adult (6-week-old) IRW mice. However, sequential inoculation of FMCF -1-E at birth followed by Friend murine leukemia 57 at 6 weeks of age led to a shortened latency period (2.5 to 4 months). Only neonatal inoculation of Friend murine leukemia virus 57 was able to induce a more rapid appearance of leukemia. The leukemia cell type in the majority of cases, regardless of virus inoculation protocol, was erythroid, but occasional myeloid, lymphoid, and mixed leukemias were also observed. In contrast to NFS and IRW mice, BALB/c mice were resistant to leukemia induction by FMCF -1-E and also showed some transient resistance to leukemia induction by Friend murine leukemia virus 57.
Thiol/disulfide redox states in signaling and sensing

Abstract Rapid advances in redox systems biology are creating new opportunities to understand complexities of human disease and contributions of environmental exposures. New understanding of thiol–disulfide systems have occurred during the past decade as a consequence of the discoveries that thiol and disulfide systems are maintained in kinetically controlled steady states displaced from thermodynamic equilibrium, that a widely distributed family of NADPH oxidases produces oxidants that function in cell signaling and that a family of peroxiredoxins utilize thioredoxin as a reductant to complement the well-studied glutathione antioxidant system for peroxide elimination and redox regulation. This review focuses on thiol/disulfide redox state in biologic systems and the knowledge base available to support development of integrated redox systems biology models to better understand the function and dysfunction of thiol–disulfide redox systems. In particular, central principles have emerged concerning redox compartmentalization and utility of thiol/disulfide redox measures as indicators of physiologic function. Advances in redox proteomics show that, in addition to functioning in protein active sites and cell signaling, cysteine residues also serve as redox sensors to integrate biologic functions. These advances provide a framework for translation of redox systems biology concepts to practical use in understanding and treating human disease. Biological responses to cadmium, a widespread environmental agent, are used to illustrate the utility of these advances to the understanding of complex pleiotropic toxicities.
Variation in sexual dimorphism in relation to physical activity

The aim of this study was to examine variations in sexual dimorphism in relation to physical activity. A sample of 542 males and females (20–30 years), born and resident in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), was divided into two groups: active and inactive. Twenty‐five anthropometric dimensions were taken (weight, lengths, breadths, circumferences, and skinfolds). The circumferences and skinfolds were adjusted for the effects of overall body size (represented by skeletal variables). Body composition parameters—fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and arm muscular area (AMA)—were derived from the adjusted values. The D index (Bennett, 1981; Chakraborty and Majumder, 1982) was used to assess the degree of sexual dimorphism. The difference between the D values of active and inactive individuals was analyzed with the technique of Bennett (1981). Principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on groups of homogeneous variables (circumferences and skinfolds) in order to simplify the description of the original anthropometric data. The univariate and multivariate analyses indicate a greater sex difference in the group of individuals who are regularly active. The results agree with theoretical expectations, and suggest greater stability of women to environmental pressures (i.e., physical activity). Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:341–348, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.