Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can supersymmetry naturally explain the positron excess

It has often been suggested that the cosmic positron excess observed by the High-Energy Antimatter Telescope (HEAT) experiment could be the consequence of supersymmetric dark matter annihilating in the galactic halo. Although it is well known that evenly distributed dark matter cannot account for the observed excess, if substantial amounts of local dark matter substructure are present, the positron flux would be enhanced, perhaps to the observed magnitude. In this paper, we attempt to identify the nature of the substructure required to match the HEAT data, including the location, size and density of any local dark matter clump(s). Additionally, we attempt to assess the probability of such substructure being present. We find that if the current density of neutralino dark matter is the result of thermal production, very unlikely $(\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ or less) conditions must be present in local substructure to account for the observed excess.
Amino Acid Substitutions in the F-Specific Domain in the Stalk of the Newcastle Disease Virus HN Protein Modulate Fusion and Interfere with Its Interaction with the F Protein

ABSTRACT The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of Newcastle disease virus mediates attachment to sialic acid receptors, as well as cleavage of the same moiety. HN also interacts with the other viral glycoprotein, the fusion (F) protein, to promote membrane fusion. The ectodomain of the HN spike consists of a stalk and a terminal globular head. The most conserved part of the stalk consists of two heptad repeats separated by a nonhelical intervening region (residues 89 to 95). Several amino acid substitutions for a completely conserved proline residue in this region not only impair fusion and the HN-F interaction but also decrease neuraminidase activity in the globular domain, suggesting that the substitutions may alter HN structure. Substitutions for L94 also interfere with fusion and the HN-F interaction but have no significant effect on any other HN function. Amino acid substitutions at other positions in the intervening region also modulate only fusion. In all cases, diminished fusion correlates with a decreased ability of the mutated HN protein to interact with F at the cell surface. These findings indicate that the intervening region is critical to the role of HN in the promotion of fusion and may be directly involved in its interaction with the homologous F protein.
Clinical presentation and molecular basis of congenital antithrombin deficiency in children: a cohort study

In this study we report the largest descriptive cohort of congenital antithrombin (AT) deficiency in children, its clinical presentation, molecular basis and genotype‐phenotype correlation. Paediatric patients diagnosed with AT deficiency at two tertiary care children's hospitals over a 10‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. SERPINC1 gene sequencing was offered to subjects who did not already have the test performed. Molecular modelling and stability simulations were performed for the novel mutations identified. Twenty‐nine subjects from 18 pedigrees were identified. Mean age (± standard deviation) at diagnosis and mean duration of follow‐up were 8·4 (± 6·6) years and 6·6 (± 5·7) years respectively. Most recent mean AT activity and AT antigen levels (n = 20) were 0·53 (± 0·09) iu/ml and 0·60 (± 0·17) iu/ml respectively. Ten subjects were diagnosed secondary to low AT activity measured following venous thrombo‐embolism (VTE). All 10 subjects had additional risk factors at the time of VTE. None of the 19 subjects diagnosed with AT deficiency in the setting of positive family history have had VTE with 7·4 (± 5·8) years follow‐up. Mutation analysis has been completed on 19 subjects from 16 pedigrees. Nine unique mutations, including 4 novel mutations were identified.
Simultaneous confocal lifetime imaging of multiple fluorophores using the intensity‐modulated multiple‐wavelength scanning (IMS) technique

We demonstrate the simultaneous recording of confocal lifetime images of multiple fluorophores. The confocal microscope used in the study combines intensity‐modulated laser illumination, lock‐in detection and spectral separation of the fluorescent light. A theoretical investigation is presented that describes how the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) depends on various factors such as modulation frequency, degree of modulation and number of detected photons. Theory predicts that, compared with ordinary intensity images, lifetime images will have a SNR that is, at best, approximately four times lower. Experimental results are presented that confirm this prediction.
A Three-Factor Cancer-Related Mental Condition Model and Its Relationship With Cancer Information Use, Cancer Information Avoidance, and Screening Intention

Cancer-related affect and cognition, such as cancer fear, cancer worry, and cancer risk perception, are important predictors of cancer prevention and communication behaviors. However, they have not been clearly conceptualized in cancer communication literature, and in particular, the role of affect (i.e., cancer fear) in cancer prevention and communication has not been fully investigated. The present study developed a 3-factor cancer-related mental condition model encompassing affective (cancer fear), cognitive (cancer risk perception), and affective-cognitive (cancer worry) conditions. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 developed the model with Sample 1 (U.S. undergraduates, N = 309), and subsequently validated the model with Sample 2 (Korean general population, ages 40 years or older, N = 1,130). Study 2, using Sample 2, tested the model's relationship with cancer information use, cancer information avoidance, and screening intention. While Sample 1 participants were asked about cancer in general, Sample 2 participants were asked specifically about stomach cancer. Thus, the model derived from the specific sample in a general context was confirmed via the general sample in a specific context. The results showed that both cancer worry and cancer risk perception are positively associated with cancer information use and screening intention, but they are negatively associated with cancer information avoidance. Cancer fear was positively associated with cancer information use, but it was also positively related to cancer information avoidance. Moreover, cancer fear was negatively associated with screening intention. Although the three components of the model are positively related to one another, they function differently in the cancer context.
Influence of organic manure on the vegetative growth and tuber production of potato(solanumtuberosum L varspunta) in a Sahara desert region

Many studies have been carried out on the growth, productivity and nutritional properties of potato, including the effects of organic manures on tuber yield and quality. however, There are, few studies on the effect of organic manure on potatoes agriculture in arid zones. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of natural organic manure on the growth and productivity ofpotato(SolanumTuberosum, cv. Spunta) in a Saharian region (El-oued, Algeria). An experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with four replications and five treatments namely; control (no manure), the common fertilization treatment applied by the potatoes farmers 2 q/h (15-15-15 NPK) + 25 t/h poultry manure, 50 t/h of poultry manure, of sheep manure and 50 t/h of mixed manure poultry and sheep 1:1 w/w.Results showed an increase in the foliage area , plant cover area and the number of stems per plants by adding poultry manure, mixed manure more treatments of mixed manure (poultry and NPK) or sheep manure in comparison with control (no manure). The treatment by mixed manure showed significant increase in the number of tubers per plant in comparison with other treatments, but all the used treatments caused a significant increase in the tubers weight and the quantity of production and the percent of standard tubers in comparison with control. The treatments with poultry manure gave the highest yield in increasing the yield with high significant difference in comparison to other treatments.Thus the combination of natural organic manures and low rates of inorganic fertilizers is a promising low cost option in the production of high yields of potatoes.
Tenc1-Deficient Mice Develop Glomerular Disease in a Strain-Specific Manner

Background/Aims: Tenc1 (also known as tensin2) is an integrin-associated focal adhesion molecule that is broadly expressed in mouse tissues including the liver, muscle, heart and kidney. A mouse strain carrying mutated Tenc1, the ICR-derived glomerulonephritis (ICGN) strain, develops severe nephrotic syndrome. Methods: To elucidate the function of Tenc1 in the kidney, Tenc1ICGN was introduced into 2 genetic backgrounds, i.e. DBA/2J (D2) and C57BL/6J (B6), strains that are respectively susceptible and resistant to chronic kidney disease. Results: Biochemical and histological analysis revealed that homozygous Tenc1ICGN mice develop nephrotic syndrome on the D2 background (D2GN) but not on the B6 background (B6GN). Initially, abnormal assembly and maturation of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) were observed, and subsequently effacement of podocyte foot processes was noted in the kidneys of D2GN but not B6GN mice. These defects are likely to be involved in the integrin signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study suggests that Tenc1 contributes to the maintenance of GBM structures and that the genetic background influences the severity of nephrotic syndrome.
Kawasaki disease and ENSO‐driven wind circulation

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children worldwide. Recently, a climatological study suggested that KD may be triggered by a windborne agent traveling across the north Pacific through the westerly wind flow prevailing at midlatitudes. Here we use KD records to describe the association between enhanced disease activity on opposite sides of the basin and different phases of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, via the linkage to these tropospheric winds. Results show that years with higher‐than‐normal KD cases in Japan preferentially occur during either El Niño Modoki or La Niña conditions, while in San Diego during the mature phase of El Niño or La Niña events. Given that ENSO offers a degree of predictability at lead times of 6 months, these modulations suggest that seasonal predictions of KD could be used to alert clinicians to periods of increased disease activity.
Multidrug resistance in ocular melanoma.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease in patients with ocular melanoma is resistant to chemotherapy. One of the main mechanisms of modulating multidrug resistance is the expression of the multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) product (p-glycoprotein) by tumour cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of expression of the MDR1 gene in ocular melanoma whose primary treatment was surgical excision or enucleation. METHODS: Twelve recent ocular melanomas were received fresh, snap frozen and cryostat sections of tumour were analysed for expression of MDR1 by immunohistochemistry using a well characterised monoclonal antibody to MDR1. Tumour explants were established in short term tissue culture from four tumours and cell blocks were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: MDR1 expression was present in five of 12 ocular melanomas. Upregulation of protein expression was found in four cell lines established in short term culture from tumour explants. A recurrent tumour, initially treated by local excision and radioactive plaque, showed overexpression of MDR1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that significant level of MDR1 may be intrinsically present in ocular melanomas before exposure to drugs involved in multidrug resistance, and indicate the possible importance of MDR1 in modulating chemoresistance in ocular melanoma. Chemosensitisation may be of potential value in planning adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with metastatic disease.
Intercomparison of recruitment maneuver efficacy in three models of acute lung injury*

To compare the relative efficacy of three forms of recruitment maneuvers in diverse models of acute lung injury characterized by differing pathoanatomy. Design:We compared three recruiting maneuver (RM) techniques at three levels of post-RM positive end-expiratory pressure in three distinct porcine models of acute lung injury: oleic acid injury; injury induced purely by the mechanical stress of high-tidal airway pressures; and pneumococcal pneumonia. Setting:Laboratory in a clinical research facility. Subjects:Twenty-eight anesthetized mixed-breed pigs (23.8 ± 2.6 kg). Interventions:The RM techniques tested were sustained inflation, extended sigh or incremental positive end-expiratory pressure, and pressure-controlled ventilation. Primary Measurements:Oxygenation and end-expiratory lung volume. Main Results:The post-RM positive end-expiratory pressure level was the major determinant of post-maneuver Pao2, independent of the RM technique. The pressure-controlled ventilation RM caused a lasting increase of Pao2 in the ventilator-induced lung injury model, but in oleic acid injury and pneumococcal pneumonia, there were no sustained oxygenation differences for any RM technique (sustained inflation, incremental positive end-expiratory pressure, or pressure-controlled ventilation) that differed from raising positive end-expiratory pressure without RM. Conclusions:Recruitment by pressure-controlled ventilation is equivalent or superior to sustained inflation, with the same peak pressure in all tested models of acute lung injury, despite its lower mean airway pressure and reduced risk for hemodynamic compromise. Although RM may improve Pao2 in certain injury settings when traditional tidal volumes are used, sustained improvement depends on the post-RM positive end-expiratory pressure value.
Central Effects of Fexofenadine and Cetirizine: Measurement of Psychomotor Performance, Subjective Sleepiness, and Brain Histamine H1‐Receptor Occupancy Using 11C‐Doxepin Positron Emission Tomography

Histamine H1‐receptor (H1R) antagonists, or antihistamines, often induce sedative side effects when used for the treatment of allergic disorders. This study compared the sedative profiles of the second‐generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and cetirizine, using 3 different criteria: subjective sleepiness evaluated by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, objective psychomotor tests (simple and choice reaction time tests and visual discrimination tests at 4 different exposure durations), and measurement of histamine H1‐receptor occupancy (H1RO) in the brain. Subjective sleepiness and psychomotor performance were measured in 20 healthy Japanese volunteers at baseline and 90 min after administration of fexofenadine 120 mg or cetirizine 20 mg in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study. Hydroxyzine 30 mg was included as a positive control. H1RO was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C‐doxepin in 12 of the 20 subjects, and a further 11 volunteers were recruited to act as controls. In psychomotor tests, fexofenadine was not significantly different from placebo and significantly less impairing than cetirizine on some tasks, as well as significantly less impairing than hydroxyzine on all tasks. For subjective sleepiness, fexofenadine was not significantly different from placebo, whereas cetirizine showed a trend toward increased sleepiness compared with fexofenadine and placebo. H1RO was negligible with fexofenadine (−0.1%) but moderately high with cetirizine (26.0%). In conclusion, fexofenadine 120 mg is distinguishable from cetirizine 20 mg, as assessed by H1RO and psychomotor testing.
Identification of Thrombin Receptors in Rat Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells

Both thrombin and plasmin induce contraction of brain endothelial cells, which may increase capillary permeability thereby leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Identification of thrombin receptors, as well as the influence of plasmin on their activation, in capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes are therefore essential for understanding injury-related actions of thrombin in the brain. Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method, the present study shows that primary cultures of rat brain capillary endothelial (RBCE) cells and astrocytes derived from rat brain express two different thrombin receptors. The first is proteolytically activated receptor (PAR)-1, the receptor responsible for the vast majority of the thrombin's cellular activation functions; the second is PAR-3, a receptor described to be essential for normal responsiveness to thrombin in mouse platelets. In addition to these thrombin receptors, the mRNA (messenger RNA) for PAR-2, a possible trypsin receptor, was also identified. Functional significance of thrombin receptors was indicated by changes in [Ca2+]i in response to thrombin, as measured by FURA-2 fluorescence in RBCE cells. Thrombin as low as 4 nmol/L induced an abrupt increase in [Ca2+]i whereas, upon addition of active site-blocked thrombin or plasmin, [Ca2+]i remained unchanged. The [Ca2+]i signal attributable to thrombin was smaller in a low Ca2+-containing medium, indicating that an influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular medium makes a contribution to the overall [Ca2+]i rise. The amplitude of the transient [Ca2+]i signal was dependent on the concentration of thrombin, and repeated application of the enzyme caused an essentially complete and long-term desensitization of the receptor. The PAR-1 agonist peptide SFLLRN also elicited a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. After activation by SFLLRN, cells showed a diminished response to thrombin, but the response was not absent, indicating that PAR-3 might contribute to the generation of the [Ca2+]i signal. Pretreatment of RBCE cells with 100 nmol/L plasmin completely prevented [Ca2+]i rise attributable to thrombin. These data show that RBCE cells and astrocytes express at least two receptors for thrombin, PAR-1 and PAR-3, and probably both receptors are involved in thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i signals. Plasmin itself does not elevate [Ca2+]i but prevents the activation of receptors by thrombin.
Organ doses and risks of computed tomography examinations in Recife, Brazil

Computed tomography (CT) examinations have increased significantly in recent years due to technological innovations. In some industrialised countries, CT contributes to the population dose as much as background radiation. In developing countries, the uses and risks of CT have not been well characterised. The purpose of this investigation was to assess potential stochastic and deterministic radiation effects from common CT exams performed in six hospitals of Recife, Pernambuco. Scanning parameters and patient gender and age were collected for a total of 285 patients undergoing CT examinations of the head (90), chest (75), abdomen (60) and abdomen–pelvis (60). The organ doses, which were calculated using the ImPACT dosimetry calculator, varied significantly among institutions. Organs such as the brain, the heart and the eye lenses, which exhibited doses as high as 85, 42 and 100 mGy, respectively, are of concern for the production of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and cataracts. Effective cancer risks were calculated using Brenner methodology and BEIR-VII risk factors. They range from 1.8 to 110.2 cases per 100 000 persons for cancer induction and from 1.5 to 63.0 cases per 100 000 for cancer mortality. To reduce doses, a quality assurance programme that includes procedural justification and radiation protection optimisation should be implemented.
Different Effects of Oral Contraceptive and Dydrogesterone Treatment on Oxidative Stress Levels in Premenopausal Women

Background The aim of the study was to observe the changes in blood oxidative stress levels by oral contraceptive (OC) and/or dydrogesterone (DG) treatment. Methods A retrospective cohort of 27 premenopausal women with primary dysmenorrhea consisted of the OC treatment group (N = 17) and the DG treatment group (N = 10) by choice of the initial treatment. The OC group included two subgroups: patients with continuous OC treatment (treated for at least 15 months, N = 10) and patients with discontinuous OC treatment (switched to DG treatment after approximately 6 months of initial OC treatment: N = 7). The DG group had 15 months of continuous DG treatment. Blood parameters, including diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs: an oxidative stress marker), were measured. Results The d-ROMs level was elevated in the OC group 3 months after initial treatment (mean: from 321 (at baseline) to 512 Carratelli Units (Carr U); P < 0.01), while such changes were not observed in the DG group. The d-ROMs level was reduced in the discontinuous OC subgroup 15 months after initial treatment (from 508 (3 months after initial treatment) to 372 Carr U; P < 0.01), while such changes were not observed in the continuous OC subgroup. The DG group displayed unchanged the d-ROMs level. Conclusion Replacing OC with DG can attenuate oxidative stress as elevated by OC, thereby alleviating the possible vascular risks with OC treatment.
Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus antibodies in cows and buffaloes milk in Mosul, Iraq

The objective of the present work was to detect specific antibodies against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in cows and buffaloes milk in Mosul, Iraq, using indirect ELISA test. Hand stripped milk samples were collected from 184 clinically normal animals, which were selected randomly from different herds, including 92 adult cows and buffaloes. Results indicated that 24 cows (26.0%) and 20 buffaloes (21.7%) were seropositive, respectively. It was concluded that milk can be used as a screening media for detection of infected herds with BVDV.
Effect of maternal herpes simplex virus (HSV) serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal herpes

Background. Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rare but devastating disease. We have conducted pooled analyses of data from 3 cohorts to evaluate the effects of maternal HSV serostatus and HSV type on risk of neonatal HSV acquisition and severity. Methods. Data from cohorts in Seattle, WA, and Stanford, CA, USA, and Stockholm, Sweden were pooled using Mantel–Haenszel methods. Results. Seventy‐eight infants with documented neonatal HSV and known maternal HSV serostatus were included. The risk of neonatal HSV‐2 infection was similar in infants born to HSV seronegative women compared with HSV‐1 seropositive women (pooled OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6–4.0). The odds of neonatal HSV infection was increased in the presence of exposure to maternal HSV‐1 versus HSV‐2 (adjusted pooled OR: 19.2; 95% CI: 5.8–63.6). An elevated odds of disseminated HSV in infants born to women with newly acquired genital herpes was observed in Stockholm (OR = 13.5; 95% CI: 1.4–630), but not in Seattle or Stanford. Conclusion. Our results suggest that maternal HSV‐1 antibody offers little, if any, protection against neonatal HSV‐2 infection. During reactivation, HSV‐1 appears more readily transmissible to the neonate than HSV‐2, a concerning finding given the rising frequency of genital HSV‐1 infection.