Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Attenuation of Pulmonary Fibrosis Via Targeting of IL-4- and IL-13-Responsive Cells 1

Severe forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), such as usual interstitial pneumonia, can be impervious to modern steroid and immunosuppressive treatment regimens, thereby emphasizing the need for novel effective therapies. Consequently, research attention has been directed toward understanding the cytokine networks that may affect fibroblast activation and, hence, the progression of certain IIPs. This led us to investigate whether the specific targeting of resident lung cells responsive to IL-4 and IL-13 exerted a therapeutic effect in an experimental model of IIP, namely the bleomycin-induced model of pulmonary fibrosis. IL-4, IL-13, and their corresponding receptor subunits, IL-4Rα, IL-13Rα1, and IL-13Rα2, were maximally expressed at the mRNA and protein levels in whole lung samples on day 21 or 28 after an intratracheal bleomycin challenge. The intranasal administration of an IL-13 immunotoxin chimeric molecule (IL13-PE) from days 21–28, but not for 1-wk periods at earlier times, after bleomycin challenge had a significant therapeutic effect on histological and biochemical parameters of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis compared with the control group. The intranasal IL13-PE therapy significantly reduced the numbers of IL-4 and IL-13 receptor-positive mononuclear cells and macrophages and the levels of profibrotic cytokine and chemokine in the lungs of bleomycin-challenged mice on day 28. Thus, this study demonstrates that IL-4- and/or IL-13-binding cells are required for the maintenance of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin and highlights the importance of further investigation of antifibrotic therapeutics that target these cells during pulmonary fibrosis.
Determination of Instar of the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Based on a Distribution Model of Head Capsule Widths

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), is a major pest of corn in France. Width of larval head capsules cannot be used directly to determine developmental stages of individuals because the ranges of measurements of two consecutive developmental stages overlap. A distribution model of head capsule widths of different instars, composed of five normal distributions, is fitted, and a discrimination method is proposed based on the probability of misclassification of larvae. Different infestation dates are compared during two years. Goodness-of-fit and assumptions are tested and criticized in relation to experimental conditions. It appears that statistical hypotheses are often not verified in field experiments, and that the validity of tests should be reconsidered. However, the model proposed is useful to criticize usual assumptions and to propose a practical solution.
Characterization and seasonal variations of levoglucosan in fine particulate matter in Xi’an, China

PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) samples (n = 58) collected every sixth day in Xi’an, China, from 5 July 2008 to 27 June 2009 are analyzed for levoglucosan (1,6-anhydro-β-d-glucopyranose) to evaluate the impacts of biomass combustion on ambient concentrations. Twenty-four-hour levoglucosan concentrations displayed clear summer minima and winter maxima that ranged from 46 to 1889 ng m−3, with an average of 428 ± 399 ng m−3. Besides agricultural burning, biomass/biofuel combustion for household heating with straws and branches appears to be of regional importance during the heating season in northwestern China. Good correlations (0.70 < R < 0.91) were found between levoglucosan relative to water-soluble K+, Cl−, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and glyoxal. The highest levoglucosan/OC ratio of 2.3% was found in winter, followed by autumn (1.5%). Biomass burning contributed to 5.1–43.8% of OC (with an average of 17.6 ± 8.4%). Implications: PM2.5 levoglucosan concentrations and the correlation between levoglucosan relative to other compounds during four seasons in Xi’an showed that the influence of biomass burning is maximum during the residential heating season (winter), although some important influences may be detected in spring (field preparation burnings) and autumn (corn stalks and wheat straw burning, fallen dead leaves burning) at Xi’an and surrounding areas. Household heating with biomass during winter was quite widespread in Guanzhong Plain. Therefore, the control of biomass/biofuel combustion could be an effective method to reduce pollutant emission on a regional scale.
Effects of a Health Promotion Program Including Laughter on the Interpersonal Relationships, Self-esteem, Depression and Health Risk Behaviors of Patients with Mental Disorders

This study examined a health promotion program consisting of laughter, health education, and dancing for a total of 24 weeks, from August to December of 2014. The subjects were 16 patients with mental disorders registered and cared for at a mental health promotion center. This study determined the influence of the health promotion program on the patients’ interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, depression, and health risk behaviors. Following the completion of the program, the patients’ scores on interpersonal relationships and self-esteem development improved. In addition, a decrease was observed in their depression levels and health risk behaviors. Therefore, the health promotion program facilitated an improvement in the patients’ interpersonal relationships, self-esteem development, and depression levels. In turn, a decrease in the patients’ health risk behaviors prevented the development of lifestyle diseases.
Nematic and smectic liquid crystals of hard spherocylinders.

We present the phase diagram of a system of hard spherocylinders, including the isotropic liquid and the nematic and smectic-A liquid crystals, calculated with a nonlocal-density-functional model for the free energy. We get first- and second-order nematic\char21{}smectic-A transitions, with a tricritical point at L/D=50, and a triple coexistence point (isotropic-liquid\char21{}nematic\char21{}smectic-A) for L/D=3.
Inter‐rater Reliability of Criteria‐Based Content Analysis of Children's Statements of Abuse

The evaluation of children's statements of sexual abuse cases in forensic cases is critically important and must and reliable. Criteria‐based content analysis (CBCA) is the main component of the statement validity assessment (SVA), which is the most frequently used approach in this setting. This study investigated the inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of CBCA in a forensic context. Three independent raters evaluated the transcripts of 95 statements of sexual abuse. IRR was calculated for each criterion, total score, and overall evaluation. The IRR was variable for the criteria, with several being unsatisfactory. But high IRR was found for the total CBCA scores (Kendall's W = 0.84) and for overall evaluation (Kendall's W = 0.65). Despite some shortcomings, SVA remains a robust method to be used in the comprehensive evaluation of children's statements of sexual abuse in the forensic setting. However, the low IRR of some CBCA criteria could justify some technical improvements.
Evaluation of a cancer prevention and detection curriculum for medical students.

BACKGROUND Undergraduate medical education needs revision to ensure that medical students graduate with the skills necessary to assist their patients in cancer prevention and detection. We sought to implement and incorporate a cancer education curriculum into the students' core curriculum and to assess their skill levels prior to (1996), during (1997), and at the peak (1998-1999) of the incorporation of new hours. METHODS We conducted pretest and posttest surveys of students at Boston University School of Medicine (medical student years 1-4) enrolled in each of the four study years (1996-1999). A total of 1,956 surveys (response rate, 82%) were completed. The primary outcome measure was the student's self-reported skill level (with responses ranging from 1 (very unskilled) to 5 (very skilled)) for counseling for tobacco cessation, tobacco prevention, and sun protection and for the early detection of breast, skin, and cervical cancer. Mean scores were computed for each chronological year of the study and medical school year. Differences and trends over time in mean scores of students in each medical school year were evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS The number of hours of cancer education increased from 6 in 1996 to 15 in 1999. Strong improvements in self-rated skill levels were recorded for four of the six measures. In particular, tobacco cessation counseling skill rose from 2.16 (1996) to 3.13 (1999) for second year students (P < 0.001) and from 3.27 (1996) to 4.17 (1999) for fourth year students (P < 0.001). Among fourth year students, the percentage reporting that cancer prevention was given too little emphasis declined from 62% (1996) to 26% (1999) (P < 0.001), suggesting that the expanded curriculum reflected the students' preferences. CONCLUSIONS Cancer education can be interwoven into the existing medical school curriculum and produce improvements in students' skill levels for counseling and examinations. Strategies to enhance prevention teaching can use this model.
Stratification of Iranian LIS academics in terms of visibility, effectiveness and scientific and professional performance: Research report Part 1

This paper aims to identify the stratification of Iranian Library and Information Science academics in terms of visibility, effectiveness and scientific and professional performance. The present study is applied and is implemented through survey and webometrics methods and with a descriptive approach. The research population includes all Iranian academics working in Library and Information Science departments with a PhD with the titles Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Full Professor. Google Scholar is used to gather web data. A researcher-constructed questionnaire is also used to gather data from the research population in order to stratify them in terms of professional and scientific performance. J Mehrad, MH Dayani and R Fattahi achieved the first to the third ranks respectively in terms of professional and scientific performance. There is also a direct and significant relationship between stratification of the visibility and effectiveness and professional and scientific performance. Graduation from foreign universities, proficiency in English language, writing team papers, scientific collaboration with international scientists, membership of valid national and international research groups, employment in university departments with high experience and also employment in university departments which offer postgraduate qualifications are considered the main factors behind some members’ visibility in the research community.
EVALUATIONS OF DIFFERENT LEAF AND CANOPY PHOTOSYNTHESIS MODELS: A CASE STUDY WITH BLACK LOCUST (ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA) PLANTATIONS ON A LOESS PLATEAU

To evaluate the applicability of leaf and canopy photosynthesis models, we compared performance of 6 leaf models and validated 1 canopy model of photosynthesis based on field data of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plantations on a Loess Plateau in northern China. Leaf photosynthetic light response curves and diurnal canopy photosynthetic rates were observed in the field in August 2009. Leaf photosynthesis was then fitted with Non-rectangular hyperbolic model, Rectangular hyperbolic model, Bassman exponential model, Prado exponential model, Binomial regression model, and Rectangular hyperbolic correction model, and canopy photosynthesis was fitted with an atmosphere-vegetation 2 way interaction model (AVIM). At the leaf scale, the different photosynthesis models demonstrated significant differences in calculating photosynthetic parameters of black locusts, and the Rectangular hyperbolic correction model performed better compared to other models, the limitations and merits of leaf photosynthesis models are also discussed. At the canopy scale, the AVIM model can well simulate the canopy photosynthesis for black locusts on the Loess Plateau. Although this is a case study, our findings may help to better understand the fitting capacity and applicability of these leaf and/or canopy photosynthesis models.
Effect of baculovirus infection on the mRNA and protein levels of the Spodoptera frugiperda eukaryotic initiation factor 4E

The cDNA sequence of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E was derived from a Spodoptera frugiperda cDNA library. Eight tryptophan residues, typical for eIF4E, are strictly conserved in the encoded 210 amino acid protein. A polyclonal antiserum detected a 26 kDa protein in lepidopteran cell lines, but not in dipteran cells. Sf21 cells have a single eIF4E gene copy, which is transcribed into a 1500 nt transcript. Infection with AcMNPV resulted in a decrease in eIF4E mRNA starting between 12 and 24 h postinfection (p.i.), while reduced eIF4E protein levels were observed at 48 h p.i. Two forms of eIF4E were recognized that differed in their iso‐electric point, of which the relative abundance did not change during infection. Mutagenesis experiments using recombinant baculoviruses revealed that the variation in mobility between these two forms did not result from a difference in the phosphorylation state of Ser‐202, the serine residue that corresponds with the eIF4E phosphorylation site in mammalian eIF4E.
Effect of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor on ventilator-induced lung injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that pretreatment with sivelestat therapy could attenuate ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and lung inflammation in a rat model. METHODS The neutrophil elastase inhibitor was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before and at the initiation of ventilation. The rats were categorized as (I) sham group; (II) VILI group; (III) sivelestat group; (IV) early sivelestat group. Wet-to-dry weight ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophil and protein, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and histologic VILI scores were investigated. RESULTS The ratio of wet-to-dry weight, BALF neutrophil and protein, tissue MDA and VILI scores were significantly increased in the VILI group compared to the sham group [3.85±0.32 vs. 9.05±1.02, P<0.001; (0.89±0.93)×10(4) vs. (7.67±1.41)×10(4) cells/mL, P<0.001; 2.34±0.47 vs. 23.01±3.96 mg/mL, P<0.001; 14.43±1.01 vs. 36.56±5.45 nmol/mg protein, P<0.001; 3.78±0.67 vs. 7.00±1.41, P<0.001]. This increase was attenuated in the early sivelestat group compared with the sivelestat group [wet-to-dry ratio: 6.76±2.01 vs. 7.39±0.32, P=0.032; BALF neutrophil: (5.56±1.13)×10(4) vs. (3.89±1.05)×10(4) cells/mL, P=0.021; BALF protein: 15.57±2.32 vs. 18.38±2.00 mg/mL, P=0.024; tissue MDA: 29.16±3.01 vs. 26.31±2.58, P=0.049; VILI scores: 6.33±1.41 vs. 5.00±0.50, P=0.024]. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with a neutrophil elastase inhibitor attenuates VILI in a rat model.
Placental laterality as a predictor of pre-eclampsia-An ultrasonic prospective study

Background placentation abnormality is one of the initial events seen in patients who are destined to develop PIH . In preeclampsia there is a failure in the secondary wave of Trophoblastic invasion, so that the musculo-elastic media of the spiral arteries in the myometrium is retained. The inadequacy of trophoblastic invasion, results in decreased choriodecidual blood flow.This results in the establishments of relative ischemia in the placental bed. At this point, probably starts a most undesirable cycle of imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants. Objectives: To study whether Ultrasonically identified, placental laterality , can be used as a predictor for development of preeclampsia. Materials and methods Five thousand seven hundreden thirty (5730) antenatal patients from one year from Jan 2012 to Dec 2012 at Chigateri General Hospital, Davanagere, were studied for placental lateral location and development of pre eclampsia. Ultrasound placental location was studied from 20-24 weeks of gestation and the patients were closely followed up . Patients who developed PE, were analysed for the association with placental lateralisation . The end point of the study was development of preeclampsia as per ACOG criteria.Those who developed PE were further analysed. Through ultrasonography placental location was determined. Results: Out of 5730 antenatal out pts , 485 patients developed preeclampsia at different gestational ages. Of these 485 PE pts , 286 pts (59%) had unilateral location of placenta and 199 (41%) patients had central location of placenta. Though the lateral placental location was associated with proteinuria, it was to a lesser degree as found in 64% of cases with traces or 1+ or 2+ proteinuria. How ever more number patients i e 119 (60%) with fundal placental location had more degree of (3+ or loaded) of proteinuria. Conclusion: In case of unilateral placenta, the absence or insufficient trophoblasitc invasion of arteries on contralateral side , make them retain their sensitivity to vasoactive substance during pregnancy. Ultra sonography is simple, non invasive, easy to perform, cost effective, diagnostic method to identify high risk cases. By identifying such patients appropriate treatment can be initiated and the patient be regularly followed up.
Regional Mapping of Neostriatal Neurotransmitter Systems as a Function of Aging

Abstract: The purpose of the present investigation was to map chemically the distribution of certain neurotransmitter systems in the neostriatum of rats aged 6, 16, and 26 months. This mapping was carried out by microdissection of discrete striatal regions coupled with radiometric assays for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NA). In all age groups, ChAT, DA, and NA were highest in the rostral relative to the caudal neostriatum. Additionally, ChAT was higher in the lateral than in the medial region, whereas GAD was more homogeneously distributed within the striatum. ChAT activity was decreased significantly primarily in the caudal regions in rats aged 16 and 26 months. DA levels were decreased in the caudal striatum in rats aged 26 months. NA levels were found to be significantly decreased primarily in the rostral neostriatal regions of the otdest rats. GAD activity remained unchanged in all age groups. These regional changes in selected neurotransmitter systems may underlie specific motor and cognitive deficits that often occur during aging.
Silicon-on-Insulator Polarization Rotator Based on a Symmetry Breaking Silicon Overlay

We demonstrate a polarization rotator fabricated using a 4 etch-step complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible process including layer depositions on a silicon-on-insulator wafer. The measured polarization rotation efficiency is over a wavelength range of 80 nm. A robustness investigation shows that the design is compatible with CMOS fabrication capabilities.
Assessment of basic physical examination skills of internal medicine residents

BACKGROUND. Internal medicine faculty at the Mayo Clinic designed a clinical evaluation exercise that separates assessment of physical examination skills from that of medical interviewing and reasoning skills. This report summarizes the first year's experience with assessment of basic physical examination skills. METHOD. A core faculty of five general internists and three internist subspecialists designed a 45-item general examination checklist (e.g., measure blood pressure, examine mouth, palpate liver, drape to ensure privacy). In addition, the core faculty generated a menu of 27 focused examination skills (e.g., examine for carpal tunnel syndrome) from which the faculty examiner would select five items for the resident to perform. Each checklist item was scored 0, 1, or 2 for a maximum possible score of 100. The core faculty selected a criterion-based scoring reference and established a passing score of 90 based on practice examinations with residents and faculty. The core faculty made an instructional videotape of a model examination that was available to all residents. In 1991–92, prior to examination, the checklist was distributed to all first-year categorical (43), preliminary (25), and newly appointed second-year residents (eight). RESULTS. Of the 76 residents examined, 11 (14%) failed and 65 (86%) passed. All failing scores were 86 or lower. The absence of scores 87, 88, and 89 suggested that faculty upgraded borderline performances. All 11 residents who initially failed retook the examination and passed. The five most commonly missed items were (1) inspect the skin, (2) complete examination in logical sequence, (3) palpate aorta, (4) auscultate anterior breath sounds, and (5) palpate axillary and inguinal nodes. Other important observed errors were failure to measure vital signs, confusion of liver and spleen, failure to use bell on stethoscope, and inadequate breast examination. Twenty-eight residents completed an optional feedback form. Reviews were mixed but generally favorable. CONCLUSION. Assessment of the basic physical examination skills of the internal medicine residents was useful, and such skills were able to be assessed separately from physical diagnosis skills and interviewing skills. Direct observation of basic physical examination skills revealed important deficiencies, which provided opportunity for remediation.
Using Decision Modeling with Stakeholders to Reduce Human–Wildlife Conflict: a Raptor–Grouse Case Study

Abstract: The successful resolution of human‐wildlife conflicts requires the participation of local communities and other stakeholder groups in formulating management decisions. In the uplands of the United Kingdom, a controversial conservation issue concerns the relationship between the conservation of a legally protected raptor, the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the management of a gamebird, the Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). We used multicriteria analysis to evaluate the perspectives of two groups of stakeholders, grouse managers and raptor conservationists, and the acceptability to them of different management solutions to this conflict. Both groups quantified the relative importance of evaluation criteria and used these as a basis for comparing different upland and Hen Harrier management options. In relation to upland management, grouse managers placed more importance on economic criteria than did raptor conservationists, who valued natural‐environment criteria more highly. Intensively managed grouse moors, involving the control of harrier numbers, were ranked most highly by grouse managers and managed nature reserves by raptor conservationists, but both groups also ranked legally managed grouse moors highly. When evaluating Hen Harrier management options, grouse managers considered time scale and cost the most important criteria, whereas raptor conservationists considered the effects on harrier populations to be most important. Harrier quota schemes were the management solution most favored by grouse managers, whereas raptor conservationists preferred allowing harriers to attain natural densities. Notably, however, one technique that has already been partly tested in the field—the use of diversionary feeding was scored highly by both groups and thus holds promise for some form of compromise. This exercise highlighted the value of these objective techniques for developing dialog and trust between stakeholder groups, and it highlighted the need to conduct further research to test the effectiveness of different management options. There was broad agreement that the workshop moved the prior positions of individual stakeholders and was a valuable tool in helping to resolve human‐wildlife conflicts.