Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and tribological performance of Luffa cylindrica fibre-reinforced epoxy composite.

This work focuses on the mechanical properties and solid particle impact behaviour of Luffa cylindrica fibre (LCF)-reinforced epoxy composites. Single (SL)-, double (DL)-, and triple (TL)-layered composites were prepared using the general hand lay-up technique. The erosive wear test was carried out using an air jet erosion tester according to the ASTM G76 standard. The erodent used was silica sand particles (200 ± 50 µm). The experimental parameters studied for the erosion rate of the LCF epoxy composites were impingement angle (30° to 90°) and particle velocity (48 m/s to 82 m/s). Analysis of the results revealed that at the peak erosion rate, semi ductile behaviour of the composite was apparent. Possible erosion mechanisms were discussed and were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor given in combination with fluorouracil plus calcium leucovorin in metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE To determine the toxicities and potential for dose escalation of intravenous (IV) bolus fluorouracil (5-FU) given with 500 mg/m2/d leucovorin (LCV) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-seven patients received escalating doses of 5-FU/LCV on days 1 to 5 with subcutaneous GM-CSF either 5 or 10 micrograms/kg/d starting on day 6 or 3 micrograms/kg/d starting on day 1. 5-FU was escalated from 370 mg/m2/d by 15% increments between patient cohorts and within patients according to tolerance. RESULTS With GM-CSF starting on day 6, dose-limiting toxicity occurred during cycle no. 1 in all three patients entered at 5-FU 490 mg/m2/d. However, individual patients tolerated 5-FU doses up to 644 mg/m2/d. When all cycles were analyzed, grade 3 to 4 mucositis and grade 4 granulocytopenia complicated < or = 15% and < or = 6% of cycles with 5-FU doses < or = 560 mg/m2/d (115 cycles). With GM-CSF starting on day 1, dose-limiting granulocytopenia occurred during cycle no. 1 in five of 10 patients entered at 5-FU 490 mg/m2/d. Although the granulocyte nadirs were significantly lower at each 5-FU dose level with the concurrent GM-CSF schedule (eg, 490 mg/m2/d: median, 879/microL v3,286/microL; two-tailed P [P2] < .001), dose-limiting granulocytopenia complicated < or = 16% of cycles with 5-FU < or = 560 mg/m2/d (99 cycles); > or = grade 3 mucositis occurred in < or = 20% of cycles. Grade 3 to 4 diarrhea was unusual with either GM-CSF schedule. Most patients treated with GM-CSF > or = 5 micrograms/kg/d required dose reductions for constitutional toxicity; 3.0 to 3.8 micrograms/kg/d was better tolerated. Venous thrombosis occurred in 17% of patients (concurrent v sequential GM-CSF, 29% v 5%; P2 = .08). The median delivered 5-FU dose-intensity for GM-CSF starting either on day 6 or on day 1 was 615 and 647 mg/m2/wk (P2 = .41), respectively. Pharmacologic exposure to 5-FU increased with higher doses of 5-FU, and concurrent GM-CSF administration did not affect 5-FU clearance. CONCLUSION A starting dose of 425 mg/m2/d of 5-FU with LCV on days 1 to 5 could be safely combined with GM-CSF starting either on day 1 or day 6, with further 5-FU dose escalation according to individual tolerance.
Visualization of the nonlinear optical space-charge region of bulk thermally poled fused-silica glass.

We etched thermally poled fused-silica coverslips in 49% HF for 30 s transverse to the poling direction to reveal structural details of the nonlinear region. A peaked ridge below the anode surface, corresponding to a slower etch rate than that of the bulk SiO(2) , was located approximately 5 microm below the anode surface for a poling time of 30 s. The ridge moved deeper into the glass logarithmically with poling time. This trend is qualitatively consistent with a recent model for the formation of the space-charge region that includes injection of hydrogen ions at the anode surface.
Discarded stem cells with a future?

Although embryonic stem cells hold the promise for tissue and organ generation, stem cells with early mesenchymal character, which can be obtained at the time of birth from extra-embryonic tissue, may have similar capabilities if manipulated appropriately. These ‘perinatal’ tissues, such as the umbilical cord or the placenta, which are generally discarded after delivery, contain early mesenchymal stem cells that are believed to have a greater potential for plasticity than postnatal mesenchymal cells, such as those from bone marrow. They express early transcriptional genes, and emerging technologies, such as nuclear reprogramming, could direct their development into tissues of embryonic origin. Hence, these cells, generally discarded after birth, could become a valuable source for future tissue generation.
Production and composition of camel milk - review

I~has. been gen~rally agreed that the camel has the ability to produce more milk of good composition for a longer period of time In an environment of extreme temperature, drought and lack of pasture. In arid zones and drylands, camel has been termed as the goal animal in 21st century. Daily milk yield of camel varies from 3.5 litres (under desert conditions) to 40 litres (under intensive management). Lactation length ranges from 9 to 18 months. Milking frequency in camels varies betw~en two to ~ix times d~ily. Peak yield is normally attained during second to third month of lactation. Milk yield of ba~tnan ca~els, In general, IS. lo~er than that of dromedaries. The bactrian milk has high vitamin C content. The range of major constituents of camel milk IS: fat 2.9 to 5.5%, protein 2.5 to 4.5%, lactose 2.9 to 5.8%, ash 0.35 to 0.95%, water 86.3 to 88.5% and SNF 8.9 to 14.3%. Its mean specific gravity is 1.03.
Long‐term exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution and the risk of lung cancer among participants of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study

Recently, air pollution has been classified as a carcinogen largely on the evidence of epidemiological studies of lung cancer. However, there have been few prospective studies that have evaluated associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cancer at lower concentrations. We conducted a prospective analysis of 89,234 women enrolled in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study between 1980 and 1985, and for whom residential measures of PM2.5 could be assigned. The cohort was linked to the Canadian Cancer Registry to identify incident lung cancers through 2004. Surface PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using satellite data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to characterize associations between PM2.5 and lung cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) computed from these models were adjusted for several individual‐level characteristics, including smoking. The cohort was composed predominantly of Canadian‐born (82%), married (80%) women with a median PM2.5 exposure of 9.1 µg/m3. In total, 932 participants developed lung cancer. In fully adjusted models, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an elevated risk of lung cancer (HR: 1.34; 95% CI = 1.10, 1.65). The strongest associations were observed with small cell carcinoma (HR: 1.53; 95% CI = 0.93, 2.53) and adenocarcinoma (HR: 1.44; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.97). Stratified analyses suggested increased PM2.5 risks were limited to those who smoked cigarettes. Our findings are consistent with previous epidemiological investigations of long‐term exposure to PM2.5 and lung cancer. Importantly, they suggest associations persist at lower concentrations such as those currently found in Canadian cities.
Transgenic approach to hepatitis B Virus liver damage

This study investigates the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury during hepatitis B virus infection. A transgenic mouse line containing the gene sequences for the hepatitis B virus envelope region (pre‐S1, pre‐S2, and HBs Ags) ligated to mouse albumin regulatory sequences was developed. Mice of this lineage did not contract spontaneous liver disease and were immunologically tolerant to pre‐S and HBs Ags. Nontransgenic mice of the same lineage were immunized with a recombinant vaccinia virus containing the coding region for the HBs polypeptide. Spleen cells from immunized mice were transferred into the transgenic mice. The recipient transgenic mice exhibited prompt falls in serum HBsAg, appearance of serum anti‐HBsAg and biphasic patterns of serum ALT elevation. The first rise in serum ALT (3 to 7 days after spleen cell transfer) appeared to be due to antibody‐mediated cell injury because it could be reproduced by administration of serum from immunized, nontransgenic mice to transgenic mice. The second rise in ALT, at 14 to 21 days, occurred long after disappearance of serum HBsAg and was associated with histological evidence of liver cell necrosis and infiltration of the liver by lymphocytes. In other experiments, the pattern of delayed injury was reproduced by transfer of specific cytotoxic Lyt 2+ (CD8) T cells from immunized nontransgenic mice to transgenic mice, suggesting a role for cytotoxic T lymphocyte—mediated immune injury. Further studies using a cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell line specifically sensitized to HBsAg suggested that (a) cytotoxicity was specifically directed against cells that expressed a small region of the HBsAg; (b) cytotoxicity was major histocompatibility complex—restricted (i.e. cells expressing HBsAg but not identical major histocompatibility complex antigens were not killed); (c) cytotoxicity was enhanced if target cells were pretreated with γ‐interferon, which presumably enhances expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens; and (d) cytotoxicity and liver cell injury could be reproduced in vivo by transfer of HBsAg‐directed cytotoxic T cell lines back into transgenic mice (which express hepatitis B antigens). In summary, transgenic mice were raised that expressed HBV‐encoded antigens at the hepatocyte surface in a form recognizable by both major histocompatibility complex class I—restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes and envelope‐specific antibodies. The resultant liver cell injury indicates that chronic HBV infection may be mediated by antigenspecific, cell‐mediated responses. Finally, these studies also suggest a role (perhaps minor) for viral antibodies in hepatocyte injury.
Design and performance evaluation of some high-rate irregular low-density parity-check codes

The irregular low-density parity-check codes (LDPCC) have been proposed by Richardson, Shokrollahi and Urbanke (see IEEE Trans. on Inf. Theory), in many cases outperforming the best known turbo-codes. These results have been obtained by allowing the degree of nodes (variable or check) of a LDPCC to vary according to some distribution. We give new distributions to design high rate irregular LDPCC, more precisely rates 7/8, 8/9 and 15/16, motivated by applications to space data communication. Then, we investigate the performance of these new codes over AWGN channels, for different codeword lengths. The error rates obtained are always less than 1 dB from the channel capacity, and in most cases better than the results obtained by turbo-codes with the same parameters. Finally, we investigate, by means of an original method, the minimum distance of irregular LDPCC. The results show that irregular LDPCC have quite low minimum distance, giving rise, similarly to turbo-codes, to the "error floor" phenomenon.
Correlations between daily weight gain, lipid peroxidation and glutathione status of liver and kidney in different pig genotypes

Abstract. Four pig hybrids (Pannon, Hungahib-39, Kozeptiszai and Dalland) were fattened up to 100±2 kg body weight. Feed intake and body weight were measured and daily weight gain was calculated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured in liver and kidney. Daily weight gain was significantly lower in Pannon and Hungahib-39 hybrids. Amount of MDA was significantly higher in the liver of the hybrids with higher daily weight gain, and similar tendency was found in kidney. GSH content of liver did not differ significantly among the hybrids. The kidney of the Kozeptiszai hybrid had significantly lower GSH concentration than the others. GPx activity was the lowest in liver and kidney of Kozeptiszai hybrid. There was no significant correlation between daily weight gain and MDA content in liver, but positive correlation was found in the kidney of Pannon and Hungahib-39 hybrids. Daily weight gain showed significant correlation with GSH content of liver of Kozeptiszai hybrid. Between daily weight gain and GPx activity negative correlations were found in all hybrids and tissues, but none of them was significant. GSH content showed negative significant correlation with MDA content of liver of Kozeptiszai and in kidney of Pannon hybrid. Correlation between GSH content and GPx activity was positive and significant in the liver and kidney of Pannon hybrid. The results showed that different daily weight gain of pig hybrids has effect on the lipid peroxide and glutathione status of liver and kidney.
turtles on longlines in the Pacific Ocean Predicting bycatch hotspots for endangered leatherback

Supplementary data tml http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/suppl/2014/01/02/rspb.2013. 2559.DC1. h "Data Supplement" References http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/281/1777/20132559.full. html#ref-list-1 This article cites 46 articles, 2 of which can be accessed free This article is free to access Subject collections (262 articles) environmental science  (1594 articles) ecology  (1123 articles) behaviour  Articles on similar topics can be found in the following collections
Aromatic L‐Amino Acid Decarboxylase Activity of Mouse Striatum Is Modulated via Dopamine Receptors

Abstract: Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) activity is enhanced in the striatum of control and MPTP‐treated mice after administration of a single dose of the dopamine receptor antagonists haloperidol, sulpiride, and SCH 23390. MPTP‐treated mice appear more sensitive to the antagonists, i.e., respond earlier and to lower doses of antagonists than control mice. The rise of AAAD activity induced by the antagonists is prevented by pretreatment with cycloheximide. The apparent Km values for L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) and pyridoxal 5‐phosphate appear unchanged after treatment with the antagonists. Increased AAAD activity was observed also after subchronic administration of dopamine receptor antagonists or treatment with reserpine. A single dose of a selective dopamine receptor agonists had no effect on AAAD activity. In contrast, administration of L‐DOPA, quinpirole, or SKF 23390 for 7 days lowers AAAD activity in the striatum. We conclude that AAAD is modulated in striatum via dopaminergic receptors.
Single‐shot half k‐space high‐resolution gradient‐recalled EPI for fMRI at 3 tesla

Half k‐space gradient‐recalled echo‐planar imaging (GR‐EPI) is discussed in detail. T2* decay during full k‐space GR‐EPI gives rise to unequal weighting of the lines of k‐space, loss of signal intensity at the center of k‐space, and a point‐spread function that limits resolution. In addition, the long readout time for high‐resolution full k‐space acquisition gives rise to severe susceptibility effects. These problems are substan tially reduced by acquiring only half of k‐space and filling the empty side by Hermitian conjugate formation. Details of the pulse sequence and image reconstruction are presented. The point‐spread function is 3½ times narrower for half than full k‐space acquisition. Experiments as well as theoretical con siderations were carried out in a context of fMRI using a whole‐brain local gradient and an RF coil at 3 Tesla. Using a bandwidth of ±83 kHz, well‐resolved single‐shot images of the human brain, as well as good quality fMRl data sets were obtained with a matrix of 192 × 192 over 16 × 16 cm2 FOV using half k‐space techniques. The combination of high spa tial resolution using the methods presented in this article and the high temporal resolution of EPI opens opportunities for research into fMRl contrast mechanisms. Increase of percent signal change as the resolution increases is attributed to reduction of partial volume effects of activated voxels. Histo grams of fMRl pixel responses are progressively weighted to higher percent signal changes as the resolution increases. The conclusion has been reached that half k‐space GR‐EPI is generally superior to full k‐space GR‐EPI and should be used even for low‐resolution (64 × 64) EPI.
Relation of leaf micromorphology with photosynthesis and water efflux in some Indian mangroves

Stomatal size and frequency, cuticle thickness and the amount of mesophyll tissues were measured in leaves of 14 mangrove species belonging to seven families of the Sundarbans vegetation. The rate of assimilation and water efflux were estimated in vitro. In this tropical estuary high salinity prevails in soil and water, hence the dominating mangrove vegetation develops some morpho-anatomical adaptations to cope with such adverse ecology. Some architectural parameters of leaves have a significant relation with carbon assimilation and water-use characteristics. In all the studied taxa, photosynthesis is positively correlated to stomatal frequency and the amount of mesophyll tissue, while an inverse relation exists with stomatal size. Similarly, transpiration and stomatal conductance directly correlate to the abundance of stomata, but reciprocate to their size. Cuticle thickness is inversely related to transpiration, but hardly any relation was noticed with the rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. The amount of mesophyll tissue has a direct relation with carbon assimilation, while its effect upon transpiration and stomatal conductance seems to be insignificant.
Prospective evaluation of biweekly streptozotocin in 19 dogs with insulinoma.

BACKGROUND Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 21-day interval has been described in dogs with stage II and III insulinoma. Myelosuppression was not observed, suggesting the possibility of increasing dose intensity by decreasing the interval between doses. OBJECTIVE To describe the tolerability of a biweekly STZ protocol. A secondary objective was to describe the outcome of dogs treated with this protocol. ANIMALS Nineteen dogs with residual local, metastatic, or recurrent insulinoma. METHODS After surgery for insulinoma, or at the time of recurrence, dogs were treated with a previously described STZ and saline diuresis protocol. Treatments were administered every 14 days. All dogs received antiemetic treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded. Outcome endpoints assessed were progression-free survival (PFS) and survival. RESULTS None of the dogs experienced neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal toxicity was the most common AE. Diabetes mellitus was observed in 8 dogs and, in 6, resulted in euthanasia or death. Two dogs developed nephrotoxicity manifested as Fanconi syndrome in 1 and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in the other. Six dogs developed increased alanine amino transferase activity. Hypoglycemia at the end of the STZ infusion, resulted in collapse in 1 dog and a generalized seizure in another. The median overall PFS and survival time were 196 and 308 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Streptozotocin can be safely administered to dogs with insulinoma, but serious AEs are possible. Additional investigation is required to better define the role of STZ in managing dogs with insulinoma.
Carotid arterial stenosis: evaluation at CT angiography with the volume-rendering technique.

PURPOSE To determine whether computed tomographic (CT) angiography with the volume-rendering technique (VRT) can be used to accurately quantify carotid arterial stenosis and to identify occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spiral CT was performed in 23 patients who were referred for carotid stenosis evaluation. VRT images and shaded-surface display (SSD) images of 46 carotid arterial bifurcations were compared with findings from digital subtraction angiography (DSA). RESULTS Agreement on stenosis category between VRT CT angiography and DSA was found in 39 (85%) of the 46 carotid arteries studied. VRT CT angiography was 92% (49 of 53) sensitive and 96% (82 of 85) specific for the detection of grade 2-3 stenoses (> or = 70% stenosis). Agreement on stenosis category between SSD CT angiography and DSA was found in 38 (83%) of the 46 carotid arteries studied. SSD CT angiography was 91% (48 of 53) sensitive and 93% (79 of 85) specific for the detection of grade 2-3 stenoses. Calcified stenoses were correctly graded at VRT CT angiography in 10 of the 10 cases with heavy mural calcified plaques, while eight of the 10 stenoses were accurately quantified at SSD CT angiography. CONCLUSION These results indicate that VRT CT angiography is as accurate as SSD CT angiography in the evaluation of carotid arterial bifurcations.
Opposite Fate of Endocytosed CCR7 and Its Ligands: Recycling versus Degradation1

The chemokine receptor CCR7 and its ligands CCL19 and CCL21 play a crucial role for the homing of lymphocytes and dendritic cells to secondary lymphoid tissues. Nevertheless, how CCR7 senses the gradient of chemokines and how migration is terminated are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CCR7(-GFP) is endocytosed into early endosomes containing transferrin receptor upon CCL19 binding, but less upon CCL21 triggering. Internalization of CCR7 was independent of lipid rafts but relied on dynamin and Eps15 and was inhibited by hypertonic sucrose, suggesting clathrin-dependent endocytosis. After chemokine removal, internalized CCR7 recycled back to the plasma membrane and was able to mediate migration again. In contrast, internalized CCL19 was sorted to lysosomes for degradation, showing opposite fate for endocytosed CCR7 and its ligand.