Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Translational clinical trials: an entropy-based approach to sample size

Translational clinical trials are small studies of therapies emerging from the laboratory. These trials are essential for generating early evidence regarding the effects of treatment on specific targets in the disease pathway and for guiding the next studies to be done. The statistical properties of such studies have been neglected, in part, because they do not fit the well-known clinical trials developmental paradigm. This paper discusses the translational trial setting, and presents an information (entropy) based approach to understanding the properties and use of these trials. The combination of biological knowledge with a designed experiment (albeit a small one) is a powerful device for resolving much of the considerable uncertainty surrounding an emerging therapeutic concept. An approach to motivating the sample size for translational trials is presented.
Analysis of Photoexcitation Energy Dependence in the Photoluminescence of Firefly Luciferin

The whole pathways for photoluminescence, which include absorption, relaxation and emission, of firefly luciferin in aqueous solutions of different pH values with different photoexcitation energies were theoretically investigated by considering protonation/deprotonation. It is experimentally known that the color of fluorescence changes from green to red with a decrease in the photoexcitation energy. We confirmed with the theoretical analysis that the peak energy shift in the fluorescence spectra with varying photoenergies is due to a change in photoluminescence pathway. When the photoexcitation energy is decreased, the red emission from a monoanion form of firefly luciferin with carboxylate and phenolate groups and N‐protonated thiazoline ring occurs irrespective of the pH values. However, because the species abundant in the solution and those excited by the photon depend on the solution pH, the pathway leading to the monoanion form changes with the solution pH.
On Voiced Stops in Finnish

There is a common crosslinguistic claim about stop inventories, that if a language has a velar voiced stop, it also has coronal and a labial; that if a language has a voiced coronal stop, it also has a labial, etc. Thus, an unexpected inventory would contain only a voiced coronal and/or dorsal stop. We present data from Finnish which stands as a counterexample to this universal, where a voiced coronal stop, but no other, exists in the inventory. We attribute the existence of this exceptional stop to historical and sociolinguistic factors.
Measurement of Antibody to Ureaplasma urealyticum by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Detection of Antibody Responses in Patients with Nongonococcal Urethritis

The optimum conditions for the detection of human immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA antibodies to Ureaplasma urealyticum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were established by using a cell lysate antigen and commercially available alkaline phosphatase conjugates. No significant cross-reactions were observed among rabbit antisera to a variety of mycoplasmas of human origin and ureaplasma antigen, thus demonstrating the specificity of the ELISA. All human sera were assayed at a 1:200 dilution. Antigen was used at 20 μg of protein/ml and conjugates were diluted 1:500. Presence of IgG antibody to U. urealyticum was significantly associated with isolation of U. urealyticum (P < 0.001) in 110 women. Seventeen acute-phase and 19 convalescent-phase sera from male nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) patients were tested for the presence of antibody by both the metabolism inhibition assay and by ELISA, with overall agreements of 82 and 95% for acute- and convalescent-phase sera, respectively. Serum antibody responses were demonstrated to selected serotypes in the metabolism inhibition test, but the response as measured by the ELISA was independent of the serotype of the antigen used. Serum antibody levels in NGU patients were significantly higher (P < 0.002) than the normal serum standard in the IgG, IgM, and IgA classes. Additionally, the magnitude of change between acute- and convalescent-phase sera was greater for NGU patients than for normal asymptomatic ureaplasma-positive male controls. A significant change in antibody levels of one or more antibody classes was detected for 12 of 18 (67%) NGU patients by ELISA. Ten of the 12 (83%) individuals had a change in the IgM class, which is suggestive of an active infectious process. The ELISA is advantageous in that it requires only a single serotype antigen, uses one serum dilution, is class specific, and allows quantitative detection of differences between acute- and convalescent-phase sera.
Lipotoxicity in cardiac and skeletal muscle

Lipotoxicity is defined as the untoward consequences of the accumulation of excess lipid in non-adipose tissue. Fatty acids are an important substrate for myocyte metabolism, yet mismatch of cellular uptake and utilization results in lipid accumulation that is clearly detrimental. Within the myocyte, lipotoxicity can lead to cellular dysfunction, resulting in defective contraction or relaxation or both, alterations in key signaling pathways, and apoptotic cell death. In this review we discuss the significance of myocyte lipotoxicity in human disease and present insights into the pathophysiology gained from transgenic animal models of toxic lipid overload in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Heart Metab. 2006;30:00‐00.
Acute Pressor Actions of Ouabain Do Not Enhance the Actions of Phenylephrine or Norepinephrine in Anesthetized Rats

The inhibition of high-affinity isoforms of the Na+,K+-ATPase by nanomolar levels of ouabain has been proposed to enhance the actions of vasoconstrictor agents that act via a Ca+2-dependent mechanism. The present study tested this hypothesis by evaluating the effects of ouabain (6 and 18 μg/kg, i.v.) on the vasopressor actions of phenylephrine and norepinephrine in anesthetized, reflex-blocked rats. In separate groups of animals, dose-response curves for increases in diastolic pressure produced by phenylephrine were generated after the administration of saline (control), ouabain (18 μg/kg), L-omega-N-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3 μmol/kg) and angiotensin II (15 ng/kg per min). Treatment with ouabain (18 μg/kg) produced an increase in diastolic pressure of 19 ± 3 mm Hg but did not significantly alter the potency or maximal response produced by phenylephrine. In contrast, treatment with angiotensin II and L-NAME, agents known to enhance the actions of α-adrenoceptor agonists, increased the potency of phenylephrine. In animals in which the pressor actions of norepinephrine were evaluated before and after the administration of ouabain (6 μg/kg), ouabain did not alter the pressor response to norepinephrine. Blockade of α-adrenoceptors with phentolamine was found to attenuate as well as partially reverse the increase in diastolic pressure produced by ouabain. These observations suggest that ouabain produces a pressor response by actions on sympathetic nerve endings as well as on vascular smooth muscle and that these actions do not alter the sensitivity to phenylephrine or norepinephrine.
Dietary hyperthyroidism in dogs.

OBJECTIVES Evaluation of dogs with elevated plasma thyroxine concentration fed raw food before and after changing the diet. METHOD Between 2006 and 2011 all dogs presented with an elevated plasma thyroxine concentration and a dietary history of feeding raw food were included. Thyroxine (reference interval: 19·3 to 51·5 nmol/L) and in many cases also thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations (reference interval: <0·30 ng/mL) were measured initially and after changing the diet. RESULTS Twelve dogs were presented with a median age of five years. The median plasma thyroxine concentration was 156·1 (range of 79·7 to 391·9) nmol/L; in six dogs, thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration was measured and was <0·03 ng/mL in five dogs and 0·05 ng/mL in one dog. Six dogs showed clinical signs such as weight loss, aggressiveness, tachycardia, panting and restlessness while six dogs had no clinical signs. After changing the diet eight dogs were examined: thyroxine concentration normalised in all dogs and clinical signs resolved. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Dietary hyperthyroidism can be seen in dogs on a raw meat diet or fed fresh or dried gullets. Increased plasma thyroxine concentration in a dog, either with or without signs of hyperthyroidism, should prompt the veterinarian to obtain a thorough dietary history.
Reproductive system of females of the Magdalena river endemic stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae: Anatomical and functional aspects

We studied anatomical and functional aspects of the reproductive system of females of the Magdalena river stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae using microscopic and macroscopic analysis of each organ. Although the reproductive tract was fully functional on both side, the left organs possibly have a greater contribution to reproductive success, because left ovary and uterus were more developed and had higher number of oocytes and embryos, respectively, than the right ones. This species has histotrophic viviparity given by the presence of uterine trophonemata and by glandular character in pregnant and postpartum females. We suggest that the epigonal organ is involved in the degradation of components of atretic follicles and the embryos begin to develop surrounded by a gelatinous tertiary envelope produced by the oviducal gland. This latter organ is composed by three zones in mature females, club, papillary, and baffle zone, as described for other elasmobranchs. From the anatomical observations, a maturity scale comprising six sexual maturity stages (Immature I, Immature II, early mature, pregnant, post‐partum, and regenerating) was established for female P. magdalenae, and it can be useful as basis for reproductive studies of other potamotrygonid species. Finally, we propose a continuous reproductive cycle for P. magdalenae. J. Morphol. 277:680–697, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laboratory and field studies of the southern house mosquito, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say, infected with the dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy), in Louisiana.

Tests were conducted in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, to determine the species and seasonal abundance of mosquitoes feeding on dogs and to identify the primary vectors of the dog heartworm, DIROFILARIA IMMITIS (Leidy). The southern house mosquito, CULEX PIPIENS QUINQUEFASCIATUS Say, accounted 91% of 11,248 mosquitoes captured in dog-baited traps during the 2-year test period. An average of 63.3 C. p. quinquefasciatus was captured per night with 1.45% containing D. immitis larvae. Mosquitoes which were naturally infected seemed to harbor smaller larval burdens than mosquitoes that were reared and infected under laboratory conditions. Naturally infected C. p. quinquefasciatus were found to harbor moderate to low D. immitis larval burdens. High natural infection rates of C. p. quinquefasciatus with D. immitis were correlated with high numbers of dogs being present in the immediate area of the trap locations. The population density of C. p. quinquefasciatus was proportional to high daily temperatures as long as the temperature did not remain excessively high or become too low. Constant high temperatures seemed to cause high mortality of adult C. p. quinquefasciatus and did not allow mosquitoes infected with D. immitis to survive long enough to reinfect dog hosts. CULEX PIPIENS QUINQUEFASCIATUS is an excellent intermediate host of D. immitis in the laboratory and survival of infected mosquitoes under natural conditions was seen to be sufficient to allow infection of dog hosts. The combined laboratory and field results indicate that those mosquitoes which are potentially infective in nature are those which carry medium to low larval burdens of D. immitis . Where polluted sites existed for C. p. quinquefasciatus breeding and dogs were available for blood meals, the incidence of dog heartworm was high. No other mosquito species captured during the course of this study seemed to be present in large enough numbers or to exhibit sufficient vector potential in nature to be important vectors of D. immitis .
Evaluating factors that predict the structure of a commensalistic epiphyte–phorophyte network

A central issue in ecology is the understanding of the establishment of biotic interactions. We studied the factors that affect the assembly of the commensalistic interactions between vascular epiphytes and their host plants. We used an analytical approach that considers all individuals and species of epiphytic bromeliads and woody hosts and non-hosts at study plots. We built models of interaction probabilities among species to assess if host traits and abundance and spatial overlap of species predict the quantitative epiphyte–host network. Species abundance, species spatial overlap and host size largely predicted pairwise interactions and several network metrics. Wood density and bark texture of hosts also contributed to explain network structure. Epiphytes were more common on large hosts, on abundant woody species, with denser wood and/or rougher bark. The network had a low level of specialization, although several interactions were more frequent than expected by the models. We did not detect a phylogenetic signal on the network structure. The effect of host size on the establishment of epiphytes indicates that mature forests are necessary to preserve diverse bromeliad communities.
Protein and Allergen Analysis of Latex Mattresses

Background: Latex allergy is a well–recognized health problem. The wide use of latex in daily life raised the question whether latex articles could be a source of allergens. The present study was carried out to analyse various latex mattresses for protein and allergen characterization. Methods: Five latex foam mattresses were reduced to powder and proteins were extracted using either water or urea. The protein content of the extracts was analyzed by SDS–PAGE, IEF, 2–D gel electrophoresis and amino acid sequence analysis. The presence of specific IgE, directed toward mattress proteins found in human sera of latex–allergic patients, was tested using ELISA and immunoprints. Results: The results showed that no protein or allergen could be extracted from synthetic foam. However, depending on the type of mattress and extraction procedure, various quantities of proteins could be extracted from mattresses containing natural latex. The ELISA levels of various latex–allergic patients were always more significant against urea extracts than against water extracts, except for one mattress. The protein and allergen patterns were qualitatively similar for all mattresses containing natural latex. Hev b 1 was identified by N–terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Conclusion: Because the natural rubber of the mattresses contains latex allergens, these allergens are a potential source of sensitization and could constitute a risk, at least to allergic individuals.
Economic Development and Industrial Dynamics of Technological Change

This paper makes a contribution toward identifying market failures impeding innovation and mechanisms through which a Socially Optimal level of technological investment can be achieved. The novel framework illustrates interaction between agents driving the Solow Residual. We lay the foundation for a class of models, starting most simply with a Normal Form Coordination game, which describes the interaction between the Firm, the originator of R&D, and Human Capital, without whom the Firm cannot perform research. Other agents include, the Investor, who funds Firms, and the Government, which has the choice of subsidizing innovation at the Firm level. The contribution is three-fold. First, we show how increasing complexity and changes in access to private capital markets raised the de facto cost of performing research, leading many Firms to abandon in-house innovation. Second, we characterize an equilibrium as a function that provides the required subsidy rate of the Government to innovating Firms, in order to sustain an equilibrium where not only do Firms and Human Capital both decide to dedicate themselves toward innovation, but satisÖes Investors needs for a return on capital. Third, that the equilibrium function describing the subsidy required of the Government is non-linearly increasing in time. Additionally, given the endogenous feedback of technological progress on economic growth, i.e. more technological investment leads to more government revenues, the equilibrium can actually be sustained over an inÖnite time horizon. *This working paper is presented at the 10th Midwest International Economic Development Conference, in Madison, WI. I gratefully acknowledge the help and insights of John Rust, and the support of the Breakthrough Institute and Georgetown University. Please forward comments, critiques and inquiries to nimav@alum.mit. edu, as feedback is appreciated. All errors are my own.
Potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on atherosclerosis and glycaemic control in patients with diabetic foot.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on glycaemic control, atherosclerosis, inflammatory markers, and other clinical and laboratory parameters in patients undergoing systemic HBOT for diabetic foot ulcerations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-eight patients with Wagner grade 2-4 diabetic foot ulcerations were included. All patients were given 100% oxygen at 2.4 absolute atmosphere (ATA) for about 105 minutes, five times a week for a total of 30 sessions. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model measurement-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid, mean platelet volume (MPV), complete blood count, and lipid profile were tested. RESULTS Upon completion of treatment, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the mean values of all assessed parameters. CONCLUSIONS HBOT was shown to have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis and glycaemic control in diabetic patients. Further large-scale randomized studies are needed to study the systemic effects of HBOT.
Ethanol Affects Transforming Growth Factor β1-Initiated Signals: Cross-Talking Pathways in the Developing Rat Cerebral Wall

TGFβ1 regulates early cortical development by moving young neurons from the proliferative population and promoting their migration. Altered TGFβ1-regulated signaling can lead to abnormal development underlying microencephaly and migratory defects as in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The present study tested the hypotheses that TGFβ1 signals through cross-talking Smad2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathways and that ethanol simulates these TGFβ1-initiated signals. Slices generated from the telencephalons of 17-d-old rat fetuses were treated with TGFβ1 (0 or 10 ng/ml), ethanol (0, 200, 400, or 800 mg/dl), and/or a pharmacological agent [to block phosphorylation of Smad2/3 (SB431542 or LY364947) or ERK1/2 (PD98059 or U0126)]. In some experiments, the proliferative compartment (the ventricular and subventricular zones; S/VZ) and the postproliferative compartment (intermediate zone/cortical plate/marginal zone) were examined separately. Smad2/3 phosphorylation increased following treatment with TGFβ1, ethanol, and PD98059 (or U0126) plus ethanol. In contrast, SB431542 (and LY364947) blocked Smad2/3 activation and led to the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. These changes revealed cross talk between the two TGFβ1-responsive pathways. TGFβ1-induced effects were primarily in the S/VZ, whereas ethanol induced activation in both compartments. In summary, TGFβ1 activates two separate pathways (Smad2/3 and ERK1/2) that actively interact. Ethanol simulates TGFβ1-induced changes in these signaling systems. Each pathway is preferentially activated during specific developmental events: the Smad2/3 pathway is key for cells exiting from the cycling population and the ERK1/2 pathway is particularly inducible during neuronal migration.
Transient Behavior of Solid-State Modulators With Matrix Transformers

Solid-state modulators based on pulse transformers offer the advantage that, with the turns ratio of the transformer, the primary voltage could ideally be adapted to available switch technology, and a series connection of switches could be avoided. To increase the power level, several semiconductor switches must be connected in parallel, and a balancing between the different switches must be guaranteed. Here, the matrix transformer concept, which is based on multiple primary and/or secondary windings, as well as flux adding, offers superior performance with respect to the achievable rise times. However, the influence of the parasitic elements on the voltage and current distribution is quite involved. In this paper, the influence of the parasitic elements of the matrix transformer on the current balancing and on the winding voltages is investigated based on reluctance models. Additionally, the inherent current balancing of the matrix transformer for windings mounted on different cores is explained. Furthermore, the influence of parasitic load/transformer capacitances on the turnoff transient is discussed in detail.
Polarization Filtering Based Physical-Layer Secure Transmission Scheme for Dual-Polarized Satellite Communication

In this paper, we propose a polarization filtering-based transmission scheme to enhance the physical layer security in the dual-polarized satellite communication. To prevent eavesdropping, this paper first divides the information sequence into two parts and modulates them independently. Subsequently, a pair of dual polarization states (PSs) is selected to carry the two modulated signals based on the designed selection rule. Last but not least, two polarized signals are added up and transmitted by the orthogonally dual-polarized antenna. Based on the assumption that the selection rule of the dual polarization states is synchronous among the legitimate users, the legitimate users can separate the two polarized signals by polarization filtering (PF). After that, the polarization match is performed to the two polarized signals, respectively. Then according to the demodulation rule, the information can be recovered. However, the eavesdropper does not know the PS selection rule and could not separate the two signals. Therefore, it is impossible for the eavesdropper to recover any useful information so that the security can be enhanced. In addition, the PSs of the signals will be changed due to the polarization dependent loss effect of the satellite channel, which leads to the PF performance degradation. To tackle this problem, a zero-forcing pre-filter is utilized at the receiver side. Finally, the security performance is validated by the theoretical analysis and simulation results in the dual-polarized satellite systems.
Depression of plasma testosterone levels after chronic intensive marihuana use.

Abstract Twenty heterosexual men 18 to 28 years of age who used marihuana at least four days a week for a minimum of six months without use of other drugs during that interval were studied. Mean (± S.E.M.) plasma testosterone — 416 ± 34 ng per 100 ml — was significantly lower in this group than that in the control-group mean — 742 ± 29 ng per 100 ml — for age-matched men who had never used marihuana. Decreased testosterone was dose related. Abstention from marihuana use and stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin during continued marihuana use produced marked increases in testosterone. Measurements of liver function, circulating gonadotropins, prolactin, Cortisol and thyroxine were within normal limits. Six of 17 men (35 per cent) showed oligospermia, and two men were impotent. The data suggest that chronic intensive use of marihuana may produce alterations in male reproductive physiology through central (hypothalamic or pituitary) action. (N Engl J Med 290:872–874, 1974)