Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of photo-elastic modulation in acceleration sensing

A novel accelerometer implemented as a MOEMS (micro-opto-electro-mechanical system) is proposed in the paper. The analysis of photo-elastic effect which is utilized for acceleration sensing is presented. The acceleration is introduced and sensed through a diaphragm structure waveguide on silicon substrate. By analyzing the deformation of the diaphragm, the stress and strain distribution in the diaphragm is calculated. Phase of the light is affected by the strain as well as its distribution in the diaphragm. By using the optical effect for acceleration sensing, the performance of the sensor is improved. Different light modes in waveguide are taken into account in the analysis.
Towards an understanding of information literacy in context

Information literacy (IL) has been described as a core literacy. However emerging empirical research indicates that the phenomenon will have different characteristics in different contexts and will be played out in culturally different ways. This paper reviews the nature and growth of IL to ascertain how researchers understand the phenomenon in various contexts. It then considers the contradictions across contexts and the importance of context to understanding the complexity of IL. The conclusion is that a focus on various contexts, not yet explored, will result in the need for a new agenda for IL research.
Characterization of thyroid fibrosis in a murine model of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis

This study was initiated to identify and characterize thyroid fibrosis in a murine model of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G‐EAT) and determine if TGF‐β1 might be involved in fibrosis. G‐EAT was induced by transfer of mouse thyroglobulin‐sensitized spleen cells activated in vitro with thyroglobulin, anti‐IL‐2R, and IL‐12. There was almost complete destruction of thyroid follicles, leading to fibrosis of the gland and reduced serum T4 levels. Fibrosis was confirmed by staining for collagen and α smooth‐muscle actin, a marker of myofibroblasts. Kinetic studies characterized the onset and development of thyroid fibrosis. TGF‐β1 was increased at mRNA and protein levels, and expression of TGF‐β1 protein paralleled G‐EAT severity. Comparison of staining patterns showed that TGF‐β1 was expressed in areas of myofibroblast and collagen accumulation, implying that TGF‐β1 may play a role in fibrosis in G‐EAT. Further studies demonstrated that myofibroblasts, macrophages, and thyrocytes contributed to TGF‐β1 production. This provides an excellent model to study the mechanisms of fibrosis associated with autoimmune damage.
Estimation of a Composite Food Demand System for the United States—A Revisit

We revisit the composite food demand system for the United States covering the period from 1953 to 2008. We were unable to produce elasticity measures that are as close or similar to those reported in Huang and Haidacher (1983), although the same demand system specification was employed. Our results based on the more recent data set of 1982-2008 show that most of the own-price elasticities are negative and statistically significant, varying from -. 1861 (poultry) to -. 9476 (nonfood). In general, the estimated own-price elasticities appear to be smaller in magnitude or more inelastic than previously reported. In contrast, we estimate the significant income elasticities for food vary from . 5172 (dairy) to 4.6687 (fish), while Huang and Haidaicher (1983) report their income elasticities to vary from -. 6343 (fruits) to . 5748 (fats & oils). The estimated income elasticities for nonfood group appear to remain fairly constant among different studies, ranging from 1.0407 to1.2035.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Heptavalent Pneumococcal Vaccine Conjugated to CRM197 in United States Infants

Objective. To determine the safety and immunogenicity of heptavalent pneumococcal saccharide vaccine (serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F) individually conjugated to CRM197 (PNCRM7), administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. Design. Two hundred twelve healthy 2-month-old infants were equally randomized to receive four consecutive doses of PNCRM7 or an investigational meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine, which served as a control. Concomitantly administered routine vaccines were oral polio vaccine and combined diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and whole cell pertussis vaccine/Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine consisting of capsular oligosaccharides conjugated to CRM197 (DTP/HbOC) at 2, 4, and 6 months, and either measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or HbOC at 12 to 15 months. Active safety surveillance was conducted for 3 days after each dose. Antibody concentrations to each of the 7 pneumococcal serotypes were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay prevaccination, after doses two and three, prebooster, and postbooster. Results. Significantly fewer children experienced local reactions at the PNCRM7 injection site than at the DTP/HbOC site. There was no increase in the incidence or severity of local reactions at the PNCRM7 site with increasing doses of vaccine. Mild to moderate postvaccination fever was common in both the PNCRM7 and control vaccine groups, however DTP/HbOC was administered concurrently. All 7 vaccine serotypes were immunogenic. The kinetics of the immune responses were serotype-specific. After three doses of PNCRM7, between 92% to 100% of children had ≥0.15 μg/mL of antibody, and 51% to 90% achieved a level of ≥1 μg/mL against specific serotypes. A booster dose of PNCRM7 resulted in a brisk anamnestic response to all 7 vaccine serotypes, demonstrating effective stimulation of T-cell memory by the primary series of vaccinations. Conclusion. Primary immunization followed by a booster dose of PNCRM7 seemed to be acceptably safe and resulted in significant rises in antibody to all 7 serotypes. Implications. Studies to assess vaccine efficacy of PNCRM7 for prevention of systemic disease, nasopharyngeal colonization, and acute otitis media are in progress. If PNCRM7 proves to be protective, there is the potential to prevent up to 85% of invasive pneumococcal disease occurring in US children.
Microwave propagation characteristics in the MMDS frequency band

This report presents the results of measurements to characterize MMDS band radio propagation in a suburban environment for a system using a directional base antenna and either a directional or an omni-directional fixed subscriber antenna. Channel sounding measurements were made using three subscriber antenna heights at representative locations throughout residential and commercial areas. Path loss and delay spread are reported as functions of subscriber antenna height for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions.
Does adding endometrial scratching to diagnostic hysteroscopy improve pregnancy rates in women with recurrent in-vitro fertilization failure?

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of additional endometrial scratching procedure during hysteroscopy on assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle outcomes in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients without endometrial or uterine abnormalities on hysteroscopic evaluation. Materials and methods: Three hundred and forty-five RIF patients who underwent ART at a university-based infertility clinic between January 2011 and June 2015 were recruited in this retrospective cohort study. Uterine cavities of all included patients were evaluated by diagnostic hysteroscopy 7–14 days prior to the subsequent ART cycle. Women without endometrial abnormalities were allocated into two groups; the scratching group was consisted of patients who underwent endometrial scratching by using monopolar electric energy with needle forceps during hysteroscopy, and the control group was consisted of patients who underwent only diagnostic hysteroscopy. Results: The implantation rate was significantly higher in the scratching group than the control group (37.7% versus 24.5%; p = 0.04). Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were also found to be significantly higher in the scratching group than the control group (37.7% versus 27.6%; p = 0.03; and 33.3% versus 23%; p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Endometrial scratching during diagnostic hysteroscopy seems to enhance implantation and as well pregnancy rates in comparison to diagnostic hysteroscopy alone.
Synthetic High-Density Lipoproteins Exert Cardioprotective Effects in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Human high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the present study, the cardioprotective effects of synthetic high-density lipoproteins (sHDLs) made of phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein A-I were investigated in isolated rat hearts, which underwent a 20-min low-flow ischemia followed by a 30-min reperfusion. The administration of sHDL during the 10 min immediately before ischemia caused a rapid, dose-dependent improvement of postischemic cardiac function: at the maximum dose (2.0 mg of sHDL protein/ml), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) recovered to 71.0 ± 3.2 versus 40.5 ± 3.8 mm Hg in salinetreated hearts, and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) increased to 100.3 ± 6.2 versus 132.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg. The preservation of postischemic cardiac function was associated with a dose-dependent reduction of creatine kinase release into the coronary effluent. sHDLs administered in the first 10 min postischemia also exerted a significant, dose-dependent improvement of postischemic LVDP, CPP, and creatine kinase release, but the cardioprotective effect was less than when sHDLs were given preischemia. The preservation of postischemic cardiac function by sHDL was mediated through a reduction of cardiac tumor necrosis factor-α content and an enhanced cardiac production of prostaglandin E2 and I2. The present experimental data indicate that sHDLs may provide a novel therapeutic approach to clinical conditions in which myocardial ischemia/reperfusion occurs, such as acute coronary syndromes, cardiac surgery, or revascularization procedures.
Determinants of recovery from a 161-km ultramarathon

ABSTRACT The primary study objective was to identify determinants of short-term recovery from a 161-km ultramarathon. Participants completed 400 m runs at maximum speed before the race and on days 3 and 5 post-race, provided a post-race blood sample for plasma creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and provided lower body muscle pain and soreness ratings (soreness, 10-point scale) and overall muscular fatigue scores (fatigue, 100-point scale) pre-race and for 7 days post-race. Among 72 race finishers, soreness and fatigue had statistically returned to pre-race levels by 5 days post-race; and 400 m times at days 3 and 5 remained 26% (P = 0.001) and 12% (P = 0.01) slower compared with pre-race, respectively. CK best modelled soreness, fatigue and per cent change in post-race 400 m time. Runners with the highest CKs had 1.5 points higher (P < 0.001) soreness and 11.2 points higher (P = 0.006) fatigue than runners with the lowest CKs. For the model of 400 m time, a significant interaction of time with CK (P < 0.001) indicates that higher CKs were linked with a slower rate of return to pre-race 400 m time. Since post-race CK was the main modifiable determinant of recovery following the ultramarathon, appropriate training appears to be the optimal approach to enhance ultramarathon recovery.
Hematopoietic Cells Are Required to Initiate a Chlamydia trachomatis-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response1

Chlamydia trachomatis is a global human pathogen causing diseases ranging from blinding trachoma to pelvic inflammatory disease. To explore how innate and adaptive immune responses cooperate to protect against systemic infection with C. trachomatis L2, we investigated the role of macrophages (Mφ) and dendritic cells (DCs) in the stimulation of C. trachomatis-specific CD8+ T cells. We found that C. trachomatis infection of Mφ and DCs is far less productive than infection of nonprofessional APCs, the typical targets of infection. However, despite the limited replication of C. trachomatis within Mφ and DCs, infected Mφ and DCs process and present C. trachomatis CD8+ T cell Ag in a proteasome-dependent manner. These findings suggest that although C. trachomatis is a vacuolar pathogen, some Ags expressed in infected Mφ and DCs are processed in the host cell cytosol for presentation to CD8+ T cells. We also show that even though C. trachomatis replicates efficiently within nonprofessional APCs both in vitro and in vivo, Ag presentation by hematopoietic cells is essential for initial stimulation of C. trachomatis-specific CD8+ T cells. However, when DCs infected with C. trachomatis ex vivo were adoptively transferred into naive mice, they failed to prime C. trachomatis-specific CD8+ T cells. We propose a model for priming C. trachomatis-specific CD8+ T cells whereby DCs acquire C. trachomatis Ag by engulfing productively infected nonprofessional APCs and then present the Ag to T cells via a mechanism of cross-presentation.
Differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells is blocked by late up-regulation of a c-myb transgene

During chemically induced differentiation of Friend virus-infected mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cell lines, there is a biphasic down-regulation of the c-myb proto-oncogene. A plasmid containing a murine c-myb cDNA controlled by a mouse metallothionein I promoter was transfected into the C19 MEL cell line. For six transfected clones, it was found that expression of the exogenous c-myb mRNA could be up-regulated by the addition of 120 microM ZnCl2 and that the N,N'-hexamethylenebisacetamide-induced differentiation of these transfectants was inhibited in proportion to the level of exogenous c-myb mRNA expression. By adding or removing ZnCl2 at different times during the induction process, it was possible to show that up-regulation of exogenous c-myb limited to the first 2 days of induction had little or no effect on differentiation. In contrast, continuous expression of exogenous c-myb beginning at any time during the period of induction blocked further differentiation. These results suggest that during HMBA induction of MEL cells, the early down-regulation of c-myb mRNA is not necessary for terminal differentiation, whereas the down-regulation of c-myb at a later time is necessary.
Minimum Mean Square Equalization in Cyclostationary and Stationary Interference-Analysis and Subscriber Line Calculations

Equalization in cyclostationary interference, which occurs when similar neighboring digital communication systems cause interference (crosstalk), is considered. An expression is derived on the minimum mean square performance of a continuous-time infinite-length decision feedback equalizer in the presence of multiple cyclostationary interferers and additive white noise. This expression is calculated for a subscriber line system to show the performance improvements over the situation where the interference is stationary with the same power spectrum. Linear equalizer performance curves were also added to the comparisons. These results show two techniques which can provide opportunities for improved equalizer performance by enhancing the cyclostationarity of the interference. The first is by decreasing the misalignment of the phases of the transceiver clocks in the central office transmitters. The second is by using transmitter pulse bandwidths which are wide relative to the symbol rate. >
Regulation of the Production of Infectious Genotype 1a Hepatitis C Virus by NS5A Domain III

ABSTRACT Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) assembly remains incompletely understood, recent studies with the genotype 2a JFH-1 strain suggest that it is dependent upon the phosphorylation of Ser residues near the C terminus of NS5A, a multifunctional nonstructural protein. Since genotype 1 viruses account for most HCV disease yet differ substantially in sequence from that of JFH-1, we studied the role of NS5A in the production of the H77S virus. While less efficient than JFH-1, genotype 1a H77S RNA produces infectious virus when transfected into permissive Huh-7 cells. The exchange of complete NS5A sequences between these viruses was highly detrimental to replication, while exchanges of the C-terminal domain III sequence (46% amino acid sequence identity) were well tolerated, with little effect on RNA synthesis. Surprisingly, the placement of the H77S domain III sequence into JFH-1 resulted in increased virus yields; conversely, H77S yields were reduced by the introduction of domain III from JFH-1. These changes in infectious virus yield correlated well with changes in the abundance of NS5A in RNA-transfected cells but not with RNA replication or core protein expression levels. Alanine replacement mutagenesis of selected Ser and Thr residues in the C-terminal domain III sequence revealed no single residue to be essential for infectious H77S virus production. However, virus production was eliminated by Ala substitutions at multiple residues and could be restored by phosphomimetic Asp substitutions at these sites. Thus, despite low overall sequence homology, the production of infectious virus is regulated similarly in JFH-1 and H77S viruses by a conserved function associated with a C-terminal Ser/Thr cluster in domain III of NS5A.
Pyridine Nucleotide-Nitrate Reductase from Extracts of Higher Plants.

This article describes the identification of the enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) in the leaves of vascular plants. Although NR had previously been described in Neurospora, this is the first report of NR in plants. The discovery of NR opened up the field of study of plant nitrogen assimilation and led to the publication of hundreds of articles. NR requires reducing power from NADH, NADPH, or both depending on its location within the plant body and the species. This very complicated enzyme took many years to actually purify. After purification, we learned that it is controlled by phosphorylation/ dephosphorylation. Harold Evans and others later showed NR to be one of the few molybdenumcontaining enzymes in vascular plants. After working on NR, Evans turned his attention to another molybdenum-containing enzyme, dinitrogenase, in soybean (Glycine max) root nodule bacteroids. Harold Evans became President of the American Society of Plant Physiologists and a member of the National Academy of Science based on this discovery and many other contributions.
Premelting Dynamics

When the free surfaces of most solids approach their bulk melting temperatures from below, the molecular structure of the material gives way to a disordered structure with some attributes of both the solid and liquid phases. When the temperature is sufficiently close to that of bulk transition, the surface melts and literally flows as a viscous fluid. This phenomenon, called interfacial premelting, lies at the heart of the microscopic theory of melting of solid matter, and captures the interest of condensed matter physicists and physical chemists alike. The process is ubiquitous and responsible for a wide range of consequences in materials with biological, geophysical, and technological significance. Because such systems are often exposed to spatial or temporal variations in thermodynamic forcing, there are a host of fluid mechanical phenomena that result from this underlying melting behavior. The fluid dynamics of unfrozen surfaces holds clues for understanding the bulk behavior of polycrystalline materials, from Earth’s mantle to the stratosphere and beyond. In this review we focus on the fluid dynamical consequences of the premelting of solids. 427 A nn u. R ev . F lu id . M ec h. 2 00 6. 38 :4 27 -4 52 . D ow nl oa de d fr om a rj ou rn al s. an nu al re vi ew s. or g by Y al e U ni ve rs ity S O C IA L S C IE N C E L IB R A R Y o n 01 /0 9/ 06 . F or p er so na l u se o nl y. AR266-FL38-16 ARI 22 November 2005 19:29
Changes in obestatin gene and GPR39 receptor expression in peripheral tissues of rat models of obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Obestatin has a role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure, but the roles of obestatin and the GPR39 receptor in obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM, respectively) are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in obestatin and GPR39 in pathophysiological conditions like obesity, T1DM, and T2DM.
Self assessment of daytime sleepiness: patient versus partner.

BACKGROUND--Patients with the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) and their spouses often differ in their assessment of the patient's sleepiness. A study was therefore undertaken to investigate whether either the patient's or partner's rating on the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was better related to illness severity. METHODS--Nocturnal variables (apnoeas+hypopnoeas/hour (AHI) and arousals/hour) and patient and partner ESS scores were compared in 103 new patients attending the sleep clinic. RESULTS--Mean patient and partner ESS scores were not different. In the whole population neither patient nor partner ESS variables correlated with AHI or arousal frequency. In the patients with SAHS (AHI > or = 15), partner ESS correlated weakly with AHI, but patient ESS did not. CONCLUSIONS--This study suggests that neither patient nor partner ESS ratings are strong predictors of SAHS severity.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Intervention for Culturally-Diverse, Low-Income Women in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

We examined feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) intervention in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 318 low-income women in substance use disorder treatment (2003–2006). The study used a single group, repeated measures design. Participant satisfaction was high (M = 3.4, SD = .3), but completion was modest (36%). Linear regressions examining change in addiction severity and psychological functioning by dosage showed that higher dosage was associated with reduced alcohol (β = −.07, p < .05), drug severity (β = −.04, p < .05), and perceived stress (β = −2.29, p < .05) at 12 months. Further research on MBRP efficacy for this population is warranted. The study's limitations are noted.
Sources of Innovation in the Estonian Forest and Wood Cluster

The paper aims to identify the role of different sources of innovation for the Estonian wood sector. Comparing data from survey of Innovation in Estonian Enterprises 1998 2000 with similar Finnish data reveals that linkages in Estonian forest and wood cluster are relatively weaker regarding innovation sources. Universities and research institutes are the weakest part identified in the knowledge flows of the emerging Estonian wood cluster. Technological capabilities of Estonian wood and forest industries have passed the absorption phase and entered the adoption phase, but still the absorptive capacities remain relatively low, as indicated by the high importance of internal innovation sources and the low intensity of using R&D institutions and universities as innovation sources. We applied binary logit model in order to identify the role of different sources of innovation for the Estonian wood sector. Suppliers are the most significant partner for innovation cooperation and also the second innovation source after internal sources. Customers are more used for innovative products and by those companies that lack knowledge about markets. The internal information of concerns is not diffused to other firms. The future development of the Estonian forest and wood cluster should be oriented towards the development of high end production capacities in the value network. This requires joint efforts of the government and industries, as well as collaboration oriented behaviour of Estonian companies.