Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Battery Model Useful for Discharging and Charging Power Control and Lifetime Estimation

Accurate information on battery state-of-charge, expected battery lifetime, and expected battery cycle life is essential for many practical applications. In this paper, we develop a nonchemically based partially linearized (in battery power) input-output battery model, initially developed for lead-acid batteries in a hybrid electric vehicle. We show that with properly tuned parameter values, the model can be extended to different battery types, such as lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, and alkaline. The validation results of the model against measured data in terms of power and efficiency at different temperatures are then presented. The model is incorporated with the recovery effect for accurate lifetime estimation. The obtained lifetime estimation results using the proposed model are similar to the ones predicted by the Rakhmatov and Virudhula battery model on a given set of typical loads at room temperature. A possible incorporation of the cycling effect, which determines the battery cycle life, in terms of the maximum available energy approximated at charge/discharge nominal power level is also suggested. The usage of the proposed model is computationally inexpensive, hence implementable in many applications, such as low-power system design, real-time energy management in distributed sensor network, etc.
Protective Effect of Vaccines in Experimental Mycoplasma pneumoniae Disease

The mechanisms of immunity to Mycoplasma pneumoniae were investigated by evaluating different vaccination procedures in an experimental animal model. Hamsters were immunized by intranasal inoculation of broth cultures or by parenteral injections of saline-suspended organisms. All vaccinees received a standardized intranasal challenge which produced pneumonia in 94% of controls. Intranasal immunization with virulent organisms produced a 71% reduction in pneumonia. Subcutaneous and intraperitoneal inoculation of the same organisms yielded 56 and 61% reductions, respectively. Animals similarly immunized with an attenuated strain developed resistance to pneumonia only after intranasal infection. Serum antibody levels did not correlate with protection. Growth-inhibiting activity was demonstrated in bronchial washings of challenged animals, suggesting the development of local antibody in response to infection with M. pneumoniae. Crosschallenge studies were performed in animals vaccinated intranasally with virulent and avirulent variants of the same strain. The avirulent vaccine prevented pneumonia in animals challenged with homologous virulent organisms but not in those receiving an unrelated strain; the virulent vaccine provided protection to both homologous and heterologous challenge. These studies indicate that organism strain variation as well as vaccination technique are important determinants of the immune response to M. pneumoniae.
Redistributive Innovation Policy, Inequality and Growth

In this paper, we develop a simple heterogeneous-agent growth model with in-house R&D and imperfect capital market where both growth and inequality are endogenously determined. Using simple functional forms for preferences, technical progress, and income distribution, we examine the effi ciency and equity effects of different public R&D policies that target high-tech and low-tech sectors. When calibrating the model to the US economy, a regressive public innovation policy that targets the high-tech sector aggravates inequality. On the other hand, with the same model calibrated to Sub-Saharan African countries, we find that a progressive R&D policy that targets the low-tech sector could lower inequality. The impact on growth is rather ambiguous due to the inverse inequality-growth relationship. A progressive public policy could hinder growth via a negative distortionary effects on individual saving and effort while it could promote growth via mitigating economic inequality. However, a properly designed investment subsidy financed by consumption tax could restore the first best investment rate and labour supply. Our model helps us understand the contrasting effects of public R&D spending on inequality and growth of the US and African economies.
The Natural Inhibitor of DNA Topoisomerase I, Camptothecin, Modulates HIF-1α Activity by Changing miR Expression Patterns in Human Cancer Cells

DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibition by camptothecin derivatives can impair the hypoxia-induced cell transcriptional response. In the present work, we determined molecular aspects of the mechanism of camptothecin's effects on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) activity in human cancer cells. In particular, we provide evidence that low concentrations of camptothecin, without interfering with HIF-1α mRNA levels, can reduce HIF-1α protein expression and activity. As luciferase assays demonstrated the involvement of the HIF-1α mRNA 3′ untranslated region in camptothecin-induced impairment of HIF-1α protein regulation, we performed microarray analysis to identify camptothecin-induced modification of microRNAs (miRNA) targeting HIF-1α mRNA under hypoxic-mimetic conditions. The selected miRNAs were then further analyzed, demonstrating a role for miR-17-5p and miR-155 in HIF-1α protein expression after camptothecin treatments. The present findings establish miRNAs as key factors in a molecular pathway connecting Top1 inhibition and human HIF-1α protein regulation and activity, widening the biologic and molecular activity of camptothecin derivatives and the perspective for novel clinical interventions. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 239–48. ©2013 AACR.
Reliability of a Modified Gartland Classification of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Fracture-classification systems are used to recommend treatment and predict outcomes. In this study, a modified Gartland classification system of supracondylar humerus fractures in children was assessed for intraobserver and interobserver variability. Five observers classified radiographs of 50 consecutive children with extension supracondylar humerus fractures on three separate occasions. After a 2-week interval, 90% of fractures were classified the same on both readings, with and intraobserver kappa value of 0.84. After a 36-week interval, 89% of the fractures were classified the same, with a kappa value of 0.81. Interobserver reliability was evaluated by pairwise comparison among observers, resulting in an overall kappa value of 0.74. The reliability of the Gartland classification for supracondylar humerus fractures in children is better than that published for other fracture-classification systems. However, 10% of the time, a second reading by the same observer is different. This makes treatment recommendations based only on fracture type imprecise.
A regulatory protein that interferes with activator-stimulated transcription in bacteria

Transcriptional activator proteins in bacteria often operate by interaction with the C-terminal domain of the α-subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Here we report the discovery of an “anti-α” factor Spx in Bacillus subtilis that blocks transcriptional activation by binding to the α-C-terminal domain, thereby interfering with the capacity of RNAP to respond to certain activator proteins. Spx disrupts complex formation between the activator proteins ResD and ComA and promoter-bound RNAP, and it does so by direct interaction with the α-subunit. ResD- and ComA-stimulated transcription requires the proteolytic elimination of Spx by the ATP-dependent protease ClpXP. Spx represents a class of transcriptional regulators that inhibit activator-stimulated transcription by interaction with α.
Symptomatic bone marrow involvement in breast cancer--clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis: a single institution review of 22 cases.

AIM In contrast to marrow micrometastasis, development of symptomatic bone marrow involvement (bone marrow carcinomatosis, BMC) is a rare event in the course of metastatic breast cancer; published evidence on the outcome with systemic treatment is even more scarce. The objective of this study was to provide our institution's experience with the clinical presentation, prognosis, treatment, and associated complications of marrow involvement in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-two breast cancer patients with BMC diagnosed between 1995 and 2009 were analyzed. RESULTS All patients presented with osseous metastases at the time of diagnosis of BMC. Anemia was the most prominent hematologic sign present in 17/22, followed by thrombocytopenia. Cytotoxic treatment was offered to 21/22 of patients. The majority showed an improvement of cytopenia following treatment (10 out of 14 anemic patients, 6 out of 9 thrombocytopenic patients, all 4 leukopenic patients). The complication rate was acceptable, with only 5 grade 3 or 4 events related to cytopenia (febrile neutropenia, bleeding). The estimated median overall survival from the date of BMC diagnosis was 19 months. After 4 years, 4 of the patients were still alive. Interestingly, prognosis from the time of first diagnosis of BMC was independent of the duration of metastatic disease before BMC had been diagnosed. CONCLUSION Bone marrow involvement has to be considered in breast cancer patients, in particular in those with bone metastases and otherwise unexplained cytopenia. The peripheral blood smear can serve as a simple diagnostic tool, but the extent of erythroblastosis is not correlated with survival. Even with severe BMC-associated cytopenia, aggressive combination treatment regimens are indicated, since most patients show improved marrow function after chemotherapy and long-lasting survival is possible.
Young Children's ability to Discriminate between Antisocial and Prosocial Teases

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to (a) examine 5- to 8-year-old children's ability to discriminate between antisocial and prosocial teases and (b) determine whether their age and experiences within the home are associated with their ability to recognize these two types of teases. Results revealed that the 5- to 8-year-old children were able to discriminate between antisocial and prosocial teases. Although the children's parents or legal guardians indicated that the children had more frequent experience with prosocial than antisocial teases in the home, (a) the children were better able to correctly identify the intent of antisocial teasers than prosocial teasers and (b) the parents or legal guardians (correctly) indicated that their child would be better able to recognize an antisocial tease than a prosocial tease. Despite the finding that the children's comprehension of antisocial teasing tended to exceed their comprehension of prosocial teasing, the findings indicate that being relatively young (i.e., 5–6 years old vs. 7–8 years old) and having relatively frequent experience with antisocial teasing in the home may be associated with some children's difficulty in recognizing the intent behind antisocial teases.
Glycaemic and insulinaemic response of quarter horses to concentrates high in fat and low in soluble carbohydrates.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Quarter Horses are particularly susceptible to polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Nutritional therapy and possibly prophylaxis includes fat-supplemented diets whilst starch supply should be kept to a minimum. OBJECTIVES To investigate the glycaemic and insulinaemic response of clinically normal Quarter Horses to concentrates high in fat and low in starch. METHODS Twelve Quarter Horses were studied. The precondition for inclusion in the study population was that the horses had not shown clinical signs of myopathy. The Quarter Horses were fed according to a 4 x 4 Latin square design haylage plus isocaloric concentrates based on barley and oats as control (CO), sugar beet pulp, grass meal and soybean oil (SB), rice bran and grass meal (RB) and rice bran, grass meal, sugar beet pulp and soybean oil (CP), each over 2 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. At the end of each period, 1 kg of concentrate was fed and blood sampled 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min post prandial (ppr.). Creatine kinase (CK; 0 min ppr. only), glucose and insulin were analysed. Glycaemic and insulinaemic index was calculated from each concentrates area under the curve (AUC) relative to CO. RESULTS Rice bran containing concentrates were partially refused at the beginning of the trial periods. CK activity, and glucose and insulin patterns (ppr. mean, peak, AUC, index) were highest with CO (P<0.05). The correlation between glucose and insulin (P<0.001) ranged from r = 0.570 (CO) to r = 0.364 (RB). Basal CK was highly correlated (P<0.001) to the mean ppr. plasma glucose. CONCLUSION Rice bran, sugar beet pulp, grass meal and soybean oil are suitable to include in concentrates that induce low glycaemic and insulinaemic response. Its acceptance seems to be a question of habituation. Although the mechanism is not completely understood, glucose patterns and basal CK activity are highly positively correlated. Both were affected by the type of concentrate used. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Results support the suggestion that low-starch and high-fat feeding may be helpful not only in the nutrition of affected horses, but also to prevent future PSSM associated discomfort in particularly susceptible horses.
Methamphetamine binge administration dose‐dependently enhanced negative affect and voluntary drug consumption in rats following prolonged withdrawal: role of hippocampal FADD

While prior studies have established various interacting mechanisms and neural consequences (i.e. monoaminergic nerve terminal damage) that might contribute to the adverse effects caused by methamphetamine administration, the precise mechanisms that mediate relapse during withdrawal remain unknown. This study evaluated the long‐term consequences of binge methamphetamine administration (three pulses/day, every 3 hours, 4 days, i.p.; dose–response: 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg) in adult Sprague–Dawley rats at two behavioral levels following 25 days of withdrawal: (1) negative affect (behavioral despair—forced‐swim test, and anhedonia—1% sucrose consumption, two‐bottle choice test) and (2) voluntary methamphetamine consumption (20 mg/l, two‐bottle choice test). Striatal and hippocampal brain samples were dissected to quantify monoamines content by high‐performance liquid chromatography and to evaluate neurotoxicity (dopaminergic and serotonergic markers) and neuroplasticity markers [i.e. cell fate regulator (Fas‐associated protein with death domain) FADD] by Western blot. The results showed that methamphetamine administration induced dose‐dependent negative effects during prolonged withdrawal in adult rats. In particular, rats treated repeatedly with methamphetamine (7.5 mg/kg) showed (1) enhanced negative affect—increased anhedonia associated with behavioral despair, (2) increased voluntary methamphetamine consumption, (3) enhanced neurotoxicity—decreased dopamine and metabolites in striatum and decreased serotonin in hippocampus, (4) altered neuroplasticity markers—decreased FADD protein and increased p‐FADD/FADD balance selectively in hippocampus and (5) higher consumption rates of methamphetamine that were associated with lower FADD content in hippocampus. These results confirm that methamphetamine withdrawal dose‐dependently induced negative affect and decreased monoamines content, while also increased voluntary methamphetamine consumption and suggested a role for hippocampal FADD neuroplasticity in these drug‐withdrawal adaptations.
[Expression of fatty acid synthase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and the relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics in human infiltrating ductal breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE To study the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) in human infiltrating ductal breast cancer (IDC) tissues and hunman breast cancer cells and the relationship with the clinicopathogical characteristics. To further explore the relationship between FASN and A-FABP, and the relevance of the invasion in cancer cell. METHODS The expression of FASN and A-FABP was detected in 58 cases of human infiltrating ductal breast cancer and 12 cases of human normal breast tissues by immunohistochemistry technique, calculated positive expression percentage according to the number of positive cells percentage and the staining degree of positive sediment. The cell wound-healing assay was applied to detect the invasion of SKBR3 and MCF-7 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FASN and A-FABP in MCF-7 and SKBR3 cells. RESULTS The positive rates of FASN and A-FABP were 8.3% (1/12) and 16.7% (1/6) respectively in 12 cases of normal breast tissues by immunohistochemistry. In 58 cases of IDC tissues, the positive rates of FASN and A-FABP were 72.4% (42/58) and 79.3% (46/58) respectively. The differences of the positive rates of FASN and A-FABP in normal breast and IDC tissues were statistically significant (P<0.01, P2 cm) when compared with lymph node metastasis negative group or the diameter < or =2 cm group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). In IDC group, the expression of FASN correlated with A-FABP (r=0.797, P<0.001), The migration rate of SKBR3 was significantly higher than MCF-7 cell at 12, 24 h (P<0.05), FASN expression in SKBR3 was higher than that in MCF-7. CONCLUSION FASN and A-FABP might associated with the lymph node metastasis and tumor size, and there was correlation between FASN and A-FABP in human IDC tissues. FASN may associated with the invasion and metastasis in breast cancer cells.
Identification of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Epitopes and Evaluation of Reconstitution of KSHV-Specific Responses in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

ABSTRACT Following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has significantly declined in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-positive (HIV-1+) individuals and clinical remission is often observed. We hypothesize that these effects are partly due to anti-KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) immune restoration. Here, 15-mer overlapping peptides from proteins K12 and K8.1 were used to identify novel KSHV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes. Three immunogenic peptides, two lytic and one latent, were subsequently used to monitor the anti-KSHV CD8+ T-cell responses in a cohort of 19 HIV-1+ KSHV+/− KS+/− individuals during 52 weeks of HAART. KSHV and HIV-1 loads, KSHV antibody titers, and both CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were enumerated. Prior to HAART, the total number of spot-forming cells (SFC) for all three peptides correlated with both CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts (P ≤ 0.05) in the KSHV-positive KS-positive cohort (n = 11). Following 52 weeks of HAART, significant decreases in HIV-1 and KSHV loads were associated with significant increases in CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and number of SFC for the three KSHV-specific peptides. Although these increases were modest in comparison to the number of SFC observed with the HIV-1 gag peptide SLYNTVATL, they represented a fourfold increase from the baseline, continuing an upward trend to week 52.
Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men Who Attend Circuit Parties: A Venue‐Based Comparison

Context: HIV risk behavior among urban gay/bisexual men has recently increased. High‐risk sexual activity and drug use may be particularly high during circuit party (CP) weekends, during which gay/bisexual men congregate for social activities and dancing. Objectives: To compare prevalence of risk behaviors during CP weekends with those during non‐CP weekends. Design: Cross‐sectional study. Participants: 295 gay/bisexual men from the San Francisco Bay Area. Main Outcome Measures: Drug use and sexual risk behavior during a San Francisco CP weekend, a CP weekend held in another geographic area (distant weekends), and two non‐CP weekends. Results: During their most recent distant CP weekend, 80% of participants used methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), 66% ketamine, 43% crystal methamphetamines, 29% gamma‐hydroxybutyrate or gamma‐butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), 14% sildenafil (Viagra), and 12% amyl nitrites (poppers); 53% used four or more drugs. Drug use prevalence was greater during CP than non‐CP weekends (p < .001). Unprotected anal sex with partners of unknown or opposite HIV serostatus was most prevalent during distant CP weekends, reported by 21% of HIV‐positive and 9% of HIV‐negative participants. In multivariate analysis, predictors of unprotected anal sex with opposite or unknown HIV serostatus partners included being HIV‐positive (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐7.5), and weekend use of crystal methamphetamines (OR 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1 ‐4.9), sildenafil (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.0‐7.3), and amyl nitrites (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐4.0). Conclusions: Prevalence of high‐risk activity during these weekends suggests significant potential for HIV transmission in this population. Public health programs in communities hosting CPs should aim to reduce rates of drug use and sexual risk behavior among CP participants, especially HIV‐positive men.
Use of Protective Equipment by Adolescents in Inline Skating, Skateboarding, and Snowboarding

Objectives:Determine the frequency of personal protective equipment (PPE) use in adolescent inline skaters, skateboarders, and snowboarders; explore factors influencing PPE use; identify factors that would influence use; and examine the association of high-risk behaviors and PPE use. Design:Cross-sectional survey. Setting:Central/southeast Wisconsin. Participants:Participants 13-18 years-old. Interventions:None. Independent variables = age, gender, sport. Main Outcome Measurements:None. Dependent variables = PPE use, factors influencing use, and frequency of other high-risk behaviors. Results:The mean age of 333 participiants was 14.9 years. Adolescents wore considerably less PPE than recommended. Inline skaters wore the most; snowboarders the least. The most common reasons adolescents wore PPE were parents, peers, and rule/requirement. Younger adolescents cited parents more often than older adolescents as a factor for PPE use. Discomfort and lack of perceived need were the most common reasons for nonuse. Sustaining/witnessing an accident was the most common reason that would convince adolescents to wear PPE. Almost half of adolescents reported nothing would convince them to wear PPE. Younger adolescents wore more PPE than older adolescents. An association was seen between PPE use in all sports and bicycle helmets. An inverse relationship was found for tobacco and helmet use among skaters, as well as alcohol and helmet use in skateboarders. Conclusions:Adolescents underuse PPE. PPE reinforcement by parents/peers, encouraging bike helmets, manufacturing more comfortable gear, educating adolescents, and instituting PPE requirements in public areas may increase compliance. This could lead to decreased injuries. Physicians should discuss PPE with their patients/families. There may be an association between PPE use in extreme sports and decreased high-risk health behaviors.