Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser Doppler flowmeters for microcirculation measurements

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a technique for real-time assessment of microcirculation blood flow. LDF can be used for non-invasive perfusion monitoring (for example skin perfusion monitoring), or for invasive microcirculation evaluations (for example perfusion brain evaluations). Using a multi-wavelength laser Doppler flowmeter prototype with different spaced detection fibers, we propose to add depth discrimination capabilities to LDF skin monitoring. We also propose to build a self-mixing based laser Doppler flowmeter prototype for brain perfusion estimation. These two prototypes will solve two drawbacks prevailing in the laser Doppler flowmeters commercially available: one dealing with the absence of depth information in skin perfusion monitoring; and the other dealing with the fact that laser Doppler probes for invasive evaluations are too large for perfusion brain measurements causing damage to the tissues.
Evaluation of the Ratings Comprising the Associated Symptom Criterion of DSM-III-R Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In light of ongoing considerations for DSM-IV, the 18 ratings comprising the associated symptom criterion of DSM-III-R generalized anxiety disorder were evaluated. The interrater reliability and endorsement rates of each symptom were calculated from interview-based ratings of generalized anxiety disorder patients at four sites (total N=204). Interrater reliability analyses indicated high agreement for the majority of the 18 symptoms. Regarding the frequency of symptom endorsement, significant Spearman correlations (range=.69 to .94) revealed marked consistency in the rates of symptom endorsement across the four sites. A list of “satisfactory” symptoms was generated from those meeting certain reliability and endorsement criteria. Seven symptoms were identified: irritability, restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, sleep difficulties, feeling keyed up, and easy fatigability. Interestingly, all of the above belong to either the motor tension or vigilance and scanning clusters of the DSM-III-R associated symptom ratings. In contrast, symptoms belonging to the autonomic hyperactivity cluster were endorsed infrequently at all sites. Although additional research is needed (e.g., examination of the symptoms' discriminant validity), these findings essentially support revising the associated symptom criterion of generalized anxiety disorder in accord with option E3 in the DSM-IV Options Book
Correlation between G1 Cyclins and HPV in the Uterine Cervix

SummaryG1 cyclin, as a candidate proto-oncogene, plays a key role as a cellular regulator through direct interaction with retinoblastoma gene product (pRB), pi07, and cyclin-dependent kinase. Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 E6/7 proteins may bind the unphosphorylated pRB and act as a down-regulator of cyclin D. However, this theory has not been proven and the relationship between cyclin E and HPV also remains unclear. Using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded cervical tissues, we examined for HPV types 16 and 18 by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). and for the accumulation of cyclin Dl and E by immunohistochemistry in 22 cases of normal cervix. 23 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). 39 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). and 6 cases of adenocarcinoma. Cyclin index (CD was defined as the percentage of positively labeled nuclei per 1000 cells. The accumulation of cyclin Dl was detected in the normal basal and parabasal epithelium and was markedly decreased in neoplastic epithelium (0.87% CI in CIN, 5.88% in SCC). However, cyclin E was absent in the normal cervix but increased in neoplastic epithelium (7.17% CI in CIN. 10.32% in SCC). Cyclin Dl expression was significantly low (p = 0.004), but cyclin E expression was significantly high (p = 0.026) in HPV-positive cases. Cyclin E plays a leading role in neoplastic transformation whereas cyclin D is down-regulated, especially when associated with HPV.
Response trajectories to clozapine in a secondary analysis of pivotal trials support using treatment response to subtype schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Groups of nonrefractory patients with schizophrenia, taking antipsychotics other than clozapine, show distinct trajectories of treatment response over time. Whether similar patterns of response occur with clozapine-treated patients remains uncertain. METHOD We used a cluster analysis approach for longitudinal data (k-means longitudinal) to analyze individual patient data from 2 pivotal studies of clozapine, compared with chlorpromazine. Trajectories and symptom severity were examined in a younger, less chronic, mixed-sample (study 16, n=100) and in treatment-refractory (study 30, n=257) patients. RESULTS Early-good and delayed-partial trajectory groups were observed, with the early-good trajectory group comprised of 73/100 (73.0%) from the mixed patient study, and 147/257 (57.2%) refractory patients. In the mixed patient sample, the distribution of clozapine and chlorpromazine treatments did not differ between the early-good and delayed-partial trajectory groups; in refractory patients proportionately more clozapine treatment was present in the early-good (87/147, 59.2%), compared with the delayed-partial (35/110, 31.8%), trajectory group. In the early-good trajectory group, improvement in mean symptom severity was 63% in mixed-study patients. Clozapine resistance appeared to be present in 10/50 (20.0%) mixed-study patients, and in 35/122 (28.9%) refractory patients. CONCLUSIONS Early-good and delayed-partial response trajectories are seen in clozapine studies. The advantage of clozapine over chlorpromazine is seen most clearly in previous refractory patients, within the early-good trajectory group. Good and partial or poor responders to clozapine may merit further investigation.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis after Renal Transplantation Treated by Surgery

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients. In those unresponsive to pharmacological treatment, or when drug toxicity is excessive, surgery may resolve the condition. A 48-year-old woman with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after renal transplantation underwent resection of the right upper lobe and the apical segment of the inferior lobe, followed by complete recovery.
Hemodynamic analysis of radiation-induced damage in common carotid arteries by using color Doppler ultrasonography

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess vascular changes and blood flow abnormalities in the common carotid arteries of patients with head and neck cancers after external radiotherapy, using color Doppler ultrasonography. Methods We studied 24 patients treated with external radiotherapy for various head and neck cancers. In order to study the acute effects of irradiation on common carotid blood flow and arterial diameter changes, color Doppler ultrasonography parameters such as peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, mean velocity, systolic-to-diastolic velocity (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI), and instantaneous diameter changes were evaluated before and after external radiotherapy. Additionally, the blood volume flow (VF) values in the peak systolic and end diastolic phases, as well as mean velocity, were evaluated throughout three cardiac cycles using B-mode ultrasonic image processing. Results The findings showed significant changes in the S/D ratio, PI, and RI of the common carotid arteries before and after external radiotherapy (P<0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease in artery diameter and blood VF was observed after radiotherapy relative to the pretreatment values. A significant correlation was found between the blood VF values estimated using ultrasonic measurements and mathematical methods throughout three cardiac cycles. Conclusion The hemodynamic parameters of the common carotid arteries changed during radiotherapy. These arterial changes may lead to late adverse effects of radiotherapy, such as ischemic strokes and ischemic attacks.
Immunogenicity of DNA vaccines in humans: It takes two to tango

Two recently completed phase I clinical trials with candidate HIV-1 vaccines demonstrated that DNA vaccines are, indeed, immunogenic in humans, even when administered through routine needle injections. However, the best use of this evolving technology lies in its potential to prime the host’s immune system. Since the discovery of DNA immunization as a new method of vaccination in the early 1990s, the real value of this technology for human vaccine development was questioned due to the apparent poor immunogenicity in repeated early phase clinical studies when DNA plasmids were injected into humans by conventional needle injections. New results indicate that DNA vaccination can provide excellent priming effects to the human immune system, and high level, antigen-specific antibody and T cell immune responses are elicited upon further stimulation through the employment of a different form of vaccine which contains antigens that match those included in the original priming DNA vaccine formulation. These findings in no way will reduce the value of DNA vaccines, instead, the roles of DNA vaccines should be redefined. It is very likely that DNA vaccine can be most useful by providing an antigen-specific immunologic help to other types of vaccines that are known to have low immunogenicity, including inactivated or recombinant protein-based subunit vaccines.
Respiratory Allergy to Trimellitic Anhydride in Rats: Concentration-Response Relationships During Elicitation

The present study investigated whether airway responses of sensitized rats to trimellitic anhydride (TMA) were concentration dependent and whether these were related to irritation by TMA. Groups of BN and Wistar rats were sensitized by two dermal applications of TMA (50% w/v, followed by 25% w/v in vehicle). Controls received vehicle (acetone–olive oil 4:1, v/v). All animals were challenged 3 wk after the first sensitization by inhalation of one of a range of concentrations of TMA (0.2–61 mg/m3 for BN rats, 15–250 mg/m3 for Wistar rats). Breathing pattern, breathing frequency, and tidal volume were measured before, during, and after challenge to assess allergic and irritative airway responses. One day after challenge, nonspecific airway responsiveness to a range of concentrations of methacholine was measured. At necropsy on the same day, blood was withdrawn for measuring total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and organs were weighed. Larynx, trachea and lungs were examined histopathologically. In BN rats, TMA sensitization elevated total IgE levels; subsequent inhalation challenge with 2 mg/m3 of TMA and higher caused laryngeal inflammation with squamous epithelial metaplasia, and pulmonary hemorrhages. Concentration-related decreases in breathing frequency and alterations in breathing pattern, which differed from the irritation-induced pattern, were also observed at these levels. Inhalation challenge with TMA concentrations of 12 mg/m3 and higher increased lung weight. Increased nonspecific airway responsiveness was observed at the 2 next higher tested concentrations of 46 and 61 mg/m3. In unsensitized BN rats, only laryngeal squamous metaplasia was observed, albeit at higher challenge concentrations of TMA, and decreased breathing frequency, a typical breathing pattern characteristic of irritation. Identically sensitized Wistar rats showed airway inflammation and pulmonary hemorrhages upon challenge with TMA, but no functional changes, even at distinctly irritating concentrations of TMA up to 250 mg/m3. In conclusion, TMA challenge of sensitized BN rats caused challenge concentration-related allergic airway inflammation, asthmalike changes in breathing pattern, and increased nonspecific airway responsiveness. The lowest no-observed-effect level (NOEL) based on the most sensitive endpoint investigated was 0.2 mg/m3, a value that is well below the irritation concentration. The presence of a NOEL in the sensitized BN rat suggests that assessment of safe human exposure levels is feasible.
Focal application of neutralizing antibodies to soluble neurotrophic factors reduces collateral axonal branching after peripheral nerve lesion

A major reason for the insufficient recovery of function after motor nerve injury are the numerous axonal branches which often re‐innervate muscles with completely different functions. We hypothesized that a neutralization of diffusable neurotrophic factors at the lesion site in rats could reduce the branching of transected axons. Following analysis of local protein expression by immunocytochemistry and by in situ hybridization, we transected the facial nerve trunk of adult rats and inserted both ends into a silicon tube containing (i) collagen gel with neutralizing concentrations of antibodies to NGF, BDNF, bFGF, IGF‐I, CNTF and GDNF; (ii) five‐fold higher concentrations of the antibodies and (iii) combination of antibodies. Two months later, retrograde labelling was used to estimate the portion of motoneurons the axons of which had branched and projected into three major branches of the facial trunk. After control entubulation in collagen gel containing non‐immune mouse IgG 85% of all motoneurons projecting along the zygomatic branch sprouted and sent at least one twin axon to the buccal and/or marginal‐mandibular branches of the facial nerve. Neutralizing concentrations of anti‐NGF, anti‐BDNF and anti‐IGF‐I significantly reduced sprouting. The most pronounced effect was achieved after application of anti‐BDNF, which reduced the portion of branched neurons to 18%. All effects after a single application of antibodies were concentration‐dependent and superior to those observed after combined treatment. This first report on improved quality of reinnervation by antibody‐therapy implies that, in rats, the post‐transectional collateral axonal branching can be reduced without obvious harmful effects on neuronal survival and axonal elongation.
VLSI Architecture Design of FM0/Manchester Codec With 100% Hardware Utilization Rate for DSRC-Based Sensor Nodes in ITS Applications

Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) plays an important role in sensor networking for intelligent transportation system applications. How to achieve a higher hardware efficiency becomes an attractive issue to design each critical building bock in sensor node. DSRC standards usually adopt either FM0 code or Manchester code as a coding technique to enhance signal reliability. In this paper, a fully reused VLSI architecture of FM0/Manchester codec with a hardware utilization rate (HUR) of 100% is proposed for DSRC-based sensor node. It is based on the half-cycle processing model (HCPM). The HCPM includes three core techniques: 1) half-cycle logic partition; 2) reused-based retiming; and 3) Boolean function reshaping. The HCPM can improve the HUR of FM0/Manchester codec from 27.33% to 100% with the reduction of the transistor count from 86 to 66. A 100% HUR means every transistor is activated; therefore, a more power is consumed. With a design tradeoff between HUR and power consumption, this paper still presents a higher energy efficiency. This paper is realized in TSMC 0.18-μm 1P6M CMOS technology. The silicon area of core circuit is 33 × 120 μm2. The experiment results demonstrate that this paper presents a competitive performance with 100% HUR compared with the existing works. With this paper, DSRC-based sensor nodes can present a 100% HUR FM0/Manchester codec, fully supporting DSRC standards of Europe, USA, and Japan.
Cloning and Molecular Analyses of a Gibberellin 20-Oxidase Gene Expressed Specifically in Developing Seeds of Watermelon 1

To understand the biosynthesis and functional role of gibberellins (GAs) in developing seeds, we isolated Cv20ox, a cDNA clone from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) that shows significant amino acid homology with GA 20-oxidases. The complementary DNA clone was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein, which oxidized GA12 at C-20 to the C19 compound GA9, a precursor of bioactive GAs. RNA-blot analysis showed that the Cv20ox gene was expressed specifically in developing seeds. The gene was strongly expressed in the integument tissues, and it was also expressed weakly in inner seed tissues. In parthenocarpic fruits induced by 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea treatment, the expression pattern of Cv20ox did not change, indicating that the GA 20-oxidase gene is expressed primarily in the maternal cells of developing seeds. The promoter of Cv20ox was isolated and fused to the b-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. In a transient expression system, b-glucuronidase staining was detectable only in the integument tissues of developing watermelon seeds.
A Transparent, High Barrier, and High Heat Substrate for Organic Electronics

The use of plastic film substrates for organic electronic devices promises to enable new applications, such as flexible displays and conformal lighting, and a new low-cost paradigm through high-volume roll-to-roll fabrication. Unfortunately, presently available substrates cannot yet deliver this promise because of the challenge in achieving the required combination of optical transparency, impermeability to water and oxygen, mechanical flexibility, high-temperature capability, and chemical resistance. Here, we describe the development and performance of a plastic substrate comprising a high heat polycarbonate film combined with a unique transparent coating package that is aimed at meeting this challenge.
Why do females find ornaments attractive? The coercion‐avoidance hypothesis

Vertebrates show two major classes of sexually dimorphic traits: weaponry and ornaments. However, Darwin could not explain why their expression varies so much across lineages. We argue that coercion-avoidance can explain both the existence and taxonomic distribution of ornaments. Females maximize their fitness when they can freely choose their mates, but males are expected to use sexually dimorphic weaponry not only to displace other males, but also to overcome female preferences and thus acquire matings by force whenever they can. Females should therefore avoid coercive males and avoid using weaponry as a criterion for male quality wherever possible, and rely on male viability indicators that cannot be used to coerce females (i.e. ornaments). Ornaments predominate in birds and weaponry in mammals because female choice is less costly in birds, due to higher intrinsic female behavioural freedom and lower male monopolization potential. We also predict that specialized coercive organs occur where females have low behavioural freedom but males benefit little from weaponry in male–male contests. A review of the empirical evidence supports the basic predictions of this coercion-avoidance hypothesis. We also present a simple mathematical model that confirms the logic of this hypothesis. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 372–382.
Sub‐class of IgG anti‐bee venom antibody produced during bee venom immunotherapy and its relationship to long‐term protection from bee stings and following termination of venom immunotherapy

The IgG sub‐class antibody response to bee venom in the four sub‐classes was investigated in ten patients during and after venom immunotherapy. All patients tolerated a bee sting challenge 1, 2 and 3 years after the start of treatment as well as 1 and 2 years after treatment was stopped. Anti‐phospholipase A2 (PLA2) antibodies were of IgG1 and IgG4 sub‐class and rose early in treatment, IgG1 anti‐PLA2 fell to pre‐treatment levels after 3 years in contrast to IgG4 anti‐PLA2 levels, which remained high during maintenance therapy and declined relatively little in the 2 years after the termination of treatment. This data shows that IgG4 antibodies are maintained in the absence of monthly maintenance injections and suggests that they may provide long lasting clinical protection from insect stings.
Repeatability of Heidelberg Retinal Tomography 3 and effect of alignment algorithm on glaucoma suspects

The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) is a commonly‐used clinical instrument for glaucoma diagnosis; however, the repeatability of the two most commonly used analysis tools, Moorfield regression analysis (MRA) and ‘glaucoma probability score’ (GPS) is not known and could have significant implications for patients at risk or suspected of developing glaucoma. Thus, the intra‐visit repeatability of the HRT3 (an objective measure of instrument‐induced variability) was investigated in a glaucoma suspect cohort.
Craving is associated with amygdala volumes in adolescent marijuana users during abstinence

Abstract Background: Amygdala volume abnormalities have been reported in relation to craving in substance-dependent adults, but it remains unclear if these effects are seen in adolescent marijuana (MJ) users, particularly following abstinence. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between amygdala volume and craving during 28 days of abstinence in adolescent MJ users. Methods: MJ-using adolescents (n = 22) aged 16–19 were recruited as part of a larger study on brain function in teen drug users. Craving measures were collected twice per week throughout a 28-day abstinence period. High-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging data were collected at the end of the 28 days of confirmed abstinence. Left and right amygdala volumes were traced by hand (ICC > 0.86). Composite scores for self-reported craving and withdrawal symptoms throughout the 28-day abstinence period were calculated to provide four composite measures of total craving, mood, sleep, and somatic complaints. Results: Results revealed that greater craving during abstinence was significantly associated with smaller left and right amygdala volumes, after controlling for age and gender. Other measures of withdrawal, including mood, somatic complaints and sleep problems, were not related to amygdala morphometry. Conclusion: These results are consistent with previous findings in adult alcohol- and cocaine-dependent individuals, who demonstrated a relationship between reduced amygdala volumes and increased craving. Future studies are needed to determine if these brain-behavior relationships are attributable to MJ use or predate the onset of substance use.
Hepatic Gluconeogenesis During Halothane Anaesthesia in Man

It is known that hepatic gluconeogenesis from lactate and aminoacids is inhibited by halothane in in vitro studies on isolated, perfused livers. In the present work, the effect of halothane anaesthesia on hepatic gluconeogenesis was studied in three volunteers during a constant amino‐acid infusion and compared with three control subjects who did not receive any halothane during the amino‐acid infusion. Prior to the investigation, all the subjects were on a carbohydrate‐poor diet in order to deplete hepatic glucogen stores. During the investigation, hepatic gluconeogenesis was stimulated by a constant amino‐acid infusion which caused a slight rise in total hepatic blood flow (THBF), a marked increase in splanchnic oxygen consumption and oxygen extraction, elevation in blood glucose and urea levels and in splanchnic glucose and urea releases. Halothane anaesthesia administered during continued amino‐acid infusion caused a reduction in THBF to sub‐control values, while the increased oxygen consumption was only slightly reduced, thereby further increasing splanchnic oxygen extraction. Blood glucose and urea levels of the anaesthetized subjects were consistent with those of the control subjects. Splanchnic release of glucose was reduced almost to control values during halothane. However, the release of urea was only slightly reduced. It is concluded that the stimulating effect on hepatic gluconeogenesis caused by the amino‐acid infusion was inhibited during halothane anaesthesia, while metabolization of the amino‐acids, other than through gluconeogenesis, proceeded without any major changes.