Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The 9E3 protein: immunolocalization in vivo and evidence for multiple forms in culture.

The avian gene 9E3/CEF4 belongs to a group of genes whose products are highly conserved and are homologous to inflammatory mediators. These genes, sometimes referred to as the gro family, are also expressed upon wounding or serum-stimulation of quiescent cells, suggesting that they may be important in aspects of growth and/or wound healing. We have used an antibody to the product of the 9E3 gene to show for the first time the distribution in vivo of the protein of one of these genes. The polyclonal antibody was produced against a synthetic peptide, [Cys76], 9E3, (77-103), located at the carboxy end of the molecule. The specificity of the antibody was determined by transfection of the 9E3 cDNA into Cos 7 cells, which do not express this gene. Moreover, despite the high homology between 9E3 and IL-8, the antibody did not crossreact with this molecule. The antibody was used to immuno-precipitate the protein from cultured normal and RSV-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) and to determine its distribution in tissues of newly hatched chicks. The staining was abundant in the cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissue and other tissues of mesenchymal origin, such as bone and tendon. Most cells in the granulation tissue of wounds stained, some more intensely than others; the ECM also stained, especially in areas of scar tissue where collagen is abundant. In RSV-induced tumors, the protein was absent except in necrotic areas where a few cells--potentially macrophages--stained. In general, as expected, the protein was present in the cells and tissues that expressed the mRNA, but there were exceptions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin measured by the BiliCare device in late preterm and term neonates

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the accuracy and performance of a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer (TCB) for the screening of jaundice in late preterm and term infants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. TCB measurements were performed using the BiliCareTM bilirubinometer. Paired TCB and serum bilirubin (SB) measurements were analysed. Results: One hundred and fourteen paired samples were collected from 93 healthy late preterm and term infants. Bilirubin measurements were done at median (interquartile range) of 50.5 (34, 72) hours. The mean (SD) difference between the TCB and SB was 1.87 (1.98) mg/dL. A TCB cut-off level at 8.0 mg/dL provides a sensitivity of 97.3% with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.5% to detect a SB level of at least 8.0 mg/dL. For SB levels of at least 10.0 mg/dL, a TCB cut-off at 9.0 mg/dL shows a sensitivity of 97.5%; NPV 95.4%. For a SB level of at least 13.0 mg/dL, a TCB cut-off at 12 or 13 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 92.9% and NPV of 98.7%. Conclusion: The BiliCareTM demonstrated good performance with positive bias for the screening of jaundice in healthy late preterm or term infants. However, if adopted, proper cut-off levels should be chosen because of sub-optimal device precision.
Lysophosphatidylcholine induces rapid recruitment and activation of macrophages in the adult mouse spinal cord

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) can induce rapid breakdown and removal of myelin from the adult mammalian CNS. In this paper we report the detailed characterization of the immune cell response as well as changes in the expression of cell adhesion molecules and the permeability of the blood‐brain barrier after microinjection of LPC into the adult mouse spinal cord. T cells and neutrophils were seen in the spinal cord 6–12 h after LPC injection, but not in PBS‐injected mice. Mac‐1+ monocytes were also seen at 6 h and 12 h in the white and gray matter of mice injected with LPC and PBS but were significantly greater in the white matter after LPC injections. At later time points LPC induced an increase in the number of activated Mac‐1+ macrophages that displayed a variety of morphologies in the white and gray matter. These cells were not present in PBS‐injected control mice. LPC also induced widespread microglial activation in the white and gray matter. The number of these Mac‐1+ microglia reduced drastically at 96 h after LPC injection suggesting that they may have transformed into Mac‐1+ phagocytic cells with a different morphology. These LPC‐induced changes in immune cells were accompanied by significant increases in VCAM‐1+ and ICAM‐1+ blood vessels in the spinal cord. In addition, LPC induced a rapid and widespread disruption of the blood‐brain barrier, as compared to PBS injected mice. Therefore, LPC can induce an early and transient T cell and neutrophil response in the CNS. These cells likely promote the rapid influx of monocytes followed by widespread and effective activation of macrophages that mediate rapid phagocytosis of myelin debris. GLIA 30:92–104, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antibodies in Cold Stressed Mice Recognize a Surface Protein in Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

Physical or psychological stressors are known to have significant consequences for immune function and the outcome of disease in human and animal models. In mice, cold water stress (CWS) has been shown to delay control of acute infection and reactivation of latent infections. Increased levels of parasite-specific IgG and IgM antibodies are observed when CWS is applied in the chronic phase. The present study examined the effects of a physical stressor, CWS, on tachyzoites antigens of Toxoplasma gondii, with particular emphasis on a low molecular weight antigen, 5 kDa, which seems to be recognized by antibodies from mice subjected to CWS in the chronic phase. This antigen is not recognized by antibodies from infected mice not subjected to CWS. Sera obtained from stressed and infected (CWS + INF) mice subjected to CWS during the chronic phase (CWS + INF + CWS) were used to harvest anti–5-kDa antibodies for immunolocalization studies. Tachyzoite lysate preparations were electrophoretically separated and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. Strips of nitrocellulose containing tachyzoite antigens in the 4–10-kDa range were used to select for anti–5-kDa antibodies. Harvested anti–5-kDa localized this antigen on the surface of tachyzoites. This antigen was not present in bradyzoite preparations. Treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C showed this antigen was not anchored to the cell membrane through glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol. Strong antibody responses in stressed animals during the chronic phase are associated with parasite reactivation. The 5-kDa antigen constitutes a unique immunogenic component of T. gondii, with significant diagnostic potential for identifying reactivation of latent infections.
Patterning of local intracortical projections within the vibrissae representation of rat primary somatosensory cortex

Anterograde and retrograde tracing with biotinylated dextran amine and Phaseolus vulgaris leukoagglutinin was used to assess projection patterns within the vibrissae representation of the rat's primary somatosensorycortex (S‐I). Large and small injections of either tracer into the center of the vibrissae representation yielded dense anterograde and retrograde labelling throughout much of the tangential extent of the vibrissae representation within S‐I. In all layers, the pattern and extent of retrograde and anterograde label was in rough congruence. The organization of this labelling varied across cortical layers. In layers II and III, labelled fibers extended away from injection sites in all directions and yielded a uniform pattern, which decreased in density with increasing distance from the tracer injection. There was a tendency for labelling to be more extensive along the representation of the row of vibrissae follicles that included the injection site than across rows. There was also a tendency for anterograde labelling to be more extensive in the direction of the representation of follicles more rostral on the face than that injected. In lamina IV, both labelled fibers and cells were restricted for the most part to the septa regions between the barrels. However, a small number of retrogradely labelled neurons were also located in the barrels (approximately one‐ninth of the number found in the septa). The pattern observed in laminae II–III was repeated in layers V and VI. In these laminae, there was no evidence of a pattern of intracortical connections related to the vibrissae representation in overlying lamina IV. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraocular pressure and diabetic retinopathy.

Between intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) and the metabolic carbohydrate disturbance is a relationship: 1. diabetics frequently show primary open angle-galucoma; 2. as the diabetic retinopathy progresses towards stage III (Pr.), IOP decreases; 3. as diabetics exhibit dilatation of veins, increased blood viscosity, arteriolar narrowing and increased I.O. P. central retinal vessel disease with hemorrhages occurs redily; 4. capillary hemorrhages, periapaillary and macular oedema may be caused by increased oncotic pressure with acidosis of the blood; hyperglycemia with ketosis goes together with decreased I.O. P.; 5. only mild I.O. P.-rise may be considered as usefull to prevent hemorrhages by reducing retinal blood flow resulting subsequently from reduced uveal blood flow; 6. local application of glucocorticoids with permanent control of visual fields and I.O. P. should be a good additional treatment for diabetic retinopathy; unfortunately only very few cases are responsive to increase of I.O. P. by glucocorticoids; 7. it is important that prolactine levels in the blood are higher in the morning before the patient wakes up: this goes together with the morning I.O. P.-rise in glaucoma patients. Decreased activity of the hypophysis improves the diabetic retinopathy; this is contradictory to the beneficial effect of mild I.O. P.-rise.
Esophageal Invasion by Thyroid Carcinomas: Prediction Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose We evaluated the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting esophageal invasion by thyroid carcinomas and established an optimal criterion for diagnosing esophageal invasion. Method The MRI findings (size and margins of tumor, ratio of tumor contact to the esophagus, shape and displacement of the esophagus, and tumor invasion to the outer and inner layers of the esophagus) in 67 patients with thyroid carcinomas were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with surgical and pathologic findings. Logistic modeling was used to determine the significant factors for predicting esophageal invasion. Results Seventeen (34%) of the 67 patients had pathologically or surgically verified esophageal invasion. The logistic modeling revealed that outer layer invasion (P < 0.001) and poorly defined margins (P = 0.001) were the significant factors. The outer layer invasion showed the highest accuracy of 91%, with 82% sensitivity and 94% specificity. The addition of poorly defined margins to this criterion did not improve its accuracy. Conclusion Esophageal invasion by thyroid carcinoma was accurately predicted with MRI, and an MRI finding of outer layer invasion was optimal for diagnosing esophageal invasion.
Lithium chloride-sodium propionate agar for the enumeration of bifidobacteria in fermented dairy products.

Lithium chloride-sodium propionate agar has been developed for the enumeration of bifidobacteria in fermented dairy products. The medium contains lithium chloride and sodium propionate to inhibit the growth of other lactic acid bacteria. Pure cultures of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, and streptococci were tested for growth in this medium. With one exception, all bifidobacteria were able to grow in this medium and in a nonselective agar with a difference not exceeding . 4 log units. However, none of the lactobacilli tested and only one strain each of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris grew in lithium chloride-sodium propionate agar. In those cases, the numbers of colonies were lower in lithium chloride-sodium propionate agar by 1.26 and 2.51 log units, respectively, compared with a nonselective agar. Bifidobacteria were also selectively isolated from all fermented milks and cheeses analyzed.
Thylakoid Lumen Carbonic Anhydrase (CAH3) Mutation Suppresses Air-Dier Phenotype of LCIB Mutant in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii1[C][OA]

An active CO2-concentrating mechanism is induced when Chlamydomonas reinhardtii acclimates to limiting inorganic carbon (Ci), either low-CO2 (L-CO2; air level; approximately 0.04% CO2) or very low-CO2 (VL-CO2; approximately 0.01% CO2) conditions. A mutant, ad1, which is defective in the limiting-CO2-inducible, plastid-localized LCIB, can grow in high-CO2 or VL-CO2 conditions but dies in L-CO2, indicating a deficiency in a L-CO2-specific Ci uptake and accumulation system. In this study, we identified two ad1 suppressors that can grow in L-CO2 but die in VL-CO2. Molecular analyses revealed that both suppressors have mutations in the CAH3 gene, which encodes a thylakoid lumen localized carbonic anhydrase. Photosynthetic rates of L-CO2-acclimated suppressors under acclimation CO2 concentrations were more than 2-fold higher than ad1, apparently resulting from a more than 20-fold increase in the intracellular concentration of Ci as measured by direct Ci uptake. However, photosynthetic rates of VL-CO2-acclimated cells under acclimation CO2 concentrations were too low to support growth in spite of a significantly elevated intracellular Ci concentration. We conclude that LCIB functions downstream of CAH3 in the CO2-concentrating mechanism and probably plays a role in trapping CO2 released by CAH3 dehydration of accumulated Ci. Apparently dehydration by the chloroplast stromal carbonic anhydrase CAH6 of the very high internal Ci caused by the defect in CAH3 provides Rubisco sufficient CO2 to support growth in L-CO2-acclimated cells, but not in VL-CO2-acclimated cells, even in the absence of LCIB.
Hypoxia‐sensing properties of the newborn rat ventral medullary surface in vitro

The ventral medullary surface (VMS) is a region known to exert a respiratory stimulant effect during hypercapnia. Several studies have suggested its involvement in the central inhibition of respiratory rhythm caused by hypoxia. We studied brainstem–spinal cord preparations isolated from newborn rats transiently superfused with a very low O2 medium, causing reversible respiratory depression, to characterize the participation of the VMS in hypoxic respiratory adaptation. In the presence of 0.8 mm Ca2+, very low O2 medium induced an increase in c‐fos expression throughout the VMS. The reduction of synaptic transmission and blockade of the respiratory drive by 0.2 mm Ca2+−1.6 mm Mg2+ abolished c‐fos expression in the medial VMS (at the lateral edge of the pyramidal tract) but not in the perifacial retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG) VMS, suggesting the existence of perifacial RTN/pFRG hypoxia‐sensing neurons. In the presence of Ca2+ (0.8 mm), lesioning experiments suggested a physiological difference in perifacial RTN/pFRG VMS between the lateral VMS (beneath the ventrolateral part of the facial nucleus) and the middle VMS (beneath the ventromedial part of the facial nucleus), at least in newborn rats. The lateral VMS lesion, corresponding principally to the most rostral part of the pFRG, produced hypoxia‐induced stimulation, whereas the middle VMS lesion, corresponding to the main part of the RTN, abolished hypoxic excitation. This may involve relay via the medial VMS, which is thought to be the parapyramidal group.
CO2 Capture and Separation Properties in the Ionic Liquid 1-n-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Nonafluorobutylsulfonate

Recently, the use of ionic liquids (ILs) for carbon capture and separation processes has gained great interest by many researchers due to the high solubility of CO2 in ILs. In the present work, solubility measurements of CO2 in the novel IL 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nonafluorobutylsulfonate [C4mim][CF3CF2CF2CF2SO3] were performed with a high-pressure view-cell technique in the temperature range from 293.15 to 343.15 K and pressures up to about 4.2 MPa. For comparison, solubilities of H2, N2, and O2 in the IL were also measured at 323.15 K via the same procedure. The Krichevsky-Kasarnovsky equation was employed to correlate the measured solubility data. Henry’s law constants, enthalpies, and entropies of absorption for CO2 in the IL were also determined and presented. The CO2 solubility in this IL was compared with other ILs sharing the same cation. It was shown that the solubility of CO2 in these ILs follows the sequence: [C4mim][CF3CF2CF2CF2SO3] ≈ [C4mim][Tf2N] > [C4mim][CF3CF2CF2COO] > [C4mim][BF4], and the solubility selectivity of CO2 relative to O2, N2, and H2 in [C4mim][CF3CF2CF2CF2SO3] was 8, 16, and 22, respectively. Furthermore, this IL is regenerable and exhibits good stability. Therefore, the IL reported here would be a promising sorbent for CO2.
Compressed terahertz imaging system using a spin disk

We report the development of a terahertz imaging system based on the concept of compressive sensing. A spin disk with random patterns was used to modulate the terahertz beam, and terahertz image was subsequently reconstructed from the measured terahertz signals. We present experimental results obtained using both a BWO source at 0.14 THz and a thermal light source (blackbody radiation) covering both infrared and visible range.
Human daily activity recognition with joints plus body features representation using Kinect sensor

Human activity recognition has been studied actively from decades using a sequence of 2D images/video. With the development of depth sensors, new opportunities arise to improve and advance this field. This study presents a depth imaging activity recognition system to monitor and recognize daily activities of the human without attaching optical markers or motion sensors. In this paper, we proposed a new feature representation and extraction method using a sequence of depth silhouettes. Particularly, we first extract the depth silhouette by removing background from noisy effects and then extract the joints plus body features as skin color detection from joint information and multi-view body shape from depth silhouettes (i.e., front and side views). We combine the joints plus body shape features to make feature vector. These features have two nice properties including invariant with respect to body shape or size and insensitive to small noise. Self-Organized Map (SOM) is then used to train and test the feature vectors. Experimental results regarding our proposed human activity dataset and publically available dataset demonstrate that our feature extraction method is more promising and outperforms the state-of-the-art feature extraction methods.
Psychological and Functional Vulnerability Predicts Fraud Cases in Older Adults: Results of a Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Using cross sectional data Psychological vulnerability was identified as a correlate of older adults being defrauded. We extend that research by examining fraud prevalence using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, and to identify the best predictors of fraud longitudinally across a 4-year time frame. Whereas reported fraud prevalence was 5.0% in a 5-year look-back period in 2008, it increased to 6.1% in 2012. The rate of new-incident fraud across only a 4-year look-back was 4.3%. Being younger-old, having a higher level of education, and having more depression significantly predicted the new cases of fraud reported in 2012. Psychological vulnerability was a potent longitudinal predictor of fraud, with the most vulnerable individuals being more than twice as likely to be defrauded. Results indicate that fraud victimization among older adults is rising, and that vulnerability variables, along with some demographic variables, predict new cases of fraud.
Reassessing the boundaries of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Where do we stand with tumor down‐staging?

Down‐staging of hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation (LT) has generated a lot of interest in recent years and has been identified in two recent national conferences on hepatocellular carcinoma as one of the priorities for research. Down‐staging is defined as reduction in the tumor burden using local regional therapy specifically to meet acceptable criteria for LT. The rationale behind down‐staging of tumors initially exceeding conventional criteria for LT is to select a subgroup of tumors with favorable biology and prognosis for LT as assessed by their response to local regional therapy. The expectation is to achieve comparable posttransplant survival between patients who achieve successful tumor down‐staging before LT and those whose tumors meet LT criteria at the outset without needing down‐staging. The application of tumor down‐staging requires a highly structured approach using a treatment protocol that includes five essential components: eligibility criteria, down‐staging endpoints, selection of the type of local regional therapy, minimal observation period from successful tumor down‐staging to LT, and criteria for treatment failure and exclusion from LT. This review article summarizes published data on down‐staging and addresses key questions related to each of the components of the down‐staging protocol as well as treatment efficacy. Conclusion: Based on a review of published data and recommendations from recent national and international conferences on hepatocellular carcinoma and LT, a standardized down‐staging protocol is proposed to further evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of applying tumor down‐staging on a broader scale. (Hepatology 2016;63:1014–1025)
Cervical Conization for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 2 and 3 in HIV-Positive Women: A Case-Control Study

Objective The purposes of the study were to investigate the outcomes of cervical conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 and 3 in HIV-positive women and age-matched HIV-negative controls and to determine whether positive margin, positive endocervical curettage, CD4 count, or viral load was associated with the persistence of CIN 2,3 or residual CIN 2,3 on the specimen from repeat excision procedure or hysterectomy. Materials and Methods HIV-positive women and HIV-negative controls with CIN 2,3 on cervical conization were enrolled in the study. Patients who underwent repeat conization or hysterectomy were identified, and the specimens were evaluated for residual CIN 2,3. CD4 count and viral load within 8 weeks of procedure were analyzed. Results A total of 44 patients and 44 age-matched controls were identified. Persistent CIN 2,3 was diagnosed in 28 HIV-positive (63.6%) and 14 HIV-negative patients (31.8%; odds ratio [OR] = 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9–11.5, p < .001). In HIV-positive women, a positive margin was associated with a higher persistence rate after cervical conization (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.17–24.14, p = .03). In HIV-negative patients, positive endocervical curettage was associated with a higher persistence rate after conization (OR = 12, 95% CI = 2.24–64.23, p = .004). Of HIV-positive women, 75% had residual CIN 2,3 on the specimen from repeat procedure compared to 45.2% of controls (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.3–10.6, p = .018). CD4 count or viral load was not associated with the rate of residual disease or persistence rate after cervical conization, but the lowest OR that the sample size allowed to assess with 90% power was 5.02. Conclusions HIV-positive women have a higher rate of residual disease and higher persistence rate after conization for CIN 2,3 than age-matched HIV-negative controls.