Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Killing of an Encapsulated Strain of Escherichia coli by Human Serum

Changes in cell viability and in factors affecting metabolic integrity were examined after exposure of Escherichia coli LP1092 to human serum. Antibody-dependent classical pathway activity accounted for the rapid killing of strain LP1092 by complement. Removal of serum lysozyme by bentonite absorption or by neutralization with anti-human lysozyme immunoglobulin G resulted in a reduction in the rate of killing; optimal activity could be restored by the addition of physiological amounts of egg-white lysozyme. The pattern of 86Rb+ and alkaline phosphatase release obtained after serum treatment did not support the view that complement simultaneously disrupts cytoplasmic and outer membrane integrity. Macromolecular synthesis was affected late in the reaction sequence; complete inhibition of precursor incorporation into RNA, DNA, and protein occurred only after almost total loss of bacterial colony-forming ability. Addition of chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, to the bactericidal system resulted in a marked reduction in the rate of serum killing. Killing was completely inhibited by an inhibitor (KCN) and an uncoupler (2,4-dinitrophenol) of oxidative phosphorylation. Exposure of LP1092 cells to serum was followed by a rapid and large increase in intracellular ATP levels; ATP synthesis did not occur when bacteria were exposed to dialyzed serum, which killed LP1092 cells at a much reduced rate. Addition of glucose or serum ultrafiltrate to dialyzed serum restored optimal bactericidal activity. We suggest that optimal killing of gram-negative bacteria is an energy-dependent process requiring an input of bacterially generated ATP.
Throughput maximization in wireless powered communication networks

This paper studies the newly emerging wireless powered communication network in which one hybrid access point (H-AP) with a constant power supply coordinates the wireless energy/information transmissions to/from a set of distributed users that do not have fixed energy sources. A “harvest-then-transmit” protocol is proposed where all users first harvest the wireless energy broadcast by the H-AP in the downlink (DL) and then send their independent information to the H-AP in the uplink (UL) by time-division-multiple-access (TDMA). First, we study the sum-throughput maximization of all users by jointly optimizing the time allocated to the DL wireless power transfer and the UL information transmissions given a total time constraint based on the users' DL and UL channels as well as their average harvested energy values. Our result reveals an interesting “doubly near-far” phenomenon due to both the DL and UL distance-dependent signal attenuation, where a far user from the H-AP, which receives less wireless energy than the nearer users in the DL, has to transmit with more power in the UL for reliable communication. As a result, the sum-throughput maximization solution allocates substantially more time to the near users than the far users, thus resulting in unfair rate allocation among users. To overcome this problem, we furthermore propose to maximize a new metric so-called common-throughput with an additional constraint that all users should be allocated with equal rates regardless of their distances to the H-AP. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the common-throughput approach for solving the uniquely new doubly near-far problem in wireless powered communication networks.
A 12‐week clevudine therapy showed potent and durable antiviral activity in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B

Clevudine is a nucleoside analog with an unnatural β‐L configuration. In a phase I/II clinical trial, once daily doses ranging from 10 to 200 mg for 28 days were well tolerated, and produced significant antiviral activity. The present study was conducted to assess the degree and durability of the antiviral response to 12 weeks of clevudine treatment, and to investigate its safety and tolerability. A total of 98 patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B were randomized to placebo (n = 32), 30‐mg clevudine (n = 32), and 50‐mg clevudine (n = 34) groups. Patients were followed up after 12 weeks of treatment for a further 24 weeks off‐therapy. Median serum hepatitis B virus DNA reductions from baseline at week 12 were 0.20, 4.49, and 4.45 log10 copies/mL in the placebo, 30‐mg clevudine, and 50‐mg clevudine groups, respectively (P < .0001). Posttreatment antiviral activities were sustained, with 3.32 and 2.99 log10 reductions at week 12 off‐therapy and 2.28 and 1.40 log10 reductions at week 24 off‐therapies in the 30‐ and 50‐mg clevudine groups, respectively. Median serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased markedly from baseline during clevudine treatment and were maintained below the upper limit of normal throughout the 24 weeks off‐therapy in the two clevudine‐treated groups. The incidences of adverse events and treatment‐emergent grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities were similar for the three groups. In conclusion, clevudine showed potent antiviral activity during therapy and induced a sustained posttreatment antiviral effect for 6 months after a 12‐week treatment period, and this was associated with a sustained normalization of ALT levels. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:982–988.)
Improving Gestural Interaction With Augmented Cursors

Gesture-based interaction has become more affordable and ubiquitous as an interaction style in recent years. One issue with gestural pointing is the lack of accuracy with smaller targets. In this paper we propose that the use of augmented cursors - which has been shown to improve small target acquisition with a standard mouse - also improves small target acquisition for gestural pointing. In our study we explored the use of Bubble Lens and Bubble Cursor as a means to improve acquisition of smaller targets, and compared it with interactions without them. Our study showed that both methods significantly improved target selection. As part of our study, we also identified the parameters in configuring Bubble Cursor for optimal results.
Identifying Nile tilapia strains and their hybrids farmed in Brazil using microsatellite markers

The objective of this work was to evaluate a Bayesian model-based clustering method to identify the strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) individuals from fish farms in Southern Brazil. Assignment methods using nine microsatellite loci were applied to differentiate individuals of five reference strains (GIFT, GST, Nilótica, Chitralada, and Saint Peter) and to identify individuals of unknown strains from fish farms near the Itaipu reservoir and in the Uruguay River basin. The procedure assigned the correct strain in more than 90% of the cases and was also able to detect hybrids between strains. The obtained results showed that several fish farms in Southern Brazil cultivate more than one tilapia strain and even interstrain hybrids. The proposed methodology is a reliable tool for the identification of the strain origin of Nile tilapia individuals.
Melt Spinning of Carbon Nanotube Modified Polypropylene for Electrically Conducting Nanocomposite Fibres

Blends of polypropylene with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been prepared and melt spun to fibre filaments. The resulted filaments have been characterised regarding conductivity, thermal properties, and morphology. DSC suggests that carbon nanotubes act as nucleating sites in polypropylene and the TGA shows a high increase in thermal stability. Conductivity around 0.001 S/cm are achieved for both as-spun fibre and drawn fibre. A higher load of CNT up to 15 wt % increases the conductivity to 2.8 S/cm in as-spun fibre, but due to a high fibre diameter variation during spinning resulting in fibre breakage, melt spinning is very difficult. This is due to a non-uniform stress distribution during the drawing steps which can be a result of a non-homogeneous PP-CNT blend and the spinning machine process limitations. Differences in conductivities for extruded rods, as-spun fibre and drawn fibre which are made from the same blends, suggests that the crystallinity can affect the conductivity of the PP/CNT fibre.
The High-Contrast (Wide-Field) Electron Microscope Objective and Fiber Replicas

THE OBJECTIVE t designed by Hillier [ 11 for ultra-thin sections has proved to be applicable for fiber surface replicas. The inherent high contrast of this objective is such that metal-shadowing is unnecessary for many replicas. This not only saves specimen preparation time, but also renders the interpretation of the photomicrographs easier in many cases, as will be shown. The objective used was constructed after the design of Hillier ( 1 ) , being slightly modified to fit the model &dquo;B&dquo; electron microscope. Instead of using a ring to raise the specimen holder, a standard specimen holder was reduced in length approximately 5
Using Visual Information to Predict Lexical Preference

Most NLP systems make predictions based solely on linguistic (textual or spoken) input. We show how to use visual information to make better linguistic predictions. We focus on selectional preference; specifically, determining the plausible noun arguments for particular verb predicates. For each argument noun, we extract visual features from corresponding images on the web. For each verb predicate, we train a classifier to select the visual features that are indicative of its preferred arguments. We show that for certain verbs, using visual information can significantly improve performance over a baseline. For the successful cases, visual information is useful even in the presence of cooccurrence information derived from webscale text. We assess a variety of training configurations, which vary over classes of visual features, methods of image acquisition, and numbers of images.
An energy saving strategy based on adaptive loop parallelization

In this paper, we evaluate an adaptive loop parallelization strategy (i.e., a strategy that allows each loop nest to execute using a different number of processors, if doing so is beneficial) and measure the potential energy savings when unused processors, during execution of a nested loop in a multi-processor on-a-chip (MPoC), are shut down (i.e., placed into a power-down or sleep state). Our results show that shutting down unused processors can lead to as much as 67% energy savings with up to 17% performance loss in a set of array-intensive applications. We also discuss and evaluate a processor pre-activation strategy based on compile-time analysis of nested loops. Based on our experiments, we conclude that an adaptive loop parallelization strategy combined with idle processor shut-down and pre-activation can be very effective in reducing energy consumption without increasing execution time.
Tissue-Specific and Cation/Anion-Specific DNA Methylation Variations Occurred in C. virgata in Response to Salinity Stress

Salinity is a widespread environmental problem limiting productivity and growth of plants. Halophytes which can adapt and resist certain salt stress have various mechanisms to defend the higher salinity and alkalinity, and epigenetic mechanisms especially DNA methylation may play important roles in plant adaptability and plasticity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the different influences of various single salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3) and their mixed salts on halophyte Chloris. virgata from the DNA methylation prospective, and discover the underlying relationships between specific DNA methylation variations and specific cations/anions through the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis. The results showed that the effects on DNA methylation variations of single salts were ranked as follows: Na2CO3> NaHCO3> Na2SO4> NaCl, and their mixed salts exerted tissue-specific effects on C. virgata seedlings. Eight types of DNA methylation variations were detected and defined in C. virgata according to the specific cations/anions existed in stressful solutions; in addition, mix-specific and higher pH-specific bands were the main type in leaves and roots independently. These findings suggested that mixed salts were not the simple combination of single salts. Furthermore, not only single salts but also mixed salts showed tissue-specific and cations/anions-specific DNA methylation variations.
Optical properties and their depth profiling of Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix

In this work, we have developed an approach to determination of optical constants of Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix synthesized with Si ion implantation. The approach is based on the effective medium approximation, and appropriate models are developed to simulate the secondary ion mass spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements on the material system. The energy gap expansion of the Si nanocrystals due to the nanocrystal size effect has been obtained by modeling the optical properties with the single-oscillator model. From the energy gap expansion the nanocrystal size can be also obtained with the phenomenological model based on quantum confinement and the bond contraction model. In addition, a novel approach to quantitative determination of depth profiles of optical constants of Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 thin films, which is useful to the applications of light emitting and waveguiding of the nanocrystals, is also developed in this work.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: challenges for the new millennium

The understanding and therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has become more complex recently. The molecular mechanisms and growth factors involved in BPH need to be elucidated in the new millennium. The current classification of disease reflects the varied pathophysiologic mechanisms causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In addition, symptom scores have improved evaluation of men with BPH, yet ‘bother’ and ‘health-related quality of life’ should be better recognized as significant outcome parameters. Clinical evaluation with laboratory markers specific for BPH or LUTS is currently inadequate. Yet, urodynamic evaluation should remain an important aspect of evaluation to guide selection of therapy. Recently medical therapy has expanded to include uroselective alpha blockade and phytotherapy, yet more research is needed. The most significant growth in the field, however, is in minimally invasive therapies of the prostate. Long-term comparative prospective multicenter studies are needed to properly evaluate the outcomes of new technologies compared to traditional procedures that are considered standard of care.
Data-driven methods for imputing national-level incidence in global burden of disease studies

Abstract Objective To develop transparent and reproducible methods for imputing missing data on disease incidence at national-level for the year 2005. Methods We compared several models for imputing missing country-level incidence rates for two foodborne diseases – congenital toxoplasmosis and aflatoxin-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Missing values were assumed to be missing at random. Predictor variables were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. We compared the predictive performance of naive extrapolation approaches and Bayesian random and mixed-effects regression models. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to evaluate model accuracy. Findings The predictive accuracy of the Bayesian mixed-effects models was significantly better than that of the naive extrapolation method for one of the two disease models. However, Bayesian mixed-effects models produced wider prediction intervals for both data sets. Conclusion Several approaches are available for imputing missing data at national level. Strengths of a hierarchical regression approach for this type of task are the ability to derive estimates from other similar countries, transparency, computational efficiency and ease of interpretation. The inclusion of informative covariates may improve model performance, but results should be appraised carefully.
Longitudinal assessment in COPD patients: multidimensional variability and outcomes

The value and timing of multidimensional assessments in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear because there is little information about their variability and relationship to outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the progression of COPD using clinical and spirometric variability over time with mortality as the outcome. We determined the annual intra-individual variability of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) index in 403 patients with at least five measurements. The pattern was defined as “stable” if the annual change remained constant in ≥66% of the observations and “unstable” if it did not meet that threshold. We explored the minimum number of yearly observations that related to mortality in the 704 patients of the cohort. The “unstable” pattern of FEV1 was seen in 53% and 40% of patients using a threshold of 40 mL·year−1 and 100 mL·year−1, respectively. There was a slightly more “stable” pattern in the BODE index (62% for 1 point). A profile associated with mortality was defined by a baseline measurement followed by annual measurements for 2 years of the BODE index, but not its individual components, including FEV1 (p<0.001). Progression of COPD measured using FEV1 is inconsistent and relates poorly to outcome. Monitoring the more stable BODE index better assesses disease progression. COPD patients have a high annual variability in FEV1. The BODE index is more stable and useful to assess COPD progression http://ow.ly/rO5T0
Pleural Lipoma: Diagnosis by Computed Tomography

Until recently, a definitive diagnosis of lipoma in the thorax could only be established by thoracotomy. We undertook this study to determine if chest CT could provide such an answer. Among 4,000 chest CT scans, six patients were found to have lipoma according to the following selected criteria: (1) CT features of a pleural mass; (2) a lesion showing completely homogeneous density with CT numbers indicating fat, and (3) exclusion of other fatty lesions. In these six patients, the lipoma was an incidental finding, four were men, the mean age was 64.3 years, one-half were obese, and none had chest pains or dyspnea. Lesions varied in size from 2 to 4 cm and occurred along the chest wall. The CT numbers of the masses ranged from −54 to −129. None developed malignancy. In conclusion, we recommend clinical and chest CT follow-up for the asymptomatic patient who fulfills our CT criteria for lipoma. Biopsy or resection is recommended for lesions that are inhomogeneous.
Feeling Present in Arousing Virtual Reality Worlds: Prefrontal Brain Regions Differentially Orchestrate Presence Experience in Adults and Children

Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool for simulating aspects of the real world. The success of VR is thought to depend on its ability to evoke a sense of “being there”, that is, the feeling of “Presence”. In view of the rapid progress in the development of increasingly more sophisticated virtual environments (VE), the importance of understanding the neural underpinnings of presence is growing. To date however, the neural correlates of this phenomenon have received very scant attention. An fMRI-based study with 52 adults and 25 children was therefore conducted using a highly immersive VE. The experience of presence in adult subjects was found to be modulated by two major strategies involving two homologous prefrontal brain structures. Whereas the right DLPFC controlled the sense of presence by down-regulating the activation in the egocentric dorsal visual processing stream, the left DLPFC up-regulated widespread areas of the medial prefrontal cortex known to be involved in self-reflective and stimulus-independent thoughts. In contrast, there was no evidence of these two strategies in children. In fact, anatomical analyses showed that these two prefrontal areas have not yet reached full maturity in children. Taken together, this study presents the first findings that show activation of a highly specific neural network orchestrating the experience of presence in adult subjects, and that the absence of activity in this neural network might contribute to the generally increased susceptibility of children for the experience of presence in VEs.
[Effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular blockade].

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of atracurium pretreatment with magnesium on speed of onset, duration, and recovery of neuromuscular block. METHODS Thirty patients who were undergoing elective gynecologic laparoscopic examination and treatments under general anesthesia were randomized into magnesium group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Before induction of general anesthesia, patients in magnesium group intravenously received MgSO4 30 mg/kg in saline within 5 minutes, and patients in control group received the same volume of saline without MgSO4. In both groups, the train-of-four (TOF) responses to stimuli of the ulnar nerve were measured at intervals of 12 seconds. Anesthesia was induced with Fentanyl and Propofol through target controlled infusion (TCI), and tracheal intubation was performed with 0.5 mg/kg atracurium after stabilization of the electromyography recording. The onset time of muscle relaxation, clinical duration of action, recovery index, and recovery time were recorded. To determine serum magnesium and calcium levels, blood samples were collected before MgSO4/saline infusion and at the end of operation. Haemodynamic changes and other responses during induction were also recorded. RESULTS The onset time from the end of injection to maximum neuromuscular blockade was significantly shorter in magnesium group than in control group (P < 0.01). Duration of relaxant action, recovery index, and recovery time in magnesium group were significantly prolonged than in control group (P < 0.01). Serum magnesium level significantly decreased after management (P < 0.01), and there was also a decrease trend in magnesium group. No change of serum calcium levels in both groups was observed. No adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION Prior administration of magnesium sulphate can increase the onset speed of atracurium and prolong the duration of atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade.
Overexpression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-4 (IGFBP-4) in Smooth Muscle Cells of Transgenic Mice through a Smooth Muscle α-Actin-IGFBP-4 Fusion Gene Induces Smooth Muscle Hypoplasia.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has been postulated to function as a smooth muscle cell (SMC) mitogen and to play a role in the pathogenesis of bladder hypertrophy, estrogen-induced uterine growth, and restenosis after arterial angioplasty. IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) inhibits IGF-I action in vitro and is the most abundant IGFBP in the rodent arterial wall. To explore the function of this binding protein in vivo, transgenic mouse lines were developed harboring fusion genes consisting of a rat IGFBP-4 complementary DNA cloned downstream of either a −724 bp fragment of the mouse smooth muscle α-actin 5′-flanking region (SMP2-BP-4) or− 1074 bp, 63 bp of 5′-untranslated region, and 2.5 kb of intron 1 of smooth muscle α-actin (SMP8-BP-4). SMP2-BP-4 mice expressed low levels of the exogenous IGFBP-4 messenger RNA (mRNA), which was not specifically targeted to SMC-rich tissue environments, and were therefore not analyzed further. Six SMP8-BP-4 transgenic lines derived from separate founders were charact.