Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asthma and Insulin Resistance in Morbidly Obese Children and Adolescents

Background. Obesity is well recognized as a state of increased insulin resistance and has been implicated as a significant risk factor for both asthma prevalence and asthma severity in children and adolescents. However, little is known about the specific factors that relate asthma and obesity. Recently, the pro-inflammatory state in obesity and its association with insulin resistance have been recognized. We hypothesize that the effect of morbid obesity on asthma is related to insulin resistance. Methods. The patient cohort in the obesity management program at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin was retrospectively reviewed. Variables were collected from the program data base and chart review was done for missing variables. Patients were considered to have asthma if the evaluating physician confirmed the diagnosis through history and/or the patient had been on inhaled corticosteroids. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify variables that were significantly related to the odds of having asthma. Results. Of the 415 patients included in the study, 146 (35%) were asthmatic and 269 (65%) were non-asthmatic. The asthma (AG) and non-asthma (NAG) groups were similar with respect to mean age (11.3 vs. 11.5 years), gender (45% vs. 43% males), mean body mass index (BMI) (36.4 vs. 34.9), and exposure to smoking (43% vs. 42%). Fhx of asthma was significantly higher in AG (71%) compared to NAG (40%). IR level ± SD was 8.5 ± 9.7 in AG compared to 5.3 ± 6.7 in NAG (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis found the following variables to be associated with having asthma: younger age (p < 0.05), smoking exposure (p < 0.05), positive Fhx of asthma (p < 0.0001, odds ratio of 3.1), and IR (p < 0.0001, odds ratio of 4.1). Conclusion. Morbidly obese asthma patients have a higher degree of insulin resistance compared to morbidly obese non-asthma patients. We speculate that the pro-inflammatory state of insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma in obese patients. Future prospective studies should address insulin resistance as a possible risk factor for asthma in obese children and adolescents.
Poly I:C accelerates ovum transport in the rabbit by a prostaglandin-mediated mechanism.

Administration of poly I:C (1 mg/kg i.v.) to rabbits 24 h after an ovulating injection of hCG caused accelerated ovum transport; only 30% of the ova were still found in the oviducts 24 h later compared with 79% of ova in control animals. This action of poly I:C was prevented by concomitant administration of indomethacin. Poly I:C (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) given to anaesthetized rabbits produced significantly increased levels of prostaglandins (PGs) E and F in uterine vein blood up to 2 h later. Production of PGs by lung, oviduct and myometrium was unaffected 2 h after poly I:C administration, but production of both PGE and PGF by endometrium was significantly elevated at the same time. Metabolism of PGs by cytosols of lung, oviduct and uterus was inhibited to various degrees at 2 h after poly I:C (1 mg/kg i.v.), but by 4 h after treatment this process was reduced to 70--80% of pretreatment values. It is concluded that poly I:C accelerates ovum transport through the oviduct by a PG-mediated mechanism, and that elevated levels of PGs in oviduct are due to inhibition of metabolism of PGs.
A G1 Checkpoint Mediated by the Retinoblastoma Protein That Is Dispensable in Terminal Differentiation but Essential for Senescence

ABSTRACT Terminally differentiated cell types are needed to live and function in a postmitotic state for a lifetime. Cellular senescence is another type of permanent arrest that blocks the proliferation of cells in response to genotoxic stress. Here we show that the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) uses a mechanism to block DNA replication in senescence that is distinct from its role in permanent cell cycle exit associated with terminal differentiation. Our work demonstrates that a subtle mutation in pRB that cripples its ability to interact with chromatin regulators impairs heterochromatinization and repression of E2F-responsive promoters during senescence. In contrast, terminally differentiated nerve and muscle cells bearing the same mutation fully exit the cell cycle and block E2F-responsive gene expression by a different mechanism. Remarkably, this reveals that pRB recruits chromatin regulators primarily to engage a stress-responsive G1 arrest program.
Multiple camera based multiple object tracking under occlusion: A survey

In recent years, vision based technologies have gained immense attention across academia-industries to enable optimal surveillance solution for event monitoring, analysis and control. However, the complexities of real time environment and expected functional characteristics often put question over existing approaches and their efficacy. In this paper, a number of the existing approaches for vision based object detection and tracking have been discussed. One of the important issues which come across in the object tracking is Occlusion. However, a very few efforts have been done to alleviate occlusion issues so as to enable optimal moving object detection and tracking. This review paper reveals that to enable efficient multiple object detection and tracking under occlusion conditions, the combination of different features such as depth data, geometry, textural, color feature metrics, speed, etc can be taken into consideration. With multiple synchronized cameras set up, 3D techniques including depth estimation, azimuth, texture, color, geometric information and speed etc, in conjunction with optimal trajectory estimation model can be vital for multiple objects tracking under occlusions. In addition, efficient region of interest (ROI) feature extraction, trajectory estimation and feature fusion across synchronized cameras can be explored to track multiple objects under occlusions. Synchronizing multiple cameras with best feature training, association, continuous object skeletal tracking using stochastic trajectory prediction and classification; can be an effective solution, especially for traffic surveillance or outdoor surveillance applications.
Euclidean Distance Maximizing Rotations for Quasi-Orthogonal Space-Time Codes with MPSK Symbols

Most classes of quasi-orthogonal space-time codes proposed in the literature require the use of rotated constellations for the interfering symbols to ensure full diversity. Since there is no analytical result available to get the exact probability of error in terms of the rotation angle, the optimization of the rotation angle has been done with respect to the Euclidean distance or the diversity product criteria. This paper provides analytical expressions for the optimal rotation angles for the Euclidean distance criteria for any M-PSK (phase shift keying) constellation.
Quality criteria for ESD-Schools: guidelines to enhance the quality of education for sustainable development

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Boolean Operations on Surfel-Bounded Solids Using Programmable Graphics Hardware

In this paper we present an algorithm to compute boolean operations on free-form solids bounded by surfels using programmable graphics hardware. The intersection, union and difference of two or more solids, is calculated on the GPU using vertex and fragment programs. First, we construct an inside-outside partitioning using 3-color grids and signed distance fields. Next, we use this partitioning to classify the surfels of both solids as inside or outside the other solid. For surfels close to the boundary of the other solid, we use the distance field and its gradient to define a clipping plane, which can be used to resample or clip the surfel. Our algorithm runs at interactive rates on consumer-level graphics hardware.
Multispecificity of a recombinant anti‐ras monoclonal antibody

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (Ab's) have widespread application as research tools, diagnostic reagents and as biotherapeutics. Whilst studying the cellular molecular switch protein m‐ras, a recombinant monoclonal antibody to m‐ras was generated for use as a research tool. Antibody genes from a single rabbit B cell secreting IgG to an m‐ras specific peptide sequence were expressed in mammalian cells, and monoclonal rabbit IgG binding was characterized by ELISA and peptide array blotting. Although the monoclonal Ab was selected for specificity to m‐ras peptide, it also bound to both recombinant full‐length m‐ras and h‐ras proteins. The cross‐reactive binding of the monoclonal Ab to h‐ras was defined by peptide array blot revealing that the Ab showed preference for peptide sequences containing multiple positively charged amino acid residues. These data reinforce the concept of antibody multispecificity through multiple interactions of the Ab paratope with diverse polypeptides. They also emphasize the importance of immunogen and Ab selection processes when generating recombinant monoclonal Ab's.
Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Chitosan Microspheres Containing Prednisolone: Comparison of Simple and Conjugate Microspheres

The purpose of the present study was to obtain a novel microparticulate formulation of prednisolone, which was adequate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The formulations prepared were evaluated in vitro. Two types of chitosan microspheres containing prednisolone, named Ch-Pred and Ch-SP-MS, were prepared by an emulsification-solvent evaporation method using a chitosan-prednisolone mixture and a chitosan-succinyl-prednisolone conjugate (Ch-SP), respectively. Ch-Pred and Ch-SP-MS were obtained in almost spherical shape. Ch-Pred showed a relatively high drug content of 13.2% (w/w), but the particle size was distributed from 10 to 45 µm, and a large initial burst release of approximately 60% was observed. On the other hand, although Ch-SP-MS exhibited a fairly low drug content of 3.5% (w/w), their particle size ranged from several hundred nanometers to 20 µm, with the mean diameter of 5 µm, and a gradual drug release profile was achieved. These characteristics on particle size and in vitro release suggested that Ch-SP-MS should have good potential as a microparticulate system for the treatment of IBD.
Detection and Identification of the Invasive Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) Fungal Symbiont, Amylostereum areolatum (Russulales: Amylostereacea), in China and the Stimulating Effect of Insect Venom on Laccase Production by A. areolatum YQL03

ABSTRACT The Eurasian woodwasp Sirex noctilio F. was first detected in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, in the northeast region of China in 2013. Here, we investigated the S. noctilio's fungal symbiont, Amylostereum areolatum, and insect venom produced in its acid (venom) gland. Overall, seven out of 10 fungal isolates obtained from the mycangia of 10 adult S. noctilio females in this study were identified as A. areolatum. The remaining three isolates were identified as Trichoderma viride, Verticillium dahlia, and Geosmithia pallida, which were probably contaminants that entered during the mycangia-spore extraction process. The enzyme activity bioassay showed that the level of laccase activity of A. areolatum YQL03 in liquid medium is prominently enhanced by insect venom, but was relatively low when venom was not available as an inducer. This study confirms the presence of A. areolatum in S. noctilio specimens from China. The putative heat-stable factors identified in S. noctilio venom may contribute novel information about the pathogenic mechanism of the S. noctilio—A. areolatum pine-killing pest complex on host trees.
Association of the PPARGC1A gene polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy in an Asian Indian population (CURES-41).

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of polymorphisms of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A) gene with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Asian Indians. METHODS Six common polymorphisms, 3 of the PPARG gene [-1279G/A, Pro12Ala, and His478His (C/T)] and 3 of the PPARGC1A gene (Thr394Thr, Gly482Ser, and +A2962G) were studied in 571 normal glucose-tolerant (NGT) subjects, 255 type 2 diabetic (T2D) subjects without nephropathy, and 141 DN subjects. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the covariables associated with DN. RESULTS Among the 6 polymorphisms examined, only the Gly482Ser of the PPARGC1A gene was significantly associated with DN. The genotype frequency of Ser/Ser genotype of the PPARGC1A gene was 8.8% (50/571) in NGT subjects, 7.8% (20/255) in T2D subjects, and 29.8% (42/141) in DN subjects. The odds ratios (ORs) for DN for the susceptible Gly/Ser and Ser/Ser genotype after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and duration of diabetes were 2.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23-3.72; P = 0.007] and 8.01 (95% CI, 3.89-16.47; P < 0.001), respectively. The unadjusted OR for DN for the XA genotype of the Thr394Thr polymorphism was 1.87 (95% CI, 1.20-2.92; P = 0.006) compared to T2D subjects. However, the significance was lost (P = 0.061) when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and duration of diabetes. The +A2962G of PPARGC1A and the 3 polymorphisms of PPARG were not associated with DN. CONCLUSION The Gly482Ser polymorphism of the PPARGC1A gene is associated with DN in Asian Indians.
Microglia activation triggers astrocyte-mediated modulation of excitatory neurotransmission

Fine control of neuronal activity is crucial to rapidly adjust to subtle changes of the environment. This fine tuning was thought to be purely neuronal until the discovery that astrocytes are active players of synaptic transmission. In the adult hippocampus, microglia are the other major glial cell type. Microglia are highly dynamic and closely associated with neurons and astrocytes. They react rapidly to modifications of their environment and are able to release molecules known to control neuronal function and synaptic transmission. Therefore, microglia display functional features of synaptic partners, but their involvement in the regulation of synaptic transmission has not yet been addressed. We have used a combination of pharmacological approaches with electrophysiological analysis on acute hippocampal slices and ATP assays in purified cell cultures to show that activation of microglia induces a rapid increase of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. We found that this modulation is mediated by binding of ATP to P2Y1R located on astrocytes and is independent of TNFα or NOS2. Our data indicate that, on activation, microglia cells rapidly release small amounts of ATP, and astrocytes, in turn, amplified this release. Finally, P2Y1 stimulation of astrocytes increased excitatory postsynaptic current frequency through a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-dependent mechanism. These results indicate that microglia are genuine regulators of neurotransmission and place microglia as upstream partners of astrocytes. Because pathological activation of microglia and alteration of neurotransmission are two early symptoms of most brain diseases, our work also provides a basis for understanding synaptic dysfunction in neuronal diseases.
Community-Engaged Faculty: A Must for Preparing Impactful Ed.D. Graduates.

Since its inception nine years ago, CPED members have re-envisioned and implemented a new purpose for the professional practice doctorate in education, or Ed.D. This new purpose is grounded in the goal of preparing doctoral students to serve as scholarly practitioners, those who engage community as stakeholders in the process of improving problems of practice. Forming practitioners to be leaders in their communities under the CPED framework requires faculty who look beyond traditional roles by embEd.D. ing themselves in communities to work alongside practitioners working to transform their communities. Unfortunately, at many institutions, community-engagement is considered counter-normative to the traditional interpretation of research, teaching, and service, though it need not be. This paper will discuss the implications of CPED's community-engagement principle for Ed.D. programs, institutional policies, and academic environments in which community-engaged faculty do their work and the importance of these faculty members in the design of the Education Doctorate.
Computer Usage Monitoring for Design and Reliability Tests

The usage conditions of a product or system can be monitored and analyzed to provide information to improve the design and qualification of future products. This paper discusses a method to collect and analyze product usage conditions and use this data for product design and testing. A case study of the usage monitoring of commercial computers is presented. Three parameters - temperature, humidity, and vibration - were monitored inside computers being operated by a variety of users. The collected data was compared with the product specifications. Four group tests were conducted. The first group test simulated different human usage conditions, such as lifting the computer, inserting it into a bag, dropping it, and so on. The second group test involved daily usage monitoring on different users (mainly office and home users). The third group test involved usage monitoring of a single user during different time periods. The fourth group test was an experiment carried out for validation tests in the lab. The relationship between the real-life load levels and product qualification test load levels was then established.
Sickness absence from back pain, psychosocial work characteristics and employment grade among office workers.

OBJECTIVES The relation between psychosocial work characteristics, employment grade, and sickness absence due to back pain was studied among office workers. METHODS Base-line questionnaire data and sickness absence data collected continuously with a mean of 4 years of follow-up were analyzed. The subjects were 6894 men and 3414 women aged 35 to 55 years at recruitment. The main outcome measures were short (< or = 7 days) and long (> 7 days) absences due to back pain. RESULTS There was a strong inverse association between employment grade and rate of absences due to back pain (P for linear trend < 0.001); for example, the rate ratio for short absences among the men in a comparison of lowest versus highest employment grade was 8.21. The age adjusted rate ratio for the effect of low versus high control over work among the men was 2.22 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.77-2.79] for short and 1.61 (95% CI 1.01-2.58) for long absences due to back pain. For short absences due to back pain among the men in high grades of employment, the rate ratio for low control was 3.42 compared with 0.78 for the lower grades (P for interaction < 0.001). For the women the corresponding rate ratios were 0.80 and 1.35, respectively (P for interaction 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Absence from work due to back pain was strongly inversely related to employment grade. The effects of psychosocial work characteristics-particularly control-differed by grade and gender in magnitude and direction. The psychosocial work environment represents a potentially reversible cause of ill health.
Fundamental Dimensions and Essential Elements of Exemplary Local Extension Units

Collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local government agencies enable local Extension units to deliver a high level of educational opportunities to local citizens. These units represent land-grant institutions by delivering non-formal education that aim to address local, regional, and state concerns. The purpose of this study was to establish consensus that defines the characteristics of an exemplary local Extension unit of the Cooperative Extension Service. This effort is significant because the extent to which these Extension partners have agreed on the components of successful Extension units has never been clearly defined and was unknown. Determining the characteristics of an exemplary local Extension unit will facilitate consistency in the delivery of non-formal education through Extension. Using a modified Delphi technique to survey administrators responsible for the operation of the local Extension unit, this study identified six fundamental dimensions of an exemplary local Extension unit: adequate facilities and infrastructure, well-prepared Extension educators, well-developed educational programs, organizational accountability, effective county unit leadership, and adequate financial capacity. Within these six fundamental dimensions, the study further identified 77 essential elements of exemplary local Extension units. Results of this study will provide the foundation for the development of standards to guide the improvement of local Extension offices.
Ghrelin and the Cardiovascular System

Ghrelin is a small peptide released primarily from the stomach. It is a potent stimulator of growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland and is well known for its regulation of metabolism and appetite. There is also a strong relationship between ghrelin and the cardiovascular system. Ghrelin receptors are present throughout the heart and vasculature and have been linked with molecular pathways, including, but not limited to, the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration, inhibition of proapoptotic cascades, and protection against oxidative damage. Ghrelin shows robust cardioprotective effects including enhancing endothelial and vascular function, preventing atherosclerosis, inhibiting sympathetic drive, and decreasing blood pressure. After myocardial infarction, exogenous administration of ghrelin preserves cardiac function, reduces the incidence of fatal arrhythmias, and attenuates apoptosis and ventricular remodeling, leading to improvements in heart failure. It ameliorates cachexia in end-stage congestive heart failure patients and has shown clinical benefit in pulmonary hypertension. Nonetheless, since ghrelin’s discovery is relatively recent, there remains a substantial amount of research needed to fully understand its clinical significance in cardiovascular disease.
Staff training effective in increasing learning opportunities for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of instruction and video feedback on staff's ABA skills during one-to-one play situations and initiations of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Data were collected within a multiple baseline design across 5 dyads. A continuous 20 s interval recording system was used to record motivation, creating opportunities, prompting and reinforcement of staff and child initiations. Training included instruction, consisting of instructions, video examples and role-plays. After this, a 4-h delayed video feedback condition started. Results: Three staff members created significantly more learning opportunities during post-instruction and a significant increase occurred during video feedback for one staff member. Initiatives increased significantly in two children during post-instruction. During follow-up, three children showed unprompted initiatives. The mean percentage of spontaneous initiations increased during follow-up. Conclusion: The findings provide support for training staff in a clinical setting to create learning opportunities, which also may result in concomittant improvement in child initiations.