Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foam cells after treatment with hydrocolloid dressings

SIR, Hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used in the treatment of ulcerations of the skin and provide many advantages. ' However, in a recent paper Reuterving et al/ noted biochemical and histological changes in the granulation tissue of rats after treatment with a hydrocolloid dressing (Granuflex®, Squibb), Macrophages underwent morphological alterations resembling those of foam cells and these were found in all wounds treated with the hydrocolloid dressing. -^ The hydrocolloid dressing used is composed of polyisobutylene (a hydrophobic synthetic polymer) and three types of hydrophilic particles: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, pectin and gelatin. It was suggested that one or more of the hydrophilic particles were phagocytosed by the macrophages resulting in these changes. -' To study the composite effect of the hydrophilic particles on wound healing, the breaking strength^ of incisional wounds was examined on the tenth post-operative day. A total of 200 mg carboxymethylcellulose sodium, pectin and gelatin in equal proportions was introduced into one of two parallel 6cm-long dorsal skin incisions on each of eight male SpragueDawley rats; the contralateral incision received no treatment (control). No significant difference (paired t-test, n = 8) in breaking strength was found between experimental wounds (263±25 g/0-5 cm; mean±SEM) and control wounds (257±25). However, no foam cells were found in the experimental wounds on light microscopy. We therefore carried out a study to find out which of the substance(s) in the hydrocolloid dressings was responsible for the presence of foam cells. Excisional full-thickness skin wounds on rats were treated for 10 days with either a single application of a complete hydrocolloid dressing, with only the hydrophilic particles or with the polyisobutylene alone. The hydrocolloid dressing or the hydrophilic particles alone disintegrated or dissolved in the wounds, whereas the polyisobutylene alone was unaffected macroscopically after treatment. Histological examination revealed granulation tissue abundant in foam cells but only in wounds treated with the hydrocolloid dressing. Foam cells were also absent if the wounds were treated with a polyurethane membrane (OpSite®, S&N). Thus, it appears that the appearance of foam cells after hydrocolloid wound treatment in rats is due to the combination of one or more of the hydrophilic particles and the polyisobutylene and not to a single component of hydrocolloid dressings. It is possible that swelling of the hydrophilic particles in contact with wound exudate makes the polyisobutylene more available for phagocytosis by macrophages. The clinical implications of our finding are not clear. It may be that macrophages, cells that are essential for wound healing, are adversely affected by phagocytosis of the dressing material. However, wounds in both rats^ and humans' treated with hydrocolloid dressings heal more rapidly than conventionally treated wounds.
Systemic Immune Deficiency Necessary for Cytomegalovirus Invasion of the Mature Brain

ABSTRACT Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant opportunistic pathogen associated with AIDS and immunosuppressive therapy. Infection of the mature central nervous system (CNS) can cause significant pathology with associated neurological deficits, mental disorders, and cognitive impairment and may have potentially fatal consequences. Using genetically immunocompromised mice, we studied mechanisms of CMV invasion into, and behavior within, the CNS. Adult immunodeficient (nude and SCID) and control mice were peripherally infected with recombinant mouse CMV expressing a green fluorescent protein reporter gene. Control mice actively eliminated acute peripheral infection and were resistant to invasion of CMV into the brain. In contrast, virus infected brains of immunodeficient mice but only after a minimum of 21 days postinoculation. After inoculation, CMV was found in circulating leukocytes (MAC-3/CD45+) and in leukocytes within the brain, suggesting these cells as a possible source of CMV entry into the CNS. CNS infection was observed in many different cell types, including neurons, glial cells, meninges, ependymal cells, and cells of cerebral vessels. Infection foci progressively expanded locally to adjacent cells, resulting in meningitis, choroiditis, encephalitis, vasculitis, and necrosis; clear indication of axonal transport of CMV was not found. Regional distribution of CMV was unique in each brain, consisting of randomly distributed, unilateral foci. Testing whether CMV gained access to brain through nonspecific vascular disruption, vascular injections of a tracer molecule revealed no obvious disruption of the blood brain barrier in mice with CMV in the brain. Results indicate the importance of host adaptive immunity (particularly T cells) in controlling entry and dissemination of CMV into the brain and are consistent with the view that virus may be carried into the brain by circulating mononuclear cells that traffic through the blood brain barrier.
Using zero thermal coefficient point property for VDMOS power devices health monitoring

This paper deals with the power assembly failure anticipation by monitoring its mechanical state. From this perspective, we evaluate the impact of mechanical stress accumulation before crack opening on the electrical characteristics of a VDMOS transistor using 2D physical simulations. The power device I(V) characteristics depend both on temperature and mechanical stress. To estimate the impact of mechanical stress on the VDMOS I(V) characteristics, we exploit the VDMOS Zero Thermal Coefficient operating point. At this operating point, the VDMOS I(V) characteristics are temperature independent.
Interpretation of percent dissolved-time plots derived from in vitro testing of conventional tablets and capsules.

It is shown that under sink conditions a percent dissolved value at time t may simply be equivalent to the percent surface area generated to time t. If this is so, then percent dissolved-time data may best be described by a distribution function and the parameters of the distribution employed to describe the data. Simulated percent dissolved-time data, generated by means of the logarithmic normal distribution function, are shown to yield apparent first-order plots. Hence, if the new concept is correct, apparent first-order kinetics, derived from in vitro dissolution tests on conventional tablets and capsules, may be an artifact in some cases. In the special case when surface area of drug available for dissolution decreases exponentially with time after some lag time, to, then first-order kinetics appear applicable to the dissolution data. Relationships between many of the constants in formerly derived dissolution rate equations and some equations derived in this report are shown. Dimensions of the constants are clarified. The new method of dissolution rate data examination is capable of providing characterizing parameters of greater potential utility than conventional treatments heretofore used.
Universal adaptive control of feedforward nonlinear systems with unknown input and state delays

ABSTRACT This paper considers the problem of global asymptotic regulation via output feedback for a class of uncertain feedforward nonlinear systems with input and state delays, where the bounds of time delays are unknown. With the help of the high-gain scaling approach and the idea of universal adaptive control, we explicitly construct an adaptive output compensator with a novel positive dynamic gain which compensates simultaneously the unknown delays and the output growth rate with unknown constant. Based on such output compensator, we reduce the conservatism of the restrictive conditions imposed on nonlinearities to generalise the existing results. By the Lyapunov–Krasovskii theorem, a delay-independent controller design scheme is proposed to guarantee that all the closed-loop signals are globally bounded while rendering the states of original system and the estimate states to globally asymptotically converge to zero. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to show the usefulness of the proposed design method.
Salmonella typhimurium Encodes an SdiA Homolog, a Putative Quorum Sensor of the LuxR Family, That Regulates Genes on the Virulence Plasmid

ABSTRACT Quorum sensing is a phenomenon in which bacteria sense and respond to their own population density by releasing and sensing pheromones. In gram-negative bacteria, quorum sensing is often performed by the LuxR family of transcriptional regulators, which affect phenotypes as diverse as conjugation, bioluminescence, and virulence gene expression. The gene encoding one LuxR family member, named sdiA(suppressor of cell division inhibition), is present in theEscherichia coli genome. In this report, we have cloned theSalmonella typhimurium homolog of SdiA and performed a systematic screen for sdiA-regulated genes. A 4.4-kb fragment encoding the S. typhimurium sdiA gene was sequenced and found to encode the 3′ end of YecC (homologous to amino acid transporters of the ABC family), all of SdiA and SirA (Salmonella invasion regulator), and the 5′ end of UvrC. This gene organization is conserved between E. coli andS. typhimurium. We determined that the S. typhimurium sdiA gene was able to weakly complement the E. coli sdiA gene for activation of ftsQAZ at promoter 2 and for suppression of filamentation caused by an ftsZ(Ts) allele. To better understand the function of sdiA inS. typhimurium, we screened 10,000 random lacZYtranscriptional fusions (MudJ transposon mutations) for regulation bysdiA. Ten positively regulated fusions were isolated. Seven of the fusions were within an apparent operon containing ORF8, ORF9,rck (resistance to complement killing), and ORF11 of theS. typhimurium virulence plasmid. The three ORFs have now been named srgA, srgB, and srgC(for sdiA-regulated gene), respectively. The DNA sequence adjacent to the remaining three fusions shared no similarity with previously described genes.
Rapid identification of germline mutations in retinoblastoma by protein truncation testing.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the utility of protein truncation testing (PTT) for rapid detection and sequencing of germline mutations in the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (RB1). METHODS We performed PTT, a technique based on the in vitro synthesis of protein from amplified RNA, on 27 probands from 27 kindreds with hereditary retinoblastoma. In 4 kindreds, PTT was also performed on 1 additional affected relative. Ten unrelated patients without retinoblastoma were included as negative control subjects. All PTT-detected mutations were further analyzed by focused sequencing of genomic DNA. When no mutation was detected by PTT, we performed exon-by-exon sequencing, as well as cytogenetic analysis by Giemsa-trypsin-Giemsa banding and by fluorescent in situ hybridization for RB1. The results of proband testing were used for direct genetic testing by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing in 11 relatives from 7 of the 27 kindreds. RESULTS Of the probands tested, 19 (70%) of 27 tested positive for germline mutations by PTT. In 1 kindred, the proband had negative PTT results but an additional affected relative had positive PTT results. Focused DNA sequencing of 1 patient with positive PTT results from each of the 20 kindreds with positive PTT results revealed truncating mutations in 19 kindreds. Four demonstrated frameshift deletions, 6 had splice site mutations, and 9 showed nonsense mutations. Further analysis by genomic exon-by-exon sequencing and karyotype analysis of the 8 probands who tested negative for germline mutations by PTT revealed 1 splice site mutation, 2 missense mutations, and 1 chromosomal deletion. Focused sequencing based on positive PTT results was successfully used to confirm shared truncating mutations in additional affected family members in 2 kindreds. Using a multitiered approach to genetic testing, 23 (85%) of 27 kindreds had mutations identified and those detected by PTT received a positive result in as few as 7 days. In control subjects, PTT produced no false-positive results. CONCLUSIONS Protein truncation testing is an effective, rapid single-modality screen for germline mutations in patients with retinoblastoma. When used as an initial screen, PTT can increase the yield of additional testing modalities, such as sequencing and chromosomal analysis, providing a timely and cost-effective approach for the diagnosis of heritable germline mutations in patients with retinoblastoma.Clinical Relevance The clinical application of PTT in retinoblastoma will improve detection of germline retinoblastoma mutations, which will supply critical information for prognosis, treatment planning, follow-up care, and genetic counseling.
Cooperative control of visual displays for telemanipulation

Two cooperative control schemes for telerobot visual displays are addressed. In the first scheme, on-the-screen visual enhancements such as reference lines indicating the vertical height of the robot hand, a stick figure model of the robot hand, and its projection on the horizontal grid plane are constructed by the interactive cooperation between the human operator and the telerobotic system, and then superimposed on the video screen. Experimental results with a five-degree-of-freedom robot and a frame grabber indicate that superimposition of visual enhancements on the video screen greatly improves telemanipulation task performance. In the second scheme, the position and orientation of an object on video screens are determined interactively; these then assist the telerobotic system in executing the human operator's task-level commands autonomously. <<ETX>>
Improvement of Sexual Function in Male Patients Treated Surgically for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Study Design. A prospective follow-up study. Objective. To analyze the recovery of sexual function loss in surgically treated male patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Summary of Background Data. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is common in the elder population and can lead to sexual dysfunction. Although numerous studies have shown that surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy achieved satisfactory neurologic and functional improvement, only few researchers mentioned sexual dysfunction. Methods. A total of 22 patients with combined cervical spondylotic myelopathy and sexual dysfunction on admission were treated with surgery. The patients' preoperative and postoperative neurologic status was recorded according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Scoring System. The sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Special attention was also given to the preoperative and postoperative presence or absence of a reflexogenic and psychogenic erection. Results. In most cases, there was significant improvement in neurologic status after surgery, with a mean improvement of JOA score of 3.6. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative JOA score was significant (P < 0.05). Most of these patients had an abnormal psychogenic erection (18/22, 82%) before surgery, but only few had an abnormal reflexogenic erection (4/22, 18%). After surgery, most patients had improvement in sexual function, and the average IIEF score was 28.5 before and 60.2 after surgery. The difference between preoperative and postoperative IIEF scores was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions. In addition to neurologic deficits, cervical spondylotic myelopathy also causes sexual dysfunction. Most of these patients had an abnormal psychogenic erection and normal reflexogenic erection. Along with neurologic recovery, most patients had improvement in sexual function after surgery.
Misperceptions of college student marijuana use: implications for prevention.

OBJECTIVE This study investigates the relationship between marijuana use, perceived norms of use by friends and students in general, and negative experiences or problems from alcohol and drug use. It was hypothesized that students would overestimate the marijuana use of students in general and that perceptions about the prevalence of marijuana use would be related to drug-related consequences. METHOD In this study, 5,990 participants provided information on the perceptions and consequences of drug use via an online survey or via a paper-based survey. RESULTS Although two thirds of participants reported no marijuana use, 98% of respondents incorrectly predicted that students in general use marijuana at least once per year. Perceptions of use by friends and students in general accounted for variance in drug use and related problems or experiences. CONCLUSIONS Given the relationship between norm misperception and behavior with marijuana use, future research could explore the impact of targeting misperceived norms through prevention and intervention efforts.
Robustness evaluation of vector control of induction motor fed by SVM matrix converter

In this paper, a control strategy to combine vector control and space vector modulation technique for matrix converter fed induction motor drive system has been analyzed and simulate using a Matlab. The transfer function and the selection approach of the parameter for the input filter are introduced. The simulation results of the robustness testing of the overall system have been carried out to validate the advantages of the proposed control system.
Production and Titration of Lentiviral Vectors

Lentiviral vectors have emerged over the last decade as powerful, reliable and safe tools for stable gene transfer in a wide variety of mammalian cells. Unlike other vectors derived from oncoretroviruses, they allow for stable gene delivery into most nondividing primary cells. This is why LVs are becoming useful and promising tools for future gene and cell therapy approaches. Lentivectors (LVs) derived from HIV‐1 have gradually evolved to display many desirable features aimed at increasing both their safety and their versatility. These latest designs are reviewed in this unit. This unit also describes protocols for production and titration of LVs that can be implemented in a research laboratory setting, with an emphasis on standardization to improve transposability of results between laboratories Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 54:12.10. 1‐12.10. 24. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fatty Acid Composition and Toxicity of Melia azedarach L. Fruits against Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi

The fruit of Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) was extracted with hexane, and its fatty acids methyl ester was analyzed using GC/MS. Thirteen components representing 85.1% of the total extract were identified. The major components identified were methyl palmitate (18.8%), methyl linolenate (16.1%) and methyl linoleate (9.8%). The fruits’ extract had a LC 50 of 5.5 ppm against the larvae of Anophles stephensi.
Certain Results for the Laguerre-Gould Hopper Polynomials

In this paper, we derive generating functions for the Laguerre-Gould Hopper polynomials in terms of the generalized Lauricella function by using series rearrangement techniques. Further, we derive the summation formulae for that polynomials by using different analytical means on its generating function or by using certain operational techniques. Also, generating functions and summation formulae for the polynomials related to Laguerre-Gould Hopper polynomials are obtained as applications of main results.
Quantitative analysis in capillary electrophoresis: transformation of raw electropherograms into continuous distributions.

Quantitative analysis in capillary electrophoresis based on time-scale electropherograms generally uses time-corrected peak areas to account for the differences in apparent velocities between solutes. However, it could be convenient and much more relevant to change the time-scale electropherograms into mass relative distribution of the effective mobility or any other characteristic parameter (molar mass, chemical composition, charge density, .). In this study, the theoretical background required to perform the variable change on the electropherogram was developed with an emphasis on the fact that both x and y axes should be changed when the time scale electropherograms are modified to get the distributions. Applications to the characterization of polymers and copolymers by different modes of capillary electrophoresis (CE) are presented, including the molar mass distribution of poly-L-lysine oligomers by capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), molar mass distribution of end-charged poly-l-alanine by free solution CE, molar mass distribution of evenly charged polyelectrolytes by CGE, and charge density distribution of variously charged polyelectrolytes by free solution CE.
Comparison of freeze-dried bone allograft and porous hydroxylapatite in human periodontal defects.

This study was conducted to clinically compare the efficacy of freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and porous hydroxylapatite granules. Nineteen pairs of intraosseous defects were grafted in seven patients. One defect of each pair was implanted with FDBA, the other with granular porous hydroxylapatite. Matching defects were treated similarly in all other aspects. Evaluations were based on both preoperative and postoperative measurements from a fixed reference point, standardized radiographs, surgical osseous measurements, and histology of degranulated tissues. Grafted sites were reentered 6 to 11 months postsurgery. Results showed a mean osseous fill of 2.1 mm for FDBA versus 1.3 mm for granular porous hydroxylapatite (P = .07). A mean clinical attachment gain of 2.2 mm for FDBA versus 1.3 mm for granular porous hydroxylapatite (P less than .05), and a mean decrease in probing depths of 3.0 mm for FDBA versus 1.4 mm for granular porous hydroxylapatite (P less than 0.5) was found. FDBA was clinically indistinguishable from host bone, whereas porous hydroxylapatite appeared to be separated from host bone by soft tissue. The data and clinical findings suggested that FDBA may have some enhanced reparative potential when compared to granular porous hydroxylapatite in the treatment of periodontal defects in humans.
Using Sun's Java Real-Time System to Manage Behavior-Based Mobile Robot Controllers

Implementing a robot controller that can effectively manage limited resources in a deterministic, real-time manner is challenging. Behavior-based architectures that decompose autonomy into levels of intelligence are popular due to their robustness but do not provide real-time features that enforce timing constraints or support determinism. We propose an architecture and approach for using the real-time features of the Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ) in a behavior-based mobile robot controller to show that timing constraints affect performance. This is accomplished by extending a real-time aware architecture that explicitly enumerates timing requirements for each behavior. It is not enough to reduce latency. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated via an implementation on Solaris 10 and the Sun Java Real-Time System (Java RTS). Experimental results are obtained using a K-team Koala robot performing path following with four composite behaviors. Experiments were conducted using several task period sets in three cases: real-time threads with the real-time garbage collector, real-time threads with the non- real-time garbage collector, and non-real-time threads with the non-real-time garbage collector. Results show that even if latency and determinism are improved, the timing of each individual behavior significantly affects task performance.