Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to febrile-range hyperthermia potentiates Wnt signalling and epithelial–mesenchymal transition gene expression in lung epithelium

Abstract Background: As environmental and body temperatures vary, lung epithelial cells experience temperatures significantly different from normal core temperature. Our previous studies in human lung epithelium showed that: (i) heat shock accelerates wound healing and activates profibrotic gene expression through heat shock factor-1 (HSF1); (ii) HSF1 is activated at febrile temperatures (38–41 °C) and (iii) hypothermia (32 °C) activates and hyperthermia (39.5 °C) reduces expression of a subset of miRNAs that target protein kinase-Cα (PKCα) and enhance proliferation. Methods: We analysed the effect of hypo- and hyperthermia exposure on Wnt signalling by exposing human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and HEK293T cells to 32, 37 or 39.5 °C for 24 h, then analysing Wnt-3a-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression by qRT-PCR and TOPFlash reporter plasmid activity. Effects of miRNA mimics and inhibitors and the HSF1 inhibitor, KNK437, were evaluated. Results: Exposure to 39.5 °C for 24 h increased subsequent Wnt-3a-induced EMT gene expression in SAECs and Wnt-3a-induced TOPFlash activity in HEK293T cells. Increased Wnt responsiveness was associated with HSF1 activation and blocked by KNK437. Overexpressing temperature-responsive miRNA mimics reduced Wnt responsiveness in 39.5 °C-exposed HEK293T cells, but inhibitors of the same miRNAs failed to restore Wnt responsiveness in 32 °C-exposed HEK293T cells. Conclusions: Wnt responsiveness, including expression of genes associated with EMT, increases after exposure to febrile-range temperature through an HSF1-dependent mechanism that is independent of previously identified temperature-dependent miRNAs. This process may be relevant to febrile fibrosing lung diseases, including the fibroproliferative phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
In vivo electrotransfer of interleukin-10 cDNA prevents endothelial upregulation of activated NF-kappaB and adhesion molecules following an atherogenic diet.

OBJECTIVES Interleukin (IL)-10 has anti-atherogenic properties. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in IL-10 protection against atherosclerosis in vivo remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effect of IL-10 cDNA in vivo electrotransfer on diet-induced, endothelial activation. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 10 days. Expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was examined in the aortic sinus, a region predisposed to atherogenesis in mice, using immunohistochemistry. NF-kappaB activation was examined using a monoclonal antibody that selectively reacts with the activated form of the p65 subunit. RESULTS We detected a low basal expression of activated NF-kappaB, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the endothelium of the aortic sinus. Endothelial expression of activated NF-kappaB, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was markedly increased after 10 days on the atherogenic diet (p < 0.001). In vivo electrotransfer of a murine IL-10-encoding plasmid completely prevented diet-induced endothelial upregulation of activated NF-kappaB, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION In vivo electrotransfer of IL-10 cDNA prevents diet-induced endothelial activation. These results suggest that the protective effects of IL-10 may already occur in the very early stages of atherogenesis.
Prognostic factors for short-term outcomes after ossiculoplasty using multivariate analysis with logistic regression.

OBJECTIVE To investigate prognostic factors for short-term hearing outcomes after ossiculoplasty. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral and academic center. PATIENTS Seven hundred twenty patients who underwent ossiculoplasty performed by a single surgeon from January 1, 1989, through December 31, 2006, and who were followed up for longer than 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hearing outcomes were considered successful if the postoperative air-bone gap was 20 dB or less. The prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariate analysis with logistic regression. RESULTS Hearing outcomes were successful in 505 patients (70.1%). Presence of the stapes superstructure, presence of the malleus handle, normal mucosa, normal stapes mobility, and use of local anesthesia were significantly favorable predictive factors. CONCLUSIONS Multivariate analysis should be performed to investigate prognostic factors of favorable short-term hearing outcomes after ossiculoplasty. Better knowledge of these predictive factors may contribute to the surgeon's judgment and the information given to patients.
Induction therapy: clinical and quality of life outcomes in aged renal transplant recipients

One primary purpose of transplant is to improve quality of life (QOL) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) ≥50 yr of age, where death with a functioning graft limits life years gained. We aimed to determine the impact of induction therapy, with its subsequent effects on rejection, infection, and readmissions, on QOL.
Extrapulmonary effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on physical activity: a cross-sectional study.

RATIONALE Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD has a systemic component that includes significant extrapulmonary effects that may contribute to its severity in individual patients. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of extrapulmonary effects of the disease and its comorbidities with reduced physical activity in patients with COPD. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 170 outpatients with COPD (GOLD [Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease] stages I-IV; BODE [body mass index, airway obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity] score 0-10) underwent a series of tests. Physical activity was assessed over 5 to 6 consecutive days by using a multisensor accelerometer armband that records steps per day and the physical activity level (total daily energy expenditure divided by whole-night sleeping energy expenditure). Cardiovascular status was assessed by echocardiography, vascular Doppler sonography, and levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Mental status, metabolic/muscular status, systemic inflammation, and anemia were assessed by Beck Depression Inventory, bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein/fibrinogen, and hemoglobin, respectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In a multivariate linear regression analysis using either steps per day or physical activity level as a dependent variable, the extrapulmonary parameters that were associated with reduced physical activity in patients with COPD independently of GOLD stages or BODE score were N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, echocardiographically measured left ventricular diastolic function, and systemic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Higher values of systemic inflammation and left cardiac dysfunction are associated with reduced physical activity in patients with COPD.
Characterization of Seven C-peptide Antisera

The plasma C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) in 10 normal subjects varied considerably when measured with different antisera in parallel assays. The CPR level correlated with the blank “CPR” value measured in plasma devoid of C-peptide and to a lesser degree with the sensitivity of the standard curves obtained with the individual antisera. Storage of plasma samples at different temperatures and for different lengths of time before the analyses were carried out resulted In further variation in the CPR results. This was caused by a time- and temperature-dependent fall in CPR, which was more pronounced with some antisera than with others. This sensitivity to storage of plasma did not correlate with the antigenk characteristics of the antisera as determined by their reactivity with 11 specific fragments of the C-peptide molecule. The contribution of human proinsulin to the CPR concentration in normal subjects was considered to be negligible even though the relative immunoreactivity of human proinsulin and C-peptide ranged from 11 to 143 per cent among these antisera. These results suggest that differences in C-peptide antisera are a major reason for the variation in the concentration of circulating CPR as measured in different, C-peptide immunoassays.
Designing with Ethnography: Tabletops and the Importance of their Physical Setup for Group Interactions in Exhibitions

Abstract Designing interactive surfaces for walk-up-and-use scenarios in semi-public spaces like museums is a challenging task, since they need to be intuitive and appealing for a broad range of users. We describe the iterative development of two tabletop prototypes and their applications with a combination of interaction design and different types of ethnography. We outline the extensive development process and describe a user study with our second prototype, conducted in an exhibition about new media and digital cooperation for one week. Especially the physical setup of our tabletops distinguishes them from others. It consists of several seating elements to make interaction more comfortable for a heterogeneity of active users and onlookers. As an example for the analysis of the collected data we outline an interaction session of a group of 15 people. Results show that the artifact was well received and that groups and their interactions benefited from the physical setup.
Homocysteine-Lowering Vitamin B Treatment Decreases Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Dialysis patients have higher cardiovascular events rate than patients with normal renal function. Hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is frequently detected in dialysis patients. Vitamin B supplementation lowers hyperhomocysteinemia, but it is unknown whether it reduces cardiovascular events rate. We planned a long-term study to analyze the effects of homocysteine-lowering vitamin B therapy on cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients. Methods: We performed a single center open prospective trial. Patients, just on folate therapy at enrolment, were left out from randomization and maintained folate therapy according to study’s protocol (group A). Patients, untreated with folic acid at recruitment, were randomly assigned to other 2 groups: patients submitted to folate supplementation according to study’s protocol (group B), and untreated ones (group C). We instructed patients to take 5 mg oral daily folic acid or 5 mg every other day whether serum folate levels were up the normal high limit. We measured homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 plasma levels at baseline and every 4 months. We chose the appearance of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events as end-points. Results: We analyzed data of 114 patients for a median follow-up time of 871 days. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that baseline homocysteine levels were related to folate (coefficient: –1.02; F: 64.5), creatinine (coefficient: 0.98; F: 11.3), and C reactive protein (coefficient: –0.64; F: 4.3). Patients ended the study for the following reasons: cardiovascular morbidity (n = 44), death (n = 25), renal transplant (n = 9), moved away (n = 4). Cardiovascular events occurred in 58 of 114 patients (51%), in 26 of 63 (41%) treated patients (both group A and group B) and in 32 of 51 (63%; χ2 = 6.0; p = 0.05) untreated patients (group C). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that cardiovascular events were less frequent in treated patients with low homocysteine levels (χ2 24.1; p < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis showed that cardiovascular events were explained by homocysteine, dialysis vintage, past cardiovascular accidents, and age. We noticed not only lower homocysteine levels, but also higher protein catabolic rate values in events-free patients as compared with patients with nonfatal cardiovascular events. After having divided patients into 4 subgroups according to high and low, split at median, Hcy and protein catabolic rate values, we observed in Kaplan-Meier survival curves for cardiovascular events by these subgroups that patients with low Hcy and high protein catabolic rate values showed a significant lower hazard rate than patients with high Hcy and low protein catabolic rate levels (χ2 = 21.7; p< 0.0001). Conclusions: This trial shows for the first time that homocysteine-lowering folate therapy decreases cardiovascular events in dialysis patients. It is necessary to perform large prospective studies to confirm our results.
Alterations in nuclear matrix structure after adenovirus infection

Infection of HeLa cells with adenovirus serotype 2 causes rearrangements in nuclear matrix morphology which can best be seen by gentle cell extraction and embedment-free section electron microscopy. We used these techniques to examine the nuclear matrices and cytoskeletons of cells at 6, 13, 28, and 44 h after infection. As infection progressed, chromatin condensed onto the nucleoli and the nuclear lamina. Virus-related inclusions appeared in the nucleus, where they partitioned with the nuclear matrix. These virus centers consisted of at least three distinguishable areas: amorphously dense regions, granular regions whose granulations appeared to be viral capsids, and filaments connecting these regions to each other and to the nuclear lamina. The filaments became decorated with viral capsids of two different densities, which may be empty capsid shells and capsids with DNA-protein cores. The interaction of some capsids with the filaments persisted even after lysis of the cell. We propose that granulated virus-related structures are sites of capsid assembly and storage and that the filaments may be involved in the transport of capsids and capsid intermediates. The nuclear lamina became increasingly crenated after infection, with some extensions appearing to bud off and form blebs of nuclear material in the cytoplasm. The perinuclear cytoskeleton became rearranged after infection, forming a corona of decreased filament number around the nucleus. In summary, we propose that adenovirus rearranges the nuclear matrix and cytoskeleton to support its own replication.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 (TSC2) Regulates Cell Migration and Polarity through Activation of CDC42 and RAC1*

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway plays important roles in regulating cell motility. TSC2, a downstream target of AKT, is a central player in negatively controlling cell proliferation and protein translation through suppressing the activity of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). However, the function of TSC2 in regulating cell migration remains unclear. Here, we show that TSC2 plays a critical role in the control of cell spreading, polarity, and migration. TSC2-deficient fibroblast cells were impaired in their ability to spread and alter actin cytoskeleton upon stimulation with insulin-like growth factor-1. Using scratch-induced polarization assay, we demonstrate that TSC2(−/−) fibroblast cells polarized poorly toward the wound compared with wild-type cells. Similarly, knockdown of TSC2 expression in colon cancer cells resulted in a marked decrease in cell motility. Functionally, the activation of CDC42- and RAC1-GTPase was largely reduced in TSC2 knock-out fibroblast and TSC2 knockdown cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of an activating p110α mutant or short term rapamycin treatment rescued the cell polarization defect in TSC2(−/−) fibroblast cells. Concurrently, the activation of CDC42 and RAC1 increased. The defect in cell migration and CDC42 and RAC1 activation was reversed by reintroducing TSC2 back into TSC2(−/−) fibroblast cells. Taken together, we identified a novel role of TSC2 in controlling cell polarity and migration by regulating CDC42 and RAC1 activation.
Fatty fish in the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes: comparison of the metabolic effects of foods rich in n-3 and n-6 fatty acids.

BACKGROUND Dietary advice, including modification of dietary fat quality, is the basis of treatment of diabetes, but there is some uncertainty about the optimal amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 (omega-6) and n-3 (omega-3) series. OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the effects of diets rich in n-3 or n-6 fatty acids on glucose and lipoprotein metabolism in type 2 diabetes. DESIGN In a crossover study during 2 consecutive 3.5-wk periods, the participants were provided diets with identical nutrient compositions containing either a high proportion of n-3 (n-3 diet) or n-6 (n-6 diet) fatty acids through the inclusion of fatty fish or lean fish and fat containing linoleic acid, respectively. RESULTS Blood glucose concentrations at fasting and during the day were lower with the n-6 than with the n-3 diet (P = 0.009 and P = 0.029, respectively), and the area under the insulin curve during the day was significantly higher (P = 0.03) with the n-6 diet. Both diets showed similar effects on insulin sensitivity and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 concentrations. The reductions in VLDLs and serum apolipoprotein B concentrations were more pronounced after the n-3 diet. CONCLUSIONS The risk related to the moderately higher blood glucose concentrations with the n-3-enriched diet may be counteracted by positive effects with regard to lipoprotein concentrations. An increase in long-chain n-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, and of n-6 fatty acids from linoleic acid, may be recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Unsupervised Feature Learning for 3D Scene Reconstruction with Occupancy Maps

This paper addresses the task of unsupervised feature learning for three-dimensional occupancy mapping, as a way to segment higher-level structures based on raw unorganized point cloud data. In particular, we focus on detecting planar surfaces, which are common in most structured or semi-structured environments. This segmentation is then used to minimize the amount of parameters necessary to properly create a 3D occupancy model of the surveyed space, thus increasing computational speed and decreasing memory requirements. As the 3D modeling tool, an extension to Hilbert Maps was selected, since it naturally uses a feature-based representation of the environment to achieve real-time performance. Experiments conducted in simulated and real large-scale datasets show a substantial gain in performance, while decreasing the amount of stored information by orders of magnitude without sacrificing accuracy.
A new vehicle tracking method with region matching based on Kalman forecasting model

Aiming to the problems of vehicle's vanishing in short time and completely occlusion in complex traffic scenes, we proposed a method with region matching based on Kalman forecasting model to forecast and track the vehicle's moving state. Firstly, the observation parameters such as centroid and block size of moving vehicle region are abstracted, and region models can be built for every vehicle. Secondly, the region models can be forecast and updated with Kalman filter. Two region model matching criterions are built for accurately orientating and tracking the moving vehicles. Finally, the complete occlusion can be solved with reasoning, and the part occlusion can be eliminated with a separation line through the vehicle's shape analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the searching range of vehicle matching, effectively forecast the vehicle's position and solve the complete occlusion of moving vehicle.
Stochastic resonance can induce oscillation in a recurrent Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model with added Gaussian noise

Stochastic resonance (SR) has been shown to enhance the signal to noise ratio or detection of signals in neurons. It has not been clear yet if SR can play an important role in information processing in neural networks. In this paper, we test the hypothesis through computer simulations that SR can induce an oscillation phenomenon in a recurrent neural network with added Gaussian noise in which the recurrent model is constructed by four Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron models. Each HH neuron model is driven by Gaussian noise and sub-threshold excitatory synaptic currents with an alpha function from another HH neuron model, and the action potentials (spike firings) of each HH neuron model are transferred to the other HH neuron model via sub-threshold synaptic currents. From spike firing times recorded, the inter spike interval (ISI) histogram was generated, and the periodicity of spike firings was detected from the ISI histogram at each HH neuron model. The results show that the probability of spike firings in the oscillation period (about 50 ms or 20 Hz) increases as the standard deviation (S.D.) of the Gaussian white noise increases, and reach a maximum value at a specific S.D. of the Gaussian white noise, implying that SR can improve sub-threshold synaptic transmission in the recurrent HH neuron model. It is concluded that an oscillation (20 Hz) can be induced by adding Gaussian white noise at lower amplitudes with intrinsic characteristics in the recurrent HH neuron model, while another oscillation (100 Hz) can be generated by the noise at greater amplitudes with extrinsic characteristics.
Lateral prediction in adaptive cruise control using adaptive particle filter

As of recently, there are more than half a billion cars on the road throughout the world and hence arises the necessity for making safety a higher priority in vehicle technologies. Modern automobiles contain various functions that assist the driver and enhance safety. Anti-lock breaking systems and vehicle stability control systems are few of the technologies that are used to implement vehicular safety and one such technology is cruise control. Ordinary cruise control has been used in high-end premium cars for some years now; adaptive cruise control is an upgraded version. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an automotive feature that helps a vehicle's cruise control system to adapt the vehicle's speed according to the traffic environment. This paper discusses the advantages of adaptive particle filter compared to the existing methods in lateral prediction of a vehicle in an ACC.
Modular Active Power-Line Conditioner

Active power-line filtering is conventionally performed by injecting equal-but-opposite of the distortion into the line. The power converter used for this purpose is rated based on the magnitude of the distortion current and operated at the switching frequency dictated by the desired filter bandwidth. Fast switching at high power, even if technically possible, causes high switching losses. In this paper, a new modular approach to active harmonic filtering is proposed. The method utilizes two linear adaptive neurons (ADALINEs) to process the signals obtained from the line. The first ADALINE (the current ADALINE) extracts the harmonic components of the distorted line current signal and the second ADALINE (the voltage ADALINE) estimates the fundamental component of the line voltage signal. The outputs of both ADALINEs are used to construct the modulating signals of a number of current-source inverter (CSI) modules, each dedicated to eliminate a specific harmonic. The power rating of the modules will decrease and their switching frequency will increase as the order of the harmonic to be filtered is increased. The overall switching losses are minimized due to the selected harmonic elimination and balanced "power rating"-"switching frequency" product. Power losses are also reduced by adjusting the Idc, in each CSI module according to the present magnitudes of the individual harmonics to be filtered. Speed and accuracy of ADALINE; self-synchronizing harmonic tracking; optimum Idc value and minimal converter losses; high reliability, flexibility, and speed; and low dc energy requirement of the CSI result in superb performance of the proposed active conditioner.