Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV)-Induced Demyelination: A Model for Human Multiple Sclerosis

Numerous studies suggest that a viral infection, on the appropriate genetic background, may play an important pathogenetic role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Among the several viral models of demyelination that have been investigated during the past two decades, Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)-induced demyelinating disease has emerged as one of the best because, similarly to MS, it is based on a combined viral-immune pathogenesis. This review highlights the following salient features of this model. TMEV-induced demyelinating disease is a chronic process, lasting for the life of the animals. Lesions consist of well-demarcated plaques of demyelination, which are strictly related to the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrates. Myelin degeneration is not due to direct viral cytopathic effects, but is rather dependent on the host immune response. Susceptibility/resistance to the disease is genetically regulated, and multiple genes both in and outside the major histocompatibility complex appear to be involved. The best immunological parameter that correlates with susceptibility is the ability of a murine strain to mount a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to one or more viral epitopes. The importance of the DTH response against the virus in the pathogenesis of the disease is supported by the prevalent role of TH1 T-helper cells, known to be responsible for DTH responses, in inflamed CNS tissues. The role of DTH responses in the pathogenesis of demyelination is supported by the presence of numerous macrophages in affected CNS and by a direct relationship between the number of macrophages, their persistence in tissues, and the severity of lesions. Macrophages, in addition, are the main reservoir of the virus in the CNS, and their infectability correlates with susceptibility to the disease process. It is hypothesized that following the DTH response to the virus, activated lymphocytes recruit other inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, into the infected CNS tissues. These nonspecifically recruited cells would secrete a number of proinflammatory molecules and proteases that would destroy myelin as a "bystander effect. "
Correlation between Oxidized Low Density Lipoproteins and von Willebrand Factor in Chronic Renal Failure

Summary An ELISA specific for a wide spectrum of oxidized apo B-100 in OxLDL was developed and applied to blood samples from 27 control subjects, 20 mild chronic renal failure (MCRF) patients, 21 severe chronic renal failure patients on conservative treatment (SCRF) and 56 severe chronic renal failure patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HEMO). Mean levels of OxLDL were 0.59 mg/dl in controls (95% Cl, 0.52-0.66 mg/dl), and were 2.7-fold (p <0.01), 3.1-fold (p <0.001) and 5.4-fold (p <0.001) higher in MCRF, SCRF and HEMO patients, respectively. Levels of von Willebrand factor, a marker of endothelial injury, were 100 percent in controls (95% Cl, 90-110 percent), and were 1.5-fold (p = NS), 1.6-fold (p <0.01) and 2.1-fold (p <0.001) higher in MCRF, SCRF and HEMO patients, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the extent of renal failure (F = 14; p = 0.0004) accounted for a significant fraction of the variation in OxLDL levels, also after exclusion of patients with evidence of ischemic atherosclerotic disease (F = 21; p = 0.0001). After adjustment for the extent of renal failure, hemodialysis (F = 5.6; p = 0.021) and LDL cholesterol levels (F = 7.1, p = 0.0095) contributed significantly to the variation in OxLDL levels. Whereas the extent of renal failure contributed only marginally to the individual variations in vWF levels (F = 4.1; p = 0.048), these levels correlated significantly with plasma levels of OxLDL (F=26; p=0.0001). In conclusion, atherogenic OxLDL increase progressively during the development of renal failure suggesting that the oxidation of LDL may be associated with endothelial injury and atherogenesis in these patients.
Maximally Sparse Arrays Via Sequential Convex Optimizations

The design of sparse arrays able to radiate focused beam patterns satisfying a given upper-bound power mask with the minimum number of sources is a research area of increasing interest. The related synthesis problem can be formulated with proper constraints on the cardinality of the solution space, i.e., its l0-norm. Unfortunately, such a nonconvex constraint requires to solve an NP-hard problem. Interesting ideas to relax the above constraint in a convex way have been successfully proposed. A possible solution is based on the minimization of the l1-norm. This strategy is not always able to achieve a maximally sparse solution. In the following, an innovative synthesis scheme that optimizes both excitation weights and sensor positions of an array radiating pencil beam-patterns is discussed. The solution algorithm is based on sequential convex optimizations including a reweighted l1 -norm minimization. Numerical tests, referred to benchmark problems, show that the proposed synthesis method is able to achieve maximally sparse linear arrays, also compared to the best results reported in the literature, obtained by means of global optimization schemes.
Real-time orthognathic surgical simulation using a mandibular motion tracking system

We developed a new orthognathic surgical simulation system able to predict both occlusal correction and mandibular repositioning in three dimensions. This system uniquely integrates the real motion of the dental cast model with the virtual motion of the reconstructed cranio-facial model. The skeletal change of the mandibular osteotomy is simulated on the PC monitor while the occlusal change is confirmed by checking the cast model on the simulator. The simulation process is easily repeated and the operator can make several attempts to determine the final mandibular position. The occlusal relationship at the simulated mandibular posture is registered and the occlusal wafer splint, which ensures intermaxillary fixation, is fabricated on the simulator. This surgical simulation system appears to satisfy clinical demands well and is an important facilitator of communication between orthodontists and surgeons. Here, we outline the system and apply it to a demonstration case of orthognathic surgery.
Brief-Time-Series Analysis of Depressive Symptomatology in Older People

This research shows the utility of systematic data-gathering from older people and of a statistical analysis procedure for interpreting the data. Four cases of institutionalized older people are presented, and their scores of depressive symptomatology over a period of one to two years is analyzed. Time-series analysis showed a significant positive trend of depression symptomatology in two of the cases, perhaps too subtle for detection in routine clinical check-up, but statistically verifiable. In one of these cases, none of the factors of the scale stands out, despite the fact that the general index shows a statistically significant change over the 36 observations made, so that the results obtained are related to the syndrome of depletion or exhaustion. In the second of the cases, we detect a significant change in the depressive mood factor, which may indicate a subclinical depressive form in its initial stages. Continuous registers can reveal valuable information about situations and progress in the evolution of an older person's mood, with regard to natural development, the prelude to a mood disorder, or follow-up in clinical cases. Este trabajo de investigación muestra la utilidad de la recogida sistemática de información en personas de edad avanzada así como un procedimiento de análisis estadístico para la interpretación de la misma. Se presentan cuatro casos de ancianos institucionalizados y se analizan las puntuaciones obtenidas en sintomatología depresiva durante un periodo de entre uno y casi dos años. El análisis de series temporales muestra una tendencia significativa al alza de la sintomatología depresiva en dos de los casos, tal vez sutil para exploraciones clínicas rutinarias, pero demostrable desde un punto de vista estadístico. En uno de estos casos no destaca ninguno de los factores sintomáticos de la escala, a pesar de que el índice general muestra un cambio estadísticamente significativo a lo largo de las 36 observaciones realizadas, por lo que los resultados obtenidos se relacionan con el síndrome de depleción o agotamiento. En el segundo de los casos, se detecta un cambio significativo en el factor del estado de ánimo depresivo, por lo que puede tratarse de una forma depresiva subclínica en sus inicios. Un registro continuado puede revelar información valiosa acerca de lo que sucede en la evolución anímica de una persona de edad avanzada, sea como desarrollo anímico natural, como preludio de una alteración del humor o como seguimiento de casos clínicos.
[Effect of oxygen inhalation on myocardial opacification using levovist: an animal experimental study].

OBJECTIVES Levovist can opacify the myocardium via venous injection, and is widely used in the clinical field. However, left ventricular opacification deteriorates during oxygen inhalation using Albunex, one of the first generation of contrast agents. This study examines the effect of blood oxygen pressure on the myocardial opacification by Levovist. METHODS Myocardial contrast echocardiography (Toshiba Power Vision 6000) was performed using second harmonic imaging, intermittent exposure of ultrasound (every 4 cardiac beats) and acoustic power of 1.4 mechanical index. The video intensity of the ventricular septum after venous injection of Levovist (0.5 ml of 300 mg/ml) was measured under various respiratory conditions by manipulating the respirator and oxygen inhalation. Arterial blood gas was measured and correlated with the myocardial video intensity. RESULTS The video intensity of myocardial opacification was lower with higher oxygen pressure in the arterial blood. Visual recognition of myocardial opacification was only 14% under high oxygen pressure over 200 mmHg. Microbubbles of Levovist form from normal air, and are easily affected by the gas concentration of the surrounding blood. CONCLUSIONS Myocardial opacification using Levovist is deteriorated under high oxygen pressure at examination.
Combination therapy with BPTES nanoparticles and metformin targets the metabolic heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer

Significance There are no effective therapies currently available for advanced pancreatic cancer. We show that there are two populations of cancer cells within a pancreatic tumor that require targeting by different metabolic inhibitors for effective tumor control. Rapidly dividing cells use glutamine, and can be effectively killed by administration of a nanoparticle containing an inhibitor of glutamine metabolism. Hypoxic cells, which are slowly dividing cells, metabolize glucose and can be targeted by metformin, a drug used for the treatment of diabetes. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether combination therapy, with drugs that effectively block the metabolism of glutamine and glucose, improves the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Targeting glutamine metabolism via pharmacological inhibition of glutaminase has been translated into clinical trials as a novel cancer therapy, but available drugs lack optimal safety and efficacy. In this study, we used a proprietary emulsification process to encapsulate bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES), a selective but relatively insoluble glutaminase inhibitor, in nanoparticles. BPTES nanoparticles demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics and efficacy compared with unencapsulated BPTES. In addition, BPTES nanoparticles had no effect on the plasma levels of liver enzymes in contrast to CB-839, a glutaminase inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials. In a mouse model using orthotopic transplantation of patient-derived pancreatic tumor tissue, BPTES nanoparticle monotherapy led to modest antitumor effects. Using the HypoxCR reporter in vivo, we found that glutaminase inhibition reduced tumor growth by specifically targeting proliferating cancer cells but did not affect hypoxic, noncycling cells. Metabolomics analyses revealed that surviving tumor cells following glutaminase inhibition were reliant on glycolysis and glycogen synthesis. Based on these findings, metformin was selected for combination therapy with BPTES nanoparticles, which resulted in significantly greater pancreatic tumor reduction than either treatment alone. Thus, targeting of multiple metabolic pathways, including effective inhibition of glutaminase by nanoparticle drug delivery, holds promise as a novel therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Credit ratings and bond spreads of the GIIPS

Abstract We examine the relationship between credit ratings and bond yield spreads of peripheral countries in the euro area (Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain) for the period 1995–2014. Since 2012, bond spreads of those countries have come down very fast, whereas credit ratings have hardly changed. Our results suggest that credit rating agencies have become more cautious and have changed their approach to assess credit risk of sovereigns, and that the impact of sovereign credit risk ratings on sovereign bond spreads has changed.
The Relationship Between Organizational Justice Components and Innovative Behavior in Arab Society. Evidence from Government Department in Jordan

2 Abstract: This study explores the relationship between organization justice components (distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice) and innovative behaviors. It was conducted in Jordan where participants in the study consist of the middle and senior management staff of the greater Amman municipality in Amman, Jordan. A total of 175 samples was identified and from the analysis, it is found that only one organization justice components have a significant relationship with innovative behavior which is the instructional justice. The data does not support significant relationship of the other two components (distributive justice and procedural justice) with the innovative behavior. Although the results from the analysis do not show the expected relationship of the two components, the results indicate the effect of different scenario or environment in Jordan that leads to different findings. It is claimed here that such results could be helpful for developing a new model of organizational justice with new implementation techniques by replicating this study in different Arab countries and contexts.
Measuring the process innovation of China's high-tech manufacturing

The study on process innovation has gained momentum in recent years. As to China, there are many special characteristics in technological nature and market condition. In the early stage of development, China's manufacturing industries introduce mature technology directly and launch competition in the late stage of product life cycle. Consequently, process innovation has become strategic priority. Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA)is used in this paper to measure the Malmquist productivity of process innovation and analyse the influencing factors of TFP in China's high-tech industry from 2000 to 2008. Result shows that, there are great fluctuations of total factor Productivity in overall Hi-tech industry; efficiency of process innovation in China's high-tech industry mainly relies on technological progress rather than efficiency of resource allocation; Malmquist index of process innovation varies in different industries. The efficiency of process innovation in Medical Equipments and Measuring Instrument is relatively high, while the lowest efficiency is Medicines industry. The article also made recommendations on the improvement of non-effective unit.
A Modular Textile Antenna Design Using Snap-on Buttons for Wearable Applications

An antenna design concept with detachable radiation elements offering modular geometry reconfigurabilities for wearable applications is presented. By utilizing snap-on buttons, both as the radio-frequency (RF) connection and mechanical holding mechanism, different modularly interchangeable microstrip patches are employed to demonstrate geometry reconfigurabilities in terms of polarization and resonance frequency. The uniqueness of the design arises from the fact that all configurations share one common feed structure which consists of a two-layered substrate including snap-on buttons, a ground plane, and a proximity coupled feed. To show the concept, modular realizations with different functionalities in terms of polarization or resonance frequency are demonstrated in this paper. First, a detachable patch offering interchangeable right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) at 5 GHz is proposed. Second, a demonstration of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) concept offering interchangeable resonance frequencies for the 2.4- and 5.3-GHz bands of wireless local area networks (WLAN) is given. Finally, a patch module designed for 8-GHz operation is presented to show the versatility in frequency modularity. Experimental results of the fabricated antennas in freeAn antenna design concept with detachable radiation elements offering modular geometry reconfigurabilities for wearable applications is presented. By utilizing snap-on buttons, both as the radio-frequency (RF) connection and mechanical holding mechanism, different modularly interchangeable microstrip patches are employed to demonstrate geometry reconfigurabilities in terms of polarization and resonance frequency. The uniqueness of the design arises from the fact that all configurations share one common feed structure which consists of a two-layered substrate including snap-on buttons, a ground plane, and a proximity coupled feed. To show the concept, modular realizations with different functionalities in terms of polarization or resonance frequency are demonstrated in this paper. First, a detachable patch offering interchangeable right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) at 5 GHz is proposed. Second, a demonstration of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) concept offering interchangeable resonance frequencies for the 2.4- and 5.3-GHz bands of wireless local area networks (WLAN) is given. Finally, a patch module designed for 8-GHz operation is presented to show the versatility in frequency modularity. Experimental results of the fabricated antennas in free space, worn by a torso phantom and in bending conditions, validate the concept and prove that this type of modular design offers convenient, passive, low cost, and versatile system reconfigurabilities, which can benefit wearable applications. space, worn by a torso phantom and in bending conditions, validate the concept and prove that this type of modular design offers convenient, passive, low cost, and versatile system reconfigurabilities, which can benefit wearable applications.
The Gross and Micro Anatomy of the Accessory Sex Glands of the Male Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina)

This study was a follow up to the study on the gross anatomy of the male agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) reproductive system. The seminal vesicles of the agouti are lobulated structures. The mean diameter of the large lumen is 883.6 ± 76.83 μm. The mucosa (24.1 ± 0.92 μm), which is lined by pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium is thrown into folds, which often branch. The lamina muscularis mucosa is thin and is made of loose connective tissue containing blood vessels. The mucosa of the leaf‐like coagulating glands of the agouti is folded. The mean diameter of the lumen is 488.3 ± 41.96 μm. The mucosa contains tubuloalveolar glands, which have a mean length of 199.5 ± 28.83 μm. The thin epithelium, 15.0 ± 1.25‐μm wide, consists mostly of pseudo‐stratified columnar cells. The epithelium also has surface modifications in the form of apical blebs and cilia. The epithelium of the agouti’s lobulated prostate gland is also folded creating a large lumen with a mean diameter of 995.5 ± 55.70 μm. The mucosa contains tubular and tubuloalveolar glands, each having a mean length of 134.4 ± 13.59 μm. The epithelium (13.9 ± 1.16 μm) consists of pseudo‐stratified columnar cells. The pea‐shaped bulbourethral gland (BG) of the agouti consists of convoluted tubular, mucous secretory units, which are irregularly shaped each with a mean length of 177.9 ± 7.10 μm and a mean width of 63.5 ± 3.97 μm. The BG of the agouti are ventro‐lateral to the rectum and dorsally positioned to the pubic symphysis, and connected to the urethra by short ducts.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Buteo hemilasius (Falconiformes: Accipitridae)

Abstract In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the Upland Buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) was sequenced and reported for the first time using the muscle tissue. The mitochondrial genome is a circular molecule of 18 079 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 1 control region, and 1 extra pseudo-control region. A phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 12 protein-coding genes (except ND6 gene) of 14 Falconiformes species’ mitochondrial genomes using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) demonstrated that all species cluster into two clades and B. hemilasius is close to B. buteo.
International Grantmaking by American Foundations

International Grantmaking by American Foundations Joannie Tremblay-Boire Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Aseem Prakash Political Science Why do American foundations make international grants to certain nonprofits and not others? Numerous studies have examined the determinants of American bilateral foreign aid allocation, but little attention has been paid to the drivers of private aid, including foundation grants. The number of foundations in the United States is growing consistently, as is the amount of grants they distribute. As inequality increases and private wealth becomes more concentrated in the United States, we can expect even more foundations to distribute private aid and potentially channel nonprofit recipients’ priorities. Yet, even as nonprofits more generally are receiving increasing attention in political science, public policy, and other disciplines, foundations tend to be ignored by scholars despite their potential for monetary and ideological power. To study grantmaking by American foundations, I adopt a multi-method approach focusing on three factors: their external environment, internal organizational dynamics, and the interpersonal relationships of their staff and trustees with recipient organizations. First, I examine how factors that affect governmental foreign aid distribution may also influence American foundations’ international grants. Using a panel of 146 countries for the 2003-2011 time period, I find that self-interest, U.S. foreign policy objectives and need in recipient countries influence foundations. Second, I focus on the internal dynamics within foundations during the grantmaking process through case studies. Here, I focus on how size, organizational structure, and internal politics influence funding priorities, the grantee selection process, and grant turnover. Third, I study how interpersonal networks between foundations and potential grantees affect grantmaking using social network and multivariate analysis. I expect that interlocking boards of directors between foundations and nonprofits will act as a channel for “connected” nonprofits to send and receive important information, thus making them more likely to receive grants.