Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nasal polyp-derived superoxide anion: dose-dependent inhibition by nitric oxide and pathophysiological implications.

The epithelium of the paranasal sinuses produces nitric oxide (NO), which probably plays a major role in the nonspecific defense of these cavities through its bacteriostatic and cilia motility stimulation properties. Abundant eosinophils of nasal polyps potentially generate superoxide anion (O2-*), but NO and O2-* inactivate reciprocally. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the relationship between NO concentrations and nasal polyp production of O2-*. Polyp fragments from 24 patients were studied using histological examination and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (to assess O2-* production). The effect of various concentrations of exogenous NO on chemiluminescent signals was assessed. Basal and phorbol ester-stimulated O2-* production varied largely among patients, but both were highly related to eosinophilic infiltration. A slow releasing NO donor DETA NONOate (DETA/NO NOC-18) dose dependently inhibited lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence from phorbol ester-stimulated polyp fragments, with an EC50 of 1.5 mM. The NO concentration in normal maxillary sinus was estimated about 10 ppm (i.e., 0.5 microM in aqueous phase) (Lundberg, et al. Nature Med 1995;1:370). Calculations revealed that the DETA NONOate 0.75 mM and 1.5 mM generate steady-state concentrations of NO of 0.5 microM and 2.5 microM, respectively. In conclusion, the NO concentration present in paranasal sinuses appears to partially suppress (approximately 20-40%) O2-* production from polyp eosinophils. Conversely, phagocytic-derived O2-* could contribute to decrease sinus NO concentration, further altering this natural local defense. Together, these events could participate in chronic inflammation and contribute to the pathophysiology of nasal polyps.
Living in Parallel Universes? The implementation of EU rules on movable cultural heritage in Bulgaria

This paper proposes an analytical framework, which we use to examine the implementation of the European Union’s policy on movable cultural heritage. We apply this framework to the case of transposition and implementation of the EU rules regarding movable cultural heritage in Bulgaria. We find different implementation outcomes stemming from one and the same formal policy. Due to high levels of polarization between political decision makers, the implementing actors have broad discretion to apply different informal policies. In depth analysis of implementation also suggests that under these conditions different implementing players have followed their normative orientations and applied completely different informal policies. Different implementing actors apply different policies and, thus, as it were, they live in parallel universes where different implementation practices exist.
Impact of Choice of Therapeutic Strategy for Acute Cholecystitis on Patient’s Health-Related Quality of Life

Background: The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to determine if health related quality of life is affected by the choice of surgical strategy in the management of acute cholecystitis. Material and Methods: After diagnostic workup, patients were randomized to one of two groups: (1) early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (i.e. within 7 days after onset of symptoms) or (2) initial conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Seventy-four patients entered the early operation group and 71 patients were assigned to the delayed operation strategy. Assessments of quality of life were made at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and in the delayed operation group also one month after the initial conservative treatment. Results: The gastrointestinal symptom scores were significantly better in three dimensions (diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain) one month after surgery for the acute operation group (p < 0.01). Three and 6 months after the operation we were unable to detect any significant differences between the groups. The patients in the delayed operation group did not appear to suffer from more symptoms in the period of time waiting for their elective operation. Psychological general well-being showed no major differences between the groups. Conclusion: Cholecystectomy in the acute phase of acute cholecystitis offers a significant reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms during the first postoperative month and to that associated improved quality of life in this group of patients.
Sign Gesture Recongnition Using Support Vector Machine

A tool for recognizing alphabet level continuous American Sign Language using Support Vector Machine to track the sign languages represented with hands is presented. Six letters are trained and recognized and got an efficiency of 92.13%. The static images of hand gestures representing the six letters are taken in a camera and processed for training and recognition. The image taken in the camera was so large to process so we resized the image to one eighth of its original size. Then the image is converted to gray and the edges of it are found out using the Sobel filter. Since our point of interest is the gesture made with hand we find out the largest three among all the connected components which would give another image as the output having only the boundary of the sign leaving behind the rest of the objects present in the image which are unnecessary. The coordinates of the edges are given as the input to the Support Vector Machine which will train and classify the same so that that next time when a test data is given it would get classified accordingly. Both the row and column position of the final image (consist of only three connected components) are taken as the elements of sample matrix used for training the images. The âSupport Vector Machine' tool is used for classification and training.
Three-dimensional structure of the regularly constructed surface layer from Synechocystis sp. strain CLII

The isolated, outermost cell wall layer from Synechocystis sp. strain CLII is described using electron microscopy and Fourier reconstruction to study the three-dimensional structure of the proteins within the layer to a resolution of ca. 3 nm. This surface layer forms regular hexagonal arrays (a = b = 15.2 nm). The two-dimensional space group is p6. The monomer proteins form hexamers arranged around a central hollow cylinder. The linkers between the hexamers are of the delta type and are located approximately in the central section between the top and bottom of the protein layer.
Design of beam steerable antenna operating at 2.8 GHz

In this paper, we propose a planar antenna for realization of beam steering operating at 2.8 GHz. A planar structure of 5 radiating patches is arranged systematically to obtain highly directional patterns. A gain of 12.82 dBi has been observed from simulation. The concept of switching is implemented in order to realize the beam steering. The dimensions are further optimized so as to minimize back lobe.
Expectations and the quantitative easing in Eurozone

The European economy suffered from both the 2008 financial crisis and the debt sovereign crisis of certain of its members and then experienced a period of quantitative easing (QE) starting in 2015. The goal of this study is to explore the direct and exclusive effects of this rather unconventional monetary policy on financial markets, economic activity, and labor markets across the Eurozone. The analysis employs the Markov-switching dynamic regression method. The findings illustrate the reduction of short- and log-term credit spreads, increased stock prices, improved market expectations, recovered labor market conditions and economic productivity, while the primary transmission channel of the QE policy is the expectations channel.
The Poverty Simulation: Increasing Teacher Sensitivity for Students Living in Poverty

Studies of children growing up in poverty describe increasingly devastating effects on many areas of development (e.g., cognitive, linguistic, socio-emotional, affective, psychomotor). Teachers need to be aware of these findings; they also need to develop empathy for their students living in poverty. One way to do this is to experience a poverty simulation wherein participants (i.e., teachers) learn what it is like to “walk in their students’ shoes. ” This report describes the history of a poverty simulation in southeast Georgia. Analysis of quantitative data, collected via surveys administered before and after recent poverty simulations, revealed the following findings: increased teacher understanding of poverty, increased teacher recognition of their own biases toward their students and their families who live in poverty, and increased teacher empathy toward their students and their families who live in poverty. Findings also showed that teachers plan to apply their new understandings regarding poverty in their classrooms. Implications for practice, especially for teachers working in urban settings with poor children, are offered.
Identifying Environmental and Natural Resource Management Conflict Potential Using Participatory Mapping

ABSTRACT Methods have been proposed for identifying land use conflict potential using participatory mapping data and models. In a case study from Finland, we extend conflict mapping research by evaluating the capacity for participatory mapping to identify conflict for land uses that include mining, tourism development, commercial forestry, recreation, and nature protection. We evaluated two conflict models using reference sites where conflict was expected and assessed whether conflict potential was influenced by participant social group (resident, visitor, holiday home owner). The conflict models correctly identified the locations of current and proposed mining projects and major tourism locations (ski areas) in the region, while conflict for commercial forestry and reindeer herding was spatially distributed. Preferences for land use by social group were more similar than different across the study region. Identification of conflict potential using participatory mapping can provide a useful planning diagnostic but would benefit from additional research for validation.
A Very Simple Control Strategy for Power Factor Correctors Driving High-Brightness LEDs

This paper presents a new control strategy for power factor correctors (PFCs) that are used to drive high-brightness LEDs. This control strategy is extremely simple and is based on the use of a conventional peak-current-mode controller with a suitable selection of the compensation ramp waveform. Neither an analog multiplier nor an input voltage sensor is needed to achieve quasi-sinusoidal line waveforms at nominal conditions and full load. If the converter belongs to the flyback family (flyback, buck-boost, SEPIC, Cuk and Zeta), the line waveform appears notably distorted if the compensation function is a linear ramp, but becomes almost sinusoidal if the linear ramp is substituted by a properly chosen exponential function. The line waveform is slightly distorted when the load varies or when the converter works under either overvoltage or undervoltage conditions. However, the waveform maintains a very high power factor (PF) even under these conditions. Moreover, the line current is cycle-by-cycle-controlled due to the peak-current-mode control, and hence, the input-current feedback loop is extremely fast, thereby allowing this type of control to be used with high-frequency lines (above 400 Hz).
Function of skeletal muscle tissue formed after myoblast transplantation into irradiated mouse muscles

1 Pretreatment of muscles with ionising radiation enhances tissue formation by transplanted myoblasts but little is known about the effects on muscle function. We implanted myoblasts from an expanded, male‐donor‐derived, culture (i28) into X‐ray irradiated (16 Gy) or irradiated and damaged soleus muscles of female syngeneic mice (Balb/c). Three to 6 months later the isometric contractile properties of the muscles were studied in vitro, and donor nuclei were visualised in muscle sections with a Y chromosome‐specific DNA probe. 2 Irradiated sham‐injected muscles had smaller masses than untreated solei and produced less twitch and tetanic force (all by about 18 %). Injection of 106 myoblasts abolished these deficiencies and innervation appeared normal. 3 Cryodamage of irradiated solei produced muscle remnants with few (1–50) or no fibres. Additional myoblast implantation led to formation of large muscles (25 % above normal) containing numerous small‐diameter fibres. Upon direct electrical stimulation, these muscles produced considerable twitch (53 % of normal) and tetanic forces (35 % of normal) but innervation was insufficient as indicated by weak nerve‐evoked contractions and elevated ACh sensitivity. 4 In control experiments on irradiated muscles, reinnervation was found to be less complete after botulinum toxin paralysis than after nerve crush indicating that proliferative arrest of irradiated Schwann cells may account for the observed innervation deficits. 5 Irradiation appears to be an effective pretreatment for improving myoblast transplantation. The injected cells can even produce organised contractile tissue replacing whole muscle. However, impaired nerve regeneration limits the functional performance of the new muscle.
Tissue plasminogen activator versus heparin for locking dialysis catheters: A systematic review

Abstract Background and Objectives: Hemodialysis catheters are commonly used when renal replacement therapy is initiated. These catheters have significant complications. Among "locking" solutions used in an attempt to decrease these complications is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). This systematic review is to determine the efficacy of rt-PA versus heparin, the standard of care. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials studying rt-PA alone or rt-PA plus heparin versus heparin alone as locking agents for hemodialysis catheters, which included patients needed a temporary hemodialysis catheter for hemodialysis. We identified relevant trials through electronic databases and correspondence with experts. Two investigators independently reviewed potentially eligible trials and extracted data. Results: Three trials met the inclusion criteria. One trial reported an improved catheter malfunctioning in patients using rt-PA plus heparin to lock catheters (20.0%) versus heparin alone (34.8%). Another trial reported higher blood flow rate in hemodialysis catheters in patients who received rt-PA (231.6 ± 12.4 mL/min) compared with those who received heparin (206.9 mL/min). The third trial reported formation and weight of clots which were decreased by half in rt-PA group versus heparin group. Conclusions: In the few randomized trials that met our inclusion criteria, the use of rt-PA as a locking solution for hemodialysis catheters seems to be associated with fewer adverse events and catheter malfunctioning as compared with heparin. Our systematic review is limited by the few randomized trials addressing our question and the wide variety of outcome measures. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Direct immunofluorescent detection of Legionella pneumophila in respiratory specimens

Respiratory secretions from patients with clinically suspected Legionnaires pneumonia were examined by direc immunofluorescent tests at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont and at the Center for Disease Control. No fluorescent bacteria were found by either laboratory in eight specimens from eight patients who were seronegative. Twenty specimens were obtained from seven patients who had serologically confirmed Legionnaires disease. Four of the seven cases were identified at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, and six of the seven were identified at the Center for Disease Control. Of 20 specimens, 8 were positive at the Center for Disease Control (six or more bacilli per slide), and 7 specimens were suspicious (one to five bacilli per slide); at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, 4 of 20 specimens were positive, and 2 were suspicious. The inclusion of a rhodamine-conjugated counterstain at the Center for Disease Control facilitated the examination and may have improved the sensitivity. Smears from transtracheal aspirates, bronchoscopic aspirates, transcutaneous lung aspirates, pleural fluids, and tracheal aspirate-expectorated sputum produced positive results. Several specimens contained fluorescing bacilli when stained for serogroup 2 as well as serogroup 1, perhaps reflecting the presence of cross-reacting antigens in vivo.
2006 Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Women With Abnormal Cervical Screening Tests

Objective. To provide revised evidence-based consensus guidelines for managing women with abnormal cervical cancer screening test results. Participants. A group of 146 experts, including representatives from 29 professional organizations, federal agencies, and national and international health organizations, met in Bethesda, MD, September 18-19, 2006, to develop the guidelines. Major Changes in Guidelines. The core recommendations for managing women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were changed minimally. Postcolposcopy management for women with these cytological abnormalities is now identical. Management recommendations for these conditions did change for "special populations," such as adolescents for whom a more conservative approach incorporating cytological follow-up for 2 years was approved. Core recommendations for managing women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and atypical glandular cells also underwent only minor modifications. More emphasis is placed on immediate "screen-and-treat" approaches when managing women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Testing for high-risk human papillomavirus DNA is incorporated into the management of women with atypical glandular cells after their initial evaluation with colposcopy and endometrial sampling. The 2004 Interim Guidance for the use of human papillomavirus DNA testing as an adjunct to cervical cytology for screening in women 30 years and older was formally adopted with only very minor modifications. Conclusions. The 2006 Consensus Guidelines reflect recent data from large clinical trials and advances in technology and are designed to assist clinicians of all subspecialties.
Integración de recursos semánticos basados en WordNet

This paper presents a new tool to integrate different resources based on the WordNet structure and relations, using algorithm and graph techniques. The main goal is to provide in a unique tool access and management of relations among different resources like: WordNet Domains, WordNet Affect and SUMO. As a result, we have obtained a unique interface to relate different senses of one word with their corresponding domains, SUMO categories or WordNet relations. After the process of integration we have conducted several experiments to test the reliability of this tool.
Compensation of the transducer response for high frequency coded excitation imaging

An enhanced approach in which the windowed chirp transmission is inverse filtered with the impulse response of an ultrasonic transducer is investigated to improve axial resolution and to reduce the side lobe level in high frequency coded excitation imaging. This method reduces side-lobe level more than the resolution enhancement compression (REC) method without using a mismatched filter. The proposed method modifies the number of samples of transmission signal to maintain the accuracy of convolution operation while performing inverse filtering. In this way, side-lobe level is minimized compared to the REC method without a loss of axial resolution. Both simulation and experimental measurements were carried out to validate the enhanced method. FieldII simulation was performed for a 34MHz focused single element transducer. For the experimental measurement, a focused LiNbO3 single element transducer at 34MHz center frequency with 74% bandwidth was used. The two way impulse response of transducer was acquired by pulse-echo measurements. The frequency of the Hanning windowed chirp was from 20MHz to 60MHz. Images of a wire target and rabbit eyeball were acquired for the image evaluation. The simulation results showed that the axial resolution at −6dB was enhanced from 53µm to 48µm at the focal point of transducer whereas experimental results showed that the axial resolution at −6dB was enhanced from 52µm to 46µm and side-lobe level of proposed method was decreased by 4dB compared with the REC method.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AMINOPEPTIDASE ACTIVITY FROM THREE SPECIES OF MICROSPORIDIA: ENCEPHALITOZOON CUNICULI, ENCEPHALITOZOON HELLEM, AND VITTAFORMA CORNEAE

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of the phylum Microspora. To date, more than 1,200 species within 144 genera have been described, with 14 infecting humans. Currently, no effective treatment exists for human microsporidiosis. In this study, the biochemical properties of the aminopeptidases were investigated within several species of microsporidia. Aminopeptidase activity was detected in 3 species of microsporidia, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. hellem, and Vittaforma corneae, using a fluorometric substrate assay. Each species exhibited distinct aminopeptidase properties. The cytosolic neutral aminopeptidase activities of the Encephalitozoon spp. were characterized as preferentially cleaving leucine, whereas those of V. corneae cleaved arginine. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis estimated the molecular mass of E. cuniculi, E. hellem, and V. corneae as 74, 72, and 79 kDa, respectively. Enzymatic activity was inhibited by bestatin and it's analogue, nitrobestatin, indicating that the enzyme was an aminopeptidase for all species. Inhibition with the chelating agents ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline characterized the enzymes as metalloaminopeptidases. Subcellular fractionation of the 3 microsporidial species suggested that the enzyme activity was localized in the cytosolic fraction. Optimal enzyme activity was observed at pH 7.2 for all species. This is the first report of enzyme characterization from these 3 species of microsporidia.
Singular memory or institutional memories? Toward a dynamic approach

thanks are due to the Australia and New Zealand School of Government for the grant that funded the research, and to the Institute for the Study of Social Change at the University of Tasmania for its support. Some initial research assistance was provided by Thomas Butler. Heather Lovell would also like to thank the Australian Research Council, which part funded the Victorian Smart Meter case under its Future Fellowships program—Project ID FT140100646.
Direct and Indirect Band-to-Band Tunneling in Germanium-Based TFETs

Germanium is a widely used material for tunnel FETs because of its small band gap and compatibility with silicon. Typically, only the indirect band gap of Ge at 0.66 eV is considered. However, direct band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) in Ge should be included in tunnel FET modeling and simulations since the energy difference between the Ge conduction band edges at the L and Γ valleys is only 0.14 eV at room temperature. In this paper, we theoretically calculate the parameters A and B of Kane's direct and indirect BTBT models at different tunneling directions ([100], [110], and [111]) for Si, Ge and unstrained Si1-xGex. We highlight how the direct BTBT component becomes more important as the Ge mole fraction increases. The calculation of the band-to-band generation rate in the uniform electric field limit reveals that direct tunneling always dominates over indirect tunneling in Ge. The impact of the direct transition in Ge on the performance of two realistic tunnel field-effect transistor configurations is illustrated with TCAD simulations. The influence of field-induced quantum confinement is included in the analysis based on a back-of-the-envelope calculation.