Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Stress on the Development of Chronic Pancreatitis

In this study, the effects of chronic water immersion stress on the pancreas were investigated in four groups of rats (each group, n = 9): stress + cerulein group, stress group, cerulein group, and control group. Stress + cerulein rats were treated with water immersion stress for 5 h and two intra-peritoneal injections of 20 kglkg body wt of cerulein once a week for 16 weeks. In the macroscopic findings of the pancreas, all rats in the stress + cerulein group exhibited moderate or distinctive congestion of blood vessels, gland atrophy, and fatty changes, while some of them showed bleeding. Microscopically, they all exhibited moderate or severe fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, fatty changes, destruction of lobular architecture, and hemosiderin deposits, while some of them also showed bleeding. The stress group without treatment with cerulein injections showed slight fibrosis, hemosiderin deposits, and bleeding. The cerulein group without stress treatment showed fatty changes, but no inflammatory cell infiltration or fibrosis. In the stress + cerulein group only, the contents of digestive enzymes and protein in the pancreas were −55% lower than those of the control group, whereas those in other groups did not show significant reduction. These findings suggest that stress plays some role in the development of chronic pancreatitis, perhaps by causing circulatory disturbance and blood vessel injury.
Detectable reporter gene expression following transduction of adenovirus and adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic and unaffected canine cartilage in vitro and unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo

This study quantified and compared the transduction efficiencies of adenoviral (Ad), Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐modified Ad, adeno‐associated viral serotype 2 (AAV2), and self‐complementary AAV2 (scAAV2) vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic (OA) and unaffected canine cartilage explants in vitro. Intraarticular administration of Ad and scAAV2 vectors was performed to determine the ability of these vectors to transduce unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo. Following explant exposure to vector treatment or control, the onset and surface distribution of reporter gene expression was monitored daily with fluorescent microscopy. At termination, explants were divided: one half was digested for analysis using flow cytometry; the remaining portion was used for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intact articular joints were collected for real‐time RT‐PCR and IHC to detect reporter gene expression following injection of selected vectors. Ad vector transduced focal areas along the perimeters of explants; the remaining vectors transduced chondrocytes across 100% of the surface. Greater mean transduction efficiencies were found with both AAV2 vectors as compared to the Ad vector (p ≤ 0.026). Ad and Ad‐RGD vectors transduced only superficial chondrocytes of OA and unaffected cartilage. Uniform reporter gene expression from AAV2 and scAAV2 was detected in the tangential and transitional zones of OA cartilage, but not deeper zones. AAV2 and scAAV2 vectors achieved partial and full‐thickness transduction of unaffected cartilage. In vivo work revealed that scAAV2 vector, but not Ad vector, transduced deeper zones of cartilage and menisci. This study demonstrates that AAV2 and scAAV2 are reliable vectors for use in cartilage in vitro and in vivo. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:149–155, 2010
Quantum Transport and Current Distribution at Radio Frequency in Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Multiwall carbon nanotubes represent a low-dimensional material that could serve as building blocks for future carbon-based nanoelectronics. The understanding of the electromagnetic performances at radio frequency of these materials for use in nanointerconnects is strictly related to the analysis of their transport properties as function of the working conditions. In this paper, we present an explicit expression of the conducting channels as function of diameter, temperature, doping, and supply voltage for both metallic and semiconducting carbon nanotubes. The proposed formula is based on the Dirac cone approximation of the conducting band energy of graphene nearby the Fermi points, combined with the Landauer-Buttiker formalism. Simplified expressions are also obtained in case of large diameter nanotubes. We show that the conductance, kinetic inductance, and quantum capacitance of each carbon shell are strongly affected by those parameters, and, consequently, that the current distribution among the shells of a multiwall carbon nanotube at radio frequency could be optimized with the proper definition of the nanotube configuration versus the working conditions.
Soil N2O and CO2 Emissions from Red Soils Following Land Conversion in Subtropical China

Chinese forestlands and grasslands have undergone great changes in land use in recent decades for arresting soil erosion and degradation, but its impact on trace gas emissions has not well documented. The study was conducted in situ to assess the comprehensive effects of conversion cropland to forestlands, grasslands and agrofoestry systems on soil N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions under maize cultivation (June 2003-October 2003). In order to document the dynamics and importance of these emissions, soil carbon, nitrogen, nitrogen mineralization and microbial biomass C, soil potential for N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and soil climatic data were measured. The total amount of soil N<sub>2</sub>O emission through the growing season in summer maize field, which were slightly lower than the values of 390, 470, 512, 372 and 423 g N<sub>2</sub>O-N ha<sup>-1</sup> in natural fallow, A.fruticosa, A.fruticosa+faba bean-maize, vetiver, vetiver+faba bean-maize plot, respectively. Equivalent values for CO<sub>2</sub> emissions were 3480, 1737, 2449, 5335, 2672 and 3309 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-C ha<sup>-1</sup>. The differences in N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> emissions between different treatments resulted from the climatic conditions and some potential such as soil microbial biomass C, nitrogen mineralization and hedge species to a great extent. The results indicate that conversion from cropland to hedgerow agroforestry might potentially increase the release of soil CO<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O; and conversion from cropland to forestland and/or grassland might potentially decrease the release of soil CO<sub>2</sub>, whereas the opposite trend for the release of soil N<sub>2</sub>O was observed. However, the responses to land conversion reported here need be verified in longer term experiments before they can be used to predict the effects of land conversion on the net soil N<sub>2</sub>O and CO<sub>2</sub> balance.
Acute effects of walking on inflammatory and cardiovascular risk in sedentary post-menopausal women

Abstract Biochemical markers of inflammation are emerging as new predictors of risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and may alter acutely with exercise. Few studies have been conducted on the effects of walking on these markers or whether different walking intensities elicit varied effects. As there is growing interest in modifiable lifestyle factors such as walking to reduce CVD risk, these inflammatory responses warrant investigation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of walking at 50% versus 70% of predicted maximal heart rate on C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma fibrinogen, and trigylcerides in sedentary post-menopausal women. Twelve post-menopausal women (mean age 58 years, s ± 6; stature 1.62 m, s ± 0.06; body mass 66.8 kg, s ± 6.2) completed two 30-min treadmill walks in a randomized cross-over design. Fasted blood samples were taken (for the determination of plasma fibrinogen, CRP, and lipids) before, immediately after, and 1 and 24 h after exercise. Triglyceride concentrations decreased from pre-exercise to 24 h post exercise at both walking intensities (time×group interaction, P < 0.05). No significant effects were observed for plasma fibrinogen, CRP, total cholesterol, low-density or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (time x group interaction, P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that fasting plasma triglycerides are decreased on the morning after 30 min of brisk walking at either 50% or 70% of maximal heart rate (moderate and vigorous intensity).
Toll receptors and pathogen resistance

Toll receptors in insects, mammals and plants are key players that sense the invasion of pathogens. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in mammals have been established to detect specific components of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that TLRs are involved in the recognition of viral invasion. Signalling pathways via TLRs originate from the conserved Toll/IL‐1 receptor (TIR) domain. The TIR domain‐containing MyD88 acts as a common adaptor that induces inflammatory cytokines; however, there exists a MyD88‐independent pathway that induces type I IFNs in TLR4 and TLR3 signalling. Another TIR domain‐containing adaptor, TIRAP/Mal has recently been shown to mediate the MyD88‐dependent activation in the TLR4 and TLR2 signalling pathway. Thus, individual TLRs may have their own signalling systems that characterize their specific activities.
Cloning and Gene Replacement Mutagenesis of a Pseudomonas atlantica Agarase Gene

An agarase gene (agrA) was isolated by cloning genomic DNA prepared from Pseudomonas atlantica. The agarase activity in recombinant Escherichia coli was found in cell-free culture supernatants and could pass through a 0.45-μm-pore-size membrane separating cells from agar, suggesting that the gene product was exported in E. coli. The enzyme was specific for agar and agarose and did not digest alginate or carrageenan. Mutations generated by transposon mini-Mu d1(lacZ Kmr) were used to define the agrA coding region, as well as the direction of transcription of the gene. A procedure was developed to produce a P. atlantica agrA mutant. This required construction of an agrA::kan insertion mutation in vitro and subsequent introduction of the defect into the chromosome of P. atlantica by recombinational exchange. Transformation of P. atlantica with plasmids containing agrA::kan utilized a Tris-polyethylene glycol 6000-CaCl2 treatment for making competent cells. Replacement of wild-type agrA with agrA::kan resulted in loss of agarase activity. Uses of the agrA gene probe and an Agr− mutant for environmental studies are discussed.
Genetic Relatedness Among Mycoplasmas as Determined by Nucleic Acid Homology

Reich, Paul R. (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.), Norman L. Somerson, James A. Rose, and Sherman M. Weissman. Genetic relatedness among mycoplasmas as determined by nucleic acid homology. J. Bacteriol. 91:153–160. 1966. —A sensitive membrane filter method to detect nucleic acid homology was used to determine genetic relatedness among mycoplasma isolates. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was isolated from mycoplasmas and used as a primer for synthesis of tritium-labeled, complementary ribonucleic acid (RNA) by the enzyme RNA polymerase. DNA from each mycoplasma isolate tested was reacted separately with complementary RNA synthesized with homologous or heterologous DNA as primer. The quantity of DNA-RNA hybrids formed was assayed by the nitrocellulose membrane filter method. The amount of radioactivity bound to the membrane filter was used to measure the degree of homology between the nucleic acids. The three mycoplasma isolates from human oral cavities (DC 63, V2785, Botteicher) and the prototype strain PG21 placed in the Mycoplasma hominis type 1 group by gel diffusion and complement-fixation testing were investigated with this technique. Analysis of the data confirmed their immunological grouping with the M. hominis type 1 and their distinction from other human mycoplasmas. In contrast to the data from immunological studies, none of the four isolates tested appeared to be identical to any other. Preliminary experiments with DNA from four other mycoplasma isolates from tissue cultures inoculated with human material revealed them to be closely related, and possibly identical. The advantages of this nucleic acid homology technique for the study of relatedness among mycoplasmas are described.
Satisfaction With Quality of Life Varies With Temperament Types of Patients With Schizophrenia

We sought to explore the relationships of three temperament factors with domain-specific subjective quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia. Ninety patients with schizophrenia were evaluated using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale, the Distress Scale for Adverse Symptoms, the Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire, the Insight Self-Report Scale, and standardized questionnaires for self-reported emotional distress and stress process-related variables. Predictors of domain-specific QOL were identified using multiple regression techniques. Temperament factors explain 6% to 16% of variability in QOL domain scores among patients with schizophrenia after controlling for the remaining variables (emotional distress, social support, self-esteem, avoidance coping, age, side effects, and depression). We found that higher levels of novelty seeking are associated with better general QOL, physical health, and more positive subjective feelings, whereas higher levels of reward dependence are related to better satisfaction from social relationships. Higher levels of harm avoidance are associated with poorer satisfaction with general activities, and medication. Thus, temperament factors, as assessed by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, substantially influence satisfaction with life quality in schizophrenia. Novelty seeking, reward dependence, and harm avoidance are associated with different domains of QOL.
Building dynamic capabilities in large global advertising agency networks: managing the shift from mass communication to digital interactivity

Interactive digital technologies result in significant managerial challenges for the largest global advertising agency networks. This paper, based on original data from in-depth case research in three of the largest global advertising networks, investigates how advertising agency networks manage the change from mass communication to digital interactivity by applying theory of dynamic capabilities to assess challenges and solutions. Relatedly, the paper analyses the change agent role ascribed to the Chief Digital Officers mandated to solve the digital interactivity challenges. The findings uncover the cognitive, structural, operational and process changes needed to develop digital interactivity, thereby highlighting important managerial implications.
Neuro-adaptive and robust automatic train control subject to unknown dynamics

Advanced control method plays a key role in guaranteeing safe and reliable automatic train operation. This paper presents a neuro-adaptive robust control method for automatic train operation subject to unknown systematic time-varying dynamics. A general model for describing the train system dynamics is established. A control scheme using assumed bounded values of the unknown time-varying dynamics is proposed for achieving automatic train tracking control, based on which a more advance control scheme without requiring the bounded values is proposed. The closed-loop system is proved to be stable in the sense of Lyapunov. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Fish consumption and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in the German arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Germany)

Recent meta-analyses have confirmed that fish consumption is related to decreased risks of ischaemic stroke and fatal CHD, while there seem to be no clear associations between fish consumption and the risks of haemorrhagic stroke and non-fatal CHD. As no studies in German populations have been reported to date, we assessed whether fish consumption as recorded by FFQ between 1994 and 1998 was related to incident myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke within the German arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted based on the data of 48 315 participants aged 35–65 years at baseline. The median fish intake was 16·4 g/d (25th–75th percentile 8·2–28·8 g/d). During a mean follow-up of 8·1 years, 605 incident MI and 525 incident strokes have been documented. After multiple adjustment, fish consumption was not related to incident MI (hazard ratio (HR) 0·84, 95 % CI 0·66, 1·08, Ptrend= 0·21) or stroke (HR 0·96, 95 % CI 0·73, 1·26, Ptrend= 0·67). Separate analyses for fatal MI, ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke did not show significant associations, either. With regard to non-fatal MI, there was a non-significant trend for an inverse association (HR 0·78, 95 % CI 0·59, 1·03, Ptrend= 0·07). Overall, fish consumption was not related to the risks of MI and stroke in the EPIC-Germany study.
EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AND ABUSE Interpersonal Violence , Depression , and Executive Function

This study considers links between the number of types of violence to which women have been exposed, depression, and executive functions (EFs). Substantial research has established EF deficits among depressed individuals as well as individuals exposed to trauma. Studies have also indicated a relationship between trauma exposure and depressive symptoms across a range of traumatic events, such as combat exposure, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and assaults. This study examines this relationship in an ethnically diverse community sample of 93 women exposed to interpersonal violence who completed a battery of EF tasks that assessed processing speed, working memory, response inhibition, and set shifting. Women reported an average of 5.8 types of interpersonal violence events. The number of types of interpersonal violence events was significantly related to depressive symptoms, although not EF performance. Specific EFs, such as working memory and response inhibition, were positively related to depressive symptoms.
Financial Vulnerability and Its Determinants: Survey Evidence from Malaysian Households

ABSTRACT The level of Malaysian household debt remains high, currently among the highest in Asia, raising concerns about its sustainability. This article analyzes the prevalence of financial vulnerability, measured by consumers’ inability to meet their household needs, to cope with unexpected expenses, and to survive in the event of a crisis. Analysis of a dataset of 902 respondents generally suggests that the risk of financial vulnerability in the event of economic or financial shocks is growing. In addition, in an ordered probit model, the significant determinants of financial vulnerability are income level, marital status, age, level of education, and financial behavior in money management. Those who are most financially vulnerable are younger people who have a lower education level and whose financial behavior leads to poor money management.
Analysis of Serum Cross-Reactivity and Cross-Protection Elicited by Immunization with DNA Vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae Expressing PspA Fragments from Different Clades

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of disease, especially in developing countries, and cost-effective alternatives to the currently licensed vaccines are needed. We constructed DNA vaccines based on pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), an antigen shown to induce protection against pneumococcal bacteremia. PspA fragments can be divided into three families, which can be subdivided into six clades, on the basis of PspA amino acid sequence divergence (S. K. Hollingshead, R. Becker, and D. E. Briles, Infect. Immun. 68:5889-5900, 2000). Since most clinical isolates belong to family 1 or family 2, PspA fragments from members of both of these families were analyzed. Vectors encoding the complete N-terminal regions of PspAs elicited significant humoral responses, and cross-reactivity was mainly restricted to the same family. DNA vaccines encoding fusions between PspA fragments from family 1 and family 2 were also constructed and were able to broaden the cross-reactivity, with induction of antibodies that showed reactions with members of both families. At least for the pneumococcal strains tested, the cross-reactivity of antibodies was not reflected in cross-protection. Animals immunized with DNA vaccines expressing the complete N-terminal regions of PspA fragments were protected only against intraperitoneal challenge with a strain expressing PspA from the same clade.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pemetrexed Plus Cisplatin as First-Line Therapy for Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of first-line cisplatin/pemetrexed (Cis/Pem) compared with cisplatin/gemcitabine (Cis/Gem), carboplatin/paclitaxel (Carb/Pac), and carboplatin/paclitaxel/bevacizumab (Carb/Pac/Bev) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in those with nonsquamous cell histology (i.e., adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, or histology not otherwise specified). Methods: A semi-Markov model was developed to compare the 2-year impact of Cis/Pem to three other first-line regimens from the U.S. payer perspective. Data from the randomized controlled clinical trial of Cis/Pem versus Cis/Gem and a mixed treatment comparison model (no head-to-head data were available for the Cis/Pem to Carb/Pac or Carb/Pac/Bev comparisons) provided clinical inputs. Medicare reimbursement rates were used to determine drug costs. A retrospective claims database analysis was used to obtain estimates of other direct NSCLC-related costs. Results: In all patients with advanced NSCLC regardless of histologic subtype, using Cis/Pem as first-line chemotherapy led to an incremental cost per life-year gained (LYG) of $104,577 for Cis/Pem to Cis/Gem and $231,291 for Cis/Pem to Carb/Pac. In the prespecified subset of patients with nonsquamous cell histology, the incremental cost per LYG was $83,537 for Cis/Pem to Cis/Gem and $178,613 for Cis/Pem to Carb/Pac. The incremental cost per LYG for Carb/Pac/Bev to Cis/Pem was more than $300,000. Conclusions: Compared with commonly used and reimbursed regimens for first-line chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC, Cis/Pem may be considered cost-effective, particularly in patients with nonsquamous cell histology. This analysis emphasizes the importance of histology in identifying the appropriate patient for Cis/Pem first-line chemotherapy.
Optical Fiber Voltage Sensor Based on Michelson Interferometer Using Phase Generated Carrier Demodulation Algorithm

We present an optical fiber voltage sensor by Michelson interferometer (MI) employing a Fabry-Perot (F-P) tunable optical filter and the phase generated carrier demodulation algorithm. By mounting an MI fabricated by an optical fiber coupler on a piezoelectric transducer, a dynamic strain would be generated to change the phase difference of the interferometer when the measured voltage is applied on the piezoelectric. The phase generated carrier demodulation method was used to obtain the phase variation of the interferometer by applying demodulate signal on an F-P tunable optical filter. The measured voltage can be obtained by the variation of the phase; the random phase shift in the interferometer and the intensity fluctuation of the light source of the sensor can be eliminated. The experiment results show that the relation between the phase variation and the voltage applied on the piezoelectric is approximately linear. The dielectric reliability of the sensor has been verified according to the IEC standard.