Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis of bcl-x-deficient telencephalic cells in vitro

bcl-x is a member of the bcl-2 gene family, which is expressed at high levels in the embryonic brain. The targeted disruption of bcl-x results in massive cell death of immature neurons in the developing mouse brain (Motoyama et al., 1995). bcl-x-deficient mice die around embryonic day 13 (E13), probably secondary to their inability to produce mature red blood cells. To determine whether the death of immature neurons in the bcl-x-deficient brain is cell autonomous, we examined primary telencephalic cell cultures from E12.5 homozygous mutant (bcl-x-/-), heterozygous mutant (bcl-x+/-), and wild-type (bcl-x+/+) mice. bcl-x-/- telencephalic cells cultured in 0.5 or 2.0% fetal calf serum (FCS)- containing medium for 48 hr showed increased apoptosis, defined by abnormal bisbenzamide staining and terminal-deoxytransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and decreased numbers of microtubule-associated protein-2-immunoreactive neurons compared with bcl-x+/- and bcl-x+/+ cultures. Cycloheximide treatment of bcl-x-/- telencephalic cell cultures failed to prevent the increased cell death observed in low FCS-containing medium, suggesting a protein synthesis-independent apoptosis. There were no significant differences among bcl-x-/-, bcl-x+/-, and bcl-x+/+ telencephalic cells grown for 48 hr in 5% FCS-containing medium or in a chemically defined serum-free medium (ITS). bcl-x-/- neurons generated in ITS showed increased susceptibility to subsequent serum deprivation. These results indicate that bcl-x is important for both neuron maturation and survival.
Scalable Data Stream Clustering with k Estimation

The constant increasing of the generated data in real time has been creating new challenges for machine learning tasks and for one of their main branches: data clustering. The scenario of big data stream (high-speed data stream) has become reality. In order to deal with this scenario, new approaches are required. In this work, we present new techniques based on three clustering fields: Data Stream, MapReduce and automatic estimation of k from data. The goal is to cluster a high-speed data stream with varying number of clusters. Two scalable algorithms are proposed, based on centralized data stream algorithms. The first is based on the StreamKM++ and the second based on the F-EAC, an evolutionary algorithm used for batch clustering purpose. Results achieved the same high quality as the original centralized versions of the algorithms. The proposed techniques can be used instead the centralized ones when the velocity/volume is so high to fit in a centralized system.
Bilateral diffusion-weighted MR imaging of breast tumors with submillimeter resolution using readout-segmented echo-planar imaging at 7 T.

PURPOSE To evaluate the image quality, robustness, and diagnostic performance of submillimeter in-plane resolution diffusion-weighted ( DW diffusion-weighted ) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 7 T in the assessment of breast tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval and written informed consent of five volunteers and 33 patients with 33 breast lesions (31 with histopathologic confirmation, two with confirmation at follow-up) were obtained. Image quality optimization and comparisons of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging ( rs-EPI readout-segmented echo-planar imaging ) and single-shot echo-planar imaging ( ss-EPI single-shot echo-planar imaging ) with or without parallel imaging were performed in volunteers. In all patients, bilateral DW diffusion-weighted imaging was performed in 3 minutes 35 seconds by using combined rs-EPI readout-segmented echo-planar imaging and parallel imaging with 0.9 × 0.9 mm in-plane resolution with a 7-T whole-body MR imager. Image quality, lesion conspicuity, and image properties (ie, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio) were assessed. Regions of interest were drawn in the largest lesion in each patient (23 malignant lesions, 10 benign lesions) by two independent readers. Apparent diffusion coefficient ( ADC apparent diffusion coefficient ) values were used to differentiate between benign and malignant breast tumors. RESULTS DW diffusion-weighted imaging with combined parallel imaging and rs-EPI readout-segmented echo-planar imaging reduced artifacts (ie, blurring and geometric distortions) by a calculated factor of seven when compared with DW diffusion-weighted imaging with ss-EPI single-shot echo-planar imaging , and it improved image quality from a score of 1 of 10 to a score of 8 of 10. The rs-EPI readout-segmented echo-planar imaging sequence with a b value of 0 sec/mm(2) yielded high-spatial-resolution T2-weighted MR images. An ADC apparent diffusion coefficient threshold of 1.275 × 10(-3) mm(2)/sec enabled differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions, with sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 100%, respectively, for both independent readers. CONCLUSION At 7 T, one DW diffusion-weighted imaging examination of less than 4 minutes yielded high-quality ADC apparent diffusion coefficient maps and high-spatial-resolution T2-weighted MR images that were used to assess tumor and breast morphology. ADC apparent diffusion coefficient quantification alone enabled excellent differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.
Which comes first – savings or growth? Time series evidence from ECOWAS countries

This study examines the direction of causality between domestic savings and economic growth in twelve West African countries during the period 1981-2014. It uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration and the Granger causality test. The results show that economic growth causes domestic savings in Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria, while the reverse causality running from savings to economic growth holds in Benin, Gambia, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. A two-way causality prevails in Ghana. However, no evidence of causality in either direction was recorded for Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Togo. These findings show that the direction of causality between savings and growth is country-specific among the West African Countries.
Antianaerobic activity of a cecropin---melittin peptide.

OBJECTIVE: Several small, 15-residue peptides that contain portions of the amino acid sequences of both cecropin A and melittin have previously been shown to have broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against aerobic microorganisms, with no undesirable hemolytic properties. It would also be useful to know what effect these hybrid peptides have on anaerobic bacteria. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of one hybrid, CA(1--7)M(2--9)NH2, were compared with those of seven other antimicrobial agents against 111 clinical anaerobic strains; Bacteroides fragilis, 24 strains; other Bacteroides fragilis group, 14 strains; other Bacteroides species, 13 strains; Fusobacterium nucleatum, six strains; Clostridium difficile, 22 strains; Clostridium perfringens, 10 strains, Propionibacterium spp. , nine strains; and anaerobic cocci, 13 strains. RESULTS: Ninety per cent of strains belonging to the B. fragilis group, fusobacteria, propionibacteria and peptostreptococci were inhibited by 4 mg/L CA(1--7)M(2--9)NH2, and the antimicrobial activity was approximately in the same range as that of chloramphenicol. CONCLUSION: This investigation showed that the antimicrobial spectrum of this cecropin---melittin hybrid also includes anaerobic organisms.
The Nexus between Social Networks and Sexual Practices among Female University Students

The study was conducted among college students in Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to understand whether social networks influence students to make decisions on sexual practices. A total of 130 female students between 18-24 years participated in the study. Among them, 122 participated in the survey and eight in the case studies. The study revealed female students joined various types of social networks, which influence the decision making processes and outcomes of their sexual practices. The study has implications for women empowerment activities.
Adaptive pre- and post-compensation of nonlinear distortions for high-level data Modulations

In this letter, we show how different signal processing techniques can be combined to optimize the performance of a typical wideband nonlinear satellite link with spectrally efficient high-level modulation techniques. In particular, we follow two concurrent approaches: on one side, we pursue signal optimization in the form of special amplitude and phase shift keying (APSK) constellations to reduce the effect of nonlinear distortions, while on the other, we analyze the feasibility of adaptive data predistortion (DP) at the transmitter and adaptive nonlinear equalization (NLE) at the receiver. We demonstrate that the use of such optimized constellations relieves the complexity of the nonlinearity compensation techniques, and we also show that by clever adoption of these techniques the sensitivity to nonlinear distortion of both uncoded and turbo coded quadrature amplitude modulation and APSK constellations is greatly reduced.
A multiyear assessment of a hospital-school program to promote teen motor vehicle safety.

BACKGROUND Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teen drivers. The main goal of this program was to reduce texting while driving among high school teens through a unique peer-generated anti-texting campaign. METHODS The program consisted of two phases. In phase 1, student leaders participated in a half-day, hospital-based experiential program that emphasized safe teen driving. In phase 2, these students conceptualized and implemented an anti-texting while driving campaign during the school year. The program enrolled 32 schools with 137 student participants in phase 1. This study uses a prospective quasi-experimental pre-post design. A presurvey and a follow-up online survey were used. Response rate was 81%. In phase 2, two rounds of observations of drivers were made near the participating schools at the beginning and end of the phase 2 campaign. The results were analyzed using proportion tests. RESULTS There was a strong belief (6.49 on a seven-point scale) that texting while driving could result in a crash. About 58% had texted while driving in the previous 7 days in the pre-survey. This proportion decreased significantly to 44% in the follow-up (p < 0.05). Knowledge of Tennessee Graduated Driver Licensing laws and feeling of empowerment to take action with a teen driver who was texting improved significantly (p < 0.05). In phase 2, 12,309 drivers (adults and teens) were observed in the first round, and 13,153 were observed in the second round of observations. Significant reduction in the proportion of drivers texting while driving (from 13% to 9%; p < 0.0001) was observed. CONCLUSION Results of driver observations support the effectiveness of this program in meeting the key objective of reducing texting while driving. The program also influenced teenagers' willingness to take positive steps when faced with a driver who was texting. Future efforts should aim to influence social and peer norms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.
A Quarterly Fiscal Database Fit for Macroeconomic Analysis

The study of the macroeconomic effects of tax changes and public spending plans has regained footing recently. Nevertheless, in many occasions, the shortcomings of available official data pose limits to the type of approach analysts can pursue. While this issue receives traditionally limited attention, it is of utmost relevance for policy makers and academics alike. Against this framework, in this paper we construct a quite disaggregated quarterly fiscal database of Spanish seasonallyadjusted public finance variables for the period 1986Q1-2015Q4, in national accounts terms. Following a recent strand of the literature, we pose special emphasis on the models and data ingredients used. The later includes a rich set of input fiscal data taken from budgetary accounts. We illustrate the use of our data by providing key stylized facts on the cyclical properties of fiscal policies over the past three decades.
Long-circulating nanoliposomes (LCNs) sustained delivery of baicalein (BAI) with desired oral bioavailability in vivo

Abstract Long-circulating nanoliposomes (LCNs) containing Baicalein (BAI) were prepared by diethyl ether injection method in this paper. Using soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) as the carrier ingredients, BAI-loaded LCNs were formulated in optimized condition with encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 41.5 ± 4.77%. The average diameter of BAI-loaded LCNs was ∼709 nm determined by dynamic light scattering (PDI 0.43). Drug storage stability study showed that BAI-loaded LCNs were highly stable in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 4 °C. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of BAI-loaded LCNs were studied using Kunming mice as experimental animals. Parallelly, free BAI solution was studied as control. As expected, it is found that LCNs-encapsulated BAI yields greater BAI oral bioavailability with 4.52 times of free BAI. These results suggest the potential applications of LCNs for the delivery of BAI.
Reducing fugitive methane emissions from the North American oil and gas sector: a proposed science-policy framework

ABSTRACT The shale gas boom in the United States spurred a shift in electricity generation from coal to natural gas. Natural gas combined cycle units emit half of the CO2 to produce the same energy as a coal unit; therefore, the market trend is credited for a reduction in GHG emissions from the US power sector. However, methane that escapes the natural gas supply chain may undercut these relative climate benefits. In 2016, Canada, the United States and Mexico pledged to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector 40–45% from 2012 levels by 2025. This article reviews the science-policy landscape of methane measurement and mitigation relevant for meeting this pledge, including changes in US policy following the 2016 presidential election. Considerable policy incoherence exists in all three countries. Reliable inventories remain elusive; despite government and private sector research efforts, the magnitude of methane emissions remains in dispute. Meanwhile, mitigation efforts vary significantly. A framework that integrates science and policy would enable actors to more effectively inform, leverage and pursue advances in methane measurement and mitigation. The framework is applied to North America, but could apply to other geographic contexts. Key policy insights The oil and gas sector’s contribution to atmospheric methane concentrations is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in climate policy. Efforts to measure and control fugitive methane emissions do not presently proceed within a coherent framework that integrates science and policy. In 2016, the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States pledged to reduce methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector 40–45% from 2012 levels by 2025. The 2016 presidential election in the United States has halted American progress at the federal level, suggesting a heavier reliance on industry and subnational efforts in that country. Collectively or individually, the countries, individual agencies, or private stakeholders could use the proposed North American Methane Reduction framework to direct research, enhance monitoring and evaluate mitigation efforts, and improve the chances that continental methane reduction targets will be achieved.
Water diffusion and acute stroke

The occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was used as an experimental acute stroke model in 30 cats. The diffusion of water was followed by diffusion‐sensitized MRI between 1 and 15 h after induction of stroke. It is demonstrated that images representing the trace of the diffusion tensor provide a much more accurate delineation of affected area than images representing the diffusion in one direction only. The reason is that the strong contrast caused by the anisotropy and orientation of myelin fibers is completely removed in the trace of the diffusion tensor. The trace images show a small contrast between white and gray matter. The diffusion coefficient of white matter is decreased in acute stroke to approximately the same extent as gray matter. It is further shown that the average lifetime of water in extra and intracellular space is shorter than 20 ms both for healthy and ischemic tissue indicating that myelin fibers are permeable to water. The anisotropy contrast did not change before or after induction of stroke, nor after sacrifice. Together, these observations are consistent with the view that the changes in water diffusion during acute stroke are directly related to cytotoxic oedema, i.e., to the change in relative volume of intra‐ and extracellular spaces. Changes in membrane permeability do not appear to contribute significantly to the changes in diffusion.
An Intermediation Middleware for supporting Ubiquitous Interaction in Mobile Commerce

This paper deals with the design and the development, of an intermediation middleware for supporting ubiquitous interaction based on a MAS (multi-agents system). These works are in the crossroads of HCI (human-computer interaction) and e-services area. We have studied researches about Web services, which appear insufficient for our needs. In this paper, we consider the intermediation between channels used by a user and e-services. Here we focus on the design and the implementation of this infrastructure and on the technologies that we have mobilised for this purpose
A phase II, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Curcumina and Calendula suppositories for the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III.

OBJECTIVE The management of chronic prostatitis/ chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III (CP/CPPS) has been always considered complex due to several biopsychological factors underling the disease. In this clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with Curcumin and Calendula extract in patients with CP/CPPS III. MATERIAL AND METHODS From June 2015 to January 2016 we enrolled 60 consecutive patients affected by CP/CPPS III in our institution. Patients between 20 and 50 year of age with symptoms of pelvic pain for 3 months or more before study, a total National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score ≥ 15 point and diagnosed with NIH category III. Patients were then allocated to receive placebo (Group A) or treatment (Group B). Treatment consisted of rectal suppositories of Curcumin extract 350 mg (95%) and Calendula extract 80 mg (1 suppository/die for 1 month). Patients of Group B received 1 suppository/die for 1 month of placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was the reduction of NIH-CPSI. The secondary outcomes were the change of peak flow, IIEF-5, VAS score and of premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT). RESULTS A total of 48 patients concluded the study protocol. The median age of the all cohort was 32.0 years, the median NIH-CPSI was 20.5, the median IIEF-5 was 18.5, the median PEDT was 11.0, the median VAS score was 7.5 and the median peak flow was 14.0. After 3 months of therapy in group A we observed a significant improvement of NIH-CPSI (-5.5; p < 0.01), IIEF-5 (+ 3.5; p < 0.01), PEDT (-6.5; p < 0.01), peak flow (+2.8; p < 0.01) and VAS (-6.5; p < 0.01) with significant differences over placebo group (all p-value significant). CONCLUSIONS In this phase II clinical trial we showed the clinical efficacy of the treatment with Curcumin and Calendula in patients with CP/CPPS III. The benefits of this treatment could be related to the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and of inflammatory cells. These results should be confirmed in further studies with greater sample size.
Isomer-specific effects of conjugated linoleic acid on blood pressure, adipocyte size and function

Obesity-related hypertension may be caused by activation of the local adipose tissue renin–angiotensin system, resulting in exaggerated production of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Additionally, secretion of adiponectin from adipose tissue, which prevents endothelial dysfunction, is altered in obesity. Consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to modulate cytokine release from adipocytes and positively influence blood pressure in younger rats, but its physiological actions in older models with established hypertension and isomer-specific effects on adipocyte size remain to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CLA isomers on adipocyte size in relation to blood pressure and adipokine production by hypertrophic adipocytes in older fa/fa Zucker rats with established hypertension. fa/fa Zucker rats were fed with cis(c)9, trans(t)11-CLA or t10, c12-CLA isomers for 8 weeks and compared with lean and obese rats fed with the control diet. Blood pressure and adipocyte size were subsequently measured. Collagenase-isolated adipocytes were size-separated and angiotensinogen and adiponectin protein levels quantified by Western blotting. The t10, c12-CLA group had reduced blood pressure, fewer large adipocytes and increased serum adiponectin. Angiotensinogen was present at higher levels in the large adipocytes, whereas the converse was observed for adiponectin. The beneficial effects of the t10, c12-CLA isomer on blood pressure and adipocyte size in vivo may be due to its ability to reduce the number of large adipocytes, which alters the levels of vasoactive molecules secreted from adipose tissue.
Global DNA methylation and PTEN hypermethylation alterations in lung tissues from human silicosis.

BACKGROUND Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by long-term silica dust exposure. Our previous study has demonstrated that silica mediates the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/serine or threonine kinase (AKT)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/AP-1 pathway in human embryo lung fibroblasts (HELFs). The purpose of this study is to identify genome-wide aberrant DNA methylation profiling in lung tissues from silicosis patients. METHODS We performed Illumina Human Methylation 450K Beadchip arrays to investigate the methylation alteration in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung specimens, immunohistochemistry to detect the level of c-Jun and PTEN proteins; methylation specific PCR (MS-PCR) to identify PTEN and c-Jun promoter methylation in HELFs. RESULTS We found 86,770 CpG sites and 79,660 CpG sites significantly differed in methylation status in early-stage and advanced-stage compared with GEO normal lung methylation data. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed the methylated status of MAPK signaling pathway was considered changed. The number of PTEN and c-Jun CpG promoter methylated-sites were increased in advanced-stage. Early-stage showed the positive expression of c-Jun and PTEN protein and negative or mild expression in advanced-stage. PTEN promoter was no differentially methylated and c-Jun promoter differed at 12 and 24 h in HELFs. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal DNA methylation on genome-scale was implicated in silicosis, and PTEN promoter hypermethylation might be associated with decrease of PTEN protein.