Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multisite Carcinogenicity and Respiratory Toxicity of Inhaled 1-Bromopropane in Rats and Mice

Two-year 1-bromopropane (1-BP) inhalation studies were conducted because of the potential for widespread exposure, the lack of chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity data, and the known carcinogenicity of structurally related compounds. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed by inhalation to 0, 62.5 (mice only), 125, 250, or 500 (rats only) ppm 1-BP for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 105 weeks. Exposure of male and female rats to 1-BP resulted in significantly increased incidences of adenomas of the large intestine and skin neoplasms. In male rats, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma of the epididymis was statistically significantly increased at 500 ppm, but the biological significance of this common lesion is unclear. Incidences of pancreatic islet adenoma in male rats were significantly increased at all concentrations relative to concurrent controls but were within the historical control range for inhalation studies. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of 1-BP in male B6C3F1 mice; however, significantly increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms of the lung were present in female mice. Exposure to 1-BP also resulted in increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions in the nose of rats and mice, the larynx of rats and male mice, the trachea of female rats and male and female mice, and the lungs of mice. Inflammatory lesions with Splendore Hoeppli (S-H) material were present primarily in the nose and skin of exposed male and female rats, indicating that 1-BP caused immunosuppression.
The influence of input device characteristics on spatial perception in desktop-based 3D applications

In desktop applications 3D input devices are mostly operated by the non-dominant hand to control 3D viewpoint navigation, while selection and geometry manipulations are handled by the dominant hand using the regular 2D mouse. This asymmetric bi-manual interface is an alternative to commonly used keyboard and mouse input, where the non-dominant hand assists the dominant hand with keystroke input to toggle modes. Our first study compared the keyboard and mouse interface to bi-manual interfaces using the 3D input devices SpaceTraveller and Globefish in a coarse spatial orientation task requiring egocentric and exocentric viewpoint navigation. The different interface configurations performed similarly with respect to task completion times, but the bi-manual techniques resulted in significantly less errors. This result is likely to be due to better workload balancing between the two hands allowing the user to focus on a single task for each hand. Our second study focused on a bi-manual 3D point selection task, which required the selection of small targets and good depth perception. The Globefish interface employing position control for rotations performed significantly better than the SpaceTraveller interface for this task.
Annular-ring slotted microstrip patch antenna for ISM band applications

Anannular ring slotted microstrip patch antenna is presented in this paper for ISM band applications. These applications include ZigBee, WiMAX and Bluetooth. Prototypes of the proposed antenna designed for ZigBee operations in the 2.4 GHz band has been constructed and tested. The proposed antenna is constructed on an FR-4 epoxy substrate with thickness of 1.6 mm and εr =4.4. The proposed antenna operates from 2.26 GHz to 2.58GHz with good omnidirectional radiation patterns, its narrowband impedance bandwidth is an added advantage for interference problem from other applications in ISM band. Proposed antenna has compact size of 24×33 mm2. Proposed antenna has advantages in simple design, compact in size and easy in fabrication. The measured result is in good agreement with simulated results.
Expression of p‐JAK2 predicts clinical outcome and is a potential molecular target of acute myelogenous leukemia

Our study determined if Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) was activated in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; n = 77, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a phosphor‐specific antibody against JAK2. p‐JAK2 was detectable in all cases, although its levels varied between patient samples (high levels, n = 31; low levels, n = 46). The quantification of levels of p‐JAK2 by IHC was well correlated with that assessed by Western blot analyses and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). Levels of p‐JAK2 were directly correlated with high white blood cell count (52.3 × 103/L in patients with high p‐JAK2 vs. 28.3 × 103/L in patients with low p‐JAK2, p < 0.01) and were inversely correlated with complete remission rates (45% in patients with high p‐JAK2 vs. 78% in patients with low p‐JAK2, p < 0.003). In addition, multivariate analysis confirmed that high levels of p‐JAK2 remained a significant factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.213; 95% confidence interval, 1.212–4.041, p = 0.023). Moreover, we found that AZ960, a novel and specific inhibitor of the JAK2 kinase, potently inhibited the clonogenic growth and induced apoptosis of freshly isolated AML cells from patients in association with cleavage of caspase 3 and downregulation of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐xL proteins. Taken together, JAK2 may be a promising molecular target for treatment of AML.
A Method for Characterizing the Relation between Nutrient Concentration and Flux into Roots of Intact Plants.

A method based on the rate of depletion of a nutrient from solution was developed to characterize nutrient flux of plant roots. Nutrient concentration of the solution was measured at a series of time intervals to describe the complete depletion curve. An integrated rate equation, based on a Michaelis-Menten model, was developed and fit to the data of the depletion curve using a least-square procedure. The equation contained values for V(max), the maximum rate of influx; Km, the Michaelis constant; and E, efflux, which were used to describe the relation between solution concentration and net influx rate. Models other than Michaelis-Menten could also be used. The method uses only one plant or group of plants to obtain data over a range of nutrient concentrations, is adapted particularly to the low concentration range, and measures the concentration below which net influx ceases. With this method the plant is in steady state absorption prior to the experiment and continues at this steady state until near the end of the experiment.A procedure was also developed to measure uptake rate at constant concentration by adding nutrients to the pot at a constant rate that matched net influx into the root. This method also provides a means of measuring diurnal fluctuations in net influx rates.
Gene therapy with the TRF1 telomere gene rescues decreased TRF1 levels with aging and prolongs mouse health span

The shelterin complex protects telomeres by preventing them from being degraded and recognized as double‐strand DNA breaks. TRF1 is an essential component of shelterin, with important roles in telomere protection and telomere replication. We previously showed that TRF1 deficiency in the context of different mouse tissues leads to loss of tissue homeostasis owing to impaired stem cell function. Here, we show that TRF1 levels decrease during organismal aging both in mice and in humans. We further show that increasing TRF1 expression in both adult (1‐year‐old) and old (2‐year‐old) mice using gene therapy can delay age‐associated pathologies. To this end, we used the nonintegrative adeno‐associated serotype 9 vector (AAV9), which transduces the majority of mouse tissues allowing for moderate and transient TRF1 overexpression. AAV9‐TRF1 gene therapy significantly prevented age‐related decline in neuromuscular function, glucose tolerance, cognitive function, maintenance of subcutaneous fat, and chronic anemia. Interestingly, although AAV9‐TRF1 treatment did not significantly affect median telomere length, we found a lower abundance of short telomeres and of telomere‐associated DNA damage in some tissues. Together, these findings suggest that rescuing naturally decreased TRF1 levels during mouse aging using AAV9‐TRF1 gene therapy results in an improved mouse health span.
Investigating the Influence of Climate Changes on Rodent Communities at a Regional-Scale (MIS 1-3, Southwestern France)

Terrestrial ecosystems have continuously evolved throughout the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene, deeply affected by both progressive environmental and climatic modifications, as well as by abrupt and large climatic changes such as the Heinrich or Dansgaard-Oeschger events. Yet, the impacts of these different events on terrestrial mammalian communities are poorly known, as is the role played by potential refugia on geographical species distributions. This study examines community changes in rodents of southwestern France between 50 and 10 ky BP by integrating 94 dated faunal assemblages coming from 37 archaeological sites. This work reveals that faunal distributions were modified in response to abrupt and brief climatic events, such as Heinrich events, without actually modifying the rodent community on a regional scale. However, the succession of events which operated between the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene gradually led to establishing a new rodent community at the regional scale, with intermediate communities occurring between the Bølling and the Allerød.
Cell Biological Analysis with Respect to Cause of Fibrous Opacification of the Anterior Capsule after Cataract Extraction

It has been assumed that lens epithelial cells (LECs) existing at the capsulotomy edge have been traumatized through anterior capsulotomy in cataract extraction. In this study, the correlation between traumatized LECs remaining at the anterior capsulotomy edge and epidermal growth factor (EGF) found in the aqueous humor, a cell growth factor though to affect cell morphology, was determined. Anterior lens capsules with adhering LECs were obtained following anterior capsulotomy performed during cataract surgery to first confirm the presence of EGF receptors on LECs, which are needed for EGF to be biologically active. Besides, to identify any EGF receptors on traumatized LECs, I next intentionally traumatized the cells by pressing them with a forceps from the anterior capsular side. It has been found that the LECs containing EGF receptors were always those existing at the edge of the anterior capsular opening and LECs containing EGF receptors existed along the pressed region too. The present results indicate that traumatized LECs along the capsulotomy edge have undergone changes to manifest EGF receptors, thus allowing EGF from the aqueous humor to become more active. The physiological effect of EGF upon these LECs may therefore be one of the causative factors of fibrous opacification of the anterior capsulotomy edge after cataract extraction.
Isolation and Characterization of a New Methanobacterium formicicum KOR-1 from an Anaerobic Digester Using Pig Slurry

A new methanogen was isolated from an anaerobic digester using pig slurry in South Korea. Only one strain, designated KOR-1, was characterized in detail. Cells of KOR-1 were straight or crooked rods, non-motile, 5 to 15 μm long and 0.7 μm wide. They stained Gram-positive and produced methane from H2+CO2 and formate. Strain KOR-1 grew optimally at 38°C. The optimum pH for growth was 7.0. The strain grew at 0.5% to 3.0% NaCl, with optimum growth at 2.5% NaCl. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain KOR-1 was 41 mol%. The strain tolerated ampicillin, penicillin G, kanamycin and streptomycin but tetracycline inhibited cell growth. A large fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (~1,350 bp) was obtained from the isolate and sequenced. Comparison of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain KOR–1 is related to Methanobacterium formicicum (98%, sequence similarity), Methanobacterium bryantii (95%) and Methanobacterium ivanovii (93%). Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced mcrA gene sequences confirmed the closest relative as based on mcrA gene sequence analysis was Methanobacterium formicicum strain (97% nucleic acid sequence identity). On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, strain KOR-1 is proposed as a new strain within the genus Methanobacterium, Methanobacterium formicicum KOR-1.
Measuring Chronic Patients’ Feelings of Being a Burden to their Caregivers: Development and Preliminary Validation of a Scale

Background. Burden on caregivers has been extensively studied, but the patient’s own feelings of being a burden have rarely been examined. Such feelings may lead to distress and can complicate relations with the caregiver. This report describes the development and preliminary validation of a scale to measure patient-perceived burden. Materials and methods. A conceptual framework and scale items were derived from previous literature and from qualitative interviews with patients and health professionals. Following content validity and item clarity analyses, a 25-item scale was developed. This was then administered in a construct validation to 100 outpatients undergoing hemodialysis. Results. Discriminant validity coefficients showed that burden scores were independent of age, education, and time on dialysis. Convergent analyses showed modest correlations with the number of comorbid conditions (r = 0.20, P <0.04), functional status (r = 0.26, P <0.01), physical function (r = 0.30, P <0.01), and mental health (r = 0.39, P <0.01). Alpha internal consistency was 0.92 and factor analyses revealed a single main factor. A 10-item abbreviation (&agr; = 0.85) is therefore proposed. Conclusion. The self-perceived burden scale shows promise as a measure to identify patients in emotional distress due to feelings of being a burden on others, and as an outcome measure in intervention studies.
Factors Associated with Improved Survival after Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Multivariable Model

Background:Several retrospective studies suggest that perioperative care and anesthetic management for cancer resection may influence cancer recurrence or patient survival. Various intraoperative techniques such as paravertebral blocks, decreased opioid use, immunomodulation, and perioperative antiinflammatory administration, have previously been assessed for improved patient survival. The aim of this study was to assess associations between perioperative management and survival in patients undergoing resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods:Survival data and anesthetic records for 144 patients who had surgical resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2001 to 2012 were obtained and associations were sought between survival and 19 predefined variables. The authors performed a propensity weighted multivariable statistical analysis using Cox proportional hazards. Results:Median length of survival was 562 days with 95% confidence interval (471, 680). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model of survival, the authors found increased survival in patients who received perioperative epidural analgesia and/or intraoperative dexamethasone. There was a 44% hazard ratio reduction, hazard ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (0.38, 0.87), with dexamethasone. Adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy was associated with longer survival. A decrease in survival was noted in patients who received intraoperative blood transfusions, had poorer histologic grade, and advanced tumor stage. Conclusions:The authors report an association between perioperative dexamethasone administration and improved survival in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. An association between use of epidural anesthesia during primary pancreatic cancer surgery and prolonged survival was also observed. Previously identified associations between perioperative blood transfusions and poor tumor histologic grade and decreased survival were confirmed. Further investigations regarding the use of perioperative dexamethasone and neuraxial anesthesia in this patient population are warranted.
Detergent-insoluble Aggregates Associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Transgenic Mice Contain Primarily Full-length, Unmodified Superoxide Dismutase-1*

Determining the composition of aggregated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) species associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially with respect to co-aggregated proteins and post-translational modifications, could identify cellular or biochemical factors involved in the formation of these aggregates and explain their apparent neurotoxicity. The results of mass spectrometric and shotgun-proteomic analyses of SOD1-containing aggregates isolated from spinal cords of symptomatic transgenic ALS mice using two different isolation strategies are presented, including 1) resistance to detergent extraction and 2) size exclusion-coupled anti-SOD1 immunoaffinity chromatography. Forty-eight spinal cords from three different ALS-SOD1 mutant mice were analyzed, namely G93A, G37R, and the unnatural double mutant H46R/H48Q. The analysis consistently revealed that the most abundant proteins recovered from aggregate species were full-length unmodified SOD1 polypeptides. Although aggregates from some spinal cord samples contained trace levels of highly abundant proteins, such as vimentin and neurofilament-3, no proteins were consistently found to co-purify with mutant SOD1 in stoichiometric quantities. The results demonstrate that the principal protein in the high molecular mass aggregates whose appearance correlates with symptoms of the disease is the unmodified, full-length SOD1 polypeptide.
[Imaging of the middle ear. CT and MRI].

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) provides excellent contrast between osseous structures, air and soft tissue in conjunction with high spatial resolution. Therefore, thin-section HRCT with bone window setting is the method of choice for the examination of the middle ear structures. The indications are acute and chronic inflammatory changes, cholesteatoma and tumor, the "postoperative middle ear", and malformations. In most cases, HRCT enables differentiation between inflammatory changes, cholesteatoma, and tumor. The excellent depiction of subtle osseous details enables the identification of erosions of the ossicles or of the bony walls of the mastoid cells, of osseous defects of the tegmen, of the bony labyrinth, and of the tympanic course of the facial canal. In addition, HRCT enables excellent depiction of reconstructions of the ossicles or prosthesis of the ossicles. Although HRCT is the first method of choice, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide additional information and lead to a more accurate diagnosis in some cases. This is explained by the excellent soft tissue contrast provided by MRI. In addition, MRI offers the possibility of using various pulse sequences and the administration of i.v. contrast material. Therefore, MRI may allow the differentiation between inflammatory changes, cholesteatoma, and tumor in those cases in which accurate diagnosis cannot be made by HRCT. The differentiation between a meningocele or meningoencephalocele and other entities such as tumors or cholesteatoma can be established by MRI. Furthermore, MRI can accurately depict cases of labyrinthitis or of neuritis of the facial nerve or of intracranial disease caused by middle ear processes, while this is not always possible by HRCT. In summary, HRCT of the middle ear is the method of choice, but MRI may provide supplementary information in those cases in which accurate diagnosis cannot be established by HRCT.
Interesting rules mining with deductive method

In this paper, we propose a novel rule deductive method to mine the real demanded association rules for any given user. This method does not like the most existing methods that mine frequent itemsets starting from candidate two-itemsets to candidate (n-1)-itemsets with inductive method and produce huge rough rules on these frequent itemsets. On the contrary, it avoids producing huge amounts of frequent itemsets contained by their upper long frequent itemsets and can interact with users by making them pick up their interested items to deduce the final interesting association rules. Moreover, it can do dynamic response to users in any time when users want to check whether their interested frequent itemsets have been founded. Its several dynamic response strategies have been proposed. These dynamic response algorithms can find most long frequent itemsets in initial time. Therefore, users can find their interested rules in short time with high probability. So, our method also can be used applied in online data mining.
Nanowire-based field effect transistors for terahertz detection and imaging systems

The development of self-assembled nanostructure technologies has recently opened the way towards a wide class of semiconductor integrated devices, with progressively optimized performances and the potential for a widespread range of electronic and photonic applications. Here we report on the development of field effect transistors (FETs) based on semiconductor nanowires (NWs) as highly-sensitive room-temperature plasma-wave broadband terahertz (THz) detectors. The electromagnetic radiation at 0.3 THz is funneled onto a broadband bow-tie antenna, whose lobes are connected to the source and gate FET electrodes. The oscillating electric field experienced by the channel electrons, combined with the charge density modulation by the gate electrode, results in a source–drain signal rectification, which can be read as a DC signal output. We investigated the influence of Se-doping concentration of InAs NWs on the detection performances, reaching responsivity values higher than 100 V W−1, with noise-equivalent-power of ∼10−9 W Hz−1/2. Transmission imaging experiments at 0.3 THz show the good reliability and sensitivity of the devices in a real practical application.
Biomechanical comparison of two implants for the stabilization of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle lesions in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare biomechanical properties of (1) 4.5 mm cortical screws and Fitz Fenestrated Tubular Transcondylar (F2T2) screws; (2) normal humeri and humeri with an intracondylar osteotomy; and (3) humeri with an intracondylar osteotomy stabilized with either a 4.5 mm cortical screw or a F2T2 screw. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric biomechanical assessment. SAMPLE POPULATION 4.5 mm cortical screws (n = 10), 5.85 mm F2T2 screws (n = 10), and paired dog humeri (n = 40). METHODS Cortical and F2T2 screws were loaded to failure in 3-point bending. Ten pairs of humeri with or without an intracondylar osteotomy were axially loaded to failure. Ten additional pairs of humeri with an intracondylar osteotomy were alternately stabilized with a positional cortical or F2T2 screw and axially loaded to failure. RESULTS Mean stiffness, yield load, and failure load was significantly greater (P < .001) for the F2T2 screws compared with cortical screws as well as for intact humeri compared with humeri with an intracondylar osteotomy (P < .001). There were no significant differences in mean stiffness (P = .59), yield load (P = .31), or failure load (P = .24) between humeri with stabilized intracondylar osteotomy. CONCLUSION Isolated F2T2 screws have superior mechanical properties to 4.5 mm cortical screws when loaded in 3-point bending. Intracondylar osteotomy adversely affected humeral mechanical integrity. Osteotomized humeri stabilized by either screw had comparable mechanical properties.