Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrophage interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α are induced by coronavirus fixation to Toll-like receptor 2/heparan sulphate receptors but not carcinoembryonic cell adhesion antigen 1a

A rapid antiviral immune response may be related to viral interaction with the host cell leading to activation of macrophages via pattern recognition receptors (PPRs) or specific viral receptors. Carcinoembryonic cell adhesion antigen 1a (CEACAM1a) is the specific receptor for the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a coronavirus known to induce acute viral hepatitis in mice. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms responsible for the secretion of high‐pathogenic MHV3‐induced inflammatory cytokines. We report that the induction of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in peritoneal macrophages does not depend on CEACAM1a, as demonstrated in cells isolated from Ceacam1a−/− mice. The induction of IL‐6 and TNF‐α production was related rather to the fixation of the spike (S) protein of MHV3 on Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) in regions enriched in heparan sulphate and did not rely on viral replication, as demonstrated with denatured S protein and UV‐inactivated virus. High levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were produced in livers from infected C57BL/6 mice but not in livers from Tlr2−/− mice. The histopathological observations were correlated with the levels of those inflammatory cytokines. Depending on mouse strain, the viral fixation to heparan sulfate/TLR2 stimulated differently the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB in the induction of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. These results suggest that TLR2 and heparan sulphate receptors can act as new viral PPRs involved in inflammatory responses.
Effect of streptozotocin on the ultrastructure of rat pancreatic islets

Our objective was to study the effects of three (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg) doses of Streptozotocin (STZ) on fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) and observe its effects at the cellular level in rat pancreas by electron microscopy. FPG was measured in rats before induction of diabetes and then on 3, 7, and 14 days after induction of diabetes with STZ. Keto diastix urine strips were used to check urine glucose and ketone bodies. Two weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rat pancreas was removed and fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. Three days after induction, the mean FPG level was 112 mg/dl in Group I (30 mg/kg STZ), 217 mg/dl in Group II (40 mg/kg STZ), and 376 mg/dl in Group III (50 mg/kg STZ). Histology was normal in Group I but revealed altered islet structure in Groups II and III. Ultrastructure revealed intact D cells in all three groups. The focal mitochondria and Golgi complex swelling found in A and B cells was occasional in Group I and frequent in Groups II and III. Swelling of other organelles and reduction in the size and number of granules was further observed in Group III. It is our conclusion that the 30‐mg/kg body weight STZ produces mild changes while 50 mg/kg proves to be fatal. STZ at 40 mg/kg has a moderate effect on plasma glucose as well as on the islets of Langerhans at a cellular level. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:274–281, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous translumbar cardiac catheterization and central venous line insertion: An alternative approach in children with congenital heart disease

Children with congenital heart disease present major problems with venous access, eliminating conventional routes for cardiac catheterization. Although the transhepatic approach has recently gained popularity, we describe here an alternative approach using percutaneous translumbar approach for cardiac catheterization and/or in‐dwelling central line insertion in three children with congenital heart disease. Diagnostic hemodynamic studies, transcatheter delivery of an intravascular stent for left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis, and chronic central venous line insertion were performed using this technique. Disadvantages include interventionalist's unfamiliarity with technique, awkward patient positioning, technically more difficult than transhepatic, and potential injury to kidney and bowel. Advantages include avoidance of vascular‐rich hepatic parenchyma, thus reducing risk of hemorrhage; providing an alternative where transhepatic entry may be contraindicated; avoidance of bile duct, portal vein, and hepatic artery injury; and providing another alternative for not only transvenous, but also transarterial access that may be required for intravascular aortic stent delivery. The interventional radiologist should be utilized as a valuable resource to the cardiologist to help teach and supervise this technique in selected infants and children with limited vascular access. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 46:187–192, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Age on the Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Relationships between alcohol consumption and risks for metabolic syndrome in general populations are very controversial. It is unknown whether age influences the relationship between alcohol intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether age influences the relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome. Methods: Men aged ≧35 and <45 years (younger group) and those aged ≧65 years (older group), matched for alcohol intake and smoking history, were divided into four subgroups by alcohol intake [non-, light (<22 g ethanol/day), heavy (≧22 and <44 g ethanol/day) and very heavy (≧44 g ethanol/day) drinkers]. Odds ratios (ORs) versus nondrinkers for each risk factor and metabolic syndrome were compared between the younger and older groups. Results: Both in the younger and older groups, ORs for high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol were significantly high and low, respectively, in all drinker groups. In younger subjects, the OR for large waist circumference was significantly low in light drinkers, and the OR for high hemoglobin A1c was significantly low in light and heavy drinkers, while these associations were not found in older subjects. The OR for metabolic syndrome was significantly low in light and heavy drinkers in the younger subjects but was not significant in any drinker groups in older subjects. Conclusion: Age influences the relationships between alcohol consumption and atherosclerotic risk factors, and there is a significant association between alcohol intake and a lower risk for metabolic syndrome in young men but not in elderly men.
Comparison of the low dose short synacthen test (1 microg), the conventional dose short synacthen test (250 microg), and the insulin tolerance test for assessment of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with pituitary disease.

There is still uncertainty about what is the most appropriate test for assessment of the integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Many advocate the insulin tolerance test (ITT), but this is unpleasant and resource intensive, and may occasionally give misleading results. The conventional [250 microg tetracosactrin, ACTH-(1-24)] short synacthen test (SST) has been used as a simple alternative to the ITT, but it has produced some falsely reassuring results with potentially serious consequences. A low dose [1 microg tetracosactrin, ACTH-(1-24)] short synacthen test (LDSST) has recently been advocated as a more reliable and safer alternative to ITT. Some studies, however, have failed to demonstrate any difference between SST and LDSST. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of LDSST compared to SST and ITT in patients with pituitary disease. We studied 64 patients with suspected or proven pituitary disease. All patients underwent SST and LDSST. Forty-two patients underwent ITT. There was a high correlation between the ITT and LDSST peak cortisol responses (r = 0.89; P < 0.0001), the ITT and SST 30 min cortisol levels (r = 0.83; P < 0.0001), and the LDSST peak cortisol response and the SST 30 min cortisol level (r = 0.85; P < 0.0001). In the LDSST, all but six patients achieved maximal cortisol response by 30 min. A plasma cortisol cut-off of 600 nmol/L is more helpful than 500 nmol/L for clinical decision-making using either the SST 30 min cortisol level or the LDSST peak cortisol response. The sensitivity of the LDSST was 100% (cortisol response of >600 nmol/L indicates intact HPA axis), with no falsely reassuring results. SST (pass cortisol level, >600 nmol/L) was less sensitive than LDSST, it produced 2 of 64 (3%) falsely reassuring results. Even the ITT (pass cortisol level, >500 nmol/L) failed to identify one patient with clinically evident cortisol deficiency. The results of this study indicate that both SST and LDSST, at a cortisol cut-off of 600 nmol/L, are safe for the purpose of clinical decision-making with regard to steroid replacement therapy in patients with pituitary disease. As the LDSST produced no falsely reassuring decisions, we suggest that this could replace the SST and ITT for initial evaluation of the HPA axis in patients with pituitary disease. We suggest administering 1 microg tetracosactrin, i.v. , with sampling at 0, 20, and 30 min.
A Model for the Self Structuring of Nanotubes in Titanium Oxide

An electrostatic model is presented to explain the closed packing observed in anodic production of nanotubes. The model is suggested by the experimental results of impedance spectroscopy performed during the growth of titanium oxide nanotubes in a polar nonaqueous electrolyte. The dynamics of the process is represented with the capacitance and the dc current. Accordingly, a combination of electrostatic and chemical activity defines the structure formation, ranging from of porous random materials to self-structured materials. In this model, the geometry of the nanostructure can be controlled with the voltage.
Comparison of two methods to assess PAEE during six activities in children.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE)-prediction models using accelerometry alone (ACC) and accelerometry combined with heart rate monitoring (HR+ACC) to estimate PAEE during six common activities in children (lying, sitting, slow and brisk walking, hop-scotch, running). Three PAEE-prediction models derived using the current data, and five previously published prediction models were cross-validated to estimate PAEE in this sample. METHODS PAEE was assessed using ACC, HR+ACC, and indirect calorimetry during six activities in 145 children (12.4 +/- 0.2 yr). One ACC and two HR+ACC PAEE-prediction models were derived using linear regression on data from the current study. These three new models were cross-validated using a jackknife approach, and a modified Bland-Altman method was used to assess the validity of all eight models. RESULTS PAEE predictions using the one ACC and two HR+ACC models derived in the current study correlated strongly with measured values (RMSE = 97.3-118.0 J.min.kg). All five previously published models agreed well overall (RMSE = 115.6-245.3 J.min.kg), but systematic error was present for most of these, to a greater extent for ACC. CONCLUSIONS ACC and HR+ACC can both be used to predict overall PAEE during these six activities in children; however, systematic error was present in all predictions. Although both ACC and HR+ACC provide accurate predictions of overall PAEE, according to the activities in this study, PAEE-prediction models using HR+ACC may be more accurate and widely applicable than those based on accelerometry alone.
Neuromuscular Organization of the Superior Longitudinalis Muscle in the Human Tongue

Proper tongue function is essential for respiration and mastication, yet we lack basic information on the anatomical organization underlying human tongue movement. Here we use microdissection, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, silver staining of nerves, alpha bungarotoxin binding and immunohistochemistry to describe muscle fiber architecture and motor endplate (MEP) distribution of the human superior longitudinalis muscle (SL). The human SL extends from tongue base to tongue tip and is composed of fiber bundles that range from 2.8 to 15.7 mm in length. Individual muscle fibers of the SL range from 1.2 to 17.3 mm in length (1.3–18.2% of muscle length). Seventy-one percent of SL fibers have blunt-blunt terminations; the remainder have blunt-taper terminations. Multiple MEPs are present along SL length and dual MEPs are present on some muscle fibers. These data demonstrate that the human SL is a muscle of ‘in-series’ design. We suggest that SL motor units are organized to innervate specific regions of the tongue body and that activation of SL motor units according to anteroposterior location is one strategy employed by the nervous system to control tongue shape and tongue movement.
Costimulatory pathways mediate monocyte-dependent lymphocyte apoptosis in HIV.

Examination of annexin V binding, an indicator of early apoptosis, on lymphocytes from HIV+ people immediately after isolation showed that both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were apoptotic, whereas B cell apoptosis was induced mainly after incubation. CD8(+) T cell apoptosis correlated with fewer CD4(+) T cells, but not the level of viremia. To determine potential mechanisms for apoptosis, we examined FasL expression, which was dramatically elevated on CD14(+) monocytes; however, antibody to FasL did not reproducibly inhibit apoptosis. Rather, CD8(+) T cell apoptosis was caused by antigen-presenting cells because removal of monocytes or addition of antibodies to CD80 and CD86 reduced apoptosis. B cell apoptosis also involved costimulatory signals delivered by T cells but not monocytes. A unique CD8(bright)CD28(dim) T cell population died after costimulation by monocytes. Because this population was increased in patients with undetectable viremia, abnormal antigen-presenting cells may contribute to continued CD8(+) T cell exhaustion by inducing apoptosis.
Associations between arrhythmia episodes and temporally and spatially resolved black carbon and particulate matter in elderly patients

Objectives Ambient air pollution has been associated with sudden deaths, some of which are likely due to ventricular arrhythmias. Defibrillator discharge studies have examined the association of air pollution with arrhythmias in sensitive populations. No studies have assessed this association using residence-specific estimates of air pollution exposure. Methods In the Normative Aging Study, we investigated the association between temporally resolved and spatially resolved black carbon (BC) and PM2.5 and arrhythmia episodes (bigeminy, trigeminy or couplets episodes) measured as ventricular ectopy (VE) by 4 min ECG monitoring in repeated measures of 701 subjects, during the years 2000–2010. We used a binomial distribution (having or not a VE episode) in a mixed effect model with a random intercept for subject, controlling for seasonality, temperature, day of the week, medication use, smoking, having diabetes, body mass index and age. We also examined whether these associations were modified by genotype or phenotype. Results We found significant increases in VE with both pollutants and lags; for the estimated concentration averaged over the 3 days prior to the health assessment, we found increases in the odds of having VE with an OR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.94) for an IQR (0.30 μg/m3) increase in BC and an OR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.71) for an IQR (5.63 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5. We also found higher effects in subjects with the glutathione S-transferase theta-1 and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 variants and in obese (p<0.05). Conclusions Increased levels of short-term traffic-related pollutants may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in elderly subjects.
Port hamiltonian modeling of MSMA based actuator: toward a thermodynamically consistent formulation* *The contribution of authors has been done within the context of the French National Research Agency sponsored project HAMECMOPSYS number ANR-11-BS03-0002. Further information is available at www.ham

Abstract This paper presents a thermodynamically consistent model of MSMA (Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys) under port Hamiltonian framework. It is based on previous works on MSMA proposed in (Gauthier et al., 2008; Calchand et al., 2011). The main difference lies in the choice of the state variables and manipulated thermodynamic forces. Furthermore in (Gauthier et al., 2008), subsequent experiments revealed a highly hysteretic behavior of these materials. Here, the simplified hysteretic behavior is incorporated into the port-hamiltonian model to obtain a finer and more precise model. Such modeling will allow the use of a wide range of energy based methods to design the associated control system. The paper ends with some extensions to more complex hysterestic phenomena by using Preisach like model. First ideas are proposed to extend the previous physical model to systems with internal hysteretic loops.
Re-weighted inference about hepatitis C virus-infected communities when analysing diagnosed patients referred to liver clinics

To project national hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden, unbiased estimation of HCV progression to liver cirrhosis is required for the whole community of HCV-infected individuals. However, widely varying estimates of progression rates to cirrhosis have been produced. This disparity is partly associated with the statistical methods applied, but is mainly due to the differing types of study cohort. We use an inverse probability weighted estimation method to recover the true parameters for the (Weibull regression) model that determines the incubation period from infection to cirrhosis for the community of HCV-infected individuals, when there is cirrhosis-related recruitment bias to the studied cohort. We apply the method to simulated data for a liver clinic which attracts patients from a community of 1000 HCV-infected individuals under different event-biased referral patterns. We investigate how well the method performs in recovering the true community parameters, and then apply it to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's liver clinic series. The results obtained are compared to those from a Weibull survival analysis which ignores the selection bias.
Guanine is a growth factor for Legionella species

Evaluation of previously described chemically defined media for the growth of Legionella pneumophila showed that these media supported poor growth of several strains of L. pneumophila and did not support growth of certain of the Legionella species described later. Growth was stimulated by the dialysate from yeast extract but not by the nondialyzable fraction. Further investigations indicated that the active factors from the yeast extract dialysate were purine or pyrimidine derivatives, and certain known purines and pyrimidines were found to stimulate growth. Of these, guanine universally stimulated growth of all Legionella strains and was a growth requirement for several of the species tested. A balanced, N-(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid-buffered, chemically defined medium having guanine or a purine-pyrimidine mix is presented for the general growth of Legionella species.
Behavioral sequelae of perinatal insults and early family adversity at 8 years of age.

OBJECTIVE This prospective longitudinal study investigated the simultaneous impact of early biological and psychosocial risk factors on behavioral outcome at school age. METHOD A cohort of 362 children born between 1986 and 1988 with different biological (perinatal insults) and psychosocial risk factors (family adversity) was followed from birth to school age. When their children were aged 8 years, parents of 89.0% of the initial sample completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS More externalizing as well as internalizing problems were found in children born into adverse family backgrounds, whereas no differences at broad-band syndrome level were apparent between groups with varying obstetric complications. Children with family risk factors had higher scores on 5 of the 8 CBCL scales (including attention, delinquent, and aggressive problems), whereas children with perinatal risk factors had more social and attention problems than children in the nonrisk groups. With one exception, no interactions between risk factors emerged, indicating that perinatal and family risk factors contributed independently to outcome. The differences between risk groups applied irrespective of gender. CONCLUSIONS The adverse impact of family adversity clearly outweighed the influence of obstetric complications in determining behavioral adjustment at school age.
Estimating Fuzzy Membership Function Based on RMSE for the Positional Accuracy of Historical Maps

When combining data from a time period spanning 300 years, these data will originate from various sources, and will be created by a diversity of techniques. Different spatial data types have different sources of error and provide information at varying accuracy levels. Some changes, detected by comparison of two misregistered maps, are caused by a difference in positional accuracy and have little to do with actual changes. This paper concentrates on this positional error, expressed as a root-mean-square error (RMSE). Due to this positional error, the actual position of the boundaries of for instance forest polygons, is uncertain. The possibility of actually finding forest increases from zero to one within a band around the forest boundaries. The aim of this paper was to analyze the relation between this possibility and the distance to the forest boundary. Using a simulation approach, distorted maps with different RMSE values were created. The superposition of these distorted maps was used to fit several functions. This was done in order to determine an appropriate form of the forest membership function. A sigmoid or a polynomial function yielded the best results, especially if the distortion was low. followed by an inverse difference weighted function. The linear function resulted in the poorest fit. The parameters of a given function type varied when the forest pattern or the RMSE value varied.
Reflexionando en voz alta sobre el sentido y algunos saberes proporcionados por la investigación en el ámbito de la educación inclusiva

El articulo reflexiona sobre el sentido y alcance de la investigacion inclusiva o sobre la inclusion, al hilo del analisis sobre las diferentes metodologias o enfoques susceptibles de aplicar a cualquier empresa investigadora en el campo educativo. Los autores se posicionan al lado de los enfoques criticos que contribuyan a reducir las situaciones de discriminacion que experimentan muchos estudiantes antes, durante y despues de su escolarizacion. Tambien se analizan algunos de los significados o perspectivas desde las cuales abordar la educacion inclusiva y se resumen algunos de los principales resultados y conocimientos disponibles para comprenderla y mejorarla, producto de la investigacion. Los autores sostienen que se necesita impulsar un tipo de investigacion que contribuya a construir conocimiento inclusivo tanto en el proceso como en los resultados e impacto, pero tambien se hace ver la paradoja de que ya hay suficiente conocimiento para ayudar a transformar las culturas, las politicas y las practicas escolares de forma que sean mas inclusivas.