Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depletion of luminal iron alters the gut microbiota and prevents Crohn's disease-like ileitis

Background Iron replacement therapy is a common treatment in patients with anaemia and Crohn's disease, but oral iron supplements are less tolerated. The pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is attributed to intestinal bacteria and environmental factors that trigger disease in a genetically predisposed host. The aim of this study was to characterise the interrelationship between luminal iron sulfate, systemic iron, the gut microbiota and the development of chronic ileitis in a murine model of Crohn's disease. Methods Wild type (WT) and heterozygous TNFΔARE/WT mice were fed with an iron sulfate containing or iron sulfate free diet in combination with intraperitoneal control injections or iron injections for 11 weeks. Results TNFΔARE/WT mice develop severe inflammation of the distal ileum but remained completely healthy when transferred to an iron sulfate free diet, even if iron was systemically repleted. Absence of luminal iron sulfate reduced cellular markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses and pro-apoptotic mechanisms in the ileal epithelium. Phenotype or reactivity of major effector intraepithelial CD8αβ+ T cells were not altered in the absence of luminal iron. Interestingly, ER stress mechanisms sensitised the small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line Mode-K to cytotoxic function of effector T cells from TNF∆ARE/WT mice. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA tags of the caecal microbiota revealed that depletion of luminal iron sulfate induced significant compositional alterations, while total microbial diversity (Shannon's diversity index) and number of total operational taxonomic units were not affected. Conclusion This study showed that an iron sulfate free diet in combination with systemic iron repletion prevents the development of chronic ileitis in a murine model of Crohn's disease. Luminal iron may directly affect IEC function or generate a pathological milieu in the intestine that triggers epithelial cell stress-associated apoptosis through changes in microbial homeostasis. These results suggest that oral replacement therapy with iron sulfate may trigger inflammatory processes associated with progression of Crohn's disease-like ileitis.
Properties of biological activity of ten wild almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) species

To compare the antioxidant and antiradical activity of phenolic extracts of different species of wild almond kernels (including the brown skin), 10 wild almond species were selected from Shahindezh and Qasemloo Valley in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran. The fruits of these almonds were collected, their kernels were separated from their hulls and shells and then ground, and methanolic extracts were prepared from the kernels. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and a colorimetric method, respectively. The extracts were also evaluated on their reducing power and their capacity to scavenge for DPPH radicals. Significant differences were found in the phenolic and flavonoid contents of kernels from various species. The radical-scavenging capacity percentage also varied among 6 species at 50 ppm, although 100% radical scavenging was recorded for all species at 100 ppm. The results obtained were quite heterogeneous, revealing significant differences among the species assayed. A. pabotti Browicz and A. orientalis Duhamel revealed better antioxidant properties and the highest antioxidant contents. Therefore, these wild almonds can be used in breeding cultivated almonds and for rootstock improvement.
Intravenous bleomycin infusion as a potential syncronizing agent in human disseminated malignancies. A preliminary report

According to cell cycle synchrony principles, bleomycin was infused for 48 hours, followed by a dose of either methotrexate or hydroxyurea after a 24‐hour rest, in 36 adult patients with disseminated carcinoma. In this preliminary study, a 59% response rate was noted among patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck. Four of four patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and one patient with hypernephroma also responded. No responses were noted among five patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the lung. The length of response ranged from 1 to 8 months (median, 2 months). Seventy‐seven percent of the responders had extensive prior radiotherapy. The first patient treated had fatal sepsis with leukopenia, which prompted a widening of the treatment interval. Subsequently, toxicity was mainly mild or absent, the moderate or severe toxicity was primarily neutropenia, which was reversible. The use of low‐dose bleomycin infusion is safe and may play a role in cancer therapy in combination with other agents specific for certain tumors. The length of infusion should be determined by the cell cycle of the tumor, if its potential synchronizing capabilities are to be exploited.
Why Meta-Analysis Doesn’t Tell Us What the Data Really Mean: Distinguishing between Moderator Effects and Moderator Processes

Traditional approaches to detecting the presence of moderators in meta-analyses involve inferences drawn from the residual variance in criterion-related validities (a) after correcting for sampling error and statistical artifacts. James, Demaree, Mulaik, and Ladd (1992) argued that these residualized interpretations of meta-analytic results may be spurious when statistical artifacts covary with true moderators. We extend their model to suggest that situational moderators might also covary with sample size and content (i.e., nonrandom sample selection error), causing meta-analysis to be uninterpretable and a significant correlation between criterion-related validities and ni. We investigate this possibility on studies examining criterion-related validities ofpeer nominations originally reported by Kane and Lawler (1978). Application of residualized meta-analysis suggests the presence of moderator effects, but a significant correlation between ri and ni precludes interpretation of the moderator process behind these effects. More generally, we argue that the nature of true contingencies cannot be inferred from meta-analytic summaries of traditional criterion-related validity studies. Primary research with appropriate controls is the only means of identifying true moderator effects and processes on criterion-related validity.
An In Vitro and Molecular Informatics Study to Evaluate the Antioxidative and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylglutaryl‐CoA Reductase Inhibitory Property of Ficus virens Ait

The present study is initially intended to evaluate antioxidant and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibitory property of Ficus virens Ait. , first by in vitro analyses followed by a corroboratory molecular informatics study. Our results show that of all the sequentially extracted fraction of F. virens bark and leaves extract, F. virens bark methanol extract exhibits strong radical scavenging, antioxidant and oxidative DNA damage protective activity, which is well correlated with its total phenolic content. In addition, F. virens bark methanol extract, which is non‐cytotoxic, significantly and non‐covalently inhibit the HMGR activity (IC50 = 3.45 ± 0.45 µg/ml) in comparison with other extracts. The mechanistic aspect of this inhibition activity is authenticated by molecular docking study of bioactive compounds as revealed from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data, with HMGR. The analysis for the first time indicates that quinic acid (ΔG: −8.11 kcal/mol) and paravastatin (ΔG: −8.22 kcal/mol) exhibit almost same binding energy, while other compounds also showed good binding energy, suggesting that quinic acid alone or in combination with other major bioactive compound is probably responsible for HMGR inhibitory property of the extract and plausibly can be used in in vivo system for the management, prevention, and alleviation of hypercholesterolemia as well as hypercholesterolemia‐induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel algorithm to detect internal transformer faults

The concept of Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) has been successfully used as a diagnostic technique to detect winding deformation, core and clamping structure for power transformers. The main problem about FRA techniques is to interpret the observed evolution of the frequency response in order to identify failures. Moreover, the test is conducted off-line by measuring the input/output relationships as a function of frequency in a typical range of 2 MHz to provide a current state wave form of the transformer. In this paper an alternative simple but yet effective technique is introduced to detect the internal faults within power transformer. The technique does not call for any special measuring devices as it uses the input voltage, output voltage and the input current at the power frequency and hence online monitoring can be realised. The locus of these parameters is used to identify different mechanical transformer faults. Mechanical and short circuit faults are simulated into transformer distributed parameter model to compare the differences in the proposed locus of healthy and deformed transformer.
Unraveling the role of innovation platforms in supporting coevolution of innovation: Contributions and tensions in a smallholder dairy-development program

A number of studies have addressed issues of platform organization, but few have studied how platforms shape innovation processes. Chapter 9 (Kilelu, Klerkx, and Leeuwis) attempts to unravel the role of platforms in supporting innovation, through an in-depth study of a smallholder dairy-development program in Kenya. The findings indicate that innovation processes produce numerous tensions and unexpected effects, and that intermediation and facilitation are crucial for resolving tensions. Innovation platforms require adaptive management that is supported by monitoring for continuous learning.
Idiosyncratic Volatility and the Pricing of Poorly-Diversified Portfolios

This article examines the role of idiosyncratic volatility in explaining the cross-sectional variation of size- and value-sorted portfolio returns. We show that the premium for bearing idiosyncratic volatility varies inversely with the number of stocks included in the portfolios. This conclusion is robust within various multifactor models based on size, value, past performance, liquidity and total volatility and also holds within an ICAPM specification of the risk–return relationship. Our findings thus indicate that investors demand an additional return for bearing the idiosyncratic volatility of poorly-diversified portfolios.
A Novel Target for Antidiuretic Hormone in Insects

Diuresis in insects is controlled by two antagonistic hormone groups: diuretic hormones, which promote water loss, and antidiuretic hormones, which inhibit it. All known antidiuretic factors act solely to promote fluid reabsorption by the hindgut and do not affect secretion by the Malpighian tubules. In the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, an antidiuretic hormone was found that inhibits fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules but has no effect on the hindgut. Correlations were found between the density of neurosecretory granules and the presence of antidiuretic hormone in the corpora cardiaca, suggesting that the hormone is released from specific axons. Its release is triggered by dehydration; the hormone is detectable in the hemolymph of water-deprived crickets. These results imply that an unusual mechanism regulates water balance in these insects.
The efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a meta-analysis from nine randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a novel anti-TNF agent that is used for patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the efficacy of CZP in RA remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of RA patients. METHODS Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safe of CZP in the patients with active RA. The primary outcome was American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20), and secondary outcome were ACR50, ACR70, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. A fixed-effect model or random-effect model was used to pool the estimates, depending on the absence or presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. RESULTS Nine RCTs with a total of 5228 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and all of the patients were administered CZP or placebo. The pooled results showed that CZP significantly improved the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70 response rates, and physical function. CZP was associated with a statistically significant reduction in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, arthritis pain, and fatigue. Patients who received CZP treatment did not have a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, no matter in any intensity. CONCLUSIONS CZP 200 or 400mg in the treatment of active RA significantly reduced the RA signs and symptoms, and improved physical function as compared with the placebo. More large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of active RA.
Parental Reasoning, Denying Privileges, Yelling, and Spanking: Ethnic Differences and Associations with Child Externalizing Behavior

SYNOPSIS Objective. This study was designed to examine whether African American and European American mothers differ in their discipline use when reasoning, denying privileges, yelling, and spanking are considered simultaneously and whether there are ethnic group differences in how these four forms of discipline are associated with child externalizing behavior. Design . The authors used structural equation models to examine relations between children's externalizing behavior in Kindergarten (age 5 years), mothers’ discipline in Grades 1–3 (ages 6–8 years), and children's externalizing behavior in Grade 4 (age 9 years) in a sample of 585 mothers and children. Results . African American and European American mothers showed the same rank order frequency of reported use of each of the 4 forms of discipline, most frequently using reasoning, followed by yelling, denying privileges, and least frequently spanking. However, European American mothers more frequently reported using 3 of the 4 forms of discipline than did African American mothers, with no ethnic differences in the frequency with which mothers reported spanked. For European American children, higher levels of teacher-reported child externalizing in Kindergarten predicted mothers’ more frequent report of denying privileges, yelling, and spanking in Grades 1–3; only spanking was associated with more child externalizing behaviors in Grade 4. For African American children, teacher-reported child externalizing in Kindergarten was unrelated to mothers’ report of discipline in Grades 1–3; considering predictions from discipline to Grade 4 child externalizing, only denying privileges was predictive. Conclusions . European American and African American families differ in links between children's teacher-reported externalizing behaviors and subsequent mother-reported discipline as well as links between mother-reported discipline and children's subsequent teacher-reported externalizing.
Osmotic regulation of transcription: induction of the proU betaine transport gene is dependent on accumulation of intracellular potassium

The proU locus, which encodes a high-affinity betaine transport system, and the kdp operon, which encodes a potassium transport system, are the principal osmoresponsive genes in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The kdp operon is known to be induced in response to changes in cell turgor. We have investigated the control of proU expression and shown that it differs from that of kdp in a number of fundamental ways. Rather than responding to changes in turgor, proU expression is principally determined by the intracellular accumulation of potassium ions. Potassium and betaine were shown to play distinct osmoprotective roles. Potassium serves as the principal osmoprotectant and is accumulated in response to low-level osmotic stress to restore turgor. As external osmolarity is increased to a level at which the corresponding increase in internal potassium concentrations is potentially deleterious to enzyme function, betaine (when available) is accumulated in preference to potassium. The different mechanisms of proU and kdp regulation reflect the different physiological roles of these two osmoprotectants.
Evolution of a Pathway for Chlorobenzene Metabolism Leads to Natural Attenuation in Contaminated Groundwater

ABSTRACT Complete metabolism of chlorinated benzenes is not a feature that is generally found in aerobic bacteria but is thought to be due to a novel recombination of two separate gene clusters. Such a recombination could be responsible for adaptation of a natural microbial community in response to contamination with synthetic chemicals. This hypothesis was tested in a chlorobenzene (CB)-contaminated aquifer. CB-degrading bacteria from a contaminated site were characterized for a number of years by examining a combination of growth characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization, PCR, and DNA sequence data. The genetic information obtained for the CB pathway of the predominant microorganism, Ralstonia sp. strain JS705, revealed a unique combination of (partially duplicated) genes for chlorocatechol degradation and genes for a benzene-toluene type of aromatic ring dioxygenase. The organism was detected in CB-polluted groundwater by hybridizing colonies cultivated on low-strength heterotrophic media with probes for the CB pathway. Southern hybridizations performed to determine the organization of the CB pathway genes and the 16S ribosomal DNA indicated that CB-degrading organisms isolated from different wells at the site were identical to JS705. Physiological characterization by the Biolog test system revealed some differences. The genes for the aromatic ring dioxygenase and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase of JS705 were detected in toluene and benzene degraders from the same site. Our results suggest that recent horizontal gene transfer and genetic recombination of existing genes between indigenous microorganisms were the mechanisms for evolution of the catabolic pathway. Evolution of the CB pathway seems to have created the capacity for natural attenuation of CB at the contaminated site.
A technique to improve optical time division multiplexing - wavelength division multiplexing performance

Optical time division multiplexing - wavelength division multiplexing (OTDM-WDM), intensity modulation (IM) systems employing optical amplification and dispersion management (DM) are analyzed with and without the introduction of an optical narrowband bandpass filter placed right after optical time demultiplexing. The use of the filter was found to improve the performance of the demultiplexed channels by reducing amplitude jitter while possessing high intersymbol interference (ISI) tolerance. The OTDM-WDM link shows good performance up to 2000 km with the OTDM filter providing a Q gain of 0.7-1.1 dB. The optimal input power reduces for longer distances due to increased significance of nonlinear effects. A 900 km link showed good performance for spectral efficiencies as low as 0.52 bits/s/Hz, though the Q gain provided by the OTDM filter reduces as channel spacing decreases.
Experimental studies on multiple-model predictive control for automated regulation of hemodynamic variables

A model-based control methodology was developed for automated regulation of mean arterial pressure and cardiac output in critical care subjects using inotropic and vasoactive drugs. The control algorithm used a multiple-model adaptive approach in a model predictive control framework to account for variability and explicitly handle drug rate constraints. The controller was experimentally evaluated on canines that were pharmacologically altered to exhibit symptoms of hypertension and depressed cardiac output. The controller performed better as compared to experiments on manual regulation of the hemodynamic variables. After the model bank was determined, mean arterial pressure was held within /spl plusmn/5 mm Hg 88.9% of the time with a standard deviation of 3.9 mmHg. The cardiac output was held within /spl plusmn/1 l/min 96.1% of the time with a standard deviation of 0.5 l/min. The manual runs maintain mean arterial pressure only 82.3% of the time with a standard deviation of 5 mmHg, and cardiac output 92.2% of the time with a standard deviation of 0.6 l/min.
Experiences of men who commit to romantic relationships with younger breast cancer survivors: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT This phenomenological study examined the experiences of men who committed to romantic relationships with women under 50, post–breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Twelve men from throughout the United States, who were dating their partner for at least 6 months, participated in semistructured interviews. Findings focused on initial disclosure timing, previous experience/knowledge about the cancer, reacting with acceptance despite concerns, focusing on love/connection, respecting and admiring the survivor, and the ongoing impact of cancer on the relationship. Clinical implications are discussed, highlighting the systemic effect that breast cancer may have on a couple even after treatment is completed.
Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice

From the Publisher: The indispensable guide to wireless communicationsnow fully revised and updated! Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Second Edition is the definitive modern text for wireless communications technology and system design. Building on his classic first edition, Theodore S. Rappaport covers the fundamental issues impacting all wireless networks and reviews virtually every important new wireless standard and technological development, offering especially comprehensive coverage of the 3G systems and wireless local area networks (WLANs) that will transform communications in the coming years. Rappaport illustrates each key concept with practical examples, thoroughly explained and solved step by step. Coverage includes: An overview of key wireless technologies: voice, data, cordless, paging, fixed and mobile broadband wireless systems, and beyond Wireless system design fundamentals: channel assignment, handoffs, trunking efficiency, interference, frequency reuse, capacity planning, large-scale fading, and more Path loss, small-scale fading, multipath, reflection, diffraction, scattering, shadowing, spatial-temporal channel modeling, and microcell/indoor propagation Modulation, equalization, diversity, channel coding, and speech coding New wireless LAN technologies: IEEE 802.11a/b, HIPERLAN, BRAN, and other alternatives New 3G air interface standards, including W-CDMA, cdma2000, GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE Bluetooth wearable computers, fixed wireless and Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), and other advanced technologies Updated glossary of abbreviations and acronyms, and a thorolist of references Dozens of new examples and end-of-chapter problems Whether you're a communications/network professional, manager, researcher, or student, Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, Second Edition gives you an in-depth understanding of the state of the art in wireless technologytoday's and tomorrow's.