Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipoxin A4 Increases Survival by Decreasing Systemic Inflammation and Bacterial Load in Sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by systemic inflammation with release of a large amount of inflammatory mediators. If sustained, this inflammatory response can lead to multiple organ failure and/or immunoparalysis. In the latter condition, the host may be susceptible to opportunistic infections or be unable to clear existing infections. Therefore, it is potentially beneficial to resolve inflammation by reducing inflammation without compromising host defense. We examined the effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a compound with inflammatory resolution properties, in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. Cecal ligation and puncture rats were given either saline or LXA4 (40 &mgr;g/kg, i.p.) 5 h after surgery. Lipoxin A4 administration increased 8-day survival of CLP rats, which lived longer than 48 h, and attenuated tissue injury after 8 days. Therefore, we investigated the effects of LXA4 on systemic inflammation and bacterial load 48 h after CLP sepsis. Plasma IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and IL-10 levels were reduced in LXA4-treated rats compared with CLP rats given saline vehicle. Lipoxin A4 reduced phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor &kgr;B (NF-&kgr;B) at serines 536 and 468 in peritoneal macrophages, suggesting that LXA4 reduced production of proinflammatory mediators through an NF-&kgr;B-mediated mechanism. Lipoxin A4 reduced blood bacterial load and increased peritoneal macrophage number without affecting phagocytic ability, suggesting that LXA4 reduced blood bacterial load by enhancing macrophage recruitment. It also suggests that LXA4 reduced systemic inflammation and NF-&kgr;B activation without compromising host defense. Increased macrophage recruitment was in part due to a direct effect of LXA4 as LXA4 increased peritoneal macrophage recruitment in sham controls and partly due to reduced production of IL-10 as LXA4 decreased macrophage IL-10 release (a known inhibitor of macrophage migration) after CLP. The results suggest that LXA4 increased survival in sepsis by simultaneously reducing systemic inflammation as well as bacterial spread.
Germination Patterns of Dimorphic Achenes in Three Related Species of Scorzoneroides (Asteraceae, Lactuceae) Growing in Different Environments

Scorzoneroides palisiae, S. salzmannii, and S. muelleri (Asteraceae) are phylogenetically close annuals with dimorphic achenes. Although these three species are characteristic to areas with some degree of disturbance, S. palisiae and S. salzmannii grow in Mediterranean environments, whereas S. muelleri preferentially grows in semi-arid environments. This study compared the germination characteristics of central and peripheral achenes subjected to different storage times. Both central and peripheral achenes of the three Scorzoneroides species were completely dormant immediately after dispersal. This dormancy was reduced after six months in dry storage, and practically disappeared after more than a year in storage. Six-month central achenes of S. palisiae and S. salzmannii displayed lower dormancy levels than peripheral achenes did, producing a mixed germination pattern. However, 6-month central achenes of S. muelleri displayed the same dormancy levels as those of peripheral achenes. Furthermore, there was a nearly significant negative correlation among germination and the annual aridity index in the studied populations. We suggest that this increase in dormancy may be interpreted as an adaptation to semi-arid ecosystems.
Impact of Gate Recess Offset on Pseudomorphic HEMT Performance: A Simulation Study

In this paper, using carefully calibrated numerical simulations, we investigate the effect of the gate recess offset in short channel Pseudomorphic HEMTs (PsHEMTs) on the small signal equivalent circuit components and on the overall device performance. We found that although the cut-off frequency fT of the investigated PsHEMTs has a maximum at 30 nm recess offset, fmax increases monotonously with the lateral extension of the offset.
Quantitative Cerenkov luminescence imaging: Measurements and simulations

Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is an optical imaging modality recently proposed to image β emitting radionuclides through the Cerenkov light they produce in tissue. CLI has been suggested in particular for β− emitting isotopes, which are difficult to study by other means, and as a cost-effective alternative to PET, yet with reduced penetration depth and spatial resolution. In this work we tested the predictive capabilities of a Monte Carlo model developed within the Geant4 platform for the description of a CLI experiment. Our final goal is to use Monte Carlo simulations to quantitatively correlate the number of detected Cerenkov photons with the radionuclide distribution. The code could be used also as a tool for experiment planning, for example in evaluating CLI applications. To test the reliability of the Monte Carlo predictions, CLI measurements were performed with a simple geometry that can be easily simulated (a radionuclide diluted in water) and the CLI signal measured with an electron multiplying charge coupled device (EMCCD) was compared with the Monte Carlo prediction. We observed that, below a certain detection limit and for particular acquisition settings, the measured signal depended on the acquisition settings. Apart from these exceptions, the simulated CLI signal was systematically 0.8 times the measured one. This small and constant offset suggests that the code could have good predictive capabilities in water.
An odd theorem

Abstract : Let C be a bounded convex polyhedral set and let f:C(arrow)C be continuous and piecewise linear. Using notions from complementary pivot theory, it is shown that if each fixed point of f lies interior to some piece of linearity, then f has an odd number of fixed points. In addition, an algorithm is given for computing a fixed point of f.
Estimator-correlator receiver in fading channels for signals with pilot symbols

The phase ambiguity problem in detecting phase modulated signals transmitted over a time-variant frequency-nonselective Rayleigh fading channel is addressed. A unified way for signal detection in an unknown channel based on the noncoherent estimator-correlator receiver is presented. We explain how this receiver can be used in conjunction with linear modulations. We provide a method for estimating the required number of pilot symbols and the need for tracking.
Unbiased Tracking of the Progression of mRNA and Protein Synthesis in Bulk and in Liposome‐Confined Reactions

The compartmentalization of a cell‐free gene expression system inside a self‐assembled lipid vesicle is envisioned as the simplest chassis for the construction of a minimal cell. Although crucial for its realization, quantitative understanding of the dynamics of gene expression in bulk and liposome‐confined reactions is scarce. Here, we used two orthogonal fluorescence labeling tools to report the amounts of mRNA and protein produced in a reconstituted biosynthesis system, simultaneously and in real‐time. The Spinach RNA aptamer and its fluorogenic probe were used for mRNA detection. Applying this dual‐reporter assay to the analysis of transcript and protein production inside lipid vesicles revealed that their levels are uncorrelated, most probably a consequence of the low copy‐number of some components in liposome‐confined reactions. We believe that the stochastic nature of gene expression should be appreciated as a design principle for the assembly of a minimal cell.
Analysis of Protein Ligand‐Receptor Binding by Photoaffinity Cross‐Linking

Photoaffinity cross‐linking is a rapidly developing technology for studying biomolecular interactions, including protein ligand‐receptor binding. This technology provides detailed binding information including receptor contact sites, active conformation of receptor‐ligand complexes, global binding surfaces, and binding modes. Advancements in genetic technology have enabled non‐natural photoactive amino acid derivatives to be incorporated into designer or target proteins, providing a host of new opportunities for manufacturing protein photo‐probes while bypassing the traditional peptide or small protein limits of classical chemical synthesis. This unit provides several protocols for performing basic photoaffinity cross‐linking and related analyses for applications in ligand‐receptor binding and protein‐protein interactions. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Specificity of antibodies to O-acetyl-positive and O-acetyl-negative group C meningococcal polysaccharides in sera from vaccinees and carriers

Most group C Neisseria meningitidis strains produce an O-acetyl-positive polysaccharide, a homopolymer of alpha-2----9-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid with O-acetyl groups at the C-7 and C-8 of its sialic acid residues. The majority of disease isolates have been reported to contain this polysaccharide. Some strains produce group C polysaccharide lacking O-acetyl groups. The licensed vaccine contains the O-acetyl-positive polysaccharide. We have measured the antibody specificities to the two polysaccharides in sera from asymptomatic group C meningococcal carriers and vaccinated adults by a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure using methylated human serum albumin for coating the group C polysaccharide onto microtiter plates. Inhibition of binding of serum antibodies to polysaccharide-coated plates was measured by ELISA after incubation with O-acetyl-positive and O-acetyl-negative group C polysaccharides. Greater inhibition of binding of carrier sera was observed with the homologous polysaccharide. There was substantial inhibition of binding of vaccinee sera to the O-acetyl-positive polysaccharide-coated plate following preincubation with O-acetyl-positive polysaccharide, but homologous inhibition on plates coated with the O-acetyl-negative polysaccharide required much higher concentrations of polysaccharide. Carrier sera may have a higher proportion of antibodies with greater specificity for the O-acetyl-negative polysaccharide, while vaccinee sera contain antibodies with greater affinity for the O-acetyl-positive polysaccharide. Studies with monoclonal antibodies specific for O-acetyl-positive and O-acetyl-negative polysaccharides reveal that the percentage of group C meningococcal disease caused by O-acetyl-negative strains remains about 15%, as found over 15 years ago.
The Mitochondrial Inner Membrane GTPase, Optic Atrophy 1 (Opa1), Restores Mitochondrial Morphology and Promotes Neuronal Survival following Excitotoxicity*

Mitochondrial dynamics have been extensively studied in the context of classical cell death models involving Bax-mediated cytochrome c release. Excitotoxic neuronal loss is a non-classical death signaling pathway that occurs following overactivation of glutamate receptors independent of Bax activation. Presently, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the regulation of excitotoxicity remains largely unknown. Here, we report that NMDA-induced excitotoxicity results in defects in mitochondrial morphology as evident by the presence of excessive fragmented mitochondria, cessation of mitochondrial fusion, and cristae dilation. Up-regulation of the mitochondrial inner membrane GTPase, Opa1, is able to restore mitochondrial morphology and protect neurons against excitotoxic injury. Opa1 functions downstream of the calcium-dependent protease, calpain. Inhibition of calpain activity by calpastatin, an endogenous calpain inhibitor, significantly rescued mitochondrial defects and maintained neuronal survival. Opa1 was required for calpastatin-mediated neuroprotection because the enhanced survival found following NMDA-induced toxicity was significantly reduced upon loss of Opa1. Our results define a mechanism whereby breakdown of the mitochondrial network mediated through loss of Opa1 function contributes to neuronal death following excitotoxic neuronal injury. These studies suggest Opa1 as a potential therapeutic target to promote neuronal survival following acute brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases.
BMCP1: a mitochondrial uncoupling protein in neurons which regulates mitochondrial function and oxidant production

Outside the nervous system, members of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) family have been proposed to contribute to control of body temperature and energy metabolism, and regulation of mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the function of brain mitochondrial carrier protein 1 (BMCP1), which is highly expressed in brain, remains to be determined. To study BMCP1 expression and function in the nervous system, a high‐affinity antibody to BMCP1 was generated and used to analyze tissue expression of BMCP1 protein in mouse. BMCP1 protein was highly expressed in heart and kidney, but not liver or lung. In the nervous system, BMCP1 was present in cortex, basal ganglia, substantia nigra, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Both BMCP1 mRNA and protein expression was almost exclusively neuronal. To study the effect of BMCP1 expression on mitochondrial function, neuronal (GT1‐1) cell lines with stable overexpression of BMCP1 were generated. Transfected cells had higher State 4 respiration and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (ψm), consistent with greater mitochondrial uncoupling. BMCP1 expression also decreased mitochondrial production of ROS. These data suggest that BMCP1 can modify mitochondrial respiratory efficiency and mitochondrial oxidant production, and raise the possibility that BMCP1 might alter the vulnerability of brain to both acute injury and to neurodegenerative conditions.
Tryptophan-Requiring Mutants of the Plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Although amino acid auxotrophs are among the most frequently isolated mutations in microorganisms, no mutants that require amino acids have been isolated at the whole plant level. Tryptophan-requiring mutants of the cruciferous plant Arabidopsis thaliana have now been isolated by selecting for resistance to 5-methylanthranilic acid. The tryptophan requirement of one mutant, trpl-1, results from a defect in the second step of the tryptophan pathway catalyzed by anthranilate phosphoribosyl transferase. Mutant trpl-1 plants are highly fluorescent and aromatic because they accumulate anthranilic acid and anthranilate β-glucoside. Plants homozygous for the trpl-1 mutation exhibit a syndrome of morphological defects suggestive of a defect in the biosynthesis, metabolism, or localization of a tryptophan derivative such as auxin. All of these morphological phenotypes cosegregate with the tryptophan requirement as a simple Mendelian recessive trait.
Korrelationen zwischen perzeptueller Beurteilung von Stimmen nach dem RBH-System und akustischen Parametern

Als standardisiertes Verfahren zur perzeptuellen Beurteilung von heiseren Stimmen hat sich im deutschsprachigen Raum das RBH-System durchgesetzt, nach dem Rauhigkeit (R), Behauchtheit (B) und Heiserkeit (H) auf einer 4-stufigen Skala bewertet werden. Ziel dieser Studie war es zu untersuchen, inwieweit die subjektiven Beurteilungen von Stimmen mit computergestutzen akustischen Analysen verschiedener Parameter korrelieren und welche Parameter am besten zur quantitativen Beschreibung der perzeptuellen Charakteristika Rauhigkeit bzw. Behauchung geeignet sind.
Genetic characterization of brood bank stocks of Catla catla (Hamilton) (Cyprinidae:Cypriniformes) collected from three different rivers of Bangladesh.

Genetic characterization of the base population of a breeding program i s useful in monitoring changes in the genetic structure that might occur over generations. By using microsatellite DNA markers, we have analyzed the genetic population structure of the Jamuna, Padma and Halda river samples of Catla catla maintained in a Brood bank of the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh. We detected a total of 27 alleles at five loci in 90 individuals with an average of 5.4 alleles per locus. The mean allelic richness of the Jamuna, Padma and the Halda population of catla were 4.800, 5.200, and 4.400, respectively. The average observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity values for the Jamuna, Padma and the Halda rivers were 0.720, 0.720 and 0.667 and 0.663, 0.678 and 0.643, respectively. The FIS values ranged from -0.341 to 0.121 and found to be nonsignificant while the pairwise FST values ranged from 0.0142 to 0.0507 and found to be significant. The genetic variations in the Jamuna and the Padma populations are comparable and slightly higher than that of the Halda population. Our study detected an excess of heterozygosity indicating recent genetic bottlenecks in the brood bank founder stocks of C. catla.
Body iron stores in relation to growth and pubertal maturation in healthy boys

During male puberty, erythropoiesis is exceptionally active. Pubertal development and iron status were followed in 60 healthy boys at 3‐month intervals for 24 months to evaluate changes in body iron stores with the serum transferrin receptor–ferritin ratio. The estimated amount of stored iron declined by about 50% over a 2‐year period. Remarkable changes in iron stores were found even after as short an interval as 3 months and pubertal development was closely linked with a decrease in stored iron. The annual increments of estimated red blood cell (RBC) iron showed strong positive correlations with velocities in testicular volume and certainly in body height and weight. In contrast, the estimated changes in individual iron stores were not associated with any of those parameters. The lacking associations between iron stores and growth parameters are probably indicative of increasing intestinal absorption. Despite the relatively small quantitative role of iron stores in supplying iron for growth, falling iron stores probably play a more important regulatory role by stimulating iron absorption.
Equarin is involved in cell adhesion by means of heparan sulfate proteoglycan during lens development

Background: Adhesion molecules are known to be instructive for both development and differentiation. During lens differentiation, epithelial cells undergo vertical elongation, with the anterior and posterior tips of the elongating fiber cells sliding along the epithelium and capsule, respectively. These cellular processes are highly coordinated through cell adhesive interactions, actin cytoskeletal reorganization and contractile force generation. Alterations in extracellular matrix composition that interfere with these interactions can lead to defects that alter tissue morphogenesis and the state of differentiation. We have demonstrated that Equarin, which is a secreted molecule expressed in the equator region of the lens, plays an important role in chick lens fiber differentiation through fibroblast growth factor signaling. Results: Here, we explored the function of Equarin in chick lens cell adhesion. Equarin protein was expressed in the extracellular region of lens differentiating cells. We found that Equarin promoted lens cell adhesion through heparan sulfate proteoglycan. By biochemical analysis, we found that Equarin directly binds syndecan‐3, which displayed a similar expression pattern to Equarin. Overexpression of Equarin resulted in altered actin localization. Conclusions: Equarin is involved in cell adhesion during fiber differentiation and development. Developmental Dynamics 242:23–29, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CRAFFT as a Substance Use Screening Instrument for Adolescent Psychiatry Admissions

Background: Adolescent use of alcohol and illicit substances is quite common among pediatric psychiatry inpatients; however, little data exist on substance use screening instruments that can be used to augment thorough psychiatric diagnostic interviews. CRAFFT is a screening tool for adolescent substance use that has been validated in outpatient general medical settings. This is the first study to examine its use in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Methods: We performed a chart review of records from adolescents admitted to our inpatient psychiatric unit who completed a CRAFFT screen on admission. We compared CRAFFT scores with other measures of substance use, including urine drug screens and the diagnosis of a substance use disorder at discharge. We also examined measures of depression and suicidality in individuals with elevated CRAFFT scores (≥2 positive answers out of 6) and compared them with measures in those with normal CRAFFT scores. Results: Elevated CRAFFT scores were correlated with other measures of alcohol and substance use, including the diagnosis of a substance use disorder at discharge (P<0.0001), and laboratory screening for alcohol (P=0.0048) and marijuana (P<0.0001) on admission. Previous suicide attempts (P=0.005) and “psychiatric trauma” (P=0.0027) were also positively associated with elevated CRAFFT scores. Conclusions: CRAFFT scores in adolescent inpatients were correlated with other measures of substance use, supporting its efficacy as a screening tool in this population. CRAFFT scores were also positively correlated with a history of psychiatric trauma and past suicide attempts, which is consistent with the results of previous studies associating pediatric substance use and traumatic life events with an increased risk of suicide.
The effect of government incentive policy on firm's innovation performance: A multilevel analysis

This study investigates how government incentive policy stimulates firms' innovation performance, and then how firms adapt and co-evolve with the stimulation to achieve legitimacy and financial benefit simultaneously. By examining 54 Chinese High-Tech industrial parks in the period of 2002–2008 and using hierarchical linear model as our analysis method, our results suggest that government incentive policy affects firms' innovation performance in a U-shaped way. Although government incentive policy has a direct impact on firms' innovation performance, firms have certain level of flexibility to adapt to the policy which leads to a U-shaped growth trend of innovation performance. Moreover, the strength of government incentive policy has a long-term effects on innovation performance in different regions. This paper provides more empirical evidences and theoretical understanding of firms' motivations to innovation to the current literature.
Testing visual acuity.

Measuring visual acuity in practical fields is far from satisfactory. T'est types are of major importance and in this field there is need for research. I have developed a legible four-position test type, for measurements where standardization is most important, and a principle for the design of test letters, for examination and measurement. The fourposition test type is derived from the clear preference for legible test types in practical work, searching for a compromise between letters and the classical Landolt ring, or the Snellen illiterate E. This may be considered for standardization in the field of official measurements. From these rotating test types I then developed the idea ofa new approach to letter design for clinical testing (that is, for more rapid non-official examinations) based on square two-position patterns. These two proposals have different purposes and are dealt with separately below.