Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Particulate Matter on Daily Mortality in Bangkok, Thailand.

Several studies conducted in U.S. cities report an association between acute exposures to particulate matter (PM), usually measured as PM10, and mortality. Evidence of high concentrations of PM10 in Eastern Europe and in large metropolitan areas outside of the United States, such as Mexico City and Bangkok, underscores the need to determine whether these same associations occur outside of the United States. In addition, conducting studies of mortality and air pollution in regions that have distinctly different seasonal patterns than those of the United States provides an effective opportunity to assess the potentially confounding aspects of seasonality. Over the last few years, daily measures of ambient PM10 have been collected in Bangkok, a tropical city of over 6 million people. In this metropolitan area, PM10 consists largely of fine particles generated from diesel- and gasoline-powered automobiles, and from two-stroke motorcycle engines. Our analysis involved the examination of the relationship between PM10 and daily mortality for 1992 through 1995. In addition to counts of daily natural mortality (total mortality net of accidents, homicides, and suicides), the data were compiled to assess both cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, and natural mortality by age group. A multivariate Poisson regression model was used to explain daily mortality while controlling for several covariates including temperature, humidity, day of the week, season, and time. The analysis indicated a statistically significant association between PM10 and all of the alternative measures of mortality. The results suggest a 10-µg/m3 change in daily PM10 is associated with a 1-2% increase in natural mortality, a 1-2% increase in cardiovascular mortality, and a 3-6% increase in respiratory mortality. These relative risks are generally consistent with or greater than those reported in most studies undertaken in the United States.
Left-Ventricular Function and Physical Performance on the 6-min Walk Test in Older Patients After Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation

Polcaro P, Molino Lova R, Guarducci L, Conti AA, Zipoli R, Papucci M, Garuglieri S, Raimo D, Fattirolli F, Macchi C, Gensini GF: Left-ventricular function and physical performance on the 6-min walk test in older patients after inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008;87:46–55. Objective:The 6-min walk test (6mWT) is widely used to assess physical performance in cardiac rehabilitation settings. Factors affecting the walked distance before starting physical training have been described, whereas information on factors affecting the increase of the walked distance after physical training is still scant. The aim of this study was to verify, in a large sample of elderly patients soon after cardiac surgery, the role of left-ventricular function (LVF) in increases in distances walked after an intensive rehabilitation program. Design:We enrolled 459 patients (300 males and 159 females, mean [±SD] age 70 ± 11 yrs). According to the echographic ejection fraction, patients were classed into two categories, LVF ≥ 40% and LVF < 40%. All patients performed the 6mWT at the beginning and end of the rehabilitation program. Results:Longer walked distances before and after the rehabilitation program were significantly associated with preserved or moderately depressed LVF, whereas greater relative increases of the distance walked after the rehabilitation program were significantly associated with poor LVF (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions:Among elderly patients admitted as inpatients to an intensive rehabilitation program soon after cardiac surgery, those with poor LVF are most likely to respond more favorably to physical training. Therefore, instead of considering poor LVF a risk for starting physical training in these patients, it should be considered a strong indication, to avoid further physical deconditioning and disability.
Serine protease inhibitor‐E2 (SERPINE2) is differentially expressed in granulosa cells of dominant follicle in cattle

The objective was to analyze gene expression in bovine granulosa cells of the dominant follicle by mRNA differential display. Total RNA was extracted from granulosa cells of ≤4 mm follicles, day 5 (D5) dominant follicles, and hCG‐induced preovulatory follicles. A differentially expressed cDNA observed in the dominant follicle group was used to screen a granulosa cell cDNA library, which resulted in the cloning of a 2,096 bp cDNA. Amino acid comparison showed identity level of 91.4, 83.9, and 83.1% when compared to human, rat, and mouse serine protease inhibitor E2, SERPINE2, also called Glia‐derived nexin or protease Nexin‐1. A single transcript of 2.4 kb was shown to be differentially expressed in different bovine tissues. Immunoblotting with a specific antibody raised against a fragment of SERPINE2 (S12‐R196) showed that SERPINE2 migrated at 47.5 kDa in support of glycosylation. Primordial, primary, and secondary pre‐antral follicles showed immunostaining associated with granulosa cells and oocytes, and strong labeling in large antral follicles was located with granulosa cells and follicular fluid. Heterogeneity of SERPINE2 labeling was observed in CL. Semi‐quantitative real‐time fluorescent RT‐PCR showed a six‐fold increase (P = 0.0002) in mRNA level of SERPINE2 in granulosa cells of D5 dominant follicle compared to granulosa cells collected from the ≤4 mm or preovulatory hCG‐induced follicles. This report demonstrates that SERPINE2 mRNA is regulated in a spatio–temporal pattern with highest levels in granulosa cells of growing dominant bovine follicles, and support the hypothesis that a high expression of SERPINE2 may contribute to follicular growth whereas a decrease following hCG injection may contribute to ovulation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 64: 152–165, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physeal Bridge Resection in Infantile Blount Disease

Physeal bridge resection and osteotomy were used in the treatment of three cases of Stage VI Blount disease. At follow-up, all patients showed continued growth of the proximal tibial physis, as well as maintenance of alignment. Bridge resection with realignment osteotomy offers an attractive alternative in the treatment of skeletally immature patients with Blount disease and a medial physeal bridge.
Role of cGMP in Sildenafil-Induced Activation of Endothelial Ca(2+)-Activated K(+) Channels

Intracellular cGMP is an important second messenger in endothelial cells. Because Ca2+-activated K+ channels with large conductance (BKCa) have been shown to regulate endothelial cell functions, the aim of the present study was to examine whether sildenafil modulates BKCa activity in cultured human endothelial cells. Changes of the endothelial cell membrane potential were analyzed using the fluorescence dye DiBAC. The patch-clamp technique was used to study BKCa in human endothelial cells of umbilical cord veins (HUVEC). Intracellular Ca2+ levels were analyzed using Fura-2 fluorescence imaging. Sildenafil caused a dose-dependent (0.05–5 μmol/l) hyperpolarization of the endothelial cells with a maximum at a concentration of 1 μmol/l. A significant increase of BKCa activity was induced by sildenafil (1 μmol/l) perfusion. BKCa open state-probability (NPo) was also increased by the cGMP-analogue 8-bromo-cGMP (0.5 mmol/l), whereas inhibition of the cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) had no effect on NPo. PKG-inhibition abolished 8-bromo-cGMP induced BKCa activation, and reduced sildenafil induced NPo. Furthermore, sildenafil caused a significant increase of intracellular calcium that was blocked by the BKCa inhibitor iberiotoxin (100 nmol/l). In conclusion sildenafil activates BKCa by a mechanism, which involves cGMP. The activation of the BKCa is responsible for the sildenafil-induced increase of intracellular Ca2+.
PET study on striatal dopamine D2 receptor changes during the progression of early parkinson's disease

[11C] Raclopride uptake to dopamine D2 receptors was investigated with positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with early Parkinson's disease at the time of the diagnosis and after a half‐year interval. During this progressive period of the disease, the patients received no antiparkinsonian medication. The upregulation of striatal D2 receptors, which was seen in all patients already at the time of the diagnosis, persisted. Although the patients initially showed unilateral disease, they had developed bilateral symptoms by the time of the second PET scan, but the disease was still asymmetric. The present results show that the relative increase in [11C]raclopride uptake in the striatum contralateral to the symptoms as compared with the opposite striatum will be preserved even during the progression of the disease, provided that the symptoms show clear‐cut asymmetry.
FACILE AND CONTROLLED INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL NANOSTRUCTURES IN MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE

Nanostructure integration within microfluidic device has a great potential for substantial improvement of performance and widening of applications by taking advantages of unique nanoscale material properties. We introduce a novel and simple method for the integration of functional nanowires by controlled hydrothermal reaction within microfluidic device. By modulating synthesis parameters such as reaction seeds, temperatures, periods, and heating locations, the morphology and location of synthesized nanowires can be well-controlled. We also demonstrate a preliminary result of pH sensing experiment by using the ZnO nanowire bridges fabricated by this method.
Studies with inactivated influenza vaccines purified by zonal centrifugation. 1. Adverse reactions and serological responses.

High (3000 CCA units) and standard low (300 CCA units) doses of formalin-inactivated influenza vaccines purified by zonal ultracentrifugation were evaluated in a double-blind manner for adverse reactions and antibody responses in a high school population and in 2 adult populations.The fewest local and systemic reactions were produced by subcutaneous administration of the low doses of purified monovalent A2/Aichi/2/68, A2/Japan/170/62, and B/Massachusetts/3/66 vaccines. The high doses of A2/Japan and A2/Aichi vaccines produced 2-3-fold greater incidence of adverse reactions but did not exceed that observed with the commercial vaccines. The 3000 CCA units of B/Mass. vaccine produced more frequent and more severe systemic reactions than the polyvalent vaccine.Neither the A2/Japan vaccine nor the commercial vaccines stimulated a significant serum antibody response to A2/Aichi.The homologous serum antibody response to an Aichi vaccine was excellent in all 3 populations. A2/Aichi vaccines produced higher heterologous A2/Japan titres than did the A2/Japan vaccines. It was demonstrated that high doses of purified influenza vaccine can be given safely, and that 10-fold increases in vaccine concentration produce 2-3-fold increases in antibody titre.
LDPC Code-Aided Phase-Ambiguity Resolution for QPSK signals Affected By a Frequency Offset

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes provide capacity approaching performances with very long codes in a coherent channel. However, as the block length increases, their performance becomes worse with residual frequency offsets. Residual frequency offsets can be tackled with sub-block decoding and LDPC code-aided phase ambiguity resolution for binary phaseshift keying (BPSK) signals. Sub-block decoding is a practical technique where phase estimation/correction are done over every sub-block in a codeword. In this paper, we extend the concept of LDPC code-aided phase ambiguity resolution to Quadrature phase-shift keying(QPSK) modulated signals through a mapping/demapping technique. Bit-error rate (BER) simulations show that the phase ambiguity algorithm along with sub-block decoding tackle small frequency offsets with a negligible loss. We further show with the help of EXIT charts that LDPC code distributions performing close to capacity and also aiding phase ambiguity resolution can be constructed.
Enzymatic properties of glutamate dehydrogenase in rabbit masseters.

Introduction L-glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3) catalyzes the following reaction: αketoglutarate + NH4 + + NAD(P)H + + H+—L-glutamate + NAD(P) + H2O. Many papers have been published on the enzymatic properties of L-glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in various mammalian tissues [1-11], in bacteria [12-14], and in plants [15,16]. In oral tissue, KOHATA [6] reported on the subcellular distribution of GDH in rabbit dental pulp and MAKINO [14] reported on the enzymological properties of GDH in Fusobacterium from human dental plaque, such as molecular weight, coenzyme specificity and its kinetic mechanism. However, little has been reported on the enzymological properties of GDH in masseters and its enzymatic characterization is not well-known. In order to clarify the role of GDH associated with metabolic pathways on glucose and amino acids, we prepared a scheme for this study. In this paper GDH from rabbit masseters was partially purified by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and its enzymatic properties are described.
Plasma reduced homocysteine concentrations are increased in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations> 15 micromol/L are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is especially the case in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), in which tHcy concentrations commonly range between 20 and 30 micromol/L. Adverse vascular or prothrombotic effects associated with hyperhomocysteinemia are assumed to be mediated by the free sulfhydryl (reduced) form of the molecule (rHcy), but data based on fluorescence high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicate that rHcy concentrations are not increased in ESRD despite two- to threefold elevations in tHcy. METHODS We developed a sensitive method for measuring plasma rHcy concentrations in which freshly drawn blood is incubated with sodium iodoacetate, and the resulting S-carboxymethylhomocysteine is analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS Unlike with the earlier methodology, we found plasma rHcy concentrations two to four times higher than normal in ESRD. These concentrations were lowered by hemodialysis and were proportional to plasma tHcy over the range of tHcy concentrations that has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk (r2 = 0.39, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that homocysteine could directly mediate vascular disease through mechanisms related to the reactivity of its free sulfhydryl group. It remains to be determined how much of the variability between plasma tHcy and rHcy is due to analytical variation and how much is due to biologic factors that separately influence concentrations of the disease marker, tHcy, and its presumed mediator, rHcy.
Salvage therapy in patients with glioblastoma

Survival after first‐line therapy is poor for patients with glioblastoma. The role of second‐line treatment for recurrent disease is controversial. The authors studied the outcome in a subset of patients with glioblastoma who were selected for an aggressive reintervention strategy at the time of progression. Their objectives were to improve patients' overall survival with sustained quality of life and to make comparisons with overall survival in unselected patients.
Diminished in Situ Glucose-6-Phosphate Flux in Permeabilized Adipocytes From Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

With metabolically active, saponin-permeabilized adipocytes, in situ pathway metabolism, which was distal to glucose transport, was examined in acute streptozocin-induced diabetic (STZ-D) rats. Metabolic reactions were initiated with selectively radiolabeled glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), an otherwise inert substrate with intact cells. Thus, the membrane pores permitted a direct comparison of cellular flux between control and STZ-D adipocytes at identical initial substrate concentrations. Three metabolic pathways were studied: 1) proximal glycolysis through the triosephosphates ([3-3H]G6P to 3H2O), 2) glycolysis-Krebs ([6-14C]G6P) oxidation, and 3) lipogenesis ([6-14C]G6P incorporation into triglyceride). The extent of membrane porosity was assessed by both propidium iodide staining and lactate dehydrogenase leakage to assure that porosity was comparable between the cell groups. Porous adipocytes from STZ-D rats had markedly attenuated rates of G6P metabolism compared with controls. At enzyme-saturating concentrations of G6P (4 mM), this deficit ranged from 44% for glycolysis-Krebs oxidation to 88% for lipogenesis. The reduction in glycolysis-Krebs oxidation was also evident between 0.5 and 6 mM G6P. These porous-cell data were compared with parallel studies of glucose metabolism and clearance in intact adipocytes. Finally, several glycolytic enzymes and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were measured in cell-free (sonicated) extracts with traditional in vitro methods under Vmax conditions. Overall, the in situ porous-cell flux measurements uncovered larger deficits in posttransport cellular metabolism than were apparent in the cell-free, in vitro assays. We conclude that, in actively metabolizing porous rat adipocytes, there exists a striking and unequivocal transport-independent defect in intermediary metabolism after acute STZ-D.
Cardiovascular reactivity, emotional factors, and home blood pressures in black males with and without a parental history of hypertension.

&NA; Differences in cardiovascular responses to mental stress, psychological factors, and self‐determined home blood pressure between black individuals with and without a family history of essential hypertension (EH) may suggest mechanisms responsible for the high incidence of EH in blacks. In this study, 12 black male students with a parental history of EH and 12 without a parental history of EH participated in a laboratory session during which two mental challenge tasks (anagrams and mental arithmetic) were presented. Following the laboratory session all subjects made daily recordings of their morning and evening blood pressure for four weeks (28 days) after the laboratory session. The results showed that sons of hypertensive parents had higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) than sons of normotensive parents at rest and during mental challenge; no reliable differences in heart rate were observed. Sons of hypertensive parents had higher self‐determined home blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and scored significantly higher on psychological measures of Trait‐Anger/Temperament, Anger‐Out, and Submissiveness. Apparently there was no significant change in SBP or DBP over the four weeks prior to final examinations in either of the groups. Although the resting blood pressure level, weight, and family history predicted a large proportion of the variance in home SBP and DBP, the amount of explained variance, particularly for DBP, was significantly increased by the inclusion of psychological variables and the level of cardiovascular responses (and not the delta change) to mental challenge in the regression equation. These findings indicate that the degree to which self‐determined home blood pressures can be predicted is enhanced significantly by considering both the level of cardiovascular responses to stress and psychological measures of the experience and expression of anger. The implications of these results are discussed in light of current research demonstrating that average home blood pressures are a better predictor of cardiac complications than casual (office) blood pressures.
Analysis of Anomalous Charge-Pumping Characteristics on 4H-SiC MOSFETs

Anomalous charge-pumping characteristics of 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs were analyzed. Charge-pumping measurements of n- and p-channel 4H-SiC MOSFETs with and without NO annealing were performed. Measurements using various pulse fall times revealed that the geometric component exists in the n-channel 4H-SiC MOSFETs and is particularly large in the unannealed n-channel 4H-SiC MOSFETs with low channel mobility. In addition, influence of interface states on the charge-pumping curves is significant in the unannealed 4H-SiC MOSFETs. The charge-pumping curves are distorted by these two nonideal effects, making the analysis of the charge-pumping curves difficult. A sufficiently long pulse fall time, which is on the order of 1-10 mus for the n-channel 4H-SiC MOSFETs with a 10-mum gate length, is required to minimize the effect of the geometric component.
Impaired Pulmonary Host Defense in Mice Lacking Expression of the CXC Chemokine Lungkine1

Lungkine (CXCL15) is a novel CXC chemokine that is highly expressed in the adult mouse lung. To determine the biologic function of Lungkine, we generated Lungkine null mice by targeted gene disruption. These mice did not differ from wild-type mice in their hematocrits or in the relative number of cells in leukocyte populations of peripheral blood or other tissues, including lung and bone marrow. However, Lungkine null mice were more susceptible to Klebsiella pneumonia infection, with a decreased survival and increased lung bacterial burden compared with infected wild-type mice. Histologic analysis of the lung and assessment of leukocytes in the bronchioalveolar lavage revealed that neutrophil numbers were normal in the lung parenchyma, but reduced in the airspace. The production of other neutrophil chemoattractants in the Lungkine null mice did not differ from that in wild-type mice, and neutrophil migration into other tissues was normal. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Lungkine is an important mediator of neutrophil migration from the lung parenchyma into the airspace.
Comparison of lightning characteristics of selected insulating synthetic esters with mineral oil

This article presents the results of experimental studies concerning the lightning characteristics of two different commercial synthetic ester liquids and mineral oil. The measurements were conducted at both negative and positive standard lightning impulse voltage using a point-to-sphere electrode system. The step method recommended by the IEC 897 Standard was extended to the light emission detection using a photomultiplier technique. On this basis comparisons were made using the point of view of lightning impulse breakdown voltages (LIBV) obtained, times to breakdown (TtB) measured and the light oscillograms registered. The results concerning LIBV and TtB showed that at negative polarity both the esters have almost the same lightning characteristics which are slightly below the characteristics of mineral oil while at positive polarity the results show an improvement. Concerning the light emission, the mineral oil tested behaves as more resistant against the appearance of fast light pulses that indicate the intense stepwise propagating discharges.
Developments in the treatment of uveitis

Uveitis remains a challenging field to the ophthalmologist as the disease causes significant morbidity and the use of traditional forms of treatment is restricted by limited effectiveness and considerable side effects. This article explores new agents used in the treatment of uveitis as well as the potential of agents used successfully in experimental uveitis. This paper also reviews agents in use for a long time but now used in novel ways.
Biological Optimisation for Nurse Scheduling

Artificial immune systems (AISs) to date have generally been inspired by naive biological metaphors. This has limited the effectiveness of these systems. In this position paper two ways in which AISs could be made more biologically realistic are discussed. We propose that AISs should draw their inspiration from organisms which possess only innate immune systems, and that AISs should employ systemic models of the immune system to structure their overall design. An outline of plant and invertebrate immune systems is presented, and a number of contemporary research that more biologically-realistic AISs could have is also discussed.