Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Secretome of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Exposed to Fine Atmospheric Particles Induces Fibroblast Proliferation

Chronic exposure to particulate pollution is suspected to exacerbate inflammatory respiratory diseases such as asthma characterized by an airway remodelling involving fibrosis. Our study aims to investigate whether the secretome from human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to fine particulate matter (PM) induces fibroblast proliferation. Primary HBE cells grown on air liquid interface were repeatedly exposed to fine PM at 5 and 10 µg/cm² (four treatments, 48 hours apart) and maintained in culture for five weeks. Collected basolateral culture medium was used as a conditioned medium for the subsequent treatment of fibroblasts. We observed that the conditioned medium collected from HBE cells treated with fine PM increased the growth rate of fibroblasts compared to the conditioned medium collected from control HBE cells. Fibroblast phenotype assessed by the observation of the vimentin network was well preserved. The mitogenic effect of conditioned medium was reduced in the presence of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anti-amphiregulin or anti-TGFa, underlining the role of EGFR ligands in fibroblast proliferation. When fibroblasts were co-cultured with HBE cells treated once with fine PM, they exhibited a higher growth rate than fibroblasts co-cultured with non-treated HBE cells. Altogether these data show that the exposure of HBE cells to fine PM induced the production of EGFR ligands in sufficient amount to stimulate fibroblast proliferation providing insight into the role of PM in airway remodelling.
Conditional Stabilization of β‐Catenin Expands the Pool of Lung Stem Cells

Maintenance of classic stem cell hierarchies is dependent upon stem cell self‐renewal mediated in part by Wnt/β‐catenin regulation of the cell cycle. This function is critical in rapidly renewing tissues due to the obligate role played by the tissue stem cell. However, the stem cell hierarchy responsible for maintenance of the conducting airway epithelium is distinct from classic stem cell hierarchies. The epithelium of conducting airways is maintained by transit‐amplifying cells in the steady state; rare bronchiolar stem cells are activated to participate in epithelial repair only following depletion of transit‐amplifying cells. Here, we investigate how signaling through β‐catenin affects establishment and maintenance of the stem cell hierarchy within the slowly renewing epithelium of the lung. Conditional potentiation of β‐catenin signaling in the embryonic lung results in amplification of airway stem cells through attenuated differentiation rather than augmented proliferation. Our data demonstrate that the differentiation‐modulating activities of stabilized β‐catenin account for expansion of tissue stem cells.
Farm management and economic analyses of leopard conservation in north‐central Namibia

We investigated the livestock farms surrounding the Waterberg Plateau Park in north‐central Namibia to assess farmer attitudes, management techniques, financial impacts, as well as the potential benefits of tourism and trophy hunting, with respect to leopard Panthera pardus conservation. Farmers were asked about their use of six livestock husbandry techniques and farmers who employed at least one had 85% less reported conflict than farmers not employing any. Livestock farmers lost on average 3.8% of their calves to depredation annually (US$1370 per farm per year) but were willing to lose 3.3%, a difference of only US$180 per farm or US$3064 regionally. Where losses were higher than stated tolerance, we found that potential benefits from tourism and trophy hunting could offset losses. Surveys with tourists and professional hunters in the region strengthened this conclusion.
Design of a fractional slot multi-phase PMSG for a direct-drive wind turbine

The design of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) suitable for off-shore direct drive wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) is presented in this paper. In particular, a twelve-phase PMSG, characterised by a surface mounted permanent magnet configuration and by outer rotor layout has been considered with the aim of improving torque quality, energy efficiency, power management, fault tolerance and reliability of WECS. For these purposes, fractional slot multiphase windings have been asymmetrical distributed in order to form four three-phase independent subsystems. Finally, a specific design procedure oriented to minimize cogging torque and to maximize magnetic decoupling of each three-phase subsystem has been developed. The analytical procedure and the corresponding results have been reported and validated by means of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), highlighting the worth and effectiveness of the proposed configuration.
The emergence of a new paradigm in ape language research: Beyond interactionism

We group the issues raised in the commentaries into five major sections. In the first, section R1, we consider some of the antecedents to dynamic systems (DS) in psychology, biology, anthropology, and primatology and note the key changes that have occurred in DS over the past ten years. Next, in section R2, we explain the ways in which co-regulation differs markedly from interactional synchrony, focusing in particular on the creation of meaning inherent in co-regulated communication. The following section (R3) clarifies the challenge that DS poses to Cartesian assumptions about the nature of communication and contrasts this position with behaviorism. In the next section (R4) we reject the notion that IP and DS may be, in fact, compatible paradigms. Finally, we explain the exciting future we envision for using DS to facilitate consideration of evolutionary questions, particularly those concerning the comparative evolutionary development of socio-emotional dynamics between partners (section R5).
R u a smkn m0m?: Aspects of a Text Messaging Smoking Cessation/Reduction Intervention for Younger Mothers

Women who are younger in age are more likely to smoke during pregnancy and tend to have less success with cessation. There is an unmet need for interventions targeted to pregnant young women that engage them and provide them with support to quit long-term into the postpartum period and beyond. Our study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of pregnant and postpartum women’s experiences of text messaging (TM) as a conduit for smoking cessation/reduction and to determine the appropriate content, frequency, duration and unique features needed for a TM program for this subpopulation.
Blocking interleukin-6 signaling inhibits cell viability/proliferation, glycolysis, and colony forming activity of human medulloblastoma cells

Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) have tumor-promoting activity and are associated with poor survival outcomes in many cancers. Additionally, the IL-6/GP130/STAT3 axis has been widely studied due to its pivotal role in tumor development and maintenance in a number of tissue types, including the cerebellum. However, the connection between IL-6 signaling and medulloblastoma progression is largely unexplored. In the present study, we observed that IL-6 induced medulloblastoma cell viability, cell proliferation and glycolysis. Furthermore, it also upregulated the expression of phosphorylated STAT3, indicating that the IL-6/GP130/STAT3 pathway plays a central role in medulloblastoma. The FDA-approved drug bazedoxifene, a blocker of the formation of the hexameric IL-6/IL-6R/GP130 complex, was re-purposed in this study to inhibit the IL-6/GP130/STAT3 signaling pathway. Bazedoxifene not only inhibited IL-6 mediated cell viability and cell proliferation, and increased phosphorylated STAT3 expression, but it also decreased cell glycolysis, demonstrating a certain level of therapeutic efficacy in vitro. Collectively, our findings offer new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the biological aggressiveness of medulloblastoma, the roles of IL-6 in these processes and a possible efficacious adjuvant therapy for medulloblastoma.
The Interorganizational Network as a Resource: A Comparative Case Study on Organizational Genesis.

We are grateful to Janet Abu-Lughod, Howard Becker, John Kretzmann, Janice Weiss, Gerald Salancik, and anonymous ASQ reviewers for their comments on various drafts and sections of this article. Based on a comparative case study analysis, this paper suggests how preexisting organizations within an environment constitute resources for the genesis of new, similar organizations and how this process may expand the level of resources available from the wider environment, while the absence of similar organizations may hinder organizational genesis. As a result of the three central processes of resource exchange, legitimation, and domain definition, the emergence of new organizations can be facilitated rather than hindered by the presence of a greater number of preexisting similar organizations in the organizational field. The article raises significant questions about the conceptualization of resources and environments and contributes to the specification of the "liability of newness" hypothesis. ,
Linearization of CMOS LNA's via optimum gate biasing

A FET linearization technique based on optimum gate biasing is investigated at RF. A novel bias circuit is proposed to generate the gate voltage for zero 3rd-order nonlinearity of the FET transconductance. The measured data show that a peak in IIP/sub 3/ occurs at a gate voltage slightly different from the one predicted by the dc theory. The origins of this offset are explained based on a Volterra series analysis and confirmed experimentally. The technique was used in a 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS cellular-band CDMA LNA. At the optimum bias, the amplifier achieved a NF of 1.8 dB, an IIP/sub 3/ of +10.5 dBm, and a power gain of 14.6 dB with a current consumption of only 2 mA from 2.7 V supply.
Regulation of Cyclooxygenase 2 mRNA Stability by the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p38 Signaling Cascade

ABSTRACT A tetracycline-regulated reporter system was used to investigate the regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) mRNA stability by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 signaling cascade. The stable β-globin mRNA was rendered unstable by insertion of the 2,500-nucleotide Cox-2 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). The chimeric transcript was stabilized by a constitutively active form of MAPK kinase 6, an activator of p38. This stabilization was blocked by SB203580, an inhibitor of p38, and by two different dominant negative forms of MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK-2), a kinase lying downstream of p38. Constitutively active MAPKAPK-2 was also able to stabilize chimeric β-globin–Cox-2 transcripts. The MAPKAPK-2 substrate hsp27 may be involved in stabilization, as β-globin–Cox-2 transcripts were partially stabilized by phosphomimetic mutant forms of hsp27. A short (123-nucleotide) fragment of the Cox-2 3′ UTR was necessary and sufficient for the regulation of mRNA stability by the p38 cascade and interacted with a HeLa protein immunologically related to AU-rich element/poly(U) binding factor 1.
Can magnetic field sensors replace gyroscopes in wearable sensing applications?

We investigate if and how magnetic sensors can be used to replace gyroscopes in wearable activity recognition. The work is motivated by (1) sensor configurations typically found in smart phones where magnetic sensors are used to complement GPS position with orientation and (2) the fact that gyroscopes are an important source of information for activity recognition. We propose a method to compute angular velocity from 3D magnetic sensor data and discuss its fundamental limitations. We present an elaborate evaluation of the accuracy on 5 previously published data set with a total of nearly 20 hours of data from 15 users with activities ranging from bicycle repair, through homemaking to gym exercise.
An Evaluation of the Progress, Experience and Employability of Mature Students on the BEd Course at Westminster College, Oxford

Abstract There are many adults who left school without A levels who wish to further their education as mature students. Because many of these adults are being accepted by colleges without traditional A levels, and with very few GCSE/O level subject passes, it has been suggested that their acceptance as students may lower the standard of the college courses. This paper evaluates the qualities which mature and non‐traditional entry students bring to college courses, and concludes that their results compare favourably with those of traditional entry students. Many mature students appear to have needs in common with other students and meeting these needs would result in better practice within institutions of higher education (HE). However, mature students also have specific needs which are evaluated in this paper. Most require little additional expenditure, but are rather a matter of will and organisation on the part of the institution and tutors. Entry as mature students onto BEd courses seems to be particul.
Dynamics of the IP Time To Live Field in Internet Traffic Flows

The Time To Live (TTL) field present in the IP protocol header is used to limit the lifetime of packets in the network. Previous research has measured TTL for studying path lengths and dynamics in IP networks, and for detecting route changes. How the TTL varies over short timescales of subsequent packets of traffic flows has not yet been analysed. Such knowledge is needed for passively detecting route changes based on existing traffic in the network or traffic traces, and for designing mechanisms that modulate the TTL field such as IP traceback techniques and covert channels. In this paper we analyse small time scale TTL variation in Internet traffic flows based on a number of packet traces captured at different locations in the Internet. Index Terms—Network Measurement, IP Time To Live, Small Time Scale Dynamics I. I NTRODUCTION
Stimulation of spermatocyte development in prepubertal rats by the Sertoli cell steroid, 3 alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one.

The effect of 3 alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (3HP), a Sertoli cell steroid, on spermatogenesis was examined in normal and gonadotropin-suppressed rats, through s.c. as well as direct intratesticular injections. Early experiments employing normal prepubertal male rats indicated that 3HP, when administered at 65 micrograms/100 g BW daily for 15 days, was capable of stimulating pachytene spermatocyte number to 149% of untreated control numbers. It was of interest to determine if this effect could be amplified in gonadotropin-suppressed animals. Neonatally estrogenized rats (500 micrograms estradiol benzoate in 0.1 ml oil at 2 days) were treated on alternate days with 3HP (100 micrograms/100 g BW) for 3 wk, starting at 7 days of age. This treatment significantly increased the number of spermatocytes per tubule cross section from 17.3 +/- 1.9 (in estradiol benzoate-only animals) to 47.1 +/- 7.9 (p less than 0.01). In a similar study, 100 micrograms/100 g BW of testosterone propionate could stimulate spermatocyte number to only 15.1 +/- 2.2 cells per tubule cross section versus estradiol benzoate-only numbers. A single intratesticular injection of 3HP (2 ng in 2.0 microliters oil) in Methallibure-treated rats resulted in a significant increase in late pachytene spermatocyte numbers from 0.77 +/- 0.12 in Methallibure-only-treated rats to 1.70 +/- 0.10 (p less than 0.001) cells per tubule cross section in 28-day-old rats. However, in this study, no other progesterone metabolite or androgenic steroid (testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, or 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol) tested was capable of this level of germ cell stimulation. In conclusion, 3HP appears to have a direct effect on germ cell development within the testis at levels much lower than those shown to be effective for androgens. It does not appear that this effect is mediated through the conversion of 3HP to any C21 or C19 steroids, and appears to be the first report of a Sertoli cell steroid with a possible role in the process of mammalian spermatogenesis.
Technological waves and future perspectives of vacuum electronics

Vacuum electronics (VE) have been one of the motors of industrial growth in the last 130 years. The development of VE concepts has been pushed by several technological waves/cycles, starting with incandescent lamps, continuing with the radio tube era then followed by the cathode ray tubes. Before and during these cycles also the enabling technologies for VE, especially vacuum technology and cathode technology, have been developed further improved continously. Despite the decay of the first 3 waves, vacuum electronics is still alive in the form of microwave tubes, X-ray tubes and other applications. In the case of microwave tubes their specific advantages in the high power/high frequency domain over solid state is discussed. This could open new perspectives for future applications in IC design. In this talk first the different technological waves are described and then the progress of the two main enabling technologies is elucidated, monitored by decreasing vacuum base pressure and increasing cathode emission capabilities. Finally future perspectives for VE are given.
Effects of Endurance Training on the Serum Levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α and Interferon-γ in Sedentary Men

Physical activity could be considered one of the factors that affect the immune system status and function. To find the relation between exercise and cytokines, we examined the possible effects of an 8-week endurance training program on the serum levels of cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in sedentary men. A total of 30 healthy young male volunteers were randomly divided into an endurance training group and a control group. The training group followed a specific exercise protocol (running on a treadmill for 15~30 min at 50~70% maximal heart rate) for 8 weeks and the control group did not participate in any exercise program. Venous blood samples were collected from both the groups 24 h before and 24 h and 48 h after the exercise. Repeated ANOVA was used for statistical purposes. The serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were determined by ELISA. Significant (p<0.05) and non-significant (p>0.05) decreases were observed in the serum levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, respectively, after the 8-week endurance training program. Our findings indicated that an 8-week endurance exercise may affect the serum levels of some inflammatory cytokines, suggesting the beneficial role of this training protocol in elderly population and people with certain conditions (inflammation of the vertebrae or other inflammatory diseases).
Vacuum Circuit Breaker Transients during Switching of an LMF Transformer

Switching transients associated with circuit breakers have been observed for many years. With the wide-spread application of vacuum breakers for transformer switching, recently this phenomenon has been attributed to a significant number of transformer failures. Vacuum circuit breaker switching of electric arc furnace and ladle melt furnace transformers raises concern because of their inductive currents. High frequency transients and overvoltages result when the vacuum breaker exhibits virtual current chop and multiple re-ignitions. This paper will present a detailed case study of vacuum breaker switching of a new ladle melt furnace transformer involving current chopping and re-strike simulations using the electromagnetic transients program. A technique that involves a combination of surge arresters and snubbers will be applied to the ladle melt furnace to show the switching transients can be successfully mitigated. Additionally, some practical aspects of the physical design and installation of the snubber will be discussed.
Hemodynamic Effects of Tezosentan, an Intravenous Dual Endothelin Receptor Antagonist, in Patients With Class III to IV Congestive Heart Failure

Background —Endothelin-1, a powerful mediator of vasoconstriction, is increased in patients with congestive heart failure and appears to be a prognostic marker that strongly is correlated with the severity of disease. However, little is known about the potential immediate beneficial effects of acute blockade of the endothelin system in patients with symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. We assessed the hemodynamic effects and safety of tezosentan, an intravenous dual endothelin receptor antagonist, in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. Methods and Results —This randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the hemodynamic effects of 6-hour infusions of tezosentan at 5, 20, 50, and 100 mg/h compared with placebo in 61 patients with New York Heart Association class III to IV heart failure. Plasma endothelin-1 and tezosentan concentrations were also determined. Treatment with tezosentan caused a dose-dependent increase in cardiac index ranging from 24.4% to 49.9% versus 3.0% with placebo. Tezosentan also dose-dependently reduced pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances, with no change in heart rate. No episodes of ventricular tachycardia or hypotension requiring drug termination were observed during tezosentan infusion. Tezosentan administration resulted in dose-related increased plasma endothelin-1 concentrations. Conclusions —The present study demonstrated that tezosentan can be safely administered to patients with moderate to severe heart failure and that by virtue of its ability to antagonize the effects of endothelin-1, it induced vasodilatory responses leading to a significant improvement in cardiac index. Further studies are under way to determine the clinical effects of tezosentan in the setting of acute heart failure.
Oesophageal cancer in women: tobacco, alcohol, nutritional and hormonal factors

We analysed 3 case–control studies from Italy and Switzerland including 114 women with squamous cell oesophageal cancer and 425 controls. The multivariate odds ratio was 4.5 for heavy smoking and 5.4 for heavy alcohol drinking. Fruit intake, vegetable intake, oral contraceptive and HRT use were inversely related to oesophageal cancer. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
Efficient associative memory storage in cortical circuits of inhibitory and excitatory neurons

Many features of synaptic connectivity are ubiquitous among cortical systems. Cortical networks are dominated by excitatory neurons and synapses, are sparsely connected, and function with stereotypically distributed connection weights. We show that these basic structural and functional features of synaptic connectivity arise readily from the requirement of efficient associative memory storage. Our theory makes two fundamental predictions. First, we predict that, despite a large number of neuron classes, functional connections between potentially connected cells must be realized with <50% probability if the presynaptic cell is excitatory and >50% probability if the presynaptic cell is inhibitory. Second, we establish a unique relation between probability of connection and coefficient of variation in connection weights. These predictions are consistent with a dataset of 74 published experiments reporting connection probabilities and distributions of postsynaptic potential amplitudes in various cortical systems. What is more, our theory explains the shapes of the distributions obtained in these experiments.