Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Erythropoietin as an Inhibitor of Tissue Ischemia

Erythropoietin is a hypoxia-induced cytokine that stimulates erythropoiesis through the promotion of erythroid precursor cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent evidence supports that erythropoietin has a broad spectrum of tissue protecting actions affecting other systems than hemopoietic. Lately, research has focused on the nonhemopoietic effects of erythropoietin against tissue ischemia due to the unexpected observations of erythropoietin receptor expression by various cells, such as endothelial cells, neuronal cells, cardiac myocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It has been shown that erythropoietin exerts its cardioprotective action during cardiac ischemic injury through reducing the infract size and enhancing new vessel formation over a longer time frame. Erythropoietin plays a crucial role in neuroprotection in many types of ischemic injury in the central and the peripheral nervous system. It is also strongly believed that erythropoietin exhibits a critical role in many other disorders that are pathogenetically related to acute tissue ischemia. This article reviews the proposed implications of erythropoietin in tissue ischemia and discusses the possible mechanisms for this action along with its potential therapeutic applications.
Development of Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) task to examine the effects of reward-predicting cues on behavioral activation in young adults

There is a growing recognition that much of human behavior is governed by the presence of classically conditioned cues. The Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) paradigm offers a way to measure the effects of classically conditioned stimuli on behavior. In the current study, a novel PIT paradigm was developed for use in conjunction with an fMRI classical conditioning task. This could allow for a measurement of BOLD responses to anticipated rewards, unconfounded by operant responses, while providing a behavioral measure of conditioning effects. Twenty-four healthy young adults completed 1) instrumental training, 2) Pavlovian conditioning, and 3) Transfer test. During instrumental training, participants learned to apply force on a handgrip to win money from slot machines pictured on a computer screen. During Pavlovian conditioning, slot machines appeared with one of two abstract symbols (cues), one symbol was predictive of monetary reward. During the Transfer test, participants again applied force on a handgrip to win more money. This time, slot machines were presented with the Pavlovian cues, but with the outcomes hidden. The results indicated increased effort on the instrumental task, i.e., higher response frequency and greater force, in the presence of a reward-predicting cue. Our findings add to a growing number of studies demonstrating PIT effects in humans. This paradigm was proved to be useful in measuring the effects of a conditioned stimulus on behavioral activation.
Localized learning revisited

The concept of localized learning outlines how local conditions and spatial proximity between actors enable the formation of distinctive cognitive repertoires and influence the generation and selection of skills, processes and products within a field of knowledge or activity. The localized learning argument consists of two distinct yet related elements. One has to do with localized capabilities that enhance learning while the other concerns the possible benefits that firms with similar or related activities may accrue by locating in spatial proximity of one another. In this essay, we disentangle these two inherent elements of the concept, review some of the critique that has been raised against it, and sort out some misunderstandings that we think are attached to its present use.
Plasma homocysteine, oxidative stress and endothelial function in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria

Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between endothelial function, plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and microalbuminuria compared with DM patients with normoalbuminuria and non‐diabetic control subjects. We wished to test the hypothesis that increased cardiovascular risk in patients with Type 1 diabetes and microalbuminuria may be in part as a result of hyperhomocysteinaemia‐mediated oxidative stress leading to impaired endothelial function.
ON HABIRO'S CYCLOTOMIC EXPANSIONS OF THE OHTSUKI INVARIANT

We give a self-contained treatment of Le and Habiro's approach to the Jones function of a knot and Habiro's cyclotomic form of the Ohtsuki invariant for manifolds obtained by surgery around a knot. On the way we reproduce a state sum formula of Garoufalidis and Le for the colored Jones function of a knot. As a corollary, we obtain bounds on the growth of coefficients in the Ohtsuki series for manifolds obtained by surgery around a knot, which support the slope conjecture of Jacoby and the first author.
Pairing between gypsy Insulators Facilitates the Enhancer Action in trans throughout the Drosophila Genome

ABSTRACT The Suppressor of the Hairy wing [Su(Hw)] binding region within the gypsy retrotransposon is the best known chromatin insulator in Drosophila melanogaster. According to previous data, two copies of the gypsy insulator inserted between an enhancer and a promoter neutralize each other's actions, which is indicative of an interaction between the protein complexes bound to the insulators. We have investigated the role of pairing between the gypsy insulators located on homologous chromosomes in trans interaction between yellow enhancers and a promoter. It has been shown that trans activation of the yellow promoter strongly depends on the site of the transposon insertion, which is evidence for a role of surrounding chromatin in homologous pairing. The presence of the gypsy insulators in both homologous chromosomes even at a distance of 9 kb downstream from the promoter dramatically improves the trans activation of yellow. Moreover, the gypsy insulators have proved to stabilize trans activation between distantly located enhancers and a promoter. These data suggest that gypsy insulator pairing is involved in communication between loci in the Drosophila genome.
A comparison of multiple imputation and doubly robust estimation for analyses with missing data

Summary. Multiple imputation is now a well‐established technique for analysing data sets where some units have incomplete observations. Provided that the imputation model is correct, the resulting estimates are consistent. An alternative, weighting by the inverse probability of observing complete data on a unit, is conceptually simple and involves fewer modelling assumptions, but it is known to be both inefficient (relative to a fully parametric approach) and sensitive to the choice of weighting model. Over the last decade, there has been a considerable body of theoretical work to improve the performance of inverse probability weighting, leading to the development of ‘doubly robust’ or ‘doubly protected’ estimators. We present an intuitive review of these developments and contrast these estimators with multiple imputation from both a theoretical and a practical viewpoint.
Safety and efficacy of the multitargeted receptor kinase inhibitor pazopanib in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical pazopanib in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS Twenty eyes of 20 patients with stable CNV were enrolled in a prospective, open label, noncomparative study and treated with topical pazopanib 0.5% for 3 weeks, and followed for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was to determine the tolerability and safety of topical pazopanib in the treatment of CNV defined by the occurrence of ocular and systemic adverse events during the study. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of topical pazopanib on the reduction of (1) neovascular area (NA), defined as the area of the corneal vessels themselves, (2) invasion area (IA), defined as the fraction of the total cornea into which the vessels extend, (3) vessel length (VL), defined as the mean measurement of the extent of vessels from end to end, and (4) vessel caliber (VC), defined as the mean diameter of the corneal vessels. RESULTS There were no severe adverse events following the use of topical pazopanib. Compared with the baseline visit, NA and VL showed a statistically significant decrease at week 3 (P = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively); and NA, IA, and VL statistically significantly decreased at week 12 (P = 0.03, 0.04, and <0.01, respectively). Visual acuity maintained without changes after the 12 week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that topical treatment with pazopanib 0.5% is safe, well tolerated, and may have a role as an alternative for the treatment of CNV (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01257750).
Nano-scale testing of nanowires and carbon nanotubes using a microelectromechanical system

The need to characterize nanometer-scale materials and structures has grown tremendously in the past decade. These structures may behave very differently from their larger counterparts and must be carefully characterized before their full potential is realized. The challenging task of mechanical characterization requires an entirely new set of techniques to achieve the force and displacement resolution needed to accurately characterize these structures. This chapter begins with a brief review of some of the methods used in mechanical characterization of nanoscale specimens, followed by a detailed description of a MEMS-based material testing system. This MEMS-based system allows for continuous observation of specimen deformation and failure with sub-nanometer resolution by scanning or transmission electron microscope while simultaneously measuring the applied load electronically with nano-Newston resolution. Special emphasis is placed on modeling and analysis of a thermal actuator used to apply a displacement-controlled load to the tensile specimen as well as the electrostatic load sensor. Finally, experimental results demonstrating the advantages of the MEMS-based system are presented.
A general model for recurring real-time tasks

A new model for hard real time tasks-the recurring real time task model-is introduced. This model generalizes earlier models such as the sporadic task model and the generalized multiframe task model. An algorithm is presented for feasibility analysis of a system of independent recurring real time tasks in a preemptive uniprocessor environment.
The role of mycoplasma membrane proteins in the adsorption of animal cells to Mycoplasma hominis colonies.

Colonies of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum adsorb many types of animal cell, including erythrocytes of various species, spermatozoa and tissue culture cells (Manchee & Taylor-Robinson, 1969). This adsorption can be prevented by treating the colonies with antiserum to whole mycoplasma organisms. The adsorption-inhibiting activity of the serum can in turn be abolished by treating the serum with haptens isolated from mycoplasmas. We have examined the role of specific mycoplasma antigens, particularly those of the cell membrane, in the adsorption of H-HeLa cells to colonies of a strain of Mycoplasma hominis. Mycoplasma horninis, sc4, isolated from the urethra of a man attending a venereal diseases clinic, was used throughout. Antisera to whole organisms, purified membranes and soluble fraction were those prepared by Hollingdale & Lemcke (1969). Antisera to lipid-free and recombined membranes and urea extract of whole membranes were prepared in rabbits according to Hollingdale & Lemcke (I 972). In the test for inhibition of H-HeLa cell adsorption, the culture medium, growth of mycoplasma colonies on agar and origin of H-HeLa cells were as described by Manchee & Taylor-Robinson (I 969). Suitable colonies of the mycoplasma, preferably in groups of three or four, were surrounded with a glazed porcelain assay cylinder; about six cylinders were used on each agar plate. Each cylinder was filled with a dilution of the antiserum, prepared by a twofold serial dilution in 20% (v/v) normal guinea-pig serum in phosphatebuffered saline pH 7-2. Control cylinders contained 20% (v/v) normal guinea-pig serum in phosphate-buffered saline alone. After the plates had been incubated at 37" for 3 h, the antiserum was replaced with H-HeLa cell suspension in phosphate-buffered saline (2 x 106 cells/ ml) and the plates reincubated at 37" for 2 h. The cylinders were emptied and removed, excess cell suspension removed with a few ml phosphate buffered saline and the colonies examined under a stereo-plate microscope. The adsorption-inhibition titre was taken as the reciprocal of the dilution of antiserum which reduced cell adsorption to 25 yo compared with untreated control colonies. The method for metabolic inhibition was as described by Hollingdale & Lemcke (1969). The metabolic inhibition titre was the highest dilution of antiserum inhibiting a colour change of 0.5 pH.
Streptococcus suis enolase functions as a protective antigen displayed on the bacterial cell surface.

BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) has evolved into a highly infectious entity, posing a great threat to public health. Screening for and identification of protective antigens plays an important role in developing therapies against SS2 infections. METHODS Multiple strategies were used to investigate a new surface protein that has the potential to be a protective antigen. These strategies included molecular cloning, biochemical and biophysical analyses, enzymatic assay, immunological approaches (eg, immunoelectron microscopy), and experimental infections of animals. RESULTS We identified an enolase gene from SS2 and systematically characterized its protein product, enolase. Biophysical data indicated that S. suis enolase is an octameric protein. Enzymatic assays verified its ability to catalyze the dehydration of 2-phospho-D-glycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. In consideration of the strong antigenicity of enolase, an efficient enolase-based method was established for monitoring SS2 infections. Combined evidence strongly indicated that SS2 enolase can localize on the bacterial cell surface and facilitate bacterial adherence. Additionally, we found that enolase can confer complete protection against SS2 infection to mice, which suggests that enolase has potential as a vaccine candidate. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that S. suis enolase functions as a protective antigen displayed on the bacterial cell surface and that it can be used to develop new strategies to combat SS2 infections.
“Methanoplasmatales,” Thermoplasmatales-Related Archaea in Termite Guts and Other Environments, Are the Seventh Order of Methanogens

ABSTRACT The Euryarchaeota comprise both methanogenic and nonmethanogenic orders and many lineages of uncultivated archaea with unknown properties. One of these deep-branching lineages, distantly related to the Thermoplasmatales, has been discovered in various environments, including marine habitats, soil, and also the intestinal tracts of termites and mammals. By comparative phylogenetic analysis, we connected this lineage of 16S rRNA genes to a large clade of unknown mcrA gene sequences, a functional marker for methanogenesis, obtained from the same habitats. The identical topologies of 16S rRNA and mcrA gene trees and the perfect congruence of all branches, including several novel groups that we obtained from the guts of termites and cockroaches, strongly suggested that they stem from the same microorganisms. This was further corroborated by two highly enriched cultures of closely related methanogens from the guts of a higher termite (Cubitermes ugandensis) and a millipede (Anadenobolus sp.), which represented one of the arthropod-specific clusters in the respective trees. Numerous other pairs of habitat-specific sequence clusters were obtained from the guts of other termites and cockroaches but were also found in previously published data sets from the intestinal tracts of mammals (e.g., rumen cluster C) and other environments. Together with the recently described Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis isolated from human feces, which falls into rice cluster III, the results of our study strongly support the idea that the entire clade of “uncultured Thermoplasmatales” in fact represents the seventh order of methanogenic archaea, for which the provisional name “Methanoplasmatales” is proposed.
Endogenous Transforming Growth Factor β1 Suppresses Inflammation and Promotes Survival in Adult CNS

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a pleiotropic cytokine with potent neurotrophic and immunosuppressive properties that is upregulated after injury, but also expressed in the normal nervous system. In the current study, we examined the regulation of TGFβ1 and the effects of TGFβ1 deletion on cellular response in the uninjured adult brain and in the injured and regenerating facial motor nucleus. To avoid lethal autoimmune inflammation within 3 weeks after birth in TGFβ1-deficient mice, this study was performed on a T- and B-cell-deficient RAG2−/− background. Compared with wild-type siblings, homozygous deletion of TGFβ1 resulted in an extensive inflammatory response in otherwise uninjured brain parenchyma. Astrocytes increased in GFAP and CD44 immunoreactivity; microglia showed proliferative activity, expression of phagocytosis-associated markers [αXβ2, B7.2, and MHC1 (major histocompatibility complex type 1)], and reduced branching. Ultrastructural analysis revealed focal blockade of axonal transport, perinodal damming of axonal organelles, focal demyelination, and myelin debris in granule-rich, phagocytic microglia. After facial axotomy, absence of TGFβ1 led to a fourfold increase in neuronal cell death (52 vs 13%), decreased central axonal sprouting, and significant delay in functional recovery. It also interfered with the microglial response, resulting in a diminished expression of early activation markers [ICAM1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1), α6β1, and αMβ2] and reduced proliferation. In line with axonal and glial findings in the otherwise uninjured CNS, absence of endogenous TGFβ1 also caused an ∼10% reduction in the number of normal motoneurons, pointing to an ongoing and potent trophic role of this anti-inflammatory cytokine in the normal as well as in the injured brain.
Effective removal of Hg(II) ion from aqueous solutions by thiol functionalized cobalt ferrite magnetic mesoporous silica composite

Abstract The preparation and testing of thiol-functionalized cobalt ferrite magnetic mesoporous silica composite (SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4) is described. It was investigated by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4 was very sensitive to external magnetic fields and can be separated from aqueous solution in less than 1 min. The adsorption properties of SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4 toward Hg2+ ions were evaluated. Various factors affecting Hg2+ adsorption were discussed, such as adsorption time, pH and temperature. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models was used to evaluate adsorption kinetics. The SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4 showed excellent adsorption capability for Hg2+ and the maximum adsorption was 258 mg g−1 at room temperature when the initial concentration of Hg2+ is 8 mg L−1. Based on current experimental data, SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4 is a very promising material for effectively adsorbing Hg2+ in aqueous solution. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT The route of synthetic SH-mSiO2@CoFe2O4 and its use for removing Hg2+
Response of the radial artery to three vasodilatory agents

We examined the response of the radial artery to vasoactive agents (isosorbide dinitrate, ISDN, 1 mg, 3 mg, and 5 mg; verapamil, 1 mg, 3 mg, and 5 mg; and lidocaine, 10 mg, 30 mg, and 50 mg) in 100 consecutive patients admitted for elective coronary angiography. The drug solutions were directly injected into the radial artery from the puncture site. As a result, 5 mg of ISDN increased the diameter of the radial artery by 31% and 28.8% at the proximal and distal sites, respectively. Similarly, 5 mg of verapamil increased it by 9% and 10.8% at the proximal and distal site, respectively. But 10 mg of lidocaine decreased it by −15.6% and −12.1% at the proximal and distal site, respectively. At the doses utilized, ISDN was the most potent vasodilator for the radial artery and lidocaine caused paradoxical vasoconstriction. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:253–256, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proportionate Minimum Error Entropy Algorithm for Sparse System Identification

Sparse system identification has received a great deal of attention due to its broad applicability. The proportionate normalized least mean square (PNLMS) algorithm, as a popular tool, achieves excellent performance for sparse system identification. In previous studies, most of the cost functions used in proportionate-type sparse adaptive algorithms are based on the mean square error (MSE) criterion, which is optimal only when the measurement noise is Gaussian. However, this condition does not hold in most real-world environments. In this work, we use the minimum error entropy (MEE) criterion, an alternative to the conventional MSE criterion, to develop the proportionate minimum error entropy (PMEE) algorithm for sparse system identification, which may achieve much better performance than the MSE based methods especially in heavy-tailed non-Gaussian situations. Moreover, we analyze the convergence of the proposed algorithm and derive a sufficient condition that ensures the mean square convergence. Simulation results confirm the excellent performance of the new algorithm.
The protective effect of the ketogenic diet on traumatic brain injury-induced cell death in juvenile rats

Background: The ketogenic diet (the KD) is an effective treatment for intractable epilepsy, especially in the paediatric population, and a growing number of studies have shown the neuroprotective role of the KD. However, few studies focused on the neuroprotective effects of the KD in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the KD on TBI. Methods and procedures: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 60) were randomly divided into four groups according to the diet fed (the KD vs normal diet) and whether brain was injured or not. TBI was produced using Feeney weight drop model. Brain oedema was estimated by wet/dry weight ratio; Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were determined by RealTime-PCR; Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, cellular apoptosis in the penumbra area was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method. Main outcomes and results: The results indicated that both Bax mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated 72 hours after TBI and decreased by KD administration. Neither TBI nor the KD affected Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels. KD administration also reduced brain oedema and cellular apoptosis. Conclusion: These results suggest that the KD might be a useful treatment for children suffering from the consequences of TBI.