Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the Abaxis VSPro for the measurement of equine plasma fibrinogen concentrations.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Accurate measurement of plasma fibrinogen concentrations is an important tool for assessment of horses with inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVES To determine the precision and accuracy of a benchtop instrument using both fresh and frozen equine plasma by comparing the plasma fibrinogen concentration measured by a benchtop instrument to 2 separate laboratory standard methods (ACL 100 and STA Compact) for fibrinogen measurement. METHODS Accuracy and precision of the VSPro was evaluated using both human fibrinogen standards and samples from horses. Fifty frozen samples from horses with gastrointestinal disease had the fibrinogen concentration measured using the ACL 1000 and the VSPro. Fifty fresh samples were collected from hospitalised horses and fibrinogen concentration was measured using the STA Compact coagulation machine and the VSPro. Correlations for measurements were performed, as well as Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS Coefficients of variability for the VSPro ranged from 7% to 15%. The VSPro fibrinogen values were well correlated to both the ACL 1000 (r = 0.94, P<0.001) and the STA Compact measurements (r = 0.926, P<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of -0.83 g/l (95% confidence interval -2.03-0.324 g/l) for the ACL 1000 and a mean bias of -0.024 g/l (95% confidence interval -1.434-1.386 g/l) for the STA Compact. CONCLUSIONS The VSPro appears to have adequate accuracy and precision for clinical measurement of plasma fibrinogen concentrations. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The VSPro provides a measurement of equine plasma fibrinogen concentration using a benchtop instrument with a rapid test time that has comparable accuracy to the fibrinogen concentration obtained from reference laboratories.
Adenosine A2A receptor activation decreases reperfusion injury associated with high-flow reperfusion.

INTRODUCTION High pulmonary artery flow rates can result in severe reperfusion injury after lung transplantation. Our hypothesis was that selective activation of the adenosine A(2A) receptor with a highly specific analog (ATL-146e) would inhibit leukocyte activation and decrease reperfusion injury after high-flow reperfusion. METHODS Using our isolated, ventilated, blood-perfused rabbit lung model, all groups (n = 8 per group) underwent lung harvest, 4 hours of cold storage, and blood reperfusion for 30 minutes. Measurements of pulmonary artery pressure (in millimeters of mercury), arterial oxygenation (in millimeters of mercury), myeloperoxidase, peak inspiratory pressure, and wet/dry weight ratio were obtained. Groups 1 (high flow) and 2 (high flow ATL-146e) underwent reperfusion at 120 mL/min for 30 minutes. Groups 3 (controlled high flow) and 4 (controlled high flow ATL-146e) underwent controlled reperfusion with an initial reperfusion of 60 mL/min for the first 5 minutes, followed by a rate of 120 mL/min for 25 minutes. During reperfusion, groups 2 and 4 received ATL-146e at 4 microg. kg(-1). min(-1). RESULTS ATL-146e significantly improved lung physiologic measurements under both high-flow (group 1 vs group 2) and controlled high-flow (group 3 vs group 4) conditions after 30 minutes. CONCLUSIONS The adenosine A(2A) receptor analogue ATL-146e significantly decreases the severity of reperfusion injury in the setting of both high-flow and controlled high-flow reperfusion.
Cognitive output of a neuropsychological stimulation program in an elderly day care center with low educated participants: An observational study

Objective In the present paper we present an observational study of the implementation of a Neuropsychological Stimulation Program at an Elderly Day Care Center in low-educated participants with very similar backgrounds concerning social economic status. Methods The implemented program tackled several dimensions, including daily orientation sessions, cognitive stimulation sessions twice a week, followed by movement sessions, and structured sessions conducted every two weeks. Cognitive Evaluation was performed before and after implementation of the program. Results Results are discussed taking into consideration cognitive outputs as well as non-cognitive outputs and the specificities of community-based intervention. Conclusion It was concluded that community-based intervention is set to become vital in promoting dementia prevention.
Secret key agreement on wiretap channel with transmitter side information

The secret-key agreement problem over wiretap channels controlled by a state parameter is studied. The entire state sequence is known (non-causally) to the sender but not to the receiver and the eavesdropper. Upper and lower bounds on the secret-key capacity are established both with and without public discussion. In absence of public-discussion, our lower bound is strictly better than the best known lower bound for transmitting an independent secret message. This illustrates that the coding schemes for secret-key agreement are substantially different than secret-message transmission. For the special case of Gaussian channels, we establish the secret-key capacity when the legitimate receiver's signal-to-noise-ratio is greater than 0 dB. When a public discussion channel is available between the sender and the receiver, upper and lower bounds on the secret-key capacity are again established. These bounds coincide, yielding the capacity, when then the channels of the receiver and the eavesdropper satisfy an independent noise condition.
Noise exposure and public health.

Exposure to noise constitutes a health risk. There is sufficient scientific evidence that noise exposure can induce hearing impairment, hypertension and ischemic heart disease, annoyance, sleep disturbance, and decreased school performance. For other effects such as changes in the immune system and birth defects, the evidence is limited. Most public health impacts of noise were already identified in the 1960s and noise abatement is less of a scientific but primarily a policy problem. A subject for further research is the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying noise-induced cardiovascular disorders and the relationship of noise with annoyance and nonacoustical factors modifying health outcomes. A high priority study subject is the effects of noise on children, including cognitive effects and their reversibility. Noise exposure is on the increase, especially in the general living environment, both in industrialized nations and in developing world regions. This implies that in the twenty-first century noise exposure will still be a major public health problem. ImagesFigure 2
Serotonin-dopamine interaction and its relevance to schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE The therapeutic success of clozapine and risperidone has focused attention on the interaction between serotonin and dopamine systems as an avenue for superior therapeutics in schizophrenia. The authors review the neurobiological basis for this interaction and its clinical relevance. METHOD The authors synthesized information from more than 100 published articles obtained through electronic and bibliography-directed searches. FINDINGS The serotonin system inhibits dopaminergic function at the level of the origin of the dopamine system in the midbrain as well as at the terminal dopaminergic fields in the forebrain. Serotonergic antagonists release the dopamine system from this inhibition. This disinhibition of the dopamine system in the striatum may alleviate neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, and a similar disinhibition in the prefrontal cortex may ameliorate negative symptoms. However, the benefits of combined serotonergic-dopaminergic blockade may be observed in only a narrow dose range and may be lost with doses that produce suprathreshold dopaminergic blockade. CONCLUSIONS Serotonergic modulation of dopaminergic function provides a viable mechanism for enhancing therapeutics in schizophrenia, but much remains unclear. Future research will have to establish the existence of this interaction in humans in vivo, specify the conditions under which it leads to optimal therapeutic benefits, and explore the possibility of using specific serotonergic treatments as flexible adjuncts to typical neuroleptics, rather than the present trend toward using single drugs with combined actions.
Time course of extracellular dopamine and behavioral sensitization to cocaine. I. Dopamine axon terminals

Repeated administration of cocaine to rodents produces a progressive augmentation in motor activity known as behavioral sensitization. By using microdialysis in the ventral striatum, some studies have found that the development of behavioral sensitization is associated with a similar augmentation in dopamine release, while others have not. It was postulated that differences in doses and withdrawal periods may account for the discrepancies between studies. Rats were behaviorally sensitized to daily peripheral injections using two cocaine treatment regimens (15 mg/kg, i.p. x 5 d or 30 mg/kg, i.p. x 5 d). Using in vivo microdialysis in the ventral striatum, the effect of acute cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) on extracellular dopamine content and motor behavior was examined at various times after discontinuing daily treatments. Twenty- four hours after discontinuing the low dose of daily cocaine, the increase in motor activity and extracellular dopamine elicited by an acute cocaine challenge was significantly elevated. In contrast, following the higher daily treatment regimen there was a significant augmentation in motor activity, but the increase in extracellular dopamine produced by cocaine was significantly reduced. When rats were challenged 10-14 d after discontinuing either dosage regimen of daily cocaine, the increase in both motor activity and extracellular dopamine was augmented. In general, the increase in extracellular dopamine by an acute cocaine challenge increased over time when rats were challenged between 1 and 22 d after discontinuing daily cocaine. Basal concentrations of extracellular dopamine were determined by measuring the in vivo flux of dopamine across the dialysis membrane, and there was no significant difference at 24 hr or 2 weeks following the last daily injection of saline or cocaine. It is concluded that behavioral sensitization to cocaine is generally associated with an augmentation in extracellular dopamine in the ventral striatum, but that high doses of daily cocaine produce apparent tolerance to the augmentation in extracellular dopamine during the early withdrawal period.
MicroRNAs in the Host Response to Viral Infections of Veterinary Importance

The discovery of small regulatory non-coding RNAs has been an exciting advance in the field of genomics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression, mostly at the posttranscriptional level. MiRNA profiling technologies have made it possible to identify and quantify novel miRNAs and to study their regulation and potential roles in disease pathogenesis. Although miRNAs have been extensively investigated in viral infections of humans, their implications in viral diseases affecting animals of veterinary importance are much less understood. The number of annotated miRNAs in different animal species is growing continuously, and novel roles in regulating host–pathogen interactions are being discovered, for instance, miRNA-mediated augmentation of viral transcription and replication. In this review, we present an overview of synthesis and function of miRNAs and an update on the current state of research on host-encoded miRNAs in the genesis of viral infectious diseases in their natural animal host as well as in selected in vivo and in vitro laboratory models.
Cooperation among non-relatives evolves by state-dependent generalized reciprocity

For decades, attempts to understand cooperation between non-kin have generated substantial theoretical and empirical interest in the evolutionary mechanisms of reciprocal altruism. There is growing evidence that the cognitive limitations of animals can hinder direct and indirect reciprocity because the necessary mental capacity is costly. Here, we show that cooperation can evolve by generalized reciprocity (help anyone, if helped by someone) even in large groups, if individuals base their decision to cooperate on a state variable updated by the outcome of the last interaction with an anonymous partner. We demonstrate that this alternative mechanism emerges through small evolutionary steps under a wide range of conditions. Since this state-based generalized reciprocity works without advanced cognitive abilities it may help to understand the evolution of complex social behaviour in a wide range of organisms.
Nulling of Antenna Arrays Including the Mutual Coupling Effect

A simple and effective method is presented in this paper to account for the mutual coupling effect on the nulling of antenna arrays. Deep and precise nulls can be achieved using the method with mutual coupling effect considered. Formulas for two-element and three-element arrays are derived from a general model. Simulation and experimental results of two- and three-element microstrip patch antenna arrays are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the formulation in the nulling of antenna arrays including mutual coupling effect.
Eye Movements and the Neural Basis of Context Effects on Visual Sensitivity

The effects of context on visual sensitivity are well established (e.g., sensitivity to luminance flicker is substantially higher on mean-gray surrounds than on white or black surrounds). The neural mechanisms generating context effects, however, remain unresolved. In the absence of direct tests, some theories invoke enhancement of edges by lateral inhibition, whereas others rely on transients caused by miniature eye movements that maintain fixation. We first replicated the luminance results on human observers and found unexpectedly that sensitivity to red-green flicker is also affected by surround color, being substantially higher on mean-gray surrounds than on red or green surrounds. To identify the neural bases of both context effects, we used in vivo electrophysiological recordings of primate magnocellular and parvocellular ganglion cell responses to luminance and red-green modulations, respectively. To test neuronal sensitivity to stationary edge contrast, neuronal responses were measured at various distances from the modulation edge against various surrounds. We found no evidence of enhanced responses to stationary edges on any surrounds, ruling out lateral inhibition-type explanations. To simulate the effects of eye movements, target patches were abruptly displaced while measuring responses. Abruptly displaced edges evoked vigorous transient responses that were selective for modulation-phase on mean-gray surrounds, but were phase-invariant on other surrounds. Eye movements could thus enhance detection of flicker on mean-gray surrounds, and neurometric analyses supported a primary role for eye movements in enhancing sensitivity. In addition, the transformation of spatial edges to transient neuronal responses by eye movements provides the signals for detecting luminance and color edges in natural scenes.
Subdominant Outer Membrane Antigens in Anaplasma marginale: Conservation, Antigenicity, and Protective Capacity Using Recombinant Protein

Anaplasma marginale is a tick-borne rickettsial pathogen of cattle with a worldwide distribution. Currently a safe and efficacious vaccine is unavailable. Outer membrane protein (OMP) extracts or a defined surface protein complex reproducibly induce protective immunity. However, there are several knowledge gaps limiting progress in vaccine development. First, are these OMPs conserved among the diversity of A. marginale strains circulating in endemic regions? Second, are the most highly conserved outer membrane proteins in the immunogens recognized by immunized and protected animals? Lastly, can this subset of OMPs recognized by antibody from protected vaccinates and conserved among strains recapitulate the protection of outer membrane vaccines? To address the first goal, genes encoding OMPs AM202, AM368, AM854, AM936, AM1041, and AM1096, major subdominant components of the outer membrane, were cloned and sequenced from geographically diverse strains and isolates. AM202, AM936, AM854, and AM1096 share 99.9 to 100% amino acid identity. AM1041 has 97.1 to 100% and AM368 has 98.3 to 99.9% amino acid identity. While all four of the most highly conserved OMPs were recognized by IgG from animals immunized with outer membranes, linked surface protein complexes, or unlinked surface protein complexes and shown to be protected from challenge, the highest titers and consistent recognition among vaccinates were to AM854 and AM936. Consequently, animals were immunized with recombinant AM854 and AM936 and challenged. Recombinant vaccinates and purified outer membrane vaccinates had similar IgG and IgG2 responses to both proteins. However, the recombinant vaccinates developed higher bacteremia after challenge as compared to adjuvant-only controls and outer membrane vaccinates. These results provide the first evidence that vaccination with specific antigens may exacerbate disease. Progressing from the protective capacity of outer membrane formulations to recombinant vaccines requires testing of additional antigens, optimization of the vaccine formulation and a better understanding of the protective immune response.
Tumor-stroma ratio as prognostic factor for survival in rectal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

AIM To evaluate the prognostic value of the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in rectal cancer. METHODS TSR was determined on hematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections of 154 patients treated for rectal adenocarcinoma without prior neoadjuvant treatment in the period 1996-2006 by two observers to assess reproducibility. Patients were categorized into three categories: TSR-high [carcinoma percentage (CP) ≥ 70%], TSR-intermediate (CP 40%, 50% and 60%) and TSR-low (CP ≤ 30%). The relation between categorized TSR and survival was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Thirty-six (23.4%) patients were scored as TSR-low, 70 (45.4%) as TSR-intermediate and 48 (31.2%) as TSR-high. TSR had a good interobserver agreement (κ = 0.724, concordance 82.5%). Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were significantly better for patients with a high TSR (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). A similar association existed for disease specific survival (P = 0.06). In multivariate analysis, patients without lymph node metastasis and an intermediate TSR had a higher risk of dying from rectal cancer (HR = 5.27, 95%CI: 1.54-18.10), compared to lymph node metastasis negative patients with a high TSR. This group also had a worse DFS (HR = 6.41, 95%CI: 1.84-22.28). An identical association was seen for OS. These relations were not seen in lymph node metastasis positive patients. CONCLUSION The TSR has potential as a prognostic factor for survival in surgically treated rectal cancer patients, especially in lymph node negative cases.
Chapter 1 OPTICAL PACKET SWITCHING

The concept of optical packet switching (OPS) is emerging as an alternative to coarser-grained switching in the optical domain. Despite the significant technological challenges it faces, OPS holds the promise of a highly reconfigurable, bandwidth-efficient, and flexible optical layer. In this chapter we study some of the architectural and design issues for OPS networks, we examine a number of enabling technologies, and we discuss some of the ongoing research and experimental efforts.
Durability of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Florida Environments

An experimental program was performed to evaluate durability of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) produced with four fiber types (polypropylene/PP, polyvinyl-alcohol/PVA, hooked-end steel/St, and cellulose/Cell). The effect of cellulose could not be evaluated because good fiber distribution was not achieved in laboratory mixing. Transport properties indicated that the addition of fibers to concrete improved the resistance of mass transport of deleterious materials; steel fibers were best. Fibers provided for post-cracking resistance; again, steel fibers were best. FRC beams produced with two concrete classes were subjected to simulated saltwater (immersed and wet/dry) and swamp (acid) environments for 27 months. Effect of fibers on durability could not be assessed reliably based on test results from either average residual strength (ASTM C1399) or flexural performance tests (ASTM C1609) because of non-uniform degradation and stress/strain distributions, as well as development of multiple cracks. Indirect tension testing (IDT) was identified as a more effective approach to achieve a uniformly-degraded cross-section and uniform stress/strain distribution. FRC specimens were subjected to an additional six months of saltwater conditioning, after which cracking and post-cracking behavior was assessed with IDT using testing and data interpretation procedures specifically designed to capture the effects of fibers. Test results indicated that PP fibers had the best resistance to saltwater environments (immersed and wet/dry), while PVA fibers had the worst, and resistance of steel fibers was somewhere between these two. However, steel fibers did not do well in fully immersed environments, but showed little or no degradation in wet/dry environments. The detrimental effect of acetic acid on aggregate and cement overwhelmed the degradation mechanism in swamp water, so the effect of fibers could not be distinguished for this environment. It was concluded that PP has the best durability for non-structural applications in saltwater environments. Steel may be suitable in nonsubmerged saltwater environments, particularly for structural applications, but should not be used if it will be in direct contact with reinforcing bars because it was found to accelerate corrosion of the bars. PVA should not be used in saltwater environments. Finally, it was concluded that transport properties alone are not necessarily good indicators of resistance to degradation.
THERMALLY INDUCED WRINKLING IN MULTILAYER DECORATIVE LAMINATES AND A METHOD TO MINIMIZE

Multilayer polymer decorative films are showing a growing presence in the automotive industry, substituting conventional paint applications while maintaining similar aesthetic appeal. However for certain film constructions that have distinct layer properties, the polymer film laminates have shown to form wrinkles on application of heat during thermoforming. In this study, attempts were made to identify the factors influencing wrinkling and to predict the variation in the wrinkle parameters under changing forming conditions using existing theoretical models. A new modified thermoforming technique is proposed for producing thermoformed parts without wrinkles and thereby achieving a Class A finished surface. The thermally induced wrinkling phenomena observed in a multilayered automotivegrade polymer film (film-black-out, FBO) affixed on to substrate laminates with polypropylene (PP) substrate as well as an optically clear grade polycarbonate (PC) substrate was studied. To investigate occurrence of wrinkling in practical industrial applications, a new device (thermoformer simulator) was designed to mimic the actual thermoforming conditions. Processing parameters such as temperature and heating rate were found to show a strong correlation to wrinkle amplitude, wavelength and growth rate. Four distinct heating rates in the forming temperature range of 130°C to 180 °C were chosen for the study. On comparison of two polymer substrates (PP, PC) with very different thermo-mechanical properties to the film (FBO), it was observed that the modulus ratio of substrate to film dictated the compliancy of the wrinkle and