Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppression of ocular inflammation in endotoxin-induced uveitis by inhibiting nonproteolytic activation of prorenin.

PURPOSE A recent study revealed that angiotensin receptor signaling mediates ocular inflammation and neovascularization. It was also found that prorenin undergoes nonproteolytic activation leading to upregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) when prorenin receptor interacts specifically with the handle region of prorenin. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of the receptor-dependent nonproteolytic activation of prorenin in ocular inflammation in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). METHODS EIU was induced in Long-Evans rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 microg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tissue localization of total prorenin, prorenin receptor, and activated prorenin in the EIU retina was examined by immunohistochemistry. To inhibit the prorenin receptor-mediated upregulation of the RAS, a decoy handle-region peptide (HRP) was intraperitoneally administered 24 hours before and immediately after the injection of LPS. Twenty-four hours after LPS injection, leukocyte adhesion to the retinal vasculature was evaluated with a concanavalin A lectin perfusion-labeling technique. In addition, leukocyte infiltration into the vitreous cavity and protein concentration in the anterior chamber were also measured. Retinal mRNA and protein levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and C-C chemokine ligand (CCL) 2/monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS Retinal vessels in rats with EIU were strongly positive for total prorenin, prorenin receptor, and activated prorenin. Systemic treatment with HRP resulted in dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the leukocyte adhesion and infiltration and the protein leakage, all of which were increased by the induction of EIU. Retinal mRNA expression and protein levels of ICAM-1, CCL2/MCP-1 and IL-6, induced in rats with EIU, were also significantly suppressed with application of HRP. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate for the first time that nonproteolytically activated prorenin plays a significant role in the development of ocular inflammation in the EIU model. The present study suggests the potential use of HRP, a decoy peptide binding to the prorenin receptor, as a therapeutic agent to reduce ocular inflammation.
Decreased intrinsic brain connectivity is associated with reduced clinical pain in fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE A major impediment to the development of novel treatment strategies for fibromyalgia (FM) is the lack of an objective marker that reflects spontaneously reported clinical pain in patients with FM. Studies of resting-state intrinsic brain connectivity in FM have demonstrated increased insular connectivity to the default mode network (DMN), a network whose activity is increased during nontask states. Moreover, increased insular connectivity to the DMN was associated with increased spontaneous pain levels. However, as these analyses were cross-sectional in nature, they provided no insight into dynamic changes in connectivity or their relationship to variations in self-reported clinical pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in the intrinsic brain connectivity of FM patients treated with nonpharmacologic interventions known to modulate pain levels in this patient population, and to test the hypothesis that the reduction of DMN-insula connectivity following therapy would correlate with diminished pain. METHODS Seventeen FM patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and following 4 weeks of a nonpharmacologic intervention to diminish pain. Intrinsic DMN connectivity was evaluated using probabilistic independent components analysis. Longitudinal changes in intrinsic DMN connectivity were evaluated by paired analysis, and correlations between longitudinal changes in clinical pain and changes in intrinsic DMN connectivity were investigated by multiple linear regression analysis. Changes in clinical pain were assessed with the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). RESULTS Clinical pain as assessed using the sensory scale of the SF-MPQ was reduced following therapy (P=0.02). Intrinsic DMN connectivity to the insula was reduced, and this reduction correlated with reductions in pain (corrected P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that intrinsic brain connectivity can be used as a candidate objective marker that reflects changes in spontaneous chronic pain within individual FM patients. We propose that intrinsic connectivity measures could potentially be used in either research or clinical settings as a complementary, more objective outcome measure for use in FM.
Teaching Requirements Elicitation within the Context of Global Software Development

The typical problems of the requirements elicitation stage increase when stakeholders are working on a Global software Development project. In order to fulfil the challenge of successfully carrying out the requirements elicitation process in a GSD environment, requirements specialists need suitable preparation. An improvement in this preparation necessitates an update of the contents, techniques and tools used in the teaching of the requirements elicitation process. In this paper we discuss these issues, show a list of knowledge and skills which are desirable for requirements elicitation engineers in GSD (obtained from a review of literature), and we also propose a simulator environment with which to develop certain skills that are appropriate for students and engineers in GSD requirements elicitation.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay-Format Tissue Culture Infectious Dose-50 Test for Titrating Dengue Virus

A dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based tissue culture infectious dose-50 (TCID50) test (TCID50-ELISA) was developed as an alternative to the standard plaque assay for titrating dengue virus. Virus titers obtained by TCID50-ELISA were comparable to those obtained by the plaque assay and by the traditional TCID50-cytopathic effect (CPE) test (TCID50-CPE), with a better reproducibility and a lower coefficient of variation. Quantitative comparison of TCID50-ELISA and TCID50-CPE resulted in a correlation coefficient of 0.976. Moreover, this new method showed a wider application to C6/36, Vero E6, BHK-21, and Vero cells compared with other titration methods. In summary, the novel TCID50-ELISA method described here provides a more reliable and more accurate alternative compared to the plaque assay and TCID50-CPE for titration of dengue virus.
A retrospective study on the association between different lengths of the dry period and subclinical mastitis, milk yield, reproductive performance, and culling in Chilean dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to determine the association between different dry period lengths and somatic cell counts, milk yield, reproductive performance, and risk of early culling during the subsequent lactation of Chilean dairy cows. The length of the dry period was classified into 5 categories: 0 to 30 d, 31 to 52 d, 53 to 76 d, 77 to 142 d, and 143 to 250 d. Generalized mixed models were used and included herd as random effect. Time-to-event analyses were performed for evaluation of reproductive performance and culling risk. The odds of subclinical mastitis (log linear score, LNSCC≥4.5) during early lactation increased with extended dry periods (143 to 250 d) during first, second, and third test day compared with the reference dry period of 53 to 76 d [odds ratio (OR)=1.27, 1.16, and 1.31, respectively]. Short (0 to 30 d) and extended dry periods had a detrimental effect on early lactation and 305-d milk yield compared with the reference dry period. Longer dry periods were associated with increased number of days for calving-to-first service interval and calving to conception interval. Average calving-to-first service interval for short and extended dry period were 83 d and 89.4 d, respectively. Average days to conception were 127.8 d and 131.4 d for a dry period of 31 to 52 d and extended dry period, respectively. Similarly, the number of services per conception increased with length of previous dry period from 1.62 (31 to 52 d) to 2.44 (143 to 250 d). Cows with previous short and extended dry period had higher odds of culling when compared with cows in the reference group (OR=2.20 and 1.57, respectively). Compared with the reference group, cows in the dry period category 77 to 142 d had the highest odds of death followed by the category 143 to 250 d (OR=1.27 and 1.18, respectively). When death and live culling were combined, the highest odds of combined death and culling were for cows in the categories 0 to 30 d and 143 to 250 d (OR=1.63 and 1.44, respectively). We conclude that extended dry periods (143 to 250 d) increase the odds of subclinical mastitis occurrence during early lactation and have a negative association with reproductive performance. Short and extended dry periods were negatively associated with early lactation and 305-d milk yield and were related to increased overall culling when compared with the reference dry period.
A systematic review of local vulnerability to climate change in developing country agriculture

In the mid‐2000s, several highly‐cited papers called for improving conceptual coherence and methodological transparency in vulnerability research to support greater policy relevance. As reducing vulnerability rises on political agendas, identifying empirically validated measures will become increasingly important in the design and evaluation of multi‐site and multi‐scale programmatic interventions. Using a systematic review methodology, we analyze the current range of conceptual frameworks, operationalizations and research methodologies as used in empirical studies of local‐level vulnerability in agricultural settings. Detailed analysis of theories and methods provides a platform for moving toward reporting that supports valid comparisons between disparate studies. This in turn, enables the design and implementation of empirically‐informed programmatic interventions. The results show that earlier concerns remain relevant. Even the best reported cases do not support aggregated analysis because conceptual ambiguity and methodological heterogeneity renders each study effectively unique. While conceptualization is broadly consolidating around the IPCC framework, declaration of that framework does not predict consistent operationalization. Furthermore, emerging alternative frameworks, especially Vulnerability as Expected Poverty, reveal important limitations of the IPCC framework. Findings also highlight that reporting practices in vulnerability research perpetuate problematic ambiguity. When designing and reporting research, we recommend addressing six key questions that can help specify the objectives of the study: (1) Is this system vulnerable? (2) To what is this system vulnerable? (3) How vulnerable is this system? (4)What is causing this system to be vulnerable? (5) How is vulnerability distributed within the system? (6) What is causing the observed distribution of vulnerability within the system? WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e464. doi: 10.1002/wcc.464
NEM relay design with biconditional binary decision diagrams

In this paper, we present an improved design flow for nanoelectromechanical (NEM) relay-based combinational logic circuits. Six-terminal NEM relays can be programmed to act as 2-to-1 multiplexers. We can therefore use NEM relays to implement arbitrary combinational logic circuits. Previously, traditional logic synthesis techniques based on Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) have been used to map arbitrary logic functions to NEM relays. We improve this approach by showing how six-terminal relays can also be viewed as 2-to-1 multiplexers fed by comparators. This allows us to create a mapping from Biconditional BDDs (BBDDs) to NEM relays. We then show how it is possible to improve the BDD-based design flow, by presenting a methodology based on BBDD logic synthesis techniques. Experimental results show that our BBDD-based design flow reduces the average number of relays by 24% and the average critical path length by 12%. Considering an 8×8 array multiplier with different mechanical delay implementations, we show a 33% average relay count reduction.
Modeling and design of an improved current-fed converter with new voltage multiplier circuit combination

The objective of this paper is focused on developing an improved current-fed converter with new voltage multiplier circuit for low-voltage distributed energy systems. The proposed four-phase current-fed converter is with interleaved configuration and preserving the inherent advantage with smaller input current ripple. Through the proposed topology, the high voltage gain can be achieved using the relatively lower transformer turns ratio. Also, the voltage stresses of both active switches and diodes are greatly reduced so that the low on-resistance switches can be adopted and the reverse-recovery effect of diodes can be decreased naturally. The DC and AC small signal models of the proposed converter are derived for better closed loop control, and some design guidelines are then given for circuit implementation. Both simulation and experimental results indeed verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux disease: experience with specific therapy for diagnosis and treatment.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate experience using a therapeutic trial of proton-pump inhibitor therapy with or without a prokinetic agent in diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related cough. DESIGN A review of experience with 214 patients with cough of > or = 3 weeks referred over 3.5 years. An anatomic diagnostic protocol was used to identify and treat those with GERD-related cough. SETTING A pulmonary specialty practice affiliated with the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. PATIENTS One hundred eighty-three patients were identified with chronic cough and were included in the study. Thirty-one patients were disqualified because of abnormal chest radiographic findings, inadequate follow-up, or cough being not the primary complaint. Fifty-six patients were identified as having GERD-related cough. INTERVENTIONS A once-daily dose of a proton-pump inhibitor was prescribed. A prokinetic agent was added if esophageal dysfunction was suspected or response was inadequate. Those who did not respond underwent 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. RESULTS GERD was the single cause of cough in 24 patients (43%). Twenty-nine patients (52%) had GERD plus another cause, and 3 patients (5%) had GERD with more than two causes. Twenty-four patients (43%) had cough only, while 32 patients (57%) had other symptoms of GERD. Proton-pump therapy was successful in 42 patients (79%). Twenty-four patients responded to proton-pump inhibitor therapy, and 18 patients responded when metoclopramide or cisapride was added. The remaining two patients responded to a histamine type-2 blocker or cisapride alone. The cough was eliminated or markedly improved in 38 patients (86%) after 4 weeks and by 8 weeks in the remaining 6 patients. Six of the nonresponders had aspiration diagnosed by bronchoscopy. Four patients had fundoplication recommended, and two patients responded to alternative interventions. CONCLUSIONS Four to 6 weeks of a proton-pump inhibitor alone or in combination with a prokinetic agent successfully diagnoses and treats four of five patients with GERD-related cough. Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring will confirm the diagnosis in the others. These patients may be candidates for fundoplication. Nonresponders often aspirate as an additional aggravating factor.
Functional Outcome of Humeral Rodding in Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Background: The impact of humeral rodding on functional ability in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has not previously been reported. This article investigates this issue. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 35 children with OI who underwent humeral rodding at our institution between 1995 and 2013. Fassier-Duval rods were inserted in 19 cases, K-wires in 13 cases, and Rush rods in 3 cases. Functional ability was assessed preoperatively and every year postoperatively using the self-care and mobility domains of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Results: The mean PEDI self-care score increased by 5.7 (P=0.028) and the mean PEDI mobility score increased by 3.6 (P=0.008) at 1-year postsurgery. Improved function was maintained in the majority of cases at a mean of 7.0 years postcorrection. Conclusions: Humeral rodding in children with OI leads to significant improvement in functional ability. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Performing an aseptic technique in a community setting: fact or fiction?

Background Maintaining the principles of asepsis when performing wound care and other invasive procedures is one of the fundamental approaches of preventing healthcare-acquired infection. Such an approach has been advocated for community practitioners. Literature The performance of an aseptic technique is an under-researched area. The few studies that have been conducted have identified how strict adherence to the technique is difficult and contamination of hands/gloves is common and that community nurses often have a fatalistic view about whether asepsis is possible in a community setting. Aim The overall aim of this research project was to examine how experienced practitioners have adapted the aseptic technique within a community setting and to what extent the changed procedure still adhered to the principles of asepsis. Methods This study used a mixture of non-participant observation and individual semi-structured interviews to examine adherence to the principles of the aseptic technique among the district nurses. Data were collected from one Trust in England with a total of 10 district nurses taking part and 30 aseptic procedures been observed. Results The results show that almost all of the staff understood the principles of asepsis and had adapted the standard procedure for use in a patient’s home. Common challenges included wound cleaning using a single nurse procedure, the contents of the pack and the home environment. The research also identified misconceptions about clean versus aseptic procedures and a lack of training for staff. Conclusions This study highlights the challenges of maintaining the principles of asepsis in a home environment and the fact that district nurses are often relied upon to find creative solutions to such challenges. The study also highlights issues around the implementation of evidence-based practice and the need for clearer guidance about how evidence should be used alongside existing procedures.
Source-to-sink transport of sugar and regulation by environmental factors

Source-to-sink transport of sugar is one of the major determinants of plant growth and relies on the efficient and controlled distribution of sucrose (and some other sugars such as raffinose and polyols) across plant organs through the phloem. However, sugar transport through the phloem can be affected by many environmental factors that alter source/sink relationships. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge about the phloem transport mechanisms and review the effects of several abiotic (water and salt stress, mineral deficiency, CO2, light, temperature, air, and soil pollutants) and biotic (mutualistic and pathogenic microbes, viruses, aphids, and parasitic plants) factors. Concerning abiotic constraints, alteration of the distribution of sugar among sinks is often reported, with some sinks as roots favored in case of mineral deficiency. Many of these constraints impair the transport function of the phloem but the exact mechanisms are far from being completely known. Phloem integrity can be disrupted (e.g., by callose deposition) and under certain conditions, phloem transport is affected, earlier than photosynthesis. Photosynthesis inhibition could result from the increase in sugar concentration due to phloem transport decrease. Biotic interactions (aphids, fungi, viruses…) also affect crop plant productivity. Recent breakthroughs have identified some of the sugar transporters involved in these interactions on the host and pathogen sides. The different data are discussed in relation to the phloem transport pathways. When possible, the link with current knowledge on the pathways at the molecular level will be highlighted.
Evolving neural network ensembles using variable string genetic algorithm for Pattern Classification

In this paper, an evolving neural network ensembles (ENNE) classifier using variable string genetic algorithm (VGA) is proposed. For neural network ensembles (NNE) with regularized negative correlation learning (RNCL) algorithm, the two improvements are adopted: The first term is to evolve the appropriate architecture and initial connection weights of NNE using VGA algorithm, the second term is to optimize automatically the regularization parameter based on gradient descent while evolving the NNE's weights. The effectiveness of ENNE classifier is demonstrated on a number of benchmark data sets. Compared with back-propagation algorithm multilayer perception (BP-MLP) classifier and NNE classifier with RNCL algorithm, it has shown that the ENNE classifier with VGA and RNCLgd hybrid algorithm has better classification performance.
Functional biomechanical deficits in running athletes with plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common injury that occurs in running athletes. The disease entity is a good ex ample of an overloaded process of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal insertion. This study was designed to examine the strength and flexibility findings in the mus cles that are put on tensile load during running, and which are responsible for controlling the forces on the foot during stance and pushoff, thus modifying the overload. Three groups of athletes underwent physical examination, including checking ankle range of motion in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Cybex peak torque measurements were taken at 60 and 180 deg/sec. The groups were a control group of 45 athletes with no symptoms, a group that included 43 affected feet with symptomatic plantar fasciitis, and a group that included the 43 unaffected contralateral feet. Analysis of data showed dynamic range of motion deficits in 38 of 43 affected feet, static range of motion deficits in 37 of 43 affected feet, deficits in peak torque at 60 deg/sec in 41 of 43 affected feet, and deficits in peak torque at 180 deg/sec in 37 of 43 affected feet. Statistical com parison of range of motion showed that the group with symptomatic plantar fasciitis was significantly restricted compared to both control and unaffected contralateral feet groups. Statistical comparison of peak torque showed that the symptomatic plantar fasciitis group was significantly lower than both other groups at both velocities. This study documents strength and flexibility deficits in the supporting musculature of the posterior calf and foot that are affected by plantar fasciitis. These anatomical and physiological alterations create a func tional deficit in the normal foot biomechanics. This deficit either causes or contributes to the overt clinical symptoms and should be addressed in the evaluation and treatment of plantar fasciitis.