Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrophage-Specific p53 Expression Plays a Crucial Role in Atherosclerosis Development and Plaque Remodeling

Objective—We first showed that absence of p53 accelerates atherosclerosis development in apoE-deficient mice. In this study, we investigated how macrophage-specific loss of p53 function might modulate atherosclerosis development in LDL receptor-deficient mice, a model for familial hypercholesterolemia. Methods and Results—We transferred bone marrow cells isolated from p53+/+ and p53−/− mice to lethally irradiated LDL receptor−/− mice and evaluated the aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas in the recipients at different times afterward. At 15 weeks and again at 20 weeks, we found larger aortic lesion size in mice receiving p53−/− cells compared with those that received p53+/+ cells. By measuring the rate of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, we found that the absence of p53 in macrophages stimulates cellular proliferation. In contrast, the rate of apoptosis in the atheromatous lesion was similar in the two groups of mice. Furthermore, we found that the absence of macrophage-specific p53 expression was associated with vulnerable-appearing lesions marked by increased tissue necrosis and reduced collagen deposition. Conclusions—p53 plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis lesion development and remodeling, and macrophage-specific p53 deficiency stimulates cellular proliferation leading to a vulnerable-appearing phenotype of lesions in a mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia.
A miniaturized biotyping system for strain discrimination in Escherichia coli

Summary A two-tier miniaturized scheme of eight tests was devised for biotyping strains of Escherichia coli in microwell plates. Primary biotypes were defined by positive and negative reactions in tests for fermentation of raffinose, sorbose, dulcitol and 2-deoxy-D-ribose and for decarboxylation of ornithine when read after specified periods of incubation; subtypes were identified within primary biotypes according to results in secondary tests for rhamnose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation and motility. The method gave reproducible results on different occasions of testing. Among 100 E. coli strains from various sources, 26 of the 32 possible primary biotypes and 56 full biotypes, as defined by results in both primary and secondary tests, were identified, thus demonstrating a high index of strain discrimination (D = 0·98). The scheme is recommended as a simple, reliable, inexpensive and efficient method of differentiating strains of E. coli.
PaperView: augmenting physical surfaces with location-aware digital information

A frequent need of museums is to provide visitors with context-sensitive information about exhibits in the form of maps, or scale models. This paper suggests an augmented-reality approach for supplementing physical surfaces with digital information, through the use of pieces of plain paper that act as personal, location-aware, interactive screens. The technologies employed are presented, along with the interactive behavior of the system, which was instantiated and tested in the form of two prototype setups: a wooden table covered with a printed map and a glass case containing a scale model. The paper also discusses key issues stemming from experience and observations in the course of qualitative evaluation sessions.
Interruption of the gpxA gene increases the sensitivity of Neisseria meningitidis to paraquat

Antioxidant enzymes are thought to be important for the survival of pathogenic Neisseria species. We have further characterized the glutathione peroxidase homolog gene (gpxA), which we recently isolated from Neisseria meningitidis FAM20 (T.D.E. Moore and P.F. Sparling, Infect. Immun. 63:1603-1607, 1995). GpxA was found to be produced constitutively in vivo. An isogenic, omega insertion mutant in the gpxA gene was constructed and characterized. The gpxA insertion mutant was much more sensitive to the oxidative stress caused by paraquat and slightly more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide. This is the first demonstration of a phenotype arising from a mutation of a glutathione peroxidase homolog gene in a prokaryotic organism. Protection of the cell by GpxA from the effects of oxidative stress caused by aerobic metabolism may contribute to the ability of Neisseria meningitidis to cause disease in the human host.
Linkages between ecocentric values and action in expert discourse: the case of genetically modified food in the UK

Attitudes towards the environment can be manifest in two broad categories, namely anthropocentric and ecocentric. The former regards nature as of value only insofar as it is useful to humanity, whereas the latter assigns intrinsic value to natural entities. Industrial society can be characterised as being dominated by anthropocentrism, which leads to the assumption that a majority of people hold anthropocentric values. However, research shows the most widely held values are ecocentric, which implies that many people's actions are at variance with their values. Furthermore, policy relating to environmental issues is predominantly anthropocentric, which implies it is failing to take account of the values of the majority. Research among experts involved in policy formulation has shown that their values, often ecocentric, are excluded from the policy process. The genetic modification of food can be categorised as anthropocentric, which implies that the technique is in conflict with widely held ecocentric values. This thesis examines data collected from interviews with individuals who have an influence on the debate surrounding the introduction of genetically modified foods, and can be considered 'experts'. Each interviewee is categorised according to whether their values and actions are ecocentric or anthropocentric, and the linkages between the two and the arguments used to justify their positions are explored. Particular emphasis is placed on interviewees who have ecocentric values but act professionally in an anthropocentric way. Finally, common themes are drawn out, and the features the arguments used by the interviewees have in common are outlined.
Series-resonant converter with reduced-frequency-range control

In this paper, a control method that improves performance of series-resonant converters that operate with a wide input-voltage and/or output-voltage range by substantially reducing their switching-frequency range. The switching-frequency-range reduction is achieved by controlling the output voltage with a combination of variable-frequency and delay-time control. Variable-frequency control is employed to control the primary switches, while delay-time control is used to control secondary-side rectifier switches provided in place of diode rectifiers. The performance evaluation of the proposed control was done on a 690-W prototype operating in a 200-450-V input-voltage range and delivering a 13.8-V output voltage. The prototype circuit exhibits the maximum full-load efficiency of 95.8% with a switching frequency variation from 48 kHz to 72 kHz over the entire input-voltage range.
Distributed detection over fading macs with multiple antennas at the fusion center

We consider a distributed detection problem over fading multiple-access channels. Sensors observe a phenomenon and transmit their observations to a fusion center using the amplify-and-forward scheme. The fusion center has multiple antennas and uses the transmissions from the sensors to run a detection algorithm. The channels are Ricean fading, and the sensors have no channel information. The performance is evaluated in terms of error exponent and compared with the AWGN channels case. The benefit of having multiple antennas at the fusion center is also quantified.
Asymptotic Analysis of Marginal-Likelihood Based Estimators for m-Dependent Processes

This paper derives and analyzes the asymptotic performances of the maximum-likelihood (ML) estimator derived under the assumption of independent identically distribution (i.i.d.) samples, where in the actual model the signal samples are m-dependent. The ML under such a modeling mismatch is based on the marginal likelihood function, and is referred to as marginal maximum likelihood (MML). Under some regularity conditions, the asymptotical distribution of the MML is derived. The asymptotical distributions in some signal processing examples are analyzed. Simulation results support the theory via an example.
Antioxidant Activity of Allium hookeri Root Extract and Its Effect on Lipid Stability of Sulfur-fed Pork Patties

This study was performed to assess the antioxidant activity of Allium hookeri root extract (AHE) on lipid oxidation of raw sulfur-fed pork patties for 14 d of refrigerated storage. Different concentration of ethanol (0-100%) and time (1-12 h) were applied to determine the extraction condition. Water (0% ethanol) extraction for 1 h was selected as an optimal extraction condition of AHE for the following study showing the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content, as well as the strongest antioxidant activity. The 1% AHE (SP1), 3% AHE (SP2), and 0.05% ascorbic acid (SP3) were added into sulfur-fed pork patties against controls; SP0 (sulfur-fed pork patties with no AHE) and P0 (normal pork patties with no AHE). The pH values of P0 and SP0 significantly increased (p<0.05) than others on 14 d and redness of P0 showed the largest decrement during storage. P0 and SP0 showed higher production of conjugated dienes on d 7 than others (p<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were decreased in proportion to the increased level of AHE on 14 d (p<0.05) resulting in higher TBARS values on P0 and SP0 (p<0.05) and the negative correlation between AHE level and TBARS were also demonstrated (r=-0.910, p=0.001). Therefore, the results suggest that AHE effectively retarded the lipid oxidation rate of sulfur-fed pork patties indicating the potential usage of AHE as a natural preservative.
Characterization of CCX282-B, an Orally Bioavailable Antagonist of the CCR9 Chemokine Receptor, for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The chemokine system represents a diverse group of G protein-coupled receptors responsible for orchestrating cell recruitment under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) is a chemokine receptor known to be central for migration of immune cells into the intestine. Its only ligand, CCL25, is expressed at the mucosal surface of the intestine and is known to be elevated in intestinal inflammation. To date, there are no reports of small-molecule antagonists targeting CCR9. We report, for the first time, the discovery of a small molecule, CCX282-B, which is an orally bioavailable, selective, and potent antagonist of human CCR9. CCX282-B inhibited CCR9-mediated Ca2+ mobilization and chemotaxis on Molt-4 cells with IC50 values of 5.4 and 3.4 nM, respectively. In the presence of 100% human serum, CCX282-B inhibited CCR9-mediated chemotaxis with an IC50 of 33 nM, and the addition of α1-acid glycoprotein did not affect its potency. CCX282-B inhibited chemotaxis of primary CCR9-expressing cells to CCL25 with an IC50 of 6.8 nM. CCX282-B was an equipotent inhibitor of CCL25-directed chemotaxis of both splice forms of CCR9 (CCR9A and CCR9B) with IC50 values of 2.8 and 2.6 nM, respectively. CCX282-B also inhibited mouse and rat CCR9-mediated chemotaxis. Inhibition of CCR9 with CCX282-B results in normalization of Crohn's disease such as histopathology associated with the TNFΔARE mice. Analysis of the plasma level of drug associated with this improvement provides an understanding of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for CCR9 antagonists in the treatment of intestinal inflammation.
An IPv6 E-learning tool with integrated network configuration simulator

The IPv6 Learning Tool has been developed following the hype for the need of training in IPv6. As IPv4 is fading out and IPv6 is being adopted worldwide, moving along the same trend is becoming for businesses and even governmental organization. The Ministry of ICT has even initiated a national campaign for IPv6 awareness. However the lack of qualified resource persons and proper infrastructure has contributed to the slow pace of IPv6 training, hence the low rate of adoption. The IPv6 e-learning tool has been developed to educate the mass about IPv6 and related knowledge so as to make the transition as smooth as possible. The tool has been developed following the e-learning strategies and as such has contents in terms of text, audio and video. It allows the users to track their progress, and continuous assessments allow the tool to monitor the knowledge level acquired. The network configuration simulator allows the user to apply the knowledge acquired into practice by creating different types of networks, and simulated them.
Updating en rekenvaardigheid in groep 3, 4 en 5 van het basisonderwijs

Objective: The relationship between updating skills and numeracy and its development in children in elementary school, grade 1 to 3, was studied. Method: Updating skills and numeracy were measured in 98 children in six elementary schools in the Netherlands. The longitudinal study contains data of the same children in grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. Updating was measured in three updating tests (Digit Span Backwards, Odd One Out, Keep Track) and numeracy was measured through proficiency scores on CITO tests. Results: Numeracy and updating significantly increased in grade 1 to grade 3. There was a significant relationship between Odd One Out, and numeracy (r=.42). Odd One Out predicted numeracy at all measurement moments. Keep Track only predicted numeracy in grade 1 and grade 2. Variance explained in grade 1 was 21 percent, grade 2 was 20 percent and grade 3 was 18 percent. Digit Span Backwards was not a significant predictor of numeracy. Conclusion: The relationship between updating skills and numeracy is changing in grade 3 to 5. Maybe this finding is the result of a changing influence of phonological and visual working memory skills over time.
The spectra of large Toeplitz band matrices with a randomly perturbed entry

This paper is concerned with the union spΩ(j,k) Tn(a) of all possible spectra that may emerge when perturbing a large n × n Toeplitz band matrix Tn(a) in the (j, k) site by a number randomly chosen from some set Ω. The main results give descriptive bounds and, in several interesting situations, even provide complete identifications of the limit of spΩ(j,k) Tn(a) as n → ∞. Also discussed are the cases of small and large sets Ω as well as the "discontinuity of the infinite volume case", which means that in general spΩ(j,k) Tn(a) does not converge to something close to spΩ(j,k) Tn(a) as n → ∞ where T(a) is the corresponding infinite Toeplitz matrix. Illustrations are provided for tridiagonal Toeplitz matrices, a notable special case.
Olanzapine in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot study

Because the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine may be efficacious in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, we conducted a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation in which 15 patients were randomized 2: 1 to either olanzapine or placebo. The initial dosage was 5 mg/day and was titrated to a maximum of 20 mg/day. Eleven patients completed the study. Patients in both groups showed improvement in PTSD symptoms, but no between-group differences in treatment response were observed and a high placebo response rate was found. Both treatments were tolerated well, although the olanzapine treatment group had more weight gain. Olanzapine fared no better than placebo in this preliminary study in the treatment of PTSD. The lack of difference between olanzapine and placebo may in part be due to olanzapine's not being effective in PTSD or, alternatively, a small sample size, a high placebo response in certain forms of PTSD and the chronicity of PTSD symptoms in some patients.
Sources of Variation Influencing Concordance between Functional MRI and Direct Cortical Stimulation in Brain Tumor Surgery

Object: Preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) remains a promising method to aid in the surgical management of patients diagnosed with brain tumors. For patients that are candidates for awake craniotomies, surgical decisions can potentially be improved by fMRI but this depends on the level of concordance between preoperative brain maps and the maps provided by the gold standard intraoperative method, direct cortical stimulation (DCS). There have been numerous studies of the concordance between fMRI and DCS using sensitivity and specificity measures, however the results are variable across studies and the key factors influencing variability are not well understood. Thus, the present work addresses the influence of technical factors on fMRI and DCS concordance. Methods: Motor and language mapping data were collected for a group of glioma patients (n = 14) who underwent both preoperative fMRI and intraoperative DCS in an awake craniotomy procedure for tumor removal. Normative fMRI data were also acquired in a healthy control group (n = 12). The fMRI and DCS mapping data were co-registered; true positive (TP), true negative (TN), false positive (FP), and false negative (FN) occurrences were tabulated over the exposed brain surface. Sensitivity and specificity were measured for the total group, and for the motor and language sub-groups. The influence of grid placement, fMRI statistical thresholding, and task standardization were assessed. Correlations between proportions of agreement and error were also carefully scrutinized to evaluate concordance in more detail. Results: Concordance was significantly better for motor vs. language mapping. There was an inverse relationship between TP and TN with increasing statistical threshold, and FP dominated the total error. Sensitivity and specificity were reduced when tasks were not standardized across fMRI and DCS. Conclusions: Although the agreement between fMRI and DCS is good, variability is introduced by technical factors that can diminish the quality of patient data. Neurosurgeons should evaluate the usefulness of fMRI data while considering that (a) discordance arises primarily from FP fMRI results; (b) there is an inherent trade-off between sensitivity and specificity with fMRI statistical threshold; and (c) best results are achieved using batteries of tasks that are standardized across both mapping methods.
Pediatric liver–kidney transplantation for hepatorenal fibrocystic disease from a living donor

Sakamoto S, Kasahara M, Fukuda A, Tanaka H, Kakiuchi T, Karaki C, Kanazawa H, Kamei K, Ito S, Nakazawa A. Pediatric liver–kidney transplantation for hepatorenal fibrocystic disease from a living donor. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 99–102. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Introducing Couples to Group Therapy: Pursuing Passion Through the Neo-Cortex

Abstract Revolutionary developments in the study of neurobiology and relationships have led to new approaches in the treatment of couples. This paper describes a program of couples groups that utilizes a neurobiological perspective in combining education with group experience. The educational part of the program integrates findings from neurobiology, a biological view of affect dysregulation and attachment theory, and helps partners learn to slow down their physiological intensity before taking risks and exploring attachment to one another.
Hierarchical Modeling of Spatio-temporally Misaligned Data: Relating Traac Density to Pediatric Asthma Hospitalizations Hierarchical Modeling of Spatio-temporally Misaligned Data: Relating Traac Density to Pediatric Asthma Hospitalizations

Bayes and empirical Bayes methods have proven eeective in smoothing crude maps of disease risk, eliminating the instability of estimates in low-population areas while maintaining overall geographic trends and patterns. Recent work applies these methods to the analysis of areal data which are spatially misaligned, i.e., involving variables (typically counts or rates) which are aggregated over diiering sets of regional boundaries. In this paper we extend this hierarchical modeling approach to the spatio-temporal case, so that misalignment can arise either within a given timepoint, or across timepoints (as when the regional boundaries themselves evolve over time). Implemented using Markov chain Monte Carlo computing methods, our approach sensibly combines the relevant data sources and imposes the necessary constraints over the misaligned regional grids. We illustrate the method through an analysis of the dataset that motivated the method, which relates traac density to pediatric asthma hospitalizations in San Diego County, California. We compare two diierent measures of the traac covariate (neither of which is aligned with the zip code-level asthma data), mapping the resulting tted risk estimates in the Geographic Information System (GIS) ARC/INFO. Results in both cases are consistent with those of several previous authors who have investigated the traac-asthma link.
The learning profile of persistent mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a potential diagnostic marker of persistent amnestic MCI

Previous research examining mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has highlighted the heterogeneity of outcome in MCI sufferers. MCI is associated with greater risk of progression to dementia; however, a substantial proportion of those identified with MCI have alternative outcomes including recovery to unimpaired status. This heterogeneity may in part reflect insufficient sensitivity and specificity in identifying subclinical memory impairment.
Flk-1, a Receptor for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Is Expressed by Retinal Progenitor Cells

Throughout development of the vertebrate retina, progenitor cells are multipotential, producing a variety of distinctive cell types. Little is known of the molecular mechanisms directing the determination of cell fate. We have examined retinal progenitor cells for expression of receptor tyrosine kinases in an attempt to define receptors that could allow a progenitor to respond to its environment. We found that the receptor tyrosine kinase Flk-1, previously shown to be expressed in endothelial cells, is also expressed in neural progenitor cells of the mouse retina. Flk-1 RNA expression in the retinal progenitors commences with the onset of neuronal differentiation and persists throughout retinal neurogenesis. Flk-1 RNA and protein levels in the retina vary temporally during development, as shown by in situhybridization and Western blot analysis. Patterns of β-galactosidase expression in mice containing the lacZ gene in place of the Flk-1 gene are consistent with Flk-1 being expressed in retinal progenitors. In addition, we show that the ligand of Flk-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is expressed in the developing retina by differentiated cells and that a chimeric ligand of VEGF fused to alkaline phosphatase binds to proliferating retinal progenitors. Furthermore, the neural retina-derived Flk-1 protein kinase is activated by VEGF in vitro. Thus, the Flk-1 receptor protein kinase is expressed on the surface of neural progenitors in mouse retina and may play a critical role in neurogenesis as well as in vasculogenesis.