Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Arterial Stiffness on Brain Integrity in Young Adults From the Framingham Heart Study

Background and Purpose— Previous work from the Framingham Heart Study suggests that brain changes because of arterial aging may begin in young adulthood and that such changes precede cognitive deficits. The objective of this study was to determine the association of arterial stiffness with measures of white matter and gray matter (GM) integrity in young adults. Methods— One thousand nine hundred three participants from the Framingham Heart Study Third Generation (mean age, 46±8.7 years) had complete tonometry measurements and brain magnetic resonance imaging (T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging). Tonometry measures included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, carotid-brachial pressure amplification, and central pulse pressure. Fractional anisotropy and GM density images were computed from diffusion tensor imaging and T1 images. Registration to a common anatomic template enabled voxel-based linear regressions relating measures of fractional anisotropy and GM to tonometry measures, adjusting for relevant covariables. Results— Higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with lower regional fractional anisotropy, including the corpus callosum and the corona radiata (8.7 and 8.6 cc, respectively, P<0.001), as well as lower GM density in the thalamus region (0.9 cc, P<0.001). Analyses did not reveal significant associations between other tonometry measures and fractional anisotropy or GM. Conclusions— Among young healthy adults, higher aortic stiffness was associated with measures of reduced white matter and GM integrity in areas implicated in cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Greater aortic stiffness may result in subclinical vascular brain injury at ages much younger than previously described.
Differential effects of levodopa on dopaminergic function in early and advanced Parkinson's disease

The effect of levodopa on L‐[11C]DOPA influx rate was evaluated in patients with early and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) by using positron emission tomography (PET). The patients were scanned both drug‐free and after a subsequent therapeutic levodopa infusion. Regional analysis of striatal L‐[11C]DOPA influx rate showed a correlation to the degenerative loss of nerve terminals reported at postmortem analysis in PD. Levodopa induced markedly differential effects on the striatal L‐[11C]DOPA influx rate in early and advanced patients. In patients with mild PD, levodopa infusion decreased L‐[11C]DOPA influx, whereas in patients with advanced PD, levodopa induced significant upregulation of L‐[11C]DOPA influx. These changes were confined to the putamen and were, in both patient categories, most prominent in the dorsal part of the region. The present investigation demonstrates a marked shift in the modulatory action of levodopa with the advancement of PD and suggests the induction of positive feedback in advanced PD. These findings could help explain the less graded clinical response to levodopa in advanced PD and would thus have importance for the understanding of the pathogenesis underlying motor fluctuations.
Mathematical Modelling of Strategic Treatments on Tumor Growth

We propose to contribute to the emerging body of cancer treatment research by developing and analyzing mathematical models of the treatment of tumor with various strategic treatments. We build on existing models of the immunology that are already successfully developed and then the effects of chemotherapy and interleukin-2 were applied to the model. Thus we build a mathematical model of tumour and effector cell with scheduled chemotherapy. The effect of scheduled il2 dose with chemotherapy and adoptive immunotherapy reduced the tumor growth.
Persistence of rubella and mumps antibodies, following changes in the recommended age for the second dose of MMR vaccine in Portugal

SUMMARY In Portugal, the recommended age for the second dose of MMR (MMR2) was changed from 10–13 years to 5–6 years for those born in 1994 and afterwards. This study aimed to assess if MMR schedule and time elapsed from the last dose are associated with the concentration of rubella and mumps IgG antibodies. Three Portuguese birth cohorts (convenience samples) were selected for this study (66, 59 and 41 participants born respectively in 1990–1993, 1994–1995 and 2001–2003). Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) for mumps IgG were respectively 36, 30 and 38 RU/ml (P = 0·236) and for rubella IgG were 18, 20 and 17 IU/ml (P = 0·641). For both specific antibodies, no differences were observed with time since MMR2. Receiving MMR2 at 5–6 or 10–13 years was not associated with concentration of both antibodies. The GMC of rubella IgG was lower in males (P = 0·029). Taking into account previous evidence and the logistics needed to change vaccination schedules, it seems reasonable that sustaining very high coverage with two doses of MMR is currently the most pragmatic way to control mumps and rubella rather than any changes to the schedule.
Multibanding of Microstrip Patch Antenna by Feeding Point and Patch Position

This paper investigate some methods for converting single band antennas to multiband antennas so that all single band antennas convert in multiband antennas and gives multiband facility without increasing the cost of manufacturing. Simulation is performing on Ansoft HFSS and corresponding result are shown by figures. Impedance bandwidth, VSWR and Return loss are observed for the proposed antenna. This proposed patch antenna is suitable for implementing low cost and high stable pattern. Details of the measured and simulated results are presented and discussed. I. INTRODUCTION In high performance aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, and missile applications where size, weight, cost, performance, ease of installation, low profile, easy integration to circuits, high efficiency antennas may be required. Presently there are many other government and commercial applications, such as mobile radio and wireless communication. (1)To meet these requirements microstrip antenna can be used. There are several types of microstrip antennas (also known as printed antennas) the most common of which is the microstrip patch antenna or patch antenna. A patch antenna is a narrowband, wide-beam antenna. These antennas are low profile, conformal to planar and non-planar surface, simple and inexpensive to manufacture using modern printed circuit technology, mechanically robust when mounted on rigid surface, compatible with MMIC designs and when the particular shape and mode are selected they are very versatile in terms of resonant frequency, polarization, field pattern and impedance. Microstrip antenna consist of a very thin metallic strip (patch) placed a small fraction of a wavelength above a ground plane. The patch is generally made of conducting material such as copper or gold and can take any possible shape. The radiating patch and the feed lines are usually photoetched on the dielectric substrate. The patch and ground plane are separated by dielectric material. Patch and ground both are fabricated by using conducting material. (2) However the major disadvantage of the microstrip patch antenna is its inherently narrow impedance bandwidth. Much intensive research has been done in recent years to develop bandwidth enhancement techniques. (7) The most desirable for good antenna performance are thick substrates whose dielectric constant is in the lower end of the range because they provide better efficiency, larger bandwidth, loosely bound fields for radiation into space, but at the expense of larger element size. These techniques include the utilization of thick substrates with low dialectic constant. The uses of electronically thick substrate only result in limited success because a large inductance is introduced by the increased length of the probe feed, resulting few percentage of bandwidth at resonant frequency. A. Basic principles of operation
Laboratory environments and rodents' behavioural needs: a review

Laboratory housing conditions have significant physiological and psychological effects on rodents, raising both scientific and humane concerns. Published studies of rats, mice and other rodents were reviewed to document behavioural and psychological problems attributable to predominant laboratory housing conditions. Studies indicate that rats and mice value opportunities to take cover, build nests, explore, gain social contact, and exercise some control over their social milieu, and that the inability to satisfy these needs is physically and psychologically detrimental, leading to impaired brain development and behavioural anomalies (e.g. stereotypies). To the extent that space is a means to gain access to such resources, spatial confinement likely exacerbates these deficits. Adding environmental 'enrichments' to small cages reduces but does not eliminate these problems, and I argue that substantial changes in housing and husbandry conditions would be needed to further reduce them.
Kenyan purple tea anthocyanins ability to cross the blood brain barrier and reinforce brain antioxidant capacity in mice

Abstract Studies on antioxidants as neuroprotective agents have been hampered by the impermeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB) to many compounds. However, previous studies have shown that a group of tea flavonoids, the catechins, are brain permeable and neuroprotective. Despite this remarkable observation, there exist no data on the bioavailability and pharmacological benefits of tea anthocyanins (ACNs) in the brain tissue. This study investigated the ability of Kenyan purple tea ACNs to cross the BBB and boost the brain antioxidant capacity. Mice were orally administered with purified and characterized Kenyan purple tea ACNs or a combination of Kenyan purple tea ACNs and coenzyme-Q10 at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in an experiment that lasted for 15 days. Twenty-four hours post the last dosage of antioxidants, CO2 was used to euthanize the mice after which the brain was excised and used for various biochemical analyses. Brain extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography for ACN metabolites and spectrophotometry for cellular glutathione (GSH). Kenyan purple tea ACNs significantly (P < 0.05) raised brain GSH levels implying boost in brain antioxidant capacity. However, co-administration of both antioxidants caused a reduction of these beneficial effects implying a negative interaction. Notably, ACN metabolites were detected in brain tissue of ACN-fed mice. Our results constitute the first demonstration that Kenyan purple tea ACNs can cross the BBB reinforcing the brain's antioxidant capacity. Hence, the need to study them as suitable candidates for dietary supplements that could support antioxidant capacity in the brain and have potential to provide neuroprotection in neurodegenerative conditions.
Invasion of Dendritic Cells, Macrophages and Neutrophils by the Bordetella Adenylate Cyclase Toxin: A Subversive Move to Fool Host Immunity

Adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) is released in the course of B. pertussis infection in the host’s respiratory tract in order to suppress its early innate and subsequent adaptive immune defense. CD11b-expressing dendritic cells (DC), macrophages and neutrophils are professional phagocytes and key players of the innate immune system that provide a first line of defense against invading pathogens. Recent findings revealed the capacity of B. pertussis CyaA to intoxicate DC with high concentrations of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which ultimately skews the host immune response towards the expansion of Th17 cells and regulatory T cells. CyaA-induced cAMP signaling swiftly incapacitates opsonophagocytosis, oxidative burst and NO-mediated killing of bacteria by neutrophils and macrophages. The subversion of host immune responses by CyaA after delivery into DC, macrophages and neutrophils is the subject of this review.
Update on stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy

Introduction: Due to the publicity about stem cell transplantation for the treatment of cerebral palsy, many families seek information on treatment, and many travel overseas for cell transplantation. Even so, there is little scientific confirmation of benefit, and therefore existing knowledge in the field must be summarized. Areas covered: This paper addresses the clinical protocols examining the problem, types of stem cells available for transplant, experimental models used to test the benefit of the cells, possible mechanisms of action, potential complications of cell treatment and what is needed in the field to help accelerate cell-based therapies. Expert opinion: While stem cells may be beneficial in acute injuries of the CNS the biology of stem cells is not well enough understood in chronic injuries or disorders such as cerebral palsy. More work is required at the basic level of stem cell biology, in the development of animal models, and finally in well-conceived clinical trials.
Coronary Artery Disease Gene Dosage of the Common Variant 9 p 21 Predicts Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Methods A cross-sectional study examined nondiabetic patients with CAD defined by coronary angiography to have at least 1 epicardial stenosis 50%. In all, 950 patients with early onset CAD (age 56.1 9.6 years) and an independent sample of 764 patients with late onset CAD (age 70.0 8.0 years) were enrolled from the cardiac catheterization laboratories at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute from April 15, 2006, to August 15, 2008, and genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1333049 9p21 risk variant. Angiographers were blinded to genotype. The association between 9p21 risk genotype and the proportion of patients with 3-vessel disease, 1-vessel disease, left main trunk disease, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery was tested, as was its association with the modified Gensini and Duke coronary scoring indexes.
Grotta dell’Acqua Mintina a peculiar geosite with the smell of sulfur

La grotta dell’Acqua Mintina (comune di Butera, Caltanissetta, Sicilia) si estende per una lunghezza totale di 140 m nel Calcare di Base di età messiniana (Miocene superiore) ed è caratterizzata dalla spettacolare presenza di concrezioni e cristalli di zolfo nativo e gesso secondario. Lo zolfo si è formato sulle pareti e sul soffitto della grotto in cristalli fino a 1 cm di lunghezza e in concrezioni microcristalline di forma botroidale, a nuvola, a popcorn e a “mensola”. Il gesso è presente in aggregati cristallini aciculari, prismatici e fibrosi con cristalli fino a 3 cm di lunghezza. La grotta mostra morfologie non compatibili con i consueti fenomeni carsici ma legate ad attacco acido su calcare. L’acido solforico è stato generato in corrispondenza della falda acquifera per miscelazione di acque ricche di H 2 S risalite dai sedimenti sottostanti con acque ricche in ossigeno infiltrate dalla superficie. Il gesso si è formato attraverso il fenomeno della condensazione-corrosione di acido solforico sulle pareti calcaree della grotta, mentre lo zolfo si è formato per degassamento di H 2 S e CO 2 al di sotto della superficie dell’acqua, con parziale ossidazione dell’acido solfidrico. L’acido solfidrico è stato a sua volta generato dalla degradazione dei sedimenti ricchi in materia organica del Tripoli che si trovano immediatamente al di sotto del Calcare di Base e/o per riduzione batterica del gesso primario della Formazione di Pasquasia affiorante al di sopra. La grotta, per la presenza di spettacolari concrezioni di zolfo e gesso, rappresenta un geosito di interesse nazionale da tutelare e conservare attivamente.
Impaired coronary blood flow response to acetylcholine in patients with coronary risk factors and proximal atherosclerotic lesions.

We examined whether coronary risk factors and atherosclerotic lesions in the study artery were associated with impaired endothelium-dependent dilation of coronary resistance arteries. Acetylcholine (ACH) at graded doses (1, 3, 10 and 30 micrograms/min) and papaverine (10 mg) were selectively infused into the left anterior descending coronary artery of 28 patients, in whom the study artery was angiographically normal (n = 16) or with mild stenosis < or = 40% (n = 12). Coronary blood flow (CBF) was estimated from the product of mean CBF velocity measured by an intracoronary Doppler catheter and the arterial cross-sectional area of the study artery determined by quantitative arteriography. ACH increased CBF in a dose-dependent manner. However, the maximum CBF response to ACH varied widely among patients (from 50% to 660%). By multivariate analysis, the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the study artery was an independent predictor for impaired CBF response to ACH (P < 0.01). Hypertension (P < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (r = -0.52, P < 0.005), age > or = 50 yr (P < 0.01) and total number of coronary risk factors (r = -0.62, P < 0.001) were associated with the impaired increase in CBF with ACH by univariate analysis. The percent increase in CBF evoked with papaverine did not correlate with these risk factors. The results suggest that mild atherosclerotic lesions in the study artery and coronary risk factors are accompanied by impaired endothelium-dependent dilation of coronary resistance arteries evoked with ACH. Endothelial dysfunction of coronary resistance arteries may result in altered regulation of myocardial perfusion in patients with mild coronary atherosclerosis and coronary risk factors.
An Investigation of Biological Carbon Sequestration at the Pea Ridge National Military Park

The direct correlation between increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures is now irrefutable. A 50% increase in atmospheric CO2 levels from a pre-industrial level of 270 ppm to a present-day level of 405 ppm, has resulted in documented record temperatures and a concomitant rising of sea levels from melting ice caps. The ability of biological/terrestrial ecological systems to store atmospheric carbon is a viable option in the effort to mitigate the climate impacts of rising anthropogenically-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Components of the vegetation and soils in the Pea Ridge National Military Park (the Park) were examined for carbon content to assess the carbon storage potential of preserved lands. I collected samples from four distinct study sites in the Park to make quantitative comparisons. These were a gymnosperm (red cedar, Juniperus virginiana) forest, an angiosperm (hardwood) forest, a managed grassland and a semi-native grassland. Mineral and organic soil layers were collected in all four sites along with above-ground biomass samples of coarse woody debris, tree cores, and herbaceous plants in the forests and grasses and associated broadleaf plants in the grassland sites. Samples were dried to constant weight, and 20and 40mg samples were analyzed using an Elementar vario El cube for analysis of total C by high temperature combustion. Soil samples averaged less than 12% carbon, but aboveground biomass ranged from 29% to 46% carbon. The managed grassland had the lowest carbon percentage of all four sites for soil and the lowest carbon percentage for grasses when compared to the semi-native grassland study site. It was only in the tree biomass that the red cedar site had a higher carbon percentage than the angiosperm tree biomass (43.49% for the angiosperm study site and 44.48% for the gymnosperm study site). Therefore, the succession of the species, red cedar, while having negative ecosystem impacts, may benefit carbon sequestration. ©2017 by Dorine Reed Bower All Rights Reserved
A Real Time Host and Network Mobile Agent based Intrusion Detection System (HNMAIDS)

Computer security is to detect or prevent the process of collecting information or unauthorized access to computers. Detection is a recognition process which helps us to determine if someone tried to enter our system that have been successful, however, and what can be done. Prevention measures help us to pursue unauthorized users called as intruders from accessing any part of the computer system. Computer is being used for everything from banking and investment, businesses to communicate with others via email or messenger programs. Although It may not consider communications top secret, It probably do not want strangers reading email, using computer to attack or intrusion other systems, sending forged messages or email from computer, or examining personal information stored on our computer (such as financial statements). Intruders (also referred to as attackers, crackers) may not care about our identity. Often, they want to take control of the computer, so you can use it to launch attacks on the computer systems. So, they (attackers) hide the control of our computers from their true lease and launch attacks or intrusions, often against very high-profile computer systems like government or financial systems. This research is the study on computer security using proposed A Real Time Host and Network Mobile Agent based Intrusion Detection System (HNMAIDS) which will enhance efficiency as compare earlier agent based intrusion detection system. An Agent based intrusion detection system is intended to detect suspicious behavior on the network/host through agent, where agent will send an alerts signal to the network administrators and so an administrator can prevent intrusions as well as attacks. Presented results are showing the performance of the proposed HNMAIDS.
Validation of bitstream syntax and synthesis of parsers in the MPEG Reconfigurable Video Coding framework

Video coding technology has evolved in the past years into a variety of different and complex algorithms. So far the specification of such standard algorithms has been done case by case providing monolithic textual and reference SW specifications, but without any attention on commonalities and the possibility of incremental improvements or modifications of such monolithic standards. The MPEG Reconfigurable Video Coding (RVC) framework is a new ISO standard, currently under development aiming at providing video codec specifications at the level of library functions instead of monolithic algorithms. The possibility to select a subset of standard coding algorithms to specify a decoder that satisfies application specific constraints is very attractive. However, such possibility to reconfigure codecs requires systematic procedures and tools capable of describing the new bitstream syntaxes of such new codecs. Moreover, it is also necessary to generate the associated parsers which are capable to parse the new bitstreams because they are not available ldquoa priorirdquo in the RVC library. This paper further explains the problem and describes the technologies used to describe new bitstream syntaxes within RVC. In addition, the paper describes the methodology and the tools for the validation of bitstream syntaxes descriptions as well as an example of systematic procedures for the direct synthesis of parsers in the same data flow formalism in which the RVC library component are implemented.
On the integrality ratio for asymmetric TSP

The traveling salesman problem comes in two variants. The symmetric version (STSP) assumes that the cost c/sub ij/ of going to city i to city j is equal to c/sub ji/, while the more general asymmetric version (ATSP) does not make this assumption. In both cases, it is usually assumed that we are in the metric case, i.e., the costs satisfy the triangle inequality: c/sub ij/ + c/sub jk/ /spl ges/ c/sub ik/ for all i, j, k. In this assumption, we improve the lower bound on the integrality ratio of the Held-Karp bound for asymmetric TSP (with triangle inequality) from 4/3 to 2.