Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adipose tissue macrophages: their role in adipose tissue remodeling

The adipose tissue secretes a large number of bioactive substances, adipocytokines, which may be involved in a variety of physiologic and pathologic processes. Unbalanced production of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory adipocytokines seen in visceral fat obesity contributes critically to the development of the metabolic syndrome. Evidence has accumulated indicating that obesity is associated with a state of chronic, low‐grade inflammation, suggesting that inflammation may be a potential mechanism, whereby obesity leads to insulin resistance. Indeed, obese adipose tissue is characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy, followed by increased angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration, extracellular matrix overproduction, and thus, increased production of proinflammatory adipocytokines during the progression of chronic inflammation. The dynamic change found in the adipose tissue can be referred to as “adipose tissue remodeling,” in which stromal cells change dramatically in number and cell type during the course of obesity. Among stromal cells, infiltration of macrophages in the adipose tissue precedes the development of insulin resistance in animal models, suggesting that they are crucial for obesity‐related adipose tissue inflammation. We have demonstrated that a paracrine loop involving saturated fatty acids and TNF‐α derived from adipocytes and macrophages, respectively, aggravates obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation. Notably, saturated fatty acids, which are released from hypertrophied adipocytes via the macrophage‐induced lipolysis, serve as a naturally occurring ligand for TLR4 complex, thereby activating macrophages. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying adipose tissue remodeling may lead to the identification of novel, therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation.
AMPHIBIAN POPULATION DECLINES AT SAVANNAH RIVER SITE ARE LINKED TO CLIMATE, NOT CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS

Amphibian populations at the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina, USA, have been censused consistently for 35 years, and this provides a time series to examine the causes of population fluctuations. We examined archived museum specimens of 15 anuran species collected at wetlands on the SRS for the presence of the causative agent (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ) of chytridiomycosis, an emerging disease asso- ciated with population declines elsewhere. Infections were present in three out of 137 (2.18%) individuals; the pathogen was detected in two Rana catesbeianaand a single Rana sphenocephala, all collected between 1978 and 1981. Lesions were not consistent with the later stages of fatal chytridiomycosis. Analysis of population trajectories of nine amphibian species over 26 years at SRS showed that four species declined significantly over this period, including R. sphenocephala. However, we demonstrate that these declines are more likely caused by an increase in the number of years with insufficient rainfall and a shortened hydroperiod at the breeding site than by chytrid epidemics. This pattern appears to be linked to a drying trend at SRS through the 1990s, although it is unclear whether this was caused by climate change. This study demonstrates that the presence of B. dendrobatidis in am- phibian communities where some species are declining does not always implicate chytrids as a cause of the decline. Like many other emerging pathogens, the outcome of infection can vary among individuals and populations, depending on life history traits, environmental conditions, and virulence factors of the pathogen. Our report also demonstrates the use- fulness of archived museum specimens and long-term population monitoring in studying the host-parasite ecology of emerging diseases.
Association between the IL-6 gene polymorphism and tuberculosis risk: a meta-analysis

Background The gene polymorphism of interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to be implicated in tuberculosis susceptibility in many studies, but with conflicting results. This study aimed to provide more accurate estimation of the relationship between IL-6 gene polymorphism and tuberculosis risk through a meta-analysis Method A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases. Data were retrieved, and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed by using STATA 12.0. Results Twelve publications with 2635 cases and 3049 controls were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated significant evidence of association between IL-6 (−174G/C) and low risk of tuberculosis in dominant model (CC+GC vs GG: OR =0.693, 95% CI 0.581–0.826, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis got similar results for IL-6 (−174G/C) in Asians and Latinos, but the significance did not exist in Caucasians. IL-6 (−572C/G) polymorphism was also associated with low risk of tuberculosis in dominant model (CC+GC vs GG: OR =0.719, 95% CI 0.577–0.896, p=0.003). No publication bias was detected in either of the polymorphisms. Conclusion In summary, IL-6 −572 C/G polymorphism may be associated with a decreased risk of tuberculosis, and C allele is the protective factor against tuberculosis for IL-6 −174G/C among Asians and Latinos, but not in Caucasian population.
Tai chi Perservation in White-collar Workers to Carry out Investigation—— In Chengdu WuHouou White-collar Survey

The tai chi originated in the I ching,and tai chi chuan is by tai chi evolved. Taijiquan cultured is Yin and Yang of birth,Rigid-flexible economic,Also attaches great importance to the practice of royal gas within gas follow meridians run to clear the meridians harmonic Yin and Yang,Maintain normal human physiological function. And according to the taijiquan narrative tai chi regimen of evolution. White-collar personage high-pressure working condition and lifestyle produce certain conflict,Analysis the white-collar life attitude,physical condition,Is put forward by using the advantages of taiji boxing exercise regimen,Regular exercise can adjust working pressure,Relieves mental stress,Which is beneficial to the health. Make work and life,Healthy body into a virtuous cycle state.
Facial Peculiarity Retrieval via Deep Neural Networks Fusion

Face retrieval is becoming increasingly useful and important for security maintenance operations. In actua l applications, face retrieval is usually influenced by some changeable site conditions, such as various postures, expressions, camera angles, illuminations, and so on. In this paper, facial peculiar features are extracted and classified by dynamically integrated deep neural networks (DNNs), in order to enhance the adaptability in actua l conditions. Firstly, eight kinds of facial components are detected and located by clustering analysis and Active Shape Model (ASM). Secondly, certain peculiar patterns are defined for each kind of facial component, and eight specialized DNNs are designed to extract features and classify components. Thirdly, the similarity between faces is calculated by dynamically integrating the results of each DNN. Comparative experiments on standard image sets and wild image sets demonstrate that our algorithm outperforms global feature models in retrieval accuracy. Our algorithm is particularly suitable for practical application with regard to natural real videos and images.
Physical activity and bone : the importance of the various mechanical stimuli for bone mineral density : a review

Numerous studies have reported benefits of regular physical activity on bone mineral density (BMD). The effects of physical activity on BMD are primarily linked to the mechanisms of mechanical loading, but the understanding of the precise mechanism behind the association is incomplete. The aim of this paper was to review the main findings concerning sources and types of mechanical stimuli in relation to BMD. Mechanical forces that act on bone are generated from impact with the ground (ground-reaction forces) and from skeletal muscle contractions (muscle forces or muscle-joint forces), but the relative importance of these two sources has not been elucidated. Both muscle-joint forces and gravitational forces seem to be able to induce bone adaptation independently, and there may be differences in the importance of loading sources at different skeletal sites. The nature of the stimuli is affected by the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of the activity. The activity should be dynamic, not static, and the magnitude and rate of the stimuli should be high. In accordance with this, cross-sectional studies report highest BMD in athletes of high-impact activities such as dancing, soccer, volleyball, basketball, squash, speed skating, gymnastics, hockey, and step-aerobics. Endurance activities such as orienteering, skiing, and triathlon seem to be beneficial to a lesser degree, whereas low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling are associated with lower BMD than controls. Both the intensity and frequency of the activity should be varied and increased beyond the habitual level. Duration of the activity seems to be less important, and a few loading cycles seem to be sufficient.
Comparison of the percentages of CD4+ CD25high FOXP3+, CD4+ CD25low FOXP3+, and CD4+ FOXP3+ Tregs, in the umbilical cord blood of babies born to mothers with and without preeclampsia

Little is known about how preeclampsia affects regulatory T‐cell count and functions in umbilical cord blood of babies born to preeclamptic mothers. Here, we analyze the percentage of CD4+ CD25high FOXP3+, CD4+ CD25low FOXP3+, and CD4+ FOXP3+ Tregs, in the umbilical cord blood of babies born to mothers with and without preeclampsia.
Large scale micro-photometry for high resolution pH-characterization during electro-osmotic pumping and modular micro-swimming

Micro-fluidic pumps as well as artificial micro-swimmers are conveniently realized exploiting phoretic solvent flows based on local gradients of temperature, electrolyte concentration or pH. We here present a facile micro-photometric method for monitoring pH gradients and demonstrate its performance and scope on different experimental situations including an electro-osmotic pump and modular micro-swimmers assembled from ion exchange resin beads and polystyrene colloids. In combination with the present microscope and DSLR camera our method offers a 2 μm spatial resolution at video frame rate over a field of view of 3920 × 2602 μm2. Under optimal conditions we achieve a pH-resolution of 0.05 with about equal contributions from statistical and systematical uncertainties. Our quantitative micro-photometric characterization of pH gradients which develop in time and reach out several mm is anticipated to provide valuable input for reliable modeling and simulations of a large variety of complex flow situations involving pH-gradients including artificial micro-swimmers, microfluidic pumping or even electro-convection.
Connections of primary auditory cortex in the new world monkey, Saguinus

Connections of primary auditory cortex (A‐I) were investigated in the tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis), a New World monkey. In each case, A‐I was defined by multiunit recordings, and best frequencies were determined for neurons at different recording sites. Microlesions were placed to mark recording sites for correlation with cortical architecture. Following mapping, separate injections of up to three different tracers (HRP‐WGA and fluorescent dyes) were placed into the representations of different frequencies within A‐I. The results support several conclusions: (1) high to low frequencies are represented in a dorsocaudal to ventrorostral sequence in A‐I, (2) intrinsic connections in A‐I are more pronounced along isofrequency contours, (3) the pattern of connections between A‐I and adjoining cortex suggests that this surrounding auditory cortex contains at least two tonotopically organized fields and possibly one or more additional auditory fields, (4) callosal connections of A‐I are largely between parts of A‐I matched for frequency representation, (5) thalamic connections of A‐I include topographic connections with the ventral division of the medial geniculate complex (MGv) and more diffuse connections with the medial (MGm) and dorsal (MGd) divisions of the medial geniculate complex and the suprageniculate nucleus (Sg), and (6) A‐I projects bilaterally to the dorsal cortex of the inferior colliculus.
Survival after postoperative morbidity: a longitudinal observational cohort study†

Background Previous studies have suggested that there may be long-term harm associated with postoperative complications. Uncertainty exists however, because of the need for risk adjustment and inconsistent definitions of postoperative morbidity. Methods We did a longitudinal observational cohort study of patients undergoing major surgery. Case-mix adjustment was applied and morbidity was recorded using a validated outcome measure. Cox proportional hazards modelling using time-dependent covariates was used to measure the independent relationship between prolonged postoperative morbidity and longer term survival. Results Data were analysed for 1362 patients. The median length of stay was 9 days and the median follow-up time was 6.5 yr. Independent of perioperative risk, postoperative neurological morbidity (prevalence 2.9%) was associated with a relative hazard for long-term mortality of 2.00 [P=0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–3.04]. Prolonged postoperative morbidity (prevalence 15.6%) conferred a relative hazard for death in the first 12 months after surgery of 3.51 (P<0.001; 95% CI 2.28–5.42) and for the next 2 yr of 2.44 (P<0.001; 95% CI 1.62–3.65), returning to baseline thereafter. Conclusions Prolonged morbidity after surgery is associated with a risk of premature death for a longer duration than perhaps is commonly thought; however, this risk falls with time. We suggest that prolonged postoperative morbidity measured in this way may be a valid indicator of the quality of surgical healthcare. Our findings reinforce the importance of research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the duration and severity of postoperative complications.
Measurement and Explanation in the Comparative Study of American Police Organizations

This essay serves as a roadmap for theory and research on American police organizations. Organizational scholarship in policing has not progressed in an orderly or cumulative fashion. Some of the classic works in the study of police organizations remain well read but infrequently replicated or improved upon. Current research on police organizations is beginning to build on foundations established more than three decades ago.
Mobile health intervention for youth with sickle cell disease: Impact on adherence, disease knowledge, and quality of life

Adherence to illness self‐management among youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) positively impacts health outcomes and decreases overall healthcare costs. Despite this, children with SCD face several barriers to adherence, with adherence rates that remain moderate to low. The current feasibility study examined the Intensive Training Program (ITP), a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for youth with SCD designed to promote disease knowledge, adherence, and patient‐provider communication.
USING ICSI IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF MALE FACTOR

The aim of our study was to test whether a high percentage of morphologically abnormal sperms in the male ejaculate can be eliminated by assisted reproduction using the method of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The treatment success was evaluated by comparing fertilization rates, clinical pregnancy rates and baby rates in males with heavy teratospermia (≤ 1% of morphologically normal spermatozoa) versus males with a higher percentage (> 1%) of morphologically normal sperm forms. One hundred and seventy four patients who had underwent 174 ICSI cycles were evaluated retrospectively. We detected a lower number of fertilized oocytes in patients with the heavily impaired sperm morphology (P=0.038). On the other hand, neither gravidity nor delivery (baby rates) of the partners differed between the patients with the heavily impaired sperm morphology and the patients with the mildly impaired sperm morphology.
An empirical analysis of the relationship between e-government and corruption

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between e-government and corruption in developed and developing countries. Specifically, we investigate two issues - (1) the impact of the use of e-government on corruption in countries around the world and (2) whether the impact of e-government on corruption will be higher in developed or developing countries. In order to examine these relationships we develop and test empirical models that investigate these relationships. The results suggest that as the use of ICT related e-government increases corruption decreases. We also find that the impact of e-government is higher in developing countries than in developed countries for the seven-year period between 2003 and 2010.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Optimal orientation in flows : providing a benchmark for animal movement strategies

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The perception of emotions by ear and by eye

Emotions are expressed in the voice as well as on the face. As a first step to explore the question of their integration, we used a bimodal perception situation modelled after the McGurk paradigm, in which varying degrees of discordance can be created between the affects expressed in a face and in a tone of voice. Experiment 1 showed that subjects can effectively combine information from the two sources, in that identification of the emotion in the face is biased in the direction of the simultaneously presented tone of voice. Experiment 2 showed that this effect occurs also under instructions to base the judgement exclusively on the face. Experiment 3 showed the reverse effect, a bias from the emotion in the face on judgement of the emotion in the voice. These results strongly suggest the existence of mandatory bidirectional links between affect detection structures in vision and audition.
An output-sensitive algorithm for multi-parametric LCPs with sufficient matrices

This paper considers the multi-parametric linear complementarity problem (pLCP) with sufficient matrices. The main result is an algorithm to find a polyhedral decomposition of the set of feasible parameters and to construct a piecewise affine function that maps each feasible parameter to a solution of the associated LCP in such a way that the function is affine over each cell of the decomposition. The algorithm is output-sensive in the sense that its time complexity is polynomial in the size of the input and linear in the size of the output, when the problem is non-degenerate. We give a lexicographic perturbation technique to resolve degeneracy as well. Unlike for the non-parametric case, the resolution turns out to be nontrivial, and in particular, it involves linear programming (LP) duality and multi-objective LP.
Antenna gain in a millimetre-wave multipath environment

Millimeter waves (mm-waves) are likely to use directive antenna at user terminal. We show that when operating in multipath environments, the effective antenna gain is reduced. Measurements in a cluttered indoor environment using a 9.6 dBi horn antenna show an effective gain of 5.7 dBi, a loss of 3.87 dB. This will have implication in link budget planning when operating in multipath environment.
International Understanding and Comparative Education

The advancement of science and technology has led the world into an era of economic globalization with fierce competition.But this economic glob alization could not blur the nationalities of different cultures.Being the feat ures of contemporary times and symbols of worldwide prosperity,multi-culture needs international understanding,mutual trust and learning from each other for common prosperity.Education,especially Comparative Education,shoulders the mission of international understanding.
Professional and private experience with persons with special needs and attitudes of teachers of regular schools towards inclusion

In this paper, we seek for the factors of formation of attitudes of primary school teachers towards inclusion of children who due to some sensory, bodily, mental disability or social deprivation have the need for additional support in development and learning. Research on attitudes towards inclusive education of children with special needs so far indicates that teachers of regular schools 'hesitate' in accepting children with special needs, stating as a reason the fact that they do not feel competent enough to work with them. However, the increase in teacher readiness to work with these children can be seen from the projects for the inclusion of these children that educate the teachers and envisage the support of the school expert team. This study was conducted with the aim of determining whether teacher's experience - either private or professional - with persons with disabilities distinguishes the respondents who exhibit more favourable attitudes towards inclusive education of these children from those with less favourable attitudes. The sample consisted of 105 teachers from five regular primary schools at the territory of Belgrade, 44.2% of whom declared that they had professional experience in working with students with special needs, while 40% of respondents had private experience with persons with developmental disabilities. The results (ANOVA) indicate that professional experience with working with children with special needs does not significantly affect the formation and changing of attitudes of teachers of regular schools towards inclusive education. On the other hand, private experience with persons with developmental disabilities has a significant influence both on the attitude towards inclusion as a whole and towards all its components (cognitive, conative, the feeling of competence). Based on the obtained results, implications for the development of the curriculum for educating teachers for working with children with developmental disabilities are discussed.
Provisional chapter Fibrosis in Crohn ’ s Disease

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, relapsing inflammatory gastro‐ intestinal diseases which often onset in young adulthood. Unlike in UC, where inflamma‐ tion is limited to the mucosa, CD patients frequently develop transmural disease which can extend to involve the muscularis and serosa. While inflammatory disease accounts for much of the symptomatology associated with CD, significant morbidity results from fibrotic le‐ sions and their resulting complications.