Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health inequalities by gradients of access to water and sanitation between countries in the Americas, 1990 and 2010.

OBJECTIVE To explore distributional inequality of key health outcomes as determined by access coverage to water and sanitation (WS) between countries in the Region of the Americas. METHODS An ecological study was designed to explore the magnitude and change-over-time of standard gap and gradient metrics of environmental inequalities in health at the country level in 1990 and 2010 among the 35 countries of the Americas. Access to drinking water and access to improved sanitation facilities were selected as equity stratifiers. Five dependent variables were: total and healthy life expectancies at birth, and infant, under-5, and maternal mortality. RESULTS Access to WS correlated with survival and mortality, and strong gradients were seen in both 1990 and 2010. Higher WS access corresponded to higher life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and lower infant, under-5, and maternal mortality risks. Burden of life lost was unequally distributed, steadily concentrated among the most environmentally disadvantaged, who carried up to twice the burden than they would if WS were fairly distributed. Population averages in life expectancy and specific mortality improved, but whereas absolute inequalities decreased, relative inequalities remained mostly invariant. CONCLUSIONS Even with the Region on track to meet MDG 7 on water and sanitation, large environmental gradients and health inequities among countries remain hidden by Regional averages. As the post-2015 development agenda unfolds, policies and actions focused on health equity-mainly on the most socially and environmentally deprived-will be needed in order to secure the right for universal access to water and sanitation.
Functional Clustering of the Human Inferior Parietal Lobule by Whole-Brain Connectivity Mapping of Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signals

The human inferior parietal lobule (IPL) comprised the lateral bank of the intraparietal sulcus, angular gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus, defined on the basis of anatomical landmarks and cytoarchitectural organization of neurons. However, it is not clear as to whether the three areas represent functional subregions within the IPL. For instance, imaging studies frequently identified clusters of activities that cut across areal boundaries. Here, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to examine how individual voxels within the IPL are best clustered according to their connectivity to the whole brain. The results identified a best estimate of seven clusters that are hierarchically arranged as the anterior, middle, and posterior subregions. The anterior, middle, and posterior IPL are each significantly connected to the somatomotor areas, superior/middle/inferior frontal gyri, and regions of the default mode network. This functional segregation is supported by recent cytoarchitechtonics and tractography studies. IPL showed hemispheric differences in connectivity that accord with a predominantly left parietal role in tool use and language processing and a right parietal role in spatial attention and mathematical cognition. The functional clusters may also provide a more parsimonious and perhaps even accurate account of regional activations of the IPL during a variety of cognitive challenges, as reported in earlier fMRI studies.
Butyrate production enhancement by Clostridium tyrobutyricum using electron mediators and a cathodic electron donor

Electron mediators and electron supply through a cathode were examined to enhance the reducing power for butyrate production by an acidogenic clostridium strain, Clostridium tyrobutyricum BAS 7. Among the tested electron mediators, methyl viologen (MV)‐amended cultures showed an increase of butyrate productivity (1.3 times), final concentration (1.4 times), and yield (1.3 times). The electron flow altered by MV addition from the ferredoxin pool to the NADH pool was shown by one electron model, implying that more available NADH increased butyrate production. In the cathode compartment poised at −400 mV versus the Ag/AgCl electrode, the neutral red (NR)‐amended cultures of Clostridium tyrobutyricum BAS 7 increased butyrate concentration (from 5 to 8.8 g/L) and yield (from 0.33 up to 0.44 g/g) with no acetate production at all. Given that electrically reduced NR (NRred, yellow) by the cathode was re‐oxidized (NRox, red) in the cells on the basis of color change, electron flow from NRred to NAD+ (i.e., NADH generation) induced an increase in butyrate production. This is the first report to show the increase of butyric acid production by electrically driven acidogenesis. These results show that the electron flow altered NADH formation by electron mediators and by the cathodic electron donor, increasing the yield and selectivity of reduced end‐products like butyrate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 2494–2502. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copy number variations of Interleukin-12B and T-bet are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES Th1 cells have been implicated as the causal agents in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. SLE represents the classical prototype of systemic autoimmune disease. Copy number variations (CNVs) have been discovered to have phenotypic consequences and associate with various types of diseases. The current study aims to explore a possible association between CNVs of Th1 cell-related genes and the risk of SLE. METHODS Genomic DNA and RNA from 532 SLE patients and 576 healthy controls were extracted. CNVs of Th1 cell-related genes (T-bet, Stat4, IL-12A, IL-12B, IFN-γ, IP-10 and CXCR3) as well as Th2 and Treg cell-related genes (c-Mef, GATA3, Foxp3, IL-6 and TGF-β) were examined, and mRNA levels of IL-12B and T-bet were examined. RESULTS Frequencies of IL-12B and T-bet CNVs in SLE patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. CNVs of IL-12B and T-bet had no synergistic contribution to SLE. The mRNA levels of IL-12B and T-bet in the samples with more than two copies of DNA were significantly higher than those with two copies of DNA. CONCLUSIONS CNVs of IL-12B and T-bet are associated with the risk of SLE.
Metastatic or Embolic Endometriosis, due to the Menstrual Dissemination of Endometrial Tissue into the Venous Circulation.

Over twelve years ago the writer began a series of experiments to determine the shape of the uterine cavity in normal and pathologic conditions. The technic was as follows. The uterus removed at operation or necropsy was placed in a basin of warm water and then filled with melted gelatin (about I5 per cent) containing in suspension bismuth subcarbonate or barium sulphate. This was introduced through the cervical canal by means of a syringe. After filling the uterine cavity the syringe was withdrawn, the cervix damped in order to prevent the escape of the injection mass and the specimen placed in cold water until the gelatin had solidified. Stereoscopic roentgenograms of the uterus enabled one to obtain a dear picture of the form of the uterine cavity under various conditions and also of the luii a of the tubes if the latter were patent. In February, I9I6, I removed a myomatous uterus from a patient who was menstruating at the time of the operation. On filling the uterine cavity with the injection mass I was surprised to find that it escaped from the severed uterine and ovarian veins. This was the first time that I had noticed this phenomenon. The following experiments were made. Uteri were curetted after their removal and the uterine cavity was filled with the mass. In many instances the injection mass escaped into the venous sinuses of the uterine wall and through the uterine and ovarian veins. These observations together with a
Functional dissection of siRNA sequence by systematic DNA substitution: modified siRNA with a DNA seed arm is a powerful tool for mammalian gene silencing with significantly reduced off-target effect

Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-based RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used for target gene knockdown in mammalian cells. To clarify the position-dependent functions of ribonucleotides in siRNA, siRNAs with various DNA substitutions were constructed. The following could be simultaneously replaced with DNA without substantial loss of gene-silencing activity: the seed arm, which occupies positions 2–8 from the 5′end of the guide strand; its complementary sequence; the 5′end of the guide strand and the 3′overhang of the passenger strand. However, most part of the 3′ two-thirds of the guide strand could not be replaced with DNA, possibly due to binding of RNA-recognition proteins such as TRBP2 and Ago2. The passenger strand with DNA in the 3′end proximal region was incapable of inducing off-target effect. Owing to lesser stability of DNA–RNA hybrid than RNA duplex, modified siRNAs with DNA substitution in the seed region were, in most cases, incapable to exert unintended gene silencing due to seed sequence homology. Thus, it may be possible to design DNA–RNA chimeras which effectively silence mammalian target genes without silencing unintended genes.
Evaluation of color traps for Lygus spp.: Design, placement, height, time of day, and non-target effects

Lygus hesperus and L. lineolaris are two of the most economically important plant bugs in North America. Here we present results from field trials that evaluated effective trap characteristics for maximizing Lygus spp. and other herbivorous insects capture, while minimizing beneficial insect capture. The response of lygus bugs, several other key herbivore species and predators to hue (white, clear, black, yellow, orange, blue, purple, green and red) and value (black, white and two neutral grays) was examined in alfalfa over three seasons using traps coated with Pestick adhesive. Lygus spp. exhibited a broad response to trap hue, but showed no response to trap value or intensity. Additionally, we showed that time of day, trap height, and trap placement influenced the number of Lygus spp. captured. More Lygus spp. were trapped from late afternoon to dusk compared to all other times of the day, and more males than females were captured on sticky traps even though the sexes were at parity in field sweep net samples. In the alfalfa setting, male lygus were more likely to be captured on traps placed 20 cm above the ground; traps placed 50 and 100 cm above the ground caught similar numbers of males and females. The highest number of plant bugs was captured when traps were placed in a cleared area between two alfalfa fields; lower numbers were captured on traps at the edge and in the center of the field. All other herbivores exhibited distinct preferences to trap hue and in some cases, trap value or intensity. Predators were rarely trapped, but did exhibit preferences to trap color (i.e., hue and value) characteristics. The potential of using sticky traps with specific hue and value characteristics to effectively monitor Lygus spp. is discussed.
Biocompatibility and Osteogenesis of Calcium Phosphate Cement Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Porous calcium phosphate cement (CPC) scaffolds were successfully fabricated utilizing particle-leaching method. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured, expanded and seeded on the scaffolds and the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs into osteoblastic phenotype were determined using MTT assay, ALP activity and ESEM. The results revealed that the CPC scaffolds were biocompatible and had no negative effects on the MSCs in vitro. The in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenicity of the scaffolds were investigated. Both pure scaffolds and MSCs/scaffold constructs were implanted in rabbit mandibles and studied histologically. The results showed that CPC scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Moreover, the introduction of MSCs into the scaffolds dramatically enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation initially.
Scaffolding and Achievement in Problem-Based and Inquiry Learning: A Response to Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006)

Many innovative approaches to education such as problem-based learning (PBL) and inquiry learning (IL) situate learning in problem-solving or investigations of complex phenomena. Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006) grouped these approaches together with unguided discovery learning. However, the problem with their line of argument is that IL and PBL approaches are highly scaffolded. In this article, we first demonstrate that Kirschner et al. have mistakenly conflated PBL and IL with discovery learning. We then present evidence demonstrating that PBL and IL are powerful and effective models of learning. Far from being contrary to many of the principles of guided learning that Kirschner et al. discussed, both PBL and IL employ scaffolding extensively thereby reducing the cognitive load and allowing students to learn in complex domains. Moreover, these approaches to learning address important goals of education that include content knowledge, epistemic practices, and soft skills such as collaboration and self-directed learning.
hFis1, a Novel Component of the Mammalian Mitochondrial Fission Machinery*

The balance between the fission and fusion mechanisms regulate the morphology of mitochondria. In this study we have identified a mammalian protein that we call hFis1, which is the orthologue of the yeast Fis1p known to participate in yeast mitochondrial division. hFis1, when overexpressed in various cell types, localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane and induced mitochondrial fission. This event was inhibited by a dominant negative mutant of Drp1 (Drp1(K38A)), a major component of the fission apparatus. Fragmentation of the mitochondrial network by hFis1 was followed by the release of cytochrome c and ultimately apoptosis. Bcl-xL was able to block cytochrome c release and apoptosis but failed to prevent mitochondrial fragmentation. Our studies show that hFis1 is part of the mammalian fission machinery and suggest that regulation of the fission processes might be involved in apoptotic mechanisms.
Tamoxifen and Src kinase inhibitors as neuroprotective/neuroregenerative drugs after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that produces significant changes in the lifestyle of patients. Many molecular and cellular events are triggered after the initial physical impact to the cord. Two major phases have been described in the field of SCI: an acute phase and late phase. Most of the therapeutic strategies are focused on the late phase because this provides an opportunity to target cellular events like apoptosis, demyelination, scar formation and axonal outgrowth. In this mini-review, we will focus on two agents (tamoxifen and a Src kinase family inhibitor known as PP2) that have been shown in our laboratory to produce neuroprotective (increase cell survival) and/or regenerative (axonal outgrowth) actions. The animal model used in our laboratory is adult female rat (~250 g) with a moderate contusion (12.5 mm) to the spinal cord at the T 10 level, using the MASCIS impactor device. Tamoxifen or PP2 was administered by implantation of a 15 mg pellet (Innovative Research of America, Sarasota, FL, USA) or by intraperitoneal injections (1.5 mg/kg, every 3 days), respectively, to produce a long-term effect (28 days). Tamoxifen and the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, are drugs that in rats with a moderate spinal cord injury promote functional locomotor recovery, increase spared white matter tissue, and stimulate axonal outgrowth. Moreover, tamoxifen reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, these drugs are possible therapeutic agents that have a neuroprotective/regenerative activity in vertebrates with SCI.
Discrete time mapping modeling and bifurcation phenomenon study of a ZVS converter

The varying period and complex commutation conditions make the classic mapping modeling method based on fixed switching period no longer fit for soft switching circuit analysis. This paper proposes a discrete time mapping method for modeling variable frequency resonant circuits. The analysis begins with the derivation of a sixth-order iterative map for a ZVS converter used in ICPT (inductively coupled power transfer) systems and then the model developed is employed to analyze the instability and sub-harmonic operation of the converter.
Cryoelectron Tomography of HIV-1 Envelope Spikes: Further Evidence for Tripod-Like Legs

A detailed understanding of the morphology of the HIV-1 envelope (Env) spike is key to understanding viral pathogenesis and for informed vaccine design. We have previously presented a cryoelectron microscopic tomogram (cryoET) of the Env spikes on SIV virions. Several structural features were noted in the gp120 head and gp41 stalk regions. Perhaps most notable was the presence of three splayed legs projecting obliquely from the base of the spike head toward the viral membrane. Subsequently, a second 3D image of SIV spikes, also obtained by cryoET, was published by another group which featured a compact vertical stalk. We now report the cryoET analysis of HIV-1 virion-associated Env spikes using enhanced analytical cryoET procedures. More than 2,000 Env spike volumes were initially selected, aligned, and sorted into structural classes using algorithms that compensate for the “missing wedge” and do not impose any symmetry. The results show varying morphologies between structural classes: some classes showed trimers in the head domains; nearly all showed two or three legs, though unambiguous three-fold symmetry was not observed either in the heads or the legs. Subsequently, clearer evidence of trimeric head domains and three splayed legs emerged when head and leg volumes were independently aligned and classified. These data show that HIV-1, like SIV, also displays the tripod-like leg configuration, and, unexpectedly, shows considerable gp41 leg flexibility/heteromorphology. The tripod-like model for gp41 is consistent with, and helps explain, many of the unique biophysical and immunological features of this region.
Naive Learning in Social Networks: Convergence, Influence and Wisdom of Crowds

We study learning and influence in a setting where agents communicate according to an arbitrary social network and naively update their beliefs by repeatedly taking weighted averages of their neighbors' opinions. A focus is on conditions under which beliefs of all agents in large societies converge to the truth, despite their naive updating. We show that this happens if and only if the influence of the most influential agent in the society is vanishing as the society grows. Using simple examples, we identify two main obstructions which can prevent this. By ruling out these obstructions, we provide general structural conditions on the social network that are sufficient for convergence to truth. In addition, we show how social influence changes when some agents redistribute their trust, and we provide a complete characterization of the social networks for which there is a convergence of beliefs. Finally, we survey some recent structural results on the speed of convergence and relate these to issues of segregation, polarization and propaganda.
Bronchial biopsies in asthma. An ultrastructural, quantitative study and correlation with hyperreactivity.

Little is known of the structural changes in mild asthma. We have studied the light and electron microscopic structure of lobar bronchial biopsies taken at fiberoptic bronchoscopy from 11 atopic asthmatics, four of whom were symptomatic and seven of whom were asymptomatic. The former and three of the latter had bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (PC20 less than 4 mg/ml). Quantitative comparisons were made with biopsies from ten control subjects with normal airway reactivity; five had hay fever and five were nonatopic healthy volunteers. Complete absence of surface epithelium was found in three cases of symptomatic asthma, and stratified squamous epithelium was present in the fourth. A biopsy from one of the healthy control subjects had also lost its surface epithelium. The degree of epithelial loss in all subjects correlated with the degree of airway reactivity (rs = 0.67, p less than 0.001). The reticular lamina of the epithelial basement membrane showed a trend toward thickening in the seven hyperreactive asthmatics (p less than 0.001: median test). There was a tendency to high numbers of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria, but not in the submucosa, of asthmatics, but the differences between groups did not achieve statistical significance. There were significant alterations (px2 less than 0.001) in the proportions of each type of inflammatory cell found in the lamina propria and submucosa of symptomatic asthmatics: an increase of irregularly shaped lymphocytes contributed most to the observed alteration. Where surface epithelium was present, intraepithelial lymphocytes formed the major proportion of intraepithelial "migratory" cells: 64% in normal control subjects, 78% in subjects with hay fever, and 87% in asymptomatic asthmatics. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Expressive Location-Based Continuous Query Evaluation with Binary Decision Diagrams

Many location-based services require rich and expressive query language support for filtering large amounts of information over thousands of concurrently executing continuous queries. Parts of these queries may overlap or logically depend on each other suggesting the possibility to amortize the query execution over shared sub-queries and prune query execution according to dependencies to achieve real-time processing requirements inherent to many location-based applications. In this paper spatio-temporal queries constitute location constraints monitored by applications. We develop the Constraint Combination Binary Decision Diagrams (CCBDD), an efficient location constraint matching algorithm, and query indexing based on Binary Decision Diagrams. With CCBDD, redundant computations in shared sub-queries are avoided, and query dependencies are identified and pruned. Empirical results show that the CCBDD structure greatly improves matching performance with shared query execution and economical memory use.
Strong converse to the quantum channel coding theorem

A lower bound on the probability of decoding error for a quantum communication channel is presented, from which the strong converse to the quantum channel coding theorem is immediately shown. The results and their derivations are mostly straightforward extensions of the classical counterparts which were established by Arimoto (1973), except that more careful treatment is necessary here due to the noncommutativity of operators.
Growth of Francisella spp. in rodent macrophages

We examined the nature of the interactions between the facultative intracellular pathogens Francisella tularensis and F. novicida and rodent macrophages. Growth of F. tularensis LVS was observed in macrophage monolayers from mice, guinea pigs, or rats. In contrast, F. novicida grew in macrophages from mice and guinea pigs but not in macrophages from rats. Transmission electron microscopy studies indicated that both Francisella species survive within macrophage phagosomes that are unfused with lysosomes.