Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy and Cavitating Leukoencephalopathy of Chihuahua Dogs

A novel form of neuroaxonal dystrophy is described in 3 Chihuahua pups, 2 of which were from the same litter. It was characterized not only by accumulation of numerous and widely distributed axonal swellings (spheroids) but also by a severe cavitating leukoencephalopathy. The dogs presented with progressive neurological signs, including gait abnormalities and postural reaction deficits. Magnetic resonance images and gross examination at necropsy revealed dilation of lateral ventricles and cerebral atrophy, accompanied by cavitation of the subcortical white matter. Histopathologically, severe axonal degeneration with formation of large spheroids was found in the cerebral and cerebellar white matter, thalamus, and brainstem nuclei. Small-caliber spheroids were observed in the cerebral and cerebellar gray matter. The telencephalic white matter had severe myelin loss and cavitation with relative sparing of the U-fibers. Different from previously reported cases of canine neuroaxonal dystrophy, in these Chihuahuas the spheroid distribution predominantly involved the white matter with secondary severe leukoencephalopathy.
Screening for rheumatoid arthritis with finger joint power Doppler ultrasonography: quantification of conventional power Doppler ultrasonographic scoring

Power Doppler ultrasonography (PD-US) has proved to be a useful technique to measure synovial vascularity due to its capability to provide data that can be used to evaluate the level of joint inflammation and assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have developed a novel PD-US finger joint scoring method that introduces quantitative measurements into the conventional PD-US assessment method. A comparison of the two methods revealed that our novel PD-US method strongly correlates with the conventional method in terms of RA assessment. We performed finger joint PD-US on 69 patients with RA and 70 patients who had multiple joint pain but showed no evidence of inflammatory diseases (non-inflammatory disease, NI) and measured the synovial vascularity of the metacarpophalangeal joints 1–5 and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints 1–5 for each patient. We analyzed the data with receiver operating characteristic analysis and, based on the results for the total vascularity of 20 finger joints, defined a cut-off value of 36% as discriminating between RA and NI. This cut-off value was found to be a valuable tool in screening for RA. We conclude that our finger joint PD-US scoring system is both useful and applicable for diagnosing RA.
Vertical and horizontal percentage aggregations

Existing SQL aggregate functions present important limitations to compute percentages. This article proposes two SQL aggregate functions to compute percentages addressing such limitations. The first function returns one row for each percentage in vertical form like standard SQL aggregations. The second function returns each set of percentages adding 100% on the same row in horizontal form. These novel aggregate functions are used as a framework to introduce the concept of percentage queries and to generate efficient SQL code. Experiments study different percentage query optimization strategies and compare evaluation time of percentage queries taking advantage of our proposed aggregations against queries using available OLAP extensions. The proposed percentage aggregations are easy to use, have wide applicability and can be efficiently evaluated.
A novel automated microchip flow‐chamber system to quantitatively evaluate thrombus formation and antithrombotic agents under blood flow conditions

Summary. Background and aims: In the present study, we describe a newly developed microchip‐based analytical system to evaluate white thrombus formation (WTF). Efficacies of various antithrombotic agents were compared under different flow conditions. Methods: Whole blood containing corn trypsin inhibitor was perfused over a microchip coated with collagen and tissue thromboplastin at the lower and higher shear rates of 240 and 600 s−1, and WTF process inside the microchip was quantified by monitoring a flow pressure. Parameters of T10 (time to 10 kPa), T10–80 (time from 10 to 80 kPa) and OT (occlusion time; time to 80 kPa) were used to evaluate the onset and the growth rate of WTF, and the capillary occlusion, respectively. Results: After perfusion was started, white thrombus composed of activated platelets and fibrin was formed on the coated surface. Thrombus gradually increased in size and eventually occluded the capillary. Among anticoagulants, heparin (0.5–1.0 U mL−1) potently prolonged T10 at both shear rates, whereas low molecular weight heparin (1.0–2.0 IU mL−1) inhibited the growth of WTF at the lower shear rate. Among antiplatelet agents, abciximab (1–2 μg mL−1) significantly reduced the size and number of thrombi, which was additively enhanced in the presence of heparin (0.5 U mL−1). OS‐1 (specific GPIbα‐antagonist) prevented the complete capillary occlusion. Conclusion: The novel monitoring system of WTF may be useful in preclinical and clinical evaluations of different types of antithrombotic strategies, and their effects in combination.
Mechanical Compliance and Immunological Compatibility of Fixative-Free Decellularized/Cryopreserved Human Pericardium

Background The pericardial tissue is commonly used to produce bio-prosthetic cardiac valves and patches in cardiac surgery. The procedures adopted to prepare this tissue consist in treatment with aldehydes, which do not prevent post-graft tissue calcification due to incomplete xeno-antigens removal. The adoption of fixative-free decellularization protocols has been therefore suggested to overcome this limitation. Although promising, the decellularized pericardium has not yet used in clinics, due to the absence of proofs indicating that the decellularization and cryopreservation procedures can effectively preserve the mechanical properties and the immunologic compatibility of the tissue. Principal Findings The aim of the present work was to validate a procedure to prepare decellularized/cryopreserved human pericardium which may be implemented into cardiovascular homograft tissue Banks. The method employed to decellularize the tissue completely removed the cells without affecting ECM structure; furthermore, uniaxial tensile loading tests revealed an equivalent resistance of the decellularized tissue to strain, before and after the cryopreservation, in comparison with the fresh tissue. Finally, immunological compatibility, showed a minimized host immune cells invasion and low levels of systemic inflammation, as assessed by tissue transplantation into immune-competent mice. Conclusions Our results indicate, for the first time, that fixative-free decellularized pericardium from cadaveric tissue donors can be banked according to Tissue Repository-approved procedures without compromising its mechanical properties and immunological tolerance. This tissue can be therefore treated as a safe homograft for cardiac surgery.
On Growth and Form (1917), by Sir D'Arcy Thompson

Of Sir D’Arcy Thompson’s nearly 300 publications, the theoretical treatise On Growth and Form [3], first published in 1917, remains the principal work for which he is remembered. This substantial book is still in print today, and merited an editorial review and introductory essays by two important twentieth century biologists, John Tyler Bonner [4] and Stephen Jay Gould [5]. Growth and Form was immediately well-received for both its literary style and its scientific significance, as discussed by the biologist Sir Peter Medawar [6]. Despite being almost continuously in print since its first publication, the exact influence of Growth and Form on the biological sciences, although widely acknowledged, is yet difficult to characterize. In this work Thompson aimed to unite physics and biology through an analysis of the physical limitations to the growth and structure of organisms. For developmental biologists in particular, Thompson’s theory on the transformation of biological forms, presented in the final chapter of Growth and Form, was thought provoking.
Dual oxidase 2 is essential for the toll-like receptor 5-mediated inflammatory response in airway mucosa.

AIMS Airway mucosa is constantly exposed to various airborne microbes, and epithelial host defense requires a robust innate immunity. Recently, it has been suggested that NADPH oxidase (NOX) isozymes serve functional roles in toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune responses. However, the molecular mechanism between TLR and NOX-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human airway mucosa has been poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we show that flagellin-induced ROS generation is dependent on dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) activation, which is regulated by [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization in primary normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells. Interestingly, we observed that silencing of DUOX2 expression in NHNE cells and nasal epithelium of Duox2 knockout mice failed to trigger mucin and MIP-2? production upon challenging flagellin. INNOVATION Our observation in this study reveals that flagellin-induced hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation is critical for TLR5-dependent innate immune responses, including IL-8 production and MUC5AC expression in the nasal epithelium. Furthermore, DUOX2-mediated H(2)O(2) generation activated by the flagellin-TLR5 axis might serve as a novel therapeutic target for infectious inflammation diseases in the airway tract. CONCLUSION Taken together, we propose that DUOX2 plays pivotal roles in TLR5-dependent inflammatory response of nasal airway epithelium.
Effects of Ultrasonic Waves during Resin Impregnation on the Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional Composite Materials

Effects of ultrasonic vibrations on mechanical properties of fiber reinforced plastics were investigated during molding resin impregnation process in vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. The vacuum bag including the preformed each non-crimp fabrics (carbon and glass fibers) was placed in a water bath of an ultrasonic wave generator during resin impregnation. The mechanical properties of the laminates were evaluated through the mechanical strength tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. The results revealed that ultrasonic waves improved transverse tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, and compressive strengths of the carbon fiber (CF) laminates and interlaminar shear and compressive strengths of the glass fiber (GF) laminates. It was found from SEM observation that the fracture modes of the CF and GF laminates processed using ultrasonic waves were resin fracture. Accordingly, the adhesion of the fiber/resin interface was improved by oscillating ultrasonic vibration during resin impregnation, leading to an increase of the interface strength.
Marginal Vacuoles in Thyroid Aspirates

OBJECTIVES To report on two cases of metastatic follicular carcinoma with marginal vacuoles (MVs) and review smear results in 441 solitary nodular goiters (SNGs) for this cytologic feature. STUDY DESIGN The first case was a 55-year-old male who presented with a huge mass in the left hip region; the second case was a 50-year-old male with a thyroid nodule and a large mass on the scalp. The age of the 441 ultrasonographically diagnosed SNG cases ranged from 11 to 75 years. The May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears of these cases were reviewed by one of the authors (D.K.D.) for various cytomorphologic features, including MVs. RESULTS FNA smears from the mass in the hip in the first case showed follicular cells with acinar formation and MVs, indicating metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). These features were of help in detecting the thyroid primary, which had previously gone undetected. Aspiration smears from the thyroid nodule and the mass on the scalp in the second case showed tumor cells of FTC with MVs and microfilariae. Review of 441 SNG cases revealed MVs in 42.6% of hyperplastic nodules; that rate was significantly higher (P < .001) than that of colloid goiter (5.2%) and neoplastic goiter (13.3%) but lower (P < .05) than that of thyrotoxic goiter (100%). MVs were limited to neoplasms with a follicular component; that included 15% of follicular neoplasms and 50% of follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (FVPC). The difference between FVPC and the rest of the neoplastic goiters (6%) was statistically significant (P = .002).
Older Adult Multitasking Performance Using a Gaze-Contingent Useful Field of View

Objective We implemented a gaze-contingent useful field of view paradigm to examine older adult multitasking performance in a simulated driving environment. Background Multitasking refers to the ability to manage multiple simultaneous streams of information. Recent work suggests that multitasking declines with age, yet the mechanisms supporting these declines are still debated. One possible framework to better understand this phenomenon is the useful field of view, or the area in the visual field where information can be attended and processed. In particular, the useful field of view allows for the discrimination of two competing theories of real-time multitasking, a general interference account and a tunneling account. Methods Twenty-five older adult subjects completed a useful field of view task that involved discriminating the orientation of lines in gaze-contingent Gabor patches appearing at varying eccentricities (based on distance from the fovea) as they operated a vehicle in a driving simulator. In half of the driving scenarios, subjects also completed an auditory two-back task to manipulate cognitive workload, and during some trials, wind was introduced as a means to alter general driving difficulty. Results Consistent with prior work, indices of driving performance were sensitive to both wind and workload. Interestingly, we also observed a decline in Gabor patch discrimination accuracy under high cognitive workload regardless of eccentricity, which provides support for a general interference account of multitasking. Conclusion The results showed that our gaze-contingent useful field of view paradigm was able to successfully examine older adult multitasking performance in a simulated driving environment. Application This study represents the first attempt to successfully measure dynamic changes in the useful field of view for older adults completing a multitasking scenario involving driving.
Decoupled Uplink and Downlink in a Wireless System With Buffer-Aided Relaying

This paper treats a multiuser relay scenario, where multiple user equipments have a two-way communication with a common base station in the presence of a buffer-equipped relay station. Each of the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmission can take place over a direct or over a relayed path. Traditionally, the UL and the DL path of a given two-way link are coupled, that is, either both are direct links or both are relayed links. By removing the restriction for coupling, one opens the design space for a decoupled two-way links. Following this, we devise two protocols: orthogonal decoupled UL/DL buffer-aided (ODBA) relaying protocol and non-ODBA (NODBA) relaying protocol. In NODBA, the receiver can use successive interference cancellation to extract the desired signal from a collision between UL and DL signals. For both protocols, we characterize the transmission decision policies in terms of maximization of the average two-way sum rate of the system. The numerical results show that decoupling association and non-orthogonal radio access lead to significant throughput gains for two-way traffic.
HPV DNA positivity and natural killer cell activity in the clinical outcome of mild cervical dysplasia: integration between virus and immune system.

The objective was to examine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA infection in mild cervical dysplasia and to evaluate longitudinally the persistence of HPV DNA positivity in an observational study, aiming at identifying the role of peripheral blood lymphocyte natural killer activity in the natural history of dysplastic disease. Twenty-three patients with histologically proven mild cervical dysplasia were selected. The HPV DNA positivity, determined by polymerase chain reaction, and cervical dysplasia were monitored cytologically and colposcopically at the 3rd (time 1), 6th (time 2) and 12th months (time 3), and defined by biopsies for routine histology taken at times 2 and 3. For each patient included in the study, the immune reactivity was evaluated at the time of diagnosis and afterwards, longitudinally during the follow-up. The immune status analysis included T lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD16 monoclonal antibodies by Beckton Dickinson, Mountain View, Calif., USA) and determinations of natural killer cell activity (against the sensitive cell line K 562). Eighteen out of the 23 women with mild cervical dysplasia (78.3%) were found positive for HPV DNA, with a significantly high representation of HPV DNA type 16 (55.6% of cases). At the end of the study, 12 out of 18 HPV-DNA-positive women became negative (defined by two or more negative tests) for the original HPV DNA type, with 66.7% of spontaneous HPV DNA negativization rate (p = 0.6). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Protective effect of black garlic extracts on tert-Butyl hydroperoxide-induced injury in hepatocytes via a c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent mechanism

Black garlic has been reported to show multiple bioactivities against the development of different diseases. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effect of black garlic on injured liver cells was investigated. Rat clone-9 hepatocytes were used for all experiments; tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) was used to induce injury of rat clone-9 hepatocytes. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH); anti-oxidative enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx); and mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in rat clone-9 hepatocytes were determined to evaluate the level of cell damage. Black garlic extracts were demonstrated to significantly attenuate tBHP-induced cell death of rat clone-9 hepatocytes (P<0.05). Pretreatment with black garlic extracts antagonized GSH depletion, tBHP-increased MDA accumulation and the mRNA expression level of IL-6/IL-8, and tBHP-decreased antioxidative enzyme activities (all P<0.05). Moreover, the present study revealed that c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling regulated black garlic-inhibited tBHP effects in rat clone-9 hepatocytes. Our findings demonstrate that black garlic has the hepatoprotective potential to block tBHP-damaged effects on cell death, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat clone-9 hepatocytes. Thus, the present study indicates that black garlic may be an excellent natural candidate in the development of adjuvant therapy and healthy foods for liver protection.
Liposomal Elongation Factor-1α Triggers Effector CD4 and CD8 T Cells for Induction of Long-Lasting Protective Immunity against Visceral Leishmaniasis

Despite advances, identification and formulation of safe and effective vaccine for long-lasting protection against leishmaniasis is still inadequate. In this study, we have identified a novel antigen, leishmanial elongation factor-1α (EF1-α), as an immunodominant component of solubilized leishmanial membrane antigens that reacts with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) sera and induces cellular proliferative and cytokine response in PBMCs of cured VL subjects. Leishmanial EF1-α is a 50 kDa antigen that plays a crucial role in pathogen survival by regulating oxidative burst in the host phagocytes. Previously, immunodominant truncated forms of EF1-α from different species of Leishmania have been reported. Formulation of the L. donovani 36 kDa truncated as well as the cloned recombinant EF1-α in cationic liposomes induce strong resistance to parasitic burden in liver and spleen of BALB/c mice through induction of DTH and a IL-10 and TGF-β suppressed mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine responses. Multiparametric analysis of splenocytes for generation of antigen-specific IFN-γ, IL2, and TNF-α producing lymphocytes indicate that cationic liposome facilitates expansion of both CD4+ as well as CD8+ memory and effector T cells. Liposomal EF1-α is a novel and potent vaccine formulation against VL that imparts long-term protective responses. Moreover, the flexibility of this formulation opens up the scope to combine additional adjuvants and epitope selected antigens for use in other disease forms also.
How 100‐m event analyses improve our understanding of world‐class men's and women's sprint performance

This study aimed to compare the force (F)–velocity (v)–power (P)–time (t) relationships of female and male world‐class sprinters. A total of 100 distance–time curves (50 women and 50 men) were computed from international 100‐m finals, to determine the acceleration and deceleration phases of each race: (a) mechanical variables describing the velocity, force, and power output; and (b) F‐P‐v relationships and associated maximal power output, theoretical force and velocity produced by each athlete (Pmax, F0, and V0). The results showed that the maximal sprint velocity (Vmax) and mean power output (W/kg) developed over the entire 100 m strongly influenced 100‐m performance (r > −0.80; P ≤ 0.001). With the exception of mean force (N/kg) developed during the acceleration phase or during the entire 100 m, all of the mechanicals variables observed over the race were greater in men. Shorter acceleration and longer deceleration in women may explain both their lower Vmax and their greater decrease in velocity, and in turn their lower performance level, which can be explained by their higher V0 and its correlation with performance. This highlights the importance of the capability to keep applying horizontal force to the ground at high velocities.
Plant rDNA database: update and new features

The Plant rDNA database (www.plantrdnadatabase.com) is an open access online resource providing detailed information on numbers, structures and positions of 5S and 18S-5.8S-26S (35S) ribosomal DNA loci. The data have been obtained from >600 publications on plant molecular cytogenetics, mostly based on fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This edition of the database contains information on 1609 species derived from 2839 records, which means an expansion of 55.76 and 94.45%, respectively. It holds the data for angiosperms, gymnosperms, bryophytes and pteridophytes available as of June 2013. Information from publications reporting data for a single rDNA (either 5S or 35S alone) and annotation regarding transcriptional activity of 35S loci now appears in the database. Preliminary analyses suggest greater variability in the number of rDNA loci in gymnosperms than in angiosperms. New applications provide ideograms of the species showing the positions of rDNA loci as well as a visual representation of their genome sizes. We have also introduced other features to boost the usability of the Web interface, such as an application for convenient data export and a new section with rDNA–FISH-related information (mostly detailing protocols and reagents). In addition, we upgraded and/or proofread tabs and links and modified the website for a more dynamic appearance. This manuscript provides a synopsis of these changes and developments. Database URL: http://www.plantrdnadatabase. com
Resistance Spot Welding Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Galvannealed HSLA 350 Steel

Abstract Galvannealed high strength low alloy steel 350 (GA HSLA 350), because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, is particularly attractive in transportation applications. The GA HSLA 350 steel was spot welded at different welding currents to identify a suitable welding current giving good spot welds. Failure loads in the tensile shear increased with increasing welding current. There was a concomitant increase in the nugget diameter and the failure mode changed from interfacial fracture to button pull-out failure. Cross tension and microhardness tests were also carried out. The fusion zone microstructure was martensitic with a microhardness that was twice that of the base metal.