Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emphysema and Metalloelastase Expression in Mouse Lung Induced by Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke (CS) causes pulmonary emphysema in humans and elastin degradation plays a key role in its pathogenesis. Previous studies on CS-exposed animals have been equivocal and have not clearly demonstrated the progression of the disease. In this study, morphometry was used to assess lung modifications to alveolar septa, airspaces, elastic and collagen fibers, and alveolar macrophages. Male (n = 40) C57/BL6 mice were exposed 3 times/day, whole body, to CS from three cigarettes for 10, 20, 30, or 60 days. Control groups (n = 10) were sham-smoked or received no exposure (day 0, n = 10). Morphometry included measurements of volume fraction of alveolar septa and airspaces, elastic and collagen fibers, and surface fraction of elastic fibers and alveolar septa. Morphometrical differences in mice after 60 days of exposure were greater than those after 10, 20, or 30 days, suggesting a progression of the disease. Inflammatory lesions in the lungs of mice contained significantly more metalloelastase (MMP-12) in macrophages at 10, 20, and 30 days than in controls of mice exposed for 60 days. These results suggest that elastin degradation took place during development of pulmonary changes in mice exposed to CS, and activation of MMPs specific for elastin may be a determining factor for susceptibility to emphysema.
Smooth muscle proliferation and role of the prostacyclin (IP) receptor in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

RATIONALE Prostacyclin analogs, used to treat idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), are assumed to work through prostacyclin (IP) receptors linked to cyclic AMP (cAMP) generation, although the potential to signal through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) exists. OBJECTIVES IP receptor and PPARγ expression may be depressed in IPAH. We wished to determine if pathways remain functional and if analogs continue to inhibit smooth muscle proliferation. METHODS We used Western blotting to determine IP receptor expression in peripheral pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from normal and IPAH lungs and immunohistochemistry to evaluate IP receptor and PPARγ expression in distal arteries. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Cell proliferation and cAMP assays assessed analog responses in human and mouse PASMCs and HEK-293 cells. Proliferative rates of IPAH cells were greater than normal human PASMCs. IP receptor protein levels were lower in PASMCs from patients with IPAH, but treprostinil reduced replication and treprostinil-induced cAMP elevation appeared normal. Responses to prostacyclin analogs were largely dependent on the IP receptor and cAMP in normal PASMCs, although in IP(-/-) receptor cells analogs inhibited growth in a cAMP-independent, PPARγ-dependent manner. In IPAH cells, antiproliferative responses to analogs were insensitive to IP receptor or adenylyl cyclase antagonists but were potentiated by a PPARγ agonist and inhibited (∼ 60%) by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. This coincided with increased PPARγ expression in the medial layer of acinar arteries. CONCLUSIONS The antiproliferative effects of prostacyclin analogs are preserved in IPAH despite IP receptor down-regulation and abnormal coupling. PPARγ may represent a previously unrecognized pathway by which these agents inhibit smooth muscle proliferation.
3–5 GHz 4-Channel UWB Beamforming Transmitter With 1$^{\circ}$ Scanning Resolution Through Calibrated Vernier Delay Line in 0.13- $\mu\hbox{m}$ CMOS

A 3-5 GHz 4-channel UWB beamforming transmitter with 1° scanning resolution and 135° scanning range is presented in this paper. The fine resolution is attained through Vernier delay lines capable of fine resolution down to 10 ps. Accurate path delay across channels as well as UWB pulse center frequency are achieved through the proposed ΔΣ DLL calibration technique, which speeds up the calibration by 48 times compared with a counter-based approach. A novel power spectral density calibration circuit is included to adjust the UWB pulse shape for meeting the FCC mask. Fabricated in 0.13-μm CMOS, the proposed transmitter occupies only 7.2 mm2. The power consumption is 9.6 mW while transmitting at 80 Mbps, with each transmitter achieving 10 pJ/bit and transmitter efficiency of 7.5%. This is about ten times better than those existing UWB beamforming transmitters.
Signal spectrum analysis and period estimation by using delayed signal sampling

The paper describes a signal power spectrum analyzer and a period signal estimator whose bandwidth is not limited by the mean sampling time. The procedure relays on the evaluation of the input signal autocorrelation function in different delayed time instants, located at either equi-spaced or random time instants. To this, a recursive random sampling process in the time domain was used in order to avoid any bandwidth limitation due to the sampling strategy in the evaluation of each autocorrelation function. The signal power spectrum as well as its period, provided that an approximate value of the fundamental frequency is known, can finally be evaluated. Some theoretical background and experimental work is reported in the paper for validating the performance of the method.
Eating better for less: a national discount program for healthy food purchases in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES To examine whether reducing prices for healthy food purchases leads to changes in self-reported measures of food consumption and weight status. METHODS Repeated surveys of about 350,000 HealthyFood participants and nonparticipants. RESULTS Program participation is associated with more consumption of fruits/vegetables and whole-grain foods and less consumption of high sugar/salt foods, fried foods, processed meats, and fast food. There is no strong evidence that participation reduces obesity. CONCLUSIONS A substantial price intervention might be effective in improving diets.
What is multiparametric-MRI of the prostate and why do we need it?

Post-Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has led to an over-diagnosis of relatively indolent disease, which has been further compounded by the limitations of traditional diagnosis by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. Improvements in MRI technique and, in particular, functional imaging have enabled the radiologist to play a key role in the risk stratification and management of patients, with a drive to utilizing MRI early in the diagnostic pathway. However, the technique remains challenging both in the acquisition of images and in their interpretation, highlighting the need for the recent push towards greater standardisation. The benefits and limitations of MRI are discussed, along with future directions in the field.
Co-spectral clustering based density peak

Spectral clustering employs spectral-graph structure of a similarity matrix to partition data into disjoint meaningful groups, because of its well-defined mathematical framework, good performance and simplicity, spectral clustering has gained considerable attentions in the recent past. Despite these virtues, it suffers from several drawbacks, such as it is unable to determine a reasonable cluster number, sensitive to initial condition and not robust to outliers. In this paper, we present a new approach named density peak spectral clustering (DPSC) which combines spectral clustering with density peak clustering algorithm (DPCA) into a unified framework to solve these problems. Since multi-view data is common in clustering problem, to further bootstrap the clustering performance by using complementary information from different view, then we propose co-trained density peak spectral clustering (Co-DPSC), which is an extension of DPSC to multi-views based on the co-training idea. Experimental comparisons with a number of baselines on a toy and three real-world datasets show the effectiveness of our proposed DPSC and Co-DPSC algorithm.
Identification of a cell surface glycoprotein family of olfactory receptor neurons with a monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody (Mab) has been developed which recognizes a family of cell surface glycoproteins found in high levels of rat olfactory receptor neurons. This Mab, designated 2B8, was produced by the fusion of X63-Ag8.653 myeloma cells and spleen cells of a mouse immunized with PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells. Immunofluorescence analyses of cryostat sections of neonatal olfactory epithelium show prominent 2B8 binding to receptor neurons. Within the olfactory bulb only the glomerular and olfactory nerve layers show 2B8 binding. All other neural structures in the main olfactory bulb have background levels of reactivity. Analyses of 2B8 binding to particulate protein preparations from several central and peripheral nervous system components demonstrated highest 2B8 antigen specific activity in olfactory bulb and epithelium and detectable levels in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), whole cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. However, 2B8 antigen could not be detected in non-olfactory structures by immunofluorescence. Some non-neural tissues also had the ability to bind 2B8 Mab in the particulate protein radioimmunoassay. In order to compare the 2B8-reactive molecules found in each tissue, Mab was applied to polyacrylamide gels of unlabeled membrane proteins. A family of molecules with diverse molecular weights was found. Some were unique to individual tissues whereas others were shared among tissues. Olfactory bulb and epithelium had a unique band with Mr = 215,000 and another band with Mr = 142,000. The 142,000-dalton band was also found with PC12 cells. PC12 cells also had several bands of lesser molecular weight, including 51,000 and 43,000. Testes membranes had immunoreactive bands only at Mr = 46,000 and 43,000. Bone marrow, perinatal liver, and DRG each expressed a single 2B8-reactive band with Mr = approximately 114,000. Salivary gland had four reactive bands, two common to it and only PC12 cells, the 114,000-dalton band which is similar to that found in adult rat bone marrow and DRG, and a unique band at Mr = 152,000. 2B8 immunoprecipitates of olfactory bulb and epithelium were analyzed for glycosyl groups by lectin reactivity. Wheat germ agglutinin and Ricinus communus agglutinin I bound the 2B8 antigens using two distinct assay methods. This suggests that the 2B8 antigens recognized in the olfactory system are glycoproteins having sialic acid and D-galactosyl components. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Genome-wide linkage scan of antisocial behavior, depression, and impulsive substance use in the UCSF family alcoholism study

Objective Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that the rates of antisocial behavior, depression, and impulsive substance use are increased among individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence relative to those who are not. Thus, the present study conducted genome-wide linkage scans of antisocial behavior, depression, and impulsive substance use in the University of California at San Francisco Family Alcoholism Study. Methods Antisocial behavior, depressive symptoms, and impulsive substance use were assessed using three scales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory – 2nd ed.: the Antisocial Practices content scale, the Depression content scale, and the revised MacAndrew Alcoholism scale. Linkage analyses were carried out using a variance components approach. Results Suggestive evidence of linkage to three genomic regions independent of alcohol and cannabis dependence diagnostic status was observed: the Antisocial Practices content scale showed evidence of linkage to chromosome 13 at 11 cM, the MacAndrew Alcoholism scale showed evidence of linkage to chromosome 15 at 47 cM, and all three scales showed evidence of linkage to chromosome 17 at 57–58 cM. Conclusion Each of these regions has shown previous evidence of linkage and association to substance dependence as well as other psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, thus suggesting potentially broad relations between these regions and psychopathology.
Simultaneous identification of host, ectoparasite and pathogen DNA via in‐solution capture

Ectoparasites frequently vector pathogens from often unknown pathogen reservoirs to both human and animal populations. Simultaneous identification of the ectoparasite species, the wildlife host that provided their most recent blood meal(s), and their pathogen load would greatly facilitate the understanding of the complex transmission dynamics of vector‐borne diseases. Currently, these identifications are principally performed using multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. We developed an assay (EctoBaits) based on in‐solution capture paired with high‐throughput sequencing to simultaneously identify ectoparasites, host blood meals and pathogens. We validated our in‐solution capture results using double‐blind PCR assays, morphology and collection data. The EctoBaits assay effectively and efficiently identifies ectoparasites, blood meals, and pathogens in a single capture experiment, allowing for high‐resolution taxonomic identification while preserving the DNA sample for future analyses.
Immunosuppression in Viral Infections

Abstract Viruses may cause immunosuppression by a variety of mechanisms. This review delineates four categories. First, immunosuppression can result from the direct effects of viral replication on lymphocyte functions. Either all classes of lymphocytes can be affected, as occurs in measles, or the effect can be restricted to a cell subtype, as is the case with human T cell-Iymphotropic virus type III. Second, the activity of soluble factors of viral or host origin released from infected cells can affect immunosuppression. A third mechanism results from viral infection of macrophages and affects the function of these cells in natural and acquired immunity. Finally, immunosuppression may result from viral triggering of an imbalance in immune regulation, which culminates in the overactivity of suppressor cells. A detailed knowlege of the mechanisms by which viruses are involved in immunosuppression may help in the design of strategies to reverse the effect.
Total reconstitution of functionally active 50S ribosomal subunits from Escherichia coli.

Total reconstitution of 50S subunits from E. coli was achieved by a two-step incubation procedure. In the first step, 23S RNA, 5S RNA, and the total proteins from 50S subunits were incubated for 20 min at 40 degrees in the presence of 4 mM Mg(++) and 400 mM NH(4)Cl. In the second step, the Mg(++) concentration was raised to 20 mM and the incubation was performed for 90 min at 50 degrees . No requirement for 30S subunits or other components (e.g., polyamine) was found. The reconstituted particle has the same sedimentation coefficient as the native 50S subunit and is highly active in protein synthesis with natural (R17 RNA) and artificial [poly(U)] messengers as well as in tests for peptidyltransferase (fragment assay) and for binding of antibiotics (chloramphenicol).
Development of multimodal surface interface for audio and tactile feedback

This paper deals with the development of a surface multimodal interface system for audio and tactile feedback. The multimodal interface system consists of a PVDF film and an ITO glass. We have controlled the applied voltage between the PVDF film and ITO glass for the tactile feedback. Similarly, we have controlled the applied voltage between the transparent electrodes on both sides of PVDF film for audio feedback. This paper shows the performance of the developed surface multimodal interface system.
Associations between body condition and disease in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association between body condition and disease in cats. DESIGN Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION Information on 1,457 cats without major illnesses from 27 veterinary hospitals in the northeastern United States. PROCEDURE Cats that had body conditions determined from 1991 to 1992, using a set of 6 body condition silhouettes, had their health experiences and body conditions assessed for the subsequent 4.5 years. Cats were described by the following 6 body conditions: cachectic, lean, optimally lean, optimal weight, heavy, and obese. Data obtained from medical records and owner interviews were collected, using standard forms. Associations between body condition and specific diseases were analyzed. Findings in cats with body conditions other than optimal were compared with findings in cats with optimal body condition. RESULTS Compared with optimal weight cats, heavy cats were 2.9 times as likely to be taken to veterinarians because of lameness not associated with cat bite abscesses. Obese cats were also 3.9 times as likely to develop diabetes mellitus, 2.3 times as likely to develop nonallergic skin conditions, and 4.9 times as likely to develop lameness requiring veterinary care. Cats considered thin (cachectic and lean) were 1.7 times as likely to be presented to veterinary hospitals for diarrhea. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Results of this study substantiate reports of health risks associated with excess body weight in cats. Efforts to reduce weight in heavy and obese cats can lead to reduced risks of diabetes mellitus, lameness (presumably related to osteoarthritis and soft-tissue injuries), and skin problems unrelated to allergies. Cachectic and lean cats are more likely to have diarrhea that is not associated with a definitive diagnosis.
Factors associated with adolescent mental health service need and utilization.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association of parent, family, and adolescent variables with adolescent mental health service need and utilization. METHOD Correlates of adolescent mental health service utilization, self-perceived need and unmet need were investigated in a general population sample of 1,120 Dutch adolescents aged 11 to 18 years (78% response rate). RESULTS 3.1% of the sample had been referred for mental health services within the preceding year, and 3.8% reported unmet need. 7.7% of adolescents at risk for psychopathology, and 17.8% of those indicating a need for help, had been referred. Family stress and adolescent's self-reported problems were most strongly associated with service need and utilization. Internalizing problems, female gender, and low education level were associated with self-perceived unmet need. Adolescent ethnicity and competence in activities and school were associated with service use, but did not influence service need, while the opposite effect was found for adolescent age and parental psychopathology. CONCLUSION In designing intervention programs aimed at increasing adolescent mental health service use, distinctions should be made between efforts focused at adolescents not recognizing their problems, and those with unmet need.
Conformational disorder in conjugated polymers

Conformational disorder plays an important role in determining the electronic properties of conjugated polymers. To obtain a better theoretical description of the role and extent of conformational disorder, we derive the π electron correlation length and the bond correlation length in terms of the effective torsional potential and geometry of the conjugated polymer chains. These quantites are related to the conjugation lengths and persistence lengths of the chain, which are computed for polyacetylene, polydiacetylene, polythiophene, and polypyrrole. In spite of uncertainties in the torsional potential parameters for these materials, good qualitative agreement is found between experiment and theory.
Based on Data Mining Study on Employment Situation of Higher Vocational Students

The employment situation of graduates from higher vocational colleges is the key to the development of higher vocational educa tion,through the analysis of data on employment of higher vocational college,finding useful information in order to improve the level of employment of the graduates in higher vocational colleges is very necessary.Xuzhou College of architecture research on educational sys tems and employment management system data as objects,to career guidance for students and for research purposes,by setting on student achievement,curriculum,professional,employment data mining to find the factors influencing the employment of students.
Ten‐year experience of unrelated bone marrow donor transplants in children with malignant and non‐malignant conditions

Abstract: Children who require a marrow transplant may receive such hematopoietic cells from one of many sources. This study reviews the experience of one center with 58 children who received marrow from unrelated donors over a 10‐year period. These children had a variety of malignant and non‐malignant diseases. During that time period, only three of these children had failed to meet engraftment criteria. All donor marrow specimens were T‐lymphocyte depleted using an antibody/complement methodology. No difference was demonstrated in outcome between donors who were perfectly HLA‐DR–DNA matched versus those who were only partially matched. The increased size of various marrow donor registries has increased the number of potential donors available for these patients. The lack of a requirement for perfect matching means that there is an ever‐increasing number of donors available. No graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) or grade III‐IV GvHD was associated with a poorer outcome. Stable, long‐term engraftment with minimal morbidity has been demonstrated in these children as evidenced by stability of survival curves by two years after marrow transplant.
Studies on Probiotic Analysis in the Gut Region of Fresh Water Fishes in

In the present study, we isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the intestinal gut of channa (channa straita) and Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambica). The isolates were identified as lactobacilli by standard biochemical characterization. The isolated lactobacilli were if subjected to preliminary screening for various probiotic traits such as antibacterial activity Antibiotic susceptibility and auto aggregation among the several isolates. Two lactobacilli strains LAB1 and LAB 2 had promising results with higher antibacterial activity and auto aggregation property when compared to other strains of lactobacilli the result suggest that the two lactobacilli strains could be a potential candidate for a successful biological enhancer probiotic which has antagonistic property against human pathogen.
Tetracycline resistant Vibrio cholerae in pilgrims returning from Mecca.

In June 1993, three patients, CE aged 66, Z'l aged 73 and ZH aged 74 years, were admitted with diarrhoea and dehydration just after returning from Mecca after performing their pilgrimage. Rectal swabs were taken from which Vibrio cholerae 01 serotype Ogawa biotype El Tor were isolated. The· strains were resistant to tetracycline 10ug, ampicillin 10ug, chloramphenicol 30ug and cotrimoxazole 25ug but sensitive to kanamycin 30ug and norfloxacin 10ug (comparative discdiffusion method). They were also resistant to the vibriostatic compound 0/129 (2, 4 diamino -6, 7, -di-isopropylpteridine) which is used as a primaty screen in the identification of members of the family Vibrionaceae.