Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Retinopathy: A Review 1

Clinical picture The earliest clinical features of accelerated hypertension are small linear haemorrhages accompanied by cotton-wool spots close to the optic disc and posterior pole. Exudates are inconspicuous at first but common a few weeks later: they are often found in the macular region where they tend to be arranged in a star-figure but may also occur in other parts of the posterior retina. Increasing haziness of the posterior retina commonly presages oedema of the disc, which becomes congested and swollen. Direct changes in the retinal vessels include diffuse arteriolar narrowing, widened and enhanced light reflexes due to increased thickness of the vessel wall, and arteriovenous crossing changes. Nipping of the veins is commonly an illusion related to the effect of arteriolar mural sclerosis in concealing blood flow through the vein as it passes behind the arteriole. However, none of these vascular changes is peculiar to malignant hypertension, identical appearances developing in the benign phase and in a proportion of ageing normotensive people. Conversely, some hypertensive individuals may have insignificant arteriolar changes as gauged by ophthalmoscopy.
Central aortic blood pressure of hypertensive men during short-term cold exposure.

BACKGROUND Short- and long-term exposures to cold increase blood pressure and may explain the higher wintertime cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive subjects may be more susceptible to adverse cold-related cardiovascular health effects. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of short-term cold exposure on central aortic blood pressure among untreated hypertensive men. METHODS We conducted a population-based recruitment of 41 hypertensive men and a control group of 20 men without hypertension (aged 55-65 years) who underwent whole-body cold exposure (15-minute exposure to temperature -10 °C, wind 3 m/s, winter clothes). Central aortic blood pressure, augmentation index, and subendocardial viability ratio were measured by radial artery applanation tonometry. RESULTS Short-term cold exposure increased the central aortic blood pressure similarly both in both hypertensive men, from 130/93 to 162/107 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and men in the control group, from 114/81 to 142/91 mmHg (P < 0.001). Augmentation index increased by 12% (from 10% to 22%, P < 0.001; and from 16% to 28%, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas subendocardial viability ratio decreased 10% (from 188% to 177%, P = 0.001; and from 203% to 193%, P = 0.01, respectively) during cold exposure in both hypertensive men and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Short-term cold exposure increases central aortic blood pressure and cardiac workload, and myocardial oxygen demand slightly increases in relation to blood supply in untreated hypertensive middle-aged men. Because of the higher baseline blood pressure among hypertensive subjects, the cold-induced rise in central aortic blood pressure may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular health effects.
Intermediate-Scale, Semicontinuous Solid-Phase Fermentation Process for Production of Fuel Ethanol from Sweet Sorghum

A novel, semicontinuous solid-phase fermentation system was used to produce fuel ethanol from sweet sorghum. The process was at an intermediate scale. In the process, dried and shredded sweet sorghum was rehydrated to 70% moisture, acidified to pH 2.0 to 3.0, and either pasteurized (12 h at 70 to 80°C) or not pasteurized before spray inoculation with a broth culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermented pulp exited the semicontinuous fermentor after a retention time of 72 h and contained approximately 6% (vol/vol) ethanol. Ethanol yields from dry sweet sorghum were 176 to 179 liters/103 kg (85% of theoretical). Production costs for a greatly scaled-up (×1,400) conceptual version of this system were projected by calculation to average $0.47/liter for 95% ethanol. The calculated energy balance (energy output/energy input ratio) was estimated to be 1.05 when pasteurization was included and 1.31 when pasteurization was omitted. In calculating the energy balances, the output energy of the protein feed byproduct and the input energy for growing the sweet sorghum were not considered. A design for the scaled-up plant (farm scale) is provided.
Nitric oxide in the inner ear

During the past year significant advances have been made in our understanding of the functional significance of nitric oxide (NO) in the inner ear. NO synthase and the NO production site have now been localized using immunohistochemistry and a new fluorescence indicator for NO. The functional significance of NO in the inner ear, in particular as a neurotransmitter, is becoming increasingly clear. Increasing evidence suggests that excessive NO production may play an essential role in inner ear disorders. The production of an inducible form of NO synthase may be closely related to this phenomenon. Based on the mechanisms of inner ear disorders, new pharmacological strategies for preventing or treating inner ear disorders have been suggested.
ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERSION

The " MSP " in the name of our microcontroller MSP430G2554 is abbreviation for " Mixed Signal Processor ". This means that our microcontroller can be used to handle both analog and digital signals. The analog signal is interfaced with the microcontroller via simple comparators or more complicated analog to digital converters (ADCs). In this lab we are going to introduce to you the ADC module, its design parameters and how to implement analog to digital conversion. Overview Analog to digital converters, as the name implies, are used to convert continuous analog signals to digital values. The transfer function of the ADC is shown in the figure below and also in its equation form. The analog input with a range between Vr-and Vr+ Volts appears on the horizontal axis while the output appears on the vertical axis. The thin line represents the transfer function that would give us an analog output that is proportional to the analog input while the bold stepped line is the transfer function of the actual ADC which would give us a digital output signal. As you can see on the horizontal axis, the input signal is divided into a number of small divisions and each division is represented by a discrete number. The number of divisions is given by the number of bits of the ADC. For example in the diagram we assumed a 10 bit ADC which means the digital output is ranging from 0 to 2 10-1 = 1023. And the small horizontal division is therefore: (Vr+-Vr-) /2 10 V. If the input analog signal drops below Vr-the output will be 0, similarly if the analog signal is above Vr+ then the output will be 1023.
Analysis of the Endophytic Actinobacterial Population in the Roots of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and Sequencing of 16S rRNA Clones

ABSTRACT The endophytic actinobacterial population in the roots of wheat grown in three different soils obtained from the southeast part of South Australia was investigated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the amplified 16S rRNA genes. A new, validated approach was applied to the T-RFLP analysis in order to estimate, to the genus level, the actinobacterial population that was identified. Actinobacterium-biased primers were used together with three restriction enzymes to obtain terminal restriction fragments (TRFs). The TRFs were matched to bacterial genera by the T-RFLP Analysis Program, and the data were analyzed to validate and semiquantify the genera present within the plant roots. The highest diversity and level of endophytic colonization were found in the roots of wheat grown in a dark loam from Swedes Flat, and the lowest were found in water-repellent sand from Western Flat. This molecular approach detected a greater diversity of actinobacteria than did previous culture-dependent methods, with the predominant genera being Mycobacterium (21.02%) in Swedes Flat, Streptomyces (14.35%) in Red Loam, and Kitasatospora (15.02%) in Western Flat. This study indicates that the soil that supported a higher number of indigenous organisms resulted in wheat roots with higher actinobacterial diversity and levels of colonization within the plant tissue. Sequencing of 16S rRNA clones, obtained using the same actinobacterium-biased PCR primers that were used in the T-RFLP analysis, confirmed the presence of the actinobacterial diversity and identified a number of Mycobacterium and Streptomyces species.
Influence of Acoustics in Speech Recognition for Oriental Languages

As agileTV, Nuance XML Platforms, Microsoft Speech server2004 are the projects in the news, there is still a demand for a better speech recognition engine in terms of WER. This article puts forward the acoustic signal quality requirement for efficient speech recognition. It reports that the major thrust is on the acoustics of speech recognition. It also envisages the performance of various speech recognition engines in the industry, the techniques adopted by them towards achieving the quality acoustic signal of the speaker for efficient results [in terms of Less Word Rate Error] and the impact of the external factors that makes it less robust in terms of attaining high quality speech signal. To tackle the problem we suggest an intelligent mechanism of modification in the regular Input speech signal format for significant improvement in speech recognition.
How Regular Visits and Preventive Programs Affect Onset of Adult Caries

If it is to be effective, preventive dental treatment must be based on an individual’s risk of caries and periodontal disease. However, hitherto, preventive treatment has been generally conducted without proper caries-risk assessment because of lack of knowledge about an individual’s caries risk. This study sought to identify high-risk adult patients and examine the effectiveness of preventive programs. Data for 442 patients from a single general practice who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Multiple logistic-regression analysis showed that high levels of mutans streptococci (SM) correlated with the onset of primary and secondary caries, with odds ratios of 2.34 (95%CI: 1.15-4.76, p = 0.019) and 2.22 (95%CI: 1.06-4.62, p = 0.034), respectively. Lactobacilli (LB) also correlated with secondary caries, with an odds ratio of 3.34 (95%CI: 1.35-6.85, p = 0.007). When the patients were checked after three years of a preventive program, the correlation with SM and LB disappeared. Survival analyses by Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier methods showed that secondary caries was difficult to control by conventional preventive programs alone in patients with high levels of cariogenic bacteria. In conclusion, cariogenic bacteria play an important role in the incidence of caries, and additional intensive preventive treatment should be considered for high-risk patients.
Influence of volume therapy with a modern hydroxyethylstarch preparation on kidney function in cardiac surgery patients with compromised renal function: A comparison with human albumin*

Objective: There is continuing concern about the influence of hydroxyethylstarch on renal function in patients with compromised kidney function. Design: Prospective, randomized, single‐center study. Setting: University‐affiliated hospital. Patients: Fifty patients undergoing elective, first‐time coronary artery bypass grafting using cardiopulmonary bypass with a preoperative serum creatinine between 1.5 and 2.5 mg/dL. Interventions: According to a prospective, randomized sequence, the patients received either hydroxyethylstarch with a low molecular weight (mean molecular weight 130 kD) and a low molar substitution (0.4) (6% hydroxyethylstarch 130/0.4) (n = 25) or 5% human albumin (n = 25). Volume was added to the priming (500 mL) and given perioperatively until the second postoperative day to keep pulmonary artery occlusion pressure or central venous pressure between 12 and 14 mm Hg. Measurements and Main Results: Serum creatinine and cystatin plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. From urine specimens, N‐acetyl‐&bgr;‐D‐glucosaminidase, glutathione transferase‐&agr;, and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin were measured. Measurements were performed after induction of anesthesia, at the end of surgery, 5 hrs after surgery, and on the first and second postoperative days. A follow‐up after discharge from the hospital (60 days) was also done. Similar amounts of hydroxyethylstarch and albumin were infused. Serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, and cystatin C plasma levels were without significant differences between the groups. Concentrations of kidney‐specific proteins were elevated at baseline and increased significantly after surgery without showing group differences. Urinary levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin increased more in the albumin‐than in the hydroxyethylstarch‐treated patients. None of the patients developed acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy during the hospital stay and thereafter. Conclusions: A hydroxyethylstarch preparation with a low molecular weight and a low molar substitution given in cardiac surgery patients with preoperative compromised kidney function did not negatively influence kidney integrity compared with a human albumin‐based volume replacement strategy. (Crit Care Med 2007; 35:2740–2746)
Innate lymphoid cells and the MHC

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a new class of immune cells that include natural killer (NK) cells and appear to be the innate counterparts to CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells based on developmental and functional similarities. Like T cells, both NK cells and other ILCs also show connections to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In human and mouse, NK cells recognize and respond to classical and nonclassical MHC I molecules as well as structural homologues, whereas mouse ILCs have recently been shown to express MHC II. We describe the history of MHC I recognition by NK cells and discuss emerging roles for MHC II expression by ILC subsets, making comparisons between both mouse and human when possible.
Cytogenetic effects of kernel extracts from Melia azedarach L.

Abstract Cytogenetic effects of kernel extracts, which contain azadirachtin as the active insect antifeedant and growth regulator, were evaluated in the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. The test concentrations were determined in accord with the recommended dosages in agricultural applications. Each test concentration of the kernel extract significantly reduced the mitotic index (MI) and induced chromosomal aberrations and mitotic aberrations. The kernel extracts induced breaks, bridges, stickiness, pole deviation and micronuclei in aberrant cells. Furthermore, the effect was directly related to the concentration of the neem extract. These observations showes that the kernel extracts prepared from this plant are harmful for crops and for non-target organism.
A digitally calibrated 5.15-5.825GHz transceiver for 802.11a wireless LANs in 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS

This transceiver achieves a transmit 1dB output compression point of +15dBm, and the overall receiver noise figure is 5dB. A power gain range of >45dB/65dB for transmit/receive and a PLL synthesizer frequency range of 4.9 to 5.85GHz with -79dBc/Hz phase noise at 10kHz offset have been measured. The IC is realized in 0.5/spl mu/m SiGe BICMOS technology and occupies 17mm/sup 2/.
EVALUATION OF NON H. PYLORI SPIRAL ORGANISMS IN HUMAN GASTRIC BIOPSIES BY USING PCR AND MICROSCOPIC METHODS IN IRAN (FIRST REPORT)

Introduction and Objectives: The Discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982 increased interest in the range of other spiral bacteria that had been seen in Stomach (Marshall & Warren 1984). The power of technologies such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genus specific primers revealed that many of these bacteria belong to the genus Helicobacter. These nonpylori helicobacters are increasingly being found in human clinical specimens. Non-pylori Helicobacters are Gram-negative, motile, long, tightly coiled, Spiral bacteria ,with three to eight coils, that cause of some European Scientific Journal December 2013 edition vol.9, No.36 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e ISSN 18577431 507 gastric problems like gastritis, peptic ulceration and Mcosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lynphoma in animals and humans. Materials and Methods: Samples taken during endoscopy were analyzed by rapid urease test, PCR and light microscope(Giemsa and Gram staining). In this study 270 samples were collected from Patients with gastric disorders. Presence of Helicobacters confirmed by a positive urease test and Helicobacter genus specific PCR method utilized. DNA was prepared from biopsies using the Qiamp tissue kit (QIAGEN Inc., Valencia, Calif.) and frozen at −20°C (like gastric samples/biopsies). DNA samples that PCR positive were amplified with 16SrRNA gene primers against Helicobacter species. Results: In gastric biopsy specimen's non-pylori helicobacter spp. , have been observed. At the end of the study we found that 71% of urease tests, 0.37% of light microscopic studies (we observed some spiral gram negative bacteria with 2-7 coils) and 0.74% of PCR tests were positive. In analysis with PCR route 2 person (both of them were Male) were infected with H.heilmanniilike organisms( one of them kept a dog for 5 years as a pet). 16S rRNA gene amplification was performed on 270 DNA samples and results were positive for H.heilmannii in two cases (275-bp), but negative for H.bizzozeronnii,H.felis and H. Salmonis.
Investigations on aviadenoviruses isolated from turkey flocks in Germany

ABSTRACT During routine diagnosis in 2012, 69 samples of diseased turkey breeding and fattening flocks in Germany were examined for infection with aviadenoviruses by virus isolation using primary chicken embryo liver cells. In total, 21 aviadenovirus isolates, identified by a group-specific indirect immunofluorescence test, were obtained from 19 flocks. In almost all cases, molecular typing of these isolates based on partial hexon gene sequences revealed the presence of different types of turkey aviadenoviruses (TAdVs), including species Turkey aviadenovirus B (TAdV-B) with at least two different genotypes, as well as the species Turkey aviadenovirus C (TAdV-C) and Turkey aviadenovirus D (TAdV-D). Further analysis of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase gene sequences confirmed the classification of selected TAdV-C and TAdV-D isolates. Based on the results obtained for both genes, we suggest that TAdV-2, in addition to TAdV-4, belongs to the species TAdV-C. In contrast, amplification of the DNA polymerase gene fragment of nearly all investigated TAdV-B isolates failed due to unknown reasons. The results of sequence and phylogenetic analysis support the previously proposed classification of TAdVs into three different species and demonstrated how widely spread these viruses are in German turkey flocks. Analysis of case histories revealed a wide range of clinical and pathological changes; however an apparent link between types and disease conditions was not identified.
Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies: Third report of the DLB Consortium

Krapf et al. and the Mitoxantrone in Multiple Sclerosis study group (MIMS)1,2 describe a disappointing impact of mitoxantrone treatment on MRI gadolinium enhancing lesions. Coming from this highly respected group, this article is likely to be influential. The MIMS investigators have also distinguished themselves for their statistical sophistication yet the disparity between the data and the conclusions born of statistical analysis is dramatic. The authors should further clarify the statistical approach, which was not adequately detailed. The authors concluded that at months 12 and 24, neither mitoxantrone 5 mg/m2 (M5) nor mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2 (M12) produced a statistically significant difference in the total number of scans exhibiting gadolinium enhancement (GE), relative to the placebo group. However, in the M12 group, 10 of 34 subjects had GE at baseline and 1/34 had GE …
Survey of user behaviors as implicit feedback

Implicit feedback techniques take advantage of user behavior to understand user interests. The primary advantage to use implicit techniques is that such techniques remove the cost to the user of providing feedback. So, it is the cornerstone of both the search engine and information retrieval. In order to better understand user behaviors, this paper investigates three most important issues using implicit feedback to assist search engines and watch any special needs of individual user. We have reviewed a number of papers and presented the study results, and mainly survey three types of most extensively investigated as sources of implicit feedback include attention time, clickthrough and mouse movements.
Psychological Consequences of Childhood Leukaemia

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Vocal behaviour and feeding ecology of killer whales Orcinus orca around Shetland, UK

Killer whales Orcinus orca are sighted regularly off Shetland, UK, but little is known about their numbers, diet and population identity. We aimed to relate vocal behaviour to diet of killer whales around Shetland in order to investigate population structure and differences in feeding strategies. Fieldwork was conducted in the summers of 2008 and 2009. We located killer whales through a sightings network and shore-based scans and collected photo-ID data, behavioural information, feeding data and acoustic recordings from a small boat. The majority of encounters (n = 14) were of small groups (1 to 15 individuals) travelling close to shore and feeding on marine mammals. Two encounters were with large groups (20+ individuals) feeding on herring Clupea harengus farther offshore. Seal-hunting groups vocalised rarely, producing pulsed calls, echolocation clicks and whistles almost exclusively when surface-active or milling after a kill. Herring-eating groups were largely silent during one encounter, but very vocal during the other. Analysis of pulsed calls identified 6 stereotyped call types for seal-hunting groups and 7 for herring-eating groups. No call types were shared between both kinds of groups. The vocal behaviour of seal-hunting groups showed striking parallels to that of Pacific marine mammal specialists and presumably evolved to decrease detection by acoustically sensitive prey. One call type produced by Shetland herring-eating killer whales matched a vocalisation that a previous study had described from Iceland and identified as a possible herding call that may function to concentrate herring during feeding. These findings point to behavioural and dietary specialisation among Shetland killer whales, which should be taken into account when making management decisions affecting these animals.