Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Versus Peripheral Adaptations Following Eccentric Resistance Training

Aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of an eccentric training on the neuromuscular properties of the plantar-flexor muscles. The experiment was carried out on 14 males divided into two groups (eccentric and control). Eccentric training consisted of six sets of six eccentric contractions at 120 % of one maximal concentric repetition and it was performed four times a week during four weeks. Before and after the 4-wk period, the plantar-flexor torque and the associated electromyographic activity were recorded during voluntary contractions (isometric, concentric and eccentric) and electrically induced contractions (twitch and tetanus), in order to distinguish central from peripheral adaptations. For the eccentric group, voluntary torque significantly increased after training independent of the action mode (relative gains 14 - 30 %, p < 0.05). This was associated with an increase in agonist EMG activity during isometric action and a decrease in antagonist coactivation in concentric (-27 %) and eccentric actions (-22 %) (p < 0.05). Voluntary activation level significantly increased from 80 +/- 5 % to 91 +/- 2 % (p < 0.05). Some of the twitch contractile properties (peak torque and maximal rate of twitch tension relaxation) were significantly modified (p < 0.05), but no changes were observed for the tetanus characteristics. These results allowed to conclude that the torque gains observed after the present training were more likely associated to central adaptations, affecting both agonist and antagonist muscles.
The Role of Human Antigen R, an RNA-binding Protein, in Mediating the Stabilization of Toll-Like Receptor 4 mRNA Induced by Endotoxin: A Novel Mechanism Involved in Vascular Inflammation

Objective—Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interacts with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and induces proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) which plays a causal role in atherogenesis. The role of TLR4 expression and regulation in LPS-stimulated VSMCs remains unclear. TLR4 mRNAs often contain AU-rich elements (AREs) in their 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR) which have a high affinity for RNA-binding proteins. It is not know whether the RNA-binding protein, human antigen R (HuR), regulates TLR4 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Methods and Results—Stimulation of HASMCs with LPS significantly increased the cytosolic HuR level in vitro. Immunoprecipitation and RT-PCR demonstrated that LPS markedly increased the interaction of HuR and 3′UTR of TLR4 mRNA. The reporter plasmid, which contains the 3′UTR of TLR4 mRNA, significantly increased luciferase reporter gene expression in LPS-induced HASMCs. These data suggest that the 3′UTR of TLR4 mRNA confers LPS responsiveness and that HuR modulates 3′UTR-mediated gene expression. Knock-down of HuR inhibited LPS-induced TLR4 mRNA stability in HASMCs and luciferase reporter gene expression in CMV-Luciferase-TLR4 3′UTR-transfected HASMCs. In addition, inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity by diphenylene iodonium, knock-down of Rac1 gene expression by siRNA, and decrease of p38 MAPK activity by SB203580 significantly decreased the cytosolic HuR level, which mediates TLR4 mRNA stability. Conclusion—Activation of NADPH oxidase and the MAPK-signaling pathway contribute to HuR-mediated stabilization of TLR4 mRNA induced by LPS in HASMCs. In the balloon injured rabbit aorta model, systemic inflammation induced by LPS caused intimal hyperplasia and increased TLR4 and HuR expression.
Smart energy hub — Modularized hybrid AC/DC microgrid: System design and deployment

Hybrid AC/DC microgrid exhibits better compatibility with renewable energy sources, energy storages and various loads. The conventional smart grid system are building based and require customized system design, which is costly and time-consuming. In this paper, smart energy hub, which is the modularized microgrid system design, is proposed to simplify system deployment. In order to realize the three-level hierarchical control to ensure both speed of response and system control accuracy, different sub-systems have been designed and developed. Multi-mode operation of the power electronic converters is enabled to cater for system operation in different scenarios. Resource manager serves as a super smart meter + relay controller to simplify the SCADA system design and enhance the speed of response. Microgrid operating system is designed to coordinate all the function blocks to realize hierarchical control in robust manner. Prototype of the proposed energy hub has been designed and developed to integrate all the sub-systems (both hardware and software).
Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Professional Fluoride Application on Enamel Demineralization and on Fluoride Retention

This study evaluated the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and professional fluoride application on enamel demineralization and on fluoride formation and retention. In a blind in vitro study, 264 human enamel slabs were distributed into 8 groups: G1 – untreated; G2 – treated with acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF gel, 1.23% F) for 4 min; G3, G4 and G5 – irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG at 2.8, 5.6 and 8.5 J/cm2, respectively; G6, G7 and G8 – preirradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG at 2.8, 5.6 and 8.5 J/cm2, respectively, and subjected to APF gel application. Twenty slabs of each group were submitted to a pH-cycling regimen, and enamel demineralization was evaluated in 10 slabs of each group. In the other 10 slabs, CaF2-like material was determined. To evaluate F formed, 10 additional slabs of each group, not subjected to the pH cycling, were submitted to analysis of CaF2-like material and fluorapatite, while the other 3 slabs of each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The F content was also measured in all pH-cycling solutions. Laser at 8.5 J/cm2 and APF treatment reduced enamel demineralization compared to the control (p < 0.05), but the combination of these treatments was not more efficient than their isolated effect. A higher concentration of retained CaF2-like material was found in laser groups followed by APF in comparison with the APF gel treatment group. The findings suggest that laser treatment at 8.5 J/cm2 was able to decrease hardness loss, even though no additive effect with APF was observed. In addition, laser treatment increased the formation and retention of CaF2 on dental enamel.
Textile loop antenna and TFT channel-select circuit for fully bendable TFT receivers

In this paper we present the design, measurements, simulation, and modelling of a flexible textile loop antenna. Using embroidering techniques, a stranded copper wire is integrated onto a textile substrate, which in turn can be part of a garment or wearable accessory. The targeted application is a textile antenna integrated into the sides of a messenger bag next to fully flexible a-IGZO TFT receiver circuitry. The carrier frequency is dictated by the relatively slow TFTs, which limit the operation frequency of the receiver. As a result, a compact antenna for frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 10 MHz is required. For this purpose loop antennas are suited. They usually provide only a limited gain, yet they allow for a low profile. Since the performance of thin and organic large area electronics (TOLAE) technologies improves steadily, we also investigate their applicability for higher carrier frequencies, which will enable smaller antenna dimensions. Finally we present a fully flexible TFT circuit to tune the antenna characteristics.
Enhancing Carrier Injection Using Graded Superlattice Electron Blocking Layer for UVB Light-Emitting Diodes

We have studied enhanced carrier injection by having an electron blocking layer (EBL) based on a graded superlattice (SL) design. Here, we examine, using a selfconsistent 6 × 6 k.p method, the energy band alignment diagrams under equilibrium and forward bias conditions while also considering carrier distribution and recombination rates (Shockley-Read-Hall, Auger, and radiative recombination rates). The graded SL is based on AlxGa1-xN (larger bandgap) Al0:5Ga0:5N (smaller bandgap) SL, where x is changed from 0.8 to 0.56 in steps of 0.06. Graded SL was found to be effective in reducing electron leakage and enhancing hole injection into the active region. Due to our band engineering scheme for EBL, four orders-of-magnitude enhancement were observed in the direct recombination rate, as compared with the conventional bulk EBL consisting of Al0:8Ga0:2N. An increase in the spatial overlap of carrier wavefunction was obtained due to polarization-induced band bending in the active region. An efficient single quantum-well ultraviolet-B light-emitting diode was designed, which emits at 280 nm. This is the effective wavelength for water disinfection application, among others.
Characterization of outer membranes isolated from Treponema pallidum, the syphilis spirochete

Previous freeze-fracture electron microscopy (EM) studies have shown that the outer membrane (OM) of Treponema pallidum contains sparse transmembrane proteins. One strategy for molecular characterization of these rare OM proteins involves isolation of T. pallidum OMs. Here we describe a simple and extremely gentle method for OM isolation based upon isopycnic sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation of treponemes following plasmolysis in 20% sucrose. Evidence that T. pallidum OMs were isolated included (i) the extremely low protein/lipid ratio of the putative OM fraction, (ii) a paucity of antigenic and/or biochemical markers for periplasmic, cytoplasmic membrane, and cytosolic compartments, and (iii) freeze-fracture EM demonstrating that the putative OMs contained intramembranous particles highly similar in size and density to those in native T. pallidum OMs. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the OMs contained a relatively small number of treponemal proteins, including several which did not appear to correspond to previously characterized T. pallidum antigens. Interestingly, these candidate rare OM proteins reacted poorly with syphilitic sera as determined by both conventional immunoblotting and enhanced chemiluminescence. Compared with whole cells, T. pallidum OMs were deficient in cardiolipin, the major lipoidal antigen reactive with antibodies in syphilitic sera. Also noteworthy was that other lipoidal constituents of OMs, including the recently discovered glycolipids, did not react with human syphilitic sera. These latter observations suggest that the poor antigenicity of virulent T. pallidum is a function of both the lipid composition and the low protein content of its OM.
Economic Potential of Internationally-Oriented Patenting Activity in Russia

Objective: This article investigates the dynamics of internationally-oriented patenting activity in Russia, with the objective of exploring the link between innovation and entrepreneurship in an emerging economy. Research Design & Methods: By using the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) statistics, we create a typology of PCT applicants. Patent categories are compared based on their technological footprint, measured as consequential patent references. Findings: The article reveals a shortage of domestic companies engaged in internationally-oriented innovation in Russia. The majority of international patent applications published by WIPO in 2013 were filed by individuals. Russian companies, as well as individual applications, demonstrate lower technological impact, measured as citations, than foreign subsidiaries operating in Russia. Implications & Recommendations: The innovation capability of Russian business, small or large, must be prioritised and strengthened via creating the right incentives and providing a stable institutional and infrastructural foundation. Contribution & Value Added: This project discovers the weak role of the domestic private sector in international patenting, which points to the imbalanced nature of the Russian national innovation system (NIS). Article type: research article
A Multicenter, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Autologous Fibroblast Therapy for the Treatment of Nasolabial Fold Wrinkles

BACKGROUND Changes associated with aging are partly due to loss of collagen and elastin. Treatment with autologous fibroblasts grown in culture (azficel‐T) can help correct the appearance of aging by replacing lost dermal constituents. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of autologous fibroblasts in the treatment of nasolabial fold (NLF) wrinkles. METHODS AND MATERIALS Adults with moderate to very severe NLF wrinkles were randomized to receive three treatments with autologous fibroblasts or placebo at 5‐week intervals. Blinded evaluators and subjects assessed efficacy using a validated wrinkle assessment scale. RESULTS Three hundred seventy‐two subjects were enrolled and underwent treatment. Seventy‐eight percent of subjects treated with autologous fibroblast therapy and 48% of subjects treated with placebo achieved at least a 1‐point improvement on the subject assessment at 6 months (p < 0.001), and 64% of subjects treated with autologous fibroblast therapy and 36% of those treated with placebo showed at least a 1–point improvement evaluator's assessment (p < 0.001). Adverse events were generally mild, and the treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION Autologous fibroblast therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of NLF wrinkles. The availability of autologous cell therapy marks the beginning of a new phase in aesthetic therapy.
Botulinum toxin-A with and without rehabilitation for the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy

Objective To determine the efficacy of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) nerve block, with and without rehabilitation, in the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy. Methods Patients (aged 1–23 years) with spastic cerebral palsy underwent nerve block with BTX-A, followed by ≥ 2 h/day rehabilitation (experimental group) or <2 h/day rehabilitation (control group). Muscle tension and motor function were evaluated pre-block using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and gross motor function measure (GMFM), respectively. MAS was assessed weekly to determine duration of action of BTX-A; GMFM was assessed at 1 year post-block. Results There were no significant differences between the experimental group (n = 120) and the control group (n = 124) in age, body weight, pre-block MAS or GMFM, or BTX-A duration of action. MAS was significantly improved in both groups at 1 month post-block. At 1 year post-block, GMFM was significantly improved in both groups, with a significantly greater improvement seen in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusion BTX-A block improved muscle tension and motor function. Rehabilitation training, following the block, resulted in greater improvements to motor function than block alone.
Next-generation outer membrane vesicle vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis based on nontoxic LPS mutants

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been used extensively as experimental vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis. Classical meningococcal OMV vaccines contain wildtype lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with a hexa-acylated lipid A moiety, which is a very potent activator of the TLR4 receptor. While this may make the LPS an effective "internal" adjuvant, it also contributes to vaccine reactogenicity. Reduction of endotoxic activity has therefore been essential for the application of meningococcal OMV vaccines in humans. Classical OMV vaccines have a reduced LPS content as a result of detergent extraction, mostly with deoxycholate. An alternative method is the use of meningococcal strains with genetically detoxified LPS, in particular where mutation in the lpxL1 gene has resulted in penta-acylated lipid A with strongly attenuated endotoxic activity. This allows the use of native OMVs without any need for LPS removal by detergent extraction, making it a much easier to produce and more versatile vaccine platform. Several groups have now started the development of native OMV vaccines based on non-toxic LPS mutants, and this Commentary provides an overview of the various approaches and results thusfar.
Formation and properties of peroxynitrite as studied by laser flash photolysis, high-pressure stopped-flow technique, and pulse radiolysis.

Flash photolysis of alkaline peroxynitrite solutions results in the formation of nitrogen monoxide and superoxide. From the rate of recombination it is concluded that the rate constant of the reaction of nitrogen monoxide with superoxide is (1.9 +/- 0.2) x 10(10) M-1 s-1. The pKa of hydrogen oxoperoxonitrate is dependent on the medium. With the stopped-flow technique a value of 6.5 is found at millimolar phosphate concentrations, while at 0.5 M phosphate the value is 7.5. The kinetics of decay do not follow first-order kinetics when the pH is larger than the pKa, combined with a total peroxynitrite and peroxynitrous acid concentration that exceeds 0.1 mM. An adduct between ONOO- and ONOOH is formed with a stability constant of (1.0 +/- 0.1) x 10(4) M. The kinetics of the decay of hydrogen oxoperoxonitrate are not very pressure-dependent: from stopped-flow experiments up to 152 MPa, an activation volume of 1.7 +/- 1.0 cm3 mol-1 was calculated. This small value is not compatible with homolysis of the O-O bond to yield free nitrogen dioxide and the hydroxyl radical. Pulse radiolysis of alkaline peroxynitrite solutions indicates that the hydroxyl radical reacts with ONOO- to form [(HO)ONOO]. - with a rate constant of 5.8 x 10(9) M-1 s-1. This radical absorbs with a maximum at 420 nm (epsilon = 1.8 x 10(3) M-1 cm-1) and decays by second-order kinetics, k = 3.4 x 10(6) M-1 s-1. Improvements to the biomimetic synthesis of peroxynitrite with solid potassium superoxide and gaseous nitrogen monoxide result in higher peroxynitrite to nitrite yields than in most other syntheses.
Content of phenolic compounds in wild populations of Epilobium angustifolium growing at different altitudes

Abstract Context: Flavonoids are regarded as essential ingredients for the anti-inflammatory activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. (Onagraceae). The metabolic profiles of medicinal plants vary aside from genetic determination due to the influence by external factors. Objectives: This study evaluates the influence of altitudinal variation on the content of flavonoids in E. angustifolium in two consecutive growing periods. Materials and methods: Aerial and herbaceous plant materials were collected at three different altitudes (800, 1000, and 1500 m) during two collection periods. Plant samples (11–13 samples per altitude and year) were extracted with methanol using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Identification and quantification of the constituents were achieved by chromatographic means of HPLC-PDA and LC-PDA-MS analyses. Results: Rising concentrations of flavonol 3-O-glycosides could be detected with increasing altitude. The content of the major compound, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, ranged from 4.4 ± 2.05 (800 m) to 4.9 ± 1.03 (1000 m) and up to 6.6 ± 1.14 mg/g (1500 m). The total amount of flavonol 3-O-glycosides in 73 analyzed samples ranged from 10.7 ± 1.37 up to 17.3 ± 1.99 mg/g. Discussion: Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide can be considered as a potential marker for the increased production of flavonols in herbal parts of E. angustifolium at higher altitudinal levels. Conclusion: The study confirms that environmental factors at higher altitude result in elevated levels of flavonols in aerial plant tissues of E. angustifolium. Specific factors for influencing the flavonoid content have to be clarified in further studies.
Impact of bladder dysfunction in the management of post radical prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence—a review

Bladder dysfunction is a relatively common urodynamic finding post radical prostatectomy (RP). It can be the sole cause of post prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) or may be found in association with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive review of the diagnosis and different treatments of post RP bladder dysfunction. A comprehensive literature review using medical search engines was performed. The search included a combination of the following terms, PPI, detrusor overactivity (DO), detrusor underactivity (DU), impaired compliance, anticholinergic, onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). Definitions, general overview and management options were extracted from the relevant medical literature. DO, DU and impaired compliance are common and may occur alone or in combination with SUI. In some patients the conditions exist pre RP, in others they arise due to denervation and surgical changes. DO can be treated with anticholinergics, Botox® and SNM. DO may need to be treated before SUI surgery. DU may be a contraindication to male sling surgery as some patients may go into urinary retention. Severely impaired bladder compliance may be a contraindication to SUI surgery as the upper tracts may be at risk. Each individual dysfunction may affect the outcome of PPI treatments and clinicians should be alert to managing bladder dysfunction in PPI patients.
Wizerunek Donalda Trumpa na polskojęzycznych profilach Twittera w dniu zwycięstwa w wyborach prezydenckich w USA

Artykuł zawiera analizę wizerunku Donalda Trumpa na polskojęzycznych profilach Twittera z dnia 8 i 9 listopada 2016 r. Cel: Zbadanie, jaki stosunek do zwycięstwa Donalda Trumpa w wyborach prezydenckich w Stanach Zjednoczonych mają polscy użytkownicy Twittera. Metody badań: Metoda analizy zawartości 3372 tweetów oraz metoda hermeneutyczna. Wyniki i wnioski: Debata na Twitterze przyczyniła się do wykreowania internetowego wizerunku Donalda Trumpa w Polsce. Znaczący wpływ na opinie użytkowników Twittera na temat Donalda Trumpa mieli dziennikarze i osoby publiczne. Wartość poznawcza: Są to badania wstępne mogące służyć do dalszych analiz wizerunku Donalda Trumpa w Polsce, sposobów jego kreowania oraz tego, czy i w jaki sposób ewoluował.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in temporal lobe epilepsy

We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to investigate the temporal lobes of 25 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Spectra were obtained from 2 × 2 × 2 cm cubes in the medial region of the temporal lobe, and were analyzed on the basis of signals from N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr), and choline-containing compounds (Cho). In comparison with control subjects, the temporal lobes ipsilateral to the seizure focus showed a mean reduction of 22% in the NAA signal, with a 15% increase in the Cr signal and a 25% increase in the Cho signal. There were smaller effects in the contralateral temporal lobes. These spectral abnormalities may reflect neuronal loss or damage, together with reactive astrocytosis. The NAA/Cho+Cr ratio was abnormally low in 88% of the patients, 40% showing bilateral effects. On the basis of the NAA/Cho+Cr ratio, we correctly achieved lateralization in 15 cases, with three incorrect. Two of the incorrect lateralizations also had imaging abnormalities on the contralateral side, and the other had severe bilateral abnormalities on MRS. We conclude that 1H MRS provides useful information in the preoperative investigation of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, contributing to lateralization and detecting bilateral abnormalities.