Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival of acid adapted and non-acid adapted Salmonella Typhimurium in pasteurized orange juice and yogurt under different storage temperatures

The survival capacity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium acid adapted and non-acid adapted cells was monitored in pasteurized yogurt (pH 4.1) and orange juice (pH 3.6) during storage at different temperatures (4, 10, 25 and 37 ℃). Acid adapted and non-acid adapted cells were obtained by means of their growth for 36 h in Brain Heart Infusion broth acidified at pH 4.8 with citric acid and buffered (pH 7.0) Brain Heart Infusion broth, respectively. S. typhimurium showed a great ability to survive in both foodstuffs and, especially, in yogurt, where both acid adapted and non-acid adapted populations suffered only a reduction of about 1.3–1.9 log10 cycles after 43 days of storage in the range of temperatures 4–25 ℃. At 37 ℃ a higher bacterial inactivation was observed (4.0–4.4 log10 cycles). In orange juice, a different behaviour was observed for acid-adapted and non-acid adapted cells. Whereas non-acid adapted cells survived better than acid adapted cells at 4 and 10 ℃, acid adapted cells showed enhanced survival abilities at higher temperatures (25 and 37 ℃). Thus, the times required to achieve a 5 log10 cycles reduction for non-acid adapted and acid adapted cells were 10.2 and 6.0 (4 ℃), 6.3 and 4.2 (10 ℃), 0.6 and 1.0 (25 ℃) and 0.10 and 0.15 (37 ℃) days, respectively. Evidence found in this study demonstrates that refrigeration temperatures protect S. typhimurium from inactivation in acid foods and indicates that S. typhimurium acid tolerance response (ATR) is determined by storage temperature and food composition.
Divergent effects of estradiol on gonadotropin gene transcription in pituitary fragments.

Our previous work demonstrated that in vivo estradiol (E2) administration to ovariectomized rats suppressed the transcription of the LH subunit genes within 4 h. To determine whether these effects were mediated directly at the level of the gonadotrope, the transcription rates of the LH beta, FSH beta, and alpha-subunits were measured in short term cultures of pituitary fragments from female rats in various physiological states. In each in vitro experiment, fragments from matched sets of hemipituitaries were used for control and treatment (10(-8)ME2) groups. In pituitaries from ovariectomized animals, treated in vitro with or without E2, there was no significant effect of 2 h or 6 h of E2 on FSH beta or alpha-subunit gene transcription, but a consistent 2- to 3-fold stimulation of LH beta mRNA synthesis. In pituitaries from intact randomly cycling rats, E2 in culture had no effect on the transcription rate of alpha-subunit, FSH beta, or TSH beta genes, but stimulated LH beta and PRL transcription 2-fold. Thyroid hormone treatment specifically suppressed alpha-subunit (38% of control) and TSH beta (17% of control) mRNA synthesis, indicating that the culture system is responding in an appropriate physiological manner and that decreases in transcription can be easily and accurately measured with this system. Basal and E2-treated transcription rates for each gonadotropin subunit gene were measured as a function of stage of the estrous cycle. Basal transcription of the alpha-subunit gene did not vary significantly throughout the cycle and did not respond to E2 treatment in vitro. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vitamin D status in healthy Romanian caregivers and risk of respiratory infections

Abstract Objectives To investigate the vitamin D status during winter of a healthy population of hospital employees and to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and risk of infections in the upper respiratory tract. Design One hundred and ten healthy volunteers answered a questionnaire on their solar exposure habits and vitamin D intake and delivered one blood sample for quantification of vitamin D level (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration) during December 2007–January 2008. At the end of the winter we screened for the occurrence of respiratory infections and sought associations with vitamin D status. Setting Bucharest, Romania, 45°N. Subjects One hundred and ten healthy hospital employees. Results Eighty per cent of participants were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D level below 50 nmol/l). The main determinant of serum 25(OH)D was sun exposure during the summer previous to the study (P = 0·02 in multivariate analysis). Intake of vitamin D, BMI and age played no significant role for the level of 25(OH)D. Overall we found a non-significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D level and new cases of infection (Spearman correlation coefficient of −0·12, P = 0·2). Conclusions Vitamin D status is alarmingly poor in active, relatively young women residing in Romania. If our results are reproduced by other investigations, action to improve vitamin D status at the population level is necessary. We were not able to show a statistically significant relationship between vitamin D status and infection risk in our material.
Mac-1+ Cells Are the Predominant Subset in the Early Hepatic Lesions of Mice Infected with Francisella tularensis

ABSTRACT The cell composition of early hepatic lesions of experimental murine tularemia has not been characterized with specific markers. The appearance of multiple granulomatous-necrotic lesions in the liver correlates with a marked increase in the levels of serum alanine transferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Francisella tularensis, detected by specific antibodies, can be first noted by day 1 and becomes associated with the lesions by 5 days postinoculation. These lesions become necrotic, with some evidence of in situ apoptosis. The lesions do not contain B, T, or NK cells. Rather, the lesions are largely composed of two subpopulations of Mac-1+ cells that are associated with the bacteria. Gr-1+ Mac-1+ immature myeloid cells and major histocompatibility complex class II-positive (MHC-II+) Mac-1+ macrophages were the most abundant cell phenotypes found in the granuloma and are likely major contributors in controlling the infection in its early stages. Our findings have shown that there is an early development of hepatic lesions where F. tularensis colocalizes with both Gr-1+ Mac-1+ and MHC-II+ Mac-1+ cells.
Radiosensitization of cervical cancer cells with epigenetic drugs hydralazine and valproate.

PURPOSE To evaluate the radiosensitizing effects of the DNA methylation inhibitor hydralazine in combination with valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor in cervical cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell viability assays were performed in the SiHa cervical cancer cell line treated with hydralazine and valproic acid for five days with and without cisplatin. Cell irradiation was performed using teletherapy (1.25 MV). RESULTS Neither hydralazine, valproic acid or cisplatin as single agents increased the cytotoxicity from radiation, however, the combination of hydralazine with valproic acid at ten microM and one mM, respectively, did induce radiosensitization (p = 0.046). Interestingly, this effect was further increased with the triple combination of hydralazine, valproic acid, and cisplatin (p = 0.041), where cell viability decreased more than 50% as compared to radiation alone. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate that epigenetic drugs increase the efficacy of cisplatin chemoradiation in cervical cancer cells.
The electromigration failure mechanism for TSV process

TSV (Through Silicon Via) is the key component in fabricating 3D ICs and device packaging which has the advantages of lower power consumption, higher integration density and shorter interconnection length. TSV is a composite structure fabricated by process filling electroplated copper into etched silicon via, it consists of Cu/Ta/TaN/SiO2/Si multiple interfaces with roughness formed in the via etching process. In the TSV structure, more difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between copper and silicon leads to high thermal stress and related reliability issues, but fewer TSV EM works have been reported. Thus, TSV test structure with M1 of aluminum and backside redistribution layer of copper was designed and tested to evaluate EM reliability performance. Generally, the void nucleation and growth induce resistance change, and then impact expected metal interconnection performance. In our study, an unfamiliar EM failure mechanism of TSV was observed. No typical void was found, but barrier damage and Cu diffusion were observed in test. From failure analysis result, it is considered that EM failure mechanism of TSV consists of several major stages, including (1) barrier damage, (2) Cu diffusion and (3) CuAl alloy form. With the CuAl alloy formed, resistance of metal interconnection increases, so it induces EM failure.
Behavioral Welfare Economics and Fda Tobacco Regulations

The U.S. 2009 Tobacco Control Act opened the door for new anti-smoking policies by giving the Food and Drug Administration broad regulatory authority over the tobacco industry. We develop a behavioral welfare economics approach to conduct cost-benefit analysis of FDA tobacco regulations. We use a simple two-period model to develop expressions for the impact of tobacco control policies on social welfare. Our model includes: nudge and paternalistic regulations; an excise tax on cigarettes; internalities created by period 1 versus period 2 consumption; and externalities from cigarette consumption. Our analytical expressions show that in the presence of uncorrected externalities and internalities, a tax or a nudge to reduce cigarette consumption improves social welfare. In sharp contrast, a paternalistic regulation might either improve or worsen social welfare. Another important result is that the social welfare gains from new policies do not only depend on the size of the internalities and externalities, but also depend on the extent to which current policies already correct the problems. We link our analytical expressions to the graphical approach used in most previous studies and discuss the information needed to complete cost-benefit analysis of tobacco regulations. Finally, we use our model as a framework to re-examine the evidence base regarding the size of the relevant internalities.
Long-term suppression of recurrent genital herpes with acyclovir. A 5-year benchmark. Acyclovir Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN This multicenter trial (19 sites) was initiated in 1984 in more than 1100 immunocompetent individuals with a history of frequently recurring genital herpes (mean, > or = 12 episodes per year). The first year of this suppressive therapy trial was placebo controlled, with acyclovir being provided for episodic treatment in both groups. Thereafter, patients were treated with open-label acyclovir suppressive therapy on a long-term basis (400 mg twice daily) to continue to assess its long-term safety and efficacy. Complete data are available on 389 of the 430 patients who began the fifth year of the study. RESULTS Patients were seen quarterly for review of diaries and clinical laboratory evaluations. The percentage of patients recurrence free for any 3-month quarter of the fifth year ranged from 86% to 90%. The mean annual number of recurrences per patient declined from 1.7 during the first year to 0.8 during the fifth year of suppressive therapy. The frequency of false prodromes has also decreased over time. More than 20% of the patients receiving suppressive therapy for 5 years have been recurrence free the entire time. The duration of herpetic outbreaks during suppressive therapy has not changed. CONCLUSION This study extends the safety and efficacy profile of oral acyclovir in the suppression of genital herpes to 5 years. The majority of the patients were recurrence free on an annual basis during suppressive therapy. Therapy was well tolerated. Acyclovir usage was not associated with serious side effects or cumulative toxicity.
Mitigation method of the shaft voltage according to parasitic capacitance of the PMSM

In this study, we propose the mitigation method of a shaft voltage according to change in parasitic capacitances of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). First, we designed the equivalent circuit taking into account all parasitic capacitances. Then, we deducted that rotor-to-winding and stator-to-rotor capacitances mainly affect the shaft voltage. The stator-to-rotor capacitance depends on the air-gap length, which directly affects output torque characteristics of the motor. In case of the rotor-to-winding capacitance, it depends on the distance from the rotor to winding, which have effects on torque ripple, but it doesn't affect average torque of the motor. Thus, rotor-to-winding capacitance is determined as a variable for mitigation of the shaft voltage. According to change in the rotor-to-winding capacitance, we obtained and compared the results of the shaft voltage, average torque, and torque ripple.
Rituximab and chlorambucil versus rituximab alone in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma according to t(11;18) status: a monocentric non-randomized observational study

Abstract Forty-nine patients, t(11;18)-positive (n = 31) and t(11;18)-negative (n = 18), were treated without randomization with rituximab–chlorambucil or rituximab alone. Evaluation was performed at week (W) 6, week (W) 25 and every 6 months (Wx). Comparing the rituximab–chlorambucil group to the rituximab-alone group, remission was obtained in 93% vs. 66% at W6 (p = 0.01), in 93% vs. 81% at W25 (p = 0.14) and in 93% vs. 76% at Wx (p = 0.07). Comparing the rituximab–chlorambucil group to the rituximab-alone group in t(11;18)-positive patients, remission was obtained in 100% vs. 45% at W6 (p = 0.0005), in 100% vs. 66% at W25 (p = 0.01) and in 96% vs. 55% at Wx (p = 0.01). Comparing the rituximab–chlorambucil group to the rituximab-alone group in t(11;18)-negative patients, remission was obtained in 66% vs. 83% at W6 (p = 0.32), in 66% vs. 92% at W25 (p = 0.22) and in 83% vs. 92% at Wx (p = 0.47). In conclusion, rituximab–chlorambucil is significantly more rapidly efficient than rituximab alone. In t(11;18)-positive patients, the combination is more efficient than rituximab alone. In t(11;18)-negative patients, rituximab alone is as efficient as rituximab–chlorambucil and may be an alternative treatment.
Is there a Difference? The Performance Characteristics of SRI Equity Indices

oder* Abstract: This study analyses whether stock indices that represent socially responsible invest- ments (SRI) exhibit a different performance compared to conventional benchmark indices. In contrast to other studies, the analysis concentrates on SRI indices and not on investment funds. This has several advantages, since transaction costs of funds, the timing activities and the skill of the fund management do not have to be considered. A direct measure of the performance effects of SRI screens is therefore examined. The 29 SRI stock indices are analysed by single- equation models as well as by multi-equation systems that exploit the information in the cross- section. SRI stock indices do not exhibit a different level of risk-adjusted return than conventional benchmarks. But many SRI indices have a higher risk relative to the benchmarks. The findings are robust to the use of different benchmark indices and apply to all common types of SRI screening.
Minority Stress in Same-Sex Male Relationships: When Does It Impact Relationship Satisfaction?

The minority stress model (Meyer, 2003) has been proposed to explain higher rates of psychopathology in lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. However, studies of minority stress have rarely taken into account the interface between minority stress and same-sex relationship processes. In the current study, 142 gay men in romantic relationships completed an online survey assessing minority stress constructs, relationship features, and relationship satisfaction. Minority stress was not directly related to relationship satisfaction, while commitment, trust, and support from one's partner were related to relationship satisfaction. Significant moderation effects emerged between discrimination and trust and between internalized heterosexism and commitment, indicating that trust was related to satisfaction for those who had experienced frequent discrimination, while commitment was related to satisfaction for those low in internalized heterosexism.
Language as Autopoiesis - Experimental Approach to Agency in Linguistic Communication

One of the challenges of artificial life is to implement agency in the creature. This paper is going to argue for the concept of agency existing in linguistic communication. It is usual and normal to see that agency exists outside of language: it is the user of the language who is equipped with agency, and language is not ostensibly related to it. On the other hand, since the invention of the Turing test, it has been an unsolvable question whether agency is a physical property, or something that is attributed from the outside. Here, it is argued that agency emerges in linguistic communication itself. For developing this idea, we have designed a new communication game between two human subjects in order to see how ”agency” is organized in each communication pattern (which is intended to be a proto-language).
Gene Profiling in Atherosclerosis Reveals a Key Role for Small Inducible Cytokines: Validation Using a Novel Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein Monoclonal Antibody

Background—Pathological aspects of atherosclerosis are well described, but gene profiles during atherosclerotic plaque progression are largely unidentified. Methods and Results—Microarray analysis was performed on mRNA of aortic arches of ApoE−/− mice fed normal chow (NC group) or Western-type diet (WD group) for 3, 4.5, and 6 months. Of 10 176 reporters, 387 were differentially (>2×) expressed in at least 1 group compared with a common reference (ApoE−/−, 3- month NC group). The number of differentially expressed genes increased during plaque progression. Time-related expression clustering and functional grouping of differentially expressed genes suggested important functions for genes involved in inflammation (especially the small inducible cytokines monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, MCP-5, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1&agr;, MIP-1&bgr;, MIP-2, and fractalkine) and matrix degradation (cathepsin-S, matrix metalloproteinase-2/12). Validation experiments focused on the gene cluster of small inducible cytokines. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a plaque progression–dependent increase in mRNA levels of MCP-1, MCP-5, MIP-1&agr;, and MIP-1&bgr;. ELISA for MCP-1 and MCP-5 showed similar results. Immunohistochemistry for MCP-1, MCP-5, and MIP-1&agr; located their expression to plaque macrophages. An inhibiting antibody for MCP-1 and MCP-5 (11K2) was designed and administered to ApoE−/− mice for 12 weeks starting at the age of 5 or 17 weeks. 11K2 treatment reduced plaque area and macrophage and CD45+ cell content and increased collagen content, thereby inducing a stable plaque phenotype. Conclusions—Gene profiling of atherosclerotic plaque progression in ApoE−/− mice revealed upregulation of the gene cluster of small inducible cytokines. Further expression and in vivo validation studies showed that this gene cluster mediates plaque progression and stability.
Microwave diagnosis using MRI and image of capillary blood vessel

Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and image of capillary blood vessel reflecting microscope are applied to support microwave reflection from biological body. From T1 and T2 enhance image of MRI, the distribution of free water, bonding water in human tissue can be obtained and from these distributions, complex permittivity can be obtained. Also, to know the long term vessel change by blood circulation in capillary blood vessel, image of capillary blood vessel was obtained. The MRI imaging based model for microwave reflection is very helpful to diagnose human condition such as blood glucose ratio.
Herpes simplex virus 1 pneumonia: patterns on CT scans and conventional chest radiographs.

PURPOSE The goal of our study was to describe the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) pneumonia patterns on CT scans and chest radiographs. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and chest radiographs of 24 patients with HSV 1 pneumonia and 10 with pneumonia from combined HSV and mixed flora infection. We also reviewed CT scans available for eight patients with HSV pneumonia and four with mixed pneumonia. RESULTS CT scans of eight patients with HSV pneumonia demonstrated multifocal segmental and subsegmental ground-glass opacities (n = 8), additional focal areas of consolidation (n = 6), scattered distribution (n = 6), and pleural effusions (n = 7). Chest radiographs (23 patients) showed patchy segmental and subsegmental ground-glass opacities and consolidation (n = 23), scattered distribution (n = 20), and pleural effusions (n = 12). Radiographic patterns for isolated HSV pneumonia and mixed flora pneumonia were not significantly different. CONCLUSION With a growing population of at-risk immunosuppressed patients, it is important to recognize CT and chest radiography patterns consistent with, although nonspecific for, HSV 1 pneumonia.
Safety of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Continuous Sustained Low Efficiency Dialysis (C-SLED) in Critically Ill Patients

Background. Sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) is a hybrid therapy that uses a conventional hemodialysis machine to deliver lower solute clearance over prolonged periods of time, typically 8 to 12 hours per treatment, and utilizes the same sodium and bicarbonate concentrations as intermittent hemodialysis. The therapy has been shown to be an effective dialysis mode for the critically ill patient with acute renal failure and hemodynamic instability. At our institution, critically ill patients requiring renal replacement therapy receive SLED on a continuous, 24-hour schedule (C-SLED). The higher dialysis dose with C-SLED compared to continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) or traditional SLED would likely alter the prescription needed to provide regional citrate anticoagulation and the incidence of hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis. Objective. To evaluate the safety of utilizing regional citrate anticoagulation with continuous SLED in critically ill patients who frequently clot the hemofilter and have contraindications to systemic anticoagulation with heparin. We hypothesized that the higher dialysis dose with C-SLED would affect the prescription of citrate anticoagulation and the development of hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis. Design. We prospectively followed the first 20 patients who received regional citrate anticoagulation on C-SLED for acute renal failure in the intensive care unit. Important outcomes measured included serum sodium, bicarbonate, ionized calcium concentration, serum pH, and PCO2. The number of clotting episodes for each patient while on regional citrate anticoagulation was recorded. Setting. Surgical and medical intensive care units at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Results. In over 2200 hours of continuous dialysis with citrate anticoagulation none of the 20 patients had derangements in the serum sodium or acid base status requiring cessation of regional citrate anticoagulation. In 14 patients, no clotting occurred during 1500 hours of SLED with the citrate infusion. There were eight episodes of hemofilter clotting in six patients during 750 hours of C-SLED. Conclusion. Regional citrate anticoagulation is a safe method of anticoagulation in critically ill patients on continuous SLED.