Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Frequency Printed Dipoles Loaded with Metamaterial Particles

Multi-frequency printed dipoles based on antipodal printed dipoles loaded with metamaterial particles are presented. Split ring resonators (SRRs) are used as metamaterial particles in order to obtain fully printed and planar antennas. First, a simplified model of these antennas is developed. This model is based on a printed dipole loaded with the equivalent circuit of the SRRs. This model shows that the working frequencies are very close to the self-resonant frequencies of the dipole and the SRRs. Moreover, a dual-frequency printed dipole is designed, manufactured and measured. This dipole works simultaneously at 1.32 GHz and 2.82 GHz. Finally, the previous idea is extended to increase the bandwidth of the dual-band dipoles and develop multi-frequency printed dipoles (printed dipoles which work simultaneously at three or more frequencies). This is made by using SRRs with different dimensions.
Trust: Decision under Uncertainty

Abstract: This paper investigates individual’s trust attitude towards human beings and machine. Based on previews study, this paper looked at how gender and risk attitude contribute to trust in strangers. Moreover, the new factor ambiguity attitude was also introduced. Besides, this paper tried to find out if there is an imparity in trustors’ trust attitude between these two treatment groups. The result turns out, only gender and ambiguity attitude have effect on participants’ trust attitude towards machine. And trustors trust machine more compared to a random stranger.
Parvovirus B19 infection: fifth disease and more

Epidemiology and background: Parvovirus B19 is a member of the large Parvoviridae family, which includes pathogenic animal viruses that have long been of interest to veterinarians and virologists. [1][1] The discovery of a parvovirus in human blood in the mid 1970s led to study of the epidemiology
Focus Group Evaluation of “Secret Feelings”

In this study, the authors examined reactions of Latino adults with limited English proficiency (LEP) to a culturally and linguistically adapted depression fotonovela, titled “Secret Feelings. ” Fotonovelas are popular health education tools that use posed photographs, text bubbles with simple text, and dramatic narratives to engage audiences and raise their awareness and knowledge about specific health issues. Four focus groups (N = 32) were conducted at an adult school program (e.g., GED classes). Content analysis was used to generate themes from transcripts and memos. “Secret Feelings” was viewed as an entertaining, engaging, and educational tool that helped combat stigma toward depression and its treatments in the Latino community. Despite learning about depression, participants reported they wanted more information about the causes of depression, the process of recovery, and felt that the story did not shift their apprehensions toward antidepressants. The findings suggest that “Secret Feelings” is a promising depression literacy tool for Latinos with LEP that can raise awareness and knowledge about depression and its treatments, reduce stigma toward depression and antidepressant medications, and model appropriate help-seeking behaviors.
Glycolytic Flux and Hexokinase Activities in Anoxic Maize Root Tips Acclimated by Hypoxic Pretreatment

Several enzyme activities were measured in extracts from acclimated and nonacclimated maize (Zea mays) root tips at pH 6.5 and 7.5, corresponding to cytoplasmic pH in anaerobiosis or aerobiosis, respectively, to determine what causes the decline of the glycolytic flux observed in anoxia in nonacclimated tips. We found that phosphorylation of hexoses by kinases was a major limiting step of glycolysis in anoxia. When fructose was substituted for glucose, glycolysis was slightly enhanced and survival improved, but neither matched that of acclimated tips. Decrease of kinase activities was not the result of proteolytic degradation but was more likely the result of inhibition by internal factors (low pH and low ATP). There was no evidence of induction during the hypoxic pretreatment of isoenzymes better adapted to the anoxic cellular environment. Maintenance of the glycolytic flux in acclimated tissues is explained by a combination of a rise in kinase activities and decreased inhibition resulting from a higher cytoplasmic pH and ATP content. The behavior of intact root tips is discussed in comparison with the behavior of excised root tips.
Biophysical and Physiological Properties of Porcine Surfactant Enriched with Polymyxin B

Objective: We examined whether the biophysical and physiological properties of Curosurf® were improved by the cyclic amphipathic decapeptide polymyxin B (PxB). Methods: Curosurf was diluted to 1–5 mg/ml with PxB added at 1, 2 or 3% (w/w). Albumin was added at 40 mg/ml. Minimum surface tension (γmin) during surface compression was determined for each mixture with pulsating bubble. Immature newborn rabbits were treated with 2.5 ml/kg of Curosurf 80 mg/ml, or Curosurf 32 mg/ml with or without 2% PxB and ventilated for up to 5 h. Results: At surfactant concentration 2 mg/ml, γmin was high (17 ± 8.9 mN/m) but remained low (2.7 ± 0.8 mN/m) when PxB was added. Albumin inactivated Curosurf at both 2 and 3.5 mg/ml; this inactivation was prevented by 2% PxB. Treatment of newborn rabbits with Curosurf 80 mg/kg + 2% PxB significantly decreased incidence of pneumothorax in comparison with controls but had no significant effect on lung-thorax compliance or alveolar expansion. Conclusion: Addition of 2% PxB improves surface activity of Curosurf at low concentration, increases its resistance to inactivation by albumin, and reduces the incidence of pneumothorax in immature newborn rabbits undergoing prolonged ventilation.
Lipid Phosphate Phosphatase 3 Stabilization of β-Catenin Induces Endothelial Cell Migration and Formation of Branching Point Structures

ABSTRACT Endothelial cell (EC) migration, cell-cell adhesion, and the formation of branching point structures are considered hallmarks of angiogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms of these processes are not well understood. Lipid phosphate phosphatase 3 (LPP3) is a recently described p120-catenin-associated integrin ligand localized in adherens junctions (AJs) of ECs. Here, we tested the hypothesis that LPP3 stimulates β-catenin/lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (β-catenin/LEF-1) to induce EC migration and formation of branching point structures. In subconfluent ECs, LPP3 induced expression of fibronectin via β-catenin/LEF-1 signaling in a phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)-dependent manner. In confluent ECs, depletion of p120-catenin restored LPP3-mediated β-catenin/LEF-1 signaling. Depletion of LPP3 resulted in destabilization of β-catenin, which in turn reduced fibronectin synthesis and deposition, which resulted in inhibition of EC migration. Accordingly, reexpression of β-catenin but not p120-catenin in LPP3-depleted ECs restored de novo synthesis of fibronectin, which mediated EC migration and formation of branching point structures. In confluent ECs, however, a fraction of p120-catenin associated and colocalized with LPP3 at the plasma membrane, via the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, thereby limiting the ability of LPP3 to stimulate β-catenin/LEF-1 signaling. Thus, our study identified a key role for LPP3 in orchestrating PTEN-mediated β-catenin/LEF-1 signaling in EC migration, cell-cell adhesion, and formation of branching point structures.
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURES ON INFECTION WITH MYCOBACTERIUM MARINUM (BALNEI) OF MICE AND A NUMBER OF POIKILOTHERMIC SPECIES

Clark, H Fred (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.), and Charles C. Shepard. Effect of environmental temperatures on infection with Mycobacterium marinum (Balnei) of mice and a number of poikilothermic species. J. Bacteriol. 86:1057–1069. 1963. —An exploration was made of the effect of environmental temperature on infections with Mycobacterium marinum of mice, young opossums, and bats, and of 50 species of poikilothermic animals. In artificial medium (7H9 broth) M. marinum grew most rapidly from 25 to 35 C, with generation times of 4 to 6 hr. At 37 C, the generation time was 14 hr; at 20 C, 20 hr; and, at 15 C and lower, little growth was observed. In mice, deep body temperatures were found to be 36.5 to 37.3 C at environmental temperatures of 4 to 30 C. At an environmental temperature of 34 C, they averaged 39.1 C; at 37 C they averaged 40.2 C. Foot-pad temperatures were within a few degrees of ambient temperatures from 10 to 34 C. In mouse foot-pad infections, the optimal environmental temperature for infection was 20 C, and the generation time of the infecting bacilli at this environmental temperature was about 15 hr. Intravenously inoculated mice developed peripheral infections of nose, feet, and tail at environmental temperatures of 4 to 30 C. At these temperatures, they had severe pneumonic involvement, and the mice at lower temperatures tended to succumb most rapidly to systemic infection. At 34 C, the intravenously infected mice did not develop peripheral infections and there was no pulmonary involvement. Young opossums, whose deep body temperatures are only 34 to 36 C, were inoculated in the foot-pad and intravenously. Foot-pad infection developed without systemic involvement. Bats, which assume environmental temperature when at rest, were inoculated in the foot-pad. Foot-pad infections were observed but no systemic disease. The bats could be maintained for only short periods, however. Poikilothermic animals were studied. Deep body temperatures were found to be nearly identical with ambient temperature. A total of 50 species of reptiles, amphibians, and fish were infected intraperitoneally in a number of experiments, as animals were available. Susceptibility to M. marinum was found throughout these species. There was no tendency to peripheral involvement. In experiments to determine the optimal environmental temperature for infection, cricket frogs (Acris), American chameleons (Anolis), young garter snakes (Thamnophis), and the young of three species of turtles were inoculated intraperitoneally. The optimal temperature for infection was found to be 30 C in each case, and infections at 20 C were definitely slower. The generation time of M. marinum in American chameleons at 30 C was about 19 hr; at 20 C, it was about 46 hr; and, at 10 C, the bacilli did not apparently multiply. Transmission studies revealed instances where infected animals shed M. marinum into the waters in which they were kept, and where animals became infected from water containing M. marinum.
Review: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori to prevent gastroduodenal diseases: Hitting more than one bird with the same stone

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) are gram-negative bacteria that selectively colonizes the gastric mucosa. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies from 20 to 50% in industrialized countries to over 80% in developing countries. The infection may persist lifelong without specific treatment. Prolonged infection and inflammation due to bacterial virulence and host genetic factors will lead to chronic gastritis. A certain portion of infected patients then develop more severe pathologies such as peptic ulcer (10—15%), gastric cancer (1%), and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (<0.01%). Although the majority of infected patients remain asymptomatic, much of the evidence has shown that eradication of H. pylori infection can reduce the recurrence of peptic ulcer and benefit a substantial portion of patients with nonulcer dyspepsia. Though controversial in population-based clinical trials, several cost-effectiveness analyses also reveal that H. pylori eradication is cost effective in the primary prevention of gastric cancer. Therefore, the discovery of H. pylori offers the chance to prevent several gastroduodenal diseases by means of their eradication. In other words, gastroenterologists could hit more than one bird with one stone. However, there are concerns regarding application of a 'test and treat' strategy in the general population. In this review, we will focus on current evidence of H. pylori eradication in the primary and secondary prophylaxis of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease.
Synergy of Small Molecular Inhibitors of Hepatitis C Virus Replication Directed at Multiple Viral Targets

ABSTRACT Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant worldwide health problem with limited therapeutic options. A number of novel, small molecular inhibitors of HCV replication are now entering early clinical trials in humans. Resistance to small molecular inhibitors is likely to be a significant hurdle to their use in patients. A systematic assessment of combinations of interferon and/or novel anti-hepatitis C virus agents from several different mechanistic classes was performed in vitro. Combinations of inhibitors with different mechanisms of action consistently demonstrated more synergy than did compounds with similar mechanisms of action. These results suggest that combinations of inhibitors with different mechanisms of action should be prioritized for assessment in clinical trials for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
Risk of Second Primary Malignancy after Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Objectives: The association between second primary malignancy (SPM) and radioactive iodine (RAI) is controversial. We examined the association between RAI and SPM after treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) using a large cohort from a national cancer database. Methods: From the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, all index cases of DTC (papillary or follicular) were extracted for the years 1988 to 2001. Two cohorts were constructed: 1) patients with DTC who were not treated with RAI, and 2) patients with DTC who were treated with RAI. For each cohort, we tabulated all subsequent malignancies for each patient, identifying patients in each group with 1 or more SPMs. Results: According to inclusion criteria, 18,882 cases of DTC treated without RAI (mean follow-up, 55.5 months) and 10,349 cases treated with RAI (mean follow-up, 61.8 months) were identified. The most common SPM sites were breast or prostate followed by colon or lung for both groups. On univariate analysis, SPMs developed in 6.7% of patients without RAI versus 4.8% of those with RAI (p > .001, univariate χ2). However, on multivariate analysis, only age and male gender had statistically significant hazard ratios (1.052 and 1.438, respectively; p > .001); follicular carcinoma histology and use of RAI did not influence occurrence of SPM after DTC (p = .180 and p = .789, respectively). Conclusions: Use of RAI does not elevate the risk of SPM. Concern about SPM induction should not adversely affect the decision to administer RAI for DTC.
HIV-1 infection is characterized by profound depletion of CD161+ Th17 cells and gradual decline in regulatory T cells

Objective:CD4+ T-cell depletion is central to HIV pathogenesis. However, the relative impact of HIV on Th17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets remains unclear. CD161+ CD4 cells are a recently identified, gut-homing Th17 precursor population. The balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 and immunoregulatory Tregs may be critical in HIV pathogenesis. This study addressed changes in CD161+, Th17 and Treg subsets during untreated HIV infection. Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals and stained to characterize CD161+ CD4 cells, Th17 cells [by elaboration of interleukin (IL)-17A], Tregs (CD3+CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ cells) and CD8 activation (CD38+/HLA-DR+ cells). In-vitro infectability of CD161+ and Th17 cells by HIV was assessed in healthy donor CD4 cells by intracellular p24 expression. Results:Peripheral blood Th17 cells were depleted 10-fold in HIV-infected, compared to HIV-uninfected individuals (P < 0.0001) across a range of disease stages, accompanied by a significant reduction of CD161+ T cells (P = 0.024). Both Th17 cells and CD161+ CD4+ T cells were permissive to HIV replication in vitro. Profound loss of Th17 cells before the onset of advanced disease contrasted with a gradual decline in absolute Tregs during HIV disease progression in untreated individuals followed longitudinally (R = 0.71, P = 0.003). Loss of Tregs was associated with increased immune activation (R = −0.33, P = 0.03). Conclusion:HIV-infected individuals showed profound loss of Th17 cells, which may impair mucosal immunity, and reduced CD161+ CD4 cells, which may limit Th17 reconstitution. A gradual decline in Tregs during disease progression was associated with increased immune activation.
Linkage Disequilibrium Structure and Its Impact on the Localization of a Candidate Functional Mutation

We have used the unblinded MG1/Q1 Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated data as a model system for investigating the use of linkage disequilibrium structure and simple genotype‐phenotype associations to identify candidate functional mutations within a gene of interest. Analysis of the pattern of pair‐wise linkage disequilibrium indicated three groups of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms for which the linkage disequilibrium was high between sites within a group, but lower between sites of different groups. Using linear regression to predict levels of the trait Q1 showed that the known functional site, 5782, was usually not the best genetic predictor of Q1, but sites belonging to the same group as 5782 (i.e., group 2) were always included in the prediction model. In 49 out of the 50 replicates, the functional site was not the best predictor of the trait. Finally, more detailed analyses demonstrate that the relationship between the adjusted R2 for the marker in the prediction model and its disequilibrium with 5782 was linear with the intercept at the origin and terminating at the R2 value for the known functional mutation when the disequilibrium is maximal. These data indicate that simple association studies will not identify the functional mutation, but rather will identify candidate functional mutations that are in very tight linkage disequilibrium with the functional mutation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology and early predictive factors of mortality and outcome in children with traumatic severe brain injury: Experience of a French pediatric trauma center*

Objective: To describe the results of an integrated pre- and in-hospital approach to critical care in a large population of children with severe traumatic brain injury and to identify the early predictors of their outcome. Design: A 9-yr retrospective review of the data of a trauma data bank. Setting: Level III pediatric trauma center. Patients: All children (1 month to 15 yrs) with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8) hospitalized in our trauma center and followed until death or for ≥6 months after discharge. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Univariate and further multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictive factors of death and outcome at discharge and 6 months later. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to evaluate outcome; a poor outcome referred to Glasgow Outcome Scale ≥3. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to determine the threshold values of predictors of death and outcome. Analysis concerned 585 children (67% male and 33% female). Mean age was 7 ± 5 yrs. Predominant mechanisms of injury were road traffic accidents and falls. Mean values for Glasgow Coma Scale, Pediatric Trauma Score, and Injury Severity Score were 6 (3–8), 3 (−4,10), and 28 (4–75), respectively. Mortality rate was 22%; Glasgow Outcome Scale was <3 in 53% of the cases at discharge and 60% at 6 months. Multivariate analysis identified Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, and hypotension on arrival as independent predictors of death and poor outcome at discharge and at 6 months. Threshold values for death were 28 for Injury Severity Score and 5 for Glasgow Coma Scale. The same values were found for poor outcome, except for outcome at 6 months where threshold value for the Glasgow Coma Scale was 6. Conclusions: Initial hypotension, Glasgow Coma Scale, and Injury Severity Score are independent predictors of outcome in children with traumatic brain injury. Threshold values can be calculated for predicting poor outcome. These variables can be easily and detected early in this population and used for quality assessment.
Roles of Chemokines in Ocular Allergy and Possible Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract The mechanism of ocular surface allergy in the forms of atopic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis has been highlighted by specific functions of chemokines. In the context of late-phase allergic responses, these molecules have key roles in recruitment and activation of leukocytes. Their interaction with ligands is redundantly regulated; however, results from strategies to block subsets of chemokines have revealed unexpected or highly organized roles of these mediators. Exemplified by analyses of CCL11 function, current concepts of ocular allergy support CCL11 as central mediator. We emphasize the functions as modulator of mast cell activation/differentiation. With the prospect of understanding these functions, new modalities of drugs specifically developed to target CCL11/CCR3 interaction have been discussed.
Emerging themes in entrepreneurial behaviours, identities and contexts

This article introduces the Special Issue (SI) Emerging themes in Entrepreneurial Behaviours, Identities and Contexts. This SI focuses on advancing the entrepreneurship literature by enhancing understanding of the connections between entrepreneurial behaviours, identities and contexts. Thus, the research questions that this SI addresses are the following: (1) What kind of emerging contexts are influencing entrepreneurial behaviour? and (2) What can we learn from emerging themes about entrepreneurial identities?
Your brain at work. What a new approach to neuroscience can teach us about management.

Recently, technological advances have led neuroscientists to develop a new and more sophisticated framework. It shifts the focus of study from the activity of specific brain regions to how networks of brain regions activate in concurrent patterns. In this article, two experts in brain science explain important discoveries that have been made about four key networks: the default network, which is engaged in introspection and in imagining a different time, place, or reality; the reward network, which activates in response to pleasure; the affect network, which plays a central role in emotions; and the control network, which is involved in understanding consequences, impulse control, and selective attention. These discoveries hold major implications for managers. In particular, they shed light on: the best way to generate "Eureka! " thinking. What motivates employees. Whether you should trust your gut and listen to your emotions in decision making. The opportunities and pitfalls of multitasking. These insights are just the beginning, say the authors, who believe that a hugely productive dialogue between neuroscience and business will develop as more findings emerge.