Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Griffithsin, a potent HIV entry inhibitor, is an excellent candidate for anti‐HIV microbicide

Abstract Background The predominant mode of HIV‐1 transmission is by heterosexual contact. The cervical/vaginal mucosa is the main port of HIV entry in women. A safe and effective topical microbicide against HIV is urgently needed to prevent sexual transmission. Hence, we evaluated griffithsin (GRFT), a 12.7 kDa carbohydrate‐binding protein, both native and recombinant GRFT, potently inhibited both CXCR4‐and CCR5‐tropic HIV infection and transmission in vitro.
Midwall left ventricular mechanics. An independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND An appreciable proportion of asymptomatic hypertensive patients have depressed left ventricular (LV) performance that is identified by midwall shortening/endsystolic stress relations but not by indexes that use endocardial shortening. It has not been established, however, whether depressed midwall ventricular performance has prognostic implications. METHODS AND RESULTS Echocardiographic endocardial and midwall LV fractional shortening/circumferential end-systolic stress relations in 294 hypertensive patients were analyzed as predictors of the occurrence of cardiovascular morbid events that occurred in 50 patients (including 14 deaths) during a 10-year mean follow-up. Patients with initially lower midwall but not endocardial shortening, either in absolute terms or as a percentage of predicted from observed end-systolic stress, were more likely to suffer morbid events than those with initially normal values (P < .004). Cardiovascular events occurred in 29 of 100 patients (29%) and death in 10 of 100 patients (10%) among those who were in both the two highest quartiles of LV mass index and the two lowest quartiles of midwall shortening, as opposed to 21 of 194 (11%) and 4 of 194 (2.1%) of the remaining patients (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.8 to 6.3; P < .0001; and odds ratio, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 17.3; P < .006, respectively). In logistic analysis, increasing age, high LV mass, high systolic blood pressure, and low values for an interaction term between LV mass index and midwall shortening independently predicted cardiovascular events (.04 < P < .001); increasing age, low midwall LV shortening as a percentage of predicted, and high value of the interaction term predicted the occurrence of cardiac death (.004 < P < .0002). Survival analysis controlling for age confirmed that low midwall shortening independently predicted cardiac morbidity or death, especially in the subgroup of patients with LV hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS Depressed midwall shortening is a predictor of adverse outcome in arterial hypertension; the combination of higher LV mass and lower midwall shortening identifies individuals at markedly increased risk.
In vitro effects of Pilocarpus microphyllus extracts and pilocarpine hydrochloride on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

The aim of this study was to assess the activity of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic extracts (EE) and pilocarpine hydrochloride, which were extracted and isolated from Pilocarpus microphyllus (Jaborandi), respectively, on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to quantify these compounds. Larval packet and adult immersion tests were conducted with different concentrations. Five AE and EE concentrations, ranging from 6.2 to 100.0 mg mL-1, and six concentrations of pilocarpine hydrochloride, ranging from 0.7 to 24.0 mg mL-1, were tested. The lethal concentration (LC50) of each extract for larvae and engorged females was calculated through Probit analysis. The concentration of pilocarpine hydrochloride obtained from the EE and the AE was 1.3 and 0.3% (m/m), respectively. Pilocarpine hydrochloride presented the highest acaricidal activity on larvae (LC50 2.6 mg mL-1) and engorged females (LC50 11.8 mg mL-1) of R. (B.) microplus, followed by the EE which presented LC50 of 56.4 and 15.9 mg mL-1, for larvae and engorged females, respectively. Such results indicate that pilocarpine hydrochloride has acaricidal activity, and may be the primary compound responsible for this activity by P. microphyllus EE.
Consensus Building in a Local Context for the AHP-GDM With the Individual Numerical Scale and Prioritization Method

The methodology for selecting the individual numerical scale and prioritization method has recently been presented and justified in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In this study, we further propose a novel AHP-group decision making (GDM) model in a local context (a unique criterion), based on the individual selection of the numerical scale and prioritization method. The resolution framework of the AHP-GDM with the individual numerical scale and prioritization method is first proposed. Then, based on linguistic Euclidean distance (LED) and linguistic minimum violations (LMV), the novel consensus measure is defined so that the consensus degree among decision makers who use different numerical scales and prioritization methods can be analyzed. Next, a consensus reaching model is proposed to help decision makers improve the consensus degree. In this consensus reaching model, the LED-based and LMV-based consensus rules are proposed and used. Finally, a new individual consistency index and its properties are proposed for the use of the individual numerical scale and prioritization method in the AHP-GDM. Simulation experiments and numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed model.
NRC Publications Archive Archives des publications du CNRC

– Fiducial markers and computer vision software provide a low cost and ﬂexible way for human-computer interaction. Using the high reliability and minimal image pixel requirements of the ARTag ﬁducial marker system we are able to identify users and perform con-trol actions with a simple small printed pattern. We describe two novel applications. Firstly, a user giving a presentation can control the slides with simple motions of a small printed marker towards their laptop or portable computer’s built-in camera, thus replacing a remote or the necessity to step back towards the computer to advance the slides. Secondly, patterns printed on a small card can be used to interact with a kiosk, an example is the back of a ID badge used to bring up the schedule and direction information to a conference attendee.
Fuel selection, muscle fibre

The fuel selection of muscle fibres at rest is dependent on substrate availability. Increased lipid availability results in an increase citrate concentration with inhibition of glycolysis. Fat utilization also increases the concentration ratio acetyl-CoA:CoASH, with inhibition of PDH transformation to the active form. The result is an inhibition of carbohydrate utilization in conformity with the classical glucose-fatty acid style. During exercise fuel selection is dependent on the intensity of exercise, the recruitment pattern of fibre type and the availability of fuels. During exercise at maximum intensity the main fuels are PCr and muscle glycogen, the highest energy release occurring with type II fibres. At exercise intensities between 70 and 100% VO2max carbohydrate is the main fuel after the intake of normal mixed or carbohydrate-rich diets. No inhibition of PDHa formation was observed by increased concentration ratio acetyl-CoA:CoASH during the exercise, but the activation and transport of fatty-acyl groups from NEFA may be inhibited by a decrease in the concentration of CoASH. This mechanism may limit the contribution of fat to metabolism during exercise at intensities above 60% VO2max, after an intake of carbohydrate-rich diets. After carbohydrate starvation or an infusion of a fat emulsion, there was a substantial increase in the utilization of fat which, after the infusion, was concomitant with a high PDHa and a high lactate production. This is thought to be due to a decrease in glycolysis and in the catalytic activity of PDHa, especially in type I fibres, while lactate production continues in type II fibres. When exercise intensities fall below 60% VO2max, fat becomes the dominant fuel during prolonged exercise. At the same time the recruitment pattern is shifted toward type I fibres which have the lowest activation threshold and the highest oxidative capacity.
Angiotensin II augments cytokine-stimulated nitric oxide synthesis in rat cardiac myocytes.

BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to modulate cardiac function. We investigated the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on NO synthase activity in cardiac myocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Using the Griess reagent, we measured the production of nitrite, a stable metabolite of NO, by cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. The expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA was assayed by Northern blotting. Incubation of cardiac myocytes for 24 hours with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) caused a significant increase in NO production. Ang II significantly augmented NO synthesis in IL-1 beta-stimulated but not in unstimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. The angiotensin type I receptor antagonist CV 11974 inhibited the effect of Ang II dose-dependently. Simultaneous incubation of Ang II with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine or actinomycin D also completely inhibited the effect of Ang II. The Ang II-induced NO production by IL-1 beta-stimulated cells was accompanied by increased iNOS mRNA accumulation. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also augmented NO synthesis in IL-1 beta-stimulated but not in unstimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. The protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C dose-dependently blocked the effect of Ang II. After protein kinase C activity was functionally depleted by treatment of cells with PMA for 24 hours, Ang II did not augment IL-1 beta-induced NO production. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that Ang II upregulates IL-1 beta-induced iNOS expression in cardiac myocytes, which is mediated at least partially via activation of protein kinase C.
Lipid signaling changes in smooth muscle remodeling associated with partial urinary bladder outlet obstruction

Hypertrophy of the urinary bladder smooth muscle (detrusor) is associated with partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO). Hypertrophied detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) reveals altered contractile characteristics. In this study, we analyzed the lipid‐dependent signaling system that includes phospholipase A2 in PBOO‐induced DSM remodeling and hypertrophy to determine whether the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from phospholipid is altered in the detrusor.
Effect of Mechanical Compression on the Prevalence of Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis as Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Venography

Background: Patients have been shown to be at greater risk for deep venous thrombosis, particularly proximal thrombosis, after total hip arthroplasty. Proximal thrombi are more likely to develop into pulmonary emboli than are distal thrombi. The purpose of this randomized, prospective study was to compare the prevalence of pelvic and proximal lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis after primary total hip arthroplasty between patients treated with an impulse mechanical compression device for prophylaxis and those treated with prophylactic stockings.Methods: One hundred patients were evaluated, with use of magnetic resonance venography, for proximal deep venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. Fifty patients were treated with a mechanical compression device on both lower extremities, and the other fifty patients received only prophylactic stockings. Both groups of patients received hypotensive epidural anesthesia and 325 mg of aspirin twice a day.Results: Overall, proximal deep venous thrombi were found in 15% of the 100 patients. Of the fifty patients treated with mechanical compression, 8% (four) had a positive venogram. Of the fifty control patients, 22% (eleven) had a positive venogram (p < 0.05). However, overall the rate of occlusive thrombi was 6% (six) compared with an overall rate of nonocclusive thrombi of 9% (nine). The rate of occlusive thrombi was 2% (one of fifty) in the study group and 10% (five of fifty) in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: On the basis of this study, we concluded that patients managed with total hip arthroplasty benefit from a reduction in the rates of femoral and pelvic deep vein thrombosis when they are treated with hypotensive epidural anesthesia, mechanical compression, and aspirin and are subsequently assessed with magnetic resonance venography.
Expression of Endorphin Gene Favored in Human Evolution

GENETICSA new study of evolutionary changes in the regulation of a gene implicated in perception, behavior, and memory indicates that such changes, rather than changes in the proteins genes code for, were what initially set humans apart from other apes. [(Read more.)][1] [1]: http://www.sciencemag. org/cgi/content/full/310/5752/1257
Regulation of supply and demand structure of the water resources and support economic and social leap-forward development of protection measures

As located in the hinterland of Eurasian continent,Xinjiang is far away from the water vapor source,dry climate and complicated terrain make water resource scarce,significant differences of water resource distributions among regions,frail eco-environment,and stinging water demand rivalrousness between economical system and ecological system.As water shortage caused by reasonless water demand structure has been an obvious constrain for sustainable development of social-economical system in Xinjiang,it's great significant to make reasonable adjustment of water supply-demand structure for supporting the economic and social leap-forward development,promoting smoothly the new industrialization,agricultural modernization and urbanization,achieve long-term stability.Based on deep analysis on water resource and its current problems faced,this paper explored the future direction of water resource development and utilization in Xinjiang.Combined the prospect analysis of future social-economical development and agricultural structure adjustment,the 3rd section set forth the balance analysis of water resources demand and supply structure in the future 20 years in Xinjiang.It showed that we should control the irrigation area under 533.33×104 hm2,agricultural water consumption under 450×108 m3,and total water consumption for social-economical system under 540×108m3 in year 2030.The paper put forward the role of water resource supply-demand structure adjustment for supporting the economic and social leap-forward development,and stated a few difficulties should be focus and solved during the very adjustment process.All these analysis would be useful for decision-making of sustainable water resource development and utilization in Xinjiang.
Genetic exchange and recombination in populations of the root‐infecting fungus Armillaria gallica

Genetic individuals, or genets, of Armillaria and other root‐infecting basidiomycetes are usually found in discrete patches that often include the root systems of several adjacent trees. Each diploid individual is thought to arise in an unique mating event and then grow vegetatively in an expanding territory over a long period of time. Our objective in this study was to describe the population from which such genetic individuals are drawn. In a sample including 274 collections representing 121 genetic individuals of A. gallica (synonym A. bulbosa) from two sites in each of four regions of eastern North America, genotype frequencies at seven nuclear loci were not significantly different from Hardy‐Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, allele frequencies at the seven loci were not significantly different between regions. Additional allelic data from four non‐contiguous regions of mitochondrial DNA showed little or no population subdivision over the four regions. Analysis of the distribution of multilocus mtDNA haplotypes revealed some clonal transmission of mtDNAs between genets and nonrandom mating within sites. Despite the sharing of mtDNA types by some individuals, the overall sample contained a high level of genotypic diversity. The apparent linkage equilibrium between some pairs of loci and the high level of phylogenetic inconsistency among all four loci suggest the occurrence heteroplasmy and recombination among mtDNAs of A. gallica in nature. In laboratory matings of two haploid strains with different mtDNA types, a low frequency of recombination in mtDNA was detected.
Live Imaging of Regenerating Lamprey Spinal Axons

The sea lamprey has been used as a model for the study of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. Although the growing tips of developing axons in lamprey have not been described, in all species studied, growth cones are complex in shape, consisting of a lamellipodium and filopodia, rich in F-actin and lacking neurofilaments (NF). By contrast, static immunohistochemical and electron microscopic observations of fixed tissue suggested that the tips of regenerating lamprey spinal axons are simple in shape, densely packed with NF, but contain very little F-actin. Thus, it has been proposed that regeneration of axons in the CNS of mature animals is not based on the canonical pulling mechanism of growth cones but involves an internal protrusive force, perhaps generated by the transport and assembly of NF. To eliminate the possibility that these histological features are due to fixation artifact, fluorescently labeled regenerating axon tips were imaged live. Methods. Spinal cords were transected, and after 0 to 10 weeks, the CNS was isolated in lamprey Ringerat5°Cto12°Candthelargereticulospinalaxons were microinjected with fluorescent tracers. The proximal axon tips were imaged with a fluorescence dissecting microscope repeatedly over 2 to 5 days and photographed with confocal microscopy. Experiments were also performed through a dorsal incision in the living animal. Axon tips were microinjected as above or retrogradely labeled with tracer applied to the transection site and photographed through the fluorescence dissecting scope or with two-photon microscopy. The spinal cords were then fixed and processed for wholemount NF immunohistochemistry. Results. The living axon tips were simple in shape, not significantly different from those in fixed spinal cords, and filled with NF. In isolated CNS preparations, very little axon retraction and no regeneration was observed. In the living animal, rapid retraction, up to 3 mm/day, was seen during the 1st few days posttransection. At more than 2 weeks posttransection, some fibers showed regeneration of up to 35 μm/day. Conclusions. 1) The tips of regenerating lamprey axons are simple in shape and filled with NF. 2) Both axon retraction and axon extension are active processes, requiring factors present in the living animal that are missing in the isolated CNS.
A Linearization Scheme for Thermistor-Based Sensing in Biomedical Studies

Temperature is one of the basic biophysical quantity monitored for various biomedical systems. Moreover, the variation of temperature is also an important parameter which can be used for estimating other measurands, such as respiratory airflow. This paper proposes a simple operational amplifier-based astable multivibrator circuit for linearization of the characteristic of a negative temperature coefficient thermistor constituting one of the timing resistors. The circuit has been combined with a lookup table to get the unknown temperature value from multivibrator output. Moreover, the same system topology can be used as a linearizer for measurement of respiratory airflow. The performance of the composite system has been verified experimentally. A linearity of approximately ±0.75% has been achieved over 30 °C-110 °C in the case of temperature measurement and ±1.2% for airflow of 10-60 LPM. Better results can also be achieved with the introduction of interpolation algorithms, but at a higher computational and component cost. The compactness of the complete system makes it a good candidate for embedded sensing applications in biomedical systems, such as point-of-care monitoring or in sleep study.
Epileptic Pattern Recognition and Discovery of the Local Field Potential in Amygdala Kindling Process

Epileptogenesis, which occurs in an epileptic brain, is an important focus for epilepsy. The spectral analysis has been popularly applied to study the electrophysiological activities. However, the resolution is dominated by the window function of the algorithm used and the sample size. In this report, a temporal waveform analysis method is proposed to investigate the relationship of electrophysiological discharges and motor outcomes with a kindling process. Wistar rats were subjected to electrical amygdala kindling to induce temporal lobe epilepsy. During the kindling process, different morphologies of afterdischarges (ADs) were found and a recognition method, using template matching techniques combined with morphological comparators, was developed to automatically detect the epileptic patterns. The recognition results were compared to manually labeled results, and 79%-91% sensitivity was found. In addition, the initial ADs (the first 10 s) of different seizure stages were specifically utilized for recognition, and an average of 85% sensitivity was achieved. Our study provides an alternative viewpoint away from frequency analysis and time-frequency analysis to investigate epileptogenesis in an epileptic brain. The recognition method can be utilized as a preliminary inspection tool to identify remarkable changes in a patient's electrophysiological activities for clinical use. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of predicting behavioral seizure stages from the early epileptiform discharges.
Susceptibility of Human Lymphoblasts (RPMI 7466) to Viral Infections in Vitro

Summary Comparative viral susceptibility tests using human diploid lung fibroblasts (Led-130) and human lymphoblasts (RPMI 7466) have been made. Lymphoblasts 7466 were found resistant to the cytopathic effect of most viruses tested, but were capable of supporting persistent viral infections with many of these. Exceptions were herpes simplex and Coxsackie type A-15 viruses which were highly cytopathic for lymphoblasts 7466; viral replication in these instances was accompanied by total destruction of the culture. Concomitant virus replication and cell multiplication occurred in lymphoblasts 7466 persistently infected with poliovirus type 1 during 7 months of continuous culture. No recognizable cell destruction, reduction in growth rate, or interference to infection with two other viruses could be measured in these cultures. The mechanisms which operate to control and maintain persistent virus infections in cultures of human lymphoblasts has been studied and discussed.
Telling faces together: Learning new faces through exposure to multiple instances

We are usually able to recognize novel instances of familiar faces with little difficulty, yet recognition of unfamiliar faces can be dramatically impaired by natural within-person variability in appearance. In a card-sorting task for facial identity, different photos of the same unfamiliar face are often seen as different people. Here we report two card-sorting experiments in which we manipulate whether participants know the number of identities present. Without constraints, participants sort faces into many identities. However, when told the number of identities present, they are highly accurate. This minimal contextual information appears to support viewers in “telling faces together”. In Experiment 2 we show that exposure to within-person variability in the sorting task improves performance in a subsequent face-matching task. This appears to offer a fast route to learning generalizable representations of new faces.