Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozymes and corticosteroid hormone receptors in primary cultures of human trophoblast and placental bed biopsies.

Interconversion of active and inactive glucocorticoids, e.g. cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) is catalysed by 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) which exists as two isoforms. We have used human placental bed biopsies and an in-vitro cytotrophoblast cell culture system to examine the expression and activity of the 11 beta-HSD isoforms along with that of the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GR and MR). Immunohistochemistry localized 11 beta-HSD1 to decidualized stromal cells and 11 beta-HSD2 to villous cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblasts and trophoblast cells invading the placental bed and maternal vasculature. In primary cultures of human cytotrophoblast, 11 beta-HSD2, GR and MR mRNA were expressed. Low levels of 11 beta-HSD1 mRNA were noted in these cultured cells, but could be explained on the basis of contaminating, vimentin-positive decidual stromal cells (< or =5%). Enzyme activity studies confirmed the presence of a high-affinity, NAD-dependent dehydrogenase activity (K(m) 137 nmol/l and V(max) 128 pmol E/h/mg protein), indicative of the 11 beta-HSD2 isoform. No reductase activity was observed. The presence of functional MR and GR was determined using Scatchard analyses of dexamethasone and aldosterone binding (MR K(d) 1.4 nmol/l B(max) 3.0; GR K(d) 6.6 nmol/l B(max) 16.2 fmol/ng protein). The expression of 11 beta-HSD1 in maternal decidua and 11 beta-HSD2 in adjacent trophoblast suggests an important role for glucocorticoids in determining trophoblast invasion. The presence of the MR within trophoblast indicates that some of the effects of cortisol could be MR- rather than GR-mediated.
Dangerous neighbours, regional territorial conflict and the democratic peace

The likelihood of conflict and the observation of joint democracy tend to cluster regionally. This article tests the argument that these clusters can be explained by regional variations in the stability of international borders using a new dataset of territorial dispute hot spots from 1960–1998. These hot spots identify spatial and temporal correlations in the territorial dispute data and therefore serve as close proxies for regional or neighbourhood instability. The addition of these hot spots also eliminates a common form of omitted variable bias – the spatial clustering of conflict – in international conflict models. These results confirm that joint democracy is only statistically significant as a predictor of fatal militarized interstate disputes in more peaceful neighbourhoods once territorial hot spots are jointly estimated. The interaction between joint democracy and regional instability confirms that the effects of regime type on continued conflict apply mostly to dyads in peaceful regions.
Fly abundance and climate as determinants of sheep blowfly strike incidence in southwest England

Abstract The relationships between abundance of the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), climate, animal management procedures and the incidence of cutaneous myiasis (blowfly strike) in sheep were examined in three sheep pasture systems in southwest England during the summers of 2002 and 2003. In each year, flies were collected using liver‐baited sticky targets, daily weather and routine husbandry practices were noted and the age‐class of each animal infested and body position of each strike were recorded. On sites where no strike control was used, 5.8–12.1% of ewes and 5.7–15.8% of lambs were struck. Ewe strikes predominated at the beginning of the season. The incidence of ewe strikes was significantly associated with higher mean temperature, rainfall and shearing; shearing was associated with a 95% reduction in the risk of ewe strike. In lambs, the incidence of strike was significantly related to higher fly abundance, ewe shearing, treatment and mean ambient temperature. Lambs were 4.6 times more likely to be struck after the ewes had been shorn than before; however, the strongest relationship was with mean L. sericata abundance. Average minimum threshold temperatures of 9.5 °C for lamb strikes and 8.5 °C for all strikes were extrapolated, below which oviposition did not occur. Over 80% of ewe strikes occurred in the breech region in 2002, as did 100% in 2003. However, in lambs both body and breech strikes occurred in both years. The distribution of lamb strikes appeared to change over time, with breech strikes predominating in May, June and July and body strikes occurring increasingly later in the season. The incidence of lamb breech strikes was significantly associated with higher L. sericata abundance and ewe shearing but there was no relationship with weather conditions. By contrast, the risk of body strike in lambs was significantly associated with higher blowfly abundance, higher rainfall and higher maximum temperatures. The relationship between strike incidence and L. sericata abundance is important because it enhances our understanding of strike incidence patterns and management of this disease. Clearly, any factors that facilitate larger L. sericata populations, such as inappropriate carcass burial or increased average ambient temperatures, are likely to increase the incidence of strike.
Reduzierte Bodenbearbeitung - Deutliche Vorteile für Bodenfruchtbarkeit

Eine reduzierte Bodenbearbeitung im Biolandbau bringt deutliche Vorteile in Bezug auf die Bodenfruchtbarkeit sowie teils hohere Ertrage als beim Einsatz des Pflugs. Das zeigen erste Ergebnisse des FiBL-Forschungsprojekts „Klimaneutraler Acker- und Gemusebau“.
Sensitivity of edge illumination X-ray phase-contrast imaging

Recently, we developed a theoretical model that can predict the signal-to-noise ratio for edge-like features in phase-contrast images. This model was then applied for the estimation of the sensitivity of three different X-ray phase-contrast techniques: propagation-based imaging, analyser-based imaging and grating interferometry. We show here how the same formalism can be used also in the case of the edge illumination (EI) technique, providing results that are consistent with those of a recently developed method for the estimation of noise in the retrieved refraction image. The new model is then applied to calculate, in the case of a given synchrotron radiation set-up, the optimum positions of the pre-sample aperture and detector edge to maximize the sensitivity. Finally, an example of the extremely high angular resolution achievable with the EI technique is presented.
IoT Architecture for a Sustainable Tourism Application in a Smart City Environment

In the past few years, the Smart Cities concept has become one of the main driving forces for the urban transition towards a low carbon environment, sustainable economy, and mobility. Tourism, as one of the fastest growing industries, is also an important generator of carbon emissions; therefore, the recently emerging sustainable tourism concept is envisioned as an important part of the Smart Cities paradigm. Within this context, the Internet-of-Things (IoT) concept is the key technological point for the development of smart urban environments through the use of aggregated data, integrated in a single decisional platform. This paper performs the first analysis on the feasibility of the use of an IoT approach and proposes a specific architecture for a sustainable tourism application. The architecture is tailored for the optimisation of the movement of cruise ship tourists in the city of Cagliari (Italy), by taking into consideration factors such as transport information and queue waiting times. A first set of simulations is performed using 67-point of interest, real transportation data, and an optimisation algorithm.
“Third drug” trial

SIR,-Most genital and extragenital warts undergo spontaneous resolution (10 March, p 735). Cervical human papillomavirus infection is usually discovered only in patients with cytological abnormality referred for colposcopic assessment. As most of these patients are subsequently treated for an associated dysplastic lesion, the natural progression of human papillomavirus infection has not been studied. A recent study in the Birmingham and Midland Hospital for Women showed that of 48 women referred for evaluation of abnormal cytology with cervical human papillomavirus infection without associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 27 (56%) showed no cytological or colposcopic abnormalities after a median follow up of 10 months. This suggests that cervical human papillomavirus infection is often self limiting and with resolution of the viral infection cytological, colposcopic, and histological abnormalities may regress. Alternatively, incorporation of the viral genome into metaplastic cells may produce an irreversible progression of dysplastic change making it imperative to treat these lesions whenever found. Dr Albert Singer and others cite the excellent results achieved with local destructive techniques in the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. This is based on the premise that all histologically abnormal epithelium can be identified by colposcopic assessment, but this assumption may be invalid in human papillomavirus infection of the cervix. Colposcopically normal mature squamous epithelium may harbour sufficient quantities of the viral genome to maintain a productive infection after destruction of all colposcopically atypical epithelium. In addition the human papillomavirus genome may be sequestered in tissue below the depth of destruction normally achieved by local destructive treatment. A controlled study of the use of local destructive techniques in the management of cervical human papillomavirus infection is needed. C B J WOODMAN
Low‐dose genistein induces cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and G1 cell‐cycle arrest in human prostate cancer cells

Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavone found chiefly in soy products, reportedly has antiprostate cancer effects, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. We studied the antiproliferative and apoptosis‐inducing effects of genistein in the androgen‐sensitive human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Viable cell number was assessed by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay; cell‐cycle progression and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry; apoptosis was also assessed by a histone enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; and the expression of several cell‐cycle– and apoptosis‐related genes and their gene products was determined by northern blot analysis, western blot analysis, and/or assays based on polymerase chain reaction. Physiologic concentrations of genistein (≤ 20 μM) decreased LNCaP viable cell number in a dose‐dependent manner, induced a G1 cell‐cycle block, decreased prostate‐specific antigen mRNA expression, and increased p27KIP1 and p21WAF1 (mRNA and protein) but had no effect on apoptosis or the mRNA expression of the apoptosis‐ and cell‐cycle–related markers bcl‐2, bax, Rb, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Higher concentrations of genistein (> 20 μM) did induce apoptosis. We conclude that genistein (at physiologic concentrations) exerts potent antiproliferative effects on LNCaP cells by inducing a G1 cell‐cycle block. The antiproliferative effects of genistein may be mediated by increased levels of p27KIP1 and p21WAF1, which are negative cell‐cycle regulators that act as cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and that have been recently linked with prostate carcinogenesis. These findings may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the apparent antiprostate cancer effects of soy consumption observed in epidemiologic studies. Mol. Carcinog. 29:92–102, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modify multicast rate Embed Sequence Numbers Strip Sequence Numbers UDP UDP Error Correction Decoder Receiver UDP UDP UDP Cloud-based ServerProxy Server WiFi Access Point Channel Statistics Feedback

The lack of adequate support for multicast hinders the ability of WiFi to deliver high quality video in crowded areas with large number of users. In our recent papers, we presented techniques for low-overhead feedback collection and rate adaptation for WiFi multicast. In this demo, we present a platform for evaluating video delivery over multicast using these techniques. The platform does not require changes in existing 802.11 standards and we implemented it on Android devices and laptops. The platform allows evaluation of the performance of multicast feedback, rate adaptation, and video rate adaptation algorithms in various settings including mobility and external interference. Keywords— WiFi Multicast, Video Streaming, Mobile, Performance Evaluation
Cellular organelles facilitate dimerization of a newly identified Arf from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

GTPases of the Ras superfamily regulate a wide variety of cellular processes including vesicular transport and various secretory pathways of the cell. ADP – ribosylation factor (ARF) belongs to one of the five major families of the Ras superfamily and serves as an important component of vesicle formation and transport machinery of the cells. The binding of GTP to these Arfs and its subsequent hydrolysis, induces conformational changes in these proteins leading to their enzymatic activities. The dimeric form of Arf is associated with membrane pinch‐off during vesicle formation. In this report, we have identified an arf gene from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, CrArf, and showed that the oligomeric state of the protein in C. renhardtii is modulated by the cellular membrane environment of the organism. Protein cross‐linking experiments showed that the purified recombinant CrArf has the ability to form a dimer. Both the 20‐kDa monomeric and 40‐kDa dimeric forms of CrArf were recognized from Chlamydomonas total cell lysate (CrTLC) and purified recombinant CrArf by the CrArf specific antibody. The membranous environment of the cell appeared to facilitate dimerization of the CrArf, as dimeric form was found exclusively associated with the membrane bound organelles. The subcellular localization studies in Chlamydomonas suggested that CrArf mainly localized in the cytosol and was mislocalized in vesicle transport machinery inhibitor treated cells. This research sheds light on the importance of the cellular membrane environment for regulating the oligomeric state of CrArf protein in this organism and associated functional role.
Postural Changes of the Dural Sac in the Lumbar Spines of Asymptomatic Individuals Using Positional Stand-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Study Design. Positional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of control subjects. Objectives. To determine dimensional changes in the lumbar dural sac as a function of posture, and to establish changes between the supine, erect and seated positions. Summary of Background Data. Studies using computerized tomography and MRI were done to determine the mechanical effects on the lumbar spinal canal in the different positions. There has been no consecutive study, however, in which normal individuals were investigated for positional changes of the dural sac, including true standing position. Methods. Thirty-two male asymptomatic volunteers were recruited. The examination was performed using a new MRI system. All subjects were examined with sagittal T2 and axial T1-weighted spin-echo images. The subjects were studied in the supine, standing, and sitting positions. The measurements were made using OSIRIS software (Digital Imaging Unit University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland). On axial images, dural sac cross-sectional area and anteroposterior (AP) dural sac diameter were measured at the level of the L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 discs. On midsagittal images, AP dural sac diameter and the upper-endplate angles of L1 and S1 were measured. Results. We found a disc degeneration or disc protrusion in 41% (12/29) of the subjects, but there was no obvious compression of the dural sac. Depending on the postures, the mean dural sac cross-sectional area and AP dural sac diameter changed. At all levels, mean dural sac cross-sectional area in the supine position was significantly smaller than in other postures. The dural area decreased most at the L5/S1 level due to positional change from standing to supine. The largest dural area at the L5/S1 level was in sitting extended. AP dural sac diameter on axial and midsagittal images showed a similar tendency. Conclusions. A significant posture-dependent difference of the dural sac cross-sectional area at the level of intervertebral disc in asymptomatic volunteers has been demonstrated. When the posture changed from supine to standing position, lumbar dural sac volume expanded by the increased pressure of cerebrospinal fluid, and the dural sac cross-sectional area increased. The smallest values were found in the supine position.
Development of human prostate cancer models for chemoprevention and experimental therapeutics studies

The progression of human prostate cancer from histomorphologic to clinical expression often requires several decades. This study emphasizes the importance of developing relevant human prostate cancer models to study the molecular events leading to prostate cancer progression. These models will provide a rational basis for chemopreventive and treatment strategies to retard the progression of human prostate cancer from its localized to its metastatic state. In our laboratory, we have established the LNCaP progression and ARCaP models and the in vitro three‐dimensional growth models involving prostate cancer and bone stroma to study the progression of prostate cancer. We propose that prostate cancer may progress from an androgen‐dependent to an androgen‐independent state. While existing as androgen‐independent tumors (defined as tumors capable of growing in castrated hosts and secreting PSA in serum), prostate cancer may assume three different phenotypes as it progresses: androgen‐independent while remaining androgen‐responsive; androgen‐independent and unresponsive to androgen stimulation; and androgen‐independent but suppressed by androgen. It is conceivable that any androgen‐independent human prostate cancer may contain variable proportions of cells that exhibit these three phenotypes. This concept may have important implications in determining strategies for chemopreventive and therapeutic trials. We have established three‐dimensional growth models of prostate cancer cells either in collagen gel or microgravity‐simulated growth conditions to form viable and functional organoids which contain prostate cancer epithelial cells admixed with prostate or bone stromal cells. These in vitro models combined with the in vivo models described above will enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of prostate cancer growth and progression, and hence could improve efficiency in screening chemopreventive and therapeutic agents which alter the biologic behaviors of human prostate cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 28/29:174–181. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hardware in the loop simulation for PIAGGIO MP3 control systems validation

Recently Piaggio developed a new scooter equipped with a revolutionary front suspension electronically controlled locking. It was critical to test and validate the design of this new control system before deployment to ensure high customer satisfaction and reducing warranty costs. Test on a HIL platform accelerates the verification and validation process. A validated HIL set-up, being a repeatable and reliable test platform with a short turnaround time is ideal for developing standardized processes for electronic control unit (ECU) testing and calibration. With shortening life cycles in the motorcycle industry, HIL technology is rapidly gaining acceptance not only in conventional vehicle programs, but also challenging vehicle programs. The development of control strategies for MP3 ECU has benefited from HIL-based testing. It has proven to be an efficient tool for software strategy development, implementation and validation. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how the HIL simulation has been used during the validation phase of the new Piaggio scooter at ELASIS.
1 An Analytic Approach for Deploying Desktop Videoconferencing

The deployment of desktop videoconferencing, also known as Video and Voice over IP (VVoIP), over existing IP networks is gaining popularity these days. Such a deployment has become a major and challenging task for data network researchers and designers. This paper presents an analytic approach for deploying videoconferencing. The approach utilizes queueing network analysis and investigates two key performance bounds for videoconferencing: delay and bandwidth. The approach can be used to assess the support and readiness of an existing IP network. Prior to the purchase and deployment of desktop videoconferencing equipment, the approach predicts the number of videoconferencing sessions or calls that can be sustained by an existing network while satisfying QoS requirements of all network services and leaving adequate capacity for future growth. As a case study, we apply our approach to a typical network of a small enterprise. In addition, we use OPNET network simulator to verify and validate our analysis. Results obtained from analysis and simulation are in line and give a close match.
Physical Restraint: a descriptive study in swiss nursing homes

This article focuses on the reasons for using physical restraints, their prevalence and nurses’ experiences of their use. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire from nurses, trained nurse’s aids and auxiliary staff (n = 173) in seven Swiss nursing homes. The results showed that physical restraints are used in nursing units, the mean number of restrained residents in each being 3.7 (SD 3.9). However, nursing staff did not necessarily understand and consider the term ‘restraint’ as a restrictive device in its negative sense. The most common reasons indicated for the use of restraint were related to the protection and safety of the residents themselves, the prevention of disturbance of other residents, and the residents’ restlessness and aggressiveness. As for the reasons related to staffing, reference was made to understaffing, a lack of competence on the part of nurses, and the demands of residents, their next of kin and doctors. It was not common practice to inform the elderly residents that they would be restrained, and therefore they were not always aware of what was happening to them and why. Twenty-nine per cent of the respondents reported that the flexibility of their work was affected by the use of physical restraint.
Determination of the D and L isomers of some protein amino acids present in soils.

The D and L isomers of some protein amino acids present in soils were measured by using a gas chromatographic technique. The results of two processing procedures were compared to determine the better method. Results of the comparison indicated that the determination of D and L percentages requires amino acid purification if one is to obtain accurate data. It was found that very significant amounts of D-alanine, D-aspartic acid, and D-glutamic acid were present in the contemporary soils studied. Valine, isoleucine, leucine, proline, and phenylalanine generally contained only a trace to very small amounts of the D isomer. It is probable that the D-amino acids from the alanine, aspartic, and glutamic acids are contributed to the soil primarily via microorganisms. The finding of very significant quantities of some D-amino acids (about 5-16%) in present-day soils may alert some investigators of geological sediments to a possible problem in using amino acid racemization as an age-dating technique.
GASTRO‐ENTERITIS IN AUSTRALIA CAUSED BY A MARINE VIBRIO

An epidemic of gastro‐enteritis began on December 26, 1968, and continued sporadically until June, 1969, on a tropical island tourist resort off the north‐eastern coast of Australia. The only enteric pathogen isolated from acute cases was a marine Vibrio sp. which was grown from 12 of 14 patients. The vibrio was also grown from 24 samples of bore and sea water.