Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Thymocytes in Regulating Thymic Epithelial Cell Growth and Function

The basic tenet underlying the present work and supported by recent studies is that there is a dialogue between developing thymocytes and thymic stromal cells. One direction in this dialogue, i. e. thymic stromal cell role in shaping thymocyte maturation, has been extensively studied. The other direction, thymocyte effect on stromal cell development and function, started to emerge only recently on the basis of in vivo observations in SCID and knockout mice. An in vitro approach to the analysis of this interaction may add substantial insight into the process, as demonstrated by the present work. We made use of a culture system of either murine thymic epithelial cells (TEC line) cultured alone or cocultured with thymocytes. Unstimulated thymocytes or their supernatant caused 40–80% inhibition of TEC cell proliferation, as measured by 3H‐thymidine incorporation. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that this inhibition can be attributed to reduction in G2/M phase cell number pari passu with an increase in Go/G1 cell number. This inhibitory effect was found to be partially mediated by TGF‐β produced by thymocytes. On the other hand, thymocytes augmented IL‐6 production by TEC cells in coculture, an effect which could not be reproduced by thymocyte culture supernatant and was not inhibited by thymocyte pretreatment with formaldehyde or emetine. Furthermore, antibodies against thymocyte adhesion molecules (CD2, LFA‐1) blocked the thymocyte‐induced IL‐6 secretion. IL‐6 was found to be an autocrine growth factor of TEC in culture, since a combination of anti IL‐6 and anti IL‐6 receptor antibodies caused 70% inhibition of TEC proliferation and addition of exogenous recombinant IL‐6 doubled the rate of proliferation. These results suggest that thymocytes regulate thymic epithelial cell growth by a complex set of inhibitory and enhancing signals mediated through either soluble factors or direct contact. The ultimate effect is dependent on the balance between different signals and may be different in different microenvironmental settings in vivo. In coculture in vitro the dominant effect was growth inhibition of the epithelial cells by thymocytes.
The Effect of Crude Protein Level in Diets on Laying Performance, Nutrient Digestibility of Yellow Quails

Four diets with different crude protein levels 17.75%, 19.95%, 21.85%, 24.08% were used to feed 192 seven-week-old yellow quails in this experiment. During 50-day-old to 95-day-old, laying rate, feed intake and egg weight were recorded to analysis the effect of different levels of dietary protein on the performance of yellow quails. All fences were collected and analysis the effect of different levels of dietary protein on feed digestibility and Crude Protein utilizablity of yellow quails. The results showed that there was no significant difference of the average egg weight in four diets. The laying rate of diet 2 is significant high than others (p 0.05) but significant of EE and total organism and the utilizability of crude protein was significant difference (p<0.05) in four diets. Result showed that dietary crude protein had significant effect not only on laying performance but also on nutrient digestibility and 20% dietary crude protein was optimum for yellow-feather quails.
Secure Time Synchronization Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network Based on µTESLA Protocol

A secure time synchronization protocol (STSP) for wireless sensor network based on uTESLA protocol is proposed according to the issues that DCS algorithm in wireless sensor network time synchronization is limited in the threats of compromised nodes, big communication cost and deﬁciency in coverage. Firstly, initializing the network topology based on LEACH protocol to balance the network node load and prolong network life cycle. Sec-ondly, excluding the malicious nodes based on uTESLA protocol for making security condition check positively before the network time synchronization. Thirdly, making time synchronization quickly based on TPSN protocol for base station to cluster head node. Fourthly, making time synchronization based on HRTS protocol for cluster head nodes to their own common nodes. Lastly, making reverse authentication based on uTESLA protocol for checking and excluding the compromise nodes after the network time synchronization. The security analysis and simulation show that two times authentication ensure the absolute security of the time synchronization work in STSP, and STSP is much better than DCS in synchronization cycle, precision, ratio and cost.
Problèmes unilatéraux en élasticité

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Loffler's eosinophilic endocarditis with Balint's syndrome (optic ataxia and paralysis of visual fixation).

Four patients who presented with, neurological symptoms, eosinophilia, and latent cardiac lesions are described, with two autopsy studies. They were believed to have Loffler's eosinophilic endocarditis, or disseminated eosinophilic collagen disease. Problems concerning the nature and nomenclature of the disorder, its relationship to Loffler's pneumonia and various cardiomyopathies, and its aetiology are discussed. The frequency with which the disease produces bilateral hemisphere damage, and in particular a perplexing form of ataxia and impaired vision due to parieto-occipital lesions (Balint's syndrome) is indicated.
Sampling time is crucial for measurement of aerobic exercise-induced oxidative stress.

PURPOSE To thoroughly investigate the time-course changes of several commonly used markers of oxidative stress by performing serial measurements during a 24-h period after an acute bout of strenuous cardiovascular exercise. METHODS Eleven untrained men performed two trials. In the experimental trial, the subjects exercised for 45 min at 70-75% VO2max and then at 90% VO2max to exhaustion on a treadmill; in the control trial, the subjects remained at rest. Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise (immediately after exercise and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h). Reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, catalase activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. RESULTS The time to lowest concentration after exercise was 1.7 +/- 0.7 h (mean +/- SD) for GSH/GSSG, and the time to highest concentration after exercise was 1.2 +/- 0.6 h for TBARS, 4.4 +/- 0.5 h for protein carbonyls, 0.5 +/- 0.4h for catalase, and 2.2 +/- 0.9 h for TAC. The greatest change after exercise was -74 +/- 9% for GSH/GSSG, 129 +/- 29% for TBARS, 135 +/- 53% for protein carbonyls, 51 +/- 16% for catalase, and 24 +/- 10% for TAC. CONCLUSION There is no best time point applying to all markers for collecting blood samples after aerobic exercise. The optimum postexercise time points for blood collection in untrained individuals are immediately after exercise for catalase, 1 h for TBARS, 2 h for TAC, GSH, and GSSG, and 4 h after exercise for protein carbonyls.
Characterization of broadly pleiotropic phenotypes caused by an hfq insertion mutation in Escherichia coli K‐12

The region immediately downstream from the miaA tRNA modification gene at 94.8 min contains the hfq gene and the hflA region, which are important in the bacteriophage Qβ and lambda life cycles. The roles of these genes in bacteria remain largely unknown. We report here the characterization of two chromosomal hfq insertion mutations. An omega (ω) cassette insertion near the end of hfq resulted in phenotypes only slightly different from the parent, although transcript mapping demonstrated that the insertion was completely polar on hfq expression. In contrast, an equally polar omega cassette insertion near the beginning of hfq caused pronounced pleiotropic phenotypes, including decreased growth rates and yields, decreased negative supercoiling of piasmids in stationary phase, increased cell size, osmosensitivity, increased oxidation of carbon sources, increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light, and suppression of bgl activation by hns mutations, hfq::ω mutant phenotypes were distinct from those caused by omega insertions early in the miaA tRNA modification gene. On the other hand, both hfq insertions interfered with lambda phage plaque formation, probably by means of polarity at the hflA region. Together, these results show that hfq function plays a fundamental role in Escherichia coli physiology and that hfq and the hflA region are in the amiB‐mutL‐miaA‐hfq‐hflX superoperon.
Superoxide dismutase activity in serum of patients with acute cerebral ischemic injury. Correlation with clinical course and infarct size.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of the major free radical scavenging systems that might play a role in both degenerative and acute diseases of the central nervous system. METHODS We measured SOD activity in the serum of 41 patients with acute ischemic stroke with a chemiluminometric assay based on the generation of oxygen free radicals by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. RESULTS SOD activity was significantly lower in patients with ischemic stroke than in age-matched control patients with nonvascular, neurological illnesses (n = 24; P < .034, Wilcoxon rank test). The activity was inversely correlated with the size of infarction on CT (P = .01, Spearman correlation) and the severity of neurological deficits (P < .001, Spearman correlation). The decreased SOD activity recovered within 5 days after stroke to values found in serum of control patients. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the SOD activity in serum is reduced in stroke patients, and replacement of antioxidative activity could be beneficial in the acute treatment of cerebral ischemia.
Physical Map and Organization of Arabidopsis thaliana Chromosome 4

A physical map of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 4 was constructed in yeast artificial chromosome clones and used to analyze the organization of the chromosome. Mapping of the nucleolar organizing region and the centromere integrated the physical and cytogenetic maps. Detailed comparison of physical with genetic distances showed that the frequency of recombination varied substantially, with relative hot and cold spots occurring along the whole chromosome. Eight repeated DNA sequence families were found in a complex arrangement across the centromeric region and nowhere else on the chromosome.
Depth estimation from multi-baseline images for holographic image reconstruction

Depth estimation from multi-baseline images is investigated for holographic image reconstruction. It is observed narrow baselines provide sharp depth edges although the depth value includes some errors. Wide baselines provide more accurate depth values although depth edges blur. A mixed depth map of them provided better synthesized image quality and was used for electronic holography reconstruction of multi-view images.
Surface micro-structured, stretchable strain sensor towards biaxial sensitivity and performance enhancement

In this work, we developed micro-crack based stretchable strain sensors consist of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with micro-dome structure arrays and carbon nanotube (CNT) film coated on its surface. Due to a stress concentration caused by micro-dome structure under a certain strain, micro-cracks of CNT film are generated and propagated more easily as compared with the case of a CNT film on the plane surface. In addition, because the micro-cracks are only positioned at designed region which is between micro-domes, electrical resistances in elongated and perpendicular directions are clearly different thanks to the novel mechanism. As results of these phenomena, strain decoupling is achieved and a sensitivity of the sensor can be modulated by adjusting the dimension of micro-dome arrays. We also conducted the numerical simulation based on finite element method (FEM) to verify the designed sensing mechanism and predict the performance of the sensor. This kind of work is important for the motion detecting sensor for acquiring decoupled information from complex signal. Finally, we fabricated a smart glove that could detect a biaxial strain applied on the back of a hand skin to demonstrate that this sensor could be used as wearable device.
Hemodynamic Dose‐Responses to Halothane and Isoflurane Are Different in Swine with and without Critical Coronary Artery Stenosis

This study examined global hemodynamic responses to increasing concentrations of halothane and isoflurane in pigs with an acute critical coronary stenosis (CCS) on the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The CCS was caused by graded inflation of an hydraulic occluder to the point where no hyperemic response was observed following a 10 sec. total LAD-occlusion. A minute, piezoelectric epicardial Doppler probe applied without dissection was used to monitor the stenosis. Previously reported minimum alveolar concentrations (MAC) were used as endtidal concentrations ([Et]). The [Et] was increased stepwise until each animal died. Recordings obtained in this study were compared to recordings obtained during similar stepwise increments of these anesthetics in pig preparations without CCS. Isoflurane had a significantly less depressant effect on global hemodynamics compared to halothane and caused death at higher MAC than halothane in either case. A critical LAD-stenosis caused no major changes in the general dose-response pattern of isoflurane but further aggravated the depression of cardiac output and stroke volume induced by increasing concentrations of halothane.
P fimbriae, capsule and aerobactin characterize colonic resident Escherichia coli

Resident and transient Escherichia coli strains from the colonic microflora of 13 Swedish schoolgirls were analysed for carriage of genes encoding a range of adhesins (P, type 1 and S fimbriae, Dr haemagglutinin and three varieties of the P fimbrial papG adhesin) and other virulence traits (K1 and K5 capsule, haemolysin and aerobactin) using multiplex PCR. Forty-four percent of the resident clones carried genes for P fimbriae, K1 or K5 capsule, and aerobactin, compared with only 3% of transient clones (P<0·0001). The P-fimbriated clones most often had the class II variety of the P-fimbrial adhesin gene papG and this adhesin was significantly associated with persistence of a strain. S fimbriae and type 1 fimbriae were equally common in resident and transient strains. The results indicate that not only P fimbriae, but also, certain capsules and the ability to produce the siderophore aerobactin might contribute to persistence of E. coli in the large intestine.
No effects of a single 3G UMTS mobile phone exposure on spontaneous EEG activity, ERP correlates, and automatic deviance detection

Potential effects of a 30 min exposure to third generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phone‐like electromagnetic fields (EMFs) were investigated on human brain electrical activity in two experiments. In the first experiment, spontaneous electroencephalography (sEEG) was analyzed (n = 17); in the second experiment, auditory event‐related potentials (ERPs) and automatic deviance detection processes reflected by mismatch negativity (MMN) were investigated in a passive oddball paradigm (n = 26). Both sEEG and ERP experiments followed a double‐blind protocol where subjects were exposed to either genuine or sham irradiation in two separate sessions. In both experiments, electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded at midline electrode sites before and after exposure while subjects were watching a silent documentary. Spectral power of sEEG data was analyzed in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. In the ERP experiment, subjects were presented with a random series of standard (90%) and frequency‐deviant (10%) tones in a passive binaural oddball paradigm. The amplitude and latency of the P50, N100, P200, MMN, and P3a components were analyzed. We found no measurable effects of a 30 min 3G mobile phone irradiation on the EEG spectral power in any frequency band studied. Also, we found no significant effects of EMF irradiation on the amplitude and latency of any of the ERP components. In summary, the present results do not support the notion that a 30 min unilateral 3G EMF exposure interferes with human sEEG activity, auditory evoked potentials or automatic deviance detection indexed by MMN. Bioelectromagnetics 34:31–42, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative proteome analysis of the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane of day 11.5 cultured rat embryos.

BACKGROUND Proteomic analysis of cultured postimplantation rat embryos is expected to be useful for investigation into embryonic development. Here we analyzed protein expression in cultured postimplantation rat embryos by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass-spectrometric protein identification. METHODS Rat embryos were cultured from day 9.5 for 48 h or from day 10.5 for 24 h. Proteins of the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane were isolated by 2-DE and differentially analyzed with a 2-D analysis software. Selected protein spots in the 2-DE gels were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight tandem mass spectrometric analysis and protein database search. RESULTS About 800 and 1,000 protein spots were matched through the replicate 2-DE gels each from one embryo in the embryo proper and yolk sac membrane, respectively, and virtually the same protein spots were observed irrespective to the length of culture period. From protein spots specific to the embryo proper (126 spots) and yolk sac membrane (304 spots), proteins involved in tissue-characteristic functions, such as morphogenesis and nutritional transfer, were identified: calponin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein, cofilin, myosin, and stathmin in the embryo proper, and Ash-m, dimerization cofactor of hepatocyte nuclear factor, ERM-binding phosphoprotein, cathepsin, and legumain in the yolk sac membrane. CONCLUSION Proteomic analysis of cultured postimplantation rat embryos will be a new approach in developmental biology and toxicology at the protein level.
Minority opinion influence: the role of issue-involvement and similarity

Social influence in marketing has generally been conceptualized in terms of conformity, where the individual's attitudes and behaviour are influenced by real or imagined group pressure. This is a one-way influence process where the group (majority) influences the individual. This research extends this conceptualization of social influence to include the influence of minority or deviant opinions. A simultaneous social influence paradigm is adopted, in which individuals may not only experience conformity pressure from the majority, but may also be subject to persuasion by minority opinions in the group. Such situations may arise in consumer groups as such organizational buying committees or families. Several conditions that may determine the extent of conformity or minority influence were delineated. It was hypothesized that the extent of social identification with a minority or majority source, i.e., source -similarity, would determine the extent of its influence. It was proposed that issue-involvement would play an important role in determining conformity versus minority influence effects, as well as interact significantly with source-similarity. The role of other mediating variables in this social influence process, such as source credibility and source feelings, were also explicated. An empirical test of the theory was undertaken through a 2 (high/low similarity) X 2 (high/low involvement) factorial design. Subject were exposed to persuasive communication from both a majority and a minority source, who advocated contrary
Specifying and achieving passive compliance based on manipulator structure

We explore the possibility of achieving passive compliance through the structure of the manipulator itself. The emphasis is on passive compliance because a minimum of passive compliance to prevent jamming will always be required even when active stiffness control is employed. Particular attention is given to the large class of robots with nonbackdrivable actuators, where the actuator must be commanded to move, and in which actuator forces or torques are not easily interpreted as end-effector forces and torques. We present a novel framework for specifying the desired end-effector compliance for several tasks in terms of stiffness matrices. We explore whether the desired stiffness matrix of a manipulator can be achieved by using the natural or designed stiffness of the manipulator limbs themselves. Several techniques for adjusting the manipulator stiffness matrix are proposed. Achieving this variable passive compliance allows the attainment of high stiffnesses for fast and accurate movements and low stiffness values for force control. Furthermore, achieving nondiagonal stiffness properties wherein there are force and motion coupling in different directions is shown to be useful to prevent jamming and contact induced vibrations. >
Isolation of Tracheal Aspirate Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Predicts Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

BACKGROUND: We have isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from tracheal aspirates of premature infants with respiratory distress. Under the influence of transforming growth factor β, MSCs differentiate into α-smooth-muscle actin–expressing myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are increased in the lungs of patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of prematurely born infants. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether isolation of MSCs from tracheal aspirates of premature infants with respiratory distress during the first week of life correlates with BPD. METHODS: Eighty-four infants born at a gestational age of <33 weeks and requiring mechanical ventilation were studied. Aspirates were collected during suctioning and centrifuged. Cell pellets were resuspended in culture medium and plated. Adherent cells were grown to confluence. RESULTS: MSCs were isolated from the tracheal aspirates of 56 infants; 28 aspirate samples showed no MSCs. There was no statistical difference in gestational age or birth weight between the MSC and no-MSC groups. In the MSC group, 12 infants died and 25 developed BPD, as defined by a requirement for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. In the no-MSC group, 6 infants died and 1 developed BPD. Accounting for potential influences of gender, birth weight, gestational age, number of tracheal aspirate samples taken, and the duration of endotracheal intubation (up to 7 days), isolation of MSCs increased the adjusted odds ratio of BPD more than 21-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.82–265.85). CONCLUSIONS: Isolation of tracheal aspirate MSCs predicts the development of BPD, which suggests that MSCs play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Time-frequency RARE methods for direction finding

A new method for the estimation of the DOA is introduced and named as TF-RARE method. The proposed method includes two steps. First, we construct time-frequency correlation matrix, then estimates DOA of the signals via RARE methods. The localization of the signals with different time-frequency signatures permits the division of the time-frequency domain into smaller regions. By using different time-frequency regions, the direction of the interested signals can be estimated. Simulations are presented to show the superior performance of the method.