Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Development of the Adult Leydig Cell Lineage from Stem Leydig Cells

Adult Leydig cells (ALCs) are the steroidogenic cells in the testes that produce testosterone. ALCs develop postnatally from a pool of stem cells, referred to as stem Leydig cells (SLCs). SLCs are spindle-shaped cells that lack steroidogenic cell markers, including luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The commitment of SLCs into the progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs), the first stage in the lineage, requires growth factors, including Dessert Hedgehog (DHH) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. PLCs are still spindle-shaped, but become steroidogenic and produce mainly androsterone. The next transition in the lineage is from PLC to the immature Leydig cell (ILC). This transition requires LH, DHH, and androgen. ILCs are ovoid cells that are competent for producing a different form of androgen, androstanediol. The final stage in the developmental lineage is ALC. The transition to ALC involves the reduced expression of 5α-reductase 1, a step that is necessary to make the cells to produce testosterone as the final product. The transitions along the Leydig cell lineage are associated with the progressive down-regulation of the proliferative activity, and the up-regulation of steroidogenic capacity, with each step requiring unique regulatory signaling.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, highly aggressive cancer which arises from the mesothelial cells which form the lining of the pleural, and less frequently the peritoneal cavities. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an emergent neoplasm, as it was rarely diagnosed prior to the middle of the 20th century. The incidence has risen steadily since 1970, and there are currently an estimated 3000 new cases per year in the United States. The peak incidence of mesothelioma may have occurred in the United States during the past decade, and the peak incidence in much of the developed world is expected to occur in the next 10-20 years. These data are thought to reflect the widespread occupational asbestos exposure in the Western world from the 1940s to the 1970s, as well as the inherent latency period of approximately 30 years between asbestos exposure and disease manifestation which is typical of MPM. Approximately 80% of mesothelioma cases can be directly attributed to asbestos fiber exposure. Additional suspected causes or co-carcinogens include other mineral fibers such as erionite, simian virus 40 (SV40), and radiation (Robinson and Lake 2005). Moreover, a mesothelioma epidemic in Turkey has demonstrated a likely genetic predisposition to mineral fiber carcinogenesis (Carbone, Emri et al. 2007).
Bone Toxicity of Locally Applied Aminoglycosides

Summary: The effect of tobramycin on osteoblasts was studied. Osteoblast-like cells from the MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line were grown in antibiotic-free media and exposed to concentrations of tobramycin: first at order of magnitude intervals between 0 and 10,000 μg/ml, and then at closer intervals between 100 and 1,000 μg/ml to more accurately define toxic levels. Cell number and 3H-thymidine incorporation at 0, 24 and 72 h were determined. Similarly, primary cultures of rat osteoblasts were exposed to the same concentrations of tobramycin to confirm the validity of the MG-63 cell line as a model for nontransformed cells. The results of this study demonstrate that local levels of tobramycin of ≤200 μg/ml have little or no effect on osteoblast replication. Concentrations of 400 μg/ml significantly decreased cell replication, and concentrations of 10,000 μg/ml caused cell death. Results obtained with primary rat osteoblast cultures were similar to those obtained from the MG-63 cultures at the tested tobramycin concentrations.
BPA: Bigdata Parallelism Algorithm for Distributed Machine Learning

: Machine learning (ML) and applied math techniques are key to transforming huge information into unjust knowledge. In spite of the trendy importance of knowledge, the complexness of existing ML algorithms is usually overwhelming many users don't understand the trade-off and challenges of parameterizing what's a lot of, selecting between different learning procedures. Hide there more; existing elastic frameworks that facilitate machine learning are frequently not hospitable specialists without a solid foundation in spread frameworks and low-level Natives. To handle this draw back, this work organized vast info correspondence recursive commonplace for Distributed Machine Learning info correspondence is practiced once each processor plays out associate indistinguishable trip on numerous bits of disseminated knowledge. Exploitation distributed frameworks that parcel the huge info crosswise over machines and license every machine to see and refresh all ML demonstrate parameters. This system is believed as stupendous info correspondence. It offers the most effective truth with less execution time. Trial result demonstrates the organized BPA recursive principle applies machine learning calculations to vast info quickly. Also, it diminishes machine learning time and can expand machine learning speed .
Asthma control in Canada: no improvement since we last looked in 1999.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether asthma control in Canada had improved since the last major survey in 1999 by exploring how well patients' asthma was controlled, how much they knew about asthma control, and how they used health care resources. DESIGN National telephone survey of patients between April and August 2004. SETTING Canada. PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred ninety-three adults 18 to 54 years old diagnosed with asthma more than 6 months before the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients' control of their asthma, patients' knowledge about asthma, the frequency and duration of periods of worsening asthma, and patients' use of health care resources to manage those periods. RESULTS In total, 26,210 households listed in a consumer database were contacted. Excluding ineligible households and households with a language barrier, a member of 13% of the households completed the 35-minute survey. Based on definitions in Canadian guidelines, 53% of patients had symptomatic uncontrolled asthma. In the previous year, almost all asthma patients had experienced worsening of symptoms that lasted on average 13.6 days for patients with uncontrolled asthma and 8.0 days for patients with controlled asthma (P < .02). Markedly more patients with uncontrolled asthma used health care resources for episodes of asthma than patients with controlled asthma did (72% vs 15% for urgent office visits, P < .01; 32% vs 3% for emergency department visits, P < .01; and 7% vs 0% for hospitalizations, P < .01) in the year before the survey. Patients were confused about the differences between reliever and controller medications. One third of patients claimed that no one had taught them about asthma medications, and one quarter said they had received no training on how to recognize the early signs of asthma worsening. CONCLUSION Asthma control and management remained suboptimal in Canada and relatively unchanged since the previous major survey in 1999.
Suppression of Engulfment Defects in Bacillus subtilis by Elevated Expression of the Motility Regulon

ABSTRACT During Bacillus subtilis sporulation, the transient engulfment defect of spoIIB strains is enhanced by spoVG null mutations and suppressed by spoVS null mutations. These mutations have opposite effects on expression of the motility regulon, as the spoVG mutation reduces and the spoVS mutation increases σD-directed gene expression, cell separation, and autolysis. Elevating σD activity by eliminating the anti-σ factor FlgM also suppresses spoIIB spoVG, and both flgM and spoVS mutations cause continued expression of the σD regulon during sporulation. We propose that peptidoglycan hydrolases induced during motility can substitute for sporulation-specific hydrolases during engulfment. We find that sporulating cells are heterogeneous in their expression of the motility regulon, which could result in phenotypic variation between individual sporulating cells.
Antimicrobial activity of hydroxamic acids.

o-, m- and p-alkyloxybenzohydroxamic acids were synthesized and subjected to the examination for antibacterial and antifungal activity. All the hydroxamic acids tested were almost ineffective for pathogens examined of Enterobacteriaceae, but some of alkyloxybenzo- and fatty acyl-hydroxamic acid were found to be as highly effective for pathogenic fungi as butyl p-hydroxybenzoate being used as a comparison. The increase of carbon number of p-alkyloxybenzo- and fatty acyl-hydroxamic acid led to the increase in their antifungal activity, reached to the maximum at C6 in alkyloxy moiety and C10 in fatty acyl derivatives, and then the gradual decrease in both series. Considering the inhibitory power of hydroxamic acid on plant and bacterial urease, we discussed the possible correlation between antimicrobial activity and inhibitory powers on urease activity of the compounds.
THE INCREASING ADOPTION OF CONSUMER GRADE WEARABLES : COMPARING THE APPLES AND ORANGES OF SPORT SCIENCE

Participation of masters athletes (>30 years) in sprint running (100-400 m) and sprint track cycling (200 m, team sprint, 1-km) has increased significantly over recent decades. With aging, sprint and endurance performance gradually declines. The present review focuses upon the effects of resistance training on sprint and endurance performance and its physiological determinants in masters athletes. The available research demonstrates that resistance training interventions in masters athletes lead to beneficial adaptations in both sprint and endurance athletes. With inclusion of heavy strength training exercises in sprinters’ training regimen, increases muscle mass, size of fast fibres and rapid neural activation capacity along with improvements in maximal, explosive and sprint force production have been observed. In endurance athletes, strength training has been shown to lead to increased maximal and explosive muscle strength levels. The actual event-specific performance changes are typically smaller, but significant (p<0.05), with a 2-4% reduction in sprint running times and 3-6% improvement in endurance cycling and running economy. Taken together, these limited data suggest that resistance training programs produce positive effects on physiological determinants of sprint and endurance performance that result in enhanced sport performance capacity in masters athletes. Further research on these issues is needed to design and deliver optimal training programs to aging athletes.
Two-dimensional spectral image calibration based on feed-forward neural network

In this paper, we present a novel method on image calibration, utilizing Total Least Square (TLS) method and Feedforward Neural Network, to solve the aberration problem of LAMOST two-dimensional astronomical spectral images. In our method, training sample set is generated with domain knowledge, from which a number of discrete points are are extracted from spectral images with fiber tracing method, and output vectors are formed by the corresponding calibrated points, obtained by utilizing the TLS method. The Feed-forward Neural Network is trained to obtain the transformation matrix, casting about for the matching relationship between the input and output sets. We also perform comparative experiments on fiber tracing and spectrum extraction results between calibrated spectral images and uncalibrated spectral images, the results show an advantage of higher accuracy and precision by our proposed method.
Miniaturized antenna based on series-inductance-flexible composite right/left-handed substrate integrated waveguide

A miniaturized resonant antenna based on the -1st order resonance of the series-inductance-flexible (SIF) composite right/left-handed (CRLH) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is proposed in this paper. The SIF CRLH structure is realized by etching a transverse slot on the surface of the CRLH SIW unit cell with the series inductance flexibly changeable through varying the slot length. The -1st order resonant frequency of the CRLH unit cell can be lowered by enlarging the series inductance while keeping the physical dimensions of the structure unchanged, thus results in a substantial miniaturization for the -1st order resonance applications. The antenna is designed and simulated with the expected results obtained. Compared with the existing CRLH miniaturized resonant antennas without the SIF mechanism, our antenna can be miniaturized in further. At the same time, it exhibits the advantages of low-profile, high efficiency, and easy fabrication.
Penile prosthesis surgery: a review of prosthetic devices and associated complications.

INTRODUCTION Although more invasive than some of the other currently available therapies, penile prosthesis surgery has the advantages of high patient satisfaction rates and avoidance of systemic adverse events in the vast majority of cases. AIM This article provides a review of the more widely used implants and some of the more frequently encountered complications of penile prosthesis surgery. METHODS A retrospective review peer reviewed publications relevant to the field of penile prosthesis surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Review of historical milestones and newer penile prostheses, as well as a review of prosthesis surgery complications. RESULTS Improved designs and materials have resulted in decreased incidence of mechanical failures or infectious complications while simultaneously simplifying the operation of these devices. CONCLUSIONS Penile prosthesis surgery remains an excellent alternative for restoring erectile function to those in whom medical therapies such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are contraindicated or who have failed more conservative measures.
Serotonin and γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Turnover After Injection into the Median Raphe of Substance P and D‐Ala‐Met‐Enkephalin Amide

Abstract: The raphe nuclei [which contain serotonin (5‐HT) cell bodies) are also known to contain axons that store substance P, met‐enkephalin, and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). We have previously shown that GABA has a tonic inhibitory action on 5‐HT turnover. To examine other possible interactions of these neuronal systems, we assessed the effect on 5‐HT turnover of injecting substance P and 2‐n‐ala‐met‐enkephalin into the median raphe nucleus, and the effects of substance P on GABA turnover. Serotonin turnover was increased by 30% in the hippocampus after the injection of substance P (4 μg) into the median raphe, indicating an excitatory effect of substance P on the raphehippocampal system. Local injection of the metabolically stable metenkephalin analog 2‐D‐ala‐met‐enkephalin amide (10 μg) increased the hippocampal steady state content of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) by 60%. The data suggest an excitatory effect of met‐enkephalin within the raphe nucleus. We attempted to estimate GABA turnover from the rate of disappearance of GABA after inhibition of glutamic acid decarboxylase by isoniazid and by the rate of accumulation of GABA after inhibition of GABA transaminase by gabaculine. Isoniazid, which is a competitive inhibitor, had too short and incomplete an action to be of use when injected intranuclearly. Gabaculine, which is an irreversible inhibitor, induced a rapid‐onset increase in GABA content. This accumulation was linear up to 90 min. The injection of gabaculine (80 ng) into the raphe increased GABA content by five times the control values, but hippocampal 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA contents were not significantly changed. Substance P injection increased the GABA turnover by 30%. Gabaculine seems a promising tool for detecting changes in GABA turnover.
Hot Spot: Asia and Oceania

The regions of Asia and Oceania, with their many diverse peoples, massive size, and vast cultural history, have birthed some of the most critical conflicts of the modern era. From border disputes to current nuclear threats to regions still shattered by the effects of past wars, this volatile region is a key player on the world stage of global conflict. This exciting volume provides up-to-the minute coverage of the most critical situations and explosive events in the region, including internal strife in Indonesia, insurgency in southern Thailand, nuclear issues in India and Pakistan, the Tibetan revolt, the Spratly Islands dispute, and terrorist organizations such as Abu Sayeff. The conflicts are explored against the backdrop of major conflicts like the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Maps, a timeline, an index, and an annotated bibliography supplement the chapters for a greater understanding of the material. With ties to several curricular areas, including Asian studies, political science, global studies, military history, international relations, regional history and politics, this is an essential source for students of world history and global conflict.
Influence of occlusal factors on treatment outcome: a study of 109 consecutive patients with mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses opposing maxillary complete dentures.

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between occlusal variables and clinical and radiologic findings as well as patient response to treatment outcome in patients with mandibular implant-supported fixed prostheses opposing maxillary complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 109 consecutive patients attending for annual control. They had received their mandibular implant-supported prostheses according to the Brånemark system on average 8 years previously (range 1 to 27 years). All patients were interviewed with standardized questions by one examiner, who also performed the clinical examination. The questions focused on the patients' opinion on masticatory and prosthetic function and problems. The clinical examination comprised occlusal and prosthetic factors and the health of the oral mucosa. RESULTS The great majority of the patients were very satisfied with their present dental situation and masticatory function. Two thirds reported no problems with their maxillary complete dentures at all. Balanced occlusion was found bilaterally in 61%, and a further 4% had balanced function on one side. More than one third thus lacked balanced occlusion. Only about 60% had optimal occlusion, and 8% had poor occlusion according to common prosthodontic criteria. This was interpreted as a continuing impairment of the occlusion with time. The mean bone loss was 0.5 mm, according to available radiographs, for a mean observation period of 54 months. There were no or only weak correlations between the variables examined. CONCLUSION The occlusal factors registered were of limited importance for patient satisfaction and treatment outcome recorded clinically and radiographically at follow-up examination of the actual prosthodontic rehabilitation.
Endothelium-Derived Hydrogen Peroxide Accounts for the Enhancing Effect of an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor on Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor–Mediated Responses in Mice

Background—We have recently identified that endothelium-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in animals and humans, for which endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important source. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to enhance EDHF-mediated responses. In this study, we examined whether endothelium-derived H2O2 accounts for the enhancing effect of an ACE inhibitor on EDHF-mediated responses and, if so, what mechanism is involved. Methods and Results—Control and eNOS−/− mice were maintained with or without temocapril (10 mg/kg per day orally) for 4 weeks, and isometric tensions and membrane potentials of mesenteric arteries were recorded. In control mice, temocapril treatment significantly enhanced EDHF-mediated relaxations and hyperpolarizations to acetylcholine (n=8 each). Catalase, a specific scavenger of H2O2, abolished the beneficial effects of temocapril, although it did not affect endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside or NS1619, a direct opener of KCa channels (n=6 each). Western blot analysis demonstrated that the temocapril treatment significantly upregulated the expression of eNOS. By contrast, this enhancing effect of temocapril was absent in eNOS−/− mice (n=6). Conclusions—These results indicate that endothelium-derived H2O2 accounts for the enhancing effect of temocapril on EDHF-mediated responses caused in part by eNOS upregulation, further supporting our H2O2 theory.
Identification of a Novel Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y Receptor Associated with Feeding Behavior*

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays important roles in the central control of appetite and energy balance, but the receptor subtype responsible for this function has not been cloned. Here we report the cloning by expression of a novel NPY receptor subtype from a rat hypothalamus cDNA library. The novel receptor, referred to as the NPY Y5 receptor, has a transcript of approximately 2.6 kilobases with an open reading frame of 1335 base pairs that encodes a 445-amino acid protein. The amino acid sequence deduced from the rat Y5 cDNA clone shows only 30-33% identity to other NPY receptors, including Y1, Y2, and Y4/PP1. Using the rat Y5 receptor cDNA probe, the human homologue was obtained by low stringency hybridization. The human Y5 amino acid sequence has 88% identity to the rat Y5 receptor. Importantly, pharmacological analysis shows that the rat and human Y5 receptors have high affinity for the peptides that elicit feeding (e.g. NPY, PYY, (2-36)NPY, and (LP)NPY) and low affinity for nonstimulating peptides (e.g. (13-36)NPY and rat PP), suggesting that it is the NPY feeding receptor subtype.
Wandel trotz Reformstau: Die Politik der beruflichen Bildung seit 1970

Das deutsche Berufsbildungssystem ist im Wandel. Doch dieser Wandlungsprozess entfaltet sich nicht in grosen Reformprojekten, sondern in Form von kleinen Schritten, die - uber einen langen Zeitraum betrachtet - das System als Ganzes deutlich verandert haben. Das Buch zeichnet diesen Prozess des inkrementellen, aber transformativen Wandels im Zugang zu Ausbildung, ihrer Finanzierung sowie der Ausbildungsbeteiligung von Unternehmen nach. Daruber hinaus nimmt es aber vor allem die Politik der beruflichen Bildung im eigentlichen Sinn in den Blick und dokumentiert politische Debatten und Auseinandersetzungen zwischen Gewerkschaften, Arbeitgebern und staatlichen Akteuren wahrend der letzten vier Jahrzehnte. Auserdem wird argumentiert, dass eine Berucksichtigung der Veranderungsprozesse im Bereich der Arbeitsbeziehungen zu einem besseren Verstandnis der politischen Geschichte der beruflichen Bildung in Deutschland beitragen kann.