Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insect Cytokine Growth-blocking Peptide Triggers a Termination System of Cellular Immunity by Inducing Its Binding Protein*

Growth-blocking peptide (GBP) is a 25-amino acid cytokine found in lepidopteran insects that possesses diverse biological activities such as stimulation of immune cells (plasmatocytes), cell proliferation, and larval growth regulation. We found another novel function of GBP that induces a hemolysis of another class of blood cells (oenocytoids). In the lysate of oenocytoids we identified a GBP-binding protein that shows a specific affinity for GBP. The characterization of purified GBP-binding protein and its cDNA demonstrated it as a 49.5-kDa novel protein with a C-terminal region displaying limited homology to several insect lipoproteins. Results of Northern and Western blotting indicated that the GBP-binding protein should be synthesized only in blood cells. Immunoelectron microscopic analyses confirmed that indirect immunoreactive signals were mostly localized in oenocytoids. Kinetic and biological analyses of interaction between GBP and the binding protein showed their strong binding was followed by clearance of GBP from hemolymph, thus indicating that this protein might function as an inhibitory factor against GBP. Based on these results, we propose that insect cytokine GBP shows multifunctions even in cellular immunity: it serves to stimulate immune cells and afterward silences its own action by inducing the binding protein through specific hemolysis.
Development knowledge management pattern for entrepreneurship in upper-northern Thailand wellness tourism

The aim of this study focuses on knowledge management in entrepreneurship for develop knowledge by integrated knowledge based capital in Thailand. At present time the world society has changed in changed in almost every aspect, affecting adjustments in economy, culture, way of life and value. In nowadays people have to adapt either their work or career to survive. Entrepreneur as well as Thai economy have to adjust themselves to the global changes and step into the new world sustainably. Knowledge based economy is a concept that could be developed into a strategy to help progress into the new world sustainably by using the Thai wisdom or knowledge capital, which is the knowledge transformed generation to generation from the ancient time until now. It is the nation's intellectual property and belongs to all Thais. In consequence Thai wisdom or knowledge capital could be developed and added value to products and services. The researcher purpose the concept or model for integrated local knowledge in term of wellness and international concept for success Thai service industries in wellness tourism.
The limits for detection of activated caspases of spermatozoa by western blot in human semen

Detection of activated caspases of spermatozoa could be helpful to evaluate male infertility. Although western blot is validated as a highly specific method to detect the proteins extracted from cells, the ability of this technique to detect activated sperm caspases in human semen may be limited. Indeed, round cells, which potentially contain some activated caspases, may be present in semen and interfere with the detection of activated sperm caspases. Moreover, it is necessary to evaluate the minimum amount of spermatozoa necessary to optimise the detection of activated caspases in semen samples. Our results showed that interference due to round cells contained in semen with activated caspase‐3 requires separation of spermatozoa by density migration. This sperm preparation selects a mature sperm population that does not reflect the whole sperm population, and in infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, the amount of spermatozoa thus selected is usually low. Moreover, the western blot technique's low detection sensitivity and the low level of caspase enzyme activity in human spermatozoa for activated caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 mean that large quantities of spermatozoa are needed to detect the expression of the activated caspases. These limitations prevent this method being used for routine analysis in clinical practice.
Introduction and expression of an anti-dipteran toxin gene from B. thuringiensis in nodulating Rhizobia.

Rhizobium-based inoculants are widely used in leguminous crops. Improved strains with dual functions (i.e, nitrogen fixing and insecticidal) could be successfully applied to organic pest management. These could also be used as seed protectants, reducing the use of chemical insecticides. The cryIVB gene from B. thuringiensis israelensis coding for an anti-dipteran toxin was used as a model for expression. A highly stable plasmid vector (pTR101) was chosen in order to carry out nodulation experiments in the absence of selective pressure. Constructions were introduced into Rhizobium fredii 191 and meliloti 1021, through triparental matings with a helper plasmid. Expression was monitored by Western blotting of crude extracts using a specific antibody raised against recombinant CryIVB protein. Although rearrangements leading to deletions were observed, an immunoreactive polypeptide was reproducibly detected in both Rhizobia. The presence of the recombinant plasmids did not affect the nodulative capacity nor the growth of the inoculated plants.
Cardiomyocyte NF-κB p65 promotes adverse remodelling, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in heart failure.

AIMS the role of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in heart failure (HF) is not well defined. We sought to determine whether myocyte-localized NF-κB p65 activation in HF exacerbates post-infarction remodelling and promotes maladaptive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. METHODS AND RESULTS non-transgenic (NTg) and transgenic (Tg) mice with myocyte-restricted overexpression of a phosphorylation-resistant inhibitor of κBα (IκBα(S32A,S36A)) underwent coronary ligation (to induce HF) or sham operation. Over 4 weeks, the remote myocardium of ligated hearts exhibited robust NF-κB activation that was almost exclusively p65 beyond 24 h. Compared with sham at 4 weeks, NTg HF hearts were dilated and dysfunctional, and exhibited hypertrophy, fibrosis, up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines, increased apoptosis, down-regulation of ER protein chaperones, and up-regulation of the ER stress-activated pro-apoptotic factor CHOP. Compared with NTg HF, Tg-IκBα(S32A,S36A) HF mice exhibited: (i) improved survival, chamber remodelling, systolic function, and pulmonary congestion, (ii) markedly diminished NF-κB p65 activation, cytokine expression, and fibrosis, and (iii) a three-fold reduction in apoptosis. Moreover, Tg-IκBα(S32A,S36A) HF hearts exhibited maintained expression of ER chaperones and CHOP when compared with sham. In cardiomyocytes, NF-κB activation was required for ER stress-mediated apoptosis, whereas abrogation of myocyte NF-κB shifted the ER stress response to one of adaptation and survival. CONCLUSION persistent myocyte NF-κB p65 activation in HF exacerbates cardiac remodelling by imparting pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, and pro-apoptotic effects. p65 modulation of cell death in HF may occur in part from NF-κB-mediated transformation of the ER stress response from one of adaptation to one of apoptosis.
Localizing prostate cancer in the presence of postbiopsy changes on MR images: role of proton MR spectroscopic imaging.

PURPOSE To assess whether magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging with MR imaging can improve prostate cancer localization in postbiopsy hemorrhage cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of 175 patients with prostate cancer were retrospectively reviewed; 42 patients (135 hemorrhagic sites) had spatially correlated biopsy data. Patients underwent both phased-array coil-endorectal coil MR imaging and three-dimensional MR spectroscopic imaging within 180 days after transrectal ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy. High-signal-intensity hemorrhage on T1-weighted images and corresponding high- or low-signal-intensity areas on T2-weighted images and the metabolic ratio (choline + creatine)/citrate were recorded. Cancer was identified as a low-signal-intensity area at T2-weighted MR imaging or a metabolite ratio greater than 3 standard deviations above normal at MR spectroscopic imaging. MR imaging, spectroscopic, and biopsy findings were compared. RESULTS Forty-nine patients had postbiopsy hemorrhage. On T2-weighted images, a higher (P < .01) percentage of hemorrhagic sites demonstrated low signal intensity (80% [108 of 135 sites]), which is similar to the signal intensity seen with cancer. The addition of MR spectroscopic imaging to MR imaging resulted in a significant increase (P < .01) in the accuracy (52% to 75%) and specificity (26% to 66%) of tumor detection. CONCLUSION The addition of MR spectroscopic imaging to MR imaging significantly improves the ability to determine the presence of prostate cancer and spatial extent when postbiopsy changes hinder interpretation with MR imaging alone.
Quasi-dense optical flow estimation based on dynamical system models

Optical flow is a vector which represents the motion of objects in images. In this paper, new methods for dense and quasi-dense optical flow estimation are proposed. The dense estimation method can be applied to optical flow estimation at each pixel in an arbitrary area. The proposed dense method considers an optical flow equation at each pixel as a dynamical system. Robust estimation can be achieved with dense intensity information, especially against illumination changes. In order to improve estimation performance at zero optical flow, a quasi-dense estimation is also proposed.
First Evaluation of Automated Specimen Inoculation for Wound Swab Samples by Use of the Previ Isola System Compared to Manual Inoculation in a Routine Laboratory: Finding a Cost-Effective and Accurate Approach

ABSTRACT Automation of plate streaking is ongoing in clinical microbiological laboratories, but evaluation for routine use is mostly open. In the present study, the recovery of microorganisms from the Previ Isola system plated polyurethane (PU) swab samples is compared to manually plated control viscose swab samples from wounds according to the CLSI procedure M40-A (quality control of microbiological transport systems). One hundred twelve paired samples (224 swabs) were analyzed. In 80/112 samples (71%), concordant culture results were obtained with the two methods. In 32/112 samples (29%), CFU recovery of microorganisms from the two methods was discordant. In 24 (75%) of the 32 paired samples with a discordant result, Previ Isola plated PU swabs were superior. In 8 (25%) of the 32 paired samples with a discordant result, control viscose swabs were superior. The quality of colony growth on culture media for further investigations was superior with Previ Isola inoculated plates compared to manual plating techniques. Gram stain results were concordant between the two methods in 62/112 samples (55%). In 50/112 samples (45%), the results of Gram staining were discordant between the two methods. In 34 (68%) of the 50 paired samples with discordant results, Gram staining of PU swabs was superior to that of control viscose swabs. In 16 (32%) of the 50 paired samples, Gram staining of control viscose swabs was superior to that of PU swabs. We report the first clinical evaluation of Previ Isola automated specimen inoculation for wound swab samples. This study suggests that use of an automated specimen inoculation system has good results with regard to CFU recovery, quality of Gram staining, and accuracy of diagnosis.
Diet-dependent effects of minimal enteral nutrition on intestinal function and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs.

BACKGROUND A rapid advance in enteral feeding is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Therefore, minimal enteral nutrition (MEN) combined with parenteral nutrition (PN) is common clinical practice, but the effects on NEC and intestinal function remain poorly characterized. It was hypothesized that a commonly used MEN feeding volume (16-24 mL/kg/d) prevents NEC and improves intestinal structure, function, and microbiology in preterm pigs. METHODS After preterm birth pigs were stratified into 4 nutrition intervention groups that received the following treatments: (1) PN followed by full enteral formula feeding (OF group, n = 12); (2) PN supplemented with formula MEN and followed by full formula feeding (FF, n = 12); (3) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by formula feeding (CF, n = 12); (4) PN plus colostrum MEN followed by colostrum feeding (CC, n = 10). RESULTS NEC was absent in the CC group but frequent in the other groups (50%-67%). Compared with other groups, CC pigs showed improved mucosal structures, brush border enzyme activities, and hexose absorption (all P < .05). Relative to formula MEN, colostrum MEN thus improved gut function but did not prevent later formula-induced gut dysfunction and NEC. However, in CF pigs, intestinal lesions were restricted to the colon, compared with all regions in OF and FF pigs, which indicated proximal protection of colostrum MEN. Bacterial composition was not affected by MEN, diet, or NEC outcomes, but bacterial load and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were reduced in the MEN groups. CONCLUSION Colostrum MEN improves intestinal structure, function, and NEC resistance in preterm pigs but does not protect against gut dysfunction and NEC associated with later full enteral formula feeding.
Amplitude of evoked responses to tones of high intensity.

The amplitude of the human cortical evoked response increases in amplitude with increasing intensity of auditory stimulation. At intensities above 70 dB ISO, however, there is a decline in this relationship. This effect was examined in conjunction with stapedius reflexes and other factors in an attempt to determine its cause. The most probable explanation seems to involve the central descending auditory system.
Disturbances of sleep by noise

This paper deals with noise-induced sleep disturbances that are regarded as the most deleterious effects of noise with aftereffects on mood and performance the next day. In the long run noise-induced sleep disturbances are assumed to contribute to the genesis and manifestation of multifactorial diseases. The paper gives a rough overview over the state of the art and of the possibility to prevent or at least to reduce these effects and oulines eventually future research in this area.
CONTROLADOR DIGITAL DE UN RECTIFICADOR PWM MONOFÁSICO, IMPLEMENTADO EN UN DISPOSITIVO PROGRAMABLE DE BAJO COSTO

El rectificador PWM es un convertidor electronico con altas prestaciones, tales como: factor de potencia alto, bi-direccionalidad, alta eficiencia y elevacion de voltaje en modo rectificador; Estas prestaciones son obtenidas gracias a tecnicas de control que involucran diferentes operaciones matematicas, las cuales se implementan rapidamente si se utilizan dispositivos programables que cuentan con ambientes de programacion muy amigables; sin embargo, cuando se piensa en un producto que tiene que salir al mercado, el costo de estos dispositivos programables y su ambiente de programacion hacen inviable la propuesta. En este documento se presenta la implementacion de un control clasico implementado en un dispositivo programable de bajo costo, el cual mantiene las altas prestaciones que caracterizan al convertidor. Palabra(s) Clave(s): dispositivo programable, factor de potencia, lazo de control, rectificador PWM, sintonizacion.
SEREE: An Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Network Embedded System to be Applied on Plunger Lift Oil Elevation Method

In recent years, the use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) applied in the Oil and Gas Industry has increased rapidly. This increase in use is due its mobility, reliability and low cost. Wireless Sensor Networks do require a significant amount of power to operate, because the communication requires the energy. Thus, mechanisms are needed to ensure that this consumption is minimized. This paper proposes the development of SEREE, an energy-efficient wireless sensor network embedded system to be applied on a Plunger lift oil elevation method. This development proposal significantly reduces the energy consumption by utilizing alternating data acquisition methods and implementing sleep periods that decreases the duty cycle. These two processes ensure a significant reduction in energy consumption of the sensor nodes. The results presented in the paper have been confirmed by a field test performed in a similar plant.
Space time block coded multi-user CDMA systems over rayleigh fading channel

This paper investigates the performance and capacity of space time block coded (STBC) multi-user CDMA system over Rayleigh fading channel condition using multiple transmit antennas. Using simulation and analytical approach, we show that STBC CDMA system has increased performance in cellular networks. We also compare the performance of this system with the typical CDMA system and show that STBC and multiple transmit antennas for multi-user CDMA system provide performance gain without any need of extra processing or bandwidth.
Extratores de características acústicas inspirados no sistema periférico auditivo

Extrair informacoes de sinais acusticos e uma tarefa bastante comum dentro das areas de processamento de sinais e reconhecimento de padroes. De uma maneira geral, os sistemas de processamento tem como tarefa inicial obter uma representacao de baixa dimensao do sinal acustico, obtida a partir de metodos computacionais denominados extratores de caracteristicas. Tal representacao propoe apresentar o som da fala de uma forma mais conveniente a tarefa de extracao e utilizacao da informacao contida no sinal. Dentro deste contexto, nesta dissertacao foi realizado um estudo detalhado de tres metodos classicos para extracao de caracteristicas de sinais acusticos existentes na literatura, a saber: os Mel-Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC); o modelo Ensemble Interval Histogram (EIH); e o modelo Zero-Crossing with Peak Amplitudes (ZCPA). Sendo que, ainda para revisao bibliografica, um estudo do sistema auditivo periferico humano foi realizado, visto que os metodos EIH e ZCPA sao baseados em modelos do ouvido humano. Em seguida, um novo metodo de extracao baseado em deteccao de cruzamentos de nivel foi desenvolvido ao longo do trabalho, denominado Eventos Acusticos Elementares (EAE). Diversos experimentos foram realizados a fim de comparar os metodos classicos e o metodo desenvolvido nessa dissertacao. Na primeira etapa, foram realizados experimentos com ruidos aditivos e com efeitos convolutivos de canal, para analise de robustez dos metodos. Por fim, referente a segunda etapa da analise comparativa dos metodos, foram realizados experimentos relativos a tarefa de reconhecimento de palavras isoladas, utilizando o metodo de alinhamento temporal Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). Os resultados obtidos indicam que o metodo proposto possui maior robustez quando comparado aos metodos classicos implementados.
Relevance of the Early and Advanced Maillard Reaction in Diabetic Neuropathy

A number of cellular, metabolic, and morphological changes which are thought to play a role in diabetic neuropathy in the human have been first detected in the diabetic and galactosaemic rat model. These include an increase in nerve glucose, sorbitol, and fructose concentration as a result of an activation of the sorbitol pathway and a concomitant depletion in myo-inositol. The extent of nerve protein glycation is increased both in the rat and in the human. Na+,K+-ATPase appears to be impaired early on, thus probably explaining the intracellular accumulhtion of Na+, the axonal swelling, and axo-glial dysjunction which have been observed in peripheral nerves. Impaired anterograde and retrograde axonal transport, loss of axonal neurofilaments, reduction in myelinated fibre size and fibre loss eventually lead to irreversible lesions characterized by segmental demyelination. Most of the changes described above can be prevented by treating the animal with aldose reductase inhibitors or by adding myo-inositol to the diet. A clearcut loss of myo-inositol has not been demonstrated in the human' and therapy with aldose reductase inhibitors had mixed result^,^,^ the latter being in part attributed to the irreversibility of the lesions. Mechanisms by which the early (protein glycation) and the advanced Maillard reaction may participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy are discussed. These include the inhibition of Na',K+-ATPase, the inhibition of axonal transport, and the crosslinking of neuronal proteins. The possible role of advanced Maillard products in the segmental demyelination process is then discussed. Finally, the similarities between aldose reductase inhibition and aminoguanidine therapy in the amelioration of experimental diabetic neuropathy are considered. Since, to date, few data on the role of glycation on diabetic neuropathy per se are available, concepts presented below are in part derived from data obtained from other tissues such the lens or the kidney.
Assessing cutoff values for increased exercise blood pressure to predict incident hypertension in a general population

Objective: Cutoff values for increased exercise blood pressure (BP) are not established in hypertension guidelines. The aim of the study was to assess optimal cutoff values for increased exercise BP to predict incident hypertension. Methods: Data of 661 normotensive participants (386 women) aged 25–77 years from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-1) with a 5-year follow-up were used. Exercise BP was measured at a submaximal level of 100 W and at maximum level of a symptom-limited cycle ergometry test. Cutoff values for increased exercise BP were defined at the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of incident hypertension. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and net reclassification index (NRI) were calculated to investigate whether increased exercise BP adds predictive value for incident hypertension beyond established cardiovascular risk factors. Results: In men, values of 160 mmHg (100 W level; AUC = 0.7837; NRI = 0.534, P < 0.001) and 210 mmHg (maximum level; AUC = 0.7677; NRI = 0.340, P = 0.003) were detected as optimal cutoff values for the definition of increased exercise SBP. A value of 190 mmHg (AUC = 0.8347; NRI = 0.519, P < 0.001) showed relevance for the definition of increased exercise SBP in women at the maximum level. Conclusion: According to our analyses, 190 and 210 mmHg are clinically relevant cutoff values for increased exercise SBP at the maximum exercise level of cycle ergometry test for women and men, respectively. In addition, for men, our analyses provided a cutoff value of 160 mmHg for increased exercise SBP at the 100 W level.
Protection against autoimmune disease by bacterial agents. II. PPD and pertussis toxin as proteins active in protecting mice against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Bordetella pertussis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, routinely used to promote the development of autoimmune disease, were recently reported to also be effective in inducing protection against an autoimmune disease. Thus, we previously demonstrated that SJL/J and (SJL/J x BALB/c)F1 mice that are genetically susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) become highly refractory to the induction of the disease following their exposure to B. pertussis and M. tuberculosis. In the present study, the pertussis toxin (PT) from B. pertussis and the purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. tuberculosis, were found to be sufficient to fully protect against EAE and thus may be the major bacterial components responsible for conferring protection. The 65‐kDa heat‐shock protein played only a marginal role in the protection against EAE induced by these bacteria. Both PT and PPD were protective when given before, but not after, the encephalitogenic challenge, and minute amounts (5–50 ng) emulsified in oil were sufficient to confer long‐lasting resistance to EAE. The effect of PT or PPD on EAE differed from that of mitogens or bacterial superantigens, suggesting that their protection ability was not attributable merely to mitogenic or superantigenic properties.