Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity of cloned murine microglial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is a short‐lived diffusable molecule now believed to participate in multiple physiologic functions in the CNS including neurotransmission and the maintenance of vascular tone. Previously, we reported that cell lines obtained by retroviral immortalization of tissue macrophages (Mϕ;) could be induced to synthesize nitrite (NO −2 ), a stable end product of the NO synthetic pathway. We have further characterized the induction and activity of this pathway in a panel of seven microglial clones derived from primary embryonic mouse brain cultures. Like Mϕ;, these clones were found to release high levels of NO‐2 in response to recombinant interferon‐γ (rIFN‐γ) as a priming signal together with either bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or exogenous recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐α (rTNF‐α). As previously demonstrated for Mϕ;, phagocytosis of zymosan particles during induction of enzyme activity enhanced subsequent NO ‐2 production, which is of interest in light of the postulated phagocytic role of microglia within the CNS. Biochemical characterization of enzyme activity in intact microglial clones and in isolated cytosolic fractions indicates that the microglial NO synthase present in these murine cell clones represents the Mϕ;‐like isotype. These findings suggest that microglial cells could represent a major source of NO within the CNS.
Control oriented modeling of dynamic torque converter system

A torque converter is an essential part of an automatic transmission. It is a hydrodynamic device that has most influence on the transient response of a vehicle such as gear shifting and vehicle launching. In order to study such characteristics accurately, dynamic analysis of the torque converter is necessary. The zero order torque converter model of Kotwicki has been widely used for control design purposes, since the dynamic modeling method has not been readily available to control engineers. A dynamic model for the stand-alone torque converter system that allows mathematical analysis and performance prediction for transient powertrain controls based on four-first order nonlinear differential equations is presented. The results confirm that the model predicts hydrodynamic torque converter dynamic response accurately, the prediction being robust to variation of the operating condition.
Lysosomal-Storage Disorder Induced by Elmiron Following 90-Days Gavage Administration in Rats and Mice

Elmiron, a highly sulfated, semisynthetic pentose polysaccharide with properties similar to heparin, is used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. Thirteen-week gavage studies were conducted by administering the drug in deionized water to F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice once daily, 5 days per week for up to 13 consecutive weeks, at doses of 0, 63, 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight. No significant drug-related effects were observed in body weight, survival, clinical, and necropsy results. Significant organ weight increases were seen in the liver, lungs, and spleen of both species and the kidneys of rats, mainly in groups treated with 250 mg/kg/day and above. Hematological analysis indicated increases for both species in the white blood cell and lymphocyte counts. Sites of toxicity identified histopathologically were the rectum, liver, mesenteric and mandibular lymph nodes (both sexes), spleen (mice only), and lungs and kidneys (rats only). Lesions consisted mainly of infiltration into multiple tissues of vacuolated histiocytes, which, by histochemical investigation, indicated the presence of neutral and acidic mucins and lipidic material within the vacuoles. Transmission electron microscopy identified these vacuoles as lysosomal structures that exhibited a variety of contents. On the basis of our findings, we propose that Elmiron was absorbed through the focally disrupted rectal mucosa, was deposited in the lamina propria, accumulated within macrophages, and then was distributed by these cells or as a free chemical via the lymphatics and blood, to the various organ sites manifesting histiocytic infi ltration. The cytoplasmic membrane-bound structures within macrophages were lysosomes containing membranous material of cellular origin and, perhaps, remnants of the deposited test material, Elmiron.
Multilingual features based keyword search for very low-resource languages

In this paper we describe RWTH Aachen’s system for keyword search (KWS) with very limited amount of transcribed audio data available in the target language. This setting has become this year’s primary condition within the Babel project [1], seeking to minimize the amount of human effort while retaining a reasonable KWS performance. Thus the highlights presented in this paper include graphemic acoustic modeling; multilingual features trained on language data from the previous project periods; comparison of tandem and hybrid DNN-HMM acoustic models; processing of large amounts of text data available on the web and the morphological KWS based on automatically derived word fragments. The evaluation is performed using two training sets for each of the six current project period’s languages ‐ full language pack (FLP), consisting of 30 hours and very limited language pack (VLLP), comprising less than 3 hours of transcribed audio data. We put our focus on the latter of the two, which is clearly more challenging. The methods described in this work allowed us to exceed 0.3 MTWV on five out of six languages using development queries. Index Terms: acoustic modeling, keyword search, graphemic, multilingual, neural networks, semi-supervised learning
Metabolism and enterohepatic circulation of benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-epoxide in the rat.

After i.v. administration of 3H-benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-epoxide (32.5 mumol/kg) to rats, 76% of the 3H appeared in bile within 3 h. The glutathione conjugate of benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-epoxide was the major biliary metabolite (33% of dose), together with a glucuronic acid conjugate of benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-diol (18%) and an unidentified metabolite (10%). The glutathione and glucuronic acid conjugates both undergo extensive enterohepatic circulation. Thus, following the intraduodenal administration of the 3H-labelled conjugates, 26% of the radioactivity was excreted in the bile after 24 h in the case of the glutathione derivative, and 40% in the case of the glucuronide. The benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-diol glucuronide, on enterohepatic circulation, appears in the bile in the same form as the conjugate administered with no evidence of further metabolism of the polycyclic hydrocarbon moiety. The glutathione conjugate of benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-epoxide, on recirculation, is reexcreted in bile as one unidentified metabolite, which is susceptible to the action of arylsulphatase.
PCR designer for restriction analysis of various types of sequence mutation

Restriction analysis is widely used to detect gene mutations such as insertions, deletions and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Although such mutation sites sometimes present some natural restriction sites to differentiate the wild-type and mutant sequences, mismatches are often needed in order to create artificial restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). In this report, a computer program is described that screens for suitable restriction enzymes, introducing mismatches where appropriate and when necessary, designs primers using the information of the selected restriction enzymes, their recognition sequence and locations as well as the information about the mismatches if any. The program, supported by a WWW web interface, is intended to be used online.
Acute Anxiety Impairs Accuracy in Identifying Photographed Faces

We investigated whether acutely induced anxiety modifies the ability to match photographed faces. Establishing the extent to which anxiety affects face-matching accuracy is important because of the relevance of face-matching performance to critical security-related applications. Participants (N = 28) completed the Glasgow Face Matching Test twice, once during a 20-min inhalation of medical air and once during a similar inhalation of air enriched with 7.5% CO2, which is a validated method for inducing acute anxiety. Anxiety degraded performance, but only with respect to hits, not false alarms. This finding provides further support for the dissociation between the ability to accurately identify a genuine match between faces and the ability to identify the lack of a match. Problems with the accuracy of facial identification are not resolved even when viewers are presented with a good photographic image of a face, and identification inaccuracy may be heightened when viewers are experiencing acute anxiety.
Transformation and diversification in the context of regulated industries: the case of Poste Italiane and PosteMobile

This case describes the diversification of Poste Italiane, the Italian postal operator, into the mobile telecommunications market, with the launch of PosteMobile in 2007. The case starts by explaining the general context of transformation and modernisation of Poste Italiane. The case was written for use in a final year undergraduate strategy course, but could be equally useful for postgraduate or MBA courses.
Intranasal drug delivery devices and interventions associated with post-operative endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract This review article highlights the importance and advantages of the drug delivery systems applied via the nasal route after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). After ESS, patients often require ongoing topical and systemic medication. To reduce the incidence of immediate and delayed post-surgical complications, a variety of temporary post-operative nasal interventions are currently used. However, newly developed intranasal drug delivery devices can enhance tissue recovery after ESS by releasing therapeutic drugs locally, while providing structural support to reduce tissue adhesion and scaring. Intranasal drug delivery devices are promising next generation post-surgery devices, offering advantages for enhancing tissue recovery through release of loaded therapeutic drugs locally in a controlled manner over the required time-frame during post-operative healing. The mechanisms and effectiveness of these drug delivery systems initiate a new era in providing topical controlled drug delivery to the sinus tissue and can be a guide for the future development of specific effective therapies of preparations with other drugs that otherwise should be administered parenterally. Hence, further research is required to validate their efficacy.
Effect of Lignocellulose Related Compounds on Microalgae Growth and Product Biosynthesis: A Review

Microalgae contain valuable compounds that can be harnessed for industrial applications. Lignocellulose biomass is a plant material containing in abundance organic substances such as carbohydrates, phenolics, organic acids and other secondary compounds. As growth of microalgae on organic substances was confirmed during heterotrophic and mixotrophic cultivation, lignocellulose derived compounds can become a feedstock to cultivate microalgae and produce target compounds. In this review, different treatment methods to hydrolyse lignocellulose into organic substrates are presented first. Secondly, the effect of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, organic substances typically present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, as well as minor co-products, on growth and accumulation of target compounds in microalgae cultures is described. Finally, the possibilities of using lignocellulose hydrolysates as a common feedstock for microalgae cultures are evaluated.
Cranial Capacity of Oreopithecus bambolii

From a plaster reconstruction of the skull of the August 1958 skeleton, the cranial capacity of Oreopithecus bambolii has been estimated as fallingbetween 276 and 529 cubic centimeters, thus within the ranges of variation of both orangutan and chimpanzee. In cranial capacity, therefore, and probably in body-brain ratio as well, Oreopithecus is a hominoid.
Butterbur: an alternative therapy for migraine prevention.

Petasites hybridus, more commonly known as butterbur, is a member of the Asteraceae family. [1][1]–[4][2] This perennial shrub, which can grow to a height of 3 ft, has a creeping, horizontal rhizome, lilac-pink flowers, and broad leaves that can approach 3 ft in diameter (figure). [1][1],[3][3]–[5
Comprehensive Cross-Clade Neutralization Analysis of a Panel of Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Monoclonal Antibodies

ABSTRACT Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are potentially important tools in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine design. A few rare MAbs have been intensively studied, but we still have a limited appreciation of their neutralization breadth. Using a pseudovirus assay, we evaluated MAbs from clade B-infected donors and a clade B HIV+ plasma against 93 viruses from diverse backgrounds. Anti-gp120 MAbs exhibited greater activity against clade B than non-B viruses, whereas anti-gp41 MAbs exhibited broad interclade activity. Unexpectedly, MAb 4E10 (directed against the C terminus of the gp41 ectodomain) neutralized all 90 viruses with moderate potency. MAb 2F5 (directed against an epitope adjacent to that of 4E10) neutralized 67% of isolates, but none from clade C. Anti-gp120 MAb b12 (directed against an epitope overlapping the CD4 binding site) neutralized 50% of viruses, including some from almost every clade. 2G12 (directed against a high-mannose epitope on gp120) neutralized 41% of the viruses, but none from clades C or E. MAbs to the gp120 V3 loop, including 447-52D, neutralized a subset of clade B viruses (up to 45%) but infrequently neutralized other clades (≤7%). MAbs b6 (directed against the CD4 binding site) and X5 (directed against a CD4-induced epitope of gp120) neutralized only sensitive primary clade B viruses. The HIV+ plasma neutralized 70% of the viruses, including some from all major clades. Further analysis revealed five neutralizing immunotypes that were somewhat associated with clades. As well as the significance for vaccine design, our data have implications for passive-immunization studies in countries where clade C viruses are common, given that only MAbs b12 and 4E10 were effective against viruses from this clade.
A comparison of red spruce and balsam fir shoot structures.

I compared the shoot structures of high-elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ). Needle widths, thicknesses and perimeters were measured to estimate total leaf areas from measured projected leaf areas. Measured needle perimeter/needle width ratios differed significantly from estimated ratios that assumed needles were either rhomboidal or elliptical in cross section. The vertical and horizontal silhouette shoot area to total leaf area ratios (STAR(v) and STAR(h)) of the two species were negatively correlated with needle packing and canopy height. Red spruce had higher values of STAR(v) than balsam fir at each canopy height, but STAR(v) declined with canopy height at a similar rate in the two species. The STAR(h) values of the two species did not differ significantly at a given canopy height. Needle packing increased with canopy height at the same rate in the two species. Needle weight increased in red spruce and decreased in balsam fir with increased needle packing, but showed no significant dependence on canopy height. Red spruce had higher values of STAR(h) than balsam fir at low values of needle packing, but STAR(h) values converged at high values of needle packing. The generally comparable values of STAR, along with similar needle diameters, may imply that red spruce and balsam fir have similar collection efficiencies of wet and dry particles. Measurements of STAR may be used to estimate leaf area indices (LAI) more accurately when using indirect techniques.
Promoting the use of car safety devices for infants: an intensive health education approach.

Efforts to promote the use of infant car seats through health education techniques have been disappointing when strict criteria for evaluation are used. Low-income families were targeted and were provided with educational sessions in the prenatal, postdelivery , and infant follow-up periods. Free car seats were given to 179 clients. Base-line and follow-up observations were performed at 4 months after delivery. The proportion of correctly restrained infants increased from 9% to 38%. The number of infants who were lap held decreased from 38% to 18%. The proportion of clients who had an approved car seat but who were using it incorrectly increased from 11% to 23%.
[Role of anatomic and physiologic trauma scoring systems in forensic cases].

BACKGROUND The Turkish Penalty Law has recently been changed. The novel law asks the practitioner to report if there is any 'Situation Placing a Life in Danger '. Herein, we evaluate the anatomic (ISS, TRISS) and physiologic (RTS) trauma scores assessing mortality. METHODS Study data were obtained from a retrospective chart screening of cases who were accepted to the emergency department in GATA Faculty of Medicine in 2007 and from archived forensic reports. Demographic features and the time period of admittance were recorded. Trauma scores were calculated. All parameters were evaluated with the reported condition of "life threat" and mortality. RESULTS Forensic reports were completed for 373 patients and 6.16% of them were noted as being in a life-threatening condition. Mortality rate was 1.34%. A significant rate of trauma patients suffered from firearm injury and stab wounds (p<0.001). There was no statistical difference between ISS, TRISS and RTS with respect to predictive value of a 'life-threatening condition' (Area under curve [AUC] in the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve analysis: ISS: 0.968, TRISS: 0.922, RTS: 0.196). There was also no statistical difference between ISS, TRISS and RTS scores regarding mortality prediction (AUC in the ROC analysis: ISS: 0.992, TRISS: 0.0995, RTS: 0.005). CONCLUSION We assume that there is no difference between physiologic and anatomic scoring systems to predict mortality for deciding a life-threatening condition.
Coordinate rotation invariance of image characteristics for 3d shape and motion recovery

In order to determine the shape and the motion of the object from its projection, it suffices to derive and solve the equation relating the parameters specifying the shape and the motion of the object with the features measured on the image. The equation is usually nonlinear, and is difficult to solve in the analytic way. This paper notes that there is no inherent coordinate system on the image, and any two coordinate systems are equivalent. By combining the features of the image, coordinate-rotation-invariant parameters (invariances) are derived. By this scheme, the geometrical meaning of the image characteristics is made clear, and the analytic solution is obtained in a natural way. The idea is demonstrated for the cases of the optical flow analysis and the surface recovery by texture, as examples.
Why fish oils may not always be adequate treatments for depression or other inflammatory illnesses: docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, induces a Th-1-like immune response.

BACKGROUND We have shown that a depletion of omega3 polysaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression, in part because omega3 PUFAs have anti-inflammatory effects. omega3 PUFAs are frequently employed to treat depression. Most if not all antidepressants have negative immunoregulatory effects by decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) and/or increasing that of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin10 (IL-10). AIM The aim of the present study was to examine the immunoregulary effects of the omega3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the omega6 PUFA, arachidonic acid (AA), on the production of interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha). METHODS This study examines the ex vivo effects of EPA (4.5 microM, 9 microM, 18 microM and 45 microM), DHA (1.3 microM, 3 microM, 6 microM and 13 microM) and AA (8 microM, 16 microM, 32 microM and 80 microM) on the LPS + PHA-stimulated production of IFNgamma, IL-10 and TNFalpha, and on the IFNgamma/IL-10 production ratio. RESULTS We found that EPA did not have any significant effects on the above cytokines. DHA significantly increased the IFNgamma/IL-10 production ratio, caused by a greater reduction in IL-10 than in IFNgamma. AA significantly decreased TNFalpha production. DISCUSSION The results show that DHA induces a Th-1-like immune response and that AA has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the production of TNFalpha. Thus, the immune effects of omega3 PUFAs are not compatible with what is expected from antidepressive substances. The results of the present study show that treatment with fish oils, containing DHA, should be avoided in the treatment of depression. Toward this end, highly concentrated and pure EPA seems to be indicated.
Sustained-release endotoxin. A model for inducing corneal neovascularization.

The rabbit corneal pocket assay is one of the most frequently used systems for the study of angiogenesis. This model particularly is useful to identify stimulators of new blood vessel formation. More recently, however, interest in inhibitors of angiogenesis has grown, and several antiangiogenic agents have been identified. Investigations of angiogenesis inhibitors require a reliable model for the stimulation of neovascularization. One method was modified to produce corneal neovascularization by implanting into the rabbit cornea a sustained-release polymer containing endotoxin (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). The implant was prepared by mixing weighed quantities of endotoxin with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax) and forming 1-mm3 pellets containing 1%, 7.5%, 15%, 20%, 30%, and 40% (w/w) of endotoxin. Pure Elvax pellets were implanted as controls. Intrastromal corneal pockets were created in 92 eyes of male, albino New Zealand rabbits (n = 80), and sterilized endotoxin-copolymer implants were introduced. The growth rate of new vessels was measured by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Endotoxin loads of 15% (n = 40) produced a strong neovascularization response with minimal stromal edema, with a mean growth rate of 0.21 +/- 0.12 mm/day. Loads of 1%, 7.5%, and 20% yielded 0.1 +/- 0.03 mm/day, 0.27 +/- 0.05 mm/day, 0.30 +/- 0.06 mm/day, respectively (n = 8, each group). Higher loads (30% and 40%; n = 8, each group) produced intense neovascularization, accompanied by severe corneal edema that obscured accurate measurement of the vessels. Corneal pockets that did not contain polymer implants were avascular. When endotoxin-Elvax pellets were removed, the new vessels regressed within 2 weeks. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The effect of films with and without subtitles on listening comprehension of EFL learners

The present study represented a preliminary effort to empirically examine the efficacy of subtitled movie on listening comprehension of intermediate English as a Foreign Language students. To achieve this purpose, out of a total of 200 intermediate students, 90 were picked based on a proficiency test. The material consisted of six episodes (approximately 5 minutes each) of a DVD entitled 'Wild Weather'. The students viewed only one of the three treatment conditions: English subtitles, Persian subtitles, no subtitles. After each viewing session, six sets of multiple-choice tests were administered to examine listening comprehension rates. The results revealed that the English subtitles group performed at a considerably higher level than the Persian subtitles group, which in turn performed at a substantially higher level than the no subtitle group on the listening test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]