Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro photosensitization II. An electron microscopy study of cellular destruction with mono‐L‐aspartyl chlorin e6 and photofrin II

Primary sites of subcellular destruction with photofrin II (PfII) and mono‐L‐aspartyl chlorin e6 (MACE) were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Potorous tridactylus (PTK2) cells were grown in Rose chambers and incubated for 24 hr with a sensitizer concentration sufficient to provide 100% mortality. Cells were irradiated with laser light and fixed and processed for electron microscopy at various times post‐irradiation. The results indicate that PfII initially destroys mitochondria, whereas MACE destroys lysosomes. Both conclusions are consistent with fluorescence subcellular localization studies.
The Marriage Tax: A Social and Fiscal Policy Reversal for U.S. Family Taxation

Cataldo and Flynn (2014) provided a historical review (1913-) of the marriage tax penalty (MTP) and marriage tax bonus (MTB) that is created in the current income tax system that exists in the United States. In addition, Cataldo and Flynn (2014) summarized significant comparative studies for Canada, England and Wales through the 1990s, and described U.S. fiscal and tax policy reforms (2001, 2003 and 2004) that minimized or eliminated the U.S. MTP. The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) of 2012 reverses U.S. tax policy, resurrecting concerns about the MTP for higher income taxpayers. We extend our previous work by comparing the U.S. marriage-to-divorce (M-T-D) ratio to the Canadian M-T-D ratio. The family remains the unit of taxation in the U.S. tax code, thus creating the potential for the marriage tax. However, the individual remains the unit of taxation in Canada, thus preventing the existence of the marriage tax. This is a timely and interesting analysis because by comparing the M-T-D ratio in the U.S. where the marriage tax exists, to the M-T-D ratio in Canada where the marriage tax does not exist, we can determine whether the marriage tax has a significant effect on a couple’s decision to either marry, or stay married. Those researching family taxation and policy issues, both within and outside of North America, may find it helpful to exploit this alternative dimension for comparison and international analysis.
Research on Output Voltage Modulation of a Five-Level Matrix Converter

The matrix converter (MC) is a direct ac–ac power converter without an intermediate dc link. It has several attractive features, such as high power density, four-quadrant operation, and bidirectional power flow. However, the application of MCs in high-voltage and high-power systems is still limited by the device voltage levels. It is well known that the multilevel power converter technology can be a solution to enhance the voltage rating and improve harmonic performance in many applications. Therefore, an application of a multilevel topology based on a direct ac–ac power converter is proposed in this paper. This paper first introduce the topology structure, the switching pattern grouping method, and the proposed output voltage modulation method for a five-level capacitor clamped multilevel matrix converter (5LMC). Amplitude coefficient adjustment is also introduced as a part of modulation procedure to simplify the duty cycles calculation. Simulation from MATLAB/Simulink is given to demonstrate the theoretical work. Experimental results from a five-level matrix converter prototype are presented to validate the theoretical findings.
Temporal Regulation of Agonist Efficacy at 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A and 5-HT1BReceptors

Coactivation of purinergic (P2Y) receptors reduces agonist efficacy at serotonin1B (5-HT1B), but not 5-HT1A receptors. Herein, we report that pretreatment for 5 min with the P2Y receptor agonist ATP reduced agonist responsiveness at the 5-HT1A, but not at the 5-HT1B, receptor. The effect of ATP pretreatment on the 5-HT1A receptor response rapidly reversed within a 10 min time frame between P2Y receptor and 5-HT1Areceptor activation. ATP pretreatment effects on 5-HT1Aagonist responsiveness were blocked by the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide, suggesting that the ATP-mediated temporal regulation involves activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Moreover, the temporal effect of ATP was blocked by incubation with 1% ethanol, suggesting that consequences of phospholipase D (PLD) activation play a role. ATP pretreatment blocked the inhibitory effect produced by 5-HT2C receptor activation on the 5-HT1A, but not the 5-HT1B, receptor response, suggesting that the 5-HT1A receptor itself was the target for PLD/PKC action. Finally, ethanol did not block the reduction in responsiveness of the 5-HT1A receptor system produced by activation of PKC with phorbol ester treatment, suggesting that PKC activation lies downstream of PLD. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of P2Y receptors can reduce responsiveness of the 5-HT1A receptor system via a PLD/PKC-dependent mechanism that is highly dependent upon the temporal pattern of receptor activation. Moreover, this work underscores the importance of time as a variable in receptor signaling cross talk and serves to further illustrate differences between the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor systems.
Essential role of calcium in cellular internalization of Pseudomonas toxin

Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) has been shown previously to enter mouse LM cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, to block protein synthesis, and to cause cell death. The requirement for the divalent cation calcium in the binding and internalization of PE was examined. Biochemical studies showed that depletion of extracellular calcium with ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid protected cells from the action of PE when the chelator was present during the internalization step. Extracellular calcium was not required for binding. We observed with immunoelectron microscopy that, in the cold, toxin bound to cell surfaces equally well in the presence or absence of chelator. In the presence of chelator, toxin was not cleared from the cell surface when cells were warmed to 37 degrees C. Replenishment of calcium (2 mM CaCl2), however, allowed normal rapid clearance of PE to occur. We suggest that internalization, but not binding, of PE by LM cells requires extracellular calcium.
Botulinum Toxin Injection for Hypertonicity of the Upper Extremity Within 12 Weeks After Stroke

Background. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) reduces upper-extremity poststroke spasticity when given 6 or more months after stroke. Effects on functional use of the arm and hand are less apparent. Objective. To determine the effect and safety of very early use of BoNT-A for patients with upper-limb spasticity. Methods. The Asia Botulinum Toxin-A Clinical Trial Designed for Early Post-stroke Spasticity (ABCDE-S; NCT00234546) was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients recruited within 2 -12 weeks of first-ever stroke. Participants with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of 1+ or above received BoNT-A (Dysport) 500 U or placebo to one or more wrist and elbow mover muscles, plus unstructured rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the MAS score in the most affected joint 4 weeks after first injection. Follow-up was 24 weeks. Results. A total of 163 patients were enrolled and assigned to placebo (n = 83) or BoNT-A (n = 80). Mean time since stroke was about 7 weeks. At 4 weeks postinjection, BoNT-A significantly improved MAS scores. Treatment effect-size estimates increased with higher baseline MAS scores from 0.45 (Q1) to 0.70 (Q3). MAS scores for all secondary end points improved with BoNT-A versus placebo at all time points (P < .0001, all visits). The Functional Motor Assessment Scale did not reveal clinically significant differences. No group differences in adverse events were found. Interpretation. BoNT-A 500 U can provide a sustained reduction in poststroke upper-limb spasticity when combined with rehabilitation in Asian patients who have mild-to-moderate hypertonicity and voluntary movement, within 2 -12 weeks of stroke. Functional use of the arm and hand was not affected.
Disturbed gyrification of the prefrontal region in male schizophrenic patients: A morphometric postmortem study.

OBJECTIVE The goal was to test the hypothesis that abnormalities of gyrification are present in the prefrontal region of postmortem brains from schizophrenic patients. METHOD The authors compared the prefrontal regions in brains from 24 schizophrenic patients and 24 normal comparison subjects. The gyrification index, the ratio of inner and outer surface contours, was measured bilaterally in three different slices from each brain. Area measurements of gray and white matter were studied separately by planimetric analysis in the same sections. In addition, a gray-to-white-matter ratio and an asymmetry coefficient were computed. RESULTS The mean gyrification index on the right side was significantly higher in the male schizophrenic patients than in the comparison men. The gyrification index of the female patients was not significantly different from that of the female comparison subjects. Analysis of area measurements revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS As gyrification is an ontogenetic stable feature unaffected by atrophic processes during aging, the gyrification abnormalities of the prefrontal region provide further evidence of the importance of a neurodevelopmental mechanism in the etiology of schizophrenia, at least in males.
Hospital management of hyperglycemia

Purpose of reviewWith the growing prevalence of dysglycemia, the increased frequency of hospitalizations in diabetic patients, and the notable effects of acute stress on glucose metabolism, it is not surprising that hyperglycemia is frequently encountered in the inpatient setting. Hospital hyperglycemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased length of stay and costs. Accordingly, there has been intense interest in the optimal management of glucose levels in hospitalized patients. However, overly stringent control may result in hypoglycemia, which in itself is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcome. A fine balance in management is obviously important. Recent findingsWe herein review recent observational studies and randomized clinical trials regarding glycemic management in the hospital, both in the critical care and noncritical care settings. Though results are conflicting, a consensus has recently emerged that although glucose control is important, prior recommendations had become too aggressive. SummaryNewly updated national guidelines call for a blood glucose target for critically ill patients of 140–180 mg/dl, using a continuous insulin infusion if needed. In the noncritically ill, a value less than 140 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 on random checks is recommended. A regimen of basal insulin in conjunction with premeal and supplemental insulin is preferred, as opposed to simple sliding scale insulin. Importantly, these guidelines are merely recommendations and management of the hyperglycemic inpatient must be tailored to suit the individual, considering their other comorbidities, risk factors for hypoglycemia, availability and training of hospital staff, and overall prognosis.
Validation of Horne and Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire in a Middle-Aged Population of French Workers

As suggested by the authors, the Horne and Ostberg morning/evening questionnaire (MEQ) has never been adapted to evaluate a nonstudent population. The purpose of this study was to validate this MEQ in a sample of middle-aged workers by modifying only the cutoffs. It was administered in 566 non-shift-workers aged 51.2 to 3.2 years who presented no sleep disorders. According to the Horne and Ostberg classification, the sample consisted of 62.1% morning type, 36.6% neither type, and 2.2% evening type. Multiple correspondence analysis, which determines the principal components, was performed on all MEQ items. Then an ascending hierarchical classification was applied to determine 3 clusters from these principal components. On the basis of these 3 clusters, new cutoffs were determined: evening types were considered as scoring under 53 and morning types above 64, thus giving 28.1% morning type, 51.7% neither type, and 20.2% evening type. As an external validation, eveningness was associated with later bedtime and waking-up time (more pronounced at the weekend), greater need for sleep, larger daily sleep debt, greater morning sleepiness, and ease of returning to sleep in the early morning. A positive correlation between age and morningness was again found. This study confirms that “owls” are not rare in a middle-aged sample. We conclude that this adapted MEQ could be useful when investigating age-related changes in sleep.
Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: A Time Domain Analysis

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) provide relatively easily accessible external information about internal properties of the inner ear. A primary result is that the detection of normal DPOAE components is a strong indicator of normal functioning of the cochlear mechanics. The details of amplitude and phase behavior of the DPOAEs, and the development over time (DPOAE delay) are not fully understood and subject of some debate. In this paper, I would like to emphasize the view that precise time domain experiments and time domain model analysis provide a superb tool, the power of which is generally underestimated. Results are presented from a model analysis in which the primary-tone phase variation technique introduced by Whitehead et al. was employed successfully.
Changes in effectiveness of cigarette health warnings over time in Canada and the United States, 2002-2011.

INTRODUCTION Article 11 of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) requires countries to implement health warnings on tobacco products. The Article 11 guidelines advise countries to periodically rotate warnings to prevent "wearout" of the health warnings. This study investigates potential wearout of cigarette health warnings during a period of 9 years in 2 countries: Canada, where larger pictorial warnings were implemented approximately 1 year prior to the study, and in the United States, where small text-only warnings were in place for 17 years at the beginning of the study. METHODS Data were drawn from national samples of smokers from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Surveys in Canada (N = 5,309), and the United States (N = 6,412) who were originally recruited by telephone with random digit dialing. Changes in 4 measures of health warning effectiveness and in a composite Labels Impact Index were examined over 8 waves of survey data (2002-2011). Analyses were conducted in 2012. RESULTS The health warning effectiveness measures and the Labels Impact Index indicated that the effectiveness of both the Canadian, and the U.S. warnings declined significantly over time. The Canadian warnings showed greater declines in effectiveness than the U.S. warnings, likely due to the initial novelty of the Canadian warnings. Despite the greater decline in Canada, the Canadian pictorial warnings were significantly more effective than the U.S. text-only warnings throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS Health warnings decline in effectiveness over time. Health warnings on tobacco products should be changed periodically to maintain effectiveness.
The metabolism of erythropoietin in liver cirrhosis patients compared with healthy volunteers.

The purpose of the investigation was to study the metabolism of erythropoietin (EPO) in patients with liver disease. Twelve patients with liver cirrhosis and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The patients were moderately anemic with a hematocrit of 33 vs 42% (medians) in the volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after an intravenous (i.v.) injection of 100 U/kg of recombinant human EPO. The serum EPO was measured by radioimmunoassay at regular intervals until 48 h. The median terminal elimination half life in the cirrhosis patients was 5.15 h vs 5.37 h in the control subjects. The clearance was 7.78 vs 7.52 ml/min/1.73 m2 (ns). The steady‐state volume of distribution was 3.69 vs 3.09 1/1.73 m2 (ns). The estimated endogenous EPO production was significantly higher in liver cirrhosis (486 vs 290 U/d/1.73m2, p<0.01). The basal serum EPO was significantly higher in the cirrhosis patients (43.5 vs 26.3 U/***l, p<0.01). The hematocrit correlated inversely with the basal serum EPO level in the cirrhosis patients (r= ‐0.63, p<0.04). The EPO‐clearance was not related to the presence of ascites, esophageal varices, or to abnormal blood chemistry. It was concluded that normal metabolism of EPO was maintained in liver cirrhosis and that the cirrhotic patients had a moderate compensatory increase of EPO production in response to anemia
Towards a definition of cyberspace tactics, techniques and procedures

Cybersecurity professionals often speak of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) when describing the activities of threat actors, yet these terms are not as well defined in cybersecurity as in military doctrine. Systems that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address cybersecurity problems could better determine adversarial intent and future actions by connecting sequences of actions to threat actor intent. In this paper, we define TTPs in relation to cybersecurity and present a model of TTPs for cyberspace operations that is useful to both humans and synthetic agents. We then describe how these can be applied to real-world cyberspace operations, using advanced persistent threat (APT) 28's Pawn Storm campaign as an exemplar. Finally, we show how we've approached the development of ML algorithms to provide predictive analytics based on large security datasets.
A Case Study of Leadership in the Middle Grades: The Work of the Instructional Lead Teacher

Abstract Since the mid-1960s, public school districts across the United States have struggled to create a developmental-ly appropriate learning environment that meets the needs of students in the middle grades. When junior highschools began to more closely resemble senior high schools (departmental organization, use of lecture), mid-dle schools began to emerge (Romano & Georgiady, 1994). Since 1970, the number of middle schools in theUnited States has increased from 2,080 in 1970 to 10,944 1998 (426%). During the same time period, juniorhigh schools decreased by 52% from 7,437 in 1970 to 3,599 in 1998 (National Center for Education Statistics,1999). While much research has been conducted concerning students and teaming at the middle school level, noresearch could be found concerning instructional lead teachers. The purpose of this study was to examine thework of a middle school instructional lead teacher and to chronicle his efforts to emerge as an instructionalleader. ________________________________
Evaluation of two Neospora caninum recombinant antigens for use in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of bovine neosporosis

Neospora caninum is a recently described apicomplexan parasite which causes paralysis and death in dogs. Neospora parasites also cause abortion and neonatal morbidity in cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, and neosporosis is emerging as an important cause of bovine abortion worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify N. caninum cDNA clones encoding antigens that would be useful for the immunodiagnosis of bovine neosporosis. Two N. caninum tachyzoite cDNA clones expressing antigens that were recognized by serum from naturally and experimentally infected cattle were identified. The DNA sequences of these clones were determined, and the inserts were subcloned into the plasmid expression vector pTrcHisB. Both recombinant antigens, expressed as fusion proteins with a His6 tag, were purified on a nickel-chelating affinity column and evaluated in separate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Both recombinant antigen ELISAs were capable of distinguishing between sera from Neospora-infected cows and sera from uninfected control cows. Furthermore, both assays were able to detect an antibody response in animals that were experimentally inoculated with N. caninum. Neither antigen showed evidence of cross-reactivity with serum from animals inoculated with the closely related parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis, and Sarcocystis hirsuta.
Local translation in neuronal processes—in vivo tests of a “heretical hypothesis”

Intracellular trafficking and localization of mRNA is a fundamental feature of living cells, suggesting that localized mRNA translation should enable subcellular regulation of the proteome. Such localized regulation may be of particular importance in highly polarized cells such as neurons, where the requirement for a specific protein can be at a site far distant from the nucleus. Although dendritic and synaptic protein syntheses are well‐established phenomena, the apparent paucity of ribosomes in early studies on mature vertebrate axons generated significant skepticism regarding the possibility of protein synthesis within axons. Here, we summarize recent findings in genetically engineered mouse models that support a role for local translation in axonal expression of β‐actin and importin β1 in injured adult sensory neurons in vivo. These definitive confirmations of mammalian axonal protein synthesis in both transgenic and subcellular knockout models should direct further attention to the diverse roles suggested for local protein synthesis in axonal physiology. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 210–217, 2014
Nano-power Wake-Up Radio circuit for Wireless Body Area Networks

We developed, implemented and tested a Nano-power Wake Up Radio mainly intended for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), but it can be also used in other types of low power wireless networks. The radio was tested for power consumption and robustness to communication interferences from a wireless devices commonly found around the person carrying a WBAN. Results show that our radio has significantly lower power consumption when idle listening (470nW) than other state-of-the-art radios. We also developed passive filtering method that can, along with our preamble detection method, significantly reduce power for false wake ups in a WBAN.
Two cases of discontinuation syndrome following cessation of memantine

Although memantine is widely used and generally considered safe, an abrupt cessation of memantine may result in discontinuation syndrome that can be distressing and result in decline of natural course. We report two patients who developed significant behavior disturbance after abrupt cessation of memantine. Although re‐trial of memantine improves these symptoms, more additional drugs may be required to achieve previous status. Therefore, abrupt cessation of memantine should be prudent and require cautious follow up.