Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptor 2- and 6-Mediated Stimulation by Macrophage-Activating Lipopeptide 2 Induces Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Cross Tolerance in Mice, Which Results in Protection from Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha but in Only Partial Protection from Lethal LPS Doses

ABSTRACT Patients or experimental animals previously exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) become tolerant to further LPS challenge. We investigated the potential of the macrophage-activating lipopeptide 2 (MALP-2) to induce in vivo cross tolerance to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and LPS. MALP-2-induced tolerance could be of practical interest, as MALP-2 proved much less pyrogenic in rabbits than LPS. Whereas LPS signals via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MALP-2 uses TLR2 and TLR6. LPS-mediated cytokine release was studied in mice pretreated with intraperitoneal injections of MALP-2. No biologically active TNF-α could be detected in the serum of MALP-2-treated animals when challenged with LPS 24 or 72 h later, whereas suppression of LPS-dependent interleukin (IL)-6 lasted for only 24 h. Protection from lethal TNF-α shock was studied in galactosamine-treated mice. Dose dependently, MALP-2 prevented death from lethal TNF-α doses in TLR4−/− but not in TLR2−/− mice, with protection lasting from 5 to 24 h. To assay protection from LPS, mice were pretreated with MALP-2 doses of up to 10 μg. Five and 24 h later, the animals were simultaneously sensitized and challenged by intravenous coinjection of galactosamine and a lethal dose of 50 ng of LPS. There was only limited protection (four of seven mice survived) when mice were challenged 5 h after MALP-2 pretreatment, and no protection when mice were challenged at later times. The high effectiveness of MALP-2 in suppressing TNF-α, the known ways of biological inactivation, and low pyrogenicity make MALP-2 a potential candidate for clinical use.
Perceptions of Need, Service Use, and Barriers to Service Access among Female Methamphetamine Users in Rural Appalachia

Active substance users have been characterized as ambivalent about accessing treatment services. Few studies have addressed the social context and related barriers that individuals experience in addressing substance abuse problems. These barriers appear to be heightened for female methamphetamine users living in rural areas of Appalachia. The purpose of this study is to document the willingness of active female methamphetamine users to access substance abuse treatment services, their ability to access substance abuse treatment services, and the barriers they experienced in accessing substance abuse treatment services. Findings from a sample of 153 rural female methamphetamine users revealed the majority of respondents met the criteria for substance dependence (99.3%), believed they had a drug problem (84.9%), believed they needed treatment services (62.9%), and wanted to go to treatment “now” (51.4%). However, only one fourth (26.8%) had accessed treatment, and many had experienced barriers in attempting to enter treatment services.
Targeted Deletion of Nuclear Factor &kgr;B p50 Enhances Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction is commonly complicated by left ventricular remodeling, a process that leads to cardiac dilatation, congestive heart failure and death. The innate immune system plays a pivotal role in the remodeling process via nuclear factor (NF)-&kgr;B activation. The NF-&kgr;B transcription factor family includes several subunits (p50, p52, p65, c-Rel, and Rel B) that respond to myocardial ischemia. The function of NF-&kgr;B p50, however, is controversial in this process. To clarify the role of NF-&kgr;B p50 in postinfarct left ventricular remodeling, myocardial infarction was induced in wild-type 129Bl6 mice and NF-&kgr;B p50–deficient mice. Without affecting infarct size, deletion of NF-&kgr;B p50 markedly increased the extent of expansive remodeling (end-diastolic volume: 176±13 &mgr;L versus 107±11 &mgr;L; P=0.003) and aggravated systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction: 16.1±1.5% versus 24.7±3.7%; P=0.029) in a 28-day time period. Interstitial fibrosis and hypertrophy in the noninfarcted myocardium was increased in NF-&kgr;B p50 knockout mice. In the infarct area, a lower collagen density was observed, which was accompanied by an increased number of macrophages, higher gelatinase activity and increased inflammatory cytokine expression. In conclusion, targeted deletion of NF-&kgr;B p50 results in enhanced cardiac remodeling and functional deterioration following myocardial infarction by increasing matrix remodeling and inflammation.
Intramolecular esterification by lipase powder in microaqueous benzene: Factors affecting activity of pure enzyme

Various factors affecting the catalytic activity of pure lipase of Pseudomonas fluorescens in microaqueous benzene were investigated with respect to lactonization of 15‐hydroxypentadecanoic acid. Without deposition of the enzyme or of the enzyme plus activity enhancer (additive) on celite powder, the pure enzyme was very poorly dispersed in the microaqueous benzene, resulting in very low activity. The enzyme immobilized on celite powder exhibited the highest activity at a free water content of ca. 0.083%. When a sugar alcohol such as erythritol, arabitol, or sorbitol was added before lyophilization with approximate proportion of 3 g/g enzyme, marked increases in the enzyme activity were observed at a shifted optimal free water content, i.e., 0.04%. Inclusion of phosphotidylcholine resulted in a somewhat higher activity than in the system of enzyme plus celite only. Addition of lactose, bovine serum albumin, casein, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, phosphate, or NaCl all caused a decrease in the enzyme activity. From the effects of the additives examined, it is deduced that the following three factors are required for a pure enzyme to exhibit its full activity in a water‐immiscible organic solvent: (1) optimum moisture content, (2) disperser (support particles having enough surface area on which the enzyme is thinly deposited), and (3) activity enhancer (additive) at optimum concentration The importance of noting the purity of the enzyme preparation is emphasized when its catalysis in an organic solvent is investigated.
Spontaneous and induced activation of rat oocytes

Ovulated rat oocytes undergo spontaneous activation during in vitro culture. After extrusion of the second polar body, they do not enter interphase but are arrested again in next metaphase‐like stage (M III arrest). The present study demonstrates that puromycin and chloral hydrate can trigger transition to interphase of metaphase II and spontaneously (incompletely) activated rat oocytes. The response of oocytes to these activators depends on their stage at the time of application of a stimulus. Metaphase II oocytes enter interphase at 86.8% when treated with puromycin and in 28.7% after chloral hydrate activation. Oocytes activated with chloral hydrate at the time of spontaneously induced anaphase II enter interphase at 64.8%, but after reaching the stage of telophase II their capability to shift to interphase is again low (28.8%). Finally, M III oocytes cannot be forced to enter interphase by either chloral hydrate or puromycin treatment. This study shows that resumption of the second meiotic division and transition to interphase–‐the two processes that normally occur in succession as a response to oocyte activatin‐–can be experimentally separated.
Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Analysis of a Pressure-Operated Soft Robotic Snake

Abstract For a mobile robot undergoing serpentine locomotion, an accurate dynamic model is a fundamental requirement for optimization, control, navigation, and learning algorithms. Such algorithms can be readily implemented for traditional rigid robots, but remain a challenge for nonlinear and low-bandwidth soft robotic systems. This article addresses the theoretical modeling of the dynamics of a pressure-operated soft snake robot. A general framework is detailed to solve the 2D modeling problem of a soft snake robot, which is applicable to most pressure-operated soft robots developed by a modular kinematic arrangement of bending-type fluidic elastomer actuators. The model is simulated using measured physical parameters of a soft snake robot prototype. The theoretical results are verified through a detailed comparison to locomotion experiments on a flat surface with measured frictional properties. Experimental results confirm that the proposed model describes the motion of the robot accurately.
Electrophysiological Studies of Visual Word Perception, Lexical Organization, and Semantic Processing: A Tutorial Review

Visual word recognition requires the matching of an orthographic unit to its meaning via a phonological unit in the mental lexicon. The nature and the speed of this process are affected by “bottom-up” factors (e.g., the manner in which the phonology is represented by the orthography) and by “top-down” factors (e.g., network connections between related words in the lexicon, and contextual semantic information). Event-related potentials (ERPs) provide a relatively new tool that complements behavioral measures of word recognition. ERP components recorded during word perception tasks have been found to be sensitive to orthographic, phonological, and semantic manipulations. They go beyond behavioral measures by providing continuous information about the activity of the cognitive system from stimulus onset to the occurrence of the response. in addition, ERPs enable the researcher to examine word perception and reading in more natural situations, without time constraints and overt responses. Finally, intra-cranial ERP recording in humans and modern analytical techniques may shed light on the relations between cognitive linguistic processes and brain structures. Collaboration between cognitive psychologists, linguists, and ERP researchers will be necessary to exploit the great potential of these electrophysiological techniques.
Danazol distribution in plasma and cell membranes as related to altered cell properties: Implications for mechanism

Concentrations of danazol in patient plasma and red blood cells (RBC) were assayed over a 6‐month period in 75 patients on danazol therapy using a high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method more reliable than previous radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods. It was found that plasma danazol rose regularly for 15 days after the beginning of treatment, reaching a steady state plateau of 175 ± 76 ng/ml in 20 patients on normal dose, and less for lower dose schedules. After stopping danazol, concentrations declined to near zero in a similar time frame. RBC concentrations on a packed volume basis were similar to plasma levels. However, the membrane ghosts of RBC contained about 50% of the total RBC danazol, implying about 100‐fold higher concentration in membranes than in plasma. Similar distributions were obtained in vitro with both RBC and platelets, and were confirmed by 14‐C‐labeled danazol. These findings tend to support the hypothesis that the benefits of danazol in immune disorders may be attributable in part to its intercalation in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane, altering antigen/receptor expression to modulate immune reactions. This hypothesis was first suggested when it was observed that the RBC of patients on danazol therapy showed morphological changes and increased resistance to osmotic lysis. It was later shown that danazol in vitro reduces binding of autoantibodies, and protects against complement‐mediated lysis, suggesting direct action of danazol on the membranes. This hypothesis is discussed, and danazol's effect in protecting against complement‐mediated lysis is described.
Human basic fibroblast growth factor: nucleotide sequence and genomic organization.

Clones encoding the angiogenic endothelial cell mitogen, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), have been isolated from human cDNA libraries made from kidney, fetal heart, fetal liver, term placenta, and a breast carcinoma. Basic FGF cDNA clones are present in these libraries at very low levels when compared to the quantity of the growth factor in the tissues. This observation, combined with the fact that several of the clones represent unspliced transcripts, suggests that cytoplasmic basic FGF mRNA is unstable and that the protein is stored in tissues. The amino acid sequence of human basic FGF, deduced from the sequence of these cDNAs and from genomic clones, is 99% homologous to that of bovine basic FGF, implying a strong selection pressure for maintenance of function and structure. As with the bovine factor, human basic FGF does not appear to have a signal peptide sequence. Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA and mapping of the cloned gene shows that there is only one basic FGF gene. All of the basic, heparin‐binding endothelial cell mitogens of similar amino acid composition that have been described must therefore be products of this single gene.
Performance on the human body of a dual-band textile antenna loaded with metamaterials

A dual-band textile antenna loaded with metamaterials is proposed and analyzed. By introducing a composite right/left-handed transmission line, similar field distributions and radiation patterns are obtained in the two operation bands. The antenna is calculated on a human tissue model for both planar and bending situations. The antenna performance, e.g. resonant frequency, impedance matching bandwidth, directivity, gain, radiation efficiency, and specific absorption ratio (SAR), are compared. This verifies the antenna robustness and safety for use on a human body.
Wafer level packaging fan out thermal management: Is smaller always hotter?

Actually the electronic packaging industry is developing the Fan Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FO WLP) technology that shows an intrinsic capability for higher integration and relevant supply chain. Size and cost reduction, better signal integrity and higher speed compared to standard laminate BGA make this new solution very attractive. In this paper we analyze from a thermal point of view the same chip assembled in standard and flip chip BGA and in Fan Out WLP in order to compare the different thermal behaviours. The main advantage of this new technology is a quite low vertical thermal resistance. The present study shows thermal modeling analysis results achieved using FLOTHERM®. Total thermal behaviour is due to the balance between vertical thermal resistance and lateral heat spreading. Substrate thickness is determined as the dominating factor controlling the total WLP thermal resistance. The impact of die size and hot spot presence has been investigated. Different board designs are also considered.
Work–Family Balance and Alternative Work Schedules

In 2008, the State of Utah implemented a 4-day workweek for their employees. This article examines the impact on employees using a postimplementation survey. For employees on the 4-day schedule, there were no significant differences by gender on work–family balance or on the impact of the schedule. However, women did demonstrate slightly more positive attitudes toward the 4-day schedule. Employees with children at home reported lower work–family balance and greater impact of the 4-day schedule. In contrast, no difference in attitudes toward the 4-day schedule was found by age, although work–family balance differed among age groups. There were differences in work–family balance between employees on the 4-day schedule and those on traditional schedules; however, the more substantial factor was whether an employee selected his or her schedule. The current study highlights the importance of engaging employees when making significant organizational changes, such as transitioning from traditional work schedules to alternative schedules.
The Realization of MAC Controller in Zigbee Chip

ZigBee is a low-rate control network communication protocols which designed for the wireless sensor networks with low power consumption, low cost, low complexity, safety and reliability characteristics, and thus have a broad market prospect. ZigBee PHY layer and MAC layer protocol used IEEE802.15. 4. This paper analyses the function of MAC layer in IEEE 802.15. 4, introduces the process of design and realize of hardware and software co-design of MAC controller in Zigbee chip, put emphasis on consideration of low cost and low consumption.
Na/Ca Exchanger and PMCA Localization in Neurons and Astrocytes

Abstract: Immunocytochemistry reveals that the Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) in neuronal somata and astrocytes is confined to plasma membrane (PM) microdomains that overlie sub‐PM (junctional) endoplasmic reticulum (jER). By contrast, the PM Ca2+ pump (PMCA) is more uniformly distributed in the PM. At presynaptic nerve terminals, the NCX distribution is consistent with that observed in the neuronal somata, but the PMCA is clustered at the active zones. Thus, the PMCA, with high affinity for Ca2+ (Kd≅100 nM), may keep active zone Ca2+ very low and thereby “reprime” the vesicular release mechanism following activity. NCX, with lower affinity for Ca2+ (Kd≅1,000 nM), on the other hand, may extrude Ca2+ that has diffused away from the active zones and been temporarily sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum. The PL microdomains that contain the NCX also contain Na+ pump high ouabain affinity α2 (astrocytes) or α3 (neurons) subunit isoforms (IC50≅5‐50 nM ouabain). In constrast, the α1 isoform (low ouabain affinity in rodents; IC50 >10,000 nM), like the PMCA, is more uniformly distributed in these cells. The sub‐PM endoplasmic reticulum in neurons (and probably glia and other cell types as well) and the adjacent PM form junctions that resemble cardiac muscle dyads. We suggest that the PM microdomains containing NCX and α2/α3 Na+ pumps, the underlying jER, and the intervening tiny volume of cytosol (<10−18 l) form functional units (PLasmERosomes); diffusion of Na+ and Ca2+ between these cytosolic compartments and “bulk” cytosol may be markedly restricted. The activity of the Na+ pumps with α2/α3 subunits may thus regulate NCX activity and jER Ca2+ content. This view is supported by studies in mice with genetically reduced (by ≅50%) α2 Na+ pumps: evoked Ca2+ transients were augmented in these cells despite normal cytosolic Na+ and resting Ca2+ concentrations ([Na+]CYT and [Ca2+]CYT). We conclude that α2/α3 Na+ pumps control PLasmERosome (local) [Na+]CYT. This, in turn, via NCX, modulates local [Ca2+]CYT, jER Ca2+ storage, Ca2+ signaling, and cell responses.
Induction Machine Phase Frame Model

The modeling of an induction machine for power-flow studies is the primary purpose of this paper. The model will start with the conventional symmetrical component model and will evolve into a model in the phase frame. The developed model is incorporated into the IEEE induction machine test system. Since the test feeder specifies a given input power to the machine (motor in case) a method for computing the required slip is developed. A power-flow study of the test feeder with the induction machine modeled and following convergence, a complete analysis of the operating characteristics are performed
Neural network copula portfolio optimization for exchange traded funds

This paper attempts to investigate if adopting accurate forecasts from Neural Network (NN) models can lead to statistical and economically significant benefits in portfolio management decisions. In order to achieve that, three NNs, namely the Multi-Layer Perceptron, Recurrent Neural Network and the Psi Sigma Network (PSN), are applied to the task of forecasting the daily returns of three Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The statistical and trading performance of the NNs is benchmarked with the traditional Autoregressive Moving Average models. Next, a novel dynamic asymmetric copula model (NNC) is introduced in order to capture the dependence structure across ETF returns. Based on the above, weekly re-balanced portfolios are obtained and compared using the traditional mean–variance and the mean–CVaR portfolio optimization approach. In terms of the results, PSN outperforms all models in statistical and trading terms. Additionally, the asymmetric skewed t copula statistically outperforms symmetric copulas when it comes to modelling ETF returns dependence. The proposed NNC model leads to significant improvements in the portfolio optimization process, while forecasting covariance accounting for asymmetric dependence between the ETFs also improves the performance of obtained portfolios.
Time trends in incidence, etiology, and case fatality rate of the first attack of acute pancreatitis

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this study was to establish estimates of incidence and fatality rates, and to identify likely etiologies of first attack acute pancreatitis (FAAP) in an urban Norwegian population. Material and methods. A total of 874 patients were discharged with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis from the two hospitals in this region between 1.1. 1996 and 31.12. 2006. Patient records were reviewed and patients with a verifiable FAAP were identified. Demographic variables, likely etiology, and outcome were registered. Results. FAAP was verified in 567 (65%) of the patients (300 women and 267 men) with a median age of 58 years (range 7–98). The average yearly incidence rate of FAAP was 14.6/100 000 and the gender-specific incidence rates increased yearly by approx. 6% (p = 0.006). There was a decline in diagnoses by s-Amylase from approx. 90% to 62% in 2006 and an increase in diagnoses obtained by CT (p < 0.001). The case fatality rate was low (3.5%), but higher among men (5.8%) than women (2%, p = 0.037). The case fatality rate was lowest among patients with gallstones (0.7%) and higher among patients with alcohol (9%), miscellaneous (10.4%), and non-assessed etiology (6.6%) of FAAP (p < 0.05). Male gender, increasing age, and etiology (alcohol, miscellaneous causes, and non-assessed) were associated with increased case fatality rate in an adjusted regression model (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The incidence rate of FAAP is low and differs from that of official registries. The case fatality rate is low, but related to gender, age, and likely etiology of FAAP.
Neuropsychological functioning following complicated vs. uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury

Objective: It would be logical to assume that patients with intracranial abnormalities (i.e. complicated MTBIs) would have worse outcome than patients without these abnormalities (i.e. uncomplicated MTBIs). However, the literature is limited and somewhat mixed regarding outcome in patients with complicated mild TBIs. The purpose of this study is to employ a carefully controlled research design to compare the acute neuropsychological functioning of patients following complicated and uncomplicated MTBI. Method: Participants were 20 patients with complicated MTBI and 20 patients with uncomplicated MTBI selected from an archival database of 465 patients. Patients were carefully matched on age, education, gender, ethnicity, days assessed post-injury and mechanism of injury. Patients were assessed an average of 3.5 days (SD = 1.9) post-injury with 13 common cognitive variables. Results: There were significant group differences on only three of the 13 cognitive measures (complicated mild TBI worse than uncomplicated mild TBI). There were no significant differences in the proportion of impaired scores between groups on all measures, with the exception of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall. Conclusion: Patients with complicated MTBIs performed more poorly only on a small number of tests during the acute recovery period.