Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

The characteristics and proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats were studied in culture. Smooth muscle cells were isolated from the tunica media of the thoracic aorta by an explant method. Immunefluorescence microscopy showed that 93–95 per cent of cells were positively labelled with antibodies raised against smooth muscle actin, indicating that these were smooth muscle cells. The proliferate activity was compared between aortic smooth muscle cells from hypertensive and normotensive rats in culture by thymidine incorporation and eell number determinations. The results demonstrate that aortic smooth muscle cells from hypertensive rats grew faster than those from normotensive rats in culture. The increased proliferative activity of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from hypertensive rats was detectable even when they were cultured in a chemically defined serum‐free medium. These data have shown that an increased proliferative activity of aortic smooth muscle cells from hypertensive rats can occur in culture conditions without the influence of arterial pressure or other stimuli as in intact animals. The mechanisms underlying the accelerated proliferative activity of aortic smooth muscle cells from genetically hypertensive rats in vitro remain to be determined.
CD8+ CTL Priming by Exact Peptide Epitopes in Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant Induces a Vanishing CTL Response, whereas Long Peptides Induce Sustained CTL Reactivity1

Therapeutic vaccination trials, in which patients with cancer were vaccinated with minimal CTL peptide in oil-in-water formulations, have met with limited success. Many of these studies were based on the promising data of mice studies, showing that vaccination with a short synthetic peptide in IFA results in protective CD8+ T cell immunity. By use of the highly immunogenic OVA CTL peptide in IFA as a model peptide-based vaccine, we investigated why minimal CTL peptide vaccines in IFA performed so inadequately to allow full optimization of peptide vaccination. Injection of the minimal MHC class I-binding OVA257–264 peptide in IFA transiently activated CD8+ effector T cells, which eventually failed to undergo secondary expansion or to kill target cells, as a result of a sustained and systemic presentation of the CTL peptides gradually leaking out of the IFA depot without systemic danger signals. Complementation of this vaccine with the MHC class II-binding Th peptide (OVA323–339) restored both secondary expansion and in vivo effector functions of CD8+ T cells. Simply extending the CTL peptide to a length of 30 aa also preserved these CD8+ T cell functions, independent of T cell help, because the longer CTL peptide was predominantly presented in the locally inflamed draining lymph node. Importantly, these functional differences were reproduced in two additional model Ag systems. Our data clearly show why priming of CTL with minimal peptide epitopes in IFA is suboptimal, and demonstrate that the use of longer versions of these CTL peptide epitopes ensures the induction of sustained effector CD8+ T cell reactivity in vivo.
Treatment of port-wine stains with a noncoherent pulsed light source: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE We investigated whether a noncoherent intense pulsed light source (IPLS) would be effective in therapy of port-wine stains (PWSs). DESIGN To evaluate the efficacy in treatment of PWSs with IPLS, a retrospective study was initiated. SETTING The data were collected by physicians working in private practices and departments of university hospitals and medical centers, respectively. PATIENTS A total of 37 randomly selected patients with a total of 40 PWSs were included in the study. Clinical PWS characteristics recorded were color and location of the PWS. INTERVENTIONS All patients were treated with IPLS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Data collected included treatment parameter (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), percentage of clearance, and side effects (purpura, blisters, crusting, altered pigmentation, and scarring). RESULTS Good and complete (70%-100%) clearance was achieved in 28 of 40 PWSs treated with IPLS. The average number of treatment sessions in PWSs reaching 100% clearance included 4.0 for pink PWSs and 1.5 for red PWSs. The average number of sessions for purple PWSs reaching good clearance (70%-99%) was 4.2 sessions. Parameters used most frequently were 515- and 550-nm cut-off filters, pulse duration of 2.5 to 5.0 milliseconds, and fluences of 24 to 60 J/cm2. Side effects included purpura in 133 (76%), superficial blisters in 14 (8%), and crusting in 35 (20%). Transient pigmentation changes were seen in 10.8% of patients (hypopigmentation in 3 [8.1%], hyperpigmentation in 1 [2.7%]). No scarring was observed. CONCLUSION Intense pulsed light source presents an effective and safe method for treating PWSs, especially purple PWSs.
Robustness of the Packet Delay Channels

In packet-switched networks, a packet delay channel, we refer to it as delay channel later, uses different delays between packets as media to carry messages. Because the delays between packets are not normal media for the network communications, the delay channels can penetrate most of network firewalls and then leaks sensitive information without being noticed. Therefore, the delay channels are popular in the areas of covert communication and packets flow watermarking. Because of such an unusual communication method, the delay channels are labeled as unstable channels. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been done to scale the robustness of the delay channels. We treat the lengths of the delays as the amplitudes of carrier waves and then propose a mathematical model for the delay channels through the theory of amplitude modulation. Furthermore, the different kinds of noise for the delay channels are modeled by different distribution functions. Subsequently, using probability theory, the robustness of the delay channels is quantified from the aspects of channel capacity and channel transmission error rate, etc. Both simulation and experimental results show the soundness of our works.
Instrumented Compliant Wrist with Proximity and Contact Sensing for Close Robot Interaction Control

Compliance has been exploited in various forms in robotic systems to allow rigid mechanisms to come into contact with fragile objects, or with complex shapes that cannot be accurately modeled. Force feedback control has been the classical approach for providing compliance in robotic systems. However, by integrating other forms of instrumentation with compliance into a single device, it is possible to extend close monitoring of nearby objects before and after contact occurs. As a result, safer and smoother robot control can be achieved both while approaching and while touching surfaces. This paper presents the design and extensive experimental evaluation of a versatile, lightweight, and low-cost instrumented compliant wrist mechanism which can be mounted on any rigid robotic manipulator in order to introduce a layer of compliance while providing the controller with extra sensing signals during close interaction with an object’s surface. Arrays of embedded range sensors provide real-time measurements on the position and orientation of surfaces, either located in proximity or in contact with the robot’s end-effector, which permits close guidance of its operation. Calibration procedures are formulated to overcome inter-sensor variability and achieve the highest available resolution. A versatile solution is created by embedding all signal processing, while wireless transmission connects the device to any industrial robot’s controller to support path control. Experimental work demonstrates the device’s physical compliance as well as the stability and accuracy of the device outputs. Primary applications of the proposed instrumented compliant wrist include smooth surface following in manufacturing, inspection, and safe human-robot interaction.
Antecedents of revisited intention : Evidence from Indonesia zoo tourism

This study aimed to find out antecedences that affected revisited intention to the zoo. Opportunities to developing tourism industry especially in zoo tourism management. This study applied a quantitative research method using 200 questionaires disseminated to zoo tourists, in which 166 of these were completed. The study applied a structured equation modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squere. Results of the study revealed important factors to build revisited intention to the zoo. This study found that all variables are significant affecting to revisited intention. This study will strengtened the previous research about revisited intention to zoo tourism. This research finding provides conceptual framework revisited intention. All of variables relationship proved the same result as previous studies about service quality, image, satisfaction and revisit intention. The proposed model tested empirically, the model shown that all variables is an ideal strategy to built zoo tourism competitiveness. This study reveals the antecedents of the desire to revisit the zoo, this is very important given the lack of research on the sustainability of a zoo. This study will contributed to the body of knowledge.
Distribution of A-delta and C-fiber receptors in the cervical facet joint capsule and their response to stretch.

BACKGROUND It has been proposed that cervical facet joint capsules are a major source of whiplash pain. However, there is a paucity of neurophysiologic data to support this hypothesis. The purposes of this study were to determine the distribution of A-delta and C-fiber sensory receptors in the facet joint capsule and to test their patterns of response to stretch and related sensory function. METHODS Laminectomy from C4 to C7 was performed in seventeen goats, while they were under general anesthesia, to expose the C6 nerve roots. Customized dual bipolar electrodes were used to record neural activity from one of the C6 branches. An 8 or 15-V electrical stimulus was used to provoke receptor activity in nine designated areas on the dorsal part of the C5-C6 facet joint capsule. Receptors were classified on the basis of conduction velocities. The waveform of an identified receptor was set up as a template to determine its neural activity in response to capsular stretch. The characteristics of each single receptor's response to capsular stretch were analyzed to determine its sensory function as a mechanoreceptor or nociceptor. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-eight receptors on the dorsal part of the C5-C6 facet joint capsule were evoked by electrical stimulation in the seventeen goats. More C-fiber receptors were found on the dorsolateral aspect of the facet joint capsule, where tendons and muscles were attached. The response to stretch of 120 receptors, from twelve goats, were analyzed to classify them into one of four categories (high-threshold mechanoreceptors, non-saturated low-threshold mechanoreceptors, saturated low-threshold mechanoreceptors, and silent receptors) or as unclassified receptors. CONCLUSIONS The existence of receptors in the facet joint capsule indicates that the capsule has pain and proprioceptive sensory functions.
Neurohormonal Changes After Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist System

In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, neurohormonal levels are valuable indicators of the severity of heart disease and prognosis. For patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) are effective as short-term bridges to heart transplantation and are currently being investigated for long-term use. Unknown, however, are the effects of mechanical unloading of the left ventricle on neurohormone levels during the initial weeks after LVAS implantation, and whether these changes are similar to the neurohormonal level decreases observed after cardiac transplantation. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of LVAS support on plasma norepinephrine (PNE) levels during the initial weeks after device implantation. The PNE levels in five consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction were measured within 1 week after LVAS implantation and every week thereafter for 5 weeks. Significant decreases in PNE levels were observed after 3 weeks of LVAS support. After 5 weeks of LVAS support, PNE levels had decreased to near normal. For patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction, the improved prognosis after LVAS support may be due in part to the normalization of neurohormonal levels. The findings indicate that PNE levels may be of value in determining whether a patient can be weaned from LVAS support. ASAIO Journal 1998; 44:299–302.
Prevalence, correlates, and self-management of HIV-related depressive symptoms

Abstract Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent yet undertreated in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs). As part of a larger study of symptom self-management (N=1217), this study examined the prevalence, correlates, and characteristics (intensity, distress, and impact) of depressive symptoms, and the self-care strategies used to manage those symptoms in PLHAs in five countries. The proportion of respondents from each country in the total sample reporting depressive symptoms in the past week varied and included Colombia (44%), Norway (66%), Puerto Rico (57%), Taiwan (35%), and the USA (56%). Fifty-four percent (n=655) of the total sample reported experiencing depressive symptoms in the past week, with a mean of 4.1 (SD 2.1) days of depression. Mean depression intensity 5.4 (SD 2.7), distressfulness 5.5 (SD 2.86), and impact 5.5 (SD 3.0) were rated on a 1–10 scale. The mean Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score for those reporting depressive symptoms was 27 (SD 11; range 3–58), and varied significantly by country. Respondents identified 19 self-care behaviors for depressive symptoms, which fell into six categories: complementary therapies, talking to others, distraction techniques, physical activity, medications, and denial/avoidant coping. The most frequently used strategies varied by country. In the US sample, 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms was predicted by the combination of education, HIV symptoms, psychological and social support, and perceived consequences of HIV disease.
Economic Analysis and Investment Priorities in Sweden’s Transport Sector

Beginning as a planning tool within Sweden’s national road administration some 50 years ago, benefit-cost analysis (BCA) has come to be a pillar of the national transport policy because of subsequent strategic choices made by the national parliament. These choices made it necessary to widen the analysis of costs to include also externalities and a foregone conclusion was that efficient investment priorities should be made based on BCA. But no one asked whether the political decision makers or the BCA models were up to that task. This paper reviews the institutional framework and practice of BCA in Sweden for transport infrastructure investment, and considers design issues that have been and still are debated, such as whether the discount rate should include a risk term and how to account for the marginal cost of public funds. A main concern with BCA results is the underestimation of construction costs, making transport sector projects look better than they are. Several ex post analyses have established that a higher NPV ratio increases the probability of being included in the investment program proposal prepared by the agency. The requirement to let projects undergo BCA seems to make planners “trim” project proposals by trying to reduce investment costs without significantly reducing benefits. This relationship is weaker among profitable projects. Moreover, there is no correlation between rate of return and the probability of being included in the final program, which is established on political grounds.
Novel Polymorphisms in Porcine 3′UTR of the Leptin Gene, Including a Rare Variant within Target Sequence for MIR-9 Gene in Duroc Breed, not Associated with Production Traits

The leptin gene (LEP) is considered as a functional candidate for production traits in livestock due to its crucial role in energy homeostasis. Because polymorphisms in regulatory sequences may affect gene expression, we searched for them in the 3′UTR of LEP and analyzed their association with production traits. Four breeds and a composite line were studied. In the Polish Landrace and Polish Large White breeds, 8 SNPs and 1 indel were observed; whereas, in the Duroc breed, 9 specific SNPs were found. Pietrain and Line 990 were monomorphic. One SNP (g.+168C>T), observed in the Duroc breed only, was located within a target site for microRNA (miR-9). Association studies showed a weak association between one SNP (c.+846C>T) and abdominal fat weight in the Polish Landrace only. Thus, we concluded that contribution of polymorphisms in the 3′UTR to phenotypic variability of pig production traits is marginal. Moreover, we presented an overview of known polymorphisms (128) in the pig leptin gene.
Lack of Association Between the Promoter Polymorphisms of MMP-3 and IL-6 Genes and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case-Control Study in a Chinese Han Population

Study Design. Case-control study. Objective. This study is to replicate the association between the promoter polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 (−1171 5A/6A rs3025058) and interleukin (IL)-6 genes (−174G/C rs1800795) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in a Chinese Han population. Summary of Background Data. Recently, promoter polymorphisms in MMP-3 and IL-6 have been reported to be associated with AIS. Such genetic association, if confirmed by replication in other samples, would point to a primary degenerative defect in the disc or nucleus pulposus and inflammation as the key pathogenic mechanisms of AIS. Methods. A total of 487 Chinese girls with AIS and 494 healthy age-matched adolescent girls were recruited consecutively during a 3-year period. The same genotyping technique as the original report was used to detect promoter polymorphisms of the MMP-3 and IL-6 genes. Statistical analysis of genotype frequencies between AIS patients and normal controls were performed by &khgr;2 test. Results. In this association study of the MMP-3 polymorphism and the risk of scoliosis, no significant difference was found between cases and controls, both in term of allelic association (6A: 81.2% in cases vs. 81.8% in controls, 5A: 18.8% in cases vs. 18.2% in controls, P = 0.745) or genotype association (6A/6A: 65.9% in cases vs. 66.2% in controls, 5A/6A: 30.6% in cases vs. 31.2% in controls, and 5A/5A: 3.5% in cases vs. 2.6% in controls; P = 0.733). Among AIS patients, the maximal Cobb angles were also not different among MMP-3 genotypes (6A/6A: 31.1° ± 9.7°, 5A/6A: 29.1° ± 10.5°, and 5A/5A: 29.4° ± 11.2°; P = 0.392). As for IL-6 polymorphism, −174G/C polymorphism was not found in the Chinese AIS patients, and all 100 AIS patients and 100 normal controls were found to carry the G/G wild type. Conclusion. This study did not find any significant association of promoter polymorphisms of the MMP-3 (−1171 5A/6A rs3025058) and IL-6 gene (−174G/C rs1800795) with AIS. The results indicate that the MMP-3 promoter polymorphism is not associated with AIS in the Chinese population. Further studies, however, are needed to rule out the potential association with other promoter polymorphisms in IL-6.
A chromatin-independent role of Polycomb-like 1 to stabilize p53 and promote cellular quiescence

Brien et al. show that while Polycomb-like proteins PCL2 and PCL3 are E2F-regulated genes expressed in proliferating cells, PCL1 is a p53 target gene predominantly expressed in quiescent cells. PCL1 binds to and stabilizes p53 to block cellular proliferation, and depletion of PCL1 phenocopies the defects in maintaining cellular quiescence associated with p53 loss.
Transforming the diagnosis of tuberculosis: an editorial board member’s opinion at the 15th year of Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics

Interview with Professor Madhukar Pai, MD, PhD by Claire Raison (Commissioning Editor) Professor Madhukar Pai did his medical training and community medicine residency in Vellore, India. He completed his PhD in epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley (CA, USA) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (CA, USA). He is currently an associate professor of epidemiology at McGill University in Montreal (Canada). He serves as the Director of Global Health Programs, and as an Associate Director of the McGill International Tuberculosis Centre. In addition, he serves as a Consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland. His research is focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, especially in high-burden countries such as India and South Africa. His research is supported by grant funding from the Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He has more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. He is recipient of the Union Scientific Prize, Chanchlani Global Health Research Award and Stars in Global Health award from Grand Challenges Canada, and is a member of the Royal Society of Canada.
Vascular Disease of the Spine

Vascular insults to the spinal cord are substantially less common than their corresponding events in the brain; it has been estimated, for example, that spinal cord infarcts make up ⩽1% of ischemic events in the central nervous system. Although the public health burden of spinal cord injury remains severe, the majority of this burden stems from traumatic rather than vascular events. Still, vascular injuries in the spine are common enough and their consequences devastating enough that a familiarity with the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the more common etiologies is essential to any practitioner of the clinical neurosciences. In this educational review, we will briefly outline the normal development and anatomy of the spinal vasculature, then focus on specific mechanisms of vascular injury to the spine. In particular, we will examine spontaneous and iatrogenic ischemic insults and their associated clinical syndromes, and then review vascular neoplasms and malformations of the spine with attention to the various management strategies that currently exist for these complex lesions. Finally, we will briefly address the future areas for exploration, including investigative avenues for neuroprotection, as well as the possible influence of atherosclerotic disease on spinal degenerative disease and low back pain.