Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure and sensitization to dust mite allergens among asthmatic children in Sao Paulo, Brazil

A group of 20 mite allergic asthmatic children aged 6‐12 years old. living in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was studied regarding their degree of sensitization to house dust mites and exposure to mite allergens in their homes. In 18 out of 20 houses at least one dust sample was obtained which contained > 10 μg Der p I/g of dust. The highest levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinm allergens, Der p I and Group II, were measured in bedding samples (geometric mean 38.4 and 36.6 μg/g, respectively), followed by bedroom floor, TV room and kitchen. Mite allergen levels in Brazilian houses were as high as those reported to be associated with sensitization and acute attacks of asthma in other parts of the world. In keeping with previous reports that D. farinae is rarely found in Brazil, Der fl was undetectable or found in very low levels (<0.5 μg/g). Levels of cat allergen Pel d I of > 8 μg/g of dust were obtained only in 2 houses only. Cockroach allergen Bia g I was detected in five out of 20 houses. Levels of IgE antibodies to D. pteronyssinus were > 200 RAST U/ml in 19 out of 20 children (geometric mean 1588 RAST U/ml). IgE antibodies to cat, cockroach, A. fumigatus, ragweed and rye grass pollens were undetectable or <80 RAST U/ml. IgE antibodies to the mite Blomia tropicalix were also measured, and levels >200 RAST U/ml were observed in 13 out of 20 sera. Immunoabsorption studies demonstrated that the bulk of the IgE‐ antibody to B. tropicafis (64%) was to species‐specific allergens and that 36% were cross‐reactive with D. pteronyssinus. The implication of our results is that management of children with asthma in São Paulo should include skin testing for allergy to both Dermatophagoides and B. tropicalis as well as recommendations about environmental control of house dust mite exposure.
Objectively measured physical activity and obesity prevention in children, adolescents and adults: a systematic review of prospective studies

This study aimed at synthesizing the prospective associations between measured physical activity (PA) and change in adiposity in children, adolescents and adults following from two previous reviews. Search terms were adapted and a systematic literature search was conducted (January 2000–September 2008) and later updated (up to October 2009), considering observational and intervention studies of weight gain that measured both PA and body composition. Sixteen observational studies (six comprising adults) and five trials (one comprising adults) were eligible. For consistency, whenever possible either baseline PA energy expenditure or accelerometer output (counts min−1) and change in per cent body fat were the extracted exposure and outcome measures. Results of observational studies suggest that PA is not strongly prospectively related with adiposity: five studies on children and three on adults reported no association between baseline PA and change in adiposity, one study found a weak positive association and the other studies observed a weak negative association. Negative associations were more frequently observed in studies that analysed the association between change in the exposure and outcome. Intervention studies show generally no effect on either PA or adiposity. In conclusion, despite the well‐established health benefits of PA, it may not be a key determinant of excessive gain in adiposity.
Intra coding of AVS2 Video Coding Standard

This paper gives an introduction to intra coding of the new generation of Audio Video Coding Standard (AVS2) video part, the latest video coding standard under the development of Audio Video Coding Standard (AVS) Workgroup of China. Started from the basic tools in the first generation of AVS (AVS1), new structures similar to the HEVC are employed in AVS2 in terms of coding unit, prediction unit and transform unit. Despite of similar structures, several new features such as short distance intra coding, non-squared quad-tree transform, secondary transform as well as two-level coefficient coding combined with angular prediction are also adopted in intra coding of AVS2. The coding efficiency of intra coding of AVS2 is improved by about 30% in BD-rate compared with AVS1 and achieves the similar performance to HEVC/H.265.
Do All Threats Work the Same Way? Divergent Effects of Fear and Disgust on Sensory Perception and Attention

The extant literature indicates that threat enhances cognitive processing and physiological arousal. However, being largely based on fear-relevant processes, this model overlooks other adaptive but inhibitory mechanisms in alternative threat emotions such as disgust. Combining visual event–related potential (VERP) indices (P1 and P250/s) with a simple visual search task, we contrasted behavioral and neural responses to carefully controlled images of fear, disgust, or neutral emotion (as a baseline condition). Consistent with previous findings, fear augmented VERP amplitude and electrical current density in associate visual cortices, paralleled by facilitated object search. Conversely, disgust generated an opposite pattern of effects, reflected by reduced VERP potentials and diminished visual cortical current density along with slowed search time. These results demonstrated suppressed sensory perceptual and attentional processing of disgust information, akin to the central ecological function of disgust to minimize contact with contagious objects to avoid contamination and disease. Notably, the rapid emergence of discrimination between fear and disgust as early as 96 ms after stimulus emphasizes the efficiency of emotional classification not only between threat and nonthreat, but also within the threat domain itself. Finally, a positive correlation between anxiety and behavioral and neural divergence of fear and disgust further indicates that despite their convergence on the core affect of threat, disgust and fear instigate distinct response profiles, providing novel insights into the manifold and sometimes paradoxical symptomology in anxiety disorders.
Optimized packet interleaving for streaming applications on burst-lossy channels

Burst packet loss imposes significant quality degradation for streaming applications. Interleaving, which helps reduce the probability of losing adjacent packets, is considered an effective method to mitigate burst errors. Most current research on wavelet image/video streaming is focused on how to maximize the interleaving effect in the spatial or spatial-frequency domain. However, in order to achieve the best video quality, optimizing temporal interleaving is very important, especially when error concealment is present in the streaming system because an inappropriate interleaving method may have an adverse effect on error concealment. Optimization of temporal interleaving on wavelet-compressed image/video streaming has not been previously studied. In this paper a novel optimal packet interleaving method is proposed for streaming applications on burst-loss channels. The objective is to achieve the best video quality at the receiver given an error-concealment algorithm and the channel traffic conditions. The proposed method consists of two steps: 1) spatial interleaving is conducted during packetization to disperse damage resulting from packet loss; 2) temporal interleaving is applied during transmission maximize the effect of error concealment at the receiver. In addition, a new concept that addresses the needs of error concealment, namely "temporal neighbor packet distance" is defined in order to facilitate the optimization. A low computational complexity algorithm is developed to satisfy the requirement of real-time transmission. Experimental results show that our proposed method can consistently improve the effects of error concealment.
Photoluminescence from localized states in GaAsBi epilayers

The structural and optical properties of GaAs1-xBix samples with x = 0.048 and 0.06 were investigated by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and photoluminescence (PL). The HR-XRD results show that both samples have a smooth and coherent GaAs1-xBix/GaAs interface. The PL peak energy shows an S-shape behavior with temperature (10 K to room temperature) which is an evidence of carrier localizations. An Arrhenius analysis reveals that the thermal quenching activation energy is 30 and 19 meV for the GaAs0.952Bi0.048 and GaAs0.94Bi0.06 sample, respectively. It was found that the activation energy is not necessarily originated from alloy fluctuations but may also due to CuPt ordering-induced band gap fluctuations. The power dependent PL indicates that the localized energy states are continuously present and located up to 40-47 meV from the valence band.
Walking mechanism and kinematic analysis of humanoid robot

This paper presents the self-developed walking mechanism of humanoid robot. Its configuration and structure characteristics are introduced. Each leg has 6 DOF and imitating the structure of ACL, PCL (anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments) and meniscus of human's knee joint, a energy-saving and vibration damping structure was designed for robot's knee joint, which lowers the peak driving torque of the knee joint at the moving period, reduces the impact of the knee joint at the plantar contact phase, increases the stiffness of the knee and improves the stability of the walking. Then we present the kinematic analysis of the walking mechanism to provide the mathematic control formulas. Coordination transform and vector method are proposed to successfully derive the forward and inverse kinematics analytic equations of the humanoid robot walking mechanism. A simulation in MATLAB is established finally to verify the feasibility on both the forward and inverse kinematics.
Effect of Azathioprine on Na+/H+ Exchanger Activity in Dendritic Cells

Azathioprine is a powerful immunosuppressive drug, which is partially effective by interfering with the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity. DCs are stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which trigger the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), paralleled by activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The carrier is involved in the regulation of cytosolic pH, cell volume and migration. The present study explored whether azathioprine influences Na+/H+ exchanger activity in DCs. DCs were isolated from murine bone marrow, cytosolic pH (pHi) was estimated utilizing 2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF-AM) fluorescence, Na+/H+ exchanger activity from the Na+-dependent realkalinization following an ammonium pulse, cell volume from forward scatter in FACS analysis, ROS production from 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence, TNFα release utilizing ELISA, and migration utilizing transwell migration assays. Exposure of DCs to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg/ml) led to a transient increase of Na+/H+ exchanger activity, an effect paralleled by ROS formation, increased cell volume, TNFα production and stimulated migration. Azathioprine (10 µM) did not significantly alter the Na+/H+ exchanger activity, cell volume and ROS formation prior to LPS exposure but significantly blunted the LPS-induced stimulation of Na+/H+ exchanger activity, ROS formation, cell swelling, TNFα production and cell migration. In conclusion, azathioprine interferes with the activation of dendritic cell Na+/H+ exchanger by bacterial lipopolysaccharides, an effect likely participating in the anti-inflammatory action of the drug.
Bacteriophage Mu Targets the Trinucleotide Sequence CGG

ABSTRACT Target specificity for bacteriophage Mu was studied using a new phage derivative that enabled cloning of Mu-host junctions from phage DNA. Insertions distributed throughout the chromosome showed no orientation bias with respect to transcription or replication polarity. Genes with a high frequency of the triplet CGG were preferred targets.
Photonic Bandgap Inspection in 2-D Sublattices

Large photonic bandgaps (PBGs) have been obtained by sweeping linearly the parameters of complex sublattices inside the unitary cells of square- and triangular-lattice photonic crystals. An efficient frequency-domain finite-element method with periodical boundary conditions has been used for theoretical analyses. PBGs in silicon/air photonic crystals for both polarization modes have been considered for up to 21 eigenmodes and both low- and high-order PBGs have been obtained by this relatively simple systematic process.
Genetic analysis of first‐trimester miscarriages with a combination of cytogenetic karyotyping, microsatellite genotyping and arrayCGH

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur before the end of the first trimester (<13 weeks). Although many risk factors relate to this occurrence, genetic factors play the most important role. Chromosomal abnormalities, including both numerical and structural anomalies, underlie the majority of miscarriages. In this study, we employed a comprehensive approach using cytogenetic karyotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based genotyping, and microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (arrayCGH) in combination to analyze chromosomal profiles of 115 first‐trimester miscarriages of Chinese women. Seventy cases (61%) were found to have chromosomal anomalies, of which 90% were numerical and 10% were structural. Cytogenetic karyotyping identified 78.6% (55/70), PCR assays 2.9% (2 triploids), and arrayCGH 18.6% (13/70) of the anomalies. In this study, a microdeletion of 108 kb and four microduplications sizing from 300 to 1460 kb were observed. An advantage of using this combination approach is that microsatellite genotyping and arrayCGH can be accomplished in spite of culture failure and maternal cell contamination. In addition, arrayCGH can detect submicroscopic chromosomal anomalies and gene dosage alterations.
Improving vastus medialis obliquus function reduces pressure applied to lateral patellofemoral cartilage

The current study was performed to characterize how improving vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) function influences the pressure applied to patellofemoral cartilage. An additional focus was characterizing how lateral and medial cartilage lesions influence cartilage pressures. Ten knees were flexed to 40°, 60°, and 80° in vitro, and forces were applied to represent the VMO and other muscles of the quadriceps group while a thin film sensor measured joint pressures. The knees were loaded with a normal VMO force, with the VMO force decreased by approximately 50%, and with the VMO unloaded. After tests were performed with the cartilage intact, all tests were repeated with a 12‐mm‐diameter lesion created within the lateral cartilage, with the lateral lesion repaired with silicone, and with a medial lesion created. Based on a two‐way repeated measures ANOVA and post‐hoc tests, increasing the force applied by the VMO significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the maximum lateral pressure and significantly increased the maximum medial pressure at each flexion angle. A lateral cartilage lesion significantly increased the maximum lateral pressure, while a medial lesion did not significantly influence the maximum medial pressure. Improving VMO function can reduce the pressure applied to lateral cartilage when lateral lesions are present. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 578–583, 2009
Intestinal Apolipoprotein Synthesis in the Newborn Piglet

ABSTRACT: To determine the effects of dietary and biliary lipid absorption on intestinal apo B-48 and apo A-I synthesis in the newborn piglet, 2-d-old female piglets were prepared with a duodenal infusion catheter. After recovery, animals were given either low triglyceride (Vivonex; VIV group) or high triglyceride (Intralipid; FAT group) diets by continuous intraduodenal infusion for 24 h. A bile-diverted group was also studied. Segments of proximal jejunum and distal ileum were then pulse-radiolabeled in vivo with 3H-leucine. Mucosal apo B-48 and apo A-I were immunoprecipitated, and apoprotein synthesis was expressed as percentage of total protein synthesis. Mucosal apoprotein content (ng apoprotein/μg total protein) was measured by competitive ELISA assays. In jejunum and ileum, apo B-48 synthesis was not different in the three groups. However, apo B content increased 2.4-fold in jejunum and 1.7-fold in ileum in the FAT group compared with the VIV group. Immunoblotting revealed the majority of jejunal apo B to be apo B-48, not apo B-100 from contaminating plasma lipoproteins, in all three experimental groups. Bile-diverted animals had decreased jejunal apo B content compared with the VIV group. Jejunal apo A-I synthesis and content were approximately 2-fold higher in FAT animals compared with the VIV group. Although ileal apo A-I synthesis was also 2-fold higher in the FAT group, apo A-I content was not different from the VIV group. Neither jejunal nor ileal apo A-I synthesis was significantly affected by bile diversion, even though jejunal apo A-I content was decreased by over two thirds compared with the VIV animals. In the newborn piglet, intestinal synthesis of apo B-48 and apo A-I is differentially regulated by luminal lipid absorption. Although fat feeding and bile diversion regulate mucosal apo B-48 content, synthesis is unchanged, indicating a posttranslational regulatory mechanism. In contrast, apo A-I synthesis generally parallels mucosal apo A-I content except in distal ileum. Changes in jejunal apo B content and apo A-I content and synthesis parallel changes in mucosal triglyceride content. However, changes in ileal apo B content and apo A-I synthesis were not accompanied by changes in ileal triglyceride content, suggesting other regulatory factors in the distal small intestine.
Role of cell death in the formation of sexual dimorphism in the Drosophila central nervous system

Currently, sex differences in behavior are believed to result from sexually dimorphic neural circuits in the central nervous system (CNS). Drosophila melanogaster is a common model organism for studying the relationship between brain structure, behavior, and genes. Recent studies of sex‐specific reproductive behaviors in D. melanogaster have addressed the contribution of sexual differences in the CNS to the control of sex‐specific behaviors and the development of sexual dimorphism. For example, sexually dimorphic regions of the CNS are involved in the initiation of male courtship behavior, the generation of the courtship song, and the induction of male‐specific muscles in D. melanogaster. In this review, I discuss recent findings about the contribution of cell death to the formation of sexually dimorphic neural circuitry and the regulation of sex‐specific cell death by two sex determination factors, Fruitless and Doublesex, in Drosophila.
The membrane characteristics of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected and ‐uninfected heterozygous α0thalassaemic erythrocytes

Summary. The α thalassaemias are the commonest known human genetic disorders. Although they have almost certainly risen to their current frequencies through natural selection by malaria, the precise mechanism of malaria protection remains unknown. We have investigated the characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) from individuals heterozygous for α0thalassaemia (–/αα) from a range of perspectives. On the basis of the hypothesis that defects in membrane transport could be relevant to the mechanism of malaria protection, we investigated sodium and potassium transport and the activity of the Plamodium falciparum‐induced choline channel but found no significant differences in –/αα RBCs. Using flow cytometry, we found that thalassaemic P. falciparum‐infected RBCs (IRBCs) bound 44% more antibody from immune plasma than control IRBCs. This excess binding was abrogated by predigestion of IRBCs with trypsin but was not directed at the variant surface molecule PfEMP1. Furthermore, we found no evidence for altered cytoadhesion of α‐thalassaemic IRBCs to the endothelial receptors intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), CD36 or thrombospondin. We hypothesize that altered red‐cell membrane band 3 protein may be a target for enhanced antibody binding to α‐thalassaemic IRBCs and could be involved in the mechanism of malaria protection.
Sudden cardiac death in young athletes: what is the role of screening?

Purpose of review To review the recent literature and recommendations for cardiovascular screening in young athletes. Recent findings The primary purpose of the preparticipation examination is to detect the cardiovascular disorders known to cause sudden cardiac arrest in the athlete. Studies demonstrate that the traditional history and physical-based examination has a limited sensitivity, does not detect the majority of athletes with at-risk conditions, and may provide false reassurance for athletes with disorders that remain undetected. Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening increases the sensitivity of the examination to detect disease, and cost modeling suggests protocols inclusive of ECG are the only screening strategies to be cost-effective. Proper ECG interpretation that distinguishes physiologic cardiac adaptations in athletes from findings suggestive of underlying cardiac pathology is essential to avoid high false-positive rates. Summary The goal of cardiovascular screening is to maximize athlete safety. This includes the detection of underlying cardiac disease associated with sudden cardiac death and reduction of risk through both medical management and activity modification. Greater physician education and research are needed to improve the preparticipation examination in athletes.
Establishment of a human malignant meningioma cell line with amplified c‐myc oncogene

A new cell line (KT21‐MG1) has been established from a human malignant meningioma transplanted into nude mice. The cultured cells showed epithelial cell‐like morphology and were positive immunohis‐tochemically for vimentin as the original tumor. They have been grown continuously in vitro for more than 2 years. The population doubling time was about 24 hours at the 30th passage. The cells are capable of proliferating in soft agar medium and produced tumors in nude mice, the histologies of which were similar to the original patient‐derived tumor. Analysis of cellular oncogenes showed that myc and fps were amplified approximately tenfold and threefold, respectively, in this cell line, whereas N‐myc, L,‐myc, N‐ras, K‐ras, H‐ras, abl, erbB2, Blym, src, raf‐1, myb, and sis were not changed significantly. The amplification of myc was accompanied by an enhanced expression. Chromosome studies of cultured cells showed the monosomy of chromosome 22 that has been reported to be a specific abnormality in meningiomas.
Evaluation on the governance efficiency in public hospital

China vigorously promotes the reform of the public hospital's management system which regards corporate governance as the core in recent years. However, the current situation of corporate governance in public hospitals remains optimistic. The paper defines the corporate governance of public hospitals and the management efficiency firstly. And the evaluation index system for corporate governance of public hospitals is established based on series of factors, such as the emphasis and the desired effect of implementing corporate governance, etc. And then, the evaluation model is set up using DEA (data envelopment analysis) method, and the case stays also implemented based on the evaluation model. The study puts forward a new perspective of evaluating the efficiency of corporate governance in public hospitals.