Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upper Bounds to the Performance of Cooperative Traffic Relaying in Wireless Linear Networks

Wireless networks with linear topology, where nodes generate their own traffic and relay other nodes' traffic, have attracted increasing attention. Indeed, they well represent sensor networks monitoring paths or streets, as well as multihop networks for videosurveillance of roads or vehicular traffic. We study the performance limits of such network systems when (i) the nodes' transmissions can reach receivers farther than one-hop distance from the sender, (ii) the transmitters cooperate in the data delivery, and (iii) interference due to concurrent transmissions is taken into account. By adopting an information-theoretic approach, we derive analytical bounds to the achievable data rate in both the cases where the nodes have full-duplex and half-duplex radios. The expressions we provide are mathematically tractable and allow the analysis of multihop networks with a large number of nodes. Our analysis highlights that increasing the number of cooperating transmitters beyond two leads to a very limited gain in the achievable data rate. Also, for half-duplex radios, it indicates the existence of dominant network states, which have a major influence on the bound. It follows that efficient, yet simple, communication strategies can be designed by considering at most two cooperating transmitters and by letting half-duplex nodes operate according to the aforementioned dominant states.
Luminometric measurement of subnanomole amounts of key metabolites in extracts from isolated heart muscle cells.

In principle, luminometry allows very sensitive metabolite measurements as shown with standards in aqueous solutions (e.g., buffers). However, components of complex biological samples may largely interfere with luminometric reactions. We now describe a procedure by which subnanomole amounts of intermediary metabolites (malate, glucose 6-phosphate) can be measured by luminometry in extracts from isolated mammalian cells, namely rat heart muscle cells. Basically, measurements occur in two steps: (i) Enzymatically catalyzed reactions involving the metabolite to be measured lead to the stoichiometric production of NAD(P)H; (ii) the oxidation of this NAD(P)H in a luciferase/reductase system results in light production which is proportional to the original concentration of the metabolite. The reaction scheme is thus as follows: (1) Metabolite (malate, glucose 6-phosphate) + NAD(P)+ --> X + NAD(P)H + H+; (2) NAD(P)H + O2 + RCOH --> NAD(P)+ + RCOOH + H2O + hnu. The cardiomyocytes used are previously subjected to an ethanolic extraction in which the cellular NAD(P)H is destroyed by acidification. Subsequent evaporation of the extracts allows to neutralize and to concentrate the samples. This contributes, along with other experimental maneuvers, to increasing the sensitivity of the method. With this procedure, we were able to detect amounts of approximately 70 pmol of malate and approximately 90 pmol of glucose 6-phosphate in cardiomyocyte samples. In addition, the calculated cellular concentrations of malate and glucose 6-phosphate (101.1 +/- 4.5, and 202.8 +/- 26.1 microM, respectively, in the absence of exogenous substrate) correspond to values previously reported for heart tissue. In principle, the procedure described could be applied to the measurement of any ethanol-extractable metabolite that can be converted in reactions involving NAD(P)+.
[Enhancement of FG020326 on sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to taxotere via enhancing activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Multidrug resistance (MDR) is often characterized by over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) as drug efflux protein. Recent researches showed P-gp can inhibit caspase-dependent apoptosis, and protect MDR cells from apoptosis. This study was designed to investigate reversal effect of FG020326, a potent MDR modulator,on drug-resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells towards taxotere,and its mechanism. METHODS Drug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells, over-expressed P-gp, were cultured with FG020326 and taxotere. The reversal effect of FG020326 was assayed by MTT method. Apoptotic morphology of MCF-7/ADR cells was observed under fluorescent microscope after Hoechst33258 staining, cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry (FCM). Activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 was measured by Western blot and colorimetric assay. RESULTS FG020326 enhanced sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to taxotere, and gave a 24-fold reversal of apoptosis-resistance with concentration of 10 micromol/L. Under effect of 10 micromol/L FG020326,chromatin condensation, apoptotic bodies, and sub-G1 peak were observed in MCF-7/ADR cells. Sensitivities of caspase-8 and caspase-3 were enhanced by demostrating cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-3,and PARP in MCF-7/ADR cells. Activities of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in MCF-7/ADR cells cultured with 10 micromol/L FG020326 and 0.1 micromol/L taxotere were increased in a time-dependent manner,and reached peak values at 48 h, which were significantly higher than those in cells cultured with taxotere alone. CONCLUSION FG020326 may reverse drug-resistance of MCF-7/ADR cells towards taxotere through enhancing activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 induced by taxotere.
An ethical solution to the challenges in teaching anatomy with dissection in the Chinese culture

Universities and medical schools in China are faced with an ongoing shortage of cadavers for education and research because of insufficient numbers of cadaver donations. This article will examine the main obstacles to cadaver donation in the Chinese culture. These include superstitious traditional views about the body, a lack of legislation regulating donations, and a deficiency of effective channels for cadaver donations. Cadaver dissection has always been the most important method of teaching anatomy to medical students. Today, ethics courses have also become essential to a complete medical education. Contemporary physicians need to be equipped to navigate the myriad of moral and ethical issues inherent to modern medicine. In China, cadaver donations lag behind those in other countries, threatening to create valid disadvantages in medical education. New legislation and public education are necessary to remove cultural barriers and change Chinese views on cadaver donation. For this reason, the Department of Human Anatomy at Nanjing Medical University has established the “Educational Center for Medical Ethics. ” The goal of the Center is to promote proper respect for cadavers used for medical research and education, cherish the human lives the cadavers represent, and gain the trust of potential donors. Anat Sci Ed 1:56–59, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes and Experience Among Women and Men in Uganda

This study examines intimate partner violence (IPV) attitudes and experience among women and men in Uganda to inform IPV-prevention programs in the region. Nationally representative population-based data from women aged 15 to 49 and men aged 15 to 54 were collected between May and October 2006 as part of the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The survey included questions on women’s and men’s attitudes toward wife beating and information on IPV victimization (women) and perpetration (men). More than half of men and nearly three quarters of women have attitudes supportive of wife beating in Uganda. More than half of married women report IPV victimization, and 40% of married men report perpetration. Women and men who reported witnessing their fathers beating their mothers were more likely to report IPV victimization (perpetration for men). Witnessing violence was also associated with positive attitudes toward wife beating among men. IPV-prevention programs need to address the important role of having witnessed wife beating between the mother and the father on men’s subsequent attitudes and behaviors. Women who witnessed wife beating are also the most likely to have supportive attitudes and IPV experience, possibly indicating that their relationship expectations are different than women who did not witness violence. Community-based prevention programs targeting men and women are needed in Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa where gender norms that justify IPV prevail.
Impact of interpersonal and ego-related stress on restrained eaters.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the impact of different types of stress, one interpersonal and two ego-related versus a control condition, on the eating behavior of individuals with varying degrees of dietary restraint. METHOD Eighty-two females were randomly assigned to one of three manipulations or a control group, and then all groups completed an ice cream taste test. RESULTS A significant interaction revealed that for participants with higher restraint, those in the stressful manipulations ate significantly more than participants in the control group. Further, the pattern of consumption based on restraint for the interpersonal group differed from the other three conditions. In the interpersonal group, the greater the restraint, the more participants ate, whereas in the other three conditions, the pattern was reversed although not significantly so. DISCUSSION Findings are discussed in terms of the role that interpersonal stress plays in the eating behavior of dieters and potential implications regarding the development of eating disorders.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on quadriceps strength, function, and patient-oriented outcomes: a systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN Systematic literature review. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps strength, functional performance, and self-reported function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. BACKGROUND Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of NMES following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS Searches were performed for randomized controlled trials using electronic databases from 1966 through October 2008. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Between-group effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Eight randomized controlled trials were included. The average Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale score was 4 out of possible maximum 10. The effect sizes for quadriceps strength measures (isometric or isokinetic torque) from 7 studies ranged from -0.74 to 3.81 at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively; 6 of 11 comparisons were statistically significant, with strength benefits favoring NMES treatment. The effect sizes for functional performance measures from 1 study ranged from 0.07 to 0.64 at 6 weeks postoperatively; none of 3 comparisons were statistically significant, and the effect sizes for self-reported function measures from 1 study were 0.66 and 0.72 at 12 to 16 weeks postoperatively; both comparisons were statistically significant, with benefits favoring NMES treatment. CONCLUSION NMES combined with exercise may be more effective in improving quadriceps strength than exercise alone, whereas its effect on functional performance and patient-oriented outcomes is inconclusive. Inconsistencies were noted in the NMES parameters and application of NMES. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 1a-.
The distribution, ontogeny and origin in the rat of Ia‐positive cells with dendritic morphology and of Ia antigen in epithelia, with special reference to the intestine

Ia antigens were localized in cryostat sections of rat intestine and other tissues by an indirect immunoperoxidase technique using monoclonal antibodies that recognize the rat antigens homologous to the gene products of the I‐A and I‐E subregions of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Two categories of Ia+ cells were characterized, namely epithelial cells and bone marrow‐derived cells with dendritic morphology. In the small intestine Ia antigen was present in the distal 2/3 of the absorptive epithelium but absent from the bases of the villi, the crypts and the epithelium covering the Peyer's patches. The distribution in nude rats was similar, indicating that T lymphocytes are not obligatory for its expression. In ontogeny Ia antigen was absent in the epithelium of neonatal gut, appearing at about 4 weeks of age and reaching adult levels at about 6 weeks. Different rat strains showed large differences in the amount of Ia antigen expressed by villus epithelium and the traits for the level of expression were shown to map outside the MHC. The levels of expression of Ia antigen in the proximal tubules of the kidney followed that of the gut epithelium in the different strains and in both tissues was mostly intracellular. Studies with chimeras showed that the Ia antigen in epithelial cells was not acquired from bone marrow‐derived cells.
Horizontal cells of the normal and dystrophic rat retina: a wholemount study using immunolabelling for the 28-kDa calcium-binding protein.

Immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against the 28-kDa calcium-binding protein (28-kDa CaBP) was used to study horizontal cells in both congenic control (RCS-rdy+) and dystrophic (RCS) 3-month-old rat retina. We found that horizontal cells in the RCS-rdy+ rat retinas were distributed evenly from the centre to the peripheral retina with a mean density of 783 cells mm-2. Cell size ranged between 6.5-12.5 microns in diameter with a mean of 8.87 microns. Individual cell processes could not be followed readily, however they formed a narrow plexus within the outer plexiform layer with the primary dendrites extending radially from each cell soma in an organized manner. In the RCS rat, by contrast, the horizontal cell processes were more disorganized than in the congenic controls. The degree of disorganization varied across the retina. In the posterior pole, where all outer layers had been lost, many processes were grossly swollen along their length and at the tips. The cell somas were also distributed more widely in the depth of the retina. In the peripheral retina, where a debris layer was still present, the processes were less swollen but they extended abnormally widely in depth. Despite the disorganized structure the mean and range of cell size (9.23 microns, 5.5-15.5 microns), and cell density (796 cells mm-2) were similar to that of the control RCS-rdy+ animals. These findings indicate that in dystrophic retinas beyond a certain stage of degeneration the horizontal cells become abnormal in their structure but are present at a normal density and the somas are not grossly swollen or shrunken. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The In Vitro Use of the Hair Follicle Closure Technique to Study the Follicular and Percutaneous Permeation of Topically Applied Drugs

Recent studies on follicular permeation emphasise the importance of hair follicles as diffusion pathways, but only a limited amount of data are available about the follicular permeation of topically applied drugs. This study examines the use of a hair follicle closure technique in vitro, to determine the participation of hair follicles in transdermal drug penetration. Various substances, with different lipophilicities, were tested: caffeine, diclofenac, flufenamic acid, ibuprofen, paracetamol, salicylic acid and testosterone. Diffusion experiments were conducted with porcine skin, the most common replacement material for human skin, in Franz-type diffusion cells over 28 hours. Different experimental settings allowed the differentiation between interfollicular and follicular permeation after topical application of the test compounds. A comparison of the apparent permeability coefficients of the drugs demonstrates that the percutaneous permeations of caffeine and flufenamic acid were significantly higher along the hair follicles. In the cases of paracetamol and testosterone, the follicular pathway appears to be of importance, while no difference was found between interfollicular and follicular permeation for diclofenac, ibuprofen and salicylic acid. Thus, the hair follicle closure technique represents an adequate in vitro method for gaining information about follicular or percutaneous permeation, and can replace in vivo testing in animals or humans.
Stem cell technology and bioceramics: from cell to gene engineering.

Mesenchymal stem cells reside in bone marrow and, when these cells are incorporated into porous ceramics, the composites exhibit osteo-chondrogenic phenotypic expression in ectopic (subcutaneous and intramuscular) or orthotopic sites. The expressional cascade is dependent upon the material properties of the delivery vehicle. Bioactive ceramics provide a suitable substrate for the attachment of the cells. This is followed by osteogenic differentiation directly on the surface of the ceramic, which results in bone bonding. Nonbioactive materials show neither surface-dependent cell differentiation nor bone bonding. The number of mesenchymal stem cells in fresh adult bone marrow is small, about one per one-hundred-thousand nucleated cells, and decreases with donor age. In vitro cell culture technology can be used to mitotically expand these cells without the loss of their developmental potency regardless of donor age. The implanted composite of porous ceramic and culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells exhibits in vivo osteo-chondrogenic differentiation. In certain culture conditions, these stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts, which make bone matrix on the ceramic surface. Such in vitro prefabricated bone within the ceramic provides immediate new bone-forming capability after in vivo implantation. Prior to loading of the cultured, marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the porous ceramics, exogenous genes can be introduced into these cells in culture. Combining in vitro manipulated mesenchymal stem cells with porous ceramics can be expected to effect sufficient new bone-forming capability, which can thereby provide tissue engineering approaches to patients with skeletal defects in order to regenerate skeletal tissues.
Sports injuries and illnesses in the 2009 FINA World Championships (Aquatics)

Background Analysis of injury and illness prevalence in elite sport provides the basis for the development of prevention programmes. Objectives To analyse the frequency and characteristics of injuries and illnesses occurring during the 13th Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Championships 2009. Design Prospective recording of newly incurred injuries and illnesses. Methods The 13th FINA World Championships hosted 2592 athletes from 172 countries in the disciplines of swimming, diving, synchronised swimming water polo and open water swimming. All team physicians or physiotherapists were asked to complete daily a standardised reporting form for all newly incurred injuries and illnesses for their teams. To cover teams without medical staff, the physicians of the Local Organizing Committee also submitted daily report forms. Results 171 injuries were reported resulting in an incidence of 66.0 per 1000 registered athletes. The most affected body parts were the shoulder (n=25; 14.6%), and head (n=21; 12.3%). Half of the injuries occurred during training. The most common cause of injury was overuse (n=61; 37.5%). 184 illnesses were reported resulting in an incidence of 71.0 per 1000 registered athletes. The respiratory tract was most commonly affected (n=91; 50.3%) and the most frequently classified cause was infection (n=81; 49.2%). The incidence of injuries and illnesses varied substantially among the five disciplines, with the highest incidence of injury in diving and the lowest in swimming. Conclusions As the risk of injury varied with the discipline, preventive measures should be discipline specific and focused on minimising the potential for overuse. As most of the illnesses were caused by infection of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, preventive interventions should focus on eliminating common modes of transmission.
Development of immune response markers in the trachea in the fetal period and the first year of life

Immunoglobulin (Ig)‐producing cells. T cells (CD3) and epithelial expression of seeretory component (SC) and HLA class II determinants (DR, ‐DP, ‐DQ) were studied by immunohistochemistry in 16 fetal and 15 postnatal specimens from the tracheal wall. Small amounts of secretory component (SC) was present in the traeheal surface and gland epithelium in the fetal period and inereased towards term. A few IgM‐, IgD‐ and IgG‐producing cells were present in some fetal specimens but no IgA‐ and IgE‐produeing cells were found. Only very few CD3 + T‐cells were present in fetal specimens and intraepithelial T‐cells were virtually absent until after birth. Premature infants that lived for 1 week had less SC epithelial expression than mature infants of the same age. The density of CD3 + T‐cells. IgA‐, IgM‐producing cells as well as the epithelial SC expression increased rapidly after birth. Epithelial MHC class II expression was absent in fetal specimens. HLA‐DR was detected on the apical border of the surface epithelium one week after birth and was extensively expressed throughout the remaining postnatal period. E‐pithelial DP and PQ expression were virtually absent during this same period. These features probably reflect local activation of the immune system in response to environmental factors.
Lateral motion estimator for measurement of artery-wall displacement

Artery-wall motion due to the pulsation of the heart is often measured to evaluate mechanical properties of the arterial wall. Such motion is thought to occur only in the arterial radial direction because the main source of the motion is an increase of blood pressure. However, it has recently been reported that the artery also moves in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, a 2D motion estimator is required even when the artery is scanned in the longitudinal direction because the arterial wall moves both in the radial (axial) and longitudinal (lateral) directions. Methods based on 2D correlation of RF echoes are often used to estimate the lateral displacement together with axial displacement. However, these methods require much interpolation of the RF echo or correlation function to achieve a sufficient resolution in the estimation of displacement. To overcome this problem, Jensen et al. modulated the ultrasonic field in the lateral direction at a designed spatial frequency to utilize the lateral phase for the estimation of lateral motion. This method, namely, the lateral modulation method, generates complex signals whose phases change depending on the lateral motion. Therefore, the lateral displacement can be estimated with a good resolution without interpolation, although special beamformers are required. The present paper describes a method, which can be applied to ultrasonic echoes obtained by a conventional beamformer, to estimate lateral displacements using the phases of lateral fluctuations of ultrasonic echoes. In the proposed method, complex signals were generated by the Hilbert transform, and the phase shift was estimated by correlation-based estimators. The proposed method was validated using a cylindrical phantom mimicking an artery. The error in the lateral displacement estimated by the proposed method was 13.5% of the true displacement of 0.5 mm with a kernel size used for calculating the correlation function of 0.6 mm in the lateral direction, which was slightly smaller than the width at −20 dB of the maximum lateral ultrasonic field (about 0.8 mm).