Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prototype Single Step Lateral Flow Technology for Detection of Avian Influenza Virus and Chicken Antibody to Avian Influenza Virus

Abstract A rapid and effective lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) was developed. For antigen capture, the assay used monoclonal antibody specific for a conserved nuclear protein (NP) epitope, immobilized on a cellulose acetate matrix, in conjunction with a second NP monoclonal antibody chemically linked to either coloured latex beads or colloidal gold particles contained in a sample pad for detection. Virus sample added to the sample pad flowed into the trapping antibody to form a visible band as well as a second, control band further along the acetate strip. The control band consisted of recombinant protein A/G, also immobilized on the matrix. A second LFA for detection of chicken antibody to AIV was developed where NP antigen was immobilized on the matrix with recombinant protein A/G immobilized as a control band. Latex beads or colloidal gold particles to which monoclonal anti‐chicken antibody was attached, were used as the indicator system.
Iron toxicity in organotypic cultures of hippocampal slices: role of reactive oxygen species

Free iron has been assumed to potentiate oxygen toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the iron‐catalyzed Haber‐Weiss reaction, leading to oxidative stress. ROS‐mediated iron cytotoxicity may trigger apoptotic cell death. In the present study, we used iron treatment of organotypic cultures of hippocampal slices to study potential mechanisms involved in iron‐induced neuronal damage. Exposure of mature hippocampal slices to ferrous sulfate resulted in concentration‐ and time‐dependent cell death. After iron treatment, markers of ROS formation and lipid peroxidation, i.e. intensity of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence and levels of thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARS), were significantly increased. Levels of cytochrome c were increased while levels of pro‐caspase‐9 and pro‐caspase‐3 were decreased in cytosolic fractions of iron‐treated hippocampal slice cultures. Treatment of cultured slices with a synthetic catalytic ROS scavenger, EUK‐134, provided between 50 and 70% protection against various parameters of cell damage and markers of oxidative stress. In addition, inhibition of caspase‐3 activity by Ac‐DEVDcho partially protected cells from iron toxicity. The combination of EUK‐134 and Ac‐DEVDcho resulted in an almost complete blockade of iron‐induced damage. These results indicate that iron elicits cellular damage predominantly by oxidative stress, and that ROS‐mediated iron toxicity may involve cytochrome c‐ and caspase‐3‐dependent apoptotic pathways.
Understanding Popular Education and Arts Based Learning Within Groups Through a Peace Workshop

This presentation shares activities and outcomes of a popular education workshop about creating a culture of peace in the world through dialogue and reflection. We examined issues personally, locally, and globally to see where our strengths support or expand peace-­‐‐making efforts in the community.
Drop test reliability improvement of lead-free fine pitch BGA using different solder ball composition

We present drop test results based on the JEDEC method JESD22-B111 for a laminate based lead-free fine pitch ball grid array (FBGA). We especially focus on the influence of substrate technology and solder ball composition. For all our tests we determine the electrical drop test failure rates until end-of-life and the main failure modes by means of cross sectioning. We compare the results for Sn4AgO.5Cu solder joints, which typically show intermetallic layer cracking along the package pad, with Sn36Pb2Ag solder joints on electroplated NiAu substrates, which typically fail in ductile mode. We find excellent drop test results on Cu-OSP and NiAu substrate finishes using the solder ball composition Sn1.2Ag0. 5Cu0.05Ni. With this alloy no intermetallic cracks occurred. The Sn1.2Ag0. 5Cu0.05Ni creates different intermetallic composition and is able to absorb more shock stress in its bulk material compared to Sn4AgO.5Cu. This advantageous behavior is confirmed by a dedicated drop test monitoring experiment and by temperature cycling tests using reference alloys
Structural and serological relatedness of Haemophilus influenzae type b pili

The structural and serological relatedness of the pilus proteins of several isolates of Haemophilus influenzae type b cultured from patients with invasive disease and from different anatomic sites within the same patient was examined. Epithelial cell-adherent variants of 25 nonadherent parent isolates were obtained by selection for organisms that adhered to human erythrocytes. Outer membrane protein analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of an additional 24- to 24.5-kilodalton protein among all adherent variants but absent from all nonadherent parent isolates. Polyclonal rabbit antiserum against the intact native pilus protein of H. influenzae M43 cross-reacted with 20 of 25 adherent H. influenzae in both immunodot and slide-agglutination assays. No differences in reactivity among isolates cultured from more than one anatomic site in the same patient were noted. Anti-M43 pilus antiserum had bactericidal activity against both the homologous strain and a heterologous strain that demonstrated serologic identity in the immunodot and slide agglutination assays. The adherence of these strains to human epithelial cells in vitro was inhibited by Fab fragments purified from the antipilus antiserum. These data indicate that a remarkable degree of homogeneity in pilin subunit size exists among the pili of H. influenzae type b and that major antigenic determinants are shared among most of these pili. Also, antibodies directed against H. influenzae pilus proteins may be able to contribute to host defenses through serum bactericidal activity and by blocking the adherence of this bacterium to host epithelial cells.
Bacterial and Ureaplasma colonization of the airway: radiologic findings in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE We designed this retrospective study to compare radiologic findings in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in whom gram-positive cocci (GPC), gram-negative bacilli (GNB), or Ureaplasma urealyticum were colonized. Another objective was to correlate the radiologic findings of these patients with the clinical severity of BPD. STUDY DESIGN We correlated serial tracheal aspirates with radiographic findings from 183 infants whose birth weight was < or = 1250 gm. BPD severity was assessed by oxygen dependency at 36 weeks of postconceptional age (36 w PCA) and at the time of discharge. Two radiologists independently scored films taken at birth and 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of life. RESULTS Of the study population, 55% were male and 35% were black; 80% received surfactant and 69% received dexamethasone; 91% survived. GPC isolates from throat cultures were mainly Staphylococcus [corrected] epidermidis and Streptococcus haemolyticus. A superimposed GNB colonization was present in 37% of these infants. Most common isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli. Sepsis caused by GPC developed in 16% of all patients; 7% had sepsis caused by GNB. Infants infected with GNB remained receiving oxygen at 36 w PCA and at the time of discharge twice as often as those noninfected. RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS: Hyperinflation, interstitial changes, and generalized or localized emphysema were prominent features throughout. Mean radiologic scores increased over time in a pattern similar among GPC, GNB, and U. urealyticum infected and noninfected infants. High radiologic scores were not predictive at any time of infants who needed supplemental oxygen at 28 days and at 36 w PCA. Infants infected with U. urealyticum were neither clinically nor radiologically different than noncolonized neonates. CONCLUSION GPC, GNB, and U. urealyticum airway colonization is not associated with particular radiographic changes at any time. GNB-infected infants had the most severe BPD course, and yet they were radiologically indistinguishable from the other patients. U. urealyticum colonization does not result in more clinically severe BPD or demonstrate a unique radiologic course.
Vaccine therapy for ocular herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection: periocular vaccination reduces spontaneous ocular HSV type 1 shedding in latently infected rabbits

Periocular vaccination of rabbits with preexisting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latent infection with recombinant HSV-2 glycoproteins B and D (gB2 and gD2) plus adjuvant significantly reduced ocular viral shedding. Rabbits were infected in both eyes with HSV-1 strain McKrae. Following HSV-1 infection and the establishment of latency (28 days postinfection), rabbits were given a periocular subconjunctival vaccination three times at 3-week intervals. Beginning 3 weeks after the final vaccination, tear films were collected daily and cultured to detect the presence of HSV-1 and determine the spontaneous HSV-1 ocular shedding rates. Periocular vaccination increased the mean HSV-1 serum neutralizing antibody titer to fivefold above that seen in mock-vaccinated latently infected rabbits. gB enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody titers were increased approximately 8-fold, and gD ELISA antibody titers were increased 60-fold. These increases were all statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In two independent experiments, vaccination reduced the spontaneous shedding rate by approximately 2.5-fold (P < 0.0004). In addition, the percentage of eyes that never shed virus during the 6 week postvaccination test period increased threefold (20% in controls versus 60% in vaccinated animals; P < 0.007). These results show that spontaneous ocular shedding of HSV-1 in latently infected rabbits can be significantly reduced by local periocular vaccination. This is the first report in any animal model of a successful therapeutic vaccine against recurrent HSV-1 ocular shedding. These results support the concept that development of a therapeutic vaccine for ocular HSV-1 recurrence in humans is possible.
Enhanced temperature sensitivity of a single CMOS-MEMS resonator via resonant modes in orthogonal axes

A novel CMOS-MEMS composite ring resonator capable of a dual-mode operation has been proposed to enable self-temperature sensing in a single device. To maximize the temperature sensitivity between the dual modes, two resonant modes of a single resonator vibrating in orthogonal axes (i.e., inplane and out-of-plane) are chosen due to the large difference of their temperature coefficients of frequency (TCf's). By adjusting the constituent ratio and the position of metals and dielectrics through CAD layouts, different TCf's have been successfully demonstrated in a single CMOS-MEMS resonator. By measuring the TCf's of the in-plane (INP) and out-of-plane (OOP) mode concurrently, a beat frequency with a temperature coefficient of 72 ppm/°C was characterized. By employing a divider-based scaling concept, an estimated maximum beat frequency sensitivity of 3,244 ppm/°C can be obtained under proper scaling numbers.
Effect of vitamin C concentration and co-injection with calcium chloride on beef retail display color.

The objectives of these experiments were to determine 1) the most effective vitamin C concentration to stabilize color of beef cuts during retail display and 2) the effect on color of incorporating vitamin C into a calcium chloride (CaCl2) injection solution. Top round cuts (semimembranosus and adductor) were injected with 5% by weight of a 0, . 25, . 5, 1, 2, or 4% sodium ascorbate solution (Exp. 1) or a 0, . 5, 1, or 1.5% sodium ascorbate solution (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, vitamin C resulted in more (P < .05) stable lean color during 9 degrees C display, and . 5, 1, and 2% vitamin C were most (P < .05) effective. In Exp. 2, all concentrations of vitamin C maintained redder (P < .05) steaks after 3, 5, and 7 d of display than control steaks and had a lower (P < .05) percentage of surface discoloration after 5 and 7 d of display at 1 degree C. Experiment 3 used beef bottom round cuts (biceps femoris) to compare control, vitamin C- (1%), CaCl2-(200 mM) and vitamin C + CaCl2-treated steaks displayed at 1 degree C. Calcium chloride-treated steaks were more (P < .05) brown and had a higher (P < .05) percentage of surface discoloration on d 5 and 7 than control steaks, whereas steaks treated with vitamin C or vitamin C + CaCl2 were more (P < .05) red and had lower (P < .05) discoloration on d 5 and 7 than control steaks. Vitamin C can be injected into beef subprimals to enhance lean color stability and extend retail display life. Vitamin C also can be used in combination with CaCl2 to offset potential color deterioration, after 5 d of display, due to salt-induced oxidation.
Extracellular space in mouse cerebellar cortex revealed by in vivo cryotechnique

Conventional methods of preparing tissue specimens for morphological investigation of the central nervous system suffer from inevitable artifacts caused by anoxia during the processing. In the present study we performed ultrastructural analyses of mouse cerebellar cortex using the in vivo cryotechnique (IVCr), which minimizes ischemic artifacts of target organs through direct cryofixation in vivo. In molecular and Purkinje cell layers of the mouse cerebellum prepared with IVCr, considerably large extracellular spaces (ECS) were detected among cellular profiles and synaptic clefts. The ECS obtained with IVCr without ischemia were larger than those obtained with IVCr after 8‐minute ischemia or a conventional quick‐freezing method with fresh resected tissues (FQF), but did not decrease with IVCr after 30‐second ischemia. By contrast, the parallel fibers observed with IVCr without ischemia were slightly smaller than those after 30‐second ischemia, and significantly smaller than those prepared with IVCr after 8‐minute ischemia or FQF. ECS were frequently preserved around synaptic clefts, although the rest were totally or partially enclosed with closely apposed glial processes. The estimated sizes of the ECS around synaptic clefts did not differ between the opened and enclosed synapses, suggesting that the opened synapses might be temporarily surrounded by glial sheaths dynamically extending or retracting throughout the perisynaptic ECS. These findings indicate IVCr to be useful for some morphological analyses of ECS in the central nervous system. The appreciable ECS around synapses would allow morphological and functional changes of neuronal and glial cells dynamically involved in synaptic remodeling or signal transduction. J. Comp. Neurol. 505:292–301, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of growth hormone on the initial bone formation around implants.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the topical application of growth hormone on the osseointegration of dental implants in beagle dogs 14 days after placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars were extracted from 12 beagle dogs. Two months later, each mandible received cylindric screw-type implants of 3.25 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. The implants were randomly assigned to the mesial and distal sites on each side of the mandible. Prior to implantation, lyophilized powdered growth hormone was applied to one osteotomy on each side of the mandible. No growth hormone was applied at the control sites. Eight histologic sections per implant were obtained for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS After a 2-week treatment period, the growth hormone-treated sites showed significant (P < .0001) increases in the perimeter of bone that was in direct contact with the treated implants (40.19% +/- 2.51%), total peri-implant area (P < .001) (69.57% +/- 3.53%), and new bone formation (P < .0001) (35.18% +/- 0.31%), in comparison to control implants (25.05% +/- 2.43%, 53.40% +/- 4.58%, and 28.65% +/- 1.92%, respectively). There was no significant increase in interthread bone in growth hormone-treated implants (27.92% +/- 3.31%) in comparison to control implants (25.08% +/- 3.47%) (P > .05). CONCLUSION Topical application of growth hormone may act as a bone stimulant in the placement of endosseous dental implants.
Risks in China's Financial System

Motivated by growing concerns about the risks and instability of China's financial system, this article reviews several commonly perceived financial risks and discusses their roots in China's politico-economic institutions. We emphasize the need to evaluate these risks within China's unique economic and financial systems, in which the state and nonstate sectors coexist and the financial system serves as a key tool of the government to fund its economic policies. Overall, we argue that ( a) a financial crisis is unlikely to happen in the near future and ( b) the ultimate risk lies with China's economic growth, as a vicious circle of distortions in the financial system lowers the efficiency of capital allocation and economic growth and will eventually exacerbate financial risks in the long run.
Ubiquitination and regulation of Smad7 in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling of aristolochic acid nephropathy

Abstract Aristolochic acid I (AAI) affects TGF-β1/Smad signaling, which causes AA nephropathy (AAN), but the mechanisms are not fully understood. We aimed to clarify whether Arkadia and UCH37 participate in TGF-β1/Smad signaling via Smad7, and the regulatory mechanisms of Smad7. One side, mice and cultured mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) were treated with various AAI doses and concentrations, respectively; on the other side, RTECs were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vectors against Arkadia and UCH37 and then treated with 10 µg/ml AAI. And then detect the mRNA and protein levels of Smad7, UCH37, Arkadia and any other relative factors by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In kidney tissues and RTECs, the mRNA and protein levels of Smad7 decreased with increasing AAI doses concentrations by real-time PCR and Western blotting, whereas those of Arkadia, UCH37, Smad2, Smad3 and TβRI increased. Cells transfected with the Arkadia siRNA expression vector showed reduced mRNA and protein levels of vimentin, α-SMA, Smad2, Smad3 and TβRI after AAI treatment, while those of CK18 and Smad7 increased compared with those of untransfected RTECs. Conversely, cells transfected with the UCH37 siRNA expression vector showed the opposite effect on analyzed signaling molecules after AAI treatment. Arkadia and UCH37 participate in TGF-β1/Smad signaling-mediated renal fibrosis, and Smad7 blocks TGF-β1 signaling by inhibiting Smad2/Smad3 phosphorylation and enhancing the degradation of TβRI.
Implementing the NICE guideline for schizophrenia recommendations for psychological therapies: a qualitative analysis of the attitudes of CMHT staff.

OBJECTIVES Despite national guidelines recommending cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and family intervention (FI) in the treatment of schizophrenia, levels of implementation in routine care remain low. The present study investigates attitudinal factors amongst community mental health team (CMHT) staff affecting guideline implementation. DESIGN CMHTs were audited to measure the capacity and delivery of CBT and FI, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff from the teams. Methods. Four CMHTs were audited, and five care coordinators from each team were interviewed. A purposive approach to sampling was used to represent the range of professional training of care coordinating staff. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Positive views towards guidelines were evident, although tempered by specific implementation issues. Employing simple psychological interventions and approaches as part of the care coordinating role also emerged as highly valued by staff. Severe workload, time pressure and the need for specialist staff were crucial barriers to implementation. Pessimistic views of recovery for clients with psychosis were also apparent and may affect implementation. CONCLUSIONS Staff attitudes and knowledge are an important area of research when examining guideline implementation and require further study. Key themes that have emerged could inform future training agendas and should be considered when developing guideline implementation strategies for the updated 2009 guidelines.
Challenges for computational electromagnetics in the time domain

Progress in solving the three-dimensional Maxwell equations in the time domain has opened a new frontier in electromagnetics. The author discusses the semi-discrete dispersive error of several well-known differencing schemes and a bidiagonal compact differencing scheme. The numerical results are obtained by solving the one-dimensional model wave equation. Initial conditions and boundary conditions in numerical simulations are also discussed as are scattering problems.
BTLA targeting modulates lymphocyte phenotype, function, and numbers and attenuates disease in nonobese diabetic mice

The novel coinhibitory receptor BTLA may have a regulatory role in maintaining peripheral tolerance; however, its role in autoimmune diabetes is unknown. In this study, we show that anti‐BTLA mAb 6F7 selectively depleted pathogenic B and CD4+ TH cells; enhanced the proportion of cells with the forkhead box p3+ PD‐1+CD4+ regulatory T phenotype; and increased the production of potentially protective (IL‐10) and detrimental (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) cytokines in NOD mice. As interactions between BTLA and PD‐1 coinhibitory pathways have been described in the cardiac allograft model, we also investigated if these pathways may have significant interaction in autoimmune diabetes. Anti‐BTLA inhibited anti‐PD‐1‐potentiated total IL‐12 (p40+p70) production, suggesting the possibility that anti‐BTLA may have a greater effect in the setting of anti‐PD‐1‐triggered diabetes. To test this, NOD mice at 4 and 10 weeks of age were treated with anti‐BTLA mAb, anti‐PD‐1 mAb, both mAb, or isotype control and were monitored for diabetes development. Although anti‐BTLA mAb delayed diabetes onset significantly in 10‐ but not 4‐week‐old NOD mice, anti‐BTLA mAb attenuated anti‐PD‐1‐induced diabetes in both age groups. Hence, strategies targeting BTLA+ lymphocytes or therapies enhancing the BTLA‐negative cosignal may prove valuable in treating autoimmune diabetes.
Regional Integration and Poverty: A Review of the Transmission Channels and the Evidence

While there is an extensive literature on the impact of regional trading agreements on trade and capital flows, as well as on the relationship between international trade, growth, and poverty there is comparatively little treatment of the possible linkages between regional integration and poverty. We analyze the channels through which regional integration could impact on poverty, and then review the existing evidence on the impact of regional integration on poverty. We focus on two key characteristics that make any regional integration process different from unilateral and multilateral liberalization: first, the asymmetric nature of the liberalization process; second, the scope or ambition of the regional liberalization being undertaken and the nature of the institutional arrangements that are put into place to manage the process of regional integration. We also distinguish between short, medium, and long run effects on poverty of regional integration processes. There is some direct evidence explicitly linking regional integration and poverty, but in good part the shedding of the light depends on an indirect literature on trade, FDI, migration, and inequality.