Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of inflammation in ARDS: achievable goal or distant target?

A possible role for thioredoxin The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was only recognised as a distinct clinical entity less than 50 years ago.1 It arose as a consequence of the success of modern resuscitation and organ support and was first described in severely injured military personnel. It is defined by the development of rapidly progressing respiratory failure, usually within 24–48 hours of the initiating insult. Plain chest radiographs show widespread airspace shadowing with a pattern similar to cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. However, when measured, left sided cardiac pressures are normal and the pulmonary oedema fluid has a high protein content. This picture of normal cardiac filling pressures and high air space protein content suggested that the central pathophysiology was a result of increased pulmonary epithelial/endothelial permeability. Histological examination of biopsy and autopsy specimens showed widespread epithelial and endothelial damage and radioisotope studies confirmed that lung permeability was abnormal. Histological studies also indicated that an intense inflammatory response was occurring in the lungs of patients with established ARDS.2,3 In addition to proteinaceous material, the air spaces were filled with acute inflammatory cells—predominantly neutrophils and macrophages. This early phase of ARDS has been characterised as the “exudative phase”. Limited studies suggest that this may be rapidly followed by the proliferation of type II pneumocytes with the beginnings of alveolar basement repair. Fibrosis is also a feature of this phase with the migration of fibroblasts and myoblasts into the fibrinous intra-alveolar exudate. A subsequent fibrotic phase can then occur with extensive lung remodelling, and this may produce a situation of irreversible end stage lung disease. It must be emphasised, however, that this orderly pattern is based on very limited biopsy material and many patients with ARDS make a very good functional recovery over a prolonged period of time. The theme …
Metaplasticity of the human trigeminal blink reflex

Although synaptic plasticity in the human cerebral cortex is governed by metaplasticity, whether a similar mechanism operates at brainstem level is unknown. In this study in healthy humans we examined the effects and interactions induced by pairing supraorbital nerve high‐frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) protocols on the R2 component of the trigeminal blink reflex [Mao, J.B. & Evinger, C (2001) J Neurosci. , 21:RC151(1–4)]. Changes in the R2 component were tested by pairing three different priming stimulation protocols inducing long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like or long‐term depression (LTD)‐like effects (LTP‐HFS and LTD‐HFS), or no change (CONTROL‐HFS) with a subsequent test LTP‐HFS. Additionally, to examine changes in the R2 component induced by nonspecific factors, two CONTROL‐HFS sessions were paired. Priming LTP‐, LTD‐ or CONTROL‐HFS potentiated, inhibited or left unchanged the area of the R2 component. Regardless of the type of priming LTP‐, LTD‐ or CONTROL‐HFS, the test LTP‐HFS induced negligible differences in the R2 component. When two CONTROL‐HFS sessions were paired, the test CONTROL‐HFS increased the latency and markedly reduced the duration and area of the R2 component. The analysis of the normalized data across the first three experimental sessions, corrected for the inhibitory effects found in the fourth experiment, showed that the test LTP‐HFS potentiated the R2 component area of the trigeminal blink reflex only when preceded by a priming LTD‐HFS. We propose that homosynaptic metaplasticity might operate in the brainstem circuitry of the blink reflex.
Biochemical analysis of the stress protein response in human oesophageal epithelium

Background—The oesophageal epithelium is exposed routinely to noxious agents in the environment, including gastric acid, thermal stress, and chemical toxins. These epithelial cells have presumably evolved effective protective mechanisms to withstand tissue damage and repair injured cells. Heat shock protein or stress protein responses play a central role in protecting distinct cell types from different types of injury. Aim—To determine (i) whether biochemical analysis of stress protein responses in pinch biopsy specimens from human oesophageal epithelium is feasible; (ii) whether undue stresses are imposed on cells by the act of sample collection, thus precluding analysis of stress responses; and (iii) if amenable to experimentation, the type of heat shock protein (Hsp) response that operates in the human oesophageal epithelium. Methods—Tissue from the human oesophagus comprised predominantly of squamous epithelium was acquired within two hours of biopsy and subjected to an in vitro heat shock. Soluble tissue cell lysates derived from untreated or heat shocked samples were examined using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for changes in: (i) the pattern of general protein synthesis by labelling epithelial cells with 35S-methionine and (ii) the levels of soluble Hsp70 protein and related isoforms using immunochemical protein blots. Results—A single pinch biopsy specimen is sufficient to extract and analyse specific sets of polypeptides in the oesophageal epithelium. After ex vivo heat shock, a classic inhibition of general protein synthesis is observed and correlates with the increased synthesis of two major proteins of molecular weight of 60 and 70 kDa. Notably, cells from unheated controls exhibit a “stressed” biochemical state 22 hours after incubation at 37°C, as shown by inhibition of general protein synthesis and increased synthesis of the 70 kDa protein. These data indicate that only freshly acquired specimens are suitable for studying stress responses ex vivo. No evidence was found that the two heat induced polypeptides are previously identified Hsp70 isoforms. In fact, heat shock results in a reduction in the steady state concentrations of Hsp70 protein in the oesophageal epithelium. Conclusion—Systematic and highly controlled studies on protein biochemistry are possible on epithelial biopsy specimens from the human oesophagus. These technical innovations have permitted the discovery of a novel heat shock response operating in the oesophageal epithelium. Notably, two polypeptides were synthesised after heat shock that seem to differ from Hsp70 protein. In addition, the striking reduction in steady state concentrations of Hsp70 protein after heat shock suggests that oesophageal epithelium has evolved an atypical biochemical response to thermal stress.
Poly[[(μ2-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato-κ4 O 1,O 1′:O 4,O 4′)(μ2-di-4-pyridyldiazene-κ2 N 1:N 1′)cobalt(II)] N,N-dimethylformamide disolvate hemihydrate]

In the title compound, {[Co(C8H4O4)(C10H8N4)]·2C3H7NO·0.5H2O}n, the CoII atom is six-coordinated by four O atoms from two benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (H2bdc2−) groups and two N atoms from two 4,4′-azopyridine (4,4′-azpy, or di-4-pyridyldiazene) ligands, leading to a distorted octahedral geometry. The structure consists of two-dimensional corrugated sheets with a 44 topology in an …ABAB… packing pattern stacking along the a axis. The separation of the adjacent corrugated sheets is ca. 8.561 (2) Å (Co⋯Co distance) along the a axis. The uncoordinated water molecule is half-occupied. The crystal structure is stabilized by O—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Optimisation of Chopping ratio of Back-Boost Converter by MPPT technique with a variable reference voltage applied to the Photovoltaic Water Pumping System

This paper presents an optimisation study of a photovoltaic (PV) pumping system using maximum power point tracking technique (MPPT). The optimisation is based on new reference voltage criterion, which is the addition of the open circuit voltage of photovoltaic generator and a segment of solar radiation. This technique is developed to ensure an optimum chopping ratio of a back-boost converter. This guarantees a simple practical execution. The proposed technique was experienced on photovoltaic water pumping system in order to optimise the PV generator output power instead of an easy direct connection or using a complex MPPT technique
A rule based probabilistic technique for malware code detection

Security is one of the major concerns in generic computing system which is used in our day to day life to deal with various aspects like education, banking, communication, entertainment etc. Security is obtained to prevent threats that usually affect the end users of other areas as well (like grid computing, cloud computing etc.). Malicious code deployment is the main cause of threat. This paper mainly proposes a novel malicious code detection technique (Rule based probabilistic malware detection (RBPMD)) which provides security in the traditional computing system. In this paper, RBPMD technique follows a rule based probabilistic technique to detect the malicious codes among several codes and warn the other non-infected guest machines about it. A prototype of RBPMD is designed and implemented in this paper. It creates less overhead as well as occupies less storage space compare to other well-known anti-viruses. Its implementation cost is also low compare to others. At last, a comparison analysis of this proposed technique is given with other popular malware detection techniques.
Thermal ablation in renal cell carcinoma: What affects renal function?

Because of its minimally invasive nature, thermal ablation is increasingly performed in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who are poor surgical candidates. Thermal ablation has been associated with excellent outcomes, and thus has been regarded as a viable alternative to nephron-sparing surgery. Many papers report minimal to no reduction in renal function after ablation therapies. However, in order to achieve good local control, normal renal tissue must be sacrificed, subsequently leading to reduced renal function. The amount of normal renal tissue to be ablated depends on the size, location, and number of RCCs, as well as the type of thermal ablation applied. However, there are few reports about what reduces renal function following thermal ablation therapies. The purpose of this review was to discuss factors that affect reduction in renal function and to assess the relationship between local tumour control and renal function.
The effects of crosslinking byproducts on the electrical properties of low density polyethylene

Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is widely used for high voltage insulation in power transmission systems. However, it has been found that, after crosslinking with Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP), the crosslinking byproducts such as acetophenone, ? -methylstyrene and cumyl alcohol have a significant influence on electrical properties of XLPE power cables. This thesis distinguished the individual contribution of the crosslinking byproducts on space charge formation, dielectric properties, dc conductivity as well as the ac breakdown strength. Percentage weight increases as well as the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum were used to monitor the chemical level in the soaked samples. Despite high concentration of byproducts in the LDPE film compared to practical, the measurement results have successfully reveal the contribution of each byproduct on the electrical properties. It should be noted that some consideration should be taken when taking the quantitative value from the result obtained. Space charge accumulation was measured using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. Homocharges are observed in acetophenone and ? -methylstyrene soaked LDPE. Meanwhile heterocharge formed in cumyl alcohol soaked LDPE. From the charge decay profile in dc condition, these chemicals are observed to assist the transportation of the charges in the sample bulk due to shallow traps from the byproducts. These shallow traps assist the trapping process into deep traps when ac field is applied to the byproduct soaked LDPE. As a result, more charges trapped in deep traps were found in soaked LDPE compared to clean LDPE. In addition, from the space charge measurement in ac condition, it is proved that the amount of charge trapped in deep traps also depends on the population of shallow traps in the polymer which is contradicted to the literature where the byproducts are normally associated to the deep traps. Permittivity values of acetophenone, ? -methylstyrene soaked LDPE and cumyl alcohol are slightly higher than permittivity value of the clean untreated LDPE. Cumyl alcohol soaked LDPE has higher dielectric loss at lower frequency due to Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars polarisation as well as space charge polarisation effect. In contrast, acetophenone does not change the dielectric loss value and ? -methylstyrene gives very little effect. These byproducts have very high dc conductivity values. It is also proposed that the chemicals provide shallow traps that aid the charge movement and this is consistent with the mobility values that calculated from the conduction current result. The ac breakdown results however show no significant difference from the breakdown strength of clean LDPE. Based on ac space charge results and ac breakdown test results, it is concluded that the byproducts have little effects in ac condition
Uptake Studies for Evaluating Activity of Efflux Transporters in a Cell Line Representative of the Blood‐Brain Barrier

In this unit, protocols are presented for performing uptake studies with bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BBMECs) using either radiolabeled compounds, or rhodamine 123 as a marker for a P‐glycoprotein substrate. The protocols can easily be modified for the investigation of substrate uptake in other cell lines.
On the Limits of Nonapproximability of Lattice Problems

We show simple constant-round interactive proof systems for problems capturing the approximability, to within a factor of n, of optimization problems in integer lattices, specifically, the closest vector problem (CVP) and the shortest vector problem (SVP). These interactive proofs are for the coNP direction; that is, we give an interactive protocol showing that a vector is far from the lattice (for CVP) and an interactive protocol showing that the shortest-lattice-vector is long (for SVP). Furthermore, these interactive proof systems are honest-verifier perfect zero-knowledge. We conclude that approximating CVP (resp., SVP) within a factor of n is in NP? coAM. Thus, it seems unlikely that approximating these problems to within a n factor is NP-hard. Previously, for the CVP (resp., SVP) problem, Lagarias et al. (1990, Combinatorica10, 333? 348), Hastad (1988, Combinatorica8, 75? 81), and Banaszczyk (1993, Math. Annal.296, 625? 635) showed that the gap problem corresponding to approximating CVP (resp., SVP) within n is in NP? coNP. On the other hand, Arora et al. (1997, J. Comput. System Sci.54, 317? 331) showed that the gap problem corresponding to approximating CVP within 2log0.999n is quasi-NP-hard.
[Incidence of complications of otitis media].

OBJECTIVE Determine the incidence of otological and endocranial complications of acute otitis media, taking into account previous treatments and the development of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective follow-up study between March 1996-2003 including 16 patients: 9 men, 7 women. RESULTS Nine patients (56.25%) had intracranial complications and seven otological ones. In the first group, 6 developed meningitis by Streptococcus pneumoniae, one sigmoid sinus thromboflebitis, one multiple abscesses, and one subdural empiema and encephalitis. Otological complications were six acute mastoiditis and the other one a facial paralysis. The child with thromboflebitis underwent mastoidectomy and closed meningeal comunication; 5 of the acute mastoiditis were operated on and the other received traditional treatment. The meningitis received medication. Two died, one because of a subdural empiema and the other due to meningitis. CONCLUSION Despite the advances made by antibiotherapy and diagnosis, the complications of otitis media are still frequent. The pediatrician and otorhinolaryngologist should be on the alert for these as well as for Pneumococcus and its high resistance.
Mixing in microfluidic devices and enhancement methods

Mixing in microfluidic devices presents a challenge due to laminar flows in microchannels, which result from low Reynolds numbers determined by the channel’s hydraulic diameter, flow velocity, and solution’s kinetic viscosity. To address this challenge, novel methods of mixing enhancement within microfluidic devices have been explored for a variety of applications. Passive mixing methods have been created, including those using ridges or slanted wells within the microchannels, as well as their variations with improved performance by varying geometry and patterns, by changing the properties of channel surfaces, and by optimization via simulations. In addition, active mixing methods including microstirrers, acoustic mixers, and flow pulsation have been investigated and integrated into microfluidic devices to enhance mixing in a more controllable manner. In general, passive mixers are easy to integrate, but difficult to control externally by users after fabrication. Active mixers usually take efforts to integrate within a device and they require external components (e.g. power sources) to operate. However, they can be controlled by users to a certain degree for tuned mixing. In this article, we provide a general overview of a number of passive and active mixers, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and make suggestions on choosing a mixing method for a specific need as well as advocate possible integration of key elements of passive and active mixers to harness the advantages of both types.
Commentary (Weitberg): Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

In this article, Drs. Shacter and Weitzman present a thoughtful, comprehensive review of the role of chronic inflammation in the multistep process of carcinogenesis. Their cogent discussion encompasses the basic science, clinical correlates, and treatment implications of this subject. It is well balanced, highly informative, and indicative of the complexity of the biochemical events that transpire as chronic inflammation results in malignant transformation of target cells.
Cinco años de seguimiento de la polilla del racimo de la vid (Lobesia botrana) en la D.O. Arribes (Castilla y León, España)

Se han realizado estudios en 10 vinedos de la D.O. Arribes (Castilla y Leon) entre 2004 y 2008 con el objetivo de conocer el ciclo biologico de la polilla del racimo de la vid (Lobesia botrana). La presencia de adultos fue registrada semanalmente entre los meses de abril y octubre mediante trampas tipo delta con feromonas. Se presentan las curvas de vuelo y se relacionan con datos climatologicos; humedad, temperatura, precipitacion y fotoperiodo. Se constata la presencia de tres generaciones anuales de la polilla. Existe una correlacion lineal marcada entre los grados-dia calculados a partir del 1o de enero con un umbral de 10oC y la poblacion acumulada de polilla. Se realizan comparaciones con distintos trabajos realizados sobre esta plaga en diferentes localizaciones geograficas y con la modelizacion de Touzeau (1981). El factor climatologico mas limitante es la humedad relativa, al bajar por debajo del 40% en algunos momentos. Se confirma que la presencia de polilla es reducida en esta zona vitivinicola, existiendo una disminucion notable de su incidencia en los tres ultimos anos (2006 a 2008). Las condiciones climatologicas propicias para el desarrollo de la plaga, con humedades relativas y temperaturas moderadas y la ausencia de tratamientos especificos sugiere la existencia de un control natural efectivo de la plaga en esta zona.
Abnormal Helper‐Inducer/Suppressor–Inducer T‐Cell Subset Distribution and T‐Cell Activation Status are Common to All Types of Chronic Synovitis

We have previously shown that rheumatoid synovial T cells are virtually all helper‐inducer (CD4+4B4+ UCHL1+) rather than suppressor‐inducer (CD4+ 2H4+) cells. CD8 cells were also largely 4B4+. In addition, the majority of T cells were HLA‐DR+. To investigate whether these findings were specific for rheumatoid disease, we studied the prevalence of these markers in a variety of chronic inflammatory arthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis. Again, almost 90% of the T cells were 4B4+UCHL1+ and only 11% were 2H4+; 50% expressed the HLA DR antigen. Thus this phenotype distribution represents a final common pathway of chronic synovitis and may help to explain the immunopathology of the lesion.
Structural profile of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene in acetabular cups worn on hip simulators characterized by confocal Raman spectroscopy

We applied a Raman confocal spectroscopic technique to quantitatively assess the structural features of two kinds of acetabular cups made of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene. We wanted to know whether polyethylene cups belonging to different generations, and thus manufactured by different procedures, possess different molecular structures and how those differences affected their wear resistance. Emphasis was placed on oxidation profiles developed along the cross‐sectional depth of the cups in the main wear zone developed during testing in a hip simulator. The micrometric lateral resolution of the laser beam, focused at surface or sub‐surface sectional planes, enabled the visualization of highly resolved microstructural property profiles, including crystalline and amorphous phase fractions. Oxidation profiles retrieved from polyethylene cups belonging to different generations greatly differed after wear testing. The highly cross‐linked polyethylene showed a lower degree of crystallinity and oxidation at an appreciably slower rate as compared to that belonging to an earlier generation. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:893–899
Presynaptic inhibition by serotonin of glycinergic inhibitory synaptic currents in the rat brain stem.

1. With the use of a thin brain stem slice preparation, we recorded in visualized neonatal rat hypoglossal motoneurons unitary glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) that were evoked by extracellular stimulation of nearby interneurons. We found that 10 microM serotonin (5-HT) presynaptically inhibited this glycinergic synaptic transmission by 85.5%. 2. In the somata of presynaptic interneurons, 5-HT1A receptor activation potentiated inwardly rectifying K+ channels and inhibited voltage-activated calcium channels. 3. In contrast, the 5-HT1B receptor was primarily responsible for inhibition of evoked glycinergic IPSCs; a selective 5-HT1B receptor agonist, N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP, 10 microM), inhibited synaptic transmission by 97.3%. On the other hand, 5-HT1A receptor activation by (+)-8-OH-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OHDPAT, 1 microM) inhibited IPSCs by only 24.1%. A 5-HT1A antagonist, 1-(2-methyoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)-butyl]piperazine hydrobromide (NAN-190, 1 microM), had no effect on synaptic inhibition by 5-HT. 4. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) as well as TTX with cadmium (50 microM), we found that 5-HT1B receptor activation by TFMPP reduced the frequency of spontaneous miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) without changing their mean amplitude. The results suggested that the 5-HT1B receptors activated at the presynaptic terminal inhibited synaptic transmission independent of inhibiting calcium influx through voltage-activated calcium channels. 5. These results indicate that activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels and inhibition of voltage-activated calcium channels by 5-HT1A receptor activation do not constitute a main pathway for presynaptic inhibition by 5-HT of glycinergic synaptic transmission. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)