Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and IL-18) in immune rheumatic diseases: relation with disease activity and autoantibodies production.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and its inducer IL-12 have multiple biological activities that are important in generating Th1 responses and inflammatory tissue damage. We investigated serum concentration of the novel proinflammatory Th1 cytokine; IL-18, and its inducer IL-12 in patients with immune rheumatic diseases. Group I comprised32 patients of systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE), Group II comprised 36 patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Group III comprised 9 patients (2 patients of Behcet, 2 patients of Dermatomyositis, 2 patients of Sicca syndrome, one patient of Scleroderma, and 2 patients of Mixed connective tissue disease). Group IV is a control group consists of 21 sex and age matched healthy subjects and correlated their levels with autoantibody concentration (ANA and ds-DNA), clinical grades and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Serum IL-18, IL-12, ANA and ds-DNA were measured by enzyme immuno sorbent assay. IL-18, IL-12 and ANA were significantly higher in the three studied groups than in the control group (IL-18; P < 0.001 in the three groups, IL-12; P = 0.019, P = 0.002, and P = 0.006, and ANA; P < 0.001, P = 0.002,and P = 0.006, respectively). ds-DNA was significantly higher in SLE patients than in control group (P < 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between; A) levels of IL-18,and both ANA and ds-DNA in SLE patient (r = 0.41,P = 0.001, r = 0.58 and P=0.001 respectively); and B) IL-18 and ANA in both RA and group III patients (r = 0.32, P = 0.005, r = 0.61and P = 0.022 respectively). Also, there were significant positive correlation between the levels of IL-18 and clinical grades of the three groups (r = 0.60,P = 0.001, r = 0.79,P = 0.001, r = 0.78 and P= 0.001 respectively). In SLE patients , IL-18 concentration shows significant positive correlation with SLEDAI score (r = 0.76, P = 0.001). In conclusion, the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-12 ) may trigger the inflammatory process in immune rheumatic diseases and IL-18 is correlated with disease activity
Caracterización acústica de la reducción vocálica en el español de Bogotá: (Colombia)

espanolEste articulo analiza la reduccion fonetica de las vocales en el espanol de Bogota (Colombia). El principal objetivo es comparar los efectos del estilo de habla (habla leida vs. habla no leida), el acento y el tipo de vocal (/i, e, a, o, u/) sobre la duracion, los formantes vocalicos (F1- F2) y la distancia euclidiana. Los resultados indican que las atonas /e, o, u/ tienen menor duracion y un F1 mas bajo en habla no leida que las vocales tonicas producidas en habla leida. La vocal central /a/ se realiza foneticamente como una vocal abierta [a], una medio abierta [ɐ] o una central media [ә]. Las tonicas /a/ y /o/ presentan una ligera posteriorizacion, mientras que las tonicas /e/ y /u/ se anteriorizan. En general, la vocal cerrada /i/ permanecio estable en las diferentes condiciones experimentales analizadas. EnglishThis article examines phonetic vowel reduction in the Spanish of Bogota (Colombia). The main objective is to compare the influence of speech condition (read vs. unread speech), stress and vowel type (/i, e, a, o, u/) on duration, F1 and F2 frequencies, and the euclidian distance. Results show that unstressed vowels /e, o, u/ are shorter and have a lower first formant in unread speech than stressed vowels produced in read speech. /a/ is variably realized as an open vowel [a], a central near-open vowel [ɐ] or a schwa [ә]. The stressed vowels /a/ and /o/ are slightly backed, and the stressed /e/ and /u/ are slightly fronted. The high vowel /i/ remains somewhat stable in the experimental conditions studied.
Thromboembolic adverse events after use of recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa.

CONTEXT The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa (rFVIIa) on March 25, 1999, for bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B and inhibitors to factors VIII or IX. Use in patients without hemophilia has been increasing since licensure. OBJECTIVE To review serious thromboembolic adverse events (AEs) reported to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS The AERS database was reviewed from March 25, 1999, through December 31, 2004, for thromboembolic AE reports with rFVIIa. The AERS database includes US and non-US spontaneous AE reports from both approved (specific indications for patients with hemophilia) and unlabeled uses. It also includes serious AEs in patients enrolled in postlicensure clinical trials who received rFVIIa. Manufacturer reporting to FDA is mandatory, but primary notification from clinicians and others to FDA or manufacturers is voluntary for spontaneous reports; therefore, AERS underrepresents actual event occurrences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Reported thromboembolic events occurring in patients administered rFVIIa. RESULTS A total of 431 AE reports for rFVIIa were found, of which 168 reports described 185 thromboembolic events. Seventeen events occurred in patients with hemophilia and 59 occurred in patients enrolled in postlicensure trials. Unlabeled indications accounted for 151 of the reports, most with active bleeding (n = 115). Reported AEs were thromboembolic cerebrovascular accident (n = 39), acute myocardial infarction (n = 34), other arterial thromboses (n = 26), pulmonary embolism (n = 32), other venous thromboses (including deep vein thrombosis) (n = 42), and clotted devices (n = 10). In 36 (72%) of 50 reported deaths, the probable cause of death was the thromboembolic event. In 144 patients with timing information, 73 events (52%) occurred in the first 24 hours after the last dose (30 events within 2 hours). Sixty-four reports (38%) noted concomitant use of hemostatic agents. Most reports lacked sufficient information to evaluate potential dosage associations. CONCLUSIONS Most reported thromboembolic AEs followed the use of rFVIIa for unlabeled indications and occurred in arterial and venous systems, often resulting in serious morbidity and mortality. Analysis of the relationship between AEs and rFVIIa is hindered by concomitant medications, preexisting medical conditions, confounding by indication, and inherent limitations of passive surveillance. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of rFVIIa in patients without hemophilia.
Understanding Coordination in IT Project-Based Environments: An Examination of Team Cognition and Virtual Team Efficacy

Research has demonstrated how successful coordination can lead to greater organizational performance. In information technology (IT) project-based environments, coordinating the knowledge needed to perform activities is a particularly salient issue. Indeed, research has demonstrated how team cognition, or the awareness team members have about each other's capabilities, is a critical factor for project success. Recently, more advanced technologies have emerged which allow team members to share knowledge effectively in distributed and dynamic environments (e.g. Web 2.0). This study demonstrates how project coordination is a function of both the team cognition each member has as well as their ability to use these technologies in a way that will allow them to harness each others' knowledge. In addition, this relationship is influenced by the nature of the project task environment. A structural model is constructed based on the survey results of 235 project team members to demonstrate the findings.
CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS at three chemical companies—Bayer, Nova Chemicals, and International Flavors & Fragrances—are stepping down. Bayer CEO Werner Wenning, 62, will be replaced by a Bayer outsider: Marijn E. Dekkers, 51, CEO of laboratory equipment maker Thermo Fisher Scientific. Wenning will serve until September 2010, which is eight months beyond his contract. Dekkers will take over at Bayer on Oct. 1, 2010. In the meantime, he will head Bayer Healthcare. The current Bayer Healthcare CEO, 52-year-old Arthur J. Higgins, will leave Bayer early next year “for personal reasons,” according to the firm. A Dutch-born, U.S.-naturalized Ph.D. chemical engineer, Dekkers started his career in 1985 at General Electric’s research center in Niskayuna, N.Y. He left GE in 1995 for AlliedSignal (now Honeywell International), where he had stints running businesses in specialty films, fluorine chemicals, and electronic materials. Dekkers joined instrument maker Thermo Electron in 2000 as chief operating offer and beca.
Changes in crossbridge and non‐crossbridge energetics during moderate fatigue of frog muscle fibres.

1. The effect of sarcomere length (SL) during a fatiguing series of isometric tetani of frog muscle fibres was investigated. Tetani at 2.3 microns SL were more fatiguing than tetani at 3.2 microns SL, in that force declined twice as much as relaxation became much slower. 2. In a second set of experiments the force and heat production were measured during a series of fatiguing tetani. Heat was separated into two components: (a) crossbridge heat which is dependent on filament overlap and interaction, and (b) non‐crossbridge heat which is independent of filament overlap and due to Ca2+ turnover. 3. In a series of fifty tetani, force, crossbridge heat and non‐crossbridge heat each declined by 25‐30% of its initial value. 4. The 25% reduction in non‐crossbridge heat occurred completely during the first few tetani of the fatiguing series while force declined by less than 3%. This may be due to a reduction in Ca2+ binding to parvalbumin and to Ca2+ remaining bound during the remainder of the fatigue series. 5. After the first few tetani of the fatigue series the non‐crossbridge heat hardly changed as force declined by a further 25% of its initial value. Continuing reduction of force with constant Ca2+ turnover indicates a reduction in the Ca2+ sensitivity of the filaments, and/or a reduction in the average force per attached crossbridge. 6. At the start of the fatiguing series, as force declines by about 7.5% there is a much larger decline of crossbridge heat (17%). The reason for this is unknown. Later in the series, force declined more rapidly than heat. This is probably due to a progressive accumulation of inorganic phosphate which acts by depressing force more than it depresses ATP breakdown.
Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)-amide confers glucose sensitivity to previously glucose-incompetent beta-cells in diabetic rats: in vivo and in vitro studies.

The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) on cAMP content and insulin release were studied in islets isolated from diabetic rats (n0-STZ model) which exhibited impaired glucose-induced insulin release. We first examined the possibility of re-activating the insulin response to glucose in the beta-cells of the diabetic rats using GLP-1 in vitro. In static incubation experiments, GLP-1 amplified cAMP accumulation (by 170%) and glucose-induced insulin release (by 140%) in the diabetic islets to the same extent as in control islets. Using a perifusion procedure, GLP-1 amplified the insulin response to 16.7 mM glucose by diabetic islets and generated a clear biphasic pattern of insulin release. The incremental insulin response to glucose in the presence of GLP-1, although lower than corresponding control values (1.56 +/- 0.37 and 4.53 +/- 0.60 pg/min per ng islet DNA in diabetic and control islets respectively), became similar to that of control islets exposed to 16.7 mM glucose alone (1.09 +/- 0.15 pg/min per ng islet DNA). Since in vitro GLP-1 was found to exert positive effects on the glucose competence of the residual beta-cells in the n0-STZ model. we investigated the therapeutic effect of in vivo GLP-1 administration on glucose tolerance and glucose-induced insulin release by n0-STZ rats. An infusion of GLP-1 (10 ng/min per kg; i.v.) in n0-STZ rats enhanced significantly (P < 0.01) basal plasma insulin levels, and, when combined with an i.v. glucose tolerance and insulin secretion test, it was found to improve (P < 0.05) glucose tolerance and the insulinogenic index, as compared with the respective values of these parameters before GLP-1 treatment.
Antibiotic-Coated Nail for Fusion of Infected Charcot Ankles

Background: Treating infected ankles in patients with neuropathy is difficult, and complications are frequently encountered. Eradication of infection and effective arthrodesis are required for a successful outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with Charcot neuropathy whose infected ankles were treated with a retrograde, antibiotic-coated, locked intramedullary nail. Methods: We analyzed 5 patients with infected neuroarthropathy of the ankle joint. Three patients had failed treatment with the circular external fixator for infected neuroarthropathy of the ankle. The other 2 were treated primarily by this technique. All patients were treated with surgical nonunion repair, arthrodesis, and insertion of an antibiotic-coated, locked intramedullary nail. The average age was 59 years (range, 46 to 82 years). The average follow up period was 18 months (range, 12-24 months). Results: The average time taken for radiological healing was 4.1 months (range, 4-4.5 months). In all patients, bony union was achieved and infection was eradicated. There were no cases of hardware failure. Conclusion: Antibiotic-coated nails were used to treat infected ankle nonunions and infected distal tibial fractures in Charcot patients with successful bony union, fusion, and eradication of infection. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.
Investigation of Forces and Secondary Losses in Linear Induction Motor With the Solid and Laminated Back Iron Secondary for Metro

In this paper, two main kinds of the secondary, i.e., the solid and laminated back iron secondary, are applied in linear metro, as well as electromagnetic forces and secondary losses of the single-sided linear induction motor (SLIM) with different secondary are calculated by the finite-element method (FEM). First, in solving region, the fundamental equations of the magnetic field with eddy currents in the secondary are deduced, and specific boundary conditions for each part of SLIMs are given. Equations of the secondary loss and efficiency are presented. Second, 120-kW SLIMs with two types of the secondary for metro are calculated by the three-dimensional FEM, respectively. The efficiency and secondary loss are analyzed for different numbers of the lamination in the secondary back iron. The optimal number of the back iron lamination is then obtained. Third, considering the influence of the end and edge effect, the air gap flux density with different secondaries is calculated. Then, the thrust and vertical force are analyzed for SLIMs with two kinds of the secondary. Finally, numerical results of the efficiency, thrust, and vertical force, which are obtained from different secondaries, are experimentally validated by measurement on the test rig of the SLIM.
Growth Hormone in the Brain: Characteristics of Specific Brain Targets for the Hormone and Their Functional Significance

During the past decade studies have shown that growth hormone (GH) may exert profound effects on the central nervous system (CNS). For instance, GH replacement therapy was found to improve the psychological capabilities in adult GH deficient (GHD) patients. Furthermore, beneficial effects of the hormone on certain functions, including memory, mental alertness, motivation, and working capacity, have been reported. Likewise, GH treatment of GHD children has been observed to produce significant improvement in many behavioral problems seen in these individuals. Studies also indicated that GH therapy affects the cerebrospinal fluid levels of various hormones and neurotransmitters. Further support that the CNS is a target for GH emerges from observations indicating that the hormone may cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and from studies confirming the presence of GH receptors in the brain. It was previously shown that specific binding sites for GH are present in discrete areas in the CNS of both humans and rats. Among these regions are the choroid plexus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. The density of GH binding in the various brain regions was found to decline with increasing age. More recently, we were able to clone and determine the structure of several GH receptors in the rat and human brain. Although the brain receptor proteins for the hormone were shown to differ in molecular size compared to those present in peripheral tissues the corresponding transcripts did not seem to differ from their peripheral congeners. GH receptors in the hypothalamus are likely to be involved in the regulatory mechanism for hormone secretion and those located in the choroid plexus have been suggested to have a role in the receptor-mediated transport of GH across the BBB. The functions mediated by the GH receptors identified in the hippocampus are not yet known but recently it was speculated that they may be involved in the hormone's action on memory and cognitive functions.
THE FLUORESCENCE EXCITATION SPECTRUM OF QUININE BISULFATE

Abstract— A new measurement of the fluorescence excitation spectrum of chromatographically homogeneous quinine bisulfate has been made using a spectrometer offering high resolution and high sensitivity. Comparison of this spectrum with the absorption spectrum of the compound indicates that its quantum yield is independent of the wave number of the exciting light within ± 5 per cent for 2.57 μ‐lv 5. 0μ‐1.
Increased susceptibility to infection associated with abnormalities of complement-mediated functions and of the third component of complement (C3).

Abstract In a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome and lifelong increased susceptibility to infection, no abnormalities were found in humoral antibody production, cellular immunity or leukocyte function. In contrast, the patient's serum complement-mediated functions were grossly deficient. The concentrations of serum complement components were normal except for that of C3 (β1C-globulin), which was less than one-third normal. The bulk of this was in the form of the inactive conversion product, C3b, at all times that the patient's serum or plasma was examined over a two-year period. Addition of small amounts of normal serum, but not purified C3, to the patient's serum improved all complement-mediated functions in vitro. This disorder, which may represent an inborn deficiency of a protein necessary for C3 stability in vivo and in vitro, is detected by the lowered serum C3 concentration and a positive non-gamma (C3) Coombs antiglobulin test.
Boost Converter with MPPT and PWM Inverter for Photovoltaic system

Thispaper presents boost converter with maximum power point tracking technique for photovoltaic system to extract maximum power from solar panel, and the system is connected with battery storage system, and cascaded with PWM inverter along with an RC low pass passive filter which outp uts a stable AC voltage, which is not possible in traditional PV inverter system. The circuit operationprinciple, control strategy, and characteristics of the system are analysed in detai l. Simulation results are shown to verify the theoretical analysi. IndexTerms—pulse width modulation (PWM), maximum power point tracking (MPPT), boost converter, passi ve filter (RLC), grid.
A Host-Targeting Signal in Virulence Proteins Reveals a Secretome in Malarial Infection

Malaria parasites secrete proteins across the vacuolar membrane into the erythrocyte, inducing modifications linked to disease and parasite survival. We identified an 11–amino acid signal required for the secretion of proteins from the Plasmodium falciparum vacuole to the human erythrocyte. Bioinformatics predicted a secretome of >320 proteins and conservation of the signal across parasite species. Functional studies indicated the predictive value of the signal and its role in targeting virulence proteins to the erythrocyte and implicated its recognition by a receptor/transporter. Erythrocyte modification by the parasite may involve plasmodial heat shock proteins and be vastly more complex than hitherto realized.
Enhancement of Complement Activation and Opsonophagocytosis by Complexes of Mannose-Binding Lectin with Mannose-Binding Lectin-Associated Serine Protease After Binding to Staphylococcus aureus1

Human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein of the innate immune system that circulates as a complex with a group of so-called MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP-1, MASP-2, and MASP-3). Complexes of MBL-MASP2 are able to activate the complement system in an Ab and C1-independent fashion after binding of the lectin to appropriate microbial sugar arrays. We have evaluated the additive effect of the lectin pathway relative to other complement activation pathways and the subsequent effect on neutrophil phagocytosis. Complement activation in the sera of MBL-deficient individuals was studied with and without the addition of exogenous MBL-MASP. Flow cytometry was used to measure the deposition of C4, factor B, C3b, and iC3b on Staphylococcus aureus. Deposition of the first cleavage product of the lectin pathway, C4b, was increased using the sera of three different MBL-deficient individuals when exogenous MBL-MASP was added. Factor B was deposited in association with C4, but there was no evidence of independent alternative pathway activation. Similar enhancement of C3b deposition was also observed, with evidence of elevated amounts of C3b processed to iC3b. The increase in opsonic C3 fragments mediated by MBL was associated with a significant increase in the uptake of organisms by neutrophils. We also observed significant increases in phagocytosis with MBL-MASPs that were independent of complement activation. We conclude that MBL-MASP makes a major contribution to complement-mediated host defense mechanisms.
Optimizing the tensile properties of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for the construction of a bioprosthetic heart valve stent.

Although bioprosthetic heart valves offer the benefits of a natural opening and closing, better hemodynamics, and avoidance of life-long anticoagulant therapy, they nevertheless tend to fail in 10-15 years from tears and calcification. Several authors, including the present ones, have identified the rigid stent as a factor contributing to these failures. The ultimate solution is an artificial heart valve that has mechanical properties that allow it to move in conformity with the aortic root during the cardiac cycle, has superior hemodynamics, is nonthrombogenic, will last more than 20 years, and mitigates the need for anticoagulants. We have identified a polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, that has mechanical properties similar to soft tissue. The purpose of this research is to match the tensile properties of PVA to the porcine aortic root and to fabricate a stent prototype for a bioprosthetic heart valve with the use of the PVA hydrogel. Specimens of 15% w/w PVA were prepared by processing through 1-6 cycles of freezing (-20 degrees C) at 0.2 degrees C/min freeze rate and thawing (+20 degrees C) at different thawing rates (0.2 degrees C/min and 1 degrees C/min), for different holding times (1 and 6 h) at -20 degrees C. Subsequently tensile tests and stress-relaxation tests were conducted on the specimens. The different holding times at -20 degrees C demonstrated no difference in the result. The slower thawing rate improved the tensile properties but did not produce significant changes on the stress-relaxation properties. The nonlinear stress-strain curve for the PVA after the fourth freeze-thaw cycle matched the porcine aortic root within the physiological pressure range. The stress-relaxation curve for PVA also approximated the shape of the aortic root. The complex geometry of an artificial heart valve stent was successfully injection molded. These results, in combination with other preliminary findings for biocompatibility and fatigue behavior, suggest that PVA hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for implants, catheters, and artificial skin.