Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Experimental Study on Nitric Oxide Treatment Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge

In this paper, nonthermal plasma technology was used to remove nitric oxide (NO) from a mixture of air and water vapor. A chemical model was developed to obtain NO removal mechanism and to observe the behavior of the species in the plasma discharge. The influence of water vapor addition on NO removal efficiency was also investigated. Results obtained from the model indicate that the NO removal is mainly achieved by chemical reactions with Oldr, Nldr, and OHldr radicals. Experimental results of the NO removal process in a dielectric barrier discharge are also presented. Several experimental parameters such as power, frequency, initial concentration of NO, and specific input energy were tested, and a NOx removal efficiency of approximately 98% was achieved.
Metric Variation Among Geographic Populations of the Chagas Vector Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) and Related Species

Abstract Eight Triatoma dimidiata populations from different geographic regions were compared along with related species using traditional morphometry of head characters. A method for removing allometric change was used for the intraspecific comparisons, and scaling for the isometric change of size was used for the interspecific comparisons. The intraspecific comparison showed significant head shape differences between T. dimidiata populations correlating with geography, showing a separation between the northern, intermediate, and southern collections (more evident in females), and supporting the idea that this species includes several evolutionarily divergent populations. The positioning of one sylvatic group from Guatemala did not correlate with geography, because it was more closely related to a distinct population of Colombia. This sylvatic group was found in caves, while the Colombian specimens, although collected in houses, may have migrated from nearby caves. Evolutionary and/or ecological influences could be responsible for the head shape similarities between these two groups: a common ancestral origin of both populations or a morphological convergence caused by similar environmental pressures. The interspecific comparisons included four other regional species of the same genus, three of them belonging to the phyllosoma complex (T. pallidipennis, T. mexicana, and T. ryckmani, the latter provisionally) and the fourth one classified in the protracta complex (T. nitida). Both complexes were readily separated by their head dimensions, even after size adjustment, and our data support inclusion of T. dimidiata within the phyllosoma complex.
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors: Scope of their use and development in cancer chemotherapy

The traditional nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exert their effect by inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) as well as COX‐2 enzymes. As COX‐1 is responsible for maintaining normal biological functions, the nonselective inhibition of these enzymes caused side effects including gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Recently developed selective COX‐2 inhibitors could reduce these adverse effects, but the evidence of cardiovascular side effects including an increased risk of myocardial infarction began to emerge, and some of the COX‐2 inhibitors were eventually withdrawn from the market and this led to the downfall of this research. So, the discovery of novel COX‐2 inhibitors with their safety profile became the biggest challenge in pharmaceutical research. However, recent mechanistic and clinical studies revolutionized this area by indicating the fact that COX‐2 is involved in apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. Epidemiological data suggest that selective COX‐2 inhibitors might prevent the development of cancers. Moreover, COX‐2 is found to be overexpressed in many cancers thus making it an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of a number of malignancies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the medicinal chemistry aspects of COX‐2 inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy and recent reports on these inhibitors as anticancer agents. We attempted to cover only the COX inhibitors that showed anticancer activity, although a number of potent COX‐2 inhibitors have been reported without their anticancer effects. Furthermore, structure–activity relationships (SAR) of different classes of compounds for COX‐2 inhibition as well as anticancer activity, and their future applications are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 31, No. 2, 161–201, 2011
Surgery should be the first line of treatment for empyema

Few thoracic conditions present such considerable challenges as pleural space infections, herein termed ‘empyema’ as a general term. Patients may present with free‐flowing infected pleural effusions that readily drain by catheter or, at the other extreme, with organized intrapleural collections of pus with thick pleural peels that require open decortication. In the transition from a simple to complex empyema, patients pass through the intermediary, or ‘fibrinopurulent’ stage. Such patients require careful assessment to determine the ideal management approach. Although existing trials provide insufficient evidence to standardize drainage approaches, an accepted principle directs clinicians to drain empyemas promptly and completely. In this pro‐con presentation, two recognized experts on empyema––a thoracic surgeon and an interventional radiologist—approach management from decidedly opposite perspectives. The surgeon prefers video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery as primary therapy for fibrinopurulent empyemas. The radiologist counters that imaging‐guided, small‐bore catheters, sometimes with adjunctive fibrinolytic drugs, provide effective therapy for select patients. In the absence of high‐quality data to settle this debate, both experts present reasoned and thoughtful approaches, which produce superior clinical outcomes in their own institutions. So readers should recognize that controversy exists in empyema management and carefully review each expert's comments. Within each are essential elements of care that can be integrated into a multidisciplinary approach. Readers may conclude from this debate that each institution should develop a collaborative model for managing empyemas that integrates differing expertise to customize care for individual patients and continuously measure and improve their patients' outcomes.
Attitudes towards Hong Kong English: Native English Teachers and Local English Teachers

Abstract:This mixed-method (questionnaires and interviews) study investigated the attitudes towards HKE of teachers of English at different levels of institutes in Hong Kong; the study includes both Local English Teachers (LETs) and Native English Teachers (NETs). By analyzing both qualitative data and quantitative data from 100 questionnaires and 28 individual interviews, it is shown that both NETs and LETs had a generally positive attitude towards HKE although LETs showed a "bi-polar attitude" when it comes to using HKE in class. Results also showed that NETs and LETs had different foci in pronunciation teaching and their teaching may be altered by their attitudes towards HKE. Further research should be done from teachers' perspective because teachers play an influential role in executing teaching plans; their attitudes towards language may affect their students in long term.
Interference of Cerebral Near-Infrared Oximetry in Patients with Icterus

Near-infrared spectrophotometry assesses cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) based on the absorption spectra of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and the translucency of biological tissue in the near-infrared band. In patients with icterus, however, bilirubin can potentially hinder cerebral oximetry. In 48 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation, we related total plasma bilirubin to ScO2 as determined from spectrophotometry with wavelengths of 733 and 809 nm. Before surgery, ScO2 was 59% (15%–78%) (median with range) and bilirubin was 71 (6–619) &mgr;mol/L with a negative correlation (r = −0.72;P < 0.05). The 95% prediction interval included the lowest measurable ScO2 of 15% at a bilirubin level of 370 &mgr;mol/L. During reperfusion of the grafted liver, the ScO2 increased by 7% (−8% to 17%) (P < 0.05), and bilirubin did not influence this increase. In one patient, the ScO2 remained below 15% despite a decrease in bilirubin from 619 to 125 &mgr;mol/L, suggesting that tissue pigmentation deposits also absorb light. In conclusion, bilirubin dampens the spectrophotometry-determined cerebral oxygen saturation at 733 and 809 nm. A bilirubin level of 370 &mgr;mol/L, tissue pigment deposits, or both, may render determination of cerebral oxygen saturation impossible. Even at high bilirubin values, changes in cerebral perfusion may be visible. Implications In 48 patients undergoing liver transplantation, the interference of icterus on cerebral oximetry by near-infrared light was investigated. Bilirubin absorbed the near-infrared light and lowered the measured cerebral oxygen saturation. Even at high bilirubin values, changes in cerebral oxygenation, as seen during reperfusion of the grafted liver, may be visible.
Surface and Leaky Waves of a Metal Strip Grating on a Grounded Slab

A grounded dielectric slab covered with a metal strip grating in the form of an infinite linear array of microstrip lines constitutes a canonical structure for the realization of a variety of microwave components and antennas, including artificially hard and soft surfaces. In this contribution we review some recent theoretical and numerical results concerning surface and leaky waves supported by this structure. Spectral properties of modes propagating at arbitrary angles in the plane of the strip grating are examined, in order to provide criteria for the correct study of modal evolution as a function of frequency or propagation angle. Numerical full-wave results are provided that illustrate some interesting and novel properties related to such modal evolutions
Simultaneous Measurement of Antigen-Stimulated Interleukin-1β and Gamma Interferon Production Enhances Test Sensitivity for the Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Cattle

ABSTRACT In order to identify cytokines that may be useful as candidates for inclusion in diagnostic tests for Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle, we compared the levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in whole-blood cultures from tuberculosis (TB) reactor animals or TB-free controls following stimulation with M. bovis-specific antigens (purified protein derivative from M. bovis [PPD-B] or ESAT-6/CFP-10). In addition to IFN-γ responses, the production of IL-1β and TNF-α was also statistically significantly elevated in TB reactor cattle over that in uninfected controls following stimulation with PPD-B or ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptides. Thus, we evaluated whether the use of these two additional readouts could disclose further animals not detected by measuring IFN-γ alone. To this end, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to define diagnostic cutoffs for positivity for TNF-α and IL-1β. These results revealed that for ESAT-6/CFP-10-induced responses, the use of all three readouts (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in parallel increased the sensitivity of detection of M. bovis-infected animals by 11% but also resulted in a specificity decrease of 14%. However, applying only IFN-γ and IL-1β in parallel resulted in a 5% increase in sensitivity without the corresponding loss of specificity. The results for PPD-B-induced responses were similar, although the loss of specificity was more pronounced, even when only IFN-γ and IL-1β were used as readout systems. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the use of an additional readout system, such as IL-1β, can potentially complement IFN-γ by increasing overall test sensitivity for the detection of M. bovis infection in cattle.
Analysis of complement C3 deposition and degradation on Klebsiella pneumoniae

The majority of Klebsiella pneumoniae serum-resistant strains activate complement and bind C3b, the opsonic fragment of C3, without C5b-9 formation and bacterial killing. The mechanisms leading to C3b deposition without cell death were studied, and the results indicate that serum-resistant strains activate principally the alternative pathway and that serum-sensitive strains activate both the alternative and classical pathways. Bacterial molecules implicated in C3b deposition are the outer membrane porin proteins and smooth and rough lipopolysaccharides. Porins activate both complement pathways, and the rough lipopolysaccharide activates the classical pathway, causing deposition of C3b in serum-sensitive strains. The smooth lipopolysaccharide of serum-resistant strains activates only the alternative pathway, impeding the binding of C1q to porins (S. Albertí, G. Marqués, S. Camprubí, S. Merino, J. M. Tomás, F. Vivanco, and V. J. Benedí, Infect. Immun. 61:852-860, 1993; S. Albertí, F. Rodríguez-Quinónes, T. Schirmer, G. Rummel, J. M. Tomás, J. P. Rosenbusch, and V. J. Benedí, Infect. Immun. 63:903-910, 1995) and rough lipopolysaccharide molecules and thereby preventing activation of the classical pathway. After its deposition, C3b is quickly degraded to iC3b on both types of strains, but the higher-level deposition of C3b on serum-sensitive strains, resulting from activation of both the alternative and classical complement pathways, supports further complement activation and killing of serum-sensitive strains.
On familiarity deficits in mild cognitive impairment: A reply to Migo and Westerberg

ABSTRACT In this brief response to Migo and Westerberg we explain why we think that their criticism of our previous research showing familiarity deficits in mild cognitive impairment patients (MCI) is not sound. More concretely, we have replicated the effect several times previously, and we justify statistically the fact that in the previous paper we had to combine two MCI samples to demonstrate a reliable familiarity deficit. We note that there are several studies showing conflicting results. However, although the basis for these discrepancies remains uncertain, a new report has replicated the presence of deficits in familiarity, and more importantly, demonstrated its correlation with structural imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
Product diversification, business structure, and firm performance in Taiwanese property and liability insurance sector

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze product diversification, business structure and insurer performance with a comprehensive look at the property-liability (P/L) insurance operations. Design/methodology/approach Using a panel data, this study employs an ordinary least squares regression model, fixed effects model and random effects model to examine the impact of product diversification and business structure on the performance of P/L insurers. The study assesses insurer performance using both risk-adjusted return on assets and risk-adjusted return on equity. Findings The study finds that product diversification is significantly negatively related to the performance of P/L insurers. The results are consistent with the diversification discount theory. The empirical results reveal that business lines have significant impacts on firm performance, particularly on the lines of fire and marine insurances. Furthermore, the interaction between product diversification and firm size implies that product diversification significantly increases the performance of large-sized insurance firms. Originality/value The study provides some valuable insights into the effects of diversification and business structure on the performance of P/L insurers in a developing country. The study’s findings suggest that management of P/L insurers should clarify their objectives and carefully assess the company’s resources when dealing with product diversification and business structure. The results have practical implications for the financial services industry in Taiwan.
Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Breast: The Great Impostor for Angiosarcoma

Seventeen cases of papillary endothelial hyperplasia (PEH, Masson's vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma) involving breast or mammary subcutaneous tissues are described. The mean patient agewas 59; 14 (82%) were female and 12 (71%) presented with a mass. Nine women had mammographic evaluation, 3 of whom had microcalcifications. Five neoplasms were discovered by routine mammography. Sixteen cases were 2.7 cm or less in greatest dimension, and 8 (47%) wereassociated with a thrombus and/or cavernous hemangioma. Follow-up in 10 cases (up to nearly 8 years) showed no recurrences. Fifty-nine percent of the cases were received at AFIP for consultation with a working diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Features that help distinguish PEHfrom angiosarcoma include circumscription of the lesion, location in avessel or association with thrombus, and papillary architecture without significant cytologic atypia or areas of solid growth. The recognition of the morphologic features of this lesion and its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of vascular mammary tumors will reduce the likelihood of its misdiagnosis as an angiosarcoma and avoid unnecessary and aggressive therapy.
N-Linked Glycosylation Attenuates H3N2 Influenza Viruses

ABSTRACT Over the last four decades, H3N2 subtype influenza A viruses have gradually acquired additional potential sites for glycosylation within the globular head of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Here, we have examined the biological effect of additional glycosylation on the virulence of H3N2 influenza viruses. We created otherwise isogenic reassortant viruses by site-directed mutagenesis that contain additional potential sites for glycosylation and examined the effect on virulence in naïve BALB/c, C57BL/6, and surfactant protein D (SP-D)-deficient mice. The introduction of additional sites was consistent with the sequence of acquisition in the globular head over the past 40 years, beginning with two sites in 1968 to the seven sites found in contemporary influenza viruses circulating in 2000. Decreased morbidity and mortality, as well as lower viral lung titers, were seen in mice as the level of potential glycosylation of the viruses increased. This correlated with decreased evidence of virus-mediated lung damage and increased in vitro inhibition of hemagglutination by SP-D. SP-D-deficient animals displayed an inverse pattern of disease, such that more highly glycosylated viruses elicited disease equivalent to or exceeding that of the wild type. We conclude from these data that increased glycosylation of influenza viruses results in decreased virulence, which is at least partly mediated by SP-D-induced clearance from the lung. The continued exploration of interactions between highly glycosylated viruses and surfactant proteins may lead to an improved understanding of the biology within the lung and strategies for viral control.
A comparison between two 3D free-viewpoint generation methods: Player-billboard and 3D reconstruction

This paper investigates the optimal 3D modeling solution for making free-viewpoint video in a soccer stadium. We compare a player-billboard method and a 3D reconstructing method that exploits a shape-from-silhouette approach. To examine the influence of noise and the number of cameras used to make the free-viewpoint video, we produce a CG simulation of a soccer player in action and conduct subject-based evaluation in a pair-wise comparison of the videos made by these two methods. The evaluation is made under the method of limits. From the results of the evaluation, the player-billboard method is more robust to noise than the shape-from-silhouette method, and it also better represents smooth motion parallax as the number of capturing cameras is increased, although representing parallax has traditionally been a weak point of the player-billboard method. Our results show that the player-billboard method is superior to the shape-from-silhouette method for generating 3D free-viewpoint video.
Cooperative stabilization of Zn2+:DNA complexes through netropsin binding in the minor groove of FdU-substituted DNA

The simultaneous binding of netropsin in the minor groove and Zn2+ in the major groove of a DNA hairpin that includes 10 consecutive FdU nucleotides at the 3′-terminus (3′FdU) was demonstrated based upon NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and computational modeling studies. The resulting Zn2+/netropsin: 3′FdU complex had very high thermal stability with aspects of the complex intact at 85 °C, conditions that result in complete dissociation of Mg2+ complexes. CD and 19F NMR spectroscopy were consistent with Zn2+ binding in the major groove of the DNA duplex and utilizing F5 and O4 of consecutive FdU nucleotides as ligands with FdU nucleotides hemi-deprotonated in the complex. Netropsin is bound in the minor groove of the DNA duplex based upon 2D NOESY data demonstrating contacts between AH2 1H and netropsin 1H resonances. The Zn2+/netropsin: 3′FdU complex displayed increased cytotoxicity towards PC3 prostate cancer (PCa) cells relative to the constituent components or separate complexes (e.g. Zn2+:3′FdU) indicating that this new structural motif may be therapeutically useful for PCa treatment. An animated interactive 3D complement (I3DC) is available in Proteopedia at http://proteopedia.org/w/Journal:JBSD:32
Do Technological Innovations Affect Unemployment? Some Empirical Evidence from European Countries

This paper analyses theoretical and empirical scientific literature about the impact of technological innovations on unemployment, considering the former as a key driver of long-term productivity and economic growth. Using panel data from 25 European countries for the period of 2000–2012, we aim to examine whether technological innovations affect unemployment. We used triadic patent families per million inhabitants as our main proxy for technological innovations, as well as other unemployment controls, in our model, which were estimated using System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM). Finding no significant relationship between technological innovations and unemployment in our base estimation, we re-estimated it testing the impact with a time lag as well as using alternative proxies for technological innovations. Overall, the research estimations do not suggest that technological innovations have an effect on unemployment.