Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteocalcin as an index of osteoblast function during and after ovine pregnancy.

Fetal and neonatal calcium requirements impose heavy demands on maternal bone and mineral homeostasis. The functional response of maternal osteoblasts to this stress is poorly understood. Therefore, plasma osteocalcin (OC) levels were measured by homologous RIA in age-matched nonpregnant, pregnant, and postpartum ewes to evaluate osteoblast function. In pregnant ewes from day 35 of gestation to term, the plasma OC level was suppressed to 8.2 +/- 0.5 micrograms/liter (mean +/- SEM; n = 36) compared with age-matched nonpregnant ewes (18.3 +/- 1.1 micrograms/liter; n = 39; P less than 0.0005). Plasma OC rose to the nonpregnant value by day 20 postpartum and was elevated above this level for the following 40 days (e.g. 44.0 +/- 5.0 micrograms/liter at 48-53 days; P less than 0.0005). The timing of changes in plasma OC levels and weaning did not correlate. The validity of plasma OC measurement as a marker of osteoblast function was assessed by determining the OC plasma production and clearance rates using an [125I]ovine OC infusion method. The OC plasma production rates in matched controls (n = 6), pregnant (n = 9), and 48-53-day postpartum sheep (n = 7) were 1.5 +/- 0.2, 0.5 +/- 0.04 (P less than 0.001 vs. control), and 3.6 +/- 0.6 mg/day (P less than 0.005 vs. pregnant sheep), respectively. In one ewe studied longitudinally, the OC plasma production rate increased by 15 days after parturition and achieved a 10-fold elevation at 49 days postpartum. The OC plasma clearance rate (3.3 +/- 0.3 liters/h) was the same in control, pregnant, and postpartum ewes. It is concluded that 1) changes in plasma OC levels during and after ovine pregnancy reflected changes in OC production, 2) plasma OC measurements are likely to be a useful index of osteoblast function in pregnancy, and 3) osteoblast function appears to be depressed during ovine pregnancy and enhanced markedly in the interval 20-60 days postpartum. The relationship between osteoblast function, as indicated by OC production, and bone formation remains to be clarified.
TRIORTHOCRESYL PHOSPHATE–INDUCED NEURONAL LOSSES IN LUMBAR SPINAL CORD OF HENS—AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE STUDY

To investigate the neuronal losses of hens’ spinal cords in the model of organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) and to analyze the impact of apoptosis on the pathogenesis of OPIDN. Adult hens were challenged with triorthocresyl phosphate (TOCP) at a single dose (750 mg/kg). Neuronal losses in the 3rd lumbar spinal cord (L3) were assessed by light-microscopy and electron-microscopy methods at different days post exposure, respectively. The typical OPIDN signs were seen in the TOCP-exposed hens at about 9th day. The number of large nerve cells declined gradually. And these cells were verified as neurons by immunostained with neuronal marker NeuN. The expression of FasL reached proximal at about 9th day, decreased from 14th day. Neurons in TOCP exposed groups displayed degenerative morphologies in electronic microscopy. Some neurons showed apoptotic-like ultrastructure profiles at 5th day. The nuclear membrane was complete with chromatin condensed to the margins of nuclear membrane like a crescent-shaped body. Mitochondria morphologic changes appeared early (5 d) following exposure to TOCP, and developed in a time-dependent fashion. Apoptosis might be involved in the development of OPIDN, and play a role in the pathogenesis of OPIDN.
Pharmacological Characterization of 1-(5-Chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic Acid (JNJ-42041935), a Potent and Selective Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes represent novel targets for the treatment of anemia, ulcerative colitis, and ischemic and metabolic disease inter alia. We have identified a novel small-molecule inhibitor of PHD, 1-(5-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (JNJ-42041935), through structure-based drug design methods. The pharmacology of JNJ-42041935 was investigated in enzyme, cellular, and whole-animal systems and was compared with other compounds described in the literature as PHD inhibitors. JNJ-42041935, was a potent (pKI = 7.3–7.9), 2-oxoglutarate competitive, reversible, and selective inhibitor of PHD enzymes. In addition, JNJ-42041935 was used to compare the effect of selective inhibition of PHD to intermittent, high doses (50 μg/kg i.p.) of an exogenous erythropoietin receptor agonist in an inflammation-induced anemia model in rats. JNJ-42041935 (100 μmol/kg, once a day for 14 days) was effective in reversing inflammation-induced anemia, whereas erythropoietin had no effect. The results demonstrate that JNJ-42041935 is a new pharmacological tool, which can be used to investigate PHD inhibition and demonstrate that PHD inhibitors offer great promise for the treatment of inflammation-induced anemia.
Dopamine D(3) receptors in the rat kidney: role in physiology and pathophysiology.

It is well accepted that dopamine receptors play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular and kidney function. Most of the knowledge on the renal actions of dopamine has been accumulated focussing on the prototypes of the two known dopamine receptor subfamilies, i.e. D1 and D2. The dopamine D3 receptor is a member of the D2-like subfamily and has been intensively studied in the neurosciences. Recently, the peripheral actions of this receptor subtype have also raised considerable interest as well because its effects on kidney function appear to be different from that of the other dopamine receptors. This short overview will summarize the data reported and add new results on the role of D3 receptors in the regulation of renal function as well as their potential pathophysiological implications.
Secure and Energy-Efficient Resource Allocation for Wireless Power Enabled Full-/Half-Duplex Multiple-Antenna Relay Systems

In this paper, we consider both energy efficiency and security issues in a wireless power transfer (WPT) enabled relay system. In the considered system, the multiple-antenna decode-and-forward relay node (RN) has both information decoding and wireless power recycling capabilities, and thus can be empowered by WPT and assist the transmission from the multiple-antenna base station (BS) to the mobile terminals (MTs). In addition, we consider that there is an eavesdropper between the BS and the RNs, which tries to overhear the information sent to the MTs. We formulate a joint optimization problem with the objective to optimize energy efficiency of the presented system by considering WPT time allocation, power allocation, and secrecy data rate. In particular, we propose to select RNs based on different assigned priorities so that the physical layer security of information transmission can be guaranteed. Moreover, we take into consideration of the cases that the RNs adopt the half- and full-duplex protocols, and study the corresponding system performance analytically. The proposed schemes are evaluated by extensive simulations and it is demonstrated that the proposed resource allocation schemes can obtain energy efficiency maximization, and have superior performance over other schemes.
Thermoplastic based system-in-package for RFID application

The embedding of ultrathin components in printed circuit boards has evolved into a production technology which is used worldwide. Many recent projects have shown the wide range of applications which include RF circuits and power electronics. The scope of this paper is to show the potential of using thermoplastic material, e.g. Polycarbonate, instead of FR4 by demonstrating the realization of a complex multifunctional security device. The basic technologies are similar to conventional flex manufacturing with only a few modifications due to the properties of the polymer. In the first step, copper foils are laminated onto the polymer foil and structured. Subsequently ultrathin chips (30.150 μm) and thin passive components (150 μm) can be assembled either face up or face down. Face up assembly requires interconnection by vias similar to Chip in Polymer technology. Face down assembly using adhesive technologies leads to a complete functional inlay. Then the next layers are laminated and structured. Vias are filled by electroplating. This process flow allows the production of simple RFID modules but also complex multilayer devices. As an example a contactless security device with 4 chips, a sensor array and an OLED-display is shown. The final assemblies are as thin as standard smart cards and mechanically flexible. First reliability results for thermomechanical, climate and mechanical tests are shown. FEM modelling and simulation results have been achieved for the embedded thin chips so that the stress distribution can be determined and compared to the experimental results.
A Two-Filter Integration of MEMS Sensors and WiFi Fingerprinting for Indoor Positioning

Indoor positioning has become increasingly important in the past decade. Some approaches for the integration of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and WiFi fingerprinting (FP) have been proposed for indoor positioning. However, most of the existing integration approaches only focus on aiding MEMS sensors by WiFi FP. This letter proposes a two-filter integration for MEMS sensors and WiFi FP. In the proposed approach, the integrated positioning solution is used to constrain the search space of WiFi FP, and achieve a constrained constrained FP (CFP) solution. Then, a Kalman filter serves for obtaining a smoothed CFP solution (SCFP). Finally, an extended Kalman filter serves for the integration of SCFP and MEMS sensors. Field tests show the proposed integration approach can improve both positioning accuracy and computational efficiency.
Time dependency of the influence of prognostic factors on relapse in breast cancer

Background. A number of factors concerning the prognosis of cancer patients have been reported, but the evaluation of individual factors is not always consistent. The author considered that the discrepancies may lie in part in that factors may have a changing influence on relapse with time. The present study was intended to reveal the phenomenon and its clinical significance in patients with breast cancer.
A fast pattern matching algorithm for network processor-based intrusion detection system

Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) monitor packets on the network and attempts to discover if a hacker is attempting to break into a system. The matching of packet strings against collected signatures dominates signature-based NIDS performance. Network processors are one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor market, because they are designed to provide scalable and flexible solutions that can accommodate change quickly and economically. This work presents a fast string matching algorithm (called FNP) over the network processor platform that conducts matching sets of patterns in parallel. FNP needs less number of memory accesses against conventional pattern-matching algorithms. Another contribution of this work is to highlight that, besides total number of searching patterns, shortest pattern length is also a major influence on NIDS multi-pattern matching algorithm performance.
Innovation sources and productivity: a quantile regression analysis

This paper explores the effects of two main sources of innovation ? intramural and external R&D? on the productivity level in a sample of 3,267 Catalan firms. The data set used is based on the official innovation survey of Catalonia which was a part of the Spanish sample of CIS4, covering the years 2002-2004. We compare empirical results by applying usual OLS and quantile regression techniques both in manufacturing and services industries. In quantile regression, results suggest different patterns at both innovation sources as we move across conditional quantiles. The elasticity of intramural R&D activities on productivity decreased when we move up the high productivity levels both in manufacturing and services sectors, while the effects of external R&D rise in high-technology industries but are more ambiguous in low-technology and services industries.
On scheduling and power allocation over multiuser MIMO-OFDMA: Fundamental design and performance evaluation in WiMAX systems

In this paper, we propose a radio resource allocation (RRA) scheme for multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing access (OFDMA) systems in order to achieve the optimal system throughput. The proposed RRA algorithm adaptively schedules 3-dimension (3-D) (space, frequency and time) slots to different users according to various channel state information (CSI). Different from most of conventional RRA algorithms, the proposed algorithm joins scheduling process with power allocation, that is, iteratively allocating total transmit power into resource block (RB) during 3-D slot assignment. The power allocation is an extension of the space-frequency waterfilling algorithm, and is adapted to an equivalent 1-D single input single output (SISO) channels. The equivalent SISO channels are obtained from the original 3-D RBs in the sense of the same maximum achievable throughput. The proposed algorithm was confirmed in the Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems following IEEE 802.16e media access control (MAC) protocols. It is shown that the proposed RRA algorithm significantly simplifies the scheduling process and achieves more throughput than round robin (RR) scheme.
Visual servoing of a quadrotor with suspended slung load for object detection and tracking

This paper presents an autonomous vision-based controller for a quadrotor with a suspended slung load capable of positioning the platform and the load above a ground target. A model of the coupled system (quadrotor and load) is first developed, before augmenting the model with the image kinematics for a four point coplanar target object. The resulting image-based control framework considers two different visual servoing methods: Image-based (IBVS) and Position-based visual servoing (PBVS). The control law of the IBVS is developed using the direct feedback from image plane measurements, whereas the PBVS requires additional estimation of the target object pose (position and orientation). Simulated and experimental results are presented using 3 different control configurations. Using the hybrid configuration that combines both IBVS & PBVS methods or a solely PBVS configuration demonstrated robustness properties, whereas using the IBVS configuration showed unsatisfactory results and higher sensitivity to disturbances and control parameters. The IBVS & PBVS control configuration results in better performance in the path following task, and lower RMS error between the vehicle and target position compared to the other two configurations.
Protecting openflow switches against denial of service attacks

This paper presents a novel approach to protect Openflow switches against a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Openflow switches are the core of Software Defined Networks (SDN) and they are very flexible, programmable, and can be used for several functionalities within a network. As the control algorithm of the switch is implemented on a separate computer (Controller), this software can be implemented on any part of the network packet including Layers 2, 3, and 4 headers. Therefore, an Openflow switch can work as a conventional switch, a router or a firewall. The open design of Openflow makes it vulnerable to several types of DoS attacks. One of those attacks is to overwhelm the switch flow table with entities larger than its buffer making legitimate packets unable to traverse the switch. The proposed approach depends on a Sandbox like model, where a second switch and controller is implemented and all new packets with no matching rules are forwarded to the Sandbox. The Sandbox clone is monitored and controlled, so a forwarding rule is always created on the Sandbox switch and transferred only to the working switch when it is classified as a normal rule. Otherwise, a cleanup operation is executed periodically on the sandbox switch to remove malicious rules. Rules are classified based on the statistics entries already existing in Openflow switches flow table. The proposed approach is simple and does not need any extra memory or modifications in the switches. It is proven to mitigate this type of DoS attacks.
A review of xylan and lignin biosynthesis: Foundation for studying Arabidopsis irregular xylem mutants with pleiotropic phenotypes

Abstract Plant cells are surrounded by a carbohydrate-rich extracellular matrix known as the cell wall. Primary cell walls are laid down around dividing and elongating cells and consist largely of the polysaccharides cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin along with approximately 10% protein. Specific cells such as xylem vessels and fibers lay down a secondary wall rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, with lesser amounts of pectin. Most of the models depict the plant cell wall as a matrix of separate polysaccharides. However, the recent identification of a proteoglycan that contains covalently attached pectin and xylan indicates that at least some of these wall glycans exist as domains within a single glycopolymer and that current models of the wall need to be revised. Furthermore, several cell wall biosynthesis mutants, including the secondary cell wall mutant irregular xylem (irx) 8, are affected in multiple cell wall polymers making it challenging to define the biochemical function of the mutated gene. The goal of this review is to provide a background for studying genes which encode secondary cell wall biosynthetic proteins whose mutation affects multiple wall polymers including xylan and lignin. We first review the phenotypes of the irx mutants and then summarize the current understanding of the structure and synthesis of xylan and lignin along with a review of transcription factors known to affect secondary wall synthesis. This review is intended to serve as a resource for those studying genes that encode proteins involved in the synthesis of plant secondary wall lignin and xylan.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of inhaled iloprost, aerosolized by three different devices, in severe pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND Inhalation of iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analog, is an effective therapy for pulmonary hypertension with few side effects. This approach may, however, be handicapped by limitations of currently available nebulization devices. We assessed whether the physical characterization of a device is sufficient to predict drug deposition and pharmacologic effects. METHODS We investigated the effects of a standardized iloprost aerosol dose (5 micro g; inhaled within approximately 10 min) in 12 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension in a crossover design employing three well-characterized nebulizers. The nebulizers use different techniques to increase efficiency and alveolar targeting (Ilo-Neb/Aerotrap [Nebu-Tec; Elsenfeld, Germany], Ventstream [MedicAid; Bognor Regis, UK], and HaloLite [Profile Therapeutics; Bognor Regis, UK]). Measurements were performed using a Swan-Ganz catheter and determination of arterial iloprost plasma levels. RESULTS During inhalation of iloprost, the pulmonary vascular resistance decreased substantially (baseline, approximately 1,250 dyne.s.cm(-5); decrease, - 35.5 to - 38.0%) and pulmonary artery pressure decreased substantially (baseline, approximately 58 mm Hg; decline, - 18.4 to -21.8%), whereas the systemic arterial pressure was largely unaffected. Cardiac output and mixed venous and arterial oxygen saturation displayed a marked increase. The pharmacodynamic profiles with the three devices were superimposable. Moreover, rapid entry of iloprost into the systemic circulation was noted, peaking immediately after termination of the inhalation maneuver, with very similar maximum serum concentrations (158 pg/mL, 155 pg/mL, and 157 pg/mL), and half-lives of serum levels (6.5 min, 9.4 min, and 7.7 min) for the three nebulizers, respectively. Interestingly, the "half-life" of the pharmacodynamic effects in the pulmonary vasculature (eg, decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance, ranging between 21 and 25 min) clearly outlasted this serum level-based pharmacokinetic half-life. CONCLUSIONS A standardized dose of aerosolized iloprost delivered by different nebulizer types induces comparable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic responses. Pulmonary vasodilation, persisting after disappearance of the drug from the systemic circulation, supports the hypothesis that local drug deposition largely contributes to the preferential pulmonary vasodilation in response to inhaled iloprost.
Inhibition of p38 MAPK Activation via Induction of MKP-1: Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Reduces TNF-&agr;–Induced Actin Polymerization and Endothelial Permeability

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiovascular hormone possessing antiinflammatory potential due to its inhibitory action on the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;). The aim of this study was to determine whether ANP is able to attenuate inflammatory effects of TNF-&agr; on target cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with TNF-&agr; in the presence or absence of ANP. Changes in permeability, cytoskeletal alterations, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27, and expression of MKP-1 were determined by macromolecule permeability assay, fluorescence labeling, RT-PCR, and immunoblotting. Antisense studies were done by transfecting cells with MKP-1 antisense oligonucleotides. Activation of HUVECs with TNF-&agr; lead to a significant increase of macromolecule permeability and formation of stress fibers. Treatment of cells with ANP (10−8 to 10−6 mol/L) significantly reduced the formation of stress fibers and elevated permeability. Both TNF-&agr;–induced effects were shown to be mediated via the activation of p38 using SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38. ANP significantly reduced the TNF-&agr;–induced activation of p38 and attenuated the phosphorylation of HSP27, a central target downstream of p38. ANP showed no effect on p38 upstream kinases MKK3/6. However, a significant induction of the MAPK phosphatase MKP-1 mRNA and protein could be observed in ANP-treated cells. Antisense experiments proved a causal role for MKP-1 induction in the ANP-mediated inhibition of p38. These data show the inhibitory action of ANP on TNF-&agr;–induced changes in endothelial cytoskeleton and macromolecule permeability involving an MKP-1–induced inactivation of p38 MAPK. These effects point to an antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic potential of this cardiovascular hormone.