Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic modeling of rodent liver tumor promotion at low levels of exposure: an example related to dose-response relationships for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Mechanistic dose-response models link exposure, tissue dosimetry, biochemical responses, and alterations in cell and tissue function into quantitative mathematical descriptions of the development of adverse responses. Although relatively few mechanistic models have been successfully applied to gain understanding of biological effects at low exposure levels, noteworthy advances have occurred in physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling and in biologically-structured mutation-cell growth models for tumor production and cancer. These two types of models have been combined in our recent work developing a mechanistic model for the effects of TCDD on liver tumor promotion in rats. Our combined model attempts to integrate many of the biochemical and cellular effects of TCDD in the liver. This overview describes the range of hepatic effects associated with TCDD, outlines our mechanistic dose response model, emphasizes the continuing challenges in verifying the biological basis of this or any other mechanistic model, and examines the inferences gleaned about expected responses at low doses.
Litz wire losses: Effects of twisting imperfections

High-Frequency (HF) litz wires are extensively used for the windings of Medium-Frequency (MF) magnetic components in order to reduce the impact of eddy current losses that originate from skin and proximity effects. Literature documents different methods to calculate eddy current losses in HF litz wires, however, most of the computation methods rely on perfect twisting of the strands, which is often not present in practice. This paper analyzes the implications of imperfect twisting on the current distribution among the different strands of HF litz wires and the corresponding losses by means of a fast 2.5D PEEC (Partial Element Equivalent Circuit) method. The effects of different types of twisting imperfections (at the bundle-, sub-bundle-, or strand-level) are examined. It is found that imperfect twisting can lead to increased losses (more than 100 %). However, perfect twisting of the strands, which is difficult to achieve, is often not required, i.e. suboptimal twisting is sufficient. Analytical expressions are given for distinguishing between critical and uncritical imperfections. The experimental results, conducted with a 7.5kHz/65kW transformer, reveal a reduction of the error on the predicted losses from 52 % (ideal HF litz wire model) to 8 % (presented model) and, thus, confirm the accuracy improvement achieved with the proposed approach.
Prevalence of infection and 18S rRNA gene sequences of Cytauxzoon species in Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Spain

SUMMARY The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. Only about 160 individuals remain in 2 separate metapopulations in Southern Spain (Sierra Morena and Doñana). We obtained blood samples of 20 lynxes captured from 2004 to 2006, and determined the prevalence of infection and genetic diversity of Cytauxzoon spp. using 18S rRNA PCR and sequence analysis. Prevalence of infection was 15% (3 of 20). Cytauxzoon sp. was only detected in Sierra Morena. For phylogenetic analysis, we used the sequences reported in the present study and those characterized in different domestic and wild felids and ticks from North and South America, Asia and Europe. Three different Cytauxzoon sp. sequences were obtained. They were closely related to that obtained from a Spanish cat, but diverged in up to 1·0% with respect to the only previously reported sequence from an Iberian lynx. Conversely, the latter sequence clustered together with C. manul sequences obtained from Pallas cats (Otocolobus manul) in Mongolia. Our analysis yields a separate cluster of C. felis sequences from cats, wild felids and ticks in the United States and Brazil. These results suggest that at least 2 different Cytauxzoon spp. may be present in Iberian lynx. The apparent absence in one of the areas, together with the possibility of fatal cytauxzoonosis in lynxes makes necessary disease risks to be taken into account in management conservation strategies, such as translocations and re-introductions.
Derivation of melanocytes from embryonic stem cells in culture

We report that embryonic stem (ES) cells were efficiently induced to differentiate to melanocytes in vitro. When undifferentiated ES cells were cocultured with a bone marrow–derived stromal cell line, a very small but significant number of melanocytes were reproducibly generated. This process was greatly enhanced by addition of dexamethasone to the culture and strictly depended on steel factor, the ligand for the c‐Kit receptor tyrosine kinase. Expression of c‐Kit on the precursor cells was confirmed by using SCL/tal‐1‐/‐ ES cells, which are defective for producing hematopoietic cells, which were thus ruled out as possible sources of nonmelanogenic c‐Kit‐expressing cells. The morphology, reactivity to growth factors, and expression of melanogenic markers of the cells generated all indicated unequivocally that these cells were melanocytes. This culture system may provide a potent tool for the study of development and function of melanocytes. Dev Dyn 1999;216:450–458. ©1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acne is an inflammatory disease and alterations of sebum composition initiate acne lesions

Hyperseborrhoea has been considered as a major aetiopathogenetic factor of acne. However, changes in sebaceous gland activity not only correlate with seborrhoea but also with alterations in sebum fatty acid composition. Current findings indicate that sebum lipid fractions with proinflammatory properties and inflammatory tissue cascades are associated in the process of the development of acne lesions. The oxidant/antioxidant ratio of the skin surface lipids and alterations of lipid composition are the main players in the induction of acne inflammation. Nutrition may influence the development of seborrhoea, the fractions of sebum lipids and acne. Acne is an inflammatory disease probably triggered, among others, by proinflammatory sebum lipid fractions.
Nucleotide sequence of the transcriptional control region of the osmotically regulated proU operon of Salmonella typhimurium and identification of the 5' endpoint of the proU mRNA

Southern blot analysis of 15 proU transposon insertions in Salmonella typhimurium indicated that this operon is at least 3 kilobase pairs in length. The nucleotide sequence of 1.5-kilobase-pair fragment that contains the transcriptional control region of the proU operon and the coding sequences specifying 290 amino acids of the first structural gene of the operon was determined. The predicted amino acid sequence of the product of this gene shows extensive similarity to the HisP, MalK, and other proteins that are inner membrane-associated components of binding protein-dependent transport systems. S1 mapping and primer extension analysis of the proU mRNAs revealed several species with different 5' ends. Two of these endpoints are sufficiently close to sequences that have weak similarities to the consensus -35 and -10 promoter sequences that they are likely to define two transcription start sites. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that some or all of the 5' endpoints detected arose as a result of the degradation of a longer mRNA. The expression of proU-lacZ operon fusions located on plasmids was normal in S. typhimurium regardless of the plasmid copy number. The sequences mediating normal, osmoregulated expression of the proU operon were shown by subcloning to be contained on an 815-base-pair fragment. A 350-base-pair subclone of this fragment placed onto a lacZ expression vector directed a high-level constitutive expression of beta-galactosidase, suggesting that there is a site for negative regulation in the proU transcriptional control region which has been deleted in the construction of this plasmid.
Suicide Attacks and Hard Targets: An Empirical Examination

ABSTRACT Suicide terrorist attacks are theorized to provide militants with various strategic advantages. Among these is the ability to successfully strike against well-defended or ‘hard’ targets. Scholars argue that because suicide attacks produce higher levels of damage and do not require an escape route for the perpetrator, they are particularly effective against hard targets. Consequently, militants should be expected to use such attacks more frequently, and successfully, against hard targets. This study empirically tests this contention using incident-level data on between 22,000 and 170,000 terrorist attacks in between 154 and 175 countries for the period 1970–2016. It makes two key findings. First, suicide attacks are both more frequently deployed against hard targets, and are more often successfully executed against hard targets. Second, this finding is not a product of foreign military interventions, as previous literature might suggest. Suicide attacks are found to be more likely to be launched against, with success, both domestic and foreign military targets. This underscores the importance of qualities of the target itself when explaining the strategic decision to use suicide attacks by militant groups.
Optimal Control of Variable Speed Wind Turbines in Islanded Mode of Operation

Nowadays, technology evolution and deregulation of the electric utility industry enable distributed generation (DG) to play an increasing role in satisfying locally the power demand. In this paper, an optimal control method for variable speed wind turbines (VSWTs) in islanded mode of operation is presented. Aim of this control system is to minimize the necessary control action in order to track the active power demand. Consequently, reduced mechanical stresses and equipment damages are achieved, while system stable operation and reliability are ensured. The proposed control scheme can be applied to any type of pitch controlled VSWT. For evaluation purposes, it is applied to a VSWT equipped with a doubly fed induction generator. Finally, simulation results are presented and general conclusions are drawn.
Far-infrared Source Counts at 70 and 160 Microns in Spitzer Deep Surveys

We derive galaxy source counts at 70 and 160 μm using the Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer (MIPS) to map the Chandra Deep Field-South (CDF-S) and other fields. At 70 μm, our observations extend upward about 2 orders of magnitude in flux density from a threshold of 15 mJy, and at 160 μm they extend about an order of magnitude upward from 50 mJy. The counts are consistent with previous observations on the bright end. Significant evolution is detected at the faint end of the counts in both bands, by factors of 2-3 over no-evolution models. This evolution agrees well with models that indicate that most of the faint galaxies lie at redshifts between 0.7 and 0.9. The new Spitzer data already resolve about 23% of the cosmic far-infrared background at 70 μm and about 7% at 160 μm.
Optimal Assessment of Paediatric IBD With MRI and Barium Follow-through

Objectives: The present UK criterion standard for assessing children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is upper endoscopy, ileocolonoscopy, and barium follow-through (BaFT). Significant doses of radiation, unpalatable contrast, and volume intolerance are involved with BaFT. Practice in investigating Crohn disease (CD) is changing with the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of the present study was to compare BaFT and a new abdominal MRI protocol in a paediatric IBD population. Methods: All consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of IBD or requiring reassessment from September 2008 to December 2010 were investigated with both abdominal MRI and BaFT in accordance with a specific local paediatric IBD protocol. The studies were reported by nonblinded radiologists with an interest in gastrointestinal imaging. The reports were compared in conjunction with case note review. Results: Eighty-seven patients underwent both BaFT and MRI abdomen. Thirty-one percent of patients had additional pathology on MRI, not seen on the BaFT. Sixty-seven percent of patients (n = 59) had an MRI finding equivalent to BaFT. Using histology as a criterion standard for detecting terminal ileal disease, BaFT had a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 67%, and MRI had a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 95%, respectively. Conclusions: This is the largest series of small bowel MRI in a paediatric population. MRI reports were at least equivalent to BaFT. MRI had higher sensitivity and, particularly, specificity in detecting terminal ileal pathology. These findings suggest that MRI should become the criterion standard investigation in children with IBD in centres with appropriate expertise, with zero radiation exposure being highly advantageous.
Cadmium, zinc, copper, sodium and potassium concentrations in rooster and turkey semen and their correlation

The purpose of this study was to assess concentration of selected elements (cadmium, zinc, copper, sodium and potassium) in rooster and turkey semen and to find possible correlations between these elements. Samples were analyzed on the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The analysis of cadmium showed that the concentration in rooster is 9.06 ± 7.70 and in turkey 4.10 ± 3.59 μ g/mL. In zinc 5.25 ± 1.96 μ g/mL in rooster and 3.70 ± 1.26 μ g/mL in turkey were detected. Higher concentration of copper was found in rooster semen (6.79 ± 6.42 μ g/mL) in comparison with turkey semen (4.29 ± 5.43 μ g/mL). The level of sodium (3.96 ± 1.02 μ g/mL; 3.14 ± 0.85 μ g/mL) and potassium (2.88 ± 0.65 μ g/mL; 3.42 ± 1.41 μ g/mL) was very similar in both species. Correlation analysis detected high positive correlation between cadmium and zinc (r = 0.701) in rooster and between sodium and potassium (r = 0.899) in turkey semen.
Incipient Feature extraction based on singular value decomposition and undecimated lifting scheme packet

Vibration signal measured from machinery is often heavily interfered with by various noises. This paper puts forward a joint method to reduce noises, acquire the enhanced signals from the decomposed subbands and extract the incipient fault features. First, the signals are denoised by the method of singular value decomposition (SVD). Then, the denoised signal is decomposed into four layers by undecimated lifting scheme packet (ULSP). Finally, all 16 subbands of the fourth layer are plotted and the rich-fault-information subbands are used to extract incipient features. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated with simulated data. Furthermore, in the processing of engineering signal, the weak feature caused by the fault of a valve in reciprocating compressor is bulged and the early failure of spring is detected.
Green consumption: Closing the intention-behavior gap

Green consumption has become an important academic and practical topic. However, a recurring theme in the literature has been the attitude‐behavior gap in green consumption. Taking the cognitive view in studying consumer behaviors, this study theoretically developed and tested two key moderators to the relationship between green consumption intention and behavior, namely green product availability and perceived consumer effectiveness. Under high levels of the moderators, the relationship between the intention and the behavior were hypothesized to be stronger. Our data sample of 416 consumers in two large cities in Vietnam provided support for the hypotheses. Our study results thus contribute to the green consumption literature by explaining the attitude‐behavior gap. Our study also contributes to the broader literature by explaining the inconsistency in consumer behavior. Implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
The molecular rationale of Src inhibition in colorectal carcinomas

Src has been one of the most studied proto‐oncogenes. The cellular Src (c‐Src) holds a critical role in several human malignancies and has emerged as a key factor that promotes tumor progression during the multistep process of colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. The robust activation of Src in CRC of aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis seems to be a subsequent event of a strong link between its deregulated activity and the tumor's cell adhesion properties, invasiveness and metastatic potential. The rarely detected genetic defects drive interest in signaling networks that control Src kinase activity and integrate the association of Src with receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Therefore, a dynamic crosstalk is being formed with oncogenic capacity and therapeutic applications, because Src inhibition seems to sensitize previously unresponsive cancer cells to chemotherapy and anti‐EGFR inhibitors. The present review explores the molecular basis behind Src inhibition in colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, preclinical studies and clinical trials of Src inhibitors and combination regimens are discussed, providing new insights for further investigation and new therapeutic strategies.
Comparative effects of L-tryptophan and 1-methyl-tryptophan on immunoregulation induced by sperm, human pre-implantation embryo and trophoblast supernatants.

PROBLEM The hypothesis that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is necessary to regulate lymphocyte functions at the feto-maternal interface has been postulated, although a possible role of tryptophan (Trp) depletion in the T-cell tolerance during insemination as well as implantation has not been previously investigated. METHOD OF STUDY Allogeneic phytohaemagglutinin stimulated lymphocytes were supplemented with pre-implantation embryo supernatant (PES), seminal plasma (SP), spermatozoa culture supernatant (SCS), spermatozoa, trophoblast cells, or placenta explant culture supernatants, and analyzed for expression of CD25, CD71, and CD69. Trp-degrading activity was assessed by addition of 1-methyl-Tryptophan or L-Trp. RESULTS PES, SP, trophoblast, and explant supernatants reduced the expression of CD25 in CD3 lymphocytes. Inhibition of IDO as well as Trp supplementation prevented these effects. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor in maternal T lymphocytes is normally suppressed by Trp catabolism, and that either abnormal IDO levels or substances influencing IDO activity might lead to non-adequate immune responses on sperm, harm the conceptus or even initiate fetal rejection.
Amino acid transport in membrane vesicles of obligately anaerobic Veillonella alcalescens

Membrane vesicles of Veillonella alcalescens, grown in the presence of L-lactate and KNO-3, actively transport amino acids under anaerobic conditions in the presence of several electron donors and the electron acceptor nitrate. The highest initial rates of uptake are obtained with L-lactate, followed by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, glycerol-1-phosphate, formate, and L-malate. The membrane vesicles contain the dehydrogenases for these electron donors, and these enzymes are coupled with nitrate reductase. In membrane vesicles from cells, grown in the presence of nitrate, the dehydrogenases are not coupled with fumarate reducatase, and anaerobic transport of amino acids does not occur with fumarate as electron acceptor. Under aerobic conditions none of the physiological electron donors can energize transport. However, a high rate of uptake is observed with the electron donor system ascorbate-phenazine metho-sulfate. This electron donor system also effectively energizes transport under anaerobicconditions in the presence of the electron acceptor nitrate.
Mesenteric Blood Flow Velocity and Its Relation to Transitional Circulatory Adaptation in Appropriate for Gestational Age Preterm Infants

We investigated the early postnatal changes of the mesenteric circulation and its relation to the systemic circulation in 15 preterm infants. The infants were studied before the first feeding on d 1 and pre- and postprandially on d 3, 4, 5, and 7. Blood flow velocity was measured by ultrasound Doppler in the superior mesenteric artery, middle cerebral artery, and the aortic orifice for cardiac output calculations. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. From d 1 to d 3, the preprandial stroke volume decreased [1.5 ± 0.3 to 1.3 ± 0.2 mL/kg (mean ± SD),p < 0.05], whereas blood pressure (36 ± 3 to 50 ± 7 mm Hg, p < 0.001), superior mesenteric artery mean velocity(Vmean) (0.17 ± 0.08 to 0.30 ± 0.11 m/s,p < 0.05), and middle cerebral artery Vmean increased (0.15 ± 0.05 to 0.22 ± 0.03 m/s, p < 0.001). From d 3 through d 7, the preterm infants demonstrated higher preprandial end diastolic flow velocity in the superior mesenteric artery than we previously reported in term infants (0.15 ± 0.05 versus 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.05). Like the term infants, preterm infants increased their superior mesenteric artery Vmean by 83% postprandially and maintained a stable cerebral circulation with feeding. Unlike the term infants, feeding in the preterm infants induced a blood pressure decrease (51 ± 6 to 48 ± 6 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and a cardiac output increase (176 ± 30 to 188 ± 32 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that, in contrast to term infants, healthy preterm infants require compensatory systemic hemodynamic changes in response to feeding.
SRAM immunity to cosmic-ray-induced multierrors based on analysis of an induced parasitic bipolar effect

This paper describes an investigation of cosmic-ray-induced multicell error behavior in SRAMs. A combination of device- and circuit-level simulation was used to show that a parasitic bipolar effect is responsible for such errors, and the underlying mechanism is what we call a battery effect. We have also demonstrated, for the first time, that the maximum number of cell errors per cosmic-ray strike depends on the number of cells between well taps (Nc). The results are used as the basis of an error checking and correction (ECC) design guideline for the handling of cosmic-ray-induced multicell errors. The proposed guideline simply states that the allocation of memory cells to addresses should be based on consideration of the Nc. The architecture in its form reduces the soft error rate of an SRAM with Nc=16 by 88%.
Is mechanically induced cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) a suitable model for study of spontaneously occurring CEH in the uterus of the bitch?

CONTENTS Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was experimentally reproduced by the intraluminal insertion of a silk wire in the uterus of metestral bitches to obtain a model for the study of spontaneously occurring CEH in the bitch. This mechanically reproduced CEH corresponded histologically very well to spontaneously occurring CEH. With respect to sex hormone receptor expressions, however, there was no similarity. In the mechanically induced CEH, progesterone receptor expression was reduced in the epithelial cells (surface epithelium and endometrial glands) and slightly increased in the stromal fibroblasts and myometrium as compared with the normal metestrus uterus. The oestrogen receptor expression in mechanically induced CEH was reduced in the epithelial cells (surface epithelium and endometrial glands) and more or less unchanged in the stromal fibroblast and myometrium as compared with the normal metestrus uterus. This is in contrast to the increased sex hormone receptor expressions in all uterine cell types, observed in spontaneously occurring CEH. The mechanically induced CEH model corresponds immunohistochemically more to early placentation and to pyometra in the bitch. Thus this experimental CEH model is not suitable for pathogenic studies of spontaneously occurring CEH in the bitch.