Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time Course of Islet Cell Antibodies and β-Cell Function in Non-Insulin-Dependent Stage of Type I Diabetes

The time course of islet cell antibodies (ICA) and serum C-peptides responses (CPRs) to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were studied prospectively up to 60 (mean 35) mo in 32 ICA-positive subjects [28 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) and 4 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT); mean age 45 yr], 96 matched subjects [56 with NIDDM, 8 with IGT, and 32 normal first-degree relatives of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM); mean age 45 yr] who were negative for ICA at the beginning of the study. In addition, the effects of human leukocyte antigens(HLA) on the time course of ICA and (β-cell function were evaluated. In 10 subjects (8 with NIDDM and 2 with IGT) who were ICA positive, ICA became undetectable, even by sensitive ICA assay, 15 ± 2 mo (mean ± SE) after initiation of this study. In these subjects, integrated serum CPR values (σCPR) and 2-h blood glucose values in response to OGTTs improved significantly (P < .05-.01). In contrast, the remaining 22 subjects who were ICA positive were persistently positive for ICA. CPR and blood glucose responses deteriorated progressively in these 22 subjects, and 7 subjects in this group progressed to the insulin-dependent state. Serum CPR and blood glucose responses to OGTTs showed no remarkable changes in 64 patients (56 with NIDDM and 8 with IGT) and 32 normal first-degree relatives of patients with IDDM who remained negative for ICA throughout the study. The frequencies of HLABW54 and HLA-DR4 in 10 subjects who became ICA negative during the follow-up period were lower than those in 22 subjects with ICA throughout the study (uncorrected P < .02). The frequencies of these two antigens were higher in the 22 subjects with persistently positive ICA than in normal controls (uncorrected P < .02), whereas these differences were not observed in 10 subjects who became ICA negative during the study. The reversed β-cell function after negative conversion of ICA observed in our study yields a new insight into the natural history of type I diabetes, especially in late-onset cases. It suggests that HLA-related genetic predisposition is a prerequisite to the slowly progressive β-cell destruction through pancreatic autoimmunity.
Activation of the NF-κB Pathway in Human Cytomegalovirus-Infected Cells Is Necessary for Efficient Transactivation of the Major Immediate-Early Promoter

ABSTRACT We previously demonstrated that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection induced the activation of the cellular transcription factor NF-κB. Here, we investigate the mechanism for the HCMV-induced NF-κB activation and the role that the induced NF-κB plays in transactivation of the major immediate-early promoter (MIEP) and production of immediate-early (IE) proteins. Using a dominant-negative inhibitor of NF-κB, the IκB-superrepressor, we demonstrated that active NF-κB is critical for transactivation of the HCMV MIEP. Investigation of the mechanisms of NF-κB activation following HCMV infection showed a rapid and sustained decrease in the inhibitors of NF-κB, IκBα and IκBβ. Because the IκB kinases (IKKs) regulate the degradation of the IκBs, virus-mediated changes in the IKKs were examined next. Using dominant-negative forms of the IKKs, we showed significant decreases in transactivation of the MIEP in the presence of these mutants. In addition, protein levels of members of the IKK complex and IKK kinase activity were upregulated throughout the time course of infection. Lastly, the role NF-κB plays in HCMV IE mRNA and protein production during infection was examined. Using aspirin and MG-132, we demonstrated that production of IE protein and mRNA was significantly decreased and delayed in infected cells treated with these drugs. Together, the results of these studies suggest that virus-mediated NF-κB activation, through the dysregulation of the IKK complex, plays a primary role in the initiation of the HCMV gene cascade in fibroblasts and may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention.
The immunopathology of regression in benign lichenoid keratosis, keratoacanthoma and halo nevus.

BACKGROUND Regression is a phenomenon present in a variety of cutaneous lesions. It is likely that similar immunologic mechanisms explain the phenomenon of spontaneous regression occurring in the various lesions. METHODS Twenty-seven specimens, nine each of halo nevus, keratoacanthoma, and benign lichenoid keratosis, including three examples each of predominantly early, mid, and late regression were examined with antibodies to HLA-II, CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD34, CD56, and CD68. RESULTS Epidermotropism of inflammatory cells, including CD1a positive, CD68 positive, CD3 positive, and CD8 positive cells, was present in benign lichenoid keratosis and keratoacanthoma, but not in halo nevus. In halo nevus, the nests of halo nevus cells tended to be infiltrated by CD1a positive, CD68 positive, CD3 positive, and CD8 positive cells. The blood vessels exhibited endothelial cell swelling with luminal narrowing and disruption within the dermis of all lesions. The CD1a positive cells were increased in number in lesional epidermis except in keratoacanthoma lesions where the density of CD1a positive cells was increased in the epithelial lip, but decreased within the epithelial portion of the keratoacanthoma proper. Conversely, the CD8 positive cells were scarce in the dermis below the epithelial lip of the keratoacanthoma, but increased in the dermis of the neoplastic epithelium. CD1a positive cells were also seen throughout the dermal portion of the lesion, particularly at the lesion base. In halo nevus, the CD1a positive cells and CD68 positive cells within the lesions were larger than those in non-lesional skin, indicating activation. The composition of the inflammatory infiltrate varied within each lesion type according to stage of regression, but T-lymphocytes predominated. CONCLUSION Cytotoxic T-cells may be the final common denominator of regression in benign lichenoid keratosis, keratoacanthoma, and halo nevus. In halo nevus, cytotoxic T-cells may play the predominant role in regression. In keratoacanthoma and benign lichenoid keratosis, cytotoxic T-cells play a pivotal role, but additional mechanisms may also be involved in the phenomenon of regression. Benign lichenoid keratoses progress through stages of regression accompanied by varying proportions of inflammatory cells, including CD3, CD4, and CD8 positive T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages and Langerhans cells.
A population based study of herpes simplex virus 2 seroprevalence in rural Costa Rica

Objectives: To determine seroprevalence and determinants of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) seropositivity, in a random sample of a population based cohort of 10 049 women of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, using a highly sensitive and specific serological assay. Methods: Seroprevalence was determined by a type specific HSV-2 ELISA assay in an age stratified random sample of 1100 women. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk factors of seropositivity. Results: Overall age adjusted HSV-2 seroprevalence was 38.5% (95% CI, 37.5 to 39.5), and it was strongly associated with increasing age (pTrend<0.0001), both among monogamous women and women with multiple sexual partners. A greater number of lifetime sexual partners increased the risk of seropositivity, with a 28.2% (95% CI, 24.4 to 32.2) seroprevalence among monogamous women and 75% (95% CI, 65.6 to 83.0) seroprevalence for those with four or more partners (OR = 7.6 95% CI, 4.7 to 12.4 pTrend<0.0001). Barrier contraceptive use was negatively associated with HSV-2 seropositivity (OR 0.54, 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.94). Women with antibodies against HPV 16, 18, or 31 were 1.6 times more likely to be HSV-2 seropositive (OR 1.6, 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.1). Conclusions: HSV-2 infection is highly endemic in Guanacaste, even among lifetime monogamous women, suggesting a role of male behaviour in the transmission of the infection. Until vaccination against HSV-2 is available, education to prevent high risk sexual behaviour and the use of condoms appear as preventive measures against HSV-2.
Capillary Tube Scanning Applied to Cell Growth Kinetics

We have developed an optical scanning instrument which may become a valuable aid in a variety of cell studies. Cell multiplication can be readily monitored with the instrument. By varying the chemical environment in which the cells are tested, questions of research and clinical interest may be quickly and conveniently answered. It appears possible to investigate the chemotherapeutic value of experimental agents, and to scan the sensitivity of a given population of neoplastic cells to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents at several concentrations. The optical scanning system may also be used to investigate certain metabolic pathways of cells in tissue culture, to determine drug resistance, and to assess the effects of medium composition on cell growth. Our studies of BrdU resistance in mouse lymphoma cells were done primarily to demonstrate the potential of this optical scanning method, and we do not intend to continue the cytokinetic studies at present. We trust that others will be stimulated to investigate further applications of this instrumental approach to problems in cell biology.
Regulating the suicide bomber: a critical examination of viral advertising and simulations of self-broadcasting

This paper investigates opportunistic use of loopholes in current UK advertising regulations to target young opinion formers with divergent online viral advertising. In describing viral advertising and its propensity to target affluent social networks it further inquires into ethically dubious advertising strategies that brands increasingly disown,although potentially continuing to fund and pay for. In discussion of viral advertising tactics, this paper elucidates divergent strategies of creativity employed by agencies.Highlighting the lineage from shock advertising to viral advertising, it contextualizes this within romanticist notions of genius and the artist as maverick. It further highlights visceral and grotesque tendencies within viral advertising, contextualizing these within post-modern theorization of ‘rewind and replay’ culture, and consumption of viral advertising as an aid to fashioning online identities within online peer groups.
PHAHs in large reservoir sediments from Hebei and Hubei provinces, China

This study was undertaken to investigate the current contamination status of polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) in sediments from large reservoirs located in Hebei and Hubei provinces in China. The concentrations of 21 polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) congeners, seven polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, and 27 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in sediments were measured using the GC-MS/MS technique. Low-brominated PBBs (including 1, 3, 4, 10, 30, 31 and 53) were the most abundant PBB congeners and PBDEs 28, 47 and 99 were the most prevalent PBDE congeners in these samples. Among the three subfamilies of PHAHs, PCBs were the most predominant pollutants detected. The measured levels of PHAHs were compared with recent results reported in the literature and their respective sediment quality guidelines recommended by USEPA. The levels of PHAHs in the present study were generally lower than their respective threshold-effect levels, or were comparable to those reported in relatively uncontaminated freshwaters from other regions. This suggests that, in these reservoirs, toxic biological effects on aquatic biota—due to PHAH contamination of sediments—can be expected to be negligible. Thus, in terms of PHAHs, the sediments in the selected reservoirs are relatively uncontaminated.
A broadband dual-polarized antenna with Γ-shaped feeding structures

A broadband dual-polarized antenna with Γ-shaped feeding structures is presented. The antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 76.7% for SWR<;2 at both ports. The radiation pattern is very stable, the antenna gain is greater than 8.6dBi and the isolation between two input ports is better than 21dB over the operating frequency band.
Clinician survey of language sampling practices in Australia

Abstract A national online survey was used to investigate spontaneous language sampling and analysis practices by speech-language pathologists working with children and adolescents. A total of 257 responses were received from clinicians around Australia. Results indicated that spontaneous language samples are collected on a routine basis in elicitation contexts deemed appropriate to the clients’ age or developmental stage. However, language samples were generally short, often not recorded, and analysed informally. Consistent with previous research into language sampling practices, the main barrier to more detailed language sample analysis appears to be the time needed for transcription. Despite rapid technological advances in the last two decades, only 12.5% of the respondents reported using computer-assisted transcription and analysis procedures. Suggestions are made on how to promote change in clinical practice to ensure spontaneous language samples are transcribed and analysed in more detail. By transcribing the samples, detailed analysis of children's language performance can be undertaken, allowing for effective goal-setting and assisting in objective progress measuring during and following intervention.
Emerging Challenges Facing School Principals.

This article provides insights into the challenges facing US public school principals. A survey was sent to a random sample of over 10,000 principals throughout the US. Written responses from a representative sample were analyzed for content and themes. Results indicate that principals are facing emerging challenges never before seen in education, including the overwhelming effects of poverty, increasing pressures on student achievement, the breakdown of communities, lack of financial resources, and a host of other issues, many of which coalesce to further complicate the work of principals. The voices of these principals suggest a need to radically rethink our preparation programs for school administrators.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ Signaling and Cardiac Apoptosis

The broad significance of apoptosis in the cardiovascular system only began to be recognized more widely recently. Apoptotic cell death is a normal component of postnatal morphogenesis of the human cardiac conduction system and may also be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Recently, it has become evident that mitochondria play important role in the signaling machinery of apoptotic cell death by releasing several apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor and procaspases. Furthermore, calcium signals have been identified as one of the major signals that converge on mitochondria to trigger the mitochondrion-dependent pathway of the apoptotic cell death. Calcium signals are also important in the physiological control of mitochondrial energy metabolism and it has not yet been explored how Ca2+ turns from a signal for life to a signal for death. Since large elevations of cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) occur during each heartbeat in cardiac myocytes and these [Ca2+]c signals may efficiently propagate to the mitochondria, the Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis can be particularly important in the heart. This review is concerned with the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in the control of cardiac apoptosis.
Optimization of control transmissions by event-driven model prediction

In this paper we study the optimization of control transmissions in event-driven control systems, with respect to the control performance and number of communication events. The control signal transmissions are decided based on optimization in a model predictive framework, called Model Predictive Triggering (MPT). MPT is developed because the typical send-on-delta approach does not take into account control performance. Several transmission cost functions criteria are compared. We show and compare the performance of the different alternatives using simulation, including a conventional model predictive control approach. The MPT method is shown to be the effective considering the transmission count and control performance, with tuning parameters to select a suitable trade-off between communication and control.
The allocation of Czech foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa: the influence of historical relationships

This paper addresses the allocation of foreign aid from the Czech Republic to the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the Czech Republic is seen as an emerging donor, the history of Czech development assistance dates back to the period of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia prior to 1989. This article attempts to shed light on the role of historical factors in the allocation of Czech aid in the new millennium. Regression analyses are performed on factors that could influence the territorial allocation of donors. The main finding is that the amount of aid flowing to individual Sub-Saharan African countries is significantly influenced by historical factors, while the economic levels of recipient countries also have some relevance. Other factors of aid allocation, such as good governance and division of labour among donors, were not proved to be significant.
0.2 cc HBT power amplifier module with 40% power-added efficiency for 1.95 GHz wide-band CDMA cellular phones

This paper is the first to report a high efficiency 0.2 cc power amplifier module for Wide-band CDMA (W-CDMA) cellular phones. The module achieves power-added efficiency (PAE) of 40% and adjacent channel leakage power (ACP) of -40.8 dBc at an output power level of 28 dBm with 4.096 MHz QPSK modulation.
FIRST-TRIMESTER DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE BY TRANSVAGINAL TWO-DIMENSIONAL AND DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Until recently, prenatal diagnosis of fetal cardiac malformations was restricted to the second and third trimesters. With the advent of high-frequency transvaginal probes, earlier detection of such malformations is possible. We present a case of nonimmune hydrops fetalis with complete atrioventricular canal defect, insufficiency of atrioventricular valves, and complete heart block at 11 weeks' gestation diagnosed by transvaginal two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.
Institutional Repository Twisting double somersault high bar dismounts

At the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, four double somersaults dismounts with one twist and four double somersault dismounts with two twists were filmed using two 16 mm cameras during the men’s horizontal bar competition. Contributions to tilt angles reached at the mid-twist position, determined using computer simulations based on modifications of the data obtained from film, were used as measures of the twisting potential of various techniques. The amount of tilt produced was greater when the total twist was greater and when the body was tucked rather than straight. The twisting techniques used varied with the timing of the twist within the two somersaults. Contact contributions were larger when there was more twist in the first somersault. When there was little or no twist in the first somersault, the major contribution came from aerial techniques that comprised mainly arm movements and asymmetrical hip movements in the flight phase.
Coulomb drag between one-dimensional Wigner crystal rings

We consider the Coulomb drag between two metal rings in which the long-range Coulomb interaction leads to the formation of a Wigner crystal. The first ring is threaded by an Aharanov–Bohm flux, creating a persistent current J0. The second ring is brought into close proximity to the first and due to the Coulomb interaction between the two rings a drag current JD is produced in the second. We investigate this system at zero temperature for perfect rings as well as the effects of impurities. We show that the Wigner crystal state can in principle lead to a higher ratio of drag current to drive current JD/J0 than in weakly interacting electron systems.
Evaluation of a Potential Clinical Interaction between Ceftriaxone and Calcium

ABSTRACT In April 2009, the FDA retracted a warning asserting that ceftriaxone and intravenous calcium products should not be coadministered to any patient to prevent precipitation events leading to end-organ damage. Following that announcement, we sought to evaluate if the retraction was justified. A search of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System was conducted to identify any ceftriaxone-calcium interactions that resulted in serious adverse drug events. Ceftazidime-calcium was used as a comparator agent. One hundred four events with ceftriaxone-calcium and 99 events with ceftazidime-calcium were identified. Adverse drug events were recorded according to the listed description of drug involvement (primary or secondary suspect) and were interpreted as probable, possible, unlikely, or unrelated. For ceftriaxone-calcium-related adverse events, 7.7% and 20.2% of the events were classified as probable and possible for embolism, respectively. Ceftazidime-calcium resulted in fewer probable embolic events (4%) but more possible embolic events (30.3%). Among cases that considered ceftriaxone or ceftazidime and calcium as the primary or secondary drug, one case was classified as a probable embolic event. That patient received ceftriaxone-calcium and died, although an attribution of causality was not possible. Our analysis suggests a lack of support for the occurrence of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation events in adults. The results of the current analysis reinforce the revised FDA recommendations suggesting that patients >28 days old may receive ceftriaxone and calcium sequentially and provide a transparent and reproducible methodology for such evaluations.
A Micro-Mobility MPLS Scheme for QoS Supporting in Wireless Access Network

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is deployed in the Internet backbone to support service differentiation and traffic engineering. Mobile MPLS is a new scheme that integrates Mobile IP and MPLS protocols to support mobility to MPLS. However, it is not suitable for micro-mobility environments. In this paper we propose a micro-mobility architecture based on the integration of MPLS for wireless networks. In addition to QoS supporting, the proposed scheme has the advantages of traffic aggregation, traffic engineering capabilities offering, low latency and fast handoff.
Correlation of Acoustic Threshold Measures and Spiral Ganglion Cell Survival in Severe to Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Implications for Cochlear Implantation

In a temporal bone study of 26 ears from 13 patients who, in life, had severe sensorineural hearing loss, the segmental and total spiral ganglion cell (SGC) counts were correlated with hearing thresholds and with the difference between hearing thresholds in the two ears, the age at death, the duration of deafness, and the duration of hearing loss. A statistically significant correlation was found between the interaural differences in total SGC counts and the interaural difference in pure tone averages for 3, 4, and 5 frequencies. The total SGC count was higher in the ear with the better residual hearing in 11 of 12 cases. Approximately 41% of the variability in interaural difference in pure tone average was explained by the difference in SGC counts. The findings would suggest that in a given individual, selection of the ear with better residual hearing for cochlear implantation is likely to result in accessing a higher number of residual SGCs. This, in turn, may result in better speech recognition with the implant.