Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CBLB502 administration protects gut mucosal tissue in ulcerative colitis by inhibiting inflammation.

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific inflammatory disease for which medications and therapeutic strategies have only been moderately successful. CBLB502, a toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist derived from Salmonella flagellin, exhibits anticancer and radioprotective activities via modulation of TLRs and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and can protect against acute renal ischemic failure. In this study, we intend to examine the effects of CBLB502 on both TLR responses and the interleukin (IL) and NF-κB signaling pathways in UC treatment. METHODS The UC mouse model was prepared in BALB/c mice by administering 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). CBLB502 was used as the therapeutic drug. After CBLB502 therapy, the IL and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA. Total RNA and protein of colon samples was extracted. RESULTS We found that CBLB502 had a distinctive therapeutic effect in the UC model. In control group animals, IL-10 expression in serum was 91.48±24.38 ng/mL; this was higher than in the model group (59.36±14.46 ng/mL, P<0.05) or the treatment group (54.29±5.83 ng/mL, P<0.05). In model group animals, the concentration of TNF-α in serum was 140.11±12.70 ng/mL, which was lower than protein levels in the control group (173.86±29.26 ng/mL, P<0.05). The mRNA levels of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the CBLB502 treatment group were significantly lower than in the model group (P<0.05). Western blot revealed that CBLB502 also reduced NF-κB expression in the mouse colon, but that NF-κB expression was not significantly lower than the model group. CONCLUSIONS CBLB502 can reduce mucosal damage induced by TNBS and inhibit inflammation and TLR expression. The inhibition of UC by CBLB502 is strictly TLR-IL-dependent and is dose-dependent within the efficacious dose range. Therefore, our results suggested that CBLB502 might be a candidate drug for the treatment of UC.
Associated multi-label fuzzy-rough feature selection

Ahead of the process of selecting a subset of relevant features, the labels commonly need to be combined into a single one for multi-label feature selection. However the existing label combination methods assume that all labels are independent of each other and consequently suffer from high computation complexity. In this paper, association rules implied in the labels are explored to implement a fuzzy-rough feature selection method for multi-label datasets. Specifically, in order to reduce the scale of label and avoid the label overlapping phenomenon, the association rules between labels make the combination of labels collapse to a set of sub-labels. Then each set of sub-labels is regarded as a unique class during the following course of fuzzy-rough feature selection. Empirical results suggest that the quality of the selected features can be improved by the proposed approach compared to the alternative multi-label feature selection algorithms.
Role of muscle mass and mode of contraction in circulatory responses to exercise.

The roles of the mode of contraction (i.e., dynamic or static) and the active muscle mass as determinants of the cardiovascular responses to exercise were studied. Six healthy men performed static handgrip (SHG), dynamic handgrip (DHG), static two-knee extension (SKE), and dynamic two-knee extension (DKE) to local muscular fatigue in approximately 6 min. Increases in mean arterial pressure were similar for each mode of contraction, 29 +/- 5 and 30 +/- 3 mmHg in SHG and DHG and 56 +/- 2 and 48 +/- 2 mmHg in SKE and DKE (P greater than 0.05) but larger for KE than HG (P less than 0.001). Cardiac output increased more for dynamic than for static exercise and for each mode more for KE than HG (P less than 0.001). Systemic resistance was lower for dynamic than static exercise and fell from resting levels by approximately 1/3 during DKE. The magnitude of the pressor response was related to the active muscle mass but independent of the contraction mode. However, the mode of contraction affected the circulatory changes contributing to the pressor response. Equalization of the pressor responses was achieved by proportionately larger increases in cardiac output during dynamic exercise.
Novel current resonance DC-DC converter with voltage doubler rectifier for fuel cell system

This paper deals with a novel composite resonance DC-DC converter for low input voltage, large input current and high output voltage with the voltage doubler rectifier, which is developed to apply to the power conditioner of the fuel system. The proposed DC-DC converter has the current and voltage resonance functions to reduce the switching power loss. The primary and secondary sides of the converter are composed of the current resonant full bridge circuit, and voltage doubler, respectively. For this reason, the high power efficiency of this converter can be realized under the condition of a low input voltage, large input current and high output voltage.
Trauma in Nonagenarians and Centenarians: Review of 137 Consecutive Patients

The purpose of this study was to examine the hospital course and outcomes of elderly trauma patients. We accomplished a retrospective review of all consecutive trauma patients admitted to a level II trauma center from January 2000 to April 2002. Gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), length of stay (LOS), operative procedure, morbidity, and mortality of patients ≥90 years of age were compared with younger patients. Of 2645 trauma admissions, 137 patients (5%) were ≥90 years (range, 90 to 108 years; mean, 93.1 years); 5 patients were ≥100 years. One hundred eleven (81%) patients were female; 26 (19%) male. Average ISS for patients ≥90 was 8.75 and was 7.78 for younger patients. One hundred sixteen elderly patients (85%) had ISS < 15. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (93%), usually ground-level falls (64%). Two hundred ninety-two injuries included 133 fractures and 102 soft tissue injuries. Thirty-four elderly patients (25%) and 733 younger patients (29%) required surgery. Complications developed in 8 per cent of older and 6 per cent of younger patients. Hospital LOS averaged 4.36 days for older and 3.51 days for younger patients. Six older (4.4%) and 63 younger (2.5%) patients died. ISS scores and LOS were slightly higher in elderly patients, but morbidity and mortality were comparable in both groups.
Reproductive promiscuity in the splendid fairy-wren: effects of group size and auxiliary reproduction

Extrapair fertilizations complicate our understanding of cooperative breeding in a number of ways. For example, auxiliaries may reduce the costs of seeking extrapair fertilizations for breeding males or females, and auxiliary males may themselves seek copulations with the breeding female in their own group. We employed microsatellite markers to examine patterns of parentage in the cooperatively breeding splendid fairy-wren (Malurus splendens melanotus). Our study population exhibited a relatively high level of extrapair paternity (42% of 386 offspring) with considerable annual variation (range e 24--52%). Across years the proportion of offspring sired by extrapair males was significantly correlated with the average number of auxiliaries per group. Furthermore, the proportion of extrapair young within a brood was related to group composition; groups with multiple auxiliaries were twice as likely as groups with zero or one auxiliary to contain extrapair young. Most offspring were sired by dominant breeding males, but auxiliary males sired approximately 25% of all extrapair young (10% of all offspring), and about half of these were cases in which the auxiliary male sired offspring in his own group. Within-group sirings by auxiliary males were most common after replacement of the breeding female, and they also appeared to be more likely when the auxiliary was not related to the breeding male. Thus, the presence of auxiliary males increased the likelihood that females would produce extrapair young, and although incest avoidance mechanisms usually prevent within-group copulations by auxiliary males, a conflict of interest among group males arises when a new female joins the group. Copyright 2004.
p53 expression in carcinoma of the cervix.

AIM: To assess overexpression of the proposed tumour suppressor gene product p53 using the mouse monoclonal antibody DO-7 in the three main subtypes of carcinoma of the uterine cervix and to evaluate its value as a prognostic indicator. METHODS: Eighty two cases of FIGO Stage IB/IIA uterine cervical carcinoma were studied retrospectively. The tumours had been previously typed into adenocarcinomas, squamous carcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas after the tissue had been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. p53 protein expression was assessed using a standard immunohistochemical technique and the findings were correlated with tumour type, lymph node status and clinical outcome. RESULTS: In total, the p53 gene product was overexpressed in 17.1% (14/82) of all carcinomas and also in areas of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III adjacent to invasive squamous carcinoma. Where present, the normal epithelium was uniformly negative. No association was found between p53 overexpression and tumour subtype, lymph node status or clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: It seems unlikely that p53 analysis will be of value in determining prognosis in carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
The role of psychotropic drugs in individual therapy.

Certain effects produced by psychotropic drugs in man are examined in order to illustrate the means by which methods of treatment based on psychotherapy can be modified or improved.IT IS SUGGESTED THAT TRANQUILLIZING DRUGS MAY BE USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH PSYCHOTHERAPY IN FOUR WAYS: for controlling symptoms; for releasing unconscious material; for controlling disturbances associated with such release; and for removing inhibitions. These ways are critically examined, and in particular the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychological medicine is dealt with in some detail. The psychological mechanism of action of LSD is examined.Some space is devoted to the use of the major tranquillizers in the treatment of psychosis, and the possibility of managing major psychoses outside the mental hospital is examined.
NITRIC OXIDE DONORS IN SEPSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL AND IN VIVO PRECLINICAL DATA

An abundant literature in the field of sepsis focuses on the role of NO. Inhibiting NO synthesis corrects certain hemodynamic parameters of septic shock but failed to improve outcome in patients. Conversely, administration of NO donors lowers blood pressure but restores microcirculatory flow in patients with sepsis. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to comprehensively summarize the results of studies exploring the effects of systemic NO donors in sepsis. We included both clinical and preclinical data. We described the details surrounding NO donor administration, and the results obtained in each study were regrouped in broad categories. In the case of animal research, we limited our data collection to in vivo protocols and described the sepsis model. Finally, we critically appraised all the studies included in the review. Overall, the reviewed publications aimed for physiopathological description rather than clinical relevance and did not meet the required criteria for extrapolation to clinical practice. With this reserve, NO donors usually improved the outcomes measured (e.g., mortality, pulmonary hypertension, tissue/organ perfusion, etc.) but also lowered blood pressure. We conclude that our findings warrant further animal experimentation designed to maximize clinical relevance.
Freshly Eaten Leafy Vegetables : A Source of Food Borne Pathogens ?

The microbiological quality of selected fresh vegetables; lettuce, cabbage, mukunuwenna, gotukola, and tomato were assessed from different market types in the Kandy district. Fifty samples of each vegetable were tested for viable bacterial count (VBC), Salmonella spp. , Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7, before and after washing using tap water. The average VBC in unwashed vegetables was 10 cfu/g whereas a 10 fold reduction of VBC was achieved as a result of washing three times. S. enterica serotype Enteritidis and S. enterica serotype Typhymurium were isolated in 6% of the samples. In addition L. monocytogenes was isolated in 2% of the samples investigated. These results reiterate the necessity for awareness among consumers regarding the microbiological quality of fresh vegetables.
LETHAL ACTION OF ULTRAVIOLET AND VISIBLE (BLUE‐VIOLET) RADIATIONS AT DEFINED WAVELENGTHS ON HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTOID CELLS: ACTION SPECTRA AND INTERACTION SITES

Abstract— The repair proficient human lymphoblastoid line (TK6) has been employed to construcr an action spectrum for the lethal action of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the range254–434 nm and to examine possible interactions between longer (334, 365 and 405 nm) and shorter wavelength (254 and 313 nm) radiations. The action spectrum follows a DNA absorption spectrum fairly closely out to 360 nm. As in previously determined lethal action spectra for procaryotic and eucaryotic cell populations, there is a broad shoulder in the334–405 nm region which could reflect the existence of either (a) a non‐DNA chromophore or (b) a unique photochemical reaction in the DNA over this region. Pre‐treatment with radiation at 334 or 365 nm causes either a slight sensitivity to (low fluences) or protection from (higher fluences) subsequent exposure to radiation at a shorter wavelength (254 or 313 nm). Pre‐irradiation at a visible wavelength (405 nm) at all fluence levels employed sensitizes the populations to treatment with 254 or 313 nm radiations. These interactions will influence the lethal outcome of cellular exposure to broad‐band radiation sources.
Attaining stability in multi-skill workforce scheduling

In this paper, we define a set inequalities that are satisfied by stable multi-skill workforce schedules. In our analysis, a schedule is said to be stable if it does not contain a blocking pair, extending the notion of blocking pair in the Marriage Model of Gale-Shapley. Skill efficiency is chosen as the criterion in the preference structure. The proposed algorithm either constructs a stable multi-skill workforce schedule or decides that no stable schedule exists.
Minimum length of the adaptation and collection period in digestibility trials with sheep fed ad libitum only forage or forage plus concentrate

Two in vivo digestibility trials with sheep were conducted to identify the minimum period length of feeding a new diet to obtain reproducible values of nutritional variables onward and the minimum length of collection period as to obtain maximal precision for each variable. Trial 1 was conducted with ten Polwarth male sheep (34 ± 5 kg body weight (BW)) throughout three 21-day periods, in a completely randomized two-way crossover design. The animals were divided into two groups (Group A and B, n = 5 per group) which were fed ad libitum with a sequence of the following diets throughout the periods: Group A: hay - hay plus concentrate - hay; Group B: hay plus concentrate - hay - hay plus concentrate. The concentrate was included in a proportion of 0.33 of the total diet. The intake, and the faecal and urinary excretion were measured daily throughout the experiment. For evaluating rumen fermentation variables, in Trial 2 four Santa Inês male sheep (65 ± 5 kg BW) fitted with ruminal cannula were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (n = 2 per group), and the trial was conducted through four 21 days experimental period, in a three-way crossover design, using experimental diets and feeding management similar to Trial 1. The results indicated that, even though no clear or consistent steady-state condition was identified for rumen fermentation or urinary excretion variables, the adaptation period for measuring OM digestibility in in vivo trials with sheep fed ad libitum where the diet shifts from one of only hay to another containing concentrate, or vice-versa, should be at least 12 days long. Moreover, although no precision improvement was obtained by increasing the collection period above 1 day for measuring OM digestibility, the minimal length of collection period should be 4 days for measuring faecal excretion variables and 7 days for measuring urinary excretion variables.
The Association Between Worksite Physical Environment and Employee Nutrition, and Physical Activity Behavior and Weight Status

Objective: To explore the relationship between worksite physical environment and employee dietary intake, physical activity behavior, and weight status. Methods: Two trained research assistants completed audits (Checklist of Health Promotion Environments at Worksites) at each worksite (n = 28). Employees (n = 6261) completed a brief health survey before participation in a weight loss program. Results: Employees' access to outdoor areas was directly associated with lower body mass index (BMI), whereas access to workout facilities within a worksite was associated with higher BMI. The presence of a cafeteria and fewer vending machines was directly associated with better eating habits. Better eating habits and meeting physical activity recommendations were both related to lower BMI. Conclusions: Selected environmental factors in worksites were significantly associated with employee behaviors and weight status, providing additional intervention targets to change the worksite environment and promote employee weight loss.
Avances en el Reconocimiento del Iris: Perspectivas y Oportunidades en la Investigación de Algoritmos Biométricos

The last six years witnessed important advances in applying iris based biometric systems for military and civil security purposes. The fundamental aspect of this progress is the development of biometric algorithms able to produce high confidence personal identification without human interaction. The majority of such biometric algorithms use iris video as a better representation of special properties and features of the iris texture thus optimizing its recognition process. The goal of this paper is to present a general overview of iris recognition methods with particular emphasis on the algorithms used in recent applications for distant iris recognition as well as iris recognition in uncontrolled environments. Though special attention is given to the latest tendencies, traditional iris recognition methods are also described. Finally, some future research opportunities are discussed.
Sensory sensitivity in operation enduring freedom/operation Iraqi freedom veterans with and without blast exposure and mild traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT To examine factors associated with noise and light sensitivity among returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans with a self-reported history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) due to blast exposure, we compared the self-report of noise and light sensitivity of 42 OEF/OIF Veterans diagnosed with mTBI resulting from combat blast-exposure to that of 36 blast-exposed OEF/OIF Veterans without a history of mTBI. Results suggest a statistically significant difference between Veterans with and without a history of mTBI in the experience of noise and light sensitivity, with sensory symptoms reported most frequently in the mTBI group. The difference remains significant even after controlling for symptoms of PTSD, depression, and somatization. These data suggest that while psychological distress is significantly associated with the complaints of noise and light sensitivity, it may not fully account for the experience of sensory sensitivity in a population with mTBI history.
The Effects of Thermohaline Circulation on Wind-Driven Circulation in the South China Sea

AbstractThe dynamic influence of thermohaline circulation on wind-driven circulation in the South China Sea (SCS) is studied using a simple reduced gravity model, in which the upwelling driven by mixing in the abyssal ocean is treated in terms of an upward pumping distributed at the base of the upper layer.Because of the strong upwelling of deep water, the cyclonic gyre in the northern SCS is weakened, but the anticyclonic gyre in the southern SCS is intensified in summer, while cyclonic gyres in both the southern and northern SCS are weakened in winter. For all seasons, the dynamic influence of thermohaline circulation on wind-driven circulation is larger in the northern SCS than in the southern SCS. Analysis suggests that the upwelling associated with the thermohaline circulation in the deep ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the wind-driven circulation in the upper ocean.
Pilot assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and trafficking pathways in recurrent and metastatic canine subcutaneous mast cell tumours

Abstract Canine subcutaneous mast cell tumour (scMCT) shows less aggressive biological behaviour than cutaneous MCT. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is expressed by neoplastic cells in canine scMCT, but the relevance of this signalling pathway for disease pathobiology is not clear. The objective of this study was to quantify VEGF‐A, VEGFR2, pVEGFR2, the VEGF co‐receptor Neuropilin 1 (NRP‐1) and the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase c‐Cbl in canine scMCT, and to evaluate their association with disease outcome. Immunohistochemical staining for biomarkers was quantified from 14 cases of canine scMCT using manual and computer‐assisted methods. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated for disease‐free survival (DFS) and compared using Mantel–Cox log‐rank analysis. Cases with high levels of neoplastic cell VEGFR2, pVEGFR2 or c‐CBL immunoreactivity had significantly reduced DFS. All cases displayed neoplastic cells positive for VEGF‐A, which was significantly associated with pVEGFR2 immunoreactivity. There were also significant positive correlations between VEGFR2 and pVEGFR2, and between c‐CBL and pVEGFR2 levels. This pilot study demonstrates the potential utility of these markers in a subset of scMCT in dogs.
Fast integer approximations in convolutional neural networks using layer-by-layer training

This paper explores method of layer-by-layer training for neural networks to train neural network, that use approximate calculations and/or low precision data types. Proposed method allows to improve recognition accuracy using standard training algorithms and tools. At the same time, it allows to speed up neural network calculations using fast-processed approximate calculations and compact data types. We consider 8-bit fixed-point arithmetic as the example of such approximation for image recognition problems. In the end, we show significant accuracy increase for considered approximation along with processing speedup.
Current Status of Genetic Studies of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) is a familial, neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by chronic, intermittent motor and vocal tics. Despite strong evidence for a genetic basis of this disorder from family, twin, and adoption studies, no convincing evidence for genetic linkage has been reported. Numerous groups world-wide have searched for genetic susceptibility factors for TS, testing specific candidate genes in neurotransmitter systems as well as DNA markers with known locations. Several factors may complicate the search for genes for this disorder, including diagnostic uncertainties, definition of the TS phenotypic spectrum as it relates to genetic susceptibility, assortative mating, genetic heterogeneity, and unclear mode of inheritance. In this article, we review the evidence for the genetic basis of TS and the current status of genetic studies.