Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro Activation of Human and Rat Lymphocyte and Macrophage Functions by Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine (NE) has been associated not only with increasing blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and other life threatening conditions, but also with altering immune responses by influencing leukocyte functions. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of NE on rat thymic lymphocyte and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (HPBMC) functions. We observed that NE marginally, but significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced (1.3-fold increase) proliferation of rat thymic lymphocytes at 10-5 M, without altering HPBMC proliferation, as compared with untreated control. In addition, NE (10-5 M) significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced nitric oxide production (2.9 + 0.095 nmol/well) (which reduced 20% cell viability), and stimulated (P < 0.01) TNF-α production (4 + 0.16 pg/ml) by rat macrophages. NE (10-5 M) was also observed to induce 2-fold increase in mRNA signal of TNF-α, and stimulated that of IL-1 and IL-6 by HPBMC, as compared with untreated control. Taken together, these results indicated that NE was capable to activate in vitro rat and human lymphocyte and macrophage pro-inflammatory response.
An Ultrawideband T-Pulse Fitting the FCC Mask Using a Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm

This letter presents the design of an ultrawideband (UWB) T-pulse fitting the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Spectral mask. A T-pulse is a time limited pulse with the stipulation that 99.9% of its energy is focused in a specified band. The spectral content of this UWB pulse ranges from 3.1–10.6 GHz fitting the FCC spectral mask. This Nyquist signal is orthogonal to its shifted version thereby minimizing the intersymbol interference. This pulse is designed using a multiobjective genetic algorithm, which involves combining several strategies to deal with the large space in which the solution is sought. The optimized signal presented in this letter can carry 53% more energy than that designed by other simplex based optimization techniques. An orthogonal Nyquist signal suitable for UWB systems without WLAN band frequency components is also designed. All of the designed signals are compared with each other to show the effectiveness of this design.
Gross Motor Development of Asian and European Children on Four Motor Assessments: A Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the evidence surrounding similarities and differences in motor development in children of Asian and European ethnic backgrounds to ensure the appropriateness of mixed ethnicity normative comparison data. Summary of key points: A review of published studies indicates variability in rate and possibly sequence of motor development in children of European and Asian origins. Statement of conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice: Assessment tools used to discriminate motor development in children of different ethnic backgrounds should be interpreted with caution until there is sufficient information regarding the appropriateness of comparisons among children of different ethnic origins.
A novel phosphoprotein analysis scheme for assessing changes in premalignant and malignant breast cell lines using 2‐D liquid separations, protein microarrays, and tandem mass spectrometry

An analysis of phosphorylation changes that occur during cancer progression would provide insights into the molecular pathways responsible for a malignant phenotype. In this study we employed a novel coupling of 2‐D liquid separations and protein microarray technology to reveal changes in phosphoprotein status between premalignant (AT1) and malignant (CA1a) cell lines derived from the human MCF10A breast cell lines. Intact proteins were first separated according to their pI and hydrophobicities, then arrayed on SuperAmine glass slides. Phosphoproteins were detected using the universal, inorganic phospho‐sensor dye, Pro‐Q Diamond. Using this dye, out of 140 spots that were positive for phosphorylation, a total of 85 differentially expressed spots were detected over a pH range of 7.2–4.0. Proteins were identified and their peptides sequenced by MS. The strategy enabled the identification of 75 differentially expressed phosphoproteins, from which 51 phosphorylation sites in 27 unique proteins were confirmed. Interestingly, the majority of differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins observed were nuclear proteins. Three regulators of apoptosis, Bad, Bax, and Acinus, were also differentially phosphorylated in the two cell lines. Further development of this strategy will facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms involved in malignancy progression and other disease‐related phenotypes.
An Oral Exam for Measuring a Dialog System's Capabilities

This paper suggests a model and methodology for measuring the breadth and flexibility of a dialog system's capabilities. The approach relies on having human evaluators administer a targeted oral exam to a system and provide their subjective views of that system's performance on each test problem. We present results from one instantiation of this test being performed on two publicly-accessible dialog systems and a human, and show that the suggested metrics do provide useful insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of these systems. Results suggest that this approach can be performed with reasonable reliability and with reasonable amounts of effort. We hope that authors will augment their reporting with this approach to improve clarity and make more direct progress toward broadly-capable dialog systems.
Positive attitude towards antiretroviral therapy after 6 months of treatment in a sample of Dutch HIV infected people.

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Differences Between National Suicide Rates

Durkheim directed attention to the suicide rate seen not merely as the sum of individual acts of suicide but as the product of factors which affect the group or society as a whole. The study of suicide rates of different societies thus involves the study of their social structures and leads to inferences about the effects of differences in their cultural, social, psychological and religious composition. Such inferences are based on the assumption that differences in suicide rates are valid and not merely artefacts resulting from differing ascertainment procedures.
Double Jeopardy

Whether youâ€TMre a climate change denier or doomsayer, an avid recycler or rabid consumer of plastic bottles, there is one very good but little-known reason to oppose carbon offsets: their immediate and dire human costs. Offset opponents have always maintained that using them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is like trying to lose weight by paying someone else to go on a diet. But I argue that even more critical is that fact that such proxy schemes present human dangers on both sides of the equation.
Defining “Culprit Mechanisms” in Arrhythmogenic Cardiac Remodeling

There has been increasing awareness of the importance of arrhythmogenic remodeling in the pathophysiology of cardiac arrhythmias.1–3 Arrhythmogenic remodeling, involving acquired changes in cardiac structure or function that promote the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, occurs in a wide variety of paradigms including congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertensive cardiac disease, acute myocardial infarction, and valvular heart disease. In many of these contexts, changes occur at many levels: ion-channel density, distribution, and function; ion-transporter (pumps and exchanges) function; connexin-protein density and distribution; tissue and cell structure; and cardiac-chamber dimension and shape. Progress in the identification of such changes has been impressive: in some cases, hundreds of alterations have been described in response to single well-defined experimental paradigms. A major resulting challenge is to determine which changes are particularly central to the pathophysiology of remodeling-related arrhythmias, and to establish therapeutic implications. In the present issue of Circulation Research , Verheule et al take advantage of a unique transgenic mouse model to address this issue.4 Interstitial fibrosis has been associated with AF since at least the 1960s.5 Recent studies have demonstrated an association between atrial fibrous-tissue content, …
Mitochondrial activity regulates myoblast differentiation by control of c‐Myc expression

We have previously shown that mitochondrial activity is an important regulator of myoblast differentiation, partly through processes targeting myogenin expression. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of c‐myc in these processes. Inhibition of mitochondrial activity by chloramphenicol abrogated the decrease in c‐myc mRNA and protein levels occurring at the onset of terminal differentiation. Conversely, stimulation of mitochondrial activity by overexpression of the T3 mitochondrial receptor (p43) down‐regulated c‐myc expression. In addition, c‐myc overexpression mimicked the influence of mitochondrial activity inhibition on myoblast differentiation. Moreover, like chloramphenicol, c‐myc overexpression strongly inhibited the myogenic influence of p43 overexpression. These data suggest that c‐Myc is an important target of mitochondrial activity involved in the myogenic influence of the organelle. Lastly, we found that chloramphenicol influence is negatively related to the frequency of post‐mitotic myoblasts in the culture at the onset of treatment, and cell cycle analyses demonstrated that the frequency of myoblasts in G0–G1 phase at cell confluence is increased by p43 overexpression and decreased by chloramphenicol or c‐myc overexpression. These results suggest that irreversible myoblast withdrawal from the cell cycle is a target of mitochondrial activity by control of c‐Myc expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 75–86, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the supergain of electrically small antennas using metamaterials

Uzkov's determination of the maximum possible directivity (N2) of N isotropic acoustic radiators is generalized to antenna elements with the radiation patterns of crossed electric and magnetic dipoles (Huygens sources). In particular, it is shown that resonant Huygens-source elements forming an electrically small two-element parasitic (Yagi-like) array can, in principle, have a free-space gain as high as 9 dB. Two possible realizations of electrically small resonant Huygens sources are discussed: one modeled after an existing resonant miniature antenna, and a second consisting of resonant magnetodielectric spheroids.
Snake Venom PLA2, a Promising Target for Broad-Spectrum Antivenom Drug Development

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected global health problem, causing substantial mortality, disability, and psychological morbidity, especially in rural tropical and subtropical zones. Antivenin is currently the only specific medicine for envenomation. However, it is restricted by cold storage, snakebite diagnosis, and high price. Snake venom phospholipase A2s (svPLA2s) are found in all kinds of venomous snake families (e.g., Viperidae, Elapidae, and Colubridae). Along with their catalytic activity, svPLA2s elicit a wide variety of pharmacological effects that play a pivotal role in envenomation damage. Hence, neutralization of the svPLA2s could weaken or inhibit toxic damage. Here we overviewed the latest knowledge on the distribution, pathophysiological effects, and inhibitors of svPLA2s to elucidate the potential for a novel, wide spectrum antivenom drug targeting svPLA2s.
CRB1 mutations may result in retinitis pigmentosa without para-arteriolar RPE preservation

Purpose: To report a new phenotype in retinitis pigmenotosa (RP) patients with CRB1 mutations at the RP12 locus. Patients: Thirty-seven patients from two Pakistani families with severe retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: Samples were screened with single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by DNA sequencing of the coding sequence of the CRB1 gene. Results: Two novel CRB1 mutations were discovered. No patients had evidence of preservation of the para-arteriolar retinal pigment epithelium (PPRPE) that has been previously reported in all cases of RP associated with CRB1 mutations. Conclusions: Patients with severe autosomal recessive (or simplex) RP who lack the finding of PPRPE should not be excluded from molecular analysis of CRB1 purely because they lack the clinical feature of PPRPE. This report illustrates that RP at the RP12 locus is not clinically uniform. The absence of PPRPE cannot be used to exclude CRB1 as a potential molecular explanation for RP.
Cell-Mediated Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii Develops Primarily by Local Th1 Host Immune Responses in the Absence of Parasite Replication1

A single inoculation of mice with the live, attenuated Toxoplasma gondii uracil auxotroph strain cps1-1 induces long-lasting immunity against lethal challenge with hypervirulent strain RH. The mechanism for this robust immunity in the absence of parasite replication has not been addressed. The mechanism of long-lasting immunity, the importance of route of immunization, cellular recruitment to the site of infection, and local and systemic inflammation were evaluated. Our results show that infection with cps1-1 elicits long-lasting CD8+ T cell- mediated immunity. We show that immunization with cps1-1-infected dendritic cells elicits long-lasting immunity. Intraperitoneal infection with cps1-1 induced a rapid influx of GR1+ neutrophils and two stages of GR1+CD68+ inflammatory monocyte infiltration into the site of inoculation. CD19+ B cells and CD3+ T cells steadily increase for 8 days after infection. CD8+ T cells were rapidly recruited to the site of infection and increased faster than CD4+ T cells. Surprisingly, cps1-1 infection induced high systemic levels of bioactive IL-12p70 and a very low level and transient systemic IFN-γ. Furthermore, we show significant levels of these inflammatory cytokines were locally produced at the site of cps1-1 inoculation. These findings offer new insight into immunological mechanisms and local host responses to a non-replicating type I parasite infection associated with development of long-lasting immunity to Toxoplasma gondii.
Significance of Subjective Memory Complaints in the Clinical Setting

Objective: The clinical significance of subjective memory complaints in the elderly participants, particularly regarding liability of subsequent progression to dementia, has been controversial. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that severity or type of subjective memory complaints reported by patients in a clinical setting may predict future conversion to dementia. Methods: A cohort of nondemented patients with cognitive complaints, followed up for at least 2 years or until conversion to dementia, underwent a neuropsychological evaluation and detailed assessment of memory difficulties with the Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC) Scale. Results: At baseline, patients who converted to dementia (36.8%) had less years of formal education and generally a worse performance in the neuropsychological assessment. There were no differences in the total SMC score between nonconverters (9.5 ± 4.2) and converters (8.9 ± 4.0, a nonsignificant difference), but nonconverters scored higher in several items of the scale. Conclusion: For patients with cognitive complaints observed in a memory clinic setting, the severity of subjective memory complaints is not useful to predict future conversion to dementia.
Covalently linked wall proteins in ascomycetous fungi

The covalently linked wall proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans and to a lesser extent of Candida glabrata have been extensively studied. Here we describe some of their main structural features and discuss their conservation in other ascomycetous fungi. We also discuss the hybrid nature of many wall proteins and the frequent occurrence of families of wall proteins with a common multi‐domain structure. Finally, some quantitative data regarding wall proteins are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Schizophrenia Syndrome: Examples of Biological Tools for Subclassification

Six biological variables—platelet monoamine oxidase activity, urine phenylethylamine concentration, brain norepinephrine concentration, abnormalities on computerized tomography, lateralization asymmetries, and the presence or absence of tardive dyskinesia—are used to discriminate possible biological groups of schizophrenic patients. All variables successfully subclassify patients, some into divisions consistent with phenomological, psychosocial, or biochemical descriptions or hypotheses of schizophrenia. None of the measures, however, has sufficiently stood the test of time to be of clinical utility.
Do We Need EEGs after Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery, and how Many?

Commentary Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis tends to be drug resistant but usually has excellent outcome with epilepsy surgery. Despite the excellent prognosis overall, a substantial proportion of patients are not seizure-free after surgery, and it is important to identify these patients before surgery, if possible. The few studies that have investigated outcome predictors for this specific patient group have found different predictors for short-term and long-term outcomes (1, 2). For example, secondarily generalized seizures and ictal dystonia were unfavorable predictors of outcome at 2 years, whereas longer epilepsy duration predicted surgical failure 5 years postoperatively (1). Preoperative factors are the most valuable for counseling patients so they could decide whether to proceed with surgery. However, postoperative predictors may be useful once surgery has taken place and may help guide patients with respect to actions/ activities that could increase the risk of seizure recurrence, such as antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal. Postoperative tests that have been investigated include postoperative electrocorticography, postoperative MRI, and postoperative EEG. In mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, postoperative electrocorticography has generally been unhelpful when recording from the lateral temporal cortex; however, there is a suggestion that recording from the stump of the hippocampus could be useful (3). The postoperative MRI is helpful for lesional epilepsy; if the lesion has been incompletely removed, there is a greater chance of seizure recurrence after surgery than if the lesion has been removed in its entirety. The postoperative test most often studied is a routine EEG, usually a single EEG recording. With a few exceptions, most studies have found the postoperative EEG to be useful in predicting outcome. In a meta-analysis of published studies (and two unpublished data sets), the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges predicted an unfavorable seizure outcome, with an odds ratio of 2.5 for the subgroup of patients who underwent temporal resection (4). The featured study of Rathore and colleagues specifically evaluated the predictive value of serial postoperative EEGs in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis followed for at least 5 years after surgery. The authors found that four postoperative EEGs were better than a single EEG at predicting postoperative seizure outcome in this patient group. Interestingly, postoperative EEGs were better at predicting seizure outcome for the last year of follow-up than in the entire follow-up period. Another study in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis found that preoperative variables were Prognostic Importance of Serial Postoperative EEGs After Anterior Temporal Lobectomy.
Indomethacin-sensitive CO2 reactivity of cerebral arterioles is restored by vasodilator prostaglandin.

To investigate the role of vasodilator prostanoids in the CO2-induced relaxation of cerebral arterioles, the present study examined the effect of exogenous prostaglandin (PG) E2 and nonprostanoid vasodilators, adenosine and sodium nitroprusside, on the indomethacin-impaired pial arteriolar response to CO2 in newborn piglets. Reactivity of pial arterioles (52-131 microns diam) was determined using a closed cranial window with intravital microscopy. Cortical prostanoid synthesis was assessed by analyzing for select prostanoids in cerebrospinal fluid sampled from under the cranial window. Inhalation of 7% CO2 caused an elevation of cortical 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane (Tx) B2 and increased pial arteriolar diameter by 34 +/- 5%. Two cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) and ibuprofen (30 mg/kg i.v.), abolished the CO2-induced elevation of cortical prostanoids. Indomethacin, but not ibuprofen, blocked the CO2-induced increase in pial arteriolar diameter. The indomethacin-impaired vasodilator response to CO2 was restored when PGE2 (0.1-1 microM) was applied topically to the cortical surface. Adenosine (1-100 microM) and sodium nitroprusside (0.5 microM) only partially restored the vasodilator response to CO2. The data suggest that vasodilator prostanoids facilitate cerebrovascular relaxation to CO2 and may play a permissive role in the relaxation response of vascular smooth muscle. The fact that adenosine (adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-mediated dilator) and sodium nitroprusside (guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-mediated dilator), were partially effective suggests a role for those intracellular signaling pathways. We speculate that receptor activation of intracellular pathways may alter Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus in such a way that the relaxation response to CO2 can occur. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Arthroscopic validation of radiographic minimum joint space width associated with the subchondral bone exposure in symptomatic hip dysplasia

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the minimum joint space width (MJSW) that leads to subchondral bone exposure (SBE) in patients with hip dysplasia. Methods: We included 82 subjects (86 hips) who had hip dysplasia with center-edge angle less than 20° and who underwent periacetabular osteotomy combined with hip arthroscopy. The acetabular and femoral cartilages were divided into three regions: anterosuperior, superior, and posterosuperior; for each region, we analyzed the correlation between the incidence of SBE and the MJSW measured on plain radiographs. The disease stage was defined according to the Kellgren and Lawrence grades (KL grade). Results: SBE was found in 51 hips (59.3%) in total, involved the acetabulum in 49 hips (57.0%), and involved the femoral head in 26 hips (30.2%). SBE was more frequent in the acetabulum, with the highest incidence in the anterosuperior region, followed by the superior region. SBE was present in six hips (22.2%), 17 hips (56.7%), and 28 hips (96.5%), at KL-1, KL-2, and KL-3, respectively. MJSW of hips with SBE was significantly smaller than those without SBE (2.3 vs 4.0 mm, p < 0.001), and the cut-off value for MJSW that led to SBE was 3.7 mm (sensitivity: 0.902, 1 – specificity: 0.343). SBE was present in 23.3% in patients with MJSW ≥3.7 mm, whereas 76.7% in those <3.7 mm. Conclusions: Cartilage degeneration is more advanced than would be predicted on plain radiographs. The cut-off value of MJSW for SBE was 3.7 mm in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia.