Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-dose radiation-induced hormetic effect on hematopoietic reconstitution

Purpose: To investigate the effects on hematopoietic reconstitution of recipient mice receiving bone marrow cells (BMC) of donor pre-exposed to low-dose radiation (LDR). Materials and methods: BMC were irradiated in vitro at various low-dose X-rays radiation. Tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation was adopted to measure the proliferation of the BMC in vitro, and then the optimal radiation doses were selected for further study in vivo. Irradiated recipient mice (7.5 Gy) were infused by BMC exposed to 6 and 8 cGy. The counts of recipients' peripheral blood cells (PBC) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) were monitored at the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 30th day after BMC infusion. The colony-forming units in the recipient spleens (CFU-S) were calculated at the 10th day after infusion. Results: Exposed to 6 and 8 cGy, BMC demonstrated significant proliferative activities in vitro. When the recipient mice receiving BMC pre-exposed to low dose radiation (6 and 8 cGy), the counts of white blood cell (WBC), BMMNC and CFU-S were consistently higher than those in control. Conclusions: BMC of donor irradiated by LDR in vitro may facilitate the hematopoietic reconstitution of the recipient mice.
Taux de change réel d'équilibre et politique de change au Maroc : une approche non paramétrique

Une estimation non parametrique du taux de change reel effectif d'equilibre de long terme du dirham vis-a-vis de l'Union europeenne a Quinze a ete realisee sur la periode 1967-2000 (donnees trimestrielles), en retenant les fondamentaux suivants : les termes de l'echange externes ; le taux d'ouverture de l'economie ; le ratio des depenses publiques (en pourcentage du PIB) et le ratio entre la balance commerciale et le PIB. Ce travail a permis de mettre en evidence des phases distinctes de sur/sous-evaluation du dirham. Ces mesalignements sont globalement coherents avec ce que peuvent donner d'autres etudes, avec des modeles theoriques differents. Par ailleurs, l'utilisation des methodes non parametriques et non lineaires permet de mieux apprecier l'evaluation du taux de change effectif reel en fonction des fondamentaux de l'economie.
Resolving Uncertainty About the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale–12: Application of Modern Psychometric Strategies

abstract In this study, we evaluated the factor structure, reliability estimates, item parameters, and differential correlates of the short form of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (Carleton, Norton, & Asmundson, 2007) in samples of undergraduate women (n = 387) and men (n = 276) ranging in age from 18 to 49 years (M = 20.20, SD = 3.91). This instrument was designed to measure 2 facets of intolerance of uncertainty—prospective anxiety and inhibitory anxiety—although total scores on the measure are often used. A major objective of this study was to determine the degree to which derivation of total versus subscale scores is empirically permissible. Comparison of a bifactor model to a unidimensional model and a 2-factor correlated traits model indicated that the bifactor model exhibited superior fit to the sample data. This model provided evidence of a strong general intolerance of uncertainty factor that was more reliable and accounted for significantly more common variance than either subscale factor. Examination of the item response theory slope parameters revealed negligible bias in the measure's items across genders. Finally, a series of simultaneous regression analyses was conducted to examine differential correlates of the measure's total scale scores for men and women.
Experimental validation of the first 1-MA water-insulated MYKONOS LTD voltage adder

The LTD technological approach can result in very compact devices that can deliver fast, high current and high voltage pulses straight out of the cavity without any complicated pulse forming and pulse-compression network. Through multistage inductively insulated voltage adders, the output pulse, increased in voltage amplitude, can be applied directly to the load. Because the output pulse rise time and width can be easily tailored (pulse shaped) to the specific application needs, the load may be a vacuum electron diode, a z-pinch wire array, a gas puff, a liner, an isentropic compression load (ICE) to study material behavior under very high magnetic fields, or a fusion energy (IFE) target. Ten 1-MA LTD cavities were originally designed and built to run in a vacuum or Magnetic Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) voltage adder configuration and, after successful operation in this mode, were modified and made capable to operate assembled in a de-ionized water insulated voltage adder. Special care has been taken to de-aerate the water and eliminate air bubbles. Our motivation is to test the advantages of water insulation compared to the MITL transmission approach. The desired effect is that the vacuum sheath electron current losses and pulse front erosion would be avoided without any new difficulties caused by the de-ionized water insulator. Presently, we have assembled and are testing a two-cavity, water insulated voltage adder with a liquid resistor load. Experimental results of up to 95kV capacitor charging are presented and compared with circuit code simulations.
Psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale in a sample of German dementia patients and their caregivers

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric characteristics of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in a sample of dementia patients and their spousal caregivers. Methods: We investigated the reliability and validity of the 14-item PSS in a sample of 80 couples, each including one spouse who had been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia (mean age 75.55, SD = 5.85, 38.7% female) and one spousal caregiver (mean age 73.06, SD = 6.75, 61.3% female). We also examined the factor structure and sensitivity of the scale with regard to gender differences. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of the PSS revealed a two-factor solution for the scale; the first factor reflected general stress while the second factor consisted of items reflecting the perceived ability to cope with stressors. A confirmatory factor analysis verified that the data were a better fit for the two-factor model than a one-factor model. The two factors of the PSS showed good reliability for patients as well as for caregivers ranging between α = 0.73 and α = 0.82. Perceived stress was significantly positively correlated with depressive symptomatology in both caregivers and patients. Mean PSS scores did not significantly differ between male and female patients nor did they differ between male and female caregivers. Conclusion: The present data indicate that the PSS provides a reliable and valid measure of perceived stress in dementia patients and their caregivers.
Influence of ventilatory settings on exhaled nitric oxide during high frequency oscillatory ventilation

Nitric oxide (NO), which is produced in the lower airways, diffuses from cells into the air space and can be measured in exhaled air. The influence of high frequency oscillatory ventilation on the production of exhaled NO (eNO) has not been thoroughly studied. The objectives of this study are to establish an animal model for evaluation of lower airway NO and to evaluate settings in terms of frequency, mean airway pressure (MAP), amplitude pressure (amplitude), and inspiratory time ratio (tI/tE) during high frequency oscillatory ventilation on the production of eNO. An observational animal study was performed on 12 female New Zealand White rabbits, which were anesthetized, tracheotomized and ventilated using a SensorMedics 3100A HFOV ventilator (SM3100A). The concentration of NO in exhaled gas was measured by chemiluminescence continuously from the nose and the side hole of the adaptor of endotracheal tube. The individual effects of the respiratory settings were evaluated. The results were analyzed by paired t‐test or by the generalized estimating equation method. We found that the lower airway was the main source of the eNO, that amplitude, MAP, and tI/tE were positively correlated with the level of eNO and that frequency was negatively correlated with the level of eNO. These findings fit the stretch theory for the production of endogenous NO. Monitoring of eNO during HFOV may provide insights into lung mechanics and ventilation efficiency and be used in the future as a guide during clinical practice. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:800–805. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Channel-forming Protein Proaerolysin Remains a Dimer at Low Concentrations in Solution*

Proaerolysin, the proform of the channel-forming protein aerolysin, is secreted as a dimer by Aeromonas sp. The protein also exists as a dimer in the crystal, as well as in solution, at least at concentrations in the region of 500 μg/ml. Recently it has been argued that proaerolysin becomes monomeric at concentrations below 100 μg/ml and that only the monomeric form of the protoxin can bind to cell surface receptors (Fivaz, M., Velluz, M.-C., and van der Goot, F. G. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 37705–37708). Here we show, using non-denaturing polyacrylamide electrophoresis, chemical cross-linking, and analytical ultracentrifugation, that proaerolysin remains dimeric at the lowest concentrations of the protein that we measured (less than 5 μg/ml) and that the dimeric protoxin is quite capable of receptor binding.
Anatomy of the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve and indications for interfascial dissection.

INTRODUCTION Many studies have been conducted of the surgical anatomy of the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve (FTBFN). However, very few have addressed the indications for interfascial dissection. When the zygomatic arch needs to be exposed, the interfascial approach is recommended to protect the FTBFN. With the transbasal or subfrontal approaches, however, when a bicoronal skin incision is used, the need for the interfascial approach is not clear. METHODS We studied 10 temporal regions (5 cadaveric heads). We dissected the recognized fascial layers of the temporal region and the FTBFN. We performed a histological study in a sixth specimen. RESULTS We observed the following. 1) The galea and the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia become fused in a curved line from the lateral orbital border 2.8 cm above the zygomatic arch to a point 3 cm posterior to the inferolateral angle of the orbit. 2) After this transitional area of adherence, the subgaleal loose cellular layer is lost and is replaced by a fibrofatty tissue. 3) The FTBFN in its course above the zygomatic arch runs in this tissue layer without being protected by the galea. 4) Over the superolateral angle of the orbital rim, the galea protects FTBFN, and there are no subgaleal adhesions in that area. CONCLUSION Ahove the zygomatic arch, the FTBFN is not protected by the galea. During bicoronal approaches, if only the superolateral angle of the orbital rim needs to be exposed and not the zygomatic arch, there is no need to protect the FTBFN using an interfascial approach.
Cutting Edge: Caspase-1 Independent IL-1β Production Is Critical for Host Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Does Not Require TLR Signaling In Vivo

To investigate the respective contributions of TLR versus IL-1R mediated signals in MyD88 dependent control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we compared the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection in MyD88, TRIF/MyD88, IL-1R1, and IL-1β–deficient mice. All four strains displayed acute mortality with highly increased pulmonary bacterial burden suggesting a major role for IL-1β signaling in determining the MyD88 dependent phenotype. Unexpectedly, the infected MyD88 and TRIF/MyD88-deficient mice, rather than being defective in IL-1β expression, displayed increased cytokine levels relative to wild-type animals. Similarly, infected mice deficient in caspase-1 and ASC, which have critical functions in inflammasome-mediated IL-1β maturation, showed unimpaired IL-1β production and importantly, were considerably less susceptible to infection than IL-1β deficient mice. Together our findings reveal a major role for IL-1β in host resistance to M. tuberculosis and indicate that during this infection the cytokine can be generated by a mechanism that does not require TLR signaling or caspase-1.
Dominant influence of an HLA‐B27 restricted CD8+ T cell response in mediating HCV clearance and evolution

Virus‐specific CD8+ T cell responses play an important role in the natural course of infection; however, the impact of certain CD8+ T cell responses in determining clinical outcome has not been fully defined. A well‐defined cohort of women inoculated with HCV from a single source showed that HLA‐B27 has a strong association with spontaneous clearance. The immunological basis for this association is unknown. However, the finding is especially significant because HLA‐B27 has also been shown to have a protective role in HIV infection. We report the identification of an HLA‐B27 restricted hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐specific CD8+ T cell epitope that is recognized in the majority of recovered HLA‐B27 positive women. In chronically HCV‐infected individuals, analysis of the corresponding viral sequence showed a strong association between sequence variations within this epitope and expression of HLA‐B27, indicating allele‐specific selection pressure at the population level. Functional analysis in 3 chronically HCV‐infected patients showed that the emerging variant viral epitopes represent escape mutations. In conclusion, our results suggest a dominant role of HLA‐B27 in mediating spontaneous viral clearance as well as viral evolution in HCV infection and mechanistically link both associations to a dominant novel CD8+ T cell epitope. These results support the central role of virus‐specific CD8+ T cells and the genetically determined restriction of the virus‐specific T cell repertoire in HCV infection. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:563–572.)
Sequential analysis of biochemical markers of bone resorption and bone densitometry in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Bone lesions often occur in multiple myeloma (MM), but no tests have proven useful in identifying patients with increased risk. Bone marker assays and bone densitometry are non-invasive methods that can be used repeatedly at low cost. This study was performed to evaluate these methods in predicting bone events in MM patients. DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty newly diagnosed MM patients were enrolled. Serum C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) and urinary N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) of collagen I were measured for assessment of bone resorption, and serum C-terminal (PICP) and N-terminal (PINP) propeptides of procollagen I, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were measured to estimate bone formation. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, hip, and whole body. Serum and urine samples were collected every 6 weeks, DEXA-scans performed every 3 months, and skeletal radiographs were done every 6 months as well as when indicated. RESULTS Serum ICTP and urinary NTx were predictive of progressive bone events. Markers of bone formation, bone mineral density assessments, and M component measurements were less informative. In Cox analysis, ICTP showed the highest predictive value, but should be replaced with NTx in patients with nephropathy. Pretreatment low lumbar BMD was predictive of early vertebral fractures. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Sequential DEXA-scans showed heterogeneous local BMD changes, and our data do not support routine use of sequential DEXA-scans. However, lumbar DEXA-scans at diagnosis can identify patients with increased risk of early vertebral collapses. Sequential analyses of serum ICTP and urinary NTx are useful for monitoring bone damage.
Frequencies of complex chromosome exchange aberrations induced by 238Pu alpha-particles and detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization using single chromosome-specific probes.

We undertook an analysis of chromosome-type exchange aberrations induced by alpha-particles using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole chromosome-specific probes for human chromosomes 1 or 4, together with a pan-centromeric probe. Contact-inhibited primary human fibroblasts (in G1) were irradiated with 0.41-1.00 Gy 238Pu alpha-particles and aberrations were analysed at the next mitosis following a single chromosome paint. Exchange and aberration painting patterns were classified according to Savage and Simpson (1994a). Of exchange aberrations, 38-47% were found to be complex derived, i.e. resulting from three or more breaks in two or more chromosomes, and the variation with dose was minimal. The class of complex aberrations most frequently observed were insertions, derived from a minimum of three breaks in two chromosomes. There was also an elevated frequency of rings. The high level of complex aberrations observed after alpha-particle irradiation indicates that, when chromosome domains are traversed by high linear energy transfer alpha-particle tracks, there is an enhanced probability of production of multiple localized double-strand breaks leading to more complicated interactions.
Impact of Mold Infections in Explanted Lungs on Outcomes of Lung Transplantation

Introduction. Little is known about the incidence or significance of mold infections in the explanted lungs of lung transplant recipients. Method. We reviewed the histopathology of the explanted lungs from 304 patients who underwent lung transplantation at our institution from 2005 to 2007 and received alemtuzumab induction therapy and posttransplant voriconazole prophylaxis. Results. Invasive mold infections were present in the explanted lungs of 5% (14 of 304) of patients, including chronic necrotizing pneumonias (n=7), mycetomas (n=4), and invasive fungal pneumonias (n=3). Only 21% (3 of 14) received immunosuppressive therapy within 1 year before lung transplantation, suggesting that lung damage itself predisposed patients to mold infections. The risk of mold infection was higher in patients with cystic fibrosis (11%, 4 of 35) than other underlying lung diseases (4%, 10 of 269). Pulmonary mold infections were not diagnosed or suspected in 57% (8 of 14) of patients. Despite secondary voriconazole prophylaxis, fungal infections developed in 43% (6 of 14) of patients with mold infections of the explanted lungs compared with 14% (42 of 290) of patients without mold infections (P=0.01). Three patients developed invasive fungal infections while on voriconazole prophylaxis and three developed fungal infections more than 8 months after the discontinuation of voriconazole. The mortality attributable to invasive fungal infections among patients with mold infections of the explanted lungs was 29% (4 of 14). Conclusion. Invasive mold infections in the explanted lungs are often not recognized before lung transplantation and are associated with poor outcomes.
Studies on the Site and Mechanism of Attachment of Phosphorylcholine to a Filarial Nematode Secreted Glycoprotein*

We have recently shown that the immunomodulatory substance phosphorylcholine (PC) is covalently attached to ES-62, a major secreted protein of the filarial nematode parasite Acanthocheilonema viteae, via an N-linked glycan. Linkage of PC to N-glycans is previously unreported, and hence we have investigated the biochemical events underlying it. PC addition was found by pulse-chase experiments to be a fairly early event during intracellular transport, occurring within 40-60 min of protein synthesis. Biosynthetic labeling/immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that addition of PC to ES-62 was blocked by (i) brefeldin A, an inhibitor of trafficking of newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi, (ii) 1-deoxynorijirimycin, an inhibitor of glucosidase activity in the ER, and (iii) 1-deoxymannojirimycin, an inhibitor of mannosidase I in the cis Golgi. Swainsonine, an inhibitor of mannosidase II in the medial Golgi, did not affect PC addition. Taken together these data indicate that PC attachment is a post-ER event which is dependent on generation of an appropriate substrate during oligosaccharide processing. Furthermore, they strongly suggest that PC addition takes place in the medial Golgi and that the substrate for addition is the 3-linked branch of Man5GlcNAc3 or Man3GLcNAc3.
Infectivity of Asymptomatic Plasmodium-Infected Human Populations to Anopheles dirus Mosquitoes in Western Thailand

Abstract The infectivity of Plasmodium-infected humans in western Thailand was estimated by feeding laboratory-reared Anopheles dirus Peyton and Harrison mosquitoes on venous blood placed in a membrane-feeding apparatus. Between May 2000 and November 2001, a total of 6,494 blood films collected during an active malaria surveillance program were checked by microscopy for the presence of Plasmodium parasites: 3.3, 4.5, and 0.1% of slides were P. falciparum- (Pf), P. vivax- (Pv), and P. malariae (Pm)-positive. Venous blood was collected from 70, 52, 6, and 4 individuals infected with Pf, Pv, Pm, and mixed Pf/Pv, respectively, with 167 uninfected individuals serving as negative controls. Only 10% (7/70), 13% (7/52), and 0% (0/6) of membrane feeds conducted on Pf-, Pv-, and Pm-infected blood yielded infected mosquitoes. One percent (2/167) of microscope-negative samples infected mosquitoes; however, both samples were subsequently determined to be Pf-positive by polymerase chain reaction. Gametocytes were observed in only 29% (4/14) of the infectious samples. All infections resulted in low oocyst loads (average of 1.2 oocysts per positive mosquito). Only 4.5% (10/222) of mosquitoes fed on the seven infectious Pf samples developed oocysts, whereas 2.9% (9/311) of mosquitoes fed on the seven infectious Pv samples developed oocysts. The probability of a mosquito becoming infected with Pf or Pv after a blood meal on a member of the human population in Kong Mong Tha was estimated to be 1 in 6,700 and 1 in 5,700, respectively. The implications toward malaria transmission in western Thailand are discussed.
Does Increased Hedging Lead to Decreased Price Efficiency? The Case of VIX Etps and VIX Futures

We examine the impact of the introduction of VIX exchange&#8208;traded products (ETPs) on the information content and pricing efficiency of VIX futures. We document that trades in VIX futures have become less informative and that pricing errors exhibit more persistence after the introduction of VIX ETPs. In addition, we observe that the price process of the VIX futures has become noisier over time. These findings suggest that the introduction of the VIX ETPs had a prominent effect on the properties and dynamics of the VIX futures.