Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visualizing the podocyte with multiphoton microscopy

The podocyte is a highly specialized kidney glomerular epithelial cell that plays an essential role in glomerular filtration and is believed to be the target of numerous glomerular diseases leading to proteinuria. Despite the leaps in our understanding of podocyte biology, new methodologies are needed to facilitate research into the cell. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was used to image the nephrin knockout/green fluorescent protein (GFP) knock-in heterozygote (Nphs1 tm1Rkl /J) mouse. The nephrin promoter restricts GFP expression to the podocytes that fluoresce green under excitation. From the exterior of an intact kidney, MPM can peer into the renal parenchyma and visualize the podocytes that outline the globular shape of the glomeruli. Details as fine as the podocyte’s secondary processes can be resolved. In contrast, podocytes exhibit no fluorescence in the wildtype mouse and are invisible to MPM. Phenotypically, there are no significant differences between wildtype and Nphs1 tm1Rkl /J mice in body weight, urinary albumin excretion, creatinine clearance, or glomerular depth. Interestingly, the glomeruli are closer to the kidney capsule in female mice, making the gender the preferred choice for MPM. For the first time, green fluorescent podocytes in a mouse model free of confounding phenotypes can be visualized unequivocally and in the “positive” by MPM, facilitating intravital studies of the podocyte.
Inactivation of cystathionine β -synthase with peroxynitrite

Cystathionine β -synthase (CBS) is a homocysteine metabolizing enzyme that contains pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and a six-coordinate heme cofactor of unknown function. CBS was inactivated by peroxynitrite, the product of nitric oxide and superoxide radicals. The IC 50 was ~150 μ M for 5 μ M ferric CBS. Stopped-flow kinetics and competition experiments showed a direct reaction with a second-order rate constant of (2.4–5.0) × 10 4 M − 1 s − 1 (pH 7.4, 37 °C). The radicals derived from peroxynitrite, nitrogen dioxide and carbonate radical, also inactivated CBS. Exposure to peroxynitrite did not modify bound PLP but led to nitration of Trp208, Trp43 and Tyr223 and alterations in the heme environment including loss of thiolate coordination, conversion to high spin and bleaching, with no detectable formation of oxo-ferryl compounds nor promotion of one-electron processes. This study demonstrates the susceptibility of CBS to reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, with potential relevance to hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for
Autonomous Mathematical Reconstruction of Polyethylene Tibial Inserts to Measure Low Wear Volumes

Wear of the polyethylene tibial component is a major factor in the success of total knee replacements. However, sampling resolution and the challenges of estimating original surfaces with relatively complex articulating geometries have limited the accuracy of volumetric measurements of wear on surgically retrieved inserts. A mathematical model analyzed volume error due to sampling resolution and found that 100x100 μ m point spacing reduced error below 1 mm 3 . Small volumes of material were progressively removed from the topside of three unworn tibial inserts, after which each component was weighed and digitized with a laser coordinate measuring machine. Six inserts worn in knee simulator tests and nine surgically retrieved inserts visually scored for damage were also digitized. For these tests, the original surface of an insert was mathematically reconstructed from unworn regions of the same component, and volume loss and its spatial distribution were calculated. Volume loss estimated by autonomous reconstruction correlated strongly to mass removed manually (R 2 =0.954, slope = 1.02±0.04 mm 3 /mm 3 ), mass lost during simulator testing (R 2 =0.935, slope = 1.01±0.07 mm 3 /mm 3 ) and visual damage scores separated by size (R 2large =0.9824, R 2small =0.9728). These results suggest that an autonomous mathematical reconstruction can be used to effectively measure volume loss in retrieved tibial inserts.
Computed Tomography of the Spine and Spinal

While this technique cannot; in general, distinguish acute from old myocardial infarction, it can be very useful in making the diagnosis of noncardiac chest pain in a patient with symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction. Thallium scintigraphy has also been found useful in the assessment of a coronary artery stenosis visualized on coronary angiography but which may be of equivocal hemodynamic significance. In this setting, a stress-ihduced reversible defect in the distribution of the artery in question is certain evidence that the lesion is physiologically significant. While a negative test finding does not rule out physiological significance of a coronary lesion, it does decrease the likelihood that significant stress-induced ischemia is occurring with similar levels of stress. Many experts believe that thallium 201 scintigrams are among the most difficult images in nuclear medicine to interpret competently and consistently. Thus, this procedure is recommended only at those centers where suitable instrumentation and experienced practitioners allow for the strictest standards of quality control.
A New Hypervariable Marker for the Human a-Globin Gene Cluster

Summary We have located a highly polymorphic region of DNA approximately 100 kb upstream of the human a-globin genes (the a-globin 5' hypervariable region; 5'HVR). The element responsible is a minisatellite sequence comprising a variable copy number tandem repeat array of a G/C-rich 57-bp sequence. This increases the number of minisatellite elements in the vicinity of the a-globin genes to five, all of which share a region of sequence identity, thus raising questions concerning the distribution and origins of such tandem repeat sequences. The 5'HVR is highly polymorphic and, together with other hypervariable regions at this locus, provides a valuable genetic marker on the short arm of chromosome 16.
4D CT-based Treatment Planning for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Proton Therapy for Distal Esophagus Cancer

Purpose— To compare three-dimensional (3D) and 4D computed tomography (CT)– based treatment plans for proton therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for esophageal cancer in terms of doses to the lung, heart, and spinal cord and variations in target coverage and normal tissue sparing. Materials and Methods— IMRT and proton plans for 15 patients with distal esophageal cancer were designed from the 3D average CT scans and then recalculated on 10 4D CT data sets. Dosimetric data were compared for tumor coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results— Compared with IMRT, median lung volumes exposed to 5,10, and 20 Gy and mean lung dose were reduced by 35.6%, 20.5%,5.8%, and 5.1 Gy for a two-beam proton plan and by 17.4%, 8.4%,5%, and 2.9 Gy for a three-beam proton plan. The greater lung sparing in the two-beam proton plan was achieved at the expense of less conformity to the target (conformity index CI=1.99) and greater irradiation of the heart (heart-V40=41.8%)
nocivo tóxico

Con el fin de conocer las especies de fitoplancton nocivo y tóxico presentes en las aguas de lastre de los buques que arriban al puerto de Santa Marta, se realizaron muestreos en 33 buques durante los meses de enero-septiembre de 2006. En total se registraron 26 especies, de las cuales 23 son nocivas y 3 son tóxicas. Asimismo, se determinó que gran parte de éstas provienen del continente americano, seguido por el continente europeo y otras regiones. La mayoría de las especies encontradas en las aguas de lastre para este estudio, han estado presentes en la región de Santa Marta; sin embargo, algunas especies nocivas como Leptocylindrus cf. minimus , Chaetoceros concavicornis , Chaetoceros debilis , Odontella aurita y tóxicas como Prorocentrum cf. balticum, han sido potencialmente introducidas a la región. Los lugares de procedencia cercanos pueden estar contribuyendo al incremento de las tasas de sobrevivencia de estas especies. Palabras claves : lastre, harmful and samplings 33 ballast of the species found in ballast waters for this study, has been present in the region of Santa Marta. Nevertheless, are some harmful species like Leptocylindrus cf. minimus , Chaetoceros concavicornis , Chaetoceros debilis , Odontella aurita and toxic like Prorocentrum cf. balticum , which are potentially being introduced to the region. The near places of origin can be contributing to the increase of the rates of survival of these species.
Struktur pasaran, gelagat firma dan produktiviti: kajian empirik firma insurans am di Malaysia

Kertas ini mengkaji secara empirik faktor penentu keberuntungan dan produktiviti firma insurans am di Malaysia. Model struktur berasaskan teori Structure Conduct and Performance (SCP) telah digunakan untuk menganggar dua fungsi utama iaitu fungsi keberuntungan dan fungsi produktiviti. Kajian menggunakan data panel bagi tempoh 40 tahun yang melibatkan 50 buah syarikat insurans untuk penganggaran model penentu keberuntungan dan produktiviti firma insurans dengan menggunakan kaedah Kuasa Dua Terkecil Dua Peringkat (2SLS). Empat hipotesis telah diuji iaitu hipotesis SCP, hipotesis Relative Market Power (RMP), hipotesis Efficient-Structure (ES) dan hipotesis Market-Power (MP). Dapatan kajian menunjukkan fungsi keuntungan firma insurans am mempunyai hubungan yang positif dan signifikan dengan pendapatan premium, pulangan atas pelaburan dan pusing ganti aset tetap. Syer pasaran, pusing ganti jumlah aset dan harga insurans pula mempunyai hubungan yang negatif dengan fungsi keuntungan firma insurans am. Dalam fungsi produktiviti firma, terdapat hubungan positif yang signifikan antara pulangan atas aset, produktiviti pengurusan, syer pasaran, komisen agen dan pusing ganti aset tetap dengan fungsi produktiviti firma insurans am. Sementara itu, pemboleh ubah pusing ganti jumlah aset, pulangan atas pelaburan, produktiviti buruh dan harga insurans pula mempunyai hubungan negatif dengan fungsi produktiviti firma insurans am.
Medicaid and Welfare Reform Welfare Reform and Health Insurance of Immigrants

Objective. To investigate the effect of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) on the health insurance coverage of foreign- and U.S.-born families headed by low-educated women. Data Source. Secondary data from the March series of the Current Population Surveys for 1994–2001. Study Design. Multivariate regression methods and a pre- and post-test with comparison group research design (difference-in-differences) are used to estimate the effect of welfare reform on the health insurance coverage of low-educated, foreign- and U.S.-born unmarried women and their children. Heterogenous responses by states to create substitute Temporary Aid to Needy Families or Medicaid programs for newly arrived immigrants are used to investigate whether the estimated effect of PRWORA on newly arrived immigrants is related to the actual provisions of the law, or the result of fears engendered by the law. Principal Findings. PRWORA increased the proportion of uninsured among low-educated, foreign-born, unmarried women by 9.9–10.7 percentage points. In con-trast, the effect of PRWORA on the health insurance coverage of similar U.S.-born women is negligible. PRWORA also increased the proportion of uninsured among foreign-born children living with low-educated, single mothers by 13.5 percentage points. Again, the policy had little effect on the health insurance coverage of the childrenofU.S. -born, low-educatedsingle mothers. There issomeevidence thatthe fear and uncertainty engendered by the law had an effect on immigrant health insurance coverage. Conclusions. This research demonstrates that PRWORA adversely affected the health insurance of low-educated, unmarried, immigrant women and their children. In the case of unmarried women, it may be partly because the jobs that they obtained in response to PRWORA were less likely to provide health insurance. The research also suggests that PRWORA may have engendered fear among immigrants and dampened their enrollment in safety net programs. according to respondent’s nativity status. In the children’s analysis, the sample is limited to children aged 0 to 14 whose mothers have 12 or fewer years of education and are 18 to 44 years of age. We study the children of U.S.-born and foreign-born parents.
Chondroprotective role of the osmotically-sensitive ion channel TRPV4: Age- and sex-dependent progression of osteoarthritis in Trpv4 deficient mice

Objectives— Mechanical loading significantly influences the physiology and pathology of articular cartilage, although the mechanisms of mechanical signal transduction are not fully understood. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a calcium (Ca ++ ) permeable ion channel that is highly expressed by articular chondrocytes and can be gated by osmotic and mechanical stimuli. The goal of this study was to determine the role of Trpv4 on the structure of the mouse knee joint and to determine whether Trpv4 − / − mice exhibit altered Ca ++ signaling in response to osmotic challenge. Methods— Knee joints of Trpv4 − / − mice were examined using histology and micro-computed tomography for osteoarthritic changes and bone structure at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Fluorescence imaging was used to quantify chondrocytic Ca ++ signaling within intact femoral cartilage in response to osmotic stimuli. Results— Deletion of Trpv4 resulted in severe osteoarthritic changes, including cartilage fibrillation, eburnation, and loss of proteoglycans that were dependent on age and the male sex. Subchondral bone mass and calcified meniscal volume were greatly increased, again in male mice. Chondrocytes from Trpv4 +/+ mice demonstrated significant Ca ++ responses to hypo-osmotic stress, but not hyper-osmotic stress. The response to hypo-osmotic stress or the TRPV4 agonist α -PDD was eliminated in Trpv4 − / − mice. Conclusions— Deletion of Trpv4 leads to a lack of osmotically-induced Ca ++ signaling in articular chondrocytes, accompanied by progressive, sex-dependent increases in bone density and osteoarthritic joint degeneration. These findings suggest a critical role for TRPV4-mediated Ca ++ signaling in the maintenance of joint health and normal skeletal structure.
Genetic Deletion of b -Arrestin-2 and the Mitigation of Established Airway Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Asthma Model

b -Arrestin-2 ( b arr2) is a ubiquitously expressed cytosolic protein that terminates G protein – coupled receptor signaling and transduces G protein – independent signaling. We previously showed that mice lacking b arr2 do not develop an asthma phenotype when sensitized to, and challenged with, allergens. The current study evaluates if an established asthma phenotype can be mitigated by deletion of b arr2 using an inducible Cre recombinase. We sensitized and challenged mice to ovalbumin (OVA) and demonstrated that on Day (d) 24 the allergic asthma phenotype was apparent in uninduced b arr2 and wild-type (WT) mice. In a second group of OVA-treated mice, tamoxifen was injected on d24 to d28 to activate Cre recombinase, and OVA aerosol challenge was continued through d44. The asthma phenotype was assessed using lung mechanics measurements, bronchoalveolar lavage cell analysis, and histological assessment of mucin and airway in ﬂ ammation. Compared with their respective saline-treated controls, OVA-treated WT mice and mice expressing the inducible Cre recombinase displayed a signi ﬁ cant asthma phenotype at d45. Whereas tamoxifen treatment had no signi ﬁ cant effect on the asthma phenotype in WT mice, it inhibited b arr2 expression and caused a signi ﬁ cant reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in Cre-inducible mice. These ﬁ ndings suggest that b arr2 is actively required for perpetuation of the AHR component of the allergic asthma phenotype. Our ﬁ nding that b arr2 participates in the perpetuation of AHR in an asthma model means that targeting b arr2 may provide immediate and potentially long-term relief from daily asthma symptoms due to AHR irrespective of in ﬂ ammation.
Emerging roles for RNP modification and remodeling in controlling RNA fate

In the cell, mRNAs and non-coding RNAs exist in association with proteins to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Regulation of RNP stability and function is achieved by alterations to the RNP through poorly understood mechanisms into which recent studies have now begun to provide insight. This emerging body of work identifies chemical modifications of RNPs at the RNA or protein level and ATP-dependent RNP remodeling by RNA helicases/RNA-dependent ATPases as central events that dictate RNA fate. Some RNP modifications serve as tags for recruitment of regulatory proteins, with RNP modifiers and recruited proteins analogous to the writers and readers of chromatin modification, respectively. This review highlights examples of in which RNP modification and ATP-dependent remodeling play key roles in the control of eukaryotic RNA fate, suggesting that we are only at the beginning of uncovering the multitude of ways in which RNP modification and remodeling impact RNA regulation.
Mn PORPHYRIN-BASED SOD MIMIC, MnTE-2-PyP 5+ , TARGETS MOUSE HEART MITOCHONDRIA

The Mn(III) meso -tetrakis( N -ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, Mn III TE-2-PyP 5+ (AEOL-10113) has proven effective in treating oxidative stress-induced conditions including cancer, radiation damage, diabetes, and central nervous system trauma. The ortho cationic pyridyl nitrogens of MnTE-2-PyP 5+ are essential for its high antioxidant potency. The exceptional ability of Mn III TE-2-PyP 5+ to dismute O 2. − parallels its ability to reduce ONOO − and CO 3 − . Decreasing levels of all these reactive species is considered its predominant mode of action, that may also involve redox-regulation of signaling pathways. Recently, Ferrer-Sueta at al ( Free Radic. Biol Med . 2006) showed, with submitochondrial particles, that ≥ 3 μ M Mn III TE-2-PyP 5+ was able to protect components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain from peroxynitrite-mediated damage. Our study complements their data in showing, for the first time that μ M mitochondrial concentrations of Mn III TE-2-PyP 5+ are obtainable in vivo . For this study we have developed a new and sensitive method for Mn III TE-2-PyP 5+ determination in tissues. The method is based on the exchange of porphyrin Mn 2+ with Zn 2+ , followed by the HPLC/fluorescence detection of Zn II TE-2-PyP 4+ . At 4 and 7 hours after a single 10 mg/kg
Medical Staff Controversies in the Medical Management of Stroke

These discussions are selected from the weekly staff conferences in the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Taken from transcriptions, they are prepared by Drs Homer A. Boushey,. Associate Professor of Medicine, and David G. Wamock, Associate Professor of Medicine, under the direction of Dr Lloyd H. Smith, Jr, Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medicine. Requests for reprints should be sent to the Department of Medicine, University of California, 94143.
Galactosa mine-Induced ao-ntitrypsin Deficiency in Rats Alterations in Plasma Glycoproteins and oal-Antitrypsin Carbohydrate Composition

Administration of D-galactosamine (GalNH2) is known to produce alterations in plasma glycoprotein levels, including a1-antitrypsin. The authors have stud- ied the effects of Ga1NH2 on circulating protein-bound carbohydrates and on the plasma concentrations of two a1-antiproteases, transferrin, IgG, and albumin in rats. The a1-antiproteases from GalNH2-treated rats were isolated and their molecular weight, isoelectric point, and carbohydrate composition compared with those of control rat oal-antiproteases. Total plasma protein, albumin, and transferrin levels in the Ga1NH2- treated rats do not differ significantly from those of control rats. Plasma protein-bound carbohydrate is de- creased significantly in the experimental animals, compared with controls: sialic acid decreased 60%, ALPHA1-ANTITRYPSIN deficiency in man is associated with chronic pulmonary disease and juvenile hepatic cirrhosis. 1-3 The serum of affected individuals contains 20 - 50% ofthe antiprotease found in normal individuals. Their hepatocytes frequently contain inclusion bodies, which stain for glycoprotein with peri-odic acid - Schiff (PAS) reagent and which react with antiserum against normal serum a,-antitrypsin.4-6
Fiber optic pressure and temperature sensors for oil down hole application

Detailed studies on fiber optic pressure and temperature sensors for oil down-hole applications are described in this paper. The sensor head is an interferometric based fiber optic senor in which the air-gap will change with the pressure or temperature. For high-speed applications, a novel self-calibrating interferometric/intensity-based (SCIIB) scheme, which realizes compensations for both the light source drift and the fiber loss variation, was used to demodulate the pressure (or temperature) signals. An improved white light system was developed for sensor fabrication. This system is also used as the signal demodulation system providing very high resolution. Experiment results show that the SCIIB system achieves 0.1% accuracy with a 0-8000psi working range for the pressure sensor and a 0-600 degree(s)C working range for the temperature sensor. The resolution of the white light system is about +/- 0.5 nm with a dynamic range up to 10 micrometers. The long -term testing results in the oil site are also presented in this paper.
Multi-Party Certification on Blockchain and Its Impact in the Market for Lemons

ABSTRACT Markets in which similar goods of different qualities are sold suffer from information asymmetries and their negative consequences. Dealers have established themselves, and mediate these markets through their use of quality signals. While these signals help to mitigate information asymmetries, these markets still function well below their optimum: a large share of goods sold are overpriced, and most of the benefits are reaped by intermediaries. In this paper we build on prior research that proposes the use of blockchain as an enabler for trusted, decentralized asset documentation. Applying a socio-technical lens, we describe how blockchain-enabled multi-party certification affords dealers the action potential to send signals that are more closely correlated to the unobservable quality of the underlying good (i.e., signals with a higher fit) than the signals they send today. We then both theorize and experimentally explore the market effects of the two types of signals. Using data from a laboratory market experiment with 210 participants, we find empirical evidence that multi-party certification affords dealers the action potential to send signals of significantly higher fit than those sent by intermediaries alone, leading to a reduction in information asymmetries, a more efficient allocation of goods, and an increase in market fairness.
Translanguaging: Leveraging Multilingualism for Scripture Engagement

Members of multilingual communities conceptualize language differently from the way monolinguals do. Most Bible agencies model monolingual approaches to engaging with the Bible. Some agencies emphasize gateway languages while others highlight vernacular languages. Many multilinguals prefer an unbounded, performative approach to languages that reflects their dynamic, hybridized identities; one term for this is translanguaging. Translanguagers make meaning by using words from their full linguistic repertoire. Using translanguaging theory and methodologies, Bible agencies can model Scripture engagement approaches that more naturally correspond to the language practices of many multilinguals.