Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hormonal regulation of phosphodiesterase 3B in adipocytes

Insulin induced activation of the cAMP degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3B in adipocytes is important for insulin mediated inhibition of lipolysis. The aim of this thesis was to contribute with knowledge on the acute activation of PDE3B in response to insulin and catecholamines in adipocytes. The activation of PDE3B was investigated from three different perspectives namely; phosphorylation of PDE3B, localization of PDE3B and PDE3B interactions with other proteins. As models to study activation of PDE3B we used primary rat and mouse adipocytes, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and caveolin-1 knock out mouse adipocytes. The study on PDE3B phosphorylation shows that PDE3B is multisite phosphorylated in response to both insulin and catecholamines. We were able to identify six phosphorylation sites on PDE3B namely; 273, S296, S421, S424/5, S474 and S536. From the studies on PDE3B localization we conclude that PDE3B is localized to caveolae and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in adipocytes and that caveolae localized PDE3B is specifically activated by catecholamines while PDE3B in ER is specifically activated by insulin. Finally, the studies on PDE3B interactions demonstrate that insulin and catecholamines stimulate the recruitment of PDE3B into large macromolecular complexes in adipocytes. The recruitment is dependent on caveolin-1 especially in response to insulin and the constituents of the PDE3B macromolecular complexes are dependent on the stimuli used. After insulin stimulation insulin signaling molecules such as protein kinase B (PKB) are associated with PDE3B in the large complex while after catecholamine stimulation adrenergic signaling molecules such as protein kinase A (PKA) are associated with PDE3B.
Capacity analysis of CSMA/CA based wireless networks under coexisting heterogeneous devices

The unlicensed Industry-Science-Medical (ISM) band is getting overly populated by coexisting heterogeneous wireless devices, including wireless personal area network (WPAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN) devices. Due to their heterogeneity and incompatibility, the coexistence between these devices has been a challenging problem. In this paper, an analytical model in which a simple closed-form expression for the capacity of wireless networks adopting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) is provided, considering heterogeneous system parameters and multi-channel operations. In addition, using the proposed model, the log-convexity of capacity region of such networks is established. Results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model, and hence, can provide a fundamental theoretical background when designing or deploying such heterogeneous networks and devices.
Soluble adhesion molecules in serum throughout the menstrual cycle.

BACKGROUND The female reproductive and immune systems are integrally linked with respect to shared cellular and molecular mediators. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) involved in leukocyte-endothelial interactions, e.g. intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin, are regulated by sex steroids when expressed by cultured endothelium, while uterine and ovarian CAM expression appears to be cyclically or gonadotrophin-regulated. METHODS AND RESULTS To determine if these effects translate into changes in soluble CAMs (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin) levels in peripheral blood, normally cycling women received regular venous sampling throughout a complete menstrual cycle. Soluble ICAM-1 levels were maximal in the early and mid-follicular stages, progressively decreased throughout the remainder of the cycle and were significantly reduced in the late luteal stage (P < 0.001). Levels of sVCAM-1 fluctuated during the follicular phase and mid-cycle, but also declined in the late luteal phase (P < 0.01), whereas sE-selectin concentration did not vary markedly across the menstrual cycle. Plasma hormone and urinary hormone metabolite levels confirmed precise cycle tracking and revealed an inverse relationship between sICAM-1 and estradiol (r = -0.38, P < 0.005). A negative correlation was also apparent between sVCAM-1 and circulating monocyte cell numbers (r = -0.47, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The normal cyclic variation in peripheral sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels reported here may reflect uterine and/or ovarian tissue remodelling events, and is of particular importance if soluble CAM levels are utilized as biological markers of certain disease states in women of reproductive age.
Novel sulpiride-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles with enhanced intestinal permeability

Background Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), novel drug delivery carriers, can be utilized in enhancing both intestinal permeability and dissolution of poorly absorbed drugs. The aim of this work was to enhance the intestinal permeability of sulpiride by loading into SLN. Methods A unique ultrasonic melt-emulsification method with minimum stress conditions was used for the preparation of SLN. The mixture of the drug and the melted lipids was simply dispersed in an aqueous solution of a surfactant at a temperature that was 10°C higher than the melting points of the lipids using probe sonication, and was then simultaneously dispersed in cold water. Several formulation parameters were optimized, including the drug-to-lipid ratio, and the types of lipids and surfactants used. The produced SLN were evaluated for their particle size and shape, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, crystallinity of the drug and lipids, and the drug release profile. The rat everted sac intestine model was utilized to evaluate the change in intestinal permeability of sulpiride by loading into SLN. Results The method adopted allowed successful preparation of SLN with a monodispersed particle size of 147.8–298.8 nm. Both scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic images showed uniform spherical particles and confirmed the sizes determined by the light scattering technique. Combination of triglycerides with stearic acid resulted in a marked increase in zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading; however, the particle size was increased. The type of surfactant used was critical for particle size, charge, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency. Generally, the in vitro release profile demonstrated by all formulations showed the common biphasic mode with a varying degree of burst release. The everted sac model showed markedly enhanced sulpiride permeability in the case of the SLN-loaded formulation. The in situ results showed a very good correlation with the in vitro release data. Conclusion Incorporation of sulpiride into SLN results in enhanced intestinal permeability of sulpiride, that may in turn increase overall oral absorption of the drug. The superior attributes of the prepared SLN, specifically the high particle size uniformity and drug loading capacity, is considered novel, especially given the simplicity and modest nature of the sonication method used.
Dissemination of Pertussis in Pregnant Women of Iran

Infectious diseases remain a major cause of mortality in children between ages 0 to 2 years-old. More than 1.5 million deaths from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases occur in children throughout the world [1]. Vaccination can prevent severe infections and reduce its devastating effects. [2] But there is no vaccination between childhood and pregnancy in women against vaccine-preventable infectious agents. For this reason, immunization of pregnant women as an important strategy replaces fight against infectious agents in neonatal period [2]. Pertussis is severe illness and high mortality, especially among infants [3]. The incidence of pertussis is increasing in most developed countries despite vaccination coverage of over 90%. [4]. Vaccination coverage in Iran against pertussis is more than 98%. The overall incidence of disease in Iran is 1.12 per 100,000 people [5]. Pregnant women suffering from pertussis during delivery, depending on the onset of infection in the mother, have the ability to infect their children before receiving maternal antibodies through placenta. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pertussis infection in pregnant women.
Planetary Nebulae in Face-On Spiral Galaxies. I. Planetary Nebula Photometry and Distances

As the first step to determine disk mass-to-light ratios for normal spiral galaxies, we present the results of an imaging survey for planetary nebulae (PNe) in six nearby, face-on systems: IC 342, M74 (NGC 628), M83 (NGC 5236), M94 (NGC 4736), NGC 5068, and NGC 6946. Using Blanco/Mosaic II and WIYN/OPTIC, we identify 165, 153, 241, 150, 19, and 71 PN candidates, respectively, and use the planetary nebula luminosity function (PNLF) to obtain distances. For M74 and NGC 5068, our distances of 8.6 ± 0.3 and 5.4+0.2−0.4 Mpc are the first reliable estimates to these objects; for IC 342 (3.5 ± 0.3 Mpc), M83 (4.8 ± 0.1 Mpc), M94 (4.4+0.1−0.2 Mpc), and NGC 6946 (6.1 ± 0.6 Mpc) our values agree well with those in the literature. In the larger systems, we find no evidence for any systematic change in the PNLF with galactic position, although we do see minor field-to-field variations in the luminosity function. In most cases, these changes do not affect the measurement of distance, but in one case the fluctuations result in a ~0.2 mag shift in the location of the PNLF cutoff. We discuss the possible causes of these small-scale changes, including internal extinction in the host galaxies and age/metallicity changes in the underlying stellar population.
Constraining fundamental stellar parameters using seismology. Application to α Centauri AB

We apply the Levenberg-Marquardt minimization algorithm to seismic and classical observables of theαCen binary system in order to derive the fundamental parameters ofαCenA+B, and to analyze the dependence of these parameters on the chosen observables, on their uncertainty, and on the physics used in stellar modelling. The seismological data are t hose by Bouchy & Carrier (2002) forαCen A, and those by Carrier & Bourban (2003) forαCen B. We show that while the fundamental stellar parameters do not depend on the treatment of convection adopted (Mixing Length Theory - MLT - or "Full Spectrum of Turbulence" - FST), the age of the system depends on the inclusion of gravitational settling, and is deeply biased by the s mall frequency separation of component B. We try to answer the question of the universality of the mixing length parameter, and we find a statistically reliable dependence of the α-parameter on the HR diagram location (with a trend similar to the one predicted by Ludwig et al. 1999). We propose the frequency separation ratios by Roxburgh & Vorontsov (2003) as better observables to determine the fundamental stellar parameters, and to use the large frequency separation and frequencies to extract inf ormation about the stellar structure. The effects of diffusion, and equation of state on the oscillation frequencies are also studied, but present seismic data do not allow their detection.
Autoregressive Conditional Duration: A New Model for Irregularly Spaced Transaction Data

This paper proposes a new statistical model for the analysis of data which arrive at irregular intervals. The model treats the time between events as a stochastic process and proposes a new class of point processes with dependent arrival rates. The conditional intensity is developed and compared with other self-exciting processes. Because the model focuses on the expected duration between events, it is called the autoregressive conditional duration (ACD) model. Asymptotic properties of the quasi maximum likelihood estimator are developed as a corollary to ARCH model results. Strong evidence is provided for duration clustering for the financial transaction data analyzed; both deterministic time-of-day effects and stochastic effects are important. The model is applied to the arrival times of trades and therefore is a model of transaction volume, and also to the arrival of other events such as price changes. Models for the volatility of prices are estimated with price-based durations, and examined from a market microstructure point of view.
Single-leg jump-landing stabilization times in subjects with functionally unstable ankles.

CONTEXT Factors contributing to functional ankle instability may cause individuals with the condition to land from a jump differently than those with stable ankles. OBJECTIVE To determine stabilization time differences during single-leg jump landings between stable and unstable ankle groups and to report the reliability and precision of time-to-stabilization measures. DESIGN A mixed design with 1 between factor (ankle group) and 1 within factor (direction) was used to analyze the comparison between our 10 subjects with functional ankle instability and 10 subjects with stable ankles. Time to stabilization (seconds) was the dependent measure. Reliability for time-to-stabilization measures of our 12 additional subjects with stable ankles were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,7). Standard errors of measurements were also calculated for time-to-stabilization measures. SETTING Sports medicine research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANT(S): Ten subjects with functional ankle instability who reported at least 2 sprains and "giving way'' sensations at their ankles constituted the functional ankle instability group. Ten subjects without a history of ankle sprain injury served as healthy subjects. Twelve additional healthy subjects participated in the reliability study. INTERVENTION(S) Subjects performed a jump-landing test, which required them to jump 50% to 55% of their maximum vertical jump height and then land on a single leg on a force plate. After landing, they stabilized quickly and remained as motionless as possible in a single-leg stance for 20 s. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Anterior-posterior and medial/ lateral vibration magnitude curve fit time-to-stabilization. RESULTS Time to stabilization was longer for the functional ankle instability group (1.98 +/- 0.81 s) than for the stable ankle group (1.45 +/- 0.30 s) (P < .05). Reliability (standard error of the measurement) values for anterior/posterior and medial/lateral time-to-stabilization were 0.79 (0.15 s) and 0.65 (0.26 s), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Time to stabilization was longer for subjects with functional ankle instability than subjects with stable ankles. The ankle instability may have impaired the subjects' ability to stabilize after a single-leg jump landing. Reliabilities and standard errors of the measurements of time-to-stabilization measures were moderate and low, respectively.
Effects of a pharmacist-driven intervention program on hospital readmissions.

PURPOSE Results of a study to determine whether routine use of a multifaceted medication-focused intervention at a safety-net hospital was feasible and could reduce hospital readmissions in a Medicare fee-for-service population are reported. METHODS A quality-improvement cohort study of 1,059 admissions of 667 patients at an inner-city hospital was conducted. Patients in the intervention groups received some or all components of the multifaceted "Medication REACH" intervention, with direct pharmacist involvement from admission through postdischarge aftercare. A pharmacist reconciled medications, provided patient-centered education, collaborated with healthcare providers to optimize therapy, ensured access to medications, and followed up with patients at home as needed. Rates of unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge in the full- and partial-intervention groups and in patients who received standard discharge care were compared. RESULTS Among patients who received the full Medication REACH intervention, 30 of 305 admissions (9.8%) resulted in unplanned readmissions within 30 days, as compared with a readmission rate of 20.4% (110 of 538 patients) among patients who received standard discharge care (p < 0.001). Linear regression modeling, with adjustments for patient age, sex, ethnicity, and case-mix index, indicated an adjusted risk difference favoring the full-intervention group of 9.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 4.3-14.6 percentage points; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Rates of 30-day readmission were substantially lower with pharmacist involvement and collaboration with other healthcare team members during patient transitions from the hospital to the home setting.
Sex differences in stroke outcomes

Although sex is routinely included as a confounding factor in most outcome-based studies in stroke, its role per se in influencing stroke outcomes has been less clear. We need a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms for these differences, at a biological, demographic, clinical, and health system level, to address the greater burden of stroke in women.
An EMMA and EPG study on token-to-token variability

The potential role of physical correlates of articulatory variability in vowel production was studied by means of EMMA and EPG. In accordance with Perkell & Nelson (1985), the hypothesis to be tested is that the amount and shape of token-totoken variability is influenced by the amount of palatal contact in such a way that high vowels exhibit different variability patterns than the other vowels. 14 German vowels of three speakers of German were recorded with and without bite-block and in bilabial and velar consonantal contexts repeated 10 times. Statistical results indicated that the amount of tongue variability, measured as the size of the dispersion ellipses describing tongue sensor positions, was constrained by the amount of palatal contact: variability was less when the amount of contacts was large. However, the three subjects exhibited different patterns of variability and only one of them showed a main orientation of the dispersion ellipses that was clearly different for high vowels in a sense that is compatible with data collected on speakers of American English by Perkell & Nelson. These results are discussed with regards to differences in the density of each language specific vowel inventory and the inter-individual variation among German subjects is furthermore attributed, at least partly, to morphological differences in the palatal shape and compensatory strategies.
Violent behaviour detection using local trajectory response

Surveillance systems in the United Kingdom are prominent, and the number of installed cameras is estimated to be around 1.8 million. It is common for a single person to watch multiple live video feeds when conducting active surveillance, and past research has shown that a person’s effectiveness at successfully identifying an event of interest diminishes the more monitors they must observe. We propose using computer vision techniques to produce a system that can accurately identify scenes of violent behaviour. In this paper we outline three measures of motion trajectory that when combined produce a response map that highlights regions within frames that contain behaviour typical of violence based on local information. Our proposed method demonstrates state-of-the-art classification ability when given the task of distinguishing between violent and non-violent behaviour across a wide variety of violent data, including real-world surveillance footage obtained from local police organisations.
A Geometric Method for Detecting Semantic Coercion

In this paper we present state-of-the-art results on the computational classiﬁcation of semantic type coercion, accomplished using a novel geometric method which is both context-sensitive and generalisable. We show that this method improves accuracy on a SemEval dataset over previous work, and gives promising results on a new more challenging experimental setup involving the same data. In addition to a description of our distributional semantic methodology and the results obtained on an established dataset, we offer an overview of the linguistic phenomenon of coercion and an analysis of the geometric features by which our results are achieved.
Making ward-based outreach teams an effective component of human immunodeficiency virus programmes in South Africa

The implementation of ward-based outreach teams (WBOTs), comprised of community health workers (CHWs), is one of the three interventions of the South African National Department of Health’s (NDoH) Primary Health Care (PHC) Re-engineering strategy for improving health outcomes. CHWs provide a necessary structure to contribute to successful implementation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) programme in four ways: (1) prevention of HIV infection by health education, (2) linkage to care by health education and referrals, (3) adherence support and (4) identification of individuals who are failing treatment. However, CHW programme and HIV programme-specific barriers exist that need to be resolved in order to achieve maximum impact. These include a lack of stakeholder and community support for WBOTs, challenging work and operational environments, a lack of in-depth knowledge and skills, and socio-cultural barriers such as HIV-related stigma. Considering its promising structure, documentation of the WBOT contribution to healthcare overall, and the HIV programme in particular, is urgently warranted to successfully and sustainably incorporate it into the South African healthcare system.
Depth-First Reasoning on Trees

The mu-calculus is an expressive modal logic with least and greatest fixed-point operators. This formalism encompasses many temporal, program and description logics, and it has been widely applied in a broad range of domains, such as, program verification, knowledge representation and concurrent pervasive systems. In this paper, we propose a satisfiability algorithm for the mu-calculus extended with converse modalities and interpreted on unranked trees. In contrast with known satisfiability algorithms, our proposal is based on a depth-first search. We prove the algorithm to be correct (sound and complete) and optimal. We also describe an implementation. The extension of the mu-calculus with converse modalities allows to efficiently characterize standard reasoning problems (emptiness, containment and equivalence) of XPath queries. We also describe several query reasoning experiments, which shows our proposal to be competitive in practice with known implementations.