Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutations in the Positional Candidate Genes in Patients With Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Forms of TAAD

In the United States, aortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death.1,2 Approximately 15 000 individuals die every year because of the rupture of aortic aneurysms. On the basis of autopsy studies, it has been estimated that 1% to 2% of the population harbor aneurysms in their aorta, with up to 10% prevalence in older age groups.1,2 Most aortic aneurysms go undetected until rupture, and the mortality from ruptured aneurysms is as high as 90%. 1,2 Along the length of the aorta, significant heterogeneity occurs in the distribution of aneurysm disease. The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) located in the infrarenal section of the aorta is at least 3 times higher than that of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAADs). 1,2 In TAADs, 50% involve the ascending aorta, 10% the arch, and 40% the descending thoracic aorta.1,2 Only 25% of patients with TAAD have a concomitant AAA, and multisegmental disease is found in only 10% of cases.1,2 There are also other differences between TAAD and AAA: (1) Age at onset for TAAD (65 years) is 10 years earlier than for AAA (75 years), and (2) AAAs are predominantly a disease of white men, with a 6:1 male-to-female ratio, whereas TAADs occur only slightly more frequently in men (1.7:1). Additional differences can be found in the pathobiology of these aneurysms. AAAs are characterized by signs of local chronic inflammation of the aortic wall, decrease in the number of smooth muscle cells in the aortic media layer, and fragmentation of the extracellular matrix of the aorta at the site of the aneurysm.3 Increased local expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have also been demonstrated.3 Furthermore, AAAs can be induced in a surgical experimental model in which elastases are infused into rodent aorta.4 TAADs are characterized by medial necrosis, also known as “Erdheim’s cystic medial necrosis” and more recently referred to as “medial degeneration,” mucoid infiltration, and cyst formation with elastin degradation and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis.1 Both TAAD and AAA are silent diseases, often without symptoms.2 They can, however, be readily identified through imaging techniques. TAADs can be detected by echocardiography or computed tomography, and family members of TAAD patients will benefit from imaging by identifying their TAADs before catastrophic consequences. Presently, there are no recommendations about large-scale screening of populations for TAAD. On the other hand, for AAA, ultrasonography screening studies have demonstrated the costeffectiveness of population-based ultrasonography screening programs and a decrease in the number of aneurysm-related deaths.5 Several recommendations have been made, including a recent consensus statement in which Kent et al6 recommended ultrasonography screening for AAA for all individuals aged 60 years and for those aged 50 years with family history of AAA and the recommendation by the US Preventive Service Task Force7 to screen for AAA in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.
Reduced Expression of nm23 Is Associated with Metastasis of Human Gastric Carcinomas

Reduced expression of nm23 gene is implicated in high metastatic potential In a variety of malignancies. To elucidate the role of nm23 in human gastric carcinomas, we examined loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of nm23 gene by Southern blotting, nm23 mRNA expression by Northern blotting and nm23 protein expression by Western blotting as well as immunohistochemistry in both primary and metastatic tumors. LOH of nm23 gene was found in 2 (8%) out of the 23 informative gastric carcinomas. Twenty‐two (84%) out of the 26 cases expressed nm23 mRNA at higher levels in primary tumor tissue than in corresponding non‐neoplastic mucosa. No obvious correlation was observed between clinico‐pathological features and LOH of nm23 gene or nm23 mRNA expression. On the other hand, 52% of the gastric carcinomas showed reduction of nm23 immunoreactivity in the metastatic tumor of regional lymph nodes, as compared to the primary tumor. Interestingly, 71% of the gastric carcinomas showed weaker nm23 immunoreactivity in the liver metastasis than in the primary tumor. These results suggest that nm23 overexpression is linked with development of gastric carcinomas and the decrease in expression of nm23 participates in metastasis.
New Mechatronics Development Techniques for FPGA-Based Control and Simulation of Electromechanical Systems

Abstract Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have been widely adopted in high volume commercial applications, but not as much in the industrial control and simulation arenas. Due to the attractive features of FPGAs, such as their inherent flexibility, performance, parallelism, and low-level reconfigurability, industrial control design and simulation vendors have been creating the next generation FPGA development tool chains that are designed for engineers with little or no digital design expertise. The goal of these next generation system-level design tools is to empower control design, simulation, and signal processing engineers to harness the full power of the FPGA technology, while providing relatively competitive performance and resource usage, as compared to traditional text-based hardware description level (HDL) methods. This paper discusses some of the traditional challenges that prohibited wide adoption of FPGAs in the industrial control and simulation fields, and how new graphical system design tools are helping mechatronics engineers leverage the full power of FPGAs as deployment platforms. Moreover, it discusses some particularly useful development techniques for FPGA-based control and simulation in mechatronics applications.
Is it all about intimacy? Age, menopausal status, and women’s sexuality

Two studies examined the contribution of aging to various aspects of sexual functioning. Study 1 examined the association between age and sexual response among 289 women. Results showed that aging and relationship length were associated with relatively low sexual desire, excitement, and intimacy, with sexual intimacy mediating the association between relationship length and sexual excitement. Furthermore, the negative association between aging and sexual desire was particularly pronounced among women experiencing lower sexual intimacy. In Study 2, 93 women were classified according to menopausal status. Findings paralleled those of Study 1, indicating that postmenopausal state was negatively associated with sexual desire, mainly among women who experienced low sexual intimacy. Implications for the understanding of sexuality of women at midlife are discussed. Aging incorporates biological, social, and psychological processes that may affect women’s sexuality. Indeed, clinical evidence suggests that the menopausal transition, a distinctive feature of women’s ‘‘normal’’ aging, is associated with decline in sexual functioning, particularly sexual desire (e.g., Channon & Ballinger, 1986; Sarrel & Whitehead, 1985). Nevertheless, the substantial body of research that has explored the association between the menopausal transition and women’s sexuality has yielded mixed or ambiguous results about the specific mechanisms and processes whereby aging and the menopausal transition affect sexual functioning and the specific sexual response changes that occur. These inconsistencies are somewhat difficult to resolve because of methodological problems, such as failure to take into account contextual variables (e.g., health of self and partner, relationship quality, life stressors) that may affect sexuality.
The relationship between parental attachment and sexuality in early adolescence

This study questions the links between the young adolescents quality of attachment to the mother and father (secure, ambivalent or avoidant) and the sexual behaviours reported by early adolescents. Two questionnaires were completed by 312 French middle-school students (mean age: 13.8 years) to test attachment style and sexuality (emotion, intention and relation). Ambivalent attachment was related to greater sexual involvement than to secure attachment. Avoidant attachment to the mother was associated with emotional disinvestment in sexuality. Avoidant attachment to the father appears to influence sexual decision-making, especially for girls. These results support an individuated conception of attachment patterns with differential influence of dyadic relationships and could provide a better understanding of adolescent sexual behaviour.
Are they for real? The interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes of perceived authenticity

This field study examined the interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes of authenticity. One hundred and eight hospice employees completed two matched surveys. Focal persons were asked to indicate their levels of affective well-being and job satisfaction. One of the focal person's key contacts at work was asked to indicate levels of perceived authenticity, liking and trust of the focal person. Results indicated that observer's perceived authenticity was positively related to the liking and trust of the focal person. Perceived authenticity was also positively related to affective well-being, which further influenced job satisfaction. Implications of the current study and directions for future research are discussed.
Electrochemical Thin Films at and above the Classical Limiting Current

We study a model electrochemical thin film at DC currents exceeding the classical diffusion-limited value. The mathematical problem involves the steady Poisson--Nernst--Planck equations for a binary electrolyte with nonlinear boundary conditions for reaction kinetics and Stern-layer capacitance, as well as an integral constraint on the number of anions. At the limiting current, we find a nested boundary-layer structure at the cathode, which is required by the reaction boundary condition. Above the limiting current, a depletion of anions generally characterizes the cathode side of the cell. In this regime, we derive leading-order asymptotic approximations for the (i) classical bulk space-charge layer and (ii) another nested highly charged boundary layer at the cathode. The former involves an exact solution to the Nernst--Planck equations for a single, unscreened ionic species, which may apply more generally to Faradaic conduction through very thin insulating films. By matching expansions, we derive current.
The Effects of Computer Training and Internet Usage on the Use of Everyday Technology by Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study

According to the skill transfer concept, people may use general technological skills to solve new problems. To test this concept, a technological transfer test was included in a randomized controlled-intervention study aimed at the causal relationship between computer use and autonomy of older adults. Older adults with and without exposure to computer training and Internet use and participants without interest in computers were administered this test. On two occasions, participants performed four daily tasks with everyday technological devices. Exposure to a novel technological challenge did not affect the efficiency of, and involvement in, other technological activities.
Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Peptide Modulation of Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Signaling in Hippocampal Neurons

Administration of cocaine and amphetamine increases cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) expression in the rat striatum (Douglass et al., 1995). CART mRNA is highly expressed in different parts of the human and rat brain, including hippocampus (Douglass et al., 1995; Couceyro et al., 1997; Kuhar and Yoho, 1999; Hurd and Fagergren, 2000). The presence of CART peptide 55–102 immunoreactivity in dense core vesicles of axon terminals suggests that the peptide may be released and may act as a neuromodulator (Smith et al., 1997) to induce neurophysiological and behavioral effects. Little is known, however, about CART peptide-responsive cells, receptor(s), or intracellular signaling mechanisms that mediate CART peptide action. Here we show that CART peptide 55–102 inhibits voltage-dependent intracellular Ca2+ signaling and attenuates cocaine enhancement of depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx in rat hippocampal neurons. The inhibitory effect of CART peptide 55–102 on Ca2+ signaling is likely mediated by an inhibition of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity via a G-protein-dependent pathway. These results indicate that voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in hippocampal neurons are targets for CART peptide 55–102 and suggest that CART peptides may be important in physiology and behavior mediated by the hippocampus, such as certain forms of learning and memory.
A Good Teaching Technique: WebQuests

In this article, the author first introduces and describes a new teaching tool called WebQuests to practicing teachers. He then provides detailed information about the structure of a good WebQuest. Third, the author shows the strengths and weaknesses of using Web-Quests in teaching and learning. Last, he points out the challenges for practicing teachers and administrators.
Methodological issues ‐ Reflections on quantification in corporate social reporting content analysis

A key assumption underlying many corporate social reporting content analysis studies is that volume of disclosure signifies the relative importance of disclosures. Most of these studies have only quantified disclosures in annual reports, and there is disagreement within the literature regarding the best way to measure each individual disclosure. Based on observations made during the conduct of a 100‐year content analysis study, which examined a broad range of Shell’s corporate reports, this paper argues that an exclusive focus on annual reports is likely to result in an incomplete picture of reporting practices. It also contributes further insights to the debate on measurement techniques, arguing that while measurement in sentences may be carried out with greater accuracy than measurement in proportions of a page, the former is likely to give less relevant results than the latter.
Constructing the ethos of tolerance and respect in an integrated school: the role of teachers

This article seeks to explore how teachers develop tolerance and respect within an inclusive school in Northern Ireland. Drawing on interviews and observation of 18 teachers, it will be shown that teachers' own personal values and assumptions exert a defining influence on the school ethos. It will be argued that if teachers are not accorded the time and space to develop a critical understanding of their own values and beliefs then there is the potential for schools to simply reinforce the psychological barriers which sustain division.
Immunosuppression induced by immature dendritic cells is mediated by TGF-β/IL-10 double-positive CD4+ regulatory T cells

Dendritic cells (DC) have important functions in T cell immunity and T cell tolerance. Previously, it was believed that T cell unresponsiveness induced by immature DC (iDC) is caused by the absence of inflammatory signals in steady‐state in vivo conditions and by the low expression levels of costimulatory molecules on iDC. However, a growing body of evidence now indicates that iDC can also actively maintain peripheral T cell tolerance by the induction and/or stimulation of regulatory T cell populations. In this study, we investigated the in vitro T cell stimulatory capacity of iDC and mature DC (mDC) and found that both DC types induced a significant increase in the number of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and interleukin (IL)‐10 double‐positive CD4+ T cells within 1 week of autologous DC/T cell co‐cultures. In iDC/T cell cultures, where antigen‐specific T cell priming was significantly reduced as compared to mDC/T cell cultures, we demonstrated that the tolerogenic effect of iDC was mediated by soluble TGF‐β and IL‐10 secreted by CD4+CD25−FOXP3− T cells. In addition, the suppressive capacity of CD4+ T cells conditioned by iDC was transferable to already primed antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell cultures. In contrast, addition of CD4+ T cells conditioned by mDC to primed antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells resulted in enhanced CD8+ T cell responses, notwithstanding the presence of TGF‐β+/IL‐10+ T cells in the transferred fraction. In summary, we hypothesize that DC have an active role in inducing immunosuppressive cytokine‐secreting regulatory T cells. We show that iDC‐conditioned CD4+ T cells are globally immunosuppressive, while mDC induce globally immunostimulatory CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, TGF‐β+/IL‐10+ T cells are expanded by DC independent of their maturation status, but their suppressive function is dependent on immaturity of DC.
Characterization of CTX‐M‐producing Escherichia coli by repetitive sequence‐based PCR and real‐time PCR‐based replicon typing of CTX‐M‐15 plasmids

The emergence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae is a major global concern. CTX‐M is the dominating ESBL type worldwide, and CTX‐M‐15 is the most widespread CTX‐M type. The dissemination of CTX‐M appears to be in part due to global spread of the Escherichia coli clone O25b‐ST131. However, the gene‐encoding CTX‐M is mainly located on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, that also promote the horizontal dissemination of the CTX‐M genes. In this study, 152 CTX‐M‐producing E. coli isolated in 1999–2008 in Örebro County, Sweden, were typed using a commercial repetitive sequence‐based PCR (the DiversiLab system), and the prevalence of ST131 was investigated by pabB PCR. Real‐time PCR‐based plasmid replicon typing was performed on 82 CTX‐M‐15‐producing E. coli isolates. In general, the CTX‐M‐producing E. coli population was genetically diverse; however, ST131 was highly prevalent (27%), and the dominating clone in our area. The blaCTX‐M‐15 gene was mainly located on IncF plasmids (69%), but a relatively high proportion of IncI1 plasmids (29%) were also detected among E. coli with diverse rep‐PCR patterns, indicating that horizontal transmission of IncI1 plasmids carrying blaCTX‐M‐15 may have occurred between different E. coli strains.
Comparison of Lorazepam [7-Chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one] Occupancy of Rat Brain γ-Aminobutyric AcidA Receptors Measured Using in Vivo [3H]Flumazenil (8-Fluoro 5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester) 

The occupancy by lorazepam of the benzodiazepine binding site of rat brain GABAA receptors was compared when measured using either in vivo binding of [3H]flumazenil (8-fluoro 5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester) in terminal studies or [11C]flumazenil binding in anesthetized animals assessed using a small animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanner (micro-PET). In addition, as a bridging study, lorazepam occupancy was measured using [3H]flumazenil in vivo binding in rats anesthetized and dosed under micro-PET conditions. Plasma lorazepam concentrations were also determined, and for each occupancy method, the concentration required to produce 50% occupancy (EC50) was calculated because this parameter is independent of the route of lorazepam administration. For the in vivo binding assay, lorazepam was dosed orally (0.1–10 mg/kg), whereas for the micro-PET study, lorazepam was given via the i.v. route as a low dose (0.75 mg/kg bolus) and then a high dose (0.5 mg/kg bolus then 0.2 mg/ml infusion). The lorazepam plasma EC50 in the [11C]flumazenil micro-PET study was 96 ng/ml [95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 74–124 ng/ml], which was very similar to the [3H]flumazenil micro-PET simulation study (94 ng/ml; 95% CI = 63–139 ng/ml), which in turn was comparable with the [3H]flumazenil in vivo binding study (134 ng/ml; 95% CI = 119–151 ng/ml). These data clearly show that despite the differences in dosing (i.v. in anesthetized versus orally in conscious rats) and detection (in vivo dynamic PET images versus ex vivo measurements in filtered and washed brain homogenates), [11C]flumazenil micro-PET produces results similar to [3H]flumazenil in vivo binding.
Managing Student Volunteers for Mega Events: Motivation and Psychological Contract as Predictors of Sustained Volunteerism

Tourism destinations often leverage special events to promote tourism. However, special event organizers are confronted with the challenge of effectively managing volunteers to achieve high satisfaction and sustained volunteerism (SV). This study analyzes the relationships between volunteer motives, psychological contract (PC), satisfaction, and behavioral intention. It accomplishes this aim by examining student volunteers' satisfaction with the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and testing a conceptual model of SV using motivation and PC as predictors. Based on a sample of 579 college student volunteers in Shanghai, this study simultaneously investigates the antecedents of student satisfaction with the World Expo and their behavioral intention to volunteer for other special events. Practical implications and future research directions of event volunteerism management are fully discussed.
Discerning the Ancestry of European Americans in Genetic Association Studies

European Americans are often treated as a homogeneous group, but in fact form a structured population due to historical immigration of diverse source populations. Discerning the ancestry of European Americans genotyped in association studies is important in order to prevent false-positive or false-negative associations due to population stratification and to identify genetic variants whose contribution to disease risk differs across European ancestries. Here, we investigate empirical patterns of population structure in European Americans, analyzing 4,198 samples from four genome-wide association studies to show that components roughly corresponding to northwest European, southeast European, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry are the main sources of European American population structure. Building on this insight, we constructed a panel of 300 validated markers that are highly informative for distinguishing these ancestries. We demonstrate that this panel of markers can be used to correct for stratification in association studies that do not generate dense genotype data.
Robotic Exploration of Surfaces With a Compliant Wrist Sensor

This article presents some results of an ongoing research project to investigate the components and modules that are necessary to equip a robot with exploratory capabilities. Of particular interest is the recovery of certain material properties from a surface, given minimal a priori information, with the intent to use this information to enable a robot to stand and walk stably on a surface that is unknown and unconstrained. To this end, exploratory procedures (EPs) have been designed and implemented to recover penetrability, compliance, and surface roughness by exploring the surface using a compliant wrist sensor. A six-degree-of-freedom compliant wrist sensor that combines passive compliance and active sensing has been developed to provide the necessary flexibility for force and con tact control, as well as accurate position control. This article describes the compliant wrist and sensing mechanism design along with a hybrid control algorithm that utilizes the sensed information from the wrist to adjust the apparent stiffness of the end effector as desired.