Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constitutive expression of heterologous N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subunits in rat adrenal medulla

An RT‐PCR analysis revealed constitutive expression of mRNA for N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NR)‐1, NR‐2C, and NR‐2D subunits in rat adrenal and pituitary glands, in addition to brain and retina. Constitutive expression of mRNA was detected for the NR‐2A subunit in pituitary but not adrenal gland. Although on Western blotting assays adrenal medulla exhibited expression of NR‐1 subunit protein without expression of NR‐2C and NR‐2D subunit proteins, an immunohistochemical investigation clearly showed selective localization of proteins for NR‐1, NR‐2C, and NR‐2D subunits in adrenal medulla but not in adrenal cortex. Prior treatment with different glycosidases invariably resulted in a marked increase in immunoreactivity to the anti‐NR‐1 antibody in both hippocampus and adrenal medulla. An intraperitoneal injection of a blocker of NMDA receptor channel, but not NMDA itself, led to marked potentiation of DNA binding activity of the transcription factor activator protein‐1 in adrenal nuclear extracts 2 hr after administration. These results suggest that heteromeric NMDA receptor channels may be constitutively and functionally expressed with glycosylation of NR‐1 subunit under the influence of tonic stimulation by circulating agonists such as L‐glutamate in rat adrenal medulla. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pattern of childhood malignant tumours in two tertiary teaching hospitals in Nigeria: Comparative study

Background : Cancer is a public health problem worldwide affecting all categories of persons. It is the second common cause of death in developed countries and among the three leading causes of death in developing countries. Objective : To compare the patterns of malignant childhood tumours in two tertiary hospitals in the north- Western and South western Nigeria. Methods : Retrospective studies of childhood malignancies diagnosed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) (Ife Hospital Unit, Ile-Ife and Wesley Guild Hospital Unit, Ilesa, Osun state) were undertaken from January, 2001 to December, 2010. The patterns of childhood cancers in these hospitals were compared. Results : Four hundred and ten children aged 7 months to 15 years were admitted at AKTH with malignancies of which 236 were males and 174 females with male to female ratio of 1.4:1. At OAUTHC, 568 children aged two months to 15 years were admitted with malignancies over the ten year period. There were 401 males and 167 females, with male to female ratio of 2.4:1. Lymphomas were the commonest type of malignancy in both centers, which accounted for 47.3% and 59.7% at AKTH and OAUTHC respectively. Retinoblastoma was the second commonest tumour at AKTH constituting 14.9% of all malignancies followed by nephroblastoma and acute leukemias. In contrast, acute leukemias were the second commonest malignancy at OAUTHC accounting for 12.7% of all malignancies followed by retinoblastoma and nephroblastoma. Tumours of central nervous system were observed to be commoner at AKTH, while bone tumours were commoner at OAUTHC. Conclusion : The pattern of childhood cancer varies rather little between different regions in Nigeria, with malignant lymphomas being the most common as is the case in most developing countries. However, the findings in this study suggest that there is variation in prevalence of leukemia, CNS and bone tumours in northern and southern Nigeria. Key words : Childhood, malignant tumours, pattern, teaching hospitals, Nigeria
Rounding Semidefinite Programming Hierarchies via Global Correlation

We show a new way to round vector solutions of semi definite programming (SDP) hierarchies into integral solutions, based on a connection between these hierarchies and the spectrum of the input graph. We demonstrate the utility of our method by providing a new SDP-hierarchy based algorithm for constraint satisfaction problems with 2-variable constraints (2-CSP's). More concretely, we show for every $2$-CSP instance $\Ins$, a rounding algorithm for $r$ rounds of the Lasserre SDP hierarchy for $\Ins$ that obtains an integral solution which is at most $\e$ worse than the relaxation's value (normalized to lie in $[0,1]$), as long as\[ r &gt, k\cdot\rank_{\geq \theta}(\Ins)/\poly(\e) \;,\]where $k$ is the alphabet size of $\Ins$, $\theta=\poly(\e/k)$, and $\rank_{\geq \theta}(\Ins)$ denotes the number of eigen values larger than $\theta$ in the normalized adjacency matrix of the constraint graph of $\Ins$. In the case that $\Ins$ is a \unique games instance, the threshold $\theta$ is only a polynomial in $\e$, and is independent of the alphabet size. Also in this case, we can give a non-trivial bound on the number of rounds for \emph{every} instance. In particular our result yields an SDP-hierarchy based algorithm that matches the performance of the recent sub exponential algorithm of Aurora, Barak and Steurer (FOCS 2010) in the worst case, but runs faster on a natural family of instances, thus further restricting the set of possible hard instances for Khot's Unique Games Conjecture. Our algorithm actually requires less than the $n^{O(r)}$ constraints specified by the $r^{th}$ level of the Lasserre hierarchy, and in some cases $r$ rounds of our program can be evaluated in time$2^{O(r)}\poly(n)$.
Stability Analysis of Nonstandard Nonlinear Singularly Perturbed Discrete Systems

In this brief, we consider the stability problem of nonstandard nonlinear singularly perturbed discrete systems (NN-SPDSs). Specifically, an NN-SPDS is decomposed into two standard nonlinear SPDSs. Based on the lower order subsystems of the standard nonlinear SPDSs, we analyze the stability of the NN-SPDS.
Aberrant expression of gland-type gastric mucin in the surface epithelium of Helicobacter pylori-infected patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Helicobacter pylori is found within the gastric mucous gel layer and in association with the epithelial surface. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of H. pylori infection on mucin gene expression (MUC6, MUC5, and MUC1) in the gastric epithelium. METHODS Gastric biopsy specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for mucin gene expression. RESULTS MUC6 was limited to mucous glands of H. pylori-negative patients, but 72% of H. pylori-positive patients also expressed MUC6 in surface mucous cells. In contrast, MUC5 mucin was found in significantly fewer surface mucous cells of H. pylori-positive specimens. Carbohydrates recognized by Lewis (Le) X and paradoxical concanavalin A (con A) staining were aberrantly expressed in the surface mucous cells of 16 of 27 and 17 of 23 H. pylori-positive tissues, respectively. Surface Le(b) was present in 26 of 27 H. pylori-positive and 19 of 30 H. pylori-negative tissues. Eradication of H. pylori resulted in reversal of surface MUC5 and MUC6 expression toward normal patterns. Purified gastric mucins of H. pylori-positive patients bound more anti-MUC6 and anti-Le(b) than mucins from H. pylori-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS The type of mucin that is normally limited to mucous glands is aberrantly expressed in surface mucous cells of H. pylori-positive patients, whereas less of the surface epithelium expresses normal surface-type gastric mucin.
Chronic alcohol consumption has a biphasic effect on hepatic retinoid loss

The alcohol‐induced depletion of hepatic retinoid stores correlates with the progression of liver injury; however, the mechanisms underlying alcohol's effects have not been fully elucidated. Our goal was to gain a mechanistic understanding of alcohol‐induced hepatic retinoid depletion. Wild‐type and mutant mice were continuously fed alcohol through Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diets, with matched control animals pair fed an isocaloric alcohol‐free diet to ensure equal nutrient and calorie intake between groups. A systematic analysis of tissue retinol and retinyl ester levels was performed with HPLC, complemented by gene and protein expression analyses. Our results delineated 2 phases of alcohol‐induced depletion of hepatic retinoid. Initially, ~15% of hepatic retinoid content was mobilized from the liver, causing extrahepatic tissue retinoid levels to increase. Subsequently, there was a precipitous drop in hepatic retinoid content (>60%), without further retinoid accumulation in the periphery. Follow‐up studies in mutant mice revealed roles for RBP, CRBP1, and CD36 in retinoid mobilization and extrahepatic retinoid uptake, as well as a role for CYP2E1 in the catabolism of hepatic retinoid. In summary, alcohol has a biphasic effect on hepatic retinoid stores, characterized by an initial phase of rapid mobilization to extrahepatic tissues followed by extensive catabolism within the liver. —Clugston, R. D. , Huang, L. ‐S. , Blaner, W. S. Chronic alcohol consumption has a biphasic effect on hepatic retinoid loss. FASEB J. 29, 3654‐3667 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Influence of Timed Nutrient Diet on Depression and Light Sensitivity in Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) patients crave and eat more carbohydrates (CHO) in fall‐winter when depressed, especially in the evenings, and feel energetic thereafter. Evening CHO‐rich meals can phase delay circadian rhythms, and glucose increases retinal response to light. We studied timed CHO‐ or protein‐rich (PROT) diet as a putative therapy for SAD. Unmedicated, DSM‐IV‐diagnosed depressed women with SAD (n=22, 19–63 yrs) in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (present in 19) were randomized to nine days of eating ∼1600 kcal of either CHO before 12:00 h (n=9), CHO after 18:00 h (n=6), or PROT after 18:00 h (n=7); only water was allowed for the rest of the day. Measurements included the depression questionnaire SIGH‐SAD (with 21‐item Hamilton depression subscale), Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), percentage fat (by bioimpedancemetry), clinical biochemistry (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, TSH, T4, cortisol), and electroretinogram (ERG). No differential effects of diet were found on any of the studied parameters (except DEBQ). Clinically, participants improved slightly; the 21‐HDRS score (mean±SD) decreased from 19.6±6.4 to 14.4±7.4 (p=.004). Percent change correlated significantly with menstrual day at diet onset (mood improved the first week after menstruation onset), change in available sunshine (more sunlight, better mood), and initial percentage fat (fatter patients improved more). Scotopic ERG amplitude was diminished after treatment (p=.025, three groups combined), probably due to greater exposure to sunshine in 14/22 subjects (partial correlation analysis significant). Keeping in mind the limitations of this ambulatory study (i.e., inability to control outdoor light exposure, small number of participants, and briefness of intervention), it is suggested that the 25% clinical improvement (of the order of magnitude of placebo) is not related to nutrient diet or its timing, but rather to natural changes during the menstrual cycle, available sunshine, and ease of dieting for fatter patients.
Performance Analysis of Field Oriented Induction Motor using Fuzzy PI and Fuzzy Logic based Model Reference Adaptive Control

This paper presents the dynamic performances of an indirect vector controlled induction motor (IVCIM) using a fuzzy logic (FL) based model reference adaptive control (MRAC) slip gain tuner for speed regulation in the drive. In high performance AC drives the motor speed should closely match with the specified reference speed irrespective of the variations in the load, motor parameters and model uncertainties. Two fuzzy controllers combined with MRAC reactive power and stator direct axis (d-axis) voltage estimator have been used to tune the slip gain of the IVCIM drive against parameter variations and model uncertainties. An integrated mathematical model of the control scheme has been developed and simulated in MATLAB for Indirect vector control of an Induction motor. The simulated performances of the FL-MRAC slip gain tuner based IVCIM drive is compared to fuzzy PI controller. The simulated results in different dynamic operating conditions such as sudden change in command speed, step change in load, etc are demonstrated through necessary waveforms. The comparison of simulated results show that the fuzzy logic MRAC slip gain tuner based IVCIM drive is more robust and effective in minimizing the detuning effect in the drive due to parameter variations and model uncertainties.
Direct machine parameter optimization for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of oropharyngeal cancer – a planning study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential of direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO) to achieve parotid sparing without compromising target coverage in IMRT of oropharyngeal cancer as compared to fluence modulation with subsequent leaf sequencing (IM) and forward planned two‐step arc therapy (IMAT). IMRT plans were generated for 10 oropharyngeal cancer patients using DMPO and IM. The resulting dose volume histograms (DVH) were evaluated with regard to compliance with the dose volume objectives (DVO) and plan quality. DMPO met the DVO for the targets better than IM, but violated the DVO to the parotids in some cases. DMPO provided better target coverage and dose homogeneity than IM and was comparable to IMAT. Dose to the parotids (23Gy) was significantly lower than for IMAT (48Gy), but somewhat higher than for IM (20Gy). Parotid sparing with IM was, however, only achieved at the cost of target coverage and homogeneity. DMPO allows achieving parotid sparing in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer without compromising target coverage and dose homogeneity in the target as compared to two‐step IMAT. Better overall plan quality can be delivered with less monitor units than with IM. PACS number: 87.50. Gi
IMMERSED BOUNDARY METHOD PREDICTIONS OF SHEAR STRESSES FOR DIFFERENT FLOW TOPOLOGIES OCCURRING IN CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS

A volume-penalizing immersed boundary method is presented that facilitates the computation of incompressible fluid flow in complex flow domains. We apply this method to simulate the flow in cerebral aneurysms, and focus on the accuracy with which the flow field and the corresponding shear stress field are computed. The method is applied to laminar, incompressible flow in curved cylindrical vessels and in a model aneurysm. The time-dependent shear stress distributions over the vessel walls are visualized and interpreted in terms of the flow fields that develop. We compute shear stress levels at two different Reynolds numbers, corresponding to a steady and an unsteady flow. In the latter situation strong fluctuations in the shear stress are observed, that may be connected to raised risk-levels of aneurysm rupture.
ERPs andDomain Speci city : Beating a StrawHorse

We discuss the import, validity and implications of the identity thesis: the idea that the P600 component of the scalp recorded event-related brain potential is identical with the P3b, a domain-general component elicited by improbable task-relevant events. We point to data reported in Coulson, King and Kutas (1998), as well as more recently published ndings, which suggest that the P600 component is sensitive to domain-general factors of probability, salience and task relevance. Exploring the epistemological complexities of the issue, we suggest what the identity thesis does and does not imply about the existence of a modular parser.
Differences between adult and foetal fibroblasts in the regulation of hyaluronate synthesis: correlation with migratory activity.

We have previously reported that confluent foetal fibroblasts migrate into three-dimensional collagen gel matrices to a significantly greater extent than do adult cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix deposited by fibroblasts and has been demonstrated to stimulate the migration of a number of different cell types. Previous studies have indicated that the synthesis of HA by normal adult skin fibroblasts declines significantly when the cells achieve confluence. Data presented in this paper indicate that foetal fibroblasts differ from adult cells in this respect, in that they do not show an inverse relationship between cell density and HA synthesis, i.e. confluent foetal fibroblasts continue to produce approximately the same amount of HA as do subconfluent cells. These data suggest that the synthesis of relatively high levels of HA by foetal fibroblasts at confluence may be causally related to the elevated migration displayed by these cells. In this context, a close correlation was observed between the level of HA synthesized by confluent foetal and adult fibroblasts and the differential migratory activity displayed by these cells. Such differences in HA synthesis and migratory behaviour were only apparent at cell confluence, with subconfluent foetal and adult fibroblasts being indistinguishable in terms of these two criteria. Our data further reveal that: (1) cell density affects the size class of HA synthesized by both foetal and adult cells; and that (2) there is a considerable degree of heterogeneity amongst the nine different fibroblast lines examined in this study in terms of the size class of HA that they produce.
Synthesis and Release of Steroids in Intestines from Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Abstract To examine the synthesis and release of steroids in intestinal tissues from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), we performed the following experiments: 1) incubated prepared intestinal tissues with [3H]testosterone to study the conversion to other steroids; 2) used a radioimmunoassay to determine steroid levels in six segments of intestinal tissues and contents (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum); 3) localized testosterone in the six intestinal segments by immunofluorescence histochemistry; and 4) determined steroid levels in feces from males and females of various ages by radio-immunoassay to examine a correlation between steroid levels and age or sex. In prepared intestinal tissues, testosterone was converted into androstenedione, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and an unidentified substance; all of these steroids were detected in all segments of the intestinal tissues and contents by radioimmunoassay. Immunofluorescence showed that testosterone was located in all segments of intestinal epithelia. Androstenedione, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and the unidentified substance were also detected in feces, and their levels were not affected by the age or sex of the animal. The present findings in cynomolgus monkeys led us to conclude that 1) steroids were synthesized in the intestines; 2) intestinal steroids were released from the six intestinal tissues to the intestinal cavities and excreted outside the body with feces; and 3) intestinal steroids were released irrespective of age or sex of the animal. Intestinal steroids seem to be paracrine or exocrine agents and to have different characteristics from classical serum steroids.
Estimation of maximum power supply noise for deep sub-micron designs

We propose a new technique for generating a small set of patterns to estimate the maximum power supply noise of deep sub-micron designs. We first build the charge/discharge current and output voltage waveform libraries for each cell, taking power and ground pin characteristics, the power net RC and other input characteristics as parameters. Based on the cells current and voltage libraries, the power supply noise of a 2-vector sequence can be estimated efficiently by a cell-level waveform simulator. We then apply the genetic algorithm based on the efficient waveform simulator to generate a small set of patterns producing high power supply noise. Finally, the results are validated by simulating the obtained patterns using a transistor level simulator. Our experimental results show that the patterns generated by our approach produce a tight lower bound on the maximum power supply noise.
The renin angiotensin system in the development of cardiovascular disease: role of aliskiren in risk reduction

An association has been shown between plasma renin activity (PRA) and the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also evidence that angiotensin II exerts detrimental effects on progression and instabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can be inhibited through inhibition of angiotensin I (Ang I) generation from angiotensinogen by direct renin inhibitors, inhibition of angiotensin II (Ang II) generation from angiotensin I by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and finally by direct inhibition of the action of Ang II receptor level. Aliskiren, the first direct renin inhibitor to reach the market, is a low-molecular-weight, orally active, hydrophilic nonpeptide. Aliskiren blocks Ang I generation, while plasma renin concentration increases because the drugs blocks the negative feed-back exerted by Ang II on renin synthesis. Because of its long pharmacological half-life, aliskiren is suitable for once-daily administration. Its through-to-peak ratio approximates 98% for the 300 mg/day dose. Because of its mechanism of action, aliskiren might offer the additional opportunity to inhibit progression of atherosclerosis at tissue level. Hypertension is an approved indication for this drug, which is also promising for the treatment of heart failure. The efficacy of this drug in reducing major clinical events is being tested in large ongoing clinical trials.
Healthy Plant Foods Intake Could Protect Against Prostate Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study

Background: Several studies have investigated the association between healthy plant foods intake and prostate cancer risk with inconsistent results. So this study was conducted to examine the existence of any possible association between healthy plant foods and prostate cancer risk. Materials and Methods: Sixty newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 60 controls engaged in a hospital-based case-control study. A validated 16o-items semi-quantitative FFQ was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Energy-adjusted amounts of healthy plant foods intake were calculated using the residual method. Logistic regression model was also used to derive beta estimates and odds ratios. Results: Cases were older and more likely to be inactive. In crude model, individuals in the highest tertile vs lowest tertile of total healthy plant foods (OR= 0.12; 95 % CI 0.04, 0.34), total fruits (OR= 0.11; 95 % CI 0.04, 0.30), total vegetables (OR= 0.08; 95 % CI 0.03, 0.24), fresh fruits (OR= 0.11; 95 % CI 0.04, 0.30), and raw vegetables (OR= 0.06; 95 % CI 0.02, 0.18) had significantly lower risk of prostate cancer. After controlling for potential confounders (age, BMI, total energy intake, job, education, smoking, physical activity, some drug usage, and also dietary intakes), just total healthy plant foods (OR= 0.12; 95 % CI 0.02, 0.55), total vegetables (OR=0.03; 95 % CI 0.00, 0.25), and raw vegetables (OR= 0.01; 95 % CI 0.00, 0.12) were associated with lower prostate cancer risk. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a diet rich in healthy plant foods and especially total or raw vegetable may protect against prostate cancer.