Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucose Metabolism in Critically Ill Patients

Critical illness afflicts millions of people worldwide and is associated with a high risk of organ failure and death or an adverse outcome with persistent physical or cognitive deficits. Spontaneous hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and is associated with an adverse outcome compared to normoglycemia. Insulin is used for treating hyperglycemia in the critically ill patients but may be complicated by hypoglycemia, which is difficult to detect in these patients and which may lead to serious neurological sequelae and death. The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1, stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release both in healthy individuals and in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Compared to insulin, GLP-1 appears to be associated with a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia, probably because the magnitude of its insulinotropic action is dependent on blood glucose (BG). This is taken advantage of in the treatment of patients with T2DM, for whom GLP-1 analogs have been introduced during the recent years. Infusion of GLP-1 also lowers the BG level in critically ill patients without causing severe hypoglycemia. The T2DM and critical illness share similar characteristics and are, among other things, both characterized by different grades of systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The GLP-1 might be a potential new treatment target in critically ill patients with stress-induced hyperglycemia.
Retrofitting smartphones to be used as particulate matter dosimeters

This work discusses ways of measuring particulate matter with mobile devices. Solutions using a dedicated sensor device are presented along with a novel method of retrofitting a sensor to a camera phone without need for electrical modifications. Instead, the flash and camera of the phone are used as light source and receptor of an optical dust sensor respectively. Experiments to evaluate the accuracy are presented.
Everyone's an influencer: quantifying influence on twitter

In this paper we investigate the attributes and relative influence of 1.6M Twitter users by tracking 74 million diffusion events that took place on the Twitter follower graph over a two month interval in 2009. Unsurprisingly, we find that the largest cascades tend to be generated by users who have been influential in the past and who have a large number of followers. We also find that URLs that were rated more interesting and/or elicited more positive feelings by workers on Mechanical Turk were more likely to spread. In spite of these intuitive results, however, we find that predictions of which particular user or URL will generate large cascades are relatively unreliable. We conclude, therefore, that word-of-mouth diffusion can only be harnessed reliably by targeting large numbers of potential influencers, thereby capturing average effects. Finally, we consider a family of hypothetical marketing strategies, defined by the relative cost of identifying versus compensating potential "influencers. " We find that although under some circumstances, the most influential users are also the most cost-effective, under a wide range of plausible assumptions the most cost-effective performance can be realized using "ordinary influencers"---individuals who exert average or even less-than-average influence.
Ex Vivo Imaging of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Activity and Its Inhibition in the Mouse Brain

There is recent behavioral evidence that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors produce a subset of cannabinoid receptor agonist effects, suggesting both anandamide-specific behavioral functions and possible regional differences in FAAH inhibitory effects. Here, we introduce a novel imaging method to quantify regional differences in brain FAAH activity. Upon intravenous [3H]anandamide administration, brain FAAH activity generates [3H]arachidonic acid, which is promptly trapped in membrane phospholipids. As a result, wild-type (WT) brains accumulate tritium in a regionally specific manner that is dependent upon regional FAAH activity, whereas brains from FAAH knockout (KO) mice show a uniform [3H]anandamide distribution. Increasing doses of anandamide + [3H]anandamide fail to alter regional tritium accumulation, suggesting insensitivity toward this process by anandamide-induced changes in regional cerebral blood flow. Regional tritiated metabolite levels in WT brains were highest in the somatosensory and visual cortices and the thalamus. Treatment with methylarachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) (1 mg/kg i.p.) reduced regional tritium accumulation in the somatosensory and visual cortices (p < 0.01), and at higher doses, the thalamus (p < 0.05). The selective FAAH inhibitor 1-oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl-1-dodecanone (CAY10435), although having similar efficacy as MAFP in reducing tritium in the thalamus and somatosensory and visual cortices, also reduces caudate putamen and cerebellum (p < 0.01) activity. These data indicate FAAH activity generates heterogeneous regional accumulation of [3H]anandamide and metabolites, and they suggest the modulation of endocannabinoid tone by FAAH inhibitors depends upon not only the dose and compound used but also on the degree of FAAH expression in the brain regions examined. This imaging method determines regionally specific FAAH inhibition and can elucidate the in vivo effects of pharmacological agents targeting anandamide inactivation.
Non-conducting function of the Kv2.1 channel enables it to recruit vesicles for release in neuroendocrine and nerve cells

Regulation of exocytosis by voltage-gated K+ channels has classically been viewed as inhibition mediated by K+ fluxes. We recently identified a new role for Kv2.1 in facilitating vesicle release from neuroendocrine cells, which is independent of K+ flux. Here, we show that Kv2.1-induced facilitation of release is not restricted to neuroendocrine cells, but also occurs in the somatic-vesicle release from dorsal-root-ganglion neurons and is mediated by direct association of Kv2.1 with syntaxin. We further show in adrenal chromaffin cells that facilitation induced by both wild-type and non-conducting mutant Kv2.1 channels in response to long stimulation persists during successive stimulation, and can be attributed to an increased number of exocytotic events and not to changes in single-spike kinetics. Moreover, rigorous analysis of the pools of released vesicles reveals that Kv2.1 enhances the rate of vesicle recruitment during stimulation with high Ca2+, without affecting the size of the readily releasable vesicle pool. These findings place a voltage-gated K+ channel among the syntaxin-binding proteins that directly regulate pre-fusion steps in exocytosis.
TAp73α Increases p53 Tumor Suppressor Activity in Thyroid Cancer Cells via the Inhibition of Mdm2-Mediated Degradation

p53 family proteins include p53 tumor suppressor, p63, and p73. Despite the high similarity in structure and function with p53, p63, and p73 function in tumor suppression is still controversial. Here, we show that TAp73α, a transcriptionally active p73 isoform, is able to synergize p53 tumor suppressor function in thyroid cancer cells. Indeed, depletion of p73 by small interfering RNA in thyroid cancer cells resulted in a reduced transcriptional activity of p53. Ectopic coexpression of both p53 and TAp73α in thyroid cancer cells resulted in increased transcription and tumor suppressor function compared with p53 or TAp73α alone, as well as in increased p53 protein levels. The enhancing effect of TAp73α on p53 activity is Mdm2 dependent because it is prevented by Mdm2 depletion by small interfering RNA. At least two mechanisms may explain the interference of TAp73α with p53 function. First, in thyroid cancer cells, TAp73α inhibits the effect of p53 on Mdm2 induction by antagonizing p53 at the Mdm2 promoter level. Second, a TAp73α mutant (G264W), which is devoid of DNA binding capability, is still able to increase p53 protein levels by competing with p53 for Mdm2 protein binding. Taken together, these results indicate that in thyroid cancer cells, TAp73α is able to increase p53 protein level and function by interfering with Mdm2-mediated p53 degradation. These results may be useful for designing gene therapies aimed at restoring a normal p53 function in thyroid cancer cells. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(1):64–77)
Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk Reinforced Polyethylene Composites Using Experiments with Mixtures

In recent years, the use of agro-wastes, such as rice husk (RH), in the manufacture of thermoplastic composites to replace wood fibres has emerged as a promising field of interest. Linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) and ground rice husk (GRH) were used to manufacture composites. The D-optimal design routine in Design Expert software was used to select ten different blends with different percentages of RH, MDPE and compatibiliser, maleated polyethylene (MAPE) along with four replicate blends. RH was varied between 15 to 50 wt%, MAPE between 1 to 6 wt% and MDPE between 44 to 84 wt%. The effects of RH, MDPE and MAPE content on the mechanical properties of the manufactured composites were examined. The results show that tensile and flexural properties of the composites were improved, whereas, Charpy impact strength was decreased with increasing RH loading. The effect of MAPE on tensile strength and Charpy impact strength was significant, but its effect was negligible on tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the composites.
Critical flicker frequency test for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the first phase in the clinical spectrum of HE, occurring in up to 30%-84% of patients with cirrhosis (1,2). Patients with MHE have deficits in cognitive functions such as attention, reaction time, vigilance, coordination, and motor function. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with a decreased quality of life, an increased risk for traffic/work accidents, and death. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy also increases the risk for overt HE (OHE). Thus, MHE must be early diagnosed and treated (3,4).
Conversation and Object Manipulation Influence Children's Learning in a Museum Hands-on Learning and Transfer

The effects of parent–child conversation and object manipulation on children's learning, transfer of knowledge , and memory were examined in two museum exhibits and conversations recorded at home. Seventy-eight children (M age = 4.9) and their parents were randomly assigned to receive conversation cards featuring elaborative questions about exhibit objects, the physical objects themselves, both, or neither, before their exhibit visits. Dyads who received the cards engaged in more elaborative talk and joint nonverbal activities with objects in the first exhibit than those who did not. Dyads who received objects engaged in the most parent– child joint talk. Results also illustrate transfer of information across exhibits and from museum to home. Implications for understanding mechanisms of informal learning and transfer are discussed. Experiences in museums can be a key to children's developing interest and understanding of culture and science. Researchers and educators have stressed that these informal educational experiences are important in the science, technology, engineering , and math (STEM) learning process (e. Young children learn in museums through a combination of hands-on manipulation of objects and conversations with others (Bell et al., 2009; Falk & Dierking, 2000). These two sources of information may have synergistic effects on STEM learning in the early years. In our research in a natural history museum, we focused on whether and how children's activities with objects and parent– child conversations influence learning about cultural practices and scientific discovery. The idea that children learn through direct experience interacting with objects is one of the oldest (Piaget, 1970; Vygotsky, 1978) and most consistently applied ideas in developmental psychology, education , and learning science. Work on embodied cog-nition, for example, has emphasized the importance of physical actions in learning and representation N u~ nez, 2000). That museum exhibits for children are designed to encourage hands-on engagement also reflects the notion that children learn best through direct action with objects (Leinhardt, Crowley, & Knutson, 2002; Paris & Hapgood, 2002). Nevertheless, researchers have identified potential limitations with this method of learning. First, attractive, hands-on displays may grab children's attention, but this alone is not enough to ensure further engagement with the underlying ideas and learning (e.g., Narayanan & Hegarty, 2000). A second concern is whether children will use what they learn through object manipulation in new or different contexts (e.g., from museum to home and/or school). Cognitive and learning psychologists typically refer to these issues as problems of transfer …
Metabolic pathway and distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: in vivo study

Background: Experimental tissue fusion benefits from the selective heating of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) under high frequency irradiation. However, the metabolic pathways of SPIONs for tissue fusion remain unknown. Hence, the goal of this in vivo study was to analyze the distribution of SPIONs in different organs by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis after a SPION-containing patch implantation. Methods: SPION-containing patches were implanted in rats. Three animal groups were studied histologically over six months. Degradation assessment of the SPION-albumin patch was performed in vivo using MRI for iron content localization and biodistribution. Results: No SPION degradation or accumulation into the reticuloendothelial system was detected by MRI, MRI relaxometry, or histology, outside the area of the implantation patch. Concentrations from 0.01 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL were found to be hyperintense in T1-like gradient echo sequences. The best differentiation of concentrations was found in T2 relaxometry, susceptibility-sensitive gradient echo sequences, and in high repetition time T2 images. Qualitative and semiquantitative visualization of small concentrations and accumulation of SPIONs by MRI are feasible. In histological liver samples, Kupffer cells were significantly correlated with postimplantation time, but no differences were observed between sham-treated and induction/no induction groups. Transmission electron microscopy showed local uptake of SPIONs in macrophages and cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Apoptosis staining using caspase showed no increased toxicity compared with sham-treated tissue. Implanted SPION patches were relatively inert with slow, progressive local degradation over the six-month period. No distant structural alterations in the studied tissue could be observed. Conclusion: Systemic bioavailability may play a role in specific SPION implant toxicity and therefore the local degradation process is a further aspect to be assessed in future studies.
Cultural Aspects of End-of-Life Care Planning for African Americans: An Integrative Review of Literature

Advance directive completion rates among the general population are low. Studies report even lower completion rates among African Americans are affected by demographic variables, cultural distinctives related to patient autonomy, mistrust of the health care system, low health literacy, strong spiritual beliefs, desire for aggressive interventions, importance of family–communal decision making, and presence of comorbidities. An integrative review was conducted to synthesize nursing knowledge regarding cultural perspectives of end-of-life and advance care planning among African Americans. Twenty-four articles were reviewed. Nurses educate patients and families about end-of-life planning as mandated by the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991. Implementation of advance directives promote patient and family centered care, and should be encouraged. Clinicians must be sensitive and respectful of values and practices of patients of diverse cultures, and initiate conversations with open-ended questions facilitating patient trust and sharing within the context of complex beliefs, traditions, and lifeways.
Differentiation of Symbiotic Cells and Endosymbionts in Medicago truncatula Nodulation Are Coupled to Two Transcriptome-Switches

The legume plant Medicago truncatula establishes a symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti which takes place in root nodules. The formation of nodules employs a complex developmental program involving organogenesis, specific cellular differentiation of the host cells and the endosymbiotic bacteria, called bacteroids, as well as the specific activation of a large number of plant genes. By using a collection of plant and bacterial mutants inducing non-functional, Fix− nodules, we studied the differentiation processes of the symbiotic partners together with the nodule transcriptome, with the aim of unravelling links between cell differentiation and transcriptome activation. Two waves of transcriptional reprogramming involving the repression and the massive induction of hundreds of genes were observed during wild-type nodule formation. The dominant features of this “nodule-specific transcriptome” were the repression of plant defense-related genes, the transient activation of cell cycle and protein synthesis genes at the early stage of nodule development and the activation of the secretory pathway along with a large number of transmembrane and secretory proteins or peptides throughout organogenesis. The fifteen plant and bacterial mutants that were analyzed fell into four major categories. Members of the first category of mutants formed non-functional nodules although they had differentiated nodule cells and bacteroids. This group passed the two transcriptome switch-points similarly to the wild type. The second category, which formed nodules in which the plant cells were differentiated and infected but the bacteroids did not differentiate, passed the first transcriptome switch but not the second one. Nodules in the third category contained infection threads but were devoid of differentiated symbiotic cells and displayed a root-like transcriptome. Nodules in the fourth category were free of bacteria, devoid of differentiated symbiotic cells and also displayed a root-like transcriptome. A correlation thus exists between the differentiation of symbiotic nodule cells and the first wave of nodule specific gene activation and between differentiation of rhizobia to bacteroids and the second transcriptome wave in nodules. The differentiation of symbiotic cells and of bacteroids may therefore constitute signals for the execution of these transcriptome-switches.
Fast and Scalable Parallel Algorithms for Knapsack-like Problems

We present two new algorithms for searching in sortedX + Y + R + S, one based on heaps and the other on sampling. Each of the algorithms runs in timeO(n2logn) (nbeing the size of the sorted arraysX,Y,R, andS). Hence in each case, by constructing arrays of sizen=O(2s/4), we obtain a new algorithm for solving certain NP-complete problems such as knapsack onsdata items in time equal (up to a constant factor) to the best algorithm currently known. Each of the algorithms is capable of being efficiently implemented in parallel and so solving large instances of these NP-complete problems fast on coarse-grained distributed memory parallel computers. The parallel version of the heap based algorithm is communication-efficient and exhibits optimal speedup for a number of processors less thannusingO(n) space in each one; the sampling based algorithm exhibits optimal speedup for any number of processors up tonusingO(n) space in total provided that the architecture is capable of logarithmic time sorting.
Role of Prefrontal Cortex Dopamine and Noradrenaline Circuitry in Addiction

Understanding the mechanisms of drug dependence has been the goal of a large number of neuroscientists, pharmacologists and clinicians who carried out research with the hope of individuating and proposing an efficacious therapy for this disorder (Sofuoglu, 2010; Kalivas and Volkow, 2011). Unfortunately, although huge efforts, drug dependence is still a relevant health, social and economical problem (Popova et al., 2012; Hiscock et al., 2011; Shorter and Kosten, 2011). Treatments for drug abuse are for the most part ineffective because the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which drugs of abuse alter neuronal circuitry are still unexplained and above all, because drugs of abuse determine a global alteration of cerebral functions that govern behaviour through decision formation, making therefore unfocused the identification of a pharmacological target (Volkow et al., 2011; Schultz 2011). One of the first strategies pursued in drug dependence therapy was directed to removal of pleasure associated with drug taking, but the compliance with the treatment has been always limited, although it could improve when it was supported by psychology based motivational therapy as in alcohol dependence (Krampe and Ehrenreich, 2010; Simkin and Grenoble, 2010). On the other hand it is not infrequent that heavy smokers or heavy drinkers stop suddenly dependence just because their will overcome year-long habits. Decision making is a process based on the interaction between prefrontal cortex (PFC) and subcortical regions involved in reward and motivation, therefore it is likely that failure in self-regulatory behavior, that is common in addicted subjects, could be dependent upon the alteration of interactions between the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions (Heatherton and Wagner, 2011). In this chapter we will review the role of PFC in addiction with particular attention to dopamine and norepinephrine transmission.
Characterization of traps and trap-related effects in recessed-gate normally-off AlGaN/GaN-based MOSHEMT

Traps and trap-related effects in recessed-gate normally-off AlGaN/GaN-based MOSHEMT with SiO2 gate dielectric were characterized. Hysteresis in ID-VG was observed at elevated temperature (~120°C) due to the traps. To understand the traps, current transient in drain was investigated at given gate and drain pulses with different temperatures. Two groups of time constants were extracted: one is nearly constant and the other is decreased with temperature. Extracted activation energies from the drain current transients with temperature are 0.66 eV and 0.73 eV, respectively, for given gate and drain pulses. Using extracted exponential trap density profile from frequency dependent conductance method [4], we could understand C-V behavior with frequency. It was shown that traps inside AlGaN layer are a main cause for the decrease of capacitance at high frequency in inversion region. The pulsed I-V characteristics also show frequency dependence.