Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase inactivation depends on gene deletion in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Conde L, Vilaseca I, Alós L, Bernal‐Sprekelsen M, Cardesa A & Nadal A (2012) Histopathology Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase inactivation depends on gene deletion in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Axonal Recordings from Medial Superior Olive Neurons Obtained from the Lateral Lemniscus of the Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

Interaural time differences (ITDs) are a major cue for localizing low-frequency (<1.5 kHz) sounds. Sensitivity to this cue first occurs in the medial superior olive (MSO), which is thought to perform a coincidence analysis on its monaural inputs. Extracellular single-neuron recordings in MSO are difficult to obtain because (1) MSO action potentials are small and (2) a large field potential locked to the stimulus waveform hampers spike isolation. Consequently, only a limited number of studies report MSO data, and even in these studies data are limited in the variety of stimuli used, in the number of neurons studied, and in spike isolation. More high-quality data are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying neuronal ITD-sensitivity. We circumvented these difficulties by recording from the axons of MSO neurons in the lateral lemniscus (LL) of the chinchilla, a species with pronounced low-frequency sensitivity. Employing sharp glass electrodes we successfully recorded from neurons with ITD sensitivity: the location, response properties, latency, and spike shape were consistent with an MSO axonal origin. The main difficulty encountered was mechanical stability. We obtained responses to binaural beats and dichotic noise bursts to characterize the best delay versus characteristic frequency distribution, and compared the data to recordings we obtained in the inferior colliculus (IC). In contrast to most reports in other rodents, many best delays were close to zero ITD, both in MSO and IC, with a majority of the neurons recorded in the LL firing maximally within the presumed ethological ITD range.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor deficiency exacerbated Adriamycin-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis: an insight into the Fas connection

Cardiomyopathy is a major dose-limiting factor for applications of Adriamycin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent. The present study tested the hypothesis that increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α signaling via its receptors protects against Adriamycin-induced cardiac injury. We used mice in which both TNF receptor I and II have been selectively inactivated (DKO) with wild-type mice as controls. Morphometric studies of cardiac tissue following Adriamycin treatment revealed greater ultrastructural damage in cardiomyocyte mitochondria from DKO mice. Biochemical studies of cardiac tissues showed cytochrome c release and the increase in proapoptotic protein levels, suggesting that lack of TNF-α receptor I and II exacerbates Adriamycin-induced cardiac injury. The protective role of TNF receptor I and II was directly confirmed in isolated primary cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, following Adriamycin treatment, the levels of Fas decreased in the wild-type mice. In contrast, DKO mice had an increase in Fas levels and its downstream target, mitochondrial truncated Bid. These results suggested that TNF-α receptors play a critical role in cardioprotection by suppression of the mitochondrial-mediated associated cell death pathway. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(2):261–9]
Flux and Passage Enhancement in Hemodialysis by Incorporating Compound Additive into PVDF Polymer Matrix

In this study, Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber hemodialysis membranes were prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) with compound addtive. The compound additive was made with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and Poly ethylene glycol (PEG). The results showed that the modified PVDF membrane had better separation performance than virgin PVDF membrane. The UF flux of modified PVDF membrane can reach 684 L·h−1·m−2 and lysozyme (LZM) passage is 72.6% while virgin PVDF membrane is 313 L·h−1·m−2 and 53.2%. At the same time, the biocompatibility of PVDF membranes was also improved. Compared with commercial polysulfone hemodialysis membrane (Fresenius F60S membrane), the modified PVDF membrane had better mechanical and separation performance. The stress and tensile elongation of modified PVDF membrane was 0.94 MPa and 352% while Fresenius F60S membrane was 0.79 MPa and 59%. The LZM passage reached 72.6% while Fresenius F60S membrane was 54.4%. It was proven that the modified PVDF membrane showed better hydrophilicity, antithrombogenicity, less BSA adsorption, and lower hemolytic ratio and adhesion of platelets. Water contact angle and BSA adsorption of the modified PVDF membrane are 38° and 45 mg/m2 while Fresenius F60S membrane are 64° and 235 mg/m2. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the modified PVDF membrane are 56.5 s and 25.8 s while Fresenius F60S membrane is 35.7 s and 16.6 s. However, further biocompatibility evaluation is needed to obtain a more comprehensive conclusion.
Impact of nitrous acid photolysis on the total hydroxyl radical budget during the Limitation of Oxidant Production/Pianura Padana Produzione di Ozono study in Milan

[1] The photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO) in the early morning hours is believed to be a significant source of hydroxyl radicals (OH), the most important daytime oxidizing species. Although the importance of this mechanism has been recognized for many years, no accurate experimental quantification is available. Here we present measurements of HONO, NO2, SO2, O3 and HCHO by Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) during the Limitation of Oxidant Production/Pianura Padana Produzione di Ozono (LOOP/PIPAPO) study in May–June 1998 in Milan, Italy. The concentration of NO and J(NO2)/J(HONO) were simultaneously monitored by in situ monitors. The photolysis frequencies of HCHO and O3 were determined with a radiative transfer model. High nocturnal HONO mixing ratios of up to 4.4 ppb were regularly observed. Elevated daytime HONO levels during cloudy periods show that the formation of HONO proceeds after sunrise and therefore also represents a source of hydroxyl radicals throughout the day. Averaged over 24 hours, HCHO photolysis is the most important source of OH in Milan, followed by either ozone or HONO photolysis. Our observations indicate that on certain days the OH production from HONO can be even more important than that from ozone photolysis. The diurnal variation of the different OH formation mechanisms shows that HONO photolysis is by far the most important source in the early hours of the morning, and can be as large as and even surpass the total OH production at noon.
MORE MADNESS IN OUR METHOD?: THE EFFECTS OF REPERTORY GRID VARIATIONS ON CONSTRUCT DIFFERENTIATION

In a study of the effects of repertory grid variations on levels of structural differentiation, 289 participants completed one of 16 different versions of the repertory grid. These versions were defined by fully crossing two different levels of four different factors: elicitation method (difference vs. opposite method), sorting technique (triadic vs. dyadic sorts), element valence (positive vs. split-valence elements) and rating direction (rating down the grid vs. across the grid). Results indicated that higher levels of differentiation were associated with the difference method of elicitation, particularly when the element set was positive. Rating direction had a significant effect on differentiation only in Kelly's (1955) original triadic/difference version of the grid, with higher differentiation levels being associated with rating down the constructs (i.e., holding elements constant). Explanations for these effects emphasize the substantial psychological differences that can be associated with sometimes subtle variations in the repertory grid procedures, and these are interpreted within the broader literature focusing on repertory grid effects.
Clonogenic cell assay for anchorage‐dependent squamous carcinoma cell lines using limiting dilution

Clonogenic assays under either anchorage‐dependent or ‐independent conditions are very useful for testing the sensitivity of tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs and radiation. These assays have not been widely used with squamous‐cell carcinomas (SCC) because of poor tumor‐cell viability and poor cloning efficiency, especially in semi‐solid media. To find a clonogenic assay suitable for use with human squamous cancers we tested SCC lines, derived in our laboratory from patients with head and neck cancer, for the capacity to form colonies in soft agar and in 96‐well plates. Of 13 UM‐SCC lines tested for colony formation in agarose, only UM‐SCC‐11A was capable of growth in conventional semi‐solid media. One other line, UM‐SCC‐14C, produced colonies in agarose only in the presence of epidermal growth factor. In contrast, all 17 of the SCC lines tested exhibited colony formation in adherent cell culture using limiting dilution in 96‐well plates. The plating efficiencies of the SCC lines in the 96‐well plate assay ranged from 0.02 to 0.52 colonies (wells)/cell whereas the PE values in soft agar were lower, ranging from 0.0055 to 0.0086 colonies/ cell. The 96‐well plate assay is not affected by cell migration, a problem encountered with some cell lines when clonogenic assays are performed in Petri dishes. UM‐SCC‐11A was tested for radiation sensitivity both in soft agar and in the 96‐well plate assay. Comparable results were obtained. In summary, the majority of SCC cell lines did not form viable colonies in soft agar but the 96‐well plate assay was applicable to a broad spectrum of anchorage‐dependent human SCC cell lines and provides an efficient method for evaluating clonogenic cell survival.
Oxidative stress in the clam Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758) in relation to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon body burden

Seasonal variation of antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidases) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were studied in the clam Ruditapes decussatus in relation to body burdens of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Clams were sampled in eight sites from the Ria Formosa lagoon. PAH concentrations were seasonally rather than spatially dependent, being higher in summer (August). Antioxidant enzymes activities and LPO levels in the clam digestive gland were also seasonally dependent. Antioxidant enzymes presented distinct seasonal variations: Mit SOD (superoxide dismutase activity measured in the mitochondrial fraction) was induced in the summer and down‐regulated in winter and spring, while Cyt SOD activity (measured in the cytosolic fraction) was highest in autumn and lower in the summer. Neither Mit nor Cyt SOD were related to the clam PAH body burden, suggesting that cells are using other antioxidant systems to eliminate oxyradicals. Catalase (CAT), however, was induced in spring and down‐regulated in summer, the inverse of the PAH concentrations in clam tissues. CAT induction in spring appears to be related to the excess of oxyradicals arising from the metabolic activity associated with the reproductive cycle. Conversely, the decrease in CAT activity in the summer may be related to the high water temperatures reached in the Ria Formosa (up to 30 °C). Glutathione peroxidases (total fraction ‐ T‐GPx and dependent on selenium ‐ Se‐GPx) presented a similar seasonal pattern, and were negatively related to PAH concentrations, which may indicate a precarious state of the clams, associated with PAH toxicity. Similarly, LPO was also inversely correlated to the PAH concentrations indicating that increases in PAH concentrations were not causing membrane oxidative damage in R. decussatus digestive gland. The results suggest that antioxidant enzymes in R. decussatus digestive gland are strongly affected by seasonal factors stressing the need of other experiments to clarify the PAHs effect on this clam species. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 203–221, 2007.
Recontamination of products with salmonellae after rendering in Canadian plants.

Marks, J., Jenkins, P. A. & Schaefer, W. B. (1969). Identification and incidence of a third type of Mycobacterium avium. -Tubercle, Lond, 50, 394-395 (f.g.sp.) (Tub. Ref. Lab., The Parade, Cardiff). An improved classification of M. avium into types 1, 2 and 3 is proposed. The latter two were formerly combined as type II. Types 1 and 2 are met in all areas, the latter being the more common, but the distribution of type 3 is irregular. Reprinted from "The Veterinary Bulletin", Vol. 40, No. 5, May, 1970.
Psychological morbidity among female commercial sex workers with alcohol and drug abuse

Introduction: Substance abuse may act as precursors and also can form outcomes of sexual behaviors. The confluence of drug use, mental stressors, poverty, sexually transmitted diseases, low self-esteem and high-risk partners forms a fertile ground for psychological morbidity. Aim: To assess the psychological morbidity among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) who use alcohol and other substance abuse. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive CSWs with alcohol and drug abuse patients attending the psychiatric OPD at Victoria hospital were assessed clinically. Relevant investigations were also carried out. General health questionnaire and substance use disorder identification tests were administered. Results: A total of 100 cases between 30-40 years of age were taken up for the study. All were abusing alcohol with tobacco chewing or smoking being (64). Eighty-seven were married. Fifty of them being illiterate. Seventy-eight were suffering from physical illness. Two were HIV patient on treatment. Seventy-eight were having psychological morbidity (depression and adjustment disorder). Conclusion: Preventive interventions, targeting substance abuse and stimulating healthier-environments and providing economically independent.
AN ONTOGENY OF OPTIONAL SHIFT BEHAVIOR

Between kindergarten and college age the probability that S will make an optional reversal shift (to the previously negative stimulus of the relevant dimension) increases with developmental level. Conversely, the probability that he will make an extradimensional shift (to the previously irrelevant dimension) or a nonselective shift declines with developmental level. This ontogeny was replicated on 3 sets of stimulus compounds composed of highly discriminable binary values on the color, form, or size dimension. An associated ontogeny of learning facility was also found which appeared due to a transition from an incremental to a hypothesis testing mode. The evidence was interpreted as consonant with the developmental mediation theory which assumes that the ontogenies reflect a transition from a singlestage, incremental learning process to a multistage process that includes symbolic representational responses.
LT codes with block duplication and ring type constellation for unequal error protection

This work describes an unequal error protection using a rateless code namely Luby transform codes (LT codes), with block duplication, over Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. Ring type constellation is used as modulation technique to encode the different levels of data independently. In noisy channels, the index replacing concept cannot be used because all the bits are corrupted by noise; symbols are no more either correctly received or completely lost. In this work, a new method has been proposed to circumvent the need for index replacing in block duplication. This is called Index Averaging. It is found that block duplication applied to the Most Important Bits (MIB) leads to a better performance than previous Unequal Error Protection (UEP) based schemes.
Scotland' s further education managers

Abstract This article reports on The Management Training Needs Analysis Survey (1997) commissioned by the Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU) and further interviews carried out by the authors of this article. This survey was built on information already gathered for The Management Competence Report (SFEU, 1995). The 1997 survey explores three main questions: what are the training needs of Scotland' s further education (FE) managers; how are these needs identified; and how are they being met? The survey and subsequent interviews identify a number of key issues including the ad hoc approach of colleges towards management training and development, a lack of support and reward for managers undertaking training, and ambivalence towards training generally. The diverse nature of college staff and the community they serve requires acknowledgement, as does the complex external environment in which colleges operate. Both factors require a more in depth study to examine the nature and motivation of Scotland' s further education managers to ensure that educational management policies reflect the current reality of the sector.
ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS REPORTING : ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Aim: To assess the attitudes and perceptions of medical practitioners towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and factors that influence the reporting of ADR. Method: A suitable self-administered survey questionnaire was designed and randomly circulated to 110 doctors in three different hospitals where local hospital based ADR reporting system exist. Results: A total of 97 filled questionnaires were returned giving response rate of 88 percent. Ninety percent (n = 87) and 89% (n = 86) of the responders were aware of existence of ADR reporting and monitoring system in India and at their hospital respectively. Forty one percent (n = 40) and 64% (n = 62) of medical practitioners had reported suspected ADR to any of the pharmacovigilance centre located in India and at their hospital respectively. Ninety three percent (n = 90) of the responders opined that the existing ADR centre had created awareness and 98% (n = 95) of responders found the system is useful and benefiting the patients. Factors that encouraged ADR reporting were simple to operate and constant creation of awareness. Factors that discouraged ADR reporting were well-known reactions, mild reactions and immediate management of ADRs. Ninety five percent (n = 92) of responders opined that pharmacist’s assistance in detection, reporting, monitoring and management of adverse drug reactions is useful. Conclusion: Imparting knowledge and awareness of ADR reporting among medical practitioners would bring the reporting culture among medical practitioners and increase the reporting rates of ADR. Pharmacists have a greater role to play in the area of pharmacovigilance.
Acogimiento residencial: ¿innovación o resignación?

Resumen El artículo de Palacios publicado en este mismo número de la revista comentando nuestro anterior trabajo (Fernández, Álvarez y Bravo, 2003) acerca de una evaluación de resultados a largo plazo en acogimiento residencial, plantea una interesante oportunidad para debatir no sólo la metodología y resultados de nuestra investigación, sino el propio concepto de acogimiento residencial y el papel que este tipo de servicios sociales debe tener para la protección infantil. Este artículo responderá a los comentarios realizados por Palacios acerca de las limitaciones de la investigación, las posibilidades de realizar generalizaciones, las cuestiones metodológicas y los objetivos del acogimiento residencial. Nuestra respuesta plantea la necesidad de nuevos diseños metodológicos y los problemas para averiguar las relaciones causa-efecto en acogimiento residencial, el uso de una nueva terminología que supere viejos conceptos como “instituciones” o “institucionalizado”, así como la justificación de estos programas y un conjunto claro de funciones para el acogimiento residencial. No obstante, el artículo apoya y está totalmente de acuerdo con la propuesta de Palacios de dar prioridad al desarrollo de acogimientos familiares y reducir el acogimiento residencial destinándolo sólo a los casos necesarios
Transition-Based Techniques for Non-Projective Dependency Parsing

We present an empirical evaluation of three methods for the treatment of non-projective structures in transition-based dependency parsing: pseudo-projective parsing, non-adjacent arc transitions, and online reordering. We compare both the theoretical coverage and the empirical performance of these methods using data from Czech, English and German. The results show that although online reordering is the only method with complete theoretical coverage, all three techniques exhibit high precision but somewhat lower recall on non-projective dependencies and can all improve overall parsing accuracy provided that non-projective dependencies are frequent enough. We also find that the use of non-adjacent arc transitions may lead to a drop in accuracy on projective dependencies in the presence of long-distance non-projective dependencies, an effect that is not found for the two other techniques.
Asperger syndrome and arson: a case study

Purpose – People with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) may offend as a result of social skills deficits, co‐morbid mental health problems, abuse of drugs and alcohol, or because of their special interests. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate these issues by describing a patient in whom all of these factors contributed to fire‐setting behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – This paper briefly summarises the literature in relation to ASD and offending, then describes the case of a young man with Asperger syndrome who set a fire in his home.Findings – The paper concludes that late diagnosis and the consequent lack of intervention may increase the risk of offending. Adults with ASD who offend can benefit from treatment in specialist secure units and the prognosis following such treatment may be good.Originality/value – The paper highlights the risk of offending in people with ASD, the factors which may contribute to offending, and possible approaches to treatment.
Iron-Responsive Regulation of Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus aureus Involves Fur-Dependent and Fur-Independent Mechanisms

ABSTRACT We have shown that Staphylococcus aureus biofilm production is induced in iron-restricted conditions and is repressed by iron via a Fur-independent mechanism, while Fur has both positive and negative regulatory roles in low iron. Furthermore, there is no significant increase in polymeric N-acetylglucosamine polysaccharide expression to account for induction of biofilms in low iron.
Cruelty in Maternity Wards: Fifty Years Later

Fifty years have passed since a scandal broke over inhumane treatment of laboring women in U.S. hospitals, yet first-person and eyewitness reports document that medical care providers continue to subject childbearing women to verbal and physical abuse and even to what would constitute sexual assault in any other context. Women frequently are denied their right to make informed decisions about care and may be punished for attempting to assert their right to refusal. Mistreatment is not uncommon and persists because of factors inherent to hospital social culture. Concerted action on the part of all stakeholders will be required to bring about systemic reform.