Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Information Management System Model for the Industrial Incidents in Saudi Arabia: A Conceptual Framework Based on SDLC Methodology

The main focus of this study has been on the development of a conceptual framework for improving the current status of industrial accidents' control. The framework is aimed to use of ICT to improve the information exchange between the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector and to provide an information management system model for the Industrial Incidents Administration System (IIAS). The purposed system, designed to highlight the method by which data should be transferred between the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector, as well as other emergency services involved in assessing and controlling industrial accidents. This study used a survey in form of questionnaire and face-to-face interview supplemented by a document analysis of activities relating to those tow sectors and direct observation. This conceptual model based on the traditional System development life cycle methodology (SDLC). Study found that designing an information system network to link the Civil Defence and Industrial Sector in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the exchange of information to control industrial accidents is considered to be important in improving the current situation. As result of this study information management system model was purposed. Such model can be expected to contribute to improving and developing the information exchange system between the tow Sectors.
Psychometric Properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire for DSM-IV Among Four Racial Groups

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV (GAD-Q-IV) is a self-report diagnostic measure of generalized anxiety disorder. Previous studies have established the psychometric properties of the GAD-Q-IV, revealing excellent diagnostic specificity and sensitivity as well as good test–retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity (Newman et al., 2002). Recent analyses with other measures of anxiety symptoms have revealed differences across racial or national groups. Given that the GAD-Q-IV was tested primarily on Caucasians (78%), the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the psychometric properties of the GAD-Q-IV across four racial groups: African American, Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian. A student sample of 585 undergraduate psychology students completed the GAD-Q-IV as well as other measures of anxiety symptoms. A clinical replication sample included 188 participants who completed the GAD-Q-IV as part of a larger psychotherapy study. Results indicated excellent and very similar factor structures in the student sample and similar psychometric properties in both samples across the racial groups. Implications for the use of the GAD-Q-IV across racial groups are discussed.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of actinically damaged elastic fibers in keratoacanthomas: an aid in diagnosis

The inclusion of elastic fibers within the epithelium of keratoacanthomas is a phenomenon suggested to be an aid in differentiating this lesion from squamous cell carcinoma. Antilysozyme antibodies have recently been noted to stain actinically damaged elastic fibers but not those from sunprotected skin. In this study, 54 keratoacanthomas and 46 squamous cell carcinomas were stained with a histochemical elastic tissue stain and polyclonal antibody to lysozyme using an immunoperoxidase technique. Elastic fibers were demonstrated in keratoacanthomas (37/54, 68%) significantly more often than squamous cell carcinomas (12/46, 26%) (p < 0.001) using both techniques. This study confirms that the inclusion of elastic fibers occurs significantly more often in keratoacanthomas than squamous cell carcinomas. These elastic fibers were also actinically damaged, suggesting a role for sun damage in the evolution of keratoacanthoma.
Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine enhances mesenchymal stem cell survival

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising approach in the therapy of ischemic heart or CNS diseases; however, the poor viability of MSCs after transplantation critically limits the efficacy of this new strategy. Prolyl hydroxylase inhibition followed by HIF‐1α up‐regulation participates in the regulation of apoptosis and cell survival, which have been shown in cancer cells and neurons. The role of prolyl hydroxylase inhibition by dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) in regulation of cell survival has not been investigated in MSCs. In the present investigation with MSCs, apoptosis and cell death induced by serum deprivation were assessed by caspase‐3 activation and trypan blue staining, respectively. The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and PI3K/Akt cell survival pathway were evaluated. DMOG significantly attenuated apoptosis and cell death of MSCs, stabilized HIF‐1α and induced downstream glucose transport 1 (Glut‐1) synthesis. DMOG treatment reduced mitochondrial cytochrome c release, nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), and promoted Akt phosphorylation. A specific PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin, blocked Akt phosphorylation and abrogated the beneficial effect of DMOG. These data suggest that the DMOG protection of MSCs may provide a novel approach to promote cell survival during cell stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 903–911, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plant carbon substrate supply regulated soil nitrogen dynamics in a tallgrass prairie in the Great Plains, USA: results of a clipping and shading experiment

Aims Land use management affects plant carbon (C) supply and soil environments and hence alters soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, with consequent feedbacks to terrestrial ecosystem productivity. The objective of this study was to better identify mechanisms by which land-use management (clipping and shading) regulates soil N in a tallgrass prairie, OK, USA. Methods We conducted 1-year clipping and shading experiment to investigate the effects of changes in land-use management (soil microclimates, plant C substrate supply and microbial activity) on soil inorganic N (NH + � N and NO � � N), net N mineralization and nitrification in
Toward a genetics of cancer resistance

Two of three humans never get cancer. Even the majority of heavy smokers remain cancer free. Is this a matter of chance, or are there cancer-resistant genotypes? Based on the evidence discussed, it would appear that evolution has favored a limited number of relatively common resistance genes that may nip incipient cancerous foci in the bud, i.e., to stop them at their inception. It is further suggested that resistance genes may act at the level of tissue organization in a dominant fashion.
Microevolution and Patterns of Dissemination of the JP2 Clone of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans

ABSTRACT The natural history, microevolution, and patterns of interindividual transmission and global dissemination of the JP2 clone of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans were studied by population genetic analysis. The JP2 clone is strongly associated with aggressive periodontitis in adolescents of African descent and differs from other clones of the species by several genetic peculiarities, including a 530-bp deletion in the promoter region of the leukotoxin gene operon, which results in increased leukotoxic activity. Multilocus sequence analysis of 82 A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, 66 of which were JP2 clone strains collected over a period of more than 20 years, confirmed that there is a clonal population structure with evolutionary lineages corresponding to serotypes. Although genetically highly conserved, as shown by alignment of sequences of eight housekeeping genes, strains belonging to the JP2 clone had a number of point mutations, particularly in the pseudogenes hbpA and tbpA. Characteristic mutations allowed isolates from individuals from the Mediterranean area and from West Africa, including the Cape Verde Islands, to be distinguished. The patterns of mutations indicate that the JP2 clone initially emerged as a distinct genotype in the Mediterranean part of Africa approximately 2,400 years ago and subsequently spread to West Africa, from which it was transferred to the American continents during the transatlantic slave trade. The sustained exclusive colonization of individuals of African descent despite geographical separation for centuries suggests that the JP2 clone has a distinct host tropism. The colonization of family members by JP2 clone strains with unique point mutations provides strong evidence that there is intrafamilial transmission and suggests that dissemination of the JP2 clone is restricted to close contacts.
B Cell Production of Both OPG and RANKL is Significantly Increased in Aged Mice

Aging is a risk factor for osteoclastic bone loss and bone fracture. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) is the key effector cytokine for osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, and is moderated by its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG). The development of an inflammatory environment during aging leads to increased bone resorption and loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Interestingly, animal and clinical studies show that OPG is actually increased in aging but fails to fully compensate for endogenous RANKL. Osteoblast- and B-lineage cells are significant sources of physiological OPG, however osteoblast OPG production declines with age, suggesting that elevated OPG in aging may be a consequence of changes in B cell function. In this study we examined BMD and indices of trabecular bone structure during aging, and B cell production of both RANKL and OPG in young and aged mice. Our data reveal significant loss of BMD and trabecular structure with age commensurate with significantly elevated concentrations of both OPG and RANKL in aged mice, and a decline in B cell populations in aged animals. Taken together our data suggest that B cells may be responsible for the elevated concentrations of OPG during aging and are essential to counteract excessive age-associated bone resorption. Paradoxically, B cells themselves likely contribute RANKL in aging and the loss of B cells with age may further contribute to the imbalance in OPG relative to RANKL that predisposes age-associated bone loss.
Analysis of Follicular Fluid Retinoids in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Retinol (ROL) and its biologically active metabolite, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), are essential for a number of reproductive processes. However, there is a paucity of information regarding their roles in ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryogenesis. The objectives of this study were to quantify and compare peripheral plasma (PP) and follicular fluid (FF) retinoid levels, including ATRA in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to investigate the relationship between retinoid levels and embryo quality. Retinoid levels were evaluated in PP and FF from 79 women undergoing IVF at the time of oocyte retrieval and corresponding embryo quality assessed on a daily basis after retrieval for 3 days until uterine transfer. Analysis compared the retinoid levels with day 3 embryo grades and between endometriosis versus control patients. Results demonstrated distinctive levels of retinoid metabolites and isomers in FF versus PP. There was a significantly larger percentage of high-quality grade I embryos derived from the largest versus smallest follicles. An increase in follicle size also correlated with a >50% increase in FF ROL and ATRA concentrations. Independent of follicle size, FF yielding grade I versus nongrade I embryos showed higher mean levels of ATRA but not ROL. In a nested case–control analysis, control participants had 50% higher mean levels of ATRA in their FF and PP than women with endometriosis. These findings strongly support the proposition that ATRA plays a fundamental role in oocyte development and quality, and that reduced ATRA synthesis may contribute to decreased fecundity of participants with endometriosis.
Effect of Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background— Childhood overweight and obesity are associated with elevated blood pressure (BP). However, little is known about how childhood obesity lifestyle prevention programs affect BP. We assessed the effects of childhood obesity prevention programs on BP in children in developed countries. Methods and Results— We searched databases up to April 22, 2013, for relevant randomized, controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and natural experiments. Studies were included if they applied a diet or physical activity intervention(s) and were followed for ≥1 year (or ≥6 months for school-based intervention studies); they were excluded if they targeted only overweight/obese subjects or those with a medical condition. In our meta-analysis, intervention effects were calculated for systolic BP and diastolic BP with the use of weighted random-effects models. Of the 23 included intervention studies (involving 18 925 participants), 21 involved a school setting. Our meta-analysis included 19 studies reporting on systolic BP and 18 on diastolic BP. The pooled intervention effect was −1.64 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −2.56 to −0.71; P=0.001) for systolic BP and −1.44 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −2.28 to −0.60; P=0.001) for diastolic BP. The combined diet and physical activity interventions led to a significantly greater reduction in both systolic BP and diastolic BP than the diet-only or physical activity–only intervention. Thirteen interventions (46%) had a similar effect on both adiposity-related outcomes and BP, whereas 11 interventions (39%) showed a significant desirable effect on BP but not on adiposity-related outcomes. Conclusions— Obesity prevention programs have a moderate effect on reducing BP, and those targeting both diet and physical activity seem to be more effective.
Evaluation of a Direct-Instruction Intervention to Improve Movement and Preliteracy Skills among Young Children: A Within-Subject Repeated-Measures Design

Objective School readiness involves the development of foundational skills such as emergent literacy and fundamental movement skills as well as the capacity to attentively engage in instructional situations. Children do not develop these skills naturally; therefore, they need the opportunity to develop these skills in their early years prior to entering school. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a direct-instruction movement and preliteracy intervention in children aged 3–4 years. Methods A within-subject repeated-measures design, embedded within a wait-list control study, was used to evaluate the intervention. The intervention was run across 10 weeks with 1 h weekly sessions. Each weekly session consisted of 30-min of movement skill instruction (e.g., through single-step acquisition strategies), 15-min of free play during which time children had access to a variety of equipment (e.g., balls, hula hoops, etc.) or toys (e.g., puzzles, building blocks), and a 15-min interactive reading circle during which children read a storybook and were taught 1–2 preliteracy skills (e.g., alphabet knowledge, narrative knowledge, etc.). A convenience sample of 11 children (mean age = 45.6 months, SD = 7.3) was recruited. All children were assessed four times: baseline (Time 1), pre-intervention (Time 2), post-intervention (Time 3), and 5-week follow-up (Time 4). Gross motor skills and preliteracy skills were assessed at each time point. Results There was a statistically significant effect of time on the change in gross motor skills (Wilks’ lambda = 0.09, p = .002), print-concept skills (Wilks’ lambda = 0.09, p = .001), and alphabet knowledge (Wilks’ lambda = 0.29, p = .046). Post hoc analyses reveal non-significant changes between time 1 and 2 for motor and print-concept skills and significant changes in all three outcomes between time 2 and time 3. Conclusion Participation in a direct-instruction movement and preliteracy program led to positive improvements in gross motor skills, print-concept knowledge, and alphabet knowledge in 3- to 4-year-old children over time. Future research needs to evaluate the effectiveness of this movement and preliteracy skill intervention on various other indicators of child development and health. Clinical Trial Registration Play and Pre-Literacy among Young Children (PLAY) NCT02432443.
Barker-sequence-modulated golay coded excitation technique for ultrasound imaging

In medical ultrasound imaging, Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is an important factor for imaging quality. Coded excitation methods have been widely used such as Golay codes and Barker codes to achieve higher SNR without degradation of axial resolution. The improvement of SNR is determined by code length. However, because conventional Golay codes and Barker codes are limited to specific known sequences, it is only allowed to select one of the known sequences for ultrasound imaging. In this paper, we propose a new Barker-sequence-modulated Golay (BMG) coded excitation technique for ultrasound imaging. The sequences of proposed BMG technique are generated by modulating Golay code with Barker code, which can lead to additional improvement in signal intensity and flexibility for code length compared with conventional Golay code. From the phantom study, the intensity of BMG technique is 28.9dB higher than 1C-pulse. We demonstrate that BMG technique has a higher contrast than the others. To perform a quantitative evaluation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values were computed from the cyst images. The 6C-BMG method are improved in terms of the CNR value of 4.19.
Determination of Sex from the Clavicle

The presentation aims to present discriminant equations for sexing human clavicles, applicable to complete bones as well as fragments. The sample consisted of 225 individuals of equally distributed sex derived from the Human Skeletal Reference Collection, University of Athens. The specimens were fully documented and represented present-day population from cemeteries in the area of Athens, Greece. Based on measurements in various combinations 12 different equations were formed. For each clavicle 8 measurements were taken. Subsequently, 6 measurements were selected according to the measurement error and magnitude of sexual indices. We created discriminant equations which produced rates of accuracy ranging from 80.4% to 94.0%.
Functional analysis of related CrRLK1L receptor‐like kinases in pollen tube reception

The Catharanthus roseus Receptor‐Like Kinase 1‐like (CrRLK1L) family of 17 receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) has been implicated in a variety of signaling pathways in Arabidopsis, ranging from pollen tube (PT) reception and tip growth to hormonal responses. The extracellular domains of these RLKs have malectin‐like domains predicted to bind carbohydrate moieties. Domain swap analysis showed that the extracellular domains of the three members analyzed (FER, ANX1, HERK1) are not interchangeable, suggesting distinct upstream components, such as ligands and/or co‐factors. In contrast, their intercellular domains are functionally equivalent for PT reception, indicating that they have common downstream targets in their signaling pathways. The kinase domain is necessary for FER function, but kinase activity itself is not, indicating that other kinases may be involved in signal transduction during PT reception.
Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is the only top 10 cause of death in the United States that lacks disease-altering treatments. It is a complex disorder with environmental and genetic components. There are two major types of Alzheimer's disease, early onset and the more common late onset. The genetics of early-onset Alzheimer's disease are largely understood with variants in three different genes leading to disease. In contrast, while several common alleles associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, including APOE, have been identified using association studies, the genetics of late-onset Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood. Here we review the known genetics of early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Novel de novo SHANK3 mutation in autistic patients

A number of studies have confirmed that genetic factors play an important role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More recently de novo mutations in the SHANK3 gene, a synaptic scaffolding protein, have been associated with the ASD phenotype. As part of our gene discovery strategy, we sequenced the SHANK3 gene in a cohort of 427 ASD subjects and 190 controls. Here, we report the identification of two putative causative mutations: one being a de novo deletion at an intronic donor splice site and one missense transmitted from an epileptic father. We were able to confirm the deleterious effect of the splice site deletion by RT‐PCR using mRNA extracted from cultured lymphoblastoid cells. The missense mutation, a leucine to proline at amino acid position 68, is perfectly conserved across all species examined, and would be predicted to disrupt an alpha‐helical domain. These results further support the role of SHANK3 gene disruption in the etiology of ASD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular characterization of ultrasound-stimulated microbubble radiation enhancement in a prostate cancer xenograft model

Tumor radiation resistance poses a major obstacle in achieving an optimal outcome in radiation therapy. In the current study, we characterize a novel therapeutic approach that combines ultrasound-driven microbubbles with radiation to increase treatment responses in a prostate cancer xenograft model in mice. Tumor response to ultrasound-driven microbubbles and radiation was assessed 24 hours after treatment, which consisted of radiation treatments alone (2 Gy or 8 Gy) or ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles only, or a combination of radiation and ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles. Immunohistochemical analysis using in situ end labeling (ISEL) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) revealed increased cell death within tumors exposed to combined treatments compared with untreated tumors or tumors exposed to radiation alone. Several biomarkers were investigated to evaluate cell proliferation (Ki67), blood leakage (factor VIII), angiogenesis (cluster of differentiation molecule CD31), ceramide-formation, angiogenesis signaling [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], oxygen limitation (prolyl hydroxylase PHD2) and DNA damage/repair (γH2AX). Results demonstrated reduced vascularity due to vascular disruption by ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles, increased ceramide production and increased DNA damage of tumor cells, despite decreased tumor oxygenation with significantly less proliferating cells in the combined treatments. This combined approach could be a feasible option as a novel enhancing approach in radiation therapy.
Enhancing co-metabolic degradation of trichloroethylene with toluene using Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 encapsulated in polyethylene glycol polymer

The biodegradation potential of Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 (B. vietnamiensis G4) was evaluated under encapsulation in comparison with direct exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/L) and toluene (10 and 50 mg/L), maintaining aerobic conditions. B. vietnamiensis G4 was encapsulated in polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer. Under suspended conditions, the degradation rate decreased as the initial TCE concentration increased, even with a higher amount of substrate available. However, the encapsulated systems were less suppressed, presumably by mitigated toxicity, and completely removed TCE with 50 mg/L of toluene. The transformation yield (Ty) was as high as 0.427 mg-TCE/mg-toluene for the encapsulated cultures and 0.1007 mg-TCE/mg-toluene for the suspended cultures. The Ty value for the encapsulated cultures was one to two orders higher than what has been reported in the literature. The higher Ty values in the encapsulated cultures compared with those from suspended cultures showed that the PEG encapsulation provided more a favourable environment for efficient substrate use.