Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastric Amylin Expression: Cellular Identity and Lack of Requirement for the Homeobox Protein PDX-1. A Study in Normal and PDX-1-Deficient Animals with a Cautionary Note on Antiserum Evaluation

The gene encoding amylin is implicated in the generation of amyloid in the islets of Langerhans of diabetics and is believed to be regulated by the homeodomain transcription factor PDX-1. Although gastric mucosa also produces amylin, studies on its cellular site of production have yielded highly divergent results, localizing this peptide to either gastrin, serotonin, or somatostatin cells or to combinations thereof. Using region-specific amylin antisera in combination with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we now document that the majority of cells expressing amylin correspond to somatostatin cells. Only a small subpopulation of gastrin cells contained immunoreactive amylin. Studies of PDX-1-deficient mice, which fail to develop gastrin cells while possessing normal numbers of somatostatin cells, revealed no detectable change in gastric amylin expression. These data show that neither normal gastrin cell development nor PDX-1 expression is needed for gastric amylin expression. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:973–980, 1999)
The TLR4 D299G and T399I SNPs Are Constitutively Active to Up-Regulate Expression of Trif-Dependent Genes

Dysregulated Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) signalling and genetic polymorphisms in these proteins are linked to many human diseases. We investigated TLR4 functional variants D299G and T399I to assess the impact on LPS-induced responsiveness in comparison to wild-type TLR4. The mechanism by which this occurs in unclear as these SNPs do not lie within the lipid A binding domain or dimerisation sites of the LPS-TLR4/MD2 receptor complexes. Transfection of TLR4D299G, TLR4T399I or TLR4D299G. T399I into HEK cells resulted in constitutive activation of an NF-κB reporter gene and a blunting of the LPS-induced reporter activation compared to WT-TLR4. Unstimulated human monocyte/macrophages, from patients with the D299G and T399I SNPs demonstrated a downregulation of many genes, particularly Tram/Trif signalling pathway constitutents compared to the TLR4 wild-type subjects supporting the concept of basal receptor activity. Monocyte/macrophages from carriers of the TLR4 D299G and T399I polymorphisms stimulated with LPS showed >6 fold lower levels of NF-κB and ∼12 fold higher IFN-β gene expression levels compared to wild-type subjects (P<0.05; MWU test) and dramatically altered resultant cytokine profiles. We conclude that these TLR4 SNPs affect constitutive receptor activity which impacts on the hosts ability to respond to LPS challenge leading to a dysregulated sub-optimal immune response to infection.
Constraints on Jupiters from Observations of Galactic bulge microlensing events during 2000

We present observations of 8 Galactic Bulge microlensing events taken with the 1.0m JKT on La Palma during 2000 June and July. The JKT observing schedule was optimized using a prioritizing algorithm to automatically update the target list. For most of these events we have sampled the lightcurves at times where no information was available from the OGLE alert team. We assume a point-source point-lens (PSPL) model and perform a maximum likelihood fit to both our data and the OGLE data to constrain the event parameters of the fit. We then refit the data assuming a binary lens and proceed to calculate the probability of detecting planets with mass ratio q = 10 3 . We have seen no clear signatures of planetary deviations on any of the 8 events and we quantify constraints on the presence of planetary companions to the lensing stars. For two well observed events, 2000BUL31 and 2000BUL33, our detection probabilities
Defining Audience Segments for Extension Programming Using Reported Water Conservation Practices

A tool from social marketing can help Extension agents understand distinct audience segments among their constituents. Defining targeted audiences for Extension programming is a first step to influencing behavior change among the public. An online survey was conducted using an Extension email list for urban households receiving a monthly lawn and garden newsletter. The results describe particular constituent groups or segments, defined by their landscape conservation practices. Extension agents can use audience segmentation to design programming that targets the behaviors, expectations, and lifestyles of specific members of their community and identify emerging issues.
Faster FFTs via architecture-cognizance

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is one of the most important algorithms in computational science, accounting for large amounts of computing time. One major problem with modern FFT implementations is that they poorly scale to large problem. As the problem size increases, stride and associativity effects play a larger role. The result is a severe drop-off in performance. We use architecture-cognizance, a method for exploiting the interaction between architecture, compiler, and algorithm, to create a more scalable FFT package based on FFTW. Experiments validate our approach on four architectures: two generations of HPs (PA-8000 and 8500), an IBM POWER2, and a DEC Alpha 21164a. Performance increases of up to 65% are obtained.
Activation and Inactivation of Antiviral CD8 T Cell Responses during Murine Pneumovirus Infection1

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) is a natural pathogen of mice and has been proposed as a tractable model for the replication of a pneumovirus in its natural host, which mimics human infection with human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). PVM infection in mice is highly productive in terms of virus production compared with the situation seen with RSV in mice. Because RSV suppresses CD8 T cell effector function in the lungs of infected mice, we have investigated the nature of PVM-induced CD8 T cell responses to study pneumovirus-induced T cell responses in a natural virus-host setting. PVM infection was associated with a massive influx of activated CD8 T cells into the lungs. After identification of three PVM-specific CD8 T cell epitopes, pulmonary CD8 T cell responses were enumerated. The combined frequency of cytokine-secreting CD8 T cells specific for the three epitopes was much smaller than the total number of activated CD8 T cells. Furthermore, quantitation of the CD8 T cell response against one of these epitopes (residues 261–270 from the phosphoprotein) by MHC class I pentamer staining and by in vitro stimulation followed by intracellular IFN-γ and TNF-α staining indicated that the majority of pulmonary CD8 specific for the P261 epitope were deficient in cytokine production. This deficient phenotype was retained up to 96 days postinfection, similar to the situation in the lungs of human RSV-infected mice. The data suggest that PVM suppresses T cell effector functions in the lungs.
Functional Communication in Individuals with Chronic Severe Aphasia Using Augmentative Communication

Intervention incorporating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is often implemented with adults with aphasia, although studies do not always specify the approaches and strategies used. This study examined abilities of three individuals with chronic non-fluent aphasia (NA) using a dynamic display AAC device to enhance communication. The device, Dialect with Speaking Dynamically Pro, was tailored to each participant's skill level using a treatment protocol adapted from Koul, Corwin, and Hayes (). The primary caregiver was the spouse. Pre and post-treatment measures revealed improvement in quality and effectiveness of communication for all participants. Improved linguistic and cognitive functioning was observed for two participants. Results are discussed relative to use of a device with other adults with chronic NA.
Evaluating the Potential of Texture and Color Descriptors for Remote Sensing Image Retrieval and Classification

Classifying Remote Sensing Images (RSI) is a hard task. There are automatic approaches whose results normally need to be revised. The identification and polygon extraction tasks usually rely on applying classification strategies that exploit visual aspects related to spectral and texture patterns identified in RSI regions. There are a lot of image descriptors proposed in the literature for content-based image retrieval purposes that can be useful for RSI classification. This paper presents a comparative study to evaluate the potential of using successful color and texture image descriptors for remote sensing retrieval and classification. Seven descriptors that encode texture information and twelve color descriptors that can be used to encode spectral information were selected. We perform experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of these descriptors, considering image retrieval and classification tasks. To evaluate descriptors in classification tasks, we also propose a methodology based on KNN classifier. Experiments demonstrate that Joint Auto-Correlogram (JAC), Color Bitmap, Invariant Steerable Pyramid Decomposition (SID) and Quantized Compound Change Histogram (QCCH) yield the
Case and Situation Analysis

The current division between those sociologists who prefer to rely on survey techniques and quantitative analysis in the prosecution of their art as against those who prefer to rely on observation and verbal types of analysis has had a long history. Just over fifty years ago—in the late 1930s in fact— t̂he division manifested itself in a lively debate in some of the journals about the validity of statistical methods of enquiry on the one hand as against v ^ t were called 'case studies'. ^ Textbooks on sociological methods of research published before say 1955 such as Young 1939 (226-54) or Goode and Han 1952 (313-40) invariably included a chapter on case studies but since then the topic seems to have lost its appeal, since while non-quandtadve procedures such as participant observation receive extensive treatment the issue of the role of case studies as such seems to have disappeared. The change in emphasis is dramatically refiected in the general index of the American Journal of Sociology which had its origin in Chicago from which the most important case studies first emerged and which carried the account of the debate in its pages. The Cumulative Index at 1950 contained sixteen references to case studies and case histories. ̂ The most recent reference is to Oscar Lewis's discussion of the detailed studies of families in 1950. After that the entry for case studies disappears from the index! A paper on case studies appeared in Social Porca at about the same time (Foreman 1948). Since then it appears to have faded from sociological discussion but it has survived in education research (see Simons 1980).
Monitoring Different Phonological Parameters of Sign Language Engages the Same Cortical Language Network but Distinctive Perceptual Ones

The study of signed languages allows the dissociation of sensorimotor and cognitive neural components of the language signal. Here we investigated the neurocognitive processes underlying the monitoring of two phonological parameters of sign languages: handshape and location. Our goal was to determine if brain regions processing sensorimotor characteristics of different phonological parameters of sign languages were also involved in phonological processing, with their activity being modulated by the linguistic content of manual actions. We conducted an fMRI experiment using manual actions varying in phonological structure and semantics: (1) signs of a familiar sign language (British Sign Language), (2) signs of an unfamiliar sign language (Swedish Sign Language), and (3) invented nonsigns that violate the phonological rules of British Sign Language and Swedish Sign Language or consist of nonoccurring combinations of phonological parameters. Three groups of participants were tested: deaf native signers, deaf nonsigners, and hearing nonsigners. Results show that the linguistic processing of different phonological parameters of sign language is independent of the sensorimotor characteristics of the language signal. Handshape and location were processed by different perceptual and task-related brain networks but recruited the same language areas. The semantic content of the stimuli did not influence this process, but phonological structure did, with nonsigns being associated with longer RTs and stronger activations in an action observation network in all participants and in the supramarginal gyrus exclusively in deaf signers. These results suggest higher processing demands for stimuli that contravene the phonological rules of a signed language, independently of previous knowledge of signed languages. We suggest that the phonological characteristics of a language may arise as a consequence of more efficient neural processing for its perception and production.
Social Anxiety, Stress Type, and Conformity among Adolescents

Social anxiety and stress type can influence strong conformity among adolescents; however, the interaction between them is not clear. In this study, 152 adolescents were recruited and assigned one of two conditions: an interaction and a judgment condition. In the interaction condition, adolescents with high social anxiety (HSA) were less likely to conform when completing a modified Asch task, compared to adolescents who had low social anxiety. In the judgment condition, adolescents with HSA were more likely to conform to the opinions from the unanimous majority. The results suggest that adolescents with HSA may show different styles of strong conformity with the change of stress type. We believe that socially anxious adolescents avoid potential social situations with weaker conformity, while avoiding negative evaluations from others with stronger conformity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the social dysfunctions among adolescents with HSA and provide a new direction for clinical interventions.
Trafficked to the Gulf States: The Experiences of Ethiopian Returnee Women

This study uses interviews to explore the lived experiences of 8 Ethiopian women trafficking-returnees from the Gulf States. Interpretive phenomenology, a qualitative approach, is used to analyze the data. The results indicate that the women are motivated to travel to the Gulf States as migrant laborers due to a lack of employment in Ethiopia, their expectation of good pay and working conditions, the success stories of some women returnees, and the lobbying of brokers. The women experienced overwork, denial of food and salary, lack of medication, confinement, sexual attacks, and emotional and physical abuse. They received poor legal service from sending agencies, embassies, and police. Personal skills, friendship networks, and spirituality were some means used by the women to deal with their situation. Selected issues such as the 3-month trial period, the signing of false documents, protection preferred to prevention, and the collective role of different actors in the trafficking process are discussed. The study also gives some account of the way in which the women returned to Ethiopia. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Accountability and public displays of knowing in an undergraduate computer-mediated communication context

A great deal of research has examined computer-mediated communication discussions in educational environments for evidence of learning. These studies have often been disappointing, with analysts not finding the kinds of ‘quality’ talk that they had hoped for. In this study we draw upon elements of discursive psychology as we oriented to what was happening in the talk from the participants’ perspective in addition to what should be happening from the researcher/instructor perspective. We examine the talk of undergraduate nutrition science students within web logs (blogs), exploring ways in which the students, when asked to make blog posts on their beliefs about and experiences with dietary supplements, display knowing in dynamic and fluid ways. We analyzed 152 blog posts students were asked to make prior to attending the lecture on the topic. Our findings point to how students negotiate and at times resist doing being a knowledgeable student, using disclaimers such as ‘I don’t know’ and script formulations to minimize accountability for their posts. Our findings highlight how students oriented to the blogs as a venue for institutional talk, responding to the required academic task while simultaneously managing their identities as students.
EMGTools, an Adaptive and Versatile Tool for Detailed EMG Analysis

We have developed an electromyography (EMG) decomposition system called EMGTools that can extract the constituent MUAPs and firing patterns (FPs) for quantitative analysis from the EMG signal recorded at slight effort for clinical evaluation. The aim was to implement a robust system able to handle the challenges and variations in clinically recorded signals. The system extracts MUAPs recorded by concentric needle electrodes and resolves superimposed MUAPs to produce FPs. Thus, critical fixed thresholds/parameters are avoided and replaced with adaptive solutions. The decomposition algorithm consists of three stages: segmentation, clustering, and resolution of compound segments. The results are validated using three different methods, comparing mean MUAP duration with previous methods, comparing dual channel recordings, and assessing the residual signal after decomposition. The advantages and limitations of the system are discussed.
Appreciating Life in the Midst of Adversity: Savoring in Relation to Mindfulness, Reappraisal, and Meaning

A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity ‘till he has tasted adversity. — Sa’di (1258/1890, Chapter 5, Story 10) In their target article, “Mindfulness Broadens Awareness and Builds Eudaimonic Meaning: A Process Model of Mindful Positive Emotion Regulation,” Garland, Farb, Goldin, and Fredrickson (this issue) craft a creative, integrative model highlighting the power of mindfulness to facilitate cognitive reappraisal, meaning, and savoring in the face of adversity. This rich theoretical framework not only explicates the complex interplay among these key concepts but also illuminates critical points of leverage for theorists, researchers, and practitioners interested in advancing knowledge and helping people better harness the wide-ranging benefits of mindfulness in adapting to stress. The purpose of this commentary is to articulate two sets of issues with respect to savoring in the midst of adversity, with the goal of enhancing clarity and precision in understanding (a) the relationships among mindfulness, adversity, positive reappraisal, and savoring, and (b) the nature and dynamics of savoring. In addition, we highlight several potentially fruitful avenues for future research on savoring that Garland et al.’s theoretical model suggests. We base our comments largely on conceptual definitions of savoring presented by Bryant and Veroff (2007); Bryant, Ericksen, and DeHoek (2008); and Bryant, Chadwick, and Kluwe (2011).
Fast and Successful Management of Intraocular Inflammation with a Single Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a single dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®, 700 µg). Methods: In this prospective noncomparative case series, 84 patients (54 females) received a dexamethasone intravitreal implant. At weeks 4, 12 and 24 after the injection, vitreous haze, macular thickness and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed and adverse events reported. Results: Clearance of vitreous haze could be achieved after 4 weeks in 61% of all eyes (p < 0.001) and remained significant until week 24 (p < 0.001). This was paralleled by a reduction of central retinal thickness after 4 (p < 0.001), 12 (p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (p < 0.006). Significant and fast improvement of BCVA was already achieved after 4 weeks (p < 0.001) but vanished by week 24. Intraocular pressure reached ≥35 mm Hg in 3 eyes and was significantly more frequent in intermediate uveitis compared to posterior uveitis (p < 0.016). Conclusions: The dexamethasone implant is effective in controlling intraocular posterior segment inflammation and reduces central retinal thickness fast and effectively.
Treatment options in moderate and severe depression: decision analysis supporting a clinical guideline

Background Treatment options for depression include antidepressants, psychological therapy and a combination of the two. Aims To develop cost-effective clinical guidelines. Method Systematic literature reviews were used to identify clinical, utility and cost data. A decision analysis was then conducted to compare the benefits and costs of antidepressants with combination therapy for moderate and severe depression in secondary care in the UK. Results Over the 15-month analysis period, combination therapy resulted in higher costs and an expected 0.16 increase per person in the probability of remission and no relapse compared with antidepressants. The cost per additional successfully treated patient was £4056 (95% CI 1400–18 300); the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained was £5777 (95% CI 1900–33 800) for severe depression and £14 540 (95% CI 4800–79 400) for moderate depression. Conclusions Combination therapy is likely to be a cost-effective first-line secondary care treatment for severe depression. Its cost-effectiveness for moderate depression is more uncertain from current evidence. Targeted combination therapy could improve resource utilisation.
Chemopreventive Effects of a Flavonoid Antioxidant Silymarin on N‐Butyl‐N‐(4‐ hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine‐induced Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis in Male ICR Mice

The modifying effects of dietary administration of a flavonoid antioxidant, silymarin, a mixture of three flavonoids isolated from milk thistle seeds, on N‐butyl‐. N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (OH‐ BBN)‐induced urinary bladder carcinogenesis were examined in male ICR mice. Animals were divided into 5 groups, and groups 1 to 3 were given OH‐BBN (500 ppm) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Mice in group 2 were fed a diet containing 1000 ppm silymarin for 8 weeks during the initiation phase starting 1 week before OH‐BBN exposure, and mice in group 3 were fed the diet for 24 weeks during the postinitiation phase. Animals in group 4 were given only the test compound, and those in group 5 were given the basal diet alone throughout the experiment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of week 32. The frequency of bladder lesions, cell proliferation and cell cycle progression activity estimated in terms of the 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index or cyclin Dl‐positive cell ratio were compared among the groups. Administration of silymarin in the initiation or postinitiation phase significantly decreased the incidences of bladder neoplasms and preneoplastic lesions. Dietary exposure to this agent significantly reduced the labeling index for BrdU and the cyclin Dl‐positive cell ratio in various bladder lesions. These findings suggest that silymarin is effective in preventing OH‐BBN‐induced bladder carcinogenesis in mice.