Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Microsatellite Instability in Superoxide Dismutase-1 Knockout Mice: A Possible Predictor of Germ Cell Development or Tumorigenesis

The superoxide dismutase 1 gene (Sod1) is one of the cell protective mechanisms to eliminate reactive oxygen species damage in order to protect cell components and avoid germinal failure or tumorigenesis. Mouse primordial germinal cells are a population of cells originating from the proximal margin of the epiblast in close proximity to the extra embryonic ectoderm, and from which some cells differentiate into male or female germinal cells. During cell migration across the genital ridge, primordial germinal cells display an extensive proliferation rate and they are exposed to ROS damage. In absence of cell antioxidant mechanisms, primordial germinal cells have increased risk to accumulate specific mutations by free radical damage. We hypothesize that during cell migration, Sod1 knockout primordial germinal cells accumulate microsatellite instability and this could be a signal for primordial germinal cells pool selection, premature ovarian failure or tumor transformation. We dissected and isolated primordial germinal cellsfrom Sod1+/+ (wild type), Sod1+/- (heterozygous), and Sod1-/- (homozygous) mouse strain (B6; 129S7-Sod1tm1Leb/J), from the genital ridge at 10. 5 and 18 days post coitum to determine and quantify microsatellite instability in 10 single tandem repeat markers by single cell PCR methods. Our results demonstrate that primordial germinal cells from Sod1knockout mice accumulated microsatellite instability in five markers (4-4-19844, D13mit16, D13mit78, D19mit68, and DXmit249) located near important genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, this study shows that microsatellite instability is directly related to Sod1 gene disruption that could induce abnormal migration characteristics seen in primordial germinal cells such as germinal premature failure or tumor invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, microsatellite instability could be a signal for primordial germinal cells pool selection, or tumorigenesis.
Identifying Almost Sorted Permutations from TCP Buffer Dynamics

Associate to each sequence $A$ of integers (intending to represent packet IDs) a sequence of positive integers of the same length ${\mathcal M}(A)$. The $i$'th entry of ${\mathcal M}(A)$ is the size (at time $i$) of the smallest buffer needed to hold out-of-order packets, where space is accounted for unreceived packets as well. Call two sequences $A$, $B$ {\em equivalent} (written $A\equiv_{FB} B$) if ${\mathcal M}(A)={\mathcal M}(B)$. We prove the following result: any two permutations $A,B$ of the same length with $SUS(A)$, $SUS(B)\leq 3$ (where SUS is the {\em shuffled-up-sequences} reordering measure), and such that $A\equiv_{FB} B$ are identical. The result (which is no longer valid if we replace the upper bound 3 by 4) was motivated by RESTORED, a receiver-oriented model of network traffic we have previously introduced.
Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PD) Hamburg, a New Variant with Chronic Nonspherocytic Haemolytic Anaemia

Abstract. A new variant of G‐6‐PD with chronic nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia and very low activity, named G‐6‐PD Hamburg, was partially purified and biochemically characterized. It was found to have very high lability, an unusually high Km for G‐6‐P (2000 μM), increased utilization rates for 2‐desoxy G‐6‐P (133%) and galactose‐6‐phosphate (87%) and an abnormal pH‐activity curve. The electrophoretic mobility seemed to be normal. The leukocytes also revealed diminished G‐6‐PD activity. No impairment of bactericidal activity of neutrophilic granulocytes, as shown by a normal nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, could be demonstrated.
Continuous cold exposure induces an anti-inflammatory response in mesenteric adipose tissue associated with catecholamine production and thermogenin expression in rats

Abstract Objective. Continuous exposure to cold leads to an activation of adaptive thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue and induction of brown/beige cell phenotype in the white adipose tissue. Thermogenic response is associated with alternatively activated macrophages producing catecholamines, which subsequently activate the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1). The aim of this work was to elucidate the effect of cold exposure on catecholamine and immune responses associated with adipocyte browning in the mesenteric adipose tissue (mWAT) of rat. Methods. The rats were exposed to continuous cold (4 °C) for 1 or 7 days. Catecholamines production and gene expressions of inflammatory and other factors, related to adipocyte “browning”, were analyzed in the homogenized mWAT samples using 2-CAT ELISA kits. Results. Cold exposure induced a sympathetic response in the mWAT, evidenced by the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein level rise. Induction of non-sympathetical catecholamine production was observed 7 days after cold exposure by elevated TH and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) expression, leading to an increased epinephrine levels. Cold exposure for 7 days stimulated the infiltration of macrophages, evaluated by F4/80 and CD68 expressions, and expression of anti-inflammatory mediators, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited. Anti- inflammatory response, accompanied by de novo catecholamine production and up-regulation of β3-adrenergic receptors, led to the stimulation of UCP-1 and PGC1α expression, suggesting a cold-induced “browning” of the mWAT, mediated by alternatively activated macrophages. Conclusions. The present data indicate that prolonged cold exposure may induce anti-inflammatory response in mWAT associated with induction of UCP-1 expression. Although functional thermogenesis in the mWAT is most likely redundant, a highly efficient dissipation of energy by UCP1 may affect the energy homeostasis in this visceral fat.
Epidemiology, course and disease burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. HEPNET study for chronic hepatitis B: a multicentre Greek study

Summary. Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) has been recognized as a major health problem worldwide. Greece belongs to the intermediate endemicity countries with a trend of decreasing prevalence of HBV infection during the last decade. However, the recent massive immigration to our country may have led to alterations of HBV epidemiology. In this study, we evaluated the epidemiological features of HBV infection in a sample of 3480 patients followed up during the years 1997–2006. Immigrants mainly from Albania represented the 18.6% of the total study population and 56.6% of children. The majority of the patients had no family history of HBV infection (67.3%) or of acute hepatitis (95.4%), no known source of infection (64.6%), with intrafamilial spread accounting for 16.9% of the HBV transmission in adults and 33.9% in children. HBeAg(‐) hepatitis B was the predominant form of hepatitis (92.1%) among the Greek patients in contrast to the immigrants where 16.6% were HBeAg(+). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 8.8% of the total population and 0.9% had hepatocellular carcinoma. A high proportion of children were HBeAg(+) (62%), 55% from immigrant families, 25.2% were infected in the perinatal period and had no evidence of disease complications. In conclusion our results showed (a) a changing pattern in the epidemiology of HBV infection in Greece due to the significant number of HBeAg(+) patients, especially among children and (b) a considerable number of patients although aware of their infection, present with advanced disease.
An Analysis of Artificial Reef Fish Community Structure along the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico Shelf: Potential Impacts of “Rigs-to-Reefs” Programs

Artificial structures are the dominant complex marine habitat type along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) shelf. These habitats can consist of a variety of materials, but in this region are primarily comprised of active and reefed oil and gas platforms. Despite being established for several decades, the fish communities inhabiting these structures remain poorly investigated. Between 2012 and 2013 we assessed fish communities at 15 sites using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Fish assemblages were quantified from standing platforms and an array of artificial reef types (Liberty Ships and partially removed or toppled platforms) distributed over the Texas continental shelf. The depth gradient covered by the surveys (30–84 m) and variability in structure density and relief also permitted analyses of the effects of these characteristics on fish richness, diversity, and assemblage composition. ROVs captured a variety of species inhabiting these reefs from large transient piscivores to small herbivorous reef fishes. While structure type and relief were shown to influence species richness and community structure, major trends in species composition were largely explained by the bottom depth where these structures occurred. We observed a shift in fish communities and relatively high diversity at approximately 60 m bottom depth, confirming trends observed in previous studies of standing platforms. This depth was also correlated with some of the largest Red Snapper captured on supplementary vertical longline surveys. Our work indicates that managers of artificial reefing programs (e.g., Rigs-to-Reefs) in the GOM should carefully consider the ambient environmental conditions when designing reef sites. For the Texas continental shelf, reefing materials at a 50–60 m bottom depth can serve a dual purpose of enhancing diving experiences and providing the best potential habitat for relatively large Red Snapper.
Endorphins and the Modulation of Acute Pain

The endorphins constitute a large family of structurally but not generically related peptides. They act pharmacologically like narcotic analgesics. An intimate connection between endorphin fibers and pain pathways is present, for instance, at the spinal level and at the first synapse of primary afferent pain fibers. These fibers may contain the neuropeptide substance P. In acute pain, naloxone injection causes a significant increase in pain suffering. A patient with high preoperative endorphin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid will require less pethidine for adequate pain relief after major abdominal surgery. Pethidine administration reduces substance P levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. The data suggest that endorphins do have a protective role in acute pain conditions.
A Phase Error Analysis of Multigrid Methods for Hyperbolic Equations

In this paper, we study the effects of the coarse grid correction process on multigrid convergence for hyperbolic problems in one and two dimensions. We approach this from the perspective of phase error, which allows us to exploit the hyperbolic nature of the underlying PDE. In particular, we consider three combinations of coarse grid operators and coarse grid solution approaches: (1) inexact coarse grid solve with direct discretization, (2) exact coarse grid solve with direct discretization, and (3) exact coarse grid solve with Galerkin coarse grid operator. For all these approaches, we show that the convergence behavior of multigrid can be precisely described by the phase error analysis of the coarse grid correction matrix, and we verify our results by numerical examples in one and two dimensions.
Development of a Robotic Colonoscopic Manipulation System, Using Haptic Feedback Algorithm

Purpose Colonoscopy is one of the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools for colorectal diseases. We aim to propose a master-slave robotic colonoscopy that is controllable in remote site using conventional colonoscopy. Materials and Methods The master and slave robot were developed to use conventional flexible colonoscopy. The robotic colonoscopic procedure was performed using a colonoscope training model by one expert endoscopist and two unexperienced engineers. To provide the haptic sensation, the insertion force and the rotating torque were measured and sent to the master robot. Results A slave robot was developed to hold the colonoscopy and its knob, and perform insertion, rotation, and two tilting motions of colonoscope. A master robot was designed to teach motions of the slave robot. These measured force and torque were scaled down by one tenth to provide the operator with some reflection force and torque at the haptic device. The haptic sensation and feedback system was successful and helpful to feel the constrained force or torque in colon. The insertion time using robotic system decreased with repeated procedures. Conclusion This work proposed a robotic approach for colonoscopy using haptic feedback algorithm, and this robotic device would effectively perform colonoscopy with reduced burden and comparable safety for patients in remote site.
Process optimization and characterization of poloxamer solid dispersions of a poorly water-soluble drug

The objective of the present investigation was to improve the dissolution rate of Rofecoxib (RXB), a poorly water-soluble drug by solid dispersion technique using a water-soluble carrier, Poloxamer 188 (PXM). The melting method was used to prepare solid dispersions. A 32 full factorial design approach was used for optimization wherein the temperature to which the melt-drug mixture cooled (X1) and the drug-to-polymer ratio (X2) were selected as independent variables and the time required for 90% drug dissolution (t90) was selected as the dependent variable. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that for obtaining higher dissolution of RXB from PXM solid dispersions, a low level ofX1 and a high level ofX2 were suitable. The differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction studies demonstrated that enhanced dissolution of RXB from solid dispersion might be due to a decrease in the crystallinity of RXB and PXM and dissolution of RXB in molten PXM during solid dispersion preparation. In conclusion, dissolution enhancement of RXB was obtained by preparing its solid dispersions in PXM using melting technique. The use of a factorial design approach helped in identifying the critical factors in the preparation and formulation of solid dispersion.
Benchmark for Peak Detection Algorithms in Fiber Bragg Grating Interrogation and a New Neural Network for its Performance Improvement

This paper presents a benchmark for peak detection algorithms employed in fiber Bragg grating spectrometric interrogation systems. The accuracy, precision, and computational performance of currently used algorithms and those of a new proposed artificial neural network algorithm are compared. Centroid and gaussian fitting algorithms are shown to have the highest precision but produce systematic errors that depend on the FBG refractive index modulation profile. The proposed neural network displays relatively good precision with reduced systematic errors and improved computational performance when compared to other networks. Additionally, suitable algorithms may be chosen with the general guidelines presented.
Nurture support for socially and emotionally vulnerable pupils in the transition to secondary school : a case study exploration

The transition from primary to secondary school is considered to be a challenging process for all pupils, but particularly difficult for those with social and emotional difficulties. Nurture groups aim to develop social and emotional skills and are seen to correspond closely with the recommendations made in transition literature. It is therefore proposed that nurture provision could be an effective means of supporting socially and emotionally vulnerable pupils in the transition. Previous literature adds support to this view, but no study as yet has focused specifically upon this topic.A small-scale case study design was used to explore the ways in which one secondary school applied nurture principles to support vulnerable pupils through the transition process. The research followed an embedded, single case design incorporating contextual and interview data regarding the school's nurture provision. Contextual information was gathered through the research diary and analysed in relation to the identified propositions. In addition, four illustrative case examples surveyed the views of the nurture facilitator and three pupils who received different levels of nurture support: these interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. An integrated case description combines the findings from all data sources and offers a coherent account of the provision.The findings support the proposition that nurture provision can be an effective means of supporting socially and emotionally vulnerable pupils in the transition to secondary school. In line with nurture literature, the findings suggest that secondary schools need to adapt the primary nurture model to ensure provision meets the needs of their setting and cohort. While this promotes flexibility, secondary schools still need to adhere to a number of core principles to ensure they are delivering a true nurturing approach. A tentative model is presented, which proposes that secondary school nurture provision should aim to support social and emotional development through a range of provision that is firmly grounded in psychological theory. Provision should adhere closely to the six nurture principles, with effective identification of needs informing a personalised approach that is tailored to each individual pupil. The importance of relationships for learning and development is emphasised. The thesis concludes by suggesting that nurture provision can be an effective means of supporting socially and emotionally vulnerable pupils in the transition to secondary school, providing a number of core elements are in place.
Genetic Manipulation of CD74 in Mouse Strains of Different Backgrounds Can Result in Opposite Responses to Central Nervous System Injury

The ability to recover from CNS injuries is strain dependent. Transgenic mice that weakly express the p41 CD74 isoform (an integral membrane protein functioning as a MHC class II chaperone) on an I-Ab genetic background have normal CD4+ T cell populations and normal surface expression of MHC class II, but their B cell development is arrested while the cells are still immature. After a CNS injury, these mice recover better than their matched wild-type controls. We generated p41-transgenic mice on an I-Ad background (p41-I-Ad mice), and found that their recovery from CNS injuries was worse than that of controls. A correlative inverse effect was seen with respect to the kinetics of T cell and B cell recruitment to the injured CNS and the expression of insulin-like growth factor at the lesion site. These results, besides verifying previous findings that B cells function in the damaged CNS, demonstrate that the outcome of a particular genetic manipulation may be strain dependent.
Association between assisted reproductive technology conception and autism in California, 1997-2007.

OBJECTIVES We assessed the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and diagnosed autistic disorder in a population-based sample of California births. METHODS We performed an observational cohort study using linked records from the California Birth Master Files for 1997 through 2007, the California Department of Developmental Services autism caseload for 1997 through 2011, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National ART Surveillance System for live births in 1997 through 2007. Participants were all 5 926 251 live births, including 48 865 ART-originated infants and 32 922 cases of autism diagnosed by the Department of Developmental Services. We compared births originated using ART with births originated without ART for incidence of autism. RESULTS In the full population, the incidence of diagnosed autism was twice as high for ART as non-ART births. The association was diminished by excluding mothers unlikely to use ART; adjustment for demographic and adverse prenatal and perinatal outcomes reduced the association substantially, although statistical significance persisted for mothers aged 20 to 34 years. CONCLUSIONS The association between ART and autism is primarily explained by adverse prenatal and perinatal outcomes and multiple births.
Mallat Recent Highlights of ATVB : Macrophages

Thanks to major advances in cellular and molecular biology, our understanding of the origins, heterogeneity, and functions of monocytes and macrophages, both in health and disease, is evolving at a considerable pace. Only during the past 2 years, new monocyte and dendritic cell subsets have been identified; essential transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of monocyte and tissue macrophage specification and maintenance have been uncovered; and an old concept of phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to phagocytic macrophage-like cells has gained better understanding at the molecular level. The diverse roles of monocytes and macrophages in cardiovascular diseases have been highlighted in several interesting reviews published in ATVB, which addressed their origins, fates, and regulation in diverse settings such as atherosclerosis and associated cardiometabolic disorders, aortic aneurysm, and postschemic myocardial injury. Here, I summarize recent original work in those areas published in ATVB during the past 2 years.
Action control : from cognition to behavior

1. Introduction and Overview. - I. Cognitive and Motivational Determinants of Action. - 2. From Intentions to Actions: A Theory of Planned Behavior. - Predicting and Explaining Volitional Behavior: A Theory of Reasoned Action. - Empirical Support. - The Intention-Behavior Relation. - Plans, Goals, and Actions. - A Theory of Planned Behavior. - Summary and Conclusions. - 3. Knowing What to Do: On the Epistemology of Actions. - A Theory of Lay Epistemology. - Conclusion. - 4. The Pursuit of Self-Defining Goals. - A Central Distinction: Self-Defining vs. Non-Self-Defining Goals. - A Theory of Symbolic Self-Completion. - Self-Symbolizing: The Cognition-Behavior Relation. - The Relation Between Self-Report and Behavior. - Self-Symbolizing : The Interference with Goals That Are Not Self-Defining. - Summary. - II. Self-Regulatory Processes and Action Control. - 5. Historical Perspectives in the Study of Action Control. - Overview of Early Theories of Volition. - Ach's Psychology of Volition. - 6. Volitional Mediators of Cognition-Behavior Consistency Self Regulatory Processes and Action Versus State Orientation. - A Theoretical Framework. - Empirical Evidence. - Conclusion. - 7. Dissonance and Action Control. - The Relevance of the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance for Processes of Action Control. - Implications for the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. - Conclusion. - 8. Action Control and the Coping Process. - Coping with Life Crises: The Gap Between Theory and Practice. - Action Control and the Coping Process. - Coping with Undesirable Life Events: Implications for the Theory of Action Control. - Conclusions and Implications. - III. Problem-Solving and Performance Control. - 9. Mechanisms of Control and Regulation in Problem Solving. - Requirements of a Theory of Problem-Solving. - Models of Cognitive Control in Problem Solving. - Models of Planning: A Metacognitive Activity. - Empirical Results: Evidence for Executive Control. - 10. Thinking and the Organization of Action. - The Organization of Behavior: A General Picture. - Heuristic Processes: Their Elements and Determinants. - Conclusion. - 11. A Control-Systems Approach to the Self-Regulation of Action. - A Control-Systems Model of Self-Regulation. - Reassertion and Giving Up: Helplessness and Alternative Interpretations. - Applications ineffective Self-Management, and Behavior Change. - Conclusion. - 12. From Cognition to Behavior: Perspectives for Future Research on Action Control. - From Predictive to Explanatory Models. - From Molar to Molecular Levels of Analysis. - From Simple Cases to Psychologically Representative Behavior. - From Associationistic to Dynamic Models. - From "Cognition-Behavior Consistency" to "Motivational Stability". - Conclusion. - Author Index.