Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene microarray analysis of experimental glaucomatous retina from cynomologous monkey.

PURPOSE To systematically explore changes in gene expression in the retina of monkeys with laser-induced glaucoma and to validate the microarray data on eyes with experimental glaucoma. METHODS Glaucoma was induced in the right eye of four monkeys by repeated argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. The left eye served as the control. Retinas were isolated from glaucomatous and control eyes 30 days after photocoagulation. Gene expression changes were analyzed by human microarray chips which displayed a total of 9182 elements including Expression Sequence Tag (EST) clones. Changes in the expression of some genes were further confirmed by real-time PCR analysis. Immunohistochemical studies to examine protein expression of some gene products were also done for several genes that showed up- or downregulation by the microarray analysis. RESULTS Two eyes with mild glaucoma and two with severe glaucoma were produced. In the mild and severe glaucomatous retina, the number of upregulated genes was 45 and 18, and the number of downregulated genes was 17 and 21, respectively. The number of genes that were up- or downregulated was 0.7% of all the genes examined. The real-time PCR analysis confirmed expression changes of some genes found in the microarray analysis. Ceruloplasmin was one of the upregulated genes, and it was found by immunohistochemical analyses to be expressed in Müller cells. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression profiles in laser-induced glaucomatous monkey retinas were determined, and only a very small population of genes was up- or downregulated in glaucomatous eyes. Upregulation of ceruloplasmin protein was found in the Müller cells.
Pharmacokinetic analysis and comparison of caffeine administered rapidly or slowly in coffee chilled or hot versus chilled energy drink in healthy young adults

Abstract Context: There is a paucity of data describing the impact of type of beverage (coffee versus energy drink), different rates of consumption and different temperature of beverages on the pharmacokinetic disposition of caffeine. Additionally, there is concern that inordinately high levels of caffeine may result from the rapid consumption of cold energy drinks. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of caffeine under various drink temperature, rate of consumption and vehicle (coffee versus energy drink) conditions. Materials: Five caffeine (dose = 160 mg) conditions were evaluated in an open-label, group-randomized, crossover fashion. After the administration of each caffeine dose, 10 serial plasma samples were harvested. Caffeine concentration was measured via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and those concentrations were assessed by non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. The calculated mean pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed statistically by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA). If differences were found, each group was compared to the other by all pair-wise multiple comparison. Results: Twenty-four healthy subjects ranging in age from 18 to 30 completed the study. The mean caffeine concentration time profiles were similar with overlapping SDs at all measured time points. The ANOVA revealed significant differences in mean Cmax and Vd ss/F, but no pair-wise comparisons reached statistical significance. No other differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were found. Discussion: The results of this study are consistent with previous caffeine pharmacokinetic studies and suggest that while rate of consumption, temperature of beverage and vehicle (coffee versus energy drink) may be associated with slightly different pharmacokinetic parameters, the overall impact of these variables is small. Conclusion: This study suggests that caffeine absorption and exposure from coffee and energy drink is similar irrespective of beverage temperature or rate of consumption.
On the Growth Rate of Irregular GLDPC Codes Weight Distribution

In this paper the exponential growth rate of irregular generalized low-density parity-check (GLDPC) codes weight distribution is considered. Specifically, the Taylor series of the growth rate is expanded to the first order with the purpose of studying its behavior in correspondence with the small weight codewords. It is proved that the linear term of the Taylor series, and then the expected number of small linear-sized weight codewords of a randomly chosen GLDPC code in the irregular ensemble, is dominated by the degree-2 variable nodes and by the check nodes with minimum distance 2. A parameter is introduced, only depending on such variable and check nodes, discriminating between an exponentially small and exponentially large expected number of small weight codewords.
Role of AKT-glycogen synthase kinase axis in monocyte activation in human beings with and without type 2 diabetes

Monocyte activation by chemokines is a vital trigger for initiation of atherosclerotic process. Circulating levels of platelet activating factor (PAF), a recognized chemokine, is known to be increased in type 2 diabetes that is linked to accelerated atherosclerosis. To explore the molecular basis we examined the signalling pathways involved in PAF induced monocyte activation. PAF increased migration in monocytes obtained from THP‐1 cells, nondiabetic and diabetic subjects. This effect was blocked by AKT inhibition. It did so by phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3βS9, which was completely blocked by AKT inhibition. Additionally, PAF induced GSK‐3β phosphorylation was linked to Rac‐1 activation and Rho‐A inactivation leading to migration. Paradoxically, inhibition of GSK‐3β phosphorylation also augmented monocyte migration in THP‐1, ND and diabetic monocytes through phosphorylation of AKT and activation of Rho‐A that was independent of GSK. This was validated when (i) overexpression of dominant negative mutants of Rho‐A reversed GSK inhibitor induced monocyte migration and (ii) AKT inhibition blocked GSK inhibitor induced Rho‐A activity. Constitutively active ARAP3 (Rho‐GAP) appears to have a regulatory role in monocyte activity during GSK inhibition. Finally, inhibition of monocyte GSK‐3β activity (by inhibitors and genetic manipulation) led to enhanced migration in diabetes compared to persons without diabetes. We conclude that diabetic monocytes show increased migratory capacity in response to GSK‐3β inhibition. GSK inhibitors developed to treat the metabolic complications of diabetes should therefore be used with caution.
Prediction modelling for population conviction data

This monograph is concerned with different uses of prediction modelling on (Dutch) Judicial registration data. It covers the determining the usefulness, preservability of a prediction instrument used in the judicial context, determining the prediction model that optimally predicts different types of recidivism using classical and modern models differing in flexibility, and the estimation of the effect of an intervention in a missing values and observational data context.
The provision of unpaid care across cohorts and genders: A research note

In this study, the caregiving history collected in the 2007 General Social Survey (GSS) is used to document the provision of care since the age of 15 years, the number of people helped, and the relationship with the care recipients. Using life tables, we confirm an upward trend in caregiving across birth cohorts. Unexpectedly, the findings also show that providing care starts at earlier ages in more recent cohorts—a result that appears partly linked to the emergence of new care relationships—and that the gender gap in the provision of care has widened over time. Dans le cadre de cette etude, nous examinons les soins fournis depuis l’âge de 15 ans, le nombre de personnes aidees et la nature des liens avec ces personnes en nous basant sur l’historique des soins prodigues recueilli dans l’Enquete sociale generale (ESG) de 2007. A l’aide de tables d’extinction simple, nous confirmons l’augmentation de la prestation de soins au fil des cohortes de naissance. Par ailleurs, les soins commencent de plus en plus tot, notamment grâce a l’apparition de nouveaux types de relations d’aide, et l’ecart dans la prestation de soins se creuse entre les hommes et les femmes.
NMDA receptor-dependent switching between different gamma rhythm-generating microcircuits in entorhinal cortex

Local circuits in the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) and hippocampus generate gamma frequency population rhythms independently. Temporal interaction between these areas at gamma frequencies is implicated in memory—a phenomenon linked to activity of NMDA-subtype glutamate receptors. While blockade of NMDA receptors does not affect frequency of gamma rhythms in hippocampus, it exposes a second, lower frequency (25–35 Hz) gamma rhythm in mEC. In experiment and model, NMDA receptor-dependent mEC gamma rhythms were mediated by basket interneurons, but NMDA receptor-independent gamma rhythms were mediated by a novel interneuron subtype—the goblet cell. This cell was distinct from basket cells in morphology, intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic inputs. The two different gamma frequencies matched the different intrinsic frequencies in hippocampal areas CA3 and CA1, suggesting that NMDA receptor activation may control the nature of temporal interactions between mEC and hippocampus, thus influencing the pathway for information transfer between the two regions.
Time perception, immersion and music in videogames

People who play videogames often report the sense of immersion in the game with a particular feature of immersion being a loss of the sense of time passing. In this paper, we investigate if altering the degree of immersion in a videogame really does influence people's psychological perception of time passing. We use music to make a maze game more immersive and we measure time perception using two paradigms that are well-established in psychology. We find that the addition of music does alter time perception but only in one paradigm. Additionally, music was able to influence immersion by both increasing it or decreasing it depending on the choice of music. The overall picture is therefore complex but suggests that music could be an important factor in the perception of time whilst playing videogames.
Ultrasonography versus nerve conduction study in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: substantive or complementary tests?

OBJECTIVE Our aim is to assess the optimal discriminatory sonographic criteria and relevant threshold values in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to evaluate quantitative ultrasonography (US) as a tool for diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in comparison with electrophysiological study. METHODS Seventy-eight patients with CTS and 78 asymptomatic controls were assessed and underwent ultrasonography of the wrists. All patients and controls completed a self-administered questionnaire. Electrophysiological testing was done for all patients and control subjects. Data from the patient and the control groups were compared to determine the diagnostic relations in patients with CTS and the grade of severity. RESULTS There was a high degree of correlation between the conduction abnormalities of the median nerve as detected by electrodiagnostic tests, self-administered assessment and the measurement of the cross-sectional area of the nerve by US (P<0.05). Various levels of disease severity could also be illustrated by US, giving confident results for diagnosis, treatment planning and following the patients with CTS. In 16 patients (17%) tenosynovitis/localized swelling in the tendons in the carpal tunnel was the primary cause of CTS. A cut-off point of 10 mm(2) for the mean cross-sectional area of the median nerve was found to be the upper limit for normal values. Based on the results of this study, an algorithm for evaluation and management of CTS has been suggested. CONCLUSION High-frequency US examination of the median nerve and measurement of its cross-sectional area should be strongly considered as a new alternative diagnostic modality for the evaluation of CTS. In addition to being of high diagnostic accuracy it is able to define the cause of nerve compression and aids treatment planning; US also provides a reliable method for following the response to therapy.
Developing an inclusive learning environment for students with visual impairment in higher education: progressive mutual accommodation and learner experiences in the United Kingdom

Abstract Drawing on the findings of a unique longitudinal qualitative study, this article investigates the experiences of 32 young people with visual impairment (VI) in higher education (HE) in the United Kingdom (UK) to explore how well they were able to participate on their courses. We propose and apply a Bioecological Model of Inclusive HE to interpret these experiences and examine how accommodations were made to facilitate participation. Focusing specifically on ‘curriculum access’, the results highlight the importance of accommodations that are progressive and mutual. The accommodations come in many forms and include: the provision of resources through nationally based schemes (e.g. the Disabled Students Allowance in the UK); the support, adjustments and anticipatory adjustments HE institutions should provide; and the study skills and independence skills individual students should be able to act upon. The findings showed that while the majority of participants reported that their HE institution made some adjustments to enable them to access their course, a lack of anticipatory adjustments created barriers. The most common compensation for this barrier was to provide deadline extensions, often resulting in additional pressure on other aspects of the course. Interviews with university staff highlighted limited specialist knowledge and resources within their institutions to enable accommodations for students with VI and, more broadly, understanding of how to develop an inclusive learning experience. The findings also highlighted expectations made of the learner, particularly being able to explain their required adjustments and having well-developed independent study skills. The paper has particular relevance to HE institutions in that it provides a model to aid interpretation of their role in creating an inclusive learning experience for students with VI. It also offers a reference point for professionals supporting young people with a broader range of disabilities in considering how best to prepare them for life after compulsory education.
On conduction, cooling flows and galaxy formation

On the basis of the universal gas fraction in clusters of galaxies, we estimate that the effective thermal conductivity required to balance radiative cooling in the cores, where the gas temperature is 3-10 keV, is about one tenth of the Spitzer rate. This confirms that thermal conduction can be important for the energy balance provided that it is not highly suppressed by magnetic fields in the gas. We determine the global effective conductivity in a sample of 29 clusters using published X-ray data on the inferred cooling rates and show that most lie between one and one tenth of the Spitzer rate. More work on the profiles in cooling flow clusters is required to test the conduction hypothesis further. We examine the possibility that conduction operates during galaxy formation, and show that it provides a simple explanation for the upper-mass cut-off in galaxy masses.
Initial Ventricular Impulse: A Potential Key to Cardiac Evaluation

During the early stages of ventricular systole, myocardial tension develops very rapidly, ventricular pressure rises steeply to exceed arterial pressure, and momentum is then rapidly imparted to the blood flowing out of the ventricles. The acceleration of blood out of the ventricles is an expression of the force being applied by the contracting myocardium, and the peak flow velocity can be regarded as the product of the net force applied over the time from the onset of ejection to the peak. The product of force and time is designated by a well-established physical term: impulse (I=Ft). Thus, “initial ventricular impulse” appears to be an appropriately descriptive term for the dynamic properties of ventricular ejection. Direct and continuous records of acceleration, the outflow rate of blood, and the rates of change of ventricular and arterialpressure demonstrate that ejection of blood from both ventricles (particularly the left) is more like striking a piston with a mallet than like squeezing blood out of a chamber. These dynamic characteristics of ventricular ejection are greatly altered by autonomic control and by simulated disease conditions.Initial ventricular impulse is greatly augmented during exercise, by stimulation of sympathetic nerves to the heart, and following long diastolic intervals. On the contrary, initial ventricular impulse is markedly depressed during premature ventricular contractions, acute coronary occlusion, exsanguination hypotension, general anesthesia, etc. Thus, signs of changing ventricular impulse may have significant value in assessing the performance capability of the heart. For this purpose, certain clinical tests of cardiac performance (e.g., arterial pressure pulses, electrokymograms, precordial displacements, ballistocardiograms) may have unsuspected importance. Experiments on animals have considerable value in suggesting measurements that might be appropriately employed on human subjects and patients, but because of species differences, the validation of initial ventricular impulse as clinical test of value must ultimately be accomplished by appropriate measurements conducted on human subjects. For this reason, a specific experimental design is suggested for the evaluation of certain indirect indicators that may have potential value in routine assessment of the cardiac status. By means of modern high-speed computers, cross correlations, and factor analysis could bring to light the aspects of peripheral arterial pulse waves, kinetocardiograms, electrokymograms, and ballistocardiograms of reliable predictive value in assessing initial ventricular impulse in man.
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGIES OF CULTURAL WORDS IN AHMAD TOHARI'S DANCER

The aim ofthis research is to find out the translation strategies by examining two novels, which are "Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk" by Ahmad Tohari and the English translation version "Dancer" by Rene T.A. Lysloff. The writer uses a descriptive qualitative as the research method because the result ofthe analysis are concerned with providing descriptions of phenomena that occur naturally, without the intervention ofan experiment. After classifying the data based on its strategies, this research shows that there are eight strategies which are used by the translator to translate the cultural words. From eighty seven data (sentences that containing the cultural words) which are identified, there are 15 cultural words (17,24%) by using general words, 17 cultural words (19,54%) by using cultural substitution, 18 cultural words (20,69%) by loan word or loan wordplus explanation, 27 cultural words (31,03%) by descriptive equivalent, 4 cultural words (4,60%) byfunctional equivalent, 2 cultural words (2,30%) by literal translation, 2 cultural words (2,30%) by naturalization, and 2 cultural words (2,30%) by omission.
Genetic ensemble (G-Ensemble) for meteorological prediction enhancement

The need for reliable predictions in environmental modelling is long known. Particularly, the predicted weather and meteorological information about the future atmospheric state is crucial and necessary for almost all other areas of environmental modelling. Additionally, right decisions to prevent damages and save lives could be taken depending on a reliable meteorological prediction process. Lack and uncertainty of input data and parameters constitute the main source of errors for most of these models. In recent years, evolutionary optimisation methods have become popular to solve the input parameter problem of environmental models. We propose a new prediction scheme that uses a Genetic Algorithm for parameter estimation in Numerical Weather Prediction Models (NWP) to enhance prediction results. The new approach is called Genetic Ensemble (G- Ensemble) and it has been tested using historical data of a well known weather catastrophe: Hurricane Katrina that occurred in 2005 in the Gulf of Mexico. Obtained results provide significant improvements in weather prediction.
Maximal strength training improves running economy in distance runners.

PURPOSE The present study investigated the effect of maximal strength training on running economy (RE) at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption (V[spacing dot above]O2max) and time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Responses in one repetition maximum (1RM) and rate of force development (RFD) in half-squats, maximal oxygen consumption, RE, and time to exhaustion at MAS were examined. METHODS Seventeen well-trained (nine male and eight female) runners were randomly assigned into either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group (four males and four females) performed half-squats, four sets of four repetitions maximum, three times per week for 8 wk, as a supplement to their normal endurance training. The control group continued their normal endurance training during the same period. RESULTS The intervention manifested significant improvements in 1RM (33.2%), RFD (26.0%), RE (5.0%), and time to exhaustion at MAS (21.3%). No changes were found in V[spacing dot above]O2max or body weight. The control group exhibited no changes from pre to post values in any of the parameters. CONCLUSION Maximal strength training for 8 wk improved RE and increased time to exhaustion at MAS among well-trained, long-distance runners, without change in maximal oxygen uptake or body weight.
Inferring pathways from gene lists using a literature-derived network of biological relationships

MOTIVATION A number of omic technologies such as transcriptional profiling, proteomics, literature searches, genetic association, etc. help in the identification of sets of important genes. A subset of these genes may act in a coordinated manner, possibly because they are part of the same biological pathway. Interpreting such gene lists and relating them to pathways is a challenging task. Databases of biological relationships between thousands of mammalian genes can help in deciphering omics data. The relationships between genes can be assembled into a biological network with each protein as a node and each relationship as an edge between two proteins (or nodes). This network may then be searched for subnetworks consisting largely of interesting genes from the omics experiment. The subset of genes in the subnetwork along with the web of relationships between them helps to decipher the underlying pathways. Finding such subnetworks that maximally include all proteins from the query set but few others is the focus for this paper. RESULTS We present a heuristic algorithm and a scoring function that work well both on simulated data and on data from known pathways. The scoring function is an extension of a previous study for a single biological experiment. We use a simple set of heuristics that provide a more efficient solution than the simulated annealing method. We find that our method works on reasonably complex curated networks containing approximately 9000 biological entities (genes and metabolites), and approximately 30,000 biological relationships. We also show that our method can pick up a pathway signal from a query list including a moderate number of genes unrelated to the pathway. In addition, we quantify the sensitivity and specificity of the technique.