Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell Swelling, Blebbing, and Death Are Dependent on ATP Depletion and Independent of Calcium During Chemical Hypoxia in a Glial Cell Line (ROC‐1)

The morphological and biochemical changes that occur during chemical hypoxic injury in a neural cell line were studied in the presence and absence of calcium. Oligo‐dendroglial‐glioma hybrid cells (ROC‐1) were subjected to inhibitors of glycolytic and oxidative ATP synthesis (chemical hypoxia). Complete respiratory inhibition depleted [ATP] to <5% of control by 4 min. Blebs appeared on the cell surfaces and cells began to swell within a few minutes of ATP depletion. A 200% increase in cell volume and bleb coalescence preceded irreversible cell injury (lactate dehy‐drogenase release) which began at ∼20 min with 50% cell death by 40 min. In energized cells an equivalent degree of osmotic swelling induced by ouabain inhibition of the Na+, K+‐ATPase pump did not produce blebbing or cell death. Partial inhibition of respiration decreased [ATP] to ∼10% of control by 40 min. Blebbing and swelling began at 40 min and bleb coalescence preceded plasma membrane disruption which began at ∼55 min. ATP depletion, blebbing, swelling, and death followed similar time courses in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]e). Intracel‐lular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was measured using fura‐2. In calcium‐containing medium metabolic inhibition caused a transient increase in resting [Ca2+]i (100 ± 17 nM) followed by a low steady‐state level preceding plasma membrane disruption. Following deenergization in calcium‐free medium, [Ca2+]i remained below 60 nM throughout injury and death. These data suggest that decreased ATP initiates a sequence of events including bleb formation and cell swelling that lead to irreversible cell injury in the absence of large increases in [Ca2+]i.
On the Economic Determinants of Oil Production - Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Evidence for Small Exporting Countries

In this paper, decisions regarding production in oil exporting countries are studied by means of theoretical analysis and empirical investigation. Under the assumptions of exogenous oil prices and world oil demand, we are able to describe the relationship between oil production levels and changes in the conditions in world oil markets. Intertemporal production decisions by a representative oil producer are modelled by means of a partial equilibrium model. In this theoretical model, oil producers are subject to exogenous shocks in world oil demand and prices. Oil companies can change output levels only by incurring a fixed cost. Results from the simulation of this model show a strong relationship between oil production and changes in world oil consumption. On the contrary, the effects of changes in real oil prices on oil production decisions seem to be much lower. Results from the simulation of the theoretical model are then empirically investigated using time-series econometric techniques. The empirical evidence supports the hypothesis that several oil producing countries are characterized by different responses to changes in world oil demand and in real oil prices. For many countries production rapidly adjusts to changes in consumption whereas responses of oil production to innovations in real oil prices are found to be not statistically significant. In addition, when non-linearities in the relationship between exogenous variables and output levels are allowed for, evidence of asymmetric effects of output levels to shocks in demand levels and oil prices is found.
Microarray Probe Selection Strategies

During recent years, DNA microarrays have become the method of choice to monitor the expression level of a large number of genes. Depending on the focus of the study and the method of microarray fabrication, a number of different strategies for probe selection may be most appropriate. One consideration concerns the length of the probe, ranging from some 25 residues used for oligonucleotide arrays to complete cDNAs. Unless resources are truly unlimited, an important decision to be made is the amount of effort to be put into the selection of genes and gene fragments. While high-throughput cDNA arraying projects usually will select from a collection of existing cDNA clones, smaller projects focusing on a number of selected genes can afford to selectively amplify fragments optimised for that purpose. This paper discusses the full scope of probe selection strategies, highlighting the problems that may be encountered in the various systems.
Computerized Cognitive Training for Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children with ADHD

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of Captain's Log (a computerized cognitive-training system) on the behaviors and performance capabilities of 4 severely emotionally disturbed children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ages 7 to 11. Behavioral scales, spectral electroencephalograms, and intelligence and performance tests were assessed pre-and posttreatment. A behavioral point system and monitoring of progress on computer tasks were used throughout treatment to evaluate ongoing improvements. There were 64 training sessions administered over a 16-week period. Outcome of treatment was determined by computer advancement, changes in behavioral points, and pre-and postmeasures. Results support the expectation that children who were most successful in the training would demonstrate the highest levels of generalization of those skills that were the focus of treatnent.
Tissue engineering of skin and cornea

Human beings are greatly preoccupied with the unavoidable nature of aging. While the biological processes of senescence and aging are the subjects of intense investigations, the molecular mechanisms linking aging with disease and death are yet to be elucidated. Tissue engineering offers new models to study the various processes associated with aging. Using keratin 19 as a stem cell marker, our studies have revealed that stem cells are preserved in human skin reconstructed by tissue engineering and that the number of epithelial stem cells varies according to the donor's age. As with skin, human corneas can also be engineered in vitro. Among the epithelial cells used for reconstructing skin and corneas, significant age‐dependent variations in the expression of the transcription factor Sp1 were observed. Culturing skin epithelial cells with a feeder layer extended their life span in culture, likely by preventing Sp1 degradation in epithelial cells, therefore demonstrating the pivotal role played by this transcription factor in cell proliferation. Finally, using the human tissue‐engineered skin as a model, we linked Hsp27 activation with skin differentiation.
Statistical Process Control for Shifts in Mean or Variance Using a Changepoint Formulation

Statistical process control (SPC) involves ongoing checks to ensure that neither the mean nor the variability of the process readings has changed. Conventionally, this is done by pairs of charts—Shewhart X and S (or R) charts, cumulative sum charts for mean and for variance, or exponentially weighted moving average charts for mean and variance. The traditional methods of calculating the statistical properties of control charts are based on the assumption that the in-control true mean and variance were known exactly, and use these assumed true values to set center lines, control limits, and decision intervals. The reality, however, is that true parameter values are seldom if ever known exactly; rather, they are commonly estimated from a phase I sample. The random errors in the estimates lead to uncertain run length distribution of the resulting charts. An attractive alternative to the traditional charting methods is a single chart using the unknown-parameter likelihood ratio test for a change in mean and/or variance in normally distributed data. This formulation gives a single diagnostic to detect a shift in mean, in variance, or in both, rather than two separate diagnostics. Using the unknown parameter formulation recognizes the reality that at best one has reasonable estimates of parameters and not their exact values. This description implies an immediate benefit of the formulation, that the run behavior is controlled despite the lack of a large phase I sample. We demonstrate another benefit, that the changepoint formulation is competitive with the best of traditional formulations for detecting step changes in parameters.
Deleuze and the Theory of Addiction

Abstract This theoretical article presents and applies the theories of the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze. The article takes as its starting point the observation that current biomedical, social and psychological research does not provide a coherent view of the nature of addiction and there is a great deal of controversy in the field. The material philosophy of Deleuze provides the opportunity to introduce new ideas and bridge the gaps between different theories and approaches. Deleuze's philosophy is especially useful since neurological research on addiction has developed rapidly. Deleuzian concepts have implications not only for the general theory of addiction, but also for different theories on treatment and recovery. A Deleuzian theory, developed in this article, analyzes addictions as situational and interactional processes. Alcohol and drugs are used because they are connected with situations and interactions that enable the production of desire. They change and alter the body. Addiction alters the production of desire and life itself begins to be reduced to alcohol, drugs or a specific mode of behavior. Recovery from addictions is connected with the changes in life that offer subjects an open future. A recovering body must increase its capacity to be affected and be capable of creating new biopsychosocial connections of desire.
BAL eotaxin and IL‐5 in asthma, and the effects of inhaled corticosteroid and β2 agonist

Objective: In a longitudinal ex vivo placebo‐controlled study, asthmatics already treated with inhaled corticosteroid received supplemental long‐acting β‐agonist (LABA) or increased doses of their inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Previously reports have shown significant reductions in biopsy eosinophil numbers after treatment with LABA. Following these findings, eosinophil chemokines eotaxin and IL‐5 in the BAL fluid at baseline and after 3 months of study medication have now been measured, and these data with that from new cross‐sectional controls have also been compared. It is hypothesised that changes in airway eosinophils would be related to eosinophil cytokines.
DRIS Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of Crisphead Lettuce

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms were derived for crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from field fertility experiments conducted over the past 20 years on mineral and organic soils in Florida. Preliminary testing indicates that DRIS diagnoses generally agree with diagnoses using the sufficiency range approach, with the advantage of predicting the degree of nutrient limitation. DRIS also appeared to correctly predict a response to K where sufficiency ranges currently used did not. Overall, DRIS appears to be a useful adjunct to the sufficiency range approah currently used to diagnose nutritional deficiencies in crisphead lettuce
Holocene glacial history of the Copper River Delta , coastal south-central Alaska , and controls on valley glacier fl uctuations

Fluctuations of four valley glaciers in coastal south-central Alaska are reconstructed for the past two millennia. Tree-ring crossdates on 216 glacially killed stumps and logs provide the primary age control, and are integrated with glacial stratigraphy, ages of living trees on extant landforms, and historic forefield photographs to constrain former ice margin positions. Sheridan Glacier shows four distinct phases of advance: in the 530s to c.640s in the First Millennium A.D., and the 1240s to 1280s, 1510s to 1700s, and c.1810s to 1860s during the Little Ice Age (LIA). The latter two LIA advances are also recorded on the forefields of nearby Scott, Sherman and Saddlebag glaciers. Comparison of the Sheridan record with other two-millennia long tree-ring constrained valley glacier histories from south-central Alaska and Switzerland shows the same four intervals of advance. These expansions were coeval with decreases in insolation, supporting solar irradiance as the primary pacemaker for centennial-scale fluctuations of mid-latitude valley glaciers prior to the 20th century. Volcanic aerosols, coupled atmospheric-oceanic systems, and local glacier-specific effects may be important to glacier fluctuations as supplemental forcing factors, for causing decadal-scale differences between regions, and as a climatic filter affecting the magnitude of advances. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Metformin alleviates nickel-induced autophagy and apoptosis via inhibition of hexokinase-2, activating lipocalin-2, in human bronchial epithelial cells

Autophagy is an intracellular recycling and degradation process for regulating tumor progression, survival and drug resistance. Nickel compounds have been identified as human carcinogens. However, the role of nickel-induced autophagy in lung carcinogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we determined that hexokinase 2 (HK2), which phosphorylates glucose and regulates autophagy, is the key mediator in nickel-induced autophagy in lung bronchial epithelial cells. We attempted to investigate the effects of the antidiabetic drug metformin on HK2 expression and lung cancer chemoprevention. Our results showed that metformin decreases nickel-induced autophagy and activation of apoptosis through inhibition of HK2 gene, protein and activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that lipocalin 2 (LCN2), which is released by neutrophils at sites of infection and inflammation is involved in HK2-driven autophagy pathway. Knockdown of endogenous HK2 and LCN2 by shRNA reduced nickel-elicited autophagy and apoptosis, illustrating that metabolic alteration and inflammatory action are important in nickel-elicited carcinogenesis. We also determined the association between nickel-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Inhibition of nickel-induced autophagy abolished apoptotic cell death in chloroquine-treated, shLC3 Beas-2B cells and Atg5−/− MFFs. From TGCA database and immunohistochemistry analysis, HK2 and LCN2 expression increased in lung squamous cell carcinoma and their related adjacent normal tissues. Taken together, our results demonstrated that metformin alleviates NiCl2-induced autophagy and apoptosis via HK2-driven LCN2 activation in human bronchial epithelial cells. This novel mechanism provides a strategy for targeting nickel-elicited lung cancer progression, as well as for preventing HK2 cumulative damage triggered by environmental carcinogens.
Effects of fisheries closure size, age, and history of compliance on coral reef fish communities in the western Indian Ocean

The hypothesis that the history of management compliance (strong versus variable), closure size (0.3 to 28 km2), closure age (2 to 39 yr), and habitat/geographic variables influenced total fish biomass, the number of species, and the ratio of herbivores to carnivores in no-take areas was tested. Twenty existing closures across 6 countries in the western Indian Ocean were sampled during the same time period (2004 to 2007). Geographic location and closure attributes were weak to moderate predictors of these coral reef fish community variables for analyses of all closures. Strong interactions between fish community variables and levels of compliance indicated that high compliance sites largely drove the closure–fish community relationships. Variable or weak compliance and closures <1 km2 exhibited limited recovery of fish communities. The closure area–fish biomass data for strong-compliance closures indicates that biomass is stable above 5 km2. A mix of community-based, private, and national program closures were sampled, and, although low sample sizes within each of these management systems precludes conclusive analysis, none of these management systems was universally successful in terms of compliance or maximizing fish community variables.
How do students interpret feedback delivered via dashboards?

Providing feedback directly to students on their engagement and performance in educational activities is important to supporting students' learning. However, questions have been raised whether such data representations are adequate to inform reflection, planning and monitoring of students' learning strategies. In this poster we present an investigation of how students interpret feedback delivered via learning analytics dashboards. The findings indicated that most students were able to articulate an interpretation of the feedback presented through the dashboard to identify gaps between their expected and actual performance to inform changes to their study strategies. However, there was also evidence of uncertain interpretation both in terms of the format of the visualization of the feedback and their inability to understand the connection between the feedback and their current strategies. The findings have been used to inform recommendations for ways to enhance the effectiveness of the delivery of feedback through dashboards to provide value to students in developing effective learning strategies to meet their educational goals.
Rainfall monitoring using acoustic sensors

This study is about the design, development, and field testing of acoustic sensors for rain measurements. An Android-based acoustic sensor is designed and tested. The sensor can upload data files to a web server, and can trigger an SMS alarm when rainfall data exceeds safety thresholds. An Arduino-based acoustic sensor is also designed and tested, which is an alternative, low-cost acoustic sensor for rainfall. Rainfall data from the sensors are graphed, analyzed, and compared vis-à-vis to data from tipping bucket rain gauges. We report, for the first time, the performance of an acoustic rain sensor and a tipping bucket in the same device integrated with an Android phone. This new configuration shows the difference between a real-time acoustic rain sensor and a tipping bucket, which is an accumulation sensor. The analysis features and performance of the acoustic sensors directs to the development of low-cost devices for gathering rain data, which can supplement standard rain measurement devices.
Design of materials with prescribed properties using topology optimization

The overall behavior of an elastic material with a periodic microstructure is governed by the “unit cell,” whose repetition produces the material. Methods for obtaining the elastic properties of a periodic material, given the unit cell, are well established in the literature. The issue of designing a unit cell that has prescribed elastic properties, however, is considerably more complicated. We present a computational approach to this problem by formulating it as a single-constraint topology optimization problem. The goal of the optimization problem is to minimize the difference between the actual overall properties resulting from a given unit cell and the desired overall properties. The optimization problem, its computational aspects and numerical applications are discussed in this paper.
PIK3CA Gene Mutations in Pediatric and Adult Glioblastoma Multiforme

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) are a family of enzymes that relay important cellular growth control signals. Recently, a large-scale mutational analysis of eight PI3K and eight PI3K-like genes revealed somatic mutations in PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of class IA PI3K, in several types of cancer, including glioblastoma multiforme. In that report, 4 of 15 (27%) glioblastomas contained potentially oncogenic PIK3CA mutations. Subsequent studies, however, showed a significantly lower mutation rate ranging from 0% to 7%. Given this disparity and to address the relation of patient age to mutation frequency, we examined 10 exons of PIK3CA in 73 glioblastoma samples by PCR amplification followed by direct DNA sequencing. Overall, PIK3CA mutations were found in 11 (15%) samples, including several novel mutations. PIK3CA mutations were distributed in all sample types, with 18%, 9%, and 13% of primary tumors, xenografts, and cell lines containing mutations, respectively. Of the primary tumors, PIK3CA mutations were identified in 21% and 17% of pediatric and adult samples, respectively. No evidence of PIK3CA gene amplification was detected by quantitative real-time PCR in any of the samples. This study confirms that PIK3CA mutations occur in a significant number of human glioblastomas, further indicating that therapeutic targeting of this pathway in glioblastomas is of value. Moreover, this is the first study showing PIK3CA mutations in pediatric glioblastomas, thus providing a molecular target in this important pediatric malignancy. (Mol Cancer Res 2006;4(10):709–14)
Function and regulation mechanism of Chk1 during meiotic maturation in porcine oocytes

ABSTRACT Checkpoint 1 (Chk1), as an important member of DNA replication checkpoint and DNA damage response, has an important role during the G2/M stage of mitosis. In this study, we used porcine oocyte as a model to investigate the function of Chk1 during porcine oocyte maturation. Chk1 was expressed from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII) stages, mainly localized in the cytoplasm at GV stage and moved to the spindle after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Chk1 depletion not only induced oocytes to be arrested at MI stage with abnormal chromosomes arrangement, but also inhibited the degradation of Cyclin B1 and decreased the expression of Mitotic Arrest Deficient 2-Like 1 (Mad2L1), one of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins, and cadherin 1 (Cdh1), one of coactivation for anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Moreover, Chk1 overexpression delayed GVBD. These results demonstrated that Chk1 facilitated the timely degradation of Cyclin B1 at anaphase I (AI) and maintained the expression of Mad2L1 and Cdh1, which ensured that all chromosomes were accurately located in a line, and then oocytes passed metaphase I (MI) and AI and exited from the first meiotic division successfully. In addition, we proved that Chk1 had not function on GVBD of porcine oocytes, which suggested that maturation of porcine oocytes did not need the DNA damage checkpoint, which was different from the mouse oocyte maturation.
Validation and usefulness of a computer-assisted cup-positioning system in total hip arthroplasty.

To The Editor: In their recent article, “Validation and Usefulness of a Computer-Assisted Cup-Positioning System in Total Hip Arthroplasty. A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study” (2007;89:494-9), Parratte and Argenson found that 57% (seventeen) of thirty cups placed freehand and 20% (six) of thirty cups placed with a computer-assisted positioning system were placed outside a so-called safe zone (outliers) (p = 0.002), as defined by Lewinnek et al. in 19781. They concluded that the use of an imageless navigation system can improve cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty by reducing the percentage of outliers. Lewinnek et al. …