Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nodal and lefty signaling regulates the growth of pancreatic cells

Nodal and its antagonist, Lefty, are important mediators specifying the laterality of the organs during embryogenesis. Nodal signals through activin receptors in the presence of its co‐receptor, Cripto. In the present study, we investigated the possible roles of Nodal and Lefty signaling during islet development and regeneration. We found that both Nodal and Lefty are expressed in the pancreas during embryogenesis and islet regeneration. In vitro studies demonstrated that Nodal inhibits, whereas Lefty enhances, the proliferation of a pancreatic cell line. In addition, we showed that Lefty‐1 activates MAPK and Akt phosphorylation in these cells. In vivo blockade of endogenous Lefty using neutralizing Lefty‐1 monoclonal antibody results in a significantly decreased proliferation of duct epithelial cells during islet regeneration. This is the first study to decipher the expression and function of Nodal and Lefty in pancreatic growth. Importantly, our results highlight a novel function of Nodal‐Lefty signaling in the regulation of expansion of pancreatic cells. Developmental Dynamics 237:1255‐1267, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and expression of Pax6 and atonal homologues in the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus

Pax6 regulates eye development in many animals. In addition, Pax6 activates atonal transcription factors in both invertebrate and vertebrate eyes. Here, we investigate the roles of Pax6 and atonal during embryonic development of Limulus polyphemus rudimentary lateral, medial and ventral eyes, and the initiation of lateral ommatidial eye and medial ocelli formation. Limulus eye development is of particular interest because these animals hold a unique position in arthropod phylogeny and possess multiple eye types. Furthermore, the molecular underpinnings of eye development have yet to be investigated in chelicerates. We characterized a Limulus Pax6 gene, with multiple splice products and predicted protein isoforms, and one atonal homologue. Unexpectedly, neither gene is expressed in the developing eye types examined, although both genes are present in the lateral sense organ, a structure of unknown function. Developmental Dynamics 237:2209–2219, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Procainamide and survival in ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVES Procainamide is an antiarrhythmic drug of unproven efficacy in cardiac arrest. The association between procainamide and survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was investigated to better determine the drug's potential role in resuscitation. METHODS The authors conducted a 10-year study of all witnessed, out-of-hospital, ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) cardiac arrests treated by emergency medical services (EMS) in King County, Washington. Patients were considered eligible for procainamide if they received more than three defibrillation shocks and intravenous (IV) bolus lidocaine. Four logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) describing the relationship between procainamide and survival. RESULTS Of the 665 eligible patients, 176 received procainamide, and 489 did not. On average, procainamide recipients received more shocks and pharmacologic interventions and had lengthier resuscitations. Adjusted for their clinical and resuscitation characteristics, procainamide recipients had a lower likelihood of survival to hospital discharge (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.75). Further adjustment for receipt of other cardiac medications during resuscitation negated this apparent adverse association (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.66 to 1.57). CONCLUSIONS In this observational study of out-of-hospital VF and pulseless VT arrest, procainamide as second-line antiarrhythmic treatment was not associated with survival in models attempting to best account for confounding. The results suggest that procainamide, as administered in this investigation, does not have a large impact on outcome, but cannot eliminate the possibility of a smaller, clinically relevant effect on survival.
On the relation between possibilistic logic and modal logics of belief and knowledge

Abstract Possibilistic logic and modal logic are knowledge representation frameworks sharing some common features, such as the duality between possibility and necessity, and the decomposability of necessity for conjunctions, as well as some obvious differences since possibility theory is graded. At the semantic level, possibilistic logic relies on possibility distributions and modal logic on accessibility relations. In the last 30 years, there have been a series of attempts for bridging the two frameworks in one way or another. In this paper, we compare the relational semantics of epistemic logics (such as KD45 and S5) with simpler possibilistic semantics of a fragment of such logics that only uses modal formulas of depth 1. This minimal epistemic logic handles both all-or-nothing beliefs and explicitly ignored facts. We also contrast epistemic logic with the S5-based rough set logic. Finally, this paper presents extensions of generalized possibilistic logic with objective and non-nested multimodal formulas, in the style of modal logics KD45 and S5.
Leading edge‐secreted Dpp cooperates with ACK‐dependent signaling from the amnioserosa to regulate myosin levels during dorsal closure

Dorsal closure of the Drosophila embryo is an epithelial fusion in which the epidermal flanks migrate to close a hole in the epidermis occupied by the amnioserosa, a process driven in part by myosin‐dependent cell shape change. Dpp signaling is required for the morphogenesis of both tissues, where it promotes transcription of myosin from the zipper (zip) gene. Drosophila has two members of the activated Cdc42‐associated kinase (ACK) family: DACK and PR2. Overexpression of DACK in embryos deficient in Dpp signaling can restore zip expression and suppress dorsal closure defects, while reducing the levels of DACK and PR2 simultaneously using mutations or amnioserosa‐specific knock down by RNAi results in loss of zip expression. ACK function in the amnioserosa may generate a signal cooperating with Dpp secreted from the epidermis in driving zip expression in these two tissues, ensuring that cell shape changes in dorsal closure occur in a coordinated manner. Developmental Dynamics 237:2936–2946, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lateral fast muscle fibers originate from the posterior lip of the teleost dermomyotome

The predominant source of myogenic cells in vertebrates is the dermomyotome (DM). In teleost fish, recent research has provided a useful but limited picture of how myogenic precursors originate from the DM and how they develop into muscle fibers. Here, we combine detailed morphological analysis with examination of molecular markers in trout to describe the cellular mechanisms by which the lateral fast muscle growth zone is created during second phase myogenesis. Results suggest that this occurs by lateral‐to‐medial immigration of myogenic cells de‐epithelializing from the posterior DM lip. These cells then appear to stop proliferation and migrate anteriorly to finally differentiate into muscle fibres. This seems to be a continuation of the rotational cell movement that creates the teleost DM during early somite development. These findings suggest an evolutionary conserved role of the posterior DM lip in amniotes and fish. Developmental Dynamics 237:3233–3239, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An evaluation of resident work profiles, attending-resident teaching interactions, and the effect of variations in emergency department volume on each.

OBJECTIVES This study examines the effect of variations in emergency department (ED) volume on physician work efficiency (new patients per hour) and work profile (patient-related activities, including both direct and indirect patient care) and whether these differ between first- (Postgraduate Year [PGY]1) and third- (PGY3) year residents. The authors also determine if changes in volume are associated with changes in teaching interactions between attending and resident physicians. METHODS This was a prospective observational study of resident and attending physicians in the ED. Research assistants (RAs) followed ED residents during clinical shifts and recorded a multitude of data including the amount of time spent in specific activities, the number of new patients seen, and the frequency of attending physician teaching interactions. RESULTS Third-year residents see more new patients per hour (1.79 vs. 1.16, p < 0.001) than do their first-year counterparts. In addition, third-year residents spend almost 50% less time with each patient (10.7 minutes vs. 19.4 minutes, p < 0.001), and first-year residents spend three times as much time per shift discussing patients with attending physicians (59.4 minutes vs. 27.3 minutes, p = 0.002). More of the PGY1/attending interactions resulted in educational exchanges (54.9% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.003). PGY1 residents also spend more time on dictations per patient (9.6 minutes vs. 5.4 minutes, p = 0.01) and more time on paperwork per patient (18.5 minutes vs. 6.5 minutes, p = 0.007). As ED volume tripled, PGY1 residents were able to increase their patient load to a greater extent than were PGY3 residents by decreasing the length of each patient encounter as volume increased. Overall, ED volume had no effect on the number of teaching interactions, although the length of exchange decreased as volume increased. CONCLUSIONS Third-year residents see and carry more patients than do their first-year counterparts. They do so primarily by decreasing the amount of time spent with patients and attendings and working more efficiently overall. However, they are not as capable of altering their work profiles in the face of increased volume as their first-year counterparts. While the length of teaching interactions is decreased as volume increases, the number of those interactions resulting in teaching remains constant regardless of volume.
Cracks in the Façade: Whiteness and the Construction of 9/11

This article analyses whiteness and Americanness in relation to the drama and trauma of 9/11/01. It argues that drawing upon the history of whiteness, and its psychological and psychic legacy, provides fresh perspective on US national responses to the events of September 11, 2001. It examines the semiotic frames by means of which that day, and those events, are named, and the impact of a white hegemony upon those articulations. Secondly, it argues that there are circulating at present in the United States, five ‘analytical clusters’, all incomplete and to some degree overlapping, intended to explain how and why the air attacks took place. Thirdly it demonstrates that a terrain of ‘unnameability’ came into being along with the events of ‘9/11’. Yet, it argues, critical work at the boundaries of that terrain has signalled both the instability and tenacity of the hegemonic system itself.
Assessing clinical reasoning skills in scenarios of uncertainty: convergent validity for a Script Concordance Test in an emergency medicine clerkship and residency.

OBJECTIVES The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is a new method of assessing clinical reasoning in the face of uncertainty. An SCT item consists of a short clinical vignette followed by an additional piece of information and asks how this new information affects the learner's decision regarding a possible diagnosis, investigational study, or therapy. Scoring is based on the item responses of a panel of experts in the field. This study attempts to provide additional validity evidence in the realm of emergency medicine (EM). METHODS This observational study examined the performance of medical students, EM residents, and expert emergency physicians (EPs) on an SCT in the area of general EM (SCT-EM) at one of the largest medical schools in the United States. The 59-item SCT-EM was developed for a fourth-year required clerkship in EM. The results on the SCT-EM were compared between different levels of clinical experience. Results were also compared to performance on other measures to evaluate convergent validity. RESULTS The SCT-EM was given to 314 fourth-year medical students (MS4), 40 EM residents, and 13 EPs during the study period. Mean differences between the three different groups of test takers was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The range of scores for the MS4s was 42% to 77% and followed a normal distribution. Among the residents, performance on the SCT-EM and the EM in-training examination were significantly correlated (r = 0.69, p < 0.001); among the MS4s who later matched into EM residency programs, performance on the SCT-EM and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2-Clinical Knowledge (Step 2-CK) exam was also significantly correlated (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The SCT-EM shows promise as an assessment that can be used to measure clinical reasoning skills in the face of uncertainty. Future research will compare performance on the SCT to other measures of clinical reasoning abilities.
Radiological imaging of patients with suspected urinary tract stones: national trends, diagnoses, and predictors.

OBJECTIVES Overutilization of computed tomography (CT) is a growing public health concern due to increasing health care costs and exposure to radiation; these must be weighed against the potential benefits of CT for improving diagnoses and treatment plans. The objective of this study was to determine the national trends of CT and ultrasound (US) utilization for assessment of suspected urolithiasis in emergency departments (EDs) and if these trends are accompanied by changes in diagnosis rates for urolithiasis or other significant disorders and hospitalization rates. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of ED visits from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1996 and 2007. The authors determined the proportion of patient visits for flank or kidney pain receiving CT or US testing and calculated the diagnosis and hospitalization rates for urolithiasis and other significant disorders. Patient-specific and hospital-level variables associated with the use of CT were examined. RESULTS Utilization of CT to assess patients with suspected urolithiasis increased from 4.0% to 42.5% over the study period (p < 0.001). In contrast, the use of US remained low, at about 5%, until it decreased beginning in 2005 to 2007 to 2.4% (p = 0.01). The proportion of patients diagnosed with urolithiasis (approximately 18%, p = 0.55), with other significant diagnoses (p > 0.05), and admitted to the hospital (approximately 11%, p = 0.49) did not change significantly. The following characteristics were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving a CT scan: male sex (odd ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22 to 2.77), patients presenting with severe pain (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.14 to 7.65), and those triaged in 15 minutes or less (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.08 to 5.37). CT utilization was lower for patients presenting to rural hospitals (vs. urban areas; OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.61) and those managed by a nonphysician health care provider (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.53). CONCLUSIONS From 1996 to 2007, there was a 10-fold increase in the utilization of CT scan for patients with suspected kidney stone without an associated change in the proportion of diagnosis of kidney stone, diagnosis of significant alternate diagnoses, or admission to the hospital.
Anterior versus lateral needle decompression of tension pneumothorax: comparison by computed tomography chest wall measurement.

OBJECTIVES Recent research describes failed needle decompression in the anterior position. It has been hypothesized that a lateral approach may be more successful. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal site for needle decompression. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted of emergency department (ED) patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) of the chest as part of their evaluation for blunt trauma. A convenience sample of 159 patients was formed by reviewing consecutive scans of eligible patients. Six measurements from the skin surface to the pleural surface were made for each patient: anterior second intercostal space, lateral fourth intercostal space, and lateral fifth intercostal space on the left and right sides. RESULTS The distance from skin to pleura at the anterior second intercostal space averaged 46.3 mm on the right and 45.2 mm on the left. The distance at the midaxillary line in the fourth intercostal space was 63.7 mm on the right and 62.1 mm on the left. In the fifth intercostal space the distance was 53.8 mm on the right and 52.9 mm on the left. The distance of the anterior approach was statistically less when compared to both intercostal spaces (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS With commonly available angiocatheters, the lateral approach is less likely to be successful than the anterior approach. The anterior approach may fail in many patients as well. Longer angiocatheters may increase the chances of decompression, but would also carry a higher risk of damage to surrounding vital structures.
THE CHOLESTEROL CONTENT OF BLOOD PLASMA IN JUVENILE DIABETES: A STATISTICAL STUDY

In a previous report 1 I demonstrated the value of cholesterol studies in diabetes from the point of view of progress. The demonstration, with the exception of a few cases cited as examples, was statistical. The data concerned adults only, since, as is well known, the diabetes of juveniles differs in many respects from that of adults. The report was based on 2,000 observations in 385 cases. This brief report is concerned with the study of the cholesterol content of blood plasma in cases of juvenile diabetes. The various reasons for making use of plasma cholesterol as an index of lipoid metabolism in diabetes were discussed in the first paper and, for purposes of brevity, are omitted here. The literature on this phase of juvenile diabetes is scanty. There are various reasons for this. In the first place, the material available in any one clinic is relatively small, since juveniles represent
The ever-growing understanding of transthyretin amyloidosis nephropathy

Hereditary transthyretin V30M (ATTR) amyloidosis (ATTR p.Val50Met) is a disease with varied phenotypes, although the identifying signs are neuropathy and cardiomyopathy [1]. Massive glomerular and vascular amyloid ATTR deposits are directly related to proteinuria and progressive reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [2]. Despite the emergence of anti-amyloid agents, nephropathic patients have limited access to diseasemodifying treatments. The aim of this study was to obtain a better knowledge of characteristics and outcomes of patients with ATTR undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) as a tool to future answers and early detection of nephropathy.
Supporting safe walking for people with dementia: User participation in the development of new technology

Background Assistive technology is increasingly used to support people with dementia. One area attracting debate is the use of GPS systems. This paper presents the views of 12 people with dementia, 3 caregivers and 5 older people about GPS devices to promote safe walking. Methods Two focus groups were held, one in Scotland and one in England. Two researchers facilitated each group. Audio recordings were fully transcribed. Data were analysed using a qualitative, thematic approach. Results Walking and ‘getting out and about’ were common activities for participants and they reported that a GPS device would support them to go out independently with more confidence, or as their dementia progressed. Participants offered opinions on the design of the device and how it might be used in practice. GPS devices for people with dementia are considered useful by older people, people with dementia and family caregivers to support independence and increase self-confidence. Potential users of the device appear less concerned with the ethical issues relating to ‘tagging’ than those writing in academic journals and the media although they are interested in how the device might be used to promote independence rather than just as a safety precaution offering caregivers peace of mind. They also recommended that GPS devices be discreet rather than exacerbate any potential stigma. Conclusions Potential users of safe walking devices can see real potential to use the devices to increase independence while family carers see the benefits of reducing risk and addressing safety concerns. The inclusion of a user-engagement element to the device design process provided valuable information about how GPS devices might be used in the real world and specific ideas about different aspects of the device.
Dissociable behavioural outcomes of visual statistical learning

ABSTRACT Statistical learning refers to the extraction of probabilistic relationships between stimuli and is increasingly used as a method to understand learning processes. However, numerous cognitive processes are sensitive to the statistical relationships between stimuli and any one measure of learning may conflate these processes; to date little research has focused on differentiating these processes. To understand how multiple processes underlie statistical learning, here we compared, within the same study, operational measures of learning from different tasks that may be differentially sensitive to these processes. In Experiment 1, participants were visually exposed to temporal regularities embedded in a stream of shapes. Their task was to periodically detect whether a shape, whose contrast was staircased to a threshold level, was present or absent. Afterwards, they completed a search task, where statistically predictable shapes were found more quickly. We used the search task to label shape pairs as “learned” or “non-learned”, and then used these labels to analyse the detection task. We found a dissociation between learning on the search task and the detection task where only non-learned pairs showed learning effects in the detection task. This finding was replicated in further experiments with recognition memory (Experiment 2) and associative learning tasks (Experiment 3). Taken together, these findings are consistent with the view that statistical learning may comprise a family of processes that can produce dissociable effects on different aspects of behaviour.
Ultrafast scene detection and recognition with limited visual information

ABSTRACT Humans can detect target colour pictures of scenes depicting concepts like picnic or harbour in sequences of six or 12 pictures presented as briefly as 13 ms, even when the target is named after the sequence. Such rapid detection suggests that feedforward processing alone enabled detection without recurrent cortical feedback. There is debate about whether coarse, global, low spatial frequencies (LSFs) provide predictive information to high cortical levels through the rapid magnocellular (M) projection of the visual path, enabling top-down prediction of possible object identities. To test the “Fast M” hypothesis, we compared detection of a named target across five stimulus conditions: unaltered colour, blurred colour, greyscale, thresholded monochrome, and LSF pictures. The pictures were presented for 13–80 ms in six-picture rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) sequences. Blurred, monochrome, and LSF pictures were detected less accurately than normal colour or greyscale pictures. When the target was named before the sequence, all picture types except LSF resulted in above-chance detection at all durations. Crucially, when the name was given only after the sequence, performance dropped and the monochrome and LSF pictures (but not the blurred pictures) were at or near chance. Thus, without advance information, monochrome and LSF pictures were rarely understood. The results offer only limited support for the Fast M hypothesis, suggesting instead that feedforward processing is able to activate conceptual representations without complementary reentrant processing.