Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Insulin Therapy on the Profiles of Plasma Immunoreactive Glucagon in Juvenile-type and Adult-type Diabetics

To determine if the abnormal A-cell function of human diabetes can be corrected by insulin therapy, 10 patients with juvenile-type and 10 with adult-onset types of diabetes were aggressively treated with insulin for up to 10 days. Glucose, immunoreactive glucagon (IRG), and, where possible, insulin were measured in plasma specimens obtained at two-hour intervals for periods of up to 10 days. These patients were compared with nine nondiabetics who were studied similarly. During a two-day “uncontrolled” period, marked hyperglycemie, glycosurie, and elevated IRG concentrations were present in both groups of diabetic patients. “Improved control” was achieved in the juvenile-type diabetic group with an average insulin dose of 115 ± 24 U. per day. Such therapy significantly reduced the mean plasma glucose (p < 0.001) and IRG (p < 0.05) concentrations when compared with the “uncontrolled” period, but both remained above (p < 0.05) the values seen in the nondiabetk subjects. “Improved control” was achieved in the maturity-onset group of patients with an average insulin dose of 160 ± 24 U. per day. This dose was associated with a mean plasma-insulin value of 106 ± 26 μU. per milliliter, significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that of the nondiabetk: group. Mean plasma glucose (p < 0.001) and IRG (p < 0.02) concentrations were reduced significantly as compared with the “uncontrolled” period; the mean IRG level was the same as that of the nondiabetics, but the mean plasma glucose levels remained significantly greater (p < 0.001) than in the nondiabetics. The results indicate that aggressive administration of insulin by conventional means does significantly reduce the average IRG level in juvenile-type and adult-type diabetics. However, despite the large doses of insulin and unphysiologically high concentrations of circulating insulin in the juvenile-diabetic group, IRG remained significantly above that of the nondiabetics. In the adult-onset group, although it was reduced to normal, the IRG level can be viewed as above normal relative to the persistent hyperglycemie and hyperinsulinemia.
Patients with extraintestinal manifestations have a higher risk of developing pouchitis in ulcerative colitis: multivariate analysis

Background: Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) have been the surgical treatments of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the IPAA is sometimes complicated with pouchitis. Furthermore, the cumulative risk and risk factors for developing pouchitis in patients with UC undergoing IPAA have not been reported in any Asian population. The aim of our study is to clarify the cumulative risk and risk factors for developing pouchitis in Japanese patients with UC undergoing IPAA. Methods: Fifty‐eight patients with UC undergoing IPAA were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of pouchitis, gender, age of onset, history of smoking, presence of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) and type of operation. The diagnosis of pouchitis was based on the pouchitis disease activity index. The cumulative risk and risk factors for developing pouchitis were assessed. Results: The cumulative risks for developing pouchitis at 1 and 5 years were 9.0% and 14.4%, respectively. The estimated risks of pouchitis at 5 years was 48.1% in patients with EIMs and 4.6% in those without. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the presence of EIMs is a significant risk factor (hazard ratio 16.85, 95% confidence interval 3.12–91.00; P = 0.001). Conclusions: The presence of EIMs is a significant risk factor for the development of pouchitis in Japanese patients with UC undergoing IPAA.
Usage of healthcare services and preference for mental healthcare among older Somali immigrants in Finland

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aims of the study were, first, to describe and analyze healthcare services utilization patterns of older immigrants in Finland, and particularly to compare the availability and accessibility of health services between older Somalis and Finns. The second aim was to examine the preferences for mental healthcare within the group of Somalis. The third aim was to test the existence of a service usage gap expected to be characteristic of the Somali group, in which high levels of mental health problems occur alongside simultaneous low levels of mental health service usage. Design: The participants were 256 men and women between the ages of 50–85; half were Somali migrants and the other half Finnish matched pairs. The participants were surveyed regarding their usage of somatic, mental, and preventive health services, as well as symptoms of depression, general distress, and somatization. The Somali participants were also surveyed regarding their usage of traditional healing methods and preferences for mental healthcare. Results: The Somali group had significantly lower access to personal/family doctors at healthcare centers as well as a lower availability of private doctors and occupational health services than the Finns. Instead, they used more nursing services than Finnish patients. The Somali participants attended fewer age-salient preventive check-ups than the Finns. The majority of the Somalis preferred traditional care, most commonly religious healing, for mental health problems. The hypothesized service gap was not substantiated, as a high level of depressive symptoms was not associated with a low usage of health services among the Somalis, but it was found unexpectedly among the Finns. Conclusion: Our findings call for culturally appropriate general and mental health services for older immigrants, which requires awareness of clients’ preferences, needs, and alternative healing practices. Somali participants encountered institutional barriers in accessing healthcare, and they preferred informal mental healthcare, especially religious healing instead of Western practices.
Inhibitory Receptor Signals Suppress Ligation-Induced Recruitment of NKG2D to GM1-Rich Membrane Domains at the Human NK Cell Immune Synapse1

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on all human NK cells and a subset of T cells. In cytolytic conjugates between NK cells and target cells expressing its ligand MHC class I chain-related gene A, NKG2D accumulates at the immunological synapse with GM1-rich microdomains. Furthermore, NKG2D is specifically recruited to detergent-resistant membrane fractions upon ligation. However, in the presence of a strong inhibitory stimulus, NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity can be intercepted, and recruitment of NKG2D to the immunological synapse and detergent-resistant membrane fractions is blocked. Also, downstream phosphorylation of Vav-1 triggered by NKG2D ligation is circumvented by coengaging inhibitory receptors. Thus, we propose that one way in which inhibitory signaling can control NKG2D-mediated activation is by blocking its recruitment to GM1-rich membrane domains. The accumulation of activating NK cell receptors in GM1-rich microdomains may provide the necessary platform from which stimulatory signals can proceed.
Effect of lubricant type and concentration on the punch tip adherence of model ibuprofen formulations

A model formulation, comprising ibuprofen and direct compression lactose (Tablettose 80) was used to assess the influence of two lubricants, magnesium stearate and stearic acid, on punch tip adherence. Lubricant concentrations were varied from 0.25% to 2% w/w. Formulations in the presence and absence of 0.5% w/w colloidal silica (Aerosil 200) were examined, to assess the influence of the glidant on the anti‐adherent effects of the lubricants. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to examine the effect of the lubricants on the melting temperature of ibuprofen. Tablets were compacted using a single punch tablet press at 10 kN using hard chrome‐plated punches or at 40 kN using uncoated steel punches, tooling was 12.5‐mm diameter in each case. The upper punch faces were characterized by obtaining Taylor Hobson Talysurf surface profiles. Following compaction, ibuprofen attached to the face was quantified by spectroscopy. At low concentrations of each lubricant, the levels of sticking observed were similar. Whilst sticking increased at magnesium stearate concentrations above 1%, sticking with stearic acid remained relatively constant at all concentrations. DSC revealed that the melting temperature of ibuprofen was lowered by the formation of eutectic mixtures with both lubricants. However, the onset temperature of melting and melting point were lowered to a greater extent with magnesium stearate compared with stearic acid. When using uncoated tooling at 40 kN, the deleterious effects of magnesium stearate on the tensile strength of the tablets also contributed to sticking. When using chrome‐plated punches at 10 kN, the tensile strength reduction by the presence of magnesium stearate was less pronounced, as was the level of sticking.
Clinical Results of 30 Years Surgery On 2026 Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

AIM: Lumbar discectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed for back and leg symptoms, but the efficacy of the procedure remains controversial. We aim to report the outcomes of surgical treatment for lumbar intervertebral disk herniation on our large series during a 30-year period of experience. MATeRIAL AnD MeTHODS: Our study enrolled the patients considered for surgery from March 1979 to December 2009. The neuroimaging demonstrated herniated disk that was related to their symptoms and persistent symptoms despite nonoperative treatment. The outcome was assessed according to Macnab’s criteria. ReSuLTS: Among 41347 patients with low back pain referred to our clinic, 2026 (4.9%) cases needed surgery (1202 males, 824 females). Mean age was 42.7 years The most common complaint was axial pain (98.8%). Sensory and motor impairment was seen in 1193 (58.9%) and 766 patients (37.8%) respectively. Follow up ranged from 1 week to 8 years. According to Macnab’s criteria, an “Excellent” outcome was seen in 1453 patients (71.7%), “Good” in 444 (21.9%), “Fair” in 89 (4.4%), and “Poor” in 41 cases (2%). COnCLuSIOnS: Surgery for lumbar disc herniation is safe and has a good outcome and should be considered in patients who do not respond to conservative therapy.
Triangular lattices for mutual coupling reduction in patch antenna arrays

One of the issues in antenna arrays is the mutual coupling that occurs when two radiating elements are placed together. Mutual coupling can significantly degrade the performance of an antenna array. In this paper, we propose a triangular lattice configuration as a technique to reduce the mutual coupling in patch antenna arrays. A 4-element circular patch array with a triangular lattice is simulated and compared against a 4-element circular patch array with a square lattice in terms of their mutual coupling and radiation pattern. Comparisons are also made with other mutual coupling reduction techniques for closely packed antennas such as ground structure with slits, ground structures with removed substrates and ground structures with metal wall. The triangular lattice concept is then extended to the 9-element circular patch array. The 4-elements circular patch array with the triangular lattice and square lattice operating at 2.6GHz are then fabricated on FR4 printed circuit board.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

It appears that the growth of micro-enterprises is a key driver of economic development in underserved communities. However their growth is limited to only 20% of the economy even though they comprise 87% of businesses in Nebraska. Research has shown that IT adoption can increase their growth by 3.5% but the challenges to IT adoption by micro-enterprises are many. Current theoretical models on IT adoption focus on the intent to adopt IT in large organizations where employees’ attitudes and perceptions are measured in terms of their objectives within the structures of accountability. Micro-enterprises are unique in that the intention to adopt is an individual cognitive decision made by the micro-entrepreneur. It is often the ways in which IT is used and can be used to grow their businesses that effect the adoption decisions made by the micro-entrepreneurs. This paper considers the adoption of IT by micro-enterprises through a focus group session. Following a qualitative analysis of the data using constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Cognitive Theory, this paper uncovers patterns that provide insight into the attitudes and perceptions that effect the adoption of IT by micro-entrepreneurs. The contribution of this paper is in the discovery of patterns and categories of micro-entrepreneurial attitudes and perceptions that effect the adoption of IT.
Nuclear Import of Chromatin Remodeler Isw1 Is Mediated by Atypical Bipartite cNLS and Classical Import Pathway

The protein Isw1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an imitation‐switch chromatin‐remodeling factor. We studied the mechanisms of its nuclear import and found that the nuclear localization signal (NLS) mediating the transport of Isw1 into the nucleus is located at the end of the C‐terminus of the protein (aa1079–1105). We show that it is an atypical bipartite signal with an unconventional linker of 19 aa (KRIR X19 KKAK) and the only nuclear targeting signal within the Isw1 molecule. The efficiency of Isw1 nuclear import was found to be modulated by changes to the amino acid composition in the vicinity of the KRIR motif, but not by the linker length. Live‐cell imaging of various karyopherin mutants and in vitro binding assays of Isw1NLS to importin‐α revealed that the nuclear translocation of Isw1 is mediated by the classical import pathway. Analogous motifs to Isw1NLS are highly conserved in Isw1 homologues of other yeast species, and putative bipartite cNLS were identified in silico at the end of the C‐termini of imitation switch (ISWI) proteins from higher eukaryotes. We suggest that the C‐termini of the ISWI family proteins play an important role in their nuclear import.
Prolyl hydroxylation by EglN2 destabilizes FOXO3a by blocking its interaction with the USP9x deubiquitinase

The FOXO transcription factors suppress cell proliferation and cell survival by transcriptionally activating specific gene targets linked to diverse cancer regulatory pathways. Here Zheng et al. identify FOXO3a as an EglN2 prolyl hydroxylase substrate. Prolyl hydroxylation by EglN2 destabilizes FOXO3a by displacing the deubiquitinase USP9x. Consequently, loss of EglN2 leads to the accumulation of FOXO3a, which suppresses Cyclin D1 expression. These findings provide key insights into post-transcriptional control of FOXO3a and provide a new avenue for pharmacologically altering Cyclin D1 activity.
Enhanced hydrophobicity and volatility of submicron aerosols under severe emission control conditions in Beijing

Abstract. A series of strict emission control measures was implemented in Beijing and the surrounding seven provinces to ensure good air quality during the 2015 China Victory Day parade, rendering a unique opportunity to investigate the anthropogenic impact of aerosol properties. Submicron aerosol hygroscopicity and volatility were measured during and after the control period using a hygroscopic and volatile tandem differential mobility analyzer (H/V-TDMA) system. Three periods, namely the control clean period (Clean1), the non-control clean period (Clean2), and the non-control pollution period (Pollution), were selected to study the effect of the emission control measures on aerosol hygroscopicity and volatility. Aerosol particles became more hydrophobic and volatile due to the emission control measures. The hygroscopicity parameter (κ) of 40–200 nm particles decreased by 32.0–8.5 % during the Clean1 period relative to the Clean2 period, while the volatile shrink factor (SF) of 40–300 nm particles decreased by 7.5–10.5 %. The emission controls also changed the diurnal variation patterns of both the probability density function of κ (κ-PDF) and the probability density function of SF (SF-PDF). During Clean1 the κ-PDF showed one nearly hydrophobic (NH) mode for particles in the nucleation mode, which was likely due to the dramatic reduction in industrial emissions of inorganic trace gases. Compared to the Pollution period, particles observed during the Clean1 and Clean2 periods exhibited a more significant nonvolatile (NV) mode throughout the day, suggesting a more externally mixed state particularly for the 150 nm particles. Aerosol hygroscopicities increased as particle sizes increased, with the greatest increases seen during the Pollution period. Accordingly, the aerosol volatility became weaker (i.e., SF increased) as particle sizes increased during the Clean1 and Clean2 periods, but no apparent trend was observed during the Pollution period. Based on a correlation analysis of the number fractions of NH and NV particles, we found that a higher number fraction of hydrophobic and volatile particles during the emission control period.
Are Self-Made Men Made Equally ? An Experimental Test of Impartial Redistribution and Perceptions of Self-Determination

Using a laboratory experiment, we examine if third party redistribution from a “Have” to a “Have-not” is affected by (1) whether a Have’s advantage is in some way self-determined and (2) whether selfdetermination occurs in two dimensions compared to one dimension. We find that redistribution decreases if a Have earns an advantageous opportunity or earns income. But we also find that redistribution does not decrease any further if a Have earns both an opportunity and income. These results suggest that, in line with existing work, the perception that advantages are self-determined matters for redistribution. But the results also suggest that, once one develops the perception that self-determination exists, additional dimensions self-determination may not matter on the margin. We also find that stakeholders’ expectations of redistribution do not depend on whether advantages in the experiment are self-determined. Expectations instead depend on whether a stakeholder is a Have or a Have-not.
Would you be a geriatrician? Student career preferences and attitudes to a career in geriatric medicine.

BACKGROUND career intentions of medical students may impact on education and workforce planning. We sought to determine (i) career choices of senior medical students; (ii) interest in geriatric medicine; (iii) factors influencing such choices; and (iv) the impact of a 6-week Medicine in the Community module. METHODS cross-sectional survey of all senior UCD medical students, before and after completion of a 'Medicine in the Community' module, 2009-11. RESULTS eighty-two per cent (274/336) completed the survey at module's end. Two-thirds (174) had chosen a future speciality, most frequently general practice (32.1%) and internal medicine (17%). Half (49.8%) believed career selection is made during medical school. Thirty-one per cent would consider a career in geriatric medicine; reasons cited were interesting field (34.5%), clinical variety (25%) and perception as emotionally rewarding (20.2%). Commonest deterrents were perceived slowness-of-pace and not wanting to work with older patients. Female students (adjusted OR: 1.89, P = 0.05) and those prioritising travel opportunities (adjusted OR: 2.77, P = 0.01) were more likely to consider geriatric medicine. Half (51.5%) reported that the community medicine module increased their interest in geriatric medicine; 91.3% that it would positively influence how they treated older patients. Students reporting a positive influence of the module were more likely to consider a career in geriatric medicine (OR: 1.62, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION two-thirds of students had already chosen a future speciality. One-third would consider geriatric medicine. This may have important implications for workforce planning and development of geriatric medicine. Undergraduate exposure to the discipline may increase interest in geriatric medicine as a career, and positively influence management of older patients.
Gamification by Design - Implementing Game Mechanics in Web and Mobile Apps

What do Foursquare, Zynga, Nike+, and Groupon have in common? These and many other brands use gamification to deliver a sticky, viral, and engaging experience to their customers. This book provides the design strategy and tactics you need to integrate game mechanics into any kind of consumer-facing website or mobile app. Learn how to use core game concepts, design patterns, and meaningful code samples to a create fun and captivating social environment.Whether you're an executive, developer, producer, or product specialist, Gamification by Design will show you how game mechanics can help you build customer loyalty.Discover the motivational framework game designers use to segment and engage consumers Understand core game mechanics such as points, badges, levels, challenges, and leaderboards Engage your consumers with reward structures, positive reinforcement, and feedback loops Combine game mechanics with social interaction for activities such as collecting, gifting, heroism, and status Dive into case studies on Nike and Yahoo! , and analyze interactions at Google, Facebook, and Zynga Get the architecture and code to gamify a basic consumer site, and learn how to use mainstream gamification APIs from Badgeville "Turning applications into games is a huge trend. This book does a great job of identifying the core lasting principals you need to inspire your users to visit again and again. " Adam Loving Freelance Social Game Developer and founder of Twibes Twitter Groups
Granulocyte functions are independent of arginine availability

Arginine depletion via myeloid cell arginase is critically involved in suppression of the adaptive immune system during cancer or chronic inflammation. On the other hand, arginine depletion is being developed as a novel anti‐tumor metabolic strategy to deprive arginine‐auxotrophic cancer cells of this amino acid. In human immune cells, arginase is mainly expressed constitutively in PMNs. We therefore purified human primary PMNs from healthy donors and analyzed PMN function as the main innate effector cell and arginase producer in the context of arginine deficiency. We demonstrate that human PMN viability, activation‐induced IL‐8 synthesis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of ROS, and fungicidal activity are not impaired by the absence of arginine in vitro. Also, profound pharmacological arginine depletion in vivo via ADI‐PEG20 did not inhibit PMN functions in a mouse model of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis; PMN invasion into the lung, activation, and successful PMN‐dependent clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus and survival of mice were not impaired. These novel findings add to a better understanding of immunity during inflammation‐associated arginine depletion and are also important for the development of therapeutic arginine depletion as anti‐metabolic tumor therapy.
Some Epidemiological Aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Kut city , Iraq

A total of 54 patient's sample with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis were collected from a period October 2013 to January 2014 in Kut city, Iraq. The patients were questioned and examined for the presence of ulcer or scar. The present investigation revealed that the highest number of patients 19 (26.4%) was in age group (10 and less) year. The female was predominance 36 (67%) and 33(61%) had wet lesions while 21(39%) had dry lesions. Our results showed that 23(43%) of CL patients were had single lesion and 31(57%) had multiple lesions, most of them 41 (57%) in arm. The highest incidence of disease 36(67%) was observed in rural areas, and the lowest incidence rate 18(33%) was in urban areas. The statistical analyses were carried out with Minitab version.