Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification of acid mucins in the descending colon of rats having simultaneously growing colonic tumors

The acid mucins contained in goblet cells of the descending colon of 34 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were histochemically labeled by Alcian blue pH 2.5 and quantified in an image analyzer (Cortex Controller). Twenty‐two of these 34 rats were treated with 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH) suspended in EDTA solution as a stabilizing agent and the remaining 12 rats with EDTA only. Of the 22 DMH‐treated rats, 11 had concomitantly an adenocarcinoma elsewhere in the colon and the remaining 11 rats had no colonic tumors despite DMH treatment. The results indicated that Alcian blue‐positive areas occupied 34.5% of the mucosa of the descending colon in tumor‐bearing rats, and 35.2% in non‐tumor‐bearing DMH‐treated rats. For EDTA‐treated rats the percentage of mucosa occupied by Alcian blue‐positive cells was 48.1%. The difference between DMH‐treated rats (with or without tumors) and EDTA‐treated rats was significant (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the decrease of Alcian blue areas is related to the protracted treatment with DMH. Whether the decrease in acid mucins is induced by the carcinogen per se or whether it represents a true biochemical premalignant change at the cytoplasmic level remains to be elucidated.
Compact scalable multifunction RF payload for UAVs with FMCW radar and ESM functionality

This paper describes a concept for a scalable RF sensor payload for small UAVs that can perform multiple RF functions such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground-moving target indication (GMTI) and ESM. Essential to the scalable multifunction RF payload concept is the digitization of the antenna signals on transmit and receive at the antenne element level. The architecture of a technology demonstrator that can perform radar and ESM functions is described and first results of some of the various radar and ESM modes are shown.
Lowe Syndrome (Oculocerebrorenal Syndrome of Lowe): A Case Report of Two Brothers from India

Abstract Lowe syndrome (oculo-cerebro-renal syndrome of Lowe) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by the involvement of eyes, brain and kidneys. It is caused by the deficiency of enzyme phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate 5-phosphatase, which is required for the intracellular trafficking, second messengers and for the other aspects of cellular metabolism. The gene coding for this enzyme, OCRL1, has been localised at Xq25-q26.1 and mutations in it are reported to cause Lowe Syndrome. In this article we report two male siblings, from North India, with Lowe syndrome.
Insulin-like growth factor-I is partially responsible for fibroblast proliferation induced by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with systemic sclerosis.

1. Interstitial lung disease is a common complication of systemic sclerosis. The mechanism by which excess collagen is deposited in the lung is poorly understood, but is thought to involve release of mediators which activate lung fibroblasts. In this study we investigated and partially characterized the fibroblast proliferative activity of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 29 patients with systemic sclerosis, 19 with and 10 without evidence of lung disease assessed by thin-section computed tomography. 2. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from both groups of patients stimulated fibroblast proliferation compared with control subjects: systemic sclerosis with normal computed tomography, 27.7 (range 10.5-57.9)% above control; systemic sclerosis with abnormal computed tomography, 26.7 (range 5.0-47.8)% above control, P < 0.02 in both cases. 3. The activity was reduced by about one-third by neutralizing antibodies to insulin-like growth factor-1 but not platelet-derived growth factor. Levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 of bronchoalveolar fluid were increased in patients with systemic sclerosis [2.10 (range 1.10-3.48) ng/ml of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid] compared with controls [1.45 (range 1.10-2.05) ng/ml; P < 0.01]. When patients were subdivided into those with abnormal computed tomography [2.10 (range 1.20-3.48) ng/ml] and those with normal computed tomography [1.85 (range 1.10-2.90) ng/ml] only the values for the group with evidence of lung disease were increased compared with control subjects (P < 0.02). Platelet-derived growth factor could not be detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from any group. Fractionation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated activity in several fractions consistent with the molecular masses of insulin-like growth factor-1 associated with binding proteins. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Association between dysfunctional elimination syndrome and sensory processing disorder.

OBJECTIVE. We explored whether sensory processing disorder (SPD) is related to dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES). METHOD. We used the Vancouver Nonneurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome Questionnaire and the Short Sensory Profile with participants who sought treatment of DES (n = 19) and healthy control participants (n = 55). RESULTS. Significantly more children with DES (53%) had SPD than was reported for the general population (p < .001; Ahn, Miller, Milberger, & McIntosh, 2004). Control participants did not have a greater rate of SPD (p = .333). We found a significant association between the occurrence of DES and SPD, χ²(1) = 20.869, p < . 001, and a significant correlation between test scores (Spearman's ρ = -.493, Rs² = .243, p < .001). CONCLUSION. Many children with DES may also have SPD, suggesting that a child's sensory processing pattern would be an important aspect that could influence the plan of care.
2B or not to be – The 45-year saga of the Montreal Platelet Syndrome

Summary Over 45 years ago, Montreal Platelet Syndrome was first described as a rare inherited platelet disorder characterised by macrothrombocytopenia with spontaneous platelet clumping, abnormal platelet shape change upon stimulation and a defect in platelet calpain. This syndrome has now been reclassified as type 2B von Willebrand disease with the V1316M VWF mutation in the only kindred ever reported. We herein revisit the historical platelet characteristics originally described in Montreal Platelet Syndrome in light of the new diagnosis. This paper will review the 45-year saga of Montreal Platelet Syndrome, a story that highlights the value of revisiting a rare diagnosis to look for a more common explanation.
Functional analysis of the gene encoding immunity to lactacin F, lafI, and its use as a Lactobacillus-specific, food-grade genetic marker

Lactacin F is a two-component class II bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus johnsonii VPI 11088. The laf operon is composed of the bacteriocin structural genes, lafA and lafX, and a third open reading frame, ORFZ. Two strategies were employed to study the function of ORFZ. This gene was disrupted in the chromosome of NCK64, a lafA729 lafX ORFZ derivative of VPI 11088. A disruption cassette consisting of ORFZ interrupted with a cat gene was cloned into pSA3 and introduced into NCK64. Manipulation of growth temperatures and antibiotic selection resulted in homologous recombination which disrupted the chromosomal copy of ORFZ with the cat gene. This ORFZ mutation resulted in loss of immunity to lactacin F but had little effect on production of LafX, which is not bactericidal without LafA. Expression of ORFZ in this ORFZ- background rescued the immune phenotype. Expression of ORFZ in a bacteriocin-sensitive derivative of VPI 11088 also reestablished immunity. These data indicate that ORFZ, renamed lafI, encodes the immunity factor for the lactacin F system. The sensitivity of various Lactobacillus strains to lactacin F was further evaluated. Lactacin F inhibited 11 strains including several members of the A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, and B2 L. acidophilus homology groups. Expression of lafI in bacteriocin-sensitive strains L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, L. acidophilus NCFM/N2, L. fermentum NCDO1750, L. gasseri ATCC 33323, and L. johnsonii ATCC 33200 provided immunity to lactacin F. Furthermore, it was shown that lactacin F production by VPI 11088 could be used to select for L. fermentum NCDO1750 transformants containing the recombinant plasmid encoding LafI. The data demonstrate that lafI is functional in heterologous hosts, suggesting that it may be a suitable food-grade genetic marker for use in lactobacillus species.
Comparative transcriptome maps: a new approach to the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma patients using cDNA microarrays

The progression of colorectal cancer involves accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic events that dramatically change gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible new approach to the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma patients, based on their gene expression profiles. Human 19K cDNA microarrays were used to analyze the gene expression profiles of 18 colorectal carcinoma patients. Transcriptome maps (TMs) were analyzed to detect chromosomal regions that could serve as potential diagnostic markers for colon cancer. A comparison of TMs showed chromosome regions with conserved changes of gene expression typical of colorectal cancer in general, and also patient‐specific variable regions. We identified 195 genes with significantly altered expression in colon cancer. Functional analysis of the regulated genes distinguished three main categories: biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. We found that different patients had chromosome regions characterized by very similar changes of gene expression, probably linked to the most fundamental events in carcinogenesis. On the other hand, variable chromosome regions can be patient‐specific. The variable regions may provide further information on the individual pathogenesis and prognosis of the patient. Comparison of TMs is proposed as a tool to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning for individual patients.
Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis: does warm saline solution improve the short-term outcome of double-needle US-guided treatment?

PURPOSE To determine whether saline temperature influences procedure performance and outcome in patients undergoing ultrasonography (US)-guided lavage for the treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. From December 2009 to May 2011, 462 patients (191 men and 271 women; mean age, 39.7 years) with painful RCCT diagnosed at US were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups. Operators subjectively classified calcifications as hard, soft, or fluid according to their appearance at US. US-guided percutaneous treatment of RCCT (local anesthesia, double-needle lavage, intrabursal steroid injection) was performed with warm saline (42°C, 107°F) in 229 patients and with room-temperature saline in 233. Operators and patients were not blinded to saline temperature. The ease of calcium dissolution was subjectively scored (easy=1, intermediate=2, difficult=3). Procedure duration was recorded. Patient discomfort was assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS). The occurrence of postprocedure bursitis was recorded. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney U, χ2, and analysis of variance tests. RESULTS Procedure duration was significantly shorter (P<.001) in patients treated with warm saline (mean, 576 seconds±121) than in those treated with room-temperature saline (mean, 777 seconds±151). Calcium dissolution was significantly easier in patients treated with warm saline (median score, 1) than in those treated with room-temperature saline (median score, 2). Subgroup analysis according to calcification appearance at US showed a significant difference between groups for both soft (P=.003) and hard (P<.001) calcifications. No overall significant differences were found for VAS score (warm saline group: baseline=8.9±0.6, 1 month=4.7±0.6, 2 months=4.0±0.7, 3 months=3.4±0.4, 1 year=3.0±0.7; room-temperature saline group: baseline=9.2±0.4, 1 month=4.5±0.7, 2 months=4.1±0.9, 3 months=3.1±0.7, 1 year=3.2±0.8; P=.491). Postprocedural bursitis was observed in eight patients in the warm saline group and 20 in the room-temperature saline group (P<.022). CONCLUSION In the treatment of RCCT, warm saline appears to reduce procedure duration and improve calcification dissolution while reducing the frequency of postprocedural bursitis.
Aerobic exercise training does not alter vascular structure and function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

What is the central question of this study? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness and systemic inflammation, which are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. We asked whether periodized aerobic exercise training could improve vascular structure and function in patients with COPD. What is the main finding and its importance? Eight weeks of periodized aerobic training did not improve endothelial function, arterial stiffness or systemic inflammation in COPD, despite improvements in aerobic capacity, blood pressure and dyspnoea. Short‐term training programmes may not be long enough to improve vascular‐related cardiovascular risk in COPD.
Detection of PNH cells by flow cytometry, using multiparameter analysis

Introducao:O diagnostico laboratorial da hemoglobinuria paroxistica noturna (HPN), doenca caracterizada por deficiencia de sintese da molecula de ancoragem glicosilfosfatidilinositol (GPI), baseia-se na deteccao de celulas sanguineas deficientes em proteinas ancoradas ao GPI, por citometria de fluxo. Clones de celulas com fenotipo HPN podem ser detectados em pacientes com anemia aplasica (AA) e sindrome mielodisplasica (SMD), com implicacoes terapeuticas.Objetivos:Validar tecnica sensivel para deteccao de celulas HPN, por citometria de fluxo, e avaliar a frequencia dos clones em pacientes com AA e SMD.Metodos:Amostras de 20 pacientes com AA, 30 pacientes com SMD e 20 voluntarios (controles) foram analisadas, utilizando anticorpos monoclonais anti-CD16, CD24, CD55 e CD59 (neutrofilos); CD14 e CD55 (monocitos); e CD55 e CD59 (hemacias); alem do reagente de aerolisina fluorescente (FLAER) (neutrofilos e monocitos) e marcadores de linhagem celular. A comparacao do tamanho dos clones HPN detectados em neutrofilos e monocitos, pelas diferentes combinacoes de reagentes, foi realizada por analise de variância (ANOVA) e correlacao de Pearson.Resultados:Em cinco (25%) pacientes com AA foram identificadas celulas HPN, em proporcoes entre 0,14% e 94,84% dos eventos analisados. O clone nao foi detectado nos pacientes com SMD. Contudo, a analise dessas amostras permitiu evidenciar as dificuldades tecnicas secundarias a presenca de celulas imaturas e displasicas circulantes. O reagente FLAER propiciou separacao precisa das celulas alteradas.Conclusao:A analise multiparametrica por citometria de fluxo apresenta sensibilidade e acuracia na deteccao de clones HPN subclinicos. O reagente FLAER apresenta excelente desempenho na deteccao do clone HPN.
[Effect of nifedipine on ocular pulse amplitude in normal pressure glaucoma].

BACKGROUND Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) is reduced in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients when compared to non-glaucomatous, healthy control subjects. This might be related to a vasospastic reaction. The objective of this study was to determine if low OPA in NTG is associated with a vasospastic reaction and its response to vasodilation. METHODS Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, vasodilator and systemic antihypertensive agent improves visual fields in NTG patients following acute and chronic dosing. The effect of 60 mg of daily orally administered nifedipine on OPA, intraocular pressure (IOP, German abbreviation: IOD), blood pressure (BP, German abbreviation: RR) and pulse rate (PR, German abbreviation: HF) were measured prior to and for 3 months after initiating nifedipine therapy in 32 NTG patients with and without a vasospastic reaction as manifested by a local cold exposure test. Before treatment, all patients had reduced OPA evaluated with the Langham Ocular Blood Flow System. RESULTS During nifedipine treatment NTG patients with a vasospastic reaction showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in OPA, whereas NTG patients without a vasospastic reaction showed no sig. (p > 0.05) change in OPA. CONCLUSION There may be two different subgroups of NTG patients, those who have a vasospastic reaction and react to nifedipine, while others lack the ability to react to nifedipine or might have a different, non-vasospastic pathology. Calcium channel blockers and other vasodilators may be useful in the treatment of vasospastic NTG patients.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide mediates the gastric hyperemic response to acid back diffusion

In the skin, respiratory tract, and joints, there is evidence that nociceptive stimulation induces vasodilation and an increase in blood flow. ' This response involves stimulation of sensory neurons and release of peptides such as calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP) and substance P from the peripheral nerve terminal of sensory neurons. Similarly, in the gastrointestinal tract, exposure of the gastric mucosa to acid increases gastric mucosal blood flow and induces mucosal lesions.2 This hyperemic response is significantly attenuated by local intraarterial infusion of tetrodotoxin and selective ablation of spinal capsaicin-sensitive afferent~. '. ~ Submucosal blood vessels are densely innervated by the peripheral terminals of afferent neurons containing CGRP,4 and CGRP has been shown to be a potent va~odilator. ~ Thus, using the CGRP antagonist, human CGRP8-37 we tested the hypothesis that release of CGRP from peripheral sensory nerve endings mediates the hyperemic response to acid back-diffusion. Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was measured in urethane-anesthetized rats using the hydrogen gas clearance t e ~ h n i q u e . ~ When the stomach was perfused with 0.15 N HCl and 15% ethanol (to break the mucosal barrier), GMBF was significantly increased by 70%. This hyperemic response was completely abolished by intraarterial infusion via the splenic artery of the CGRP antagonist, hCGRP,. ,, (500 pmol/min). Infusion of the antagonist alone had no effect on basal GMBF, but it abolished the increase in GMBF induced by infusion of rat a-CGRP (15-50 pmol/min). Postmortem examination indicated that acid back-diffusion had produced hemorrhagic lesions in the gastric corpus mucosa; lesion formation was significantly increased by 124% following administration of the CGRP antagonist. These results suggest that release of CGRP from peripheral terminals of spinal sensory neurons innervating the gastric submucosal blood vessels mediates the hyperemic response to acid back-diffusion in the gastric mucosa. This gastric hyperemic response seems to be an important protective mechanism, facilitating the removal of acid that would be injurious to the gastric mucosa. These results also support the concept of a local effector function for sensory afferents in the gastrointestinal tract.
The relationship between shear stress and flow‐mediated dilatation: implications for the assessment of endothelial function

Endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) describes the vasodilatory response of a vessel to elevations in blood flow‐associated shear stress. Nitric oxide (NO), one of many vasoactive substances released by the endothelium in response to shear stress, is of particular interest to researchers as it is an antiatherogenic molecule, and a reduction in its bioavailability may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. The goal of many human studies is to create a shear stress stimulus that produces an NO‐dependent response in order to use the FMD measurements as an assay of NO bioavailability. The most common non‐invasive technique is the ‘reactive hyperaemia test’ which produces a large, transient shear stress profile and a corresponding FMD. Importantly, not all FMD is NO mediated and the stimulus creation technique is a critical determinant of NO dependence. The purpose of this review is to (1) explain that the mechanisms of FMD depend on the nature of the shear stress stimulus (stimulus response specificity), (2) provide an update to the current guidelines for FMD assessment, and (3) summarize the issues that surround the clinical utility of measuring both NO‐ and non‐NO‐mediated FMD. Future research should include (1) the identification and partitioning of mechanisms responsible for FMD in response to various shear stress profiles, (2) investigation of stimulus response specificity in coronary arteries, and (3) investigation of non‐NO FMD mechanisms and their connection to the development of vascular disease and occurrence of cardiovascular events.
On the capacity of cognitive radio MIMO Gaussian broadcast channels

The cognitive radio MIMO Gaussian broadcast channels model is proposed, and the capacity is also studied under both the cognitive users' transmit power constraint and a set of interference power constraints at the licensed receivers. A duality technique and dirty paper coding (DPC) are used to simplify channel model where multiple antennas are available for both licensed and cognitive users in a spectrum sharing environment. Subgradient iterative power allocation (SIPA) algorithm is also used to solve the parameters of constraint in order to obtain the optimal values. Our analysis and simulation results show that the proposed channel model can be suitable for multiple cognitive users and a few of licensed users with multiple antennas.
Interaction between the utricles and the horizontal semicircular canals. IV. Tilting of human patients with acute unilateral vestibular neuritis.

Ten patients, with acute unilateral vestibular neuritis and destruction nystagmus, were placed in such a position that the utricle of the sound ear was at one time stimulated to increased activity by the g-forces, another time inhibited. In the former case, an increased nystagmus frequency was obtained; and in the latter case, an inhibition was induced which was sometimes total. Its causes are explained.
Cost Effectiveness of Programming Methods - A Replication and Extension

This paper is part of a comprehensive research project on the economics of pair programming. The purpose of the overall research is to thoroughly examine the economic advantages pair programming could gain over solo programming, identify situations where pair programming does not have economic advantages, and scenarios where solo programming is more cost effective than pair programming. This paper, due to space limitation, only reports results from one of the several studies we conducted. This paper focuses on one major previous publication, thoroughly examines its methodology and findings, and provides extensions we believe to be more robust and comprehensive. Our analysis results demonstrate pair programming and solo programming both have their own economic advantages and those advantages are dependent of a variety of factors.