Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for therapeutics

Context Polymers have been largely explored for the preparation of nanoparticles due to ease of preparation and modification, large gene/drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility. Various methods have been adapted for the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. Objective Focus on the different methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. Methods Detailed literature survey has been done for the studies reporting various methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles. Results and conclusion Published database suggests of several methods which have been developed for the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles as per the application.
Mechanisms of Hepatic Very Low Density Lipoprotein Overproduction in Insulin Resistance

A novel animal model of insulin resistance, the fructose-fed Syrian golden hamster, was employed to investigate the mechanisms mediating the overproduction of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the insulin resistant state. Fructose feeding for a 2-week period induced significant hypertriglyceridemia and hyperinsulinemia, and the development of whole body insulin resistance was documented using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. In vivo Triton WR-1339 studies showed evidence of VLDL-apoB overproduction in the fructose-fed hamster. Fructose feeding induced a significant increase in cellular synthesis and secretion of total triglyceride (TG) as well as VLDL-TG by primary hamster hepatocytes. Increased TG secretion was accompanied by a 4.6-fold increase in VLDL-apoB secretion. Enhanced stability of nascent apoB in fructose-fed hepatocytes was evident in intact cells as well as in a permeabilized cell system. Analysis of newly formed lipoprotein particles in hepatic microsomes revealed significant differences in the pattern and density of lipoproteins, with hepatocytes derived from fructose-fed hamsters having higher levels of luminal lipoproteins at a density of VLDL versus controls. Immunoblot analysis of the intracellular mass of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, a key enzyme involved in VLDL assembly, showed a striking 2.1-fold elevation in hepatocytes derived from fructose-fed versus control hamsters. Direct incubation of hamster hepatocytes with various concentrations of fructose failed to show any direct stimulation of its intracellular stability or extracellular secretion, further supporting the notion that the apoB overproduction in the fructose-fed hamster may be related to the fructose-induced insulin resistance in this animal model. In summary, hepatic VLDL-apoB overproduction in fructose-fed hamsters appears to result from increased intracellular stability of nascent apoB and an enhanced expression of MTP, which act to facilitate the assembly and secretion of apoB-containing lipoprotein particles.
Aggregate Matching in Spain: Time Series Analysis Using Cointegration Techniques

I analyze the matching process in the Spanish labor market from 1994-2005. I use monthly registered unemployment data and refer solely to public employment intermediation. This period reflects an upward movement along a downward sloping Beveridge curve; therefore, major changes in the process efficiency should not be observed. I narrow the considerations to a job queuing model, which is the most relevant description of the labor market matching process in Spain, according to the literature. I apply various quantitative methods to address the problem of non-stationary data. The Engle- Granger estimates emphasize the crucial role of the demand in generating the outflows from unemployment to employment. The ECT coefficient confirms that the model efficiently approaches the new equilibrium. These findings confirm that job seekers find themselves on the disadvantaged side of the market and compete for scarce job offers, which, in turn, are ascribed randomly to the workers. The diagnostic tests of the VAR models question the relevance of a multivariate space analysis because the outflow from unemployment to employment appears to be the sole endogenous variable.
Economic Evaluation of Propofol for Sedation of Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units

Background The goal of the current study was to evaluate the economic impact of propofol as compared with midazolam for sedating patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods A randomized, unblinded, multicenter pharmacoeconomic trial captured health resource utilization and outcome measurements associated with sedation and treatment of patients in four ICUs across Canada. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate the difference in sedation quality, ICU length of stay, and other health resources used. The authors compared the costs (1997 Canadian dollars) associated with the two treatments. Two types of sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Although overall sedation duration was similar, propofol patients spent more time at adequately sedated status (60.2%vs. 44%;P = 0.01) and were extubated faster (median extubation time, 2.5 vs. 7.1 h;P = 0.001). The ICU length of stay and health resource utilization did not differ. The total cost per patient, including drug cost and ICU stay cost, did not differ between groups (median, $5,718 for propofol vs. $5,950 for midazolam;P = 0.94). The first sensitivity analysis suggested that the incremental cost (per patient) of propofol varies from an extra cost of $114 to a savings of $2,709. Based on a hypothetical model, the second sensitivity analysis showed a potential saving of $479 per patient as a result of improved discharge planning. Conclusion The analysis demonstrated that using propofol resulted in a reduction of time to extubation and higher sedative regimen costs. There was no difference in intensity of resource use or ICU length of stay and hence in costs. Issues regarding discharge delay among propofol-treated patients remain to be explored.
Tumor targeting of baculovirus displaying a lymphatic homing peptide

Tumor‐associated cells and vasculature express attractive molecular markers for site‐specific vector targeting. To attain tumor‐selective tropism, we recently developed a baculovirus vector displaying the lymphatic homing peptide LyP‐1, originally identified by ex vivo/in vivo screening of phage display libraries, on the viral envelope by fusion to the transmembrane anchor of vesicular stomatitis virus G‐protein.
Emergence of Cloud Computing: An Institutional Innovation Perspective

Today’s global IT service industry is undergoing a collective movement toward cloud computing. This study draws upon the institutional theory to conceptualize the social processes surrounding the emergence of the global cloud computing market. Through a qualitative case study based on archives and interviews with a leading multinational IT service vendor, the research shows that as cloud computing gains increasing legitimacy as a new market category, the vendor develops a portfolio of strategies and leverages a political toolkit to respond to and shape the emergence and evolution of the market.
Associations among gait score, production data, abattoir registrations, and postmortem tibia measurements in broiler chickens

&NA; Lameness and impaired walking ability in rapidly growing meat‐type broiler chickens are major welfare issues that cause economic losses. This study analyzed the prevalence of impaired walking and its associations with production data, abattoir registrations, and postmortem tibia measurements in Norwegian broiler chickens. Gait score (GS) was used to assess walking ability in 59 different commercial broiler flocks (Ross 308) close to the slaughter d, 5,900 broilers in total, in 3 different geographical regions. In each flock, 100 arbitrary broilers were gait scored and 10 random broilers were culled to harvest tibias. Abattoir registrations on flock level were collected after slaughter. A total of 24.6% of the broilers had moderate to severe gait impairment. The broilers were sampled in 2 stages, first slaughterhouse/region, and then owner/flock. The final models showed that impaired gait is associated with first‐week mortality (P < 0.05), region (P < 0.001), height of tibias mid‐shaft (P < 0.05), and calcium content in the tibia ash (P < 0.05), and negatively associated with DOA (P < 0.05). The prevalence of impaired gait indicates that this is a common problem in the broiler industry in Norway, although the mean slaughter age is only 31 d and the maximum allowed animal density is relatively low. Impaired walking ability could not be predicted by the welfare indicators footpad lesion score, total on‐farm mortality, and decreasing DOA prevalence. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between first‐week mortality and gait score.
Polymer single-nanowire for optical humidity sensing

We report a general route to optical sensing with waveguiding polymer single nanowires. Functionalized polymer single nanowires, drawn from solvated polymers, are evanescently coupled to nanoscale fiber tapers for optical launching and signal collection. Based on pronounced changes in waveguiding behavior of the nanowire when exposed to specimens, polymer single-nanowire optical sensors for humidity detection is demonstrated with high sensitivity and fast response.
Differential Temporal Expression Profiles of Heat Shock Protein Genes in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Under Ultraviolet A Radiation Stress

ABSTRACT Solar UV radiation is indispensable for certain behaviors of many organisms. Nevertheless, UV-A might be expected to stress insects that possess intensive positive taxis toward UV-A light. To avoid stress hazards, organisms generally exhibit the upregulation of heat shock proteins (Hsps) expression. To gain a better understanding of the roles of the different Hsps in response to UV-A stress in the diurnal phototactic fly Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae), we tested the temporal expression patterns of 11 DmHsps following UV-A radiation. The results indicated that each DmHsp had a differential temporal expression profile under UV-A radiation stress. Potential transcription factor-binding motifs in the promoter regions of strongly inducible DmHsps were identified; results showed these transcription factor-binding motifs were highly homologous to binding sites that have been identified for transcription factors associated with UV radiation stimuli. So DmHsps might act in a coordinated and cooperative manner at the transcriptional level to counteract UV-A radiation-based stress.
Abrogation of simian virus 40 DNA-mediated transformation of primary C57BL/6 mouse embryo fibroblasts by exposure to a simian virus 40-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clone

Primary mouse embryo fibroblasts of C57BL/6 origin (B6/MEF) were transformed in vitro by transfection with simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA. The transformation frequency was markedly reduced if the SV40 DNA-transfected cultures were briefly exposed to K11 cells, an SV40-specific clone of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This abrogation of SV40 transformation in vitro by cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clone K11 was specific, since transformation of B6/MEF cells by adenovirus type 5 DNA was not affected. The approach described here should serve as an ideal model of dissecting immunological events during in vivo tumorigenesis.
Generation bidding strategy based on game theory

This paper presents a game theory application for analyzing power transaction in a deregulated energy market place such as poolco, where participants, especially, generating entities, maximize their net profit through optimal bidding strategies (i.e. bidding prices and bidding generations). In this paper by using game theory to simulate the decision making process for defining offered prices in a deregulated environment. The outcome of this study is to discourage unfair coalitions. A modified IEEE 30 bus system is used as a deregulated power pool to illustrate the main features of the proposed method.
A SPICE-compatible model of SG-MONOS for 28nm flash macro design considering the parasitic resistance caused by trapped charges

A SPICE-compatible model for the read current of split-gate MONOS (SG-MONOS) cell has been developed for 28nm embedded flash macro design. The influence of trapped charges on the read current has been analyzed by using TCAD. It has been found that trapped charges located on top of the gap region strongly decrease the cell current. It has been also found that the shape of Id-Vsg curve changes drastically depending on the positon of trapped charge and trap density. This paper proposes a new model which reproduces the above behavior by using a synthesis of several resistances in which every resistance changes its value exponentially to the gate voltage. The model shows an excellent fitting accuracy for 28nm generation cell.
Multidetector computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism

Purpose of review This review describes the accuracy of multidetector contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, the role of clinical assessment and of venous phase imaging in combination with it, and the approach to the diagnosis. Recent findings The sensitivity of CT angiography was 83%, specificity 96% and positive predictive value 86%. Positive predictive values were 97% for pulmonary embolism in a main or lobar artery, 68% for a segmental vessel, and 25% for a subsegmental branch. A CT angiogram with concordant clinical probability assessment resulted in high predictive values, but with a discordant clinical probability, predictive value was low. The sensitivity for pulmonary embolism increased to 90% by using CT venography in combination with CT angiography. A negative D-dimer by the rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method with a low or moderate probability clinical assessment can safely exclude pulmonary embolism. Clinical probability assessment and D-dimer are recommended. In general, CT angiography in combination with CT venography is recommended, but the choice of diagnostic tests depends on the clinical situation. Summary The reliability of multislice CT angiography is enhanced by clinical assessment and CT venography used with it. Clinical assessment and D-dimer are recommended before imaging.
Roles of miR319 and TCP Transcription Factors in Leaf Development1[OPEN]

Combinations of mutations in miR319 and TCP transcription factor genes in Arabidopsis thaliana generate cotyledon fusion and various leaf forms with a broad range of complexity. Sophisticated regulation of gene expression, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes, is required for leaf differentiation, growth, and senescence. The impact of miR319 and its target TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN BINDING FACTOR (TCP) genes on leaf development has been extensively investigated, but the redundancies of these gene families often interfere with the evaluation of their function and regulation in the developmental context. Here, we present the genetic evidence of the involvement of the MIR319 and TCP gene families in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaf development. Single mutations in MIR319A and MIR319B genes moderately inhibited the formation of leaf serrations, whereas double mutations increased the extent of this inhibition and resulted in the formation of smooth leaves. Mutations in MIR319 and gain-of-function mutations in the TCP4 gene conferred resistance against miR319 and impaired the cotyledon boundary and leaf serration formation. These mutations functionally associated with CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON genes, which regulate the cotyledon boundary and leaf serration formation. In contrast, loss-of-function mutations in miR319-targeted and nontargeted TCP genes cooperatively induced the formation of serrated leaves in addition to changes in the levels of their downstream gene transcript. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the MIR319 and TCP gene families underlie robust and multilayer control of leaf development. This study also provides a framework toward future researches on redundant miRNAs and transcription factors in Arabidopsis and crop plants.
Progression of Alphafetoprotein Before Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients: A Critical Factor

Liver transplantation (LT) for cirrhotic/Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with reduced survival in patients with poor histological features. Preoperative levels of alphafetoprotein (AFP) could predict negative biological features. AFP progression could be more relevant than static AFP levels in predicting LT outcomes. A total of 252 cirrhotic/HCC patients transplanted between 1985 and 2005 were reviewed. One hundred fifty‐three patients were analyzed, 99 excluded (for nonsecreting tumors and/or salvage transplantation). Using receiver operating characteristics analysis for recurrence after LT, ‘progression’ of AFP was defined by >15 μg/L per month before LT. A total of 127 (83%) were transplanted under and 26(16%) over this threshold. After 45 months of follow‐up (median), 5‐year overall survival (OS) and recurrence free‐survival (RFS) were 72% and 69%, respectively. Five‐year survival in the progression group was lower than the nonprogression group (OS 54% vs. 77%; RFS 47% vs. 74%). Multivariate analysis showed progression of AFP >15 μg/L per month and preoperative nodules >3 were associated with decreased OS. Progression group and age >60 years were associated with decreased RFS. Male gender, progression of AFP and size of tumor >30 mm were associated with satellite nodules and/or vascular invasion. In conclusion, increasing AFP >15 μg/L/month while waiting for LT is the most relevant preoperative prognostic factor for low OS/DFS. AFP progression could be a pathological preoperative marker of tumor aggressiveness.
Speech outcome in young children born with unilateral cleft lip and palate treated with one- or two-stage palatal repair and the impact of early intervention

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe speech at 1, 1;6 and 3 years of age in children born with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and relate the findings to operation method and amount of early intervention received. Methods: A prospective trial of children born with UCLP operated with a one-stage (OS) palatal repair at 12 months or a two-stage repair (TS) with soft palate closure at 3–4 months and hard palate closure at 12 months was undertaken (Scandcleft). At 1 and 1;6 years the place and manner of articulation and number of different consonants produced in babbling were reported in 33 children. At three years of age percentage consonants correct adjusted for age (PCC-A) and cleft speech errors were assessed in 26 of the 33 children. Early intervention was not provided as part of the trial but according to the clinical routine and was extracted from patient records. Results: At age 3, the mean PCC-A was 68% and 46% of the children produced articulation errors with no significant difference between the two groups. At one year there was a significantly higher occurrence of oral stops and anterior place consonants in the TS group. There were significant correlations between the consonant production between one and three years of age, but not with amount of early intervention received. Conclusions: The TS method was beneficial for consonant production at age 1, but not shown at 1;6 or 3 years. Behaviourally based early intervention still needs to be evaluated.
Event-based distributed control of dynamically coupled and constrained linear systems

In this paper, a novel event-based distributed control strategy for a set of dynamically coupled discrete-time LTI plants is proposed. To avoid unnecessary communication among the distributed control system, each plant with its local controller is equipped with an event generator deciding locally whether new state measurements must be sent or not. Via a tuning parameter and a codesign of event generator and controller, the designer can adjust an eligible trade-off between control performance and communication utilization. Further state and input constraints as well as constraints on the communication topology can be included into the codesign. With a quadratic event-triggering law and the socalled S-procedure the codesign can be formulated as an LMI optimization problem which guarantees asymptotical stability of the closed-loop system and compliance with the constraints. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated for distributed control of a set of mechanically coupled inverted pendulums.
The g2-MSH peptide mediates a central analgesic effect via a GABA-ergic mechanism that is independent from activation of melanocortin receptors

Using the latency for tail-flick after thermal stimulation we have assessed the effects of alpha-, gamma(1)- and gamma(2)-MSH on nociceptive threshold in the mice. Intracisternal injections of gamma(2)-MSH induced a distinct analgesia, while gamma(1)-MSH in the same doses gave only a minor analgesia. Intracisternal alpha-MSH instead gave a short-term hyperalgesia. The effect of gamma(2)-MSH was not blocked by any of the MC(4)/MC(3)receptor antagonist HS014, naloxone or by the prior intracisternal administrations of gamma(1)-MSH. However, the gamma(2)-MSH analgesic response was completely attenuated by treating animals with the GABA(A)antagonist bicuculline. The gamma(2)-MSH analgesic effect was moreover additive to the analgesia afforded by muscimol and ethanol, but not to that afforded by diazepam. In addition both gamma(1)- and gamma(2)-MSH induced moderate catalepsy, but could at the same time attenuate haloperidol induced catalepsia. We conclude that gamma(2)-MSH mediates a central analgesic effect via GABA-receptor dependent pathway that is distinct from melanocortic- and opioid-receptors. Moreover, the mechanism for gamma(2)-MSH's analgesic effect appears to be distinct from that causing moderate catalepsia by gamma-MSH's.
N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Induces Cortical Hyperemia through Cortical Spreading Depression‐Dependent and ‐Independent Mechanisms in Rats

Objective: N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) is a powerful cerebrovascular dilator in vivo. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has recently been shown to contribute to the pial arteriolar dilation in mice. Our main aim was to examine the participation of CSD in the overall cerebrovascular response to NMDA in the rat.
One-Year Follow-Up of Combined Parent and Child Intervention for Young Children with ADHD

Efficacies of the Incredible Years (IY) interventions are well-established in children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) but not among those with a primary diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We sought to evaluate 1-year follow-up outcomes among young children with ADHD who were treated with the IY interventions. Four- to 6-year-olds with ADHD (n = 49, 73% male) participated in 6 months of treatment using the IY parent and child interventions. Immediate posttreatment results indicated improvements in parenting, children's externalizing and attention problems, and social contact at school. At 1-year follow up, 22 of 27 variables that showed significant posttreatment effects demonstrated maintenance to 1-year follow up. Children with higher ODD symptoms at baseline showed more improvement in oppositionality and total behavior problems, and their mothers showed more improvement on harsh discipline scores. Approximately 70 to 75% of children were reported by their parents and teachers to fall below clinical cutoffs on measures of externalizing symptoms at the 1-year follow up (compared to 50% at baseline), and more than 50% fell below clinical cutoffs on measures of hyperactivity and inattentiveness (all were in the clinical range at baseline). Children with ADHD who were treated with the IY parent and child treatment programs showed maintenance of treatment effects 1 year after treatment.