Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of swelling-activated Cl- currents by functional anti-ClC-3 antibody in native bovine non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

PURPOSE To determine the potential role of ClC-3, a PKC-inhibitable Cl(-) channel, in mediating the swelling-activated Cl(-) current (I(Cl,swell)) of native bovine nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE) cells. METHODS Native bovine NPE cells were freshly harvested by enzymatic digestion. Whole-cell currents were recorded by patch-clamp measurements either in the presence or absence of a functional anti-ClC-3 antibody. RESULTS Baseline whole-cell currents were small under isotonic conditions. Hypotonic cell swelling stimulated outwardly rectifying I(Cl,swell), which was reversibly inhibited by the Cl(-) channel blockers, phloretin (300 microM) or 5-nitro-2-(phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB, 100 microM). Intracellular dialysis with anti-ClC-3 C(670-687) antibody did not affect baseline currents, but significantly delayed and inhibited hypotonic stimulation of I(Cl,swell). Preabsorption of the antibody with its antigen prevented the inhibition of I(Cl,swell) by antibody. In addition, intracellular dialysis with control Ex(133-148) antibody did not affect the I(Cl,swell). Moreover, activation of PKC by pretreatment with 100 nM phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) significantly inhibited the initial stimulation of I(Cl,swell), but had no effects on the steady state currents. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that endogenous ClC-3 is involved in mediating I(Cl,swell) of native bovine NPE cells. The delayed stimulation of I(Cl,swell) by PDBu may reflect upregulation of swelling-activated Cl(-) channels of different subtypes, especially when the function of ClC-3 is blocked. This information will be useful in understanding the mechanisms controlling aqueous humor formation and thereby intraocular pressure.
Managing power for closed-source android os games by lightweight graphics instrumentation

Power consumption and battery life are important design concerns for mobile platforms. On these devices games can be considered as one of the most demanding applications in terms of computational cost and consumed energy. In this demo we showcase Android-based power management for games. We reduce the power consumption of games by scaling the processor's voltage and frequency. Towards this, the game's future workload has to be predicted. To accurately predict the workload, previous work heavily instrumented the game's source code itself. The source code is typically not available for up-to-date Android games. The work presented in this paper does not require any modification of the game's source code and therefore can as well be applied to closed source games. Towards this, we utilize the game's communication interfaces with the operating system to accurately predict a game's workload. The approach presented in the following has been implemented and tested on the PandaBoard ES [12] and Galaxy Nexus mobile phone with a number of popular closed-source games. Measurements show significant power savings while the gaming experience is maintained.
Characterization of lunar mare basalt types. II - Spectral classification of fresh mare craters

Telescopic reflectance spectra (0.3-1.1 microns) of fresh craters are presented and classified according to the spectral features observed. These spectra are the closest lunar surface analog to laboratory spectra obtained for lunar rock powders. Mineral absorption features can be identified in these crater spectra and interpreted using returned lunar samples. Spectra of craters to 2.5 microns are required for specific mineralogical determinations from remote observation. If the currently available telescopic spectra are representative, classification of lunar telescopic spectra indicates that most (more than 80%) of the lunar surface is composed of a finite number of discrete and describable geochemical units.
Constitutive dynein activity in she1 mutants reveals differences in microtubule attachment at the yeast spindle pole body

Loss of the dynein inhibitor She1 causes increased rates of microtubule detachment from the yeast spindle pole body. The molecular nature of these detachment events is characterized, and it is shown that their frequency depends on the way in which microtubules are anchored to the SPB. The mechanism of She1 action is investigated.
15q12 variants, sputum gene promoter hypermethylation, and lung cancer risk: a GWAS in smokers.

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Detection of promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes in exfoliated cells from the lung provides an assessment of field cancerization that in turn predicts lung cancer. The identification of genetic determinants for this validated cancer biomarker should provide novel insights into mechanisms underlying epigenetic reprogramming during lung carcinogenesis. METHODS A genome-wide association study using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression models was conducted in two geographically independent smoker cohorts to identify loci affecting the propensity for cancer-related gene methylation that was assessed by a 12-gene panel interrogated in sputum. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 15q12 (rs73371737 and rs7179575) that drove gene methylation were discovered and replicated with rs73371737 reaching genome-wide significance (P = 3.3×10(-8)). A haplotype carrying risk alleles from the two 15q12 SNPs conferred 57% increased risk for gene methylation (P = 2.5×10(-9)). Rs73371737 reduced GABRB3 expression in lung cells and increased risk for smoking-induced chronic mucous hypersecretion. Furthermore, subjects with variant homozygote of rs73371737 had a two-fold increase in risk for lung cancer (P = .0043). Pathway analysis identified DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination (DSBR-HR) as a major pathway affecting susceptibility for gene methylation that was validated by measuring chromatid breaks in lymphocytes challenged by bleomycin. CONCLUSIONS A functional 15q12 variant was identified as a risk factor for gene methylation and lung cancer. The associations could be mediated by GABAergic signaling that drives the smoking-induced mucous cell metaplasia. Our findings also substantiate DSBR-HR as a critical pathway driving epigenetic gene silencing.
Verifying Bisimulations "On the Fly"

This paper describes a decision procedure for bisimulation-based equivalence relations between labeled transition systems. The algorithm usually performed in order to verify bisimulation consists in refining some initial equivalence relation until it becomes compatible with the transition relation under consideration. However, this method requires to store the transition relation explicitly, which limits it to medium-sized labeled transition systems. The algorithm proposed here does not need to previously construct the two transition systems: the verification can be performed during their generation. Thus, the amount of memory required can be significantly reduced, and verification of larger size systems becomes possible. This algorithm has been implemented in the tool Aldébaran and has been used in the framework of verification of Lotos specifications.
Numerical Relativity in a Distributed Environment

We have found that the hardware and software infrastructure exists to simulate general relativity problems in a distributed computational environment, at some cost in performance. We examine two different issues for running the Cactus code in such a distributed environment The first issue is running a Cactus simulation on multiple parallel computer systems. Our objective is to perform larger simulations than are currently possible on a single parallel computer. We distribute Cactus simulations across multiple supercomputers using the mechanisms provided by the Globus toolkit. In particular, we use Globus mechanisms for authentication, access to remote computer systems, file transfer, and communication. The Cactus code uses MPI for communication and makes use of an MPI implementation layered atop Globus communication mechanisms. These communication mechanisms allow a MPI application to be executed on distributed resources. We find that without performing any code optimizations, our simulations ran 48% to 100% slower when using an Origin at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and an Onyx2 at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). We also ran simulations between Cray T3Es in Germany and a T3E at the San Diego Supercomputing Center (SDSC). Running between the T3Es in Germany resulted in an increase in execution time of 79% to 133%, and running between a German T3E and a T3E at the San Diego Supercomputing Center resulted in an execution time increase of 114% to 186%. We are very encouraged that we are able to run simulations on parallel computers that are geographically distributed, and we have identified several areas to investigate to improve the performance of Cactus simulations in this environment. The second issue we examine here is remote visualization and steering of the Cactus code. Cactus is a modular framework and we have implemented a module for this task. This module performs isosurfacing operations on the same parallel computers that are running the simulation and reduces bandwidth requirements between the simulation and visualization components by a factor of 2.5 to 114, depending on the complexity of the data being visualized. This performance improvement and the available high-performance wide area networks allow us to distribute the simulation and visualization components in different parts of the US and Europe and interactively visualize and steer cactus simulations.
Influence of dietary lysine on growth performance and carcass characteristics of late-finishing gilts.

We conducted two experiments evaluating the lysine requirement of 91- to 113-kg gilts. Gilts (PIC L326 x C-22) with initial body weights of 42 (Exp. 1) or 39 kg (Exp. 2) were blocked by weight in a randomized complete block design. Experiment 1 included 105 gilts, with seven gilts per pen and five replications (pens) per treatment. Experiment 2 included 125 gilts, with eight gilts per pen and four replications (pens) per treatment. Gilts were fed a corn-soybean meal diet (no crystalline lysine) containing 1.0% total lysine from 39 to 68 kg and . 80% total lysine from 68 to 91 kg. In Exp. 1, when the average weight of gilts within a block reached 91 kg, gilts were fed corn-soybean meal diets containing . 40, . 55, or . 70% total lysine. Increasing dietary lysine increased (linear, P < .05) ADG, daily lysine intake (11.3, 15.1, and 19.8 g/d), gain/feed, plasma urea N, and carcass lean percentage but decreased 10th rib fat depth. Because of the linear responses in Exp. 1, Exp. 2 was conducted with corn-soybean meal diets containing . 60, . 70, . 80, or . 90% total lysine. Increasing total dietary lysine had no effect on ADG, gain/feed, 10th rib fat depth, or carcass lean percentage (P > .10). Daily lysine intake increased (linear, P < .01) with increasing dietary lysine (18.1, 21.1, 23.9, 26.5 g/d). Based on these results, the total dietary lysine requirement for 91- to 113-kg gilts is approximately . 60% total lysine, which corresponds to approximately 18 g/d lysine intake.
Molecular Regulation of NMDA Receptors by Dopamine D 4 Signaling in Prefrontal Cortex

Increasing evidence has suggested that the interaction between dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an important role in normal mental functions and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we examined the regulation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors by the PFC dopamine D4 receptor (one of the principal targets of antipsychotic drugs). Application of the D4 receptor agonist PD168077 caused a reversible decrease of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated current in acutely isolated and cultured PFC pyramidal neurons, an effect that was blocked by selective D4 receptor antagonists. Furthermore, application of PD168077 produced a potent reduction of the amplitude (but not paired-pulse ratio) of evoked NMDAR EPSCs in PFC slices. The D4 modulation of NMDA receptors in PFC involved the inhibition of protein kinase A, activation of protein phosphatase 1 and the ensuing inhibition of active Ca 2 – calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Moreover, PD168077 reduced the surface expression of NMDARs and triggered the internalization of NMDARs in a manner dependent on CaMKII activity. These results identify a mechanistic link between D4 and NMDA receptors in PFC pyramidal neurons, suggesting that D4 receptors may play an important role in modulating synaptic plasticity and thus cognitive and emotional processes in PFC circuits.
Mathematical modeling of filamentous microorganisms

Growth patterns generated by filamentous organisms (e.g. actinomycetes and fungi) involve spatial and temporal dynamics at different length scales. Several mathematical models have been proposed in the last thirty years to address these specific dynamics. Phenomenological macroscopic models are able to reproduce the temporal dynamics of colony-related quantities (e.g. colony growth rate) but do not explain the development of mycelial morphologies nor the single hyphal growth. Reaction-diffusion models are a bridge between macroscopic and microscopic worlds as they produce mean-field approximations of single-cell behaviors. Microscopic models describe intracellular events, such as branching, septation and translocation. Finally, completely discrete models, cellular automata, simulate the microscopic interaction among cells to reproduce emergent cooperative behaviors of large colonies. In this comment, we review a selection of models for each of these length scales, stressing their advantages and shortcomings.
Development of Isotretinoin Gel for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Many people suffer from one of the most common skin disorders is acne i.e. acne vulgaris. The treatment is aimed to reduce the rate of sebum production, reduce bacterial population in pilosebaceous follicle and reduce inflammation. The mild to moderate forms of acne are generally treated topically while the severe form of acne is treated orally. The androgenic hormones influence sebaceous gland size by stimulating rate of cell division and lipid accumulation. Targeting the sebaceous glands with agents to decrease androgenic activity could be useful in the treatment of dermatological disorders such as acne. Isotretinoin is approved for oral administration for the treatment of cystic acne and may be effective against dermatological disorders as well. Objective of presented work are, Formulation of a topical gel of Isotretinoin so as to deliver the drug percutaneously for the treatment of acne vulgaris where systemic therapy is avoidable. However, Isotretinoin has a poor absorption through intact skin Therefore, incorporation of a penetration enhancer to increase the permeation of the drug through the skin and enhance its therapeutic activity & to study the evaluation parameters of the formulated gel. All the formulations were evaluated for their appearance, homogeneity and texture, % drug content and uniformity, pH, spreadability and in vitro release study through cellophane membrane. It was found that all the formulated gels were homogenous, smooth in texture and elegant in appearance. The results of the drug content were found in acceptable range indicating uniform distribution of drug throughout the base. The pH of the gel formulations was found in the normal pH range of the skin that would not produce any skin irritation. There was no significant change in pH values as a function of time for all formulations. All the formulations were subjected to spreadability test and it was found to be equally good with that of the marketed preparation. The in vitro release of profiles of the prepared Isotretinoin gel was compared with that of the marketed product.
Thoreauomyces gen. nov., Fimicolochytrium gen. nov. and additional species in Geranomyces

Powellomycetaceae (Spizellomycetales) contain a diverse group of exogenously developing chytrids found by baiting water preparations of soils and manure with pollen. A previous molecular phylogenetic study indicated that some lineages within this family represent undescribed genera and species. Description of genera within the Spizellomycetales traditionally has relied on ultrastructural characters of zoospores, whereas species have been based on thallus development and morphology. We analyzed Powellomycetaceae chytrids that had not yet had ultrastructural and thallus morphologies determined. Because these chytrids vary little morphologically, we used a linear discriminant function analysis of thallus characters to determine features most useful for separating species when grown in pure culture on identical media. Zoosporic ultrastructures of two groups of isolates differed from those of the two described genera in the family, and we describe the new genera Thoreauomyces with one new species and Fimicolochytrium with two new species. Also, we describe three new species within Geranomyces. Linear discriminant function analysis, although helpful for determining more stable morphological characters, was not completely accurate in assigning chytrids to the correct genus or species, thus emphasizing the importance of molecular characters for identifying these taxa.
Prevalence of Selected Chronic, Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors in Jordan: Results of the 2007 Jordan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

Introduction Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of illness and death in Jordan. Since 2002, the Jordan Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, established the Jordan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to collect information on many of the behaviors and conditions related to NCDs. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors and the relationship between body mass index and selected health conditions among a nationally representative sample of Jordanian adults aged 18 years or older. Methods We used a multistage sampling design to select 3,688 households, from which we randomly selected and interviewed 1 adult aged 18 years or older. A total of 3,654 adults completed the survey. We randomly selected a subsample of 889 interviewed adults and invited them to visit local health clinics for a medical evaluation; we obtained measurements, including fasting blood glucose and blood lipids, from 765 adults. Data were collected between June 1, 2007, and August 23, 2007. Results Nearly one-third of participants smoked cigarettes, 18% reported having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and 10% reported frequent mental distress. Compared with survey participants who did not participate in the medical evaluation, those who participated were more likely to self-report high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes and report lower levels of health-related quality of life. Among participants of the medical evaluation, an estimated 11% reported they had been diagnosed with diabetes by a health professional, and 19% were diagnosed with diabetes according to laboratory testing. Approximately one-third of participants of the medical evaluation were either overweight (30%) or obese (36%). In the fully adjusted model, obese participants of the medical evaluation were nearly 3 times as likely to have high blood pressure and more than 2 times as likely to have high blood cholesterol as normal-weight participants. Conclusion Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are a public health concern in Jordan. Adequate and continuous monitoring of NCD risk factors in Jordan is needed, and the surveillance findings should be used in health promotion and disease prevention activities.
Classification of Questions and Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) Into Blooms Taxonomy (BT) By Similarity Measurements Towards Extracting Of Learning Outcome from Learning Material

Blooms Taxonomy (BT) have been used to classify the objectives of learning outcome by dividing the learning into three different domains; the cognitive domain, the effective domain and the psychomotor domain. In this paper, we are introducing a new approach to classify the questions and learning outcome statements (LOS) into Blooms taxonomy (BT) and to verify BT verb lists, which are being cited and used by academicians to write questions and (LOS). An experiment was designed to investigate the semantic relationship between the action verbs used in both questions and LOS to obtain more accurate classification of the levels of BT. A sample of 775 different action verbs collected from different universities allows us to measure an accurate and clear-cut cognitive level for the action verb. It is worth mentioning that natural language processing techniques were used to develop our rules as to induce the questions into chunks in order to extract the action verbs. Our proposed solution was able to classify the action verb into a precise level of the cognitive domain. We, on our side, have tested and evaluated our proposed solution using confusion matrix. The results of evaluation tests yielded 97% for the macro average of precision and 90% for F1. Thus, the outcome of the research suggests that it is crucial to analyse and verify the action verbs cited and used by academicians to write LOS and classify their questions based on blooms taxonomy in order to obtain a definite and more accurate classification.
A Prospective Study on the Incidence of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Korean Gastric Cancer Patients: An Inquiry into the Application of Western Guidelines to Asian Cancer Patients

Several Western guidelines recommend the routine use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis for cancer surgery patients to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the necessity of routine pharmacologic perioperative thromboprophylaxis in Asian gastric cancer (GC) patients has not been clearly determined. To determine the necessity of routine perioperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in Korean gastric cancer patients, the incidence of postoperative VTE was prospectively evaluated in gastric cancer patients receiving surgery. Among 610 GC patients who had received surgery, 375 patents underwent routine duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) on days 5–12 following surgery to detect VTE and then VTE-related symptoms and signs were checked at 4 weeks after surgery (cohort A). The 235 patients that declined DUS were registered to cohort B and the occurrence of postoperative VTE was retrospectively analyzed. In cohort A, symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE until 4 weeks after surgery was detected in 9 patients [2.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.9–3.9]. Tumor stage was a significant factor related to VTE development [stage I, 1.4%; stage II/III, 2.4%; stage IV, 9.7% (P = 0.008)]. In multivariate analysis, patients with stage IV had a higher postoperative VTE development [odds ratio, 8.18 (95% CI, 1.54–43.42)] than those with stage I. In cohort B, a low incidence of postoperative VTE was reaffirmed; only one postoperative VTE case (0.4%) was observed. In conclusion, the incidence of postoperative VTE in Korean GC patients was only 2.4%. Risk-stratified applications of perioperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis are thought to be more appropriate than the routine pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in Korean GC patients receiving surgery.