Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic alterations in the laser‐capture–microdissected stroma adjacent to bladder carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma commonly manifested loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at different regions of chromosomes 17p, 3p, and 9q. Recent studies suggested that bladder stromal cells may be implicated in the growth and progression of urothelial carcinoma. To better understand the genetic alterations in the stromal cells in patients with bladder carcinoma, the authors evaluated the prevalence of allelic loss at three microsatellite polymorphic markers on chromosomes 17p13 (TP53), 3p25‐26 (D3S3050), and 9q32‐33 (D9S177). In addition, the pattern of X‐chromosome inactivation of the stromal cells was evaluated by analyzing the DNA methylation pattern at a polymorphic site on the androgen receptor gene.
Distinct Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Lipid Products Accumulate upon Oxidative and Osmotic Stress and Lead to Different Cellular Responses*

Signaling by phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinases is mediated by 3-phosphoinositides, which bind to Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains that are present in a wide spectrum of proteins. PH domains can be classified into three groups based on their different lipid binding specificities. Distinct 3-phosphoinositides can accumulate upon PI 3-kinase activation in cells in response to different stimuli and mediate specific cellular responses. In Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, oxidative stress induced by 1 mmH2O2 caused almost exclusive accumulation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2), whereas osmotic stress increased both phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) and PtdIns(3,4)P2 levels. The increase in PtdIns(3,4)P2 levels, caused by oxidative stress, correlated with the activation of protein kinase B, which has a promiscuous PH domain that binds both PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(3,4)P2. p70 S6 kinase, another signaling component downstream of PI 3-kinase, however, was not activated by this oxidative stress-induced increase in PtdIns(3,4)P2 levels. Increased PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(3,4)P2levels in response to osmotic stress did not correlate with protein kinase B activation, because of concomitant activation of an inhibitory pathway, but p70 S6 kinase was activated by osmotic stress. These results demonstrate that PtdIns(3,4)P2 can accumulate independently of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and exerts a pattern of cellular responses that is distinct from that induced by accumulation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3.
Effects of Supplemental Energy on Protein Balance during 4-d Arctic Military Training.

UNLABELLED Soldiers often experience negative energy balance during military operations that diminish whole-body protein retention, even when dietary protein is consumed within recommended levels (1.5-2.0 g·kg·d). PURPOSE The objective of this study is to determine whether providing supplemental nutrition spares whole-body protein by attenuating the level of negative energy balance induced by military training and to assess whether protein balance is differentially influenced by the macronutrient source. METHODS Soldiers participating in 4-d arctic military training (AMT) (51-km ski march) were randomized to receive three combat rations (CON) (n = 18), three combat rations plus four 250-kcal protein-based bars (PRO, 20 g protein) (n = 28), or three combat rations plus four 250-kcal carbohydrate-based bars daily (CHO, 48 g carbohydrate) (n = 27). Energy expenditure (D2O) and energy intake were measured daily. Nitrogen balance (NBAL) and protein turnover were determined at baseline (BL) and day 3 of AMT using 24-h urine and [N]-glycine. RESULTS Protein and carbohydrate intakes were highest (P < 0.05) for PRO (mean ± SD, 2.0 ± 0.3 g·kg·d) and CHO (5.8 ± 1.3 g·kg·d), but only CHO increased (P < 0.05) energy intake above CON. Energy expenditure (6155 ± 515 kcal·d), energy balance (-3313 ± 776 kcal·d), net protein balance (NET) (-0.24 ± 0.60 g·d), and NBAL (-68.5 ± 94.6 mg·kg·d) during AMT were similar between groups. In the combined cohort, energy intake was associated (P < 0.05) with NET (r = 0.56) and NBAL (r = 0.69), and soldiers with the highest energy intake (3723 ± 359 kcal·d, 2.11 ± 0.45 g protein·kg·d, 6.654 ± 1.16 g carbohydrate·kg·d) achieved net protein balance and NBAL during AMT. CONCLUSION These data reinforce the importance of consuming sufficient energy during periods of high energy expenditure to mitigate the consequences of negative energy balance and attenuate whole-body protein loss.
Strategic role of alliance orientation on performance of Nigerian public universities

The present research is aimed at determining if there is significant relationship between alliance orientation strategy and performance of Nigerian public univerisities. In testing the relationships, data were collected from five hundred and eleven academic leaders of thirteen (13) public universities in northwestern part of Nigeria, through drop and pick questionnaires. Data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling. The results reveal significant and positive relationship between alliance orientation and performance of Nigerian public univerisities. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting the partnering and alliance oriented strategies among the public universities in Nigeria, for their success and these would help in gaining competitive advantage over others and reap higher performance. They could also anticipate future threats and seek out opportunities for further expansions in their activities. Conclusion and future research direction is provided toward increase in university performance.
Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibition in vitro suppresses lymphocyte proliferation and the production of immunoglobulins, autoantibodies and cytokines in splenocytes from MRLlpr/lpr mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the immunomodulating drug mycophenolic acid (MPA) on splenocytes in an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), using MRLlpr/lpr mice. MPA reversibly inhibits inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the de novo guanosine synthesis. Splenocytes were treated with MPA (at 1 or 10 µm), and stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 µg/ml) or concanavalin A (ConA; 1·25 µg/ml). In blocking experiments, guanosine (100 µm) was added to the cultures to inhibit the effects of MPA. Lymphocyte proliferation, enumeration of immunoglobulin producing cells (using ELISPOT) and quantification of anti‐double‐stranded (ds) DNA antibodies, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 (by ELISA) in supernatants were performed. In addition, cell viability was evaluated using propidium iodide and flow cytometry. We found that MPA‐treated splenocytes had dramatically decreased mitogen‐induced proliferation and number of immunoglobulin producing cells, down‐regulated production of IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IgM anti‐dsDNA antibodies. The viability of MPA‐treated cells was also decreased. All of the effect modulated by MPA could be neutralized by the addition of guanosine. We conclude that MPA has potent immunomodulating effects on both B and T lymphocytes, modulating not only proliferation, but also the production of cytokines, immunoglobulins and autoantibodies.
NOMA and interference limited satellite scenarios

This paper deals with the problem of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) in multibeam satellite systems. In the current NOMA approach, it is assumed a successive interference cancellation (SIC) receiver. To increase the spectral efficiency, NOMA with simultaneous non-unique detection (SND) is investigated. Since conventional scheduling heuristic rules do not longer apply in this scenario, different scheduling algorithms have been proposed. The numerical results show that SND yields larger average data rates and more fairness than the SIC receiver. Concerning the scheduling, the best strategy is to pair users with highly correlated channels and the lowest channel gain difference.
Sequential optimization of oil production under uncertainty

In the present paper we study how to optimize oil production with respect to revenue in a situation where the production rate is uncertain. The oil production in a given period is described in terms of a difference equation, where this equation contains several uncertain parameters. The uncertainty about these parameteres is expressed in terms of a suitable prior distribution. As the production develops, more information about the production parameters is gained. Hence, the uncertainty distributions need to be updated. However, the information comes in the form of inequalities and equalities which makes it very difficult to obtain exact analytical expressions for the posteriors. Still it is possible to estimate the distributions using a combination of rejection sampling and the well-known Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Armed with these techniques it is possible to solve the optimization problem using stochastic programming. The methods will be demonstrated on a few examples.
Is there a Human Right to Democracy

1. Justice requires democracy. 2. Human rights are a proper subset of the rights founded on justice: so a society that fully protects human rights is not ipso facto just. 3. A conception of human rights is part of an ideal of global public reason: a shared basis for political argument that expresses a common reason that adherents of conXicting religious, philosophical, and ethical traditions can reasonably be expected to share. 4. That conception includes an account of membership, and human rights are entitlements that serve to ensure the bases of membership. 5. The democracy that justice requires is associated with a demanding conception of equality, more demanding than the idea of membership associated with human rights.
ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKER TELMISARTAN IMPROVES INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS

♦ Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is common among patients on dialysis and is worse among patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) than among patients on hemodialysis. In this study we tested the hypothesis that administration of telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, might improve insulin sensitivity in patients on PD. ♦ Method: This was a crossover study of 30 nondiabetic patients with end-stage renal disease being treated with PD. Group A patients (n = 15) received telmisartan and other antihypertensive drugs for 4 months, followed by 4 months without telmisartan. Group B patients (n = 15) received their usual treatment for 4 months, followed by 4 months of treatment with telmisartan. Blood glucose and serum insulin levels were monitored and homeostasis model assessment method for IR (HOMA-IR) was calculated. ♦ Results: Treatment with telmisartan had no significant impact on serum glucose, potassium, and bicarbonate levels. However, telmisartan significantly reduced serum insulin levels and the HOMA index in groups A and B. ♦ Conclusion: This study demonstrated that telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor type 1 antagonist, may effectively improve insulin sensitivity as measured by HOMA in patients treated with PD.
Patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke: contemporary evidence and treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common anatomical variant in the adult circulation. It is a channel allowing communication between the left and right atria and is a remnant of the foetal circulation. In approximately 25% of the population, this channel persists into adulthood. PFO has been proposed as a potential pathophysiological mechanism for cryptogenic stroke. Areas covered: This review will examine the contemporary evidence for both the association between cryptogenic stroke and PFO and the management of this condition. The authors hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence and best practice in relation to PFO closure. In addition, the authors will propose some potential avenues for future research in this controversial area and try to predict how PFOs in cryptogenic stroke will be managed in the near future. Expert commentary: In carefully selected patients with cryptogenic stroke, PFO closure represents an evidence based treatment option for the prevention of further ischemic neurological events. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure appropriate patient selection for the procedure. This should include a vascular neurologist/stroke physician and an interventional cardiologist with an interest in PFO closure.
PIED: An IDE for poets using a mobile or wearable device

Computers are powerful tools that can be leveraged to provide poets with an environment for the composition of poetry. The idea of an integrated development environment (IDE) could be taken as a jumping-off point for the design of a “poet's IDE. ” In this paper, we propose the design of the Poet's Integrated Environment for Development (PIED).
Signal denoising using STFT with Bayes prediction and Ephraim-Malah estimation

This paper introduces a new audio cleaning method which is composed of combination of stochastically and orthogonal frequency-based systems. This method can be implemented on signals which have been inherently contaminated with some degree of stationary noise. Beside Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), this paper focuses on stochastically approach which is needed to ensure the information about minimum mean-square error (MMSE) of the spectral amplitude estimator (SAE). This type of estimation will is performed on a silence- or pause- interval via Bayes prediction method and Ephraim-Malah estimation. This procedure results in with significant reducing of spectral coefficients and therefore the elimination of redundant or noise data. After being performed on an arbitrary mathematical function, the described cleaning method is applied on a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) wave (22.05 kHz, 8 bit). It is shown that described method is dealing very well with both, noise and discrete disturbance which are the most common problems in the daily work with audio material. The realization of mentioned signal denoising is achieved with MATLAB® developing software.
Influence of Compacted Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Colloidal Silicon Dioxide on Tableting Properties of Pharmaceutical Excipients

The effect of noncompacted and compacted hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD) on tableting properties of three different pharmaceutical excipients used for direct compression, namely, Avicel® PH 101, Starch 1500®®, and Tablettose® 80, was investigated. Binary powder mixtures containing 0.5% CSD and 99.5% excipient were compressed on an instrumented single-punch tablet press, and the radial tensile strength/compaction load profiles were examined. The Ryshkewitch-Duckworth relationship shows that the influence of CSD on tablet strength was dependent on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature of the CSD and on the compaction characteristics of the excipients. Tablets from each excipient with and without CSDs were subjected to different levels of relative humidity at 20°C for 7 days. The sorption isotherms and the radial tensile strengths of the tablets after the storage period showed that neither hydrophilic nor hydrophobic CSD influenced the tablet properties of Avicel® PH 101, Starch 1500®®, and Tablettose® 80. Moreover, ternary powder mixtures containing magnesium stearate as a third component were compressed in order to study the influence of CSD on the deleterious effect of magnesium stearate on the interparticle bonding. The radial tensile strength/compaction load profiles and the residual and ejection forces of tablets made from ternary mixtures showed that CSD eliminated the negative effect of magnesium stearate on interparticle bonding while maintaining the lubrication action, in a manner that was affected by its hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and by the particle deformation properties of the excipient upon compression.
An examination of the suppression of overlearned responses in schizophrenia

Introduction. Individuals often experience interference from overlearned responses. This phenomenon is reported to be increased in patients with schizophrenia. Methods. In order to determine the generality of such interference in these patients, the frequency of repetitive responses in simple tasks was manipulated. It was hypothesised that patients' performance would be disproportionately impaired when a strong response tendency needed to be overridden. This was expected to be the case especially where task rules had to be maintained for a period of time in order to respond appropriately. Results. A spatial analogue of the Stroop test, with a response bias to a side of space, produced stronger expectancy in patients than in controls. A similar manipulation of expectancy in a variant of the Continuous Performance Test, in which subjects were to respond to sequentially presented pairs of letters, did not result in a difference between patients and controls in terms of inhibiting inappropriate responses. In this test, patients' deficits were associated with the delay period between stimulus and target. Conclusions. The cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia is not simply a general deficit in the suppression of overlearned responses, rather, the susceptibility to interference appears more task specific.
Prospective Evaluation of Commercial Antibody-Based Rapid Tests in Combination with a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification PCR Assay for Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi during the Acute Phase of Scrub Typhus Infection

ABSTRACT Samples from 160 prospectively recruited febrile patients with typhus-like illness in an area of Thailand (Chiang Rai, northern Thailand) where scrub typhus is endemic were used to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of four rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) for the detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi IgM and total antibodies during acute scrub typhus infection. Of the 160 cases, 54 (34%) had been confirmed to have scrub typhus using the reference scrub typhus infection criteria (STIC), i.e., positive cell culture isolation, an admission IgM antibody titer of ≥1:12,800, a 4-fold rising IgM antibody titer, and/or positivity for ≥2 out of 3 PCR gene targets). The ICTs gave the following sensitivities and specificities: the Panbio IgM ICT, 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33 to 60) and 95% (95% CI, 89 to 98), respectively; the Standard Diagnostics IgM ICT, 68% (95% CI, 60 to 75) and 73% (95% CI, 68 to 78), respectively; the AccessBio IgM ICT, 56% (95% CI, 48 to 63) and 90% (95% CI, 87 to 94), respectively; and the AccessBio total antibody ABt ICT, 61% (95% CI, 53 to 68) and 68% (95% CI, 63 to 73), respectively. An isothermal loop amplification (LAMP) PCR assay for scrub typhus demonstrated a sensitivity of 52% (95% CI, 38 to 66) and a specificity of 94% (95% CI, 88 to 98). This study has revealed the diagnostic limitations of antibody-based assays in an acute care setting. However, the combination of ICTs with LAMP usually increased sensitivity with a minimal reduction in specificity. The best combination, the Panbio IgM ICT and LAMP, resulted in a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 53 to 79) and a specificity of 91% (95% CI, 83 to 95). The combination of antibody-based assays with DNA- or antigen-based tests shows promise for improved diagnostic sensitivity.
Gut barrier function in malnourished patients

Background—The integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa is a key element in preventing systemic absorption of enteric toxins and bacteria. In the critically ill, breakdown of gut barrier function may fuel sepsis. Malnourished patients have an increased risk of postoperative sepsis; however, the effects of malnutrition on intestinal barrier function in man are unknown. Aims—To quantify intestinal barrier function, endotoxin exposure, and the acute phase cytokine response in malnourished patients. Patients—Malnourished and well nourished hospitalised patients. Methods—Gastrointestinal permeability was measured in malnourished patients and well nourished controls using the lactulose:mannitol test. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were stained and morphological and immunohistochemical features graded. The polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mucosal cytokine expression. The immunoglobulin G antibody response to endotoxin and serum interleukin 6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results—There was a significant increase in intestinal permeability in the malnourished patients in association with phenotypic and molecular evidence of activation of lamina propria mononuclear cells and enterocytes, and a heightened acute phase response. Conclusions—Intestinal barrier function is significantly compromised in malnourished patients, but the clinical significance is unclear.
Particle filtering for target tracking using plot-sequences of multi-frame track before detect

This paper addresses the tracking problem using the short state sequences in time series (which is called plot-sequences in this paper) obtained from multi-frame track-before-detect (TBD). Some TBD methods, e.g, dynamic programming (DP), maximum likelihood probabilistic data association (ML-PDA), histogram probabilistic multihypothesis tracker (H-PMHT) and Hough transform (HT) based TBD, are batch processing methods whose outputs are plot-sequences which are neither filtered target trajectories nor traditional point detections. In radar systems, traditional tracking algorithms are generally suitable to process detected point plots, which are inappropriate for the plot-sequences. Additionally, many TBD methods are grid based method, which perform the search in the discretized state space. Therefore the estimation accuracy suffers at least half a grid loss. Besides, the missing reports and false alarms in TBD detections will also deprave the tracking results especially when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low. Thus, a tracker which can combine the plot-sequences into continuous target trajectories that have higher estimation accuracy is needed. In this paper, a nonlinear and non-Gaussian measurement model to describe the plot-sequences of DP based TBD is formulated, then a particle filtering (PF) algorithm for target tracking using the plot-sequences as the input measurements to estimate the target states recursively is developed. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Components of a proper hospital discharge for elders.

SIGNIFICANCE Effective discharge planning is a vital link in continuity of care for elders. Previous studies identify problems with planning for elders' discharge from the hospital and problems elders encounter managing care post-discharge. However, little attention has been given to identifying effective discharge planning processes. Explicating the components of effective discharge planning is critical to replicate the process in other health care settings and predict post-discharge outcomes. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the components of effective discharge planning for elders and factors that impede planning. METHODS Ethical approvals were obtained from the University and National Health Service (NHS) Trust. Qualitative methods were used and data were collected from two wards in a 78-bed geriatric rehabilitation hospital that was part of a National Health Service Trust serving Southwest London. Data included semi-structured interviews and documents related to discharge planning, care delivery, and community resources. A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care professionals who were part of the hospital's multidisciplinary team, those affiliated with the Community Trust that provided aftercare, elders, and family carers. RESULTS Participants consistently used the term "proper discharge" when referring to effective discharge planning. The multidisciplinary team comprised a vital context for a proper discharge. The findings indicated that three circles of communication were central in a four stage discharge process. Different circles of communication were key at different stages. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide insights for educating nurses about effective planning practices and examining the global significance of impediments to a proper hospital discharge.