Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arquitetura de STI - Overlay do Especialista Integrado à Motivação

Resumo: Considerando que as variacoes emocionais interferem na producao academica de um estudante, os aspectos motivacionais emocionais sao de grande importância para Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes (STIs). A modelagem de tais sistemas utilizando a Arquitetura do Overlay do Especialista, embora considere os aspectos pedagogicos, nao trata as questoes motivacionais. Este artigo propoe uma modelagem motivacional, especificando as variaveis a serem captadas nas estruturas cognitivas e sugerindo inferencias para diagnosticar o comportamento e o temperamento do estudante, considerando aspectos comportamentais transitorios e permanentes. Alem disso, trabalha na incorpacao dos aspectos motivacionais na Arquitetura do Overlay do Especialista, tornandoa pronta para atender ao estudante individualmente, tanto nos aspectos pedagogicos quanto nos motivacionais. Abstract: Considerando que as variacoes emocionais interferem na producao academica de um estudante, os aspectos motivacionais emocionais sao de grande importância para Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes (STIs). A modelagem de tais sistemas utilizando a Arquitetura do Overlay do Especialista, embora considere os aspectos pedagogicos, nao trata as questoes motivacionais. Este artigo propoe uma modelagem motivacional, especificando as variaveis a serem captadas nas estruturas cognitivas e sugerindo inferencias para diagnosticar o comportamento e o temperamento do estudante, considerando aspectos comportamentais transitorios e permanentes. Alem disso, trabalha na incorpacao dos aspectos motivacionais na Arquitetura do Overlay do Especialista, tornandoa pronta para atender ao estudante individualmente, tanto nos aspectos pedagogicos quanto nos motivacionais.
The temporal dynamics of the effects of monoacylglycerol lipase blockade on locomotion, anxiety, and body temperature

Studies with the monoacylglycerol lipase blocker JZL184 have suggested that enhanced 2-arachidonoylglycerol signaling suppresses locomotion, lowers body temperature, and decreases anxiety. Although the neurochemical effects of JZL184 develop within 30 min, its behavioral and autonomic effects have been studied much later. To clarify temporal dynamics, we studied the effects of intraperitoneal injections of JZL184 in mice on home-cage locomotion and body temperature for 120 min using in-vivo biotelemetry. We also studied the effects of 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg JZL184 in the open field and elevated plus maze at various time points. In the home cage, JZL184 blunted injection-induced body temperature increases but exerted no long-term effects. Vehicle injections increased the duration of rapid movements whereas the duration of motionless periods was decreased, a pattern also abolished by JZL184. Although the highest dose exerted a mild long-term effect on the relative duration of motionless periods, JZL184 seemed to have phasic rather than tonic effects in the home cage. By contrast, open field and plus maze behavior was affected 80 and 120 min but not 40 min after treatments, which may indicate tonic rather than phasic effects in these tests. Our findings confirm earlier reports of a mild anxiolytic effect of JZL184, but surprisingly, the compound markedly and dose dependently increased locomotion in the open field in both CD1 and C57BL/6J mice. These findings are difficult to reconcile at present, but suggest that the effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition are more complex than previously believed and may depend strongly on as yet unidentified factors such as environmental conditions, the time of testing, species/strains, etc.
Nanoindentation study of sputtered Al-Cu thin films for interconnect applications

Al-Cu thin films were deposited by DC-magnetron sputtering. The formation of different phases and microstructures of Al-Cu thin films were characterised by using XRD and AFM technqiues. The mechanical properties of the Al-Cu thin films were measured by CSEM Nanoindentation technique. It was found that the higher hardness and Young modulus of Al-Cu thin films is due to presence of precipitate and ductile phases in the film. The nanosized grain morphology improves the strength of Al-Cu thin film significantly
Sleep Apnea Management in “Possible IPF” and “Idiopathic NSIP”: A Case- Series

Purpose: The clinical course of patients with possible idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is not well understood. While these patients are clinically followed for disease progression before rendering therapy, the import of sleep-disordered breathing on the disease course is unknown. Methods: Retrospective analysis of possible IPF and idiopathic NSIP patients seen at a single center with review of clinical data pertinent to therapy for co-morbid sleep-disordered breathing was done. Results: 7 patients with possible IPF based upon radiologic possible UIP patterns (5 male and 2 female) and 6 patients with idiopathic NSIP (5 female and 1 male) were followed for an average duration of 40 and 30 months respectively. 6/7 patients with possible IPF required continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleepdisordered breathing and out of this 5/6 were compliant with therapy. Of idiopathic NSIP patients, 2/6 presented with acute exacerbations. All 6 patients required therapy for OSA out of which 5/6 were treated with CPAP and 1 treated with supplemental oxygen. Patients with possible IPF appeared to stabilize their disease following treatment of OSA and none of the study patients experienced any recurrence of acute exacerbations on CPAP therapy. Conclusions: OSA can be an important problem in patients with possible IPF and idiopathic NSIP. Treatment with nocturnal CPAP therapy in these patients with concomitant OSA may result in stability of underlying interstitial lung disease.
Microsatellite-based characterization of Southern African domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa domestica )

This paper details genetic characterization and trends from a microsatellite-based study of genetic diversity on southern African pig populations. A total of 351 pigs from three commercial breeds and three indigenous populations were genotyped at 39 loci. Differences among the levels of genetic diversity in populations correlated well with known population histories. In commercial breeds, heterozygosity was higher in the well established SA Landrace and Large White breeds (0.580 and 0.636) compared to the Duroc breed, established more recently (0.531). In indigenous populations, the highest heterozygosity levels were found in the Mozambican and South African populations (0.692 and 0.634) with a lower value of 0.531 in a smaller Namibian population. A hierarchical division of total genetic diversity revealed a high between-population component of 17.9%. FST- and RST-based analysis confirmed high levels of differentiation, with pair-wise comparisons between breeds indicating significant differentiation in 20 out of 21 comparisons. Results from an assignment test confirmed results from FST and RST and suggested a true genetic structure with significant differentiation between most populations sampled, but with little differentiation among the commercial SA Landrace and Large White breeds. The results are discussed with reference to known historical information on commercial and indigenous pig populations. This paper also presents new data on the optimization of microsatellite markers for application in Sus scrofa domestica . Keywords: Genetic diversity, domestic pig, microsatellites, indigenous breeds
Chapter 2 Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry : The Process of Drug Discovery and Development

M. Ding et al. (eds.), Innovation and Marketing in the Pharmaceutical Industry, International Series in Quantitative Marketing 20, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-7801-0_2, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014 Abstract Continuous innovation is one of the pharmaceutical industry’s most defi ning characteristics. New medications can be crucial for maintaining the quality of human life, and may even affect its duration. The sales potential is staggering: the global pharmaceutical market is expected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2015. The pressure to succeed is tremendous. Yet, pharmaceutical innovation is hardly an orderly, predictable process. It follows a technology-push model dependent on a meandering path of scientifi c breakthroughs with uneven timing and hard to foresee outcomes. Technological competency, decades of rigorous research, and profound understanding of unmet customer needs, while necessary, may prove insuffi cient for market success as the critical decision for commercialization remains outside the fi rm. Drug innovation as a business process requires savvy strategic, organizational, and managerial decisions. It is already enjoying intensive research coverage, giving rise to abundant but relatively dispersed knowledge of the mechanisms driving drug discovery and development. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive overview of the process of drug innovation from a business and academic perspective. We discuss the evolving organizational forms and models for collaboration, summarize signifi cant empirical regularities, and highlight differences in market positions related to fi rms’ strategic orientation, innovation emphasis, attitudes to risk, and specialized resources. As a guide to future research, critical drivers and modes for drug innovation are systematized in a unifying framework of characteristics and process decisions, and multiple areas in need of further scrutiny, analysis, and optimization are suggested. Because of its rich potential and high signifi cance, research on drug innovation seems poised to gain increasing momentum in the years to come. Chapter 2 Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry: The Process of Drug Discovery and Development
Differential Expression of Calcium Channel Subtypes in the Bovine Adrenal Medulla

This study aimed at determining the distribution and expression levels of different subtypes of Ca2+ channels in the bovine adrenal medulla, and whether individual subtypes were more abundant in chromaffin cells exhibiting an adrenergic or a noradrenergic phenotype. In situ hybridization using riboprobes specific for the pore-forming Ca2+ channel α1D (L-type channel), α1B (N-type channel), and α1A (P/Q-type channel) subunits of bovine chromaffin cells showed a broad distribution of the three transcripts in adrenal medulla tissue. However, a tissue-specific expression pattern of individual subunits was found; whereas α1B mRNA was homogeneously distributed throughout the medulla, α1D and α1A transcripts were present at higher densities in the internal medullary area, far away from the adrenal cortex. These results were corroborated by comparative analysis of the α1B, α1D, and α1A products amplified by RT-PCR from total RNA extracted from small pieces of tissue dissected out from external or internal medullary areas. Interestingly, immunohistochemical experiments performed in adrenal gland sections, using antidopamine-β-hydroxylase and anti-phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase antibodies, indicated a higher density of noradrenergic over adrenergic chromaffin cells in the internal medullary region. These results provide direct evidence in favor of a heterogeneous distribution of Ca2+ channel subtypes in the adrenal medulla, in agreement with previous functional data showing that blockade of the high K+-elicited responses by dihydropyridines was greater in noradrenergic than in adrenergic chromaffin cells. These differences may be relevant for the differential release regulation of each catecholamine under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Should Optional Properties Be Used in Conceptual Modelling? A Theory and Three Empirical Tests

An important feature of some conceptual modelling grammars is the features they provide to allow database designers to show real-world thingsmay ormay not possess a particular attribute or relationship. In the entity-relationship model, for example, the fact that a thing may not possess an attribute can be represented by using a special symbol to indicate that the attribute is optional. Similarly, the fact that a thing may or may not be involved in a relationship can be represented by showing the minimum cardinality of the relationship as zero. Whether these practices should be followed, however, is a contentious issue. An alternative approach is to eliminate optional attributes and relationships from conceptual schema diagrams by using subtypes that have only mandatory attributes and relationships.In this paper, we first present a theory that led us to predict that optional attributes and relationships should be used in conceptual schema diagrams only when users of the diagrams require a surface-level understanding of the domain being represented by the diagrams. When users require a deep-level understanding, however, optional attributes and relationships should not be used because they undermine users' abilities to grasp important domain semantics. We describe three experiments which we then undertook to test our predictions. The results of the experiments support our predictions.
Genetic association of urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene rs2227564 site polymorphism with sporadic Alzheimer's disease in the Han Chinese population

A missense C/T polymorphism in exon 6 (the NCBI rsID is rs2227564) of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene has been identified as a possible hot spot for Alzheimer's disease risk. The present study analyzed urokinase-type plasminogen gene polymorphisms of rs2227564 with sporadic Alzheimer's disease by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results showed that CC, CT and TT genotype distribution frequencies had significant differences between sporadic Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy controls. In-depth analysis of the association between urokinase-type plasminogen gene rs2227564 polymorphisms and sporadic Alzheimer's disease indicated that people with the C-positive genotype CC + CT were at a higher risk for developing sporadic Alzheimer's disease. These results support the contribution of the polymorphisms of rs2227564 in the urokinase-type plasminogen gene to the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease in the Han Chinese population.
A review of the use of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) to differentiate among cryptic Anopheles species

Cryptic species complexes are groups of closely related species that are difficult or impossible to distinguish by morphological traits. These complexes are known from a wide variety of arthropods and are common among the well‐studied, medically‐important insects. For example, many of the anopheline vectors of malaria parasites are members of cryptic species complexes. Complexes typically include both vector and non‐vector species, and two or more member species are often found sympatrically. Until the late 1950s, only two such Anopheles complexes were known, the A. gambiae complex from Africa and the A. maculipennis complex from Europe. Today, dozens of Anopheles cryptic species complexes are recognized, and accumulating evidence suggests that most important malaria vectors are likely to be members of such complexes.
Transiently higher release probability during critical period at thalamocortical synapses in the mouse barrel cortex: relevance to differential short‐term plasticity of AMPA and NMDA EPSCs and possible involvement of silent synapses

Thalamocortical connections undergo remarkable plasticity during the critical period and mounting evidence serves to demonstrate that the activation of silent synapses at postsynaptic sites is an important underlying mechanism in this process. However, relatively little is known about the nature of the presynaptic properties. In the present study, we examined the release probability (Pr) of thalamocortical synaptic terminals on a layer IV neuron in the developing mouse barrel cortex. Using the conventional paired‐pulse ratio (PPR) method, both AMPA and NMDA receptor‐mediated PPR were observed during development. We found that the NMDA PPR increased gradually (thus, a reduction in Pr) from postnatal day (P)4 to P22 but, unexpectedly, the AMPA PPR exhibited a simultaneous decrease. We then used an additional method for assessing release probability, the observation of a progressive block of NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSCs using MK‐801. With this method, we were able to identify two classes of terminals with high or low probabilities of release. Interestingly, the higher release showed a reduction in probability during the critical period, consistent with the NMDA PPR results. We confirmed that the discrepancy between the NMDA and the AMPA PPR results was due to the existence of silent, or NMDA‐only, synapses, as suggested in previous literature. By analysing the correlation between the NMDA or AMPA PPR and the PPR discrepancy, we discuss the hypothesis that the terminals with transiently higher probability of release were found preferentially on silent synapses. Our results suggest that these presynaptic sites may also have an active role in plasticity by working concomitantly with postsynaptic sites during the critical period.
Menstruation Span – a Time‐Limited Risk Factor for Endometrial Carcinoma

A case‐control study was undertaken to investigate the influence of reproductive factors on the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma. The study comprised 254 women with newly diagnosed endometrial carcinoma, resident in a defined geographical area, and 254 age‐matched population controls. Nulliparity and late menopause were positively associated with endometrial carcinoma. Each additional full‐term pregnancy resulted in a decrease in the risk by 16%. The importance of parity and menopausal age decreased with increasing life span, and in women older than 69 years these two variables did not discriminate significantly between cases and controls. The calculated number of years of menstruation (the “menstruation span”) was used as a combined measure of the impact of parity, age at menarche and age at menopause on the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma. The patients had a significantly longer mean menstruation span than the controls (33.6 versus 31.2 years; p<0.001) and a longer span than 39 years gave a 4.2 times higher risk than one shorter than 25 years. It is suggested that the total length of time for which a woman is exposed to unopposed estrogen is important and that the effect of this hormonal influence is time‐limited.
Outcome Three Years After Motor Stroke

&NA; There are few well‐designed descriptive studies that focus exclusively on the long‐term outcomes of patients after motor stroke. This study reports mortality rates and describes the psychological and functional outcomes 3 years after motor stroke. A description of the variables during acute care and at 3 months that best explain function 3 years after motor stroke is also provided. Home visits were made to 30 patients and another 19 were interviewed by phone. The four instruments used to measure the outcomes were the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (COGNISTAT), the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™). Eleven of the 60 patients contacted had died by the 3‐year follow up. The main outcome measures were 3‐month FIM of 117.07 (± 12.53) and 3‐year outcomes for CES‐D (6.70 [± 7.29]), COGNISTAT (69.67 [± 15.62]), MMSE (27.53 [± 2.74]), and FIM (114.57 [± 19.00]). A number of multiple regression models were examined; in the best model, the FIM at 3 months accounted for 46% of the variance in function 3 years following the stroke. It is important for rehabilitation nurses to know that the mortality rate was low, psychological outcome was improved, and function was stable 3 years after a motor stroke.
IL-10 Underlies Distinct Susceptibility of BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice to Mycobacterium avium Infection and Influences Efficacy of Antibiotic Therapy1

Increased production of IL-10 has been frequently associated with augmented susceptibility to infection. However, the correlation between IL-10 activity and susceptibility to mycobacterial infection is still uncertain. Although studies using transgenic mice overexpressing IL-10 consistently showed an increased susceptibility to mycobacterial infection, experimental approaches in which IL-10 activity was reduced or abrogated originated inconclusive data. We show here that this controversy might be due to the mouse strains used in the various experimental procedures. Our results show that BALB/c mice are more susceptible than C57BL/6 to Mycobacterium avium infection. This increased susceptibility of BALB/c mice is, to a great extent, due to distinct activity of IL-10 between the two mouse strains. In accordance, reduction of IL-10 activity through the administration of anti-IL-10R mAb, or the absence of IL-10 as studied in IL-10 knockout mice, clearly decreased the susceptibility of BALB/c mice to M. avium but had a less obvious effect in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, abrogation of IL-10 activity in infected BALB/c mice increased the efficacy of antimycobacterial therapy, whereas for the C57BL/6 mice it produced no effect. These observations show that the activity of IL-10 in response to the same mycobacterial stimulus influences not only the susceptibility to infection but also the efficacy of antimycobacterial therapy. This should now be considered in the context of human response to mycobacterial infection, particularly as a possible strategy to improve treatment against infections by mycobacteria.
Unusual spontaneous and training induced visual field recovery in a patient with a gunshot lesion

Over a period of more than 3 years, changes in visual and neuropsychological functions were examined in a patient with a visual field defect caused by a cerebral gunshot lesion. Initially, the patient had been completely blind, but after 6 months of spontaneous recovery, he showed a homonymous bilateral lower quadrantanopia and impairment of higher visual functions. Unexpectedly, recovery still continued after the first 6 months. This process was documented in detail by visual field examinations using high resolution perimetry. When visual field size had stabilised almost 16 months after the lesion, further improvement could be achieved by visual restitution training. The duration and extent of spontaneous recovery were unusual. In spontaneous as well as in training induced recovery, progress was mainly seen in partially defective areas (areas of residual vision) along the visual field border. Thus, it is speculated that modulation of perceptual thresholds in transition zones of visual field defects contributes to spontaneous and training induced recovery.