Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thrombosis or Myocardial Infarction in Congenital Clotting Factor Abnormalities and Chronic Thrombocytopenias: A Report of 21 Patients and a Review of 50 Previously Reported Cases

Nine patients are described with hereditary clotting factor abnormalities and thrombosis and 35 others previously reported in the literature. An additional 11 patients with myocardial infarction observed by the authors and 12 more reported by others are also included. A patient with non-immune thrombocytopenia and myocardial infarction is presented, as well as three additional patients recorded in the literature. This study underscores the little-recognized phenomenon of uncontrolled thrombosis in these patients with "experiments of nature," in whom clotting studies reflect an impairment of coagulation comparable in degree to that achieved by oral anticoagulant therapy.
Country-Specific Oil Supply Shocks and the Global Economy

Country-Specific Oil Supply Shocks and the Global Economy: A Counterfactual Analysis / Kamiar Mohaddes and M. Hashem Pesaran. Energy policy Research Group, 2015, 48 p. (EPRG Working Paper 1512) http://www.eprg. group.cam. ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/EPRG-1512-PDF.pdf Authors's abstract : This paper investigates the global macroeconomic consequences of country-speci…fic oil-supply shocks. Our contribution is both theoretical and empirical. On the theoretical side, we develop a model for the.
Different Amounts of Alcohol Consumption and Cataract: A Meta-analysis

Purpose To evaluate the association between different amounts of alcohol consumption and the risk of age-related cataract. Methods We searched PubMed and Embase from their inception until May 2014 for case-control or cohort studies with data on alcohol consumption and age-related cataract. Heavy alcohol consumption was defined as more than two standard drinks per day, which is equal to a daily intake of 20 g of alcohol or 140 g per week. Moderate consumption was defined as less than 20 g of alcohol per day but more than never any. We performed separate meta-analyses for the associations of moderate or heavy alcohol consumption with age-related cataract under a random-effects model, respectively. Results Five case-control and five cohort studies were identified through comprehensive literature search. In the meta-analysis of 10 studies, the associations between moderate alcohol consumption and age-related cataract were marginally nonsignificant (pooled relative risk, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.05; I2 = 82.1%), whereas heavy alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of age-related cataract (pooled relative risk, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.50; I2 = 58.9%). The association between heavy alcohol consumption and cataract was stronger in case-control than in cohort studies. Adjusting for smoking as a potential confounder attenuated the association between heavy alcohol consumption and cataract. Conclusions Heavy alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of age-related cataract, whereas moderate consumption may be protective for this ocular condition. Clinically, information on a patient’s alcohol drinking history might be valuable to general physicians and ophthalmologists when there is a diagnosis of age-related cataract and should be collected on a routine basis in eye clinics.
Key features of heat shock regulatory elements

The promoters of heat shock protein genes are among the best-studied inducible eucaryotic promoters. Regions responsible for heat regulation have been identified previously by deletion experiments with several different heat shock genes. In this paper the critical importance of two novel features of heat shock regulatory elements was investigated. First, the elements were modular and, as a consequence, displayed a characteristic 5-nucleotide periodicity produced by multiple GAA blocks that were arranged in alternating orientations and at 2-nucleotide intervals. Functional heat shock regulatory elements appeared to include three or more of these blocks. Second, the nucleotides at the two positions immediately upstream from GAA segments played an important role in defining the competence of regulatory elements.
Reforming the national core curriculum for bilingual education in Finland

This article explores the discourses surrounding the act of writing Section 10 Bilingual education in the new Finnish national core curriculum, which will be implemented in 2016. This section will set the parameters for programs that integrate language and content learning, where a minimum of two languages are used for instruction in content subjects. The main research questions discussed in this article are how and why certain discourses are expressed, or left unexpressed, in the final draft version of the curriculum. The data for qualitative analysis consists of participatory observations and minutes of meetings in the working group assembled for writing the draft.
On Estimation of Volatility for Short Time Series of Stock Prices

We consider estimation of the historical volatility of stock prices. It is assumed that the stock prices are represented as time series formed as samples of the solution of a stochastic differential equation with random and time varying parameters; these parameters are not observable directly and have unknown evolution law. The price samples are available with limited frequency only. In this setting, the estimation has to be based on short time series, and the estimation error can be significant. We suggest some supplements to the existing non-parametric methods of volatility estimation. Two modifications of the standard summation formula for the volatility are derived. In addition, a linear transformation eliminating the appreciation rate and preserving the volatility is suggested.
INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR TREATMENT FOR RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: Comparison Between Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab

Purpose: To compare the effect and the treatment outcomes of bevacizumab and ranibizumab in the treatment of Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: This was a bicentered retrospective case series performed at institutional referral centers. Seventy-two eyes of 37 patients who had intravitreal injections of either bevacizumab or ranibizumab as the primary treatment for Type 1 ROP were included. Outcomes' measures included regression and recurrence of ROP, the surgical complications, and refractive errors at a corrected age of 1 year. Results: All but one eye in the bevacizumab group had retinal neovascularization and plus disease regression after anti-vascular endothelium growth factor treatment. Neither recurrence of ROP nor major ocular complications, including cataract, retinal detachment, and endophthalmitis occurred in any of the treated eyes. There were no significant differences in mean refractive errors between the patients treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab at the corrected age of 1 year. A significantly higher chance of high myopia was noted in the bevacizumab group (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Both bevacizumab and ranibizumab showed similar efficacy in the regression of ROP with minor mean refractive errors at 1 year of corrected age. However, high myopia was more prevalent in the bevacizumab-treated eyes.
Evolving Concepts on Human SMN Pre-mRNA Splicing

SMN1 and SMN2 represent two nearly identical copies of the Survival Motor Neuron gene in humans. Deletion of SMN1 coupled with the inability of SMN2 to compensate for the loss of SMN1 leads to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant mortality. SMN2 holds the promise for cure of SMA if skipping of exon 7 during pre-mRNA splicing of SMN2 could be prevented. Previous reports have shown that a C to T mutation at the 6th position of exon 7 (C6U substitution in the transcript) is the primary cause of SMN2 exon 7 skipping. Cumulative evidence suggests that C6U abrogates an enhancer associated with SF2/ASF, as well as, creates a silencer associated with hnRNP A1. There is also evidence to suggest that C6U creates an extended inhibitory context (Exinct). Recently, an intronic hnRNP A1 motif, which is not conserved between two human SMN genes, have been implicated in skipping of SMN2 exon 7. However, mechanism by which two SMN2-specific hnRNP A1 motifs interact is not known. Systematic approaches including site-specific mutations, in vivo selections, RNA structure probing and antisense oligonucleotide microwalks have revealed additional cis-elements in exon 7 as well as in flanking intronic sequences. A unique intronic splicing silencer (ISS-N1) has emerged as an effective target for correction of SMN2 exon 7 splicing by short antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Low nanomolar concentrations of ASOs against ISS-N1 fully restored SMN2 exon 7 inclusion and increased levels of SMN in SMA patient cells. Such a robust antisense response could be due to accessibility of the target as well as the complete nullification of a strong inhibitory impact rendered by ISS-N1. Bifunctional oligonucelotides with capability to recruit stimulatory splicing factors in the vicinity of weak splice sites of exon 7 have also shown promise for correction of SMN2 exon 7 splicing. Considering an antisense-based strategy confers a unique advantage of sequence specificity, availability of many target worthy cis-elements holds strong potential for antisense-mediated therapy of SMA.
Neuropilin‐1 interacts with the second branchial arch microenvironment to mediate chick neural crest cell dynamics

Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) require neuropilin signaling to reach and invade the branchial arches. Here, we use an in vivo chick model to investigate whether the neuropilin‐1 knockdown phenotype is specific to the second branchial arch (ba2), changes in NCC behaviors and phenotypic consequences, and whether neuropilins work together to facilitate entry into and invasion of ba2. We find that cranial NCCs with reduced neuropilin‐1 expression displayed shorter protrusions and decreased cell body and nuclear length‐to‐width ratios characteristic of a loss in polarity and motility, after specific interaction with ba2. Directed NCC migration was rescued by transplantation of transfected NCCs into rhombomere 4 of younger hosts. Lastly, reduction of neuropilin‐2 expression by shRNA either solely or with reduction of neuropilin‐1 expression did not lead to a stronger head phenotype. Thus, NCCs, independent of rhombomere origin, require neuropilin‐1, but not neuropilin‐2 to maintain polarity and directed migration into ba2. Developmental Dynamics 239:1664–1673, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Homeotic factor ATBF1 induces the cell cycle arrest associated with neuronal differentiation

The present study aimed to elucidate the function of AT motif-binding factor 1 (ATBF1) during neurogenesis in the developing brain and in primary cultures of neuroepithelial cells and cell lines (Neuro 2A and P19 cells). Here, we show that ATBF1 is expressed in the differentiating field in association with the neuronal differentiation markers β-tubulin and MAP2 in the day E14.5 embryo rat brain, suggesting that it promotes neuronal differentiation. In support of this, we show that ATBF1 suppresses nestin expression, a neural stem cell marker, and activates the promoter of Neurod1 gene, a marker for neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, we show that in Neuro 2A cells, overexpressed ATBF1 localizes predominantly in the nucleus and causes cell cycle arrest. In P19 cells, which formed embryonic bodies in the floating condition, ATBF1 is mainly cytoplasmic and has no effect on the cell cycle. However, the cell cycle was arrested when ATBF1 became nuclear after transfer of P19 cells onto adhesive surfaces or in isolated single cells. The nuclear localization of ATBF1 was suppressed by treatment with caffeine, an inhibitor of PI(3)K-related kinase activity of ataxa-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene product. The cytoplasmic localization of ATBF1 in floating/nonadherent cells is due to CRM1-dependent nuclear export of ATBF1. Moreover, in the embryonic brain ATBF1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of proliferating stem cells on the ventricular zone, where cells are present at high density and interact through cell-to-cell contact. Conversely, in the differentiating field, where cell density is low and extracellular matrix is dense, the cell-to-matrix interaction triggered nuclear localization of ATBF1, resulting in the cell cycle arrest. We propose that ATBF1 plays an important role in the nucleus by organizing the neuronal differentiation associated with the cell cycle arrest.
Spontaneous Renal Allograft Acceptance Associated with “Regulatory” Dendritic Cells and IDO1

MHC-mismatched DBA/2 renal allografts are spontaneously accepted by C57BL/6 mice by poorly understood mechanisms, but both immune regulation and graft acceptance develop without exogenous immune modulation. Previous studies have shown that this model of spontaneous renal allograft acceptance is associated with TGF-β-dependent immune regulation, suggesting a role for T regulatory cells. The current study shows that TGF-β immune regulation develops 30 days posttransplant, but is lost by 150 days posttransplant. Despite loss of detectable TGF-β immune regulation, renal allografts continue to function normally for >200 days posttransplantation. Because of its recently described immunoregulatory capabilities, we studied IDO expression in this model, and found that intragraft IDO gene expression progressively increases over time, and that IDO in “regulatory” dendritic cells (RDC) may contribute to regulation associated with long-term maintenance of renal allografts. Immunohistochemistry evaluation confirms the presence of both Foxp3+ T cells and IDO+ DCs in accepted renal allografts, and localization of both cell types within accepted allografts suggests the possibility of synergistic involvement in allograft acceptance. Interestingly, at the time when RDCs become detectable in spleens of allograft acceptors, ∼30% of these mice challenged with donor-matched skin allografts accept these skin grafts, demonstrating progression to “true” tolerance. Together, these data suggest that spontaneous renal allograft acceptance evolves through a series of transient mechanisms, beginning with TGF-β and T regulatory cells, which together may stimulate development of more robust regulation associated with RDC and IDO.
Localization using uniaxial laser rangefinder and IMU for MAV

In this paper we describe a localization method based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a uniaxial laser rangefinder suitable for use on a micro aerial vehicle (MAV). Because it is not possible to obtain the surrounding conditions all at once using the uniaxial rangefinder, it is necessary to determine the position in the environment in terms of the MAV's own movements. We demonstrated our method experimentally on a Quadrotor multicopter flying in a wide area enclosed by pillars.
Age-related differences in spatiotemporal markers of gait stability during dual task walking

Increased stride-to-stride variability during walking characterizes gait instability and predicts falling in older adults. Walking while performing cognitive tasks (dual task walking) is also associated with increased risk of falling. The purpose of the study was to examine whether gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability in gait velocity differ in older adults compared with middle-aged and younger adults during normal and dual task walking conditions. Sixty older (n = 20, mean age = 81 years), middle-aged (n = 20, mean age = 48 years), and young adults (n = 20, mean age = 25 years) participated in the study. Gait parameters were quantified with GAITRite instrumentation. In the dual task condition, participants spelled five-letter words in reverse while walking across the walkway. Across groups, gait velocity was slower ( p < 0.001) and stride-to-stride variability in gait velocity was greater ( p = 0.001) in dual task walking. Older subjects walked more slowly than did middle-aged and younger subjects and the difference in gait velocity was greatest in the dual task condition ( p < 0.05). Variability in stride velocity was increased in older subjects compared with middle-aged and younger subjects ( p < 0.05). Additionally, in older subjects, impaired walking performance was associated with impaired cognitive performance in dual task walking. The gait changes observed in dual task walking characterize decreased gait stability and indicate that cognitively demanding tasks during walking have a destabilizing effect on gait and may place older people at a greater risk of falling. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nano-structures materials for Energy Direct Conversion and Fuel Breeding

Almost all the modern applications (e.g. terrestrial and space electric power production, naval, underwater and railroad propulsion and auxiliary power for isolated regions) require a compact-high-power electricity source. One solution to reduce the greenhouse emissions and delay the catastrophic events occurrences may be the development of massive nuclear power. More, there is a concern that the modern civilization may exhaust the oil based energy resource within few decades. Thus, it is better to find other sources of energy that can replace the Carbon based energy resources. The actual basic conceptions in nuclear reactors are at the base of bottleneck in enhancements. The actual nuclear reactors look like high security prisons applied to fission products. It is not about release of the fission products, but to give them the possibility to acquire stabile conditions outside the hot zones, in exchange for advantages – possibility of enhancing the nuclear technology in power production. Three main developments are possible by accommodating the materials and structures with the phenomenon of interest like the high temperature fission products free and direct conversion nuclear reactors, cleaner nuclear fuel breeding and the fusion energy harvesting.
Eindhoven University of Technology MASTER Extending halide to improve software development for imaging DSPs

Disclaimer This document contains a student thesis (bachelor's or master's), as authored by a student at Eindhoven University of Technology. Student theses are made available in the TU/e repository upon obtaining the required degree. The grade received is not published on the document as presented in the repository. The required complexity or quality of research of student theses may vary by program, and the required minimum study period may vary in duration.
Mobile applications discovery: A subscriber-centric approach

Rapid adoption of smartphones and the business success of the Apple App Store have resulted in the rampant growth of mobile applications. Seeking new revenue opportunities from application development has created a gold rush. However, free or very cheap applications constitute a great bulk of the application downloads putting great pricing pressure on the developers. Furthermore, usage statistics suggest that most of the applications have been either one-trick applications or are downright useless, meriting no attention from the user beyond the first day. This is not surprising since cheap prices will dissuade developers from investing large sums of money to continue to develop more sophisticated, high quality applications. Developers have been complaining about the lack of visibility of their applications in stores that are beginning to resemble a high volume warehouse. It is clear that enhancing application discovery and building better marketing tools will be essential for the continued success of the mobile application marketplace and application stores. This paper proposes and investigates techniques for effective discovery of applications by matching user interests with application characteristics, with a special focus on adapting classical data mining techniques to user ratings of the applications. The user ratings are leveraged to make recommendations on potential applications of interest.
Reduced injection risk and sexual risk behaviours after drug misuse treatment: Results from the National Treatment Outcome Research Study

Abstract This paper investigates injecting, shared use of needles/syringes and sexual risk behaviours at intake to treatment and at one-year follow-up among 753 drug users recruited to the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS). Injecting, sharing and having unprotected sex were substantially reduced among clients admitted to methadone programmes and among those admitted to residential treatments. The overall levels of risk fell after treatment, and the majority of those who were engaged in high risk behaviours at intake had stopped at follow-up. The results also show the variability of individual outcomes. A minority persisted with their risk behaviour, and others who were not at risk at intake who had started to engage in risky behaviours at follow-up. The behaviour of these clients creates a focal point for risk as well as being a threat to public health. Several social and psychological factors were predictive of health risk behaviours. These included frequency and duration of heroin use, polydrug use, alcohol use, gender, ethnicity, having a drug-using partner, anxiety and depression. The results indicate the important role that can be played by treatment services in helping to reduce the risk of blood-borne infections. We suggest that risk reduction interventions are an important and effective component of treatment programmes.
Effect of overexpression of estrogen receptors in osteoblasts

SummaryOur study focused on investigating the mechanism of action of estrogen in regulating p53 levels within osteoblasts. In the studies reported here, we attempted to understand the role of estrogen receptors, ER-alpha and ER-beta, in the regulation of p53 and osteoblast differentiation. We stably expressed ER-alpha and ER-beta in ROS 17/2.8 cells and isolated several single cell clones. These clones were initially characterized for expression of the exogenous receptors, and representative clones from each type were chosen for further analyses. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and the viability of these clones in culture were tested. The cells expressing exogenous ER-alpha exhibited more differentiated characteristics than cells expressing ER-beta. Morphologically, ER-beta-overexpressing cells were more rounded than the ER-alpha-overexpressing cells, which were more elongated and fibroblastic in appearance. The ER-beta-expressing cells had a higher survival and growth rate when compared with ER-alpha cells. The ER-alpha clones were not as viable as ER-beta clones, and some of the ER-alpha cell lines showed signs of senescence, with an increase in senescence-associated (SA) galactosidase activity. The basal levels of p53 functional activity were higher in cells expressing ER-alpha as was protein expression of the p53-regulated gene p21. The significance of these receptors to osteoblast differentiation and p53 regulation is discussed.