Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tanshinone IIA Pretreatment Renders Free Flaps against Hypoxic Injury through Activating Wnt Signaling and Upregulating Stem Cell-Related Biomarkers

Partial or total flap necrosis after flap transplantation is sometimes clinically encountered in reconstructive surgery, often as a result of a period of hypoxia that exceeds the tolerance of the flap tissue. In this study, we determine whether tanshinone IIA (TSA) pretreatment can protect flap tissue against hypoxic injury and improve its viability. Primary epithelial cells isolated from the dorsal skin of mice were pretreated with TSA for two weeks. Cell counting kit-8 and Trypan Blue assays were carried out to examine the proliferation of TSA-pretreated cells after exposure to cobalt chloride. Then, Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to determine the expression of β-catenin, GSK-3β, SOX2, and OCT4 in TSA-treated cells. In vivo, after mice were pretreated with TSA for two weeks, a reproducible ischemic flap model was implemented, and the area of surviving tissue in the transplanted flaps was measured. Immunohistochemistry was also conducted to examine the related biomarkers mentioned above. Results show that epidermal cells, pretreated with TSA, showed enhanced resistance to hypoxia. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in TSA-pretreated cells was characterized by the upregulation of β-catenin and the downregulation of GSK-3β. The expression of SOX2 and OCT4 controlled by Wnt signaling were also found higher in TSA pretreated epithelial cells. In the reproducible ischaemic flap model, pretreatment with TSA enhanced resistance to hypoxia and increased the area of surviving tissue in transplanted flaps. The expression of Wnt signaling pathway components, stem-cell related biomarkers, and CD34, which are involved in the regeneration of blood vessels, was also upregulated in TSA-pretreated flap tissue. The results show that TSA pretreatment protects free flaps against hypoxic injury and increases the area of surviving tissue by activating Wnt signaling and upregulating stem cell-related biomarkers.
Refutation by Randomised General Resolution

Local search is widely applied to satisfiable SAT problems, and on some problem classes outperforms backtrack search. An intriguing challenge posed by Selman, Kautz and McAllester in 1997 is to use it instead to prove unsatisfiability. We design a greedy randomised resolution algorithm called RANGER that will eventually refute any unsatisfiable instance while using only bounded memory. RANGER can refute some problems more quickly than systematic resolution or backtracking with clause learning. We believe that non-systematic but greedy inference is an interesting research direction for powerful proof systems such as general resolution.
ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION OF CU64-LABELED COPPER BY THE RAT.

Varying doses of Cu 64 -labeled cupric acetate were given orally or intravenously to adult male rats. The urinary and fecal excretion of Cu 64 was measured in intact rats and in rats with obstruction of the common duct. In addition, the biliary Cu 64 was assayed in rats with biliary fistula. Only about half to two-thirds of doses up to 1 µg of copper were absorbed; the site of absorption seemed to be the upper portion of the small intestine. With larger doses, the percentage absorbed fell, but the absolute amount increased. Much less copper was excreted in the feces when the rat had a biliary fistula, the difference being accounted for by the biliary Cu 64 . Fecal excretion was not prevented by duodenostomy below the pancreatic and biliary ducts and therefore presumably reflects excretion through the gut mucosa. Significantly more copper was excreted in the bile and in the urine when the Cu 64 was given intravenously. Very little of the biliary Cu 64 was absorbed from the gut of intact rats when it was given by stomach tube.
Challenges and Practical Approaches with Word Sense Disambiguation of Acronyms and Abbreviations in the Clinical Domain

Objectives Although acronyms and abbreviations in clinical text are used widely on a daily basis, relatively little research has focused upon word sense disambiguation (WSD) of acronyms and abbreviations in the healthcare domain. Since clinical notes have distinctive characteristics, it is unclear whether techniques effective for acronym and abbreviation WSD from biomedical literature are sufficient. Methods The authors discuss feature selection for automated techniques and challenges with WSD of acronyms and abbreviations in the clinical domain. Results There are significant challenges associated with the informal nature of clinical text, such as typographical errors and incomplete sentences; difficulty with insufficient clinical resources, such as clinical sense inventories; and obstacles with privacy and security for conducting research with clinical text. Although we anticipated that using sophisticated techniques, such as biomedical terminologies, semantic types, part-of-speech, and language modeling, would be needed for feature selection with automated machine learning approaches, we found instead that simple techniques, such as bag-of-words, were quite effective in many cases. Factors, such as majority sense prevalence and the degree of separateness between sense meanings, were also important considerations. Conclusions The first lesson is that a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics of clinical text is important for automatic acronym and abbreviation WSD. The second lesson learned is that investigators may find that using simple approaches is an effective starting point for these tasks. Finally, similar to other WSD tasks, an understanding of baseline majority sense rates and separateness between senses is important. Further studies and practical solutions are needed to better address these issues.
Speech Dereverberation in the STFT Domain

Reverberation is damaging to both the quality and the intelligibility of a speech signal. We propose a novel single-channel method of dereverberation based on a linear filter in the Short Time Fourier Transform domain. Each enhanced frame is constructed from a linear sum of nearby frames based on the channel impulse response. The results show that the method can resolve any reverberant signal with knowledge of the impulse response to a non-reverberant signal.
Modulation of alpha power at encoding and retrieval tracks the precision of visual short-term memory

Our ability to hold information in mind is strictly limited. We sought to understand the relationship between oscillatory brain activity and the allocation of resources within visual short-term memory (VSTM). Participants attempted to remember target arrows embedded among distracters and used a continuous method of responding to report their memory for a cued target item. Trial-to-trial variability in the absolute circular accuracy with which participants could report the target was predicted by event-related alpha synchronization during initial processing of the memoranda and by alpha desynchronization during the retrieval of those items from VSTM. Using a model-based approach, we were also able to explore further which parameters of VSTM-guided behavior were most influenced by alpha band changes. Alpha synchronization during item processing enhanced the precision with which an item could be retained without affecting the likelihood of an item being represented per se (as indexed by the guessing rate). Importantly, our data outline a neural mechanism that mirrors the precision with which items are retained; the greater the alpha power enhancement during encoding, the greater the precision with which that item can be retained.
Models and branch‐and‐cut algorithms for the Steiner tree problem with revenues, budget and hop constraints

The Steiner tree problem with revenues, budget and hop constraints is a variant of the Steiner tree problem with two main modifications: (a) besides the costs associated with arcs, there are also revenues associated with the vertices, and (b) there are additional budget and hop constraints, which impose limits on the total cost of the network and on the number of edges between any vertex and the root, respectively. This article introduces and compares several mathematical models for this problem and describes two branch‐and‐cut algorithms, which solve to optimality instances with up to 500 vertices and 625 edges. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Prolonged peak elevations in cytoplasmic free calcium ions, derived from intracellular stores, correlate with the extent of thrombin‐stimulated exocytosis in single human umbilical vein endothelial cells

We have used indo‐1‐loaded human endothelial cells (EC) in monolayer culture and quantitative laser scanning fluorescence microscopy techniques to investigate the magnitude and duration of the change in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) required for thrombin‐stimulated von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion in individual EC. Both α‐thrombin and a 14 amino acid thrombin receptor activating peptide stimulate an increase in EC [Ca2+]i that is agonist dose dependent. Lowdose agonist treatment generates asynchronous oscillations (i.e., repetitive spikes < 80 sec duration) in [Ca2+]i. Stimulation with higher agonist concentrations generates a prolonged single peak elevation in [Ca2+]i. Both the number of cells displaying prolonged [Ca2+]i peaks and the mean amplitude of the peaks increase as a function of agonist concentration. Higher doses of agonist also cause sustained elevations in [Ca2+]i that depend upon extracellular Ca2+. Oscillations in [Ca2+]i are not sufficient to stimulate significant vWF secretion, and sustained elevations in [Ca2+]i are not required for maximal secretion. Both the number of cells displaying prolonged peaks and the mean peak amplitude correlate with increasing levels of vWF secretion from the culture. We have used the expression of P‐selectin, a secretory granule membrane protein, as a marker for measuring thrombin‐induced exocytosis in individual EC. Both the number of secreting cells and the amount of secretion per cell increase as a function of thrombin concentration. The graded responses in [Ca2+]i amplitudes and the graded exocytotic response may be causally related. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust linear receivers for multiaccess space-time block-coded MIMO systems: a probabilistically constrained approach

Traditional multiuser receiver algorithms developed for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems are based on the assumption that the channel state information (CSI) is precisely known at the receiver. However, in practical situations, the exact CSI may be unavailable because of channel estimation errors and/or outdated training. In this paper, we address the problem of robustness of multiuser MIMO receivers against imperfect CSI and propose a new linear technique that guarantees the robustness against CSI errors with a certain selected probability. The proposed receivers are formulated as probabilistically constrained stochastic optimization problems. Provided that the CSI mismatch is Gaussian, each of these problems is shown to be convex and to have a unique solution. The fact that the CSI mismatch is Gaussian also enables to convert the original stochastic problems to a more tractable deterministic form and to solve them using the second-order cone programming approach. Numerical simulations illustrate an improved robustness of the proposed receivers against CSI errors and validate their better flexibility as compared with the robust multiuser MIMO receivers based on the worst case designs
The Effects of an Implemental Mind-set on Attitude Strength Attitude Strength Action Phases and Mind-sets Implemental Mind-set and Attitude Strength Experiment 1: Does an Implemental Mind-set Increase Attitude Extremity? Procedure and Materials Results Attitude Extremity Equivalency of the Groups Ex

The authors investigated whether an implemental mind-set fosters stronger attitudes. Participants who made a decision about how to act (vs. those who held off) expressed a more extreme attitude toward an issue unrelated to the decision (Experiment 1). Participants who planned the implementation of a decision (vs. deliberated vs. control) exhibited less ambivalent (Experiment 2) and more accessible (Experiment 3) attitudes toward various objects unrelated to the decision. Moreover, an attitude reported by planning participants better predicted self-reported behavior 1 week later (Experiment 4). Finally, results suggest that the effect of an implemental mind-set on attitude strength toward unrelated objects is driven by a focus on information that supports an already-made decision (Experiment 5). Implications for attitudes, goals, and mind-sets are discussed. Although daily life is filled with examples of people expressing their strong attitudes in social settings (e.g., pro-choice protesters, religious fundamentalists), it is clear that people also frequently evaluate attitude objects that elicit weak reactions as well. These weak reactions include, for example, attitudes that are rife with contradictory feelings and beliefs, attitudes that are moderate rather than extreme, and attitudes that are expressed with some hesitancy or slowness. Strong and weak attitudes can be functional , depending on the current action control problem at hand (Gollwitzer, 1990; Kuhl, 1985). For example, although high levels of ambivalence may indicate appropriate caution when deciding whether to pursue alternative end states, they may also be indicative of counterproductive behavior (second-guessing and indeci-siveness) during actual goal striving Kruglanski et al., 2000). Therefore, attitude as well as action control (goal) researchers have recognized the importance of identifying factors that strengthen and weaken evaluative reactions. The current set of studies examined the proposition that a mind-set related to action control (i.e., the implemental mind-set originating from planning the implementation of a chosen goal) can affect attitude strength toward objects that are unrelated to that action. The impact of an attitude on individuals' responses toward objects depends on two properties of the attitude construct— content and strength. Content refers to the overall evaluation (positive or negative) of some attitude object. Strength refers to the overall evaluation's persistence over time, influence on cognitive processing, resistance to change, and regulation of behavior (Krosnick & Petty, 1995). Whereas the content of the attitude determines the direction of the impact, the strength of the attitude determines the degree to which the attitude steers people's reactions. Several indicators or …
Automatic mobile menu customization based on user operation history

Mobile devices are becoming more and more difficult to use due to the sheer number of functions now supported. In this paper, we propose a menu customization system that ranks functions so as to make interesting functions, both frequently used functions and rarely used functions, easy to access. Concretely, we define the features of phone functions by extracting keywords from the manufacturer's manual, and propose the method that ranks the functions based on user operation history by using Ranking SVM (Support Vector Machine). We conduct a home-use test for one week to evaluate the efficiency of customization and the usability of menu customization. The results show that the average rank of used functions on the last day of the test is half of that of first day and almost 70 % of the users are satisfied with the ranking provided by menu customization and the usability of menus. In addition, interviews show that automatic mobile menu customization is more appropriate for mobile phone beginner rather than the master users.
Environmental regulation of fimbrial gene expression in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae are an important virulence factor involved in attachment and invasion. Fimbrillin, encoded by the fimA gene, is the major subunit protein of the fimbriae. To elucidate the influence of environmental signals on the expression of the fimA gene, a strain of P. gingivalis (designated PLE) containing a chromosomal transcriptional fusion between a promoterless lacZ gene and the fimA promoter region was constructed. Promoter activity was assessed by measurement of beta-galactosidase activity of PLE. An 11-fold increase in activity of fimA promoter was found as growth temperature declined from 39 to 34 degrees C. Promoter activity decreased by approximately 50% in response to hemin limitation and upon culture on solid medium. In addition, the presence of serum or saliva in the growth medium decreased fimA promoter activity by similar amounts. A correlation between fimA promoter activity and phenotypic properties dependent upon fimbriae was established. P. gingivalis grown at 34 degrees C, compared to 39 degrees C, showed an increased ability to adhere to Streptococcus gordonii and to invade primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells. These studies indicate that expression of the P. gingivalis fimA gene is regulated at the transcriptional level in response to several environmental conditions and that altered fimA expression can also modulate the adherence and invasion abilities of P. gingivalis.
Inhibitory effect of leaves extracts of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum on two key enzymes involved in obesity and hypertension in vitro

Aim: To evaluate the phenolics composition and inhibitory effect of the leaves extracts of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum on two key enzymes (pancreatic lipase [PL] and angiotensin 1-converting enzyme [ACE]) involved in obesity and hypertension in vitro. Materials and Methods: The phenolics (flavonoids and phenolic acids) were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection. PL and ACE inhibitory effects; DPPH* and ABTS*+ scavenging activities of the extracts were tested using spectrophotometric methods. Results: O. basilicum had the following major phenolics: Rutin, quercetin, and quercitrin (flavonoids); caffeic, chlorogenic, and gallic acids (phenolic acids); while O. gratissimum had the following major phenolics: Rutin, quercitrin, and luteolin (flavonoids); ellagic and chlorogenic acids (phenolic acids). “Extracts of both plants inhibited PL and ACE; scavenged DPPH* in a dose-dependent manner”. O. gratissimum extract was more potent in inhibiting PL (IC50: 20.69 µg/mL) and ACE (IC50: 29.44 µg/mL) than O. basilicum (IC50: 52.14 µg/mL and IC50: 64.99 µg/mL, against PL and ACE, respectively). O. gratissimum also scavenged DPPH* and ABTS*+ more than O. basilicum. Conclusion: O. basilicum and O. gratissimum leaves could be used as functional foods for the management of obesity and obesity-related hypertension. However, O. gratissimum may be more effective than O. basilicum.
Regulation of Vibrio Polysaccharide Synthesis and Virulence Factor Production by CdgC, a GGDEF-EAL Domain Protein, in Vibrio cholerae

ABSTRACT In Vibrio cholerae, the second messenger 3′,5′-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) regulates several cellular processes, such as formation of corrugated colony morphology, biofilm formation, motility, and virulence factor production. Both synthesis and degradation of c-di-GMP in the cell are modulated by proteins containing GGDEF and/or EAL domains, which function as a diguanylate cyclase and a phosphodiesterase, respectively. The expression of two genes, cdgC and mbaA, which encode proteins harboring both GGDEF and EAL domains is higher in the rugose phase variant of V. cholerae than in the smooth variant. In this study, we carried out gene expression analysis to determine the genes regulated by CdgC in the rugose and smooth phase variants of V. cholerae. We determined that CdgC regulates expression of genes required for V. cholerae polysaccharide synthesis and of the transcriptional regulator genes vpsR, vpsT, and hapR. CdgC also regulates expression of genes involved in extracellular protein secretion, flagellar biosynthesis, and virulence factor production. We then compared the genes regulated by CdgC and by MbaA, during both exponential and stationary phases of growth, to elucidate processes regulated by them. Identification of the regulons of CdgC and MbaA revealed that the regulons overlap, but the timing of regulation exerted by CdgC and MbaA is different, suggesting the interplay and complexity of the c-di-GMP signal transduction pathways operating in V. cholerae.
Genetic effect of two polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A5 gene and apolipoprotein C3 gene on serum lipids and lipoproteins levels in a Chinese population

Two polymorphisms, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) −1131T>C and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) −482C>T, were examined in a healthy Chinese group. Analysis of covariance (ancova) showed that both −1131T>C and −482C>T minor alleles were associated with triglyceride (TG)‐raising effects (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively) after adjustment of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Moreover, −1131T>C minor alleles were also found to be associated with total cholesterol (TC)‐raising effects (p = 0.045). However, the relationship between −482C>T minor alleles and TC‐raising effects was not observed after adjustment of sex, age, and BMI. By contrast, significant inverse associations were noted between minor alleles (−1131T>C and −482C>T) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations (p = 0.021 and p = 0.021, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that the effects of −1131T>C and −482C>T polymorphisms on TG and HDL‐C (0.001 and 0.008; 0.041 and 0.005, respectively) are independent and additive and that −1131T>C can seriously affect the levels of TG (0.001 vs 0.008). The additive effect of the two polymorphisms was confirmed further by haplotype analysis. Our results strongly support that the two single nucleotide polymorphisms, −1131T>C in APOA5 and −482C>T in APOC3, are related to the levels of serum TG and HDL‐C and those of other several lipids and lipoproteins in the Chinese population.